Retron 5 vs. Super Retro Trio - Belated Hardware Reviews #3

[@jurrasic]

Holy shit! I used that teevee for PS1 game testing when I worked at Electronic Arts as a QA-drone back in the late 90s. Those door/speakers were bad-ass, and the input/output panel made connecting VCRs fast and easy (to tape bugs that the dev team couldn't reproduce/didn't believe us on) but we all wished the screens were bigger.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Jurrasic Park I love the Samsung GX. And "GX Mode" really works! It's amazing! Nice to hear they were used in QA testing, I didn't know that. I also like how it has its own output in the back, it does make recording footage for my own videos very easy. They're getting hard to find too.

[@jurrasic]

+StopDrop&Retro Yeah, I don't know if EA Canada got a special deal on them or they were just chosen for their features but they were good little gaming TVs even if the open wings took up a lot of cubicle space. I wonder whatever happened to them all, there had to be at least 300 of them spaced around the non-PC projects for N64, PSX and Saturn. Anyway, way off topic, sorry.

[@BoshMind]

Quick update for this review. The control lag for games has been reduced in the recent firmware updates.

[@SweetTodd]

Bruh I have wait for patches like a modern Bethesda game?

[@kiwisoup]

your comparison went so far above what was expected. you literally went into every detail unlike the countless other videos I watched to decide and I have to say kudos. You're awesome!

[@StopDropRetro]

You're welcome! Thanks for that compliment! I hope to do another head to head comparison at the end of the year, but I have to wait for that hardware to go on sale first.

[@VOAN]

17:40 - That freeze and reset issue was the reason I gave the Retron 5 the score it had on my review of that console. I was expecting Hyperkin to fix that issue but as of today that problem still occur. I can't even play Street Fighter II up to Balrog or Vega without interruption from the Retron 5 where as playing it on the SR3 doesn't have that issue. Also the Genesis homebrew RPG, Pier Solar doesn't work on the Retron 5 due to the game huge megabit files size (it also doesn't work on emulator), it does work on the SR3 though.

[@StopDropRetro]

*** VOAN *** Yep, that reset issue reminds me of when you're a kid and your jerk friend/sibling unplugs the console just to mess with you. Definitely not appreciated and I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one with this experience. Thank you for your comment!

[@Ace9921]

If I may, I'd like to add some of my own experiences to what you mentioned in the video and few technical notes: -At the time the RetroDuo was released, there were clones that actually DID play games with the SuperFX and other co-processors at the time like the FC Twin (I have an FC Twin Version 1 and Version 2, which were around prior to the RetroDuo's introduction, and both work with the SuperFX) -The Super Retro Trio's controllers are literally Genesis controllers in a Super NES controller case. You can actually use Super Retro Trio controllers on a Genesis with the controllers behaving like 6-button Genesis controllers. -The scanlines on the RetroN5 are actually, believe it or not, TOO THIN! On my TV, it's very difficult to notice them, and they're even less noticeable than real scanlines on a CRT. I can get better scanlines running the original hardware or any of my numerous clone consoles through the XRGB-Mini (then again, my RetroN5 has not been updated from its factory-default v1.31 firmware, so they might be thicker on newer firmware or have adjustable thickness). -The RetroN5 has some noticeable scaling artifacts if you do not enable pixel-perfect scaling. -On older firmware (might be corrected on newer firmware), the RetroN5 either incorrectly dumps or outright fails to detect pirate multicarts. On v1.31, all of my pirate carts either boot to a single game with massively scrambled graphics or aren't even detected. -While a Power Base Converter will fit in the RetroN5, the Japanese equivalent, the Mega Adaptor, DOES NOT FIT into the RetroN5. Due to the rounded shape of the RetroN5's Genesis cartridge slot, the Mega Adaptor will not go in because it requires a rectangular cartridge slot. This means (and this applies to the Super Retro Trio as well with the Power Base Converter) in order to fit the Mega Adaptor into the RetroN5, it either needs to be disassembled or attached to a cartridge slot extension -There are some aftermarket Master System converters and the European-exclusive Master System Converter II (this is an official Sega product) which will fit in the Super Retro Trio and provide a decent alternative to the original Power Base Converter. -There are a few audio anomalies on the Super Retro Trio with games that make heavy use of the DPCM channel. The DPCM channel is completely screwed up, and some games like Rad Racer sound far less gritty than they should. -The Super Retro Trio has a PIC microcontroller on the Super NES side acting as a lockout chip clone (possibly running SuperCIC code) which allows SA-1 games that have lockout chip checks to boot all the time. -You can actually get Castlevania III to work on the Super Retro Trio with a hardware mod that requires soldering in a 74HC04 hex inverter to the cartridge slot. This is used to generate the inverse of the A13 address line, which Castlevania III needs in order to work properly (some graphical errors may still be present). -Rad Racer II and After Burner are two other games which give the Super Retro Trio problems. The former plays with severely scrambled background graphics while the latter has no background graphics at all. They're both playable, though. -To add to the RetroN5's light gun incompatibility, the console itself doesn't even register when the trigger is pulled. Likewise, it is completely unresponsive to the Arkanoid controller. -Strangely, the Super Retro Trio DOES NOT WORK with the Genesis version of the Konami Justifier light gun. While it's detected, it's unresponsive and causes a very loud buzzing sound in the audio as well as flickering in the video output, like there's excessive current draw or something. The Super NES version of the Justifier works, though. Also, the Sega Light Phaser is unresponsive on the Super Retro Trio, so no light gun games for the Master System will be playable on this console. -GameBoy Advance games actually look pretty good through the Super Retro Trio with the Super Retro Advance Adapter (which also works on other Super NES hardware clones and a real Super NES with the included Composite cable - the Super Retro Trio has an extra video input on the cartridge slot that negates the need for this cable), but the games themselves are presented in the wrong screen aspect. Some audio inaccuracies exist and the video, while pretty good, is a bit too bright, resulting in blacks showing up as dark gray and slightly weak color saturation. -The Super Retro Trio is NOT free of potential reliability issues. I discovered two very concerning things when looking through the hardware. First off, the Super NES side is running at 5V, but the RAM used is rated for 3.3V. Second, the TCT-6801 chipset on the Genesis side is supposed to run at 3.3V, but the voltage going into the chip is 4.1V and the Genesis cartridge slot is fed 5V directly. The former is likely going to cause the RAM to fail prematurely on the Super NES side while the latter has a chance of killing the TCT-6801. Lastly, you are doing yourself a service by excluding Hyperkin products from your channel. I have personally tested the RetroN1, the RetroN2, ALL FIVE hardware revisions of the RetroN3, the RetroN5 and the SupaBoy (Version 1 only, can't speak for the Version 2). The RetroN1 is a so-so NES-only clone, fairly accurate, but suffers from severe audio distortion and the oh-so-common compatibility problems with MMC5 games and games that disable the NES' CIRAM to put its own CIRAM in its place like Rad Racer II and After Burner. The RetroN2 is also so-so, at least the one I have, I did come across a seemingly updated version of the clone that is WORSE than the one I have. My RetroN2, which I think could be considered the RetroN2 Version 1, has the same accuracy and compatibility as the RetroN1, but the video quality is far worse and the audio distortion persists, and the Super NES side is about on-par with Yobo Gameware's FC3 Plus, which, is also so-so. It's not bad, but it could be better. The RetroN3, though... where do I even begin with this one? There are 5 hardware revisions of this thing: Version 1, Version 2, Version 3, Version 4 and the new 2.4GHz Edition. The first 4 hardware revisions have HORRENDOUS controllers, worse than the RetroN5's. They lag, they make button-mashing impossible, the button mapping for Genesis games is screwed up (A and B are backwards... WTF?) and worst of all, THEY USE INFRARED! What year is this, 1990? The system released in 2010, and it took Hyperkin FIVE YEARS to ditch the God-awful infrared controllers and move to 2.4GHz RF with the RetroN3 2.4GHz Edition, and even those have issues! Lag persists, button-mashing works a lot better but still misses a few presses, and for some unknown reason, they're prone to random signal dropouts. Oh, and the Genesis button mapping has not been corrected. As for the hardware itself, it's been all over the place. The Genesis side has generally been all right save for very bad volume balance between the two sound chips, the YM3438 (not YM2612 - Genesis hardware clones use the YM3438) and the SN76489, with the latter being so loud, it overpowers the YM3438. Other things to note are some brightness issues in the video output (Composite is too dark, S-Video is too bright, but the S-Video output has been corrected in the RetroN3 2.4GHz Edition), Master System games work and Virtua Racing does not (power fault and a missing signal on the cartridge slot). All 5 hardware revisions are the same with the Genesis side. The NES side has changed every hardware revisions. Version 1's NES side was junk: inaccurate audio, oversaturated video, meh compatibility, issues with NES specialty controllers like the Zapper and Rad Racer II actually causes the console to short-circuit itself because Rad Racer II puts 5V on pin 57, CIRAM /CE, to disable the CIRAM in the NES, which the RetroN3 Version 1 stupidly wires to Ground. End result? 5V to Ground short. Version 2's NES side improved a bit with better video and this is the ONLY hardware revision to work with Castlevania III. It still has inaccurate audio, however. Version 3's NES side was a downgrade with similar video to the Version 2's NES side, still with inaccurate audio and all the compatibility gains from the Version 2 were REMOVED. Version 4's NES side MASSIVELY improved the accuracy at the expense of audio quality (major distortion) and compatibility (same as the Version 3). On the 2.4GHz Edition, we're back to the Version 3's NES side with slightly brighter video (and excessive color saturation). The Super NES side is where things stop making sense. Version 1 was almost spot-on save for the inability to play SA-1 games with a lockout chip check (missing lockout chip clone in the console), but from Version 2 on, it's just unbearable. Video is generally pretty good (except on the Version 4 where Composite looks like RF running through a broken modulator), but the audio is so loud, it becomes a distorted mess with no bass. Just pathetic. The SupaBoy is another product that had controversy surrounding it. The Version 1 has MASSIVE noise problems in the audio output, particularly with the on-board speakers, the console is bulky as hell (about as big as a Sega Nomad), the battery life is pretty poor, the screen is so-so, the audio is in DUAL MONO and the console (at least mine does) uses 3.3V RAM just like the Super Retro Trio. Total failure. And your thoughts on the RetroN5 generally sum up mine, including reliability issues. I've had some Master System games kick me back to the RetroN5's UI, my console killed a bootleg GameBoy Advance game, the D-pad failed on my controller, and I'm not sure if it's the console or the power supply, but if I nudge the power cable just a little bit on the RetroN5, the console shuts itself off. I'm also not thrilled about this thing essentially running software emulation with emulators you can just use anywhere else. In short, Hyperkin products are just a complete joke and should never be considered by anybody.

