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 A HyperScan console (right) and controller | |
| Manufacturer | Mattel |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh |
| Released | October 23, 2006 (2006-10-23) |
| Introductory price | $69.99 |
| Discontinued | 2007 (2007) |
| Units sold | ~30,000[1] |
| Media | CD-ROM |
| System on a chip | Sunplus SPG290 @ 108 MHz[2] |
| Memory | 16MBDDR SDRAM |
| Storage | RFID cards |
| Controller input | Gamepad |
| Best-selling game | X-Men (pack-in) |
TheHyperScan is ahome video game console developed by the toy companyMattel. The console uniquely includes a 13.56 MHzradio-frequency identification (RFID) scanner that reads and writes to special IntelliCards which activate features in, and save data from, the games. Players can enhance their characters by scanning cards. The system was marketed fortweens, with games based on popularsuperhero franchises such asMarvel Comics andBen 10.[3][4]
The HyperScan was released in North America on October 23, 2006. Games retailed for $19.99 and the console for $69.99 at launch, but at the end of its short lifespan, prices of the system were down to $9.99, the games $1.99, and booster packs $0.99. Only five games were released, and two more were canceled.
The HyperScan was critically panned upon its release for its outdated 2D graphics, weak game library, and being less capable than other similar consoles such as the VTechV.Flash, which was released the month prior. Critics lamented the number and cost of IntelliCards needed to complete a set. With disappointing sales, Mattel discontinued the HyperScan the following year, and canceled all upcoming game and card releases. The system is considered acommercial failure, with total lifetime sales estimated at 30,000 units.[5]
The HyperScan uses a Sunplus SPG290SoC[6][7] implementing the S+core 32-bitmicroarchitecture designed by Sunplus Technology. The S+core instruction set architecture has a 32/16-bit hybrid instruction mode, featuresAdvanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA) support and includes SJTAG forin-circuit emulation.[8] The system has 16 MB ofDDR SDRAM.
Video output is acomposite video cable permanently attached. Its native resolution is 640×480, with up to 65,535 colors. Its SoC supportsTFT LCD, but the system does not implement this. OneUSB port is at the rear.
TheRFID scanner that operates at 13.56 MHz. Cards utilize RFID storage that has 96 bytes of user memory, an 8 byte unique ID, and 6 bytes of one time programmable memory. The HyperScan's RFID systems were provided by Innovision Research and Technology plc, afabless semiconductor design house based in the UK which specializes in RFID systems and chip design.[9]
Games are distributed onUDF format CD-ROMs. Two controller ports use a six-pinmini-DIN connector.
Only five games were released, and two more were canceled due to the system's poor sales and reception.
Game Packs consist of a game disc and six game cards (seven forSpider-Man). Additional cards which contain characters, abilities, moves and levels when scanned are part of a six-card Booster Pack, released for $10/pack. As with mosttrading card packs, the cards were randomized.[citation needed]
Multiple booster packs were intended for certain games.X-Men intended to have 102 cards to unlock parts of the game in separate "red" and "black" series; the latter went unreleased due to the console's cancellation.[citation needed]
| Title | Description | Total cards | Booster packs for complete set and minimum price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben 10 | Side-scrollingplatform game, the onlyCartoon Network-exclusive video game for the system. | 80 released (6 included + 74) | 13 packs $150 ($20 game + $130 packs) |
| Interstellar Wrestling League | 2v2fighting game similar toClayFighter, but with alien-like characters. | 54 released (6 included + 48), 51 unreleased | 8 packs $100 ($20 game + $80 packs) |
| Marvel Heroes | Side-scrollingplatform game including someX-Men characters. | 70 released (6 included + 64) | 11 packs $130 ($20 game + $110 packs) |
| Spider-Man | Side-scrollingplatform game | 59 released (7 included + 52), 1 unreleased | 9 packs $110 ($20 game + $90 packs) |
| X-Men | Fighting game in which two characters face off against each other in self-contained matches similar toStreet Fighter. It is the only game on the console to be rated T for "Teen". | 56 released (6 included + 50), 46 unreleased | 9 packs $159.99 ($69.99 console and game + $90 packs) |
| Avatar: The Last Air Bender (cancelled) | - | - | - |
| Nick Extreme Sports (cancelled) | - | - | - |
Following the system's discontinuation, hobbyist programmers created a fewhomebrew demos including a CD-Door demo, 3D wireframe demo, and a Bluescale demo.[10]
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, anX-Men game disc, and 6 X-Men cards. Two-player value packs were sold online and included an extra controller and 12 additional X-Men cards.[11]
The included game was rated "T" and the remaining games were rated "E10+" by theESRB.
The system was universally panned by critics for its clunky design, broken controls, poor library, long loading screens, and the unnecessary usage of cards to select characters, and was officially discontinued in 2007.[12] It is featured as one of the ten worst systems byPC World magazine.[13]
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