Hoping this increasing people's awareness for Atari 2600. Still hoping someone does a new Atari clone that uses hardware vs. emulation but this is neat for its price.
John Riggs: RIGG'd Games I'm very aware of the 2600, ooooh yes very much indeed. Sadly those things cost a fortune here in Europe. It's just not _fun_ to collect retro stuff over here.
Lassi Kinnunen Pretty much. You can buy a whole "computer" with an ARM chip for about $35. ARM chips are very cheap, and many people make one. However, the Analogue NT, for example, costs over $150. It uses clones of the original nintendo chips and is 100% compatible with all Nintendo Games and peripherals, as the entire board is cloned from an original NES, with the exeption of the Video Outputs, and the Cart Slot.
Kurt Angerdinger Prices are definitely _not_ the same everywhere. From what I understand from this channel, collecting for the 2600 in the US is really cheap: for $50,- or thereabouts you'll get a 2600 plus a bag of games, joysticks, paddles, and cables. In the Netherlands you pay about $100,- for a dodgy 2600, and if you're lucky you get one working joystick and _maybe_ a game or two. C64's are rapidly getting very expensive as well. $70,- will get you a C64 bread bin with power brick and a datasette. No games, no diskdrive, no nothing. I used to actively collect retro machines, trying to get as many different machines in working condition, but I just about gave up on that. I'm simply in the wrong part of the world for that.
The Atari Flashback 2 uses reverse engineered Atari hardware (not emulation) which interested me enough to get a few. The Flashback 1 used a NES-On-Chip. From 3 onward I think they were cheapened significantly. 1 (for hardware NES clone) and 2 for a hardware Atari clone are the ones to get.
Turrebo Same here in Sweden, and the adaptors are always missing so that you can’t plug it in. Atari 2600 games costs around 40$ each here, and there isn’t a lot to find. You can only find them online because second hand stores or flea markets NEVER have them. If you buy online from another country you have to pay VAT and shipping... So it’s expensive to collect here. And there is no garage sales. That’s not a thing here
My wife got a 2600 at the flea market for $50 and a bag full of working controllers, paddles and six games. It looks awesome on our TV stand in our bedroom.
The fact they licensed Stella for this is a good thing. If only it were possible to go into the menu and enable shaders. Would love to make it look more like the CRT.
I'm super glad you did this video because I was just talking with the company yesterday and talking about this product :-) and I was curious about it. Thanks for this video man
I see where you're coming from, but consider this from Hyperkin's perspective. They're a business and they want to be trusted by third parties to operate faithfully with IP protection. In the future they may want to work with another hardware company and their past work will reflect on the likelihood of future deals.
Doesnt atari not even make games anymore? First they went out of the home computer market then the console market and now out of the software market though?
Chris Cabezas thats BS, it already has an sd slot with ability to play any roms so the rom limit is just pointless annoyance to the end user. If they cared about any law they wouldn't have the sd slot in the first place.
Great video! Will be uploading my thoughts about it on this Sunday. Just happy that we have a 2600 clone faults and all to be honest. Some of these issues can be fixed with software.
If it runs stella, It might not support the flashcart. Emulators don't generally do that, in fact calling it a clone isn't entirely accurate as well as it is not a hardware clone.
I actually ordered it when they started preorders and look forward to it . My original Atari 2600 that my family got Christmas 1982 still works great and is what I always play on . Never really use the 2600 modules for my Colecovision or Atari 5200 . Been looking everywhere for a video of the Retron 77 in action and haven't found one until now . Can't wait for mine to come . They start shipping on my birthday .
Yeah, didn't like the controller the Retron 5 shipped with so I just use the console-appropriate controller (mostly my ASCII SNES controller, since I principally play Super Famicom games on it right now).
apparently, the buttons on those were a common failure point as well. I found that out after my "QuickShot" SV-101 Atari Joystick stopped working on the right.
Seems like they used the same plastic stuff to build those controllers as Atari did back in the day. I remember going through a few of those on certain games.
Oh wow! This is impressive as heck! I think the pros outweigh the cons.. I don't really collect for Atari, but this may change things for me one day. Keep rockin'!
We are looking VERY forward to getting our first shipment for our Canadian customers. :) We will be selling them at MSRP but giving a credit towards games with each one sold. Great review! Thank you!
I don't get their whole limitations on the whole ROM thing. Like you said, I bet someone hacks it so you can see more. Also, you can use Sega Genesis controllers since the plug is the same if you want the "game pad" feel.
It's not about if someone will be able to hack it or not. It's about appeasing the license holders so they can release it in the first place. I'm sure they're aware it can be hacked, and knew because of that it wouldn't be a deal breaker for most people.
Metal Jesus, your vids are always awesome. I started retro game collecting about 2 years ago and your channel was one of the influences that led me to collecting. As well as John Hancock and the happy console gamer. Cheers
Great review as always! The console...looks ok... even the officially licensed AtGames handheld lets you load all the roms on microsd without the silly anti-piracy measure these guys added. Two things I personally think most Atari clones get wrong: 1) targeting the 2600 instead of the 7800 and 2) mimicing the 2600's single button controller. So many 2600 games make use of the colow/bw, difficulty levels, and even a second joystick (not to mention analog paddles or the keypad) for their basic gameplay - to me 2 buttons minimum to support the 7800 games, and in a crazy ideal world they would use a better version of the 5200 controller, that would cover just about everything (of course it would have to be much better quality than the original ones!). A not-as-good controller option would be to support ps4/xbox controllers with per-game mappable buttons but IMHO thats better than making a 2600 joystick clone, even with its improvements. I feel like the 2600 is often the target just because its cheaper and easier and covers 80% of the market - but I'm generally unimpressed by a 2600 clone these days. I want to see someone actualy do a technical achievement and make something that plays AT LEAST 7800 games in addition to 2600 bonus points for 5200.
Great review as always. I responded to your request for things to test and was the one who suggested playing Kaboom! so thanks for showing that. I'm shocked at how much love the 7800 is getting in the comments section of this video. Who knew there were so many people hoping for 7800 compatibility? I'm a pretty hardcore Atari guy, so I was following this closely, and I knew from the beginning that it wouldn't play 7800 games. Stella does not play 7800 roms, so that was never going to happen. However, the interest in a system that plays those carts is certainly noteworthy. Perhaps if this is a success and there is enough feedback then Hyperkin will dip further in the Atari clone business. I hope so.
This is a nice review of the Retron 77. I wasnt aware of some of the features and I think its really cool that it runs on Stella. Always enjoy the content from your channel. Have a great day fellow gamer.
It's five years later, but i thought I'd let new buyers know that even with custom firmware, sega genesis controllers don't work on this device. They made a controller for this called the ranger if you want to play with a more controller like joystick.
