Which RetroN is Right For YOU!? | Every Hyperkin RetroN Console REVIEWED

Redbubble: www.redbubble.com/people/Nost...
These consoles are all available for purchase in our store, Nostalgic Video Games in Florence, Kentucky!
We are not sponsored or endorsed by Hyperkin in any way, nor did we receive these products for free. We purchased them ourselves, and the thoughts expressed in this video are our own.
Timestamps:
00:00 INTRO
01:00 RetroN 5
06:34 RetroN 3
22:27 RetroN 2 HD
27:43 RetroN 1
30:21 RetroN Sq
51:42 Mega RetroN HD
57:58 RetroN 77
1:12:13 Outro
Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon so you don't miss our next video and stay up to date on all the cool things we get in-store, as well as all of our other great shows!
Hyperkin Retrons are available on Amazon amzn.to/3xiPfPL
Join our Discord: / discord
There are a TON of ways to stay connected with the Nostalgic Network!
Our Website: www.nostalgicnetwork.com/
twitch: / nostalgicnetwork
Facebook: / nostalgicnetwork
Instagram: / nostalgic_network
#hyperkin #retron #gaming #NostalgicNetwork #VideoGames

[@evilstrawberrystudios890]

I recently got a Retron 2 HD to play my old NES Games on and Start an SNES Collection. Been Very Happy With it So Far.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

It's a solid lil HD work horse! Glad you're enjoying it

[@phantomhiphop]

literally was just looking for something like this and it popped up in my recommended lol

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Crazy how those cookies work

[@phantomhiphop]

@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade got myself the retron 2 as I'm mostly a SNES/NES guy and have sonic games (basically the only gensis ones I'd play) on like a hundred other systems so that one felt right for me

[@Erume]

Loved the video! After several days reading and watching about the retrons, I made my mind, thank you!

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Yippe!!

[@zombieking75]

i live close by and have purchased from you guys before i highly recommend them

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

[@ilovemybeard3394]

Thanks for an honest review…there was a lot of hate for it But you gave the best review overall 💪

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Thanks! There's a lot of concentrated hate towards clone systems that aren't PERFECT recreations, but for the casual and even many enthusiasts, these clone systems are exactly what you're looking for.

[@ilovemybeard3394]

@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade What I don’t understand sometimes is the hardcore gamers need the perfect pixels or the perfect this or that…with me it doesn’t matter though I’m a minimalist myself…as long as it has good frames I’m good to go 💪

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Yeah, there are purists out there who want the game to look and sounds EXACTLY how it did originally and I totally get that. Some clones are more off than others, but the RetroN's tend to be pretty dang close. To me its more of a hardware thing. Like if you have a super high end PC that can run the newest next-gen titles at 130fps+, it really isn't necessary for day-to-day operations and for some people isn't necessary at all. Lots of people are perfectly fine playing at 60fps or even 30 as long as they're having fun. I tend to fall into the latter category because occasional performance issues usually don't impede my enjoyment in something. So yeah, in short it's a personal preference / status thing. It's super cool and desirable to have something that plays EXACTLY like the OG in every way but can output in HD or whatever, but it isn't important to everyone.

[@EduardoFaustiniBarbosa]

Eu não sei se alguém vai ler isso mais valeu pelo vídeo esforçado e um trabalho que merece respeito por mais trabalhoso que seja editar eu gostei mesmo sem saber falar inglês obrigado

[@ritualdelo]

Fantastic video exactly the comparison I was looking for… Does this work with the zapper in a crt with hdmi to composite adapter?

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ritualdelo]

@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade does the Nintendo zapper work with crt with hdmi toncomposite adapter cable ? The retron 5 specifically

[@ritualdelo]

@nostalgic network let me know the answer to my previous question as this will help finalize my decision

[@jeremysart]

Now that there is CFW that allows you to play roms off the SD card, I’d say the Retron 5 is the clear choice. Though if you don’t have a ton of games for all those systems, something simpler and less expensive like the R3 might be a better choice.

