The Hyperkin Retron 5 - Review - Game Sack

[@pandationtv2326]

"But if you want to play SunSoft games, you can just go to hell." I love how random this was!!!

[@tubularLeah]

The camera angles and shots are really well done in this episode. Really, I'm always impressed with the production quality of Game Sack episodes!

[@neilyringworm]

Yea he edits very well

[@DavidLatchamGames]

Dear GameSack , You guys rock. I have seen all your videos and get really excited when you upload a new one. Theres nothing better than watching two people who you can see are so passionate about there intrests!

[@tetrisdave]

Glad you like it and Thank You!

[@smuckola]

David White Dave, I make sure to watch ALL the KZbin ads -- before AND after!!! Just 4 u.

[@DemomanX614]

"So of you want to play panorama cotton you can go straight to hell" I love this show so much. I look forward every other week for a new episode. I have told all my gaming friends about you guys.

[@tuffasgong]

Not to mention people have looked at the code of the retron and found open source emulation software used in it without permission.

[@Jesse__H]

...do you need permission to use open source software? I thought that was the whole point of open source.

[@DashRetro]

@@Jesse__H Right, what was found was *non-*open-source emulation software. Namely SNES9x if I recall correctly.

[@sugaryhull9688]

The Sega Mega Drive / Genesis emulator that was stolen (Genesis-Plus-GX) is licensed with a non-commercial license, meaning that the only way it could be legally included in the Retron 5 is if the original creator agrees to relicense it

[@sugaryhull9688]

@@DashRetro SNES9x is licensed under a custom license that also has a non-commercial clause

[@jamesmaxwell4447]

Best review of this thing to date. Joe and Dave have such a in depth knowledge of the technology involved in their preferred consoles so they know how to really test these kinds of emu consoles and find all those annoying bugs.

[@SegaFanatic5188]

I honestly lost it at the "So if you wanna play Panorama Cotton you can just go straight to hell."

[@brpadington]

The Retron5 is the best stolen emulator system on the market. There are better devices that use these emulators legally but if you want that authentic chinese knockoff feeling you have to go hyperkin.

[@Ristarite]

Anthony McClintock RetroN 5 is legal... lol dood

[@SaviorGabriel]

I confirm Sonic 3 & Knuckles does work on the Retron 5 after the latest firmware update. It may take a couple of tries, but it definitely does work.

[@SeekerLancer]

That's good news for other pass-through cartridges in the future.

[@SaviorGabriel]

There's been another firmware update for the Retron 5 that's gone up on the site just a few days ago further improving the compatibility. They also have both the cheats, and firmware update links on the main Retron 5 site. I will say I think the ability to apply firmware updates is a feature many reviewers are overlooking on the Retron 5. More attention should be brought to this.

[@beardedman8884]

" the ability to do more to your system that shoulda been there when it launched" Like he said int he video it's not very intuitive to go out of your way to fix things that shouldnt be broken when you're the consumer.

[@ErekLadd]

I loved mine for the two days it worked. Have sent a few e-mails to Hyperkin in regards to the issue I'm having, and it's like sending something into the vast unknown... Any who, great review and even better cinematography. 10/10 as always.

[@tetrisdave]

Bad customer service is not a good sign. Knowing right there that if you have problems and you can't get in touch with the manufacturer is enough to make people not buy the product.

[@SeekerLancer]

I'm waiting for Amazon to get the black units specifically so it will be easy to return if I get a lemon. I've heard nothing but horror stories about Hyperkin's customer service.

[@Chicomite]

That sux cuz I had a couple problems too and I just called them and they helped me out even after they working hours. Hopefully you can get the help you need.

[@StumptownRetro]

Glad to see another amazing episode of Game Sack. Your videos are easily my favorite on KZbin and I wont get back into the KZbin scene until I get my quality somewhat closer to this amazingness.

[@xan1242]

1:46 You can get a Android mini PC with the same specs that has more functionality than this. :P

[@photoc]

I do love your videos guys. The quality is amazing, the editing is top notch, and the entertainment is second to none. Just wanted to say thank you for all you do and I hope you keep it up!

