Super Pocket Rare Edition: Banjo-Kazooie Port Lands
The new Super Pocket Rare Edition brings Banjo-Kazooie to a portable, Evercade-compatible device, raising questions about control fidelity versus accessibility for collectors.
The Super Pocket Rare Edition is here, and it packs a punch with Banjo-Kazooie pre-installed. Forget the "enhanced" port claims for a second; the real story here is how a platformer built for the N64's analog stick handles on a digital pad. This handheld, a new variant in the HyperMegaTech line, aims to deliver a classic experience on the go, but purists will scrutinize every input.
HyperMegaTech's Super Pocket range has seen many special editions. Companies like Atari, Taito, Capcom, Data East, and SNK have all released unique variants. The announcement of a partnership with legendary British studio Rare, however, sent a ripple through the retro gaming world. This unit would also come with the seminal N64 3D platformer, Banjo-Kazooie, pre-installed.
TimeExtension reports the Super Pocket Rare Edition is a rousing success. It is potentially one of the best entries in the Super Pocket family thus far. The device itself is a known quantity, having seen multiple versions with different pre-loaded games. The design remains unchanged, which is a good thing for fans of the existing form factor.
The Rare Touch and Game Lineup
The Super Pocket Rare Edition comes in a vibrant blue, red, and yellow colorway. This design instantly evokes the Banjo-Kazooie logo. It also reminds some of another N64 smash-hit, Super Mario 64, with its playful aesthetic. The device’s 7.1-centimeter (2.8-inch) LCD display, with its 320x240 pixel resolution, might not sound cutting-edge. However, it is perfectly fine for displaying the vast majority of the included games.
Many of the titles are already found on the Evercade Rare Collection 1. These include Atic Atac, Gunfright, Jetpac, Lunar Jetman, Battletoads, Knight Lore, Conker's Pocket Tales, and Cobra Triangle. Owners of that pack will find some duplication here. On the upside, Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, R.C. Pro-AM II, Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll, and Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship are superb new additions.
Slalom is also an important historical inclusion. It was the very first game Rare created for Nintendo's NES. This title kicked off a relationship that would see Rare become one of the world's most famous studios. The presence of Banjo-Kazooie, however, truly elevates this device above its predecessors.
Banjo-Kazooie: An Enhanced Port
The Evercade-sanctioned port of Banjo-Kazooie is the main draw. TimeExtension's review is almost entirely positive on this front. The game runs smoother than it ever did on the N64, despite an increased resolution. The team behind this describes it as an "enhanced" port, built on the game's original source code. It is easy to see why.
While more recent ports on modern systems might be superior, the Evercade version looks sharp. It runs at 60 Hertz (Hz), a significant step up from the original N64 release. The N64 version originally ran at a 256x224 resolution. The Super Pocket benefits from additional pixels, increasing sharpness on its display. Battery life is around four hours, consistent with other Super Pocket releases. Charging happens via a USB-C port, with a 3.5 millimeter (mm) headphone socket also present.
Digital Sticks and Analog Dreams
One obvious change is the interface. The Super Pocket lacks an analog stick. Movement is handled by a rolling-style digital pad. This pad is reportedly one of the best on this type of device. However, without analog input, Banjo-Kazooie becomes a very different game compared to the N64 original. The smooth, proportional control that made Rare's 1998 classic such a joy is replaced by more rigid eight-way movement. This simply does not feel the same.
However, the developers have tried to bridge this gap. They implemented a "tip-toe" mode via the R2 button. This attempts to mimic the nuanced movement of a lightly tilted analog stick. In the default 'Replay' control method, tapping R2 places Banjo in this mode. A second tap returns movement speed to normal. This can be switched to a 'hold' option if preferred. The Talon Trot setting is also toggleable between 'hold' and 'toggle'.
It is not as elegant as original hardware, but it works for the most part. Other commands have been remapped. The N64's 'R' button, for snapping the camera behind Banjo and Kazooie, is now mapped to 'B'. The left and right 'C' buttons, which shifted the camera, now use the L1 and R1 buttons on the rear of the device. The 'first person' camera, originally the upper 'C' button, is now 'Y'. Camera zoom controls are assigned to the Super Pocket's 'Select' key.
The Collector's Take on Control Compromises
For many, the integrity of the original control scheme is paramount. This often dictates whether a port is considered "playable" or merely a curiosity. The Super Pocket's small size also presents a challenge. Making sure all fingers are in the right place, especially for the rear L and R buttons, is trickier than expected. Some actions require feathering multiple buttons simultaneously. This never feels quite as nice as it did on the N64 controller.
Despite these compromises, the review notes that within 30 minutes, the reviewer was navigating levels with almost the same grace as in 1998. This suggests the revised controls, while not a 1:1 recreation, are better than one might expect from a handheld without an analog stick. What this hints at, for the scene, is a growing market for "good enough" ports that prioritize accessibility and price over absolute fidelity. This isn't about replacing the original N64 experience, but offering a new entry point.
Value Proposition and Market Alternatives
Even if the Super Pocket only came with Banjo-Kazooie, TimeExtension suggests it would still be highly rated. Rare's game is a genuine '90s classic. It remains as joyous and playable today as it ever did. The Evercade version, which will also be released on a stand-alone cart alongside its N64 sequel, is even better. It runs at a higher resolution and offers smoother performance. This is tempered slightly by the lack of analog control, but the revised controls work better than expected.
For collectors, the value proposition is clear. A clean, complete-in-box (CIB) copy of Banjo-Kazooie on N64 can fetch hundreds of dollars on auction sites. This is especially true if the label is free of sticker shadow or manual foxing. This Super Pocket offers a playable version for a fraction of that cost. The device itself costs £50. This makes it a low-cost, super-portable option compatible with many Evercade carts.
However, alternatives exist. The Evercade Nexus, shipping in October, offers dual analog input for £169.99. This comes bundled with the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack. That offering represents a price difference of £120 over the Super Pocket. That is a fair chunk of change. Banjo-Kazooie is also available on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Taking that route purely to play this one game is a lot more expensive than the Super Pocket.
The Future of Portable Classics
The Super Pocket Rare Edition remains a solid option. It is highly recommended for anyone wanting to take the famous bear and bird on the road. This release shows HyperMegaTech's strategy of bringing beloved console games to portable, affordable hardware. It also highlights the ongoing debate between control authenticity and modern convenience. For many, the ability to play a classic like Banjo-Kazooie on a dedicated handheld, even with control compromises, outweighs the pursuit of perfect emulation or original hardware. This trend suggests a broader acceptance of diverse ways to experience retro games.
This move by Rare and HyperMegaTech could signal more direct ports of console classics for the Evercade ecosystem. It opens up possibilities for games previously tied to specific control schemes. The market for these "good enough" experiences is growing. It offers a new entry point for players who might not invest in expensive original hardware or subscriptions. The Super Pocket Rare Edition carves out its niche by offering a celebrated N64 title at an accessible price point, despite the digital pad limitations.
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Originally published by TimeExtension. Read original article.