Hyperkin RetroN 77: HD Gaming Console for 2600

As a retro enthusiast, I appreciate the idea of owning the original hardware. I've got a 2600 or two and I've added composite mods to keep them playable on modern displays. The results are not always ideal, though to hold a CX40 controller in hand and play Berzerk or Space Invaders quickly makes you see past the warts.Along comes the Retron 77, which while brining its own set of compromises, provides outstanding display quality without the burden of requiring hardware mods. Early complaints of controller quality seem to have been addressed. Some game compatibility problems remain (Pitfall II doesn't work, for example) but the overall compatibility experience is superb. The console size is small enough to sit under your tv, and the device comes with an HDMI cable (and an SD card).This is one of the best hardware purchases I've made in pursuit of retro gaming. And owning it does't mean you can't play Pitfall II, you just have to also own a CX2600 too. And I'm okay with that.

I purchased the black Retron 77 with a single classic joystick and one stick/paddle controller. Out of the box it worked fine and has several lame homebrew games installed on the micro SD card. I popped a cartridge into the unit and that worked well too. After I confirmed everything was working fine, I updated the firmware and that's when this system got much better. After updating... it no longer limits how many roms you can add. It also gives you menus to fine-tune everything just how you want it. You can find step by step instructions on you tube how to use your PC to update the sd card. I was looking for something to replace my Atari that I've had since 1981... mainly because I want an HD picture and dont always feel like switching cartridges. I do have stella on my pc but I wanted a physical system that's quick and can be taken anywhere. This is definitely a great replacement for an old system... and since it holds unlimited roms you really dont need the cartridge feature but it's nice to have the option anyway. My only complaint is while the controllers do have 10 ft cords which is awesome... all the BUTTONS you need to select and reset games are ON THE UNIT. So you basically have to either keep walking across the room or keep the unit right next to you, but that's how the old video game systems were, so that's fine. Controllers are responsive and the paddle is pretty decent although it is small and it's difficult to do a complete twist from point A to Z but it works well enough. I believe you can also hook up original atari joystick and paddles if you want to though I havent tried yet. So is it worth $100 for a retron 77 with 2 controllers? I dont know. There are alot of options out there... Atari flashback by at-games seems to be a good option also and they even have models with wireless controllers... original type paddles... though not all of them have a memory card option to add games so I would be careful which model of flashback you choose. I think the best choice would be to spend a little more and purchase a retropie which emulates every game system all in one unit. If you're super nostalgic for classic atari then the Retron 77 is really cool and I do recommend it, but be sure and upgrade that firmware.

First off I love that this system allows you to play Atari 2600 games in higher resolution and through an HDMI cord. It makes things much clearer and crisp. The games seem reinvigorated! The 2600 was known for bright colors and blocky chunky graphics, so this is the best they have ever looked. You can use the Hyperkin joysticks that come with the system. They are good. A little tighter than the original! You can also plug in your favorite vintage joystick or any controller that worked with the 2600 and they work too! Everything is awesome in that department.The only hitch I have found is not all of my cartridges work with the system, and I am not sure why. A couple I cleaned off and then they loaded... but a few just never seemed to interact correctly with the system. Oddly enough age wasn't a factor. I bought a new game from Atari Age and the Hyperkin could not read it, but my old dusty original 2600 picked it right up.One other gripe is that Hyperkin and other retro emulators often offer more than one system slot to work with... like an NES and an SNES port. But this one is limited to only 2600 games and does not support the 5200 or the 7800 cartridges. Pity they couldn't find a way to make it more versatile.But for the games that do work on this system they look AMAZING. And I like the controller. So all in all it is a welcome addition to my retro gaming habit!

I received the unit in good time. It works great. I am happy with my purchase.

I love this thing! Easy to hook up. Seems to play almost all my games. A few don't work, but it could be the carts too, it's hard to tell. Only drawback...will not accept Indy 500 Driving Controllers due to shape of plug. Overall a good value for the price.