[@starmangaming2539]

You guys did a great review, and answered possibly every single "what if" anyone could have had about the system's capability. Good job.

[@SumDumGy]

They didn’t cover lag at all though, and that’s it’s biggest issue.

[@Aurion89]

In this episode: Joe reviews the Hyperkin Retron 5! Dave is there also. But seriously, another great episode! Love hardware stuff,

[@ProtoMario]

Good review man, but the biggest thing is that it won't read cart save files alot of the imte, which makes it worthless!

[@steviepat01]

I'm not a collector but I just like playing retro games now and then. So I bought this. The only cartridges I have are NES : Zelda(gold cart), Super Mario3, Mega man, Castlevainia II, Metroid. SNES : Super Mario World, Super Mario Kart, Super Starfox, F-Zero. Genesis : Sonic, Streets of Rage, Gairies, Famicom : Ultraman club - juju de kesse

[@continuegamez]

You guys always to a thorough job reviewing and giving an honest opinion. Love this channel!

[@CartridgeBros]

Was the HDMI HDCP protected or were you able to get gameplay footage recorded directly from the Retron5? Great in depth review fellas.

[@GameSack]

It's not protected but it sends the audio out at 44.1Khz instead of 48Khz unlike almost every other device on the planet so there were audio sync issues I had to deal with while editing. The Neo Geo X does that as well. Must be the rock-bottom cheapest way to do HDMI, I think.

[@CazTheGamerGuy]

From what it sounds like, the original consoles are the best option to play the games, but this is a neat and convenient package with some noticeable issues. Quick question though, why didn't you run any PAL titles for the SNES? I recall the Retron 3 having some issues running PAL games, so why not see if this one plays them better?

[@The90sGamingGuy]

I just bought one of these a few days ago. Really convenient for those that don't want to pull out old systems, power supplies and cables. One of my retro systems is completely boxed. I was concerned with all the quality control issues people had with the first production run of this system and that initially turned me off from buying for about a year and a half. Happy to own a Retron 5. Games look good with the first selection filter, but for most games i leave it off. Games do sound a bit clearer since i have my HDTV hooked up to some good speakers and good sound receiver. My original systems play on a tube TV with the built in speakers which aren't bad so yeah major upgrade. Great review guys!

[@MatthewClise]

You guys should do a follow up vid now that Hyperkin has released fixes to several of these problems. Now someone needs to figure out how to get lightguns to work with non-CRTs.

[@RiveTheRat]

+Matthew Clise (Mance Vader) the only way is to achieve this is to make a new light gun, but it probably would have work more like a Wii Remote or PS Move, since you absolutely need a CRT in order to make an old light gun work. The way tube tvs displays the picture is the basis of the technology.

[@Lone432345]

Actually you can play Light Games for older systems like the Nes, Snes, and Genesis through emulators on a jailbroken wii.

[@NesrocksGamingVideos]

The best way to get a good review is to release a finished product.

[@JulesRoyal]

I have one of these and I will say that it's more-so a console of convenience, especially in today's age of HD televisions. If you're like me and you just don't have any room for all those systems or the space for a tube TV, this is a quick fix. The biggest draw for me though was the GB/GBC/GBA slot. I love playing them on the big screen. I admit that I am a bit of a purest as well, and I just feel somewhat dirty for using an emulator. It just doesn't seem right. Also, the controller is absolute crap, use the originals or spring for a good third-party controller. Hyperkin has been pretty good about ironing out the kinks and all of my games run perfectly on it. Overall, I think if you're just getting into retro gaming and maybe you don't have the money or the space for all of the old systems, this is an okay entry point.

[@Nukle0n]

They are up to firmware 2.1 on this now, with supposedly a lot of games fixed and features added, such as the ability to disable FM sound on Master System games. Would be cool to see an update video like with the Neo Geo X. Then again maybe this thing is now so controversial that Game Sack would be best served with leaving it alone.

[@SumDumGy]

I sure would have been. So much lag makes it unplayable.

[@glurp1er]

I love my Retron5, it plays every games I own (a lot) in HDMI quality. The save states make playing old games more convenient. Just update to the last firmware and voila ! Got it for a year now and still no damage to the cartridge slots.

