The Ultimate Retro Gaming Upgrade | RetroTink 4K Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 бер 2024
- In this episode, we test out and review the RetroTINK 4Kvideo upscaler, designed to improve the look of component, composite, s-video, VGA, RGB SCART, and HDMI inputs to see if it is the ultimate retro gaming upgrade.
Order a RetroTINK 4k At www.retrotink.com/product-pag...
To say I have been a huge fan of the RetroTINK line of products since I first tried the RetroTINK 2x would be an understatement. It took what I loved about my original retro systems, things like the Super Nintendo, Famicom Disk System, and N64, and line multiplied them to 480p and gave me an HDMI output. I loved the results and didn't think that they could get any better. And then they did with the RetroTINK 2X Pro, Multi-Format, and eventually the RetroTINK 5X. Never one to rest on his laurels, Mike Chi from RetroTINK has been hard at work to improve upon even the excellent 5X. The results? The RetroTINK 4K. Let's take a closer look at this magical machine.
Out of the box, you get the RetroTINK 4K, a standard-size SD card, a USB SD card adapter, and a remote control. The remote is a nice improvement over the original RetroTINK 5X remote, and my understanding is this is the remote that the 5X will be coming with moving forward as well. It features input, output, profile, and resolution buttons on the face just to name a few. It needs two AAA batteries, not included, but overall this is a very nice addition to the platform.
Slightly larger than the RetroTINK 5X by about 20% I would say, one of the things that I did was 3D print out a vertical stand from Todd at RetroFrog. He actually had me help him with some of the early prototyping and I provided him feedback on tweaks before he actually got a RetroTINK 4K of his own. This is a very well-designed base and will definitely help keep your setup cleaner and neater.
I went back and forth and how I wanted to connect my systems to the 4K. I could disconnect my RetroTINK 5X and put the inputs into the 4K and call it a day. If I did that I would have to go through my HDMI switcher, and at that point I wouldn't have 4K, 60Hz output. The more I thought about it, I decided to connect the RetroTINK 4K to the output of my HDMI switcher and leave my RetroTINK 5X in place. This way I didn't have to redo a bunch of profiles from the 5X on the 4K, and also ended up gaining extra inputs if I ever needed them on the 4K.
When it came time to test, I threw just about every system I own at this thing. From component, composite, and HDMI. The only thing I didn't test was S-Video and that's because I don't have any S-Video connections currently for anything. I did however even test RGB SCART coming out of the Sega Master System, JVC X'EYE, Super Famicom Jr, and the Dreamcast thanks to the Bahar Bros Mamba RGB SCART cable. It handled each and every one of these connections beautifully.
When I got into more recent systems, systems that natively output HDMI, I really noticed a huge difference. For me, the RetroTINK 5X does such an amazing job that for day-to-day gameplay that's still probably going to be my device of choice. But playing games through the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and the Nintendo Switch upscaled to 4K made these systems absolutely come to life for me. I loved how bright and vibrant all the colors were, the depth of field in the images, and the overall quality of the results that I got. I think that's where this makes the biggest difference for me, the old systems definitely look great, but the newer ones get that extra punch of quality that really sets them apart.
Why it RoX:
- Beautiful video quality
- So many inputs!
- Wonderful upgrade for the remote control
- Firmware upgradable, and for free
- On-board profiles for different systems
- Can be used in conjunction with other scalers
What could be improved:
- Preloaded profiles not compatible with HDMI input
- Expensive
- My RetroTINK 4K door is very loose
Should you buy one?
I don't say this lightly, the RetroTINK 4K is a definite investment. If your goal is to get the best image quality possible on a modern, flat-panel display, this is the way to go. It allows you to utilize original hardware and generate visuals that were previously unthinkable. There's only so much you can do with certain signal types, I'm looking at you composite video, but it has an impact and improves every signal that goes through it. The fact that you now have an HDMI input expands the reach even further to even newer systems. It's an expensive investment, sure, but if it's in your budget you won't find a better performer on the market.
