The Polymega

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  • Опубліковано 29 бер 2024
  • Episode 400 - The Polymega from Playmaji is an interesting emulation device that hooks up to your HDTV which enables you to play your old physical NES, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, 32X, Sega CD, 32XCD, PlayStation, Saturn, Neo Geo CD, TurboGrafx-16, TurboGrafx-CD, Turbo Duo. PC Engine, PC Engine Arcade Card CD, SuperGrafx, and Nintendo 64 games as well as use their controllers. Let's check how good or not good this is!
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  • Ігри

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @GameSack
    @GameSack  2 місяці тому +104

    What do you think of the Polymega? Yay or nay?

    • @vegaspaul9428
      @vegaspaul9428 2 місяці тому +11

      Super interesting concept that seams to work very well considering. But yeah that price point 👀

    • @keijijohnson9754
      @keijijohnson9754 2 місяці тому +25

      The fact that it straight up REMOVES the pre installed ganes with some system software updates makes that a MAJOR Nay for me.

    • @Quimbyrbg
      @Quimbyrbg 2 місяці тому +28

      Fantastic review as always. If I'm going to drop that kind of coin on a retro console emulator, I want it to outperform the Ali Express handhelds.
      I could forgive occasional frame drops, but the the controller glitches just make it an instant nay.

    • @ventisette.
      @ventisette. 2 місяці тому +42

      Isn’t it based on standard x86 PC hardware? Just use a PC then!

    • @jamesburchill7522
      @jamesburchill7522 2 місяці тому +30

      It's kind of junky for that price point. Good concept. Bad execution.

  • @TheFirstHunt
    @TheFirstHunt 2 місяці тому +232

    Damn, that is a LOT of problems for a bare bones emulation box that's more expensive than a PS5.

    • @WIImotionmasher
      @WIImotionmasher 16 днів тому +1

      Im glad Im seeing a lot of people agree. This is annoyingly priced.
      Especially of you want the cart expansions.

    • @WIImotionmasher
      @WIImotionmasher 16 днів тому +1

      I'm interested in a Disc based emulator console like this. That can play all those Saturn and 90s CD consoles I missed out on.
      But the high cost of even the base console, plus the cost of those Saturn games on Ebay. Its just ridiculous.
      I've messed around with countless emulators and front ends and raspbarry pis and emulator handhelds.
      They all have terrible UI experience. And require a lot of manual fixing on my side.
      I would absolutely pay like $200 to play roms and discs with a cool and snappy UI and fully setup configs I never have to touch.

  • @Nobard0
    @Nobard0 2 місяці тому +90

    $500 for an underpowered Retroarch machine is a hard ask.

    • @Starwarsgeek-98
      @Starwarsgeek-98 2 місяці тому +15

      Retroarch runs games a bit better

    • @The_Boctor
      @The_Boctor 2 місяці тому +8

      @@Starwarsgeek-98And gets upstream support from its authors without needing to go through a vendor. And you're allowed to apply patches to it yourself if desired.

    • @nintendo1889x
      @nintendo1889x Місяць тому +5

      Careful, you'll upset the Polymega apologist fanboys 🤣

    • @WhatsOnMyShelf
      @WhatsOnMyShelf Місяць тому +2

      Not buying the thing, but consider it a Pi + a bunch of retrode modules. Those are expen$ive. It's a pretty niche project nonetheless and would have sold probably very well about 10 years ago.

    • @hazy33
      @hazy33 16 днів тому

      @@nintendo1889x looking thru the comments there genuinely don't seem to be any which is surprising. Some owners posting about liking the product but none of the crazy PS5/Xbox like fanaticism.

  • @linkvagar2336
    @linkvagar2336 2 місяці тому +218

    The price of this thing is obscene

    • @blakebortles6098
      @blakebortles6098 2 місяці тому

      ha HAHAHA

    • @The_Badcompany
      @The_Badcompany 2 місяці тому +1

      People will find a reason to complain about anything

    • @jeffro9252
      @jeffro9252 2 місяці тому +37

      @@The_Badcompanythe cost of things is usually a pretty good reason.

    • @The_Badcompany
      @The_Badcompany 2 місяці тому +1

      @@jeffro9252 Complaining won't change anything. All it does is make you and others around you miserable by being negative.

    • @Nordlicht05
      @Nordlicht05 2 місяці тому +10

      ​@@The_BadcompanyI have a solution. Let it be, don't complain and most important don't buy it 😅

  • @skins4thewin
    @skins4thewin 2 місяці тому +64

    Imagine paying $550 for a freaking Celeron based Emulation box... Yeah, no thanks.

    • @TheWarmotor
      @TheWarmotor 2 місяці тому +7

      Yes, that is insane. Elitedesk mini running a Ryzen5 with embedded graphics and 8 times the RAM is $100…

    • @strawmanfallacy
      @strawmanfallacy 2 місяці тому +2

      Seriously. It's basically manufactured e-waste at this point.

