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Get back your Childhood-Retro-Gaming-Experience

(without a hassle!)

A Talk in 640x480

zeus@ctdo.de

ChaosBBQ2018

Why the Hassle?

  • Retrogaming is Fun!
  • Show the Kids how to play the "Right Way"
  • Nostalgia
  • Learning about Technology
  • Having fun while fixing Things
  • Input Lag
  • Un-Archiveable with most modern Games

Notes: ...some of the AAA-Titles unfortunately more on input-lag later

What we're dealing with?

  • Everything from Nintendo
  • Everything from Sony
  • Everything from Sega
  • Everything from Microsoft
  • ...and early Homecomputer-Predecessors

Homecomputer-Era:

  • Commodore PET/C64/C128
  • Amiga 500
  • Atari (Several)

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Commodore-64-Computer-FL.png - cc0

Gen 1:

  • Magnavox Odyssey
  • Pong
  • Telstar

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:TeleGames-Atari-Pong.png - cc-by-sa-3.0

Gen 2:

  • Atari 2600
  • Vectrex
  • Sega SG-1000

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Vectrex-Console-Set.png - cc-by-sa-3.0

Gen 3:

  • Nintendo NES/FamiCom
  • Sega Master System

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:NES-Console-Set.png - cc0

Gen 4:

  • Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
  • SNES
  • Neo Geo

Note: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Japanese_Mega_Drive_%2B_Mega.png - cc0

Gen 5:

  • Sega Saturn
  • Nintendo 64
  • Sony PlayStation
  • Atari Jaguar

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:N64-Console-Set.png - cc0

Gen 6:

  • Sega Dreamcast
  • Sony PlayStation 2
  • Nintendo GameCube
  • Microsoft Xbox

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:PS2-Versions.png - cc0

Gen 7:

  • Microsoft Xbox 360
  • Nintendo Wii
  • Sony Playstation 3

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Xbox-360-Consoles-Infobox.png - cc0

Gen 8:

  • Microsoft Xbox One
  • Nintendo Wii U
  • Sony Playstation 4
  • Ouya

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Wii_U_Console_and_Gamepad.png - cc-by-sa-3.0

Gen 9:

  • Nintendo Switch
  • Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
  • Microsoft Xbox One X

Note: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nintendo_Switch_Console.png - cc0

Handheld Consoles

...were absolutely dominated by Nintendo

By now, Nintendo rules Handheld-Market since around 30 Years!

Notes: even thou the lynx and gamegear were technically superior

Note: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Game_%26_Watch.png - cc-by-sa-3.0

Note: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Game-Boy-FL.png - cc0

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Atari-Lynx-I-Handheld.png - cc0

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Sega-Game-Gear-WB.png -cc0

Note: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Game_boy_pocket.png - cc-by-sa-3.0

Note: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Game-Boy-Color-Purple.png - cc0

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Nintendo-Game-Boy-Advance-Milky-Blue-FL.png - cc0

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Game-Boy-Advance-SP-Mk1-Blue.png - cc-by-sa-3.0

Note: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Game-Boy-Micro.png - cc-by-sa-3.0

Note: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nokia_N-Gage.png - cc-by-sa-3.0

...And the Nintendo DS of course

  • DS, DS Lite
  • DSi, DSi XL
  • 3DS, 3DS XL
  • 2DS
  • New 3DS, New 3DS XL
  • New 2DS XL

One more to Note

Before I Forget:

Sony also made some Handheld-Devices:

  • PlayStation Portable (PSP)
  • PlayStation Portable Go (PSP Go)
  • PlayStation Vita (PS Vita/PSV)

Notes: Current competitors are primarily Android and iOS Devices

The 4 Ways of doing it:

Emulators Buuuuhhh! ✗

Play on original HW The Real Deal ✓

Play on Clones The Awkward Way ✓/✗

Play on modified HW The Hacker's Way ✓✓✓

Why not just use a RasPi?

  • Your Experience WILL vary!
  • No Hardware Accessories
  • No Network or Multiplayer
  • Many "Special" Games not working properly
  • Input Lag

Using Emulators

  • On a PC
  • On a Raspberry PI
  • On other Original Retro Hardware

Cheap, Easy, Fast, Casual
ROMs are easy to get

Incompatibilities
Poor Performance
Input Lag (sometimes)

Note: ScummVM, Retropie, Retrofitted Consoles, Emulators in e.G. Everdrive for GBA. Hassle woth Controllers, Savegames, and Performance. Wii, WiiU, Switch Virtual Console (also on PS3,4)

Using Original Hardware

The Original Experience
No Compatibility Issues
Everyone tries to get rid of old TVs
Less Problems with Handhelds

Usually small Screens
Consoles are getting more and more expensive
Hardware is dying out
Sucks on Flatscreens (Input Lag)

Note: especially CRT-TVs are Dying out more on the "Flatscreen-Problem" later

Using Clones

Not too far from the Original
Works great with modern Setups
Comes bundled with Games
Works great for Casual Gamers

Accessories/Special Hardware not useable
Limited to Bundled Titles
Many Problems that Emulators also have
Did I mention Input Lag?

