View Full Version : Retro Mini Handheld NES System - Thinkgeek.com
c0ldb33r
05-14-2009, 09:30 PM
Thinkgeek is carrying this "Retro Mini Handheld NES System".
http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/retro-gaming/ba65/
It's $49.99 USD.
Does anyone know - is it any good?
swlovinist
05-14-2009, 09:31 PM
I would get the model 2 version for only $10 more.
c0ldb33r
05-14-2009, 09:35 PM
Where would I find such a thing? I checked the thinkgeek website and they only have this $50 version listed.
swlovinist
05-14-2009, 09:40 PM
stoneagegamer sells them. called the fc mobile 2
Tupin
05-14-2009, 09:47 PM
Yeah, and there's a huge thread on this page about it that's been going since January.
Diosoth
05-14-2009, 10:08 PM
That's not even the FC Mobile. Looks like some rebranded knockoff of it. New name and B and A are in the right spots.
c0ldb33r
05-14-2009, 10:13 PM
That's not even the FC Mobile. Looks like some rebranded knockoff of it. New name and B and A are in the right spots.
I wonder if the B and A buttons are actually in the right spots, or if the casing just says that they are.
jcalder8
05-14-2009, 10:20 PM
I got the same e-mail and I thought it looked pretty cool too. But the quality is just never the same on these things. I'll stick with my modded PSP for all my on the go gaming needs.
Bratwurst
05-14-2009, 10:24 PM
Why, why, why do these things get made and people buy them? Oh I know the reasons- they are sold because there is a demand, and there is appeal because of the initial novelty, perhaps even satiating some long nursed desire since childhood to have a portable Nintendo.
Look at that Marble Madness cart sticking out of that baby. Can you put something like that in your pocket? How about more than one game? Completely decimates the purported notion of portability. A better idea would be to devise a unit that accepts flash media (or better yet, a USB thumb drive), and runs the roms directly. You could get around the implied function of piracy by supplying your own NES homebrew programs for free with the unit and let the customer figure out on their own that they could stick other games on there.
Or I don't know, get a PSP and mod it.
Sonicwolf
05-14-2009, 10:49 PM
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127551
That might yield some information on the new FC Mobile II
Diosoth
05-14-2009, 10:54 PM
Why, why, why do these things get made and people buy them? Oh I know the reasons- they are sold because there is a demand, and there is appeal because of the initial novelty, perhaps even satiating some long nursed desire since childhood to have a portable Nintendo.
Look at that Marble Madness cart sticking out of that baby. Can you put something like that in your pocket? How about more than one game? Completely decimates the purported notion of portability. A better idea would be to devise a unit that accepts flash media (or better yet, a USB thumb drive), and runs the roms directly. You could get around the implied function of piracy by supplying your own NES homebrew programs for free with the unit and let the customer figure out on their own that they could stick other games on there.
Or I don't know, get a PSP and mod it.
Maybe some people would actually prefer to use the games they pruchase?
Not that the Game Gear, Nomad or Turbo Express were very "portable"
Sonicwolf
05-14-2009, 10:56 PM
Maybe you would like to play it outside, or in bed? People dont buy portables like this to specifically replace their home consoles. Just because its a bit bulky doesnt mean it doesnt have its good uses.
aclbandit
05-14-2009, 11:27 PM
Can you put something like that in your pocket? How about more than one game?
No, you can't. And, although I don't have one of these, I can't say I don't like the idea.
I carry a "manbag." It's full of awesome things, and one of these would easily fit in it. Therefore, portable.
Sonicwolf
05-14-2009, 11:34 PM
I carry a "manbag."
Ye carry a murse, no?
jb143
05-14-2009, 11:49 PM
I carry a "manbag."
Ye carry a murse, no?
Call it an Indiana Jones Bag...it sounds much cooler that way ;)
adam_devry
05-15-2009, 05:57 AM
I have seen one in a play n trade. I got to try it out and this is what I think. good thing about it is that you do not have to blow in it to get it to play the games the work right away. a bad thing is the space where the game goes is really tight you really have to push the game in and pull really hard to get it out. other then that its not a bad system. The pic is good sound good I would give it a 4/5
Sabz5150
05-15-2009, 07:04 AM
Why, why, why do these things get made and people buy them? Oh I know the reasons- they are sold because there is a demand, and there is appeal because of the initial novelty, perhaps even satiating some long nursed desire since childhood to have a portable Nintendo.
