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The Retrode is a USB adapter for legacy video games that enables the use of game cartridges and controllers with emulators.^[1] Technically, the Retrode can be considered a ROM dumper in that it can create a copy of the cartridge content. Unlike most such devices, the Retrode can be operated without drivers or special software under the most popular operating systems. It further allows 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 is equipped with cartridge slots and controller ports for the SNES and Sega Genesis (also known as Mega Drive) systems; support for cartridges and controllers for other systems can be added via so-called plug-in adapters.^[2]

History [link]

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.^[3] 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.^[4] After receiving significant coverage through various press outlets,^[5][6][7][8] Hullin developed the proof-of-concept (working title "snega2usb") into a product that is today in its second revision manufactured by Retrode UG in Germany.^[9]

For each of the two hardware revisions, the transition from prototype to mass production was enabled through crowdfunding (pre-ordering). A comprehensive write-up by a Retrode user documents the history of the project.^[10]

Technical properties [link]

The Retrode is based on an Atmel AVR microcontroller (AT90USB646) with an integrated USB interface, connecting to cartridge slots and game controller ports via the microcontroller's GPIO pins.^[5] Its updateable firmware is based on the LUFA library by Dean Camera,^[1] and developed mainly by Hullin with the help of a few users.

The device enumerates as a composite USB device consisting of a USB mass storage endpoint and one or several USB game controllers. Access to the cartridge contents (typically a ROM chip with the game itself and optionally also a battery-backed SRAM to store game progress) is provided through files on the USB medium. A number of device parameters can be edited through a configuration file.^[11]

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.^[10] The successor model, the current Retrode 2, uses a plastic enclosure with a dust cover, and has four controller ports built in—two for each system, SNES and Sega Genesis.^[9]

See also [link]

• Game backup device
• ROM image
• Pandora (console)

References [link]