Update: I found that switching to an older EverDrive OS version (v1.04) resolved my issues with the FPGBC. It's still a little finicky (about 25% of the time it won't properly read the OS when you boot it), but everything else seems to be in working order.
You said "if you are watching this very long video about a fake gameboy, you're probably in this specific use case anyway." I actually am in this specific case (already have an analogue pocket though). But I watch all of your videos. And I watch ETA Prime. I like his takes on cell phones and mini pcs. And I like your takes on emulation handhelds and accessories. Personally, for gaming, I use my steamdeck most, my cell phone (S24 Ultra) second, and the pocket least, when I'm craving some OG pokemon or tetris. But even the systems you review that I know I'll never buy, I enjoy hearing about them and what they can do. Thanks for the effort you put into your videos. You've helped me decide on systems in the past like the RG351V that I put countless hours on while my kids were at Bible School. And you got me to get my Vita back out and play some old games that I loved. And you help me pass the time at work too. So thanks man.
Just a note on the budude GB core on the Analogue Pocket - the DMG display mode is not supposed to look washed out like that. By default the core has a palette enabled that messes up the look of the shader/filter. In the core settings go to Custom Palette and turn it off and it should now display exactly the same as the DMG display mode in the main core when playing a cartridge.
Thanks for your review Russ. I have both the FPGBC and the Analogue Pocket. The Pocket is strictly relegated to home use, while the FPGBC is my EDC. I'm not too worried about damaging or losing the FPGBC. My reproduction cart of Tetris Rosy Retrospection lives forever in the FPGBC slot.
"And of course, the 20 dollar flash cart worked perfectly" as well as Russ giving it a full-on "oh yeah" down the barrel of the camera when demoing the FPGBC made me actually laugh out loud. Excellent work, as ever.
@@retroman-- unlike in traditional media, there's more opportunity for direct audience feedback to creators like TH-camrs and streamers. If I particularly enjoy something, I'll say so. Not every creator reads their comments, but many I follow do and I think it's nice to let people know when you appreciate their work.
Why? Will never understand the love for it. Hated how far away my hands were from each other. Completely skipped it as a kid after trying out a friends and completely hating it. The the SP came out and I laughed even more at the Advance.
My man's hating on the ergonomics of a GBA 🤣. But I bet you have no issue using any console controller or a Nintendo switch or maybe a keyboard and mouse.
Dude i was wondering when youd review this. Your channel got me into retro handhelds and the FPGBC was like a gateway drug into gameboy modding. I really appreciate this channel, thank you!
You can also start up the cheap flash cart much faster by immediately pressing the start button when the menu loads. This action will initiate the last game flashed into the internal storage, saving you quite a bit of time compared to waiting for it to flash every time. If anyone intends to go this route I also highly recommend checking your screen uniformity on the GB core without a game on launch. I've seen 3 out of 4 FPGBC screens with severe quality control issues, mine of which is currently unplayable and Funnyplaying is giving me quite a runaround in getting another replacement. The replacement that just arrived also has the same splotches on the screen which look to me like water damage. I've seen this on 3 FPGBC screens so far as mentioned and 1 SP screen all from Funnyplaying (I also had this on my FPGBC review if you're interested in seeing what that looks like). That aside though if you get a good screen this is a fantastic handheld. Great review as always Russ!
Wow, I am surprised about your screen issues, I haven't heard this much. I consider myself lucky that I got a good one in that case! I enjoy your channel.
Man i got a screen from funnyplaying and it was water damaged! i thought i just had messed up doing something but i was 99% sure i did not cause the damage. Im starting to think i might not have
My favorite Game Boy DMG mod is the backlight with bivert. It retains the original screen but provides a backlight and higher contrast. It's also cheap with parts costing less than $20. The installation is a bit involved and it does require some soldering but shouldn't be much of a problem for anyone with a little experience.
Dude. My wife surprised me with the RP3+ and your videos helped me so much with setting it up and its been such a nostalgia trip. Now we're gonna have a baby soon and I would love to try to share our childhood experience with the original Gameboy Color with all new parts so it can last a long time.
Here's the thing about the OG Gameboy, the DMG-01, that people don't realize: I play my dmg almost daily. As a truck driver, I also bring it with me on the road, every trip and what people don't realize or maybe have forgotten - is that the OG gameboy works best when playing outside. In sunlight. And that's how it was meant to be played. Every kid in the 90s that had a gameboy, usually played it while on the go somewhere.
May I ask your FPGBC firmware version and your Everdrive GB x7 firmware version? I feel like I've tried every combination under the sun, and still nothing. Fully updated, my ED works on a stock GBC. Not on my FPGBC.
@@newdirectdemocracy my ED model is "Model 17 Rev E, 28.07.2021" the ED firmware is up to date (1.06) and the fireware on my FPGBC is 1.08, the hardware of the FPGBC is the 2nd model" hope that helps.
I agree with you - There's something about the feeling of the original handhelds. I have the analogue pocket as well, but I gravitate towards my display-modded gbc and gba 99% of the time. Appreciate the video!!
I've been using mine for almost 2 weeks now. Easily to build and a nice big screen. While the GBC isn't my ideal form factor, it's been really nice to have something brand new that can play most of my cart library.
The link cable problem is likely related to the timing problems the FPGBC. It's not clock accurate. You can adjust the speed but the proper speed is between two of the setting points. So you can run it either a little too fast or a little too slow but never cycle accurate. That will cause communication problems with the link cable.
