2 Weeks with Analogue Pocket - Review and Impressions

I'm reviewing the Analogue Pocket after having played nothing but Fire Emblem for the last 2 weeks. Also might make some people angry with what I've got to say.
Redbubble, Twitch, and Other Junk: linktr.ee/camobot

[@itranscendencei7964]

I really appreciate the honest video. Been on the fence about getting one for a while now, but I'm definitely good on it now. Inconsistent tolerances on the D-Pad like you mentioned are usually a deal breaker for me. The Analog Pocket is way too damn expensive for that to be acceptable.

[@bluestarkiller]

The Miyoo mini plus is a fraction of the price and way better if you don't need physical cartridges.

[@MegaFinalRound]

@@bluestarkillerwhat about the RG35XX?

[@TPRErik]

As weird as it is. I found that loosening the screws slightly on the left hand side of the pocket really improves the control pad. I think that they tightened the screws way too tight in the factory. I believe you need a T6 screwdriver.

[@paparansen]

@@MegaFinalRound better than miyoo

[@SoopaBee]

I’ve had my Analogue Pocket for several months now and mine does not suffer from these same button/d pad issues. No double presses. And a consistent experience across all directions of the d pad. I agree that the buttons and d pad are a bit on the stiff side but I have no issues. I truly wonder if the reviewer received a faulty Pocket.

[@viridionwaves]

I own an Analogue and several original gameboys. I feel like the analogue's main advantage is that it plays real carts from multiple systems (gameboys, game gear, and in the future tg16, and a few others with adaptors) on top of that it connects to a dock so you can play original carts on your tv with wireless controllers. The screen is also amazing. However, for this flexibility in playing original carts, you have to accept the buttons which some people don't like (i find them a bit too high, but not clicky enough). They are not as soft, smooth, and low-travel as og gameboy advance buttons. They feel a slight bit higher and they arent as tightly settled in. They rattle and move around a little/feel loose which i don't like, but its not a huge deal to me. The og gameboy advance buttons dont rattle or move as much and feel better. Also, I dont use save states because i have heard some things from people online. They sometimes work and sometimes not, or mess up your save files. Since it's not reliable, it's not a great feature. Fairplay to them, they are running the game off of the original cart which was never meant to run off of save states, so on a technical level, I'm sure it has challenges. The screen filters are great, and if you want to be able to make it look like any version of gameboy, that's cool. However, it's not very convenient to use as an emulator with rom files, because that's not its intended purpose (its main purpose is to play OG carts). An actual emulator handheld will be far more convenient with the quality of life features like save states, save backups, many different and more powerful systems, and longer battery... A modern emulator handheld can also have a good screen, though many dont match the quality and modes on analogue. Though keep in mind, those modes only work with OG carts, not rom files. The company plans to bring that functionality to playing rom files as well, but its not currently possible. If you dont care about having original cart compatibility, an emulator handheld will probably be better for convenience, price, usefuleness, and quality of life. Hell, I'm thinking about buying one just to compare. The only thing I worry about is having perfect integer scaling for the resolution (or a high res screen) and no input lag. Things which analogue doss well with. Still, if I'm actually playing OG carts, I might as well play in my modded GBA SP with an IPS screen. For having a handheld that plays files, I'd be more comfortable carrying around a cheaper modern emulator than the expensive pocket (which doesnt have a single good skin-like case/protector, all you can find are display cases or travel bags).

[@MrVargatron]

The fact that inernational customers pay 60 dollars for shipping and another 60 for the adapters (they won't send them in 1 go) makes the system 370 dollars and that's without any taxes coming on top of that. There is no other company in the world this insane with it's pricing and I think it's only a matter of time before the public opinion completely turns on them.

[@mamaluigi429]

While i do agree with everything on the price side, The thing i like about my analogue is the pickup and play experience being greater than anything i have (after i set up the console) while still feeling incredibly high quality and having a good screen. There is no massive tweaking needed for getting what i want, and every console i used has a "perfect" setting in my perspective. There could be more to ask about from this handheld, but in general of playing old games in a portable way, i think this is the best for me. btw, i do not have any cartridges to use on my pocket.

[@CJsGamingchannel]

I personally love my glow in the dark analogue pocket. It's my first time ever owning one of their devices and I mainly play GB, GBC, & GBA games on the go. It's great this device allows me to play all types on one device. I will still enjoy my handheld collection of the originals, but I can't deny the crispness that the analogue pocket provides. Unfortunately, I shelled out a lot of money to get the one I own on the secondary market, which I wish analogue was better at, but FOMO & the quality of their devices keeps them relevant in the increasing retro community.

[@joehernandez2453]

I picked up a transparent purple, reminded me so much of the original game boy color I had as a kid. I like it overall but I do occasionally have issues with save states on physical gba games. Luckily I save in game as well but save states should always work, that’d be my one con.

