Retro gaming is back! With old technology getting super cool upgrades, smartphones can bring back time with the help of this cute add-on by Hyperkin.
This amazing device called Hyperkin's Smart Boy, courtesy of the Hyperkin Smart Lab, can turn a smartphone into an old-new gaming console, Metro UK reported. The add-on also includes cartridge support fitted into a little slot and transform it into a Game Boy. What a smart way to bring back the oldie favorites!
Hyperkin's Smart Boy was present during the 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo, which was held from June 14-16. The development kit features compatibility for Game Boy as well as Game Boy color cartidges. Aside from turning a smartphone into a portable gaming device, the kit also includes a serial app and firmware.
Another cool thing with Hyperkin's Smart Boy development kit is that its app and firmware are open source access, which would be a tinkering project for developers who could tweak the Hyperkin accessory into a retail-ready model, according to Hyperkin Lab. The accessory also comes with a double-sided mini USB port.
Other specifics of interest for would-be users of Hyperkin's Smart Boy development kit (expected to ship by December 1st this year for $59.99) include a minimum OS requirement of 4.4.4 Android KitKat and recommended phone size between 5-6 inches. Still another giveaway from Hyperkin Lab for developers or anyone to think about would be this: the California-based company is offering royalty percentage for those able to improve Hyperkin's Smart Boy's serial app and microcode (firmware).
Any new builds or updates can be sent over through a Hyperkin Lab forum online. With the company's dedication to extensive development and product testing, the Smart Boy not only offers retro gaming at its simplest, it lets new smartphone users get re-acquainted with what the old folks used to enjoy before smartphones were ever built.