[@StopDropRetro]

Ace9921 Wow! Thanks for the detailed write-up. I encourage all of the commentors who mentioned Hyperkin products to read this. Sorry it took so long for me to respond. It took that long for me to read it :P Nah, jk! After making this video I saw a forum discussing the SR3 RAM power issue and NES MMC5 fix. In fact, I'm betting it was your words that I was reading :D Is there any way to correct the RAM power issue? Maybe thermal paste? I dunno. You're a great resource! Are you into any other clone systems or miscellaneous consoles/handhelds? If I can pick your brain, do you have any opinion on the Gamerz Tek NES clone? I was thinking about covering that if it's worth it. And thank you again for your highly detailed post! I did enjoy reading it, especially all the mis-steps and fumbled versions of Hyperkin products!

[@Ace9921]

+StopDrop&Retro Heh... I admit, that writeup is quite a lengthy read, but when you've been around clone consoles as long as I have (since 2007), you're bound to pick up a whole lot of information. I might have been the first to bring up the 3.3V RAM issue on the Super Retro Trio, but if you can link me to your Super Retro Trio readings, I'll tell you if those are my comments. Correcting the RAM issue might require more than just slapping a heatsink with thermal paste on it. I might need to grab a few test consoles with 3.3V RAM (not necessarily the Super Retro Trio, there are a number of Super Famiclones with 3.3V RAM) and run them non-stop, one with no heatsinks on the RAM, the other with. If the RAM fails on the system with no heatsinks, this will be proof adding a heatsink to the RAM will help prolong the longevity of the RAM. I honestly don't think it will do much considering the RAM is running even higher than absolute maximum voltage ratings. I have amassed a fairly large collection of clone consoles spanning a number of legal clones released since the NES' hardware patents expired in 2005 along with 3 of the old clones from the '90s running on both discrete hardware and early QFP NOACs (new ones are glop-tops) and have extensive knowledge of the chipsets used on the clones and the unique external circuitry used by different consoles. However, the GamerzTek 8-Bit Entertainment System is not part of my collection yet. Still, I found some gameplay videos which seemed to indicate above-average compatibility, reversed duty cycles (the most common fault on ANY Famiclone resulting in inaccurate sound) and rather oversaturated video. When I get one, I'll be sure to test it out in the most thorough way possible. I will leave no stone unturned. If you want to direct people to my post, maybe you should also consider directing people to my channel. I run a series of clone console comparisons where people can see exactly what they can expect from a variety of post-2005 clones. Some were never completed due to me stupidly trashing the clones (which have since been replaced) and some are missing games due to me not owning them while I did the comparisons, but I'm working on replacing those videos to be more complete and also have far higher quality.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Ace9921 I'm pretty sure it was you, it was the Sega-16 forum and the user was "Ace" You have a great channel, at first I didn't realize you did comparisons. You have a wealth of knowledge on these things. I have a proposition for you if you'd like to collaborate on a GamerzTek video. PM me if you're interested, I think I have an idea. Sorry it took so long to respond, google notifications is acting funny.