#RetroTink #VideoGames #4K #Nintendo #Sega #Xbox #HDMI #RetroTInk4k
Check out all of our 3D Printed items by visiting roxolid-productions.weeblysit...
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @roxolid - Ігри
Just my 2 cents on the video itself.
1. Not having the gameplay footage at full screen 4k makes it harder to percieve the affect the retrotink 4k is having because having at a smaller window is super sampling the image. Upscaling the image to 4k then downscaing the image to fit the size of your capture / display window.
2. The PS3 footage would of been more beneficial playing a 3d PS3 game and not a retro 2d fighter imo.
The idea of a Retrotink Capture Card would be amazing. With all the connection options he offers in the RT4K would be a game changer for Avermedia and Elgato for abandoning the retro connection options.
My composite cover is very loose also. After talking to Mike (a really cool guy) he said it was run variability and some were naturally tighter than others. He did give me some tips to help add some resistance. Thank you Mike!
Final production case is much sturdier, slider is not loose, and textured instead of glossy. I love my Tink4k. It is definitely the ultimate scaler for a long while.
Thanks for the update, good to know
25:50 My first memories of Super Mario 64 was playing it on a Japanese N64 during the summer of 96 before it was released in North America. We had gotten one from a game store in Chinatown New York City and I remember being blown away.
🙂👍 Awesome unboxing and awesome demostration of the TINK 4K's capabilities.
Thank you
@@RoXolid 😊 Your welcome. 🙂 If I had the 4K Gaming monitor and the RetroTINK 4K; I would 1st buy the SCART Switcher + a SCART cable for the output. 🙂 2nd, I would buy the SCART to VGA (with audio) converter and VGA & audio jack cable for the output. 🙂 3rd, I can connect my Gamecube with my Playstation to the SCART switcher. 🙂 4th, I would connect the SCART switcher's output to the SCART to VGA converter's input. 🙂 5th, I would connect the SCART to VGA converter's output to, the RetroTINK 4K's VGA + audio jack inputs and I could get an even better picture quality.
For a review would it not more make sens to put it directly in the Retro Tink 4K and not the 5 first?
If I remember correctly every copy of Tempest 2000 on the Jaguar came with the soundtrack. Nice review on the RetroTink 4K as well.
Is it possible to hook up either the AVS or Analogue Duo to the RetroTINK4K via' HDMI, and gain the CRT scanline/softness features provided by RT4K, including the HDR brightness boost trick that neither the Duo or AVS have on their own?
Sure can
What TV would you recommend for a RetroTINK? The RetroTINK will not add any input lag but your TV still does so which TV has the least amount of input lag?
The 3.5mm jack would be good for capture from a 3.5mm source jack to the 3.5mm input. The toslink would be great for PS2 or a DVD player etc that outputs that format. And having it translate into HDMI is a great idea. I've yet to tinker with mine. Probably Friday. I have a great idea to test on it.
I'm curious... is it worth using the Nintendo Switch on the Retrotink4k or better to allow My C1 to handle the upscaling? I always appreciate your content! Thanks
Both look good the color is for the 4k ve
version but good game. Good vid!
Thank you!
Watching the Mario 3D segment and to answer your question about Goombas. At some point, Nintendo separated the Mario world round goombas into a new species called Galoombas (they seem to have always been different but related species in Japanese after a quick Google search)
The question is that is there a noticeable difference on a 4K screen of a 1080 upscaled image from a retrotink 5x vs 4k upscaled image from a retrotink 4k? I am still debating between retrotink 5x or a retrotink 4k for primary PS2 games. I own a 4k 32 inch Samsung monitor. Please give me your recommendation for that system alone. Thank you!
