Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio HD Plus 720P 3 in 1 Console System - HDMI Port - for Original NES/SNES, Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis Games - Red/White

I love this console, but know what you are buying. This clone console uses SoC (System On a Chip) architecture. This means it tries to come close to mimicking real hardware via hardware and not through software emulation like the Retron 5. The negative aspect of this means there is no way for you to save game states internally or to an SD card. If the game cart provides a means of saving, you can of course still use that feature. No save states and no SD card slot are the biggest negatives practically about this console. If these are what you really want, you need to look at the Retron 5 for these features. The fact that the SRT3+ is NOT an FPGA console will also be considered a negative by some, but in my opinion that is silly. An FPGA console can cost $600 and up. While FPGA is certainly superior, at some point you have to ask yourself what is my real ROI (return on investment). If you have the funds and you want the best, FPGA is the way to go and MiSTer is the place to start.On the positive side and as I just indicated, the Super Retro Trio Plus HD, uses SoC technology which is far more economical than FPGA. It does, however, try to mimic real hardware. Will it play "just about everything" NES, SNES, and Genesis? Yes. Will it play everything absolutely flawlessly. No. Compared to an original or FPGA console, the sound's pitch on certain games might be slightly off or the music's rhythm might be off a bit. Some colors may appear a bit muddy compared to on an original console. However, in some cases the images might actually look better or brighter. If you've never played a certain game before or you have, but you're you're not comparing it side by side with an original console, you'd likely never notice the difference and be quite happy playing the game(s). I know I am. I've just thought of another caveat: If you are thinking about buying this to play Game Boy games with the Super Game Boy adapter, you may wish to rethink that. The tests I've seen show that it will play the games, but the sound is borderline terrible. YMMV, but I can't recommend it personally. Do more research before buying it to play Game Boy games.Other benefits:*Unlike software emulation, the games load just as fast as on original equipment.*There is "no lag" when using the controllers -- important for SCHMUP players.*The provided controllers are decent for playing NES and SNES, but unfortunately, you have to use a bumper button for your C button when playing Genesis games. I use original Genesis or modern replacements for playing Genesis games on this console.*The updated console I bought has the new 4:3/16:9 aspect ratio switch. But be careful when buying from another seller. The sku numbers are the same and old inventory still has consoles without the Aspect Ratio switch packaged in the very same box.*With the appropriate modern adapter, you can play Sega Master System games on this console. You just can't use the original Powerbase Converter. I have also read that the Rondo Products Power Base Mini FM is incompatible on this console, but I have not yet been able to test this for myself.*Will work with all-in-one Genesis and SNES multi-carts or those with SD cards. I'm sure there will likely be some exceptions, but I've seen Mega Everdrive and SD2SNES work on this console.*Provides Composite (RCA) jacks and HDMI out.Tips: Because this console is lightweight and slots can be tight, remember the R&R of game carts requires finesse rather than brute strength. You may need to slightly angle the carts into the slot on one side and then the next until it goes in. Some PCBs are thicker than others and can be challenging. The easiest removal is also performed similarly but by pulling on one end slightly and then the next. It will come right out. I would not recommend this console for children who are careless or like to throw things about. But then I wouldn't have recommended the original consoles for such abuse either. :-)) Just remember Finesse = Success but Frustration = Broken.All old retro game carts have contacts/pins that get oxidized. These contacts should be routinely cleaned (depending on the environment every 6 months or so) with a q-tip and 91% isopropyl alcohol. 1-UP cards are also great. Keep the cart pointing down; so you are not getting fluid and debris down into the cart. Let it dry first before insertion. Never buy an old cart and directly place it in your console. Doing so risks introducing contaminants into the slots on your SRT+. Clean the contacts first. Failure to clean contacts is the primary reason for the failure of game carts to play properly on any console and many people today apparently don't know this.Use the factory provided power supply, which is rated at 5 volts, 1 amp. Plug it into a surge protector. Voltage spikes are a problem for these consoles as they lack more expensive voltage regulation. Anything other than a 5 volt power supply will render the console a paper weight. You can, however, use a 5 volt adapter that supplies up to 3.5 amps because the console will only draw the amperage it needs. It's the voltage and/or using less than 1 amp PS that will kill the console. Also, the manual recommends disconnecting the power supply from the console when not in use.I have tried to go into rather lengthy detail because routinely someone will criticize this console or other modern lightweight retro consoles that use carts with the same uninformed complaints: Games don't play; too lightweight, R&R of carts too hard; console stopped working (i.e. unprotected circuit or using the wrong power supply,) kids broke the console and even failing to read the manual. It's always the console's fault. Let me ask a question: If someone unknowingly cracked a solder joint on the printed circuit board because he/she was trying to gorilla the game cart into the slot, is that really the fault of the console or is it operator error? In 1991 the SNES console cost $199. Today that equals $459. Do we really expect the same amount of durability and quality for a console that plays not one but multi-console games for a fraction of that expensive price? Perhaps there are those who do. I don't.I think this console for the price is a fantastic value. For some the price is a paltry sum and for others it will be a sacrifice even at its relatively low investment compared to more expensive options. With this in mind I say to all, respect your equipment. Not everything is truly plug and play. Read the manual and then read it again. Read reviews. Learn from others. If you're new to retro-gaming, watch online videos for various tips about your specific console. As I've indicated this console is not child proof and in some cases not even adult proof. All I can say is that unless your equipment is truly defective (which does happen), it should take care of you, if you properly take care of it.Finally, who is the SRT3+ best suited for?1. You're just getting into or back into retro-gaming and you want to be able to play your old games or some of the most popular 8 and 16 bit games ever made.2. You have original console(s) and you'd like to preserve it/them by playing your games on this newer and less expensive multi-console.The Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio Plus HD at this price is certainly the ticket for retro-gaming and may be the only console some people will ever need. If your expectations are realistic and it meets what you're looking for, I highly recommend the SRT+.