Look at that Marble Madness cart sticking out of that baby. Can you put something like that in your pocket? How about more than one game? Completely decimates the purported notion of portability. A better idea would be to devise a unit that accepts flash media (or better yet, a USB thumb drive), and runs the roms directly. You could get around the implied function of piracy by supplying your own NES homebrew programs for free with the unit and let the customer figure out on their own that they could stick other games on there.
Or I don't know, get a PSP and mod it.
Coke from a glass bottle just tastes better.
c0ldb33r
05-15-2009, 08:51 AM
I carry a "manbag." It's full of awesome things...
Oh man... you have GOT to be more careful with your wording...
jb143
05-15-2009, 11:31 AM
I have seen one in a play n trade. I got to try it out and this is what I think. good thing about it is that you do not have to blow in it to get it to play the games the work right away. a bad thing is the space where the game goes is really tight you really have to push the game in and pull really hard to get it out. other then that its not a bad system. The pic is good sound good I would give it a 4/5
Something tells me that's a good thing though for a handheld system...especially with a big cart sticking out the top. Otherwise it could be like a Nomad where any slight bump could freeze it up.
blue lander
05-15-2009, 12:12 PM
Look at that Marble Madness cart sticking out of that baby. Can you put something like that in your pocket? How about more than one game? Completely decimates the purported notion of portability. A better idea would be to devise a unit that accepts flash media (or better yet, a USB thumb drive), and runs the roms directly.
Why not keep the cartridge port, but design the unit with internal flash memory? You could pop a game cartridge in, hit "download" to copy it down to the internal memory, and now you're totally mobile. If it could only hold a few games at a time, you'd get around the perceived piracy issue, and you wouldn't have to have a cumbersome cartridge sticking out unless you wanted to. Maybe some people just feel cool sitting on the train with a NES cartridge sticking out of their handheld.
acem77
05-15-2009, 12:42 PM
wonder how it connects the video to the lcd? if its somthing better than composite maybe the system can be hacked for rgb like goodness.
aclbandit
05-15-2009, 04:44 PM
Oh man... you have GOT to be more careful with your wording...
Perhaps you have a point. *shrug*.
either way, it's useful to have.
Diosoth
05-15-2009, 05:24 PM
Tfe FC Mobile and Mobile II also have TV-out ports built in, which turns them into home consoles as well.
theChad
05-15-2009, 10:57 PM
I could see taking that thing with me to shops or flea markets to try out the games before I buy them or something, not just because I can't go anywhere without playing the games I already have.
Diosoth
05-15-2009, 11:01 PM
Why not keep the cartridge port, but design the unit with internal flash memory? You could pop a game cartridge in, hit "download" to copy it down to the internal memory, and now you're totally mobile. If it could only hold a few games at a time, you'd get around the perceived piracy issue, and you wouldn't have to have a cumbersome cartridge sticking out unless you wanted to. Maybe some people just feel cool sitting on the train with a NES cartridge sticking out of their handheld.
An SD card slot would be infinitely cheaper.
Sonicwolf
05-15-2009, 11:18 PM
An SD card slot would be infinitely cheaper.
Yes, then you could use the homebrew and development excuse to easily get around potential copyright horsecrap.
Life of Brian
05-16-2009, 10:22 AM
Why, why, why do these things get made and people buy them? Oh I know the reasons- they are sold because there is a demand, and there is appeal because of the initial novelty, perhaps even satiating some long nursed desire since childhood to have a portable Nintendo.
Look at that Marble Madness cart sticking out of that baby. Can you put something like that in your pocket? How about more than one game? Completely decimates the purported notion of portability. A better idea would be to devise a unit that accepts flash media (or better yet, a USB thumb drive), and runs the roms directly. You could get around the implied function of piracy by supplying your own NES homebrew programs for free with the unit and let the customer figure out on their own that they could stick other games on there.
Or I don't know, get a PSP and mod it.
I'm a regular member of the BenHeck forums and I build portable systems as a hobby. Although what I make certainly isn't "pocketable" and rarely leaves the house, I play my portable Super Nintendo FAR more than any system hooked up to the TV or any current-gen portable because A) I'm playing games that I love B) I'm playing cartridges that I bought 10-15 years ago. If you're of the "just get a PSP" variety then portable systems that play original cartridges obviously aren't aimed at you. Considering that a large portion of Digital Press's forum members are video game collectors, they'd probably be interested in anything that will play games they have spent the last several years collecting.
aaron7
05-18-2009, 10:15 PM
http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/retro-gaming/ba65/
Anyone have one yet? I'm going to order one but I'm wondering how good the screen looks... hoping better than my Game Admiral lol
Tupin
05-18-2009, 10:30 PM
That's a rebadging of the original FC Mobile with correct button placement.
