Hardware NES / Famicom SNES
/ Adam Richardson

SNES save states arrive on Analogue Pocket via experimental core

Analogue Pocket owners can now test an experimental SNES core with save state support, a feature long missing from FPGA platforms.

An experimental version of the openFPGA SNES core for the Analogue Pocket has added save state support, letting players freeze and resume their progress at any point. The feature was highlighted by Pixel Cherry Ninja and is available now in the core’s experimental build.

FPGA save states are notoriously difficult to implement compared to software emulation. The MiSTer FPGA platform gained save state support in 2024, and NES cores have seen similar progress. This update brings the same quality-of-life advantage to Pocket owners who use the SNES core, though it’s still experimental and likely has limitations.

For a handheld built around accuracy, the ability to save on the fly is a meaningful step. I’ll be watching for a stable release and any compatibility notes.