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HyperScan

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HyperScan
ManufacturerMattel
TypeVideo game console
GenerationSeventh generation era
Lifespan2006
Discontinued2007
MediaCD-ROM
CPUSunplus SPG290 SoC
StorageRFID cards
GraphicsSunplus SPG290 SoC
Controller inputJoystick
Best-selling gameX-Men (In Pack)
PredecessorIntellivision

HyperScan is a video game console from Mattel.[1] It uses 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, and a 2-player value pack. The cube box version was the version sold in stores. It included the system, controller, an X-Men game disc, and 6 X-Men cards. Two player value packs were sold online (but may have been liquidated in stores) and included an extra controller and 12 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. There was going to be a seventh game called Nick Extreme Sports but it was cancelled.[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.

The Ben 10 game is similar to "Marvel Heroes", the Spider-Man game is also similar to the Ben 10 and Marvel Heroes game.

Interstellar Wrestling League is a sort of 2v2 Fighting Game similar to Tekken, but with strange, alien-like characters.

Skylanders

The technology used with the Hyperscan had largely influenced Activisions Skylanders franchise. Using similar scan in design by replacing cards with toys, and ended up being more successful, even creating other games using the same technology like Disney Infinity.

Hardware specifications

Sunplus SPG290 SoC[7]
UART, I²C, SPI etc.
Composite Video Output (SoC supports TFT display, but the HS does not use it)
16 MB SDRAM System Ram
640×480 Native Resolution
65,535 colors (RGB 565 mode)
1 USB port

RFID Scanner (13.56 MHz)
RFID Storage: 96 bytes of user memory + 8 bytes unique ID + 6 bytes of one time programmable memory [8]

Reception

References

  1. ^ "Mattel and Fisher-Price Customer Service". Service.mattel.com. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  2. ^ Fillip, Game. "ConsoleHyperscan Video Game System: Toys & Games". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  3. ^ "Mattel Consumer Relations Answer Center - Product Detail >> Radica >> Radica Electronic Games". Service.mattel.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  4. ^ Edwards, Benj (2009-07-14). "The 10 Worst Video Game Systems of All Time - Slide 5:7. Mattel Hyperscan". PCWorld. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  5. ^ [1][dead link]
  6. ^ "HyperScan - Video Game News Console Museum". Videogamenews.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
  7. ^ "LostScrews • View topic - Interesting Mattel HyperScan finds :-)". Lostscrews.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.[unreliable source?]
  8. ^ "I cant believe it...The Hyperscan lives on! - AtariAge Forums". Atariage.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
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