Retro collecting or virtual console?

[StarryNightshade]

I've been on a retro gaming/collecting kick for the past few months. Primarily PS1, but I also want to track down some SNES and N64 titles. I'm also planning on getting a WII U once I save enough money. With PS1 games, I have my PS3 and PS2, so no issue there. However, with the WIIU, there is the virtual console, where you can digitally download various retro games on the system; specifically NES, SNES, and N64 titles.

Since you can play retro games in the WII U's virtual console, is actually getting the physical systems and games really needed or worth it? Or would it really be best just to get the WII U and download the games one would want to play?

 

[Iti oj]

every thing is on the pc!

 

[Shadow Wolf]

The Wii virtual console isn't bad, but it's always better with the original. Or, that may just be me because I am very picky about the controller. But with just the virtual console alone, you miss out on quite a bit. But with the set up of the N64 having C-buttons instead of a C-stick, in many cases you are better off with the actual N64 versions. There's also a lot that you can't get on the virtual console, but many games it will be much cheaper on virtual console than buying the physical cartridge, unless you get lucky and catch a game sale, like I did when I got Final Fantasy 2 for five bucks.

 

[StarryNightshade]

every thing is on the pc!

Haha, no thanks. I'm actually not a big PC-gamer. I much prefer consoles and handheld controllers.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

every thing is on the pc!

Except the N64. It's there, but a royal pain to set up, change the settings per game, and then a ton of them don't really run that great any ways.
And you have to own a real copy for that to be legal, any ways. But it can definitely have it's advantages, such as a button to speed up the game, which removes the issue of Dragon Warrior being a painfully slow-paced game.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Haha, no thanks. I'm actually not a big PC-gamer. I much prefer consoles and handheld controllers.

With PC, you can just plug and play with the PS3 and XBox 360 controllers. If you graft a regular male-USB chord onto the end of an XBox controller (it's actually very easy and simple to do), all you need is the download the driver to use that controller on PC. You can also find some adaptors to use the real controllers on PC, although they can be a bit pricey if you don't make them yourself.
And with the program X-padder you can program the controller input as any keyboard or mouse input, making any game usable with a controller.

 

[StarryNightshade]

With PC, you can just plug and play with the PS3 and XBox 360 controllers. If you graft a regular male-USB chord onto the end of an XBox controller (it's actually very easy and simple to do), all you need is the download the driver to use that controller on PC. You can also find some adaptors to use the real controllers on PC, although they can be a bit pricey if you don't make them yourself.

I'm a complete tech-tard, so all of this just flew over my head. That, and I'm not a crafty person.

Plus, I have a Mac and not a Windows (yeah, I'm that person )

 

[StarryNightshade]

The Wii virtual console isn't bad, but it's always better with the original. Or, that may just be me because I am very picky about the controller. But with just the virtual console alone, you miss out on quite a bit. But with the set up of the N64 having C-buttons instead of a C-stick, in many cases you are better off with the actual N64 versions. There's also a lot that you can't get on the virtual console, but many games it will be much cheaper on virtual console than buying the physical cartridge, unless you get lucky and catch a game sale, like I did when I got Final Fantasy 2 for five bucks.

I'll more than likely get the physical systems and games for nostalgia sake alone; unless I can find a really good deal on the virtual store. That, and the way the WII U is set up seems a bit awkward. More so than the N64 controller.

Although I do find myself gravitating towards primarily looking for SNES titles.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Plus, I have a Mac and not a Windows (yeah, I'm that person )

I know Linux just lets you use them all (at least all that I have tried) without having to download any extra drivers. Mac I have no idea about. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft added some sort of "screw you guys" mechanism to the XBox 360 controller that makes it exceedingly difficult to set up and use on a Mac.

I'll more than likely get the physical systems and games for nostalgia sake alone; unless I can find a really good deal on the virtual store. That, and the way the WII U is set up seems a bit awkward. More so than the N64 controller.

