Great review John, enjoyed how you tested out each of the game ports, the controller, the box and packaging, and your general thoughts! Looking forward to getting one of these eventually.
I knew the minute I heard about the RetroN 5 that I could count on my man Retrogamer81 to review it in depth. Glad to know ahead of time that I shouldn't expect it to support a FDS, 32x, or Sega CD.
Small correction 11:53, the Super Game Boy only works with Game Boy games or Game Boy games with the extra color pallets, not the dedicated Game Boy Color games (with the bump).
Yes!!! A new review!! Good job John, can't wait for part 2. The Retron series of clones is very ambitious. Hopefully one day they will taler it to 32X and Sega CD games as well as PC Engine Duo. They seem to be learning adapt and compatibility with every new one that comes out.
Damn man, I gotta stop, I can't/won't watch part 2. This system looks so freaking sleek and awesome, I don't want to get emotionally invested, haha. You've certainly got an air of excitement in everything you check out on the show, and it feels infectious.
I just found out about this a few months ago. Thanks for reviewing this. Gonna buy this, it will look great in my game room, and at the same time spare me for alot of wires
snake2006 What I'm saying, they put a famicom port in there, a system that was never sold in the US, but not a console that was. They're also selling these in Europe, where the SMS obliterated sales of the NES.
***** Indeed! There is this notion from some Americans that if it didn't happen in the US, it's not relevant. Whereas the tiniest amount of research proves otherwise. It's bad enough they insist on calling it a "Genesis" on the unit.
I actually really like the controller, they're a huge upgrade from the Retron 3... I really like the clicky joystick, if you need something more precise for Mario or Mega Man you can use the original controller... Dear Retron, please send me a review system!
watched the second part of this review and i gotta admit they made a quality chunk of improvement in compare with retron 3. all those menus and filters and different options and features. clearly now the system is much more now than it ever was it's not longer just a few consoles on a chip. im not sure about buying it as for right now, but they sure got my attention and approval with this project.
John, on your Testing and Review video on your site, at 19:16, the lettering on the screen says Sensative. Minor correction, it's Sensitive :) Great review by the way, this has helped me out a ton on whether to purchase this now or wait. Keep up the great work!
It's the one I've been waiting for John :) looks sweet so far, I have seen some Facebook status' of yours regarding some problems but I wanted to see what you had to say about it first, on to part II :)
I watched both parts of your review, and you did an excellent job! I'm not going to buy one right now; I own a Famicom AV console, and a reverse converter that let's me play American NES games. Hyperkin is making a DOS console, where you can put in the original disks-I've never owned or used a DOS PC, so I'm pretty excited about that!
I don't know if anyone has asked this but if you have a Mega Adaptor (Japanese equivalent to the Power Base Convertor) do you think the Retron would allow you to play SG-1000 and Mark III games?
Great review, Ive really been thinking about getting into retro cart based gaming but knowing I would have to buy each individual system was a bit of a turn off. But not now :) I didnt even know this type of system existed :) great stuff!
you're wrong that you can't use snes controllers for genesis or vice versa. you can map any controller to play any system granted the controller has enough buttons, i've seen it done in a few other videos
Great video, I enjoyed it! At least I know what to expect when getting this down the road.. I say that because I own all of these original consoles and always prefer original hardware. However, an all-in-one solution is always a nice option to have available at your disposal, especially for someone who doesn't have the actual consoles and doesn't feel like tracking them down. Cheers-
I realize that this kind of defeats the purpose of having the Famicom slot, but would it make it any easier on the Famicom carts if you used an adapter, like that found in early Gyromite carts?
It would be cool if they made something like this that could support handheld games. A tiny micro console that could play all Game Boy, Game Gear, Wonderswan, and Neo Geo Pocket games and display them via HDMI would be really nice.
I might have to get this. I have all my retro consoles hooked up to a CRT in my retro game room so to have this in my modern gameroom hooked up to my 50 inch plasma would be awesome! I'm kinda iffy on that controller though.
I know the there is enhanced audio, my question is, can you turn off the enhanced audio and listen to the way the games normally sound? I did read that you can use different controller for different systems. The is something in the menu I think u have to turn on. Can u confirm this? By the way there is a firm ware update already.