Exactly this. This very same reason is why the original Super Game Boy on SNES did not come with a link cable port - because it runs slightly faster than the original hardware. You can actually mod the SGB1 to have a link cable port and it will not work until you install a separate mod that makes the SGB1 run at the proper speed of an original GB/C. The Super Game Boy 2 naturally has these features within itself - it runs at the correct speed which allowed them to put a link cable port on it. Therefore, the link cable port cannot work properly until the FPGBC has the correct timing of GB/GBC.
Just want to say thanks for the thorough and meaningful coverage in the video. Avid viewer and I was nervous buying an FPFPGA without your review. Yeah man, looking forward to your next video. Also huge fan of the Japan Vlog, love the travel gaming topic.
Just got my FPGBC in. It's the GOAT retro console. Can't wait for the GBA version. I don't think people realize how important these brand new motherboards and chips are for that price range. Not having to swap a 25-30-year-old motherboard and chips over in hopes it'll just last another 20 years is huge.
I've been using the FPGBC for a few months now and it's also been my favorite new GameBoy by far. I was also able to find an Everdrive X5 for around $60 for it which has been working great across all games so far. It basically supports everything the X7 does except save states. The X3 is also a cheaper reliable option though you have to reset the device to fully save a game that uses battery backup.
I do wonder will this effect overal Game Boy Modding and prices. Because now we can build something awesome without needing an original mainboard. And those game boys where getting expensive now a days.
Just a couple,of noteworthy things to add. 1. Not all games work properly on the current firmware. For example „Alleyway“ will start but the d-Pad won’t work. Now I’m German so this might be specific to the EU firmware but somehow I think it’s a general issue. 2. Russ, you are mentioning you were uncertain why you can adjust the volume in the menu if you have a physical dial as well and I think I figured it out. The menu volume will be remembered as default. So if you restart your fpgb it will be at the volume last set in the menu. The physical dial will not be remembered. Happy playing to everyone around the world and thank you Russ for your outstanding work!
Great little project this is. I used an ear swab to push down on the battery connector and the foam that came inside the speaker container is the perfect thing to slide under the battery to remove any play. Thanks, Russ!
Great testing and comparison. I like how you keep referring to capturing the feel and nostalgia of the Gameboy. Thanks for your honesty in regards to the Pocket.
I think I might pick up one. I modded my gba 3 years ago with a fp ips screen and was really happy with the end result. This is a better solution rather than cannibalizing electronics that are now more scarse/expensive.
just a note at 24:31, that washed out look is probably unintended. the original gb dmg and other display modes are all the exact same as the analogue ones. the current version of the core seems to come with a palette already applied, and having custom palette set to auto or force will apply it over that display mode, causing the washed out look. setting custom palette to off will make them look normal again, for anyone who prefers it that way.
This thing looks crazy in white. Super clean and unique. You pointed out something fundamental but often overlooked about all these handhelds. Nothing beats the authentic feel of the original form factor, which despite the extremely premium feel of the Analogue Pocket, it's just missing some of that vaguely tangible magic (probably nostalgia) from the original devices.
The reason link cables aren't working likely isn't hardware failure, but it's related to the CPU speed being inaccurate. since it's running at a slightly different cycle speed, it's unable to sync up to another device with the original cycle speed of the GBC. this is why the pocket works with the OG GBC, it's got proper cycle speed.
The real beauty in the pocket is that display. Nothing else compares. Other than, like, an oled phone. I wish we could have that screen (and a chip capable of shaders) in a non-fpga handheld. The pocket looks so good, but I'm also not a fan of how it feels in the hands, and it's just a bit too large.
@@reinwise7017 I have the OLED GBC. I think its pretty good. Worth it if you like tinkering and a fairly easy install. I like my Analogue Pocket more but that a different beast.
I agree after having the AP with its beautiful screen I could not go back to ips modded gamboys, even though they were more comfortable to play with the screen is what keeps me playing for hours, also love how it goes from a Luxury/Premium Gameboy to a retro emulator.
The issue with then link port is hardware related and there's a fix. I'm inferring that it's the same issue that is causing Game Boy Printer incompatibility, for which Funnyplaying has given the solution in the release notes of v1.08 of the firmware (24.03.25): the motherboard resistor r45 needs to be removed. They also added an image of where that resistor is located. I'm not gonna test it before someone like Mahko tests it out though :D
I saw the note in the 1.8 firmware, but I think it must have been broken by that firmware. I'm on 1.06 and I've been able to use the link cable between the FPGBC and an original GBC.
@@jeremyp8409 Depends on what you modded. If it's just an old game boy with a screen replacement, you'll be fine. Link stuff is only a problem with non-Nintendo devices, like the FunnyPlaying Game Boy Color, or if you changed the oscillator crystal.
40:48 russ nailed it right here for me about the analogue pocket and other emulation devices. There's just something just something about these devices that lack the charm of original dedicated hardware and I think it's the lack of identity in that they try to do everything
@Russ: Small heads up: When you use pupdate to update your cores, go to the extra settings afterwards and "enable all display modes for all cores" so you have them in Spiritualized's cores as well. ;)
It must be said; as always, amazing reviews and videos! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🕹️ The level of detail is always 'just right'. The commentary is exemplary, (many "TH-camrs" should take a page from this channel, TBH). The exposition is at the right pace. The enthusiasm and love for retro gaming permeates across to the viewer ☺️. I discovered this channel at its early, (very early), stages. I am thrilled to see that it is steadily getting more and more subs 😃! #HappyGaming to you too Sir🤗🕹️.
