I don't write many reviews but figured I would since there seems to be a great deal of misinformation here. Some of the things said in these reviews just aren't consistent with reality. I'm hoping that after you read this review, you'll know whether or not to buy this unit, as well as shed some light on what this unit is and isn't. As someone whom played all of these consoles back when they were brand new (and still play the original consoles now) I think maybe my experience may help.
I received this unit (the black version) this week. So I can't speak on the long-term durability. But from what I've seen, it feels very durable. So I don't understand why some people were complaining that it seems cheeply made. Maybe some people just like to complain. But I'm very happy to have consolidated several consoles from my TV.
When it comes to the software, and playing actual games, that's where the Retron 5 shines. It plays all of the games I tried, except for one of them. The one that won't work for me is Gradius for the NES, for some reason. I was very surprised that the unit operates by making your cartridge into a ROM, and then playing the ROM. It doesn't play directly from the cartridge (although the cartridge is required in order to play a game). The great thing about this, is that the unit does a save state for your games, and then the next time you put the cartridge in, you start right where you left off. It uses its own internal memory for saves, so it doesn't matter if your save battery is dead in the cartridge. This is PERFECT for those of you that play JRPG's. If your copy of Final Fantasy III doesn't save anymore, no need to solder a new battery, the Retron 5 will take care of it.
Compatibility for me has been great. But there are complaints here about compatibility and I wanted to set this straight. As with all new hardware devices these days, the Retron 5 has the capability of firmware updates. DO NOT, under any circumstances, even consider the slight notion of using this unit before installing the latest firmware update. Out of the box, many games don't work. For example, Sonic 3's lock-on technology isn't functional, and I'm fairly certain that Super Metroid doesn't work either. But after updating the firmware, these things work. The firmware updates actually fix problems, so make sure you keep up on this. I bet most of the negative comments would be nullified if the posters would have updated their system.
I've also heard complaints that cheat codes don't work. That's correct, they don't, out of the box. That's why Hyperkin releases updates for cheat codes too. There's a reason for these updates, folks. Install them! Currently, I've tried a ton of games with this unit, and the only ones I have problems with are Gradius (will not work at all) and Kirby's Adventure (lags quite a bit). In time, I think these issues will be corrected. Hyperkin has released several updates already and it's not been a full month yet. As it stands right now, the compatibility of this unit is the best of all the clone systems. I also have the Retro Trio, which has problems with quite a few of my games. This one works with all the games the Retro Trio won't play.
One major downside is the controller. It's a mixed bag for sure. (Thankfully, you can use the original controllers). With some games, it's just plain impossible to use. With other games, it's actually great. For example, when playing Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (SNES version) combos were literally impossible to pull off. For example, with Smoke, a combo is forward, forward, LK and then away, away, LP to catch the opponent after they fall. You will not be able to pull this combo off with the joystick the stock controller has. The fast/precise movements required to pull off quick combos will be a pain. On the other hand, the stock controller is absolutely great with Super Castlevania IV. The movement of the joystick makes cracking the whip in various directions an actual breeze. I can't imagine playing Castlevania IV with any other controller. But if you need to do quick sequential button movements in a fighting game, forget it. It's NOT going to happen. What's really curious is that literally every single button on the stock controller feels literally exactly like clicking a mouse button. That feels very weird. I would like to meet the person who designed the controller. Does that person know ANYTHING about what classic gamers want in a gamepad? If you get this unit, make sure you either have an SNES or Genesis gamepad to use.
While the way in which the unit plays cartridges is very awesome (save states, save backups, etc), it's also going to eventually get this product pulled off the shelves. It probably won't be today, or tomorrow, but you will absolutely hear in the news at some point in the near future of Nintendo suing Hyperkin to get this unit discontinued, after labeling it a copying device. This is how Nintendo works as a company. Anything that even remotely resembles a game-copying device will be attacked by Nintendo. Everyone that pays attention to the gaming market knows this, and Hyperkin created major Nintendo-flamebait with this unit (the unit itself at one point even referred to a cartridge I'm playing as a ROM!!!). In an interview, Hyperkin mentioned that Nintendo hasn't ever contacted them about it. Give them time, Nintendo WILL attack Hyperkin, and they WILL sue them out of existence. I hope this doesn't happen, because this is a great device and I think this is a step in a great direction. That's why I bought two of these - so I can have a spare if anything happens to the original, since there will be a point where Nintendo gets this pulled off the shelves so I may not be able to buy another one.
