AVS (HDMI NES) by Retro USB! - Adam Koralik

It's Adam Koralik here and today we're discussing the AVS by Retro USB. It's a (relatively) new NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) by Retro USB. Unique in that it uses an FPGA instead of original hardware or NOAC/emulators as per your typical after market console. Check it out!
Buy/Update: www.retrousb.com/product_info...
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[@trevorbozeman]

I don’t care how long a product is out or if I’ve heard everything about it, I still really enjoy your take on this type of stuff. A great video Adam!

[@rickvug]

I'd love to take the guts of the AVS and put them into the shell of an actual NES. Part of the fun of a retro gaming setup is simply seeing all of the old hardware sitting there, ready to go. Functionally the AVS is perfect, aesthetically it isn't working for me.

[@jackodell8497]

Whooooaaaa never thought I would see Adam using a third party console! Great video ; )

[@jman36x]

So glad you got to review this machine, I've had it for about a year and I was wondering what you thought about it. Definitely great to have a direct comparison to see how good it performs :)

[@RetroTechSelect]

Glad to see you cover the AVS. I absolutely love mine and it's been my primary way to play NES carts since it launched.

[@EmeraldLavigne]

Oh shit, I didn't realize you were at Portland Retro Game Expo! I would have said hi if I knew that... And if I saw you... And if we cross paths... And if I wasn't too anxious or shy to say hi... I'm glad we were in the same building together!?!

[@THE_VictoryPictures]

Greetings from Discord! Awesome machine, I like that they use a dashboard and that it's compatible with all regions. The games look amazing on it!

[@ItsTeeohh]

I've been pondering getting one of these consoles for a while now, so thank you for the opinion, Adam!

[@jam237]

I met you at prge when you were gonna get one and glad you got it and are enjoying it

[@AshleysBallistics]

i love the fact you go over different types of video outputs OTHER than composite, so many people just compare a new product to composite & its not realy helpful, nice vid adam ☺

[@Mchenrygames]

got mine last year and I love it, everything Ive thrown at it works just like the real deal

[@brpadington]

I have been waiting for these to get back in stock. I finally pulled the trigger and ordered one.

[@jeff97ish]

I got one of these quite a few months ago and really enjoy it.

[@shonofwar]

I finally ordered this unit and it's being shipped this week.

[@TheDeadman14]

A video by Adam and a video by Norm from Gaming Historian in the same day?! I'm in KZbin heaven.

[@akshatshah6806]

That punch out video was great

[@moorstring]

There he is! The Gaming Doohickey Guy! You should do VLOG about your gaming stash that you have accumulated so far.

[@ThePrimo80s]

Great video Adam, these consoles look fantastic.

[@rennievidjagameman2000]

Thank you for this, great review.

[@Hisjabberwock]

Love this product, excellent way to play NES/FC games.

[@jellyacc]

man that thing is beautiful lol wish i still had my collection

[@scottythompson940]

cool video hdmi nes retro usb talk adam

[@videogameobsession]

The Analogue NT Mini is also full on FPGA hardware emulation, but with the added analog output and 1080p video. It was also $549 new, and now selling on eBay for $1500. Mostly because it also plays around 20 other 8-bit cores. Analogue discontinued it likely because they want to market some of those free cores as standalone systems.

[@Dessan01]

Yeah I picked up a super NT earlier this year and it’s amazing, I really wish I’d known about the company when the NT mini was still available. I popped for an AVS and it’s great but would have preferred the NT (and would have been willing to pay the higher price tag). I reckon once they have got the Mega SG out, the next project will be a new, more affordable version of the NT. Either way won’t be paying 1.5k for a second hand one on eBay that’s idiotic lol

[@videogameobsession]

I hear ya. Kevtris is a genius with Verilog so the cores are extremely impressive, with cycle accurate emulation. I've owned both the AVS and the NT (original, not the Mini), but honestly I preferred the AVS, and ended up selling off my NT. There was very little difference between 720p on the AVS, and 1080p on the NT, especially when upscaling to 2160p (4K). I think the AVS might have looked a bit better. Most likely due to the 240p native resolution being a correct integer of 1080p and 2160p. For the price, the AVS is fantastic. It also doesn't have a "death grip" on your carts. :) I would have liked to own an NT Mini mostly for the 20 other 8-bit cores that Kevtris gave away for free, but with the MiSTer gaining a ton of support lately, I think that will end up being the ultimate open source multi-core FPGA system. Oh, and I also like. The style of the AVS. I grew up with the original NES in '85, and I really like how Brian modeled it after both that, and the original AVS Nintendo prototype. I often leave the Everdrive N8 in there so it's also nice to have it all hidden inside and free of dust. I also thought it was weird that the interpolation option was removed from the Mini. Ironicly around the same time it was added to the AVS. Now I can run the AVS the way it looks best and not have the shimmering artifacts on fast scrolling games.