I love the looks of that white GBC! I bought a pre-modded real GBC on ebay with the DMG look before I ended up getting a pre-modded DMG. I made sure to get them from a good seller that uses Funnyplaying screens. The FP screen on the DMG comes pretty close to the original color. And when you add up the cost of buying all the parts individually vs. buying them premodded, it is really the same. I did my own GBA and even though I got a great deal on the GBA itself, the IPS screen, shell, etc. was over $90. But after all that, the Analogue Pocket is so much better and in a league of its own.
Great review. Its crazy how you stated everything Ive been thinking the last few months. I even started collecting gameboy and gameboy color games, even overseas ones, because of the fpgbc. I have both it and the analogue.. I love both for different things. Ive been using them more than any of my other handhelds lately..especially analogue having some other emulators as well. Pro tip.. Kirby tilt and tumble is the most underated game of all time imo now that we can play it on a clear big nice screen. Its so good. Can even get the japanese version since its a bit pricey in english. so worth playing the actual cart. I went for the fpgbc during its first wave 1.0 for two reason.. I always wanted a modded gameboy but the price was always way too much, and 2. No soldering, easy to build while still customizable, and other great updated feature.. type c, bigger great screen etc. You nailed this video. I also just got the funnyplaying flashcart v2 and their gb style flasher (kinda cool it uses gb pocket membranes and buttons).. Im wondering how well it will work WITH the funny playing device.
I think this is the option I was waiting for. Cuz I wanna have a Gameboy all day long but that means putting in risk original hardware [that's getting more and more expensive] So I think might get one of this new options, I do believe the updates will bring many good features in the future. Awesome video man, keep the good work. 😎💯🔥
I suppose if you're just looking for GBC, Then this would be a better choice than the Analog Pocket. For the price though, the analog pocket can just do so much more. Including playing roms from an SDcard. I also love how authentic the original DMG-01 looks on the Pocket, with a proper filter, and color. That's where my nostalgia lies. And with open fpga , playing dozens of consoles, portables, computers, and arcade cores.
I agree with a lot of your points from the last 6 or 7 mins. I like my Analogue Pocket but i much prefer holding my og GBC and landscape GBA. I tend to use my AP more like a MiSTer Jr that i can choose to swap between handheld or docked like a retro nintendo switch. This FPGBC looks more like something i'd want if focused on gb/gbc, aside from the flash cart issues. And the price is excellent. Modded GBC would be most ideal for me though. There are options with larger screens if someone needs that, but i find the screen size difference pretty minimal anyways. Great review!
RGB30 honestly does fulfil all possible GB and GBC needs I have. I have an original GBC in perfect condition but the convenience that modern emulation brings are just unbeatable.
@@darkeye77have you ever tried quoting a custom class cut? 160*144 is just a really oddball resolution. And I don't see the downside here, instead of paying $$$ for a custom cut, they just used a bigger screen of which you can use a frame
@@mrb-btw Well yes and no. It's no a big deal if have a generic retro gaming device. But this one is made purposefully for the gameboy. It just makes no sense
I bought this last night... about 12 hours before watching this video! I was hoping to use it with Everdrive but that doesn't seem like a viable option. I think I'll still keep it though I'm not looking forward to having to hunt for GB carts on Oahu! Maybe I'll see you at a BookOff one day :) Thanks for the video and all the great information!
I recently "built" my first FPGA GBC and I completely agree with the greenish/strange tint of the colors. This is in comparison of the FP Q5 IPS 2.0 that I have put in many original GBC's that I built for friends. Wish I could use that screen in them! If they offered better screens, I would definitely go that route! About to build a GBC with one of those AMOLED screens so, I'm looking forward to a comparison of it and the Q5
I absolutely love it! It's as good as an IPS GBC and way better than any modded DMG. Oh and it's cheap too? Man, if they can get this thing working with the Everdrive I'm pulling the trigger. But until then my FP IPS laminated GBC and IPS GBP will have to do!
Fyi u can actually also use the white "gbc" laminated screen on the fpgbc. The only drawbacks are the battery light is non existant, the screen is smaller than the full mode screen and the gbc logo does not work (although, i would imagine fp can do a fw update for that).
Bought my AP to play my old GB, GBC, GBA games. Use it mainly as little arcade powerhouse lol Still great video as always bro, I almost always learn something new.
On the one hand, these devices are all very cool and I love that the retro gaming market has so many cool things. On the other hand, I can't personally justify buying any of them in a world where Miyoo exists.
Great video but one point I must add about the Analogue Pocket is that you can unlock all display modes for all cores, so that GameBoy core with the save states can be played with the various screen filters
I almost bought one of these in the beginning of March. I had it in my cart and decided I'd wait until payday to see if I really wanted it. I forgot about it and didn't buy it. And now here I am wanting to get it again. haha
Cant wait for the HW mod scene to pound on this device with the following : - sd card slot mod -Internal memory expansion mod ( Store more cores and utilities and save states ) ( Note: The internal memory FPGBC is what puts it in limitation with cores. ) -Oled screen mod -L & R button addition mod - New Front end THEN, this device will be a worthy challenger to the Analogue.
