@brandon9271 Honestly, the phrase "Ben Heck" can literally be construed as a euphemism for any overly impressive mod attempt. It's like using the phrase "Mc Gyver" for any kind of jury rig that holds and serves it's purpose.
At my job, one of the levered crane magnets lost a C-clamp causing the rubber grommet to slide off the handle during actuation (and could potentially lead to a hand injury due to whiplash if the handle slides out of grasp before the magnet is fully engages) and I grabbed a couple of zip ties and strapped them to the rod in order to hold the handle in place preventing it from sliding off during use.
My coworker saw what I did and said I "Smithed" it; "Smith in this instance is a generic substitute for a former named employee who headed the department and was quite brilliant, also known for kludging things to make due when needed.
So when I use the term "Ben Hecked", I'm not holding this specific mod to the level of craftmanship and ingenuity found in Ben Heck's original work, but rather stating that it was a clever way of modding a device.
Anyway back on point, there are now cheaper 3rd party dock options, and in all honesty the GBA dock was a waste of a good game system, even if the mod looked impressive at first glance. My initial reaction was that someone stuffed a Switch into a GBA housing, which would seriously violate the laws of physics given the amount of tech inside the tablet. Also playing Switch games designed for 720p minimum resolution on a 160p screen, would look like a pants seat.
I rather enjoyed the devine beasts as a refreshing change of pace from shrines, but the shrines are really the meat and potatoes of the game. Champion's Ballad adds one additional beast and 16 Shrines to the one castle, four beasts (temples), and 120 shrines already present in the game. The 5th divine beast is not animal but machine, resembling an engine block. I won't spoil the ending but the boss, reward, and cutscene at the end of the champion's ballad was among the most satisfying boss encounters I've ever had the experience of playing, in any game series.
And the "because I can" aspect of shredding around Hyrule on a motorbike with no primary destination is awesome if a bit over the top given the mideval setting. Apples make good horse treats as well as bike fuel apparently. Don't waste rare or precious items filling the tank as they are actually less effective than more common materials.
@Terralico That was an Everdrive v3 with custom label. There is no intent nor ever was, to port this to N64. Rare's legacy really shines in this title. I almost wish they had a low rez "blocky" polygon mode so I could pretend I'm playing a bitd 64 game. It really is a spiritual successor to Banjo. So far for the first 45 or so minutes I've played, thoroughly enjoying it. If it weren't for the old 8-to-5 plant job, I would totally be binge playing it right now.
This poll is assinine. How can I chose without feeling of betrayal?
Also you failed to mention Link To the Past vs Super Mario World. Each entry in both series was epic, but I have been a Mario fanboy for longer. Ask Miamoto whom he prefers. You don't ask parents to pick favs from among their children.
I'd give BOTW avery slight edge over Odyssey, but they're both spiritual successors of their debuts into 3D (N64) with focus on free roaming.
Is there some evidence the internal game loading is faster than card or the fastest SD? Switch cards definitely have a lot more pins than standard micros so it could in theory send more data faster than SD, even at lower actual clock rates, by taking advantage of parallel connections.
@Lord The 200Gb cards are actually 192 raw binary gigabytes (128 + 64), which translates to approximately 183 binary gigabytes after formatting. kilo (10^3) = 1000 whereas a binary kilo is (2^10) = 1024, so there is descrepancy with numbers. Computers display binary data wheras harddrives and storage are measured in decimal so you lose a bit of capacity.
I got a "200Gb" card in anticipation for my switch. I paid $70 on Amazon for a namebrand Samsung (or was it Sandisk, I forget which). At the time, the 256Gb cards available were over $200, a huge markup for a wlight increase in capacity.
Currently I buy all my aaa titles as retail cards and still have tons of space left on my card.
@Sir_Ronson FX patents expired sometime in the recent past so the existence of FX games on the SNES Mini gives credibiity to this. And the audio in the GBA version was bad.
I downloaded this the other day being a fan of 2048 style gameplay (I have the aweaome 0-to-X homebrew on NES). Was it a mistake? At least the game is cheap enough.
Review is terrible. Did the reviewer even try getting through the first few stages? Sunshine has a learning curve to the mechanics yes, but once you master them, it becomes the most unique Mario platformer to date. Most gorgeous visuals for it's generation too. And the the hottube scene at the end is priceless...
