The Supaboy - New SNES handheld from Hyperkin

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Damn.

Really sorry to hear about the squeal being present in the full release. I was under the impression that that specific issue was going to be resolved.

Perhaps the units that shipped day one are "old stock"/"old hardware" from the prototype batch that went out.

If that's the case I'm sure Hyperkin will probably do a return for a non-squealer if those wind up appearing in the wild.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

MyTurnToPlay and dukenukem, where did you guys get your Supaboys from? Maybe specific retailers are bad and should be avoided.

[StealthLurker]

My Supaboy from Amazon arrived earlier today. On a side note also got a Gemei A330 today as well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/jviloria/aaa_new/supaboy.jpg


.

[dukenukem]

I got mine from amazon.

[dukenukem]

Here's 2 quick shots of the supaboy in action.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5609/img1653c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/140/img1653c.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6619/img1654yh.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/267/img1654yh.jpg/) Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[tofu]

If any DP member here bought a system and is unhappy about the electric squeal sound (you should), please PM me for an exchange.

The squeal exists because the factory tried to slip a few hundred already made systems into our main shipment. The squeal is not acceptable and we have already switched to a new circuit design since the initial prototype phase.


Yeah, looks like they DID NOT bother to fix a damn thing.

The annoying and stupid high pitched squeal is still there. Check out youtube. A few people who already received theirs posted reviews. In EVERY SINGLE one you can clearly hear the irritating high pitched sound. Extremely ridiculous.

And the battery life seems to be lower than expected which is unacceptable in my opinion.

Either way, wait for the second revision. They weren't really serious with fixing the issues but instead wanted to get this out there and take advantage of the holiday season and people who rush to buy things. Wait till they get serious and resolve the current flaws. Great idea and product, but the way it stands now, NOT WORTH THE MONEY.

thank you.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

If any DP member here bought a system and is unhappy about the electric squeal sound (you should), please PM me for an exchange.

The squeal exists because the factory tried to slip a few hundred already made systems into our main shipment. The squeal is not acceptable and we have already switched to a new circuit design since the initial prototype phase.

That's what I'm talkin' about!

:hail:

THANK YOU!

[Satoshi_Matrix]

If any DP member here bought a system and is unhappy about the electric squeal sound (you should), please PM me for an exchange.

The squeal exists because the factory tried to slip a few hundred already made systems into our main shipment. The squeal is not acceptable and we have already switched to a new circuit design since the initial prototype phase.

That's a kind offer. I hope it doesn't affect the one I'm going to get. In case it does, I'm concerned that it will cost me a lot of extra money to do that since I'm assuming that I'll have to cover shipping the original unit and cover the cost of shipping of the replacement. Is that the situation?

[tofu]

In most cases the retailer will take it back for an exchange, since all of them or most of them have already been contacted about possible consumer dissatisfaction.

If you bought it at a storefront (recommended), then you'll have to trek back, if you bought it online you'll have to ship it back.

If the retailer will not accept the exchange, you will have to ship it one way to Hyperkin and we will cover the return shipping.


That's a kind offer. I hope it doesn't affect the one I'm going to get. In case it does, I'm concerned that it will cost me a lot of extra money to do that since I'm assuming that I'll have to cover shipping the original unit and cover the cost of shipping of the replacement. Is that the situation?

[Pedro Lambrini]

Is there an ETA for a release in the UK or will this remain an import only item for us across the pond? :)

[Satoshi_Matrix]

If the retailer will not accept the exchange, you will have to ship it one way to Hyperkin and we will cover the return shipping.

I'd be okay with that so long as Hyperkin will ship it back to me in Canada. The real worry in case is that I'm buying mine from amazon, but they don't ship to Canada so I'm having it delivered to an American friend before he ships it off to me. If there's a problem once I get it, I'll have paid for shipping at least twice, and am not happy about the prospect of a third round of shipping.

[tofu]

Shipping to Canada is no problem.


I'd be okay with that so long as Hyperkin will ship it back to me in Canada. The real worry in case is that I'm buying mine from amazon, but they don't ship to Canada so I'm having it delivered to an American friend before he ships it off to me. If there's a problem once I get it, I'll have paid for shipping at least twice, and am not happy about the prospect of a third round of shipping.

[tofu]

Sorry bro, I've heard nothing about a UK release.


Is there an ETA for a release in the UK or will this remain an import only item for us across the pond? :)

[Satoshi_Matrix]

awesome. I'll have my friend take a look at it before he ships it off to me.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Once again and on behalf of all the clone system enthusiasts I'd like to give big props to Tofu and Hyperkin for listening closely to the community and taking major steps to handle a factory/production-side blunder.

Yes, still sucks that it happened, but hey, can't ask for much more than this. Most companies would've left us high/dry.

[Pedro Lambrini]

Sorry bro, I've heard nothing about a UK release.

Bugger. :(

[youruglyclone]

Bugger. :(

if you need someone to send it to you, let me know. I do middleman services.

[Triaxis]

If all the joy and happiness in the world could be somehow be put into a box, it would look something like the picture above. It's a portable Super Nintendo. That's right, portable. Sit up in bed and play Tetris Attack. Long car ride? Play Super Mario All Stars. Boring funeral? Donkey Kong Country. Sorry aunt Esther, you will be missed. I will track down all the Kong letters in your honor.

