This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) |
![]() | |
Manufacturer | Mattel |
---|---|
Type | Video game console |
Generation | Seventh |
Release date | October 23, 2006 |
Introductory price | $69.99 |
Discontinued | 2007 |
Units sold | ~10,000 |
Media | CD-ROM |
CPU | Sunplus SPG290 SoC |
Storage | RFID cards |
Graphics | Sunplus SPG290 SoC |
Controller input | Gamepad |
Best-selling game | X-Men (Pack-In) |
Predecessor | Intellivision (video game console released by Mattel Electronics in 1979) Aquarius (home computer released by Mattel Electronics in 1983) |
The HyperScan is a home video game console from the toy company Mattel. It used radio frequency identification (RFID)[1] along with traditional video game technology. The included game was rated "T" (Teen, not suitable for under age 13) and the remaining titles were rated "E10+" (not suitable for under age 10) 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 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.[3] It is featured as one of the ten worst systems ever by PC World magazine.[4]
The HyperScan's RFID systems 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]
- ↑ "HyperScan – RFID Game System from Mattel". About.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ "Mattel and Fisher-Price Customer Service". Service.mattel.com. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ "Mattel Consumer Relations Answer Center – Product Detail >> Radica >> Radica Electronic Games". Service.mattel.com. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ Edwards, Benj (July 14, 2009). "The 10 Worst Video Game Systems of All Time – Slide 5:7. Mattel Hyperscan". PCWorld. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: - ↑ "Mattel Makes Contactless RFID Connection with Innovision R&T for Innovative HyperScan™ Games Platform". Innovision-Group. October 18, 2006. Archived from the original on October 10, 2007. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
{{cite web}}
: – Site archived by Wayback Machine