For personal taste, it'd be nice if there was Pocket variant, just because of its compact and "pocketable" on the go, but also having the library of color games.
@@TheMysteryDriver Yeah I know, its just my personal preference because I like the sleek design of the pocket whereas the color has that gyatt sticking out.
Love the FPGBC, it's basically what I've been searching for in a handheld for years. Authentic retro hardware with modern conveniences. Unless Anbernic releases an Analogue Pocket style device with a 2 button A/B layout this is probably "the one" I've been searching for. FWIW I was interested in your comment about being able to play this outside and would love to see a video about the category of the "Beach Handheld" or as a user on SBCGaming put it, a "Sunbathing Device." A lot of them are basically unusable in the sun. Could be a fun video idea with spring/summer and there are some unique solutions out there like the GBA SP AGS 001 which has a great outdoor screen and a frontlight for indoor playing. Anyway would be cool to see a roundup of the best outdoor/beachable devices.
I have an Everdrive x7 and it works perfectly on one of the older firmwares (I think the one before the latest one you installed). You’ll lose the new screen modes but as you said, they aren’t that great anyway.
May I ask your FPGBC firmware version and your Everdrive GB x7 firmware version? I feel like I've tried every combination under the sun, and still nothing. Fully updated, my ED works on a stock GBC. Not on my FPGBC.
The new tech Game Boys being created is re igniting the game boy market. Everyone wanting to get a good library for their Game Boy Color we dreamed of as a kid
Nice video and I agree on the most points you worked out. Only my summary would be different. The analogue has his own crisis as you described in form of his form factor and controlls. Funny play has a problem to communicate with ordinary devices which is sad and hopefully can be fixed with updates. The OLED Panel doesnt competes, for me at least it's an upgrade for already existing hardware while both mentioned before are alternatives for the shrinking market of original hardware and therefore a form of conservation. I hope I get this somehow understandable 😁
Try popping out the sdcard after you have loaded into polished crystal, it will then boot directly from the nand flash and will make playing it faster to load. Dont have to press start after the menu loads if you do this. The everdrive clone writes the save upon next game load. So you just need to load another game to write the save to the sdcard.
Update: I found that switching to an older EverDrive OS version (v1.04) resolved my issues with the FPGBC. It's still a little finicky (about 25% of the time it won't properly read the OS when you boot it), but everything else seems to be in working order.
You said "if you are watching this very long video about a fake gameboy, you're probably in this specific use case anyway."
I actually am in this specific case (already have an analogue pocket though). But I watch all of your videos. And I watch ETA Prime.
I like his takes on cell phones and mini pcs. And I like your takes on emulation handhelds and accessories.
Personally, for gaming, I use my steamdeck most, my cell phone (S24 Ultra) second, and the pocket least, when I'm craving some OG pokemon or tetris.
But even the systems you review that I know I'll never buy, I enjoy hearing about them and what they can do.
Thanks for the effort you put into your videos. You've helped me decide on systems in the past like the RG351V that I put countless hours on while my kids were at Bible School. And you got me to get my Vita back out and play some old games that I loved.
And you help me pass the time at work too. So thanks man.
Thanks for the update!
I am using OS version 1.05 and it works perfectly for me! boots perfectly every time
Just a note on the budude GB core on the Analogue Pocket - the DMG display mode is not supposed to look washed out like that. By default the core has a palette enabled that messes up the look of the shader/filter. In the core settings go to Custom Palette and turn it off and it should now display exactly the same as the DMG display mode in the main core when playing a cartridge.
we have now the v1.09 but when i use Game Color GB cartridge it won't open any roms there, but plays well the original cartridges, do you know why?
Did I expect to watch a 45 minute video about modern GBCs today? No, but I’m glad I did! Super thorough breakdown as always, Russ! Great video!
Same lol
Bought one on Taki's recommendation, felt wholly valided after yours, thank you
Ahhh this was a lot of fun! I picked up the same 'cheap' flash cart for my Oled GBC. Happy with it! Great video 🎉
Thanks for your review Russ. I have both the FPGBC and the Analogue Pocket. The Pocket is strictly relegated to home use, while the FPGBC is my EDC. I'm not too worried about damaging or losing the FPGBC. My reproduction cart of Tetris Rosy Retrospection lives forever in the FPGBC slot.
"And of course, the 20 dollar flash cart worked perfectly" as well as Russ giving it a full-on "oh yeah" down the barrel of the camera when demoing the FPGBC made me actually laugh out loud. Excellent work, as ever.
@@ramrodbldm9876 why do people worship youtubers?
@@retroman-- unlike in traditional media, there's more opportunity for direct audience feedback to creators like TH-camrs and streamers. If I particularly enjoy something, I'll say so. Not every creator reads their comments, but many I follow do and I think it's nice to let people know when you appreciate their work.
@@retroman-- enjoying someone's work isn't "worshipping" them
I dont even like youtubers. Always give dislikes when they troll with click baits
Cant wait fir them to do this with the GBA
Why? Will never understand the love for it. Hated how far away my hands were from each other. Completely skipped it as a kid after trying out a friends and completely hating it.
The the SP came out and I laughed even more at the Advance.
So you haven't had the joy of playing the GBA catalogue, no wonder you don't understand.
