Looking for reviews/thoughts of Generation NEX

[Leroy]

I'm sure I'm not the only person (not at CGE) to hear some hands-on on the new Messiah system, so if you got a chance to play around with it let us all know. We were all wondering about at the Dallas show!!

http://www.playmessiah.com/images/onlinestore/ps-GNEX.jpg

[Leroy]

I'm sure I'm not the only person (not at CGE) wanting to hear some hands-on on the new Messiah system, so if you got a chance to play around with it let us all know. We were all wondering about at the Dallas show!!

http://www.playmessiah.com/images/onlinestore/ps-GNEX.jpg

[Leroy]

Double post. Sorry. :(

[jasonlotp]

It looked pretty friggin cool. But at $60 its a bit of a luxury item. It frontloads NES and toploads famicom I think.
By the time I got there though they had finished selling all of the pre-orders. :(

The coolest thing about it though was the manual. It came in an NES style game sleeve and it looked like a game but then you pull it out and WOW its actually a manual. 8-)

[Pedro Lambrini]

Does anyone know if it plays PAL titles? I really like the idea of the machine (no more blinking screens of doom!) but it's not really any good to me if I have to go and buy all my games in NTSC! Thanks in advance :)

[Jagasian]

Did they have a running system? How accurate was the audio and video? Did they demonstrate it running games that are typically incompatible with cheapy clones?

[jajaja]

It looks cool, but I stick with the original NES :)

[Joker T]

that looks cool :)

[Pedro Lambrini]

It looks cool, but I stick with the original NES :)

Why? Is it just the money thang? Or weren't you impressed?

[MarioAllStar2600]

I have no clue about audio cause I couldn't hear it but it looks good. The picture is real clear. The actual unit is pretty.... nice and small. The $60 dollar price tag is a little steep, but considering that original NES's are going for 50ish it isn't that steep. It gets my thumbs up so far.....

[swlovinist]

I have to say that I was pretty dissapointed with only pre production units only being able to be sold at the show. It would not be such a bad thing, but several exclusives(Intellivision carts, Sega Genesis RPG, and this) were delayed at the very end, which was a triple let down....

[Jibbajaba]

It looks cool, but I stick with the original NES :)

Why? Is it just the money thang? Or weren't you impressed?

He wasn't at CGE. Not sure why he is posting in here when he hasn't seen or played the system.

I was impressed with the packaging and form of the system. I would say that if you are looking at getting a second system or want a machine to play famicom games on without having to mess with that #%^ing Honey Bee convertor, then this is the system for you. People can scoff at the $60 price, but if you consider what shitty famiclones are going for, it's a good deal. Rememer that it is $60 SHIPPED if you order from their website.

This unit is of WAY higher quality than a famiclone. Two seperate cart slots, AND wireless support? And it looks really sweet. It's one thing to see some pics on the internet, but it's something else to see it in person. Messiah went all out to make this thing look as cool and professional as possible. The system does not come with the wireless controllers, but does come with a VERY nice set of wired controllers. They are ergonomic like the wireless jobs, but smaller. Not too small, but a nice compact size. They have regular A and B buttons along with (if I remember correctly) turbo buttons, and they have A and B shoulder buttons as well. They also have a normal "+" style d-pad.

As was mentioned by someone else, the manual is also awesome. It is the same shape and thickness as a NES cart. It contains a manual for the system, as well as a "lite" version of the NES section of the DP-guide, which I think is really cool. Messiah also made their own NES cartridge dust sleeves, which is what the manual comes with. The dust covers are shiny black plastic with a red Messiah logo on the side. Very cool. They were selling the sleeves by themselves at their CGE booth for $1 each. Unfortunately I forgot to pick some up before the show was over.

The only thing I can really knock it for is that it is still a NES-on-a-chip, and that means that it isn't perfect. But I don't think that any NES-redux is going to be. I will say that after talking to Brad from Messiah, it is obvious that he is committed to putting the best product out that he can, and he has worked to put out the most compatible system that he can. He told me that there are only two NES games that he is aware of that will not work with the NES. Out of ~650, 2 is pretty damned good.

Like I said, if you want to pick up a second system and you want something classier than a dirt-mall famiclone, then this system rocks.

Chris

[PackratVG]

I was also impressed with the NEX. I didn't have too much time to check it out, but I pre-ordered mine. It looks awesome and I've been pleased with everything that Messiah has released so far. I can't wait to get mine. On top of it all, I think that it's super cool that the wireless receiver is built in.

Best,
Jarett

[Mog_the_Destroyer]

After seeing the system I had to get one. Played it a bit a CGE. The thing looked AWESOME!! I preordered right away. Just a litle disappointed that it didn't come with wireless controllers that way you can do away with the controller ports on the system. I can see the reasoning behind why they did it but I think it would look a lot smoother without. My personal grudge but a minute one. Love the system and can't wait to actually have my own.