I have been watching this unit's development for awhile as I work for a medium sized game store in Minnesota. We were hesistant to order one, as we had a lot of issues with the Retron 2. I am happy to hear that it works fairly well, and the controller is going to be replaced. I am going to order some as soon as Hyperkin allows us to. Thank you!
It's one of Activision's best. There's a nice difficulty ramp, and later levels are quite difficult. Controls are tight. The cart is somewhat rare for some reason, so prices can be on the high side.
One of the best. I remember playing it as a child in the 80s on the c64 and failing miserably. The c64 version was also a step up graphically and for the audio if compared to the 2600 or 5200, but the look of the 2600 version is so classy
Nice vid. You should've taken apart the controller to see what happened and also whether the shell of the new controller could fit onto the guts of original controllers. I'm looking forward to John Hancock's review this weekend also.
That was the one thing the 2600 needed-another button. I remember when Asteroids came out, people wondered how all the commands would be given such ad fire *and* sheilds
Thanks. Great review. I actually just got my Retron 77 in the mail today gonna fire it up this evening. Thanks for your in depth analysis. Been a sub and fan for quite a while man. Thanks for all you do!!
I would love to see an officially licensed ultimate Atari console that plays 2600, 5200, 7800, Lynx, and Jaguar games. It would output at least 1080p HD, or you could use composite, S-video, or composite cables. There would be 2 controller ports for each console, AND 2 USB ports in case you want to use some USB controllers that you like. It would also have some of the same stuff that the Retron 5 has, like save states, filters, controller button mapping etc. Yeah, it would probably be ridiculously expensive and will probably never happen, but a guy can dream.
Seems like a bit of a backwards approach to emulation. For homebrew games, I'd be more inclined to buy the physical release rather than emulate, to support the devs. For games that are 35-40 years old, though? Does anyone really care about piracy on such antique games?
Does anyone care? Yes. The publishers that are still around and own the IP of those old games definitely do care. They're not going to chase down everyone that downloads a ROM file, but they WOULD go after a small company that facilitates piracy. It's partly a matter of principle, but also since retro games have turned out to be profitable and publishers get to port them to a new compilation on every major console.
Did Niggards Do That? Actually, that is about the only way they could do this. While building a Clone Atari Console, or anything older than say, the Nintendo 64 is fully legal, as the hardware patents are expired ( Patents in the USA, Europe, and other "Berne Convention" Countries expire 20 years after initial filing), Including Coyrighted Software, or allowing the facilitation of Piracy is in fact, illegal, and Hyperkin could have been sued for such practices by the copyright holders of the software, and the USA (or any other Berne Convention signatory) would have issued a "cease and desist" to Hyperkin for their product. The SD slot is only legally there to allow Homebrews, or ROMS from cartridges you own, as per the law. While Stella and other free emulators can use loopholes about "Non Commercial Archival use", Hyperkin does not have that luxury. So, yeah, if I wanted to make, say, a keyboard that played Tandy Color Computer games, and sell it, I could legally do so, as Radio Shack's Hardware Patents expired in 2001, However, If I copied the look and feel of the Tandy CoCo, added their branding to my clone console, or else added original CoCo games to it, without licensing those things from the Copyright Holders, I Would be sued, and I would have to pull my system from shelves for copyright infringement.
No, because publishers DO still sell those games - as compilations of retro titles mostly. Regardless whether they sell them or not, copyright law does not care if it is logical or not. The IP is protected under copyright law. If Activision wants to sue someone distributing their IP illegally, they have every right to do so. Hyperkin is just trying to make sure they are not attracting the wrong kind of attention from publishers. Whether those publishers would go to the trouble of suing, whether they would win, whether they even exist.. why put a product on the market that ruffles feathers and makes them a potential target? They wouldn't survive a suit, financially, so it's not a risk worth taking.
Oh, OK, well as long as that's how you feel, I'm sure no "greedy companies" would mind then. They'll absolutely see the logic in your opinion and wouldn't dare defend their legal rights when you have such a clear and obvious case in your favor.
Kurt Angerdinger that is the dumbest, most illogical statement I’ve read on here today!!! Hahaha.... You don’t give a shit.....? Really? So copyright laws really don’t give two shits what you think either! I’d love to see tards making statements like that put their own money up and risk it on the “I don’t give a shit” logic!!! Morons crack me up on here! No common sense whatsoever when it comes to legalities. I know Hyperkin has made some not so smart decisions in the past (retron 5) using other people’s software in the console. But maybe they’re now trying to do things correctly. And I applaud them for that! No other company has taken the plunge to put out a Atari 2600 clone, so I appreciate them doing it. Every clone console company has aNES, SNES and genesis clone though. So there are many options for those to compare, point out pros and cons etc... But only Hyperkin took the risk making a Atari clone and it just blows my mind the shit some people spew over it. It’s one thing if it’s just not for you and your not interested or dislike the old controllers and would be better off with a RP. But some people act as if this clone offends them! Lol- Just don’t buy one! Jesus.
I wish I could get 2600 games for $5 locally. Most stores in my area know that older people want to collect these, so they mark them up to $10-20 a cart. Sad thing is, most of them don't sell so they just collect dust. *Sigh*
There's a store a whiles away from me that sells Atari games for 1 DOLLAR EACH. It's called DeWolf's if you're anywhere near Iowa and wanna check it out.
I've been thinking about this unit. Your video encourages me to wait, for what you mentioned at the end. A unit that plays 2600, 5200, and 7800. I was glad to hear they licensed the emulation software, that supports the developers.
Glad you put this up. :) Ever since I heard you mention it in your E3 video, I was curious. I like the idea of playing using HDMI and the smaller form factor makes it pretty attractive. Good price, save states, and glad to hear that the controller is pretty good too. Also, Hyperkin sounds like they were pretty supportive of the issue you had with the controller, so that's always good to hear when a company offers help like that.
I think they should made an adaptor like the 3 in 1 for the RetroN 5. Maybe an adaptor to play 7800 games, and atari 8bit carts. Would love to see that. Still, I might get one ;)
Lord Publius, 3?! Damn! I've gone through three just trying to get one functional console shipped to me without it breaking in transit! I'm cursed by the 7800!
This is a step in the right direction for Hyperkin, but like you said, I would love for them to do one of these that supports 2600, 5200, 7800, Colecovision, and Intellivision or even some old PC games. I'll hold off on getting the Retron 77 because I have a real 2600 hooked up to a wood paneled TV and I can't resist that. But if they did the all-in-one approach with the grand-daddy consoles, I would be all over that.
and I do agree, they need to a combined system. the 5200 and the 7800 need some love. Intellivision has retro consoles already but if you could just have all those eraly systems in one that would be awesome. I would get one just have less clutter of systems hooked up to my TV.
