How to EASILY Play Vintage Consoles with HDMI! [BitFunx RetroScaler2X Review]

[@markfacebook]

One of the things worth pointing out (and the reason why I will be buying this) is that connecting 240p consoles to TVs causes the consoles to be read as 480i, and this leads to ugly lines where there would normally be transparencies. The shadows on the Lakitu in Super Mario Kart show this. The RetroScaler appears to remove this defect, and you get a much cleaner picture that scales up much better.

[@shoot_the_glass5654]

I received one from Aliexpress for £32, I did a setup with an N64 using S video and it was the best picture on a modern TV I've had with that system. It's a great gadget for the price, I can't recommend it enough. Most importantly, it passed the Doom 64 test! 👏👏👏

[@TeamPandory]

Glad it worked out for you 🙂 - What's the Doom 64 test?

[@msu_spartan2532]

That’s what I’m about to do. My S video cable comes today. What settings on the Retroscaler do you use?

[@marsinvader9078]

Dumb question, so you're saying converting from an n64 Svideo signal as opposed to an n64 av signal through the scaler produces a better image?

[@msu_spartan2532]

@@marsinvader9078 it does

[@clc6433]

The 'smoothing' helps, but it needs to be mixed with a scanlines shader to approximate CRT on an LCD screen. It's low-cost performance-wise.. if this had that feature I'd consider picking one up.

[@PaperBanjo64]

This device doesn't have scanlines, correct?

[@gorry123]

^this. The CRT shaders are the elephant in the room that's really needed.

[@jasonviande5053]

Well, I don't give two shits about fake scan lines and I cannot justify the price of a Retrotink. But at $35 on Ali I am more than willing to give this one a try. Thanks for the review. It wasn't the first one I found, but I liked it the most. Also: Mmm, pixels.

[@PaperBanjo64]

I finally received mine and spent all day playing nearly every retro console I have with it...the video quality is amazing especially the Sega Saturn with S video cables just remember to plug the white into the red and red into white as most Saturn cables have reversed audio plugs, I also prefer FIL mode on for everything even 2D content to get rid of jaggies...with FIL Donkey Kong Country 2 looks pretty good on the composite only SNES Jr, on GameCube it does a decent job with deinterlacing the 480i although I wouldn't recommend Super Mario Sunshine if you also have Super Mario 3D All-Stars.

[@pistolpetereal]

Hilarious watching people in the comments cry about it being a clone. Oh boo hoo someone took a product and made it better. Competition breeds innovation 😂

[@TeamPandory]

We wouldn't necessarily say the product is "better". However, if you take into account 1. Stock available 2. Price 3. Postage and 4. Availability (ability to send it to other countries at a low cost), then it's obvious that you're not going be any competition on those merits vs clones built in China. To compete, the only real way they can do it is to adapt to the market, or spend lots of cash for security so your product cannot be cloned... Easily.

[@SeanEndoh]

Buying products in the uk from these small retro companies in the us is extortionate they upcharge the currency conversion massively & the on top of the price is usually more than doubled by shipping & tax. Not everybody is fortunate enough to pay £300-£500 on an upscaler

[@PaperBanjo64]

Mike Chi should continue offering the old models, and at a more affordable price, not saying he should drop it down to $20 for the original Retrotink 2X but $50 for the standard version would be reasonable, people wouldn't buy a clone if the original wasn't an option besides buying used.

[@TeamPandory]

@@PaperBanjo64 I think pride plays a very large role here. If the design could be licensed out, or it was offloaded to a company that sold worldwide, everyone could get them much cheaper, they'd be accessable, and there'd be less frustration on his part. ... Saying that, I know nothing 😉

[@PaperBanjo64]

@@TeamPandory yeah, I'm just referring to how he's discontinued almost every model Retrotink except the latest

[@derekmalunow8962]

Just got one today, hopefully it works out nice

[@JOSEPHZZ123]

HEY MAN DO U LIKE IT?!?? I WANNA BUY ONE

[@derekmalunow8962]

@@JOSEPHZZ123 worth the 35-40 bucks for sure. Nice little upgrade

[@sap1159]

You know if this fixes lagging on ps2

[@derekmalunow8962]

@@sap1159 I do not. Last console I owned was PS1. Sadly I don’t have it anymore.

