RetroN 5 Review (Testing & Opinion) - Gamester81

[@edwardbilsborrow9845]

dislike the comments regarding 'i have a pc to emulate playing games' congratulations you know how to download an emulator and game files. uyou dont get the whole point of collecting original material. i could of ranted a load of obsene comments but didnt honestly when i watch these episodes and read the comments i think there are a lot of narrow minded kids oeut there, nice job gamester 81. peace.

[@angelusloki]

Really thorough and comprehensive review, not just from your perspective but you also consider what might be important for other people - much appreciated.

[@james42519]

weird that says to use game mode on tv at 1:10. i never used that on tv and it just makes picture look bad to me. it is made for sports too i thought?

[@Vebinz]

The graphics looks slightly brighter han on te original, but the sound is more muffled. BUT the HDMI-only output is total b.s.. Not everyone has a digital tv, so this system is a no go for us. Also, why is John listing the "Genesis" and "Mega Drive" as two separate systems?

[@HerecomestheCalavera]

Vebinz I agree with there is nothing wrong with using a CRT. Whether you're watching a show on a "42 LCD or a 32" CRT in the end you are just watching the show and not marveling at the TV. I got an RCA Truflat 1080i flatscreen CRT at goodwill for $12 and it has amazing picture quality.

[@COSMiCxpl]

Vebinz "Not everyone has a digital tv" Ok Grandpa. It's 2015. Older TVs are obsolete. I still have a few CRTs to play old systems, but not having an HDTV is just ridiculous. Most devices nowadays that plug into your TV either don't support CRTs or just look awful on them. There's no reason not to have one if you have the money. Don't blame Hyperkin for your own problem.

[@COSMiCxpl]

Vebinz And of course you result to insulting me. I literally just said in my comment I still use CRTs to play old games. They have their uses. But not with modern technology. You want to use modern technology for a TV you need a modern TV. It's common sense. I'm interested in this console because it's convenient having one box to play all these systems.

[@Vebinz]

MrMasterDork And I suppose the "grandpa" swipe wasn't said as an insult, right? We have not yet reached the stage where crt tv's are completely unusable. I don't need to see some shitty tv show in high definition. In fact, nothing on tv is worth high definition except maybe some nature documentary. The makers of this as idiots, because they are dismissive of old tech, but not old video games. They're like hipsters, picking and choosing what's "retrto-cool" to them.

[@Ellexis]

Yep, I'm getting it for my collection. John, THANK YOU for your review! Keep up the great work!

[@travissteffenson7187]

BTW.. Gamester81. For what's its worth, your one of the few guys doing this i can actually stand watching. A real dude.

[@tjpulliam19]

Good review. I was contemplating about getting this and I'm glad some one reviewed it and what not. I'll have to think about it, but I now have a lot more info to take in about it. Thanks!

[@OldsXCool]

I don't need a machine that emulates game consoles. I already own a PC.

[@DetroitNerd]

Is there a system that does Atari carts? Would be cool to see one do 2600, 5200, 7800, jaguar and lynx

[@timothyfisher1948]

Thanks for your import on the RetroN 5. I just ordered mine off Amazon tonight!

[@jupreindeer]

I've already managed to break mine. Tried installing those cheat files that are listed right on the Retron 5 website. I must have botched it by installing just the files and not the directory/sub-directory onto the SD Card. Or, maybe leaving the SMB cart in there was what did it. What happened after plugging the card into the console was that it reacted very slowly. Finally got to the menu screen and only the + / - / menu instructions were there while the screen shrank a dozen times or more. Now, just turning on the machine with even nothing in it still brings up the same results. I also noted the SD Card had an empty directory marked Lost.(something. three letter extension.) Now, what do I do? Plan on giving that (non-toll free) support number a call.

[@xucaen]

Did the Gameboy and Gameboy color games play in the GBA slot or did you end up having to use the Super Gameboy adapter?

[@wornoutshoes81]

I wonder if they fixed the problem with the Genesis port rejecting cartridges because they have a security built into their cartridges to lock them to use only in their official systems, which are hard to find now in working condition.

[@Bigbacon]

audio side by sides make the retron seem bad. the audio quality is definitely worse to me and the bass is just so wrong.

[@GameEscape]

Does anyone know the preferred method of switching cartridges between slots? Should the system be powered down before the change is made, or is it safe to just return to the system menu and swap the carts? The instruction menu does not address this.

[@10p6]

I am wondering on this if it actually has a copy of all the roms in flash, and just uses the cart to read game name and copy protection. Sounds cool, but no flash cart support will leave me waiting for a system that does support them.

