RetroDuo Portable Video Review - SNES & NES 2-in-1

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Hey guys, I thought I'd share with you my video review of the newly released RetroDuo Portable. This unit is the third of the portable SNES clones, but is third time a charm? I've split this review into two parts - hardware review and games compatibility stress test. I should have the second part up tomorrow. When I do, I'll add it to this thread.

for now, the hardware review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq1H-HhZNH4

And again, for those curious on my thoughts on the other two portable SNES clones:

Yobo FC-16 GO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elqLpKKWgC4

Hyperkin Supaboy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAxAu6kx7Zg

[MyTurnToPlay]

nice review....crap product.

Good SNES portables are like a jumping elephant...they don't exist.

just my opinion...everyone else is free to throw away their money.

thank you.

[nusilver]

Why is this guy still allowed to post here, again?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

nice review....crap product.

Good SNES portables are like a jumping elephant...they don't exist.

just my opinion...everyone else is free to throw away their money.

thank you.

So, enlighten me.

If those are your feelings, why is it that you feel compelled to categorically/religiously respond in every iteration of every portable SNES clone thread?

Without diminishing you RIGHT to post ... why not just ignore these threads if you hate clone SNES hardware so much?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Do not feed the troll. It's best for all of us if we simply completely and utterly ignore MyTurnToPlay.

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread with zero replies thus far!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Do not feed the troll. It's best for all of us if we simply completely and utterly ignore MyTurnToPlay.

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread with zero replies thus far!

Fair enough. I still need to watch your review, which I can't do at work ... though I will later this evening.

[TonyTheTiger]

I tried watching it on mute at work with the closed captions on but that's a show in itself. I certainly had trouble understanding your comments about "public pollen" and "student market." After having watched properly, I definitely appreciate the review.

I'll tell ya, the face button problem is a huge problem for me. As an avid Mega Man X player, I've become extremely proficient at rocking my thumb across Y, B, & A. If I can't properly reproduce my play style on this thing then that's a giant black mark. And the D-pad thing is just plain stupid.

[nusilver]

one thing i think we're all forgetting here is that the y + a buttons are farther apart on a real SNES controller than the b + y, x + b, etc (I've got one here in front of me, I'm not making this up!). I also can't think of a situation in which the distance between y + a on the RDP would impede playing any worse than the gap on a real SNES controller.

Anyway. I enjoyed the review. Looking forward to part 2.

[understatement]

I wonder if you could mod or replace the stock D-pad, maybe with one from an official SNES controller. I think the only reason official controllers don’t have that problem is they’re shaped like a top that teeters on the center point. :?

These things are starting to look a lot more appealing compared to the NES counterparts that I've seen.

[nusilver]

I wonder if you could mod or replace the stock D-pad, maybe with one from an official SNES controller. I think the only reason official controllers don’t have that problem is they’re shaped like a top that teeters on the center point. :?

These things are starting to look a lot more appealing compared to the NES counterparts that I've seen.

You can't replace it with an official d-pad. I've tried already with a Pokefami DX, which is the "eastern" equivalent to this.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Good review! But, man, that D-Pad with the center press contact issue seems troublesome. I hope they revise that.

[csgx1]

Nice review! Up to 8 hours of battery life is awesome. Sounds like the better SNES portable so far compared to the other two. Still not totally sold on any one of these since they all seem to have different pros & cons.


You can't replace it with an official d-pad. I've tried already with a Pokefami DX, which is the "eastern" equivalent to this.
I'm a little concerned with the RDP's dpad and it seems like a potential problem with a lot of games. I'm usually 'thumb heavy' on dpads when playing certain games. So the Pokefami DX is the same where the center of the dpad can be pressed, basically hitting all directions at once? Is the Supaboy's dpad similar too?

Sounds like the included Retrobit controllers are great but I can't see myself using them much with the RDP. I wonder if the dpad from the Retrobit controllers could possibly be swapped to the RDP?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Maybe there's a way to epoxy a ball bearing or something to the dead center of the underside of the D-Pad.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I'm a little concerned with the RDP's dpad and it seems like a potential problem with a lot of games. I'm usually 'thumb heavy' on dpads when playing certain games. So the Pokefami DX is the same where the center of the dpad can be pressed, basically hitting all directions at once? Is the Supaboy's dpad similar too?