Pretty much. When I contacted them in 2016 about making one, they told me they would have to "check with R&D", and get a feel for the market. Admittedly, while there is a good demand for an Atari based console, even from casuals, like parents who want something for their kids, a Atari 7800 Console might be a harder console for Hyperkin to justify making a console based on the 7800. Even so, I would love something like a 7800 or an Intellivision clone. If there are enough people who want one, maybe Hyperkin could make one.
How about the CBS "RAM Plus" games like Tunnel Runner and Mountain King? Or the Starpath Supercharger? Does it work with the Indy 500 driving controllers, or the Star Raiders Video Touchpad (which was just a keyboard controller and could be used for games like Codebreaker)?
I'm glad to know that Hyperkin has this. If my beloved original Atari 2600 'Heavy Sixer' ever becomes impossible to repair, I'll certainly get this one. I'll very likely use a 'gasp' Sega Genesis controller with it. I guess I'm not a pure-ist. I find that I perform so much better with the Genesis controller on the Atari 2600, so I love using it. I still have my original joysticks and paddles, but they are getting a bit wonky. I've tried fixing the joysticks with replacement parts and have only had limited success. The save system on this is awesome! I'd love to have that feature. Makes me tempted to get one now even though my 2600 still works. They should have put something like this on their NES and SNES playing system that I have since many of the old Nintendo cartridges have battery save systems inside them that are ticking time bombs now that the batteries are dying. I watched a video on how to replace the batteries and unless you are good at soldering, it's a pretty tough process.
OMG! Turmoil! It's my favorite Atari 2600 game! I actually didn't know what it was called as I think we had a demo unit or modded unit that didn't have the plastic shell so no labels, just the PCB inside. Still fun to play.
I'd like to thank John Hancock for testing the Harmony cart and many other possible oddities. From his video, no Harmony carts do not work. Guess I'll just continue playing old school with an Atari 7800. It'd been nice to have the collection work on a box with HDMI out. So I'll be passing on the Retron 77.
I've been wanting this for years, can't wait to get one. I've really wanted to collect for the 2600 but since I can't connect one to my TV, there hasn't really been a way for me to do it. I'm really happy Hyperkin finally made a 2600 clone console.
MetalJesusRocks So there's a chance you might have had a part in creating a couple of my fave PC games from that time... Caesar 2 & 3. - Just thinking about it, I can still hear that one guy's voice calling out: "Plebs are needed."
I will pre order this console this week. I live in Norway so it will take a little while before i got it. I just bought 7 carts today from a store in Sweden. Looking forward to try this console :-) Nice revew MJR...
I wish my mother didn't give away my huge Atari Cartridge collection years ago. This would be nice to own. By the way, excellent shirt. I own that one myself. Great album.
Excellent Review! The limiting of roms is a dumb idea and won't dissuade any piracy. It will probably get newcomers to retrogaming to learn how to download them instead. I hope it will have bios updates so it will fix those compatibility issues. And I agree we really need a "Retron 82" that will play Atari, Intellivsion and Colecovision roms.
For me, the funny thing is that despite the 2600 being my first game system in the 70s, as an adult I have ZERO nostalgia for it. Even back when it was new, I remember feeling disappointed and underwhelmed by most of the games (I have distinct memories of my mom bringing home the Pac-Man cartridge and how crushed I was when I turned it on). Maybe I'm wrong, but none of the old VCS games seem worth playing (for me) today when I have so many other, better options!
I always liked the system, but yeah, I was also underwhelmed by it. Visiting an arcade was always a cruel reminder of what you had waiting for you at home.
I hear you brother. I'm 52 so was around in the early day of home video games and arcades. Apart from Space Invaders and Asteroid,s I have absolutely no interest in pre 16bit games now. The early days were for me a case of enticing box art and dull reality.
I actually feel that 2600 games only really got good in after late 1982.Most games made after that are very playable.My favorite games for the 2600 came out in 1984-1990.I wasn't even born until two years after the 2600's discontinuation.
Honestly, 2600 games are only good for like five minutes of gameplay (it seems longer when you're a kid). With that in mind I just play a couple different games for a quick fix. I use other & newer systems for longer games but then again I like the quick arcade style games over the long modern ones.
Thanks for the review! Although, I still have my original Atari 2600 with games from my childhood, I’ll probably end up picking this up later down the road. Great to hear it has the ROM feature as well.
a) Why is the cartridge slot turned around? FInally you plug them in with the wrong side b) What happens if you'll plug PAL carts into it? correct colors or wrong ones? c) Does auto-fire joysticks work? (all those using the 5V line on the connector) d) Any sound options (stereo etc.) or plain mono? e) the bw/color button is essential, so what's the deal why it is on the back? f) how long does it take from power on to starting a game? HDMI autoneg, boot screen visible?
I just don't see HDMI out on Atari 2600 games doing much for me. Atari 2600 games are the epitome of retro to me: look, style, and sound. I NEED to play these games on an older TV.
Not everybody has the room or desire to own an old CRT...so consoles like this are important for keeping the Atari legacy alive for generations to come. Sure, there are compilations... but we need a way to play the original cartridges too on modern hardware.
I agree with you on the aesthetic aspect, but like what MJR eluded to, getting the "old school" look and feel is not always the most practical especially given the state of modern tech. That being said, HD visuals aren't a selling point for me either. And to those who said, "don't but it" guess what, the OP probably won't. He was just stating a personal opinion. God forbid people share ideas and try to have conversations.
I'll take it. I certainly am not going to purchase an original 2600 that costs more than this, that probably/will need electronics work one day (capacitors). I'll take a modern box with HDMI out and the ability to run the joysticks and paddles and play most all cartridges plus ROMs. Seems like a killer idea to me.
Fantastic video! I've recently developed an appreciation for the Atari 2600, and I'd LOVE to be able to play those games on actual (reliable) hardware. It looks like there's room for improvement here, though. But overall, the system seems solid.
Way ahead of you there, champ. I had one such similarly modded 7800 until recently (it basically just upped and died on me.) Alas, the hammmer fell on that one before I could properly start picking up games for it.
I'm a big Atari fan, but I've gravitated more towards the Atari computers due to their sheer variety in software. My Woodgrain 2600 is still the sexiest system I own though. This Emulator system is on my radar, but I was going to get the Atari Flashback Gold. After your review though, it seems like the better value is the Retron 77, because I can play my original library.
I don't know what more. The Retron 77 console so I can play my old 2600 games in HD. Or that extra sweet Master of Puppets tee that MetalJesus just happens to be wearing. I really need a new one of those to replace the one I got now because the artwork on it is beyond faded and tore up from years of wear and tear. Oh, yeah. Awesome vid as usual. Keep up the amazing work...
I have thought about starting up an Atari 2600 collection but didn't want to get an original system since they can be a challenge to set up with an HDTV, so i might pick a Retron 77 when it is released get a few games and give it a go.
