RetroN 5 is officially a thing, apparently

[Ed Oscuro]

The features that Hyperkin is telling us that the Retron5 will have - savestates, button remappings, 720p HDMI, 100% accuracy, firmware updates and so on - you are correct in saying that these can be done without emulation. However, my point is that it is far, FAR more likely Hyperkin will choose emulation to achieve all of this.
Now I'm on the same page with ya.

Leo, I'm not gonna bother. I've already said sorry for ramping things up, so follow suit, would ya? We are not having a healthy discussion when it comes down to continually trading "well I don't think good things are bad things" back and forth. I take some of the blame, I suppose, for not letting things that are obvious go implied but unsaid.

[Koga316]

I'm looking forward to this. Feels like they are trying to combine retro gaming with the perks of emulation on PC. I'm all for that because even if you dont like it, you cant still play it old school. If they do this correctly, this is going to be AMAZING!

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I'm trying to stay cautiously optimistic rather than have full blown excitement and anticipation. Hyperkin has a history of making clones that fall far short of their full potential, and RetroBit has consistently made better products.

This time, Hyperkin seems hellbent on promising us the sun and the moon when all we asked for was a good strip of land. I would have honestly been satisfied with the Retron4 if Hyerkin fixed all that was wrong with the Retorn3 and called it a day.

If hyperkin can deleiver on even half the shit they've promised, the Retorn5 will not just be a step forward for clones, but a quantum leap forward. With 100% less Scott Bakula.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I'm trying to stay cautiously optimistic rather than have full blown excitement and anticipation. Hyperkin has a history of making clones that fall far short of their full potential, and RetroBit has consistently made better products.

This time, Hyperkin seems hellbent on promising us the sun and the moon when all we asked for was a good strip of land. I would have honestly been satisfied with the Retron4 if Hyerkin fixed all that was wrong with the Retorn3 and called it a day.

If hyperkin can deleiver on even half the shit they've promised, the Retorn5 will not just be a step forward for clones, but a quantum leap forward. With 100% less Scott Bakula.

Retron6 will include full Bakula compatibility.

[Koga316]

The only clone I have is a Retro Duo 3.0 so I'm not very knowledgeable of all of the clones yet. I've heard Retron 3 wasnt too bad but I dont have one to mess around with and dont want to buy one just compare lol. But if the Retron 5 is better than the Retro Duo I'll be more than happy to upgrade

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Retron6 will include full Bakula compatibility.

Oh no, the Retorn6 is doomed. He's gonna crap all over it.

http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/jc50.2008/StarTrekEnt/twilightJCimages/01-46CaptainArcher.jpg

[Ace]

The only clone I have is a Retro Duo 3.0 so I'm not very knowledgeable of all of the clones yet. I've heard Retron 3 wasnt too bad but I dont have one to mess around with and dont want to buy one just compare lol. But if the Retron 5 is better than the Retro Duo I'll be more than happy to upgrade

The RetroN3 is a piece of crap. It used to be decent, but the newest hardware revision is FULL of problems. I suggest you don't buy one and I suggest you wait for myself, Satoshi or someone else to give a full review of the RetroN5 before you decide to get one.

[Ed Oscuro]

Oh no, the Retorn6 is doomed. He's gonna crap all over it.

http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/jc50.2008/StarTrekEnt/twilightJCimages/01-46CaptainArcher.jpg
Compatibility with older systems Retcon'D for the Bakula?

[hellraiser]

Ok ok ok.... im excited! This looks like it could be a great thing!

I hope they dont fumble the ball with some huge oversight.

[Cryog]

A PREVIEW OF DIFFERENT FILTER/SHADER EFFECTS ON THE RETRON 5.

http://hyperkingames.tumblr.com/post/47740087049/a-preview-of-different-filter-shader-effects-on

http://24.media.tumblr.com/b755fe58ee3d5f558a81c638b06f39b9/tumblr_ml48ltmL0N1s5p494o3_1280.jpg

Scanlines .... :vamp:

[Satoshi_Matrix]

While I am glad Hyperkin is including options, I think this is rather ho-hum, especially compared to the recent revisions to CoinOps for original Xbox with its half a dozen options that specifically puritan to video output.

The only options that matter to me are 1:1 pixel and aspect ratio correction, MANUAL screen resolution support so I can have it fit my screen (I do not want it to "guess"!) and sharp, razor sharp pixel support.

All the soft filters in the world will never be used by me. Fake scanlines for HDTVs is cute, but I also don't think I'll ever use it. Scanlines are a quark of CRTs, not something I inharently miss when I play games on an HDTV. They're there when they have to be; to put them in artificially seems wrong somehow.

[treismac]

All the soft filters in the world will never be used by me. Fake scanlines for HDTVs is cute, but I also don't think I'll ever use it. Scanlines are a quark of CRTs, not something I inharently miss when I play games on an HDTV. They're there when they have to be; to put them in artificially seems wrong somehow.

Honestly, I really enjoy scanlines when I play retro games, be they "natural" on my CRTs or if I use a filter when I emulate on my pc. Their absence doesn't render classics on the Wii unplayable when I play in front of my HDTV by any means, but they are an endearing quirk in my gaming book. I'm glad Hyperkin is adding this feature beyond the utility of the feature itself as it shows that they are putting thought and care into this project.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

by all means, I'm not complaining about the feature, but like the PS4's Social button, it's an announcement that is neither here nor there for me.