My advice with controllers is to not get the cheap knock-off brands. I got one for my NES, and the button input literally would not input fast enough/keep up with the delicate, demanding, and sometimes rapid input of Punch-Out. I couldn't even beat Great Tiger with it because the controller wouldn't process the frequent pressing of the down button on the D-pad that is needed to not get knocked down by his special attack. And the one I got for the Gamecube has a rediculously short cord. The N64 one has very stiff and unresponsive buttons.

 

[Father Heathen]

You can get retro style game pads for the pc (like these: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1b4c/) and then download all of the roms and emulators for your favorite consoles of yesteryear.

In fact, you could purchase and modify Raspberry Pi Computer and do this: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/create-a-retro-game-console-with-the-raspberry-pi/

 

[StarryNightshade]

You can get retro style game pads for the pc (like these: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1b4c/) and then download all of the roms and emulators for your favorite consoles of yesteryear.

In fact, you could purchase and modify Raspberry Pi Computer and do this: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/create-a-retro-game-console-with-the-raspberry-pi/

I've considered emulators, but I'm just not entirely sure what they are. As mentioned before, I'm a bit of a tech-tard.

That, and I don't know if Mac would really work well with them (as much as I love my Mac, it's not the greatest for gaming).

 

[Father Heathen]

I've considered emulators, but I'm just not entirely sure what they are. As mentioned before, I'm a bit of a tech-tard.

That, and I don't know if Mac would really work well with them (as much as I love my Mac, it's not the greatest for gaming).

While I'm not familiar with the Mac, I'm sure that some emulators have been developed for the OS. Also, I can't really forsee emulation of old school consoles taxing your system.
Emulators are pretty easy to set up and run. You just download and install the emulator of your choice. Then download the roms (games) of your choice to the proper folder. Run the program, choose your game from the list, and then you're rolling.

 

[StarryNightshade]

While I'm not familiar with the Mac, I'm sure that some emulators have been developed for the OS. Also, I can't really forsee emulation of old school consoles taxing your system.
Emulators are pretty easy to set up and run. You just download and install the emulator of your choice. Then download the roms (games) of your choice to the proper folder. Run the program, choose your game from the list, and then you're rolling.

Huh, sounds a lot less expensive in the long run.

Also, with that link you posted earlier (about the controllers), you just plug in the preferred controller of choice into the computer and can play the ROM? Akin to a console?

Because, I feel as if having to play the game on a keyboard would be a nightmare.

 

[Father Heathen]

Huh, sounds a lot less expensive in the long run.

Definitely.

Also, with that link you posted earlier (about the controllers), you just plug in the preferred controller of choice into the computer and can play the ROM? Akin to a console?

The controllers have no associated software other than the drivers. You have to download the roms and emulators separately. Also, the designs are purely cosmetic. you could play a Super Nintendo emulator using a game pad that resembles a Sega Genesis controller if you wanted. Just make sure the game pad you buy has enough buttons for whatever systems you plan to emulate. For example, I wouldn't buy a NES usb controller unless you plan on playing only NES or gameboy roms due to the limited amount of buttons.

Because, I feel as if having to play the game on a keyboard would be a nightmare.

I play mine on the keyboard, but it is quite awkward if you're not accustomed to it.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

That, and I don't know if Mac would really work well with them (as much as I love my Mac, it's not the greatest for gaming).

I'm sure good ones exist for Mac, as they are there for Linux. But if you don't own the emulated system and ROM (the game), they are illegal.
And some of them can be a bit of a pain to set up. PS1 and 2 requires you to either dump the BIOS from the console, or download it and set up the graphic and sound settings, but there are many good guides to help. With the N64, it's such a pain it's just not worth it, and there are many games that do not run that great on them (I've even tried on my XBox).

