The dream of a plug and play all-in-one retro console that accepts physical media from just about every major platform is an elusive one, but it’s a challenge that Playmaji is taking on with the Polymega. Originally envisioned as a type of hybrid FPGA-based system called the RetroBlox back in 2017, the platform transformed into an entirely software-based emulation console, finally launching as the Polymega in September 2021. Plagued by supply chain and other issues, relatively few Polymega consoles have actually made it into consumer’s hands until regular shipments finally started in early 2024, complete with a new second generation wireless controller.
Using a modular concept, the Polymega supports the cartridges, CDs, and controllers from more than half a dozen platforms – including Super Nintendo, TurboGrafx-16 CD, Sega Saturn, PS1, and many others – with even more modules targeted for the future. Of course, the Polymega is not without its quirks, including a high cost, particularly if you want all of the available modules, but it does a great overall job of meeting such a monumental challenge.
Polymega – The Base Unit and Wireless Controller
The Polymega Base Unit (PM01-01) uses an Intel Coffee Lake S Series Processor with 2GB DDR4 RAM. For connectivity, there’s a Realtek RTL8822BE Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Combo Module, HDMI 1.4 supporting up to 1920×1080@60Hz, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 (2), and the Polymega Expansion Bus. While there’s reason to believe that the specific internal components have changed over the years due to supply chain issues, the use of performance-oriented parts like these, as well as the built-in 8X CD/DVD slot-in optical disc drive, explain at least a portion of the console’s relatively high cost of $549 with one wireless controller.
There’s a reasonable 32GB NanoSSD inside for storage, but if you choose to install a lot of disc-based games, even this can fill up relatively fast. Fortunately, both M.2 2280 SSD and microSDXC ports can be used for further expansion. I used a 1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD. Although I wasn’t able to remove the interior screw under the trapdoor to keep the drive more secure, which is a common complaint, it was easy to install the drive.
Included are the base unit, wireless controller and USB dongle, microUSB to USB-A charging cable, power adapter and cable, 6 foot HDMI cable, dust cover, and a quick start guide. The wireless controller, now the second generation version that has reduced lag, features a design similar to the Sony DualShock series. Unfortunately, it still uses the older microUSB charging port rather than USB-C. Additional controllers are available for $39, although there are some other possible USB-based options, as well as the wired controllers that come with, and work on, the various platform-specific expansion modules.
On the rear of the console are the Power Connector, HDMI port, Ethernet port, microSD card slot, and air vent, the latter of which is important because the console does run warm, even when it’s not doing much. On the front is the Disc Eject Button, Optical Disc Drive Slot, Manual Disc Eject Access pinhole, two USB 2.0 ports, Module Indicator Light, and Power Button. On the right side of the console is a large manual Module Eject Button. An empty Module is included so there’s no blank space.
There are a few physical design quirks right off the bat. The USB dongle for the included controller is rather long, sticking about two inches out the front of the console once inserted. And while the power cable that goes from the AC adapter to the wall is 6 feet long, the cable from the AC adapter to the console is only 3 feet long. Depending upon your setup, that means that the relatively bulky AC adapter will need to be fairly close to your console.
Physical quirks aside, the console itself is solidly built and well-constructed, although I personally don’t care for the precision of the D-pad. The controller feels a bit light and is slippery around the handles, but overall is not bad for what is essentially a rebranded generic controller. There’s a Turbo Button to map any of the face buttons to Turbo Fire, as well as a Turbo Clear Button to reset all of the buttons back to their standard operation. For the various platforms supported, the original platform’s controller buttons are automatically mapped.
Once finished with the brief guided setup, you’re presented with the main menu and some pre-installed games. You need to go to Settings and set up any additional storage you added, adjust any Video and Audio settings, and connect to the Network. Once I connected to my WiFi network, it prompted me to update to the latest firmware version.
After updating to firmware v1.1.31, the included Piko Interactive-published games were no longer present, but Playmaji promised that the next firmware update would bring them back, which would bring the total on my unit to 38 pre-installed games. However, future base unit systems after the launch of the Polymega Game Shop will no longer include those games for free. Regardless of what games ultimately remain included, it’s a nice enough bonus having at least some licensed games pre-installed. Note that there are no manuals for the included games, so you’ll need to brush up on your Google searches if you need to know more about how to play.
