Hyperkin RetroN 77 HD Gaming Console for 2600 Review: Is It Worth Buying?
Are you a fan of retro gaming but tired of the low-quality graphics and poor connectivity of your old consoles? We’ve been testing out the Hyperkin RetroN 77, and it might just be the solution you’re looking for.
This console supports 2600 cartridges and original joysticks and paddles, making it compatible with all your favourite classic games. The Retron 77 upscales to 720p HD with a 4:3/16:9 Aspect Ratio Button, and features on-board mode select, colour change (colour/B&W), and save states for added convenience.
One standout feature is the included memory card slot (and memory card) for homebrew testing and firmware updates, allowing you to customise your gaming experience even further. The Retron 77 also comes with two controller ports and one premium controller packed in (with a 10 ft. cable), a 3 ft. HD Cable, and a 6 ft. Micro cable with AC adapter for easy setup. Don’t wait, click here to purchase the Hyperkin RetroN 77 and start reliving your favourite childhood games today!
Overview of Hyperkin RetroN 77: HD Gaming Console for 2600
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Hyperkin RetroN 77, and we must say, we were impressed! This groovy retro console from Hyperkin allows you to play your favourite 2600 cartridges in beautiful, crisp 720p HD. The RetroN 77 features slick wood paneling, on-board mode select, and a 6 ft. Micro cable to power it all. It even comes with an included two-button, ambidextrous, premium controller, although original joysticks and paddles are also compatible.
One of the standout features of the RetroN 77 is its ability to upscale to 720p HD with a 4:3/16:9 aspect ratio button. It also includes a memory card slot (and memory card) for homebrew testing and firmware updates. The console has two controller ports with one premium controller packed in (10 ft. cable), 3 ft. HD Cable, and 6 ft. Micro cable with AC adapter. However, if the AC adapter is not included, we strongly advise using a 5 Volt 1 Amp USB wall AC adapter.
Overall, the RetroN 77 is a fantastic little retro box that gives new life to an amazing age of gaming. While some games may not work on the console, we found that 90% of our games worked without any issues. If you have a broken old Atari with all the games, this is a no-brainer. It’s better than buying a retro one as you have the benefit of a reliable console with HDMI plus you can use your old games PLUS download new ones!
720p HD Upscaling and Aspect Ratio Flexibility
When we used the Hyperkin RetroN 77, we were impressed with its ability to upscale to 720p HD. The console has a 4:3/16:9 Aspect Ratio Button that allows you to switch between aspect ratios easily. This feature is particularly useful when playing games that were originally designed for older TVs.
We also appreciated the on-board mode select, color change (color/B&W), and save states. These features make it easy to customize your gaming experience and save your progress. Additionally, the included memory card slot (and memory card) is a nice touch for homebrew testing and firmware updates.
The two controller ports and premium controller (with a 10 ft. cable) that come with the console are also a plus. However, we did find that the 3 ft. HD Cable and 6 ft. Micro cable with AC adapter were a bit short for our setup.
Controller Compatibility and Options
We were pleased to find that the Hyperkin RetroN 77 is compatible with original Atari 2600 controllers, as well as the Hyperkin Ranger and the Hyperkin Trooper. This gives us the flexibility to use our favourite controllers from the past with this modern console.
The console also comes with a wireless controller, which is a great option for those who prefer a more modern feel. The wireless controller has a responsive D-pad and buttons, and we found it comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions.
Memory Card Slot for Homebrew and Updates
We were impressed to find that the Hyperkin RetroN 77 comes with an included memory card slot and memory card for homebrew testing and firmware updates. This feature allows for easy and convenient updates to the console’s software, ensuring that it stays up-to-date with the latest advancements.
Additionally, the memory card slot allows for homebrew testing, which is perfect for those who enjoy tinkering with their consoles and creating their own games. The process is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible even for those who are new to the homebrew scene.