[@arthurs4964]

I don't understand why all these PC fanboys have to say everything negative about it. If you are not into game consoles and prefer your PC, then why are you even here to comment on a game console review? You are already hating on it as soon as you get here. We understand that you can use your PC to emulate games rather than buying a separate piece of equipment to do so. That's all fine, but did you ever think maybe other people in the world don't want to use their PC to play games, that they like a separate console(s) for their gaming? Yes, try to think that not everyone believes the same like you. Kind of like a religion. Not everyone believes in the same religion or any at all. In gaming, some people like to use the original equipment, some like to use a PC, some like to use clone systems, others like to use a emulator console like the Retron 5, which for many people is perfect for their needs. The Retron 5 works and works well. It does what is was made to do.

[@xucaen]

I would love to see a Retron-style console that plays Atari 2600, 5200, 7800, 400/800/XE, Intellivision, Colecovision (maybe Lynx, too) :-)

[@FlintG]

Maybe vectrex as well? Lol.

[@FlintG]

***** Wonder if a philips cdi would be possible if you want to play the zelda cdi games lol

[@LochSNESmonster]

Jon you can use any controller for any game, Ive tested a few already. Playing maximum carnage (genesis) with a snes controller now.

[@cyrus649]

is it me or does the retron 5 don't have a clear sound as to the nes? The nes has a louder and sharper sounds... base on these videos

[@torpedo35]

The sound appears to have a surround effect like SRS or Dolby Headphone, hope it can be disabled as it screws with the original mix.

[@GamingHistorySource]

Is it compatible with Ever drives ? Because if You can use it with the genesis everdrive You can also play some game gear games on it by simply changing the file extension from .gg to .sms.

[@Buster_Flex]

Gaming History Source It's probably not working with ever drive..Have you seen the video from Pat the Nes Punk about Retron5? Then you should..

[@mattnova18]

@18:45 he says it doesn't work with flashcarts. That probably means everdrive is a no-go.

[@bobbarker1984]

I don't understand the hat gate1? Why forget to put in the r for great one?

[@VideoArmageddon]

Can you use game genies on it?

[@jason29821]

John did you have the loudness setting on when you recorded the audio from the retron 5? I am just wondering because it was really muffled and the loudness setting on some devices will cause that.

[@ConsoleWars]

Looks good, but sound quality isn't quite there with the original. It has more features than the RetroN 3 at least.

[@TekMoliGy]

How many controller ports does it have for the original controllers for each system?

[@james42519]

what you have sound settings on? is enhanced sound, bass boost ect off?

[@the_konami_kid]

John, great review!!! One question though; can you access the home screen from the original controllers or do you have to be using the wireless controller?

[@GameEnding]

From my understanding isn't this running android with a multi emulator package, similar to RetroArch? I remember reading that somewhere waiting for this to come out.

[@ApolloXtatik]

Something you never mentioned (or maybe I missed), how is the frame-rate on the RetroN 5? Contra/Sonic looked like they were running slow, and I don't want to practice speed running SMB if it's running slow. Can you/anyone verify that the play speed is equal/close to the original hardware?

[@facufeg86]

can i use clone joysticks (nes genesis and super nes clone joystcks) or only original joysticks? can i use clone cartridges or only original ones? thanks

[@MizfitZer0]

@Vebinz because MEGADRIVE is the Europe/Japanese system so it basically plays those, it has a separate slot because the cartridges have a slightly different shape

[@pitercosta3653]

Can you please test if the SG-1000 card (Sega My Card) works with the Power Base on the Genesis and Retron 5. Please... Thanks.

[@stevenmorse4955]

Have enjoyed some of the RetroN products but I always feel like the game practically gets stuck in the slot. Seems they have not loosened up, do you feel they did this to account for potentially dirty games (oxidized contacts)? Either way am a fan of these videos. I am back into the retro gaming scene after finding my stash of games at my parents house. Nothing gets you back into collecting like finding a huge head start in the basement.

[@luckyselucky]

Im pissed after watching your review. I returned my Retron 5 because I couldn't get it to turn on. I had no idea you had to hold the power button down for 5 seconds to get it to start. I may have missed it in the directions but i assumed with no immediate response it was broken. WTF.

[@IronManPackers]

When you use the original controllers, which button is the "home" button. For instance, if you use a Nes controller, how do you bring up the menu?

[@actualkickmud9413]

I listened to a podcast that had some Hyperkin guys on, and I want to say that it was the Up+Start to get to the home menu on original controllers. I can't remember exactly though. They did have a way to do it though.

[@rodneyjvlogs1502]

can you system link this for games like 007 on the 64? sorry for asking if you addressed this in the video as I can't finish watching the whole thing.

