Inside Giant Robot, we had a demo station setup with the Oculus Rift, ComRad Gaming Audio Helmet, and the Kinect.  Chris Gallizzi, Product Developer Hyperkin, showed off some of the cool things that could be done with the Oculus Rift, and allowed users to directly play games such as Skyrim and Portal.  We’re sure that most people had a blast playing around with the Oculus Rift, the ComRad Helmet and the Kinect, but it was watching these people play with all of these things that was the most entertaining (the flailing!).  Also inside were several SupaBoys in which people were able to play their favorite SNES and Super Famicom games.  As part of the promotion, we gave away two SupaBoys as well as several other goodies for those who participated in the raffle.

Directly outside of Giant Robot, we had another demo station where people could try out the Oculus Rift, as well as the RetroN 5 on a HDTV.  We had the Guillotine Demo created by Disunion setup for the Oculus, and allowed users to play Street Fighter Alpha 2 on the RetroN 5 as well.

On the side parking lot of Giant Robot, we setup a projector to play the RetroN 5 off of the side wall of Giant Robot.  The familiar sound effects from Street Fighter II as well as the large image helped to draw in a crowd, as we were also able to draw the attention of the Saturday night Sawtelle crowd.  We saw several people literally run across the street to see what was going on, as well as several others take pictures with their phones.

All in all, it was a very fun event in which we got to hang out with our fans and show some of the new things that Hyperkin is diligently working on for 2013.  We’d like to thank Carlos from Angry Bananas and Eric from Giant Robot on a successful and fun Game Night, and we look forward to having more of these type of events in the future. (For more pictures, click here).

EL MONTE, CA (MARCH 2013) – Hyperkin surprised attendees at this year’s Midwest Gaming Classic by foregoing development of the RetroN 4, and instead, announcing the RetroN 5 during their presentation on Saturday, March 23, 2013. The RetroN 5 will now support Japanese Famicom cartridges, along with the NES, SNES, Genesis, and Game Boy Advance platforms. Users will also be able to play Super Famicom, Mega Drive, Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges on the console as well.

Along with the features already announced on the RetroN 4, Hyperkin also revealed several key features of the RetroN 5 which include the ability to save games at any point during gameplay, audio interpolation to improve sound output quality, shaders to up convert video signals to show clearer images of up to 720p resolution, button reassignment, and manual and passive overclocking to speed up or slow down the speed of games. Also revealed is more information on the Bluetooth wireless controllers; a Microswitch Directional Pad will be utilized instead of a traditional directional pad, and Macro Buttons have also been included. Users will also be able to use any controller to play any of the compatible systems, as well as given the option to remap buttons on any of the original controllers as well.

“We found that we could add the Famicom cartridge slot without hindering our current development cycle,” stated Steven Mar, Hyperkin’s Executive Director. “We wanted to allow gamers all over the world to be able to play their favorite games with a myriad of different options to enhance the overall gaming experience.”

RetroN 5 Points of Interest:
· 2 Original Controller Ports for Each Platform (6 Total)
· Includes 1 Wireless Bluetooth Controller
· 5 Cartridge Ports for NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA and Famicom
· HDMI Output with upconversion on HDTVs
· PAL and NTSC Cartridge Compatibility

Up to date information of the RetroN 5 can be found on their Facebook page as well as on Twitter.

About Hyperkin
Since its launch in 2009, Hyperkin quickly has become a widely recognized and trusted brand of video game peripherals. Hyperkin is constantly developing new product ideas, emerging technologies and finding innovative ways to enhance the video game experience. Hyperkin believes that its most important asset is its business partners and is dedicated to developing long and successful relationships with each client. The company’s executive office is located in El Monte, CA. For more information, please visit: www.hyperkin.com or call 877-337-1238.

The reason why we are moving on from the RetroN 4 to the RetroN 5 is that we found that we could incorporate one more cartridge slot without hindering our current developmental cycle. The fifth slot in mention would be for the Famicom system. We know that there are numerous retro enthusiasts around the world, and we wanted to allow for everyone to play their favorite, retro games.

The RetroN 5 will have 5 cartridge slots allowing you to use original NES, SNES, Genesis, Famicom, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. You will also be able to use Super Famicom, Mega Drive, Game Boy Color and Game Boy cartridges as well. Because we have created a new chipset, it allows us to ensure that region locks and compatibility are no longer an issue, and the RetroN 5 will play both PAL and NTSC cartridges. CIC lockout chips and FX chips are no longer going to be an issue, as we aim to achieve 100% compatibility with all cartridges.

On the front of the console, there is a power button to turn on the console, and adjacent to this button, is a sync button. This button will allow you to sync up to 4 wireless controllers to one console, allowing you to play multiplayer compatible titles without the use of a multitap.

On the back of the console, will be a standard AV output, a USB port to allow for charging of the wireless controller, an AC Adapter to power up the system, and a HDMI output for HDTV connectivity.

Along the sides of the console, are controller ports for the SNES, Genesis, and NES, totalling 6 controller ports, allowing for users to use their original controllers. Users will also be able to use any controller they desire for any system. That means, if you want use a SNES controller to play Genesis games, the RetroN 5 will allow you to do so.

