I think this video might be your best to date 😃 You go through the basics and let people know why connecting to their HDTV's analog input is not the best idea and then simply and easily take people through what the mini does and how it helps. You even talk about other solutions people might want to go for and ESPECIALLY what to avoid. I must say you should be really proud of this one 👏👏👏
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It’s real simple- old consoles are 240p. Modern tvs don’t recognize this resolution only 480i. Plug it right in and you are playing a game in the wrong unintended resolution. Who would want to do that? There is tons of lag, everything is in the wrong aspect ratio, scan lines are removed, and it will give you a headache from flicker. Unless you are a masochist get any scaler and save yourself the pain!!! If you like the way it looks you are a very unique person lol
Really do love how with certain products you will give a simplistic view for people that may just be getting into things. Really do appreciate how you show products. Perfect advertisement for anyone hoping to sell a retro gaming product that is legitimate. However you strike fear into those companies trying to rip off gamers and those with nostalgia frenzy.
I have a retrotink 2X, and you honestly cannot get anything better for this price. I'm playing my PS2 on it with Beatmania IIDX, no lag, looks pretty good; probably better than using composite on a CRT, and you can simply; like he said, get a composite/component switcher, and just have your RT connected to that for multiple systems.
Great overview. I've got a 2X Pro but I may pick one of these up just to permanently keep one out in the living room and the other for streaming/game capture.
I was kind of confused about this scaler stuff and I was thinking about buying an EON Super 64 but you just sold me on the RetroTink. ¡Thanks for the recommendation!
Simple, for 70$ it's a Super64 Killer + you can use it for other system ! (Just in case, if I don't understand the Super64, the GC HD Mk2 is the Utimate Gamecube Plug n Play GCVideo solution in my mind) Good to see that Mike Chi create many RetroTINK for all use and for all the budget !
@ it is,but the real probleme with the Super64 is the price, 150$ is too high for just a Svideo converter market for a single système. My point was, for half the price, you've got a product who do the same thing for many more system, like Sega Saturn and Dreamcast, Sony PS 1 and 2, Nintendo Snes, Ntsc GameCube & Wii and The first Xbox. Off course the Ultra HDMI is far better than Svideo to Hdmi, but the cost is not the same.
Fantastic video! I completely agree as well. Even after acquiring an OSSC, I still go back to my RetroTINK, purely for its simplicity. Such a wonderful little device and the perfect entry point for those that just want to play their retro games on an HD TV!
I've found that having them both is simply useful though I did get the pro version of the retrotink for NES and N64. When it comes to N64 games I'm not even sure if I want to upscale them beyond 480p to get a good look of that smeary mess the N64 does to the games on that system and scanlines in my book are important to the look of both of those systems, especially for n64 where you have 2d world elements in 3d games which when upscaled without scanlines look blocky. The softness filter can help and if I did settle on the mini I'd be using it all the time with the 64 but I find that just adding scanlines keeps the image sharp and looking proper so I knew going in that I'd need to get the pro to actually be happy with the upscaling and I more or less am. Mario 64 looks great on the retrotink 2xpro via s-video.
Hey man! Does the mini add any latency for NES games? Could I still beat Tyson I mean? And what is coupled with the TV like the one below? Any input would be so appreciated!
@@pcm2fchris Probably not, these are line doublers so they don't hold any frame buffer so the question is does your TV have lag, and if it does how bad is the lag on that TV. The newer it is, the less you have to worry about input lag now days.
I am more into emulation on the game side and CRTs (or good shaders) on the display side, so I never really understood any of this until I watched this video. Very clearly explained and now I understand the appeal of these products.
Thank you for this video! I have a feeling I’ll be sharing this a lot as I have friends who want to get into retro gaming and I always struggle to explain the basics to them. They think I’m a mad man messing and with CRTs and old consoles
Pumped for this. I’ve had my 64 and snes plugged into my tv’s composite for far too long. The game mode on my LG is decent, but I know this will be a massive upgrade.
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That mode is decent for modern games I have one I don’t think it recognizes 240p at all. You really need one
Radical Rickey Bojangles Walton yeah. It was convenient for the time. I have been waiting for this thing since it was announced in June! It’s already ordered and I just got my tracking number!! It’s gonna be a great weekend!
I just ordered the RetroTINK 2x Mini. The biggest reason I bought this is for my NES top loader. Back in the day, I was lucky enough to purchase a top loader with A/V out directly from Nintendo of America. No RF to be found here!!! And I can use the thing on multiple devices to boot. So, the RetroTINK 2x Mini is the perfect solution
Dude! Those are legendary. Never seen one with my own eyes. I know this might sound weird, but can you make a video of it? I’ve always wanted to see one!
I guess I could... There's nothing really special about it other than no RF with an AV port like the SNES, N64, & GameCube... FYI - I purchased a total of 5 of these units back in the day when Nintendo of America HQ was clearing out their stock. And yes, I still have the receipts! Maybe they are worth something now... I really don't know...
Awesome video! For my part, the thing that made me chose the mini over the pro wasn’t the price, but rather the fact that you can leave consoles plugged in both the composite and s-video ins, and the mini will automatically switch to the input being used!
Me too, but for console who support only Composite and S-Vidéo the Retro Tink Mini can be a good companion for the OSSC Pro who have Component, Scarte, VGA and HDMI but don't have the Composite and S-Video.
This is perfect for my composite-only NES. I daydreamed about an RGB mod since I have an OSSC but it's so expensive and this works well enough. I even like it for my Genesis when I want some dithering goodness. :)
Nice! I happen to basically be the "scenario" you gave at the end, kind of. I have an OSSC, and most of my consoles I'm using HD Retrovision component cables, but I have a NES and N64 without any RGB mod on either, so it supports exactly what I need.
You always explain things perfect. I have the original Retro TINK 2x and am gonna get the 2x Pro. I really like it. You are right about the cheap cables. They suck!
This looks great for S-video connections. Most people who own systems that do component, just own TVs that support component. So this product totally makes sense.
Hey Bob! Quick note, about that Composite/S-Video switch you displayed on the screen at 4:44. I bought two of them for the 2x Mini. The composite image looks great right out of the box. No worries there, as far as I could tell, both through CRT and the 2x Mini to an LCD flatscreen. Unfortunately, the S-Video is "noisy" (not sure if it's really noise, but I assume so?) to the point where it defeats the purpose of using S-Video. The reason this is seems to be that the device was designed for people who will want to output all their devices through S-Video, even if the input is Composite, and it seems like this conversion introduces some unwanted things into the picture. There's a review on the Amazon page that describes a quick fix: snipping two resistors and capacitors. I went ahead and did that, and the issue was resolved. It seems the device is now truly pass-through. I can also now hookup both S-Video and Composite out to the 2x Mini without affecting the signal strength or video brightness. Obviously, was not a scientific experiment, so take this with a grain of salt, but figured it was worth mentioning.
Make sure to buy an s-video cable for it. Also make sure the smoothing filter is set to ON. There will be a blue led on the mini letting you know it's on.
I would say I'm far from a beginner, I have a few HDMI consoles, but definitely for starting out, this thing is great. I still have plenty of consoles I could mod, but honestly, this solution is just fine for those. FYI, I do not stream but I do capture, and it works ok for that. Also, I have the original 2x, not the Mini.
