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

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$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

 
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Skimming through Hyperkin facebook page Mr.Marketing(hyperkin's marketing guy "David Bowie") says that UK release is September.

 
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You have to hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn it on? What's that crap?
Yeah...wtf?

Also review doesn't seem as extensive, IE reviewer has tested out a ton of games. The battery life is also shit on the controllers, but from all the reviews/impressions I've seen It's probably best to use the controllers as a last resort. Grab the respective system controllers.

 
I was rummaging thought my boxes of old games from when I was a kid and damn memories came back when I found my copy of biker mice from mars snes game lol
 
I was rummaging thought my boxes of old games from when I was a kid and damn memories came back when I found my copy of biker mice from mars snes game lol
From historical data, all of the previous iteration of retron controllers were also crap, so it's not a surprise this one is too. Hopefully for those buying this console, they already have their own controllers from the respective consoles.

 
"I love the fact that I am able to now play Super Nintendo and Gameboy Advance games. I never owned either system till now and I am glad to be able to now check out these games"

I'm not trying to be elitist, but why wouldn't they send these to someone who is more focused on retro gaming? He can't really compare the systems if he's never even played the originals.
 
"I love the fact that I am able to now play Super Nintendo and Gameboy Advance games. I never owned either system till now and I am glad to be able to now check out these games"

I'm not trying to be elitist, but why wouldn't they send these to someone who is more focused on retro gaming? He can't really compare the systems if he's never even played the originals.
I completely agree with you. Someone who has never played on retro consoles reviewing this will be slightly biased in that there is no baseline to compare it to. I'm surprised that hyperkin did not send the power converter with the review units. This reviewer probably didnt even know about this additional compatibility... as he said "So this makes this system a 7 in 1 system instead of 5 in 1. Awesome!"

 
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The UGR gaming review is seriously lacking IMO.  With all the talk about 5 in 1, 7 in 1, they didn't even mention Super Famicom or Megadrive.  Maybe they'll answer these questions in the video review, but I prefer written reviews.

What carts did they test for which systems?  Did they test any of the historically difficult carts that fail on clone systems?  DId they try using the original controllers?  Did they test the feature of mapping SNES controllers to Genesis games and vice versa?  How was the sound?  etc

 
The UGR gaming review is seriously lacking IMO. With all the talk about 5 in 1, 7 in 1, they didn't even mention Super Famicom or Megadrive. Maybe they'll answer these questions in the video review, but I prefer written reviews.

What carts did they test for which systems? Did they test any of the historically difficult carts that fail on clone systems? DId they try using the original controllers? Did they test the feature of mapping SNES controllers to Genesis games and vice versa? How was the sound? etc
They did mention it was region free, meaning it could work with famicom/megadrive games, but yes, the overall review lacked polish and was more of a first impression.

 
So yeah, I don't think I'll be purchasing a Retron 5 within this year.  Do you all think I should get a Retron 3 or a Super Retro Trio? 

Given that I was thinking about hooking up this thing to a flat screen CRT that has component and s-video inputs. 

Also, I was thinking about buying that GBA to SNES adapter.  Just in case my Super Gameboy and Gameboy Player decide to give up on me.

 
So yeah, I don't think I'll be purchasing a Retron 5 within this year. Do you all think I should get a Retron 3 or a Super Retro Trio?

Given that I was thinking about hooking up this thing to a flat screen CRT that has component and s-video inputs.

Also, I was thinking about buying that GBA to SNES adapter. Just in case my Super Gameboy and Gameboy Player decide to give up on me.
I think you should just wait for more thorough reviews and impressions on the Retron 5. Why waste money on interim solutions like the Retron 3 or Super Retro Trio this late in the game? The Retron 3 doesn't have the best track record and the Super Trio is WAY too expensive for what it is. A better stop gap would simply be playing on your OG console (which I assume you have because you mentioned having a super gameboy). You could even get this bad boy (retrogen) to play Genny games (I'm still assuming you have a SNES).

Anyway, that's my advice. If you HAVE to have a temp solution, I would suggest the cheapest thing you can find. I sort of got a temp solution (to make sure the NES/SNES games I was buying in anticipation of the Retron 5 actually functioned) and it has worked out somewhat okay. I got the RetroDuo BTW.

 
So yeah, I don't think I'll be purchasing a Retron 5 within this year. Do you all think I should get a Retron 3 or a Super Retro Trio?
Given that I was thinking about hooking up this thing to a flat screen CRT that has component and s-video inputs.
Also, I was thinking about buying that GBA to SNES adapter. Just in case my Super Gameboy and Gameboy Player decide to give up on me.
Don't bother with the Retron 3, we have had 2 units fail us in the past year. I was thinking about a Super Retro Trio but with the price I'd rather put the money toward the Retron 5, whenever it gets here.

Love your avatar!
 
I thought folks might like to know that a friend of mine who does reviews and runs a game store got a review unit in. Box didn't have a controller in it and the unit doesn't work at all. Made me worry a bit more about the impending launch.
 
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I thought folks might like to know that a friend of mine who does reviews and runs a game store got a review unit in. Box didn't have a controller in it and the unit doesn't work at all. Made me worry a bit more about the impending launch.
Another busted review unit? Jeez. I don't know what's worse, that they probably aren't checking the bloody review units before they send them out or that they probably ARE checking the review units and they suck so bad they are breaking in transit.

 
The build quality is concerning indeed. The UGRGaming review did say that the power button had to be held on for 10 seconds for the system to turn on. Maybe check to see if your friend was holding the power button long enough?

 
IMHO the Retron 3 is a very cheap build for the $50-$60 price tag.   I would save up for the Retron 5 instead of getting a 3, but since I let my brother have all our boyhood Genesis games, I am fine with the Retron 1 for just the NES.

