RetroN 5 $129.99 with free shipping @ ThinkGeek - The RetroN 5 deals thread

Drclaw411

CAGiversary!
Feedback
4 (100%)
CURRENT DEALS:

$129.99 with free shipping at ThinkGeek


Important Information
​Warranty registration - http://www.retron5.com/warrantyregistration_/
Patch Notes / How to Update (Last update 6/10/2014) - http://retron5.in/?src=98f13708210194c475687be6106a3b84

I've included the text from the pre-order era of this OP in spoilers for reference.
UPDATE 5/27/14: It's real this time. Hyperkin's June 6 release date is happening. Many mom and pop stores that have received their units have started selling them already, and many people who have ordered from Amazon (myself included) are reporting getting emails from Amazon notifying them that their orders qualify for release day delivery and are updating estimated delivery status to June 6th, no longer showing the "we need more time" placeholder. It's worth noting that so far only people who have ordered the grey unit from Amazon are receiving order updates (which coincides with Hyperkin reporting on their facebook page that they had shipped Amazon's grey preorder units, but Amazon had yet to place an order for the black units). All consoles that have been shown off online by reviewers, people who have been able to buy them before the street date, or Hyperkin themselves have all been grey consoles to this point. No word on black consoles. Another note: Chris Gallizzi of Hyperkin responded to an inquiry about Newegg orders by saying that he is not aware of any issues with Newegg's preorders, and they should be good to go for the launch.

UPDATE 5/22/14: Just one day after IGN and Polygon reported that Hyperkin would begin shipping units to retailers on May 22 (today as of this writing), Hyperkin essentially confirmed that. They have announced that the launch date for the long overdue RetroN 5 is June 6th, 2014. In a much quieter fashion (just by responding to a random person's comment) they confirmed this would be for North America only and that the console would launch in the UK in September. There is also one more small hitch. The rumor that the first batch of units would be only for mom/pop B&M retailers and that NO units from this batch would go to Amazon or Newegg has been gaining some serious steam. While Hyperkin has been responding to a decent amount of comments on their facebook page from excited fans, they continue to ignore questions about when Amazon orders will ship. So it seems those of us who preordered on Amazon still don't have a solid release date. Fulfillment could happen any time between June 6th through September or beyond.

UPDATE 5/21/14: IGN today reported that the RetroN 5 would begin shipping out on May 22 (tomorrow, as of this writing)! This coincides with Chris Gazzilli, Hyperkin's project manager, posting a picture on his facebook page of a massive shipping container full of RetroN 5 units. Ladies and Gentlemen, it seems hell may have just frozen over.

UPDATE 5/13/14: Hyperkin has listed the RetroN 5, and it's controllers, on their company wholesale store for authorized retailers to buy. The console (both colors) and controllers (both colors) are listed as sold out. I'm not sure if they were in stock and sold out quickly, or if they haven't been made available yet. Regardless, it's good news that the system is listed for the first time ever. Additionally, reviewers such as GameSpot and several youtube reviewers have received their review units, which appear to be retail units. The RetroN 5 seems to finally be around the corner. We'll see, but things look promising right now. One thing to note: the listing for the console on Hyperkin's wholesale page indicates that each wholesale box contains six units. If this is the case, it would seem to debunk the previous report of the console being shipped in quantities of four per retailer.

UPDATE 4/25/14: While this hasn't technically been confirmed by Hyperkin, I take it as fact. It's worth remembering that NOTHING has been officially confirmed by Hyperkin. Hyperkin has remained silent until unofficially confirming almost all known info in random interviews with various youtubers and forum members. Therefor, again, I take this as fact:

I spoke to Hyperkin today.

Here are the "unofficial" details.

The "end of May" release is a "soft" release. Meaning they really are waiting for the next batch due in the summer for the official real release. Amazon is NOT getting any of the units released at the end of May. Each retailer is only getting 4 units. Retail on the unit is $139.99 and $39.99 for the additional controller. The reasons for the price increase are both cosmetic and technical but if it works as it should then it should be a great retro system.

Our 4 are already taken with pre-orders. If you know any stores locally that are getting units, and you want one for end of May, then i suggest you contact them and put money down. Keep in mind that each store is getting 4 units only for the soft launch.
UPDATE 4/17/14: Hyperkin has increased the price of the RetroN 5, saying "north of $100, between $129.99 and $149.99". Alll pre-orders from Amazon should be honored via their pre-order price guarantee. I believe Newegg has the same guarantee, I am not sure about Stone Age Gamer or 8 Bit Classics. Think Geek still hasn't opened pre-orders on the unit, instead offering a link to be signed up for email notifications as to when it will be available. Also on the Amazon front, they have sold out or pre-orders. Furthermore, it is more likely you'll learn the ETA from Amazon, Newegg, or whoever you ordered it from. Hyperkin has gone on record of saying they will never again announce a hard release date for anything.