Notes: accessories MOSTLY not useable Many FamiClones Official Clones for NES, SNES, Atari VCS (nice one, not released yet, 2600's library and more) not-so-official clones for atari2600, nes, wii, c64 (inside controllers) multi-clones: retro n(1-3,5) by hyperkin

Using modified Original Hardware

  • Great boosts in Functionality
  • Not interesting for Collectors
  • Mods can make old Goods play together with the new Shit
  • Old A/V-Connectors become less available (and useable)
  • If done right: No Input Lag!

Notes: ...and old mediums also. explain input lag here!

So, what Mods are

Available and Possible?

Popular Mods

(Stationary Consoles)

  • RGB and/or HDMI Output
  • SD-Card-/HDD-Mods
  • "Mod-Chips"
  • Wireless Controllers
  • Mobilization
  • The all-time famous blue Power-LED!!

Note: hdmi with FPGA-Boost! ...or even Composite for those, who have only RF/HF. Mod-Chips for Homebrew/Pirated. Mobilization == Retrofitting, e.G.: N64. Like MODBO 5.0 Chip for PS2

Popular Mods

(Handheld Consoles)

  • SD-Card-/HDD-Mods
  • Homebrew-Mods
  • Case-Modding
  • Front-/Back-lighted Display
  • LiPo-Mods and USB

Note: "Re-Shell"ing. Swapping Batteries for LiPos for Charging. homebrew mods moslty archiveable by Software only.

Other Mods

  • General Maintenance and Cleaning
  • Retro-Brighting with H²O²
  • Replacing rotten Pads
  • Re-Capping
  • Changing Power Supplys
  • Case-Modding and Bodyworks

Note: broken controls like @n64. and other broken parts replacement. Powersupply: useful on NES, C64

Other Mods (Cont.)

  • OS-Swap
  • Region-Lock-Mods
  • Over-/Under-Clocking
  • VGA-Mods
  • S/P-DIF-Mods
  • Oscillator-Mods
  • RAM/ROM-Swap
  • TAS-Bot!
  • Usage as SoundMachine or for VJs

Note: fanciest shit: reverse motordriving for c64-disc-drive. VGA on Mobile Consoles. tweaking for ntsc and pal. sound: DMG and C64, VJ: lomo-mods. mono2stero demodulation. accessing expansion ports.

Ancient Analogue Terminology:

  • PAL, NTSC, SECAM
  • Progressive, Interlaced
    • Deinterlacing
  • Scanlines
  • HF/RF
  • FBAS/Composite
  • S-Video
  • Component
  • RGB, YUV, YPbPr, YCbCr

Note: pal tends to flicker, ntsc color-errors, pal better than secam or ntsc. all interlaced (halbbild-zeilensprungverfahren). FBAS=Farbbildaustastsyncronsignal yuv often wrong labeled and != yPbPr, has different rendering, which has another color-realm as RGB. avoid HF,RF, Composite. Use RGB or S-Video. SECAM: France, East-Europe and Africa. pal/ntsc only allow up to 480i60 and 576i50, progressive modes only avail. in component, up to 1080p! yuv: pal only, yiq: ntsc.

Connectors you may Encounter

  • Cinch/RCA
  • Phone-Connector
  • BNC
  • RF/HF-Antenna-Plug
  • SCART/JP21
  • DIN/Mini-DIN
  • D-Sub 9,15,25
  • AV-Multi-Out

Note: avoid: RF/HF, Composite. use: RCA, BNC, S-Video. Watch Out on: s-video, SCART. d-sub 15 is NOT VGA here, but breakout for component (RGB)! Will not work on Computer Monitors (different Samplerate). "Klinkenstecker"

Modern Stuff for Old Machines

  • Multicarts/SD-Mods
  • Wireless Controllers
  • Aftermarket-Games/Homebrew
  • Modded Displays
  • Customization
  • Hi-Def-Kits
  • Hi-Def Upscalers/(Scart)Switchers
  • Retrode

Note: Nes: RGB,HDMI, SNes: RGB, N64:RBG, HDMI, GC: a plugin-hdmi! best example XBMC on xbox. Wireless Controllers from 8BitDo Custom as in Casemodding. open source scan converter, OSSC: <2 input scanlines framebuffer Framemeister: 20ms input lag Hydra, gScartSW/gcompsw, Selecty21,

Note: https://www.dragonbox.de/

Note: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OSSC-Open-Source-Scan-Converter-Open-FL.jpg - cc0

Note: https://retroactive.be/

Gear Up!

Already hooked up with Retrogaming?
Okay, lets see what goes to the Shopping-List.

