MiSTerCade FPGA - Top 10 Questions

[@retroheed6226]

Thanks for these updates, just started following the mistercade news. It would be great if you can continue providing regular updates on this as they come in 🙏

[@ScarletSprites]

I’d like to cover a few more things with this before release. If it seems relevant and not just bloat I’ll for sure provide some updates and other videos.

[@PaulieORF]

As someone whose only RGB monitor is the one in my Blast City, I'm not only excited for this for the arcade cores but also as a way to finally play classic consoles on a CRT!

[@ScarletSprites]

Good point! I think there are a few people who have noted that as well. Good times ahead.

[@SherringtonBun]

Hey man, perfect timing for this video. I just pre-ordered my MisterCade. It'll be a long wait for a summer release.

[@ScarletSprites]

Nice! I think you’ll love it. A few more months and it’ll be in your hands. Rumor is it will even be a sexier looking pcb than the test version I keep showing.

[@BasementBrothers]

The pre-order page says the built-in amp is mono only and the stereo connectors are line level. Guess I'm buying an external amp to plug in to my JNX big red adapter for stereo sound.

[@ScarletSprites]

Correct, the amp is single channel and will only output mono to the JAMMA edge. I had nice results running the RCA jacks to the Capcom sound amp as well as my older Onkyo. You probably don’t need anything super high end. I’ve been considering this for my Astro City so I have options for both stereo and mono games.

[@thresholdau]

Ordered! Now I wait :) Thanks for all your effort behind the scenes to give us info on this product.

[@ScarletSprites]

Nice man! I’ve heard int’l shipping has been a pain so I’m glad you got one.

[@thresholdau]

@@ScarletSprites have you covered off the advantages of this over existing arcade mister solutions, such as Jpac etc?

[@ScarletSprites]

I’ve not. The easiest answer to that is how “clean” this is. The other one I know of has you plugging a VGA cable, USB, and audio into the board. This is currently the slickest integrated solution with a standard DE10 Nano.

[@SikSlayer]

Which HDMI capture device was that @5:00? NVM, I found it. Can't do 1080p60. Shame.

[@ScarletSprites]

That’s never really bothered me as I only do retro stuff. I’m not a fan of how 60fps looks on older games, but that’s a personal opinion. For $10 though and something that will work with MiSTerCade it’s been a worthy purchase. I actually picked it up to use with a DSLR camera but have been pleasantly surprised.

[@Evercade_Effect]

Dude, this device keeps looking sweeter and sweeter!

[@ScarletSprites]

It’s going to be a sharp looking release. I think everyone is going to be very happy.

[@rs.matr1x]

I'd just like to interject for a moment. Most console cores can in fact autoboot into any ROM that you name as BOOT.ROM. So copy Super Mario World as BOOT.ROM in your SNES ROMS directory, and if SNES is your default core, it will boot, and then run the BOOT.ROM. Same thing with GBA, go to your GBA roms folder, copy Super Mario Advance 2 to BOOT.ROM, pick that as your default core for autoboot, and it'll boot into SMA2. Most cores should be able to do this. Not the computer cores though of course. Unless you write or run some sort of script in those computer OS's.

[@ScarletSprites]

Yeah, a few people have mentioned this. Baby steps here though. A lot of new people coming in with the introduction of this addon (self included). Trying to give the easiest answer w/o heading down a path that is potentially leading to more questions/support.

[@graschbaten]

@Scarlet Sprites You can Set a Bootcore with a Bootrom for each Sytem/Platform (NeoGeo, SNES, PCEngine.... ;)

[@ScarletSprites]

Yeah it’s a good call. A few people have mentioned this as well. I wanted to show setting that from the menu with sticks and not dive too much further into editing but definitely a good topic for later.

[@BigMacIIx]

For your console cores you can setup the rom of the game you want to launch at startup every time.

[@ScarletSprites]

Yeah it’s a good call, a few others mentioned this as well. I was trying to keep things easy and show you could do it right from the menu and without changing file names and what not. Definitely something to maybe tackle with an intermediate video in the future.

[@BigMacIIx]

@@ScarletSpritesI know it’s hard to follow Mister, it just keeps giving.. ;-) I’ve received my MT32-Pi hat today, another cool add-on for mister you should keep an eye on

[@MrBroken030]

I just got my confirmation that its back in stock and on its way, cant wait for it to get here, call me mister hype :D

[@ecco222]

2 more questions: What makes this better than Antonio Villena's JAMMA adapter? Does the Japanese Final Fight ROM work with the CPS1 core?

[@ScarletSprites]

It’s a fully integrated solution. No cables used to jump audio and video between devices. And yes, the Japanese versions of FF run on the CPS1 core.

[@deepflake9214]

Man thanks for the video but for a mister total noob like me a video tutorial from A to Z would be immensely appreciated (what to buy, how to put it together and configure it, how to connect it to a given system, what about updates, etc). Thank you for your work.