    • @SpencerMckenithWilliams
      @SpencerMckenithWilliams Місяць тому +1

      ​@@strawmanfallacy you can thank Soulja boi. His scam console is even trashier than the poly mega, even by raspberry pi

  • @Cyclingismywholelife
    @Cyclingismywholelife 2 місяці тому +142

    No Philips CD-i?
    Well excuse me princess

    • @MarquisDeSang
      @MarquisDeSang 2 місяці тому +8

      What about Amiga CD 32?

    • @mark6302
      @mark6302 2 місяці тому

      lol

    • @Valthonis
      @Valthonis 2 місяці тому +6

      Or 3DO?

    • @kosmosyche
      @kosmosyche 2 місяці тому +7

      I don't know about CD-i, but good 3DO emulation would have been nice. I have like 50+ games for it somewhere since the 90's. I have some legit good memories about 3DO. Other than it was too expensive at release, it was a solid console for the time.

    • @mark6302
      @mark6302 2 місяці тому +1

      @@kosmosyche I wish I didn't know about CD-i xD

  • @KamatsuKyoto
    @KamatsuKyoto 2 місяці тому +23

    Thank you for showing and trying the Polymega so we don't have to

  • @QuestionBlockGaming
    @QuestionBlockGaming 2 місяці тому +525

    $500? For a system with 2GB of ram and a Celeron? Using software emulation? With 4-7 frames of audio delay? Yiiiikes. Seems hard to justify the cost when emulation is right there anyway. Not being able to pull your cart saves either? What's the point of the console then? Just for the novelty of putting in the cartridges you own? Hard pass, really.
    Great video though! Always love your production quality!!

    • @ChairmanMeow1
      @ChairmanMeow1 2 місяці тому +35

      For that price point why wouldnt you just buy an old laptop or a Beelink mini PC...? The idea of this machine is cool but what are they thinking with those prices??

    • @veghesther3204
      @veghesther3204 2 місяці тому +13

      Correct its Not worth it especially if you don't even OWN physical games for all of those systems anymore and I don't even buy Physical PS3/PS4 games anymore.

    • @Marmite101
      @Marmite101 2 місяці тому +16

      Performance looks kind of ass on this.

    • @ChairmanMeow1
      @ChairmanMeow1 2 місяці тому +12

      @@Marmite101That too! RetroArch does too good of a job for me to consider alternatives really.

    • @QuestionBlockGaming
      @QuestionBlockGaming 2 місяці тому +18

      @@ChairmanMeow1 I got a beelink mini-PC for half the price of this, with a modern Ryzen CPU, 16GB of RAM, 500GB of M.2 storage. I can download all of these emulators, put them in a front-end, and use whatever controllers i want. The only thing i wouldn't be able to do use insert my physical copies, which doesn't even remotely matter in this case anyway since you can't dump unknown games nor can you import your own battery saves. It's a novelty for sure but that's a LOT of money for something that's not an FPGA/Mister

  • @JimmyRaptis
    @JimmyRaptis 2 місяці тому +91

    Originally announced in 2017, 7 years ago. So many better options today with a smaller price tag.

    • @TheCoolDave
      @TheCoolDave 2 місяці тому +4

      yea, and it's such a buggy mess after all this time...

    • @Cimone90
      @Cimone90 Місяць тому +1

      Yeah, I mean you could buy all the analog consoles for less than the cost of this thing. And at least there it's perfect fpga hardware emulation.

    • @user-se9dz1wy3y
      @user-se9dz1wy3y Місяць тому +1

      ​@@Cimone90 Fpga is still isn't perfect

    • @Cimone90
      @Cimone90 Місяць тому

      @user-se9dz1wy3y it's damn near 100% though. I have all the analog fpga consoles to date and they are indistinguishable from playing on real hardware. Aside from the better video output from the analog consoles, of course.

    • @nintendo1889x
      @nintendo1889x Місяць тому +2

      @@user-se9dz1wy3y Oh and this underpowered CPU it's using clearly is? 🤣

  • @Johnnygrafx
    @Johnnygrafx 2 місяці тому +146

    Man, for 500+ bucks to get up and running, this has way too many issues for me. I love the concept of a definitive modular retro box, but it needs either a massive price drop or a lot of work to smooth out some of those issues. Thanks for the in-depth review!

    • @Deep_wolf
      @Deep_wolf 2 місяці тому +23

      500 for emulator station.

    • @TheJacklikesvideos
      @TheJacklikesvideos 2 місяці тому +11

      i'd rather just buy a desktop PC at that price and forget about having to swap hardware.

    • @SeveredLegs
      @SeveredLegs 2 місяці тому

      But you have to set it up yourself with the image library, etc. ​@@baysidejr

    • @superstimulatedminotaur3681
      @superstimulatedminotaur3681 Місяць тому +1

      @@Deep_wolf Exactly. I thought my Retron 5 used to be kind of cool back in the day...until I realized using my cartridges was meaningless and it was all emulation. Either use the actual hardware or just use an emulator on your computer

  • @thomasboehnlein5205
    @thomasboehnlein5205 2 місяці тому +42

    I appreciate your brutal honesty. Companies need to bring their A game before you review their product.

  • @koolaid33
    @koolaid33 2 місяці тому +20

    I'd heard of the name around the block, but never really knew what a Polymega was. This not only educated me on what it is, but also why I don't want one!

