Upgrade Your Old Games to HD with the Hyperkin Retron5!

In this episode, we unbox and test out a revision of an item that actually got me back into retro gaming, the Retron5 Hyperbeach Edition from Hyperkin.
In 2015, I started getting interested in retro gaming again. My significant other had an NES that I occasionally played on our flat screen, however, it looked absolutely terrible. Upon doing some research I found the original Retron 5, capable of playing multiple systems and with an HDMI output. I ordered it and played the daylights out of it, and it really was my gateway back into retro gaming. I broke it a few years ago, dropping it and breaking the power port, but since then Hyperkin has revised the Retron5.
The Hyperbeach addition features a super loud color scheme, their most updated firmware, and in addition to the wireless controller also includes a wired Scout Super NES style controller. Including the wired Scout controller addresses an issue many, including myself, had with the original Retron5. The standard wireless controller was terrible, but it was necessary to navigate some of the menus. Hopefully, this makes it possible where we don't have to use it anymore.
Hyperkin named it the Retron5 due to the five cartridge slots, however, it can play many more than five systems. Out of the box, you can play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Gameboy Advance, NES, Famicom, Super Nintendo, Super Famicom, Genesis, and Mega Drive games. Oh, and it's compatible with both NTSC and PAL systems. Through an adapter, you can also play Game Gear, Master System, and Sega Card games.
Unboxing the Retron 5, it includes the system itself, the two controllers, a USB cable to charge the included controller, an AC adapter, HDMI cable, and your instruction manual. The power cable is a proprietary design using a barrel-type connector. I'd like to see them update the platform to integrate either USBC or micro USB at the least.
There is an SD card slot on the back of the unit which suits a number of purposes. You can save your games to it, but you can also install some pretty interesting patches. One of my favorites is a language translation patch that translates Japanese games into English for you. This is pretty awesome.
The Retron5 runs a version of Android, and to actually play the game it dumps the ROM from the cartridge into local memory. It will also store your game saves locally on the machine as well. As such, you can also add other features such as scan lines, scaling, and much more.
One of the first things I noticed about the Retron 5 Hyperbeach Edition was the fact it simply loads games faster than the one that I had in 2015. The load time for Game Boy Advance games used to be terrible, but now it's really snappy. That was legitimately one of my biggest criticisms in the past.
As you can see in the video, I threw everything that I could think of at the Retron5 to trip it up, and nothing did. There are only two exceptions of things that would not run, my Famicom Disk System and the Game Boy Advanced movies. The FDS makes sense because of the way the Retron 5 dumps the game into local memory, but I have to admit I was a bit surprised that it wouldn't play the movies. I took the cartridges out and put them in my GBA SP and it worked just fine so it wasn't the movie.
Why it RoX:
It plays so many systems
Great value
Included wired Scout controller is exceptional
Works with original NES, Super NES, and Sega Genesis controllers
SD card allows firmware upgrades, translation patches, and more
Built-in filters and scalers
The output quality is amazing
What could be improved:
Wireless controller is still janky
Cartridge pins are still way too tight
Proprietary power supply
Can't have it delivered to my home from Amazon
Hyperbeach scheme is love it or leave it
Only 720p
Master System Controllers don't work
Should you buy one?
Make no bones about it, the Retron 5 is the reason this channel exists, and as such I will always have a fondness for this machine. I expected the HyperBeach addition to be a cosmetic change with an extra controller, but it seems like Hyperkin has added to the performance through things like faster load times of the cartridges. I am floored that it worked with the Master Drive, the fact that it played my PAL version of Yoshi's Island perfectly, and the overall performance was terrific. If someone were looking to get a retro video game system that played all of these in one and didn't want to go with original hardware, the Retron5 is still an amazing piece of hardware and hard to beat. After my experience again with the Retron 5, it makes the Retron SQs performance a little bit more disappointing. I don't understand why they couldn't just take what the Retron 5 does for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games and just put it in that. Regardless, this is still a fun machine and I'm glad to have a working version back in the collection.
#Hyperkin #Retro5 #VideoGames #Nintendo #Sega #GameBoy #Emulator

[@RoXolid]

Order the Retron5 Hyperbeach Edition at amzn.to/3ytqYqt Order the Hyperkin RetroN 5 3-in-1 Adapter for Game Gear, Master System, and Master System Card at amzn.to/3mwjrnZ Save 10% off most items at CastlemaniaGames.com! Use Promo Code #RoXolid10 at Checkout! Check out all of our 3D Printed items by visiting roxolid-productions.weeblysite.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks: kzbin.info/door/znAOWQLsiCAMNRq9fzQJpwjoin Follow Us on Social Media! Instagram - @RoXolidProductionsGK Twitter - @RoXolidStudios Facebook - facebook.com/RoXolidProductions/ Get early access to our videos and support RoXolid Productions for as low as a dollar a month through our Patreon page, www.patreon.com/RoXolid Looking for some RoXolid Merch? Check out our T-Spring store for shirts and swag at teespring.com/roxolid-productions-official-s Would you like to have your products featured on RoXolid Productions? Do you have Questions? Comments? Email us at [e-mail]!!