So basically, here are the ups and downs of this unit:
+ Best compatibility of any aftermarket clone system
+ Firmware updates have improved the unit, and will likely continue to
+ Surprisingly accurate detection of games
+ Cheat system that actually works (once you install the update)
+ Awesome sound, graphics look great in HDMI
+ Controller is bluetooth
+ Lots of configuration options to adjust video/audio
- Compatibility is not 100% out of the box (install the latest firmware!!!)
- While it's rare, some games are still not working as of the time I'm writing this (firmware updates will likely help)
- The controller works well for some games, but is dreadful for others
- UI can be difficult to get used to, but it's by no means bad
- Nintendo is going to sue this console out of existence (get yours while you still can)
This unit is great, and I'm not docking a star for compatibility since they are still releasing firmware updates and compatibility is still better than literally all other clone systems. But I am docking a star for the controller. While it can be great for some games (as I mentioned) I'm perplexed how the Retron 5 was designed perfectly for the classic gamer with all the features we care about, yet the controller is literally the exact opposite of what a classic gamer expects and reflects very poorly on Hyperkin.
Frequently bought together
$154.99
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
Not Machine Specific
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Hyperkin RetroN 5: HD Gaming Console for GBA/ GBC/ GB/ SNES/ NES/ Super Famicom/ Famicom/ Genesis/ Mega Drive/ Master System
The ultimate HD remake: Hyperkin presents the RetroN 5, a revolutionary modern way to experience classic games in high definition; the first of its kind with an all-digital HD output. The RetroN 5 supports NES, Famicom, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, & Game Boy Advance cartridges with enhanced resolution, improved interpolated sound, screenshot capture, & the ability to have on the fly save states. The RetroN5 is the retro gaming console that brings you back to a world where recharging health is a cheat code, you can have as many guns as you want, & achievements aren’t just some numbers on a screen.
Features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
SoftwareThe RetroN 5 has an on screen user interface bringing the comforts of modern consoles to retro gaming. Game Genie is built in to make sure that your nostalgia isn’t killed by games more difficult than you remember. The RetroN 5 cleans up & upconverts your games to clean, crisp HD resolution. If you like it old school, you always have that option with the included 'scanlines' video filter. Dynamic controller mapping allows full customization, even with original controllers. The RetroN 5’s save state feature allows you to save at any point in your game and be able to come back exactly where you left off, no passwords needed. Access these features without ever having to end your play session or reset your game with a touch of the Home button, bringing the convenience of a modern console to retro gaming. |
ControllerEvery RetroN 5 comes packed with a wireless controller. It features an D-pad, two shoulder triggers, a start and select button, as well as 4 macro and 8 controller buttons. All of these are programmable and can be mapped to any command through the settings menu. The controller also has four blue LED lights indicating its battery life, and recharges through an included Micro-USB cable which connects to the RetroN 5. It will be able to control the RetroN 5 and play all supported games. |
SystemThe RetroN 5 has 5 cartridge ports supporting NES, Famicom, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. The RetroN 5 has an HD port with a maximum output resolution of 720p and supports up to 60 frames per second. Digital enhancement features are available for all game formats. PAL and NTSC versions of games are supported for HD upconversion and filters, even on NTSC televisions.Side mounted SNES, NES, and Genesis controller slots allow for play with your original controllers.For those who want to go wireless, the bundled wireless controller has a range of over 25 feet. RetroN 5 offers the versatility to play the way you want. The rear SD card slot gives you the ability to expand your save memory and save screenshots. Screenshots are saved as JPEG images for easy sharing from your computer to popular social media sites. Finally, share that high score, epic platform jump, or secret warp zone. |
Reviews with images
Submit a report
A few common reasons customers report reviews:
- Harassment, profanity
- Spam, advertisement, promotions
- Given in exchange for cash, discounts
When we get your report, we'll check if the review meets our Community guidelines. If it doesn't, we'll remove it.
