Hyper Mega Tech: The Super Pocket
The Hyper Mega Tech! Super Pocket is a bite-size retro gaming handheld aimed at fans of arcade and classic games, packaged in a form reminiscent of older Game Boy-style consoles. It is built by Hyper Mega Tech!, a brand under British company Blaze Entertainment, and is designed to be a cost-effective entry into their Evercade ecosystem.
History & Positioning
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The Super Pocket was unveiled in July 2023, with pre-orders opening immediately and launch set for later in the year.
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It is marketed as a budget alternative to the more premium Evercade handheld systems, giving users pre-loaded classic games plus compatibility with Evercade cartridges.
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The initial launch came in multiple editions (“flavours”) each themed around a major retro games publisher—e.g. the Capcom Edition and Taito Edition.
Design & Hardware
Here are the key hardware and design features:
| Feature | Specification / Notes |
|---|---|
| Display | 2.8-inch IPS screen with resolution 320×240. |
| Battery Life | Around 4 hours. |
| Size & Weight | Small and light. It’s built to be pocketable. Exact weight with cartridge is ~165 grams. |
| Controls | D-pad, four face buttons, start/select buttons; also rear bumper/trigger buttons for more complex controls. |
| Ports | USB-C for charging; 3.5mm headphone jack. |
| Preloaded Games | Depends on edition. E.g. the Capcom Edition has 12 built-in Capcom arcade classics (Street Fighter II’: Hyper Fighting; Final Fight; Wolf of the Battlefield MERCS; etc.). The Technos Edition includes 15 Technos arcade classics. |
Key Selling Points
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Affordability & Simplicity: With a price around £49.99, it's much cheaper than many premium retro handhelds.
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Evercade Cartridge Compatibility: Even though it's not branded strictly as an Evercade device, all Evercade cartridges are playable. That opens up access to a large library of officially licensed retro games.
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Thematic Editions: The publisher-branded editions give a curated experience and nostalgic pull—Capcom, Taito, Technos, etc.—which appeals to collectors or fans of specific classic labels.
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Physical Cartridges + Pre-installed Titles: Good balance for those who want “plug-and-play” without having to manage emulation or ROMs, yet still have the option to expand via cartridges.
Limitations & Trade-Offs
While the Super Pocket brings a lot for its price, it's not without compromises:
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Screen Size & Own Limitations: The 2.8-inch screen is small; for fast games or detailed graphics, it may be harder to see compared to larger handhelds.
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Button Layout / Rear Buttons: The rear (shoulder) buttons are useful, but their placement can be awkward, especially for games that make heavy use of them.
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No ROM Loading / Emulators Exposed: The system does not allow users to load their own ROMs or unofficial games via emulation. Everything is via built-in titles or Evercade cartridges. For purists this is a limitation; for others, a feature (simplicity, legality).
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Limited by Cartridge Catalog: Although the Evercade library is extensive, the selection of cartridges and availability might affect what games a user actually can play, and some editions repeat titles already available elsewhere.
Reception
Reviews are generally positive:
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GamesRadar+ describes it as “a fantastically cheap portable arcade machine … the handheld pretty much nails everything it sets out to achieve.”
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Midlife Gamer Geek (reviewing the Technos Edition) notes that it’s a “great little console, and a nice way to enter the Evercade ecosystem … lovely little devices which, while not perfect, do the job just fine.”
So for what it tries to do—retro gaming, physical media, affordability—it mostly succeeds, especially for the target audience (casual retro fans rather than hardcore exact emulation aficionados).
How It Compares
While not a full comparison, here are where Super Pocket stands relative to similar devices:
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Against Evercade EXP and its siblings: Super Pocket is cheaper, smaller, and simpler. Less power, fewer features (e.g. screen size, layout) but more portable and accessible.
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Against premium FPGA-style retro handhelds (like the Analogue Pocket): The Super Pocket doesn’t offer the same fidelity or versatility, but costs far less.
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Against generic emulator/“retro ROM” handhelds: It has the advantage of official licensing and physical media. Legitimacy and legal safety are big pluses.
Who Should Buy It & Use Cases
Best suited for:
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Someone who wants nostalgia in a pocket—classic arcade games, pick-up-and-play style.
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Collectors or fans of particular publishers (Capcom, Taito, etc.), who enjoy curated bundles of classics.
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People who want legal retro gaming without dealing with ROMs, complicated setups or “grey area” devices.
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Gifting: its design, price point, and simplicity make it an attractive gift for retro gaming fans.
Less ideal if you:
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Want top-tier emulation precision or want to mod/load your own library.
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Prefer large screens or have larger hands that may find small buttons tight.
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Expect new game development or modern titles (though some newer indie titles may appear on Evercade cartridges).
Verdict
The Hyper Mega Tech Super Pocket is a strong entry in the lower-cost retro handheld space. It fills a niche: physical retro games, recognizable brands, portability, modest hardware, and accessible pricing. It won’t replace higher-end devices if you demand perfect reproduction, large displays, or broad emulation, but for many gamers it offers exactly what’s needed: fun, nostalgia, and convenience.
Blaze Entertainment Hyper Mega Tech Super Pocket Taito Edition Arcade Handheld Gaming Device
Product information
£51.99
Product Review Score
4.4 out of 5 stars
161 reviews
