Retro gamers have had this debate since the console was first released last year, to Retron or not to Retron? It has created a divide and many feel passionate about their stance on the matter.
While some feel the console is a convenient new way of playing their old favourite games, others believe it removes the authenticity, character and charm of the classics and understandably prefer to play their carts on the real thing.
The latest version of the console is the Retron 5 and it sounds like an impressive bit of tech, supporting 9 retro cartridges with the option of an additional 10th (you need an adapter to play SEGA Master System games). At any time, you could pick up your controller and play game for the following:
- NES
- SNES
- Game Boy Advance
- Game Boy Colour
- Game Boy
- SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis
- Famicom
- Super Famicom
The console is region free, which allow gamers to also play imports of carts should they desire. Not only this but the newest version also up-scales to 720p, provides save/load state functionality, it even allows for original controllers to be used when playing games.
It also comes in two swanky colours;
the more retro looking grey or a sleek black.
So why was it met with murmurs and mumbles? Well the release could have gone smoother. When the first shipment was batched, there was an evident issue with the Super Famicom connector pins. Release dates were knocked back several times and many people who were anticipating the console started to feel disheartened. On top of this, Hyperkin (manufacturer) stated that the demand was simply too high, much higher than expected and they couldn't cater to the masses. Keep in mind that many people had this console pre-ordered and this left a sour taste in people's mouths to say the least!
Chances are, if you have met somebody who has bad things to say about the console, it is likely due to the the release date issues above much else. Our own resident reviewer, Mark, owns one and he absolutely swears by it. He still has his retro consoles but to have everything all in one is a huge space and time saver, especially as it up-scales to HD. Here is what he had to say with his own personal experience with it:
"The console itself is very light weight and while this is great for transporting, it does feel somewhat cheap and you wouldn't want to drop it. The controllers are... well, not great in my opinion, lightweight, a bit awkward and too bulky in size and shape. It's nice that a universal controller was created, especially as it's wireless, but if you have original NES/SNES/MD controllers, the Hyperkin controller is bound to stay in the box. The box it comes in is annoying. Although it looks visually smart, one side of the box is angled, meaning that the cardboard insert needs to be jammed back in when you want to transport the system around. However, these are minor inconveniences. It's very simple to set up and play, it has a very quick start up response and out of the 40+ games I've tested, there hasn't been any connection issues as of yet. The up-scaling works for me and it's convenient to use HDMI rather than a SCART. For the original 'die hard's', these are great machines if you want to limit the amount you play on your original consoles, especially if you're concerned of your consoles life expectancy, it won't however replace the feeling of nostalgia. For the new generation of retro lovers, get one, just, get one."
"The console itself is very light weight and while this is great for transporting, it does feel somewhat cheap and you wouldn't want to drop it. The controllers are... well, not great in my opinion, lightweight, a bit awkward and too bulky in size and shape. It's nice that a universal controller was created, especially as it's wireless, but if you have original NES/SNES/MD controllers, the Hyperkin controller is bound to stay in the box. The box it comes in is annoying. Although it looks visually smart, one side of the box is angled, meaning that the cardboard insert needs to be jammed back in when you want to transport the system around. However, these are minor inconveniences. It's very simple to set up and play, it has a very quick start up response and out of the 40+ games I've tested, there hasn't been any connection issues as of yet. The up-scaling works for me and it's convenient to use HDMI rather than a SCART. For the original 'die hard's', these are great machines if you want to limit the amount you play on your original consoles, especially if you're concerned of your consoles life expectancy, it won't however replace the feeling of nostalgia. For the new generation of retro lovers, get one, just, get one."
My dilemma (as mentioned in the title) has been whether to buy one or not. What side of the fence do I sit on? When it all boils down to it, would the Retron 5 serve it's purpose? Put simply, I think it would. The teething problems seem to have gone, Funstock (linked below) regularly update their stock, most importantly it is a great tool to give your old games a new lease of life on a modern bit of kit.
Retron 5 consoles are available at http://www.funstock.co.uk/retron-5 and other retailers.
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