Complete NES Super 8 Systems Available

[low_budget]

Here's a project I've been working on the last 1-1/2 years. I was working on making a NES circuit board with on-board audio and video mods while using original hardware so there would be no compatibility issues.
I am doing a limited test marketing of sorts to see if I should further pursue this.

Overview

The NES Super 8 is a new 8 bit video game console that plays NES games. It is the only aftermarket NES system to play games with perfect accuracy while improving the video and audio capabilities well beyond the original system. It uses a new design circuit board with original Nintendo CPU and PPU chips combined with new off the shelf components. Most of the ICs are drop in compatible with a original NES.

Currently I am on version 2.0 NES Super 8 PCB.


Features include:

Uses the original CPU and PPU chips at the factory clock speed for 100% accurate game play.

99.9% compatibility with NES games (Famicom games work with adapter.) I have not yet encountered a game that did not work with the Super 8, but I have to assume maybe one or two don't.

Amplified and sync cleaned RGB video output ready to connect to monitor or converter.

Outputs stereo sound by not mixing the CPU/sound chip's 2 outputs and running them through a stereo amp. The volume level of each source is fully adjustable via internal pots.

Supports expansion audio input from pin 54 of the cartridge connector. By default, it is mixed with the two square wave channels (CPU pin 1.)

Reliable card edge 72 pin cartridge connector. Any clean game will play every time.

Compatible with most accessories like the PowerPak, Everdrive, Zapper and ROB.

Clear power and reset buttons light up white when on.

PCB is designed for easy modifications like over clocking, 15p Famicom expansion port, and audio/video output options.

Efficient switching voltage regulator provides up to 2A stable 5v power while generating no heat. I know this is overkill, as the whole system uses less than 400mA.

Details

The video output is amplified (and sync cleaned) RGB. A Genesis 1 compatible 8 pin DIN to SCART cable will work. The pinout of this connector has been modified slightly to allow powering a 5v video converter. The RGB output signal can be externally converted to VGA, component, s-video, or composite video.

Stereo audio is output to on-board RCA jacks.

Right now the design uses the RC2C03B arcade RGB PPU chip.

The NESRGB will work if the PPU socket is relocated back about 1/4" for the cartridge slot.
I believe the upcoming Universal PPU will work if mounted on the bottom. It will probably not fit in the AG-85 case anymore though.

I have videos online and GametechUS has reviewed the previous 1.8 version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HGNsl7Piis I asked Jason to do a review and not sugar coat any flaws. His sharp criticism of the tiniest flaw helped me improve the later v2.0 board.
I did send him kit though and I only offer it assembled.


Anyway I have an initial run of 8 hand assembled systems tested and ready.

https://www.tindie.com/products/low_bud ... -complete/

https://www.tindie.com/products/low_bud ... me-system/

Thanks for looking.

[leonk]

Hi, according to your web site, this system outputs RGB. It uses uses original Nintendo CPU and PPU. Which means, it uses the PC10 PPU to output RGB.

Does that mean that the color palette one will get is the Arcade one, and NOT the NES/Famicom one? Is this why you give it 99.xx% compatibility with original NES and not 100%?

[Ed Oscuro]

It's an exciting time to be interested in the NES - this sounds like the next best thing to getting new product from Nintendo.

It might be interesting to see about incorporating the elements of the new RGB PPU (I think it's FPGA-based) into this design, or the HDMI clone somebody else is making, but unless viletim or that other person shares parts and code, that will still be another addon PCB and not as elegant as a single board with everything on it. It's clear that many people are more interested in "clean" RGB- or HDMI-outputting designs since those are now becoming available. However if you could work with those folks, then you could provide a single board solution that is really elegant and that'd make many people happy.

Something that requires as little modification as possible, and is future-proofed as much as it can be, seems to me the only way I'd be interested since I have a stack of perfectly working original systems still.

[leonk]

I'd be interested to see a replacement 72 pin connector solution for the front loader that doesn't suck.