All Joking aside, this thing is excellent. I had some technical questions about the unit, and when i called Hyperkin's costumer service line i got a real person who was very helpful. They are truly a company who goes the extra mile, and stands by there products. This is what i like about the Supaboy.

The display is a beautiful

The buttons and D-pad are crisp and responsive

There is zero input lag, when you push B Mario jumps instantly

You can hook it up to your TV and use the original Super Nintendo Controllers.

It comes with a rechargeable battery. A Nokia battery that can be replaced. Or buy a stand alone charger, a few extra battery, and swap them.


Here are the games i have tested and work.

Super Mario World 2 Yoshi's Island

Gradius 3

Donkey Kong Country 1 and 2

Super Mario All Stars & World. Same cartage.

Sim City

Mortal Kombat

Super Mario Kart

Tetris & Dr. Mario

Tetris Attack

Super Mario RPG

F-Zero

Star Fox

So in conclusion i love the Supaboy. Its so bad. The day it came in the mail was the best day of my life. Take that birth of my son.

BUY ONE NOW!




PS: Extra thanks to Tofu for all your help. I messaged him and he got back to me right away. Nice guy!

[Kaboomer]

If anyone is looking for these I am picking up a batch tomorrow directly from Hyperkin so they are considered available and in stock through the GameGavel store. Here is a link:

If you purchase them today/this weekend and pay, we can ship on Monday.

http://www.gamegavel.com/item.cgi?show_item=0000575241

Free shipping in the USA, too. I will also subtract $5 off international shipping to give you all the same deal as in the USA so it appears shipping internationally will be around $25-$28 for express mail international.

[Triaxis]

You can add the legend of Zelda a link to the past and Super Metroid to the list of games that work with the supaboy.

Awesome :)

[16bit_fan]

If anyone is looking for these I am picking up a batch tomorrow directly from Hyperkin so they are considered available and in stock through the GameGavel store. Here is a link:

If you purchase them today/this weekend and pay, we can ship on Monday.

http://www.gamegavel.com/item.cgi?show_item=0000575241

Free shipping in the USA, too. I will also subtract $5 off international shipping to give you all the same deal as in the USA so it appears shipping internationally will be around $25-$28 for express mail international.

Are the units that you are selling and sending out Monday, the "fixed, newer" units of the Supaboy?

[schnuth]

Any chance the SupaBoy works with RetroUSB's Super Powerpak Flashcart? If so, count me in.

[MarioMania]

How about PAL SNES Games?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Any chance the SupaBoy works with RetroUSB's Super Powerpak Flashcart? If so, count me in.

This is something I'm going to test out for myself when I get my Supaboy in the mail, but based on Hyperkin's track record, I would say there's a very strong chance of this.


How about PAL SNES Games?
99% sure it won't. SNES games were region locked across NTSC/PAL. You'll need the same kind of work around tactics to get PAL games to run on a real SNES or vice versa.

[Parodius Duh!]

How about PAL SNES Games?

dont fully read topics, huh? I asked the same thing twice already. If it matches the snes hardware then pal games should work with the correct model Action Replay cart.

If you could just plug and play any PAL game this would be the ultimate snes system and worth owning over an NTSC SNES console itself!

I really wanted to get one of these but hearing about these leaked shitty versions of it, Ill hold off for about a year until Im certain all of the beater systems have been bought and returned by that point.

[Purkeynator]

Hey SatoshiMatrix, I got your unit in this weekend and finally got a chance to test it today. It does indeed have the high pitched whine sound so I guess I will have to get with Tofu and ship that one back. Hopefully they can just ship the new unit to you without going through me to save on some time and shipping. I did a quick comparison with my FC-16 Go that I bought last year. Here are my observations:

FC-16 Go often freezes for no reason. Observed freezing on Street Fighter 2, and Dragon Quest 6 reproduction cart multiple times. However Supaboy often does not want to boot up. About half the time the game I put in would not boot but once it did it would not freeze or mess up.

I like the buttons on the Supaboy better. They are using a dpad very similar to the SNES and they are responsive. The FC-16 Go uses a "broken" dpad design similar to the Playstation. The FC-16 Go buttons must really be mashed down to register. For example when playing Axelay to move left I pushed lightly until the left dpad button made contact however it didn't register. I really had to push with effort to move my aircraft. The Supaboy does not have this problem.

The screens of the two devices are similar size and quality. The Supaboy has more vivid and rich warmer colors while the FC-16 Go has a more "cooler" appearance without as much color saturation. Preference will be subjective as I preferred the look of the Supaboy screen but my wife preferred the screen of the FC-16 Go.

The sound I have to give the nod to the FC-16 Go. Its sound is more rich with a bit more bass and it gets a LOT louder than the Supaboy. That's not to say the Supaboy's sound is bad. It is quite good but not quite loud enough for my tastes. On the other hand the FC-16 Go can get so loud that the sound is distorted. I never crank that one all the way up because it sounds bad.

