Game System Review: Hyperkin RetroN 3

Paul’s Game Review Rating: 80 out of 100

Ok, today I am going to talk about something that is pretty cool. Imagine a world where one gaming console can play games from three different platforms! Well that is what the RetroN 3 does. It has slots for Nintendo NES, Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis.

When I first saw this I thought “oh great, another cheap Chinese made POS that will work occasionally for some games.” Imagine my surprise when I hooked it up and it played everything I put in it!  I didn’t even have to blow on a single cartridge! Those of you with an original NES know what I am talking about.

The console itself is fairly attractive and available in either red or black. I went with red because it seems a little cooler and more unique than another black box by my TV. Once you insert the cartridge, select the system you want to play (NES, SNES or Genesis) and hit the power button you are good to go. I haven’t had to use the reset button, blow in cartridges, pull out cartridges and reinsert them or anything. It also seems to load the games a lot faster than the original consoles.

The graphics look just like the original systems, but I did notice that when I played Super Mario Brothers the sound seemed a bit different than on NES. Not enough to really distract much but it was slightly noticeable. On the plus side, that’s the only game I noticed any difference at all. I really didn’t like the included wireless controllers BUT the system has built in ports to plug in 2 NES controllers, 2 SNES controllers and 2 Sega Genesis controllers! I picked up my controllers at a flea market for a couple bucks each.

Here is a list of games that I tested on the RetroN 3:

NES: Wild Gunman, Duck Hunt, Super Mario Brothers 1 and 3, Spy Hunter

SNES: Super Mario World

Genesis: Mortal Combat, Sonic the Hedgehog

Pros: Price! It’s only $50 and includes 2 wireless remotes, AV and S-video cables and a power cable; 2 plug ins each for the original controllers (not included but you can buy them fairly cheap on eBay or at swap meets.); Works with the Nintendo Zapper gun; AV and S-Video output; compact and easy to hook up, quick and easy start-up; replaces 3 consoles which means it also replaces 3 power cords, 3 AV slots on your TV and 3 spaces on your entertainment center.

Cons: No instruction manual; sound is a little different; the Sega cartridge goes in the middle, between the larger NES and SNES cartridges making it slightly hard to remove unless you remove the others first; very lightweight which gives of the impression that its cheaply made; no coax output; the included controllers SUCK! There is actually a diagram on the back of them that tells you what buttons do what on which system, which doesn’t correspond to the original consoles at all. I recommend plugging in the vintage controllers from the old systems, which work perfectly.

In short: Buy it, you won’t be disappointed.