[@Alternatedimension2]

“Let’s kick Shell!”

[@RoXolid]

Good God we tormented Shelly with that

[@Alternatedimension2]

@@RoXolid 😂 I totally can see that. Great video

[@projectanime1]

is this best out there im new to old games trying to get the best one out

[@Brutero12]

The Retron 5 dumps the roms from the cartridge and uses software emulation. That is why the sounds are correct and battletoads can be played past level 2, as its not reliant on the hardware like many hardware clone systems.

[@RoXolid]

Agree with how it works I just didn't know whether or not it would work with Battletoads.

[@MaaZeus]

Good emulation looks and sounds perfect but also can introduce latency where with hardware solution there is absolutely none, everything happens 1:1 internally and the only lag you have to worry about is the one at your modern flatpanel TV. Also if you use emulation then might as well use one on your PC and download the games that you already own as a cart. Personally I find the existence of Retron 5 bit confusing. Maybe I am just not the target audience. To clarify, I have nothing against emulation and I use them quite liberally with my PC and on those chinese portable Anbernic handhelds but when it comes to carts I'd rather have either original hardware or something that clones it as well as possible. 🤔

[@RoXolid]

@@MaaZeus Not quite true. There are some hardware based SoCs that definitely introduce lag and latency. With a Software based emulator, since you're playing a digital version of your ROM file it can actually have improved responsiveness due to the faster read/write speeds of a file vs a ROM if that makes sense.

[@MaaZeus]

@@RoXolid I am aware of the new tricks like the "Run ahead" which allows to reduce input lag down to real hardware levels (and theoretically beyond) which to me sounds like pure wizardry and still don't know how the hell it works. 😅 Not sure if Retron 5 uses it or even supports it though. Huh, good to know that there are bad, laggy clone SoC's. 🤔

[@RoXolid]

@@MaaZeus There definitely are bad SoCs. That being said, I personally prefer to play on real hardware first, you don't have any of the compatibility issues and you get max accuracy.

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

I love having the actual consoles but to be honest... I've thought about selling a few to get one of these. They work great with HDTVs and also make it easy to capture footage. I don't have to swap out cords and stuff to be able to do that.

[@Ophidicus]

Love my Retron 5! if you wanna go 1 step further though get a Retro Freak! you can copy your game library to a SD card and play your games with the existing saves without wearing the original games out.

[@RoXolid]

Thanks for the tip!

[@IowaRetroGamerDad]

Metal Jesus Rocks, Pixel Game Squad, and John Riggs got me back into retro gaming and collecting.

[@h8GW]

7:30 Goddamn Hyperkin, thinking they can fake a retro vibe by including a USB-mini socket. Everyone knows *TRUE* retro uses a -proprietary- Type-B connector.

[@RoXolid]

I don't care who you are, that was funny right there. I actually laughed out loud. I award you many points, and may God have mercy on your soul

[@LITTLE1994]

Nice clone, but I rather stick to original hardware as long as I still have a CRT TV.

[@RoXolid]

That's perfectly fine, and original hardware will get you the best compatibility. However there are people out there like me who never want to own a CRT ever again

[@josephchaparro1037]

I still don't understand why Hyperkin doesn't use their own Pin Perfect technology on what is there highest end product. I can put a Snes cartridge in and out of my Supaboy blackgold edition all day no problem and by the way if Hyperkin is watching IT'S TIME TO USE PIN PERFECT TECH IN THE RETRON-5 AND IT'S TIME FOR THE SUPABOY-HD I DIDN'T CARE WHAT COLOR EDITION!

[@RoXolid]

I don't disagree, the pins on the newer systems are better

[@hectorleon465]

When it comes to Castlevania 3 I love my Famicom version of it. The Audio is phenomenal...

[@RoXolid]

Completely agree

[@adayinforever]

What I am most impressed about this console is that it uses save states, I'm amazed by that.

[@ArcadeCabNBud]

Excellent feature

[@RoXolid]

It does, and it also can work with translation patches too

[@RoXolid]

That it is

[@kirillian358]

Retron 5? Hell no... you are scaping the bottom of the content barrell here... What's next ATGames Genesis?

