Retro Duo Portable - RDP 2 in 1 Portable System

[MyTurnToPlay]

I saw the video of the RDP posted above, and I just have to say...this thing has got to be the stupidest and most awkward and idiotic portable I've ever seen. If even one single person ends up buying this piece of circuit garbage, then it truly means the retro gaming community has reached the lowest of lows. It's a piece of crap....and I just don't understand why any sane intelligent person would purchase such sewage.

I couldn't stop laughing the entire time I viewed the video clip. An adapter to play NES games that makes the damned thing bigger than the original NES system itself. And this is supposed to somehow be a portable???? What the f*ck were these guys thinking when they developed this? Just a bunch of idiocy...and yet...I know sooo many morons out there are going to flock to this thing like they do to every other damned thing related to nintendo. Seriously, can we stop with all this portable crap.

I'm going to say it once and only once. NES games were meant to be played on an NES system. SNES games on a SNES system. That's it. It's pretty simple. So everyone stop jumping on all these portable's nuts....they're all a bunch of crap....end of story.

thank you.

[zin0099]

so are u saying screw this and just use your psp or any other device with roms and emus? cuss the point is u can take your original game not a copy with u to play your favorite game!!!! and the other reason is not everyone can play there fave game at home, like me i have to go to grandmas sometimes after work and most of my console systems u guessed it is @ home. sure it's bulky but it certainly open the gate to other adapters being made not just for the rdp but like genesis on the snes wow and nes on snes but also a famicom adapter(japanese nes not snes) and if u don't like this product buzz off cuss i would like to finish final fantasy 2 on the go!!

[Satoshi_Matrix]

MyTurnToPlay, please leave this thread. If you don't have any interest in clones, then don't buy them. The rest of us eagerly await the release and more details about the RDP. I enjoy them and I think the same goes for everyone else reading this. If you don't like them that's fine. Just leave.

Thank you.

[Polygon]

I kind of have to agree to a point.

From the video the controllers look like cheap crap, though they usually are. The system itself seems like a decent portable SNES. I can see MyTurnToPlay's point when he pulled out the NES adapter. You can't really call that a portable anymore at that point. I can't agree on any other level though.

[nickerous]

I'm eager to see independent reviews on this thing. The whole NES adapter thing really looks idiotic, but I'm more interested in the SNES portion anyway. Supaboy is off my radar what with all the sound issues and the FC 16 Go stinks as a portable. Here's hoping this one gets the portable part right.

[MarioMania]

The D-pad is all wrong

[Leo_A]

I'm also not impressed with what I've seen so far of this. But I disagree with his assessment on these things being pointless. Handheld clones of past systems are very appealing to me when they're done right (Which this one doesn't strike me as being anywhere close, so far).

The screen doesn't even look like it's a 4:3 display to me in that video. If they can't get something as basic as that correct, it leaves little hope for the thing.

[Old_Skool_Fool]

I kind of have to agree to a point.

From the video the controllers look like cheap crap, though they usually are. The system itself seems like a decent portable SNES. I can see MyTurnToPlay's point when he pulled out the NES adapter. You can't really call that a portable anymore at that point. I can't agree on any other level though.



The controller adapter is the real awesome thing here. The controllers are MUCH better than the FC16 Go, and of course they aren't up to par with official controllers, but then again...what is?


I feel it's great as a portable, as the converter is a 2 inch extension from the base connect of the unit. I mean, NES carts are HUGE to begin with. Just because you need an adapter doesn't make it less of a portable. I had a TG16 Express and I had a 7 Inch import game converter that stuck out of that thing ridiculous, and that was exactly what that thing was built for back in the day. I really don't see that as being an issue at all.


This is a PORTABLE CONSOLE. This can setup as a sit up unit or out to the TV via the cable. Realistically you can't fit 2 ports into the unit without it being super wide and uncomfortable. This unit is comfortable to hold. And is going to have some serious compatibility. Especially with the add-on carts.

[Polygon]

I would call it a portable SNES. I would not call it a portable NES with that thing sticking out of the top. That's just my opinion. Also, I said that all the included controllers with any of these clones are crap. I'm just glad that they make them to work with the original controllers.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

And is going to have some serious compatibility. Especially with the add-on carts.

Elaborate.

[TonyTheTiger]

The screen doesn't even look like it's a 4:3 display to me in that video. If they can't get something as basic as that correct, it leaves little hope for the thing.

Can we get a confirmation on this? I'd call an incorrect aspect ratio a pretty big deal.

[MyTurnToPlay]

Well I was simply pointing out the irony of demanding perfection from clones, which are by definition, crap.

Fact#1: NES and SNES carts were never meant to be played portably.
Fact#2: Clone systems have always been, and will always be, total and complete garbage.
Fact#3: Due to Fact#1 & Fact#2 above, either stay away from clones altogether....OR buy them and shut up. If you want the best NES/SNES experience, play it using original hardware. Otherwise, stop your whining and b*tching, and get over it.

thank you.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Fact#1: NES and SNES carts were never meant to be played portably.

