I realized that when I saw footage of the GBA video cart for Sonic X on SomecallmeJohnny's Sonic Advance Trilogy review which was a colab with Antdude who owns a Retron5. Still shocked it does since the Game Boy Player can't run GBA video carts.
I also figured out rom hacks work as well. I made a tutorial on it. Its honestly really neat considering I can play my Super Metroid as 100s of other Metroid games. Also it is a more user friendly way of using the files and takes less work. IMO thats a major system seller right there. I am also a streamer and using a capture card with the Retron 5 is less taxing on my system then playing an emulator on my system while streaming, and I also own a lot of old carts and I can play them all from a single box.
Same here. Also, you CAN run roms in the Retron 5 without owning the games by using the patching system. You need to have at least 1 game for that specific system, then you convert the rom of the game you want to play into an ips patch and copy it into an sd-card and stick it to the back of the Retron 5. Then, you put in a gamecart of the same console as the rom you converted and apply the aforementioned patch to the game. Now you just run the game and, presto, it'll run the game that you converted into a patch.
Nice job, best overview I've seen yet of the Retron 5. Hah, still unsure, I totally want something like this machine, but that controller and "resting-hole" worry me!
You can also use the 8bitdo controllers! And it works great! I just bought one SNES30 and one SFC30. BTW, with the right adaptor, you can run Sega Master System.
I'd also like to add that it's really hard getting the games out of the Retron 5. I had to look up how to remove them and now I'm constantly worried about bending the pins.
This system has had quite a few improvements, via the firmware updates, adding more compatibility, and now the 3-in-1 add-on that lets you play Game Gear and Master System (Cartridge & Card) games.
If you're comparing this to Raspberry Pi or an PC with emulators, this product isn't for you. It's for collectors that want to play their carts through HDMI and save space. I'm exited to play my NES, SNES, Genesis and Game Boy Advanced games in HDMI. The Retron 5 will also let me play Mega Drive carts, so I'm going to start adding imports to my collection too.
You can download roms on an SD card and play it on the system. You just have to have a cartridge (any game) for whatever system the rom is for. (It has to have a cart inserted to load the Rom.) You also has an internal game geni.
Surprised you didn't mention the legal issues with the Retron 5 because, much as I liked the one I had before it broke (long story), I have a hard time recommending the system due to it utilizing codes that the creators didn't own. It's not something I wish to support nor tell people to support financially.
I am so sick of hearing people make videos of this POS of a console. I guess as long as you can get your garbage out to "tech/game "journalists"", you don't have to give credit, nobody will care.
I got one and like it a lot. It's not for everyone but it's there for whoever wants one. I like the fact that it can save your level and then you can continue it later. Also I've heard that the cartridges are hard to takeout. Well there not. If you lift the cartridge from the top corner it comes out smoothly. I've seen where they just lift the cartridge straight up that's the wrong way. The games look so great. I like it a lot.
I'm glad you stress tested with 3D titles on GBA. My concern was that potential slowdown for games such as F-Zero, GTA, and a slew of other racing titles was going to be hampered. Glad to see that isn't the case. Still on my radar to pick up one of these days.
As a big time retro gaming fan, I'd very much recommend against the Retron 5, for several reasons. 1. The software of the Retron 5 uses stolen code from other emulators. 2. Emulation is not, and will never be, as accurate as the original hardware. 3. It's rarely updated, so new enhancements to emulators won't be added. 4. If you're just a little bit computer savvy, you can get a much better result much cheaper using a Raspberry Pi. Sure, you won't be able to use the original controllers (without a separate adapter), but you will be able to use much better wireless ones, like the Xbox 360 controller or the Sony Dualshock 3 or 4.
Frankysan I disagree about Playstation or Microsoft controllers being better than the originals for these games. Also If you have the cartridges...why not get use out of them. I agree for those who don't own any retro games/consoles but want to get into them.
The light guns won't work simply because HD TVs don't support them. However, if one is able to use a HDMI to composite converter and play it on a old CRT or PVM, would it work? Someone told me there would probably be converter lag, but it's just a theory.
Yes, the lag will still be there. Since it starts off as HDMI, the lag will be present right from the beginning. When lag happens, you can't easily just reverse it through an adapter. I hear there's plenty that try to reduce it, but it's nearly impossible, and I don't think there's any that can truly make a light gun compatible with any type of connection that has an HDMI cable in it.
5:52 i just got a controller thats the same sort of thing. "pdp versus fighting pad" nigh the exact same layout. Its made for fighting games like streetfighter. And for that, even though im not experienced in fighting games i think its pretty good. I dont tend to miss inputs with it.