Here are the game carts I tested:

Dragon Quest VI for Super Famicom
Dragon Quest VI reproduction with English text
Super Aleste for Super Famicom
Mega Man X3
Star Fox
Star Fox 2 reproduction cart
Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II Turbo
Secret of Mana 2 Reproduction with English text
Terranigma Reproduction with English text
Super Everdrive


The carts I tested worked on both systems with the exception of Star Fox 2 which would not work on the FC-16 Go. The other exception was the Super Famicom games which are blocked from working on the FC-16 Go for some stupid reason. I could probably remove those tabs but haven't gotten around to it yet. Star Fox 2 booted on FC-16 Go but gave me a weird error that the game must have a controller installed to play. Not sure why that happened but the game booted just fine on the Supaboy.

Overall I really like the Supaboy and may decide to sell my FC-16 Go and get the Supaboy instead. I only with the sound was better/louder (without the high pitched squeeky noise) but I definitely had an easier time pulling off dragon punches and hadokens on the Supaboy Dpad.

I will throw on a quick n dirty video of the two once I get a chance....

[Parodius Duh!]

complaints of low sound Ive heard as well......this thing have a headphone jack? Is it loud through headphones?

[c0ldb33r]

If it matches the snes hardware then pal games should work with the correct model Action Replay cart.
That would be awkward with a portable system.

Otherwise that would be pretty awesome :D

If you wanted to use PAL games, could you use an everdrive/powerpak and modify the rom accordingly (assuming that you already own the actual cart)?

[Kaboomer]

Supaboy Video Review. No high pitched sound with this latest shipment.

http://www.gamegavel.com/reviews/2011/12/01/supaboy-portable-snes-in-stock/

[Purkeynator]

Did a little more testing. Both FC-16 Go and Supaboy work fine with:
Super Gameboy with DK 94 installed. Shows full borders of Donkey Kong Arcade Machine
Mario Kart
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.

Oh and here is that crappy video I promised:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Purkeynator?feature=mhee#p/a/u/0/MeRa9x5vTSQ

[Satoshi_Matrix]

wahhhhhhhhhh thats MY Supaboy! dude it would have been nice to get an email from you telling me you got it! Oh well, I'm not really that upset, I'm just eager to get it. Did you pm tofu yet? I'm not sure if I should or you should. I bought it, but you have it because Amazon doesn't ship to Canada. I want it exchanged with a unit without the sound issues.

[tofu]

I already got the PM from Purkeynator and sent my reply.

I'll go one step further.

If Liverpool FC beat Fulham at Craven Cottage by a goal difference of three or higher, I will upgrade the shipping so you get your Supaboy a little bit faster.


wahhhhhhhhhh thats MY Supaboy! dude it would have been nice to get an email from you telling me you got it! Oh well, I'm not really that upset, I'm just eager to get it. Did you pm tofu yet? I'm not sure if I should or you should. I bought it, but you have it because Amazon doesn't ship to Canada. I want it exchanged with a unit without the sound issues.

[Purkeynator]

Got the RMA number and everything is all set except one thing....David forgot the RMA form attachment. Anyone have it? If so could you email to me? I am tonypurkey(at)yahoo. Thanks and I must say the customer service at Hyperkin is good so far; quickly answered my call and I actually got to speak to a human that speaks English. Was pretty nice for a change.

[MarioMania]

Is it based off the Retro Duo??

I should of asked this before

[StealthLurker]

Any chance the SupaBoy works with RetroUSB's Super Powerpak Flashcart? If so, count me in.

Yup it does. It was the 2nd cart I tried.

.

[MyTurnToPlay]

Yup it does. It was the 2nd cart I tried.

.

It also works with the Super Everdrive. Doesn't get much better than that.:)

thank you.

[Coreykun667]

So there are prototype ones leaked? Anywhere I can get one that is guaranteed to be the final revision? :help:

[nusilver]

So there are prototype ones leaked? Anywhere I can get one that is guaranteed to be the final revision? :help:

The one I order from Mike @ Gamegavel hasn't shipped yet so I can't confirm, but he's stated that the batch he received last week don't suffer from any sound problems (and thus are final versions). I bet he could let you know when he gets another batch in, he's on these boards (Kaboomer). Why not send him a PM and ask when he's getting more in?

[Coreykun667]

The one I order from Mike @ Gamegavel hasn't shipped yet so I can't confirm, but he's stated that the batch he received last week don't suffer from any sound problems (and thus are final versions). I bet he could let you know when he gets another batch in, he's on these boards (Kaboomer). Why not send him a PM and ask when he's getting more in?

I've looked at Stone Age Gamer. They're a bit cheaper there, but not by much. Think i ought to give it a go? :)

[otaku]

sigh. Yet another toy I'd like to have :)

[nusilver]

I've looked at Stone Age Gamer. They're a bit cheaper there, but not by much. Think i ought to give it a go? :)

How many times have you turned on a PSP to emulate SNES games only to find that the damned emulator just can't handle it? Of course you should! :vamp:

[jonjandran]

I just got mine in today from GameGavel, bought it off Ebay.

It has low volume and a loud hum in the speakers.

When connected to the Tv it has a green bar down the middle seen on black screens.

Guess I will need to send it back.

Wish I had got a good one :( But I am sure Gamegavel will make it right :)

On a side note, my screen stays on when connected to the TV , is that normal ?

