SAN FRANCISCO, July 1 — Hyperkin’s new caddy for Android phones takes Game Boy emulation one step further, with the Smart Boy targeting a December 2017 launch.

Listed at US$59.99 (RM258) with a December 1 release date, the Hyperkin Smart Boy is designed for use with 5.2in to 6in Android phones.

Hyperkin’s European partner PQube explains that the SmartBoy is being released in co-operation with Samsung, and connects through a USB Type-C — a feature present on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and compatible devices.

The cream-colored caddy resembles one half of 1989’s classic handheld console, the Nintendo Game Boy, with rounded corners, black directional pad, red round action buttons and grey slanted function buttons.

The piece of portable retro kit started life as an April Fool’s joke but, instead of solely relying on Android apps and data files, it can also accept cartridges originally made for both the Game Boy and 1998’s Game Boy Colour.

Hyperkin has made pre-release units available under the guise of a Smartboy Development Kit on the Hyperkin Lab website, offering a percentage of retail unit royalties to "anyone that can improve the Smartboy’s serial app and firmware.” — AFP-Relaxnews