[@Ace9921]

+StopDrop&Retro Okay, now you have my full attention. I'm going to send you a PM right away.

[@maxkid9008]

Ace9921 oh damn. So this is what happens when two retro channels meet XD.

[@cullenparker9096]

I appreciate this comparison since I was skeptical about buying a Retron 5, the only problem was that I felt like there was a bias right from the start of the video

[@StopDropRetro]

+cullen parker I disagree. I would say there was a bias at the end of the video, but not the start. This video took a long time to make and the allegations against Hyperkin were not known when I started making it. There is a bias against Hyperkin, which I think they deserved but not at the beginning.

[@Deanster101]

the retro trio outputs s-video & composite. S-video gives a pretty good picture, only 2nd to RGB.

[@thephantom496]

Retro-Bit FTW! Two weeks ago I thought if I should get a RetroN 5 or a Super Retro Trio, thank God for making me choose the SR3!

[@BoshMind]

Captain Comics but you have to think of it this way: The super retro trio is all you get when you buy it. It comes as is and doesn't change. When I discovered the retro 5 firmware updates i realized how much potential it has. Of course it has it's limitations, but it is constantly developing for more compatibility and ways to play.

[@OldsXCool]

WOW! Now that is how you do a review! All the bigger channels who "test" this stuff just throw in a few games and don't even play them for more than a few minutes or even seconds. They'll even show comparison footage against real hardware and despite the clone performing poorly in picture and especially sound they will still recommend the product because they get review units from the manufacturers. I don't think you went too far with the Retro Arch story at the end because I think Hyperkin should burn just for that. Not to mention they bumped the price up twice from $99 before launch, to $140 at launch, and $160 after launch. I'm sorry that you actually bought one and had to make this review based on your own bad experiences with the Retron 5. I'm glad to see you've done something good with it. This is the review people need to be seeing.

[@StopDropRetro]

+OldsXCool Thank you! I appreciate your compliments! Also, thanks for pointing out the price hikes, I completely forgot about that part. But with so many twists and turns in this saga, it was inevitable I'd miss something. But even worse than the price hikes, those of us who preordered through Amazon were able to lock in the original price and because of that Hyperkin withheld shipments to Amazon while stocking stores with consoles. It really pissed me off at the time but I got the console about a month later anyways. I'm glad I did this review, I have more hardware reviews coming up, thanks again for your comment!

[@OldsXCool]

+StopDrop&Retro You're welcome :) I look forward to more of your hardware reviews.

[@HamtaroSonicHedgehog]

+OldsXCool I remember hearing about how the reason why the price got bumped up was due to something about the pin connectors? Though the fact that it got bumped up again is just BS.

[@javiervalles9782]

Light gun games work on CRT's because CRT's refresh line by line. Flat screens refresh progressively, as in everything appears at the same time. The gun detects what part of what line is being drawn and the console tells whether or not that "pixel" is a hit or a miss at that time. It's not because the refresh is slower or faster.

[@danielkelly2252]

great video you helped me make a final descision on which to get

[@StopDropRetro]

+Daniel Kelly You're welcome! I'm glad I could help!

[@guitarboyjeff]

He is the reason why I bought the trio. My only complaint was the dust covers. They are flimsy and I felt I was going to break them when I wanted to clean the pin connectors but overall I love this thing!!!

[@widdowson91]

I bought Hyperkin's SupaBoy, their portable SNES console, and my experience with that system means I will never buy another Hyperkin system ever again. I played it for about 5 minutes, then it crashed (wiping clean my Super Mario RPG save file) and wouldn't turn back on and wouldn't charge either. Terrible experience, so I'll never pick up a Retron 5.

[@StopDropRetro]

+widdowson91 Your horror story is similar to others that people tell in the comments. I don't trust Hyperkin, I think they've achieved a lot of success without much effort and definitely while paying no respect to the retro community and their customers. I'll try to spread the word about their practices as much as I can. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@pfergee]

I'm a newbie to your channel and I'm already hooked. I appreciate your technical expertise as well as your hosting style. Your video editing, even in your early videos, is also refreshingly subdued. Keep it up, sir.

[@Protoman85]

Doesn't Retron5 having GB/GBC/GBA ports outweigh it not playing Super Gameboy?

[@omo7002]

Johan Öberg the only problem is that the super gameboy gave original gameboy games color unlike the retron 5 but I think it's even

[@stedmangg]

+Omar Mohammed there's options that allow you to use super gameboy palettes and borders

[@SuperHoraceWimp]

owned a retron 5 for a day...the lag was unplayable on my lcd tv, so, i plugged it into my 144hz monitor, STILL LAG! And it rips the pins out of the carts! So, back to my authentic consoles on my 21inch sony trinitron that makes all my old games look biblical.

[@joanagrossa1719]

yeah think if you wanna buy a retro- console I say get a retro duo or super retro trio. way better then the retron 5. the retron 5 uses emulation while' retro duo or super retro trio uses hardware that would be in a nes/ supernes. no scan lines no filters .don,t seem right for 8-bit and 16 -bit titles. seems very unnatural. I like to play em in their natural glory. without all that added nonsense.

[@iWinRar]

Member? The lag is likely from it being an emulator machine more so than anything else.

[@handsomedubbledee]

i have to say this is one of the most honest reviews i ever seen. no it was the most honest review i ever seen. period. you have stated your case with accuracy. i knew retron 5 wasn't no good. i always hesitated on getting one and now i know why. thank you for your review

[@StopDropRetro]

+Dickens Dumont Thank you! I tried to make sure my statements were well backed up. I'm very glad that my video has been informative to many people out there who don't know a lot about the company ethos behind Hyperkin. I've got more hardware reviews on the way!

[@Corsair807]

Not sure if this has already been mentioned (probably has, but I couldn't find it), but that region switch was meant for Genesis/Mega Drive games only. The SNES & NES/Famicom didn't have region-locking at the hardware level like the Genesis/Mega Drive did, thus a region switch is a necessity to play games that were locked for specific regions. The SRT's region switch does nothing for SNES & NES/Famicom games. Those used physical region locks (such as different cartridge shapes or different pin connectors) instead.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Corsair807 Thanks! For a while I was wondering why I could play my PAL version of F-Zero with that switch in any position.

[@ElectroBlazer1626]

The reason why I am not upgrading from RETRON III to RETRON V. The RETRON III Uses stuff using the original consoles as the RETRON V uses emulation technology, thus making it a little harder to use. Plus, I also like my pixels.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Experiment 1-626 "Tadus" I love the look of CRT pixels, just like mom used to make.

