Analogue returns to 16-bit consoles with the Mega Sg+ and Super Nt+

[Urban Phoebe]

Analogue is going back to the 16-bit era with two new consoles, the Mega Sg+ and Super Nt+. Engadget reports that both machines cost $220 each and are due to ship in December. Pre-orders open on 19 October at 8am Pacific time

As with Analogue's earlier machines, both use FPGA chips to recreate the original hardware rather than running software emulation. The Mega Sg+ plays Sega Mega Drive and Genesis cartridges, and the Super Nt+ plays Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges. Together they support more than 2,200 games

The upgrades over the originals are welcome. Both consoles now support Bluetooth controllers and output at 1080p, so they work well on modern televisions. Original cartridges plug straight in, which is the whole appeal for collectors

The first Super Nt and Mega Sg were very popular, and they sold out quickly. Analogue's recent Pocket and 3D launches had stock problems and delays, though, so some caution about December shipping is probably wise. Fans will be hoping things go smoothly this time

At $220, these are not cheap, but they are aimed at people who care about accuracy and own original cartridges. For that audience, they are probably the best way to play 16-bit games on a modern TV. Retro gaming keeps growing, and products like these show why

Will you be pre-ordering either of these? And do you prefer original hardware, FPGA or software emulation?

Analogue returns to the 16-bit era with the Mega Sg+ and Super Nt+ - Engadgetwww.engadget.com