[hellraiser]

Heres a look at some of the retron 5`s diffrent filters. I guess alot of news is supposed to come out of e3?

http://hyperkingames.tumblr.com/post/47740087049/a-preview-of-different-filter-shader-effects-on

[PreZZ]

The controller design on the hyperkin site reminds me of Homer designing a car. Its in the same league.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The controller design on the hyperkin site reminds me of Homer designing a car. Its in the same league.

It's rather utilitarian/non-traditional looking, but I've seen worse.

Worst case scenario, you use a real NES/SNES/Genesis controller.

[recorderdude]

The Jaguar, Wii Classic Controller and SEGA 6-button all had a little too much to drink and forgot to use protection...

But hey, since when did retron controllers matter? Nobody here's gonna use the things over a real one.

[PreZZ]

Now that they are bluetooth controllers, they could be useful. I wish they would just do bluetooth snes and genesis QUALITY controllers with the same design as the originals.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I'm not gonna pass judgement on the bluetooth controller until I hold it in my hands. Who knows, the clickstick could be NeoGeo Pocket Color quality, the buttons might feel buttery smooth, the battery life might be a kazillion hours.

If it's crap, then it's still not the end of the word since you can use NES, SNES, or Genesis controllers with it as well. Heck, with adapters, you could in theory even use Saturn or PS2 controllers.

[treismac]

The controller design on the hyperkin site reminds me of Homer designing a car. Its in the same league.

Sweet reference.

http://onscreencars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/TheHomer.jpg

[PreZZ]

Maybe I was a little bit harsh with Homer's car, it's definitely better looking than the controller. I will withdraw my words only if the hyperkin controller has a button playing la cucharacha.

[Cornelius]

Maybe I was a little bit harsh with Homer's car, it's definitely better looking than the controller. I will withdraw my words only if the hyperkin controller has a button playing la cucharacha.

Awesome. That is all.

[PreZZ]

It's rather utilitarian/non-traditional looking, but I've seen worse.

Worst case scenario, you use a real NES/SNES/Genesis controller.

If a console bundle contains 2 bluetooth controllers, it jumps the console's price for no reason. If i buy this thing, I would happily save 20 to 30$ on the bundle without the controllers, I would store them and never use them anyway.

[PreZZ]

6607 WTF is that D-Pad? it looks like a reversed pudding in a bowl, its just FUGLY. Holding that controller is probably the equivalent of holding a red brick in terms of comfort. It looks bad, and you know the build quality will be awful (as usual) and the lay-out for different systems will be wrong. They should release it without the controllers, just the console

[Dr. BaconStein]

It looks like Hyperkin has competition... from Retro-Bit

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/9392_10151562035164588_642060195_n.jpg

Found this on their Facebook. Apparently it is called the "Super Retro Trio"

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/05/super_retro_trio_plays_snes_genesis_nes_and_gba_ga mes


6607 WTF is that D-Pad? it looks like a reversed pudding in a bowl, its just FUGLY.It is a micro switch, similar to Neo Geo.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

It looks like Hyperkin has competition... from Retro-Bit

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/9392_10151562035164588_642060195_n.jpg

Found this on their Facebook. Retro Trio, maybe?

It is a micro switch, similar to Neo Geo.

The console wars are ON!

ALL OF THEM!

[Tanooki]

Retrobit products aren't all that great historically and given this thing doesn't even handle HDMI nor all those oddball features of the Retron5 with the price fairly close, and actually higher if you buy the GBA adapter cart I see them pricing it down or going down in flames. I just wonder what they were thinking charging more and offering less.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

rage rage rage

Wow, you haven't really been paying attention have you? Let me address your concerns:


WTF is that D-Pad?
That's NOT a dpad. It's a digital clickstick similar to the NeoGeo CDZ and NeoGeo Pocket. Hyperkin is likely going that way to appease SNK fans as well as for retro fighting games, shooters, etc. If it's done right, a clickstick is a thousand times better than a dpad. Only time will tell if Hyperkin gets it right, but giving them shit for trying is pointless. I COMMEND hyperkin for trying.



Holding that controller is probably the equivalent of holding a red brick in terms of comfort.

And you base this on....what exactly? You know this just a prototype design right? Also, since when were brick controllers a bad thing? Look at oh I don't know, both the NES and Sega Master System controllers?



and you know the build quality will be awful
Actually, I think the point is you DON'T know that. Past results don't mean squat when talking about a future product. Your flawed comparison would be like not liking the N64 controller and then condemning the GameCube for that reason.



and the lay-out for different systems will be wrong.
Nope, wrong. The Retorn5 will allow users to freely remap the controls to whatever they like, for any game at any time. This will also apply to OEM NES, SNES and Genesis controllers as well.


They should release it without the controllers, just the console
I somewhat agree, but from the sounds of it one of the controllers will be needed to access the main navigation menu, so without the controllers the system would be useless. Of course, the system is still in the beta stages, so things could/probably will change considerably by the time it's finalized.



Retrobit products aren't all that great historically and given this thing doesn't even handle HDMI nor all those oddball features of the Retron5 with the price fairly close, and actually higher if you buy the GBA adapter cart I see them pricing it down or going down in flames. I just wonder what they were thinking charging more and offering less.

Oh I have to disagree there. Historically speaking, RetroBit's clones have been consistently much higher quality in terms of performance than Hyperkin's clones. This is why I was skeptical of the Retorn4 announcement, but as time has gone on it seems as though the tables have turned and it's RetroBit who is playing catch up.

