I thought the res looked more accurate to be honest but they were both relatively close, the Retron is the only standout here but not for a good reason. However the res audio was super quiet and that was baffling.
I'd probably have to go with the 8-Bit HD because it gets the colors right. The RES has close ones, but some are noticeably different. Retron HD screws the colors up a lot, most noticeable in Punch Out. Audio sounds the exact same in my opinion with all 3 consoles. Also the Retron HD looks very... soft... compared to the other consoles with the 8 Bit HD and RES having sharper pixels. Also I don't give a crap about 4:3 as I just for some odd reason hate borders. I mean, if I got a large screen, why not fill it?
I can forgive the colour issues of my Hyperkin as it plays well and the pad is lovely. I'm amazed at the amount of NES clones and emulation devices out there. I wish someone would make a decent Sega Master System clone. The system was a lot more popular here in the UK than the NES and, as much as I love NES, the carts are hard to come by and expensive here while SMS stuff is still everywhere.
There's no contest. The 8-bit HD is the best in this showdown. Better sound, crisper video.. it's all there. The color palette is spot on with the original color palette from the NES.
I too own the RetroN HD & the 8-Bit HD and I could not agree more. The biggest difference is that all RetroN consoles are really just prepackaged emulators, not actual hardware clones. Which means the RetroNs aren't known for their compatibility with peripherals and SD Carts. The lag is also _noticeable._ Especially in a tougher game like Castlevania III, in the later stages, the lag makes the game almost unplayable. Gamerz Tek just nailed it, like they do with all of their clones. I can personally attest that Everdrives and adapters do work with them, and they never lag. The 16-Bit HD by Gamerz Tek can even utilize the Super Retro Advance GBA to SNES Adapter _with_ a GBA Everdrive. It might be the only clone that actually can.
heh i think the better way to go is a cheap hdmi converter and the zoga top loader clone,most video show it is almost perfect. by the way need a real nes as a guide
I recently hooked my gamerz tek 8-bit HD up to my 47" HDTV through HDMI and I won't never be able to go back to original NES on an hdtv. I did a comparison video since some on Nintendo Age were saying composite out on original nes should look just as good because of the internal workings of the 8- bit HD and how it gets the signal to hdmi. My eyes don't lie though and my comparison video shows just what an improvement hdmi is. So crisp and sharp. Audio I have no issue with it's really close to original.
All of these devices are linux based machines with built-in emulators with high level input lags and other problems. There is two ways to reproduce original hardware: expensive way with analogue NT and non-expensive way with MistER FPGA. The first one uses original cartridges and the second one - ROM images on SD card, but you can attach four-buttons gamepads to emulate turbo fire.
Hey man just found you a couple days ago, really enjoy your content. Very quality. You keep attention well and have a very pro look to your videos. Keep up the good work!
I have been satisfied with the Retron so far. The colors might be a little funky but it's not bad enough to really bother me. Plus the controller is excellent.
I bought the 8bit HD months ago after watching your preview of it and it is a solid clone for sure. basically a backup in case my childhood NES or my CRT (RIP zapper games!) ever dies out on me.
I'm hunting for the best value hdmi clone console and there's a wild disparity between your stand-alone 8 bit HD review and this, how did the music issues get cleared up for this comparison video? What did I miss, haha
This looks like the second edition version of this console. The one you reviewed originally seemed to have more accurate audio emulation. What do you think?
I did buy the RetroN HD and while it's disappointing to see compared to the other two, I still enjoyed and the games I played, Contra TMNT and a couple others so far looked decent and it played well along with having a great controller. I read someone's comment that the colors display correct when using A/V cables. I might try that. I also might buy the G-8 bit HD or whatever it's called since it's only $30 and use it on my other TV.
Great video/review! On the next head to head comparison could we see video from original (nes) hardware for comparison / see what is most like the real deal. Just an idea, keep the great content coming 👍🏻
I have the Retron HD I really liked it at first but the colors are really off and completely wrong on some games. The last werewolf for an example instead of being a brown werewolf like he should be he's a blurry, bright orange warewolf on the Retron HD. But the colors display correctly when using an av connection with an crt television.
