Welcome back to 1994! The Retrocomputing.Network XBAND server is a reimplementation of the original XBAND server by
natalie. It is based off the network protocol as implemented in the original source code, but is otherwise written from scratch, with some tweaks to improve compatibility with modern connection methods such as VoIP. Read below for instructions on how to get connected.
Supported Platforms
- Genesis
- Super Nintendo
- Super Famicom
Note: XBAND does not work on 50Hz consoles
Setup Instructions
Choose your connection method:
Supported Features:
- X-Mail (cross-platform on Gen/SNES supported, not yet supported on SFC)
- BANDWIDTH
- XBAND News
- Player Lists (cross-platform on Gen/SNES supported)
- Gameplay (SNES/SFC only, see below)
Gameplay Specifics:
Gameplay is only supported on SNES/SFC, and is very laggy (see video). Gameplay also requires that you use the VoIP or Landline connection methods, and you can only match with players who use the same connection method as you.
Gameplay on Genesis may work via a real landline, but this has not yet been tested. Gameplay on Genesis should be considered impossible at this point.
Supported Games for Gameplay:
- SNES/SFC: Doom (US)
- SNES/SFC: Super Mario Kart (US)
- SNES/SFC: Super Street Fighter 2 (Japan)
Wiki:
We are working on populating a wiki with documentation and lore. Assistance is appreciated.
XBAND Wiki
Battery Info:
XBAND works much better if you have a battery in your modem. I've tried to make the server work as well as possible for modems without batteries, but every time you turn the console off you'll have to download your info again.
The battery type is either CR2430 or CR2032, usually CR2430. Here's how to identify the battery size if your modem is missing it.
CR2430 as compared to US Quarter:


CR2032 as compared to US Penny:
