The Everdrive N8 Pro for the NES | CGQ

Episode 66 - The Everdrive N8 Pro for the NES. Everdrives are flash carts, allowing gamers to load ROMs onto actual hardware by essentially emulating a cartridge. While the original Everdrive N8 was released for the NES and Famicom 7 years ago, Krikzz is back with an update. This new N8 Pro sports a newer FPGA, a larger maximum ROM size, a faster microSD slot, op amp-based audio circuitry, an in-game menu, a 99 save state per game capacity, and a real-time clock. Unfortunately, the Pro also sports a price tag just over $50 higher than the original. If you're just dipping your toes into the Everdrive ecosystem, you can make a strong case for either; going with the less-expensive N8, or shelling out the extra bucks for the Pro. If you've already invested $100+ in an N8 and are now considering dropping $170 more on the new cartridge, you may find that there's really nothing here to justify the purchase. This is not a knock on the Pro by any means, but rather just a reflection of the fact that the original Everdrive N8 was and still is a very capable flash cart.
Buy the N8: amzn.to/2tGXRlI
Buy the N8 Pro: amzn.to/31I6Srs
FTC NOTICE: This product was sent to the show free-of-charge by the manufacturer for review/overview/whatever. I was not supplied with a script, talking points, suggestions, etc. and was simply shipped the item just as it would arrive to a customer. This is not a sponsored episode and I was not paid to product it. No one at the manufacturer had to approve this episode prior to release, and all thoughts contained herein are my own.
Show Notes:-
The third-ever episode of this show was an overview of the original Everdrive N8, so it's pretty cool to be doing this follow-up almost 7 years later. Hard to believe that I've been doing KZbin that long.
- For obvious reasons, all gameplay footage seen in this episode was recorded on actual NES hardware.
- I had never even considered modding one of my NES systems for Famicom enhanced audio, but modded the system that I use to record footage for the show specifically so that I could produce this episode. I'm really glad that I did, because it sounds amazing.
Support CGQ on Patreon - / cgquarterly
Get your CGQ Schwag - www.cgquarterly...
Join the channel to make a small monthly contribution right here on KZbin!
bit.ly/2WkqAWu
Also be sure to check out my other channel, where I do live streams, nostalgic musings about childhood in the 80's, and even the occasional collection video.
/ cgqplus
Send me a post card and I’ll send you one back:
Classic Gaming Quarterly
PO Box 73126
Davis, CA 95617
Social Media Links
/ cgquarterly
/ cgquarterly
Official CGQ Facebook group: bit.ly/2J8u5M4
www.cgquarterly...
Video game footage featured on Classic Gaming Quarterly is recorded using either actual game hardware or FPGA-based systems, unless otherwise noted. For episodes 1-34, it was recorded in s-video using am RGB to s-video encoder and a DVD recorder. As of episode 35, it was recorded from actual hardware over RGB, upscaled using either an XRGB Mini Framemeister or an Open-Source Scan Converter (OSSC), and captured on either an Elgato Game Capture HD or a Startech USB 3.0 capture device. Beginning with episode 59, I started using FPGA systems like the Mega SG, Super NT, and MiSTer, which all offer cycle-accurate hardware emulation. All videos are edited on a Mac using Final Cut Pro X.
Most box art featured in CGQ videos comes from The Cover Project (www.thecoverproject.net). Check them out for all of your video game insert needs. Other box art and magazine scans come from Matt Henzel Video Game Obsession (www.videogameobsession.com), and SegaRetro.org. Many, many other photos appear thanks to Wikimedia Commons and Evan Amos.
Theme music courtesy of Kevin MacLeod: (www.smartsound.com/royalty-free-music/i­ncompetech)

[@choco_easty]

I love your new background! We definitely need more videos of you! Please more hardware reviews for retro games!

[@LvChriss]

DS szxt. B

[@RayCommend]

There are some nice quality of life improvements on the pro. That said, the original does so much that I don't feel rushed to upgrade. I appreciate that you discussed the different options available so that the viewer can make an informed decision. Nicely done!

