I’m writing this with a heavy heart, as this will be the final RetroShell weekly newsletter for now.

Over the past week, we’ve had to take a step back and reflect on whether we want to remain directly involved in this side of the retro gaming community. Some of you may have seen the recent discussion on X/Twitter about RetroShell, our use of AI, and the way our news coverage has worked. Unfortunately, it became quite public, quite emotional, and at times personally difficult.

We want to say clearly that RetroShell was never created to discredit anyone, replace passionate writers, or take away from the work of independent creators. Quite the opposite. For more than 200 weekly newsletters, we have linked to, credited, and supported retro gaming websites, writers, channels, creators, and community projects without asking for anything in return. We did that because we love retro gaming and genuinely wanted to help surface more of the brilliant work happening across the scene.

The idea behind the news side of RetroShell was simple: use technology to help find stories from across the retro gaming world, track down the most original source where possible, and report them in a clear and useful way.

A lot of gaming news is already reported from secondary sources rather than primary ones, with credit passed up the chain rather than going straight to the origin. That is exactly what RetroShell was trying to do. What we have learned through all of this is that there is an important distinction to draw: aggregating general news is one thing, but shining a light on genuinely unique content, a feature article, a review, something someone has invested real creative effort in, is different, and does not add much to the wider community. We accept that.

What I do not accept is that the underlying concept is wrong. A central, well-sourced place that brings you retro gaming news from across the industry and points you directly to the primary source would be a real value add for the community. That idea has not gone away.

That said, we also accept that the system was not perfect. Since all of this happened, we have spent time reading up on copyright law as it applies to images. The honest conclusion is fairly simple: if it is your own image, you are on solid ground. The moment you use someone else’s image, you are in copyright territory, and credit and a link do not necessarily change that.

We completely understand why any publication would be frustrated when their images are used without consent. After looking into this properly, we are not sure it is ever truly acceptable without it, which is a big part of why we have taken all of our news coverage down rather than simply reformatting it.

The ironic thing, and we say this not to be provocative but because honesty matters here, is that a number of gaming websites, including some of those who were most vocal about our approach, regularly use images from manufacturers and other sources. We would be genuinely surprised if they always had explicit consent to do so, though we could be wrong.

When you start looking into the ownership structures and partnerships behind some of these companies, you realise it is a murky industry where profit is often the real priority, well ahead of people’s rights. One only needs to look at who owns publications like IGN, and what positions those organisations take or fail to take on things like Palestine, factory worker conditions, or labour rights, to get a clearer picture of what these companies actually care about.

If people are genuinely passionate about standards, copyright, and ethics in this space, we would encourage them to look carefully at how the publications they read actually approach these issues and decide for themselves whether they are comfortable with what they find, or whether the criticism aimed in our direction is a little more complicated and potentially hypocritical than it first appeared.

What we found difficult was the public shaming that followed, especially after we tried to explain things clearly and without emotion, politely, apologising where appropriate, and resolve the concerns directly.

I’ll set one thing straight, for the sake of accuracy rather than to reopen the argument: during the discussion, a screenshot was shared to show that we had not linked to a source. That same screenshot in fact shows our post linking directly to that source’s own article. We will not share DM’s to illustrate a point as we think this is wrong, but the discussions had with the parties involved were very passive aggressive and there have also been attempts to dox us.

On the AI point, I know people have strong feelings. RetroShell does use AI, and we have been open about that. We believe AI is a tool that, when used responsibly and with human editorial standards, can help small projects do more. It should not replace human opinion, experience, judgement, or passion. It should support them. That has always been the aim.

More broadly, we still believe the retro gaming community is at its best when people support each other: writers, collectors, preservationists, developers, sellers, YouTubers, small websites, larger publications, and everyone else who keeps this culture alive. There is room for different approaches, different tools, and different views, but I hope we can all try to deal with each other in good faith.

RetroShell itself will continue. We still make, and will continue to make, mighty fine protectors for collectors - as we are collectors ourselves, and we remain very proud of the products and the people who have supported us.

From here, any future announcements will come through our Instagram, @hiretroshell. You can always find us, and the shop, at retroshell.com. If you are looking for a weekly retro gaming newsletter going forward, Retro Dodo publish one at retrododo.com/subscribe.

To everyone who has read the newsletter, visited the site, bought our products, shared our posts, sent kind messages, or supported us in any way over the years: thank you. It really has meant a lot. It certainly kept the newsletter going for far longer than I probably should have. ❤️

Maybe we will be back with something else retro-related in the future.

Thanks again,

RetroShell

In this week's newsletter we have stories such as the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake announcement, a landmark MiSTer CPS3 core release, Sega's continued generative AI woes with Crazy Taxi, the Gothic Remake crossing 500,000 sales and loads more besides.

I genuinely appreciate you all reading, sharing and liking – it makes a real difference to the algorithm, and honestly, it means the world. ❤️

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News

🍄 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is officially getting a remake for Switch 2, arriving later this year with a teaser now available. Eurogamer (below)

🔧 Krikzz has released firmware v26.0608 for the Mega EverDrive Core and Pro, improving support for early Sega 32X units and adding new menu options. RetroShell

💾 A Pokémon Stadium recompilation for PC has finally arrived, though it lists Claude as a contributor, raising questions about its development. RetroDodo

🎮 TrimUI has released another teaser for its upcoming Brick Pro and Hammer Pro U handhelds, with dual sticks and large displays. Retro Handhelds

💾 Nightdive Studios is remastering Thief: The Dark Project, the legendary stealth classic from Looking Glass Studios. Eurogamer

🔧 Krikzz has identified a file system corruption issue affecting newer Analogue Pocket units with Everdrive cartridges, appearing to be hardware-related. RetroShell

🧱 A LEGO Arcade Pinball Machine set has leaked online, adding to LEGO’s expanding retro and gaming catalogue for the second half of 2026. RetroDodo

🎮 Valve’s long-awaited Steam Machine and Steam Frame launches may finally be imminent, with shipments and new SteamOS packages pointing to movement. Retro Handhelds

🦔 Crazy Taxi: World Tour has been officially announced for Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X in 2027, immediately followed by generative AI backlash. Eurogamer

💾 The Capcom CPS3 core has arrived on MiSTer FPGA, marking a watershed moment in the project’s technical capabilities and preservation history. TimeExtension

🇬🇧 Bomb Jack GX is a new homebrew conversion for Amstrad Plus and GX4000 from AnthonyFlack, supporting original hardware and cartridge formats. RetroShell

💾 MiSTer FPGA news roundup covers CPS3 beta, GUI improvements, media casting and expanding arcade core support. RetroRGB

🦊 A Star Fox Switch 2 demo is available to download today, offering an early taste of the upcoming remake arriving 25 June. RetroDodo

💾 Gentleman brings a clean MiSTer-style frontend to Windows PCs, with RetroArch support and extensive customisation options. Retro Handhelds

📺 A classification rating for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has surfaced online, confirming the Switch 2 port for 2026. Nintendo Life

🇬🇧 Ghosts’n Goblins has arrived as a new Commodore Amiga AGA edition port by JOTD, bringing the classic arcade horror to Amiga. Indie Retro News

⚔️ Xenoblade Genesis has been revealed for Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for 2027 with a release date not yet confirmed. Eurogamer

📺 A solo developer has ported a Super Mario 64-style platformer to six retro consoles, demonstrating impressive technical versatility. games.gg

📺 Metro Siege is a new Final Fight and Streets of Rage-inspired beat ‘em up coming to Amiga, Neo Geo and PC via active Kickstarter. TimeExtension

📰 GOG has apologised for sending a newsletter featuring Nazi-associated runes whilst promoting a Slavic fantasy game. Rock Paper Shotgun

🎮 Anbernic has opened a dedicated parts store on its website, allowing handheld owners easier access to replacement components for older and newer models. RetroShell

🔧 RetroTINK 4K firmware v1.21.0 adds experimental support for many custom modelines, expanding flexibility for advanced video profiles. RetroRGB

💾 Minecraft has been successfully ported to the PlayStation 2, demonstrating impressive technical achievement for the vintage hardware. RetroDodo

🎮 The OneXPlayer X2 Mini Pro is preparing to launch on Indiegogo with Ryzen AI Max+ chips, OLED displays and liquid cooling support. Retro Handhelds

📰 Gothic Remake has surpassed 500,000 units sold in its first week, marking a significant success for THQ Nordic and Alkimia Interactive. RPG Site

⚔️ Tales of Eternia, a classic action RPG, is receiving a remaster for PlayStation 5 with enhanced visuals and features. Push Square

📺 8BitDo has widened availability of retro Xbox peripherals, perfect timing for collectors eyeing the transparent Xbox Series X25. PC Guide

🦊 Star Fox 64 art director has said the Switch 2 remake’s visuals ‘bring tears to my eyes’ when comparing the update to the N64 original. Nintendo Life

🦔 Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka wants all Sonic games available on modern platforms and would ‘magically do it’ if possible. Nintendo Everything

🛒 Limited Run Games has updated its Vault with a month heavy on classic games, remakes, compilations and retro reissues. Limited Run Games

🇬🇧 Rex: Into the Shadow Realm is an upcoming sequel for Amiga from HoysterGames, promising a special entry in the series. Indie Retro News

📺 A new fan-made Ghostbusters game has been released for the Atari 2600, expanding the library of homebrew titles. Ghostbusters News

🦍 Nintendo Switch Online is hosting a ‘DK Challenge’ event alongside new Donkey Kong Bananza DLC collaborating with Super Mario Bros. Gematsu

🔧 A method has emerged allowing any USB controller to work with your Sega Dreamcast, expanding your control options significantly. Gamereactor

📺 Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is getting a dedicated Switch 2 port arriving next month, though there’s a slight catch. Eurogamer

Features

💾 A deep investigation into Murphy’s Ghost, Wizardry’s iconic enemy, tracking down the inspiration behind one of gaming’s most memorable foes. TimeExtension

🍄 A feature article lists six things that need to change in the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake whilst identifying one element that must stay the same. Nintendo Life

🍄 Naughty Dog founder reveals how an ‘abysmal’ Universal Studios deal caused him to say goodbye to Crash Bandicoot in 1996. TimeExtension

🕹️ A curious investigation into Bounce 2, a Steam title claiming to be a sequel to an Atari PONG killer that likely never existed. Rock Paper Shotgun

💾 A review of Dark Alien In Deep Space, a homebrew survival horror game for the Vectrex, demonstrating the vibrant aftermarket community. TimeExtension

🇯🇵 Famitsu’s 40th anniversary reader survey reveals Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest as the most influential franchises amongst Japanese players. RetroShell

🕹️ The Fightbox R10 Pro arcade stick delivers less than 1ms lag over USB with excellent stick, button and trackball responsiveness. RetroRGB

🎮 A review of the GameMT EX5 (PSK5000) handheld, testing whether it’s a genuine budget contender for PSP play or just another gimmick. Retro Handhelds

📺 An opinion piece argues that FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa is the finest entry in the entire FIFA series from the Xbox 360 era. Pure Xbox

📺 A video showcases teenagers reacting to the original NES, capturing authentic generational perspectives on retro gaming history. PCMag

⚔️ A video comparison shows Xenoblade Chronicles across its Wii, 3DS, Switch and Switch 2 versions, highlighting the visual evolution. Nintendo Life

🍄 An interview with Rayman Legends Retold’s developer discusses origins, the new engine, additional content and Kung Foot’s return. Nintendo Everything

Lists & Rankings

📺 A ranking of ten notoriously difficult PS1 JRPGs that gave players far more trouble than anticipated in the pre-walkthrough era. DualShockers Lists

📺 A ranking of the ten greatest RPGs released for the PlayStation 2, a console many regard as one of gaming’s finest. CBR Lists

In this week's newsletter we have stories such as Final Fantasy VII Revelation finally being announced for 2027, Resident Evil: Code Veronica getting a proper remake, Cuphead developers announcing not one but two new games, California's landmark Protect Our Games Act passing, and loads more besides. It goes without saying, I appreciate you all reading, sharing and giving a like – it really does help the algorithm along.

