EverDrive N8 Pro Tutorial for 2022

[@Evercade_Effect]

Nice! It's good to see they keep improving devices like this for those you want to play on OG hardware without breaking their wallet.

[@RetroSho]

A few things I missed in this video: 1) In the first chapter, I give you various ways to mod your console for expansion audio if you are using a front or toploader NES. If you are unsure of modding your console, there are various modders and enthusiasts who can do it for you instead. I recommend it, even if these mods seem "simple". I also recommend moving closer to using Voultar's mod boards as they are properly attenuated. The older mods which use resistors will have variance and audio buzz is a common issue. 2) This video is based on the new version of the firmware that Krikzz released a week prior -- v2.13. Krikzz has confirmed that you can revert to v2.12 if you need to do so for any reason. Keep in mind you will lose the benefits of the improved cheat features and new mapper additions and functionality. 3) Make sure you are using an OEM or a TRIAD power supply so proper power is provided to the console to power it as well as the N8 Pro. Poorly rated and knock off power supplies will cause erratic behavior with the EverDrive (Thanks Jose!). 4) When not used for FDS games, the physical switch on the cart can be used in game to bring you to the in-game menu. 5) It is recommended by Krikzz to reset to the main menu AFTER saving to an FDS game. If you do not do so, the save data will be lost. 6) At 9:38 I say that the N8 Pro supports "all known expansion audio chips". This is incorrect -- the N8 Pro does not support NEC's µPD7755C or µPD7756C (Jaleco Games). It also does not support Mitsubishi M50805. These chips support ADPCM that is streamed to the cart. These games will play, but you will not hear the audio samples. 7) If you are playing on an NT Mini Noir (JB) with the EverDrive N8 Pro, you can let the Noir take priority and handle the expansion audio over the cart. You'll need to dial down the audio levels to 0 ("mute") on the N8 Pro, and then on the Noir go into Settings > Audio > Expansion Chips. Tick the boxes for the expansion chips you want handled. As the Noir recognizes the ROMs being loaded it will simulate the appropriate chip. Keep in mind that these settings cannot be saved to the Noir.

[@jeffhampton6972]

This is really helpful! Thanks for making it. :D

[@RetroSho]

You're very welcome! Hope you've been enjoying it!! 🔥

[@skins4thewin]

So much amazing info here! I would LOVE to see you make a video for each and every Everdrive like this! That would be amazing!

[@RetroSho]

Thanks man! I definitely would like to work on more of them as well as other things too. 🤔

[@skins4thewin]

Thanks so much for making this! I never would have known that the new firmware auto transfers your old saves! I was worried about that! I didn't know about the save file converter either. Thanks for that info! I also like your fancy way of making the N8 Fami work on your Toaster :D

[@RetroSho]

Haha, thank ya for the compliments. Even if the video is a couple of years late, I wanted to provide something of a comprehensive video since the firmware changed a bit over the last 2 years. And I do believe you are seeing Krikzz using his N8 Fami in his toaster. 😂

[@jonnielsen547]

Nice video, thanks! I've been putting off upgrading to the new firmware until I saw you demonstrate that saves migration is automatic. Also nice that you mentioned all those audio mods as prerequisites. I fully agree that Voultar's solution is the best!

[@RetroSho]

You’re welcome for it! The migration really is automatic, within a few minutes or so. It is a good idea to at least copy the folder over to your PC just in case. And I wanted to make sure people didn’t purchase the NES variant without knowing of that audio circuit. Voultar does come in clutch at times, doesn’t he? 😎

[@JonLeung1]

Would be nice to actually be awake, and at my computer or phone right when Krikzz announces they're back in stock...

[@RetroSho]

Bro, I know that struggle for real. I missed out too 💀

[@ScruffyLookinRGB]

Oh yeah spectacular job brother! Great timing with this video as my Fami N8 Pro arrived less than a week ago. Lots of things i didnt know about the N8. ability to use your save states across different devices is really cool. NSF function is also nice👌 Thanks for the lesson 👍🏿 As far as game suggestions go i recently discovered mighty final fight. A sweet fast paced beat em up but im sure you are already aware of it.

