The HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket Rare Edition, a collaboration with legendary developer Rare Ltd., delivers an officially licensed retro handheld preloaded with 14 classic titles, headlined by an optimized port of the Nintendo 64 masterpiece Banjo-Kazooie alongside fan-favorite Beat ’em ups like Battletoads and Battletoads in Battlemaniacs. Priced affordably at $69.99, this vertical-oriented device launches in June 2026 with Evercade cartridge compatibility for expanded play, marking a significant step in accessible portable retro gaming for collectors and newcomers alike.
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket Rare Edition: A Rare-Powered Retro Revival
The retro gaming market continues its strong momentum into 2026, with dedicated handhelds offering authentic experiences without the need for emulation tweaks or complex setups. Leading this charge is the newly announced Super Pocket Rare Edition from HyperMegaTech!, a brand under Blaze Entertainment. This device stands out as the first Super Pocket variant themed around a single iconic developer—Rare Ltd.—delivering a curated selection of games directly built into the hardware.
At the core of this release is Banjo-Kazooie, the 1998 Nintendo 64 platformer that defined the collectathon genre with its colorful worlds, clever puzzles, and memorable characters. For the Super Pocket, the game has undergone specific enhancements and optimizations, including remapped controls tailored to the device’s D-pad and button layout. This adaptation ensures smoother navigation and combat without an analog stick, preserving the spirit of exploration in Spiral Mountain, Mumbo’s Mountain, and beyond while making it feasible on a compact screen.
Joining Banjo-Kazooie are two entries from the Battletoads series, the notoriously challenging beat ’em up franchise known for its high difficulty, cooperative gameplay, and quirky humor. Battletoads (the original NES title) and Battletoads in Battlemaniacs (a 16-bit evolution) provide intense side-scrolling action, vehicle sections, and boss battles that test reflexes and patience—perfect for short bursts on the go.
The full lineup of 14 pre-installed games spans Rare’s history across multiple eras and platforms:
Banjo-Kazooie (64-bit console)
Conker’s Pocket Tales (8-bit handheld console)
Battletoads in Battlemaniacs (16-bit console)
Battletoads (8-bit console)
Cobra Triangle (8-bit console)
R.C. Pro-Am II (8-bit console)
Slalom (8-bit console)
Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll (8-bit console)
Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship (8-bit console)
Atic Atac (home computer)
Jetpac (home computer)
Lunar Jetman (home computer)
Knight Lore (home computer)
Gunfright (home computer)
This collection traces Rare’s evolution from early home computer hits like Jetpac—a fast-paced shooter that helped establish the company’s reputation—to 8-bit and 16-bit console gems, culminating in the groundbreaking 3D adventure of Banjo-Kazooie. Many of these titles represent pinnacles in their respective genres, from isometric adventures in Knight Lore to racing in R.C. Pro-Am II and puzzle-platforming in Conker’s early handheld outing.
Hardware-wise, the Super Pocket Rare Edition maintains the series’ signature vertical form factor, prioritizing a crisp display for pixel-perfect retro visuals. It includes a built-in Evercade cartridge slot, opening access to the broader Evercade library of over 650 games across dozens of officially licensed cartridges. This expandability turns the device into a versatile portable system capable of handling everything from arcade classics to additional console ports.
Priced at $69.99 (with equivalent £49.99 in the UK and €59.99 in Europe), the handheld positions itself as an accessible entry point for retro enthusiasts. Pre-orders are already live through official retailers, with shipments scheduled for June 2026. The collaboration with Rare ensures full licensing and quality control, avoiding the legal and performance issues that plague unofficial emulation devices.
For fans of 1990s gaming, this edition revives cherished memories in a modern, pocket-friendly package. Banjo-Kazooie’s inclusion alone represents a rare opportunity to experience an N64 staple without original hardware or subscriptions, while the supporting cast of Battletoads and other classics adds depth and variety. As retro handhelds evolve, the Super Pocket Rare Edition demonstrates how targeted partnerships can deliver authentic, high-value experiences to a new generation of players.
Disclaimer: This is a news report based on publicly available information about upcoming products. Prices, availability, and features may vary by region and are subject to change.