[@lennieprintz2144]

Thanks man. I bought my Retro 3 for a few days ago and i love it.

[@FernandoMaldonado]

Where did you get yours? I checked Amazon but the price was extremely high.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Fernando Maldonado I checked recently and yes, the prices have gone up! I'm worried they may have gone out of production. Maybe check a local retro shop.

[@Fear2Stop]

How does the Retro Trio work with HD TVs? I don't have a CRT tv.

[@StopDropRetro]

It depends more on your HDTV so it's not the same across the board making comparisons useless. But on my TV, which is a cheap LG 42", it works pretty well but it does have that little bit of blurriness to it so I still prefer the CRT.

[@WhiteJarrah]

7:48 You've got the "Patch Expects Header" option toggled to Off. Try turning it on. Some translation patches expect there to be a big block of code called a header. If you have the header ticked to off, the patch will be incorrectly applied. I got the Cyber Gagdet Retro Freak yesterday - the Retron5's competitor - I popped in the Ranma RPG and at first I couldn't get the ips translation to play. But after activating "Patch expects header" to on, it worked without issue. Most ips patches will come with a Read Me text file telling you whether or not the patch needs a header.

[@RyanAvx]

Thanks for this - I was literally just about to buy a Retron 5, but going to hunt for a Retrode2 now and just play my carts through a PC emulator.

[@StopDropRetro]

No problem, you're welcome! Glad I could help! You'll have a lot more fun this way, have more compatibility and more options than you would ever get with the Retron 5

[@Yipper64]

12:05 i *did* but more recent versions of the console do not. Ive tried it, it doesnt work.

[@number1nick123]

Thanks for pointing this out man. I had it ordered on Amazon but was quick to cancel it thanks to your video.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Nick Munford (number1nick123) You're welcome! I'm glad I could help!

[@LocoFan09]

Dude, thanks for recommending Super Retro Trio instead of Retron 5. At first I was thinking of getting a used SNES and I already knew that getting a Retron 5 would be a bad idea. But when I watched your comparison of Retron 5 to Super Retro Trio, I decided to get the latter one.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Samu Solala (LocoFan09) You're welcome! As much as I like original hardware, I have to say the SR3 is a great value that does almost everything you want it to. Especially for 16 bit emulation, it's on par with both original systems so I can't really justify buying them instead when a cheaper option is out there.

[@LocoFan09]

By the way, have you tested the delay/lag thing with HDTV's "Game Mode"? That MAY explain why that one game was impossible to play with HDTV and especially with Retron 5.

[@FernandoMaldonado]

+Samu Solala (LocoFan09) noob question, what does game mode do on a hdtv? Is that only for retro console? Does it effect current gen consoles like ps4 and bone? Better question, does it effect Wii U emulation?

[@LocoFan09]

+Fernando Maldonado Yes, it does affect current gen consoles, since they also have that lag.

[@vgchronicles]

Are you going to destroy your RetroN 5?

[@reagandow850]

Hey man, love your videos, respect the Hell out of the research you do and your opinions are spot on! You and I are long lost relatives I’m sure of it!! I just recently discovered your channel and can’t wait for some new content as I’ve gone through just about all your videos. The stuff on Kickstarter type projects are hilarious and well researched. Anyhow, I just ordered a retro 3. Thanks for the review. Can’t wait to get it!!!

[@jmyers1385]

First off, great review! I don't know how relevant some of the points on the R5 are still since they've had some time to do a few major firmware updates in the time since this video was posted, but I don't have one still, and until I can confirm that the firmware updates have addressed some of the major flaws, it's not something I'm looking to get. I did get the Trio 18 months ago because the Duo wasn't bad and some of the issues with the R5 with high cost, input lag, accessory compatibility, and random game crashes sounded unacceptable after owning original hardware and/or other clones without those issues. However, I had three big issues that made me resent picking up the trio. First, the pins in the NES slot are NOT well manufactured or quality material. They squeeze the cart so hard, they got bent way out of shape almost immediately after using the system, there was noticeable malfunction after only a few weeks (wasn't the games, they worked fine on my toaster), at around 6 months I actually had pins break from normal usage and it won't play anything anymore. Luckily it did not damage any of my NES games. The second complaint, the Trio has OBNOXIOUS vertical scan lines (jail bars) on Genesis games, and the sound isn't right for any Genesis games I own (roughly 75 games that cover a good spread of titles). My last complaint is that after over 18 months of ownership, the trio still smells like a cheap glue factory, it reeks, it transfers the smell to the games you put in it, and I usually end up boxing it back up after a few hours because the smell starts to give me headaches (yikes!). The only part of the Trio that operates flawlessly after about a year and a half of owning it, is the SNES slot. SNES games sound right, they look comparable to original hardware, and cartridge compatibility is 100% with everything I own (about 175 games SNES, SFC, and a few reproduction carts). If you have a SNES multi-tap, it is also compatible with the Trio. Tested it on Secret of Mana, a Seiken Densetsu 3 repro cart, Saturday Night Slam Masters, and Bomberman 1 & 3, and a random horse racing game on SFC called Battle Jockey, everything worked with 3 or 4 people, 5 people for Bomberman 3. If you have to choose between R5, and Trio, save your money. My trio is 1/3rd busted, 1/3rd crap hardware emulation, 1/3rd overpriced SNES/SFC replacement. I ended up boxing this reeking glue factory up, and just using my original consoles.

[@saoirse147]

J Myers I had a weird smell to but I chucked out the box and the smell stopped

[@theonlydiego1]

I was engaged the whole way through, then that twist at the end was the cherry on top. WOW

[@pferreira1983]

Hey guys my Retron controller stopped responding and now all four LED keep flashing. Any way to fix this?

[@StopDropRetro]

+P Ferreira let's make a list of things that do work well on the Retron 5. It'll be a short list.

[@pferreira1983]

StopDrop&Retro I facebooked Retron 5 and thankfully someone gave me the solution to fix this so that's ok. However, their solution to this issue is not on a support page so anyone that has this problem always needs to message them. And if you haven't noticed Hyperkin don't answer messages much.

[@StopDropRetro]

+P Ferreira Wow a response! That's impressive, maybe they're learning from their mistakes.

[@pferreira1983]

StopDrop&Retro I wouldn't count on it. There's still complaints from people who've tried the latest update that some games still aren't compatible.

[@wildbilltexas]

Thanks for the review. I have a Yobo FC Twin I bought about 6 years ago and while it's worked all right, I have thought about getting another console for Genesis games.

[@StopDropRetro]

+wildbilltexas No problemo! Yeah, clone consoles have come a long way since Yobo, the SR3 is worth a look. And by the way, awesome profile pic!!!

[@wildbilltexas]

Just a quick update, I bought the Retro Trio HD Plus a few months ago and it's worked fine on all my games except for a NES Game Genie.

