Enhancing consoles to HDMI before going into Retrotink 4k/CE?

I have a Gamecube (with Digital AV and RGB Scart right now), a Ps2 (regular, right now with an Eaxus Component cable or a Kaico Hdmi adapter (the silver version if that matters but it has problems cutting off screen) and N64 with RGB Advanced mod (component cable).

My questions:

  1. Is there any quality advantage for the GC (e.g. retrobit prism is available near me) or Ps2 (the Kaico or others) to upgrade them to HDMI (for the N64 does not make sense) before connecting it to a HDMI switch or directly with a Retrotink?

  2. I read a lot about the CE being probably the fitting choice (and a bit cheaper) but not being that good for Ps2 (and the black pro version looks better than CE ;)

Do I have to worry about quality when going CE?

  1. Any other newer or modded consoles (Ps3, Mini consoles, Switch 2, Dreamcast DCHDMI or ultraHDMI N64 - any purpose to connect them to a HDMI switch or directly with a Retrotink?

I will play on a Samsung OLED TV if that makes a difference

Thanks!

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 7 days ago

Features you would like to have (had) in AKI games

Can be small things or bigger features. I remember boards back then when people were crossing fingers about certain features in AKI games (or later the Gamecube titles) and after release knowing it will take years for the next try (as there were no patch days)

Here are two ideas of mine:

- A sort of grappling/headlock/chain wrestling mechanic:

While playing Revenge again (through the awesome Starrcade 2.0 mod) I realized how either WM2000 or NM introduced moving while grappling.

This could leave to more room for going into a headlock, moving and applying more small grapples or punches while still grappling - a bit like the combo system but not as static. As a counter this could lead to the receiver being able to go into the ropes and pushing the opponent away running like a irish whip. This would cover basic pro wrestling mechanics and have many options to build up a match.

- TLC and more weapon moves/interactions

The weapon and ladder feature was underused. Standing up a chair for a drop toe hold like Raven does or moves involving the ladder would have been great

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 2 months ago

Unlockable lists for hacks

Are there any lists of unlockables (what and how to achieve, mainly wrestlers, moves or arenas) for

- ECW Born to be wired

- No Mercy Plus V3

- ECW House Party Mixtape and

- WCW Starrcade

?

Of course winning every championship in Championship mode or storymode, finishing the career mode etc. I guess might result in a new wrestler.

But are there maybe any special conditions or secrets?

E.g. in the original Revenge unlocking the spraypainted NWO belt or the Smoking Skull belt in WM2000.

I also remember the lists from VPW64 and VPW2 where you need to win career mode with a certain wrestler or faction.

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 2 months ago

Setups for multiple mini consoles

So I have 4 mini consoles (SNES, NES, Mega Drive and PS Mini) and looking for a space saving and sustainable way to set them up.

I am wondering which way to go

a) Just one HDMI cable and power cable set up and plug them in as needed. Though I fear it might wear out the sockets on the consoles over time.

Also is there one of the original HDMI or USB cables superior for a one fits all solution?

or

b) or if a shall use USB hubs and HDMI switches.

Though HDMI cables are thick and long despite the consoles being mini and take much space. But it is more convenient and the sockets will be spared.

What option would you recommend or how do you set up.or manage your mini consoles?

Thanks!

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 3 months ago

[Starfox, NSW2] Did an hard route all medal run om expert | Some observations

That was a tough ride.

Especially Aquas, Area 6 and Venom 2 were hard.

- In general due to more enemies ot makes it a bit easier to score medals, Inthink it was the same on N64. On Zoness you don't even need to miss the search lights to get a higher score.

- Aquas and Area 6 were hard due to the energy being down quickly. The blue marine reloading for torpedos is annoying and I sometimes was not quick enough to restart so I started sometimes without laser upgrades.

- I had some trouble on Sector Y despite normal mode to finish the final the boss. I don't remember the shogun to return to his ship and sniper shoot you from there. Was this in the original? On expert it hits pretty heavy

- Sector Z is so much easier even on expert than on N64. There you only had very few of the space trash and it was not as visible and far away while you needed to secure all missile explosions to get the 100 points needed.

