Retro Duo Portable - RDP 2 in 1 Portable System

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Alright, let's chalk up the Supra boy thing to an accent. What about the standalone NES adapter? When will dasgames have those for preorder?


I'm getting a RetroDuo Portable no matter what, but I'd like to order the adapters along with it all in one order. When I get it, you guys can expect an unbiased review from me. I already own a FC-16 GO and a Supaboy, so I can contrast the strengths and weaknesses of all three.

[kedawa]

No, no, no. It's spelled SupraBay in the text of the endgadget article.

[nusilver]

i was about to order a Retrogen Adapter from Das, but then they wanted to charge almost $7 to ship, on top of CA tax. Any way to get free shipping on the Retrogen Adapter like what is being offered on the system?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

welcome to what it's like to be Canadian and want to buy anything online.

but to truly understand, you need to be told by a lot of sellers they don't ship outside the US at all first.

[nusilver]

welcome to what it's like to be Canadian and want to buy anything online.

but to truly understand, you need to be told by a lot of sellers they don't ship outside the US at all first.

I hear you. I have been denied so many times by sellers that won't ship to the US from Europe and Japan that I've taken to having packages shipped to our offices in Berlin and Tokyo and then having a colleague ship them to me. It's a pain in the ass. We live in a globally connected world - why restrict your chances at income by refusing to go through the trouble of international shipping?

Anyway. I guess my question's not getting answered, as old skool has disappeared again (yes, I get it, you have a job!). I really hope my Pokefami DX arrives today, so I can find out if it has similar battery life to the RDP.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I look forward to your photos.

[MarioMania]

I can't wait til your review Satoshi

[kedawa]

We live in a globally connected world - why restrict your chances at income by refusing to go through the trouble of international shipping?

Because it's a fucking nightmare, that's why.
It isn't the seller's fault that most of the world's postal systems are horrible.

[nusilver]

Because it's a fucking nightmare, that's why.
It isn't the seller's fault that most of the world's postal systems are horrible.

Sweet. Hostility! I love it! (actually, I don't.)

Anyway, I pre-ordered the RDP and ordered a Retrogen Adapter from DasCheap, but so far, the experience has not been promising. The website went down immediately after I placed my order for the RDP, which seemed fishy as an authorization charge showed up on my bank account almost immediately, and when I emailed customer service to ask why I was already seeing an authorization show up for something that's not shipping for nearly a month, I was met with a vaguely hostile response.

Later, I received a flurry of auto generated emails stating that the phone number from the back of my bank card hadn't been saved to my account for the two orders I placed, even though I'd entered it several times (in both the orders and my account info/billing info)...but what gets me is that I have to put this phone number in at all, as I've never, ever had to do that for an online retailer before.

Has anyone else had any experience ordering from these guys? I'm hopeful, as I always am, that things will turn out fine, but greeting new customers with hostility is not the best way for a business that purports to be "cheaper than Amazon" (not true!) to keep new customers.

EDIT: slight update - the customer service email I received just now was pleasantly neutral - apparently I put the wrong zip code in my billing address. Still, I'd like to hear other peoples' experiences with Das, since I know I can trust you guys.

[kedawa]

Hostility? I think you're reading more into that post than what's there.
Even shipping across the Canada/U.S. border is usually more trouble than it's worth.

[nusilver]

Hostility? I think you're reading more into that post than what's there.
Even shipping across the Canada/U.S. border is usually more trouble than it's worth.

okay. moving on then. :)

[nusilver]

So nobody here has experience with DasCheap?

[Old_Skool_Fool]

Sweet. Hostility! I love it! (actually, I don't.)

Anyway, I pre-ordered the RDP and ordered a Retrogen Adapter from DasCheap, but so far, the experience has not been promising. The website went down immediately after I placed my order for the RDP, which seemed fishy as an authorization charge showed up on my bank account almost immediately, and when I emailed customer service to ask why I was already seeing an authorization show up for something that's not shipping for nearly a month, I was met with a vaguely hostile response.