[@_BELMONT_]

I would love to see more information on flash cartridge support on these console reviews. the ability or inability to play flash carts is what would make up my mind on purchasing one.

[@_BELMONT_]

with that said i should also take the time to tell you that these are good reviews and thank you for your time!

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Thank you Mr. Belmont, sir! Flash carts aren't really something I know too much about nor do I own any, so I never feel super qualified to talk about them LMAO. I do know that most of the system-on-a-chip consoles WILL play them, so the RetroN 1, 2, 3, and Mega HD should all play flash carts; however, the RetroN 5 and Sq DO NOT since they have an OS and have no idea how to boot up the games. That being said, it is all on a case-by-case basis. I'd suggest seeing if there's a reddit thread out there talking about the flash cart compatibility OR watching some of Madlittlepixel's videos on youtube about these consoles.

[@_BELMONT_]

@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade awesome thanks for the reply!

[@MrMartellSincere]

One day, I'll get my hands on the Sega Genesis, SNES and NES clone consoles for my gaming setup

[@severinevans346]

I just found out about the clone consoles not too long ago and I have almost every one I can think of now from Retrons to Super Retro Trio to the Analogue systems. I love them all and every one does it's own thing a bit differently. Plus I have a huge collection of games. Started as stuff I enjoyed playing and that I remembered growing up that I would play with my grandma. Then I just started collecting other things that I haven't played and trying new stuff.

[@hajnik276]

Does the Zapper work with Retron 4 HD? I can’t find any information on it. Thanks!

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Do you mean the RetroN 3 or 5? Currently there isn't a 4 The RetroNs 1-3 will all work with the Zapper since they are System on a Chip consoles; however, they will NOT work with the HD versions if you are using the HDMI. The Zapper ONLY works with tube TVs/CRTs and will not work on any modern HD TVs (regardless of the system or game you are playing), so you'd have to keep that in mind. To use it, you'd have to have the AV version of the console or use the AV on the HD console hooked up to a big boy CRT. I do know Hyperkin made their own Zapper that works on the RetroN 5, since the original one will not work on that system at all since it is HD only and emulation. I haven't had the chance to test those or do a video on it, so I can't vouch for how good it is.

[@luisrb7348]

Gracias por las reseñas, en mi experiencia los productos Hyperkin son de muy buena calidad (retron 3 hd, supa boy hd), y la relación costo beneficio es muy buena. Y si tengo productos de Analogue (super nt, analogue duo), pero son demasiado caros y dificiles de conseguir en mi pais (MX) como para recomendarlos.

[@chrisbarfield83]

FYI: The console with the highest capacity is the Retro Freak due to it being able to play Turbografx/PC Engine.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Bazinga moment

[@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?

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

The hyperbeach edition is the most recent one they've done, but is the exact same as the original one that was released. Unlike other Hyperkin consoles, they haven't updated the shell at all, and all the black ones that are currently being manufactured have the newest firmware update as well. Only real difference is that the Hyperbeach one comes with a matching Scout (Hyperkin's SNES controller) at no additional cost. That alone makes it worth getting that model over the black one, since the standard RetroN 5 controller is a piece of doodoo. I like the Hyperbeach color personally, but also get that it is NOT for everyone. And if you already have SNES/NES/Genesis controllers, then go with the black one because you likely won't use the RetroN controller anyways. I do REALLY like the scout, but those on their own are only like $15 or so, so it really isn't that much more.

[@fatbikearcticnomad2122]

That Hyperkin Retron 5 is awesome!! Too bad there’s not a N64 slot to play N64 games!!! That would be epic!!

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

So true. I know they worked on the Ultra 64 for quite awhile, but they haven't made any announcements about it in FOREVER. N64 is notoriously hard to emulate/play on 3rd party hardware. Even Nintendo couldn't get it right *COUGH* Switch Expansion Pak *COUGH*

[@fatbikearcticnomad2122]

@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade Yeah man lol….or Nintendo could re-release The N64 which would be amazing. Once Nintendo sees how much they could these older consoles maybe Nintendo could re-release The NES and SNES too! It’s an idea and hopefully at least for The N64. That’s my favorite Nintendo console. Great video bro, I subscribed!