[@videogameobsession]

@fiveoheye I don't think Kevin will do that while he's with Analogue. They have 2 more systems in the pipeline, and surely more after that. I could see the MiSTer getting cartridge adapters before Kevin does it. They already have adapters on the way which will connect just about all of the popular controllers (including light guns). I assume the "Analogue 8" may be the replacement for the Nt Mini. Probably in a similar (cheaper) plastic shell, and with the 20 or so 8-bit cores. That may be the closest we see to a Zimba 3000. Perhaps in a few years, when all of the major Analogue consoles have been released, we may see something which does a combination of them.

[@mackenzielopez8465]

It would be really sweet if you get the chance to review a Mega Sg when those things start coming out. I'm too scared to commit to buying these fancy modern FPGA systems without seeing a review and you're totally the guy that would kick ass at doing that.

[@marconius1341]

Would love to see a comparison with gameplay footage of this with playing nes games on the snes with those adapters like super8.

[@wornout_joystick]

I love my avs. I have asked the guy if there is a way for us to add your own color palettes but he said no. He said maybe later in a future firmware update.

[@supermariof0521]

Hopefully there is a way to unscrew the cartridge lid, so that way there will be less tension for the Famicom Disc System wire.

[@diegogamarra9409]

interpolation is used to avoid shimmering artifacts

[@videogameobsession]

Light gun games do work on it, even with HDTV (LCD, OLED), but you have to modify the roms with IPS patches which give the light gun a bit more time to detect the light from the display. The NES Zapper also doesn't work very well with it, but there is a $5 clone on Amazon that works very well with it.

[@kevin_lee_music]

Any specific ways to get those patches?

[@videogameobsession]

@@kevin_lee_music neslcdmod.com/

[@LegendaryGamer1947]

Good video love your videos.

[@FlintG]

Looks amazing. I would really consider getting one but don't have that many nes games lol. Might as well get an everdrive for it.

[@richardfosterII7575]

I am buying on today thanks for your review. Love that it plays famicom and European nes games amazing. Cool that it plays famicom disk system games too even though it fits weird. But I want the sharp famicom twin for that eventually. Great video and cheaper and better than getting my modded for rgb.

[@jeff97ish]

I recently got the AVS. It's an excellent console!

[@dravenlee4473]

AVS is totally worth it if you are an NES fan and want to play on a modern TV. Yes, you can emulate but if you care about accuracy and perfect sound, FPGA and the AVS or Analogue NT are perfect. FPGAs are magic.

[@NicB-Creations]

I need this.

[@emerickscott]

my AVS is amazing. Can't recommend it enough. Initially I had to wait for a long time since there were chip shortages, but now it's pretty readily available.

[@defunctchannel942]

Good video!

[@zacharyhawkins1322]

Hey i know you said you dont care for clone consoles or the retron line have you got to test out the new retron hd or the supa retron hd i have the supa and i feel iys the best clone i have played personally i have had other clones that were duals with nes and snes and i have other just nes ones but the supa has hdmi and is region free i have not had any issues other than depending on what tv i use ther be a flicker on the start screen or a line of no line on the top of the screen i know this console you are showing and the analogue system are better i just wanted to know if you have seen or tested the retron hd or supa retron hd?

[@MichaelDBaker]

In the jump from the stock NES to the AVS at 13:09 it appears that the aspect ratio from the AVS is wider than a stock NES. Is there a way to get the aspect ratio that you get with original hardware without introducing shimmering artifacts when the screen scrolls (i.e. via interpolation as seen in the Analogue Super NT)?

[@AdamKoralik]

Honestly, that could be any number of factors. Capture hardware, capture software, editing software, rendering process, in addition to actually just being possibly different.

[@Lorfarius]

Did you have any problems with the Game Genie codes? Just picked one of these up a few days ago but it never seems to load the codes or show them on the code input screen. I've even tried different region carts of the same game (Mario 3) with no joy.

[@AdamKoralik]

No, but I can't say I tested it extensively.

[@madfinntech]

I have an Analogue NT, the one with real NES hardware and love it! I don't like emulation at all but this FPGA hardware simulation I approve somewhat because it's accurate enough and can be done without the original hardware. I just wish they did more systems with this concept. Well, there is now Analogue NT mini (NES), Analogue Super NT (SNES) and Analogue Mega Sg (MD). I wish I could afford to buy all of them.

