The love people have for the original Game Boy is alive and well. There is no shortage of indie projects aiming to revive or update the pioneer of handhelds. Possibly the best example is the Game Boy Zero; a Game Boy unit modified with a Raspberry Pi Single-board Computer. At CES 2018, tech manufacturer Hyperkin announced that they were working on a their take on the classic Game Boy. The unit, dubbed Ultra Game Boy, is the latest in this line of revivals. So what makes it different?
Hyperkin Ultra Game Boy Features
The Ultra Game Boy, borrows the design of the Nintendo Game Boy Light, which was the first Game Boy unit to feature backlighting. Unlike the original, it features an aluminum casing. This makes it heavier, but also more durable. The Ultra Game Boy also borrows features from later models. It comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, like the Game Boy Advance SP. The unit can currently deliver up to six hours of battery life on a full charge. It also features stereo sound, in contrast to the mono speakers of every unit in the Game Boy line. The device features mono/stereo audio ports along the bottom of the device..
According to Hyperkin, the stereo support is intended to cater to chiptune musicians. Chiptune refers to music made with vintage electronic machines.
Unlike most clones/revivals, the Ultra Game Boy does not come with ROMs or software compilations. The unit requires original Nintendo Game Boy cartridges in order to run. There is no official word as to whether or not it will support Game Boy Color or Advance cartridges on release.
Hyperkin Ultra Game Boy Pricing and Release
Hyperkin says that the Ultra Game Boy will be available for less than $100. This is significantly cheaper compared to most retro clones, with some Raspberry Pi devices costing up to $300. It is currently in its later stages of development, but will see store shelves by summer of 2018.