RetroN 5 is officially a thing, apparently

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I'm all for getting along, but apparently I need to refresh MyTurnToPlay in what he's said throughout this thread.

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.

You were lying. Many people called you out for lying. I gave you the benefit of the doubt by asking very specific questions, which you never responded to, nor admitted you were lying. Your post was obviously based on your disdain for older Hyperkin hardware, because the RetorN4 didn't have a conceptual design at the time you said this, much less an "advanced delivery" of a review unit.

I have been in contact with both RetroBit and Hyperkin marketing directors to do exactly what you claimed happened many months ago. You were lying, plain and simple.

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 is again based on no actual facts, but your own prejudice against Hyperkin based on their older product line. Even if this was true, it's still an incredibly jerky thing to say.

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.

"looked at the data, analyzed the results" might initially sound meaningful.....until one realizes that no, you've been lying and have no real insight. And then you went to attack anyone who might go on to support this product, which based on your last post, includes you.

Brilliant.

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.

And again, you attack someone who plans to support the system.

I have never badmouthed the Retron 5. I spoke out against the Retron 4, which this thing is not

This just goes to prove my point. The RetorN4 was an announced product that never even got to a beta hardware. At PAX, Hyperkin announced the project had evolved to include a Famicom cartridge slot, and they were changing the name to the RetorN5. In other words, the RetorN4 and RetorN5 are THE SAME THING.

So respect this discussion and respect the other forum members and stick to the topic at hand. P.S. Stop being a hater Satoshi and get with the program.

Oh irony of ironies. You seriously have the gull to say that after you've been called out on your bullshit? I haven't fabricated anything you've said; those comments were left by you throughout this thread. Calling me a hater is truly laughable. I just want it to stop. If you don't like emulation or clone hardware, then fine. Just DON'T POST.

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.

This is the first positive statement you've left, and you're right, it will be interesting to see how the emulators handle the more advanced co-processor games on SNES as well as Virtua Racing on Genesis, Kirby's Tilt 'n Tumble on GBC, light gun games, and third party accessories. As for the RetroN5 bluetooth controllers, I'm going to wait to pass my impressions until I actually have one in my hands. It seems to most closely resemble the NeoGeo CD-Z controller, which if so, certainly isn't a bad thing.

the other question of course will be just what kind of bluetooth signal it uses. If it's something common, then it could mean generic bluetooth controllers could be used instead, which opens up the possibilities of building your own RetorN5 arcade stick, or even using a PS3 controller.

And if all else fails, Hyperkin is including controller ports for OEM controllers, which despite the problems of the RetroN3, was one of its biggest strengths.

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?

You shouldn't blindly support any project until you see the final results, but my beef with MyTurnToPlay was that he lied and claimed to have known the outcome of the product when the thing was little more than simply announced. As it is now, the RetroN5 looks like it will have the potential to be the perfect marriage of physical hardware and benefits of emulation it promised, but only time will tell. Hyperkin does have a history of less-than-perfect clones, but this time the unit seems to be of a totally new breed. Or, it might turn out to be an Edsel. I'd wait until there are in depth reviews as I'm planning on doing upon release.

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.

Yes! I agree. No offense to anyone in particular, but generally speaking I feel those who oppose the RetorN5 right now are doing so out of principle in an old-man mentality that "if it isn't the original hardware, it's carp", and if it's emulation, you're "losing an important part of the experience".

On the other hand, you're totally correct in saying a lot of the details have yet to be fully revealed, especially compatibility wise. Hyperkin has said they are aiming for 100% compatibility across all systems, but that's like Exxon Mobil saying they aim for zero carbon emissions. Lofty goal, but it's probably not gonna happen. Emulation does have the possibility for 100% compatibility, but it depends on how accurate and well programmed the emulators are.

My stance is to wait and see. I'll be getting a unit and thoroughly testing it, putting up both written reviews and video reviews of as many aspects of the system as I can test, with literally hundreds of games to try on the this thing.

The best thing about it though, is that even if there are issues with any of the emulators upon release, Hyperkin need just release a firmware update, instead of having an entire motherboard revision and forcing the consumer to buy a new system like what they would have had to do with previous Hyperkin products.

