The Full Retrogen Portable Review - Part 1 of 2 - QuickSciFi

[thestraight411truth]

would you like to tell us were we can get one of these it actualy is pretty cool i have a buch of old geneses game laying around my house but dont have the counsle but hey why not just get one of these. p.s nice vide i subscribe

[QuickSciFi]

@thestraight411truth Honestly, the only source of which I can think atm is eBay, if not other such online sources. But if you're going there for your sole Genesis console needs, then I'd suggest just getting a Model 2 Genesis to start you up. It won't be much more than $10 complete with cables and at least one controller.

[stevevaizorz]

I have those same little speakers, they came randomly to me in the mail lol

[Horrorfreak106]

would you reccomend this to anybody?

[SlasherMiniFilms]

Just Bought one of these! Other than the sound, its perfect!

[lightlittlebrownboy]

OH GOD PITCH WHERE ARE YOU.

[lightlittlebrownboy]

@truthbetold2k9

Its not the only problem with the thing... but its the one thing you notice right away.

[optikn3rv]

i love the accent ;-)

[AjMannpie]

THANK GOD THERE IS A FUCKING HEADPHONE JACK I JUST ORDERED ONE OF THESE WITHOUT THINKING IT THROUGH

[junkieinformant]

This system is harsh.

[xxtheklonexx]

why cant they make a snes this small :/ id have both sega and nintendo in my pocket... oh and a back pack full of games lol

[violentrainX]

@xxtheklonexx look up the retrogen portable. not as small, but still pretty cool.

[OrgasmicPancakes]

That is the coolest fucking speaker system ever.

[phoenixflame44]

I just bought one of these after watching this review, i think the fact that Tim the bear seems to be doing the review really sold it too me!!

[cakestalker]

have you tried playing sonic 2 via SD card or built-in instead? as i've read the sound emulation issues is only when playing from cartridge.

[manlyshaytard]

what type of games does it fit

[Bob0p]

My unit came with a dead battery.

[Snotnarok]

I thought about getting one of these till I heard how bad it sounded.

[sirbargearse]

Yeah the sound is really off track. Sounds like the sound chip is laggy or something. Sega Mega Drive had big issues with sound chips on various different versions of the console and this is highlighting that fact here.

[QuickSciFi]

@sirbargearse This is emulation. A clone system. Sega had nothing to do with it.

[metro2002]

Omg the sound is AWFULL on this thing. I was thinking of getting one but after this video i reconsider.

[SilverRanger92]

@truthbetold2k9 - its pitch is too low :/

[ma20n0]

Does this play Sonic 3 and knuckles

[Ponimaju]

@ma20n0

only if it was available on a sega genesis or megadrive cartridge

[fredjerk69]

the redesign model i have has a better d pad and is less flimsy

[SNESosT]

The best portable sega was the emulation on the PSP

[amberleaf84]

haha you sound like kermit the frog

[peanutapt]

T A L K ! ! !

[GamerDudeish]

the sound is a bit off key.....

[dragontaylor112]

only thing I didnt like about the retrogen and most of the aftermarket sega handhelds is the pitch of the music and sfx. on this one its to low, on the gopher its too high lol. but overall they are great products. especially the retrogen for its cartridge slot.

[jmanbgg]

wth where do you get those speakers?! :D

[bluehawk2121]

one ? can it play all genisis games??

[dogeymon83]

First of all, this retrogen sounds TERRIBLE. That is not what Sonic 2 sounds like. It's in a whole different key, there are notes missing, and I can distinctly hear inaccurate sound anomalies throughout. This things does not recreate an authentic genesis experience.

[seik666]

I LOVE THIS!!! but the sound is SO DAMN off key...I would buy one at the moment if the sound would suck just a bit less.

[itamax]

I just don't understand why they couldn't get the sound right...I mean...is it really so hard to emulate the YM2612 chip correctly? <=\ Other than that it's a really cool little gadget. =)

[Bloodthr0e]

Wow, it would be quicker to hook up your sega genesis than to hook up everything in this video.

[mp4podcastDOTcom]

Mega drive sounds so weird to me. LOL I'm so use to Sega Genesis.

[psyjax]

the sound is really messed up.

[Gerbren11]

Why would you buy this? I have a GP2X and it plays all games ever made off one sd card.