Build Quality and Design
We were impressed with the build quality and design of the Hyperkin RetroN 77. The console is solidly built and has a retro look that is sure to appeal to fans of classic gaming. The wood paneling gives it a nice touch, and the overall design is sleek and modern.
The console features on-board mode select, color change (color/B&W), and save states, making it easy to customize your gaming experience. The included premium controller is ambidextrous and comfortable to hold, and the console also supports original joysticks and paddles.
The console upscales to 720p HD with 4:3/16:9 aspect ratio button and includes a 3 ft. HD cable and a 6 ft. micro cable with AC adapter. The memory card slot and included memory card are handy for homebrew testing and firmware updates.
Pros and Cons
When it comes to the Hyperkin RetroN 77, there are definitely some pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. Here’s what we found during our testing:
Pros
- Wide Compatibility: One of the biggest pros of the RetroN 77 is its ability to support 2600 cartridges and original joysticks and paddles. This means that if you have a collection of old Atari games lying around, you can dust them off and start playing them again on a modern TV.
- HD Upscaling: The RetroN 77 can upscale to 720p HD with a 4:3/16:9 aspect ratio button, which is great for those who want to play their old games on a larger, modern TV. The on-board mode select, color change (color/B&W), and save states buttons make it easy to customize your gaming experience.
- Memory Card Slot: The included memory card slot (and memory card) is a nice touch, as it allows for homebrew testing and firmware updates. This means that the RetroN 77 can potentially be updated in the future to support even more games.
- Controller Ports: The RetroN 77 comes with two controller ports and one premium controller with a 10 ft. cable. Additionally, the package includes a 3 ft. HD cable and a 6 ft. micro cable with an AC adapter. This means that you can start playing right out of the box without having to purchase any additional accessories.
- Reliability: The RetroN 77 is a reliable console that can bring new life to your old Atari games. It’s also sturdily built with some weight to it, giving it a quality feel.
Cons
- Some Games Won’t Work: While the RetroN 77 can play most PAL Atari 2600 games, there are some games that won’t work on the console. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a particular game that you really want to play.
- Controller Quality: While the included premium controller is adequate, it’s not the best quality. Some users have reported issues with the joystick and button responsiveness, which can detract from the overall gaming experience.
- AC Adapter Not Included: While the package does come with a micro cable and an AC adapter, it’s important to note that if the adapter is not included, you’ll need to purchase a 5 Volt 1 Amp USB wall AC adapter separately. This can be an additional expense that some users may not be aware of.
Customer Reviews
We were impressed by the positive customer reviews for the Hyperkin RetroN 77. Many users were satisfied with the console’s ability to play their old Atari 2600 games on modern HDMI-based TVs. One user even mentioned that it was better than buying a retro console as it provided a reliable option with the added benefit of HDMI connectivity.
Some users did mention that not all games worked on the console, but the majority had no problems. Additionally, many customers recommended buying the paddle controller as the old Atari paddles may not work. Users also praised the console’s build quality, with one mentioning that it was sturdy and firm with some weight.
Conclusion
After using the Hyperkin RetroN 77 for some time, we can confidently say that it is a reliable and enjoyable gaming console for Atari 2600 enthusiasts. The console worked well out of the box with 95% of our PAL Atari 2600 games, and we were pleased with the overall performance.
One of the standout features of the RetroN 77 is its ability to work on modern HDMI-based TVs, which is a huge plus for those looking to relive the nostalgia of classic Atari games on a larger screen. We also appreciate the option to update the firmware to allow for more than 8 games to be stored on the console.
While there were a few games that did not work on the console, we found that 90% of our games played without any issues. We recommend purchasing the optional paddle controller as the original Atari paddles won’t work.
Overall, the Hyperkin RetroN 77 is a fantastic little retro box that brings new life to classic Atari games. Its sturdy build and front-loading cartridge slot make it a solid addition to any retro gaming collection.
Retro gaming adventures with old Atari games on the Hyperkin RetroN 77 – for retro gaming enthusiasts and lovers of classic Atari games and more!