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News

🦔 Sonic the Hedgehog has been ported to the Spectrum Next via dave18, bringing the classic platformer to retro computing hardware. Indie Retro News

📺 Resident Evil: Veronica has been announced at Summer Game Fest, releasing in 2027 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2. Eurogamer

🎮 Delta iOS now supports physical Game Boy and SNES cartridges via Epilogue’s GB Operator and SN Operator, bringing original hardware compatibility to iPhone and iPad. RetroShell

🦔 Studio MDHR has announced Mighty Cuphead Adventure, a new 8-bit platformer for the Sega Master System alongside the hand-animated sequel. RetroDodo

🔧 The Adventure of Node is a native adventure Zelda-like game in development for the Commodore Amiga. Indie Retro News

🦍 Yooka-Laylee returns in Super Yooka-Laylee Kart, a SNES-style kart racer from developers including members who worked on Diddy Kong Racing. Eurogamer

📺 Atari has confirmed a GameCube Godzilla remaster and a 16-game Barbie collection, both developed by Digital Eclipse as part of a stronger focus on licensed retro IP. RetroShell

💾 Final Fight 64 arrives via Felipe64, a new N64 development tool that could revolutionise the homebrew scene with visual interface creation tools. RetroDodo

🇬🇧 Wonder Boy Remake for the Amstrad 128K is being teased again with fresh demo footage, showcasing the fabulous retro adaptation. Indie Retro News

🍄 Rayman Legends is being remade in 3D and bundled with the leaked Rayman Origins remaster, giving the beloved 2013 platformer a fresh dimension. Eurogamer

📺 Creative Assembly and Sega reveal the first proper trailer for Alien: Isolation 2, confirming the xenomorph horror sequel is set on a fog-shrouded planet. Rock Paper Shotgun

🔧 BitBeamCannon’s Metro Siege beat ‘em up has surpassed its Kickstarter goal, bringing the 16-bit title to Amiga, Neo Geo and PC with 28 days left in the campaign. RetroShell

💾 Universal Dreamcast Patcher has undergone a complete rewrite and is now better than ever, remaining free and open-source under GPLv3. RetroRGB

🔧 Pre-orders for the $199 Morph 2K upscaler are now open, offering video upscaling for retro consoles and original hardware. RetroDodo

🦔 Rumour suggests Sega might release a new cartridge-based retro handheld targeting 2D indie games rather than basic emulation. Retro Handhelds

📺 Duskfade, a Kingdom Hearts and Jak & Daxter-inspired 3D action-platformer, has been confirmed for Switch 2 with a 2026 release window. Nintendo Life

🇬🇧 Captain Victor Stormbeard And The Undead Treasure is an upcoming C64 platformer from KD Software that has released a playable demo. Indie Retro News

📺 The Wolf Among Us 2 finally releases in 2027 after a tumultuous development, with a remaster of the original arriving this holiday season. GamesRadar

📰 California’s State Assembly has passed AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, in a landmark ruling mandating notice and playability options before server shutdowns. GamesIndustry.biz

🛒 Digital Eclipse unveils a retro collection of classic Toy Story titles plus a modern remaster of Toy Story 3, continuing its acclaimed preservation work. Eurogamer

📺 Barbie Rewind, a 16-game retro compilation from Atari and Digital Eclipse, includes a previously unreleased 16-bit title and a new Dreamhouse game. VGC

🕹️ The Vectrex Mini has received the blessing of original creator Jay Smith, who is now a consultant for the project; launch lineup revealed. TimeExtension

📺 Capcom announces Resident Evil: Veronica, a remake of the 26-year-old Dreamcast classic, reimagined in first-person perspective. Rock Paper Shotgun

💾 An ATtiny85 microcontroller has successfully emulated an Intel 8080 well enough to boot CP/M, demonstrating impressive capabilities for such a small chip. RetroShell

🔧 Recalbox’s Raspberry Pi 5 JVS Arcade Kit has successfully funded on Kickstarter, offering arcade cabinet integration with 15/24/31 kHz video output. RetroRGB

🔧 Wolfenstein 3D gets an Atari 2600 demake, bringing the classic first-person shooter to 8-bit hardware in a thoroughly reimagined form. RetroDodo

💾 Pokémon Crystal Inheritance has been released as a full Game Boy Colour ROM hack featuring time-travel storylines and 254 Pokédex entries. Retro Handhelds

📺 Square Enix has announced Final Fantasy VII Revelation as the concluding entry of the remake trilogy, launching simultaneously across all platforms in spring 2027. Pure Xbox

📺 Sephiroth will have a new voice actor in Final Fantasy VII Revelation, with Travis Willing taking over the role previously held by Tyler Hoechlin. Nintendo Life

🇬🇧 Ghosts’n Goblins has arrived as a Commodore Amiga AGA edition via JOTD, bringing the classic platformer to Amiga hardware. Indie Retro News

📺 IO Interactive has teamed with Saber Interactive for Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered, bringing the three games to modern consoles in 2027. IGN

🔧 Gemini X is a new 2.5D Metroidvania for PC inspired by 32-bit run-and-gun platformers, announced by Toronto studio Komi Games. Gematsu

📺 Studio MDHR announces two new Cuphead games: a hand-animated successor and an 8-bit throwback for the Sega Master System. GamesRadar

📰 Atari has acquired Crossy Road developer Hipster Whale for over $29 million, with a potential total cost approaching $40 million. GamesIndustry.biz

👻 Silent Hill: Townfall has a confirmed PS5 release date of 24 September, with the survival horror sequel shipping this autumn. Eurogamer

Features

🇬🇧 Iconic Issues examines Sega Force #1, Oli Frey and Roger Kean’s attempt to crack home console gaming through magazine publishing in the early ‘90s. TimeExtension

📺 Gothic’s remake is out now, adding new detail and atmosphere to the 2001 RPG’s bustling prison colony setting. Rock Paper Shotgun

📺 R-Type III SNES’s original director is “deeply concerned” with the launch quality of ININ Games’ recent remake, questioning if sales should be suspended. TimeExtension

🎮 Mina the Hollower review praises it as squeaky fresh fun brimming with vintage magic, despite its deceptively simple Game Boy Color appearance. The Guardian Games

💾 A long-forgotten mobile port of Metal Slug has been rescued from digital obscurity and is now playable, delighting fans with its cute small sprites. TimeExtension

🍄 A retrospective argues that the 3D Rayman Legends remake is an improvement on the timeless 2013 original, despite its seemingly unnecessary reimagining. Rock Paper Shotgun

📺 Year One of the Nintendo Switch 2: does it live up to Nintendo’s promises, or repeat the Wii U’s troubled legacy? Retro Handhelds

🇬🇧 A retrospective on why one developer created a physical Amiga CD32 version of their favourite game, even though it never existed. higgypop.com

📺 Langrisser III for the Sega Saturn (1996, Japan exclusive) was a major departure from earlier entries, showcasing the console’s 32-bit prowess. TimeExtension

📺 Nex Playground is a pint-sized family console reviving the motion-controlled video game boom of the 2000s with safer, modern technology. The Guardian Games

👻 Silent Hill: Townfall looks to deliver genuine scares following the mixed reception to Konami’s broader Silent Hill revival strategy. Rock Paper Shotgun

🔧 Fantech Zenith Pro Review examines the latest high-end controller on a budget and whether it’s a standout or just a stand-in option. Retro Handhelds

💾 A technical analysis explains why a Neo Geo port of Doom is functionally impossible given the hardware’s architectural constraints. Ars Technica Gaming

📺 A remaster of the 2002 GameCube classic Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee is reportedly coming this year, developed by original studio Pipeworks and published by Atari. VGC

Lists & Rankings

🏅 Ten thousand retro gamers voted and chose the best Pokémon game of all time in a community poll. RetroDodo

🏅 Ten of the most impressive Game Boy Advance JRPGs that showcased the handheld’s impressive capabilities. DualShockers Lists

In this week's newsletter we have stories such as Mina the Hollower topping the charts with Game Boy Color aesthetics, the Hyperkin Mega95 facing yet another delay, Donkey Kong 64 finally arriving on Switch Online, and a whole lot more. It goes without saying, I appreciate you all reading, sharing and liking – it really does make a difference with the algorithms.

Subscribe now

News

🎮 Mina the Hollower has claimed the top spot on Metacritic’s 2026 chart with a 92 score and clear Game Boy Color influence, releasing on 29 May for £20. RetroShell

🇬🇧 Geo’s Adventures Prologue, an Amiga project started in 1998/99, has finally surfaced after decades of obscurity. Indie Retro News

🎮 Hyperkin has delayed the Mega95 portable Genesis once again with no new release window in sight, disappointing collectors watching the handheld clone market. RetroShell

💾 Super ZSnes v0.200b adds MSU-1 audio support and scaling modes, advancing SNES emulation accuracy. RetroRGB

🔧 Stunt Car Racer has received a framerate unlock mod for Amiga, boosting performance to 50/60 FPS for smoother racing. Indie Retro News

📺 Konami’s Super Bomberman Collection gathers all five Super Nintendo entries including Japan-only sequels, though online multiplayer is regrettably absent. RetroShell

🔧 An OmniDrive-compatible slimline disc ripper has been tested, offering the cheapest way to purchase a new disc reading drive for preservation. RetroRGB

⌚ Nubeo has released a beautiful Missile Command-themed watch, making quality impact in the retro gaming accessories space. RetroDodo

🇬🇧 TapJewels, a match-3 puzzle game for Amiga, has received an update with fresh enhancements. Indie Retro News

💾 OmniDrive firmware allows you to legally rip your Wii, GameCube and Xbox 360 discs using a modern Blu-ray drive on PC. TimeExtension

🏆 A prize 3DS XL from the 2015 Nintendo World Championships, signed by Shigeru Miyamoto, is drawing serious bids on eBay, now topping £16,000. RetroShell

🔧 RetroTINK 5x Launch Edition units are being modded to match the 4:4:4 output capability of later revisions. RetroRGB

🎮 New colour options for the Hyperkin Supaboy handheld are on the way, keeping the beloved SNES portable relevant after eight years. RetroDodo

📺 Donkey Kong 64 is coming to Switch Online on 4 June, making the N64 classic available to subscribers at last. Retro Handhelds

🕹️ Twenty-one years after the original, someone is finally making brand new Nintendo 64 controllers for collectors and players. PCMag

🏍️ Horizon Chase Turbo, an arcade-style racer with retro appeal, is leaving the eShop this weekend for good. Nintendo Life

🇬🇧 Echodrome, a fantastic Commodore Amiga game by PixelPlop, has received an update with improvements and new features. Indie Retro News

📺 A solo developer has created an N64-inspired Zelda Maker as a love letter to the classic series, with a brilliant demo now available. GamesRadar

🏆 Hamster has acquired the rights to Warashi Inc’s works, with this week’s retro re-releases now officially announced. gamesasylum.com

🏍️ A 1994 racing game is re-releasing this week on modern consoles, bringing arcade-style action to contemporary platforms. VICE

🎮 Gradius Advance has received a comprehensive fan-made upgrade that finally secures its place as a Gradius classic on Game Boy Advance. TimeExtension

🎮 A fresh homebrew game, Dracula: Dark Reign, is now available for Game Boy Color, continuing the handheld’s vibrant fan-made software scene. RetroShell

📺 The SegaXtreme Saturn 31st Anniversary Showcase features an impressive 31 Saturn development projects across multiple genres. RetroRGB

🏆 Neo Geo has launched an official online store, part of a broader comeback strategy following the AES+ console announcement. RetroDodo

🔧 The Ghostship 2.0 update brings substantial improvements to Mario 64 emulation, including mods, achievements, and randomiser enhancements. Retro Handhelds

📺 The Nintendo NES celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of the console that revived the gaming industry. PCMag

📺 The original Pikmin soundtrack has been added to Nintendo Music, bringing the 2001 GameCube classic to subscribers. Nintendo Life

🏆 Gradius celebrates its 41st birthday, with Konami’s legendary shooter franchise marking four decades of arcade heritage. Limited Run Games

🏍️ Hyperyuki: Snowboard Syndicate blends SSX Tricky and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater into a retro PS2 extreme sports mashup. Kotaku

🧱 The LEGO 40926 Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Console set has been officially reviewed, capturing the beloved 16-bit system in brick form. Jay’s Brick Blog

🇬🇧 The Morning Star, a classic text adventure by Dareint, is now available across many different retro systems. Indie Retro News

🛒 A Rayman Origins remaster briefly appeared on the Xbox Store with an eye-watering $2,000 placeholder price before being pulled. IGN

👻 A retro horror bundle featuring Gakkou de Atta Kowai Hanashi and Tsukikomori is coming to Switch on 10 September. GoNintendo

🛒 Rayman Legends Retold, a remake of the beloved platformer, is rumoured to be announced by 2 June according to leaked store listings. Gematsu

🦔 A former Sega executive hints that Sonic CD may be receiving a proper remake, though official confirmation from Sega remains pending. GamesRadar

Features

📺 An Intellivision Amico teardown reveals that the doomed console was likely known to be a dead venture early in 2020. TimeExtension

🎮 Despite initial misgivings about its childish appearance, the R36MAX2 handheld has proven genuinely charming and enjoyable in practice. Retro Handhelds

🔧 An 81-year-old developer has finally completed and released an abandoned puzzle game after learning there’s strong demand for retro titles today. GamesRadar

📺 Princess Crown for Sega Saturn, George Kamitani’s directorial debut, remains a masterpiece of 1990s game design and artistry. TimeExtension

💾 After a decade of work, modders have remade the classic RPG Ultima Underworld in Unity with 3D models, new sound effects, and controller support. Rock Paper Shotgun

🎮 Evercade has shown off the Nexus handheld in person, featuring a large 5.8” IPS display and the ability to play a vast retro library. RetroDodo

🎮 The Anbernic RG34XXSP may have suffered silent hardware downgrades, making this once-exciting handheld now difficult to recommend. Retro Handhelds

🦔 A former Sega executive recalls the symbolic moment Mario embraced Sonic when Sega’s console hardware era came to an end. Insider Gaming

🦔 A former Sega VP has described Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka as “the most miserable person” he ever worked with, offering candid insight into his character. GamesRadar

🎮 The Acemagic Retro X5 mini PC looks like an NES but runs modern AAA games alongside classic retro titles. t3.com

📺 Old-school gaming consoles are making a comeback amongst Gen Z, frustrated with modern gaming’s live-service models and high prices. bgr.com

💾 The Video Game History Foundation’s latest episode explores emulation, ROM hacks, translations, and decompilations with newsletter author Wes Fenlon. Video Game History Foundation

🔧 Veteran programmer Colin Porch has finished and published Head Over Heels 3, a home computer sequel shelved since 1989. Tom’s Hardware

🦔 A former Sega marketing executive reveals the bizarre original naming ideas Yuji Naka had for Billy Hatcher and The Giant Egg. TimeExtension

⚔️ A meta RPG remake questions what makes the greatest RPG of all time, cleverly toying with player expectations and franchise legacy. Rock Paper Shotgun

🎮 Afterplay is an incredible emulation platform that deserves far more attention and acclaim than it currently receives. RetroDodo