For now, only 10 third party controllers are officially confirmed compatible with the Base Unit. Although this compatibility is far more limited and hit or miss than I would like, particularly for wireless options, I was able to connect a wired Sega Genesis Mini 6 Button Controller without issue, which the system correctly identified as a Mega Drive Mini 6 Button Controller. A nice feature is that button mapping for menu functions is customized for the controller type that’s connected.
Since there are only two USB-A ports, you’ll need a hub for more than two controllers. I was able to plug in a non-powered USB hub and added a wired Evercade VS controller, which the system identified as a Polymega Universal Wireless Controller, and made it Player 3 in the list. It all works, but the lack of any Bluetooth or built-in wireless options for controllers without a compatible USB dongle is glaring. In that regard, I was at least able to get an 8BitDo Arcade Stick to work wirelessly in its LS mode with its included 2.4G USB dongle. If instead you prefer to use a modern Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or Wii controller, you’ll need the 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2.
Polymega – Element Modules and Accessories
The Polymega Base Unit is compatible with NEC TurboGrafx-16 CD, NEC PC Engine CD, Sega CD, Sega Mega CD, Sega Saturn, SNK Neo Geo CD, and Sony PlayStation (PS1). For the NEC platforms, all system card CD games with extended features, including for the Arcade Card Pro, are compatible. Similarly, 32X CD games work with the Sega compatibility, and could be considered an additional platform.
The EM01 – Power Module Set works with both Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) NTSC and PAL format cartridges. It also works with Famicom (JP) cartridges, but requires a Famicom to NES adapter like the My Arcade Cartridge Converter, which is not provided. One wired Power Controller is included and works in one of the two NES-compatible controller ports on the module. The main differences between an original NES controller and the Power Controller are that the Power Controller has an eight foot cable, is more rounded, has staggered A and B buttons, and includes a Polymega Home button to access the menu. In fact, all wired Polymega controllers, regardless of module, include an eight foot cable and Polymega Home button, and retain compatibility with original consoles.
The EM02 – Super Module Set works with Super Nintendo (SNES) cartridges from NTSC and PAL regions, as well as Japanese Super Famicom cartridges. One wired Super Retro Controller is included and works in one of the two SNES-compatible controller ports on the module. The Super Retro Controller is similar in design to the original SNES controllers. Finally, since all processing is done through software emulation and not through unaffiliated add-ons, a device like the Super Gameboy doesn’t work. Gameboy platform compatibility, and other handheld platforms in general, will have to be reserved for a hypothetical future module.
The EM03 – Mega Module Set works with Sega Genesis (NTSC), Mega Drive (PAL and JP), 32X (NTSC and PAL), and Super 32X (JP) format cartridges. The included Mega Retro Controller works in one of the two Genesis-compatible controller ports on the module and is similar in design to the original Sega Six Button Control Pad. Of note with this particular module is that it has a very tight connector, so it’s difficult to both insert and remove cartridges. No other module had that issue.
The EM04 – Turbo Module Set works with NEC TurboGrafx-16 (NTSC), PC Engine (JP), and SuperGrafx (JP) HuCards, as well as all of the NEC CDs the Base Unit works with. There are two PC Engine-compatible controller ports on the module and one included Turbo Retro Controller. The Turbo Retro Controller eschews the PC Engine’s original two button controller for a six button design, making it ideal for the handful of games that support the extra buttons. Unfortunately, it does omit the middle setting from the two turbo switches found on the original controllers. Finally, if you want to use a TurboGrafx-16 controller, you’ll need a DIN to Mini DIN adapter, not included.
The EM05 – Ultra Module Set works with NTSC, PAL, and JP format Nintendo 64 (N64) cartridges, and includes four original style controller ports. The included Ultra Retro Controller is loosely reminiscent of the original N64 controller design, but sticks to a more traditional two handle design. The major downside to the controller is its imprecise D-pad. Original N64 Controller Paks, aka memory cards, as well as the Transfer Pak and Rumble Pak, are all compatible. Similarly, games that require the N64 Expansion Pak are also supported.
Although not yet released, Playmaji also sells the GC01 – Gun Controller, which uses Sinden technology that allows it to work with any display, not just CRTs. Considering all of the classic platforms that supported light guns, this may end up being one of the easiest ways yet to play some of those amazing games.
Playmaji has announced other initiatives, including a Polymega App, allowing saved games to be played on a computer, Polymega XL subscription service with cheat codes and cloud access to your game libraries, an external USB drive for computers called the Polymega Remix, and a partnership with Atari, which included a significant monetary investment. Arcade games will also be coming to the yet-to-be-launched Polymega Game Shop, at least according to the latest firmware update. How many of these plans will be seen through and when, and what other systems might be supported in the future are anyone’s guess, but what’s already available for now is still quite a bit.
