The TurboGrafx Mini - REVIEW - Game Sack
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- Episode
279 - You've seen all of the other 548 reviews of the TurbobGrafx-16 Mini on CZcams, now it's time to watch mine! Is this mini system worth it?
"Turbob" is not a typo.
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The audio lag is due to the linux kernal, and there is no way around it. The buffers are hard coded, and it would be difficult to make a fork of linux that handled audio differently. One of the few things the ios and macos kernals do well is handle audio on a 64ms timer interrupt (might be a little off on the number there). It eats in to CPU and bus performance a bit, but ensures low audio latency. This is why you can have proper real-time DJ software on those platforms without needing an external peripheral, like you do on android/linux. The input lag is also related to this issue. Buffers... A good approach to making a mainframe OS, not so good when that same kernal design mentality is used in an interactive device.
Thank you for the insight! I always find it fascinating to learn about this kind of stuff.
There are ways around that. Any powerful enough Raspberry Pi or similar, running RetroArch, can emulate audio perfectly. Yes, even input lag is kept in a minimum. I know there's licensing issues and stuff, but the Linux kernel isn't any obstacle to a good emulation. It can be done.
Thanks for the insight. Why is it that the SNES Classic was able to improve upon this from the NES Classic, considering the hardware is so similar? And also, why do you think it is that installing Retroarch basically eliminates this on these same systems? I have extensive experience with NES/SNES Classic and Genesis Mini systems, and I've virtually eliminated input lag and sound sync issues. Seems like Nintendo/M2 could have managed better, even with the hardware limitations that you speak of.
@@SeveredLegs Even though I've known about people using RetroArch in mini consoles, I've never used it that way myself. I test RetroArch on x64 computers and on Raspberry Pi boards, both using Linux based distributions.
Unfortunately, I don't have any technical explanation of how RetroArch does what it does, but I know it's done mostly (or all) on software level. I also know Linux have something called Kernel Mode Setting (KMS) which, if used, helps even more with the input lag. Finally, RetroArch has many options for fine tuning that can help latency.
I mess around with emulation since 1999, and have seen a consistent improvement over the years. It started bad, granted, but I'm starting to think it can easily match (or even surpass, in some cases) the original hardware. Maybe someone could throw you a bunch of technical articles and extensive tutorials, but... It's not my case. I just install RetroArch and everything goes fine. I must note though:
1. Some LCD screens are terrible for gaming, so you could notice some input lag on them.
2. Linux distributions are very fragmented, so results may vary.
3. Maybe it's placebo, but I think latency is even lower on some specialized Linux distributions for the Raspberry Pi.
4. RetroArch was not always that good. I first used it in 2012 and hated it. Used it again in 2014 and thought it was a little better. Because of that, I started a habit of checking it every now and then. Seems to get better with time.
I hope I've been useful with my account. If you were waiting for something more technical, I know there are some articles on the web, because I've seen them around.
Windows has also options for low latency audio like the WASAPI audio driver, and if your application supports it you can even use ASIO
I still miss Dave, of course, but this episode really reminded me of what an amazing Job you’ve done to keep this show at 100% the quality level it always was, Joe. I still look forward to each episode just as much. Thanks for all your hard work, as always.
So where did Dave go?
Inorite he just had to step back to focus on family.
@@inorite4553 Aliens took him. That's the real story, but we are not meant to know about it.
@@inorite4553 There was never a Dave, Dave was a hoax.
@Winston Smith trash human
This is actually one of the mini consoles I would buy as I never had a Turbografx 16.
In the US you weren't missing much, I had two. But the library sucks compared to japan's.
Sadly the best games are not there : Keith Courage and Legendary Ax 1 & 2. Find an emulator on PC instead.
@@MarquisDeSang I think there is a hack to add missing games
@@maxxdahl6062 nihon strong
Same here
Hold up Joe, Splatterhouse is in fact on the PC Engine Mini. Actually it's even better on there as it's not censored like the one on the Turbografx Mini.
