Need help with Hyperkin Retron 5

[AAA177]

Not sure if this is the exact forum for my questions, as I was thinking of putting this in emulation, but it seems okay.

 

Anyway, I finally got around to opening my Retron 5. I set it up last night, and simply put, I have no idea what to do. I'm hoping someone here can help. Oddly, there is not a lot of info on the web about my problems, and the YouTube clips that do address them really don't specifically help.

 

To begin with, how exactly does one pair the controller? Is the controller charged in the box? It seems not be, and I am wondering if that is the problem. Yet, when I try to charge it, it doesn't seem to indicate it is charging.

 

The big problem though is getting the graphics right. I have my own controllers, so I probably can get away without pairing what came with the system (although I would like to try that controller out), but the quality of the graphics is something I need to fix. Let me say, I honestly am not good at tinkering or figuring stuff like this out. It appears that, I have to change the settings to optimize the graphics. As an example, I put in a Gameboy Advance game last night, and it was all pixelated and unplayable. When I put in my NES Popeye game, that was better...I could play it, but it still had some pixilation on Popeye and Bluto and Olive Oyl, although the title screen was perfect (that screen has no characters, though; still, I was surprised the font was fine; on the Gameboy game, it was not).

 

Is there any way someone can tell me exactly what settings I need for each system? The Genesis game I played wasn't as bad as the Gameboy Advance, but there was still some pixilation, it looked off. I tried different combinations of settings -- as an example, I did the one that said original resolution, but that made the game very small on the screen -- but I just can't seem to find the right one. Unfortunately, I'm lacking in knowing how to even properly set the tint/brightness/etc. on my television, so if anyone has any info and settings I can plug in, it would be very appreciated, as I do want to use this system. Also, I may have follow-up questions, if that's okay.

 

Thanks for reading.

[Gamemoose]

First off-did you get an SD card? You can get the latest updates for your Retro that can fix a lot of play problems. I can't explain the how's at the moment but Retron's website does have information on how to update the system.

 

Second, I think my controller was paired off the bat. Just keep the controller plugged into the console and give it time. Depending on how low the battery was, it might take a while.

 

If no one else does I'll touch on my experiences and settings later.

[AAA177]

Thank you for the reply.

 

I did not get an SD card. I will do so (I do have one of those small flash drives, though, and will see if that works). And I will keep the controller plugged in.

[dj_convoy]

Plug in the controller and let it charge for a while. Hold down the Home button until the blue leds stop flashing. You don't need the SD card to play games, but you will need it to hold saves, screenshots and for updating the firmware. Updating the firmware is a pain, btw.*

 

As for what graphics to pick? It's your preference; I usually have it set up to play things at normal screen ratio, not stretched. Sometimes I like scan lines, sometimes not. I'm used to fooling around with emulators somewhat, so I was used to some of the graphic filter effects... you don't need them, really. TRial and error... pick a couple of games you are familiar with and see what you like best. If you have import games, set the machine to auto detect region.

 

 

 

*http://retron5.in/node/2 Follow the directions here; basically, you have the system write a firmware request to your SD card, take your SD card to your computer; the webiste gives you acces to the file if it detects the request written on the SD card, you plonk it in and are good to go. A pain, but it's no biggie after you do it once or twice

[AAA177]

Thank you for the reply. I will follow that advice. I'll try to write down some different combinations during the trial-and-error sessions so I can remember what works. I remember seeing the scan lines option, but I'm not sure I had done anything with that, so this time I will. The update sounds complicated (for someone like myself who doesn't know much about emulation), but your instructions seem doable to me.

 

Again, thanks to both members for your help.

[TheLegendofTyler]

Hey I just got a retron 5 and I'm having the same issue pairing the controller. Did you ever get that figured out? I have a snes controller so I can get into the pair controller menu in the settings but it just comes up with pairing failed after like 5 seconds. I am holding down the home button.

[byonddrivn]

I have the RetroN 3 and have yet to figure out how to get the controller to work with it. I assume you need high level security clearance at the company for secrets like this so I just use stock controllers.

[Andromeda Stardust]

 

I put in a Gameboy Advance game last night, and it was all pixelated and unplayable.

 

Thanks for reading.

Pixellated = unplayable? Blasphemy!

 

Seriously though, if you have an aversion to playing "pixellated" games, you are on the wrong forum...

[Gamemoose]

My biggest issue with the Retron was how things looked rather stretched and crappy. I fiddled with settings on the console with no real results. I almost threw the towel in with my Retron 5 when one of my favorite games, Cool Spot for SNES, looked like butt ugly.

 

I decided to futz with the TV settings. I don't have a great TV, a 42" Sony Bravia I bought at Wal-Mart, but I never had to adjust a thing. I essentially got lazy as in days of yore I WOULD fiddle with the picture settings to get it just right-colorful and sharp. Now for the HDMI connection my Retron is on, I actually set it to not be full screen and scaled the sharpness back a ways. Result? Gorgeous-looking retro-gaming. Cool Spot looked as good as it did years ago. Kid Icarus for NES was downright beautiful.

 

I have not tried GPA games since, but try adjusting your TV and see what happens. When I get myself moved back into my apartment fully, I try it and report.