Retron 5 Full Review. Pros, Cons, Honest Opinion
Ойын-сауық
RetroN is a series of video game consoles created and developed by Hyperkin which allows users to play old video games from consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super NES. Since the release of the RetroN 5, they have been connected via HDMI. The latest in the series, RetroN Sq, was released in 202.
Hyperkin is an American video game peripheral manufacturer and distributor, founded in 2006, based in Los Angeles, California. They distribute accessories for major gaming consoles, in addition to creating clone consoles that play retro games with modern resolutions and on modern devices, most notably the RetroN series of clone consoles. As with most other NES clones, Hyperkin's NES clones (excluding the Retron5 as it utilizes software emulation) suffer from imperfect sound due to a design flaw in the sound hardware.
In 2011, the company became the exclusive distributor of Dance Battle VS.[3] In addition, they released the Remotext, a Blu-ray remote control and keypad game controller hybrid for the PlayStation 3, and a battery-expanding attachment for the Nintendo 3DS called the Powerplus. They also created the Supaboy, a handheld Super Nintendo. In 2016 Hyperkin released the Supaboy S featuring a bigger 4.3" screen displaying in the 16:9 aspect ratio, making games look stretched. The Supaboy S also introduces an NTSC/PAL switch, improving compatibility with PAL-region games. In 2018, Hyperkin released the Supaboy SFC, which is an upgrade of the Supaboy S with buttons resembling the Super Famicom and PAL SNES. The Supaboy SFC also has the ability to switch between stretch 16:9 and letterboxed 4:3 aspect ratios by holding down the brightness button.
In 2014, the company released the Retron 5, an Android-based console with five cartridge ports that allowed for play of five different types of retro games. The Retron 5 utilizes code violating the GPL and several non-commercial licenses. As it is an emulator, the Retron5 does not have the sound problems present in Hyperkin's other consoles.
The RetroN 1, one of many Hyperkin consoles.
Retron 77
In 2017, the company released the Smart Boy, a smartphone add-on that allows the device to play Game Boy games. The Smart Boy gained an official license by Samsung for use on their phones. They also released the RetroN 77, an emulation-based Atari 2600 clone that can play most, if not all, of the original game cartridges in 1080p.
Retro gaming, also known as classic gaming and old school gaming, is the playing and collection of obsolete personal computers, consoles, and video games. Usually, retrogaming is based upon systems that are outmoded or discontinued, although ported retrogaming allows games to be played on modern hardware via ports or compilations. It is typically for nostalgia, preservation, or authenticity. A new game could be retro styled, such as an RPG with turn-based combat and pixel art in isometric camera perspective.
Retrogaming has existed since the early years of the video game industry, and was popularized with the Internet and emulation technology. It is argued that the main reasons players are drawn to retrogames are nostalgia for different eras, the idea that classic games are more innovative and original, and the simplicity of the games.
Retrogaming and retrocomputing have been described as preservation activity and as aspects of the remix culture.
#retron5 #metatron #retrogaming
Пікірлер: 146
Words cannot describe the confusion seeing my history guy release a retro box review. His format is pretty good for this, bravo sir
I didn’t even know this existed! I must get it. I miss waking up early on weekends playing Mario 3 and watching cartoons!
I love how available games have become there are some really nice handheld emulation devices on the market
This is going to be a good one! I have the Retron 5 and while there are arguably better ways to play these cartridges, this is by far the best mix of quality and quantity (being really good looking at 720p) without purchasing the original consoles and upscalers/boutique clones from Analogue or a CRT. And the expansion device allows for Sega Game Gear and Master System titles which is a good value. I'm really glad to see more content on this channel, Raph. You're knocking it out of the park
I really wish someone makes a console like this that accepts PS1, PS2, PS3, Gamecube and Dreamcast discs sometime. I'd definitely buy one since my game collection has more discs than cartridges 😄
@BenWillock
Жыл бұрын
Well the first 3 can be read by a PC with a blu ray drive.
@C_B_Hubbs
11 ай бұрын
Add Sega CD, Saturn, Jaguar, 3DO, and original Xbox to that and it'd be the ultimate retro disc system. GameCube discs would be difficult and probably need their own drive for the smaller size.
@sevenproxies4255
11 ай бұрын
@@C_B_Hubbs No, not really. GC discs have the same size of the center hole. It's only the total diameter of the disc that'a different. This can be solved with proper positioning of the laser prism.
@gates1980
9 ай бұрын
@BenWillock really how??