I have both, here is my thoughts. If your tv will display in full screen in 1440p and all you want to do is ps2 then the 5x is awesome. For me I have a 55" sony x95k, I can make it display 1440p but it puts it like a 30" window in the middle of my tv so I really like having the rt4k so I can actually use my whole tv now. The other big thing for me is it accepts hdmi input so now I can run all my hdmi systems that are not 4k into it and upscale them. So the 5x is great if it suits your needs, but if you got the extra money I would get the 4k cause it will more than likely be the last scaler you will need until the world goes beyond that.
I just bought the Digital Versions of Sam's Journey and Mischief Castle for NES. Now just waiting on Piopow.
Hey ! I bought a SCART to HDMI converter for my xbox to connect to my QLED TV, but the screen became very dark and made some games unplayable. do you think this is because of the TV or is it just a bad converter ?
Probably the wrong impedance on the cable. Plus those Scart2HDMI adapters are mostly garbage
@RoXolid Okay, thanks for answering, how can I tell what impedance there are on the cable ?
Will it be beneficial over the 5x and will I notice a huge difference if I upgrade this from my 5x ?? For 1080P TV (as I don’t own a 4K tv yet)
عندي 5x ومناسب حتى مع 1440p اذا الشاشه عندك 1080p ماراح تشوف اي فرق لان هذا مخصص للفور كي . لكن فيه مواصفات رهيبه ومتقدمه مثل اعدادات الصوره لكل جهاز العاب تقريباً صارت اوتو بضغطه بالريموت ومنفذ HDMI اذا عندك ps3 وتبي ترقي صورته للفور كي . اذا انت مهتم مره بجودة الصوره وعندك شاشه فور كي بينفع لك اذا تبي شي ممتاز ويأدي الغرض خلك على 5x فهو ممتاز 👍
@@XtrRisk غريبه فيه واحد عربي يتابع هالاشياء 😂
أنا ادري، أنا عندي ال٥ اكس و ناوي اشتري هذا بعد ، و صح عليك ينفع للبي إس ٣ ، و فيه كم ميزه زياده بينفع لواحد عنده شاشه ١٠٨٠ زي أنا
بس هل تسوى ؟
أنا ع كل حال ان الله احيانا و توفرت فلوس و تيسرت أموري باشتري ٤ كي و الجهاز ، خل بس كميه تنزل و يكون اسهل حصول علي مب زي الوضع الآن اول ما تدخل ينباع
بالغالب الي عنده ١٠٨٠ مب مستفيد منه كثير بس يمكن شغلت البروفايلات حلوة مرة ، لكن زي ما قلت بس تتيسر الأمور شريته بإذن الله او استنى الين يصير علي تخفيض بس ما هقيته
ال٥ اكس حسب علي ما نزل سعره ابد و ان نزل فهي حاجة بسيطه
موجودين
موفق . اذا تملك مجموعة العاب قديمه ومهتم في اجهزة الفيديو القديمه بشكل عام ومن ضمن هواياتك الاساسيه بقولك اكيد يسوى لأن هذا الجهاز محد راح ياخذه او يوصل لهذي المرحله الا وهو مقتنع فيه 100% وبسعره ويشوفه ضروره الجهاز له سوقه المحدود للمحترفين اللي يبي افضل صوره ممكنه اليوم . من ناحيتي ماوصلت لهالمرحله و 5x مكفي وموفي جهاز ممتاز حتى وانا استخدم شاشه 4K معه . بالنسبه لردك الثاني اكيد راح يدعم غالبية الاجهزه اللي تدعم المنافذ الموجوده فيه مثل 5x . طالما جهازك يشتغل في 5x مافيه سبب انه مايشتغل في 4K
@@XtrRisk أنا والله صاير عندي مشكله بسيطه اشتري الأشياء حتى لو ما استخدمها عشان أكون معك صريح الخمسه اكس ما استخدمته إلا أسبوع بالكثير و هذا هو عندي بكيسه 😂😂 عندي كميه ألعاب كثيره ماني قادر أخلصها لان كل ما حصلت وقت فاضي لعبت بس فيفا 😂😭
Great video. Does the upscaled 4K quality look significantly better than the maximum upscaled output of the 5X? Could you maybe make a video conmparing the 5X to the 4K? Thanks
I really can't do a video that would compare both of them because it would either be rendered at 1080p or 4K so you wouldn't get a great representation of either one if that makes sense. I think on the newer systems like the PS3, PS4, and Wii u the difference is more impressive
Fair enough, thanks for your reply.