[@jeromebullard6123]

I was going to buy this before I saw this video. I instead bought a Miyoo Mini+ with onion OS installed on a Samsung SD card. I also purchased a Nintendo switch. I’m super impressed with the Miyoo mini plus! That thing is KILLER!!!! Also, I have an original gameboy with an IPS display and it’s awesome.

[@chatdos9]

I have one, but I think sound quality is really bad on it. I’m giving analog pocket a try.

[@jeromebullard6123]

@@chatdos9 you can install a good speaker in less than five minutes and for less than $10. Sounds great now.

[@ecmyersvids]

Thank you for this! Almost every review I've seen focuses on how amazing the screen is, but doesn't talk much or at all about the buttons - and I think those make or break a handheld system like this. D-pads in particular are important for these old games, and I'm very picky about them, so I appreciate you pointing out potential flaws here. I think I will stick with my original and modded Game Boys.

[@thecamobot]

Thanks for the comment!

[@MCVAMP666]

​@@thecamobot well after watching this idk now I have 2nd thoughts if I should buy this or just a gameboy color.

[@thecamobot]

@@MCVAMP666 The pocket is nice but if you want to save money and don't mind the older screen you can't go wrong with an original gameboy.

[@mwax3124]

I just recently was able to secure myself a pocket with their release of the line of “classic” colors. I’m very excited for its arrival. I’ve wanted one since they were announced but have never been able to get one. I’m glad to hear the screen and speakers are good, my biggest problem with my older gameboys has always been the screen not looking right and the sound being too quiet. A couple years ago I was finally able to get a GB Micro, which I’ve wanted since I was a kid, and while it’s very nice I find it too small to use for extended play sessions

[@mwax3124]

Also, really love your use of Pokemon RSE music. Gen 3 is my fav

[@thecamobot]

The micro is really cool yeah, but these days definitely more of a novelty

[@EvilG31]

This isn’t the only way to play gb/gbc/gba games on a fantastic screen. The gameboy modding community is amazing - there are absolutely fantastic IPS panels that work with original hardware now.

[@DCol]

the newer IPS panels with the grid/scanline effects are much better than the older IPS ones.

[@RAHelllord]

The Analogue Pocket's screen is still better, but the newest iterations are really close. I got my GBA upgraded finally with a V5 display, but it doesn't quite reach my Pocket.

[@bit-ooff9101]

I definitely needed this reminder, It was going to be 800$ for me and I last min decided to not do it. I think I will stick with just buying them and playing my SP for now. Thank you!

[@scoRp471scorp471]

You did everything correctly

[@wotwathorigl5446]

thank you so much for this video. just ordered my black pocket yesterday and i am really looking forward to play with this thing even tho i have a modded switch lite with retroarch running so i have the best button and dpad along the ability to play my roms. i have a large cartridge collection to play with (i also have the same gex game lol! ) really nice video mate and thanks for the honest words i hope my dpad on my pocket is nice to play and not as stiff

[@ArtistMarkFlynn]

Got this exact same model and absolutely in love with it!

[@belojah2]

Love the honesty of this review. I have always wanted one because I struggle to get a neo geo pocket to play card fighters and now it's on switch the pressure is less. With these small batches I've tried twice and missed and now I don't think I'll try again.

[@davo9774]

Thanks for the video mate, I saw this thing come out a year ago and it always interested me, but could see that a lot of outlets are simply marketing the product, rather than giving a honest review.

[@9unslin9er]

I had a clear Gameboy Pocket when I was a kid. Loved that color scheme. I wish emulation consoles would do more original designs instead of the same tired DMG-001 or Super Famicom colors.

[@theo5675]

That’s what I had as a kid and got the clear analogue pocket as nostalgia

[@yeshuayeeyee7430]

i got both mine with atomic purple because I FUCKING LOVE LEANNNNNN

[@feykroTV]

Got an analogue pocket from the same batch (the transparent green one), and there are a few points from the video I'd like to nuance: Personally, I've had no problems with build quality/irregularity at all. Maybe it's because I'm tougher with my buttons, but I've encountered none of the mentioned issues. I did feel like the track pad could get "stuck" in a direction, as in if you're transitioning from up to left for example, it might take too long to understand you're not going up anymore. I find that the device is made primarily with the original GB/GBC in mind. The screen aspect ratio makes it so incredibly great to play these games, I've come to regret that the aspect ratio isn't a bit wider because you don't get quite the same feeling with the GBA, which is nearly the same size as the original GBA. Another quirk of the device is I found the handling of the triggers to not be super comfortable, that didn't stop me from playing both GBA metroid games, but it contributes to my GB/GBC first feeling. Overall I love it, perfect retro gaming device with perfect sound, great image quality, great battery and overall great experience.