[@guitarboyjeff]

I always keep coming back to this video!! I still have mine but I don’t use it anymore as I have the Gamerz Tek HD consoles now!!!

[@DijaVlogsGames]

I don't Know why People want Composite so badly. It sucks. These clone consoles need a scart and S-video output instead.

[@StopDropRetro]

Rising Sun Preach! Check out this video if you haven't seen it yet. The Creative Director/Producer at Westwood explains how the "8-bit look" is a modern misimpression of what these games were designed to look like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXqvlqylZs6pZqMm16s

[@alexojideagu]

I dont think Americans had scart

[@DijaVlogsGames]

alex ojideagu But S-Video. Not as good as scart but still better than Composite.

[@GeoExpansionify]

+Rising Sun the one problem that I did have with them is that the connectors were too tight and because they were every time I removed my game pins started to come out. I called them up, shipped out my unit for a newer version for loosen connectors and I just get crap again the connectors are too tight again and they took my original box away. It really pisses me off, but I will bitch and complain to them every day since I want satisfaction for what I bought. Was I a fool before I bought it? Maybe, but it is the only system I know that can allow me to play my famicom and super famicom games with English translation patches.

[@slade307]

+Rising Sun FYI - Newer TVs don't have S-video connectors. I have a Sony and Vizio HDTV that are both less than 3 years old, and neither have S-video input.

[@meeptroid5634]

Oh my god thank you so much for actually mentioning Uncharted Waters! I've been aware that it's an MMC5 chip game, but everyone always leaves it out of even being mentioned, and always use Castlevania 3. While you did use Castlevania 3, you also mentioned Uncharted Waters and even said it was a game that mattered! I have seriously never had anyone say that in a review like this.

[@StopDropRetro]

Thanks! And yeah, I'm a fan of Uncharted Waters. More RPGs should be like that with an open ended style of gameplay with some Oregon Trail inventory management thrown in. It's sad to see the game be forgotten these days.

[@meeptroid5634]

StopDrop&Retro It honestly is quite sad to never see them anymore, but at least Uncharted Waters actually got an MMO that got released around here. I'd suggest checking it out to be honest, its free, and its really well done.

[@Eddies_Bra-att-ha-grejer]

Why was it that hard to make a clone that works with SFX-games? The chip is inside the cartridge, not the console.

[@StopDropRetro]

Because "clone" hardware are not really clones. A lot of the chips used in the SNES were proprietary Nintendo chips. A clone system tries to recreate it with a different set of chips, or sometimes all contained in one chip. So it's all jerry rigged together and it had to improve over time. But after the Retro Duo came out, all of them pretty much could do SFX. So in short- clones can't get the original hardware so they have to find other ways and it's not perfect because of it.

[@Eddies_Bra-att-ha-grejer]

Yeah, but the SFX-chips are in the cartridge, can't the clone just let the SFX-chip do what it's supposed to do?

[@StopDropRetro]

Eddie exactly, but again, the clones are not exact clones and so they weren't communicating with FX chips. They get better but some still have problems. If you check out my GamerzTek SNES clone review, it won't work with Japanese Kirby 3 which uses a special chip, but the SR3 doesn't have a problem with it. This is also why Genesis emulation never had a lot of issues like SNES, because their carts don't have special hardware in them aside from stuff like Virtua Racing.

[@Eddies_Bra-att-ha-grejer]

Virtua Racing was the reason the 32x was made, so that you only had to buy that chip once instead of having one in every cart that uses is.

[@MJKToys]

The HDMI hookup on the Retron 5 is worth it. 65 inches of HD Castelvania is amazing! Good review!

[@StopDropRetro]

+Quality Toy Review! Thanks! I'm not going to lie, the HDMI signal looks great on an HD tv! But I still can't recommend the Retron 5, I'll wait for the RetroUSB AVS, I think that little clone console is really going to change the game!

[@MJKToys]

+StopDrop&Retro I've been looking at the Retro Freak

[@SSBSfanboy]

Is there a super retro trio-like console for ps1/2, n64/gcn and saturn/dreamcast?

[@StopDropRetro]

+SSBSfanboy I wish! The closest think to that would probably be a high end Android set top box. There was a device like that on Kickstarter recently called the IndieGO but personally I wasn't too convinced they could deliver.

[@SSBSfanboy]

+StopDrop&Retro I would kill for a ps1 gamecube hybrid.

[@guitarboyjeff]

Dude!! Stop making me come back to this video!!! I love this video dude!!! I don’t use my Super Retro Trio anymore as I have the the Gamerz Tek HD consoles!!!!

[@EDFCentral]

"You can buy them with beer" was absolutely hilarious!

[@StopDropRetro]

+MegaNova1979 haha I actually said "You can buy them a beer" in other words, those consoles are over 21 years old. It's scary to think that these things still work after so long. Especially for Atari era stuff.

[@EDFCentral]

Haha I was thinking you were saying these classics are so cheap now you can buy them with beer lol.

[@williamkelton8698]

Great review and nice take down on the Hyperkin product. I totally agree with you and see that you took out the time to do some detective work on the Retron 5. The Retro Trio is a complete TRUE product. Where when I see the Retron 5, it's like that game system is either for kids or for people who where never gamers.

[@StopDropRetro]

+1L0ki Ventrue Exactly, I can see the market they were aiming for is those who say they like retro games instead of those who actually play them.

[@PickyOldGamer]

Thank you, this was what I was thinking I think I need the retro trio for Christmas to solve my nes wavy lines, my snes mode 7 chip being dead, and then get a genesis in the house. Great video.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Picky Old Gamer You're welcome! I can't recommend the SR3 enough, it's a lot of value with very few trade offs. Especially when I handle other clone hardware I really start to appreciate its build quality.

[@PickyOldGamer]

I added it to my xmas list, it will save space and give me just one place for nes, snes and gen. Now if they will do n64 with it it would be awesome.

[@adintijerina7596]

im mad i took this review and bought a retro trio but guess what after 3 months the pins of the nes pulled out and now i cant use the nes slot

[@StopDropRetro]

I'm sorry about that. I still use my SR3 and it hasn't failed me yet, only one controller has worn out. Have you tried to reach their customer support? I hear it went back in production, maybe they'll send you a warranty replacement? It can't hurt to try

[@josevelajr]

I'm probably getting a Retro Trio at some point when I find room for a CRT in my apartment. I didn't have many issues with the Retron 5, except for the grip on carts. As far as 4 player support, you can map the controllers that go into the genesis ports to work on SNES games and vice versa so you don't need to plug in a multi-tap which you can't either way because the ports are so far away from each other.

[@stockicide]

I wasn't expecting the review to turn into one of your exposés of terrible companies like the Coleco Chameleon debacle, but I was super glad when it did. Had me at the edge of my seat.

[@paulo.tefili]

This video was quite clarifying. Thank you!