Later, I received a flurry of auto generated emails stating that the phone number from the back of my bank card hadn't been saved to my account for the two orders I placed, even though I'd entered it several times (in both the orders and my account info/billing info)...but what gets me is that I have to put this phone number in at all, as I've never, ever had to do that for an online retailer before.

Has anyone else had any experience ordering from these guys? I'm hopeful, as I always am, that things will turn out fine, but greeting new customers with hostility is not the best way for a business that purports to be "cheaper than Amazon" (not true!) to keep new customers.

EDIT: slight update - the customer service email I received just now was pleasantly neutral - apparently I put the wrong zip code in my billing address. Still, I'd like to hear other peoples' experiences with Das, since I know I can trust you guys.



You have to put the phone number because it's for your safety as a customer. As online commerce becomes the norm, there is a very high risk of fraud that goes on from day to day! Actually statistically that there is about 8% of all orders daily on the net are fraudulent. So the number is there so that the CS guys/gals can call your banking institution and verify your information, including your phone number.


Das Cheap sells super cheap and are super secure so when they service the customer. I mean if you were selling a $90 product, would you want to send it out to someone not being able to confirm their information? I would feel more secure if the CS agents were calling my banking establishment to verify it was me making the purchase. So that's why they need your phone number. Also, many sites are starting to require them, it's just the nature of the beast.


Also, your card wasn't charged...You were Authorized. That checks the card to make sure it's valid and you have the funds on there. If you used a debit/check card then it may look like a "pending charge" because it takes that "authorization" from real funds as opposed to your credit line. (Unfortunately this is something that isn't explained to you by your bank). Though this is the way it's done.


If you have any questions about preorders for the unit you can contact me or CS.

[nusilver]

You have to put the phone number because it's for your safety as a customer. As online commerce becomes the norm, there is a very high risk of fraud that goes on from day to day! Actually statistically that there is about 8% of all orders daily on the net are fraudulent. So the number is there so that the CS guys/gals can call your banking institution and verify your information, including your phone number.


Das Cheap sells super cheap and are super secure so when they service the customer. I mean if you were selling a $90 product, would you want to send it out to someone not being able to confirm their information? I would feel more secure if the CS agents were calling my banking establishment to verify it was me making the purchase. So that's why they need your phone number. Also, many sites are starting to require them, it's just the nature of the beast.


Also, your card wasn't charged...You were Authorized. That checks the card to make sure it's valid and you have the funds on there. If you used a debit/check card then it may look like a "pending charge" because it takes that "authorization" from real funds as opposed to your credit line. (Unfortunately this is something that isn't explained to you by your bank). Though this is the way it's done.


If you have any questions about preorders for the unit you can contact me or CS.

Hey, thanks for the info Old Skool. It seems DasCheap is having trouble verifying my actual shipping address - I work at Gracenote (a Sony company) in Emeryville, and prefer to have everything shipped here instead of home in Sacramento as I'm not there during the day to check packages. I suggested to Paige (the rep who's been emailing me - she's not the one who was hostile originally) that I re-order using my Paypal account as my work address is verified there...does that make sense? I was just about to give them a call...think I'll do that now.

Hoping to get this all sorted soon. Looking forward to receiving this stuff.

Are you going to E3 again this year? If so, I'll look for you.

Michael

[nusilver]

Hey, thanks for the info Old Skool. It seems DasCheap is having trouble verifying my actual shipping address - I work at Gracenote (a Sony company) in Emeryville, and prefer to have everything shipped here instead of home in Sacramento as I'm not there during the day to check packages. I suggested to Paige (the rep who's been emailing me - she's not the one who was hostile originally) that I re-order using my Paypal account as my work address is verified there...does that make sense? I was just about to give them a call...think I'll do that now.

Hoping to get this all sorted soon. Looking forward to receiving this stuff.

Are you going to E3 again this year? If so, I'll look for you.

