At 25:00 mark, Bob makes a great comparison between classic cars and CRTs. As someone who is an active classic car collector, and CRT/PVM enthusiast, people sometimes ask me why I engage in this "outdated" technology? Then I show them the cars, the engine sound, the feel of the materials, the driving dynamics... Then they get it. Same thing with gaming, I take them to my classic game room, these see all the PVMs running at the same time and they get a feeling that is unmatched by modern displays.
Bob, I'm totally with you on wanting to push down when inserting NES carts. The whole reason why I invest in original hardware for retro-gaming instead of just using emulators is the nostalgia for the physical media and tactile feel of inserting the cartridge. It helps prime my senses and get me in the mindset for enjoying the games of my youth. Also, I would argue that a properly maintained OEM 72-pin connector works just fine as long as you keep your cartridges clean, and the age-old claims that normal use will cause the pins to bend out of place over time is a persistent myth that has led to solutions that are unnessary at best and harmful at worst. The real cause, in most cases, is that the NES pin connector doesn't scrape the cartridge pins clean like practically every other system does, so all that gunk built up from decades of blowing into these cartridges needs to be cleaned off with contact cleaner like Deoxit (not just alcohol or an eraser) for the games to be read properly. The NintenDrawer, while an impressive piece of kit, just isn't necessary in my opinion when proper care, cleaning, and maintenance of the OEM pin connector and your NES carts solves the exact same problem.
18:08 The Evercade VS has the same HDMI CEC issues when it's in standby mode. I bought a 10 $ CEC stripper adapter and the problem is now gone. An alternative is to cut or put some tape over pin 13 of the HDMI cable, but it's a fiddly job. Cutting some pin on the MiSTer mainboard is a very bad idea.
I’m with you 100% on wanting to push down with the NES. I got my death grip Blinking Light Win installed and it’s great, but part of the nostalgia is pushing it down. I keep hoping someone creates a mod solution for the 72pin connector that retains that function without having to bend back all the pins ever so often.
About the Nintendrawer, I noticed my brain started thinking of ways something could be made that works by pushing the game down, and I'm feeling pretty confident that its possible, but its a tricky proposition. A connector like what they used attached to an anchorpoint would be required, and making a latching mechanism for pushing it down should be feasible as well. The complicated part is to maintain the solution for being able to get the game out while still having a decent pin-connection without the function that slides the game out. It can be done by either connecting the latching mechanism to a pin release mechanism. That sounds a bit rough as it wouldn't allow for using stock connectors, you'd likely need a custom connector manufactured for this. (Basically a cart you push in where the cart connector is tightened upon pressing the game downwards.) The other option is to basically have this exact sliding mechanism and cinnector still, except with an anchorpoint allowing it to swing down when pushed all the way in, aka even more over-engineering, where upon being slid in, it crosses a point where it can be angled downward. Its possible. Worth it? Not even a little, but I'm sure some would appreciate it😅
Without push down, it seems kind of pointless to me. I would really apreciate a new take on proper ZIF connector, and not yanking it in and out of the slot. It would complete all NES premium features. 17:10 Bob aggrees with us.
I never had a NES, I had 1 friend who had a NES but I only went to his house like 3 times ever, I have no real nostalgia for the NES. Even I agree the push down is an essential part of the NES experience
I agree with you on being able to push down on the NES cartridge. I want to do that also. I still have my original cartridge connector. I just cleaned it well and now it seems to work virtually all the time.
What you can do with emulation: Paper Mario in the Switch N64 collection. What you can do with a port: The upcoming Paper Mario Thousand Year Door remake. This is a huge deal.
Its not dumb at all about the push down, those of us who grew up with the nes as kids would have the reflex built in to naturally push the tray down. It would be interesting to see a modern push down update but then again if a manufacturer were to build a high quality 72 pin connector then that would solve all of our problems and probably mitigate having to make alternative solutions to a new tray being fabricated. I still want one because it looks cool in the clear case.
