Analogue Pocket Review: The Best Retro Handheld?

[@PotatoFi]

This was one of those, "Drop everything I'm doing and click on the notification" videos. It answered every question I had about the console too - thanks for the great review!

[@l00t3R]

I did exactly the same thing when I came onto KZbin and checked my notifications 😂

[@wimwiddershins]

Its refreshing to see a retro-gaming handheld where the software and user experience has had as much attention to detail, as the device itself. Usually, that stuff feels like an afterthought.

[@Tom2404]

USB C and headphone jack. When a retro console has more useful ports that a modern Smartphone.

[@RolandKoller90]

To be fair I’m never stuck wishing my phone had a headphone jack.

[@LaDeXi]

@@RolandKoller90 I'm all the time :(

[@donwilson]

Very happy that you got a chance to review the Pocket early, looking forward to getting mine in the mail soon

[@malcolmar]

Well done. I just picked up a Pocket recently and loved it! I also got the Game Gear adapter and I am enjoying many Game Gear games I never knew existed before and the games just play. What an incredible time to be a portable gamer. My 3 go to portable systems now are the Analogue Pocket, the Nintendo Switch OLED and the Steam Deck. The fact that all 3 of these systems have docks that allow you to effortlessly play these games on a TV is just amazing. I know I take none of it for granted. Thanks.

[@MrJonBertsch]

I love my modded consoles because they are truly “original” but with these new chips I’m finding it hard to put too much more money into them, this tech is just too good.

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

Didn't know about the menu+volume for brightness, thanks a ton, just got my unit a few days ago and was rewatching this

[@MmntechCa]

I understand why it's $220, being a low volume product and all, but it's a bit rich for my blood. I'll stick with original hardware supplemented with emulation for the time being. Might change my mind though if/when that hacked firmware comes out.

[@KyleRuggles]

I got an RG351V and it's AWESOME and I get to play other systems, just waiting on the Odin to be shipped.. heh.. This is cool if you have tons of cartridges but it's really niche.

[@robertl8069]

Yeah, just get a RG351V with 351Elec and enjoy everything up to PS1

[@SuperNicktendo]

Looking forward to this. Hopefully I got my order in to have it ship today and hopefully get it by the end of the week. It's such a crazy system.

[@Jbayz]

You think the orders from the other day were going out already?? I doubt it. They usually take the money, make the product and ship it. That's how they roll.

[@husky3g]

I'm still wondering why Pocket hasn't tried taking advantage of their hardware to include a WiFi connection for automatic firmware updates as well as the ability to create a Gameboy Link software that allows you to connect to other Analogue Pocket users via "link cable" over the internet. Imagine being able to connect to anyone in the world and trade Pokemon on Gen 1-3. You could actually have some relatively fun lobbies in the Union Rooms full of people. People could also host "event" lobbies via flash cart/ROM to give people the rare Pokemon from event distribution ROMs. The possibilities for that are endless and I hope that custom firmware for the Pocket can accomplish these things.

[@AlexisLemesianos]

Good point

[@prufrockrenegade]

Does the Pocket even have a wifi chip though? Custom firmware can't "hack" what doesn't exist ☹️. It would be awesome and totally doable if it has the chip though

[@felipeoliveira7388]

Can it be a extra accessorie 😔

[@husky3g]

@@prufrockrenegade It doesn't. I mentioned that because there's nothing stopping them from making a revision that has one.

[@bodhi1271]

If Nintendo were smart, they'd make something like this to play original carts and have a built in eshop app to purchase games. It would fly off the shelves.

[@bodhi1271]

Also imagine game developers making new games to run on official hardware, but also releasing them in the eshop, and they'd get limited physical releases. That'd be amazing. Nintendo could also do limited re-rleases of classic games on physical carts

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

Nintendo (or any console manufacturer) would never do that. Consoles are usually sold at a loss because the money is made from the subsequent game purchases - but if the game cartridges are old ones that have already been purchased, there's no economic sense to doing it.

[@bodhi1271]

@@terrydaktyllus1320 well they could also release games through an exclusive eshop, both new and old, and you'd have to get the console to play those games. Like imagine the new pokemon games getting a retro version released only on their Gameboy classic console

[@mintyerb]

@@bodhi1271 while it’s a cool concept they’d never do it, why would they when they just remade a pokémon game and sold like 8 million copies in the first week

[@bodhi1271]

@@mintyerb idk I think if they made retro versions with game boy graphics of sword and shield and the new ones that are coming next month, pokemon fans would be all over it, especially if they had some new exclusive pokemon, I think they would pay a full $60 per game.. Retro gaming and pixel art games have become extremely popular lately

[@jmerey]

Best review yet. You included several features that most others missed. Thanks, now just hope my preorder is in Group 1 and not Group 3!!

[@shatterball]

Another great video, Colin! I love my Super NT and I can't wait to get my hands on this piece of hardware! Hopefully I can get a pre-order in when they reopen it in a few days...

[@TheRetroCount]

I just ordered one. Super excited to finally get my hands on it soon!

[@override7486]

Well, if you order (pre-order) now, wouldn't you get it until 2023? Or Q3/Q4 2022 if lucky??

[@rekor]

Out of all the reviews I saw, I have to say this was the best. I think you went over the things that most of us care about without getting bogged down in pointless detail.

[@megamix5403]

I'm glad to see you alive and well, and glad you got your hands on one of these babies. Good review btw, Colin!

[@woodengamer]

That is VERY tempting with it's modular system to support different systems. Tempted to get this and not bother re-capping my turbo express.

[@prufrockrenegade]

Totally worth it to just get this imho. Since I got my MiSTer set up a year ago (which uses similar tech) I've been seriously considering selling off my entire retro collection for the systems it supports. The new hardware is just so much more convenient and performs just as well

[@NathanChisholm041]

I find these videos put me in a calm relaxed mood! ✌

[@joarnagaming8145]

Currently preparing to fight off an army of Scalper Bots when preorders open up again tomorrow...

[@devikwolf]

I've been itching to get my hands on one of these. I'm really surprised to see how big it is, though!

[@michaelstanton8363]

That's what she said... but no really.. because it is thinner it feels less bulky

[@sethmmendez]

Glad to see you got one for review! Have always enjoyed watching your modding videos.

[@reznoire]

The screen looks insane, like in video reviews it almost looks like game footage is just being directly edited onto where the screen would be lol

[@Laternater]

Mine is being shipped tomorrow. Hype!

[@edgarnx]

placed my pre-order in this morning as fast as I could! Hopefully I'm in the first group and get mine in the first half of next year!

[@goodjessehobbies]

So, two days ago on Twitch I was stating how I wish they would manufacture an SNES portable with headphone compatibility. Any insight as to whether this would be able to play SNES roms once software is available? I'm also a huge fan of the GBA, so I'm sold there, but both would be a dream come true.

[@VexAcer]

I wanna say it's theoretically possible. The Pocket is using the same Altera Cyclone V chip as the Super NT (Analogue's SNES FPGA Console). It also already has the appropriate 4 buttons and two shoulder buttons needed. I wouldn't necessarily count on it though.

[@thecryingsoul]

@@VexAcer Its a different cyclone chip with fewer programmable units, according to an analysis by some other person I read, the core without the enhancement chips should be portable to it, with perhaps some room to load in enhancement chips dynamically. So with that it means it's not as easy as just copying the work on the existing core, meaning it all depends on how willing the Analogue team or its community are to put in the work in porting it.

[@VexAcer]

@@thecryingsoul It's definitely smaller than the MiSTer which has 110k Logic Elements vs. the 49k the Pocket has. I can't find any concrete info from Analogue themselves on how much the Mega SG or Super NT have. Supposedly they also have 49k too. Analogue's SNES core is very basic to begin with though, since with the Super NT they're relying on you using your actual carts when it comes to onboard enhancement chips.

[@NatetheAceOfficial]

A Colin AND an Anthony video covering the same tech? Nice to see the different takes.

[@_mazarico_]

Are those two extra action buttons on the front of the Pocket turbo buttons, or are they alternate button for the L & R shoulder buttons?

[@robbyclark9711]

This looks super cool and with companies making such incredible handheld like this it just makes you wonder why Nintendo will not make this type product. I'm betting they will finally make some gameboy collector thing but it will not have cartridge support and will have like 20 roms emulated on it. But it will cost 50 to 75 bucks, they will be hard to get your hands on one. But we will buy it again just cause we love handheld devices and they started the gameboy.

[@TarikA]

Best video about the Pocket I've seen on YT so far.

[@JetteroHeller83]

My black analogue pocket got delayed to tomorrow. I put in an order for the white one and some accessories this morning. Hoping the morning order I placed 5 minutes after orders opened up gets shipped Q1 2022.

[@cryptmind4202]

Thanks. Bought two... Just wish I knew earlier about it. 2023 is faaar away ...

[@sametkamgul]

What a design, product, hardware, UI/UX etc. just wow.

[@RetroFan1992]

Great review! Hoping to get my hands on one eventually! What game is that at the 9:35 mark??

[@Cwiiis]

It's Motocross Maniacs 2 (I've only played the first, didn't realise it actually got two sequels on the GBC and GBA until seeing this video and searching for it!)

[@TomGreen99]

Glad you got a review unit. 🙌

[@ekim613]

I just came from one of your ultimabe GBA for 2020 vid and in that [ when you asked if there were any mods for consoles that dont exist yet, i instantly thought of an idea i had the other day; Gameboy Colour Advance. It's just a Colour shell with an Advance widescreen. The other day i was mucking around with my old gameboys and i put the advance lens over the colour screen and thought how good a widescreen Colour would be by being able to swap the screen into it. The advance lens almost matches the width of the colour so i know the screen would be a very tight fit and the power light would have to go, but with a dremel/milling tool you could easily fix the shell. As for compatibility between my own parts (pcb and screen) idk, but i'm sure a mod should exist for not just a backlit Colour but an Advanced one.

[@letthetunesflow]

Best review of the dozens I’ve seen in the last day or two!

[@gamers7800]

I just ordered this, hope the wait won’t be till the end of next year. 🤞

[@ScarletSwordfish]

What's that motorcycle game at 9:33?

[@josh_dick]

Looks like Motocross Maniacs 2 for Game Boy Color.

[@nermaldigital]

Great video Colin, best one I've seen. My pocket is arriving on Monday and I can't wait to try it all out. Like you, I expected the size to be closer to the GB pocket. Interesting you didn't flag in your vid about the open cart port and games being loose. I look forward to seeing if I have the same issues as others in this area.

[@MrLaafish]

Glad to see you got hold of one, fingers crossed I manage as well

[@Ragesauce]

I'll be VERY interested if they ever get a similar product in a proper "pocket" sized package. The gameboy pocket was my perfect go-to for travel fun back in the day, so many fond memories...this thing is just enormous in comparison.

[@Thunderfrog]

Great Video! What was that Mario game you were playing at 4:16 ? Is That Mario Land 2? Just asking bc its in color.

[@jaynekogames]

It's a fanmade rom hack that basically turns SML2 into a GBC game! Look up Super Mario Land 2 DX.

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

Also, what camera do you use to get your close up shots of the pixels? Those are so clean, and with my various handhelds, CRTs, and now my pocket, I'd love to take way better shots upclose to the pixels.

[@SultanSamet]

I Was just waiting for something like this. It seems to be the most fleshed out product so far. Too bad I've lost my job a few weeks ago, because it is (obviously) expensive, plus shipping to germany/europe will be super expensive i assume? Couldn't find information on the page. That company seems to produce quality stuff. I hope they get fortunate enough to operate in Europe as well for a lower price. 👌🏻

[@Wasper216]

Packages of that size can vary from $20-$40, depending of the carrier and which service. However you’ll have to pay taxes, so 19% of the total value (device + shipping) and probably also customs. So yeah, it adds up unfortunately.

[@Asai]

I was waiting for this video. Can't wait to get mine!

[@Suhadisgood]

I hope it’s not a game boy or I’m not getting it there are other handheld that let you play all sega consoles such as Sega Saturn and PlayStation the gameboy wasn’t that fun as the PSP that was an upgrade from gameboy that Nintendo would never do then comes PS Vita I still love more then Nintendo Switch I want to see Arcade like mame 32 ps1 ps2 not just gameboy games

[@megamix5403]

At that point, you're just better off with a hacked Switch.

[@Suhadisgood]

@@megamix5403 I can see you weren’t born in 1980 to why your crying over this handheld I went through this in my childhood I know how it feels playing gameboy games to you it feels like your Xbox series X and PS5 graphics no ones stopping you from buying it go spend $200 on a small gameboy pocket the difference is you get digital games instead of having to buy them physical the reason is very easy to understand Nintendo no longer supports gameboy games they won’t make anymore physical cartridges you can easily add these gameboy games to anywhere

[@Suhadisgood]

@@megamix5403 I’m getting the Steam Deck it costed me $600 I’m a gamer not a child

[@mikekanner2156]

@@megamix5403 do you know what happens if you hack your Switch do you even know what your saying kiddo Nintendo will banned your account and will make your Switch unplayable think they don’t know what players are doing with their Switch consoles your taking a big risk if you hack your Switch Nintendo has put people in court for a million dollars

[@emadstarns291]

@@megamix5403 if the graphics were as good as the Nintendo Switch it would be worth buying for $220 but this is game boy games not remakes making them playing better your buying something that you can do yourself is go and add all these games to your PSP console people who are gamers are searching for PS5 and Xbox series X and are ignoring the Xbox series S and PS5 digital and Nintendo Switch consoles like who wants the Oled that’s not a big huge difference that’s where Steam Deck steps in and makes theirs the Switch Pro that Nintendo don’t

[@marcin4139]

At 8:29 , dead pixel?

