When the SNES console was released, the folks at Nintendo probably never expected anything like the SupaBoy to come along. Gaming brand Hyperkin has announced two new entries in the gaming handheld market, with Crimson and Prime versions of the R2,200 ($150) handheld currently up for pre-order.
What makes the SupaBoy handhelds unusual is that they integrate and play original SNES/Famicon cartridges. It’s more or less the same experience as the classic console, only with a little screen between the era-appropriate controller’s buttons.
SupaBoy Prime
There’s a 4.3in IPS LCD handling 16-bit visuals for players. Hyperkin reckons that its rechargeable battery will handle up to ten hours of gameplay. There’s no wall transformer that’ll get hot enough to blister your hands after a session that long, either. Charging is via USB-C, but recharge times haven’t been specified. It looks like the batteries are user-replaceable, to boot.
What has been detailed is which cartridges it’ll support. The SupaBoy lineup is, amazingly, region-free, so it should play everything. A toggle button switches the hardware to support whatever you happen to have. Original accessories from back in the day are also an option, via ports on the handheld. And, if you really must have an original experience, it’s possible to connect it to a TV. You’re still stuck with older screens and displays, however. There’s a single AV-out port up top.
The SupaBoy’s versions only describe their colour pathways and have nothing to do with features, even if the Prime version sounds like it’s begging for a visit from DC’s lawyers. The Crimson variant has a translucent red case, based on the original Famicon, while the Prime replicates the colours of the Western SNES console.
Both versions of Hyperkin’s new retro consoles can be found on the company’s website. They’re also available via Amazon, with delivery to South Africa possible. That’ll bump the price (with shipping and customs) to R2,850, if you lock in your order today. You have until 28 October’s launch day (plus the shipping time) to remember where you stashed your old cartridges.
