Let's talk about a device that promises to take us back to the golden age of gaming, but does it deliver? The Laser Portable Gaming Projector, priced at $299, aims to be a retro gamer's dream, but I'm here to tell you that it's a dream with some pretty significant flaws.
First things first, the projector itself is a decent piece of hardware. It's portable, easy to set up, and has a rotating base for flexible projection. The design is standard, but functional, and it even comes with a projection screen, which is a nice touch. However, when it comes to the gaming experience, that's where things start to unravel.
The Retro Gaming Experience: A Mixed Bag
One of the key selling points is the inclusion of 80 built-in games. But here's where it gets interesting. The games are a mix of licensed titles and those from PIKO Interactive, a company known for acquiring classic gaming developers' titles. While I appreciate PIKO's efforts to keep retro games alive, the reality is that many of these games haven't aged well.
For instance, the projector includes the entire collection of Wisdom Tree's output, a developer known for Christian-themed games in the '90s. These games, to put it mildly, are not the best representatives of the retro gaming era. They lack the charm and polish of the classics we all know and love.
However, there are some gems hidden in this collection. I noticed a few titles that were originally programmed by Beam Software, a Melbourne-based company, which adds a local twist to the experience. It's a nice surprise, but it's a small consolation amidst a sea of mediocre games.
Emulation and Performance: Lagging Behind
The emulation performance is another area of concern. The projector uses an Android 13 OS, which is fine, but the emulation itself is sluggish. I noticed input lag, audio delays, and frame rate issues, especially when comparing it to other official PIKO Interactive software.
The presentation is also inconsistent, with some games originally designed for smaller screens looking stretched and distorted. While you can adjust the settings to improve this, it's not an ideal experience, especially for games that demand precision and quick reactions.
Controllers and Audio: Not Up to Par
The included controllers are a disappointment. They feel cheap, lightweight, and offer a poor gaming experience. The audio quality is equally disappointing. The integrated speakers are painful to listen to, and I highly recommend investing in an external speaker for a better audio experience.
Legality and Value: A Tricky Proposition
The legality of emulation in Australia is a gray area, and the projector's promotional material doesn't help matters. It shows games like Street Fighter II running, which, if filmed in Australia, would be illegal. This raises questions about the target audience and the ethical implications of such marketing.
In terms of value, it's a tricky proposition. The price is on the higher side for a basic 720p projector, but it does come with an Android TV system and licensed games. However, the games included might not be what retro gamers are looking for, and the overall experience leaves much to be desired.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
The Laser Portable Gaming Projector had the potential to be a game-changer for retro gaming enthusiasts. The idea of an all-in-one solution is appealing, but the execution falls short. The hardware is adequate, but the software and emulation experience need significant improvements.
Personally, I think it's a missed opportunity. With better hardware and a more thoughtful game selection, this could have been a fantastic gateway to retro gaming. As it stands, it's a device that might satisfy casual gamers looking for a quick fix, but for retro enthusiasts, it's a disappointing experience.
So, if you're looking for a true retro gaming fix, I'd recommend reaching for your old consoles. At least they were made to play games, and they do it well. This projector, while interesting in concept, is not ideal for gamers, and it's hard to recommend it in its current state.
