come on now, it's much more than a "clone" system...even if you're refering to it as a potential "ultimate clone"
Overall, it's a fairly favorable write-up, although the term clone is thrown around frequently, and used prominently in the title. It does point out that the AVS is aimed to right the wrongs of the clone consoles that came before it. I think the biggest issue is the stigma that is carried with the term "clone console" and the connotations that now come with it. The more articles that drive home what the AVS does differently, the better. EDIT: I'm glad they're at least classing this thing with the NT, and not the Retron, etc.
I think the Retron5 has done more harm to the AVS reputation than anything else. People are like, "Oh, it's another Retron5, but just NES and it costs XX more..." Don't they understand that it's not just another crappy clone?
Stuff like the Super 8, Analgue NT, or the Kevtris mod sell for hundreds more because they are high quality botique products using original chips. Well AVS is more sustainable because it's all new parts, and far cheaper.
Also any interest down the line in creating replacement boards that can be used as drop in replacements for toploader NES's or AV Famicoms?
Why would you want to destroy retro hardware? With AVS there's no need for mods; you can have new stuff and still access your old console. Game Tech sells Kevtris HDMI mods though and can hook you up for double the cost of an AVS...
Often times the retro hardware is already broken. I throw the question back to you. Why would you want to throw out retro hardware when you could swap in a modern board replacement instead?
I'm not sure Bunnyboy wants to go through a whole redesign of the board to fit those shells. Of course he could change his mind in the future, but I think this project has taken quite a bit of time and energy it'd be a ways off.
Plus, how many NES'es are DOA to the point the board is unsalvageable. Most issues are a simple fix, since there's nothing really exotic about the original hardware. Most common complaints are the pin connectors, which can be solved without needing to replace or even modify the existing board.
A drop in board wouldn't be a bad idea. NES consoles do have chips that go bad, and it's going to become more likely over the years... People think of ICs as magic boxes that never fail but they do have a shelf life. But it probably wouldn't make sense for bunnyboy or kevtris to release replacement boards like that as it would eat into their products' sales.
A drop in board wouldn't be a bad idea. NES consoles do have chips that go bad, and it's going to become more likely over the years... People think of ICs as magic boxes that never fail but they do have a shelf life. But it probably wouldn't make sense for bunnyboy or kevtris to release replacement boards like that as it would eat into their products' sales.
Agreed. There is absolutely no reason for a drop in redesign when Brian has sunk nearly 40k into the injection molds. The AVS is a complete retail product with the potential for distribution through online retailers like Amazon, as well as potentially being stocked at retro game centric B&M retail stores.
This expands the potential market for RetroUSB AVS by more than an order of magnitude, from a hobbiest kit to full retail package. If you want to expand the functionality of an old console, feel free to get your NES toaster upgraded with a Kevtris HDMI and Blinking Light Win for the "ultimate" NES enthusiast package.
I won't lie, I have numerous mods performed on my NES including high intensity blue power LED, Blinking Light Win, expansion audio mod with adjustable volume pot, and CopyUSB dumper. My AV Famicom also has an ultrabright red LED mounted underneath the sliding power switch, and Zapper pins wired to port 2. They are both highly reliable consoles and have pristine stock A/V outputs when displayed on vintage CRT displays.
So the AVS will be my third NES system (not counting shitty clones or the Retro Freak), and I applaud the fact that Brian is using all new parts from the PCB to the casing, pushing for 100% compatability, and making careful design considerations to make sure it's stylish and built to withstand the test of time. Thirty years from now, old NES hardware will still be in service, and I like to think that AVS consoles will still be in service somewhere, even if Nintendoage and the online scoreboard database cease to exist.
Does the AVS offer any additional options for game programmers? Could you theoretically add a USB ethernet adapter and have network play?
A new game could use the Scoreboard connection for internet multiplayer, but I doubt that will actually happen. Could also rely on the enhancements like the 15 sprite mode, but then it wouldn't work on original NES.
