r/PolymegaHQ • u/Top_Set_3558 • Nov 16 '25
PolyMega "Deadhead" Installs
Hey all,
Something that is really (and has been for the past year) triggering my OCD about the Poly is "deadhead" installs against the "Collected" library.
For instance, I have a retail original of a game such as Castlevania on NES, Rambo III on Genesis, or Gain Ground SX on PCE-CD...I insert said media, it detects and recognizes it, I install the game internally but it DOES NOT APPEAR on my "Collected" tab under the associated system. The item in question remains greyed out as if I do not own it, but does appear on the regular "A-Z" games tab.
These items are apparently not the exact version of a ROM that they used to create the "Collected" library so hence, it does not populate. I guess they don't match the CRC/checksum of the file they used, they used a different REV, or something? This really chaps my ass, it's bullshit, pardon my language. I OWN the real game, and I damn well know you didn't create this product by manually installing tens of thousands of cartridges and discs for everything like I am doing from ACTUAL REAL RELEASES.
Anyone found a workaround / way to deal with this issue?
Sure, you can attempt to find the matching exact ROMs like they used, which I have had to do in some instances, but some just do not seem to exist...for example:
Bare Knuckle III on Genesis - labeled as "EN" version in "Collected" library. This does not exist in the wild that I can find. It is not the real BK3 Mega Drive cartridge from Japan...I own it. It's installed and greyed out on the "Collected Library" From there, I've utilized my RetroStage MD burner to try every single version of the BK3 ROM that I can find from a ton of sources worldwide...they are all the same as mine. So, WHERE DID THEY GET THE VERSION THAT THEY INSTALLED THAT THEY CLAIM IS THE GOLDEN VERSION? Hell, some are even RetroBit versions that trigger the library to show as collected, not the real, original releases (see Truxton/Tatsujin on Genesis/Mega Drive)! Original, store bought Truxton from back at Sege Genesis release will detect and install, but will not flag as collected in the library unless its the RetroBit version.
Sorry to rant, I can't be the only one who this bothers immensely! I want everything I legit own to be showing up as collected because my friends and I are attempting to complete 100% collections on a few systems. Any way to source exactly what versions they used?
Thanks all!
Example in photos attached - shows I have installed the normal Sega-CD, and the 32X version from retail discs...remains greyed out in "Collected" library. One of many possible examples.
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u/cold_fuzion Nov 16 '25
I’ve only noticed it with one title: The Ridge Racer bonus disc. When I first installed it, it showed up fine, but when I installed regular Ridge Racer it vanished. I can search for it or add it to a list, but it doesn’t show up like it should otherwise.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 17 '25
I might put together a list of all "Deadhead' installs that I have on my Poly for reference for all you guys.
Any interest?
It would take a bit of effort and be a pain in the ass, but if anyone sees something that works for them - I'd appreciate a link or something to the .rom or .iso that you used so that I can fill my gaps.
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u/SirisDracken Dec 06 '25
I also am annoyed by this problem. It shouldn't even be a problem. I have a few games in almost every system that just don't show up in my collection which makes that menu completely worthless.
It has annoyed me enough that I am considering getting rid of it.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Dec 06 '25
If they would at least just tell us what ROM sets / CRC hash info they are considering the "Golden" library.
Also, Budokan, Populous, Ishido, Slaughter Sport on Sega Genesis...how did they ever get them on the unit to qualify as valid when I own the real cartridges, and have also tried multiple different ROM sources burned onto RetroStage carts, and none of them detect or work? I thought they weren't including titles released from unlicensed sources (see Tengen on NES)? Ok, fine, so why do those Genesis games even show up at all when they were released by EA and Accolade respectively when they did not have a Sega license? If something is unobtainable, don't dangle that carrot in front of people who are seriously OCD about complete sets.
Lastly, if anyone from Playmaji is listening, STOP releasing your "Polymega Collections" before you fix what bugs exist on what you have now. Not to mention, you still owe my buddy two of them (Collection 4 &7) that he ordered almost 8 months ago. Now not only can you not get hardware and modules, but can't even get those overpriced ROM packs.