As much as I love my top loader because of it's excellent connector, I prefer the retro look of the front loader.

[low_budget]

I originally designed the Super 8 project to be a smaller and simpler NES circuit board, but play games as authentic as possible. I didn't like the original Nintendo style of board design. You know, lockout chips that don't work, bad cartridge connectors, poor sound, poor video, useless expansion port taking up space, needlessly complex reset circuit, etc.

So that's what the Super 8 is, a NES built the way it should have been.

I know a lot of developments have been made with NES RGB video output since I started this project. The NESRGB was first announced around the time I had several Super 8 systems assembled with original RGB PPU chips. I liked the idea and it looks really cool, but how unlucky is that timing?

I do have the systems without CPU and PPU, so it would still be possible to mount a NESRGB in one. It would't be a simple install, but it is possible.

They are 8% off until Dec. 31.

[antibolo]

Cool stuff. I've been following your work, nice to see you have succeeded in making a complete, functional system.

I have one criticism about your design though: the way the controller ports are located makes it impossible to connect a Four Score multitap directly, without using controller extension cables.

[alamone]

I like the concept but the aesthetics of the pre-built case aren't my cup of tea.
It is possible to adapt the PCB for an empty top-loader shell?

[low_budget]

adapting the NES Super 8 to use a top loader case would need a major redesign as well as a supply of decent condition top loader donor systems. This would simply be too expensive and too much work.

I recently realized the 4 Score isn't compatible with the controller port layout. I never used one before and I assumed it had NES Advantage style connectors. Can still be used with controller extensions but not ideal.

having a NESRGB incorporated into the Super 8 isn't likely to happen for a variety of reasons. The NESRGB board is fairly large and stacking the boards makes the design more space efficient.

I'm currently "on break" from further development after a severe case of burnout. I will resume work on possible new designs after the holidays. The currently available system took 18 months to get where it is now (while working a real job full time.)

[antibolo]

Well I just bit the bullet and ordered one. Looking forward to it, stay tuned for my first impressions in this thread soon.

[low_budget]

I just noticed the excellent Parallax NES controller ports have been discontinued and are out of stock.
These are the ports I used on the Super 8 and are perfect replacements.
Please help me petiton Parallax to re-stock them. It's on the Parallax web site, product ID 450-32360
It's the last part I need in an upcoming project and very useful for hardware mods.

This sucks

[low_budget]

The Super 8 bit is back with new features and improvements with version 2.5! Very limited quantity available on http://www.tindie.com.
The systems will be listed as I build them with no pre-orders taken.
https://www.tindie.com/products/low_bud ... -complete/

Overview

The Super 8 bit is a new hand-assembled game console that can play all your favorite NES and Famicom games. It uses the original CPU and PPU chips for pixel perfect gameplay and 99.8% compatibility. The Super 8 bit has video, audio, and reliability improvements over the original systems in a compact form factor.


The Super 8 was the very first aftermarket console to work using original hardware CPU and PPU chips when v1.1 was originally sold over 2 years ago. A lot has improved since then!

Features included with the new v2.5 circuit board:

Dual cartridge slots allow playing games from any region.
Compatible with 99.8% of the entire NES and Famicom 8 bit library.
Two original NES controller ports and 15 pin Famicom expansion connector have all pins wired for compatibility with all known accessories (some require a CRT television.)
Designed to work with Viletim's NESRGB and original console PPU.
Composite video, s-video, and 240p RGB video outputs with stereo sound.
A/V multi-out connector is pin-compatible with any Genesis 2 A/V cable; standard s-video and RCA connectors are used to eliminate the need for proprietary cables.
Three selectable color palettes: original, improved, and arcade.
New cartridge connectors with no lockout chip, so any game with a clean connector will work every time.
Adjustable hi-fi stereo sound circuit supports auxiliary audio input from game cartridges.
Three-piece 14 gauge aluminum powder coated case.
Efficient switching 1.5A regulator provides plenty of power to system and accessories.
Firmware updates are completely unnecessary with the Super 8.

