The HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket Rare Edition is a compact handheld console featuring 14 classic games from UK developer Rare, including the first appearance of Banjo-Kazooie on an Evercade device. Priced at £49.99 and available from Funstock, this portable system offers a mix of nostalgia and modern features like save states, but its rear button layout may require adjustment.
Design and Portability
The Super Pocket measures approximately 4.5 inches tall and weighs 169g, making it genuinely pocket-friendly. Its design resembles a Game Boy Colour but includes four face buttons and four rear trigger buttons. The Rare edition sports a red-and-yellow colour scheme with a blue rear, which reviewer Liam Martin describes as "colourful" though not his favourite—the orange-and-blue Data East model remains his top pick. Battery life reaches four hours or more between charges, sufficient for several commutes. The device charges via USB-C cable, though no plug adaptor is included, a minor omission at this price point.
Game Library Highlights
The 14-game lineup includes standout titles such as Banjo-Kazooie (N64), Battletoads (NES), Battletoads in Battlemaniacs (SNES), Cobra Triangle, and Conker's Pocket Tales. Martin asserts that "there's not a single dud in the 14 titles on offer," citing personal favourites like the Battletoads series and ZX Spectrum games. However, several games overlap with the existing Rare Collection Volume 1 cartridge, though Banjo-Kazooie and Battletoads in Battlemaniacs are exclusive to this device and "arguably worth the asking price alone." The Super Pocket also includes a cartridge slot compatible with the entire Evercade library, expanding its potential to hundreds of retro games.
Performance and Controls
Banjo-Kazooie runs "incredibly smoothly" on the 2.8-inch display, which Martin notes is bright and clear enough to play without strain. The smaller screen even helps hide graphical limitations, making sparse environments appear denser. The default control scheme (labelled 'Replay') assigns crouch to the furthest left rear button, which Martin found awkward for frequent high jumps. Switching to the 'Retro' control scheme in settings moved crouch to the furthest right rear button, improving platforming fluidity. The d-pad proved "surprisingly effective" for controlling Banjo, and camera issues are attributed to the original game's design rather than the hardware. Older games in the collection have no such control complexities.
Verdict
Martin awards the Super Pocket Rare Edition 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "a great place to start" for newcomers to the Super Pocket line. The inclusion of heavy-hitters like Banjo-Kazooie, combined with portability and save states, makes it a worthwhile purchase for retro gaming enthusiasts. The device is available now from Funstock for £49.99.
