Full Review/rambling: Atgames Sega Genesis classic console 80 titles built-in

[DarkDragon]

NM it doesnt have a SD card slot so Ill just get the portable handheld one instead.



I think maybe the big downside is you cant save your games and that would suck for rpgs but it looks like a cool little system.

[Saturn Fan]

NM it doesnt have a SD card slot so Ill just get the portable handheld one instead.



I think maybe the big downside is you cant save your games and that would suck for rpgs but it looks like a cool little system.

No controller port though, so you're stuck using the stock handheld controls. Kinda ruins it.

The console is the way to go if one will settle for an Atgames unit. Excellent built-in game selection, plus cart slot, controller ports, and good build quality.

[simbin]

Today i spotted the latest Atgames console at a family dollar for $39. But before i get to that, a review of an earlier product:

Ok until pretty recently i'd never had an Atgames unit before, but was always curious about them. So the first unit i tried was the Arcade motion dual:

Manufacture date 09/10


^^ What i liked about this unit was its SD card capability and rom usage. The damn thing didn't come with an AC adapter out of the box, but instead has a compartment for 4 AA batteries. This irked me till i learned my PSP adapter(5v) worked with it, but for some reason does not stay on all the time. I have to position the plug a certain way but after that its cool, just don't bump it much. Whatever. No controller ports or cart slot.

Cosmetically the unit looks hideous with its sonic head visage, and the blue wii-mote KO controllers look equally stupid. Who thought this was a good idea? Wii controls button layout is also horrid however, quality is still decent and the wireless functions very well. Its has orbs on every side so the IR sensor can always see it. The d-pad is NOT suited for games like Street Fighter that require precise motions, but beat'em ups & platformers are great. Game menus are extremely bland BTW, just text. The Atari consoles have a moderate amount of cheap pizzazz on them, with box art and various graphics. Why not do that with Sega products?

SD card rom usage seemed to work well. Format card, create a "GAMES" folder and dump roms in. Can't be zipped or in .smd format or it won't touch them, must be .bin. No convenient category solutions like individual folders("beat'em ups", "Racing", etc), as it won't see it. System seemed to have no concept of alphabetical order, games just thrown around with the occasional groups. At least it always "remembered" what page i was on, so exiting out of a game and going back to where i was on the SD menu is fast.

Taking it apart, this is what it looked like:

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I've looked all over for a CAT scan of Sonic's head!! lol

*Hater Disclaimer*
1) I know emulation systems will never be as good as the real hardware
2) I know the sound on this thing sucks Donkey Kong's balls
3) etc etc etc

I bought this bc it's a really cheap way to load all my Genesis roms on the TV for casual play - I'm not hardcore enough to spend $200~ on the EverDrive!!

What I'd like to achieve:
1) I think a Genesis controller port can be soldered to this board. I'm curious about the pinouts for this or anyone's attempts, progress.
2) Stereo output from the board?
3) Custom game image art for SD card games? I could have sworn I seen something about this, but lost the webpage!

I realize the FM modulation will probably never be correctable, but I think my other goals are very achievable. Others who are serious - let's get something going!

[NeoVamp]

I'm not hardcore enough to spend $200~ on the EverDrive!!

It's $78, don't exaggerate.

[FuturePrimitive]

It's $78, don't exaggerate.

Seconded! The EverDrive-MD v3 is very attainable. It was also fun modifying an unwanted, beat up Genesis cart into something awesome.

[simbin]

It's $78, don't exaggerate.

I was referring to this -
http://www.stoneagegamer.com/mega-everdrive-deluxe.html

Looks like I could go cheaper. $120~ for just the cart only

So, does anyone know if the EverDrive emulates Master System roms, or somehow tricks the Genesis into thinking the Power Base Converter is connected?

[FuturePrimitive]

I was referring to this -
http://www.stoneagegamer.com/mega-everdrive-deluxe.html

Looks like I could go cheaper. $120~ for just the cart only

So, does anyone know if the EverDrive emulates Master System roms, or somehow tricks the Genesis into thinking the Power Base Converter is connected?

Of course a premium service with extras for the top of the line Mega EverDrive will cost $200. The potential of that device is staggering.

The EverDrive does not emulate. For Master System games, if connected to the Genesis without the 32X (sometimes the SEGA CD interferes), it uses the real Master System ROM and passes through like a Power Base/Master System Converter. Real games, real hardware.

[NeoVamp]

I was referring to this -
http://www.stoneagegamer.com/mega-everdrive-deluxe.html

I know you were referring to the premium version of the MEGA everdrive, you were trying to justify using inferior hardware
because the super turbo express ultra deluxe version of the already expensive MEGA everdrive is expensive.
Maybe you don't know yet, but there's 2 everdrives for the Genesis, the Mega Everdrive which is a more advanced cartridge
that supports extra stuff, and then there's the regular Everdrive which goes for $78,00 without a cartridge shell.

Looks like I could go cheaper. $120~ for just the cart only

Or you just get this one and only pay $78,00
You'll have to get your own cart shell though. but for $40,00 less that seems like a small effort.

So, does anyone know if the EverDrive emulates Master System roms, or somehow tricks the Genesis into thinking the Power Base Converter is connected?

Like FuturePrimitive stated, the Genesis is already backwards compatible with the Master System. The Power Base Converter
is nothing more then a cartridge adapter, so roms don't even need it.

[simbin]

Like FuturePrimitive stated, the Genesis is already backwards compatible with the Master System. The Power Base Converter
is nothing more then a cartridge adapter, so roms don't even need it.

Good info! I couldn't find any documentation that clarified this and wasn't sure if the Power Base Converter had some extra circuitry or something. Cool beans!

As for all the EverDrive pricing, justification of inferior hardware, yada, yada. I get it. I spent less than $20 on my crappy Sonic Head atGames clone and I intend to use it casually until I decide to shell out the $78 or more for the EverDrive. End of story.

If anybody else wants to contribute, make minor improvements to their Sonic Head atGames clone post here and we can work together. Thanks!

[NeoGeo64]

Genesis does, but this one just doesn't.

[AlmostOriginal]

NeoGeo64:
Saturn Fan: You should try the Megadrive X.

[simbin]

I just went back to emulating Genesis on my XBOX1. It actually works pretty well and sounds a lot better.

I still plan on tinkering with the atGames unit some more, just bc I like tinkering with ALL my tech.

Once I get more shelf space, I'll break out my Genesis tower of doom and get one of those EverDrive carts.

[ramparts]

Can anyone tell me if megadrive/genesis pads are compatible with Atgames consoles?

Regards

JOSÉ

[Obviously]

They are but if you're thinking of buying one of these, please don't.

[ramparts]

well actually it went into my hands one unit but without the remote controllers.
So only work with original controller ,with the genesis cart inside (on menu don´t) :/