Dumping N64/GBA/SNES prototypes?

[Brandon.F]

Not sure if this is the right forum or not.

I need help with dumping prototypes. I have a gameshark for the N64 that can dump games but I don't have an old computer to use it with. Is there any better way to dump N64 prototypes? Also, could you let me know of any good ways to dump GBA and SNES prototypes? (Preferably USB)

(Just throwing this in here; if you can modify an N64 gameshark to work with a USB cable then I'd be willing to pay for it)

Thanks

[josiahgould]

Cheap way would be to go out and pick up an old computer from a thrift shop.

Or, you could order a Retrode and grab some plug-in adapters.

[Brandon.F]

I know all about the retrode, what I don't know is if it's able to dump prototypes. I heard that it needed modifications in order to handle the N64 and GBA games though, that true?

[josiahgould]

I don't know about proto dumping. Guess it would depend on if the cart is "normal" or not. For N64 and GBA you have to get (or build) an adapter, but there is a plan on the Retrode site.

[nesworld]

your best option at dumping an n64 proto is the GameShark Pro

[josiahgould]

your best option at dumping an n64 proto is the GameShark Pro

Except for the fact he said he didn't have an old computer to use.

[Brandon.F]

I'll have to get one. They usually go for $150. I'll look into retrode though, it would be best if it could help.

[nesworld]

Except for the fact he said he didn't have an old computer to use.

It's still the best option for dumping an N64 proto :-)

[Moiboi]

$150?! I picked up an old Win98 box for NZ$30 to use with my GameShark, they should be cheap as anything, unless you live in a developing nation or something I suppose...

[Brandon.F]

I was looking at XP models. I'll grab a Win95/98 (Does it matter which) And use that instead.

I'm not sure if I want to mess around with the retrode yet. Maybe for SNES games though. Anybody know of any good ways to dump GBA games?

[Cyantist]

Windows 98 rigs can be had for £30 and below really. And all very competent systems.

[Vandurol]

I see old comps waay cheaper on craigslist. Sometimes free.

[APE]

I have a half dozen Win98 capable systems about, check your local FreeCycle (hit up google) to see if anyone can help you.

For a GameShark to use USB you'd need a parallel->USB setup. Might be able to retrofit a USB controller in there but it'd take a bit of time reverse engineering everything. Not really worth it given how prolific Pentium 1/2/3 boxes still are.

[Calpis]

USB->Parallel adapters are totally unsuitable. Game Sharks along with the far pricier Dr V64 Jr are the only devices guaranteed to dump prototypes on flash carts, other stand-alone copiers which dump "out of system" don't necessarily implement the PI protocol precisely.

[Brandon.F]

I have two V64 Jr's as well. But they won't work with USB ill they? Damn.

I live in Sweden and really have no clue where to go to get old computers. I'll ring a relative for an old computer. Hopefully they have one.

My main concern is still GBA games for the time being. I can use a retrode for SNES games but know nothing when it comes to GBA games.

[takeshi385]

Just out of curiosity, may I be so bold to ask what is the n64 prototype that you're trying to dump? All do respect of course.

[Brandon.F]

All I have. I'm just trying to get a backup if the cartridge stops working. I could speak more openly about what the titles are and releasing them once I actually have them dumped.

[la-li-lu-le-lo]

You know what'd be cool? If they had a device that, instead of dumping roms, would allow you to play the game directly off of the cart.

[Bad_Ad84]

That exists already - retrode.

[Brandon.F]

Got an old computer. Now I just need something to dump GBA prototypes, any suggestions?

[MasterOfPuppets]

I'm not sure if I want to mess around with the retrode yet. Maybe for SNES games though. Anybody know of any good ways to dump GBA games?

Other then the N64/GBx plugin for the Retrode, there's also Rudolph's GBA Backup Tool for the DS which I use. You'll need a Slot-1 flash cart and a DS with a GBA port. I've never tried it with a proto though.

[Brandon.F]

Crap... I'll get in contact with the people at retrode right now.

[Demo_]

To dump GBA cartridges you would only need a actual GBA with a "Flash2Advance" USB Cable. (Or any other "multiboot" cable.)

[Brandon.F]

Thanks, I'll try to get one.

[nesworld]

Be VERY careful when dumping GBA protos... I fried one when using an old Bung "Flash 2 Advance" copier (not the cable but the actual copier looking like an Xchanger).... after the dump attempt the ROM (cart) was no longer working

[Brandon.F]

That's scary. Will start with a crappy proto then. Thanks for the advice.

[Majinseed]

hey guys, what exactly is different in protos so i coudln't dump one with an z64? sorry if thats obvious ;)

[Calpis]

The Z64's dumping algorithm apparently isn't compatible with the flash cart's bus interface implementation.