Now that the SNES Classic has been kicking around for a couple months, gamers continue to wonder if the next retro system to come out of Big N will be the N64. With no official word yet from the gaming giant, many are sure to speculate whether or not it will actually come to fruition. In the meantime, however, it looks like popular peripheral manufacturer Hyperkin is taking matters into their own hands… literally. An employee recently leaked the company’s portable Nintendo 64 prototype, and seemingly without a care in the world.

Senior Account Manager Ramon Navos-Moral took to Facebook to show off the current status on Hyperkin’s unannounced portable Nintendo 64. It would appear that they have kept the third-arm-required controller intact and attached a small screen at the top. In the photos that Ramon shared, we can see that the prototype is functional as it is playing Super Mario 64. Check out the images below to see the potential product, followed by Navos-Moral’s statement:

I took a picture of an N64 handheld prototype at the R&D department not with the intentions of leaking it.. but they shouldn’t trust me though. I just want them to hurry up. (Design is not final) I call it Social Media Pressure. They said it’s #38 on their priority list.. they don’t know what they’re missing!!! My department makes our own research so, no. They have to do it sooner. It’s either they trust me or no. Good thing they forgot the NDA on this one. I guess they’re really busy.”

Much like all creations that take place behind closed doors, this prototype may never actually see the market. If Nintendo catches wind of this handheld N64 and they already have something cooking, there’s a very good chance that Hyperkin’s product will never see the light of day. As for the brazen employee that went out of his way to leak the images, he has not been fired. When asked if he had lost his job yet, Ramon responded with the following:

No. It seems like I did a mortal sin but no, I knew what I was doing and that was to bring my r&d’s attention to what the consumers wanted. Pure intentions. When R&d said that” I was dealt with” …they just told me they’ll work on the feedbacks and concerns of consumers about the N64 and for me to shut up.”

Big N is surely to pick up on this portable Nintendo 64 prototype, but until then, we’ll continue to wonder what this handheld is capable of. For those wondering, Hyperkin has confirmed the existence of the little system, but reminds everyone that it may never be released. Keep it tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers as this story develops, and for other gaming news, check out the following:

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What say you, gamers? Would you pick up Hyperkin’s portable Nintendo 64 in a heartbeat, or are you still waiting for word of the N64 Classic Edition? Do you believe there would be demand for both if they were to come to market? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!