Analogue has a storied history when it comes to console hardware. With the first batch of Analogue 3D consoles about to be released into the wild, I thought I would sit down with one of their previous attempt at updating retro consoles. That is still available on their website, at least. Initially released in December 2021, the Analogue Pocket is a Game Boy-esque device that uses field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chips to play various handheld games. In layman’s terms, it replicates original Game Boy hardware to play physical cartridges. Essentially, a newer, more modern distant relative of those older handhelds.
And, boy, does it feel like a premium experience. Especially if jumping straight from the plastic plaything that is the Game Boy Colour. As much as a cultural icon that the Game Boy is, it feels extremely flimsy by modern standards. The premium experience starts with the matt black box, featuring the embossed Analogue Pocket logo front and centre. The box looks very nice, but is prone to attracting fingermarks. Once opened, the Analogue Pocket can be nestled snugly into the form-fitting recess. Below this is the included USB-C cable and a tiny cardboard sleeve. Inside this sleeve are a compact start guide, an Analogue logo sticker, and an FPGA sticker. Overall, a compact and concise package.
A robust device
Lifting the device out of the box shows off how hefty it is. Weighing in at 275g, it is heavier than the original Game Boy (220g), and almost twice as heavy as the Game Boy Color (138g). I’ve included a few extra stats for comparison below.
| Game Boy | Game Boy Color | Analogue Pocket | |
| Dimensions | 148 x 90 x 32 mm | 133.5 x 78 x 27.4 mm | 149 x 86 x 22 mm |
| Weight | 220g | 138g | 275g |
| Playtime | Up to 30 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Resolution | 160 x 144 pixels | 160 x 144 pixels | 1600 x 1440 pixels |
The above table shows that the original Game Boy and the Analogue Pocket are similar in many ways. Dimension-wise, they are almost identical, except that the Game Boy is significantly thicker. The biggest (and most important) difference is the resolution. Going from pixel counts in the hundreds to pixel counts in the thousands is eye-opening. Every detail on the backlit screen looks beautifully crisp.
Anyone familiar with that original Nintendo hardware will be right at home when handling the Analogue Pocket. On the front of the device are four large face buttons, a d-pad, and three smaller additional buttons. One speaker, a power button, and two volume buttons are on the left-hand side. The right-hand side only has a speaker and a slot for an SD card. The device’s rear has a slot for game cartridges and right and left shoulder buttons. On the bottom are ports for a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C charging cable, and a port for a trade cable. Every button feels tactile, and the d-pad is comfortable too. The power and volume buttons are situated too close together and are annoying to press.
Turning it on
When turned on, a simple and minimalistic menu appears. Although not complex, it is a fairly deep menu system. ‘Play Cartridge’ is simple enough. Selecting this option boots up whatever game cartridge is jammed into the back of the device. ‘Library’ allows players to see a playlist of previously played games. This includes statistics like how much time has been spent on each game. ‘Memories’ is an accessible database of save states. ‘Tools’ has multiple useful features, including ‘Nanoloop’ and ‘GB Studio’. Finally, ‘Settings’ can adjust myriad options on the Analogue Pocket.
Top quality indies
The most interesting feature, for me at least, is the GB Studio option. This allows players to play specific types of digital game files made using the game creator Game Studio. Once a separate micro SD card has been formatted, the games can be added onto that aforementioned card and then loaded up.
As obscure as this file type might seem, there are plenty of games to play. Itch.io in particular is a massive depository of quality indie GB Studio games. I’ll put a list of games I played below. Whilst payment is technically optional with many of these projects, I would absolutely recommend supporting the developer with a small payment.
Premium price point
A premium experience comes with a premium price, though. With a $219.99 price tag, it might put some consumers off. Luckily, the Analogue Pocket is somewhat customizable. Accessories such as the official Analogue Dock and adapters for the Neo Geo, Game Gear, and others all help build a versatile little machine – for a extra few payments, of course.
Despite the price, the Analogue Pocket is a very easy recommendation. It is a solidly built machine that doesn’t rely on emulation software. With the games industry swiftly hurtling towards a digital-games-only environment, it’s nice to see a company highlighting physical media. No need to download a patch for each game. Just slide your physical cart into the back of it, turn it on, and go. If the Analogue 3D is anything like its younger sibling, then the physical game collecting community is in for a treat. That does remain to be seen, of course. For another great little handheld recommendation, check out my first impressions of the Evercade EXP.