[@RetroSho]

You’re welcome brother! I have to add that small section to the description for saving states to other emulators! Thanks for that 🙏🏿 And the NSF player is great 😌 Mighty Final Fight is amazing!! I’ve known about it for many many years. It’s gotten stupidly expensive though in the states which is a shame 😤

[@skins4thewin]

Omg as soon as I heard they went Blue screen w the FDS BIOS I was like WHATT??? Oh HELL nah!!! Lol thank god we can replace it! Half the fun of loading up an FDS game is that iconic BIOS jingle!

[@OmegaAceGaming]

I'd love to pick up one of these carts someday 👌👌 Gotta keep that autoswap off to enjoy the greatness of some of these games ^_^

[@RetroSho]

Broooo! This flash cart is one of my ABSOLUTE FAVS. I consistently get a ton of use out of it. 🔥

[@OmegaAceGaming]

@@RetroSho i hear it's a real gem for homebrews, too!

[@RetroSho]

@@OmegaAceGaming Yessir it is! I’d say that is one of the best reasons to get one! 👌🏿

[@MrWhtgst]

I just got mine today first thing i did was try ff7 and all stars love the wii shop channel music in 8 bit

[@RetroSho]

Nice! That FFVII game is something else, isn't it? Theres also 2 or 3 versions of that game, all maade by bootleggers. The N8 Pro is one of my fav flash carts that I have ever purchased. 🔥

[@Enker]

Hello. I've trouble with this update, as the supposed automatic save conversion never happened. I just keep my empty folder gamedata + the previous saves one. Nothing to do, ly saves become useless and I need to rollback to my previous firmware in order to run my saves. Any idea ?

[@derekmalunow8962]

So I need a sd card reader? I was about to set mine up but I have the sd card in the cartridge and the cartridge to lap top.

[@RetroSho]

Hello! Yes, a micro SD card reader of some sort is needed. Look for a micro SD card bundle on Amazon that sells you the SD card and the reader together! Shouldn't be more than 15-20 USD.

[@MundoNintend0]

thanks brother @Sho for such an excellent video you are a crack

[@RetroSho]

Haha welcome brother! Enjoy! 😂😎

[@dahjord]

do the fds audio isnt perfect? i tried playing a fds game and one of them has a random horizontal flickering going on whats that about

[@RetroSho]

Hello! Sorry about the slow response! The FDS Audio is in fact not "perfect". However it's implementation is very good for most users. The horizontal flickering is an emulation issue. Hope this helps!

[@whatsupdot1]

Hey Sho! Loving your vids. Inspired me to get an FXPak and N8Pro. I'm wondering, how do you determine your folder structure for these? I'd like to get my library more organized

[@RetroSho]

Heya fuschia!! Appreciate the kudos! As far as the folder structure, it is generated from the HTGDB script. You can run the script and it’ll search your folder then arrange the games in a similar structure to what you see in these videos. Can find more about that here: github.com/frederic-mahe/Hardware-Target-Game-Database

[@crunchsixfoe]

How do you open the menu while in-game?

[@Knuxxie]

Can I ask what romset you used? I don't think I've found a more complete romset out there. Just got my n8 so I'm on the lookout.

[@RetroSho]

I use a rom set known as HTGDB. It’s no longer that hard to find! You’ll get almost everything looking for that one. However, I have a lot of special folders as well for extended testing.

[@DamianNoctem]

What happens if i dont do the audio mod to my front loader and try to run an FDS game? Will it still load juat without expanded sound or will there be a compatibility error?

[@RetroSho]

Yo! If you don't do the audio mod, that's fine! You just won't hear some of the audio in those FDS games, since the audio channel won't pass through to your system. You'll still be able to play the games regardless!

[@brandonhurst2188]

The crashing of the NSF player... Would a NES outfitted with a Zimba Labs - HiDef NES solve this issue. The Original N8 is what I currently have, and have to use a NSF to NES converter. Its tedious, but I can load a custom .nes file the program generates. I am so curious to see if the PRO can run all expansion chips at once with custom songs off the nets various chiptune sites.

[@derekmalunow8962]

I can’t reply to your reply. One more question, what’s the tiny button for on the N8 pro? Thank you dude

[@RetroSho]

@@derekmalunow8962 Not sure why it wouldnt let ya reply. 🤔 The tiny button is a physical switch that will allow you to get into the sub menu while you’re in a game. From there you can save or load states as well as access cheats, reset the game or exit to the main menu. Hope this helps!

