
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.
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Comments 20
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.
@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
@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.
@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.
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? https://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.
@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
@samuelvictor Yes! I actually picked that one up semi-recently, such a great game. Master System had some absolute gems on it!
On this point: “ 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.”
Can you confirm however, if someone could use a SNES/SFC controller plugged into the SNES controller port, and also a Sega Genesis/MD plugged into the corresponding port AT THE SAME TIME? Like could you hypothetically use the adaptor as a multi-tap, and just use the adaptor to play (hypothetically) a SFC/SNES game like “Super Bomberman 2”, with
player 1 using a SNES/SFC controller,
player 2 using a Genesis controller
Player 3 using a PC ENGINE Controller
Player 4 using a NES controller
Anyone can confirm if this can work?
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