Nice video Shane. I am not a fan of the retron 5, but I understand why people would want it or use it. I prefer to use original console or just emulation. I know the system can not be marketed for emulation or piracy, however to me that is not an issue with retro gaming. The original creators stopped getting money a long time ago for the games played on this. It is a nice alternative if your system has broken though, or for saving space if that is an issue. I also agree on save states being nice. Thanks for making this, hope to run into you sometime in Kitchener at Games Exchange
I have this system. I fully recommend, if you insist on using a wireless controller, get an 8bitdo one. They can be made compatible with an optional update to the controller's firmware, can be used with more than just the Retron, and are generally much nicer to use for about the same price.
As an owner of a Neo Geo Pocket Color, your comparison irks me. I also own a Hyperkin device, but not a Retron 5. I've got one of their 1st gen SupaBoys (handheld SNES, with a 4:3 screen) and it's pretty great. Being able to take my SNES/SFC cartridges with me, while also being able to link up to a TV and use controllers (like an older Switch) is really nice. I get the argument of "get the original hardware, or just do PC emulation) but for some reason, my preferences fall in the middle. Owning the cartridges makes the games feel like they're worth something. Downloading ROMS just doesn't feel right, and neither does playing SNES with an XB1 controller or a touch screen. The SupaBoy feels just authentic enough to make me happy, but is modern and portable enough to be worth the money. Maybe one day I'll get a SNES, but this will do for me, right now.
TheShangryLlamas It was Opensource with a non commercial clause meaning you can use it but not on a device for sale. they broke GPL and several other licenses.
I might wanna get this. Years ago, I bought a Retron 2 which only played NES/SNES games. While it emulated SNES games perfectly, NES games sounded off.I kow what Super Mario Bros sounds like and it stuck out too noticeably for me to enjoy it.
Also make sure to upgrade the firmware!! I have the Retron 5 and I LOVE IT. The amount of stuff it can do is amazing and it emulates everything pretty dang well. You can also run ROMs on it but I won't tell you how ;)
In all the time that I've owned one of these, I've managed to break it three times. First was an issue of even reading the carts. Second was when it barely wanted to get past the opening screen. Somehow, both times just seemed to fix themselves by leaving the console alone for a few weeks. The third managed to make all but one button on that horrid controller unresponsive. Oh, I could get the NES controller to work just fine. But, somehow desync'ed the wireless one. So, I say 'Buyer beware'. It's an emulation box that got the company in hot water, once their use of patented software under the hood was discovered. These days, it might just be better to go with a Raspberri Pi or full on PC. But, maybe my machine was more of a lemon then most.
but can you plug regular USB controllers? also i assume the layout was meant to be the 6 face buttons from the Genesis with the shoulder buttons from the SNES & typical emulator tools like the Quick Save/load
I have one. It works well but the one annoyance is how tight the pins are. You gotta be careful when loading and unloading the games. The controller also works but is ass, as was pointed out here.
Rerez, what are your thoughts on the upcoming Retro Freak? Kinda like an improved Retron 5 that can detach from the cartridge readers and be carried around like a micro console emulation box... seems very convoluted but awesome. You should take a look at it soon!
Downside to the retron 5, besides the connectors being ultra tight so you have to be extremely careful removing games from it, is the incompatibility issues. Now they've been pretty good with slowly fixing these via firmware updates, but updating the firmware for the R5 is a pain in the ass, its a process that needed to be simplified. As an example, the R5 currently won't run Gargoyles on the Genesis. It'll recognize the game, boot it up, but soon as you hit start, the game fucks up.
They Probably Made The Retron 5 Controller The Way That They Did on Purpose to Emphasize The Fact That You Can Play Multiple Different Types of Console Games
Just as a curiosity: Can the Retron 5 work with an Atari 2600 controller or a Colecovision keypad? It's just a curiosity thing as they both have the same jack as the Sega Genesis.
I've considered getting a Retron before, but since I own all of the systems already, I haven't seen much need for one. Now if there was a portable version of it that supported that many consoles, then sign me up (I am aware of the RDP and SupaBoy)!
I too own the system and all legal issues aside, I am rather happy with it. You can also load roms onto an SD card and play the games off that as long as you have the correct cart inserted, so no worries on the everdrive , just load all the games you want on to the card! Yes, the controller is garbage, and I have had some issues freezing every other month, but I put a lot of time on the system and it has held up well. I still prefer the original consoles, but the convenience factor keeps me playing on it!
Du sköna nya värld Om du har en hdmi till VGA, Scart etc converter så kan du koppla till en tjocktv, sen kan du koppla in en zapper i konsollen och pow! så kan du spela Duck Hunt på din Retron 5.
I just got an ad on this that was just a kid recording him using this money sorting I think LEGO creation wig his laptops camera and it was 4 mins long and just ends with him closing the laptop and you can see it also there is only 6 words spoken in the entire video his dad saying did you press record and him saying yes just a quick question why is this an ad
Can it play only the genisis or can it play th mega drive to? Plus can it use the SNES "classic" controller to? So i found mario paint on amazone for 4 euro(germany's money)so at the package it says including the SNES mouse but im kinda scared right now should i buy an extra SNES mouse? Because that thing you sayd about having an mario paint copy and you need the snes mouse and that sucked I didnt understand that part that much can ypu explame to me ?
