[FPGA Based Videogame System]

Thanks for that. It's interesting there wasn't the usual media blitz this time around with the Duo announcement. I looked at a handful of articles from the usual sites and they were all just vanilla stuff basically restating the Analogue press release. No interviews with Taber or anything like that. Not sure why, but interesting observation.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

That's interesting, although I do recall Kev specifically not doing the PCE core previously because of some toxicity from that crowd. Perhaps that played into this, but if they have other ppl capable of this there then I'd like to start seeing all of these issues from previous consoles addressed.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

1 hour ago, XtraSmiley said:

I'll respectfully disagree. Sega CD is the next easiest thus logical step. I would tell you to not hold your breath on a PS1, after all, even Sony has decided they are passing on it.

 

I would venture a guess that Kevtris might be trying to come up with a 32x solution as well, but this might be a reach!

I mean, anything is possible, but the way you stated it made it seem like you thought they could just slap a CD drive on it and it would be ready to go, which is not he case. It would be quite a bit of effort and that's why they didn't do it to begin with. For PCE it literally was just slapping a CD drive on it for the most part, so it was a lot easier to justify. Also, I kinda suspect the idea to do this may have at least been partially motivated by wanting to help fill out the Pocket with PCE and they figured, what the hell, lets release the Duo as well. I simply don't see them going backwards and revisiting Sega. It's going to be onward to something else, and PS1 is most likely due to install base and practicality of implementation IMO.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

1 hour ago, XtraSmiley said:

Hopefully Kevtris gets this core a little closer to perfect and I'm guessing after the MSG sells out, they will do a new run with a CD ROM attachment (like this) with a new shell and, BOOM Mega SG CD is born...

That would require writing a whole new core for the Sega CD, whereas, if I recall correctly, the PCE CD was really just a drive an that's about it. I wouldn't hold your breath on that, but I do believe the logical next step will be a PS1.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

2 minutes ago, NE146 said:

Aside from the NT Mini, Kev has never said anything about a jailbreak. And Analogue has never supported nor acknowledged any jailbreak.. period. 

 

That said, they all got it. I wouldn't worry too much.

Just to clarify, cuz I'm not sure if you're referring to the Noir when you say the Mini, but Kev did say (it was either here or on Discord....Discord I believe) the Noir was getting the jailbreak. So we're def good there, but as you say, no real reason to worry based on history.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

1 minute ago, konradklaus said:

I could really see the Noir, Pocket, and Duo not having jailbreak firmware.

I know for a fact Kev confirmed the jailbreak will be back for the Noir. I thought I saw something about the Pocket too, but I may be misremembering. Regardless, based on historical precedence, I'm fairly certain it will be a thing. The only thing I think probably won't happen is CD support for the Pocket.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

12 minutes ago, Atariboy said:

Nobody is forcing Analogue to make this newly announced system a limited time item.

Also btw, I'm not sure that's actually even what is going on. They've promised more Pocket pre-orders and I would assume the same for the Duo as well. Time will tell I guess, but I don't think there's any evidence to suggest otherwise based on what they've said.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

11 minutes ago, Atariboy said:

I edited my post about the Noir, to explain that I was never referring to it. I have no complaints about how it has been handled.

And I edited mine when I saw that as well.

 

As for the rest of your argument....the main things I was addressing were the Noir and the Pocket which are the things everyone's been bitching about WRT to limited availability and which I think are easily explained. The other complaint is restocking the Super Nt, and honestly, I don't have an answer for why that hasn't happened. Presumably a mix of things, but it is odd. I guess we'll have to see what happens with the Duo, but if it is a 2 minute sellout shit show I'll be disappointed as well.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

13 minutes ago, Atariboy said:

I'm not sure how you can think any other way. The COVID Gods didn't look down at Analogue and say that you can only produce X amount of these and open preorders once.

Yes actually, they quite literally did. It's happened to every industry. If you think that the factories in China that make these specialized displays, that are only really used in VR headsets as I understand, did not cut any of that production, then I don't really know what to tell you. But even if they didn't, Analogue still had to fight against those other players for displays and they were never going to be able to compete with them on volume, hence the limited supplies, which btw they said from the get go before covid even.

13 minutes ago, Atariboy said:

It's an Analogue decision to make these limited time items and not attempt to fully meet demand. Presumably they believe that the rush of people trying to secure their order by implementing artificial scarcity is wiser financially for them despite less overall sales and alienating customers, than it is trying to sell greater numbers over a more extended period of time, paying inventory taxes as they relatively slowly sell a production batch after the initial release day rush, and so on as seen with the Super Nt and Mega Sg.

