
Retro gamers have really been spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a clone console these days. Not only have we had machines like the Retro-USB AVS which uses FPGA tech to accurately replicate the performance of the NES, but we've also seen all-in-one solutions like the Hyperkin Retron-5 and the Cyber Gadget Retro Freak, both of which offer support for multiple classic formats as well as special features such as cheats, save states, visual filters and the ability to apply fan-made translation patches to original Japanese cartridges.
There's not much to choose between the Retron-5 and Retro Freak, but the latter is certainly missing some key features. You can't play NES games on the machine out of the box, and it lacks ports for original controllers. Keen to redress the balance, Cyber Gadget has released a series of accessories which not only solve this issue but add in even more functionality.

First up is the controller adapter, which actually ships with the premium model of the console. This plugs into one of the USB ports on the system and allows you to insert your original Famicom, NES, SNES, PC Engine and Sega controllers. While the pad which comes with the console is nice enough, this accessory is something of a game-changer as there's nothing like playing with a legacy input for that truly authentic experience. The downside with this being an external device is that you'll need two of them in order to use two SNES pads or two Mega Drive / Genesis controllers. Otherwise, one person will have to use the standard Retro Freak pad. On the plus side, the accessory opens up support for wireless control options like the 8Bitdo Retro Receiver dongle, which is available in NES and SNES flavours.

Next up we have the NES cartridge adapter, which gives the Retro Freak some degree of parity with the Retron-5, which has NES support as standard. This lump of plastic slots into the Famicom cartridge slot and allows you to play western NES software, which could be a big plus for buyers in the US and Europe. Gameplay performance is perfect, although the audio on some titles sounds a bit off - the bass notes in Journey to Silius are a bit weird for example, yet the game sounds fine on the Retron-5.

Finally, we have perhaps the most exciting accessory (for Sega fans, at least): the Gear Converter. This opens up support for Sega Mark III, Game Gear and Sega My Card titles. It worked flawlessly with the games we tested, although support for western Sega cards doesn't seem to be present - our PAL copy of Hang-On refused to load. Master System support is also out of the question, despite the fact that the Mark III is essentially the exact same hardware - the cartridges are totally different sizes. On the upside, this converter will also work with original Mega Drive hardware, although Game Gear titles refuse to load on the 16-bit system. Interestingly, Hyperkin has announced that it is bringing a very similar adapter to the west this year.