Sorry, there was an error
Please try again later.Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2022
Color: BlackStyle: RetroN 5 ConsoleVerified Purchase
When you purchase something on the low end of quality, you get what you pay for; but for the price at which the Hyperkin RetroN5 is being sold, one would expect better quality and better customer service.
The Hyperkin RetroN5 touts being able to play cartridges from several different systems, and does so by "dumping" the contents of the cartridge (the ROM) into memory and playing it from there rather than from the cartridge. It's an EMULATOR. (This is NOT the problem, but let's expand in it a little bit because it may be important to you). The Hyperkin RetroN5 is NOT hardware that plays the cartridge. It is an Android-based system that dumps the rom into memory and plays it using a game emulator. This may be important to you as emulators can have a tendency to be laggy, buggy, and maybe not even be able to play all your games. With this being expected from emulators, you would expect the price to at least cover quality hardware. This is not the case, and now we begin to discuss the real issue... the hardware and WARRANTY (consider this your warning).
The slots for the cartridges are rather stiff (which can likely ruin your cartridges) and sometimes have a tendency to break (this is not what happened to me, but was an admission from Hyperkin and is evident from reviews n the internet). So there is a "right way" and "wrong way" to insert and remove a cartridge - a technique. Laughably, I followed this technique and the pins are pins on everything. Let's get to the problem.
A few days after using the Hyperkin RetroN5 the device began producing an error "ERROR: failed to dump ROM". This means the contents of the cartridge were not successfully copied into the device (which cannot be used without the cartridge). The other slots are fine, but are beginning to experience the same (or similar) issue such as "Unknown Cartridge". A week after purchase, the issue became persistent - won't go away, and no longer useable at all. Many on the internet claim this is a common issue. Some say it may be resolvable with a factory reset which can void your warranty if you do it without the direction of Hyperkin. So I contacted them. Here are the bullet points.
- I purchased the Hyperkin Retron 5 VERY recently and it has started to fail within a week of arrival (without abuse or misuse).
- I did the proper thing and contacted Hyperkin for troubleshooting steps hoping the issue could be fixed through a factory reset - which I did not want to perform without permission from Hyperkin.
- Hyperkin informed me that the issue sounds like a hardware issue and should be returned. Hyperkin began the return process.
- I followed all the requests by Hyperkin (proof of purchase and within the warranty period, video proof of the issue, return form).
- Hyperkin began the return process by emailing me a return address and RMA number, but insisted I pay to ship the product. (see email above).
...this did not seem right and certainly did not sit well with me for a product only a week old.
- I contacted Amazon (since it was the retailer from which I purchased it) hoping for a better return policy from the retailer.
- Amazon informed me this should not be the case and contacted the seller (Hyperkin).
- Amazon informed me Hyperkin would be sending me a shipping label within two business days.
- Amazon informed me that if the shipping label does not arrive within two days, to call them back for further action
Hyperkin responded with:
"We are not business partners with Amazon so I am not sure why they told you that we would be sending you a label because our warranty policy is that if you would like to redeem your warranty a customer would have to ship the product at their expense. If you have not already tried returning it to Amazon, try that, as they often offer free return shipping."
HEED THIS WARNING:
Hyperkin is a THIRD PARTY SELLER. This means Amazon does not keep these in stock and cannot process a return. At best, they can offer a refund, but the seller has two days to make it right (which Hyperkin will refuse to do without you paying for shipping). Only THEN will you be allowed to file a claim and possible get a REFUND (not a REPLACEMENT).
Many out there will feel that it is okay to void Hyperkin's warranty and flash the device with community firmware (which is COOL), and I like the idea. If this were truly a software issue, I;d likely do this to mine as well if Hyperkin were refusing to fix a software issue (to hell with the warranty). But the fact is: Hyperkin's warranty for hardware is crap and the hardware WILL FAIL.