[@StopDropRetro]

+Paulo Douglas Tefili Filho No problem! I hope it helped!

[@MegaMoto85]

Damn you need more subscribers man, this video is stellar.

[@StopDropRetro]

+MegaMoto85 Thank you for that compliment! I've got some more hardware reviews to make in the future. I'll see you around!

[@Saphykitten]

I really love the micro switch buttons.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Richard Thomas I've noticed the buttons on the New 3DS are similar. Very light and clicky. I personally hate it and especially for retrogaming you can feel the difference.

[@ccateni28]

Could you use an adaptor for the nes to use famicom games.

[@StopDropRetro]

+ccateni WAN Yes, adapters do work, I tested this just recently and had no issues there either.

[@ccateni28]

Ok

[@SaraMarie41]

there's a power base mini... it could work on that

[@StopDropRetro]

+SaraMarie41 I totally forgot about that, they mini is hard to come by here, but yeah, I bet it could work!

[@Dingohnter]

Quality video! Very thorough and informative

[@StopDropRetro]

+Dingohnter Thank you! That's what I was trying to do and I'm happy to hear people walk away with that opinion!

[@TVsBen]

I just got my SRT from Amazon. Pretty surprised to pull out the plastic tray to find the controllers have SNES connectors. Also it came with a pretty phat manual. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but I will soon.

[@ccateni28]

will everdrives/homebrews work on the retron5 and super retro trio?

[@StopDropRetro]

+ccateni WAN My Genesis Everdrive works on the SR3 but not on the Retron 5. To my knowledge, Everdrive carts do not work on the Retron 5. They designed it not to in order to not encourage piracy, which is pretty ironic when you think about it.

[@ccateni28]

yeah true

[@MrDmoney156]

Great overview!! :-D very happy to come across your video! and it clearly helped me out on which one to get! so Thanks for pointing out to the right direction for me and others :-) Btw, Castlevania 3 Dracula's Curse actually does in fact work perfectly through a Everdrive ;-)

[@StopDropRetro]

+MrDmoney156 Awesome! I'm glad I could help! Oh wow, I didn't know it would work on an everdrive. I also hear that if you add a resistor or some mod that you have to solder onto the board, it will then play the MMC5 games like Castlevania. Stay tuned because I have another clone console review coming up and this one might play Castlevania 3... we'll have to see!

[@MrDmoney156]

+StopDrop&Retro No problem! :-) and is this next clone your gonna review do the same thing as the Super Retro Trio but better and was recently released this year?

[@StopDropRetro]

+MrDmoney156 Not exactly, it only clones NES, but I'm currently testing out my collection and I'm getting some very interesting results!

[@MrDmoney156]

+StopDrop&Retro oh i was wondering if it did SNES as well but it's cool to see what the next one could do :-) there's some pretty nice Japanese only clones out there as well though I'm unsure how those perform.

[@StopDropRetro]

+MrDmoney156 I heard about that, I think it's called the Retro Freak. I think deliveries have started but I hear the quality and reviews are mixed. Also it appears that it's in Japanese only. The device I have in mind is not a Retro Freak, it's much cheaper though!

[@jakublulek3261]

As somebody, whose work was STOLEN by Hyperkin, I am mad not because they used my work and made money from it, I am furious that they never asked for my permission and implemented my years of hard work in my free time so badly that it tarnished reputation of the emulator itself.

[@thatguyontheright1]

Another thing with the retron 5. The Power adapter failed on my R5 and it took the system out with it because Hyperkin did not put any kind of surge protection on the console itself. I went to turn the console on one day, dim lights across the system then it started to spark and smoke. Poor design.

[@StopDropRetro]

oh shit, wow

[@mjbreese]

Bought a Retron 5 a week ago due to a sale too good to pass up. To each their own, but for me it's amazing. Its the perfect mix of old school gaming, without having to have to mess with the whole CRT tv thing. I just don't have the room right now for that set up. A few things, the controller it comes with is garbage, after the update, it now works with the 8bitdo SFC30 though which is a must buy. As far as lag goes, I don't know if they fixed it, but personally I did not notice any of it. Just beat Sonic the hedgehog 1 and not a single instance where I noticed any lag that had any impact on the gameplay, with that being said, the tv I own is insanely fast when it comes to input lag. Not sure, but perhaps it was remedied in an update. On the condition that it doesn't break, I personally give it a huge thumbs up. Fingers crossed as I hear these things are equally as reliable as the original xbox 360's

[@RobertNES816]

I can attest to the reliability issues with the Retron 5. The cartridge ports are too tight and the system does freeze allot. I know people who have them and they aren't too happy with them. The retro trio seems like it could be an interesting system to bring along on trips. I'd probably get the GBA adapter to since I do have a decent amount of GBA games.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Robert NES816 Others share your same experience. I'm sure the reliability issues are a lot more prevalent than their supporters like to admit. I've been tempted to get the GBA adapter because I've found some really good games for the system. Star Wars III is amazing on GBA! It's like a Capcom beat-em-up.

[@RobertNES816]

+StopDrop&Retro Looks like I'll be on the look out for Star Wars 3 then lol. Have you tried Final Fight One for GBA? Its much better the Final Fight and Final Fight Guy for the SNES. Just better Gameplay. It almost as good as Final Fight on the Sega CD.

[@RobertNES816]

+StopDrop&Retro But in regards to the Retron 5 yeah its a pile. The system was really pushed by Hyperkin when it was released. So I don't believe that 90% of the reviews for it are honest. The system looks nice. But it's just built with such flimsy materials. The plastic quality is that typical thin Chinese junk. Just too many corners were cut on the Retron 5. I'm one of those people that uses the original consoles to play my Games. I'm willing to wait for a nice SNES, NES, or Genesis to come along so I can buy it cheap, clean it up and use it. I'll keep doing that until these third party companies start producing quality products.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Robert NES816 Wait for better stuff to come out. The Retron 5 may be the first in some ways, but it won't be the last. Keep an eye on a guy named Kevtris, who plans to make a cycle-accurate clone console and already has a running prototype. He's thinking of Kickstarting it. And yeah, I like Final Fight, it's such a mindlessly fun game especially with a friend. I'll look for that GBA game!

[@bobbyman9642]

I can detest them. I got mine used on eBay for 80 bucks free shipping and so far it works with almost all of my games without anything bad happening. I’ve owned it for 6 months.

[@themattfactor83]

just picked up a super retro trio and tried playing the unlicensed copy of Gauntlet from Tengen and it plays, however, the maps are glitched and laid out wrong. walls and items are in the wrong places. I can walk through certain walls but not through certain open areas, my character wont pickup items when they walk over them. Makes the game unplayable. I read on a forum that was posted about 2 years ago, a guy had the exact same issue as me but with the licensed grey cart. Not sure what MMC chip it uses but just found it weird that it displayed like that. Anyone else come across that issue?

