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Polymega Retro Gaming System

FrgMstr

FrgMstr

Just Plain Mean
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Polymega is currently what looks to be an idea around putting all your retro gaming consoles in "one" system that will use hardware modules that will emulate the old systems on its new console hardware. There are modules that support NES, SNES, Genesis, Neo Geo, Sega CD, and Playstation games. Not word about impending lawsuits are listed on Polymega's FAQ however. Thanks to Riccochet for the heads up!


POLYMEGA Element Modules provide you with an infinitely expandable library of classic game consoles in one tidy package that’s easy on the eyes. Just insert a module for a system you love, plug in a game and controllers and start playing using Hybrid Emulation technology. Supported Element Modules in the launch window will include NES, SNES, Genesis, TurboGrafx-16, and more.

It’s not an illusion. POLYMEGA features a built-in optical disc drive that can play your collection of classic disc-based games. Just insert a CD and start playing - no need for complicated configuration steps. It’s compatible with games for systems like PS1, TurboGrafx-CD, Sega CD, Neo Geo CD, and there’s more to come. So, why not invite some friends over to party like its[sic] 1999?
 
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Sounds like an awesome idea.

Regarding the legal question, they have this in their FAQ regarding support for the Nintendo 64:

Will POLYMEGA™ support Playstation 2, N64, Gamecube or the Wii?
We have no intention of supporting most of these systems at this time. N64 will be supported when we can confirm that it is legally viable to do so.

They also have this regarding a number of other systems:

Will there be support for 3DO, CDI, FM Towns Marty, GBA, Gameboy, GBC, Amiga CD32, Atari 7800, Atari 5200, Game Gear, Neo Geo MVS/AES, etc
We’d love to support them all on day one but there are many factors that contribute to the feasibility of supporting these platforms on POLYMEGA™. Some of those factors include availability of parts, demand / audience size, legal matters, and more. That said, our goal is to provide support for as many consoles as possible into the future so that gamers of all types can enjoy a modern experience with their system of choice.

http://polymega.com/frequently-asked-questions/

$250 for the base and $60 for each module. Seems kind of expensive, but I'd be down if it actually works as well as they're hyping.
 
Thanks for the post!

Yeah, cool concept. But the price is really a massive barrier to entry. At least for me.

So, on one hand I have $55 - $60 for a Pi3 B+, case, power supply and 16gb micro sdhc card

OR

$500 to $600.

And, there is actually already a 'hardware' based console emulator on the market you can buy now called MiSTer via 'cores' of many systems and consoles. You can even emulate a 486 PC at the hardware level if you're into old PC games. I use mine mainly for the Amiga.

https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Main_MiSTer/wiki
 
This is an emulator that plays original game cartridges and CD's, or allows you to purchase and download games. It's a plug and play device that works on modern TV's. I don't see that happening as easily on a Pi3. Nor do a lot of people want to deal with having to set up a Pi3, download bootleg rips and screw with settings to get those rips to work properly, if at all.

You're paying for ease of use and modularity.
 
Ok, now I have a better grasp on what they're trying to do. They actually play the original media. I knew that they interfaced with the controllers, and provided graphical conversion and scaling, but wasn't aware that they read carts, CDs, etc. Not that this fully justifies the pricing IMO, but it makes more sense now.

I still REALLY want to know what's in each module. Is it FPGA? Is it a general purpose setup like the Pi plus interfacing for the media and control?

Cool idea really.

I have PCs everywhere I look at home, so I love the convenience and archiving ability of software emulators, but I could see this being really cool for someone who's maintained a large physical library over the years.

Edit: Hmm... So the base unit seems to handle the bulk of the load. The games actually play off of its storage, after they are ripped from the module. (though I guess they could be played from original media as well) I read that the module is only needed to get the game to the base unit, and to use the original controllers if that's desired. The processing is in the base. Interesting. It also uses encrypted storage, so you can't just copy ROMs onto it from a PC or whatever. They have to be dumped legitimately from physical media. (or run from it) That obviously takes care of the possible legal issues.

Interesting concept. Not something for me, but cool anyway.
 
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Neat! Doubt any of my old SNES/NES carts work anymore though. And I believe PS1 titles I can just drop the disc into my PS3 so... for the price no thanks.
 
I think it looks amazing, but with a few IFs. One, IF you have a large physical media collection. It's nice way to clean up your console mess. Maybe store your original units, use this to dump images, so you can also protect your old games. Two, IF you're not the creative tech-savvy types like people around here, and don't know how to set up an emulator, build a Pi setup, dump or acquire ROMs, set up multiple controller types and schemes. Three, IF you have plenty of money, don't really care too much, and want something cool to attach to your TV to play some old games on with your friends once in a while, and also like little conversation pieces like this.

Otherwise, I think most of us have other methods for doing all of this. My Shield TV does an amazing job of being an all-in-one emulation device in a small space. Of course there, you've got some potential legal things going on. Some of us care, some don't. :D
 
So...a significantly worse solution then Retroarch?

Seriously, most CD based consoles can have their CDs read natively; and it's not like USB modules that can read classic consoles are that hard to find. Whats the purpose of specialized HW to do what a PC can already do?
 
Ease of use, man. We pay a premium for convenience all the time. You assume that the masses know how to, or really care to, bumble with emulators, settings, special software to make controllers work properly, know where to download roms, or are even PC enthusiasts. They aren't. They want to buy something and have it work as seamlessly and easily as possible. It's why console gamers out number PC gamers by a huge margin. Plug it in, insert game, update, play.
 
Cool idea for those that still want to use the cartridges. I'll keep my hacked SNES Classic, though.
 
Comixbooks said:
I have MAME on USB
Click to expand...

My emulator collection won't fit on a USB stick. :p

Well, it would, but I'm not willing to pay what one would cost for this amount of storage. When the 512GB ones come down a little bit, THEN I will have all of my emulators on a flash drive.
 
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