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 KB (SRAM)
DisplayTV using RF or composite video, 320x240 resolution, 256 out of 32,768 colors
GraphicsUMC UM6618, 128 KB 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

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

The Super A'can uses a Motorola 68000 as its main processor
CPU Motorola 68000 clocked at 10.738635 MHz
Memory 256 KB SRAM clocked at CPU speed
Graphics UMC UM6618 with 128 KB VRAM displaying 256 out of a possible 32,768 colors at 320x240 resolution. Max sprite size of 256x256. Supports zooming, rotating, and mosaic effects.
Audio UMC UM6619 outputting stereo 16-track PCM
Cartridge Max size of 112Mb, with built-in SRAM of 16-64kb
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

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

Released

# Serial number Title AKA title(s) Developer(s) Genre Release year
1F008African Adventures1) Fēizhōu Tànxiǎn
2) Monopoly: Adventure in Africa
Panda EntertainmentPuzzle1995
2F006C.U.G.1) Xī Yóujì
2) Journey to the Laugh
FuntechPlatform1995
3F001Formosa DuelFú Ěr Mó Shā Dà DuìjuéAV ArtisanPuzzle1995
4F002Sango FighterSānguózhì Wǔjiàng ZhēngbàPanda EntertainmentFighting1995
5F003The Son of EvilXié'è ZhīzǐFuntechRPG1995
6F004Speedy Dragon1) Yīnsù Fēilóng
2) Sonic Dragon
AV ArtisanPlatform1995
7F005Super Taiwanese Baseball LeagueChāojí Zhōnghuá Zhí Bàng LiánméngQuan Wei Technology/C&ESports1995
8F011Boom Zoo1) Bào Bào Dòngwùyuán
2) Explosive Burst Zoo
FuntechAction1996
9F009Gambling LordDǔ BàPanda Entertainment/FuntechMahjong1996
10F012REBEL1) Pàn Xīng
2) Rebel Star
Horng Shen Information Co., LtdRPG1996
11F007Super Dragon Force1) Chāojí Guāngmíng Zhàn Shǐ
2) Super Light Saga: Dragon Force
Kingformation Co., Ltd.RPG1996
12F010Magical PoolMó Bàng ZhuàngqiúFuntechSports1996

Unreleased

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

References

  1. https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/56264590
  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. https://www.timeextension.com/news/2023/09/fancy-owning-the-rare-taiwanese-flop-super-acan-heres-your-chance
  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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