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I'd like to get one of these and put my original hardware to a rest. I know that these clone consoles are incompatible with some games. Retro Duo is probably the best of them in this regards but it doesn't support Genesis games. So is there an info on the Retron 3 compatibility?
Hard to say, there are conflicting reports of what is an isn't compatible with the clones.
For instance, I've heard people say SuperFX games don't work from some people, only to be told that they do work by others.
I've been told that some games have "buggy" sound, only to find out for myself that they don't.
Just curious, why do you want to put your original hardware to "rest"? There's nothing wrong with them...
I think there were some sound issues with the later models. The earlier models were ALMOST perfect if I remember correctly.
You might wanna do a forum search. Ace posted some indepth reports and comparisons about the two revisions that have been released so far.
Genny: Virtua Racing, 32X, and Power Converter will OBVIOUSLY not work
NES: Castlevania III
SNES: I wouldn't take your chances with any Super FX games or Street Fighter Alpha 2.
Try the Super Genintari instead. It has no compatibility issues and it plays more games.
I heard the Power Base Converter does work on it..you need to take the shell off
WARNING: Video overload ahead!
The bold part is COMPLETELY wrong and I have proof. Watch these comparison videos I posted on YouTube:Quote:
Originally Posted by VGTM
Version 1:
Version 2:
Now, granted, you can't physically fit the official Sega Power Base Converter into the console without either disassembling the converter or using a cartridge slot extension(NOT the Game Genie, but one of those older import adapters with no switches on them), but the signal needed to switch the GOAC in the RetroN3 to Master System mode is there and it works.
Now sadly, unlike the Genesis 3, you CANNOT make Virtua Racing work on the RetroN3 without soldering to the absolutely TINY pins of the GOAC. Faking the !CE_H signal like on the VA2 Genesis 3 by linking pin B26 to B16 works only for a few seconds. Afterwards, the graphics glitch and the game crashes.
Also, if you want to get an idea of what Genesis games are like on the RetroN3 Version 1 and Version 2, watch these videos:
Only the RetroN3 Version 1 doesn't work with Castlevania III(and won't work with Rad Racer II or Tengen's After Burner, either). The Version 2 will play Castlevania III and Rad Racer II perfectly, but while it works with After Burner, the game has severe graphical errors.Quote:
Originally Posted by VGTM
Some NES controllers don't even work right or at all on the RetroN3(it doesn't matter whether it's the Version 1 or Version 2, they both have the same problem). The Zapper doesn't work right as pulling the trigger too hard seems to cause the system not to register that you've actually pulled the trigger(you need to move it very gently) and neither the NES Advantage nor NES Max work on the system.
The biggest problem with the NOAC in the RetroN3, though, is the audio. Once again, Famiclone manufacturers just can't seem to stay away from these crap NOACs which reverse the 50% and 75% sound channel duties, causing several sounds to come out at the wrong pitch. Watch these clips I uploaded of the RetroN3 Version 1 and Version 2 to see what I mean(I still need to upload more videos of the NES side of the RetroN3 Version 1 and Version 2):
For the love of God, who the hell keeps spreading this FALSE INFORMATION ABOUT SUPERFX GAMES?! THEY WORK FINE! With Street Fighter Alpha 2, though, there are conflicting reports of it working on the RetroN3. I know it CAN work, but some people still claim it doesn't work, so I don't know if it's a case like Super Mario RPG where only some copies of the game will work(those that don't check for a lockout chip in the console).Quote:
Originally Posted by VGTM
But I highly suggest you DO NOT BUY a RetroN3 unless it's the Version 1. The Version 2 is FULL of problems. It improves the NES side a bit by improving compatibility and making the audio louder(although oddly enough, the audio is high-pass filtered - low frequencies aren't all that strong), but the Genesis side is 99.9% unchanged(the only thing different about it is that the screen doesn't darken when pressing buttons on original Genesis controllers) and the Super NES side IS A F***ING MESS! Watch these 5 videos to see and hear the horror that is the RetroN3 Version 2:
WARNING: Keep some earmuffs handy for the last video!