Am I the only one who like the retron5 controller? Sure it's clunky, but that's not a dpad, it's a joystick with switches. the buttons aren't to be all used either, the controller was meant to emulate both the SNES and Genesis controller styles
I'm surprised you didn't mention that the console can patch in fan translations through an SD card. It's the biggest reason I got the system, on top of everything else you mentioned
Intresting little fact here: The port for the Atari 2600 and the Sega Genesis are the same, meaning you can use an Atari controller on a Genesis (or Mega Drive, for all you Europeans) and vice versa. That means that it's theoretically possible (as I don't own a Retron 5) to use an Atari joystick on the Retron. Just a little trivia.
Actually half the reason why that slot in the back for the controller is there is so that you can fit a powerbase converter in there without modding the converter. I actually have one of these and its excellent for playing translation patches with the original cartridge and original controller (My Life in Gaming has a really good video on this) but I much prefer the original consoles if playing English games. It is a good starter machine where you don't have to track down a billion systems though.
A small correction: The R5 doesn't recognize light guns, regardless of the TV type or output. If it did, then it would at least make a flash when the trigger is pulled, which it does not.
Man, I can't get over the emulation aspect of this thing. I feel like if I wanted to play via emulation, I'd do it without a cartridge restriction on a PC hooked to my TV. It just didn't feel authentic enough to me to want to play using my cartridges. Maybe that's just me. I sold mine and I'll probably go the longer and harder route of getting my consoles modded for RGB (if needed) and use an upscaler.
Most of the problems you brought up (shitty standard controller, not able to rip the games onto the system, not being able to use USB controllers) are fixed with the Retron 5's competitor, the Retro Freak. The Retro Freak also includes supports Turbografx/PCE and Supergrafx games and has a adapter for Game Gear and Sega MK III games. Although, it does need an adapter for NES games
I'm thinking about possibly getting one of these, but with all the mixed reviews I am coming across online, I do have a few unanswered questions. Now, I have read that sometimes the carts can get stuck in their respective ports, and it can be a pain to remove the game from the system sometimes; is that exaggerated or does it diminish the overall appeal of the product? Also, are there some games (aside from pirated ones) that yield problems no matter what? Likewise, can this console use something other than HDMI, say if you have an older TV that lacks it? Anyone who can shed some light on this may influence my decision to purchase one of these for myself.
I just got one of these the other day, and I absolutely love it. Apparently some of the earlier systems had problems with games getting stuck in the ports, but some people said that got better with use. Mine does not have this problem at all. All of the games I have tried have worked, even a few that supposedly don't work from this compatibility list docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/tn3xCad0cVguOzw81367Tfg/htmlview. The only AV output from the console is HDMI. You can get a converter if you want to, though for me, biggest reason to own the Retron 5 is to play old games on an HDTV. Another huge benefit that not many people talk about is the ability store save files on internal memory or an SD card, as well as on the original cart. This makes storing game saves possible for cartridges that no longer have working save batteries.
Thanks for the info. I think 99% of the games I own appear to be compatible; I'll probably need to start collecting Genesis carts now. Luckily I know a few people that can hook me up. Appreciate it.
I've got a Pi it will rks great for titles and platforms I don't have. But I have another system for the game carts I do have. I would collect more if the market for old games wasn't so expensive. But again that goes back to the raspberry Pi. If you customize it with a few small things like USB controllers it's amazing.
To be fair, it's 100% illegal to download ROMs in most countries that have conventional intellectual property laws. It's only legal to use any software you have a license for and that license usually comes from buying the game from a distributor (paying for a license) having someone "transfer" the license via second-hand sale or lending/giving the game to you. Second-hand games aren't even technically legal unless explicitly covered in the license the original owner pays for by buying the game but as far as I know they're protected by precedent. Emulation is usually protected by precedent, too, but you still need a license to use the software (in this case, a game) legally.
Pretty sure copyright laws need to be rewritten for the modern era, also probably no one has ever gotten in trouble for downloading roms of older games
Street Guru I just think it's a good idea to dispel any ideas that pirating old games isn't illegal just because emulators and emulation aren't illegal. And copyright laws aren't really broken for emulation, either. Old works, including old interactive works, should still be protected under intellectual property laws for as long as the owners can make use of the work in good faith. On the whole game sharing side, first-sale doctrine basically guarantees that any restrictions on sharing/reselling legal copies of games are going to be met with crazy backlash (remember the PS4/XBOne game sharing fiasco?) :)
If only the cartridge slots on these weren't so tight then I'd consider one. These are also all over eBay as broken lol. Seems like they have an issue with not powering on after a while.