[@heydude994]

What’s your opinion on those gameboy likes consoles like the miyo mini plus or the Arbernic RG35XX ?

[@thecamobot]

I had an older anbernic and I thought it was good for what it was, but it was a gift so I can't speak on the value

[@CHICKENmcNUGGIESMydude]

Get the powkiddy rgb30 it is the best way to play game boy and game boy color games

[@kylemckyle6464]

I tried getting the glow and the transparent versions but the captcha kept not letting me past, I was finally able to get orange spice version Fri and I'm pumped. I wanted the silver most but at least I got one now.

[@thecamobot]

Hope it have fun with your pocket!

[@kylemckyle6464]

@@thecamobot I always have fun in my pockets lmao

[@ToivoChess]

Thanks for the review, I've been curious 🤔

[@lyianx]

First: I don't dispute that they prey upon FOMO abit. I strongly disagree with them selling the translucent versions after the fact, instead of just selling the shells to them. I was NOT going to buy another entirely system just to get a translucent shell. Of course, that all said, Nintendo did they exact same thing with ALL of their gameboy systems, DS systems & N64. Hell, they are doing it today with the Switch. Microsoft has done it with their 360 and One consoles, and Sony, i think there were a few PS consoles that did this, but not to the same extent. They mostly just did this with controllers. Second: Generally speaking, they havent been doing just "one run" of their other systems. There have been several of almost all their consoles. I got in on the second or third run of their SuperNT and second run of the pocket. So i dont necessarily think they are limiting their stock for that, but rather they can only produce so much due to how manufacturing queues work. Their Sega and SNES systems were in stock for quite a while, while they quickly sell out of the Pocket. They may increase their orders of the pocket in the future. Third: FPGA means Field Programmable Gate Arrays. In short, a versatile programmable chip that, unlike every other device, the chip is not programmed for that specific purpose at the factory and ONLY for that purpose. This allows companies like Analogue to program the chip to work exactly like the systems they emulate without relying on software to do the emulation. Forth: You are right. This system is not for everyone. Most people would not see the value in it as software base emulation (ie the kind Switch Online does) is good enough for them. However one of the reasons (and not a big one mind you) that the library is more limited on software emulation, is because some games out there do not work very well under it. It introduces compatibility problems, glitches, or the performance of the game doesnt match that of the original system (ie, its too fast or too slow, which can mess up your gameplay and timings as some of the timings of the game elements rely on the chip clock). Only a certain kind of gamer will notice some of these issues in software emulation, or those who play those specific games which software emulation doesnt work right. That is Analuges target market here, not really the general public. Which is, i believe also why they dont have loads and loads of stock of their systems.

[@summarcaki]

Good, honest review. Only thing I'd add is that the Gameboy and GBA do have save states, but a lot of the console stuff like NES /SNES and arcade doesn't.

[@Nucleosynthese]

Great review! I would love to hear your thoughts on the Steam Deck. (I know it's an entirely different type of device, of course)

[@thecamobot]

I'd love to review the steam deck but I'm broke now after the pocket 😂

[@voteDC]

I like reviews from smaller channels as they often have to put their own money up for a system. After all it's a lot easier to be forgiving of a system's flaws when you've received it, and often a few peripherals, free of charge. What put me off buying the Analogue Pocket was it being FPGA based simply wasn't a big enough draw. Sure FPGA hardware based emulation has the potential to be better than software based emulation but most people aren't going to be able to tell the difference. So the price of the Pocket when it is limited in what it can play by the amount of buttons on the handheld is just far more than what I'd be willing to pay given the wealth of other emulation handhelds that can play everything the Pocket can and far much more.

[@hectoralejandrotorrespopoc9232]

What game is the one of the isometric houses?

[@fastracksdigitalplayground2619]

Honestly, I got the Transparent Red. And I honestly love everything about it. Only thing I wish it had, access to cheats on a sub cheat option on the Pause menu using the analogue button.

[@CHICKENmcNUGGIESMydude]

Lol fail my chinese hand held has a built in cheat menue for all consoes up to ps2

[@fastracksdigitalplayground2619]

@chickenmcnugget2537 We're getting an update for it soon lol

[@ebs777]

@@CHICKENmcNUGGIESMydude which console?

[@ebs777]

ap is overpriced waste of money

[@Brimzee84]

You can’t run screen filters using the Gameboy core and roms? Do you know why?

[@thecamobot]

Far as I'm aware the most popular gba cores for emulation don't have the options, but I haven't had a chance to look for alternatives myself

[@blodguizer]

I have had my pocket about 6 months and i have not had any of the control issues you mentioned.

[@tim.tishman]

Really appreciate the honest review!