[Coreykun667]

How many times have you turned on a PSP to emulate SNES games only to find that the damned emulator just can't handle it? Of course you should! :vamp:

I ordered one from them on monday. Still a bit worried if it'll make it in time for Christmas. The guy from Stone Age said they're still in customs. That and I'm not sure how long it takes for packages to get to Cali from the SA place in Michigan. @_@ But in better news I now know that my copies of of Super Mario Rpg and Kirby Superstar are the first software revision, so they'll work. :)

[Cryog]

Supaboy japanese review:

Supaboy　開封＆プレイレビュー(unboxing & review)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Fpt-XuNCE

Supaboy 周辺機器と特殊チップ搭載カセットの動作テスト
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjOtJQ9jYqw

Supaboy と SNESコントローラー
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBt_Tt9S8wg

pokeFAMI DX (new clone from japan):

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Lj0UgG4FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41c3EUNADmL.jpg

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ne5OYl6yL.jpg

pokeFAMI DX 開封＆プレイレビュー（unboxing & review）
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXLdSaNptQ0

pokeFAMI DX　で各種アダプタをつなぐ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yic8C_fAar0

MD Adapter (FC DUAL, poke FAMI DX , Supaboy & Super Famicom)

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/411-1K1216L._SL500_AA300_.jpghttp://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/417Ap0x-vQL._AA300_.jpg
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GOt-5ZUGL._AA300_.jpghttp://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EdBm%2BCHpL._AA300_.jpg

FC adapter (poke FAMI DX , Supaboy & Super Famicom)

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NXY3R13NL._SL500_AA300_.jpghttp://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QUXuNOo7L._AA300_.jpg
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41g3lKf3zML.jpg

[Kaboomer]

Sorry to hear this. I will discuss with Hyperkin on Monday and be in touch with you regarding a replacement.


I just got mine in today from GameGavel, bought it off Ebay.

It has low volume and a loud hum in the speakers.

When connected to the Tv it has a green bar down the middle seen on black screens.

Guess I will need to send it back.

Wish I had got a good one :( But I am sure Gamegavel will make it right :)

On a side note, my screen stays on when connected to the TV , is that normal ?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Cyrog,

not to derail this thread, but those adapters ... are those self contained hardware emulators that run Genesis and Famicom through Super Famicom?

Why do they come with AV cords, do they have separate AV out on the back of the adapters or something?

[Akito01]

I got mine from Game Gavel yesterday, and it seems to be a perfectly fine unit. There aren't any abnormalities when connected to a TV, the volume doesn't strike me as being unusually loud or soft, and whatever weird electronic hum or tone there is is quiet enough that I pretty much have to put my ear to the speaker to hear it.

Interestingly, this is yet another SNES clone that fails to display the third boss in Super Ghouls & Ghosts. I genuinely wonder if this effect isn't because of some early attempt at piracy protection that Capcom experimented with. It just seems so specific that despite being able to handle Mode 7 effects in every other circumstance, it is this specific moment in this specific game where it chokes.

I'm really curious about those adapter units as well. It suggests some interesting possibilities for future clone products that would bypass the need to produce an entirely new console. If there are going to be new clone consoles, I would suggest strongly at this point, in order to make them worthwhile, looking at new forms of output than composite or even S-video. With the few people I've shared my enthusiasm for regarding the variety of console clones I've bought over the last few years, the one big sticking point that keeps them from jumping in as well is the composite-only output that all of these machines seem to be limited to.

[Cryog]

Cyrog,

not to derail this thread, but those adapters ... are those self contained hardware emulators that run Genesis and Famicom through Super Famicom?

Yes , i think this adapters use the same hardware emulators chips that Retron3.



Why do they come with AV cords, do they have separate AV out on the back of the adapters or something?

The Supaboy not display the image on your own LCD screen with this adapters. Using these cables can see the image on any TV.

[nusilver]

mine had some problems too - particularly with buzzing sound. Definitely not GameGavel's fault. Hope Hyperkin can replace it quickly.

[nusilver]

Despite the sound issues, i was still able to test several games with the Supaboy.

The only ones I had issues with were Kirby Super Star and Super Mario RPG (neither would load), and Yoshi's Island has some sort of visual feedback happening (like when a cable isn't properly shielded). Hopefully this is all taken care of when Hypkerin calls me back to set up an exchange/fix. I spoke to them 2 hours ago and still haven't hear back.

[DaddyLongLegs]

I ordered mine day one from Amazon and (actually I ordered two) and holy hell the video and audio is awful.

I hate to crap on it, I was so excited, but man I dont like it at all. First of all, it seemed used. The seals on the packaging looked opened but then resealed with other clear seals on top of the already opened ones. Then the buttons looked scratched a bit. Maybe I got a beta unit, but that would surprise me considering it's from Amazon.

The sound was AWFUL. I could live with some buzzing but both of them crackled as the volume knob was moved, getting lower, louder, and lower again.

The video is better than the FC16, but not by much. The FC16 had composite dot crawl (my first time EVER seeing that on a portable device) so that makes it worse. But this thing is pretty bad still. The worst is that it looks like it doesn't really fit the screen properly. The image is far from razor sharp; almost interpolated? Could that be because it's running at 320x240 and that is not the SNES' native resolution? Even so, that wouldn't make sense, because the GP2x Wiz is running at 320x240 and SNES on that thing is GORGEOUS.