At 3:35 you were saying that older HD TV'S sometimes have no gamemode. Funny enough I happen to have that same TV you showed there it does have a gamemode it's deeper in the settings compared to most but is definitely there! Edit: Go to the gear which is the "Setup" menu it's under sound. Game Mode is located in there!
You're correct, the TV I showed in this video actually DOES have game mode buried in a different menu. I just didn't want to travel to a friend's house only to get 10 seconds of b-roll of their TV without game mode, so I kinda cheated here. Maybe I should have used this as an example of "sometimes game mode is hard to find", but I DEFINITELY wanted to make the point that quite a few older flat-panels had no game mode at all.
Great in depth video on this device. I'll be buying one of these to play n64 and Game Cube on my 10 year old 40 inch Samsung HDTV which doesn't have a game mode.
Just a heads up, game mode is likely in the settings tab on that samsung TV. Their menu layouts have remained largely the same, the 10 year old one I have and my new one buried it in the gear icon's menu
You're correct, this TV actually DOES have game mode buried in a different menu. I just didn't want to travel to a friend's house only to get 10 seconds of b-roll of their TV without game mode, so I kinda cheated here. Maybe I should have used this as an example of "sometimes game mode is hard to find", but I DEFINITELY wanted to make the point that quite a few older flat-panels had no game mode at all.
@@RetroRGB Definitely, I used to be a plasma/LCD TV repairman, and many of these units are annoyingly locked down in the menus for seemingly no reason. I've even have some that genuinely don't let you disable overscan...I just wanna use you as a big HDMI monitor lol Even my brand new samsung wouldn't let me turn off the stupid auto backlight dimming that made movies and dark games virtually unwatchable/unplayable, so I had to resort to the service menu to disable it, and in my older samsung, actually open it up and use an arduino to control the backlight for a lack of options in the service menu... TVs are weird man
I feel like with retro consoles the best way to play is on a crt with component cables. It's just not the same on a modern tv unless you have a ossc or retrotink 2x pro. The scanlines option is awesome by the way.
The smoothing filter is really personal preference. Some people like and prefer the blocky look. Some people like the new smooth look of games that people play on. I seem to like this option because for me, I think it makes games look like a brand new HD remaster, or what they look like back then (not really).
He makes “brain scan” devices at his other job. Lucky to have such a brilliant guy in the retro gaming sphere. Him and marqs of the ossc are moving us into a new age. They deserve awards for their contributions to the hobby and to bridge the gap of old technology with new. If we only had politicians and such this wise it would be a better world. Mike chi in 2024, jk lol.
Hi! I was looking to pick one of these up but saw they were out of stock. Do you think this will be long term or will they reasonably be back in the next few weeks/months? And do they work for Wiis as well?
This is what you'd probably want for the Wii, with lots of explanation below the links: www.retrorgb.com/wii2hdmi-plug-play-adapter-back-in-stock.html ...and unfortunately, the part shortage has made the Mini hard to make. The RT5x will be back on sale soon, but that's a lot more expensive. It makes a Wii AND all old consoles look amazing, but it's a different budget. Hope that helps!
I noticed that whoever shows these videos always play on a 1080p tv I never see a 4K tv not to mention that all tv’s are not created equally my tv doesn’t quite smooth the jagged edges the best flat panel tv I played on was the Sony KDL. Great video.
just a fyi, Sega Genesis and some models of PSOnes do not produce off-spec signals and may not display correctly. For Sega Genesis, we recommend using a RGB/Component cable with the RT2X-Pro or SCART. For PSOne, we recommend using a PS2 as there are no known issues.
Heads up. I used the specific S Video switcher you showed in this video and I do not recommend it. It often created ghosting/echo effects on the graphics. Particularly with GameCube and N64. Using the game cables directly plugged into my RetroTink, I did not get that ghosting.
I was actually looking at this exact same switch the other day for my own set-up, and I was immediately turned off of it by the generally poor reviews I read (so I was very surprised to see it in this video!). I ended up purchasing a GE 38807 from Amazon yesterday. It's a passive switch with 4 inputs, 1 output, and supports both composite and S-Video. It also has a headphone jack on the front. The reviews were much more positive, one person saying "the signal comes out exactly the same as it goes in", and another claiming that it actually cleaned up their signal overall. Definitely looking forward to trying it out.
You should only leave one console connected at a time. The RetroTINK 5x allows for all inputs to be connected though: th-cam.com/video/nwNrqIjxBaA/w-d-xo.html
I do analog glitching art, and something like this could probably make digital captures look sharper. Does the HDMI signal drop out if it's extremely distorted? Or will it always display no matter what?
I haven’t run any circuit bent devices directly into the 2X-Mini, but if you already have a video mixer with a decent TBC in your glitch chain, you’ll be just fine. I’ve rocked a 2X-mini in my mobile VJ rig for about a year now and it’s never dropped a frame on venue projectors/displays. And the upscale looks great for what it is (pretty sure it’s 480p). For digital capture to a pc though, you might wanna save for a retrotink 5X or a more professional type scaler like blackmagic. Finer details in my glitch art captures from the 2X-mini still get pretty wrecked by youtube and IG in my experience. With a higher res scale in your capture, you’ll have more bits to lose and still be ok after compression when it comes to sharing your work online, imo. But the 2X is great for portability, which is why i mostly use it for live shows.
@@mysticstylus Ended up getting an industrial Extron scaler instead. Really impressed with the quality and it was only like $30 for all-steel professional rack equipment
Damn, I got super excited about this for hooking up my PS1's analog cables but unfortunately, it's not recommended for the PS1's or Sega Genesis. Great, thoroughly-reviewed product review as always though!
It will work fine on a PS1 through S-Video - that's how i used to play it back in the day. I know you can use the RAD2X / 2X-CLASSIC / 2X-PRO / 2X-SCART - But it will look fine and for the price its the best solution.
This is by far the best one made today: bit.ly/gcompsw If you're looking for something more entry-level, I'd try looking for stuff on eBay that was considered "high end" back in the early 2000's - You can get those for a fraction of the price today.
It says on the retrotink page that it might not be compatible with some sega genesis consoles. What's that about? I was going to get one of these because I prefer composite with my genesis, but I ended up getting the scart version which has a low res mode and some scart cables. Ended up being cheaper than the 2xpro and those hd retro component cables. I would still like to see someone do a video showing how bad or good composite is upscaled based on the console you use.
You're correct, the TV I showed in this video actually DOES have game mode buried in a different menu. I just didn't want to travel to a friend's house only to get 10 seconds of b-roll of their TV without game mode, so I kinda cheated here. Maybe I should have used this as an example of "sometimes game mode is hard to find", but I DEFINITELY wanted to make the point that quite a few older flat-panels had no game mode at all.
Thanks for the video. What i'd linke to know as an european user (we got RGB via scart in many consoles) is if the "Retrotink-2x Scart" also supports svideo- and "composite" output, e.g. for connecting N64 via Svideo cable + scart adapter or if i'd need to buy an extra Retrolink adapter for svideo consoles.
I really hope this is better than those amazon GANA HDMI converters, those things have interlacing and ghosting issues, along with a heavy contrast and lacks colour. I want to buy this but I hope it doesn't have the same issue as those converters.
Yup, this is far better than those. I mean, the Mini isn’t as good as the higher end RetroTINK products, but you get a MUCH better product designed specifically for video games, so it’s a win.