[@gilliland426]

they do have a device you put on top of the newer tv so you can use the light gun but i don't remember what the name of it is!

[@Tongster84]

This is awesome

[@BenjiDWJ]

Awesome video as ever Adam 😁 I continue to tremendously enjoy the way in which you go through and give a structured & well-balanced analysis/argument while also taking the time to further explain and justify your reasons for your opinions and conclusions. Admittedly I sadly missed out on both the NES & SNES generations of game consoles as I wasn't born until '91 so I grew up with the PS1 & PS2. However, with that being said, after watching this video my interest has definitely been piqued in the very distinct possibility of picking up an AVS after the Christmas holidays. Quick question: you mentioned at the beginning of the video that the majority of the aftermarket retro consoles have been pretty terrible. Assuming that you've had some hands-on time with both systems I just wondered what your thoughts are overall on the NES & SNES Classic Edition consoles?. As someone who simply just wishes to play and try out the games from the respective console generations are they a solid/worthwhile way of someone dipping their toes in so to speak in your humble opinion?.

[@AdamKoralik]

They're well made for what they're supposed to be, but as they don't support actual cartridges, I have no interest. If they did...some how...that'd be another story.

[@jorgepalomares8025]

let me give my experiences with these. I grew up in the 80's and have the original nintendo and also bought super nes and nes classics. Some games don't need that little-lag problem. But some games need to be more exact on that. Those classic systems are bad for some games like Megaman, Wizards and Warriors III. For some games you need to be more accurate and the lag on those classics sometimes is too much.

[@gilliland426]

i love the nes and snes usa and japan consoles and games.

[@Ohem1]

How's the accuracy and input delay? Super NT is effectively a "perfect" SNES with no input delay, is this AVS unit the same?

[@AdamKoralik]

I certainly didn't have any issues.

[@gregjarvis1232]

I knew Adam was going to say this is how he's going to play nes games now

[@skylar_gray]

The analogue series also used an fpga

[@thedarkknight100]

I Really Want An AVS Now

[@Skynyrd158]

does it come with games preloaded on it or can you put roms on it or is it cartridges only?

[@AdamKoralik]

Cartridges.

[@joshuaharper4439]

Hi there Adam can you tell me is there a difference between the ABS and ABS advance on the website it just says AVS but on Amazon it says AVS advanced is this the same consul do you know is there only one AVS consul please let me know because I’m getting ready to buy one and I didn’t want to buy the wrong one if there is more than one I greatly appreciate it

[@AdamKoralik]

Sorry, not sure. :/

[@retrogamerfan123]

You should look into modding your n64 with the recent hdmi mod brings all your n64 games to like and upgrades them to 1080p with no drawbacks

[@AdamKoralik]

I keep hearing how mixed it actually is. A lot of people say it's basically on par or slightly better than an RGB modded one.

[@jimreid5]

It's great, I heard.

[@videogameobsession]

This system is hardware emulation. As opposed to systems like the NES Classic, Retron 5, Raspberry Pi, etc.. Which are software emulators.

[@854Z]

dope

[@gregjarvis1232]

G'day Adam, What is the best Component Cable to use for pal Xbox 360 I need it for Hitman Absolution! seeing as you are the expert on cables please answer this as I have asked a number of times now....and sorry if I came a cross as a complainer Thanks Greg

[@kevin_lee_music]

I'm not Adam, but if you're going for component, always try to get the official cable. Almost always gives you the best results. Check eBay, I'm sure you can get it for a reasonable price

[@cyo_corner]

will you review the NT Mini, Mega SG or Super NT?

[@AdamKoralik]

Would if I had them.

[@zanychelly]

That’s an interesting piece of hardware. you know, going forward, those hardware magicians, perhaps could someday do the same with disc based consoles. I would like Fpg versions for the PSX , Saturn, Dreamcast and maybe Ps2

[@jorgepalomares8025]

you can play Dreamcast games off an SD card.

[@Charlie97L]

The dev costs on these would be immense, and the FPGA's aren't powerful enough... I think PS1 is likely. Beyond that, probably not feasible at this time.

[@zamietu29]

Is there an option to change audio to stereo sound

[@AdamKoralik]

Possibly? I don't recall audio options, but I could be wrong.

[@datunes]

Just waiting for that cleaning my PlayStation Classic video...

[@AdamKoralik]

Ha, step one, trash can. Step two, done.

[@marcinkrupinski3782]

Adam, do You know that Famicon lasted in Poland as a mainstream gaming machine till 1994/96 and was replaced by PS1? No 16 bit consoles era at all.

