2019 Budget Genesis Shootout: Gamerz Tek MiniGen HD vs Hyperkin MegaRetron HD vs HD Retrovision
338In this video, we compare the Gamerz Tek Mini Gen HD, Hyperkin Mega Retron HD and HD Retrovision Cables routed through an OSSC.
Since mid-2018, one question I frequently was asked was "What's the best way to play Genesis Games on my flat panel TV?". This happened more frequently after I reviewed both the Mini Gen HD and Mega Retron HD, as people wanted to know what the best option out there is. I've also been a big fan of the HD Retrovision Component Cables and how they look through my OSSC, so I thought it was time to compare the three options against each other.
What about the Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio+ you might be asking? Well, while it is a great system and an exceptional value, I wanted to compare Genesis Clone against Genesis Clone. Also, since the Super Retro Trio+ does not offer a native 4:3 display option I feel the Mini Gen HD and Mega Retron HD are better overall solutions.
Included Controller:
Both systems include really nice 6-button controllers that perform very well. The Mini Gen HD gets points for including 2 controllers, both of which even feature the necessary "Mode" button. The Mega Retron HD only includes one controller, their "Squire" design which is also available separately. One thing that really shifts the favor towards the Mega Retron HD, however, is the length of the cord on the controller. At 10-feet it is almost twice the length of the Mini Gen HD's controller cord. Form and functionality, both controllers are great, but that longer cord, for me as someone who doesn't have much need for a second controller, I have to give the edge to the Mega Retron HD.
Audio:
Neither quite match the original's audio, especially in terms of the deep base that the Genesis is known for. The volume was a little louder on the Mini Gen HD, however, the depth of the sound seemed superior on the Mega Retron HD. The HD Retrovision cables, however, well they're just amazing when it comes to the sound. The deep bass was there, the stereo sound was spot on, it just cannot be beaten.
Video:
I'm going to start out by saying all of these solutions look great, and they are all vastly superior to Composite video outputs. Both clone systems look great, but there are some differences between the two. The Mini Gen HD has a slightly softer color palette in some games, but I felt like it was closer to the actual Genesis' image with many games. The Mega Retron HD had a more vibrant color palette, however, in Earthworm Jim it produced a slightly softer, less-grainy image I actually liked more than even the actual Genesis' image! The HD Retrovision Cables looked simply stunning, the character sprites looked amazing. One thing of note here, the HD Retrovision Cables when connected to the OSSC introduces 0-lag, while there is a slight amount of lag and latency with both the clones.
Wrap-Up:
Mini Gen HD - At $39.99 with 2 controllers, HDMI & Micro USB Cables & power supply, this does a great job for the money. The colors aren't quite as vibrant & the system lacks a little bass in the audio, but it's a great value.
Mega Retron HD - At $45.99 it is a little more expensive and only has 1 controller but the colors and audio are better. It also includes all the same cables as the Mini Gen HD, so it's a really good package.
HD Retrovision Cables/OSSC/Original Genesis - At $300+ this is the most expensive solution, but it's also the most authentic. This setup looks amazing, sounds great and has 0-lag. But you can buy either of these clones and build a deep library for this same $300+.
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