[@dammitcooper]

I am considering getting one of these. But mostly to play gb/gbc/gba and collecting the games I want in physical form would be a plus. I got recently an Anbernic RG35XX+ and it's a great emulator, but wondering if games would run even better or look even better from the cartridge and the nicer screen maybe. But the RG35XX+ has fantastic buttons I think. I have no issues with it really, just need to eventually replace the crappy sd card it comes with before it dies.

[@Scresho202]

I think your dead pixel may be the foil in your pocket? have you checked that? Because in my experence (The screen is 1440p) deadl pixels would be much more tiny

[@XenonBlu]

That dead pixel might just be a bubbles between the screen and screen protector or packaging film, worth checking out.

[@thecamobot]

Dont have a screen protector, but my theory now is theres dust somewhere underneath the screen itself

[@cavemandan543210]

Nuanced video, nice job. I debate whether any modded gba can match it in fit, finish, and experience for the price, but that equation changes pretty quickly after analogue’s steep flat shipping fee. I also agree that for the price the inputs should have been perfect, not just pretty good. Overall I don’t regret my purchase either and agree it’s best for folks who have existing cart collections.

[@thecamobot]

Thanks for the comment!

[@Raquor]

It looks like you still have the protective sticker that shipped on the screen, the "dead pixel" looks to be a bit of dust stuck under that sticker.

[@thecamobot]

Oh the picture in that part is without the protector on, I actually am in contact with support to get it replaced now

[@avenuePad]

I just got the Silver LE Classic Edition. I want it mainly for my PC Engine/Turbografx HuCard collection.

[@JohnDoe-wi7eb]

Hey man, can you do a video on your Pc setup I like how you are using an old school ibm keyboard.

[@thecamobot]

Ill think about it for sure haha, my PC is far from fancy I just happen to use an ancient keyboard

[@popthatbeep]

The perfect GB handheld is one that have exactly gameboy pocket form factor. The RG35XX is almost perfect but the protruding curve shoulder button at the back shell looks off. It should be flat like the analogue pocket and miyoo mini plus style

[@Solemmanolem]

Great review! Thank you.

[@-DeScruff]

I think my biggest problem with the Analogue Pocket is there isn't any sort of walls around the cartridge. Its mostly a problem with GB/GBC carts due to how tall they are, they are kinda easy to slide out with a bit of sideways force. Ive experienced too many times games crashing when I put the device down. All thats really needed is tiny little walls near the top of the cart, preventing the cart from having any sort of left/right movement. ... Oh and Analogue to sell shells. Cause I and other early buyers were given 0 indication other colors were ever gonna be a thing, and $250 is a steep price to get a different color.

[@user-nx9bh6rj1j]

Una pregunta en el sitio oficial de venta se podrá pedir personalidad 🧐

[@panskii3632]

Love ur videos man keep it up

[@thecamobot]

thanks for the comment!

[@coreybroussard5264]

Is there any other system that can connect to my Tv? If not I’m still gonna get it.

[@thecamobot]

You know what you're probably going to have a good time with the dock, most of my issues come from the physical hardware side like screen buttons etc

[@coreybroussard5264]

@@thecamobot I can understand where you’re coming from, I saw you mentioned the switch lite but I’m definitely more in favor of the switch when it is docked so we just both have different tastes in that aspect. I’ll probably never use the Pocket un docked if I get it.

[@thecamobot]

@@coreybroussard5264 If that's the case you should be good with it!

[@gatway100]

Did you take off the screen protector?????

[@missingno81]

Price wise, its still cheaper to buy every system to play your games rather than using the analogue pocket unless you’re into fancy bells and whistles. Like the video says most people would talk bad about the pocket if they weren’t gifted the product for review.

[@sketchy0078]

I’ve got a pocket that I brought with my hard earned money. Straight up it’s the last analogue product I’ll buy from them. It’s a great device but they suck as a company. If they increased the price by another 50-80% but got rid of the preorder and stupid shipping costs they would be an amazing company with great tech. Their business model as it stands is really stupid and not enough people talk about this.

[@sketchy0078]

I’ve got a pocket that I brought with my hard earned money. Straight up it’s the last analogue product I’ll buy from them. It’s a great device but they suck as a company. If they increased the price by another 50-80% but got rid of the preorder and stupid shipping costs they would be an amazing company with great tech. Their business model as it stands is really stupid and not enough people talk about this.

[@duffywest]

I’ve got one recently, it’s fine the screen speakers and sleep modes are a must have, I definitely don’t like the narrowness of it had the dmg and gbc or sp it definitely needs a grip! But my modded gba seems to have the comfort and portability just not the sleep states if it had that I probably wouldn’t have got the pocket. Plus I can mod it to dock to display on a tv

[@gorgnof]

awesome objective review :)

[@thecamobot]

Thanks!

