I take a look at the Super Pocket TAITO edition, one of the first mini portable retro handhelds from Blaze Entertainment’s Evercade spin-off line.
Console retro gaming on the go has evolved. Are you an Evercade fan exploring the range of portable options, or maybe you’re new to retro gaming and intrigued by these pocket-sized powerhouses?
The Super Pocket line was unveiled in 2023 by Hyper Mega Tech, a brand from Blaze Entertainment, the creators of the Evercade range. They’re compact, Game Boy-style handhelds, compatible with Evercade cartridges and come in various exciting editions, each with its own set of pre-installed games.
So far, we’ve seen the TAITO edition, the Capcom Super Pocket, an Atari edition, a Technos Super Pocket, and on the horizon is a Data East edition and the hugely anticipated Super Pocket NEOGEO.
The Super Pocket TAITO edition
We’re looking specifically at the Taito edition, which shares the same great pocket-sized form factor across the Super Pocket range, measuring 78mm x 125mm x 25mm, and with a sharp 2.8-inch IPS screen at 320×240 resolution.
There’s a USB-C charging port, four responsive face buttons, start, select, and menu buttons. The circular D-pad feels great, and the four rear buttons add versatility for certain games. Just like the other Super Pockets, it also plays all your existing Evercade cartridges. Now remember, these are designed as straightforward gaming devices without firmware updates, setting them apart slightly from the core Evercade consoles.
The Taito Edition comes packed with 18 fantastic arcade classics. You’ve got iconic titles like Space Invaders and the delightful Bubble Bobble, alongside action-packed experiences like that classic arcade game Operation Wolf and Rastan. There are some deeper cuts like Kadash and the unique Chakan Pop.
The full lineup includes:
Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble, Operation Wolf, the heartwarmingly wonderful NewZealand Story, Rastan, Kadash, Chakan Pop, Don Doko Don, Elevator Action, Football Champ (one of my personal all-time favorites), Growl, Cheeky Kai Kai, Legend of Kage, Liquid Kids, Space Invaders ’91, The Fairyland Story, Volfied, and Puzzle Bobble.
Meanwhile, you can get a good four hours of playtime from a single charge on the Super Pocket TAITO, if not double that (depending on how you play, and the games). For portable retro gaming, that is superb.
Is This the Best Super Pocket?
Now, of course, the other editions have their own games. For example, the Capcom Super Pocket has 12 pre-installed games that include Street Fighter II’ and Mega Man. So, you know, each type of Super Pocket caters to different arcade tastes.
So, how does the Super Pocket line fit into the broader Evercade ecosystem? Well, the Super Pocket provides a more accessible entry point. They’re generally more budget-friendly and significantly more portable than the main Evercade consoles. While they might lack features like multiplayer or the ongoing game of the month, their focus on delivering classic arcade action in a truly pocketable format is a major strength.
The Super Pocket line and the TAITO edition in particular offer a fantastic way to experience retro arcade gaming on the go. Their compact design, compatibility with Evercade cartridges, and appealing pre-installed game libraries make them incredibly attractive.
And for my money, I like these consoles and definitely prefer the Super Pocket devices to any of the other Evercade consoles for their portability and focus. They just feel right in the hand, and they deliver that instant retro hit.
What are your thoughts on the Super Pocket range? Which edition appeals to you the most?
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