Pretty tough for me. The colors on the RetronHD are not the best, in fact they are odd (to say the least), but the sound is so much better there than on the other two consoles. This is via HDMI, because via composite, I find the colors to be quite acceptable. The 8bit HD...had the worst sound (for me), while the RES Plus was just lower in volume. Some effects were missing on both the 8BitHD and RES that were present on the RetronHD. Overall, it all depends on personal preference. I hope to get the GamerzTek HDMI combo console when it gets released later this year...and I hope it fixes the sound issue.
YES! MUSIC is so much better on Hyperkin. I'd rather have better music and sound and take a few odd colors. I actually like the brown color in Jurassic Park. Thought it made the grass/trees/brush pop more.
It seems like the noise channel is a bit louder on the RES than the other sound channels. Perhaps that's an underlying problem with their implementation that they compensated for by lowering the overall volume level to prevent distortion.
So Shawn, are you going to get the Gamerz Tek SNES HD as well? You know they're taking pre-orders on that too. They even had one that include both NES and SNES clone hardware also in HD coming soon as well. Gamester81 just did a video review of a prototype on that one.
Great video and editing, but I wish you also showed the original NES on the split screen so we could see how accurate the colors really were on the clones. Also, you probably sold some 8-bit HDs. You should include an Amazon affiliate link so you make some commission off of that. :)
I lean towards the RES Plus, I feel the colors are more true than the 8-Bit HD, but I suppose the sound quality might be slightly better on the latter.
Did they fix the Castlevania III sound issues that the 8 Bit HD had in your previous review? It sounds like they might have, but I figured I'd ask just in case. Thanks for the video! :-)
The 8 bot he looks more authentic by color pallet but the music is less punchy but for the price it’s the better pick the res plus is good but the color is off on it just has slightly better audio though
Wow....I really expected more out of Hyperkin...don't know why, maybe because i've known about them much longer so I figure they would have a superior product...
The RetroBit and the GamersTek look almost identical. I prefer to see my old games in 4:3. I also prefer to watch old content shot in 4:3 in 4:3, not stretched or cropped to fit. The RetroBit sounds a bit quieter. I've heard that Juassic Park music before in a Commodore 64 game! Top Gun I think it was! The Retron's darker too. The GamersTek seems to be the best one, but as I live in a PAL country, my only choice would be the Retron, no point in buying a system that only plays imports.
I think it depends on more If the person gets downed by the true color vs color pallete because someone could not mind because they are on a low budget. I have to agree with the audio part it wasn't really that easy to distinguish the audio from the system and hear it that well.
I have to go retro bit they were my first retro console clone the RES actually a cool famiclone and the my Super Retro Trio is amazing so quality and price I go retro bit
I don’t like the smoothing either. I’m trying to find a clone that doesn’t do that and has normal colors that won’t look weird. I have a 4:3 aspect setting on my tv. Will it look ok with one of the other two clones?
I appreciate your time! I'm really into the tecmo super bowl games with updated rosters. My unit I have now flashes colors at times during game. Will 8 bit hd fix this? I have 4 k tv.
I think the 8bit did better, is there a way to get clone cartridges too? I don't wanna pay like 80 bucks for old NES cartridges to break with my kids 🤔
ABOUT DAMN TIME! I think res plus wins on video because the palette was as close to original as possible and from an audio stand point the 8-bit hd has more clarity
No you can't... and it's not emulation, it's a clone console with a built in terrible upscaler. It's honestly my most regrettable retro purchase since I got back into it 5 years ago. The only good part about it is the controller that comes with it, I really like it.
Great comparison video bro! I guess for me, I'm a weirdo I know, but I still prefer the original NES with the unreliable pin connectors and a/v connection. Running on a CRT if course. Again, it's entirely preferential.
RGT 85 The other good side of these machines in general is that they keep up the interest in retro gaming in a more contemporary fashion while offering reliable ways to play classics. Nothing pisses me off more then when I'm playing Crystallis and the NES crashes... So totally get the function, I'm just a bit weirded out by the concept of HD 8-bit graphics.
Im looking to play super mario 2 on nes with sharp images and the color seems blurry when played on my orginal nes on my hd tv. Would you recommend 8 bit hd for that game as well? Thanks
It seems the Everdrive only works with the first version of 8 Bit HD (which has poor audio in Castlevania III), not the revision that RGT 85 reviewed in this video.
