Looks like they’re already sold out of the first batch. It’s so frustrating to get into the FPGA scene, the Analogue Pocket sells out quickly as well. Guess I’ll stick to emulation.
FPGA based console emulation? There's been affordable (sub $200) and quite capable boards for ages: Arty T35 is $100-150 depending, and theres T100 models for more. although I'd check if a Zynq board is available.
And, vivado is free for this level.
The extreme learning curve of tooling AND designs that have few parallels to draw with arduino/uC code development. Along with the burdens ITAR creates- especially when installing the tooling (When's the last time you had to log into an installer??) are the grandest cliffs.
Given the multiple options that are now opening up - and there are more yet to come - the main market demand will likely be met within a handful of months at most. Handheld MiSTer clones may well be an Aliexpress commodity within a year; open source designs are already in progress.
None of this helps with the frustration of months of hype followed by a small run sell-out! but it does suggest that the wait won't be terribly long, from here on out.
