For a wide range of reasons, the public's interest in retro gaming has arguably never been higher. New players are being drawn into this fascinating corner of the industry to explore the origins of characters like Mario and Sonic, while veterans who still bear the scars of the '80s and '90s console wars are reacquainting themselves with the joys of yesteryear. No matter your age or background, your entry point into this arena is likely to be one of two options: dusty and battered original hardware or shiny new clone systems (there is of course a third choice, emulation – but we'll conveniently pretend that doesn't exist for the purpose of this review).
If you're a seasoned user of clone systems then chances are you'll already be familiar with the name Hyperkin. This firm has been making these consoles for years now, and one might argue that it reached its zenith with the superb Retron 5 in 2014 – a system which accepts original cartridges for a dizzying range of different systems, making it an excellent "all in one" option for curious retro gamers.
The existence of the Retron 5 hasn't dissuaded Hyperkin from producing more devices, however. We've already had the Retron HD – which gave us NES games in high definition – and now the company is performing a similar trick with the Super Nintendo, a console which is very much in the public consciousness thanks to this year's massively successful SNES Classic Edition, an official micro-console from Nintendo itself.
The timing of the Supa Retron HD is therefore rather cunning; the SNES Classic Edition is hard to track down in stores due to Nintendo's tiresome insistence on strangling the supply chain, so there will be plenty of gamers (and, perhaps more importantly, gift-buying parents) in the hunt for anything emblazoned with the words "Super Nintendo". The key difference, of course, is that Hyperkin's offering doesn't come pre-loaded with any games; instead, you need to supply your own, original SNES cartridges to bring it to life.
Supa Retron HD: What's In The Box
Before we get onto that part of the review, it's worth talking about the physical appearance of the Supa Retron HD. The unit is compact, just like its forerunner, the Retron HD. On the top there's the cartridge slot – which accepts North American SNES, PAL SNES and Japanese Super Famicom carts – as well as the power switch, eject button and reset button, arrayed in exactly the same order as on the original system. Two controller ports are found on the front, and these use exact same interface as the SNES, so you can harness the battered power of your old pads if you so wish (or 8bitdo's excellent wireless option, of course). On the back, there's (from left to right) a Micro USB port for power, HDMI-out, composite out and an aspect ratio switch which allows you to "force" an authentic 4:3 image (although most TVs allow you to do this via their menu system regardless). On the bottom you'll find another switch which toggles between NTSC and PAL standards, ensuring excellent compatibility with software from all over the globe.
Also included are two controllers which are modelled on the original SNES design, albeit with some minor differences. The back of the pad has two bumps which ensure your fingers have something to grip and rest on during play; at first we weren't convinced this change was necessary but after a few hours it actually felt more comfortable than the real thing. The buttons and D-Pad are also excellent – at least as responsive as those on an original SNES controller – but the shoulder buttons feel slightly cheap, and emit an unpleasant clicking sound when pressed. On the more positive side, at a whopping 8 feet the cables on these pads are insanely long – those of you who grumbled about the short leads on the SNES Classic Edition pads will have no such quibbles here.
The final items in the box are a HDMI lead, composite lead, Micro USB lead and USB power block. While it's possible to run the console from your TV's USB socket (we tried it with ours and it worked fine), Hyperkin recommends using the supplied power block for optimum performance.
Supa Retron HD: Performance
Now onto the really important bit: how the console performs. While we've not been able to verify this ourselves we'd imagine that the Supa Retron HD uses the same "system on a chip" approach seen in the Retron HD (and, it should be noted, the SNES Classic Edition), rather than the pricer (but more accurate) hardware-based route offered by Field-Programmable Gate Array technology, which is used in the utterly superb Analogue Super NT console.
While Hyperkin's approach doesn't offer the same degree of faithfulness when it comes to replicating the performance of Nintendo's famous 16-bit system, unless you're comparing the two side-by-side you're unlikely to notice any glaring issues. We tested a wide range of games across all three main regional formats and everything ran smoothly in terms of both visuals and audio. There was no noticeable slowdown (aside from that which existed in the games already, of course) and no unfortunate bum notes in the soundtrack. The image quality is also excellent, with sharp definitive and bold colours. For most players, this kind of performance will be perfectly fine; if you were happy with how the SNES Classic Edition performs then you'll be more than pleased with the Supa Retron HD. Oh, and it also works with flash carts, if you're interested in that kind of thing.
Supa Retron HD: Should You Buy One?
At $69.99, the Supa Retron HD is a pretty attractive option for SNES lovers who want HD visuals but still want to use their original cartridges. If you're a stickler for authenticity then you may wish to dig a little deeper into your pockets and purchase the FPGA-based Super Nt, which is the most faithful SNES clone yet seen. However, if budget is a concern and you're not obsessed with getting the 1:1 performance, then this should fit the bill perfectly; it's reasonably-priced, comes with two excellent pads (which you can use while sitting on the coach thanks to those massive cables) and boasts superb compatibility with SNES software from all over the world.
