Retrode


The Retrode is a USB adapter for legacy video games that enabled the use of game cartridges and controllers with emulators. Technically, the Retrode could be considered a ROM dumper in that it could create a copy of the cartridge content. Unlike most such devices, the Retrode could be operated without drivers or special software under the most popular operating systems. It further allowed the emulator to directly access the game data through the file system, eliminating the need to create a ROM image as a separate step. By default, the Retrode was equipped with cartridge slots and controller ports for the SNES and Sega Genesis game consoles; support for cartridges and controllers for other systems could be added via so-called plug-in adapters that users can buy online or make themselves.

History

The device was originally conceived by Matthias Hullin in 2009 during a discussion on USB accessories in a user forum for the Pandora handheld gaming console. Hullin prototyped the envisioned operation principle by wiring an edge connector to an AT90USBKey evaluation board running a custom firmware, and prepared a demonstration video. After receiving significant coverage through various press outlets, Hullin developed the proof-of-concept into a product that was later manufactured by Retrode UG in Germany. Retrode UG ceased manufacturing the Retrode in the summer of 2013.
The Retrode got licensed to OpenPandora GmbH in Germany and is available again since March 2015. The Retrode from 2015 is the second hardware revision.
For each of the two hardware revisions, the transition from prototype to mass production was enabled through crowdfunding. A comprehensive write-up by a Retrode user documents the history of the project.

Technical properties

The Retrode was based on an Atmel AVR microcontroller with an integrated USB interface, connecting to cartridge slots and game controller ports via the microcontroller's GPIO pins. Its updateable firmware was based on the LUFA library by Dean Camera, and was developed mainly by Hullin with the help of a few users.
The device enumerated as a composite USB device consisting of a USB mass storage endpoint and one or several USB game controllers. Access to the cartridge contents was provided through files on the USB medium. A number of device parameters could be edited through a configuration file.
The first commercial version of the Retrode featured an aluminum profile enclosure with two slots to accommodate SNES and Sega Genesis game cartridges. Internal soldering pins allowed users to retrofit up to four ports for SNES controllers. The successor model, the Retrode 2, used a plastic enclosure with a dust cover, and had four controller ports built in—two for each system, SNES and Sega Genesis.

Consoles supported

ConsoleStateDIY ProvisionsProduction RunSlotVoltage Required
Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Mega Drive/GenesisBuilt-in support in Retrode 1 and 2-Ongoing batches of production of Retrode 2N/A5V
Nintendo 64WorkingPCB layout and schematic soonOngoing productionMega Drive/Genesis3.3V
Game Boy variantsWorkingPCB layout and schematic soonOngoing productionMega Drive/Genesis3.3V for Game Boy Advance; 5V for Game Boy and Game Boy Color
Sega Master System and Game GearWorkingWiring key, design and build write-up/rough guide ; PCB layout and schematic soonbuild write-up/rough guide ; PCB layout and schematic soon Ongoing production Mega Drive/Genesis5V
Atari 2600WorkingPCB layout and schematicPrevious sold out; none plannedSNES5V
TurboGrafx16/PC EngineWorkingWiring keyNone plannedSNES5V
Virtual BoyWorkingWiring key; design and build write-up/rough guideNone plannedMega Drive/Genesis5V
Neo Geo Pocket variantsWorkingWiring key; Japanese design and build write-up/rough guideNone plannedSNES3.3V
Nintendo Entertainment SystemConsideringWill be PCB layout and schematic if completedProbably if completed?5V
Atari LynxPlanning???5V
Sega PicoWorkingWiring key; design and build write-up/rough guideNone plannedMega Drive/Genesis5V
V.SmileWorkingWiring key; brief build notesNone plannedSega GenesisUnknown