[@AdamKoralik]

Wasn't it like some weird Russian knock-off version? It was my understanding that Nintendo "officially" had no presence there.

[@Agamemnon2]

Dendy was a Famiclone that was very common in Russia, but Wikipedia tells me it was actually made in Taiwan and just imported and marketed there.

[@marcinkrupinski3782]

@@AdamKoralik it was a copy made in Taiwan. Consoles were sold under "Pegasus" brand. Russian version is another story.

[@T_M_T_9]

noice video

[@WhiteJarrah]

I don't suppose you have a second revision NES top loader to compare with? Those models have a redesigned board so that the RF is much, much cleaner. Even beautiful. Some of them even have am AV multi out, though those are rarer. But generally speaking, the redesigned board makes it much easier to get clean composite video out through modification. All the PAL NES toploaders had this redesigned board.

[@AdamKoralik]

I have the RF model. But recording RF is brutally annoying.

[@WhiteJarrah]

@@AdamKoralik The original board or the revised board? The latter doesn't have the infamous jail bars. Here's a capture test I did with my PAL unit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmKwaKmilKqjpqc

[@TijlDaelemans]

I can't believen you don't have a crt 😱. Zapper games are all I play on my Nes these Days 😅

[@gooseygoose604]

playing mike tysons punchout on a crt vs avs I've heard it will play the exact same. if I knew that were true I'd go for it, as I do the frame perfect puncing on tyson.

[@theshadowman1398]

Quite a cool thing. Now if only they would release a similar thing for N64 I will be all over it.

[@pelgervampireduck]

looks like it's what the nes mini should have been.

[@leninrain4838]

What about 5th generation pcfx you have one right

[@AdamKoralik]

Yeah.

[@NeonPizza80s]

I still think playing the OG NES with an RF Cable on a 27" 90's CRT is overall the best way to fly. The softer image from RF smoothens out the 8-bit pixelArt and makes everything look more natural, organic and cartoon-like aesthetically, and because it's CRT the motion clarity is blur free and obliterates anything currently on the market. :P Composite all the way for NES & GEN though.

[@AdamKoralik]

I mean, I don't agree at all, but as long as you're happy!

[@NeonPizza80s]

@@AdamKoralik It's impossible for me to get hit with that nostalgia playing 8-16 bit games in HD on a modern OLED display. :p But it's still a neat way to preserve and experience NES(etc) in a more modern fresh way. We all have our preferences, but one thing that isn't subjective is in fact CRT motion. It's amazing. Even the best QD-OLED's on the market can't claim to be motion blur free. That's sample and hold motion for ya. :P

[@Infernitysx]

are you showing AVS using the m-cable in the footage there?

[@AdamKoralik]

No, no point as it doesn't do anything with it.

[@Infernitysx]

@@AdamKoralik ok, i have an m-cable, should i utilize it rather than not? is my real question I guess

[@AdamKoralik]

You can, it basically has no effect on 2D content.

[@Alienform51]

Adam I believe the analogue NT is also FPGA based not actual hardware.

[@DuckAlertBeats]

Those US carts are way too big lol too grey too ;)

[@corsegerspwnd]

srsly for anyone on the market for yet another fpga based console atm google MiSTer this thing has the potential to do it all . as its basically a a FPGA based console with many cores. and it is getting more and more

[@Darker06]

Please upload how to clean ps4

[@RhysPitman94]

i don't see the purpose of the original NES model after the top loader was released, i would be pretty paranoid about using cartridges on the original model considering how difficult it is to insert them.

[@AdamKoralik]

Well, for years, the original design still offered a far superior video output option.

[@RhysPitman94]

@@AdamKoralik i was unaware of this, so i can understand purists opting for the orginal hardware, however from a casual's point of view it's the top loader all day alot more accessible and for me a slicker design it's superior to it's predecessor for this reason in my opinion

[@mitu123Copper]

@@RhysPitman94 Top loader can only do RF though, so it had worse video quality than composite even. Plus for capturing game footage it would be tough to use a top loader since capture devices don't do RF these days so the best way to capture from a top loader is to mod it, preferably for RGB over composite even.