🎮 A personal account of games being played on the Odin 3 handheld, showcasing its versatility as a go-to device for retro gaming. Retro Handhelds

🔧 A comprehensive Game Gear Raspberry Pi mod rebuild guide shows how to modernise the classic Sega handheld with new internals. NeoTeo

📺 A retrospective farewell examines the rise and fall of mini consoles, once tiny gods that ruled a hot moment of gaming history. Limited Run Games

📺 DekaDuck’s development was significantly influenced by Mega Man X4 and Gunstar Heroes, drawing inspiration from both classics. Insider Gaming

🍄 Reggie Fils-Aimé reveals that Nintendo released the NES/SNES Classic consoles partly due to the Wii U’s commercial struggles. GoNintendo

⚔️ Dragon Quest’s creator reveals that an infamously useless weapon in the series owes its 39-year existence to a Famicom technical limitation. GamesRadar

📺 Rugrats: Retro Rewind review proves that nostalgia alone isn’t sufficient to sustain a game’s appeal. Entertainment Focus

💾 Digital Foundry has tested PS3 emulation on PS5 via Linux, revealing why PlayStation 3 emulation remains so technically challenging. Digital Foundry

🎮 An in-depth look at Mina the Hollower’s six-year development journey that led to becoming one of 2026’s best games. 80 Level

Lists & Rankings

🏅 The top 10 Sega Dreamcast games are ranked, celebrating the system’s finest software library. JoBlo

🏅 Five titles are examined as evidence that 1982 was perhaps the worst year in video game history. svg.com

🏅 Fifty of the best Game Boy Advance games of all time are ranked in this comprehensive retrospective guide. Nintendo Life

🏅 The top 10 Nintendo Entertainment System games are ranked, celebrating the console that saved the industry. JoBlo

🏅 Five forgotten PS1 games have earned perfect scores, hidden gems that slipped under the radar for many gamers across the generation. CBR Lists

In this week's newsletter we have stories such as Star Wars Jedi Knight 2's lost combat finally being restored, a Nintendo and LEGO Donkey Kong arcade set officially revealed, Sega teasing Crazy Taxi after seven years of silence, and plenty more retro gems both old and new. It goes without saying, I appreciate you all reading, sharing and liking – your support makes a real difference.

Subscribe now

News

💾 A report reveals that Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast’s original lightsaber combat was cut before release, but PC fans have since restored the missing features. RetroShell

📰 M2 has cancelled Ubusuna, the spiritual successor to Ikaruga, with creator Hiroshi Iuchi departing the company. TimeExtension

🎮 Limited Run Games has brought six classic Rugrats games to modern platforms with rewind, save states and restored box art. RetroShell

🔧 The USB Dolphin adapter for GameCube adds USB connectivity options to either the SP1 port or memory card slot. RetroRGB

💾 The community-led Super Mario Galaxy decompilation has surpassed 50 per cent completion, marking a major preservation milestone. RetroShell

🧱 Nintendo has officially revealed plans for a new LEGO Donkey Kong arcade machine set. RetroDodo

🔧 AYANEO has announced the KONKR Pocket Block, Pocket AIR Mini IGS edition, and teased the Pocket Play handheld. Retro Handhelds

🔧 A sophisticated retro hack brings Windows CE to the Nintendo 64 in a complex hardware mod. Notebookcheck

🍄 Former Nintendo exec confirms the NES and SNES Classics were made to sustain the company during the Wii U’s difficult final years. Nintendo Everything

🦔 The MegaWifi cartridge aims to bring online connectivity to the Sega Mega Drive, surprising dedicated collectors. GamesRadar

💾 The Nintendo 64 library has received rollback netcode support on Switch Online. games.gg

💾 An unofficial Zelda: Twilight Princess port is so impressive that Nintendo may struggle to match its quality. XDA

🦔 Sega has teased a new Crazy Taxi entry with its first social media post in seven years. VGC

🔧 The 8BitDo 64 is a modern N64 controller that may be the best Switch 2 pad for retro Nintendo games. Tom’s Guide

🎮 Homebrew coder Richter Wilker has created Game Boy Color demakes of both Animal Crossing and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. TimeExtension

💾 Your Blu-ray drive can now legally rip GameCube, Wii and Xbox games with new firmware technology. TechSpot

💾 Final Fantasy 16 returns as a Super Nintendo demake created by a dedicated fan. TechEBlog

📰 Capcom is reportedly working on a new remake of the original PlayStation Resident Evil, continuing the series’ remake legacy. RetroShell

💾 OmniDrive firmware for PC optical drives allows ripping of Xbox, GameCube and Wii discs on your own hardware. RetroRGB

💾 A homebrew demake brings an imagined N64 version of Elden Ring to life as a playable game. RetroDodo

🔧 AYANEO’s May 21 event could reveal new BITWAVE handhelds with flagship ambitions, according to leaked images. Retro Handhelds

📰 The Gothic remake’s physical copies require an online connection and a day-one patch to become playable offline, sparking DRM controversy. Polygon

🔧 A tinkerer has transformed a Burger King promotional toy into a fully working Game Boy Color. PCMag

🔧 A modder has successfully turned an original Game Boy Advance into a Nintendo Switch controller using the GBA Link Cable. Notebookcheck

🎮 Atari has released the Pawsome Edition of Bubsy 4D for Switch 2 with manual, art book and poster. Nintendo Life

⚔️ FuRyu is working on a remaster of Exstetra, the Japan-exclusive fantasy RPG from 3DS and PS Vita, for modern platforms. Nintendo Everything

🔧 Frog Boy Color is a Game Boy Color mod housed in a Game Boy Advance shell. NeoTeo

🔧 A London workshop has brought Akihabara-style Game Boy building workshops to Four Quarters community space. London TV

🛒 Limited Run Games reports that the revamped Sonic X Shadow Generations statue has been approved at Sega headquarters with no requested changes. Limited Run Games

💾 Hilltop Works has announced a fan translation for the infamous Kowloon Walled City PlayStation game. Kotaku

🔧 Impossible Mission III, a new C64 game, has been released and could be the next hit for 2026. Indie Retro News

🕹️ The NEOGEO AES+ is a modern retro gaming console built for contemporary enthusiasts. IGN

🦔 A wireless Sega Dreamcast controller offers excellent quality but has compatibility quirks with fighting games. GamesRadar

📰 A fan-created AI-generated Final Fantasy 6 trailer has sparked debate between directors and audiences over generative art in gaming. DualShockers

👻 Lethal Wedding, a Zombies Ate My Neighbours-inspired horror game, is coming to Steam and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Bloody Disgusting

Features

📺 Shining The Holy Ark on Sega Saturn remains a compelling first-person turn-based JRPG that blends Dungeon Master and Dragon Quest influences. TimeExtension

📺 Modern games pay loving tribute to retro classics such as Chrono Trigger, Ninja Gaiden and Jet Set Radio. Retro Handhelds

🕹️ A gallery and retrospective look at Bitmap Books’ Ultimate Guide to SNK’s Fatal Fury, a one-on-one fighter that stood apart from Street Fighter II. TimeExtension

📺 WCW/nWo Revenge Starrcade Edition brings the beloved N64 wrestling classic straight back to the 90s. RetroDodo

📺 Video store rentals offered PlayStation a wealth of B-list titles that still provided excellent gaming experiences. Retro Handhelds

📺 Developers discuss Ubisoft’s first big remake, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, covering enhancements, modern-day story, and creative vision. RPG Site

📺 Developers discuss where Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced sits in the series’ history, balancing old-school design with modern sensibilities. GamesRadar

📺 A veteran gamer’s deep dive into retro gaming rabbit holes reveals unexpected connections and forgotten gems. nag.co.za

🎮 A £65 handheld emulator offers better value and functionality for retro gaming than anything Nintendo currently sells. XDA

🕹️ A collection of photographs from old Japanese arcades reminds us of what the gaming community has lost to changing technology and markets. TimeExtension

📺 The Super Famicom gave shoot ‘em ups design freedoms that arcades could not, from Mode 7 staging to co-op missions built for home play. RetroShell

🔧 RetroRGB conducts a Q&A interview with polpo, the creator of the PicoGUS and upcoming PicoIDE hardware for vintage PC markets. RetroRGB

🦁 A retrospective look at Star Fox 64’s big box release that has lived rent-free in a collector’s mind for nearly three decades. RetroDodo

🎮 A comprehensive guide explores the best ways to play and experience the Neo Geo Pocket Color today. Retro Handhelds

📺 Black Flag Resynced brings together the best elements of old and new Assassin’s Creed, delivering the series mix fans have long wanted. RPG Site

🔧 A YouTuber has chaotically built a DIY Nintendo PlayStation hybrid using an angle grinder and unconventional modding techniques. NeoTeo

🇬🇧 The Spectrum White Edition offers brilliant value for retro gaming enthusiasts wanting speedy access to 80s microcomputer classics. GamesRadar

🇬🇧 The story behind Nintendo’s former Eastleigh offices in Hampshire reveals the company’s UK operations history. Daily Echo

Lists & Rankings

🏅 Five arcade games from 1984 that fundamentally changed gaming forever, shaping the industry’s trajectory. svg.com

🏅 The five best Nintendo GameCube games of all time, ranked by quality and lasting impact. Limited Run Games

🏅 Five hit Sega Genesis titles that have faded from collective memory despite their quality and influence. svg.com

🏅 The five best Nintendo GameCube games of all time, ranked by quality and lasting impact. GAMINGbible

🏅 Five video games from the ‘80s that defined the NES era and shaped home console gaming. svg.com

I attended Retro Barcelona this weekend, it was fun! I played some PES 2008 and Street Fighter 4, and even a bit of Tekken 3 (not my favourite fighting game). I picked up a Famicom 3D headset (for €90 - I did not know it even existed) - Nintendo does not have a good VR track record so let’s see.

In this week's newsletter we have stories such as rollback netcode finally arriving for the entire N64 library, major firmware updates for the Analogue 3D and RetroTINK, exciting new homebrews for the Amiga and Commodore platforms, Sega's cancelled Super Game project, and loads more besides.

I do appreciate you all reading, sharing and liking – it genuinely makes a difference, and I'm always grateful for the support. ❤️

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News

🔧 Developer Rumbleminze has released a new NES to SNES conversion for R.C. Pro-Am, utilising FastROM/HiROM technology to enhance performance and sprite capabilities. RetroRGB

🕹️ Roc’NRope, a 1983 Konami platformer arcade classic, is coming to the Amiga via developer JOTD. Indie Retro News

🔧 Mike Chi has released RetroTINK 5x firmware v4.0, bringing advanced CRT mask emulation and RT4K processing to the popular video upscaler. RetroShell

🎮 Krikzz has released several firmware updates for the recently-released Everdrive GBA Pro, focusing on stability improvements for the high-end Game Boy Advance ROM cartridge. RetroRGB

🎮 A leaked user manual and renders reveal the AYANEO Pocket Block, an upcoming vertical Android gaming handheld with a smaller footprint and lower price point. Retro Handhelds

🇬🇧 SimTower arrives on the ZX Spectrum via developer haabb001, bringing the classic building simulation to 8-bit British hardware. Indie Retro News

🕹️ Summer Games Done Quick 2026 has released its full schedule, featuring a contentious Super Mario 64 Tool-Assisted Speedrun alongside charity fundraising efforts. RetroShell

🎨 Mana Wave Media has launched pre-order for Night Warriors: Darkstalkers’ Revenge vinyl soundtrack, featuring artwork by Oku and scheduled for August 2026. RetroRGB

🎮 Anbernic’s RG DS finally receives a new Linux system with proper dual-screen tweaks, exclusive themes, screen swapping, and simplified microSD card management. Retro Handhelds

🇬🇧 Dr.Margo, an unofficial Dr.Mario port, has arrived on the Commodore Plus/4 thanks to developers Csabo and KiCHY. Indie Retro News

🎮 Nintendo has expanded its Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscription service with five new Classic titles, including a treat for Virtual Boy fans. Eurogamer

💾 The Sega Saturn emulator Yaba Sanshiro has taken a major step forward with a new rendering technique that overcomes the console’s VDP1 quad-drawing quirk. TimeExtension

💾 A Californian bill aimed at game preservation and backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign has passed a key committee, moving closer to becoming law to keep games playable after server shutdowns. Rock Paper Shotgun

🔧 Independent developer bwldrbst has released Ecliptic, a turn-based tactical combat and role-playing game for the Commodore Amiga, blending classic mechanics with retro-futuristic sci-fi aesthetics. RetroShell

🎨 Piko Interactive has released the Blender Bros. soundtrack on vinyl, composed by Akihiro Juichiya, Takako Ochiai, Masaya Hashimoto, and Ushio Otsuki. RetroRGB

🛒 Evercade has announced thirteen additional titles in its final Activision collection, cementing the company’s commitment to physical retro game releases. RetroDodo

🎮 This week’s Retro Handhelds roundup covers AYANEO Pocket Block leaks, RG DS Linux firmware, KNULLI Scarab, budget flash carts, and significant emulation updates. Retro Handhelds

🇬🇧 Pharaoh’s Legacy, another fantastic strategy game for the Commodore 64, has been released by WindigoProductions. Indie Retro News

🕹️ Sektori, one of last year’s best arcade shooters and a spiritual successor to Geometry Wars, has arrived on Nintendo Switch 2. Eurogamer

🎮 Nintendo has added most of Virtual Boy’s game library to Switch Online through its latest update, making the celebrated handheld’s catalogue increasingly accessible. VGC

🛒 Blaze has confirmed the next two cartridges in the Evercade range: Neo Geo Arcade 4 and a new collection from Activision, featuring Metal Slug 4 and classic titles. TimeExtension

