RetroN 5

Hyperkin has been making new consoles that play classic/retro games for many years. But to be honest, the early models left much to be desired. I’m happy to report that the latest models are actually fantastic!

This page will take a close look at the RetroN 5. This is the top-of-the-line model from Hyperkin and provides and amazing amount of capabilities and retro gaming options. Let’s dig in.

To play all of these systems the RetroN 5 comes with a 13 button wireless blue-tooth controller (more on this later). But, there are even more surprises in store. One the left and right of the system are controller ports so you can use all of the original controllers from each system! That’s right, you can use all your original classic controllers by just plugging them into the system. Player one ports are located on the left side of the unit and player two ports on the right.

Each port has a small rubber cover that can easily be removed. Now, as cool as having the ability to use your original controllers is, it gets even better. Using the systems interface (more on this below also) you can actually map the buttons for any controller however you want! You can even use different controllers for different systems. Ever wanted to use the SEGA Genesis 6-button controller for on a Super Nintendo game? Now you can. Have you ever been dissappointed you couldn’t change the button layout on a game to something more to your liking? No worries, you can do that also. You can even use different controllers at the same time. So you could use the NES controller for player one, and your buddy could use the included Hyperkin controller for player two. The number of options are amazing.

On the front of the RetroN 5 you have the Nintendo Game Boy cartridge slot on the right. Game Boy, Game Boy Color & Game Boy Advance cartridges all fit into this same slot, the RetroN automatically recognizes the game. To the left of the cartridge slot is the power button to turn the system on and off.

SD Memory Card Slot

The RetroN 5 allows you save any game at any time. No need to wait until you make it to that distant check-point. Simply press pause, and the RetroN interface comes up allowing you to save the game to the internal memory. But you can also insert a standard SD card here and back-up or copy files over. This slot is also use for any updates that may come out for the RetroN 5.

Another great feature of the RetroN 5 is the ability to take screen shots. Press the home button and you can take a still of any game. Those are saved as JPEGs to the SD Card and can be transferred to your computer. 

High Definition Out

This is where you connect the RetroN 5 to the TV using a standard HDMI Cable (included).

Service Button

This button is only use for any service on the system. Do not, under any circumstances, press this button unless instructed to do so by a Hyperkin support technician.

USB Port

You use this port to connect and charge the RetroN 5 Wireless Controller.

AC Out

This is the port to plug the included power supply into. The Power Adapter also comes with 3 options for non-US style plugs. UK, Europe & Australia.

What Comes in the Box?

• The RetroN 5 Manual
• AC Power Adapter
• 3 Variable Power Adapter Sockets (UK, Europe & Australia)
• Hyperkin Sticker Set

The controller contains a rechargeable lithium battery that you charge buy plugging the included USB cable into the back of the controller and then to the USB port on the back of the machine. There are 4 blue LEDs on the bottom of the controller that light up to show the charge level.

The controller is a little light, not quite as heavy as a SEGA or Nintendo Controller, but does hold similar to a Genesis controller.

The controller will work right out of the box (once charged) with any game/system, but you can also program any and all buttons for any function you like. you have complete control. Ever wished you could change the button mapping on a game, but the game didn’t give you the option? No worries, you can set up the controller however you like.

But it doesn’t stop there. As mentioned earlier, you can use almost any controller made for any of the systems that it can play. And you’re not just limited to the regular controllers. You can use any controller that was ever made for the original systems. That means you can use the arcade style sticks and more. Light Guns and the light gun games will not work however as they required the game to be played on a CRT TV, and do not work with flat-screen HDTVs.

And, like the RetroN 5 Wireless Controller, you can program or change the button layout on any of the old original controllers! That’s correct. you can completely change the mapping for ANY controller plugged into the system. It’s another amazing feat and bonus to the RetroN 5.

Not only that, but you can use any controller, for any system. Use your SEGA Genesis controller to play SNES games, or vise-versa! You can also use different controllers for different players! You and your buddy could play a two player SNES game with one of you using the RetroN Wireless Controller and the other using a SEGA Genesis controller. The options are near limitless.

Almost any original controller for the NES, SNES, SEGA Master System and SEGA Genesis can be used.

The Games

The RetroN 5 has to hold the record for the most playable cartridges of any system. With the NES, SNES, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy, Game Boy Color & Game Boy Advanced titles numbering over 4000! Throw in the Famicom (Import NES Games) and you’re pushing 5000. Add on the SEGA Master System Converter, or the RetroN 5, 3-in-1 Adapter, which adds the SEGA Master System Carts, Card Games and SEGA Game Gear games and you are now near 6000 games that this one system can play. Amazing.

Add the RetroN 5, 3-in-1 Adaper and get:

All RetroN products available in the Trog Store