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RetroBlox, Inc. has announced a new classic gaming hardware emulation console- the RetroBlox.
The new console will allow users to play classic games in full 1080p upscaled visuals. RetroBlox stands out from other throwback hardware emulation options in that is also features an optical disc drive to enable playback for PlayStation 1 and Sega CD games, as well as the expected cartridge slots and Turbo Chips.
The console is supposed to support online connectivity, will have a modern user interface, and even supports “hybrid emulation” for games that have cartridges with special chips embedded in them, like the original Star Fox. RetroBlox claims the console will have “full hardware compatibility with every game” in each emulated game console’s library of old games.
Here’s some more product shots:
At launch, the RetroBlox will support games from consoles ranging from the Atari 2600, TurboGrafx-16, NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis, while the optical drive module will allow you to add support for games from later console generations, including the PlayStation, Sega CD, and even PC-Engine. The modular design allows RetroBlox to release further modules later for other hardware.
The company notes you can even save local copies of ROMs directly to the console, putting less wear and tear on your game collection:
“You will not be able to simply load up an SD card full of roms, plug it in and suddenly have a huge library available as we do not support or advocate for piracy, no matter how ubiquitous it has become. However, in the interest of minimizing the use of and further preserving classic games, RetroBlox does allow you to back up the games you personally own on physical cartridges or discs to the system in an iPod / iTunes type relationship.”
There’s no price tag for the RetroBlox just yet, but a Kickstarter campaign is planned to launch sometime in April of this year.