@Krisi Yes, SFC controllers. I bought a Super Famicom Controller once and when the package arrived, I was dismayed to find the cord was literally one third the length of it's North American counterpart...
@Lizuka A few early Namco compilations and plug n plays feature Ms Pacman. 16-bit systems got ms pacman but no pacman.
Modern Namco would rather pretend Ms Pacman doesn't exist. Being primarily a western arcade game initially unauthorized, there is little nostalgia for it in Japan although it is big here. Japanese execs make the inclusion decisions so go figure. Then again there's the '81 reunion machines in every arcade, bar, pizzaria, and laundermat with Ms pac so go figure...
I love both and feel they should be played side by side, but what am i to do?
If Nintendo is going to make the voice chat so convoluted, it would have been better if they did not create it at all. K.I.S.S. principal.
Nothing in the Switch's hardware prevents plugging an analog headset into the Switch headphone javk, at least for off-screen or portable use. A simple update is all that is needed to unlock this feature. I read the leaked developer docks and the microphone capability is built right into the TRRS jack.
The app could have simply been an option for people who would rather leave the system in the dock.
No telling how many times I've used the Bokoblin mask to raid hideouts. The Kilton masks however don't protect against skeleton enemies, or against mixed race hideouts. Once you're spotted, it's fight or flee. And do not sneak up on a silver Lionel and try to ride it. That doesn't work...
@Blueberry Thank goodness. Cleaning the grime out of rollerballs was the bane of my existence. Also I can use a laser mouse on my pants. No desk needed!
"We're also not sure what the mysterious hole is for to the left of the fake controller port on the North American version. [Update: Apparently this is the power light, excuse us for being so British]"
I'm not totally buying the patent issue is debunked. Nintendo had the means to emulate FX for some time but chose not to. As for Star Fox 2, Bravo. I have heard rumors that the internal development ROM was vastly different to the leaked found prototypes.
My heart skipped a beat thinking that Nintendo made a micro switch, then clicked the article and though someone Ben-hecked the Switch into a GBA, then realised it was just the dock. Still impressive, but mysurprise factor dropped a notch during the read when I realised it wasn't a functional Switch. Still very clever though...
@Hordak I think something is wrong with your TV then. Your remote has an input button and a power button. Use those. Instead you incessantly complain about the problem being the Switch console when you can just keep the remote by your side and use that.
Yeah but earning all those gold trophies seems kinda pointless now that all characters are unlocked by default. BTW, got my first silver trophy on Special Cup 150cc. Some bad luck finally caught up with me after triple starring all 50cc and 100cc courses on my first try. The AI does eventually get smarter...
Comments 3,610
Re: Kirby's Dream Land 3
@batmanbud2 to each their own. I always went for the Big Kirby. 2UP!
Holy moley, it's been a minute. 15 years on the reply. Now I have this desire to play again. Dust off the nes. Hopefully it still saves... 🕹️🩷💨
Re: Pre-Orders Are Live For The Smash Bros. Ultimate Pro Controller At The Nintendo UK Store
No offence, but that controller is butt-ugly. Get the Zelda edition; it's much sexier...
Re: Metal Gear Movie Director Shares His Ideas About A Potential Legend Of Zelda Film
Drops the master sword into mt doom...
Re: The Definitive Version Of Super Turrican Was Denied A Virtual Console Release Back In 2008
@LaytonPuzzle27 No it isn't.
Re: Take a Look at The Nintendo Switch Pocket Dock SP
@brandon9271 Honestly, the phrase "Ben Heck" can literally be construed as a euphemism for any overly impressive mod attempt. It's like using the phrase "Mc Gyver" for any kind of jury rig that holds and serves it's purpose.
At my job, one of the levered crane magnets lost a C-clamp causing the rubber grommet to slide off the handle during actuation (and could potentially lead to a hand injury due to whiplash if the handle slides out of grasp before the magnet is fully engages) and I grabbed a couple of zip ties and strapped them to the rod in order to hold the handle in place preventing it from sliding off during use.