OpenEmu for Mac is the best way to play old games in my opinion. Super slick UI and easy to use. Legally you can play any games you own. Illegally and pretty much risk free you can play any game from the Atari era to the PS1 (excluding some N64 games that run strange)
One thing I do have to ask, does it work long term, I heard a lot of the retro systems do not last long or start having issues only weeks after people using them. I kinda think it's user issues, just that so many complain about it so kinda hard to ignore that part. So I would like to knows if a few months of playing the system does it still work well.
One complaint that Rerez didn't mention (and that I've read online) is that the sound quality is different. Some think it's worse, but I've heard the differences in comparison videos and I think it's fine.
I agree the control sucks but the area where the control sits is meant for the Power Base Converter that lets you play Sega Master System game, which curiously you don't mention.
Retro Freak all the way. USB controllers (including ps3 and such), runs more roms and can store them, and a few other great features. It especially does not eat / play tug of war with your cartridges :D
A sic button SNES controller? Did you forget about the shoulder buttons, because if you include those it is a six button controller, not including start and select.
Fun Fact: It can play GBA video carts.
That's right. You play Shrek in 240p, 12fps.
It's actually 160p, lol
Even Better
WeirdoTZero shrek is love shrek is life
I realized that when I saw footage of the GBA video cart for Sonic X on SomecallmeJohnny's Sonic Advance Trilogy review which was a colab with Antdude who owns a Retron5. Still shocked it does since the Game Boy Player can't run GBA video carts.
+Popplio The Master LOL! Obviously hilarious sarcasm is obviously hilarious!
Maybe you forgot one important thing: It's capable of playing translation patches, making all those Super Famicom JRPGs understandable.
I was about to mention he didn't say a word of this...
that is by far my favorite feature on the retron5.
ALitleBitSpecial Thats cuz you need a little bit of computer know-how to do it.
I also figured out rom hacks work as well. I made a tutorial on it. Its honestly really neat considering I can play my Super Metroid as 100s of other Metroid games. Also it is a more user friendly way of using the files and takes less work. IMO thats a major system seller right there. I am also a streamer and using a capture card with the Retron 5 is less taxing on my system then playing an emulator on my system while streaming, and I also own a lot of old carts and I can play them all from a single box.
and because of that it lets people mod the system and get full roms on it
If sega catches you playing genesis games with a snes controller they'll stab you with hedgehog quills
Richard Cowlishaw funny 😄
I would reply with something like "good joke lol" or whatever, but then I saw the previous reply using emojis and I lost all form of laughter.
I don't think Sega will mind if you play their games with a SNES controller.
It's Nintendo that you have to worry about.
I dare them
Let them come!
my Retron 5 lasted 1 day, before it got a "fatal error." just happy i got my money back.
Ive owned and played mine for years. Can reccomend. You must got a bad one.
@@dad7275 I Bet He Got His From Ali Express Lol
When you were talking about the Retron's controller, I said "THAT'S NOT A D-PAD!"
it is a d-pad though, it just looks like an analog stick.
it looks like an analog stick, not a d-pad
Wish he mentioned the powerbase converter also works on this, allowing you to play master system games
Same here. Also, you CAN run roms in the Retron 5 without owning the games by using the patching system. You need to have at least 1 game for that specific system, then you convert the rom of the game you want to play into an ips patch and copy it into an sd-card and stick it to the back of the Retron 5. Then, you put in a gamecart of the same console as the rom you converted and apply the aforementioned patch to the game. Now you just run the game and, presto, it'll run the game that you converted into a patch.
05:30 thats the "Beat a game" button!
Patent belonging to AVGN 😂
Nice job, best overview I've seen yet of the Retron 5.
Hah, still unsure, I totally want something like this machine, but that controller and "resting-hole" worry me!
5:15
Subtitles: "sloth the hedgehog"
Me: *CONSPIRACY!!!*
*Illuminati theme starts playing*
You can also use the 8bitdo controllers! And it works great! I just bought one SNES30 and one SFC30.
BTW, with the right adaptor, you can run Sega Master System.
I'd also like to add that it's really hard getting the games out of the Retron 5. I had to look up how to remove them and now I'm constantly worried about bending the pins.
This system has had quite a few improvements, via the firmware updates, adding more compatibility, and now the 3-in-1 add-on that lets you play Game Gear and Master System (Cartridge & Card) games.
If you're comparing this to Raspberry Pi or an PC with emulators, this product isn't for you. It's for collectors that want to play their carts through HDMI and save space. I'm exited to play my NES, SNES, Genesis and Game Boy Advanced games in HDMI. The Retron 5 will also let me play Mega Drive carts, so I'm going to start adding imports to my collection too.
Cambridge, Ontario? I used to work there. Saw "Phantom Menace" at a mall south of the 401. Now that's some retro that should stay in the past.