[@samuraicollector2903]

I just got the Everdrive n8 pro, so I was looking at some videos, and got to your video. Very nice explained. I had my nes and also got a famicom av from Japan, later I lost a little bit of interest and sold my nes, but I still have my famicom, then I discovered this Everdrive and also they have for famicom. I had no idea the famicom had a special wiring for the special chip games, but well, if you are a retro gamers probably buyed the castlevania collection and you can play the castlevania 3 famicom version there. I am super happy with this Everdrive I just buyed. I just have a question this hexa diagram what is that for? They mention in the manual and also before playing you can take a look, but I have no idea what is this for.

[@RetroSho]

I definitely can hear much better audio from the N8 Pro -- it's just a tad bit less tinny from the N8 to the Pro. The N8 still sounds pretty great however. Thanks for this video, I'll be picking one up in a few weeks time.

[@jankybit]

That is what I heard as well - like a slight EQ layer bringing out the highs and the lows a little bit on the Pro. Sounds solid.

[@RetroSho]

jankybit Yep that’s it! I have a feeling whoever helped him with the sound took out their time to dial in settings 👍🏿

[@TheCoolDave]

Not trying to say anything bad for those who actually used a N8 Pro with this mod, I did the NES stereo mod when I did my NESRGB kit, I never keep the POT adjustment over 20-25%, it gives a nice almost stereo sound off all games. I do have an original N8, is it that much better ? (BTW, a NESRGB kit looks epic)

[@jeromepowers5285]

The File Allocation Table (FAT) file system is owned by Microsoft. FAT 16 allows a Hard Disk (HDD) up to 2GB while FAT 32 allows a HDD up to 2TB and a max file size up to 4GB. Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) is similar to FAT32, but it's optimized for flash memory. It allows the storage of files larger than 4GB, and has no "realistic" file-size or partition limits.

[@utubepunk]

Yo momma so fat her limitation size is a zettabyte! *OH SNAP*

[@adlorin]

The most important consideration, IMHO, is that FAT32 is limited to 32GB per partition; so if your card is greater than 32GB, you'll need NTFS or exFAT. FAT32 is more efficient in regards to both access time and file system utilization, so for a card that's 32GB or less, FAT32 is the best.

[@bpcgos]

Just dont format sandisk usb flash on fat 32 dan try to copy file with 4 GB of size, it will automatically safe protect you fdisk and you flash will become read only forever

[@TheDeeplyCynical]

@@adlorin FAT32 can support drives/partitions up to 2TB in size. Windows won't let you format drives >32GB because reasons. you'll need third party tools to format >32GB drives/cards as FAT32

[@isunshin999]

You are very good at clearly explaining technology.

[@doramilitiakatiemelody1875]

Agreed

[@alfredocanas6802]

So far the best review about the N8 Pro I have seen so far, excellent video Chris!

[@urmie]

If you ask me, Chris did a stellar comprehensive job. Explained in detail, unboxing, showed footage, FDS sound differences, etc. This is how product reviews should be. 👍

[@AtomicBLB]

You presented the information in a way that was easy go follow and you didn't gloss over things like a few videos I had watched seeking more information about this product. Thank you for a proper and informative review

[@jarredcombs7603]

This video reinforced my purchase of the regular ever drive. Thanks for making it and keep up with the good content

[@falion]

I've been enjoying your videos for a long time now, but just wanted to thank you for addressing some things that could easily be taken for granted when making a video about this sort of device. I've been using the N8 Pro for a week or so, and your video showed me a couple functions that I didn't even know about, and does an excellent job of describing it for potential buyers.

[@AttractionSpot]

I'm waiting for the N8 Pro to go back in stock to get one. But do the roms have to go on the root of the SD card in their own folders or to make it look more clean can I make a folder on the root of the Micro SD card labeled "Roms"? Also from there if that does work inside the Roms folder do the roms have to be inside there own folder still or can they just be the seperate rom files in there?

[@GameplayandTalk]

It's great to see the new additions the Pro brings to the table. Thanks for the video!

[@Dessan01]

@Gameplay and Talk You get everywhere Austin - will you be upgrading from the power pack? 😉

[@pupil2720]

Great video Chris! I have a regular N8 already, but I really haven't been using it since I got MiSTer. It is still a great solution for those who want to play on original hardware.

