The Supaboy - New SNES handheld from Hyperkin

[nickerous]

Anyone seen this?

http://yfrog.com/h4dgmyzj

Apparently, it was revealed at the Midwest Gaming Classic, but I can not find any other info about it...looks cool. Hopefully it will have a better screen than the FC-16 Go.

[kedawa]

Looks interesting.
If it play SFC carts, then I may want one.

[otoko]

It was actually.. I watched a little of it. a built in rechargeable battery (If I remember correctly).. I can't remember if it plays SFC games or not.. but I wouldn't see why not...

All I can say is I was too busy organizing my goodies as the presentation wasn't that interesting.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Hm..Hyperkin does make some fairly decent stuff for knock offs. I wonder how this will compare to the Yobo FC-16 GO?

[MyTurnToPlay]

found this about the Supaboy
http://www.videogamemuseum.com/2011/04/01/the-supaboy-hyperkins-new-portable-snes-handheld/

yeah, i've been looking at getting an snes handheld for a while.

is the FC16 Go the way to go now? are there any others in the works to get excited about like the supaboy??

and do they work with the Everdrive?

[Akito01]

found this about the Supaboy
http://www.videogamemuseum.com/2011/04/01/the-supaboy-hyperkins-new-portable-snes-handheld/

yeah, i've been looking at getting an snes handheld for a while.

is the FC16 Go the way to go now? are there any others in the works to get excited about like the supaboy??

and do they work with the Everdrive?

I remember hearing about Hyperkin working on a portable SNES even before the FC16Go was released, and up to now had assumed they'd abandoned that project.

The FC16Go is pretty good, with the only obvious weakness being its very meaty design, short battery life and not-as-sharp-as-it-could-be LCD screen. There's certainly room for a competing portable SNES, especially if it address those three weaknesses. Given that Innex and Hyperkin are almost the only names in town when it comes to these kinds of devices, I don't expect any other portables like this coming out outside of the ones that run multiple emulators.

[kedawa]

SupaBoy can also play SFC games, which to my knowledge the FC16Go cannot because of those stupid plastic tabs.
I'm not a fan of clamshell designs, either, so the SupaBoy is already looking like the better choice.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

A clamshell design means the screen is better protected, but this one seems have actual 7 pin SNES controller ports and region free tabs. I wonder if it'll be any cheaper than the FC-16 GO v2.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Nice.

While I didn't mind the pseudo DS design of the FC 16 Go this seems to hit the basic beats of a portable system that doubles as a console pretty well.

We'll have to wait and see what if anything they get wrong, but aesthetically it doesn't look bad at all.

[nickerous]

oops. link already posted above...

I like the cart lock feature and the bright and crisp screen description. May have to get this when it comes out.

[nickerous]

http://hyperkin.com/index.php/retro-gaming/supaboy-portable-pocket-snes-console.html

Looks like the price will be $79.99....then again, the FC 16 Go is listed at $69.99 on their site...

[MyTurnToPlay]

hmm...$80 is starting to push it. Seems a little high considering the FC16 Go can be bought for less than $60.

Will it come with any accessories? maybe some decent controllers? for that price, it better come packaged with some other goodies.

[T2KFreeker]

System looks awesome. I hope it lives up to the Hype, Hyperkin does it again.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Hrm.

$80 is a bit high ... I'll bite if they include the RF controllers that came with the FC16 GO. No details on that on the site. Fingers crossed.

[PSony]

SupaBoy at E3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amn2JHTtoEw

I have to admit, the screen and controls look a lot better than my FC-16 Go.

[T2KFreeker]

After seeing the video of it in action, I now know I want one. I wonder if Stone Age will carry them?

[InsaneDavid]

EDIT: I should have had my speakers on and watched more than 30 seconds of the video.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Yeah, it looks really nice. I'm such a sucker for clones I'll probably get one as soon as Joe or Stone Age have it in stock.

[thegamezmaster]

Definitely looks promising. But the price seems a little high. Have to see when more info comes out.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I got a FC-16 GO for my birthday last year but this thing looks so much more amazing. I can't wait. I only about the SA-1 games that require the region chip. If Mario RPG works this time around I'll just be in heaven.

Any idea of what the price will be?

[T2KFreeker]

??whereistofu??

[tofu]

I'm here but I got in trouble last time for revealing too much so I'll stick to lurking.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Got one today at the DP Store.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/FrankieViturello/f6fc8c00.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/FrankieViturello/89353c4f.jpg

Comes with a "stylish" felt draw-string bag that you can carry your system, AC adapter, AV cables and a bunch of D20 in.

The Good:
Love the size of the unit, feels like a cross between a LYNX - one of my all time favorite portables and an original GBA (shoulder buttons and all).

Nice screen resolution, good static brightness, great buttons and D-Pad (firm and slightly oversized in comparison to a SNES pad)

Good weight, feels solid. Very little cart wobble if any with the "lock" slider engaged.

Tested it with three games (Super Mario All-Stars, Saturday Night Slam Masters and Star Fox) and all worked perfectly.

The Bad:
The built in-speaker volume is very very low.

My unit has a high-pitched "whine" emanating from some of the on-board electronics. It's not terrible to the point of distraction, but it's there. I don't know if this is an issue across all of them, but as Joe only got one in I'll have to wait and see with a different one.

The LCD screen must be fit so closely to the other electronics that pressing the buttons and D-pad occasionally cause some noticeable "pressure" on the screen in spots (like when you press your finger against a laptop screen) ... it's also not terrible to the point of distraction, but I'm a pretty tolerant guy when it comes to decent clone systems.

The Unknown:

I haven't plugged it into a TV or plugged any SNES controllers into it, so I can't attest to its quality as a console SNES, but I assume that it's as good as it is as a portable one.

I don't have a huge amount of SNES carts to test it with, but I'll try it out with the SuperPak at the next NAVA and report back.

Overall if like me you're not a huge fan of the DS style Super FC16 Go physically and you prefer 1 piece, hinge-less LYNX/GBA/Game Gear/PSP style portables this seems to be pretty nice considering it has a rechargeable battery and doubles as an actual SNES console that will accept 2 standard SNES controllers.

[c0ldb33r]

How much did it cost?
Does it work with flash carts?

[T2KFreeker]

Oh yeah, looks like it's going to be on here soon!

[Cryog]

Yes, the Super Everdrive flashcart works fine on the Supaboy !!! This units are prototypes !!! And yes, works fine on a TV. I test the prototype #9.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

How much did it cost?
Does it work with flash carts?

I think MSRP is $80 currently. I haven't tried but apparently yes.


Yes, the Super Everdrive flashcart works fine on the Supaboy !!! This units are prototypes !!! And yes, works fine on a TV. I test the prototype #9.

These are prototypes? That seems odd considering that they're fully packed in their retail boxes ... but would explain why mine had a big sticker on the front that said "#33"?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Frankie, very very important question! How vivid is the output to the screen? I own a Yobo FC-16 GO which is another bulky portable SNES. It outputs a slightly blurry/fuzzy image to the screen because it feeds composite video to the screen, not the superior RGB. My one major hope for the Supaboy is that it's screen is being feed crystal clear RGB and not blurry composite. How clear is the LCD to your eye? Try out FFII (IV) to see how clear that white text on the blue field looks and also games with huge cartoony sprites like Megaman 7. PLEASE let me know! Thank you!

I really am hoping that the internal screen isn't being feed a composite signal like the FC-16 GO.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Frankie, very very important question! How vivid is the output to the screen? I own a Yobo FC-16 GO which is another bulky portable SNES. It outputs a slightly blurry/fuzzy image to the screen because it feeds composite video to the screen, not the superior RGB. My one major hope for the Supaboy is that it's screen is being feed crystal clear RGB and not blurry composite. How clear is the LCD to your eye? Try out FFII (IV) to see how clear that white text on the blue field looks and also games with huge cartoony sprites like Megaman 7. PLEASE let me know! Thank you!

I really am hoping that the internal screen isn't being feed a composite signal like the FC-16 GO.

Well, here's some mildly disappointing news,

When plugged in to a TV my Supaboy can ONLY be used with SNES control pads. Since the system itself doesn't come with any instructions I can only assume that this is normal operation.

I was kind of hoping that it would function like a NOMAD or PSP and allow you to control the games via the controls on the unit itself.

The good news is that it functions fine with SNES pads.

As far as the video output, it's standard AV output and where that is concerned it's about as good as most SNES clones I have.

The colors look good, there doesn't seem to be any distortion in the graphics (no screen tearing on fast scrolling) and the colors are pretty rich.

Unfortunately on my HDTV there's that standard color bleed that you see in most composite systems.