Shane, you are an expert reviewer. You point out the good and the bad without trying to gloss over it.
You're gonna go far in this business, kid!
He's been in the business for many years...I'd say the encouragement is welcome, but long outdated.
heeeey Shane ! I just wanted too let you know, I reaaaaally enjoy your videos ! And Your HUMOR IS ON POINT LOL
You can download roms on an SD card and play it on the system. You just have to have a cartridge (any game) for whatever system the rom is for. (It has to have a cart inserted to load the Rom.)
You also has an internal game geni.
You have to convert the game into an ips patch before putting it in there, but yes. You're right.
Surprised you didn't mention the legal issues with the Retron 5 because, much as I liked the one I had before it broke (long story), I have a hard time recommending the system due to it utilizing codes that the creators didn't own. It's not something I wish to support nor tell people to support financially.
I am so sick of hearing people make videos of this POS of a console.
I guess as long as you can get your garbage out to "tech/game "journalists"", you don't have to give credit, nobody will care.
Think your anger's aimed at the wrong person there, son.
What codes are you referring to, game code?
The codes used in the emulation.
Ya If you've ever used retroarch that menu screen looks awfully familiar.
I keep forgetting that Rerez's name is Shane. It really messes with me because my name is Shane too.
Whenever I hear his name all I can think of is the: “My name’s not Shane, kid!” from The Town with No Name
I got one and like it a lot. It's not for everyone but it's there for whoever wants one. I like the fact that it can save your level and then you can continue it later. Also I've heard that the cartridges are hard to takeout. Well there not. If you lift the cartridge from the top corner it comes out smoothly. I've seen where they just lift the cartridge straight up that's the wrong way. The games look so great. I like it a lot.
Shane! King of the dramatic intro. 👍
I'm glad you stress tested with 3D titles on GBA. My concern was that potential slowdown for games such as F-Zero, GTA, and a slew of other racing titles was going to be hampered. Glad to see that isn't the case.
Still on my radar to pick up one of these days.
I have one of these and I love it. I have no issues with it. Great review.
The controller holder at the back also allows you to use the power base converter with the Genesis slot, so you can play Master System games.
As a big time retro gaming fan, I'd very much recommend against the Retron 5, for several reasons.
1. The software of the Retron 5 uses stolen code from other emulators.
2. Emulation is not, and will never be, as accurate as the original hardware.
3. It's rarely updated, so new enhancements to emulators won't be added.
4. If you're just a little bit computer savvy, you can get a much better result much cheaper using a Raspberry Pi. Sure, you won't be able to use the original controllers (without a separate adapter), but you will be able to use much better wireless ones, like the Xbox 360 controller or the Sony Dualshock 3 or 4.
You can also get emulator like visual quality on original hardware using an RGB Scart cable with a high quality upscaler such as the XRGB-Mini.
Frankysan I disagree about Playstation or Microsoft controllers being better than the originals for these games. Also If you have the cartridges...why not get use out of them. I agree for those who don't own any retro games/consoles but want to get into them.
Oh if you want to use a Dualshock 4, get a bluetooth reciever that uses the same input method as an NES, SNES, or Sega Genesis.
Plus the Retron 5 has been known to erase and damage game, such as the guy who lose his chrono trigger to it.
The new retron 5 can connect to the internet and download firmware updates
Shane, the Powerbase Converter for the Genesis can fit on the Retron 5, which means it can also play Sega Master System cartridges and cards as well
Man, I love the quality of your videos.
The light guns won't work simply because HD TVs don't support them. However, if one is able to use a HDMI to composite converter and play it on a old CRT or PVM, would it work? Someone told me there would probably be converter lag, but it's just a theory.
BouncekDeLemos g game theroy
Yes, the lag will still be there. Since it starts off as HDMI, the lag will be present right from the beginning. When lag happens, you can't easily just reverse it through an adapter. I hear there's plenty that try to reduce it, but it's nearly impossible, and I don't think there's any that can truly make a light gun compatible with any type of connection that has an HDMI cable in it.
The Genesis 6 button has the same amount of buttons as the SNES
If they make a retron 6, they should have N64 games. Right?
The Retron Ultra will do that, minus the others
Great review! I think I heard that the Power Base Converter fits in this system, so you can play Master System games on it.
5:16 you sure you didn't mean Nintendo instead of Sega?
5:52 i just got a controller thats the same sort of thing. "pdp versus fighting pad" nigh the exact same layout. Its made for fighting games like streetfighter. And for that, even though im not experienced in fighting games i think its pretty good. I dont tend to miss inputs with it.
Yes! Ive had mine for years and still like it. I can reccomend it!
"For some reason"
The reason might be "The Power of US Copyright Nonsense", it prevents legal copying for ~100 years after release.
And you're going to abide to this ridicullous law like a a sheep...
Companies are still selling their games. But since you already own the game, I guess the point is moot...