  • @MrMegaManFan
    @MrMegaManFan 2 місяці тому +64

    I canceled my preorder and got my money back. I have no regrets.

    • @riddleiddle
      @riddleiddle 2 місяці тому +9

      Same. I knew this thing was going to be bad but I didn't expect it to be this bad

    • @Aki_Lesbrinco
      @Aki_Lesbrinco 2 місяці тому +10

      Me too. I cancelled my preorder years ago. Ended up building a mini itx pc with a bunch of emulators, then I dumped my whole PS1 and Saturn discs. Couldn't be happier.

    • @randy7894
      @randy7894 2 місяці тому +4

      You have dodged a bullet there.

    • @Hamid8472
      @Hamid8472 Місяць тому +1

      The fact that you even preordered one LOL!

  • @skins4thewin
    @skins4thewin 2 місяці тому +241

    How the hell is this thing still so unfinished after all this time? Specially considering it uses free Emulators that have existed for years?
    The shimmering in the output is absurd for such an expensive device...

    • @flandrble
      @flandrble 2 місяці тому +27

      super underpowered CPU

    • @sjake8308
      @sjake8308 2 місяці тому +15

      Some of the issues relate to the choice of emulators: Mega Drive emulation is somewhat fragmented, but Kega Fusion hasn't been updated for almost 15 years now and the only reason to use it at all at this point is the 32X support (the Mega CD emulation is especially ropey). It seems really weird that they didn't license Genesis Plus GX, BlastEm or Ares instead.

    • @fiskburk2908
      @fiskburk2908 2 місяці тому +1

      @@flandrble and probably does not use the RAM properly

    • @Trainy2
      @Trainy2 2 місяці тому +2

      @@flandrble It's not even expensive to upgrade the CPU with something way better

    • @kidthorazine
      @kidthorazine 2 місяці тому +21

      The fact that this thing costs so much and requires physical modules to expand its capabilities makes me think this was envisioned as a hardware emulator at some point before they realized that it would be to difficult/expensive to do that but decided to go ahead anyway. So my guess is that this is basically a highly compromised zombie project, which would explain a lot.

  • @HaakonAnderson
    @HaakonAnderson 2 місяці тому +244

    It's pretty cool but, running emulators on a 6 year old laptop you have sitting around in your basement through HDMI is surprisingly competent for a fraction of the cost.

    • @TheJacklikesvideos
      @TheJacklikesvideos 2 місяці тому +30

      better hardware in the laptop, based on some specs i'm seeing here.

    • @danhectic5629
      @danhectic5629 2 місяці тому +9

      my 10+ year old laptop ran PSX games till about 7 years ago. thanks windows update & computer illiteracy

    • @Dorelaxen
      @Dorelaxen 2 місяці тому +5

      And near perfect emulation, too. None of that frame skips with the audio.

    • @MrMegaManFan
      @MrMegaManFan 2 місяці тому +3

      I have a free 12 year old Mac my neighbor gave me and it can do everything the Polymega can.

    • @johnnybyrd300
      @johnnybyrd300 2 місяці тому +8

      My Wii U does all of these consoles AND it's a Wii/Wii U and it runs GameCube games.

  • @gabrieldias3479
    @gabrieldias3479 2 місяці тому +128

    Wow. $500,00 + $80,00 a module for a lot of plastic waste running a CELERON, with a free OS (Linux) and free emulators, that has a lot of bugs.
    How is that price even justifiable? How can the devs put on the market something like that?

    • @DodongoVideos
      @DodongoVideos 2 місяці тому +32

      I mean anyone could see this thing was a disaster years ago

    • @StormsparkPegasus
      @StormsparkPegasus 2 місяці тому +4

      For that price they should be using something much better, and except for the attachments for cartridges/controllers, you can easily do everything with Retroarch.

    • @DesertRainReads
      @DesertRainReads 2 місяці тому +5

      I mean, it's cool that you can upgrade the CPU but I agree, it should've been tweaked and fixed. 2GB of RAM? Should've been 8GB instead. Makes me wonder if there's ways to upgrade the RAM too.

    • @daakrolb
      @daakrolb 2 місяці тому +1

      Oh yeah I am seriously worried about the plastic waste.

    • @thomasgebert6119
      @thomasgebert6119 2 місяці тому +2

      Yeah, honestly you can buy a brand new Raspberry Pi 5 for like $80, and a USB DVD drive for like $40. Rip the games on the computer you already have, send them over to a Retro Pie install, and you'll get the same (or better) experience.

  • @wraithcadmus
    @wraithcadmus 2 місяці тому +105

    "Huh, guess the next Game Sack vid will mention a portrait video mode of some sort"
    - Joe's neighbours

    • @zg-it
      @zg-it 2 місяці тому +6

      Lol, Joe's neighbors moved away years ago

    • @JaredConnell
      @JaredConnell 2 місяці тому +7

      Don't you mean taint mode, I mean tate mode?

  • @COIFISHGAMING
    @COIFISHGAMING 2 місяці тому +6

    I use to be a warrior like you, but then I took a HD temporal blur to the knee

  • @warchild9381
    @warchild9381 2 місяці тому +7

    I love the skit callback to the "too much blast processing" gag, one of my favs from the show.

