Polymega [Base Unit] - Retro Console: Exploring some of it's functionality
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
- I just received my Polymega console this past December and decided to do a brief video going over some of my initial thoughts on it while showing off a few of it's key features.
While I have discovered quite a bit more features since I recorded this, it is still worth a look if you are curious about the elusive and expensive piece of hardware (took me 3 years to get it!).
Be on the look out for a live stream soon where I will do a live playtest of the current crop of games I have loaded on to it.
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Hey all, I really appreciate the comments and interest in this video. I plan on doing a live stream where I will just be going through random titles I have installed (likely taking requests) and going over more information that I have learned such as how patches work.
I am a bit under the weather right now fighting off a cold, but I hope to get this up and running by this Thursday so stay tuned.
I preordered my Polymega in 2018 and had it for 2 years now. I’m not fond of the disc drive but it works well enough. A great thing about the Polymega is that you can fully install CD ROMs and if you don’t know already if the Polymega fully installs the game that means the game is fully playable meaning the disc was good because the Polymega won’t install if there’s something wrong with it the disc
I haven't had any issues with the disc drive itself, but I have had some issues with system version updates which has caused it to lock up on me and in some instances not receive a signal from my tv.
Other than those hiccups I agree, it works well to confirm if you disc works.
I think the "Detect" timing has to do with the internet connection so that it can grab the metadata for the game inserted.
I think you are correct, because sometimes it will time out and require me to add information myself.
I hope they add a streaming video option soon
Haven't heard anything about that yet. Using my Elgato streaming service works just fine for it though.
And to be honest, I kind of really love how unreliant this thing is on having an internet connection.
I needs internet to pull database info for titles and to get firmware updates, that's it.
@@GamingwithDweavisyeah I saw on their wiki that it was gonna be implemented in the console, but they scratched it. Idk why🤷♀️.
Elgato? Is that like an external graphic card?
@@TISUAL Elgato is a video capture device, it has it's own app (which I used to stream this video) and is an external device.
@@GamingwithDweavis I think I saw those on Amazon, might have to get one🤷♀️.....one day
Is there a way to upgrade the system memory? I'm looking to dump 3000+ games onto it from my collection, so I never have to use the discs again.
Only with external memory like SD cards, hard drives or USB sticks. Internal memory is pretty shallow, but so far the external memory option has worked fine for me.
And for a comparison, I have a little over 80 titles (mostly PS1, some Sega Saturn and Sega CD) I have uploaded so far, and that has taken up about 30-ish GBs.
4:34 - I recently got my Polymega Base Unit. Your screen shows PlayStation, whereas mine doesn't. I also have the newest patch loaded. So I tried to load-up Final Fantasy Origins - nothing what-so-ever. Did I miss something as far as needing to download the emulator or is it supposed to auto load when a supported game is inserted? Is there a complete list of supported games somewhere? Thanks Dweavis.
It will only show the console if it has a game from it either in the disc tray or fully uploaded. Are there any Playstation 1 games you tried that didn't work perhaps?
For Final Fantasy Origins, check and make sure the disc is clean and that there aren't any bad scratches on it. If there is, you might seek out a retro game store and see if they can clean it for you. But also keep in mind that there are some games that might not be compatible, I haven't run into that issue yet myself but it is possible.
There is no emulator to download, it is already in the base unit. You would need to purchase the other modules for cartridge based games like SNES and Genesis, but that is it.
It is supposed to auto load when the game is inserted.
There is no list of supported games unfortunately, it would be nice if there were though. At this point I believe the list of supported games is far superior to ones that don't work for what it's worth.
Hope that all helps.
Have you tried Monster Rancher? I’ve been curious if that game works on the Polymega, with its Monster generator functionality.
I have not, but that would a really interesting test. If I see a copy of that at my local game store I will certainly pick it up to give it a try.
What is the synth music at the beginning?
That is the Polymega console menu music.
QUICK QUESTION...How's the input latency on the polymega? 🤔 Great video.
Input lag hasn't been an issue. However, controls have been an issue on some titles.
For instance, Rally Cross PS1 analog controls are reversed with the steering set to the right stick which makes it unplayable with analog sadly.
Thankfully these issues have been few and far between.
👍🏾
What happens if I never update it when I get it?
It will work, much like any current gen game console, you just won't get fixes for issues with the OS or with game compatibility.