[Horsehead]

As someone who is starting their collection over from scratch, I'm pretty excited for this console to come out! It will save me from having to purchase the individual consoles that are included.

[treismac]

Hey, crazy question here: Will the RetroN 5 be able to output AV in addition to HDMI?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Hey, crazy question here: Will the RetroN 5 be able to output AV in addition to HDMI?

Yes, according to the press release when it was first announced, the RetroN5 will have standard composite (AV) output in addition to HDMI.



Unfortunately, they said nothing about S-Video, which I hope will be added before the system is released. Not that I plan to be using it with an SD TV much at all, but I just like it there as an optional choice.

[treismac]

If there was a cartridge slot for the Atari 2600, I'd halfass want there to be rf output as 2600 games look a bit funny without a slight flurry of rf snow dancing across the screen.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

2600 support is something Hyperkin could have easily done, but probably didn't happen solely due to the market percentage who would be interested in it whatsoever. The Atari was a phenomenon of North America almost exclusively; most Europeans don't really have a ton of fond memories, nor do Asians. Hyperkin likely feels that given the small number of users who would want that coupled with the sheer age of those carts, it just wasn't worth it.

[buzz_n64]

Hyperkin to Delay RetroN 5 Release

"EL MONTE, CA (NOVEMBER 2013) – Hyperkin has delayed the RetroN 5 release due to faulty pins discovered in some packaged units. Hyperkin explains that in order to resolve the issue and provide maximum user experience, the RetroN 5 will be released within the first quarter of 2014.

“We apologize for the inconvenience,” said Lawrence Lee, Hyperkin’s Project Manager. “Hyperkin would like to thank you for all the support you have given us throughout the development of the RetroN 5. We are looking forward to its release, estimated to be within the first quarter of 2014, as soon as the issue has been resolved.”

http://hyperkin.com/blog/2013/11/hyp...ron-5-release/

[Leo_A]

Leo, I'm not gonna bother.

Idiot

Unfortunately, they said nothing about S-Video, which I hope will be added before the system is released. Not that I plan to be using it with an SD TV much at all, but I just like it there as an optional choice.

If SD usage is important, they shouldn't stop with S-Video since tons of standard definition CRT's had component inputs. Towards the end, they were even popping up on 13" sets that you could buy for less than $100. They were near universal despite some mistakenly associating component with ED and HD resolutions.

But I suspect that it's safe to say that the HDTV market is what they're aiming at.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Hyperkin to Delay RetroN 5 Release to fix problems

Ah...the delay sucks, but I've gotta respect Hyperkin for delaying out of concerns of quality control. The worst thing they could do is release a faulty or worse, broken device.

If SD usage is important, they shouldn't stop with S-Video since tons of standard definition CRT's had component inputs. Towards the end, they were even popping up on 13" sets that you could buy for less than $100. They were near universal despite some mistakenly associating component with ED and HD resolutions.

But I suspect that it's safe to say that the HDTV market is what they're aiming at.

Yes, but most CRTs have component inputs of 480i with possible hidden 240p support. In direct comparison, S-Video > 480i, and component also requires five jacks, something that is rear port demanding. I doubt they will or would add component.

[Leo_A]

240p support via component is an issue with some HDTV scaling chips, not with standard definition CRT's.

And with the death of S-Video, who knows how the cost would work out. Especially if they set it up where composite out was shared with one of the three jacks dedicated to component video out, I bet two extra RCA jacks would be competitive with one S-Video jack cost wise. There has to be three RCA jacks anyways just to do composite (And two of those obviously have to be present to provide stereo audio there for S-Video).

So if they were to ever go all out on SD CRT support instead of focusing on HDTV's with token SD CRT support, I would hope they'd go all the way with the best signal many classic gaming fans can easily enjoy on their Trinitrons and such instead of stopping at S-Video.

[PizzaKat]

I was hoping to get it this year, ah that sucks

[ViNGaDoRjr]

Damnit Hyperkin, you got me legitimately curious!

HDMI output? GBA compatibility? Bluetooth wireless controller? This all sounds good on paper. I reallllllly hope they put in a better NOAC here.