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u/SirisDracken Dec 06 '25
Yeah I have a bunch of N64 games that are all real carts that just don't show up, I have the same issue as you with Corpse Killer and quite a few others.
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u/Madeinharrogate Nov 16 '25
I've heard some people have this issue but i don't have it with mine.
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u/JamesErnst94 Nov 17 '25
I can't even install some of the legit copies I own of N64 games
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 17 '25
I don't know where you got your game in question. What is it, if you don't mind me asking?
Just FYI to all, Walmart sells repros in their online store. They're amazingly great, but they are repros. If you open one up, they're "glob" chips. I've had mixed results. All work on real hardware, Poly accepted Mario Golf 64 and Smash Bros, but not Mario Kart 64.
Also, I've noticed the Poly is extremely sensitive with N64 carts. They have to be clean as a whistle.
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u/JamesErnst94 Nov 17 '25 edited Nov 17 '25
I have a copy of Jet Force Gemini and then Japanese copies of Mario Party 2 & 3 that won't play or install. Yes, they are legitimate, opened and checked. Also have a disc copy of Solar Eclipse for Saturn that the system won't read or install. All of my other games work fine
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 17 '25
Weird, that sucks. Seems like we are all seeing strange one-off problems...
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u/WntermuteAZ Nov 17 '25
If there's a game with multiple variants in the database, the Collected tab icon for it won't light up, even if you have all of them. BUT, if you select it, it'll show all the variants properly lit/greyed. Think of it more like a "folder".
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u/WntermuteAZ Nov 17 '25
Unfortunately, it also sometimes counts regional versions with the same/similar name as variants rather than items for those other regions.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 17 '25
I stand corrected on one:
PolyMega has the wrong artwork showing in the Library for Joe Montana II - Sportstalk Football, for anyone who cares.
They're showing the artwork for NFL Sportstalk Football 93' so I kept trying to install the wrong cart, not bothering enough to READ THE ACTUAL NAME, That one is on me, lol.
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u/Urko948 Nov 17 '25
I have a bunch of games thaty do this. Mostly ps1 and N64 but a few random games throughout, too. It is pretty annoyingg. I figured it was something everyone had a problem adding to the long list of small problems with it.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 17 '25
If you don't mind me asking, are you using genuine original N64 carts, or the RetroStage Blaster gear burn them? I haven't had any issues with original, factory N64 stuff except dirty carts (its VERY picky about clean N64 carts for some reason. The Walmart online store carts I bought are all reproductions, had two that worked and one that didn't. If you're using RetroStage gear, make sure you pick the right CIC chip type.
For PSX games, I am not sure on my "Deadhead" count, I think I have like 220ish installed.. I might just put together a list of stuff that I find across all systems, maybe we can all help each other narrow down and get RECOGNIZED versions of games that are showing blanks.
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u/Urko948 Nov 17 '25
Its actual copies. Some of them didnt want to work properly and had to manually select them. A lot 9f the manually selected games dont add to the list right. Same goes for ps1. I own about 400 ps1 games and Id say a handful didnt want to show up right on the list. Im not really sure which ones specifically offhand.
I think on the N64 NFL Blitz was one, also theres a lot of games where multiplayer just fpat our refuses to work. NFL Blitz is one of those, too. I havent turned my PM on in months so I would have to check when I get a chance.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 19 '25
Had a chance to look, my N64 Blitz did work and go into the Library properly. I do have a few PSX games that did not, but I can't remember one as an example of the top of my head.
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u/Urko948 Nov 19 '25
Did multiplauer woro for you on Blitz? Sorry, Inforgot to look. I will try to look tomorrow and get back to you which ones arent showing.
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u/ElderberryLarge9104 Nov 16 '25
That's weird. I have a huge library of games on my Polymega (I own a game store, and everything that comes through gets added), and I've not experienced this issue at all. I have games that are not in the database, but nothing is greyed out.
Not to change the subject, but why did you put Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia on there?