[@karbengo]

This consol looks great, but I wish it had an horizontal form factor, like the GBA. My ideal retro portable consol would be a V1 GBA, with a high quality illuminated screen and compatible with as many retro portable games as possible.

[@organiccold]

Oh well, because of you i now have to buy one... Will be my Christmas present hehe

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Very nice. I want one. It's always better not to emulate but create an equivalent hardware. Also it's a great feeling inserting original cartridges (better than the disc experience), knowing it's also original and not pirated so that our conscious is clean :-) Advanced Merry Christmas. God bless you.

[@akaJughead]

I always thought the Do in 8-Bitdo was pronounced the same way as it was in the word Nintendo. Similar to the word dough. That's the way the lady's voice pronounces it on their Bluetooth speaker when you first turn it on.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

A couple years ago I reached out to their PR folks and asked specifically how to pronounce it. Maybe they changed their mind? 🤷‍♂️

[@akaJughead]

@@ThisDoesNotCompute IDK. Maybe they changed it around the same time they modified the aesthetic designs of their Nintendo styled controllers. Their controllers used to more closely copy Nintendo's style, and in the last few years they've moved away from that somewhat. Who knows.

[@VSigma725]

What was that motorcycle game at 9:35? that music was killer!

[@JakeLucob]

Looks like Motocross Maniacs. It's probably a sequel to the original

[@VSigma725]

@@JakeLucob Seems to be Motocross Maniacs 2. I'm going to have to give that one a try!

[@Tomtrocity]

Going from Bob Wulffen to your video for this product reviews lol I do want to own this but I'll have to wait to invest one due to finances on my part. It does look fantastic, and the games I would go to would be Pkmn, Sonic Advance series, Gunstar Super Heroes, Metroid and of course Super Mario Advance 4 SMB3

[@Kumimono]

All well and good, but, does it support the GameGear TV tuner?

[@hosam7609]

What's the name of the motorcycle game? + Did you try the Pocket in a switch dock? Or with an off the shelf usb c dock that has hdmi?

[@luismartins3785]

Another quality video : ) Great work!

[@TieFighter99]

I would love to check out there site and purchase one but their website is not working properly.

[@dwlang001]

Great review! Thanks

[@toronado455]

Thanks for the review. Seems like a very nice gizmo.

[@doc_sav]

Well, it seems like sourcing appropriate screens for mods is like 9/10s of the battle, so if the display here is as capable as it looks, that is quite a value. I despise that out of the box, for no particular reason other than maybe selling a few other adapters, they don't support ROMS, especially since I heard somewhere that their lead engineer is heavily involved in the community firmware version anyway. But, despite their crappy business practices, Analogue has shown a great attention to detail and a commitment to making their consoles a sustainable business. Regardless, once the community starts building other systems for the FPGA, the possibilities are endless. Definitely will get one of these.

[@KyleRuggles]

Given the price and everything.. I got an RG351V.. like... it's great for people who have tons of cartridges but I got like 6 between GG and GB in total.. so like.. nah. Great vid!

[@carrier2659]

Guys: "This is too big to fit in my pocket" Women: "feels terrible, doesn't it?"

[@Narque]

I just hope this sells well and Nintendo take notice and maybe do something like this of there own

[@Ludanc0]

I love your Gameboy related videos

[@cesaraugusto1879]

What is the name of the game at 9:40 please.

[@kindmulberry7196]

Where can I buy this in the UK?

[@justinpatterson5291]

This is honestly one of those consoles I'd play just to have a good experience of my old games again.

[@ruineka_one]

Does it support the trade link cable either directly or via software to another pocket?

[@piplup10203854]

If this can play roms I’d be stoked :) it would make it a lot better for me. The accessories are just expensive and this device is already expensive as it is. The case being 30 bucks suck and 100 for the dock :/ it’s something to keep an eye on for me in the future but I can’t see myself waiting till 2023 for it

[@thomasoconnor8279]

I just wish it could of had more of a classic gameboy colour scheme. I don't doubt mods with soon make it look classic tho soon

[@ab.su.7797]

Can i buy/ order it in 1-2 years? Or only now? Because i buy a Steam Deck some while a go.

