The Analog Pocket, billed as the ultimate Game Boy, has been postponed yet again

The delay, confirmed by a tweet, marks the third setback for the much-hyped $199 handheld Analogue Pocket, which Analogue attributes to a parts shortage due to the Covid-19 outbreak Perhaps that's why gamers have been furiously Googling PS5 restocks, Xbox Series X restocks, and where to buy Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080s, with little result

Analogue Pocket was originally announced for October 2019, with a release date of 2020 It was first delayed to May of this year and has now been pushed back to an October 2021 arrival

For those upset by this turn of events, Analogue is offering a full refund to those who wish to cancel their pre-orders

Analog's support post links to a Bloomberg article explaining how the global chip shortage is paralyzing manufacturing Even the Chevrolet Camaro is suspending production due to a computer chip shortage

Other analog products are also waiting to be restocked, including a $190 Super NT Super NES clone, a $190 Mega SG Sega Mega Drive and Master System clone, and an $80 DAC (digital audio converter)

Of Analog's equipment, the "Pocket" seems to be the most desired Not only does it have a clean, sleek design, but it can play over 2,780 Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games There is also a cartridge adapter to play Sega Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Atari Lynx, and more The Pocket can also be used as a digital audio workstation, with a synthesizer and sequencer for music production

The shell has a 35" LCD display with a resolution of 1600x1440 and a variable refresh rate It also has a 4,300 mAh battery, stereo speakers, USB-C charging, and a dock with HDMI output and Bluetooth controller support

For all intents and purposes, the Analog Pocket is the ultimate Game Boy However, it remains a fleeting presence