Analogue Pocket

New beta firmware out and about. Will give it a go later but some detail on the page there with changes etc

Notice a Max Core Volume reference which might be a fix of sorts for the low volume issue when running OpenFPGA stuff. Plus a lot of changes to the FPGA support.....dunno if there's been any filter implementation, but that could be a core-by-core thing.

Aye. Hate that Dock sound. Analogue said its normal, but everytime I undock, I am not loving it.

Updated to that newest firmware anyway with no issue, and Analogue Spiritualized Cores have all being updated with minor changes to bring them in line. Still no filters yet, but they have at least separated the DMG GB core from the GBC one so pea green is there to enjoy.

Volume sounded OK since the update, but I generally was using carts over the original release of the cores so can't say it's fixed completely, but seemed to have headroom with the volume from the little I tried.

Initial Tecmo core doing the rounds now with Rygar support but not tried it. Pong core out and about also.

I believe the issue is that folks who support the devs via the likes patreon, have done so for MiSTer core dev and not Analogue.

Analogue dev might lead to more support for the devs I guess

I'm all for developers getting paid for their time/skill investments, that goes for software and hardware emulation alike. Patreon and such are perfect for that purpose.

Generally, I'm not overly fond of closed source ecosystems though (in context). If Analogue want to maintain a walled garden, ideally it shouldn't come at the cost of the open source community. Hopefully it balances out over time.

Yup, it will once there is a demand and Analogue support the dev community.

I wonder what happens with Analogues new openness if some resourseful company/soul releases open FPGA HW as a Mister Ver.2 with a screen, which is cheaper than Analogue but comparable :)

Cores are progressing nicely which is nice to see, but in other news from Analogue, it looks like the adapters are well into 2023 with Q3 mentioned as a shipping date elsewhere. Some obviously would question the need at this point given core development, but it'd be nice to have the use of the original carts even if the PC Engine and others get covered

01. Pocket Preorders — 95% of all open preorders (B & C) will ship before the end of 2022.

02. Pocket Cartridge Adapters — will be available for preorder for $99 on Oct 21st.

One other unrelated bit is another run of the Super NT and Mega SG for eejits to scalp

03. Super Nt and Mega Sg — the final run. We’re making one last run of Super Nts and Mega Sgs and they will be available for preorder for $199 on Oct 28th.

What makes you say that? I was under the impression that Mednafen, and in particular, Ares, had the NGP very nicely covered no?

You know I've never really been too interested in a Super NT or Mega SG, but with the phrase 'last run' it has me taking notice...

A move over into the world of CD systems perhaps? Analogue Play ST and Saturn SG?

Yeah...all gone quiet on that front. If anything, the scarcity and long lead times of their other offerings probably indicates how difficult it is to put a proper roadmap. Difficult for the big boys, never mind a niche operation like theirs.

Still very much a presence on the website so perhaps it'll be addressed down the line.

Mine has shipped, it's with FedEx now. Im just waiting on the customs fee now. You would think the $60 shipping fee had it built in as it was so high.

Anbernic or Retroid Pocket would be your best bet. Build quality is generally high and you shouldn’t have any issue getting something that’ll emulate those consoles for an affordable price. I’m using an Anbernic RG351MP and it’s been a lifesaver for older libraries. It’s also a beautiful beast of a console too, so that always helps.

351mp would only do up to PS1 reliably, less so N64 and, Saturn emulation is generally ropey no matter the device (has that changed?) Devices from the last year or so like the Pocket 3 will get you everything up to Dreamcast and PSP. It ‘supports’ later systems like GameCube but run like arse mostly.

Indeed, as @Retr0gamer says, Saturn emulation has come a looooooong way over the last 24 months or so. It's in great shape. Similarly, the Saturn Mister core is trucking along in terms of active development too, and I'd say within 2023 it'll be as near as makes no difference to be being perfect.