Hmm, now all the Retron needs for the home menu is a means of connecting 2-4 players online. Kind of like how X-Band worked back in the day, before I was around, that is.
Very nice overview John. Don't particularly like the cartridge slot gripping the carts - pretty much death grip scenario. But I reckon those may loosen up over time.
Lol at the end of the vid i clicked in the top left, but there is no link to part 2 yet. Pretty nice review so far. When will there be a part 2? btw, i don't really like the look of the controller design, but i guess you can also use the original controllers :)
damn did you preorder from amazon? I preordered from stone age gamer and I have to pay the 140 when it comes out, and hyperkin hasn't given stone age gamer preorders yet so we have to wait more.
I preordered mine last year! Can't wait to get it and try it out for myself. Currently using a Retron 3. Hope the next version (years from now, I'm assuming) will have N64, Game Gear and TurboGrafx16. So that's the Retron 8, right? :)
I was debuting about getting this system but now I'm not gonna get it because I just don't have 140+ to shell out for a retron 5 when I could just go get a gameboy or any other console listed their for much cheaper
I've never been a fan of these types of systems. I would much rather have 5 classic systems than one ugly new one. But that's just my 2 cents. Nice video!
Will have to wait for part two, for how you went on playing titles on it, but at this stage it does not look too bad. The inconsistency with grip on the cartridges is a bit of a worry as it leads to possible build issues. If they are too tight it might damage the cartridges. Why they couldn't put a Master System slot in is beyond me. there really isn't a lot in the base converter. Not sure I like the look of the controller, but I suppose you can plug native ones in.
Did you guys read about the guy with the biggest video game collection in the world? He's selling it ALL! This morning the bid was over 5K but I imagine once the end gets near we'll see over 50K easily. Maybe 100K. I just hope someone rich pays him good. It's 35 years of hard work I think he said. It's officially the biggest video game collection according to The Guinness Book of World Records. In 2012 Guinness counted over 10K I believe and he claims it's now over 11K.
Not sure about this. It doesn't look to hold the carts very well. Like you said it held the famicom tight but it didn't even look like the snes was in correctly and the mega drive cart looked like you almost destroyed it.
the super game boy does not play game boy color games. There games (-> black cartridge) which work on a game boy/super game boy and show color on the game boy color, but the clear cartridges only run on gameboy color or gameboy advanced.
Gamester, I'd like to see you test Gameboy Donkey Kong in the system. The reason being that it has some Super Gameboy enhancements, and I'm curious to see if Hyperkin thought of that.
Spot on Review I washoping it was gonna be awesome when It came out, but it looks like it has some small issues with it. I'll hold off on getting it for now.
Did you guys read about the guy with the biggest video game collection selling it all? Over 11,000 games and sooooo many system including stuff I've never heard of. Bidding is on some website I never heard of. Not eBay. Probably because eBay would take 20% from it I think. All I know it's a big % but I forget how much. Anyway, type it on Google. Guinness has officially titled him the person with the biggest collection.
SonicBoone56 This isn't a console for modern games so it's not a must, it comes with it's own controller which you can use wired if you want and also uses the original controllers which are wired and USB for a hard drive WHY? this isn't a pc for using mame which i think your're looking for.
all the original systems it emulates were using D-Pad right? it doesn't make sense why use an analogue stick unless its due to some sort of manufacturing issues. I would buy one if there was flashcart support.
Better yet, low power, low cost computers such as the Raspberry Pi can be configured to emulate most of these old consoles. Imagine having your game library in one central virtual location, and not having to get up to change game? Mind blowing huh?
so basically its like owning a modded original xbox loaded with emulators. except without all the fuss. this would make a great gift for my sis. personally im happy using my old xbox
Thank you! I have no idea who this is marketed for. As a collector, it seems pointless. Anyone who buys cartridges instead of downloading ROMs probably has the original console anyway. Convenience, maybe but I'd rather mess with a jumble of wires and TV switcher boxes than have a cheap piece of crap like that in my game room.