Excellent video! How well do Tengen NES games work on the Retron 5?
fast foreward is handy for the pokemon games.
JRose11 swears by it! 😎
Nice video Shane. I am not a fan of the retron 5, but I understand why people would want it or use it. I prefer to use original console or just emulation. I know the system can not be marketed for emulation or piracy, however to me that is not an issue with retro gaming. The original creators stopped getting money a long time ago for the games played on this. It is a nice alternative if your system has broken though, or for saving space if that is an issue. I also agree on save states being nice. Thanks for making this, hope to run into you sometime in Kitchener at Games Exchange
I have this system. I fully recommend, if you insist on using a wireless controller, get an 8bitdo one. They can be made compatible with an optional update to the controller's firmware, can be used with more than just the Retron, and are generally much nicer to use for about the same price.
Nice video, camera quality is really good.
As an owner of a Neo Geo Pocket Color, your comparison irks me.
I also own a Hyperkin device, but not a Retron 5. I've got one of their 1st gen SupaBoys (handheld SNES, with a 4:3 screen) and it's pretty great. Being able to take my SNES/SFC cartridges with me, while also being able to link up to a TV and use controllers (like an older Switch) is really nice. I get the argument of "get the original hardware, or just do PC emulation) but for some reason, my preferences fall in the middle. Owning the cartridges makes the games feel like they're worth something. Downloading ROMS just doesn't feel right, and neither does playing SNES with an XB1 controller or a touch screen.
The SupaBoy feels just authentic enough to make me happy, but is modern and portable enough to be worth the money. Maybe one day I'll get a SNES, but this will do for me, right now.
You're in luck, the Supaboy uses SNES on a chip technology, not emulation!
This console is amazing, but what the hell is that controller?!
I'll never understand why you have only 83 k subs your vids are great
Its an emulator I have to buy?
And I have to buy the games?
7.8 too much buying.
9/11 too much crime
Not to mention the emulators and all other software on this thing has been stolen and used without consent or acknowledgment. Have fun!
Crimson Ghost yeah that's a little lame... regardless, it's a cool piece of tech to have. Not ALL of it was stolen BTW, a lot of it was open source.
TheShangryLlamas It was Opensource with a non commercial clause meaning you can use it but not on a device for sale. they broke GPL and several other licenses.
Crimson Ghost ooohhh got it
I might wanna get this. Years ago, I bought a Retron 2 which only played NES/SNES games. While it emulated SNES games perfectly, NES games sounded off.I kow what Super Mario Bros sounds like and it stuck out too noticeably for me to enjoy it.
Also make sure to upgrade the firmware!!
I have the Retron 5 and I LOVE IT. The amount of stuff it can do is amazing and it emulates everything pretty dang well.
You can also run ROMs on it but I won't tell you how ;)
Don't Forget you can use Bluetooth controllers like the Nes30 pro and others. I love this system just for the space i have now.Great Review
Oh, and if you have a Power Base Converter or a Power Base Mini from Stoneagedgamer or what have you, the R5 will run Master System games as well.
In all the time that I've owned one of these, I've managed to break it three times. First was an issue of even reading the carts. Second was when it barely wanted to get past the opening screen. Somehow, both times just seemed to fix themselves by leaving the console alone for a few weeks. The third managed to make all but one button on that horrid controller unresponsive. Oh, I could get the NES controller to work just fine. But, somehow desync'ed the wireless one.
So, I say 'Buyer beware'. It's an emulation box that got the company in hot water, once their use of patented software under the hood was discovered. These days, it might just be better to go with a Raspberri Pi or full on PC. But, maybe my machine was more of a lemon then most.
but can you plug regular USB controllers?
also i assume the layout was meant to be the 6 face buttons from the Genesis with the shoulder buttons from the SNES & typical emulator tools like the Quick Save/load
I have one. It works well but the one annoyance is how tight the pins are. You gotta be careful when loading and unloading the games. The controller also works but is ass, as was pointed out here.
Rerez, what are your thoughts on the upcoming Retro Freak? Kinda like an improved Retron 5 that can detach from the cartridge readers and be carried around like a micro console emulation box... seems very convoluted but awesome. You should take a look at it soon!
what's that famicom cartridge called he showed at 0:29?
That cutout isn't for the controller. It's so you can put a power base converter on the system to play master games.
Downside to the retron 5, besides the connectors being ultra tight so you have to be extremely careful removing games from it, is the incompatibility issues. Now they've been pretty good with slowly fixing these via firmware updates, but updating the firmware for the R5 is a pain in the ass, its a process that needed to be simplified.
As an example, the R5 currently won't run Gargoyles on the Genesis. It'll recognize the game, boot it up, but soon as you hit start, the game fucks up.
