HyperScan

Lore & Background

The HyperScan was released in North America on October 23, 2006, with a launch price of $69.99 for the console and $19.99 for games. It was based on the Sunplus SPG290A system-on-a-chip, featuring a 32-bit S+core microarchitecture, 16 MB of DDR SDRAM, and composite video output at a native resolution of 640×480 with up to 65,535 colors. The RFID scanner, operating at 13.56 MHz, used cards with 96 bytes of user memory, an 8-byte unique ID, and 6 bytes of one-time programmable memory, provided by Innovision Research and Technology plc. Games were distributed on UDF-format CD-ROMs, and the system included two controller ports using six-pin mini-DIN connectors and one USB port at the rear.

Only five games were released, with two more canceled due to poor sales. Game Packs included a disc and six game cards (seven for Spider-Man), while Booster Packs of six randomized cards were sold separately for $10. The X-Men game was planned to have 102 cards in separate 'red' and 'black' series, but the black series went unreleased. The system was sold in a cube box version (including an X-Men game disc and six cards) and a two-player value pack sold online with an extra controller and 12 additional cards. The included game was rated 'T' by the ESRB; the remaining games were rated 'E10+'.

Reader's Guide

The HyperScan was critically panned upon release for its outdated 2D graphics, weak game library, and being less capable than similar consoles such as the VTech V.Flash, released the month prior. Critics also lamented the number and cost of IntelliCards needed to complete a set. With disappointing sales, Mattel discontinued the HyperScan the following year, canceling all upcoming game and card releases. Total lifetime sales are estimated at 30,000 units. By the end of its short lifespan, prices had dropped to $9.99 for the system, $1.99 for games, and $0.99 for booster packs. The console was universally panned for its clunky design, broken controls, poor library, long loading screens, and the unnecessary use of cards to select characters. It was featured as one of the ten worst systems by PC World magazine. Following discontinuation, hobbyist programmers created a few homebrew demos, including a CD-Door demo, a 3D wireframe demo, and a Bluescale demo.

Did You Know?

• The HyperScan uses a Sunplus SPG290 SoC with a 32/16-bit hybrid instruction mode.
• Only five games were released for the system, with two more canceled.
• The RFID cards have 96 bytes of user memory and an 8-byte unique ID.
• The console was sold in a cube box version and a two-player value pack sold online.