[@suhtangwong]

I just learned the term fomo, and it describes my life 😢

[@erniebeutler3864]

Sounds like you have not loosened your screws yet. Should help w the button tightness.

[@Teromi]

what’s the cost of this thing?

[@_spacemanSpiff_]

Loosen the screws on the Pocket. Fixed my stiff dpad right up. The pockets are way overtorqued

[@NGreedia]

I don’t have a lot of physical games, and it was very expensive, but it’s starting to grow on me. I think the screen is best suited for gbc and gb games due to the screen size and aspect ratio. It’s also the only device that offers both software and hardware emulation aside from the funny playing fpgbc. I also have an rg35xx plus, ips gba and ips gbc and I like all of them

[@pilks4k]

Funny playing now has an fpga Gameboy wonder how they stack up

[@jdcarling]

i still want one :)

[@norezplaysgames]

Hey, that's a great video! I'll admit my FOMO. I did end up buying a transparent blue (which is more grape) AP. I didn't expect to get one because I'd read all of the accounts of people missing out on prior sales because they sold out quickly, but it's sitting beside my keyboard as I type this. My only real gripe I have is that the GBC and GBA cores don't have an RTC, so ROM hacks are pretty much left on my other emulation devices. I do have an EZ-Flash Omega DE for those, but I can't get GBC games to play from it at full screen. Ugh.... Anyway. I have mild regret about buying it and not just loving it out of the box. I do love the screen though. I don't have anything else that can beat it.

[@blugamer4495]

The EZ-Flash Omega DE is fixed at the GBA's aspect ratio, so that's why GB/GBC games aren't full screen on the AP. Ideally you'll want to get an EZ-Flash Jr for your GB/GBC games specifically. I also heard rumors on Reddit about RTC support being finally implemented in the community GB/GBC/GBA cores, so it's possible the need for flash carts for Pokemon games will be going away soon.

[@norezplaysgames]

@@blugamer4495 I actually just received my EZ-Flash Jr and GB/GBC games play beautifully on the AP using it. The battery is dead, so I'm waiting on replacements, but it still works great at full screen! It is exciting to see the GB/GBC/GBA cores get updates since it's been over a year since spiritualized1997 released the last version. I can't wait to give it a try. Heck, I'd donate if he posted a donation link.

[@JigglypuffTutorials]

RTC and screen filters coming in next OS update

[@SoopaBee]

Overall I appreciate the honest review. But I do want to clear up some misinformation. In terms of not being able to use save states on the the fpga cores (what you called emulators), it really depends. For example, I can use save states just fine for GB, GBC, and GBA (and Wonderswan BTW!), but not for SNES games. So it really depends on the core. Also, if you play GB games through the GB Studio option (which admittedly doesn’t allow you to play every title), you CAN use save states and the different screen filter options. I actually prefer playing GB roms through GB Studio in this way.

[@RainerK.]

Love my Pocket. I don't use it as a Gameboy replacement only, it does so much more.

[@langfot]

I think I needed to see this😅 dodging the new analog p release on Friday..

[@ultranoob4K]

oopsie. I think this video came two days too late for me 😅🙈 really appreciate the foo management angle !!!

[@a_passing_cloud]

If this is a luxury item then so was the OG Gameboy. They’re basically the same price when adjusted for inflation.

[@GoonieLord]

I love my Analogue Pocket I recently was using ROMs and yes using a GBA link cable does work used my old GBA without issues

[@jgordon7719]

Keep in mind that if they are trying to replicate button feel of the original dmg then the dpad would be stiffer

[@fryke]

It does exactly what I want it to do. That it screen is just _perfection_ for GB and GBC games, and it's the best for GBA games as well. (I'm not that into other systems.) Analogue has announced that 3rd party cores will have access to the screen filters later in the year, so we'll finally be able to have all of our games with us at all times AND see them with the gorgeous way Analogue intended. We do already have GB and GBC save states and sleep functionality on OpenFPGA now.

[@LemonRush7777]

The year is almost finished, so I think they will end up delaying that. Still, once we can switch displays on cores, this will be the best portable device for old games, and the perfect pair for a MiSTER.

[@fryke]

Well, I can still hope. Might be a "here you go" on Dec. 30 situation. ;) But yeah, very definitely looking forward to it. I'm still in tears of having all those G&W titles working so brilliantly on that little device while missing the few I'm really looking forward to (the original SMB G&W and Balloon Fight), though. @@LemonRush7777

[@fryke]

And today, they've announced their schedule. We'll get 2.0 for Christmas. :) As far as I understand it, we'll get the original filters (that we get on real cartridges) for GB/GBC/GBA etc. plus a CRT/Trinitron one for everything else. I'm quite pumped.@@LemonRush7777

[@Raphtor13]

I agree about the FOMO aspect. I finally decided to go with the PowKiddy RGB 30 - so I have to dump my games and saves to play them there but the screen is good though not as good as the Pocket but it's a really good way to play GB, GBC and GBA games as well as a few others. Plus the RGB30 is available and only about $80 to $90 delivered. Yes the build quality is not as good and the screen is good but not as good (720P vs 1440P) but it already has a mini HDMI port built in so unlike the Pocket you don't need to buy a dock to "consolize" it. If you buy the Pocket + a Dock and pay for shipping you are looking at about $400 US and the RGB30 is about $90 total - 1/4 the price and is the 2nd best way to play those games...