[Jagasian]

The only thing I can really knock it for is that it is still a NES-on-a-chip, and that means that it isn't perfect. But I don't think that any NES-redux is going to be. I will say that after talking to Brad from Messiah, it is obvious that he is committed to putting the best product out that he can, and he has worked to put out the most compatible system that he can. He told me that there are only two NES games that he is aware of that will not work with the NES. Out of ~650, 2 is pretty damned good.

Like I said, if you want to pick up a second system and you want something classier than a dirt-mall famiclone, then this system rocks.

Chris

Just two NES games, but how many NES peripherials and cheat carts are also not compatible? Again, the same questions can also be asked with regards to Famicom games, peripherials, etc.

The USA version of the Neofami sells for between $20 and $30 new on Ebay, and most likely uses the same crappy NES-on-a-chip as the NEX, regardless of what the marketting hype says. The main flaw of the USA version Neofami is the placement of its controller ports is done in a way that makes it incompatible with various NES peripherials that have to plug into two controller ports simulaneously.

Compatibility is one thing, but there is also the inaccurate audio and video. The NES-on-a-chip clones are less accurate that the highend software emulators such as FCE Ultra and Nintendulator. This means that the colors are off, sounds are off tune or missing, and sometimes there are additional graphical and sound glitches that are not present on official Nintendo hardware or even highend emulation. The benefit to not emulating is perfect accuracy and compatibility: you play the games the way they were designed to be played. So if I am going to sacrifice compatibility and accuracy, I'd rather just save my money and go with a good software based emulator like Nintendulator, and hook up my laptop to the TV.

Though I am too picky for that, so I will just stick with my official toploading Nintendo AV Famicom, which is compatible with all NES and Famicom games and peripherials. I so much wanted the NEX to be an AV Famicom replacement, as it seemed as if Messiah was going the extra mile with Famicom and NES compatibility without adapters and built in wireless without adapters. But it seems as if they never owned a Famicom, as the NEX apparently lacks the Famicom controller port which has a different plug shape than the NES and it is used for Famicom controllers, the Family BASIC Keyboard (really cool device), and many other peripherials.

It is also a shame that they didn't go the extra mile and add S-video, as not even the official NES and Famicom systems output S-video. So I guess if I was going to create a wishlist for the NEX 2, if such a thing is ever made, it would be an AV Famicom with a front loading NES cart slot (like the NEX), and S-video out.

I still might buy the current NEX, but I am going to wait for a detailed review by somebody deeply familiar with the Famicom, NES, and the NES-on-a-chip.

[Leroy]

Jagasian, that seems a little jaded. Why don't you list a couple of common games that have problems with the NeoFamis so that anybody who went home with an NEX can test out if they have the same issues with the NEX.

[Jibbajaba]

Jagasian, that seems a little jaded. Why don't you list a couple of common games that have problems with the NeoFamis so that anybody who went home with an NEX can test out if they have the same issues with the NEX.

Seconded.

Were you even at the show Jagasian? Leroy is asking for the opinion of people who have personally seen/played with the system. Nowhere in your post do you even suggest that you have any firsthand knowledge of the system. Do you know for a fact that it is the same NES-on-a-chip that other famiclones use? I'm not trying to bash you here, but I agree with Leroy that your post sounds a little bit jaded. Actually, I'll go a step further and say that your post makes you sound like an ass. Here is a company that is trying to make a higher quality Famiclone that hardcore gamers might appreciate more, and you march into this thread and go on a, unsubstantiated diatribe about why it sucks. As far as I am concerned, the fact that it has a famicom port AT ALL is a bonus, and it's worth the $60 without it. You want to complain because it isn't compatible with Famicom peripherals that 99.9% of the people who might by the NEX don't have anyway? Are you going to bitch because it isn't compatible with the FDS too?

Chris

[evg2000]

I asked Brad about games that it won't play and he said either that none of the NES games that weren't licensed through Nintendo wouldn't work or some wouldn't I don't remember for sure. It has to do with the fact that they couldn't copy Nintendo's chip, they actually asked Nintendo about using their chips. According to the faq it is not a NES on a chip:
"Q: Does it contain custom ICs, or is it based around the NOAC [NES-on-a-chip] that most "clone" consoles are based around?
A: Our IC is a custom designed IC that is built on the NES algorithm. Every attention to detail has been spent on compatibility."
http://www.playmessiah.com/onlinestore/gnex_faq.htm

later,
Charles

[Jagasian]

Were you even at the show Jagasian? Leroy is asking for the opinion of people who have personally seen/played with the system. Nowhere in your post do you even suggest that you have any firsthand knowledge of the system. Do you know for a fact that it is the same NES-on-a-chip that other famiclones use?


