My Console Setup January 2018
Any retro gamer knows that a gaming setup changes over time with the addition/subtraction of hardware, consoles, TVs and technology. When I started this blog, I documented my setup here. A few years have passed, and There have been some changes. Back then I had two separate gaming TVs: a 37 inch LCD and a 32 inch Sony Wega CRT. The consoles connected to each were determined by videou output. Since then I have streamlined my two setups into one. The reason was two-fold: I acquired an Open Source Scan Converter, which allowed the older consoles to be properly displayed on an HDTV, and I wanted a single space for gaming.
The vast majority of the connected consoles are of the 4th-6th generation of consoles, with only a few HD systems. Combining these requires a variety of video switches, along with a cheat sheet listing what is connected to what.
Here are my connected consoles as of January 2018:
NES Top Loader (RGB modded with Playchoice 10 PPU)
This was my first modded console. I have an original "toaster" model, but once I entered the world of RGB video signals there was no turning back for me. The original NES could not process RGB video. The picture processing unit (PPU) chip harvested from an old Playchoice-10 arcade machine, was one of the first ways to get RGB from an NES. A Nintendo multi-out connection is fitted in the back to connect to a scart cable. This console requires the most work to get an RGB signal from, but it is still worth it to do so if you covet original hardware.
NES --> scart switch --> OSSC --> TV (hdmi)
Sega Saturn (Japanese Model 2)
The Saturn is a console that I missed entirely during its lifespan. I happened upon it after it the Dreamcast died. When I started gaming again in the early 2000's I focused on 2D platformers and shoot' em ups. While the platformer selection is lacking, its shooter and 2D fighter library is unparalleled. The Saturn is region locked, and nearly all of the best shoot'em up and fighter games are Japanese exclusives. This is easily overcome by using an Action Replay cart...or by playing on an actual Japanese Saturn! The Saturn outputs RGB natively, and so a scart cable is necessary.
Saturn --> scart switch --> OSSC --> TV (hdmi)
Sega Genesis (non-TMSS Model 1) and Sega CD (model 2)
The first version of the model one Genesis was non-TMSS, meaning the trademark message does not load onscreen prior to the Sega logo. Stereo output is accessible from the front via a headphone jack. The audio output from the rear is mono, so in order to connect the stereo sound to the TV, a separate audio line is wired into the scart cable. A Sega CD model 2 unit is attached underneath. An extender plate fills in the gap underneath to make up for the longer Model one Genesis, as the model 2 Sega CD was designed with the Model 2 Genesis in mind. The RGB output of the Genesis is very striking and the easiest to notice the jump in video quality. I debate about removing the SEga-CD; I just don't play those CD games that often. I'm not in dire need of space at the moment, so I'll leave it for now.
Genesis --> scart switch --> OSSC --> TV (hdmi)
Super Nintendo (1-chip)
I didn't grow up with a SNES, but my friends did. Those were days when kids had one console at a time, and mine was a Genesis. Happy to have it now. The SNES outputs RGB natively as well, and the 1-chip version has sharper image quality than others. I have not made comparisons myself, but it seems verified online through several sources. It looks great anyway. I pulled out the physical tabs that obstruct Super Famicom carts from being played - this is easy to do and necessary as some carts are prohibitively expensive for U.S. versions, but cheaper for Japanese versions.
SNES --> scart switch --> OSSC --> TV (hdmi)
Sega Dreamcast (modded with region free bios)
Like the Saturn, the Dreamcast has quite the shoot'em up and 2D fighting library. And like the Saturn, some of the best offerings were Japanese exclusives. Initially I used a CD swap disc to play imports, but that go old fast. I found this one with the region-free bios for not much more than a regular Dreamcast and jumped on it. The video output of the Dreamcast is unique in that it is the only console of its time to output 480 progressive scan through VGA, which is the signal that I use into the OSSC. I have heard of advanced VGA boxes for the Dreamcast, but I think it looks fantastic this way.
