A New 16-bit SNES Challenger? Unboxing the Pound Challenger Super NES & Super Famicom Clone System
215In this video, we unbox, check out, and provide our initial reaction to the Pound Challenger Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Famicom 16-bit clone system.
Check out our full-blown review, including gameplay footage, at the following link:
https://youtu.be/WGQPzYhOc6k
If there's one constant it's that I love me some clone hardware, especially when equipped with HDMI outputs. There are so many options out there now it's hard to differentiate one from the next sometimes. Pound Technologies is one of the latest to release a Super Nintendo Clone system in their Challenger console. The Challenger includes a lot of really cool features, but it also has some shortcomings. Let's dive in deeper.
The Challenger has a ton going for it. As I've said here, looking at the cartridge slot it can accommodate both Super NES and Super Famicom cartridges. Not only that, looking at the back there's also an NTSC and PAL switch, making it so you can play US, Japanese or European SNES and SFC games. That's pretty awesome.
Another awesome thing on the back of the console is the fact that the Challenger is equipped with both AV and HDMI outputs. With this, you can connect the system to CRT televisions or modern flat panel televisions, making it super compatible not only with different cartridges but also different display types.
Speaking of display types there's one other special feature on the back of the system is a 4:3/16:9 switch, allowing you to enjoy your games in their original aspect ratio or stretched to widescreen. Some people don't like the letterboxed look, others do. The nice thing is that the Challenger gives you both options.
The console itself is small, about the same size as the Super NES Jr honestly. The top of the system features a push-button power switch with a red LED next to it to indicate the power status. On the opposite side of the console is a momentary switch for reset. I don't like that it is hard to tell if the console is switched on or off by the height of the switch; you're left to rely on the LED to determine the power status. The last item on the top of the console is an eject button. It might seem like a little thing but, to the best of my recollection, this may be the only clone console to include that feature. I think that's a pretty cool distinction!
The front of the system features two Super NES or Super Famicom controller ports. They are labeled player 1 or 2, something simple but really appreciated. The Challenger comes with 2 controllers and, honestly, they're kinda hit and miss. The design is unique, with almost a stingray design toward the bottom. I'm not sure yet if I like it, but it is something I definitely need to spend more time with.
The A/B/X/Y buttons feel decent but they don't have quite the travel of the stock buttons. They're not terrible but it is different than stock. Now what is a bit concerning is the L/R triggers, specifically the L trigger. The travel of the L trigger feels quite shallow, something that is a bit worrying. The R trigger does feel a little better but it's still not traveling as much as the original units. I'm definitely going to have to keep an eye on this. Finally, the D-pad is slightly larger than the stock unit but feels really good. Out of everything on the controller the D-pad is my favorite part of it.
Make sure you leave any questions you have regarding the Pound Challenger to leave them in the comments below, email me, send us a message on Twitter or Facebook!
Do you want to send products, donations or gifts in for us to feature on the channel? Send all items to:
RoXolid Productions
208 E Water Street
Farmer City, IL 61842
The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:
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