Famiclones have been using the same basic NES-on-a-chip for at least a decade now. It is notorious for its problems. The current popular clone, commonly referred to as the "Neofami", comes in two flavors: Famicom and NES. When Messiah first announced the NEX, they mentioned that it was compatible with the NES and the Neofami. That is where I first got the understanding that the NEX was most likely using the same exact NES-on-a-chip as the Neofami, as why else would they have listed those two consoles as the platforms which it is compatible with, if it is not based on Neofami technology? Furthermore, the Famicom and NES versions of the Neofami are known to have compatibility issues with some games, inaccurate audio and video with others, etc.

Messiah tried to dispell the NoaC rumors with a FAQ filled with non-answers and marketing speech. Incompatibility with peripherials is obvious by noting issues with past NoaC Famiclones and the fact that the system lacks the Famicom controller port and the cart slot size for NES games seems to make it incompatible with various unlicensed carts.



I'm not trying to bash you here... you sound like an ass.


I think your self contradicting ad hominem attack speaks for itself. Such attacks are entirely inappropriate for a discussion about a video game console.



Here is a company that is trying to make a higher quality Famiclone that hardcore gamers might appreciate more, and you march into this thread and go on a, unsubstantiated diatribe about why it sucks.


I have substantiated my remarks. If a piece of electronics hardware has flaws, I see no problem with being upfront about them. Messiah has not been upfront about them, as demonstrated by their FAQ (http://www.playmessiah.com/onlinestore/gnex_faq.htm). Note Q/A's #2, #7, #8, #9, #11, and #12, which are either misleading or vacuous. How hard is it to try playing one of the aforementioned carts or peripherials?



As far as I am concerned, the fact that it has a famicom port AT ALL is a bonus, and it's worth the $60 without it.


Do you realize that the USA version of the Neofami regularly sells for under $30, new mint in box, on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Nintendo-Top-Loader-Nes-System-Fc-Game-console-New_W0QQitemZ8211919377QQcategoryZ62053QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem)?



You want to complain because it isn't compatible with Famicom peripherals that 99.9% of the people who might by the NEX don't have anyway?


How do you know that only 99% of the people who might buy the NES don't have any Famicom peripherials?



Are you going to bitch because it isn't compatible with the FDS too?


It isn't compatible with the FDS? Are you sure about that? Most NoaC Famiclones are compatible with the FDS.

In conclusion, when the system is claimed to be compatible with the NES and the Famicom, it is fair and responsible to critique incompatibilities, bugs, and inaccuracies with NES and Famicom games and peripherials. It is unfair, however, to personally attack somebody mearly for informing people about something that somebody is trying to sell them. Would you attack consumer reports for commenting on compatibility issues with some other electronic device, such as a DVD player that had compatibility problems? Capitalism only works when the consumers are educated about the product.

When it comes to the Famicom/NES, I am as big a fan as anybody else, and that is why I am very critical of clones of the Famicom/NES. If the system has accurate audio, video, and good game and peripherial compatibility, I will buy one in a heart beat. I've bought Messiah's wireless SNES controller, but find its D-pad very problematic. If they make a "plus" style D-pad, I'll buy one in a heart beat, and if I like it, I'll come back for an entire box more. I am very eager to buy Messiah's products... but they have to be of good quality.

[Jagasian]

I asked Brad about games that it won't play and he said either that none of the NES games that weren't licensed through Nintendo wouldn't work or some wouldn't I don't remember for sure. It has to do with the fact that they couldn't copy Nintendo's chip, they actually asked Nintendo about using their chips. According to the faq it is not a NES on a chip:
"Q: Does it contain custom ICs, or is it based around the NOAC [NES-on-a-chip] that most "clone" consoles are based around?
A: Our IC is a custom designed IC that is built on the NES algorithm. Every attention to detail has been spent on compatibility."
http://www.playmessiah.com/onlinestore/gnex_faq.htm

later,
Charles

That the answer does not say that it is not a NES-on-a-chip. It as well as most of the other Q/A's in that FAQ are filled with vague responses. Designing a new NES clone from scratch is highly unlikely, as the R&D and production costs alone would require Messiah to sell an extremely large number of systems! The Atari 2600 scene has only recently seen such a development with the Flashback 2.0, but that was only after the Flashback 1.0, which was based on a NES-on-a-chip, sold 500,000 systems. Hence the Flashback 2.0 had plenty of money gained from the first system to help fund R&D and production.

It won't be hard to tell if the NEX uses the NoaC or not. All it will take is for somebody to open up the NEX and take a look at the insides. The NoaC has a known pin-out. (http://nesdev.parodius.com/nes-on-a-chip.txt) For those that aren't up to date on their Famiclone knowledge, check out this thread (http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=67476) which contains a detailed review of the Neofami.

