http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/26/88503 … do-console

I think it's nice. I'm not going to spend $499+ dollars on it, but I appreciate their enthusiasm to produce a video game system that's a piece of art. I really hope they succeed. Maybe they'll produce an artsy SNES or Gensis system? That, would be great, and more tempting, although again not for $499. Now, if the system had a bunch of built-in games, THAT would probably make it worthwhile, but I believe that's also illegal. Also, it's amusing that the NES was originally $199, and with inflation that means in today's value it was over $400, much like the Nt.

That device would be justified if it were compatible with the Everdrive or if it played ROMs or if cartridges were reissued. If the Analogue only plays original cartridges, then the cost of games like Little Samson will elevate this device into Neo Geo territory.

It's great that new versions of old consoles are being developed, but the old games need to be made available as well.

I think the old games are still copyright? The Nt does at least play both NES and famicom games. Oh, and yes, it has Everdrive & Powerpak Compatibility

http://www.analogueinteractive.com/prod … nformation

I ordered mine in April, and have been patiently waiting, but some people have been waiting since June of last year.  Regardless, they are actually shipping now so  likely some in-depth review is coming.

Supposedly there's some recently added features that they haven't even shared yet, but I can't imagine them being too earth shattering. Since the time I've ordered my analog, with HDMI upgrade, I've built a retro console set up utilizing an. XRGB Framemeister ,   For several systems including Genesis, Snes, Saturn, Pc engine, and am planning on doing an actual comparison of lag tests  utilizing the built-in HDMI upscaler, as well as the X RGB .  Should be interesting, and yes, the ever drive does work with the unit. Bought one of those too, but haven't been able to use it yet.  Really like revisiting everything with RGB, it's really awesome

One can never read enough. I somehow missed that, thanks for pointing it out.

Furthermore, it also supports the expansion audio. This makes me wonder if it fully supports Gimmick! I've read that's the most difficult Famicom game to emulate, with respect to sound, and it's even hard to get the right sound legitimately. It's difficult because one needs a Famicom and the actual cartridge, but not all the Gimmick! cartridges have the right chip. It's an expensive cartridge and you have to open it up before you can know for sure. If you don't have a Famicom, then you have to solder a component onto the NES PCB.

Do you have a voltage transformer for the Framemeister? I'm asking because I was going to buy a Super Famicom (it's a beautiful console) but I read it's not wise to plug any Japanese electronic device into a U.S. outlet, due to the voltage difference. And then I researched voltage transformers, and the Framemeister was mentioned as a device that requires one. Here's a review on Amazon that mentions the problem: http://www.amazon.com/review/R242VXFQ5YKKCD

It supports everything an NES or Famicom can run, because under the hood, it essentially is an NES/Famicom. There is no emulation involved.

Just saw these vids in my email, re: analogue....they're not public yet, but FYI, get a preview of the functions , and enhancements...no emulation, yet appears to function similar (see upscaling 4x quality etc):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN6qtbWRC5Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXsZ3LvdfCs

As for the power transformer...wasn't really aware of this problem...doing some prelim research this appears to more a concern for things like Air Dryers, or high voltage items...I need to do some more research however, so thanks for tuning me in Jodo.  I am working to get some good surge protection as well (finally), like the following:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Q … ge_o03_s00

nice surge protection insurance/coverage offered by these units

Voltage transformers are a good idea if you're plugging in Japanese devices that do not have switching mode power supplies, if for no reason than just to have peace of mind. Transformers are very high efficiency, and are very reliable, since they rely on a basic electrical principle. Most electronics are built with some headroom on the voltage, but it's best to use the proper voltage when you can. If you have constant overvoltage, it will run hot, and could cause some premature failures.

I had one for a headphone amp that I had that was Japan-only, and it worked like a charm.

What about connecting a power transformer to a surge protector?  Hearing some caution around this: http://www.gson.org/stepdown/

Well, US to Japan voltage converters convert 110-120V to 100V, so I am not sure it would be as much of a chance of danger as 220V to 110V. If that's a concern, it looks like you can alleviate that by using a converter that has separate, electrically isolated windings.

http://www.businessinsider.com/unboxing … -nt-2015-7

check it out: http://www.usgamer.net/articles/usstrea … t-5-et2-pt

Did anyone purchase this? Jodo, I know you were interested.

I did ...just got a shipping email ...should have by end of week.  Need some specific info,  let me know

Just overall comments. What do you think? How happy are you? What games are you playing? If you can take and share some pics that would be lovely

Says it'll be here in Wednesday ...will update.  Plan on doing some vid capture too.

*sigh* - I was sent the wrong unit...I ordered black (paid a premium too) and got the standard....I have an email out to Analogue on this concern- they're usually good about responding to emails timely...(been my experience)...system remains in box...man...

Ugh! how disappointing, but soon you shall be rewarded for your patience... and send us a vid

I honestly can't believe it myself...lol...lest anyone calls bs on my story..here's a quick gander:

https://40.media.tumblr.com/edd5198ccde … o1_540.jpg

I have noticed the unit is impressively solid/weighty slick...but ...I've waited this long and I really wanted it in black.