The reason a strategy like this works for a company like LRG is precisely because the only real value of a lot of what they sell is the very fact that it's scarce. Most of their items are repackaged limited edition sets of things you can get elsewhere. That is not really comparable to Analogue and I highly doubt they enjoy the prestige of being limited more than they enjoy making money. Could be wrong, but it seems a lot more likely that they would rather make as much money as they can.

 

Edit: I see you've edited your original response to include the bit about the Noir. If that's what you were referring to regarding scarcity, then yea, I guess you have a point, but they never advertised it as anything other than a limited final run. It was basically a limited edition so it doesn't really apply to the broader conversation of whether Analogue is artificially constraining production of their main line products.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

13 minutes ago, Atariboy said:

lol

 

Sure they are, they're not being forced into limited runs. They've decided to do it this way.

I'm not sure, given the evidence, why you think this. As I stated in that same post, they were not going to be able to produce the Pocket (at least initially) in huge numbers because of the screen they had to source, and the Noir was a limited time final run of something that A) was a pain in the ass to produce anyway, and B) a platform (NES) they publicly stated they were finished with. Then you throw in covid and the shortages everyone is facing (and which no doubt is exacerbated for small companies like Analogue), I'm not sure what you can point to to confirm that theory.

 

I mean, you might be right, and I'm not here to defend them, but I think there are a lot of factors at play here other than them wanting to screw everyone just because they can. And as I also pointed out, and which you ignored, they didn't previously artificially limit runs of other products such as the original Mini, SNt and MSg.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

1 hour ago, konradklaus said:

Just like the pocket it has the warning about no roms.  I wonder if the days of jailbroken analogue devices is over.  This really makes me want the pocket more... Hope they open those preorders up again so everyone who'd like one can order one.

I'm fairly certain that's been on all of their recent devices, and I'm also fairly certain it was already said that it would be jailbroken, although I may be confusing that with the Noir. Regardless, why would that make you want the Pocket more? That almost certainly should make you want it less....

 

Edit: perhaps you're just saying this announcement makes you want the Pocket more, in which case disregard my question.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

18 minutes ago, RetrogamerX said:

Guess it will sell out in 3 secs like the pocket did ?

They did say it was limited, so it's certainly possible, but this line is getting pretty tiresome. Every product they released prior to the Pocket and the Noir (which they were up front about being very limited) was available for pre-order for weeks. The Pocket was always going to be limited because of the screens they have to source, and the Mini because of the aluminum housing and the fact that they seem to want to just be done with it. I don't know why a Duo would need to be limited, but of course covid is effing everything up. I mean, you can only get certain flavors of Coke right now FFS. I guess what I'm saying is I'm not sure they're intentionally doing this ala Limited Run.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

3 minutes ago, Steven Pendleton said:

I've never seen a wireless Avenue Pad 3, though...

Oh no doubt. Glad they included the original port cuz that's a must for Rondo.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

8 minutes ago, Steven Pendleton said:

Well... it looks almost exactly like the PC Engine DUO, which is a really beautiful console

 

 

but lol it still only has 1 controller port

Indeed

 

Although I'd point out itll do bluetooth and 2.4G for up to 4 controllers with no dongles which is pretty dope.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

Ill say one thing....damn that thing looks sexy. 

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

You know, I hate to be that guy, but I'd prefer they just release some of the things that have been promised for some time now and then worry about selling me something else. They've been sitting on money of mine for the Noir and the Pocket for some time now and wanna potentially sell me something else? Not really a good look....

 

That said, if I had to guess I'd guess PCE as well. We're not to the point yet where 32/64 bit would be feasible, at least from an affordability standpoint anyway.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

2 hours ago, Sho said:

This is the 3rd run technically, and it's happening in approximately 28~41 days from this post.

I was gonna ask if we have a release date yet, but I guess your 28-41 days would indicate we don't?

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

On 8/15/2020 at 9:18 PM, Toth said:

Well, I decided to try it tonight and it actually works.  The start and select may be slanted but they are in the same positions and work after the swap.  The DPADs and the PCB thickness are the exact same so the button feel and everything is good.  The mounting holes are the same as well.  Even the micro usb port and the led lights work and are lined up perfectly.  It is pretty clear that they fixed the dpad in the newer controllers.  The contacts are the same style as original SNES controllers. Also, the new 2.4ghz controllers switched to Torx screws instead of regular Philips head screws for some reason so a set of Torx are needed.  The bit I used was the Torx TR6/T6H from the iFixit set though it doesn't have to be the "security" style Torx.