I agree that an FPGA console would be ideal, but I'm also kind of your "best case" candidate for this thing! I mention in my own review that, as someone new to 2600 games, the 77 is a remarkably easy point-of-entry to the Atari scene. I've had a lot of fun so far!
I've been following this product closely ever since it was announced, so it was awesome to see that you got one at E3 and you would be doing this review! Thanks for your fair review of it. I will most likely get one down the road as the Atari 2600 was my first console. I was hoping for more in terms of the SD card functionality, so a bit disappointing there. Did you see that Hyperkin said on their Facebook page that you can "hot swap" carts? I really enjoy your videos!
As a left handed person, I always held the Atari joystick with the button used by my left thumb and my other hand for the joystick. I honestly don't think the new design would be comfortable to use as a left handed person (if I were to switch hands). If anything, newer console controllers use the left hand as movement and the buttons are used by the right hand. So if anything, this new design helps right handed people more than us left handed folk.
I just bougt this unit from Hyperkin in USA and got it shipped all the way up to Norway. There is a way to play with Mega drive / Genisis controller on the unit. But you need one adapter called: Seagull 77. That cable is to exspensive for me to order. Because the shipping cost to much. I bought a extra controller called: A77 from a company called Cirka. So now i can play with a friend on this console as well. This joystick cost under 50% of the shipping alone for the adapter. Thats why i bought this instead. Only one game in my collection does not working on the Retron 77. That is the text label game called: Outlaw. If you have spare time, take a look at my review as well. Thanks for nice review of this console. Best regards: C110 :-)
I love Atari. I was born 79 so we had one. We mainly used an Intellevision though. But I'd def pick one up. Love the look of it too, nice review man!!!!
I really enjoyed this! We had an original 2600 that we took our of storage to experience with our kids. The unity didn't survive and I wanted a replacement that we could still use our old games without compromising the retro feel. I think this will be a perfect replacement. Thank you for this!
The positive of Pitfall II not playing from the cart is that it proves that it truly is playing from the cart, unlike the Retron 5. I’d love to make a machine that could do this for those classic consoles you mentioned, but also 5200 and 7800.
Random suggestion for potential collectors: Get a Coleco Gemini. Should play just about any 2600 cart and comes with the best controller from the early console era (it's both a joystick and paddle). The machines itself is a neat collectible and can usually be found cheap.
Hero was and still is one of the greatest games ever made. I put 2600 Hero & River Raid beside Archon 1 and 2 on the 8 bit Atari computer along with Chaos Engine, God's & Turrican on Amiga...true classics just as fun today as they were in the past.
Hoping this increasing people's awareness for Atari 2600. Still hoping someone does a new Atari clone that uses hardware vs. emulation but this is neat for its price.
John Riggs: RIGG'd Games I'm very aware of the 2600, ooooh yes very much indeed. Sadly those things cost a fortune here in Europe. It's just not _fun_ to collect retro stuff over here.
Lassi Kinnunen Pretty much. You can buy a whole "computer" with an ARM chip for about $35. ARM chips are very cheap, and many people make one.
However, the Analogue NT, for example, costs over $150. It uses clones of the original nintendo chips and is 100% compatible with all Nintendo Games and peripherals, as the entire board is cloned from an original NES, with the exeption of the Video Outputs, and the Cart Slot.
Kurt Angerdinger Prices are definitely _not_ the same everywhere.
From what I understand from this channel, collecting for the 2600 in the US is really cheap: for $50,- or thereabouts you'll get a 2600 plus a bag of games, joysticks, paddles, and cables.
In the Netherlands you pay about $100,- for a dodgy 2600, and if you're lucky you get one working joystick and _maybe_ a game or two.
C64's are rapidly getting very expensive as well. $70,- will get you a C64 bread bin with power brick and a datasette. No games, no diskdrive, no nothing.
I used to actively collect retro machines, trying to get as many different machines in working condition, but I just about gave up on that. I'm simply in the wrong part of the world for that.
The Atari Flashback 2 uses reverse engineered Atari hardware (not emulation) which interested me enough to get a few. The Flashback 1 used a NES-On-Chip. From 3 onward I think they were cheapened significantly. 1 (for hardware NES clone) and 2 for a hardware Atari clone are the ones to get.
Turrebo Same here in Sweden, and the adaptors are always missing so that you can’t plug it in.
Atari 2600 games costs around 40$ each here, and there isn’t a lot to find. You can only find them online because second hand stores or flea markets NEVER have them.
If you buy online from another country you have to pay VAT and shipping...
So it’s expensive to collect here.
And there is no garage sales. That’s not a thing here
My wife got a 2600 at the flea market for $50 and a bag full of working controllers, paddles and six games. It looks awesome on our TV stand in our bedroom.
You have a great wife man.
Do you know where to get 2600_paddles??
Do you want to sell a paddle ?
Charles Colombi EBAY
The fact they licensed Stella for this is a good thing. If only it were possible to go into the menu and enable shaders. Would love to make it look more like the CRT.
Or use it on a non hd crt
Limiting piracy on a console that the games are no longer being produced (except for some homebrews) is kinda pointless.
Atari released two game compilations on PS4/XboxOne/Steam just this year....
@@MetalJesusRocks The people that are going to pay for Atari games on modern systems were going to do it anyway.
It helps the retro stores
@@Z64sports yep
Hey look, he’s playing that great game called Bird vs Camel.
Noone would argue with you.
I watched your video where you unboxed what you got at E3 and I have been waiting for this unboxing forever!
I'm super glad you did this video because I was just talking with the company yesterday and talking about this product :-) and I was curious about it. Thanks for this video man
an anti-piracy measure?
nonsense. even if you buy actual cartridges Atari won't see any of that money these days
I see where you're coming from, but consider this from Hyperkin's perspective. They're a business and they want to be trusted by third parties to operate faithfully with IP protection. In the future they may want to work with another hardware company and their past work will reflect on the likelihood of future deals.
Atari never made any money on most of the games made for it. There was no commercial licenses for Atari so they only made money for there games.
atari still makes plug and play consoles. in fact theres one at walmart right now for 80 dollars that comes with games so ya piracy can still be had
Doesnt atari not even make games anymore? First they went out of the home computer market then the console market and now out of the software market though?
Chris Cabezas thats BS, it already has an sd slot with ability to play any roms so the rom limit is just pointless annoyance to the end user. If they cared about any law they wouldn't have the sd slot in the first place.
But how well does it run Custer's Revenge?
KWKBOX lmao
Its custard last stand
ATTA BOY!!!
Brice T: It is Custer's Revenge, not Last Stand
Or Beat 'Em and Eat 'Em. :)
This really should have been based on the Atari 7800. Then it would have been fully backwards compatible with the 2600 and 7800. A missed opportunity.
@@endangerednayla Well this is emulation so it's not 100% anyway
@@endangerednayla They could have used the best 7800 emulator in this unit, and switch from Stella to a 7800 emulator to handle each cart type.