Wil's VG Addiction I think it's good as a collector's piece. Something obscure. I think it will also benefit people who do game reviews or 'Let's Play' videos on TH-cam, as the HD resolution really makes the old games look fantastic. Also, if you're someone who has limited space, and doesn't want to have ten consoles plugged into their TV, this can be nice.
Ninkyo893 But its an emulator, so people buy this thinking they are getting something good and end up getting an emulator instead. Plus, snes games and similar suffer from extreme pixilation when you blow them up to such a size. Realistically you can buy a wii, and do the same thing.
Agreed. I'm no fan of these "hardware" emulators. I've yet to see one that does the job with any degree of accuracy, especially when it comes to audio. If Hyperkin wants to get serious about this market, they'll stop making these silly multi-slot machines and create real modern versions of consoles that utilize proper hardware or FPGA instead of software emulation. No way you can have a proper console on some emulator that runs on some rinky-dink ARM chip.
I had a modded Xbox that did the same thing with better results. On top of that the Xbox wasn't known to damage real cartridges the way this thing does.
I feel like that would have been a nice touch that would have made me want to run out and buy this system. Well I will now hope somebody jailbreaks it or they update it to support roms. Great review John!
i hope they will sell them here in australia. i like the fact it has hdmi output. i hate how my nes, snes and megadrive only have av output, this would greatly improve picture quality. it says it plays gameboy advance, i have a supercard that takes sd cards to put on roms of gba games and gameboy games, be cool if it worked.
I've been on the fence with these kind of consoles(?) for sometime now. I feel like once it gets to this stage you'd be better off just emulating the games on your PC and using a 360 pad... I Get that it's convenient, a system for all and what not but I still think I'd prefer the genuine article.
![สาวเมืองเพชร - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kEt7F9PvO3I/mqdefault.jpg)
Great review John, enjoyed how you tested out each of the game ports, the controller, the box and packaging, and your general thoughts! Looking forward to getting one of these eventually.
Looking forward to your full review John.
I knew the minute I heard about the RetroN 5 that I could count on my man Retrogamer81 to review it in depth.
Glad to know ahead of time that I shouldn't expect it to support a FDS, 32x, or Sega CD.
wow, this is just awesome. Really thinking about getting this, to get back to the games I grew up on. Thanks for the review!
Small correction 11:53, the Super Game Boy only works with Game Boy games or Game Boy games with the extra color pallets, not the dedicated Game Boy Color games (with the bump).
Nice overview.
It's looks like a fantastic piece of kit. I'll certainly be looking for one when they reach the UK.
Yes!!! A new review!!
Good job John, can't wait for part 2. The Retron series of clones is very ambitious. Hopefully one day they will taler it to 32X and Sega CD games as well as PC Engine Duo. They seem to be learning adapt and compatibility with every new one that comes out.
Damn man, I gotta stop, I can't/won't watch part 2. This system looks so freaking sleek and awesome, I don't want to get emotionally invested, haha. You've certainly got an air of excitement in everything you check out on the show, and it feels infectious.
Thanks man I appreciate it. I enjoy your show too BTW.
Thanks John,honestly means a lot!
I remember seeing the Retron 3 at fye in a shopping mall about a year ago. In the same fye, they were also selling new unused N64 controllers.
I just found out about this a few months ago. Thanks for reviewing this. Gonna buy this, it will look great in my game room, and at the same time spare me for alot of wires
So it has a Famicom port, but not a Master System one??? What the hell?
I'm pretty sure the Master System sold more than the "Famicom" in the US.
It aparently will work w/ the power base converter in the genesis slot. So it can play master system games, sort-of.
You can always buy the cheapo $30 one that looks like a game genie. It's still crap they didn't do anything for the master system.
Tyler Beauregard
Master System wasn't that popular here in North America. That is why it was not included.
snake2006
What I'm saying, they put a famicom port in there, a system that was never sold in the US, but not a console that was.
They're also selling these in Europe, where the SMS obliterated sales of the NES.
*****
Indeed!
There is this notion from some Americans that if it didn't happen in the US, it's not relevant. Whereas the tiniest amount of research proves otherwise.
It's bad enough they insist on calling it a "Genesis" on the unit.
the only system-to-tv cable it has is HDMI?