To some, the low cost of shipping is worth getting a replacement, and I might feel that way if I had gotten close to a year's worth of use out of it close to the end of the warranty, but to squeeze more money out of me for a failure on their part after only a few days of use becomes a stern matter of principle on an item priced as a proud product.
Your best bet is to steer away from Hyperkin altogether.
Amazon - on the other hand - has been fantastic in trying to make this right. Unfortunately, I MUST wait two more days for Hyperkin to make it right (even though they have already responded with a refusal to assist).
FINAL NOTE: Does Hyperkin truly feel the few bucks saved in shipping was worth the loss of potential sales over this review?
The Hyperkin RetroN5 touts being able to play cartridges from several different systems, and does so by "dumping" the contents of the cartridge (the ROM) into memory and playing it from there rather than from the cartridge. It's an EMULATOR. (This is NOT the problem, but let's expand in it a little bit because it may be important to you). The Hyperkin RetroN5 is NOT hardware that plays the cartridge. It is an Android-based system that dumps the rom into memory and plays it using a game emulator. This may be important to you as emulators can have a tendency to be laggy, buggy, and maybe not even be able to play all your games. With this being expected from emulators, you would expect the price to at least cover quality hardware. This is not the case, and now we begin to discuss the real issue... the hardware and WARRANTY (consider this your warning).
The slots for the cartridges are rather stiff (which can likely ruin your cartridges) and sometimes have a tendency to break (this is not what happened to me, but was an admission from Hyperkin and is evident from reviews n the internet). So there is a "right way" and "wrong way" to insert and remove a cartridge - a technique. Laughably, I followed this technique and the pins are pins on everything. Let's get to the problem.
A few days after using the Hyperkin RetroN5 the device began producing an error "ERROR: failed to dump ROM". This means the contents of the cartridge were not successfully copied into the device (which cannot be used without the cartridge). The other slots are fine, but are beginning to experience the same (or similar) issue such as "Unknown Cartridge". A week after purchase, the issue became persistent - won't go away, and no longer useable at all. Many on the internet claim this is a common issue. Some say it may be resolvable with a factory reset which can void your warranty if you do it without the direction of Hyperkin. So I contacted them. Here are the bullet points.
- I purchased the Hyperkin Retron 5 VERY recently and it has started to fail within a week of arrival (without abuse or misuse).
- I did the proper thing and contacted Hyperkin for troubleshooting steps hoping the issue could be fixed through a factory reset - which I did not want to perform without permission from Hyperkin.
- Hyperkin informed me that the issue sounds like a hardware issue and should be returned. Hyperkin began the return process.
- I followed all the requests by Hyperkin (proof of purchase and within the warranty period, video proof of the issue, return form).
- Hyperkin began the return process by emailing me a return address and RMA number, but insisted I pay to ship the product. (see email above).
...this did not seem right and certainly did not sit well with me for a product only a week old.
- I contacted Amazon (since it was the retailer from which I purchased it) hoping for a better return policy from the retailer.
- Amazon informed me this should not be the case and contacted the seller (Hyperkin).
- Amazon informed me Hyperkin would be sending me a shipping label within two business days.
- Amazon informed me that if the shipping label does not arrive within two days, to call them back for further action
Hyperkin responded with:
"We are not business partners with Amazon so I am not sure why they told you that we would be sending you a label because our warranty policy is that if you would like to redeem your warranty a customer would have to ship the product at their expense. If you have not already tried returning it to Amazon, try that, as they often offer free return shipping."
HEED THIS WARNING:
Hyperkin is a THIRD PARTY SELLER. This means Amazon does not keep these in stock and cannot process a return. At best, they can offer a refund, but the seller has two days to make it right (which Hyperkin will refuse to do without you paying for shipping). Only THEN will you be allowed to file a claim and possible get a REFUND (not a REPLACEMENT).
Many out there will feel that it is okay to void Hyperkin's warranty and flash the device with community firmware (which is COOL), and I like the idea. If this were truly a software issue, I;d likely do this to mine as well if Hyperkin were refusing to fix a software issue (to hell with the warranty). But the fact is: Hyperkin's warranty for hardware is crap and the hardware WILL FAIL.