Of course
Is the 5x pro still worth it for for modern TVs in your opinion in 2024?
If all you need is 1080p, Yes
Is it Panasonic friendly? Thinking about teaming this up with a Panasonic JZ2000 (that has 120Hz BFI)
Not sure, I don't have one
Did your tink4k come with that plastic stand? I don't think mine did. Still best purchase I made this year. Along with an HDMI splitter and AV to HDMI wires for my old consoles, I get wonderful quality and low latency. I can finally beat Punch Out and Bust A Groove 2 again.
No, I mention that Todd from Retro Frog had me do some design testing. This is 3d printed
Should I get retro gaming cables scart cable for Dreamcast or Mamba scart cable?
I've not used the Retro Gaming cables one so I can't say. I'm happy with the Mamba though
Retro Access is the way to go. RGC Cables aren't made great. Mamba products aren't made great historically. They've stopped sending review versions to Bob at RetroRGB.
@Gary where can I get the hdmi mod kit for the nes?
Sadly they have been out of production for years as a couple of the components went end of life. The closest you will find to that mod kit is the AVS from retro USB, the same person designed that as designed the HDMI mod
@@RoXolid sad to hear. Maybe will get a new one soon via fpga
Homebrew Wii gets you nes, snes, n64, GC, Wii, and VC games looking great on your tv and GB, GBC, and GBA and even PS1. Saves room.
Cannot plug cartridges into it
@@RoXolid the sd card counts as a cartridge lol
@@robinson32993 nope, sorry
I mean if you have the original NES SNES without any mods and just straight to the 4K , wouldn’t it be a better representation of the product ? As a lot of us (talking about myself included) can’t Souter in wires and mod these systems , nor anyone around me can do these mods as I don’t live in the US or Europe for that matter
So intrigued to see how the 4K will do in these instances
I have the Analogue counterparts of the systems
Crazy thing is the Framemeister is now easy to obtain for less than $300 now.
Will the 2x pro be a good starting point ?
It is if you can get one
for power, I really don't like usb-c. I like traditional power connectors, USB A or B, C was always an issue for me unfortunately.
You should of showed off the CRT Shaders. I was hoping to see them an HDMI systems.
I plan on doing fallout videos focusing on one specific system, I can do that for them. I personally hate all scam lines and CRT simulators which is why I did not focus on them.
Scanlines always look like junk due to UA-cam compression.
In my opinion scanlines look like junk, period
@@RoXolid i will respectfully disagree. I often start playing Pre 6th generation consoles and quickly switch to CRT presets. While having razor sharp 4k has some appeal, that's not the way the games were designed to look. They were designed to utilize Scanlines and masks to blend the colors and pixels.
I'll show non hardcore gamers the initial look and they're quite impressed, but switching to CRT presets just absolutely blows them away. All that's missing is the static on the screen to really bring them/me back.
I love my tink4k and in my opinion, if you don't care about scanlines and the HDMI/VGA inputs, you are much better off going for a tink 5x.
That's all good. I hate scanlines and how CRTs look. I will never own another one and I'll be happy about it
Cool
Thanks for checking it out!
I actually have Tempest 2000 on PlayStation...Atari Karts is actually pretty fun, but it's stupidly expensive, but Atari 50 on the Switch has it, that's how I play it.
Very cool
Try it on an OLED next time to see the full benefit 👍
Alternative strategy: use a smaller monitor. ;-) I'm not even joking!
