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Analogue Pocket

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Comments

  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    If it's accuracy they are after it will need to run flashcarts.

    I think they are just a bit too in love with themselves.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,029 ✭✭✭Colonel Panic


    It's just pretentious wording rather than a statement that they'll somehow stop flashcarts, right?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,275 ✭✭✭bugs


    None of the analogue systems support ROMS. The jailbreak firmware that releases simultaneously with official firmware and [sarcasm] ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT [/sarcasm] come from analogue themselves works just fine. I expect the pocket will continue this trend.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,755 ✭✭✭Inviere


    Very much so, they'd be insane to actively put effort into blocking such carts. It's probably worded this way to appeal to anoraks with money, and indeed keep the spotlight off them from ip holders?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Pockets apparently shipping 2nd week in December with an aim for delivery between middle of December and before New Year's.

    Busy period obviously for phased shipments, but good to finally see some movement.



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Got the email. Shipping begins 13th December but will be shipped throughout December. Most likely won't arrive this year.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Dec 14th 4pm for pre-orders opening again.

    Price increase to 220 dollars though, with expected windows below

    Group A: Q1 2022

    Group B: Q4 2022

    Group C: 2023

    Won't be many end-user impressions to work on before that preorder date unfortunately. Should be some media reviews the day before.



  • Registered Users Posts: 120 ✭✭Wikidy


    Starting to love the simplicity of the really good GB games that still hold up today. Pickup and play for 15 mins. But atm an expensive bit of kit to play tetris/ pokemon red in sunlight.

    What would 220 dollars + shipping & import equate to?



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 34,630 CMod ✭✭✭✭CiDeRmAn


    I'd love one of these but can't stand the ordering system.

    Might give it a go on the day of it but, I'd say it'll be impossible to get one next year



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    More than likely looking at 50 dollars shipping if they follow normal practice......so looking about 240-250 euro.

    Obviously haven't factored in the import fees after that but that's something to worry about whenever it ships which could be a long while. Last year, there was that tariff ding dong between the EU and US which meant you ended up paying half the total cost again as gaming devices were captured in the furore, but believe that was resolved, but don't quote me on that. Paid just under a third of total for something 6 months back, so expect similar.

    Not an insignificant investment so depends how much use one would get from it, plus its up front of a potential long delay, but to be fair to Analogue, I've never heard of any issue with regard to refunds on cancellation etc



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Looks like MVG had his clock set wrong and broke the embargo. Was only halfway through it myself so didn't get to the bad points. Imagine it'll be reuploaded in an hour.



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    John Linneman at DF is impressed. Hopefully makes that customs charge easier to swallow.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,755 ✭✭✭Inviere


    A fellow Linneman fangirl? Watched his vid last night, he's actually convinced me at this point!



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Yep. Love his videos. He knows his retro games (Wrote a few articles for HG101 too according to Kurt) and his analysis is spot on. I don't always agree with his views on modern games, he can be a bit too lenient, but I always love to hear his take on it.

    But most of all it was John's glowing ranting about Ace Combat 7 that made me take a chance on that game. He's turned my attention to a fair few retro games I'd have dismissed as well.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,253 ✭✭✭✭o1s1n
    Master of the Universe


    Do you have one on order? Sure you hate handhelds, sell it to me once it arrives! :D

    They really do look absolutely gorgeous, I'd buy one just for playing my NGP games.



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  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Doesn't look like it will ship with NGP support. That's to come later next year with the adapter which I'm hoping doesn't sell out immediately because it's one I'm really looking forward to using on it.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,029 ✭✭✭Colonel Panic


    Whatever about the hardware, the adapters can’t possibly be something they can’t meet demand with. A PCB and some injection moulded plastic.