[@SebastianVazquezFerrero]

This tech combines the disadvantage of wearing out your cartdriges AND emulating them inaccurately! :D

[@ROOMBAfloorvac]

I think my favorite part of all of your videos are the comparisons. Not many youtube channels go into the detail you guys do. Good job!! The system reviews are my favorite.

[@TheGameBench]

Awesome review. I especially like the audio comparisons.

[@catgirl_eva]

I have a Retron 5 as well as a number of other actual systems. The Retron 5 is good if you're limited on space, but nothing compares to running these games on actual hardware.

[@CryptoJordanVR]

I wish Hyperkin would make a console that could play old disc based console games like PS1, PS2, GameCube (maybe even Wii?), Original Xbox, Sega Saturn, and Sega Dreamcast. And you know what? What the hey! Why not slap a 3DO in there while we're at it? That way all of our favorite old disc console games could actually look good on HDTVs. And it could be called the Retron CDS (compact disc system), although PS2 & Xbox games were made with DVDs the name CDS just sounds better.

[@jakublulek3261]

That is basically impossible, not only because nobody can emulate Saturn properly.

[@SkulloMad]

We've made progress recently, though it's still going to be a few years.

[@DanielAyy]

How about a card based system? Turbografx, PC engine, Supergrafx and Master system cards!

[@Ub3rGoob3r]

Joe brought up a lot of good points about how lazy Hyperkin has been on the design and production of this system. Retron 5 is garbage.

[@DanielAyy]

Retron, 5 reasons why not to buy!

[@ihatecrackhead]

yet i still use mine, i need save states cause i suck

[@benjaminste]

Wow, this was a very thorough analysis and review. You guys are true sages of classic video games!

[@Lordkazekage1987]

you should do a update video on the retron 5 because they released many firmware updates so alot of the compatibility issues have been fixed. INCLUDING THE SONIC AND KNUCKLES LOCK ON FEATURE.

[@chayes5731]

This is my favorite channel and it's the first thing I put on when I get home from work. Keep it up joe you rock.

[@GamerNRetro]

Was waiting for you two to give your two cents on this thing. For me its not my cup of tea since I already own all of these systems (minus a famicom) and a way to play them on a Television. Nice shirt Joe. I was watching them use a Retron 5 and WarpZone and it looked really nice on a the HDTV but the input lag was just horrible! Plus no Fantasy Zone Support!? No thanks

[@MarsGundam]

Pizza n wings, peace n quiet and a new episode of Game Sack. Saturday is now complete.

[@mrcduzthelotthelot]

Great video guys (as usual) . I agree with you totally . I'm in UK and was toying with the idea of a Retron 5 for a while but managed to pick up a US SNES and a 60hz Megadrive for around the same money . Zero compatability issues and picture/sound quality exactly as intended . Great advice for potential buyers and thanks again for all the excellent videos

[@tetrisdave]

Thanks! I think you went in the right direction. Having actual consoles is the best way to go.

[@n0isyturtle]

What's the music that starts around 4:37? It sounds so familure, but I can't seem to place it.

[@crackcorn0404]

I do appreciate the info about the Sunsoft Mega Drive games not working with it. I haven't seen anyone else mention that. Not sure if I would have ever bought any of those games, but it is good to know.

[@TonyLikeGames2]

Three weeks in a row of Game Sack? I don't understand this non every other week technology.

[@Husky_cdn]

i have the original consoles (many in most cases) but i picked this up for a secondary lcd tv when i dont feel like playing games in the game room and rather play on the larger tv.

[@tetrisdave]

See that makes sense to me right there. That is something I didn't think about just having it in a separate room for convenience.