[Zapf]

What is the .2% thats not supported?

[NightSprinter]

Games that make heavy usage of the "color emphasis bits" from the home console hardware to make extra colors. Most notable examples are Dragon's Lair and Magician. The former exhibits just a gray screen, while the latter shows mostly yellow.

[evil_ash_xero]

This is a pretty wild time for NES fans.

Cool looking system, man. Nice design.
Some sort of dust flaps on the top, or just something to put over the cart slots when not in use, would be a nice addition.

[low_budget]

What is the .2% thats not supported?

I have never encountered a game that was incompatible with the Super 8, but I have only a small fraction of the games available.
Some PAL games may be incompatible due to the faster NTSC clock speed (similar to the NES top loader)
Some games are incompatible with the NESRGB. There have been different versions of the firmware, so it has changed slightly.
However I don't know of any specific examples, so I estimated 2 out of 1000 don't work?

I have tested Dragon's lair and it works.

I did a youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpXRSk4 ... e=youtu.be

Dust flaps are rather difficult to do and would require 3 custom designed and manufactured parts made along with some springs. It's hard to justify the cost and effort with a small production run. Games can be left in the slots or a dust cover can be used.
My excuse is The Atari Jaguar doesn't have dust flaps, and they made around 200,000 systems.

[NightSprinter]

low_budget: I thought he was referring to the original PC-10 PPU mod.

[low_budget]

Up until v2.0 the Super 8 did use the Playchoice 10 RGB PPU, but the v2.5 is designed around the NESRGB.

The design with the 3 stacked PCBs worked out pretty nice. The NESRGB just barely fits.

[NightSprinter]

This looks fantastic, to be honest. I have a "dead" front-loader NES that I could take the CPU and PPU from. Having the cart slot and EXT port from a Famicom just sweetens the deal. My question, though, is how would one handle the microphone input in Famicom games that used them? (Such as killing the Pols-Voice in the FDS version of Zelda)?

[low_budget]

There is no microphone built into v2.5, but there is an input wired. This can be connected to a momentary switch to simulate sound detected by the microphone. So, to kill Polls Voice enemies in Zelda, you would just press a button.

The original Famicom microphone only detects the presence of sound of a certain level set by the volume control. I think there's around 10 early Japanese games total that support it. A couple games like Legend of Zelda were later re-released so they didn't use it anymore.

One goal of the Super 8 bit design was to make it easy for a tinkerer to modify.
The 3 piece case can be taken apart partially or completely. I tried to make the design accommodate any future technologies.

[low_budget]

I initially didn't think Famicom microphone support was needed, mostly because it is only used on 5 or 6 early Famicom games.

However due to a lot of requests, built-in Famicom support is now featured in the new v3.0 Super 8 bit motherboard!

Version 3.0 is not meant to replace v2.5, it simply adds Famicom microphone functionality using a built-in microphone. Sensitivity is adjustable and the input is tied to a LED so the user has a visual indicator when the microphone input is active (sound level loud enough.)
Since I was designing a new PCB anyway, I made some small changes, like larger and easier to adjust potentiometers on v3.0.

I hope to have Super 8 bit systems with the v3.0 motherboard available in 1-2 weeks. Due to the extra labor and parts cost involved, this version will cost more than systems using the v2.5 circuit board.
Here's some videos of v2.5 and the new v3.0 Super 8 bit being tested with a variety of Famicom and NES accessories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpXRSk4JyCU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToXteXkc9xI

All the accessories shown work perfectly with the v2.5 circuit board, minus Famicom microphone functionality.