    Other small manufacturers can keep a modest supply going.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,277 ✭✭✭KeRbDoG


    Won't this end up being 'jail broken' and people will just load ROMs off the SDCard?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,755 ✭✭✭Inviere


    No none on order, currently. I had a long debate with myself last night, to'ing and fro'ing over it. I'm not a fan of handheld games really....but that Linneman fella....he sold me that it's now the defacto way to experience these games, above and beyond screen mods on original hardware. Maybe I would enjoy the games better without the awful 90's screen tech? The hardware itself is absolutely beautiful, that screen. So in the end, I decided I think I want one (a white one)...because I want to get a Mister Multisystem at some point too, and this is the best way to cap off this era of handheld gaming too.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,755 ✭✭✭Inviere


    Well that was easy.....oops....



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Pity there's still no sign of the adapters. Analogue's usual communication levels means next to no information about when.

    Seems they're handling the actual pre-ordering a lot better this time around, though I hope people are well prepared that they could have a long wait ahead of them once they get put into assigned groups in a couple days etc



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Welcome to the dark side.



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 34,630 CMod ✭✭✭✭CiDeRmAn


    I was tempted momentarily, but pulled myself together, remembering I have the Playdate and Steamdeck both on preorder and due for delivery in Q1 '22



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,755 ✭✭✭Inviere




  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 34,630 CMod ✭✭✭✭CiDeRmAn


    Oh I want one, but I want the Playdate and Steam Deck more!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Really hope Analogue follow through on the warnings they've put in place around preorders being sold on eBay, such as cancellation of orders or reassignment to the back of the queue etc. How well they can enforce it I don't know, but one would hope.

    It was bad enough in recent weeks seeing the original batch preorders showing up again for 1k as they'll be delivered soon, but seeing the likes of this appearing with the paid total visible is so annoying......hope anyone ignoring these and preordering on site jumps ahead of this lot.




  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Two per customer was a mistake but there's always ways around these things. I feel lucky I got mine.



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Got a shipping notification!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,725 ✭✭✭The Last Bandit


    Interesting read on their interaction with the mGBA emulator dev

    https://endrift.com/2021/12/13/analogue-pocket-hate-story/



  • Registered Users Posts: 321 ✭✭Mucashinto


    Mine’s delayed in Dublin atm and got an invoice emailed to me to be paid immediately where 45% of the total was FedEx charges.

    Got on to their chat to complain and the rep said the delay was due to a backlog and it would be delivered without me taking any action.

    Not sure if he’s right tbh but would feel sick to pay up to FedEx so easily. A new category called ‘other charges’ since I last got something through them. Must be nice for them!



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  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Yeah I got the same. 68 euro customs turns into 130 euro fee.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,253 ✭✭✭✭o1s1n
    Master of the Universe


    So wait, you've already paid for Fedex's postal charge and now they're adding 45% on top of 68 euro custom's charge in addition? And here was me giving out about the 3.50 An Post admin fee!! that's scandalous.



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    It's for all the hard work it takes to get the package through customs and the privilege of them holding it on to the package as well as indignity they have to endure.

    It would be nice to tell them to **** off and you'll ring customs yourself and pay the bill and to not bother their arse with their 'extra service'.

    They even give a break down of what every charge is for in the bill which amounts to doing very little when you read into it.



  • Registered Users Posts: 321 ✭✭Mucashinto


    Technically it's 90% they've added on top!

    Mine breaks down to €74 in customs, and an additional €64 to FedEx for the 'convenience' of them paying/handling it for me.

    Scandalous is the word. Pretty sure it's very shaky legally as well - I have no contract with FedEx, that's with Analogue. I may owe the state some money, that's a different matter.

    All for a package that was supposed to arrive yesterday before 12pm and currently has no estimated delivery date. Swines.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    I believe the 'other charges' is the extra 25% levy on top of the standard import rate put in place as part of the tariff war between the US and EU that came into effect last year. Was related to airline subsidies originally if I recall correctly, but a number of other commodities were captured in the penalty.....one of which was unfortunately video game consoles.