Sounds like the included Retrobit controllers are great but I can't see myself using them much with the RDP. I wonder if the dpad from the Retrobit controllers could possibly be swapped to the RDP?

according to nusilver, the PFDX has the exact same dpad flaws as the RDP. The Supaboy does as well. Only the FC-16 Go avoids this issue, but the FC-16 GO also has the worst screen of the four.

Honestly, the two controllers the RDP comes with are so damn excellent they more than make up for the flaws of the built in controls. In fact, anytime I play it now, I sit it on its stand and play it with the controllers. The controllers are small and its really no trouble to carry one with me. Its a shame the built in controls weren't of the same quality as the stock controllers, but its clear they built-in controls weren't designed by the same people who made the external controllers.

Based on all the findings with Nusilver, it's pretty clear that the RDP and the PFDX are completely identical in every respect except for the external shape of the shell.

That makes me wonder. Nusilver, do you know who made the PokeFami DX? does the box have any company information or come with a manual of some sort?

[nickerous]

I have not used the Supaboy or the RDP, but sounds like FC 16 Go is the best right now. The biggest thing about these machines, to me, are the units themselves. Video out, controllers in the box, and the ability to use original SNES controllers are all great, but if the portable aspect isn't up to par, then what's the point? I already have two SNES systems in the house and more than one portable that will emulate the games. I want portable SNES perfection. Honestly, I don't think any of these accomplish that feat. The SupaBoy has sound issues, RDP has D-Pad issues, and FC 16 Go has screen blurriness to go along with D-Pad issues. The second revision of FC 16 Go fixes the D-pad to a certain degree, but it still needs work.

Sounds like RDP is the closest to perfection, but it appears they need a second revision to fix the D-Pad issues and the space between the buttons. I have the FC 16 Go and plan on keeping it until one of these units hit phase 2...or lands on the clearance rack.

I absolutely love the wireless controllers included with the FC 16 Go, and if I were to play any of these without the on board controls, I'd want them to be wireless. Huge plus, imo.

[nusilver]

according to nusilver, the PFDX has the exact same dpad flaws as the RDP. The Supaboy does as well. Only the FC-16 Go avoids this issue, but the FC-16 GO also has the worst screen of the four.

Honestly, the two controllers the RDP comes with are so damn excellent they more than make up for the flaws of the built in controls. In fact, anytime I play it now, I sit it on its stand and play it with the controllers. The controllers are small and its really no trouble to carry one with me. Its a shame the built in controls weren't of the same quality as the stock controllers, but its clear they built-in controls weren't designed by the same people who made the external controllers.

Based on all the findings with Nusilver, it's pretty clear that the RDP and the PFDX are completely identical in every respect except for the external shape of the shell.

That makes me wonder. Nusilver, do you know who made the PokeFami DX? does the box have any company information or come with a manual of some sort?

No manual included; the company is listed as Gamejoy Japan... a company which I can't find any information on.

[kedawa]

Great review.
I'm relieved to hear that the dpad issues are mechanical and not electrical, although that doesn't mean they'll be easy to fix.
Adding a hard pivot point to the dpad would introduce problems of its own, such as pressure on the mainboard, or particles of worn plastic that could bugger up the screen.
It's kind of a moot point for me, since I actually like the original RD controllers, and have never had a problem with the dpad on them.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

If you like the stock RetroDuo Controllers, then you really owe it to yourself to try out the RDP's controllers. They're LIGHTYEARS better.

[eggwolio]

Looking forward to the other half of this review. I'm still enjoying my Supaboy(audio issue and all), but I'm definitely interested in how the competition stacks up. Speaking of the Supaboy, couldn't you just get a 1/8" plug at radio shack or somewhere, without the cord, just the plug and put it in the A/V socket to use external controllers in portable mode? I haven't tried it, but seeing as the screen stays on even with the A/V cords plugged in, it seems like a viable option to me.

