First off, compared with the original Nintendo systems, the Retro Duo is much smaller and more lightweight. This, of course, is attributed to 25 years of advancing technology allowing things to be made in this fashion. The unit includes a power cable, RCA audio / video outs and an S-Video output. The unit also comes with two Super Nintendo style controllers. The controller plug ins are identical to the original Super Nintendo controllers, and are compatible with the original Super Nintendo controllers. The systems does not include a light gun, however, they are available. I should point out though, that most of the light guns will not work with Plasma or LCD televisions.
Many of you will undoubtedly remember ( with a certain misty-eyed fondness ) the days of blinking Nintendo lights, blank screens, and blowing on the cartridges to get them to work right. Well, unfortunately for posterity, these days have past. I have used this system extensively and have never personally had any of these problems, SO LONG as the cartridges stay clean. I would recommend cleaning the cartridge contracts with Q-tips and 91% rubbing alcohol on a regular basis.
Because this is essentially early ‘80’s technology, the Retro Duo is pretty simple and straight forward to use. You have a reset button and a single switch that toggles between “OFF”, “8-Bit”, and “16-Bit”. If you can operate a toaster, you can operate a Retro Duo.
Well, I guess it’s time that I address the question that’s been occupying your thoughts if you’ve made it this far. That is, “How much does it cost?” Prices actually vary depending on color, but I sell the silver and gray units in my store for $59.99, and I would gladly ship one to you anywhere in the U.S. for an additional $5.00 shipping. But more about that later.
Another great thing about the Retro Duo is that you can buy games for it for a very reasonable cost. Most of the games we sell in our store for this system average from $5.00 to $15.00 a piece. Many times they can be picked up at garage sales for less than $1.00 each. Compared with the newer systems on the market in which games average $25.00 to $55.00 a piece, I believe it is a very economical way to get some cheap entertainment.
As for dependability, I have to admit that this unit does not appear to be made to the “tough as nails” standards that the original Nintendo’s were made to. However, I have sold many of the Retro Duo’s and have yet to have a single complaint. Additionally, I always provide my customers with a 60 day warranty on the system. There are a couple other companies out there, such as Yobo, who make systems very similar to the Retro Duo. I have dealt with some of these companies in the past. If you want my advice, go with the Retro Duo, the quality is immensely better.
I can really only think of two drawbacks to the Retro Duo. First off, since the unit is so lightweight and is a top loading cartridge system, sometimes the cartridges can be difficult to get out of the system. You just have to steady the unit with one hand and pull the cartridge out with the other. Secondly, I have noticed that on some games the emulation isn’t exactly like the original Nintendo systems. The audio and or video will sometimes be slightly modified from the original. This isn’t to say that the audio and video is poor quality, it just doesn’t always exactly match the way it would look or sound if played on an original Nintendo system.
Overall, I would rate this unit a solid 4 out of 5 stars and believe it is an economical, worthwhile investment. If you have any other questions about this system or if you are interested in ordering one, please feel free to contact me at R & D Games at (870) 508-GAME.
Thanks,
David
