Difference between revisions of "Arcade Ultimate"

From Sega Retro

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| name=
 
| name=
 
| maker=[[AtGames]]
 
| maker=[[AtGames]]
| distributor=[[AtGames]], [[Blaze Europe]] (UK), [[Argos]] (UK), [[H&B]] (France), [[Tectoy]] (Brazil), [[Hyperkin]] (USA)
+
| distributor=[[AtGames]], [[Blaze Europe]] (UK), [[H&B]] (France), [[Tectoy]] (Brazil), [[Hyperkin]] (USA)
 
| variants=
 
| variants=
 
| add-ons=
 
| add-ons=
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}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
The '''Arcade Ultimate''' is a handheld [[Sega Mega Drive]] [[:Category:Consoles on a chip|console on a chip]] created by [[AtGames]]. It is an enhanced version of the [[Arcade Portable]], with the addition of a 6-button control pad (instead of 3), an SD card slot and a built-in lithium battery with USB charger.
+
The '''Arcade Ultimate''' is a handheld [[Sega Mega Drive]] [[:Category:Consoles on a chip|console on a chip]] created by [[AtGames]]. It can be seen as an enhanced version of the [[Arcade Portable]].
  
Although the console can make use of SD cards, it does not support saving, making RPGs difficult to finish as they must be played through in one sitting. Also, like its predecessors, the actual name of this console is disputed - AtGames call it the Arcade Ultimate on their website, but most packaging designs call the system the '''Gopher'''. Other names include the '''Sega Mega Drive Arcade Ultimate Portable''', '''Sega Genesis Ultimate Portable Game Player''', '''Sega Genesis Firecore Portable Player''', and '''Sega Mega Drive Firecore Portable Player'''. In Brazil the system is known as the '''MD Play'''.
+
Like its predecessors, the name of this product is disputed and varies considerably between regions and distributors. While AtGames call it the Arcade Ultimate on their website, most packaging designs call the system the '''Gopher''', with  '''Sega Mega Drive Arcade Ultimate Portable''', '''Sega Genesis Ultimate Portable Game Player''', '''Sega Genesis Firecore Portable Player''', and '''Sega Mega Drive Firecore Portable Player''' also in use. In Brazil the system is known as the '''MD Play'''.
  
The console uses the same "console-on-a-chip" technology as its predecessor, and has an identical selection of games. However, the SD card input should allow most Mega Drive games to be played, emulation permitting. It also has a TV output connection, so that games can be played on a large screen, though it will only produce a NTSC signal.
+
There are three versions of the Arcade Ultimate, all with similar aesthetics. Models GP2628 and GP2628-80 are the most common with 20 or 80 built-in games respectively, however a GP2628R variant (frequently referred to as '''Gopher Wireless''') also exists which adds support for AtGames' range of wireless controllers (which are both sold separately and bundled with some other AtGames consoles).
  
Three different versions of the unit exist, though have very similar aesthetics.The second model (GP2628R), sometimes known as the '''Gopher Wireless''', are able to interact with AtGames' brand of wireless controllers, which are both sold separately and bundled with some other AtGames consoles.  The first model (GP2628) and third model (GP2628-80) are the most common with 20 or 80 built-in games respectively.  In Russia, black/green and black/blue models exist along with the standard black/orange.
+
Arcade Ultimates are available worldwide, however are most common in the likes of Asia, specifically Russian and Chinese markets.
  
==List of Built-in Games (AtGames 20 Games version)==
+
==Hardware==
 +
The Arcade Ultimate is a handheld device with a built-in, backlit LCD screen and a 6-button control pad (as oppsoed to the three seen in the Arcade Portable). Also featured is an SD card slot and a built-in lithium battery with USB charger. Furthermore there exists a TV output connection, so that games can be played on a large screen, however the device will only produce a NTSC signal.
 +
 
 +
The console uses the same "console-on-a-chip" technology as its predecessor, and comes equipped with a similar selection of Mega Drive games. SD card support allows most Mega Drive games to be played, emulation permitting. The console does not support saving however, thus games must be finished in one sitting.
 +
 