  • @desmabr
    @desmabr 2 місяці тому +34

    Just wanna say, I am very sensitive to audio delay. That's one thing I just can't get over

  • @berserkerlonewolf
    @berserkerlonewolf 2 місяці тому +19

    I've watched some video reviews of this in preparation before I made the jump to order and this one by far is the most damning. While I understand that emulation isn't perfect on other devices and in some cases I don't mind, the constant need for configuration from booting a game to just plugging in a controller on top of the emulation issues is a major deal-breaker for me. Though I'm intrigued by the convenience of getting to have access to various game libraries on one console, this is gonna have to be a hard nay for me, especially for $500. Great in-depth review., brother. This is why I subscribe. 👍

    • @duhmez
      @duhmez Місяць тому

      80 bucks for each module too on top of the 500 bucks. And u lose all svae game progress when u dump your cart, it does not transfer over.

  • @vitacilina555
    @vitacilina555 2 місяці тому +7

    Hey Joe! Just wanted to say that over the years I’ve watched your channel grow, and your content constantly improve (as well as your humorous delivery). You have a knack to make technical info delivery understandable and entertaining, I honestly think that in the retro space your content is the best out there. Much appreciation from a fellow Gen-X

  • @user-bd4mj1do5p
    @user-bd4mj1do5p 2 місяці тому +17

    i got mine a few months ago. Started boot looping out of the box. Never got to play a single game on it. The company takes over a month to respond to emails. Should have kept my money.

  • @mukiex4413
    @mukiex4413 2 місяці тому +27

    5:10 You know you're watching a good channel when you start to smile as soon as you see a game sideways 'cause you know you're about the hear the thing XD

    • @orderofmagnitude-TPATP
      @orderofmagnitude-TPATP 2 місяці тому +3

      Joe do the thing, do the thing!!!
      "tAte MoOoO00oodDde!!"

    • @JaredConnell
      @JaredConnell 2 місяці тому +1

      Come on Bart, say the thing

    • @orderofmagnitude-TPATP
      @orderofmagnitude-TPATP 2 місяці тому +1

      @@JaredConnell "I didn't do it..... err I mean TATTTTEEE MOOO000DDEE"
      Or was it "1 million MEEGGAA POOWWAAA"??

  • @MysticGargoyle
    @MysticGargoyle 2 місяці тому +8

    I want a multi console based on FPGA, not a weak Celeron based system from 2017 running high latency software emulation.

  • @Retro_Royal
    @Retro_Royal 2 місяці тому +11

    I had high hopes when it got announced, I could deal with the change from FPGA to Software Emulation (if done right) and they announced the Polymega with an Intel i7 / i5 at the start, seeing it run on a lowly Intel Celeron now while still carrying the hefty price tag is stunning. I applaud myself for going MiSTer years ago :)

    • @the.real.Deano.
      @the.real.Deano. 2 місяці тому +1

      You shouldn't even have to deal with software emulation over fpga given the $80 price tag for the modules. For those things being emulators that are simple and a big waste of plastic, that thing should be $40-$50. And I only say that high because of the included controllers.

  • @thechuckwagon6951
    @thechuckwagon6951 2 місяці тому +101

    if the Polymega was based on an FPGA ,that could drastically improve its quality. A more user friendly, consolized version of MISTER would be pretty awesome.

    • @theunbearablejuan
      @theunbearablejuan 2 місяці тому +21

      Originally it was meant to be an FPGA system, but something changed and this is what we ended up with.

    • @cubeflinger
      @cubeflinger 2 місяці тому +27

      Yet it is still priced like an fpga

    • @targuscinco
      @targuscinco 2 місяці тому +21

      What does the female pro golf association have to do with a shitty emulation box? Did they sponsor it?

    • @josephrowe2202
      @josephrowe2202 2 місяці тому +15

      Emulation works well enough for 99% of us without OCD. This is just a shitty product

    • @devilmikey00
      @devilmikey00 2 місяці тому +12

      I'll translate your comment: This would be better if it was a completely different product.

  • @Kevinsyel
    @Kevinsyel 2 місяці тому +3

    Thank you Joe! I was so excited for this, and was trying to save up for this... Now I don't need to waste my money! I was under the impression that modules were needed for near hardware level emulation... not simply to adapt the cartridge.
    So glad youtubers like you exist.

  • @Captofthisship
    @Captofthisship 2 місяці тому +8

    Gimme that Lightening Force model 1 synth soundtrack any day of the week!

    • @edy1361
      @edy1361 2 місяці тому +2

      Yep, blew the other ones comparing out of the water.

  • @darrellsmith9727
    @darrellsmith9727 2 місяці тому +19

    Oh no Joe! You missed it. "We're gonna rock down to NEC avenue!"

  • @andrewcamacho3364
    @andrewcamacho3364 2 місяці тому +45

    $500 U.S. for the console... then $80 additional, depending on the module you want? ...I'll stick with the MiSTer.

    • @jonniefast
      @jonniefast 2 місяці тому +9

      i wanted to like the poly but
      im just gonna keep hoarding OG hardware 😅

    • @edy1361
      @edy1361 2 місяці тому +1

      You own a MiSTer? You da man!

