The Blog

Creating SNES Cartridges with TSOP40 Flash Memory and Donor PCBs

Nix McRetro // 22nd September 2013 // Hacks, Nintendo, YouTube

Here we create a SNES cart using a donor cart - either NHL 96 or World Cup Striker. We will be flashing two games, EarthBound and Donkey Kong Country 3. The conversion reuses the donor PCB and supporting circuitry, replacing the original mask ROM with programmable TSOP40 flash memory. A... Continue reading

GQ-4X Flashing EarthBound onto TSOP40 AM29F032B Flash Memory

Nix McRetro // 22nd September 2013 // Hacks, Nintendo, YouTube

A quick video of the actual flashing process, programming an AMD AM29F032B with the GQ-4X. The AM29F032B is a 32 Mbit (4 MiB), 5 V flash-memory device; this project uses the 40-pin TSOP package. Creating the chips and adapters can be seen in the other video on making an EarthBound... Continue reading

Sega Dreamcast Arcade Sticks Differences - NTSC and PAL

Nix McRetro // 22nd September 2013 // Sega, YouTube

Why does Europe (PAL) always get the dodgier looking logo? At least we got Sea Bass Fishing on Saturn… Mystery solved! Continue reading

Collection Dilemma - Where to Draw the Line?

Nix McRetro // 16th September 2013 // News, YouTube

Where does one draw the line when collecting retro hardware and games? I also test out some of the new features (and very basic ones such as blade…) in Final Cut Pro X. Decided it is time to show iMovie 11 the door. Here’s hoping the production (and content) quality... Continue reading

Sega Master System Converter Experiment on the TeraDrive

Nix McRetro // 15th September 2013 // Hacks, Sega, YouTube

We didn’t have much luck with this. If anyone knows how it should be wired up, feel free to leave a comment - I always read your comments! :) Sega’s documentation says the original Japanese Mega Adaptor cannot be attached to the TeraDrive because its shape is different. That physical... Continue reading