RetroDodo readers will be happy to know they're getting an exclusive early piece of information today: a brand new retro handheld from the guys over at FunnyPlaying, a popular retro-focused retailer with a history of making handhelds, manufacturing parts and keeping modders happy with tools and kits.
In 2023, FunnyPlaying created the RetroPixel, a GBA Pocket-like device running Linux, costing just $50. It wasn't my cup of tea personally, but I know many GBP fans enjoyed it. They also created a GAME BOY Color version, and now, a few years later, they're working on something a little cooler (in my opinion).
Credit: FunnyPlaying
FunnyPlaying has shared with us a video and an image of their upcoming handheld, possibly called the Retro Pixel MiniGB, that can play physical GAME BOY cartridges, and it can emulate ROM files too. To put it simply, it looks like a miniature GAME BOY DMG, modified to be a similar width to a GAME BOY cartridge. FunnyPlaying is taking their time responding to our questions, so as of now they have not shared any specifications, pricing or release date, so all we have to go by is this video and the words "We will soon launch a new game console".
So, I am going to speculate here; these are not facts. But from what I can tell, it's likely FunnyPlaying wants to keep the same screen size as the original GAME BOY, coming in at around 2.6". From the video, we can see it's a modernised, backlit coloured display, and the insertion of a GAME BOY Color cartridge suggests it will be able to play both GB and GBC games.
The buttons look similar too, especially the DPAD, possibly meaning FunnyPlaying are keeping to the original feel by using original/third party buttons designed to look like the DMG's. Even going as far as adding in the angled start/select buttons and the slanted speaker grill on the bottom right. Though the action buttons do look smaller.
If you watch the whole video, you'll also see the gamer pressing a menu button, which opens up a simple emulation menu so that you can access the ROMs on your TF Card, alongside the ability to save and load your ROMs on the fly. Open up the settings, and you'll be greeted with more customisations, such as brightness, volume, fastboot and more.
I'll be honest, I really like this. The mix of being able to play my physical collection alongside the potential of playing rarer games via emulation is a mix that will undoubtedly favour this miniaturised, pocket-friendly version that I am hoping has a really nice, bright, crispy display that makes these games really pop when playing outside under the sun.
I am still in contact with the team at FunnyPlaying and will update this article with more information once I have it. They have yet to announce this device themselves, so you're getting a first look here. It's still in development, as you can tell from the images, but I know they want to send some to the media to get their thoughts on it over the coming weeks. I am intrigued to know your thoughts in the comments below, and make sure to join our free weekly newsletter to not miss our thoughts on this once a sample arrives.
