RetroN 5 is officially a thing, apparently

[Kiddo]

Not only that, but the 32X requires a video feed connection with the MegaDrive hardware to output sprite and other data..

For the not-technically-inclined, could you explain to me how this is relevant to an emulation environment?

I know the 32x was a bomb and has significantly less games worth playing than Sega CD (which I do agree is sad not to see on here. Shouldn't it be cheap to throw in a CD drive on the Retron, or are Hyper perhaps afraid it'll be a piracy backdoor, or that it'd provoke demand for nearly anything that ran CD medium games?), but I got Virtua Fighter and two sweet Arcadian Joysticks, maaaan. :<

[Satoshi_Matrix]

The reason it is extremely unlikely the RetroN5 will ever have 32X support is twofold;

First off, the 32X can only be used in conjunction with a real Sega Genesis/MegaDrive system. The device itself is inserted into the system like a standard game cartridge, but then it also requires its own separate power supply and a connection cable linking it to the Genesis video output port (or an additional conversion cable for the original model of the Genesis)

Since the RetroN5 will use HDMI and standard AV input, there is no way to interface the 32X.

The second major reason why it won't happen is because the 32X was a failure with almost no current retro following, at least not in comparison to the Sega Genesis itself.

The five systems that are included with the RetroN5 are the ones that proved to be the most popular and are most often requested. Even as they become legal to clone, there is simply no market for clones of unsuccessful systems such as the Lynx, Jaguar, etc. This is the primary reason why the RetorN5 will not have a TurboGrafx16 slot for example.

As for the Sega CD, like the 32X, it requires a direct connection with the Genesis hardware itself, and plus a CD drive would be expensive to produce, and once again, the Sega CD has no major retro gaming following. Super hardcore gamers like you and me might remember Popful Mail, Lunar and Snatcher, but the majority of the retro gaming community passed it up in favor of the Genesis and SNES.


The only reason they're making a big deal about "oh hey look! Master System compatibility!" is because the Sega Genesis itself has the hardware for Master System games built right in. Emulators of Genesis games can usually run Master System games without a hitch.

[Kiddo]

I spent a while being confused at your statements until I realized you were talking about putting a real 32X base on the RetroN5. Dang, I'm slow!

What I was wondering though would be how difficult it would be to simply emulate the 32x using the RetroN5's current specs. The base cart connector would be the same as Gen/MD, so I would presume at least on the side of physical connections one wouldn't need the 32x itself or any kind of passthrough. I would assume that difficulty in emulating the 32x would depend on how they handle the emulation of Genesis itself (IE. if it's as hardware-accurate as something like higan, than 32x is unlikely.).

I was mostly curious about this because the 32x is the one platform they could probably add support for that wouldn't require changing the physical console spec (IE amount of cartridge slots or shape) in any substantial manner.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Oh I see what you're asking. Well, 32X support itself through emulation would be dead easy for the RetroN5 to as many Genesis emulators support it to begin with, even a few Android based Genesis emulators. Hyperkin could theoretically sell an adapter RetroGate style that let you insert a 32X cart into that and then it into the Genesis slot or something, but they still won't because the 32X was a dud with no significant retro following.

[treismac]

...the 32X was a dud with no significant retro following.

I wonder what systems have even smaller followings: 3DO? Jaguar? Philips CD-i? It has to hold a strange place in the hearts of Sega fans as it was arguably the first really bad move in a series of blunders that led them to the end of console development. I've got a 32x that I picked up for helping clear out a friend's garage. I've got a bunch of games but no hookups. If I was a bigger Sega fan or if any of the games looked appealing, I'd grab 'em, but I can't see myself playing the 32x enough to justify it, which is a shame because the hoarding side of my collector self doesn't want to part with it.

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

12/10/13 is the date and I'm as eager as a kid in a candy shop to get my hands on this console! I can't wait to play Golden Sun, Metroid Zero, Superstar Saga and other amazing GBA games on my big screen as well as play my SNES and Genesis games again, I've been holding off on playing SNES and Genesis titles once again until the Retron 5 was released even though I own the consoles to play them on. It's going to be a fun winter!

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I wonder what systems have even smaller followings: 3DO? Jaguar? Philips CD-i?

