Picking the right Hyperkin RetroN console comes down to two questions: which cartridge formats do you own, and how much do you want to spend? The lineup runs from the $39.99 RetroN 1 HD (NES only, HDMI out) up to the $179.99 RetroN 5, which covers nine classic systems across five cartridge slots. Every model in the current lineup outputs at 720p over HDMI, so they all work on modern flat-panel TVs without any extra upscaler hardware.
The RetroN family has grown to cover NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and Atari 2600 cartridges across six distinct consoles. Each one is built around a specific slice of retro history, so the best pick depends entirely on your shelf of carts, not on which console sounds most impressive on paper.
Which Hyperkin RetroN console covers the most cartridge formats?
The RetroN 5 wins by a wide margin. It packs five physical cartridge slots that accept NES, Famicom, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. That is nine distinct formats from a single box. It also handles both NTSC and PAL cartridges and automatically detects region, so importing Japanese carts is straightforward.
A few caveats worth knowing before you buy:
- N64, 32X, and Super Game Boy are not supported. The hardware simply was not designed for those formats.
- Sega Master System works only if you already own a Sega Power Base Converter adapter, which slots into the Genesis port.
- Some specialty SNES chips (certain later titles with unusual mappers) may show minor glitches. Mainstream games run without issue.
- The console reads cartridge data and runs it through software emulation, so it is not identical to original hardware. For most players the difference is not noticeable.
The RetroN 5 outputs up to 720p at 60 fps over HDMI and includes audio interpolation, which smooths the original sound samples into something noticeably cleaner than what a CRT-era TV produced.
What does each RetroN console play, and what does it cost?
Here is the full current lineup with compatibility and price:
1. RetroN 1 HD ($39.99)
Plays: NES (NTSC and PAL)
It has one cartridge slot, outputs 720p over HDMI, and ships with the Cadet wired controller. Best for someone with a NES-only collection who wants a clean HDMI signal without spending more than $40.
2. RetroN 2 HD ($79.99)
Plays: NES, Super NES, Super Famicom (NTSC/PAL)
Two slots in one box. Ships with both a Cadet (NES-style) and a Scout (SNES-style) controller. The aspect ratio switch on the unit lets you flip between 4:3 and 16:9 without going into any menu. Also includes AV output if your setup still uses composite cables. The RetroN 2 HD is probably the most practical option for anyone with a mixed NES and SNES library.
3. Supa RetroN HD ($69.99)
Plays: SNES, Super Famicom (NTSC/PAL)
SNES-focused and priced $10 below the RetroN 2 HD. The tradeoff is that you lose NES support. It uses Hyperkin’s Pin Perfect cartridge connector technology and ships with two Scout controllers. If your collection skews heavily toward 16-bit Nintendo titles, this is the leaner, cheaper choice. Flash carts are also generally compatible.
4. RetroN 77 ($79.99)
Plays: Atari 2600 (original cartridges)
The only Atari-focused model in the lineup. Unlike the Atari Flashback series, the RetroN 77 plays your actual 2600 cartridges rather than relying on pre-installed games. It outputs in 720p over HDMI with selectable 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios, includes save states via built-in save/load buttons, and supports original Atari joysticks and paddles through its two controller ports. The Retro Amber finish is a deliberate nod to the original 2600 woodgrain look. A memory card slot handles firmware updates.
5. RetroN 5 ($179.99)
Plays: NES, Famicom, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance (plus Master System via adapter)
The flagship. Five cartridge slots, Bluetooth wireless controller included (range up to 30 feet), 10 save slots per game, screenshot capture to SD card, built-in Game Genie cheat support, and full button remapping for both original and included controllers. The on-screen UI lets you set video filters including scanlines, adjust aspect ratio, and force 60Hz on PAL cartridges. Firmware updates install via the SD card slot.
What setup steps actually matter before you start playing?
Getting any RetroN console running is quick, but a few steps tend to trip people up:
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Use your TV’s Game Mode. Every modern TV applies image processing that adds input lag. Switching to Game Mode cuts that processing and makes games feel much more responsive.
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Check the included HDMI cable length before you sit down. The cables packed in the box tend to run about 3 feet. If your TV is across the room, grab a longer cable before setup day.
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Clean cartridge contacts before inserting. A cotton swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the cartridge pins prevents read errors. Do not blow into cartridges; moisture is the enemy of aging connectors.
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On the RetroN 5, update firmware first. Firmware updates install via SD card and meaningfully improve compatibility and performance. Download the latest file from Hyperkin’s site, copy it to an SD card, and insert it before you start playing.
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Do not insert more than one cartridge at a time on the RetroN 5. The manual flags this explicitly: inserting multiple carts simultaneously risks damaging the console.
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On the RetroN 77, pair the region switch to your cartridges. The unit has a bottom-case switch for NTSC and PAL. Set it before powering on.
Your Collection Decides the Console
The RetroN lineup targets specific eras rather than ranking from worst to best. If you own a stack of NES carts and nothing else, spending $179.99 on a RetroN 5 makes no sense. The RetroN 1 HD at $39.99 does the same job for that specific library. Conversely, if your shelf holds Game Boy Advance, Genesis, and SNES cartridges in roughly equal measure, the RetroN 5 is the only model that handles all three.
For collectors with mixed libraries spanning multiple platforms, nine supported formats, save states, and Bluetooth wireless play cover most scenarios a retro collector will run into in 2026. For anyone focused on a single platform, the dedicated single-system models are a more efficient buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hyperkin RetroN 5 play PAL cartridges from Europe and Japan?
Yes. The RetroN 5 is region-free and supports both NTSC and PAL cartridges across all its slots. It automatically detects the region from the cartridge and sets the correct picture frequency, or you can manually force 60Hz or 50Hz output from the settings menu.
Can I use my original NES, SNES, or Genesis controllers with a RetroN console?
Most RetroN models include dedicated controller ports for original hardware. The RetroN 5 has side ports for NES, SNES, and Genesis controllers and supports full button remapping through its on-screen interface. The RetroN 2 HD and Supa RetroN HD also include controller ports for their respective supported systems.
What is the video output resolution on Hyperkin RetroN consoles?
Every current RetroN model outputs at 720p over HDMI. None of the current lineup reaches 1080p. For most retro content, 720p is more than sufficient, and the upscaling tends to produce a clean, stable image on flat-panel TVs without additional hardware.
Does the RetroN 77 play all Atari 2600 cartridges, including third-party titles?
The RetroN 77 is designed to play original Atari 2600 cartridges, including third-party releases. It also includes a memory card slot for homebrew testing and firmware updates, which can expand compatibility over time. A small number of unusual or prototype cartridges may behave differently, as with any emulation-based system.
Is the Hyperkin RetroN 5 still worth buying in 2026 if I already own some original hardware?
It depends on what you want from the setup. If your original consoles still output cleanly and you have a CRT or a dedicated upscaler, the RetroN 5 adds little. But if you want a single HDMI box that handles nine cartridge formats with save states and Bluetooth controllers, and you no longer want to juggle multiple consoles and cables, it fills that role well at $179.99.