I recently watched your other video on the review of the analog pocket and was looking for some thoughts on the dock, behold, you uploaded this one only a couple of hours ago. Good work, by the way, your video is very informative, and your B-roll is great.

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! And, always glad when the timing works out like that. We were actually hoping to include info on the dock in our recent openFPGA follow-up video instead, but the dock didn't arrive until about a week or so after the video went live, about a year after ordering. (I'll never get over Analogue's extreme shipping delays.)

Loved the video! Own both the Analogue Pocket and a MISTer and so far I still slightly prefer the MISTer. We live in pretty exciting times. Thanks for posting.

@thefifthdoctor6780

3 ай бұрын

SAME 😎👌

I would say that for Analogue Pocket owners, a $99 dock is a very easy and cost effective way to be able to play retro games on the TV. With Open FPGA, you can play Megadrive, SNES, Neo Geo, GB, GG, Master system, PCE, Amiga etc. easily on a TV, With the Amiga, you can also connect a keyboard and mouse via the USB inputs (effectively getting an A500 mini). Being FPGA it's better than emulation IMO and I guess that if you want to emulate, you need to use or buy another device. This way you can have all of your retro games in one place and easily play handheld or on a TV.

I was gifted a Pocket for Christmas and it's fantastic. I've gone back and forth on the Dock, as I already have a Cyber Gadget Retro Freak. And while it's more of an emulation box, it supports practically all of my collection. Now if we get more Neo Geo support and the Atari Lynx cores show up, I might be more encouraged to pick one up.

@ribz4lunch

11 ай бұрын

This is exactly why I didn't get the dock. Then retrofreak already takes care of most everything

Great video - thanks! I've only just dived into my Pocket and the NES, SNES, and Megadrive cores and am having a great time. I have ordered a Dock as I want the option to play those cores on a big screen too. I prefer to keep the handheld games as handheld. I also have the Super Nt and Mega Sg but owing to a recent house move can't have everything connected so want the Analogue dock as a one-stop solution for home play. I'm a fan of Analogue's products and with the future OS updates and core development I think it will be quite hard to beat (the world of MiSTer confuses and frightens me).

With Open FPGA, the dock essentially turns this into an Analogue Super Nt and Mega Sg Combo console. Pretty hard to be beat when you look at it like that.

@mastergizmo666

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, this is the point. The whole video does not mention the difference between emulation and the PFGA approach.

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

@SToad Use of an FPGA to play games is emulation. It's just hardware-based instead of software-based. Analogue tries to distance itself from the "emulator" label, but it's all just marketing.

@GhibliNova

Жыл бұрын

@@GameXData ehh saying it's all just marketing is disingenuous. The difference between hardware and software based emulation is significant enough to warrant the distinction. Emulators do all processes sequentially, whereas original consoles and fpga's do all processes parallel. That results in a difference of a noticeable amount of input delay. And even if you do 'run forward' with emulators, it messes with the animations. Fpga is legit the only thing as good as original hardware. I think it's actually better since it can be native hdmi and doesn't need to upscale to work as intended on modern tvs

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

@SToad Aye, no worries. Ultimately, it seems we're thinking pretty similarly. Although, with regards to playing ROMs via OpenFPGA specifically, I still wonder how much the average person could tell the difference between it and software emulation on a modern device for most games. It feels almost like an audiophile situation, in which there's a clear difference once you notice it but the difference isn't obvious until you do. @spencerhosch9825 It's literally just marketing on their end. They've always avoided calling their systems emulators or mentioning that their systems accomplish emulation. From my perspective, it's partly to avoid potential lawsuits and also to make their product feel more premium than other handhelds or system clones (which they admittedly are). We're all aware that hardware and software emulation are different, but, at the end of the day, they're both still emulation.

@GhibliNova

Жыл бұрын

@@GameXData saying they're both emulation without context is disingenuous. So no, they're not just both emulation, one is pretending to be a snes and the other is actually a snes just using modern components.

