Super FC16-Go Super Nintendo Portable Review

[retro junkie]

I can't speak for Tofu, but I talk to him 2 or 3 times a week. Well I call it talking, he probably calls it annoying him.

He hasn't mentioned much about the Hyperkin SNESp lately. I think they were bidding on the available SNOAC's since Ricoh can only make a certain amount make per year. I think Yobo, Hyperkin, and Innex are bidding on some.

Don't quote me on that though, I could be completely wrong.

Do you know if Hyperkin will be sticking to their FC Mobile type design for their SNES portable? Instead of the Yobo DS design? If they do, I know that I will have to pick one of those up too.

[tofu]

Well, I opened my FC 16 Go up and tried to tinker with the dpad. Nothing of note, so I put it back together. I think I screwed up my "L" button in the process. Oh well.

Tofu, do you know if Hyperkin's SNES portable is coming out soon? Can you talk about that right now, or is it "mum's the word" until something is announced?

Can't talk about it. However, I can give you a hint what we're up to: After putting out two portables it's time to focus on a console.

[kedawa]

I hope it's something good, like a PCE clone, or a console to play GBA games on a TV.

[retro junkie]

I hope it's something good, like a PCE clone, or a console to play GBA games on a TV.

If there ever is a PCE clone, I'll be standing in line for one. :band:

[rodarkone]

I think the LCD/display switch is fine .. the console has a problem, the screen doesn't seem to get any signal and changes white/black then red/green/blue and loop (on the display also the sound is there) on LCD cable it works just fine.

After I try a few games it's comming throu then .. after restart / or reset / or changing the game .. same problems appear.

I definitly think I have a broken one :(

That's just my luck :((

[rodarkone]

edit:

so - on LCD/Plasma - works just fine, but I can't get any signal (AT ALL) on the console screen ... if someone has encountered the same problem and found a way to fix it pls advise me. I don't want to buy another pice of hardware and to encounter the same problem over and over again.

[retro junkie]

edit:

so - on LCD/Plasma - works just fine, but I can't get any signal (AT ALL) on the console screen ... if someone has encountered the same problem and found a way to fix it pls advise me. I don't want to buy another pice of hardware and to encounter the same problem over and over again.

You can't return it as being defective? How long is the warranty on these things anyway? You know, the box and instructions don't have a warranty listed on it. I never realized that until now.
:hmm:

[Ace]

edit:

so - on LCD/Plasma - works just fine, but I can't get any signal (AT ALL) on the console screen ... if someone has encountered the same problem and found a way to fix it pls advise me. I don't want to buy another pice of hardware and to encounter the same problem over and over again.

I think there's a broken cable on your FC16 Go. The screen uses a Composite video signal, so it could be that the cable that connects the screen to the Super NES board is snapped at its solder spot on the screen. The cable could have either snapped on this board: http://jonjandran.com/pics/jonjandran/fc163.JPG(here's a closeup of the area in question: http://jonjandran.com/pics/jonjandran/fc167.JPG)

Or it snapped on the screen itself: http://jonjandran.com/pics/jonjandran/fc1620.JPG

Or the ribbon cable is either improperly connected, torn, or not connected at all.


You can't return it as being defective? How long is the warranty on these things anyway? You know, the box and instructions don't have a warranty listed on it. I never realized that until now.
:hmm:

I don't think there's any warranty on clone consoles(at least, not on Yobo's consoles, to my knowledge). Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[rodarkone]

I will try to go with the bugger to a specialist in Romania, the shipping to USA for a refund is out of the question (the cost are too high)

My ideea was to order another one - but I am kinda afraid now to risk the money again.

I already opened the console and the cable on the board seems to be OK - I will try to open the other side (on the screen side to verify there)

Thanks ACE for your kind answer.

[Leo_A]

Cost.

The factories prefer to make that style of dpad and will raise the cost for anything else.So it costs more to make a standard Nintendo style d-pad? Then why aren't the controllers also Sony styled?

Kind of weird to cut costs so selectively for only 1/3 of the product.

Could you please answer him, tofu? Your statement doesn't make any sense when there are two gamepads packed in that do have a Nintendo style d-pad.