I actually really like the controller, they're a huge upgrade from the Retron 3... I really like the clicky joystick, if you need something more precise for Mario or Mega Man you can use the original controller... Dear Retron, please send me a review system!
And me too. Send me one PLZ.
watched the second part of this review and i gotta admit they made a quality chunk of improvement in compare with retron 3. all those menus and filters and different options and features. clearly now the system is much more now than it ever was it's not longer just a few consoles on a chip. im not sure about buying it as for right now, but they sure got my attention and approval with this project.
I really want one of these!
Thanks for the review.
Looking forward to seeing what the video quality is like.
Great overview as always Gamester!
John, on your Testing and Review video on your site, at 19:16, the lettering on the screen says Sensative. Minor correction, it's Sensitive :) Great review by the way, this has helped me out a ton on whether to purchase this now or wait. Keep up the great work!
Nice looking system like the colour scheme
It's the one I've been waiting for John :) looks sweet so far, I have seen some Facebook status' of yours regarding some problems but I wanted to see what you had to say about it first, on to part II :)
I watched both parts of your review, and you did an excellent job! I'm not going to buy one right now; I own a Famicom AV console, and a reverse converter that let's me play American NES games. Hyperkin is making a DOS console, where you can put in the original disks-I've never owned or used a DOS PC, so I'm pretty excited about that!
I don't know if anyone has asked this but if you have a Mega Adaptor (Japanese equivalent to the Power Base Convertor) do you think the Retron would allow you to play SG-1000 and Mark III games?
John, does the SD2SNES (or any other flash cart) works with Retron 5?
Great review, Ive really been thinking about getting into retro cart based gaming but knowing I would have to buy each individual system was a bit of a turn off. But not now :) I didnt even know this type of system existed :) great stuff!
you're wrong that you can't use snes controllers for genesis or vice versa. you can map any controller to play any system granted the controller has enough buttons, i've seen it done in a few other videos
Great video, I enjoyed it! At least I know what to expect when getting this down the road.. I say that because I own all of these original consoles and always prefer original hardware. However, an all-in-one solution is always a nice option to have available at your disposal, especially for someone who doesn't have the actual consoles and doesn't feel like tracking them down. Cheers-
I realize that this kind of defeats the purpose of having the Famicom slot, but would it make it any easier on the Famicom carts if you used an adapter, like that found in early Gyromite carts?
Its nice getting new consoles first.
So is there not an adapter to adapt HDMI cables into composite video (the red , white, and yellow plugs) ?
what is the AC voltage on the adapter cause I want to buy this but not sure if it will work with a travel adapter in the UK
It would be cool if they made something like this that could support handheld games. A tiny micro console that could play all Game Boy, Game Gear, Wonderswan, and Neo Geo Pocket games and display them via HDMI would be really nice.
I might have to get this. I have all my retro consoles hooked up to a CRT in my retro game room so to have this in my modern gameroom hooked up to my 50 inch plasma would be awesome! I'm kinda iffy on that controller though.
I know the there is enhanced audio, my question is, can you turn off the enhanced audio and listen to the way the games normally sound? I did read that you can use different controller for different systems. The is something in the menu I think u have to turn on. Can u confirm this? By the way there is a firm ware update already.
I wish they had eject buttons for the cartridges. That would be nice.
Do you have to use the supplied Retron5 controller for GBA and Gameboy games?
Inserting/removing carts may be easier when using two hands.
overall, would you recommend this or the super retro trio.
what was the Contra game when trying out the grip ?
I wish there was one for pre NES systems so I could buy some old 2600 carts.
Hmm, now all the Retron needs for the home menu is a means of connecting 2-4 players online. Kind of like how X-Band worked back in the day, before I was around, that is.
I've been waiting for this moment...for all my liiiiii-eeefff.....
Very nice overview John. Don't particularly like the cartridge slot gripping the carts - pretty much death grip scenario. But I reckon those may loosen up over time.