I preorder the AP and the dock day one. - Also got the SuperNt MegaSg and the Nt mini Noir and a MiSTer. - I would say the AP is as good as it gets😎 (at lest for now). I'm also into using Everdrives and I've preordered the Analogue cart adapter pack for Lynx, NGP/(C) and PC-E. - I also play and collect physical carts by the way. - The only really important thing I think you forgot to mention is the upcoming Analogue DAC support

just what i was wondering about getting a dock

Thanks for the update on this handheld! I had it in my shopping cart ready to purchase about a year ago, but the problems reported with it stayed my hand. I have a question, though it's a bit of a tangent: Do 8BitDo controllers still suffer from the faulty PCB design that led to horrible dpad controls (specifically, unintentional diagonals)? Put another way, can you play Contra 3 with yours without dying on the first level due to unintended downward diagonals? (Note that most modern gamepads do not have this problem.)

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

I haven't personally experienced any issues with my 8bitdo controllers related to d-pads. Although, with all honesty, I think I might be a little bit less sensitive to those issues than most folks. I've seen a ton of people also claim the Pocket has an issue with down also pressing left or right, but I've yet to have that issue myself unless I'm really trying to push the d-pad to the side.

I have a black Pocket on pre-order and decided to go for the dock at the same time. My reasoning was that if I received just the Pocket but then decided I wanted the dock, I'd have to go through another long waiting process. Another consideration is that my eyesight is not as good as it once was, and if I find my eyes getting tired looking at the Pocket screen, I could quickly switch to a bigger display.

@411sponge72

Жыл бұрын

Congrats on the pre order! I was thinking about getting one myself. Have they given you any idea on when they will ship yours?

@brianstuntman4368

Жыл бұрын

@@411sponge72 "Shipping in 2023" is all they've told me.

@411sponge72

Жыл бұрын

@@brianstuntman4368 Ok. Thanks for the update. I was hoping they would give you a more specific time frame. Good luck and happy gaming!

Great video, congrats mate! I was looking for a good review about the dock, and here you are!! I haven't enough time to try my dock but I was wondering if my 8bitdo's SN30 pro+ could work properly with the dock + AP. How about playing two players with two controllers? Did someone try this?

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

The SN30 Pro+ connects via Bluetooth. So, it should work just fine. The only controller setup I haven't been able to get working yet is the Steam Controller + dongle, likely due to limited USB peripheral support. I just tested multiplayer in Super Mario Kart (via the SNES for Analogue Pocket core) and it worked without a hitch with two controllers connected. I'd imagine that most cores emulating consoles that support multiplayer are also going to work fine. The only exception is currently for handheld systems (e.g., Gameboy Color) since those systems didn't support single screen multiplayer and the link cable port is blocked while docked. Any workarounds would need to come via an openFPGA core or GB Studio patch, but I'm unaware of anything like that currently existing.

I just got the Analog Duo, but now i am rethiking about if i should cancel and get the pocket instead since it has TV out. Is there any advantage having the Analog Duo instead ? I don't have any PcEngine games and maybe the Analog Duo will not be able to run other cores... (that's an issue for me).

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

The Duo is purpose-built to play PC Engine games. Unless someone jailbreaks it, you shouldn't expect it to play anything else. If you don't have or plan to collect those games, you'd be better off canceling your order and looking into a MiSTer setup.

This was a good well rounded informative video. Thank you.

Very good video! What do you use to connect the sn30 wireless controls? Do you use the usb wireless adapter 2?

@GameXData

10 ай бұрын

My 2.4G controller actually works natively with the dock after flashing some updated firmware from 8BitDo. Here's a link to that download if you wanted to check it out: support.8bitdo.com/analogue/Dock/

@valenka27

10 ай бұрын

@@GameXData thanks 🙏 😊

Can we replaca the doc by a usb-c > hdmi adapter ? (just for the video out) ?

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, no. The USB-C port on the Analogue Pocket doesn't have the ability to provide display out by itself. You need that extra hardware in the dock to make it work.