[@GeeDeeRuns]

You know I will admit, I'm personally not going to even look into getting a retron 5 until they 100% fix the minor bugs and compatibility issues, but I do like how Game Sack's review is one of the only reviews of it that I've seen that at least try to stay /somewhat/ positive. Myself included, I'm pretty sure everyone knew that this was going to be an emulation machine far, FAR before actually obtaining the console to review it, but it seems like some of the other "big name" retro game youtuber's treat it as if this is absolutely terrible. Yes, the emulation compatibility may not be /outstanding/ right now, but I would MUCH rather hyperkin make an android based emulation machine, rather than finding thousands of retro consoles and dissecting them for their parts to sell in retron's. This machine was clearly marketed for either people who don't play/collect retro games, and want an easy in to play all of the games from their childhood, OR it was for people who presumably DID have a lot of these old games, and having all of these consoles in one centralized place is just one big convenience machine. Again, for all of the problems already covered, I think Game Sack has probably shed the most appealing light on it so far. It may not be the dream machine that some people were hoping for, but out of everyone that I knew would be talking about it post-release, Game Sack has been the most sensible about all of the downsides. Keep up the great work guys!

[@kourii]

Wow, lots of info. Glad Joe went into detail about the compatibility of specific games and periphs. I love that stuff.

[@MoonSpiritChannel]

As nice as this thing is, I feel dirty for using an emulator system to play my original games. Kind of like how I refuse to use those converter cartridges like GEN for SNES. Feels so sacrilegious. Besides that, I'll stick with the original systems any day.

[@Chud_Bud_Supreme]

What were some of those other games you tried like "Pier Solar"? Any plans to review recently made games designed for retro consoles, like, say, Sturmwind for Dreamcast?

[@drseussisdeaddd]

I got mine today and so far had no issues.I tried lots of repro carts and they all worked, Eliminate down, Zero Wing, Trouble Shooter Vintage, for Genesis all worked.Terranigma, Cotton 100%, Tales Of Phantasia, Clock Tower, for SNES all worked.

[@TTstudioFilms]

Wow, you guys really know your stuff. I learned a lot from this video and think I'll stick to my original consoles. Thanks!

[@VirginPrince]

You pointed out all the games that wouldn't fit in the Genesis slot, I'm surprised you never checked to see if they would work if the opening was filed out or the case was removed.

[@GameSack]

I'm pretty sure they'd work if the case was removed. I don't have a pass-through cart except for the Game Genie and it won't read carts that are attached to the Game Genie.

[@mrcyime4295]

I have a reproduction cart of panorama cotton (with a standard jp megadrive shell) it works and is recognised perfectly by the system. It's kinda of sad if you own a legit copy of the game which is pretty expensive from my understanding and it won't fit because of lazy/cheap design choices.

[@lowjason]

How did you guys know I've watched 5 reviews for this already? Damn you guys are good! I bow before your awesomeness.

[@ximontrespalacios1257]

I have a question, for GB GBC and GBA, can I use SNES controller? or do I have to stick to the Retron controller?

[@Nanofuture87]

+Ximon Trespalacios Yes, you can use a SNES controller.

[@tightlypackedcoil]

The unit I received likely has an updated firmware because Super Metroid and Street Fighter Alpha 2 work without trouble. Also, unlike many reviews, I actually liked the controller. It reminds me of the Neo Geo CD controller. In fact, the d-pad is probably going to last longer than the Neo geo pad which had a pretty high failure rate and needed constant maintenance.

[@maxim5893]

funny I never noticed gbas bad audio cause I got castlevania circle of the moon as my launch game of choice

[@SoulCrusader]

This episode was gold. You guys rock. Thanks for the awesome content!

[@moviemetalhead]

I'm with you guys. I'll stick with the hardware I already own. It's an interesting concept, just hope it gets refined.

[@5ch3nk]

First, as usual- "it's already been 2 weeks....where does all the time go?" I saw an article on this system yesterday, I was going to send you guys a link to it and ask if you were going to try it out....apparently I'm way behind. Thanks guys, keep up the great work.

[@Diskoboy1974]

I personally love my Retron 5. But folks, if you buy one, make sure you update the firmware AND software before you start using it. It fixes most problems that pop up out of the box. Especially game compatibility issues.

[@cryog1232]

The RetroN 5 Runs Master System Games with the PSG sound too. Set the region to USA with the cartridge connected, take off the cartridge and put on again and select the RESET option in the Menu. The Master System game start in US mode without the FM chip activated.