[@derekmalunow8962]

@@RetroShohow does one exit a game and return to home list?

[@gabochoa553]

I have a question ,this flash cart could run the unlicensed rom of máster fighter 6?

[@RetroSho]

Hello! Unfortunately, Master Fighter VI' (Mapper 264) is not supported by the N8 Pro. 😩

[@skins4thewin]

Surely they could give the FDS a hotkey for manual loading from the controller.... right? I'd very much like to load manually but not if I have to hit the button on the cart each time

[@RetroSho]

It's likely not impossible to do this -- but may wanna ask Krikzz on Twitter if this is a possibility. Also keep in mind it would require a button combination (or single extra button) on an already loaded up NES/Famicom controller. 😂

[@skins4thewin]

@@RetroSho Very good point... Very well could be why he didn't implement it.

[@matthewlevesque2953]

I have a question you have the vs system and play choice 10 on your sd card those Rome work on a nes!?! Though everdrive? Please explain. And point me in right direction

[@RetroSho]

Sort of! Vs. System & PlayChoice-10 will play on the N8 Pro, but will have the wrong palette, and a lack of an "Insert Coin" button that's tied to a button. However, a few arcade enthusiasts hacked these arcade games a while ago to run as .NES ROMs, allowing for play. Look up "NES Vs Arcade Hack" on Google sometime. 🔥

[@matthewlevesque2953]

@@RetroSho yeah I found them

[@stevenprohaska]

I've been running the same os/firmware for the last 2 years because I've been too afraid to lose my save states. This tutorial seems to cover setting up the N8 Pro from scratch. How would I go about updating? A few months ago I tried deleting the old root OS folder and copying the new one over with all my folders/roms still on the card. The saves were all gone. Since I backed up everything, I went back to the old os/firmware. I can't seem to find the actual steps for upgrading and keeping everything.

[@RetroSho]

Heya Steven! Glad to hear that you backed up your files first and foremost. Make sure you keep a copy or two of your old firmware set somewhere on your PC. Krikzz mentioned that anyone can revert to a pre-2.13 at any point in time, so you can always go back to 2.12 if something happens with your original save states intact. The "step" to do was to incorporate your previous files into the new install path. Try this: 1) Back up original EDN8 folder. 2) Wipe old EDN8 folder on your card, then extract the new EDN8 folder (v2.14) from zip to the root of your SD card. 3) Copy your original "CHEATS", "SAVE" and "SNAP" folders (with all saves, cheats and save states you have) into the EDN8 Folder. Those folders will be in your old EDN8 folder. 4) Pop the SD card into your N8 Pro. What should happen is you will get a screen like 5:10 asking to update the I/O (firmware). You press A to begin, and the firmware will update. You will then get another prompt asking if you want to export your old save files. You confirm and those save files will be renamed and resorted into the new file structure, which will be game specific folders. Everything should work as it once was from there. Interested in hearing if this helps!

[@stevenprohaska]

@@RetroSho Thanks! That worked, but I did lose a few saves, and that's totally my fault. I had multiple rom versions of the FDS rom of Doki Doki Panic in various folders on the SD card. 2 different English translated ones and a Japanese one. I think that confused the Everdrive software. The snaps for that game did copy over and I can see them in the folder, but they won't link to any of my roms for that game. They did work under the previous os on the night before I attempted to do the upgrade. Not the biggest deal. Maybe there is a way to connect them to the correct rom. Currently, if I load up that game, the slots show up as empty. I do have multiple backups with the previous Everdrive os/firmware. Thanks again for your help.

[@RetroSho]

@@stevenprohaska Welcome! Is a shame that ya lost some saves, but I'm sure you'll get back to those points before long. It's definitely possible that the Doki Doki Panic games confused the EverDrive if they were all similarly named (or you were swapping them in and out with the same name). I think if you have everything renamed you should be able to link them, but I haven't needed to try such a thing myself. What you could do is give them super simple names (Like "One.fds", "Two.fds", "Three.fds") and try to relink them that way. Remember with the new file system, you will have to start folders with matching names (to the ROM -- so for example if you renamed a Doki Doki game as "One.fds", create a folder called "One.fds" as well) in the EDN8/gamedata folder, then have the .sav files within those folders (named as "00.sav", "01.sav" and so on). Hope this also helps and you're welcome! 😎

[@lsutiger78]

what should i search to get a complete library like you have?