Dreamcast (VGA) --> OSSC --> TV (hdmi)
PC Engine Duo (component modded)
The PC Engine was known in the west as Turbo Grafx-16. It was barely noticed here, overlooked as Nintendo and Sega were battling for market supremacy. In its home country, the PC Engine did quite well, and its Japanese library dwarfs its American offerings. A system heralded for shoot'em ups, it became a priority for me to explore. Games were released on both Hu cards (credit card-sized chips) and CDs. The CD system was the first of its kind, and was an add-on to the original systems. The PC-Engine Duo combined both into one unit, and so offered convenience as well as savings. The original video output was composite, but I had mine modded for component. This was a system that was somewhere inbetween 8 and 16 bits. The cpu was 8 bit, but the graphics processor was 16 bit. So while gameplay mechanics and processing was on par with the NES, the visuals and audio were 16 bit. The CD games obviously had superior audio output, with recorded tracks in lieu of chip tunes. Some games made better use of this than others, like Gate of Thunder and Lords of Thunder.
PC-Engine Duo --> Component switcher --> OSSC --> TV
Nintendo Gamecube
There's not too much to say about the Gamecube, other than the specificity of its component cables. The Gamecube generated high quality digital video, which was throttled down to analog signals for TVs that were not ready for such progress. The component cables have a specialized chip in them that enables the digital video signal to be sent, the highest quality possible. I have a gameboy player attached as well.
Gamecube --> Component switcher --> OSSC --> TV
Playstation 2 (Region free)
The backwards compatibility of the PS2 and on board DVD player were the two major reasons that the PS2 became the juggernaut that it was. A motif throughout this post is that shoot' em ups were a deciding factor in what consoles became my favorites. The PS1 and PS2 both had plentiful offerings...in Japan. This PS2 has a region-free bios installed for that reason. Component video output is standard. I have a 120 GB hard disk drive installed, and I have installed some of my own game on it for convenience.
PS2 --> Component switcher --> OSSC --> TV
Playstation 3 (slim)
This is my second PS3. My first was a 60 GB, fully backwards compatible unit that had heat stroke and basically melted itself. The slim model was more efficient and had better heat dissipation, making overheating no longer an issue. I have a couple dozen games, but my interests do not lie in modern gaming.
PS3 -- HDMI switcher --> TV
Playstation 4
Its a Playstation 4.
PS4 -- HDMI switcher --> TV
Raspberry Pi 3B
The Raspberry Pi 3 is either embraced or scorned by hardcore retrogamers. I wrote a little about it here. I have this connected on this TV, but often I move to a larger room when we have lots of people over. I currently have it in a NESPi case, which obviously resembles an NES.
Raspberry Pi 3B --> HDMI switcher --> TV
I also have a SNES Classic Edition hooked up at the moment. I hacked mine to add my favorite games.
SNES Classic --> HDMI switcher --> TV
You may ask why the redundancy between the original consoles, RetroPie, and SNES Classic? My answer to that is why do people like to drive classic cars, even though they already have a car? Why do people listen to vinyl even though modern forms of media are available? Something about the authenticity of original hardware makes it a different experience. I had a hard time letting go of my CRT, but in the end I'm happy with my decision (I still kept it, as good ones are getting harder to find).
Here it is altogether. I found the TV stand on Craigslist a few years back. What sold me on it was that it had enough space for my favorite consoles, it was sturdy, and it was only $20! My HDTV doesn't quite fill the space, so there's room to upgrade in the future. The speaker bar was a present and really improves upon the sound. My PS3 and PS4 are standing vertically behind the TV. I decided to keep the WiiU in a different room, as my kids play mainly that with their friends. There is an unholy mess of cables and cords hidden in the rear of the stand, well out of sight. The clean look is pretty important to me (and my wife!). Controllers are in a basket nearby. I also setup dedicated power strips so that its not drawing phantom power all the time when not on.
I'm really happy that I was able to condense my retro with current systems, and the key to all of that was the OSSC and some switch boxes.
So, I just wanted to share my take on integrating older generation consoles with modern display, and how it looks altogether. It's not for everyone, but maybe someone will read this and have some of their questions answered and be willing to do the same. If you have any questions feel free to email me or leave a comment.