Is there any way to replace the screen on this thing? Like anywhere I can buy a good quality 3.5" LCD (or hell, even AMOLED) and solder it there or something? It is using that tan ribbon cable that is identical to GPS screens.

[jonjandran]

Is there any way to replace the screen on this thing? Like anywhere I can buy a good quality 3.5" LCD (or hell, even AMOLED) and solder it there or something? It is using that tan ribbon cable that is identical to GPS screens.

I think you got a bum unit. My screen is very sharp, bright, clear.

But yes you can replace the screen but you would need a 3.5" that runs off 3.3v and not to many do. I have used over 7 different 3.5" screens in my Nomad mods and none would run below 4.5v.

[DaddyLongLegs]

I think you got a bum unit. My screen is very sharp, bright, clear.

But yes you can replace the screen but you would need a 3.5" that runs off 3.3v and not to many do. I have used over 7 different 3.5" screens in my Nomad mods and none would run below 4.5v.

Thanks! Where do you buy yours from? Any good search terms I should use?

And how did I get two bum units?

[JSnake]

Does anyone have any more experience with testing Mario RPG/Kirby SS on this thing? I received my unit on Christmas but had to RMA it because the speakers wouldn't work. Games would load, though, except for Mario RPG and Kirby. I remembered thinking maybe my unit had an issue with special chip games, so I tried Yoshi's Island and that worked too. Of course none of the games had sound.

I'm hoping that when I get my replacement unit, those two games will work. Are some versions of the games incompatible? I think I've seen a few reports from other people who couldn't get them to work but I've seen more positive reports than negative. Any way to tell right now if my cartridges just won't work while I wait for a replacement?

[Akito01]

What are people's experiences regarding the battery and the LED indicator? I naturally assumed that when the battery was running low, it was warn me by having the LED light up red, like the FC-16 Go. Instead, I found out by having the screen suddenly go weak and fuzzy and freak out. I was afraid that I had a defective unit after all and was getting ready to pack it up for replacement.

When I switched out the battery with the one I had in my FC-16 Go, however, the screen went back to normal and I realized that the only problem was that the battery was low. I replaced the battery back again and plugged it in. The LED is lit green, which I assume means its charging; or does it simply light up whenever it is plugged into the AC adapter and it isn't going to give me any indication when the battery is done charging, just as it failed to give any notification that the battery was low?

[nusilver]

Does anyone have any more experience with testing Mario RPG/Kirby SS on this thing? I received my unit on Christmas but had to RMA it because the speakers wouldn't work. Games would load, though, except for Mario RPG and Kirby. I remembered thinking maybe my unit had an issue with special chip games, so I tried Yoshi's Island and that worked too. Of course none of the games had sound.

I'm hoping that when I get my replacement unit, those two games will work. Are some versions of the games incompatible? I think I've seen a few reports from other people who couldn't get them to work but I've seen more positive reports than negative. Any way to tell right now if my cartridges just won't work while I wait for a replacement?

I'll answer your question if you answer mine ;)

Regarding your question: If your carts don't work on your Supaboy, they won't work on your replacement. I don't know if this is the case with Kirby (mine doesn't work), but there doesn't seem to be any way to tell which carts will work and which won't, short of opening them or asking sellers to test their carts on a Supaboy or FC Twin. I was luckily able to get Kaboomer's copy of Super Mario RPG that he tested the Supaboy with in his video...I would PM him and ask him to test future copies he receives with his Supaboy.

My questions:

1. When you played Yoshi's Island, did you notice anything wrong with the video? Try level 1-4 when you get the Supaboy back. I noticed some
strange artifacting on the screen whenever the walls would fall down. Major bummer.

2. How in bloody hell did you get an RMA from Hyperkin? I've called them several times, leaving my name and number with a nice guy the first time and messages the next two times (to be fair, the most recent was 2 hours ago, so hopefully they call in the morning), and have yet to hear from them. I realize it's Christmas season, but they've had a week to return my calls and haven't, and I'm getting very frustrated.

[JSnake]

I'll answer your question if you answer mine ;)

Regarding your question: If your carts don't work on your Supaboy, they won't work on your replacement. I don't know if this is the case with Kirby (mine doesn't work), but there doesn't seem to be any way to tell which carts will work and which won't, short of opening them or asking sellers to test their carts on a Supaboy or FC Twin. I was luckily able to get Kaboomer's copy of Super Mario RPG that he tested the Supaboy with in his video...I would PM him and ask him to test future copies he receives with his Supaboy.

My questions:

1. When you played Yoshi's Island, did you notice anything wrong with the video? Try level 1-4 when you get the Supaboy back. I noticed some
strange artifacting on the screen whenever the walls would fall down. Major bummer.

2. How in bloody hell did you get an RMA from Hyperkin? I've called them several times, leaving my name and number with a nice guy the first time and messages the next two times (to be fair, the most recent was 2 hours ago, so hopefully they call in the morning), and have yet to hear from them. I realize it's Christmas season, but they've had a week to return my calls and haven't, and I'm getting very frustrated.

