In this article, let's take a look at five retro handhelds that would make great alternatives should not feel sold with what the Analogue Pocket has to offer!
Retro handheld emulators have now become popular, more than ever. Thanks to the advancement in today’s technology, these emulation handhelds start to showcase better performance and power as well as improved build quality and pricing.
One of them is the Analogue Pocket. The device has received mixed reception with most saying that it’s the next best thing since sliced bread while a few say that the mini console is not their cup of tea.
That said, let’s take a look at the best Analogue Pocket alternatives!
In this article
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Miyoo Mini | 9.8 | Check Price |
 |
Anbernic RG351MP | 9.7 | Check Price |
 |
Retroid Pocket 2+ | 9.6 | Check Price |
 |
AYN Odin | 9.6 | Check Price |
 |
Anbernic RG552 | 9.7 | Check Price |
What is the Analogue Pocket?
The Analogue Pocket is a slim and sleek portable multi-video-game-system handheld created by Analogue. The company describes the Analogue Pocket as a tribute to portable gaming.
At a glance, the Analogue Pocket looks like the lovechild of Nintendo and Apple. On one hand, it bears striking similarities to the Japanese videogame company’s Game Boy. On the other, it resembles the premium look of the California-based tech brand’s roster of gadgets.
It’s just put together nicely with no visible imperfections — at least from where we’re looking at!
Out of the box, the Analogue Pocket is compatible with the 2,780-plus games released on the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance.
Analogue, on that note, explains that in order for the Analogue Pocket to work with the Game Boy series’ huge library, it used hardware emulation, as opposed to many of today’s devices that use software emulation.
As a result, individuals who have amassed a collection of cartridges over the years can experience an almost authentic gameplay experience when using the Analogue Pocket.
This means that there are theoretically little to no delays and similar, if not better audio.
In addition, the Analogue Pocket also works with other handheld systems such as the Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket Color, and Atari Lynx.
Top 5 Analogue Pocket alternatives
1. Miyoo Mini – The undoubted sub-$100 champ
| Image | Product | Amazon | AliExpress |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Miyoo Mini | Check Price | Check Price |
The Miyoo Mini exudes similar retro vibes as the Analogue Pocket — albeit in a smaller form factor. The similarities end in their appeal and appearance as the Miyoo Mini sports a rather different system and runs software emulation.
That said, you won’t be able to stick old carts in it. Instead, you will have to download ROMs of your favorite titles to play them in the Miyoo Mini.
Also read: Miyoo Mini vs Anbernic RG280V
In this regard, the Miyoo Mini is able to run more systems than the aforementioned Analogue Pocket as the compact emulation handheld is able to play games up to the OG PlayStation.
Furthermore, the Miyoo Mini is receiving overwhelming support from its thriving community. Thanks to the love shown by owners, developers, and programmers, the Miyoo Mini not only offers a vast array of personalization options software-wise but also custom pieces hardware-wise.
Things like boot screen, themes, and custom OS make the Miyoo Mini an exciting handheld to own. Likewise, people sharing designs for custom shoulder buttons and bumper cases helped increase the Miyoo Mini’s popularity.
We would strongly recommend the Miyoo Mini for those getting into the emulation scene as it has a very user-friendly UI. One can easily understand where the ROMs are and the actual user interface is not overwhelming.
Retro91 has an ongoing deal with Hekka. You can get the Miyoo Mini for only $52.99, free of shipping fees. Yay!
Find the full Miyoo Mini specifications here.
2. Anbenic RG351MP – Horizontal goodness
| Image | Product | Amazon | AliExpress |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anbernic RG351MP | Check Price | Check Price |
Another good alternative to the Analogue Pocket is the Anbenic RG351MP. Compared to the two aforementioned devices, the Anbenic RG351MP has a horizontal form factor making it a more convenient device to play on should you plan on playing for long periods of time.
Similar to the Miyoo Mini, the Anbenic RG351MP uses software emulation to run games instead of relying on cartridges. This makes devices such as the Anbenic RG351MP, an appealing option over the Analogue Pocket as it may be hard to come by Game Boy series game carts.
Also read: Anbernic RG351MP vs Retroid Pocket 2+
Plus, some folks sometimes find it easier to download games from the internet rather than to buy cartridges online.
What stands out with the Anbenic RG351MP is its two analog sticks — something that the Miyoo Mini and the Analogue Pocket lack. These two analog appointments make it easier to play games that use the same control layouts.