I bought this Retro Trio HD Plus to replace my RetroDuo that went bad, fast...A while back my sister had purchaced a retro-bit Duo for NES and SNES from a used games store. I don't know if the console was used or not though. It worked for a bit and then broke down, broke apart, and the pins became so damaged that the force required to remove the NES cartridge actually broke the cartridge internal board from it's plastic case. It rattles now. That was after the DUO had sat on my shelf unused for years. It was cheap, cheaply made, and you could easily tell just from holding it.But I figured that it was an early model and after so long, the company probably improved the product.So I took a chance on the Super Retro Trio HD Plus. For NES, SNES, & Genesis.The Video is a definite improvement. Crisp and clear.Same with the audio. Probably cause of the HDMI connector. Nice choice going in that direction.I also like the idea that they included the RGB plugs as well. Nice Touch.The included controllers are better designed as well. And feels better in my hands.Though I could complain about the button mapping.(why is the left shoulder button used so much when you have 4 buttons under my right thumb, mostly unused - Please add button mapping so I don't have to dig out my original genesis controller, though it is great that the Trio has original controller support)The power cord is just a USB wire with an AC outlet adapter.I actually like this idea cause the system doesn't take much power to run.Simple is better on this point. Especially since USB technology has improved so much.The Console Itself !!!This is where it all happens. A USB power plug, 2 video/audio output choices, multiple controller choices from the 2 that are included, to even being able to use the original system controllers. Ports for NES, SNES, and Genesis cartridges that grab the cartrige and hold it firm. The Genesis and SNES slots let go with less force required then the NES slot though. I'd like to see that required force lessen even more. the slot doors have some push to them, but when putting in a cartridge, you don't notice, so that's good.The reset and system selection buttons are well made. A definite improvement over the early models. And I like the more defined click between each option as oppossed to not really knowing if I was all the way off the console option and onto the "off" setting, like with the early models.Via flash light looking through the cartridge slot doors. NOT taking it apart.Internally, there seems to be 3 circuit boards, one for each slot with the power and output connectors on one, the controller connectors on another, and the 3rd just connects them. The plastic is better quality then the early models. The screws are tiny though. That was 1 of the 2 biggest issues with the early model. The screws were tiny and the plastic weak so that everything broke lose and broke the plastic just from inserting and removing the cartridges. But with seemingly stronger plastic, I hope for a MUCH longer life span on this console.The 2nd biggest issue I had with the early model, was the connector pins for the cartridges. The downward bend on the weak metal pins caused them to get snagged on the cartridge board and get pulled/bent upward. This caused the cartridge to get stuck, needing rediculous amounts of force to free it from the console. Possibly what broke the internal plastic on my cartridge. That's why I noted that the required force to remove the game from the TRIO was much better and will hopefully remain that way over many uses. (SAY NO TO BAD CONNECTOR PINS. LOL)FINAL SUMMERY !!!The Super Retro Trio HD Plus, sees vast improvements in all areas, from Retro-bits earlier model designs. And even included extra features to make your gaming experience better.It's simple to setup, is better made, has better audio and video, and just over all performs better.The price is actually really good for a 3 in 1 console. $97 (approx) doesn't go far in this world, so to get a whole console, let alone 3 in 1 for that price. Is great.Only time will tell if the connector pins are as easily bent, or the screws holding everything together, brake lose as easily. I have confidence that this console will last longer and remain on my shelf for years to come. Me and my rattle-y 1994 Jurassic Park NES cartridge have ALOT more gaming to do!So let's put it to the test, and game our hearts out.5 STARS for vast improvements that create confidence in the product design!