That's really discouraging. I guess all I can do is hope that the one or two times I tested the games before giving up wasn't enough. :(

I didn't try Yoshi's Island for long at all. I booted all the games to their title screen to make sure they worked and as soon as I verified that they did, I sent my Supaboy back for a replacement with working speakers.

I didn't get an RMA from Hyperkin themselves. I ordered mine from Amazon and sent it back to them. I, too, had trouble with Hyperkin not returning my messages.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

While I'm not strictly making any excuses for Hyperkin, it is only a few days after X-Mas.

Give them some time to recoil from the holiday season.

From everything I know about them I'm certain that they'll make good, just be reasonable in your expectations of service within the window of holiday-volume shopping/shipping/returns.

[JSnake]

I'm not that upset about that considering I was able to get a replacement via Amazon. I'm just heavily disappointed that Mario RPG/Kirby compatibility seems to be a crapshoot. Do you guys know if Hyperkin will offer support to people whose carts don't work?

[Taiyaki]

When I first heard Hyperkin was making this I was very hyped over the product.

Now it's in my hands and I have strongly mixed feelings about it.

The screen has good contrast and colors but the details are blurry as I've ever seen on a handheld. Texts are occasionally difficult to read and sometimes it seems as though there is interference moving across the screen of the radio waves kind. It's reminiscent of the old RF cables I'd use ages ago, perhaps as another member said it's almost as if interpolated.

Does anyone with a good unit have this issue?

The sound has a noise to it, it's not as bad as I had read but it's there, on the bright side I find the volume to be pretty strong, I put it to about %25 of it's maximum.

Also does anyone see a light above the U and P in the Supaboy logo below the screen? I find it awkward to see this, doesn't give the impression of a good build. I also can see dust particles under the screen.

[nusilver]

I'll answer your question if you answer mine ;)

Regarding your question: If your carts don't work on your Supaboy, they won't work on your replacement. I don't know if this is the case with Kirby (mine doesn't work), but there doesn't seem to be any way to tell which carts will work and which won't, short of opening them or asking sellers to test their carts on a Supaboy or FC Twin. I was luckily able to get Kaboomer's copy of Super Mario RPG that he tested the Supaboy with in his video...I would PM him and ask him to test future copies he receives with his Supaboy.

My questions:

1. When you played Yoshi's Island, did you notice anything wrong with the video? Try level 1-4 when you get the Supaboy back. I noticed some
strange artifacting on the screen whenever the walls would fall down. Major bummer.

2. How in bloody hell did you get an RMA from Hyperkin? I've called them several times, leaving my name and number with a nice guy the first time and messages the next two times (to be fair, the most recent was 2 hours ago, so hopefully they call in the morning), and have yet to hear from them. I realize it's Christmas season, but they've had a week to return my calls and haven't, and I'm getting very frustrated.

I'm at work now and tied up with PlayStation business, but I wanted to make a quick post that I've already been contacted privately by Tofu about Hyperkin making this experience great for me! Tofu, I will send you my information as soon as I get our VP of engineering off my back. :)

[nusilver]

I'm at work now and tied up with PlayStation business, but I wanted to make a quick post that I've already been contacted privately by Tofu about Hyperkin making this experience great for me! Tofu, I will send you my information as soon as I get our VP of engineering off my back. :)

And, at last, I have an RMA. :) Thanks, all.

[Taiyaki]

And, at last, I have an RMA. :) Thanks, all.

Was the only problem on yours the sound?

Does anyone else have that light below the screen through the plastic above the U of the Supaboy writing?

I don't even know whether my version is a correct one and whether I should write reviews on this model or not.

[tofu]

Was the only problem on yours the sound?

Does anyone else have that light below the screen through the plastic above the U of the Supaboy writing?

I don't even know whether my version is a correct one and whether I should write reviews on this model or not.

You have a prototype from our first product run. Usually there is a numbered sticker right besides the 'reset' button, but those can come off very easily.

[Taiyaki]

You have a prototype from our first product run. Usually there is a numbered sticker right besides the 'reset' button, but those can come off very easily.

Do you know how many of these units went around? I bought this copy on ebay from a seller that was carrying at least 30 of them.

I doubt I can return it, I'm currently located in France.

I just noticed that I didn't get a pouch either, in the reviews I've seen others receive a pouch to put the system in. I also notice upon closer examination the start and select buttons have some light wear, as well as the A button.

[tofu]

Gee, I really don't know what sort of service I can provide if you're in France. Logistically, it would be a royal pain. Not impossible though, give me some time to consider the options.

For now - please PM me the link to the ebay auction/seller.


Do you know how many of these units went around? I bought this copy on ebay from a seller that was carrying at least 30 of them.

I doubt I can return it, I'm currently located in France.

I just noticed that I didn't get a pouch either, in the reviews I've seen others receive a pouch to put the system in. I also notice upon closer examination the start and select buttons have some light wear, as well as the A button.

[Taiyaki]

Link sent.

I don't mind paying for the shipping, but I'd like to be sure this is a prototype unit to not put you to trouble and not waste the shipping fees. Although from the looks of it it does appear like it probably is.

[nusilver]

Was the only problem on yours the sound?