@joeywojtaszek9533
8 ай бұрын
@@sevenproxies4255 wii did that right? sing it does full size wii games and small game cube games
While I *am* in fact glad that there's an option for people who have the physical games, and am interested in retro gaming myself to see all the cool stuff the old games do that the new ones *don't* , I'll stick to emulation on my Steam Deck for *2* reasons; reason 1, I don't have *any* physical copies of these retro games *or* the consoles, and thus have no other way to play them, especially with the prices for them being so damn *high* . Reason *2* ; the Steam Deck in *particular* has a dedicated emulation program developed for it called EmuDeck that installs and configures emulators for a much *greater* variety of consoles, and let's me use my Steam Deck to play them on the *go* ; it even implements save states for retro games just like the Retron 5 does; I can even use a built in program called Steam ROM Manager to add the ROMS to my gaming mode library as non Steam games. And that kinda leaves me with *no* reason to get this thing. PS: Do you have a Steam Deck, and if so, do you think you could talk about EmuDeck for your next video? It'd be *great* to know your thoughts on it.
As a Czech hearing someone say "Welcome to the Protectorate" hits different :D :D
I didn't know Metatron had a gaming channel! That retro console is the best!
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
11 ай бұрын
Yes just started! All about retro!
@santoven
6 ай бұрын
Me, neither!! Subbed immediately!
A second channel for gaming and retro stuff…jokes on you I’m into that 👍🏼😂
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
Жыл бұрын
Glad to have you here
Best review I’ve seen on this retron device!! Thank you
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
5 ай бұрын
Thanks!
OK, who else here is not a gamer but listened to the video because we love Metatron's voice? 💖
@angel8fingers
Жыл бұрын
Not me! I’m a gamer and a Metatron fan!
@BadFox38
Жыл бұрын
So funny you said that because I subscribed and watch this channel just because I like Metatron. Wouldn’t consider myself a gamer, but I do enjoy video games from time to time.
@nowayjosedaniel
11 ай бұрын
These days I assume
@thomasbryans6547
11 ай бұрын
Huh I thought this dude looked familiar haha
I've been eyeing the Retron 5 since it came out and seeing Metatron cover it is surreal in a fun way
@ulfrinn8783
11 ай бұрын
Just keep in mind it's emulation. You can play your cartridges on it, sure, but you can also get a device that lets you rip ROMs off of your cartridges and play them on your PC via emulators too
@fearlesswee5036
8 ай бұрын
@@ulfrinn8783 The appeal of this system is having a cheap, easy-to-use, ready-to-go and all-in-one solution that lets one cheaply and easily access their existing library of physical games. If you're the kind of person who has the know-how, money, and means to buy special ROM-ripping cartridge hardware, set it up with PC emulators and configure them all to get it working and such, you're not the target market for a device like this anyhow. Not that you're *wrong* or whatever, it's just that this appeals to a more casual audience.
❤ Very interesting Metatron! I never knew this even existed until now.😊 Looking forward for the feature videos.
I’m actually thinking about getting one of these.
Your voice is extremely calming.
I was randomly looking at the other channels section on the Metatron channel, and found this! Ive been watching the main channel for a few years and have been watching all of the Academy linguistics channel videos too. Im a retro gamer and very familiar with that part of KZread as well. So imagine my surprise to hear Raf mention names like Metal Jesus and Kelsey Lewin! 😁 It was such a bizarre thing at first. I knew he was a gamer as Id seen them in the background of his videos and mentioned in livestreams, but I didnt realize he overlapped with those other content creators. Its like worlds colliding! Im definitely excited for the future content on this channel. (Btw I have nothing against systems like Retron but I'm one of the people with many different consoles and must manage all the cables and have both a modern HD TV and a retro CRT to cover all of the game systems best image quality. It is definitely a fun and rewarding challenge.)
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
11 ай бұрын
It's a pleasure to have you here!
Heroes of might and magic is the best thing humanity has ever done.
Metatron! Ive seen the retro games in the background of your other videos and wanted to hear you talk about them. Awesome video! Subbed and looking forward to checking out the rest of your content.
The problem with your wireless controller is that it was already synced with a submarine.
So I have picked this up and love it.
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
2 ай бұрын
I'm glad to hear!
You've got a sick game collection. You should do a video or series showcasing them. I got my Retron 5 a couple years ago and love it. It's the all black version and only came with the trash controller. Fortunately, I have the original controllers anyway. I have my old systems hooked up to a CRT as well, but I find myself using the Retron 5 more. I also believe there's a way to use the SSD to save a ton of ROMs and just emulate a huge library instead of using the cartridges.