[@RoXolid]

Already dun did it hoss! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2rFlXakht2sa9k Also, I had people asking for me to review the Retro5 for some time. Is it a perfect machine? Heck no. Can it be a good re-entry into retro? Sure. Is it the ultimate retro system? Not even close. I say it in this video, I've said it before and I'll say it again. If not for the Hyperkin Retron5 this channel does NOT EXIST. That is just the fact of things. I get people have had issues with it, the only issue I had was self-inflicted when I dropped mine. But for a casual enthusiast who just wants to play, this is a perfectly fine machine, that does have a few warts.

[@arthurcarneirolopes6383]

I think this kind of console is kind of outdated nowadays, since it uses emulators, which Hyperkin didn't pay for using, it isn't all that different from playing on a modern console or a phone. And nowadays we have options of retro controllers for new consoles and physical editions. I bought all Mega Man collections and Rare Replay for Xbox One and I have more than a 100 games just from these. I think that if I'm going to buy original cartridges I would prefer to play it on a console that does the exact same things as the original, I think Hyperkin has enough resources to make a Retron 5 that uses real hardware since it would basically be a Retron 3 with the Gameboys added.

[@r9delta104]

Yeah can't disagree here. I think it still has it uses if you want a lot of consoles and you're in a specific budget range...and you're understanding of what the Retron 5 does but as much as I liked it in 2014 (to the point of supplying patches for people) it's a hard pass for me these days. I'm way too spoiled by Analogue's offerings since then and especially the MiSTer. I'm not into the angle the R5 takes to hit a mental nostalgia checkbox for people when it's just a smokescreen at best. You can "use" cartridges with it...great, but then you take away half the point for me by adding in input latency, inaccuracy, and straight incompatibility that comes with middling software emulation on a low powered SoC.

[@r9delta104]

That said. I do have good memories of it at the time. It did do a lot to bring me back into retro gaming and I sure as hell bought a lot of imports on it because of it's ability to use patches.

[@LameDadRetroGamer]

Ive been on the fence for this the last few weeks but solid video dude, glad to see it works and plays really well. I've been wanting something for my streams that doesn't jack the resolution up.

[@udance4ever]

@15:59 i had no idea they ported Altered Beast to the famicom! quite laughable :D

[@RoXolid]

It's so bad and so amazing at the same time

[@goemon74]

Buyer Beware there is some input lag. Try the first minecart level in donkey kong country to see what I mean... Still a nice system though

[@CranberryFo]

I really appreciate your professionalism and actually giving legitimate information in this review. I have been trying to get information about these clone consoles, and every other KZbin review I find the reviewer is extremely unprofessional, treating the whole thing as a joke and giving fake exaggerated reactions and information. I've been wanting real information, not someone trying to copy the Angry Video Game Nerd, and it was so refreshing to find your channel and get some real information without the person cursing like a sailor every 10 seconds and acting like a fool. This review was very professional and informative. You gave legitimate information and didn't try to put on a performance. I really appreciate that. It is frustratingy rare these days.

[@RoXolid]

Thank you so much for all the kind words! Yes, I try very hard to keep things family friendly and relateable.

[@stratuvarious8547]

With the wireless controller being complete garbage, I wonder why they didn't just give up on it and make a wireless version of the "Scout" controller, or a variant of the 6 button Genesis controller for that option. It is nice that it comes with 2 controllers now, but with one of them being so bad, it's not likely to get much use.

[@AlexanderShelestov]

What's the point of having it? You can play the same ROMes using a software emulator (like OpenEmu). And keep your cartridges safe on the shelf.

[@RoXolid]

Some people just prefer owning physical cartridges, like me. I don't want to pirate ROMs from the internet.

[@AlexanderShelestov]

@@RoXolid And keep your cartridges safe on the shelf! It's not pirating. You can even dump them if you like, no need to download :) I meant it's fun to play using real original hardware or something like Analogue. But Retron is just a raspberry pi with an emulator inside. It dumps the cartridge you put in and uses its ROM anyway :)

[@RoXolid]

@@AlexanderShelestov Safe from what? Playing a cartridge isn't unsafe.

[@AlexanderShelestov]

@@RoXolid To protect them from dust and scratches! You also mentioned that the cartridge is hard to get out. It certainly won't lengthen their lifespan. So what's the point?

[@AlexanderShelestov]

@@RoXolid Anyway, big thanks for the review, I always wanted to see how it looks and works and you showed it!

[@davistobia1425]

Haven't used my retro5 in along time but I do love it. Was thinking of hooking it up to a crt. Any thoughts on how that would be.? I do put a light oil on the pins to avoid the death grip. But make sure everything stays dust free

[@retroconsole_]

They need to upgrade to the next one..call it Retron 8: with Atari 2600 , Colecovision and N64..call it Retron 8 :)

[@aitrus21]

I'm mixed on these. I mean, anything that get's people into retro gaming is great in my book, and software emulating the downloaded data from your carts is better that just getting them off the internet (I mean, the data is from your cart), but hardware emulation through FPGA (like with an analog super NT) is actually playing the cart itself, in real-time! It's all down to preference tho. I'm sure there are greater "purists" out there gawking at the fact that I'm not playing my carts on the original systems through a crt!

