So I’ve currently got a top loader with composite mod, Retro Duo, and Retron 2 lined up, I thought it would be fun to take some comparison photos. Same Tv, same cables, same input, same lighting.
Here’s the newest arrival, the Retron 2. This system has some weird quirks - you have to use an NES controller for NES games, and SNES controller for SNES games. It has both a system toggle switch and a separate power switch. SNES also has an eject lever. It feels much sturdier than the Retro Duo. I think the switch setup will last much longer. Pack in controllers (1 snes, 1 nes) feel like garbage. Didn’t test them. Cartridge slots aren’t shaped to fit snugly around the carts, which is disappointing. Need to be careful when putting games in it.
Retron 2
Here’s the Retro Duo. When I bought it, it was the “good” clone system. It only supports SNES controllers, but they also work with NES games. Power switch also toggles what system you’re playing. As I’ve documented elsewhere, the PCB support is inadequate and you have to use a lot of force to get snes cartridges in and out. Never saw the pack in controllers for this, they were tossed long ago. I’ve currently got metal glued and clamped to what’s left of the power switch slider to see if I can repair it. It’s also worth mentioning that my console doesn’t have the screeching sound problem and has a PCB revision that’s quite a bit different from what you see on the sound mod pages.
Retro Duo
And here’s my top loader that I modded to composite. I did the simpler mod where you cut a resistor off the board and add a transistor. It leaves you with faint jail bars but it’s more easily reversed. You can see them on the K in hawk.
NES top loader with composite mod
All three work fine with every bootleg cart I throw at them. All images look fine in isolation. Retro Duo looks better than Retron 2, but the Retron 2 is probably a better choice if you want to use NES controllers and apparently it’s zapper compatible. Top loader looks better than other ones but has to be modded.
If anyone has a suggestion for a good repro NES controller I’d be happy to hear it.
2020 Update - don't buy a Retron 2 from Hyperkin. The cartridge slots are too shallow and using it has been a nightmare.
I just bought a Retro Bit Retro Trio. This has nes snes and genesis and supports composite or hdmi. You can use snes controllers for all 3 systems, or flip a switch and use original controllers for each. So that means you can use snes controller on genesis, but not genesis on snes.
This thing boots every crummy cartridge I've thrown in it, so it's a winner so far.
Retro Trio - composite
Retro Trio - hdmi