Hands On: Polymega Is Shaping Up To Be The Ultimate All-In-One Retro Emulation Box (Jeremy Parish)

Sagadego17 · Apr 10, 2019

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/20...e_the_ultimate_all-in-one_retro_emulation_box

The classic-gaming-as-viable-business landscape looks wildly different from its form a decade ago. Where retrogaming fans once had to make do with Nintendo's haphazard Virtual Console release schedule and an occasional dribble of retro compilations, today we have something approaching an embarrassment of riches: Mini-arcade cabinets of all sizes; Arcade Archives; a revival of massive anthologies produced to higher standards than in previous generations; brand-new games for vintage consoles; and painstakingly recreated high-end facsimiles of the old machines themselves. Whether you want to throw together a cheap piracy box to play ill-gotten NES ROMs or construct a bespoke retro corner of original hardware adapted to run on modern televisions, the business of old games has become nearly as lively a facet of the industry as making new ones.

sega saturn die hard

anexanhume · Apr 10, 2019

I have high hopes for it. Between them and analogue, I feel like we may not need retro hardware for true retro experiences.

Ninhead · Apr 10, 2019

Since I can't get Die Hard Arcade to run on my RPi3, I'm certainly listening...

Sagadego17 · Apr 10, 2019

hope it runs imports so i can get some saturn macross and gundam for this

Theswweet · Apr 10, 2019

Sagadego17 said:
hope it runs imports so i can get some saturn macross and gundam for this

I'm not 100% sure, but I want to say they're gonna support imports. Don't quote me on that.

Magneto · Apr 10, 2019

Any report on the input lag ?

brainchild · Apr 10, 2019

Sagadego17 said:
Whether you want to throw together a cheap piracy box to play ill-gotten NES ROMs

Uhhh, excuse me?!

SteveWinwood · Apr 10, 2019

i will wait to see what jeff gerstmann says about it thank you very much

Strat · Apr 10, 2019

SteveWinwood said:
i will wait to see what jeff gerstmann says about it thank you very much

...do you know who Jeremy Parish is?

Sagadego17 · Apr 10, 2019

brainchild said:
Uhhh, excuse me?!

that's jeremy not me, he has shite tastes then imo

LewieP · Apr 10, 2019

Why on earth would anyone buy custom hardware that is just using open source emulators that are widely available for PC. At least Mini consoles from Nintendo/Sega/Sony are cheap, come in a nostalgia-massaging design, and include a bunch of games.

Mister seems like a much better option, or Analogue's devices, or original hardware, or a PC.

I don't understand what this is offering over one of the many better solutions.

How much is this all going to cost? Especially for the console specific modules?

Proteus · Apr 10, 2019

Sagadego17 said:
hope it runs imports so i can get some saturn macross and gundam for this

I have been seeing import Saturn games in their videos.

Sagadego17 · Apr 10, 2019

Proteus said:
I have been seeing import Saturn games in their videos.

good!

shadowhaxor · Apr 10, 2019

Still kicking myself that I missed the preorders.

Deleted member 48897 · Apr 10, 2019

LewieP said:
Why on earth would anyone buy custom hardware that is just using open source emulators that are widely available for PC. At least Mini consoles from Nintendo/Sega/Sony are cheap, come in a nostalgia-massaging design, and include a bunch of games.

Well the biggest thing I can see is that any given module is going to support original input methods and have appropriate cartridge slots where necessary. Even something like the Retrode starts getting pretty byzantine when you want to go beyond the built-in SNES and Genesis ports

JayCB64 · Apr 10, 2019

This is awesome, I'll be keeping an eye on where this goes. I have a Retron 5 but it's not super reliable, would love to just have this under the TV in its place. Little bit of a shame the portables aren't compatible though.

Vamphuntr · Apr 10, 2019

LewieP said:
Why on earth would anyone buy custom hardware that is just using open source emulators that are widely available for PC. At least Mini consoles from Nintendo/Sega/Sony are cheap, come in a nostalgia-massaging design, and include a bunch of games.

