8-Bit Battle - Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD Versus Hyperkin Retron HD

[@Toybinger]

This is a solid channel. You speak on these subjects very well

[@RoXolid]

+Derek Dixon Thanks for the compliment, it's appreciated!

[@m2pt5]

The lack of a stretched/non-stretched option on the Gamerz Tek would be a deal killer for me.

[@SumDumGy]

For me, it’s only a problem if it doesn’t default at 4:3.

[@RoXolid]

I totally understand that!

[@RoXolid]

My TVs have a 4:3 setting, so that bypasses this a bit. BTW, going thru your backlog of videos?

[@SumDumGy]

@Back In The Day Gaming I wish I still had space for a good old CRT. It would make retro gaming so much simpler than its becomes!

[@BreezeOfOnett]

Nice video again Gary, your channel is a go-to guide for retro gaming. Also, thanks for answering some of my questions about the gamers tek 2 in 1 , I will probably get it soon. I want to have a nes/snes console that can play both official and reproduction cartridges.

[@RoXolid]

Thanks so much for the kind words Oblivion, I really appreciate it, it means a lot to me! Please, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!!!!

[@TheSkydiverAutopsy]

Great video Gary, I just got my Gamerz Tek HD today and played a dozen games on it. It was great! Haven’t played the Hyperkin model but I figured the Gamerz Tek would win this battle because it plays so dang good. The controllers are definitely sweet as well. I have some Hyperkin products (Supaboy, Supaboy S, and the Genesis controller they make) and they’ve all been great, not to mention this Retron console and controller design are so radical I’ll probably get one. I don’t know what that thing was that you took out of you pocket and threw was though.

[@RoXolid]

+TheSkydiverAutopsy That was an AV2HDMI adapter, I despise them

[@Nando5118ttv]

solid content my dude, was looking to compare the two, YOU NAILED IT. thnx

[@RoXolid]

I'd argue that it's RoXolid Content, but that's too obvious of a pun. Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@johneygd]

Whooaah your voice is a bit clipped,i don’t think it was intentional but it adds to the nostalgia factor😁

[@mwillyou]

If I'm JUST going to be playing NES games, what is the clone you recommend out of all of them under $100? This 8 Bit HD? And is there ANY benefit (better color, better hardware, etc) to buying the Super HD 2 over the 8 bit HD if I'm only interested in playing NES games? Thanks for the great channel! I've watched a bunch of your videos but had trouble finding one that definitively gave your opinion on all the NES clones.

[@RoXolid]

If you're looking just NES and you are going for a budget system, then yes, the 8 Bit HD is my favorite. There's really no difference between it and the Super HD 2 on the NES side, but there are differences between the Super HD2 & the 16-bit HD

[@mwillyou]

@@RoXolid After all this...I just sucked it up and bought a RetroUSB AVS. I don't think I saw you review it here but it seemed like I'd be happier with something a little more authentic to what an NES outputs. Have you used a RetroUSB AVS?

[@RoXolid]

I have played them at conventions and I know others that have and love the AVS. It's a darn good system

[@gjk2012]

Call me picky but the sound of the coin is a real turn off for me. Thanks for pointing that out. To me that's an iconic sound.

[@RoXolid]

Completely understand, it's why I use this as a test consistently.

[@cj386.]

its not only the coin, it is an audio problem that affects all games and is on most nes clones

[@RoXolid]

I completely understand and agree with that, the Mario coins test is one of the easiest test I have found however to check and see what the audio is like. At least to me, it's a favorite test of mine. Interestingly, versus Super Mario Brothers is also incorrect with the audio in regards to the coins

[@Zion767318]

Great review Gary. Each system has pros/cons, but in my mind the RetroN HD is the winner for me. For me it has the features that I'm looking for in a clone NES system. Having the controller ports oriented vertically makes it so much easier to hook something like the NES Four Score into it, which most clones have them oriented horizontally. Apparently the reason that the Everdrive N8 doesn't work in either of these systems is the fact that the cartridge slot is being under-volted. They are both great systems for someone that either is on a budget or for someone like me who wants to prolong the life of their original hardware. Stay safe and have a good day.

[@RoXolid]

I just couldn't get past the poor audio and color palette of the Retron 1

[@Zion767318]

@@RoXolid I agree that the audio is a tie between both systems and that the color palette is off on the RetroN HD, but with a little work I've been able to mostly fix the colors by messing with the Picture settings on my TV. Mostly by removing a lot of the Red from the video output makes most of the colors look close to what they should be. There are still some colors that are off, but for the most part the colors are much better now. Hooking it up through Composite does help as well, but I know that not everyone wants to mess with a CRT display. Stay safe and have a good day.

[@RoXolid]

@@Zion767318 My philosophy has always been if you are going to hook up to a CRT, just use original equipment. It eliminates all the compatibility issues

[@Zion767318]

@@RoXolid I can agree with you there. I was just pointing out something that I've learned over the past couple years of owning the RetroN HD.