I'd say that the output is average. Nothing that wows me but I'm not put off by it. Sound is good and doesn't seem to carry over that high frequency whine that's coming from the unit when used by itself.

[leatherrebel5150]

So is there any word of an official release date yet?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Oh no Frankie, you misunderstood. I meant how good is the video output to the built-in LCD screen. Is THAT RGB or composite? If it's composite it'll be slightly blurry/fuzzy. Please test out games with small white text (Final Fantasy II works best) and games with big sprites like Megaman 7. Please let me know the quality of the video to the internal screen. Thanks!

[kedawa]

Well, here's some mildly disappointing news,

When plugged in to a TV my Supaboy can ONLY be used with SNES control pads. Since the system itself doesn't come with any instructions I can only assume that this is normal operation.

I was kind of hoping that it would function like a NOMAD or PSP and allow you to control the games via the controls on the unit itself.

The good news is that it functions fine with SNES pads.

As far as the video output, it's standard AV output and where that is concerned it's about as good as most SNES clones I have.

The colors look good, there doesn't seem to be any distortion in the graphics (no screen tearing on fast scrolling) and the colors are pretty rich.

Unfortunately on my HDTV there's that standard color bleed that you see in most composite systems.

I'd say that the output is average. Nothing that wows me but I'm not put off by it. Sound is good and doesn't seem to carry over that high frequency whine that's coming from the unit when used by itself.
So what happens when you connect controllers when using the built in screen?
Do the built in controls still work as player 1, and the controller connected to the second port acts as player two?

[Sabz5150]

Finally, Hyperkin is offering a portable SNES.

My comments/questions.

1. First and foremost: MOVE THE START BUTTON. That's about as bad as the swapped buttons on the original FC Mobile (I know, not HK's fault). Pressing Start with your left thumb isn't how the console has been played... ever. Put in a game that uses Start often, one that you have played for a long time (say... Megaman X), you'll see what I mean right off the bat. (I am assuming that the two buttons on the left are Select/Start respectively with the Reset over on the right.)

2. SuperFX, does it work?

3. Super Gameboy, does it work?

4. Does it accept Super Famicom games?

5. Game Genie?

/soapbox :)

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Oh no Frankie, you misunderstood. I meant how good is the video output to the built-in LCD screen. Is THAT RGB or composite? If it's composite it'll be slightly blurry/fuzzy. Please test out games with small white text (Final Fantasy II works best) and games with big sprites like Megaman 7. Please let me know the quality of the video to the internal screen. Thanks!

AH. The screen on the unit seems to be very crisp/clear. I'll test it with more games at this month's NAVA and report back later.


Finally, Hyperkin is offering a portable SNES.

My comments/questions.

1. First and foremost: MOVE THE START BUTTON. That's about as bad as the swapped buttons on the original FC Mobile (I know, not HK's fault). Pressing Start with your left thumb isn't how the console has been played... ever. Put in a game that uses Start often, one that you have played for a long time (say... Megaman X), you'll see what I mean right off the bat. (I am assuming that the two buttons on the left are Select/Start respectively with the Reset over on the right.)

I haven't noticed any major issue with the buttons there, but at least they're not in a prone location to be accidentally hit.


2. SuperFX, does it work?

Yes.


3. Super Gameboy, does it work?

Yes.


4. Does it accept Super Famicom games?

Yes.


5. Game Genie?

Don't know, don't own one. Will add it to my list of things to test at NAVA.


So what happens when you connect controllers when using the built in screen?
Do the built in controls still work as player 1, and the controller connected to the second port acts as player two?

Hmm ... not sure, need to test that scenario.

[Cryog]

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/Supaboyprototipo9.jpg
Front

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/SupaboySuperEverdrive02.jpg
Supaboy + Super Everdrive

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/SupaboySuperEverdrive01.jpg
Chrono Trigger rom with spanish translation patch

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/SupeboySuperEverdrive03.jpg
Dragon Quest 3 rom with english translation patch

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/SupaboySuperFX.jpg
Super NES Starfox with Super FX chip.

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/SupaboySuperFamicom.jpg
Super Famicom PC Gengin 2 (Bonk's Adventure 2)

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/SupaboySuperGameboy.jpg
Super Gameboy (US) with Gameboy game (Jap)

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/Supaboyconectores.jpg

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/Supaboydebajo.jpg

http://i1040.photobucket.com/albums/b409/Cryog/Supaboytrasera.jpg

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Since GameGenie temporarily changes the inputs the cartridge is sending and isn't based on any system hardware, I'd say its safe to assume GG will work fine on the SupaBoy.

