Analogue Interactive's Analog NT - $500 NES/Famicom Console

[RGB32E]

If Nintendo came out with a new NES revision that was not utter garbage, at a reasonable price, and started manufacturing NES carts of old coveted releases again I am certain it would garner them more attention and success than their current console offering, and at a fraction of the cost. I bet old friends like Konami and Capcom wouldn't say no to free money either, as the work has already been done, all they would need to do is manufacture more copies.

Yeah, a number of people have been doing this for a while - reproductions. You can even find them on aliexpress!

[CkRtech]

No, I'm fairly confident Nintendo doesn't want to regress their business model, regardless of "how awesome" the idea may seem.

It all boils down to money. I have no idea what their new rewards program is supposed to be like, but they could make "official" repros of old games and make a killing. The only disadvantage is the issue of support. I think some people would buy the things and never even put them in a system. It wouldn't simply be "here is Super Mario Bros. 3 on a cartridge" - it would be some sort of boxed, collectors, limited, re-release of a functional SMB3 cart.

Sorry you don't like the idea. I personally think I am a genius, and I guess kamiboy thinks along the same lines.

[RGB32E]

I'm not saying it wouldn't be awesome, just saying I think it will never happen. The closest things in recent memory were the fake Duck Tails and Mega Man 9 carts? Neither of which I own...

[bobrocks95]

Wouldn't they have to put considerable R&D in to redesigning the NES' internals with modern production methods and currently available components? The more work there is, the more likely it'll never happen, especially considering the digital versions with no production overhead.

I can imagine they don't see any demand at all for new carts/systems (and are poor at judging demand anyway given their handling of amiibo)- and we're a small niche of enthusiasts anyway. We'd buy them, but how many others would to justify any of the work?

[BazookaBen]

If anything, they should try and find all the original documentation and design a 100% accurate emulator. Then they could at least put it on another platform and make money that way.

[kamiboy]

, between the NESRGB, AVS, HDNES, and Nt I see no reason for such shenanigans.

Their product would most certainly not be aimed at us, but the general consumer. And as opposed to all the clones out there their products would be official, and benifit from their retail distribution network.

As for cost of design and manufacturing, you have got to be kidding me. We have hobbyists doing it in their spare time. For a company like Nintendo the costs would be negligible, and they sure as hell know alot about manufacturing things for cheap, being the misers that they are.

Then again who knows whether this retro revival among the plebeians is not just a fad that will pass in a few years. Maybe Nintendo is smart to take the low road and just sell people roms.

[RGB32E]

Their product would most certainly not be aimed at us, but the general consumer. And as opposed to all the clones out there their products would be official, and benifit from their retail distribution network.

Aside from the "official" part, you're describing the Retron 5 .

As for cost of design and manufacturing, you have got to be kidding me. We have hobbyists doing it in their spare time. For a company like Nintendo the costs would be negligible, and they sure as hell know alot about manufacturing things for cheap, being the misers that they are.

Yeah, skilled hobbyists ARE the only people who are making new solutions a reality! Saying Nintendo could change their business model to go back to 30 year old tech is just absurd! Especially when they have retro releases on their current platforms (Wii U and 2/3DS). Even releasing the regular sized New 3DS was a concern as it would "confuse" consumers. That said, they could always release cartridge amiibos!

Then again who knows whether this retro revival among the plebeians is not just a fad that will pass in a few years.

Retro gaming conventions have been increasing in attendance year over year, so there's certainly a growing interest - just like antiques!

Maybe Nintendo is smart to just sell people roms.

^ Exactly. Nintendo recently released Earthbound Beginnings. How's that for fan service?

[kamiboy]

RGB, I think you are confused. I never said anything about Nintendo changing their business to focus exclusively on their older generations of hardware. This would be an extra thing on side, to help appease a rabidly growing demand in things that only exist in limited quantities.

Sort of like re-surging interest in LP's has prompted the giants of music to release new, or re-release old albums on that obsolete format, while continuing to meet more modern consumers via digital streaming and whatnot. There is a market demand, if Nintendo likes money it would be simple for them to meet it, that is what a smart business does, especially when they are hurting for money.

Also, in regards to the retron, two things. 1. The official part is very important, 2. retron is only doing bringing new consoles to the market, not new physical copies of software, which is where the biggest bottleneck is located.

[RGB32E]

I never said anything about Nintendo changing their business to focus exclusively on their older generations of hardware. This would be an extra thing on side, to help appease a rabidly growing demand in things that only exist in limited quantities.

To say I did make that argument would be called a straw man argument. I see no reason why Nintendo would ever make retro carts ever again. I've stated that before, and I'm stating it again!

