SNES AND NES

Retroduo

I could find original controllers (well, maybe chinese/japanese-made, but even if not authentic w/ the "NINTENDO" branding on it, they are 99.9% identical and work fine in systems, and out*) for about 5.99 on eBay from HK w/ free (albeit 2-3wk) shipping, PLUS *they also came(come?) with a converter with a USB port on the other end, allowing me to use the control on my computer/laptops, PS3 (it works, honestly... can't speak for how well it works with what game(s) and such, since I've only bothered using a PS1 controller w/ a similar adapter made for PS1/N64, a 2-in-1 w/ USB on the other end just like the aforementioned one for a NES controller's shape).... any gaming system that allows 2nd-party controllers to be used w/ it, I guess? I dunno, but it was nice for emulation and one or two games in 2D from PS1 which I either have on disc still or got off of PSN network.

OR, those knockoffs w/ the USB adapter are about 7.99-$8.99 or were when I bought a bunch from the US off of eBay, or maybe it was a gaming site actually. I don't recall- I also bought (just the) adapters for my SNES controller since I still have actual originals and a working system that is just shy of antique status and works great to the day (I think antique status is 25 years, but if it's only 20, then it's technically an antique I think?.... speaks volumes when I consider the RROD issues w/ so many old 360s, and the PS2 lens error I had 2 or 3 times before when I still owned one... my N64 works perfectly too.. and has MILEAGE; not to mention my GC being in perfect shape, every GB I own, my GB player for the GC, the Wii that sometimes would sit on "Green" for days without any of us noticing yet works perfect to this day about 6 years later or w/e, etc. etc.... gotta hand it to Nintendo and their products- they last and that rules, not to go off-topic any further).

For my (personal) take/advice?
I would not shy from buying a cheaper, but just as reliable knock-off from HK if you can wait for shipping- ebay is loaded with them. They are cheaper and the shipping is free as a result of it being slow no matter, and probably due to limited options to ship here I'm just guessing(?), but nonetheless if patient or willing to be and wanting to buy some controllers, those are super-cheap and reliable and the added bonus of most of the auction having a USB attachment adapter for computer play (or other) makes it even cooler. I don't know if you'll find those sold alongside true authentic Nintendo brand controllers since they would all be used, and in addition to that, I even admit some of my old SNES/NES and N64 controllers became crap over the years. I'd be nervous buying a used controller, but used NES systems that ARE authentic? I swear I've seen them at (IMO) extremely affordable prices. Hell, I bought some NES games before I left mine at an ex's (and never got it back). All off of eBay, and even if 3 or 4 were horrible games like Gilligan's Island, Commando (I think the prelude to Bionic Commando? but still crap), Karate Kid, Bad Dudes.... but hey- at least i have the original Ninja Gaiden trio, and the first gold-plated Zelda!... got all of this for less than $40 when I combine the auction that had about 6 games, the auctions for NG 1,2+3, and the 1st zelda used but in nice shape, w/ a case too which was the majority of the 35-40approx in all).

I see auction for systems with the games and original controllers, but I would STILL say if you can, buy some of the knock-offs that have the colors and all but just no "NINTENDO" branding on 'em. Maybe buy one from the US to get it shipped quicker and then order a few from HK, since they were cheaper if I recall. A authentic/used system is likely cheap enough to make it a better bet than a NES emulator (or Snes/Nes emulator?). I admit I've thought of buying one of those cheaper combo systems, but i have all of the Nintendo systems minus just the original NES which did break on me- in a flood- but I'd like to just buy one of those originals used. i suggest you try to find one of those, but as for SNES... I have no idea how much a used SNEs is because i have never checked. If it's cheaper to buy a combo and it comes w/ stuff like knock-off controllers, etc.— then maybe it is the better route for someone with neither/nor S/NES; buying both authentic systems which might come in packages/package deals or auctions as is, may cost more than one of those combos.... I don't kknow enough to recommend a combo though, but I love the knock-off NES controllers, and all of the adapters in general. I'm sure there are SNES controllers from HK that are identical minus the super nintendo on the front, too.... I'd be curious what some of the better dual-system emulators/knockoffs are... i'll check back to see if there's some more input.

hope some of this besides the ramblin' helped. haha. NES is cheap enough where I'd def invest in the system itself, especially given how cheap a lot of games are on eBay and it's easy to find package deals for games at nice prices, too.... I like NES more despite still owning a SNES. I would just say to buy one of those used, the original Ninja Gaiden, the original/first Ghouls + ghosts (or whichever one is on NES, but I think the SNES version/other one was just as hard or harder maybe), maybe Simon's Quest (that was NES, not SNES- right?)... maybe a few other essential ball-busters, and be prepared to be busy for awhile on those... The older the game, the more annoying and longer to beat sometimes- even if theyre still fun as hell for it.

If you do go the route of emu combo machines, i can't speak for which controllers THOSE include; BUT, I swear buy some of these knockoffs I've found w/ (or without, but I got 'em with) adapters that just do not have the insignia/TM, but work perfect for anything otherwise. I assume they're different than what is included, but do some searching on alternate/knockoff controllers too if you're gonna go cheap on the console as well I'd say. At the least perhaps there is a brand or brands that are better and also cheaper than the original/authentic controllers which I seem to find priced the highest of most things save rare, rare NES games. Just my .25 cents ;p

Not sure exactly, but I think the RetroDuo and similar systems started showing up in the late 2000s, when classic gaming started to gain popularity.

I love my SNES so much.

I'd rather buy all of the consoles seperately, but I'd still be very interested in picking it up.

Anybody ever used a Retron? Just wondering if the gameplay is just as smooth as the original consoles or if it can feel laggy at times.