Fantastic video. BRAVO👏 👏 My hats off to you. Question, i have a saturn and snes using the retro hd vision component cables going into my old lcd tv using the component inputs, to take full advantage, should i use the retrothink with it ? I RGB mod the snes for the component cables to work and looks amazing. Saturn looks amazing awell when using the retro hd vision cables. The retrothink i have is an old version from kickstarter days 2 years back. I haven't done any full comparison yet to know the difference. Thanks a lot. Keep them coming.
Thank you! It all depends on the TV. Some will have the same lag from component as HDMI, but others will be different. My suggestion is if you think you'd use a RetroTINK (or OSSC) for something else, then it's worth getting and using with your HD Retrovisions.
I was being serious, not sarcastic: I tried to show the clearest examples possible of what inputs it has, what consoles it's compatible with...and I showed a whole description of how it's zero lag. If you watched the video and still don't know the answers to your questions, I need to refine my methods. ...or maybe you're just trolling? It's hard to tell sometimes.
The site notes potential incompatibilities with the Genesis and PS1. The latter doesn't surprise me much because I've seen a lot of people having problems with loss of color on those consoles, but I'd be interested to learn what the issue is with the Genesis, and whether that extends to the other RetroTINK-2X models.
Sirotaca Genesis has been a sore spot for a long time... I think it also caused false problems with the framemeister. The 2X-M works fine with both though. PS1 might be fixable with a firmware update but Genesis is a lost cause.
@@retrotink339 Interesting. Is the subcarrier frequency just way out of spec or something? I did try my JP Mega Drive in composite with my Framemeister and it seemed to work fine (just ugly because, well, composite). Is it the sort of issue that affects some individual consoles but not others?
@@Sirotaca It seems to be random tbh. Some Genesis consoles work fine... others don't. 32x pretty much always fails. But yeah, has something to do with both the frequency 228/line vs 227.5/line and the filter on the PCB.
How well will this work with multiple consoles hooked through an AV switch then connected to the 2X Mini? My current set up is NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube, Wii, PS1, PS2, and Xbox through one AV switch and Genesis, Saturn, and Dreamcast through another AV Switch.
Should be fine. Just keep in mind that the Xbox supports 480p and up on almost every game, so getting an HDMI adapter would be a much better solution for it. Same with the Dreamcast: th-cam.com/video/JqPiwOUv-i8/w-d-xo.html
@@RetroRGB Awesome, look forward to utilizing this converter! I have the AV outputs going through a Blackweb brand HDMI converter (picked up a few on clearance at Walmart) through my Pioneer Elite receiver that upscales to 4K. While it's cool that I can display my retro consoles, the upscalers really make pictures distorted, even after I turned them off. The reds and blacks in OOT on the N64 almost make it unplayable, so hopefully this fixes this.
Too bad I ordered a EON Super 64 just 2 weeks ago from Castlemania Games. I was sent an obvious return with the unit having a few scrapes and box seals unstuck with a dog hair attached. No apology, they just blamed it on EON. This looks perfect for my needs.
Bobby, always loving your video's and all of your knowledge sharing thank you! I'm really confused about the using a PAL-n64 (with s-video support) with RetroTINK 2x-PRO vs 2x-mini. It seems like the 2x-mini will support NTSC and PAL s-video and it comes with a s-video cable. Whilst the RetroTINK 2x-PRO supports PAL and s-video they ship with a NTSC N64/SNES S-video cord. A separate PAL s-video cable would need to be purchased from Consoles4You. So there must be physical differences in cables for PAL and NSTC s-video BUT the new 2x-mini has some HW/firmware smarts to detect the region verse the RetroTINK 2x-PRO. At least this is my assumption. Are you able to comment?
Thanks very much! PAL N64's are really tricky. You can go ahead and try the cable the Mini comes with, but there will most likely be problems. First, you might get an image that's too bright. If so, pick up the C4U cable and you'll be fine. Next, you might not get any image at all...and in that case, you'll be stuck either just using composite video, or modding the console. Here's more info on if it'll work or not: twitter.com/Consoles4You/status/1225045055708241920
@@RetroRGB I have already bought this product and I'm using it in a NTSC N64 and I'm very happy with it; there is only a little inconvenient with Resident Evil 2 since every time I start to play the story mode it blinks with a black screen and doesn't let me play properly. Could y'all fix this with future updates?
I’m thinking of getting a scaler primarily for N64 and PS2. Going with the Multiformat model I lose the smoothing for N64. How bad will I miss that? Thanks for the helpful video!
I think the benefits you get by using it with the PS2 are more important than the filter. Just make just to get the latest firmware for the TINK-M, as it enables a bunch of cool stuff! I gotta update my video about it!
Hi guys! I have a awesome CRT with componet and I whant plug my NUC running Batocera using HDMI output. What the best option today to convert HDMI to RGB (componet) and get 240p?
So with it being 2023 now. What would be the best option for an og xbox. The mini, the 2xpro, or 5x pro? I recently got a soft mod kit for mine, and plan to phase out my other previous gen consoles to free up some room with the exeption of my n64, game cube, and Genesis, as well as my ps2. All of those only have rca cables. I have some cheap up scaler for my genesis and the insurection one for my game cube.
Original Xbox outputs 480p, so a good, cheap HDMI adapter will work. If you have the money to spend, getting a good set of component cables and the RetroTINK 5x is by far the best option. The RT5x is also currently the best choice for Genesis and N64, so that's probably the best bet for you. Check out the links here for the best cables: www.retrorgb.com/systems.html
@@shanez1215 Chimeric is on vacation so no cables available from them. Well at least since I started researching my option and checked again today. Thanks for the info.
Just bought an N64 concole for myself and it looks like my AV to HDMI converter is not working. Any new on when the Retotink 2x mini will be back in stock? I would like to try this before I return the console. Thanks for your help
Hey, great video! But I'm still not sure how the RetroTink 2x mini is a better alternative, other than having low lag and being a simple interface. I'm refurbishing some old Nintendos to sell onto everyday people. I'm trying to figure the best interface to a flat panel TV. I picked up a MINI composite to HDMI adapter. The set up is almost identical to the RetroTink. Lag wise, it's very good. But the picture quality is ugly. I wasn't expecting RGB results but maybe something a bit more pleasing. I particuarly hate a rolling bar on the screen in the background. Will I get better results with the Retrotink? I would hope so at $90. The good news is, the game play of the Nintendo is fun and overcompensates for the crappy picture. Maybe I'm just too disturbed by the picture quality as I usually play off an RGB NES and Bang and Olufsen CRT TV. Let me know your thoughts as I'd like to spread retro gaming back to the everyday person with the best quality results, whilst being affordable for them. Many thanks, Nick :) UK
Please check my site and channel - I’ve done tons of tests on those devices. They all have a TON of lag, because they were never designed for video games. If you want better quality, get a cheap (or free) old CRT, or get a RetroTINK 5x. But don’t sell those NES’s with garbage scalers.
Question? I recently got out my old Sega, I bought the HD Retrovision Genesis Component Cable and the RetroTink 2x … if I get the triple bypass would it be even better, I have the model 1 genesis, thnks -Joe
I got my hdretrovision cables , not compatible with my TV I guess, when I turn on my Sega the screen is black, you can hear the sound but the TV tells me wrong format… hopefully when I get my Retrotink2x it will work? Since then it would go through HDMI?
In your opinion. What is the best upscaler specifically for an unmodified N64 that won't break the bank. Rad2x, retrotink, etc. If retrotink which version? Thank you for your insight.