Yeah a lot of people are mentioning that. My bad. The list I saw was in error. If I could pin two comments, I would also stick this one. :)
Yep. The TG-16 Mini has Salamander and the (sort of) censored version of Splatterhouse, while the PC Engine Mini has uncensored Splatterhouse, Tengai Makyou 2 and Tokimeki Memorial.
@@GameSack You can pin my comment any time, sailor...pin my comment right on my butt, if you know what I'm sayin'...You know what I'm sayin'?
it's not censored, they just changed the mask due to copyright
@@GiordanDiodato well, all the religious imagery was cut out.
Oh boy I was waiting for this review since it was announced! Exactly because I love hearing Joe's take on things 😃!
He always does a great job w these reviews 👍🏽
Re: Fantasy Zone
It's not a glitch that you're back at stage 1, you're just on 2 player mode. You alternated back to the other player. I only noticed because I did the same thing when I tried the alternate version... >_>
Yeah someone else mentioned that too. How does one begin in single player? Must be super easy to start in Two Player mode if you also did it the first time?
@@GameSack I dug out the old Fantasy Zone manual to confirm, but it's just the select button on the title screen to toggle between single or multiplayer. I'm guessing holding it down when the game launched was enough to trigger it.
@@ChrisSaturn That must be it! Need to let go immediately I suppose.
@@GameSack Could you heart or pin this or edit the description? I see a lot of people on Facebook criticizing you over this as if they caught you lying about the TG16 Mini. Even though it's obvious to me that it's a simple mistake that isn't even your fault (since holding Select is required), these people are convinced that you will not correct the record out of spite for emulation and Mini consoles. Of course, these people call it "gatekeeping." Prove 'em wrong, Joe!
Same goes for the Splatterhouse thing. Simple oversight but they make a big deal out of it like you are deliberately misleading people.
NES version did the same thing too.
Hell yeah! Gamesack at 2:00 am!
Hell yeah! Game Sack at 5:00am!
Gamesack at midnight on VR!
I see shimmering in my sleep... It's everywhere. I named my cat shimmer
The legend of Valkyrie actually got an official translation in Namco Museum 4. And I luv it.
This channel should have atleast over a million subs by now.
Keep up the good work 👍 love every vid
It did at one point! But then all of the Dave's fangirls unsubscribed when he quit the show.
Dont worry the screenwave slobs add fake subs everyday
@@PutlerHuyIo really?
This is the best review I seen so far for the TG-16. Thanks for this, so much nicer hearing it from a lover of a console rather than just technical jargon. All about the feels for me, cheers Joe
But tbh, I just got it as I love buying plastic things I will never use ... its becoming a habit now :(
Oh Austin’s here!!. Let’s get stuck in!!
They should have included the Sega CD English version of Snatcher as a peace offering!
Well I played Golden Axe Turbo Graphix 16 CD version which included backstories for all three characters and looked/sounded like shit with everything else (minus the music) so I thought to myself "would I have wanted that or Snatcher in Japanese?"
I love your end skits! Always puts a smile on my face.
If you'd stop e begging people would care.
the skit sucked, Joe only has one style of comedy, and it got old years ago
I definitely care fo sho
@@dangunheadachron1603 you should go out together and take him dress shopping too
e beggars don't give out dozens of games/prizes in return to the audience, put multiple videos a month for the audience etc.
🤷♀️
Been binging the Game Sack back catalogue and I've got to aay- the current intro is perfection.
HIDE THE HU CARD HAROLD!!!!!!! At 1:08 You are witnessing genius here! Thanks Joe, this made my day!
Always great how in-depth you go on these Mini consoles Joe. You leave no stone unturned!
Thank you for keeping the show running 🏃♂️ I’m so happy that you’re keeping the passion for gaming and the show alive!!!!
It needs more Valis 2, Legendary Axe, and Keith Courage to tickle the nostalgia bone.
Legendary Axe is because of JVC being dickheads about their properties
Valis in general is in licensing limbo
Keith Courage's Japanese version is based on an anime, meaning licensing issues up the ass.