[@CHICKENmcNUGGIESMydude]

I think the rgb 30 looks better then the analog pocket

[@type2red]

@@CHICKENmcNUGGIESMydudeSame.

[@Ginronmaster1994]

I have all the same issues and i came to pretty much the same conclusion; its not 100% perfect but its still a great device.

[@seanaguinaga]

What keyboard do you have?

[@thecamobot]

My keyboard is an ancient one I've used for years haha 😅

[@seanaguinaga]

It looks awesome! Couldn't tell if it was OG or a remake of something old@@thecamobot

[@ToxcynArcade]

I highly recommend an everdrive. Yes its all very expensive in short term but cheaper than going for a collection when games like pokemon crystal are climbing up to the $200 range.

[@noodlecat_]

I wonder if this is a New batch issue ? I have a Pocket from the very first Roll out of the device , I've never had any of these issues , I've had the opposite experience with the buttons being a lot more Squishy then i thought they would be ,I have a lot of consoles to compare them to and at least at the time it seems like it was build for Fighting games and a more ' Analogue feel' rather then the Nintendo Switchs clicky buttons But this is really intresting Analogue are normally really slow to push out consoles and have a rather high quailty control becuase of it , soooo It makes me wonder if the large demand for the Pocket and the faster roll out of the Limited edition models are leading to a lack in quailty control for the smaller then average company . I could explain the issues that are being faced by Other Pocket users ? I wonder what lessons will be taken from this or if it might be better for those who want an analogue pocket to actaully what till the hype has died down a little and get a much later batch model to avoid any rushed through production . Honestly I'm a really big fan of at least my OG Black Varient of the Pocket , It fits nicely in a Gameboy DMG Case and is just a really high Quailty product butttt if there seems to be production quailty issues I'd defo recommend to not get one currently and wait a while , its a fantastic device but only if things are working correctly as promised , plus its expensive , Most people who have a pocket have waited a long time so whats waiting a little bit longer to assure quailty

[@thecamobot]

Thanks for the reasonable comment, I've since sent mine out to repair so I'll have to wait and see

[@noodlecat_]

@@thecamobot I hope it all works out !! to me all this stinks of trying to fill demand by rushing production without increasing Quality control measures ,this wouldnt be a problem with a company used to rolling out a lot of units xD either way I hope it comes back in tip top condition!! like going to a health spa for gameboys :')

[@JamesShow]

It really is. This year has proven that some PowKiddy stuff is really becoming good enough with a small, clear screen at mostly the right screen ratio for GBA and such. If it wasn't for all the hype and every release selling out, I wouldn't keep feeling like the Pocket is such a great device. Also.... what else does it play on that gorgeous screen? I may buy one used in like six years.

[@Elzilcho87]

I’m just skipping this entirely and saving the money for the upcoming MARS project. I don't see the point in wasting cash on something when I can just use it to go towards buying a much better alternative.

[@Scresho202]

My opinion on the pocket is: Its the best gameboy we will ever get BUT it is also not for everyone Only get this if you are an absolute gameboy fan, you love these things and you don't care about the price But then, its really the best

[@ZelaZombie]

I feel like Analogue really should be for those who really enjoy niche and handheld games. Peeps wanting to play just the normal regualr stuff could easily settle for emulators/switch or even just emulator consoles at half the price.

[@ChrisStoneinator]

What the hell is "normal regular stuff"? Less popular games by sales metrics aren't a whole different fucking medium/hobby. You're just less likely to play them because Nintendo doesn't spoonfeed them to you. You don't have to be a certain kind of person to enjoy them.

[@garypinholster1962]

Well done video. Hit the nail on the head about the FOMO stuff. These devices at the prices they are, you honestly may as well get a steam deck.

[@ChrisStoneinator]

Err what? I'm not saying it's a great value proposition, but where the fuck does the steam deck factor in at all? It's a completely different size, with a completely different control setup, the screen is the wrong aspect ratio, and to play anything retro you have to use emulation rather than FPGA, and you can't use cartridges. They're for completely different markets. What an asinine comment.

[@NerdENerd]

It is a handheld FPGA system. It plays ROMS for Amiga, NeoGeo, SNES, Genesis and a massive amount of arcade games. I don't even care about the GameBoy stuff but I love my Pocket.