[@darthv72]

Excellent video Chris. Very informative. Ive thought about the N8 for some time and now the pro could drive those with the reg to sell for less. Thanks for the understanding of the two.

[@MrMegaManFan]

I don’t own either so I’d buy the Pro for the in game menu alone. That’s super useful.

[@amuntvalencia7827]

15:48

[@JustinUrich]

How did you get your games to display so clearly? Is this due to the N8 or did you do some kind of a HDMI mod? Any clarification would be appreciated! Great video!

[@CGQuarterly]

Hey. My NES is modified for RGB output, which then goes into an upscaler that outputs 1080p over HDMI. Check out the YT channel “My Life in Gaming” to learn more about that type of stuff.

[@vesmedia]

The best voice in the retrogaming youtube universe, very soothing

[@edwin8808]

he is not.the best

[@ShanGamer1981]

Love classic gaming quarterly 👍👍👍

[@allluckyseven]

Loved the format of this video. Also, very informative as always, thanks!

[@Boatenng]

Thanks for the information bro it was really helpful, I just bought my first everdrive 8 pro and I didn't know that i can do all this stuff 🤤

[@LelandHasGames]

I actually hear the difference and, that’s pretty amazing.

[@Captain_Chaz86]

The mana collection is actually running the 3 games on an emulator. it is possible to dump them to your computer and place them on a flash card to play on a snes. There is also a fan made nes mario bros collection. The 4 games from mario all stars but with their original graphics, improved sound and save support. I believe it requires the n8 pro to be playable on a real nes.

[@Mchenrygames]

That's a cool "Duo-R edition" Everdrive N8. Another great video.

[@rodrigomolinsky]

I miss your videos. They are great.

[@Schmeck626]

I have been very tempted to upgrade my N8 to a Pro, but as you mentioned there are so many options today. I have a MiSTer and that has become my preferred way to play NES. I still like real hardware and the Everdrives are great products, but the new features on the N8 Pro don’t seem like enough to justify the purchase if you already have the original. But that is a testament to the quality of the N8. It was already close to a perfect NES flash cart.

[@CGQuarterly]

That's exactly how I feel.

[@kahncrane]

Thanks nice video, I bought a N8 a couple months back, I'm glad the N8 Pro doesn't make me regret my decision, I don't see a need to upgrade. The hand full of games over 1MB I can just emulate if I really want to play them.

[@steadycamscottford]

I just got started collecting Everdrives with the SD2SNES Pro (Now FXPAK PRO), and EverDrive 64 X7. I found out about the N8 Pro right around this time and waited for it. The instant load times and in game menu is enough for me to hold out and I also don't own an N8. I love Krizz's line of products and can't wait for the MegaDrive Pro!

[@ryumishima44]

Would like to see how the FAMICOM Disk FM synth games sound like, that's an important feature I would like to see on a future video

[@mlc4050]

4 years later, definitely worth the upgrade

[@ddqwe114]

Do you know if the NES Everdrive N8 Pro compatible with clone console systems like retro bit trio plus? I have NES Everdrive N8 and that doesn't work with my Retro bit Trio Plus.

[@derekdash2179]

Just got my N8 Pro in the mail. They don’t have the N8 for sale anymore. Now I need an SD micro card.

[@WillSams]

Btw, in 2021 the N8 Pro does indeed come with a "quick start guide".

[@meep2059]

Very good explanation of it all! Thank you :)

[@ecmyersvids]

Slick video with great content and editing! I appreciated the thorough coverage and honest weighing of the pros (heh) and cons of upgrading. The only thing I wanted to see in action that was missing was the physical button for switching sides on FDS games, which the OG N8 cannot do. If you ever happen to do a follow-up video or have any observations on how it works with FDS games that require swapping disks back and forth, like the recently translated Dead Zone, I'd love to hear what you think.

[@CGQuarterly]

Hey! It actually has auto-swapping. If for some reason you wanted to turn that feature off and manually swap, in a front-loading NES that button is very hard to get to. You’d have to use something to reach in between the cartridge and the NES chassis to push the button.