So I don't understand the explanation that it would raise the cost of the unit if two controllers included with it do have a Nintendo styled-pad. And if it does raise the production cost, why is it the handheld getting the shaft rather than the two gamepads? After all, this is a handheld first and foremost and should get priority over the bundled accessories.

[tofu]

Could you please answer him, tofu? Your statement doesn't make any sense when there are two gamepads packed in that do have a Nintendo style d-pad.

So I don't understand the explanation that it would raise the cost of the unit if two controllers included with it do have a Nintendo styled-pad. And if it does raise the production cost, why is it the handheld getting the shaft rather than the two gamepads? After all, this is a handheld first and foremost and should get priority over the bundled accessories.

The handheld is a new molding while the two controllers are pre-existing.

Correction: Apparently the handheld and controllers are all pre-existing moldings. So any changes would have incurred additional cost. Might explain why there's only one speaker.

[Leo_A]

The handheld is a new molding while the two controllers are pre-existing.

Thanks for the quick response. Makes sense, I hadn't considered that as a possibility.

[StoneAgeGamer]

rodarkone please PM me. We may have some options for you to return your item for replacement with minimal cost to you.

[Akito01]

Well, I opened my FC 16 Go up and tried to tinker with the dpad. Nothing of note, so I put it back together. I think I screwed up my "L" button in the process. Oh well.



I did the same thing, and experienced the same problem with my R button. Turns out, on putting the case back together, the ribbon cable got pinched and partially severed. It was a bit delicate, but I managed to strip off some of the plastic so I could twine the two ends of the severed wire, and that did the trick.

I think a lot of the problem with the D-pad's lack of response has to do with the amount of travel. It does not fit very snug in the shell at all. If it slides a bit too low, it won't register the Up press very well, and I have to nudge the pad back up into place to get it back to normal.

I tried the cross-shaped plastic mod, which gives the D-pad the appearance, if not the function of a traditional D-pad. It does feel much better, but this configuration seems to encourage the D-pad to travel more. You still end up having to press on the outer edges in order to get a good response, but actually getting your thumb from one end to the other at least feels easier since it's sliding on a smooth flat surface.

[T2KFreeker]

Yeah! Yobo and I might be hooking up for a review! Awesomeness!

[Old_Skool_Fool]

In all honesty I don't think the system is really getting the shaft. It's not a bad attempt at a first-run SNES handheld. But yeah, cost is always an issue because the manufacturers have to keep the ultimate price after production to introduce it into the market otherwise if it's too high then nobody outside of the core market will want to spend the $$$$$ on it! Because you can then really just buy the original thing.

Thankfully some of our new sponsors are offering the following classic remakes at some sick discount prices for a limited time. They also have some real nice up close product shots to see some of the finer detail. They are below:

FC16Go : http://www.dascheap.com/fc16-go-super-nintendo-portable.html

Retrogen Portable: http://www.dascheap.com/retrogen-portable-sega-genesis-system.html

And let's not forget the Firecore (Genesis remake): http://www.dascheap.com/sega-genesis-firecore-classic-console-plus-20-built-in-games.html

[rodarkone]

If anybody has Super Star Wars - please tell me that it works (after the first level) - I don't know if my copy of the game is broken or the game just freazes after the score board of the first level.

later edit: i tested the game on the SNES console - and it works ... it seems that is the first incompatibility ?(also star wars empire strikes back does funny things - when press fire you actualy switch between lightsword and gun and shoot in the same time ... it's dazzeling)

[Sonicwolf]

Is there any prospect of making future handhelds like this with a screen that is a bit bigger? My eyes are getting bad fast and I find these small screens hard to play on.

[megasdkirby]

Thankfully some of our new sponsors are offering the following classic remakes at some sick discount prices for a limited time.

Unfortunately,

1)Cannot use "checkout" in either Paypal or regular, because:

a)Paypal: The message "PAYPAL : Restricted account Account is restricted" appears.

b)Message "401 Authorization Required" appears when using regular checkout.

2)Notice PR is considered, yet once again, international, when it isn't. Sigh...