Bob, you are not the only person. I had a Blinking Light Win in my HDMI modded NES. Worked great. But ended up selling it cause I missed the nostalgia of pushing the carts down.
The only thing that I think isn’t great about the NintenDrawer is that it doesn’t allow you to push down the cart. I strongly agree that it is an essential part of the NES experience.
Whatever happened to the consolizers for the 3DS and PSP? I vaguely remember one of your videos mentioning a company announcing their plans for the next couple of years regarding these.
I own a Rhea already, but I bought a Saroo because Rhea is such a pain to add games to. I'm not getting rid of my RHea so it's nice that Saroo can boot to the ODE.
Hey Bob, I got my Master System games in the Macy's in Albany, NY. They sold the systems too. They had an awesome Kiosk in the store. Kaybee toys sold the SMS too.
We didn't have a KayBee near me - We had Toy Works before KayBee bought them out. I wish I thought to check Macy's back in the day though! ...but SMS was so rare around me, Funcoland didn't even take them as trade-in.
@@RetroRGB I think that part of the issue was that the Master System was distributed by Tonka Toys in the USA, and they didn't supply to game stores. So the Master System was in stores with toy sections.
Im with you Bob, i want to push the cartridge down too!! Its part of the charm and nostalgia. Thats why i also passed on the no blink or whatever it was called.
F-zero in 16:9 on native software? Can the FoV be adapted to 16:9. Perhaps for all N64. How about a full set of N64 games all converted to 16:9 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks! I don't think it would be fair to review it right now, as it's not performing nearly as well as the alternatives. I'll wait until it's out of public beta.
I want to get my Megaman 9 and 10 Wi, both native 480i no matter how the Wii is set, I want to make 240p then add my scalines filter on my tink 5x. I will check your guide asnd see if it helps me out here
Using Saru alongside another ODE, could perhaps ensure 100% compatibility. If a game does not work on one but maybe work onthe other.. I always liek to have backip boot methods anyway if possible becuase all hardware will suddenly die one day. I dont wwanna be 70 years old in 20 yeares from ow and my ODE dies and I cant source new one quickly
I feel like an LLM could be trained with Mario, Zelda oot/mm, Superman, and other games that have been recompiled successfully, and then it could generate the asssembly lookups that any other N64 elf would need.
Best way to play modern games on CRT is get a CRT monitor with a HDMI to VGA adapter of decent quality, and then grab the game on steam or Gog. No fuss or muss. Easy and works great.
It’s the auto settings of my camera. I’ve been super lazy for the weekly’s…but you’re right, it looks bad. I hate how it makes my teeth look - They’re not perfect, but they’re definitely not yellow like this camera makes it. I gotta re-do the setup and fix it.
At 25:00 mark, Bob makes a great comparison between classic cars and CRTs. As someone who is an active classic car collector, and CRT/PVM enthusiast, people sometimes ask me why I engage in this "outdated" technology? Then I show them the cars, the engine sound, the feel of the materials, the driving dynamics... Then they get it. Same thing with gaming, I take them to my classic game room, these see all the PVMs running at the same time and they get a feeling that is unmatched by modern displays.
A downscaling section is amazing! I've been interested in doing that with the right equipment. Love it.
I installed a "Blinking Light Win" on my NES and "yes", a combination of muscle memory and nostalgia wants to push down on the cartridge.
Bob, I'm totally with you on wanting to push down when inserting NES carts. The whole reason why I invest in original hardware for retro-gaming instead of just using emulators is the nostalgia for the physical media and tactile feel of inserting the cartridge. It helps prime my senses and get me in the mindset for enjoying the games of my youth.
