cacophony555
Member
In case anyone missed it, the latest kevtris release adds the 7800 core:
http://blog.kevtris.org/blogfiles/ntm_firmware_verJB1.6.zip
http://blog.kevtris.org/blogfiles/ntm_firmware_verJB1.6.zip
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Analogue Nt mini: NES/Famicoms final form - Kevtris FPGA, aluminum, 1080P, $449
- Thread starter Chittagong
- Start date
Beer Monkey
Member
I'm playing Beef Drop on 7800 right now. Pretty good Burgertime clone. Better than most.
Chittagong
Gold Member
Chittagong said:
Finally got around updating the OP with reviews, the Mini is getting some really good reviews all around.
sixteen-bit
Member
I posted another video review a few posts up but I dunno if you thought it was worth adding
Chittagong
Gold Member
thanks, added it in!
I too caved and bought one of these even though my NES collection is still minimal. However, the extra cores convinced me that this is shaping up to be not just the ultimate FPGA NES, but seemingly the ultimate 8-bit FPGA console.
I'm curious as to where I can keep up with kevtris' new firmware updates. I don't see them on his blog.
I'm curious as to where I can keep up with kevtris' new firmware updates. I don't see them on his blog.
Beer Monkey
Member
http://blog.kevtris.org/blogfiles/?C=M;O=D
That's where you get the files. The most recent ntm_firmware_verJB*.zip file will have the most recent JB firmware and the README should say what's new (scroll to the bottom).
Note: Make sure and delete the old JB firmwares off your SD or the new one won't install.
Odyssey 2 was added this week. KC Munchkin time!
Alternatively, people can also follow his thread on AtariAge.
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/242970-fpga-based-videogame-system/page-98
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/242970-fpga-based-videogame-system/page-98
Beer Monkey
Member
Yep, though sometimes the thread is behind the FTP site.
Also, read the README files (especially for the cores). It covers things that aren't covered in the thread (until somebody asks, usually without reading the files).
Thanks for pointing me to those sites! I see that in the Atari age thread kevtris does say he things some 16 bit cores may be possible as well. I wonder which ones. (PC Engine, perhaps?)
cacophony555
Member
Genesis is the one that's realistic. It sounds like TG-16 is unlikely, and SNES and Neo Geo are impossible.
Kawika
Member
Does anyone in this thread have the original NT? I have it and I am debating right now to remove the hdmi and just return it to tims rgb. I was wondering if anyone knew if the sound profile from the NT via analog output is the same as the famicom? I know everyone here is loving their mini but i have a BVM monitor and both a framemeister and ossc and I feel the hdmi is actually hindering my enjoyment. I didn't have any of these when i bought the NT. The nt was my gateway drug to return to retro gaming.
Also can anyone here confirm if the sound coming out of the mini is the same as an actual famicom with games like gimmick or akumajou densetsu?
Also can anyone here confirm if the sound coming out of the mini is the same as an actual famicom with games like gimmick or akumajou densetsu?
Chittagong
Gold Member
I've got both. Nt Mini has a menu for selecting sound chip support, and yes Gimmick is supported.
I could trade you a Famicom w/ RGB for that NT ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Kawika
Member
But does it sound right. I know the HDMI NT (original) sounded close but not quite right. I was hoping that if i removed the HDMI and put it back to RGB i'd get accurate sound. IIRC yours was the HDMI NT.
LOL Maybe if you had a few rgb modded consoles to trade but not a 1:1.
That's weird. Isn't the Genesis significantly more powerful hardware? I wonder why that is realistic but not PC Engine.
Beer Monkey
Member
The PCE has faster memory access that pushes what the FPGA can do, though Kevtris has an idea to try. Relevant discussion here.
Note that he's getting busier with work so any new cores are probably going to take some time. The current cores were already written.
Chittagong
Gold Member
You're right, I also have an HDMI, and truth to be told, I wouldn't be able to tell whether it sounds 'right' - I don't have a reference.
GreenMonkey
Member
I got a stupid large bonus this year so I ordered one of these to go with my new OLED.
Anyome running one of these on a 4k display? It sounds like 720p is the even-est upscale, but I like the idea of trimming off a bit of the edges where overscan would taken them off anyway.
I liked the look of some of the 5x/6x variants in the YouTube videos from Digital Foundry, etc.
Getting a NES classic just made me crave one of these . NES classic still fun for portable NES.
Anyome running one of these on a 4k display? It sounds like 720p is the even-est upscale, but I like the idea of trimming off a bit of the edges where overscan would taken them off anyway.
I liked the look of some of the 5x/6x variants in the YouTube videos from Digital Foundry, etc.
Getting a NES classic just made me crave one of these . NES classic still fun for portable NES.
I just got done playing around with mine and preferred the 1080p with mild overscan, strangely enough. Normally I'd be against such things but given that the games were designed with it in mind, I'll give it a pass. It helps that my particular 4K TV (a Vizio) seems to scale 1080p better than it does 720p.