This is true, but what's your point? I like the idea of being able to do something the original creators never intended. I like the idea of playing my old carts on commutes, trips or hell, in bed. This is the same appeal s the Sega Nomad all those years ago.



Fact#2: Clone systems have always been, and will always be, total and complete garbage.

That's your opinion, not a fact. Clones have continued to become better and better as time has gone on because the market looking for such devices has also increased. There are quite a number of clones that are not "complete garbage" such as the RetorN3, RetroDuo and the Famulator. I can't speak to the quality of the RetroDuo Portable, but it does look like it'll be very good as well.



Fact#3: Due to Fact#1 & Fact#2 above, either stay away from clones altogether....OR buy them and shut up. If you want the best NES/SNES experience, play it using original hardware. Otherwise, stop your whining and b*tching, and get over it.

Dude I'm not after a flamewar or anything, but why don't YOU shut up? This thread isn't for people who don't have interest in this clone and never planned to buy it in the first place. If you want the experience of the original hardware then yes go for the original hardware. This isn't about that. This is about the march of technology reverse engineering devices from when we were kids to play the same software. It's cool and its fun. For Famiclones I love to see the progression of them with better and more capable NOACs coming out every year. I am excited for the RDP even though its not practical and even if it's not as good as the real hardware.

For me that doesn't matter. I already own five NES toasters, an NES toploader, a Famicom, two AV Famicoms and a PC10. It's the clones that interest me now. If that's not you, then fine, just leave this thread. You don't like clones. We get it. This thread is for people who do.

thank you.

[Akito01]

4275

It might seem like a silly reason, but this bit from a 1991 issue of EGM sums up a lot of why I find portable clones interesting and exciting. Even back then there was an awareness that portable consoles were a cool idea. That part of me that got excited twenty years ago by this never released portable NES is the same part that gets hyped by these new devices that fulfill that original promise. They aren't mean to be the final and best solution to playing these games, but they do deliver options and avenues not available with original hardware -such as portability, or wireless controllers (speaking specifically to the FC-16 Go, which got that aspect right).

[MarioMania]

I'm just waiting for a hands on review of the Genesis Adapter on the SNES, How good is it

[Taiyaki]

Is this really a Pokefami DX marketed for the US? It's important to know whether the parts are the same, the Pokefami DX has a very nice color temperature leaning towards warm in contrast to the Supaboy which leans towards colder colors. I would like to know what this one is like.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Is this really a Pokefami DX marketed for the US?

That's still currently unknown. According to Old_Skool_Fool the PokeFami DX and the RetroDuo Portable are not the same, but I don't entirely believe him. The Chinese clone market is incestuous. The NeoFami was released by Yobo as the FC Game Console and is now being sold by RetroBit as the Retorn1. Other than the name and perhaps the casing, its the same system. I wouldn't be surprised if the PokeFami DX and RDP are both being made by Shenzhen Qi Sheng Long.

It makes sense that the PokeFami DX is the Japanese/Asian version of the upcoming RetroDuo Portable, but it's impossible to say for sure until someone does a side-by-side comparison.

[TKO]

Well I was simply pointing out the irony of demanding perfection from clones, which are by definition, crap.

Fact#1: NES and SNES carts were never meant to be played portably.
Fact#2: Clone systems have always been, and will always be, total and complete garbage.
Fact#3: Due to Fact#1 & Fact#2 above, either stay away from clones altogether....OR buy them and shut up. If you want the best NES/SNES experience, play it using original hardware. Otherwise, stop your whining and b*tching, and get over it.

thank you.

It's alright to state your opinion as long as you didn't call other people who buy merchandises you don't like "morons". I'm sure you bough some craps I don't like as well but I didn't see you as a moron. No one appreciate the rudeness in your post , please.

[Ace]

The NeoFami was released by Yobo as the FC Game Console and is now being sold by RetroBit as the Retorn1

No. RetroBit sells the NeoFami as the Retro Entertainment System. It's Hyperkin that sells it as the RetroN1.

But I do hope the PokeFAMI DX is what the RetroDuo Portable is based on because holy crap, I love the sound output of that thing! I'd love to hear some direct audio capture of some more games on the PokeFAMI DX, especially Gradius III, Doom and UN Squadron(this is mainly to see if the audio amp is adequate for the game as UN Squadron will have audio issues depending on the amp. The FC3 Plus causes garbled audio due to all the audio being mixed into Mono before being amplified and the RetroN3 Version 2 makes the sound unbearably loud and distorted due to the audio signal being too strong entering the audio amp).

[kedawa]

Well I was simply pointing out the irony of demanding perfection from clones, which are by definition, crap.

Fact#1: NES and SNES carts were never meant to be played portably.
Fact#2: Clone systems have always been, and will always be, total and complete garbage.
Fact#3: Due to Fact#1 & Fact#2 above, either stay away from clones altogether....OR buy them and shut up. If you want the best NES/SNES experience, play it using original hardware. Otherwise, stop your whining and b*tching, and get over it.

thank you.