[@RoXolid]

I hate CRTs but do have all the original systems to play on. I've said before that if you know what an FPGA is, this system isn't for you. This is for an entry level customer

[@leftofyou]

Does thise product support game genies and play multicarts? I am not sure what is included with homebrew and reproductions. Thanks!

[@misfitchrisrules5725]

I just bought a retron 5 and i noticed a significant input lag on Super Mario bros on the Nes Do have any tips that could reduce the input lag good video very informative

[@RoXolid]

I didn't notice that myself. Have you tried updating firmware? And wired it wireless controller?

[@RealziesCuts]

Thank God for the steam deck! 🥇🏆🦍🚀

[@RoXolid]

Or not as it can't play physical carts

[@Hedrakk1]

By the way, 8-bit Do controllers are working great with the RetroN 5. I have one on the first batch of 8-Bit Do SNES controllers (the one that match almost perfectly the look and feel of the original SNES controllers) and it works directly with the Bluetooth module of the RetroN5. I think on more recent 8-bit do SNES-Style controllers, you might need the wireless dongle plugged in the SNES port.

[@RoXolid]

I bought an 8bitdo controller back in the day for my first Retron 5, the NES30 Pro.

[@demitrim8059]

I can still play ultimate mortal kombat 3 arcade hack for genesis for retron 5?

[@YankeeRose]

I love my Retron 5 too! I enjoy hunting for old games to play on it. It got me back into video games. The games look great in HD! Plus you can always save your progress. Plus some games have cheat codes like a Game Genie if you get stuck if you install an SD card. There are some games that do not work however. I just got Ex-Mutants for the Genesis. It will start up fine. But once the game starts, your character you selected is not there, so you can't play it! Also I heard with X-Men for Genesis, you can't play the final stage. Since it requires a soft restart on the Genesis. Some GBA games will not load for me at all. X-Men for GBA will play, but it has no sound! Bad Dudes for NES won't startup for it at all. I find the wired SNES controller it comes with is very good. The wireless one is not too good. Overall I would recommend it. It's great to play games from multiple systems on one system.

[@LinkinForcer]

I have a Sega Genesis 2 and try and record video through it. The video is a bit jumpy when moving and I also have the sound buzzing issue. Are any video or sound buzzing present with this system?

[@8BitGlitch79]

I kind of thought about getting one of these just for the fact that you can do those translation patches like you mentioned.

[@RoXolid]

Yeah, it's pretty easy to do

[@Jenisonc]

My Retron 5 has a "fatal error 0f001" message. Not fun.

[@SeaSlug]

Why we still talking about this system

[@RoXolid]

Because I just got one?

[@robinson32993]

Can you make video on getting best picture on Wii? Is wii + rt5x better than wiiu + mclassic?

[@RoXolid]

Wii via component cables to the RetroTink 5x is the better option

[@robinson32993]

@@RoXolid I read comments on your videos people saying that the wii with wii2hdmi + mclassic is just as good as using wii +rt5x. Is that true, have you tried it?

[@RoXolid]

It's not even close, the RetroTink 5x is vastly superior in picture quality and has better responsiveness/less lag

[@robinson32993]

@@RoXolid oh okay. Well it would be cool if you made a video on the topic because I also watch Adam’s channel and he says the best way to play wii games is to ditch the actual wii and use the wii u with the mclassic/ cable. It would be cool to see a comparison 👍🏼.

[@HTS21]

Weird that you always mention lag when playing EWJ, and you didnt this time..... i wonder why.....

[@RoXolid]

Because it was a non issue. I'm also not a robot and there are things I don't always reference.

[@HTS21]

@@RoXolid It is an issue, a huge one, its just that you were told not talk about it. No worries, I understand.

[@RoXolid]

Your tin foil hat is on a bit tightly there. No one tells me what to say in my videos. No one

[@Metal-Josh]

I’m curious about something. And this could be the avenue I go, but I would really like to know if this could work: Run a Retron 5, through HDMI, to a component adapter, into a component CRT. And I wonder will the NES Zapper work? I’m thinking either set something like that up or some kind of emulation system the same way with an NES controller adapter. Why do this? So I can get the best picture possible on a Tube without losing use of my perfectly functional Zapper

[@Manobaru]

I always watch these videos about Retron 5 and can't fathom why people try to eject a cartridge perpendicularly, and complain that the cartridge is hard to pull of. Ever since I got my Retron, my first instinct was to use ONE HAND and pull from the side, not the middle, so the force is lifting a side first, not the whole thing, and the cart comes out like butter. I never had an issue in taking it out, and it wouldn't come up to my mind as a potential problem or even to call it "tight", if I didn't see that on these videos.

