Bob

3DO ODE’s – Batch #2 Available For Pre-Order

Fixel has just opened pre-orders on the second batch of their new optical drive emulator for the 3DO.  As discussed previously, you can choose from the external “X-Port” version for $350, or if you have an FZ-1 with a broken drive you can save some money with the $250 internal version.  Both are “plug and play” devices with no soldering required, however the X-Port allows you to retain the functionality of your original drive.  Both versions are due to ship in September of this year:

X-Port (external):  https://3do.dev/products/copy-of-xport-ode-batch2
FZ-1* Internal Version:  https://3do.dev/products/fz1-ode-batch2
Bracket for FZ-1 Version:  https://www.retrorgb.com/3do-fz-1-ode-mount.html

Fixel has also been posting some teasers, with shots of the menu and interface…along with speed test results!  The speed is equivalent to a 10x CDROM drive, but there’s zero seek time, since you don’t have to wait for the laser to move across the disc.  This should prove to be a significant upgrade over using original discs!

*At the moment, it looks like the internal version is only for the FZ-1 models, however the external version should work with all 3DO consoles (not the PC add-on).  The XPort will also act as a homebrew FZ-EM256 – The Japan-only device designed to expand the 3DO’s internal Save Game memory from the 32kb of built-in storage to 256KB.  I pre-ordered mine and am looking forward to giving it a shot!

Liked it? Take a second to support Bob on Patreon!