My man's hating on the ergonomics of a GBA 🤣. But I bet you have no issue using any console controller or a Nintendo switch or maybe a keyboard and mouse.
@@paulkendrick4153 You missed out on the SP model then
@@paulkendrick4153 big mistake you missed out, GBA catalogue is even better than the GBC's
Dude i was wondering when youd review this. Your channel got me into retro handhelds and the FPGBC was like a gateway drug into gameboy modding. I really appreciate this channel, thank you!
You can also start up the cheap flash cart much faster by immediately pressing the start button when the menu loads. This action will initiate the last game flashed into the internal storage, saving you quite a bit of time compared to waiting for it to flash every time. If anyone intends to go this route I also highly recommend checking your screen uniformity on the GB core without a game on launch. I've seen 3 out of 4 FPGBC screens with severe quality control issues, mine of which is currently unplayable and Funnyplaying is giving me quite a runaround in getting another replacement. The replacement that just arrived also has the same splotches on the screen which look to me like water damage. I've seen this on 3 FPGBC screens so far as mentioned and 1 SP screen all from Funnyplaying (I also had this on my FPGBC review if you're interested in seeing what that looks like). That aside though if you get a good screen this is a fantastic handheld. Great review as always Russ!
Wow, I am surprised about your screen issues, I haven't heard this much. I consider myself lucky that I got a good one in that case! I enjoy your channel.
@@Omar_Little Thanks! Always nice to hear! Yeah, it seems like quite a bit of bad luck on my end.
Nice tip, thanks Kei!
Man i got a screen from funnyplaying and it was water damaged! i thought i just had messed up doing something but i was 99% sure i did not cause the damage. Im starting to think i might not have
My favorite Game Boy DMG mod is the backlight with bivert. It retains the original screen but provides a backlight and higher contrast. It's also cheap with parts costing less than $20. The installation is a bit involved and it does require some soldering but shouldn't be much of a problem for anyone with a little experience.
Dude. My wife surprised me with the RP3+ and your videos helped me so much with setting it up and its been such a nostalgia trip. Now we're gonna have a baby soon and I would love to try to share our childhood experience with the original Gameboy Color with all new parts so it can last a long time.
Loving mine so far.i went with the stock look of atomic purple.feels just like a real gameboy color
I hope they fix the issues with the Flashcarts. :( Great vid as always. Also, It's so awesome to support other YT channels like Tito's.
So now you can buy a 'new' gameboy color and 'new' repo carts. What an exciting time for a gameboy fan
I love your detailed coverage in this space, and the overall vibe of your videos. Keep up the awesome work. 🙂
Here's the thing about the OG Gameboy, the DMG-01, that people don't realize: I play my dmg almost daily. As a truck driver, I also bring it with me on the road, every trip and what people don't realize or maybe have forgotten - is that the OG gameboy works best when playing outside. In sunlight. And that's how it was meant to be played. Every kid in the 90s that had a gameboy, usually played it while on the go somewhere.
Mine spent most of it's time playing tetris on road trips!
I just got my Everdrive x7 2021 version in the mail today and can verify it works perfectly fine with the FPGA funnyplaying GBC
May I ask your FPGBC firmware version and your Everdrive GB x7 firmware version? I feel like I've tried every combination under the sun, and still nothing. Fully updated, my ED works on a stock GBC. Not on my FPGBC.
@@newdirectdemocracy my ED model is "Model 17 Rev E, 28.07.2021"
the ED firmware is up to date (1.06) and the fireware on my FPGBC is 1.08, the hardware of the FPGBC is the 2nd model" hope that helps.
I agree with you - There's something about the feeling of the original handhelds. I have the analogue pocket as well, but I gravitate towards my display-modded gbc and gba 99% of the time. Appreciate the video!!
Mine arrived today, built it and loving it. Thank you for showing it off.
I've been using mine for almost 2 weeks now. Easily to build and a nice big screen. While the GBC isn't my ideal form factor, it's been really nice to have something brand new that can play most of my cart library.
Wow, that's beautiful.
Also the splash screen it's amazing 😱
Thanks Russ
The link cable problem is likely related to the timing problems the FPGBC. It's not clock accurate. You can adjust the speed but the proper speed is between two of the setting points. So you can run it either a little too fast or a little too slow but never cycle accurate. That will cause communication problems with the link cable.
Exactly this. This very same reason is why the original Super Game Boy on SNES did not come with a link cable port - because it runs slightly faster than the original hardware.
You can actually mod the SGB1 to have a link cable port and it will not work until you install a separate mod that makes the SGB1 run at the proper speed of an original GB/C. The Super Game Boy 2 naturally has these features within itself - it runs at the correct speed which allowed them to put a link cable port on it. Therefore, the link cable port cannot work properly until the FPGBC has the correct timing of GB/GBC.
Can a FBGBC connect to another FBGBC, then?
Just want to say thanks for the thorough and meaningful coverage in the video. Avid viewer and I was nervous buying an FPFPGA without your review. Yeah man, looking forward to your next video. Also huge fan of the Japan Vlog, love the travel gaming topic.
Just got my FPGBC in. It's the GOAT retro console. Can't wait for the GBA version. I don't think people realize how important these brand new motherboards and chips are for that price range. Not having to swap a 25-30-year-old motherboard and chips over in hopes it'll just last another 20 years is huge.
I'm using the latest OS for the Everdrive GB x3 and the latest firmware for the FPGBC (1.10) and it's working perfectly.