@@RetroRGB awesome. One last question. I'd also like to improve my other consoles visuals as well. I've got PS1, PS2, Gamecube and Dreamcast. For instance I'm thinking of getting the Prism for the gamecube system and the retrotink mini for the N64. I don't mind purchasing specific/different upscalers if it will optimize each system. Or is there an all-in-one option, for instance using a retrotink for all?
Don't know how it is in the states but here, alot of the newer tv's especially at the low-mid price range, dosen't even have analog inputs anymore, only HDMI
Yup, same here. It's probably for the better...I'd rather see someone spend $70 for a scaler that does it right, than spend an extra $20 on a TV with analog inputs that don't work right for gmaes.
Been looking into getting this. I have a TCL Roku TV Model 55US57-W and my n64 is connected via RCA cables. It cuts off the bottom (so if you play a Zelda game u can't see how many rupees u have) tried changing the picture size, but u can only change it to Normal, Auto, Direct, Zoom, or Stretch. I have it on Auto. No way to move it upwards sadly. Would be nice though xD. But someone suggested I look into this and it would probably fix the problem by bumping it up to 480p so my TV can read the signal correctly. I hope it works!
What's with the interference at 1:31 where it says Sony Computer Entertainment?. That's the same problem I had with the cheap AliExpress Retroscaler. All menu options had that shaky visual problem on bright text or sharp bright outlines. Is that interference caused by the Retrotink 2 mini, or is that just the playstation connected direct to the TV?
@@RetroRGB ah, I don't like it and couldn't put up with that. Playing ps1 disk games on my ps3 connected to my LCD with Retrostation component cable, I don't see that problem
Awesome video! So from the looks of it, the mini introduces about 4ms of lag, correct? I assume this little lag isn’t even detectable to the human eye (I think original NES button smash to screen response is like 30 ms)? Just want to know what I’m getting into before I purchase. I want to still be able to beat Mike Tyson in Punch Out, for instance, of the investment is pointless. Finally, would the TV itself affect lag? For example, would the following TV below create any issues? Just want to be able to play my NES on an HDTV without any difference in response time.
Nope, the mini is ZERO milliseconds of lag. Check out this video at around 10:50: th-cam.com/video/7VOsOuQ5mhM/w-d-xo.html All the RetroTINK products test the same and you're seeing 4 MICROseconds of lag...a fraction of a millisecond :) Each TV's lag is different, but most in 2020 were one frame (16ms) or less when set to game mode. That should be fine for NES games played through the TINK product line.
@@RetroRGB Bro, you’re awesome. So glad I came across your channel! I was about to spent a lot more $$ than I needed. Question - will that be the case with SNES games too? For instance, could I just get the mini and the new TV, and be set using both original NES and SNES, in terms of lag? (Gotta still be able to beat Contra 3!)
@@RetroRGB Also, wondering if you’ve got a video out there going into what to look for when buying a TV to hook up to one of these things. A lot of the monitors I’m seeing for instance have varying amounts of GTG response time. Is that even relevant? 15ms vs 5 for instance. Wouldn’t that affect latency/how it feels to press the jump button and THEN see Mega Man jump?
I think this video might be your best to date 😃
You go through the basics and let people know why connecting to their HDTV's analog input is not the best idea and then simply and easily take people through what the mini does and how it helps. You even talk about other solutions people might want to go for and ESPECIALLY what to avoid.
I must say you should be really proud of this one 👏👏👏
It’s real simple- old consoles are 240p. Modern tvs don’t recognize this resolution only 480i. Plug it right in and you are playing a game in the wrong unintended resolution. Who would want to do that? There is tons of lag, everything is in the wrong aspect ratio, scan lines are removed, and it will give you a headache from flicker. Unless you are a masochist get any scaler and save yourself the pain!!! If you like the way it looks you are a very unique person lol
Really do love how with certain products you will give a simplistic view for people that may just be getting into things. Really do appreciate how you show products. Perfect advertisement for anyone hoping to sell a retro gaming product that is legitimate. However you strike fear into those companies trying to rip off gamers and those with nostalgia frenzy.
Thanks very much! :)
"When you scale classic consoles, you don't just scale the video, you scale the interference that goes with it."
A very majorly good point to be made!
I have a retrotink 2X, and you honestly cannot get anything better for this price. I'm playing my PS2 on it with Beatmania IIDX, no lag, looks pretty good; probably better than using composite on a CRT, and you can simply; like he said, get a composite/component switcher, and just have your RT connected to that for multiple systems.
I have a question does it still work. I bought a cheaper converter and it stopped working after like a year or so.
Got my mini in the mail and its amazing. The smoothing filter makes the games look awesome! Fantastic device and best option for non-modded N64.
Great overview. I've got a 2X Pro but I may pick one of these up just to permanently keep one out in the living room and the other for streaming/game capture.
I was kind of confused about this scaler stuff and I was thinking about buying an EON Super 64 but you just sold me on the RetroTink. ¡Thanks for the recommendation!
You really stepped it up in the music department on this video Bob. Great work on the review too!
Thank you!
5:07 gotta love how you took a shot at the EON Super 64, calling it a "Knock off Product". Really sums it up as a result
Simple, for 70$ it's a Super64 Killer + you can use it for other system !
(Just in case, if I don't understand the Super64, the GC HD Mk2 is the Utimate Gamecube Plug n Play GCVideo solution in my mind)
Good to see that Mike Chi create many RetroTINK for all use and for all the budget !
@ it is,but the real probleme with the Super64 is the price, 150$ is too high for just a Svideo converter market for a single système.
My point was, for half the price, you've got a product who do the same thing for many more system, like Sega Saturn and Dreamcast, Sony PS 1 and 2, Nintendo Snes, Ntsc GameCube & Wii and The first Xbox.
Off course the Ultra HDMI is far better than Svideo to Hdmi, but the cost is not the same.
Fantastic video! I completely agree as well. Even after acquiring an OSSC, I still go back to my RetroTINK, purely for its simplicity. Such a wonderful little device and the perfect entry point for those that just want to play their retro games on an HD TV!
I've found that having them both is simply useful though I did get the pro version of the retrotink for NES and N64. When it comes to N64 games I'm not even sure if I want to upscale them beyond 480p to get a good look of that smeary mess the N64 does to the games on that system and scanlines in my book are important to the look of both of those systems, especially for n64 where you have 2d world elements in 3d games which when upscaled without scanlines look blocky. The softness filter can help and if I did settle on the mini I'd be using it all the time with the 64 but I find that just adding scanlines keeps the image sharp and looking proper so I knew going in that I'd need to get the pro to actually be happy with the upscaling and I more or less am. Mario 64 looks great on the retrotink 2xpro via s-video.
Hey man! Does the mini add any latency for NES games? Could I still beat Tyson I mean? And what is coupled with the TV like the one below? Any input would be so appreciated!
Sceptre 20" 1600x900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor 2x HDMI VGA Built-in Speakers, Machine Black Wide Viewing Angle 170° (Horizontal) / 160° (Vertical) www.amazon.com/dp/B07743412C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_FWCeGb23638DK
@@pcm2fchris Probably not, these are line doublers so they don't hold any frame buffer so the question is does your TV have lag, and if it does how bad is the lag on that TV. The newer it is, the less you have to worry about input lag now days.