Mister seems like a much better option, or Analogue's devices, or original hardware, or a PC.

I don't understand what this is offering over one of the many better solutions.

How much is this all going to cost? Especially for the console specific modules?

It also let you rip your games unlike all of the ones you mentioned. That's the big attraction to many as if you legally want to dump your games you will need to buy several parts and adapters to do so. The KS version was US 250$ for the main box so it will probably be really expensive for every add ons.

ggdeku · Apr 10, 2019

Like Jeremy, I'm a bit too deep into the real hardware on a pvm situation, but more options to promote retro gaming is great. Although I'd prefer picking up and of the FPGA consoles when the analog converter is released.

brainchild said:
Uhhh, excuse me?!

Getting upset at the idea that some people dare to use downloaded roms will always be one of the funniest takes on this website.

LewieP · Apr 10, 2019

Vamphuntr said:
It also let you rip your games unlike all of the ones you mentioned. That's the big attraction to many as if you legally want to dump your games you will need to buy several parts and adapters to do so. The KS version was US 250$ for the main box so it will probably be really expensive for every add ons.

You can dump roms with Analogue's FPGA systems.

PaulloDEC · Apr 10, 2019

LewieP said:
Why on earth would anyone buy custom hardware that is just using open source emulators that are widely available for PC. At least Mini consoles from Nintendo/Sega/Sony are cheap, come in a nostalgia-massaging design, and include a bunch of games.

Mister seems like a much better option, or Analogue's devices, or original hardware, or a PC.

I don't understand what this is offering over one of the many better solutions.

How much is this all going to cost? Especially for the console specific modules?

People will pay for convenience and aesthetics. It's a sleek, attractive system that aims to cover a lot of use cases right out of the box.

LewieP · Apr 10, 2019

PaulloDEC said:
People will pay for convenience and aesthetics. It's a sleek, attractive system that aims to cover a lot of use cases right out of the box.

Having to switch "modules" in and out to switch between systems hardly seems convenient or sleek to me.

PaulloDEC · Apr 10, 2019

LewieP said:
Having to switch "modules" in and out to switch between systems hardly seems convenient or sleek to me.

What would you say is the best alternative? Is there a more convenient/sleek option available?

LewieP · Apr 10, 2019

PaulloDEC said:
What would you say is the best alternative? Is there a more convenient/sleek option available?

Alternative to what? This just seems like a solution in need of a problem. I think Mister/Analogue's devices/original hardware/Emulating on a PC/licensed mini consoles all provide far better combinations of features/functionality.

JeremyParish · Apr 10, 2019

Oh, hi. Just for the record, "ultimate emulation box" was not my headline. The published headline kinda sets a tone I didn't intend.

Sagadego17 said:
hope it runs imports so i can get some saturn macross and gundam for this

As mentioned in the article, I demoed Shadow Over Mystara, so....

Gegz said:
Any report on the input lag ?

Not enough to distract me, and input lag is something that really bugs me.

LewieP said:
Alternative to what? This just seems like a solution in need of a problem. I think Mister/Analogue's devices/original hardware/Emulating on a PC/licensed mini consoles all provide far better combinations of features/functionality.

MiSTer is awesome, but it's the opposite of a plug-and-play solution, and it doesn't do 32-bit systems. We're a long ways away from FPGA solutions for PS1 and Saturn being realistic or affordable, so emulation boxes are the way to go for now.

Laserbeam · Apr 10, 2019

LewieP said:
Having to switch "modules" in and out to switch between systems hardly seems convenient or sleek to me.

You don't have to switch the modules out if you copy the games to the system.

also the menu music is dope AF:

LewieP · Apr 10, 2019

JeremyParish said:
MiSTer is awesome, but it's the opposite of a plug-and-play solution, and it doesn't do 32-bit systems. We're a long ways away from FPGA solutions for PS1 and Saturn being realistic or affordable, so emulation boxes are the way to go for now.