[@leninrain4838]

Finish the 4th generation you forgot Neo Geo CD

[@NeonPizza80s]

I think I'm finally done with using CRT's for retro gaming. I'm gonna miss that incredible blur-free motion clarity, but eh. You can't recreate the past no matter how hard you try for numerous reasons stated in that one MyRetroLife 'Why I sold my collection' video by Tyler Esposito. It's never the same, even on the original hardware. Plus CRT's from the 90's, for those that want authenticity, have all aged. Brightness, colours and black levels etc all fade over time, due to the internal guts getting old and having tons of hours poured into them for over 2 decades. The only type of CRT I'd ever consider at this point if CRT was my only option, would be another 2005 Sony WEGA Trinitron with low hours. But maybe by modernizing the NES, for example, with the 'AVS', combined with a a wireless 8bitdo N30 2.4G NES controller, hooked up to lets say a new 55" QD-OLED (Think, Samsung S90C/S90D) and possibly even an EverDrive N8 Pro for convenience, while also saving money, and making that a part of your modern living room set up might breath new life into the NES, including the SNES + SGB, GEN & TGFX with those Analogue HD consoles. Total bummer that the Super Nt & Mega SG are going for about a grand CAD, brand new off eBay. AVS & Duo are the most affordable at the momento! :P Doubt Analogue will restock the Nt & SG, guess i'll have to pony up 2 grand. Sigh.

[@The-Fishkeeper]

It's not quite an authentic enough experience for my taste but it is a really cool machine.

[@The-Fishkeeper]

@Attack of the Pixels I didn't mean in terms of game payback. I mean that it's simply not entirely authentic NES hardware and is not an officially licenced Nintendo product. I'm very much a purist when it comes to that sort of thing.

[@falseicon]

I live your videos, but damn. Looking at your title cards have you never heard of png?

[@AdamKoralik]

: Shrugs. :

[@Lucas_van_Hout]

2:30 yes, but actually no, but actually yes…

[@bricethompson1922]

If I used a DAC to convert it into a rgb signal for my crt would that work? The idea of buy a rgb modded nes and famicom sounds daunting to my wallet

[@AdamKoralik]

Never attempted that

[@oogrooq]

Damn adam, are you like 5'2?

[@AdamKoralik]

5' 10" actually.

[@bogus9424]

hey you I like you.

[@bonesjackson81]

Oddly late bruh. I've had one since launch and it hasn't disappointed. A bit convoluted trying to update the firmware but its been great and much cheaper than the overpriced Analogue. Good you finally got around to it.

[@AdamKoralik]

Fairly certain I acknowledged that sir. Thanks.

[@bonesjackson81]

@@AdamKoralik No need to get snippy. I commented before I watched.

[@AdamKoralik]

@@bonesjackson81 I wasn't, sorry if that's how it came across.

[@bonesjackson81]

@@AdamKoralik Appreciate you clearing that up. Enjoy the AVS

[@AdamKoralik]

[@Fulthrotle73]

The price was right.

[@nationharris]

Comment #5!

[@GenOner]

I should know this by now but those 2 seconds of no sound and no video at the beginning of the intro always gets me , always wonder " did i hit play ?" " is it lagging" , nothing against you just saying.

[@joeyDHARMA83]

anybody notice adam's tmnt3 skills? played that game with a loft of friends who were shitty player 2's. lol. wouldn't have to carry adam... haha

[@AdamKoralik]

Ha, that's the demo of the game.

[@TheIrishBub]

Early! Edit: First comment, if that matters.

[@gatestonelandlord3610]

HI folks - trying the console for the first time and my controller doesn't work in games (but does work in the menu).... I'm using original original NES controller in port 1. Thanks

[@AdamKoralik]

That's a new one. I take it you're using the Retro USB? Are the controllers original or after market?

[@gatestonelandlord3610]

@@AdamKoralik original NES (model NES-004); sent an e-mail to retrousb support, but haven't hard back yet. Thought perhaps others came across this issue?

[@AdamKoralik]

@@gatestonelandlord3610 Hm, did you update the firmware?

[@gatestonelandlord3610]

@@AdamKoralik I'll try that - thx for suggestion.

[@gatestonelandlord3610]

Hey so it works after the firmware update - I figured they'd ship the latest firmware with the hardware, bit it had v1.0... lessons learned. Thanks again Adam.

[@TSUNAMIPOPPY247]

Why does Winston look blue lol!!!! That’s pretty funny/ wtf!!!!!

[@itscarlosg233]

55 minutes ago...

[@AdamKoralik]

Yes.

[@kevin_lee_music]

Did Did you just say "nintend" instead of intend .-.

[@TSUNAMIPOPPY247]

Ronald McDonald looks like penny wise scary!!!!! Lol!!!

[@vfletes1]

What it is...its just garbage... Owned this for about 4 years could never got it to work with any of my games..not one. Got about 60 games. Better of with the retron 5..games worked on that. Gave this to my son to played with it outside with his toys

[@AdamKoralik]

You're claiming your AVS just...didn't work? Did you contact them about this?