@@Microwave414 What about the TV I listed from amazon? Think it would have any lag?
I am more into emulation on the game side and CRTs (or good shaders) on the display side, so I never really understood any of this until I watched this video. Very clearly explained and now I understand the appeal of these products.
Love that it's so small and it can be powered by your TV.
I got one of these for my Gamecube, and it is AMAZING!
Thank you for confirming that it works on the Gamecube. :)
I plan on getting the 2x pro but I'm stopping by to leave a like to show support! You rock man
Thank you!
Thank you for this video! I have a feeling I’ll be sharing this a lot as I have friends who want to get into retro gaming and I always struggle to explain the basics to them. They think I’m a mad man messing and with CRTs and old consoles
I have a rad2x on backorder for my SNES but this device is also perfect for me. Ordered one immediately.
@ Yeah, rad2x is gonna work great with the RGB signal from the SNES. And the retrotink 2x mini can still be used on my NES.
Pumped for this. I’ve had my 64 and snes plugged into my tv’s composite for far too long. The game mode on my LG is decent, but I know this will be a massive upgrade.
That mode is decent for modern games I have one I don’t think it recognizes 240p at all. You really need one
Radical Rickey Bojangles Walton yeah. It was convenient for the time. I have been waiting for this thing since it was announced in June! It’s already ordered and I just got my tracking number!! It’s gonna be a great weekend!
@@ggali09 how was it?
@@TheLegendaryTwig2000 awesome. It works great. I would recommend it.
I just ordered the RetroTINK 2x Mini. The biggest reason I bought this is for my NES top loader. Back in the day, I was lucky enough to purchase a top loader with A/V out directly from Nintendo of America. No RF to be found here!!! And I can use the thing on multiple devices to boot. So, the RetroTINK 2x Mini is the perfect solution
Dude! Those are legendary. Never seen one with my own eyes. I know this might sound weird, but can you make a video of it? I’ve always wanted to see one!
I guess I could... There's nothing really special about it other than no RF with an AV port like the SNES, N64, & GameCube... FYI - I purchased a total of 5 of these units back in the day when Nintendo of America HQ was clearing out their stock. And yes, I still have the receipts! Maybe they are worth something now... I really don't know...
Awesome video! For my part, the thing that made me chose the mini over the pro wasn’t the price, but rather the fact that you can leave consoles plugged in both the composite and s-video ins, and the mini will automatically switch to the input being used!
That IS a great feature. Especially since you can connect both outputs of an S-Video/Composite switch and it'll just use whatever input's on.
RetroRGB wouldn’t plugging both different types of signal in the same switch drop the quality of both signals?
Not if the switch was made properly.
RetroRGB Alright cool I’ll try that when I recieve it! Thanks for the info👍🏻
Another great video, Bob. Thanks for always breaking these variables down in a very easy to understand way!
Awesome details!
Thanks Lon!
Hear ye, hear ye. The legend has spoken. May all his opinions forever be his own.
Mannnnn 😂 I'm dying I didn't think of that but of course composite switch not an HDMI one!! You are a G!
Great breakdown. I’m still holding out for the OSSC pro, but at this price, the RetroTinks are tempting.
Me too, but for console who support only Composite and S-Vidéo the Retro Tink Mini can be a good companion for the OSSC Pro who have Component, Scarte, VGA and HDMI but don't have the Composite and S-Video.
This is perfect for my composite-only NES. I daydreamed about an RGB mod since I have an OSSC but it's so expensive and this works well enough. I even like it for my Genesis when I want some dithering goodness. :)
Nice! I happen to basically be the "scenario" you gave at the end, kind of. I have an OSSC, and most of my consoles I'm using HD Retrovision component cables, but I have a NES and N64 without any RGB mod on either, so it supports exactly what I need.
The retrotink pro was a tad too expensive for me, so this is a pleasant surprise and I'll definitely be ordering one.
You really wanna use composite? I can’t go back ever
@ if you order from their website it comes bundled with an S video cable
I’ve been waiting for this to use on my NES. Can’t wait to pick one up!
If your NES is RGB-modded, the RAD2x will look better. If not, they'll look identical.
You always explain things perfect. I have the original Retro TINK 2x and am gonna get the 2x Pro. I really like it. You are right about the cheap cables. They suck!
Thanks very much!
@@RetroRGB Yes sir! And thank you for having great and informative videos!
This looks great for S-video connections. Most people who own systems that do component, just own TVs that support component. So this product totally makes sense.
Hey Bob! Quick note, about that Composite/S-Video switch you displayed on the screen at 4:44. I bought two of them for the 2x Mini. The composite image looks great right out of the box. No worries there, as far as I could tell, both through CRT and the 2x Mini to an LCD flatscreen. Unfortunately, the S-Video is "noisy" (not sure if it's really noise, but I assume so?) to the point where it defeats the purpose of using S-Video. The reason this is seems to be that the device was designed for people who will want to output all their devices through S-Video, even if the input is Composite, and it seems like this conversion introduces some unwanted things into the picture. There's a review on the Amazon page that describes a quick fix: snipping two resistors and capacitors. I went ahead and did that, and the issue was resolved. It seems the device is now truly pass-through. I can also now hookup both S-Video and Composite out to the 2x Mini without affecting the signal strength or video brightness. Obviously, was not a scientific experiment, so take this with a grain of salt, but figured it was worth mentioning.
Awesome, thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the video! I will recommend this to anyone looking for an easy way to connect their retro consoles via HDMI. ++
You are making great content and i wish you massive success! Thank you so much!
Thank you! It looks like I will be using this for my N64. Thanks again!
Make sure to buy an s-video cable for it. Also make sure the smoothing filter is set to ON. There will be a blue led on the mini letting you know it's on.
I always knew there were smart folk to do all this....thank you people
I would say I'm far from a beginner, I have a few HDMI consoles, but definitely for starting out, this thing is great. I still have plenty of consoles I could mod, but honestly, this solution is just fine for those. FYI, I do not stream but I do capture, and it works ok for that. Also, I have the original 2x, not the Mini.
I wish Mike Chi was still making this. It's such a perfect little device, and the $80 price point was perfect.
Its back in stock
@ians_parks thanks for the heads up!
At 3:35 you were saying that older HD TV'S sometimes have no gamemode. Funny enough I happen to have that same TV you showed there it does have a gamemode it's deeper in the settings compared to most but is definitely there!
Edit: Go to the gear which is the "Setup" menu it's under sound. Game Mode is located in there!
You're correct, the TV I showed in this video actually DOES have game mode buried in a different menu. I just didn't want to travel to a friend's house only to get 10 seconds of b-roll of their TV without game mode, so I kinda cheated here. Maybe I should have used this as an example of "sometimes game mode is hard to find", but I DEFINITELY wanted to make the point that quite a few older flat-panels had no game mode at all.
@@RetroRGB Yah it's not a big deal I just recognized the menu and the TV so I thought I'd share that with you!
Great in depth video on this device. I'll be buying one of these to play n64 and Game Cube on my 10 year old 40 inch Samsung HDTV which doesn't have a game mode.
I have one, and it works really good. I use the HDMI cable that came with the NES Classic Edition with this upscaler.