[retro junkie]

If anybody has Super Star Wars - please tell me that it works (after the first level) - I don't know if my copy of the game is broken or the game just freazes after the score board of the first level.

later edit: i tested the game on the SNES console - and it works ... it seems that is the first incompatibility ?(also star wars empire strikes back does funny things - when press fire you actualy switch between lightsword and gun and shoot in the same time ... it's dazzeling)

Out of the 60 SNES games that I have, I have problems with the following,
Super Star Wars- freezes at the end of the first stage while adding up my points.
Kirby Super Star- will not boot.
Buster Busts Loose- There is a little graphical problem in the bottom half of the title screen. The rest of the game seems fine, so far.
DKC 2- Has problems, some graphical, playing the game, some are hard to explain.
Mario Paint- boots but no control.
And of course these light gun games, Battleclash and X-Zone.

[rodarkone]

Thanks for the answer - maybe is best to create a list with working / not working / trouble games - if you already tested 60 games pls post a list with them to help others:

I've tryed

Metal Warriors - works (first 2 levels at least)
Super Rtype - works (first level at least)
Megaman X - works (first level at least)
Final Fantasy III - works (I've played like an hour .. but still playing)
Final Fantasy II - works (I've played like 10 min - I will resume playing)
Wings 2 - Aces high - works (first look - it's OK)
F-zero - works (seems OK)
Street Racer - works (seems ok)
Daffy Duck The Marvin Missions - works (seems ok - i've passed the first level)
Mortal Kombat 3 - works (seems ok)


Super Star Wars - doesn't work - only the first level (after scores - it freezes)
Super Empire Strikes Back - doesn't work - the controls are messed up

I will continue testing games - if you have the console and you can test various games pls help adding to the list.

[retro junkie]

Here is my list. The following games are working for me, except were noted.

Adventures of Batman & Robin
Aladdin
Alien 3
Animaniacs
Axelay
Batman Returns
Battletoads: Battlemaniacs
Biometal
Blazeon
Chuck Rock
Clay Fighter 2
Cybernator
Darius Twin
Dino City
Donkey Kong Country
Earthworm Jim
family dog
Fatal Fury Special
Fighter's History
Final Fight
Firepower 2000
Gradius III
Hyper Zone
Illusion of Gaia
Jim Power
Joe & Mac
Jingle Book
Lawnmower Man
Legend of the Mystical Ninja
Legend of Zelda: A link to the Past
Lion King
Maui Mallard
Mega Man X
Mickey Mania
Pink Goes To Hollywood
Phalax
Pilot Wings
Plok
Raiden Trad
R-Type III
Space Mega Force
StarFox
Street Fighter II Turbo
Stunt Race FX
Sunset Riders
Super Bomberman
Super Bonk
Super Mario All Stars
Super Mario World
Super Metroid
Super Ninja
Super Nova
Super R-Type
Super Tarrican
Tetris Attack
Tin Star
Tiny Toons: Buster Busts Loose
Thunder Spirits
Top Gear
Wolf Child
X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse
Yoshi's Island
Zombies Ate My Neighbors

The following I have problems with that hinders gameplay.
Battle Clash
Donkey Kong Country 2
Kirby Superstar- will not boot
Mario Paint
Super Scope- game cart
Super Star Wars
X-Zone

Of course I have not played completely through all of the games that I find good. I have had extensive play time with some of them finding nothing that is out of the normal. Super Gameboy works, but not with all games that I have. There are 70 games here tested.
I am adding games monthly. :D

[Old_Skool_Fool]

Is there any prospect of making future handhelds like this with a screen that is a bit bigger? My eyes are getting bad fast and I find these small screens hard to play on.

It seems once again the classic remade FC16Go will get a earlier than expected facelift!

As I had mentioned earlier that the system model version 2 was going to have some changes and I just recieved confirmation from my inside sources that it will be dropping real soon. So I will have a full on review for all when it's available first thing.

Also our sponsors are dropping some sweet deals on the orignal version FC 16 Go here: http://www.dascheap.com/fc16-go-super-nintendo-portable.html
and check around for some other great retro specials as well.

So pick them up while they last cause I have been told they won't hang around for long at those prices. And in all honesty I would say that the system is def worth the price.

