Hyperkin SupaBoy Prime Review Reveals Disappointing Display Quality Despite Improved SNES Cartridge Compatibility

Time Extension reviews Hyperkin's $129.99 SupaBoy Prime handheld, praising robust SNES cartridge compatibility while criticizing its lackluster LCD display.

The dream of carrying an entire Super Nintendo around in your hands remains alive, although the latest attempt suggests that somebody may have forgotten to upgrade the screen along the way. Hyperkin's SupaBoy Prime has received a detailed independent review from Time Extension, with editor Damien McFerran examining whether the $129.99 handheld represents a meaningful improvement over its predecessors. The SupaBoy concept dates back to 2012, when Hyperkin introduced a portable console capable of playing original Super Nintendo cartridges. Subsequent revisions introduced updated displays, improved controls and compatibility refinements. The Prime continues that tradition with a rechargeable battery, USB-C charging, a widescreen LCD, AV output and two controller ports for connecting original SNES controllers. Its cartridge slot accepts games from different regions, while an NTSC/PAL switch helps accommodate European and North American releases. The good news is that game compatibility remains impressive. McFerran successfully tested original cartridges, the Super Game Boy adapter, Super FX games, modern aftermarket releases and the FX Pak Pro flash cartridge. Controls are responsive, and the improved screen viewing angles represent a genuine advance over the previous SupaBoy SFC. Unfortunately, the display itself remains disappointing. The review describes blurry imagery, muted colours and image quality considerably below what enthusiasts now expect from affordable retro handhelds. Audio performance also remains weak, while the bulky construction makes the device difficult to carry comfortably. Perhaps most surprisingly, external video output still relies on composite rather than HDMI, limiting its usefulness with modern televisions. Time Extension awarded the SupaBoy Prime 5/10, concluding that its ability to play original cartridges remains appealing but that its technical compromises are difficult to justify at the asking price. The findings are particularly relevant to collectors deciding between cartridge-compatible hardware and modern emulation or FPGA alternatives. Playing original SNES games anywhere remains a wonderful idea. Unfortunately, the latest SupaBoy demonstrates that portability and nostalgia alone cannot compensate for a screen that appears to have missed several generations of technological progress.