[@dad7275]

That with TG 16 and Atari 2600/7800 built in. That would be the bomb.

[@fatbikearcticnomad2122]

@@dad7275 definitely bro!

[@kdnladner93]

Does the retron 5 need a memory card or something to give you option of saving?

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Nope. If you have a ton of saves, MAYBE

[@rshoe25]

I have one and my only complaint is the controller lag its no where near as quick as original hardware.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

I've had varying experience. In my testing of these consoles, I always find it depends on the controller. And sometimes ever different controllers of the same make and model have varied input lag. Strange. OEM controllers or hyperkin controllers usually work the best (except for that godawful retroN 5 controller)

[@AndrinhoD]

Is the original joystick that came with rechargeable? It doesn't appear to be the battery!

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

If you're talking about the RetroN 5, yes the wireless controller it comes with is rechargeable via a micro-usb port

[@AndrinhoD]

​@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade Yes, I said that. How interesting, you don't need to spend money on batteries! Thanks for answering.

[@greggiggle]

I feel dumb - if it says it can play NES, can it also play Famicom? Like Retron 2 for example.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

On the RetroN 2, no. The famicom and NES cartridges are SLIGHTLY thinner (they have 60 pins instead of the ntsc's 72, so cart itself isn't as wide) so it requires a different slot. The RetroN 5 however has a dedicated Famicom port. The 5 also allows language patches via the SD card slot, so if you are wanting to play Famicom games, I would suggest the RetroN 5. There ARE adapters that companies make, including hyperkin, that allow you to plug your famicom cart in and play on the nes 72 pin connector, which would likely work on a system on a chip console like the RetroN 2. That might be a bit of a cheaper way to do it than getting the RetroN 5, but the language patches and added compatability of the 5 just make it worth it in my opinion.

[@greggiggle]

@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade thanks very much. I’m really glad you told me that. So, for Famicom games, it looks like the RetroN 5 is the only option out there? (Besides using the adapter)

[@ericbarlow6772]

I like my Retron 5 for its ability to allow me to patch the games. I can play Japanese games with English translations.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

That along with the HDMI, save states, and ability to play Gameboy games on the TV are all the main selling points of that puppy

[@ericbarlow6772]

@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade yes and I also have the adapter to play Sega Master System cartridges and carts, and Sega Game Gear games. When I lived in my apartment, it was perfect since it had a smaller footprint to having all those systems hooked up.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Thats EXACTLY why I got mine!! When I moved into my first apartment I didn't want to deal with all the cables and a ton of systems on shelves, so the one hdmi cable and one console was a huge plus

[@RandSilva79]

Retron 5 was great when released, but it's pretty outdated nowadays, it doesn't play 32x, N64, and outputs only 720p. Hyperkin needs to move on fast!

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

TRULY! Its a great option to have for all of these systems and to have a big space saver, but I'm surprised they haven't made a new model that is visually in line with all of their newer RetroNs with that boxy appliance design with the one slanted corner with the light-up H and maybe build in all the Gamegear/master system card ports so you don't need the adapter. That and make it output 1080p and it would be 100% worth the upgrade. Add N64 and it's a MUST HAVE

[@dawnbush1853]

When are they gonna make a light gun that really works on a modern TV. Hyperkin tried but, it does not work. My favorite games for NES are shooting games

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Yeah the Hyperkin one really only works on hyperkin products and even then it kinda feels like a weird half-baked work around. A video I have planned is a guide to how to play NES Light-Gun Games in 2023, but there is a lot of ground to cover there so it might be awhile.

