Retro-Bit Retro Duo 2 in 1 Console System - for Original NES/SNES, & Super Nintendo Games - Silver/Black

My wife purchased this for me because I have misplaced the consoles from when I was a child. I had all of my old video games but could not find the consoles. I was a little hesitant at first, but this was amazing. The nostalgia I had when I played the very first game was outstanding! Some of the games even had progress saved from when I last played those games. It brought back so many memories. My teenagers even jumped in to play. Just make sure to get an adapter for today’s tvs since this will not connect directly to your tv if it does not rca. That was not an issue. I am already looking at second game nes and snes games to add to the collection. Must have for anyone that played nes or snes in the 90’s!

Only have tried one game works great, have more games coming

Great little convenient device.

First the positive. The best thing I can say about this system is that it plays SNES games pretty close to perfectly. Even Super Mario RPG worked which seems to be pretty hit or miss on a lot of these clone systems so right off the bat this gets major props for SNES compatibility. The inclusion of S-video is a nice option but on my HDTV I actually thought it made games look slightly worse so unless you have an older TV set this probably isn't a big plus though it isn't like you have to use it so the inclusion of S-video isn't a minus either. Also, the unit is compatible with original SNES controllers so you can actually control games as they were intended. The included controllers felt a little cheap but I actually didn't use them so as far as I know they might be perfectly good.In regards to NES playback things get a little bit more dicey but I'd still call this the best clone that I've used for NES purposes. Once again, compatibility is great and even Castlevania III worked which as far as I know doesn't work on any other clone systems. Also, major props to Retro-Bit for doing a good job of mapping the buttons of the NES to the SNES controllers. Some other clones I've used map A and B on the NES controller to A and B on the SNES controller which just ends up being awkward. The Retro Duo Twin instead maps A and B to Y and B (the two left most buttons on the SNES controller) and this ends up being a much more natural feeling placement than other systems have. It's a nice little touch.Some of the NES games that I can confirm worked on my unit are: Super Mario (1,2, & 3), Castlevania III, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2 & 3), Super Dodge Ball, Super Tecmo Bowl, Rainbow Islands, StarTropics (1 & 2), Rad Racer, Contra, Super Contra, Zanac, Kirby's Adventure, Kabuki Quantum Fighter, Goonies 2, and Robowarrior.Now for the negative which also mainly relates to the NES half of the unit. It's hard to describe but the NES sound just isn't "good". This unit doesn't seem to have the problem of other clones where the sound is off key but it is almost a little muffled/staticy. I wouldn't call it "bad" as some other reviews have but the problem is certainly there and I think it's just personal preference as to how much it will annoy you. A lot of music and sound seems to play back with no problem but certain sound effects and tunes seem to not play as clearly as they should. Very unusual problem. Keep in mind that this only seemed to be a problem with the NES sound as the SNES games sounded just right to me.Second, the color on the NES looks very faded. Things look like they're displaying in the correct color but it's all a bit lighter looking than it's supposed to be. This seemed to be a uniform problem and all of the games I tried displayed this issue.Also the construction of the unit itself feels a bit flimsy. Nothing was broken and everything seemed to work as it was intended but the unit just doesn't have a real sturdy feel to it. Still, it seems like as long as you take care of the unit it should hold up fine.Still, even with the negatives, I think this is a pretty good device. The SNES side is great and even with the problems present the NES side is fine for casual gaming. It definitely didn't stop me and a friend from having a few good games of Super Tecmo Bowl. It is also encouraging that this is the third hardware revision of this unit so it seems that Retro-Bit is actively trying to make improvements and it shows because I'd rate this above any of the other clones I've tried. With a little bit more work it seems like they'll have the NES side working perfectly and I wouldn't hesitate to give a potential future fourth revision a try especially considering the reasonable pricing on these things (another reason I won't knock it too much for the flimsy construction).

Great!

I will start off by saying that I have owned this system originally as a child and was thrilled to know that you could buy a 3rd party "new" system that could play NES and SNES games.Unfortunately for anyone who has purchased this system or wants to, it will be a short lived high.As most of the reviews point out this system is light, cheap feeling, and junk. It truly feels like a 20 buck system except its twice that on average.Remotes to me felt alright but functionally I really couldnt test them as the driver/emulator in mine was malfunctioning. Tried numerous equipment checks to make sure my setup wasnt to blame given I was using RYW splitter/ 1080p upscaler into my tv........but sadly it wasnt that. Went straight to tv with this thing with different AV cables even to root that out.Ultimately you can tell the hit or miss nature of it just by hitting that reset button and watching the screen come up with different artifacts/haze/bars/static each time and one in ten you get a nice picture.Unlike some reviews I actually had clear sound although when the video would stutter the sound would cut in/out but was the most consistent for functioning.Last gem of the system but one not really the nail in the coffin but a safety concern was that there was some sort of short in the AV cables provided as I could feel the current through the video cable when plugged in and I promptly replaced it with my own during testing.Ultimately I beg you to not to purchase this and find an original or mini and eat the extra cost. Its not worth the cheap feel and even if you get one that works 100% just pick it up like a good book between both hands and squeeze it and ask yourself "is this going to last me more than a year?".......but dont do it too hard because you'll crack the system.