Hyperkin makes more Game Boy accessories than most people realize. The lineup covers three distinct use cases: the SmartBoy Android adapter for playing physical cartridges on your phone, the RetroN Sq for TV-based Game Boy gaming at 720p, and a range of cartridge storage and organizational accessories for collectors. Each product targets a different kind of Game Boy fan, from the commuter who still has a shoebox of cartridges to the collector who wants a shelf-worthy display for 48 carts. Understanding which product solves which problem saves you from buying the wrong one.
What is the Hyperkin SmartBoy and how does it work?
The SmartBoy is a physical shell that clips onto a USB-C Android smartphone and lets you slot in original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges directly. The phone reads the cartridge through the USB-C connection, and the shell provides a classic-style tactile button layout, including L and R shoulder buttons, so the physical feel is close to the original hardware.
A few specs matter here. The SmartBoy is designed for phones in the 5.2 to 6.4 inch range, and Hyperkin built it with Samsung’s Galaxy S8 line as the primary target, though it works with many other USB-C Android devices. It upscales game output to your phone’s native resolution, which is a meaningful upgrade from the original Game Boy’s 160x144 display. The device draws power directly from the phone, so it requires no batteries of its own.
The SmartBoy works with both NTSC and PAL cartridges, which matters if you have a mixed collection from different regions. It relies on external Android emulator apps rather than bundled software, which has a practical upside: as Game Boy emulators improve over time, SmartBoy users benefit without needing new hardware. The shoulder buttons also make it usable as a controller shell for GBA emulator apps from Google Play, though physical GBA cartridges are not supported by the slot itself.
One honest caveat worth knowing before you buy: cartridge read results can vary by game and phone combination. The SmartBoy works best for collectors who understand that phone compatibility may require some trial and error, and who are comfortable with Android app setup.
What does the Hyperkin RetroN Sq do, and who is it for?
The RetroN Sq is a compact home console that connects to a TV or monitor via HDMI and plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges upscaled to 720p. It is roughly 7.5 inches tall and weighs under two pounds, making it one of the smallest gaming consoles available. The box includes an HDMI cable, a 10-foot wired USB Scout controller, a USB-C power cable with AC adapter, and a 512MB memory card for firmware updates.
Cartridges slot in at the top of the unit. GB and GBC titles load in seconds. GBA compatibility is listed as a beta function, and early units had frame rate issues with GBA titles, but Hyperkin released a firmware update that addressed most of those problems. The rear of the console has a physical switch to toggle between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Most players prefer 4:3, since it matches the square-ish proportions of the original Game Boy screen more closely. The 16:9 setting stretches the image noticeably on most titles.
The RetroN Sq is a good fit for someone with a moderate to large Game Boy collection who wants to play on a big screen without fussing with a Raspberry Pi or a more complex setup. It is also an internet-free option, which makes it practical for households with younger kids. What it does not do is offer the deep feature set of the Hyperkin RetroN 5: no save states, no shaders, no screenshot capture, and no multi-system support. The RetroN Sq is a single-purpose device, and that simplicity is both its appeal and its limitation.
How does the RetroN 5 compare for Game Boy cartridge play?
If Game Boy support is one part of a larger retro collection, the RetroN 5 is worth comparing directly. It accepts cartridges from nine systems across five physical slots: NES, Famicom, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. All of that outputs to 720p via HDMI, with 10 save slots per game, a built-in Game Genie cheat database, screenshot capture to an SD card, and customizable video shaders including scanlines.
The Bluetooth wireless controller included with the RetroN 5 has a range of up to 30 feet and uses a microswitch D-pad. Original controller ports are also included, six total across the supported platforms, so you can plug in original hardware controllers if you prefer. PAL and NTSC cartridges both work, and the system aims for compatibility with CIC lockout chips and FX chips.
For a collector whose shelf holds NES and SNES carts alongside a Game Boy library, the Hyperkin RetroN 5 at $179.99 covers far more ground than the RetroN Sq. But if Game Boy is your only focus, paying for nine-system compatibility you will never use is probably not the right call.
What cartridge storage and organizational accessories does Hyperkin make?
Hyperkin produces a 24-Cartridge Storage Stand sold in a two-pack. Each stackable plastic tray holds 24 Game Boy, Game Boy Color, or Game Boy Advance cartridges upright, and the two trays in each pack give you storage for up to 48 cartridges. The stands are designed to sit on a shelf or desk and can be stacked vertically if space is limited.
For collectors, this is a practical solution for loose cartridges that would otherwise rattle around in a drawer. The trays display cartridge labels facing outward, so you can read titles at a glance without pulling each one out. The plastic construction is durable enough for everyday use, and the stackable design means the storage scales as your collection grows.
Beyond cartridge stands, Hyperkin’s broader accessories catalog includes carrying cases across multiple gaming platforms, though the current Hyperkin/ModRetro collection is worth checking for the latest Game Boy-adjacent products, as that line has been expanding in 2026.
Your Use Case Decides the Right Hyperkin Game Boy Accessory
The three main Hyperkin Game Boy products serve genuinely different needs, and the right pick depends almost entirely on where and how you play.
The SmartBoy is for the person who wants physical cartridge play on an Android phone, accepts some setup friction, and already owns a compatible Samsung or USB-C device. The RetroN Sq is for the TV gamer who wants a simple, dedicated Game Boy console with no fuss and no internet connection. The RetroN 5 is for the multi-system collector who wants Game Boy support alongside NES, SNES, and Genesis capability in one box.
Cartridge storage stands belong in almost any Game Boy collection regardless of which console you choose. Loose carts on a shelf are easy to lose and hard to browse. The 48-slot two-pack solves that problem at a low cost and displays a collection rather than hiding it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hyperkin SmartBoy work with Game Boy Advance cartridges?
The SmartBoy’s physical cartridge slot is compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges only. It does not read Game Boy Advance cartridges directly. The device includes L and R shoulder buttons that can be configured for GBA emulator apps from Google Play, but that requires downloaded ROMs rather than physical GBA carts.
Can the Hyperkin RetroN Sq play Game Boy Advance games on a TV?
Yes, the RetroN Sq accepts Game Boy Advance cartridges and outputs them at 720p via HDMI, though GBA support is officially listed as a beta function. Early firmware had frame rate issues with some GBA titles, but Hyperkin released an update that resolved most of them. GB and GBC titles load in seconds; GBA titles may take around a minute on first boot.
What phones are compatible with the Hyperkin SmartBoy?
The SmartBoy is designed for Android smartphones with a USB-C port in the 5.2 to 6.4 inch size range. Hyperkin built it primarily for Samsung Galaxy S8 and later devices, and carries a “Designed for Samsung” certification. Other USB-C Android phones may work, but Hyperkin notes that compatibility outside the Samsung lineup can vary.
Is the Hyperkin RetroN Sq the same as the RetroN 5?
No. The RetroN Sq is a single-system console for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges only. The RetroN 5 is a multi-system console that supports nine cartridge formats across five physical slots, including NES, SNES, Genesis, and all three Game Boy variants, with additional features like save states, shaders, and Bluetooth wireless control.
Do Hyperkin cartridge storage stands work for all Game Boy cart sizes?
Yes. The Hyperkin 24-Cartridge Storage Stand is compatible with original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. Each two-pack includes two stackable trays that together hold up to 48 cartridges. The trays display cartridges label-side out and can be stacked to expand storage as a collection grows.