[@rDanny]

Sinden

[@dad7275]

Id personally reccomend the Retron 5. Ive had mine since around 2016 but my biggest problem was that lag which seems to be helped by a wired controller and ive adapted mine to be used on a crt tv which seems to help too.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

I always use either hyperkins wired controllers or an oem one. Can't stand their wireless controller LOL

[@lucasburchard6943]

They should of added ds and 3ds games along with it, maybe even add disk drive for the wii and wii u 😂

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Man that would be sweet. I think the issue there is that the patents on the ds's and wiis haven't lapsed yet so they can't legally reproduce their motherboards without a license from Nintendo which.... would never happen. They've been working on the "ultra 64" forever, but at this point I'm convinced it will never happen.

[@OneMore1UP]

Why do not people talk about that you cant save your game on the Game Boy Advance on the newest firmware 1.2?...

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Is this for the Sq or RetroN 5?? I haven't heard much about this but I also haven't played any GBA on them for a hot second.

[@meisJ420]

You have the voice for a slipknot cover band

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

If I had a nickel for every time someone told me that I'd have two nickels... Which isn't a lot but it's weird it happened twice.

[@anthonyxwillaims6112]

I have the controllers

[@DerkuiDerkui]

I don't trust Old Skool brand because they make their stuff pretty cheap. It's like they cut corners and then some using the absolute cheapest garbage/plastic/materials they can find.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Damn near every 3rd party company farms all their manufacturing out to the same plant in China. Old Skool, KYAB, Yobo, Tomee, it's all the same thing just licensed by different brands. Kinda crazy. They are real cheap, but that's the point. They are if you need 3 more controllers for a Mario Party night or something and you don't want to drop $150+ on 3 working OEM N64 controllers. They aren't going to last you a lifetime, but they aren't meant to. At least that's how I look at it

[@jacobleslie1227]

why haven't they made an n64 yet :(

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Because N64 is notoriously hard to emulate ;-; They showed off the "Hyperkin Ultra 64" YEARS ago and it's supposedly been in development since but no word on if/when that will ever drop. Would be fantastic to have one of those with built in ram expansion so you don't have to fork out the dough for an expansion pak to play like 4 games.

[@sebastiantherrien2998]

The Retron 5 does not work with Everdrive cartridges....the Retron 3 HD does... I wanted to also say that if the Retron 5 would have worked with Everdrive I would have bought the Retron 5 instead.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Yes: The RetroN 5 does not as it is technically Emulation, whereas the RetroNs 1, 2, and 3 are all system on a chip consoles that directly boot from the cartridge. With the 5, it just gets confused because there isn't a direct rom to rip and read because those Everdrive carts boot into a menu.

[@johneygd]

No matter how great hyperkin products can be BUT i really HATE their ugly cutting edge logo on those consolea and in some cases even on their controllers,some body at hyperkin must be really out of his mind and probably does like the look of bumped consoles against a wall,hahaha🤣

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Cutting EDGE HAH, get it... I prefer it to the older designs of the retroN's with that big dumb knob and even the current RetroN 5 looks stupid. But some definitely look better than others.

[@RETROTVMX]

Does Mario Paint work on RetroN 2 HD? Thanks in advance.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Considering that it's a system on a chip console and not an emulator I would think so. As long as you have the mouse controller for it! I know hyperkin made their own SNES mouse accessory so

[@BobbyxZx]

retrons suck because the input lag. you can buy one of these, but you're going to want to replace it in 3 months. you can't play punch out on a retron.

[@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade]

Firmware on the RetroN 5 has been continually updated and if you use a wired controller and not their garbage wireless one, there is no input lag. As with all of these consoles, results vary based on the console you buy, some have worse issues than others and sometimes certain games have more problems than others that have no problems at all.

[@BobbyxZx]

@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade i have my retron hooked up to a lagless monitor. it has a ton of lag. so much, i don't power it on very often. i'll look, but i doubt you're right.

[@nad92422]

@@BobbyxZx I have one of them using a snes controller and it really has no lag and I notice that stuff as a competitive gamer

[@TROLLING_BOT]

Looks like it's just you.