 

[Nada]

I've been on a retro gaming/collecting kick for the past few months. Primarily PS1, but I also want to track down some SNES and N64 titles. I'm also planning on getting a WII U once I save enough money. With PS1 games, I have my PS3 and PS2, so no issue there. However, with the WIIU, there is the virtual console, where you can digitally download various retro games on the system; specifically NES, SNES, and N64 titles.

Since you can play retro games in the WII U's virtual console, is actually getting the physical systems and games really needed or worth it? Or would it really be best just to get the WII U and download the games one would want to play?

Old school game consoles are awesome.I used to love the Atari 2600 back in 1981.I have a PS1 and a PS2 with games like Tenchu,Apocalypse,Rush n Attack,Soul Reaver,Ready 2 Rumble,Metal Gear Solid and Odd World Abe's Odyssey.I also have a Nintendo NES with Super Mario Bro's,T&C Surf.I have a Wii but I hate it.Lol.. I am in the process of buying an original arcade game.Which, I do not know yet,but I was thinking about Galaga.The graphics and music is cool.If not that, maybe Elevator Action.When I get my popcorn machine it will be like the old days in theatre.

Ps.I used to love playing games like Tempest and Joust.

Pss.Phoenix was super cool too.The music and sounds are epic.

 

[dust1n]

The RetroN 5 plays Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Famicom, Super Famicom, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and Megadrive cartridges.

120 bucks I think. Retro consoles are stupidly overpriced, and retro games are stupidly overpriced at most game shops, especially when you can run a NES, SNES, N64 simulator and get every game that ever came out for free on emulators.

 

[Nada]

The RetroN 5 plays Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Famicom, Super Famicom, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and Megadrive cartridges.

120 bucks I think. Retro consoles are stupidly overpriced, and retro games are stupidly overpriced at most game shops, especially when you can run a NES, SNES, N64 simulator and get every game that ever came out for free on emulators.

I have one but it only has two slots for Nintendo NES & Super.

 

[StarryNightshade]

The RetroN 5 plays Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Famicom, Super Famicom, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and Megadrive cartridges.

120 bucks I think. Retro consoles are stupidly overpriced, and retro games are stupidly overpriced at most game shops, especially when you can run a NES, SNES, N64 simulator and get every game that ever came out for free on emulators.

And this thing works just fine, right? I might have to look into it.

I am looking into emulators and ROMs, but my issue is that they're (technically) not legal.

 

[dust1n]

And this thing works just fine, right? I might have to look into it.

I haven't used one before, but I hear that they work just fine. Still have to buy cartridges though, which can be expensive, especially for games everyone wants. Ocarina of Time of 64 can got for like 60 dollars sometimes.

I am looking into emulators and ROMs, but my issue is that they're (technically) not legal.

I suppose ROMS are technically illegal. Emulators aren't though.

Choose the system you would like to emulate:
Abandonware
Acorn Archimedes
Amiga
Apple ][
Atari 2600
Atari 5200
Atari 7800
Atari Jaguar
Atari Lynx
Bandai Wonderswan
Capcom Play System 2
Capcom Play System 3
Commodore 64 (Tapes)
Commodore 64 Preservation Project
Complete ROM Sets (Full Sets in One File)
M.A.M.E. - Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator
Miscellaneous
Neo Geo
Neo Geo Pocket - Neo Geo Pocket Color (NGPx)
Nintendo 64
Nintendo DS
Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Famicom Disk System
Nintendo Game Boy
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Nintendo Gameboy Advance
Nintendo Gamecube
Nintendo Virtual Boy
Panasonic 3DO (3DO Interactive Multiplayer)
PC Engine - TurboGrafx16
PC Engine CD - Turbo Duo - TurboGrafx CD
Philips CD-i
PSP
ScummVM
Sega 32X
Sega CD
Sega Dreamcast
Sega Game Gear
Sega Genesis - Sega Megadrive
Sega Master System
Sega NAOMI
Sega Saturn
Sharp X68000
Sony Playstation
Sony Playstation - Old
Sony Playstation 2
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
ZX Spectrum (Tapes)