Hyperkin, the company that brought us the FC and Retron retro console series will soon be releasing their next great product to consumers. Many youtubers posted their visits to the Hyperkin booth during E3 2011, and this what they were looking at.
It's the SupaBoy! As of yet, there is no definitive release date, however I was fortunate to pick up one of the rare prototype models from a local store that probably didn't know what his Hyperkin distributor left him.
Here is the company's spec page:
http://hyperkin.com/index...pocket-snes-console.html/First off, I loved the Super Nintendo and its games, so the prospect of a dependable handheld version being released?
[img width=700 height=493]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a241/EldredgeJ/Gaming/SupaBoy1.jpg[/img]
As you can see, the SupaBoy resembles a large SNES controller and it feels about as comfortable. To test the comfort during an extended play session, I popped in Sim City and went to work...for hours. For the size it is fairly light and easy to hold. Because the console is fairly thick, I did find attempting special attack moves during Fatal Fury 2 to be somewhat difficult. The clarity of the screen was commendable and I very much enjoyed being able to play SNES on the couch while watching football. Confirmed working games include Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, Tetris Attack, Chrono Trigger, Plok, The Chessmaster, and Kid Klown.
[img width=700 height=525]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a241/EldredgeJ/Gaming/SupaBoy2.jpg[/img]
As you can see in the pic (and as mentioned on the Hyperkin page), two compatible SNES controllers can be plugged into the SupaBoy, and the unit can be connected to any TV via a provided A/V cable. I have not tested this yet. It can also play all Super Famicom games and Hyperkin even tested the SuperScope.
So now the cons. The big one that I experienced with this specific console is the fact that it only works on AC power. Hyperkin shipped it with a rechargeable battery utilized by earlier Nokia cell phones. Maybe it's the battery and maybe it's the console. I can't confirm, since I can't find a local replacement to test. Also, I find myself re-seating the cartridge and pushing the reset button a few times to get the title screen. Reminds me a lot of the SNES. These two issues will surely be addressed before the final release. The only real problem I see with the design of the console is their attempt at a locking mechanism for the cartridge. It really seems to only catch on the Nintendo lettering on the back of the cart, but I anticipate this getting broken quickly for those that are forgetful.
Overall, I am very impressed and in awe. If you're going to release a handheld console for games from a classic system, making it look anything like the original is outstanding. This is how a retro rewind should be, and I can't wait to purchase one of the final releases.
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I played an early model at E3 and I thought that the D-pad was pretty innaccurate, but the Hyperkin rep told me that it would be addressed before release.
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@wildbil52:
To be honest, within just a few minutes of game play, I really forgot that I was holding anything other than a larger SNES controller. It feels very natural and I haven't noticed a button lag or directional issue.
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This is great news. I think it's great that they managed to retain the face button layout (well, with the exception of Start and Select) as well as having a viewable screen (which is another hurtle). I'd love to see some sort of compatability chart. How is the weight?
Now if we can get a good Genesis handheld that has a good button layout with a viewable screen and I'll be set (that is under $100 with a rechargable battery).
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@bombatomba:
I've been considering trying the GenMobile, but I would be curious to know it's pros/cons.
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@Techie413: When I played it, they had a copy of Street Fighter Alpha 2 in it and every time I tried for a fireball or hurricane kick, Ryu would jump. If they have addressed the D-pad and button issues that I experienced, there is a chance that this will be a nice piece to add to the collection.
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@Techie413:I've read a bunch of reviews online, and the Pros seem to be a nice screen (bright and clear, that is) and the rechargeable batteries, while the Cons are crappy button layout, sub-par speaker, and decreased compatibility (I'd like to see a chart on this one, though). Despite this, the Genmobile only costs $55 on Amazon. If I wasn't up for a new phone, I'd get one. Maybe for Christmas.
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This is seriously tempting, but I gave my SNES games to my brother.
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Why did it take so long to make a Nintendo version of the Sega Nomad? I think it's great overall, but why did it take so long?
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I haven't gotten to play one of these yet but I think I will order one to give it a whirl.
@Gamer4Lyfe I'm not sure why ether. You would have thought that someone would have made this years ago.
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If anyone needs one of these, the local pawn shop has one of these (complete, boxed, like new A-quality) for ~$100.
Personally, I'm thinking of getting the retrogen Genesis handheld.
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Nevermind, I think they are cheaper elsewhere online.
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As an update, since I see that people are revisiting this post, my pre-release Supa Boy doesn't work anymore. It stopped working just weeks after I bought it. So now it's just a display model, the piece of junk. I don't plan to buy the official release. I think I'll probably go with a Retro Duo.
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I have one of these, got it from Amazon......now just waiting on the RetroBit one to come back in stock over at ThinkGeek so I can compare.
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