[@richardkeenan3079]

Had so many issues with this system just crashing games in the middle of playing i updated the software after talking to Hyperkin and kept having issues, the pins messed up on the first one too, had it RMAed and I replaced it with another one and it did the same thing… I literally through this system in the trash it was so frustrating so many issues and had issues with pins on it to. Since I have been through two of them nothing but bad experience… sad for me and a waste of hundreds of bucks. I really wanted my two to work so well like others say…… I really wish it would but I’m scared at this point to try again on a new one and fork out the money again. I guess I could order it through Amazon the next time if I wanted to so I could return it if there was the same issues huh? Are you all seriously not having these issues with yours???

[@waynecuff3140]

I have the older black Retron 5. Unfortunately mine doesn't play Starfox, Thunderforce 4. Gynoug on Megadrive freezes up on level 2. Is it the firmware? Does this new version play these titles OK.

[@kdnladner93]

I was wanting to buy a Retron 5 but I hate this blueish color but I found a black one. However as I was viewing the details the black Retron 5 was made available in 2013 but the blueish one was made available in 2021. Does that mean the blueish one is the better one?

[@matthubbard2607]

Nice i love my old black one though that hyperbeach looks sick

[@RoXolid]

I was impressed that, compared to my original grey one, this one seemed to load GBA games a heck of a lot faster

[@uberjewish9466]

The build quality/support on this thing made me boycott all Retrokin products. Mine croaked after being played like twice and being carefully stored away.

[@volodymyrzablotsky5372]

It’s extremely cheaply made. My retron 5 bricked after a few months and they were unwilling to refund me or send a replacement. Will continue to boycott the company and warn others.

[@pooooo52]

Can u 0lay flashdrive gba carg and flashdrive gb/gbc. Let u play rom on ur system.

[@RoXolid]

I don't know, I don't use flash drives

[@supertombrother1988]

Can you still use any controller to play any compatible game? I want to play Game Boy games with an NES controller.

[@RoXolid]

Yes, that's what I showed here

[@supertombrother1988]

​@@RoXolid sorry, commented too soon.

[@RoXolid]

@@supertombrother1988 all good

[@lcvolt1546]

I bought my retron 5 when it was still $90. Now its around $200. The snes input dropped a pin and I can’t play snes games anymore, which was the whole point of buying it, since it allowed me to patch super famicom games on the go to english. Anyone got a super cheap spare retron 5 witha working snes entrance?

[@night-x6793]

I remember getting one when they came out years ago and just say it didn't wanted to play original Gameboy games where I contacted the company with failing results so I did a Amazon trade-in for about $100 then bought a used PS4.

[@japanis1382]

Retron 5 is garbage, had one and pins poped out everywhere, the emulation sucks especially the sound, plus the lag sucks, its a nice paperweight.

[@RoXolid]

The hardware could be better but I will say I ran into 0 issues with sound, emulation, or Lag on this.

[@uberjewish9466]

My Retron 5 broke while stored shinily in its box. Support said it’d be cheaper to buy a new one than fix it. Played it like twice 👎

[@agentskazzers3482]

Did they actually fix alot of problems with this when it originally came out. Also how do those cartridge slots work they where bad originally. My Snes and and Famicom slots pins got bent quickly.

[@PageTurningMonkey]

It is supposed to lift from one side first when removing cartridge. Seen in another video.

[@RoXolid]

Yeah, it's not "suppose" to lift from one side, that's just the "fix".

[@IAmNotAFunguy]

It seems the only place they missed the mark is by not using FPGA/real hardware. Doing that would make thing like the Famicom Disk System, Super Gameboy, Gameboy Camera, and any Gameboy Advance games with special cart gimmicks properly work,

[@RoXolid]

FPGA would also really increase the cost.

[@RBKing80]

You have done this review about five years too late.

[@RoXolid]

Well it just arrived and I've had people all for my opinion of it since I never reviewed it

[@user-curtisingreenville]

this thing has a huge hit and miss with loading snes carts and other carts. hard pass for me.

[@RoXolid]

I've not had any issues

[@ootwii]

on my retron 5 if u play castlevaina 3 then take the game out play another game then stick castlevaina 3 back in in will glitch out.. does this happen with urs??

[@spongebob148]

Do they still sell the retron 5 on amazon.