[Bloodthr0e]

@Gerbren11 Emulators are shit and never stand up to the real thing.

[dogeymon83]

@Gerbren11 - YAY!!! I WAS GONNA POST THE SAME THING!!!! WIZ PLAYS GENESIS SO PERFECT, MAKES FORGET ITS NOT A SEGA PRODUCT!!

[Delfino224]

The sound seems a bit off key...

[johneymute]

the d pad looks weird.

[Optimalillusion]

Just bought myself one. Sound could be better, but it makes a good sidekick to my Nomad. Nomad developed a problem with using the battery packs (regular and rechargable) but the normal ac plug works fine. So, Nomad is my home unit for now, and Retrogen will be the road unit. Only drawback is the lack of a Mode button, some games can't switch to six-button automatically.

[MrAlfieboy]

hi may i ask on theese and outher hand helds thaat play md games why is the sounds o slow i have a emulator on my pc and the sound is perfect the graphics look good on theese units but the sound is way of

[TheKerrsed]

lol, i have those speakers! Kool Cigarettes sent them to me!

[MrDongle24]

Where did you get those speakers at and what are they called???

[emacdaddyfunk]

@MrDongle24 I want to know aswell.

[jhfgfhgd]

wat is the speaker?

[trainman666]

Wow, that's really neat. I wonder where I can find one. I do have a whole lot of Genesis games, but they are out in Lake Tahoe (we have a house on the Keys). And the system still works. I did notice that this video is not much of a review, instead it's just showing the device off, showing what it can do, and that's fine.

[bonapartist]

Very cool product for kids and the like.

Adults would be better served acquiring a jailbroken PSP with some emulators if they do not have ethical problems with doing so or are technically unable.

[jedahdoma]

Wow, that sound is terrible. Nomad FTW.

[wightknight121]

the English have the megadrive

[BLADE4497]

you sound like bert from sesame street

[redviper98]

does this thing work with street fighter 2 championship edition?

[tkeely4777]

All of the audio is down a pitch, and sounds dodgy at best.

[TheOldschool81]

haha sup Kermit?

[ziggieice]

wth what are thoes 1337 speakers called and by who?????1

[band2eto]

Hello,

Can someone please tell me what the name of those speakers (at the beginning) are called (i.e. the brand name, etc)? Are they worth the money? Thanks in advance...!

[garethDE]

Dude, you speak like Kermit the Frog!

[dwnboy15]

i used ti have those speakers.. but they broke on me :[

[BlueNinja1212]

Retrogen>PSP Go

[RPGmastar]

Where can I get those speakers?

[OJSlaughter93]

wow, they really cocked up sound emulation didn't they

[ryukenb2k]

Are you from canada you sound kinda like Gsp the welter weight champ in ufc. oh yeah his famous quote 'I'm not impressed by your performance' in sexy canadian french accent.This console is cool any advice how I can purchase one.

[247xReviews]

lol ahah cool

[247xReviews]

its illegal to buy that thing

[17R3W]

@247xReviews

Nope! it's licensed by Sega.

engadget (dot) com/2009/06/26/sega-licensed-r­etro-gen-might-have-you-huntin­g-for-cartridges/

Also i don't think buying a unlicensed product is ever illegal, but in this case you are covered!

[KDCW3534A]

Best way to have Genesis/SNES or the majority of 16 bit era games consoles, on the move, is with a PSP. You get the best of everything with one of those. Also you can carry around with you your entire games collection on a tiny little memory stick and not all those cartridges. Add to that the better screen, controls, sound and battery life, the ability to save and reload your game at anytime. Also you can play with friends via local wifi.

[mydogprick]

id rather have your neat little mini subs lol

[Harrysound]

Good job but you sound very nervous

[ADAMTHEKILLJOY]

yes the sound is of but who cares

[CPS2]

heheeh "Very simple... and wrinkled" :-)

[eidairman1]

The sound effects sound very muffled

[SPFullfan]

What's better? Retrogen or Genmobile?

[QuickSciFi]

@SPFullfan GenMobile, of course.

[SPFullfan]

@QuickSciFi

Thanks. I'm very interested in getting one! I don't have any cardridges but with the 20 games, it will be nice!