🦔 Sega’s mysterious ‘Super Game’ initiative is dead, though the company’s Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi reboots continue moving forward. Rock Paper Shotgun

🎮 A dedicated community effort has released an English fan translation patch for the Nintendo 3DS role-playing game Digimon Universe: Appli Monsters, making it playable for Western audiences for the first time. RetroShell

🔧 The cpsdigiav arcade HDMI mod is back in stock; this zero-lag kit adds true digital HDMI output to Capcom CPS boards, Neo Geo, and Toaplan systems. RetroRGB

🕹️ Time Crisis returns to PlayStation with gyro aiming support for PlayStation Plus Premium members, bringing the beloved 90s arcade classic to modern consoles. RetroDodo

🎮 Batocera 43 launches with support for AYN Thor, Retroid Pocket 6, and is packed with new features, emulator improvements, and expanded device compatibility. Retro Handhelds

🛒 Fuga: Melodies of Steel Trilogy physical editions have opened pre-orders through Limited Run Games, offering collectors three games in one package. Noisy Pixel

📺 Hamster Corporation plans to release hundreds of games for its Console Archives series on Switch 2, potentially exceeding its vast Arcade Archives collection. Nintendo Life

💾 The entire Nintendo 64 library now has rollback netcode, bringing modern competitive online play to classic multiplayer titles. Kotaku

📺 Mundialito 2, an upcoming Commodore Amiga football simulation by Acneproduction, is shaping up to be another fantastic sports title for the platform. Indie Retro News

🛒 Tumblepop: Memories, a reimagining of the classic Tumblepop arcade game, has been announced for Nintendo Switch. Gematsu

⚔️ Atari has acquired the complete and exclusive rights to the first five games in the original Wizardry RPG series, including related intellectual property. GamesIndustry.biz

🦔 A cancelled Sonic game has been reborn; Sonic X-treme for the Sega Saturn is playable again through community restoration efforts. Fathom Journal

📰 Katsuhiro Harada, the long-time Tekken director, has founded a new studio backed by SNK after departing Bandai Namco. Eurogamer

🔧 A new model of the Xbox Elite Controller has leaked ahead of official announcement, featuring design refinements over previous generations. ComicBook Gaming

Features

📺 Return To Blacktooth: A Head Over Heels Adventure is a joyous and deeply challenging sequel to the 1987 Britsoft classic, delivered almost 40 years after initial conception. TimeExtension

💾 A comprehensive guide to the best PC emulators for 2026, covering all tested options for playing classic games at home, in the office, or on the go. RetroDodo

📺 GoldenEye 007’s designer explains the ‘magic sauce’ behind the satisfying weapon feedback and shooting mechanics that made the N64 classic feel so responsive. TimeExtension

💾 Phil Salvador sits down with Lindsey Kurano, Curator of Electronic Games at The Strong Museum of Play, to explore the intricate world of video game preservation. Video Game History Foundation

🦔 A fan-made prototype controller has been developed which adds force feedback to Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s Spin Dash mechanic, bringing tactile sensation to the classic move. TimeExtension

🦊 A retrospective opinion piece examines mixed feelings about Star Fox 64’s return as a remake rather than a fresh new take on the beloved space-flight shooter. The Guardian Games

📺 After a 20-year wait, Nightdive would complete the SiN Episodes shooter series if its upcoming remaster proves successful, offering hope to long-suffering fans. Rock Paper Shotgun

👻 Thirty years on, we examine the original PlayStation release of Resident Evil, a title that did not merely join a genre but largely defined survival horror for a generation of players. RetroShell

🎮 An Italian gamer has gifted his son a custom Banjo-Kazooie N64 console retrofitted with HDMI output, demonstrating the passion of the retro gaming community. RetroDodo

🎮 Anbernic’s RG Rotate takes a bold departing from traditional handheld design with its rotatable screen and Android-based system, proving to be Anbernic’s most innovative non-handheld device. Retro Handhelds

🎮 A personal retrospective on New Pokémon Snap examines how the game’s camera mechanics evoke cherished memories and connections with family. Nintendo Life

📰 Atari CEO Wade Rosen discusses rebuilding the iconic gaming brand through careful decisions, retro gaming focus, and partnerships with trusted developers. Insider Gaming

💾 A technical exploration of running Windows CE on the Nintendo 64 demonstrates the MIPS CPU’s flexibility and retro hardware’s surprising capabilities. Hackaday

🛒 This guide explores the Activision Collection 1 on Evercade, examining fifteen games and their place in the cartridge platform’s growing library. Fathom Journal

🦊 Star Fox’s original creator says the characters’ design in the newly-announced Switch 2 version is exactly what he had envisioned in the 1990s. Eurogamer

🦊 A retrospective opinion examines excitement for the Star Fox 64 remake alongside concerns about Nintendo’s choice to recreate rather than reimagine. ComicBook Gaming

Lists & Rankings

🏅 A curated list of five N64 shooters that remain engaging and playable by modern standards, celebrating the console’s underrated FPS library. ComicBook Gaming

🏅 A comprehensive ranking of the fifty best Game Boy Advance games of all time, celebrating the handheld’s outstanding library. Nintendo Life

🏅 Six SNES platformers are highlighted for standing the test of time and remaining competitive with modern titles in the genre. ComicBook Gaming

🏅 Every Nintendo Switch Online Virtual Boy game is ranked, providing a definitive guide to the system’s growing library on the subscription service. Nintendo Life

🏅 Five of the hardest Sega Genesis levels are highlighted, celebrating the console’s reputation for challenging platformers and punishing difficulty. ComicBook Gaming

In this week’s newsletter we have stories such as a marriage proposal hidden in a Game Boy ROM for three years, the long-awaited Star Fox 64 remake for Switch 2 finally arriving, Atari acquiring the foundational Wizardry RPG series, a playable LEGO Tetris arcade set with a secret room, and loads more besides.

As always, I really appreciate you taking time to read, share and like — it genuinely helps get the word out to more retro fans.

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News

🇬🇧 A previously unknown 128k version of Namco’s Xevious has surfaced for the Amstrad CPC, hidden as an Easter egg discovery. RetroShell

👻 Montana Ranch, a PS1-inspired psychological horror game, is now available, drawing from classics like Silent Hill and Koudelka. RetroDodo

📰 Atari has acquired Implicit Conversions, adding PS1 and PS2 emulation expertise to its growing retro studio roster alongside Digital Eclipse. Retro Handhelds

🇬🇧 Bomberplanes, an Amiga game created in the 1990s, has made an appearance on itch.io for modern audiences. Indie Retro News

🧱 A fan-designed LEGO Tetris arcade cabinet featuring playable block-stacking and a hidden room is gathering significant community support on LEGO Ideas. RetroShell

🔧 A niche technical guide shows how to enjoy 3D Blu-Ray content and playback on PC CRT monitors with proper cadence using Raspberry Pi. RetroRGB

🎮 Skateland Adventures brings hints of Mario, Sonic and Wonder Boy to Game Boy with a charming new platformer. RetroDodo

💾 A new Fallout 4 mod lets players run Morrowind via OpenMW on the in-game PipBoy, with original Fallout support in development. Retro Handhelds

🇬🇧 Double Baboon Ninja, an upcoming arcade-style Amiga game by Danlabg, looks excellent in its latest version update. Indie Retro News

📺 Evercade’s indie support continues with the Mega Cat Studios Collection 3, maintaining a steady release cadence. Siliconera

💾 The MiSTer FPGA platform continues rapid expansion with a new graphical user interface, several arcade core developments, and a dedicated JAMMA board. RetroShell

💾 Developer Rich Whitehouse has released BigInstinct, a public Killer Instinct arcade emulator for Windows and Linux with extensive features. RetroRGB

🔧 Krasivoe has revealed their GameCube-inspired dock design for both Switch 1 and Switch 2. RetroDodo

💾 Paper Mario Star Nova is a massive total conversion mod for Paper Mario 64, featuring new chapters, story, characters and over 70 star pieces. Retro Handhelds

⚔️ The 1985 PC-8801 version of Hydlide II is getting an EGG Console port to PC Steam on 15 May. RPG Site

🇬🇧 Broken Crown is a new procedurally generated roguelike for the Commodore 64 by BarracudaBits. Indie Retro News

⚔️ Drecom has clarified that Atari owns only the rights to the first five Wizardry games, not the entire series. Siliconera

💾 Taki Udon’s SuperStation One offers a compelling FPGA-based PlayStation replica, combining cycle-accurate emulation with extensive legacy connectivity. RetroShell

💾 Retro Gaming Cables is now selling an RGB + Composite SCART cable designed specifically for the SuperStation One FPGA PlayStation. RetroRGB

📺 Hallmark is releasing a PS1 Christmas ornament featuring the iconic startup sound, arriving this July. RetroDodo

📰 Sony’s preservation team is working to save classic PlayStation games, teasing a backwards compatibility push ahead of the PS6. Retro Handhelds

📺 Darkest Dungeon II: Anniversary Edition physical release is now available on PS5 and Nintendo Switch. RPG Site

📺 The former Xbox 360 exclusive visual novel Steins;Gate is getting a Re:Boot release for modern Xbox Series X|S. Pure Xbox

⚔️ Limited Run Games comments on Atari’s acquisition of Wizardry rights, noting their friendly relationship with the publisher. Limited Run Games

🇬🇧 Armour Alley, a 1980s real-time war game inspired by Rescue Raiders, has arrived on the Amstrad CPC by Fitosoft. Indie Retro News

🎮 Nintendo has announced enormous sales figures for the GBA Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen eShop ports, reaching over 4 million units despite pricing backlash. IGN

🦊 Nintendo announced a cinematic remake of Star Fox 64, simply titled Star Fox, coming to Switch 2 in June. Eurogamer

📺 Veins of Iron is a new SNES first-person shooter inspired by Wolfenstein 3D and Resident Evil, with a prototype cartridge in development. TimeExtension

🦊 Several Star Fox Switch 2 soundtrack songs are already available on the Nintendo Music app for early preview. Siliconera

⚔️ The foundational Wizardry RPG series has found itself split between Atari and Drecom, with Atari acquiring rights to the first five games. Rock Paper Shotgun

🎮 A developer embedded a marriage proposal within a Game Boy ROM, a secret that remained hidden for three years until he revealed it to the press. RetroShell

🔧 An open-source battery pack for the Sega Nomad using rechargeable 18650 batteries and USB-C charging is now available. RetroRGB

🔧 A suspicious fake Lenovo retro handheld may have hit the market, raising questions about counterfeit products. RetroDodo

🔧 Valve has rebooted Steam Controller sales with an orderly queue system after a chaotic launch saw scalpers clear stock within minutes. Retro Handhelds

⚔️ The 1988 MSX version of Deep Dungeon is getting a port on Nintendo Switch via EGG Console. RPG Site

🕹️ Seventeen Arcade Archives games have quietly released for Xbox Series X|S in 2026 so far, going largely unnoticed by the gaming press. Pure Xbox

🦔 A rumoured Sonic Central broadcast is apparently planned for June, celebrating the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary with new game announcements. My Nintendo News

🛒 Limited Run Games’ Vault has opened with Star Wars deals and special pricing on classic releases. Limited Run Games

📺 Nirvanna the Band’s classic Wii Shop Wednesday song gets an amazing fan update featuring games now available on the Nintendo Switch. Kotaku

🇬🇧 SDO is a fast vertical shoot-em-up for the Amstrad CPC by Xevimet4l. Indie Retro News

📺 Nintendo has forecasted that PlayStation 2 will likely remain the best-selling console of all time as Switch sales drop off. IGN

🦊 Nintendo’s new Star Fox remake for Switch 2 demonstrates the company’s pledge to keep digital game prices lower than physical retail. Eurogamer

💾 An unofficial PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess has been released, bringing the GameCube classic to modern computers. DSOGaming

🧱 LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 40926 Sega Genesis Console has been officially revealed for June 2026 release. Bricks Up

Features

🦊 An in-depth retrospective on the making of Star Fox Adventures, where Rare received remarkable freedom from Nintendo. TimeExtension

🇬🇧 A nostalgic retrospective remembers the BBC Computer Literacy Project and its significant impact on British computing culture. Hackaday

🕹️ An interview with Night Striker director Kenji Kaido discusses his 1989 arcade masterpiece and his enduring fanbase for classic games. TimeExtension

📺 Wolfhound is an 8-bit Metroidvania inspired by Wolfenstein 3D and Resident Evil, with a demo already available for hands-on impressions. Rock Paper Shotgun

⚔️ Early piece of Wizardry history, Dungeons Of Despair from Boston Apple Fest 1981, could be lost forever despite recent IP acquisition news. TimeExtension

🎮 Black Fire: Sergio Elisondo’s KUROHI pushes Game Boy Colour to its limit with an incredible technically accomplished project. RetroRGB

🍄 Shigeru Miyamoto considers Zelda II: Adventure of Link to be “sort of a failure,” viewing A Link to the Past as the true sequel. TimeExtension

⚔️ A thorough review of Traysia, the Sega Genesis RPG gem that never made a big name for itself but deserved recognition. RPGamer

📺 The Switch continues inching toward PS2 sales records, though price hikes may damage its chances of surpassing the record-holder. Nintendo Life

🦊 Community discussion on whether Nintendo’s surprise Star Fox remake for Switch 2 delivers the fan experience players were hoping for. Nintendo Everything

🦊 Limited Run Games opines that Star Fox for Switch 2, another Star Fox 64 remake, looks like taxidermy but they’re buying it anyway. Limited Run Games

🍄 Nintendo’s Takashi Tezuka reinvented The Legend of Zelda without overthinking it, drawing on otherworldly influences beyond arcade halls. Kotaku

💾 An Apple Lisa has been successfully implemented on FPGA, bringing this computing legend back to life through emulation. Hackaday

🦊 Takaya Imamura, legendary designer of Fox McCloud, has shared critical opinions about the character models in the Star Fox Switch 2 remake. DualShockers

🍄 An argument is made that an Ocarina of Time remake needs to bring back Yusuke Nakano’s distinctive art style. CBR Games

Lists & Rankings

🏅 The top 10 Super Nintendo games ranked, celebrating the system’s greatest titles. JoBlo

🏅 The best-selling video game consoles of all time, tracking the industry’s most successful hardware launches. IGN

🏅 The ten best-looking box covers for NES games, celebrating iconic cartridge art. Gamereactor UK

🏅 Eight PS1 JRPGs where the villain feels more compelling than the hero, showcasing the exceptional antagonists of the 1990s. DualShockers Lists

🏅 Ten best-selling games on the original Xbox, from Halo 2 to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. ComicBook Gaming

In this week’s newsletter we have stories such as LEGO’s new SEGA Genesis set arriving in June, forgotten Nintendo 64 games making comebacks, the Game Boy Color turned into an actual wearable watch, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum getting clamshell handhelds, and a brilliant new SNES emulator from the original developers – and loads more besides.

