retro junkie
All You bases are belong to us.
FC Mobile Review.
This is portable?
Do you have some NES carts stored away in the closet somewhere? Itching to get them out again? Or did you miss a gaming generation and want to go back and see what it was all about? If you are busy and on the go, we just might have the solution here. I picked this up for $39.00 plus shipping over eBay.
First impressions:
The overall appearance of the box gives you the impression of a nice quality system. The box art concept would appeal to the western gamer, looking no different than any of the other technical gadget packages on the market. It is marketed by “Hyperkin,” seemly having a base in the US. But the FC Mobile is obviously made in China. The Engrish on their site makes it more obvious that they are China related. This will be my first experience with them. It seems that they put out some clone systems and other game related peripherals.
Now for the grand opening. Three User Guides with one being in Engrish, which is hilarious to read. The first problem I encountered was this thing would not turn on! I used two sets of new batteries. I was very close to contacting the supplier when I discovered that the first battery that you place into the unit was not staying in place. CHEAP Chinese springs! I cut a piece of bubble wrap and placed it on this battery and then put the remaining two on top in their place. Ah Ha! It Lives! Master it Lives!
My second problem was concerning that "protective plastic covering" that they place on the LCD until the consumer gets it out of the box. That stuff was almost embedded to the screen. I had a horrible time peeling that off without damaging the screen. It came off in pieces because of this. I think I did put a couple of small nearly unnoticeable scratches on the screen in the process. I actually began to think that I was pulling off the real screen and thought I was in the process of doing so a few times.
Now for some playing. The online store, where I purchased the unit, was kind enough to supply a “randomly picked” free NES game cart. The game is an NES Zapper game! (Laughing over the irony of it all.) Fortunately I have my own games. This thing is fun with NES gaming in my hands.
Hardware:
The system feels a bit chunky in your hands in comparison to other modern portables. But, really, what can you expect, we are talking about using original NES game carts here. Also it feels weighty with the batteries installed. Add the game cart and the unit may feel awkward to some. But really I forgot about that once I started playing. The plastic seems to be a little thicker than what I normally find in these type of portables. I would call it a nice quality solid build in that area. But the cheap springs used in the battery compartment knock it down a notch for me. Upon trying the TV-out feature, I found that I had no sound. Fortunately for me I have plenty of those cables stashed around from other Chinese systems that offer the TV-out feature. Hooked one of those up and the TV-out works perfect. So the unit came with a faulty TV-out hookup cable. Should I knock that "quality thing" down another notch? I like the fact that the cartridge slot has a spring door dust cover. That, in itself, gives it a nice concept design appeal. Some carts fit a little loose and some carts fit good and tight. I really don't know how well everything will hold up under a lot of use with pulling and pushing of game carts, but the outer shell casing seems very sturdy and solid.
Calling this a portable system may seem, to the modern gamer, a bit of a joke when you consider the size of the game carts. You would need a piece of luggage with those wheels on the bottom if you want to lug around any large volume of games with you. Even with only your one favorite game it seems awkward and in need of some large pockets. But for bumming around the house, dorm room, or apartment, perfect. Add the convenient stashed-in-a-drawer size and the TV-out feature makes it all the more appealing to the dorm room or apartment. But only solo playing as there is no jack for a second gamepad. It does have a headphone jack for those moments of needed privacy when playing!! This, for me, is a rarity when it comes to these TV-out devices. Volume control uses an analog disk. Update: The outside of the box says it has stereo, but the unit inside technically only has one speaker. The appearance of the unit gives the impression of having two speakers. Are we a victim of Chinese hype? Maybe this is the reason we only get a mono plug with TV-out. NES games are mono, so it really doesn't matter. The sound does seem to come from the screen area of gameplay. When you use headphones the sound comes from both ear buds. There is also a slight hum in the speaker.
The unit has a nice sharp bright backlit color 2.4 inch LCD. There is no contrast or brightness control. The nice bright colorful LCD is what I have come to expect in these Chinese portables. It has become the norm. And it makes for a very good gaming experience. The only complaint that I would have is, it seems that the games are not exactly centered on LCD screen. I can only see the edge of the “Extend” bubbles on Bubble Bobble, for example, not the actual letters. Using the TV-out there is no problem. Is there an aspect ratio problem here with the LCD? It doesn't really hinder any gameplay. The screen is not recess and in need of a screen protector.