[@startedtech]

oh god I've got like 10 Analogue Pocket vids in my sub feed, guess I'll start with this one 😅

[@AzteCypher]

My wallet will not be happy with me... again. :) Great work as always!

[@Foxmosis_]

I think my only issue, and it's a minor for some but a major for me, is that Gameboy Cable jack. See with how it looks it doesn't seem like it would support the Gamecube Link Cable with either modifying the Cable or modifying the Pocket. The GBA and GBASP have those little holes on the top for the Gamecube Link Cable to hook into. Doesn't actually look like you could modify the Pocket based on that interior shot. Modifying the Cable would mean clipping off it's hooks and I'm just not big into that idea. The appeal to me of having multiple GBAs that I can hook up to play games like Four Swords or Crystal Chronicles with friends. Again, that's a minor issue for what I'm assuming is most people. Probably not an issue at all. I'm glad this device exists because it overall looks super sleek and I'd be tempted to grab one but that one detail is a dealbreaker for me. Although I suppose they or someone else could make their own Cable that lacks the hooks. I'd love one for a Micro as well. Anyways, love the video! Always get excited when you look at one of Analogue's products because I feel like I get a better understanding about what it's all about.

[@joshua.snyder]

Whoa, Colin on a Monday? Yes!

[@typewriteraudio]

Can you connect two of them?

[@Kratosauron0]

Ahh, first review that I watched which covers game compatibility! Shame I can't replay Boktai on this thing, but I'm still nonetheless excited :D :D

[@francescobarrali637]

Amazing! Can I ask you where you purchased that beautiful clear emerald DMG shell?

[@Reckoner89]

Stellar tech, loving these FPGA-based solutions. Given all the labor that goes into creating these niche machines, I can condone the high price tag. But taking an extra $30 for a clear plastic protective shell that should come with the system by default, feels a bit stingy to say the least. Even pricier than the cables.

[@io7591]

But does it have Bluetooth to listen with headphones?

[@AWISECROW]

I always thought these dedicated retro consoles were a little steep in price and over engineered considering how expensive and scarce old handheld games can be. Not bad if you already have a huge collection of them. It's fantastic that it will support rom files from the micro sd card though.

[@random11]

Um sir… where did you get a full color version of Super Mario Land 2?

[@SYIBOI]

I NEED IT!!! Hoping I can get a preorder for the next drop I missed the first round of them orz

[@EnderCrypt]

this is very tempting, hopefully they'll add support for rom files

[@anonym-g-a-d7817]

Hello. How i can buy? 2022?

[@StaceyAyodele]

Nice video, Colin. Well done.

[@SHUPIRATE1991]

Got one on order. Can I use the standard iPhone wall power supply to power the unit?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Should work fine - I recharged mine with a generic USB-C power adapter with no problems.

[@SHUPIRATE1991]

@@ThisDoesNotCompute thank you , I really enjoy your videos

[@ChrisLeeW00]

Preorders are likely going to sell out fast! Again!

[@Gameaddict2o9]

Amazing review. 👏

[@Max-wh7nz]

How do gameboy advance games look on the Pocket despite the small interpolation compared to playing them on gameboy advance? Edit 1: Also, do games look better on a modded gameboy advance or Pocket?

[@alfredthegreat7750]

Love it, cant wait to mod it!

[@mrxmarcin]

11:29 What game is this.

[@hovasaxa]

Legendary Starfy

[@eternalextrapolations]

This looks quite amazing. Is there a way to colorize some original Gameboy games like Warioland?

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

It offers color palette options like the Game Boy Color does.

[@tdata545]

Does this method offer infinite scaling? If I had it on a 4k display would it start taxing the system with say... GBA games?

[@plutoniumshore]

Wow..everyone released their Analogue Pocket reviews today

[@skins4thewin]

I LOVE how these official reviews keep mentioning the custom firmware as if it's an inevitable thing, which may actually force Analogue's hand a bit if they hadn't planned on releasing one for this console. I have the feeling that MIGHT be the case this time around, considering they're allowing the community to create their own cores for the system, perhaps leaving the whole ROM playing business in the hands of the users instead of in their own.

[@wafflebrothel7712]

As long as it has been since I’ve been able to play my GB/GBC/GBA games. I think I’ll wait quite a while before I make the purchase.

[@ChonbaeSun]

I'll eventually consider should they make a cartridge adapter for the Wonder Swan .

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

That would be awesome - I can’t wait for the Neo Geo Pocket adapter myself!

[@tatertot64]

TDNC, MLiG, AND Game Sack in my feed all covering the same new product? Bless!

[@ViolentDetour]

Well I'm sold! I want this thing!