Originally posted by: Reed Solomon
Also any interest down the line in creating replacement boards that can be used as drop in replacements for toploader NES's or AV Famicoms?
Not going to happen. The case would already need mods for the USB/HDMI ports so the "drop in" part is already lost.
Originally posted by: Kosmic StarDust So the AVS will be my third NES system (not counting shitty clones or the Retro Freak), and I applaud the fact that Brian is using all new parts from the PCB to the casing, pushing for 100% compatability, and making careful design considerations to make sure it's stylish and built to withstand the test of time. Thirty years from now, old NES hardware will still be in service, and I like to think that AVS consoles will still be in service somewhere, even if Nintendoage and the online scoreboard database cease to exist.
I seriously doubt too many NES consoles will be in commission 30 years from now. CRTs will be in extremely short supply, and composite inputs will be phased out unless you have a video processor (which would also have to face the test of time). The NES is built well but another 30 years (especially if you're using it often) is quite optimistic for any electronic device. But this is all part of the point of this project!
If a drop in board was cheap enough and easy to install, it probably would entice a lot of people. Might not be the right option for you or some others, but previous comments indicates that people wouldn't be opposed to it.
Originally posted by: Kosmic StarDust So the AVS will be my third NES system (not counting shitty clones or the Retro Freak), and I applaud the fact that Brian is using all new parts from the PCB to the casing, pushing for 100% compatability, and making careful design considerations to make sure it's stylish and built to withstand the test of time. Thirty years from now, old NES hardware will still be in service, and I like to think that AVS consoles will still be in service somewhere, even if Nintendoage and the online scoreboard database cease to exist.
I seriously doubt too many NES consoles will be in commission 30 years from now. CRTs will be in extremely short supply, and composite inputs will be phased out unless you have a video processor (which would also have to face the test of time). The NES is built well but another 30 years (especially if you're using it often) is quite optimistic for any electronic device. But this is all part of the point of this project! If a drop in board was cheap enough and easy to install, it probably would entice a lot of people. Might not be the right option for you or some others, but previous comments indicates that people wouldn't be opposed to it.
People still maintain vintage cars like the Ford Model A or Model T so why not? You underestimate the durability of the NES hardware. Solid state components can last almost forever if kept within their design limits. Vintage hardware also tends to be overengineered with regard to tolerances so even component drift they should last a very long time. I've left Nitnendo or Atari systems with games on pause for weeks at a time without issue. Procuring working compatible displays will be more of an issue than finding still working hardware. That's why I believe FPGA type consoles are the future. The technology will only get more accessible and affordable from here on out.
Brian, I got a question: photos of the prototype hardware prototypes seem to have the Power / Reset / LED modules from original toasters with the buttons rotated sideways. The buttons seem to be an exact replica of the old toaster power switch modules although the rest of the components appear to be brand new parts. Have you reproduced this part on the production AVS models or do you have some stockpile of NOS NES switches?
You can get replacement power switches for the toaster off ebay. Someone has been producing them for a while now along with cart flaps and other stuff. Don't ask me why.
You can get replacement power switches for the toaster off ebay. Someone has been producing them for a while now along with cart flaps and other stuff. Don't ask me why.
I'm sure there is a supplier in china Brian is getting his from as well.
Nice...
Okay that's nice to know. I suppose it is easier to reuse someone else's part than fab your own. I would imagine he gets the controller and cartridge ports from a similar source. At least I can rest easy knowing they aren't getting pulled from original systems.
Well I believe he said they're all new parts. So whether he's producing his own or found a source of newly made ones (or new old stock even), I wouldn't worry about original NES consoles being cannibalized.
I would never pull parts from working or used systems for the AVS. First production run is using OEM Nintendo switches with the caps turned. I found many thousands for cheaper than I could buy a single switch Seems like there are too many to be for repair centers, so maybe it was unused stock from NES fab. All those ebay ones are likely from the same source but marked WAY up. Next production run I will have to decide on finding more or making my own. I should get one of the cases of switches graded...