[@kduhtdkzrt]

"Step 5: Enjoy - I had trouble with step five." Teehee. Great review. Makes me wonder why all other reviews of the system I've seen so far were so positive. Thanks for not making me waste my money, with all the buggery you pointed out I'm definitely not getting one.

[@jupreindeer]

I've already broken mine by trying to download the cheats from their own site. Bugs, indeed!

[@Soulintent95]

Been a looooong time since ive watched an episode with dave. Man its nice to see him even though its not a new episode.

[@hotd34me1991]

Hello Gentlemen, I HAVE to say, that was a very very all around perfect review. Any questions that could be raised have been answered. Nicely thorough, Well done!

[@EastyyBlogspot]

was hoping to get this for my dad for convenience as he has a lot of games but does not like setting consoles up and most of his tv's are hdmi.But seeing this vid i think it has a lot of work to be done

[@DnekarAtkinsonVeriusz]

I have been considering getting this thing, I've lost a few systems, so should I get this? For $140?

[@noneed4me2n7]

Try using automotive electric grease. It will protect the contacts and offer some line to help keep the pins from bending. Pass this info on to Eric. It's cheap and can be found at any auto parts shop.

[@mm.dra69]

The editing is beautiful.

[@GameSack]

Thanks!

[@DennisForstner]

I thought the Retro Freak was better just because of the PC Engine support and the fact that you can just dump ROMs on to a micro-SD card and play them off of that.

[@controlpadblues]

I'm watching this in 2021, one month after my Retron 5 died. I sincerely loved that thing, and used the ever-loving crap out of it. Definitely got my money's worth, and I was incredibly sad to see it die. RIP little buddy. 2014-2021 nevr 4get

[@ZiKoN22]

Hey guys! Where do you buy your shirts? I'm talking about the ones that just show the consola logos, example: Dreamcast, and Joe, the Turbografx16 one you were wearing this time.

[@Mzo001]

Awesome job, as usual. lol at that ending.

[@OldsXCool]

Anybody who has any kind of a library for all of these consoles surely already has the real hardware. I'm also sure that people who want to start collecting their favorite games will most likely put up 30 to 50 bucks for the consoles they want. The Retron 5 is emulation with none of the benefits of being able to play ROMs of games that you can't afford or betas that were never released. Not even flash carts work in it, so what is the point of this $140 hunk of plastic?

[@jonrahproductions]

They’re significantly better now and the classic systems have risen in price dramatically. I would actually like to see game sack to a comparison video with the new beach model and the old one from this video.

[@matthewnikitas2904]

Yea I picked one up today and have been very pleased with it. I know it is using software emulation but I think the convenience of having 4 consoles in one (and more with the sega adapter) is great for people who don’t have a lot of space and the HDMI output looks great.

[@patchouli3422]

It's a shame they didn't include a Gamegear slot while they were at it. Seems like a sorely missed opportunity.

[@METALFAN2486]

Thank you game sack for reviewing this new emulator system into video game detail and compatability details i mean i know that Gamester did one but he didn't do as much details as they did so once again thank you for reviewing this multi system emulator.

[@danmanx2]

Another high quality review! Awesome console. The benefits outweigh the flaws to me.

[@Saxcat20]

Blaster Master Boy is actual the sequel to Robo Warrior, which itself is the sequel (sorta) of Bomberman

[@Englebert3rd]

Interesting fact about the RetroN 5: The reason why it's so hard to pull of cartridges, it's because the hardware will create a mini blackhole which will make the connection between the cartridge and a console in an alternate dimension. A dimension where consoles have taken over.

[@moycakes]

Haha, I couldn't help but grin when I saw the Guardian Legend cart sitting there. Perhaps one of my favorite NES games of all time!

[@OMGpandemic]

Whoop needed something to watch with this late night snack! Eric is awesome :D !!! Subbed to him for years now.