@@GiordanDiodato
Up the ass 🤣
Its funny when you slow down and read the stuff we say all the time.
My car was.. running great and then it took a shit!😆
Watched so many reviews on this product, and yours IS, BY FAR the best and most in depth review of the TurboGrafx 16 Mini. Only part missing, which I am glad I learned prior to purchasing one, is that a power brick that is rated over 5V could damge the system. Other than that, absolutely PERFECT! Thanks a million GameSack! ✌🏼😄👍🏻
Thank you for pointing this out. I got an adapter on Amazon that's made for this particular mini-console to avoid this problem
Have to hand it to you, you’ve done the most honest and frank review.
Snatcher in Japanese, what's the point? Dammit!
I was kind of hoping the TurboGrafx mini release would get capable people interested in doing a translation for Snatcher. I think there was never much interest before because it was available on Sega CD.
Google translate...hold it up to the TV and voila!
I did that with Google lens once while checking out a wierd Famicom game just to see what it was going on in in the story, npc chat boxes in between lvls.
I'm surprised you didn't take the thing apart in this one when talking about the size of the machine, the motherboard is the same in the PCE mini so half the TG16 Mini is just empty plastic, lol :)
Which is kinda weird considering Japan is usually really good about ecology conservation and eliminating unnecessary pollution such as plastic. 😀
Huylo kind of, except when they burn plastic, individually wrap produce in plastic, and whale.
@huylo is thinking of the Japan he wishes existed. I'm guessing it's the same Japan that ISN'T the most racist place on the Earth. Bad news, no such place.
It's runs on a 32bit ghz processor with over 60 million billion colors onscreen at once.
Yeah, but that just means the PC Engine Mini and CoreGrafx Mini weren't very "Mini" compared to their originals either. ;)
Watching Game Sack is like watching a saturday morning cartoon in sunday.
Joe is the best, he is like a one man orchestra.
Hey all.... it’s Sunday’s sack time and soooo happy in opening Joe’s sack
Much support from the UK!
Dragon Spirit also has an alternate arcade mode when holding select while booting up. One of my viewers told me about it.
Awesome, I played that at the pool of all places back in the day and then only ever had the NES port.
beyond that, the PCE version is a pretty good port of the arcade version.
Man I forgot Zack Morris was on the original tg-16’s box!
Is that really Zack Morris from Saved by the bell?
That's who I always think of when I see the box. But Zack Morris is trash !!!
@@thetylife ZACK MORRIS IS TRAAAASH! lol
I always appreciate your reviews on... well, everything to be honest. You go far more in depth and have the keenest eyes and ears for emulation accuracy I've encountered, and it's always interesting to get your take.
A couple of years ago, I bought a TurboGrafx-16 in the hopes of having a small collection, but it's proved a bigger headache than it's worth (imports, CD only games, current price), so I'll likely be grabbing the mini once it's back in stock - none of the issues were total deal breakers for me.
I was a big fan of Turbo back in 89 when I got my first one, collected 300 titles US and Japanese only releases..sold the collection in 2002 and just seen today in 2023 they actually released a all inclusive mini then did a search and found a new one well below retail so I bought it...can't wait to experience this all over again..
I'm not buying this now. I wanted the box with the smiling guy
The smiling guy is like close to 60 now...lol
He looks like he was about 17 on the cover and that was in like 88 so he's probably around 48-50 right now.
That's why god invented sharpies.
@@darthkai8242 I'm still getting it I was just being sarcastic and appreciating Joes smiling guy observation.
I discovered and love Game Sack ever since Mark from Classic Game Room just completely fall apart! I don’t even know what happened to him.
He started to charge to view his content , it backfired on him and ended up not reviewing everything
God, you just made me realize why I was so drawn to this channel. It’s totally like an evolution of CGR. I never thought about it until I read this.
@@danh2134 Don't forget cgrundertow as well.
Dan H Didn’t he get upset so he hasn’t done any since and apparently he only reviews comic books half heartedly?
I have seen a lot of other reviews, but I've been waiting for this one! You are the best retro channel on CZcams, in my opinion.
