The Everdrive N8 Pro for the NES | CGQ

Episode 66 - The Everdrive N8 Pro for the NES. Everdrives are flash carts, allowing gamers to load ROMs onto actual hardware by essentially emulating a cartridge. While the original Everdrive N8 was released for the NES and Famicom 7 years ago, Krikzz is back with an update. This new N8 Pro sports a newer FPGA, a larger maximum ROM size, a faster microSD slot, op amp-based audio circuitry, an in-game menu, a 99 save state per game capacity, and a real-time clock. Unfortunately, the Pro also sports a price tag just over $50 higher than the original. If you're just dipping your toes into the Everdrive ecosystem, you can make a strong case for either; going with the less-expensive N8, or shelling out the extra bucks for the Pro. If you've already invested $100+ in an N8 and are now considering dropping $170 more on the new cartridge, you may find that there's really nothing here to justify the purchase. This is not a knock on the Pro by any means, but rather just a reflection of the fact that the original Everdrive N8 was and still is a very capable flash cart.

FTC NOTICE: This product was sent to the show free-of-charge by the manufacturer for review/overview/whatever. I was not supplied with a script, talking points, suggestions, etc. and was simply shipped the item just as it would arrive to a customer. This is not a sponsored episode and I was not paid to product it. No one at the manufacturer had to approve this episode prior to release, and all thoughts contained herein are my own.

Show Notes:-

The third-ever episode of this show was an overview of the original Everdrive N8, so it's pretty cool to be doing this follow-up almost 7 years later. Hard to believe that I've been doing YouTube that long.

- For obvious reasons, all gameplay footage seen in this episode was recorded on actual NES hardware.

- I had never even considered modding one of my NES systems for Famicom enhanced audio, but modded the system that I use to record footage for the show specifically so that I could produce this episode. I'm really glad that I did, because it sounds amazing.

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Video game footage featured on Classic Gaming Quarterly is recorded using either actual game hardware or FPGA-based systems, unless otherwise noted. For episodes 1-34, it was recorded in s-video using am RGB to s-video encoder and a DVD recorder. As of episode 35, it was recorded from actual hardware over RGB, upscaled using either an XRGB Mini Framemeister or an Open-Source Scan Converter (OSSC), and captured on either an Elgato Game Capture HD or a Startech USB 3.0 capture device. Beginning with episode 59, I started using FPGA systems like the Mega SG, Super NT, and MiSTer, which all offer cycle-accurate hardware emulation. All videos are edited on a Mac using Final Cut Pro X.

[jeromepowers]

The File Allocation Table (FAT) file system is owned by Microsoft. FAT 16 allows a Hard Disk (HDD) up to 2GB while FAT 32 allows a HDD up to 2TB and a max file size up to 4GB. Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) is similar to FAT32, but it's optimized for flash memory. It allows the storage of files larger than 4GB, and has no "realistic" file-size or partition limits.

[RetroSho]

I definitely can hear much better audio from the N8 Pro -- it's just a tad bit less tinny from the N8 to the Pro. The N8 still sounds pretty great however. Thanks for this video, I'll be picking one up in a few weeks time.

[choco_easty]

I love your new background! We definitely need more videos of you! Please more hardware reviews for retro games!

[RayCommend]

There are some nice quality of life improvements on the pro. That said, the original does so much that I don't feel rushed to upgrade. I appreciate that you discussed the different options available so that the viewer can make an informed decision. Nicely done!

[alfredocanas]

So far the best review about the N8 Pro I have seen so far, excellent video Chris!

[isunshin]

You are very good at clearly explaining technology.

[urmie]

If you ask me, Chris did a stellar comprehensive job. Explained in detail, unboxing, showed footage, FDS sound differences, etc. This is how product reviews should be. 👍

[jarredcombs]

This video reinforced my purchase of the regular ever drive. Thanks for making it and keep up with the good content

[AtomicBLB]

You presented the information in a way that was easy go follow and you didn't gloss over things like a few videos I had watched seeking more information about this product. Thank you for a proper and informative review

[falion]

I've been enjoying your videos for a long time now, but just wanted to thank you for addressing some things that could easily be taken for granted when making a video about this sort of device. I've been using the N8 Pro for a week or so, and your video showed me a couple functions that I didn't even know about, and does an excellent job of describing it for potential buyers.

[GameplayandTalk]

It's great to see the new additions the Pro brings to the table. Thanks for the video!

[pupil]

Great video Chris! I have a regular N8 already, but I really haven't been using it since I got MiSTer. It is still a great solution for those who want to play on original hardware.

[darthv]

Excellent video Chris. Very informative. Ive thought about the N8 for some time and now the pro could drive those with the reg to sell for less. Thanks for the understanding of the two.

[MrMegaManFan]

I don’t own either so I’d buy the Pro for the in game menu alone. That’s super useful.

[Captain_Chaz]

The mana collection is actually running the 3 games on an emulator. it is possible to dump them to your computer and place them on a flash card to play on a snes.

There is also a fan made nes mario bros collection. The 4 games from mario all stars but with their original graphics, improved sound and save support. I believe it requires the n8 pro to be playable on a real nes.

[LelandHasGames]

I actually hear the difference and, that’s pretty amazing.

[Boatenng]

Thanks for the information bro it was really helpful, I just bought my first everdrive 8 pro and I didn't know that i can do all this stuff 🤤

[Schmeck]

I have been very tempted to upgrade my N8 to a Pro, but as you mentioned there are so many options today. I have a MiSTer and that has become my preferred way to play NES.

I still like real hardware and the Everdrives are great products, but the new features on the N8 Pro don’t seem like enough to justify the purchase if you already have the original. But that is a testament to the quality of the N8. It was already close to a perfect NES flash cart.

[shoked]

Thanks for the nice review. I like the idea of playing games, real cartridge on real console hardware, but it gets to be expensive with so many systems and so many games. Maybe I should just get an everdrive for each console I have: genesis, nes, snes, tg16, n64.

[allluckyseven]

Loved the format of this video.
Also, very informative as always, thanks!