My coworker saw what I did and said I "Smithed" it; "Smith in this instance is a generic substitute for a former named employee who headed the department and was quite brilliant, also known for kludging things to make due when needed.
So when I use the term "Ben Hecked", I'm not holding this specific mod to the level of craftmanship and ingenuity found in Ben Heck's original work, but rather stating that it was a clever way of modding a device.
Anyway back on point, there are now cheaper 3rd party dock options, and in all honesty the GBA dock was a waste of a good game system, even if the mod looked impressive at first glance. My initial reaction was that someone stuffed a Switch into a GBA housing, which would seriously violate the laws of physics given the amount of tech inside the tablet. Also playing Switch games designed for 720p minimum resolution on a 160p screen, would look like a pants seat.
Re: Return To Breath Of The Wild's Divine Beasts With The Latest Boss Keys Analysis Vid
I rather enjoyed the devine beasts as a refreshing change of pace from shrines, but the shrines are really the meat and potatoes of the game. Champion's Ballad adds one additional beast and 16 Shrines to the one castle, four beasts (temples), and 120 shrines already present in the game. The 5th divine beast is not animal but machine, resembling an engine block. I won't spoil the ending but the boss, reward, and cutscene at the end of the champion's ballad was among the most satisfying boss encounters I've ever had the experience of playing, in any game series.
And the "because I can" aspect of shredding around Hyrule on a motorbike with no primary destination is awesome if a bit over the top given the mideval setting. Apples make good horse treats as well as bike fuel apparently. Don't waste rare or precious items filling the tank as they are actually less effective than more common materials.
Next up, do the trial of the sword thing...
Re: Random: This Woman Loves Tetris So Much She's Going To Marry Her Copy
@TetrisWoman glad you dropped in. As for favorite piece, squares are fun to rotate!
Also is it considered cheating if you play the Tengen version? The black cart variant is my fave.
Re: Random: This Woman Loves Tetris So Much She's Going To Marry Her Copy
I heard a story where a dude married an iphone once.
Obviously the ceremony cannot be legally binding. To each his or her own. I prefer human love...
Re: 5 Things To Do With Your Master Cycle Zero In Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Seems so out of place, but I now have motivation to unlock it. What's next? Link riding around in a dune buggy? Heliocopter?
Re: Video: Yooka Laylee Runs Surprisingly Well on Switch Compared to the Xbox One Version
@Terralico That was an Everdrive v3 with custom label. There is no intent nor ever was, to port this to N64. Rare's legacy really shines in this title. I almost wish they had a low rez "blocky" polygon mode so I could pretend I'm playing a bitd 64 game. It really is a spiritual successor to Banjo. So far for the first 45 or so minutes I've played, thoroughly enjoying it. If it weren't for the old 8-to-5 plant job, I would totally be binge playing it right now.
Re: Video: Yooka Laylee Runs Surprisingly Well on Switch Compared to the Xbox One Version
So glad this is finally out. Downloading now thanks to my backer code. Will play later this week. Give me something fresh to do...
Re: Super Mario Cereal Has Shown Up in Target’s Online Inventory
@flapjack-ashley knowing nintendo, they will wrap the chip in foil that has to be peeled away in order to function.
Re: Poll: Have Your Say on the Best Main Series 3D Mario and Zelda Games
This poll is assinine. How can I chose without feeling of betrayal?
Also you failed to mention Link To the Past vs Super Mario World. Each entry in both series was epic, but I have been a Mario fanboy for longer. Ask Miamoto whom he prefers. You don't ask parents to pick favs from among their children.
I'd give BOTW avery slight edge over Odyssey, but they're both spiritual successors of their debuts into 3D (N64) with focus on free roaming.
Re: Guide: Give Your Switch's Download Speed a Little Boost by Changing the MTU
Is there some evidence the internal game loading is faster than card or the fastest SD? Switch cards definitely have a lot more pins than standard micros so it could in theory send more data faster than SD, even at lower actual clock rates, by taking advantage of parallel connections.
Re: Guide: Super Mario Odyssey: How To Get All Outfits, Stickers And Souvenirs
I have the football uniform (purchased in Donk City after reaching the moon). I have not fought with Bowser and completed story mode yet.
