RetroTink Buyers Guide - Selecting the Right Upscaler for Your Needs
24,968
Published 2021-06-21
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
3:45 - RetroTink Mini
6:32 - RetroTink 2x Pro
12:06 - RetroTink 2x Multiformat
14:54 - RetroTink 2x SCART
16:16 - RetroTink 5x
21:24 - Final Recommendations
22:23 - Conclusion
When I really got back into retro gaming, I was perfectly fine with clone systems with HDMI outputs. They displayed at 720P, a lot of times I had multiple systems I could play in one, they worked with original controllers, and they just got me to play games. Since then, I have fallen head-first into buying the actual hardware for maximum authenticity, nostalgia, and compatibility, the problem is that there's no way to connect most retro gaming systems directly to an HDMI Port. Sure, there are AV2HDMI adapters and HDMI cables for some systems, but the performance and color recreation isn't the most authentic from those either. Enter the RetroTink line of line multipliers and upscalers, designed to convert your analog signals to digital HDMI, increase the resolution, all while not adding lag or latency. But often the choice of which one to go with can seem overwhelming. We completely understand this, which is why we're going to walk you through the benefits of each member of the RetroTink family.
RetroTink Mini - $79.99
Inputs: Composite and S-Video
Additional Features: Included S-Video Cable
I hate to call the RetroTink Mini the entry level point for the line because it simply does so much for the money. The RetroTink Mini is very similar to Mike Chi's original RetroTink 2x as it simply line doubles a 240P signal to 480P without things like scanlines or other features, but there are some slight differences. For the inputs, the Mini accepts both Composite & S-Video, however, unlike other options in the line it does not accept Component video inputs. Mike does include an S-Video cable designed to fit Nintendo's Multi-Out port like the SNES, N64, & GameCube are eqipped with. If you are looking for the simplest way to get your retro systems to an HDMI port, this is the easiest way to do so with the best results for the money.
RetroTink 2x Pro - $129.99
Inputs: Component, S-video, Composite (shared with the green jack)
Additional Features: Scanlines, Comb Filter, Pass Through 240P
The RetroTink 2X Pro takes everything that is great about the RetroTink Mini & the original 2x and turns the volume up to 11. First, it expands on the input type for the Mini and adds in Component video for an even better image. It also adds in a comb filter for better visuals, 240P pass through should the need arrive, and scanlines for those who like them, all while maintaining all the benefits & features of the Mini. Now, these additional features come at a $50 price bump, but the results are stunning when experienced.
RetroTink 2x SCART - $129.99
Inputs - RGB SCART
Additional Features: Scanlines, Comb Filter, Pass Through 240P
The RetroTink 2x SCART functions identically to the 2x Pro, the only difference is the input type is now an RGB SCART and not RCA-style Component or Composite input. Other than that, it works almost identically. One thing of note, it cannot handle Composite via SCART, so if that's your intention you're going to have issues.
RetroTink 2x Multiformat- $129.99
Inputs: Component, S-video, Composite (shared with the green jack)
Additional Features: Scanlines, Comb Filter, Pass Through 480P
One of the limits of the RetroTink Mini and the RetroTink 2x Pro is that they don't handle 480P and higher signals properly, which is why Mike went and designed the RetroTink 2x Multiformat. It still line doubles 240p/288p/480i/576i signals like other RetroTinks, but for newer systems such as the PS2, GameCube, and others, it can get you a digital 480P passthrough signal as well.
RetroTink 5X Pro - $275-$300
Inputs: Composite (shared with green RCA jack), S-Video, Component, RGB and Composite on SCART connector
Additional Features: Multiple output resolutions up-to 1440P, Filters, comb filters, pre-installed sampling modes, deinterlacer, scanlines.
If you are looking for the best of the best and you have the money to spend, the RetroTink 5x is THE ultimate upcaler from Mike Chi. It takes the 2x line multiplication and increases to a factor of 5 with a max resolution output of 1440P. Everything on the 5x is adjustable, from the scanline strength, preinstalled optimized sampling modes for different systems, and more. It is truly amazing to see the RetroTink 5x output, and even garbage signals from Composite sources look better than they deserve to. The RetroTink 5x can also handle Composite via SCART, and Mike sells and adapter for just that. While it features a premium price it also delivers a premium performance.
