Analogue Pocket Review: The Ultimate FPGA Handheld for Retro Gaming
Analogue · 2021-12-01
The Analogue Pocket is a premium FPGA-based handheld that plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges with stunning accuracy. Its 3.5-inch 1600x1440 LTPS LCD display offers incredible pixel density, and the aluminum build feels premium. Ideal for purists who want authentic hardware emulation.
Overview
The Analogue Pocket is a high-end handheld gaming device that uses FPGA technology to emulate classic Nintendo handhelds at the hardware level. It supports original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges, offering zero-lag, pixel-perfect gameplay. The device features a stunning 3.5-inch LTPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600x1440 (615 PPI), making it one of the sharpest screens on any handheld. Its aluminum chassis gives it a premium feel, and the 4300mAh battery provides long play sessions.
Key Specs Highlights
- Processor: Intel/Altera Cyclone V and Cyclone 10 FPGAs
- Memory: 32MB Cellular RAM, 64MB SDRAM, 256KB Async SRAM
- Display: 3.5-inch LTPS LCD, 1600x1440, 60Hz, 615 PPI
- Storage: External MicroSD
- Battery: 4300 mAh
- Weight: 276g
- Dimensions: 88 x 149 x 22 mm
- Connectivity: GBA cartridge slot, Bluetooth & USB x2 (via dock), 3.5mm audio jack
- Video Output: HDMI (via dock)
- OS: Analogue OS
- Colors: Black, White
Who It Is For
The Analogue Pocket is for retro gaming enthusiasts who demand the highest accuracy and build quality. It's perfect for collectors of original Game Boy cartridges who want to play them on a modern, high-resolution screen without emulation artifacts. It's also great for FPGA hobbyists and those who appreciate premium materials. However, it does not support software emulation of other systems out of the box, so it's not for casual emulator fans.
Buying Notes
The Analogue Pocket launched in December 2021 at a starting price of $220. It typically retails between $200 and $300. Availability can be limited due to high demand, so check Analogue's official website for restocks. Note that the dock (sold separately) is required for Bluetooth controller support and HDMI output. The device uses a proprietary OS and does not run Android or Linux, so customization is limited.
| Name | Analogue Pocket |
|---|---|
| Alias | AP Handheld |
| Brand | Analogue |
| Memory | 32 MB Cellular RAM, 64 MB Synchronous DRAM, 256 KB Asynchronous SRAM |
| Weight | 276 g |
| Battery | 4300 mAh |
| Cooling | None |
| Storage | External MicroSD |
| Speakers | Dual stereo |
| Grip Type | Vertical |
| Processor | Intel / Altera Cyclone V FPGA, Intel / Altera Cyclone 10 FPGA |
| Dimensions | 88 mm x 149 mm x 22 mm |
| Screen PPI | 615 |
| Body Colors | Black, White |
| Price Range | $200 - $300 |
| Screen Size | 3.5 inches |
| Screen Type | LTPS LCD |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | GBA cartridge hard decode (Bluetooth & USB x2 via dock) |
| Launch Price | $220 |
| Release Date | 2021 / 12 |
| Video Output | HDMI (via dock) |
| Shell Material | Metal |
| Operating System | Analogue OS |
| Screen Resolution | 1600 x 1440 |
| Screen Aspect Ratio | 1.11:1 |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Emulator Game Support | GameBoy / GameBoy Color / GameBoy Advance |