The Supa Retron HD launches in the US on January 8th, 2018.
We've updated this review to reflect the UK launch date of March 9th, 2018. You can order the system from Funstock.
Comments 42
I got lucky and found an SNES Classic at Wal Mart last night. Dug out change to complete the purchase but I got it! It feels so good to be playing with a new, real SNES controller. Buying these games in cartridge form would cost a fortune.
If I could sd cards on it to play Japanese games in English. I would buy this in a heartbeat.
Given how easy it is to add games to the SNES mini I've no real use for this and have an actual SNES for cartridges. In the UK I see the SNES mini almost every time I pop into Game or Grainger so they are pretty easy to get hold of
I only own 2 SNES games. Sold the rest of the lot. Including a Chrono Trigger copy with original box.
Not really into collecting games anymore. Especially as I'll never match this dude:
So there is no point in doing that.
Oh good, the emulation doesn't suck whew
I will pass. I recently got this http://www.gamerztek.com/product-p/16hd.htm
The 16 Bit HD from GamerzTek and couldn't be happier. Actually been playing Chrono Trigger on it the past few days.
This is what I wanted SNES mini to be. Nintendo could have even re-released SNES carts and made a small fortune with it...
Looks nice! Will wait to see more reviews though, when it comes out.
Those controllers look awesome, I may see if Hyperkin sell those separately as I'm not interested in the console. I already got the Analog Super Nt pre-ordered so that will be my main Super NES HD clone I'm looking for.
@retro_player_22 I've also got the Analogue pre-ordered (And I love my mini-NT) but I have to ask - why are you interested in these controllers over the 8bitdo controllers/retro-receivers built specifically for the Analogue?
SNES Classic Edition uses software emulation, not a system-on-a-chip that replicates the functionality of the original SuperNes on a single integrated circuit.
@roadrunner343 Cause I already got these ones:
I don't need these newer ones since it's no longer bluetooth capable:
@retro_player_22 Sorry, guess I don't follow - I've got two of the ones pictured in your first pic - isn't the exact same as the one's launching with the Analogue Super NT, except with new color schemes? I've never used the "classic edition" pads, because like you, I already had the originals/retro receivers, which are Bluetooth compatible. Didn't realize those classics weren't, that sucks.
"No matter your age or background, your entry point into this arena is likely to be one of two options: dusty and battered original hardware or shiny new clone systems (there is of course a third choice, emulation – but we'll conveniently pretend that doesn't exist for the purpose of this review)."
Or the SNES Classic Edition, or Virtual Console. Cheaper than cartridges, but completely legitimate.
Umm since this is their licensed garbage on a chip tech and not android/emulator why are we skating over compatibility in the review that much? Those things were notoriously garbage in their Supaboy and other lines for not being stable when it came to chipped games. SA1 more often than not won't boot. SDD1 depending on revision will or won't. FX1 and FX2 are sketchy with time outs of fails on enough of the games. Perhaps amend the review covering the popular special chips capabilities (SDD1, SA1, FX1, FX2, C4, the works.)
Is there any hd clone console in which you can insert sd card and play games from it?
@tanookisuit Tested all of those, they work fine. The video even shows a Super FX game in action, and I tried Exhaust Heat 2, SMK, etc...
If you're going to be a clone console at this point, WHY wouldn't you include an SD Card slot?! That's literally the only thing neither the original or SNES Mini doesn't already provide, and is a significant oversight that shouldn't be overlooked.
It sounds great for those who want to play their SNES games in HD, but I still don't see the point in HD graphics for games that were never made in HD in the first place. I'll stick with my RetroTrio on my input lag free CRT TV.
@EmmatheBest Cause then what's the point of having a cartridge slot? Clone consoles are made to replicate the experience of the original systems, not to endure piracy. They exist so newer generations can experience retro games without having to seek out the original hardware so as long as they have an original cartridge or a repro of that game.
Speaking of the Analogue option... here in the States, they're charging 38 bucks to ship it from their state to mine. And that's the controller-free option. Small system, lightweight. Are they shipping it to the UK? And if so, are their shipping prices just as scary? Thanks for the review!
@Damo That's good, so maybe they decided to find a better chip supplier since they don't do their stuff in house. A couple years ago I had a friend on the inside who was the firmware (game/os) coder on the R5 and we'd talk quite a lot. It was interesting to say the least.