Also, I would argue that a properly maintained OEM 72-pin connector works just fine as long as you keep your cartridges clean, and the age-old claims that normal use will cause the pins to bend out of place over time is a persistent myth that has led to solutions that are unnessary at best and harmful at worst. The real cause, in most cases, is that the NES pin connector doesn't scrape the cartridge pins clean like practically every other system does, so all that gunk built up from decades of blowing into these cartridges needs to be cleaned off with contact cleaner like Deoxit (not just alcohol or an eraser) for the games to be read properly. The NintenDrawer, while an impressive piece of kit, just isn't necessary in my opinion when proper care, cleaning, and maintenance of the OEM pin connector and your NES carts solves the exact same problem.
18:08 The Evercade VS has the same HDMI CEC issues when it's in standby mode. I bought a 10 $ CEC stripper adapter and the problem is now gone.
An alternative is to cut or put some tape over pin 13 of the HDMI cable, but it's a fiddly job. Cutting some pin on the MiSTer mainboard is a very bad idea.
Your level of attention to detail and quality is something to behold Bob. As always, thank you!
I’m with you 100% on wanting to push down with the NES.
I got my death grip Blinking Light Win installed and it’s great, but part of the nostalgia is pushing it down.
I keep hoping someone creates a mod solution for the 72pin connector that retains that function without having to bend back all the pins ever so often.
The click-clack of installing an NES game is required for the full experience. Period.
Agreed. Believe it or not, when my NES started acting up, boiling the 72 pin connector fixed it. There are guides/videos about it if you search around
About the Nintendrawer, I noticed my brain started thinking of ways something could be made that works by pushing the game down, and I'm feeling pretty confident that its possible, but its a tricky proposition. A connector like what they used attached to an anchorpoint would be required, and making a latching mechanism for pushing it down should be feasible as well. The complicated part is to maintain the solution for being able to get the game out while still having a decent pin-connection without the function that slides the game out. It can be done by either connecting the latching mechanism to a pin release mechanism. That sounds a bit rough as it wouldn't allow for using stock connectors, you'd likely need a custom connector manufactured for this. (Basically a cart you push in where the cart connector is tightened upon pressing the game downwards.) The other option is to basically have this exact sliding mechanism and cinnector still, except with an anchorpoint allowing it to swing down when pushed all the way in, aka even more over-engineering, where upon being slid in, it crosses a point where it can be angled downward. Its possible. Worth it? Not even a little, but I'm sure some would appreciate it😅
Without push down, it seems kind of pointless to me. I would really apreciate a new take on proper ZIF connector, and not yanking it in and out of the slot. It would complete all NES premium features. 17:10 Bob aggrees with us.
I never had a NES, I had 1 friend who had a NES but I only went to his house like 3 times ever, I have no real nostalgia for the NES.
Even I agree the push down is an essential part of the NES experience
Gotta push down on the NES. I can’t undo 30+ years of muscle memory
Great round up. Loved the vhs video. Gonna run it back a couple more times to really study it before I do my conversions
Good morning Bob! Work has been crazy and I’m feeling pretty beat up! This is what i need to get back out there today!
The VHS video was I think your finest work. It really starts to get good around 25mins. and Mike is god.
I agree with you on being able to push down on the NES cartridge. I want to do that also. I still have my original cartridge connector. I just cleaned it well and now it seems to work virtually all the time.
What you can do with emulation: Paper Mario in the Switch N64 collection.
What you can do with a port: The upcoming Paper Mario Thousand Year Door remake.
This is a huge deal.
I completely agree about pushing down, that's actually why I never bought a blinking light win and won't be getting a Nintendrawer either, sadly.
Its not dumb at all about the push down, those of us who grew up with the nes as kids would have the reflex built in to naturally push the tray down. It would be interesting to see a modern push down update but then again if a manufacturer were to build a high quality 72 pin connector then that would solve all of our problems and probably mitigate having to make alternative solutions to a new tray being fabricated. I still want one because it looks cool in the clear case.
Bob, you are not the only person. I had a Blinking Light Win in my HDMI modded NES. Worked great. But ended up selling it cause I missed the nostalgia of pushing the carts down.