How about we talk about clone hardware in this thread and you shut the fuck up?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I think it's probably best to just ignore any future posts by MyTurnToPlay in this thread.

[TonyTheTiger]

As somebody who has not had an interest in clones and knows next to nothing about their performance, assuming this is the same as the Pokefami DX, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Compatibility? Accuracy in terms of how it performs compared to authentic hardware? And if it isn't the same as a Pokefami DX, what improvements over that can be expected/desired?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

If the upcomming RDP is the same as the PokefamiDX, then that's a very GOOD thing. The Pokefami DX has perfect sound and a very nice looking picture, and from what I hear, the dpad is very good as well. Super Famiclones tend to be compatible with nearly everything. The only games that won't even up playing as any revision of SA-1 games beyond 1.0. This isn't a hardware thing, but a software thing. Nintendo programmed SA-1 games to refuse to boot if they don't detect the original hardware.

If the RDP isn't the Pokefami DX, then it can only mean bad things such as inferior audio.

[TonyTheTiger]

Good to know. I really wish there was more information at the moment. I'm currently a bit messed up right now regarding my access to video games so I'd be pretty interested in preordering this thing. But I don't want to commit nearly 100 bones to something without knowing a lot more about it, especially when there's some discrepancy over what the internals are.

[Tupin]

Well, and it obviously doesn't support the VRC6/VRC7 chip, but then again, only the Famicom did. In that review, he didn't exactly push the system. I wanted to see if Kirby Super Star, Starfox, Castlevania III/IV, or Super Mario RPG would work.

What is the estimated date of arrival on this? I may wait for some reviews from other people in this thread.

[kedawa]

I really hope it's the same, since it's going to be substantially cheaper.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Good to know. I really wish there was more information at the moment. I'm currently a bit messed up right now regarding my access to video games so I'd be pretty interested in preordering this thing. But I don't want to commit nearly 100 bones to something without knowing a lot more about it, especially when there's some discrepancy over what the internals are.

I'm with you on that, but I think I'm going to chance it anyway. If you don't want to, the safest bet you can do is to import a PokeFami DX itself. They sell for $140 plus shipping but at least that way you know you're getting the best SNES clone on the market currently. However, there are many questions I don't know the answers to regarding the PokeFami DX, namely if the cartridge port is large enough to fit the larger square SNES cartridges. The system is designed for the curved and streamlined Super Famicom carts. It may very well be that the PokeFami DX can't run SNES games.



Well, and it [RDP] obviously doesn't support the VRC6/VRC7 chip, but then again, only the Famicom did. In that review, he didn't exactly push the system. I wanted to see if Kirby Super Star, Starfox, Castlevania III/IV, or Super Mario RPG would work. What is the estimated date of arrival on this? I may wait for some reviews from other people in this thread.

Well hold on a minute. Where are you getting that information from? It's entirely possible the RDP's NOAC can handle the Konami VRC series just fine. The question is if it can output expansion audio, which is unlikely but not impossible. Based on the RetroDuo console, I'd say it'll be able to play Castlevania III MMC5 no problem, and I'd be very very surprised if it had any issue with Super Caslevania IV or StarFox. Super Castlevania IV is purely based on the hardware of the SNES and StarFox will run on any clone. The FX chip that does the primitive polygon environments is internal to the cartridge. Kirby Super Star and Mario RPG are bos SA-1 games that have anti-piracy detection on anything but the original hardware, so they wont play on the RetroDuo Portable anymore than they will on any existing Super Famiclone.

the ETA for the RDP is Mid February 2012.



I really hope it's the same, since it's going to be substantially cheaper.
This is what makes me worry that the RDP is not the same as the PokeFamiDX. The systems sure sound similar and even look similar, but the over $30 price difference has me concerned. What we really need is confirmation and definitive proof that the PokeFamiDX are or are not the same.

[TKO]

Well , Superboy is being sold for a higher price in Japan as well. I think it's around 8000 Yens. So I still keeps my hope up.:popcorn:

[Cryog]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXLdSaNptQ0

You can play US SNES cartridges with the pokeFAMI DX. The price in Japan is ￥ 7,300 ($94.00 USD) for the pokeFAMI DX , ￥ 2,480 ($29.00 USD) for the GAMEJOY Megadrive converter and ￥ 2,180 ($28.00 USD) for the GAMEJOY Famicom converter.The $30.00 difference is the profit of the reseller.

http://www.amazon.co.jp/GAMEJOY-JAPAN-POKEFAMIDX-pokeFAMI-DX%EF%BC%88%E3%83%9D%E3%82%B1%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3 %83%9FDX%EF%BC%89-%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%91%E3%83%BC%E3%83%95%E3%8 2%A1%E3%83%9F%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E4%BA%92%E6%8F%9B% E6%A9%9F/dp/B005ZENZFI

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Ah That makes sense. Thanks for clearing that up. Also GAMEJOY is the best name for anything ever.

