FC Twin Video Game System

Infobox CVG system
title = FC Twin Video Game System



manufacturer = Yobo [ [http://www.retrothing.com/2007/02/fc_twin_console.html Retro Thing Review] Retrieved on April 27, 2007 ]
type = Video game console
generation = Seventh generation era
lifespan = November 20, 2006
CPU = NOAC (NES mode), Ricoh 5822 or compatible 3.58 MHz (SNES mode)
media = NES/SNES cartridge
storage = on-cartridge
connectivity =
cost = $45 (USD)
controllers = 2x SNES
onlineservice =
unitssold =
backwards = Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
compatibility = Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
predecessor =
successor =

The FC Twin Video Game System is a Famiclone that can play Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games. It retails between $45 to $60. The system has been well received due to the increasing scarcity of original hardware. The system has been followed by a number of similar console "remakes": the Gen-X Dual Station Video Game System for NES 8 Bit & Sega Genesis 16 Bit Games, [ [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00142GOOO Gen-x Dual Station Video Game System for Nes 8 Bit & Genesis 16 Bit Games] ] the GN Twin Video Game System for Sega Genesis & NES games, [ [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00126P8EO 2-in-1 Video Game System for Sega Genesis & NES] ] and the Retro Duo Twin Video Game System for NES & SNES games. [ [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012NZK8G Retro Duo Twin Video Game System for NES & SNES (Black)] ] ["Retro Duo Console," "GameInformer" 180 (April 2008): 34.]

Compatibility

The FC Twin Video Game System has separate circuitry and card slots for both hardware NES and Super Nintendo Entertainment System, allowing it to play games for both consoles. It features a single-pole, double-throw power switch with open position; the switch can be thrown to 8-Bit (NES) or 16-Bit (SNES), or set to off.

NES compatibility

The FC Twin console uses SNES compatible controllers and devices such as the Super Scope and Konami Justifier light guns, but cannot use NES compatible controllers and devices such as the NES Zapper peripheral for "Duck Hunt". The Super Nintendo controller buttons otherwise map to the NES controller inputs (B maps to Y, A maps to B. A maps to turbo B, X maps to turbo A; L and R serve no function). When using any controllers besides the actual FC Twin ones, the A and X buttons do nothing during NES play. "Gauntlet II" pauses when L or R is hit.

The FC Twin connects through an RCA connector, and can be hooked into a surround sound system. When using stereo and surround output from these systems, NES sounds and music may seem very different from their typical mono output. Using output modes that properly generate mono sound, either through a single center speaker or cloned to multiple speakers, the sound output sounds mostly identical to the original NES. The FC Twin does not produce some sounds faithfully, even with mono output; sound effects in the Super Mario Bros. series games will for example immediately seem different. Nevertheless, some later models of the console produce NES sound much more faithfully than units made closer to launch. Recent models produce sound with complete fidelity.

The FC Twin uses a card slot reader rather than a ZIF connector. The second-generation NES also used a card slot reader, and featured no 10NES lock-out chip; however, unlike the top-loading NES 2, the FC Twin is completely compatible with the Galoob Game Genie without the use of an adaptor. Both the official NES2 and the FC Twin capitalize on the card slot reader's greater reliability; games rarely suffer from bad connections as they did with the original ZIF socket. In the FC Twin, the NES cartridge still has to be reseated occasionally; the pins can misalign and short across each other or otherwise fail to connect properly; you have to maneuver the game cartridge until it works.

As tested by consumers, the following NES games are not compatible with the FC Twin:

* "After Burner"
* "" (works on FC Dual and Retro Duo System)
* "Cheetahmen II"
* "Challenge of the Dragon"
* "Crystal Mines"
* "Dragon Warrior II"
* "Gemfire"
* "Laser Invasion"
* "L'Empereur"
* "Mad Max"
* "The Krion Conquest"
* "Uncharted Waters"

At times different copies of the same game can behave differently in the FC Twin. This may be explained by a malfunction with the cartridge itself. Some copies of "Dragon Warrior" or "Super Mario Bros. 2" for example will not work in the FC Twin; while other copies of the same games will operate in the same machine. In other cases, the system simply does not function with certain expansion chips, such as those in "".

SNES compatibility

The FC Twin uses Super Nintendo compatible controllers and devices, and can thus connect to specialized input devices such as the SNES Mouse for "Mario Paint".

The FC twin reproduces SNES sound very well for a Famiclone. Some find that the audio has too much treble at times though most agree that the sound quality is true to the original. The SPC700 in the original SNES used a sample-driven mechanism similar to a type of instruction-driven MOD file. Reproducing the sound from these systems simply requires playing back clips of sounds with mathematically-defined effects and loop points.Fact|date=February 2007 As long as the CPU can read the instruction language or run a program to emulate it, this task presents no difficulty.Fact|date=February 2007

While the FC Twin is Super Famicom compatible, two plastic tabs in the cartridge slot prevent them from fitting. These tabs must be removed- or otherwise worked around- to play Super Famicom titles. Similar tabs are used in the American Super NES. PAL games work just fine.

As tested by consumers, the following SNES games and peripherals are not compatible with the FC Twin:
* "The Incredible Crash Dummies
* "BatterUP"
* "" - Cannot save or delete save files. (Disputed.)
* "Street Fighter Alpha 2" - The "S-DD1" chip does not function. (Disputed.) (Compatible with Retro Duo system)
* "Star Ocean" - Another "S-DD1" dependent title.
* "Kirby Super Star" - Due to "Nintendo SA-1" Coprocessor built (disputed) into the Cartridge (Compatible with Retro Duo system)
* "Super Bomberman 2" - The game starts up but the control pad does not function.
* "Super Scope 6" - Gun will work but you can not use controller it wont let two player mode work on "Terminator: Arcade", "Metal Combat", etc.
* "Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts" - Everything works up until the 3rd level boss which is incorrectly invisible.

References

External links

* [http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/FC_twin.htm FC Twin - Ultimate Console Database]
* [http://videogamecentral.com/blog3/2006/11/new_system_for_the_super_nintendo.html VideoGameCentral Presents:The Gamer's Voice: New System for the Super Nintendo.]