Still at $30 for a new Neofami, you are still probably better off with a professionally refurbished classic NES.

[Jibbajaba]

Sorry Jagasian, I'm not going to get pulled into your little game. If you want to pick apart my post then go right ahead. I'm sorry for saying that I wouldn't bash you. I will. It's assholes like you that get perfectly good threads locked by turning them into arguments. Do us all a favor and keep your fingers away from the keyboard when you have no clue what you're talking about.

Chris

[Jagasian]

Sorry Jagasian, I'm not going to get pulled into your little game. If you want to pick apart my post then go right ahead. I'm sorry for saying that I wouldn't bash you. I will. It's assholes like you that get perfectly good threads locked by turning them into arguments. Do us all a favor and keep your fingers away from the keyboard when you have no clue what you're talking about.

Chris

Little game? Are you kidding me? I have done nothing but comment on the technical merits and flaws of piece of electronic equipment. I have not insulted you, and only addressed each of your points. Yet the only way you can discuss the topic is via ad hominem attacks? You are the reason threads get locked. If you are incapable of discussing the technical merits of a piece of gaming hardware, then maybe you should avoid such discussions.

[Jibbajaba]

Sorry Jagasian, I'm not going to get pulled into your little game. If you want to pick apart my post then go right ahead. I'm sorry for saying that I wouldn't bash you. I will. It's assholes like you that get perfectly good threads locked by turning them into arguments. Do us all a favor and keep your fingers away from the keyboard when you have no clue what you're talking about.

Chris

Little game? Are you kidding me? I have done nothing but comment on the technical merits and flaws of piece of electronic equipment. I have not insulted you, and only addressed each of your points. Yet the only way you can discuss the topic is via ad hominem attacks? You are the reason threads get locked. If you are incapable of discussing the technical merits of a piece of gaming hardware, then maybe you should avoid such discussions.

You have yet to explain why you are discussing (criticizing, actually) the system when you have not seen it and are not aware of it's technical specifications. You are talking about something which you obviously know nothing about.


If you are incapable of discussing the technical merits of a piece of gaming hardware, then maybe you should avoid such discussions.

Precisely. Move along.

Chris

[classicvidgamer]

I played the NEX for a bit at CGE and was very impressed. They had a Super Mario Bros and a 1942 (or 43?) game on demo. I played both of them and they played and sounded just fine.

I was also very impressed by the unit's size, the wireless controllers and sleek look. So much so that I pre-ordered one and bought the wireless controllers. My friend pre-ordered one also and bought the controllers.

I figured I'd buy this unit instead of trying to hunt down a top loader. I saw 2 bare top loaders at the show. One guy wanted 80 bucks and another wanted 100! Too rich for my blood. After seeing that I realized what a bargain the NEX was.

I don't normally buy many peripherals for my systems so I'm not worried if there are some that won't work on the NEX. The only other peripheral I have for the NES is a joystick.

[Sosage]

I was also very impressed by the unit's size, the wireless controllers and sleek look.

I only took a quick glance at the machine, so I can only second the visually pleasing aspect of the unit. The design seems very professionally done. It retains the classic NES lines and colors while being small enough to please the “small gadgets are hip” crowd. Think a squashed front loader, but done so to make the unit look modern and sleek. I could easily see this design sitting on a shelf in a commercial retail shop as an official Nintendo plug-n-play T.V. unit.

I will admit that a NES cart sticking out of it sort of clashes with the look...but if you have a game in there, your eyes should be on the T.V and not on your console unit.


blarg
BLARG
BLARG!
BLARG!!

On everything else, you guys need to calm down and stop leaping head first into negatives/positives on this topic. This machine needs a thorough review by someone willing to crack her open and compare it to other NES/Famicom hardware solutions. It would make a good review article imo (*wink*wink*nudge*nudge* someone step up). Especially for those of us sitting on the fence with money burning in our pockets.

[gavv]

I asked Brad about ..

That the answer does not say that it is not a NES-on-a-chip. It as well as most of the other Q/A's in that FAQ are filled with vague responses. Designing a new NES clone from scratch is highly unlikely, as the R&D and production costs alone would require Messiah to sell an extremely large number of systems! The Atari 2600 scene has only recently seen such a development with the Flashback 2.0, but that was only after the Flashback 1.0, which was based on a NES-on-a-chip, sold 500,000 systems. Hence the Flashback 2.0 had plenty of money gained from the first system to help fund R&D and production.


Still at $30 for a new Neofami, you are still probably better off with a professionally refurbished classic NES.