What a great video, you speak very clearly & intelligently as well. Thanks dude

I'd recommend the MiSTer FPGA over the Pocket by leaps and bounds. It has a lot more potential and gets new cores well before they are ported to Pocket. There are several console and arcade cores on the MiSTer that will never be ported to the Pocket and the Pocket is all but useless for early computer systems. Not to mention the ridiculously high price for the Analogue dock. I'm a huge fan of Analogue consoles and have bought more than one each of the Nt Mini Noir, Mega SG and Super Nt. I've even pre-ordered a couple of Duo consoles; however, I'm passing on the Pocket. I try to use MiSTer or one of my Analogue consoles for all the retro systems they can support. That said, I'm quite content to play retro handheld games on a handheld emulation console. There are reasonably priced handheld consoles available that can play Switch games with all earlier systems being no issue at all.

Wow, your review was so in-depth and thorough. I'm so amazed you aren't sitting in the 100k number of subs and views. Easy sub and going through your video catalog, I know you'll be pumping out even more high-quality content.

How do you get the dock to work with my Macbook Pro M1? Thanks

@GameXData

9 ай бұрын

The easiest method I've found is using a Genki Shadowcast capture card with OBS for the video and USB-C for the power. Here's an affiliate link to the Shadowcast in case you're interested: amzn.to/3WXnsji

I love my dock. I will probably only use the analogue pocket in handheld mode when traveling

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

That's actually pretty interesting from my perspective of the Pocket as a handheld-first device. Out of curiosity, do you have other handhelds that you prefer to use at home instead? Or is it more of a preference for having the Pocket in a central location, playable with an external controller?

I placed an order for the device but opted not to order the dock. Cost is a factor as international shipping is so expensive and they charge even more for shipping if I add the dock to the order. After currency conversion, the dock alone is almost $200 after taxes and shipping and that’s not worth it imo here in canada

The Epilogue is amazing, but there are some cartridges that seem to be Read-Only, such as Gameboy Camera, which is a shame because I was hoping to use it as a silly webcam gimmick.

6:54 how are you recording gameplay from the analogue pocket??

@GameXData

10 ай бұрын

I used a Genki Shadowcast connected to my MacBook for this video. If I remember correctly, I think I first tried to connect it to my Elgato capture card using the dock but ran into some compatibility issues.

@esperkid

10 ай бұрын

@@GameXData okay thank you!!

For me the real problem was logistics: trying to buy the dock (with other items) after getting my pocket, Analogue site insisted I order each item in a separate order and $60+ shipping which was really silly... I spoke to Analogue and they said you can't mix items with different availability dates in the same order which is stupid, hold on to items in stock until you have all items in stock and ship them together

@donmcron3334

11 ай бұрын

Same thing happened to me lmao. It really is stupid af.

@hosam7609

11 ай бұрын

@donmcron3334 so far this stupid policy of them cost me more than $250

I think you're missing three big advantages of the dock: It makes games look great on modern and large TVs thanks to the free for all cores CRT-Trinitron filter no emulator can beat this filter, they may have some kind of scanline filters but they aren't good enough to simulate what a CRT looked like. The second thing you've missed is the same plus we have with the steam deck or the Switch: You have your save files always with you, be it at home with the big screen or on the go with the pocket in hand. The third advantage is input lag, thanks to the system being FPGA you get almost no added input lag, which is important as most older games were quite harsh and designed with CRTs and literally no input lag in mind, added lag by a standard emulator can lead to a game over.

Can you undock the pocket while a game is running on a tv?

It's confirmed that you can use an extended usb-c cable to plug your pocket with the dock. And with that knowledge its possible to play multiplayer games while docked, at least with one pocket. Analogue says that it doesn't work but that's not true😀

Fellow Vita owner! My man!

Can someone tell me how to play game boy ds games or game boy games? I tried putting them into my pocket but they don’t fit. I don’t see any adapter on analogues website that sells any to put the game in. I can play advance games but my ds games just can’t go in. Am I missing something?

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

Analogue Pockets cannot play Nintendo DS games.

