Two retro consoles are scheduled for release in the coming months for those of us that have held on dearly to our old-school games. Now instead of re-buying virtual console games on the Wii and Wii U, you can dust off those original NES, SNES, and Sega cartridges stored in the attic from yesteryear.
The first is Retro-bit’s Super Retro Trio launching in mid-to-late March, which will allow users to play Sega Genesis, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System games for $69.99. It will come with 6 controller ports for use with the original controllers from the aforementioned systems, 2 corded physical gamepads modeled after the SNES pad, and an S-video/AV cable. Unfortunately no HDMI option is available on this model, but if up-scaling to 720p is of utmost importance, then the next console will suit your needs.
Hyperkin’s $99.99 RetroN 5 is compatible with Famicon, Super Famicon, Megadrive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance in addition to the three systems the Super Retro Trio supports (NES, SNES, and Genesis). It also allows for the use of original controllers through its 6 controller ports, but the system does come with a Bluetooth wireless gamepad and can have 4 of them connected at once. Lastly, it has an HDMI port for easy connectivity to modern LCDs and plasmas for the enjoyment of old-school games in modern day 720p. The RetroN 5 will be released by the end of March.
Both systems offer a great way to revisit old classics without the hassle of hooking up multiple systems. It will also be convenient for those whose old consoles have died but still have the original game cartridges with no way to play them. Looks like its time to fire up some Earthbound in glorious HD!
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