- Venom 2 without laser upgrades, I failed a few times although making progress but either I was too aggressive and suffered hits from Wolf while dogfighting other members to shoot them down or I could not save my own members (especially Peppy and Slippy).

I made it to Andross once but the final battle got me only a few points from 200 and it had taken too long to take Wolf down. Unfortunately no laser barriers to get some points in other than scoring in the battles with Andross.

In the final attempt where I made it I really got a good run with Star Wolf, rushing through most of them and luckily always getting the final hit in. When nissing a wing, you don't get much upgrades.

Left - Right - Left - Left, Right, Right seems to be good route as I got three items (laser, bomb and gold ring at the end).

Always cool to see Katt showing off some flying skills in the end and of course Slippy going 'Hi Bill' :)

What are your thoughts? Any comments, answers to my run or observations you have during your missions on hard route or on expert mode?

u/xperfect-darkx — 3 months ago

Thrice - Recommendations for similiar bands (earlier discography)

I really love Thrice's first three albums.

- Identity Crisis: a bit rough and unpolished but great energy overall and good mix of melodies and harsh tunes

- Illusion of Safety: their masterpiece and introduction for me of them. Front to back awesome lyrics, atmosphere and variety. Even 'Trust' (which I did not like that much, also with the acoustic version on a comp) has grown on me over the years

- The Artist in the ambulance: Very good album and gained them much more popularity due to the new label. But it misses the atmosphere of the previous album.

What are some similiar bands I can check out that either played that style around that time or newer bands that follow that path?

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 3 months ago

Vinyl with lyrics or tracklisting

A while ago I had purchased these vinyl re-releases from Sheet Happens Publishing. While they look sick, there is no lyrics sheet or even a track listing anywhere.

Is this with all Sheet Happens releases or just with these re-releases? Or something missing?

https://www.discogs.com/release/14535333-Protest-The-Hero-Fortress

https://www.discogs.com/release/14535303-Protest-The-Hero-Scurrilous

Of course bonus tracks are not always listed but that was the surprise to find that instrumental song on Scurrilous :)

I also got the Pacific Myth LP which has the art prints which sport the lyrics, credits etc. so I just wonder why they decided to go this way?

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 3 months ago

Perfect Dark OST - Physical editions and favorite track

Perfect Dark followed up.on Goldeneye's legendary OST. While they incorporated the Bond melodies in lots of them, Perfect Dark came up with a totally new direction.

Does anyone of you own eother the orginal CDs or the later released vinyl edition? Unfortunately I learnt that the vonyl.does not include Crashsite - which is crazy why they chose to exclude it as it is one, if not the best track....

Anyone know something about it or where to get the original OST cd? Discogs doesn't have it and prices are crazy for the vinyl...

My favorites are Crashsite, apparently, and Carrington Villa. But many others coming in close.

What are yours?

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 4 months ago
▲ 33 r/starfox

Regional order extras for Starfox?

I have my preorder placed and will receive a pin and patch set with it.

As I learnt that this is not worldwide: Are there any other country/region specific extras coming with an order?

I also hope for some Starfox releated items in the Rewards store as I got some nice stuff in the past for coins (mostly Zelda related). Unfortunately this reward programme does not get updated that often.

For anyone to check out: The offer is set at the Nintendo Germany store :)

https://store.nintendo.com/de-de/star-fox-000000000010019497?gad\_campaignid=21465626151&gad\_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAo5X46Cb29po0CMtoiFwuhnvv46fm&gclid=CjwKCAjw9NjRBhATEiwA\_p2J8RQxGIaGkccX53zF4bfkJZ8j55fAtQzMHqXWY5oTaZgYuyul-gK-rhoCARoQAvD\_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

u/xperfect-darkx — 4 months ago
▲ 50 r/n64

Multiple modded N64: Which one to keep?

I am considering to sell my modded consoles to make some space. Unfortunately I am torn between colors, features and connectors.

So here we go:

- Black (PAL): ultraHDMI (retroactive), ultraPIF (totally region free PAL+ NTSC US/JPN), Majora's Mask jewel, custom Majora's mask foil, example with custom silver controller or Hyperkin Wireless

- Golden (JPN): N64 Advanced (RGB mod with component cable by borti4938), ultraPIF (totally region free PAL+ NTSC US/JPN), Golden controller

- Blue funtastic (PAL): N64 Advanced (RGB mod with component cable by borti4938), light mod, blue funtastic controller

What do you think of them?