Um, 2600 custom ICs have been designed by *single persons* as a side hobby. the flashback 1-->2 only happened because of the timid and bulls**t big business was too scared to do it right and forced the designers to take the interim step in a certain timeframe, not due to overall cost. ask curt vendel himself

gavv

[punkoffgirl]

Since this is/was a thread asking people who had a chance to see and play the NEX at CGE what they thought, I suppose I can respond. I know nothing about the tech specs, nor do I really think that's what the original poster of this thread was asking about. I'm quite sure there has already been a thread about THAT over in the gaming forum, Jagasian, if you'd like to take your discussion over there. The search feature is your friend. In the meantime, I think the rest of everyone "speculating" about something they haven't experienced yet should refrain from posting in THIS particular thread.

I thought the NEX looked great

http://home.gwi.net/~jamoreau/cge2k5/nex.jpg

The size was perfect, and the design retained enough of the NES so that if you were Joe Schmoe walking through a store somewhere and glanced at the unit, you SHOULD be able to "recognize" it.

I didn't notice any problems with the audio and video while I played Bible Adventures. But you ALSO have to keep in mind that the unit they had out available to play was a pre-production unit; any problems or glitches would probably be more contributable to that fact rather than the quality of all NEXs as a whole.

[The Plucky Little Ninja]

Having played a few shooters on both the Neofami and the Family Boy famiclones I have to say that one of the big advantages of the NEX (outside of that badass packaging) is that the controllers actually feel halfway decent. Most famiclone controllers might as well be made out of tissue paper.

1942 handled like a dream. I can't really comment on the sound, since the volume was set a little low for being in a convention hall.

My big regret is forgetting to pick up a bunch of those kick ass dust sleaves they were selling.

[leonk]

Are you going to bitch because it isn't compatible with the FDS too?


Hey Chris,

I consider myself a potential buyer, and FDS compatibility will be very important for me. I'm interested in getting an FDS, but not if it also requires me to buy an AV famicom (which will significantly add to the cost of the of setup).

So is it, or is it not FDS compatible?

[Necromutant]

http://home.gwi.net/~jamoreau/cge2k5/nex.jpg[/img]


God damn! :D Seeing that pic makes me all the happier that I pre-ordered that a few months ago, just can't wait to get my hands on it now. Everything looks to notch from a non-gameplay perspective at least, opposed to looking like some bubble gum machine prize toy crap that the NeoFamis etc look like (packaging and actual system). I think that is the first pic of a an actual unit I have seen too, the ones on their website look like renderings rather than photos to me, so it is good to see that the actual unit looks so good. Now, I just have to wait for that puppy to ship out... :eek 2:

[Jagasian]

Are you going to bitch because it isn't compatible with the FDS too?


So is it, or is it not FDS compatible?

I don't think he knows for sure either way. However, as I have stated before, considering the fact that the NEX is most likely using the same NES-on-a-chip as the Neofami, which supports the FDS, the NEX most likely also supports the FDS (with the usual Famiclone issues of course). There is a chance that it is incompatible because the physical shape of the cart slot or system prevents the RAM adapter from being properly inserted, as this is basically the reason it is incompatible with the toaster NES. GameTech is the company that makes the PocketFami, Neofami, and the Famicom Time Machine (http://www.gametech.co.jp/products/catalog_sfc.html), which all use the same basic NoaC. You can read a review here (http://www.nesworld.com/timemach.htm) that has pictures of the Famicom Time Machine for the GBA, with a FDS plugged into it. Until somebody provides more detailed information, that is the best info we have to go on.

Also, realize that you can use the FDS with a USA toaster NES or toploader NES via the right NES to Famicom adapter. The AV Famicom is the best option, but it is expensive as seen here (http://gamechoiceclub.com/navigateProduct.asp?product_id=543). I got one new mint in box on Ebay for $70, though. Additional inexpensive options are the original Famicom, which are a dime a dozen, or if you are OK with a Famiclone and all of the issues they have, you can just get a $25 Neofami (Japanese version).

[Jagasian]

Um, 2600 custom ICs have been designed by *single persons* as a side hobby.

Do you have any links to back that up? Some FPGA based 2600 clone is far from a custom IC, let alone one that can be produced for use in a system that is supposed to make a profit selling at $60 per system. A 2600 emulator that runs on an intel CPU is also not a custom IC.

[OverTheFalls]

I'm one of the original 8 prototype owners now. I tried it out that night, and I can honestly say that I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

I've tried it out with five carts: Disney Adventures in Magic Kingdom, River City Ransom, Mega Man 3, Uninvited, and Wizardry, and I was very happy with the results. I'm being really gentle with it because it is a prototype and things are not as solid as the originals, and it purred away and played great.

I even tried the Famicom port with Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and I did notice that it was a really tight fit. With some use, though, it'll get better, I'm sure.

