RetroTink Buyers Guide - Selecting the Right Upscaler for Your Needs

In this episode, help you in selecting the right upscaler for your needs with our RetroTink Buyers Guide.

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.

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The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107