Just a heads up, game mode is likely in the settings tab on that samsung TV. Their menu layouts have remained largely the same, the 10 year old one I have and my new one buried it in the gear icon's menu
You're correct, this TV actually DOES have game mode buried in a different menu. I just didn't want to travel to a friend's house only to get 10 seconds of b-roll of their TV without game mode, so I kinda cheated here. Maybe I should have used this as an example of "sometimes game mode is hard to find", but I DEFINITELY wanted to make the point that quite a few older flat-panels had no game mode at all.
@@RetroRGB Definitely, I used to be a plasma/LCD TV repairman, and many of these units are annoyingly locked down in the menus for seemingly no reason. I've even have some that genuinely don't let you disable overscan...I just wanna use you as a big HDMI monitor lol
Even my brand new samsung wouldn't let me turn off the stupid auto backlight dimming that made movies and dark games virtually unwatchable/unplayable, so I had to resort to the service menu to disable it, and in my older samsung, actually open it up and use an arduino to control the backlight for a lack of options in the service menu...
TVs are weird man
I leave my TV in game mode all the time, I hate additional image processing even for video content.
I feel like with retro consoles the best way to play is on a crt with component cables. It's just not the same on a modern tv unless you have a ossc or retrotink 2x pro. The scanlines option is awesome by the way.
The smoothing filter is really personal preference. Some people like and prefer the blocky look. Some people like the new smooth look of games that people play on. I seem to like this option because for me, I think it makes games look like a brand new HD remaster, or what they look like back then (not really).
So bummed that this is sold out on the website currently ...it's been impossible to find one.
Yeah, the part shortage really hurt so many projects. I think Mike's trying to get it back though!
MIke Chi is the Hardest working man in the field right now....
i see you hiding that monstrosity of wires in the back ;) 6:23 good vid!! planning on picking this up for my plug and plays
Mike chi sempai does It again!
Mike Chi is a machine! So cool!
He makes “brain scan” devices at his other job. Lucky to have such a brilliant guy in the retro gaming sphere. Him and marqs of the ossc are moving us into a new age. They deserve awards for their contributions to the hobby and to bridge the gap of old technology with new. If we only had politicians and such this wise it would be a better world. Mike chi in 2024, jk lol.
It's sad that this got discontinued. Such a good upscaler for the price and easy to use. Was gonna buy another, but the part shortage ruined that.
Its back in stock currently
Hi! I was looking to pick one of these up but saw they were out of stock. Do you think this will be long term or will they reasonably be back in the next few weeks/months? And do they work for Wiis as well?
This is what you'd probably want for the Wii, with lots of explanation below the links: www.retrorgb.com/wii2hdmi-plug-play-adapter-back-in-stock.html
...and unfortunately, the part shortage has made the Mini hard to make. The RT5x will be back on sale soon, but that's a lot more expensive. It makes a Wii AND all old consoles look amazing, but it's a different budget.
Hope that helps!
Awesome video! Thanks for the great information.
I noticed that whoever shows these videos always play on a 1080p tv I never see a 4K tv not to mention that all tv’s are not created equally my tv doesn’t quite smooth the jagged edges the best flat panel tv I played on was the Sony KDL.
Great video.
Thanks! I actually test everything on both a 4K and 1080p TV, but you're 100% right, how it looks will totally depend on your TV.
Will this device allow the NES to use the Zapper (or any light gun peripheral for any vintage console) on an modem TV?
no because they only work on 15khz sdtv crts
just a fyi, Sega Genesis and some models of PSOnes do not produce off-spec signals and may not display correctly. For Sega Genesis, we recommend using a RGB/Component cable with the RT2X-Pro or SCART. For PSOne, we recommend using a PS2 as there are no known issues.
Just ordered. Thanks for reviewing. One question, is it an HDMI mini or regular cable?
full sized hdmi
Heads up. I used the specific S Video switcher you showed in this video and I do not recommend it. It often created ghosting/echo effects on the graphics. Particularly with GameCube and N64. Using the game cables directly plugged into my RetroTink, I did not get that ghosting.
Oh no, really!?!?! I'll delete the link right away, but the pic is stuck in this video.
@@RetroRGB Isn't there a way to add an annotation on the video at that point to warn people not to get that particular model?
I was actually looking at this exact same switch the other day for my own set-up, and I was immediately turned off of it by the generally poor reviews I read (so I was very surprised to see it in this video!). I ended up purchasing a GE 38807 from Amazon yesterday. It's a passive switch with 4 inputs, 1 output, and supports both composite and S-Video. It also has a headphone jack on the front. The reviews were much more positive, one person saying "the signal comes out exactly the same as it goes in", and another claiming that it actually cleaned up their signal overall. Definitely looking forward to trying it out.
Did you show the lag using the retrotink?
Yes, but this video goes in-depth: th-cam.com/video/7VOsOuQ5mhM/w-d-xo.html
how does composite and s-video being plugged in at the same time work? wouldnt you still have to swap the audio?
You should only leave one console connected at a time. The RetroTINK 5x allows for all inputs to be connected though: th-cam.com/video/nwNrqIjxBaA/w-d-xo.html
I want to see a comparison between RetroTINK 2x Mini with s video on n64 vs EON Super 64 Nintendo 64 HD Adapter
It's identical, as the Eon Super 64 is a clone of the RetroTINK. Even the filter is exactly the same.
@Mailmansson EON is double the cost so pass.
Thanks a lot for all the Infos
I do analog glitching art, and something like this could probably make digital captures look sharper. Does the HDMI signal drop out if it's extremely distorted? Or will it always display no matter what?
I haven’t run any circuit bent devices directly into the 2X-Mini, but if you already have a video mixer with a decent TBC in your glitch chain, you’ll be just fine. I’ve rocked a 2X-mini in my mobile VJ rig for about a year now and it’s never dropped a frame on venue projectors/displays. And the upscale looks great for what it is (pretty sure it’s 480p). For digital capture to a pc though, you might wanna save for a retrotink 5X or a more professional type scaler like blackmagic. Finer details in my glitch art captures from the 2X-mini still get pretty wrecked by youtube and IG in my experience. With a higher res scale in your capture, you’ll have more bits to lose and still be ok after compression when it comes to sharing your work online, imo. But the 2X is great for portability, which is why i mostly use it for live shows.
@@mysticstylus Ended up getting an industrial Extron scaler instead. Really impressed with the quality and it was only like $30 for all-steel professional rack equipment
eBay
I think I'm gonna get this so I can test and sell consoles at my store.
@ HAHA! Cuz I've been rocking a Framemeister since damn forever :( This is much cheaper and simpler!
The Framemeister is fantastic for its incredible versatility, but the 2x Mini is definitely nice for it's quick simplicity.
@@TooBokoo That's exactly what I was thinking my man! I'm all for it.
On top of that sell these too. Nice retro bundle.
@ Didn't this just come out?
Damn, I got super excited about this for hooking up my PS1's analog cables but unfortunately, it's not recommended for the PS1's or Sega Genesis. Great, thoroughly-reviewed product review as always though!
Need the ps2 for those ps1 games.
@@SkelNeldory True, and it's looking like I may just have to go that route. I was hoping to use my original PS1 to get that full nostalgic experience.
It will work fine on a PS1 through S-Video - that's how i used to play it back in the day.
I know you can use the RAD2X / 2X-CLASSIC / 2X-PRO / 2X-SCART - But it will look fine and for the price its the best solution.
Awesome, thanks Bob! This is a great option for my brother in law.
Sorry for the beginner’s question. So is this device convert whatever signal to 480p? Thanks for the video.