Yeah no
You can shut off DHCP option on PS3 settings... just means it won't allow you to play bluray movies until you turn it back on.
When viewing the video I was thinking 'this thing is going to be expensive' whereby I was guessing $300-350. Then I clicked on the link to discover it's a comically outrageous $750!
$300 is the 5x
3:55 Mike prefers MicroUSB.
No. That's not true. That's IMPOSSIBLE!
0:51 exactly! Composite only looks good on a CRT TV, anything else it looks like garbage.
Nothing looks good on CRTs
@RoXolid I still like CRTs myself, but I'm not playing anything newer than PlayStation 2 on one, especially the original XBOX when all but like 20 games have 480p modes...that's just not taking full advantage of what the console can do.
@@polycube868 I hate CRTs
@@RoXolid I hate moving them
@@RoXolideven a PVM?
golmba little bit different than gomba there family of gomba maybe
What?!?!
You don't know the power of @32:34
mario 3d world looks way better on the switch because the wii u does not have full range hdmi output.
Hello
Greetings and salutations!
$800 ill pass
Didn’t you just say a month ago you lost your job? Now you have a $750 product to review?
😂😂😂
UA-cam views, break even I guess.
Apparently you don't watch the video, he said Mike Chi provided it for review.
@lockepsb I am sorry that clearly at some point you have lost faith in some UA-camrs or someone has steered you wrong. Let me clarify this situation for you.
1. I was sent this device for review from Mike chi back in November of last year. I did indicate that in the video that this was sent to me for the purposes of review.
2. You are correct that I did lose my job in February. I appreciate you watching that video and learning what was going on in my life regarding that situation.
3. I apologize that I did not make it more transparent to you that this item was not paid for but was indeed donated to the channel from the creator of the product. And again I also apologize that you feel that you've been steered wrong by other people so that way you presume the same negative perspective about others. Hopefully this helps clarify the situation for you.
@100Bucks as I stated to @lockepsb I am sorry that clearly at some point you have lost faith in some UA-camrs or someone has steered you wrong. Let me clarify this situation for you.
1. I was sent this device for review from Mike chi back in November of last year. I did indicate that in the video that this was sent to me for the purposes of review.
2. You are correct that I did lose my job in February. I appreciate you watching that video and learning what was going on in my life regarding that situation.
3. I apologize that I did not make it more transparent to you that this item was not paid for but was indeed donated to the channel from the creator of the product. And again I also apologize that you feel that you've been steered wrong by other people so that way you presume the same negative perspective about others. Hopefully this helps clarify the situation for you.
I thought I said that and even put that in the description. I appreciate you commenting on this cuz honestly I did not see the original comment. That being said I expected comments like this at some point simply because it's UA-cam and I knew that some people would draw connections between me reviewing this and having lost my job
If Mike is just giving away RT4K's to just any UA-camr he can... then that would explain a big factor of the horrendous price. This unit probably costs 400 to manufacturer. I mean, i get it.. he needs all the positive press... but still.. We, the consumer of RT4K are covering some of that cost and thats just crappy
Are you new to the world? This has happened with every product you have ever owned. Relax. Look up the price of the FPGA alone, Mike deserves to make some money for his hard work. He isn't forcing you to buy. The ignorance on display here is staggering.
Lol, Scart really should be called shart.
I mean RGB in general is confusing with all the different syncs.
You're not wrong
$750 Hard Pass
I get that, it's a huge spend to swollow.
@@RoXolidbut would you say it's the only scaler you'll ever need?
@@armandomorales0921 until 8k becomes a thing
The TINK 4K is worth the price. It does everything. If it’s out of budget, the TINK 5x is a great alternative that gets you 80% of the way. I’d start there and if you feel like needing an upgrade you can.
I love my 5x and almost just upgraded my remote instead of getting the 4k. Do what works for your budget and setup.
@@MrBlank0 completely agree
Try it on a OLED next time, to see the full benefit 👍