[Culex4096]

Looking forward to the other half of this review. I'm still enjoying my Supaboy(audio issue and all), but I'm definitely interested in how the competition stacks up. Speaking of the Supaboy, couldn't you just get a 1/8" plug at radio shack or somewhere, without the cord, just the plug and put it in the A/V socket to use external controllers in portable mode? I haven't tried it, but seeing as the screen stays on even with the A/V cords plugged in, it seems like a viable option to me.

When I had my Supaboy, you could still use controllers in portable mode. Though only clone and 3rd party controllers, unfortunately official Nintendo as well as Nintendo licensed controllers don't seem to work in portable mode. I don't know why that is, but it's really strange.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

couldn't you just get a 1/8" plug at radio shack or somewhere, without the cord, just the plug and put it in the A/V socket to use external controllers in portable mode? I haven't tried it, but seeing as the screen stays on even with the A/V cords plugged in, it seems like a viable option to me.

except you wouldnt get any sound output that way.

[eggwolio]

except you wouldnt get any sound output that way.

Yeah, I thought about that a bit after I posted. Though there might be some way to get sound from the A/V port via headphones or something. That'd semi-solve the buzz issue, too.

EDIT: Upon further inspection, the A/V jack is a 2.5mm plug instead of a traditional 3.5mm headphone plug. I'll dig out one of my 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapters in the next few days and see if I can get audio from it via headphones that way. Also, sorry to derail this thread with Supaboy talk.

[TonyTheTiger]

I guess what rubs me the wrong way is that all the problems with this thing sound like very basic issues that should have been easily addressed during the design phase. Is there really a reason for the D-pad and buttons to not look/function to SNES specs other than an arbitrary desire to deviate for the hell of it? It's especially egregious since the separate controllers prove they most certainly had the capacity to conform. Weird compatibility problems are expected with clones and are often forgivable given the technology. But basic stuff like this is pretty ridiculous for a device that, in all other ways, looks to be amazingly comfortable to hold. It's almost like self-sabotage. "We're making a clone system so we must make certain to deliberately mess something up!"

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I couldn't agree more. The system is so close to being the definitive best but it has a few small but annoying flaws that keep it about on equal footing with its competition. The FC-16 Go and the Supaboy are both functional though flawed through their cheap parts, but the only noticable problems with the RDP are all ill conceived design choices.

I'm hoping to have the follow up review done soon.

[nusilver]

I couldn't agree more. The system is so close to being the definitive best but it has a few small but annoying flaws that keep it about on equal footing with its competition. The FC-16 Go and the Supaboy are both functional though flawed through their cheap parts, but the only noticable problems with the RDP are all ill conceived design choices.

I'm hoping to have the follow up review done soon.

i'm glad the screen doesn't flicker like on my pokefami dx when i'm not using headphones, but i'm still curious if it's the same one. have you opened 'er up? can you tell me the part number on the ribbon connecting the screen to the board? if it's the same one...hmm...

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Alright guys, part 2, the SNES compatibility stress test video is up! Stay tuned for part 3 where I throw the NES NOAC through the ringer. For now, here's SNES performance!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to1-TekJP-0

[Bazoo]

I know this might sound completely weird and offbeat, but I was actually very excited when you showed the grainy composite video. It feels so nostalgic, like on TVs I had when I was younger. I would hate a grainy video on the portable screen, but with the TV I think that's more awesome than a sharp picture. I'm probably crazy in that regard ha ha.

Thank you for the review videos Satoshi, they have certainly influenced my purchasing decision. I'm impressed by the RDP, but I very much wish that the D-Pad problems were fixed. I'm trying to decide between purchasing now or waiting to see if the D-Pad problem will be fixed in a potential second run. Do you think that's likely? Either way, do you guys all think it's worth the money? I'll wait, obviously, for Satoshi's review of the retroport, but I'm a little less concerned about the true quality of that side (as long as I can get most games running, and running without -excessively- annoying sound issues).

