Worth it to get any of the 'Classic' consoles over emulation?

PalomPorom · Jan 7, 2019

I'm considering getting a NES Classic, SNES Classic, and the Sega Flashback but I'm curious if there's really any benefit over just using emulators on pc or using the Switch's official NES app for example.

I read that the nes mini and the NES online switch app are similar code wise so maybe there's no reason to get one after all. I'm mainly looking for the best compatibility option. Or should I just try to find original hardware in decent condition and get a flashcart?

I did a bit of searching already but couldn't really find enough info on rom compatibility comparisons.

Oh and I prefer to be able to backup my save files too. Bonus if they're savestates so what's the best option

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tech3475 · Jan 7, 2019

The only real reasons to get the mini consoles is either you want a legitimate way to play the games for the price and/or want the hardware. Beware that AtGames's MD/Gen hardware is notorious for not having good emulation.

In the case of Sega, many of the games are on Steam with easy access to the ROMs (they're just in a folder) although there are differences e.g. Sonic 3 is on Steam.

For ROM compatibility, you need to check the specific carts.

Gen/MD tends to be good with the odd exception (most notably Virtua Racing), however the NES/SNES made more use of enhancement chips so you really need to check each cart. IIRC the SD2SNES got SuperFX support some time ago in at least beta form.

Emulation sounds like it may be the easiest option for you, especially in regards to save states.

Attila13 · Jan 7, 2019

I would strongly recommend NES/SNES classic over Switch, because you can mod the classic consoles and add more games. The Switch NES library is pretty small as of now, but they are adding new titles this year.

This is my opinion, but you're the one to choose.

DinohScene · Jan 7, 2019

Only real reason you'd get one of the mini consoles is collectability or scalping.

If you're out there for 100% accuracy, you'd pick real hardware.
Quick game playing, any emulator on PC/hacked console does the job as well.

cyfaws · Jan 7, 2019

I don't regret getting a SNES mini for a second - something about it makes me actually play the games rather than stockpiling roms that gets 30 sek to a minute playtime in RA before moving on to the next thing.

That it's easy to hack is a plus too, so you can fill in the gaps yourself that Nintendo missed, or couldn't fill because of bullshit rights.

One thing I do miss however is knowing that there are inevitable compromises with the accuracy of the Canoe emulator. But, that's a minor gripe. For the most part I, and most ordinary humans, probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference either way.

PalomPorom · Jan 7, 2019

Attila13 said:
I would strongly recommend NES/SNES classic over Switch, because you can mod the classic consoles and add more games. The Switch NES library is pretty small as of now, but they are adding new titles this year.

This is my opinion, but you're the one to choose.

There's always that pc tool to add more titles to the switch NES app. Haven't tried it myself yet so idk how well it works as an emulator

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Attila13 · Jan 7, 2019

PalomPorom said:
There's always that pc tool to add more titles to the switch NES app. Haven't tried it myself yet so idk how well it works as an emulator

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I see. Well I didn't knew about that one, because I don't have a Switch yet, so I know literary nothing about the NS Scene.

But I knew for a fact that the mini consoles are very nice in their own way, and look nice as well.

(and have all the features you were looking for).

The other thing I could recommend if you really want the all in one ultimate retro gaming machine is to either get a Raspberry PI with RetroPie or if you have an old x86 machine lying around install RecalBox on it and you're set for everything.

MAXLEMPIRA · Jan 7, 2019

If your final goal is to just play the games... nowpe. You're a collector or really like the system, they are a real deal. All of them, including the PSClassic. I personally own the 3 Systems for collecting and playing reasons, I'm too satisfied with them

PalomPorom · Jan 7, 2019

Attila13 said:
I see. Well I didn't knew about that one, because I don't have a Switch yet, so I know literary nothing about the NS Scene. [emoji38]
But I knew for a fact that the mini consoles are very nice in their own way, and look nice as well. (and have all the features you were looking for).

The other thing I could recommend if you really want the all in one ultimate retro gaming machine is to either get a Raspberry PI with RetroPie or if you have an old x86 machine lying around install RecalBox on it and you're set for everything.

