Retro Duo Portable - RDP 2 in 1 Portable System

[kedawa]

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

[Satoshi_Matrix]

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

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

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

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

the ETA for the RDP is Mid February 2012.

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

This is what makes me worry that the RDP is not the same as the PokeFamiDX. The systems sure sound similar and even look similar, but the over $30 price difference has me concerned. What we really need is confirmation and definitive proof that the PokeFamiDX are or are not the same.

[TKO]

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

[Cryog]

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

http://www.amazon.co.jp/GAMEJOY-JAPA.../dp/B005ZENZFI

[Satoshi_Matrix]

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

[zin0099]

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

[Tupin]

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

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

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

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

[Satoshi_Matrix]

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

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

[Cryog]

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

[shoeshot]

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

[Cryog]

I think you are right. I liked your answer.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

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

[TKO]

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

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

[TonyTheTiger]

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

[MarioMania]

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

[zin0099]

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

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

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

[Ace]

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

[zin0099]

ok didn't know that, thanx for the info

[Satoshi_Matrix]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

then general questions:

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

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

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

[TonyTheTiger]

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

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

[Taiyaki]

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

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

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

[MarioMania]

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

Thanks for answering my question Satoshi

[Old_Skool_Fool]

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

Thanks for answering my question Satoshi

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

Time did not permit.

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


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


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

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

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


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



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

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


HOWEVER


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


ALSO


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


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



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


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



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

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


And last but not least.

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

The Answer is ....

....
..

I don't know.


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


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


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


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

[Leo_A]

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

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

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

http://www.dasreviews.com/wp-content...er-300x200.jpg

[Satoshi_Matrix]

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

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

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