analogue - Definitive OS for Retro Gaming

Analogue's Pocket: A Comprehensive Retro Gaming Experience

The eagerly awaited Analogue Pocket retro gaming machine promises more than just a stylish design and extensive game compatibility. This device will be the first to feature AnalogueOS, envisioned by founder Chris Taber as a definitive repository of video game history – a modern “Library of Alexandria” for gaming enthusiasts.

A Unique Approach to Retro Gaming Information

Taber enthusiastically described his vision as the “great fucking Library of Alexandria,” highlighting his passion for the project. The world of retro gaming, while rich in information, often lacks centralized and comprehensive resources. Many existing sources are outdated or fragmented.

Information regarding classic games can be found in diverse locations. These include dedicated game wikis, online forums frequented by veteran developers, ROM modification hex files, and even out-of-print books. Game history, versions, manuals, reviews, and technical documentation are often dispersed across numerous platforms.

The primary objective of AnalogueOS is to consolidate and present this wealth of information in a readily accessible format, directly alongside the games themselves.

The Vision Behind AnalogueOS

“At its core, AnalogueOS is specifically designed for exploring and celebrating the entirety of video game history,” stated Taber. “It’s intended to be the ultimate, scholarly operating system for both playing and experiencing the complete spectrum of the medium. Our ambition is total and absolute.” He further confirmed that AnalogueOS will be integrated into all future Analogue systems.

Initially, the OS will provide a flexible and expandable platform for playing and managing your game library. While simply inserting a cartridge to play a game like those from the GameBoy, Game Gear, or Lynx is possible, the Pocket is designed to be a showcase of features.

Organizing and Presenting Game Data

Each game will be enhanced with box art, screenshots, publisher details, and other metadata, all organized for easy browsing. Users will be able to quickly identify all games from a specific publisher, such as “What Sunsoft games do I have?” Detailed information about individual titles, like Blaster Master: Enemy Below, including revisions, sequels, prequels, guides, and screenshots, will also be available.

The database is currently under development, but Taber assured that the intention is to integrate as much user-contributed data as possible. Given that much of this data is text-based, integration will be efficient and require minimal storage space. “When a game cartridge is inserted, the system will instantly identify the title,” he explained.

A Resource for Collectors

For collectors seeking specific game regions or revisions – including rare competition cartridges, unofficial distributions, or promotional items – the Pocket will offer rapid verification. Discovering a potentially valuable game at a flea market? Insert it into the Pocket to instantly determine its version and rarity.

Box art, due to its larger file size, can be downloaded by users from collections already being curated by developers. Retro gaming enthusiasts are familiar with the process of scanning their libraries and importing necessary images. (Copyright considerations are being carefully addressed by the company.)

Enhanced Gameplay Features

The Pocket will support save states for cartridge-based games, a significant benefit for players who prioritize authenticity while enjoying modern convenience. Analogue champions FPGA-based cores that replicate original hardware chips, rather than relying on software emulation. Implementing save states within this architecture presents a complex technical challenge.

The OS will track playtime by hour and day, and users can create and share custom “playlists” with others, provided they own the necessary games. Additional quality-of-life improvements include customizable controls and Bluetooth controller support.

A Complete Retro Gaming Solution

Ultimately, Analogue aims to establish its hardware as not only the premier method for playing retro games on contemporary devices – such as high-definition televisions – but also as a comprehensive resource for game history and collector information. This is an ambitious goal, and while similar resources exist, they are often fragmented. If Analogue successfully unifies this information into a single, accessible platform, directly integrated with gameplay, it could solidify its position as a leading force in the retro gaming community.