I don't see the RetroBit Triple System as a direct competitor to the Retron5. No HDMI and no emulation, this is gonna be another in the line of reverse engineered clones that use SD resolutions. Hyperkin hasn't said the price of the Retorn5 except "under $100" (which I personally find hard to believe) so there's no point in comparing the prices of either until they're finalized. The real comparison of the two won't be in the features they offer nor their price, but in the way they both preform. As I said, RetroBit's clones have a very high degree of accuracy and compatibility and are the king of reverse engineered hardware based clones, but this time Hyperkin is jumping ship and going with emulation. Since emulation has the theoretical ability to run everything perfectly, it *might* be better than RetroBit's new system. As I've said before, only time will tell.

[Manga4life]

Any word on a release date on the RetroN 5? When it hits I'll probably pick one of these up, I have an original classic NES as well as a Generation NEX but lately I've noticed the NES has been acting up a bit and the NEX only plays NES games (I love that thing).

Looking forward to this release!

[Pikointeractive]

Retrobit is too late to the party with half of what the Retron5 is offering.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Any word on a release date on the RetroN 5?

Hyperkin hasn't said anything about it since PAX, but I suspect they might say something at E3 next month. Their original announcement of "summer" seems unlikely since the PAX system and controller was still in the prototype phase. I think you could probably expect one maybe by January next year. Maybe.



Retrobit is too late to the party with half of what the Retron5 is offering.
Maybe, but not necessarily since Hyperkin is doing with emulation and not reversed engineered hardware as RetroBit is sticking with. The emulation might be inferior to RetroBit's performance, or some games might not work with the emulation. It all depends on how much of the promises Hyperkin made with the Retron5 they actually deliver on.

Only time will tell.

[MachineGex]

All I want is a system that will play the MegaDrive game "Super Skid Marks". I have owned this game for several years without being able to play it. I want to give this game a go......

[8-Bit Archeology]

It looks like Hyperkin has competition... from Retro-Bit

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/9392_10151562035164588_642060195_n.jpg

Found this on their Facebook. Apparently it is called the "Super Retro Trio"

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/05/super_retro_trio_plays_snes_genesis_nes_and_gba_ga mes

It is a micro switch, similar to Neo Geo.

I am not familiar to the neo geo micro switch. Is it a 4 or 8 contact? Possibly something entirely different?

[8-Bit Archeology]

It looks like Hyperkin has competition... from Retro-Bit

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/9392_10151562035164588_642060195_n.jpg

Found this on their Facebook. Apparently it is called the "Super Retro Trio"

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/05/super_retro_trio_plays_snes_genesis_nes_and_gba_ga mes

It is a micro switch, similar to Neo Geo.

I am not familiar to the neo geo micro switch. Is it a 4 or 8 contact? Possibly something entirely different?

[BricatSegaFan]

All I want is a system that will play the MegaDrive game "Super Skid Marks". I have owned this game for several years without being able to play it. I want to give this game a go......

Is that the game where you can race cows?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I am not familiar to the neo geo micro switch. Is it a 4 or 8 contact? Possibly something entirely different?

like an arcade joystick, it has four microswitches and eight way movement.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

No images yet, but from the press release, it's got:

- Bluetooth Controller
- GBA support
- HDMI support
- “Perdana” Digital User Interface (???)

Sadly no N64 yet, but it looks like we are getting a lot closer. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting them to do a four-cart clone, especially not one with GBA. This should be very interesting.

http://hyperkin.com/blog/2013/03/hyperkin-to-reveal-new-retron-4-system-at-midwest-gaming-classic/

Dr BackonStein, can you edit your original post so that this thread name becomes "ReotrN 5 is officially a thing, apparently"? There are some people who confuse the Retorn 4 and the Retorn 5 as two different systems and there was a duplicate thread about the Retorn5 here. If people saw this thread as the topic for Retorn5, it would make it easier for those who seek to learn about it and discuss it to not get it confused with some other clone.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Dr BackonStein, can you edit your original post so that this thread name becomes "ReotrN 5 is officially a thing, apparently"? There are some people who confuse the Retorn 4 and the Retorn 5 as two different systems and there was a duplicate thread about the Retorn5 here. If people saw this thread as the topic for Retorn5, it would make it easier for those who seek to learn about it and discuss it to not get it confused with some other clone.

Fixed.

[PreZZ]

Wow, you haven't really been paying attention have you? Let me address your concerns:


That's NOT a dpad. It's a digital clickstick similar to the NeoGeo CDZ and NeoGeo Pocket. Hyperkin is likely going that way to appease SNK fans as well as for retro fighting games, shooters, etc. If it's done right, a clickstick is a thousand times better than a dpad. Only time will tell if Hyperkin gets it right, but giving them shit for trying is pointless. I COMMEND hyperkin for trying.




And you base this on....what exactly? You know this just a prototype design right? Also, since when were brick controllers a bad thing? Look at oh I don't know, both the NES and Sega Master System controllers?



Actually, I think the point is you DON'T know that. Past results don't mean squat when talking about a future product. Your flawed comparison would be like not liking the N64 controller and then condemning the GameCube for that reason.



Nope, wrong. The Retorn5 will allow users to freely remap the controls to whatever they like, for any game at any time. This will also apply to OEM NES, SNES and Genesis controllers as well.


I somewhat agree, but from the sounds of it one of the controllers will be needed to access the main navigation menu, so without the controllers the system would be useless. Of course, the system is still in the beta stages, so things could/probably will change considerably by the time it's finalized.




