Fans of vintage gaming are in for a treat. The Analogue Duo system, known for its FPGA tech that can play PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games, is set to launch in 2023. The announcement dispels long-standing uncertainty surrounding the release date of the console and brings a wave of anticipation among expectant users and gaming enthusiasts.
Analogue Inc., the creator of the console, recently confirmed that pre-orders would go live soon. Those interested can get theirs in the pipeline for a price tag of $249 from May 19. The product will be available in limited quantities and is expected to ship in the year 2023.
If you are unfamiliar with the gaming universe, FPGA technology, short for Field-Programmable Gate Array, is a state-of-the-art technology frequently used for vintage game consoles. It is highly appreciated for its ability to replicate vintage gaming experiences almost perfectly.
First announced back in October 2020, the Analogue Duo has stirred significant interest among fans of NEC’s iconic PC Engine, also known as the TurboGrafx-16 in North America. The new console promises to replicate the performance and experience of this legendary gaming system, which ranks among Kanye West's favourite games.
Some might recall that NEC's PC Engine was a remarkable piece of hardware, famous for its diminutive size and superior gaming capabilities. Arriving in 1987, it was a rival for gaming giants SNES and Mega Drive, even outpacing the renowned Famicom in sales in Japan, a feat none the less colossal.
However, it was not as successful in North America, with the TurboGrafx-16 failing to challenge Sega and Nintendo's dominance in the region.
The Analogue Duo boasts compatibility with a wide range of games for NEC's PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16, both HuCard and CD-based. It will also play games made for the SuperGrafx system and CD titles, including classic arcade games like Fatal Fury Special and Strider. The design of the console is heavily influenced by the CD-based TurboDuo, another product from the same gaming era.
For a more inclusive gaming experience, the Duo is built with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, allowing users to connect compatible wireless controllers. Additionally, a USB port is available for gamers who prefer wired USB pads.
But beyond the fond nostalgia, what makes this announcement particularly compelling is Analogue's reputation. Known for its top-quality hardware, Analogue has a history of injecting the heart and soul of classic gaming into the digital age.
Among the company's exceptional hardware is another upcoming product — an adapter for the Analogue Pocket that allows you to play PC Engine, SuperGrafx HuCards, and TG-16 TurboChips. Like the Duo, this is also expected to make its debut in 2023.
These two products from Analogue Inc. highlight their commitment to giving vintage gaming new life. The company is set to bridge the gap between the past and present, translating memorable historic gaming moments through their innovative products.
With the pre-orders on the horizon, it's exciting times for gaming enthusiasts, particularly those with a taste for classic gaming systems. The duo's 2023 release is no doubt eagerly awaited, signalling Analogue Inc.'s latest contribution to the gaming industry's continuous evolution.
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