[@jeremysart]

Another thing worth looking at is that someone recently released a custom firmware for it that unlocks playing games off the SD card, emulation for TG16, PS1 and NeoGeo, as well as some UI improvements (it’s pretty much a modified version of the firmware running on the Retro Freak) What blows my mind is that they still sold this newer Retron 5 model with that awful controller… they seen the feedback, why not just ship it with two SNES controllers?

[@RoXolid]

You've been able to play games off the SD Card for sometime, the thing was you needed to have a cart for the system you wanted to play in the system to "unlock" it.

[@theshannonandmaryshow]

thank you for your reviews im on fence between this and retron 3 hd.

[@bigyin2586]

Sega Master System. No, it doesn't play everything.

[@RoXolid]

It actually CAN! You just need their adapter for Master System, Game Gear and I think it also does the Sega Cards for Master System

[@KenSch2020]

I thought they forgot about Sega Game Gear but at least they sell a card that goes into the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive spot. Most clone consoles that play through emulation they forget about Sega Master System and Game Gear.

[@zombiecrusher1100]

I bought this edition a year ago. I love it. But I still can't get the wireless controller to pair. It's garbage anyway. I also paid $157 for it.

[@davidfaustino4476]

Except for literally all the games it doesn't play.

[@RoXolid]

It has played literally everything I have thrown at it that doesn't require a special adapter like the Famicom disk system for example. Can you give me some examples of games you've had issues with and I can test them?

[@chukysleez]

The hdmi port is very delicate.

[@RoXolid]

I never had an issue with my original one and so far this one is worked fine

[@bigboobiessogood]

It's a great console for convenience if you have a load of cartridges, plus you can play roms from the SD card using the patch hack. It just misses PC Engine games. Hyperkin also did a video showing how to remove the cartridges slightly easier, where you hold the side of the cartridge with one hand and lift one side of the cartridge instead of lifting both sides.

[@chaospoet]

I just have the black one which was the second version, if memory serves me correctly. I still play it regularly. Play a lot of Super Famicom RPGs we never got over here (or some until recently as one of the ones I have before it finally got released on Switch is Live-A-Live) with the translation patch and it's awesome. I use my Sega Power Base Converter for Master System games too. Still no complaints about the thing. The only time I hook up an actual 16 bit retro console is when I want to play Sega CD games.

[@Jeffjeanw]

So I have the Retron SQ which I purchased during the pandemic for 1 reason and it was to play Zelda Minish cap, but the Sq wasn’t able to play it, could you confirm wether or not it works on the Retron 5? I also had issues with Mario Golf GBA.

[@RoXolid]

I don't own Minish Cap to test, sorry.

[@johnSton71]

can you leave all the controllers plugged into the r5 when playing different systems? IE nes, snes, genesis plugged in at the same time

[@RoXolid]

No, you need to only have 1 cart installed at a time.

[@johnSton71]

@@RoXolid thank you for the prompt reply but I was asking about the controllers not the cart IE: nes/gen/snes controllers plugged in at the same time.

[@RoXolid]

@@johnSton71 oh, sorry, yes you can leave the controllers plugged in all the time

[@mrmattm2565]

Great video! I've had my Hyper Beach Retron 5 for six months and had no compatility issues so far.

[@middlemarv]

"Wow, that's a tight fit..." That's what she said ;)

[@RoXolid]

"rimshot"

[@ThisICommand666]

It's honestly a really cool system, I just bought mine at the wrong time. I started getting more serious about self-publishing books, and my Retron5 sat neglected in the corner. But when I was playing it a lot, it was fantastic. Playing around with the filters made some games look like you were playing a cartoon in a way, like Punch-Out!! in particular. It needs a more loving home, so probably going to sell it, sadly, as I don't see my video game playing time expanding anytime soon.

[@hidemode9753]

Fpga killer

[@RoXolid]

No, FPGAs have nothing to worry about, but that's a different customer base too

[@destindude1978]

I still have my original HR5, I'd like to see them do a update to it, like in the past they said there would be a N64 console I'd like to see that added on top of their Retron 77 but instead of an adapter for master system and game gear I'd like to see ports for those as well. I don't know what you'd call it maybe The Retron 10 or something whatever the total of systems would be. I'd like to see a USB-C port added also come with their wireless controllers they offer too with different bundles available. I heard it will also let you use other bluetooth controllers... I haven't tried it maybe you can confirm this? I know that's a lot to process but I think you get my ideas LOL Oh yeah & add a SSD to dump your games onto & run them off of that! anyway great video Gary!!! I loved this deep dive into this one!

[@realwelder3529]

If it outpouts 720p, you should grab an mClassic and use it to upscale to 1080p or 4k.

[@RoXolid]

I may try this!