Oh I have to disagree there. Historically speaking, RetroBit's clones have been consistently much higher quality in terms of performance than Hyperkin's clones. This is why I was skeptical of the Retorn4 announcement, but as time has gone on it seems as though the tables have turned and it's RetroBit who is playing catch up.

I don't see the RetroBit Triple System as a direct competitor to the Retron5. No HDMI and no emulation, this is gonna be another in the line of reverse engineered clones that use SD resolutions. Hyperkin hasn't said the price of the Retorn5 except "under $100" (which I personally find hard to believe) so there's no point in comparing the prices of either until they're finalized. The real comparison of the two won't be in the features they offer nor their price, but in the way they both preform. As I said, RetroBit's clones have a very high degree of accuracy and compatibility and are the king of reverse engineered hardware based clones, but this time Hyperkin is jumping ship and going with emulation. Since emulation has the theoretical ability to run everything perfectly, it *might* be better than RetroBit's new system. As I've said before, only time will tell.

I'll be the first to admit if im wrong satoshi, I really hope they can make an awesome product, but I am very skeptical.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I don't have a problem with people being skeptical. hell, I'm skeptical too;


All I am saying is don't prejudge the Retron5 until it's actually released. I'm not championing it until I know for myself just how many of Hyperkin's grandiose claims ring true. I'll honestly be shocked if they sell it for less than $100 as they mentioned since past clones that do far far less sell for around $60-70, and RetroBit's new hardware clone console that doesn't do as much as the Retron5 is being priced at $89.

[Dr. BaconStein]

I don't have a problem with people being skeptical. hell, I'm skeptical too;


All I am saying is don't prejudge the Retron5 until it's actually released. I'm not championing it until I know for myself just how many of Hyperkin's grandiose claims ring true. I'll honestly be shocked if they sell it for less than $100 as they mentioned since past clones that do far far less sell for around $60-70, and RetroBit's new hardware clone console that doesn't do as much as the Retron5 is being priced at $89.I would expect it to be somewhere around $85. While it can do a lot, it is still by nature a clone console. There are (low-end) Android emulation systems that have the same features for around that price. Since RetroN 5 is not a handheld and still primarily cart-based, using Hyperkin's proprietary OS, I don't think it will exceed the $100 mark.

It seems like Hyperkin is really trying to win both the collector market and the digital/emulation market with this console. If you look closely on the mock-up images, you'll notice there's a USB slot on the side, next to the controller ports: http://hyperkingames.tumblr.com/post/49398440981/

Most likely for memory sticks/external storage space. Pretty fun idea if you want to transfer memory from your cart to your other devices, almost like a Retrode-type deal. Since it's USB, that also means other fun/silly stuff like this

http://a.tgcdn.net/images/products/zoom/led_beverage_holder.jpg

[Satoshi_Matrix]

If you look closely on the mock-up images, you'll notice there's a USB slot on the side, next to the controller ports. Most likely for memory sticks/external storage space.

I doubt it. In their press conference, they were asked about the USB port and they said in effect, that it's only planned use is to be able to recharge the blutooth controller it comes with.

Of course, Hyperkin could possibly use it to hook up external storage drives for some reason, but not likely. your pop can usb charger thing would still work though, regardless. although I dunno why you'd want to hook up a pop can fridge to a console.

[ApolloBoy]

It looks like Hyperkin has competition... from Retro-Bit

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/9392_10151562035164588_642060195_n.jpg

Is there any way that they can make these multisystem clones without them looking like cheap pieces of crap?

[Ed Oscuro]

That's NOT a dpad. It's a digital clickstick similar to the NeoGeo CDZ and NeoGeo Pocket. Hyperkin is likely going that way to appease SNK fans as well as for retro fighting games, shooters, etc. If it's done right, a clickstick is a thousand times better than a dpad. Only time will tell if Hyperkin gets it right, but giving them shit for trying is pointless. I COMMEND hyperkin for trying.
I've never even heard of this, nor used those. Thanks for pointing it out. To get it right, you're describing something that looks like the usual d-pad, but "clicks" with each press? Sounds like it has microswitches inside.

Fixed.
I'm "torn" over all these console remakes...ALL OVER AGAIN!

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Is there any way that they can make these multisystem clones without them looking like cheap pieces of crap?

You can't please everyone. With the prototype design of the Retron5 that was shown at PAX, I've read people posting both that it's ugly and others saying the same design looks absolutely fantastic. The Retrobit clone will be no different. Opinions will vary. Personally, I don't see any problem with either design, but I'm not too picky.



I've never even heard of this, nor used those. Thanks for pointing it out. To get it right, you're describing something that looks like the usual d-pad, but "clicks" with each press? Sounds like it has microswitches inside.

Yes, exactly. A clickstick is like a real arcade cabinet's eight way joystick in the size of an analog stick on a PS2/Xbox360 or what have you. A good clickstick is massively better than a dpad. This is why gaming on a NeoGeo Pocket is better than gaming on an absolute perfect emulator. A dpad is as poor a substitution as keyboard arrow keys are for a dpad. Hyperkin is of course in no means SNK though, so the mere announcement that their blutooth controller will use a clickstick isn't proof the concept will be awesome.

Years ago, short-lived clone maker Messiah released clickstick NES and SNES controllers for the NEX and SNES, and while not terrible, they weren't better than dpad controllers. I'll just leave it at saying Hyperkin has potential.

[Rickstilwell1]

I've never even heard of this, nor used those. Thanks for pointing it out. To get it right, you're describing something that looks like the usual d-pad, but "clicks" with each press? Sounds like it has microswitches inside.