I just bought the FC Mobile II for that same price on Newegg, so that's what I'll use to play NES on the go.
TheDomesticInstitution
05-18-2009, 10:36 PM
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1557559
iloveguns
05-18-2009, 11:02 PM
hmmm $50 is a good deal.. im tempted to buy one..
Sonicwolf
05-18-2009, 11:40 PM
hmmm $50 is a good deal.. im tempted to buy one..
Dont. Just Buy the FC Mobile II. It comes with 2 wireless controllers, a wireless zapper and a power supply
PapaStu
05-19-2009, 02:01 AM
and merged with the thread already in progress.
Kuros
05-19-2009, 12:40 PM
I could see taking that thing with me to shops or flea markets to try out the games before I buy them or something, not just because I can't go anywhere without playing the games I already have.
Good idea, but not a $50 good idea.
It's a knockoff of our clone system from two freakin' years ago.
http://technabob.com/blog/2008/04/27/fc-mobile-portable-plays-original-nes-carts/
bucky
05-19-2009, 05:13 PM
A better idea would be to devise a unit that accepts flash media (or better yet, a USB thumb drive), and runs the roms directly.
There's always this beast-
http://www.vintagecomputing.com/index.php/archives/340
:)
I wonder if it'd work in any of these portable systems.
c0ldb33r
05-19-2009, 06:13 PM
An SD card slot would be infinitely cheaper.
neat idea though.
Bratwurst
05-19-2009, 06:20 PM
I'm a regular member of the BenHeck forums and I build portable systems as a hobby. Although what I make certainly isn't "pocketable" and rarely leaves the house, I play my portable Super Nintendo FAR more than any system hooked up to the TV or any current-gen portable because A) I'm playing games that I love B) I'm playing cartridges that I bought 10-15 years ago. If you're of the "just get a PSP" variety then portable systems that play original cartridges obviously aren't aimed at you. Considering that a large portion of Digital Press's forum members are video game collectors, they'd probably be interested in anything that will play games they have spent the last several years collecting.
Mr. Fenris, what do you say? This one must be 13 pounds! I think I will have this one mounted.
Kid Fenris
05-19-2009, 06:28 PM
If you mount that bass, wire it so it turns its head and sings "Don't Worry, Be Happy" whenever someone walks past it.
rbudrick
05-19-2009, 07:11 PM
For those saying they should put flash memory in it, the cost would go up quite considerably, considering the PowerPak is $135 due to the extra hardware and software needed for the mapper emulation it must perform. The portable would have to do the same.
-Rob
mitmoe
05-19-2009, 09:15 PM
just bought one and love it! The screen looks great!
Life of Brian
05-19-2009, 09:45 PM
Mr. Fenris, what do you say? This one must be 13 pounds! I think I will have this one mounted.
Sorry for putting in my 2 cents. Just trying to contribute to the discussion.
Anybody who buys this thing is an idiot.
1. It's a knockoff a of a clone (wtf?)
2. The price is the same as the updated FC Mobile II.
Bratwurst
05-19-2009, 10:26 PM
Sorry for putting in my 2 cents. Just trying to contribute to the discussion.
Ah don't take it personal, I just like baiting people. :D
mitmoe
05-19-2009, 11:16 PM
Anybody who buys this thing is an idiot.
1. It's a knockoff a of a clone (wtf?)
2. The price is the same as the updated FC Mobile II.
Nobody asked you to judge anyone....I got one and do not consider myself to be an idiot at all. I made a purchase and am happy with it. Chill with the personal attacks!!
Diosoth
05-19-2009, 11:35 PM
Nobody asked you to judge anyone....I got one and do not consider myself to be an idiot at all. I made a purchase and am happy with it. Chill with the personal attacks!!
He has a point. It's another factory's knockoff of one of their systems at a higher price, when their current model is already out. There's no guarantee that even the "correct" button stamps are actually fixed or if they just changed the paint stamp.
c0ldb33r
06-03-2009, 08:20 AM
Thinkgeek has a pocket version, it looks like a GB Micro. It's got 4GB internal storage and supports mini SD cards.