No problem, beginners are always welcome! Yup, this converts either 240p or 480i into 480p.
Is there a certain composite/component switcher you would recommend?
This is by far the best one made today: bit.ly/gcompsw
If you're looking for something more entry-level, I'd try looking for stuff on eBay that was considered "high end" back in the early 2000's - You can get those for a fraction of the price today.
@@RetroRGB thank you so much!
It says on the retrotink page that it might not be compatible with some sega genesis consoles. What's that about? I was going to get one of these because I prefer composite with my genesis, but I ended up getting the scart version which has a low res mode and some scart cables. Ended up being cheaper than the 2xpro and those hd retro component cables. I would still like to see someone do a video showing how bad or good composite is upscaled based on the console you use.
Sharp Origami Composite on the Genesis is awful and is the one system I would flat out say RGB/component or don’t bother.
That's why SNES is what Genesisn't
Very informative. Thanks
Damn that as some fine music we got here Bob:D
What kind of hdmi cables would you suggest for original NES and retrotink?
Check out my cable links here for quality cables: retrorgb.link/amazon
I checked out the cables but I’m looking for optimal composite cables for the NES! Any suggestions?
Wanted the RAD2X cable for this christmas but is out of stock so... I am going to buy the RT2x mini :)
The Samsung TV you showed has a game mode, just on a different menu. You go to the gear icon. (Otherwise good intro to the topic.)
You're correct, the TV I showed in this video actually DOES have game mode buried in a different menu. I just didn't want to travel to a friend's house only to get 10 seconds of b-roll of their TV without game mode, so I kinda cheated here. Maybe I should have used this as an example of "sometimes game mode is hard to find", but I DEFINITELY wanted to make the point that quite a few older flat-panels had no game mode at all.
@@RetroRGB Agreed, there are some that don't have game mode out there.
Very detailed I enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video. What i'd linke to know as an european user (we got RGB via scart in many consoles) is if the "Retrotink-2x Scart" also supports svideo- and "composite" output, e.g. for connecting N64 via Svideo cable + scart adapter or if i'd need to buy an extra Retrolink adapter for svideo consoles.
Unfortunately, the 2x SCART only accepts RGB.
I really hope this is better than those amazon GANA HDMI converters, those things have interlacing and ghosting issues, along with a heavy contrast and lacks colour. I want to buy this but I hope it doesn't have the same issue as those converters.
Yup, this is far better than those. I mean, the Mini isn’t as good as the higher end RetroTINK products, but you get a MUCH better product designed specifically for video games, so it’s a win.
Fantastic video. BRAVO👏 👏 My hats off to you.
Question, i have a saturn and snes using the retro hd vision component cables going into my old lcd tv using the component inputs, to take full advantage, should i use the retrothink with it ?
I RGB mod the snes for the component cables to work and looks amazing. Saturn looks amazing awell when using the retro hd vision cables.
The retrothink i have is an old version from kickstarter days 2 years back. I haven't done any full comparison yet to know the difference.
Thanks a lot. Keep them coming.
Thank you! It all depends on the TV. Some will have the same lag from component as HDMI, but others will be different. My suggestion is if you think you'd use a RetroTINK (or OSSC) for something else, then it's worth getting and using with your HD Retrovisions.
Thanks so much for this
Great video!
Do you know if I can use with any retro console and if there is lag? Thanks!
That's what this entire video is about. Was any of that not clear?
@@RetroRGB thanks for the kindness, good to give this reply to people that check your channel 😉
I was being serious, not sarcastic: I tried to show the clearest examples possible of what inputs it has, what consoles it's compatible with...and I showed a whole description of how it's zero lag. If you watched the video and still don't know the answers to your questions, I need to refine my methods.
...or maybe you're just trolling? It's hard to tell sometimes.
Great video! This helped so much.
Thanks!
That's why I keep my crt
Is it possible to use a hdmi splitter for the output on the mini? Was thinking if you could stream the gameplay while also playing it with the mini.
Yes! As long as you use the right splitter, it won’t add any lag either. Try the ones listed on my Amazon page: RetroRGB.link/Amazon
The site notes potential incompatibilities with the Genesis and PS1. The latter doesn't surprise me much because I've seen a lot of people having problems with loss of color on those consoles, but I'd be interested to learn what the issue is with the Genesis, and whether that extends to the other RetroTINK-2X models.
Sirotaca Genesis has been a sore spot for a long time... I think it also caused false problems with the framemeister. The 2X-M works fine with both though.
PS1 might be fixable with a firmware update but Genesis is a lost cause.
@@retrotink339 Interesting. Is the subcarrier frequency just way out of spec or something? I did try my JP Mega Drive in composite with my Framemeister and it seemed to work fine (just ugly because, well, composite). Is it the sort of issue that affects some individual consoles but not others?
@@Sirotaca It seems to be random tbh. Some Genesis consoles work fine... others don't. 32x pretty much always fails. But yeah, has something to do with both the frequency 228/line vs 227.5/line and the filter on the PCB.
@@retrotink339 I see. Good to know, thanks for replying.
Great video!
How well will this work with multiple consoles hooked through an AV switch then connected to the 2X Mini? My current set up is NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube, Wii, PS1, PS2, and Xbox through one AV switch and Genesis, Saturn, and Dreamcast through another AV Switch.
Should be fine. Just keep in mind that the Xbox supports 480p and up on almost every game, so getting an HDMI adapter would be a much better solution for it. Same with the Dreamcast: th-cam.com/video/JqPiwOUv-i8/w-d-xo.html
@@RetroRGB Awesome, look forward to utilizing this converter! I have the AV outputs going through a Blackweb brand HDMI converter (picked up a few on clearance at Walmart) through my Pioneer Elite receiver that upscales to 4K. While it's cool that I can display my retro consoles, the upscalers really make pictures distorted, even after I turned them off. The reds and blacks in OOT on the N64 almost make it unplayable, so hopefully this fixes this.
Too bad I ordered a EON Super 64 just 2 weeks ago from Castlemania Games. I was sent an obvious return with the unit having a few scrapes and box seals unstuck with a dog hair attached. No apology, they just blamed it on EON. This looks perfect for my needs.
Yikes! Are you within the return policy?
Hi RetroRGB, great video! I have one of these devices on the way, do you know if it is compatible with HD monitors, as opposed to TVs? Thanks :)
Bobby, always loving your video's and all of your knowledge sharing thank you!
I'm really confused about the using a PAL-n64 (with s-video support) with RetroTINK 2x-PRO vs 2x-mini.
It seems like the 2x-mini will support NTSC and PAL s-video and it comes with a s-video cable.
Whilst the RetroTINK 2x-PRO supports PAL and s-video they ship with a NTSC N64/SNES S-video cord. A separate PAL s-video cable would need to be purchased from Consoles4You.
So there must be physical differences in cables for PAL and NSTC s-video BUT the new 2x-mini has some HW/firmware smarts to detect the region verse the RetroTINK 2x-PRO. At least this is my assumption. Are you able to comment?
Thanks very much! PAL N64's are really tricky. You can go ahead and try the cable the Mini comes with, but there will most likely be problems. First, you might get an image that's too bright. If so, pick up the C4U cable and you'll be fine. Next, you might not get any image at all...and in that case, you'll be stuck either just using composite video, or modding the console.
Here's more info on if it'll work or not: twitter.com/Consoles4You/status/1225045055708241920
Thank you for the explanation........Does this product work properly in a Nintendo GameCube?
