Dive into Nostalgia with the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition
The gaming scene is buzzing with the launch of the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition, the seventh entry in the Super Pocket lineup from Blaze Entertainment. This little handheld marvel is part of the Evercade ecosystem and comes loaded with 14 legendary titles developed by Rare, sporting a stylish color scheme that’s sure to catch the eye of any retro gamer.
Even though Rare is now under Microsoft’s wing, this collection takes us on a trip down memory lane, featuring some of their greatest hits from their early days in 1983 up to the iconic 1998 Nintendo 64 gem, Banjo-Kazooie, which has been reworked to run smoothly on this device. With its impressive game library and the ability to play any Evercade cartridge, the Super Pocket maintains a value that rivals its predecessors.
Design and Build
The Rare Edition keeps the same design elements as its earlier versions. It’s a compact, plug-and-play handheld that comes with a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, a quickstart guide, and specific instructions for Banjo-Kazooie. The other thirteen games include a handy in-game control summary accessible via the Game Menu button.
Measuring about 3.07 x 4.92 x 0.98 inches and weighing only 0.36lbs, the Super Pocket feels reminiscent of classic Game Boys. The device boasts a 2.8-inch IPS display featuring a resolution of 320 x 240 with a 4:3 aspect ratio. You can choose between Original, Pixel Perfect, or Full Screen display options, and even tweak some visual settings with shaders and scanlines. Although the brightness isn’t adjustable, the screen remains visible in bright conditions, though the glossy surface can lead to some glare.
For those of us who remember the pixelated charm of retro games, the smaller screen size suits the low-resolution titles quite well. However, if you’re over 40, those tiny texts might strain your eyes a bit more than on today’s larger screens. Still, for a price tag of $69.99 (approx. Rs 19,460), it’s hard to complain!
On the device’s front, you’ll find the Game Menu button, directional pad, speaker, and your classic game buttons: Select, Start, A, B, X, and Y. The back includes a cartridge slot with a dummy cartridge, volume controls, and shoulder buttons for quick navigation through menus. All buttons provide a satisfying tactile click, despite being membrane-based, and the dual speakers deliver decent sound quality, especially when plugged into the 3.5mm headphone jack, although Bluetooth audio isn’t supported yet.
Built-in Game Lineup
The Super Pocket Rare Edition features a collection of 14 classic games, including Atic Atac, Banjo-Kazooie, Battletoads, and more, originally hailing from platforms like the ZX Spectrum, Nintendo 64, NES, SNES, and Game Boy Color.
The ZX Spectrum was a beloved platform in the UK, and Rare produced some fantastic titles during that era. Games like Atic Atac and Knight Lore are known for their challenging gameplay and unique visuals. These might require a bit of patience, but they’re definitely worth exploring if you’re up for the challenge!
Banjo-Kazooie, the standout title, is more than just nostalgia—it’s the original game running natively, ensuring a great experience without the hassles of emulation. The game immerses players in a vibrant world filled with puzzles, all while delivering a fun platforming experience. Although there’s a bit of a learning curve due to control adjustments, it’s a solid portable option for fans.
Expanding Your Library
One of the coolest features of the Super Pocket is its compatibility with Evercade cartridges, allowing access to a vast library of over 750 games. Blaze is also working on new cartridges, expanding the gaming options even further. While the absence of online connectivity means no firmware updates, the existing game library is well-suited for the Super Pocket’s capabilities.
In conclusion, the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition is a fantastic handheld for anyone looking to relive those classic gaming moments. With its built-in games and the ability to expand your collection, it’s hard not to get excited about what this little device has to offer!
Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.