Still haven't played around with the "jailbreak" cores. Looking forward to that tomorrow!
NOLA_Gaffer
Banned
I keep flip-flopping between the Nt mini and AVS and I'm honestly not sure what to get.
I'm leaning towards the AVS, as It helps that the it's almost a third of the price right now, for one, and I feel like the Nt mini has more features than I'll ever need, use, or even understand how to use.
Does anyone have both that can offer me a bit of sage advice?
For the record, I have a fairly standard 1080p HDTV and don't have a need for RGB output as I don't have display capable of such things.
I'm leaning towards the AVS, as It helps that the it's almost a third of the price right now, for one, and I feel like the Nt mini has more features than I'll ever need, use, or even understand how to use.
Does anyone have both that can offer me a bit of sage advice?
For the record, I have a fairly standard 1080p HDTV and don't have a need for RGB output as I don't have display capable of such things.
The big differences are that Mini does up to 1080. Has a much deeper menu system. Has a built in everdrive type functionality, and adds some other neat systems like Master System, but most importantly can do both HDMI and analog video over either RGB or Component if you ever decide to use it.
I know that Kevtris' unofficial firmware allows you to copy ROMs from cart including your game saves (I preserved my 30 year old Zelda II saves for all time this way!), but can anyone tell me if he has added or is planning to add the ability to copy saves back to the cart? The Kevtris thread is super long and I couldn't really find this information.
NOLA_Gaffer
Banned
Is 1080p really a big deal over 720p when we're talking about NES games?
Explain "deeper menu system".
I was probably going to pick up a proper everdrive anyway so I can use it on my actual NES and Famicom hardware. (Unsure if I should go for a NES cart to use on a Famicom with adapter of Famicom cart to use with NES with adapter though.)
Master System doesn't really matter as I don't have any Master System games.
Don't really see a need for RGB or Component when I likely won't dabble with tube TVs for the forseeable future, if ever.
The unofficial firmware lets you make ROMs out of your carts, including the saves if there are any. I've already used that to preserve some saves I had from when I was a kid, which I'm incredibly grateful for.
NT mini also defaults to the FirebrandX color palette out of the box, which was developed using instruments to measure the output on a perfectly calibrated CRT, so it looks more true to the original than anything else. You can add the palette to the AVS but it's more work.
Beer Monkey
Member
If you have a 1080p set, it can be a pretty big deal. Many people are using these systems to avoid scaling on non-integer multiples.
NOLA_Gaffer
Banned
Uggh, fuck. I wasn't looking forward to dropping $450 on a console right now. I was hoping I could be talked into an AVS instead.
Beer Monkey
Member
Do you have something that can output 240p->720p to your set to see how you like it? NES Mini, PC running Retroarch, etc?
That's the thing you don't need the physical games because it doesn't play those, it plays all Master System roms straight from SD card like an everdrive, just like all other 8 bit systems it supports!
Basically if you really care about 8bit gaming, you can't go wrong with the NT Mini. It might even get Megadrive/Genesis support down the line!
angrywoodchuck
Member
I have both the AVS and the Mini NT. I really enjoy the high scoreboard that the AVS offers on a range of games. I've had some problems with the scoreboard software on my windows laptop, but this could also be because it's running on a laptop that will go to sleep while I'm playing some long games.
The Analog Mini NT is a much, much greater value for the money. The mini nt can go up to 1080p, but along with the "unofficial" jailbreak firmware you can actually run games so far from 18 (or 19 if you count the sg1000) different systems. The unofficial firmware allows you to run games directly from an SD card with no need to purchase an additional flash cartridge. This also supports larger games on the NES that neither the everdrive or powerpak support.
To be honest since I got my Mini NT I haven't played on the AVS. I'm not regretting my purchase of the AVS and I will definitely be playing more in the future to fight it out to get some top scores.
GreenMonkey
Member
Playing with the NT Mini today.
So far I really like 1080p & 5x/6x and original scanlines set on minimum depth.
For anyone else with this combo, the NT Mini wouldn't display on my LG OLED65E6P at all. Thought I might have had a brick at first. Tinkered with receiver and HDMI inputs and eventually got the TV to give me a "invalid input format" message.
Plugged into my LG ultrawide monitor and got a picture, it was on 1.6 firmware. Updated to 2.3 and it worked on my OLED. Swapped to Kevtris's firmware and it is working great.
So far I really like 1080p & 5x/6x and original scanlines set on minimum depth.
For anyone else with this combo, the NT Mini wouldn't display on my LG OLED65E6P at all. Thought I might have had a brick at first. Tinkered with receiver and HDMI inputs and eventually got the TV to give me a "invalid input format" message.
Plugged into my LG ultrawide monitor and got a picture, it was on 1.6 firmware. Updated to 2.3 and it worked on my OLED. Swapped to Kevtris's firmware and it is working great.
