HyperMegaTech! Announces Rare Super Pocket: Release Date & Info

The Rare Legacy Hits the Pocket

HyperMegaTech! just dropped a bombshell for those of us who grew up clutching a d-pad until our thumbs turned purple. The retro specialists over at Evercade are bringing the "Super Pocket Rare Edition" to market this June, and it looks like a total score for fans of the legendary British studio. Rare’s history is essentially the history of British game design, and seeing 14 of their most iconic titles packed into a device that fits in your jeans pocket is a move we didn't see coming this year.

Unlike some of the cheap, no-name handhelds flooding the market, this is an officially licensed piece of kit. It’s sporting that classic vertical form factor—very much a nod to the OG Game Boy—but dressed up in vibrant primary colors that HyperMegaTech! is calling "Rare flair." For those of us who spent the 90s arguing about Nintendo versus Sega, this little machine feels like a peace offering from the past.

Hardware Breakdown: Small Frame, Big Tech

Don't let the "cute" aesthetic fool you; the specs here are solid for the price point. We’re looking at a 2.8-inch IPS screen with a 320x240 resolution. In an era of 4K OLEDs, that might sound tiny, but for 8-bit and 16-bit sprites, it’s the sweet spot. IPS means you’re getting actual viewing angles and color accuracy, so Banjo-Kazooie won't look like a washed-out mess when you’re playing on the bus.

The addition of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a huge win for those of us who still prefer wired audio over Bluetooth lag, and USB-C charging means we can finally toss those old proprietary cables. It’s a modern take on retro hardware that respects the source material. Our take? The build quality on the Super Pocket line has been surprisingly robust in the past, and this Rare Edition looks to continue that trend.

The Games List: From 8-bit Origins to 64-bit Greatness

The real meat of this announcement is the library. Evercade has curated a list that spans the entire early lifecycle of Rare, starting back when they were still operating under the "Ultimate Play the Game" banner. We’re getting a heavy dose of home computer classics alongside the console hits that made them a household name.

The Heavy Hitters

The headliner is, without a doubt, Banjo-Kazooie. Seeing a 64-bit console heavyweight running on a handheld at this price is impressive. Joining the bear and bird are both the 8-bit and 16-bit versions of Battletoads. If you thought Elden Ring was hard, try finishing the Turbo Tunnel on a 2.8-inch screen. It’s the ultimate test of gamer reflexes.

The Ultimate Collection

For the true historians, the inclusion of the ZX Spectrum era games is the real highlight. We’re talking about titles that defined a generation of UK gaming:

• Atic Atac
• Jetpac
• Lunar Jetman
• Knight Lore
• Gunfright

These games are notoriously difficult and require a certain level of "get gud" energy that modern titles often lack. Rounding out the list are cult favorites like Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll, R.C. Pro-Am II, and Cobra Triangle. It’s a diverse mix that covers racing, platforming, and isometric adventure.

The Evercade Ecosystem Advantage

The "secret sauce" here is that this isn't just a dedicated 14-game handheld. It is fully compatible with the Evercade cartridge ecosystem. This means you can pop in any of the 75+ existing cartridges to access over 650 games. Most of these "mini" consoles are closed systems; once you finish the built-in games, they become paperweights. The Super Pocket Rare Edition avoids that trap entirely. You can start with Banjo-Kazooie and then swap in a Namco or Capcom cart when you need a change of pace.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth the Pre-order?

At $69.99, the value proposition is hard to ignore. You’re getting a licensed, high-quality handheld and a curated list of 14 games that would cost significantly more to collect on original hardware today. For the price of one modern AAA title, you’re getting a piece of gaming history you can actually carry around.

Pre-orders are live right now, and if the previous Super Pocket releases are any indication, these will likely move fast. If you’re a Rare completionist or just someone who wants a legal way to play Battletoads on the go without dealing with buggy emulators, this is an easy recommendation. It’s a focused, well-built tribute to one of the best developers to ever do it.