@Falcon-um7vo

Жыл бұрын

So did you just blindly purchase a Pocket? Because it's quite obvious they don't play Nintendo DS games if you read even the most basic info about the handheld. But what do you mean your Game Boy games won't fit? Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games all fit into the rear cartridge slot of the Pocket.

@vincenzovieri3743

Жыл бұрын

@@Falcon-um7vo nope! I read game boy games would work… in general. To my knowledge no. Yes everything else works. Doesn’t matter to me if it does it was cheap.

@Falcon-um7vo

Жыл бұрын

@@vincenzovieri3743 ???

The Only problem I have with this dock is that it only supports 2 player wireless. How about Turbo GrafX-16 five Player Bomber man battles??

I guess the advantage of the dock is being able to take the same game portable, like a Switch. Have you noticed any lag on bluetooth controller vs 2.4g? I know 2.4g is meant to have less lag, but the Switch SNES BT controller looks more authentic and higher quality.

the fact they omitted wifi from the analogue pocket is beyond me. you could play multiplayer over wifi (or even internet). you could transfer roms from pc to the analogue pocket ETC. it's 2023 now and wifi is extremly cheap to build into devices.

@Ravioko

Жыл бұрын

Multiplayer over Wi-Fi would be nice, but transferring roms would not be something they ever advertise. They don’t officially support playing roms to begin with.

We seem to be underestimating the value of the Analogue Pocket & Dock with multiple cores (systems), roms (games) & being able to interchange controllers. I've realized I no longer need retro consoles or clones. Also I found out testing CD-ROM image support as PC-engine. It will be possible to play all retro games up to PS2.

@makerealitygreatagain8809

9 ай бұрын

N64 unlikely

My wife and I have a Pocket. I think it's great. Doesn't the OpenFPGA functionality work through the dock?? We don't have a dock but figure that would allow you to play Neo Geo, PC Engine, Sega, SNES, NES, MS, all the handhelds, etc. etc. on your HDMI TV. I think it's a good solution. I have installed OpenFPGA Cores into the Pocket and it rules. Collectively, the retro community preserving these games is a thing that has to happen because it's quickly getting ousted by less interesting games based on microtransactions and over the top open worlds and scope. :) 🙏

Are you aware of the Mister fpga, that platform is overall the better way to play on a TV, it's supports higher resolutions like 1440p, a lot more fpga cores and almost any controller works including orginal controllers.

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, the MiSTer's great. (I've been eyeing getting into them for quite some time.) It's really a different value proposition though. If someone were only buying an Analogue Pocket to play it docked with openFPGA cores, MiSTer would probably make more sense. However, I've a feeling a lot of people (like me) would end up getting the dock to supplement a Pocket they would otherwise use handheld or with physical cartridges. In those cases, the dock probably makes more sense while enabling most of the same functionality.

@hulk3077

Жыл бұрын

@@GameXData Yep! I totally agree, the Analogue Pocket is the better option for handheld gaming and that dock is just an amazing bonus either way it's amazing to be retro gamer in 2023.

@SC-lc7tm

Жыл бұрын

problem with mister is that I can't get focused enough to get the parts, i want it ready built but then it costs a fortune.

@hulk3077

Жыл бұрын

@@SC-lc7tm It sure is intimidating but you can do it or get someone with pc building experience to do it for you, it's easier now with all in one IO boards like the mister itx iron clad or mister multisystem

I prefer the Game Boy Player with the GBI project on the Gamecube

Already bought the pocket and it's dock. Can't wait to play pokemon fire-red through a fpga on a new TV. It is going to look so nice. It's going to be the ultimate Gameboy player at home.

Can you use a a third party dock?

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

As of right now, no. The dock has additional hardware built-in to provide Bluetooth and display out signals. Because the Pocket's USB-C connector can't handle display out by itself, any third-party dock would need to include that extra hardware. So far, I haven't seen anyone attempt to do that.

its good, but can't justify getting this when i have a mister fpga.

6:49 Wow the pocket snes core looks terrible. Great color but that frame rate.