[@RetroSho]

"No-Intro" or "Fullset ROMs" will get ya goin.

[@BigTexasTony]

I have a question, can you buy the cartridge without an SD card?

[@RetroSho]

Sorry on the slow response! You sure can buy the Cart without an SD Card. Either from Krikzz's webpage directly or on his Amazon store! Links in description!!

[@indiansnake798]

can i play with a everdrive n8 pro NES cartridge on a AV famicom with a nes to famicom converter?

[@RetroSho]

You can! Make sure you're using an OEM or a TRIAD plug when you do so -- that way proper power is being provided to the console.

[@skins4thewin]

Heya, what was that F1 game at the beginning? That looked dope!

[@RetroSho]

Yo! It's Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing.

[@skins4thewin]

@@RetroSho thanks! Will hafta check that one out.

[@Seven0true702]

@@RetroShotha was a clean game. I used to have rad racer 2. Def gonna try this

[@volvoguy804]

Quick question, do you need the original nes rom installed on the everdrive to play installed nes hacks? Or can you have an everdrive with just nes rom hacks installed?

[@RetroSho]

Hello! You do not need the original NES ROMs on the EverDrive to play NES Hacks. You can load up any sort of .nes file you'd like and immediately get to playing. So if you want a NES Hacks only cart, feel free!😎

[@volvoguy804]

@@RetroSho Thanks for the info!

[@nightmare4lol]

Hey sho, with the new firmware out and the gba and gb/gbc cores released too, would you consider making a tutorial video on how to properly install them? I know a lot of people would a appreciate a video like that. and Im one of them 😅

[@RetroSho]

Haha! I got ya my man! I'll work on a video or two on both the firmware itself as well as the new openFPGA additions! 😎

[@nightmare4lol]

@@RetroSho good guy sho!

[@skins4thewin]

I have a semi recent Smokemonster pack but I don't have some of the stuff shown here, like the BASIC conversions, full NSF collection, multicarts, etc. Can anyone subtly point me in the right direction? 😁

[@RetroSho]

The BASIC Conversions is something I created myself from bits and bobs on the net. It won't easily be found, and I'm trying to think of way of completing the pack and releasing it to the world. The data has to be built from old Japanese programmer magazines then converted into an .NES ROM, so it's not an easy task. As far as an NSF collection, a simple Google search got ya there! Multicarts is a bit more difficult and will require you to dig through old Chinese and Russian sites. 😅

[@skins4thewin]

@@RetroSho That does sound like a lot of work. Is there any way at all that I can follow you on social media so I can keep an eye on your work in case you ever do find a way to release the pack? I cannot tell you how much I would LOVE to freaking have that in my ROM collection! I absolutely have a thing for any sort of new work on the NES that I have never seen before. It's just such an amazing & charming system, I love it to pieces.

[@RetroSho]

@@skins4thewin You can check my Twitter link on my main KZbin page in the upper right! As far as the BASIC ROMs -- they are actually the **OLDEST** forms of .NES software on the net. A lot of the ROMs compiled were from magazines dating back to 1984-1992. NES also holds a special place in my heart as well, and I love to see any support that is added to it. 😀

[@skins4thewin]

@@RetroSho Thanks, I'll check out your Twitter for sure. Lol oh I don't doubt it, considering they were one of the firsts to be recorded on media more readily readable via PC, aside for FDS stuff. Guess this came even before that tho! Lol I am so freaking intrigued! I don't even care how primitive the content is. It's weird tho, cus I've been a part of the ROM & Emulation scenes since the NESticle days but have never once seen such a compilation online before. I dunno how I missed it.

[@skins4thewin]

@@RetroSho Btw if you can tell me that a version of Tank Wars exists for the NES via BASIC, I would just die lol.

[@StevenQBeatz]

I wish there was a way I can hear expansion audio without having to mod my NES!

[@RetroSho]

There will be a way soon actually!!! At least for front loading toasters: www.muramasaentertainment.com/product/expansion-port-sound-module-epsm/ Should be plug and play like the old ENIO boards that went MIA years ago. It'll be out eventually! 😎

[@StevenQBeatz]

@@RetroSho oh wow! That's perfect! I'm definitely buying one whenever they start selling it 💯💯 Thanks for the info!

