FPGA Based Videogame System

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

Thank you both!

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

Has anyone been able to get Burgertime to run correctly on the NT Mini A2600 core? I did read the release notes for the core. The Burgertime rom with the .mn extension (From the Smokemonster Rom Pack) loads to the initial screen, but there are graphical glitches and the game will not start. I tried downloading a fresh rom from Atariage and changing the extension from .bin to .mn, but with the same result. Burgertime is the first game for the A2600 high score club season 7 this week. If possible, I would like to play it on the NT Mini. Thanks in advance for any responses.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

But where are the reliable new CRTS to go with that reliable new analog SNES you want? Your argument for its inclusion centered around future reliability of CRT based gaming. That isn't a thing unless there's CRTs. Working SNES consoles aren't being left curbside for trash pick up. Cart slots, dried out capacitors, and voltage regulators can be repaired/replaced. A tired CRT tube is a tired CRT tube.

 

From an outside observer it appears you're taking your stand on the wrong front. You should be knocking down Sony's door demanding the return of the Trinitron line. Getting annoyed at Analogue for analog video exclusion is putting the cart before the horse.

 

You are the one making an argument about CRTs, not me. Schizophretard does make a good point in the previous post. The reliability of CRTs and going on ebay to by a used SNES for $40-$60 has nothing to do with why I want a new SNES clone console with both analogue and digital output. Our Retro consoles are getting old and I would like to replace them with new, modern high quality clones. I prefer systems that do both analogue and digital, and I'm willing to pay for it. I'll play on CRTs/PVMs for as long as I can. Having HDMI for modern flat panels is future proofing. Its very simply my preference.

 

I was part of Analogue's original target market and business model. That has changed with the Super NT. I am not annoyed by that. Like I said in my previous post, I understand business and I'll just adjust if necessary. You obviously don't agree with me, which is fine and I accept that. But please accept that myself and others have a different opinion than yours. Arguing about it isn't going to change either of our minds.

 

Your are right about this: "If you simply want to play SNES games on a CRT, there is no logical reason to spend $200 to do so." -- I would spend $450 to $500 to get a SNES clone console that does not compromise, just like the NT Mini.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

Pining for new devices to output analog video doesn't make any sense, especially when the cheaper option is still plentiful.

It may not make sense to you, but it does to me and many others. It's a simple difference in preference and opinion. We are allowed to disagree. And the company's name does happen to be "Analogue"

 

Since is inception, Analogue has made high end, no compromise products. I own several of them. Now that the Super NT has been announced with specs released, it represents a compromise and change to their traditional business model. They are looking to target a broader segment of the market. I understand the business side if it. I'm simply hoping that Analogue doesn't forget the customers that got them to this point.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

There already is a device with analog video, it's called a SNES. What makes absolutely no sense is spending $200 on a new device, when you're going to use it in the exact same manner a $60 already existing device can accomplish just fine.

 

Flat panel latency is down to a frame or less now. Combine that with a no lag FPGA and you're precision games will be just fine. If you're telling me you can tell the difference between a CRT and a newer 4K with 14ms of lag in game mode or a gaming monitor with 9ms I'm gonna call shenanigans.

 

I, like many others would like analogue and digital output on a new SNES clone, just like the NT Mini. Yes I understand CRT's are old but that is what I like for retro gaming. I understand HDMI is the standard now, so that is why I want both. Also, OEM Super Nintendos are old and failing. I would like a brand new replacement option without the compromise of not having analogue output. I believe there are several posts from a few weeks back in this thread addressing the reliability of OEM Super Nintendo systems. At the moment, there isn't an option for analogue output for the Super NT, so I am holding off. If the Super NT does not receive an analogue output option, I will likely have to maintain the OEM systems I own and look at alternative options, like the Open Source Scan Converter (OSSC).

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

Boy I can't wait until the Super NT comes out so we can all talk about something we can actually hold in our hands for real.

 

Thank You.

[Why is there not an "AVS" (fpga based console) equivalent for the 2600?]

An issue to consider is that "FPGA" and "Inexpensive" usually don't go together at this point in time. If you want inexpensive, that is reserved for the Flashback series or "System on A Chip" consoles. A suggestion would be to keep an eye on the new Super NT system by Analogue. It is a FPGA Super Nintendo developed by Kevtris, the same guy who did the NT Mini. People are hoping it will also receive jail broken firmware and that the cores from the NT Mini will be ported over, including the A2600. This hasn't been confirmed yet though. It is up for pre-order for $189. It only outputs digital video via HDMI, so it is for modern flat screen televisions, not CRT's.

[Why is there not an "AVS" (fpga based console) equivalent for the 2600?]

That's more than a lot of us can afford. Also, even if I could afford it, there are much more important things to spend that kind of money on. I'm not saying it isn't cool, it really is, but it's not $500 cool.

