Every Retro Gamer NEEDS THIS! RetroTink 2X Review | RGT 85

[@ScarletSprites]

As someone who loves playing on a CRT, I still found myself wanting fewer cables and an easier solution for captures. This is it. It’s essentially no lag, and outputs decent enough video. I was fortunate to test this back in May and I have been using it for videos since receiving my production unit.

[@riggel8804]

you still get lag from the flatscreenn though right?

[@ScarletSprites]

NiggelMyNiggel It will vary from set to set, so you’ll want your TV to have a low lag rating. I use a TCLS405 which has a really low input lag.

[@riggel8804]

Do you know how many frames of lag you get with that flat-screen?

[@ScarletSprites]

It’s rated at 14.6ms, so I think that’s about a little less than half of a frame.

[@riggel8804]

Scarlet Sprites i believe one frame at 60fps is 16.66ms. That's not bad but it would still bother me on nes games, shooters ot fighting games. I hope some day i can quit gaming on crts... You're that guy that does the neo-geo and arcade videos aren't ya? I like your content.

[@Fattydeposit]

So cool seeing a real deal enthusiast device like this on a larger channel. I hope it makes a great return for everyone involved.

[@bryede]

The reason why so many cheap converters fail with video games is that consoles cheat regarding the NTSC/PAL standards to make the circuitry simpler and most of them did not interlace the picture. An analog TV doesn't really care as long as a few key aspects of the signal are correct but the makers of modern devices don't seem to be aware of how lenient CRT TVs really were.

[@pixelsandwich4104]

I see no difference when smooth mode is on. I still want this thing though.

[@nayyarrashid4661]

PixelSandwich there is a difference

[@KWKBOX]

I would have never pegged you as a guy who likes it smooth.

[@DVDfeverGames]

KWKBOX You want to peg him? 😁

[@mrburns366]

I love a smooth beaver 😁

[@mrhygiene]

I still don't know who Stevie Richards is. ...But I will buy this

[@BriansManCave]

CastleMania Games.. thanks, I was wondering that too :)

[@sinistermoon]

He's a crap wrestler that has like nothing to do with gaming.

[@NoelComiX]

Dr. Stevie ;p TNA TNA

[@derekcook248]

mazrimalthor his ecw stuff was good

[@MrKDawg29]

mazrimalthor FACTS

[@AzakielRuns]

I play SM 64 on a LG TV but I experience lag on certain places. Will this fix the issue?

[@SKvldlf]

I just got mine in the mail. Makes a world of difference. Now I'm waiting on my HD retrovision component cables and ps1 converter. There's nothing like the feeling you get from playing old games you remember the most.

[@secondleasegamer8312]

I feel like $100 is is a bit too close to the OSCC's price-point which is essentially on the same level as the Framemeister.

[@ZeniusFox]

The ossc is ideal if you are using scart. However now that most of the retro consoles support component and almost everyone has composite/s video, this is just as viable as the OSSC. Also the creator indicated in another video it has about 83 microsecond of input lag. Not milliseconds, MICROSECONDS. It's basically zero lag. For a $100 is a slam dunk product.

[@DonkeyPuncher1976]

I agree. I have done a ton of research on the Framemeister and OCCS. The OCCS is a great and cheap solution compared to the Framemeister but it if mostly for SCART cables which cost a fortune when trying to hook up all your systems. The RetroTink seems like a good and cheap way to play your video games and get a better picture. I am buying one. Glad to start seeing reviews pop up now

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

Curious how PS1 would fair.

[@RetroGamesBoy78]

Autism family Well he did show the Sega Saturn running on it so obviously it'll be fine!

[@LouDominquez21]

CastleMania Games this is great.

[@dapperfan44]

Not concerned about that because PS3 b/c. I'm concerned about the GameCube. I don't want to shell out hundreds of dollars for the GC component cable.

[@Korruptyouth]

GCHD, about half the cost of GCN Component cables and makes it look great on HD TVs. I love mine, wish it was a bit cheaper but, makes my GCN library playable without hooking up a Wii.

[@dapperfan44]

Mark Hoover cool, thanks! Never heard of that. I didn't want to have to buy a Wii because I already own a Wii U.

[@ZeniusFox]

RGT I think you might need to flip the contrast switch on your retrovision cables to accommodate the Sega Saturn. It brightens up the image to match what it should look like (unless you prefer the darker image).

[@Devo_gx]

I was wondering why the Saturn images were so dark in comparison to everything else

[@SEGAHEADDY]

I was wondering about that. Was thinking of purchasing this but then that dark image for the Saturn footage threw me off. Does it actually get brighter than that? I'm on the fence... RGT85 is killin' a sale here.