[3rdman]

just received an fc16 go. Thanks Stoneage Gamer. (good communication and fast shipping too).

I vote for the silver model as the classiest. ;)

[T2KFreeker]

It seems once again the classic remade FC16Go will get a earlier than expected facelift!

As I had mentioned earlier that the system model version 2 was going to have some changes and I just recieved confirmation from my inside sources that it will be dropping real soon. So I will have a full on review for all when it's available first thing.

Also our sponsors are dropping some sweet deals on the orignal version FC 16 Go here: http://www.dascheap.com/fc16-go-super-nintendo-portable.html
and check around for some other great retro specials as well.

So pick them up while they last cause I have been told they won't hang around for long at those prices. And in all honesty I would say that the system is def worth the price.

Got a system coming here soon and it looks it will be the revision. It will be interesting. Sad thing is I wont really have anything to compare it to.

[retro junkie]

Got a system coming here soon and it looks it will be the revision. It will be interesting. Sad thing is I wont really have anything to compare it to.

How do you know that it is a revision? Is there a list of the changes? Just curious.

[nickerous]

I'm interested to see a revision on the system, but it would have to be a new, better screen or a better d-pad for me to buy another.

[T2KFreeker]

How do you know that it is a revision? Is there a list of the changes? Just curious.

Because that is what the dude at Yobo told me. They had to wait for the revision 2 to come in and then they would send me one of those for review in the magazine.

[T2KFreeker]

Tomorrow seems to possibly be the day. The anticipation is killing me! LOL

[retro junkie]

Tomorrow seems to possibly be the day. The anticipation is killing me! LOL

Please post a picture. I want to see what difference in the looks if any.

[T2KFreeker]

Please post a picture. I want to see what difference in the looks if any.

The system is in the mail to me as we speak. I have been told of the differences and as soon as I can, I will try and post pics. The differences are:

Update to compatibility
Full D-Pad instead of PSP looking thing
Larger shoulder buttons
Reset Button moved
standard headphone jack
Stereo Sound
System cases look more glossy

More to come once I have it in my hands.

[nickerous]

Full D-Pad instead of PSP looking thing

Very interesting...

[Leo_A]

Will it be a proper reset button this time around?

I believe the way the previous one worked (I don't actually own a SuperNes PowerPak and FC16-Go, and no one that did ever posted if they could properly save), it made saving your games with the PowerPak multicart impossible since the reset button has to be pressed in while saving a game and the FC-16's reset button wasn't really a reset button (Just would cut power to the console when pressed).

[T2KFreeker]

Will it be a proper reset button this time around?

I believe the way the previous one worked (I don't actually own a SuperNes PowerPak and FC16-Go, and no one that did ever posted if they could properly save), it made saving your games with the PowerPak multicart impossible since the reset button has to be pressed in while saving a game and the FC-16's reset button wasn't really a reset button (Just would cut power to the console when pressed).

Not dure yet. I will see once the system gets here though.

[StoneAgeGamer]

T2KFreeker is correct. I talked to Yobo today and ours are on their way, we will be updating site soon. They only have Charcoal and Red in at the moment.

[StoneAgeGamer]

We are accepting pre-orders for revision 2 here:
http://stoneagegamer.com/fc16goportablesnes.aspx

We should be receiving them early next week.

We will also be sending off review units to ReviewTechUSA (http://www.reviewtechusa.com/) and Gamester81 (http://www.youtube.com/user/gamester81) as soon as we receive them. They will be doing comparison reviews to version 1.

[T2KFreeker]

Yuppers, I got my system today and it is pretty damn nice. I would post a picture but this site only lets me post tiny little images. I have no idea why. Everything that I wrote about the system is true. The Star Wars games still seem to have the same problems, however I have been playing DK Country 2 for the last few hours. Also, this time the unit itself has an actual reset button. As for the D-Pad, I likes it and the Stereo sound is also quite nice. I did modify the system already though as the pegs to keep you from playing Japanese games are still on board. Other than that, I am happy with the system. A full review will end up in the next issue of Classic VGM. From what I have read about the first release, there were some serious improvements, so Yobo is listening.

[T2KFreeker]

Going to try and add Picture, I guess.

