In this video we see who the king of the 8-bit HDMI HD NES Clone systems is between the Retro-Bit RES+ and the Reigning Champion the Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD.
In the black corner we have the challenger, the Retro-Bit RES+ 8-bit HDMI-equipped NES clone. The RES+ is a derivative of Retro-Bit's existing RES Retro Entertainment System but does update the platform with a new 720P HDMI Output, making it ideal for use on flat screen TVs. Out of the box it includes 2 controllers, Micro HDMI power cord and wall wart and an HDMI cable. See more about the RES+ in our review, found here - https://youtu.be/fUP4j54nSbg
In the red corner is the reigning and defending 8-Bit HD champion, Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD Entertainment System. This spunky challenger leads the pack in-terms of pricing but also comes with AV outputs, great games compatibility, 2 exceptional controllers and a whole lot more. Learn more about the Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD by watching our review, found here - https://youtu.be/n3pOjStI9bI
To determine our overall winner we rated the following factors:
Design
Included Accessories
Controllers
Game Play
Audio Quality
Value
Design:
Both systems are very unique in their look, tending to go down their own path instead of trying to emulate the original NES or the top loading NES-101. Each are offered in just one color, black for the Retro-Bit RES+, grey for the 8-Bit HD. Both feature two controller ports and an HDMI out as would be expected but from here they are a bit different. The Retro-Bit RES+ uses Stereo AV output and a Micro USB connector for power where the Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD uses a barrel-style connector and mono AV outputs. While minor we do have to award a point for the design to the RES+ from Retro-Bit
Included Accessories:
Both systems include an HDMI cable, power brick and cable and 2 very good controllers. The Retro-Bit RES+, however, omits an AV cable where the Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD included a set of AV cables. Due to this factor we the 8-Bit HD takes this round.
Controllers:
As mentioned in the video both systems include 2 controllers, a great feature out of the box. The Retro-Bit controller mimics the overall shape and feel of the original NES controller with a few minor tweaks. The Start and Select buttons have been moved higher on the controller and the A button is now angled higher than the B button. It is a very serviceable controller and works well, however I don't care for the placement of the start/select buttons at all. The buttons and D-pad also felt like they were stiff and not as complaint as the original NES pad.
The Gamerz Tek controllers have a different look and feel to the outside casing but it's a good change. The rounded corners are comfortable and don't dig into your hands like the originals can. The Start/Select buttons, while being rubber membranes and overall smaller, are in the right location and work great. The A/B buttons are also in-line and the D-Pad feels great.
Both controllers are good but I, personally, prefer the Gamerz Tek controller. The buttons feel better, the start/select location really bugged me and the rounded corners of the Gamerz Tek just feels better.
Gameplay:
Both systems played everything I threw at them, no compatibility issues at all. Neither have an NTSC/PAL switch so if that's important to you these aren't the systems you want. The color pallets look solid although I do like the Gamerz Tek look just a touch more. But this is so close I'm calling it a tie.
Audio:
UGH! I really hate the fact that the audio is off on both systems. Take a listen, especially to the Super Mario Bros audio, you can't miss the audio being off. Neither system wins here.
Value:
While in the video I mention that I've seen the Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD for $30 and the Retro-Bit RES+ for $35 I see Amazon has them at $35/$40 respectively. Sill a $5 difference but both slightly higher than mentioned. That being said the both include the exact things, EXCEPT AV cables. That, plus the lower overall price tag, makes the 8-Bit HD the better value.
Winner:
This was tough, both are amazing but the Champ pulled this one out as I have to give the nod to the Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD again, but the Retro-Bit is a great system definitely worth consideration.
Points Breakdown
RES+
Design
8-Bit HD
Included Accessories
Controllers
Value
Ties:
Audio
Gameplay
Gamerz Tek 8-Bit HD on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/8-Bit-HD-Entertainment-System/dp/B01MYXNB7G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1504794235&sr=8-3&keywords=8-bit+hd
Retro-Bit RES+ HD on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Retro-Bit-RB-NES-7390-Gaming-Console-Nintendo-Entertainment/dp/B073DV931V/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1504794311&sr=1-1&keywords=retrobit+res+%2B
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