Stuff like controller ports and NES cart sockets were originally going to come from someone else, but they found out I would be competition so they bailed and I had my own made.
I would never pull parts from working or used systems for the AVS. First production run is using OEM Nintendo switches with the caps turned. I found many thousands for cheaper than I could buy a single switch Seems like there are too many to be for repair centers, so maybe it was unused stock from NES fab. All those ebay ones are likely from the same source but marked WAY up. Next production run I will have to decide on finding more or making my own. I should get one of the cases of switches graded...
Stuff like controller ports and NES cart sockets were originally going to come from someone else, but they found out I would be competition so they bailed and I had my own made.
The fact that you made your own cart and controller ports is probably for the best because you can control the exact quality of the parts. Some of the third party controller ports can be too tight or too loose, and the cartridge ports often used on clones sometimes work fine, other times they develop issues. Different batches from the same source all used on these cheap clone systems sometimes can work reliably and sometimes death grip the carts or fail.
The Blinking Light Win I got from Kickstarter has the death grip issue with removing carts from the system. I modified a Game Genie tongue to work with it and may leave it in there to help widen the pins. But I would much rather deal with a reliable loading tray that's a bit tight than have a loading tray that glitches up if I breath on it wrong.
As for the Retro AVS, I have nothing but faith that it will work flawlessly out of the box and hopefully still work like day one after years of heavy use.
I would never pull parts from working or used systems for the AVS. First production run is using OEM Nintendo switches with the caps turned. I found many thousands for cheaper than I could buy a single switch Seems like there are too many to be for repair centers, so maybe it was unused stock from NES fab. All those ebay ones are likely from the same source but marked WAY up. Next production run I will have to decide on finding more or making my own. I should get one of the cases of switches graded...
Stuff like controller ports and NES cart sockets were originally going to come from someone else, but they found out I would be competition so they bailed and I had my own made.
Awesome, I was wondering about this myself. I think the new OEM switches help add to the classic look of the AVS. It really is a beautiful design.
Nice touch with adding some launch games, atleast two iam interested in at the moment. I hope you do a gameplay trailer for each title, congratulations you are very close to release. A launch party on NA needs to happen.
Comments
Copy sounds insulting.
Duplicate is too awkward.
Homage sounds pretentious.
Updated original?
New old?
Vintage-like?
http://www.retrocollect.com/News/retrousb-announce-avs-ninte...
come on now, it's much more than a "clone" system...even if you're refering to it as a potential "ultimate clone"
Overall, it's a fairly favorable write-up, although the term clone is thrown around frequently, and used prominently in the title. It does point out that the AVS is aimed to right the wrongs of the clone consoles that came before it. I think the biggest issue is the stigma that is carried with the term "clone console" and the connotations that now come with it. The more articles that drive home what the AVS does differently, the better. EDIT: I'm glad they're at least classing this thing with the NT, and not the Retron, etc.
I think the Retron5 has done more harm to the AVS reputation than anything else. People are like, "Oh, it's another Retron5, but just NES and it costs XX more..." Don't they understand that it's not just another crappy clone?
Stuff like the Super 8, Analgue NT, or the Kevtris mod sell for hundreds more because they are high quality botique products using original chips. Well AVS is more sustainable because it's all new parts, and far cheaper.
Well, what term can we use?
Copy sounds insulting.
Duplicate is too awkward.
Homage sounds pretentious.
Updated original?
New old?
Vintage-like?
Second coming?
Second coming?
...
I like it!
Also any interest down the line in creating replacement boards that can be used as drop in replacements for toploader NES's or AV Famicoms?
Also any interest down the line in creating replacement boards that can be used as drop in replacements for toploader NES's or AV Famicoms?
