RetroN5: Hands on first look

**Satoshi_Matrix** · 02-28-2014, 12:38 PM

thank you. That's exactly what I was looking for. I'm a bit concerned about the exposed GBA slot - could you take a close up of that please? It doesn't look like it has a dust flap.

On the back of the unit, there appears to be a small hole between the HDMI and USB ports.Is that a pin-activated factory reset button, a LED, or something else? it isn't marked it seems.

I hate to seem greedy, but could you also take one form directly above? Older shots don't include that controller bay, and I'm curious what that exactly looks like.

It was obviously designed to hold the RetroN5 wireless controller, but I wonder, does it at all comfortably hold other controllers like the rectangular NES-004 controller or the Super Famicom/Nintendo controller, Genesis, etc?

Thanks!

**StoneAgeGamer** · 02-28-2014, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Satoshi_Matrix

thank you. That's exactly what I was looking for. I'm a bit concerned about the exposed GBA slot - could you take a close up of that please? It doesn't look like it has a dust flap.

On the back of the unit, there appears to be a small hole between the HDMI and USB ports.Is that a pin-activated factory reset button, a LED, or something else? it isn't marked it seems.

I hate to seem greedy, but could you also take one form directly above? Older shots don't include that controller bay, and I'm curious what that exactly looks like.

It was obviously designed to hold the RetroN5 wireless controller, but I wonder, does it at all comfortably hold other controllers like the rectangular NES-004 controller or the Super Famicom/Nintendo controller, Genesis, etc?

Thanks!

**fairyland** · 02-28-2014, 01:38 PM

They'll be asking you to crack that baby open and taking photos of the insides next.

I never realized until now how painful that D-pad looks. I have some serious doubts about using that thing.

I wonder if this one will turn a nice shade of yellow like the SNES does?

Either way, I'm really tempted to buy one now. I've been waiting to hear others put it to the test and reporting the negs before doing so though. I keep feeling it's just too good to be true and something will go wrong with it.

**Tanooki** · 02-28-2014, 01:48 PM

I don't remember the exact quote, just that they wanted 100% compatibility with it. If it was directly saying it will be or they'll go for it, it still puts the thought out there was the point.

I know that thing isn't meant for nitpicky die hard old game fanboys and fangirls, they'll want it all original or they'll turn their nose up to it. But a lot of people, even those at NA are interested in the system because it serves a real genuine purpose of getting all that old hardware in one device, claiming such high support, and then can be output with 1080p HDMI without lag supposedly and has the save/load states along with the audio and visual filters.

Clones I've got a mostly hate relationship to, especially the NES ones because of the dodgy quality when it came to audio, visuals, and just spotty support on games. SNES has faired somewhat better, and I even have the v2 to the Supaboy which does a heap, just a couple FX games fail, sadly SFAlpha2, and the SA1 games I need to cart swap to work, but they do and it does the audio/visuals right and when I modded the d-pad to work right it's fun to use. I see the Retron5 more like that where they're shooting for quality, not just quantity out there throwing enough to stick to the wall they profit off it being just OK. With the firmware upgrades I like that, it places itself as an emulator in a box like Ouya, but it uses real games not ROM copies.

Just to put it out there, when I was at Midway for a couple years a good chunk of that time was testing, then after that technical standards testing as well among other things. I get why they're out there, and probably more than some others would what is going on and needs to be done in the back and forward in the process and I'm most pleased they're taking this route instead of just being in house as you never know what will happen in the real world.

Satoshi, why the concern over the GBA slot having no flap? The Nintendo made GB Player has no flap.

**StoneAgeGamer** · 02-28-2014, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by fairyland

They'll be asking you to crack that baby open and taking photos of the insides next.

I never realized until now how painful that D-pad looks. I have some serious doubts about using that thing.

I wonder if this one will turn a nice shade of yellow like the SNES does?

Either way, I'm really tempted to buy one now. I've been waiting to hear others put it to the test and reporting the negs before doing so though. I keep feeling it's just too good to be true and something will go wrong with it.

D-pad is not uncomfortable, however I think some people may not like it just because its different than your normal d-pad.

**StoneAgeGamer** · 02-28-2014, 04:07 PM

Some sound and video testing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsTSiPwAPRQ

**BlastProcessing402** · 02-28-2014, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by Satoshi_Matrix

Ah you're right, I was generalizing. HDMI compliant CRTs are incredibly rare, as they were made only in the short window between ~2003-2007. I see CRTs for sale in local ads and people just giving them away in many cases, but I have never once personally seen a CRT that has HDMi. I'd love to own one and then essentially get rid of all the CRTs I have that only do up to 480i.

There aren't that many with HDMI, but there are more with DVI, which you can use with adapters to work with HDMI.

**Leo_A** · 02-28-2014, 04:56 PM

Is the sound out of sync? I'm hearing what i think is the sound that you get when Mario fills up the arrows which means he's running at maximum speed (And can fly if he has the raccoon suit) but it doesn't correlate with what's on the screen.

