This article is about the Analogue Pocket.
I’ve been using it for about two months, so I wanted to share my review.
This article is aimed at people who aren’t really familiar with retro game consoles but are curious about the Analogue Pocket.
I say this because I was exactly that kind of person—someone who didn’t know much about retro consoles but wanted to try out the Analogue Pocket.
I first came across the Analogue Pocket through a YouTube video.
Apparently, there’s a device that lets you play the Game Boy I loved as a kid… but on a beautiful, crisp screen!
And it can play games from the original Game Boy all the way up to Game Boy Advance.
I knew I wanted it!
But… it also seemed kind of complicated.
Do I need to update the firmware before I can even play it?
Wait, what even is firmware?
And some Game Boy cartridges have built-in batteries, and if those batteries are dead, you can’t save your game!?
Hmm… this sounds like a hassle.
I didn’t really understand everything, but I just wanted to try it anyway!
I almost gave up at one point, but I couldn’t resist and ended up buying it.
About Analogue Pocket
Before diving into the review, let me give a quick overview.
In short, it’s a console that lets you play Game Boy games.
The amazing thing is, you can actually take the old cartridges you used to play and pop them right into the device.
One of its standout features is the screen—it’s incredibly sharp and beautiful.
For example, when I boot up Pokémon Card GB, it looks like this:
Absolutely gorgeous…
As for the specs, here’s what you get:
Analogue Pocket – Exterior Review
Build material
The shell is made of plastic, with a matte finish that gives it a slightly premium feel.
Button feel
Pressing the buttons feels just like the old days.
It brings back memories of playing on the Game Boy as a kid—so nostalgic.
Durability
The buttons do wear down a little over time.
It might just be at the beginning, but you’ll notice some tiny bits coming off.
Screen fragility
You need to be careful with the screen.
Since the LCD goes all the way to the edges, dropping it could easily crack the display.
Setting Up the Analogue Pocket
One of my biggest worries was the setup. I wondered if I’d need to go through a bunch of steps before I could even start playing.
But the good news is—you don’t.
Just insert a cartridge
Press Play Cartridge
And you’re ready to go.
So even without updating the firmware, you can still enjoy your games right away.
Updates are only needed if you want access to newer features, which you can always try later once you’re comfortable.
Using the Analogue Pocket – My Review
So, how is it when you actually play?
In one word: amazing.
It instantly brought back the excitement I felt playing Game Boy as a kid.
Honestly, I’m really glad I bought it.
Pokémon Yellow Version
Pikachu is still as adorable as ever.
Pokémon Card GB
Still just as fun and surprisingly deep.
Wigglytuff is as strong as ever!
And this time, I finally managed to beat the Thunder Deck that gave me so much trouble back in elementary school.
Shaman King Card Game
This one sparked a huge craze when I was in school.
Playing it now takes me right back to that hype.
Medabots
Another game I used to play endlessly with friends.
The memories come flooding back the moment I pick it up.
About the Built-in Cartridge Batteries
Now, here comes the tricky part: the built-in batteries inside the cartridges.
I dug up some of my old games from my parents’ house.
Most of them were bought between 1996 and 2002.
So, how many of them still work today?
Pokémon Card GB
No issues—saves just fine.
Shaman King Card Game
Also fine—saves work.
Pokémon Sapphire
Saves still work, but… the clock function is dead.
Since the in-game clock is an important feature, this basically makes it unplayable.
Medabots 2
No problems here.
Medabots Navi
Unfortunately, this one doesn’t save at all.
Overall, about 20% of my cartridges had dead batteries.
The good news is, it turns out you can replace the batteries.
You’ll need these specific replacement batteries, and a soldering iron to do the job.
Most of the time, the batteries used in Game Boy cartridges are button cells like CR1616 or CR2025.
It sounds like a hassle, but if you really want to bring your old favorites back to life, that’s the only way.
I’ll probably give it a try someday.
Final Thoughts
The Analogue Pocket is easy to use—you can start playing without dealing with complicated setup.
That said, be aware of cartridge battery life. In my case, around 20% of the old games I tested had dead batteries.
Even with that downside, the experience of physically inserting a cartridge and playing on real hardware is just unbeatable. It feels authentic, and honestly, it reminded me why I love games in the first place.
It’s not cheap, but I can honestly say it was worth the purchase.
Afterword – Is Playing Games Really a Bad Thing?
A while back, I actually wrote an article questioning whether playing games was “bad.”
At the time, I was hooked on mobile games and couldn’t quit, so I decided to stop gaming altogether.
But after revisiting games through the Analogue Pocket, my perspective has shifted a little.
I’ve realized games can actually be beneficial as a way to relax.
After a long day, they help me switch gears—shifting my body from fight-or-flight mode into a calmer state.
One of the biggest changes I noticed: I wake up less often in the middle of the night.
Of course, playing for hours on end still has its downsides.
It eats into time you should be spending on other things, and too much can leave you drained rather than refreshed.
For me, around 30 minutes feels just right.
What concerns me most are modern mobile games designed to keep players hooked for as long as possible.
They’re free to download, but the companies monetize them by making players dependent over time.
The strategies are so sophisticated that it’s hard for players to truly control their playtime.
That’s why I think older, cartridge-based games hit a sweet spot.
They’re fun without being overwhelming—and for me, they’ve become the perfect tool for relaxation.
Thank you for reading until the end, That’s all for this review.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a DM or leave a comment.
Sayonara