Does anyone else have that light below the screen through the plastic above the U of the Supaboy writing?

I don't even know whether my version is a correct one and whether I should write reviews on this model or not.

Mine also has that light above the U, though it doesn't really seem like an issue. As far as the actual problems with my unit, I'll just copy/paste them here from the RMA. I'm thinking maybe I got a prototype, especially considering Kaboomer's video stating he didn't think the games ever looked that good on a TV - my old tube TV certainly looks better than the built in screen on the Supaboy I got.

1. Buzzing sound coming from speakers/headphone;

2. Possible screen issues (visual distortion on Yoshi's Island, see title screen flicker and horizonal "dark lines" on World 1-4 when character is moving). The audio issue is a serious problem; I can live with the visual issues on Yoshi if the system is indeed supposed to look this way. In fact, from descriptions I have read, and people I have spoken to, it seems like my screen isn't up to the quality of others. I suspect this may be a prototype unit.

3. Further evidence that this may indeed be a prototype is the wear on the B/A/X/Y decal - it came this way in the packaging.

Thanks again, Tofu and the rest of you Hyperkin folks for getting my RMA set up today. I'm ooking forward to getting a fixed version so I can post a thorough review!

[Taiyaki]

Mine also has that light above the U, though it doesn't really seem like an issue. As far as the actual problems with my unit, I'll just copy/paste them here from the RMA. I'm thinking maybe I got a prototype, especially considering Kaboomer's video stating he didn't think the games ever looked that good on a TV - my old tube TV certainly looks better than the built in screen on the Supaboy I got.

1. Buzzing sound coming from speakers/headphone;

2. Possible screen issues (visual distortion on Yoshi's Island, see title screen flicker and horizonal "dark lines" on World 1-4 when character is moving). The audio issue is a serious problem; I can live with the visual issues on Yoshi if the system is indeed supposed to look this way. In fact, from descriptions I have read, and people I have spoken to, it seems like my screen isn't up to the quality of others. I suspect this may be a prototype unit.

3. Further evidence that this may indeed be a prototype is the wear on the B/A/X/Y decal - it came this way in the packaging.

Thanks again, Tofu and the rest of you Hyperkin folks for getting my RMA set up today. I'm ooking forward to getting a fixed version so I can post a thorough review!

I agree, I'm rather finicky so perhaps this could be the final product, and if it is I would have to say the display is not good, it's too bad because contrast and colors are quite nice, the brightness is also ideal. To be fair I should mention that unlike other critics, so far I've never had a problem of the system not starting a game (my cartridges were all stored in their original boxes). Games always play on first try.

To follow up on your testing I gave Yoshi's Island a try and experienced the flickering on the title screen you mentioned. I've also seen some heavy flickering during the opening sequence of Secret of Mana. When starting up Mario Kart I find the title screen to look quite bad, it's a perfect example of the screen on my unit, if someone with a good unit could try Mario Kart and let us know this might be helpful. On the title screen the hills in the background flicker while the text displayed is legible but looks horrific.

Similarly to you, I have the irritating buzzing in the background which increases when the volume is raised. I also have some worn out buttons, the A button looks like it was taken off a used controller. The start and select have something similar to finger nail marks, as if someone pressed their nails into them. The rest is overall in like new condition (the other buttons and the casing, minus one impact mark on the side).

The screen came with two screen protectors (they seemed as if they were tacked on, possibly not applied at the factory). Upon removing them I found superficial scratches all over the display, but what's even worse is there are particles of dust underneath, with one small batch of dust towards the very bottom of the screen which is actually noticeable during play.

I'm guessing we both have prototypes, if not then this is highly disappointing.

Oh I forgot one last glitch I experienced, when pressing reset I've had the game reset with a different contrast setting, the dark levels were grayish and the entire screen looked washed out. I had to turn off the system to restore it to normal.

[Taiyaki]

Nusilver take a look at this video review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Fpt-XuNCE&feature=plcp&context=C3695db6UDOEgsToPDskKF8VK3ZtK2GFq2N2se7zhS

It was posted in a previous page but I noticed when you watch it in 720p and full screen that the games look much sharper, when he plays Mario All Stars there is no flickering with the pyramids move in the back and the letters/numbers are displayed sharply. Your thoughts.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

although I bought one early in the month it still hasn't arrived, so I'm going to toss a question to those who own one - what's the capacity of the batter in mAh? I wonder if it's possible to buy a larger capacity battery to get more life out of the system. Is there a model number or anything?

Does anyone own a SNES Powerpak? I'm wondering if the use of a flashcart will diminish the battery faster than a regular cartridge would.

[nusilver]

Nusilver take a look at this video review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Fpt-XuNCE&feature=plcp&context=C3695db6UDOEgsToPDskKF8VK3ZtK2GFq2N2se7zhS

It was posted in a previous page but I noticed when you watch it in 720p and full screen that the games look much sharper, when he plays Mario All Stars there is no flickering with the pyramids move in the back and the letters/numbers are displayed sharply. Your thoughts.

Actually, I watched it awhile back but will check it out again when I get to the office. The one thing I can say about the video right now (can't watch at the moment - Amtrak streaming video restrictions and my phone signal is too weak right now to tether to) is that I took many sample videos with my iPhone 4 and the image appears sharper/better on video than in person...at least for the unit I have.

