Retro Freak: Has anyone tried it out yet?

[residentevil]

I was considering getting one but I am looking to get opinions on the PC-E/TG16 side of it. Has anyone here tried one out yet? If so, how is the build quality and video out? Is the included controller any good?

I would mainly be getting to play my NEC games on, since that would save on the wear and tear of my NEC systems :-)

[crazydean]

As with any clone system, it's basically just a box with several emulators inside. If you don't mind playing emulators, then go for it. Personally, if I were going to play on an emulator, I would just use my computer, which I already own, so I don't have to pay $200+. If you're just looking for a cheap way to play PCE games, get a CoreGrafx and a Turbo Everdrive. You can get both for less than the Retro Freak, and you can play on original hardware, meaning every game runs exactly as it's supposed to. This combo also negates any possible "wear and tear" as you don't even have to remove the everdrive from the system.

Unless, of course, you have already made up your mind and plan to buy it regardless of what anyone else says. In that case, enjoy your new toy!

[residentevil]

Thanks for the reply.

I dont mind basically paying for an emulator box, but as a collector, I like to have multiple ways of playing original carts. I also like having multi systems like the retron5 that allows me to save space but still lets me use the carts I have.

I havent made my mind up on getting it yet, which is why I am asking for opinions. It does seem a bit expensive for a multi system compared to retron5, but it may be worth it in the end for me depending on build quality.
 

[esadajr]

it is a more honest emulation proposition, it lets you either play roms dumped from your originals or just roms. In any case youre playing from roms. A softmodded Wii makes a better "emulation box".

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[Opethian]

I own one its better than the Retron 5
UI is much nicer my only hangup was the HDMI only so I had to buy a audio splitter for it.
can use original contollers if you get the adaptor.
they are coming out a a SMS/GG cart adaptor soon and Im hoping it adds FM support.
The controller that comes with it is pretty nice. just about any USB controller works on it as well.

they are also coming down in price so you can find the special edition (with controller adaptor) for about $200 now.

[EmperorIng]

I've been interested in this one because it seems to be a much better-made version of the Retron5, especially with the ability to play roms off of an SD card.

The only real shame is no native (Super-)CD support, but being able to play MEGA-CD and SCD ISOs is very cool indeed.

[Black Tiger]

My last few android phone have had PCE.emu, which is an "unofficial" port of Mednafen. It plays all roms and isos. Supports Wii controllers.

Just the same, you can soft mod a Wii and play a port of Mednafen.

You aren't actually playing real carts on on the Retrofreak or Retron 5. You're only wearing out your games on their too-tight cart slots and playing dumped roms.

For the price of a base model Retro Freak, you can get a PC Engine Duo and play 99% of the Turbo/PCE library.

Your PCE/Turbo consoles wear out even if you never play them and might even more so than if you did actually use them. You're better off buying console boxes and selling off the actual consoles. Then you just tell yourself that all of your consoles are CIB and you'll still be a collector who doesn't actually play them.

Then those consoles can be used by people interested in using them. Win-win.

[henrycsc]

can use original contollers if you get the adaptor.

So you can use the DuoRX Pad to play Mario and Sonic?

[residentevil]

thanks for the replies!