I understand $450 is a lot of money. Many people cannot or will not spend that much on a gaming system. With numerous FPGA cores the NT Mini supports along with the thousands of games it can play, an argument can be made that it is one of the best values in retro gaming.

[Why is there not an "AVS" (fpga based console) equivalent for the 2600?]

There already exists such a thing called the Analogue NT Mini. Officially, it is a FPGA based Nintendo NES. The designer, Kevtris has released free unofficial firmware that runs roms from a SD card and it does not void the factory warranty. The firmware includes "cores" for several pre-NES systems, including A2600 (Supercharger is supported/emulated), A7800, Colecovision, Odyssey 2 (with voice module supported/emulated), Channel F, and many others. Most homebrews and hacks play well on it, and an Intellivision core is likely on it's way too. There was also talk of a core for Atari computers/5200, but not confirmed. It is an amazing system that supports both analogue and digital output. It is worth researching and checking out. For me, it was well worth the money.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

It works, I have it. However you get Y/B instead of B/A just like the 8bitdo.

 

Thanks! I just ordered 2.

[SEASON 7 ~ NEW HSC ~ Requests/Start Date]

Star Path's Supercharger game Killer Satellites would also be fun.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

Does anyone know if the Raphnet SNES to NES adapter will allow an original wired SNES controller to be fully functional on the NT Mini? Will it allow a SNES controller to work with the A2600 and Colecovision cores, like the included 8bitdo controller? I'm looking for a wired solution. I need the X, A, L and R buttons to function properly. Thanks!

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

You need to calibrate it by tuning the set pot.

 

EDIT: Bratwurst beat me to it.

Unfortunately I already have the set pot maxed to the right side. Looks like I may attempt Bratwurst's suggestion and replace a few components. I'll have to take it apart and determine if I can do it.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

Maybe the Arkanoid/Vaus NES controller support can be added to those cores.

 

I thought about that. But the Vaus controller is a bit rare and a lot of them don't work correctly anymore. Mine stops short of going all the way to the right of the screen. Every so often I lose a ball in Arkanoid because of that. This is a common problem with the Vaus controller. And they aren't very serviceable either. I am still hoping for the Kevtris Atari cartridge adapter with the proper controller ports. That would be a more accessible solution for everyone.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

I would need a way to use Atari controllers to use it for that.

 

I don't have a problem using NES controllers or 8bitdo controllers for Atari games on the NT Mini. I use the NES Advantage quite a bit for Atari games. At the moment, we can't use paddle controllers on the NT Mini. For that reason, I still keep an Atari 7800 around with the 2600 paddles and paddle games. I need to get my 7800 modded too.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

I think when the Z3K is out it shouldn't really be marketed towards lay people. It should be marketed to collectors who already have a bunch of consoles as perfect replacement hardware for most if not all of their consoles. A collector should be able to look at a wall sized entertainment center full of consoles, A/V switch boxes, lots of wiring, etc. and think,"This little box can perfectly replace everything on that wall and if I wanted to I could sell everything on that wall to pay for it." For a device that would make me think that I would consider $500 cheap and think Kevtris was ripping himself off.

 

The NT Mini did this for me in a certain way. I sold a significantly amount of my NES and Atari libraries because of the Jailbreak firmware & the NT Mini Smokemonster Rom pack. With all of those cores and a huge amount of games available at my finger tips, I didn't know where to start. Then I sifted through the High Score Clubs here on Atariage. Its a great way to experience games you never played or to revisit others. Particularly, I am enjoying the Atari 2600 HSC. The new season starts at the beginning of January if anybody is interested. Highly recommended.

[SEASON 7 ~ NEW HSC ~ Requests/Start Date]

No paddles allowed for Circus Atari, Kaboom, and Astroblast

 

Combat game #25

Just curious, why no paddles with those games? There aren't that many paddle games to begin with, yet alone good ones. And there are quite a few world class Kaboom players in these parts. I'd say change it up a bit.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

You want to know something? If you use HD Retrovision's cable on a real SNES, how the TV or capture card operates is completely up in the air. The European/Japanese models had RGB out to be used with a RGB television, thus it was a known output. But those still sent the digital signal through an analog encoder.

 

But in the US, if you plug one of these Retrovision cables in (Componet Cable), you get something that looks like this, uncorrected:

 

Take note of the shape of the black border and the aspect ratio.

 

Interesting. I use the HD Retrovision component cables for my Genesis, SNES, TurboGrafx 16 and Saturn. I run them through a switch and then to a late model CRT. They all look great. Unfortunately my LG flat panel doesn't handle 240p so I don't bother. I think the only viable analogue solutions for retro consoles on modern televisions might be to use a Framemeister or an OSSC. I'm leaning toward an OSSC for the price point. I guess the HDMI standard has recently been updated to support 240p though.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

Super NT is the reference quality system for HDMI....fact!