[@PaperBanjo64]

​@derekmalunow8962 what console are you using this on?

[@danielallan1804]

Ive got one today for N64. All comparison vidoes on small monitor, even though most people want to know how they hold up on big modern TV

[@Forty_ABV]

I purchased the RetroScaler 2x a few months ago but have only used it occasionally. Today, I encountered a problem where the sound disappeared when using the RetroScaler 2x. I've tried connecting different gaming consoles and using various HDMI cables, but nothing seems to help. Has anyone else experienced similar issues with the RetroScaler 2x, and if so, how did you resolve them?

[@TeamPandory]

Did only the sound disappear? Never really had this happen, but how about trying another TV?

[@aBlin0]

I got one of them from sometime ago and it's an affordable option to improve the image (and I don't know exactly if there is a significant difference with the original performance-wise). The only issue I have had is that the Japanese Mega Drive can't play audio through composite over it... Another video trying more consoles would be nice and a quality image comparison with the original since this is a clone.

[@TeamPandory]

It is definitely affordable, and we didn't know it was a clone until very recently. I'm sure there is someone with both units, but unfortunately, we don't even have one. The fact of the matter is it would cost $64 for postage alone, and the original RetroTink that this is based on isn't even being sold anymore. There was a lot we missed in this video, but there are many other things we want to do than focus on one product. Maybe in the future 🙂

[@Kintah]

@@TeamPandory both the one that you reviewed and the "original" are the same (garbage)

[@TeamPandory]

@@Kintah Thanks for your kind comment. If you have any other alternatives that you deem better, please be willing to send them our way so we can give them a go. Obviously we're not expecting you to, but if you can find an alternative at a similar price-point, we can take a look. Much love. 😙

[@GoldenGateNum9]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LettrFromSpecialKaze]

Excellent AND useful review

[@baarrywilliams3606]

I use a RAD2X retrotink for PS2 and my Mega Drive.. Great to have more options

[@FilmFerkelchen]

Bought one. Doesn't work correct. I hooked up my PS2 with Component cable to the Retroscaler. Retroscaler set to YPBPR, PS2 is set to YPBPR too. There is no signal if i turn the PS2 on. I only get a image if i press Smoothing Mode twice. Then i can play, but if there is a loading screen from the game or any fmv sequence, the image disappears and i have to press Smoothing Mode twice to get the image back. So i tested many variations ... Tested with PS2, Wii, AV cables, Component cables, different TVs, different HDMI cables, different USB power sources. Result: Never get a signal if i start any console in no matter what mode or cable. Only get an image if i press Smoothing Mode twice. Sadly i don't get my money back. What a waste ...

[@sayshun_]

I also have the same issues that I need toggle through the modes until i see something 😅 when the PS2 switch the Resolution itself (going into the game or a video) I again have a black screen and the TV can’t detect a signal from the box. I really thought this box would work more reliable and easy. Had a better experience plug in the component cable direct into my TV. image quality not that noticeable better or worse with one or another

[@michalc360_]

Does it have a switch to change the output aspect ratio to 4:3 (by adding black bars on both sides in the hdmi)? I have a cheap Chinese upscaler but the video output stretched to 16:9 looks ugly on my monitor.

[@TeamPandory]

Unfortunately not. 😞

[@msu_spartan2532]

Just hooked mine up with a S-video cable to my N64 and wow the difference from the shitty AV to HDMI converter is crazy. The picture is far clearer with the input lag pretty much fixed for me. I also changed the aspect ratio to 4:3 isn’t that what I should do?

[@PaperBanjo64]

Yes 4:3...add a scanline generator if you feel the need!

[@shenysys]

Has anyone managed to use with a super famicom to a Pal tv ?