[@ZeniusFox]

It does get brighter. Again, I think RGT just forgot to flip the switch when plugging it into the Saturn after using it with his Genesis.

[@Drinkabeerandplayagameofficial]

It makes the hd retrovisions work with an elgato? Worth it to me for that alone

[@BlakeGJ]

You can get smooth mode with original cables by taping a sheet of wax paper over your tv screen.

[@gillythekid]

Kinda want this just for steaming

[@NoobixCube]

How well does it handle resolution changes? The Saturn, in particular, often switched between different resolutions when entering menus, or title screens, and most converters have a few seconds lag while they catch up to the changed input.

[@NoobixCube]

CastleMania Games Awesome. I may have to acquire one of these.

[@ericzwirnmann8151]

Good review. Is the big black borders on the hdtv? I expect some borders as the ratio is different on the classic games. Just looks excessive. Can you take a picture of your hdtv with a game screen on it to get a better perspective of the borders? Thanks

[@StarlinkNova]

Finally something affordable. Definitely gonna pick one of these up. I've been looking for something to play my retro games on my hdtv with for years.

[@gabbothegiver]

Rgt what about ps1 ,ps2 and gamecube this thing work with those consoles ??

[@MidnightBanshi]

Seriously gonna have to give this one a look into! Thanks for showing it off!

[@Johnnygrafx]

how are they able to keep the input lag so minimal?

[@rramz22]

Im a bit confused. What ecactly should i be looking for with smooth on and off? Both looked the same to me.

[@powerbalance3089]

Does this have the “black box” problem, where there are huge borders of black at the sides, or does the image get stretched to fit the screen completely?

[@leegsy]

What are the best cables for PSP video out? I have read mixed opinions online and I see there's an HDMI converter thing also?

[@Professor5180]

So would this be better to get than the VGA box for my dreamcast?

[@amdcolon1]

Best intro glad you gave us a break from the other one 😁

[@Tabby51260]

A little late - but any idea how s video on a gamecube with and without the retro tink would look? Or composite? I don't really have the space for a crt and would like my gamecube games to not look like blurry mess on the hdtv :/

[@Goomba_Smash]

Would you recommend this for composite (particularly tg16 and nes since analogue NT mini preorders were delayed) if we already have an ossc (ossc doesn’t have composite, I use it for rgb modded consoles)?

[@claytonmiller3754]

Hey shawn long. Does this look way better in person. I preordered on. And am excited to receive it

[@MalahkAngel]

One question: how does it handle resolution switches? Like for instance in the original Silent Hill how the resolution switches between 240p and 480p when entering and exiting the menus. My framemeister has issues with that kind of switch and having an option to play those games upscaled would be great.

[@MalahkAngel]

CastleMania Games that's good to hear. Consider my interest piqued.

[@AVENTUS03]

What brand of S-Video cable did you have on the Dreamcast ?

[@Gamingwithgleez]

This looks great. I have been looking for a way to capture ps2 games and play them on my monitor. This looks like it will get the job done. Thanks for this video man. Good review

[@DonkeyPuncher1976]

I also want to try and capture gameplay with this little device

[@charleschase7945]

I use the black web video converter for my ps2, it was like 30 bucks from Walmart and works on my snes and other consoles. Only problem is the signal is only in s-video and composite so it looks yellow-ish

[@Gamingwithgleez]

charles chase thanks for the input man. I never knew that existed. I just need something for hdmi because I have monitors. I use my hauppauge 2 to go component to hdmi right now. Not too bad but would like something better

[@c-dub30]

How does it work with Gamecube or PS2? How does it compare to Castlemania's HD thing for the Gamecube?

[@christopheryoung41]

All my consoles are connected to a/v switcher. Would this work if I plug switcher to this and then this to hd tv? Or will I have to connect individually?

[@BFBeast666]

Does it a) work with PAL systems (50 Hz refresh) and is there any chance that it will have a SCART connector? I'm a European gamer and most of my consoles have RGB through SCART cables. Too bad my latest TV does not have a SCART connector.

[@FlyingSurprise]

How many retro console have component output? Most of them have RGB...

[@emilflognoid1532]

What about the oposite? I want to play my SNES classic from HDMI too an old a.v. red yellow white t.v.

[@DonkeyPuncher1976]

My main question --- Would this little system work if I hooked up 5 systems into a component or composite switcher the ran the wires into the RetroTink and then to the TV with HDMI? Just wondering if there would be any lag that way or if the switcher would ruin the quality on the TV

[@DonkeyPuncher1976]

Okay now I am sold. That was my main issue with hooking up 14 consoles at once to my TV for my gaming trunk.