It's supposed to support the following:
- NES (Nintendo Entertainment System - 8bit)
- SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System - 16bit)
- Sega Genesis (Sega Mega-Drive - 16-bit)
- GBA (Nintendo Game Boy Advance)
- Neo-Geo (SNK Neo-Geo)
- CPS1 and CPS2 (CAPCOM, arcade game systems, 1st and 2nd edition)
It's also a media player and plays FLV, WMV, ASF, RM, AVI, MPEG, MP4, RMVB, SWF, MP3, WMA, APE, and FLAC files.
It's $99.99 USD. Their page has a youtube video of it in action and it looks beautiful.
Is this just a rebranded device? Was this reviewed somewhere and I missed it?
Thinkgeek's site: http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/retro-gaming/bd6f/
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/bd6f_pocket_retro_game_emulator.jpg
bangtango
06-03-2009, 09:34 AM
Anybody who buys this thing is an idiot.
1. It's a knockoff a of a clone (wtf?)
2. The price is the same as the updated FC Mobile II.
You might want to rephrase that.
It may seem unlikely to you but it IS very possible that people who buy that machine from ThinkGeek.com don't even know your product exists and the first portable NES that they've ever gotten wind of is the one on ThinkGeek.com
Crazy as this sounds, that happens.
But yes, if someone is aware of your product AND their product, then there is no reason somebody should buy theirs instead of yours. I agree with you there.
Still, it is quite unreasonable to insult people for buying a competing product before they learn yours exists, if that is indeed the case.
And for some of those people who bought it and don't necessarily frequent this web site, I believe that is what happened.
You might want to rephrase that.
It may seem unlikely to you but it IS very possible that people who buy that machine from ThinkGeek.com don't even know your product exists and the first portable NES that they've ever gotten wind of is the one on ThinkGeek.com
Crazy as this sounds, that happens.
But yes, if someone is aware of your product AND their product, then there is no reason somebody should buy theirs instead of yours. I agree with you there.
Still, it is quite unreasonable to insult people for buying a competing product before they learn yours exists, if that is indeed the case.
And for some of those people who bought it and don't necessarily frequent this web site, I believe that is what happened.
I suppose my reaction was a bit strong, and I'll offer my apologies.
The makers of that knockoff have been floating around for years and they're not small time players either.
bangtango
06-03-2009, 11:51 AM
I suppose my reaction was a bit strong, and I'll offer my apologies.
The makers of that knockoff have been floating around for years and they're not small time players either.
Thank you for the response to my thoughts.
Either way, when the time comes I'll buy your product.
Any insight you can offer on what will happen to the original FC Mobile, with the cockeyed button layout, as far as any possible price drop or its future availability?
Thank you for the response to my thoughts.
Either way, when the time comes I'll buy your product.
Any insight you can offer on what will happen to the original FC Mobile, with the cockeyed button layout, as far as any possible price drop or its future availability?
The original FC Mobile has been completely discontinued by Hyperkin and will no longer be available. In our own warehouse we have zero stock left.
bangtango
06-04-2009, 09:21 AM
The original FC Mobile has been completely discontinued by Hyperkin and will no longer be available. In our own warehouse we have zero stock left.
Gotcha.
So that would solely be up to the retailers who might still have them new in stock.
Again, thanks for the prompt response.
c0ldb33r
06-04-2009, 09:47 AM
I answered my own question about that small portable
It's the dingoo, and there have been a few threads on it already.
imanerd0011
06-06-2009, 09:07 PM
Thinkgeek has a pocket version, it looks like a GB Micro. It's got 4GB internal storage and supports mini SD cards.
It's supposed to support the following:
- NES (Nintendo Entertainment System - 8bit)
- SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System - 16bit)
- Sega Genesis (Sega Mega-Drive - 16-bit)
- GBA (Nintendo Game Boy Advance)
- Neo-Geo (SNK Neo-Geo)
- CPS1 and CPS2 (CAPCOM, arcade game systems, 1st and 2nd edition)
It's $99.99 USD. Their page has a youtube video of it in action and it looks beautiful.
Is this just a rebranded device? Was this reviewed somewhere and I missed it?
[/IMG]
Damn, that thing does look REALLY nice! Why isn't it more popular?
c0ldb33r
06-06-2009, 09:15 PM
I expect it's mainly the price. For $100 you can get that, or for less get a second hand PSP and do more.
I'm really interested in getting one though. I love my GB Micro and this really reminds me of it.