Depending on the variant, you can choose between a device with plastic housing with basic features, one clad in an aluminium metal alloy body with built-in WiFi, or one that has a metal case and with dual TF card support.
The Anbenic RG351MP can run games up to Nintendo 64, PSP, and PlayStation.
You can cop a good deal with the Anbenic RG351MP with our Hekka collaboration here. You can get it for only $119.99, also free of shipping expenses. Simply generous!
3. Retroid Pocket 2+ – Android for the win!
| Image | Product | Amazon | AliExpress |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Retroid Pocket 2+ | Check Price | Check Price |
A downright bang-for-your-buck retro handheld, the Retroid Pocket 2+ also makes for a great choice for those considering suitable alternatives for the Analogue Pocket. In fact, some would consider the Retroid Pocket 2+ a cut above the Analogue Pocket’s weight class as it offers more advanced features than Analogue’s Game Boy clone.
To start off, the Retroid Pocket 2+ comes with features like built-in WiFi, a touchscreen display, a more powerful chipset, and the ability to run Android games and applications — all right out of the box.
Speaking of Android, we did write about the best PSP emulator for Android, just in case you want to play on your phone.
The Retroid Pocket 2+ can run games from platforms like the Nintendo DS, PlayStation, and PSP. Owners have also been tinkering with the Android app AetherSX2 which allows them to play a few PS2 games using the Retroid Pocket 2+.
When it comes to the exterior design, the Retroid Pocket 2+ can rival the looks of the Analogue Pocket as it is also a well-built device.
If you’re ever wondering which among the Anbernic RG351MP and the Retroid Pocket 2+ is the better device, check our review of the Anbernic RG351 vs. Retroid Pocket 2+.
4. AYN Odin – Versatility champ
If you are looking for a more high-end gaming system, the AYN Odin would be a good option.
The AYN Odin is a solid piece of hardware that does more than any of the devices on this list can do. For starters, the Lite version of the AYD Odin is equipped with a dual-core A78 and a six-core A55 CPU paired with a Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. This allows the AYN Odin to run not only classic retro games with ease but also almost all PlayStation 2 games.
The power it has under the hood allows it to run games from more demanding systems with considerable ease, such as the PS2.
The Pro version of the AYN Odin holds a more powerful hardware with two quad-core CPUs and an Adreno 630 GPU. This allows it to run AAA PC games such as Crystal Dynamic’s Tomb Raider (2013) and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Furthermore, the AYN Odin boasts a large display touchscreen panel WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as an Android 11.0 operating system.
Choosing this device allows you to play better games and possibly transition to superior handhelds like the AYANeo Air.
5. Anberbic RG552 – Best of all worlds?
| Image | Product | Amazon | AliExpress |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anbernic RG552 | Check Price | Check Price |
Last on our list is the Anberbic RG552. One can say that it’s the RG351MP’s meaner, older brother.
This device comes with a Hexa-core 64-bit (A72×2 + A53×4) processor paired with Mali-T860 GPU. It runs both Linux and Android OS which makes the Anberbic RG552 quite a flexible device. Its chipset can support titles up to the PlayStation 2 out of the box. Anbernic claims that it can run PC games albeit via the MoonLight streaming service. Although it shines when used to play Android games like League of Legends and Fortnite Mobile.
As for its hardware, the Anberbic RG552 does not have features that will win it awards. However, whatever it has does the job and aids the device to let owners play various titles with ease.
Notable features include its 10-point multi-touch display, built-in WiFi, and HDMI outlet which allows the Anberbic RG552 to duplicate the display on a compatible TV or monitor.
In case you’re wondering which one between the RG552 and the RG503 you should be going with, read this: RG552 vs RG503.
Top 5 Analogue Pocket alternatives: Summary
The Analogue Pocket is definitely a good device to play retro games on, especially if you’re someone who has a large collection of cartridges from the Game Boy series consoles. However, not everyone has a box full of Game Boy carts in their room. That said, the market for the Analogue Pocket is unfortunately limited. Its appeal might attract hard-core gamers who want to play their favorite games as they were intended: with a console and a cartridge.
On the other hand, the devices on our list are perfect not only for enjoying retro titles. They can also be a gateway for more high-quality gaming. Looking at the list we came up with, we can say that the future of handheld gaming, looks bright.
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Miyoo Mini | 9.8 | Check Price |
|
Anbernic RG351MP | 9.7 | Check Price |
|
Retroid Pocket 2+ | 9.6 | Check Price |
|
AYN Odin | 9.6 | Check Price |
|
Anbernic RG552 | 9.7 | Check Price |