By the way, has the system been released? Where can I find one?

[Informationator]

Alright, here's what you do.

You plug in an X-Band, SNES Game Genie, Super Noah's Ark 3D, Game Saver, Super Gameboy, GB Game Genie, and a Gameboy Camera.

???

Profit!

[Sabz5150]

I haven't noticed any major issue with the buttons there, but at least they're not in a prone location to be accidentally hit.

Its just not laid out correctly. Your natural reflex is to press the start button with your right thumb, so if you've played a game for a long time, chances are you're gonna get frustrated quick... especially since the first thing you're going to go for is that reset button.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Its just not laid out correctly. Your natural reflex is to press the start button with your right thumb, so if you've played a game for a long time, chances are you're gonna get frustrated quick... especially since the first thing you're going to go for is that reset button.

Perhaps it's because in recent years I've possibly played more SNES on emulators and other consoles like Wii than with actual SNES pads that where I'm PERSONALLY concerned that I completely disagree with your assessment that I'm going to get frustrated.

I've played with this thing for a while and I have had zero instances of frustration when reaching for the start button.

It may be a deal breaker for you, but not for me.


Since GameGenie temporarily changes the inputs the cartridge is sending and isn't based on any system hardware, I'd say its safe to assume GG will work fine on the SupaBoy.

By the way, has the system been released? Where can I find one?

Apparently it's not fully out yet, I have one of 100 early release units sent to select Hyperkin product dealers, mine is #33. I and other people who got their hands on these are going to participate in a report on the quality/build of the product soon that may affect the final product.

It may go through some final revisions before the full commercial version hits the market, and frankly it could use some tweaking where the audio output is concerned so keep your fingers crossed that my input to Hyperkin doesn't fall on deaf ears!!

[Sabz5150]

Perhaps it's because in recent years I've possibly played more SNES on emulators and other consoles like Wii than with actual SNES pads that where I'm PERSONALLY concerned that I completely disagree with your assessment that I'm going to get frustrated.

I do very little, if any, emulation. Original hardware all the way. That is probably the main reason why our opinions differ. Don't be a messin' with my button layouts! :grumble: Again, stepping off of my soapbox.


I've played with this thing for a while and I have had zero instances of frustration when reaching for the start button.

It may be a deal breaker for you, but not for me.

I'll buy one the instant I see it on a shelf, no doubts there. Everything else about the system is excellent (and I like Hyperkin). I'll just do what I did with the original Mobile and rewire the board.

[treismac]

A rather sharp looking handheld that I wouldn't mind Santa dropping into my stocking.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Cryog, thansk fro posting those pictures! Since you have a flashcart there, can you please post some close ups of text in Final Fantasy II and the huge sprites in megaman 7? That screen is looking to be RGB to me - is that what you would conclude as well?

[cheesystick]

I got to hold and look at one today in a game shop. I was probably going to buy this thing anyway, but I can honestly say that I really like the feel, look and aesthetic. I didn't get to see the system turned on, but I really like the feel of it in your hands. The D-pad did feel bigger, but that is a small gripe in the face of a great looking system.

I already have the FC-16 Go Model 2, (Model 2 is far superior - switched from mono to stereo sound, got bigger shoulder buttons, among other fixes), and it is actually not a half bad system. The clamshell design keeps the screen from getting beat up and it is fairly light weight.

To me, the Supaboy sells itself on its ability to be plugged into a TV and actually be functional with real SNES pads. The controllers that came with the FC-16 Go were too unresponsive to use, even for a little bit. I'm already sold on the idea of being able to take my SNES games with me when I travel, maybe even plugging them in to a TV at a hotel when I'm done flying, ya get me?

I'm excited. I'll buy this one for sure
- Chris

[nickerous]

The controllers that came with the FC-16 Go were too unresponsive to use, even for a little bit.

Really? I love the wireless controllers included with the FC 16 Go. Both versions really nailed the wireless controller, imo.

[BlastProcessing402]

How's the battery life on this thing? And what type does it take? Looks really cool, but if it sucks up AA's like a GameGear, I'll pass.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

How's the battery life on this thing? And what type does it take? Looks really cool, but if it sucks up AA's like a GameGear, I'll pass.