Controls:
At first glance you would think that it has a four button directional pad. It is a total deception. Underneath, the buttons are connected giving you that traditional cross pad that you have become accustomed to when playing NES games. With a little concern, I was very relieved in finding this out. You have all of the needed buttons when dealing with an NES console, Power on/off, reset, your direction pad, start/pause, select, and your A and B. Would someone please explain to me why the Chinese always have the A and B button reversed? It takes some getting used too, but the in-game controls work great, just like playing the original NES, but not as intuitive as it feels on a NES pad. If you are used to having that special turbo controller, sorry, it is not here. The buttons have a nice feel to them, not too much clickiness.
Power:
The system is powered by three AA batteries. The user guide warns you not to use rechargeable batteries. I have tried rechargeable batteries and found that they work fine. They fit much tighter than normal batteries because they have a larger outer dimension. I would recommend, if you are going to use them, is to place something around the battery that fits underneath the other two batteries. You will need that to pull the battery out. I have no idea of what kind of battery life this thing has, but it is looking good so far. I am going to have to use a day off soon, play until my batteries die and then give an update.
Games:
This plays the original NES game carts. We are talking of the 8-bit games of yesterday, about 20 years ago. Update: I am thinking that you could probably use the Japanese Famicom carts also, but only with a converter. I have found out that the NES cart uses a 72 pin-out and the Famicom uses 60. I have seen this exact same system in a totally different packaging calling itself the “Game Porter.” And claiming to play Japanese Nintendo Famicom Game Carts. So there must be two versions of this system. The “User Guide” shows pictures of Japanese Famicom Games with the system on the cover. I'm ordering a converter.
Using the original NES game carts opens up a very big library of games. And you can still find them relatively cheap and affordable in yard sales, flea markets, and sometimes a remote video game store stashed in the corner bargain bin. And of course there's eBay. Some of us may have them stored away in our closet. This system is a very good reason to get them out again. The NES 8-bit games make good portable game playing. On the down side of this is finding the faults of hardware using the Nintendo-on-a-chip technology. There are some or a few games you may find that are just not compatible. Either they will not work or the graphics will be messed up so bad that it will render them unplayable. The graphics problem may be as much as a blocky garbled mess or just the colors being off. The sound can also be off a little in some games. I have found only two games, within reach, not working and that was Bee 52 and The Three Stooges. Most games I tried needed only a bit of cleaning on the contacts. Marble Madness seems to have graphical problems that interfered with playing, the screen kept rolling. But I am thinking that the list of incompatible games being small when compared with the big library of games that are available. I have found that the “favorites of fans” work flawlessly, at least the ones that I have available for me to try. I have one game that seems the colors are off on the LCD screen, but plays with perfect color on the TV-out.
Pros:
A great reason to dig out those NES game carts, as if you needed one
Traditional cross shaped directional button
TV-out
Headphone jack
Large gaming library of retro goodness
Nice sturdy outer shell
Cons:
Weak battery springs used in battery compartment.
Some games may not be compatible with NESOAC technology
Portability would be questioned by some, large game carts
Mine had a faulty TV-out cable (cheap?)
Game picture not centered on LCD screen
No two player gaming
Slight hum in the speakers
The screen is not recessed
Need a 72 to 60 pin converter to play Famicom games
No stereo speakers like advertised on the box
Final Thoughts:
The main reason I grabbed this up was, it is the first system like this that played US NES game carts without the need for a converter. (There have been a few that have been on the market for a while, but using a converter seemed troublesome and very awkward.) Another reason is, I like portables and this is a great assured legal alternative to using emulators. And it seems that NES gaming has a lasting appeal to gamers. I don't know whether it is just being nostalgic or just the fun in the games, I think a little of both. I think if one could get over the shortcomings of this little system, they would find a real enjoyable little jewel here. For those retro gamers that love a hit of NES occasionally, this might just be considered a must have.
(beginning of small rant) I know that the NES is popular, but I do wish that some of these companies would put out a portable SNES that would take the original game carts. That would be a blast from the past! I would also like to see a system like this that would take the Sega Genesis or Master carts too. (end of small rant)
I, overall, have found the FC Mobile a very pleasurable experience. And I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a retro NES 8-bit gaming experience. It has given me a reason to pick up more NES game carts. A big thumbs up here fellow retro gamers!
