After some users reported trouble accessing their SMS cartridges, I took the opportunity to update the firmware to the latest version of Dean Camera’s USB library LUFA, and get a few other long-overdue items off my todo list. I highly recommend all SMS plug-in users to update their Retrodes to firmware v0.18c-alpha3 or later, even if you have not experienced any problems so far. As always, please find the latest files and updating instructions on the firmware page.

Dear Retrode fans, German version / Deutsche Version

Not the kind of message you’d quite expect to hear from me these days: this is to inform you that I have decided to take “a few weeks” sabbatical from the Retrode. The reason is simply that I am overworked. My regular job in computer graphics research currently demands 80-90 hours per week (important project deadlines approaching until mid-February), and I feel that I really need to see my wife and my 2-month-old baby son for more than a few minutes each day. In addition, the coming weeks will also pave the way for the next five years of my work and family life, including another relocation to a different continent. So, at the moment, there is simply no way I could give the plug-ins the 100% of focus that they need to become really great, and you, my customers, the attention that you deserve. I have therefore decided to put all Retrode matters on hold until the storm is over, and I’m asking you for your understanding and a little more patience if you have a pending pre-order.

Please note that this probably sounds worse than it actually is. All open orders of Retrodes (not plug-ins) will be served in the next few days; I’m just closing the store for new orders until further notice. If you absolutely need a Retrode now, there are other places on the internet that still sell them. Plug-ins are not abandoned either: all things that are done by external partners (cases, electronics, assembly) and don’t involve me personally will move on even while I’m gone. Please understand that I won’t be more specific about the “a few weeks” until they’re over. If you can’t wait that long, please let me know (matthias@retrode.com), and I will refund your order.

This message supersedes all previous estimates, including the now-infamous “week of January 14″ e-mail to plug-in pre-orderers. Don’t be sad; that stuff will still be great – just “a few weeks” later… :-)
For now, please accept my apologies and join myself and my family in looking forward to calmer times. Thank you for your ongoing support and patience!

Kind regards
Matthias

German version / Deutsche Version:

Liebe Retrode-Fans,

aus aktuellem Anlass werde ich alle Retrode-Tätigkeiten für “einige Wochen” (bitte nicht nachfragen) aussetzen. In meinem Hauptberuf stehen in Januar und Februar einige extrem wichtige Projektfristen an, so dass ich derzeit 80-90 Stunden pro Woche arbeite. Es bleibt also auch ohne die Retrode schon kaum Zeit für meine Frau und mein 2 Monate altes Baby. Da ich der Plug-in-Fertigung und euch, meinen Kunden, in dieser Situation nicht meine volle Aufmerksamkeit schenken kann, sehe ich keine andere Möglichkeit, als den Laden dichtzumachen, bis sich die Wogen bald wieder geglättet haben. Insbesondere diejenigen von euch, die auf Plug-ins warten und bereits bestellt haben, bitte ich um Verständnis für meine Situation.

Zum Glück ist alles nicht so schlimm, wie es sich zunächst anhört: Alle bis dato bestellten Retroden (keine Plug-ins) werden diese Woche rausgehen, weitere gibt’s auch noch an anderen Stellen im Internet zu kaufen, und auch die Plug-in-Fertigung bei unseren Zulieferern läuft weiter. Nur solche Tätigkeiten, die meinen persönlichen Einsatz erfordern, bleiben eine Weile liegen. Wenn ihr nicht länger auf euere Plug-ins warten wollt, teilt es mir bitte mit (matthias@retrode.com) und ich werde euch den Kaufpreis zurückerstatten.

Bitte seht mir nach, dass ich diese Entscheidung getroffen habe, um meine Arbeitslast ein wenig gleichmäßiger übers Jahr zu verteilen. Bald geht es weiter in alter Frische und mit 100%igem Einsatz! Bis dahin danke ich euch für euere Unterstützung und Geduld.

Liebe Grüße,
Matthias

Earlier this year, we celebrated the Retrode’s third anniversary with a big competition. A long time has passed since then, so for those of you who haven’t forgotten about this, here is finally the long overdue announcement of the outcome. (Even with a ton of work, a newborn baby and lots of sleepless nights, I have even managed to send everybody their prizes at long last… Hooray for the winners!)
Again, on behalf of the entire team: Congratulations to our winners, and thanks to everyone for joining the party, it was such fun!

February 2012 plug-in prototypes (final N64 version will have different print and two controller connectors)

Finally, some news on the plug-in front! We’ve found a supplier for cartridge shells, and we’ve got some estimates from people who can equip them with the proper cutouts. The electronic side had been finalized a while ago, so we can now go ahead and push production forward.

There will be three types of plug-in adapters, compatible to all generations of the Retrode (Golden Edition and the current, black, Retrode 2): for N64 (including two game controller ports), the Game Boys and Master System. Please find the technical details over at retrode.com, where they can also be pre-ordered. Estimated (pessimistic) date of availability: Dec 31, 2012. Pre-orders will be served first.