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

Definitely take it with a grain of salt. Between a cheaper capture card and mixing the footage with video from other sources, the gameplay's not quite as pristine as it'd be in person. We've personally never noticed any real framerate problems in person, outside a brief glitch while working on the video.

@ToxcynArcade

Жыл бұрын

@@GameXData whoops seems like you are correct. Just tested it out with SMW and f-zero and it’s silky smooth. Thanks.

06:59 the Pocket is not an emulator, but a hardware simulator.

@etgripper

Жыл бұрын

Then why do neo geo games require the darksoft ROM set? Those are molested roms, they are not 1:1 bit perfect copies of the neo geo cart dumps.

There seems to be screen tear

Bro really said niche as nich 💀

I’ve noticed that people aged < 30 don’t really value FPGA vs software emulation. While FPGA isn’t perfect and has its fair share of glitches. (My Chrono trigger ending glitched out while playing on superNT) What they don’t know is that it took close to 10 years to get the sound of the wind in the intro in Chrono trigger right in software emulation. In FPGA, they got it right the first time.

@GameXData

Ай бұрын

I'm not sure it's really an age thing. I think it's important to remember that most folks care about the outcome more than the process. How it feels to play specific games using specific methods right now is more important than how long it took to make those games playable. For that reason, the vast majority of people considering emulation aren't going to have a reason to choose hardware emulation over software emulation.

I'm not sure why people act like $100 is a lot for the dock. You get a LOT of value for that money out of it.

Have you considered Computer cores.... Like the Amiga ;-)

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

Not yet, actually. We've mostly been using the Pocket for physical games we own. Given that our older games collection's 99% Nintendo and Sega, Amiga's a bit outside our wheelhouse. Are there any games you'd recommend? It seems like it'd make for a fun afternoon of exploration, but, tbh, I've no clue where I'd start.

How tf does this not support hubs? If it's got USB how can it not? The central USB controller is literally a hub

you can't just disregard the entire point of the device in your comparison. it's FPGA. If you compare to a mister, which isn't portable, and is more expensive.... The dock is a no brainer.

you cant compare FPGA snes core vs emulator. its not fair

@GameXData

7 ай бұрын

What's not fair about it? Both are methods of emulation with their own pros and cons. If someone's considering spending money on a dock to play emulated games on a large screen, it's worthwhile for them to consider all their options.

@etvow

6 ай бұрын

@@GameXData I think you are clueless on why Dock is an interesting device for many emulation purists. FPGA provides exact replica experience of the games that play under their respective hardware. Software emulation on the other hand is a CPU processed replica that behaves differently based on CPU power and often comes with input latency and other undesirable effects. Just on NeoGeo and TurboGrafx games for example, DOC allows users to play those games at exactly as was intended. Play those same games on a typical emulator such as raspberry pie, you are faced with crap loads of input lag unless you significantly mess with Vsync, and even then it still has lags. Playing fighting and shmups on DOC is an amazing experience.

@GameXData

6 ай бұрын

@etvow I think you're underestimating software emulation and overestimating the ability of regular users to be able to detect the minute difference between hardware and software emulation. If you personally feel that hardware emulation offers notable benefits for your setup, I think that's great! A solution like a docked Analogue Pocket will likely be exactly what you're looking for. For most people, I think software emulation on the computers they already own would be more than enough (especially for SNES games) and spending a ton of extra money on a dock (or even an Analogue Pocket) would be unnecessary.

@etvow

6 ай бұрын

@@GameXData Are you stating Analogue Pocket set up on a Doc, hooked up to a monitor, and a fight stick connected to the doc, the NeoGeo games' input latency on it is not that much better than the horrible lag that is found on the NeoGeo emulated on a PC?

@GameXData

6 ай бұрын

@etvow I've honestly no context for that, since I don't play NeoGeo games. SNES emulation is the main topic of this thread and one of the main points of my video. For SNES emulation, there's not a significant difference between the two approaches to emulation. If you find NeoGeo emulation better on the Analogue Pocket and a reason to buy the hardware, more power to you.

lag ruins 16 bit emulation. Incant get anywhere near my lap times on snes mario kart when playing on snes classic compared to the Pocket.

