A handheld gaming device with Rare’s most celebrated titles is on track for a June 2026 release, marking the latest entry in HyperMegaTech!’s Super Pocket lineup. Unlike previous iterations that focused primarily on 8-bit and 16-bit games, this edition expands into 64-bit console and home computer experiences—most notably Banjo-Kazooie—while retaining the charm of Rare’s classic series like Battletoads and Conker.
The device continues the Super Pocket tradition of built-in cartridges, but with a twist: compatibility with Evercade’s extensive library of over 650 games. This means players can dive into Rare’s curated selection while also exploring other franchises through swap-in cartridges, each packaged with full-color manuals.
While the core hardware remains consistent with earlier models—no major performance leaps or new memory standards like LPDDR5X are mentioned—its value lies in curation. The Rare Edition doesn’t just repurpose old games; it reimagines them with additional control options tailored for handheld play, a detail that could set it apart from phone-based retro emulation.
For collectors and fans of Rare’s legacy, this console offers a tangible way to experience its catalog without the need for external controllers or cumbersome setups. Whether it delivers on the promise of ‘enhanced’ gameplay remains to be seen, but the focus on 64-bit titles—rare in handheld retro devices—signals a shift toward deeper, more varied gaming.
- Built-in games: Banjo-Kazooie (64-bit), Conker’s Pocket Tales (8-bit), Battletoads series (8/16-bit), and home computer titles like Jetpac and Atic Atac.
- Compatibility: Evercade cartridges with over 650 games available, priced from £19.99/$29.99/€24.99.
- Controls: Additional options for handheld play, though specifics are not yet detailed.
The Rare Edition’s launch follows a series of retro-focused handhelds that have blurred the line between nostalgia and modern convenience. For creators and enthusiasts who prefer physical hardware over phone emulation, this device could fill a niche—but it will need to prove its value beyond mere portability.