They Probably Made The Retron 5 Controller The Way That They Did on Purpose to Emphasize The Fact That You Can Play Multiple Different Types of Console Games
Just as a curiosity: Can the Retron 5 work with an Atari 2600 controller or a Colecovision keypad? It's just a curiosity thing as they both have the same jack as the Sega Genesis.
I've considered getting a Retron before, but since I own all of the systems already, I haven't seen much need for one. Now if there was a portable version of it that supported that many consoles, then sign me up (I am aware of the RDP and SupaBoy)!
I too own the system and all legal issues aside, I am rather happy with it. You can also load roms onto an SD card and play the games off that as long as you have the correct cart inserted, so no worries on the everdrive , just load all the games you want on to the card!
Yes, the controller is garbage, and I have had some issues freezing every other month, but I put a lot of time on the system and it has held up well.
I still prefer the original consoles, but the convenience factor keeps me playing on it!
i can play duck hunt just fine on it but you need a crt tv that has hdmi or a hdmi to rgb box
Can I use a CRT monitor via VGA?
Du sköna nya värld
yes you can
There exist no such thing as a CRT with hdmi.
I do not quite get it, VGA is just for PC hardware? A TV has a tuner and lower maxinum resolution.
Du sköna nya värld Om du har en hdmi till VGA, Scart etc converter så kan du koppla till en tjocktv, sen kan du koppla in en zapper i konsollen och pow! så kan du spela Duck Hunt på din Retron 5.
Gonna have to go with the retro trio, since i do my retro gaming on a CRT and this doesnt seem to have AV out.
actually that controller tray on the back also allows it to work with the power base converter.
Hey! I liked the controller it came with.
I just got an ad on this that was just a kid recording him using this money sorting I think LEGO creation wig his laptops camera and it was 4 mins long and just ends with him closing the laptop and you can see it also there is only 6 words spoken in the entire video his dad saying did you press record and him saying yes just a quick question why is this an ad
Can it play only the genisis or can it play th mega drive to?
Plus can it use the SNES "classic" controller to?
So i found mario paint on amazone for 4 euro(germany's money)so at the package it says including the SNES mouse but im kinda scared right now should i buy an extra SNES mouse? Because that thing you sayd about having an mario paint copy and you need the snes mouse and that sucked
I didnt understand that part that much can ypu explame to me ?
I've heard Kirby's Dream Land 3 has a pseudo-HD effect. Is that true? If so, what does it look like on a Retron?
Am I the only one who like the retron5 controller? Sure it's clunky, but that's not a dpad, it's a joystick with switches. the buttons aren't to be all used either, the controller was meant to emulate both the SNES and Genesis controller styles
i had the english version of militia for the super nintendo as a kid. i really loved that game.... it was really challenging!
I'm surprised you didn't mention that the console can patch in fan translations through an SD card.
It's the biggest reason I got the system, on top of everything else you mentioned
Intresting little fact here: The port for the Atari 2600 and the Sega Genesis are the same, meaning you can use an Atari controller on a Genesis (or Mega Drive, for all you Europeans) and vice versa. That means that it's theoretically possible (as I don't own a Retron 5) to use an Atari joystick on the Retron. Just a little trivia.
Actually half the reason why that slot in the back for the controller is there is so that you can fit a powerbase converter in there without modding the converter. I actually have one of these and its excellent for playing translation patches with the original cartridge and original controller (My Life in Gaming has a really good video on this) but I much prefer the original consoles if playing English games. It is a good starter machine where you don't have to track down a billion systems though.
would it save file on to the game example like the Pokémon saved files.?
A small correction: The R5 doesn't recognize light guns, regardless of the TV type or output. If it did, then it would at least make a flash when the trigger is pulled, which it does not.
Great video Shane:)
Why did you leave out the fact you can use Genesis to Master System Cartridge adapters?
Does it fit?
Luke Beauchamp; I heard it does through the Power Converter.
Retro Freak is where it's at. Can play PC-Engine and TG-16 games, plus it can save your library.
IM GONNA PLUG THIS INTO MY RETRON5 AND PLAY EVERY GAME EVER MAAAADE!!!
Man, I can't get over the emulation aspect of this thing. I feel like if I wanted to play via emulation, I'd do it without a cartridge restriction on a PC hooked to my TV. It just didn't feel authentic enough to me to want to play using my cartridges. Maybe that's just me. I sold mine and I'll probably go the longer and harder route of getting my consoles modded for RGB (if needed) and use an upscaler.
What about the add-on that lets you play MasterSystem games
Most of the problems you brought up (shitty standard controller, not able to rip the games onto the system, not being able to use USB controllers) are fixed with the Retron 5's competitor, the Retro Freak. The Retro Freak also includes supports Turbografx/PCE and Supergrafx games and has a adapter for Game Gear and Sega MK III games.