[zin0099]

is there a way to get the famicom to snes converter? not a big deal to me since i have a famicom to nes converter adapter anyway, but for anyone who would like to by famicom games the adapter would be nice to have!

[Tupin]

Satoshi, I was referring to this video where Konami-enhanced audio is not supported by the PokeFamiDX, at the ten minute mark:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xz66T_I0Lk

Listen to Lagrange Point, especially. Not a big deal, I guess.

One thing I don't get is why can the NES adapter that comes with the RDP be used only with the RDP?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Yes I know what you're referring to, but you said the PokeFamiDX adapter doesn't support the VRC6/VRC7. If that were the case then the games wouldn't boot at all. The problem is the NOAC sends the expansion audio signals to ground or are incorrectly wired. That's a different problem than say, NOACs refusing to boot MMC5 games like Castlevania 3 or Uncharted Waters at all.

As for why the adapter that's going to come with the RDP won't work on other Super Famiclones or the real hardware, the answer should be pretty obvious - It must just be an NES 72 to SNES 64 pin adapter that doesn't do anything but allow NES games to fit into the cartridge port. The NOAC is inside the RDP itself, and that's what runs the NES games. Since what comes with the RDP is only a pin adapter without any insturction set and NOAC, it will do absolutely nothing when fitted into other consoles, even the RetroDuo as that system has a unique board for NES games.

[Cryog]

I think Retrobits was made easier to create a converter from 72 to 60 pin (NES to Famicom) and then 60 to 64 pin (Famicom to Super NES/Super Famicom). For that reason is the large size of the converter. And I think the NOAC is inside the converter, not the RDP.

[shoeshot]

I think the Nes adapter that comes with the Retro Duo Portable won't work properly on a SNES or other clone consoles is probably because maybe it lacks the little a/v out port (seen in the PokeFami DX videos) on the side of the adapter itself, so there would be no way to display the image or sound.

[Cryog]

I think you are right. I liked your answer.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Ahh yes that's certainly true. I should've remembered that since I own a Super 8/Tri Star which does much the same thing.

[TKO]

You know , there is a way to mod the Retro Duo's power switch so that it is compatible with SA-1 games right?

I wonder if the same mod can be done to RDP....

[TonyTheTiger]

Are there any more answers forthcoming before this thing launches? Seems like once the video was posted that was the end of the Q&A session.

[MarioMania]

Will anyone do a review of the Genesis Adapter for the RDP??

[zin0099]

You know , there is a way to mod the Retro Duo's power switch so that it is compatible with SA-1 games right?

I wonder if the same mod can be done to RDP....


what do u mean? retroduo already does the sa-1 games like star ocean i can confirm this cuss i own the starocean game and a retroduo 2.0 system and it works

[Ace]

See, this is where a lot of people get caught up with Nintendo SA-1 games. Some WILL NOT WORK on any Super NES clone or even an original Super NES with a disabled lockout chip as those games check for the presence of a lockout chip. If a Nintendo SA-1 game works on a Super NES clone, it's because it doesn't check for the presence of a lockout chip. ALWAYS take Nintendo SA-1 compatibility with a grain of salt as people(and Famiclone manufacturers) make it seem like if one SA-1 game works, all the others will too. The only way around this would be to get into legal trouble with Nintendo and clone their lockout chip(the code in it is copyrighted) or somehow find a way around this and trick the games into thinking there's a lockout chip in the Super NES clone when there really isn't one.

[zin0099]

ok didn't know that, thanx for the info :)

[Satoshi_Matrix]

You know , there is a way to mod the Retro Duo's power switch so that it is compatible with SA-1 games right?

I wonder if the same mod can be done to RDP....

Do you mean the trick of flipping to the NES side, waiting about 5 seconds and then flipping to the SNES side or some sort of hardware mod? If you mean a hardware mod, please link it. This is something I'd like to take a look at.


Are there any more answers forthcoming before this thing launches? Seems like once the video was posted that was the end of the Q&A session.

As much as it sucks, I kinda doubt it. The only person in this thread who can answer the questions raised about the RetroDuo Portable such as compatibility concerns etc is oldskoolfool, and I have a strong suspension he won't be saying a word on the subject, because saying anything can only harm sales of the unit. He's basically the sales rep for dasgames, an online retailer. It isn't in his own best interest to say anything beyond the bare minimum. It's understandable, but it's still horrible for the consumer.

We won't know the system in depth until I or someone else here gets one and throws it through the gauntlet. That being said, assuming the RDP has capabilities similar to the exiting RetroDuo, that means:

-It will support Castlevania III, Uncharted Waters, Gem Fighter and other MMC5 NES games
-It will NOT work with Tengen's Rolling Thunder or the licensed Paperboy.
-It will NOT output Famicom expansion audio
-It will NOT play SA-1 games versions 1.1 or higher

Of course, this doesn't speak to several important other questions like

-If it IS different from the PokeFamiDX, how is it different?

then general questions:

-The quality of the LCD
-The quality of composite video output
-The audio of the audio output, both on the NES and SNES boards
-Will this be a NOAC that supports Retrozone's NES Powerpak?
-What kind of video is being sent to the LCD for SNES games? Is it composite like the FC-16 Go or is it S-video like the Supaboy? or is it actual true RGB?
-Build quality concerns
-Are the new production controllers awesome or terrible?
-standalone adapters
-other concerns




Will anyone do a review of the Genesis Adapter for the RDP??

