My review of the Analogue Pocket
Welcome everybody!
This is my first real blog entry, and I’m still not entirely sure what to cover. I was going to wait a bit longer, but I really felt like making a post, so here we are! The first topic is one of my latest obsessions: my first FPGA device, the Analogue Pocket.
Dragon Quest Monsters gameplay, Mike recommended me this one. (It’s a criminally underrated classic ~ Mike)
What Is an FPGA?
If you’re reading this, I assume you already know what an FPGA device is. But just in case, here’s a quick TL;DR:
FPGA stands for Field-Programmable Gate Array. Think of it like a box of Legos that can be rearranged into any shape or function you need, while a CPU is like a pre-built Lego brick that does one specific task. In short: an FPGA can be custom-built for specific purposes and is extremely efficient and fast. A CPU, on the other hand, is easier to program for, but it has to follow strict step-by-step instructions, making it less efficient at specialized tasks.
That’s a really simplified explanation, and it barely scratches the surface of what FPGAs can do. (Shoutout to the FPGA Discord for helping me learn this stuff.)
Why FPGA Tech Is Cool
FPGA technology lets me play tons of old video games on hardware that replicates the exact functions of the original consoles. In many ways, it’s even better. For example, the Analogue Pocket’s screen is, in my opinion, way nicer than the Game Boy Advance SP’s—it has much better contrast! (To be clear, I’m not trashing the SP; I still love it and plan to go back and forth between it and the Pocket once I get a flashcart.)
I'm also saving up for the MiSTer FPGA, which supports a huge range of consoles with near-perfect hardware-level accuracy, unlike software emulation, which you might know from things like Snes9x or RetroArch.
On Emulation, Latency, and Why It Matters
Software emulation has come a long way. For example, RetroArch has a feature called “runahead” (for certain cores), which significantly reduces input latency. The downside? It doesn’t work with every core and can slow down your system depending on your specs.
For slow-paced games like JRPGs, latency isn't a big deal. But for fast games like Mega Man X or rhythm games, it’s huge. The Mega Man X Legacy Collection on Steam has terrible user reviews just because of input lag. That’s why I no longer use PCSX2 despite its improvements. Latency is still an issue.
A few years ago, I compared playing Mega Man X4 on my CRT TV via real hardware vs. RetroArch on my PC. I’d grown so used to RA, but the CRT felt SO much better. That experience changed how I look at emulation entirely.
The first Megaman Zero game for the GBA. Showcasing A.P.'s display option
Should You Ditch Emulators for FPGA or CRT?
Don’t rush out to buy a MiSTer FPGA or a CRT TV until you’ve weighed the options. Most people today play on PCs, phones, or even inferior remasters and don’t notice the lag. Input latency is real and measurable (1 frame ≈ 15–16ms), but whether you notice it is personal. Controllers and wireless connections add lag too, so a “perfect setup” is rare.
For me, perfection is:
Original console + wired controller + CRT
RetroArch with runahead on a CRT
OLED monitor
LCD monitor with RetroArch + runahead
Even without runahead, you can still enjoy most games. I’ve beaten plenty of games on PCSX2 despite the input delay. But when I return to real hardware, the difference is noticeable.
FPGA Is the Future of Game Preservation
Software emulation has been around for decades. It's convenient but flawed. Some systems, like the N64 or Saturn, still have poor emulation quality. So what do you do? Buy original consoles and either spend a fortune on physical games or invest in flashcarts (e.g., EverDrive)?
For Saturn, you'd need to mod it with something like the “Fenrir” ODE to run games off an SD card. Why? Because aging disc drives are dying, and SD cards are easier on the hardware. But all this adds up:
N64 + EverDrive = hundreds of dollars
Saturn + Fenrir = $400–$500
Then I discovered FPGA.
MiSTer FPGA: One Device to Rule Them All
The MiSTer FPGA uses “cores” (basically hardware-level emulators) and can play up to Saturn and N64 titles, plus SNES, Genesis, NES, GBA, GBC, and more. A full setup costs around $450 (if you buy direct). Scalpers charge more, but if you're patient, you can snag one under $500.
Compared to buying multiple modded consoles and accessories, the MiSTer is a money-saver and a preservationist’s dream.
There are also FPGA devices in development that play actual cartridges (unlike MiSTer, which runs ROMs off SD cards). Great for collectors who want that tactile experience.
The Analogue Pocket
Right now, I own one FPGA device: the Analogue Pocket.
Originally, it only played Game Boy, GBC, and GBA cartridges. But now (thanks to OpenFPGA) you can run ROMs from an SD card, with cores for SNES, Genesis, NES, Neo Geo, CPS1, and more. Some limitations exist (e.g., no save states or sleep for most cores), but it’s incredible for a handheld.
I already loved the Pocket when it was cartridge-only, but now that I can take Shining Force II to the bathroom? Yeah… we’re getting married in the spring.
Comparisons, Bugs & Gripes
The A.P.'s screen is truly wonderful. I’ve gotta mod my SP now.
Here’s my Pocket next to my loud red SP, both running Super Robot Taisen: Original Generations 2. While purists may prefer a modded SP’s IPS screen, my aging eyes love the A.P.’s contrast and size.
Some caveats:
Most non-GB cores don’t support save states or sleep mode.
GBA cores lack RTC (you’ll need real carts or a flashcart for timed events).
The SD card slot is small, awkward, and prone to launching the card across the room.
The d-pad and shoulder buttons are divisive—I’ve had no real issues though.
One bug: after charging, I sometimes get static when loading cores. Re-seating the SD card or loading a different game usually fixes it.
Despite these issues, the build quality, screen, and sound are S-tier. Way better than playing GBC/GBA on a 3DS. And the visual options (like CRT Trinitron + Integer Scaling) make it an aesthetic dream.
Is It Worth the Price?
That depends.
For me? Absolutely.
For most people? Probably not.
Why? Because most people don’t notice input lag or care about save states and sleep mode. If you just want a way to play GB/GBC/GBA games, the Pocket is excellent, especially if you still own cartridges. Everything else (SNES, Genesis, etc.) is a bonus.
But if those extras are make-or-break for you, be aware that not all cores offer full features yet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re going to buy an Analogue Pocket:
Get expedited shipping—standard shipping is glacial (especially if you're on the East Coast).
Buy the official charging block—it charges way faster than a generic phone brick. I got lucky and found my old Switch charger, which works great.
That’s all for now. I can’t say when the next blog post will be, but I’d like to keep these meaningful instead of just posting for the sake of it. I’ve already got an idea for the next topic, so stay tuned.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got games to play.
