PocketFab
An early concept prototype designed to work on smartphones, tablets and desktops that allows you to play simulations of vintage electronic games on a virtual retro handheld console. Fully supports touchscreens, gamepads, keyboard and mouse
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A RetroLab Prototype
Details
Title
PocketFab
Developer
Itizso
Version
0.2.0
Description
PocketFab is an early concept prototype for smartphones and tablets that allows you to play RetroFab simulations of vintage electronic games on a virtual retro handheld console.
Features
- Browse, search, launch and play games directly within the virtual handheld console.
- View game instructions and controls.
- Access game options like enhanced artwork, screen shadows and screen aspect ratio.
- Supports touchscreens, gamepads, mouse and keyboards.
- Assign button mappings for keyboards and gamepads.
- Change the look of the user interface by selecting different THEMES.
- Customize the appearance of the virtual console from a selection of SKINS based on popular retro handheld consoles.
Notes
There are currently 35 games available. If there is enough interest I'll eventually make all of the games on RetroFab available on PocketFab. Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on whether the concept is worth developing further and if you have any ideas for improvements or new features.
If playing with a keyboard, here are the default keyboard mappings (remap to your preference in system settings):
- Start F1
- Select F2
- Button A Enter
- Button B Backspace
- Button X Insert
- Button Y Delete
Comments
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Will PocketFab eventually be downloadable?
It depends on how much interest there is in this format of presenting RetroFab simulations.
Hello again... a very cool release and a huge thankyou for your efforts. I love the convenience of pocketfab compared to retrofab. However I'm a little hesitant to say that some of the nostalgia feeling is lost for me as it no longer feels like I am holding the original casing of the game in my hands due to the more generic skins, whereas retrofab casings are a perfect match.
I think handheld LCD games are a little unique in this regard compared to a console/arcade/PC game as they are small enough that your visual focus is not just on the gameplay but also the surrounding casing of the device, as such there is nostalgia attached to that aspect perhaps just as much as what is playing on the screen itself. I remember the feel of holding them as a child, I think I can even recall the smell (that might be a bit hard to replicate ;) ).
It might be useful to be able to manually shift the buttons locations up and down to match where your thumbs naturally rest as with some of the skins the button position feels a little too low or high.
Very keen to see more developments from you. Thanks again.
Thanks for your feedback on PocketFab! You're right about the design of the physical devices being as much a part of the experience of playing these games as the gameplay itself. For that, I think RetroFab will still be the best way to experience these games.
Thanks for the reply. After I wrote my initial post I was hoping that it didn't come across as offensive as it was meant to be constructive but I think you understood that. Greatly appreciate all your efforts and continue to be amazed by what you have achieved, especially as you are just a sole developer, I'm in awe of developers such as yourself.
I would love to have this on my phone as an actual app, especially if you release your tools to the public some day. It could become like a platform for virtual LCD handheld games and that sounds pretty cool.
I had an idea for such a game but I'll have to wait until I can see how you've made yours.
You've done a great job!
Fantastic blast from the past!
works great! love the different skins.
Wow!!
Love it! Once all the other games are added a collections feature to group related games would be nice.
Thanks for the suggestion! Collections are now available in version 0.2.0.
please please add more games from retrofab on this ... it's amazing!
I'm a huge fan of your work and this one doesn't disappoint! I love the different skins, especially the Game & Watch one. Playing it on my phone feels like Nintendo finally put out the retro handheld that everyone wants them to but never will. Great job and enjoy your time off!
I absolutely love this!! I'm not sure what else you need to add, other than more games, because it feels very polished already. Worked perfectly on my PC, but playing it on my phone was a revelation. This will make it so much easier to casually pick up and play a quick game whenever I have a few minutes to spare.
Very nice! Pitty the keyboard buttons can't be used yet.
Hi. The keyboard works fine for me running it on my Windows laptop.
Hi Flyzy! Playing it with the keyboard worked fine for me so I'm not sure why it didn't for you. Maybe changing the keys assignments in the settings might help.
Refreshed my browser, and works fine now.