Of course, but its far too early for any such review. I'd expect to see reviews cropping up in a month or two. I predict that there will be some minor audio differences (to people other than Ace) and the composite video output may be shit based on what we've seen in existing clones and even real Genesis hardware. I wouldn't expect Virtua racing to work or the thing to have much in the way of Master System Base Converter support either. Alos, who knows how they've mapped the Genesis controls to the SNES controller. It might be great, might be shit. Only time will tell

[TonyTheTiger]

As much as it sucks, I kinda doubt it. The only person in this thread who can answer the questions raised about the RetroDuo Portable such as compatibility concerns etc is oldskoolfool, and I have a strong suspension he won't be saying a word on the subject, because saying anything can only harm sales of the unit.

I guess I'm not ordering then. Not taking the chance if there's the possibility something is off, especially since I'm a rookie with clones. I'll be watching to see what people have to say when they get it in their hands.

[Taiyaki]

-What kind of video is being sent to the LCD for SNES games? Is it composite like the FC-16 Go or is it S-video like the Supaboy? or is it actual true RGB?

Actually I don't know that this is the problem, I finally modified my Nomad with the new LCD mod and it uses composite out yet the picture is much clearer than the picture on the Supaboy. Would RGB really make a difference? I find the picture on the Supaboy to be terrible, it looks more like the picture I used to get from RF cables in the early 90's, flickery, blurry texts and poor detail.

EDIT: That indepth reply was a great read by the way.

[MarioMania]

oldskoolfool is just hyping it up for people to buy it..He's not answering anyone's question about it..seems odd in my view

Thanks for answering my question Satoshi

[Old_Skool_Fool]

oldskoolfool is just hyping it up for people to buy it..He's not answering anyone's question about it..seems odd in my view

Thanks for answering my question Satoshi


Ok, well I'm back. Just so you guys know..I'm not "dodging questions", I'm my last post I informed everyone that I was leaving for the CES 2012 to showcase the show and would try to answer questions when time permitted.

Time did not permit.

However, before I continue, please understand, THAT I DON'T OWN ALL THE GAMES in question. I cannot possibly give you answers to questions that I don't have, if I don't own the games and they can't be tested as of now. However, if I get my hands on the games in question I will be able to answer them in an organized fashion.


Now mind you, that this is coming from the makers of the Retro Duo, so the chipset is similar but NOT IDENTICAL.


Is it similar to the Poke FAmi DX = YES it is.

The word on the street is that the technology in the "PokeFamiDX" was Retrobits' and it was engineered for the Japanese market. So the RDP is everything that the DX is plus more.

Well, how much more?? ANSWER = I don't know...because once again, my NES/SNES/GEN Collection is not that of this forum owners'. (Although I wish it was!!:)


Is the sound good... = FROM WHAT I PLAYED.. IT WAS ON POINT.



The video output is Composite. And it looks like composite would look like in today's market of higher end LCD/Plasma TV's.

Will it look better on a TV resolution that isn't through the roof..well of course it will.


HOWEVER


When I do my review to the direct to TV ...it WILL BE on a huge TV Set. So Once again, that may not be the super duper best way to view it.


ALSO


I have ALSO Tested the RetroGen Adapter on the Unit at the CES show. You will see it in use shortly. And it is it's own contained chip set.


What's up with the NES/Retroport Adapter packaged with the RDP?? = ..... THE ADAPTER PACKAGED WITH THE RDP IS BASICALLY A PIN CONVERTER. The technology able to play NES games is contained within the RDP.



I also just want to point out , that yes.. I obviously would appreciate if you guys preordered it (as that's how I am able to get these reviews to you!), though I am very honest in my reviews.


So when I say it's clean.. the Portable is Currently THE BEST Cloned multi-use portable on the market that has been in the works for over 2 1/2 years.



So what about the additional controllers with the unit?? = They are solid..directly breaks in nicely as I used them at the show, a little light weighted but accurate and responsive and wired obviously. They are of course NOT GOING TO BE OFFICIAL QUALITY, but then again, ...what is??

The LCD display is clean, the unit feels weighted and good..so it does not feel cheap. And the Sound and TV Output is on point.


And last but not least.

WILL IT SUPPORT "RETROZONE's Power Pack"...

The Answer is ....

....
..

I don't know.


Because, this item is a development tool, and like all development tools are designed with original hardware in mind. And during development this thing was not tested with that device. So to answer will it work with it, would be a big fat maybe. As depending on the rom set/firmware/version/etc, there will be no way to tell until you tried it for yourself (for those that own one anyway.)


