RETROGEN Handheld Genesis: Any takers?

M

Metal Slug

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Just ordered one and am hoping its going to be a cheap alternative to actually using one of my MIB Nomads.
Anyone got one?
Any thoughts or 'reviews'?
 
xiao_haozi

xiao_haozi

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Had to google this one...
screen looks pretty small but otherwise seems pretty nice.

So it just accepts genesis carts in the back of it?
 
M

Metal Slug

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xiao_haozi said:
Had to google this one...
screen looks pretty small but otherwise seems pretty nice.

So it just accepts genesis carts in the back of it?
Click to expand...

Genny or Mega Drive at the flick of a switch apparently!
:)
And cheap as hell
 
xiao_haozi

xiao_haozi

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Metal Slug said:
Genny or Mega Drive at the flick of a switch apparently!
:)
And cheap as hell
Click to expand...

Yeah $20 on Amazon.

Sounds great... post back when you get it.
Seems like at that price it would be an awesome base for some hacking around. Maybe add a bigger screen.
 
IDCHAPPY

IDCHAPPY

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That looks pretty smart :). Did you pay only $20 for it? Bloody hell, that's a good deal :buttrock:
 
GoosehanX

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I bought one when they first came out, it's pretty awesome and has pretty much replaced my Nomad. However, it is a cheap Chinese clone system so it has issues.

Good:
The screen really is amazing, especially if you are used to the Nomad.
The system is pretty small.
Battery lasts a good 5 or 6 hours and is charged through a mini USB cable.

Bad:
D-pad button is awful, but you get used to it.
The sounds in a lot of games are off. Streets of Rage 2 is unbearable.
Some games simply don't work.
Mono sound only (even with headphones.)

Overall, I think it's a better portable than the Nomad since it's smaller, has good battery life, and a good screen. The sound issue is the real killer, I wish there had been a newer revision that had fixed that.
 
Official Ninja

Official Ninja

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GohanX said:
I bought one when they first came out, it's pretty awesome and has pretty much replaced my Nomad. However, it is a cheap Chinese clone system so it has issues.

Good:
The screen really is amazing, especially if you are used to the Nomad.
The system is pretty small.
Battery lasts a good 5 or 6 hours and is charged through a mini USB cable.

Bad:
D-pad button is awful, but you get used to it.
The sounds in a lot of games are off. Streets of Rage 2 is unbearable.
Some games simply don't work.
Mono sound only (even with headphones.)

Overall, I think it's a better portable than the Nomad since it's smaller, has good battery life, and a good screen. The sound issue is the real killer, I wish there had been a newer revision that had fixed that.
Click to expand...

From Amazon.com

Product Features

* Comptaible with Sega Genesis game cartridges
* 2.8 inch color LCD screen with 262k color graphics
* Measures 6 x 2.75 x 1.25 inches
* Weighs in at 5.2 ounces on it's own
* Integrated headphone jack with Dolby Stereo Sound and Built-in rechargeable battery pack
 
GoosehanX

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The sound specs are wrong, it outputs mono sound to both speakers.
 
Jack Burton

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Here are my impressions:

Gohanx was right: some games don't work (like Virtual Racing......too bad)

The screen isn't the exact resolution as genesis, so there is some warping (for lack of a better term) mainly when the screen is scrolling vertically.

Also, the cpu isn't exactly up to speed. Some games play slower than they should. Just throw in Thunder force iv (Lightening Force) or other fast paced games.

Other than that, the sound is definitely not as good (it's emulated) but also as you raise the volume the sound gets worse too.

Overall, you get what you pay for. But I have to say, it's pretty cool for the money and I enjoy just being able to throw any genesis/mega-drive game into it. I tested it with Bare Knuckle 3. Works like a charm.
 
zxtec

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I've been thinking of getting one too.

Can anyone comment on the longevity? I'm kind of afraid that it may not last too long.....either the buttons/d-pad break or the system dies all together.

But for $20, cant really complain since it's pretty cheap compared to used Nomads.
 
Gooober

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Not sure about the longevity yet, only had it for a short while. However, when I push down on the d-pad, it kinda feels like it's gonna give or just break at any time. It is what others in this thread have already said, you get what you pay for and I actually expect it to die on me in a near future. Let's hope I'm wrong.
 
M

Metal Slug

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Sadly as I'm in the UK its costing me $51.68 including shipping from the USA, but compared with the £150.00 that my 'new' Nomad cost, thats a freaking snip!
And I've got a ton of great MD and Genny games to play ;)
 
GoosehanX

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Well, the plastic is kind of cheap, but if you aren't prone to dropping the system you should be fine. I got mine in October and it still looks new. I keep it in a camera bag when not in use, though.
 
Tung Fu ru

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wow, I don't really have too many genesis carts, but that does look pretty badass, especially for around $20. I might have to get one!
 
Murray

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I have one. It's not bad. The D-pad isn't great and the sound is all wrong but for a quick and cheap way to play Genesis carts on the go, it's passable.
 
Neo Alec

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Since it isn't proper Genesis hardware, I wouldn't touch one of these. Same reason I avoid the Famiclones. I guess it's $20 for a reasaon. The only reason this is any better than emulation is because you can use real cartridges.
 
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migo

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I had one of these a while back, it was crap. Half the games didn't work, and all of those were ones that I actually wanted to play, while the remaining ones sucked. Reminded me of those pirate 20-in-1 cartridges that actually only had 5 games.
 
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Phosis

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IMO, some of the poorest clone hardware available for Genesis emulation exists in both the Gen Mobile, and the Retrogen. The sound is awful, the screen is decent, but the control makes it a chore. Also does not have full compatibility.

Don't expect much more than a novelty toy.
 
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SNKorSWM

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Hmm...sounds like this one is to be avoided.
 
M

Metal Slug

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Well I gotta say I'm impressed with it so far.
There are a few small concerrns. Namely: the D-pad is ultra stiff and pressing it to the right actually shows a slight 'pressure ripple' on the screens LCD. The screen lens has some slight marks. Getting the carts in and out requires real force.
I've got some games out to try it out properly.
Had a quick blast on 'Fire Shark' and that looked great, gonna try some other ones now. Will report back!

HK hack of 'ALIEN SOLDIER' worked perfectly
MERCS Jap Some slowdown (can't remember if its just normal or not)
Shining Force UK Fine
Star Control Genesis Fine
 
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