And here's what Super NES games are like on the RetroN3 Version 1:
I've only found 3 issues with the Super NES side of the RetroN3 Version 1:
-Low volume with flawed Stereo separation due to the way the NES side's Mono audio is split into dual Mono(just like the Genesis side)
-VERY dark Composite video
-Overly bright S-Video with dull colors
I wish Yobo wasn't so bent on using their own controllers with a modified Famiclone controller port(same pinout, different shape) on the FC3 Plus(that simple fact kills what is otherwise my favorite of the 3-in-1 clones). Aside from an inferior NOAC, the GOAC is better(this one DOES work with Virtua Racing and DOES work to a certain extent with the Sega 32X) and the Super NES side, while having garbled audio in some games, is MUCH more listenable than the RetroN3 Version 2. The biggest issue I have with the FC3 Plus is the fact the audio is in MONO on all 3 sides. This is the reason why the Super NES side has garbled audio; the audio signals from the cloned SPC700 and the Super GameBoy(two pins on the cartridge slot) are all mixed BEFORE being amplified. I know from personal experience that doing this causes the audio to become garbled in certain instances. I still think the FC3 Plus is the better clone because, as I say, what good is compatibility with a problem game if you can't even bear playing the damn game because of something that's been so badly screwed up you can't even stand listening to the game(just as an example)?
I'm going to dig up the official RetroN3 thread and post all this information there.
I think Ace just won this thread.
That's some great comparisons, Ace!
Rep'd:)
And the Kool Kitty Award goes to...
:p It had to be done.Quote:
Originally Posted by Guntz
I think a lot of the FUD about the clones comes from hardware snobs. From what I've seen in your vids, while nothing runs anything as good as original hardware, these multi-clones do a damned respectable job.
I don't think anyone said that clones aren't potentially awesome. It's just that there's been zero improvement with the Famiclones during the past ten years.
The crappy shit that AtGames sells aren't clones. They're 32-bit machines running emulators, and awful ones at that.
I reped you Ace
I think the whole board repped Ace.
If they didn't then they're commies!
I got rep from 5 people. (CORRECTION: Make that 6 people)
You know, putting up that giant post had me thinking: Sega-16 should have a giant clone console mega thread. What do you guys think?
I love that idea, so hard!
Well, I'd better start organizing all my information I have on the various clones I've tested! I also invite anyone who has information on clones I haven't been able to test first-hand to share what you've experienced with said clones.
Is it possible to replace the transistor's in the Retron3 Ace??
A clone thread might get really complicated before you're done... What if Ace just made a few different articles for Sega-16 on the subject of clone hardware with the ins, outs and final score for that particular machine? I think that'd be better and more people would see the information. We could post in each clone's official thread too (in the Features subforum).
It is entirely possible, but completely unnecessary. The Super NES side's horrid audio appears to be caused by the resistors BEFORE the transistors which are too weak. The FC3 Plus and RetroN3 actually share a similar audio amp on the Super NES side(with the FC3 Plus obviously using a single amp with Super GameBoy audio left/right and SPC700 audio left/right all combined into one signal before entering the amp). The reason behind the RetroN3 Version 2's excessive high-pass filtering and immense distortion is because those resistors are a measly 2.2KOhms. On the FC3 Plus, they're 33KOhms. I'd need a RetroN3 Version 2 for myself so I can confirm this, but judging by the FC3 Plus' Mono version of this amp, the sound should be pretty good because on the FC3 Plus, the Super NES audio is just as deep and powerful as an original-model Super NES.Quote:
Originally Posted by KnightWarrior
That's actually a pretty good idea. And I think I'll go for it. I'd mention the following:Quote:
Originally Posted by Guntz
-What comes in the box
-Build quality
-Full playtest with all my games for that particular system
-Testing of all accessories I have for the system the clone I'm trying is trying to replicate
-What it gets right and what it doesn't
-A look at the hardware
-Mods
-Final verdict
How's that?
I think that's a good list of criteria.