Retro Gaming Options Today
We have come to the point where retro gaming is no longer fringe. There are multiple means of acquiring and playing retro games these days, some easier than others. People like myself, who have been into the hobby for a long time have more options than most of course, as we have a curated collection of physical games. Others who have nostalgia for retro games, but have not seen a Super Nintendo since the 90's may get an itch to relive some of these games from their past, and can now do so with modern conventions of plug 'n play consoles like the NES and SNES Classic Editions. There are also newer clone systems being released, emulation, download services, and so on. I wanted to compare the pros and cons of what I think are the the primary means by which people enjoy retro games:
- Original hardware and cartridges
- Original hardware and an Everdrive
- Clone hardware and cartridges
- Nintendo's Virtual Console
- Plug n' play consoles
- RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi
- Emulation on a computer
The first option is to play the original game cartridges on original consoles. This has become the least cost effective method over the years, as continual interest and demand for games has inflated game values, and the simple law of supply and demand sets in. There are fewer and fewer games available, so things get pricey. Aside from the cost factor, older consoles do not produce a video signal conducive to a clear picture on HD TVs. The technologies of then and now do not translate, and there are compatibility issues. This can be remedied through a serious of specialized cables and/or console modifications, plus a video up-scaler of some kind. Playing original hardware is the only way to ensure that the game plays exactly like you remember it to. Of course this all gets expensive, and is only recommended to the very dedicated. Most likely if you're not in this camp by now, it will be difficult to go this route.
2 - Original hardware and an Everdrive
An Everdrive is a cartridge that plays roms from an SD card on your original console. Since the code of the rom is the same as on an original cartridge, and an original console is in use, the playing experience is indistinguishable from that of an original cartridge. This is an appealing option to many as mentioned above, the prices of games can get out of hand. Wherever you stand morally on the issue of using downloaded roms is not the debate here, it is just an option among many. Different people use Everdrives in different ways. Some load entire rom sets so that every single game can be played. Some use it to play rom hacks, homebrews, and other games that do not exist in cartridge form and this is the only way to play on an original console. I have found it to be a very convenient option to load the roms that I own onto my Everdrives, and leave it in the console. This reduces the wear and tear on the connecting pins. Of course you have the same issue of TV connectivity to contend with.
3 - Clone hardware and cartridges
While most older consoles are relatively inexpensive, there are advantages to playing on a clone console over original hardware. The main one is HD connectivity. Most clone consoles worth mentioning output 720p HD signals via HDMI, making them ready to plug and play. There are an increasing number of options out there, ranging from bare bones to fully-fledged FPGA hardware systems with no input lag (no emulation). As the range of options diversifies, so do the price ranges.
I am only considering HD systems, as I don't know why anyone would use a clone that was composite video (at that point just use an original console!).
Some HD options include, which are all or soon be be available online:
Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD Entertainment System - plays NES, ~$25
Retro-Bit RES Plus - plays NES, ~$40
Hyperkin RetroN 1 - plays NES, ~$40
Retro USB AVS - plays NES, Famicom, ~$180
Analogue NT Mini - plays NES, Famicom, ~$450
At Games Genesis Flashback HD - plays Genesis, Mega Drive ~$70
Old Skool Classiq 2 HD - plays NES, SNES, Super Famicom ~$70
Hyperkin Supa RetroN HD - plays SNES, Super Famicom ~$70
Hyperkin RetroN 5 - plays NES, Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Master System and Game Gear (w/adapter), SNES, Super Famicom, Game Boy (all varieties), ~$130
Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio Plus - plays SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, NES
release TBA
Retro Freak - plays Famicom, NES (w/adapter), Genesis, Mega Drive, Turbo Grafx-16, PC-Engine, Super Grafx, SNES, Super Famicom, Game Boy (all varieties), ~$220
Analogue Super NT - plays SNES, ~$190 releasing soon
These are not all of the options, just the most accessible. I can't review all of them, as that would require access to all of them, but rest assured there are a ton of reviews out there for all of them. Prices are current as of this posting and do not include cartridge adapters.
4 - Nintendo's Virtual Console
The fourth option is to use Nintendo's Virtual console. This service is available on the Wii (and WiiU). How it works is you purchase points using a credit card, and points can be used to download whatever games are available. Not all games cost the same number of points, but end cost ranges from about $5 for NES games, $8 for SNES games, and $10 for N64 games. Genesis and Turbo Grafx-16 games are also available for comparable prices. All told, these are reasonable prices for legitimate versions of these games, especially for games that are rare and/or pricey. There are a lot of titles available, but there still may not be your favorite game available. The emulation is decent, but the picture on the WiiU VC has a darker appearance, and some added blur for some reason. Keep in mind that the only controllers that can be used are the ones that have the Wii proprietary connector, or are compatible with the Wii/WiiU. There are not too many options, but the first party Classic Controller Pro is pretty nice. Depending on when you read this, games may no longer be available as Nintendo is planning on shutting down this service for these consoles, so what you have by that point is what you have.