I've been using the FPGBC for a few months now and it's also been my favorite new GameBoy by far. I was also able to find an Everdrive X5 for around $60 for it which has been working great across all games so far. It basically supports everything the X7 does except save states. The X3 is also a cheaper reliable option though you have to reset the device to fully save a game that uses battery backup.
I do wonder will this effect overal Game Boy Modding and prices. Because now we can build something awesome without needing an original mainboard. And those game boys where getting expensive now a days.
Loved this video. Thx for showing each game's name, it's useful for finding new retro games.
Just a couple,of noteworthy things to add.
1. Not all games work properly on the current firmware. For example „Alleyway“ will start but the d-Pad won’t work.
Now I’m German so this might be specific to the EU firmware but somehow I think it’s a general issue.
2. Russ, you are mentioning you were uncertain why you can adjust the volume in the menu if you have a physical dial as well and I think I figured it out.
The menu volume will be remembered as default. So if you restart your fpgb it will be at the volume last set in the menu. The physical dial will not be remembered.
Happy playing to everyone around the world and thank you Russ for your outstanding work!
Best video so far this year. Love this fpgbc. Thought you’d never review it.
Great little project this is. I used an ear swab to push down on the battery connector and the foam that came inside the speaker container is the perfect thing to slide under the battery to remove any play. Thanks, Russ!
Great testing and comparison. I like how you keep referring to capturing the feel and nostalgia of the Gameboy. Thanks for your honesty in regards to the Pocket.
I think I might pick up one. I modded my gba 3 years ago with a fp ips screen and was really happy with the end result. This is a better solution rather than cannibalizing electronics that are now more scarse/expensive.
I'm jumping on this as soon as they get the white buttons back in stock. Clear red shell with the white buttons *chefs kiss*
This video is a banger ! exactly what I was looking for and conforting me into buying a FPGBC. Great work !
just a note at 24:31, that washed out look is probably unintended. the original gb dmg and other display modes are all the exact same as the analogue ones. the current version of the core seems to come with a palette already applied, and having custom palette set to auto or force will apply it over that display mode, causing the washed out look. setting custom palette to off will make them look normal again, for anyone who prefers it that way.
I built mine last week, and I can't recommend it enough. Love the comment about it being like a LEGO set but with a console at the end.
This thing looks crazy in white. Super clean and unique. You pointed out something fundamental but often overlooked about all these handhelds. Nothing beats the authentic feel of the original form factor, which despite the extremely premium feel of the Analogue Pocket, it's just missing some of that vaguely tangible magic (probably nostalgia) from the original devices.
I really look forward to building this one day with my daughter. Hopefully they have a GB Pocket edition by then.
a GB Pocket edition would be a blast!!
The reason link cables aren't working likely isn't hardware failure, but it's related to the CPU speed being inaccurate. since it's running at a slightly different cycle speed, it's unable to sync up to another device with the original cycle speed of the GBC. this is why the pocket works with the OG GBC, it's got proper cycle speed.
A 45 minutes video from Russ? That's heaven right here
That’s a lotta snacks
@@zackmezerawe eating good
Russ posts a new video and I click “yeah I wanna do it”
The real beauty in the pocket is that display. Nothing else compares. Other than, like, an oled phone. I wish we could have that screen (and a chip capable of shaders) in a non-fpga handheld. The pocket looks so good, but I'm also not a fan of how it feels in the hands, and it's just a bit too large.
There is an OLED GBC screen mod on the market lol
@@Nate.mp4 Yeah but it's not that good, it's from an old blackberry phone
@@reinwise7017 I have the OLED GBC. I think its pretty good. Worth it if you like tinkering and a fairly easy install. I like my Analogue Pocket more but that a different beast.
@@Nate.mp4 yes, I've seen it
I agree after having the AP with its beautiful screen I could not go back to ips modded gamboys, even though they were more comfortable to play with the screen is what keeps me playing for hours, also love how it goes from a Luxury/Premium Gameboy to a retro emulator.
Russ knocked out of the park again with this one. Probably one of my fave videos of his yet. Maybe we will be getting a video on MiSTer FPGA soon?
The issue with then link port is hardware related and there's a fix. I'm inferring that it's the same issue that is causing Game Boy Printer incompatibility, for which Funnyplaying has given the solution in the release notes of v1.08 of the firmware (24.03.25): the motherboard resistor r45 needs to be removed. They also added an image of where that resistor is located. I'm not gonna test it before someone like Mahko tests it out though :D
I'll just wait for 1.2 of the board.
I saw the note in the 1.8 firmware, but I think it must have been broken by that firmware. I'm on 1.06 and I've been able to use the link cable between the FPGBC and an original GBC.
I'm planning on playing through All the old pokemon games with a moded gameboy will this affect trading with a link cable?
@@jeremyp8409 Depends on what you modded. If it's just an old game boy with a screen replacement, you'll be fine. Link stuff is only a problem with non-Nintendo devices, like the FunnyPlaying Game Boy Color, or if you changed the oscillator crystal.
@@rembrandx thanks for the info 😁
I couldn’t decide which color I wanted, so I did the natural thing and built 2 of them 🤪
I picked neither and got the rg353v and a rg405v
I did the same thing, got a full white and a clear blue 😅
What color is nicer?
I built a full black and then a ruby red with black buttons (including start and select) and clear membranes.