[@gaymerherb]

Thanks for being honest, there is an insane amount of hype around this. Thing is, one of the marvels of gaming today is the level of access there is for very cheap/free gaming experiences from all eras. This thing is a luxury item and definitely for the nerd with disposable income, as there are so many ways to accomplish a similar experience while also not having to carry your cartridges around. It's 2023 and a very large number of folks out there are at the point of needing to ask for financial help online, so this sort of device really truly feels not only unnecessary but unattainable to most gamers so I'm really glad you tore through the hype and spoke plainly on this one. The level of privilege in so many retro collectors and the way they access their games has been stale now for years.

[@Asakk]

My way to play is a gba SP with an ips screen! 👌

[@CHICKENmcNUGGIESMydude]

The problem with the sp is the button lay out there's a lot of games that use for face buttons for the Game Boy Advance like the game King of Fighters EX you're punching buttons will be the shoulder buttons and your kicks will be the A and B that is ridiculous for a fighting game you want it to be punched if the top to face buttons in the bottom to face buttons will be kicked thats why i lioe the rgb30 and chinese hand helds more there are more comfortable ergonomic an optimized button layout makes it the even better way to play those games

[@1423big]

When I think about getting one... I think about how I could fix my gba sp with a broken l button and do a shell swap on it for half the price. Or buy another og gba and put an isp display in it for cheaper. I really dislike how they prop up scalpers with their business model, and would not be surprised if they held back stock to sell on ebay for double the price. Or workers there doing it for a bonus.

[@MR-zt1hh]

your keyboard and mouse combo throws me for a loop lol. you've got what appears to be an old-school 90s windows/mac board with what could be blue/white alps which makes that a pretty highly sought after board! ...paired with a red dragon mouse 😂 no hate though! more envy for the board than anything else

[@thecamobot]

Haha yeah my keyboard has lasted me through many many computer mice

[@vahn_legaia]

I have so much trouble justifying the ~$500 CAD for it. I am also undecided on the model I want. I kind of want the original black. But the D-Pad issues.. I've been torn on this unit for years now.

[@cueball1897]

Have you taken off the factory screen film? That might actually be dust...

[@thecamobot]

It was already off in that photo, I've contacted support and I'm pretty sure it's dust underneath the screen 🫤

[@JigglypuffTutorials]

You can sleep and save state w/ GB, GBA, NES openFPGA cores. Might wanna write a correction.

[@thecamobot]

Sorry I meant cant save state for the other ones, but yeah you can still save states for gb etc

[@LYkOn-001]

The question is, does it emulate? I mean, does it work by downloading the cartridge ROM and emulating it or does it have hardware designed to make the cartridges work in the same way as the originals? because if not, it seems like a scam to me, I prefer to make a screen modification to an original console, it would even be cheaper for me

[@thecamobot]

Thanks for commenting! It runs cartridges and can install cores emulators.

[@JamesHannaford]

It has hardware fpga chips to make the cartridges work in the same way as originals, not downloading the cartridge ROM and emulating it in software.

[@Cyko..]

I was thinking about getting the Analogue Pocket but after watching this video, seeing your dead pixel, and knowing other devices are out there with a much better superior OLED screen and way more functions for less than thing costs, hell no. But some people like being spoon-fed crap while eating it with a smile.

[@josh_the_happy]

My god, the air bubbles under the screen protector, but yeah great info thanks less fomo here.

[@ComeJesusChrist]

Try to find software emulator with the screen resolution that is ten times the resolution of the Gameboy with the same aspect ratio, so it can produce the wonderful images that the Analogue Pocket has. In the case of every single software emulator, GB and GBC games are just an afterthought. If you buy a modded GB with the best IPS screens, they are still somewhat off in colour reproduction. Besides, saving states and using a micro SD card is not available on those.

[@jjwhy321y3]

Seems super expensive. I bought a (preloaded) Miyoo mini plus off Ebay 70$ (6 months ago). Assume it's cheaper now.

[@nwesterbeckmaster]

I don't own an AP yet. With the release of the new limited colors, I'll get whichever one of those is available. For me, it's not any FOMO, because I wanted to get an AP anyways, and this way I'll actually get it for retail. As someone who has collected Funko Pops for years, the instant sellouts and fomo is nothing new to me. I'll also add that I own a GBA SP 101, which I currently play my games on. But I don't want to end up wearing it into the ground and would prefer to keep it in good condition. Playing it all the time will wear it out. To your point about the clickiness of the buttons, I believe they're completely different between the SP vs AP. On the SP, they are a instant click, whereas the AP is probably more spongey, similar to the original GBA.

[@Bozo---]

analog pockets bought where ??