It goes without saying, I appreciate you all reading, sharing and liking – it genuinely does make a difference to the newsletter’s reach (which is growing slowly but steadily). ❤️

Thanks to all that voted on the poll, news is easily the most popular section so I will focus more on this.

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News

🔧 A new modding project called Kawaii shrinks a full Nintendo GameCube console to keychain size, pushing the boundaries of miniaturisation. RetroShell

⌚ A modder has spent two years turning the Game Boy Color into a functional watch that still plays cartridges. GoNintendo

💾 Nearly three decades after its official cancellation, a fan-developed port of the original Tomb Raider for the Nintendo 64 has surfaced showing significant progress. RetroShell

🎮 Fortune & Glory is coming to Game Boy Color thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign. GoNintendo

💾 Hardcore RetroAchievements support has come to MiSTer FPGA with impressive speed and integration. TimeExtension

🦔 Sega’s iconic blue blur faces off against the King of the Monsters in a new IDW comic series, with the first trailer now available. RetroShell

📺 Culdcept The First Saturn Tribute is coming to Switch on 8th September 2026, bringing the Saturn classic to Nintendo’s handheld. GoNintendo

🦔 A Sega Genesis series is returning with its first brand-new game in 26 years, along with two remasters of classic titles. VICE

🎮 A classic R-Type Game Boy Color game is being resurrected on modern platforms later this month. TimeExtension

🔧 Chris Dell has engineered an ultra-affordable handheld console for around one US dollar using a CH32V003 microcontroller and Rust programming. RetroShell

🎮 Dracula: Dark Reign has been announced for Game Boy Color, bringing the classic Konami series to the handheld. GoNintendo

⚔️ A beloved PS1 RPG remaster has leaked, confirming its return after 25 years away from the market. GAMINGbible

📺 A classic 2001 PlayStation 1 RPG is being remastered for Nintendo Switch, bringing beloved retro RPG gameplay to modern handhelds. VICE

💾 Game Boy Color spin-off Mega Man Xtreme gets a new fan revamp with a range of impressive custom features. TimeExtension

💾 Super ZSNES is a GPU-powered SNES emulator from the original developers that supports per-game enhancements. TechSpot

🎮 The Anbernic RG Rotate handheld gets an official unboxing video, with pre-orders starting at $88. TechEBlog

📺 A beloved PS1 classic is officially returning on PS5 on 15th May. ScreenRant

💾 GOG has added four seminal titles from Polish developer xLand to its free-to-claim catalogue, marking a significant step in DOS-era computing preservation. RetroShell

📰 A weekly recap of major retro gaming news, including the Game Boy Color watch, GammaOS support for Anbernic hardware and more. Retro Handhelds

⚔️ Iconic RPG developers have let fans keep a game they accidentally gave away for free, demonstrating unexpected goodwill. Polygon

📺 A new retro console has smashed its annual sales target after just 24 hours of pre-orders, demonstrating overwhelming collector demand. PCGamesN

📺 Neo Geo AES+ preorders have hit roadblocks in the U.S. as demand surges past expectations. Notebookcheck

🍄 Console Archives could potentially gain pre-Famicom Nintendo hardware games, expanding the library of classic titles available. Nintendo Everything

🎮 Rugrats Portable Collection has been announced for Game Boy Color, bringing the beloved series to the handheld. GoNintendo

📺 Nintendo GameCube is getting a surprise Minecraft alternative in 2026, offering fans a new experience on the beloved console. GAMINGbible

🛒 Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection is coming to consoles soon, bringing classic 90s and early 2000s titles to modern platforms. Entertainment Focus

🛒 A new collection brings six classic Game Boy and PS1 games to Nintendo Switch and PS5. ComicBook Gaming

Features

🔧 After 27 years, the Retro Fighters StrikerDC has finally given the Sega Dreamcast the comfortable, wireless controller it has long deserved. GamesRadar

🎮 Cross an iPod and a Game Boy and you get a retro gaming handheld with genuine difference and character. t3.com

🦔 A retrospective examination of what happened to Sega and why the company stopped making gaming consoles. bgr.com

🇬🇧 Dominik Diamond reflects on touching a ZX Spectrum for the first time in decades and discovering why the machine still resonates with retro enthusiasts. The Guardian

⚔️ A detailed retrospective review of Gunple: Gunman’s Proof and its place in the retro RPG library. RPGamer

💾 An enthusiastic look at Evercade’s return as the classic emulation device that retro gamers have been dreaming of. Kotaku

📰 An interview examining Limited Run Games’ ongoing journey to become a more fan-focused publisher in the physical games market. Hardcore Gamer

🎮 23 years after the Game Boy Advance SP, a new handheld may finally offer the improvements to the Game Boy line that collectors have long awaited. Gizmodo

🎮 The Lego Game Boy isn’t an exact copy of Nintendo’s retro handheld, and that’s precisely why many collectors and enthusiasts love it. GamesRadar

Lists & Rankings

🏅 A ranking of ten classic GameCube games that are unfortunately unplayable in the modern day. CBR

🏅 A comprehensive ranking of the top ten Nintendo Entertainment System games. JoBlo

🏅 An examination of ten of the most ambitious strategy RPGs released for the Sega Genesis. DualShockers

🏅 A ranking of six of the hardest Sega Genesis games that modern players could easily beat with the right knowledge. ComicBook Gaming

🏅 A ranking of seven SNES games that deliver near-perfect experiences from start to finish. CBR

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News

🏆 SNK and Plaion’s Neo Geo+ has received such overwhelming demand that they’re increasing production forecasts following its initial announcement. TimeExtension

🎮 Colin Porch, the original Atari ST converter, reveals Return to Blacktooth, a sequel to Head Over Heels developed in secret for 36 years, launching next month. RetroShell

🔧 Commodore International has backpedalled on its FPGA lockdown plans for the C64 Ultimate, permitting custom firmware whilst protecting bricked units. TimeExtension

🎮 Yacht Club Games’ highly anticipated action-adventure Mina the Hollower has officially gone gold, bringing its Game Boy Color-inspired aesthetic closer to players. RetroShell

🔧 Frédérick Raynal, creator of Alone in the Dark, cancels his Kickstarter for a new Sega Genesis/Mega Drive PopCorn remake, promising much more. TimeExtension

🔧 Macho Nacho Productions has opened a web store where enthusiasts can purchase files to create their own Xbox prototype recreation, including both full-sized and compact versions. RetroRGB

🕹️ City Connection is releasing a new version of the 1999 Game Boy Color title R-Type DX for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam later this year. TimeExtension

🎬 SNK has contracted Mega64 to recreate classic Fatal Fury commercials from the 1990s after the original footage was reportedly lost. RetroShell

🔧 MiSTer FPGA has integrated RetroAchievements into numerous cores including NES, SNES, N64, and Neo Geo, with new Darius 2 and Ninja Warriors cores available. RetroRGB

⚔️ A near-arcade-accurate port of Double Dragon is in development for the Amiga AGA, with a demo update showcasing faithful gameplay. Indie Retro News

🦔 A legendary Sega Genesis franchise is returning with its first brand-new entry in 26 years, alongside remasters uniting three eras of gaming. VICE

🛒 Evercade is releasing more Neo Geo collections in 2027, offering some of the cheapest per-game pricing for playing classic SNK titles. TimeExtension

🇯🇵 Sega launches the Sega Universe initiative, designed to revitalise classic franchises beyond just games, with film, music, and fashion projects. The Gamer

⌚ Chris Hackmann has created the Time Frog Color, a fully functional Game Boy Color that runs actual cartridges and fits on your wrist. TechEBlog

🐚 Ecco the Dolphin: Complete is officially announced, uniting remasters of both Genesis titles with their 8-bit variants and an entirely brand-new game. Rock Paper Shotgun

⚔️ FuRyu is bringing the Japan-only Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita RPG Exstetra to Steam this summer, making a previously delisted title accessible again. RetroShell

🔧 A Sega Saturn fighter based on the anime and manga series Ninku has received a fan translation, making the game accessible to English-speaking players. RetroRGB

🦔 Sonic R has been successfully ported to the Sega Dreamcast by fan developer Jnmartin, bringing the racing game to Sega’s final console. RetroDodo

🔧 A leaked early review reveals pricing and functions for the upcoming Steam Controller, coming in at £79 (USD $99). Retro Handhelds

🕹️ A faithful recreation of the arcade classic Moon Cresta is coming to the Amiga, developed by Johnny Acevedo. Indie Retro News

💾 Atari has acquired emulation studio Implicit Conversions for an undisclosed amount, strengthening its expertise in retro PS1, PS2, and PS3 emulation. GamesIndustry.biz

📺 Nintendo Switch 2 is reportedly receiving a remake of a beloved PS3 and Xbox 360 title from 2013, bringing it to its second Nintendo platform. ComicBook Gaming

📰 Sega and Creative Assembly have dropped a teaser for Alien: Isolation 2, marking the long-awaited sequel to the survival-horror classic. 9to5Toys

Features

⌚ A comprehensive setup guide for the AYANEO Pocket Air Mini, covering emulator installation, frontends, and optimisation tips. Retro Handhelds

💾 Recent EU hearings on game preservation highlight the critical concern over digitally delisted FPS titles and their impact on gaming history. RetroShell

🔧 A step-by-step guide for installing GammaOS Next on the Anbernic RG Vita Pro for optimised emulation performance. Retro Handhelds

⚔️ FromSoftware should consider reviving its weirdest series, Lost Kingdoms, nearly 25 years after its GameCube debut, given the studio’s proven success with niche IPs. ComicBook Gaming

Lists & Rankings

🇯🇵 A ranking of five remarkable Japanese gaming titles that never received an official North American release. ComicBook Gaming

🧱 A ranking of the six weirdest and most eclectic games ever released for the Nintendo GameCube. ComicBook Gaming

🕹️ A comprehensive list of the ten worst games released on the Nintendo 64 console. ComicBook Gaming

This week we feature stories such as a new Neo Geo that plays original carts, lots of emulation updates, the voice of Star Fox passes away, and a whole lot more (a lot less lists this week).

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News

⌨️ Keychron has unveiled the G4 mechanical keyboard in a retro Famicom-inspired colour way alongside the G5 with a premium carbon fibre body. Notebookcheck

🕹️ A spiritual successor to Konami’s Road Fighter and Koei’s Famicom simulation Ishin no Arashi are both confirmed for modern console releases. Time Extension

🩹 A new ROM patch finally properly fixes the long-broken US prototype of Final Fantasy I-II that has circulated among collectors for years. Retro Dodo

🔧 The creator of a new 3DO FPGA core has admitted the hardware limitations of the MiSTer platform make a truly accurate emulation impossible. Time Extension

📱 A newly surfaced Nintendo patent hints at a Game Boy revival featuring a touchscreen display built into the handheld’s design. IGN

🪵 The man responsible for the disastrous SuperSega scam has resurfaced, this time trying to sell people a wooden PC. Time Extension

🎮 Gamesir’s well-regarded Pocket Taco Game Boy-style controller has finally appeared on Amazon, though its unusual pricing is raising eyebrows. GamesRadar

🤖 An obscure Mega Man title has received an unofficial Game Boy-style remake that fans largely weren’t clamouring for. Time Extension

📸 A leaked image has revealed the TrimUI Brick Pro, a Game Boy-inspired handheld that appears to be nearing its official launch. Android Authority

🎉 A beloved SNES emulator for PSP and PS Vita has received its first update in eight years, bringing a wave of improvements. Retro Handhelds

🕹️ The newly updated SNES emulator for PSP and PS Vita makes now the best time to revisit classic Super Nintendo titles on those handhelds. Android Authority

🏆 The Nintendo 64 emulator Gopher64 has added RetroAchievements support, letting players earn trophies in classic N64 games. GamingOnLinux

😢 Fans are paying tribute to the beloved Star Fox voice actor who passed away at the age of 76. Metro

🚀 The team behind Noah and the Poohloudies has shared a progress update on their ambitious ports for the Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast. GoNintendo

⛏️ A fan-made port is bringing the original Tomb Raider to the Nintendo 64, a console it notably skipped at the time of release. Retro Dodo

🌙 An unofficial port of Zelda: Majora’s Mask has been released for the PS Vita, giving the N64 classic a new lease of life. Time Extension

🐾 Nintendo has officially brought back the original GameCube version of Animal Crossing as part of a special anniversary release. Screen Rant

