We've been reporting on this device for a couple of weeks now; the team at FunnyPlaying have kept us up to date with exclusive information, and we have a review sample that landed on our desks yesterday, which we have fallen in love with. Our final thoughts will come in the form of a video review next week.
Put simply, this is the new FPGB Mini handheld, a retro handheld that's incredibly pocketable, designed to look like a GAME BOY DMG all while being able to play GAME BOY and GAME BOY Colour cartridges. And that's not it; it can even emulate those games too using an internal emulator that will read ROMs from a micro sd card slot, turning it into the perfect little Micro GAME BOY.
FunnyPlaying has a history in creating modular kits, accessories and even FPGA-based handhelds inside of GAME BOY shells in the past, so it comes as no surprise that they've been working on something special this year, in silence... in very limited stock, and I mean limited.
The upcoming FPGB Mini is now available to purchase via Funny Playing's website and will cost $69.99 for early birds. The catch? They've only made 20 units in their first batch... yes, 20 units. You're as annoyed as I am because that is an abysmal ammount to stock for a new release of a device. It's likely by the time you read this, they've sold out. I asked Funny Playing why they've only made 20 units, and this was their response:
"Since there are still some issues, we need to make some improvements. Moreover, we are approaching the National Day holiday soon, and there are still 30-50 consoles that can only be sold after the holiday".
Which is disappointing to hear. I understand this is made somewhat independently and not mass-produced, but it's clear that this market wants something like this, and producing such a small quantity is likely going to annoy more than it pleases. However, it does look like more are being made, albeit in very small batches, after the mid-Autumn holiday in China.
I've had this device for less than 24 hours, and I know it's not what you want to hear because you can't get one; it's a great little device with a stunning display, adorable characteristics and okay battery life in a form factor that is super pocketable. Some of their stated features:
- 🖥️ 2.98" HD IPS display (800×720) — crisp, vibrant, and faithful to original colours
- 📐 Pocket-sized 113 × 64 × 22 mm (~135 g) — near-original GBC proportions, built for one hand
- ⏰ Real-Time Clock module (CR2032 ) — keep your RTC-dependent saves alive
- 🔗 USB-C link-cable support (Additional connectors are required) — trade, battle, and play with friends
- 💾 microSD expansion ready (up to 32GB) — save backups, screenshots & future updates
- 🔋 1800 mAh rechargeable battery — 4–6 hours of play on a single charge
- 🔊 Full audio — 0.5W speaker
It's not perfect though; no handheld is. For example, it cannot play any of my rumble cartridges because the back compartment is too large and the battery pack on the rumble cartridges stop it from slotting into the cart fully, alongside a very light on/off switch that sometimes doesn't full slide to one side, but these could be the issues they are trying to resolve and why stock is minimal at the moment.
I'm sorry that I couldn't be of more help here regarding forcing them to stock more, but I'll be sure to share with you when the batches get restocked on their website. The best way to stay informed is by following us on socials and subscribing to our free weekly newsletter. This is a device to keep an eye on for sure, and the 20 of you that manage to get one, you're incredibly lucky! Here's a link to their official listing, again.