I'm "torn" over all these console remakes...ALL OVER AGAIN!

What I hope is that this clickstick controller uses one of the three consoles' plug types instead of being wireless so it can be used on one of the original consoles as well and in effect, also the competing Retron 5. Then you'd a have a reason to get both.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

What I hope is that this clickstick controller uses one of the three consoles' plug types instead of being wireless so it can be used on one of the original consoles as well and in effect, also the competing Retron 5. Then you'd a have a reason to get both.

Did you watch the press conference? The clickstick controller will be blutooth wireless. There's absolutely zero chance it will use the NES SNES or Genesis controller ports. The controller will be exclusively for the Retorn5, but I bet it might be possible to hack it to work with other blutooth ready devices as well, such as PCs and maybe the PS3. The original controller ports are really only there to throw a bone to retro gamers who insist NES gaming isn't NES gaming without using an NES controller, or the same with the SNES and Genesis/MegaDrive.

[Spleeze]

Can someone explain the appeal of these things to me?

If you want to play the game as it was intended, why not get a real console?
It's not like they're replacing hard to find consoles like a turbo duo, or even a sega cd or 32x for that matter.
If you want to play on your HDTV and/or consolidate your consoles into one for space reasons, isn't a PC with some emulators/steam a much better option?
And if you're up in arms about emulation, these consoles really are no better. They're just more expensive than traditional PC emulation since you have to still plunk down 200 bucks for that copy of earthbound.

To me, these consoles seems like a product that has very little reason to exist...

[Manga4life]

Can someone explain the appeal of these things to me?

If you want to play the game as it was intended, why not get a real console?
It's not like they're replacing hard to find consoles like a turbo duo, or even a sega cd or 32x for that matter.
If you want to play on your HDTV and/or consolidate your consoles into one for space reasons, isn't a PC with some emulators/steam a much better option?
And if you're up in arms about emulation, these consoles really are no better. They're just more expensive than traditional PC emulation since you have to still plunk down 200 bucks for that copy of earthbound.

To me, these consoles seems like a product that has very little reason to exist...

A clone console like this is PERFECT for some people and just because it doesn't appeal to you doesn't mean they shouldn't exist. Here are some reasons people may use a console such as this.....

1. To consolidate wires and gain space. Since this system plays games from multiple systems you would have less wires and AC adapters laying around.

2. Some may want to use a system like this because they collect games and want to play them instead of just stare at them, while emulation is nothing more than files on a PC. Plus you can play this console on your old school TV or big screen TV while using the classic controllers you know and love without hogging the PC that someone else in the house may need to use.

3. Some people may not like junking up their PC with ROM's and emulators for personal reasons. IE: Their PC doubles as a work computer and they can't load personal stuff onto it, or they prefer to keep their system free of anything other than what needs to be there.

4. Original NES hardware is becoming less and less likely to stand the test of time. I've personally had 2 NES' with a new 72 pin connectors that have both failed, meanwhile my Generation NEX clone console by Play Messiah is still playing my NES games perfectly.

5. A system like the Retron 5 will offer save states for games that take forever to finish that people don't want to sit there and play a 4 hour game for 4 hours straight. Emulators do this too, but see reasons 2 and 3.

The reasons go on and on...........

[Spleeze]

I just don't get why anyone would buy one.


A clone console like this is PERFECT for some people and just because it doesn't appeal to you doesn't mean they shouldn't exist. Here are some reasons people may use a console such as this.....

1. To consolidate wires and gain space. Since this system plays games from multiple systems you would have less wires and AC adapters laying around.


If space is an issue, getting a small PC will save space, as well as offer up netflix/web/etc that these don't do.
Also, you can get away without carts with a PC, and after all, in this case you're looking to save space....



2. Some may want to use a system like this because they collect games and want to play them instead of just stare at them, while emulation is nothing more than files on a PC. Plus you can play this console on your old school TV or big screen TV while using the classic controllers you know and love without hogging the PC that someone else in the house may need to use.


That's the thing, if you really collect old games don't you want to collect the old system too?
If I just want to play the games a small PC + emulation will let you do that on an old TV, new TV or whatever.
And you can purchase classic controllers with USB or make your own.



3. Some people may not like junking up their PC with ROM's and emulators for personal reasons. IE: Their PC doubles as a work computer and they can't load personal stuff onto it, or they prefer to keep their system free of anything other than what needs to be there.


This is a silly reason. You can get a small PC that will emulate everything these consoles do for cheap on ebay and hook it up to your TV in your livingroom full time.



4. Original NES hardware is becoming less and less likely to stand the test of time. I've personally had 2 NES' with a new 72 pin connectors that have both failed, meanwhile my Generation NEX clone console by Play Messiah is still playing my NES games perfectly.


I understand that things will break, but when it comes to collecting I think you'd want to collect the real thing.
When it comes to playing the games, there are other options out there.
Additionally, when your NES' failed I'm sure there was a way to fix them. Maybe it requires soldering and replacing something on the motherboard, but that's part of the fun of keeping your old stuff working. I hope you didn't throw out those NES'.



5. A system like the Retron 5 will offer save states for games that take forever to finish that people don't want to sit there and play a 4 hour game for 4 hours straight. Emulators do this too, but see reasons 2 and 3.


Like you said, emulators do that too.



The reasons go on and on...........

