Analogue 3D Delay Extends Company’s Legacy of Postponed Console Launches
Analogue’s upcoming N64-compatible console faces another setback, echoing delays seen across its premium retro hardware line.
Latest Delay for Analogue 3D
Analogue has confirmed its 3D console, designed to play Nintendo 64 cartridges via FPGA technology, will now launch in July 2024 – four months later than initially planned. In a statement, the company cited “manufacturing challenges” as the primary cause. This follows its October 2023 reveal, which promised compatibility with original controllers and 4K output. Pre-orders remain open, with no price adjustments announced.
A Recurring Pattern for Retro Hardware
The delay mirrors Analogue’s history of postponed releases. Its 2014 Analogue NT (NES clone) arrived a year post-announcement due to aluminium chassis production issues. The Pocket handheld, unveiled in 2019, suffered two years of delays from COVID-19 and chip shortages. Even successful releases like the Super NT (SNES) and Mega SG (Sega Genesis) shipped months behind schedule. Industry analysts attribute this to Analogue’s niche manufacturing approach – using boutique materials and FPGA chips instead of emulation, prioritising accuracy over speed.
Consumer and Market Reactions
While delays frustrate fans, Analogue’s reputation for quality sustains demand. The Pocket sold 50,000 units in 2022 despite its rocky launch, per VGChartz estimates. However, competitors like Polymega and Retron consoles capitalise on quicker turnarounds using software emulation. “Analogue’s delays risk ceding ground in a booming retro market,” said GamesIndustry.biz analyst Liam Robertson, referencing the sector’s projected 6.8% annual growth through 2030 (MarketWatch, 2023).
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