[Culex4096]

I'm impressed by the RDP, but I very much wish that the D-Pad problems were fixed. I'm trying to decide between purchasing now or waiting to see if the D-Pad problem will be fixed in a potential second run. Do you think that's likely?.

Well there are now three versions of the Retro Duo console, and so I would assume that Retro-Bit will produce another version of the RDP eventually as well.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I know this might sound completely weird and offbeat, but I was actually very excited when you showed the grainy composite video. It feels so nostalgic, like on TVs I had when I was younger. I would hate a grainy video on the portable screen, but with the TV I think that's more awesome than a sharp picture. I'm probably crazy in that regard ha ha.

Thank you for the review videos Satoshi, they have certainly influenced my purchasing decision. I'm impressed by the RDP, but I very much wish that the D-Pad problems were fixed. I'm trying to decide between purchasing now or waiting to see if the D-Pad problem will be fixed in a potential second run. Do you think that's likely? Either way, do you guys all think it's worth the money? I'll wait, obviously, for Satoshi's review of the retroport, but I'm a little less concerned about the true quality of that side (as long as I can get most games running, and running without -excessively- annoying sound issues).

You know, I kinda sorta agree with you. The grainy video is almost nostalgic. Almost. According to Hyperkin, they're run 13 revisions of the RetorN3 since it was introduced. There's also at least two versions of the Supaboy thus far. Three versions of the RetroDuo. I don't think its unreasonable to assume that there will be future revisions of the RDP. As for if they address tehe probelms of the 1.0 without introducing new ones though, that's anyone's guess. I'm betting that they won't probably touch the dpad in any meaningful way for several revisions, just as RetroBit hasn't touched the audio amp issues of the standard RetroDuo even as of version 3.0.

Do I think it's worth the money? Well......that's a complicated answer, and one I wont get into until the final part of my review.

[Bazoo]

Right. I'm actually a little afraid that that the included controller quality will be destroyed on the next run. In that case, it would only be worth it -if- the D-Pad is fixed, and that's not guaranteed. It's a gamble either way, which worries me.

[Leo_A]

In defense of the issue shown with the NES adapter late in part 2 of that YouTube video, that's exactly how Nintendo has handled GBA compatibility on the DS. A and B are rigidly mapped to A and B on the DS instead of Y and B like any developer would've relied on for two primary buttons on an actual Super Nintendo or Nintendo DS game.

Plug in any of the Mario Advance games into a DS or DS Lite (Or the NES Classics release of SMB). Instead of running with Y and jumping with B, you're stuck running with B and jumping with A since Nintendo themselves rigidly mapped the GBA's A and B buttons to the A and B buttons on the DS to have the lettering match rather than doing the sensible thing and actually making it usable for gameplay (Or at least providing an option in the system software to remap the buttons when playing GBA games). Somehow, that doesn't bother some people (In fact a few have been completely puzzled here at DP in the past when I've complained about it when discussing the suitability of a DS Lite as a GBA replacement), so it's nice to see someone else complaining about the same issue.

Although if Nintendo can get it wrong with GBA compatibility on the DS, I'm inclined to give these guys a pass. Not like anyone is going to buying this NES adapter for anything more than a curiousity anyways (Between the usual NOAC issues, the issues with this handheld in general, and the size of the thing when you want to play a NES game, I can't imagine anyone utilizing it as a handheld NES for any amount of time).

In fact, you yourself don't mind these same button mapping issues when using something like your SuperNes controller to play Game Boy games on a GBP or when using a Nintendo DS to play GBA games.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?157681-NES-and-SNES-RetroPort-GameCube-adapter-video-review&p=1864879&viewfull=1#post1864879


I know this might sound completely weird and offbeat, but I was actually very excited when you showed the grainy composite video. It feels so nostalgic, like on TVs I had when I was younger.

When I first got my Super Nintendo back in 1995, I played it via an RF connection to a new 13" color tv. And it looked far better than what I'm seeing in that video connected to a tv via composite.

[nusilver]

Satoshi, I started testing my Pokefami DX again while watching the second part of your RDP review. I actually couldn't get Mario to do that awesome moon run by pushing the dpad in, unless I really tried. How'd you get it to do that every time? I'm starting to think maybe there are some slight differences between these devices. I also don't have any on-screen issues when carts don't seat properly - if they don't connect properly, they just don't start up. I usually only have this issue with the Super Everdrive, by the way.