Sort of like re-surging interest in LP's has prompted the giants of music to release new, or re-release old albums on that obsolete format, while continuing to meet more modern consumers via digital streaming and whatnot. There is a market demand, if Nintendo likes money it would be simple for them to meet it, that is what a smart business does, especially when they are hurting for money.

That's making a number of assumptions about Nintendo "should" pursue in your opinion, and not taking into consideration as to why they likely would never do so (logistics, marketing, ect), regardless of how great it could be or how much money you think that could make them. Nintendo has a lot of money in the bank and could continue to operate on loses every year for quite some time without going bankrupt.

Also, in regards to the retron, two things. 1. The official part is very important, 2. retron is only doing bringing new consoles to the market, not new physical copies of software, which is where the biggest bottleneck is located.

Perhaps retro HW and SW is uncommon in Denmark, but it isn't in many cities in the US. So, perhaps your location gives a different perspective on the matter. Fair enough. Time to continue the Analogue Nt discussion!

[kamiboy]

Oh, let there be no doubt. I consider the prospects of Nintendo actally pursuing such a venture to be quite impossible as well.

However my reasons for believing this is purely because Nintendo is not very smart. The market demand is there, all over the world, just look at eBay prices, most NES/SNES CIB copies demand new gen retail prices.

But you are right, this discussion is OT, so let it be.

[BazookaBen]

However my reasons for believing this is purely because Nintendo is not very smart. The market demand is there, all over the world, just look at eBay prices, most NES/SNES CIB copies demand new gen retail prices.

Ok, I'm gonna have to keep it Off-topic for a little longer, because this is ridiculous. The second Nintendo produces 50-100,000 copies of something, the price of most second-hand games will most certainly collapse. Same with the NES. NES's on craigslist rarely go for over $50 if they don't have any games with them.

The amount of R&D plus manufacturing plus marketing will make the ROI so small that it is absolutely not worth doing for Nintendo.

You would save yourself a lot of heartache if you would just set more realistic hopes, like better VC on 3DS and future consoles.

[mvsfan]

Besides that, Most Nes consoles are still working and will probably continue to work.

they were just built a lot better.

A new 72 pin, and new caps will likely keep it running for years to come.

and keep all classic consoles on surge protecion! I think that the reason many time i get ones that dont work is because it wasnt on a surge protector.

[alamone]

Looks like these are actually shipping now. Someone posted pics on twitter.
A NESRGB is literally inside the unit on top of the mobo.
No pics of the HDMI upscaler since I guess he did not pay extra for it.
I assume its based on the HiDef NES.

[FBX]

Looks like these are actually shipping now. Someone posted pics on twitter.
A NESRGB is literally inside the unit on top of the mobo.
No pics of the HDMI upscaler since I guess he did not pay extra for it.
I assume its based on the HiDef NES.

If it makes use of a NESRGB, I have to wonder why people don't just go the NESRGB route on an original console...

[RGB32E]

Looks like these are actually shipping now. Someone posted pics on twitter.
A NESRGB is literally inside the unit on top of the mobo.
No pics of the HDMI upscaler since I guess he did not pay extra for it.

Are you referring to this, or something else?



Looks like these NESRGB kits were produced specifically for Analogue Interactive given the black PCB color?! Looks nice, aside from the wiring job.

I assume its based on the HiDef NES.

Yes, Analogue posted unlisted videos demonstrating the HDNES. It's unofficially confirmed.

[Floob]

This is a great example of what I really want, and really don't need.

[alamone]

Same guy posted some more pics.
Apparently the monkeys they hired to solder the things cant be arsed to test them.
The Sync line was miswired to GND and the audio line was bridged to GND.
Result: No RGB output and no audio output on the RGB output.

https://twitter.com/KAPPY_2164/status/6 ... 1919722496

[BazookaBen]

Result: No RGB output and no audio output on the RGB output.
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Ooof, not a good start. I don't think Sony would get away with that on the the PS4 even though it's cheaper.

[leonk]

For this kind of $$$ I would expect:

- no extra PCBs : nesrgb would be build in. The power inverter would be build in (the small green pcb in middle left side)
- the cart connectors would be removable - SNES and N64 cart connectors are easily removed and replaced with new ones

[tomwhite2004]

From an owner over at neogaf.....

"So I'll have video to come soon but there appears to be an issue with RGB output - it's missing necessary resistors in the cable resulting in an overly bright image. BNC cables also appear too bright but it's not possible to include an in-line resistor there so it would have to be on the system side. Component is your best bet for analog output right now.

There are other issues with the console that we'll get to as well that are a bit unexpected."

[BazookaBen]

Jeremy Parish is having trouble with RGB on his upscaler (I assume an XRGB). He thinks it's his cable, but I bet it's the resistor/capacitor issue mentioned above.