Ace - Do you have any Street Fighter 2 games on the SNES and the Genesis to test on the Retron3 ..I would like to see that
That's an excellent check list. Most of that would definitely appeal to people like the OP who are interested in clone systems. The nuts and bolts might be a bit much for the casual crowd so keep that in mind. Other than that, I'd love to see you submit some features on clone hardware, they would be an awesome addition to the site. Go PM Melf about it! It's just the kind of material Sega-16 could use in this age of clone hardware. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Ace
The only one I have is Super Street Fighter II for the Genesis, which is shown in these videos:Quote:
Originally Posted by KnightWarrior
I'll be sure to PM him about this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Guntz
Both versons of Retron3 has low sound for Super SF2 and VR
In Ken Stage the Music doesn't sound right in V2..I would have donated SF2, SF2 Turbo and Super SF2 on the SNES to test, but I'm in a bind with Money & I don't trust Canada Post now
Okay. I've read some reviews and decided to get Retro Duo instead.
I've just PMed Melf about this. We'll see what he says.Quote:
Originally Posted by Guntz
I hope you're handy with a soldering iron because the audio on the NES side of the RetroDuo is ATROCIOUS! Here's another big wall of videos to show you what I mean(not as big as with the RetroN3, but it's still 8 videos):Quote:
Originally Posted by Orchid87
Don't tell me that's not f***ing nasty. This is from a RetroDuo v2.0, but even the newest RetroDuo v3.0 sounds this horrible. Pay close attention to Castlevania II in this German video to see what I mean(the RetroDuo v3.0 is shown here):
Ignore The Legend of Zelda's audio; that's a natural thing that happens when you use a PAL cartridge on an NTSC NES or Famiclone. Castlevania II, on the other hand, perfectly demonstrates the absolutely MURDERED NES audio of the RetroDuo. It's like the Super NES side of the RetroN3 Version 2.
The Retro Duo is the King of Clones, but the NES side they messed up
Ace - My Retro Duo (NES Side) keeps crashing on SMB3 and SMB2(J) Loopys Hack at Random Spots..I have to tast more when I get home..
and it very hard to take out NES Games as well my Honeybee Adapter for Famicom Games
Thanks, it doesn't look hard. I used to solder laptop guts while working at a repair center.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ace
Also beware of the console's INSANE death grip on NES games. My RetroDuo's NES cartridge slot actually got DAMAGED because of the death grip. At one point, one of the pins bent so far up it wasn't touching its respective contact point on any cartridge, so I suggest you loosen the cartridge slot.
How do you loosen the cart slot anyways??
I press on the pins with a flat-head screwdriver as wide as the pins on the cartridge slot then press down on the slot in order to loosen the pins.
You mean just press it straight down with a flat head??
Perhaps he means pushing the pins inside the plastic housing... (basically, pushing horizontally)
Like pushing down & wiggling back and forth til the pins are wide??
Just push the pins straight down. That's all you need to do. Just don't push 'em too far otherwise, they won't make contact with the card-edge on the cartridge.
How thick does the flat head should be?? I'm doing it like 3 times & still have a hard time getting out the NES game,
Make sure your screwdriver isn't too wide, otherwise you'll have a hard time fitting the screwdriver into the pins. Get a thin flat-head screwdriver.
I've figured out a circuit (and chip) to get SA-1 games to play on Retron 3 (and other SNES clones with TCT-9xx chipset).
Just finalized my circuit on Friday (8/16/2019) and posted a video of proof on my YouTube today.
The following video proof is on the Retron 3 because that is the console I tested last so I still had the circuit soldered.
https://youtu.be/gFN4zBzeKGs
Be sure to read the description on the video before you make directed "comments" to/at me.
Just wanted to announce my accomplishment somewhere since my friends, coworkers and wife/kids don't care and appreciate the electronic geekiness I get into and what I accomplish that nobody else has done (or at least published).
Hopefully I will post my projects still in the works and my finished projects now that I've taken the first step and publicized something that I've done on the internet for the first time.
Another one that I'd like to post is my SNES Roku remote that I made for my 3 year old son this past Christmas. We'll see after I read all the posts regarding this one post.