Anyway, great work as always.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Here's a list of games I've confirmed so far that work perfectly on the RDP

ActRaiser
ActRaiser 2
battleclash
Cool Spot
Chrono Trigger
Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country 2 Diddy's Kong Quest
Donkey Kong Country 3 Dixie Kong's Double Trouble
Earthworm Jim
EarthBound
Equinox
F-Zero
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy VI
Gokujou Parodius
Hunt for Red October
Killer Instinct
Legend of the Mystical Ninja
Mario Paint
Megaman Soccer
Megaman 7
Megaman X
Megaman X2
Parodius Da!
Phalanx
Pilotwings
Puzzle Bobble
R-Type III The Third Lightening
Ranma 1/2 Chounai Gekitou Hen
Ranma 1/2 Hard Battle
Road Runner
Robocop vs the Terminator
Rock 'n Roll Racing
Rockman & Forte
Run Saber
Sim City
Super Battle Tank 2
Super Bomberman 2
Super Castlevania IV
Super Earth Defense force
Super Famicom Wars
Super GameBoy
Super Mario All-Stars
Super Mario RPG 1.1
Super Mario World
Super PowerPak
Super Punch-Out!!
Super R-Type
Super Scope 6
Super Star Wars
Super Star Wars Empire Strikes Back
Super Star Wars Return of the Jedi
Star Fox
Star Fox 2 Reproduction
Star Trek Deep Space Nine Crossroads of Time
Star Trek Starfleet Academy
Star Trek The Next Generation
Street Combat
Stunt Race FX
Tales of Phantasia
Tin Star
Tiny Toon Adventures Buster Busts Loose
Ultraman
Vortex
Yoshi's Island
Yoshi's Safari
Zombies Ate my Neighbors

[Satoshi_Matrix]

In defense of the issue shown with the NES adapter late in part 2 of that YouTube video, that's exactly how Nintendo has handled GBA compatibility on the DS. A and B are rigidly mapped to A and B on the DS instead of Y and B like any developer would've relied on for two primary buttons on an actual Super Nintendo or Nintendo DS game.

I know, and the Super GameBoy did the same thing. Only with the SGB, Nintendo had the decency to allow players to switch between using Y and B or B and A. In my view, using B and A is stupid and unnatural since those are not the primary buttons of the SNES. In example after example, the A button is only used as a secondary button. In Super Mario World, it's the spin jump. In Megaman X, its the dash. In most shmups, its an emergency smart bomb.

My main criticism is that Nintendo designed the SNES controller to be electrically compatable with the NES. If you make a converter to use an SNES controller on the NES, the NES inputs get mapped to SNES Y and B. Nintendo never took advantage of this in anyway, so its only the curious modding community that discovered this.

The point being is that since Nintendo choose to do this, they laid down the foundation for clones like the standalone RetroDuo. It can get away with not having NES controller ports because the NES and SNES controllers are electrically the same and Nintendo did the button mapping for them already.

On the RetroPort, the chinese designers would have had to deliberately disregard this and go in and remap the controls themselves from scratch. THAT's what I find so head scratching.


When I first got my Super Nintendo back in 1995, I played it via an RF connection to a new 13" color tv. And it looked far better than what I'm seeing in that video connected to a tv via composite.

As it turns out, the fault lies in the shitty composite cable the RDP comes with. Just curious if it would work, I tried using the AV cable that came with the FC-16 Go (or the Supaboy, I'm not quite sure as I didn't label which AV cable goes to what) and lo and behold, all the composite video problems vanished. So if you're buying a RDP for use with a TV, you must also buy a quality 3.5mm to RCA adapter on your own. The one it comes with is shit.



How'd you get it to do that every time?

It doesn't occur on every game, just Mario 3 on Mario All-Stars. Or maybe just my copy. Mario All Stars is a game that did see several revisions. All you do is press firmly in the middle of the dpad, and the game does the rest.