Oh I'm sure all of the above. I'm not attacking the 32X by saying that Hyperkin won't bother supporting it - I think it would be totally awesome if the RetroN5 did support it, as well as other systems of the time like the GameGear and Lynx, and especially the TurboGrapfix 16 and PC Engine. I want a Hucard slot on the RetroN5.

However, my marketing background allows me to see the risk/reward aspect of the situation - The cost of R&D to implement TurboGrifx16/PC Engine support would be higher than the actual demand for such an input. If they did do it, most people who bought a RetorN5 would never use it at all, making it a wasted effort.

You might be wondering why then, did they add the Famicom slot when that's also largely going to be the case. The answer to that is global presence. Hyperkin plans to sell the system worldwide, and in Asia particularly the Famicom has a huge following. In addition to that, North American collectors also import Famicom games to some degree as well. It is more economical for a smaller company like Hyperkin to design a single device that can be sold worldwide, rather than changing it depending on the region.

[MyTurnToPlay]

12/10/13 is the date and I'm as eager as a kid in a candy shop to get my hands on this console! I can't wait to play Golden Sun, Metroid Zero, Superstar Saga and other amazing GBA games on my big screen as well as play my SNES and Genesis games again, I've been holding off on playing SNES and Genesis titles once again until the Retron 5 was released even though I own the consoles to play them on. It's going to be a fun winter!

You've been holding off from playing your games on their original systems while you wait for some cheap emulation?????

Congratulations, you are now officially the author of the most retarded comment I've ever read on these forums.

thank you.

[PreZZ]

12/10/13 is the date and I'm as eager as a kid in a candy shop to get my hands on this console! I can't wait to play Golden Sun, Metroid Zero, Superstar Saga and other amazing GBA games on my big screen as well as play my SNES and Genesis games again, I've been holding off on playing SNES and Genesis titles once again until the Retron 5 was released even though I own the consoles to play them on. It's going to be a fun winter!

You know the console uses emulation right? So you can already play all these games on PC/phone/tablet emulators for free and if you have tv out for your laptop/phone/tablet you can already play on your tv with enhanced graphics and full screen. Just saying.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I received an advanced delivery of this product for review....so let me save everyone the trouble. The Retron 4 is a piece of crap. Hyperkin has a consistent record of trashy junk products...and this one is no different.

On the bright side of things...100 poor Chinese laborers were given jobs by Hyperkin to make this thing....so in a sense...Hyperkin is leading the charge towards making the world a better place. "Hyperkin the humanitarians"...pretty catchy slogan

thank you.

P.S. Fix the Supaboy you clowns.

thanks again.

I stand by my statements that this is another crap Hyperkin product. When this thing is released to the general public, I will bump this thread so that all may be amazed at my perspicacious prophetic words.

thank you.

This piece of crap is still being discussed? I thought my advance preview was sufficient warning. I've looked at the data. I've analyzed the results, and this thing is complete junk. But I guess all you zombie lemmings are dead set on throwing your money away on Hyperscam's chinese trash products.

I'm always amazed at the idiots out there. When some bullsh*t self declared gaming expert hypes up a predictably retarded new product...then all his no life loyal followers jump on his nuts and waste their money on a stupid ass product. Well...go ahead and throw your money away you lemmings.

thank you.

You've been holding off from playing your games on their original systems while you wait for some cheap emulation?????

Congratulations, you are now officially the author of the most retarded comment I've ever read on these forums.

thank you.

Okay, I'm really done with this guy. These above quotes are all things MyTurnToPlay has posted in this thread alone.

Why is this guy still not banned? Every post MyTurnToPlay has left has been the same negative crap. He's even lied to get his viewpoint across that he doesn't like clone systems. And now he's attacking another user based on his own interests!

As I've said before, MyTurnToPlay is free to his own opinions, but he's not welcome here if all he is ever going to do is make generalizations about how bad the RetroN5 will be and put down others who hold interest in the device. The guy is a HATER, and should not be tolerated here or on any other forum.

[dendawg]

Congratulations, I am now officially the author of the most retarded comment I've ever read on these forums.

Fixed.

[treismac]

Fixed.

Indeed it is.

[hellraiser]

You've been holding off from playing your games on their original systems while you wait for some cheap emulation?????

Congratulations, you are now officially the author of the most retarded comment I've ever read on these forums.

thank you.

