How to Update the Retro-Bit Prism HDMI Adapter's Firmware

In this episode, we show you how to update the Retro-Bit Prism HDMI Adapter's Firmware for the Nintendo Gamecube.

The Nintendo GameCube is such an amazing platform. While Nintendo made a lot of mistakes with it, from the Mini DVD format vs standard, making it look like a toy, and a few other things, it does so much right. One of the best things they did was incorporate a digital AV output that we can tap into even today. With this Digital output, Nintendo offered Component video cables in the past. However, these are now crazy expensive, over $300 crazy-expensive. But, the retro community has created the GC Video format, which can be used to connect to an HDMI cable from this digital output. To team at Retro-Bit has thrown their hats into the ring with their own HDMI dongle, called the Prism HD.

The Prism HD simply plugs into the Digital port, leaving the analog open to be connected to a PVM, CRT, or other analog TV or monitor. You can also use the analog outputs to connect to an audio device if you are using a gaming monitor for the HDMI connection and it doesn't have integrated speakers. Now the connector that goes into the system is made out of metal, which should provide a long-lasting connection without stressing the system.

The biggest differentiation between the Prism HD and the other offerings out there is the integrated USB-C port. Why this is important is that, with GC Video 3.0 (which the Prism HD ships with), you can now update the firmware if or when updates are released. With other adapters, you need to use things like an Action Replay ($100) and/or SWISS, or crack the adapter open your adapter and tie into the JTAG connector. This is really something that is not just plug & play to use, but also plug & play to update.

Before we go any further, we need to address the fact that this is only works with the DOL-001 model of the GameCube. You NEED to have the digital output on the back of your system to make this work; it will NOT work if you only have an Analog output. It will also not work with the SNES, SNES Jr or the N64. This is ONLY for the GameCube with the Digital Output.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
3:10 - Where to find the firmware
4:50 -Installing the updater on your computer
7:05 - Updating the Prism
10:43 - F-Zero GX
13:04 - Rogue Squadron
15:42 - Initial Firmware Thoughts
16:42 - Final Firmware Thoughts

How to update your Prism HDMI Adapter:
- Download the Updater Tool
- This update requires a USB to USB-C DATA cable (I cannot stress this enough). It will NOT work with a charge-only cable.
- Windows and/or firewalls may detect it as harmful software so you may need to allow it to run as admin.
- There are two firmware versions v3.0e is the firmware the Prism launched with, while v3.1 is the new, updated firmware shown here.
- Connect the Prism with the USB-C and connect the USB end into your Windows 7-11 PC.
- Once detected, click on Update. The installation will take 1-2 minutes.
- A pop-up window will indicate that the Prism is ready and it will then safely disconnect itself from your PC.
- Now go test it on your GameCube!

Overall, the update process is simple and quick. The main thing I cannot emphasize enough is the need to use a DATA USB-C Cable. If you don't, the update will not work and you'll be left scratching your head. Beyond this minor point, the update process is super easy, and there's really no reason to not update.

#HDGamecube #RetroBit #Prism #Gamecube #Nintendo

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