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====== Hardware Submission Guidelines ======

===== Note from the staff =====

Thank you for expressing an interest in contributing to RF Generation and it's growing database. These guidelines will help you understand how our database works and hopefully answer all your questions as to how to submit hardware and hardware information.

One thing to note however, we do not accept submissions of pirated or illegal hardware. 

If you do not understand something you see here in this guide, or have questions of any kind, please PM a staff member. We are here to help you and are all well versed in how these submission scripts work.

===== Adding new hardware consoles/computers/handhelds=====
**(must fulfill all requirements)**

If you wish to add an all-new gaming system we don't have a section for yet and it meets all of these requirements, PM an Admin for help. After careful consideration and research we will add it for you or direct you to the section you may have missed in your search, whichever applies.

***Special note*** As with all hardware submissions regardless of the category they fall under, please remember that part numbers and/or UPC/Barcodes are of the utmost importance. These help us sort out minute variations and revisions as well as regions in some cases. If you cannot find a **part number and/or a UPC/Barcode** for your item, feel free to post a request for help or PM a staff member and we'll help you find one. Worst case scenario, you can submit a picture of the item as an identifier if all else fails, but only after a search for a part/UPC has been performed and that staff are aware of an impending image submission so we approve the initial submission.

  - **Original Gaming System** - If in a series, the first one released. If a similar model has a slightly different year but identical SKU and bundle (NES Control Deck bundle 1987 and 1988 for example), then that info is added to the page under revisions with a note saying the subsequent years after initial release it was available. Extra box scans for packaging variations to be placed in the extra media section.
  - **Unique cartridge/media and gaming programming language** - Must have it's own proprietary media format, programming language or built in games unlike anything else in the database.
  - **Added or changed functionality via the addition or change of physical hardware** - Not to be confused with **improved** functionality, **added/changed** means that it has different capabilities that set it apart or make it incompatible. As well a redesign that removes functionality like the top loading NES, or the second version of the SNES are **variations because they are cheaper less equipped versions of the same thing** (SNES 2 has no eject button or separate RF jack).\\ \\ //**Further Examples:**// \\ Case in point: DS Lite is a new entry versus variation because it has a new external extension connection that is not compatible with certain GBA accessories as the first DS was and therefore has it's own set of items. \\ A GBA SP is a new entry from the first GBA because it has a different screen, controls, shape, a new set of accessories based on it's own jacks, incompatibilities with items like the eReader and a NiMH battery. On the other hand, a GBA SP2 is a variation because it improved the screen from a front lit to a back lit, **improved not added** is the key here.\\ A Genesis 2 is a variation because other than cosmetics it's only difference is that it adds a stereo A/V port versus the Genesis 1's mono port. That's an improvement on the hardware, not extra functionality. Genesis 3 falls into the same category even more so because it actually removed functionality, cosmetic isn't enough to warrant a new entry versus variation for those. But a Sega Nomad is a separate entry because it is a handheld Genesis with a screen and it's own accessories, regardless that it plays the same media.\\ Also a Turbo Duo is a variation because it's just a TurboGrafx 16/CD in one piece, a Turbo Express is a new entry because it's a handheld TG16 with a screen versus a console. The new redesigned Sony PSP will be a new entry because of it's new features (video out for example), not because of it's improved ones.
  - **Connect to, or has an electronic screen** - Meaning it has to either connect to a TV or monitor of some kind, or have it's own display VFD, LCD etc.

===== Adding a hardware variation to an existing system =====
**(any of the following)**

When adding a hardware variation, remember to use the **variation field** right under the title to name and specify what the variation is. Examples are Game Boy Color **[Pikachu Edition]** or Gamecube Controller **[Platinum]**. Here's the list of hardware variation types:

  - **Color variations** - Applies to controller, accessory or system.
  - **Regional releases** - Meaning systems that are not region wide because of part numbers, language, PAL/SECAM differences etc. Regional releases do not need variation titles in most cases unless they also fall under one of the other categories listed here like color.
  - **Technical revisions & updates** - Bios and firmware updates will be added as revision info on the page, not as hardware variations because these changes aren't static. i.e. a PSP does not get a variation for every bios/firmware because it can be changed at will and still has the same hardware as the original release.
  - **Clones** - Only re-badged systems. Those that are made under license but have different internal or external features will be listed as original hardware entries.
  - **Systems with the ability to play media from multiple Original Game Systems that have been released by the same manufacturer/developer** - This is the category that Turbo Duos and Sega CDX's fall under.
  - **Bundles with different SKUs** - Added controllers, pack-in games or accessories.