💾 Another Nintendo 64 launch title has been fully decompiled, with a native PC port already reported to be in early development. Time Extension

🔄 Nintendo’s GameCube app has been updated to version 1.6.1, resolving a persistent crashing bug affecting Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. My Nintendo News

🎲 A solo developer has produced a playable native PC port of Mario Party 4, releasing an early alpha build for fans to try. TechEBlog

🎵 Legendary composer Yoko Shimomura has been tapped to write the main theme for upcoming indie title Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard. The Outerhaven

🛒 Afterplay has launched a storefront where players can purchase and instantly play new indie games built in classic retro styles. Retro Handhelds

📦 The classic Sega Genesis RPG Traysia has been confirmed for a Nintendo Switch release, bringing the obscure title to modern audiences. Nintendo Everything

💿 The Polymega Remix has been announced as a new portable device designed to digitise and preserve physical retro game cartridges. GBAtemp

📀 Polymega has confirmed it is adding support for two additional CD-based retro consoles, expanding the device’s already impressive library. Time Extension

🕹️ SNK has unveiled a Neo Geo console remake that supports original cartridges and outputs via HDMI for modern displays. Engadget

🔌 A hardware enthusiast has successfully modernised an original PlayStation with updated components, bringing the console into the contemporary era. Hackaday

📺 The season two finale of The Pitt on Max features a pitch-perfect parody of a classic PS2-era video game. Kotaku

Features

📱 One writer transformed their iPhone into a capable retro gaming handheld simply by configuring RetroArch, and the results are surprisingly impressive. XDA Developers

🕹️ A passionate argument for why gamers should spend more time exploring the growing catalogue of new titles built in classic retro styles. The Gamer

👀 A hands-on preview of the most exciting retro handheld devices expected to launch before the end of the year. Retro Dodo

💾 A nostalgic look back at ten media formats that once felt like the future but have since been rendered completely obsolete. BGR

🛁 One creative modder managed to turn a Nintendo GameCube into a fully functional console housed inside a real working hot tub. TechEBlog

📺 A deep dive into Sega’s bizarre CX-1 experiment — the Dreamcast that was built directly into a television set. HappyGamer

😱 A look at the technically staggering PlayStation 1 ports that pushed the hardware so far beyond its limits they seemed genuinely impossible. Cultured Vultures

🎮 A former Xbox executive has revealed he lobbied hard for Final Fantasy to become an exclusive franchise on the original Xbox. The Gamer

Lists & Rankings

🏆 A ranked look at the single best survival game to represent each major console generation from the earliest hardware to the present day. ComicBook

✨ Ten Nintendo GameCube games singled out as absolute masterpieces with no meaningful flaws to speak of. CBR

💪 Three notoriously brutal SNES games that modern players would likely find far more manageable thanks to improved skills and online guides. ComicBook

🌀 Seven Sega Dreamcast games that came agonisingly close to perfection but have largely faded from the collective gaming memory. CBR

😤 A countdown of the six most punishing and infuriating levels ever designed for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. ComicBook

💀 A ranking of the most brutal and unforgiving boss encounters ever programmed into a PlayStation 1 game. CBR

🕹️ The definitive best Atari game chosen to represent each console generation the iconic brand was involved with. ComicBook

🚀 A ranked list of the ten strongest launch titles that accompanied the debut of Microsoft’s original Xbox console. CBR

In this week’s newsletter we have stories such as a NES prototype is discovered and released into the wild, ModRetro add to their collection, Limited Run Games apologies (again), Mario Bros on the Sega Master System and a lot more (loads of lists these days, must make good clickbait).

It goes without saying, I appreciate you all reading, sharing and liking - I am thinking of a way of recognising those of you that keep taking a moment to give me a like, its a cliche, but it works wonders with the algorithms.

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News

🎮 A classic SNES RPG series is making a comeback on modern consoles with a release scheduled for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Vice

🇯🇵 After more than three decades, a beloved retro RPG franchise is being officially revived for the Japanese market. Time Extension

🕹️ Nintendo has expanded its Switch Online library by adding three additional classic titles for subscribers to play. Nintendojo

💾 A long-lost prototype of a legendary NES game has been discovered by collectors nearly 40 years after it was developed. Vice

🏹 A fan-made project has reimagined the original Legend of Zelda as a first-person shooter available for PC. GamingBible

🕊️ The gaming community is mourning the loss of Yoshihisa Kishimoto, the influential creator of the Double Dragon series. GodisaGeek

🏠 A couple renovating their new home discovered a massive collection of vintage Game Boy items hidden beneath a bed. Meristation

🐊 ModRetro has announced the release of two classic handheld titles, including a port of Croc 2, for their hardware. GamingTrend

🏆 A dedicated fan in the UK has officially achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Tomb Raider memorabilia. Tomb Raider Chronicles

🧱 A detailed LEGO recreation of the original PSP-1000 could become an official set if it gains enough fan support. Notebookcheck

📼 Evercade is releasing a new collection of indie titles that pays homage to the shareware culture of the 1990s. Time Extension

🏍️ A new fan-developed patch for the Sega Master System version of Hang-On brings the graphics closer to the original arcade experience. Time Extension

📠 In a nod to retro distribution, Impossible Mission 3 is receiving a physical release on a Commodore 64 cassette tape. Metro News

🛸 This week’s “Arcade Archives” releases feature a classic Taito shooter and a unique hoverbike racing game for the NES. Time Extension

📦 Limited Run Games has issued an apology and announced delays for several physical releases due to overly optimistic shipping estimates. Time Extension

⚔️ The rare 1992 Sega Genesis RPG Traysia is set to reach a wider audience with a modern re-release this month. Shane the Gamer

🐧 Linux has recently added technical support for the Sega Dreamcast’s GD-ROM drive, keeping the 90s hardware relevant for modern users. It’s FOSS

🛒 A selection of classic Xbox games briefly and unexpectedly reappeared on the digital storefront before being removed again. Softonic

Features

⚽ This retrospective review looks back at the 8-bit sports title Goal! 2 and its place in the Jaleco library. Games Asylum

🍄 Super Mario Land is highlighted as a nearly perfect handheld experience that is often overshadowed by its console counterparts. CBR

🦍 Newly surfaced reports suggest Shigeru Miyamoto originally conceptualised Donkey Kong as a human in a gorilla suit. Nintendo Wire

🎮 N64 owners can now customise their 8Bitdo controllers with affordable, colourful buttons that mimic the original aesthetic. GamesRadar+

📅 An analysis of why 1996 stands out as one of the most transformative and successful years in Nintendo’s history. CBR

💜 A reader shares their personal connection to the GameCube, arguing why it remains their favourite console despite its flaws. Metro News

🦔 A technical look at the impressive fan port that brings Super Mario Bros. to the Sega Master System hardware. Time Extension

🤖 A new Final Fight project has sparked debate within the retro community for its use of generative AI tools. Time Extension

📐 This retrospective examines the failure of the 3DO console and its ultimate “Game Over” in the market. Retro Handhelds

🏥 The argument is made for why the PS1 classic Parasite Eve is the perfect candidate for a modern series reboot. CBR

📺 A look back at Sony’s futuristic PlayStation 9 commercial from years ago and how many of its predictions have actually come true. Dagens

Lists & Rankings

🔝 A comprehensive personal ranking counts down the top 25 games released for the Super Nintendo. Vocal Media

🤝 This list suggests 10 accessible video games that are perfect for introducing non-gamers to the hobby. CBR

🥇 An examination of five Nintendo franchises where the very first entry is considered the peak of the series. ComicBook.com

⚰️ A look at five great gaming franchises that began and ended their run on the 8-bit NES. ComicBook.com

💎 This ranking identifies the five most underrated titles in the Game Boy’s massive library. ComicBook.com

👿 A countdown of the most difficult boss encounters ever designed for the SNES era. CBR

⏳ Ten SNES titles are highlighted for being decades ahead of their time in terms of design and mechanics. CBR

🚫 A critical look at eight N64 games that have aged poorly and feel difficult to play by today’s standards. GameRant

🔒 This list features seven incredible GameCube games that are unfortunately still trapped on their original hardware. CBR

👎 A ranking of the 10 absolute worst titles ever released for the Sega Genesis console. ComicBook.com

🏢 This list picks the single best Namco title from every console generation. ComicBook.com

👑 A definitive ranking of the greatest masterpieces ever published by Sega. GameRant

🌀 Ten Dreamcast games are recommended for being immediately engaging and fun to play today. DualShockers

✨ A curated list of the seven most perfect games released during the PlayStation 1 era. CBR

This week we have the return of Jaleco sports, a gazillion lists, the Evercade nexus, Donut Dodo in the N64, more Genesis/Megadrive games and a load more (lists)

A special thanks to those amazing people that drop a cheeky little like, its like a heart shaped gift that keeps on giving.

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News

⚽ The retro football title Jaleco Sports Goal! 2 (below) has been re-released for modern audiences on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles. Essential Japan

🛡️ A native PC port of the classic handheld title Link’s Awakening DX has reappeared online following its previous removal. Retro Handhelds

📟 A physical edition of a previously digital-only Game Boy title has been announced, marking a rare new hardware release for the platform. ComicBook

🐒 An exceptionally rare competition version of Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo was recently appraised on the television programme Antiques Roadshow. Kotaku

💿 A custom-engineered PlayStation motherboard has been developed that enables the original console to load software from microSD cards and output digital video. Engadget

🏹 The interconnected Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages titles are identified as the most underappreciated entries in the Legend of Zelda franchise. CBR

🕹️ The Evercade Nexus has been unveiled as a new handheld device capable of running Nintendo 64 classics through official cartridge collections. TweakTown

💾 A firmware update for the Analogue 3D console has introduced individual save tracking for ROM files to improve compatibility with flash cartridges. NotebookCheck

📼 The GB Operator device allows users to play original Game Boy cartridges on modern computers while maintaining save file integrity. GameIndustry

🐬 The Dolphin emulator has integrated support for the Game Boy Player, allowing for enhanced connectivity between emulated GameCube and handheld software. Retro Dodo

🏎️ A classic Konami racing title has been unofficially ported to the Sega Master System, providing the vintage hardware with a new software addition. Time Extension

🐱 Mega Cat Studios and Retrosouls have collaborated to release a new collection of software developed specifically for the Sega Genesis and Mega Drive. Final Weapon

👟 Sega and the apparel brand Fila have announced a partnership to produce a commemorative range of sporting goods and footwear. Time Extension

🌸 Plans for a 30th anniversary celebration and a new line of commemorative merchandise for the Sakura Wars franchise have been confirmed. Siliconera

📺 A new Nintendo 64 flash cartridge features an integrated OLED screen that displays the artwork of the currently selected game. Time Extension

Features

🥚 Revisiting Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg on the Nintendo GameCube (below) is suggested as an ideal activity for the Easter period. GamesRadar

🎮 This list ranks the greatest retro video game consoles ever produced based on their historical impact and software libraries. CBR

🎬 Reports indicate that Nintendo is not currently developing a Super Smash Bros. film following the release of the Super Mario movie. SlashFilm

💻 Benchmark results have been released for the AceMagic mini PC, which features an AMD Strix Point processor and a design inspired by the NES. NotebookCheck

📺 Director Aaron Horvath discusses the creative process and the cinematic influences behind the adaptation of the Super Mario Bros. Movie. IMDb

🦍 The legacy and production history of the Donkey Kong Country animated television series are examined in detail. CBR

🧝 Discussion surrounding a potential remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has increased following rumours of a Nintendo Switch successor. TheGamer

🍩 The arcade-style platformer Donut Dodo is scheduled to receive a physical release for the Nintendo 64 console. Retro Dodo

🕹️ The Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Pro Controller is reviewed for its performance and modern enhancements to the classic gamepad design. GamesRadar

🧟 A new 3D survival horror title has been announced for development on the Virtual Boy, a platform rarely targeted for new software releases. ComicBook

Lists & Rankings

🎮 A retrospective list highlights five of the most unconventional and peculiar titles ever released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. ComicBook

🕹️ Several overlooked Nintendo Entertainment System titles are identified and ranked as essential experiences for fans of retro gaming. CBR

🏃 The premier platforming titles from every console generation are categorised and reviewed based on their historical impact and gameplay. ComicBook

📦 An analysis (below) explores the most unusual hardware and consumer products developed by Nintendo throughout its corporate history. BGR

⚔️ A ranked selection of Game Boy Advance titles examines the most challenging games ever released for the handheld platform. CBR

📚 A curated collection of literature offers insights into the history, development, and cultural influence of Nintendo. ShortList

👾 A comprehensive tier list evaluates and ranks the library of games available for the Game Boy and Game Boy Color. Giant Bomb

🌟 Several high-quality Super Nintendo titles that have faded from mainstream memory are revisited for their near-perfect design. CBR

📜 A report details several Nintendo 64 Japanese role-playing games that remain exclusive to their original hardware without modern ports. DualShockers

💿 A selection of GameCube titles is highlighted for providing immediate engagement and entertainment from the beginning of gameplay. DualShockers

🕹️ An examination of 1987 arcade releases identifies several titles that featured technological innovations ahead of their time. SVG

📉 A critical review lists seven PlayStation 2 titles that failed to meet expectations upon their initial release. ComicBook

⏱️ A list features several highly-rated PlayStation 2 games (below) noted for their exceptional quality despite their brief completion times. CBR

In this week’s news letter we cover Fox McCloud makes an appearance as does Zool, the SNES in 1080p, the Dreamcast getting a new survival horror, the N64 to get its Skyrim and a lot more.

I appreciate you all for taking the time to read, like and share this newsletter.

