Retron 4 (console for snes\nes\genny etc)

[AtariLeaf]

I may still get one of these, eventually, but glad I opted for an ouya to do, well, basically the exact same thing, only with more systems available to me than the Retron 5.

[Bill Loguidice]

I may still get one of these, eventually, but glad I opted for an ouya to do, well, basically the exact same thing, only with more systems available to me than the Retron 5.

 

The two aren't even remotely equivalent. I also suspect the RetroN 5 will be in use far longer than the company that makes Ouya will still be around. I have a feeling the Ouya's days are numbered for a variety of reasons.

[+Gemintronic]

 

The two aren't even remotely equivalent. I also suspect the RetroN 5 will be in use far longer than the company that makes Ouya will still be around. I have a feeling the Ouya's days are numbered for a variety of reasons.

 

A game system is only as exciting as it actually is: not as it was imagined to be. In that sense they're exactly the same.

[StoneAgeGamer]

The Ouya and the R5 aren't really the same thing though. That's like saying an emulator and a flash cart are the practically the same thing because you can play ROMs using both.

 

This is not a knock on the Ouya and a promotion of the RetroN5. I just don't see why people keep saying they are the same thing just because they share some things in common. They also have a major difference.

 

If you want to hate on Hyperkin for their past products or their delays with the R5 that's cool. Some of that hate is probably deserved. However I do find it somewhat perplexing when people in the retro gaming community hate on the RetroN5 because its specifically designed to play original carts. Yet the Ouya gets praised for basically doing what computers and other devices have been doing for the last 15 years.

I am not knocking anyone specific, because I don't really care how you play your games, but a lot of this RetroN5 stuff reminds me of The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Episode of The Simpsons when they are asking the kids what they want in the cartoon:

Man: How many of you kids would like Itchy & Scratchy to deal with real-life problems, like the ones you face every day?

Kids: [clamoring] Oh, yeah! I would! Great idea! Yeah, that's it!

Man: And who would like to see them do just the opposite -- getting into far-out situations involving robots and magic powers?

Kids: [clamoring] Me! Yeah! Oh, cool! Yeah, that's what I want!

Man: So, you want a realistic, down-to-earth show... that's completely off-the-wall and swarming with magic robots?

Kids: [all agreeing, quieter this time] That's right. Oh yeah, good.

Milhouse: And also, you should win things by watching.

[Falconhood]

 

So the Retron 5 was supposed to finally come out this month (April), but apparently it's been delayed again. Hyperkin's Facebook Page talked about another delay, but doesn't give a new release date as of today. I pre-ordered last month on Amazon, hope the system can come out soon.

 

dang-it! I wanted to get this for my Birthday on April 24th. If they keep delaying this, I'll eventually run-out of birthdays!

[Zap!]

 

The Ouya and the R5 aren't really the same thing though. That's like saying an emulator and a flash cart are the practically the same thing because you can play ROMs using both.

 

This is not a knock on the Ouya and a promotion of the RetroN5. I just don't see why people keep saying they are the same thing just because they share some things in common. They also have a major difference.

 

If you want to hate on Hyperkin for their past products or their delays with the R5 that's cool. Some of that hate is probably deserved. However I do find it somewhat perplexing when people in the retro gaming community hate on the RetroN5 because its specifically designed to play original carts. Yet the Ouya gets praised for basically doing what computers and other devices have been doing for the last 15 years.

 

I am not knocking anyone specific, because I don't really care how you play your games, but a lot of this RetroN5 stuff reminds me of The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Episode of The Simpsons when they are asking the kids what they want in the cartoon:

 

Man: How many of you kids would like Itchy & Scratchy to deal with real-life problems, like the ones you face every day?

Kids: [clamoring] Oh, yeah! I would! Great idea! Yeah, that's it!

Man: And who would like to see them do just the opposite -- getting into far-out situations involving robots and magic powers?

Kids: [clamoring] Me! Yeah! Oh, cool! Yeah, that's what I want!

Man: So, you want a realistic, down-to-earth show... that's completely off-the-wall and swarming with magic robots?

Kids: [all agreeing, quieter this time] That's right. Oh yeah, good.

Milhouse: And also, you should win things by watching.

 

Since you seem to have the inside scoop, was the system delayed indefinitely, is there a new projected release date, or is is still on for this month?

[StoneAgeGamer]

Since you seem to have the inside scoop, was the system delayed indefinitely, is there a new projected release date, or is is still on for this month?