    Found that out to great cost last year importing a NT Mini, which if it had shipped on the original release date would have avoided it, but because the tariffs came into place in Nov (I think), it got stung. Had another import earlier this year that didn't get penalised, but it turns out that there was only a 4-5 month suspension of the trade dispute around the middle of the year, so its back in effect since late summer. I've heard of a number of people challenging the charge with some lucky managing to escape in all the confusion, others having their items delayed, and in at least one unverified case of unpaid fees, the NT was sent back to Analogue as, technically the FedEx shipping contract lies with the shipper, not the receiver. Dunno how true that was bit sounds like a nightmare situation. Certainly their handling charge is somewhat exorbitant considering the upfront fee, so always hear about people challenging that. Get a supervisor on the phone on a good day and they probably don't want the hassle :)

    Haven't had a chance to check out the Pocket yet. Arrived yesterday, but work has me tied up so won't be able to check it out till tomorrow or so hopefully. After waiting this long, sure what's another couple days.


    Edit - quick Google about the suspension here. Obviously never resolved it in the end.......or they did, and FedEx are taking the proverbial piss.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Hopefully decent news of an arrival some point next year for nearly anyone who ordered on the 14th



  • Registered Users Posts: 321 ✭✭Mucashinto


    Ah, I had no idea about that, maybe I was being unfair to them so. The last thing from the US I got was the mega sg where the $240 cost incurred €55 charges. This time $350 had €138, just assumed it was FedEx being robbing b*st*ds lol.

    Got an update today to say it had cleared customs and would be delivered Monday so I’ll see what happens. No rush to set it up either really and might leave it for something to do over Christmas tbh but relieved to see such positive reviews for it all around. Was a little wary of Analogue making something that had to feel good in the hand/in use rather than sitting on a shelf.

    I got a mister in the last year so the dock isn’t as big a draw anymore, not sure if I’ll even open it tbh. Will wait to see what happens in regards to cores probably.

    Otherwise just regretting I didn’t go for the white version. Thought the bezels might be more noticeable on it, or worse there would be a screen gap, but it looks stuuuuunnning.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,188 ✭✭✭deadl0ck


    Why not just buy this one on adverts.ie - only 800 Euro - Bargain !

    https://www.adverts.ie/arcade-retro/analogue-pocket-black/25650639

    That should probably go into the dreamer of the year thread



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,982 ✭✭✭ObeyGiant


    Got an email from Fedex this afternoon saying I owed €183 on this delivery.

    Import duty €1.72
    Tax (VAT) €90.32
    Other charges €72.89
    Disbursement fee €18.45 
    

    The Tax and Disbursement fee (and I guess import duty?) make sense (although the VAT seems about €30 too high) but the random, vague "other charges" item is a joke. Will be ringing them tomorrow to try and figure out what's happening there. Have heard of someone on Slack who didn't get hit with the "other charges", just normal VAT, so would be interested to hear how other Boards users get on.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,277 ✭✭✭KeRbDoG


    You should call them to have a breakdown of the 'other charges.' Never know, you might be able to plead a case to avoid some



  • Registered Users Posts: 321 ✭✭Mucashinto


    Apparently mine was delivered today - I won’t be able to check until Tuesday. Tracking only updated at about 5 pm to say it was delivered at 11:30 and lists me as signing for it yet I’m out of the country…

    Finding it hard to get a definitive answer online on whether this tariff is currently applying. There’s a lot of talk of a Steel/Aluminium tariff in the US that the EU responded to on ‘various goods’ from America (Harley Davidsons but also whiskey?) which is settled but might not actually change until Jan 1st.

    I checked the eu TARIC site and used the code for video game consoles and it calculated zero tariff. It lists itself as an official EU site but also has some caveat about not taking the info as legal proof.

    Best to get it confirmed from FedEx themselves I suppose. The email said my charge was ‘estimated’, I wonder if they over estimate do you get refunded at some stage?

    Just hoping I can play the thing now - the only carts I have are an EZ Flash Omega and the X3 EverDrive. Seems like the EverDrive should be good but not sure about the EZ Flash. Will take a few updates as usual to get everything ironed out I guess.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,188 ✭✭✭deadl0ck




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,277 ✭✭✭KeRbDoG




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,275 ✭✭✭bugs


    Just pay it using their portal otherwise they will hand it over to a company that will torment you.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,253 ✭✭✭✭o1s1n
    Master of the Universe


    Have these landed in folks hands yet? Any photos??