I really like this Gameboy. I have both
Even though I have the 3 devices, I'm spending 45 min of my time watching Russ. 😅
This is acutally just what I wanted, and the price is totally ok for it, Im in
40:48 russ nailed it right here for me about the analogue pocket and other emulation devices. There's just something just something about these devices that lack the charm of original dedicated hardware and I think it's the lack of identity in that they try to do everything
I recommend makho's videos if you want a more indepth assembly guide.
I don't have three and a half hours.
@@beardyhat9547sorry to hear that. You've probably passed already as you wrote this 3 weeks ago. Rest in peace
@@Psyopcyclops your curses are returned.
@@Psyopcyclops do not wish death.
This is super cool and great and cheap
But nah, the AP is the endgame for me personally
Best review for this handheld.
I would love to see them offer this in the GBA form factor. So much more comfortable for my hands.
@Russ: Small heads up: When you use pupdate to update your cores, go to the extra settings afterwards and "enable all display modes for all cores" so you have them in Spiritualized's cores as well. ;)
I’m presently happy with my Powkiddy V90 for my GB and GBC games👌
Awesome review. dito! i did not expect to watch a 45min. keep up the good work.
It must be said; as always, amazing reviews and videos! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🕹️
The level of detail is always 'just right'. The commentary is exemplary, (many "TH-camrs" should take a page from this channel, TBH).
The exposition is at the right pace. The enthusiasm and love for retro gaming permeates across to the viewer ☺️.
I discovered this channel at its early, (very early), stages. I am thrilled to see that it is steadily getting more and more subs 😃!
#HappyGaming to you too Sir🤗🕹️.
Excellent comparison - love the rom hacks too!
Finally, Gameboy emulation!!
Love the channel :)
This is literally the review I’ve been waiting for. I use a EZ-Flash Jr. Hopefully a new FW update fixes the support for it.
FPGBC is honestly a cool affordable weekend project!
A much awaited review, thanks Russ!
I got the oled mod and a gbc for about $100 and I've been enjoying it.
I love the looks of that white GBC! I bought a pre-modded real GBC on ebay with the DMG look before I ended up getting a pre-modded DMG. I made sure to get them from a good seller that uses Funnyplaying screens. The FP screen on the DMG comes pretty close to the original color. And when you add up the cost of buying all the parts individually vs. buying them premodded, it is really the same. I did my own GBA and even though I got a great deal on the GBA itself, the IPS screen, shell, etc. was over $90. But after all that, the Analogue Pocket is so much better and in a league of its own.
Love mine. Funnyplaying has proven they know what they're doing. I am down to get a fpgba when they get around to it.
Great review. Its crazy how you stated everything Ive been thinking the last few months. I even started collecting gameboy and gameboy color games, even overseas ones, because of the fpgbc. I have both it and the analogue.. I love both for different things. Ive been using them more than any of my other handhelds lately..especially analogue having some other emulators as well. Pro tip.. Kirby tilt and tumble is the most underated game of all time imo now that we can play it on a clear big nice screen. Its so good. Can even get the japanese version since its a bit pricey in english. so worth playing the actual cart. I went for the fpgbc during its first wave 1.0 for two reason.. I always wanted a modded gameboy but the price was always way too much, and 2. No soldering, easy to build while still customizable, and other great updated feature.. type c, bigger great screen etc. You nailed this video. I also just got the funnyplaying flashcart v2 and their gb style flasher (kinda cool it uses gb pocket membranes and buttons).. Im wondering how well it will work WITH the funny playing device.
I think this is the option I was waiting for. Cuz I wanna have a Gameboy all day long but that means putting in risk original hardware [that's getting more and more expensive]
So I think might get one of this new options, I do believe the updates will bring many good features in the future.
Awesome video man, keep the good work. 😎💯🔥
I suppose if you're just looking for GBC, Then this would be a better choice than the Analog Pocket. For the price though, the analog pocket can just do so much more. Including playing roms from an SDcard. I also love how authentic the original DMG-01 looks on the Pocket, with a proper filter, and color. That's where my nostalgia lies. And with open fpga , playing dozens of consoles, portables, computers, and arcade cores.
I agree with a lot of your points from the last 6 or 7 mins. I like my Analogue Pocket but i much prefer holding my og GBC and landscape GBA. I tend to use my AP more like a MiSTer Jr that i can choose to swap between handheld or docked like a retro nintendo switch. This FPGBC looks more like something i'd want if focused on gb/gbc, aside from the flash cart issues. And the price is excellent. Modded GBC would be most ideal for me though. There are options with larger screens if someone needs that, but i find the screen size difference pretty minimal anyways. Great review!
once a gba version comes to be ill be very excited
RGB30 honestly does fulfil all possible GB and GBC needs I have. I have an original GBC in perfect condition but the convenience that modern emulation brings are just unbeatable.
I'm so close to buying one! I just wish the aliexpress flash carts did save states.
The screen isn't the proper resolution for fullscreen integer scaling ? Really ? For a gameboy only device ? That really really sucks
This pissed me off too, like why bother doing FPGA if the screen isn't going to be right?
@@darkeye77have you ever tried quoting a custom class cut? 160*144 is just a really oddball resolution. And I don't see the downside here, instead of paying $$$ for a custom cut, they just used a bigger screen of which you can use a frame
@@petermuller608 That's a fair counter-argument.
is it really that big of a deal?
