Best NES Clone?

[BydoEmpire]

Lately I've been getting a little frustrated with the tight fit of my NES's replaced 72-pin, and that a lot of carts still don't work reliably. I'm considering picking up a NES clone like the Generation NEX. I'm not too concerned with perfect emulation, I'll still have my original NES, I just want the games to work more reliably and not be such a pain to get in and out of the unit. I'd also like to keep using my NES controllers (particularly the NES Advantage, which is one of my favorite joysticks ever). Any recommendations?

[bomberpunk]

The NEX has the same tight-squeeze problem. and if you want to use a Game Genie in it, forget it. or have pliers handy to pry it out.

i still love my NEX for the few Famicom carts i have, and the fact that it looks like a baby NES.

Edited February 6, 2012 by bomberpunk

[MagitekAngel]

I have never been disappointed with my FC Twin. Granted, I don't mind - and maybe actually prefer - using SNES controllers in place of NES ones, and I'm not worried about playing Famicom games. I find the NOAC to be pretty accurate and as for compatibility, I've never encountered a problematic game. It hugged the carts a little tightly when it was new, but I've gotten enough use out of it that the thing has loosened up a bit and is now no longer any more difficult to wrench games out of then my Genesis. FC Twin also probably has the best SNES accuracy and compatibility out there in a clone. I've got all the original hardware, but keep the Twin hooked up to the bedroom TV for convenience, and I can't really notice a difference in performance between the originals and the Twin.

[yell0w_lantern]

Retron 3 will let you use original controllers. I have the original and there are definitely compatibility problems but supposedly the next revision was better and could play Castlevania 3 which I guess is a big deal to some people. The other criticism is that it can be fragile. I've had one for almost 2 years and it still works fine though. I mainly use it for SNES now. I bought a top loader for NES games.

[Nateo]

If you don't care to have the Super NES and Genesis cart slots. the Retron 1 is a really nice downsized version that's a good bit less expensive.

[BydoEmpire]

Thanks guys!

[+FujiSkunk]

The Retron 3 is the best NES clone I've used. It still has the sound issue that pretty much all NES clones have, but it actually plays The Legend of Zelda correctly. Other known clone-hating games still have issues, so even Retron 3 won't play everything, but someone at least took the time to fix the existing technology to make sure one more landmark game would work.

[NinjaWarrior]

Retro Duo are Better

Edited February 8, 2012 by NinjaWarrior

[godslabrat]

Ob: All clones suck in some way or another.

 

That aside, I have an FC Mobile II, and have been very happy with its compatibility and performance. It's fun to have a portable NES. I've never tried to use the wireless controllers, I hear they're crap.

 

If I were buying a clone for use on a TV, I'd probably get the RetroN3... but honestly, I'd probably ditch that idea and refurb an NES.

[goldenegg]

If you have a Wii or Xbox lying around, I'd suggest just hacking it and using emulators to play your games. They'll run better than using these clone systems.

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

If you have a Wii or Xbox lying around, I'd suggest just hacking it and using emulators to play your games. They'll run better than using these clone systems.

 

Sad but true!

[krunchyfrog]

You could always get a top loader. They're small and reliable. Kinda matches a snes better then the front loader if you have them both on the shelf.

[NightSprinter]

I've been curious about whether it would be possible to add NES controller ports (and maybe an FC expansion port) to the FC Mobile II for using real controllers.

[icemanxp300]

Yes a toploader is what you need, expensive but good.

 

As far as new 72-pin connectors BLAH. If you want I can post the boil and bake method. Makes your old pin connector work like a charm and w/out the tight fit. Works better than a new 72 pin.

[yell0w_lantern]

Yes a toploader is what you need, expensive but good.

 

As far as new 72-pin connectors BLAH. If you want I can post the boil and bake method. Makes your old pin connector work like a charm and w/out the tight fit. Works better than a new 72 pin.

 

Sounds interesting. I don't need to know it but still...

[Satoshi Matrix]

I wrote a guide for people like you who are asking themselves which system to get if they want to get into NES gaming. The fact of the matter is there is no single answer that's best for everyone. It depends on your level of passion for the NES, your preferences, and your budget. Here's my guide.

 

http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/nesfamicom-starting-guide/

 

I will say though that the strongest choices are either an AV Famicom, a modified RetroDuo or emulation.

[godslabrat]

I wrote a guide for people like you who are asking themselves which system to get if they want to get into NES gaming. The fact of the matter is there is no single answer that's best for everyone. It depends on your level of passion for the NES, your preferences, and your budget. Here's my guide.