[@brianisom1601]

does the newest version of the retron 5 play multicarts now

[@Car.h]

I use Wii homebrew for my emulation but there is a small lag. Could anyone tell me if there is a delay on retron5? Also this system only loads carts right? I wouldn't be able to load from SD?

[@Sc0pee]

No you wouldn't atm, that's correct.

[@retrodavide]

Hey john did you try an hdmi to s-video adaptor and a zapper game?

[@Citizenryan82]

Good review, I like your honest opinion and your positivity.

[@derekgreen850]

omg how many times do you have to change the filters xD

[@shehulk10]

Great video I was thinking about buying one I missed out on those consoles and would like to get one of these for the convenience....or maybe I should wait until the retron 6? Anyhoo do you still like the system or have anything else to add after using it for over a year?

[@TheYakuzac]

How do i change out games on this thing?Do i need to power it down each time or just rip them out?

[@gregcruz5152]

Do u know how his device currently works ? it looks to me like it rips your current cart to a ROM then emulates it in a android operating system . so just a ouya with a cartridge reader and some controller ports. I doubt flash carts will ever work

[@gutterguy720]

With your audio test, do you still have the Retron 5 Bass Boost turned on?

[@xucaen]

During the side by side comparison, it looked like the Retron5 plays a bit slower than original consoles.. did you notice that while playing?

[@Travesty7007]

It looks like there's slowdown when he uses different filters. I know that most emulators will get slowdown when you put those on. Some games are more noticeable than others, but I always find it best to keep filters off.

[@NaokisRC]

That audio seems very good but the music seems muffled and muddy yet on SNES and MegaDrive the sound effects sound very crisp, what?

[@The90sAreRad]

The return 5 seems a little bass heavy or muffled to me

[@The90sAreRad]

Retron*

[@t103Ninja]

+AndyPFTW i think hes using the sound enhancement feature wich basicly just boosts the bass way up, you can turn it off :)

[@nororengo286]

+AndyPFTW there are sound settings in the menu. like Sound enhancement, and bass boost. we dont know what settings he is using

[@Nyc9LyFeZ]

+AndyPFTW how would know if its muffled? you wasent around when these systems came out

[@The90sAreRad]

Huh?

[@SupaBubbaMusic]

I miss the old intro to your videos, gamester81!

[@Maverick1701A]

Did you notice any input lag while playing the system?

[@TheJoker0818]

Does it work with the Gameboy Advance E-Reader?

[@chodogvids]

Thanks John fantastic review of the system but I do find it strange they put no d-pad on the controller

[@gutterguy720]

Can you use a PS3/PS4 controller with it since it uses Bluetooth?

[@herohunter81]

It would be cool if they made a disc based system like this. With one spot that plays all discs even GameCube discs. With a top that opens so there is no drive that will eventually break. What do you think?

[@yvnggloryjay8352]

another couple of years

[@The90sGamingGuy]

Yeah, all disc drives stop working from use. Duh!

[@blackstealth8168]

But are easy to replace and cartridges slots while last for a long time are not going to last forever either and can't be replaced.

[@NSKDUBS]

is there lag while playing?

[@Shnickerman]

I'm pretty happy with how the games look overall, I was a little hesitant about the HD graphics but I think it looks really good

[@gaminrock]

Should I get a retron 5 or the console like snes Sega genesis

[@chrissadafal9921]

Ow did you get it to capture

[@videogameobsession]

So did the RetroN guys actually obtain permission to use the emulators from the original authors or did they steal them like Tommo did with the Neo-Geo X (FBA)? The sound on your Genesis sounds really noisy. Is that from the headphone jack on the model 1 or from the back outs. The emulated Genesis with Sonic sounds really off to me and that's unfortunate. There may be hope if you can replace the emulators with a better Android version.

[@Retrocidal]

someone in my area has a turbo graphics 16 with a CD ROM for $399 it looks to be in really good shape and has games with it if your interested its on Craigslist posted I'm pretty sure still in Colorado Springs Colorado

[@thedentist888]

The video output looks great, but the audio seems muffled.

[@-DeScruff]

Anyone know if the save states are compatible with any PC emulators? I'd love to be able to move some of my saves from my PC to cart and of course backup my old saves. Before I get any comments about "Save states and in game saves are not the same!" What you do is you load a save state, then you do an in game save.

[@CalmThrill]

I have never known how much I have needed something in my entire life

[@owlnonymous]

Thanks for the review. The controller, HDMI out only, and no support for homebrew/flash carts is a big negative to me. There are a few pros, but as an owner of the original systems, I don't currently need to add the Retron 5 to my console library.