@grawman67
11 ай бұрын
I've heard that too. I know you can with an SD card anyway
I didn't have a console from that era although the design give me nostalgia for some reason.
I'm really annoyed by reviews that never tell you the price, sigh. That said, nice video, I'm interested. Edit: For those curious, it's $180
Thanks for the review. If I can ask, did they ever fix the input lag issue in these? The first round of these that released years ago was horrible with input lag. :/ it would be great if this was addressed
I love mine. I also picked up the Master System and Gamegear adapter for it. Which works great as well.
@tony1979napoles
2 ай бұрын
Which adapter you got for the master System games to play on the retro console does it lag or do the games play good with original sound?
Ah sweet, my favorite history youtuber has a retro gaming channel...another topic I'm deeply interested in. Would you ever consider doing a review/look at the Evercade system(s)? I find the concept of a dedicated retro system that releases retro and indie games on new physical cartridges you can collect just absolutely awesome, and would love to hear what you think of it.
I was half expecting you to call us, noble ones lol.
Cartridges eat up shelf space though definitely, I can see why some have very small collections, plus people charge quite high for them ironically, the system itself looks nice though
I'd love to have something like this for PS1 and PS2 games.
@yunrenlhant1130
7 ай бұрын
like the first PS3 model?
I just saw this at Micro Center this afternoon - same color. Been wanting to get back into retro gaming - I think this may be the unit for $180
Thanks for this video and explaining how to remove the games because I just bought one and didn't want to mess it up
Pretty rad. Makes me wish I took better care of my old cartridge collections, but I blame that on my family moving house too many times before the PS1/Dreamcast age. >_
Raff I feel you should name your channel Metatron Gaming in order to attract more eyes to this channel. As for the Retron 5 while it's definitely convenient the emulation leaves much to be desired specially the audio emulation. The Genesis emulation is dreadful and as someone who plays a ton of Genesis games I'm able to pick up the sound issues too easy. Using a PC or an Android device gives a better overall emulation experience than this IMO. BTW if you ever have any gaming related questions I'm more than happy to help. 😀
This is the best thing I ever saw.
❤️🔥
Didn’t see any comments mentioning this but my main issue with the Retron 5 is all of the license violations for the emulators they used only some of which have been remedied (due to the developers of SNES9X threatening legal action). They could have chosen other emulators with more permissive licenses and did not.
I have a Retrobit wireless Sega Genesis controller. Can this run that? As in, does it have enough power to the controller ports to provide the dongle with enough power?
And the floppy disk at the top of the laptop is used to store your save files! Right?! XDDD Thank you for the video. I'm looking forward some more. I don't know if that's the direction you intend to take on this channel but I feel like their is space for some commentary on philosophical and historical references in video games. I'd love to hear from you on this topic.
@grawman67
11 ай бұрын
I would love to see that be covered sometime. He's uniquely qualified to talk about it!
And now I'm subscribed! Because I wasn't subscribed before and had to fix that mistake.
Is it easy to remove the carts? I remember the old Retron's NES and SNES cartridge slots being too tight to get the games out.
Nice to watch for the nostalgia, but I can't play old games anymore. I tried it, but it's just not the same feeling anymore, even thou I don't like most of the new games. 🤷♂️
Metatron. Big fan of your vids and looking forward to more content here. Question, was this a sponsored video? I do trust you and I'm sure you would disclose that. I just wanna check. Thanks dude. 😎
@metatronyt
Жыл бұрын
Oh gosh no. Yes of course I would disclose it, but this channel is non existent. With 3k subs and not even 1k views per video, no sponsor would even contact me here. It’s too soon for that. I gotta post more before sponsors become a thing here too
@elucidator1277
11 ай бұрын
@@metatronyt That makes sense. Honestly, I should have realized that. haha Hope this channel does get big soon enough. 😎
@metatronyt
11 ай бұрын
@@elucidator1277 I think if I can get to a consistent uploading schedule, it will. We'll see! Thanks
I have lots of Sega Master System games. Guess which slot it doesn't have. I wish these retro gaming hardware manufacturers would appreciate that planet Earth consists of more than North America.
@joezar33
9 ай бұрын
Wasn't there a Sega Genesis adapter that can be placed in the Sega Gen cart and it plays Segs Master System ?
@bigyin2586
9 ай бұрын
@@joezar33 thanks for the tip. But I also have card game cards too as well as cartridges.
