Blast Processing Powered Unboxing: Hyperkin Mega Retron HD Sega Genesis & Mega Drive HDMI System
111In this video, we unbox the Hyperkin Mega Retron HD 16-bit Genesis and Mega Drive HD Clone Video Game System.
While NES HD clone systems are a dime a dozen, their Sega counterparts have been much more sparse. Be it Mega Drive or Genesis, there just hasn't been much out there for fans of Blast Processing. Hyperkin is looking to change that with their new Mega Retron HD, a 16-Bit Genesis and Mega Drive-compatible system that looks to bring your games to your flat panel TV with the best picture possible.
Please note, this is ONLY an unboxing. We will be uploading a full review in the coming days. Please check back for that video.
The Mega Retron HD is a nice package, from its very budget-friendly $45.99 price tag to how it comes equipped out of the box. The system includes everything you need for power and to connect it to your television. Power is provided by a micro-USB power brick and cable which, unlike the PlayStation Classic Edition, comes in the box with the system. Connecting the system to your television, whether HDMI-equipped or composite CRT, is made easy thanks to the included HDMI and Composite video cables.
The system includes a single 6-button controller. It didn't hit me at first but when I realized there was only one controller included I was a bit surprised. Hyperkin only included one controller with the Retron HD, included two controllers with the SupaRetron HD, and now went back to including one controller with the system. I don't think this is a make or break thing myself, as I have a boatload of Genesis-compatible controllers already. By only including one controller it does help keep the base price of the system a bit lower.
The controller itself is quite nice. First and foremost, it comes with a 10-foot long cable. THANK YOU! I hate short controller cables and this will make it possible for me to sit back on my loveseat with the system on my display stand without an issue. The controller is a 6-button variety, which makes it perfect for anything from Sonic to Mortal Kombat. The top of the controller also features the Mode button that, while not many games used, some did and this controller can enable this.
The D-pad is a pretty good replica of the original 6-button controller. Unlike, say, the SNES controller which had the D-Pad inset in the molded shell casing itself the 6-button Genesis controller "floats" on a central pivot. In some ways, this design reminds me of the YoK SNES Classic Edition Wireless Controller. I like how that D-Pad worked on that controller, and I am hoping for big things from this controller as well.
From a compatibility standpoint, the Mega Retron HD features a slide switch on the bottom of the system for NTSC-J, NTSC-U, and PAL games. This means that, regardless of region, this system should be able to play every single Genesis or Mega Drive game, regardless of region. Another switch that is included on the system is a 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio switch on the back of the unit.
During my talks with the folks at Hyperkin and in preparation for my review I did ask whether or not the Master System Power Base Converter would work with the unit. I was informed the Power Base physically will not fit on the Mega Retron HD, so that will not work. They did let me know that the Power Base Mini from Stone Age Gamer might work, but they can't guarantee compatibility.
Please let us know if you have any questions you want us to address in our full-blown review, coming soon.
The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107
Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include—
(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;
(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 101–650, title VI, § 607, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5132; Pub. L. 102–492, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3145.)