Michael

Okay, I got everything resolved. I'm cancelling the RDP pre-order until the authorization charge falls off my account, then re-ordering with PayPal. If anyone wants DasCheap to ship to a different address than their billing address, use PayPal and use a verified address. Problem solved, and Paige was very helpful on the phone. If you can get ahold of DasCheap by phone, do it that way. :)

[Satoshi_Matrix]

oldskoolfool, I don't mean to be rude but could you please answer my question?

Do you know when DasCheap will have the standalone NES adapters in stock? I want to order one alongside the RDP. I see the Genesis version is up, but I'm more interested in the NES adapter. Anything you can tell me is appreciated.

[Old_Skool_Fool]

oldskoolfool, I don't mean to be rude but could you please answer my question?

Do you know when DasCheap will have the standalone NES adapters in stock? I want to order one alongside the RDP. I see the Genesis version is up, but I'm more interested in the NES adapter. Anything you can tell me is appreciated.


From what I am told, the NES units should be available around the same time as the RDP itself. It's ETA is early/mid Feb. If we happen to the get the adapter units earlier (which is actually what happened with the Retrogen units), then I will be more than happy to let you guys know. You should be able to preorder the adapter in the coming days. I also let you know when preorders open up for those.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Thanks. I just want to order them together so I'm only charged shipping once you know?

[buzz_n64]

No video issues on my HDTV.

edit- The below results occurred on my Standard definition flat screen tv
__________________________________________________ ________________________
Just got my Genesis adapter in today, and I'm having some issues so far with my SNES.

First off, yes, you do need to plug the included a/v cable into the adapter.
2nd, as expected Virtua Racing does not work.
First game I tried, Sonic 1 works, but has major screen scrolling issues, and I tried the different tv modes on the adapter.
All games that work have some sort of screen distortion, at least a small scrambled bar on the top of the screen.
Game Genie works, Mortal Kombat 3 works, Squirrel King (pirate) works, Sonic 3 works, Golden Axe II (JAP) works until the 2nd level, then screen scrolling issues, X-perts works, 4 in 1 pirate cart only boots up 1 of the 4 games and that one has screen issues as well.

I'm going to look for another a/v cable to see if it's just a cable issue.

[MarioMania]

I wonder if there's a screwe to open it up and see if there's a way to get Virtua Racing to run on it...

[Satoshi_Matrix]

No, it's sounds like a typical clone. of course co-processor games won't work on it. It might even be incorrectly hooked up. Also the video is probably shit because the real Genesis composite is shit. What I'm curious about is audio distortion and button mapping.

buzz_n64, you said you have Mortal Kombat 3. Please go into the controls option and see what the Genesis buttons are mapped to on the SNES pad. please make us a chart.

[MarioMania]

Thanks for the heads up, I still buying it..

How many did you test btw??

Try Super SF2, It will work with the MD Adapter with the PokiFami DX..but on Cammy's stage the BG is messed up

Starts at 5:10


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

[nusilver]

Thanks. I just want to order them together so I'm only charged shipping once you know?

from what i can tell, the site uses a per-item shipping. i tried to order several games with my retrogen adapter and the shipping was going to be like, $20. So I ordered the retrogen adapter by itself. You probably aren't going to get any savings ordering both together. Just FYI.

[buzz_n64]

Thanks for the heads up, I still buying it..

How many did you test btw??

Try Super SF2, It will work with the MD Adapter with the PokiFami DX..but on Cammy's stage the BG is messed up

Starts at 5:10


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

The background in Cammy's stage is fine.

[buzz_n64]

No, it's sounds like a typical clone. of course co-processor games won't work on it. It might even be incorrectly hooked up. Also the video is probably shit because the real Genesis composite is shit. What I'm curious about is audio distortion and button mapping.

buzz_n64, you said you have Mortal Kombat 3. Please go into the controls option and see what the Genesis buttons are mapped to on the SNES pad. please make us a chart.

A is the Y button, Y is the X button, Z is the right trigger, B is the B button, A is the C button, and X is the left trigger. Tested with Super Street Fighter II.