Does the NES duck hunter gun work with the console?
I'll be buying this some time. Just for save states(built-in cheats are a bonus). The games we fondly remember, are complete fake challenge bullshit. Like Donkey Kong County 1. I remember it solely for the first world & the music. It was a good time in the first few stages. Then I get to the first Minecart level, then World 4, which I never did as a kid. Oh, and the game's own Saving sucks, because you have to keep fighting the boss of the previous world, to get to the next. Then there's freakin' Super Mario World. To think I used to NOT like modern Mario being easier. I take that back. These devs back in the day DIDN'T expect us to beat their games.
Don’t wind the cord around your controller like that unless you’re a fan of your controllers breaking sooner
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
9 ай бұрын
Ok thanks for the advice!
Metatron, are you at all inclined towards hardware modding? I'd be interested to see you do something like an IPS kit for a GBA or a GBC. I know of this other channel that is dedicated to it, but I'd be interested to see what you could do. Hell, if you had a custom kitted out GBA or GBA SP that had your logo from your main channel, I'd buy that in a heartbeat!
Forgot one thing it doesn't work with muti/flash carts, and there is an adapter for the Gamegear and Master system
How do you play a two player game with the hyperkin retron 5 ?
@joezar33
9 ай бұрын
I seen a unboxing of this console it comes with that Main controller and a SNES looking controller for 2 player games .
I absolutely love the colour... But that second controller omg 😳 Apparently these systems have custom firmware which fixes a load of issues ... Supposed to be great... Just sayin' 😊 Nice video
@jonathansoko1085
Жыл бұрын
If I need to download joes custom firmware to fix it. it fails.
@anno5936
Жыл бұрын
ROFL... The retro community always meets at the weirdest points... Greetings to John Luke
@TeamPandory
Жыл бұрын
@@anno5936 John Luke salutes you 😂
I have a Sega Genesis cartridge with an SD card in there that has hundreds of games. Do you think the Retron could still read it and play it?
1:46 That Sonic multilayer image is a beautiful thing. What's the story behind it? P.S.: I find the music distracting, especially the style. If your presentation is interesting enough in content, then background music mixing with your voice is more a downside.
I was wanting to buy a Retron 5 but I hate this blueish color but I found a black one. However as I was viewing the details the black Retron 5 was made available in 2013 but the blueish one was made available in 2021. Does that mean the blueish one is the better one?
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
7 ай бұрын
Nah it’s just a cosmetic difference
Wait, the Metatron talking about retro gaming? The Matrix must have glitched but I'm so into it.
Salve, Met, What was your first console? Mine was some atari haha
@grawman67
11 ай бұрын
I'd like to see him talk about his first console sometime. Or memories with specific games or systems
I've seen people complaining that the pins break down easily on this console with use. Have you had any issues with console damage now that you've had it for a while?
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
8 ай бұрын
No console damage on my end and I use it quite a bit.
Have to agree. Its not perfect but it's great. It even plays some rom hacks, but it doesn't recognize the rom.
Hooooold on a sec. Metatron?! And gaming. Nice
Question; If you have a Master System converter, does that work?
@grawman67
11 ай бұрын
It sure does! They also sell an adapter that plays MS carts and cards as well as Game Gear carts
@dmann1982
11 ай бұрын
@@grawman67 I mean like an OG one, that is from the Mega Drive days.
@grawman67
11 ай бұрын
@@dmann1982 Yeah, I said it does. Sorry if I didn't make that clearer. It definitely works with the original Powerbase Converter. I mentioned their adapter just as an interesting side note since it supports the cards and the Powerbase Converter didn't for full Master System support. Except for the 3D glasses anyway
@dmann1982
11 ай бұрын
@@grawman67 Ah. Well I have this weird 3rd party version of a Master System Converter that works, in at least a Mega Drive 1. The main thing that would get me to pull the trigger on a Retron 5 is the HDMI, which I'm not sure is worth it.
@grawman67
11 ай бұрын
@@dmann1982 Sorry but I don't know if I understand what you mean by the HDMI being what gets you to pull the trigger but may not be worth it. Do you mean how well it's upscaled and whether there are performance issues like screen tearing or frame rate issues?
it costs twice as much as a raspberry pi with RetroPi installed
I loved mine when first bought it but after time it seemed very fragile
Oh god I hope they fixed things this time 0:19
No matter what, I’m buying one just to play most system’s games on a single device.