 
I think you should just wait for more thorough reviews and impressions on the Retron 5. Why waste money on interim solutions like the Retron 3 or Super Retro Trio this late in the game? The Retron 3 doesn't have the best track record and the Super Trio is WAY too expensive for what it is. A better stop gap would simply be playing on your OG console (which I assume you have because you mentioned having a super gameboy). You could even get this bad boy (retrogen) to play Genny games (I'm still assuming you have a SNES).

Anyway, that's my advice. If you HAVE to have a temp solution, I would suggest the cheapest thing you can find. I sort of got a temp solution (to make sure the NES/SNES games I was buying in anticipation of the Retron 5 actually functioned) and it has worked out somewhat okay. I got the RetroDuo BTW.
Yeah, I think I might look into that Genesis to SNES adapter. Will it work with Sega Master System games with another adapter? I think I have the NES to SNES one somewhere.

Don't bother with the Retron 3, we have had 2 units fail us in the past year. I was thinking about a Super Retro Trio but with the price I'd rather put the money toward the Retron 5, whenever it gets here.

Love your avatar!
Thanks for the input on the Retron 3.

 
The build quality is concerning indeed. The UGRGaming review did say that the power button had to be held on for 10 seconds for the system to turn on. Maybe check to see if your friend was holding the power button long enough?
He called and Hyperkin are sending a new one. Trust me, my friend knows all about the whole ten second thing.
 
I thought folks might like to know that a friend of mine who does reviews and runs a game store got a review unit in. Box didn't have a controller in it and the unit doesn't work at all. Made me worry a bit more about the impending launch.
A shit.Well really tempted now to cancel my preoder. I don't want to deal with a DOA unit.

 
Once these things start shipping to consumers, that 10 seconds is going to be the biggest moment of their lives.  

 
Keep hearing from various FB->Retro game shop connections that there will be no black console units any time soon.

That would make me pretty upset...

 
I'm watching the review of the Retron 5, and the Genesis colors don't look THAT great, neither is the sound. Unlike the regular clone systems which are actual hardware, this can all be amended with a firmware update. This looks like a promising system as long as Hyperkin continues to support this system.

I spent the day watching Satoshi Matrix review the Super Retro Trio, and that looks like a clone system I would want if I want a hardware clone. The sound on SNES and Genesis are amazing, so are the graphics.

 
Now i'm really skeptical about keeping my preorder, is this worth getting or should I wait a couple months after the release?
I'm in the same boat. I would have easily waited for more reviews, but at the same time don't want to lose out on the $100 preorder.

The video reviews don't really help by not covering how it feels to play with the original controllers or even playing the games in their original aspect ratio.

 
I canceled my preorder. The more I see of it the more it just seems like the same kind of emulator experience I'm getting now with the Ouya. I hope I'm wrong and its worth the wait for everyone and also well made. I will revisit it down the road and see if its worth picking up.
 
Sadly I am feeling like I should cancel my pre-order as well but if I'm wrong I would lose out on getting it for 79$ and I think I would rather just buy it and see for myself.

A lot of the things I'm reading are not really that bad but I think all the noise is getting to me a little. Some broken units are coming out and that sucks but every release has dead units. Each console has had a good number of DOA items and so have many computer parts I order. The holding the power button down for 10 seconds is a very odd decision but I would like if someone asked Hyperkin why they did it. It's not a deal breaker or anything to worry about but it is a odd design decision.

 
Sadly I am feeling like I should cancel my pre-order as well but if I'm wrong I would lose out on getting it for 79$ and I think I would rather just buy it and see for myself.

A lot of the things I'm reading are not really that bad but I think all the noise is getting to me a little. Some broken units are coming out and that sucks but every release has dead units. Each console has had a good number of DOA items and so have many computer parts I order. The holding the power button down for 10 seconds is a very odd decision but I would like if someone asked Hyperkin why they did it. It's not a deal breaker or anything to worry about but it is a odd design decision.
Shout it on thier Facebook or Twitter account?

 
How many of those actually work?
Hmmm...the fact that they are not palletized and wrapped with plastic wrap does not bode well. These things could easily have shifted, slammed against the walls of the container and each other crossing the ocean and being transported on and off of the ship, into the truck and on the way to their facility. You have to be a complete moron not to properly package and transport these things after everything else. Maybe this explains why some people have had issues with the Retron 3.

 
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Palletized with plastic wrap is a waste of space.  Most boxed goods get shipped the way you see in that pic.

Basically you go all tetris and build a wall of boxes, wedging it in tight against the walls of the container.  Rinse & Repeat

 
I guess I'm doubling down on the Retron 5. Just bought Castlevania Bloodlines on ebay for 24.99.  Preordered a black Retron 5 hope it's not stuck in customs,I'll take that rumor with a grain of salt.

 
That's a short distance delivery truck. in all likelihood they were packed more secure.
No, it's a conex box. One of those shipping containers loaded onto ships then lifted onto a truck trailer for final delivery. They were stacked like that when they left the factory in China or whichever Asian country they were packed in.
 
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Palletized with plastic wrap is a waste of space. Most boxed goods get shipped the way you see in that pic.

Basically you go all tetris and build a wall of boxes, wedging it in tight against the walls of the container. Rinse & Repeat
I'm going to go with the way the big guys do it.

original.jpg


411646_400x400wc.jpg


 
I guess I'm doubling down on the Retron 5. Just bought Castlevania Bloodlines on ebay for 24.99. Preordered a black Retron 5 hope it's not stuck in customs,I'll take that rumor with a grain of salt.
I'm also in for the black one. And wicked cool choice getting Bloodlines. Easily one of the most underrated Castlevanias out there.

 
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