Retrode is a USB adapter for legacy video games that allows the use of cartridges and game controllers with the emulator. Technically, Retrode can be considered a ROM dumper because it can make copies of cartridge contents. Unlike most such devices, Retrode can be operated without any special drivers or software under the most popular operating system. It further allows the emulator to directly access game data through the file system, eliminating the need to create a ROM image as a separate step. By default, Retrode comes with a cartridge slot and a controller port for the SNES and Sega Genesis systems (also known as Mega Drive); support for cartridges and controllers for other systems can be added via a plug-in adapter that users can purchase online or create themselves.
Video Retrode
Histori
The device was originally conceived by Matthias Hullin in 2009 during a discussion of a USB accessory in the user forum for Pandora's handheld gaming console. Hullin prototyped the principle of operation expected by the edge connector cable to the evaluation board AT90USBKey runs custom firmware, and prepares demonstration video. After receiving significant coverage through various press outlets, Hullin developed a proof-of-concept (working title "snega2usb") into a product that was later produced by UG Retrode in Germany. UG Retrode stopped producing Retrode in summer 2013. Retrode is licensed for OpenPandora GmbH in Germany and available again since March 2015. Retrode from 2015 is a second hardware revision.
For each of two hardware revisions, the transition from prototype to mass production is enabled through crowdfunding (pre-ordering). Comprehensive writing by Retrode users documents the project history.
Maps Retrode
Technical properties
The Retrode is based on Atmel AVR microcontroller (AT90USB646) with integrated USB interface, connects to cartridge slot and game controller port via GPIO pin of microcontroller. This updated firmware is based on the LUFA library by Dean Camera, and is developed primarily by Hullin with the help of multiple users.
The device is mentioned as a composite USB device consisting of USB mass storage endpoints and one or more USB game controllers. Access to cartridge content (usually the ROM chip with the game itself and optionally SRAM supported battery to store the game progress) is provided via a file on USB media. A number of device parameters can be edited via a configuration file.
The first commercial version of Retrode featured an aluminum profile enclosure with two slots to accommodate SNES and Sega Genesis game cartridges. The internal soldering pin allows the user to retrofit up to four ports for the SNES controller. The successor model, Retrode 2, uses a plastic enclosure with a dust cover, and has four installed control ports - two for each system, SNES and Sega Genesis.
Supported console
See also
- Game backup tool
- ROM image
- Pandora (console)
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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