Super A'Can

Super A'can
ManufacturerFuntech
TypeHome video game console
GenerationFourth generation
Release date
  • TW: October 25, 1995
Lifespan1995–1996
Introductory priceNT$2,900[2]
DiscontinuedApril 1996
MediaROM cartridge
CPUMotorola 68000
Memory256 KiB (SRAM)
DisplayTV using RF or composite video, 320×240 resolution, 256 out of 32,768 colors
GraphicsUMC UM6618, 128 KiB VRAM
SoundUMC UM6619 (PCM, 16 channels, stereo)

The Super A'can is a home video game console released exclusively in Taiwan and China[3] in 1995 by Funtech/Dunhuang Technology. It is based around the Motorola 68000 microchip, which is also used in the Sega Genesis and Neo Geo. Twelve games have been confirmed to exist for the system.

Commercial performance

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The Super A'Can failed because its initial costs were too high for customers. It had no chance to compete with fifth generation video game consoles, such as the PlayStation, the Nintendo 64 and the Sega Saturn, all of which were more powerful and offered 3D graphics. The Super A'Can performed so poorly that it lost its company, Funtech, over USD $6 million. In the end, Funtech destroyed all equipment from production and development of the system, and sold off all remaining systems to the United States as scrap parts.[4]

Technical specifications

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The Super A'can uses a Motorola 68000 as its main processor.
CPU Motorola 68000 clocked at 10.738635 MHz
Memory 256 KiB SRAM clocked at CPU speed
Graphics UMC UM6618 with 128 KiB VRAM displaying 256 out of a possible 32,768 colors at 320×240 resolution. Max sprite size of 256×256. Supports zooming, rotating, and mosaic effects.
Audio UMC UM6619 outputting stereo 16-track PCM
Cartridge Max size of 112 Mib, with built-in SRAM of 16-64 kib
Control pad inputs Two DE-9M (9-pin male D-connectors) on front of console, identical to those of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive (though not compatible with Genesis/Mega Drive control pads)

Controller IC has identical timing to Super Nintendo/Super Famicom with the exception of the Select and Start are swapped.[5]

A/V Output RF, composite video/RCA audio. Later models removed the RF output to reduce costs.

Peripherals

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A CD-ROM attachment (similar to Sega's Mega CD add-on), and a CPU/Graphics upgrade (similar to Sega's 32X add-on) were planned but unreleased.[6]

List of games

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Released

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# Serial number Title AKA title(s) Developer(s) Genre Release year
1 F008 African Adventures 1) Fēizhōu Tànxiǎn
2) Monopoly: Adventure in Africa
Panda Entertainment Puzzle 1995
2 F006 C.U.G. 1) Xī Yóujì
2) Journey to the Laugh
Funtech Platform 1995
3 F001 Formosa Duel Fú Ěr Mó Shā Dà Duìjué AV Artisan Puzzle 1995
4 F002 Sango Fighter Sānguózhì Wǔjiàng Zhēngbà Panda Entertainment Fighting 1995
5 F003 The Son of Evil Xié'è Zhīzǐ Funtech RPG 1995
6 F004 Speedy Dragon 1) Yīnsù Fēilóng
2) Sonic Dragon
AV Artisan Platform 1995
7 F005 Super Taiwanese Baseball League Chāojí Zhōnghuá Zhí Bàng Liánméng Quan Wei Technology/C&E Sports 1995
8 F011 Boom Zoo 1) Bào Bào Dòngwùyuán
2) Explosive Burst Zoo
Funtech Action 1996
9 F009 Gambling Lord Dǔ Bà Panda Entertainment/Funtech Mahjong 1996
10 F012 REBEL 1) Pàn Xīng
2) Rebel Star
Horng Shen Information Co., Ltd RPG 1996
11 F007 Super Dragon Force 1) Chāojí Guāngmíng Zhàn Shǐ
2) Super Light Saga: Dragon Force
Kingformation Co., Ltd. RPG 1996
12 F010 Magical Pool Mó Bàng Zhuàngqiú Funtech Sports 1996

Unreleased

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# Title AKA title(s) Developer(s) Genre Notes
1 Journey to the Center of the Earth 地心歷險 Tai Ruan Technology Action RPG ----
2 Cat Ball Defense Team 貓球防衛隊 AV Artisan Shoot 'em up ----
3 Birdcage Yard 鳥籠院 Funtech Action ----
4 Lightning Mobile Unit 雷霆機動隊 Fun Yours Entertainment Shoot 'em up ----
5 Dinosaur War 恐龍戰記 Funtech Simulation ----
6 A Q Lian Huan Pao 阿Q連環炮 C&E ETC - Trivia/Game Show? Later released on Sega Genesis
7 Romance of Bōsōzoku 暴走族之戀 Funtech Single-player game ----
8 Woman Guerrillero 王八妹 AV Artisan Shoot 'em up ----
9 Hero Saga 英 雄戰記 Dynasty International Information Co. RPG ----
10 Happy Zoo 快樂動物園 Stone General Computer ETC ----
11 Demon Island 惡魔島 Jackbean Information Co. Action ----

References

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  1. ^ https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/56264590 [bare URL]
  2. ^ Amos, Evan (November 6, 2018). The Game Console: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox. No Starch Press. ISBN 9781593277727 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "Super A'Can". Game Software (24): 43–44.
  4. ^ "Fancy Owning the Rare Taiwanese Flop Super A'Can? Here's Your Chance". 12 September 2023.
  5. ^ "A'Can – RetroGaming At Cyberphreak.com". Retrieved 2021-07-22.
  6. ^ "Super A'Can by Funtech – The Video Game Kraken". Retrieved 21 May 2021.
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