Just wanted to share my experiences, as for the last 10 years I use retrogame consoles for event entertainment (and have been loving videogames since Atari/Commodore). So they get a lot of use and a lot of dirty hands on them.
Most retro problems are STUPID easy to fix. I was really nervous about soldering until I just taught myself in 2018. Stuff like replacing a fuse is something literally anyone can do!
AliExpress has replacement laser units for disc-based systems (PSX, DC, etc) that will do the job for you. It takes like 20 min to replace, and the units are like $10.
32Xes, Model 1 SEGA CDs, and Turbo Duos WILL die, but just Google "cap kit" and you'll find kits with instructions for what to replace.
Handhelds also die and basically MUST have certain caps replaced, but will prob be good as new after, and again, ppl sell kits for each system.
Yeah, the custom chips on systems like the SNES can die and you're hosed. But that's still rare.
It's not some foregone conclusion that your retro stuff will 1 day be 100% dead and unrepairable. If you care about your systems, there is tons of info online to repair and maintain them. If you're really nervous, start by buying a cap kit and replacing them in your fav system.
Pre-2000 systems can last you "forever" unless you have bad luck.
Yeah disc rot is a thing too, but the Library of Congress says with proper care some CDs can last into the 27th century (!)
Get a dehumidifier for your games space, if you're a retrogamer! And keep them alive!
I just don't see any point in this device outside of having a trophy to sit on your shelf.
If you have tons of old copies of games, don't you care about authenticity enough to play them on actual hardware too? Do you really get a swell of nostalgia from plugging Sonic into some new random black box?
And if you don't care and just prefer emulators, what modern (even non-gaming) computer can't emulate the hell out of these systems?
Everyone is free to spend your money on what makes you happy! And we all love old games. Just seems like this device doesn't have an audience. But if you find it it's for you, I do hope you enjoy it, and it would be great for publishers to be able to legally sell their old games instead of pirates and unlicensed repro makers capitalizing
Comments 302
Re: Feature: Your Beloved Games Console Is Slowly But Surely Dying
Just wanted to share my experiences, as for the last 10 years I use retrogame consoles for event entertainment (and have been loving videogames since Atari/Commodore). So they get a lot of use and a lot of dirty hands on them.
Most retro problems are STUPID easy to fix. I was really nervous about soldering until I just taught myself in 2018. Stuff like replacing a fuse is something literally anyone can do!
AliExpress has replacement laser units for disc-based systems (PSX, DC, etc) that will do the job for you. It takes like 20 min to replace, and the units are like $10.
32Xes, Model 1 SEGA CDs, and Turbo Duos WILL die, but just Google "cap kit" and you'll find kits with instructions for what to replace.
Handhelds also die and basically MUST have certain caps replaced, but will prob be good as new after, and again, ppl sell kits for each system.
Yeah, the custom chips on systems like the SNES can die and you're hosed. But that's still rare.
It's not some foregone conclusion that your retro stuff will 1 day be 100% dead and unrepairable. If you care about your systems, there is tons of info online to repair and maintain them. If you're really nervous, start by buying a cap kit and replacing them in your fav system.
Pre-2000 systems can last you "forever" unless you have bad luck.
Yeah disc rot is a thing too, but the Library of Congress says with proper care some CDs can last into the 27th century (!)
Get a dehumidifier for your games space, if you're a retrogamer! And keep them alive!
Re: Hardware: Polymega Review - The Ultimate All-In-One Retro Machine
I just don't see any point in this device outside of having a trophy to sit on your shelf.
If you have tons of old copies of games, don't you care about authenticity enough to play them on actual hardware too? Do you really get a swell of nostalgia from plugging Sonic into some new random black box?
And if you don't care and just prefer emulators, what modern (even non-gaming) computer can't emulate the hell out of these systems?
Everyone is free to spend your money on what makes you happy! And we all love old games. Just seems like this device doesn't have an audience. But if you find it it's for you, I do hope you enjoy it, and it would be great for publishers to be able to legally sell their old games instead of pirates and unlicensed repro makers capitalizing