The Atari 2600 VCS has been ignored as waves of clone-consoles came to market. There have been some long ago, but these were geographically released during the original reign of this famed console. More recently, NES clones seem very plentiful, with several options available that make use of modern features like HDMI output. Hyperkin's Retron77 is one of the first mainstream consoles to provide a cartridge slot for your existing collection of games and compatibility with modern TVs.
The rear of the Retron77 box showing the angled corner detail.
The Retron77 console and box.
The Retron77 console and box.
Hyperkin Retron77 Video Game Console
Front view of the Retron77 console.
Front view of the Retron77 console.
Front right corner of the Retron77 console displays an angled flange with the Hyperkin logo. It illuminates when powered up.
Left side of the Retron77 console.
Right side of the Retron77 console showing the logo which glows when powered up.
Back of the Retron77 console showing the HDMI & USB power ports as well as the micro SD slot. You'll also find three buttons for Fry, Aspect Ratio, and color / black & white functionality.
bottom of the Retron77 console showing the cooling vents.
Front view of the Retron77 console and joystick.
Top view of the Retron77 console and joystick.
Hyperkin Retron77 Joysticks
The Retron77 comes with one joystick and compatible ports for 2 players. This is a side-by-side comparison with an Atari joystick. Unlike most of my original Atari joysticks, the Hyperkin version is quite "stiff". That is to say, there is very little tilt from it's center point. If you are accustomed to the range of motion found in Atari sticks, you may be apt to put excessive pressure on the Hyperkin stick. I feel it is well made and not at all flimsy. It simply has a different feel from most others.
The Retron77 joystick comes with a nice long cord giving you about 9 1/2 feet of wiggle room.
Hyperkin Ranger controller is similar in shape and layout to Nintendo's NES controller.
Hyperkin released the Ranger controller for the Retron 77 with compatibility with the Atari 2600. It features a built-in dial that acts as a paddle for games requiring paddle controls.
Hyperkin Retron77 Ports and Connections
The Retron77 console is powered by a Micro USB connection from the included all-adapter or your TV's USB port.
The Retron77 has a Micro SD slot for upgrades and playing ROMs (although I understand there are some restrictions on ROM playback). The rear panel also features the Fry, Aspect ration, and color / B&W buttons.
Hyperkin Retron77 Close-up images
One of the Retron77's best features is the full-functional cartridge slot for all your old games. While there is a way to play ROMs via the micro SD slot, the primary focus of this console is for game cartridges.
The front panel of the Retron77 has the power switch and four buttons for saving games, loading games, resetting the console, and mode.
The front panel of the Retron77 also offers the power switch, Skill buttons, and two controller ports compatible with original Atari 2600 controllers.
The Retron77 joystick has the same DB-9 connection as original Atari joysticks.