[zin0099]

will the retroport/gen adapters work without the av ports on the cartridges and just use the internal systems(snes/snes clones) video port?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

A is the Y button, Y is the X button, Z is the right trigger, B is the B button, A is the C button, and X is the left trigger. Tested with Super Street Fighter II.

So let me get this streight

Gen = SNES
A = Y
B = B
C = A
X = L
Y = X
Z = R

So for three button games, you are using the SNES Y, B and A buttons for A B and C? That's surprisingly decent.



will the retroport/gen adapters work without the av ports on the cartridges and just use the internal systems(snes/snes clones) video port?

No. These standalone cartirdge clones will not work the av cables included. The SNES or other Super NES clone is only really being used to supply power and a control input, exactly like the TriStar/Super 8 did. the hardware is build into the cart and is completely independant of the SNES.

[buzz_n64]

So let me get this streight

Gen = SNES
A = Y
B = B
C = A
X = L
Y = X
Z = R

So for three button games, you are using the SNES Y, B and A buttons for A B and C? That's surprisingly decent.

Correct, it works out well. And start is start. :)

[kedawa]

That's serviceable, but ideally, the layout would be;
Y=gB
B=gC
A=gA
since B is attack and C is jump in most Genesis games.

[zin0099]

So let me get this streight

Gen = SNES
A = Y
B = B
C = A
X = L
Y = X
Z = R

So for three button games, you are using the SNES Y, B and A buttons for A B and C? That's surprisingly decent.




No. These standalone cartirdge clones will not work the av cables included. The SNES or other Super NES clone is only really being used to supply power and a control input, exactly like the TriStar/Super 8 did. the hardware is build into the cart and is completely independant of the SNES.

well what about the retroduo portable? is it just powering it or is it using the video cable?

[buzz_n64]

Also, I'll point out that for the descriptions, all five languages on the box for the adapter are English.

[nusilver]

Buzz, I'm having trouble figuring out your post about issues as you retroactively edited it. So are you saying most of the games had *no* graphical issues on your HDTV? I'm still ....waiting....for my retrogen adapter to ship. I think Paige said it would ship tomorrow.

I bought my first two Genesis games ever - X-Men 2 and Jurassic Park - really hoping they play well via this adapter. Because I love those games.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Those two should play no problem, but its questionable at best if X-Men will be beatable with the RetroGen. I doubt the SNES reset button will act as the Genesis one. It's more likely that it'll only react to the power switch.

[buzz_n64]

Buzz, I'm having trouble figuring out your post about issues as you retroactively edited it. So are you saying most of the games had *no* graphical issues on your HDTV? I'm still ....waiting....for my retrogen adapter to ship. I think Paige said it would ship tomorrow.

Correct, only had graphical issues with my standard definition tv. No issues with the HDTV as in regards to picture quality.

[nusilver]

Correct, only had graphical issues with my standard definition tv. No issues with the HDTV as in regards to picture quality.

interesting. well, i can't wait to get this thing. I've never actually owned a Genesis (did I already say that?), so I'm really curious to see how this clone lives up to my memory of playing at a friend's house.

[nusilver]

for those of you interested in how the RDP (probably) compares to the Supaboy, my Pokefami DX arrived today (first one in the US, woot?). Take a look at my initial reactions in the Supaboy thread. (pssst...the The PDX/RDP is a much better device!)

[Old_Skool_Fool]

interesting. well, i can't wait to get this thing. I've never actually owned a Genesis (did I already say that?), so I'm really curious to see how this clone lives up to my memory of playing at a friend's house.


And speaking of things arriving, Das Cheap! actually just got an early limited supply of the Retro Duo Portable in Black (http://www.dascheap.com/retro-duo-portable-black.html) in stock as of this post. The official release is set for the end of February, however there was a small shipment secured for the RDP in black right now. So, anyone that Preorderd the Black will receive shipment, as for the Red, it still is slated for late Feb.


There's only so many available, so I expect them to sell out in less than 2 days! So get these while you can before anyone else, because from the looks of this, even the second shipment will sell out fast as well and be gone for quite some time.