To some, the low cost of shipping is worth getting a replacement, and I might feel that way if I had gotten close to a year's worth of use out of it close to the end of the warranty, but to squeeze more money out of me for a failure on their part after only a few days of use becomes a stern matter of principle on an item priced as a proud product.
Your best bet is to steer away from Hyperkin altogether.
Amazon - on the other hand - has been fantastic in trying to make this right. Unfortunately, I MUST wait two more days for Hyperkin to make it right (even though they have already responded with a refusal to assist).
FINAL NOTE: Does Hyperkin truly feel the few bucks saved in shipping was worth the loss of potential sales over this review?
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Jumbo
Eine Super Retrokonsole für moderne HD-TV-Geräte !
Reviewed in Germany on August 3, 2017Color: BlackStyle: RetroN 5 ConsoleVerified Purchase
AndyG
Great System, Makes My Retro Games Look Even Better Than Ever Before
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2017Color: BlackStyle: RetroN 5 ConsoleVerified Purchase
AndyG
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2017
So one of the main benefits with the Retron5 is the fact it plays multiple systems all off the one console which are:
- Nes - Famicom - Snes - Megadrive - GameBoy - GameBoy Colour- GameBoy Advance
- It will also play Master System games if you have the Megadrive/Master System converter.
- Plus games from all regions so Pal Ntsc & Ntsc-J.
So I like that I can have one system set up to my tv & get to play a big chunk of my collection all off the one Retron5, now this is possible without a Retron but you'll have a bunch of systems all set up with extension leads & cables trailing all over the place, also unless you have a scart switcher or a 5to1 scart adaptor you'll be having to swap the wires over every time you want to play a different console.
I also love that I can plug the original retro controllers into the ports down the side of the system, which just adds to that nostalgic feeling. there's three controller ports on either side of the system 1xNES 1xSnes 1xMegadrive.
Now one big advantage for me is the fact the Retron runs a hdmi out so not only can I hook it up to my 4k tv, it also means I can run it through my Elgato capture card & record my gameplay which helps as I use my Retron5 for almost all of my retro game footage over on my YouTube & Twitch channels.
Another big factor for me is most of my main retro systems are all boxed, some of which are in near mint condition, so I really don't like to use them, if I have to use one on a regular basis i tend to buy a second playable system so I can keep my main console mint, now yes it would be nice to use all original system's but these things aren't cheap & at times can be very temperamental, so with the Retron being a brand new system it should be a lot more reliable & I still get to play a big selection my games without breaking any of my original consoles, plus the cost of buying all the systems separate would be a lot more expensive than buying the Retron.
So depending on which side of the fence you are on, in the Retron's options there's a few things you can tweak, now if you all about it being 100% original you can turn all filters off & have scan lines on ect but on the flipside if you want it to look as good as it can then there's settings to smooth out the graphics & make it look a lot better. (i'll add a couple pics below to show you how much better it can look on the Retron with filters on, the game is TailSpin on a original Megadrive vs on the Retron5 with smoothing & filters on)
So here's what you get in the box:
-1x Retron5
-1x Wireless Controller
-1x Power Cable with adaptors to fit any socket, uk,us ect
-1x HDMI think it was 1.5m long?
-1x Charger Cable for the controller
-Info & Stickers
So although I have given this a 5star rating its not a 100% perfect product but with that being said, the good things totally outweighs the bad.
GOOD POINTS
- its hdmi so can be set up to any tv with a hdmi port
- can be ran through a cap card for recording game footage
- has memory built in so you can now save your retro games!