[@TimelordUK]

Ok mine arrived today and.... I'm disappointed. Apart from the fact that the S-Video socket had a DEATH GRIP and I had to take the unit apart to release my Sony original S-Video cable, the image just isn't what I was expecting. I'm using an HDTV and my ps2 with S-Video. I didn't actually test it with component because the S-Video signal looked better with the cable plugged straight into a SCART adapter and then into the back of the TV, so I'm assuming the same will happen if I tested the component input, because I already think that looks great plugged straight into my TV. I have to use S-Video because otherwise I can't play my PS1 games, or ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. I tried all the different settings, the smoothing looked better on than off in my opinion, but the image seemed darker and not as sharp as it does without using it at all. Only my opinion. I think the retroscaler is useful if you don't have SCART, S-Video, or component connections on your HDTV, but if you do have those inputs, I think you are better using those. Another annoying thing I noticed was you don't hear the 'Bwoom' sound when the PlayStation 2 logo appears. This also happens when using the PS2 to HDMI dongle type connector I have. However, just connecting S-Video direct to the TV using a SCART adapter, the sound of the "Bwoom" is there! I'd be interested to hear other peoples opinions and their experiences. I just feel I've wasted my money because I can't see myself using this scaler.

[@WhatsOnMyShelf]

Have you tried this with a Sega 32X and composite? The Retrotink did not work with the 32X via composite straight out of the box.

[@filevans]

why don't you show scanlines filter?

[@PaperBanjo64]

From my research this device doesn't have scanlines, you would need a scanline generator to get them.

[@leofrancisco2575]

When I try to play PS1 games on my PS2 with the HDMI adaptor my modern TV doesn't show any image, due to not recognizing the image, because its resolution is too low. If i plug a component cable on this retroscaler with the "2X" option turned on it will solve the problem?

[@abendroid]

Is this the cheapest scaler around? I just want to enjoy good quality connection for PS2/Xbox/Wii to my PC monitor.

[@TeamPandory]

Probably the cheapest that does everything, I guess.

[@gabnrami]

Nice review and nice reply to those retrorgb scammers that says who say that the best and therefore only way to play is with all these devices and cables from our sponsors, you only have to spend 250 dollars, and we will no longer sell the cheap solution that they used to make for 70 dollars because it is outdated, and You should not buy from the Chinese, they are bad, bad, even the 15usd vga cable for the dreamcast doesn't work, better buy the 300usd retro2000 new device to play retro 4k

[@TeamPandory]

Not quite the point, but yes good point :-)

[@reagandow850]

I haven’t checked the price on this yes but I’m assuming it’s cheaper then the 2X upscale that we all use, the name escapes me right now but I know Castlemania games sells them. Anyway, this doesn’t automatically output 4x3 when it’s for older systems that are all 4x3?? So, unless your TV has a way to manually select 4x3 or Full Screen, we’re stuck with full screen, stretched output? That’s just enough to make me throw up. Lol. Edit: wow, it’s much cheaper then the other “legit” options.

[@TeamPandory]

Yeah. Around 50-60 dollars

[@hw5091]

Old post, but I bought one for $37. One of my tvs, I had to manually put it in 4:3, the other I used it on, it auto 4:3'd. It works pretty damn well, who knows about quality in terms of longevity, but any of these scalers are a bit dodgy, as they're made by small companies. Nobody is talking about the retroscaler 2x because they are getting free products and interviews with mike chi, pumping their channels. In turn they are shunning the retroscaler 2x. I think this is the largest channel that has talked about it.

[@BravoNorris]

@@hw5091where you got one for $37?

[@WhatsOnMyShelf]

Would you kindly share a link to a screenshot of the board? I know the design is based off OSSC, but I'd like to see what chips it uses and contrast it against the Retrotink2X.

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

Useless without a 16:9 / 4:3 switch…..

[@LittleSaint425]

How well does it display on dreamcast on hdtv?

[@derekcurtis818]

How has it been holding up. This stuff is new to me I’m playing n64 on the old cable input so it looks like crap lol For the price these look good. I like going for best bang for buck

[@systemshocker2875]

Its literally a clone of the Retrotink2X. Many famous modders called this out.

[@kanggoo57]

@@systemshocker2875 Kinda hard to even hate on this product when the owner of retrotink still asks full price on 5-year old products and STILL has problems restocking his website. ill buy the chinese one, thanks

[@justinstrong9595]

​@@systemshocker2875who cares. The retrotinks 2x should've been a home project that they made open source, the price for the pro is fucking ridiculous for what it is. It's just trying to milk retro gamers that want convenience

[@sap1159]

Does anyone know if this will get rid of ps2 gameplay lags on a 4K tv?

