retroking1981 wrote:

@So am I right in thinking its more to do with newer TVs allowing colour output via composite?

As far as I know, yes. Some later models let you pick NTSC/PAL/AUTO - many later VCRs did it too.

retroking1981 wrote:

Gamecube though?? That's RGB or was that a little typo on your part?

My JP GC doesn't output RGB  - only composite or s-video. Was a bit of a shock to me that I couldn't use it on my CRT. Unless I need a special JP RGB SCART cable?

retroking1981 wrote:

Also I'm not sure how much it means to you but there's an amazing HMDI N64 mod out there. From what I've seen/heard on youtube its the only way to play N64 on modern TVs. Didn't very early N64 JPN models have RGB? Or at least the boards had it enabled making them very easy to mod?  Ilove the N64 but that lasck of RBG was a killer. The difference between composite and RGB is fucking huge.

I believe early N64s can be modded for RGB. Have heard of different mods, the HDMI one is pretty expensive I believe so I would need to consolidate my collection on either my PAL or JP console first. S-video is a decent compromise I find but some games on later TVs suffer even with that.

davyK wrote:

Of course it might be worth waiting on an N64mini......

Defo, so long as MS are on board. To be fair they've release Minecraft on Wii U and Switch and they supported DS with a few games so its not completely out the question to see Blast Corps, Banjo etc. Goldeneye on the other hand is even more complicated.

For most an N64 mini would have to have SM64, OoT and Goldeneye closely followed by MK64 and Smash Bros. Without those 5 it would lose a fair few sales.

davyK wrote:

Gamecube though?? That's RGB or was that a little typo on your part?

My JP GC doesn't output RGB  - only composite or s-video. Was a bit of a shock to me that I couldn't use it on my CRT. Unless I need a special JP RGB SCART cable?

I'm seriously shocked to learn that the GCN NTSC consoles aren't RGB. Back in the day it was always the reverse, NTSC was always the better option...

SNES
NTSC RGB > PAL Composite

N64
NTSC S-Video > PAL Composite*

NES had composite in the West which was better than to FC's RF but lets not go down that rabbit hole for the minute.

GCN marked the first time the PAL console was superior. I guess they all had component out but that wasn't a big thing at the time, GCN to most is the last of the CRT generation of consoles.

Researching for this I actually discovered that certain N64 consoles have a better output than others, namely to colour variants that came out late in its life are better:
http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo_64_Forever/topic/7363768/1/

* According to retroRGB.com
All NTSC N64's output S-Video without a modification (most PAL consoles have issues with S-Video and some don't work at all).
http://retrorgb.com/n64.html

retroking1981 wrote:

So later this year its the early 90's all over again...

Nintendo VS Sega, the ultimate console war of SNES VS Mega Drive!!!

From Sega (well, atgames) we have 3 variants of the Mega Drive/Genesis for sale at various price points.



Sega Genesis Flashback - $80
The Rolls-Royce of the 3, 85 pre-installed games, 2 wireless controllers, support for original cartridges and 720p HDMI output

Genesis Classic Game Console - $60
On a slightly lower budget, 81 pre-installed games, 2 wired controllers and composite output.

Sega Genesis Ultimate Portable Game Player - $60
Then a handheld with 85 pre-installed games, SD card support, save state support and TV support



Up against those from the Big N we have...

SNES Classic Edition - $80

SNES Nintendo Classic Mini - £70

Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Famicom - Thousands of Yen

https://youtu.be/aOJU-H1GCWE

The NTSC Gamecube was still better though as it supported Component (if you were lucky enough to get the cable).

I thought it was component world wide?

retroking1981 wrote:

I guess they all had component out but that wasn't a big thing at the time, GCN to most is the last of the CRT generation of consoles.

My GCN certainly had the Digital Out on the back and the cables were available at retail from what I remember?

I just watched the SNES version of the video I posted above, proper nerding out on this shit now.

There was 5 versions of the SNES, the OG, 3 with internal changes which actually used 1 chip emulation and then the SNES2 model.

Just learned that PAL SNES consoles do output RGB but the SCART cable you need is specific to that region. That one I tried back in the day must have been the wrong one.

I didn't pick up on that link Mark! Image fidelity looks lovely, pleased it sounds decent too.
Only shame is they didnt use the better looking Jpn version to model the console.

@davyK why don't you just play your GCN games on your Wii via component? I guess you have a few import games but isn't there a freeloader or sorts to play them on a PAL Wii?

Haha one your quite passionate about then?

I enforced a rule on myself that a console must have 5-10 exclusive games that are must haves in order to warrant keeping it a few years back. The thought of buying a JPN console for one game is bonkers to me but good on you.

Pacman VS came out on the Switch this weekend btw, I know your a fan so thought I'd let you know.

I watched a couple of others last night, one tried Super Street Fighter II which didn't work.

The reviewer said that it was one of the bigger MD carts so it might have compatibility issues with games over a certain size.

Had heard Sonic Shuffle was pretty poor.

Must keep an eye out for Confidential Mission and that Track and Field game.

Someone selling RGB modded & Refurbed NTSC N64s on eBay. Works with the GC RGB cable. £70 delivered. Tempted.

The guy selling these is NI based too (Banbridge). Rare hearing of anyone else in this region being into this.

Here's the link. He seems to specialise on Nintendo stuff.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/keepitretro?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

I've just messaged him to see if he will do a deal/trade in on my unmodded JPN N64 as I can pick it up and avoid postage altogether.

EDIT: He doesn't want to trade (it might not be the correct model to mod) and had stock anyhow but has offered to knock money off for local delivery. I'm sorely tempted.

Big shout out to Optimark for being an absolute star and sending us 2 DC lightguns so we could confidential mission. Kaz is determined to finish it so we will be back

Man very soon I'm gonna have to say goodbye to my beautiful 32 inch CRT and I don't know what I'm going to do. Probably a framemeister

I got rid of my CRT years ago and all my light gun games.

Was a real shame but if I can't justify keeping a console for 5-10 games then keeping a huge TV for a similar number is even more bonkers.

The retron5 really does justice to the old consoles it supports, especially with the scanline filter enabled. The N64 is the only console I have now that looks terrible on modern sets, so a HDMI mod is very appealing. 

That being said if the VC service ever came to the Switch I would be tempted to just upgrade on there. Whats holds me back is WCW/nWo and Goldeneye would be missing and they're must haves. 

Also that pad... its useless for most modern games but there's a few N64 games that really need those 6 face buttons and 2 shoulder/triggers. Some VC releases crudely use the second analog as a replacement for the C-Buttons, its an awful solution for most games. 

Its literally the only pad Nintendo haven't re-released, yet its the most needed imo. An N64 mini could solve that, but like VC it would always be missing those two games.

So the HDMI mod its probably my only real option.