Yes, but only in 240p/480i modes. Check out the RAD2x Nintendo info for more details.
@@RetroRGB I have already bought this product and I'm using it in a NTSC N64 and I'm very happy with it; there is only a little inconvenient with Resident Evil 2 since every time I start to play the story mode it blinks with a black screen and doesn't let me play properly. Could y'all fix this with future updates?
Nice video. May i have your point of view to use a commodore 64 RCA>HDMI on a Samsung odyssey g5?
I’m thinking of getting a scaler primarily for N64 and PS2. Going with the Multiformat model I lose the smoothing for N64. How bad will I miss that? Thanks for the helpful video!
I think the benefits you get by using it with the PS2 are more important than the filter. Just make just to get the latest firmware for the TINK-M, as it enables a bunch of cool stuff! I gotta update my video about it!
Hi guys!
I have a awesome CRT with componet and I whant plug my NUC running Batocera using HDMI output. What the best option today to convert HDMI to RGB (componet) and get 240p?
So with it being 2023 now. What would be the best option for an og xbox. The mini, the 2xpro, or 5x pro? I recently got a soft mod kit for mine, and plan to phase out my other previous gen consoles to free up some room with the exeption of my n64, game cube, and Genesis, as well as my ps2. All of those only have rca cables. I have some cheap up scaler for my genesis and the insurection one for my game cube.
Original Xbox outputs 480p, so a good, cheap HDMI adapter will work. If you have the money to spend, getting a good set of component cables and the RetroTINK 5x is by far the best option. The RT5x is also currently the best choice for Genesis and N64, so that's probably the best bet for you. Check out the links here for the best cables: www.retrorgb.com/systems.html
@@RetroRGB thanks
There's a really good adapter on Chimeric systems.
@@shanez1215 Chimeric is on vacation so no cables available from them. Well at least since I started researching my option and checked again today. Thanks for the info.
The Electron Shepherd Xbox adapter is very good as well
Just bought an N64 concole for myself and it looks like my AV to HDMI converter is not working. Any new on when the Retotink 2x mini will be back in stock? I would like to try this before I return the console. Thanks for your help
Hey, great video! But I'm still not sure how the RetroTink 2x mini is a better alternative, other than having low lag and being a simple interface. I'm refurbishing some old Nintendos to sell onto everyday people. I'm trying to figure the best interface to a flat panel TV. I picked up a MINI composite to HDMI adapter. The set up is almost identical to the RetroTink. Lag wise, it's very good. But the picture quality is ugly. I wasn't expecting RGB results but maybe something a bit more pleasing. I particuarly hate a rolling bar on the screen in the background. Will I get better results with the Retrotink? I would hope so at $90. The good news is, the game play of the Nintendo is fun and overcompensates for the crappy picture. Maybe I'm just too disturbed by the picture quality as I usually play off an RGB NES and Bang and Olufsen CRT TV. Let me know your thoughts as I'd like to spread retro gaming back to the everyday person with the best quality results, whilst being affordable for them. Many thanks, Nick :) UK
Please check my site and channel - I’ve done tons of tests on those devices. They all have a TON of lag, because they were never designed for video games.
If you want better quality, get a cheap (or free) old CRT, or get a RetroTINK 5x. But don’t sell those NES’s with garbage scalers.
Question?
I recently got out my old Sega, I bought the HD Retrovision Genesis Component Cable and the RetroTink 2x … if I get the triple bypass would it be even better, I have the model 1 genesis, thnks -Joe
It would improve the jailbars. But if those don't bother you, I'd just use it stock - The model 1 is awesome.
@@RetroRGB thanks! The RBG is already updated with cable and Retrotink ?
Just going from Composite to RGB is a pretty big deal. I'll try that first and see what you think :)
I got my hdretrovision cables , not compatible with my TV I guess, when I turn on my Sega the screen is black, you can hear the sound but the TV tells me wrong format… hopefully when I get my Retrotink2x it will work? Since then it would go through HDMI?
In your opinion. What is the best upscaler specifically for an unmodified N64 that won't break the bank. Rad2x, retrotink, etc. If retrotink which version? Thank you for your insight.
RAD2x or RetroTINK Mini are by far the best for under $100.
@@RetroRGB awesome. One last question. I'd also like to improve my other consoles visuals as well. I've got PS1, PS2, Gamecube and Dreamcast. For instance I'm thinking of getting the Prism for the gamecube system and the retrotink mini for the N64. I don't mind purchasing specific/different upscalers if it will optimize each system. Or is there an all-in-one option, for instance using a retrotink for all?
Don't know how it is in the states but here, alot of the newer tv's especially at the low-mid price range, dosen't even have analog inputs anymore, only HDMI
Yup, same here. It's probably for the better...I'd rather see someone spend $70 for a scaler that does it right, than spend an extra $20 on a TV with analog inputs that don't work right for gmaes.
Been looking into getting this. I have a TCL Roku TV Model 55US57-W and my n64 is connected via RCA cables. It cuts off the bottom (so if you play a Zelda game u can't see how many rupees u have) tried changing the picture size, but u can only change it to Normal, Auto, Direct, Zoom, or Stretch. I have it on Auto. No way to move it upwards sadly. Would be nice though xD. But someone suggested I look into this and it would probably fix the problem by bumping it up to 480p so my TV can read the signal correctly. I hope it works!
What's with the interference at 1:31 where it says Sony Computer Entertainment?. That's the same problem I had with the cheap AliExpress Retroscaler. All menu options had that shaky visual problem on bright text or sharp bright outlines. Is that interference caused by the Retrotink 2 mini, or is that just the playstation connected direct to the TV?
You're probably just noticing the 480i "bob deinterlacing" effect.
@@RetroRGB ah, I don't like it and couldn't put up with that. Playing ps1 disk games on my ps3 connected to my LCD with Retrostation component cable, I don't see that problem
Awesome video! So from the looks of it, the mini introduces about 4ms of lag, correct? I assume this little lag isn’t even detectable to the human eye (I think original NES button smash to screen response is like 30 ms)? Just want to know what I’m getting into before I purchase. I want to still be able to beat Mike Tyson in Punch Out, for instance, of the investment is pointless.
Finally, would the TV itself affect lag? For example, would the following TV below create any issues? Just want to be able to play my NES on an HDTV without any difference in response time.
Nope, the mini is ZERO milliseconds of lag. Check out this video at around 10:50: th-cam.com/video/7VOsOuQ5mhM/w-d-xo.html All the RetroTINK products test the same and you're seeing 4 MICROseconds of lag...a fraction of a millisecond :)
Each TV's lag is different, but most in 2020 were one frame (16ms) or less when set to game mode. That should be fine for NES games played through the TINK product line.
@@RetroRGB Bro, you’re awesome. So glad I came across your channel! I was about to spent a lot more $$ than I needed. Question - will that be the case with SNES games too? For instance, could I just get the mini and the new TV, and be set using both original NES and SNES, in terms of lag? (Gotta still be able to beat Contra 3!)
@@RetroRGB Also, wondering if you’ve got a video out there going into what to look for when buying a TV to hook up to one of these things. A lot of the monitors I’m seeing for instance have varying amounts of GTG response time. Is that even relevant? 15ms vs 5 for instance. Wouldn’t that affect latency/how it feels to press the jump button and THEN see Mega Man jump?