So now, I can play classic games and watch the Super Bowl at the same time!

[Cryog]

I buy the Genesis Converter from Das Cheap, but the postman deliver incorrectly my adapter to another address in another city. Where I can claim my order?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Any word on when Dascheap will have the standalone NES adapters Old_Skool_Fool?

[Old_Skool_Fool]

I buy the Genesis Converter from Das Cheap, but the postman deliver incorrectly my adapter to another address in another city. Where I can claim my order?


Not really sure on that one. If you are in PR, then you are going to have to contact your local postal hub. Check with CS on the address in your account, and if it's correct then call your local USPS office and they should give you a little more guidance on the whereabouts. Sometimes, USPS may divert your package to another location/hub before delivering to your originating address.

[Taiyaki]

No disrespect to Oldskoolfool but anyone who buys this item before the reviews are out is repeating the same mistake most of us made with the Supaboy. From the only review we've had this item does not match the Pokefami DX.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

What review is that?

I've ordered mine and am currently awaiting it to be deleivered. When it arrives, I'll be sure to put it throughly through its paces. I remain hopeful the NES comptaibility will be as high, if not higher than the standalone RetroDuo. SNES compatibility is nice too of course, but I'm mainly interested for the NES factor.

FWI for fellow Canadians who want to buy from DasCheap:

Dascheap makes you jump through A LOT of hoops before you can order anything. It's not enough to give them your creditcard information - they wanted me to print out and then sign an authorization form and submit copies of my driver's license or passport. I refused to do that and they just let it go after filling in all the regular fields and then also having a copy of my signature and phone number and all kinds of other info, including the phone number for my creditcard provider. I don't get why DasCheap needs so much damn information on file to curb fraud.

Shipping come to a little over $30 USD. DasCheap is anything but "Cheap" for Canadians.

[Taiyaki]

What review is that?

The short review on Engadget that was linked a few pages ago in this thread.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Well, I don't entirely trust that they knew what they were talking about. That's just their impressions of it in a noisy tradeshow. Nothing can be really ruled out until us gamers get our hands on it and are able to put it through a battery of tests.

[Cryog]

The short review on Engadget that was linked a few pages ago in this thread.

The worst review of all ...

[nusilver]

The worst review of all ...

Agreed on all of this. I am quite fond of the Pokefami DX and am reasonably certain they're the same system, but we won't know until we know. The Pokefami DX is, in most regards, miles beyond the "current" competition, but it isn't perfect. If the RDP can fix the 1 major issue I think the system has (flickering screen when using built-in speakers), then it's gonna be the winner.

I'm trying to order a red RDP from DasCheap right now, but am having issues with trying to pay with Paypal (the site formatting goes all wonky), and they won't ship it to my work address if I pay with my debit card. I'm hoping this all gets resolved soon so I can place my order and be done with it, but for those in the US looking for an RDP now, there's a seller on Amazon selling them for only a few dollars more than DC (after shipping, no tax in California, etc.).

http://www.amazon.com/Retro-Duo-Portable-Black-Console-Retro-Bit/dp/B0071NNPOW/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1327690916&sr=1-2

[Old_Skool_Fool]

What review is that?

I've ordered mine and am currently awaiting it to be deleivered. When it arrives, I'll be sure to put it throughly through its paces. I remain hopeful the NES comptaibility will be as high, if not higher than the standalone RetroDuo. SNES compatibility is nice too of course, but I'm mainly interested for the NES factor.

FWI for fellow Canadians who want to buy from DasCheap:

Dascheap makes you jump through A LOT of hoops before you can order anything. It's not enough to give them your creditcard information - they wanted me to print out and then sign an authorization form and submit copies of my driver's license or passport. I refused to do that and they just let it go after filling in all the regular fields and then also having a copy of my signature and phone number and all kinds of other info, including the phone number for my creditcard provider. I don't get why DasCheap needs so much damn information on file to curb fraud.