===== Use of the multiple console section =====
  - **Be able to play games from different systems and manufacturers** - Such as the Dina 2 in 1 or FC Twin.
  -** Multiple console accessories** - See below for more information.

===== Hardware accessories =====

  - **Have been or are able to be purchased (currently or in the past) on their own and have a unique UPC code** - Proof has to be submitted. Bundled items that can not be purchased separately **will not** be included. Instead listed as extra info on the hardware's page.
  - **Specific versus generic accessories** - Items branded to a particular game system, such as SNES cleaning kits, Gameboy advance cart holders or specifically branded system covers like this **should** be in the database. //Anything marketed towards **a specific game system by name.**// \\ No-name branded generic "Game system holder" or "Cartridge & CD/DVD cleaner", or "Generic game carrying case" **should not** be, as it will only cause duplicate entries across many systems. *Anything not marketed towards a particular product or series of products by name, but instead as a **generic item with no specific mention of compatible products**.
  - **Multiple console controllers & cables** - Subsequently, items such as the Quick Shot Wireless Infrared Controller that is used with multiple systems at once, or AV cables with multiple plugs like those Xbox/GCN/PS2 ones, should be **placed into the Multiple Consoles section** so 3 similar entries don't show up for the same item. //Anything marketed towards **several specific systems** at once **by name**.//

Exceptions can be discussed on a item to item basis. The two major "multiple system" items that **should not at all** are cleaning kits and game cases. It's too easy to market a cleaning kit for a CD/DVD and slap on a game system's name. The only exception is if it came with a specific tool for a particular system like a security bit or a unique shaped item like a NES/SNES cleaning kit. 

Any game case that is submitted has to be specific to one system and also a retail product. If it says "VHS or game system" then no, because it's too generic.

===== Requirements for submission approval =====

To avoid more duplicate entries in the future, the following **will be required** for approval of new submissions:

  - **Exact name of the item** - the console for which the item is for does not  need to be a part of the name. examples:\\ - **Memory Card [Official Sony]** or **Memory Card [Mad Catz]**. \\ - **PlayStation Dual Shock Controller** or **PlayStation Dual Shock Controller [Crystal]**. Since Dual Shock is a trademarked name third party controllers will be for example: **Playstation Dual Analog Controller [Intec]**. \\ This applies to any retail cables (A/V, Power, controller extentions etc.), replacement parts both 1st and 3rd party, controllers, memory cards and anything else that has multiple manufacturers.
  - **Must include Manufacturer and Class** (subclass if applicable) 
  - **Either the Part/Model number or UPC** - That way there will be conclusive evidence and more easily verified. If neither of these fields are filled out, the submission will be rejected. We can't distinguish one submission from another without them. When submitting UPCs make sure they have no spaces between the numbers i.e. **077000400123**. If it has a second set on the top right, add them after the first 12 like **077000400123** **(00100)**. Some UPCs may have more or less than 12 digits so be careful. \\ \\ //If you do not have a part number/UPC on your item but still wish to submit it, you may submit pictures instead as long as you PM a staff member and in the part number field, type **Pictures coming** or something to that effect to let us know.//
  - **Has to be an item that could have been bought at retail or through the company itself** - If your in doubt that an item was sold separately, then we'll discuss it and help you research it. Also if your sure it was but still don't have enough info, then we'll research it as well as PM the submitter. We can always wait until someone comes along with the info we need and add it then. So don't feel that a "Power Supply" with no information regardless of it's obvious importance should be pushed through anyway.
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