In any case, the Supaboy is packed and I'm sending it out as soon as I arrive in the Bay area. Looking forward to getting it back, fixed. For as much noise as some of us have made about the problems with these units, I have to say the Supaboy has the potentional to be my absolute favorite handheld - ever. I mean, I finished Earthbound for the first time last night, for crying out loud! I just hope Hyperkin can hammer out all the problems soon so people can get ahold of these again.

(also, most of the last 8-10 hours of Earthbound were played on the Supaboy during my work commutes, but I finished it at home on my SNES because I'd already packed up the Supaboy. I can't say for certain that the game won't erase your save when you get to Giygas on a Supaboy, but I wouldn't expect it. I did several comparisons between the Supaboy and the SNES and the game performed exactly the same on both units, with the same frequency of enemies, etc. I'll confirm when I get the unit back by loading my save on the 'Boy).

[nusilver]

I agree, I'm rather finicky so perhaps this could be the final product, and if it is I would have to say the display is not good, it's too bad because contrast and colors are quite nice, the brightness is also ideal. To be fair I should mention that unlike other critics, so far I've never had a problem of the system not starting a game (my cartridges were all stored in their original boxes). Games always play on first try.

I wouldn't necessarily say the display is bad, it's just not up to par with what someone used to a DS/PSP/3DS/Vita is expecting. It's similar in quality to a Nomad, from what I can remember. I'm really hoping the screen on my return unit is better, if only because in Kaboomer's video, he stated that he didn't remember the games ever looking that good on a TV, but if this is it, I can live with it for the convenience of playing SNES carts wherever I want.


To follow up on your testing I gave Yoshi's Island a try and experienced the flickering on the title screen you mentioned. I've also seen some heavy flickering during the opening sequence of Secret of Mana. When starting up Mario Kart I find the title screen to look quite bad, it's a perfect example of the screen on my unit, if someone with a good unit could try Mario Kart and let us know this might be helpful. On the title screen the hills in the background flicker while the text displayed is legible but looks horrific.

Thanks for checking. I mentioned this to Lawrence at Hyperkin last night, and he said they would thoroughly test it but wasn't sure if this was something that was "fixable." It's not the biggest issue in the world, just disappointing since Yoshi's Island is such a fantastic game which, unfortunately, looks better on a 3DS than on the Supaboy I have. I'll check Mario Kart again when I get my unit back.


Similarly to you, I have the irritating buzzing in the background which increases when the volume is raised. I also have some worn out buttons, the A button looks like it was taken off a used controller. The start and select have something similar to finger nail marks, as if someone pressed their nails into them. The rest is overall in like new condition (the other buttons and the casing, minus one impact mark on the side).

I noticed something like that on my start/select buttons too, and just attributed it to the injection molding process that I assume was used to create the buttons. I don't think these were pulled from used controllers as they seem slightly bigger - at least the face buttons seem deeper - but if they were, it'd be a good thing as I'd like to swap the purple buttons for the red, green, yellow, blue on the SFami controllers. :D


The screen came with two screen protectors (they seemed as if they were tacked on, possibly not applied at the factory). Upon removing them I found superficial scratches all over the display, but what's even worse is there are particles of dust underneath, with one small batch of dust towards the very bottom of the screen which is actually noticeable during play.

All the same experiences that I had. Two screen protectors that weren't applied very well, and dust underneath. I just attributed this to the small size of Hyperkin's operation.


I'm guessing we both have prototypes, if not then this is highly disappointing.

Oh I forgot one last glitch I experienced, when pressing reset I've had the game reset with a different contrast setting, the dark levels were grayish and the entire screen looked washed out. I had to turn off the system to restore it to normal.

I noticed the grey when I reset the unit several times in quick succession while trying to trick the Supaboy into loading my copy of Mario RPG. Simple reset fixed it. Here's another glitch I noticed, since we're talking about glitches: On The Lord of the Rings, the select button does not work when playing the unit with an SNES controller. So basically, in order to manage your inventory, you'd have to unplug from your TV, remove your controller, and hit select on the Supaboy. The select button works fine on other games I've tested.

[Taiyaki]

Thank you for your detailed reply. I appreciate it.

I agree I could live with some of the issues I've had, it's the culmination of all of them which harms the experience. If at least the sound were buzzless and the screen dust and scratch free it would surely improve things.

Ultimately though all this does't clarify to us whether or not we had prototypes. I'd like to know whether the symptoms we described is what the average customer needs to expect or whether we just had bad luck.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

the mail arrived today, and I got my replacement Supaboy.......which has the exact same audio issues as the first one I had returned to Hyperkin because of the high pitched audio and have been waiting around for the replacement for nearly a month.

What the hell Hyperkin? an RMA was already filled out for a system with bad audio and you send me ANOTHER one with the SAME PROBLEM?! UGH. The first one was bought from amazon, so its the Amazon seller's fault, but this replacement came directly from Hyperkin and it's STILL bad! This is totally unacceptable! Don't you guys check these things!?

I want this system returned and replaced with a FUNCTIONAL system WITHOUT the audio issues. This is ridiculous.