[@ecmyersvids]

@@CGQuarterly Ohhhh, that's good to know. I guess that's true of the RetroUSB AVS then too. The OG N8 has auto-swapping too, but I was wondering if there was some way to swap back to Side A if needed, as that's the only way to save in a game like Dead Zone, unless FDS save states are supported. (Which they aren't on the N8 as far as I can tell.) Thanks!

[@shoked99]

Thanks for the nice review. I like the idea of playing games, real cartridge on real console hardware, but it gets to be expensive with so many systems and so many games. Maybe I should just get an everdrive for each console I have: genesis, nes, snes, tg16, n64.

[@shinji5217]

There are flashcards for all of them, good luck

[@AttractionSpot]

That's what I'm going to do. Otherwise if you looking for 1 consol that does a lot of the classic consoles in one I would suggest the Retro Freak. It plays NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Sega Megadrive (with converter), Game Boy (Original, Color and Advance), Turbo Grafx-16, PC Engine and PC Engine Super Grafx games. That's a lot and it is like over $200 but if you think about how much you'll spend on each of those consoles it would add up to more.

[@Izquierda]

Expanded audio difference between N8 and Pro: Akumajou Densetsu doesn't sound too different because the emulated sound chip (VRC6) was already optimized a lot on old N8, but on others like Gimmick and Lagrange Point (Sunsoft 5 and VRC7) the difference is much more obvious, a lot of the channels sounded small on the old N8. Also, on both carts you can instantly boot the last played game by pressing the start button while on the menu.

[@PaladinLarec]

I bought the Turbo Everdrive and loved it. Thinking of un-mothabling my NEs and SNES and getting this.

[@subtlewookiee]

Great video! You do a fantastic job of really breaking it down that most (or all) other channels don't. I'd love a pro, but going that I just got the N8 last year is really not worth it for me.

[@Xanthro2]

The pro has 2 more channels to my ears. Cool info, thank you!

[@MousePounder]

Thanks for the video dude!

[@Dessan01]

I’ve got an N8 and I think I’ll leave it at that, the improvement in sound quality is noticeable but that aside I don’t use save states in games and I rarely play hacks. I’ll be saving my money for a Satiator when the prof finally gets it on the market. With NES you don’t really need all the extra bells and whistles.

[@KageShi]

The big difference between formatting options on SD cards are the max supported size of the partition and files. I forget the max size of Fat32 partition however it only likes files under 4gb while xFat does not really care about file size or partition size. Fat16 I think has a 2gb max partition.

[@XtraSmiley]

Another great video man, thank you! Also, are you related to David Cross?!!?

[@bryan2garcia]

Thank you for the informative video, yes I want to play the bigger games but the price point does not warrant the upgrade. But you did point out that my N8 does need a OS Update. Thank You

[@cybernitemusic]

The most important improvement IMO is that I won’t have to get off the couch to switch games. Wicked.

[@MrMegaManFan]

I just bought the Pro and I have a question - I have a top loader modded for AV out. Is the spot you need to solder for Famicom enhanced audio the same or different from a toaster oven NES? Thanks!

[@GadgetUK164]

Great review =D

[@johnathanashleyOCSO]

YESSSS ANOTHER CGQ VIDEO!!!!

[@sebastienlopezmassoni8107]

I think those the low frequencies. , the basses lines are better than NES version but is subtle.

[@guyfellows2293]

Re: FAT16, FAT32, exFAT: the latter two can support partitions up to 4 GB, so either of those is fine; what puzzles me is supporting FAT16, which is so old that any system that supports only that probably couldn't talk to an SD card anyway.

[@philosophyoftrucking]

Definitely considering this. Thanks, Chris.

[@fireresq7]

Great video Chris! Thanks for the review!

[@The90sGamingGuy]

I have a Everdrive N8 and am very happy with it. For now i just play the American NES roms. I doubt I'll ever need the pro model.

[@ScruffyLookinRGB]

Great review! This is an awesome device a little spendy but definitely worth it.

[@joshwagner7243]

Very helpful video

[@NordicDan]

A bit late to this party, but is there any issue at all with controller lag when using the N8 or N8 Pro? I just built a "new" NES using a NESessity and Hi-Def NES kit and for the sake of easy travel in my hard case I would love to have it all relatively self contained.

