Analogue's Pocket just got its 2.6.0 update with new power options

Analogue released firmware version 2.6.0 for the Analogue Pocket yesterday. The update brings a suite of power-saving features and expanded controller support to the premium handheld. The patch is available to download directly from Analogue's support page.

Released in late 2021, the Analogue Pocket uses FPGA hardware to play original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges natively. The hardware built its reputation on cycle-accurate gameplay with virtually zero input latency, paired with a 3.5-inch high-resolution LCD that mimics the subpixel structures of vintage screens. Since launch, the device has seen a steady stream of OS updates to refine its interface and expand its capabilities. This latest patch focuses heavily on quality-of-life improvements for daily use.

Finally, an auto-off toggle

The headline addition in version 2.6.0 is a new set of power management tools. Users can now navigate to the power saving menu to configure automatic screen dimming and complete power-off states when the device is left idle. By default, the Pocket will dim its screen after five minutes of inactivity and shut down completely after two hours.

The update also includes general fixes for sleep and wake functions, alongside a reorganized menu layout.

Faster core switching

The openFPGA framework received several structural tweaks. Introduced in 2022, openFPGA allows third-party developers to write custom hardware simulation cores. This effectively turns the Pocket into a multi-system arcade and console player. With version 2.6.0, the openFPGA menu now includes a recent category that tracks your most recent activity.

Navigating those custom cores is also faster now. The menu relies on caching to open more quickly, and quitting a core drops you right back into the openFPGA menu instead of kicking you out to the root system interface. On the physical cartridge side, Analogue adjusted the bus timing for Game Boy Advance games. Cartridge bus timing adjustments might sound minor, but FPGA accuracy relies on exact electrical timing to communicate with original 20-year-old game carts. Small tweaks here often resolve obscure booting issues or graphical glitches in specific titles.

8BitDo's newest pads join the roster

For players who use the Analogue Dock to output their handheld to a television, the update expands the list of compatible wireless gamepads. The Dock now natively supports the 8BitDo Pro 3 and the 8BitDo 64 controllers. 8BitDo has been a long-time staple in the retro peripheral space, and their hardware pairs naturally with Analogue's ecosystem.

There is a minor technical catch for the Nintendo 64-style pad. To use simultaneous C button inputs on the 8BitDo 64 controller, you need to ensure the controller itself is updated to firmware version 2.05 or later. The update also includes general bug fixes for Dock usage, which should smooth out the transition between handheld and docked play. The Dock itself has always been a crucial part of the Pocket's appeal, turning a purely portable device into a home console. Ensuring it plays nicely with the newest third-party controllers keeps the hardware relevant as peripheral manufacturers update their own product lines.