Why would you want to destroy retro hardware? With AVS there's no need for mods; you can have new stuff and still access your old console. Game Tech sells Kevtris HDMI mods though and can hook you up for double the cost of an AVS...
Plus, how many NES'es are DOA to the point the board is unsalvageable. Most issues are a simple fix, since there's nothing really exotic about the original hardware. Most common complaints are the pin connectors, which can be solved without needing to replace or even modify the existing board.
A drop in board wouldn't be a bad idea. NES consoles do have chips that go bad, and it's going to become more likely over the years... People think of ICs as magic boxes that never fail but they do have a shelf life. But it probably wouldn't make sense for bunnyboy or kevtris to release replacement boards like that as it would eat into their products' sales.
Agreed. There is absolutely no reason for a drop in redesign when Brian has sunk nearly 40k into the injection molds. The AVS is a complete retail product with the potential for distribution through online retailers like Amazon, as well as potentially being stocked at retro game centric B&M retail stores.
This expands the potential market for RetroUSB AVS by more than an order of magnitude, from a hobbiest kit to full retail package. If you want to expand the functionality of an old console, feel free to get your NES toaster upgraded with a Kevtris HDMI and Blinking Light Win for the "ultimate" NES enthusiast package.
I won't lie, I have numerous mods performed on my NES including high intensity blue power LED, Blinking Light Win, expansion audio mod with adjustable volume pot, and CopyUSB dumper. My AV Famicom also has an ultrabright red LED mounted underneath the sliding power switch, and Zapper pins wired to port 2. They are both highly reliable consoles and have pristine stock A/V outputs when displayed on vintage CRT displays.
So the AVS will be my third NES system (not counting shitty clones or the Retro Freak), and I applaud the fact that Brian is using all new parts from the PCB to the casing, pushing for 100% compatability, and making careful design considerations to make sure it's stylish and built to withstand the test of time. Thirty years from now, old NES hardware will still be in service, and I like to think that AVS consoles will still be in service somewhere, even if Nintendoage and the online scoreboard database cease to exist.
Does the AVS offer any additional options for game programmers? Could you theoretically add a USB ethernet adapter and have network play?
A new game could use the Scoreboard connection for internet multiplayer, but I doubt that will actually happen. Could also rely on the enhancements like the 15 sprite mode, but then it wouldn't work on original NES.
Also any interest down the line in creating replacement boards that can be used as drop in replacements for toploader NES's or AV Famicoms?
Not going to happen. The case would already need mods for the USB/HDMI ports so the "drop in" part is already lost.
So the AVS will be my third NES system (not counting shitty clones or the Retro Freak), and I applaud the fact that Brian is using all new parts from the PCB to the casing, pushing for 100% compatability, and making careful design considerations to make sure it's stylish and built to withstand the test of time. Thirty years from now, old NES hardware will still be in service, and I like to think that AVS consoles will still be in service somewhere, even if Nintendoage and the online scoreboard database cease to exist.
I seriously doubt too many NES consoles will be in commission 30 years from now. CRTs will be in extremely short supply, and composite inputs will be phased out unless you have a video processor (which would also have to face the test of time). The NES is built well but another 30 years (especially if you're using it often) is quite optimistic for any electronic device. But this is all part of the point of this project!
If a drop in board was cheap enough and easy to install, it probably would entice a lot of people. Might not be the right option for you or some others, but previous comments indicates that people wouldn't be opposed to it.
I seriously doubt too many NES consoles will be in commission 30 years from now. CRTs will be in extremely short supply, and composite inputs will be phased out unless you have a video processor (which would also have to face the test of time). The NES is built well but another 30 years (especially if you're using it often) is quite optimistic for any electronic device. But this is all part of the point of this project! If a drop in board was cheap enough and easy to install, it probably would entice a lot of people. Might not be the right option for you or some others, but previous comments indicates that people wouldn't be opposed to it.