5 - Plug 'n play consoles
A novel approach for causal gamers, and a recurring holiday gift, plug n' play consoles have existed for a while now, with low expectations for quality. Since you can buy these at Bed Bath and Beyond, you can tell that the target audience is not the connoisseur. Atari and Genesis have been the main culprits, as these have flooded the market until recently. When Nintendo released the NES Classic Edition, the bar was raised as this marks the first time a first-party developed device was released. Playing on the nostalgia of the casual or non-gamer, this item was hotly anticipated and scalped to the extreme. Nintendo gravely miscalculated demand as to this day you will pay anywhere from two to three times the msrp on the secondary market. The quality of the system, build quality, game selection, and playability are all what you expect from Nintendo, further adding to the desirability. Nintendo then doubled down the next year with the SNES Classic Edition. While more units were produced, it is still a difficult item to walk into a store and purchase. The gameplay is just as good as the NES Classic, yet there are fewer games, 21 on the SNES compared to 30 on the NES. The upside is that these compact, simple units with some of the best games on each system for a reasonable retail price. The downside is that there are only 21 or 30 games on them and you cannot actually acquire them for a reasonable retail price.
The company At Games, which produced Sega's Genesis plug 'n play console ($40), upped their game and released an HD version ($70) of the plug 'n play Genesis, this time with a cartridge slot! This is worth mentioning as it is the first of its kind. It does come with an advertised 85 games preloaded, yet expect about a third of those to be filler "bonus" games that are not actually Genesis games. It comes with wireless RF controllers, but you can use your own controllers as well. It has mixed reviews across the board.
The Retro-Bit Generations ($40) was a plug'n play console with licensed games from Capcom, Irem, Data East, and Jaleco. This was apparently pretty bad from a gameplay standpoint. Retro-Bit subsequently released the Retro-Cade ($60), which improved emulation, and swapped Jaleco games for Technos games. There are over 90 licensed games, mainly arcade versions, with some from NES, SNES, and one Genesis game. What makes this different is the emphasis on the arcade games selected.
It may be worth noting that the NES Classic, SNES Classic, and Retro-Cade can be hacked to play additional games. If you favorite game is not on one of these systems, you can add more games through some very minor hacks.
6 - RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi
RetroPie is a free program that lets you play various emulator programs under one front end, Emulation Station. The Raspberry Pi single board computer is the popular hardware to run it on.
There is an emulator for all of the popular systems from Atari all the way through Dreamcast, although the performance on Dreamcast and N64 is notoriously shaky. Everything prior to those is pretty good. This takes quite a bit of know-how, and the learning curve can be steep, depending on how computer savvy you are an how much customization you want to do. Again we are dealing with the acquiring of roms issue.
I chronicled my experience with RetroPie here. This is more of a deep dive than a casual device, but there are prebuilt Raspberry Pi systems for sale online. I have setup RetroPie sets for some friends, and from their perspective, it is the best thing since sliced bread. If it is setup already, it can be straightforward to use, but it is also easy to muck things up if you start messing around with settings. It was rewarding for me to research and figure out how to set this up, but the average person is not going to.
7 - Emulation on a Computer
I have a Mac, and the easiest option I have found was Open EMU, but there are far more options for PC. Essentially you get roms from somewhere, and drag them into the emulator, and they play. Once you know where to get roms, this is super easy. You can customize, add picture files to the icons, save states, and so on. I played around with it for a while, and it seems to play the games fairly well; I couldn't in my limited testing determine any major faults. I used an iBuffalo controller (the same one I use with RetroPie) and lag was not very apparent, although I am sure it was still there. To me this is the least appealing option to me, as I don't enjoy gaming at a desk. Some people don't mind though, and it is definitely an option.
My purpose is writing this up was to provide the breadth of gaming options to someone looking to get into retro gaming. Anyone who has been following the hobby already knows a great deal of this info, but maybe something will pop up that they didn't know.
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