 

I haven't heard anything new. I do have a beta unit of the RetroN5, the hardware seems fine. I think what they have mainly been working on is compatibility and bug fixes.

[+Gemintronic]

I think they are fighting on two fronts: manufacturing issues and perhaps underestimating the software side. The more they customize Android and emulators the more bugs and maintenance become a factor.

 

It does seem they've set themselves up quite a challenge. Certainty more than they anticipated as indicated by missing delivery dates.

[Andromeda Stardust]

LOL, some of the whoppers on their facebook page!

 

 

Greg Johnson

Insider here with new info on the SUPER AMAZING RETRON 5!

Thankfully we ran into another issue with the Retron 5 (scratches on the lid flaps). Since we've started development of this console, we've come across so many features that we thought were missing from the original idea. So many, in fact, that we have to give you guys a delayed release date again, we're projected sometime in summer 2019. But look at all these AWESOME FEATURES:

-Oculus Rift integration: Smash your face into the ceiling fan trying to hit those coin blocks in Super Mario Bros.! Flop onto the carpet when you go prone in Contra! ALL THE PIXELS ARE IN YOUR FACE!

-Entire living room control: Tired of having to deal with turning off and on all those pesky devices and consoles? NOT ANYMORE. Simply run all your devices through the Retron 5 for the best experience! Shout at your Kinect-enabled Xbox One, and your Retron will promply ignore it! It might even change the channel or something! Insert SUPER COOL RETRO-STYLE scanlines in your Blu-ray movies! Tell your friends you're on the cutting edge because you watched Pulp Fiction for the 83rd time with Facebook achievement sharing!

-Whole home integration: We figured out that customers want, and it's FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES! Your Retron 5 will start your coffeepot, wash dishes, and even shave your neckbeard to a stylish-yet-sophisticated 1/4" of pure euphoria. Is your girlfriend giving you crap for being a loser who buys old games to chase down your youth? The Retron 5 will tell HER TO HIT THE BRICKS. You don't need her anyway, because how can you get a perfect playthrough on Kid Icarus when you have to have a life? YOU CAN'T, THAT'S HOW. And that leads us to our newest feature...

-3D printing capability!: Don't have the game you want for the Retron 5? MAKE IT. The console will spit it right back at you. But it doesn't stop there. Want a club sandwich? BAM, YOU GOT IT. Want come obscure Thundercats action figure to show your houseguests how in touch with your roots you are? Retron 5 has got you covered. The only thing it can't print is your childhood memories, but hopefully we run into another defect so we can have an excuse to delay it, and add that feature!

We here at Hyperkin believe that vaporware isn't just something you make small promises about an release a few screenshots; you need to grab that vaporware mantle and own it! Why give little tidbits and have nothing to show, when we can give you no information and pack it full of features that sound too good to be true! Duke Nukem Forever is a great model for us, but we want to step it up by taking the hardware route. Our goal is to have you fully emotionally invested, so we can tweak the vaporware experience indefinitely! The more you like it, the longer it takes!

Enjoy the pictures of us playing with the SUPER MEGA AWESOME RETRON 5! We look forward to ignoring you until around October, then letting you down!

-The Hyperkin Team

[Reaperman]

 

However I do find it somewhat perplexing when people in the retro gaming community hate on the RetroN5 because its specifically designed to play original carts. Yet the Ouya gets praised for basically doing what computers and other devices have been doing for the last 15 years.

 

 

In fairness, the OUYA is the most universally bashed device this side of N-Gage. The retron will probably never reach that stage of 'fail' if for no other reason than because it doesn't shout its own praises loudly enough--or at all. When do we get to hear more about the retron, and what is the lag like?

Edited April 12, 2014 by Reaperman

[AtariLeaf]

 

The two aren't even remotely equivalent. I also suspect the RetroN 5 will be in use far longer than the company that makes Ouya will still be around. I have a feeling the Ouya's days are numbered for a variety of reasons.

 

Their equivalency was never the point. As a consumer looking for a way to play virtual versions of my collection on my big screen tv in 1080p in a convenient matter I had a couple of options I considered and went with the ouya because it simply does more than the retron AND I don't have to drag boxes of games into the living room to do it. I'm not bashing the R5 as I've said repeatedly I may still get one. However I'm spoiled by being able to play my 2600 and TG-16 libraries with the ouya, something the retron5 won't do.