I seem not too durable however... This is the only thing that I don't like, sound, I don't care very much. I'll avoid inserting Megadrive games and will stick on Genesis, since I don't want to break it.

60$ for a portable Genesis and 20 games, it's not expansive at all! Do the box came with headphones?

Thanks again

[QuickSciFi]

@SPFullfan No Problem.

Lol. Genesis and Megadrive games are essentially the same thing, just different regions. Hehe. The cartridge slot was designed here to fit both, and there is a region lock-out switch as well. You can safely plug in whatever region NTSC/PAL (I don't know about SECAM).

I don't know if the box comes with headphones, though.

You're welcome.

[SPFullfan]

@QuickSciFi

Ok.

I'll need to buy Sonic 1, 2 and 3 after. :) I have them already on Sonic Mega Collection, but having them on portable will be awesome! :D The speakers you're using for the stereo audio, how much it cost you about?

[SPFullfan]

(Caracthers limits)

Let's summary, because I'm a bit confused about all the Portables Sega Genesis that were made.

Nomad is the first one, big like a brick;

Genmobile and Retrogen are about the same thing(What's the difference exactly, except design? There's not the 20 buit in games I think?);

[SPFullfan]

Gencore, the system who's looking like a kid toy has a cartridge slot, 20 build-in games, and a port for a second controller? However, according to somes reviews, this system is not good, not well working.

And Retrobit, the handheld with only the 20 build-in games, right?

Did I forgot one?

You ask me if I'm bugging you with all my questions. ;)

[0M9H4X]

@SPFullfan:

Megadrive was the name of the Sega Genesis outside the US.

in Europe, Japan, Australia, Brasilia, everywhere it was called Megadrive BUT in the US they called it genesis. the cartridges have the exact same shape and you will never break any Sega genesis/megadrive by sticking in a game from another region.

[SkankinDevil89]

@SPFullfan neither, just buy a genesis. or if you really want it portable and if you can afford it get a nomad. the sound is horrible on these clone systems. thats what made me buy a model 1 genesis.

[SPFullfan]

@SkankinDevil89

I already bought a black GenMobile with Sonic 1 a month ago. :P

I didn't find it disgusting, but...

The sound is generaly OK for me, because I don't know a lot the original version of the music (Never played on the Genesis), even if the sound of Sonic 1... Hard to recognise Green Hill Zone Music!

[SPFullfan]

@SkankinDevil89

(Next Part)

I do not think it's crap, but ATGames could have done really better. Actually, I'm looking for a Model 2 Genesis, maybe a friend can sell him to me for cheap, for an alternate of the unworking games, 32X, MegaCD...

Right now, I find it a bit frustrating. So, to all of those who absolutely want one of theses clones, like me I wanted, read this:

[SPFullfan]

@SkankinDevil89

(3rd part)

- At the beggining, you'll adore, but later on, it'll bugg you a bit: you'll want to find a way to make it better in any way, like hack it to make the 32X compatible, the Lock-on compatible... I was looking for this me too, but, impossible to find.

[SPFullfan]

@SkankinDevil89

(4e Part)

Right now, I would say, GET A NOMAD. Don't care about the price or batteries! I didn't bought the Nomad because of his too high price (For me). SO MUCH MORE possibilities. You'll eventually want to make your GenMobile better, and it would get you on your nerves a bit.

Even if I like my GM, don't do what I did. GET A NOMAD. If I could go back in time, I think I would have chosen the Nomad.

[ExtremeBogom]

The only problem I have with this is the buttons are too diagonal facing for me.

Very unlike the controller.

[QuickSciFi]

@ExtremeBogom One does get use to them. It's the D-Pad that leaves something to be desired.

[ExtremeBogom]

@QuickSciFi

That's good to hear, I might have to invest in one.

[QuickSciFi]

@ExtremeBogom Oops. Discard the last response. I meant GenMobile. I keep recommending the GenMobile instead. The screen is slightly smaller, but everything else about it is better, or at least the same.