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Aye.

    Great little device so far with some caveats. Obviously the full implementation of the so-called Analogue OS is still down the line so there's none of the database etc, but on a functional level playing GB, GBA and GG it is absolute top drawer.

    Dock is a wee bit 50/50 right now, nothing wrong with the video side or anything like that, but can definitely hear what is almost like arcing when removing the unit from the Dock. Doesn't seem to matter whether the Dock is plugged it or not. Lot of reports but no word from Analogue of yet. Just not something you expect to see. Must try it plugged in directly to a wall socket. Shoulder buttons on the Pocket itself are a little dinky but no more than an old SP.

    Haven't put on the screen protector yet, but the screen, especially in GB and GG mode is a revelation. The ability to flick between the screen modes is and excellent touch allowing the extra customization between different titles. That scratchy GBA audio does get shown up though on the decent speakers of the Pocket but it is what it is. There is a high quality mode or filter but not messed with it as yet, or noticed much improvement. Probably needs firmware work. Audio from GB and GG carts is clear and loud.

    Had heard reports of issues with Everdrive GBs that seem hard to pinpoint, but must have a fortunate combination of PCB and SD Card as I've not had any issues. GBA and GG variants work fine, as do any original carts I've been trying out - GB and GBA anyway (don't have a single GG original).

    Overall, well impressed, and given Analogue's history of addressing issues via firmware, I'd expect any loose ends to be cleaned up.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Can be hard trying to get the screen across in a badly taken photo, but FWIW

    Analogue GB mode

    Default DMG mode




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭McDermotX


    Game Gear gets a new lease of life

    Don't have comparison to hand but similar to the GB, you can switch on the fly to GG LCD display mode etc



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 51,831 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Really enjoying mine. Finished Castlevania 2 on it already.

    Not impressed with the tempered glass screen protector which is starting to fall off the system already. Has a big bubble in the too right corner.



  • Registered Users Posts: 321 ✭✭Mucashinto


    Yeah really enjoying mine as well so far, more than I expected tbh. Maybe it's because I haven't played a lot of these games but it's been the most rewarding device for me from Analogue I've gotten (had the SG & Super NT). Seems likes there's a lot of scope to add stuff as well if they fill out the OS. Only put the screen protector on tonight and was waiting until I had to properly play it but I'd been reaching for it constantly before that, it's been my go to device.

    I see people saying the D-pad is registering diagonals - I haven't noticed at all but honestly I mightn't be good enough/familiar with the games to notice (I did see in Metroid II, first time I've played it, that sometimes when she was running her gun was pointing up but it just seemed a matter of treating the d-pad with this in mind - be a bit more forceful with the presses etc - rather than being hampered by it). However would be a nightmare if problems like this started I suppose, not sure how fixable they would be.

    So far I've been using the original display modes and can't get over how good they look. The device seems designed with GameBoy in mind but the GBA games look fantastic as well. Would be nice if there is further display controls in future updates, I'm not too sure atm what exactly they all are. I'm using the original GBA display mode which feels like a waste but the SP101 seems too saturated to me. Not sure if they're the same except for that adjustable level or there's other levels in the background that you can't change?

    Haha, yeah shocked how bad GBA audio is. The difference going from the pristine sounding GB games to that is rough. What a regression from Nintendo.

    The battery is probably the thing I'm least impressed with so far. I'm using flash carts and the Omega is supposed to be power hungry but it seems like it's not lasting as long as I expected. Early days and maybe I've been playing it more than I thought but I'd be thinking 3-4 hours rather than the advertised 4-6?

    Otherwise, touch wood, this seems like an absolute winner for me. I wasn't sure a handheld device was necessary - like isn't a lot of this type of stuff to deal with screen issues (PAL, CRT vs modern LCDs etc) and these devices often don't have them or can be modded easily but this with all the advertised cores (and a possible jailbreak)...

    (some terrible photos I can't delete/rotate attached)





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