It's sorta like the nerd version of dating twins

This Duo is dynamic. What, you don't expect this kind of thing by now?

(Credit: Think Geek)

When you're old like me (creak, creak), you tend to accumulate a metric crap-ton of stuff that you don't really need but don't want to get rid of. You know, like tax returns, canceled checks, and a heaping stack of old TV Guides.

OK, maybe that last one is just me.

Another thing I'm running out of room for is video game consoles. That's why when I saw the Retro Duo NES/SNES Game System on Think Geek, I was immediately intrigued. Technically, I don't really have room for this one either, but I was still intrigued.

Aside from playing both NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and Super NES games in one console, which is admittedly cool, both cartridge slots are top-loading.

That means no more trial and error playing "Legend of Zelda" or "Super Mario Brothers 3." No more taking the cartridge back out, blowing on it furiously, slamming it back in the console and powering up, hoping you're not greeted with a screen of wavy lines or misformed game sprites only to once again take Mario's name in vain.

For $49.99, you get the system and two controllers. You can also use your old Nintendo controllers if you'd rather. Unlike some legally dodgy retro systems I've seen, this console comes with no games on a chip or even included cartridges. You use your old game carts.

And as a supermegahellacool bonus, it also plays most Japanese import games.

[tipoo_]

Hehe, i made that analogy before, but with Crossfire/SLI.

[DigitalFrog]

These have been out for a while, we bought one last fall. A couple of things to note - the sound quality suffers on some games, and the controllers are acutally SNES type - there is no provision for original NES accessories like the gun, so Duck Hunt is out unfortunately. Other than that, we've had a blast resurrecting some of the old favorites.

[nogard0]

so it also wont be able to play gyromite (a fave of mine - hmm wall-e kinda looks like it) with the original spinning tops because they require the nes controllers.

[dukethepcdr]

I have one of these. I like it a lot. The only bad thing about it is removing the carts is not as easy as it should be. Sometimes, you feel like your going to break something before the cart comes out. Also, you can still have problems with carts not reading. It's usually because the metal contacts inside the cart are dirty. Clean them with a q tip and rubbing alcohol and they are good as new. The only improvement I'd like to see on this console is a cart ejector button like one of the SNES models had.

[brettak81]

ready. set. hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut hut

[nauj_solrac]

Wouldn't it just be easier to play these on your pc using an nes/snes emulator?, lol.

[mluebbe]

My previous job was in a retro games shop in Chicago that specialized in 16-bits or less gaming, mostly doing restoration and repairs.

Let me tell you that the retroduo is a complete piece of garbage. The number of people who would come in off the streets, ask for one, get insulted that we wouldnt steal their money by selling them one, then go find one on ebay and have it break and try to get us to fix it is mind boggling.

The cartridge connector is a point of failure, after a short while or moderate use other connectors wear out as well.

Spend the extra 10 bucks and get a refurbished Nintendo or SNES off ebay and save yourself the anger. Otherwise, enjoy your 50 dollar paperweight in a few months.

[FroZone]

um, emulators are free.

[dddouchebag]

Yeah... all stealing is free.

[FroZone]

dddouchebag, the legal world you live in must hurt. Try learning about what's really legal and what's not.

[Ziegmarl]

lol, frozone. Do you feel you're legally except under the BS 24-hour rule or the implied abandonware statute under the copyright law? The 24-hour thing has always been complete bunk with no legal standing and the abandonware statute under the copyright law doesn't apply because Nintendo & other publishers (the ones still in business or who have been bought by another company) maintain their rights to the software (and, in many cases, still port the older software to new consoles). And that copyright will remain valid for 75 years, unless Disney has their way (I believe they're still petitioning to extend the copyright law to prevent older titles from falling into public domain).

Hell, as of 1983 it's not even legal to make a back-up cartridge of games you own, thanks to Atari vs JVSA. The ruling stipulated something along the lines that the original law allowing software back-ups was for more easily damaged/destroyed media.

As for the topic, here's Nintendo's legal page which explicitly tells you that it's not legal to own NES/SNES/etc roms:
http://www.nintendo.com/corp/legal.jsp#copyrights

[cyx7]

I read your first line and facepalmed, Zieg.
FroZone never once mentioned ROMs or abandonware.
Except for cutting edge copies of say, No$GBA and MagicEngine,
emulation software is F-R-E-E, that spells FREE
Credit report dot com baby.

[GothardJ]

I have been going to Mega Media Exchange, and a couple of other "Play it again" type stores for about the last five years, and they are selling the same things, and have been for at least that long, under Famicon 2 name. They play both NES and SNES games, and have the SNES game controllers. and can use any of your existing Nintendo controllers. and, because it is licenced by Nintendo, you know that it is good. All units are new and in box and only sell for about 30.00. I would have bought it, but I have the room, and enjoy having the real retro systems.

[SlimXero]

There's also a system for sale @ flea markets and the like that will play NES, SNES and SEGA master system games. Pretty nifty, but emulation is still the best imo.

[detectorlam]

I find this game a lot of memories,hopt game market keep going


Eric

http://www.1gameconsole.com
http://1gameconsole.blogspot.com

[flower_petals]

i just had a hard day with the little ones, but reading this story made me laugh outloud to myself. I remember getting so frustrated - blowing into the game and slamming it back in - hoping that this would be the time that it worked. Ahhh memories.... thanks for the laugh.