My only concern would be that, since they're sold out, they cannot supply me with the proper casing I requested.  And the next batch which is supposedly a very limited run is not due to next year.

So...heard back from Analogue - the company is basically saying 'sorry' and that locating my system is 'not feasible ' They have no additional systems and say its too difficult to contact 200+ recently shipped customers...I'm kind of fuming over here but largely on principle... I haven't used the system...I'm curious , anyone had a similar or relatable experience?  What would you do?

You could scour message boards and see if someone got a black system that they didn't order.

Ask Analogue to refund the cost of the premium coloring and keep the unit.

I didn't buy the Analogue because I read the NES is not meant to display in anything above composite. While it can be modified to output with S-video, component, RGB and HDMI, there will be color inaccuracies. One must choose a "palette" when using RGB, for example. I don't like that. I expect the games to look as they are supposed to look.

This is a good read: http://nerdlypleasures.blogspot.com/201 … ained.html

The Analogue is a very convenient device, though, because it allows one to properly experience both NES and Famicom games without having to buy two consoles. The cost of buying both a Famicom and a NES is much less than buying an Analogue. If the Analogue were $200, then it would be competitively priced.

Yeah, I've come to about as much...I could be a party pooper and comment on Analogue's FB page...but I think I'll just work on a video review and touch on the positives, and the at least 2 negatives I've noted so far(the refurbed famicom controller was not cleaned....)

Jodo - your posts got me started on the retro thing earlier this year...I'm rebuilding my collection of essentials as it were (even thinking of traveling to the Portland Gaming Expo next month)...I did some review of the RGB capabilities and definitely wanted to revisit games with this enhancement.  I did note some scenarios where RGB is "too" honest (example, Sonic the Hedgehog's waterfall effect is masked on RGB) But on the whole I think it's pretty cool.  I also do have a true CRT in the garage so in non-summer months I'll be able to play gun games and 3d games.

My current project is finally learning how to solder properly with the right tools...I'm 50% through mod'ing an Atari 2600 for RGB.  That's a story in and of itself..lol

If my CRT ever quits working, I may have to hire someone to upgrade my NES. Or, by then, it might be less expensive to buy a modified NES. Even with nicer visuals, I wouldn't be interested in playing games from my childhood, with one exception - Castlevania III. I'm mainly seeking those games I didn't play when I was younger. There are enough to keep me occupied for decades.

Or just snag one at Goodwill or craigslist for $10-$15. Fools practically give CRT's away nowadays. They're worth their weight in gold to videogamers.

Part of me considered the Analogue NT, but I'm a skeptic of the lagless output. I KNOW an NES/CRT combination is lag-free.

I don't know... considering they can easily weigh 80+ pounds (but let's use a value of 80, which is probably on the lower end) and gold is $13,860.60 per pound, I don't think most people would pay $1.1 million for a TV. Unless maybe you're Martin Shkreli and started screwing people over.

Been meaning to compile my thoughts on this but haven't gotten around to it.

Some additional details:

Hi-Def NES component is the version that's installed supplying HDMI output.  Scanlines doesn't work properly at 1080p right now so have to set to 720p (similar issue with framemeister I believe)

I cannot use my analogue NT on a CRT TV with the HDMI upgrade (it's either or).  This was news to me.  Analogue are investigating a way to enable both regular outputs (SVIDEO/component/RGB) AND HDMI but no promises. They will switch free of charge if you send them the system for modification

Everdrive has compatibility issues.  Mine does not work.  I'm told that if I downgrade the firmware on the everdrive to version 3.0 it will work.  This has to do with the Hi-Def NES component.  The everdrive creator is reviewing this issue, so it may be fixed.  I haven't attempted downgraded my everdrive because from what I read, you need another NES system to run the update on. 

As such I've decided to pick up a top loader famicom, and mod it with RGB.  So I can play Duck Hunt in the garage (an original intent)

What else - I've been playing Castlevania 3 (japanese) and really enjoying it.

I'm thankful that I didn't order an Analogue now. That is some alarming news, brandonk.

I'm also getting a top loader Famicom. I can't believe how plentiful they are. I only need it for one cartridge - Akumajou Densetsu, which also frequently appears on ebay and YJA.

Correct me if I'm wrong... but if I really want to play CVIII I want the Japanese version, right?

The music has more channels, the damage is more balanced (?) and the checkpoints are better placed if I remember correctly...?

Yes. There are regional and technical differences. I can confirm that the JP version of CVIII does not work properly on an unmodified NES through the Everdrive. Of course, the Everdrive page at Stone Age Gamer warns that games with special chips will only work properly on a Famicom. I read that and somehow ignored it and learned the hard way. So now I am buying a Famicom, which I should've done in the first place.

Also, there are regional (but not technical) differences between the US and JP versions of Castlevania IV. The Japanese version has lots of religious symbols, flowing blood in some parts and some nudity.

For those that want to play NES games in HD, on a budget, I can't recommend this enough

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.ph … 085dab2c87

Now, if only someone would make an HD SNES, then we can all shed tears of joy...
although to be fair, seeing Zelda in HD will put a huge smile on your 80s child face

edit: I meant this Zelda (really, it's freakin' awesome)
http://www.shopflashbackgames.com/legen … p-185.html