I meant to test more things, but we got carried away with River City Ransom. :D

I don't regret my purchase whatsoever, and highly recommend it. I have two more coming in for a couple of friends, and I can't sing it's praises enough.

(BTW, the Wireless controllers work great with it with nothing in the ports. Curiousity has me wondering if I could do two regular controllers and two wireless without the need of the 4 player splitter...)

[Pedro Lambrini]

I've already asked but I htink the flames might've burnt my earlier post! Has anyone tried PAL games on it yet? On the Messiah site it still says that the NEX is still under testing.

[Jibbajaba]

Curiousity has me wondering if I could do two regular controllers and two wireless without the need of the 4 player splitter...)

I'm guessing 'no'. I would assume that channel 1 of the wireless is set to controller port 1, and channel 2 is set to player 2. It would be really cool if you were right, though, and you very well may be.

Chris

[Mangar]

As someone mulling a NEX purchase, i found Jagasian's input helpful. (shrug)

I don't think theres any doubt that the system looks, feels, and is just plain awesome in about every aesthetic category one can think of. It was designed for a specific niche collectors market, nearly all of whom own at least one style of NES. It had to look and feel fantastic in order to be worth it. However, the technical limitations(if there are any) was what i was hoping to find out about from some "Hands-On" play or in-person reviews. I have little doubt that plays Super Mario 3, and other common NES favourites play perfectly. I'm more curious as to finding out exactly what it can't do, and then making a decision from there. They officially acknowledge that 2 titles don't work. I simply wonder "Which ones?" and "Why?" - And if the reasons for those not working perhaps create some compatilibility issues on other games. (Sounds being off, colours, speed, etc..)

Anyway - That's the kind of information i'm most interested in seeing from those who got a chance to really play and test it.

[16-bit]

The big question for me is

Does it support the special sound chips found in some famicom games like Gimmick! and Akumajo Densetsu (aka Castlevania III)?

[MegaDrive20XX]

The big question for me is

Does it support the special sound chips found in some famicom games like Gimmick! and Akumajo Densetsu (aka Castlevania III)?

I agree, I would also like to know if this supports CV3 (US and JPN)

[walrusmonger]

I have mine on preorder and will let everyone know if CV III (us and japanese) works on it, hopefully someone will let us know before I get it though.

[Leroy]

I'm one of the original 8 prototype owners now. I tried it out that night, and I can honestly say that I'm extremely happy with my purchase.
Hey! Thanks for the thoughts. Maybe you can help us out concerning compatibility concerns. Here's a list of games in the thread Jagasian posted that have some issues. If you happen to have any of them, try them out for us and relay the results. This will be the best way to determine if they are using the same technology as the common pirates.

================================
After Burner (semi-playable, many map tiles not displayed)
Bandit Kings of Ancient China
Castlevania III - Dracula's Curse (hangs when you enter a level)
Gauntlet (Licensed or Unlicensed) (wrong map tiles)
Gemfire
L'Empereur
Laser Invasion (extreme graphics glitches)
Nobunaga's Ambition II
Rad Racer II (wrong map tiles)
Romance of the Three Kingdoms II
Uncharted Waters

I have noticed a graphics problem. The floor in first stage of Alien Syndrome and the rocks in the first stage of Contra suffer from a rainbow effect in that the tiles on the upper part of the screen are darker than those on the bottom part of the screen. On the real NES the color should be consistent regardless of its location on the CRT (unless the CRT is faulty.)

I have since found out that NES clone displays graphical glitches in The Legend of Zelda when the screens change vertically. Graphical garbage will appear on the left hand side of the screen and stay there until that screen is redrawn. It is very annoying. My copy of Zelda has beautiful contacts, so dust corrputing the graphics cannot be the reason.
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[Jagasian]

I'm one of the original 8 prototype owners now. I tried it out that night, and I can honestly say that I'm extremely happy with my purchase.


In addition to the previously mentioned games. Also test out a Game Genie, as it can have some issues with clones. Once we start getting compatibility data, a list can be kept somewhere on digitpress? Also, if you can, open up the NEX and take pictures of the insides, so we can see if it is using the NES-on-a-chip.

[OverTheFalls]

Hm. I'm busy unpacking at the moment.

I think I have a copy of Castlevania III around here. I'll give it a shot after my dinner arrives and I get things unpacked.

Just grabbed my original GameGenie and checked to see if it'd fit. It will... it's another thing I'll check.

(As I'm using a prototype, there's no way that I'm taking this thing apart. I'm not that brave and kinda electronically stupid. I'm being very ginger with it at the moment, as it's handbuilt with stuff handglued and whatnot in. Sorry, guys!)

Setting it up now, I'll let you guys know.

