2015 new RETRO Video Game System (VGS) console

[dsheinem]

I can't see anyone paying $30-$50 or whatever for a cartridge when the games on it look like $1 iPhone titles or $5 PSN games. That, coupled with the reasons Mike pointed out, make me think this is gonna be a big crash and burn.

Besides, prominently embracing any aspect of the Jaguar (a console renown for its failures) as the first impression people will have of your machine is just dumb. I mean, what happened, couldn't they find 32X or Pippin molds?

[BoneSnapDeez]

couldn't they find 32X molds?

Don't you have all of those in your personal collection?

But yeah - I can't imagine this succeeding. Who do they think will develop games for it?

[noiseredux]

I predict Bone's next sig will be "didn't you get a VGS, Neo Geo X and a Retron 5 at launch?"

[Exhuminator]

This thing won't even sell as little as the Ouya.

[dsheinem]

This thing won't even sell as little as the Ouya.

They are at least doing the right thing and building some interest before doing a Kickstarter. I think that the Kickstarter will tell them all they need to know about the potential success of the product, but I agree that I can't imagine it doing even Ouya numbers.

[Gunstar Green]

I just don't understand the need and not just as a gamer but for people who make games, especially those who want to make a profit. The only ones I can see really developing for it are the homebrew communities and wouldn't they rather continue making new games for their favorite retro consoles instead of this ambiguous new one?

I like old games and I like cartridges because I like the nostalgia and history attached to them. Something new that lacks that connection yet maintains the inconvenience of the old hardware just doesn't make any rational sense to me. The ends just don't justify the means.

That aside they're welcome to prove me wrong and I'd be glad to see it happen.

couldn't they find 32X molds?

Don't you have all of those in your personal collection?

I wish, if only so I could have the chance to bask in their glory.

[mjmjr25]

I like old games and I like cartridges because I like the nostalgia and history attached to them. Something new that lacks that connection yet maintains the inconvenience of the old hardware just doesn't make any rational sense to me.

This is where we disagree - to me, current gen is considerably more cumbersome and fragile. There will be a lot more N64 and SNES consoles alive and kicking long after the last PS3 and oXbox have died.

As for convenience - a cartridge is plug and play. A CD is, cycle through these options, click on the disc, "you must update to v 3.742 before playing, please go update now"...wait 10-minutes. Get in the game, "Watch this pretty picture (actually, we're loading data, but you think you're already gaming, see how clever we are)".

I am in the camp that would gladly pay $300 for a console and $100 for a well-made physical game. I think many are. The amount of gamers with disposable income is considerably more than it was when SNES and N64 games were selling millions of copies at $50/ea years ago. The issue is strictly doing it right - that is the hangup right now. If the system was aesthetically pleasing, with thick quality plastic, and they had developers making SNES powerhouse type games like Sunset Riders and Super Mario World - I would buy those 100 to 1 over the latest $30 steam download or $60 PS4 FPS w/no manual. The market is there - this isn't going to be the one to capture that market - at least not the way they sit right now.

[fastbilly1]

Inside is likely a Raspberry Pi2 or some sort of android board similar to the Ouya (audio wont work on the video for me so I dont know if he said what it is), hooked up to a proprietary cart slot and USB or for some reason a odd 9 pin connector. If they can get a good run of games on cart, I know several people who will buy it (depending on price). Something like Shovel Knight, Cave Story, or VVVVVVV would be perfect fits. BUT that controller they have in the pictures is trash. Pure, unadulterated, trash.

The game they showcased was pretty neat, I would love to give it a go.

[Gunstar Green]

I like old games and I like cartridges because I like the nostalgia and history attached to them. Something new that lacks that connection yet maintains the inconvenience of the old hardware just doesn't make any rational sense to me.

This is where we disagree - to me, current gen is considerably more cumbersome and fragile. There will be a lot more N64 and SNES consoles alive and kicking long after the last PS3 and oXbox have died.

It depends on what this is actually going to be. A simple and hardy piece of hardware of their own design or another Android box (likely because it's the easiest route for both inexpensive hardware and software) with a cartridge slot.

[Ack]

I watched the video and feel cautiously curious. I want to see more before making a decision one way or the other.