"I realize that CZcams is probably overwhelmed with reviews like this. . ."
This is the _only_ one I've ever seen pop up for this thing. I'd forgotten it even existed.
The PC Engine is still my favourite console of all time.
19:10 did someone say hidden gems ?
After a 7-8 hour power outage, a new Game Sack waiting for me is just what the Dr ordered. Awesome job as usual!
That caption at 11:31, adventure music thats adventurous... hahahah great job there alone !!
I have been playing Snatcher on this system, even if I cant understand it, glad I played the Sega CD version
Looking good, Joe, with that fuller beard. 🤗
Game Sack has been knocking it outta the park recently. Steady stream of good content these last few weeks. Keep up the good work, Joe 👏
"Recently" means in the last 15 yrs to me lol Retro head. Yes he has been excellent recently particularly enjoy these kinds of videos with in depth user reviews of stuff I want.
I might pick one of these up, I never had a TurboGrafx16 so seems like a good one to try.
No matter how many reviews there are of a console theres always room for good reviews!
I want to get it on the Merit of "snatcher" and "Dracula X" alone! It was cool having you mentioned that There's a hidden English version of "Ninja Gaiden" it be cool if they did a OS update that did that for Snatcher? At the very least make the text English, and the Japanese voice with subtitles?
For $100, we SHOULD have finally gotten an English-translated Snatcher. There's probably a fan translation that they could've licensed for cheap if not for simple accreditation!
@@Prizrak-hv6qk There is no fan translation yet.
@@ostiariusalpha
Fan translation shouldn't be too hard to compile given the existing fan translations for the older versions of the game PLUS the Sega translation.
Has yet to be done though
md cd version can be English I guess, so it's not a big deal. Anyway, Japanese better than nothing, maybe some day you would speak Japanese for some reason like I couldn't imagine now I am able to read Japanese 2 years ago.
We can't have an English re-release of Snatcher because Konami is Konami and Konami is the worst.
I hope this becomes moddable in the future, like the other mini consoles, as some of the games on the PC-Engine side need to get a translation patch on them, like Snatcher for example.
@Marc Carran I mean heck... even a Raspberry Pi should be able to fully emulate this system.
I'm just a regular old gamer, I dont care much about all the nerdy stuff but I do appreciate reviews from nerds. They look deep into things! 💯💯
i was like, im not gonna laugh at whatever end video sketch he does. THEN BAM, you hit me deep in the feels and chuckles. great video!
I think that they should have just released the Turbo Express console with the ability to output HDMI, kinda like a Nomad
Now that is something I would definitely buy.
I've always been a fan on of handheld consoles, and would have been all over something like this. the only thing I'd want beside the HDMI out, would be USB C charging, and an easy to replace battery, as nothing pisses me off more then having to take something 1/2 apart with tiny oddball screws, and a plastic spluger to relacing a dying battery while trying not to damage the system *Cough* Nintendo 2DS XL/Nintendo Switch Lite *Cough*.
after seeing the Game Gear mini... sure you want that?
Uploaded 3 minutes ago, already a dislike. Seems legit. Must be RGT85 or something.
I always assume its Stevie Richards because he doesn’t get a cameo in each episode’s opening.
Who are either of these people?
@@anegwa yeah exactly who
You tube might be overloaded with reviews of the tg16 mini, but this this is the only channel I really look forward to their coverage of it :)
Same here, as many don't go indept enough, and/or just seem too afraid to give an honest opinion out of fear they won't get free review samples again.
woooo a nice fresh gamesack! And this is the first TurboGrafx mini vid I've seen posted!
Its the only one we need.
good ol T.G. still rocks
Great episode! Thanks for the fantastic and detailed review. Unfortunately I won't buy this because they left out Legendary Axe. Terrible move.
NintendianaJones64 Totally agreed dude! Brain dead move! Some of those games could’ve easily have been removed in place of it!
@@williamg3165 They'll be on it soon enough.
it's because JVC are a bunch of dickheads about their video game properties
My favorite channel. Thanks so much for your hard work. Hope you both are doing well.