[@cruelcynic]

If you don't already have scart RGB this is nice.

[@eduardoblanco7316]

What do you recommend to play psx ganes? Ps2 with component cable, the new pound hdmi cable, the thinktank (hope in hot mistaken) ir justo play thrm on ps3?

[@BLOODY__FATALITY]

Would you recommend this or a Ultra HDMI mod for N64 if I just want one for N64.

[@josephbern6926]

This will look also good for PS1 on HD tv?

[@southsidegamer5611]

I'm sold, thanks for reviewing it, I've been waiting for a low cost solution

[@craigrivers82]

How does the ps1 and ps2 look?

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I need this.

[@petwisk2012]

Izzy Nobre adoraria saber quanto ficaria pra pegar um desses pro Brasil

[@DonkeyPuncher1976]

And it needs you! :)

[@DVDfeverGames]

If I bought one of these, I'd want it encased in plastic to avoid getting covered in dust and since it looks easily breakable if something felt on it, or it dropped to the floor. As for the $30 device which you said didn't work, RGT, why not just send it back for a full refund? That's how customer service normally works.

[@BLOODY__FATALITY]

RMG Everybody needs a theed

[@Trump_Is_Your_President]

....to be cheaper

[@patrickswayyze]

Will this work will elgato hd (60)with composite?

[@XDarkChyldeX]

I own a soft modded wii using a pair of 480p component cords hooked to my 1080p tv, with all emulators set up with the best video enhancements that comes with them. There's some tiny flaws that's still noticeable, but overall it does the job and I've never been more happier. So my question is, if I purchase this retro tink would it improve even more with the picture quality on my wii? Or just sticking with what I already have is good enough? If this can at least smooth out some of the jags in wii games alone I'd be happy with that xD

[@RichardsScott]

But will this now let me play PS1 on my modern LG tv in color, instead of the black and white I am getting?

[@charvelgtrs]

I'm pretty sure you need to switch the brightness switch on the HDRetrovision cables while using Saturn, looked a bit more dim than normal.

[@Codemantic]

ive connected my ps2 to my hdtv via component and there is video lag would this fix that issue? and yes gaming mode is on on my tv.

[@Codemantic]

specifically hot shots golf 4 but they all have some input delay, that game is just the most affected

[@Jafmasterflash]

I couldn’t agree more with you dude, I absolutely love all the retro games Great video 🙌🏻

[@alextirrellRI]

Interesting. I'd been looking at getting an OSSC. (Framemeister is actually discontinued and it's just remaining stock that is selling) But now I've got a PVM and I don't know if I want to even game on an HDTV anymore... especially if I'm going to be investing in SCART cables.

[@10cesc4.]

I've been looking into one of these for a while, might bite the bullet. And in other news, I miss this epic intro. Your videos lack the one thing that made you stand out and made me subscribe.

[@viriatus7181]

Hey , will this sharpen NES graphics so that text looks better even if the nes is plugged via a composite cable? I'm not asking for emulator quality, but is this the closest thing to emulation?

[@filipmartinez1162]

You still don’t have a VGA box for your Dreamcast???

[@p4lskippee]

can we see nes, snes, sega?

[@nathanlamont9920]

Especially the genesis. It always has lag no matter what device or TV you use.

[@KevTheGalaxybender]

what is the release date?

[@nicklong27]

I bet Stevie Richards already has one

[@THEGREYGH0ST]

Hey RGT85 have you heard of the OSSC. Open Source Scan Converter is less expensive than the framemeister but more expensive than this product. Either way ill be taking a look at this thing. I am impressed that it accepts s-video. Im surprised that MyLifeInGaming hasn't done a video about this thing.

[@ryandavis7011]

I have an OSSC, VGA for dreamcast, RGB scart for genesis.

[@DannyCD]

I was going to buy an OSSC until I heard about the RetroTINK. OSSC is at middle ground pricing since it costs at least $200, this is only $100 while Framemeister is high-end. I don't have too much money to spare so I'm getting this over the OSSC. I also like that it has S-Video which the OSSC doesn't have.

[@dutchkel]

They have

[@562frankrivers2]

It’ll give life to my N64 and my Dreamcast

[@moandaindesigns]

Pre Ordered mine and currently waiting on it. Once I realized what it was and no HDCP, and little to no input lag. I Had to have it.