[Ace9921]

Little note: I just saw a video of the RetroGEN, and it seems as if RetroBit changed the D-pad from that flat circular thing to a circular D-pad with a cross thing molded in it. Have a look:

watch?v=FwTmCVms_Lw

[QuickSciFi]

@Ace9921 Interesting. It looks like a remodeling of the d-pad. But I'm afraid it won't fix the problem with certain fighting games like MK1 and SFII. Those simply won't work properly because of the faulty emulation. Luckily, MK2 does work. I'm thinking the redesign might just help. Thank you for your comment. =)

[rpmmelby]

@QuickSciFi dose the retrogen play all games

[vitorbarbosa]

Slowdowns?... it's simple.. they forgot to put the "Blast Processing" on that :D

I want one.. :(

[QuickSciFi]

@vitorbarbosa Indeed. Lol.

[DJWrath1]

I just wish they had put in new hardware in this handheld. But its still good since you can play genesis games on the go and play them on your genesis console when you get back. If only the screen was bigger though.

[QuickSciFi]

It's great for RPGs. =)

[DJWrath1]

Yeah but this has better battery life and better screen only problem is the sound is horrible on some games. :(

[QuickSciFi]

true

[losc59ultra]

Right, Gen mobile and Gopher also have same sound problem, because it's same hardware inside.

[DJWrath1]

holy crap this is so awesome O_o

[jennycorea]

awesome system, I can hide it well =)

[Eyesofthesouth333]

what do you mean from your parents or what

[jennycorea]

@Eyesofthesouth333 girlfriend :P

[GreenJanuary]

Great system.

[QuickSciFi]

Thank you. I love it. =)

[Legendgamer4]

where do u get one and how much is it

[DrClay999]

Its sound is different

[g1Chase357]

Retrogen Portable = Sega Nomad... with a better battery life!

[losc59ultra]

Sega Nomad is 100x better than this "thing"

[SNESosT]

@g1Chase357 well the sega's nomad sound wasn't shit at least

[lodown505]

The plastic sounds kind of cheap on it. Does it feel sturdy? Or is it kinda lightweight and thin?

[wwhite12]

you kinda sound like the bear off of the clevland show

[towys007]

i not kwon much English xD i just say the bad sound ist a bad MD YM2612 emulation SOUNDS horrible in comparation with a origina sega genesis model 1

[towys007]

sounds horrible :s bad sound emulation

nice micro speakers ^^ i want one from mi dingoo heehe

[toriyamaZ]

@towys007

could it possibly be the micro speakers?

[QuickSciFi]

Not really. Lol. They just amplify the sound.

[jennycorea]

does it have SD card slot? what about GenMobile? SD slot =)

[QuickSciFi]

No, neither have it. But there is indeed a Firecore SD capable flashcart in the works.

[JohnieRob]

@ QuickSciFi

great video, i just wanted to know if you have tried super street fighter 2 on this system? does it work cause i heard it does not work on the gen mobile, thanks for the help...

[QuickSciFi]

It doesn't work. =(

[SlasherMiniFilms]

the audio in game is off in pitch

[QuickSciFi]

it certainly is. =)

[gunit6576]

what store sell this and how much it cost?

[Gamester81]

The screen looks a lot bigger on this than the GenMobile. Awesome speakers too!

[QuickSciFi]

It sure is. Lol. Too bad about the D-pad on this one.

Thank you. Hehe. =)

[Kingshitv4]

This sure beats out the Nomad lol

[QuickSciFi]

I don't know about that. Lol. But it sure has a long-lasting battery and a great screen. =)

[jcynavarro]

where would one buy one of these?

[QuickSciFi]

Beastech sells them, Play N Trades also. Although eBay sells everything nowadays as well. =)

[jcynavarro]

Cool! Thanks for the info and the review....

[QuickSciFi]

No prob. Thanks for watching! =)

[superspecky4eyes]

Which is better, this or the GenMobile? The screen looks better on this but the dpad looks better on the GenMobile.

Are they made by the same people?

[QuickSciFi]

The innards are definitely the same people. I can't tell for sure, though. This is a great system, but the GenMobile is much better (screen-size aside).

[retrogameshow]

i got this for christmas and i love it

[QuickSciFi]

Congratulations. An awesome present indeed. =)

[jennycorea]

can this system work with pirate Megadrive cartridges?

[QuickSciFi]

Not as far as I'm concerned. The Gen-Mobile will. =)

[zyriuz2]

im gunna buy this one ^^

[QuickSciFi]

Cool. =)

[mayamanign]

Nice review dude

[QuickSciFi]

Thank you, lol. Just something I put together in a rush. hehe. =)

[StudioGuyMN]

Even if the sound isn't spot on, it's still better than the Game Gear!

