Players can find a hands-on retro game experience with this portable Super Nintendo console. Obviously the size is very big compared to current handheld consoles, but the overall results from taking a leap back in time still satisfy.
The Hype
Hyperkin, a rapidly growing 3rd party developer of video game peripherals, has announced the upcoming launch of the SupaBoy Handheld Video Game Console designed for SNES game cartridges. Equipped with a 3.5” screen, the SupaBoy is designed to look like one of the original SNES controllers and has a port built into the top that plays original 16-bit SNES cartridges. SupaBoy is supa’ cool!
The SupaBoy will play original SNES cartridges on a built-in 3.5” LCD screen and is designed to emulate an original SNES controller including a D-pad and buttons on the front as well as right and left shoulder buttons. Hyperkin has even included two front loading ports that are compatible with full-size SNES controllers and video/audio out, allowing up to two players to play the SupaBoy on a regular TV screen. How supa’ cool is that!
SupaBoy will be compatible with multiple SNES titles including: Super Mario™ RPG, Starfox™, Super Mario™ World, Donkey Kong™ Country, Zelda™, Noah’s Ark 3D™, Aerobiz™ and others.
“The SupaBoy is by far one of the coolest products we’ve developed,” stated Steven Mar, Hyperkin’s Business Director. “Not only does it look similar to an original SNES controller, it’s also compatible with original SNES cartridges. You can even run it through your TV to play it with a friend!” Mar continued: “The SupaBoy is going to blow people away.”
The Reality
The portable Hyperkin Supaboy Portable Pocket SNES console brings back the Super Nintendo nostalgia on the go, in your living room, or anywhere else. Players can find a hands-on retro game experience with this portable Super Nintendo console. Obviously the size is very big compared to current Nintendo handheld consoles, but the overall results from taking a leap back in time still satisfy.
Weighing in at 11.5 ounces, the 8.5 x 4 x 1.5” Supaboy forces a bigger size because of the necessary cartridge port. One big size advantage is the 3.5 inch LCD screen. The sharp picture matches the quick control responsiveness, so players can enjoy their trip down memory lane…or a brand new experience for younger players who can discover the joy in these large gray cartridges.
The console layout and shape resembles the original Super Nintendo controllers. Hook up this console to your TV with the built in AV ports then use the original SNES controllers.
The familiar layout includes the directional buttons or D-pad on the left and the different purple colored Y, X, B, and A buttons on the right. The buttons have a great response time with no lag, but the spacing can be difficult for younger players with tiny hand.
The start and select button on the top left front face are far enough away from the main control button, so players won’t accidentally hit them during gameplay. The reset button, located on the top right, also has enough space from the main buttons.
Players can use a headphone jack for the audio, which emits in stereo sound. Unfortunately, the sound has a slightly high-pitched noise and the adjustable volume maxs out to a moderate level.
The battery life lists at 5.5 hours, but occasionally topped out at about 3.5 hours. The Nokia battery is rechargeable and can be replaced, so if you plan on burning through some marathon sessions, an extra battery is always an option. For most players the basic charge into the built-in battery works just fine.
Compatible hardware includes the Nintendo SNES controller, Nintendo Super Scope, Super Multitap, and Nintendo Mario Paint Mouse. Have not come across any SNES game that the Supaboy does not play yet. The Supaboy can also play Japanese Super Famicom Cartridges.
The basic cartridge lock feature holds game cartridge securely in place with a sliding tab in the back middle. The feature definitely could have used a green and red indicator at the console top to show when the cartridge is locked in.
Could a NintendoBoy for the previous Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) be next?
Review: SupaBoy
Where to Buy: Amazon and other stores
Price: $99.99
What I Like: large LCD screen, great continuity in overall design, optional controller ports, nostalgia value
What Needs Improvement: extend battery life, audio quality, not ideal for smaller hands
Source: Personal copy