Maybe so but again in Castlevania 3 it's hard to hear the second console. I think you should add full screen comparison between all 3 consoles. It's hard to see if the picture is sharp or not on these small thumbnails
You compare 3 famiclones that all of them have a bad audio. Nice. The worst thing you didn't showed us SMB. SMB is the perfect way to tell from a console it is bad or not. It has simple music and simple sound effect so it's very easy to tell if something is wrong. Well I spare your time and tell you those consoles are not worth any money. If somebody wants to get a good HD NES console they should buy a console that is good and buy a HD upscaler for that.
Ivan Nava you aren't likely to find an SNES clone with games built in because they would need to acquire licensing for each. That's why these NES clones don't build them in. But you will prob see SNES HD clones within a year, and you can just wait for one compatible with flashcarts. Probably the closest solution you will find without resorting to buying carts.
The analog NT at $599.99 is a trifle bargain when I light my cigars with Shadowless Holo Charizards and wipe my neithers with Earthbound manuals.
2 years later.
Awesome comment
@@vgjhlgjhfuyfjhfjkhgyghj thanks dude
Oooooh you don't mind stretched 16:9? Blasphemy! :P
I thought the res looked more accurate to be honest but they were both relatively close, the Retron is the only standout here but not for a good reason. However the res audio was super quiet and that was baffling.
Great idea for a video and well done comparison. Thanks for making this Shawn! It's unbelievable how different they make the games look on them.
I'd probably have to go with the 8-Bit HD because it gets the colors right. The RES has close ones, but some are noticeably different. Retron HD screws the colors up a lot, most noticeable in Punch Out. Audio sounds the exact same in my opinion with all 3 consoles.
Also the Retron HD looks very... soft... compared to the other consoles with the 8 Bit HD and RES having sharper pixels.
Also I don't give a crap about 4:3 as I just for some odd reason hate borders. I mean, if I got a large screen, why not fill it?
Did you dry addons like the game genie, everdrive, or light gun? Curious to see which is the most compatible across the board.
I guess that as a European, I should close the video at 2:16 xD
I can forgive the colour issues of my Hyperkin as it plays well and the pad is lovely. I'm amazed at the amount of NES clones and emulation devices out there. I wish someone would make a decent Sega Master System clone. The system was a lot more popular here in the UK than the NES and, as much as I love NES, the carts are hard to come by and expensive here while SMS stuff is still everywhere.
There's no contest. The 8-bit HD is the best in this showdown. Better sound, crisper video.. it's all there. The color palette is spot on with the original color palette from the NES.
The Retron HD seemed to have the best audio, with the low end being at the perfect level, but the 8-Bit HD had the most consistent visuals
The review I've been waiting for! I agree the 8-bit HD rocked it. I know which one I'm getting. As always thanks for the great content.
Love your videos bro! Never boring.
I too own the RetroN HD & the 8-Bit HD and I could not agree more. The biggest difference is that all RetroN consoles are really just prepackaged emulators, not actual hardware clones. Which means the RetroNs aren't known for their compatibility with peripherals and SD Carts. The lag is also _noticeable._ Especially in a tougher game like Castlevania III, in the later stages, the lag makes the game almost unplayable. Gamerz Tek just nailed it, like they do with all of their clones. I can personally attest that Everdrives and adapters do work with them, and they never lag. The 16-Bit HD by Gamerz Tek can even utilize the Super Retro Advance GBA to SNES Adapter _with_ a GBA Everdrive. It might be the only clone that actually can.
It would help if we could actually HEAR the audio... It's waaaaaay too quiet, whereas your voice over is way too loud...
+FloatingFatMan I didn't want the Nintendo crazies flagging the vid. Lol
heh i think the better way to go is a cheap hdmi converter and the zoga top loader clone,most video show it is almost perfect.
by the way need a real nes as a guide
RGT 85 It's probably just as a likely that a Nintendo hater will take it down just to piss you off.
Zoga is the perfect choice for a clone console.Or a modded Retro Duo.
@@RGT85 hey RPG 85 what is the best clone consoles that can play ever drives or multicartes that is HD with the HDMI port?