And the emulation experience for PS1/Saturn is going to be way better on any half decent regular PC. Plus it'll support Dolphin and many other emulators. Or original hardware is cheap and readily available. I don't see what this underpowered PC offers in terms of emulation that other solutions aren't better for.

PaulloDEC · Apr 10, 2019

LewieP said:
Alternative to what? This just seems like a solution in need of a problem. I think Mister/Analogue's devices/original hardware/Emulating on a PC/licensed mini consoles all provide far better combinations of features/functionality.

Mister doesn't do cartridges or discs. Analogue's devices cover one console each. Original hardware has a slew of issues/difficulties. Emulating on a PC is complex to set up and doesn't do cartridges. Licensed mini consoles only cover one console each and don't support cartridges or discs.

Do you really not see the appeal of a single device that covers a wide range of consoles, supports discs, carts and original controllers and doesn't require a complex setup process? Sure, switching modules might be a bit of a pain, but in terms of an "all in one" solution, I'd say it's unmatched.

Masterspeed · Apr 10, 2019

SteveWinwood said:
i will wait to see what jeff gerstmann says about it thank you very much

He's the reason I want a MR...Mister? Whatever it is.

SiG · Apr 10, 2019

Emulation accuracy is still going to be an issue. Even Kega Fusion has issues with certain games.

chanunnaki · Apr 10, 2019

Retro gaming takes up 95% of my game time these days, but I'm not so interested in accuracy anymore.

I prefer uprezzing and run ahead for better-than-original latency and rewind.

SiG · Apr 10, 2019

chanunnaki said:
Retro gaming takes up 95% of my game time these days, but I'm not so interested in accuracy anymore.

I prefer uprezzing and run ahead for better-than-original latency and rewind.

For me, if accuracy isn't an option, I'd rather they just rewrite the code to natively support the platform it is in (M2 style), and perhaps do an enhanced remake instead.

Ardiloso · Apr 10, 2019

After watching the saturn footage, I'm totally sold. This thing hacked will be wild.

Velocity:Design:Comfort · Apr 10, 2019

LewieP said:
Why on earth would anyone buy custom hardware that is just using open source emulators that are widely available for PC. At least Mini consoles from Nintendo/Sega/Sony are cheap, come in a nostalgia-massaging design, and include a bunch of games.

Mister seems like a much better option, or Analogue's devices, or original hardware, or a PC.

I don't understand what this is offering over one of the many better solutions.

How much is this all going to cost? Especially for the console specific modules?

Most people don't connect their PC to their TV

But I do agree somewhat, personally Id prefer a FPGA Saturn/NGCD

JeremyParish · Apr 10, 2019

SiG said:
Emulation accuracy is still going to be an issue. Even Kega Fusion has issues with certain games.

For sure, and that's why I love playing my Rhea-modded Saturn on a PVM. But that's not exactly a realistic option for, like, an actual, normal human being.

mattiewheels · Apr 10, 2019

I'm glad they're letting people like Jeremy finally look at this thing. I guess a lot of people moved on after the no FPGA announcement, but I'm still really interested and was actually worried about the smoke and mirrors vibe this thing began to emit.

Beer Monkey · Apr 10, 2019

Given how many times these guys have moved their own goalposts, I would *not* recommend giving them your preorder cash.

Wait and see what they actually deliver.

SiG · Apr 10, 2019

JeremyParish said:
For sure, and that's why I love playing my Rhea-modded Saturn on a PVM. But that's not exactly a realistic option for, like, an actual, normal human being.

I can see this being a great option for people starting out on owning a retro collection, or for people who move a lot and can't afford the space for a physical game library. The back-up feature is certainly a nice plus.