If there is anything else I can answer, then I will try to do my best based on my resources that I have.


Just so you know guys, that the initial release will be out in Feb. and it WILL be limited and with that in mind, if you can...then preorder now. Because once they are gone, they will be gone for a good while (Not to mention, the discount code won't be valid) and most likely the price will go up from other outlets that will carry it. So yes, I do stress the Preorder for the item now and appreciate all that do.


Stay tuned next week for a heavy review of the Retrogen adapter that will work for both the RDP and the Super Nintendo and associated clones.

[Leo_A]

Another thing people need to keep in mind that hasn't been getting near enough attention in this thread is aspect ratio.

This doesn't appear to have a 4:3 LCD going off the various media available. To me, at least, that's a significant issue here and a deal breaker, if true.

Edit - This picture looks to be 4:3, I'm wondering if the media I had saw (I believe I had watched a YouTube video where it appeared to be a widescreen display) was screwed up a bit, somehow.

http://www.dasreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/front_RDP_red_smaller-300x200.jpg

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Old_Skool_Fool, I regret if I came across as disrespectful. That was not my intention - I like what you do and want to see more of it. Thank you for answering most of my questions to the best of your ability.

The question remaining you didn't address is the LCD video feed itself. To your eye, how good is it? The FC-16 Go uses composite feed, the Hyperkin Supaboy uses what looks like S-video. Does the RDP output S-video or true RGB or what?

Also I can understand you won't be able to answer about Retrozone's NES Powerpak, but please please try Castlevania III. It's an awesome game you should own anyway, but if all else fails, please try asking a Retrobit representative about Castlevania 3. It does work on the console version of the the Retro Duo and most modern clones accept it, but it's still a concern. Thanks.

[Cryog]

Thank you for answering our questions. Now it is confirmed, the RDP is based on the pokeFAMI DX. The only difference is that the NOAC is in the console.

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[Tupin]

So, the adapters that work on the SNES actually have the hardware in them, but the one with the RDP doesn't?

Does the RDP have the video cable plug into the cartridge or the machine itself?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Thank you for answering our questions. Now it is confirmed, the RDP is based on the pokeFAMI DX. The only difference is that the NOAC is in the console.

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I wouldn't go that far. Even if they're similar *captain obvious could've told you that* it doesn't mean there aren't going to be performance or compatibility differences between the two. All that we know for sure at this point (at least based on what oldskoolfool says) is that the Pokefami DX and the RDP aren't exactly the same hardware.


So, the adapters that work on the SNES actually have the hardware in them, but the one with the RDP doesn't?

Does the RDP have the video cable plug into the cartridge or the machine itself?

You know, this is exactly what I said before, if you care to read back. The NES adapter that is going to come with the RDP is a simple pin connector designed specifically for the RDP. Since the NOAC is internal to the RDP, the adapter itself doesn't need to have external composite jacks.

[Taiyaki]

The FC-16 Go uses composite feed, the Hyperkin Supaboy uses what looks like S-video. Does the RDP output S-video or true RGB or what?

I hate to be turning around the bush here but I felt a little ignored last time around. I'm totally with you that the Supaboy picture is terrible but does RGB over Composite make any apparent difference with new LCD displays at 3.5 inch? How could the Supaboy deliver S-video when it looks like an RF unit connection. Are you sure that the problem isn't their board or the screen? Again the Nomad mod uses the Composite out and it looks clean. Is this (what video source) really what we should be investigating is my question.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I'm totally with you that the Supaboy picture is terrible

Uh, nope. Never once said that. That's also completely untrue. The LCD screen quality of the Supaboy is in fact quite good. All I've ever been saying is that it just simply isn't as good as the maximum quality possible from the original hardware. it seems to be using S-video instead of true RGB.


How could the Supaboy deliver S-video when it looks like an RF unit connection.

Again, what're you talking about? S-video does not equal RF. Look again or maybe have your eyes examined? The Supaboy video output to either the LCD or to an exterior tv via composite doesn't even remotely resemble RF. This isn't even the case with the FC-16 Go, which has a far worse screen quality than the Supaboy.

[Ace]

it seems to be using S-video instead of true RGB.

I'm not too sure about this. I remember reading somewhere(maybe the BenHeck forums) that the SupaBoy uses Composite on the internal LCD. You even mentioned the Composite in the TV out being quite dark. Considering the system's LCD never shuts off, if it were to use Composite, the signal would obviously weaken because it's being output to two different places, and from what I've read and from what you said in your SupaBoy review, it sounds like the LCD uses Composite.

[kedawa]

It seems kind of stupid and wasteful to convert from RGB to composite inside the clone chip, and then back to RGB within the display itself.

[Cryog]

I wouldn't go that far. Even if they're similar *captain obvious could've told you that* it doesn't mean there aren't going to be performance or compatibility differences between the two. All that we know for sure at this point (at least based on what oldskoolfool says) is that the Pokefami DX and the RDP aren't exactly the same hardware.


But he said exactly that ...




