Hyperkin's SupaBoy SNES handheld makes a mockery of Sony's physical media plans – keeps it real in every way possible

The Hyperkin SupaBoy has been around for more than a decade, but there's finally good news for those in the UK and Europe – it'll be available officially in those regions for the first time this autumn.

It is set for release in two new colourways – Crimson and Prime (a see-through white version), although the concept is the same as before.

The retro gaming handheld is a bit different to most others on the market. Rather than play digital ROMs – games either ripped from original releases or downloaded from the internet – it has a full-sized cartridge slot that's compatible with physical SNES and Super Famicom titles.

This doesn't just keep physical media alive at a time when it's a hot topic, but breathes new life into old carts.

Each SupaBoy sports a 4:3 IPS display to play an inserted game on, although you can also use it as a SNES replacement too. There are two SNES controller ports on the front and an integrated AV output to connect it to a TV.

A rechargeable Li-ion battery can be found in each handheld too, offering up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge.

The new colours have been chosen in honour of the original Japanese Super Famicom and European Super Nintendo designs. And Hyperkin has revealed that it plans to release further colour options yearly.

"In a time where the existence of physical media is under continued threat, we hear gamers loud and clear," said Hyperkin's product developer, Nathan Perez.

"They want to preserve the excitement and collectible nature of game cartridges and the SupaBoy is dedicated to serving the rapidly growing retro audience who want ownership of their software and play without breaks, delays or need for Wi-Fi."

The new SupaBoy models will ship this fall (autumn) priced at £119.99 / $129.99 / €129.99 apiece.