Hyperkin RetroN 2 HD Gaming Console for NES & SNES - Retro Play

In this review the RetroN 2 HD earns its place for players who want to revisit original NES, Super NES and Super Famicom cartridges on modern displays without keeping multiple legacy consoles. The single biggest reason to buy is straightforward compatibility: the unit accepts authentic cartridges (NTSC and PAL), repro and EverDrive carts and outputs a clean 720p HDMI signal so games look usable on HDTVs. It ships with two retro-style controllers and offers both HDMI and AV outputs, making it a convenient bridge from old hardware to living-room TVs.

Key Features

• 2-in-1 cartridge support: Play NES, Super NES and Super Famicom cartridges in the same chassis to avoid swapping between original consoles.
• 720p HDMI output: The included 3 ft. HDMI cable delivers HD video so classic games display sharply on modern HDTVs.
• Aspect ratio switch: Toggle between 4:3 and 16:9 with the built-in switch for either an authentic or widescreen presentation.
• Included premium controllers: The Cadet and Scout controllers provide a familiar, retro-inspired feel and the ports support original controllers for authenticity.
• AV and HDMI flexibility: Built-in AV output lets you connect to older CRTs while HDMI supports contemporary displays.
• Wide cartridge compatibility: Works with original cartridges, repros and cartridge-based flash solutions like EverDrive.

Who It's For

The RetroN 2 HD is ideal for retro gaming fans who already own a library of NES or SNES/Super Famicom cartridges and want a single, compact console to play them on modern TVs. It also suits collectors who use EverDrive or repro carts and need reliable hardware compatibility without tracking down multiple original systems.

It is less appropriate for purists chasing authentic analog video output or exact CRT scanline behavior, and for those wanting upscaling beyond 720p or advanced image filters; users seeking those features should consider specialized upscalers or FPGA-based solutions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple, all-in-one support for NES and SNES/Super Famicom cartridges reduces equipment clutter.
• Clear 720p HDMI output makes games usable on modern HDTVs, with an included HDMI cable for convenience.
• Includes two premium retro-style controllers and supports original controllers through built-in ports.
• Built-in AV output preserves the option to play on CRTs when desired.

Cons

• Color accuracy and overall image polish receive mixed feedback from customers; some report a cheap look on larger UHD TVs.
• Fixed 720p output may disappoint users wanting higher-resolution upscaling or advanced video processing.

Specifications

Compatibility	NES, Super NES, Super Famicom (NTSC/PAL), repro and EverDrive
Video output	HDMI 720p and composite AV
Aspect ratios	4:3 and 16:9 selectable (HDMI only)
Included controllers	Cadet (NES-style) and Scout (SNES-style)
Included cables	3 ft. HDMI cable and AV cable, 6 ft. micro USB charge cable
Controller ports	Original controller ports for each console type

Our Verdict

The RetroN 2 HD is a practical, cost-effective way to play authentic NES and SNES-era cartridges on modern TVs without juggling original hardware. Its broad cartridge compatibility, HDMI output and included controllers make it good value for casual retro players and collectors who prioritize convenience over the last word in video fidelity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this play my original SNES and NES cartridges?
Yes, it supports original NES, Super NES and Super Famicom cartridges and also works with repro carts and EverDrive-type flash carts.

Can I use the HDMI output on a modern 4K TV?
Yes, the console outputs 720p over HDMI and will display on 4K TVs, though customers report varying color accuracy and image appearance on very large UHD screens.

Does it include controllers and necessary cables?
Yes, it ships with two premium controllers (Cadet and Scout), a 3 ft. HDMI cable, an AV cable and a 6 ft. micro USB charge cable.