The RetroN 5 will come with a wireless controller that utilizes Bluetooth technology, allowing for a playable distance of a minimum of 15 feet without losing sync from the console. This new controller will also have a Microswitch Directional Pad instead of a traditional directional pad. Along with 6 face buttons, two shoulder buttons, a start and select button, and 4 LED light indicators to display the player number, there is also a Home button that will serve multiple functions; one is to sync the controller to the console, but to also gain access to the Game User Interface (GUI) at any point during gameplay. There are also two Macro buttons that will allow you to program. Every controller will have a rechargeable lithium ion battery than can be charged through any USB port via the micro USB cable.

When you power on the RetroN 5 for the first time, you will notice, that the user will be taken to a digital user interface. We have created a new system menu that will allow for users to select which system they would like to play, as well as access features that we felt were important to gamers.

Most games did not allow for you to freely save your games. The RetroN 5 will allow you to save their games at any point during gameplay, and will feature an autosave feature upon shutdown. You will be able to load your saves at anytime during gameplay.

The RetroN 5 will up convert the video signal to show clearer and cleaner images, with vibrant colors on an HDTV with a resolution output of up to 720p through the use of shaders. You will also be able to select the aspect ratio in our GUI, from the standard 4:3 to the HD ratio of 16:9. Our goal is to fill up as much of the screen as possible.

Overall audio output quality will be improved through the utilization of audio interpolation, a method of making digital sound better than it really is, resulting in a smoother, cleaner audio output. As a sound wave enters an ADC (analog to digital converter), samples are taken at timed intervals. Higher sample rates produce better recordings, but also require the use of more memory. As a result, to conserve space, most developers used sound that was of lower quality. What interpolation does is instead of repeating each low quality sample, it creates new samples between the originals. As a result, it creates a smoother, crisper sound output than the original sound.

Users will be able to program the controller to assign buttons to their preference. In turn, the RetroN 5 will save these custom layouts, so that users will not have to constantly reconfigure the button configuration. This feature will also be available to people wanting to remap their buttons on their original controllers.

The RetroN 5 will allow for manual and passive overclocking, giving the users the ability to speed up or slow down their games as they see fit. This option will be available on our GUI, and users will have the ability to access this at any time during gameplay by utilizing the “Home” button on the controller. You will also be able to utilize this function by programming the Macro buttons on the wireless controller as well.

In light of the new Bioshock coming out, we are giving away a free copy of Bioshock: Infinite for the PS3. Just enter using RaffleCopter widget below, as there are multiple ways to enter. The contest will go on till March 25. 2013 12AM PST. We will announce the winner on Facebook the day after the contest is finished.
Good Luck!

-Hyperkin/Team Game Genie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Modern Retro Console that plays NES, SNES, Genesis and GBA Cartridges.

EL MONTE, CA (MARCH 2013) – Hyperkin will be unveiling their new console, the RetroN 4, at this year’s Midwest Gaming Classic at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel in Brookfield, Wisconsin, on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM CST. The RetroN 4 plays NES, SNES, Genesis and GBA cartridges all in one convenient console.

The RetroN 4 will have four cartridge slots as well as two controller ports for each system, allowing for users to use their original controllers. What will differentiate the Retron 4 from other iterations of retro consoles currently in the market are several key additions that add a modern twist. The RetroN 4 will have an HDMI output, which will allow for users to play their games on high-definition televisions. When users boot up the machine, they will find the “Perdana” digital user interface which opens a wide variety of modern gaming features such as selecting systems, button reassignment and other features that will be named at the Midwest Gaming Classic. The console will also allow users to play both NTSC and PAL cartridges and will incorporate Bluetooth technology, with a completely new, redesigned wireless Bluetooth controller.

“We have had great success with the SupaBoy and RetroN 3, and we wanted to create an entirely new console that has the modern amenities that will allow users to utilize current technology,” stated Steven Mar, Hyperkin’s Executive Director. “As this is an ambitious project for Hyperkin, our goal for this system is to combine modern gaming convenience to not only cater to the retro gaming community, but to also introduce a new generation of gamers to the classic games that have shaped the present gaming landscape.”

RetroN 4 Points of Interest:
·         2 Original Controller Ports for Each Platform (6 Total)
·         Wireless Bluetooth Controller
·         4 Cartridge Ports for NES, SNES, Genesis and GBA cartridges
·         HDMI Output with Digital Signal Conversion
·         “Perdana” Digital User Interface
·         PAL and NTSC compatible

More details of the RetroN 4 will be announced during Hyperkin’s presentation at the Midwest Gaming Classic.

About Hyperkin
Since its launch in 2009, Hyperkin quickly has become a widely recognized and trusted brand of video game peripherals and accessories. Hyperkin is constantly developing new product ideas, emerging technologies and finding innovative ways to enhance the video game experience. Hyperkin believes that its most important asset is its business partners and is dedicated to developing long and successful relationships with each client. Hyperkin’s executive office is located in El Monte, CA. For more information, please visit: www.hyperkin.com or call 877-337-1238.

