Super Retro-Cade (Electronic Games)

Having purchased several of the other mini-consoles on the market I decided to give this one a go. So, what is it like? The console itself is relatively sturdily built, slightly smaller than four CD cases stacked with an HDMI port, SDHC slot, RCA out (more on that later) and two USB ports for the controllers which are comfortable to hold and quite responsive. There are 98 games included on the V1.1 model which is what was received, many of which are classics from Capcom, Jaleco, Data East and Technos and a mix of arcade originals and console ports. As can be expected there are a few that will be played once and never again (Zippy Race, I'm looking at you) but that's the same with most similar products and many remain as much fun to play today as they did back in the 80s arcade heyday. The SDHC card slot can be used to sideload your own (legally owned) files and the console emulates NES, SNES, Gameboy original and colour, GBA, Megadrive/Genesis, Gamegear and PC=Engine. The RCA out allows it to be plugged into an old CRT with RCA ports or via a SCART adaptor for that authentic retro feel although menus designed for HD output do look a bit fuzzy. However, the machine is not without its flaws. The first noticeable one is that sound emulation is poor on some of the included games which is pretty inexcusable and has you reaching for the mute button...R-Type III in silence is just not the same. There are also a few slowdown issues here and there. The possible game changer for anyone looking to buy a cheap emulation box is that the ability to sideload arcade games has been disabled on the UK/Europeam 1.1 version of the console although retro console emulation remains. Whilst the interface is quite clear and simple to use it lacks the options to apply effects filters such as CRT, 4:3 etc that other mini-consoles support. The final niggle is a minor one in that the Capcom selection of games is nothing that has not already been on previous releases such as Capcom Generations, Classics or Arcade Cabinet collections so you may already have a number of the games in your collection if you are an avid retro gamer. If you don't you are in for a treat though as they are all genuine classics. So, the bottom line: If you are looking for a dedicated emulation box you might want to consider other options. If however, you want something relatively cheap and well made that you can plug into the TV, that comes with a bunch of great games, that you can maybe add some of your childhood favourites to, which will keep you or the family amused for a fair few hours and you can overlook some of the sound issues then I would say give this a go.

Most of the negative reviews here seem to focus on the fact that some of the functionality of the US version has been removed from the UK release. Personally, I'm not surprised - it's arguably a breach of the trust that the original publishers showed in Retro-Bit that they would include the ability to run pirated tites from SD card. If you buy this looking for a cheap way of emulating games from downloaded ROMs, when they are lots of other, better, cheaper alternatives out there, you're getting what you deserve.For me, the draw of this machine was the official licence for a bunch of titles that have never/rarely seen official home release before. That was legitimately exciting, especially in an age when almost all other classic compilations limit themselves to the same game library that we've already seen released twenty times before in other formats.Unfortunately, the emulation here is awful, and you have to suspect that the manufacturer knows it. A very noticable flash graphic on the front of the box informs us that some of the games on here feature slowdown and other issues, but that this replicates how the games played in the arcades originally.This is a lie.This is most noticable in the Taito games, most of which suffer from slowdown and audio glitching that were *not* present in the arcade. This is besides the issues that should be obvious to those not already familiar with the games on this device, such as the lack of visual filters and the absolutely horrendous, arthritis-inducing controllers that this thing comes bundled with.Basically, this is either an underpowered device or the emulator selected is simply not fit for purpose.Previous Retro-Bit products received largely negative feedback from the community, but this one seemed to see the company turning the corner, which is why I supported it with a purchase. That, plus the rather boutique selection of titles that were licenced for it. In retrospect, I wish I'd saved my money. Yes, it's nice to have some of the more obscure of these titles officially available in a plug-and-play device. Its just a shame that they couldn't have been made available to a company that actually gave a toss.This'd be a one star review, if it weren't for the unusual and unexpected selection of games.

There have been some mediocre reviews about this as it's the UK version and it can't play some roms. However at the £60 they're asking it plays every Snes and Megadrive game . It also plays PC Engine games perfectly too and quite frankly it was great playing those games again. The console is neat, well built and small. It sort of reminds me of the original white Japanese PC Engine which was also cream white with red lettering.The controllers are actually quite perfect. They're well built and look and feel like they'll last. They pull off all the special moves on Street Fighter II Turbo no problem and it really reminded me of when I used to pull those moves off on the Snes back in the 90's. They are quality controllers.Quite a few decent built in arcade games too so you'll have enough to play right from the start. It is plug and play. Just connect it to the HMDI on your TV and it's ready to go. It feels and plays like a real console and in many ways it doesn't feel like emulation. It's quite authentic to be honest. That's more to be said than other retro consoles. It's a good machine and it's obvious that some thought went out when they created it. I really like it as all the important points have been addressed.....quality controllers...smooth and hassle free HMDI output. And more importantly, it feels and plays like a real console that you just plug in and get going. If you like retro gaming then don't hesitate.

Great little console and some great Retro games, (I managed to add SD Card with over 4000 games)Menu system could be better, Controller is nice and great to have USB support for other controllers. Overall great little console.