Hey do you remember the good old days of handheld gaming, where you had to squint at the 3 inch screen and change batteries every 2 hours? Well, retro gaming handhelds are back, and they have a much evolved since then. Now, with the release of devices such as the Analogue Pocket, the Evercade, and the Retroid Pocket, gamers can experience the glory days of retro consoles such as the Game Boy, Sega Genesis, and more, all on a device that's portable enough to fit in the palm of their hands.
But what is behind this resurgence of retro handheld gaming? For one, nostalgia is a mighty thing and many gamers grew up in the 80s and 90s have good memories of the games from their childhood. But beyond that, there has been a growing appreciation — especially during these last couple of years — for the accessibility and charm of those games, which tend to feature gameplay systems that are very easy to grasp but hard to set down.
Also contributing is the emergence of indie game developers, some of whom are making new games with retro-style graphics and gameplay. A retro handheld lets you play these games the way they were meant to be played– no dedicated console needed, no expensive hardware required. And retro handhelds also provide a level of customization and flexibility modern gaming devices can’t live up to.
So, whether you’re a hopeless retro gaming snob, or just want a way to play your classics and kill some time, retro gaming handhelds like the Analogue Pocket shouldn’t be met with too much disdain. With their classic gameplay, charming graphics, and portability, they provide a distinctive and enjoyable gaming experience that's difficult to come by elsewhere.
Overview of Analogue Pocket: specs and features
The Analogue Pocket is a retro gaming handheld that plays games from various classic consoles, like the Game Boy, the Game Boy Color, and the Game Boy Advance. But this is not just any retro handheld — it's a well-made, premium gadget that's meant to be used.
But before that, we need to discuss the screen. The Analogue Pocket boasts a 3.5 inch, 615 ppi LCD display to make your games look sharp and vibrant with no blurriness or pixelation many retro handhelds suffer from. Then the display has scratch resistant tempered prevention glass so you don't need to scared of damaging it if you drop your device accidentally.
Behind the scenes, the Analogue Pocket runs on a custom FPGA, short for field-programmable gate array. In layman terms, the device is built to mimic the original hardware of the consoles it is compatible with, meaning your games will run as smoothly and accurately as they did on the consoles they were originally made for.
The Analogue Pocket offers a selection of buttons and inputs as controls. It comes with a D-pad, A and B buttons, Start and Select buttons, and twin shoulder buttons. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery that lets you play for up to 10 hours on a single charge, so you can take your gaming on the go without the fear of running out of juice.
But the Analogue Pocket’s versatility really distinguishes it from other retro handhelds. While the device can now play games from the Game Boy family of consoles, it can also run cartridges from systems like the Neo Geo Pocket Color and the Atari Lynx, with some additional adapters. Plus, you’ll be able to hook up the Analogue Pocket to your TV or computer via HDMI, meaning you can get your game on a bigger screen when you’re at home.
Overall, the Analogue Pocket is an excellent retro gaming handheld, with a feature set to match and enough build quality to last well into the future. So whether you're an insatiable retro gamer or you just need a way to kill some time with nostalgia, this one is definitely worth a look.
Analogue Pocket vs Other Retro Handhelds: Pricing, Compatibility, and More
The Analogue Pocket is just one of a slew of retro gaming handhelds currently on the market, and many of you will be wondering how it compares to the competition. If you're looking to compare Analogue's Pocket to other retro handhelds, here are some key considerations.
Price is a major consideration for many gamers, and it’s true that the Analogue Pocket happens to be one of the pricier retro handhelds available. It isn't cheap at around US$200, but… That said, this is a high-end device with tons of features, and also if you're a serious retro gaming enthusiast, you might be willing to pay the price.
Compatibility is also a major consideration. Though the Analogue Pocket is made to play Game Boy games by default, it can handle cartridges from a number of other systems too, including the Neo Geo Pocket Color, the Atari Lynx, with extra adapters. Others are less of a multi-systems affair, as seen with some retro handhelds like the Evercade, so it goes to show you have options.
The Analogue Pocket's screen quality is one area where it truly excels. You get what is pretty much the best display of any retro handheld in a pin-sharp high-resolution LCD. Compared to other retro handhelds, which might feature smaller or lower-quality screens that make it tricky to really enjoy your games, this is a pretty sizeable upgrade.
Another important consideration is controls. For gamers who are used to the layout of the original Game Boy, the Analogue Pocket has a cornucopia of buttons and inputs designed to mimic that aspect of the hardware, which can be a major plus. Of course, some other retro handhelds have different control schemes that might suit you better.
