SNES clone/system thoughts?

[Well Fed Games]

So I managed to completely bypass the 16-bit generation, and although I have a huge backlog of both modern games and projects, I am considering going back and getting some time in with the SNES (I gained a Genesis/Megadrive through marriage, so I am covered there).

So, there seems to be quite a few options now- esp. clone systems (Retro Duo, FC Twin, etc.) as I guess some patents ran out or something. Anybody have any of these clones, and would you say it is worth throwing money at vs an old but original SNES? Love to hear some thoughts. (I know emulation is the cheap/easy route but I have a nice "retro game" corner in the house now with my old systems set up on it so I can play them on a CRT TV with my daughter).

[DaveMMR]

If you're going to be making that classic 16-bit shrine, get a real SNES. It's not that hard/expensive to get one off eBay.  (EDIT: Just browsed some of the completed listings - there are cheaper alternatives.)

Though I have zero experience with any of the clone systems, I've read certain ones had compatibility problems with certain games (particularly the Super FX games). You can't go wrong with the real deal.

[Ginsu Victim]

Cheap computer, ZSNES, TV-out, hacked SNES controller (or 360/PS3 controller).

[Louis Tully]

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[nitz]

I am considering going back and getting some time in with the SNES

You are in for a treat my friend. Best console ever IMHO. Every game/series that Louis Tully mentioned is just awesome. Man, they don't make games like that anymore.

I'm in the midst of going the "cheap computer running emus to TV" route for classic consoles. My old hardware and games are slightly less reliable than they used to be, and I don't really have room for tons of carts by my TV anyway.

If you're really set against going the emulation route though, get a real SNES. I have a Retro Duo and it's got issues (it refues to run Super Mario World of all things ), the worst one being that it semi-frequently will just decide to crash and then wipe out all of the saved data on carts that had that feature. Sucks when you've played like 3/4 of the way through an RPG.

[Well Fed Games]

Alright, good to hear some thoughts. I'm cruising Ebay and it looks like some deals to be had (confirmed that my local resale shop still wants like $40 for an SNES, so I think Ebay would be comparable). To be completely honest, unless I buy a lot or something that gets me started with a collection, a SNES powerpak might be in my future.

You are in for a treat my friend.

Yeah, I recently ended up with an N64 at a garage sale (got me on a classic console kick), and thought, I really need to go back and play the SNES... I didn't get an NES until late in the game and so was reading Nintendo Power right as the big N was switching over to the SNES, and all those games looked so cool... and then I didn't own another system until the PS1! I need to catch up!

[SavannahLion]

I am considering going back and getting some time in with the SNES

You are in for a treat my friend. Best console ever IMHO. Every game/series that Louis Tully mentioned is just awesome. Man, they don't make games like that anymore.

Venkman: I guess they don't build them like they used to, huh?
Stantz:     No!  Nobody ever built them like this!  The architect was either an authentic whacko or a certified genius.

My all time top favs were
Secret of Mana
Seiken Densetsu 3
and Secret of Evermore

I absolutely loved the menu system there.

[ChadTower]

Alright, good to hear some thoughts. I'm cruising Ebay and it looks like some deals to be had (confirmed that my local resale shop still wants like $40 for an SNES, so I think Ebay would be comparable). To be completely honest, unless I buy a lot or something that gets me started with a collection, a SNES powerpak might be in my future.

I just shipped (as in this morning) an SNES bundle I sold on ebay. 


http://www.ebay.com/itm/300773104300?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1562.l2649


Game consoles are hot on ebay right now and prices seem to be going up.  Look at that... yellowed... crappy game selection unless you really like EA Sports... one ugly third party controller... and it still brought in $41. 


Three years ago you couldn't get $5 for that if you included a roll of nickels.

[DaveMMR]

There are many alternates to eBay.

First, It's surprising what you can get for free if you tell your friends you're collecting old videos games as a hobby (not for profiting).  I've ended up with a TurboGfx-16, a Genesis, an extra, yellowed SNES (sorry can't sell it - it was a donation), a Colecovision (for parts), and a bunch of carts. A lot of people see it as old junk and don't want to go through the hassle of selling it and would rather give it to someone who'd appreciate it. Throw up a FB post or spead the word somehow.

Secondly, check out game collectors forums (RFGeneration, Racketboy, etc.) and see the for sale threads. You'll have to become a member and post a bit, but often enough, you'll get carts and consoles for better prices than eBay.

Third, garage sales, pawn shops, thrift stores, and flea markets are a gold mine if you've got the time and energy to dig around a bit. Of course, that requires much more dedication and, ultimately, you may just be better off buying one off eBay if you just want the SNES and don't care to be bothered. But if you're into the thrill of the hunt, then scouting out garage sales, etc. and getting some $25 cart for $2 is the best part of collecting. 

(And yes, the SNES is one of the best consoles if not THE best console. So many great games and the zenith of 16-bit graphics. Love it.)

[Howard_Casto]

What everybody else said basically. 

The clone systems have issues and a real snes is cheap and will last forever.  I still have my original snes and we played the crap out of that thing.  It would have to have thousands of hours on it and it still runs great. 

Finding carts is indeed fun as well. 

[Well Fed Games]

Game consoles are hot on ebay right now and prices seem to be going up.

Seriously, I have been watching for a few days and I keep letting auctions go by, simply more $$ than I can justify spending. I'll keep cruising for a deal locally and pick one up eventually.

[ChadTower]

It's much safer to do that for the SNES than the NES.  The SNES was built well and rarely has any of the same problems other than yellowing.  They tend to get loose connectors but they don't go anything like the NES does.


The only system I repaired less frequently than the SNES was the Genesis.  You could store a Genesis in your toilet tank and then play soccer with it and it would still work well in the end.

[ChadTower]

It also has issues with... wait for it... the NES connector.  I have had three different clones and before long they all develop problems with the NES side.  They are using the PCB itself to keep the cartridge in place instead of using the slot.  Before long that leads to a worn out slot that lets the cartridge wobble and now instead of an NES with a bad connector you have an NOAC with a bad connector.   


I don't know what the hell it is with NES games that always cause this unlike any other system. 

[CoryBee]

Favorite RPG has to go to Earthbound! 

Bloody love that game I do!

[danny_galaga]

Alright, good to hear some thoughts. I'm cruising Ebay and it looks like some deals to be had (confirmed that my local resale shop still wants like $40 for an SNES, so I think Ebay would be comparable). To be completely honest, unless I buy a lot or something that gets me started with a collection, a SNES powerpak might be in my future.

I just shipped (as in this morning) an SNES bundle I sold on ebay. 


http://www.ebay.com/itm/300773104300?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1562.l2649


Game consoles are hot on ebay right now and prices seem to be going up.  Look at that... yellowed... crappy game selection unless you really like EA Sports... one ugly third party controller... and it still brought in $41. 


Three years ago you couldn't get $5 for that if you included a roll of nickels.

Meh. If you live in Australia, that would be an absolute bargain. I'm watching an SNES, with only an RF connector and a controller, no games. It's at $50 right now and I'm considering bidding up to $65. edit: it went for $71.