Now mind you, that this is coming from the makers of the Retro Duo, so the chipset is similar but NOT IDENTICAL.


Is it similar to the Poke FAmi DX = YES it is.

The word on the street is that the technology in the "PokeFamiDX" was Retrobits' and it was engineered for the Japanese market. So the RDP is everything that the DX is plus more.

Well, how much more?? ANSWER = I don't know...because once again, my NES/SNES/GEN Collection is not that of this forum owners'. (Although I wish it was!!:)


In other words ... are almost identical. When it hits the market then test the compatibility between them.

[Taiyaki]

Uh, nope. Never once said that. That's also completely untrue. The LCD screen quality of the Supaboy is in fact quite good. All I've ever been saying is that it just simply isn't as good as the maximum quality possible from the original hardware. it seems to be using S-video instead of true RGB.

Again, what're you talking about? S-video does not equal RF. Look again or maybe have your eyes examined? The Supaboy video output to either the LCD or to an exterior tv via composite doesn't even remotely resemble RF. This isn't even the case with the FC-16 Go, which has a far worse screen quality than the Supaboy.

Of course the Supaboy doesn't use RF, ever heard of sarcasm? ...

Composite doesn't equal insane flickering, barely legible texts and blurry textures on a small screen, all of which the Supaboy has (I haven't tried the tv out but I'm talking about the screen of the system itself). I mistook you from someone else since apparently your unit (or your attention to minute details) clearly differs from mine. In all fairness the Supaboy's screen's brightness and contrast are very good but the good ends there, it's an all round terrible screen. I would rather have bad brightness and not have the crawling, flickering and blurry texts but that's just me.

I never played the FC-16 system so I wouldn't know how that compares. Then again this is my first time playing clones, if this is common with clones I'm not going to be hooked for long. I hope this RDP has warmer colors like the Pokefami DX seems to have, because from the video i can't tell and it looks sort of going towards cold temperatures.

Again my point is (for the third time) that composite on a 3.5 inch shouldn't be distinguishable from RGB (unless you take out a magnifying glass). On the Sega Nomad the composite gives out a very sharp and clear image so why can't the Supaboy do the same? You keep talking about composite, s-video or rgb as if somehow this is the sole determining factor for the picture quality (putting video out aside). There's apparently some other reason why the Supaboy doesn't look good. EDIT: doesn't look good "enough" (since you say it's quite good). ;)

[Ace]

It seems kind of stupid and wasteful to convert from RGB to composite inside the clone chip, and then back to RGB within the display itself.

The conversion is done using an external video encoder, usually a Sony CXA1645, but in some cases, might be either a Sony CXA1145 or Samsung KA2198BD. The only clones which convert RGB to Composite inside the clone chip are Geniclones. Super NES clones all use discrete components, not a system-on-a-chip design like NES and Genesis clones.

Still, I can't help but wonder... are there ANY 3.5-inch LCD screens with an RGB input?

[Taiyaki]

The Nomad has RGB, doesn't the DS too?

[Cryog]

2012 new ces releases

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNnymRiCK5E

CES 2012: Retro duo portable

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGfTbKq-dUY

CES 2012: Supa Boy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQf4jK7_vIY

The image on the RDP is much sharper than the Supaboy.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Thanks for posting those videos. Doesn't tell us anything, but its nice to see more of what we do already know.

[nickerous]

Here's an different take on the system:

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/15/retrobit-retroduo-portable-SNES-and-retroport-hands-on/

Doesn't paint it in a great light...although the snes portion is what I'm most interested in.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

The point about NES games having visible intermittent scan-lines on an LCD makes me pause. How the hell can you have scanlines on an LCD? What are they even talking about?

[Old_Skool_Fool]

I read that article, and not sure where that opinion really lies. Scanlines?? I didn't see any scan lines. Not to mention the system feels weighted and solid. The controllers are really the ones that feel lighter.

Anyways, here is the pre-review of the Retrogen Adapter (http://www.dascheap.com/retrogen-sega-genesis-game-adapter.html)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDNm5fpazxI


Also, we've just received the Retrogen Adapters (http://www.dascheap.com/retrogen-sega-genesis-game-adapter.html) with the AV cable for sale and are available now. They actually came earlier than expected, so anyone who wants one can order one now.


I'm really impressed with this little thing. I'll be doing a more in-depth review shortly on the compatibility/performance.


Though keep in mind, I do have limited access to the games so I suggest picking one up since they are fairly cheap and testing it out for yourself.

[kedawa]

They called the Supa Boy "Supra Boy' multiple times and claim that the NES adapter can be used in any SFC/SNES console or clone
I get the impression that they really don't know what the hell they're talking about.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Old Skool Fool, when do you expect to have the self contained NES pin adapters in stock? I'm more interested in the NES adapter that will work on a real SNES than I am the Genesis adapter.

Thanks for posting that CES interview, and while I'm mostly with you, when you say things like


keep in mind, I do have limited access to the games so I suggest picking one up since they are fairly cheap and testing it out for yourself.