The only thing that I think isn’t great about the NintenDrawer is that it doesn’t allow you to push down the cart. I strongly agree that it is an essential part of the NES experience.
Whatever happened to the consolizers for the 3DS and PSP? I vaguely remember one of your videos mentioning a company announcing their plans for the next couple of years regarding these.
A few dev’s announced them over the years, showed pics of them running and promised releases…and then nothing. Really disappointing :/
I own a Rhea already, but I bought a Saroo because Rhea is such a pain to add games to. I'm not getting rid of my RHea so it's nice that Saroo can boot to the ODE.
team push down, t-shirts coming soon?
Hey Bob, I got my Master System games in the Macy's in Albany, NY. They sold the systems too. They had an awesome Kiosk in the store. Kaybee toys sold the SMS too.
We didn't have a KayBee near me - We had Toy Works before KayBee bought them out. I wish I thought to check Macy's back in the day though!
...but SMS was so rare around me, Funcoland didn't even take them as trade-in.
@@RetroRGB I think that part of the issue was that the Master System was distributed by Tonka Toys in the USA, and they didn't supply to game stores. So the Master System was in stores with toy sections.
Im with you Bob, i want to push the cartridge down too!! Its part of the charm and nostalgia. Thats why i also passed on the no blink or whatever it was called.
F-zero in 16:9 on native software? Can the FoV be adapted to 16:9. Perhaps for all N64.
How about a full set of N64 games all converted to 16:9 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🤘🤘
If recompilation is possible for the n64, I wonder if we will see a similar solution for simpler devices, like PS1 and earlier
Great video, as usual! Are you reviewing the PixelFX Morph 4K?
Thanks! I don't think it would be fair to review it right now, as it's not performing nearly as well as the alternatives. I'll wait until it's out of public beta.
N64 recompile can sort of be instant if u know smeone u trust thatu get get the fuly prepared converted gam ^^
I want to get my Megaman 9 and 10 Wi, both native 480i no matter how the Wii is set, I want to make 240p then add my scalines filter on my tink 5x. I will check your guide asnd see if it helps me out here
Not over engineered enough to allow pushing down 😂
Team Push Down
ooooh ten more episodes to go until we blaze it
I'm seriously considering that...
Can anyone recommend a wonder swan flash cart? I've seen a few rpgs with English translation and I'd like to play on original hardware.
There's this one, plus I think there may be an open source version too: www.retrorgb.com/wonderswan-flash-cart-pre-sale.html
With Data Man, I didn't understand what you meant by beveled. The 72 pin connector? The plastic cart case?
The part of the PCB that slides into your console.
Using Saru alongside another ODE, could perhaps ensure 100% compatibility. If a game does not work on one but maybe work onthe other.. I always liek to have backip boot methods anyway if possible becuase all hardware will suddenly die one day. I dont wwanna be 70 years old in 20 yeares from ow and my ODE dies and I cant source new one quickly
I feel like an LLM could be trained with Mario, Zelda oot/mm, Superman, and other games that have been recompiled successfully, and then it could generate the asssembly lookups that any other N64 elf would need.
Joe is a hero.
I’ll be honest I have no idea what mister is, and at this point I’m afraid to ask.
Basically, it's emulation that's more accurate and less laggy then most software emulators: www.retrorgb.com/mister.html
@@RetroRGB will check it out, much appreciated :) thanks for doing all you do
Best way to play modern games on CRT is get a CRT monitor with a HDMI to VGA adapter of decent quality, and then grab the game on steam or Gog.
No fuss or muss. Easy and works great.
1
Hey you’ve been looking a bit green in some of your most recent videos. I’m not sure if it’s your camera or what, but I hope all is well.
It’s the auto settings of my camera. I’ve been super lazy for the weekly’s…but you’re right, it looks bad. I hate how it makes my teeth look - They’re not perfect, but they’re definitely not yellow like this camera makes it. I gotta re-do the setup and fix it.