For instance, you may have a game in your library that the system can't read. There may be an update for that in the future to fix that, but if you don't get any updates that game will never work.
It is a personal choice, and one that will work, but you will also not get the benefits of any fixes that come down the pipeline.
Can the polymega play backups ?
Yes.
Can we clone the drive and put a 4TB drive in?
Not sure, that is a bit too technical for me.
How many systems can this device play?
The base unit can play Playstation 1, Sega Saturn, Sega CD, Neo Geo CD and Turbo Grafix CD (all regions).
They have add-on units you can purchase for NES, SNES, Genesis, Turbo Grafix 16 and N64.
@@GamingwithDweavis This looks pretty cool. Didn’t know about this device until I saw your video. I really wish they had a Dreamcast module. I think I might get one eventually. Do you know if is possible to play famicom games with the NES module? perhaps by using a famicom to NES adapter?
I agree, I have a huge collection of Dreamcast games that I would love to use again. They are continuing to make new modules, hopefully that and Playstation 2 are next.
As for the Famicon, yes the NES module works with Famicon games. Same goes for the SNES module and Super Famicon and Genesis with the Mega Drive.@@unrewritable
My unit after new latest firmware now as no
WiFi working and it’s just 12 month old
The latest firmware update has been a bit screwy. I have experienced my system locking up on me and it not properly detecting my external memory. It has all been inconsistent however.
I addressed the locking up issue by resetting all settings to system defaults, but am still experiencing random weirdness with my external memory though.
I have not experienced any issue with the wifi, however you might be on an older model of the system than me (I just got mine in December) and that might account for the difference in issues we are experiencing.
This thing is so expensive now
It is still listed at $549. I think that is up $50 from over 3 years ago (and still really expensive) but I don't think it has ever had a significant price increase.
@@GamingwithDweavisthe bundle used to be around $600 and now it’s $799
@@lestat23l Ah ok, I never tracked the cost of the bundle. But yeah, that is quite the price hike. Is it because they added the N64 module to the bundle you think?
@@GamingwithDweavis could be, I’m guessing they are trying to keep up with increase of cost for parts and inflation
Does this have bluetooth?
Only for the controller, besides that it has no reason to be bluetooth.
@@GamingwithDweavis so a controller would connect wirelessly without a dongle to this? What about other products like a headset?
@@TISUAL The controller that came with the console does have a bluetooth dongle, I just didn't use it in the video since I had it connected via USB.
As for a headset, you would have to use the second usb port for that and not use the dongle if you so wished.
Literally a wastw of money? Could of gotten a xbox for all that😅
Already have an Xbox 360 which plays most of my old Xbox games. I didn't want to purchase special hook ups or a CRT monitor to play my old consoles, so this works great as a catch all.
This thing sucks. You can just build a more powerfull pc for the same price. This company should just sell their software cuz the hardware looks really lackluster especially for the 550 price tag!
Very true, but for someone like me who isn't good at building PC's or figuring out emulation it works great. The price tag is steep, but I can't say it wasn't worth it (for me at least).
Not everyone wants to break the law or learn how to emulate every single different console, friend. I’m almost confident the price goes down as this thing gets more popular.
Lol what law it's not that hard to emulate stuff. There are plenty of guides that show you how to do it. This machine isn't doing anything that any other piece of software wont allow you to do and probably even better. You don't even need an expensive computer to emulate most of the stuff that this thing can do. Hell my 10 year nephew could even do it. Also this company has taken their sweet ass time even getting the product to people's hands, so good luck even getting one anytime soon!
@@ericochoa4034 Piracy, downloading the games you emulate, is against the law. I meant the two things separately, lol my bad I can see I wasn’t very clear
Also they say Polymega consoles will be available to buy (not preorder) by March and their timeline matches their actions so far
Dont do it. Functionality is nothing because thats what they send you.
?
@GamingwithDweavis the majority of people who have ordered this haven't received anything.
@@Satiator123 Gotcha. Yeah, it is really unfortunate that their shipping issues have plagued what would have otherwise been a piece of hardware with very few substantial criticisms outside it's price tag.
@@Satiator123that isn’t true. Most should have their consoles now. They’re finally catching up after the chip shortages the last 3 years.
Just received mine a few days ago, ironically it shipped on the exact 1 and only day that I checked my email after I ordered it years ago