Battlesmurf
Member
Everything about the unit sounds great. Got to check one in person and liked it. The downside is that I purchased 4-6 -possibly more- of the other units and paid for the upgrade hdmi models and such. Have them as gifts and such. Kept a famicom colored one and another for myself.
The rca audio jacks stopped working on one of them and support has been difficult to deal with. ,15-20 emails in and they're basically telling me they can't help me-sounds like they aren't capable of in house repairs. Customer support's tone hadn't been nice either, despite me managing to keep my patience.
Kind of long winded but the tldr version-customer support can't help with a very expensive console even after I've spent so much with them and they have an attitude that isn't the best. I can't imagine it'd be any better if someone only bought one and had issues.
Shame. Was looking forward to buying a mini but not touching one unless they help me get this thing fixed. (I'm out of warranty bit have no issues paying)
The rca audio jacks stopped working on one of them and support has been difficult to deal with. ,15-20 emails in and they're basically telling me they can't help me-sounds like they aren't capable of in house repairs. Customer support's tone hadn't been nice either, despite me managing to keep my patience.
Kind of long winded but the tldr version-customer support can't help with a very expensive console even after I've spent so much with them and they have an attitude that isn't the best. I can't imagine it'd be any better if someone only bought one and had issues.
Shame. Was looking forward to buying a mini but not touching one unless they help me get this thing fixed. (I'm out of warranty bit have no issues paying)
I would love to see a NT Mini in person. But reading through this thread, it sure makes it sound like it's going to be an all in one retro console solution, especially since it runs things off an SD card.
It's kinda mind blowing. I really need this now. I could hook that up to my PVM and be done with it.
It's kinda mind blowing. I really need this now. I could hook that up to my PVM and be done with it.
storafötter
Member
Up for pre order now. Limited quantities.
Just ordered mine. Feel like a crazy person for buying it but it will be worth it I know!
Just ordered mine. Feel like a crazy person for buying it but it will be worth it I know!
TwEE-N-Toast
Banned
Cool but way too expensive.
Are these photos taken in a hospital or hotel?
Are these photos taken in a hospital or hotel?
I thought I was buying one today but forgot to factor in the shipping costs and the extra costs, that certainly will happen, due to import tax and added fees. Total would end up around $699.. I will pass..dammit!
I think I will save up some money and buy it next year, they are planning on making a new batch next year right?
I think I will save up some money and buy it next year, they are planning on making a new batch next year right?
storafötter
Member
I thought I was buying one today but forgot to factor in the shipping costs and the extra costs, that certainly will happen, due to import tax and added fees. Total would end up around $699.. I will pass..dammit!
I think I will save up some money and buy it next year, they are planning on making a new batch next year right?
It is pretty stingy indeed. 89 dollars shipping express plus 25% added in Taxes (for Norway). However I have no other means of getting this cheaper so it will be "one" of my one-off crazy purchases for years to come. The last one was the framemeister.
I am sure they will either make another batch or make some improvements.
Thats great to hear
hehe.angrywoodchuck
Member
storafötter;238694607 said:It is pretty stingy indeed. 89 dollars shipping express plus 25% added in Taxes (for Norway). However I have no other means of getting this cheaper so it will be "one" of my one-off crazy purchases for years to come. The last one was the framemeister.
I am sure they will either make another batch or make some improvements.
Thats great to hear
With the "unofficial jailbroken" firmware this is an amazing purchase worth every single penny. You are in for some awesome times playing many classic consoles and handhelds on the big screen of your tv.
storafötter
Member
That is actually the main reason for why I am getting one. If I was to get an Everdrive and 8 bit separately, all of that would just add extra cost.
It is amazing how much value this thing has.
storafötter;238694607 said:It is pretty stingy indeed. 89 dollars shipping express plus 25% added in Taxes (for Norway). However I have no other means of getting this cheaper so it will be "one" of my one-off crazy purchases for years to come. The last one was the framemeister.
I am sure they will either make another batch or make some improvements.
Thats great to hear
I struggled to make the money work for it, and it isn't that much compared to your cost. I am 100% happy with it. Even just using carts, I'm ok with it. Having the j/b firmware.. it makes it 200% ok for the price I had to pay.
pete_clarf
Member
Well, y'all convinced me. Do we know when this batch ships out? I didn't see that anywhere when I ordered.
I would like to know this as well. I will be on a week vacation starting next weekend and for safety, I was ordering to a different address. However, she will be on the same week trip out of town. Not really looking to get it rained on or stolen.
No additional info was given in the purchase confirmation email, except that an additional tracking email would be sent as soon as it ships. Makes me think it's soon, like they are ready to ship now.
Thanks! I feel pretty dumb for not seeing it on the page.
The email announcing this preorder said September shipping.
SmiteOfHand
Member
I got an email from them a few weeks back that said these pre-orders would ship in September.
IrishNinja
Member
agreed, but this RGB board for my toaster NES wasn't cheap either