It's a removable, rechargeable li-On battery similar to the one in the FC16Go.

I haven't run it completely down in one session but similar to the FC16Go I suspect you'll get 3-5 hours on one charge.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Wait so the Supaboy is out now? News to me. I haven't seen it for sale anywhere. Anyone know where I can buy one and how much it costs?

[BlastProcessing402]

It's a removable, rechargeable li-On battery similar to the one in the FC16Go.

I haven't run it completely down in one session but similar to the FC16Go I suspect you'll get 3-5 hours on one charge.

Thanks. I'm not really familiar with the FC16Go, but from the description it sounds like a battery similar to a DS or a PSP, rather than say AA's, which is really all I needed to know anyway.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I'm confused - is the Supaboy out now? I can't seem to find it for sale ANYWHERE. I want to buy one now if anyone knows where I may be able to get one/is able to act as a middleman in case the digitalpress store or something sells them now.

[leatherrebel5150]

I'm confused - is the Supaboy out now? I can't seem to find it for sale ANYWHERE. I want to buy one now if anyone knows where I may be able to get one/is able to act as a middleman in case the digitalpress store or something sells them now.

I don't think they are out yet the ones people are talking about on here are ones sent out to certain people for testing to work out any bugs.

I would like to know if this thing will be out by christmas though.

[burn_654]

I saw this for sale on one of my rounds - Gamerz Haven in Jamestown, NY. It was $60 iirc. Pretty neat looking console but I didn't get to try it.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

burn_654, can you confirm the price and availability? If so, would you be willing to act as a middle man and pick it up and mail it to me if I send you the money? Just a thought.

[burn_654]

I'm not entirely certain if I can, but I'll definitely get more information on it/check the availability the next time I'm there and maybe come up with something. It's about 40 minutes from my house and the guy knows me. I tend to head that direction about every other weekend or so. There was definitely a boxed one on the shelf the last time I was there, I noted it was different beside the FC16go they also had.

Come to think of it, the other Gamerz Haven (same area) has had hyperkin stuff like the Retron 3 and such. Maybe they just got an early shipment or have a deal or something.

[intro9]

I'm not entirely certain if I can, but I'll definitely get more information on it/check the availability the next time I'm there and maybe come up with something. It's about 40 minutes from my house and the guy knows me. I tend to head that direction about every other weekend or so. There was definitely a boxed one on the shelf the last time I was there, I noted it was different beside the FC16go they also had.

Come to think of it, the other Gamerz Haven (same area) has had hyperkin stuff like the Retron 3 and such. Maybe they just got an early shipment or have a deal or something.

Actually the retail units have not shipped yet. Tey sent out a limited number of preview units to retailers for survey work on the units quality. Hyperkin pretty much said "here, test this out, fill out this survey and do what you want with it when your done" i know this because they sent me one heheh. Tey are all individually numbered with a sticker on the front of the unit. The true retail version is supposed to ship sometime before christmas.

I will say, the lcd is gorgeous. No ghosting or anything. And the biggest surprise was the quality of the face buttons. No wiggly mushy feel like alot of the knockoff stuff. There was one technical problem present which was that of a high pitched squeal that was far worse with the charger plugged in. I imagine theybshould fix that before a retail relase.

Intro

[kedawa]

I'm especially bothered by high frequency noise, so I really hope they fix it.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Any word on exactly when it was be available for sale? I want to buy from a seller who will accept returns in case of dead pixels, the bane of any handheld.

For those of you who already own the unit, several questions if you don't mind.

1. How is it's d-pad? intro9 mentioned the face buttons feel good, which is great to hear, but I'm concerned a stiff OR mushy d-pad will ruin the experience.

2. what is the physical measurement of the dpad? I want to know if it would be roughly possible to transplant a d-pad from an authentic SNES controller if needbe.

3. When you use the AV output, does the LCD screen turn off?

4. Has anyone tested the battery life? Hyperkin at E3 said to expect around 5 hours, but I'm wondering if anyone can confirm. The FC-16 GO has only around 2 hours tops so I have high hopes for the Supaboy.

5. Has anyone run into games that WON'T work on the Supaboy? I assume it lacks the region coding chip, making later revisions of Super Mario RPG not to work.