KZreads channel search algorithm is broken now, they only show large viewed channels even when I search the exact name of the channel “theprotectorate”. Luckily found the channel through your main channel “other channels” section. Really feel bad for any up and comer channel these days.
oh man you skipped over the biggest most beautiful feature, that there is an SD card port that allows you to load up all sorts of rom hacks and translation patches so you can take your super famicom game and patch it in the console with the fan made translation for your physical carts
this is very cool. I dislike people selling pirated games, as soooo many "retro consoles" do... like, just buy a raspberry pi and pirate your own games at that point... but this, this is what a retro console should be. a brand new console, that plays retro games, and doesnt sell pirated games.
Will you show us some Famicom Games? Becaus you understand Japanese (I know you from "The Metatron" ;) ). Or do you have other plans? Greetings from Germany.
Im waiting for you to bust out your guitar and start playing along with the game music. I know you want to do it 😜
At first I thought it was just NES and other systems, but now hearing that all accepts gameboy, now I'm interested. By the way, is it just me or does anyone else see this green slapsh during the video from time to time? 2:28 If I'm not the only one, Metatron you need to see what is it. Its not a big problem, just strange.
@st0rmrider
Жыл бұрын
Saw it too
@jormungand72
Жыл бұрын
its quite common in his videos. I am pretty sure that his graphics drivers are corrupted or his GPU is faulty/dying.
@JohnMiller-zr8pl
Жыл бұрын
Yeap me too
I'd imagine the buzzing you get when playing some of these older systems is eliminated with this system?
@Asfgxff
4 ай бұрын
I'd bet that buzzing was coming from your AV cable.
Alright, come clean. What's the name of your black metal band? 😊
My snes controller died before a year and the other one never worked.
So ... off-topic, but how are we (your fans) gonna call ourselves on this channel? Can we be "Muppets"? 😛
Clean your controllers man, that genesis controller was minging. 😀
1:52 "hassle", right?
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
Жыл бұрын
Yes I forgot the H
@C_B_Hubbs
11 ай бұрын
Haha my ears also noticed that, and it sounded like something else more "anatomical" you could say 😂
7:58 you didnt grade input lag from wired controllers on the retron 5. 8.5/10 is dodgey
As much as I love a way to preserve the old cartridges... Let's face it, they are getting scarce and over-priced. What I wonder,since they are using emulation themselves, what other motiv but greed holds a company like Nintendo back to release a single cartridge these days with the "SNES COMPLETE SET" or NES respectively? Ah yes... Greed...
@grawman67
11 ай бұрын
There are a few factors. The first is greed and not wanting to release every SNES/SFCM title they have the rights to drive subscriptions for NSO. The second is storage on the cart since there are thousands of titles across the system in NTSC-NA, PAL, and NTSC-J regions. That could be mitigated by releasing multiple carts over time though. Finally, is the fact that licenses expire and Nintendo would have to work out deals. They would have to negotiate with the original dev company if they're still around or, if not, the owner of the license. It would be difficult if it was an IP like say Crash Test Dummies, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, etc. But outside licenses, the main factor is greed. They want to drip feed them on NSO so people subscribe to the service.
The metatron does gaming content too?! Why did you hide this from me KZread algorithm 全然わかってない😅
@joezar33
9 ай бұрын
Yeah I thought this man was a history guy , was a lil suprise him doing a retro console review
lol..doesnt the complaint of having to ush and pull out cartridges sum up this whole generation today? lololol
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
9 ай бұрын
Probably lol
The Metatron fashionably a decade late!
@TheProtectorate-yq7vi
Жыл бұрын
Never mind that. I’ll soon make a review of the first Super Mario
@merlingt1
Жыл бұрын
@@TheProtectorate-yq7vi Would love to see that (not being sarcastic).
What's the point if you got a pc/laptop raspberry pi. You can emulate all plus more. Obviously you not bothered about original hardware if you're playing on one of these
Retron 5 retteon 5 beach is a peace crap worst clone console ever made in my opinion
I understand that Sega cartridges of the Japanese form factor will not fit into the connector
Thank you so much for this review. I had been looking at getting a retron 5 all of this yet but wasn't sure if it was a good system or not, now it is definitely on the list. One question, do you know if it will work with a Sega 32x attachment?
@grawman67
11 ай бұрын
Unfortunately it doesn't. The 32x used a cable to connect to the Genesis/Mega Drive and send data from the cartridge
Name doesn't really roll off the tongue like Metatron does it
@DealwithitHand
3 ай бұрын
Should make this one THE Metatron
Kinda cool to have the ugliest shaped controller ever though.