Shipping come to a little over $30 USD. DasCheap is anything but "Cheap" for Canadians.



It's very natural to ask to verify your identity when making a purchase. Like I said earlier, they are very strict and I'm glad because they have caught quite a few perpetrators that order fraudulently. Don't take it the wrong way guys, I don't think you have bad intentions, however CS does not know who you are! And any order over a $100 will be verified in this fashion.


Once again, I had mentioned that the credit card phone number is required (as is being adopted by even larger sites for verification purposes) in order to verify your information with the bank...EVEN MORE SO WITH INTERNATIONAL CARDS.


I hate to be that guy, but I go to 7-11 5 blocks from my house and when I use a debit check or credit card and BUY AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH, the clerk asks me to see my ID to match up with my card. And that's for $3.00!!!


So now case in point where some company is taking a risk on making a whole 10% on a $90 product and you tell me if it's a good idea to take steps to secure the customer and the company or just "push it through" because many sites don't care as much and will just "let it go".... Especially when at the drop of a phone call the company can lose the products and the purchase price...All just because you didn't want to put the phone number to a bank you already gave the CC number to.


And as for shipping, RESPECTABLE Shipping services cost real money. Many people on Amazon use "media mail fraudulently" and is ONLY FOR BOOKS. Nothing else, and is super slow, no tracking and is subject to opening if the US Postal service feels that the company or person sending is misusing the service for something other than printed matter.


So yes, when you are an international customer, the rates are calculated in real time via a USPS API direct from the OFFICIAL Methods of shipment. As it turns out, many have been spoiled from the days of undercutting shipping through service misuse. Das Cheap doesn't cut back on where it counts...and that's service, and shipment.


Just so you know, as of 3 weeks ago, UPS & FEdex have raised their rates. It's the cost of the times...peeps...Movies don't cost $5.00 and gas isn't $2.50 a gallon and now a small dish of ice cream costs $5.75... So yes, the price is the real price to get things done.


Overall the Black RDPs are in stock currently and from what I hear will sell out soon. And once you have a "verified account", through having correct and verifiable info, then you won't have to worry about future orders being sent with any type of "hoop jumping".



If anyone has any questions, once again they can hit me up directly.

[Tupin]

I want one of these, but I'm hesitant. Especially since the first few Supaboys to come out were really prototype units that didn't work well...

But like I said, I will get one if the reviews are good.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

well keep in mind that the two products are produced by two different companies. Hyperkin's problems with the Supaboy have nothing to with any potential shortcomings the RetroDuo Portable may have.

It's like saying you're hesitant to buy a Playstation 3 because of the Xbox 360's RROD.

[kedawa]

It's like saying you're hesitant to buy a Playstation 3 because of the Xbox 360's RROD.

YLOD says wassup.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Lets not get way off topic, but the YLOD isn't the same as the RROD. The RROD affects a crazy number of 360s, maybe even as high as 70% of all systems made before 2010. To not get it is to have dodged a bullet. The YLOD on the other hand, is rare, and only occurs when all other heat-related countermeasures are exhausted.

I've had to heatgun my 2006 HDMi-free 360 at least two dozen times where as my day one launch purchase PS3 has never once had a problem with heat.

Again, I don't want to get into a fanboy-ish PS3 vs 360 rant here. The analogy was to compare apples to oranges, not the RROD to the YLOD.

[Taiyaki]

Lets not get way off topic, but the YLOD isn't the same as the RROD. The RROD affects a crazy number of 360s, maybe even as high as 70% of all systems made before 2010. To not get it is to have dodged a bullet. The YLOD on the other hand, is rare, and only occurs when all other heat-related countermeasures are exhausted.

I've had to heatgun my 2006 HDMi-free 360 at least two dozen times where as my day one launch purchase PS3 has never once had a problem with heat.

Again, I don't want to get into a fanboy-ish PS3 vs 360 rant here. The analogy was to compare apples to oranges, not the RROD to the YLOD.

