Analogue Removes Mention of DAC From Website

Analogue first announced its Analogue 3D console a year ago, which they unveiled yesterday. Curious readers did note, though, that the product page was missing a crucial function and selling point of Analogue's other systems.

What is The DAC?

A digital-to-analog converter called an analog DAC is used to convert digital signals from analog consoles to analog. Gamers may use their consoles to play on CRT TVs by doing this.

At first, the Analogue Pocket and its Dock were advertised as having DAC capability. DAC support was delayed upon release, which was in December 2021. In 2022, Analogue revealed the Duo, a modernized TurboGrafx-16 with a CD add-on, as their upcoming system. Analogue advertised that DAC compatibility for the device would be available shortly. It didn't.

Analogue said that DAC support for the Dock would be available "early next year," on the same day that it unveiled the Analogue 3D a year ago. But that was the company's most recent update. At this point in October 2024, the DAC seems—or rather, doesn't seem—to be a promise unmet or a canceled project.

Aspiring engineers and modders succeeded in releasing a Pocket attachment that enables analog output via the cartridge slot. However, this method is only available to those who use OpenFPGA cores without the Dock.

Analogue has since promised clients that DAC compatibility for their post-Mega SG systems would be available "soon," but that time has never come. The Super NT and Mega SG are currently the only analog consoles that support the DAC.

Other than stating that the console will assist gamers in achieving comparable images with its 4K display modes, the recently unveiled Analogue 3D does not mention playing games on vintage CRT TVs.

No DAC In Sight

It appears that almost all references to the DAC have been removed from the website as of today. The Pocket and Duo pages have eliminated all references to DAC support, the Dock no longer indicates that it will be available soon, and the Store no longer lists it as a product for sale. The DAC's listing is still available at its URL. However, merely going to the website and perusing its menus won't lead to the page.

With the arrival of the Duo, more players were expecting DAC functionality, which has been eagerly anticipated by enthusiastic gamers worldwide for their Analogue Pocket. Analog is no longer dedicated to adding DAC compatibility to their consoles other than the Mega SG.

Throughout Analogue's recent surge in popularity, one of the company's main criticisms has been the absence of DAC compatibility for more modern consoles. Their limited-edition Analogue Pocket color releases have also drawn criticism since features that were previously promised to be coming soon are still missing from the Pocket.

Coming as a Little Surprise

Analogue has a reputation for producing excellent consoles with remarkably well-considered design and build quality. Offering DAC support for both its present and future systems was the one obstacle the business was never able to overcome. Analog is silent about any information pertaining to its products, yet innovations may emerge over time.