While this might be interesting for those into that kind of thing, I admit that with all the cheap portable "consoles" out there, it is somewhat hard to stand out in the crowd. Which will surely bring the question to many people : why should I buy this?
This isn't saying it's going to be bad. The people behind this seems very passionate about it and retro gaming. I'm just saying that their console will launch in an overcrowded market, which will surely affect its commercial success.
I think that there is a market for some retro experiences, but this may not hit the right notes to be put in the "want" category for all retro fans.
Now, if they'd release some sort of bartop arcade with a cartridge port on the side, now that's something you don't see everyday. Even better, release a very small single-player bartop, a two-player one, and a full size cabinet version. All taking the same cartridges. That's something I'd be interested in. Pop in a new cartridge, here's a bunch of new games for your personnal arcade! I know cost for the base unit will be higher, but at least, that would be something different. (I know there are MAME cabinets out there, but I'm talking here about playing those games LEGALLY).
I truly wish for a dedicated retro system that has respect for the games beyond their simple code. Most retro systems or compilations I've seen are usually simple ports of old games, maybe sometimes with some basic documentation, occasionnal box shot and nothing more.
The best I've seen was the old PSP Sega compilation, which had front and back box shots of every games, historical background on each, and even video interviews of those who were involved in their creation. This is still, to date, the best example I can find of a retro compilation done by people who actually care about those games and everything they represented back then. The recent Mega Man collections aren't bad either, with tons of artwork included. The Activision collection on the old GBA was also decent (even if the emulation wasn't 100% perfect).
I find it sad when retro collections don't embrace their games legacy outside of their code. Or when they only do the bare minimum. It always feel to me like a missed opportunity. Like companies aren't really proud of what was accomplished back then.
I'm one of those people who think gaming history isn't only about the games, but everything that relates to them. Printed ads, TV commercials, original manuals, boxes, freebies that were given with the games at the time, interviews with programmers, artists, etc... Playing these games is cool, but it's even cooler when you put yourself into the historical context they were released in. Take example of old Atari 2600 games... In those days (that I still remember fondly), the art on the boxes and in manuals was an integral part of the experience, as it fed your imagination and helped it conceive that this blocky square on screen is actually a knight... And many games have an historical significance in being the "first" doing something different, which contributed to the experience back then. Without proper context, many of these games don't feel the same, which is a shame.
Why is it so complicated to actually put out retro stuff that shows actual love and respect for the games? I know not everyone care about this, but put it there as optional content at least. It'll make for an awesome piece for people who were around back when those games were released.
I know they'll probably never do it, but I hope 8bitdo ends up doing a Saturn gamepad clone with this d-pad. Their NES30 and SNES30 (PRO versions for both) are pretty close to the feel of the originals. Not perfect, but real close. The SNES30 Pro is very, very good IMO. It's my controller of choice for my Android TV device, and it can also be connected to the Switch (and PC as well).
I got rid of most of my collection some years ago. Personnally, I'm more the type that actually buy stuff to play it, than just have it stored on a shelf, so while I took care of my stuff, I didn't have anything sealed and/or wrapped and never played.
At one point, I had an Atari 2600 (original Sunnyvale edition) along with tons of accessories and cartridges, A still in decent shape Vectrex with about 3 games, an Intellivision II + games, a Sega Master System with some games, a Sega Genesis Model 1, with lots of games, Power base converter, and Sega CD model 2 (some games as well). Also a NES, SNES, N64, Sega Dreamcast, and PS1, all with many games each.
Thing is, my setup was actually made that ALL of those consoles were hooked to an old tube TV (like the good old days!), ready to be played at the flick of a switchbox. Except the Vectrex, because its built-in screen, of course.
It also took a TON of space in my basement.
But at some point, we needed some space because we have a small house, and with kids growing up, we needed some room space. And as I was saying, I kept all of these ready to play, as I like retrogaming a lot. So just putting them in storage wasn't really something I'd be interested in. And my Atari 2600 was worth a good chunk of money too, so did my Vectrex, and my NES, coming in all of its original packaging (foams, plastics and all), so...
These days, many old classics can be bought for cheap and played on modern systems, so while it isn't a substitute for the whole collection I had back then, it gives me a fix when I have that retrogaming urge.
Comments 5
Re: Pre-Orders Go Live For The Evercade Retro Handheld System
While this might be interesting for those into that kind of thing, I admit that with all the cheap portable "consoles" out there, it is somewhat hard to stand out in the crowd. Which will surely bring the question to many people : why should I buy this?