Cool system, & this is the best TurboGrafx-16 mini review I’ve seen so far. Nice work! 👍
That long controller cord is a middle finger to nintendo
I just got my TG16 mini, both of them. Amazon screwed up and sent me two, even though I only paid for one.
Lucky you. I only got one. The only time I got 2 for one (for free) Nintendo sent me 2 GC Zelda collections.
Dang you lucked out big
Had similar luck, but only with thumbdrives... Nothing so nice as a TG-16 mini.
I got two switch games after ordering one copy. It was gunvolt I think.
I somehow got two HDMI adapters. Not sure if I ended up paying for both.
True, there are other reviews of this mini console on youtube... but they are now all obsolete. Thanks Game Sack!
I absolutely love your show and this review man. Im a new Game Sack fan who just started watching through all the years you and Dave have brought funny, brilliant game reviews to CZcams.
As always I love your in depth analysis on the system units and your "tough but fair" approach to these emulation consoles. I love my TG-16 Mini but im also so happy to know the negatives to having this over real hardware.
That why I wish your channel was bigger, cause you (and Dave when he was here) explain things so well that even a tech derp like me can get it.
Lol sorry to ramble, but all in all, keep up the amazing work man.
Can't wait for this beauty to be hacked.
Too late.
Already has been....back in March
Yeah, this little beaut is going on my A/V shelf once that happens.
the arcade version games that are exclusive need to be dumped. thats the real treasure within these
I spent the whole of yesterday playing and I didn't notice any lag or sound delay. It's the 1st time for me playing a pc engine and so far everything I've tried has been great.
I feel like a lot of reviewers seem to ignore how much of a difference the TV makes when it comes to retro consoles. Some TV's do so much post-processing it introduces silly amounts of lag, even if they have a so-called game mode. That's why there is so much variation in user experience. It's a pity we can't all be using CRT's to eliminate that.
I never notice any of the picky problems that get brought up in these videos. I'm sure they are there, and it's good for them to be pointed out. But for many of us, meh.
Joe, even if everyone's already talked about it, please know their are so many that wait for YOU to talk about it. Keep it up man! Talk about anything you want.... we're listening!
Fair and quite complete review. Thanks
Probably most intriguing of these mini consoles. Especially when it has also Japanese games.
Why? The Genesis Mini already did that last year.
Been really enjoying my TG-16 Mini, but I agree that a bunch of the Japanese text-heavy games are questionable at best. Really wish there was a little more effort into changing up the lineup for the US audience.
Same. I'd love to try Snatcher
Use Google translate. Super easy.
I only watch these for the outro sketch. Excellent as always
Awesome work as always Joe. Keep the videos coming
I must’ve been one of the 1% of gamers in the US that actually owned one of these. Hell, I even owned the Turbo CD. How many people has one of those?
Honestly, it was a good system, but I just don’t feel it measured up to the Genesis or the SNES. Those systems had better libraries easily!
Come on dude, literally hundreds of people owned a turbo CD! You’re definitely not alone
I'm with the 0.1% who still has a TurboDuo.
I knew a friend who's friend's friend had a TG-16 and he brought a Hucard to school once and we were all like ooooooooooh lol
Finally a GOOD review of the TurboGrafx Mini. I’ve been waiting for this review since the original TurboGrrafx was released in 1989.....and I didn’t even know it.
Nice, been waiting on this. Already have one, but it's always great to hear Joe's take.
Thank you for the honest review highlighting the shortcomings realistically without going into hyperbole about them. In the end it’s about the games and if it’s a library one would enjoy. Loved that bit at the end well done 😂👍🏻. Pretty much how the Turbo ads were back then.
Just as I was about to get some sleep! Alrighty why the hell not?! I need more Game Sack in my life! Thanks for the upload, Joe!
Joe is gonna have to answer to my boss in the morning when I'm too tired to work cuz I was up all night admiring Joe's lovely sack. Once i introduce him to Joe's sexy sack he'll understand I'm sure
Fantastic job Joe... you have made up my mind.. it's a purchase for sure
MiSTer is my mini system of choice no lag, 1000hz usb input polling, flexible with controllers and displays.