Excellent review! I was really excited to check this console out on the E3 show floor. Definitely tempted. 😛
Wild Nintendrew appeared!
And I am out of master balls...
Atarew
I would be with better wood grain and 7800 support.
Great video! Will be uploading my thoughts about it on this Sunday. Just happy that we have a 2600 clone faults and all to be honest. Some of these issues can be fixed with software.
Did you get one too? :)
Hi John, if possible, would you mind checking if it works with a StarPath Supercharger? Or even a flashcart? Really curious...
But.... 7800 support, John!
Hey
If it runs stella, It might not support the flashcart. Emulators don't generally do that, in fact calling it a clone isn't entirely accurate as well as it is not a hardware clone.
I actually ordered it when they started preorders and look forward to it . My original Atari 2600 that my family got Christmas 1982 still works great and is what I always play on . Never really use the 2600 modules for my Colecovision or Atari 5200 . Been looking everywhere for a video of the Retron 77 in action and haven't found one until now . Can't wait for mine to come . They start shipping on my birthday .
That Joystick snapped? My Retron 5 controller damn near exploded so a snap ain't so bad I guess lol
Yeah, didn't like the controller the Retron 5 shipped with so I just use the console-appropriate controller (mostly my ASCII SNES controller, since I principally play Super Famicom games on it right now).
apparently, the buttons on those were a common failure point as well. I found that out after my "QuickShot" SV-101 Atari Joystick stopped working on the right.
Seems like they used the same plastic stuff to build those controllers as Atari did back in the day. I remember going through a few of those on certain games.
Oh wow! This is impressive as heck! I think the pros outweigh the cons.. I don't really collect for Atari, but this may change things for me one day.
Keep rockin'!
Jason! you love your Atari 😆
Reggie! you love your Playstation ;)
MetalJesusRocks 😂 indeed brother!
Reg.. i think i want one buddy
Just please tell me it doesn't play E.T.
Chris Garner ... when you put an ET cart in it, the system grows legs and jumps out the window! :D
These are the kind of reviews of systems that matter to us. Thank you!
We are looking VERY forward to getting our first shipment for our Canadian customers. :) We will be selling them at MSRP but giving a credit towards games with each one sold. Great review! Thank you!
I'm glad there's a semi solid alternative to using the original Atari 2600. So long as the controller issue is fixed the cons don't seem bad to me.
This will help me start my Atari 2600 collection!
I don't get their whole limitations on the whole ROM thing. Like you said, I bet someone hacks it so you can see more. Also, you can use Sega Genesis controllers since the plug is the same if you want the "game pad" feel.
Yep, think about all that money being lost to piracy. I mean the console was only released 41 years ago...
45*
It's a licensed product. They have to.
It's not about if someone will be able to hack it or not. It's about appeasing the license holders so they can release it in the first place. I'm sure they're aware it can be hacked, and knew because of that it wouldn't be a deal breaker for most people.
It's not licensed. Only the Stella emulator was licensed, which wasn't made by Atari.
Metal Jesus, your vids are always awesome. I started retro game collecting about 2 years ago and your channel was one of the influences that led me to collecting. As well as John Hancock and the happy console gamer. Cheers
Great review as always!
The console...looks ok... even the officially licensed AtGames handheld lets you load all the roms on microsd without the silly anti-piracy measure these guys added. Two things I personally think most Atari clones get wrong: 1) targeting the 2600 instead of the 7800 and 2) mimicing the 2600's single button controller.
So many 2600 games make use of the colow/bw, difficulty levels, and even a second joystick (not to mention analog paddles or the keypad) for their basic gameplay - to me 2 buttons minimum to support the 7800 games, and in a crazy ideal world they would use a better version of the 5200 controller, that would cover just about everything (of course it would have to be much better quality than the original ones!). A not-as-good controller option would be to support ps4/xbox controllers with per-game mappable buttons but IMHO thats better than making a 2600 joystick clone, even with its improvements.
I feel like the 2600 is often the target just because its cheaper and easier and covers 80% of the market - but I'm generally unimpressed by a 2600 clone these days. I want to see someone actualy do a technical achievement and make something that plays AT LEAST 7800 games in addition to 2600 bonus points for 5200.
Great review as always. I responded to your request for things to test and was the one who suggested playing Kaboom! so thanks for showing that.
I'm shocked at how much love the 7800 is getting in the comments section of this video. Who knew there were so many people hoping for 7800 compatibility? I'm a pretty hardcore Atari guy, so I was following this closely, and I knew from the beginning that it wouldn't play 7800 games. Stella does not play 7800 roms, so that was never going to happen.
However, the interest in a system that plays those carts is certainly noteworthy. Perhaps if this is a success and there is enough feedback then Hyperkin will dip further in the Atari clone business. I hope so.
Oh man, missed opportunity to update the opening intro sequence with you inserting HERO into the Retron 77!
This is a nice review of the Retron 77. I wasnt aware of some of the features and I think its really cool that it runs on Stella. Always enjoy the content from your channel. Have a great day fellow gamer.
6:25 You could've called this game "Bird vs Camel" and no one would've argued with you.
Lol I was thinking about that exactly. Jontron reference?
It's five years later, but i thought I'd let new buyers know that even with custom firmware, sega genesis controllers don't work on this device. They made a controller for this called the ranger if you want to play with a more controller like joystick.
Better than the "new" VCS.
+JSMorgan Atari nowadays is cancer.
+HarryWarburg Yeah. I saw Jim Sterling's video on what he calls "The Great Atari Ransack"
JS Morgan Love the quotations
Especially since this Atari system is actually real and not just another Coleco Chameleon. :P
lol This is an actual product, the VCS is just selling a dream
I have been watching this unit's development for awhile as I work for a medium sized game store in Minnesota. We were hesistant to order one, as we had a lot of issues with the Retron 2. I am happy to hear that it works fairly well, and the controller is going to be replaced. I am going to order some as soon as Hyperkin allows us to. Thank you!
How is it that I'd never seen nor heard of Hero? That looks like it must be the most sophisticated 2600 game ever
It's one of Activision's best. There's a nice difficulty ramp, and later levels are quite difficult. Controls are tight. The cart is somewhat rare for some reason, so prices can be on the high side.
It's a later release for the 2600 as it came out near the video game crash.
One of the best. I remember playing it as a child in the 80s on the c64 and failing miserably.
The c64 version was also a step up graphically and for the audio if compared to the 2600 or 5200, but the look of the 2600 version is so classy
Did you left earth for a while?
+WeeWeeJumbo - There are other, more technically impressive games for the 2600. Like Tunnel Runner, Mountain King, Solaris, etc.