[@thecamobot]

They do limited production runs on their website I just followed their social media to see when it was available

[@Eragarev]

I still want it, but I don't want to pay the scalper price. Maybe they'll make a new version after they've heard enough complaints.

[@Tysard]

Dropping a bunch of canadian bucks on th analogue pocket, repping the budget red dragon gaming mouse and using a keyboard from like 1987? You've got my sub.

[@type2red]

I chose not to buy this device and have stuck to that, i instead bought a miyoo mini plus and am extremely happy with it and it’s capabilities. Analogue and it’s long wait times, expensive shipping and price of the unit pushed me far far away.

[@to4217]

idk if the price is "steep". It's $250 USD. For comparison the Gameboy Advance came out in 2001 for about $99.99. This comes out to about $175.70 (USING the CPI Inflation calculator from the bureau of labor statistics) in todays money. So that is about a difference of $74. Youre getting a WHOLE host of added functionality for the additional $74. A better screen, save states, sleep modes, upgradeability, multifunctionality, ability to emulate, etc. Its not a crazy markup for all of that. It's fairly priced and Im hard pressed to call it "luxury". It's an upgraded console. If youre paying scalper prices though.... thats another story.

[@thecamobot]

I can really only speak for myself as a Canadian, since for me shipping it up here bumped the price to about $360 USD direct from analogue but I see where you're coming from.

[@stimp3413]

I am pretty sure that is lint under your screen protector and not a dead pixel. Dead pixel will not show up on a black screen

[@thecamobot]

I was thinking it be something like that, but it would have to be under the screen itself because don't have a screen protector

[@stimp3413]

oh my fault. there were multiple parts that made it look like you had one installed. that sucks get a replacement! @@thecamobot

[@thecamobot]

@@stimp3413 that's the plan haha, analogue support is pretty slow

[@christianmeier9993]

the Pocket is great! screen is grest and for me the biggest selling point... build quality is also great... and the possibility to play original cartridges or over sd card is a great plus... dont see a big dealbreaker here tbh

[@SenpaiMD]

mainly the price and the availability is the biggest contention for most people

[@christianmeier9993]

@@SenpaiMD availability sucks thars true... but for me the price tag is not that high - except you buy from scalpers... NEVER buy from scalpers btw... but 220.- for the original one with fgpa hardware, great builf quality... 8bitdo controlls and a superb screen... it was worth it for me. And this thing can play original cartridges (which no retrohandeld can except of the originals) as well as sd cards. It plays almost all 8bit and 16bit consoles and arcades. When you use a dock you also have an Super NT and Mega SG in it and a DUO as well. if you mod an origonal gameboy you pay almost the same but you are stocked with one system... i def see more pros than cons... but its true analogue is overhyped... i mean i dont get it why i should have this ding in black , transparent dingdong and classic whopwhop and also a glow in the dark thing 😅 fanboyism was never my thing...but again the pocket dev my emulation device o. the go... for more demanding stuff i have an odin 2 pro which is superb by the way

[@ezhumbug]

One thing its not pocketable as I like to bring my handheld console ease without any repercussions. And I'm happy I did not save up to purchase the analogue, although its good but not good enough for me .

[@CarmenOfSpades]

I'm not a fan of the Pocket. I gave into the FOMO and am regretting it. In addition to the buttons, the thing gets super hot... enough that it started melting the adhesive off some of my old GB carts. I find it strange how nobody has mentioned that. I feel like the KZbinrs who have been commenting positively on it just don't really use the thing much? It's hard to imagine that anybody is OK with those buttons given the original GB has much better ones... The screen is nice, but there are much, much better options.

[@overpoweredmeowmix]

Crazy vid 👍🏻

[@timking4662]

Most honest review of the pocket! Thank you for this 😭

[@TheZXReviews]

I'm still waiting on my Purple Pocket to ship. No updates from Analogue at all

[@e.charleswhite3874]

Man, thank you for being honest and speaking the truth! I hate how (most) all youtubers and redditors go crazy for the Analogue pocket. It's OK if it's their opinion, but a lot of times it seems like payola and that they do it to be in good relationship with Analogue as you said. I think that something similar happens with the Boxypixel mods. They are way too expensive, they are not an objectively better experience than the original GBA SP, but the youtubers and redditors sell it as the panacea.

[@pengquanwang7016]

Agree, before this, I want to buy a new original GBASP, but it is expensive and afraid of bad, so I bought analogue pocket, after I got it, I can only say that it is good, but not good enough, for example, the adaptation problem, every accessory is not cheap, there is no charger, especially the need to buy the dock separately. The dock does not improve performance, and this set of hardware will hardly improve performance.So I bought the original GBASP anyway！

[@junodev_]

good video

[@ButtholioTheGreat]

100% agree, Analogue needs an ass kicking from competition, until then people will pay premium pricing on sub-premium products