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Interview with Hyperkin: David Yu talks about the RetroN 5
As the years roll on, we tend to forget that our gaming consoles from two (and even three) decades ago will not last forever. To ensure longevity of our precious plastic, Hyperkin has taken the task to create a console that will play most (if not all) of our game cartridges. We cornered Hyperkin’s David Yu and asked him some pressing questions about their upcoming RetroN 5 gaming console.
Australian Retro Gamer [ARG]: In the beginning – tell us about the genesis of Hyperkin and their product line.
David Yu [DY]: Hyperkin was founded by three brothers who started out in the games industry by selling Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) Dance Pads at the height of their popularity. As their business started to grow, their customers and retail partners started to ask them to supply more peripherals and accessories. Eventually, as the demand for these products started to grow, they chose to shift their business toward concentrating on peripherals and accessories. They realised that they needed to create a trademark, and thus, Hyperkin was formed.
Hyperkin found that in order to carve an identity for the company, they needed to find a niche. Upon further research, they found that the retro gaming market was grossly under-served and because most of them had grown up with classic consoles, the decision was made toward focusing their efforts to serve this demographic.
ARG: What is the biggest ‘thing’ about the RetroN 5 system?
DY: The biggest thing? It’s really hard to pinpoint one aspect of the console that is the biggest feature, as there are so many. One of big features is the HDMI output and up-conversion. Most of the retro games do not translate well on a HDTV, and that is a shame. The fact that we have to hold onto our old CRT TV’s to play these games, is a travesty. I do know, that for some hardcore retro gamers, that is the preferable way. But for myself, it didn’t make sense that I had to continue to hold on to a heavy CRT TV just to play my favourite games, while my really awesome slim HDTV just sat there. The fact that the RetroN 5 can play our classic games in full HD glory is personally my favourite feature. The RetroN 5 will output a resolution of up to 720p, and you will be given the option to change the aspect ratio. We have also added filters and shaders which will make images look smoother and brighter, and for those who like scan-lines we will also include that filter. Pretty much, we’ll be giving users multiple options to customize their overall gaming experience, because, at the end of the day, isn’t that what we really want?
ARG: Just to follow up on the HD capability of the RetroN 5, does that mean ‘gun’ games, like NES Duck Hunt will work on it ? If it did, that would be a miracle!
DY: Unfortunately, no, as this is an issue with the television rather than the system (ARG: Darn HDTV!). There are currently no plans to update or to create a light gun that works on HDTVs.
ARG: One of the key selling points will be compatibility. Which old game cartridges should we hold onto so we can play them on the RetroN5 ?
DY: As it stands, the RetroN 5 has five cartridge slots for the Famicom, NES, Genesis, SNES and Game Boy Advance. Additionally, Mega Drive, Super Famicom, Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges will also be compatible with the system. In essence, that is 9 different systems that gamers can have access to on one convenient console.
We wanted gamers all over the world to be able to play their favourite games without having to worry about region compatibility. All PAL and NTSC cartridges will be compatible, including games with FX chips and CIC lockout chips. We have stated that our goal is for 100% compatibility, and to ensure that we meet this goal, we have asked several prominent members of the retro gaming community to assist us in compatibility testing, as their collections range from the rare to the obscure. To some extent, we do realize that a small number of games may not be compatible at launch. To remedy that, once we have identified those games, we will provide users with consistent firmware updates which can be downloaded from our website. We will also include additional console features (in our updates) which we will continually develop.
ARG: I have always wanted know about the R&D process of gaming consoles – how long does it take to bring such a product to market?
DY: I cannot disclose our practices regarding our research and development, as it wouldn’t be wise to give our competitors a glimpse into our processes. I can go as far as letting you know that there is extensive planning and research, prototyping, testing, and eventually production. I will also say that we get a lot of feedback through attending various trade shows and conventions to directly connect with the gaming community. We are also very active on social media, as we feel it is a key tool into allowing gamers to have direct interaction with us. This is one of our methods we use toward research of a product.
ARG: The all important question which is on our mind – what are the launch, availability and distribution details ?
DY: At the moment, because we are still in development, we do not have a set release date. So, I’ll say Summer 2013. At this time, I can only give you information on the US launch. Regarding launch in different regions, I do not have anything definitive to say at this moment, and if and when a decision are made, we will make an official announcement. I wish I could elaborate more on that, however, I will say this: we are doing our best to try to have the RetroN 5 available to as many people as we possibly can.
ARG: Lastly, are you a Nintendo, Sega, Atari or Commodore retro gaming fan ?
DY: Wow. That’s a great question. I know it sounds like a very vanilla answer, but I’m a fan of all types of gaming. I am a firm believer in playing everything at least once. Working at Hyperkin has definitely given me the opportunity to revisit a lot of my favourite games in the past, as well as playing multiple current gen games. That being said, I will have to say that for retro gaming, I’m a huge Super Nintendo fan. I truly believe that the SNES was the best Nintendo system ever. Most recently, my greatest thrill was to go to pick up a copy of Mike Tyson’s Punch Out for the NES from the Midwest Gaming Classic. Not the Punch Out with Mr. Dream, but the one with Mike Tyson. That game isn’t as satisfying unless you know that you can fight Mike Tyson.
