Mattel HyperScan

The Mattel Hyperscan, released in 2006, was an unusual console designed primarily for children and marketed as a hybrid between a traditional gaming console and a collectible card game. Aimed at combining physical and digital play, the Hyperscan used a unique RFID (radio-frequency identification) scanning technology that allowed players to scan collectible cards to unlock characters, abilities, and other in-game features. The console was intended to appeal to fans of card-based games and collectible merchandise, similar to popular franchises like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon.

The Hyperscan was powered by an Intel XScale processor, but its technology was relatively limited, with graphics and performance levels comparable to early 32-bit systems from the mid-90s, such as the original PlayStation. Games came on mini-CDs and were often supplemented by a series of collectible cards that players could scan on a pad built into the console. This added a unique dimension to the gameplay, as players could change characters, activate power-ups, or save progress using the cards. However, the card scanning was slow and sometimes unreliable, and the library was limited to five games, including X-Men, Ben 10, Interstellar Wrestling League, Marvel Heroes, and Spider-Man.

The Hyperscan's combination of low-performance graphics, limited game library, and card-scanning technology ultimately limited its appeal. It was discontinued just a year after launch, as it failed to compete with more advanced gaming systems like the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable, which offered better graphics, more engaging gameplay, and broader appeal. However, the Hyperscan has since gained a bit of a cult following among collectors for its unusual concept and its attempt to merge collectible card mechanics with video gaming.