Retrorgb did a hands-on review of the Super 8 bit v2.5 .

http://www.retrorgb.com/super8v2.5.html

Actually, getting more people to review the system has been a problem. I contact many gaming sites and none have replied. I guess I can't afford to get my systems featured on sites like IGN and 20 others.
The low budget I have available to me all went to R&D, 8 PCB designs, parts, and assembly.
I prioritize and put the quality of the finished system first.
I don't make exaggerated claims or excuses.
The Super 8 was completely funded by me.

[niall]

Nice!

[low_budget]

One lingering issue with the Super 8 bit was the large opening on the top which dust could enter. I now include 3D printed caps that fit in this opening with the Super 8 bit. When not in use, just cover the opening with the cap. Simple yet effective.

I will be offering free dust caps to anyone who previously bought a Super 8 bit system.
Colors on hand: white, black, blue, red.


I decided it was time to make a website for the Super 8 bit.

http://www.lowbudgetify.com/index.html

This allows me to work directly with customers and I offer custom options on the v3.0 Super 8 bit.
Now you can choose LED color, cap / button colors, or even sockets for the DIP ICs.

[low_budget]

I finally acquired a XRGB mini Framemeister and did some testing with the Super 8 bit.
I used a Genesis 2 RGB SCART cable I modified to have the XRGB mini plug.

The picture is the same as any NESRGB modified Nintendo, perfect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiu3I82BrkE

Now I find myself making custom cables for all my RGB capable systems and doing RGB mods on the systems without RGB.

[Elrinth]

this is an amazing piece of machinery, well done!

the removable dust cover should be integrated into the machine somehow.
it would be cool if the casing was in the form of a video game character or something like a mega man, mario and you place the cartridges into his mouth or something or maybe a metroid or samus's space ship.

[low_budget]

I'm working on a new batch of Super 8 bit systems with revised circuit board. Going to build 14 more.

The v2.5 and v3.0 Super 8 bit systems sold out a while ago. I planned on stopping after that, but a few people convinced me to make more.

Here'so the prototype



No groundbreaking new features, but some things people have requested and things I've wanted to add for a while will be incorporated.

The case will be nearly the same as the earlier models.

[RGB32E]

Have you tested the Hi-Def NES kit with any of your Super 8 consoles?

[low_budget]

I will test the Super 8 bit with the HDMI NES once i'm able to get one and post the results.

The v2.5 and v3.0 boards I used dual wipe sockets for the CPU so it would need to be changed out with a precision socket. The v3.2 Super 8 bit will have precision sockets for the CPU and PPU.
Electrically, I can forsee no problems with the HDMI NES working.

The interposers would need to physically fit, along with some kind of HDMI board mounting in the Super 8 bit case. I'm optimistic I can find a way to mount everything neatly, but can't confirm for a while.

Either way, I will not offer the Super 8 bit with built-in HDMI.

It will be available fully assembled with NESRGB and CPU / PPU ready to use, or fully assembled without NESRGB and CPU / PPU.

[darcagn]

Any chance you will be offering this without the case for a cheaper price?

Very interested in a cleaner NES board that uses real components, but the case is ugly as sin (no offense) and I'd want to build something custom to go along with it.

[low_budget]

The Super 8 bit pre-order is taking place tomorrow (10/6)

After much extra work, I will be making the Super 8 bit v3.2 compatible with the HDMI NES. No case modifications will be necessary for installation.



The Super 8 bit v3.2 is priced at $549 for the ready to use NESRGB version, or $399 for a system without the CPU, PPU, or NESRGB / HDMINES.
It will not be available with the HDMINES included.

I am still working on my enclosure design, which will take around 2 more weeks to complete.

http://www.lowbudgetify.com

[vvs]

I will test the Super 8 bit with the HDMI NES once i'm able to get one and post the results.
The interposers would need to physically fit, along with some kind of HDMI board mounting in the Super 8 bit case. I'm optimistic I can find a way to mount everything neatly, but can't confirm for a while.

How did you end up solving the HDMI board mounting task you set for yourself BTW? (In your last picture the board is sort of flapping in the wind there )