PQube has partnered with Hyperkin to release the SmartBoy to the European Market. Hyperkin is a video game hardware development company from Los Angeles who have developed a device that turns an Android smartphone into a virtual old school Game Boy handheld gaming device. The device is being released in Europe through the Samsung Partnership Program (SMAPP).
Hyperkin has made a few retro gaming peripherals like the SNES mouse but their recent invention the SmartBoy, allows retro gamers to play actual Game Boy and Game Boy Color game cartridges on their smartphones. Complete with classic looking D-pad, Start and Select buttons and A and B action buttons the device is already available to purchase in America. It will be available for European retro enthusiasts soon too.
Hyperkin Product Developer, Chris Gallizzi had this to say about the development process of the SmartBoy,
The SmartBoy has been about two years in the making - three if you count the months we were kicking around the idea. From an April Fool's Joke, to a successful dev kit, and now an officially licensed device, that little guy has come a long way!Aside from being compatible with real NTSC/PAL cartridges the SmartBoy serves as a cradle for your Android phone combining the devices classic style tactile buttons with the phone’s screen to recreate a Game Boy-esque handheld experience. Players will have access to apps and games using the SmartBoy in addition to cartridges including Game Boy Advance apps from Google Play. Able to charge through the phone itself, the device will provide 5 hours of game play.
The SmartBoy is available to purchase in America through Hyperkin’s website for $59.99. It will be available in Europe in September and can currently be preordered for £59.99 at FunstockRetro.co.uk. Visit the store pages for further compatibility information.
