TheAnalogue Pockethandheld device has been delayed. Those who were excited about the all-in-one Game Boy playing console will have to wait a bit longer, as component shortages have caused a rather significant delay for the handheld.
Pre-orders went live for the Analogue Pocket last year, an item that was marketed as the ultimate retro handheld device. The portable gaming console costs $200 and plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on a 3.5" LCD screen that is capable of a 1600 x 1440 resolution. The excitement level was high for the portable console, but Analogue Pocket has taken a bit of a blow with this recent delay.
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Instead of the initially planned shipping date of May 2021 for the Analogue Pocket, the delay has pushed the shipping all the way to October 2021; an additional five months. According to the tweet and update from Analogue Support, this is because of logistical issues and severe electrical component shortages that were out of the control of the company. Although not mentioned, many gaming conferences, devices, andgames have been delayed by COVID-19, and it is possible that the logistical issues and component shortages had to do with the pandemic.
As far as those who pre-ordered the Analogue Pocket, it is possible to cancel and get a complete refund. The additional five-month wait may be enough of a turn-off for some, and Analogue is being kind enough to refund anyone who is unhappy based on the unfortunate news. TheAnalogue Pocket pre-orders sold-out almost immediatelylast year when sales went live, as the interest in the product was extremely high, and likely still is even with this hiccup.
Although the news about the delay is discouraging, the demand for the Analogue Pocket is real.Analogue has promised to make more Pocketsand get as many portable handhelds to its fans as possible. While the component shortage puts a delay to the process in general, the team will likely be doing its best to meet the high demand.
There is a nostalgia for the handheld gaming days of the 90s and 2000s. The Game Boy era, in particular, is one that so many video game fans remember fondly. Analogue looks to have tapped into that with the Pocket in a very interesting way. Unfortunately, it is off to a bit of a bumpy start. But as long as it gets back on track quickly, the Analogue Pocket has the opportunity to be a big success.
TheAnalogue Pocketwill be shipped in October 2021.
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