[@Zion767318]

@RoXolid Productions Do you still recommend the Gamerz Tek 2-in-1 HD system?

[@pungisotu]

3:45 whew give that baby some love and a bath. More dust than Dustman’s stage in Megaman 4.

[@RoXolid]

That time stamp doesn't make sense, that was a still image at 3:45

[@pungisotu]

Sorry, I think that was meant for a different video. I was casting to my tv and my phone must have been on something else, this.

[@RoXolid]

@@pungisotu Gotcha

[@hectorleon465]

@0:36 that made me laugh, when you quickly corrected thinking there was gonna be an actual fight! Lol good video though 😂

[@gio048]

Another great video🍺🍺🍺

[@RoXolid]

+Gio048 Thanks much!

[@RoXolid]

+Gio048 Oh, and stay tuned for the match up between the RES+ & 8-bit HD to see if the Gamerz Tek system hold on to the top spot.

[@charliexander2444]

Thank you awesome video!

[@RoXolid]

+charles grams Thanks so much, I really appreciate it

[@510tuber]

Great video. Could you maybe do a video in the future that shows the video/audio comparisons also with an original system?

[@RoXolid]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIiZYqR6r76keJY

[@510tuber]

Oh, didn't see that when I searched for it. Thanks!

[@RoXolid]

No worries! I intended to do a full video but this snippet really demonstrated it nicely I thought

[@snake_et_queen]

My biggest letdown about the Retron HD is that I planned to stream NES games with it but there is absolutely no sound detected through the hdmi splitter while the SupaRetron and MegaRetron do have sound.

[@RoXolid]

Why are you going through an HDMI splitter? Also I have not had this issue myself at all.

[@snake_et_queen]

@@RoXolid I stream on a one PC Setup through my TV with a Capture card. All my HDMI consoles work...except this one and even Hyperkin hasn't been really helpful about the issue. I mean HDMI builts should be standard, according to me. The sound go through the cable

[@RoXolid]

What capture card are you using? I've streamed with this before without issue.

[@snake_et_queen]

@@RoXolid a Mobi mike USB capture card. I don't believe it's the capture card becausr even it's not plugged it, the sound doesn't go through the splitter

[@RoXolid]

Not sure, but those USB dongle capture card things are pretty terrible

[@tonyp9313]

Do either of these play the everdrive N8 pro Carts?

[@RoXolid]

Don't know, I don't have them to test.

[@tonyp9313]

@@RoXolid Thanks. I just relealized I have the retro cade & it plays multiples Nes, Genesis, Snes games along with arcade. It has a save & load state feature. You can hook it up to both hd & CRT tv.s.

[@RoXolid]

@@tonyp9313 I had the super retrocade which is the follow-up to the one that it sounds like you have as it also has HDMI output. System, I always had fun with it

[@tonyp9313]

@@RoXolid Whoops sorry about that. I have the Super Retro cade. Which this hooks up to both hd tv's & crt tv's

[@Kashmir23]

Of these three do any or which plays an Everdrive?

[@RoXolid]

It's been a while since I've talked to these guys about Everdrives but if memory serves they should work. The Gamerz Tek I remember they said yes, I thought that was the case with the Retron HD and the RES+ as well.

[@DontPaniku]

I just bought an 8-bit HD and it did not work with the Everdrive N8. I guess I'm gonna shell out some cash for a real NES.

[@herbcruz4697]

John Hand Neither. Get an AVS, fam.

[@MrShadowGuard]

Gamerz Tek 8-Bit can run clone/reproduction cartridges?

[@RoXolid]

It can

[@retrogamerfamily]

how about the teeth in the cartridge slot. Are they like the jaws of life like on the retron 5?

[@RoXolid]

+Retro Gamer Girl and Dad Not at all, the pins felt great

[@karimbomek]

Hello Roxolid. Is it gamerz tek is compatible pal version ? Thanks

[@RoXolid]

I don't have many PAL games but the ones I do have work without issue.

[@Nesmaniac]

Do the Gamerz Tek controllers work on the original NES & vice versa?

[@RoXolid]

They Do!

[@Nesmaniac]

@@RoXolid Yes and they are awesome I just tried them on original NES and love the feel better than the original NES controllers I think which I never thought I'd find myself saying having grown up loving the originals.

[@RoXolid]

The rounded corners are nice

[@74bobby]

Great Video

[@RoXolid]

Old video too, lol

[@stephendeinema9259]

8bit hd has a more accurate colors (play jurrasic park, u tell me), and the sound is better in a lot of games. It's also like 20 bucks cheaper

[@RoXolid]

I agree! Thanks for checking it out!

[@Kashmir23]

Do these play the Everdrive cartridge?

[@herbcruz4697]

John Hand No.