Do you still use an old 80s brick cellphone? New cell phones not only make calls but do more then the originals. Thats what most of us are hopeing from the retron 5.
Im glad you are some where playing the classics on original systems on a old 20 inch crt tv as you are no doubt a purist. The thing is some of us have moved on with the rest of the world and look forward to options like hdmi and filters.

***Breaking News***
The world isint flat but now tv's are.

That being said, for someone who hates clone systems you sure follow this thread pretty closely?

Any ways they put up a bunch of retron5 videos on youtube including one with castlevania 3... enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03T...e_gdata_player

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Who is the current mod for this forum? I haven't seen Frankie_Says_Relax around for a good while. I don't normally have vendettas, but MyTurnToPlay needs to be suspended, if not banned for his behavior.

As I've said previously, this person has on multiple occasions broken forum policy by spreading hate and disrespecting others for their opinions when it comes to clone hardware and as evidenced just on the last page, still continues to do so. I'm all for free speech, but there's a difference between saying

"I don't like ______ because ______ but this is of course, only my opinion"

and

"______ is crap, and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot, and btw, I'm a prophet from the future bringing you the gospel that my opinion equals fact".

We should no longer tolerate MyTurnToPlay. Just as his username suggests, he has had his turn to play, and now it should be game over for him.

[treismac]

Who is the current mod for this forum? I haven't seen Frankie_Says_Relax around for a good while.

Frankie is currently taking a sabbatical. Hopefully we will see him back on DP soon.

[MyTurnToPlay]

Who is the current mod for this forum? I haven't seen Frankie_Says_Relax around for a good while. I don't normally have vendettas, but MyTurnToPlay needs to be suspended, if not banned for his behavior.

As I've said previously, this person has on multiple occasions broken forum policy by spreading hate and disrespecting others for their opinions when it comes to clone hardware and as evidenced just on the last page, still continues to do so. I'm all for free speech, but there's a difference between saying

"I don't like ______ because ______ but this is of course, only my opinion"

and

"______ is crap, and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot, and btw, I'm a prophet from the future bringing you the gospel that my opinion equals fact".

We should no longer tolerate MyTurnToPlay. Just as his username suggests, he has had his turn to play, and now it should be game over for him.

Dude, get over yourself. You continue thread crapping this discussion and changing the topic to something else. I have never badmouthed the Retron 5. I spoke out against the Retron 4, which this thing is not. So respect this discussion and respect the other forum members and stick to the topic at hand.

And regarding the Retron 5, the son of a b*tch actually looks kind of interesting, and I might actually get it when it comes out. I'll need to see if it plays the more problematic snes games, Yoshi's Island, Mega Man X2 etc And I hope those controllers work well.

thank you.

P.S. Stop being a hater Satoshi and get with the program.

thanks again.

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

I know that the Retron 5 uses emulation, but because it's a new console and a console that has a lot of hype surrounding it I figured I'd hold off for a while on playing my SNES and Genesis games in favor of doing so on the Retron to emulate the feeling I used to get as a kid of getting a new console. What's the harm in that?

This MyTimeToPlay guy seems a bit harsh, can't we all just get along?

[Kiddo]

Isn't it a bit soon for debates over "RetroN 5 vs. original hardware"?

We still don't have finalized details on how good the emulation is or it's total compatibility. Especially considering that we're talking about the compatibility of multiple different systems and using software emulation to play with real cartridges (Which probably hasn't been tested far beyond testing each system's traditional cartridge). Simply too many details are in the dark for it to be truly fitting to say "I'm replacing all my consoles with this!" or "This is shit and not worth it!" either way.

[RP2A03]

12/10/13 is the date and I'm as eager as a kid in a candy shop to get my hands on this console! I can't wait to play Golden Sun, Metroid Zero, Superstar Saga and other amazing GBA games on my big screen as well as play my SNES and Genesis games again, I've been holding off on playing SNES and Genesis titles once again until the Retron 5 was released even though I own the consoles to play them on. It's going to be a fun winter!

You've been holding off from playing your games on their original systems while you wait for some cheap emulation?????

Congratulations, you are now officially the author of the most retarded comment I've ever read on these forums.

thank you.

I have never badmouthed the Retron 5.

obligatory text

[Drclaw411]

Hyperkin has announced that all preorders made before Amazon sold out/removed the listing/whatever will be honored.