I recently hooked my gamerz tek 8-bit HD up to my 47" HDTV through HDMI and I won't never be able to go back to original NES on an hdtv. I did a comparison video since some on Nintendo Age were saying composite out on original nes should look just as good because of the internal workings of the 8- bit HD and how it gets the signal to hdmi. My eyes don't lie though and my comparison video shows just what an improvement hdmi is. So crisp and sharp. Audio I have no issue with it's really close to original.
All of these devices are linux based machines with built-in emulators with high level input lags and other problems. There is two ways to reproduce original hardware: expensive way with analogue NT and non-expensive way with MistER FPGA. The first one uses original cartridges and the second one - ROM images on SD card, but you can attach four-buttons gamepads to emulate turbo fire.
Hey man just found you a couple days ago, really enjoy your content. Very quality. You keep attention well and have a very pro look to your videos. Keep up the good work!
Is Shawn a clone system?
Let's find out.
I have been satisfied with the Retron so far. The colors might be a little funky but it's not bad enough to really bother me. Plus the controller is excellent.
I bought the 8bit HD months ago after watching your preview of it and it is a solid clone for sure. basically a backup in case my childhood NES or my CRT (RIP zapper games!) ever dies out on me.
Wow that color palette is jacked. Let me guess Mario is purple and yellow when you pop that in too?
the 8 bit hd has better audio, it sounds more powerful and the retro bit console sounds a bit off
Does the 8bit Hd play Everdrives? Do all 3?
I'm hunting for the best value hdmi clone console and there's a wild disparity between your stand-alone 8 bit HD review and this, how did the music issues get cleared up for this comparison video? What did I miss, haha
Was there an original to the RES+? I’m shopping online and I see that some are not listing the “plus” and I was wondering if they’re the same?
RIP @2:22 lol, good video buddy!
This looks like the second edition version of this console. The one you reviewed originally seemed to have more accurate audio emulation. What do you think?
Great comparison, thanks for doing this!
If I'm ever in Pinehurst I may let you compare it to my Hi-Def NES. Great video!
I did buy the RetroN HD and while it's disappointing to see compared to the other two, I still enjoyed and the games I played, Contra TMNT and a couple others so far looked decent and it played well along with having a great controller. I read someone's comment that the colors display correct when using A/V cables. I might try that.
I also might buy the G-8 bit HD or whatever it's called since it's only $30 and use it on my other TV.
For 30$ it's worth it
Love my 8 Bit HD. I hope they come out with a version 2.0 with an 4 by 3 switch, Id sell my old one and buy that.
this is a fantastic video the side by side by side is very useful, Thanks!!!
Great video/review! On the next head to head comparison could we see video from original (nes) hardware for comparison / see what is most like the real deal. Just an idea, keep the great content coming 👍🏻
Audio on Retro HD is the best out of those three. Since it's just a stepping stone till I get my original NES modded for RGB, I like the better audio.
I have the Retron HD I really liked it at first but the colors are really off and completely wrong on some games. The last werewolf for an example instead of being a brown werewolf like he should be he's a blurry, bright orange warewolf on the Retron HD. But the colors display correctly when using an av connection with an crt television.
Glad someone pointed this out about using the AV connection.
So will using the av with a modern monitor fix color issues too?
Pretty tough for me. The colors on the RetronHD are not the best, in fact they are odd (to say the least), but the sound is so much better there than on the other two consoles. This is via HDMI, because via composite, I find the colors to be quite acceptable. The 8bit HD...had the worst sound (for me), while the RES Plus was just lower in volume. Some effects were missing on both the 8BitHD and RES that were present on the RetronHD. Overall, it all depends on personal preference. I hope to get the GamerzTek HDMI combo console when it gets released later this year...and I hope it fixes the sound issue.
YES! MUSIC is so much better on Hyperkin. I'd rather have better music and sound and take a few odd colors. I actually like the brown color in Jurassic Park. Thought it made the grass/trees/brush pop more.
Liked this video wish we could see bigger images and audio was quiet but this was a good comparison video
It seems like the noise channel is a bit louder on the RES than the other sound channels. Perhaps that's an underlying problem with their implementation that they compensated for by lowering the overall volume level to prevent distortion.
Been waiting for this episode.