Any suggestions which one to keep? e.g. considering future TV setups (thinking about buying a Retrotink to have the option for future TV or just taste :)

My thoughts:

Analogue 3D purple - have not tried it yet, as it is a "funtastic" color, I thought it might be the exchange for the blue fantastic OG one. But besides the modern features I am not sure if I wanna go without any of the originals.

Golden looks cool and is kinda uncommon but RGB/component might be tricky in the future for TVs.

Black would be HDMI ready but besides the custom features it is the most regular one with the standard color.

Blue looks cool with the light mod but has no option to play other than PAL. Although I mostly played my few JPN/US cartridges via Everdrive/Summercart lately (e.g. VPW64/2)

u/xperfect-darkx — 4 months ago

AFI merch materials hats/caps

Does anyone know if the hats/caps are vegan? Unfortunately it seldom mentioned if there is wool used

​

I would figure that Davey or Jade would not allow merch to be sold that exploits animals but not sure how much control they take in these kind of things.

​

If someone already bought the Silver Bleeds... or Decemberunderground cap, pleaee let me know if Incan find out via the brand.

​

Thanks!

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 4 months ago

Retrotink 4k CE + switches/splitters

I am thinking of buying this but read the notice about only using certified HDMI splitters (does that mean switches as well?)

​

I want to add these consoles:

​

- N64 (Component mod)

- Ps2 (standard Scart - would buy e.g. a HDMI adapter (not sure which one) or via component?)

- Gamecube (Rgb scart but has Digital output so maybe a bitfunx scart adapter?)

- N64 (HDMI mod)

- Analogue 3D (HDMI)

- Dreamcast (HDMI mod)

- Switch 2 (HDMI)

- 4 mini console (HDMI mod)

If I understand correctly I can add one console per connector but would need a switch/splitter as soon as I have more than one of the same. So I would need up to eight HDMI slots if I set up everything else another way and at once (or Incould e.g. swap the mini consoles one at a time)

  1. Is that realistic? How do you handle this?

  2. If I buy a costly item like the CE which switch/splitter or also HDMI cables would be worth investing in to not accidentally reduce the quality of the CE?

  3. Also I am bit worried that the CE will overwhelm me with options and I already dislike fiddling with the options in the modded consoles, I just want to play with a good picture. But there seems to be no in between crappy adapters only or costly upscalers. What's your take?

​

Thanks a bunch!

​

​

​

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 4 months ago
▲ 2 r/ps2

Moving to HDMI only TV - Best options

As I might be moving to a new TV which only has HDMI I wonder what would be the best options.

​

My Ps2 has the original scart and I have a Kaico HDMI adapter (silver). With my current TV (Samsung LCD TV SERIES 6) I had problems though as the Kaico did not display it correctly (not sure anymore if it cut off or I couldn't have full screen). I changed to a component cable since then which works.

​

What are my options for HDMI?

Modding to HDMI or any better HDMI adapters if my current isn't working better with a new TV?

​

I also have a Gamecube with RGB scart if there is an option to connect both via a tool. All other consoles I own are HDMI ready/modded.

​

Thanks for your recommendations!

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 4 months ago
▲ 2 r/4kTV

Planning to buy new TV for gaming/retrogaming - Recommendations welcome

I have waited it out...but eventually I think it is time to buy a new TV.

​

I have one of Samsung's LCD TV SERIES 6, 37", Full HD, this one is around from back in 2008/2010.

​

Right now I have been using the TV for these retro consoles:

​

- N64 (RGB mod via component)

​

- N64 (HDMI mod)

​

- Dreamcast (HDMI mod)

​

- Gamecube (RGB scart)

​

- Ps2 (component or HDMI adapter by Kaico, but the latter seems to have problems with the correct viewport)

​

Any other newer ones like Nintendo Switch, Mini consoles, Ps3 are set via HDMI anyway

​

Three main issues:

​

- apparently most modern TV are HDMI only and sometimes only have few ports, like two (so a switch/board will be needed to not wear out these ports)

​

- while playing is important I don't want to buy e.g. two TVs to get an older one for solely playing - so a compromise would be good (but I will see if that plan works)

​

- I am always unsure if my current TV does make the best out of the modded consoles or gets in their way. With people having scalers or emulators, pictures/resolutions/text dispay seem so perfect which makes me question it

​

But maybe I have not witnessed a retro console with regular scart on a modern TV to be thankful for what's already improved ;)

​

Any TV recommendations for brands, sizes, switch boards or best ways how to get the non-HDMI consoles HDMI-able appreciated!