 +
===Using an SD card===
 +
To boot games from an SD card, Sega Mega Drive ROMs should be placed inside a folder called "GAME" at the root of the card. ROMs can be either .bin or .smd and all regions are compatible. There is not full compatibility with all games, if you find that a particular ROM doesn't work; try to use verified dumps [!] and if a certain region doesn't work, try another. The games will be listed in the order they were added to the card, you can use a tool called folder_sort to force this order into alphabetical order.
 +
 
 +
====MDB.DAT====
 +
Images can be displayed for custom games on the SD card, in the same way as the built-in games, by the use of an MDB.DAT file. Without the presence of this file all games on the SD card will display a blank place-holder image. There are at least two tools that can edit or create an MDB.DAT file: ScreenGopher and [[Media:MDB Edit package.zip|MDB_Edit]]
 +
 
 +
Using either tool you need to create an entry for each ROM and assign a picture (120x112). The name you enter in the MDB.DAT must match the filename exactly (excluding the extension). You cannot use a period "." in the name and a space is automatically inserted before a capitalized word, so if you put a space in yourself you will see a double-space on the device's menu. For example "Sonic theHedgehog 2" in the MDB.DAT would give you "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" on your device.
 +
 
 +
You can read more about the structure of the MDB.DAT file in the [[Media:ScreenGopher User Manual.pdf|ScreenGopher Manual]]. The application is currently unavailable but the PDF is filled with useful information.
 +
 
 +
==List of Built-in Games==
 +
Depending on the distributor, the number and library of games varies across Arcade Ultimate consoles.
 +
 
 +
===AtGames 20 Games Version===
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
 
* ''[[Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle]]''
 
* ''[[Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle]]''
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}}
 
}}
  
==List of Built-in Games (Argos/Blaze 20 Games version)==
+
===Blaze 20 Games Version===
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
 
*''[[Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle]]''
 
*''[[Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle]]''
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}}
 
}}
  
==List of Built-in Games (AtGames 80 Games version)==
+
===AtGames 80 Games Version===
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
 
* ''[[Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle]]''
 
* ''[[Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle]]''
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* ''[[Vectorman]]''
 
* ''[[Vectorman]]''
 
* ''[[Vectorman 2]]''
 
* ''[[Vectorman 2]]''
}}
+
|cols=3}}
 
 
The 80 Games version only includes 40 Mega Drive/Genesis games, however it also has 40 AtGames developed games to bring the total up to the stated 80. The gamelist is below:
 
  
 +
The 80 Games version only includes 40 Mega Drive/Genesis games, however it also has 40 AtGames developed games to bring the total up to the stated 80. The game list is below:
 +
{{multicol|
 
* ''Air Hockey''
 
* ''Air Hockey''
 
* ''Black Sheep''
 
* ''Black Sheep''
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* ''Warehouse Keeper''
 
* ''Warehouse Keeper''
 
* ''Whack A Wolf''
 
* ''Whack A Wolf''
 
+
|cols=3}}
==Using an SD card==
 
Sega Mega Drive/Genesis ROMs should be placed inside a folder called "GAME" at the root of the SD card. ROMs can be either .bin or .smd and all regions are compatible. There is not 100% compatibility, if you find that a particular ROM doesn't work; try to use verified dumps [!] and if a certain region doesn't work, try another. The games will be listed in the order they were added to the card, you can use a tool called folder_sort to force this order into alphabetical order.
 
 
 
==MDB.DAT==
 
Images can be displayed for custom games on the SD card, in the same way as the built-in games, by the use of an MDB.DAT file. Without the presence of this file all games on the SD card will display a blank place-holder image. There are at least two tools that can edit or create an MDB.DAT file: ScreenGopher and [[Media:MDB Edit package.zip|MDB_Edit]]
 
Using either tool you need to create an entry for each ROM and assign a picture (120x112). The name you enter in the MDB.DAT must match the filename exactly (excluding the extension). You cannot use a period "." in the name and a space is automatically inserted before a Capitalized word, so if you put a space in yourself you will see a double-space on the device's menu.
 
 
 
For example "Sonic theHedgehog 2" in the MDB.DAT would give you "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" on your device.
 
 
 
You can read more about the structure of the MDB.DAT file in the [[Media:ScreenGopher User Manual.pdf|ScreenGopher Manual]]. The application is currently unavailable but the PDF is filled with useful information.
 