[kedawa]

I don't like where that reset button is. That's a disaster waiting to happen.

[jonjandran]

Well with no mention of a new screen I am guessing it has the same blurry screen?

[Akito01]

I kinda learned my lesson, and since Yobo already has sixty of my dollars, I think I'm going to wait and see what Innex and Hyperkin have up their sleeves for later this year before double dipping. I definitely appreciate that these designers are listening to our input, though.

[T2KFreeker]

Well with no mention of a new screen I am guessing it has the same blurry screen?

Hmm, not sure what you mean by blurry. The screen in this system I have is clear and looks quite good. Dracula X looks awesome on it.

[retro junkie]

This sounds great! I will have to pick one of these whenever I get some extra jingle in my pockets.
:band:

[jonjandran]

Hmm, not sure what you mean by blurry. The screen in this system I have is clear and looks quite good. Dracula X looks awesome on it.


It is slightly blurry when compared to other 3.5" screens. I have used the 3.5" screens from my Nomad mods on the composite out of the Fc-16 and you can clearly see that the Fc-16 is not nearly as sharp. Text is blurry and edges are not as defined. Probably a lower res screen or just a cheaper screen.
And it has been noticed by almost everyone that has bought one. Not just me :)

[StoneAgeGamer]

The screen is not super crisp (on original, I don't have r2 yet to compare it to), but I also don't think its as bad as some people let on. Remember this is a $60 item, not $160. 3.5" screen is pretty big for a $60 game system. I assume they did not use top quality to save on $$$ and possibly battery life as well.

IMO the screen was hardly the biggest problem with the system. There were other things that I thought were way more annoying.

[T2KFreeker]

The screen is not super crisp (on original, I don't have r2 yet to compare it to), but I also don't think its as bad as some people let on. Remember this is a $60 item, not $160. 3.5" screen is pretty big for a $60 game system. I assume they did not use top quality to save on $$$ and possibly battery life as well.

IMO the screen was hardly the biggest problem with the system. There were other things that I thought were way more annoying.
I agree. The screen is cool for what you are doing with it. The system is a cool little system for what it is. I'd pay $60.00 for one for sure. Not too sure about the first version though. Version 2 is quite nice though. Also, the reset button is just fine where it is as it is out of the way enough that you have to moev your hand away from the controls to get to it unlike the Start and Select buttons which can be reached with your thumb easily. Unless of course you have fingers the length of E.T. :D

[retro junkie]

I agree. The screen is cool for what you are doing with it. The system is a cool little system for what it is. I'd pay $60.00 for one for sure. Not too sure about the first version though. Version 2 is quite nice though. Also, the reset button is just fine where it is as it is out of the way enough that you have to move your hand away from the controls to get to it unlike the Start and Select buttons which can be reached with your thumb easily. Unless of course you have fingers the length of E.T. :D

I also agree. The screen has not been "the" issue with me. The D-pad has been my only major concern with the system. The screen has been a bit of nostalgia as I compare it with the old CRT TV screens. They weren't that sharp either. I have been going through a SNES revival playing the FC16-Go. The 90's are so much fun to live in. I never had a problem with the reset button location before, just the unpredictability of it. It would either shut the system down or reset. Glad they have fixed that. I am so happy that Yobo has listened to the gamers.

[nickerous]

The screen was an issue with me. The d-pad was the bigger issue, but if they have fixed that, then there's no reason not to fix the screen in another revision. That said, I may go ahead and pick this revision up.

[T2KFreeker]

The screen was an issue with me. The d-pad was the bigger issue, but if they have fixed that, then there's no reason not to fix the screen in another revision. That said, I may go ahead and pick this revision up.

About the only thing I can say here is that the D-Pad isn't perfect as it feels like a SNES controller. Personally, I was never a SNES fan. Still, it works about as well so I am sure it is much better than the first one.

[jonjandran]

So where are all the reviews for the new revision? :)

[StoneAgeGamer]

I have two units that went out Wednesday to ReviewTechUSA and Gamster81 on Youtube.

[BAD PIXEL]

Just got mine in the mail yesterday. And overall, I think it's a decent upgrade.