UPDATE 4/12/14: After Hyperkin denied the console was delayed again and vigoruosuly shoved the month of April up everyone's ass for half a year, today they delayed the vaporware console yet again. At the Midwest Gaming Classic, they did their annual presentation. They ignored the planned April 2014 release, but finally somebody in the crowd asked about it. The Hyperkin rep said it was releasing in "30 days, guaranteed". This is not the first time they used the word "guaranteed", last time was about April so this doesn't mean jack shit. So maybe it'll randomly show up at people's houses at the end of may, maybe it wont, and maybe my ass will fly out of my ass.

Retron 5 Delay History:
-Summer 2013 (which they continued to say after summer was over, claiming they meant "Indian Summer" or "California Summer"....i'm not making this up)
-December 10 2013
-Quarter 1 2014
-Quarter 2 2014
-First two weeks of April
-April 2014, guaranteed
-Gauranteed within 30-40 days of April 12, 2014
-June 6 2014

DELAYED. ANY UPDATES FROM HYPERKIN WILL COME ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/HyperkinGames

UPDATE: In a recent interview, Hyperkin confirmed that the initial batch of units WILL NOT BE ENOUGH to meet day ome demand. Also confirmed was the ability for the system to act as a multitap. Example: in a four player SNES game, two players could use snes controlles, one player could use the retron controller, and one player could use a genesis controller. Interview can be found here.


Pre-order at Amazon (SOLD OUT)
Pre-order at Newegg: Black (SOLD OUT) or Grey (SOLD OUT)
Pre-order at Stone Age Gamer (DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, RELEASE DAY DELIVERY NOT PROMISED)
Pre-order at 8 Bit Classics (DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, RELEASE DAY DELIVERY NOT PROMISED)





UPDATE: Hyperkin claims that they opened up some packaged retail units and discovered some units had faulty pins. because of this, the Retron 5 has been delayed. No new release date has been announced, although Hyperkin has stated the unit will release in 2014 and that they are aiming for Q1. This is the Retron 5's third delay.

EDIT: Preorders are sold out at Amazon and Newegg.

Retron5 pre-orders have finally (about damn time) opened.

For those of you who have been following this console, you know it's quite highly anticipated and looks to be far better than any clone system released before.

For those unfamiliar, here's a little info:

  • It's one system that plays games for the following systems: NES, SNES, Genesis, Mega Drive, Famicom, Super Famicom, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance.
  • Two controller ports for each console will be built in with the system. It will also come with one wireless universal controller.
  • Outputs in HDMI and upscales for HDTVs. Early impressions and videos of this have been extremley postive. From the website: "The RetroN 5 will up convert the video signal to show clearer and cleaner images, with vibrant colors on an HDTV with a resolution output of up to 720p through the use of shaders. You will also be able to select the aspect ratio in our GUI, from the standard 4:3 to the HD ratio of 16:9."
  • Features a user interface (dashboard. Somewhat similar of the PS3 interface in appearance, in my opinion).
  • Features save states. From the website: "Most games did not allow for you to freely save your games. The RetroN 5 will allow you to save their games at any point during gameplay, and will feature an autosave feature upon shutdown. You will be able to load your saves at anytime during gameplay."
  • Button reassignment supported. From the website: "Users will be able to program the controller to assign buttons to their preference. In turn, the RetroN 5 will save these custom layouts, so that users will not have to constantly reconfigure the button configuration. This feature will also be available to people wanting to remap their buttons on their original controllers."
  • 100% game cartridge compatibility, without lag.
  • Sega Power Base Converter compatible, allowing Sega Master System games to be played.
More information is here. It may be a bit dated since this was from back when they first announced the console, but I figured it was the best site to link since it also featured some screenshots as well. http://hyperkin.com/blog/2013/03/retron-5-details-revealed-from-the-midwest-gaming-classic/ There is also plenty of info on Hyperkin's facebook page.

I've been looking forward to this for a long time, and i'm extremley excited that pre-orders are finally open. For one console that not only plays all of these console's games, but upscales them and features save states (either to the cartridge (if supported) or the console itself)...this seems like a great deal. And if you've been following the hype for the console, there is a good chance it could end up selling out. Hyperkin isn't a huge company and this thing has a TON of pre-release demand (just check out the comments on the facebook page). I like the look of the black one a bit better, because it seems to be the traditional console color nowadays. But I opted for the grey model because the black console and controller seem like they'd be fingerprint magnets.

