WELL THIS IS INTERESTING.. Retron 5

[dunpeal2064]

I see what you mean, though that is probably more of a bonus for those that speak some Japanese like yourself, as I would just have no idea what I was looking at if the game was untranslated

Not to bring down your point, but there are repros with switches on them to load different roms, or different versions of a game, so it is still possible, though certainly more costly, since those would need to be custom made.

I'm not advocating repros though, even if I do own and enjoy mine. I'd recommend a flash cart over them any day, as that would let you load translated/original/fanmade/whatever rom you want on original hardware. Again, though, a handmade cart by some dude, and I can see that not having the appeal that some might look for in handling and enjoying actual factory-made original carts.

But that doesn't make moot the advantages of the Retron 5, it really just depends on what the individual wants. Original hardware isn't going to matter much for some games, and it does for others, same with original carts vs roms or repros.

[samsonlonghair]

Speaking of ROMs, has the hacking community dug their claws into the Retron5 yet?

[Opa Opa]

I'd wager that a large number of R5 owners do own, and care about, the original hardware, but use the R5 for its space-saving properties, save-states, and patching capabilities. I fall into that camp.

Oh, I know; that's why I'm poking a little fun at people (myself included-- why do I have 5 devices that play PS1 discs??).

It's a tad humorous to have the same 'dilemma' keep reappearing:
"should I really get X, I already have A, B, and C separately".

When will we stop buying these things? lol

[darsparx]

When they stop being useful

Played some gadget twins on my r5 good but kinda awkward to me with an snes controller though I will admit I suck at switching the hitting directions quickly in that game....

[Fragems]

Just thought I would mention that Amazon has the Retron 5 for 20% off right now. Both the Black and Gray versions are only $127.98 right now although the Black versions are currently out of stock and won't ship out till their next shipment on the 16th.

[Thierry Henry]

Just thought I would mention that Amazon has the Retron 5 for 20% off right now. Both the Black and Gray versions are only $127.98 right now although the Black versions are currently out of stock and won't ship out till their next shipment on the 16th.

Thanks man!
Was looking for a "reasonably" priced new unit with affordable shipping cost.
I was going to go the stoneagegamer route. Your link saved me close to $60.

[wclem]

Just thought I would mention that Amazon has the Retron 5 for 20% off right now. Both the Black and Gray versions are only $127.98 right now although the Black versions are currently out of stock and won't ship out till their next shipment on the 16th.

Thanks man!
Was looking for a "reasonably" priced new unit with affordable shipping cost.
I was going to go the stoneagegamer route. Your link saved me close to $60.

If you are not already you should sign up for Stone Age Gamer deal of the day email. I see some pretty decent discounts in there from time to time.

[DonSilvestre]

Just ordered some more SFC carts to use with translations: Star Ocean, Dragon Quest V and Dragon Quest VI.

Still love this machine. It's making me want to buy a new HDTV with even less display lag though.

[alienjesus]

I'm having problems getting the translation patch for Fire Emblem: Fuuin no Tsurugi to run. Any tips from people? This is the one I'm using: http://www.romhacking.net/translations/854/

[Tanooki]

I'm another in the camp that has original hardware. My motivations are pretty cut and dry. I have a little kid. She makes gaming hard on old systems where saves are far apart or non existent. I want to play on my TV, not on a computer, and using my real controller. My TV I researched a lot before getting, it has no HDTV input lag problem that's perceivable other than maybe Punchout but I haven't tested that one still as I am not in the mood. I know I can be sensitive to it playing shooters on PS2 with the game mode on it's fine, off I get shot up (gradius 3+4 were the test as was silpheed) so if that crapped, then Tyson would easily too.

I'm in it for the hot saves, the HDMI visuals, the ability to use a game I actually am invest into (cart and a select few bootleg...err "repros" for those with no conscience ), and to use my real controls too. It also has some nice side effects with that saving, if I wanted to really dig into Mario Paint it has a crappy teeny save spot on it so overwriting work is a constant but on the R5 you can save heaps of stuff into the varying save state slots. You could also use the screen shot feature to move them to a SD card and to the PC too which is a bonus.

There's also that IPS/UPS patching trick. I have around 20 Famicom games and some of them have translations, and then there's that one for the US Castlevania 2 giving it a JP to english accurate translation plus a cool overworld map too. All those things roll together into making it interesting or I'd have never bought it. I even have a GB Player, but the player on the R5 is superior (yet I keep the GB Player too.) My top loader that's modded is put away in a cabinet, and the dk super set is back in the box like new still. I don't trust overseas chinese stuff to have the durability of the old stuff Nintendo made in Japan.