Capcom Super Pocket Review

What is the Capcom Super Pocket

The Super Pocket is a retro-style handheld gaming console released in late 2023 by HyperMegaTech!, a brand under Blaze Entertainment. It’s designed as a budget‐friendly, physical cartridge-compatible device, aimed at people who want arcade classics in a palm-friendly form.

The special “Capcom Edition” is one of two versions (the other being Taito), with pre-loaded games from Capcom’s arcade and console back catalog.

History & Release

• Unveiled mid-2023, with pre-orders soon after.

• Official release date: 14 November 2023.

• Price: approx £49 for the Capcom or Taito edition.

Hardware & Design

Here are the key specifications and features:

Games: Capcom Edition

The Capcom version comes with 12 built-in fully licensed titles. These include:

• Final Fight

• Ghouls ’n Ghosts

• Forgotten Worlds

• Mega Man (NES version)

• 1942, 1943, 1944: The Loop Master

• Mercs

• Strider

• Bionic Commando

• Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting

• Captain Commando

So it leans heavily into Capcom’s arcade classics, including beat ’em ups, shooters, platformers etc.

Strengths

1. Value: For the price, you get a decent package — 12 built-in games, plus compatibility with Evercade cartridges, meaning lots of possible expansion.

2. Portability: Small size, lightweight; easy to slip in a bag or jacket.

3. Design & Nostalgia: The art style, games, and controls are designed to evoke older arcade/console feel. For fans of Capcom’s classic era, it’s very appealing.

4. Screen: An IPS panel means decent color and viewing angles compared to older cheap LCDs.

Weaknesses / Criticisms

1. Control limitations: Some users report that the D-pad is stiff, or that diagonal inputs aren’t always well registered, especially in more difficult games or tight control ones (fighters, shooters).

2. Size trade-offs: While small is good for portability, the screen may feel tiny for some, especially for detailed or fast games. Larger hands might find the layout cramped.

3. Hardware compromises: For example, the lack of Bluetooth or wireless audio, and headphone jack oddities (issues with some headsets) have been reported.

4. Difficulty & “easy mode”: There is an “Easy Mode” option to lower difficulty, which helps accessibility, but purists may dislike difficulty reduction in classic arcade titles.

5. Sound & brightness settings: Some reports that default brightness is high, and that sound volume in games doesn’t always respond to system settings.

How It Compares & Its Place in the Retro Scene

• The Super Pocket sits among a growing class of “boutique” retro handhelds (vs. using emulation on phones or PCs). Its selling points are physical cartridges, licensed games, and portability.

• Because of its Evercade cartridge compatibility, if you already have cartridges, the Capcom Super Pocket gets more value.

• Its pricing under £50 is moderate — it's not “cheap-toy” level, but also much more accessible than many enthusiast handhelds. It's aimed at casual retro fans and nostalgic gamers rather than high-end collectors.

• The Capcom version vs the Taito version is interesting: the selection of built-in games differs, so the choice depends on which library appeals more. Also, the design / color schemes reflect the brand.

Verdict

If you like classic Capcom arcade and early console games, want a handheld that feels retro, and don’t need cutting-edge features, the Capcom Super Pocket is a compelling option. It offers strong nostalgia, decent build, and a lot of value for the money.

On the other hand, if you want large screen, wireless audio, perfectly responsive controls for competitive play, or want to play modern games – it might fall short. For serious collectors or fighting game perfectionists, there might be other devices that better meet very specific demands.

Evercade Capcom Super Pocket

Product information

£57.95

Product Review Score

4.4 out of 5 stars

159 reviews

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