[@ninetendopesaitama2107]

You can google the whole MiSTer setup on yt. I just say Mr fusion Image and Update all script. Not really diffiicult.

[@deepflake9214]

@@ninetendopesaitama2107 what you are saying is precisely why a tutorial video is necessary.

[@ScarletSprites]

I touched on this in my regular MiSTer video but there are quite a few setup and tutorial videos out there. All you really need is the Mr. Fusion image written to an SD Card and then the UpdateAll script (I show both in my earlier video). From there, I walk through how to attach and setup the MiSTerCade in the last video.

[@super-retro-city]

You had me at MiSTercade lol

[@ScarletSprites]

Welcome to the party.

[@SuperNicktendo]

This is a real cool project. I'm definitely going to jump in at the first sign of midway cabinets being compatible - I assume once they get a couple it'll be a matter of time before they get the rest. But I have zero clue how arcades work so I could be dead wrong

[@ScarletSprites]

My knowledge of how the cores are programmed is incredibly novice. But my hope is that someone will eventually create a core of the Midway Wolf hardware. That would in turn, I believe, give you access to all the games in its lineup; Hangtime, UMK3, Open Ice, Rampage WT, and Wrestlemania. Seems like pretty good bang for the buck.

[@stevesmusic1862]

Nice vid! During the monitor brightness bit, what was the shoot-em-up game being shown?

[@ScarletSprites]

Ah, that’s Alpha Mission II on Neo Geo.

[@stevesmusic1862]

@@ScarletSprites Thank you sir

[@JeffYPbPr]

Awesome stuff man. Wish I had a candy cab for this!

[@ScarletSprites]

Definitely feels like a product made for a Candy Cab. It’ll be cool to see how other people rig these up once they hit market though. I bet we’ll see some interesting setups.

[@kirby695]

This video has been so helpful... Thank you!

[@ScarletSprites]

Hope it helps a few people out, thanks!

[@garogercade7850]

That’s great. Thanks for the info!

[@ScarletSprites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@undamned]

Well crafted and clear answers!

[@ScarletSprites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xXDarkzuluXx]

I have one question ? Wich system i have to prepair with the MiSTerCade FPGA if i want to have no laggin with neo geo art of fighting ?

[@ScarletSprites]

You’d simply want to load the Neo Geo core and then Art of Fighting. You could also use LLAPI via the BliSTer board for lag less input.

[@xXDarkzuluXx]

@@ScarletSprites Ah okay.I saw the board BliSTer v2. It has two usb ll ports.So the fastest way is on the Low latency port with an controller that has usb ? Right ?

[@xXDarkzuluXx]

So i can directly play with the n g arcade pro stick.

[@ScarletSprites]

You could actually. I’ve done that myself.

[@xXDarkzuluXx]

Thank you so much ! You helped me a lot ! 💪👌

[@ukrs]

Hi. May I ask you if I can setup the menu option (Down + start) using Jpac instead of Mistercade? Cheers =)

[@PabstOban]

What would you say is the perfect arcade cabinet for a MiSTercade? Big Blue/StreetFighter Cab?

[@ScarletSprites]

You’d definitely want something with six buttons per player. Big Blue is great, but any of the smaller Dynamos would be a nice pairing as well.

[@kenmys]

Excellent questions

[@ScarletSprites]

All valid. Lots of newcomers (self included) incoming with the MiSTerCade.

[@Sam-Lawry]

Sold out.. Hi,I already have a Pi2jamma and a rasp4,can I have a img retropie or others already in 640x480p? I will check this stuff..I already have few reald pcb jamma naomi..but expensives and not always great boot..and pandora..hyperspin 15 and 31k jammasd but not finished yet..I will try to finish my rasp4 pi2jamma 15k first..at least to Deathsmiles..maybe naomi...terrordrome..too. Thanks

[@ScarletSprites]

It went quick. Man Deathsmiles has become pretty popular and expensive the past few years. I don’t own it. Probably won’t ever. Good luck on that one.

[@GameSack]

So why does the MiSTercade cost $170 but a full-blown MiSTer costs $400+? Or does the MiSTercade also need a MiSTer?

[@justcallmebones]

Just like the MiSTer, the MiSTercade also needs a DE10-nano and SDRAM. This is stated as not included on the MiSTercade product page. A full-blown MiSTer that is pre-built (with the Analog video out option and comes with an expensive case) may cost you $400, but you're paying for the labor involved and it may not be everything you need. You can save money ordering the parts separately and doing it yourself. Once you add the DE-10 nano ($145) and an SD Ram ($60 for the highest amount), the total cost of the Mistercade will run you $375. You can find a similar price point with a regular MiSTer depending on your configuration. If you don't want to do any research or any work yourself (which is totally fine!), then the simple solution of a pre-built model will typically cost you around $400 dollars for both items each. Currently, there is no pre-built option for the MiSTercade. But again, you only need 3 items. In my opinion, it isn't much effort and you can find useful tutorials online for configurations to do yourself. It's a lot of fun and very simple.