6. Along the same lines, does EarthBound treat it as a copy device and therefore enable its anti-piracy protection (making enemies far more numerous and therefore the gameplay much less enjoyable)

7. How tight/loose is the cartridge slot? Does it have a nice slot like the FC-16 Go/Retro Duo or "death grip" like the TriStar/Super 8?

[jwmollman]

This looks like a more professional version of these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFa72yfnOsI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJZT6LgNJxA

Thanks for the info. I'll look into this!

[Rickstilwell1]

SupaBoy can also play SFC games, which to my knowledge the FC16Go cannot because of those stupid plastic tabs.
I'm not a fan of clamshell designs, either, so the SupaBoy is already looking like the better choice.

The plastic tabs on these kinds of systems come right off with some sharp pliers made for wire stripping. Heck they're just clone systems anyway so I'll gladly add functionality to them.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Any word on exactly when it was be available for sale? I want to buy from a seller who will accept returns in case of dead pixels, the bane of any handheld.

For those of you who already own the unit, several questions if you don't mind.

1. How is it's d-pad? intro9 mentioned the face buttons feel good, which is great to hear, but I'm concerned a stiff OR mushy d-pad will ruin the experience.

It's very stiff, but very responsive.

2. what is the physical measurement of the dpad? I want to know if it would be roughly possible to transplant a d-pad from an authentic SNES controller if needbe.

Exactly 1 inch by 1 inch. Not sure of the real measurements of a real SNES d-pad.

3. When you use the AV output, does the LCD screen turn off?

The AV is off when it is plugged in to the TV and as I mentioned in my post, you can NOT use the unit as a controller when it is plugged in, in fact, when it's plugged into a TV unless you plug SNES controllers in to the controller ports unit it goes pretty berserk and resets frequently. Once you plug controllers it it works perfectly. Not sure what that's all about or why they don't permit the unit to be used as a plug & play.

4. Has anyone tested the battery life? Hyperkin at E3 said to expect around 5 hours, but I'm wondering if anyone can confirm. The FC-16 GO has only around 2 hours tops so I have high hopes for the Supaboy.

I haven't tested it for that length/in that capacity, sorry.

5. Has anyone run into games that WON'T work on the Supaboy? I assume it lacks the region coding chip, making later revisions of Super Mario RPG not to work.

I don't have a copy of Super Mario RPG, but I've seen reports that it's functional with all versions.

6. Along the same lines, does EarthBound treat it as a copy device and therefore enable its anti-piracy protection (making enemies far more numerous and therefore the gameplay much less enjoyable)

Don't know.

7. How tight/loose is the cartridge slot? Does it have a nice slot like the FC-16 Go/Retro Duo or "death grip" like the TriStar/Super 8?

No death grip, I've had no problem inserting/removing games.

Also, I'm waiting for Hyperkin to release the final version of this product, as the current one (all of them confirmed by Hyperkin rep) has a high pitched whistle/whine that is present during all aspects of play. If they correct it I'm going to send mine to them for repair/replacement. So, even if you see one of the 100 test market units out for sale, I'd say wait for the revised version.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Good to know. If you have contacts with them, can you ask when they expect it to be officially released?

Thanks.

[MIZPHIT]

Saw one of these yesterday at 3D Games store at Katy Mills Mall in Katy, Tx. The unit was number 29 if I remember correctly, and they had it priced at $80. The employees didn't look too happy to be there lol, so I didn't bother to strike up a conversation about it with them. I just bought some items and left.

[intro9]

Just thought I'd add that I'll check out Super Mario RPG and Earthbound tomorrow when I get into my store.

As Frankie Says has already already most of your questions, I'll take care of the few he couldn't answer for ya.

Also want to add that the cartridge port is snug but not overly tight. It also has a locking mechanism on it to prevent cartridge slippage.

I have a funny feeling that they might be removing that locking feature when the retail release is made available. They seem to be looking for ways to cut cost on the final run of the unit, or at least that's the impression I got when I was filling out the questionairre and speaking to the representative.

You can be assured I told him that the screen quality and button quality is of the utmost concern! Hopefully the other 99 people who reviewed this thing along with me echoed that statement.

Anyways like I said, I'll check out Earthbound and I have 2 copies of Mario RPG that I can check out as well. If I remember tomorrow ;) heh.

Intro
Classic Game Junkie


Any word on exactly when it was be available for sale? I want to buy from a seller who will accept returns in case of dead pixels, the bane of any handheld.

For those of you who already own the unit, several questions if you don't mind.

