The Super Console X2 promises to deliver a vast retro gaming experience for a mere $80, claiming a library of over 60,000 games. Retro enthusiasts seeking an affordable plug-and-play console might find this offering intriguing, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a deep dive into its features, game library, and overall performance to see if it’s worth the investment.
Super Console X2 Product Overview
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At around $80, the Super Console X2 offers a budget-friendly gaming solution for those looking to relive the classics. Its plug-and-play nature makes it simple to use — just connect it to your TV, and you’re good to go. No need for a PC or any technical expertise to get started.
Packaging and Components
The Super Console X2 comes with everything you need to start gaming right out of the box. Inside, you’ll find:
- The console itself, compact and slightly weighty.
- A power supply.
- An HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
- A remote control.
- A USB stick for additional ports, allowing more connections for controllers.
The device features ports for Ethernet, HDMI, power, and USB for plugging in external controllers. It’s compact, which is great for those looking to save space. However, its design is nothing to write home about, being fairly utilitarian.
Super Console X2 Initial Setup
One of the biggest advantages of the Super Console X2 is its ease of use. After plugging it in and powering it up, the system boots directly into the game menu. There’s no need to configure any settings or install any software, making it accessible even to those with limited technical know-how.
Controller Quality
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A significant drawback, however, is the quality of the included controllers. They feel flimsy and unresponsive, which detracts from the overall experience. Luckily, the console supports external controllers. I swapped the default controllers for a higher-quality external option, and the gaming experience improved dramatically, with no issues in connectivity or compatibility.
Game Library
The Super Console X2 boasts a staggering 60,000 games from consoles spanning the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, and even arcade titles. While the selection is vast, a few shortcomings emerge.
Game Variety
The library features an impressive selection of titles from classic consoles, including:
- Nintendo 64
- PlayStation 1
- Dreamcast
- Sega Saturn
- Atari
- Arcade Games
Popular titles like “The Simpsons” and “X-Men” arcade games run smoothly and bring back the nostalgia of retro arcade experiences. Games from systems like the PlayStation and Dreamcast perform surprisingly well, especially considering the low price point.
Duplicates and Missing Titles
One glaring issue is the presence of numerous duplicate games. Instead of curating a more refined list, the console’s developers opted to include multiple copies of the same title, which adds unnecessary clutter. Additionally, some iconic games are missing, such as Castlevania, which might disappoint some fans.
ROM Hacks
Another odd inclusion is the number of ROM hacks mixed into the library. While these might be interesting to some, they clutter the interface and make browsing for the original games more challenging. For many players, these hacks will feel like unnecessary additions.
Performance Testing
To truly test the console’s capabilities, I ran games from various systems, from the older classics to more demanding 3D games. The results were a mixed bag, with some systems performing exceptionally well and others struggling.
Nintendo 32x Performance
Starting with the Sega 32x, I tested games like Virtua Fighter, which ran without any noticeable graphical glitches or input lag. This was a great sign for fans of earlier 3D games.
Dreamcast and PS1
The Dreamcast performed admirably, with games like Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi running smoothly. The PlayStation 1 games also shone thanks to the inclusion of DuckStation, a popular PS1 emulator. Classics such as Crash Bandicoot and Gran Turismo 2 played without a hitch, delivering the retro experience as intended.
Nintendo 64 & Sega Saturn
The performance of Nintendo 64 titles was a bit of a mixed bag. While games like WCW/NWO Revenge ran great, others, such as Cruisin’ USA, suffered from graphical glitches. The Sega Saturn was a pleasant surprise, as many games performed well. Titles like Panzer Dragoon provided a stable gaming experience, despite the Saturn’s notorious reputation for being difficult to emulate.
3DO Issues
One of the weaker areas was the performance of 3DO games. A classic title like Street Fighter II Turbo was riddled with audio crackling and performance issues, making it a poor choice for fans of this system. The Super Console X2 doesn’t seem suited for 3DO emulation, so if you’re a fan of that console, this might not be the system for you.
PSP Performance
Similarly, PSP games struggled to maintain consistent frame rates, even after trying different settings. Games like God of War: Chains of Olympus were nearly unplayable, which was disappointing. The console isn’t ideal for PSP emulation, especially if you’re seeking smooth performance.
Super Console X2 Conclusion
Pros:
- Affordable: At $80, the Super Console X2 offers a massive library of games at an unbeatable price.
- Ease of Use: Plug-and-play functionality means you don’t need to be tech-savvy to get started.
- Variety: The inclusion of thousands of games from a wide array of classic consoles offers countless hours of entertainment.
- Good Emulation: Strong performance for systems like the PS1, Dreamcast, and Sega Saturn.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Performance: Struggles with systems like 3DO and PSP.
- Low-Quality Controllers: The included controllers feel cheap and unresponsive.
- Cluttered Game Library: The abundance of duplicates and unnecessary ROM hacks adds confusion.
Final Verdict
The Super Console X2 offers great value for those looking to dive into retro gaming without spending a fortune. While it isn’t perfect, particularly with 3DO and PSP emulation, it does a solid job handling popular systems like the N64, PS1, and Dreamcast. For $80, it’s hard to beat this compact, affordable solution for retro gaming fans. However, if you’re a fan of specific consoles like 3DO or the PSP, you might want to explore other alternatives.