People still maintain vintage cars like the Ford Model A or Model T so why not? You underestimate the durability of the NES hardware. Solid state components can last almost forever if kept within their design limits. Vintage hardware also tends to be overengineered with regard to tolerances so even component drift they should last a very long time. I've left Nitnendo or Atari systems with games on pause for weeks at a time without issue. Procuring working compatible displays will be more of an issue than finding still working hardware. That's why I believe FPGA type consoles are the future. The technology will only get more accessible and affordable from here on out.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-GENUINE-Nintendo-NES-Power-Reset-Switch-Push-Button-Assembly-NES-001-OEM-/111598675854?hash=item19fbcca78e:m:mDgf8zSbrwW55kFDRUpgIRQ
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nes+power+switches&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC0.A0.H0.Xnes+replacement+parts.TRS0&_nkw=nes+replacement+parts&_sacat=0
I'm sure there is a supplier in china Brian is getting his from as well.
You can get replacement power switches for the toaster off ebay. Someone has been producing them for a while now along with cart flaps and other stuff. Don't ask me why.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-GENUI...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_o...
I'm sure there is a supplier in china Brian is getting his from as well.
Nice...
Okay that's nice to know. I suppose it is easier to reuse someone else's part than fab your own. I would imagine he gets the controller and cartridge ports from a similar source. At least I can rest easy knowing they aren't getting pulled from original systems.
Stuff like controller ports and NES cart sockets were originally going to come from someone else, but they found out I would be competition so they bailed and I had my own made.
Best of luck.
I would never pull parts from working or used systems for the AVS. First production run is using OEM Nintendo switches with the caps turned. I found many thousands for cheaper than I could buy a single switch Seems like there are too many to be for repair centers, so maybe it was unused stock from NES fab. All those ebay ones are likely from the same source but marked WAY up. Next production run I will have to decide on finding more or making my own. I should get one of the cases of switches graded...
Stuff like controller ports and NES cart sockets were originally going to come from someone else, but they found out I would be competition so they bailed and I had my own made.
The fact that you made your own cart and controller ports is probably for the best because you can control the exact quality of the parts. Some of the third party controller ports can be too tight or too loose, and the cartridge ports often used on clones sometimes work fine, other times they develop issues. Different batches from the same source all used on these cheap clone systems sometimes can work reliably and sometimes death grip the carts or fail.
The Blinking Light Win I got from Kickstarter has the death grip issue with removing carts from the system. I modified a Game Genie tongue to work with it and may leave it in there to help widen the pins. But I would much rather deal with a reliable loading tray that's a bit tight than have a loading tray that glitches up if I breath on it wrong.
As for the Retro AVS, I have nothing but faith that it will work flawlessly out of the box and hopefully still work like day one after years of heavy use.
I would never pull parts from working or used systems for the AVS. First production run is using OEM Nintendo switches with the caps turned. I found many thousands for cheaper than I could buy a single switch Seems like there are too many to be for repair centers, so maybe it was unused stock from NES fab. All those ebay ones are likely from the same source but marked WAY up. Next production run I will have to decide on finding more or making my own. I should get one of the cases of switches graded...
Stuff like controller ports and NES cart sockets were originally going to come from someone else, but they found out I would be competition so they bailed and I had my own made.
Awesome, I was wondering about this myself. I think the new OEM switches help add to the classic look of the AVS. It really is a beautiful design.
I'll take one of everything please
Same here!! This is like reliving the NES release only I don't need to get my parents permission! LOL
I'll take one of everything please
Same here!! This is like reliving the NES release only I don't need to get my parents permission! LOL
YES. Perfect words there Francis!
I'll take one of everything please
Same here!! This is like reliving the NES release only I don't need to get my parents permission! LOL
YES. Perfect words there Francis!
Maybe you should get your parents to buy it for you!
Yeah we are all adults here, well most of us!
I have a credit card so if I want something badly enough, I will get it, even if it takes a month or two to pay it off.