    • @devilmikey00
      @devilmikey00 2 місяці тому +3

      Yeah but can the MiSTer quench my ever more perverse obsession with inserting ancient plastic discs/cartridges into things? I didn't think so, check and mate. *Throws $550 dollars at polymega to watch a disc go into a drive while his eyes roll into the back of his head from pure bliss*

    • @NarmyHiiragi
      @NarmyHiiragi 2 місяці тому

      Yeah for that price you could just get a Retrotink and original hardware.

    • @spayseghost
      @spayseghost 2 місяці тому +1

      at least a mister can PLAY GAMES CORRECTLY. this machine is the best joke of the day

  • @NickTaylor-Phantom-Works2
    @NickTaylor-Phantom-Works2 2 місяці тому +9

    Loved the ending 'tower' bit - vintage gamesack!!

  • @WarioSaysSo
    @WarioSaysSo 2 місяці тому +8

    I really love the concept of the Polymega and have been a supporter since its early announcement.
    The Base + Ultra Expansion was the package I really looked forward for. However to see that it has still so many baby-illness problems unfixed after all this time is bad, and for such a heavy price-tag it is difficult to justify such a big investment....

  • @DLCOrganization
    @DLCOrganization 2 місяці тому +3

    NO ONE was expecting Game Sack to cover this! This should be interesting!

  • @AndrewHelgeCox
    @AndrewHelgeCox 2 місяці тому +4

    When you use youtube reviews as your QA department.

  • @andorius
    @andorius 2 місяці тому +16

    You always upload on sunday mornings here in the Netherlands, thank you for waking me up with TATE MODE!!!

  • @theshadowman1398
    @theshadowman1398 2 місяці тому +8

    Base unit at 500 USD. Not a chance

  • @voteDC
    @voteDC 2 місяці тому +7

    You could get an older office PC that still has its optical drive and get almost the same experience as the PolyMega, at least when it comes to the disc based systems as Retroarch lets you play those games directly from the drive or will copy them for you. Sure you'd be giving up being able to use real cartridges but since you aren't actually playing the game from them using another cart dumper to get your roms would be no different, if a few extra steps.
    All in all you'd get almost the same experience at a far cheaper price and with more systems available to play.

  • @wettuga2762
    @wettuga2762 2 місяці тому +5

    I like these concepts of newer hardware running older games,. The main downside I can see is that if the main unit breaks down and the manufacturer stops making that specific unit, you're left in the dust, and getting another used unit will most probably be VERY expensive due to the sparse availability. On the other hand, finding original consoles is easier, much more affordable, and in some cases easier to repair due to being older hardware and the existence of several videos and tutorials spread all over the Internet. AND it's also easier to just buy a second or third console as backup in the eventual case your original consoles also start breaking down and you can't repair them 🙂

  • @GamePowMasters
    @GamePowMasters Місяць тому

    Just realized I’ve been subscribed and watching for 10 years. Thanks so much Joe!

  • @SoulSacrific3
    @SoulSacrific3 2 місяці тому +3

    I'm always baffked by how much work goes into your videos. You're amazing

  • @AfterBurnettAsks
    @AfterBurnettAsks 2 місяці тому +6

    With all the current issues and massive delays, I'm glad I cancelled my order and went the MiSTer route. Still, a cool console for physical collectors, once the bugs are squashed. Awesome vid as usual, Joe!

    • @randy7894
      @randy7894 2 місяці тому +1

      You have dodged a very expensive bullet.

    • @AfterBurnettAsks
      @AfterBurnettAsks 2 місяці тому

      @@randy7894 I'm spry for a fat guy!

  • @megan_alnico
    @megan_alnico 2 місяці тому +9

    I remember asking the "value" question when this thing was first announced. I was told "this isn't for the enthusiast who knows about emulation. Its for the person who just wants to put in their game and play."
    So its an expensive toy for people with little to no understanding of tech... I think we all know what to call something like that.

  • @mr.selfimprovement3241
    @mr.selfimprovement3241 Місяць тому

    The "PolyShmegma". I'm not sure where I heard that name used a few years back... but now every time I see this console - I just hear it pronounced as the _PolyShmegma._ lol. In my head-canon, your voice Joe, is by far the funniest one to pronounce it repeatedly in a 30 minute video!
    Everything about this console is nonsense: from the price of base unit, to the modules (and their cost), to the fact that its a expensive modern 'software emulation' device that makes it so hard to do simple things even cheap emulation boxes allow (even accounting for it being closed source). I'm not sure who they designed this for, given its prohibitive expense - and how cheap alternative are for people who want to play with carts.
    But one thing is for sure: It's a fascinating device to see you cover, and the PolyShmegma is the greatest game console name ever in the history of the universe! Thank you Joe for bringing us the scoop!

  • @disky01
    @disky01 2 місяці тому +1

    This thing reminds me of the LaserActive from the '90s that I desperately wanted back then, only better. I'm not going to buy it but man, it's tempting.
    Love that stop-motion, by the way!

