CES: Knock-off consoles that play classic games
One of the coolest displays at CES 2008 displayed the awesome powers of the Retro Duo and Gen X consoles from Innex. Okay, cool for people who were born sometime in the 1980s. The two consoles are the thing of dreams for gamers who owned the original Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Master System or Sega Genesis, and want a chance to relive those glorious days.
Each of the system focuses on one of the two major branches from the period that started in the late 1980s and ended in the middle of the 1990s. The Retro Duo handles Nintendo cartridges and the Gen X handles the one Sega Genesis and NES cartridges (Thanks Ron!). Both systems allegedly have full compatibility with all existing cartridges. Both systems also have top loading, like the last NES model, SNES and Genesis, which helps reduce the necessary cart blowing to make cartridges work.
Wired reports that the reason these systems are legal is that the patents the original systems had expired. Even so, I doubt the FBI and police are going to come knock on your door for buying a working machine to play games you already own. Already some of these consoles are popping up on eBay, so if you’re interested they’re worth a look.
“Editor’s Note: The article has been updated to note that the Gen X handles Genesis and NES cartridges.”
Read [Wired] Via [Kotaku] Product Page [eBay]
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I do believe that the Gen X does Mega Drive (Genesis for you Yankee chaps!) and NES, not Master System; although it would be jolly good if it did!
on February 13, 2008 at 11:23 PM - LINKYou’re right! I just checked online (listings for the Gen X are finally available) and the Gen X does play Genesis and NES cartridges. Thanks for the update. :D
on February 14, 2008 at 09:18 PM - LINK