 

Maybe the ouya's days are numbered but I'll continue to enjoy it as long as I can because it does exactly what I want it to do and it does it very well.

[StoneAgeGamer]

 

In fairness, the OUYA is the most universally bashed device this side of N-Gage. The retron will probably never reach that stage of 'fail' if for no other reason than because it doesn't shout its own praises loudly enough--or at all. When do we get to hear more about the retron, and what is the lag like?

 

Oh I know, but that is what perplexed me about the Ouya - RetroN5 comparisons.

 

There are some things I can't talk about due to an NDA. Any lag experienced most likely isn't the R5, but the TV. When I first hooked it up the HDMI lag was so bad it always almost unplayable. However then I remembered that my TV had a Game Mode. Switched to that and lag was almost completely gone. Now will any remaining HDMI lag piss off some players? It may, but honestly it didn't really bother me that much. Of course that's just my opinion. Some people who are more casual players probably won't even notice it.

 

The R5 looks and sounds great IMO. There is no "clone" or even original system that I have played that comes close to looking as good on a modern TV. Of course I have never played a RGB modded console or anything like that so I can't compare. But the picture is very crisp and clean.

[Bill Loguidice]

I agree it's a fruitless comparison. There are lots of devices that can do what the Ouya does, but there aren't any that can do what the RetroN 5 does. Enjoying one doesn't impact enjoyment of the other and vice-versa. The delays are frustrating to be sure, but again, they're trying to get it right and it's not like we're missing out on anything by them making sure it's as bug free and compatible as possible. The same old stuff will still be there this month as it will be two months from now. I also suspect the HDMI delay will only affect the small number of users who experience delays on their TVs with any HDMI gaming device. Luckily, I've never had that issue with my displays, but as was stated, even on less robust displays, switching to "game" mode should fix any issues. As long as the delay is with the display and not with the control, it should work out just fine.

[+Gemintronic]

I agree it's a fruitless comparison. There are lots of devices that can do what the Ouya does, but there aren't any that can do what the RetroN 5 does. Enjoying one doesn't impact enjoyment of the other and vice-versa. The delays are frustrating to be sure, but again, they're trying to get it right and it's not like we're missing out on anything by them making sure it's as bug free and compatible as possible. The same old stuff will still be there this month as it will be two months from now. I also suspect the HDMI delay will only affect the small number of users who experience delays on their TVs with any HDMI gaming device. Luckily, I've never had that issue with my displays, but as was stated, even on less robust displays, switching to "game" mode should fix any issues. As long as the delay is with the display and not with the control, it should work out just fine.

 

Actually, a retrode and the requisite adapters can do that unique thing that Retron 5 does. Basically, you put the SNES, Genesis, SMS, GBA, N64, etc.. cart into the retrode and it appears to be a FAT formatted USB drive with the ROM on it. Any device with an emulator can then run that "ROM" right off the actual cartridge. Good times!

 

Update: Link to get one: http://www.stoneagegamer.com/retrode-en.html

[Bill Loguidice]

 

Actually, a retrode and the requisite adapters can do that unique thing that Retron 5 does. Basically, you put the SNES, Genesis, SMS, GBA, N64, etc.. cart into the retrode and it appears to be a FAT formatted USB drive with the ROM on it. Any device with an emulator can then run that "ROM" right off the actual cartridge. Good times!

 

Update: Link to get one: http://www.stoneagegamer.com/retrode-en.html

 

Yes and no. I have a Retrode, and it doesn't cover all the platforms that the RetroN 5 does without several adapters, and by that point, you're well beyond the $100 asking price of the RetroN 5, and you still need another device (a computer) to make the thing work. It's not exactly plug and play. With that said, it's an excellent device with very specific functionality (and some functionality that goes beyond the RetroN 5 and vice-versa), but again, nowhere near what complete package the RetroN 5 is. In any case, this seems like a silly argument. My only point was that there are several devices that duplicates more or less the exact functionality of the Ouya, but nothing that more or less duplicates the exact functionality of the RetroN 5. For that, it's worth the wait.

[+Gemintronic]

 

Yes and no. I have a Retrode, and it doesn't cover all the platforms that the RetroN 5 does without several adapters, and by that point, you're well beyond the $100 asking price of the RetroN 5, and you still need another device (a computer) to make the thing work. It's not exactly plug and play. With that said, it's an excellent device with very specific functionality (and some functionality that goes beyond the RetroN 5 and vice-versa), but again, nowhere near what complete package the RetroN 5 is. In any case, this seems like a silly argument. My only point was that there are several devices that duplicates more or less the exact functionality of the Ouya, but nothing that more or less duplicates the exact functionality of the RetroN 5. For that, it's worth the wait.