Re: Pinball FX3 is Heading to the Switch With Unique Features
Sweet. I'm ready for the upgrade. I hope Farsight's Pinball arcade comes too eventually.
Re: Random: Mario Inadvertently Exposed Himself In An Officially Licensed '80s Comic
Mario could use one of those magic blue mushrooms, ha!
Re: The Definitive Version Of Super Turrican Was Denied A Virtual Console Release Back In 2008
It's on the upcoming Super NT
Re: Get the Official Free Download of Super Mario Odyssey's Jump Up, Super Star!
This is an amazing dance number.
Re: Guide: How to Use Two or More Micro SD Cards in Your Switch for Limitless Storage
@Lord The 200Gb cards are actually 192 raw binary gigabytes (128 + 64), which translates to approximately 183 binary gigabytes after formatting. kilo (10^3) = 1000 whereas a binary kilo is (2^10) = 1024, so there is descrepancy with numbers. Computers display binary data wheras harddrives and storage are measured in decimal so you lose a bit of capacity.
I got a "200Gb" card in anticipation for my switch. I paid $70 on Amazon for a namebrand Samsung (or was it Sandisk, I forget which). At the time, the 256Gb cards available were over $200, a huge markup for a wlight increase in capacity.
Currently I buy all my aaa titles as retail cards and still have tons of space left on my card.
Re: Star Fox 2
@Sir_Ronson FX patents expired sometime in the recent past so the existence of FX games on the SNES Mini gives credibiity to this. And the audio in the GBA version was bad.
Re: 8Bitdo Is Releasing Wireless Pads For The SNES Classic Mini
@Jack_Goetz that's sooner than I expected. Awesome!
Re: 8Bitdo Is Releasing Wireless Pads For The SNES Classic Mini
I have a mini receiver. Will the 105_beta0 firm allow me to use the 8bitdo controllers with it, or do I need to wait for firmware updates?
Re: Gallery: Cosplay At The Tokyo Game Show 2017
That cosplay girl with the Famicom carts destroyed an 8-bit-music-power...
Re: Playtonic Games is Working on Unity Issues for Yooka-Laylee on Switch
I kick backed this and still waiting for my Wii-U, er Switch code. Good things come to those who wait I guess...
Re: Review: Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS)
Glad I read this. Will have to pick this up now. I haven't played 3DS in a while...
Re: Random: Game Boy Advance SP Screen Found Inside Electrocardiogram Machine
@tanookisuit Man, those poor GBAs. There is NOS somewhere of those 101s getting cannibalized.
Re: Review: Physical Contact: 2048 (Switch eShop)
I downloaded this the other day being a fan of 2048 style gameplay (I have the aweaome 0-to-X homebrew on NES). Was it a mistake? At least the game is cheap enough.
Re: Soapbox: Playing Super Mario Sunshine Today Painfully Illustrates Nintendo's 3D Evolution
Review is terrible. Did the reviewer even try getting through the first few stages? Sunshine has a learning curve to the mechanics yes, but once you master them, it becomes the most unique Mario platformer to date. Most gorgeous visuals for it's generation too. And the the hottube scene at the end is priceless...
Re: Here's The Lead Problem With The SNES Classic's Controller
@Krisi Yes, SFC controllers. I bought a Super Famicom Controller once and when the package arrived, I was dismayed to find the cord was literally one third the length of it's North American counterpart...
Re: Review: Namco Museum (Switch eShop)
@Lizuka A few early Namco compilations and plug n plays feature Ms Pacman. 16-bit systems got ms pacman but no pacman.
Modern Namco would rather pretend Ms Pacman doesn't exist. Being primarily a western arcade game initially unauthorized, there is little nostalgia for it in Japan although it is big here. Japanese execs make the inclusion decisions so go figure. Then again there's the '81 reunion machines in every arcade, bar, pizzaria, and laundermat with Ms pac so go figure...
I love both and feel they should be played side by side, but what am i to do?
Re: Editorial: Nintendo, Somehow, Has Gone Backwards With Voice Chat on the Switch
If Nintendo is going to make the voice chat so convoluted, it would have been better if they did not create it at all. K.I.S.S. principal.