 

http://satoshimatrix...starting-guide/

 

I will say though that the strongest choices are either an AV Famicom, a modified RetroDuo or emulation.

 

Satoshi, I freakin' LOVE your articles! They're well-thought-out and a genuine pleasure to read. Having said that, I decided to start making a flowchart (since "what NES to buy" is a topic I enjoy a lot). Mine follows your article, but I added/corrected a few biases, such as:

 

*No new collector is going to use a Game Axe, original Famicom, or Sharp unit as their primary system. They're neat to talk about for informational purposes, but anyone seriously in "What to buy" mode will go for a more practical solution first.

 

*I don't make distinctions between famiclones. *IF* you should use a famiclone is a decision by itself, which one you choose after that involves a whole different set of variables.

 

*I tried to remove the "budget" aspect of the equation, since budget varies greatly depending on circumstance. Spending over $200 on a Wii would be dumb if the newbie just wanted to play Contra, Ninja Gaiden, and SMB3... but if they were interested in the rest of the Wii library, that $200 would be money well spent. Likewise, emulation is theoretically "free", but you still have to buy something on which to run your emulator. That could be a $40 Xbox, a $90 Dingoo, or a $2000 laptop. There are ways to take ANY of these solutions, and either go on the cheap or spoil yourself and spend money.

 

*When dealing with the Toaster NES, refurbing is assumed. When dealing with the Top-Loader, mods are optional, but strongly suggested. Also, I've heard that the vertical banding cannot be completely removed from a toploader without replacing the entire PPU, so I don't consider that a viable mod).

 

That said, here's my first draft of the flowchart: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb258/linkvb06/nesflowchart.png

[FireStar]

Your flow chart has a bit of a discrepancy with the "high quality video" section, most of what I've seen has leaned toward the frontloader having the better picture.

[godslabrat]

Your flow chart has a bit of a discrepancy with the "high quality video" section, most of what I've seen has leaned toward the frontloader having the better picture.

 

D'Oh! You're right. I reorganized my thought process so many times, I flipped those two.

 

Corrected: http://s207.photobucket.com/albums/bb258/linkvb06/?action=view&current=nesflowchart-1.png

[+wood_jl]

I Ebay'd an uknown 72-pin replacement some time ago, and I've never had any problems with it. Sure beats the ass off the problems I had before. I didn't know you could **RELIABLY** repair the old one - this "boiling method" or whatever. How long will it last the 2nd time? For that matter, how long will my [presumably el-cheapo] 72-pin last?

 

Now that there are so many systems, I don't play NES as much as the old days, so perhaps that's why I have no problems.

 

Is there a QUALITY end-all-be-all replacement 72-pin connector? Now you guys (boiling method, etc) have me wishing I didn't fling my old one into the trash.

[+FujiSkunk]

Is there a QUALITY end-all-be-all replacement 72-pin connector? Now you guys (boiling method, etc) have me wishing I didn't fling my old one into the trash.

 

Sounds to me like a be-all end-all solution is to find a Japanese A/V Famicom. I wouldn't mind one of those myself, though right now I have two working front-loaders, so I can't complain.

Edited February 22, 2012 by FujiSkunk

[Rex Dart]

Doesn't any sort of Famicom require an adapter for NES cart usage? Doesn't seem optimal to me.

[godslabrat]

Doesn't any sort of Famicom require an adapter for NES cart usage? Doesn't seem optimal to me.

 

It does indeed require an adapter. How big of a deal that is varies according to the user.

[genesisguy]

There is a certain skill to refurbishing the original 72 pin connector. I messed a few up in doing so but once you get those pins bent just right and cleaned the good old NES is the way to go.

[Coolhand20th]

So what is the best clone for SNES then? I'm looking to pick a SNES or a clone to start collecting that again. Going to a local store tomorrow as well that Has NES, SNES, Sega, Coleco stuff, and they sell Atari games for a buck each regardless of what system or game it is. Managed to get some R5's and R6's there already.Great place to deal with as they have two locations. Just hope I can find what I am looking for there.

 

I have a NEX Messiah, so far other then the two NES consoles I still have, it has been flawless in every game I've thrown at it and never had a issue yet with games sticking or screwing up.I also have the Wireless Controllers for sale if someone wants those fyi as I never used them,anyone have a idea what those would sell for now since they are no longer made?