Fei Hao Sega Genesis Clone

[retro junkie]

Just thought I would share. I have three Sega Genesis consoles, the Original first one, Genesis two, and the portable Nomad. They all work perfect, fine, good, nice gaming machines. But I have this quirk about me, I love fiddling with clone systems, always comparing them to the original hardware. Recently I purchased the new Fei Hao Sega Genesis clone which contains HDMI output, my main reason for wanting this console, and a couple of 2.4ghz RF wireless six button controllers. Here are some of my first impressions.

Console: The outward shell is taken from the first original Genesis, or Mega Drive as it was called across the pond. And really, it looks just like that original Mega Drive outwardly more so than the US release of the console, colors match. It almost leads you to believe that they used the same molds for the plastic shell as was used for that original Sega console, with a little modification. The reason I say that is because it has the snap out area where you would normally plug in the Sega CD, but there is no motherboard. There is very little on the inside as with all clone systems, typical. And the snap out cover will fit my old Genesis exactly. The console will even fit the CD system base.

One thing they included from the original was the headphone feature with the volume control. I am glad they kept that, but one thing that is lost, which is a deal breaker for many Fans I am sure, no stereo. I don't understand why. The original Genesis one had stereo in the headphone jack.  Audio is not as deep and rich as the original. But it is better than a lot of other clone systems. I don't get that gritting of my teeth, or wincing in pain while playing.

It has both HDMI and RCA outputs, so you can use it on HD flat screen or an old CRT television. The RCA output has bad signal noise. So I am forced to use the HDMI. It has a switch on the back so you can toggle between Japanese and US games, sorry, no PAL. Cart slot on top has no guide for the US games like the original Genesis. This allows for the Japanese cart compatibility. So you need to be careful as you push a cart in and sort of feel your way into the correct position. Not as bad as you would think but still something you need to be aware of if you plan to get one of these things. Not sure of the damage that can happen because of that, or durability. I feel that no clone has any long term durability.
In The Package: You get the console, two wireless controllers, one wired controller, HDMI cable, RCA cable, AC adapter, instruction leaflet (how to hook it up), and they threw in an 11-N-1 multi cart. If you get it in the box, the name Fei Hao is on the package. There is nothing on the console or any of the accessories to indicate the name of the manufacturer.

Controls: You can use the original Sega controllers which is a great big plus. But it also comes with a couple of 2.4ghz RF wireless six button controllers. I put these controllers to the ultimate test. I pulled out all my Genesis shoot'm ups, including Gunstar Heroes, and some platforming. Responsiveness was spot on and I did not detect any lag. I set 15 feet from the console. The controllers, themselves, felt good in my hands, but they are noticeably smaller than the original. Buttons, for some reason, set high, clicky, and the directional, a bit floaty. Other than those oddball quirks, it played well, I had no trouble using them, and never thought about those things, which might be annoying for some. Except, I did have problems pulling off fire balls in Street Fighter II with any of the supplied controllers. Switched to my original controller and had no problem. That directional button made all the difference. Ha-Do-Ken!!!

The one odd controller included in the package is close to the size of the original, wired. There is a switch on the bottom for some unknown purpose. It also has the feature of attaching an arcade stick to the middle of the directional button. The directional button has this annoyance, it pushes down into the controller. What is up with that? I will not use this thing anymore.
Graphics: As for playing the games in HDMI? You have to keep in mind that these games were made to work on the old CRT televisions which depended on the scan lines for them to look good. They are pixel, sprite graphics which have a tendency to look a bit blocky with jaggies. If you hook the original Genesis to your HD flatscreen, this is what you see, stands out, and shocks most diehard retro gamers and they find it offensive. With the HDMI hookup on this console there seems to be a smoothing effect, sort of like there is some anti-aliasing going on in the output. This makes everything look softer and pleasing to your eye. There are those games in which it works better than others.


I have tried a good chunk of my game library. Virtua Racing is the only thing that would not boot, as expected. It also plays the Everdrive China version, and reproduction carts.
Final Thought: What is the best way to play your Sega games? Simple, on the original hardware. You can pick up a Sega Genesis or Mega Drive cheaper, or close to the same price as I paid for this clone, $60USD plus range. But there is that concern of playing your games on an HD TV. This is only one alternative, there are others. And it is not that bad, IMO. Personally, I have been more satisfied with this clone, more so, than any other Sega clone.

[BLUEVOODU]

Great post, retro!  I dig reading these.

[BLUEVOODU]

@retro junkie What I find amazing about this... is the $60 price point.  HDMI N64 has been upwards $400.  Others have been $100+.

Are there other options to provide scan lines like the N64 HDMI Updates?

How much play have you had with this so far?  Still digging it?

[retro junkie]

This system doesn't always go for $60. Just so happens one vender on Aliexpress was selling it for such a good price. It usually sells for around $72 which is still a great value. And yes most of the time you are going to pay $100 plus for HDMI output. Just look at my recent purchase of the 8-bit boy NES portable, $99, with HDMI output. One of the big selling points for that system. The easiest and cheapest way to get HDMI output for any retro gaming system is using an HDMI converter. They have a price range of $5 to $100+. I have one that falls into the low, cheaper, range price point. It basically does the same thing as the HDMI output of this Genesis clone. There is that softening effect to the edges of the retro gaming graphics. (Lets face it, retro graphics are retro graphics.) Being new to this I am not sure what more can be done except offering the option of scan lines. Yes you can enhance the colors, contrast, maybe, but...... I have been contemplating purchasing a more expensive converter just to see if there is a difference. I recently had to go flatscreen with my retro gaming which this is now more of an issue. $400 for only one retro system is insane, unless you are an N64 only fanatical fanboy, then you can easily justify it. But I am a "retro floater gamer." I just float from one retro console to another by moods. Wow I just made up a new gamer category! To me, the converter just makes more sense. I am personally satisfied with the HDMI output I find on the two clone systems that I have with this feature, but I would rather have the option of gaming on the original console. Clones are okay for what they do, but there are those games that just don't work, or they are very glitchy and problematic in their playing. What if the option to mod all of your retro systems to HDMI came about? If it was $400 a pop, then I would have to be selective, if I got that serious. I would keep in mind the age of the system and (sweating at this point) the thought would go through my mind, "This thing could fail next week and I just put $400 into this thing?!"

I do find this clone system enjoyable and fun to game on. But recently I have been heavily distracted by my 8-bit boy. Been playing NES Final Fantasy.