[@MykGerard]

How to you play final fantasy games from the Super Famicom without knowing Japanese?

[@itsTheCurry]

So you have to play gameboy games with the wireless controller? Thats a bummer, maybe they can patch it to work with a snes controller? Btw im really looking forward to the DOS system hyperkin is working on.

[@masterblaster1867]

I was just wondering about games made by Rare. The reason behind it is that I own a older version of RetroN and it will not play any of the killer instinct game or dk games.

[@kr3m3r]

What size sd card can you use on the system?

[@alubaldini]

how much it cost because you can use xbox classic emulator and you can buy a xbox clasico for 60$ usd for second hand

[@crackcorn0404]

You say you can't power off the system with the controller, but in the beginning of the video I saw a power off option in the ui menu.

[@mr.dueezy]

maybe it's just power on

[@DerkuiDerkui]

Gamespot, surprisingly, did an excellent review on this system. They covered a lot of small details in their review.

[@MRGRetroEric]

Still waiting for mine :-) Great Review John!

[@tonyg4746]

I wonder if the 32X is compatible.

[@rdzreborn2k7kt]

My 4 GBA Games I had work fine on the Retron 5 but the Genesis games I have some of them have with a Red Blink Screen when loaded the same went for the other games I have for the Genesis but with a Black Screen. I Clean each one and I still get the same problem.

[@TriforceRich]

If it gets hacked or an update to be able to run roms, then I will buy it.

[@foxzygranpa]

Solid review answered my questions for the system thanks

[@REALSlutHunter]

Retron 5 and good or better Sound Quality ? I got 2 High Class Speakers (300$+ each) and they sound very neutral and Linear (like Studio Speakers) and are Test Winner in many Comparsions and a Class A Technics Amplifier, and what i heard from the Retron 5 is just horrible compared to the Original System, the Bass is so overused that any other Stuff is too noisy.

[@PressXtoDoubt]

Do you need the games or are they all are emulators?

[@MizfitZer0]

I already have a OUYA with all the emulators for NES, MegaDrive, Snes, GBA, Turbografx, Master System, PSX, & NeoGeo, with a USB in the back with every game for each system stored... would there be a reason to purchase this?...

[@Azoic101]

Nope,the Ouya is actually better and cheaper.

[@lissa10967]

Azoic101 Nope,a Raspberry Pi is actually better and cheaper.

[@retrobro1357]

Is there any difference between the gray one and the new black one?

[@thetexasgerman190]

They said that they are using higher quality pins so the games are easier to get in and out of the system but then again hyperkin said a lot of stuff so take it as you will

[@retrobro1357]

Oh right cheers

[@SomeOrangeCat]

I can see how some people would love a system like this.

[@captainthrall]

where do i buy this thing... and is it illegal? oh and am i stuck using that super cheezy looking controller?

[@punkrockchef84]

Pretty spot on review except you can play a snes game with a genesis or any other combination you choose(i don't know why you would want to). I personally don't really like the control but i have originals anyway so it's not a problem.I'm glad i picked it up it's easier than having all those systems hooked up at the same time and i think some of the filters look really good on my flat screen.You can also expand the picture to fit your full screen or shrink it down for a more authentic 90's feel. I think for some one who owns physical copies of games its a decent pick-up for the money.

[@L1MetalGaming]

This was going to be a day one purchase for me until all the delays. And now with the price hike & this review, I think I'll wait for a price cut before even considering it again.

[@martinsrensen1519]

I will buy it becuse i dont have any more room for more consoles, i have Gamecube (With Gameboy Player), Wii, Wii U, PS1, PS2, PS3 , PS4, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox one, PSP , 3DS and Gameboy Advance

[@VictorBelfast]

Did u get it, if so what did u think?

[@martinsrensen1519]

No still not :(

[@romancingtheimpulse8380]

HDMI goodness! great review!

[@TheDaoOfLatino]

I should also mention for people trying to break down the pricing that the GBA Player for the Gamecube is now going for $50. The expansion port may go $10 but that bios disc goes for a lot of money. Since the peripheral isn't so popular I think a lot of people believe it to be like the Super Gameboy. It is not. You need the disc to make the expansion work. I've always found this to be a bit annoying even though I've owned it for about 5 years now. With the Retron 5 you can easily play GBA games and GBC-only games on your TV. Sure you lose the boarders but everyone I know who uses the system always picks the black boarder anyway and besides the games look even crisper (in part because the Gamecube Component Cables are super expensive too).

[@actualkickmud9413]

This is a great reason to get the Retron 5. The GB/GBC/GBA capability is worth it alone for me. Getting to play all the other systems is a plus. The only problem I see with the R5 is the cart slots on top. They made the grip too tight. Including eject buttons on the slots I think would've solved this. It is a minor problem, but it makes me worry that I'll damage the system or cart by pulling too hard.

