XRGB Mini vs. NES Classic and SNES Classic

[Windfish]

I have been out of the retro-gaming scene for two years. Back then, the XRGB Mini provided one of the best solutions for retro-gaming on modern displays. Since that time, new solutions have been developed, and I am not sure how they stack up against the XRGB Mini.

How do the NES Classic and SNES Classic fare against the Framemeister? Lag, image and audio quality, and scanlines are all important to me. How do these solutions compare in those categories?

Also, is there anything to be gained by running the NES and SNES classics through the Framemeister? And would it introduce more lag?

[bigbadboaz]

NES Classic was not well-received on an enthusiast level for lag, image quality OR sound.

N Europe seemed to have taken this to heart as the SNES improved the biggest issue with IQ (shimmering when scrolling), sounds pretty accurate (though Digital Foundry claims there is lag in the sound), and its custom emulator has been noted for being relatively lag-free. The included scanline filter is pretty crap, though - strictly sharp, clean pixels on this machine for me.

I would say: stay away from the NES as a picky individual, but the SNES just might pass muster (which is fine since you can add NES functionality to the SNES through hacks anyway). Obviously, I can't judge based on your specific level of pickiness, though

I'm sure someone will chime in soon with comments specific to the Framemeister. I have no hands-on experience with that.

[Xer Xian]

In the last couple of years, the OSSC has firmly established itself as the best solution for 240p processing - especially if you have a display that's compatible with the higher multiples (4x or 5x240p). It isn't a fully-fledged video processor like the Framemeister though. A lot more info can be found on Fudoh's review.

As great as the OSSC and FM are, if you are only interested in the NES and SNES it probably makes more sense to consider a dedicated solution like the SNES mini (it can be hacked to emulate the NES as well). It's a pretty solid choice for anybody but the most uncompromising purists. To see what are its minor shortcomings, Here's a very comprehensive video-review from DigitalFoundry.

If you are willing to wait out some more, the Super NT developed by Kevtris at Analogue is shaping up to be the best stand-alone solution for playing SNES games on moder displays. It will be pricier than the SNES mini, but will emulate the original hardware at a deeper level for a very accurate experience (hopefully, it will also support booting games off the SD card).

[FBX]

The short and sweet:

NES Classic: Sucks

SNES Classic: Not bad, not bad.

Super Nt: Joy!!

[creamygarlicdip]

snes classic isnt bad. theyre supereasy to hack as well, and add more games. it took about 15 minutes to add more games to my sisters snes mini. super mario all stars is a must!

it has an included crt filter to use over hdmi. i cant really comment on the quality of it as we were playing on a projector and it looked awful on that so i turned it off. ive read that u can tweak the parameters of the filter. itd be cool if someone were to tweak it to approximate the nice look of the xrgb mini output.

[mvsfan]

Has anyone come out with an adapter yet so you can use your snes classic controllers on the original snes?

[Syntax]

Why would anyone want to? From what I've heard the whole controller is shit besides the shoulders.

[Josh128]

Why would anyone want to? From what I've heard the whole controller is shit besides the shoulders.

Not true, the controllers are great, virtually indistinguishable from the originals. Cords could be a tad longer though...

[orange808]

Has anyone come out with an adapter yet so you can use your snes classic controllers on the original snes?

Yes, Raphnet builds them.

They have extension cords as well (for the proper SNES cable).

[orange808]

While we're on the subject of Raphnet adapters, their USB adapters can be paired with real controllers, a good PC, and a CRT for good emulation results. Should be within milliseconds of native hardware with a new core i7. Definitely better than Nintendo's cheapo implementation.

Not as convenient, inexpensive, or tidy as a Super nt promises, though.

[FBX]

While we're on the subject of Raphnet adapters....

My all-time favorite adapter I purchased from that site is the SNES controller to Genesis adapter. Being able to use my SNES asciipad on the Genesis simply makes the console 10% more fun than stock Sega controllers in my opinion!

[mvsfan]

I just bought one classic to snes adapter. Thanks for finding one.

[mvsfan]

I just found something called the Brook Nincade. It is an internal transmitter for the 8bitdo controllers, made for nes and snes classic.

has anyone used this?

[bigbadboaz]

Intriguing. Do you want something wireless with analog controls, or is there some other specific reason to get this?

I would honestly just get the 8bitdo SN30s - THEY ARE INCREDIBLE. Haven't had a product live up to hopes like this for a long time.

[mvsfan]

Nah, no reason other than you dont have 2 transmitters sticking out the front of your snes classic. i can just close the front panel and use the wireless controllers with it. much better.

[bigbadboaz]

Yeah. It's a simple mod BTW to just stick the transmitter boards inside the unit. I would just do this with a pair of the new 8bitdos - don't think there will be anything better, and with that Nincade looking to be ~$30 on its own, you're not going to beat it budget-wise either.

I'm going to do the same, just waiting to see if someone publishes a schematic to solder the transmitters in while leaving the controller ports functional. People so far are putting the entire ports inside the machine - not good enough IMO.

[mvsfan]

well, that nincade solves that problem. you can still use your original controllers with it installed.