[@briansivley2001]

They showed two games from my favorite game developer Mendel Palace and Drill Dozer from Game Freak Mendel Palace is there very first game ever and before anyone says no it isn't Pokemon is there first game ever no it wasn't sure Pokemon was in development at the time but Game Freak did other games before Pikachu and friends came like Pulseman it to some people is a copy of Megaman X and Sonic The Hedgehog and I can see the point but the style is Ken Sugimori all the way and by the way Game Freak was originally a Third party company and it wasn't until some time after Pokemon Gold and Silver came out they became a Second Party Company of Nintendo.

[@briansivley2001]

***** no look at Game Freak on Wikipedia and it will definitely show that Pulseman was in fact made by Game Freak you see when they were developing the original Pokemon Games they were making other games and matter of fact Pulseman was made for the Sega Mega Drive or as we know it Sega Genesis and it was on the short lived Sega Channel a online service that you could download games like this and Megaman The Wily Wars.

[@craigluft2373]

1:46 had to pause the video. Stage 7 elevator level from Streets of Rage 2. some of the SICKEST music ever made, video game or otherwise.

[@NefariousDreary]

Wow the audio enhance mode sounds freaking great! Listening to it on my headphones it sounds like it's completely engulfing my head.

[@Shinobi6407]

Love how you guys showed some appreciation for Drill Dozer. Great game!!!

[@ReynLynxPSI]

I have something like this called the FC3-plus, and although it might take a while to get the NES games to work, it works great! You can also bypass reigon locks with it. Sadly, the SNES slot on mine only plays in black and white (luckily I have a real SNES).

[@BrunoSXS]

13:20 His face was priceless! Hahaha I've been watching all your videos, very informative and cool for people who couldn't live the time it was released. Keep it up!

[@snicelord]

Great review! I think I may hold out for the "Retron 6". Are you guys willing to review the "Mad Catz M.O.J.O.?"

[@HamtaroSonicHedgehog]

They actually already answer to why there are no flashcarts support. They also just added support for SMS Controllers.

[@TheRamblingG]

Hyperkin was rolling hard at the "Portland Retro Gaming Expo". It seems cool for recording game play but does it really beat searching out a "new" cartridge and sticking it into the real thing? Like a SNES or a Master System?

[@PerfectBlade20]

I'll stick to emulators on the devices I already bought but if you have a collection of games that this system plays it looks really convenient

[@MetroidFREAK21]

Great episode again gentlemen! I'm glad you both prefer the real systems over this thing. Something about having the real system+game just makes the idea of playing older games just makes sense!

[@judigbr9430]

I'd love to see you guys review the AtGames Sega Genesis Console.

[@Thenesrookie]

I want to know if gameboy advance video carts work on it?

[@MyOnlyFarph]

Is that a 5D3 with a 17-40? Always impressed with the videography of these videos by the way...

[@franco7363]

Best review I've seen so far.

[@Sebion1980]

Another great video guys! Did you experience any input lag when using the Retron 5?

[@Realyst]

I just got one of these and the lag is terrible especially on the SNES side. Felt like I was playing Super Mario World on ice skates. That was with the controller it came with. I will try a wired controller when it comes next week, but I'm not holding my breath. I anticipate having to return this thing.

[@RichardCraig]

I wonder if it would be easy for them to release a new plastic top where the cartridges go so that if they add support for, say, the 32X then the games could fit.

[@dave4shmups]

I feel the same way you guys do; I'm a purist. But if someone finds out that the Retron 5 can run SG-1000 games, then I would buy one, because the SG-1000 costs hundreds of dollars. I'm really excited about Hyperkin's upcoming DOS console-they claim that it will feature a disk slot. And I never owned or used a DOS PC, so that sounds great to me. Excellent review guys!

[@videogameattic]

Thank you for an HONEST review, I'm like you guys, I would rather play the original system. If I want to play on my HDTV, I'll hook up my laptop and run an emulator...

[@VirtualRobotsRevolt]

oh man lol. Those conclusion clips are freaking hilarious. Can't wait for a system focused Genesis and SNES video!

[@Serros13]

Nice review guys. Retron 5 might seems convenient but nothing can be compared to the real thing.

[@SNESKegaGamer]

That skit at the end had me laughing so hard. Great jobs guys as always