[@TheRealDonnyJepp]

Is this at all similar to the RetroTink?!??

[@TeamPandory]

Probably a cheaper alternative.

[@SnarkyRC]

It's a cheap Chinese knockoff. The Retrotink is made in the USA

[@brainfodder3233]

Any Colecovision, Fairchild Channel F, Intellivision, Atari 2600/7800, or Astrocade, with a single RCA plug for audio/video lying around to test with it?

[@TeamPandory]

I've not seen any of those systems since I was 6 years old.

[@TheH454]

Those all use RF.

[@cauliflablue3076]

Hey if i send a 480p or 720p signal to it from my xbox with component cables can it still do smoothing or does it only do its stuff with 480i?

[@cauliflablue3076]

i wanna use this for my OG xbox and fuse it with a Mcable to play my games

[@TeamPandory]

Never thought about trying that. I'll see if I can dust off my OG Xbox over the weekend ;-)

[@shock44SquirrelyShock]

​@@TeamPandory Did you happen to test this? I'm considering picking this up for the smoothing filter

[@GoldenGateNum9]

Composhit lol, thanks, think I'm considering one, can't bring myself to spend over £300 for a Retrotink which looks like it cost £5 to make 😬 might as well buy a spanking new desktop haha... the s video is a nice add on, I have an official soney S video cable and is the second best alternative after component.

[@dionr1168]

Now why would you support a company that STOLE from Mike Chi at ANY price? When you buy stolen intellectual property, you contribute to that theft.

[@dionr1168]

@@edmundroth6337 The RetroTINK 2X was NOT open source, and I have witnesses to back that up! Witnesses such as Mike Chi (the man who CREATED this product in the first place), Voultar, RetroRGB, Jeff Chen, Smash JT, just to name a few.

[@justinstrong9595]

@dionr1168 who gives a shit

[@djvader666]

The creepy Picard voice gets old real fast to the point where I can't finish this video which also means I'm unsubbing this channel that seems to be obsessed with creepy Picard voice being woven into every single video which is exactly how you kill what was originally meant as a joke plus any chance on gaining subs will also be greatly reduced to a tiny few who think it's still funny.

[@TeamPandory]

We had a poll and the response was overwhelming to keep John and his antics. We’re sorry you don’t like it.

[@johnluke69]

@@TeamPandory Shake it, baby!

[@TimelordUK]

I agree. I don't understand that voice thing at all

[@InTheMindOfficial]

This isn't an airport, you don't need to announce your departure

[@MrSolidtiger]

Do they make one with scart?

[@PaperBanjo64]

4:51 composite only looks good on a CRT in most cases!

[@turnmebackwards]

Is this any good for PAL games and the Gamecube?

[@pointblank0020]

I've been reading in places that it shows up in black and white for PAL

[@pointblank0020]

Do you know if the device still works if you unplug the composite L/R audio? for the purpose of sending the audio somewhere else

[@marsinvader9078]

I've done so before, either it'll work or you'll have to feed in a dummy signal from something else to compensate for the loss of signal while you redirect

[@KimuraHikaru]

Can it support Wii?

[@severinabento9209]

Tem video testando ele no PS2?

[@oldatarigamer]

Thanks!

[@sirseriously]

lol, the manual actually says retrotink? Direct knock off? is it as good?

[@kanggoo57]

it is. Its the same as the 2x. but considering retrotink doesnt even restock their website and still ask full price for 2018 scalers, yeah f them

[@kanggoo57]

@@edmundroth6337 Yeah exactly. and considering he would sell more if he sold them for less, its just greed. also his new scaler is like a thousand bucks, thats crazy for a scaler. i could buy over 15 gamecubes for that money.