Agreed, the YLOD is almost non existent where as the RROD is rampant. There's a major difference here and that is that Sony has an established history for building good consoles. Also there is no precedent for what happened to Microsoft with the 360, it was an incredible problem.

There is precedent for portable clone systems, I haven't bought any prior to the supaboy but my friends have and I've seen two models of the Megadrive in portable form and both were really poor reproductions, the Nomad would beat both with it's pinky while sleeping. Then the Supaboy, wow what can I say... I never had a second of enjoyment the entire time playing it was frustration at what a piece of crap this was, glad I returned it.

Also people criticize the engadget review but in his comments he added details, I think there's no reason for them to spew falsehood, they just saw the system on display and they found it unimpressive.

I've had 3 xbox 360's, two japanese and one american and none of them has had a RROD, so I always felt people treat their xbox like they treat any console expecting it to be sturdy when in reality it's like an infant in a cocoon, you need to make sure it's bathed in care or any little breeze will kill it.

[nusilver]

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?159682-Pokefami-DX-English-Review

As I've finally started a Pokefami DX thread, I won't be posting anymore in the rdp or supaboy threads, except where it pertains directly to those two devices.

Enjoy!

[MarioMania]

When are we going to have some Youtube Videos of te RetroGen??

How many people have it anyways??

[nusilver]

When are we going to have some Youtube Videos of te RetroGen??

How many people have it anyways??

The RetroGen adapter? Mine delivered today, from what I can tell. I can post a quick video this weekend, but I only own two Genesis games - X-Men 2 and Jurassic Park. But I will test the bejesus out of those games :P

[MarioMania]

Get more games

Then Test it...

[nusilver]

Notes, so far, of the RetroGen adapter (keep in mind I've never owned a Genesis):

No issues on my SDTV
Haven't tried it on my HDTV
Color output looks accurate from what I *remember* these games looking like....~20 years ago :eek 2:
Works on both American models of the SNES
Works on the Pokefami DX
Jurassic Park plays perfectly so far - two levels in
X-Men 2 plays perfectly so far - two levels in
Up next: Castle of Illusion

[Satoshi_Matrix]

put some Sonic into that thing! is the audio off? That's the big question.

[nusilver]

put some Sonic into that thing! is the audio off? That's the big question.

gotta get some sonic first. just debating between 2 and 3. i guess i can get them both.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Well, I actually meant Sonic 1. You really should get the whole trilogy though. AND sonic & knuckles.

[MarioMania]

Just want to know can it be opened??

[nusilver]

Well, I actually meant Sonic 1. You really should get the whole trilogy though. AND sonic & knuckles.

i'm on this. you just wait! :)

[nusilver]

Just want to know can it be opened??

Sure. Four philips-head screws. nothing fancy. Made in China. You know. American Companies! Yeah!

[Choses]

I bought the RDP on DasCheap, it was actually very easy for me and I am Canadian. But they sent me an old tracking number for some item delivered in 2010. Seems fishy, but I hope it's just a mistake.

[nusilver]

I bought the RDP on DasCheap, it was actually very easy for me and I am Canadian. But they sent me an old tracking number for some item delivered in 2010. Seems fishy, but I hope it's just a mistake.

That's actually not something to worry about. Tracking numbers are often recycled with couriers - try it again later, I'm sure it will update appropriately.

[Choses]

Yeah that must be it. I sent them a message, and they just called me, I was quite surprised. It really shipped according to the guy, so I feel better now. I also know that I suck at talking in english. :|

[thegamezmaster]

I bought the RDP on DasCheap, it was actually very easy for me and I am Canadian. But they sent me an old tracking number for some item delivered in 2010. Seems fishy, but I hope it's just a mistake.

Where is it on DasCheap site and how much? I couldn't find it. Thanks.

[nusilver]

Where is it on DasCheap site and how much? I couldn't find it. Thanks.

you have to search "retro duo portable", not RDP, i.e. : http://www.dascheap.com/retro-duo-portable.html

[Choses]

So I received my RDP !
...First thing I notice : a high-pitched sound. Oh no.