What's been upgraded:

- Stereo! The console itself now sports two stereo speakers and has stereo/video out. It sounds crystal clear and can get loud without distortion.

- D-pad! The unit now has an SNES style directional pad. Definitely an improvement, though you have to use a good amount of pressure to get things moving. I think I remember this being the case with the first version, and it's just a matter of sort of breaking it in. Diagonals can be tricky, but again, I think this is just a matter of breaking the directional pad in.

- Build quality! In general this revision feels more solid all the way around. I'm not sure exactly what it is. Also, the top/display/cover now has this kind of translucent quality about it. It looks pretty cool and way less cheap than the original. The cartridge slot doesn't feel so mushy either.

Even though the sturdiness of the console seemed improved, my unit did come out of the box with a very slight crack on the hinge and one dead pixel. Nothing major at all, but just annoying. I've already contact Stone Age Gamer and will probably be sending this back for a replacement once the charcoal models are back in stock.

- Bigger L and R buttons! They are more than twice the size of the buttons on the original version and are definitely easier to use.

- Power switch on side! I'd consider this an upgrade, as you no long have to open the console to power it up when it's hooked up to the TV.

- Reset button actually resets! 'Nuff said!

Other than that I haven't tried any of the claimed "greater compatibility," as I was pretty content with the compatibility before (all my games worked great).

There were a couple of things that weren't perfect:

- The headphone jack has a lot of hiss - though, oddly, the sound and music are still very clear. It just sounds like someone is taking a shower next to you while you're playing.

- Overly-intense color saturation with video out. I had to adjust down the color on my TV as the video out seems to output a more intense color saturation. I especially noticed that white text and areas that should be flat white had a subtle rainbow like glow. I compared this to the version 1 I have and there was definitely a difference. This was almost completely remedied by adjusting the color down a little, so no biggie. I'd be inclined to say the video out quality is slightly more noisy (could this be from the stereo out?). Definitely not anything major, though.

- There are still tabs in an attempt of some type of region lock-out. These could probably be easily clipped or sanded down to enable Super Famicom carts to be played - but it's just annoying that the tabs are there in the first place. I mean, who is this protecting? The only thing I can think of is that these tabs help stabilize the cartridge, which could be true.

But all being said, I think if you liked the first version, this is a step up you definitely should consider. For about $60 I don't think you could beat this sort of value.

[nickerous]

Definitely an improvement, though you have to use a good amount of pressure to get things moving. I think I remember this being the case with the first version, and it's just a matter of sort of breaking it in.

This may just be the deal breaker for me. That first dpad did need quite a bit of pressure to register and playing platformers was not very fun, in my opinion. I may still get it, but I'll wait until a special or discounted price.

[T2KFreeker]

You know, the more I play around with this thing, the more I like it. Makes me wonder what is around the corner with other projects that may come from some of the other clone companies . . . I'd love a 2600 portable of this quality.

[nickerous]

Is it true the onboard d-pad is easier to use after you've played with it a while? Or, was this a problem for you at all, T2K?

[StoneAgeGamer]

I have heard it is, but I am not sure if its because of breaking it in or just because you get better at using it. IMO the d-pad isn't really any better than the original. I have no problem playing most games, but I have a hard time with fighters with the built-in d-pad.

[Heinz2001]

Why don't you use the wireless pad's instead of the embedded dpad?

@StoneAgeGamer: I bought an fc16go from you. I only use it as TVOut Device and play with the wireless controllers.

A new Device possible?
But what i really want is an Device that is as small as the Fc16go, has Wireless support for up to 4 wireless Controllers and an highend TV-out (Component, Scart RGB, HDMI). Also support for SFC Carts (without mod) and support for Lockout Chips PAL/NTSC. (just because also with mod, i can't play most of my SFC carts, just because the pal lockout :-( which is really sad).

I don't need an LCD or an DPad.

ps: the snes powerpak works fine with fc16go rev.1 ...you can even save with the bad reset button by pressing the Power Button (hold down) and then the Reset Button. If you release the Reset Button the Console resets fine or you can save with your Powerpak.

[nickerous]

I use the wireless pad on my first edition fc go, but would like to use it as a portable instead of a laptop. I'll wait for another revision or a competitor's product.

