Smart Boy phone case accepts real Game Boy cartridges

The Hyperkin Smart Boy is designed to mimic the Nintendo Game Boy in form and function. Image: Hyperkin via AFP Relaxnews

Hyperkin’s new caddy for Android phones takes Game Boy emulation one step further, with the Smart Boy targeting a December 2017 launch.

Listed at $59.99 (around P3,000) with a December 1 release date, the Hyperkin Smart Boy is designed for use with a 5.2-inch to 6-inch Android phones.

Hyperkin’s European partner PQube explains that the SmartBoy is being released in cooperation with Samsung, and connects through a USB Type-C, a feature present on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and compatible devices.

The cream-colored caddy resembles one half of 1989’s classic handheld console, the Nintendo Game Boy, with rounded corners, black directional pad, red round action buttons and gray slanted function buttons.

The piece of portable retro kit started as an April Fool’s joke but, instead of solely relying on Android apps and data files, it can also accept cartridges originally made for both the Game Boy and 1998’s Game Boy Color.

Hyperkin has made pre-release units available under the guise of a Smart Boy Development Kit on the Hyperkin Lab website, offering a percentage of retail unit royalties to “anyone that can improve the Smart Boy’s serial app and firmware.” JB

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