[@CGQuarterly]

No, the cartridge has nothing to do with controller input.

[@CrimsonFox36]

I think the one thing about the Pro that im sold on is the "99 save states". And that is enough for me to justify the purchase

[@Cyb3rst0rmIndustries]

That NES you pulled out I legit thought was fake at first. It looked like something out of a Simpsons skit.

[@amirjubran1845]

N8 owner here... have 2 actually, one for famicom and one for NES. Interested in the Pro to be able to play the larger multicart ROMs and Hacks.

[@soulside]

Whoa, the price for the Pro is now $350. Is that normal or just a major mark up by the Amazon seller? Btw, this was a great review and comparison!

[@KillaBeast86]

When i play American nes games on my European nes console, the music gets slow. Will the music be normal on this Everdrive with American roms, or do i need European roms?

[@CGQuarterly]

You need European ROMs.

[@seanfarrell6380]

Just received my N8 Pro, it now comes with a manual in the box

[@SC-lc7tm]

from where, kryizz or at stoneagegamer?

[@dieciseis]

i have a question. In the comparison between the Castlevania 3 audios, in all music samples the console have the audio enhanced mod?

[@thefifthdoctor6780]

Gonna be greatness with my new nt mini

[@CGQuarterly]

You should be able to just install custom firmware on the nt Mini and load games from the SD card, no?

[@thefifthdoctor6780]

Classic Gaming Quarterly yea that’s a good point. I never did that on my other consoles the sg and super nt

[@retro_escape2969]

Thanks for the breakdown. I’m going to hold off upgrading to the Pro until the price comes down a bit.

[@flyingonblades]

Great Review! Also I feel stupid that I always forget that Mr Gimmick exists..... Now I have to go fire it up on the ole flash cart

[@TheMadisonHang]

why is kirkzz the only official cartirdge rom availabe for nes eventhough, none of it is official?

[@Pholiage]

I have a N8 Famicom cart that I use with a AV Famicom. Sounds better than it ever did when I had it back in the day using RF so I am happy and will not be upgrading

[@greenkoopa]

Man...I have a question. Is there any way you could make a tutorial video on how to patch a rom? What I specifically want to patch is doom 32x...what do you think?

[@funcamp_ltd.]

Lunar ips is your friend

[@bstar777777]

The N8 Pro is a tough sell when the de10 nano board is $10 cheaper and supports a ton of other cores beyond the NES/Famicon. I figure if you are a purest then using an everdrive (which is FPGA based) is out of the question anyway. I personally just want something that's cycle accurate, supports the original controllers and scales/scrolls like the original hardware- that eliminates all emulation solutions, but MiSTer fills that gap nicely.

[@Alsalim1988]

I think nes orginal sound more clear and soft but n8 bro more high and effective

[@shootermcgavin1208]

So, do you need an actual FDS hooked up to play FDS ROMs from the N8?

[@CGQuarterly]

No.

[@Freez_Izzy]

i have N8 for years now and don't upgrade to PRO version. But i really like "Built-in NSF player with expansion chips support (VRC6, VRC7, Sunsoft-5b, Namco-163)". I do sometime just music play from consoles.

[@ecmyersvids]

There's another option that will work with your OG N8: twitter.com/nesbleubleu/status/1223550697985069056

[@TheMadisonHang]

@6:00 O.M.G. save states are a mind fuck. you could actaully have literal different versions of save states, of original game saves. if you save while in a save state, actually if you load into a save state, you can save into different original game saves this was true on PC emulators back in the day this was when i had to share computers with my brother i'd be safe to say we got in a few fights over, writing over each others save states.

[@opaljk4835]

Are you actually just a character played by David Cross?

[@yllib2012]

YES you should upgrade. 99 save points per game on N8 Pro.

[@willmistretta]

Good overview. As an N8 owner who doesn't use save states, I've opted not to upgrade. The ability to play the rare oversized ROM hack like Rockman 4: Minus Infinity is nice, but not worth the price of a whole new unit on its own.

[@mikeytappe]

Thank you for this review!