  
 
==Digital manuals==
 
==Digital manuals==
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==Packaging==
+
==Physical Scans==
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
File:Firecore portable packaging.jpg
+
| console=Mega Drive
File:Gopherbox.jpg|US box (front)
+
| region=(20G ??)
File:Gopher EU Box Front.jpg|EU box (front)
+
| front=Firecore portable packaging.jpg
File:Gopherbox_uk.jpg|UK box (front)
+
| back=
File:Gopherbox_ru.jpg|RU box (orange) (front)
+
}}
File:GopherBlue RU Box Front.jpg|RU box (blue) (front)
+
{{Scanbox
File:SegaGenesisUltimatePortableGamePlayer Box Front.jpg||Ultimate Portable Game Player Console box (front)
+
| console=Mega Drive
File:SegaGenesisUltimatePortableGamePlayer Box Back.jpg||Ultimate Portable Game Player Console box (back)
+
| region=(20G US)
</gallery>
+
| front=Gopherbox.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=(20G EU)
 +
| front=Gopher EU Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=(20G UK)
 +
| front=Gopherbox_uk.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=(20G RU Orange)
 +
| front=Gopherbox_ru.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=(20G RU Orange)
 +
| front=GopherBlue RU Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=(80G US)
 +
| front=SegaGenesisUltimatePortableGamePlayer Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=SegaGenesisUltimatePortableGamePlayer Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
  
 
{{MegaDrive}}
 
{{MegaDrive}}
 
[[Category:Consoles on a chip]]
 
[[Category:Consoles on a chip]]

Revision as of 07:09, 7 October 2013

MDPlay BR.jpg
Arcade Ultimate
Manufacturer: AtGames
Distributor: AtGames, Blaze Europe (UK), H&B (France), Tectoy (Brazil), Hyperkin (USA)
Built-in games: 20 / 80
Release Date RRP Code

The Arcade Ultimate is a handheld Sega Mega Drive console on a chip created by AtGames. It can be seen as an enhanced version of the Arcade Portable.

Like its predecessors, the name of this product is disputed and varies considerably between regions and distributors. While AtGames call it the Arcade Ultimate on their website, most packaging designs call the system the Gopher, with Sega Mega Drive Arcade Ultimate Portable, Sega Genesis Ultimate Portable Game Player, Sega Genesis Firecore Portable Player, and Sega Mega Drive Firecore Portable Player also in use. In Brazil the system is known as the MD Play.

There are three versions of the Arcade Ultimate, all with similar aesthetics. Models GP2628 and GP2628-80 are the most common with 20 or 80 built-in games respectively, however a GP2628R variant (frequently referred to as Gopher Wireless) also exists which adds support for AtGames' range of wireless controllers (which are both sold separately and bundled with some other AtGames consoles).

Arcade Ultimates are available worldwide, however are most common in the likes of Asia, specifically Russian and Chinese markets.

Hardware

The Arcade Ultimate is a handheld device with a built-in, backlit LCD screen and a 6-button control pad (as oppsoed to the three seen in the Arcade Portable). Also featured is an SD card slot and a built-in lithium battery with USB charger. Furthermore there exists a TV output connection, so that games can be played on a large screen, however the device will only produce a NTSC signal.

The console uses the same "console-on-a-chip" technology as its predecessor, and comes equipped with a similar selection of Mega Drive games. SD card support allows most Mega Drive games to be played, emulation permitting. The console does not support saving however, thus games must be finished in one sitting.

Using an SD card

To boot games from an SD card, Sega Mega Drive ROMs should be placed inside a folder called "GAME" at the root of the card. ROMs can be either .bin or .smd and all regions are compatible. There is not full compatibility with all games, if you find that a particular ROM doesn't work; try to use verified dumps [!] and if a certain region doesn't work, try another. The games will be listed in the order they were added to the card, you can use a tool called folder_sort to force this order into alphabetical order.

MDB.DAT

Images can be displayed for custom games on the SD card, in the same way as the built-in games, by the use of an MDB.DAT file. Without the presence of this file all games on the SD card will display a blank place-holder image. There are at least two tools that can edit or create an MDB.DAT file: ScreenGopher and MDB_Edit

Using either tool you need to create an entry for each ROM and assign a picture (120x112). The name you enter in the MDB.DAT must match the filename exactly (excluding the extension). You cannot use a period "." in the name and a space is automatically inserted before a capitalized word, so if you put a space in yourself you will see a double-space on the device's menu. For example "Sonic theHedgehog 2" in the MDB.DAT would give you "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" on your device.