  • @Mr_Wheez
    @Mr_Wheez 2 місяці тому +9

    I actually liked the original idea but since that got lost during development, I stick to my expensive hardware from Analogue 😂

    • @Starwarsgeek-98
      @Starwarsgeek-98 2 місяці тому +2

      Analogue may be expensive but at least you know you're getting crisp fpga emulation

  • @esotericmissionary
    @esotericmissionary 2 місяці тому +25

    _Two_ 32Xs? Why, that's 64 Megabits of POWER!

  • @davebladegun3009
    @davebladegun3009 2 місяці тому

    Good, thorough review as always, Joe. I don’t trust too many YT reviewers when it comes to this sort of thing, but you’re always on point and I usually find that my opinions on this stuff line up with yours.
    I had been CURIOUS, and pondered taking the plunge multiple times in the past couple years but I’m definitely going to leave it alone now.
    The audio lag is inexcusable for the price tag, and these controller hiccups are beyond pathetic. They’ve taken more than a half-decade to arrive at this point and this is clearly STILL an unfinished product.
    My money will be far better spent on a RT4K.

  • @SuperLuigiSixty4
    @SuperLuigiSixty4 Місяць тому

    Been following the saga of this thing for a long time, and I never get tired of seeing it fumble the ball

  • @BloodiTearz
    @BloodiTearz Місяць тому +3

    1.Started at $250, ended up costing $550.
    2.Abandoned Features: Dropped FPGA support after pre-orders.
    3.Performance Problems: Reports of bugs, lag, and compatibility issues.
    4.Expensive Expansion: To get other 5 modules , they will cost your around $400.
    5. Dated hardware
    Unlike Analoge pocket, which bundled expansions together, Polymega requires users to purchase each module separately, increasing the overall cost and making it less convenient for consumers seeking a comprehensive gaming experience.

  • @Thoushaltplaymore
    @Thoushaltplaymore 2 місяці тому +7

    So many issues and such a hefty price tag

  • @JWBR84
    @JWBR84 2 місяці тому +1

    I'm astonished at all the issues. Excellent review.

  • @gamecat666
    @gamecat666 Місяць тому

    watching that tower of power wobble caused me actual physical pain

  • @scottpilgrim2
    @scottpilgrim2 2 місяці тому +4

    Happy easter and thanks Joe :)

  • @thegreatoni
    @thegreatoni 2 місяці тому +59

    I live for the TATE MODE call outs

    • @ru5t397
      @ru5t397 2 місяці тому +8

      I'm surprised he is still saying it wrong

    • @thegreatoni
      @thegreatoni 2 місяці тому +14

      ​@@ru5t397gotta commit to the bit.

    • @ericjohnson6634
      @ericjohnson6634 Місяць тому

      @ru5t397 He intentionally says it wrong to irritate Japanophiles and pronunciation nazis. It's part of his personality and style of humor.

  • @querpmuerp
    @querpmuerp 2 місяці тому

    Glad to see you're stil around delivering such quality content!

  • @slot9
    @slot9 14 днів тому

    Thanks for all the work on this! I loved getting to see what this thing is like!

  • @faenethlorhalien
    @faenethlorhalien 2 місяці тому +11

    If I want an emulation box, I can connect any old controller to my pc and emulate there, with better quality, playing literally any of the... ALL? of the roms that you can find online, for free. I don't see the point of these devices. Either you play with original hard, or you go FPGA or just use a pc.

    • @sjake8308
      @sjake8308 2 місяці тому

      Meh, people should just play these games in whatever way they find most enjoyable. The real problem here is how little you get for your money rather than the concept itself.

  • @quajay187
    @quajay187 2 місяці тому +3

    I certainly know what YOU think about the PolyMega Joe lol.

  • @masterquake7
    @masterquake7 2 місяці тому +1

    Great review. Love the end skit too.

  • @WithoutParole
    @WithoutParole 2 місяці тому +2

    Man I love this machine. It definitely needs some updates and yes it's expensive but I'm having a blast having access to my full retro collection again

    • @devilmikey00
      @devilmikey00 2 місяці тому +1

      My guy, there are like 20 other ways to do this without having wasted 500-1000 dollars lol You got absolutely fucking hosed buying this shitty low power computer running a bunch of free emulators badly. Just get over the weird obsession with needing to stick a cartridge or a disc in things and download the roms for the stuff you own.

  • @Falcnuts
    @Falcnuts 2 місяці тому +23

    Sackmen, unite!

  • @ZILtoid1991
    @ZILtoid1991 2 місяці тому +21

    Game developer here, the audio delay is from the ALSA audio driver on Linux. On Windows, this issue is solved long ago with the WASAPI (XAudio) driver. On Linux, one would have to use the more obscure JACK driver instead.

    • @TheWarmotor
      @TheWarmotor 2 місяці тому +5

      I’m running ALSA on retropie and batocera across pi3b+, X86.64, and odroid XU4 respectively. Pretty sure ALSA is the OS backend for my latest project, a pseudo 16-bit engine being cross developed for both Windows and Linux using SDL2 and I’ve spent hundreds of hours so far testing in both environments… not only have I never noticed inherent audio lag using ALSA, I’ve never even heard someone make that claim. Do you have something to back that up?