[StoneAgeGamer]

Why don't you use the wireless pad's instead of the embedded dpad?

@StoneAgeGamer: I bought an fc16go from you. I only use it as TVOut Device and play with the wireless controllers.

A new Device possible?
But what i really want is an Device that is as small as the Fc16go, has Wireless support for up to 4 wireless Controllers and an highend TV-out (Component, Scart RGB, HDMI). Also support for SFC Carts (without mod) and support for Lockout Chips PAL/NTSC. (just because also with mod, i can't play most of my SFC carts, just because the pal lockout :-( which is really sad).

I don't need an LCD or an DPad.

ps: the snes powerpak works fine with fc16go rev.1 ...you can even save with the bad reset button by pressing the Power Button (hold down) and then the Reset Button. If you release the Reset Button the Console resets fine or you can save with your Powerpak.

I doubt there will be a clone that comes out with 4 wireless controller support. As for high-end TV-outs, I doubt you will see that either. It costs extra and 95% of customers are fine with just composite. There is just not enough demand for them to bother with it. I do know a company is working on a new clone that is to compete with the FC3 that does have some neat new features. I doubt it will be as small as an FC-16 though.

Remember, when you want a new clone with all these amazing features put yourself in a company's shoes. How much will it cost to develop? How much will it cost to sell? How many people will buy it for X dollars? If you start doing this you will begin to see why clones are often cheap Chinese products. its because a high quality clone would not sell. Same reason why you probably won't see a 32X clone or some other system that does not have a huge library. Its just not practical to mass produce such an item for such a niche market.

[Heinz2001]

Thanks all correct. But the things i mentioned are not that expensive.

+4 Controller Support (...you can sell the 2 other Controllers separately = more money)
+Scart RGB TV-out (even the old SNES has this feature!)
+SFC support MOD (thats very easy, you just don't need to add it)

-remove LCD (it gets cheeper)
-remove DPAD and Controls (it gets cheeper)

So..where is the Problem? It's cheaper to produce and cheaper to sell. More people would buy it, just because the FC16go is even too big to take it with you. Therefore i use a Dingoo a320 ;-).


only optional:
+Composite (or even higher qual. with HDMI)
+Lockout chips PAL/NTSC incl. switch

[StoneAgeGamer]

I am just telling you from my experience. Scart RGB or HDMI is not a big selling point to the majority of people who buy clones.

Most people who buy clones are casual classic gamers or people who just want to play Super Mario again. Many hardcore classic gamers I have met do not like clones and some even loath them.

I agree with you on the SFC thing, I think its just stupid that Yobo does this. They do it on the FC Twin as well.

I would love to see the things you suggested and many more, but after dealing with these companies and these systems for 3 years now I can tell you its most likely not going to happen. Retro gaming stuff is not these companies primary business.

[Akito01]

I do know a company is working on a new clone that is to compete with the FC3 that does have some neat new features. I doubt it will be as small as an FC-16 though.

I like the idea of an FC3 competitor, especially if it uses wireless controllers. However, the one thing I really do like about the RetroDuo is the S-Video output for SNES games. I think the only thing that might convince me to shelve my RetroDuo is if this new machine includes S-Video as well, so I hope that feature is included in this new machine.

[betamax001]

Hmmm that revision is looking pretty awesome...but it still looks bulky. I really have no need for a TV out fuction at all seeing as how I own a real SNES. Maybe a competitor will make something similar without that function and it will be cheaper like say 40 bucks or something.

[Heinz2001]

@StoneAgeGamer: Ok i understand :-(. I'm also a retro fan and i have an Snes but i also have an 47" lcd and i love the Wireless Controllers of the FC16go.

I hope some day we will have a real good clone.

[Eyedunno]

If there ever is a PCE clone, I'll be standing in line for one. :band:
I know I'm quoting this late, but... Holy geez, yes, especially if it has a region switch (but if not, I suppose I'd try to find a Japanese market model). PC Engines seem to cost so much, especially if you want output other than RF.

Otherwise, I'm not too excited about these clones.