You can read more about the structure of the MDB.DAT file in the ScreenGopher Manual. The application is currently unavailable but the PDF is filled with useful information.

List of Built-in Games

Depending on the distributor, the number and library of games varies across Arcade Ultimate consoles.

AtGames 20 Games Version

Blaze 20 Games Version

AtGames 80 Games Version

The 80 Games version only includes 40 Mega Drive/Genesis games, however it also has 40 AtGames developed games to bring the total up to the stated 80. The game list is below:

  • Air Hockey
  • Black Sheep
  • Bomber
  • Bottle Taps Race
  • Brain Switch
  • Bulls and Cows
  • Cannon
  • Checker
  • Chess
  • Color Puzzle
  • Cross the Road
  • Curling 2010
  • Dominant Color
  • Fight or Lose
  • Firefly Glow
  • Fish Story
  • Flash Memory
  • Formula Challenge
  • Hexagonos
  • Jack’s Pea
  • Jewel Magic
  • Logic Dial
  • Mahjong Solitaire
  • Match Eleven
  • Mega Brain Switch
  • Memory
  • Memory Match
  • Mirror Mirror
  • Mr. Balls
  • Naval Power
  • Panic Lift
  • Reaction Match
  • Snake
  • Space Hunter
  • Spider
  • Sudoku Quiz
  • Table Magic
  • Treasure Hunt
  • Warehouse Keeper
  • Whack A Wolf

Digital manuals

Gallery

Physical Scans

Mega Drive, (20G ??)
Firecore portable packaging.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, (20G US)
Gopherbox.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, (20G EU)
Gopher EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, (20G UK)
Gopherbox uk.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, (20G RU Orange)
Gopherbox ru.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, (20G RU Orange)
GopherBlue RU Box Front.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, (80G US)
SegaGenesisUltimatePortableGamePlayer Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSegaGenesisUltimatePortableGamePlayer Box Front.jpg
Cover


Sega Mega Drive
Topics Technical specifications (Hardware comparison) | History | List of games | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Merchandise | Cartridges | TradeMark Security System
Hardware Japan | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Asia | South Korea | Australasia | Africa
EZ Games | LaserActive | Mega Jet | Mega PC | Mega Play | Mega-Tech System | Nomad | Teradrive | Mega Drive Mini | Mega Drive Mini 2
New Mega Drive | Tianli VCD/DVD Players | "Consoles on a chip" | Licensed clones (Magic 2 | Mega Game II | Power Pegasus | Super Bitman)
Unlicensed clones
Add-ons Game Box | Power Base Converter | Mega-CD | 32X (Mega-CD 32X) | Mega Modem | Demo System DS-16
Cases Sega Genesis Nomad Carrying Case | System Carry Case
Controllers Control Pad | Six Button Control Pad | 6 Button Arcade Pad | Arcade Power Stick 6B | Konami Justifier | MK-1470
Action Chair | Activator | Arcade Power Stick | Keyboard | MegaFire | Mouse | Mega Stick | Menacer | Remote Arcade System | Ten Key Pad | Third Party Controllers
Accessories 4 Way Play | Cleaning System | Control Pad Extension Cord | Genesis Speakers | Headset | HeartBeat Catalyst | Microphone | Region converter cartridges | Mega Terminal | Nomad PowerBack | RF Unit (Mega Drive 2) | SCART Cable (Mega Drive 2) | Stereo Audio Video Cable | Team Player | Video Monitor Cable | Third Party Accessories
Network services Sega Channel | Sega Game Toshokan | Mega Anser | Mega Net | TeleBradesco Residência | XB∀ND
Development tools ERX 308P | ERX 318P | Sprobe | SNASM68K | SNASM2 (Mega Drive) | SNASM2 (32X) | PSY-Q Development System (Mega Drive) | PSY-Q Development System (32X) | 32X CartDev | Sega Mars Development Aid System | Sega 32X Development Target
Unreleased Edge 16 | Floppy Disk Drive | Mega Play 1010 | Sega VR | Teleplay System | Video Jukebox