[@TheDaoOfLatino]

***** I agree but besides Pokemon and Advance Wars what other games do people really play using the link cable? I mean I guess if you didn't download Four Swords on the 3DS when it was up for free a couple months back but I honestly do not see the lack of a link cable as such a big deal. Maybe for Pokemon some sort of dummy program could be created but if you're trying to trade from the old games you probably already have a lot of extra Gameboy systems and cables (they are not hard to find). Jirachi farming anyone?

[@TheDaoOfLatino]

Actual Kick Mud Yeah. I think ejector buttons would go a long way as to make people feel more comfortable with placing the carts in the system. Something tells me though the next system will try to implement them.

[@FutureHonest]

Also, love seeing how John's channel has grown. I remember watching his older vids and just love his intro he has and I am hoping nothing but good things for him. Gamester81 - question - you going to purchase the $500 NES - Analogue Nt - and review that when it gets released? Also, on the Retron, can you hook up the original controllers to it?

[@Alejandro-zw1fr]

does this give you all the games ever created for those old system? and give you a legal way to play those systems? or is this just a emulator system mini computer console? with limited space? most emulator for the computer are free and easy to program.

[@roasty80]

im sorry but graphically you get the same result and display filters from a free emulator. i dont see the point in the product other than to have one system for all but then most of us like to use the original hardwear and controllers

[@theCtrlAltGeek]

this product is not for people who use emulators, this product is for people who use carts(collectors)

[@roasty80]

True but the result on an lcd screen is the same. Purists use crt tvs in rgb with original consoles . Retro consoles on hd lcd screens look horrible

[@DigitalxxxFr34k]

I am REALLY tired of seeing people like you that you can just get by in life getting everything for free!, i am sorry but lack of what you think, emulators can not do what the REAL hardware can or even a clone hardware, and that one thing is you can not use the real cart/disc, and ANOTHER thing you seem to prob be too Ignorant, that if you don't support what these developers make, then what reason do they have to keep going if people like you steal it, yes there is a grey line, if you own a physical copy of any of your media games, movies, music, you have a right to have a digital version, weather you down load it or rip it off the media source its self... but non the less my point being it doesn't matter if its old or new, if people see you are supporting there work, it inclines them to keep going, and also give us Virtual console releases or remakes or HD remasters of good classic games, its because people like us who support the developers and buy there piece of artwork, you have your free games to play because you are too much of a cheap ass to do the supporting, so in a aggressive way i guess you are fucking welcome...loser

[@roasty80]

Fyi I own many consoles and play them on a crt rgb tv not shitty composit. The only reason I emulate is for expensive games that I refuse to pay that much for and even then I play them on my bartop arcade on a crt rgb monitor

[@roasty80]

Finally another real gamer. Bravo noot

[@Retrocidal]

I'm going to start saving and buy one of these it will help me do my reviews on all games I have

[@PowerUpJay]

This does sound pretty interesting. Although the price tag seems a little much, the idea of being able to play my NES/SNES/GBA and Genesis games on one unit is a greta idea. Plus the capture card I just ordered only uses HDMI input (I think) so this may make capturing footage easier without having to swap out systems. This is aimed at people that collect for more than one system and not the emulator crowd.

[@dinkaDPB]

on sonic the hedgehog you can pause it and look at the difference in detail on the red crab. im surprised.

[@MegaManNeo]

I'm not so surprised on the emulator side, the device needs something in between to upscale and savestate all those games after all. Good thing Hyperkin added firmware updates so hopefully this will be fixed in the near future. Still I'm excited for that thing, although those additional 40 bucks are a little annoying on my wallet. Thanks for the review, John!

[@RyanKentBarnhart]

Props for giving a shout-out for the Turbo Grafx 16. In particular I'd like to see someone make a close system that would play Turbo Duo and import CD games, as the functional consoles for those have gotten really expensive and hard to get.

[@MrBacchus18]

I was very interested in your audio comparison, looks like a big improvement from the Retron3 especially Super Nintendo. Thanks!

[@RetroRevenge2014]

Awesome review. Overall, I like the Retron 5. It's great for HDMI video capture (it's what I'm using for our new retro video game competition channel). But out of the box, my Retron's AC Adapter died within a day and after week, one of the pins from the NES cartridge slot popped out! I'm glad my retro game store had a 30 day warranty and they replaced it for me. I hope it holds up!

[@mr.dueezy]

I noticed this console made the game look nicer but the sound was softer for whatever reason