- plays carts for the systems from all regions without any adaptors ie pal, ntsc, ntsc-j
- has ports down both sides so you can plug in & use your original controllers. nes, snes, megadrive
- can map the buttons, set default controllers ect for both the Retron & original retro controllers
- has filters to make your retro games look better than ever before
- has sd slot on the back if additional memory is needed
BAD POINTS
- the controller is horrible! it works ok but it just doesn't feel nice in your hands, 100% would be better off just buying a original retro controller or a new unofficial one & plug it into the controller ports on the side
- games can be tight to pull out of the slots. this does get easier the more its used, but for ease it should of been designed with a eject button like on the snes
- Some times it wont read a cart 1st time, most the time it just needs to be reinserted, if it still don't read its probably because the contacts are dirty so just give the cart's contacts a quick clean, this has always fixed it for me, but then it would still happen on a original system if it was a dirty cart, well unless you use the magic blow, anyone who grew up in 80's & 90's knows what I'm on about.lol ^_^
I done a lot of research into it before I bought my Retron as I heard a bunch of horror stories on YouTube of games getting broke, pins moving & so on, but I can honestly say I've owned one for around a year now & I've never ran into any of those issues.
I think Hyperkin had some issues in the early Retron5's but i'd like to think that has all been addressed by now.
If your still not 100% sure about playing your Little Samson in your Retron, worst case just use a universal adaptor/game genie in the slot & then whatever expensive retro game in the top of that, then no retro game would even have to go in the Retron slot, I haven't got any really crazy expensive games like Little Samson's or Dino Peak's, but I've always played every game I own directly through my Retron5 & have never had any issues.
Images in this review
Eric
This is my NES cart after 1 day of use :( Not a bad system but yeah
Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2020Color: BlackStyle: RetroN 5 ConsoleVerified Purchase
Eric
Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2020
On the newer systems you get 3gb's of internal space instead of 1gb. The system also supports SD cards not sure how much space is compatible with the system but I don't believe there needs to be that much anyways. I'm currently using a 2gb card. It supports NES, Genesis and SNES controllers so you don't have to use the lousy one that came with the system. Sorry Hyperkin the controller is pretty bad. I found there is literally no delay at all at least with using the retro controllers. I can't say if the issue is there while using the wireless controller but being wireless that is a known issue and others have complained about it.
Of course I didn't even mention the best part which we already know it plays Genesis, NES, SNES, Famicom, GB, GBC, SNES and you can play all games from different regions as well. Also on the plus side they also released a 3 in 1 cart that will play Game Gear, Master System carts and cards. There is compatibility issues with some carts being not supported. One of them was Sports Trivia for the Game Gear which worked in the Game Gear but doesn't in the Retron 5. I thought Columns didn't work but it seems that cart is actually totally and needs to be replaced. I also heard that GBA has some issues with 3D intense games and its not so bad but still bad... There is some good 3D games however most of their catalog is 2d. None the less a lot do work but take that with pre-caution. Of course with that all being mentioned there is some major flaws and if you looked at my screenshots you already know. Yes the cart slots are really tight.
When pulling out you have to pull them out correctly which I didn't find out until later while watching a video that shows you how to do it. Don't pull straight out from the middle. Pull from the right and up and it'll come out smoothly. Now if you didn't know this it may cause some damage to your cart slot. With that being said my NES slot has already seen better days.... or wait a day. Yes a day after I received the unit the NES slot is already damaged and needs to be repaired.
Of course I also know that others have had power failures after years of usage. I haven't received that problem yet but I'm only expecting it to happen considering its a common issue. So with all this being said its hard to say yes and its hard to say no. Its a wonderful product but it was built so badly that "YOU" have to take that extra care when using it. Now I sent Hyperkin an email with the above photos hoping they'll be able to help me solve this problem and i'll get back to you all on this.
I've heard their customer service can be bad not in the case they won't help you but how long it'll take for them to get you a repaired product. Oh and I also heard that you may not receive your exact unit back you will probably receive a refurbished product. So I'm giving this 3 stars cause honestly the features are great but yeah it has flaws and they need to correct his which will probably never happen do to the age of the product itself.
Really again this is a tough decision so take it upon yourself but you see my problems i'm not the only one and you'll be next sadly :(.
Images in this review
H. Maar
Das Retron 5: Eine Sammlung von Emulatoren getarnt als Spielekonsole
Reviewed in Germany on February 11, 2015Color: BlackStyle: RetroN 5 ConsoleVerified Purchase
ChaddamousPrime
Good Console. Score is really 4 and a half stars!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2017Color: BlackStyle: RetroN 5 ConsoleVerified Purchase
