HyperScan
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| Manufacturer | Mattel |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh generation era |
| Release date | October 23, 2006 |
| Discontinued | December 31, 2007 |
| 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 |
HyperScan is a video game console from Mattel. It used radio frequency identification (RFID) along with traditional video game technology. It was marketed toward boys between the ages of five and nine who were not ready for high-end video games in terms of maturity or expense, though the included game was rated "T" by the ESRB, and the remaining titles were "E10+" (this would be illegal in some countries where the local rating system is enforced). 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.
The system was discontinued in 2007 due to poor console, game, and card pack sales. It is featured as one of the ten worst systems ever by PC World magazine.
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.
Five games were released for the HyperScan: X-Men, Ben 10, Interstellar Wrestling League, Marvel Heroes, and Spider-Man. A sixth game based on Avatar: The Last Airbender and a seventh game called Nick Extreme Sports were announced, but cancelled.
The X-Men game is a fighting game in which two characters face off against each other in self-contained matches.
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Wikipedia