[@justz00t48]

Mistercade is a addon board that sits on top of a DE10 fpga board. Think of Mister as the software that runs on the FPGA board and not a physical thing. If you want to use a Mistercade board you will need a DE10 and a SDRAM module as well.

[@lwwells]

You can get a DE10 board for $120. If you are seeing $400 somewhere, they are ripping people off. They board alone is enough to do quite a bit.

[@ScarletSprites]

Correct, MiSTerCade is an addon board. You’ll still need a DE10 Nano.

[@BasementBrothers]

Maybe $400+ with a nice case, but $335 actually at misteraddons.

[@Meubeu1]

Nice FAQ, I think one you missed and I see many people (me included) who were not knowledgeable about MiSter ask is that it's not (some will say obviously) a stand alone product, you need a DE10 and ram module. Just when I was waiting for the preorders for this, some people from my country announced their own version of it, so I'll pick that up to avoid unreasonable shipping cost but I have high hopes for FPGA in the arcade, let's say unaffordable cave shooters for example. PS : do you have a side channel? I noticed you were very hyped for the Snyder Cut (hence your shirt) and wondered if you would give your thoughts about it, genuinely curious. I have yet to watch it, need to find those 4 hours of freedom haha.

[@ScarletSprites]

I guess I was hoping the need for the DE10 was clear from the previous video where I showed it coming off of my MiSTer. I can see that being asked though and I think it’s now called out on the order page too. It’s funny you bring up the Snyder Cut. I have often thought about discussing movies from time to time but wasn’t sure how it would go over. That seems like such a saturated market too with so many people already doing it. It would be fun though and this is one week where I wished I could have gotten on and given thoughts on it. I really enjoyed it and thought the last 90min in particular were fantastic.

[@Meubeu1]

@@ScarletSprites Yeah I see where you're coming from and you're right, but I guess I always assume each video could be watched individually. But anyway, it's not a big deal, I understand it's an easy info to get. About the movie I honestly didn't have much hope, I'm a skeptical man, but I'm looking forward to it now. As for the saturated market in the movie review, I agree, even if I believe some people would still be interested. The difference between having a dedicated movie review channel and just doing that as a side thing is that in the later scenario people would watch to know what the individual they already know has to say, instead of watching for the product itself. Sorry this is a confusing mess of words but I hope you understand what I mean. Thanks for your thoughts !

[@ScarletSprites]

Haha, it’s cool and I understand. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope you like the Snyder Cut. Definitely helps if you’re a DC fan AND liked Snyder’s other two DC films. It’s his style on overload.

[@jasonhudgins9437]

Do I need ram if I want to only play arcade games? No consoles!

[@ScarletSprites]

You need it to play the larger Neo Geo games.

[@ricksmith6693]

Great update.

[@ScarletSprites]

Thanks Rick!

[@shertz43]

Don't forget the cost of the de10 Nano

[@ScarletSprites]

And the cost of the arcade machine too.

[@Ken-ic8tu]

What’s your opinion. MisterCade or Darksoft CPS2 mod? The Mister would be cheaper and do more but I am worried I will not be able to do future hardware like CPS3 or Naomi.

[@ScarletSprites]

Well, you won’t be doing CPS3 with the Darksoft CPS2 either. Joking of course but I will say that I believe the Darksoft CPS2 kit is maybe the single greatest piece of enthusiast arcade hardware there is. It’s just so slick, fast, and you know you’re getting a genuine experience with the roms running on original hardware. I’d never trade it. That said, the MiSTerCade is just SO easy, small, simple to setup, and supports a lot of systems. If I were you I’d maybe start with MiSTerCade once more CPS2 titles are released and see if it satisfies you.

[@Ken-ic8tu]

@@ScarletSprites thank you sir. I truly appreciate the response.

[@MartiniGaming]

I can't un-see "universe bios" since that guy tried to correct you

[@ScarletSprites]

Haha, that wasn’t me but I know what you’re referring to. I liked how committed he was to that, despite being wrong.

[@Ish0tJR]

Off topic: Couldn’t help but notice the Justice League shirt, did you watch the Snyder Cut ?.

[@ScarletSprites]

Never heard of it, what’s the Snyder Cut? Teasing of course. I watched it Thursday night and loved it.

[@Zionfarm]

Awesome job brother.

[@ScarletSprites]

Thanks man, hope all is well overseas! Stay safe out there.

[@Beaps73]

Any reasons why MiSTerAddons don't ship to UK :-(

[@ScarletSprites]

He’s working on that from what I saw yesterday.

