Hyperkin has this week unveiled a new peripheral they have created called the Smart Boy, which has been designed to transform Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus smartphone into a Game Boy Color complete with physical keypad buttons.
The current Smart Boy concept allows you to slide in your iPhone and would even include its own battery that can be charged using the phone itself and should roughly last around five hours of continual use. This innovative design aims to bring back the nostalgic feel of the original Game Boy Color while leveraging the advanced technology of modern smartphones.
Features and Design
The Smart Boy is not just a simple case; it is a fully functional gaming accessory. The physical keypad buttons are designed to mimic the original Game Boy Color, providing tactile feedback that touchscreen controls often lack. This makes the gaming experience more immersive and enjoyable, especially for those who grew up playing on the original device.
The built-in battery is another significant feature. By including its own power source, the Smart Boy ensures that extended gaming sessions won’t drain your iPhone’s battery. This is particularly useful for long trips or commutes where access to a charger might be limited. The battery life of approximately five hours is quite reasonable, considering the power demands of both the iPhone and the Smart Boy.
Market Testing and Development
Hyperkin explains: “A lot of you were speculating that the Smart Boy is an April Fools’ Joke. Well, it sort of was. We ‘leaked’ it with the initial intent of testing the market, seeing whether or not it should be something we’d actually make, under the guise of an April Fools’ Joke,”-“Looks like you awesome folks ACTUALLY WANT IT, so the Smart Boy is now in development!”-“Thank you all for your enthusiastic responses!”
This approach to market testing is quite clever. By presenting the Smart Boy as a potential product under the guise of an April Fools’ joke, Hyperkin was able to gauge genuine interest without committing significant resources upfront. The overwhelmingly positive response from the community has now propelled the Smart Boy into actual development.
Unfortunately, no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet by Hyperkin for their new Smart Boy Game Boy Color iPhone 6 Plus adapter. However, given the enthusiastic response, it is likely that Hyperkin will prioritize bringing this product to market as soon as possible. As soon as information comes to light, we will keep you updated as always.
Potential Impact and Future Developments
The Smart Boy has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of mobile gaming accessories. By combining the nostalgic appeal of the Game Boy Color with the advanced capabilities of modern smartphones, Hyperkin is tapping into a unique market niche. This could pave the way for similar products that blend retro gaming with contemporary technology.
Moreover, the success of the Smart Boy could encourage other companies to explore innovative ways to enhance the mobile gaming experience. Whether it’s through improved controls, better battery life, or more immersive designs, the possibilities are endless.
The Smart Boy by Hyperkin is an exciting development for both retro gaming enthusiasts and modern gamers alike. Its unique blend of old and new technology promises to deliver a gaming experience that is both nostalgic and cutting-edge. Stay tuned for more updates as this intriguing product moves closer to its official release.
Source: Eurogamer
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