FunnyPlaying's FPGB Mini handheld plays original Game Boy cartridges for $69.99

FunnyPlaying, known for Game Boy and GBA upgrade kits, has announced the FPGB Mini, a new handheld device that plays original Nintendo Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges as well as ROMs through emulation.

The device uses field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology to replicate the original hardware's accuracy. It features a 2.98-inch LCD display with 800x720-pixel resolution, an 1,800mAh rechargeable battery, and a microSD slot for storing game saves, screenshots, and ROM files.

The FPGB Mini's most distinctive feature is its extremely compact size. The handheld is only slightly wider than a Game Boy cartridge itself, making it one of the smallest Game Boy players available. This compact design does have a limitation: cartridges with rumble motors or other hardware additions cannot be used.

Pricing gives the FPGB Mini a significant advantage over competitors. The initial batch of 20 units sold out quickly at a discounted price of $69.99, down from the regular $89.99. By comparison, the Analogue Pocket, which also plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Game Gear cartridges, now costs $239.99 following recent price increases.

The FPGB Mini's cartridge support is limited to Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles, making it less versatile than the Pocket. However, testing by Retro Dodo found the handheld impressive in both design and capability. FunnyPlaying has indicated plans to release additional units after implementing hardware improvements, though no timeline has been announced.