The Analogue Pocket is going back on sale this week, giving retro fans another shot at one of the most sought-after handheld consoles around.
Pre-orders open March 4 at 11AM ET. The Pocket Dock accessory will also be available.
That’s the good news. The catch is the price.
Analogue confirmed the Pocket will now cost $239.99, up from $220, citing recent US tariff changes as the reason.
The company says the handheld is assembled in China and has been affected by new import tariffs. Therefore, this has led to an increase. It’s a notable jump for a device that’s been on the market for several years. Furthermore, it has already seen multiple sell-out runs.
For anyone new to it, the Pocket isn’t an emulation device. It plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges via FPGA hardware.
This preserves compatibility with classic accessories like the Game Boy Camera and Printer. With optional adapters, it can also run Game Gear, TurboGrafx-16, and Atari Lynx games. The Pocket has built a strong following thanks to its premium build and sharp display.
Still, the tariff explanation hasn’t gone down quietly. Responses under Analogue’s announcement post on X ranged from frustration over shipping costs and currency conversion fees to criticism that a premium product should have absorbed the increase. Additionally, others questioned why international buyers often face even steeper final totals once customs and carrier fees are factored in.
Whether the backlash affects demand remains to be seen. Previous drops have sold out quickly. There’s little to suggest this one will linger long, even at the higher price.
If you’re planning to secure one, you’ll likely need to be ready when orders go live. Just be prepared to pay a little more for that slice of handheld nostalgia this time around.
