Retrode 2

31 Reviews

• 5

  Does what you need it to do

  Posted by BEAR on Aug 12th 2021

  Does what you need it to do - you plug it in, you pop in a cartridge, and you can now access it's digital content. Couldn't be happier. Shipping was quick and packaging was good.

• 5

  The PERFECT way to legally play your games on emulators AND cartridges!

  Posted by Matthew Young on Aug 12th 2021

  This is the absolute easiest method I've seen of transferring your physical games to ROM images for use in emulators that you can play on your PC, phone, or other devices. What's particularly great is that with a slight tweak to the config file, you can transfer your save file both from and TO your favorite game. You can play your games on Retroarch, get your retro achievements, then transfer the save back to your cartridge for play on consoles.

• 5

  Game Library Preservation for Dummies

  Posted by Elliott H. on Aug 1st 2021

  This device makes it unbelievably easy to create backups for your library - literally as simple as copy and paste. Where I found it truly invaluable was for backing up my personal childhood save files also. I was lucky in that most of my carts still had functioning batteries, and this device allowed me to permanently preserve those memories, even in the case of battery failure or replacement. (And special thanks to the My Life in Gaming channel on YouTube for planting the idea!)

• 4

  Great Dumping Tool

  Posted by Scott Bloom on Jul 22nd 2021

  I've been downloading games for years and have started dumping my own games recently. The Retrode 2 has been on my radar for a long time and finally got myself one for dumping my Super NES games.
  
  Games can be loaded up directly into your favorite emulator if you don't want to copy it, and if you have original controllers, you can plug them into the unit for that authentic feel.
  
  The Super NES connector isn't compatible with all games. I have fifteen titles, two of which have Super FX chips (Star Fox and Yoshi's Island) and one has an SA-1 chip (Kirby Super Star). The Super FX games were able to be copied over, but KSS reads as "2600Cartridge.a26".
  
  Overall, the device is worth it. I'll consider getting the GB adapter when it becomes available.

• 5

  Works Great

  Posted by Kyle Agar on Jul 17th 2021

  Bought mine a few years ago and it works great backing up saves to my PC. I am currently having trouble restoring saves from my PC to my GameBoy carts.

• 5

  Good SNES/Genesis cartridge dumper

  Posted by Lee Hathcock on Jul 5th 2021

  The Retrode 2 represents one of the easier-to-use solutions for cartridge dumping. By default, it handles the SNES and Genesis. In most cases, it will auto-detect the game properly, and you just copy it over like it was a flash drive. Very handy! One thing you'll want to keep in mind is that your carts need to be very clean, however - if the game comes up as unrecognized, it probably needs a cleaning.
  
  One other thing to note is that you can't dump Virtua Racing for Genesis or SA1 games (unless you have an adapter that I'm not sure is still for sale elsewhere). Super FX games will still dump, however.
  
  One other great bonus is that you get two SNES and two Genesis controller ports for using original controllers on your PC. It's a great way to make your emulation experience even more authentic.
  
  Overall, I've been very happy with my Retrode 2. If you don't want to get a Retron 5 or Retro Freak for dumping purposes, this will absolutely do the trick.

• 5

  Everything MLiG says and more

  Posted by Colin on May 10th 2021

  The best way to backup and restore ROMS and save files from your classic cartridges. If you're trying to replace coin cell batteries and not lose your save in the process, this is a god send. Watch MLiG's vid on it too!

• 5

  Best way to legally backup your ROMs!

  Posted by ABOhiccups on Apr 10th 2021

  We know downloading ROMs off the internet may be risky without getting trouble by Nintendo or any Game Publishers.
  
  The Retrode 2 will solved this issue. If you're a hardcore collector. You can legally backup your SNES and Sega Genesis Games as ROMs. So you can now play it on Emulator or Flash Carts like EverDrive.
  
  There is also plug-ins for Game Boy, Sega Master System, and Nintendo 64. Retrode 2 will also work with Sega 32X Add-on Console as a passthrough to backup Sega 32X Games.
  
  Retrode 2 is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  
  I recommend if you have games sitting on your shelf.

• 5

  Fantastic solution for backing up classic games and save files!

  Posted by Justin Harris on Apr 9th 2021

  Overall, I'm incredibly impressed by the Retrode 2 as I've been waiting for awhile to get my hands on one. My rating of great is based on expectations knowing what you're getting out of the box. If you're aware of all the pros and cons, I think you'll agree that this is actually probably the current best solution for retro gaming backups.
  
  Pros:
  -Plug and play solution makes it incredibly easy to back-up your roms and save files.
  -Features active support for Super NES, Sega Genesis, and Sega Genesis 32X (relevant cons related to this below).
  -Plug-in support for Nintendo 64, Sega Master System, and Game Boy/Color/Advance make this the ideal solution for most retro gaming preservationists.
  -The form factor is quite beautiful and has a premium aesthetic design to it. The Retrode 2's addition of a dust cover to protect the cartridge slots was very smart.
  -There is an active community of people coming up with solutions for other adapters such as the Virtual Boy. This is really neat.
  -The controller slots make it really easy to link up with emulators and give a feeling of native play.
  
  Cons:
  -Retrode 2 and its plug-ins are not readily available. I was on the notification waiting list for months. I'm still waiting on the Game Boy adapter to be in stock. Otherwise your only solution is to pay a premium of 2-3 times the retail price on eBay.
  -No NES/Famicom plug-in adapter solution. I've got mixed messages on whether or not this is actually going to be considered or produced, but rumor has it that a solution *could* be coming in the future. Let's hope.
  -No support for EEPROM saved games such as NBA Jam for Sega Genesis. While not a grave concern, as EEPROM can potentially last a lifetime, it's a bummer I cannot save my 100-0 record in NBA Jam T.E using the Retrode. Fortunately games such as Sonic the Hedgehog 3 / Sonic 3 & Knuckles that use FRAM create an appropriate SRAM file that you can backup.
  -So while it's a pro that you can natively backup 32X roms as well, the method to do this is a bit uninspired. It requires you either remove the gamebit screw and stick in the bare cartridge board into the slot, or by using your 32X (without the power slot) as an adapter. Not a dealbreaker by any means, but you're telling me the cartridge couldn't have been molded in a way to it could include it?
  -Minor gripe, but I wish the SNES cartridge faced forward too. Odd choice to reverse the direction of that slot, but keep the Genesis cart facing you to see the label.