Lol at the end of the vid i clicked in the top left, but there is no link to part 2 yet. Pretty nice review so far. When will there be a part 2? btw, i don't really like the look of the controller design, but i guess you can also use the original controllers :)
Real unboxing starts at 6:50
Did I see a snes and nes controller port on the side? I am not sure if that is what it was and he never mentioned it. Maybe he forgot.
It has two nes, two Snes, and two Genesis controller ports
Well done review :) keep it going man!! :)
I like you,
you are one of those people who has 'I am a really nice guy!' written all over your face!
that is awesome :)
does it play board games?
LOL, that's be great! :)
damn did you preorder from amazon? I preordered from stone age gamer and I have to pay the 140 when it comes out, and hyperkin hasn't given stone age gamer preorders yet so we have to wait more.
I would like console which supports all cd and dvd based systems from the 6th gen and lower.
I preordered mine last year! Can't wait to get it and try it out for myself. Currently using a Retron 3.
Hope the next version (years from now, I'm assuming) will have N64, Game Gear and TurboGrafx16. So that's the Retron 8, right? :)
I was debuting about getting this system but now I'm not gonna get it because I just don't have 140+ to shell out for a retron 5 when I could just go get a gameboy or any other console listed their for much cheaper
I know I am two years late but, I get lag on the Retron5 playing Super Mario World. Do you know how to fix that?
TheSuperRedCreeper update the firmware or wipe the device
Can I use the ever drives or power pak in the retron5
I've never been a fan of these types of systems. I would much rather have 5 classic systems than one ugly new one. But that's just my 2 cents. Nice video!
Will have to wait for part two, for how you went on playing titles on it, but at this stage it does not look too bad. The inconsistency with grip on the cartridges is a bit of a worry as it leads to possible build issues. If they are too tight it might damage the cartridges.
Why they couldn't put a Master System slot in is beyond me. there really isn't a lot in the base converter.
Not sure I like the look of the controller, but I suppose you can plug native ones in.
Did you guys read about the guy with the biggest video game collection in the world? He's selling it ALL! This morning the bid was over 5K but I imagine once the end gets near we'll see over 50K easily. Maybe 100K. I just hope someone rich pays him good. It's 35 years of hard work I think he said. It's officially the biggest video game collection according to The Guinness Book of World Records. In 2012 Guinness counted over 10K I believe and he claims it's now over 11K.
Looks cool!
Not sure about this. It doesn't look to hold the carts very well. Like you said it held the famicom tight but it didn't even look like the snes was in correctly and the mega drive cart looked like you almost destroyed it.
They should have added an Atari slot on this..that would have given it at least another 3 systems on the RetroN meter.
Is this a "emulator"? Like the Neogeo Gold X?
I'm probably gettin this which color?
Wait, you can save a snes cartridge onto the console? If so, that's genius. I'm very ocd about the fact the battery dies in some of the older games.
The only thing stopping me from a purchuse is the fact it usses emulation. I understand you have to go that way if you want to use hdmi but still.
Does stoneagegamer.com send consoles internationally. I want a retron 5
the super game boy does not play game boy color games. There games (-> black cartridge) which work on a game boy/super game boy and show color on the game boy color, but the clear cartridges only run on gameboy color or gameboy advanced.
Theres no analog connection.So what could I do
Can you play gba games using a snes controller?
what do you do when a games battery dies
Gamester, I'd like to see you test Gameboy Donkey Kong in the system. The reason being that it has some Super Gameboy enhancements, and I'm curious to see if Hyperkin thought of that.
Where can I buy this???
Is it possible to record gameplay off of this?
Everdrive or EZ Flash IV compatible?
I am assuming not. Custom firmware in the future I can see though. If anyone actually cares enough to do it.
=D looks sweet and i have been waiting for like ever for it but al still just wait till Christmas
Spot on Review I washoping it was gonna be awesome when It came out, but it looks like it has some small issues with it. I'll hold off on getting it for now.
wheres the other part?
Dude, why you never look at the camera when talking?
I think he feels more comfortable looking at other way :)
Did you guys read about the guy with the biggest video game collection selling it all? Over 11,000 games and sooooo many system including stuff I've never heard of. Bidding is on some website I never heard of. Not eBay. Probably because eBay would take 20% from it I think. All I know it's a big % but I forget how much. Anyway, type it on Google. Guinness has officially titled him the person with the biggest collection.
part 2?