[nickerous]

Well, I did end up getting the revision console. Works very well. The on board dpad is better than the original, but still doesn't register the button presses every time. The left and right work fine, but the top and bottom don't work EVERY time. Still, I'm quite happy with the new version. May need to look into getting that higher capacity battery.

Any other PowerPack results? I'm thinking of buying one sooner or later.....

[MicroByte]

I just learned about this "portable" last week and cannot believe I missed this coming out. I am ready to get one when StoneAgeGamer get's more in stock (you are SO highly recommended and seem like such a great retailer!), but was wondering how the Revision 2 version was holding up for those that own one?

Any problems or is does it still hold up well?

Also, there was a lot of mention from various people that the d-pad would probably be better once it was broken in, anyone experience this?

Cannot wait! Wished I would have held off on my RetroGen and got this instead.

[nickerous]

Mine is still going strong. The d-pad really isn't a problem on the new revision. I got one from StoneAgeGamer that had a crooked screen protector. I peeled that back and put it on straight. The only problem is that the corners peel up a bit in between uses. I just run my finger back over it to stick it back. Once and a while, I'll get some dust in the protector that I have to blow out. Nothing major.

Screen is still not the best, but don't let that stop you from getting one. Chances are, you won't notice any problems, or, if you do, you'll get used to it very soon and it won't bother you.

[MicroByte]

Mine is still going strong. The d-pad really isn't a problem on the new revision. I got one from StoneAgeGamer that had a crooked screen protector. I peeled that back and put it on straight. The only problem is that the corners peel up a bit in between uses. I just run my finger back over it to stick it back. Once and a while, I'll get some dust in the protector that I have to blow out. Nothing major.

Screen is still not the best, but don't let that stop you from getting one. Chances are, you won't notice any problems, or, if you do, you'll get used to it very soon and it won't bother you.

Thanks so much for the response! Can't wait to order mine now! :)

[PFCHudson]

Ordered one of these from Stone Age Gamer, it shipped this morning. I'm quite excited to try this puppy out. I'm going to Toronto in August and will be taking my FC16 and a copy of Earthbound and perhaps Chrono Trigger. Looking forward to the strange looks I'll get on the plane. Probably tell them it's the latest handheld from Nintendo, lightyears beyond DS technology!

[MicroByte]

Ordered one of these from Stone Age Gamer, it shipped this morning. I'm quite excited to try this puppy out. I'm going to Toronto in August and will be taking my FC16 and a copy of Earthbound and perhaps Chrono Trigger. Looking forward to the strange looks I'll get on the plane. Probably tell them it's the latest handheld from Nintendo, lightyears beyond DS technology!

I ordered one from Stone Age Gamer last night as well. I cannot wait to relive some non-emulated memories. I still remember staying up late at night when I travelled overseas and playing SFII and NHL 95 until the early morning. I'm rebuying all of the old games I used to have and have a list of ones I never got to play.

What are the chances it shows up tomorrow... I can only dream! \\^_^/

[MicroByte]

Well, my system came in today (thanks SO much Stone Age Gamer, you are amazing!).

I was so excited until and could not wait to see Super Mario World light up the screen. Flipped on the unit and the first thing I noticed was a blue stuck pixel. Okay, not too bad, blends in okay, not so noticeable. I played for a second and noticed something that looked like dark smudges on the screen. Thinking it was just the protective plastic on top, I cleaned it gently and flipped the unit back on. Still there! It appears as though the smudges are actually under the LCD if that makes any sense! They are not deal breakers, but definitely something I notice while playing.

Other than that, the system is fairly decent, but no where near as robust or quality built as a "real" manufactured portable.

Oh well, that's the price to pay for a generic console. It makes me appreciate my other systems more.

Again, thanks a million to Stone Age Gamer for the extremely great service. Also, I LOVE the packaging tape on the box! I had heard about it, but it's so cool to see in person.

In case anyone is interested in pictures, here is are some unboxing pics:

LINK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29001258@N06/sets/72157624539863976/)

[Leo_A]

If your happy, that's fine. But if I were you, I'd return it for a replacement.

[nickerous]

Yeah, I don't have any stuck pixels or smudges on my screen. It's a little blurry at times, but no where near the problems you are describing.