[@raddlestarwyvern9137]

This is a EXTREMELY good review very informative and my decision is now clear you have saved ma a lot of money and especially grief thank you dude! Retro trio Wins!

[@psistis80]

Where can i find that 8 bit music during this video at the begining?

[@StopDropRetro]

freepd.com/Electronic/Bit%20Bit%20Loop It's public domain so you can use it in your projects as well!

[@psistis80]

thnx

[@OurTalisman]

I'll say this...I kinda like that laundry detergent look. While I prefer the Gunmetal/amber look, the Black/red looks great when you get it out of the box.

[@dad7275]

I have a Retron 5 but am considering getting the Retro Trio.

[@MrBdobb]

He didn't mention that the Retro Trio can also output in S-Video which offers a more clear picture then composite.

[@StopDropRetro]

yeah, I didn't have an easy way to capture it and my Samsung GX doesn't support S-video (which is really annoying) but that is a good point.

[@pungisotu]

S-Video is only for SNES and Genesis though, and the latter suffers from jailbars, so it's kind of useless.

[@MaximumRD]

I love my Super Retro Trio and I do not have a lot of original carts but I DO have Everdrive carts for Genesis / NES / Snes which work on the SRT, by design Everdrives do not and cannot work on the Retron5 and no update can change that as it is down to how the Retron5 works.

[@StopDropRetro]

+MaximumRD That is a big problem with the R5. It's kinda funny how they tried to take a big stance against Everdrive while stealing their own emulators. However, you can run roms off the Retron 5. I've never done it so all I can tell you is- ask Google.

[@MaximumRD]

+StopDrop&Retro Oh I know all about running the ROMS, I keep up with everything but at least from what I have seen it involves IPS patching, not the most straight forward and the only people I have seen so far demonstrating in videos don't seem to release or share anything, they seem to like showing off they can do it but with a "Look what I can do and you can't"" attitude lol. Anyway even if it was straight forward I don't have a Retron5 so for me it is neither here nor there.

[@thevigilantsatanicbowser8249]

MaximumRD oh so it's not a just incert sdcard and go kind of thing. That sucks.

[@leoalex50]

The retron 5 does not work with muitiports

[@MattGZilla98]

Is the button delay still a problem after the updates

[@guitarboyjeff]

Tokusatsu Corp. I don’t think anyone really cares but I think that if your tv has a game mode, that may fix the lag somewhat. I have HD clones from Gamerz Tek and the instructions state to switch your mode to game which does eliminate the lag but I don’t know about the Retron and will never know because will never buy Retron nor any Hyperkin shit. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mcdowell916]

I bought the Trio thanks to this review. When we opened the box my son was very impressed it came with two controllers. Sad that you spend so much money for some consoles now of days and then have to shell out more money for a second controller.

[@StopDropRetro]

+mcdowell916 Awesome! I'm glad I was able to help! The second controller has been extinct for quite a while. I'm glad the SR3 has a second one, I usually have that one connected to the Atari :P

[@PhysicalMedia3]

8:31: I think if you import a model 2 power base converter from Europe, with the way it's designed, I think that might solve the issue on the super retro trio, though you still can't use card games, or any 3D games, as the 3D used the card slot, and they don't work on HD TVs anyway.

[@Tyler-Kearney]

the power base mini converter works on the Super Retro Trio

[@crystallineentity7698]

I mean if the retron 5 is basically just a fancy emulator wouldn't it just be better to buy an old micro pc and put lakka or something on it?

[@StopDropRetro]

exactly. No point in buying it. The SR3 at least tries to mimic the simplicity of original hardware

[@KrisKomar]

The problem with not using a filter on the retron 5 is that it's "too perfect". As you said, the CRT makes the image look as it was intended. It's naturally blurring pixels together. That's why I set the Retron to hq2x. It's enough of a "blur" to make it look like the original. If you look at it with no filter, it's total ass because you see all the original pixels, which was never intended, never seen originally, and probably something the developers never saw.

[@ThePrelude1999]

can anyone tell me why the retro trio is selling for $1.299 something for? that's way too much.

[@StopDropRetro]

+randy Buell haha, yeah don't buy that. It seems the SR3 console has gone out of production since this video was made. I hope they make another one since they did so well with this one. But I'd say keep an eye on ebay and should be able to get a good one at a good price. I was watching this near mint example recently and it sold for $72 www.ebay.com/itm/141967586163?ssPageName=STRK:MEDWX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1435.l2648

[@ThePrelude1999]

+StopDrop&Retro Thanks man butt yea that's way too high for one of them I would buy the real thing before I pay that much for one have you ever hear of the retro freak? I been hearing good that's about it

[@Fear2Stop]

Amazon has it for just under $6o

[@ccateni28]

Could you play super famicom games on the super retro trio.

[@StopDropRetro]

+ccateni WAN Yes, you can. The Super Metroid game I showed is actually not the North American release, it is the Japanese version. I haven't had any problems with SFC games so far.

[@ccateni28]

Ok

[@usher67]

How does retro trio look with s video on hd tv?

[@StopDropRetro]

+usher67 Sorry, my HDTV doesn't support S-video so I couldn't check :(

[@RedFlameFox]

Guru Guru is based on an old school anime, I suppose it wasn't very popular outside Japan, then they never felt an english translation was something needed. Such a shame really, I loved that show as a kid.

[@Gazooo29]

Have you seen any retro system that run PS1/PS2 Games or even N64 games,I have two garage PS2 systems Slim/original sitting here that just freeze from 18 years ago. Really want to start playing again but don't understand hooking everything up via HDMI boxes that are available. So a retro system is perfect.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Gazooo29 I haven't heard of PS2 but there was a Kickstarter for a system called the IndieGO that claims they'll be able to play PS1 discs. There's also a device called the Retrode 2 that has an adapter that accepts N64 carts, so there are some alternatives out there. Hope that helps!

[@qmto]

I will say I have a Retron 5 from 2017 and it has never crashed a single time, ever. But I did notice the lag, and it was worse on my HDTV than a PC monitor. Playing on a screen designed for gaming helps.

[@michaelbernhardt389]

I wish I seen your video before I bought the Retron 5 I noticed the lag right away with the games

[@StopDropRetro]

+Michael Bernhardt It really makes some of these games unplayable. I tried to speedrun SMB and gave up after the 2nd level

[@steelpulsing]

I really need to know what the title of the 8bit song is, it's dope!

[@StopDropRetro]

+DrunkenMunki I like it too! It's called Bit Bit Loop and it's public domain so you can download it for free to enjoy or use here: freepd.com/Electronic/Bit%20Bit%20Loop

[@steelpulsing]

Thanks so much, just DL'ed it on my phone! 8bit dancehall! Great find. Also, thanks for the informative video, it really helped with decision making. Cheers!