Anyway guys, here's the much anticipated part 3 where I showcase and stress test the NES RetroPort that the RDP comes with. Which NES games will it play well, which will it fail miserably at? Come find out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3aJn2rqxGc

I had hoped to make this the final installment, but I ran out of time that youtube will allow. So therefore, I'll be bringing you guys one final video installment where I'll showcase a few more games people have asked me if they run on the RDP and give my final thoughts and verdict on the RDP.

Enjoy!

[eggwolio]

As it turns out, the fault lies in the shitty composite cable the RDP comes with. Just curious if it would work, I tried using the AV cable that came with the FC-16 Go (or the Supaboy, I'm not quite sure as I didn't label which AV cable goes to what) and lo and behold, all the composite video problems vanished. So if you're buying a RDP for use with a TV, you must also buy a quality 3.5mm to RCA adapter on your own. The one it comes with is shit.

The Supaboy cable is 2.5mm to RCA, so I'm betting you used the one for the FC-16 Go.

[Polygon]

After watching all three reviews I must say I'm tempted to get it to play SNES games on the go. It would be nice to be able to play NES games as well, but I think it's something they should have just left out. Seeing the adapter, it's just ridiculous. I know it can't be helped, but still. I could almost look past that, but all the issues it has playing various NES games would keep me from even bothering from using that aspect of it at all.

I think someone just needs to focus on making a good NES portable clone. Something like an over sized Game Boy where the cartridge can fit all the way in the body. Oh, and that actually plays the games without issues.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Well, there is the FC Mobile II, but that's kinda a piece of junk. I've love an NES portable like you're describing though.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I'll be recording the forth and final part tonight. If anyone has requests for any NES or SNES games they'd like shown that I haven't yet, let me know. I'd like to get everything out on the table as much as possible before finishing off the review completely.

[nusilver]

I'll be recording the forth and final part tonight. If anyone has requests for any NES or SNES games they'd like shown that I haven't yet, let me know. I'd like to get everything out on the table as much as possible before finishing off the review completely.

Earthbound :vamp:

[hellraiser]

here's a list of games i've confirmed so far that work perfectly on the rdp

actraiser
actraiser 2
battleclash
cool spot
chrono trigger
donkey kong country
donkey kong country 2 diddy's kong quest
donkey kong country 3 dixie kong's double trouble
earthworm jim
earthbound
equinox
f-zero
final fantasy iv
final fantasy vi
gokujou parodius
hunt for red october
killer instinct
legend of the mystical ninja
mario paint
megaman soccer
megaman 7
megaman x
megaman x2
parodius da!
Phalanx
pilotwings
puzzle bobble
r-type iii the third lightening
ranma 1/2 chounai gekitou hen
ranma 1/2 hard battle
road runner
robocop vs the terminator
rock 'n roll racing
rockman & forte
run saber
sim city
super battle tank 2
super bomberman 2
super castlevania iv
super earth defense force
super famicom wars
super gameboy
super mario all-stars
super mario rpg 1.1
super mario world
super powerpak
super punch-out!!
Super r-type
super scope 6
super star wars
super star wars empire strikes back
super star wars return of the jedi
star fox
star fox 2 reproduction
star trek deep space nine crossroads of time
star trek starfleet academy
star trek the next generation
street combat
stunt race fx
tales of phantasia
tin star
tiny toon adventures buster busts loose
ultraman
vortex
yoshi's island
yoshi's safari
zombies ate my neighbors

dude, you are the man!!!

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Welcome.

So far, I've also been able to confirm at least a few NES games that do not work with the NOAC in the RetroPort:

AfterBurner
Castlevania III (Unless you modify it)
Dragon Warrior 1
Gauntlet (licensed or not)
Mach Rider

[Satoshi_Matrix]

And here's the final entry, part 4. Here's a few viewer requested games shown for compatibility and my final thoughts on the RetroDuo Portable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=284qjuT1f1s

[Culex4096]

The RDP is great, it's just a shame the audio is so bad on the NOAC. Well, hopefully just like the Retroduo console, it can be fixed.