Move over SNES Classic Edition, Genesis Flashback HD is coming!

[NintendoKing]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k1jd9RCx4wM&feature=player_embedded

Okay so I was excited about SNES Classic but then I saw Sega had one planned as well. A Sega Genesis Flashback HD (built as a half sized original Genesis), with 85 built in games (which includes not just Genesis but also Master system and Game Gear titles), video filters, stereo sound, ability to play original cartridges, rewind feature (to allow you a second attempt at a hard part) and save slots for games (including your cartridges). It also includes two controllers!

Oh my gosh!! Genesis does want Nintendont! These are the same price as the SNES Classic also.

[Protoman]

Yeah but it's made by ATGames and they don't make the highest quality stuff

(on the other hand we pretty much know this one won't be made in too small numbers on purpose to drive up demand...)

[NintendoKing]

Sega has tossed them money this time around for more profit in their pocket. So rather then a crappy SunPlus cpu, it's now built on an ARM Chipset with android. So it's actually awesome, did you watch the video? They also made a brand new emulator, so it's not the same old junk like before but a much more authentic experience, and I think it's gonna be awesome!

[L___E___T]

 



OK reviews are starting to pop up online.  Sadly it looks like their track record is continued, and the potential has not been fulfilled.

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2017/07/29/sega-genesis-flashback-review

At 80 dollars, I couldn't recommend this to anyone I know.  A missed opportunity and a real shame in my opinion, but no surprise...

[NintendoKing]

So it's was mostly related to the lack of good games, but Sega Genesis games are cheap (so anything not included could be bought since it has a cart slot). I am personally not bothered by minor pops in the sound and a little slowdown (the actual Genesis had slow down issues), so I am still interested.

Sonic the Hedgehog always lagged bad on an official Genesis, and that's why it's a popular mod to overclock the Sega Genesis. Maybe the emulation was to authentic? Lol

I want it for the save and rewind features also because HD sounds great!

[L___E___T]

 



I don't want to sound too down on it - because yes if you don't care about the flaws then it might be just fine.

But the tech issues aren't lag and slowdown, it's choppy video and that's a shame.  I loved that the NES Classic Mini had really nice emulation, with picture options and great picture quality, this doesn't live up to that sadly.

Regarding the lack of games, it sounds like licensing issues to me - I suspect Yuzo Koshiro has a stake in those titles and they couldn't, or didn't want to sort out a deal for them.  For the reviewer, it doesn't fulfill the nostalgia which is a fair comment.  The NES mini didn't have everyone's favourite games, but it had a great spread still.

I considered getting one and using the case if it wasn't great, but for me the case is also not so good with various changes to the design and some unusual design choices.

That said I don't want to be too hard on it as it may fulfill what some people are looking for.  $80 is a lot though, so not an easy sell.

[NintendoKing]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aOJU-H1GCWE
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qqonOoqAiMU

These reviews conflict with the one posted by IGN which takes me back to the question of, did the other reviewer just want to make it look worse?

I think I'll take the review of people who own these classic systems to compare over some site.

[L___E___T]

 



I'm sure you can find good reviews out there, there's always some subjectivity of course with any review.  But regretfully, most reviews have been quite negative.

I don't think there's anything to suggest IGN haven't been impartial - they're one of the biggest games media sites and are reputable, so I wouldn't simply discount their review because it was mixed.  
And they do have a Genesis in the office to compare so that shouldn't be a concern.  To see some positive reviews is encouraging, but I always read the comments and there's some distrust there.

The cart slot is handy and I like the scanline options, but I think something like this lives or dies on the quality of the emulation really.  
Product design differences aside, that's the only thing holding me back from getting one myself.



[ UPDATE ]

Apparently the units sent out for review have faulty software, so replacements are being sent out.  This should fix up the software issues, and is welcome news.
http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/08/03/mega-drive-flashback-review-units-were-faulty-maker-says

[NintendoKing]

That is extremely good news! I was actually hoping that they released these early models to use people as buggy beta testers! I am now excited again as I was starting to feel sad.

[L___E___T]

 



I could detect some disappointment for sure, I know you wanted to believe, fingers crossed they can deliver quality.

There's also THIS though, in case you don't quite get that confidence back from the Flashback:

https://youtu.be/OKxamK2WwdM

[NintendoKing]

Okay it's pretty nice but I really wanted the AtGames system for the save ability and rewind. Though that clone was nice, let's just hope AtGames fixes their consoles issues (some reviewers may have gotten the updated one as the two people I posted said it was great. Maybe theirs were the upgraded ones?).

[NintendoKing]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UGIIzy-p6Dg

The preproduction issues were fixed and now it's awesome! I'm glad they fixed it properly.