The NES That Nintendo DIDN'T MAKE! - Sharp Twin Famicom!

Thanks to Under the Jolly Roger for Nintendo Switch for sponsoring this vid! Check it out here: herocraft.com/a/SB3HUH
The NES is an iconic retro gaming system that everyone loves, as it revitalized the US market in video games. But arguably the best Nintendo Entertainment System that ever released wasn't actually released by Nintendo, but is the Sharp Twin Famicom! Let's take a look at it!
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#NES #Nintendo #TwinFamicom

[@RGT85]

What's this? A RETRO VIDEO ON RETRO GAMING TUBE 85?! Yep. I still love retro stuff I just get bored of talking about it, but I wanted to make this vid for a while. Enjoy and share!

[@soapyguy6483]

Steve Harvey

[@Uhhhhh1188]

"Retro Gaming Tube 85" Is that what RGT stands for? If so, then that' cool.

[@martinaurik2189]

Very cool,I never New until now

[@peasinspace42069]

might wanna put a seizure warning around 11:00 my dude, that waterfall def flashes a lot more than mario 2. Awesome vid tho!

[@Herr.Mitternacht]

Dude we love this type of content. If you enjoy doing them then keep'em coming

[@Madlittlepixel]

The dual system aspect is pretty awesome. Not many games used the mic on p2 controller, but I know the original version of Takeshi's Challenge used it as well.

[@Anime_Fan_0069]

Wazzup homie! Awesome Polymega stream yesterday! I do agree the dual system aspect is badass.

[@crackadon86]

@@Anime_Fan_0069 It was so good and hilarious! MLP is always entertaining.

[@Anime_Fan_0069]

@@crackadon86 Agreed homie!

[@joe_schmoe_420]

Zelda used it for the japan release It was how you weaked one of the enemies

[@jake1225]

Still waiting for the return of the "whats in the box" series.....was my favorite

[@jayrdee8929]

While he stare at our souls 🤣😭

[@andreschaves523]

The waterfall from Doki Doki Panic almost gave me a seizure.

[@dracdrum]

They definitely slowed that animation for the SMB2US release.

[@pauljennings8432]

Me too, it would drive me nuts!

[@menkros1]

11:11 me2

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

:goes back to check out the waterfall: ... :Vomits:

[@slangyung]

They should call it the “Superb Nintendo”.

[@billcook4768]

That box always reminds me of the Wii U Super Mario Maker Edition box. Oh, and when you mentioned “32X rocks” that would have been the perfect opening to plug the book.

[@InuYugiHakusho]

The Sharp Twin Famicom would be a good subject for a Gaming Historian video.

[@kr4t0sg.28]

YES.

[@johncahill1985]

I miss his videos I wish he would make more content.

[@perrub]

Ahahah love the timing “i got bored talking about retro games” the next video is about... retro games ahah love it. Great video.

[@OddCryptid]

holy crap the waterfall in DDP is a seizure maker

[@Murrdock360]

Next episode will be an Retro Gaming Treasure Unboxing Video.

[@jdenoe69]

I had the privilege of playing a Twin Famicom at Anime Milwaukee in 2012. Is was really an experience playing Famicom Disk System games on authentic hardware.

[@OfLaSoul]

Yes, I am a man of booty, thank you, RGT85.

[@joshuarcole]

Glad you are back again RGT

[@josevillouta4588]

Good to see you back into Retrogaming!

[@grawman67]

I love your retro videos. New and old accessories, games, etc. Keep up the awesome stuff, Shawn!

[@RGT85]

Thanks!

[@crackadon86]

@@RGT85 We all love the Switch/modern gen content, but a random retro vid here and there won't hurt 😎

[@zevzero]

Dude your background with brick and arcade machines looks really cool

[@sergeleon1163]

Seeing that box I can imagine where the inspiration for the box art of Mario maker came from.

[@MissScarletTanager]

That waterfall effect at 11:20 with the Doki Doki Panic footage is *murder* on the eyes.

[@perfectlyslicedegg3348]

4:32 Ah Konami... just how far they have fallen. Kids today just wont experience a time when Konami was a gaming powerhouse in the 80s/90s. When you saw that Konami logo you knew that was quality game.

[@Eldoraan]

While I still watch all your news vids, I definitely miss these Retro videos. Keep em coming RGT.

[@alinfriedman8080]

You're really rocking the Knick's hat lately

[@kadosho02]

I always wondered about the Twin Famicom system. I saw it in magazines only. Definitely a fascinating system, that has durability, and capability that the NES was different in handling. Plus if I remember correctly, the Twin Famicom also has access to the sound chip, so games on the platform have a unique sound design while playing. An awesome treasure

[@Killertamagotchi]

Sharp has also released an extended version in two color variants called the SHARP Twin Famicom AN-505. The only difference was that there were turbo buttons & a power LED on the power button. But the model alone costs loose almost as much as a new PS4

[@Ziggy7800Pro]

Thanks for making the video RGT85! Glad you made a retro video, it's been a while!!

[@OGTKCole]

Its crazy I had the Famicom before I had the Nintendo Entertainment System, because I had family who were in the military and they were stationed in and living in Japan. I had the Green and Blue one, and the all Red One. I loved the Famicom more than the NES. Great video as always Shawn.

[@ovlivion81]

This is a great video. I really like your takes on anything outside of switch and really wish you produce more content that isn't switch related. Again Great video

[@Bangcat]

Already got Under the Jolly Rodger. Would love a game like it that's co op.

[@sherekhangamedev]

Man, I missed the OG content. Thanks dude!

[@thumbtak123]

Super Mario 2 came out on the Super Nintendo System in the US as Super Mario Lost Levels, it was found on the Super Mario All Stars pack.

[@EricAndre615]

Our reskinned Mario 2 was released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. USA. I think there was even a manga based on our version.

[@Lennyg845]

Wait what?!? A video that's not a afternoon Spawn Wave recap?!? 🤣 more of this RGT, MORE OF THIS!!

[@scarffoxandfriends9401]

Did you know that Doki Doki Panic original started as SMB 2 and was changed after a brand deal was made. It's why Miyamoto was heavily involved in DDP and not Super Mario Bros. 2. He said he hated sequels that where just the same game, but harder.

[@EricAndre615]

I've got the black and red one too. The Sharp Twin Famicom is the best one to get if you want a famicom (uses AV) and disk system. But now with the nice HD ready FPGA systems like the AVS the stand alone original disk system works best.

[@FDestroy3r]

That was my favorite NES until... I Got a Famicom Titler, also from Sharp. The titler is exceptional, because she produce RGB output natively, which is only common on the Nintendo Arcade Playchoice 10 otherwise! On a European TV with SCART input or PVM screen, the picture is absolutely incredible.

[@battman505]

Liking this format shawn. Wish you all the best.

[@johnodaz1273]

Really great video RGT 85. The Sharp Twin Famicom is a neat piece of Gaming History, a really cool system.

[@ratt8745]

I have the red one and it's great! And castlevania III's music with the extra sound channel sounds absolutely sick on it!

[@RedMinotaur808]

Mr.RTG, I have question. I just brought a twin famicom, do you know if I can just plug the power supply straight into the wall or do I need a special power converter? I live in the US 🇺🇸

[@FireFlux73]

Just a nice system. Sleek and bold with 4 different color versions. I know 2 of them have turbo buttons on the controllers and the other 2 don't. Never played it, but need to get one. Just awesome. Keep up the good work.

[@3800scgp]

I've had the turbo variant in black for a while. Shipped with no power brick, but a playstation (It was either the PSOne or PS2 slim) adapter works if you swap the tip on it. The belt on the disk drive was rotten, and boy what a PITA it was to get working. I'd love to get the famicom light gun, but I don't know what the customs agents would think of it (looks like a revolver) 🤣

[@jasonaragon2766]

Kid Icarus & Super Pitfall 2 also used the microphone. That was really cool.

[@KrGsMrNKusinagi0]

I have two of these.. got them cheap like about 50 for one and 65 for the other a few years back on ebay both in really good condition and working not boxed though.. Just had to replace the belt on one of them

[@ReelFilm2016]

Wow, never knew this existed. Glad you have one to share with us.

[@djstyles97]

Finally a video that feels like classic RGT85

[@BenSchmerler]

Really cool system. I was at a store recently where they had one behind the counter that they just got, and I asked about price but they wouldn't sell it to me. They asked for my number and still haven't called me back! Would be the perfect fit for my collection.

[@willy7369]

The amount of amazing gaming information they kept on such small space. Think they should’ve kept the nice cartridge size going.

[@kevinvandeford5562]

Thanks for showing this , ive seen alot of obscure consoles ans im suprised i havent heard of this one

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

I love backwards-compatibility.

[@Chalky.]

The only time I've seen one was in a shop that sold imported consoles before being released here. I think it was 1996 as I was asking if they'll be getting any Japanese N64s in.

[@MagneticSymbiote]

I'm shocked to even hear about this system! I've been subscribed to Gaming Historian, Game Sack, TopHat Gaming AND My Life in Gaming (among others) for years. But those channels are all the type to cover something like this, yet I've never heard of this console until you put this up today! I am very impressed, Good on ya RGT!

[@moonlightequilibrium8924]

Solid video RGT. This is the type of content you’re ace at.

[@dreadGodshand]

I own this. :D I got the turbo version. The controllers both havd turbo. 😀 my brother called one day and said he walked into an old retro store and he saw the twin famicom for sale. He didn't have the money then to pick it up. But he quickly got the money together and wanted to know if I wanted to ride along because they had another twin for sale. I screamed YES! 😱 we got there, and to make a long story short, he realized he couldn't get it. So I ended up getting a twin and he didn't. And they had a few games for the fds for sale too. None looked good. But my brother noticed something on side B to a crapy wrestling game called, "pro wrestling: famicom wrestling association." That game isn't worth much at all.. but Side B had another game. We couldn't read Japanese. But noticed a unique "2" that looked familiar. He asked me "is that what I think it is?" And my jaw hit the floor. I can recognize that "2" anywhere! It's my favorite mario game of all time! It's mario 2! The store owner didn't know what he had. So I got mario 2, as my very first fds game for cheap. :)

[@jeremysart]

I have a red model and everdrive for it. It is a sexy console! One that always gets odd looks when people come over, along with my Coleco ADAM.

[@aguilerajohn]

I love my twin. So addicting to collect disks.

[@miltondelacruz7033]

I picked up a red one the last time I was in Tokyo. I love it.

[@R3troZone]

You keep saying they reskinned Doki Doki Panic instead of releasing SMB2 in the US because it was too hard for us. That wasn't the reason. They did it because the video game market in the US was still very fragile at the time and since the Japanese Super Mario Bros 2 had nothing really new about it and just looked like a continuation of the first game, it was felt that Americans wouldn't buy it and a failure like that could ruin Nintendo in the US. So they reskinned Doki Doki Panic into a Mario game because it looked and played slightly different but was still a platformer.

[@jacobyorton]

7:18 Why can't we use RF adapters? It seems more new TVs have coax input on them than component.

[@wingedsaviour7327]

"First time seeing the real, Mario 2" Major POG.

[@mbertolijr]

Holy seizure warning Batman at 11:03

[@AceFondu]

No teardown? Come on RGT get in there and look at it like Spawnwave ; )

[@scarffoxandfriends9401]

In Kid Icarus, talking into the Mic lowers the prices in the store. In the NES version you simply hit select. The only other games I know use the Microphone where Karaoke software =b

[@juiceala]

Blowing to solve a puzzle on a Nintendo game dates all the way back, and people thought the DS and 3DS were the pioneers.

[@CorporateSycophant]

What's funny about SMB2 is that the west got the re-skinned Doki Doki Panic because the original was too hard, but the US got a harder version of Ninja Gaiden 3 because Tecmo thought we liked crazy hard games lol.

[@RoXolid]

That Dr Mario is legit, I have a boxed version. RGT Does a Famicom Disk System video after I've been posting a lot of Famicom content... Hmmmm, I doth inspired thee I seeth, LOL.

[@PoutingTrevor]

Takeshi's Challenge used the microphone in the second controller. If you're playing on an emulator I think you just hold down B or something

[@Atalas5]

you know, I'd actually love to see a Gaming Historian video on this. He may have mentioned it in one of his video's. But that is really cool. It's a shame that is NEVER seems like the gaming companies themselves will release these combo systems. They leave that to third parties (in Nintendo's case typically Sharp).

[@EirkenElite]

Anyone have an RF adapter plugged into another RF adapter then to the back of the vcr

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

That was rad. Keep up the great work on the channel!

[@CRead227]

Wow seeing that NES console makes me feels so old, that was my first console and the one that got me into the video games world. Loved that intro sharing so much retro content.

[@popcornchokes84]

Occasional videos like this are greatly welcomed. Thanks

[@mtshark7]

Awesome review Shawn!

[@HgordoX]

Hello RGT CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SWITCH PRO

[@Garinovitch]

If I were to take a guess, it's probably that Sharp branding that helps keep this system boxed from skyrocketing in price, I'm pretty sure if it carried the Nintendo branding, it'd become more expensive.

[@thesurge242]

What are some additional fees associated with buying internationally from Japan thru ebay. I'm eyeing one for about 150$ but of course there's the disclaimer about import fees, taxes and etc. Does anybody have any experience with this, if it brings my total to 200$ or over I'm thinking of just sticking with my famicom adapter and playing games on my nes.

[@kreediggitydogg]

Heck yeah! RGT is back!

[@DieterPrivate]

I love SMB2! One of the best 2D Mario's.

[@GuiOmania]

The best video quality for nes/famicom is still the famicom top loader with the snes av cable it look so crisp !!!

[@roxynano]

10:28 Gives Resident Evil a run for their money!

[@Retronecessities]

We need at least one retro video a month.

[@efuhr795]

Just had mine delivered and had to come back and re-watch!

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

I have 2 of them. Love this system.

[@larrykoolthegamer3646]

You should do more hidden gems videos I enjoy watching those !

[@Ian-ky5hf]

Shivery Miyamoto wanted to do new things for Super Mario 2 when he was told no. He made Dokie Dokie Panic.

[@Ian-ky5hf]

Shigeru Miyamoto

[@eatvietnam2682]

Nintendo history! Awesome. Love these kind of vids; fun and informative. Nintendo really were pioneers.

[@SuperNicktendo]

I'm glad they re-skinned Doki Doki Panic instead of the real mario 2 - that game is essentially DLC for the first Mario Bros. I think they made the great call making it a new experience - Mario 2 in the US was the beginning of Mario Branding in the US and a lot of enemies in Mario 2 are STILL in mario games today. I considered a Sharp Twin, but since I have an Analogue NT I think I'll get a Famicom Disc System for that instead.

[@edwardbrooking5633]

Wow I want this system

[@johnlai4129]

Cool Retro collection.

[@RonaldDorsinator]

*sharp/Nintendo was so ahead of their time.....they should have release this in the US.....a flop disc console woulda been dope to own considering how long flop disc was around*

[@scarffoxandfriends9401]

Now you need to find the version that was built into a sharp CRT.

[@TheApollosHarp]

I am waiting for one of you guys to hook up ROB to the NES and play some Gyromite in 2021.

[@Shundi12]

I have 4 Twin Famicom systems. I think I have an addiction :D

[@iJeremy2x]

I'm glad Nintendo is bringing old stuff back its exciting

[@greys6375]

Can’t believe you got an MKII arcade machine

[@maxwellclark2345]

More of this, please!

[@jbaize80]

Waterfall level kind of made my brain do something strange

[@Kylefassbinderful]

That hardware is literally as old as me lol

[@EoR_2B4GOT10]

actually nintendo didn't outsource the system to sharp sharp owned the trademark famicom so in order to get the trademark nintendo had to negotiate and ended up givng them the exclusive rights to make the twin famicom GTV Japan has a great video on that check it out

[@MisterRorschach90]

Wow I have seen this system at thrift stores and garage sales a couple times and always assumed it was some old system that I wouldn’t care about because of the colors. Lol I thought it was some old sega console. I never even took the time to look at the labels. I could have had one for next to nothing. Though I doubt they were in working condition.

[@MrPoestyle]

Great video !!!! I want more like this !!!!

[@sanpuru1969]

Why would you think Dr Mario is a bootleg? That's what most FC carts look like.