In this video, we test out and review the Hyperkin Retron 2 HD, 2-in-1 NES and SNES HDMI-equipped clone video game system.
At CES 2019, Hyperkin announced an update to their Retron 2 2-in-1 NES and SNES clone system, updating the look, controllers, and output to HDMI. The result was the Retron 2 HD, which began shipping towards the end of summer 2019. They followed up that release with the console you see here, the Space Black Retron 2 HD. It has all the exact same features as the Retron 2 HD, however, this console features a super cool looking transparent design for the controllers and the system itself.
Features:
• HD audio and video (720p) with 16:9/4:3 switch (HD cable only)
• High compatibility with (NTSC/PAL) NES, SNES, and Super Famicom cartridges
• Comes with a “Cadet” and a “Scout” premium classic-style controller
• Includes AV ports with AV cable
To see how the Retron 2 HD comes out of the box, check out our unboxing video at • Unboxing Hyperkin's Re...
Testing:
Having tested just a few clone consoles over the years, there are a few things I always look at when testing. I started this test with a new cartridge to me, a Retro USB copy of the Nintendo World Championships cartridge. What's great about this cart, for testing purposes, is that it verifies that the system can play reproduction carts, a type of multicart really, it demos how the system plays 3 different games, and it allows me to perform my Super Mario Bros Coin audio test.
The game fired right up, a good sign that game compatibility could be pretty high. I started the NWC game and dove right into Super Mario Bros to mixed results. The coin sounds, similar to when playing SMB on a Retron HD, were pitched high, showing signs that the audio wasn't quite right. I also thought that Mario looked smudgy and the colors seemed off, virtually identical to the Retron HD performance.
The Retron 2 HD played just about everything I threw at it, except for Battletoads, which most clones can't handle. On the SNES side, I thought the audio & video was more authentic than the NES side, but still a little dark. One surprise was when I put in my PAL Yoshi's Island. The audio wasn't sped up like on the NES side, which I didn't expect.
Why It RoX:
Plays NES, SNES, & Super Famicom Carts
PAL & NTSC Compatibility
Transparent cases look awesome
Plays Repros and Multicarts
HDMI output
Scout & Cadet Controllers are very good
What Could Be Improved:
Audio is not as accurate as it could be
Color pallet is on the dark side
You cannot use SNES controllers with NES cartridges
Battletoads locks up on level 2
Should You Buy One?
If you don't have an NES or SNES console and want to connect to an HDMI output, then the Retron 2 HD deserves a look. I could classify this as a more entry-level system, one that will get you up and running but, but the NES side of the system hampers things for me a bit. The audio is quite off on Super Mario Bros, and it doesn't play Battletoads. It does, however, do a pretty decent job on the SNES side of things, and I was surprised my PAL version of Yoshi's Island didn't play fast as my PAL Darkwing Duck did. The included controllers are pretty good, I just wish you could use the SNES controllers on the NES side. If you like the Retron HD or Supa Retron HD, you'll like the Retron 2 HD. If you didn't, you may be disappointed to see more of the same.
#HyperkinLabs #Retron2HD #HDMIRetroGaming
The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:
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1 окт 2024
