Virtual Boys around the globe finally get to boot the new generation of VB flash carts with Kevin Mellott’s newest creation, HyperFlash32, the first batch of which has recently started shipping to buyers. HyperFlash32 is the first ever flash cart to come with a built-in eInk screen to show a digital label based on what ROM is loaded.
To get a bit into detail, HyperFlash32 is a single ROM Virtual Boy flash cart with 32 Mbit of built in flash memory along with an 8k x 8 nvSRAM that doesn’t require a backup battery. It can be reflashed from ROMs available on the SD card without a computer connected. As such, it crosses the boundary somewhat between a single ROM cart and a multi-ROM cart. Although only one game is loaded at a time, it takes anywhere from 15 seconds to 90 seconds to load a new one. The digital labels and loading bar icons are user customizable. SRAM contents with save data are saved off to the SD card and reloaded as ROMs are swapped out. You can even access your SRAM files to transfer to another HF32, or even to original VB game cartridges. HF32 has built-in capacitive touch buttons on the back to provide a fully self-contained user interface that doesn’t require a computer or GUI. It even has a haptic module to improve feedback on the haptic touch buttons.
Features overview:
- 32 Mbit Flash memory
- 8k x 8 nvSRAM
- SD Card slot
- e-Ink Digital label that is user customizable
- Customizable icons for programming bar
- Capacitive touch buttons on the back for on-screen control
- USB dev port
- Haptics
The first batch has long been sold out, but a second one is said to begin to ship in April 2021. If you’re interested in a unit, you can place your order on the HyperFlash32 Order Page. Having in my possesion a prototype unit, I can assure you that it is an awesome and highly recommendable piece of tech!