[OverTheFalls]

Just tried out some things:
* My four player idea didn't work, sadly. There ARE channel 3 and channel 4 selections on the wireless controllers, but Anticipation didn't accept it. Maybe I was doing it wrong... if I had another 4 player game (that I'm aware of; finding a list is hard), I'd give it a try.
* Castlevania III doesn't want to run. I'll give it some more attention tomorrow, but it didn't want to boot up.
* I have two copies of Rad Racer. The first didn't want to turn on at *ALL*. The second one turned on but gave a white screen of death.

Got distracted by Balloon Fight for the time being, though. Nasty little game...

[Necromutant]

Thanks for posting what you have found so far OverTheFalls. :) Looking forward to whatever else you find... Sorry to hear that Castlevania 3 isn't working. :( Not sure if that is an indicator or not that it is a NES on a chip or possibly your cart is dirty or damaged? I don't know much about the NeoFami's etc, but I thought the deal was that the Japanese version of CV3 had a custom sound chip in it that caused the problem and that the US version didn't have this chip so it would work on a NoaC. Are trying the Famicom game or the NES game?

[OverTheFalls]

NES. I'm still a novice collector in the NES side of things. LOL

Just tried them again. Both Rad Racer II and Castlevania III have been untested, so they could use to be cleaned.

Thought it could be the wireless that it was getting mad about, as Donkey Kong Classics isn't fond of the wireless controllers for whatever reason.

Trying Castlevania again, it gives a random screen. Pressing reset turns it to a solid olive color and it just sits there. I'm not sure if this is a NES-on-a-chip thing or something completely different. Rad Racer's still ticked off, too.

I'll give it more of a go when I get in from work tomorrow. I'm dead after flying back today. The promo Video Game Collecting magazine has a section on cleaning NES carts, so I may give it a go and see what happens then; I do know that Castlevania III has been sitting in my filing cabinet for about 5 years...

I can say that the scrolling issues that are mentioned in Zelda don't happen whatsoever at least!

(Also, keep in mind that I have a prototype; the actual thing may not do any of this, good or bad.)

[Necromutant]

How did that work with you getting a proto system? Did they give out protos to the people that pre-ordered the system and chose the pick up at cge option? Did anyone at the show get one of the regular run consoles or did they all get protos? Thanks again!

[GarrettCRW]

The big question for me is

Does it support the special sound chips found in some famicom games like Gimmick! and Akumajo Densetsu (aka Castlevania III)?

And the FDS FM chip, for that matter, which I've heard that the Famiclones do not support (the NES purportedly doesn't, as well, right?).

I have to second Jagasian's concerns about this puppy. As the happy owner of a Famicom Zapper and the 3D System, I find the lack of the Famicom's accessory port to be a major strike against the system. There's also something to be said for making a controller with a microphone built in, a la the model 1 Famicom (as the mic would likely be a strong seller among Famicom AV owners who'd like to utilize microphone-related secrets in Zelda and other Japanese titles).

This thing desperately needs a review by someone who seriously knows their NES and Famicom shit.

[Leroy]

Just tried them again. Both Rad Racer II and Castlevania III have been untested, so they could use to be cleaned.
Sounds like dirty carts at least for now. The above review stated that the games at least booted. Best method of cleaning NES carts is a Q*Tip and isopropyl alcohol, scrub the contacts thoroughly. Anxious to hear anything else you find.

[Leroy]

How did that work with you getting a proto system? Did they give out protos to the people that pre-ordered the system and chose the pick up at cge option? Did anyone at the show get one of the regular run consoles or did they all get protos? Thanks again!
If you picked one up at CGE you got a pre-production model.

[punkoffgirl]

How did that work with you getting a proto system? Did they give out protos to the people that pre-ordered the system and chose the pick up at cge option? Did anyone at the show get one of the regular run consoles or did they all get protos? Thanks again!

If you read the thread, there were no "regular run" systems available at the show. Messiah explained that they were held up due to issues with customs, and that they would be shipping them out in September.

[Jagasian]

Just tried them again. Both Rad Racer II and Castlevania III have been untested, so they could use to be cleaned.
Sounds like dirty carts at least for now. The above review stated that the games at least booted. Best method of cleaning NES carts is a Q*Tip and isopropyl alcohol, scrub the contacts thoroughly. Anxious to hear anything else you find.

Preferably 99% pure isopropyl alcohol, as it contains no water. I bought a bottle of it months ago, and it cost under $10 and will last me for years, assuming I keep the bottle shut nice and tight. So it is worth the extra effort as opposed to going to the drug store and buying the 70% pure kind that has lots of water in it.

One other thing. Please tell me that you have a real NES because a fair comparison is to test the game in the NES and the NEX. I used to be a big fan of emulators until I did a similar comparison with an emulator and a real NES on a TV. Well, I still am a big fan of emulators, but I now know they are far less accurate than I used to think.