Deleted member 48897 · Apr 10, 2019

Velocity:Design:Comfort said:
Most people don't connect their PC to their TV

But I do agree somewhat, personally Id prefer a FPGA Saturn/NGCD

An FPGA NGCD is probably pretty feasible (and since the Universe BIOS runs on NGCD I would suspect that it could be an all-in-one with AES/MVS cartridge support), but I wouldn't expect a decent Saturn FPGA clone any time within the next decade. Not that I wouldn't want one, especially if it could be configured to have SCD/Gen/32X compatibility given that you'd basically be building a superset of that hardware in the process anyway...

If there are two things I'd want from a theoretical Saturn replica, it would be the ability to run mesh textures as actual translucencies (SSF supports this, at least) and the ability to (of course) render games at a higher resolution than default.

trevofour · Apr 10, 2019

shadowhaxor said:
Still kicking myself that I missed the preorders.

iirc, preorders are opening back up in May.

Seriously considering one for my PS1 & Saturn collection, and possibly dabble in some Neo CD.

Beer Monkey · Apr 10, 2019

trevofour said:
iirc, preorders are opening back up in May.

Seriously considering one for my PS1 & Saturn collection, and possibly dabble in some Neo CD.

Preorders, IMO, are opening back up because they've burned through the past crowdfunding/order money.

Buyer beware. This is not confidence inspiring.

I'm not saying they won't deliver but I wouldn't give them money up front.

hibikase · Apr 10, 2019

JeremyParish said:
Oh, hi. Just for the record, "ultimate emulation box" was not my headline. The published headline kinda sets a tone I didn't intend.

Dat classic NintendoLife hyperbole

Glimlocker · Apr 11, 2019

Part ends at 19:23

Just wanted to put this here to be sure everyone had an equal chance to hear another take on this system.

His perspective does NOT indicate that it won't function as you desire or that it will be a poor product, but he has some pertinent experiences that hopefully will inform all prospective buyers of what they might be getting into beforehand.

Please do stay informed.

John198X · Apr 11, 2019

brainchild said:
Uhhh, excuse me?!

I've got the vapors.

Beer Monkey · Apr 11, 2019

Glimlocker said:
Part ends at 19:23

Just wanted to put this here to be sure everyone had an equal chance to hear another take on this system.

His perspective does NOT indicate that it won't function as you desire or that it will be a poor product, but he has some pertinent experiences that hopefully will inform all prospective buyers of what they might be getting into beforehand.

Please do stay informed.

Yeah, Bob agrees with 100% of what I'm saying.

Don't preorder. Don't fall into FOMO. This is not a proven quantity, and the fact that they are asking for another round of funding is not confidence building.

That's what 'additional preorders' are. They are another round of funding.

Glimlocker · Apr 24, 2019

The Bob has spoken, and from the very brief first-first impression, it definitely seems promising!

Time will tell, but things are looking more positive than I thought.

Beer Monkey · Apr 25, 2019

Glimlocker said:
The Bob has spoken, and from the very brief first-first impression, it definitely seems promising!

Time will tell, but things are looking more positive than I thought.

Somewhat encouraging, DO NOT PREORDER.

Laserbeam · Apr 25, 2019

yeah I skipped over that first preorder round because at that time they had showed next to nothing, but now they are finally being a little more open and it all seems promising, but still doesn't make much sense to preorder.

Am hoping for the best because I would love for it to be all the say it is and would buy one if it is, but I'm in no real rush to jump in first.

PanzerKraken · Jun 10, 2019

Don't see a polymega thread, but seems they are now offering a lightgun option that works on HDTV's and works across all games for any system

Solid SOAP · Jun 10, 2019

Laserbeam said:
You don't have to switch the modules out if you copy the games to the system.

also the menu music is dope AF:

This seems great! Would love to own something like this.

Hands On: Polymega Is Shaping Up To Be The Ultimate All-In-One Retro Emulation Box (Jeremy Parish)

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