[@CaptainFrugalReviews]

I like the Retron 5 but I really wish it would have better build quality. I had to send one in because it was not working right out of the box, when they send it back it still would not work. I have another unit and I have had better luck with it but the tight cartridge connections scare me.

[@RoXolid]

The pin connectors seem to be a sticking point to the quality on all of these.

[@John-vn1tv]

How much does this retron 5 cost??🎮💸🎮

[@RoXolid]

Check the link in the pinned comment for the latest pricing

[@Taco117.]

its a great product but it does use emulation ....

[@RoXolid]

That it does

[@Beyondesp]

I bought a retron 5 to get the saves out of all my old cartridges. You have to convert them using some online tools to an unencrypted format but once done you can take those saves and use them on just about any emulator or device. My memories from childhood flooded back after I recovered my super mario world save. There are firmware hacks now to rip the rom off the cartridge too. Which let's you put all the games you have onto the retron 5. It's also somewhat neat if you ever wondered which version of a. Cartridge you had.. like Megamall x 1 or v. 1.1 etc...

[@RoXolid]

There are a lot of useful tools for the Retron5

[@matthubbard2607]

Nice for convenience purposes I enjoy my retron 5 I like my black one but I wish I could get the beach edition though😊

[@RoXolid]

Yeah, it works decently enough for most and plays a ton of systems

[@RickyRawM05]

I love my retron 5

[@grafxgear]

Great review and thanks for the shout out!

[@RoXolid]

You bet

[@erichogan5291]

It may have really good colors and sound. But it's still just an emulator. Rather use a real hardware clone instead due to a game that I really love not working well under emulators. WWF Raw from 1994 in emulators has an issue where you can never win a back-and-forth grapple. This problem doesn't exist on clones.

[@RoXolid]

I will have to test that out. I Don't have Raw but I have Super Wrestlemania, have you experienced the same thing with that?

[@erichogan5291]

@@RoXolid I've never played the SNES version under an emulator.

[@BigBadJohnDiesel]

Has Hyperkin upgraded the pins? I bought one of these 3 years ago, and the pins in the SNES SNES slot, would grip the cart too tight, bending the pins! It was very frustrating to say the least. I exchanged it once, the same thing happened to the new unit. It ended on getting donated to Goodwill!! Never again!

[@RoXolid]

They are still tight, I don't remember my original system being this tight but it may have been

[@zippo49]

Good video. I got mine about5 months ago. I put in my Tetris DX that I've had for 24/25 years, the retron 5 wiped my save! That's the only negative I've experienced.

[@wiredupretro]

😯

[@bootsbob4100]

Can this system run "all in one" type cartridges? I want to get back into the retro world, but when I foolishly gave away my SNES, Genesis, and NES, I also included the games. So, I'd definitely want on of these if they can run some of the all in one cartridges. AND, if it does run them, which one would you recommend?

[@RoXolid]

Not sure if it does and I don't recommend them. Yes, they are cheap but they often run at the incorrect voltage which can cause issues. If that's what you want then I'd suggest a Retropie or Mstr

[@MrSolidtiger]

Have you ever played on a RetroFreak?

[@RoXolid]

I have not

[@Hedrakk1]

Do you know if the enhancements to this release of the RetroN5 is on the hardware or the firmware side? In other words, can you update the firmware of the original RetroN5 with the latest one for new RetroN5 you just got?

[@RoXolid]

My understanding is the Hyperbeach ships with the latest and greatest Firmware

[@thetravenousgamer]

I recommend pulling the carts out from the left or right corners rather than pulling them straight out, lot less strain on the pins

[@RoXolid]

I've heard that as well

[@MiguelAngelSilva]

Works with everdrive nes?

[@RoXolid]

It does not

[@belmont_gr]

I am wondering if the original master system converter works... So, for games that save in cart does it actually save in the cart so that you can continue on other hardware?

[@RoXolid]

I cover this in the video

[@belmont_gr]

​@@RoXolid I am not sure where the Master System Converter you use comes from but since it works I bet the original that I have should work too. As for the saves seems that I can back up the save, change the battery in the cartridge and move the save back in. This is cool

[@RoXolid]

@@belmont_gr I address the Power Base Converter at kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ7aZZqBbZ2bitU

[@saffire345]

I'm curious if the NES port on this one is any different than on the original R5. I could never get Dragon Warrior 1 to work with mine because it was one of those games where the pins on one side do not actually reach all the way to the end of the PCB, so they couldn't make a connection in the R5's NES slot. You could make an .ips "patch" that really just switched one game out for another, essentially playing a rom off the sd card, but at that point I have other options to play roms, or just hook the NES up to a retrotink. The included wireless controller also flat out failed and stopped powering on altogether after a few months, and was not designed to be easily taken apart. If they have a better NES connector on this one, great! Otherwise, it's a great idea, it just doesn't quite hit the mark for me.

