RetroN
RetroN is a series of video game consoles created and developed by Hyperkin which allows users to play video games from consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super NES. Since the release of the RetroN 5, they have been connected via HDMI. The latest in the series, RetroN Sq, was released in 2021.
Released
Note: The numbering in early RetroN models refers to the number of cartridge slots the system has, and not necessarily the order of release.RetroN 3 (2010)
The was released in May 2010. It supports Nintendo Entertainment System, Super NES and Genesis games. It includes wireless controllers, as well as ports allowing for use of the original controllers released for each console. The RetroN 3 offers S-video or composite AV output. It retailed for $70, and came in two colors: red and black.RetroN 3 HD, an updated version with HDMI output, was released on February 21, 2020.
RetroN 1 (2011)
The was released in January 2011, and only plays NES games.A re-release, known as both the RetroN 1 HD and RetroN HD, came out in 2017. It has HDMI output and a controller that more closely resembles that of the NES. IGN believed that Hyperkin released the RetroN HD in response to Nintendo's discontinuation of the NES Classic Edition. The console received a mostly positive review from GameSpot.
RetroN 1 AV, an updated version with only composite video outputs, was released in early 2021.
RetroN 2 (2012)
The was released in 2012, and plays NES and SNES games. The RetroN 2 HD was shown at TooManyGames 2019, and released soon after. It is an updated version with HDMI out.RetroN 5 (2014)
Originally planned as the, with four cartridge slots supporting NES, SNES, Genesis, and Game Boy/Game Boy Color/Game Boy Advance games. It was officially unveiled in March 2013 as the, with a fifth slot added for Famicom cartridges. The RetroN 5 was released in 2014.The RetroN 5 received a mixed reception from critics. Huffington Post writer Michael Rundle gave the console a 4.5 out of 5 but wished it looked better and had the ability to play more consoles, such as the BBC Micro, Amiga, and Atari platforms. Brian Easton of BoingBoing said the quality is good although it "requires more force to remove than feels comfortable".
The developers behind the RetroArch project claimed "the RetroN 5 violates several licenses". This was because the console used the Genesis Plus GX and SNES9x Next emulators to launch some games. Both of the emulators are filed under a non-commercial license, thus meaning they cannot be used in commercial products, such as the RetroN 5.
Retron 5 creators then responded to this with giving their side of the story. Hyperkin released the first RetroN 5 special edition called Hyper Beach a few years later.