Preorder either color here at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hyperkin-RetroN-Gaming-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B00DZIX3CQ/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1378958043&sr=8-13&keywords=retron+5 or here at Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=retron%205&N=-1&isNodeId=1&RandomID=65244712392254220130925161655

Here are pictures of the two consoles, since the pictures on Amazon aren't that great:

Grey:
Retron-5.jpg


Black:
e3_retron5_03550.jpg

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I would rather it work and be great then half of the units being bad. Maybe we won't see the 1% of all units are messed up like we are seeing on the current consoles.

 
Why would they randomly decide to start opening packaged units to look at pins? Something isn't right with this story. I'm starting to wonder if this is vaporware.
 
Nice cover story Hyperkin, we know the only reason it is REALLY being delayed is so that they can figure out how to make the unit also be a waffle iron.

 
I"m getting sick and tired of my NES not working properly, I keep on replacing those pins and goes bad quick, Looking forward to this....

 
Why would they randomly decide to start opening packaged units to look at pins? Something isn't right with this story. I'm starting to wonder if this is vaporware.
Odds are they check units every so often to make sure nothing is wrong with them while they are being made and packaged. It's called quality control so it seems someone down there is doing their job.

 
Well, that's pretty demoralizing. I assume this comes out Holliday 2014 now.
Hyperkin said in the press release that it would hit in the first quarter of 2014. But knowing how this is the second time this was delayed, you could be right.

Why would they randomly decide to start opening packaged units to look at pins? Something isn't right with this story. I'm starting to wonder if this is vaporware.
Ever hear of quality assurance? =S

 
I was hoping they would rush it to release and later deal with problems with a billion dollar write off.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
After hearing this, I'm willing to trust Hyperkin more than Sony and Microsoft. Glad they delayed it, especially if it means ironing out the bugs. 

 
Was thinking of getting a Reton 3 until this comes out so I can at least play my NES, SNES, and Sega games.  Ill then put the Retron 3 in the my bedroom and the 5 in the living room.  

Anyone here get or have a Retron 3?  How is it?  Thanks.  The only thing I have heard is the controllers SUCK for the 3

 
Why would they randomly decide to start opening packaged units to look at pins? Something isn't right with this story. I'm starting to wonder if this is vaporware.
Hyperkin has made quite a few clones and other products over the years. There are a couple of reasons why they would open some of these up, everything from quality assurance, to an unboxing video or checking units they're going to be sending out as review copies. Also with these smaller companies/runs sometimes they don't box these things at the factory in China. Sometimes they get the components from China and put it together at their facilities.

 
Was thinking of getting a Reton 3 until this comes out so I can at least play my NES, SNES, and Sega games. Ill then put the Retron 3 in the my bedroom and the 5 in the living room.

Anyone here get or have a Retron 3? How is it? Thanks. The only thing I have heard is the controllers SUCK for the 3
It's fine, just make sure not to switch the AC Adapter. Just be sure to get the official controllers.

I accidentally switched one out with a NES AC Adapter and the insides of the system melted.

 
It's fine, just make sure not to switch the AC Adapter. Just be sure to get the official controllers.

I accidentally switched one out with a NES AC Adapter and the insides of the system melted.
So 3rd party knock offs that LOOK LIKE the controllers are no good???

Also, best place to get this other than AMazon for $50

 
So 3rd party knock offs that LOOK LIKE the controllers are no good???

Also, best place to get this other than AMazon for $50
It honestly depends on who made it but most times, yes. I remember in 2007 getting "new" SNES controllers in box and I got generic ones inside that had buttons that feel like they push in a little too much but they still work. But yeah, the build quality for the generic ones and even the 20+ year old controllers are still miles apart. Just hit up eBay, Amazon, or even local pawn shops for old game controllers.

I know we just got a store in Hagerstown called 2nd & Charles and they sell a lot of used official controllers for $8-15 depending on the console. Pricey? A bit. Worth it? Totally.

 
Picked up a Retron 3, 2 nes and SNES controllers (had 2 sega controllers).  I absolutely love this thing.  My wife likes it too.  We are going to put the REtron 3 in the bedroom once the 5 comes out.  I have about 50 games for it already.  GOt a few shops near me that sell old school games.  Plus I like to order off Estarland.  

My only gripe is I have to keep an EXCEL spreadsheet of what I have and I have it accessible when Im out and about so I dont get any doubles, lol.  There are some games I wont buy as I have them downloaded on my PS3, 360, or Wii/WiiU.  Doesnt make sense to get own them twice.