[@bforty79]

What is the game at 0:38 , the cat with the boxing glove?

[@RetroSho]

Yo Bob! That game you are looking at is known as "Super Bat Puncher" it's a Demo that was developed by Morphcat Games!

[@bforty79]

@@RetroSho Thank you!

[@Neonblakc]

I just got my N8 Pro. I followed everything but I get a blinking red light. I tried the CIC chip configure by resetting 5-7 times but no luck. Cant find any help with this. Reached out to customer support but no response yet. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

[@RetroSho]

Is it possible for you to test in a different NES console AND with a different SD card? Some issues can pertain to either or, with SD card errors being more likely.

[@Neonblakc]

@@RetroSho I tried in a second NES and with 2 other SD cards. I’m at a loss. I don’t get it…

[@RetroSho]

@@Neonblakc That sounds like it is an issue with the flash cart itself. It's not something you did! Where did you purchase it from? I would send them a message and get an RMA for a new flash cart at this point. 🤔

[@Neonblakc]

@@RetroSho I got it from Krikkz’s website. Straight from Ukraine. I’ve done a good amount of modding stuff related to this and have always been able to figure it out. But this is an odd one. I’ve tried everything I can think of and surprisingly haven’t found a single source with the same problem I’m experiencing. Pretty annoying after spending $200+. I reached out to their support. Hopefully it works out. Thanks for your help!

[@Neonblakc]

@@RetroSho update! It was my power supply! Turns out the one I had wasn’t the original. I bought one of those that have a plug for NES & SNES and it worked right away. Mystery solved

[@wink721]

Does the cart still work without doing the audio mod on the front loader?

[@RetroSho]

The cart will still work without doing the audio mod. You just won't hear expansion audio from games that support it (FDS, Akumajou Densetsu, etc).

[@markcollins2704]

Will this play romhacks and translations without issue?

[@RetroSho]

Yes to both! 😎

[@markcollins2704]

@@RetroSho Awesome

[@CaaZ_]

If i have a Retron 5 then? Is it safe?

[@RetroSho]

I do not have a Retron 5, but it should not work with an ED N8 Pro, due to it being an emulation console. It dumps the data from the cart then plays the ROM. This would be impossible with the N8 Pro. 😅

[@jackal1115]

Any place that has a lexicon of the acronyms? Hahaha I'm not even far enough along that I know what they all mean.

[@RetroSho]

Haha! Lets see if I can help!: .FDS = Famicom Disk System Image File .NES = Nintendo / Famicom ROM File .NSF = NES Sound Format Music File .NSFe = Extended NES Sound Format .SAV = Save Backup .SRM = Save RAM (Emulation) BIOS = Basic Input/Output System CHR = Character ROM DIP = Dual In-Line Package EXP = Expansion FAT = File Allocation Table FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer OS = Operating System PCB = Printed Circuit Board PRG = Program ROM RAM = Random Access Memory RC = Recovery Save ROM = Read Only Memory RTC = Real time Clock SD = Secure Digital FDS = Famicom Disk System (Audio) VRC6 & VRC7 = Virtual ROM Controller 6 & 7 MMC5 = (Nintendo) Memory Management Controller

[@campampates]

EVERYONE seems to have this same rom set with the nice folder organization and the Diskette games separately etc...somebody link me to this collection please!!@!

[@RetroSho]

Will have to look that up! Can't provide links to that stuff on KZbin I'm afraid.

[@campampates]

@@RetroSho ok, what should i google then? i can't freggin find it!

[@RetroSho]

@@campampates Google “no intro set”

[@derekmalunow8962]

I just heard another guy say get a 4gb card. Maybe I should just get an 8

[@RetroSho]

@@derekmalunow8962 4GB is also fine. It will get ya enough to have almost everything. They can be costly over 8GB and 12 however.

[@A_L_I_T_O]

Polystation????

[@RetroSho]

This very likely does not worth on a Polystation clone console.

[@NintenPizza]

So there's zero additional latency since it's a flash cart and not emulation? And what about colour accuracy? Do the NES games on the N8 Pro have the exact same vibrant colourful colours compared to the original carts themselves? One thing Nintendo and 3rd party devs can't get right with NES emulation on Wii, Wii U and now Switch are the colours. Games look completely desaturated, dark and lifeless compared to the real thing for whatever reason. :P