My nigga. It doesnt have a OLED screen and it is 2024. How can it nit have a Oled screen😒🤨

@GameXData

10 ай бұрын

As cool as an OLED screen would be, I feel like it'd cause the price to jump from ~$200 to $250 - $300 (before scalper markup). Add in the potential for burn-in for games with mostly static elements (e.g., all pokemon games), and I feel like the swap wouldn't be worth it in the long run.

@dunnono00

7 ай бұрын

But these are games from 1994. Would OLED really enhance games developed with CRT monitors and intended for consumers with CRT televisions? We even have filters with the scanlines and curved perspectives to better reproduce that.

If you don't want to capture HDMI footage directly from original cartridges, there's absolutely no reason to own a Analogue Dock. Just like if you don't want to play handheld games off of original cartridges, there's no reason to own an Analogue Pocket. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of users would never have a reason to use bluetooth controllers with the unit unattached to an external monitor in the first place, while a unit attached to a monitor would almost always be attached to a wireless controller, so might as well build the bluetooth into the device which would be the only context in which most users would be interested in using it.

Learn to use the run button in Super Mario World, please.

I would honestly just buy a USB c hub

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

I think most people would rather just buy a cheaper USB-C hub. However, the Analogue Pocket's unable to provide a video out signal through anything but the official dock.

What’s up with the western saloon music in the background, distracts from your words

100$ more like 700 on ebay

@servantbyday

Жыл бұрын

Well it’s a $100 from AP if you’re willing to wait a year 🥴

@Desmund808

Жыл бұрын

The cheat code is to pay $297 + fees = $340 total on StockX and get it in a few weeks! You’re welcome everyone

I feel like this video was absolutely useless, comparing the dock to your MacBook was a night and day difference the MacBook didn't even look close to the right colors it was an instant answer which was the docked Analogue then trying to say it's a set back that you can't use 3rd party devices to transfer HDMi to your TV is like asking why your switch shorted out on a 3rd party dock...also how do you expect to connect a controller without the dock?? Not to mention kept saying is it worth the $100 when you clearly left out it comes with a $30 fast charging brick you would usually buy separately for your Analogue.

Glitch and lag filled emulation is not as good as FPGA HW Emulation.

roms are illegal tho

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

Depends on where you get them. If you own the legitimate copies of the games and especially if you dump the files yourself for personal use, there's nothing illegal about it.

@Falcon-um7vo

Жыл бұрын

​@@GameXData Well, Nintendo at least claims they're still illegal even if you own the physical game. Directly from their website: "It is illegal to download a Nintendo ROM from the internet whether or not you own an authentic copy of that game."

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

@Falcon-um7vo They're also correct. Distribution of a ROM, especially for financial gain, is legally frowned upon and could potentially lead to penalties if the right holders pursued damages. Currently, dumping a ROM from a physical cartridge you own for personal use with an emulator is viewed as legal since you own both the license and the source of the backup.

@Falcon-um7vo

Жыл бұрын

@@GameXData Actually, they say that's illegal as well: "But can’t I make a backup copy if I own the video game? You may be thinking of the backup/archival exception under the U.S. Copyright Act. There is some misinformation on the Internet regarding this backup/archival exception. This is a very narrow limitation that extends to computer software. Video games are comprised of numerous types of copyrighted works and should not be categorized as software only. Therefore, provisions that pertain to backup copies would not apply to copyrighted video game works and specifically ROM downloads, that are typically unauthorized and infringing."

@GameXData

Жыл бұрын

@Falcon-um7vo Which is a stance they and other video game companies have yet to defend successfully in court. Besides, current copyright law does not apply to personal use (e.g., backing up a CD containing music tracks to your computer). If you are not distributing or selling copies of copyrighted work of which you own a perpetual license, there's likely no path in which they could claim legal damages.