[@Jack-dw7je]

Now I know witch clone to use

[@RoXolid]

I'm glad I could help

[@Terminatorfan-2016]

I don't think it matters if this is an older video or not lol, but definitely a good comparison and great video. I had to replace my old NES clone yesterday. I bought the retron that just recently came out last year. It looks great and it works great. As with a lot of clones, not all NES games work perfectly on them, but I'm just happy that my favorite NES games work perfectly on my new retron. Going to take super good care of it of course and it should work for years to come all goes well. Very satisfied. One of my big problems with the other system, the 8-Bit clone is the connector pins in the system bend way too easily. The retron pins don't bend or get ruined easily. The games fit well and you don't have to struggle to take them out.

[@RoXolid]

I greatly appreciate the kind words

[@mmelgoza1983]

Does the 8 bit hd output in 4:3 ratio?

[@RoXolid]

No, only 16:9.

[@Perfectly_Balanced930]

The problem I’ve found is plugging in the cart. I can’t get them to consistently play my games.

[@RoXolid]

I've not had that issue

[@GioVanni-zc7pz]

Cool video🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@RoXolid]

Thanks Gio!

[@DontPaniku]

Just want to report that 8-bit HD does not work with Everdrive N8.

[@RoXolid]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't own an Everdrive myself so I was going off of what Gamerz Tek informed me. Let me double check with them.

[@charvelgtrs8960]

Wished you compared to AVS.

[@RoXolid]

I actually don't own an AVS myself. The AVS is also a Completely different level of product. The AVS is a high-end product where this is more entry-level. If you are even considering an AVS you probably shouldn't be looking at these lower-cost clone consoles. You will most likely be disappointed if that's the level of performance that you're looking at.

[@charvelgtrs8960]

I own the AVS, just wished there were more comparisons against other clones to show people what kind of difference one can get if they are willing to spend a fair bit more.

[@RoXolid]

If you compare the price of the AVS to this system however it's four times the cost. Not the same customer at all.

[@charvelgtrs8960]

Yes, but I've seen people willing to shell out more money when you actually show them what they are getting for their money. We aren't talking about buying a car here. $190 is something the average Joe could afford given same average Joe has paid $399.99 for a PS4/XB1, but if you don't let them see/hear the difference then of course they will just get whatever is cheapest.

[@RoXolid]

I don't even think that the person who would shell out $400 on an Xbox or Playstation is who the Clones are geared towards. It's the Casual Enthusiast who really hasn't been into gaming and found a box of cartridges and their parents attic or garage and just want to play. I'm not saying there's not value in the AVS, they're totally is. I can't wait until game Dash Tech us gets the HDMI mods back in stock for the NES top loader as I plan on modding my system, which basically turns it into an NES. These clone consoles, at least from my perspective, are geared to help get people back into the hobby at an inexpensive price.

[@iUseAndroid2024]

13:50: "Gamerz Tek 8-Bitch HD"

[@jesuszamora6949]

Not sure why you sound so anti-emulation console. Honestly, if not for the Retron 5, we'd probably not have these HDMI systems, and that thing had rock-solid compatibility. Honestly, unless it's FPGA, "real hardware" isn't as big a deal.

[@RoXolid]

I'm not anti-emulaion console, I am actually one of the biggest fans of clone hardware. I got back into retro gaming because of the Retron5 myself, it was a good machine for me to get back into things. I'm more against thigns like RetroPis and other emulation machines that don't play physical media, not including official solutions Like the NES/SNES Classic. If you can load a ROM you open the system up to piracy, that's what I am against. It's also why I am not a big fan of Everdrives. If you can afford to spend $125+ on an Everdrive just buy the physical carts, at least that's how I feel.

[@jesuszamora6949]

@@RoXolid I can see that. Personally, I'm not opening up my wallet and spending $200-300 on a single game because the speculator market has driven the prices up. Most retro games will never get another chance in the spotlight, so if the choice is an Everdrive, a repro or feeding some scalper asshat, I don't see a lot of issues with the first two, but that said, you have a reasonable point. I just got confused because I've seen at least one KZbinr act like NOAC systems were better for compatibility than emulation systems, which is beyond bonkers, given they've only recently started playing MMC5 games. I'd be curious to see someone put out a component clone (individual chips), see if that's a good route for accuracy if FPGA doesn't become less expensive.

[@cunawarit]

Are you getting 50% more? Yeah, you are getting 100% more because you get a whole PAL system. If you have both NTSC and PAL games the difference is more than worth it.

[@RoXolid]

+Guillermo Power As someone who doesn't collect PAL games it's a non issue but if you do I can definitely understand. I'm the USA unless you're going for a complete set I don't see it as a major issue for the target audience.

[@Adam-ht4nr]

hyperkin retron can use a zapper the Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD can not i seen your viedo hand to waste more money to get a hyperkin so I can play light gun games

[@japanis1382]

this is like a battle of which of these 2 crap systems is slightly worse, both are junk.

[@RoXolid]

You need to keep pricing perspective, for the money, I really like the gamerz Tek system

[@ReviewUSA-ri5dv]

Original NES > every one of these piece of crap clone consoles.

[@RoXolid]

Not at all! There's definitely benefits to these clone consoles. I own an HDMI NES Top Loader but I still play my Super HD2!