Games @lemmy.world Agent Karyo @lemmy.world 2mo ago

$500 aluminum version of the Analogue Pocket looks like the Game Boy’s final form

arstechnica.com $500 aluminum version of the Analogue Pocket looks like the Game Boy’s final form

Other Pocket iterations have stuck to colorful (and cheaper) plastic.

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I mean it's fancy, but als pointless since that's the price point of a Steam Deck, a strictly superior device.
- I have a steam deck, and have used a friend's analogue pocket. They aren't even the same category of device, and the analogue is literally the best emulation experience I've ever used. The screen, by itself, is a better emulation experience for GBC games than the steam decks default experience.
  
  It is not a superior device by every metric.
  
  Yep, ask anyone who owns both. Nobody is playing a Gameboy game on a Steam Deck when they have an Analogue Pocket. Experience is much better, it just feels right on it.
  
  That being said, if that’s not an important thing to you then a Steam Deck will play Gameboy games with near perfect accuracy and no issues, as well as do a million other things. So it’s indisputably a better value.
  
  I would never pitch an Analogue Pocket at someone because if its the kind of thing you want, you already know about it and probably have one.
  
  and the analogue is literally the best emulation experience I've ever used
  
  The Analogue Pocket doesn't use emulation. That is literally the entire point of that device, and the reason they can charge 10 times as much as you would pay for an Anbernic device with the same form factor
- Unless you try and put it in your pocket
  
  I can fit my steam deck in my pocket, but only some pants. Nike makes a techfit line that can fit a tablet in your pocket.
  
  Get bigger pockets.
- It doesn't have an actual cartridge slot, so it's not strictly superior
  
  There are cartridge readers you can connect to your PC if you really want to.
I'd love to have one, but for way less than 500 bucks. Make it 100 and I'll think about it.
- Yeah can get a much more capable steam deck for that
  
  Or if you really want the feeling of playing those original CARTS on new hardware funny playing sells a GBC fpga board, shell and buttons for about $100. You just can't play GBA.
  
  If your concern is “value for dollar” you wouldn’t be buying an FPGA console in a limited edition material. Seems like a weird comparison. You can also get an R36S for like, $30 on AliExpress that will play everything from N64/PS1 and earlier.
  
  A standard Analogue Pocket is much cheaper, this is just an option for those that really want a metal shell. Also, a metal “unfolded” shell for a GBA SP (which is I’m sure is what inspired this offering) is like $150 so it’s not even that crazy a markup.
Why won't anyone make these with a GBA layout?
My old GBA was my favorite way to play Gameboy and GBC games because it's just easier to hold.
- Obviously piracy would be terrible and nobody would do it, but imagine how great GBC games would be on the Steam Deck if such a thing were possible! I'd probably play those pretty regularly!
  
  Playing GBA games on the Steam Deck and then going back to a real GBA is kind of hilarious. The GBA screen is even worse than I remember.
- Nostalgia based marketing.
- Anbernic has some GBA layout ones, although I'm pretty sure they're not aluminum
Weird response to plastic chipping issue on every Analogue Pocket after first batches.
- Newer, cheaper competitors like the FPGBC are finally muscling in on the Analogue Pocket's market, so I guess they’ve decided to double down on being the ‘premium option’.
  
  Eh, this doesn't top gold Analogue Nt they sold for $5k. It's Analogue being a bunch of goofs.
Is it going to be like the other Analogue products that basically are RTM and they won't ship for a year and then be out
I have a Steam Deck and love it... But part of me really likes the idea of the Pocket (not necessarily the aluminum one). It's rough, cuz I've never gotten into FPGA stuff before, and this run is going to be a one-time thing. I guess I'll hold off until the regular plastic ones are available again?
- But why? Just play the games on your deck.
  
  Specifically the form factor. I have a lot of nostalgia for the GBC and SP, and the smaller size means it's much easier to carry and whip out while traveling. Currently, my Steam Deck is used for when I'm on a long (6+ hours) flight or when I'm staying somewhere for a weekend. I don't feel great about bringing it out while taking a bus or train, and it's a bit much to bring out while sitting at an airport gate for 45 minutes.
  
  That being said, I would hate to split all my saves and progress between the two systems, so maybe I'll just remain on the Deck.
- RIP my impulsivity and FOMO. Ordered a black one. Though I may have an out, since my credit card company flagged it as fraud and said they cancelled the transaction.
I've always wanted a handheld digital device that I can beat someone to death with without breaking it. Thanks Nintendo!
- I've always wanted a handheld digital device that I can beat someone to death with without breaking it
  
  So, a Nokia 3310?
Just me or do aluminium buttons sound really uncomfortable?
- Why would they sound uncomfortable? Unless they don't refine the edges it shouldn't feel any worse than plastic buttons.
- Lots of cars have aluminum steering wheel and air conditioning buttons. They aren't uncomfortable at all
When Analogue 3D?

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