HyperScan
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2008) |
| Manufacturer | Mattel |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh generation era |
| Lifespan | 2006-2008 |
| Media | CD-ROM |
| CPU | Sunplus SPG290 SoC |
| Storage | RFID cards |
| Graphics | Sunplus SPG290 SoC |
| Controller input | Joystick |
| Best-selling game | X-Men (In Pack) |
HyperScan is a video game console from Mattel.[1] It used Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology along with traditional video game technology. It was marketed toward boys between the ages of five to nine who were not ready for high-end video games in terms of maturity or expense, though ironically the included game was rated T by the ESRB. The console used UDF format CD-ROMs. The HyperScan has two controller ports, as well as a 13.56 MHz RFID scanner that reads and writes to the "cards" which, in turn, activate features in and save data from the game. Players are able to enhance the abilities of their characters by scanning cards. Games retailed for $19.99 and the console itself for $69.99 at launch, but at the end of its very short lifespan, prices of the system were down to $9.99, the games $1.99, and booster packs $0.99.
The system was sold in two varieties, a cube box, and a 2-player value pack. The cube box version was the version sold in stores. It included the system, controller, X-Men game disc, and 5 X-Men cards. Two player value packs were sold online (but may have been liquidated in stores) and included an extra controller and 5 additional X-Men cards.[2]
The system was discontinued in 2007[3], shortly after its release, and is featured as one of the ten worst systems ever by PC World Magazine.[4]
The RFID tag silicon for the contactless game cards, and the RFID tag and reader designs were provided by Innovision Research and Technology plc, a fabless semiconductor design house based in the UK which specializes in RFID systems and chip design.[5]
Games
Five games are known to be released for the HyperScan. The released games are X-Men, Ben 10, Interstellar Wrestling League, Marvel Heroes, and Spider-Man. A sixth game called Avatar the Last Airbender was announced and may have been released in small quantities.[6]
The X-Men game is a fighting game in which two characters face off against each other in self-contained matches. Marvel Heroes, which includes some X-Men characters, is a side-scroller, adventure quest. [7]
Homebrew
Recently the HyperScan game system has been experiencing development from ppcasm and another user, Wickeycolumbus. Ppcasm has developed ways to run his own programming code on the Hyperscan system and is providing access to the homebrew community.[8] An example of this can be seen via the 'Hello World' demo video released March 7, 2009, by tearsofash.[9]
Hardware Specifications
SunPlus SPG290 SoC[10]
UART, I2C, SPI etc.
Composite Video Output (SoC supports TFT display, but the HS does not use it)
16 MB SDRAM System Ram
640x480 Native Resolution
65,535 colors (RGB 565 mode)
RFID Scanner (13.56 MHz)
RFID Storage: 96 bytes of user memory + 8 bytes unique ID + 6 bytes of one time programmable memory
[11]
References
- ^ http://service.mattel.com/us/results.aspx?Ntt=hyperscan&image1.x=0&image1.y=0
- ^ http://www.amazon.com/Mattel-K4386-ConsoleHyperscan-Video-System/dp/B000IZZDAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1265514445&sr=8-1
- ^ http://service.mattel.com/us/product_detail.asp?id=K4386&Ntt=K4386&Pn=1&Brand=Radica&Cat=Radica+Electronic+Games
- ^ http://www.pcworld.com/article/179472/7_mattel_hyperscan.html
- ^ http://www.innovision-group.com/press_view.php?newsID=55
- ^ http://www.videogamenews.com/VGNForums/tabid/53/forumid/11/postid/16866/scope/posts/Default.aspx
- ^ http://www.toywiz.com/hyperscan.html
- ^ http://www.pdroms.de/news/mattelhyperscan/
- ^ http://www.dmacustoms.com/homebrew.html
- ^ http://lostscrews.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=55
- ^ http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/118289-i-cant-believe-itthe-hyperscan-lives-on/