This is portable?
Do you have some NES carts stored away in the closet somewhere? Itching to get them out again? Or did you miss a gaming generation and want to go back and see what it was all about? If you are busy and on the go, we just might have the solution here. I picked this up for $39.00 plus shipping over eBay.
First impressions:
The overall appearance of the box gives you the impression of a nice quality system. The box art concept would appeal to the western gamer, looking no different than any of the other technical gadget packages on the market. It is marketed by “Hyperkin,” seemly having a base in the US. But the FC Mobile is obviously made in China. The Engrish on their site makes it more obvious that they are China related. This will be my first experience with them. It seems that they put out some clone systems and other game related peripherals.
Now for the grand opening. Three User Guides with one being in Engrish, which is hilarious to read. The first problem I encountered was this thing would not turn on! I used two sets of new batteries. I was very close to contacting the supplier when I discovered that the first battery that you place into the unit was not staying in place. CHEAP Chinese springs! I cut a piece of bubble wrap and placed it on this battery and then put the remaining two on top in their place. Ah Ha! It Lives! Master it Lives!
My second problem was concerning that "protective plastic covering" that they place on the LCD until the consumer gets it out of the box. That stuff was almost embedded to the screen. I had a horrible time peeling that off without damaging the screen. It came off in pieces because of this. I think I did put a couple of small nearly unnoticeable scratches on the screen in the process. I actually began to think that I was pulling off the real screen and thought I was in the process of doing so a few times.
Now for some playing. The online store, where I purchased the unit, was kind enough to supply a “randomly picked” free NES game cart. The game is an NES Zapper game! (Laughing over the irony of it all.) Fortunately I have my own games. This thing is fun with NES gaming in my hands.
Hardware:
The system feels a bit chunky in your hands in comparison to other modern portables. But, really, what can you expect, we are talking about using original NES game carts here. Also it feels weighty with the batteries installed. Add the game cart and the unit may feel awkward to some. But really I forgot about that once I started playing. The plastic seems to be a little thicker than what I normally find in these type of portables. I would call it a nice quality solid build in that area. But the cheap springs used in the battery compartment knock it down a notch for me. Upon trying the TV-out feature, I found that I had no sound. Fortunately for me I have plenty of those cables stashed around from other Chinese systems that offer the TV-out feature. Hooked one of those up and the TV-out works perfect. So the unit came with a faulty TV-out hookup cable. Should I knock that "quality thing" down another notch? I like the fact that the cartridge slot has a spring door dust cover. That, in itself, gives it a nice concept design appeal. Some carts fit a little loose and some carts fit good and tight. I really don't know how well everything will hold up under a lot of use with pulling and pushing of game carts, but the outer shell casing seems very sturdy and solid.
Calling this a portable system may seem, to the modern gamer, a bit of a joke when you consider the size of the game carts. You would need a piece of luggage with those wheels on the bottom if you want to lug around any large volume of games with you. Even with only your one favorite game it seems awkward and in need of some large pockets. But for bumming around the house, dorm room, or apartment, perfect. Add the convenient stashed-in-a-drawer size and the TV-out feature makes it all the more appealing to the dorm room or apartment. But only solo playing as there is no jack for a second gamepad. It does have a headphone jack for those moments of needed privacy when playing!! This, for me, is a rarity when it comes to these TV-out devices. Volume control uses an analog disk. Update: The outside of the box says it has stereo, but the unit inside technically only has one speaker. The appearance of the unit gives the impression of having two speakers. Are we a victim of Chinese hype? Maybe this is the reason we only get a mono plug with TV-out. NES games are mono, so it really doesn't matter. The sound does seem to come from the screen area of gameplay. When you use headphones the sound comes from both ear buds. There is also a slight hum in the speaker.
The unit has a nice sharp bright backlit color 2.4 inch LCD. There is no contrast or brightness control. The nice bright colorful LCD is what I have come to expect in these Chinese portables. It has become the norm. And it makes for a very good gaming experience. The only complaint that I would have is, it seems that the games are not exactly centered on LCD screen. I can only see the edge of the “Extend” bubbles on Bubble Bobble, for example, not the actual letters. Using the TV-out there is no problem. Is there an aspect ratio problem here with the LCD? It doesn't really hinder any gameplay. The screen is not recess and in need of a screen protector.