    • @jamiemclaughlin6899
      @jamiemclaughlin6899 2 місяці тому +2

      It's actually PulseAudio rather than ALSA. Both PulseAudio and JACK use ALSA drivers. The developers most likely just need to change one PulseAudio config file to give lower latency.

  • @eternal3279
    @eternal3279 2 місяці тому +1

    Honestly, the Polymega sounds like a good idea on paper, but once you run it(and you have to have actual games, which means repros, homebrew, and flashcarts are out), it runs into problems. This episode was highly informative, and I have nothing else to add, though I do wanna know where you got the shirt. Also, love the skit at the end(though I think the extra 32X was one 32X too many; that's too much MEGA POWER)

  • @jeremyjulkowski4844
    @jeremyjulkowski4844 2 місяці тому

    As soon as I saw your shirt at the beginning of your new episode Joe, I about fell out of my chair laughing!

  • @cueball981
    @cueball981 2 місяці тому +5

    TAAAAAATE MOOOOODE! Happy Easter, Joe!

  • @hteekay
    @hteekay 2 місяці тому +3

    Ooofff... the sheer gall to ask 500usd for a console that never play anything right..

  • @williamoverton7775
    @williamoverton7775 2 місяці тому

    Sometimes I feel down I like how new episodes of this keep coming out.

  • @brandonjenkins6381
    @brandonjenkins6381 2 місяці тому

    Happy Easter Joe and thanks for a video on the holiday.

  • @user-wy4sy2re8c
    @user-wy4sy2re8c 2 місяці тому +12

    $580 and it can't even run Ocarina of Time properly? Just get an old laptop or a Steam Deck or something.

    • @Pridetoons
      @Pridetoons Місяць тому

      Or just buy almost any Retro Handheld and plug that up to your TV instead. 😕

  • @gamerdude0
    @gamerdude0 2 місяці тому +12

    I say nay, just use a pc you already own and retroarch with controller adapters if you want to use original controllers.

    • @sjake8308
      @sjake8308 2 місяці тому

      RetroArch. 🤮🤮🤮

  • @JohnGotts
    @JohnGotts 2 місяці тому

    Welcome back! Missed both you and Mustie1 last Sunday morning!

  • @zipppiz
    @zipppiz 2 місяці тому

    Love your videos and the humor ❤
    Always full of great content!

  • @awake4ages
    @awake4ages 2 місяці тому +9

    Someone has probably already pointed this out, but the game at 2:55 is TinHead, not TinStar :)

  • @TehChozen1
    @TehChozen1 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for giving it to Playmaji straight, Joe. Damn was I hopeful for this thing. I thought the addons idea was so cool.

  • @MartinBarreby
    @MartinBarreby Місяць тому +1

    Such a cool device! And good video about it as usual.
    Interesting about the Enhanced Audio part, I think preferred it off since it had some more clarity in the setup I'm listening in here, but I could see that it could be a bit too sharp maybe. But when comparing the Audio Enhancing on made it sound a bit muffled. But that's in this A B testing context of course so probably is just fine. :)

  • @AcornElectron
    @AcornElectron 2 місяці тому +3

    Probably just stick with my old PSP for retro emulation.

  • @jong2359
    @jong2359 2 місяці тому +11

    2:14 -- God I hope it runs faster than 2.9 Mhz... emulation be pretty slow at that clock rate.

    • @h1ghju1ce
      @h1ghju1ce 2 місяці тому +1

      My ears pricked up when I heard it too 😂

  • @8aymapaidi
    @8aymapaidi 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for the attention to detail!

  • @mattrichenburg1585
    @mattrichenburg1585 Місяць тому

    Best video I have seen on the product. Thank you!

  • @AAWinnerMichaelCaine
    @AAWinnerMichaelCaine 2 місяці тому +10

    Overpriced. Give me FPGA for that price.

  • @theonemouse
    @theonemouse 2 місяці тому +35

    He is risen! Happy Easter GameSack!

    • @DakovP
      @DakovP 2 місяці тому +5

      AMEN

    • @Aco137AR
      @Aco137AR 2 місяці тому +5

      Amen!!!!

    • @videogameobsession
      @videogameobsession 2 місяці тому +2

      666 ✊Happy Zombie Jesus weekend. 😂 J/K. Have a good bunny day. Hope your baskets are full of chocolate and other goodies!

    • @ItsAWonderfulKnife
      @ItsAWonderfulKnife 2 місяці тому +1

      Amen! ❤

    • @josephrowe2202
      @josephrowe2202 2 місяці тому +1

      Enjoy your imaginary creation

  • @volvoguy804
    @volvoguy804 2 місяці тому +1

    Love Blaster Master in the background at the beginning of the vid. Currently trying to beat it.

  • @protomanrg
    @protomanrg 2 місяці тому

    Great presentation on this video, I was a fan of the "Bzzt!" and "Ding" along the way.

  • @williammoore1030
    @williammoore1030 2 місяці тому +8

    Looks like Playing emulated games on PC or a hacked handheld is still the way to go.