 

 

Applying some logic here, wouldn't the Super Nintendo Classic Edition be the reference for HDMI? It is an OEM product by Nintendo, is HDMI only, and is already on the market.

[SEASON 7 ~ NEW HSC ~ Requests/Start Date]

 

Sancho?

 

Dude, that's a publisher, not a game.

Sorry! My bad. I was on a roll, ripping through all of the old posts, putting that list together. Plus I'm not super familiar with the 2600 library.

 

No soup for me?

[IFART Team Tournament Week 5]

Booooooooooooooo! Dragon Sleepers!!!

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

The SNES generates 15-bit RGB digitally internally and converts it to analog values and filters it as it leaves the PPU. People have complained that the filtering in the early, non-1chip units made the picture too blurry. Digital is the reference point from which an analog signal can be derived. The marketing term is appropriate by today's standards.

 

HDMI and flat panel televisions did not exist when the SNES was in production. Pixels were never intended to be displayed on modern flat panel televisions, along with introduced lag. In the context of our old retro gaming systems, no matter how you cut it, a pure digital signal via HDMI cannot properly reproduce an analogue picture on a modern flat panel. I do understand what you are saying as a technicality, but in my opinion RGB is the reference point, like the NT Mini. All of our old consoles were designed to be displayed through an analogue signal on a CRT. It doesn't matter how the sausage was made. I know analogue and CRTs are going away, but a pure digital signal via HDMI is a compromise for our old systems, not a reference point. That isn't debatable. The Super NT is probably going to be the next best thing, but the picture won't be displayed the way an original SNES was designed and intended to be. To me, Analogue marketing the Super NT as a reference system is ambiguous at best. Thats just my opinion. Analogue first as intended, HDMI second as a modern compromise.

[SEASON 7 ~ NEW HSC ~ Requests/Start Date]

Just a mixed bag of suggestions that haven't been played during the last 3 seasons:

 

Laser Gates

Yars Revenge

Tac-Scan

Battlezone

Circus Atari

Enduro

Night Driver

Chopper Command

Frostbite

Solaris

Demons to Diamonds

Spider Fighter

Mountain King

Hero

Beam Rider

Tapper

Pressure Cooker

Reactor

Spacemaster X-7

Robot Tank

Turmoil

Dark Cavern

Thrust Plus

Fall Down

Astroblast

Solar Storm

Guardian

Super Breakout

Ram It

SSSnake

Pick Up

Taz or Asterix

Qb

Lost Luggage

Telepathy

Rabbit Transit

Wall Defender

Vault Assault

Riddle of the Sphinx

Space Jockey

Carnival

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

 

For HDMI it absolutely is...

 

SNES natively outputted RGB analogue video, therefore that is the reference point. The Super NT outputs a pure digital signal via HDMI, which is a compromise. As it stands now, the Super NT is not a SNES reference system. There is no disputing facts, which you completely lack in this thread. Please stop making things up, spewing misinformation, and stop being a troll.

[SEASON 7 ~ NEW HSC ~ Requests/Start Date]

I'm fairly new around here, but I'd be ok with not playing any games from the last season and maybe cherry picking a few from 2015 and 2016. Just to get in a fan favorite or two if necessary. Or let the people with the privilege of picking a game override the rule.

 

Here is a list of games that have been played during the last 3 seasons:

 

Adventure

Adventures of Tron

Asteroids

Atlantis II

Bell Hopper

Boing

Breakout

Bump N Jump

Centipede

Chopper Command

Cosmic Ark

Cosmic Commuter

Cosmic Creeps

Crackpots

Crash Dive

Crazy Climber

Cross Force

Crossbow

Crystal Castles

Defender II/Stargate

Demolition Herby

Desert Falcon

DK VCS

Dodge 'Em

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong Jr

Double Dunk

Dragonfire

Dragster

Elevators Amiss

Encounter at L-5

Enduro

Entombed

Fast Eddie

Fast Food

Fishing Derby

Galaxian

Ghostbusters

Gorf

Gremlins

Gyruss

Hunchy II

Jawbreaker

Jr. Pac Man

Juno First

Karate

Lady Bug

Lead

Malagai

Marauder

Mario Bros

Masters of the Universe

Megamania

Millipede

Missile Command

Mission 3000 AD

Montezuma's Revenge

Moon Patrol

Mr. Do's Castle

My Golf

Official Frogger

Oink

Oystron

Pac-Man

Pengo

Pitfall II

Planet Patrol

Plaque Attack

Pole Position

Popeye

Q*Berts Qubes

Quadrun

River Raid II

Sancho

Seaquest

Skiing

Skiing

Smurf

Solar Fox

Solar Storm

Space Chase

Spike's Peak

Sprintmaster

Stampede

Star Wars Death Star Battle

Star Wars ROTJ

Stay Frosty

Subterranea

Suicide Mission

Super Cobra

Tanks But No Tanks

Tooth Protectors

Venture

Wall Jump Ninja

Word Zapper