FPGB Mini: A Smaller Game Boy Clone Playing Original Cartridges
FunnyPlaying unveils the FPGB Mini, a compact FPGA handheld supporting Game Boy and GBC cartridges starting at $69.99.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- FunnyPlaying announces the FPGB Mini, a new handheld console supporting original Game Boy and GBC cartridges.
- The device features an extremely pocketable design, only slightly wider than a standard Nintendo cartridge.
- It utilizes FPGA technology, a 2.98-inch LCD display, and an 1,800mAh rechargeable battery.
- The first batch of 20 units sold out quickly at a discounted price of $69.99, with more units planned after hardware tweaks.
FunnyPlaying, a company widely recognized for its upgrade kits tailored for the Game Boy and GBA, has announced a brand-new handheld device capable of playing original Nintendo cartridges alongside digital ROMs. Dubbed the FPGB Mini, this hardware is engineered specifically for retro gaming enthusiasts who value maximum portability and a vintage cartridge-playing experience.
Although the FPGB Mini's cartridge compatibility is restricted solely to the Game Boy and Game Boy Color—meaning it lacks support for the Game Boy Advance and Sega Game Gear found on rivals like the Analogue Pocket—it remains an appealing alternative due to its exceptionally pocketable build. The handheld is designed to be only slightly wider than the actual game cartridge it houses while carrying a much lower price tag.
Following recent price increases, the Analogue Pocket currently retails for $239.99, whereas the FPGB Mini launched at a temporary discount dropping from $89.99 to $69.99 for its inaugural batch of just 20 units, which sold out rapidly. Nevertheless, according to Retro Dodo, who tested the handheld for several days, the company is potentially organizing future production runs following minor hardware enhancements.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Much like the Pocket, the FPGB Mini leverages field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology to run Game Boy and GBC games with the same hardware-level accuracy as Nintendo's original consoles. Furthermore, the FPGB Mini introduces hardware upgrades including a 2.98-inch 800x720-pixel LCD screen, an 1,800mAh rechargeable battery, and a microSD card slot designated for storing game saves, screenshots, or ROMs playable via emulation.
Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology differs fundamentally from software-based emulation by physically recreating the original console's circuitry on a hardware level. This eliminates input lag and delivers near-perfect cycle-accurate game execution, making it the gold standard for enthusiasts who want authentic retro performance without relying on operating system emulation layers.
Naturally, the handheld's ultra-compact footprint prevents it from accommodating cartridges equipped with built-in rumble motors or other hardware expansions. Even with those physical limitations, the FPGB Mini appears to represent just about the smallest form factor a Game Boy-compatible device will likely ever achieve.
Source: The Verge
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