As an owner of many Hyperkin products, I have to say I've been woefully disappointed by the vast majority of their products, including the RetroN3.

More than likely, I'll buy one for review.


Right now with as little information as we're currently given, I have many questions looming over this product.



1. How exactly will HDMI output work? There is no NES-on-a-chip that supports anything better than composite. For the NES side, is Hyperkin simply planning on feeding a composite signal through HDMI as they did with the S-Video signal on the RetorN3?

2. Will OEM Nintendo and Sega controllers work? I assume so given the RetorN series history, but it's still an important question to ask.

3. Will the device be HDMI only? As in, no other video standards?

4. GBA compatibility sounds exciting, but there's quite a number of questions looming over this concept alone. How will you control GBA games? Will GBA games be fullscreen? Will they include the entire GBA chipset meaning GameBoy and GameBoy Color games are also playable?

5. Compatibility! Will the current issues with the NES and especially SNES sides of the RetorN3 be fixed?

They have alread answered this. It will be a emulator based console.

[Leo_A]

You're quoting something from 9 months ago.

[JSoup]

There was a test model running at their booth at SanAnime this previous weekend. Seemed pretty neat.

So, they are at SacAnime again this weekend and I got a chance to sit down with the Retron5. Really impressive piece of hardware. Upscales games without making them look like crap, allows me to use my favorite controllers and is apparently going to be about $100 even. I've never bothered to get any of the previous versions of the Retron, but I'm thinking I might spring for this.

[Tanooki]

I keep seeing nice things about it, just wish it had a date. I know theyre trying to qc it the best but its getting old waiting.

[JSoup]

I keep seeing nice things about it, just wish it had a date. I know theyre trying to qc it the best but its getting old waiting.

Fellow I talked to at the booth said that they are aiming for a Q1 release this year. Which basically means any day now.

[treismac]

All economic viability be damned, I'd wait until Christmas 2014 if it meant being able to play my Atari 2600 and Turbografx-16 games on it.

[JSoup]

Catching up with the thread a bit....

2600 support is something Hyperkin could have easily done, but probably didn't happen solely due to the market percentage who would be interested in it whatsoever.

I was curious as to if the Retron5 could play Atari games as well and asked the same fellow I mentioned in my previous post about it. He said they couldn't build functionality into the hardware for pre-crash systems due to legal issues with the various rights holders. That struck me as odd, as this is basically claiming that Atari is more litigious than Nintendo which just doesn't seem possible.

[treismac]

I was curious as to if the Retron5 could play Atari games as well and asked the same fellow I mentioned in my previous post about it. He said they couldn't build functionality into the hardware for pre-crash systems due to legal issues with the various rights holders. That struck me as odd, as this is basically claiming that Atari is more litigious than Nintendo which just doesn't seem possible.

Eh. Sounds like a bs blowoff answer to me, but who knows.

[Leo_A]

That's nonsense, you could legally build a 2600 clone back in the day and all related patents have long since expired. Other classic systems like the Intellivision and Colecovision though with a bios wouldn't seem legally possible without permission since copyrights from this era remain valid.

All economic viability be damned, I'd wait until Christmas 2014 if it meant being able to play my Atari 2600 and Turbografx-16 games on it.

They both have enough popularity, but I don't think that there's enough overlap with the Atari 2600 community among those that they're aiming this at in order for 2600 compatibility to happen.

They've all but priced themselves out of the casual purchase so people at communities like this will instead represent most of their sales (Dedicated classic gamers that are buying this specifically to play original cartridges with original accessories on their living room HDTV).

And while many dedicated 2600 fans enjoy newer consoles, a lot of the people that love the 8/16 era that they're aiming this towards don't necessarily have much of an interest (Unfortunately) in late 70's/early 80's gaming. So I doubt the numbers would work to justify the inclusion of the 2600 (I would much more expect to see them leverage this base with something specifically aimed at that segment instead).

I could see TG16/PC Engine support though in a future revision (And perhaps Game Gear or internalizing SMS support). A lot of active 8/16 bit classic gamers already love or are at least intrigued by that platform. I think it has the critical mass and most of all, gamer interests overlaps enough with the areas they're already covering.