It should also catch carts that are simply dirty. I have a toaster NES that has been kept in great condition (I even have an official Nintendo NES console cover for it), but it will still refuse to play a game that have dirty contacts. However, if they are clean, my toaster plays them perfectly.

[Necromutant]

If you read the thread, there were no "regular run" systems available at the show. Messiah explained that they were held up due to issues with customs, and that they would be shipping them out in September.

Must have missed that, sorry... damn noobs! :D

[DreamTR]

Just FYI, this is NOT an NES-on-a-chip, the system contains its own IC board.

[Leroy]

Preferably 99% pure isopropyl alcohol, as it contains no water. I bought a bottle of it months ago, and it cost under $10 and will last me for years, assuming I keep the bottle shut nice and tight. So it is worth the extra effort as opposed to going to the drug store and buying the 70% pure kind that has lots of water in it.
99%, eh? Where did you get that? I've got 91% at Target and it works like a damn charm.

[Leroy]

Just FYI, this is NOT an NES-on-a-chip, the system contains its own IC board.
Yup, but we're just trying to find out if it'll play games that Nes-on-a-chip machines won't for comparison.

[OverTheFalls]

First of all, I apologize if my impressions were not terribly detailed. I'd nicely gotten off a plane a few hours earlier and horribly drained.

I do have a regular NES; waiting for a new 72-pin connector to arrive as... well... my old one's toast. Once that's going, I'll have something to compare it to.

Thanks for the tips about cleaning; I'll pick something up on the way home from work to help with that. I won't have a lot of time to do any thorough testing until Saturday; I sacrificed my other day off so I could go down to SF in the first place. I do plan on wasting the day with it and sorting out collections and whatnot.

Thanks, everyone! Will try and give some additional information soon enough!

[Jagasian]

Preferably 99% pure isopropyl alcohol, as it contains no water. I bought a bottle of it months ago, and it cost under $10 and will last me for years, assuming I keep the bottle shut nice and tight. So it is worth the extra effort as opposed to going to the drug store and buying the 70% pure kind that has lots of water in it.
99%, eh? Where did you get that? I've got 91% at Target and it works like a damn charm.

The larger quantity you buy in, the better deal you get, but you don't need much, even for cleaning hundreds of carts. Here is a thread I made a while ago about what I like to call "the inexpensive contact cleaner":
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62318

There are so many people selling expensive cart cleaner solutions, but this stuff does a great job and is cheap! It isn't really %99 pure. It is actuall 99.953% pure, but it is easier to write %99. Though it is probably more accurate to call it %100 pure :) Also note that it is "anhydrous", which means it has no water in it. The stuff you have is better than the 70% rubbing alcohol, but it still has roughly %9 water, which is bad for your contacts.

This stuff is so pure that you should make sure to pour yourself no more than half a shot glass at a time, and then you should close up the bottle because it evaporates quickly. If you use a nice, clean glass shot glass, you can then dip Q-tips into the alcohol easily. I use fresh Q-tips with the alcohol and scrub the carts until the Q-tip no longer gets discolored.

Never put a dirty cart into your console. It deserves better :)

[The Plucky Little Ninja]

If you're looking for the really good 99% + stuff check out some computer stores. I don't know about CompUSA, but I'd imagine they'd carry it. I get mine at Fry's and it is, indeed, dirt cheap. Take the advice on recapping it while cleaning your game though. I failed to do that on my first bottle and it does disappear quickly.

[kevates]

Just a note to say that I saw and played the Generation Nex system at the show. It was very impressive and IMHO well worth the cost. I am very impressed with Messiah's offerings so far and can't wait to see what the future brings.

Kevin

[Leroy]

I've got several Fry's near me and it's on my To Buy list. Thanks for the suggestion!

[OverTheFalls]

I've been bad and haven't updated I know, but...

I can confirm that one of the problem carts, Gauntlet II, is working quite contently.

I still haven't gotten the cleaning solution yet (stupid one day weekend), so Rad Racer II and Castlevania are still unknowns. But there's some positive news at least!

[Vrolokus]

FYI, I'm a freelancer who is working on a story about the NEX for the New Times, and I just finished intereviewing Mr. Perry Freeze at Messiah. I can't reveal details just yet (the NT gets first dibbs), but I'll post a link when it's up... interesting info. I can say this: compatibility is an ongoing thing right now, the list isn't final yet.

[Mangar]

FYI, I'm a freelancer who is working on a story about the NEX for the New Times, and I just finished intereviewing Mr. Perry Freeze at Messiah. I can't reveal details just yet (the NT gets first dibbs), but I'll post a link when it's up... interesting info. I can say this: compatibility is an ongoing thing right now, the list isn't final yet.

Which translates to: "There are multiple NES games which are currently incompatible with the NEX."