[@kb8978]

Question, hope someone answers.... is this basically made for TVs that don't have composite/component inputs? Like TVs with hdmi only? My HDTV still has hdmi, composite and component inputs... would this really have any benefit for me? Edit: I dont plan in doing any capturing. Just curious if it can actually improve the picture, if my tv already has composite inputs

[@RetroPiero]

Oh My Gurd, it's Stevie Richard!! Great vid btw. I'm glad were getting more options for good resolution of retro games for affordable prices, like the Sega Genesis component cables.

[@midnitdragoon]

Does it stretch full screen?

[@prisonmike3605]

Will this device work on a 4K tv

[@johnodaz1273]

Awesome review video RGT 85. This little Device is gonna do wonders for the Retro Gaming scene and is a must have for sure.

[@AndehX]

You say that, but a quick google search will show that there are much better and cheaper options out there already. Just google "gbscontrol"

[@johnodaz1273]

AndehX ok cool cool good stuff man 👍.

[@Rocky1138]

This is a great solution for the price. Asking people to switch to RGB, especially in the US where RGB/SCART was not popular, is a bit too much especially since the OSSC is expensive. I made the leap a few years back, but if I had to do it over again, I'd probably be looking at this!

[@AndehX]

good luck getting component out of an SMS... or a Mega Drive.... or a Super Nintendo... or a Nintendo 64... or a Sega Saturn... or a Playstation... or a Dreamcast... RGB on the other hand, is support on all those consoles, except the N64. Also, it's really not a great price. at $100, it's only $50 less than the OSSC, and you get WAY more than $50 worth of quality from the OSSC over the retrotink. $50 is a more accurate/realistic price for this device.

[@captainfuture5984]

I wish you'd show how the graphics with the device and with the other device.

[@ofiradi1057]

why didnt you show gamecube/wii games with component on this device?

[@ofiradi1057]

oh, that's nice to know. I appreciate that you checked it and came back to said that you were wrong.

[@Alex-wq1hp]

Does it upscale the image up to 1080p?

[@Alex-wq1hp]

CastleMania Games- Thanks for the reply I might actually now consider buying this.

[@BLOODY__FATALITY]

Dude... Subbed.... I've needed something like this for my N64 for the longest time ever. My N64 looks horrible on my tv because I have one of those fancy 1080p tvs. B)

[@FrankieViturello]

Can anybody confirm that the RetroTINK works with a consolized Neo-Geo MVS C board? I have one that outputs component Ypbpr and only certain HDTVs can “see” whatever resolution/hz it’s outputting (I have no idea what the resolution actually is). Some TVs don’t pick up any signal and NO inexpensive Chinese Component to HDMI converters that I’ve tried work either. I’m hoping that the RetroTINK will solve this problem, but I want to know for sure before I buy. Thanks!

[@thomasboehnlein5205]

Alright RGT. I bought it. You made a pretty good case for it. And it looks way way better than the upscaler I bought years ago that worked okay but I was never super happy with.

[@nickiebanchou]

but some of us have RGB signal through SCART cables for the consoles that don't do component ..... and wouldn't even really settle for s-video back in the days unless we had to :P when are we getting something that inputs that ?

[@nickiebanchou]

scart carries many different signals, including composite and s-video , however the RGB signal itself only exists through scart unlike those others , but the cool thing about it , apart from being THE cleanest signal before component appeared, is that it's also "region free", RGB is only RGB, regardless of PAL vs NTSC standards, so that isn't really all over the place if you focus on it :) ( i mean RGB can have different sync signal, but if 80's TVs manages to use it properly , i don't think it's such a problem to modern tech :D )

[@WolfsDE]

I would have liked to see a couple more systems, especially original Xbox, nes, snes, ps1 and GameCube. But overall, hoping this might finally be a solution for me.

[@dustinkinard7431]

This device is pretty cool, but I wish it had the ability to generate scan lines. That’s more of a personal preference though. I think it’ll be great for the ps2, and especially for those who play ps1 games on the fat ps2 through component. Some hdtvs refuse to play 240p content through the ps2’s component cables, and this device seems like it could to be a great way to have that signal upconverted and displayed through hdmi. I do have one question for you, and it is what resolution does this device output?

[@ZyferWarriorPrime]

Does it support switching from 4:3 and 16:9? One other thing you didn't get into was input lag. The cheap ones have issues with that. When it comes to Dreamcast, VGA is the way to go. It isn't the best choice for Gamecube either. Regardless, if you have multiple consoles, you can use switch boxes to connect multiple at once.

[@ZyferWarriorPrime]

CastleMania Games That has to do with settings, many TVs are set to 16:9 or fill screen. Just wondering because capturing is important. So it doesn't do 4:3 by default right? It instead just keeps the aspect as is?

[@Sevier7777]

why not have smooth mode on always?