[@RoXolid]

It seems pretty similar to me

[@saffire345]

@@RoXolid It's unfortunate, but admittedly an edge-case issue that doesn't outweigh all of the value the system has for anyone with cartridges and no clean way to play them on a modern display. Not to mention how many of those old RPGs tend to be cheaper if you go for their original Japanese versions, and then the R5 will let you apply translation patches as you mentioned in your video. $180 is definitely not pocket change, but when you compare that to the price tag on some of the fancier FPGA offerings out there, this thing will play the games it's compatible with just fine. Software emulation for these particular systems is typically pretty spot-on now. I was a little down on the system in my original comment so I wanted to balance it out a bit! Keep up the awesome videos! I've settled down from buying/modding old stuff and making repro carts, etc, so content like your channel helps me stay in touch with the retro scene.

[@RomeoRuizMusic]

Thank you for this video. So does it seem that this edition of the Retron 5 has fix the input and lag issues that some of the older ones had? I had an original Retron when it first came out. My lag was horrible. I would like to give the new edition here a try that’s in your video if the input lag is better. Thanks.

[@RoXolid]

I never felt that my original from 2015 had lag issues, and this really doesn't either. Just make sure you use Game mode on your TV.

[@RomeoRuizMusic]

@@RoXolid thank you for the info

[@reboxtherapy]

I wish it was made in another color, this color makes me think of a Sean kingston song and a very pretty actress from Wuhan and actually going forward

[@mknightstalkerx]

Does this play flash carts? Like everdrive x7, sd2snes and everdrive n8 pro?

[@RoXolid]

I don't have any to test, sorry. My thought has always been if you're going to use a flash cart with a clone system just use a retropie, you'll be cheaper in the long run

[@Sheepmansheep]

I had a retron 5, i had to put wd40 on the carts to get the retron to release them as it grabbed them really bad, then i went to upgrade the firmware and it bricked itself, tried to get customer support and it was non existent, ended up selling it on ebay for parts, BUYER BEWARE

[@RoXolid]

You should never, NEVER, use WD40 on electronic components. It is a lubricant and it can attack some plastics or molded composites.

[@Sheepmansheep]

@@RoXolid it didnt matter anyways, it had nothing to do with the firmware sucking and zero customer service, the board was almost ripping off the case the games were stuck so bad

[@sander230e]

@@RoXolid I fixed a ton of PlayStation 1 consoles thanks to WD40. Especially the laser unit (rail and little gears). My own ps1 still works after six years of doing this. And I use this ps1 very much.

[@Owazrim]

Its pretty nice that it works with a Master System adapter. I wonder if it would work with the adapter and a card catcher... It almost makes me want to get a retron 5 just to test it.

[@RoXolid]

Card Catcher?

[@Owazrim]

@@RoXolid It was a pass through device that is used to play cards on the SG-1000 consoles. Both SG-1000 models didn't have a slot for cards.

[@Soulintent95]

Great review. Thinking of getting one to see how i feel about hyperkin consoles. I want to get a snes, so perhaps this would be a good baby step. Ive always loved their controllers, i have a few. Curious to see if id like their snes pad, the original snes pad is my favorite controller of all time. Love the color of this unit. Almost looks like it glows. Very unique color scheme.

[@RoXolid]

This is darn near identical to the Nintendo SNES Control Pad. It's about the closest I've ever used, they'e done a great job with the Scout.

[@Soulintent95]

@@RoXolid ill definitely check the controller out at the very least. Glad to hear its good thanks for the info.

[@d00glazz]

Input lag out the butt!!!

[@RoXolid]

I definitely did not experience that

[@Klawhauser353]

I wonder if the nes 150 in 1 multi- cartridge I like to know if would work in retron 5

[@RoXolid]

Not sure

[@schoolstudio7915]

Thank you

[@RoXolid]

You are welcome

[@gabbothegiver]

I love my retron 5, I don't know if I ever told you that

[@RoXolid]

Wait, do I know you? You seem familiar, but it's been so long...

[@elmono8894]

Does it work with sd2snes and omega flash and everdrives and so on?

[@RoXolid]

I don't own any EverDrives. If you're going to use one in a clone system like this I'd suggest going with a Retropie or Mstr instead, you'll be cheaper in the long run

[@nosebeareatsfudge3275]

great vid, what about virtua racing ? sega mega drive, and the audio in streets of rage?

[@RoXolid]

You know, I completely forgot to test Virtua Racing! I'll do a short on it this weekend! Thanks for calling that out!

[@demonprincess5634]

no n64 lame

[@RoXolid]

No one currently makes an N64 budget clone system that plays physical cartridges.