HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition Review: A Treasure Trove of Rare Classics

The HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition, developed by Universal Studios Hollywood Hub, is the latest addition to the Super Pocket family, boasting an impressive collection of 14 built-in classic Rare-developed games. This handheld console, part of the Evercade ecosystem, not only plays its preloaded titles but is also compatible with any Evercade cartridge, significantly enhancing its value proposition. Priced at $69.99, it's a compelling offer for those seeking a portable retro gaming experience, especially considering its ability to run the beloved Nintendo 64 game, Banjo-Kazooie, natively.

At its core, the appeal of the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition lies in its game library, which spans Rare's prolific output from the 1980s to the late 1990s. Highlights include the challenging isometric 3D games from the ZX Spectrum era, such as Atic Atac and Knight Lore, alongside more recognizable titles like Banjo-Kazooie, Battletoads, and Conker's Pocket Tales. The inclusion of Banjo-Kazooie, in particular, is a standout feature, with the game's native implementation ensuring a smoother experience despite the hardware limitations.

Design and Features

The Super Pocket's design remains largely unchanged from its predecessors, maintaining a Game Boy-adjacent size (3.07 x 4.92 x 0.98 inches, 0.36lbs) that is both compact and comfortable to hold. The 2.8-inch IPS display with a 320x240 resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio is clear, even in bright sunlight, though the glossy screen is prone to glare. Display options include Original, Pixel Perfect, and Full Screen, along with shader and scanline effects for a more retro feel.

The control layout is well-considered, with a tactile response from the membrane-based buttons, although the lack of brightness adjustment and Bluetooth audio (save for the 3.5mm headphone jack) are notable omissions. The 3000mAh battery provides approximately 4 hours of gameplay, which, while not exceptional, is sufficient for short to medium gaming sessions.

Built-in Games and Evercade Ecosystem

The true star of the show is the collection of 14 built-in games, each carefully selected to showcase Rare's diverse output. From the aforementioned ZX Spectrum titles to the iconic Banjo-Kazooie, there's a game for every taste. Banjo-Kazooie, in particular, is a marvel, with its native implementation allowing for a remarkably faithful portable experience, despite the inevitable learning curve in adapting to the Super Pocket's controls.

Beyond the built-ins, the Evercade ecosystem opens the door to over 750 additional games across various cartridges, though the lack of analog control support may hinder the playability of some titles. The absence of online connectivity, firmware updates for the handheld itself, and the need to update cartridges on other Evercade devices are drawbacks, but they do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

Criticisms and Quirks

While the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition excels in content, it falters in a few key areas. The inability to adjust screen brightness and the lack of Bluetooth audio are modern conveniences that feel absent. Also, the glare on the screen can be a nuisance in certain lighting conditions. For Banjo-Kazooie, the controls, though well-adapted, require a significant learning curve due to the lack of analog sticks, highlighting a broader challenge in translating 3D platformers to this format.

And the membrane-based controls, while tactile, may not offer the precision some players expect for the more challenging titles in the collection. The fixed screen brightness and lack of TATE mode are also worth noting for players with specific preferences.

Verdict

Ultimately, the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition is a treasure trove for fans of Rare's extensive library and retro gaming enthusiasts. Despite its design and feature set being largely unchanged (and somewhat dated), the value proposition is unparalleled at its price point. For $69.99, gamers receive not just a handheld console but a key to a vast, nostalgic gaming universe. The lack of innovations in design or connectivity is overshadowed by the sheer joy of playing these classics on the go.

Review Score: 7 - A must-have for Rare fans and retro enthusiasts, offering high relative value despite minor drawbacks.