FunnyPlaying, a Chinese company that makes upgrade kits for Game Boys and GBAs, has announced a handheld that plays original Nintendo cartridges and ROMs. The FPGB Mini is only slightly wider than a Game Boy cartridge, and it costs less than Analogue’s Pocket.
Size vs. Support
The FPGB Mini measures just over the width of a Game Boy cartridge. It is smaller than the original console, though the exact dimensions of the Pocket are not given. The Analogue Pocket, by comparison, is bigger and heavier, though it supports more systems.
The Price Difference
Analogue recently raised its prices. The Pocket now costs $239.99. FunnyPlaying’s FPGB Mini is currently discounted from $89.99 to $69.99 for the first batch of 20 units, which sold out quickly. The company is reportedly planning a second run after making hardware improvements, according to Retro Dodo, who has been testing the device for a few days.
How the FPGA Works
The FPGB Mini uses field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. That means it pretends to be the real hardware of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, running games as accurately as Nintendo’s original machines did.
What the FPGB Mini Adds
The display is 2.98 inches, with an 800×720-pixel resolution. That is a step up from the original console’s screen. The battery holds 1,800mAh. There is also a microSD slot for storing game saves, screenshots, and ROMs that can be played through emulation.
The Limits of the FPGB Mini
The FPGB Mini only supports Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. It does not work with the GBA or the Sega Game Gear, unlike the Analogue Pocket. Cartridges with rumble motors or other hardware additions also won’t fit, because the device is so small.
Retro Dodo’s Testing
Retro Dodo has been testing the FPGB Mini for a few days. So far, he seems impressed with its design and capabilities. The company is hoping to release more units after making some hardware improvements.
Why Players Will Care
The FPGB Mini is a cheap way to play classic handheld games on the go. It is smaller than the original console, and it costs less than half what the Analogue Pocket charges. For players who want a portable device, this is a compelling option.
| Device | Price | Cartridge Support |
|---|---|---|
| FPGB Mini | $69.99 (discounted) | Game Boy, Game Boy Color |
| Analogue Pocket | $239.99 | Game Boy, Game Boy Color, GBA, Sega Game Gear |
“The FPGB Mini looks to be about as small as the Game Boy is ever going to get.”
That is the honest assessment of the device. It is a clever piece of engineering, and it delivers on the promise of a smaller, cheaper handheld. The limitations are real — no GBA, no rumble motors — but for most players, the trade-off is worth it.
The first batch sold out quickly. FunnyPlaying is reportedly planning to release more, and the improvements are expected to make that possible.
Source material: “This cartridge-playing Game Boy clone is smaller and cheaper than Analogue’s Pocket,” The Verge.
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