Nice job dude - I played around with this a little last year at E3 it seemed cool
Nice vid. You should've taken apart the controller to see what happened and also whether the shell of the new controller could fit onto the guts of original controllers.
I'm looking forward to John Hancock's review this weekend also.
Same here! John Hancock is a great reviewer
That was the one thing the 2600 needed-another button. I remember when Asteroids came out, people wondered how all the commands would be given such ad fire *and* sheilds
1UP for the Master of Puppets T-shirt dude !!
Blood will follow blood
Dying time is here
Damage Incorporated
My friend and I learned how to play Master of Puppets. Me on bass (fretless Washburn) he on his trusty B.C. Rich Ironbird. We sounded epic.
MetalJesusRocks Master! Master! Rock on metal Jesús!
well his name is metalJesus
It's too new and clean, like he just bought it at hot topic.
Thanks. Great review. I actually just got my Retron 77 in the mail today gonna fire it up this evening. Thanks for your in depth analysis. Been a sub and fan for quite a while man. Thanks for all you do!!
You should’ve started the episode with you putting the H.E.R.O. cartridge into the Retron 77
I would love to see an officially licensed ultimate Atari console that plays 2600, 5200, 7800, Lynx, and Jaguar games. It would output at least 1080p HD, or you could use composite, S-video, or composite cables. There would be 2 controller ports for each console, AND 2 USB ports in case you want to use some USB controllers that you like. It would also have some of the same stuff that the Retron 5 has, like save states, filters, controller button mapping etc. Yeah, it would probably be ridiculously expensive and will probably never happen, but a guy can dream.
Seems like a bit of a backwards approach to emulation. For homebrew games, I'd be more inclined to buy the physical release rather than emulate, to support the devs. For games that are 35-40 years old, though? Does anyone really care about piracy on such antique games?
Does anyone care? Yes. The publishers that are still around and own the IP of those old games definitely do care. They're not going to chase down everyone that downloads a ROM file, but they WOULD go after a small company that facilitates piracy. It's partly a matter of principle, but also since retro games have turned out to be profitable and publishers get to port them to a new compilation on every major console.
Did Niggards Do That?
Actually, that is about the only way they could do this. While building a Clone Atari
Console, or anything older than say, the Nintendo 64 is fully legal, as the hardware patents are expired ( Patents in the USA, Europe, and other "Berne Convention" Countries expire 20 years after initial filing), Including Coyrighted Software, or allowing the facilitation of Piracy is in fact, illegal, and Hyperkin could have been sued for such practices by the copyright holders of the software, and the USA (or any other Berne Convention signatory) would have issued a "cease and desist" to Hyperkin for their product.
The SD slot is only legally there to allow Homebrews, or ROMS from cartridges you own, as per the law. While Stella and other free emulators can use loopholes about "Non Commercial Archival use", Hyperkin does not have that luxury.
So, yeah, if I wanted to make, say, a keyboard that played Tandy Color Computer games, and sell it, I could legally do so, as Radio Shack's Hardware Patents expired in 2001, However, If I copied the look and feel of the Tandy CoCo, added their branding to my clone console, or else added original CoCo games to it, without licensing those things from the Copyright Holders, I Would be sued, and I would have to pull my system from shelves for copyright infringement.
No, because publishers DO still sell those games - as compilations of retro titles mostly. Regardless whether they sell them or not, copyright law does not care if it is logical or not. The IP is protected under copyright law. If Activision wants to sue someone distributing their IP illegally, they have every right to do so. Hyperkin is just trying to make sure they are not attracting the wrong kind of attention from publishers. Whether those publishers would go to the trouble of suing, whether they would win, whether they even exist.. why put a product on the market that ruffles feathers and makes them a potential target? They wouldn't survive a suit, financially, so it's not a risk worth taking.
Oh, OK, well as long as that's how you feel, I'm sure no "greedy companies" would mind then. They'll absolutely see the logic in your opinion and wouldn't dare defend their legal rights when you have such a clear and obvious case in your favor.
Kurt Angerdinger that is the dumbest, most illogical statement I’ve read on here today!!! Hahaha.... You don’t give a shit.....? Really? So copyright laws really don’t give two shits what you think either! I’d love to see tards making statements like that put their own money up and risk it on the “I don’t give a shit” logic!!! Morons crack me up on here! No common sense whatsoever when it comes to legalities. I know Hyperkin has made some not so smart decisions in the past (retron 5) using other people’s software in the console. But maybe they’re now trying to do things correctly. And I applaud them for that! No other company has taken the plunge to put out a Atari 2600 clone, so I appreciate them doing it. Every clone console company has aNES, SNES and genesis clone though. So there are many options for those to compare, point out pros and cons etc... But only Hyperkin took the risk making a Atari clone and it just blows my mind the shit some people spew over it. It’s one thing if it’s just not for you and your not interested or dislike the old controllers and would be better off with a RP. But some people act as if this clone offends them! Lol- Just don’t buy one! Jesus.
awesome video, seeing you play those atari 2600 games brings me back to where I was a kid. I am going to get one for sure.
I wish I could get 2600 games for $5 locally. Most stores in my area know that older people want to collect these, so they mark them up to $10-20 a cart. Sad thing is, most of them don't sell so they just collect dust. *Sigh*
You must live in California. Most everywhere else they run in the $1-5 range.
I used to buy Atari 2600 games for 25c each at Goodwill about 13 years ago...
Local stores have piles for $2
In Sweden they cost around 30-40$
There's a store a whiles away from me that sells Atari games for 1 DOLLAR EACH. It's called DeWolf's if you're anywhere near Iowa and wanna check it out.
I've been thinking about this unit. Your video encourages me to wait, for what you mentioned at the end. A unit that plays 2600, 5200, and 7800. I was glad to hear they licensed the emulation software, that supports the developers.
Please explain. Just one save state for this console?
Glad you put this up. :) Ever since I heard you mention it in your E3 video, I was curious. I like the idea of playing using HDMI and the smaller form factor makes it pretty attractive. Good price, save states, and glad to hear that the controller is pretty good too. Also, Hyperkin sounds like they were pretty supportive of the issue you had with the controller, so that's always good to hear when a company offers help like that.
I think they should made an adaptor like the 3 in 1 for the RetroN 5. Maybe an adaptor to play 7800 games, and atari 8bit carts. Would love to see that.
Still, I might get one ;)
And an updated firmware/emulator for new graphics capabilities
That would make me want to buy one of these things... And I already own 9 working 2600 units and 3 working 7800 units.
Lord Publius, 3?! Damn! I've gone through three just trying to get one functional console shipped to me without it breaking in transit! I'm cursed by the 7800!
I doubt they'll make an adapter. More likely their next console will just be 7800 based, maybe the Retron 86?
maybe if this is a success!
