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Hyperkin RetroN 1 HD Gaming Console for NES (Black)
Hyperkin

Hyperkin RetroN 1 HD Gaming Console for NES (Black)

Bottom line: The Hyperkin RetroN 1 HD Gaming Console for NES ($38.98 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 22:26 UTC): Upscales original NES cartridges to 720p HD output; main trade-off: output tops out at 720p; no native 1080p or 4K mode.

$38.98

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Buy on Amazon — $38.98 Compare to similar retro consoles

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro consoles and console accessories, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Upscales original NES cartridges to 720p HD output
  • ✓ 16:9/4:3 aspect ratio switch keeps sprites in proportion
  • ✓ Plays NTSC and PAL carts via a switch on the case bottom
  • ✓ 10 ft. controller cable lets you play from the couch
  • ✓ AV ports and cable included for CRTs and older TVs

Cons

  • ✗ Output tops out at 720p; no native 1080p or 4K mode
  • ✗ Only one controller in the box; player two needs another pad
  • ✗ No built-in games; you must supply your own cartridges
  • ✗ Controller is wired, not wireless

Manufacturer description

The Hyperkin RetroN 1 HD brings your original NES cartridge library to a modern TV. It plays them in 720p over HDMI instead of blurry composite video. You can switch between 16:9 and 4:3 to fill a widescreen or keep the original proportions. This NES console works with more than one region's games. A switch on the bottom of the case lets it play both NTSC and PAL cartridges, so European and North American carts can sit on the same shelf. Hyperkin says compatibility across the NES library is very high, so most of your collection should load without adapters. The box includes one classic-style…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Hyperkin RetroN 1 HD Gaming Console for NES using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro consoles category. Hyperkin's retro consoles lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro consoles of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Hyperkin RetroN 1 HD play original NES cartridges?

Yes. It is built to play original NES cartridges and outputs them in 720p HD. Hyperkin says compatibility with NES titles is very high, but it does not promise every game will work.

Can the RetroN 1 HD play PAL cartridges from Europe?

Yes. A switch on the bottom of the case moves the console between NTSC and PAL, so it can play cartridges from both regions.

What resolution does the RetroN 1 HD output, and can I change the aspect ratio?

It outputs 720p HD over the included HD cable. A switch lets you choose between 16:9 widescreen and the original 4:3 aspect ratio.

What comes in the box?

One classic-style Cadet controller with a 10 ft. cable, a 3 ft. HD cable, a 6 ft. Micro USB cable with a USB AC adapter, and an AV cable. No cartridges or pre-installed games are included.

Can I connect the RetroN 1 HD to an older TV without HDMI?

Yes. The console has AV ports and comes with an AV cable, so you can connect it to CRTs and other TVs that lack an HD input.

Key Features

  • HD audio and video (720p), 16:9/4:3 aspect ratio switch
  • High compatibility for NTSC AND PAL cartridges (via bottom case switch)
  • Premium classic-style “Cadet” controller (10 ft. cable)
  • 3 ft. HD cable, 6 ft. Micro USB charge cable with USB AC Adapter
  • Also includes AV ports with AV cable

Full Specifications

BrandHyperkin
ColorBlack
PlatformNintendo NES
Model NameRetroN 1 HD
Resolution720p
ConnectivityUSB
Input DeviceGamepad
Model NumberM01888-BK
CompatibilitySwitch, NES
Warranty Description1 Year Manufacture Warranty
Connectivity TechnologyUSB
Manufacturer Part NumberM01888-BK
HD audio and video (720p), 169/4:3 aspect ratio switch
Wireless Communication TechnologyUSB
Global Trade Identification Number00813048018711

Ready to buy?

Hyperkin RetroN 1 HD Gaming Console for NES (Black) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $38.98

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

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Hyperkin RetroN 1 HD Gaming Console for NES (Black)
$38.98
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