 

I get that. Still, I can attach my retrode to the Ouya and play Dragon Quest V just fine. I can also take that same cartridge and retrode and play it on my PC with all sorts of cheat codes and graphic enhancements. Finally, I can back up that cart and apply translations and hacks. My point is that there are indeed similar options. I'm personally covering my bets and doing all of them

[Austin]

Since you seem to have the inside scoop, was the system delayed indefinitely, is there a new projected release date, or is is still on for this month?

 

No, it is not delayed indefinitely, they just haven't announced another specific release date. It is still on-track for eventual release, otherwise they probably wouldn't be at PAX EAST as of writing this, promoting it. You can see photos on their FB page.

[Andromeda Stardust]

 

I get that. Still, I can attach my retrode to the Ouya and play Dragon Quest V just fine. I can also take that same cartridge and retrode and play it on my PC with all sorts of cheat codes and graphic enhancements. Finally, I can back up that cart and apply translations and hacks. My point is that there are indeed similar options. I'm personally covering my bets and doing all of them

Retrode hasn't worked on Ouya ever since the mass storage driver update last fall. Reason is Ouya stupidly forgot to include FAT file system support. FAT32 and NTSC only. Prior to the update, emulators had to supply their own mass storage drivers, which incidentally worked with the Retrode. Plug in a Retrode now and you get an "unsupported device" error message. In fact you can't even use the USB controller drivers anymore because Ouya shuts it off. The only workaround is to root the console, something I have no interest in doing.

 

Honestly, I haven't bothered all that much with emulation on the Ouya as it was too much of a hassle using a PC to load ROMs into the system with a PC. Things have changed since the mass storage update, but at this point I'd rather use the Ouya as originally intended, for Pinball Arcade and Indie games. I've got flash carts and original games for real retro hardware played on a CRT, but I'm mainly interested in the Retron for it's advanced interface, crisp display, and reducing wear and tear as well as some of the clutter caused by having ten systems laying about. I view it more as a complement rather than a replacement for original hardware.

[Zap!]

Apparently, they just announced that they guarantee it will become available within the next 30 days. No link yet, but it was on a friend's Facebook, and he is reliable.

[StoneAgeGamer]

Apparently, they just announced that they guarantee it will become available within the next 30 days. No link yet, but it was on a friend's Facebook, and he is reliable.

 

Yes and they also announced a new RetroN called the RetroN x86 which will be a Linux-based DOS emulator console for playing old DOS games.

[Zap!]

 

Yes and they also announced a new RetroN called the RetroN x86 which will be a Linux-based DOS emulator console for playing old DOS games.

 

 

Yes and they also announced a new RetroN called the RetroN x86 which will be a Linux-based DOS emulator console for playing old DOS games.

 

Yeah, I heard something about that. That sounds amazing, have you seen that one yet?

Edited April 13, 2014 by White Knight

[Andromeda Stardust]

No link yet, but it was on a friend's facebook, and he is reliable...

[AtariLeaf]

Yes and they also announced a new RetroN called the RetroN x86 which will be a Linux-based DOS emulator console for playing old DOS games.

Not to nitpick but perhaps they should get one product up and running before worrying about others

[StoneAgeGamer]

Not to nitpick but perhaps they should get one product up and running before worrying about others

 

Well that's normally not how companies usually work. You got to keep things in the pipeline. The reason it was announced is because they were at MGC. When you spend a bunch of money to go to a convention you usually want to promote as many things as possible. You also want to create some hype for future products, it allows you to gauge interest.

 

People are acting like they somehow are getting scammed by Hyperkin or something. Products get pushed back all the time, people are making a bigger deal out of it than it really is. If you pre-ordered an R5 and don't want one anymore then ask for your money back from the vendor you purchased it from.

[AtariLeaf]

 

 

People are acting like they somehow are getting scammed by Hyperkin or something. Products get pushed back all the time, people are making a bigger deal out of it than it really is. If you pre-ordered an R5 and don't want one anymore then ask for your money back from the vendor you purchased it from.

 

That's why i started my post off with "not to nitpick"

 

I don't have a horse in the race, I hope the retron 5 and future products succeed because that gives us, the consumers, more choices. The dos machine is very intriguing to me actually