Although, it does need an adapter for NES games
I'm thinking about possibly getting one of these, but with all the mixed reviews I am coming across online, I do have a few unanswered questions. Now, I have read that sometimes the carts can get stuck in their respective ports, and it can be a pain to remove the game from the system sometimes; is that exaggerated or does it diminish the overall appeal of the product? Also, are there some games (aside from pirated ones) that yield problems no matter what? Likewise, can this console use something other than HDMI, say if you have an older TV that lacks it? Anyone who can shed some light on this may influence my decision to purchase one of these for myself.
I just got one of these the other day, and I absolutely love it. Apparently some of the earlier systems had problems with games getting stuck in the ports, but some people said that got better with use. Mine does not have this problem at all. All of the games I have tried have worked, even a few that supposedly don't work from this compatibility list docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/tn3xCad0cVguOzw81367Tfg/htmlview. The only AV output from the console is HDMI. You can get a converter if you want to, though for me, biggest reason to own the Retron 5 is to play old games on an HDTV. Another huge benefit that not many people talk about is the ability store save files on internal memory or an SD card, as well as on the original cart. This makes storing game saves possible for cartridges that no longer have working save batteries.
Thanks for the info. I think 99% of the games I own appear to be compatible; I'll probably need to start collecting Genesis carts now. Luckily I know a few people that can hook me up. Appreciate it.
I've got a Pi it will rks great for titles and platforms I don't have. But I have another system for the game carts I do have. I would collect more if the market for old games wasn't so expensive. But again that goes back to the raspberry Pi. If you customize it with a few small things like USB controllers it's amazing.
So this is just an emulator but you have to buy physical games. Brilliant. 10/10.
Just get a nice Rasberry Pi emulator device for the same price.
To be fair, it's 100% illegal to download ROMs in most countries that have conventional intellectual property laws. It's only legal to use any software you have a license for and that license usually comes from buying the game from a distributor (paying for a license) having someone "transfer" the license via second-hand sale or lending/giving the game to you. Second-hand games aren't even technically legal unless explicitly covered in the license the original owner pays for by buying the game but as far as I know they're protected by precedent. Emulation is usually protected by precedent, too, but you still need a license to use the software (in this case, a game) legally.
Pretty sure copyright laws need to be rewritten for the modern era, also probably no one has ever gotten in trouble for downloading roms of older games
Street Guru I just think it's a good idea to dispel any ideas that pirating old games isn't illegal just because emulators and emulation aren't illegal.
And copyright laws aren't really broken for emulation, either. Old works, including old interactive works, should still be protected under intellectual property laws for as long as the owners can make use of the work in good faith.
On the whole game sharing side, first-sale doctrine basically guarantees that any restrictions on sharing/reselling legal copies of games are going to be met with crazy backlash (remember the PS4/XBOne game sharing fiasco?) :)
WhoWatchesVideos
Emulation software is totally legal, it's why they can sell it on the app stores, aside from minor stuff like PS2 BIOS
Street Guru That's what I said :P
You never mentioned the mater system power base converter works.
I'm curious though, would it be cheaper to just build a PC capable of running emulators and have that hooked up to s TV to get the same experience
If only the cartridge slots on these weren't so tight then I'd consider one. These are also all over eBay as broken lol. Seems like they have an issue with not powering on after a while.
OpenEmu for Mac is the best way to play old games in my opinion. Super slick UI and easy to use. Legally you can play any games you own. Illegally and pretty much risk free you can play any game from the Atari era to the PS1 (excluding some N64 games that run strange)
The makers of the Retron 5 should watch your channel.
One thing I do have to ask, does it work long term, I heard a lot of the retro systems do not last long or start having issues only weeks after people using them. I kinda think it's user issues, just that so many complain about it so kinda hard to ignore that part. So I would like to knows if a few months of playing the system does it still work well.
How long was Shane under that table at the beginning?
One complaint that Rerez didn't mention (and that I've read online) is that the sound quality is different. Some think it's worse, but I've heard the differences in comparison videos and I think it's fine.
there's a lot of different sound options to make it sound how you want as well
I agree the control sucks but the area where the control sits is meant for the Power Base Converter that lets you play Sega Master System game, which curiously you don't mention.
Retro Freak all the way. USB controllers (including ps3 and such), runs more roms and can store them, and a few other great features. It especially does not eat / play tug of war with your cartridges :D
Were you climbing up from the floor in the opening? I don't get it. :|
The Genesis has an Atari 2600 and Colecovision dongle. Can you play Sonic the Hedgehog with a Colecovision or Atari 2600 controller?
A sic button SNES controller? Did you forget about the shoulder buttons, because if you include those it is a six button controller, not including start and select.
You should've tested out Race Drivin' for the original Game Boy.
I got one of these a few days ago. I think it's worth it. You may (and can) do updates to the firmware to take care of any glitches.
But...but the Neo Geo Pocket has an amazing analog stick...but yes, I could see why you wouldn't want that on old consoles that used D-Pads. =)
I loved playing Desert Strike as a kid