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Hyperkin has announced a new model of its SupaBoy Portable game console that lets you play actual full-sized Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges on a handheld gaming device. It comes in two translucent color options and is available for preorder now for $129.99 (see it at Amazon). It’s set to release on October 28.
Preorder Hyperkin SupaBoy Portable Pocket Console
SupaBoy Portable is shaped basically like a bigger, bulkier SNES controller, with all the same buttons you’d find on the original hardware. In the middle of the device is a 4.3-inch screen; you can toggle between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios using a button on the bottom of the handheld.
On the top of the device, you’ll find a slot for original SNES and Super Famicom cartidges. It’s region-free, so you don’t need to worry about compatibility between NTSC and PAL (there’s a switch to toggle between the two). The carts don’t slide all the way in. Instead, they stick out of the device to perfectly display the sticker art on the cartridge, just like in the original SNES hardware. Also just like the original, SupaBoy Portable is compatible with Super Gameboy, Game Genie, and EverDrive.
Below the controls you’ll find two controller ports that function exactly like you'd expect. That means you can plug in extra controllers to play multiplayer (though you and your friend may have to squint to see the screen). Or you can plug in accessories like the mouse for Mario Paint, the SNES Multi-Tap, or even third-party accessories.
It has a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery that Hyperkin says you can provide up to 10 hours of gameplay on a single charge. It even has TV output, so you can finally play SNES games on a TV. Imagine.
I love this thing. Obviously, in the age of Nintendo Switch Online and easy emulation across hundreds of handheld gaming devices, it’s somewhat absurd to bring bulky SNES carts with you to play on the go. But the absurdity is delightful. It’s like the Playdate including a crank. You have to hand it to them for the audacity alone.
SupaBoy Portable is a device I would have loved to have had in the early ‘90s, when the only option to play SNES games was sitting in front of the TV. I love that this exists now, in 2026.
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