The music issues on Castlevania 3 for the 8 bit hd seem to be gone. Thanks for this review! Makes the decision easy!
So Shawn, are you going to get the Gamerz Tek SNES HD as well? You know they're taking pre-orders on that too. They even had one that include both NES and SNES clone hardware also in HD coming soon as well. Gamester81 just did a video review of a prototype on that one.
Weell finally got around to adding 77 extra games to my Nes mini. It's a dream, I could never buy a real one and collect that many cartridges.
Great video and editing, but I wish you also showed the original NES on the split screen so we could see how accurate the colors really were on the clones.
Also, you probably sold some 8-bit HDs. You should include an Amazon affiliate link so you make some commission off of that. :)
That is a good idea as this vid did help with my decision and would love for him to get a kickback because of it.
ITS HERE
I lean towards the RES Plus, I feel the colors are more true than the 8-Bit HD, but I suppose the sound quality might be slightly better on the latter.
Did they fix the Castlevania III sound issues that the 8 Bit HD had in your previous review? It sounds like they might have, but I figured I'd ask just in case. Thanks for the video! :-)
The 8 bot he looks more authentic by color pallet but the music is less punchy but for the price it’s the better pick the res plus is good but the color is off on it just has slightly better audio though
All 3 of them are actually made by QiShengLong aka Hamy. Open them up and their boards are probably just different revisions of the exact same thing.
Wow....I really expected more out of Hyperkin...don't know why, maybe because i've known about them much longer so I figure they would have a superior product...
The RetroBit and the GamersTek look almost identical.
I prefer to see my old games in 4:3. I also prefer to watch old content shot in 4:3 in 4:3, not stretched or cropped to fit.
The RetroBit sounds a bit quieter.
I've heard that Juassic Park music before in a Commodore 64 game! Top Gun I think it was!
The Retron's darker too.
The GamersTek seems to be the best one, but as I live in a PAL country, my only choice would be the Retron, no point in buying a system that only plays imports.
I have a retro bit NES Plus and I love it works very very.
2:22 Shawn Long's grip!
Great review! I agree with the conclusion.
hyperkins hardware design always looks more quality than its competitors,but once u turn on their systems, disappointment hits
Wow, awesome review. I always assumed the Retron was the way to go..now I'm thinking different
I'm looking forward to the 8-bit boy xl coming out, got that bad boy on preorder!
I think it depends on more If the person gets downed by the true color vs color pallete because someone could not mind because they are on a low budget. I have to agree with the audio part it wasn't really that easy to distinguish the audio from the system and hear it that well.
That's a good point
8 Bit HD from GamerTech IS THE CLEAR WINNER OF THESE GRAPHICS
how many shirts you got? you always seem to have a cool new shirt like 5 times a week lol
I have to go retro bit they were my first retro console clone the RES actually a cool famiclone and the my Super Retro Trio is amazing so quality and price I go retro bit
I think the Res Plus did great. It got a lot of the colors right. I just wish I heard the Super Mario Bros. game sounds.
Have you thought about comparing the 8bit HD against a hacked NES Classic to see which image and sound was better?
I doubt he would do that since one is a legal system and the other is an illegal hack. It is an interesting idea though.
I don’t like the smoothing either. I’m trying to find a clone that doesn’t do that and has normal colors that won’t look weird. I have a 4:3 aspect setting on my tv. Will it look ok with one of the other two clones?
Do any of these run flash carts?
the color pallette for retron HD in hdmi is totally different then the av on crt it will output both signials at the same time
Lon.tv tested all 3 and the RES+ had less input lag.
What is the best console that plays cartridges and allows for game saves and cheat codes? Do any of the ones in this video allow for saves and cheats?
Those hyperkin nes consoles are a nightmare to repair and work on, most of it hasto do with the fact the cartridge slot will SHRED your cartridge pins
well done comparison
Is the 8Bit HD emulation or hardware based? I have a Retron 5 and am wondering if this would be worth it (up to $35 on Amazon now). Thanks!
All tvs I have ever seen have a 4:3 option by accessing the "Wide mode": menu.
I appreciate your time! I'm really into the tecmo super bowl games with updated rosters. My unit I have now flashes colors at times during game. Will 8 bit hd fix this? I have 4 k tv.