To celebrate this event, we are hosting a special contest. To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget to “Like” our Facebook Pages and “Follow” us on Twitter. You can also obtain more entries by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and sharing our original post on Facebook (you can share the post each day to obtain more entries). One winner will receive their choice of a SupaBoy, RetroN 2, RetroN 3, a Game Genie: Save Editor for PS3, or a Game Genie for DS.  Entries will be accepted until 12AM PST on February 3, 2013. A winner will announced on Monday, February 4, 2013 on our Facebook Pages.

Now here is where it becomes interesting.  The second part of the contest consists of predicting the outcome of several “prop bets,” in which you make your selection for the following outcomes:

1.  Who will win the Super Bowl?
• San Francisco 49ers
• Baltimore Ravens

2.  Who will be the Super Bowl MVP? (Enter Player’s Name)

3.  Combined score of both teams: 47 points
• Over
• Under

4.  Length of time it will take Alicia Keys to sing the National Anthem: 2 Minutes 15 Seconds
• Over
• Under

5.  Coin Toss
• Heads
• Tails

6. What predominant color will Beyonce’s top be at the beginning of the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
• Black
• Gold (Yellow)
• Silver (Gray)
• White
• Red
• Pink
• Orange
• Blue
• Green

7.  Will Beyonce be joined by Jay-Z on stage during the Super Bowl Half Time Show?
• Yes
• No

8.  What Color will the Gatorade (or liquid) be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?
• Clear/Water
• Orange
• Yellow
• Green
• Red
• Blue

To enter the special parlay portion of this contest, enter all 8 predictions as a comment on the original post of this contest on our Facebook Page; only complete entries will be accepted, and incomplete entries will not be counted. The person who answers all 8 questions correctly will win (1) SupaBoy, (1) RetroN 2, (1) RetroN 3, (1) Game Genie: Save Editor for PS3 and (1) Game Genie for DS. Entries will be accepted until 12AM PST on February 3, 2013. A winner will announced on Monday, February 4, 2013 on our Facebook Pages. If there are multiple people with correct predictions, the person who was first to comment with the winning predictions will win the prize. If there are no correct predictions, the person with the closest number correct will win a choice of one of the prizes for this portion of the contest. One entry per person, multiple entries will not be accepted.

This contest is only for residents of the US and Canada. The winner must have a valid shipping address in the US or Canada.  The winner will be announced at the end of the giveaway period on our Facebook Page on Monday, February 4, 2013.  Prize cannot be substituted and are not transferable. Good luck to all of you, and have a safe Super Bowl weekend.

[UPDATE]: Congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens, and congratulations to Jordan Siegal and Moseph Jackson for being the winners of the Hyperkin Super Bowl XLVII Challenge!

An e-mail has been sent out to the both of you, so please respond with your shipping address as well as your choice of prize.
Thanks to everyone for participating, and stay tuned for more exciting news, updates, and contests!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This contest is only for residents of the US and Canada. The winner must have a valid shipping address in the US or Canada. The winner will be announced at the end of the giveaway period on our Facebook page on Sunday, February 03, 2013 at 12AM PST. Prize cannot be substituted and are not transferable.

The MSRP of the Game Genie: Save Editor for PS3 is $29.99, and is currently available on Amazon and smaller retail outlets.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This contest is only for residents of the US and Canada. The winner must have a valid shipping address in the US or Canada. The winner will be announced at the end of the giveaway period on our Facebook page on Tuesday, January 30, 2013 at 12AM PST. Prize cannot be substituted and are not transferable.

The MSRP of AK Striker is $34.99, and is currently available on Amazon and smaller retail outlets.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

EL MONTE, CA (JANUARY 2013) – Hyperkin maximizes the shooter experience on the PlayStation 3 with the official release of the AK Striker, a PlayStation Move controller attachment designed to replicate an AK-47. With many games now being Move compatible, the AK Striker capitalizes on this demand by providing gamers the ability to play shooting games with a more realistic feel that they otherwise would not have.

The AK Striker features a retractable rear stock, a collapsible navigation controller cradle, the full complement of face buttons on a standard PS3 DualShock controller conveniently placed on the gun handle, and a firing mode selector. Players can wield the AK Striker like a full rifle with the shoulder attachment on, or like a submachine gun with the shoulder attachment removed. The AK Striker is designed to work with Playstation Move games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, House of the Dead 4, and the upcoming Dust 514 and Bioshock: Infinite.

“We have taken every suggestion very seriously on the design of the AK Striker and made the necessary changes to better fit the needs of PS3 gamers,” said Steven Mar, Hyperkin’s Executive Director.  “As it stands, the AK Striker now provides the most authentic and realistic PlayStation Move experience out on the market.”

Product Features

• Retractable and removable shoulder stock.
• Fully functional housing for both the PS Move and Navigation controllers.
• 3 firing modes (Single Shot, Burst, and Automatic).
• Face Buttons on the gun handle.
• Attachable Shoulder Strap

The AK Striker is currently available in the market with a suggested MSRP of $34.99, and can be found on Amazon as well as several other retail outlets. For more information, please visit www.hyperkin.com.

Check out the link here to see the SupaBoy and other picks CBS had for their gift guide this holiday season.