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News

🌙 Developer Philippe Nguyen has announced the start of development for The Darkness Is Coming, a new 3D survival horror title featuring fixed cameras and a dark atmosphere for the Sega Dreamcast. Time Extension

🎬 The upcoming Super Mario Galaxy film has officially added Star Fox protagonist Fox McCloud to its character roster, fueling further speculation regarding a potential Super Smash Bros. cinematic universe. Variety

🥷 33 Games and Umbra Dynamics have teased a definitive physical revival for the 1990s Amiga mascot platformer Zool. Time Extension

📜 A prominent fan translator is officially assisting with the revival of a mascot platformer that has remained exclusive to the 1990s. GamesRadar

🚀 The Kickstarter campaign for Annalog, a new Metroidvania adventure for the NES, successfully reached its initial funding goal within a single day of launching. COGconnected

📺 A new hardware modification called Super Switch HD allows the Super Nintendo to output a native, lag-free 1080p digital signal by tapping into the console’s internal video bus. NotebookCheck

🎶 Square Enix has released a comprehensive four-disc vinyl LP box set of the Chrono Trigger original soundtrack in Japan, featuring artwork by Akira Toriyama. RPG Site

💰 Reports indicate that Nintendo is currently developing a new entry in the Wario Land series for a scheduled release in 2027. ComicBook.com

🥊 A homebrew developer has demonstrated that a faithful port of The King of Fighters is technically achievable on the Super Nintendo without the requirement of enhancement chips. Time Extension

🤖 Developer Infidelity is working on a comprehensive 16-bit upgrade for Mega Man 2 on the SNES, featuring custom graphics and a native SPC700 soundtrack. Time Extension

🌍 A new homebrew project for the Nintendo 64 has implemented a Skyrim-sized open world that eliminates the console’s traditional distance fog using a custom engine. GamesRadar

⚔️ The Japan-exclusive PlayStation sequel Blaze and Blade Busters has received a full English fan translation, making the action RPG playable for Western audiences. Time Extension

🔪 WESN has launched a Retro Collection of everyday carry knives featuring translucent scales inspired by 1990s electronics and gaming hardware. T3

🪓 The notorious 1989 Friday the 13th NES title has been recreated from scratch as a fan-made project for the Game Boy Color, 37 years after its original release. Time Extension

🎮 Blaze Entertainment has released a teaser for a new hardware addition to the Evercade family of retro gaming consoles. Time Extension

Features

🎮 This article examines various technically demanding PC titles that were ported to the Nintendo 64, including StarCraft and Duke Nukem (below).

🛠️ A discarded Game Boy Advance was restored and enhanced with modern upgrades, including an IPS display and a rechargeable battery (below).

🕹️ Following the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Game Boy Advance, several contemporary retro handheld devices continue to provide high-quality ways to experience the platform’s library (below).

Lists & Rankings

🕹️ The year 1987 is identified as a pivotal era for the video game industry due to the release of several titles that established long-standing genre conventions SVG.

🏚️ Various factors, including hardware failure and limited production runs, have contributed to the disappearance of several classic arcade cabinets from the public domain SVG.

📉 Certain critically acclaimed video games are now considered difficult to play due to evolving design standards and technical limitations Game Rant.

🏎️ The Sega Dreamcast featured a variety of racing titles that remain technically impressive and playable by modern standards DualShockers.

😞 Several high-profile Super Nintendo Entertainment System titles failed to meet contemporary expectations despite the console’s overall success ComicBook.

💎 A selection of Super Nintendo Entertainment System games are highlighted for being overlooked despite their quality and contribution to the platform CBR.

🇯🇵 A community-driven list details Nintendo 64 titles originally exclusive to Japan that have received unofficial English fan translations Giant Bomb.

🏆 The Sega Saturn’s library contains several highly-ranked titles that define the console’s legacy in 2D and 3D gaming CBR.

🏗️ Multiple Sega Genesis games introduced mechanics and design philosophies that significantly influenced the development of modern gaming DualShockers.

🏗️ Multiple Sega Genesis games introduced mechanics and design philosophies that significantly influenced the development of modern gaming DualShockers.

⏱️ A number of classic Sega Genesis titles are noted for their brief completion times compared to modern gaming experiences CBR.

🔒 Several Japanese role-playing games released for the Sega Saturn have never been ported and remain accessible only on the original hardware DualShockers.

🕵️ Analysis of the Sega Genesis library reveals several high-quality games that failed to achieve mainstream popularity during their initial release CBR.

💀 The PlayStation 1 library includes several titles widely recognised for their extreme difficulty and unforgiving gameplay mechanics ComicBook.

🌀 The Sega Dreamcast possesses a collection of underrated titles that contributed to the platform’s cult status despite its short lifespan CBR.

📺 Various PlayStation 1 games have seen a decline in playability and visual appeal when viewed through the lens of modern technology CBR.

In this week’s article we cover such things as Sega helping to develop the Bleemcast, Zelda turns 40 and we get a free game, ultimate NES pimping, the sealed game visionary, powering a game boy using a candle - and lots more.

Thanks for those of you that read each week, double thanks for those that like the post. You all rock. ❤️

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News

🛠️ Damian Rogers has released Megadev, a development kit for the Sega Mega Drive and Mega CD that includes utilities and documentation for C and assembly programmers. Adafruit Blog

🎮 GameStop has officially classified the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U as retro consoles and is offering a 10% trade-in bonus for the hardware and associated software. Nintendo Everything

🗡️ A fan-made 40th-anniversary remake of the original Legend of Zelda is available to play for free through a browser-based interpretation featuring new secrets and areas. Screen Rant

🏰 The 1985 MSX2 version of the action-RPG Hydlide has been ported to the Nintendo Switch as part of the EGG Console series. RPG Site

🎬 A new promotional video for the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie confirms that Pikmin and R.O.B. will appear alongside the established cast. Technobezz

📈 The retro gaming market has seen a surge in 2026 with factory-sealed consoles such as the NES Deluxe Set reaching auction valuations of $120,000. Athlon Sports

📱 A leaked video reveals a new Anbernic handheld featuring a rotating square screen design reminiscent of the Motorola FlipOut mobile phone. TechEBlog

👾 The PicoPal is a new transparent handheld mod based on the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 that is capable of emulating Game Boy and Game Boy Colour titles. TechEBlog

🎥 Nintendo and Illumination have released a new teaser for the Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel confirming cameos from the Pikmin and R.O.B. franchises. IMDb

📊 Developer Mike Wolak has created a real-time stock ticker application for the Sega Genesis that utilizes a MegaWiFi cartridge to display financial data. Hackaday

🚀 Homebrew developer Jenovi has announced SignalFall, an ambitious space exploration title for the Sega 32X inspired by the classic game Elite. Time Extension

Features

🎮 New footage of Super Mario 64 running on the GameCube marks a significant milestone for homebrew developers working on the platform Time Extension.

🕹️ Reports indicate that Sega secretly assisted in the development of the Bleem! PlayStation emulator that Sony famously (below) Gamereactor.

📜 A new visual guide documents the evolution and technological leaps across nine generations of video game console history Time Extension.

🎨 New third-party dock covers allow users to customise the aesthetic of the Switch 2 with designs inspired by the PlayStation 1 and NES GoNintendo.

🕹️ The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller offers a modernised take on the classic Nintendo 64 gamepad with enhanced build quality and wireless connectivity Time Extension.

💻 Retro emulation has transitioned from a niche novelty to a primary method for experiencing classic video game titles on modern hardware XDA Developers.

🔧 A retro gaming enthusiast has showcased a heavily modified Nintendo Entertainment System featuring extensive aesthetic and functional upgrades Time Extension.

📦 An industry visionary discusses the historical significance and market growth of collecting factory-sealed vintage video games Intelligent Collector.

🕯️ An innovative hardware modification demonstrates a Nintendo Game Boy powered entirely by thermal energy from a burning candle TechEBlog.

🤝 A fan-made hardware project imagines a hybrid handheld console resulting from a hypothetical collaboration between Sony and Nintendo Yanko Design.

🚀 The enduring legacy and historical impact of Super Metroid continue to be celebrated as a definitive achievement in game design ComicBook.com.

Lists & Rankings

🕹️ The original PlayStation’s library is evaluated to determine the greatest titles of the era, ranking iconic games based on their historical impact and quality. CBR

📺 Several classic gaming consoles from manufacturers like Nintendo and Sega are analysed for how poorly their hardware and libraries have aged compared to modern standards. CBR

🌟 A selection of five retro video games is highlighted for maintaining exceptional playability and visual appeal in the modern era (below). Metro

🎮 The current library of GameCube titles available on the Nintendo Switch Online service is ranked to identify the most essential classics for subscribers. ComicBook

📈 A comprehensive ranking identifies the most played video games in history by examining lifetime player counts and enduring global popularity. CBR

📉 Three specific video games are examined for their significantly poor quality and the subsequent negative impact they had on their respective franchises. ComicBook

A busy week this week, with stories including an upgrade for the Famicom keyboard, a Lego PlayStation incoming, Mod Retro seeks a $1b valuation, a look back at Mar10 day - and a ton more (and a load of lists).

If you can take a second to subscribe, like or share it would be very much appreciated ❤️

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News

⌨️ An enthusiast has developed a new modification that upgrades Nintendo’s 1980s Family Basic keyboard with a modern USB-C interface. Hackaday

🧱 A detailed LEGO replica of the original PlayStation console is set for release later this year, allowing fans to build the iconic hardware themselves. T3

🖱️ 8BitDo has expanded its peripheral lineup with a Commodore 64-inspired edition of the Retro R8 Mouse, featuring the classic breadbin-style colour scheme. NotebookCheck

🛩️ The classic PlayStation 1 vertical shooter Sonic Wings Special is scheduled for a re-release on modern platforms including the PS5 and Switch 2 this week. Video Games Chronicle

📸 A new DIY adapter has been created that enables users to wirelessly transmit photos from a Game Boy Camera directly to a smartphone. Retro Handhelds

🍄 Nintendo celebrated Mario Day 2026 by announcing a series of updates for current titles and offering various discounts across the eShop. The Toy Book

📈 Palmer Luckey’s hardware startup ModRetro has achieved a valuation of 1 billion dollars following a significant new funding round focused on retro gaming technology. Tech Funding News

🎬 Donald Glover has been officially cast to provide the voice for Yoshi in the upcoming animated Super Mario Galaxy film. Pitchfork

🖥️ A new technical guide details how users can leverage Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices to host and emulate GameCube software directly on their home networks. Android Authority

🧩 Mega Cat Studios has announced the upcoming launch of three new puzzle games developed specifically for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Bleeding Cool

🎮 A third-party manufacturer has released a new Sega Dreamcast controller that finally introduces a second analogue stick to the console’s traditional layout. Retro Dodo

🕹️ After 35 years, a homebrew developer has released a high-quality port of Street Fighter II for the ZX Spectrum that significantly improves upon previous attempts. Time Extension

📱 The developer of the popular PlayStation emulator DuckStation has announced the end of official support for the Android version of the application. Android Authority

🔋 Original Xbox emulation has become accessible on Android devices via a new experimental translation layer, though performance remains in early stages. XDA Developers

Features

⚔️ Fans have expressed disappointment following the lack of official announcements or acknowledgements from Nintendo regarding the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda (below). NoobFeed

🕹️ The Hyperkin RetroN HD is being reassessed as a viable budget-friendly entry point for playing original NES cartridges on modern displays nine years after its initial release. GamesRadar+

🎨 Research into the technical output of the Nintendo Entertainment System suggests that there is no objective standard for colour accuracy due to the variations in NTSC signal processing. GamesRadar+

🏪 A rare Super Nintendo M80C countertop kiosk featuring an integrated CRT monitor and illuminated header is currently being offered at auction. Retro Dodo

⌚ Developers have successfully demonstrated a technical port of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time running on an Apple Watch. Hackaday

🍩 The Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman has stated that a revival of the cult classic game The Simpsons: Hit & Run remains a possibility if fan demand is sufficiently demonstrated. Nintendo Everything

🇰🇷 Historical records highlight Samsung’s previous involvement in the video game hardware market, including its production of licensed consoles and semiconductor components. Samsung Magazine

🪐 Newly revealed details from a former engineer confirm the existence of Sega’s 1996 “Trip Accelerator” project, which was designed to enhance the 3D performance of the Saturn console. Tom’s Hardware

🦊 Crash Bandicoot co-designer Charles Zembillas has criticised the management of the franchise, questioning the absence of a dedicated film or television adaptation for the character. Time Extension

🧛 The upcoming title ReVamp is described as a “Castlevania in reverse” where players assume the role of Dracula to defend his castle against invading heroes. Time Extension

🐊 A new cheat code for the original PlayStation version of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos has been discovered by the gaming community 29 years after the game’s release. Retro Dodo

🎮 Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma showcased a heavy aluminium prototype of the original Xbox ahead of a session at the Game Developers Conference. Sportskeeda

Lists & Rankings

🎮 Minecraft leads the list of the ten highest-selling video games in history based on total units moved (below). TVOvermind

🍄 This list identifies the most influential titles in Nintendo’s history that fundamentally altered the landscape of the gaming industry. Screen Rant

🕹️ Several Super Nintendo Entertainment System titles are ranked by their high level of difficulty and the challenges they present to players. DualShockers

💾 Various SNES games are analysed for their significant but often overlooked contributions to the development of modern gaming mechanics. DualShockers

❌ Certain 1990s retro video games are identified as the final entries that effectively ended their respective franchises. SVG

🌟 Every Super Nintendo game featuring Mario is evaluated and ranked according to its overall quality and legacy. CBR

🎨 A selection of ten Nintendo 64 game covers are ranked based on their visual impact and artistic design. Gamereactor

📖 The Nintendo 64 library is explored to highlight titles featuring the most compelling and high-quality narrative experiences. Game Rant

📖 The Nintendo 64 library is explored to highlight titles featuring the most compelling and high-quality narrative experiences. Game Rant

🌀 Every Sega console released is ranked from the least successful to the most impactful hardware in the company’s history. ComicBook

🔍 This collection features several high-quality Sega Genesis titles that have largely been forgotten by the broader gaming public. CBR

💿 The original PlayStation launch lineup is assessed to determine which titles provided the strongest start for the console. CBR

This weeks news is a little lighter for some reason, maybe due to Mar10 week this week and potentially some big announcements?