**Leo_A** · 02-28-2014, 04:57 PM

Is the sound out of sync?

I'm hearing what i think is the sound that you get when Mario fills up the arrows which means he's running at maximum speed (And can fly if he has the raccoon suit). But it doesn't correlate with what's on the screen.

Yet things like the sound when you jump seem to be matched up.

Edit: Or is it a telephone I'm hearing?

**Leo_A** · 02-28-2014, 04:58 PM

Double post...

**StoneAgeGamer** · 02-28-2014, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by Leo_A

Is the sound out of sync?

I'm hearing what i think is the sound that you get when Mario fills up the arrows which means he's running at maximum speed (And can fly if he has the raccoon suit). But it doesn't correlate with what's on the screen.

Yet things like the sound when you jump seem to be matched up.

Edit: Or is it a telephone I'm hearing?

Yes its a phone call.

**Satoshi_Matrix** · 02-28-2014, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by fairyland

They'll be asking you to crack that baby open and taking photos of the insides next.

I never realized until now how painful that D-pad looks. I have some serious doubts about using that thing.

I wonder if this one will turn a nice shade of yellow like the SNES does?

Either way, I'm really tempted to buy one now. I've been waiting to hear others put it to the test and reporting the negs before doing so though. I keep feeling it's just too good to be true and something will go wrong with it.

Indeed. Although I don't expect him to do so, it would be completely AWESOME if StonageAgeGamer could take the screws off and let us peek at the motherboard. It would help answer some questions as to exactly what is powering the RetroN5, and possible mods.

As for the d-pad stick or whatever it truly is, I again will repeat what I said the moment the thing was shown: I'm going to reverse judgement until I actually get the controller in my hands. There are many controllers that LOOK uncomfortable or junky, but in reality are pretty cool, and vice versa.

The SNES yellows with exposure to UV radiation because of incorrect fire retardant mixtures in the plastic. I doubt that The RetroN5 will have the same long term problems, but if you're that concerned, buy the one that's all black.

As for the "too good to be true", that's in the back of my mind too. This is Hyperkin we're talking about here, and one only needs look at their track record of terrible fault-ridden clones to be wary.

Originally Posted by Tanooki

I don't remember the exact quote, just that they wanted 100% compatibility with it. If it was directly saying it will be or they'll go for it, it still puts the thought out there was the point. even those at NA are interested in the system because it serves a real genuine purpose of getting all that old hardware in one device, claiming such high support, and then can be output with 1080p HDMI without lag supposedly and has the save/load states along with the audio and visual filters.
Satoshi, why the concern over the GBA slot having no flap? The Nintendo made GB Player has no flap.

Hyperkin's quote was that they were "aiming" at 100% compatibility. That statement essentially doesn't mean anything, since that's neither a promise that it will happen, or even something that's a true priority.

The Retron5 will only output 720p, not 1080p. That's something the Ouya has the leg up on the RetroN5.

I'm concerned about the lack of a dust flap because it looks like its a gaping hole int he system, not just to the GBA cart slot. Potentially bugs such as spiders could crawl in that and set up a nest and all sorts of nastiness. If that's the case, then i'm going to have to engineer some sort of plug for the GBA slot when not in use, sort of like the plug that covers the Famicom's DB-15 expansion controller port.

**StoneAgeGamer** · 02-28-2014, 11:04 PM

double post

**StoneAgeGamer** · 02-28-2014, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by Satoshi_Matrix

I'm concerned about the lack of a dust flap because it looks like its a gaping hole int he system, not just to the GBA cart slot. Potentially bugs such as spiders could crawl in that and set up a nest and all sorts of nastiness. If that's the case, then i'm going to have to engineer some sort of plug for the GBA slot when not in use, sort of like the plug that covers the Famicom's DB-15 expansion controller port.

That's not the case. Its not a gaping hole into the system, it has an enclosure around it. You probably just can't see it in the pictures. I would believe what you are doing is nitpicking.

If no dust flap on the GB slot is the biggest issue with the RetroN5 then I think that's a good thing.

**Satoshi_Matrix** · 03-02-2014, 04:55 AM

looks like DP is working again.

StoneAgeGamer, I'd like to know just what that bluetooth controller's analog nub thing is. Hyperkin hasn't really said anything about it at all.

I just want to just what that is. Is it:

a floaty d-pad like the NES Max or Messiah's wireless Generation NEX controllers?
a microswitch driven click-stick like the NeoGeo CD controller or NeoGeo Pocket Color? If so, does it make any audible clicking sound when you move it?
an analog stick like you'd find on any modern console?
something else entirely?

**StoneAgeGamer** · 03-02-2014, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Satoshi_Matrix

StoneAgeGamer, I'd like to know just what that bluetooth controller's analog nub thing is. Hyperkin hasn't really said anything about it at all.

Its an 8-way micro-switch joystick basically. Like NGPC. The d-pad, the 6 face buttons, and the 2 shoulder buttons are all micro-switch. Clicky.