  • @GuestZer0
    @GuestZer0 2 місяці тому +7

    🔥 *TATE MODE!!!* 🔥 never gets old. 5:10

    • @T0NYFERRELL1
      @T0NYFERRELL1 2 місяці тому +2

      Really hope he never drops this gag as well as “Did you just say tits??”

  • @tokugamer1697
    @tokugamer1697 2 місяці тому +1

    Great review. It was very fair and well researched. Hope to have you review it again once more features come out in the future. Also, if you haven’t yet, check out the patches you can side load to your games. It really is a great feature, especially when taking Disc games into account. :)

  • @DeformedConscience
    @DeformedConscience 2 місяці тому

    Just wanted to note that the ambient music you chose when describing the console really complimented this video nicely.
    It allows viewers like myself to better absorb all the technical details without some goofy chiptune blasting in the background. (Not knocking your taste in music, it is usually excellent!)
    Wish you would go this direction more often!

    • @nlightning2793
      @nlightning2793 2 місяці тому +1

      That ambient music is actually the Polymega default system music!

  • @NanomachineExE
    @NanomachineExE 2 місяці тому +8

    8 minutes into your 32 minute video was all I needed to pass up on this thing. Who is this for? It's too expensive for casuals and it's not feature-rich enough for enthusiasts.

    • @user-wy4sy2re8c
      @user-wy4sy2re8c 2 місяці тому +4

      Looks like it's for people who want to get into retro gaming but aren't knowledgeable enough to realize how bad of a deal it is.

  • @chexmixkitty
    @chexmixkitty 2 місяці тому +7

    I guess this is the device for people that have more money than sense. You can do all this on PC and just get adapters for your controllers.

    • @XVa-uj8m
      @XVa-uj8m 2 місяці тому

      The appeal for many was it was it was an easy way to dump all of your carts/cds and has an awesome interface.
      That is one thing I do hate about some of these emulation setups is the interface is horrid or JUST serviceable(I mean looks generally when I say both of these things). The emulator creators really need to take a design class.

  • @graymars1097
    @graymars1097 2 місяці тому

    20:52 Joe I got angry when you cut the music I was so engrossed in the awesome music 😂😅
    Great video thanks for showing us I learn a lot about retro video and audio from you 😊

  • @InternetTAB
    @InternetTAB 2 місяці тому

    lmao I'm so glad you have all the skits compiled. thanks for all the great entertainment

  • @Zellio2011
    @Zellio2011 2 місяці тому +6

    So you can buy a ps5, a 6900xt on sale, or.... this thing with a ton of issues...

    • @12ealDealOfficial
      @12ealDealOfficial 2 місяці тому

      Two Xbox Ones or an XSX is my preferred way to go. The deal might not be as sweet with Retroarch patched out of retail mode, but it's consolized emulation and it works pretty well. My XSX only gets used for Retroarch.

  • @firisrozley5768
    @firisrozley5768 2 місяці тому +3

    IMHO, Polymega is pretty much dead on arrival. If Polymega were to use AMD AM4 motherboard with iGPU support up until Ryzen 7 5700G + upgradable external memory, perhaps this could be an emulation beast.

  • @neo6289
    @neo6289 2 місяці тому +1

    Thanks Joe!!!!!!! You make my day better

  • @PastoKage
    @PastoKage Місяць тому +1

    Quoting the Mega 64: "Raspberry Pi Bro"

  • @D.E._Sarcarean
    @D.E._Sarcarean 2 місяці тому +5

    Intel Coffee Lake CPU running at 2.9 megahertz!?!?

    • @initial_kd
      @initial_kd 2 місяці тому +1

      Coffee lake is ok but its old now, delays have meant polymega is old news. Better just having an AM5 or 12-14th gen intel even a 12100k would do emulation fine just depends what sort of graphics card you pair it with for ps1 and upwards. Then you have a system you can actually use for other stuff. Even get yourself a nice small matx or itx case.

    • @corngames8982
      @corngames8982 2 місяці тому

      I think he meant GHz

  • @videogameobsession
    @videogameobsession 2 місяці тому +3

    I can't say this has ever impressed me or that I've ever thought about buying one, but an interesting watch nonetheless. I just can't imagine spending nearly $900 on the Polymega Deluxe bundle (base unit + NES, SNES, GEN, TG16) and having THAT many bugs, latency, sound issues, speed issues, non-working homebrew, and translated carts, nearly impossible to copy roms over to it, and so on... No thanks!)
    I'm glad I bought the Analogue Pocket ($200), Dock ($100), and adapter pack ($85), so it'll handle physical games for GB/GBC/GBA/TG16/PC ENGINE/SUPER GRAFX/ATARI LYNX/NEOGEO POCKET COLOR). As well as FPGA cores for more than a dozen plus more consoles, computers, and so many arcade cores. I also think the MiSTer might play N64 more accurately than the Polymega now, with the latest updates on it. PSX and Saturn updates on the MiSTer also bring it closer to console hardware perfection.

  • @entertainmentwizard2703
    @entertainmentwizard2703 2 місяці тому +1

    Great video and great ending lol!

  • @mole28
    @mole28 2 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for the video! I've been waiting years for the Polymega. But seeing that after all this time there are so many issues i doubt the system will ever work perfect...