Unknown company HyperMegaTech unveiled the Super Pocket TAITO Edition and Super Pocket Capcom Edition yesterday. These compact handhelds have a Game Boy-style form factor and are compatible with Evercsade carts.
They also sport stunning colour schemes.
But what is HyperMegaTech?
HyperMegaTech, SuperAwesomeHardwareName
HyperMegaTech is a new hardware line from Blaze Entertainment, producers of the Evercade range of retro consoles. As with other products, it features officially licensed retro games direct from the publishers.
Andrew Byatt, Blaze Entertainment Ltd’s CEO, says: “With the upcoming release of Hyper Mega Tech, we are making a range of products that delivers an even more accessible entry point into retro than our successful Evercade range. We are thrilled to introduce our Super Pocket handhelds, and to collaborate with world-class IP from our partners at TAITO and Capcom.
“Being able to deliver Arcade versions of these amazing games on a high-quality handheld at this price is a real achievement that we know our customers will love.”
All tbat seems pretty clear. But given the Super Pocket can run Evercade carts, why not simply release a new device called “Evercade Pocket” or somesuch?
What is the Super Pocket handheld?
Measuring an appropriately compact pocket-sized 78mm x 125mm x 25mm and with a 2.8” IPS Screen with 320×240 resolution, the Super Pocket also features a USB-C charging port. The console has four face buttons, a start and select button, and a menu button, along with a new circular D-Pad, specifically designed for the Super Pocket. It also includes four rear buttons for games that require expanded controls.
At the time of release, the console will run all existing Evercade cartridges. In addition, the device features a dummy cartridge to protect the port. One key thing to note: the Super Pocket will not have firmware updates (although no doubt someone will work out how to flash it). It is not an Evercade, instead essentially a Game Boy-like with your choice of two pre-installed games library and the option to run Evercade carts.
Available to pre-order from tomorrow (July 14th, 2023), the Super Pocket will be available from October 2023. It will be available from various retailers with a price of £49 ($59/€59) and comes in two editions.
Super Pocket TAITO Edition
17 games are preinstalled on the TAITO edition:
- Space Invaders
- Bubble Bobble
- Operation Wolf
- The NewZealand Story
- Rastan
- Cadash
- Chack’n Pop
- Don Doko Don
- Elevator Action
- The Fairyland Story
- Football Champ
- Growl
- Kiki Kaikai
- The Legend of Kage
- Liquid Kids
- Space Invaders ‘91*
- Volfied
Super Pocket Capcom Edition
This edition of the console features the following 12 games:
- Street Fighter II’: Hyper Fighting
- Mega Man*
- 1942
- Ghouls ‘n Ghosts
- Final Fight
- Strider
- 1943
- 1944 : The Loop Master
- Bionic Commando
- Captain Commando
- Forgotten Worlds
- Wolf of the Battlefield: MERC
In addition, both are available in special limited editions with a crystal translucent plastic shell.
To preorder your mini Evercade-compatible pocket retro console, head to the page for the Super Pocket Taito Edition, or the Capcom Edition.
Not everyone is impressed
While news of the Super Pocket has been generally well-received, it does raise some questions. For example, when can we expect to see an Evercade-branded wireless controller? Why do TAITO and Capcom demand a cartridge-free release? Couldn’t Evercade VS or EXP owners buy downloadable versions of the games from those classic arcade licenses?
Ultimately, the handheld is a low-budget, vertical console that can be taken anywhere for classic arcade gaming at a moment’s notice. It’s not for multiplayer, there are no bonus features like Game of the Month, and it’s likely aimed at newcomers to the retro gaming world than seasoned Evercade fans.
While we might refer to it as an “Evercade Pocket” in years to come, the Super Pocket is a clever move that ensures old school gaming classics in your hand at an entry-level price point.
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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.