I see a lot of reasons but I don't see good ones. It sounds like you're grabbing for them.
I'm not advocating sitting at your PC/laptop and using a keyboard to play an emulated game.
I think that for the same cost as these clone consoles you can get yourself a nice used PC from ebay that will sit under your TV and let you emulate all that these things do. Saving you space/time/money and giving you things like web/netflix/dvd player that these clones don't even have.

If you want to collect, then collect the real thing. If you want to just play the games, then just play the games.

It doesn't make sense to me to go out and buy some fake clone nonsense, to play real games in.

DISCLAIMER: Sorry for the rant. This is my opinion. Copyright 2013.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

It doesn't make sense to me to go out and buy some fake clone nonsense, to play real games in.

It doesn't make sense to you.

It makes sense to a lot of other people.

You can debate the notion until you're blue in the face, not going to change the fact that clone systems have proven to be immensely popular with both collectors and casual gamers alike and the companies that make them are going to continue to do so as long as there's any amount of interest.

Sure, they're not substitutes for actual hardware in terms of functionality or universal compatibility, but they provide a list of novelties and conveniences and in this upcoming generation of clones will feature things that real console hardware can't do (HDMI, filtering, save-states, etc.).

If it doesn't "make sense" to you, I'd recommend not spending too much time with it because they're not going away anytime soon ... in fact, we'll probably see more of them as time goes on.

[Cornelius]

It seems to me that the primary consumer of clones are people that have never heard of a rom and think 'Emulator' is from a movie starring that Austrian guy. They see one of these in a store and think it is cool, then go to a local game shop and buy Mario, Sonic, and Tetris.

Another part of the market are people who think the tech is cool. And let's face it, when it comes to cool tech, even redundant tech, these buyers don't really need a good reason, just an excuse. A lot of collectors will fit in this category and probably have all the hardware already. It's just cool, and pretty affordable really (if rumors are to be believed, can't remember if they pegged a price).

People in the middle of these two groups are not likely 'get it'.

[Spleeze]

I guess I can understand them as just neat little pieces of hardware.
I still can't see a reason to buy one though...

I'll just see myself out...

[Gameguy]

Can someone explain the appeal of these things to me?
It's the same reason you see those cheap electronics always for sale at Wal-Mart or other large retailers. Who actually buys those cheap no name DVD players, or low budget VCRs made entirely of plastic, or those stereos/radios that barely sound good? People do buy them. It's usually better to just buy better quality used items that would be close to the same price as those cheap ones brand new. You might need to get them serviced but then they'll be good to go for decades.

Maybe some people refuse to buy anything used so they'll buy a new console to play their old games, or they just don't know that there's a difference in quality with these new consoles compared to the original ones. A lot of people don't do research before buying anything. Most consumers are pretty ignorant, it's how the economy is designed. Buy gimmicky crap you don't need to keep people working.



I've personally had 2 NES' with a new 72 pin connectors that have both failed, meanwhile my Generation NEX clone console by Play Messiah is still playing my NES games perfectly.
If you would have kept the original pin connectors they wouldn't have failed.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Can someone explain the appeal of [this] thing to me?

The appeal:

1. HDMI video output. Many of us crave the best video resolution possible, and with unmodified consoles, the best you're going to get is S-Video and in the case of the NES, only composite. HDMI 720p as promised will deliver a huge boost in quality to make classic games look better than ever before.

2. Having multiple systems in one that take a single power supply and therefore doesn't clutter up your gaming setup.

3. Being able to use the original cartridges and controllers. This is absolutely key to the appeal. Most of us retro folk have a large collection of cartridges already and sure emulation is convenient, but most would agree there's just something lost if you go entirely digital. The same goes with using the original controller a system was designed for in the first place.

4. Novelty factor. It's simply cool that companies are producing brand new consoles to play our 20+ year old games.

5. Emulation options. The Retron5 will have savestates, presumably cheat options like GameGenie built in, and allow you to remap buttons to get around games with horrible button configurations.

Alright, so now here's answering your more specific questions:

[QUOTE=Spleeze;1965531]If you want to play the game as it was intended, why not get a real console?
You'll get no argument from me. If that's your goal, then GO FOR IT! In the case of the Retorn5 though, the reasons why people are excited for it are external to that line of reasoning.



If you want to play on your HDTV and/or consolidate your consoles into one for space reasons, isn't a PC with some emulators/steam a much better option?

Yes and no at the same time. Much of the appeal of using one of these clone consoles comes from being able to hook it up to a TV, using your original controllers, and using your library of cartridges. Yeah, you can get a laptop and hook it up via HDMI and run an emulation with a USB controller adapter, but most of us will feel awkward, that there's something intangible missing when you do 100% pure emulation.



And if you're up in arms about emulation, these consoles really are no better. They're just more expensive than traditional PC emulation since you have to still plunk down 200 bucks for that copy of earthbound.

It's all about using your cartridges. Yeah, the Retron5 will essentially be a dedicated emulation box, but it will be the emulation box most of us have been waiting years for. I don't see that many people buying a Retron5 and then deciding to go out and THEN buy expensive games like Earthbound, I see it more for people who already have a large game library to enjoy their collections on a new system.




To me, these consoles seems like a product that has very little reason to exist...

No judgements dude. That's fine. Nobody's forcing you to like or dislike anything. My only problem with MyTurnToPlay pages back was that he was lying, spreading hate, and just being a general asshole. if you dont like this clone or clones in general that's fine. There will always be a segment of retro gamers who strictly stick to only the original hardware.