[@barryjones2366]

@@kanggoo57 Then you probably don't understand anything about electronics design and/or business.....the main cost is not the chips, it's the research and development (hiring expensive knowledgeable people to do the electronic designs and programming, etc....costs a small fortune, maybe years to develop.....). This is reflected in the price, based on profit, taking into account how popular the device is to make back money off their investment into the technology. Pretty obvious....... Some chinese knock off company can skip these costs, sell it cheaper and still make more money than the original company. Don't buy knock offs! They are thieves! This is why countries need to apply the law to patent infringement. China doesn't.....it only cares about making money and controlling the population through propaganda.

[@kanggoo57]

@@barryjones2366 I get your point, but most of his designs are from 2018-2019 (the 2x and their offsprings) and theyve not decreased in price, quite the contrary. theyve remained the same. You would think he would decrease the price of older models, but no. The 70 dollar price difference between an authentic one vs the chinese is enough for me to warrant looking at chinese options. I get that r&d isnt free, but his material costs are less than 20 dollars per unit. thats 100 bucks of profit PER unit. ridiculous.

[@barryjones2366]

@@kanggoo57 But that profit is used to get money back from the initial what 1-2 million investment (losses)? How else can you get your money back? They probably don't sell many units either so the price reflects that too (less product sold means you need more profit per unit), as well as taking into account the competition. People cost a lot a year to hire and if you hire 10-20 people? for a few years to make a product......it's alot of money you have spent and not even sure if you will make it back.....these are after all very niche products.

[@PoisonX7]

this thing its total trash it dosnet work with component cable on wii, sometimes it doubles the screen on the tv with a mess of colors, there are bether options like kaico cables to HDMI and if you need antialising its bether to use mclassic

[@dionr1168]

Kaico are thieves, and so are the people who buy their products.

[@PaperBanjo64]

If Mike Chi doesn't want people "stealing" his work he shouldn't discontinue every model after an improved version comes out, but actually have budget lines available, everything is constantly sold out but this device is always available on Aliexpress

[@lovelorn88nick]

Lol you get what you pay for. This is obviously junk

[@lovelorn88nick]

​@polycube868 lol if your on a budget just get the RetroTink 2x LOL. You get what you pay for dude. Save up for a RetroTink4k .... or if your on a budget I recommend the RetroTink5x

[@konsolendoc]

Awesome

[@praisethesun4963]

Im using this in a snes with s-video. After 30 min on, an audio delay starts. I need to restart the retroscaler to fix it. The problem is that i need to restart it every 30 minutes. Am i doing something wrong? Is it not working right?

[@TeamPandory]

Hey there 👋 What do you have this plugged into? A TV, video capture? Audio desyncing / audio delay sounds like an issue usually found with video capture cards, total headache. If you're using a TV / monitor, can you tell me what SNES (ntsc, pal, ntscu) you're using ?

[@praisethesun4963]

@@TeamPandory its plugged into a TV. Its a ntsc snes

[@TeamPandory]

@@praisethesun4963 Is the TV one of them newer smart tvs? Check if it has a GAMEMODE. It could be putting filters on it. Can you try it on a computer monitor?

[@praisethesun4963]

@@TeamPandory yes, its a new smart tv. I will try on my computer monitor then!

[@praisethesun4963]

@@TeamPandory i will also try disabling the tvs game mode

[@bustergundo516]

Does this work with with a capture card for ps2?

[@TeamPandory]

Should do, but for the ps2 we'd recommend getting a PS2 hdmi dongle. We tested a few out on the channel.

[@TeamPandory]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWSvfJejnq18gZIfeature=shared

[@bustergundo516]

​@@TeamPandory I needed a converter for ps2,ps1 and psp. I figured this would be a good option. Am I wrong?

[@TeamPandory]

@@bustergundo516 all three of these are vastly different. You could run the ps1 and PS2 through this, but the PS2 image wouldn't be very good if you use the standard yellow cable for video input (check the video linked) - the psp is from another era yet again - if you have the console to yb/pr/ video cables, then this should work well with this box... Just make sure it's not the yellow component video for the later systems. Ps1 benefits from svideo if you can use it

[@JOHNN01.82]

Can you play light gun games

[@PaperBanjo64]

Nope

[@lovelorn88nick]

Is this even a serious question? 😂

[@JoseAngel-fj3bq]

What does it mean that it is a clone?