#RetroTink #BuyersGuide #RetroGames
The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:
www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107
All Comments (21)
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I’m that guy who went overkill and bought the 5X for use exclusively with a PS2. My HD Retrovision component cables are coming in sometime within the next week. I’m excited 😁
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I watched this through in it's entirety twice and I must say you did a fantastic job going over the material. Thank you! (I chose 2x Pro)
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Excellent video! Very informative, very helpful.
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Would have been nice to see image quality comparisons between all of them, particularly the 2x vs 5x.
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I used to have the 2x multiformat as i planned to one day try out scart, but then the 5x came out and i went with one of those. Absolutely love it. Its impressive on all systems, but my gamecube blows my mind. I genuinely cant believe what im seeing when i play gamecube using the 5x. The games almost look like they could have been released this year. I use s video, but with the 5x i still have the option to explore scart which is nice. I also couple it with an mclassic, which i sometimes turn off as it can cause sharpening artifacts, but it does help quite a bit. With the 2x, the mclassic was a must especially with n64.
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What’s the difference between Ultimate Mister Pro FPGA device and Retrotink 5x? Which one is better?
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Great video once again. Do you think it's worth upgrading to a 5x if I already own a 2x-m and 2x-pro. Is there any noticable difference in image quality?
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Good one Gary!
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Thanks so much for this video, super helpful. I just emailed you with some questions. Hopefully hear from you 👍🏻
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What do you recommend for getting the best picture quality for my ps2 and ps1 games playing on my fat ps2? This is the only system I will be using this for. The $300 5x is out of the question for me. I also just purchased hd retrovision cables. Seems like the 2x pro or 2x multi format are my choices.
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Awesome guide Gary! Now will these devices allow me to see the intro sequence to my gaming consoles? For instance, I have the pound cable for the Dreamcast and when the picture shows on the screen the ball that bounces in the intro already spelled out Dreamcast. That shit makes my blood boil lol.
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How well does the Retrotink Mini scale 480i video for PlayStation 2 and GameCube? I love the old CRTs but I mostly agree about scanline filters, they look fake, unless I'm playing Ninja Gaiden or certain games I want sharp pixels on retro games if I'm playing them on my monitor.
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Hello, hope you can help me with a question : i want to play playstation 2 games on a playstation 2 system, and playstation 1 games on that playstation 2 system, so if i add an mclassic which should i use: the retrotink 2x pro or the 2x m?
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If I have a N64 and a Gamecube should I get the RetroTink 2x Pro or the Multiformat one? I may also be getting a NES and SNES in the future, but for the time being the N64 and GC will be used the most. Thank you for this video, it was great!
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Great video!
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I currently play my game cube games through my wii using the component cables. Would this device improve the graphics or would it be about the same. I'm currently debating between the mini and the pro model. I definitely want one for the older systems like SNES & N64
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Looking for advice on what to choose I'm currently using a terrible av2hdmi converter with a av splitter (composite) so i want to replace the terrible av2hdmi converter but ideally keep using my splitter which connects up my SNES, N64, GameCube, Xbox, Dreamcast, PS1, PS2.
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Hi pal really enjoyed the video and very informative . Please can I pick your brains? I went all out and bought the 5x along with the HD retro gaming cables for my sega mega drive 2. I am having no luck with getting a good picture through my Panasonic 4K tv. I was trying to run through my Yamaha av rx v777 but was only getting sound but no picture and was not sure why? Some people said the av couldn’t process the signals properly. Not gonna lie as I have no clue regarding all this tech. Was just hoping to plug and play. I have since plugged the 5x into an old Toshiba lcd tv and again the picture quality is very poor hurting the eyes. I just don’t remember the experiencing this sort of image many years ago when running in on my old Sony Plano CRT tv. Please could you advise on how to set this thing up properly. Any advice would be much appreciated cheers
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The 5x works fine with going into capture cards but I've had issues going straight from the 2x to capture cards. For the 2x's I go from the 2x to an OSSC and that's works amazingly.
