The Recalbox RGB Dual 2 promises to bridge the gap between modern emulation and the nostalgic charm of CRTs.
As a long-time retro gamer, I’ve always been fond of the warm, vibrant glow of CRT displays. There’s just something about playing classic games on the original hardware… modern HDMI TVs simply cannot replicate it (and the same can be said for mobiles).
The pixel-perfect clarity, the scanlines, the feel – it’s an experience that’s hard to beat.
Over the past few years, Recalbox has been enhancing its emulation suite (now 10 years old!) with hardware solutions for bringing retro gaming to modern TVs, offering a user-friendly interface and support for a massive library of classic systems. Now, they’ve taken things to the next level with the Recalbox RGB Dual 2 a device available to back on Kickstarter now that promises to bridge the gap between modern emulation and the nostalgic charm of CRTs.
Raspberry Pi 5 and authentic visuals: A new era for CRT retro gaming
What’s immediately exciting is the native support for the Raspberry Pi 5. The compact, British-designed computer is incredibly versatile, and retro gaming on Raspberry Pi can be done with or without emulation, depending on what you plan to play.
Raspberry Pi 5 support is a significant leap, bringing the power of the latest model to the world of CRT gaming.
The RGB Dual 2 boasts an impressive array of video outputs, including the classic SCART and VGA, as well as composite RCA and a 3.5mm audio/video jack. This versatility means you can connect to virtually any CRT display, regardless of its age or region. The ability to switch between RGB and composite signals, either by default or on a game-by-game basis, is a game-changer.
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It’s important, I think, to emphasize that it is compatible with composite/RGB and true 15/31kHz video signals. I mean, it should pretty much work on any “old” TV or monitor, and Recalbox tell us that theRGB DUAL 2 will work on any CRT worldwide. That’s a massive claim, but based on the spec, there is no need to doubt it. We’re also promised “video fidelity that rivals the best FPGA solutions,” which again, is an impressive achievement.
So, you should now be able to replicate the exact video output of the original consoles, ensuring an authentic experience. And for those who want to experiment with widescreen hacks on systems like the Dreamcast, Super Nintendo, and Mega Drive, the RGB Dual 2 supports both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios.
Recalbox RGB Dual 2: Delivering the ultimate CRT experience
The inclusion of native Guncon 2 support is another welcome addition for fans of light gun shooters.
Furthermore, the dynamic resolution support for systems like the PlayStation 1 and Saturn addresses a common challenge in emulation, ensuring that games that change resolution during gameplay are displayed correctly. For those who crave the ultimate in CRT fidelity, the RGB Dual 2 offers support for progressive and interlaced modes for RGB signals, bringing back the original 480i resolutions.
Meanwhile, if you use a PC monitor, the new 240p@120Hz display modes on VGA promise even greater precision.
Superior audio and modular design: Completing the Recalbox RGB Dual 2 package
Audio is equally important, and the Dual 2 doesn’t disappoint. The new high-quality I2S DAC audio module supports signals up to 384 kHz / 32bits, delivering an immersive sound experience through the SCART or 3.5mm jack outputs.
The “RECAL’TOWER” case is another point of interest. A stackable and upgradeable case designed for the Raspberry Pi 5 and the RGB Dual 2. This modular design hints at future expansions, such as NVME SSD support, showing that Recalbox is thinking long-term. Also, the automatic HDMI switch is a great feature, allowing for seamless transitions between modern and CRT displays.
Here is RecalBox’s Fabrice to talk about it:
As someone who’s yet to dive into the Raspberry Pi 5 ecosystem, the Recalbox RGB Dual 2 is certainly making it incredibly tempting.
From a personal point of view, I’m yet to use my Raspberry Pi 5 for retro gaming. Most of my Pi-based retro activity is via the RetroFlag GPi Case, which uses the smaller Raspberry Pi Zero computer.
The promise of bringing my retro gaming collection to life on a CRT, with all the authentic visuals and audio, is incredibly exciting. These developments are based on community feedback, and I think — if this unit is as good as it looks — that Recalbox has created a product that really addresses the needs and desires of serious retro gamers.
Hopefully I can get my hands on one soon and experience it for myself… Maybe you can too, by heading over to the Recalbox RGB Dual 2 Kickstarter and pledging £52 for the device or £99 for the RGB Dual 2 and the RecalTower case: www.kickstarter.com/projects/recalbox/recalbox-rgb-dual-2
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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