I'll try it more later.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

So I received my RDP !
...First thing I notice : a high-pitched sound. Oh no.

I'll try it more later.

Facepalm Dot Jay Pee Gee

[nusilver]

So I received my RDP !
...First thing I notice : a high-pitched sound. Oh no.

I'll try it more later.

Don't suppose you care to crack it open and post pics of the boards? The model number on the ribbon attaching the screen to the board would be extra nice to have.

[Choses]

I took some pics of the inside. I'm not sure what is the ribbon you're talking about, maybe it's deeper in the system.

http://oi39.tinypic.com/2uzwcpw.jpg

http://oi42.tinypic.com/s1jg1u.jpg

http://oi44.tinypic.com/2rxjjm8.jpg

http://oi43.tinypic.com/de30pz.jpg

http://oi42.tinypic.com/30t5ll3.jpg

[nusilver]

I took some pics of the inside. I'm not sure what is the ribbon you're talking about, maybe it's deeper in the system.

http://oi39.tinypic.com/2uzwcpw.jpg

http://oi42.tinypic.com/s1jg1u.jpg

http://oi44.tinypic.com/2rxjjm8.jpg

http://oi43.tinypic.com/de30pz.jpg

http://oi42.tinypic.com/30t5ll3.jpg

interesting. looks very, very close to the Pokefami DX - same chips, same wiring of the sound and image board to the speakers; etc.

take a look at this picture (sorry it's horrible, i need to replace the camera lens) - notice the white numbers that you can't read that are running along the ribbon connecting the screen to the board? I'm curious if you've got the same exact screen as the Pokefami DX - if you can flip the screen up and check, that'll tell us. If not, no worries - I've got a red one pre-ordered as well.

How's the sound now that you've had more time with it? Are there horizontal lines pulsing on the screen when you turn the volume up and music is playing?

Thanks for opening it up. :)

[Choses]

The sound is not so great overall. It's my only portable SNES so I can't compare it, but I think it could be better. And there's that uncomfortable noise coming from the speakers. :|
As for the screen, there are no lines when the volume is at its loudest.

I think I prefer not opening it again. I don't want anything bad to happen to it. :)

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Just got my RetroDuo today. I'm full of piss and vinegar as it's not all I had hoped for, but thankfully it is a step up from the Supaboy in many regards. The audio for my unit seems as near to perfect as its gonna get. It is MUCH better than the Supaboy.

But I'm curious if Choses can help verify some of my findings.

I'll need time to work on a full review but here's my findings so far:

The controllers it comes with are excellent, easily the best clone controllers I've ever used. They feel light, yet solidly built and capable of taking some punishment.

Castlevania III does NOT work. There are severe problems with the audio until the titlescreen, the intro is filled with graphical garbage/glitches, and then the game crashes when actual gameplay should begin.

The NES Powerpak does NOT work with the RetroDuo Portable.

As expected, the NOAC seems to be in the NES to SNES cartridge adapter.

The NOAC sound doesn't seem wrong, but it does seem like its being over-amplified. It's been a while since I had a stock RetroDuo, but I think it might be the same issue all over again. I wonder if an audio dampener can be made to correct this?

The Supaboy buzz is nonexistent in most games, but you can still faintly hear it in certain games like Super Mario World. What is present is barely audible, unlike the Supaboy's which becomes difficult to ignore even after several minutes of gameplay

-Some of my games have wavy lines through them like there's major sych issues. I thought this might have been caused by something loose internally, but its not something that happens across the board. For example, it occurs with the Super GameBoy every single time I've tried it, but it does not have this issue with Donkey Kong Country 2.

-The same deal as the Supaboy, the RDP doesn't seem to properly reconize sweeping diagonal dpad inputs in shumps. In fact, testing it with Zelda, pressing down right actually began to give me the opposite input of up left! What in the hell?!

-Like the Supaboy, Composite video output is dark and grainy.

I'll be testing it further and write up a lengthy detailed review of it, but these are my initial findings.