PixelFX have just announced their analog input cards for the Morph are once again delayed, with the new expected release being the end of this year. They’ve also delayed the Infinity Switch, with no release date expected. Additionally, the team is finally addressing the Morph overheating issue, offering a coupon code for a free replacement case (plus shipping) that should help lower the temperature. Lastly, they’ve announced the next RetroGEM HDMI kit will be for the 3DO console. More info after the links:
Press Release: https://www.pixelfx.co/post/september-2024-newsletter
US Seller: https://retrorgb.link/morph
UK Seller: https://retrorgb.link/morphuk
The Analog Bridge itself was confirmed as a board that interfaces between the main Morph motherboard and input boards. The Bridge will sell for $100 and include one input module of your choice (SCART, VGA, etc). Additional input boards will sell for $25 each and come with a matching injection-molded backplate. Early bird morph buyers will get a $75 voucher towards the analog bridge when released. Pictures and details of each module are available in the press release.
It appears the analog bridge hardware itself is finished and this delay is to ensure the firmware that’s available on launch day is stable. The original expected release for the bridge modules was first quarter of this year, a few months after the Morph’s release. If anyone doesn’t want to wait or is afraid of another delay, you can always use an older RetroTINK or OSSC to pass the signals through, which is about the same price as their Analog Bridge. If the Bridge has a quality analog-to-digital conversion circuit with a good comb filter, it will probably be a good choice. If not, using OSSC or RT2x in passthrough mode could be the same or better.
PixelFX also mentioned that the next RetroGEM kits to be released will be the GameCube and Wii/ Wii Mini, however the Original Xbox HDMI kit is also delayed. I think this is a smart move, as there’s already an existing solution and a new one on the way.
I also think delaying the Infinity Switch indefinitely was a smart idea, as Arthrimus’ SVS has advanced features beyond what is currently available with any other high end switching system. For example, you will be able to map a RetroTINK 4K profile to each input, which will be automatically applied when the console is turned on.
Lastly, the team committed to monthly updates like this to keep their customers informed. While I think regular updates, realistic launch dates and open communication is key for any company who wants to build trust with their customers, we in the retro scene have heard “I’ll update more” quite a bit and it never seems to happen. Fingers crossed PixelFX doesn’t fall into the same trap.