[Manga4life]

Spleeze,

Just because it isn't good for you does not mean its not good for others, same goes for your rebuttle for why people should or should not own one of these. Different strokes for different folks, period.

[Tanooki]

Sound like someone needs to do some furious different strokes and relax. :)

RetroN5 has me fairly well sold at this rate but analysis by owners, not possibly paid off reviewers on sites will seal the deal. I dislike clone systems largely, have used them and they have problems. That said I own one, it took all this time up until mid last year for me to get one, a Supaboy v2, and why? IT did things right for once. Sure it's not 100% but I can live without SFAlpha2 or Yoshi's Island running, but in trade all my other stuff works great, audio is correct, visuals are correct. The d-pad was screwy but I figured out a couple cent costing mod to make it work like a real snes d-pad, though it can also be jacked into a tv and with the plugs in it, use a real pad anyway. It's solid, it works, and it doesn't fail and flounder like all the stuff to that point.

The Retron5 goes beyond that, sure it's fairly well looking like an emulator box, but it's a sub $100 emulator box, specifically not crafted as a WinPC with all that overhead, weird baggage, and issues emulators can have with any million combinations with various off the rack parts. This thing is custom tuned alone just to run what it's advertised to and has a sleek custom OS to manage such things. I like real hardware any day, but the capability for me to run Famicom games (which I can't otherwise) and same with Genesis too, along with the portability factor to take to family(nephews) place or elsewhere is big for me. The HDMI is a fat chunk of icing as I've seen what HDMI can do for the NES as Bunnyboy at NA (aka: owner of retrousb) will have out this year a HDMI device he'll attach inside of NES-2 top loaders to run an HDMI feed to TVs and his show off images on NA were jaw dropping fucking fantastic. I've never seen SMB1 that crisp even on Nintendo (Wii) hardware/software emulation nor on a PC using an emulator there too. I could give a damn about save states, but with a toddler that might change too as it could save me some headaches at the push of a button.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Not to curb your enthusiasm, but keep in mind that all of Hyperkin's claims are as of yet unsubstantiated. They *might* produce true 720p HDMI through software encoders very different from the original NES PPU. On the other hand, they might just produce an upconverted composite feed, making NES and Famicom games look bloody awful.

Hyperkin sure said a LOT to have me excited, but it's all the more they have to prove themselves. I'm rooting for the Retron5 to truly deliver, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up if they fail.

[BetaWolf47]

HDMI output with bluetooth controllers? That just screams of input lag.

[Rickstilwell1]

Another thing people often don't like about emulators and flash carts is having to open menus and pick out games from a list. They would rather just put in a game, turn it on and be ready to go. It makes these things great for the simple minded people who aren't tech savvy enough or the young kids who are just learning.

It is also a well known fact that there are more loose game cartridges out in the world than systems to play them on. These things ensure that in the distant future every copy of Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt, Tetris (GB), Super Mario World and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will gradually find a home as new generations of curious collectors join us and can no longer find original consoles.

If my generation likes the idea of trying out vinyl records as an exciting unfamiliar experience, the next generation my like to try out "putting a game in" as that will eventually become a foreign idea as well.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

HDMI output with bluetooth controllers? That just screams of input lag.

I don't think that'll be a concern. The Retorn5 will be emulation based, so HDMI lag shouldn't exist as that's what it natively produces. Also, blutooth controllers only experience lag when they are running low on battery. and again, you don't have to to use the bluetooth controller at all.



Another thing people often don't like about emulators and flash carts is having to open menus and pick out games from a list. They would rather just put in a game, turn it on and be ready to go.

Since all that's been shown so far is a prototype, it's not currently known just how it will work, but I suspect that the Retorn5 will simply boot directly into a game without a menu so long as you only have one game inserted. A menu would only be needed if you had two or more games installed at once. The menu that was shown is accessed during gameplay for savestates, button configurations, etc. I don't think you'll have to worry too much about a complex UI.


It is also a well known fact that there are more loose game cartridges out in the world than systems to play them on. These things ensure that in the distant future every copy of Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt, Tetris (GB), Super Mario World and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will gradually find a home as new generations of curious collectors join us and can no longer find original consoles.

I.......dunno about that. I think ours (people in the (early 20's to mid 40's) is the final generation that will care about physical media to any large degree. I think the future retro gamer will be a sort of hipster if they want original hardware. Retro gaming in the future will exist almost entirely of pure emulation where both emulator and emulated game have nothing to do with anything physically produced in the past. I'm sure of it.


If my generation likes the idea of trying out vinyl records as an exciting unfamiliar experience, the next generation my like to try out "putting a game in" as that will eventually become a foreign idea as well.

lol you're making my point. Yeah there are small number of people who swear by vinyl, but compare that to the number of people who listen to music through mp3 players. The same will happen with retro gaming in the future. Give it maybe 20, 30 years and retro gaming involving cartridges and clones will be a thing of the past as well. If anything, I suspect we'll see stuff like the Atari Flashback version 30 or something.

[Spleeze]

It was weird that I saw this article yesterday almost immediately after posting.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-your-raspberry-pi-into-a-retro-game-console-498561192

[buzz_n64]

According to the latest interview with Hyperkin, this will also play Gameboy games.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

According to the latest interview with Hyperkin, this will also play Gameboy games.

There has been clarification that the GBA slot would support the backwards compatibility features of the GBA (GB and GBC) for some time, I believe from the time that they started calling the system Retron 5.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

It was weird that I saw this article yesterday almost immediately after posting.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-your-raspberry-pi-into-a-retro-game-console-498561192

an even cheaper 100% emulation solution would be to softmod an original xbox. I've done that plenty of times myself, but really, the difference between the raspberry or xbox and the retron5 is the ability to play actual cartridges.

