The Avalanches Tease SuperFun Console with PC Engine Cartridges
The Australian electronic music group The Avalanches has revealed a new console, the SuperFun, as part of their album promotion. This device notably features a cartridge slot that suggests compatibility with games originally released for the TurboGrafx-16, or more accurately, the PC Engine / PCエンジン (Pī Shī Enjin) in its home market. For those familiar with the console's catalogue, particularly its CD-ROM² System releases, this is an intriguing development.
RetroDodo reports that the SuperFun console is designed with a playful, somewhat childlike aesthetic, complete with controllers shaped like a clown's face. The group is known for its unique sound, sampling from various media including video games. This console appears to be a physical manifestation of that creative approach, blending music promotion with retro hardware nostalgia.
The SuperFun's Specifications and Availability
The console's landing page lists several specifications, though full details remain scarce. It was listed for approximately 699 AUD, which converts to around 499 USD or 375 GBP. The website currently states the SuperFun is "sold out," yet no stock has been observed, leading to speculation that an official launch is imminent. This marketing strategy creates anticipation among enthusiasts.
The Avalanches' website also features listings for "Game Pak Cartridges" containing their albums for 9.99 USD. This suggests the SuperFun might ship with the group's new album, "Together," pre-loaded on a cartridge. The concept echoes Green Day's recent Dookie re-release on Game Boy cartridges, showing a trend of music artists engaging with retro gaming formats.
Implications for the Retro Scene
What this hints at, for the scene, is a growing intersection between music artists and retro gaming culture. While the SuperFun's true nature, whether it is a functional console or primarily a promotional art piece, remains to be fully clarified, the use of a cartridge format reminiscent of the PC Engine is a specific choice. This console, originally developed by Hudson Soft and NEC, holds a significant place in Japanese gaming history, known for its compact design and powerful CD-ROM capabilities.
It is worth noting that the source's report lacks information on the console's internal workings, such as the emulator it might use or its compatibility with official PC Engine peripherals. The absence of release dates also adds to the mystery. Should the SuperFun prove to be a fully functional, new hardware platform, it would represent a unique entry into the retro-inspired console market, offering a distinct aesthetic and a direct link to a beloved Japanese console lineage.
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Originally published by RetroDodo. Read original article.