1. How is it's d-pad? intro9 mentioned the face buttons feel good, which is great to hear, but I'm concerned a stiff OR mushy d-pad will ruin the experience.

2. what is the physical measurement of the dpad? I want to know if it would be roughly possible to transplant a d-pad from an authentic SNES controller if needbe.

3. When you use the AV output, does the LCD screen turn off?

4. Has anyone tested the battery life? Hyperkin at E3 said to expect around 5 hours, but I'm wondering if anyone can confirm. The FC-16 GO has only around 2 hours tops so I have high hopes for the Supaboy.

5. Has anyone run into games that WON'T work on the Supaboy? I assume it lacks the region coding chip, making later revisions of Super Mario RPG not to work.

6. Along the same lines, does EarthBound treat it as a copy device and therefore enable its anti-piracy protection (making enemies far more numerous and therefore the gameplay much less enjoyable)

7. How tight/loose is the cartridge slot? Does it have a nice slot like the FC-16 Go/Retro Duo or "death grip" like the TriStar/Super 8?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Great! If you are allowed to answer, what did the questionairre ask? What about the rep?

I really appriciate you willing to check out Earthbound has the anti-piracy measures and if later revisions of Mario RPG will work. On at least Hyperkin's RetroN3, Earthbound treats the RetroN as a copy device and imposes its anti-piracy routines, and Mario RPG won't work unless you do a hot-swap with careful reset button manipulation.

By any chance can you test out any of these as well?

Galoob's GameGenie
Super GameBoy
[doubtful but just in case] Japanese Nintendo Power Super Famciom Data Cartridges
RetroUSB's Super Powerpak Flashcart

Given the excellent compatibility with Hyperkin's RetorN3, I assume it will play all of those without issue, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

I'm also wondering how the cartridge lock actually works. Is it simply a piece of plastic that presses against the cartridge to give it added stability or something more complex than that? Can you "lock" Super Famicom games into place as well?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

bump. Can I please get answers to my last post?

Also, a member on NintendoAge posted today that the amazon preorder page for the Supa Boy now lists the system with a release date of November 15th. If true, then that means Hyperkin must have finalized the design.

Can anyone with contacts in Hyperkin confirm this? I'm really hoping the problems of the prototypes have been worked out.

[dukenukem]

Just ordered mine from amazon and will arrive on monday:).Any one else get theirs yet?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

bump. Can I please get answers to my last post?

Also, a member on NintendoAge posted today that the amazon preorder page for the Supa Boy now lists the system with a release date of November 15th. If true, then that means Hyperkin must have finalized the design.

Can anyone with contacts in Hyperkin confirm this? I'm really hoping the problems of the prototypes have been worked out.

The squealing problem has apparently been worked out in the final release.

I'll be getting an updated version at some point in the near future, I'll revisit my review at that time.

[Parodius Duh!]

Will it play PAL region games as well as NTSC?????? if thats the case then this thing is better than an official SNES!


and if it does not play PAL region games, will the mark 3 Action replay work with PAL games being converted through it?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

SNES games are region locked between PAL and NTSC. These kind of handhelds are made with the NTSC region unlocks, so very unlikely PAL games will work. Its probably like the other hyperkin products like the RetorN3.

[Parodius Duh!]

SNES games are region locked between PAL and NTSC. These kind of handhelds are made with the NTSC region unlocks, so very unlikely PAL games will work. Its probably like the other hyperkin products like the RetorN3.



I figured just plugging a PAL cart into it probably wouldnt work, but will they work through the correct Action Replay?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Hard to say, but if it works on the real hardware, I'd say there's a good chance considering how close Hyperkin clones tend to be to the legacy hardware.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

So has anyone picked up a Supaboy yet? I want to know if the problems of the protoypes have been ironed out.

[dukenukem]

I am waiting for mine to arrive today and will test some games out,i'll let everyone know how it goes.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

So has anyone picked up a Supaboy yet? I want to know if the problems of the protoypes have been ironed out.

No sign of them at the DP store yet either. They're sending my replacement there. I'll weigh in as well when I get mine.

[MyTurnToPlay]

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.

[dukenukem]

Got mine in and yes you can hear that squeal from the speakers.Only game that hasn't worked so far is populous.D-pad feels slightly stiff and sfc games work pretty good.Only sfc game i have tryed so far is super metroid.Screen so far has no dead pixels and works flawlessly.