Nothing in the Switch's hardware prevents plugging an analog headset into the Switch headphone javk, at least for off-screen or portable use. A simple update is all that is needed to unlock this feature. I read the leaked developer docks and the microphone capability is built right into the TRRS jack.
The app could have simply been an option for people who would rather leave the system in the dock.
Re: Random: We Greedily Consumed McDonald's Pokémon McFlurry In The Name Of Science
This is why you don't put Pokemon in a Blender Folks! Were it a DQ Blizzard instead, it would be awesome. I never visit McDonald's, ever...
Re: Guide: How To Get Unlimited Korok Seeds In Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Dangit. All divine beast dungeons already beaten...
Re: Fresh Wave Of Super-Portable Switch Docks Are Actually Designed For Samsung Smartphones
@thatawesomedude I wonder the same thing but I assume so. Somebody please drop their Galaxy in and find out.
Re: Majora's Mask DLC Will Definitely be Useful in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
@QuickSilver88 Why use an app at all? I got the hardcover guide and it's worth every penny. I've still found a ton of stuff on my own though...
Re: Majora's Mask DLC Will Definitely be Useful in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
No telling how many times I've used the Bokoblin mask to raid hideouts. The Kilton masks however don't protect against skeleton enemies, or against mixed race hideouts. Once you're spotted, it's fight or flee. And do not sneak up on a silver Lionel and try to ride it. That doesn't work...
Re: Mario Paint Lovers Rejoice, Hyperkin Is Making A New SNES Mouse
@Blueberry Thank goodness. Cleaning the grime out of rollerballs was the bane of my existence. Also I can use a laser mouse on my pants. No desk needed!
Re: Miyamoto Was Worried How Players Would React To Mario Odyssey's New Donk City
Miamoto, please remake sunshine. Favorite game of all time...
Re: Mario Paint Lovers Rejoice, Hyperkin Is Making A New SNES Mouse
Please tell me this thing is laser based and not trackball. If so, instabuy!
Re: The Super NES Classic Edition Hides the Classic Controller Connector Ports
"We're also not sure what the mysterious hole is for to the left of the fake controller port on the North American version. [Update: Apparently this is the power light, excuse us for being so British]"
LOL. They don't know our hardware like we do.
Re: Star Fox 2 Release Has Nothing To Do With Super FX Patent Expiring, Says Argonaut Founder
I'm not totally buying the patent issue is debunked. Nintendo had the means to emulate FX for some time but chose not to. As for Star Fox 2, Bravo. I have heard rumors that the internal development ROM was vastly different to the leaked found prototypes.
Re: Take a Look at The Nintendo Switch Pocket Dock SP
My heart skipped a beat thinking that Nintendo made a micro switch, then clicked the article and though someone Ben-hecked the Switch into a GBA, then realised it was just the dock. Still impressive, but mysurprise factor dropped a notch during the read when I realised it wasn't a functional Switch. Still very clever though...
Re: 8Bitdo Announces Switch-Compatible SNES30 Pro Controller And NES30 Arcade Stick
ProSFC controller looks awesome!
Re: My Nintendo Just Got Another Update in North America
Nothing for Switch? No physical rewards? Boo...
Might I add, I have redeemed all my physical Switch cards and points earned have been pretty meager so far...
Re: Guide: A Nintendo Fan's Breakdown of E3 2017's Press Conferences and Events
Came for the Odessy reveal!
Re: Nintendo Reveals More Details About its Paid Online Service
$20 per year for online is not a bad deal considering what Sony/MS charge.
Re: Nintendo Switch OS Version 2.3.0 Is Now Live
@Hordak I think something is wrong with your TV then. Your remote has an input button and a power button. Use those. Instead you incessantly complain about the problem being the Switch console when you can just keep the remote by your side and use that.
#1stworldproblems
Re: Nintendo Switch OS Version 2.3.0 Is Now Live
@FX102A I'm kinda glad my 2006 Sanyo doesn't support this power mode trickery!
Re: Guide: How to Unlock all Gold Kart Parts and Gold Mario in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Yeah but earning all those gold trophies seems kinda pointless now that all characters are unlocked by default. BTW, got my first silver trophy on Special Cup 150cc. Some bad luck finally caught up with me after triple starring all 50cc and 100cc courses on my first try. The AI does eventually get smarter...