The TurboGrafx 16 will always have a place in my heart. I was 16 when it FINALLY came out, and it was the first system I bought with my own "big-boy money" from a summer job. It felt light years ahead of the NES, and as much as I liked the looks of the upcoming Genesis, I just had to have that CD drive after seeing Ys book I&II at an import games store. I delighted in showing off the system to friends and watching their minds implode over the size of the TurboChips. Also, putting "Turbo" in front of everything sounded so legit back then!
Very helpful explanation and review, thank you.
The acting is really coming along , Joe!
I cannot wait to get one, thanks for your review, Joe! 👍
The d-pads do loosen up over time and feel especially good after that, even though I don't mind the slightly stiffer d-pad anyway. It's worth mentioning that it seems fairly easy to fry the USB controller ports on this thing. Everyone should be sure to use exactly a 5V 2amp phone charger to power this mini.
This episode was really fun. From the transition at 2:02 to the funny comments ("Y's is on here just in case you need to desperately play it in Japanese for some reason"), and all the explanations about video stuff that goes over my head but is always cool to hear Joe talk about. Thanks for showcasing all the games, I think I'll eventually pick this one up even if only for all the shmups. Never had a Turbografx but like with the mini Genesis it'll be a good intro for me to the console. :)
I really dig this mini console. It was a birthday gift from my wife. I have to say though, I don't really notice any controller lag, especially on Lord's Of Thunder, but I've also never played the original, that could be why I didn't notice it.
Nice, just when i thought id have to eat my food i didnt want in the first place in a grumpy mood, gamesack helps me out
This was the mini I was the most excited for. I want something I've never seen before.
Always wanted a PC Engine, never got one. And never thought about this mini console until your video, planning to get one now, thanks!
I love how technical Joe gets. He knows his shit. Gotta respect his level of perfectionism.
And thank you for making Game Sack, Joe.😉
Nothing better than after a 24 shift fighting covd19, get in the bed and there's new GameSack video
The review I actually needed!
I love the way TG-16 music sounds.
Absolutely!
Great stuff Joe!
Joe's sack continually producing quality as has been the way of things this decade!
Awesome review, Joe! I bought the TG-16 mini and haven't been disappointed...yet. The only reason I wanted one was for Rondo of Blood but I found myself enjoying the rest of the game selection. 16 MEGA POWER!!!
Splatterhouse is on the PC Engine mini and it is uncensored (white mask version).
Joe, are you watching me or something? My finger was hovering over the “buy” button for this thing not more than an hour before you uploaded!
My first time playing Rondo of Blood, surprisingly. Could not get enough. And that soundtrack.
I know this is going to sound dumb but I want to say it anyway. About a month ago I started going through one of the most difficult periods of my life, the only thing keeping me from entering a deep dark depression is the content from my favorite CZcams creators and Twitch Streamers. Joe, you and, by extension Dave in the older videos, have been a constant in my life for the last month (though I've been a fan for some time), and I just wanted to say thank you. Because sometimes, some of us need a 2am video upload. Thanks.
@The Deadpool Who Chuckles. hahaha, no... Not quite. I dodged that bullet.
I really liked Dave and just the opinions of two guys so invested in the gaming world thought me a lot about the classic consoles and games, and pretty much shaped my own opinions about the genre.
That being said, I think the video's Joe makes alone are way more watchable and in my view a lot funnier. I really respect the effort you put into making reviews!
So thank you Joe, for al your amazing work and I'll be watching you till either one of us dies:p
Who needs to sleep anyway? It's Gamesack all the night then.
I enjoyed the Henry Rollins 'Liar' vibe at the end, good stuff.
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME
Great video. Doesn’t matter other reviewed it. Your opinion is superior!!!
Awesome review!
Oh, Tokimeki Memorial would have been cool... I've watched High Score Girl a while ago where it was played in a scene and it seems to be quite the cult game.