Released in North America in 2008, the Retro Duo is a Nintendo clone console developed by Retro-Bit and distributed by Innex, Inc. The Retro Duo plays both 8-bit and 16-bit Nintendo carts. These identifiers are used instead of NES and SNES since this is not a licensed or sanctioned device in the eyes of Nintendo.
There's n shortage of Nintendo clone consoles, but the Retro Duo plays US, European, and Japanese games and has the highest compatibility over any other clone system. Other clones have had issues with specific games, game level and some controller issues related only to specific game titles. The Retro Duo isn't perfect, but it improves with each release and more compatibility issues are fixed.
The images of the Retro Duo are categorized and show the console, joystick controllers and accessories. You will also find detailed close-ups of the ports and connections available on the Retro.
Back of the Retro Duo box showing a list of benefits of the Retro Duo. Don't forget nothing beats the real thing - NES and SNES.
With the box of the Retro Duo open, it reveals a flap, magnetically secured, that can be lifted to show the contents through thin plastic windows. This is surprisingly more packaging than I would expect on an inexpensive Nintendo clone console... made in China.
Retro Duo Game Console
Front of the Retro Duo console showing the two game cartridge slots and the SNES-style controller ports. You can use official Nintendo SNES and 3rd party controllers with the Retro Duo.
The top of the Retro Duo console showing the 8 & 16 bit cart slots, 8/16 selector power switch reset button and 8/16 bit indicator lights.
The left side of the Retro Duo console. It has only been released in Canada and the United States.
The right side of the Retro Duo console.
The right side of the Retro Duo console showing the curvature of the case.
The rear of the Retro Duo console showing the S-video port, A/V ports and the power port.
The bottom of the Retro Duo console showing the cooling vents that are also on the lower sides of the case.
Retro Duo Game Console - Games
Front of the Retro Duo console showing Pitfall for SNES game cart inserted in the 16 bit slot.
Side of the Retro Duo console showing Pitfall for SNES game cart inserted in the 16 bit slot.
Side view of the Retro Duo console showing Wario's Woods in the 8 bit cartridge slot.
Side view of the Retro Duo console showing games in both slots. Obviously, only one game can be played at a time, but we shot this to show how close the cart-slots are.
Side view of the Retro Duo console showing games in both slots.
Retro Duo Game Controllers
The included controllers for the Retro Duo console with a standard SNES layout.
The included controllers for the Retro Duo console.
The Retro Duo controllers.
The back of the Retro Duo controller controller showing the shoulder button.
Retro Duo Game Console Ports & Connections
The Retro Duo controller plug
Rear of the Retro Duo console showing the S-video port, left & right audio ports and the power port. The S-video output is now compatible when playing SNES games. This had previously been an issue.
Front of the Retro Duo console showing the two SNES-style controller ports that are compatible with any SNES controller.
Retro Duo Game Console Accessories
The Retro Duo's external power cable.
The Retro Duo's external power plug showing the FCC info and power requirements.