BTW, Back to the Future and Friday the 13th are still wicked HARD.

 
Any news/updates on the Retron 5?

I was too impatient and got the R3.  Debating on contacting Amazon as some of my games work about 20% of the time.  Super Off Road (NES) and Back to the Future (NES).  I know they both work on the system as I have seen them played on the system.  They are cleaned as well.  Plus, I took Off Road back to where I bought it and it worked on their Retron 3 flawlessly.  Came back home and I still have issues.

 
I've been sitting on this because I want to see what people's experiences are like. I wonder if they're adding more features or something. 

I really wish the design wasn't so bad though. It'll stick out like an ugly fungus in my media center. 

 
I have a question about any of the Retron systems that have released. Does the Game Genie work on NES games? Obviously some of those classic NES games are hard and the only way I ever beat them or got far in a few of my games was with the help of the Game Genie. As mentioned a couple posts above me, Friday The 13th was hard and as bad as the game was, I actually enjoyed it despite the difficulty. A few others like Ninja Gaiden 2 were actually possible for me to beat when using the Game Genie. I hope the Game Genie is compatible but I have my doubts but I'd love to know for sure.

 
I have a question about any of the Retron systems that have released. Does the Game Genie work on NES games...
I've never owned any of them but knowing how they market them to play NES games in general, one would assume that they play all NES games including third party devices and games that were made to work on NES. The wiki page says that it doesn't play Castlevania III which is a shame because it's the best Castlevania game on the NES. =S I read that on this wiki: http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/RetroN_3

Any news/updates on the Retron 5?

I was too impatient and got the R3. Debating on contacting Amazon as some of my games work about 20% of the time. Super Off Road (NES) and Back to the Future (NES). I know they both work on the system as I have seen them played on the system. They are cleaned as well. Plus, I took Off Road back to where I bought it and it worked on their Retron 3 flawlessly. Came back home and I still have issues.
https://twitter.com/Hyperkin <- Everything I post here came from here. I follow them on Twitter, you should too(Obviously there are no updates yet).

As for your Retron 3, you may just want to exchange it.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I've never owned any of them but knowing how they market them to play NES games in general, one would assume that they play all NES games including third party devices and games that were made to work on NES. The wiki page says that it doesn't play Castlevania III which is a shame because it's the best Castlevania game on the NES. =S I read that on this wiki: http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/RetroN_3

https://twitter.com/Hyperkin <- Everything I post here came from here. I follow them on Twitter, you should too(Obviously there are no updates yet).

As for your Retron 3, you may just want to exchange it.
They said the Retron 5 will play Castlevania 3 right?

 
I have a question about any of the Retron systems that have released. Does the Game Genie work on NES games? Obviously some of those classic NES games are hard and the only way I ever beat them or got far in a few of my games was with the help of the Game Genie. As mentioned a couple posts above me, Friday The 13th was hard and as bad as the game was, I actually enjoyed it despite the difficulty. A few others like Ninja Gaiden 2 were actually possible for me to beat when using the Game Genie. I hope the Game Genie is compatible but I have my doubts but I'd love to know for sure.
Hyperkin owns game genie, if you watch the video it shows the cheats menu for one of the games, based on the size of the scroll bar the list is pretty extensive. Rather than enter a code you click a check mark next to cheat you want to activate, this can be done in-game at any time.

http://youtu.be/7aUqvH9FeeE

https://www.facebook.com/HyperkinGames/posts/563162883718812

Greg Munro How many games will the RetroN 5 have build-in cheats for? Are they different than the cheats you have to unlock manually?
Hyperkin We don't have the complete number, but let's just say it will be a majority of games.
 
Anyone find any new updates? My Amazon preorder still says "Delivery Estimate Friday, January 3, 2014 by 8:00pm."

I'm still hesitant to "apply giftcard." I'd hate to have $99.99 worth of Amazon giftcards tied up if it isn't going to ship anytime soon. Who knows, I might want to do something crazy with my credit like buy a nextgen console.    :)

 
It will not be shipping anytime soon. Hyperkin said it was delayed until Q1 2014, so likely somewhere in the March-June range.
Thanks. I'm happy I didn't tie up my Amazon credit. Where's the best place to find the latest updates regarding this release? I can't even get the hyperkin website to load right now.

 
Thanks. I'm happy I didn't tie up my Amazon credit. Where's the best place to find the latest updates regarding this release? I can't even get the hyperkin website to load right now.
I already answered this (see 2nd quote). ;)

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/319722-the-retron-5-pre-order-thread-sold-out-at-amazon-and-newegg-delayed-until-2014/page-5#entry11377501

Check the Twitter/FB accounts. The website is useless unless it's a press release. Maybe the OP should put those links in the first post...

