New release date and detailed specs for the ultimate Game Boy

Last October, Analogue teased a revolution in the hand-held console industry: the Pocket is set to become the new Game Boy, eclipsing everything that has come before. Retro gamers eagerly lapped up any leaked pictures and possible specs. Since then, the community waited in vain for official pictures, further details or a possible release date. This has now been definitively confirmed, while still causing displeasure: due to the Corona pandemic, this year's planned release has been postponed to May 2021. Pre-orders, however, can be made as early as August 3rd on the Analogue website, where latest news about the Pocket has been published. While the price hasn't changed at all, Analogue slightly adapted the look of the mini-console.

Deeper insights into the hardware

The noble hand-held will be able to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advanced games. With the appropriate adapters, games from the Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx and Neo Geo Pocket Color will also run. In addition, the Analogue Pocket's separately available dock should have one USB-C, two USB-A and one 1080p HDMI port, so you can bring your games to the TV. Thanks to DAC support, you can even connect old tube TVs to the dock. The retro console itself is said to cost just under 200 dollars. But to get the matching luxury docking/charging station, you'll have to add-on 100 bucks. For another $30, you'll get a see-through cover. This means that the handheld can no longer be controlled, but protected against damage and soiling as an exhibition and collector's item.

There is something special about this new model. Based on FPGA technology preferred by retro fans, it doesn't simply emulate the hardware via software, but enables an authentic gaming experience through programmed chips. The Analogue Pocket will only play original modules and no ROMs despite the built-in MicroSD slot. The Seattle developers don't want to make the old better, but give a classic the most beautiful stage possible. Another addition to the device, aside from the high-quality workmanship, is a high-end LCD display with an overkill resolution of 1600 × 1440 pixels and 615 ppi for a 3.5-inch screen diagonal, with games being upscaled. The screen can also be rotated 360 degrees, allowing horizontal playing.

For retro enthusiasts and DJs

The Analogue Pocket isn't just for gamers, but also for musicians. You can connect headphones via the 3.5 mm connector. The real feat is the built-in digital audio workstation called Nanoloop. It's a synthesizer and sequencer that allows you to create your own music and perform it live. The retro handheld supports native connections for MIDI controllers and laptops. Analogue offers corresponding cables – for 20 dollars a piece. You can connect the Pocket to your Mac or PC with the MIDI USB-A cable and sync Nanoloop with any digital audio workstation or music software. The MIDI-IN cable allows the connection of keyboards, synthesizers and the like. External hardware can be connected via an analogue sync cable, while the pocket link cable allows you to connect two pockets.

Another feature that retro gamers will love: the screen supports variable frame rates and can therefore be optimised for all handheld systems. There will be original modes for each game, like a Game Boy mode in the familiar green and one in colour for Game Boy Color games. In addition, like the Nintendo Switch, the Analogue Pocket includes a standby mode that allows you to continue playing paused games without interruption when you turn it on again. With 8BitDo Bluetooth or 2.4g controllers, you can play wirelessly with up to four friends. Two further control units can be connected via USB-A. The 4300 mAh strong lithium-ion battery is enough for six to ten hours of gaming fun. The design has also been improved: the glass is 1.5 mm thick gorilla glass, and the start, menu and home buttons are no longer located at the bottom right, but are now positioned in the middle.

Patience is a classic virtue

The confirmation of previously leaked specs as well as all the new technical insights show that the wait will be worthwhile for retro gaming fans. Even though postponing to the middle of next year will strain the patience of many console aficionados, they're looking forward to the hyped release. Compared to the conventional Game Boy, the Analogue Pocket can do a lot more, comes in a nice and valuable package and offers a screen that no handheld console has been able to call its own before. You don't have to be an oracle to predict that this thing will be extremely popular and therefore probably sold out even faster.

I don't know if and when you can order the Analogue Pocket from Digitec Galaxus. To make sure that you won't miss out on it and that you can order it comfortably from us, our category management will do everything to find a few copies. As soon as it's ready and available in our shop, you'll know. If you don't want to miss out on this or other retro gaming or tech trends, follow me by clicking on the «Follow author» button on my profile.