I have a pi and tried out retropi, didn't like it as much as I thought

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tbb043 · Jan 7, 2019

Retropie is a nightmare to reconfigure, and a general pain in the ass to use. If I had it to do over again, I would have just waited for NES/SNES classics to become easily available and stick to pc emus (or the hacked og xbox or wii) for the rest.

slaphappygamer · Jan 7, 2019

Agreed retropie is a pain to configure. The same can be said for retroarch. I like to use standalone emulators for each console. It makes configuring input easier, at least it seems that way for me.
If it were me, id stick with emulation rather than getting a mini (or legit) console. Get enough consoles and you’ll have to get a video switch because your tv only has so many video inputs.
Retroarch isn’t too bad on the switch. I’m still trying to get the hang of it. There are so many configure options.

PalomPorom · Jan 7, 2019

Looking at this NES flashcart and it says just 39 roms don't work. How does that compare to the best emulator?

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slaphappygamer · Jan 7, 2019

PalomPorom said:
Looking at this NES flashcart and it says just 39 roms don't work. How does that compare to the best emulator?

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Some flashcarts don’t support certain mappers. I haven’t come across a game that hasn’t worked through emulation. I have had trouble with mike Tyson’s punchout, but I just found the right emu that supported that mapper. I currently use quicknes. Why not try some emulation before committing to a flashcarts?
Oh, and those 39roms, probably no one has heard of those games.

dcuk7 · Jan 7, 2019

I love all these mini consoles and I own multiples of most of them. I have them hooked up to the TV and/or PC monitor and I'm always messing with one of them.

However, I would not recommend them. If you really want to play retro games on a nice looking unit and have good performance, get yourself a second hand Wii U. That thing is crazy powerful for playing retro games (including GameCube) and it's been hacked to death so has a really good app store. Also, the Wii U has some awesome games you can pick up really cheaply on eBay. Many of the big-hitters currently on the Switch started out on the Wii U (Zelda: BOTW, Mario Kart 8, Splatoon, Smash Bros, and many more).

It's the best console nobody bought! You can pick one up for not much more than the price of a SNES Classic. Get one and put the homebrew apps on there. You won't regret it.

slaphappygamer · Jan 7, 2019

^^true.
Not just a wiiu, but a regular wii is also a great emulation machine. However, youll need one of the original white ones as they have GameCube ports for memory card and controller. Nintendont runs very well there. You can probably find one with a damaged disc slot for $20. You’ll never actually need the disc slot since you’ll be loading emulators.

PalomPorom · Jan 7, 2019

dcuk7 said:
I love all these mini consoles and I own multiples of most of them. I have them hooked up to the TV and/or PC monitor and I'm always messing with one of them.

However, I would not recommend them. If you really want to play retro games on a nice looking unit and have good performance, get yourself a second hand Wii U. That thing is crazy powerful for playing retro games (including GameCube) and it's been hacked to death so has a really good app store. Also, the Wii U has some awesome games you can pick up really cheaply on eBay. Many of the big-hitters currently on the Switch started out on the Wii U (Zelda: BOTW, Mario Kart 8, Splatoon, Smash Bros, and many more).

It's the best console nobody bought! You can pick one up for not much more than the price of a SNES Classic. Get one and put the homebrew apps on there. You won't regret it.

I have a couple Wii Us I bought after it was hacked. Stock its a shit console but with homebrew its a beast. I still prefer pc emulation though. Or the Shield TV, that thing is a beast too. Or the GPD XD Plus

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dcuk7 · Jan 8, 2019

PalomPorom said:
I have a couple Wii Us I bought after it was hacked. Stock its a shit console but with homebrew its a beast. I still prefer pc emulation though. Or the Shield TV, that thing is a beast too. Or the GPD XD Plus

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Yeah, PC running LaunchBox is definitely top of the food chain but I honestly think that if you want something connected to your TV, the hacked Wii U is the way to go, and I say that after spending weeks making my own RecalBox build on my Pi3.

Good shout on the GPD. I take that to work with me for some on the go retro gaming. That thing is also really powerful. Runs a fair few Dreamcast games. Definitely one to add to the list (although not cheap).

subcon959 · Jan 8, 2019

I wish NEC would get in on the action. A PC Engine classic would be awesome.

jefffisher · Jan 8, 2019

i feel like the snes classic was worth it for the controller alone, that and playing it on the couch.
if you dont appreciate official nintendo controllers or playing games in front of the computer emulators are fine.

Worth it to get any of the 'Classic' consoles over emulation?

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