Both the Gear Converter and NES adapter require a firmware update to function, so you'll need to make sure your Retro Freak has been updated before you try using them. All in all, we'd say they're both worthy purchases if you're really serious about getting as much software support as possible from your Retro Freak, while the controller adapter is a neat extra if you happen to have some original pads gathering dust.
Comments (28)
Wait, is that same Mickey Mouse Castle of Illusion from psn ?
@Anti-Matter The PSN version takes inspiration from the Sega originals, yes.
@Damo
Ah... I see.
@Anti-Matter Castle of Illusion was originally a Sega game, there were unique 8bit and 16bit variants, both of which were excellent, though I'd argue the 8bit one was slightly better. There was also World of Illusion, Legend of Illusion and (my favourite) Land of Illusion.
[Edit] Ah, @Damo beat me to it
"This opens up support for Sega Mark III, Game Gear and Sega My Card titles"... "although Game Gear titles refuse to load".
@Damo, so do Game Gear titles work, or not? I thought they were region free, so would n't have thought that was the issue?
@samuelvictor "On the upside, this converter will also work with original Mega Drive hardware, although Game Gear titles refuse to load."
I was talking about them not loading on Mega Drive hardware, will make it clearer in the feature
@Damo Ah! I see. Sorry I was't being purposely obtuse, genuinely misunderstood. Would be nice to play Game Gear games on TV, I love 8bit Sega stuff.
@samuelvictor Don't worry, I didn't take you as being obtuse, I wasn't clear enough
At first glance that Genesis controller in the top photo looked suspiciously like one of those garbage knock-off Saturn controllers available on eBay for $8 shipped. I've never used such a garbage controller as one of those knock-off USB Saturn controllers - complete turd quality.
@samuelvictor Some Game Gear games do check the BIOS. Streets of Rage II will load a different "Bare Knuckle II" if the BIOS is Japanease.
One game "Pop Breaker" disables the buttons if the English (US or UK Game Gear). Why that was programmed like that, I will never know.
@RadioShadow I knew about different versions of text & title screens, like SOR. I heard no idea about Pop Breaker though - that's very strange! Must have been a licensing deal thing I guess. Very unusual for 90s handheld stuff, the general consensus seemed to be that portable games & systems should work everywhere.
@Damo About the Mark III adapter not reading SMS carts... there's an adapter (at least one from a site I probably can't mention) to allow SMS carts to run on an actual Mark III (the reverse won't work because SMS checks header data that usually doesn't exist on Japanese games, in order to boot the console). Presumably combining them would work here?
The only problem with this VINTAGE systems, is that they are cheaply made and usually break quick. I have the vintage Genesis system that came out...preloaded with what they called, 80 genesis games. The wireless controllers are cheap, and since the system can play original genesis cartridge games, it took me forever to figure out how to do it...you end up hitting the reset button a few times before they load. The only other problem with that one, was the 80 games...only 40 were actual genesis games, the rest were cheap little old-style PC games...still, even though the sound was bad, the games played good and never had delays in anything. Other than that, it's a nice retro system to take with me on the go if I want, but I'll definitely play the games on my actual Genesis. I had one that also played Genesis, NES and Super NES games...one of those parts would always die and the controllers broke very easily. Other than that, it's easier and sometimes better to just buy the actual system, especially since some of them are not that bad in price. The one vintage one I'd like to see, only because I never played the systems themselves, are the Turbo Grafx 16, Turbo Grafx CD, Sega CD and the Atari Jaguar...the Jaguar was way too expensive, even for back in that day!
@Biffclaven The controllers that usually come with these vintage systems are just plain horrible.
The retron5 was pretty laggy. I wonder if this is laggy.
Game gear can't play on genesis due to insufficient color palette.
I bought a RetroN 5 last week, and I'm very pleased with it so far. The pack-in wireless controller isn't great, but aside from that it's a terrific way to play most NTSC region games on carts in crisp, clear HD. If only a Nintendo 64 HD console existed...
@Damo Is that Mega Drive 6 Button Controller yours? Did you paint the start button Red? I have the North American equivalent, but it's a grey start button.
@samuelvictor I totally agree with you. I enjoy Castle of Illusion on the Genesis....but I prefer the Master System (or Game Gear) version all the way. More exploration, puzzle, and the final battle is actually better on it too. Weird that the 8-bit demake win over the 16-bits original. And I also agree that Land of Illusion is the best of the series. It may even be in fact one of the top 5 Master System (or Game Gear) game in my book. Almost like a Metroidvania-lite with Mickey and friends, and with top notch graphic for the Master System. I just wish that finding all 14 stars was actually giving bonus beyond getting 1-up after you get your 5 Hit points.
My Illusion series ranking would be:
1.Land of Illusion
2.Castle of Illusion (SMS/GG)
3.World of Illusion
4.Castle of Illusion (Genesis)
5.Legend of Illusion
Seeing GG Castle of Illusion used as the main picture is the reason why I came to this topic, and I'm glad I did. I always enjoy talking Sega Stuff
If anyone is interested in a all in one retro machine needs to check out the gpd xd it's the perfect portable.
Here is a link to buy one..... https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01B4ESXT0/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1485291244&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=gpd+xd&dpPl=1&dpID=41D%2B%2BDI2ZtL&ref=plSrch
And here is some gameplay I made on YouTube if anyone interested
https://youtu.be/quOHPfaWHJE
Emulators. They work. Beautifully.
@Knuckles It is indeed mine, I've had it since 1993 in fact. The PAL version has a red start button . Great pad!
@Damo I agree, awesome controller, and I have had mine almost as long!
Are you excited for the Retro Bit USB controllers? http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/01/retro-bit_bringing_capcom-themed_controllers_and_jaleco_multi-carts_to_market_this_year
I just noticed you also wrote that article, so it isn't your first time seeing them. I'm seriously considering the Genesis/Mega Drive 6 Button Controller.
@Drac_Mazoku Ah mate you are speaking my language! Completely agree with your list, and couldn't agree more on Land of Illusion, one of the best games of all time IMHO. Definitely in the top 5 Master System games, and easily in my own personal top 20 for any system.
It's a shame how many people had played the original 8bit game to death but didn't pay the sequel as much attention, assuming it as "more of the same" and having moved on to 16 bit stuff by that point. SO much more depth, all the puzzles, different skills/magic and those extra stars. Also amazing presentation for an 8 bit game, the cut scenes are pure Disney. If I ever get round to starting a retro gaming YouTube channel, I'll be harping on about that game a LOT. Lol
@Knuckles Yup my 6 button pad had a red start button too. Over the years I saw various versions of the 3 button pad with red, blue, and grey start buttons. Pretty sure all PAL originals had red though.
I'm very tempted by that Street Fighter Genesis USB pad. I only wish they'd make one based on the Saturn "S" pad, so we could get shoulder buttons too. Then it'd be perfect for all retro emus.
@samuelvictor I have always argued the case for the Master System version of Castle of Illusion being better, knew I couldn't be the only one! Such a great game
@Chrausis Absolutely mate, the level design and puzzles are much better. Also, although the 16 bit version obviously has more colours and details, I'd argue that the Mickey sprite is much more suited to gaming in the 8bit one, he doesn't have that distracting double bounce walk cycle.
If you've not played it, as above I highly recommend the sequel, Land of Illusion. As good as the (excellent) first one, but much bigger and more varied. Both are fantastic 8 bit platformers
@samuelvictor Yes! I actually picked that one up semi-recently, such a great game. Master System had some absolute gems on it!
@Chrausis Excellent, glad to hear it! And yup, I love the Master System, especially the later releases (which never made it to the USA, so they missed out on a huge amount of brilliant games).
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