[QuickSciFi]

Oh that's for sure. Lol.

[Scioneer]

Thats because the Genesis has better sound than the Game Gear, though the GG has pretty decent sound for an 8-bit system.

[Monacomaverick]

It sounds like some of the music in Sonic 2 is an octive lower, and out of key.

[QuickSciFi]

It sure does. Do you play the piano?

[Monacomaverick]

@QuickSciFi I wish I could play well. I understand the basics of music, but actually playing is a struggle. I bought a book with a CD so I can go home on break and dust off the 'ol Casio : )

[QuickSciFi]

"'Ol Casio" Lol. That does bring back memories.

[aryinc]

it ain't it's mono,normally it's harmonized with the other channels if i'm correct.i know something wreck a genesis or nomad and replace the sound chip :p the sound is indeed horrible.

[therangersrule68]

I'm sorry, but that sound is horrible.

-zetastrike

[QuickSciFi]

Hey zetastrike. Nice to see you here. You're right about that. However, it does take some getting used to. Many games, if not most games, I've tried afterwards sound just fine.

[SoupedUpMario]

this doesnt look too bad thinkin of getting 1 myself

is there a PAL/NTSC switch on this as i would need 1 for my PAL megadrive games'?

[QuickSciFi]

There sure is. ALso, the Gen Mobile just debuted. Look into it as well, for it is the officially-lisenced one. =)

[SoupedUpMario]

oh cool il look into that thanks

and i noticed you mentiond the region switch in part 2.

iv still got every megadrive game iv brought and id love to play them on the go

[QuickSciFi]

It sure is handy. =)

[jdumars]

Nice idea but using DGEN with PSP in much better.

[konio83]

no its not, theres is nothing like the great old catridges, and that old school feling.

[QuickSciFi]

I must agree. I like the PSP, but not for emulation. Like konio83 says, there's nothing like being able to go back to those old carts of yours and play them on the go. I've already experienced it ( I still am). I'm having a helluvalot of fun. =)

BTW: Something that most people forget to metion: with the Retrogen, as with any cart-based system, loading time is down to a minimum. =)

[jdumars]

Can't agree there. PSP is small, light, with a great screen and I can have every single genesis game ever produced with no bulky cartridges. I loved Genesis but for me, I get the experience in playing the game, not playing around with large, old equipment/cartridges and such. To each his own though.

[QuickSciFi]

True. To each his own. This new Retrogen as well as the GenMobile, however, are the sort of items some of us have waited for since the release of the Sega Nomad. That is why it's such a novelty to us.

On the other hand, emulation aside, I can't wait to get my hands on a PSP just to play some of the awesome official titles released for it. =)

[Scioneer]

Some people however don't have the PSP with the older Firmware, so this machine, and the other "Nomad Clones" that are out, are great if you don't want to risk bricking a new Firmware PSP by trying to flash an older firmware to it.

[jdumars]

@ Scioneer

LOL, bricking a PSP now? Uh, maybe that was an issue like 3 years ago but there have been many advancements since then. Pretty easy now, just download the custom firmware that pretty much everyone uses; lets you do everything and have all the new features that the latest sony firmware offers. Risky PSP firmware upgrades are a thing of the past.

[Scioneer]

except new firmware versions prevent your attempts to install custom ones, meaning you still have to downgrade the official firmware first.

[scarmulletpart2]

I cant get DGEN to work right. It can never find the roms

[sweetandtender18]

i might get this if my genesis collection ever build up

[QuickSciFi]

Cool. I love it. But I do recommend waiting a couple of weeks until the GenMobile pops up, though. Then you can really make an informed decision.

[sweetandtender18]

genmobile ? i will look into that thanks

[QuickSciFi]

No prob. =)

[jacobartaylor]

looks awesome but sounds horrible lol

[QuickSciFi]

Yes it does. And yes it does. Some games like Ghouls N Ghosts and Ren and Stimpy (During Gameplay) sound perfect. The more you play it, the more you get acquainted with the music. It's not that bad though. =)

[snkjack]

are you gonna try out the Sega Genesis GEN Mobile ?

[QuickSciFi]

I certainly will. =)