I think the 8bit did better, is there a way to get clone cartridges too? I don't wanna pay like 80 bucks for old NES cartridges to break with my kids 🤔
Hey, I lost my AC power adapter for my console, any idea how many voltages it is so I can get a replacement? Thank you
8 Bit HD gets my vote
ABOUT DAMN TIME! I think res plus wins on video because the palette was as close to original as possible and from an audio stand point the 8-bit hd has more clarity
That Breath of the Wild shirt he's wearing is awesome.
I have sent rayman 10th anniversary for the ps2 we talked about on facebook it should be with you soon
Can you alter the color palette of the retron HD? I know in some emulators on PC you can choose different palettes.
No you can't... and it's not emulation, it's a clone console with a built in terrible upscaler. It's honestly my most regrettable retro purchase since I got back into it 5 years ago. The only good part about it is the controller that comes with it, I really like it.
Glad you didn't mention the Analogue NT, doesn't make much sense to spend that kinda of money on a NES clone. lol
Great comparison video bro! I guess for me, I'm a weirdo I know, but I still prefer the original NES with the unreliable pin connectors and a/v connection. Running on a CRT if course. Again, it's entirely preferential.
+Game Glyph for sure. And the best one of these is a retro USB AVS anyways but she's pricey.
RGT 85 The other good side of these machines in general is that they keep up the interest in retro gaming in a more contemporary fashion while offering reliable ways to play classics. Nothing pisses me off more then when I'm playing Crystallis and the NES crashes... So totally get the function, I'm just a bit weirded out by the concept of HD 8-bit graphics.
Im looking to play super mario 2 on nes with sharp images and the color seems blurry when played on my orginal nes on my hd tv. Would you recommend 8 bit hd for that game as well?
Thanks
Nintendo Games are 1:1 Aspect Ratio. 256x224. Games look stretched in 4:3 Aspect Ratio
can all of them play multi carts? like those 500 in 1 nes carts on amazon?
so do any of these work with lightgun games?
So only the Retron can play Pal games ??
I think retro-bit did a great job with the RES+
im thinking of buying one. is it still working well for you?
the tie breaker is the everdrive n8 works with the 8 bit hd and does not work with the res plus
It seems the Everdrive only works with the first version of 8 Bit HD (which has poor audio in Castlevania III), not the revision that RGT 85 reviewed in this video.
Seriously so I can’t get one of these to play an Everdrive?
The sound is all wrong on every one of these.
Why did you put your comment when comparing audio samples? I don't hear anything because of that.
+zolwikwkurwik I literally talked for like 2 minutes total over all the footage. Lol
Maybe so but again in Castlevania 3 it's hard to hear the second console. I think you should add full screen comparison between all 3 consoles. It's hard to see if the picture is sharp or not on these small thumbnails
You compare 3 famiclones that all of them have a bad audio. Nice. The worst thing you didn't showed us SMB. SMB is the perfect way to tell from a console it is bad or not. It has simple music and simple sound effect so it's very easy to tell if something is wrong. Well I spare your time and tell you those consoles are not worth any money. If somebody wants to get a good HD NES console they should buy a console that is good and buy a HD upscaler for that.
Good call on your pick!
Is there alternatives for a SNES mini classic with games already built in? Thanks 👍
+Ivan Nava not yet. China will make some tho soon
RGT 85 Thank you. What would you recommend for a NES classic? Enjoy the channel 👍
Ivan Nava you aren't likely to find an SNES clone with games built in because they would need to acquire licensing for each. That's why these NES clones don't build them in. But you will prob see SNES HD clones within a year, and you can just wait for one compatible with flashcarts. Probably the closest solution you will find without resorting to buying carts.
Did you check the color on composite? It’s different.
exactly.
I want the Retro Trio HD instead. It might play Everdrive games.
Nah man gotta buy a NT that damages your carts. Plus think of all the things you can’t buy when you drop hundreds on it.
Does the 8 bit hd run PAL cartridges?
Honestly probably should have put on TMNT 2 arcade cuz that is so mixed up in legalities no one can really claim it lol
Awesome comparison video Shawn! Well that proves that you get what you paid for isn't always true lol.
This test i want i will get the corona version