[@EmperorDank]

It's made to look like and copy the Retrotink (a far more expensive option). It still seems to work, it's just not original in its design

[@josemanuelvelo6761]

360p 😮

[@srvuk]

The Retro Scaler 2X is rather expensive for what it is.

[@RetroGamerBB]

I think i's a clone of the retrotink. Cheaper than the real deal. If a clone is too pricey for you I'd suggest an Extron dvs 204 or something in that line. Cheap second hand.

[@adariepennant3389]

I would like to see, Microsoft + sony + nintendo + sega = joint forces team up and make a super ultimate console together. 🤝💯💥✔🔥

[@yesmate78]

Megasuperxboxstation

[@JevousGaming]

No. There would be no competition in the console market so no drive to innovate and create interesting games. Monopolies are never good.

[@MegaCallum10]

@@JevousGaming atari can come back and fight them. Don't forget the kfc console 🤣🤣

[@luislizarralde5946]

Communist 😂🎉

[@DKTronics70]

Anyone serious about retro gaming, and still own these old classic machines, will be using a CRT - the display device that these old games were designed to be seen on. Anyone not serious, will obviously use a modern flatscreen - And then, you just as well use a Pi, or a PC and emulation, which would look better than this cheap method, anyway. Plus, somewhere along the conversion chain, there has to be some lag introduced - even if that lag comes from the flatscreen only.

[@TeamPandory]

That's an extremely elitist point of view, and may be valid if this was still 2010. Point being that latency on TFT screens are now extremely low, and can look fantastic if you mod your console (check work by voultar). CRTs are currently rare, expensive, and likely a fire hazard (if not maintained)... No need to be a snob about it.

[@dionr1168]

This product has no right to exist under any and all intellectual property laws.

[@EmperorDank]

I dont think people who pirate retro games care much about "pirating" an upscaler, but your point is still valid. I keep getting them recommended on AliExpress so i decided to look em up

[@tadeuszmarin5704]

Nooooooo! They ripped off a product that is no longer on sale. It affects me on a personal level that people is going to AliExpress to buy cheap scalers instead of burning $300 + import taxes on an original 5x 😭😭😭 Ditto for every single mention to Everdrive clones. The fanboys will start spreading bs about how flawed and badly built the clones are without ever have owned one.

[@PaperBanjo64]

Yeah, Mike Chi quit making the older model and these things are much cheaper than the currently supported model, these are getting really affordable on Aliexpress, thinking about getting one eventually.

[@williamayres7104]

Bum

[@yarbles66]

Sorry, what IP laws is it infringing? So by that, I guess the upscale tech built into most modern Smart TVs is also infringing 'any and all' copyright laws. You're an idiot.

[@RetroRGB]

This is a clone. Leaving this video up promotes Bitfunx, who steals from creators in the retro gaming community. You should do the right thing and take it down.

[@TeamPandory]

We are now aware of this, but the cloned RetroTink device is no longer available for purchase. Politics aside, we don’t agree with cancel culture and we will keep the video up, but will link to the newer original devices in the video description so people are made aware that this is a clone.

[@SnarkyRC]

I agree. As a small business owner, I can't stand Chinese knockoffs.

[@dogpd3]

The retrotink is very hard to find. All you can find are clones bro

[@cauliflablue3076]

They are both probly made from the same exact parts from the same random chinese warehouse so i mean meh ill take the Retroscaler to save some $$$ , Hmu when retro tink comes down in price tho 😏😏

[@TravelGuy9834]

Yep, exactly

[@mopedroller]

I have a shaky image when I plug in my pal ps1 and choosing 2x. Any ideas what that could be?

[@TeamPandory]

Can you try a game that has a 50-60hz selector (select 60hz), or maybe try running a US / Japanese game? Also, does your TV support 50hz? I have a feeling that the box expects 60hz though.

[@mopedroller]

@@TeamPandory I suspect not a box but a tv, good point with ntsc signal testing. Now I need a NTSC game being a PAL collector :) Thank you

[@TeamPandory]

No worries. Apologies for not checking PAL PS1- I've been in Japan for the best part of 20 years now and PAL is the last thing on my mind, especially with TVs being NTSC / 60hz only 😲

[@floridaredfishin8209]

The background music made this video unwatchable