Alternative #4: Last but NOT least, don't sleep on the overall build quality/durability of device as well Build quality is excellent, with a durable body, tempered glass that resists scratches, and the Analogue Pocket is designed to last. Other retro handhelds might be less durable, particularly if an item uses lower quality materials.
How to Protect Your Analogue Pocket Screen
The Analogue Pocket is a gorgeous device and you're going to want to keep it pristine for as long as you can. One of the best ways to help with that is to use a screen protector to reduce scratches or other damage to the display.
Here are a few factors to help you choose your Analogue Pocket screen protector. To ensure a perfect fit and optimal protection, first and foremost, make sure that the protector you choose is designed for the Analogue Pocket.
Screen protectors come in a couple of varieties, such as plastic-film protectors and tempered-glass ones. Plastic film protectors generally cost less and are easier to install than tempered glass, but they may not provide as much protection. The tempered glass protectors, costing a bit more money, will tend to be stronger and can provide even more protection when dropped or hooked.
Regardless of the screen protector type you decide on, just apply it carefully, making certain that it adheres appropriately and does not leave any gaps or bubbles behind. You’ll also want to ensure that the protector doesn’t inhibit the touch sensitivity of the screen or the clarity of the display.
Apart from a screen protector there are a few other ways you can keep your Analogue Pocket screen safe. Simple steps are always ensuring your device is in a protective case when not in use. It protects the device from scratches and other damage in case of accidental drops or impacts.
Another step is to handle your device carefully. Do not put it in pockets or bags with sharp objects or loose change because they can scrub or hurt the screen. And always use a clean, soft cloth to wipe the screen clean, because harsh chemicals or abrasive materials can do damage over time.
So far, so good — with just a little care and attention, you should be able to keep your Analogue Pocket screen looking great for years to come. Make sure that you apply a high-quality screen protector and take time in proper caring of your device so that it lasts for the longest time possible.
Analogue Pocket Accessories Will You Need
If you're interested in accessorizing your Analogue Pocket, there are a wide variety of options to select from. One critical accessory that you must have is a screen protector. The screen of the Analogue Pocket is one of the most important parts of the device and during gameplay, it can easily get scratched or damaged with your hands.
Using a screen protector can protect the screen from scratches, smashes and damage. From plastic films to tempered glass protectors, there is a wide variety of different screen protectors. Others even feature anti-glare properties, making it easier to see in bright lighting conditions.
You might also consider a protective case as a second accessory. Various cases exist, which are tailored explicitly for the Analogue Pocket. Some of those smartphone cases are made of silicone and meant to simply slip over the device, while others are more rugged and provide more thorough protection. A protective case will defend your Analogue Pocket against bumps, scratches and drops, and will also make it more comfortable to take your device on the go.
For those interested in improving their own gaming experience, there are also a range of other accessories for the Analogue Pocket. Consider adding a wireless controller, which can make gameplay much more comfortable and inuitive. Controllers can be simple Bluetooth devices or robust devices with configurable buttons and features.
You may also wish to bring a power bank. This can especially be helpful if you're going to use your device for long gaming sessions or when you're on the road and don't have access to an outlet. Whether on the go or at home, it helps to have your Analogue Pocket charged at all times, and that's where a power bank can come in handy.
These can include items such as custom skins or decals to add some personality to your device, extra cables and adapters to use your device with other stuff around you, and even carrying cases or bags to make picking up your Analogue Pocket and all its stuff easier.
Should You Buy the Analogue Pocket? Final Verdict
Your insights around all of this will be shaped by your own requirements and preferences, and as such, whether or not the Analogue Pocket itself is for you, having taken in the specifications, features, thought process involved with the user experience and how it measures up to other retro handhelds while being on the show floor, is entirely down to you.
If you want to play nearly any retro game with fabulous accuracy and impressive visuals on a high-quality handheld then the Analogue Pocket is well within your sights. With a high-resolution screen, powerful hardware, and support for various cartridges and adapters, it is an excellent option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
But if you don't need all of the expected bells and whistles or if you're working with a Super Nintendo budget, there are alternatives that might suit you better. But it's only for the aficionados: the Analogue Pocket is a pricier device than some of its retro brethren out there, and its advanced capabilities can be overkill for the casual gamer.
In the end it comes down to personal needs and considerations as to whether the Analogue Pocket is a good fit for you. The Analogue Pocket is nothing short of a great investment for retro gaming for those who appreciate accuracy, versatility and stunning visuals. And if you do choose the Analogue Pocket, remember to purchase a screen protector and other accessories to keep the device safe and well-functioning!
