It would seem that 2013 is going to be a big year for new gaming hardware — not only will we see the PlayStation 4 and Next Xbox, but we've got two new retro systems to look forward to as well. Hyperkin's RetroN 5 will be joined by the Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio, which plays SNES, Genesis / Mega Drive, NES and (with an adapter) Game Boy Advance titles.
The system comes with three cartridge slots — SNES, Genesis and NES — as well as six (count 'em) controller ports for use with authentic, original pads. The console also comes with two controllers of its own. However, unlike the RetroN 5 — which boasts HDMI — the Trio is limited to S-Video and composite AV.
The cost? A very reasonable $69.99, but you'll need to lay out an additional $39.99 if you want to play Game Boy Advance games as they require an adapter, which is pictured below. A bundle which includes the Trio and the adapter will be available for $89.99.
Distributor Innex is showing the system at E3 this year, and we're looking to secure some hands-on time as soon as possible.
[source polygon.com]
Comments 40
well that's awfully nice looking. That price point is pretty nice... Did they specify GBA only - no GB / GBC support?
looks alot nicer than the retroN 5
I've been considering the RetroN5 when it comes out, but I'll be keeping an eye on this now as well.
Having a seperate GBA slot on the RetroN 5 is much better than having to use an inconvenient adapter that will take up a cartridge slot like in the Super Retro Trio. Plus, the Super Retro Trio just seems like it's a glorified RetroN 3. I'll probably pick up the RetroN 5 instead, but this still looks kind of interesting.
Are these even legal?
I want to get one, mainly for GBA games, but I don't think I can afford it
@FernandoMachado Yup. As long as you rip it from your own game it's legal.
For one, this is far more pretty than the Retron5 but the lack of GBA support out of the box and no HDMI or any shader options might be a deal breaker for me. Time will tell, but I will surely pick one of these consoles down the line, I must retire my 21 year old PAL SNES.
No HDMI? Dealbreaker...
I saw an older one of these at a pawn shop. I'll just wait for RetroN.
If my original consoles (and crt tv) ever die, I'll consider something like this. But you really can't beat the real thing.
@nocode: And even if my original consoles die or my crt tv dies they are easy enough to find and replace.
No mention of save states... that's why I want the Retron 5.
@nocode I was thinking the same thing.
@FernandoMachado Yes, they are! I believe the patients for the NES, SNES, and Genesis hardware has expired, so other companies are able to use their hardware to make their own, IIRC. This is why small companies like Hyperkin still haven't used other systems in their consoles like the N64, as the patient for the N64 hasn't expired yet after all of this time.
I wonder if that gba adaptor will work on a real system.....
That's one sexy beast, but the price is a little to much for me. I'll just stick to my Retro Duo, thank you~...
Looks nice but knowing Retro-Bits incompatibility issues with some games, I probably won't buy it. The Super Retro Adapter would be cool though if only you could play GBA games from that cart on a real SNES.
The RetroN 5 seems better in every regard, but one thing I like about this system is that all of the contoller ports are on the front, as they should be. The RetroN 5 has controller ports on each side of the system.
@FernandoMachado - The thing is that emulators of old software aren't illegal because of homebrew and similar applications. Actually emulating Nintendo games or licensed games on another console is illegal, which is unfortunately all anyone is going to do with it. Nintendo cant take legal action because there's nothing illegal about the machine itself.
I WANT ONE THAT PLAYS SATURN AND DREAMCAST GAMES
@Tasuki
The RetroN-5 seems to be of much better value and may even be cheaper than this thing.
Yawn! My Wii, Wii u and nexus 7 can do that poifecly!!! Poifecly a says!!!
The RetroN5 still sounds better.
Wow im impressed , do want.
What's the compatibility like with these things, though? It's a hell of a lot of work to get perfect emulation for one machine, let alone several.
Do these machines have more or less of the problems of other emulators?
@Geonjaha There's nothing even remotely illegal about these clone systems.
meh. why would i buy this when i can just play games illegally on my computer (not saying i do, just using it as an example)?
@0SP_ZELDAiii Because you wouldn't be breaking the law...
I wish they would make a TurboGrafx version I worry my old TG16 hardware might give in someday.
I wish they would make a TurboGrafx version I worry my old TG16 hardware might give in someday.
Looks nicer the the RetroN 5 but the HDMI might be a big selling point depending on how well it does.
ive been using my retron 3 for years to save all my original systems...all this is going to do is make hyperkin step their game up and make sure they come out better.
No love for the Sega 32X? Oh well.
I would consider this if it could play Sega Master System games but until then I'm fine with my Sega Genesis, 32X, Sega CD combo.
@Damo - Yea...that is what I said. Unless the machine comes with built in copyrighted games or has an emulator on it then it is legal and can be used for legal purposes.
You can play GB games on the SNES using a Super Game Boy.
so do the people who claim wii u is next gen (even though it is last gen/current) think that this RetroN5 is also next gen? from what I've read here most like to go by the date the console was released instead of its capabilities and graphic power
@GN004Nadleeh No, it's not next-gen. It doesn't count because it's a retro console made by a third-party. Each of the systems that comprise this one have already been released, so this counts as more of a reissue console than a brand-new one.
And yeah, Wii U is now "current-gen" alright.
the wii u was never even 7th generation, more like 6.5, but i own em all anyways so i win! even got a lame x one in the girls room! (adult girls who play strip cod) woo hoo for games! now go back to caring about how much money a company make instead of playing the games. most of you don't even have a wii u and sales prove that
retro gamers you are well taken cared of :3 so many choices!
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