[@NateWolfKira]

I can't speak to the lag issue mentioned in this video (I haven't noticed any problems myself). But nearly all the complaints mentioned in this video has been corrected in the Retron 5. I didn't have any issues with mine except somehow the NES cartridge port got messed up and will no longer read carts, but everything else works fine and NES games played fine before the port got damaged. The new 3-in-1 adapter is also pretty neat. If you want to be sure whether or not to get a Retron 5, look for updated reviews based off the most recent firmware update.

[@CalderTF2]

my flatscreen tv has av and hdmi output so what does that mean considering i have a retro duo and waiting for my games to come in so i haven't played it yet.

[@axelleijonhufvud8117]

the trio is good but i have a problem with the nes the picture is not iptimized on my tv :(

[@rj5485]

Dude is Rad! Nice work, man!!

[@StopDropRetro]

no prob! Thanks for watching!

[@richyroa]

Does anyone know the name of the song during the controversial section? (where the tension rises, not the loop during the whole video)

[@Cuzjudd]

You are one funny man. Well done. This video was very entertaining for me.

[@StopDropRetro]

Thanks! I've got more comin'

[@toyoman1652]

Boy that music choice is good

[@lamuertte]

great review, thank you for saving me $$$

[@Tenzima]

Nice review man, subbed.

[@redknight801]

I don't know if firmware updates fixed the problems you listed or what..but I have not experienced even one instance of a game ever crashing on me and I have a ton of games between NES, SNES and Genesis and been using my Retron 5 for a while and often for several hours at a time with friends. I have only have had lag a couple of times and they always seemed to happen at the same part of certain levels so not sure what the cause of it is, but it is very rare none the less. You are definitely right on the controller though, fuck I hate that thing. I bought two Cirka SNES controllers and one Genesis controller and were all cheap so I am set on controllers and really don't use the monstrosity controller that comes with it.

[@redknight801]

***** Yeah, they are really awesome!

[@stevencolon1723]

redknight801 I agree. I've never had a game crash on me. The only game that wouldn't work was Killer Instinct on SNES, but I've always had problems with that specific cartridge even on original hardware. Putting my tv on Game Mode and getting a better controller solved the lag problem, at least for me.

[@MarvelousSeven]

Goonies one is a famicom game I own and have to have a converter to play on my retron 2. It works. lol

[@TimBitten]

Thank you SO MUCH for this review! I'm picking up a Super Retro Trio stat!

[@StopDropRetro]

No problem, I'm glad I could help! I think you're going to be surprised with the SR3

[@bmartin9396]

I know you said it this video the trio doesn't have saved game slots but does the cartridges aloe you to save game data? Sorry I'm to young to now about nes and snes I just bought about 40 nes. And snes games from a yard sale

[@bmartin9396]

Didn't know if not having a save game slot with these types of games really matter thanks.

[@StopDropRetro]

+Bmartin93 Yes, it will behave just like a regular NES or SNES, if a game supports save slots it will allow you to save. Since you're new, here's a tip- not all NES games have save slots, if they do it's powered by a battery in the cartridge. Look on the back of the cartridge and if the sticker is gold then that means it supports save slots. If the save slots don't work, then the internal battery is dead. It can be replaced but takes a little bit of work. If it doesn't support saves then it probably uses passwords, thankfully a cell phone with a camera makes that part a lot less painless these days! There's no way to tell with SNES games though. Good luck! Find some good games!

[@dolcemoore698]

You might want to try the Retron 5 on a proper computer monitor. It should take care of the delay and possibly fix the lightgun issue too since monitors have a higher refresh rate. Also I don't understand how the Retron 5's controller is bad if it is anything like the NeoGeo Pocket's d-pad. I wish more controllers had a microswitches, I absolutely love microswitches.

[@StopDropRetro]

I have a NeoGeo Pocket and the two are similar in that they're clicky micro switches but the similarities end there. NGP's is more like a joystick and R5's is more like a trackball if that makes any sense.

[@danielvelker619]

So I am thinking about getting a Retro gaming console and I'm trying to decide between the Super Retro Trio and The Retron 3. I am excluding the Retron 5 because I've heard about all the problems it has. As far as the look of the consoles goes I think the SRT looks better as do the controllers. As for the Retron 3 it looks Ok but I am not crazy about the look of it's controller. However I've heard you can attach old classic controllers to both consoles so that would fix that problem. So aside from the look of the consoles I was hoping someone could tell me the pros and cons of each console. So far for the SRT I've heard it doesn't play Castlevania 3 and it doesn't have save states like on an emulator. I've also heard it doesn't have HD output and I have a flat screen TV. But my TV has the RCA inputs which come with the console so I can still play it on any TV right? Other then that it would help my decision to get some input on these consoles. Pros and Cons for each if anyone can please. Show less

[@StopDropRetro]

Yeah, don't get the Retron 3. I'm not kidding you, it's not even worth doing a pros/cons, I'll just list the cons. -it's extremely outdated, it must be at least 5 or 6 years old by now which is very old so you'll probably have some compatability problems other clones (even Hyperkin's other products) don't have. -the controllers are infared units that suck hard -I've heard numerous complaints about build quality So yeah, I say avoid. I can vouch for the SR3, it's been good to me to this day.

[@mrsone2000]

Wow, you are good at Sub-Terrania. I never liked that game much at the time, but I admit I do miss it now.

[@StopDropRetro]

It's one of my favs on the Genesis. Hard as hell but once you figure out how to beat it you can finish the game in one sitting. Also, your cat looks EXACTLY like mine. Sleeps the same way too.

[@mrsone2000]

Awwwwwww

[@Adeel12ali]

Which one of these consoles can play after market cartridges like 218 in 1 etc

[@gatwick127]

if i buy an everdrive will castlevania 3 run on supre retro trio?

[@AdamRWilkins]

very well put together and thoughtful video!

[@StopDropRetro]

Thank you! I've got more on the way!

[@BokuraStyle]

is super retro trio worth if I already have a NES and SNES with SGB? I don't have a genesis

[@StopDropRetro]

Alan Cavazos Eh, unless you want to play Genesis games then I'd say no. If you're happy with just the NES/SNES/SGB then just stick with original hardware. There are other things I like, such as how it's all contained in one system, the controllers, the look, but I don't think any of those reasons trump original hardware if you're happy with that.

[@MrJ0mmy]

great review very professional

[@StopDropRetro]

MrJ0mmy Thanks! Sorry about the rant at the end, but I had to get it off my chest. My blood boils every time I think about Hyperkin stealing emulators and trying to get away with it.

[@Frenomnom]

Thank you for this review. I found the answers I had in this video. I think that if the Retro Trio 3 had made the slots a little further away so the master system addon(probably the biggest question that I had) would fit and a hdmi(along with the composite), it would be the master console of them all :) again, thank you :)