Is there really such a sudden boom in interest playing on retro and clone hardware? Am I truly in a minority for wanting these games on a Switch Virtual console to be able to take and play them on the go as I please? I don't really understand the desire to have all these clone systems and plug and play classics. By like an overwhelming amount I would prefer to have a VC on the Switch. To me, the Switch is the best possible way to play classic games. On the go or on the TV, with one of those lovely 8bito controllers. And more than just NES and SNES, I want to see my N64, GBA, and Gamecube games without having to break out obsolete hardware and old TVs.
@retro_player_22 With rising prices in old games, it's not really viable. Flashcarts are an alternative.
@Heavyarms55 Choice is good, though, isn't it? If you have a large collection of original games, it's nice to have the option to use them with a modern television without compromises. Depending on the individual, playing the original cartridges with original controllers - or close replicas - would add to the experience and help to evoke the era the games came from. That's something a download on a modern console can't replicate. From my perspective it's far too expensive to invest in something like this (or preferably the Analogue) but if I could afford it and all the original games, I'd love it. The mini classic is the next best thing for me.
@mikegamer Finding old games is a matter of luck. If you're trying to look for the really hard to find games like Little Samson and Metal Warrior then you will not have the best of luck as there are little copies of those out in the wild and that means the price for them will skyrocket but if common titles like Tetris and Final Fantasy III are your things then you can find them for very reasonable price plus there's repro out there of those games too if finding the original copy is unsuccessful.
Cool, but I'm just gonna wait until FPGA stuff becomes cheaper.
@retro_player_22 Hence why I said flashcarts are more convenient, but very grey
I'm not pleased with mine. It appears as though the picture is 480i instead of 240p, given the rather gross motion blur that appears any time a sprite is in motion or the screen is scrolling. Even cascading text is disarmingly bouncy.
I'm returning it 2 days after opening it. It's just not worth the price; spending 50 bucks on HD retrovision component cables for my actual SNES seems like a much better purchase.
Mine has a razor sharp picture unless pixels are in motion. All pixels in motion have pretty noticable blurring. It's very jarring. Especially when navigating the menus in Super Mario All Stars or playing a side scroller. There is weird artifacting.
I took some video:
https://youtu.be/CEVL2wimOy4
Am I the only one experiencing this?
you can buy the Snes Mini at Amazon.de right now. It's been in stock for a couple of days, now.
this system seems nice. it reminds me of a project that i started last year, but yet i keep procrastinating on.
my project is making a NES player, a SNES player, and a N64 player for the GameCube. i think a lot of people would be interested. i just need help with portions of the hardware development. i have to get it so that the hardware emulation works perfectly.
I prefer SupaBoy for its Portability and ability to play SNES, Super Famicom and GBA games also with Extended Famicom / SNES Cartridge.
Imagine playing SNES / Super Famicom games on the go...
Olala...
Say hello to pretty Supaboy SFC.
SNES Classic is rare? LOL, they're gathering dust on shelf stores in my country. As I was looking for Joy-Cons I saw either 3 or 4 next to brand new Switches. I've seen some of those mini NES too, in a different store.
To be fair I don't think either NES or SNES were ever officially distributed here due to the whole Iron Curtain thing, so very few people are nostalgic for them.
I'll stick my super NT until I get a PVM/BVM
Hmmm the SNES Classic Edition doesn't use a "system-on-a-chip", its just an Android based emulator. System on a chip is exactly what it says it is, which is why its not normally very good
I will probably just purchase a real SNes, eventually. I don't mind picture quality of older hardware. Thought, everyone has their preferences.
@Axlroselm yep. Hyperkin Retron5 lets you insert an SD card to save game progress and also has the option to import english language patches.
If you have a cartridge from whatever you want to play on SD card, you can make play backups of your games on the system via the english language patch exploit.
Have a look on Youtube which explains how it is done.
Again - if you want to play Megadrive backups from SD you need an actual Megadrive cart to be inserted in the system and so on..
@Anti-Matter I was considering one of these until I read issues with the aspect ration being stretched?
Or is that the Supaboy-S or whatever the follow up was?
@dashv i looked at your video and it seemed fine to me?
'It's reasonably priced, comes with two excellent pads (which you can use while sitting on the coach thanks to those massive cables)', those cables really must be massive if you can use it on a coach! 😜
I got a Supa Retron HD a week ago. Mostly I'm satisfied with the purchase, as the picture quality is good, the controllers are a lot better than the default one bundled with the Retron 5, and the addition of an eject button is most welcome.
My only real complaint is that the Hyperkin logo is forced to show OVER the game's startup sequence. For some games, where the music starts playing immediately after startup, it's incredibly vexing to have the Hyperkin logo override it for a few seconds. Thankfully the Hyperkin logo doesn't appear if you reset the game, but I shouldn't have to do that to get the proper startup.
EDIT: Re: the aspect ratio: There is a switch on the back of the console that allows you to toggle between its proper 4x3 and stretched. I'm glad the option was given, though I doubt I'll be using stretched ever.
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