The fact you can buy Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver for the Super Pocket but not on Steam is why I adore the retro handheld
Aug. 21, 2024Perfectly portable retro preservation.
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Of course, if you’ve still got a bunch of thebest retro consoleslying around, like theSegaDreamcast or OG PlayStation, then picking up The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver secondhand is still very much an option. However, if you’re aiming to enjoy the Vampiric Shakespearian adventure on agaming handheld, your options are sadly limited. That’s where theSuper Pocketcomes into play, as thanks to its new Giga carts, we’re starting to see physical versions of cult classics re-emerge on the scene.
A pocket-sized preservationist
I’m forever telling friends and family to consider picking up a Super Pocket, and I’ve got even more reasons to recommend it now that it further aids preservation. Yes, every Evercade console technically comes with the same benefits, as all of Blaze’s consoles and handhelds are the same cartridge ecosystem. But, price and ease of use are two things I think are vital when it comes to general appeal, and the portable is more likely to draw back old and new gamers alike.
It’s easy to take digital access to classic capers for granted, and The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is a perfect case and point. Like it or not, publishers can decide to remove games from storefronts anytime they like, which could ultimately stop you from enjoying older outings. Let’s be real, a majority of you out there aren’t going to rush out and buy an old system just to play one game, not to mention retro gaming in itself can cost silly money.
It’s for that reason that I consider the Super Pocket to be a heroic handheld for preservation and an approachable way to revisit classics. Put it this way – if you’re going about your day and all of a sudden get an itch to replay Soul Reaver or even Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen (yes, that’s also on the same Evercade cart), you’ll be able to pick up the Game Boy-shaped console and the game for well under $100.
Super Pocket (Taito Edition) |$59.99 at AmazonIt’s compact, runs Evercade cartridges, and is about to get more 3D outings thanks to new Giga carts. If you can’t be bothered messing around with emualtion, this is the handheld for you.
Buy it if:
✅ You love arcade classics✅ You like to collect physical games✅ You prefer low-key retro and indie games
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’d prefer a bigger screen❌ You want something that connects to the TV
Price check:Best Buy (out of stock)|Walmart $65.99
UK:£49.99 at Amazon
Picking up a PS1 and a copy of Soul Reaver is going to work out at around the same price or more as a Super Pocket and the Legacy of Kain collection. There are absolutely going to be a few of you out there who’d rather own an authentic old system, but in terms of properly preserving easy access for the long term, it’s not the best decision.
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Will it bring more nostalgic satisfaction? Absolutely, but keeping things authentic comes with potential complications like the aging hardware within old systems deteriorating and issues on the connectivity front. That latter caveat could be a massive pain if you’ve got a shiny new gaming TV, as most modern screens lack traditional analog inputs like composite. Sure, you can bridge the gap with upscalers and other add-ons, but you’ll be ultimately adding to the total cost of your setup.
There’s a strong case to be made for simply emulating games like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver on devices like theAnbernic RG35XX Plus, and I can certainly see why it’d be appealing if you own the original game. In a perfect world, we’d all just be using emulators to play these games on whatever device we like, but the end results can be unpredictable and require some manual settings intervention.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve got limited time as an adult, and having to mess around in menus can sometimes put me off diving into a game. Again, it all comes back around to the instant convenience of cartridges, as since Evercade carts have tailored emulators included alongside their respective games, there’s no need to touch any dials. Everything should just work just like it would have on an original system, ensuring that there are no roadblocks to your nostalgic trip.
Are there numerous ways to replay ‘90s games like The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver? Without a doubt, but that won’t stop me from recommending the Super Pocket to players who want a no-nonsense experience.
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I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
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