I guess they didn't test the RGB out on the Analogue NT.......

and what's funny is Analogue is retweeting Jeremy's tweets about it up to the point he actually hooks it up:

https://twitter.com/analogueint

[low_budget]

Ok I can finally compare the Super 8 bit and Analogue Nt motherboards side by side.

I don't know why the Super 8 bit image is showing up so small.
Higher resolution pics at http://www.lowbudgetify.com

I'm not going to say the Super 8 bit circuit board is some kind of modern art masterpiece.

Of course I am biased, but I like the Super 8 bit's functional simplicity, easy modification potential, and compact design.

[BONKERS]

Yup sure seems those numbskulls favored form over actual function.

They are good at one thing though, taking pretty pictures, making loud noise, shilling and PR.

That's all that got the attention for the NT that it has gotten.

Your picture btw is showing up small because it seems you just used a thumbnail instead of a high res picture. Take one of your pictures (hr) and upload it to abload.de or cubeupload.com and then use that instead.

[leonk]

Ok I can finally compare the Super 8 bit and Analogue Nt motherboards side by side.

I don't know why the Super 8 bit image is showing up so small.
Higher resolution pics at http://www.lowbudgetify.com

I'm not going to say the Super 8 bit circuit board is some kind of modern art masterpiece.

Of course I am biased, but I like the Super 8 bit's functional simplicity, easy modification potential, and compact design.

The 2 systems are very similar both with pluses and minuses. For me, personally, I like the original esthetics of the original (I'm sure Nintendo spent millions in R&D to perfect the look - why mess with something that works?)

What I do find interesting is the NESRGB the NT is using. It seems to be custom made by Tim for them.

[darcagn]

Ok I can finally compare the Super 8 bit and Analogue Nt motherboards side by side.

I would love if you sold the Super 8 motherboard by itself. I'm on a uh... low budget.

[CkRtech]

Jeremy Parish posted his review of the unit - http://www.usgamer.net/articles/analogu ... etrogaming

I had read elsewhere that people had to swap their RGB SCART cable for one with resistors in it, but I do not know why. The native NESRGB is pretty much good to go with proper output using a wire-only cable.

[Ed Oscuro]

(I'm sure Nintendo spent millions in R&D to perfect the look - why mess with something that works?)

Millions...of yen? That's the '80s we're talking about, people were raking in cash hand over fist for a lot less investment than is the norm today.

Interesting question, but I doubt even the 360 or any other modern console which goes through tons of aesthetic revisions costs that much to design visually. The original FC is a quite simple plastic toy shell design.

[RGB32E]

Jeremy Parish posted his review of the unit - http://www.usgamer.net/articles/analogu ... etrogaming

I had read elsewhere that people had to swap their RGB SCART cable for one with resistors in it, but I do not know why. The native NESRGB is pretty much good to go with proper output using a wire-only cable.

Based off of his video it looks like he's using some janky cabling. Adding additional resistors certainly shows in his video, as the picture level is way too low. Also, there's a fair amount of noise in his video as well. I'm wondering if the ribbon cable used internally to connect the NESRGB outputs to the main PCB could be improved, or if it's just the external cabling? I do appreciate the 720p60 YT video though, despite it's periodic cringe worthiness.

His notes regarding noticeable noise when no sounds are played is really too bad. I was hoping the new PCB design would have provided a good solution for low noise audio, but that might not be the case.

The mention of the cart slot flaps potentially scraping against carts is also not encouraging either. For the money, it's now looking fairly certain that the Nt is only worth getting if you're getting it with Kevtris' kit installed.

I did find this quote SMH worthy:

The NT was also built from the ground-up for the purposing of outputting a high-end NES video signal rather than having that ability grafted on as a modification.

This is patently false given that either a NESRGB or HDNES is what provides the video output. What a clown. Maybe he'll start providing XRGB-mini profiles for his capture setup!

[BazookaBen]

I think Jeremy is kind of a newbie to this Hi-Fi stuff, so it's not totally surprising that he flubs a few statements. Still glad he attempted a review, and that he's trying to bring more attention to this side of retro games.

I had read elsewhere that people had to swap their RGB SCART cable for one with resistors in it, but I do not know why.

Maybe Analogue saw that most people interested in RGB have been buying SCART cables instead of wiring directly, so they increased the voltage on the RGB outputs? That's my only guess.

[RGB32E]

I think Jeremy is kind of a newbie to this Hi-Fi stuff, so it's not totally surprising that he flubs a few statements. Still glad he attempted a review, and that he's trying to bring more attention to this side of retro games.

I suppose, but at the expense of lowering S/N ratio? Seems like he needed someone to review his review before publishing.