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Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 7th, 2017, 10:34 pm
by VideoGameCritic
So I've been thinking about getting a Retron 5 to play Game Gear games (among others) but I recall reading early reviews about how it's hard to remove carts from the system, and in some cases it can damage them.

Does anybody know if this issue has been resolved? If so, Hyperkin might want to get the word out.
It would make me a lot more likely to buy.

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 7th, 2017, 10:39 pm
by Zachwave
I think it is safe to assume that the retron 5's problems are still very present, outside of the software department. Without going on a rant here I would just say be wary of your purchase, do the research etc.

You're almost better off making a game gear raspberry pi emulator, which would be a little more effort but probably within the 40-50 dollar range, and both will be emulators, and you wont have to worry about the death grip issue : - )

edited: phone posting made some interesting word corrections!

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 8th, 2017, 11:25 am
by Rookie1
Mine was so bad that it ripped 3 of the pins out of the NES slot. I have been reading reviews of the new Retron 1 HD, and heard that it has death grips as well.

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 8th, 2017, 1:09 pm
by MoarRipter
That's so weird, what is with these consoles having such a tight grip on the cartridges? Is it just poor craftsmanship, cutting corners?

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 8th, 2017, 4:55 pm
by VideoGameCritic
One reason I raised this question is because on FunStockRetro it specifically states:
"EU model with improved cartridge slots (resolved 'death grip' issue in older models)"

http://www.funstockretro.co.uk/retron-5 ... sole-black

I'm planning to buy mine off Amazon. Can I assume that one is fixed as well?

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 8th, 2017, 10:35 pm
by snakeboy
I got my Retron 5 about 2 1/2 years ago from Amazon, right around the time they were supposedly coming out with improved systems with higher quality cartridge slots. While the cartridge slots are certainly tight, mine doesn't seem to have the dreaded death grip others have complained about.

Overall, I've been happy with mine. My favorite thing about it is probably playing Gameboy Advance games. Now I'm kind of tempted to get this Game Gear adapter.

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 11th, 2017, 12:08 am
by djc
There are two versions of the Retron5. The original gray/off-white version held the games tightly. The newer (black) model is significantly improved.

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 11th, 2017, 1:47 pm
by Rookie1
djc wrote:There are two versions of the Retron5. The original gray/off-white version held the games tightly. The newer (black) model is significantly improved.


Black was part of the original release. I got the black one on a pretty order when it was first announced way back when. Had the death grip.

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 11th, 2017, 9:54 pm
by ESauce
Yeah I think it's true there are two versions but color isn't an indicator. I don't know if you can go by model number or serial number but from my understanding all the new ones should be fine. I have the retron 5 and the nes cartridge slot is a little tight but I wouldn't say it's a death grip. It does usually take me a few times to get an NES game to work though. Every other cartridge slot works great

Re: Retron 5 Death Grip?

Posted: June 11th, 2017, 10:26 pm
by Tron
Awhile back I tried to find info on the differences between the 1st editions and the newer editions to no avail. Good luck on that. Maybe some info is out there. Now