[@Alberto7tube]

Can I do this on a MAC 🖥️? Add games to card

[@CGQuarterly]

Yes

[@Progearspec]

I never got around to buying a original everdrive N8.Last year what money i had went to replacing flash carts,that meant buying a everdrive x5 and a SD2SNES.At this point since,pro everdrive n8 is out i'll have to look into buying one.Since the pro has the most compatibility.

[@RedRanger2001]

Yes. But I'll get the Japanese Famicom version...

[@nuzztuzz]

How do this work if u have a NES that isnt regionfree? Do I need to download games that is for that region or does it matter at all?

[@NerdENerd]

For that price you could build a MiSTer fpga, then you not only have a cycle accurate fpga NES and Famicom recreation but SNES, Genesis, Neo Geo, Amiga, Master System, GBA, Gameboy Color, PC Engine, heaps of arcade systems and more. I know where I would spend my money.

[@sethhorst6158]

I wonder how they got it to work even though the NES has a lockout chip that prevents the console from starting up unauthorized games?

[@sethhorst6158]

Oh

[@HayabusaPaul]

I'll stick with my N8

[@kolors101]

Love your Astro in the back... did you made a review of the that arcade?

[@MovieTimeWithMT]

Does both the N8 and N8 pro work on the Retron 5?

[@laurentlhoest8324]

Can this N8 Pro version be played on a clone console? N8 couldn't work on most clone consoles. I hope N8 Pro can :)

[@Jay84476]

For those looking for everdrive rom packs archive.org/download/everdrive-packs

[@sosafire4152]

Jason Barret the link is dead, and I'm just looking for this pack for the arrival of my n8pro! No one can share either a functional link or their download pack, that would be great!

[@johannus777]

I can hear that n8 pro has stereo sound, nes has basic sound, n8 is somewhere in between

[@howlingrocket2071]

Ok so I have a question and I hope that it can get answered but does anyone know if the everdrive N8 pro will work on the Super retro trio plus, I know that the original version of the everdrive N8 doesn't work on the retro trio plus and only works with the regular retro trio if anyone knows please let me know really appreciate it...

[@TheMadisonHang]

@8:20 subscribed!

[@metalmat3651]

I can clearly hear the difference between the normal and enhanced audio. The enhanced has more depth and bass

[@bradleynoble3097]

Question. Will this work on the newly released Retron 1 AV?

[@randallgoeswhere]

Hows the speed of this thing? Is there any lag? I have a hard time beating MT Punch-Out because of the lag on emulation. Like my hands are used to the original game somehow.

[@CGQuarterly]

This does not introduce any lag because there is no emulation. You're still using your original hardware.

[@randallgoeswhere]

@@CGQuarterly Awesome. One more question maybe you know. Does it work on a Japanese famicom? The cartridge shape is a little different. Thx.

[@TheCoolDave]

Now here is a question for all after this video and IF you have a the older N8. If Krikzz made an offer to trade in your N8 for a pro for $50 shipped (you ship one way, he shipped the other way)..HE IS NOT offering this but, if he did, would you pay $50 to be able to get the new features ? I'm even on the fence here, The N8 does everything I need and after the newest update (about 2 months ago), it even has real time save on a TON of games that didn't before (Mike Tyson's punch out was a big one that was fixed)... If I need to play one of the re-makes that is larger, there is always emulation, or other solutions to play it if I needed to. Would you upgrade ?

[@tomspotley5733]

I wanna know how long you can make the ‘oooooonnnnnn’ in ‘on this episode....’

[@lukethedrifter3363]

I burst out laughing when I heard him do "oooooooon". Was wondering the exact same thing as you. Haha.

[@thepolacek]

I have an n8 and won’t be upgrading. I do wish the n8 had a recently played list like the pro does. Any hacks that are above 1mb, I can play on jnes on my pc.

[@johneygd]

I own the nes powerpak for the nes and am still fine with it.

[@cutemartinj]

Whats the game in the end credits? Thx.

[@CGQuarterly]

Yup, Mr. Gimmick. Known as just "Gimmick" in Japan.

[@cutemartinj]

I played this as a kid. Completely forgot until I just saw it. Funny.