The only thing I have to compare it to is using SNES9X emulator on a Windows PC, and for me the play for that game on the Pi is identical to the PC emulator. I have not experienced this jump delay you are speaking of on my setup. However, I'm not a purist, quirks of emulation are fine with me as long as they don't significantly alter gameplay. I haven't owned either system in 20 years. If you're going to consider hacking at all there is zero advantage that system gives compared to a Pi3.Ĭlick to expand.No, I don't.
If you're going to make hacking an argument, the better CPU, built in wireless and wired networking, built in bluetooth for controllers, non-proprietary expansion slots, higher native resolution if you want it, cheaper price, expandable memory, ease of updating and initial setup, open hardware platform, and even the availability of the Pi3 over the mini just destroys the argument. If you're going to make accurate an argument you can't include anything but the real hardware. Hell, even the UI is easier on the pi then the hacked mini, because from what I've seen on youtube you have to load 2 things before you can run a game, you can't just scroll through a list and click a game and start playing.Īnd Mini NES emulation isn't accurate either watch some RGB comparisons on youtube, it's better then the Wii U but still not 100% to the real hardware. Then, if you want, you can go much deeper in the Pi for other settings and teaks but even just as a simple base user it's already better at this point then what the hacked mini offers. For the simple user I'd say those steps are easier then the NES mini hack, and no chance to brick it (granted I can't say this has happened on the Mini yet but it could). Then, you drag and drop your roms into folders from your PC on the network and you're done. You're most advanced setup for a simple user would be pushing buttons to map a controller but that's required and pops up on it's own anyways.You just push the button on the controller that's on the screen. Plug in like just any other micro usb device and it's on and working. Use a simple 2 click program documented on youtube to flash the image to the card. Get Pi, put in a plastic case (or buy ones in a case). If you are going to hack it tho you need just as much, if not more, computer literacy as you do for a retro pie setup. If you want the NES mini for what it is it's fine, as long as you don't pay the stupid high prices.
That being said, it requires software literacy not necessarily hardware knowledge like a Raspberry Pi does. The hack on the NES Classic does require some degree of computer literacy. However, if you are the tinkering type and want to be able to play more systems, a Raspberry Pie setup with Retropie is a lot more flexible. Modification of the device to play legally acquired Nintendo ROM's probably still breaks some Nintendo software licensing agreement, but I doubt anyone gives a rat's ass, including Nintendo. Most of the interface shown and all of the emulators used are EXACTLY the same ones used in RetroPie (a Debian Linux variant for Raspberry Pi).Īlso, you can not get those Sega ROMS used in the video direct from Nintendo and the hack itself and use of other company's ROM's is not sanctioned by Nintendo. The hack makes use of RetroArch, freely available software mainly for use on Linux operating systems as a front end for the emulators and the ROM's. It's not pretty in terms of user interface, but as the video below shows the NES Mini is capable of running Game Boy, Mega Drive and SNES games, albeit there are occasional choppy moments with the 16-bit titles this may improve as the hackers work on the exploit further.Ĭlick to expand.The hack on the NES Classic does require some degree of computer literacy. In any case, we seem to have gone down the rabbit hole now, as some have found a way to run a well-known bit of emulation software. Of course, hacking the system is legally questionable - due to the use of unofficial ROMS etc - and has the potential to disrupt it further. Rather quickly there were people finding ways to add their own games, to the point that the whole NES library came into play. …the budget system is pretty easy to hack, with those keen to use the tiny box for more games finding a way within weeks, rather than the months or years similar efforts can take on other Nintendo consoles. Playing Genesis games on an NES? That’s like, sacrilege, right? You’ll probably have to get a controller with more than two buttons (e.g., Wii Classic Controller) to enjoy them in full, but you can very well play everything from Mega Drive to Game Boy games on the NES Mini now.