[@jeff97ish]

When I get caught up on money, I am gonna order some stuff from Castlemania Games. They have some cool products.

[@ChaleX_TiquiciaGamer]

RGT 85 which is MORE POWERFUL? Dreamcade, ODroid XU4 or this Retrotink 2X? I would like something powerful enough to emulate Gamecube, psp and Saturn, but not sure which is the more powerful from these there? Which one you recommend!?

[@Deltax5]

I need something for the ps2,DC and xbox for 480i/480p component. will this fulfill my needs. I got a framemister for now I guess.

[@Deltax5]

meh. MLIG really said that the framemeister doesn't do 480i/480p well that is why i wanted to know. my tv is kinda crapy at the moment so the framemister is kinda better. just saving the money and waiting on 2.1 to come out with the next gen systems. Man last order I made with you i had to pay duty's. what a surprise kinda sucks. im in Canada Can't wait until i see the retrofighters controller i ordered. so many delays.

[@ericyoung3480]

Looking for a more affordable route to make n64 not look like crap on hdtv. You really recommend it?

[@markvicferrer]

Any chance you could try N64 through s-video? The GameCube could also output s-video cuz it uses the same plug as the N64. Would GameCube & Wii titles benefit from this? Same with PS1 & PS2.

[@VelcroCross]

Really wish you would have compared them to regular composite video not through the upscaler.

[@stayingfreshagain]

would it matter if you have a version 1 N64 or Version 2 N64?... cause Version 1 has RGB and Version 2 doesn't? would it be the same pic quality

[@GomerJ]

Youre right about the cost of retro games. I remember when I was a teenager retro games were dirt cheap. Thankfully I built up my collection back then, because now in my 30s, retro games are suddenly valuable again and sell for way too much. Me and my brother tried to collect as much of the NES catalog as we could, and back then we could snag cartridges for a buck or two. Not anymore.

[@PikangsFutaba]

A shame indeed, I can rarely now get games at a decent price at best, at least I got a contact in a game store that helps me to get them cheaper (even if the cart condition is not 100% great, as long as it does the job of allowing me to play the game and not relying on cheap multicarts), maybe that's why people like Everdrives more because you only need to pay once the insane amount of money for the cart, but works like a cheap multicart (but way much better. but no 100% compatibility yet, still very convenient and you might feel better to spend more money on the rare ones that don't work on Everdrives... but again, prices can be a pain to deal with), recently I got for my Genesis Sonic & Knuckles for about 20 bucks (I had searced for the game for a long time but either it was too expensive or sold out), and because I also have Sonic 3, I can have the original experience of playing Sonic 3 in the way it was intened.

[@KTJohnsonkidThunder]

Definitely would get this. Though, my Saturn plays fine being hooked up to a HDTV via RF Out.

[@hELLLcs]

how about input lag?

[@bioarmor79]

I'm for sure gonna invest in one of these! Thanks for doing a vid on this man.

[@masew2012]

RGT you have a potent manhood mate... Not so long ago you where practically bald, but now you have grown a lush amazonian forest on that pretty head of yours lol. My dad wants to know what your secret is?

[@EXITMUSIC2011]

Website doesn't load

[@brianwalker7771]

Looks solid. I would like to see VGA on it but since very few classic systems support it I do see why it is absent.

[@ChicCanyon]

picked up a plug and play upscaler for $10 yesterday. worked like a charm.

[@KalaVerag]

Mmm the n64 does svideo too why not use them?

[@maverickbna]

I might get one of these to team up with an OSSC and upscale my SNES, C64 and Amiga all to a modern display. Thanks!

[@rocky66]

I have a blackweb composite to hdmi converter I got from walmart, it was just under $40 and I can play every retro console with composite output on my hdtv. I use my Xbox one x Tv mode to play retro consoles with the converter, if you can find it i highly recommend it

[@johnphilipdivinagracia8597]

Does work on ps1

[@JackOLantern0987]

Does Saturn and DC looks darker than it supposed to be? Anyway device seems pretty neat. And I would like to see PS2 through component on this thing.

[@jd-py5nm]

likely gonna grab one of these soon can't wait!

[@RaumfuerSpiele]

I really dont need it. I have the ossc and it is enough. Over 15 consoles plus Hydra Head 16 plus OSSC. What else do I need. I use only SCART or HDMI.

[@bretthowarth857]

can you have component / s-video and composite all hooked up at same time provide only one console is on. 1-How well does Chrono Cross with its interlace to progressive switch work on it. 2-How well does Mega Man X collection on the PS2 work with it. I only ask as I would love to invest if these all work out great. Would plug my A/V switch box into this to get more versatility out of it