Although not a module, it’s also worth noting that there’s USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) support. In theory, using such a device through one of the front USB ports on the Base Unit can let you enjoy higher fidelity audio on all supported platforms.
In general, the Element Modules work well, and unlike the dummy module, stay securely in place once inserted. I also like the feel of the wired controllers more than the Universal Wireless Controller.
Polymega – Games and Gameplay
After inserting a cartridge or CD, the menu provides an option to Play or Manage the game. With Manage, you can choose to add the game to the collection, add to the collection and install to a local storage device, add to wishlist, or eject. If you choose to install to a local storage device, you’re told how much space is required and can either accept or reject the installation. Cartridges install pretty much instantly, while CD games can take several minutes, which really adds up with larger collections. Once a game has been installed, you no longer need to have the physical disc or cartridge inserted in order to play.
If the game is recognized, the title, cover art, and screenshots are shown. If the game is not recognized, you’re still able to add it to the library through the Resolve Using Database or Resolve Manually options, the latter of which lets you enter the name and region, and after starting the game you can then use the screenshot function to set a custom thumbnail. One negative with the latter option is that the game is categorized under Extended Set instead of its designated platform, despite asking you to specify the specific platform.
Once a game is selected, you have the option to start a new game with any applicable enhancements, enter Classic Mode to ensure the game runs unaltered, start audio player if it’s a CD-based game, or select a patch you have made available, such as an English translation.
When playing a game, you can create a save state, which saves your exact place in any game, load a save state, adjust controllers, take a screenshot, adjust the display and visual filters, access video and audio settings, restart the game, and exit the game. Some of these settings, like being able to change a game’s refresh rate, rotate the screen for portrait displays, and adjust game speed, are perfect for those gamers who like to further customize their experience.
As applicable, each game gets its own RAM or memory slot in addition to save states. For instance, each PS1 game gets two memory cards of its own.
As always, it’s important to remember this is designed for original media. While it does work with most burned discs, it generally doesn’t work with any flash cartridges, though some may work if they have single game modes.
As is the case with all physical media, especially older media, the cartridge or disc will sometimes fail to read, even after cleaning or multiple tries. This is as true for original consoles as it is for Polymega. Sometimes the Polymega will be able to play from the media, but not install it, and sometimes it will fail completely. Fortunately, percentage-wise, as long as the media is in relatively good shape, the success rate is high enough where it shouldn’t be a significant issue for most users.
I’m lucky enough to have a large physical game collection for every supported platform. One rub, though, is that even though installing individual games is pretty fast, installing lots of games is tedious. Fortunately, once a particular system’s games are installed, you no longer need its module to play it, just the Base Unit, though you obviously won’t have access to the platform-specific controller ports that are only found on its dedicated Element module.
I’ve found performance to be solid across all platforms, save for N64. For instance, GoldenEye 007’s frame rate sometimes dips in a way not found on original consoles when there are lots of on-screen explosions. Polymega promised an update to address this and other minor issues.
Finally, since the Polymega is effectively a compact PC, it does run a bit hot and you will hear some fan noise. It’s nothing outrageous, but something to keep in mind in terms of console placement.
Polymega – Who’s It For?
Polymega is unabashedly an enthusiast’s platform, designed for gamers who maintain a diverse collection of original media and appreciate good games regardless of source. And the platform is nothing if not versatile.
For owners of classic physical media who want to help streamline their setups, and either go all-in, or expand their system over time, Polymega delivers. Even if all of the future add-ons and services never materialize, what’s already available is significant. Being able to play games from more than a dozen vintage consoles and counting, regardless of region, as well as audio CDs, is nothing to take for granted.
Even with a high starting price of $549 that only goes up from there as you expand it with additional modules, the fact remains that there’s nothing else quite like the Polymega on the market. There are several systems, like the ones from Analogue, that will play games from individual systems, but nothing that’s modular in quite the same way while still capable of taking original media and controllers. While some may balk at the idea of what’s more or less a compact PC with emulators and some physical attachments, there’s no denying that the end result is just about as plug and play as something like this gets. It may not be as authentic as an FPGA-based system or as cost-effective as primarily software-based emulation, but there’s something to be said for greater ease-of-use and building out a system tailored to your needs.