What you Need

  • Your favourite Consoles
  • A Good TV or Projector
  • Must-Have AAA-Titles
  • Titles you owned as a Child

Notes: avoid 100hZ-TVs, try to get good ones like sony trinitron

What you don't Need

  • Counterfeits
  • Outdated 3rd-Party-Addons
  • Cases/Carrying Bags
  • Cheap Upscalers/Switches
  • Cheap SCART-Cables

Notes: Cheap SCART Cables are ALWAYS crap and not full-featured!

Note: https://blog.tastatursport.de/2018/01/gefaelschte-game-boy-spiele-und-wie-man-sie-erkennt/ - CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0

Note: https://blog.tastatursport.de/2018/01/gefaelschte-game-boy-spiele-und-wie-man-sie-erkennt/ - CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0

Note: https://blog.tastatursport.de/2018/01/gefaelschte-game-boy-spiele-und-wie-man-sie-erkennt/ - CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0

What you Want

(if you can afford it)

  • A dedicated Retro-Room
  • HighQuality-Cables
  • Popular Addons and HW
  • Awkward but cool HW
  • Hi-Def Upscalers (and/or Mods)
  • Matrix-Video-Switchers
    • ...for Component in BNC

Note: ...like super gameboy, gameboy player gb cam, nes power glove, R.O.B.

Some Tipps on Buying (used) Retro-Gear

  • Leave Stuff in really bad Condition aside
  • Try to judge the Technical Condition, not just Optically
  • Try to test as much as possible before buying
  • Visit Flea-Markets and Retro-Events
  • Try to Bargain
  • Learn how to Spot Counterfeits!

Note: Retro-Gaming-Stuff is the Opposite of Uncommon; it's just old. You will likely be able to hunt down Stuff in good Condition. bring your own (Mobile) Console and Screwdrivers. Bargain: Especially on Retro-Markets and Flea-Markets. Trusty Traders will let you open Cartridges.

What your Setup should look like

...if <= 3 Consoles:

  • Use a normal Flatscreen
  • Try adding HDMI to the Consoles
  • Use a HDMI-Splitter or A/V-Receiver
  • One Device with Component is also OK

Notes: your TV will likely not support more than one Component-Device

What your Setup should look like

...if >= 5 Consoles (the Casual Way):

  • Use a quality CRT if Possible
  • Use a HiDef-Scart-Switcher
    • ...or a Matrix-Switcher
      • Relatively Cheap for Composite
        • Try to get one with RCA for Audio!

Notes: A Quality CRT is Key, because they degrade a lot anyways. On the other Hand even in cheap Setups input Lag will make things unplayable, so avoid using anything but a CRT. Hunt down Surperior Video-Editing Equipment on eBay. This comes in handy!

What your Setup should look like

...if >= 5 Consoles (the Premium Way):

  • Use a quality CRT if Possible (with Component!)
    • ...or Flatscreen (more complicated, more expensive!)
  • Try to use/add Component where possible
  • Use a HiDef-Upscaler
  • Use a HiDef-Scart-Switcher
    • ...or a Matrix-Switcher
      • ideally for Component in BNC

Notes: a Flatscreen-setup cost a ton of money, but looks awesome. depends on taste, scanlines... will get expensive anyways, when aiming for quality. Don't Expect Setup beeing completed quickly. Many Components requiring hunting them down on the long run!

Note: https://www.kramerav.com/

What your Setup should look like

...regarding Mobile Consoles:

  • Mobile Consoles are way less Complicated to use
  • Perfect for Collectors
  • Cool Mods available (play in the Dark!)
  • No Region-Lock or Resolution Issues
  • Still Fun on the Go!

Notes: especially when using Standard AA/AAA-Batteries Mobile Consoles still relatively Cheap (even thou Games aren't)

Final words on this

  • evaluate what floats your Boat:
    • Cheap and easy
    • As Premium as possible
  • evaluate if SD-Cartridges may be the right choice for you
  • Try to stay EITHER on SCART or Component
  • Treat Audio seperately
  • Disable TV "Enhancements"
  • Get Region-Lock-Free Adapters

Notes: ...but aware Cheap Multicarts due to lack of Features! Best tv-setting is usually "Game" and watch out for different cart-sizes! Lightguns only work on CRTs!

Funny Things you've never heard of

  • Nintendo PlayStation
  • Four-Score, Sattelite, Zapper-Gun, Advantage Joystick
  • GameBoy Player, Super GameBoy
  • Light Player
  • Super NES Mouse
  • GameBoy Camera & Printer
  • Tremor Pak
  • 64DD

Some Links

Notes: retrorgb and videogameperfection have good explanations, but they're also a store

Even more Links (Stores)

Note: 8bitDO, own shop?

...And some Youtube-Channels to Watch

  • AGDQ/SGDQ
  • The Ben Heck Show
  • Nintendrew
  • Metal Jesus Rocks
  • My Life in Gaming

Conclusion

Thank you for being Retro!

zeus@ctdo.de

https://tastatursport.de/

@zeus86

ChaosBBQ2018