 

 

Awesome, thanks for taking a look. I guess I'll have to look into one after all.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

Question for Kev about scanlines. I don't recall anyone here asking this before, but on all of your systems, when using scanlines they disappear when the screen scrolls vertically. For instance, if you you're dropping down in a stage in Mega Man. Is there a reason for this and is it something that could potentially be overcome? I have to admit that it's pretty distracting, and if something could be done it would be a very welcome addition.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

2 hours ago, Toth said:

It's possible on the SN30 that has the same shaped Start and Select so like the controllers that came out when the Super Nt were released work.  I doubt the original 8bitdo controllers (now discontinued) with the angled Start/Select would work but I haven't seen it attempted.

 

Yeah, the angled buttons kill it for me  It's also a little small both in size and the A and B buttons seem small or something.  Maybe it's because they are convex rather than concave.  The rounded shape of the controller is really nice but I just can't get used to it.  The nostalgia of the brick also plays into it a little.

Yea, I wanted to swap it with the discontinued ones since they have the proper look.

 

As for the dogbone, I grew up with a toaster, but my parents also bought my sister a top loader which quickly became the go to system in the house. I've been using a dogbone for a minute and have built up that comfort level with it. If you never used one back in the day, I could see how it would be odd, but even back then I liked it better mainly because the d-pad was more comfortable. You can get used to the buttons though, and if that's your only beef it's worth revisiting. For extended sessions the OG isn't the most comfortable and isn't easy on the hands.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

3 hours ago, XtraSmiley said:

I thought the Dogbone was good, UNTIL I used it for awhile.

 

It has MAJOR problems IMHO.

 

1. The buttons are angled the wrong way, they should be slanted the other way.

2. The buttons are too far apart! Compare them to the original, they are off.

3. The D-pad is not as good as the original, but I'm not sure why yet.

 

Believe me, I WANT to love the Dogbone, but it's really not a good controller. The BEST is a SNES controller with an adapter to play on NES. Now THAT is the BEST controller for NES!

I agree the angle on the buttons is not "proper" but if you use it for a while you'll get used to it. And I've had no issues with the d-pad either, and like it better in fact cuz it doesnt have the hard edges of the OG. But yea, some ppl love it, others don't, but there are def enough of us that swear by it that they need to release one.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

46 minutes ago, Toth said:

I feel like their newer controllers are pretty good.  The Sn 30 Pro+ and the 2.4ghz M30 are both really good for me.  I wish they would update their DIY kits with 2.4ghz receivers.  I know their newer 2.4ghz controllers have different dpad contacts on the PCB than their older controllers so I think the diagonals should be fixed from now on (SN30 vs SN30 2.4ghz for example.  The newer 2.4ghz is fixed and has different shaped button contacts)

 

 

Do you know if it's possible to swap the insides of a 2.4ghz controller to the shell of one of the old SN30's? I just really can't get into the redesign of them and the old SF30 I have that is basically identical to the actual SFC controllers would be ideal to swap out with.

 

Edit: I guess that prob wouldn't be possible since the start and select buttons are set differently on the new ones....ugh....and on a side note, they need to release a dogbone style NES controller. They made the DIY kit, so just release the damn thing!!! Dogbone 4 life!!!

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

20 minutes ago, Steven Pendleton said:

lol that doesn't surprise me with 8BitDo. Of my 5 8BitDo controllers, 4 are trash. The M30 2.4g is awesome to the point where I somehow doubt that 8BitDo actually even made it, especially since it seems they figured out how d-pads are actually supposed to work. I hope this new one for the new Nt mini isn't complete trash. I guess I'll find out in November.

I have one of the old style SF30's that works great, although it could use the d-pad modification because things like trying to slide under a block in Mario you have to be very deliberate. I also have a newer one (a black one they sold with the Super Nt) that is just garbage though. The N30's (I think thats what they were) that came with the Nt Mini were all trash though from what I've heard, and it's easily the worst of the several 8 Bitdo controllers I have. If you're reading this Reaperman, trust me, nobody wants it 

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

1 hour ago, Steven Pendleton said:

Typical 8BitDo "quality". Still, you could buy a new controller for it just to sell it and still recover the entire cost of the new Nt mini or at least come close, judging by this

 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=nt+mini&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1

Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about it. That controller sucks anyway. That said, if you REALLY want one, I'll sell you (Reaperman that is) mine lol.

[FPGA Based Videogame System]

12 minutes ago, Sho said:

I'll get a first time slap on the wrist and forced to refund the full amount to the buyer.  What this means is that eBay/PayPal won't refund them the 10%/4% cut they take ("Seller's Fees") from the sale.  They'll be out 50-60 ish bucks depending. 

 

If they don't have the buyer's money in their PayPal account, eBay will just have them sent to collections.  eBay will also do a courtesy refund to the buyer in this sense and wash their hands of it (it's a tax write off for them in the bigger picture).  If this isn't a first time offense of the seller, they'll have their account suspended or banned and that's that.

I don't know that they'll do that for a purchase 9 months ago though is my point.