Controls:
At first glance you would think that it has a four button directional pad. It is a total deception. Underneath, the buttons are connected giving you that traditional cross pad that you have become accustomed to when playing NES games. With a little concern, I was very relieved in finding this out. You have all of the needed buttons when dealing with an NES console, Power on/off, reset, your direction pad, start/pause, select, and your A and B. Would someone please explain to me why the Chinese always have the A and B button reversed? It takes some getting used too, but the in-game controls work great, just like playing the original NES, but not as intuitive as it feels on a NES pad. If you are used to having that special turbo controller, sorry, it is not here. The buttons have a nice feel to them, not too much clickiness.
Power:
The system is powered by three AA batteries. The user guide warns you not to use rechargeable batteries. I have tried rechargeable batteries and found that they work fine. They fit much tighter than normal batteries because they have a larger outer dimension. I would recommend, if you are going to use them, is to place something around the battery that fits underneath the other two batteries. You will need that to pull the battery out. I have no idea of what kind of battery life this thing has, but it is looking good so far. I am going to have to use a day off soon, play until my batteries die and then give an update.
Games:
This plays the original NES game carts. We are talking of the 8-bit games of yesterday, about 20 years ago. Update: I am thinking that you could probably use the Japanese Famicom carts also, but only with a converter. I have found out that the NES cart uses a 72 pin-out and the Famicom uses 60. I have seen this exact same system in a totally different packaging calling itself the “Game Porter.” And claiming to play Japanese Nintendo Famicom Game Carts. So there must be two versions of this system. The “User Guide” shows pictures of Japanese Famicom Games with the system on the cover. I'm ordering a converter.
Using the original NES game carts opens up a very big library of games. And you can still find them relatively cheap and affordable in yard sales, flea markets, and sometimes a remote video game store stashed in the corner bargain bin. And of course there's eBay. Some of us may have them stored away in our closet. This system is a very good reason to get them out again. The NES 8-bit games make good portable game playing. On the down side of this is finding the faults of hardware using the Nintendo-on-a-chip technology. There are some or a few games you may find that are just not compatible. Either they will not work or the graphics will be messed up so bad that it will render them unplayable. The graphics problem may be as much as a blocky garbled mess or just the colors being off. The sound can also be off a little in some games. I have found only two games, within reach, not working and that was Bee 52 and The Three Stooges. Most games I tried needed only a bit of cleaning on the contacts. Marble Madness seems to have graphical problems that interfered with playing, the screen kept rolling. But I am thinking that the list of incompatible games being small when compared with the big library of games that are available. I have found that the “favorites of fans” work flawlessly, at least the ones that I have available for me to try. I have one game that seems the colors are off on the LCD screen, but plays with perfect color on the TV-out.
Pros:
A great reason to dig out those NES game carts, as if you needed one
Traditional cross shaped directional button
TV-out
Headphone jack
Large gaming library of retro goodness
Nice sturdy outer shell
Cons:
Weak battery springs used in battery compartment.
Some games may not be compatible with NESOAC technology
Portability would be questioned by some, large game carts
Mine had a faulty TV-out cable (cheap?)
Game picture not centered on LCD screen
No two player gaming
Slight hum in the speakers
The screen is not recessed
Need a 72 to 60 pin converter to play Famicom games
No stereo speakers like advertised on the box
Final Thoughts:
The main reason I grabbed this up was, it is the first system like this that played US NES game carts without the need for a converter. (There have been a few that have been on the market for a while, but using a converter seemed troublesome and very awkward.) Another reason is, I like portables and this is a great assured legal alternative to using emulators. And it seems that NES gaming has a lasting appeal to gamers. I don't know whether it is just being nostalgic or just the fun in the games, I think a little of both. I think if one could get over the shortcomings of this little system, they would find a real enjoyable little jewel here. For those retro gamers that love a hit of NES occasionally, this might just be considered a must have.
(beginning of small rant) I know that the NES is popular, but I do wish that some of these companies would put out a portable SNES that would take the original game carts. That would be a blast from the past! I would also like to see a system like this that would take the Sega Genesis or Master carts too. (end of small rant)
I, overall, have found the FC Mobile a very pleasurable experience. And I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a retro NES 8-bit gaming experience. It has given me a reason to pick up more NES game carts. A big thumbs up here fellow retro gamers!
Superb review as well!