 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2008) |
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| Manufacturer | Mattel |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh |
| Release date | October 23, 2006 |
| Introductory price | $69.99 |
| Discontinued | 2007 |
| Units sold | ~30,000[1] |
| Media | CD-ROM |
| System on a chip | Sunplus SPG290 @ 108Mhz[2] |
| Memory | 16MB DDR DRAM |
| Storage | RFID cards |
| Controller input | Gamepad |
| Best-selling game | X-Men (pack-in) |
The HyperScan is a home video game console from the toy company Mattel. Marketed towards tweens, the console is unique in that it includes a 13.56 MHz radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanner that reads and writes to special cards called "IntelliCards" 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.[3][4]
Games retailed for $19.99 and the console itself 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. There were only five titles known to have been released, with two canceled games.
The HyperScan became critically panned upon its release for having outdated 2D-only graphics, a weak game library, and being less capable than other similar consoles such as the VTech V.Flash, which was released the month prior. Critics also raised concerns about the number of IntelliCards needed to complete a set, and the potential financial burden towards its target audience. Following disappointing sales, Mattel discontinued the HyperScan the following year, and canceled all upcoming game and card releases.[5]
- ^ Amos, Evan (2021). The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox (published September 8, 2021). p. 236. ISBN 9781718500617.
- ^ "HYPERSCAN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT". Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ Contributor, GamesIndustry International (July 21, 2006). "Industry First Hybrid Video Gaming System Launches for Tweens". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on June 15, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "HyperScan – RFID Game System from Mattel". About.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
- ^ Amos, Evan (2021). The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox (published September 8, 2021). p. 236. ISBN 9781718500617.