The fever for retro consoles is far from disappearing. Proof of this is the Mega 95a new laptop designed by Hyperkin that can run Genesis and Mega Drive games. Like other products from the company, this console supports original cartridges, which it emulates through hardware.
Details on the Mega 95 are scarce, as Hyperkin did not reveal any information on hardware or availability. According to a report from The VergeSega’s new portable console It has a base that allows you to connect it to the TV to play on the big screen. Two ports are also offered for additional controllers, in case you’re interested in inviting your friends over.
The Mega 95 seems an updated version of the Sega Nomad, a laptop launched in 1995 that promised to be the successor to the Game Gear. The first images show a design based on the Mega Retron HD console, with a plastic controller that includes the D-pad on the left, the screen in the center and a six-button configuration on the right side. Genesis and Mega Drive cartridges are inserted into the top edge.
So far the technical specifications of the Mega 95 are unknown, although we could assume that Hyperkin would take a similar path to that of the SupaBoy, its portable Super Nintendo gaming console. The latter includes a 4.3-inch LCD display with support for 16:9 and 4:3 aspect radios. Also offered is a 3.5mm headphone jack and a rechargeable battery with 10 hours of battery life per full charge.
The Supaboy has a suggested price of $120which gives us a clue as to how much the Mega 95 could cost.
Hyperkin Mega 95, a retro console for Sega Genesis and Mega Drive
With the Mega 95, Hyperkin targets the average consumer who wants to relive their childhood. The presence of a dock makes it easy to connect to modern televisions. Let’s remember that not everyone has a CRT or desire to enter that world to get an experience close to the original.
The only questionable point is that Hyperkin’s first portable experiment was not well received. The SupaBoy was harshly criticized for its screen. Some users reported washed out colors and constant noise, as well as a reduction in image quality when the battery ran out. In addition to this, the connector did not always recognize the cartridges and they had to be handled carefully, since a sudden movement could cause them to come out.
Hyperkin has had time to listen to the community and could avoid a similar experience with the Mega 95. Although if there is one thing we are sure of, it is that the company will focus on the casual gamer, so the design will be cheap to make the console profitable.
Those looking for a different experience can choose Analogue. The company has had resounding success with its Pocket console and is preparing the development of the Analogue 3D, a reinvention of the Nintendo 64 for the most demanding users.