This is a step in the right direction for Hyperkin, but like you said, I would love for them to do one of these that supports 2600, 5200, 7800, Colecovision, and Intellivision or even some old PC games. I'll hold off on getting the Retron 77 because I have a real 2600 hooked up to a wood paneled TV and I can't resist that. But if they did the all-in-one approach with the grand-daddy consoles, I would be all over that.
Hyperkin... "Cutting Corners™" :)
VideoGameObsession this comment should have gotten more attention
Nice shirt man! I am going to see them in March of next year, so pumped!
tempting to get. too bad it wasn't a 7800/2600
and I do agree, they need to a combined system. the 5200 and the 7800 need some love. Intellivision has retro consoles already but if you could just have all those eraly systems in one that would be awesome. I would get one just have less clutter of systems hooked up to my TV.
Bigbacon exactly!
Maybe they are going to see if this is a success first... then make one for the other systems :)
Pretty much. When I contacted them in 2016 about making one, they told me they would have to "check with R&D", and get a feel for the market. Admittedly, while there is a good demand for an Atari based console, even from casuals, like parents who want something for their kids, a Atari 7800 Console might be a harder console for Hyperkin to justify making a console based on the 7800. Even so, I would love something like a 7800 or an Intellivision clone. If there are enough people who want one, maybe Hyperkin could make one.
How about the CBS "RAM Plus" games like Tunnel Runner and Mountain King? Or the Starpath Supercharger? Does it work with the Indy 500 driving controllers, or the Star Raiders Video Touchpad (which was just a keyboard controller and could be used for games like Codebreaker)?
Love the content MJR
Thanks!
I'm glad to know that Hyperkin has this. If my beloved original Atari 2600 'Heavy Sixer' ever becomes impossible to repair, I'll certainly get this one. I'll very likely use a 'gasp' Sega Genesis controller with it. I guess I'm not a pure-ist. I find that I perform so much better with the Genesis controller on the Atari 2600, so I love using it. I still have my original joysticks and paddles, but they are getting a bit wonky. I've tried fixing the joysticks with replacement parts and have only had limited success.
The save system on this is awesome! I'd love to have that feature. Makes me tempted to get one now even though my 2600 still works. They should have put something like this on their NES and SNES playing system that I have since many of the old Nintendo cartridges have battery save systems inside them that are ticking time bombs now that the batteries are dying. I watched a video on how to replace the batteries and unless you are good at soldering, it's a pretty tough process.
Awesome review. I'm tempted to get one.
I might too
SupaPixelGirl Yeah it seems really nice.
Awesome name n thumbnail ;)
bEN-OFFICIAL MASSIVE she should date you
We should haha, too bad I'm in Australia 😀
Nice review! I bought my Hyperkin Retron 77 nearly a year ago, and so far haven't been disappointed. Even did a review video on my channel.
So hyperkin has no problem stealing software, but doesn't want you doing it?
Capn Cummings 🤫
OMG! Turmoil! It's my favorite Atari 2600 game! I actually didn't know what it was called as I think we had a demo unit or modded unit that didn't have the plastic shell so no labels, just the PCB inside. Still fun to play.
Will it run a harmony cart ?
If this disappointment already has problems with Activision games I highly doubt it^^
Tsk, tsk...
I'd like to thank John Hancock for testing the Harmony cart and many other possible oddities. From his video, no Harmony carts do not work. Guess I'll just continue playing old school with an Atari 7800. It'd been nice to have the collection work on a box with HDMI out. So I'll be passing on the Retron 77.
I've been wanting this for years, can't wait to get one. I've really wanted to collect for the 2600 but since I can't connect one to my TV, there hasn't really been a way for me to do it. I'm really happy Hyperkin finally made a 2600 clone console.
Hi MJR, I read online you used to work for Sierra On-line?!
Yep. Through most of the 90s.
MetalJesusRocks so cool!! :)
MetalJesusRocks
So there's a chance you might have had a part in creating a couple of my fave PC games from that time... Caesar 2 & 3.
- Just thinking about it, I can still hear that one guy's voice calling out: "Plebs are needed."
ua-cam.com/video/qmNCFtAlYN0/v-deo.html
Great review MJR. Do you know if Draconian works, at least the rom?
Hey it's not perfect but you have to give Hyperkin props for doing this. It looks like they put a lot of effort into this machine.
I will pre order this console this week. I live in Norway so it will take a little while before i got it. I just bought 7 carts today from a store in Sweden. Looking forward to try this console :-) Nice revew MJR...
I got the NES HD from Hyperkin and a TON of games didn’t work. I mean Blaster Master, Ninja Gaiden etc.
Retro Nemesis check the pins of the cartridges on the back. If its short thats the reason. Blaster master has short pins on the back of the cart.
Yeah the nes HD is trash. The pins in the cartridge slot was destroyed on mine in two months.
I wish my mother didn't give away my huge Atari Cartridge collection years ago. This would be nice to own. By the way, excellent shirt. I own that one myself. Great album.
MetalJesus, holder of the Holy Grail NTSC-U N64DD, please do a "Top 260" Atari 2600 video.
C'mon. It isn't even a megabyte.
Excellent Review! The limiting of roms is a dumb idea and won't dissuade any piracy. It will probably get newcomers to retrogaming to learn how to download them instead. I hope it will have bios updates so it will fix those compatibility issues. And I agree we really need a "Retron 82" that will play Atari, Intellivsion and Colecovision roms.
For me, the funny thing is that despite the 2600 being my first game system in the 70s, as an adult I have ZERO nostalgia for it. Even back when it was new, I remember feeling disappointed and underwhelmed by most of the games (I have distinct memories of my mom bringing home the Pac-Man cartridge and how crushed I was when I turned it on). Maybe I'm wrong, but none of the old VCS games seem worth playing (for me) today when I have so many other, better options!
I always liked the system, but yeah, I was also underwhelmed by it. Visiting an arcade was always a cruel reminder of what you had waiting for you at home.
I hear you brother. I'm 52 so was around in the early day of home video games and arcades. Apart from Space Invaders and Asteroid,s I have absolutely no interest in pre 16bit games now. The early days were for me a case of enticing box art and dull reality.
I actually feel that 2600 games only really got good in after late 1982.Most games made after that are very playable.My favorite games for the 2600 came out in 1984-1990.I wasn't even born until two years after the 2600's discontinuation.
when you think about it, it's kinda amazing that it took that long for home and arcade hardware to catch up!
Honestly, 2600 games are only good for like five minutes of gameplay (it seems longer when you're a kid). With that in mind I just play a couple different games for a quick fix. I use other & newer systems for longer games but then again I like the quick arcade style games over the long modern ones.
Thanks for the review! Although, I still have my original Atari 2600 with games from my childhood, I’ll probably end up picking this up later down the road. Great to hear it has the ROM feature as well.
no cant use the controller.! im middle handed
That would be called your "penis"...and it sounds like you are a very talented man.
