Retrode

[guyjin]

http://www.retrode.com/

it's a combination ROM dumper/controller connector for PCs. I'm tempted, even though it only takes SNES and Genny carts and controllers.

according to the instructions, you can't use a multitap or light guns with it. the latter is understandable, but what's up with no multitap?

I wonder if a Power Base Converter would let you dump SMS games.

[SignOfZeta]

Can someone explain the point of this product? The controller interface is nice, of course, but every single game ever has already been dumped.

BTW, no, the Power Base isn't going to work with this.

[guyjin]

For the cartridge part alone, I can see 2 reasons:
a) you want to be as legit as possible, and not only use dumps of games you own, but use the actual dumps of the cartridges you actually possess.
2) You can copy the save file, edit it (either by playing it on the emulator, or using more nefarious means) and save it back to the actual cartridge.

[SignOfZeta]

I can seriously see the advantage of 2), but a) makes no sense. Assuming there were no errors during dumping, the two ROMs would be absolutely identical, bit for bit, and neither would be any more or less legit/legal/moral.

If it came down to half that price or so I'd get it just to have the MD controller interface. I already have a SNES one. A retro controller adaptor is a necessity for retro gaming in emulators, IMO.

[esteban]

http://www.retrode.com/

it's a combination ROM dumper/controller connector for PCs. I'm tempted, even though it only takes SNES and Genny carts and controllers.

according to the instructions, you can't use a multitap or light guns with it. the latter is understandable, but what's up with no multitap?

I wonder if a Power Base Converter would let you dump SMS games.

Personally, I think it's great* that products like this are released. I actually saw a video demo of Retrode not too long ago (i'll have to post the link here), but I never bothered to check out the website.

So, I noticed this page on building adapters forAtari 2600, TurboGrafx-16, N64, Gameboy, etc.


* Why is it great? I actually like using the original media! Yes, I'm one of those people who enjoy reading paper books (I can and often read digital versions, but they can NEVER replace paper books). I listen to vinyl records, too, because it is fun to see old technology still in operation. I haven't hooked up my cassette deck yet, but I will. These mechanical things are neat. Retrode, for me, at least allows the interface to be physical (cartridge, HuCard, controller), even if the console's hardware is emulated. It's a compromise, sure, but it appeals to me. I suppose I have a fetish for physical things.

I know many folks are too lazy or too cheap to value the historical and tactile values of physical media, so Retrode certainly won't appeal to everyone. I don't think a niche product like this was ever intended to appeal to folks who are 100% emulation and don't have real consoles and physical media libraries.

I wanted to counter-balance Zeta's less-than-enthusiastic response

[SignOfZeta]

...but you aren't using the original media. You're using a ROM on your HD that is physically, chemically, and digitally identical to the one from a warez site. It doesn't actually run the cart in real time.

I love physical media as well. I buy at least half of my music on vinyl, I've never managed to read an electronic book all the way to the end, etc etc. But this is why I have a SNES. I have a Genesis. I have a Neo Geo, a PCE, etc. This isn't the same.

I do have some cassettes, and a decent deck, but I very rarely listen to them. Cassettes just suck. Their only advantage was convenience and now other things are more convenient.

[HercTNT]

I agree that its a pretty cool product as well, but i truthfully would probably never use it. It seems that the best part of it is to use the original controllers without buying a usb adapter. Then again a usb adapter would most likely be cheaper.  Non the less its probably marketed towards people just getting into retrogaming. For the rest of us that are familiar with emulators, clones, and classic machines, it would serve no purpose.

[KiddoCabbusses]

Can someone explain the point of this product? The controller interface is nice, of course, but every single game ever has already been dumped.

LIES!

And that is why I'm hoping to get a Retrode someday.

[Necromancer]

Retrode, for me, at least allows the interface to be physical (cartridge, HuCard, controller), even if the console's hardware is emulated. It's a compromise, sure, but it appeals to me.

But why compromise?  It's not like purchasing a Genesis or SNES would require a second mortgage.

[Arkhan]

This device is over priced terrorism.

[SignOfZeta]

Can someone explain the point of this product? The controller interface is nice, of course, but every single game ever has already been dumped.

LIES!

And that is why I'm hoping to get a Retrode someday.

If its possible to dump Sateleview games with this thing then someone will have already done it by the time "some day" arrives, wouldn't you think? This is an honest question.

Retrode, for me, at least allows the interface to be physical (cartridge, HuCard, controller), even if the console's hardware is emulated. It's a compromise, sure, but it appeals to me.

But why compromise?  It's not like purchasing a Genesis or SNES would require a second mortgage.

I recently bought an almost perfect SNES with SMW for $35, so probably you could have both.

[KiddoCabbusses]

If its possible to dump Sateleview games with this thing then someone will have already done it by the time "some day" arrives, wouldn't you think? This is an honest question.

I actually know someone who -has- dumped some Satellaview ROMs with a Retrode along with his own 8M-Pack-specific tools. However, you could probably see that the amount of data that needs to be dumped is -very large- for an undumped list, probably too much so for one man's efforts.

Not to mention, a lot of the -new- dumps lately basically came out of nowhere in terms of a complete lack of prior documentation to their existence.
And that's just the most recent example.

[esteban]

Retrode, for me, at least allows the interface to be physical (cartridge, HuCard, controller), even if the console's hardware is emulated. It's a compromise, sure, but it appeals to me.

But why compromise?  It's not like purchasing a Genesis or SNES would require a second mortgage.

I hear you. You're right.

Well, as you may know, i own nearly all the consoles and media. But there are times when I don't want to unplug and move consoles from one room to another (or to a friend's house). Plus, I rotate my consoles (I don't have room to keep everything out at all times), so Retrode would serve as a convenient compromise.


I don't know...I like the physical interface, but maybe Zeta's correct—maybe I'm just fooling myself...

[SignOfZeta]

Don't get me wrong. The first time I saw this thing (actually, the earlier version that only had dumping capability) I instantly knew that I HAD TO HAVE IT!!!! Then I realized that in the real world it's as useless as tits on a chicken. I tend to put a lot of thought into my purchases, you see.

[HercTNT]

I disagree, i would play with tits on a chicken