@@mrb-btw Well yes and no. It's no a big deal if have a generic retro gaming device.
But this one is made purposefully for the gameboy. It just makes no sense
The bottom half of all Pokemon Red character sprites were black, but after watching this I messed with the GB CLRFIX and that took care of it. Thanks!
I am so thankful! ❤
I bought this last night... about 12 hours before watching this video! I was hoping to use it with Everdrive but that doesn't seem like a viable option. I think I'll still keep it though I'm not looking forward to having to hunt for GB carts on Oahu! Maybe I'll see you at a BookOff one day :) Thanks for the video and all the great information!
I recently "built" my first FPGA GBC and I completely agree with the greenish/strange tint of the colors. This is in comparison of the FP Q5 IPS 2.0 that I have put in many original GBC's that I built for friends.
Wish I could use that screen in them! If they offered better screens, I would definitely go that route!
About to build a GBC with one of those AMOLED screens so, I'm looking forward to a comparison of it and the Q5
I absolutely love it! It's as good as an IPS GBC and way better than any modded DMG. Oh and it's cheap too? Man, if they can get this thing working with the Everdrive I'm pulling the trigger. But until then my FP IPS laminated GBC and IPS GBP will have to do!
youre right. the fpgbc really brings back those early memories whereas the analog pocket just looks like a regular emulator
Fyi u can actually also use the white "gbc" laminated screen on the fpgbc. The only drawbacks are the battery light is non existant, the screen is smaller than the full mode screen and the gbc logo does not work (although, i would imagine fp can do a fw update for that).
Bought my AP to play my old GB, GBC, GBA games. Use it mainly as little arcade powerhouse lol
Still great video as always bro, I almost always learn something new.
I too love my AP and the GB studio and but this also looks fun to make
The FPGBC is great. It also supports the Everdrive (perfectly working for me), so this is a very good handheld.
We need gba form factor 😎
On the one hand, these devices are all very cool and I love that the retro gaming market has so many cool things. On the other hand, I can't personally justify buying any of them in a world where Miyoo exists.
Great video but one point I must add about the Analogue Pocket is that you can unlock all display modes for all cores, so that GameBoy core with the save states can be played with the various screen filters
I bought the AP and dont regret it at all. Best part is its already built
Here's hoping we get an FP-GBA soon.
I almost bought one of these in the beginning of March. I had it in my cart and decided I'd wait until payday to see if I really wanted it. I forgot about it and didn't buy it. And now here I am wanting to get it again. haha
Great, now I have to get a FPGBC! Great video.
Cant wait for the HW mod scene to pound on this device with the following :
- sd card slot mod
-Internal memory expansion mod ( Store more cores and utilities and save states )
( Note: The internal memory FPGBC is what puts it in limitation with cores. )
-Oled screen mod
-L & R button addition mod
- New Front end
THEN, this device will be a worthy challenger to the Analogue.
For personal taste, it'd be nice if there was Pocket variant, just because of its compact and "pocketable" on the go, but also having the library of color games.
The GBC is about the same size as the GB pocket.
@@TheMysteryDriver Yeah I know, its just my personal preference because I like the sleek design of the pocket whereas the color has that gyatt sticking out.
Love the FPGBC, it's basically what I've been searching for in a handheld for years. Authentic retro hardware with modern conveniences. Unless Anbernic releases an Analogue Pocket style device with a 2 button A/B layout this is probably "the one" I've been searching for. FWIW I was interested in your comment about being able to play this outside and would love to see a video about the category of the "Beach Handheld" or as a user on SBCGaming put it, a "Sunbathing Device." A lot of them are basically unusable in the sun. Could be a fun video idea with spring/summer and there are some unique solutions out there like the GBA SP AGS 001 which has a great outdoor screen and a frontlight for indoor playing. Anyway would be cool to see a roundup of the best outdoor/beachable devices.
I have an Everdrive x7 and it works perfectly on one of the older firmwares (I think the one before the latest one you installed). You’ll lose the new screen modes but as you said, they aren’t that great anyway.
May I ask your FPGBC firmware version and your Everdrive GB x7 firmware version? I feel like I've tried every combination under the sun, and still nothing. Fully updated, my ED works on a stock GBC. Not on my FPGBC.
The new tech Game Boys being created is re igniting the game boy market. Everyone wanting to get a good library for their Game Boy Color we dreamed of as a kid
Long video? I felt it was short, I really liked it.
I love the "Some Indie Platformer"
Nice video and I agree on the most points you worked out. Only my summary would be different. The analogue has his own crisis as you described in form of his form factor and controlls. Funny play has a problem to communicate with ordinary devices which is sad and hopefully can be fixed with updates. The OLED Panel doesnt competes, for me at least it's an upgrade for already existing hardware while both mentioned before are alternatives for the shrinking market of original hardware and therefore a form of conservation. I hope I get this somehow understandable 😁
Thumbnail tricked me into thinking this was dankpods!
I have a Gameboy Color and the only thing I ever used the infrared for was to get extra stuff in the GBC Pokemon games.
80$ for this is amazing compared to other options that are in the hundreds of dollars!
Try popping out the sdcard after you have loaded into polished crystal, it will then boot directly from the nand flash and will make playing it faster to load. Dont have to press start after the menu loads if you do this. The everdrive clone writes the save upon next game load. So you just need to load another game to write the save to the sdcard.