[@Beaps73]

@@ScarletSprites I hope so, there is quite a big scene here in the UK 🇬🇧. I just hope it's not before the sell out lol.

[@guardianali]

I want to use this instead of a Pi...but i hate that there is no real proper front end. Previews, videos, descriptions, etc..

[@ScarletSprites]

Outside of the functionality of course, that’s actually one of my favorite things about it. No bloated menus, scrapers, box art images that shift from various sizes/quality, transitions, etc. Just simple, clean, and snappy.

[@guardianali]

@@ScarletSprites but even with the pi you can go as utilitarian or as fancy you want. Snappy or laggy. All up to you. Choice is always nice. I don't need fancy transitions or super large 4k graphics. But a simple screen shot and a small description to remind what a game is would be nice.

[@koosy2987]

No JVS?

[@ScarletSprites]

Not yet, that’s another beast.

[@Charlie-Cat.]

Hold on Scarlet. I ordered Chinese take-out to listen in Scarlet. I have Chicken Chow-Mein, Chicken Fried Rice, Shrimp Eggroll, WonTon soup, and a can of Ginger-Ale to enjoy this one from you bro. 8^) Anthony..

[@ScarletSprites]

I feel stuffed just reading that.

[@chuckyluvsu13]

Scarlet Sprites & Burning Fight 4life !!

[@ScarletSprites]

It's not even ok on MiSTerCade!

[@PabstOban]

Got mine!

[@ScarletSprites]

This is the way.

[@riggel8804]

Has anyone noticed any differences between playing MiSTer cores and PCBs? I play for 1cc and notice minute differences. I have noticed some differences between Fbneo and MiSTer. I am wondering If a similar relationship exists between MiSTer and original hardware.

[@BigMacIIx]

It depends of the core... the Neo Geo core is very faithful since Furtek has decaped all Neo Geo custom ICs and reversed engineer the core with a microscope.

[@riggel8804]

Thanks for the feedback. I am aware of how the cores are developed but I still would like to know if anyone is noticing any differences between arcade pcbs and the MiSTer Neo Geo core. I think this is a good place to ask the question because many people here have both.

[@ScarletSprites]

I've heard people mention audio issues from time to time. My ears really aren't that tuned I suppose or if it's something especially glaring then I've not experienced it. Playing the games I feel I know the best, almost instinctively at times, I haven't noticed anything off. I could also just be getting old.

[@riggel8804]

@@ScarletSprites cool thanks for getting back to me. Sound is a tricky one because there are many links in the chain. I noticed that the analog audio was poor on my MiSTer so I have been using the digital toslink audio from my io board and then outputting that to a dac and then out to my hifi. This helps a little. The jumping sound on Nightmare in the Dark sounds okay now. Before, with the analog audio, it sounded bad.

[@andrewcherry8039]

$83 Shipping to AUS!? That's over $100aud. Brutal

[@ScarletSprites]

Anything coming from you guys is equally terrible here. It’s always a bummer when someone has a part or board I’m interested in and the shipping is 1/3 of the cost if not more.

[@MrNexus68]

Same price for Europe, and not including customs fees. :/ I receive and send packages for half that price...

[@modology]

@@ScarletSprites it's definitely somethng not right, you could just post it at the post office with cheapest option for half the price.... not sure what this looks like another Analogue's drama where buyers can't choose any alternative shipping options

[@modology]

perhaps getting someone in US to order the units and then asking them to ship to Australia, declared at much lower value + choose much cheaper shipping options

[@wasabinator]

Yeah that's a pass for me :( Anyway JPAC + $5 amp is doing the trick I guess. Shame.

[@CaptNRetro]

I wish I was half as smart as i think you are...none of this made sense to me...does it have flippers? can i get an Add-A-Ball?

[@ScarletSprites]

I keep looking at a Sega X-Files that’s local. It’s not regarded as the greatest pin, but I loved the show and really think I want to get one some day. The guy is asking $4250 though which seems high.

[@CaptNRetro]

@@ScarletSprites get him down to 3k cash.. I like that game.. it’s a little stop and go.. but it’s fun if you like the show

[@sunderark]

What the hell its already sold out.

[@ScarletSprites]

I’m not totally shocked. I’m more surprised it lasted 48hrs. Sounds like more could be posted in the future though.

[@keilmillerjr9701]

3 days later and sold out. Dang it!

[@ScarletSprites]

Yeah, lasted about 48hrs.

[@keilmillerjr9701]

@@ScarletSprites How large was the batch? Will another batch be available once current ones ship?

[@MobileDecay]

Or you could just get a raspb... Just kidding don't kill me. 😊

[@ScarletSprites]

Just get out and unsubscribe please. Lol.

[@Zionfarm]

Awesome job brother.