**Satoshi_Matrix** · 03-03-2014, 01:48 AM

Awesome. I'm so glad to hear that. That fact has the potential to silence many of the naysayers about the controller.

If it's a microswitch based click stick like the NGCD and NGPC, then I take it that the stick makes a clicking noise as you move it? Try moving it without the system on, and holding it up to your ear if you are unsure.

**StoneAgeGamer** · 03-03-2014, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Satoshi_Matrix

Awesome. I'm so glad to hear that. That fact has the potential to silence many of the naysayers about the controller.

If it's a microswitch based click stick like the NGCD and NGPC, then I take it that the stick makes a clicking noise as you move it? Try moving it without the system on, and holding it up to your ear if you are unsure.

Its clicky. I said this in my previous post.

I am sure not everyone will like the controller because of the d-pad being different than people are normally used to, especially with these systems. Luckily it still has regular controller ports. I will admit it did take me some getting used to, but the more I use it the more I like it. Do I like it better than a normal game pad yet? Probably not, but trying to erase 20+ years of using original controller may take some time. Also, I am sure for some games it may have an advantage, especially fighting games and it being wireless has actually made me prefer using it in my living room setup over original controllers. I should be able to do this in a few weeks when I go down to my store. Just because I may not like it as much as original controllers is not me saying it sucks. Its actually much better than I was expecting, but this is also just my opinion. I am sure a lot of people will hate it because its different or because its just no their cup of tea.

**Satoshi_Matrix** · 03-03-2014, 11:53 AM

That's true. Based on my Neo-Geo pad experiences, click-sticks are controller pad-arcade stick hybrids that cater to genres that benefit from using an arcade stick - shoot 'em ups, fighters, adventure, and occasionally platformers, but not really puzzle, sports, RPGs, flight, etc etc.

I suspect that I'll prefer using the RetroN5 controller with only those specific genres I mentioned. Luckily, shoot 'em ups and fighters especially make up a large portion of the Famicom, NES, SNES, Genesis and GB/A games that appeal to me so I'll more than likely give the controller a real work out.

When you get a chance, could you ask your Hyperkin contact if they'll be selling additional bluetooth controllers separately, and how much they'll retail for? I'll probably want to buy a second one of these when a friend comes over.

Oh yeah, while I think of it - I have another question for you.

After you insert cartridges into the bays, do carts wobble front to back, particularly NES and SNES games? This can be a minor concern for some clones, and I wonder where the RetroN5 falls in this regard. It doesn't look like it has anything to stabilize the taller carts, particularly NES ones after they're plugged in.

**StoneAgeGamer** · 03-03-2014, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Satoshi_Matrix

That's true. Based on my Neo-Geo pad experiences, click-sticks are controller pad-arcade stick hybrids that cater to genres that benefit from using an arcade stick - shoot 'em ups, fighters, adventure, and occasionally platformers, but not really puzzle, sports, RPGs, flight, etc etc.

I suspect that I'll prefer using the RetroN5 controller with only those specific genres I mentioned. Luckily, shoot 'em ups and fighters especially make up a large portion of the Famicom, NES, SNES, Genesis and GB/A games that appeal to me so I'll more than likely give the controller a real work out.

When you get a chance, could you ask your Hyperkin contact if they'll be selling additional bluetooth controllers separately, and how much they'll retail for? I'll probably want to buy a second one of these when a friend comes over.

Oh yeah, while I think of it - I have another question for you.

After you insert cartridges into the bays, do carts wobble front to back, particularly NES and SNES games? This can be a minor concern for some clones, and I wonder where the RetroN5 falls in this regard. It doesn't look like it has anything to stabilize the taller carts, particularly NES ones after they're plugged in.

I don't know the pricing, but I am pretty sure they plan on selling them seperately because you can link up to 4 controllers to a system. Similar to modern system. There are 4 LEDs on the controller obviously whichever led is let is which player it is.

Some carts can wobble a bit, but the connectors seem solid. When inserting a cart you don't feel like you are going to break the system into pieces if you press too hard. All-in-all the RetroN5 seems pretty well built. Better than any other clone I have used so far from any of the clone companies. Dust flaps are very solid, not flimsy. Controller feels solid as well. There is nothing I have seen so far in regards to build quality where I have though "well that's cheap". Is the build quality on par with modern consoles? No, but that's to be expected, but IMO its leaps on bounds better than any other clone I have used so far.

I know it may seem like I am kissing the RetroN5's ass, but there are some issues I do have with it, but since those issues may possibly be corrected I can't really publicly talk about them at this time. Most of the issues are not huge deal breakers for me, but some may be deal breakers for others. They are not really typical issues had with clones either, most of those problems seemed to have been corrected. If/when the NDA is lifted I will be happy to bring them up. I will say this though, there is a lot of good here. As long as Hyperkin keeps their side of the bargain and continues to update the system's OS with better compatibility and possibly new features I think it is a big step in the right direction. Really this is probably the first "clone" I wouldn't mind having next to my modern systems on my main household TV (I know it may not technically be a clone, per se, but you know what I mean).

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