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Choosing Your Hardware

There are four hardware solutions for using RetroSpy with non-USB-based controllers. Each has its own pros and cons.

Option 1: RetroSpy Vision

Base Platform

RetroSpy Vision Support Matrix

Cables for Supported Systems
Pros
  • This is by far the simplest approach to setting up input display
Cons
  • You don’t get to have the fun of doing it yourself!

Option 2: Arduino

Supported Systems
Pros
  • This is the most tried and true RetroSpy hardware platform.
Cons
  • Will never support Wii, Dreamcast, Nuon, Amiga CD32, NES Classic, SNES Classic and possibly more controller types down the road.

Option 3: Teensy 3.5

Supported Systems
Pros
  • Supports Wii, Dreamcast, V.Smile, Amiga CD32, NES Classic and SNES Classic.
  • Is capable of supporting nearly all controllers that Arduino does in the long term.
Cons
  • Not all of the Arduino supported controller types have been ported to Teensy, yet.
  • Slightly more complicated software/hardware setup.

Option 4: Teensy 4.x

Supported Systems
Pros
  • Supports Dreamcast, Nuon and V.Smile Classic.
  • Cheaper than Teensy 3.5.
Cons
  • Not all of the supported controller types have been ported to Teensy 4, yet.
  • Cannot support 5v controllers (i.e. older controllers) without additional hardware.

Make Your Choice

My personal conclusion is that if you don’t need Wii, Dreamcast, Nuon, V.Smile, Amiga CD32 or one of the classic consoles stick with the Arduino. However the Teensy is also good, so if you want to go that route it is also a solid choice. Click your console’s link under the hardware platform you have chosen.

zoggins

Owner and primary developer of RetroSpy.