It makes those of us leery of compatibility in clones to begin with not trust anything you say. As much as I'd like to have faith in you as something other than a PR guy, its hard to take a statement like that as anything other than a ham-fisted marketing speech.




They called the Supa Boy "Supra Boy' multiple times and claim that the NES adapter can be used in any SFC/SNES console or clone
I get the impression that they really don't know what the hell they're talking about.

This urked me too. It's like oldschoolfool was deliberately misnaming the Supaboy as to insult it by saying "oh that thing sucks so much I'm not even going to bother to call it by its real name".

On the second point, You're obviously confused. There will be TWO NES adapters made by RetroBit. One will come with the RDP, one will not. The one that will come with the RDP is a simple pin adapter that does not have AV output directly and does not contain a NOAC. This version is exclusively for the RDP with its on-board NOAC.

On the other hand, the other NES adapter WILL have a NOAC and AV ports and work with all original hardware. It is currently unknown if this NOAC will be any different from the one found in the RPD, but if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say not.

[buzz_n64]

I'm buying this adapter now! :) Thanks!

[nusilver]

That's still currently unknown. According to Old_Skool_Fool the PokeFami DX and the RetroDuo Portable are not the same, but I don't entirely believe him. The Chinese clone market is incestuous. The NeoFami was released by Yobo as the FC Game Console and is now being sold by RetroBit as the Retorn1. Other than the name and perhaps the casing, its the same system. I wouldn't be surprised if the PokeFami DX and RDP are both being made by Shenzhen Qi Sheng Long.

It makes sense that the PokeFami DX is the Japanese/Asian version of the upcoming RetroDuo Portable, but it's impossible to say for sure until someone does a side-by-side comparison.

If someone wants to open up their RDP when it arrives, I can open my Pokefami DX, which should be here soon, and we can compare the insides. But I find it highly unlikely that they are not the exact same unit, other than cosmetic differences. The buttons are spaced the same, the dpads are exactly the same, as is the reset/contrast button, the controller adaptor, the stand...who do they think they're fooling?

I appreciate old skool fool's enthusiasm, but honestly is a better policy than hucksterism. Depending on how things shape up as more of us receive PDX's, the RDP may be a much better option for someone looking for an alternative to the Supaboy...you're looking at a $50 price difference after importing the PDX.

Also, I may pick up an RDP at some point, simply because the red color reminds me of the orange Sharp Twin Famicoms. Mmmm. If I do end up doing this, you can bet I'll be verifying whether these are the same units.

[kedawa]

I don't see the point of the other NES adapter. If it needs it's own AV cables, then all it's really doing is taking power and controller input from the other console. It's only marginally more convenient than just having a separate console.

[kedawa]

On the second point, You're obviously confused. There will be TWO NES adapters made by RetroBit. One will come with the RDP, one will not. The one that will come with the RDP is a simple pin adapter that does not have AV output directly and does not contain a NOAC. This version is exclusively for the RDP with its on-board NOAC.

I'm not the one who's confused. That's actually what the article claims, which as we both know is false.


NES games are shoehorned in by using an included RetoPort adapter, which lets any compatible console boot its predecessor's cartridges.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Oh sorry, you're right. the preview is wrong on that point.

the "point" of the standalone NES adapter with the av output is to play NES games on your existing SNES if say, you don't want to buy any clones. I'll be buying one because I love interesting Famiclones.

[Old_Skool_Fool]

Old Skool Fool, when do you expect to have the self contained NES pin adapters in stock? I'm more interested in the NES adapter that will work on a real SNES than I am the Genesis adapter.

Thanks for posting that CES interview, and while I'm mostly with you, when you say things like



It makes those of us leery of compatibility in clones to begin with not trust anything you say. As much as I'd like to have faith in you as something other than a PR guy, its hard to take a statement like that as anything other than a ham-fisted marketing speech.





This urked me too. It's like oldschoolfool was deliberately misnaming the Supaboy as to insult it by saying "oh that thing sucks so much I'm not even going to bother to call it by its real name".

On the second point, You're obviously confused. There will be TWO NES adapters made by RetroBit. One will come with the RDP, one will not. The one that will come with the RDP is a simple pin adapter that does not have AV output directly and does not contain a NOAC. This version is exclusively for the RDP with its on-board NOAC.

On the other hand, the other NES adapter WILL have a NOAC and AV ports and work with all original hardware. It is currently unknown if this NOAC will be any different from the one found in the RPD, but if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say not.



Stop picking on the accent guys. Old SKool Fool knows the name of the product, I knew it before it was even launched. I've been doing game journalism for 7+ years. If the ol' accent twists things up, then so be it..lol


On the other note, if we cover and review products it's only natural that we suggest the opportunity to purchase. It's how we are able to continue to produce these things.

[Taiyaki]

Based on the recent article it seems the screen may not be the same as the Pokefami DX. I wish we could get confirmation on this point it's important because this is one of the winning points for the Pokefami DX over the Supa Boy.

We need more unbiased reviews coming in before committing.