This isn't saying it's going to be bad. The people behind this seems very passionate about it and retro gaming. I'm just saying that their console will launch in an overcrowded market, which will surely affect its commercial success.
I think that there is a market for some retro experiences, but this may not hit the right notes to be put in the "want" category for all retro fans.
Now, if they'd release some sort of bartop arcade with a cartridge port on the side, now that's something you don't see everyday. Even better, release a very small single-player bartop, a two-player one, and a full size cabinet version. All taking the same cartridges. That's something I'd be interested in. Pop in a new cartridge, here's a bunch of new games for your personnal arcade! I know cost for the base unit will be higher, but at least, that would be something different. (I know there are MAME cabinets out there, but I'm talking here about playing those games LEGALLY).
Re: Polymega's "Next Gen" Light Gun Controller Will Let You Play Duck Hunt On Your HDTV
@Doktor-Mandrake
God I miss Point Blank.... This game was tons of fun...
Re: Exclusive: The Evercade Handheld Is Getting Earthworm Jim, Clayfigher And Midnight Resistance
I truly wish for a dedicated retro system that has respect for the games beyond their simple code. Most retro systems or compilations I've seen are usually simple ports of old games, maybe sometimes with some basic documentation, occasionnal box shot and nothing more.
The best I've seen was the old PSP Sega compilation, which had front and back box shots of every games, historical background on each, and even video interviews of those who were involved in their creation. This is still, to date, the best example I can find of a retro compilation done by people who actually care about those games and everything they represented back then. The recent Mega Man collections aren't bad either, with tons of artwork included. The Activision collection on the old GBA was also decent (even if the emulation wasn't 100% perfect).
I find it sad when retro collections don't embrace their games legacy outside of their code. Or when they only do the bare minimum. It always feel to me like a missed opportunity. Like companies aren't really proud of what was accomplished back then.
I'm one of those people who think gaming history isn't only about the games, but everything that relates to them. Printed ads, TV commercials, original manuals, boxes, freebies that were given with the games at the time, interviews with programmers, artists, etc... Playing these games is cool, but it's even cooler when you put yourself into the historical context they were released in. Take example of old Atari 2600 games... In those days (that I still remember fondly), the art on the boxes and in manuals was an integral part of the experience, as it fed your imagination and helped it conceive that this blocky square on screen is actually a knight... And many games have an historical significance in being the "first" doing something different, which contributed to the experience back then. Without proper context, many of these games don't feel the same, which is a shame.
Why is it so complicated to actually put out retro stuff that shows actual love and respect for the games? I know not everyone care about this, but put it there as optional content at least. It'll make for an awesome piece for people who were around back when those games were released.
Re: Hardware Review: The Sega Saturn Bluetooth Pad Doesn't Live Up To Its Inspiration
I know they'll probably never do it, but I hope 8bitdo ends up doing a Saturn gamepad clone with this d-pad. Their NES30 and SNES30 (PRO versions for both) are pretty close to the feel of the originals. Not perfect, but real close. The SNES30 Pro is very, very good IMO. It's my controller of choice for my Android TV device, and it can also be connected to the Switch (and PC as well).
Re: Feature: What Makes A Person Sell Their Entire Retro Games Collection?
I got rid of most of my collection some years ago. Personnally, I'm more the type that actually buy stuff to play it, than just have it stored on a shelf, so while I took care of my stuff, I didn't have anything sealed and/or wrapped and never played.
At one point, I had an Atari 2600 (original Sunnyvale edition) along with tons of accessories and cartridges, A still in decent shape Vectrex with about 3 games, an Intellivision II + games, a Sega Master System with some games, a Sega Genesis Model 1, with lots of games, Power base converter, and Sega CD model 2 (some games as well). Also a NES, SNES, N64, Sega Dreamcast, and PS1, all with many games each.
Thing is, my setup was actually made that ALL of those consoles were hooked to an old tube TV (like the good old days!), ready to be played at the flick of a switchbox. Except the Vectrex, because its built-in screen, of course.
It also took a TON of space in my basement.
But at some point, we needed some space because we have a small house, and with kids growing up, we needed some room space. And as I was saying, I kept all of these ready to play, as I like retrogaming a lot. So just putting them in storage wasn't really something I'd be interested in. And my Atari 2600 was worth a good chunk of money too, so did my Vectrex, and my NES, coming in all of its original packaging (foams, plastics and all), so...
These days, many old classics can be bought for cheap and played on modern systems, so while it isn't a substitute for the whole collection I had back then, it gives me a fix when I have that retrogaming urge.