Had the Analogue Pocket for a while now — finally made a video comparing it

[SkinnyBoi]

I’ve had the Pocket for about a year now, and it still blows me away every time I use it. The screen is insane, the build quality feels premium, and playing my old carts on something this polished just hits different.

I’ve been meaning to make something on it for a while, and I finally did—a full video comparing the Pocket to original hardware like the AGS-101, DS Lite, and even some of the cheaper Chinese handhelds. I tried to cover everything: compatibility, display quality, comfort, battery life, and how each option holds up in 2025.

If you're thinking about picking one up (or deciding whether to stick with your OG hardware), hopefully this helps make the decision easier. Would love to hear what others are using these days too.

Link for the vid:

 

[cutthroatcody]

Great video, man! Threw you a sub as well

 

[SkinnyBoi]

Aww, thanks a bunch, @cutthroatcody! I've been on YouTube on an on-and-off basis, but I just can't help myself every time I get my hands on a new retro gaming system. I just want to talk about the thing! I noticed that you're on YouTube as well. I've been a huge fan of WWE, so your content is up my alley! I subbed as well!

 

[Nelson2001 Nelson2001]

I haven't tried that console but it looks like a modern version of the Game Boy that supports the vast majority of GB, GBC and GBA games obviously speaking.

 

[SkinnyBoi]

@Nelson2001 Yes, it's a bit complicated in terms of technology, but it's basically a device that features a re-configurable CPU/GPU that you can set to run GBA/GBC/GB games as if they were running on a real device. Same deal with SNES, Genesis, and NEO-GEO. Really cool piece of kit, but frankly, a bit too steep in terms of pricing. Still worth it if you're in the market for near-perfect compatibility with OEM carts.

 

[Egg (McMuffin) Man]

I genuinely believe that the Analogue Pocket is the best Game Boy. I used to be skeptical of it but one day my friend brought his along when we were hanging out and the moment I saw that gorgeous screen I fell in love. Thankfully this was before the translucent models went on sale and I was able to snag the translucent red when the sales went live. I've had it for a while now and I still really, really love it.

My only real complaint about it is the cartridge slot. It's a bit too tight so I'm worried about the labels of some of my games getting messed up so I'm always super careful about inserting them. I should probably just make an slot extender or something.

Also because of the slot extender I don't dare use this thing with my (modded) Game Boy Camera. I use the FPGBC for that.

 

[cutthroatcody]

Aww, thanks a bunch, @cutthroatcody! I've been on YouTube on an on-and-off basis, but I just can't help myself every time I get my hands on a new retro gaming system. I just want to talk about the thing! I noticed that you're on YouTube as well. I've been a huge fan of WWE, so your content is up my alley! I subbed as well!

Appreciate it much so! I just got a upgrade to my setup, so I'll be having some more caps from my tape collection going up. We'll also have some in ring tutorials going up soon.

 

[aquova]

I genuinely believe that the Analogue Pocket is the best Game Boy. I used to be skeptical of it but one day my friend brought his along when we were hanging out and the moment I saw that gorgeous screen I fell in love. Thankfully this was before the translucent models went on sale and I was able to snag the translucent red when the sales went live. I've had it for a while now and I still really, really love it.

My only real complaint about it is the cartridge slot. It's a bit too tight so I'm worried about the labels of some of my games getting messed up so I'm always super careful about inserting them. I should probably just make an slot extender or something.

Also because of the slot extender I don't dare use this thing with my (modded) Game Boy Camera. I use the FPGBC for that.

I pretty much agree with you completely. It's not cheap by any means, but I think it's definitely the best way certainly to play real hardware copies, and probably amongst the best if you're just playing ROMs. I haven't had any issues with my slot feeling too tight, but how far the cartridge sticks out has always made me nervous. I understand why they did so, given it has to fit Game Gear/etc. adapters and have room for L/R buttons, but it's still a bit odd.

My one wish for it is that they'd come out with a Wonderswan adapter, the same way they did for Game Gear/Neo Geo/Lynx.

 

[PhrawzT]

I pretty much agree with you completely. It's not cheap by any means, but I think it's definitely the best way certainly to play real hardware copies, and probably amongst the best if you're just playing ROMs. I haven't had any issues with my slot feeling too tight, but how far the cartridge sticks out has always made me nervous. I understand why they did so, given it has to fit Game Gear/etc. adapters and have room for L/R buttons, but it's still a bit odd.

My one wish for it is that they'd come out with a Wonderswan adapter, the same way they did for Game Gear/Neo Geo/Lynx.

I would love a Wonderswan adapter since mine died on me last year. I have been wanting to get the TG-16 adapter, but I don't want to pay $100 and get the Lynx and Neo Geo Pocket adapters that I will never use.

Overall the system is amazing and definitely the best way to play Gameboy games. I have found that the Game Gear adapter is very finicky and often times will take several tries to get games to run on it.