New FunnyPlaying FPGB Mini Offers Budget-Friendly Alternative to Analogue Pocket

FunnyPlaying, a company best known for its Game Boy and Game Boy Advance upgrade kits, announced the FPGB Mini this week. The handheld is designed to be extremely pocketable, with a form factor only slightly wider than a Game Boy cartridge itself, according to a report from The Verge.

The FPGB Mini supports original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, as well as ROM files. However, its cartridge compatibility stops there—unlike the Analogue Pocket, which also plays Game Boy Advance and Sega Game Gear games, the FPGB Mini cannot handle those formats.

The pricing is a major differentiator. FunnyPlaying is offering the FPGB Mini at a discounted price of $69.99, down from its regular $89.99. The Analogue Pocket, by contrast, currently sells for $239.99 following recent price hikes, The Verge reported. That price gap could make the FPGB Mini an appealing entry point for collectors or players who primarily stick to the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color libraries.

The device is now listed on FunnyPlaying's website, with the company touting its compact design as a key selling point. While it lacks the Analogue Pocket's broader compatibility and premium build, the FPGB Mini appears aimed at gamers who prioritize portability and value over format versatility.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The FPGB Mini offers a significantly cheaper entry into cartridge-based retro gaming, potentially attracting new players who balked at the Analogue Pocket's rising price.
Its ultra-compact design could make it a go-to travel device for Game Boy and Game Boy Color fans.
The device's limited cartridge support (no GBA or Game Gear) may push some buyers toward the Analogue Pocket, but for many, the price difference will outweigh the missing formats.

Background

Retro gaming handhelds have seen a surge in popularity, with companies like Analogue building a reputation for high-quality FPGA-based consoles that play original cartridges. The Analogue Pocket has been a flagship product, but its price has climbed due to tariffs and production costs. FunnyPlaying, known for aftermarket shells and screens for Nintendo handhelds, is now entering the handheld market with a cheaper, smaller alternative. While the FPGB Mini does not offer the same screen quality or broader format support, it leverages FPGA technology to provide accurate emulation for classic Game Boy hardware.

Key Perspectives

Budget-Conscious Gamers: For players who primarily own Game Boy and Game Boy Color carts, the FPGB Mini offers a substantial savings—$170 less than the Analogue Pocket—while still delivering on-the-go play. Collectors and Enthusiasts: Those with larger libraries that include Game Boy Advance or Game Gear titles will see the FPGB Mini as too limited, making the Analogue Pocket a better long-term investment despite the higher cost. Retro Hardware Critics: Some may question the build quality and longevity of a budget handheld compared to Analogue's premium devices, though FunnyPlaying's track record in aftermarket parts could mitigate those concerns.

What to Watch

Whether FunnyPlaying follows up with a version that adds Game Boy Advance or broader format support, which could challenge the Analogue Pocket more directly.
How the FPGB Mini's actual screen and speaker quality compare to the Analogue Pocket in hands-on reviews.
If the introductory discount of $69.99 will be permanent or if the price returns to $89.99, affecting its value proposition.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources