Version 2.5 PCB

Requires the following to be installed before use:

• A NESRGB circuit board made by Viletim and distributed here: http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=203&rn=522&action=show_detail
  This board needs to be assembled with tall machine pins and custom ribbon connector (included.)

• CPU - RP2A03G, RP2A03E, or RP2A03H

• PPU - RP2C02G or RP2C02E
  These two 40 pin DIP ICs need to be desoldered and removed from an original NES or Famicom game console.

Overview

The Super 8 bit is a new hand-assembled game console that can play all your favorite NES and Famicom games. It uses the original CPU and PPU chips for pixel perfect gameplay and 100% compatibility. The Super 8 bit has video, audio, and reliability improvements over the original systems in a compact form factor.

The Super 8 was the very first aftermarket console to work using original hardware CPU and PPU chips when v1.1 was originally sold over 2 years ago. A lot has improved since then! The motherboard has seen 8 revisions to date.

The Super 8 bit's circuit board wasn't designed as an afterthought to a fancy casing, it was designed first with optimal layout of components in minimal possible space with shortest traces while maintaining best ground plane coverage and 5v distribution. All PCB components are through-hole hand soldered and DIP package ICs are used when available. The system consists of 3 separate circuit boards: the motherboard, the controller port board, and the NESRGB. These boards plug into each other for easy removal.

The Super 8 bit's case was designed after the main PCB design was complete. It's quality 14 gauge 6061 aluminum with glossy white powdercoat finish. It has an efficient 3 piece design that allows easy disassembly. Plenty of room for future modifications, such as HDMI NES kits. Case measures 6-3/4in x 5-3/4in x 1-3/4in.

I do all my own PCB designs and R&D as well as all PCB assembly, testing, final system assembly, sales, shipping, advertising, etc.

The Super 8 bit is for the NES enthusiast looking for an authentic gameplay experience without the annoyances of the original systems. Each motherboard is individually serial numbered.

Play Your Old NES Game Cartridges without emulation on real hardware

The original front loader system had issues with the lockout chip and ZIF cartridge connector. The original top loader system only has poor quality RF video. All original systems had some form of region lock for both games and accessories.

Emulator based consoles cannot mimic the original system's particular traits like flicker and slowdown. These consoles often don't support homebrew games and depend on firmware updates to improve compatibility. These consoles support very few accessories and don't work with light guns or R.O.B.

Imported $20-$80 clone systems rely on a poorly designed ASIC that has sound and compatibility issues. Certain sounds play at the wrong pitch and many games have glitches or don't work at all. These consoles often don't work with many NES accessories and usually have very cheap construction.

Features included with the v2.5 circuit board:

• Dual cartridge slots allow playing games from any region.
• Compatible with 100% of the entire NES and Famicom 8 bit library.
• Two original NES controller ports and 15 pin Famicom expansion connector have all pins wired for compatibility with all known accessories (some require a CRT television.)
• Designed to work with Viletim's NESRGB and original console PPU.
• Composite video, s-video, and 240p RGB video outputs with stereo sound.
• A/V multi-out connector is pin-compatible with any Genesis 2 A/V cable; standard s-video and RCA connectors are used to eliminate the need for proprietary cables.
• Three selectable color palettes: original, improved, and arcade.
• New cartridge connectors with no lockout chip, so any game with a clean connector will work every time.
• Adjustable hi-fi stereo sound circuit
• Supports audio input from game cartridges featuring built-in sound chips.
• Three-piece 14 gauge aluminum powder coated case.
• Efficient switching 1.5A regulator provides plenty of power to system and accessories.
• Compatible with all flash carts.
• Firmware updates are completely unnecessary with the Super 8.

Nearly lag-free component video can be obtained by purchasing the Retrovision Component Video Cable (scheduled for release this summer http://www.hdretrovision.com ) or by installing this kit from the maker of the of the NESRGB: http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=203&rn=549&action=show_detail

HDMI can be obtained by using a Sega Genesis 2 SCART cable to connect to an aftermarket scaler such as the XRGB mini.

Notes:

The Super 8 outputs stereo sound with no mixing between channels. If preferred, mono audio can be obtained by using a RCA audio Y cable.

Composite and S-Video are output in 60Hz NTSC format only.

What's included?

• Hand-assembled and tested Super 8 bit system v2.5 motherboard
• 3 piece custom aluminum case
• Assembled controller port PCB
• Hardware, wires, header pins
• Instructions
• 12v AC-DC power adapter

I decided not to include cables, controllers, games, etc. because they would either be cheap & low quality or add significant cost to the system if quality accessories were included.

I ship all in-stock orders within 3 business days.