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 4 months ago

List of all features, moves and animations in recent hacks

I really enjoy the recent hacks of Houseparty Mixtape, NM Plus V3, BTBW and WCW Starrcade.

I know there were release notes, but mostly summarizing or giving the most important features (like e.g. Big Show in NM Plus).

Is there a list of all changes made somewhere? I am mostly looking for new moves and animations to check these out first when playing.

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 5 months ago

Hopesfall - The Satellite Years

I really like this album, its atmopshere and visuals. The intro track Andromeda is such a great opener into an album.with lots of variety.

What I wonder: what is the whole meaning behind it? Especially it is kinda creepy with the "satellite guys" looking dead or am I misunderstanding the artwork? Is there an overall theme throughout the album?

Also: Have you heard the remastered version of this - and which one do you prefer?

https://trustkill.bandcamp.com/album/the-satellite-years-20

u/xperfect-darkx — 5 months ago

Nintendo Store Belohnungen/Platin Coins

Ich habe gesehen, dass leider viele meiner Platinpunkte bald verfallen. In der Vergangenheit gab es viele Items, die gerne gekauft habe und hätte und wo es eher schwierig war schnell die Platin Coins zu sammeln, bevor die Belohnung nicht mehr verfügbar war. Und verlängern und weitersammeln kann man ja leider nicht :(

Das Belohnungsprogramm war mal einige Zeit offline bzw. es gab gar keine Updates. Jetzt kommen seltenst mal neue Artikel - ich glaube in anderen Ländern ist das wohl aktiver.

Weiẞ jemand etwas zu Updates, ob es z.B. Artikel zur Star Fox o.ä.geben wird?

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 5 months ago
▲ 1 r/Switch

Controller recommendations for Switch 2

Already owning a Switch - which controllers should I buy for Switch 2?

So I have a Switch and considering buying a Switch 2 (mainly now because of Starfox :)

I started on Switch with the official Gamecube-styled Smash Bros controllers, great for SSB or Mario Kart.

But I remember getting frustrated with it when playing things like the Tony Hawk 1+2 remake.

It worked wonders investing in a Pro controller. But the Switch 2 Pro controller is even more expensive!

I also considered buying that NSO N64 controller for Star Fox but as I don't plan on using NSO (as I have the original hardware) not sure if it is worth it. Got a 8bit do controller I bought for Analogue 3D though that might work for Switch 2?

So what are the best options. I didn't like playing with Joy cons for sure...

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 5 months ago

My hackchi hacked SNES mini has been working quite well for a long time. It is set up via the USB method.

I don't have many games on it (maybe 60, will check again), subfolders alphabetically. Save games worked until now, only maybe 6 active right now. I have set Snes9x 2010, not sure if for all games.

I have been on a Mario All Stars playthrough with SMB3 teying to beat every level.

Save game worked using the default by SNES mini, not the "cartridge saving". Yesterday I had quite progress but after returning to main menu to save it took time.

All the games were still there but no artwork (except Starfox 2 locked) and no saving possible. First C4 error when teying to save then C3 error.

I restarted the console. The previous game saves were there. I erased two save states from another game. Entering SMB3 save and saving worked. But afraid I'll be playing along again (those damn hard levels) and getting that issue again.

My questions:

1.) What causes this issue? I have plenty of space available on the USB? How many save states can I have? Is SMB3 a big game save? How can I avoid future issues without needing to reset the whole setup?

2.) Is an alternative to save via ingame saving (wgen available like with All Stars?)

3.) I know there is a retroarch menu with save state options (how can I open it as Start and select opens the ingame saving?) and does saving via Retroarch makes more sense than the default save states?

reddit.com
u/xperfect-darkx — 5 months ago