PocketFab

PocketFab is an early concept prototype for smartphones, tablets and desktops that allows you to play RetroFab simulations of vintage electronic games on a virtual retro handheld console.

• Browse, search, launch and play RetroFab simulations 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.

I've included in this prototype a small sample selection of RetroFab simulations for you to try in this format. 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.

Special thanks goes out to those folks who helped with testing and feedback during the development of this initial prototype. There are still a some bugs and issues though. In particular, if you're trying it out on an iPhone, you may have to manually change the browser orientation from portrait to landscape, and button vibrations don't seem to work on iOS.

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

NOTE: I'm going to be on a break for a few months and won't be able to respond to your comments while I'm away, but your comments and ratings will help me to decide if there is enough interest in this prototype to spend more time on developing it further once I'm back.