They forgot one thing. A USB Port.
Damn your right! That's a huge mistake...
Wired controllers, a hard drive, ect, ect. Just about every modern console has a USB port. It's a must.
SonicBoone56 This isn't a console for modern games so it's not a must, it comes with it's own controller which you can use wired if you want and also uses the original controllers which are wired and USB for a hard drive WHY? this isn't a pc for using mame which i think your're looking for.
Still it wouldn't hurt to have one. Wouldn't you like to charge your controller?
all the original systems it emulates were using D-Pad right? it doesn't make sense why use an analogue stick unless its due to some sort of manufacturing issues.
I would buy one if there was flashcart support.
does it work with the 32x?
Their next system should definitely play all kinds of Atari games as well from 2600 to Jaguar :D
Another great review.
The Retron 5 is just a glorified emulator with cartridge ports.
it works just like a wii controller you should try a wii controller with it
Would that thing work with the Gameboy Camera?
Better yet, low power, low cost computers such as the Raspberry Pi can be configured to emulate most of these old consoles. Imagine having your game library in one central virtual location, and not having to get up to change game? Mind blowing huh?
The Retron 5s Now supports Sega Master System :-)
price `?
Oh nice.
so basically its like owning a modded original xbox loaded with emulators. except without all the fuss. this would make a great gift for my sis. personally im happy using my old xbox
Not paying 140 bucks for a chopped down android device with cartridge slots. Just not worth it. Rather just have the actual systems instead.
Thank you! I have no idea who this is marketed for. As a collector, it seems pointless. Anyone who buys cartridges instead of downloading ROMs probably has the original console anyway. Convenience, maybe but I'd rather mess with a jumble of wires and TV switcher boxes than have a cheap piece of crap like that in my game room.
Wil's VG Addiction I think it's good as a collector's piece. Something obscure. I think it will also benefit people who do game reviews or 'Let's Play' videos on TH-cam, as the HD resolution really makes the old games look fantastic. Also, if you're someone who has limited space, and doesn't want to have ten consoles plugged into their TV, this can be nice.
Ninkyo893 But its an emulator, so people buy this thinking they are getting something good and end up getting an emulator instead. Plus, snes games and similar suffer from extreme pixilation when you blow them up to such a size. Realistically you can buy a wii, and do the same thing.
Agreed. I'm no fan of these "hardware" emulators. I've yet to see one that does the job with any degree of accuracy, especially when it comes to audio.
If Hyperkin wants to get serious about this market, they'll stop making these silly multi-slot machines and create real modern versions of consoles that utilize proper hardware or FPGA instead of software emulation. No way you can have a proper console on some emulator that runs on some rinky-dink ARM chip.
I had a modded Xbox that did the same thing with better results. On top of that the Xbox wasn't known to damage real cartridges the way this thing does.
Looking at the controller for this, anyone else think it looks kinda... Wii-ish?
With the SD slot can you play roms?
No. It is just for system updates and loading cheat codes.
That sucks. Maybe they or somebody will release a jailbreak!
DC Area Gamer
More than likely since it is android based
No, I tried, doesn't play ROMs.
I feel like that would have been a nice touch that would have made me want to run out and buy this system. Well I will now hope somebody jailbreaks it or they update it to support roms. Great review John!
I LOVED IT
I am still waiting for a genesis clone that also plays 32x games. It is just to much work to set up my 32x to play my beloved knuckles chaotix.
Dam! Making me want to sell my original systems to buy this one! Too bad it doesn't play 64 games.
i hope they will sell them here in australia.
i like the fact it has hdmi output. i hate how my nes, snes and megadrive only have av output, this would greatly improve picture quality.
it says it plays gameboy advance, i have a supercard that takes sd cards to put on roms of gba games and gameboy games, be cool if it worked.
I've been on the fence with these kind of consoles(?) for sometime now. I feel like once it gets to this stage you'd be better off just emulating the games on your PC and using a 360 pad... I Get that it's convenient, a system for all and what not but I still think I'd prefer the genuine article.