Thank you for your time David, it was great to get an insight on Hyperkin and the upcoming RetroN5 system. We can’t wait to get our hands on it.
Don’t forget to check out Hyperkin at this year’s E3 (South Hall, Booth #417). Roll on summer (Australian winter) 2013!
Images source: Hyperkin
SuperByte 2013: Chiptunes, Retro Gaming and 8-Bit Art
Back in 2012, a musical and cultural festival was held in Manchester – SuperByte 2012. This event had all day micromusic (chiptunes) and retro gaming aplenty. The festival turned out to be the largest of its kind in the UK and attracted visitors from all over Great Britain and mainland Europe.
For 2013, SuperByte is back and bigger than ever! From 13 to 14 September 2013, the UK and international chiptune community will descend on Jabez Clegg in Manchester for two days of live music, visual arts, retro gaming and heaps more. SuperByte 2013 is going to be huge!
Get your SuperByte 2013 tickets now.
Event: SuperByte 2013 Festival
When: September 13 – 14 2013
Where: Jabez Clegg, Manchester
EuroGamer Expo 2013
Come this September, there is only one place you should be at – Earls Court in London for EuroGamer Expo – the UK’s biggest and best games show.
The Expo will feature playable versions of the latest and greatest games, and for those of us that want a hit of nostalgia, the Expo will feature the ever popular Retro Arcade zone.
Tickets are running out fast! Get yours here.
Event: EuroGamer Expo
When: September 26 – 29 2013
Where: Earls Court, London
EB Games Expo Sydney 2013
Lock up your dogs, give your cats to your mum, EB Games Expo Sydney 2013 is coming this October, from Friday 4th to Sunday the 6th!
Tickets have already gone on sale to Australia’s biggest and best gaming event, and by the looks of it, you better be quick, as they are going faster than Usain Bolt in a 100m sprint!
Making a return to its home at the Sydney Showgrounds, EB Games Expo 2013 will feature exhibitions of the hottest games from the biggest brands in gaming. Showcased in an exhibition hall bigger than two football fields, the Expo truly has to be seen to be believed. For more information on this huge event, check out the EB Games Events Team press release
Tickets for the EB Games Expo 2013 are on sale right now, get them at all EB Games stores, online store or Ticketek . General admission prices are the same as 2012, however the organisers have also introduced a new discounted 4 person multiplayer pass for both the Friday and Saturday twilight sessions. You better hurry up before they are all snapped up!
All images sourced from and remain the property of EB Games Expo 2013
Competition: Win Atari 2600 Games
COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!
In celebration of the new look ausretrogamer.com, we would like to offer you the chance to win these Atari 2600 games: Missile Command, Space Invaders and Freeway.
To enter this competition: email your age, gender, occupation, and the amount of time you spend gaming in a typical week to competitions@ausretrogamer.com with “A2600 Comp” in the subject line. We won’t pass your information on to anyone else; we just want to know a little bit about our readers. Read our privacy policy here.
Re:Play returns for 2013
EVENT ALERT!
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Freeplay present:
Re:Play – Indie Development: Exploring the Fringe [Unclassified 15+]
When: Tuesday March 26 2013 at 7:00pm,
Where: ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne
Tickets: Full $15; Concession $12; ACMI Member $11
This March, Re:Play will explore what it means to be an independent developer at the fringes of the mainstream and beyond in Indie Development: Exploring the Fringe.
The beauty of not being tied to corporations in the video gaming industry means that the game developer can truly remain independent – and, in doing so, explore their own personal passions, art and creativity.
Co-curated by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Freeplay, Re:Play is a series of talks about video games and everything else; live music, musings and memorabilia.
The Re:Play program brings together a host of game developers, critics, writers, academics and other industry experts as they explore questions of convergence, play and what gaming culture means today.
Come along and immerse yourself at Re:Play.
For event and ticketing details check here.
PAX Australia 2013
It is official ! ausretrogamer (Australian Retro Gamer) together with Retrospekt, Retro Gaming Australia and Retro Domination will bring the ‘Classic Consoles’ area to life at the first international PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) event to be held in Melbourne, Australia.
Event: Pacific Pinball Exposition
Event: 6th Annual Pacific Pinball Exposition
Dates: September 21 – 23, 2012
Time: Fri & Sat 10am – midnight
Sun 10am – 8pm
Venue: Marin County Civic Center,
Exhibition Hall, San Rafael, California
Admission: Child (U 12) $15 / Adult $30
Details: The world’s largest pinball event: a half-acre of pinball goodness from Bagatelle (1870) to Wizard of Oz (2012). Over 400 machines set on free play !
There will be a “space and science” theme by Chabot Space & Science Center and the Exploritorium. Four new pinball murals revealed – Domino, Golden Gate, Slick Chick and Jungle Princess. 17 more amazing backglass murals on display. Seminars, events, movies and tournaments plus special guests: Tim Arnold, Clay Harrell, Jersey Jack and Gary Stern will be there !
Do yourself a favour, attend this huge event and keep America fun !
Time Lapse: Game Masters installation
A time lapse video of the Game Masters exhibition coming to life.
Check out the exhibition review.