[Rickstilwell1]

There has been clarification that the GBA slot would support the backwards compatibility features of the GBA (GB and GBC) for some time, I believe from the time that they started calling the system Retron 5.

Yeah and that's on top of the SNES slot always being compatible with Super Game Boy in the clones. The main importance of backward compatibility in the GBA slot is the ability to play GBC games that won't work on a Super Game Boy.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Yeah and that's on top of the SNES slot always being compatible with Super Game Boy in the clones. The main importance of backward compatibility in the GBA slot is the ability to play GBC games that won't work on a Super Game Boy.

You're getting the Hyperkin Retron5 confused with RetroBit's Super Retro Trio.

The Retorn5 will do GB/GBC/GBA through it's own dedicated slot. It's Retrobit's clone that will seemingly do GBA games through the SNES slot. But it's unknown at this point exactly how that will work. There's been absolutely nothing said about The Super Retro Trio supporting GB or GBC games, nor have they said anything about it working with the original SNES hardware. It might be something that only the Retro Trio uses.

If I had to guess? The GBA adapter RetroBit announced will not work with GB/GBC, only GBA. It will work like the RetroPort that comes with the RetroDuo Portable does - supply video feed only though the clone and not to the original SNES hardware. This will mean the adapter will be useless on anything but the Retro Trio clone.

Of course, that too is speculation. Nothing has been said or shown yet.

[Manga4life]

I'm super excited to get the Retron 5, the more and more I hear about it the more and more I'm thirsting for one! I just wish we knew more, like the estimated availability and the price point, I feel as if we may be waiting quite a while before we see one available.

[hellraiser]

I feel as if we may be waiting quite a while before we see one available.

I agree! But that's ok. I say let them take there time so we can get a quality system.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I'm super excited to get the Retron 5, the more and more I hear about it the more and more I'm thirsting for one! I just wish we knew more, like the estimated availability and the price point, I feel as if we may be waiting quite a while before we see one available.

I imagine Hyperkin will make a further announcement at E3 which is about a month away. You can also follow their facebook page for any announcements.

[Rickstilwell1]

You're getting the Hyperkin Retron5 confused with RetroBit's Super Retro Trio.

The Retorn5 will do GB/GBC/GBA through it's own dedicated slot. It's Retrobit's clone that will seemingly do GBA games through the SNES slot. But it's unknown at this point exactly how that will work. There's been absolutely nothing said about The Super Retro Trio supporting GB or GBC games, nor have they said anything about it working with the original SNES hardware. It might be something that only the Retro Trio uses.

If I had to guess? The GBA adapter RetroBit announced will not work with GB/GBC, only GBA. It will work like the RetroPort that comes with the RetroDuo Portable does - supply video feed only though the clone and not to the original SNES hardware. This will mean the adapter will be useless on anything but the Retro Trio clone.

Of course, that too is speculation. Nothing has been said or shown yet.

No, I wasn't talking about the Retrobit clone, I was talking about the legit Super Game Boy made by Nintendo. It works on all SNES clones already. So all you need BC in the GBA slot for on the Retron 5 really is GBC games that the SGB doesn't work with, unless you don't already have a SGB.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Unless Hyperkin does something crazy, I think it's safe to assume the Retron5 will be running a reverse engineered emulation of the GBA's bios which contains the old GBC kernel. This will mean that the Retron5 will detect GBC or GB games in GBC mode, making GBC games play completely correctly, and GB games to use a fixed pallet.

Unless they pull some emulation magic (they might!) Super GameBoy enhanced games won't play on the Retorn5. Only the GBC mode. Here's the difference I mean with Kirby's Dreamland 2.

Here's SGB mode:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/0db0155c0a5a38b7751d002013be2ffb/tumblr_mitix8MEHU1rc7qlzo1_250.png

and here's various GBC modes.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/f88055e35d0aba7e7624b61be2ffdccc/tumblr_mitix8MEHU1rc7qlzo5_250.png http://25.media.tumblr.com/752e24c10be608d9ea751612f7450c68/tumblr_mitix8MEHU1rc7qlzo3_250.png http://24.media.tumblr.com/c2027db1f4f3e20877df15b653328696/tumblr_mitix8MEHU1rc7qlzo7_250.png http://25.media.tumblr.com/19b2c24e0b7dcca455e1c10f4aa20050/tumblr_mitix8MEHU1rc7qlzo9_250.png http://24.media.tumblr.com/a441ee62c408699216d42aef71208055/tumblr_mitix8MEHU1rc7qlzo8_250.png

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

I probably have one of the least common reasons for owning one of the multi-systems. I believe that the one that I have now is the Retron3. I don't really use it much for playing games for extended periods, but it is a great tool for testing out games after buying stuff and yard sales/flea markets. It allows me to test games for 3 different systems without having a bunch of stuff hooked up.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

the flaw in that thinking is that the Retorn3 isn't 100% compatible with every game. So you could buy a game, then it doesn't work on the Retron3, and think there's something wrong with your game.

[Manga4life]

Now, if only the Retron5 had a way to de-Jap the games so we could play them with American (or even someone American) lettering than that would be a massive reason to buy the system. I've always wanted to play Japanese games but I didn't like the idea of doing so in Japanese, maybe a console will come out with the technology to do this someday.......?