You have the Doom Hand
Thank you for the AWESOME & informative content! MJ DOES ROCK!!
Not on my radar no, I also don't collect for the 2600 or any Atari systems. Too dated for my imo. Nice video though.
Just want to say this is far and beyond the best gaming channel on youtube. Always 10/10
Thank you so much!! :)
I still got the original Atari
Simple,huh. www.atarimania.com/game-atari-2600-vcs-space-shuttle-a-journey-into-space_7486.html
a) Why is the cartridge slot turned around? FInally you plug them in with the wrong side
b) What happens if you'll plug PAL carts into it? correct colors or wrong ones?
c) Does auto-fire joysticks work? (all those using the 5V line on the connector)
d) Any sound options (stereo etc.) or plain mono?
e) the bw/color button is essential, so what's the deal why it is on the back?
f) how long does it take from power on to starting a game? HDMI autoneg, boot screen visible?
I just don't see HDMI out on Atari 2600 games doing much for me. Atari 2600 games are the epitome of retro to me: look, style, and sound. I NEED to play these games on an older TV.
The Nostalgia Factor yea it's weird it don't have normal A/V out of cable out hook up
Don’t get it then
Not everybody has the room or desire to own an old CRT...so consoles like this are important for keeping the Atari legacy alive for generations to come. Sure, there are compilations... but we need a way to play the original cartridges too on modern hardware.
I really hate to be that guy that says "don't buy it" but seriously, don't buy it.
I agree with you on the aesthetic aspect, but like what MJR eluded to, getting the "old school" look and feel is not always the most practical especially given the state of modern tech. That being said, HD visuals aren't a selling point for me either.
And to those who said, "don't but it" guess what, the OP probably won't. He was just stating a personal opinion. God forbid people share ideas and try to have conversations.
Love the 2600 content, Metal Jesus. As a new collector, this is definitely something I'm going to look into. Thanks so much, man!
"anti piracy measure"
Their words, not mine.
Great review, MJR! I've been looking forward to this for a while and I think I'm sold despite a few cons with the system. Thanks!
70$ for an emulator box? No thanks.
I'll take it. I certainly am not going to purchase an original 2600 that costs more than this, that probably/will need electronics work one day (capacitors). I'll take a modern box with HDMI out and the ability to run the joysticks and paddles and play most all cartridges plus ROMs. Seems like a killer idea to me.
New hyperkin product... behold! here comes dozens of reviews!
Always good to get other people's perspectives.
cool retron 77 unboxing did it work good metal Jesus rocks
Fantastic video! I've recently developed an appreciation for the Atari 2600, and I'd LOVE to be able to play those games on actual (reliable) hardware. It looks like there's room for improvement here, though. But overall, the system seems solid.
Way ahead of you there, champ. I had one such similarly modded 7800 until recently (it basically just upped and died on me.) Alas, the hammmer fell on that one before I could properly start picking up games for it.
I'm a big Atari fan, but I've gravitated more towards the Atari computers due to their sheer variety in software. My Woodgrain 2600 is still the sexiest system I own though. This Emulator system is on my radar, but I was going to get the Atari Flashback Gold. After your review though, it seems like the better value is the Retron 77, because I can play my original library.
Can you hook up a 4 player controller adapter?
I don't know what more. The Retron 77 console so I can play my old 2600 games in HD. Or that extra sweet Master of Puppets tee that MetalJesus just happens to be wearing. I really need a new one of those to replace the one I got now because the artwork on it is beyond faded and tore up from years of wear and tear.
Oh, yeah. Awesome vid as usual. Keep up the amazing work...
I have thought about starting up an Atari 2600 collection but didn't want to get an original system since they can be a challenge to set up with an HDTV, so i might pick a Retron 77 when it is released get a few games and give it a go.
You are who this was designed for - buy it and you will be happy.
It gives me a nice warm feeling to know that retro gaming is still alive and well.
I think this is a GREAT deal, but it needs minor work.
Thanks for this awesome review!
I agree that an FPGA console would be ideal, but I'm also kind of your "best case" candidate for this thing! I mention in my own review that, as someone new to 2600 games, the 77 is a remarkably easy point-of-entry to the Atari scene. I've had a lot of fun so far!
Thanks for the review! I've already pre-ordered one, can't wait to get it.
I was wondering: does it only support NTSC (American) cartridges or also PAL (European) cartridges? Can't find this information anywhere online.
I've been following this product closely ever since it was announced, so it was awesome to see that you got one at E3 and you would be doing this review! Thanks for your fair review of it. I will most likely get one down the road as the Atari 2600 was my first console. I was hoping for more in terms of the SD card functionality, so a bit disappointing there. Did you see that Hyperkin said on their Facebook page that you can "hot swap" carts? I really enjoy your videos!
As a left handed person, I always held the Atari joystick with the button used by my left thumb and my other hand for the joystick. I honestly don't think the new design would be comfortable to use as a left handed person (if I were to switch hands). If anything, newer console controllers use the left hand as movement and the buttons are used by the right hand. So if anything, this new design helps right handed people more than us left handed folk.
I just bougt this unit from Hyperkin in USA and got it shipped all the way up to Norway. There is a way to play with Mega drive / Genisis controller on the unit. But you need one adapter called: Seagull 77. That cable is to exspensive for me to order. Because the shipping cost to much. I bought a extra controller called: A77 from a company called Cirka. So now i can play with a friend on this console as well. This joystick cost under 50% of the shipping alone for the adapter. Thats why i bought this instead. Only one game in my collection does not working on the Retron 77. That is the text label game called: Outlaw. If you have spare time, take a look at my review as well. Thanks for nice review of this console. Best regards: C110 :-)
I love Atari. I was born 79 so we had one. We mainly used an Intellevision though. But I'd def pick one up. Love the look of it too, nice review man!!!!
I really enjoyed this! We had an original 2600 that we took our of storage to experience with our kids. The unity didn't survive and I wanted a replacement that we could still use our old games without compromising the retro feel. I think this will be a perfect replacement. Thank you for this!
The positive of Pitfall II not playing from the cart is that it proves that it truly is playing from the cart, unlike the Retron 5. I’d love to make a machine that could do this for those classic consoles you mentioned, but also 5200 and 7800.
Random suggestion for potential collectors: Get a Coleco Gemini. Should play just about any 2600 cart and comes with the best controller from the early console era (it's both a joystick and paddle). The machines itself is a neat collectible and can usually be found cheap.
Hero was and still is one of the greatest games ever made. I put 2600 Hero & River Raid beside Archon 1 and 2 on the 8 bit Atari computer along with Chaos Engine, God's & Turrican on Amiga...true classics just as fun today as they were in the past.
I used to play a TON of Archon II on my C64... man, that game was AWESOME!
I love the 2600 so much. I've been buying several games for it lately. I've been playing a lot of Midnight Magic