 
I've never owned any of them but knowing how they market them to play NES games in general, one would assume that they play all NES games including third party devices and games that were made to work on NES. The wiki page says that it doesn't play Castlevania III which is a shame because it's the best Castlevania game on the NES. =S I read that on this wiki: http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/RetroN_3

https://twitter.com/Hyperkin <- Everything I post here came from here. I follow them on Twitter, you should too(Obviously there are no updates yet).

As for your Retron 3, you may just want to exchange it.
I had the Retron exchanged. Def was the system as those games work flawlessly now, and some of the others have better sound as well. Didnt try the new controllers (other ones didnt work). I honestly dont care about those controllers as I have NES, SNES, and Sega ones already.

 
anyone ever try one of those retro genesis systems target was selling this holiday season? I snagged one since it was only $30 but am wondering if its worth opening or not. I mostly got it because it had a couple games on it that i didn't own and i figured $30 was cheaper than finding those games complete and in good condition =P

 
anyone ever try one of those retro genesis systems target was selling this holiday season? I snagged one since it was only $30 but am wondering if its worth opening or not. I mostly got it because it had a couple games on it that i didn't own and i figured $30 was cheaper than finding those games complete and in good condition =P
Are you talking about this?

AtGames-Sega-Genesis.jpg


Despite being officially licensed by SEGA, it is absolute garbage. Think Majesco Genesis 3 but infinitely worse. It butchers the graphics and soundtracks to all games and isn't even compatible with them all. It's cheap Chinese shit.

 
I had planned to get my sister that for Christmas since she's a big Sega/Sonic fan, but instead I just got her a Sega Genesis Model 1 system.

 
Are you talking about this?

AtGames-Sega-Genesis.jpg


Despite being officially licensed by SEGA, it is absolute garbage. Think Majesco Genesis 3 but infinitely worse. It butchers the graphics and soundtracks to all games and isn't even compatible with them all. It's cheap Chinese shit.
Jesus is it really that friggin bad? Hmm.. whats targets return policy with stuff like this? I guess i could try it out and then return it if its really bad if thats an option. Im surprised its that bad honestly. Its only emulating some genesis games

I had planned to get my sister that for Christmas since she's a big Sega/Sonic fan, but instead I just got her a Sega Genesis Model 1 system.
yea i have a couple of those and a model 3 i think it is? Like i said thought it comes with a few games that i dont own and i figured 30 bucks for them and the system is way cheaper than just getting the games by themselves

 
My order also says it'll be in tomorrow. Guess I'll find out tomorrow if it ships in the morning. Wouldn't be the first product to ship out and arrive at my home in the same day. Would be killer timing as I'm hosting our next retro game club night on Saturday.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'm sure if there was any chance of this thing releasing tomorrow, hyperkin would have announced something on their facebook page.
 
It's delay until someone cares about 1989 again.






Relax, just joking. A lot of questions on twitter to @Hyperkin but no reply.
 
What's with the delays?
Apparently there's something up with one of the slots pin connectors (I think the Famicom one), & that's why it's now Q1 2014 not Dec.10th.
Also, mine still says tomorrow, I wonder if amazon will feel bad & give us $10 game coupons if it doesn't show.
I would love for it to show up tomorrow, but if it doesn't, I can make sure I have the cash I need to pay it off.

 
Jesus is it really that friggin bad? Hmm.. whats targets return policy with stuff like this? I guess i could try it out and then return it if its really bad if thats an option. Im surprised its that bad honestly. Its only emulating some genesis games
yea i have a couple of those and a model 3 i think it is? Like i said thought it comes with a few games that i dont own and i figured 30 bucks for them and the system is way cheaper than just getting the games by themselves
Yes, it really is that bad-- I can vouch for it also. I bought one of these things and I regret it also. The sound emulation on these is absolutely horrible-- completely butchered sound effects and music (most music plays slower or in different keys from the original.) Also, the included "wireless" controllers are IR so you have to have them pointing directly at the system for them to work.

Basically this thing is garbage and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

I'm really interested in the RetroN 5 whenever it does actually come out, though.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Just got an email from Amazon....

Hello,

We're still trying to obtain the following item you ordered 

  "Hyperkin Inc RetroN 5"

Still want it? We'll keep on trying. To keep your order for this item open, please click the link below. Otherwise, we'll cancel your order on February 02, 2014, if we haven't located it by then.

 
bread's done
Back
Top