Regardless, this weeks newsletter covers the Nintendo Playstation gets a new home, SNES games that still hold up, more plans for ModRetro, a GameCube in a briefcase, playing 2p Game Boy games on the VMP Pro and much more.

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News

🎮 The Pokémon Company is marking its 30th anniversary with the release of retro-styled, sepia-toned merchandise inspired by the franchise’s original pixelated Game Boy aesthetics (below). DesignTaxi

🚀 The NES shoot ‘em up Changeable Guardian: Estique is receiving a modern sequel currently in development for the Nintendo Switch. Time Extension

🕹️ The National Videogame Museum has officially acquired the rare Nintendo PlayStation prototype, a significant artifact from the aborted partnership between the two electronics giants. Dexerto

📜 Koei’s classic 8-bit historical simulation title is being re-released for the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch platforms. Time Extension

⚔️ The original Nobunaga’s Ambition has been added to the Console Archives collection, making the strategy classic available on modern hardware this month. Niche Gamer

🔧 Palmer Luckey has announced a 1 billion dollar investment through ModRetro to revitalise and manufacture hardware for 1990s-era gaming consoles. NewsBytes

🛠️ Developer Moss has issued an apology regarding the technical state of the Raiden Fighters Remix Collection and confirmed that a fix is currently in progress. Time Extension

🔋 A new modification for the Sega Dreamcast Visual Memory Unit enables wireless multiplayer functionality for Game Boy titles. Retro Handhelds

📟 Analogue has announced a restock of its FPGA-based Game Boy handheld, the Pocket, alongside a revised retail price. MMORPG

📖 Independent magazine Sega Mania is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a special issue featuring cover art by renowned illustrator Wil Overton. Time Extension

⚾ A series of hidden developer codes for the Super Nintendo title Ken Griffey Jr.’s Winning Run have been discovered decades after the game’s release. Nintendo Everything

🥊 A previously unreleased Sega Saturn version of the FMV boxing game Prize Fighter has been discovered and preserved online. Time Extension

🍄 Nintendo is celebrating Mario Day by adding three classic titles to its retro gaming library for Switch Online subscribers. Rolling Out

🤠 The FMV western Mad Dog McCree and six other titles are now compatible with the ScummVM emulation software. Time Extension

📱 The original Xbox emulator Xemu is reportedly being ported to Android devices, potentially allowing for high-performance mobile emulation of the console. Android Authority

Features

🎮 An analysis reveals that the SNES controller protocol is nearly compatible with the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Mode-1 standard, requiring only a minor hardware buffer to function correctly with modern microcontrollers. Hackaday

📺 The 1986 animated film Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach! is identified as the first isekai anime to feature a protagonist trapped within a virtual video game world. CBR

🔧 A hobbyist successfully restored the majority of 23 broken Nintendo handheld devices, ranging from the original Game & Watch to various DS models, documenting the process of cleaning corrosion and replacing screens. Supercar Blondie

📖 This educational guide provides a comprehensive overview of the history of video games, tracing the evolution of the medium from early laboratory experiments to modern high-definition consoles. BBC Bitesize

💼 A Reddit user has constructed a custom portable GameCube system integrated into a stylish briefcase, featuring a seven-inch IPS screen and internal storage for accessories. GoNintendo

🕹️ Recent hardware releases from China, including the SOGGY-1000 and the MD3, demonstrate the ongoing international effort to keep legacy Sega consoles alive through modern, optimized PCB designs and 3D-printed cases. Adafruit

🔍 A former Sega employee has confirmed the existence of a cancelled graphics accelerator for the Saturn, codenamed “TRIP”, which was originally intended to bolster the console’s power to handle ambitious titles like Shenmue. Time Extension

Lists & Rankings

🎮 Ten classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System titles are highlighted for maintaining high quality and playability decades after their original release DualShockers.

🕹️ This retrospective identifies the premier Nintendo Entertainment System title released during each year of the console’s active lifespan Gamerant.

🏰 Six influential Nintendo titles from the 1980s are recognized for their enduring design and continued relevance in the modern era ComicBook.

⚔️ The classic Super Nintendo action RPG Secret of Mana is noted for delivering a powerful and bittersweet concluding narrative (below) CBR.

❄️ Several commercially successful Nintendo 64 titles, including 1080° Snowboarding and Wave Race 64, are identified as significant releases that have largely faded from public memory SVG.

📟 The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap leads a ranking of the ten most exceptional and mechanically sound titles released for the Game Boy Advance Sportsdunia.

🌀 Every major Sega home and handheld console is ranked according to its commercial impact, technical capabilities, and software library ComicBook.

This week we cover the return of a number of Marvel games, The Legend of Zelda hit 40, which gaming franchise is the most prolific, the Pokemon gameboy jukebox is announced, forgotten Mario Kart is now playable again - and much much more.

Thanks for reading, you all rock ❤️.

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News

🎮 Marvel is officially re-releasing several iconic video games in a single collection (below). Bam Smack Pow

🕹️ A new Game Boy ROM hack that took four years to develop serves as an entirely new entry in the Mana series. Time Extension

📺 The Disney Afternoon Collection on the Nintendo Switch 2 provides updated performance and features for classic titles. Shacknews

🎶 A compact Game Boy-inspired jukebox device has been designed as a tribute to Nintendo-related nostalgia. Digital Trends

⚔️ The PC Engine version of Popful Mail is now partially playable in English following a new translation project. Time Extension

🌳 The Secret of Mana Reborn update restores two previously lost areas that were removed from the original 1993 SNES release. Notebookcheck

🍄 A fan-made project has recreated Super Mario Bros. Wonder for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Game Rant

🐻 Banjo-Kazooie is being included in the new Rare Edition Super Pocket handheld by Hyper Mega Tech. Retro Handhelds

🚀 Technical fixes are currently being developed for R-Type Delta HD Boosted following its difficult launch last year. Time Extension

🏎️ A forgotten Nintendo Mario Kart title is playable again after two decades due to advancements in GameCube emulation. GamesRadar+

🇯🇵 The English translation of the cult Dreamcast RPG Segagaga is finished, though its distribution faces specific limitations. Time Extension

🔫 Sunsoft has announced the release of a new City Hunter game for modern platforms. Saiga NAK

🎮 Former Xbox executive Seamus Blackley and Asha Sharma discussed the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. Shacknews

Features

🚗 An analysis of a 1989 Nintendo collaboration reveals how a supercharged station wagon was equipped with an integrated NES console. HotCars

🛡️ The Legend of Zelda franchise is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades since the original title launched on the Famicom Disk System. Retro Handhelds

🐹 Twelve Tales: Conker’s 64, the wholesome predecessor to the mature Conker’s Bad Fur Day, is being released on a $70 retro handheld after 27 years of unavailability. GamesRadar+

🎮 A new DIY project demonstrates how to construct a portable NES retro handheld console using an ESP32 microcontroller and a custom PCB. TecheBlog

📟 A rare Game Boy unit discovered at an antique fair has garnered significant attention from the Nintendo retro gaming community. Click Petróleo e Gás

🕹️ The Analogue 3D is a high-end reimagining of the Nintendo 64 that offers 4K output and original controller port compatibility. Retro Dodo

🏗️ Dreamcast enthusiasts have utilised modern connectivity to establish a global leaderboard for the forklift racing minigame in Shenmue. Time Extension

🧩 An exploration of Nintendo 64 hardware reveals how two specific internal components function in tandem to manage game data processing. Digg

🚫 The original creator of Project Owl has publicly distanced themselves from a controversial attempt to revive the software for the Atari Jaguar. Notebookcheck

📉 A retrospective examines the history and commercial failure of the NEC PC-FX, a 1990s Japanese console that prioritised full-motion video over 3D graphics. Time Extension

👾 A personal reflection details how the Sega Master System influenced a lifelong approach to gaming through its unique library and hardware features. Thumbsticks

🥝 Initial feedback regarding The NewZealand Story: Untold Adventure suggests the remake lacks the charm of the original arcade title. Time Extension

🐬 Famitsu has confirmed that the upcoming Ecco the Dolphin remaster will be available on the Nintendo Switch at launch with new gameplay details. Nintendo Wire

🥊 Following a successful unofficial port of Mortal Kombat to the Atari Jaguar, the developer has announced plans to begin work on a sequel. Time Extension

🧸 A brief historical account details the development and eventual fate of Cuddles, an obscure project for the Nintendo 64. Digg

🦆 A retrospective review argues that Disney’s Goin’ Quackers for the PlayStation 2 features a difficulty level that rivals modern challenging action titles. inkl

Lists & Rankings

🎮 Several early Nintendo Entertainment System titles are credited with establishing the fundamental mechanics and design principles that continue to influence the modern gaming industry, according to DualShockers.

🕹️ A comprehensive ranking evaluates the greatest titles released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, highlighting the definitive library of the 16-bit era, according to The Phrase Maker.

⚔️ Every entry in the long-running Shining series has been ranked to determine the best titles within the celebrated tactical and action RPG franchise, according to Time Extension.

📈 Ten specific video game franchises have been identified as the most prolific in the industry based on the sheer volume of titles released over several decades, according to ComicBook.

🔋 While many Game Boy titles remain beloved, several classic games for the handheld system are noted for having aged poorly due to outdated mechanics and hardware limitations, according to CBR.

🏰 The Nintendo 64 library has been analysed to rank the greatest games released for the console, focusing on those that defined the early 3D gaming era, according to CBR.

🔧 The Nintendo 64 featured several innovative hardware and software characteristics that distinguished it from its competitors during the late 1990s, according to Game Rant.

🌀 A selection of high-quality Sega titles are highlighted for being underrated or forgotten by the general public despite their initial critical success, according to Screen Rant.

🏃 Numerous retro platformers are described as mechanically perfect yet frequently overlooked in modern discussions regarding the history of the genre, according to CBR.

👥 The Sega Dreamcast featured a variety of local multiplayer titles that transformed couch co-op into a significant social event for players, according to DualShockers.

🏆 A professional gamer has achieved a significant milestone or record within the competitive retro gaming community, according to Twin Galaxies.

🗳️ A large-scale poll involving 25,000 retro gaming enthusiasts has determined the single best PlayStation 1 game of all time, according to Retro Dodo.

📺 Certain PlayStation 2 games are recognised for their exceptional art direction and technical achievement, allowing them to maintain a high visual standard by modern criteria, according to Military.com.

In a packed newsletter with a lot of lists we have stories such as programming on the Famicom, R.O.B to hit the silver screen, new Castlevania’s, a new way to build N64 games at home, Egg to Steam and Sega loses a legend plus a lot more.

Also a thanks to all that like the newsletter (or share it) - I am thinking of a way to create some way of recognising people that subscribe and like on a regular basis. I know I sound like a broken record, but this really helps the visibility. The retro gaming community is truly one of the best. ❤️

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News

🕯️ Sega issued a tribute after the death of longtime hardware designer and former president Hideki Sato, crediting him with shaping consoles from the SG-1000 through Dreamcast. GamesIndustry.biz

🎬 A leaked toy set for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie reportedly suggests R.O.B. will appear, ahead of the film’s planned April 1, 2026 release date. My Nintendo News

🧛 A fan-made Castlevania Sega Master System port released its first proper demo (below), featuring original/enhanced visual modes and all stages playable despite incomplete elements and bugs. Time Extension

📉 Nintendo’s upcoming Switch/Switch 2 release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen is cited as a potential factor that could push down resale prices for older Pokémon games. ComicBook

🆓 Unreal Tournament 2004 is now available to download for free via OldUnreal, alongside a new public patch preview described as the first in over 20 years. Time Extension

🍬 Gumball in Trick-or-Treat Land, an RPG built for Game Boy Color, launched on February 19, 2026 via Mega Cat Studios and Exquisite Laundry Pet. GoNintendo

📱 Sega has signaled it will discontinue support and delist the mobile “Sega Forever” versions of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Time Extension

🦇 A separate fan project is underway to port Castlevania: Symphony of the Night to the SNES, with early footage showing progress despite being at an early stage. Time Extension

🛠️ Pyrite64 is a new open-source engine and visual editor aimed at helping creators build real N64 homebrew 3D games for actual hardware (or accurate emulators) without legacy toolchain friction. Retro Handhelds

🇬🇧 Treasure’s Japan-only N64 game Bangai-O has received two new English fan translations released around the same time by different teams. Time Extension

💾 D4 Enterprise says it plans to bring its EGGCONSOLE reissues of classic Japanese computer games to Steam, starting with Hydlide 3: The Space Memories (PC-8801). Time Extension

🕹️ Twin Galaxies spotlighted Eye Brawls, a free 2026 homebrew port released for the ColecoVision console. Twin Galaxies

🕹️ Dolphin’s mainline builds have regained Triforce arcade platform support via merged emulation work, with the update shipping in a recent development build. Time Extension

📦 The City Hunter PC Engine game remaster (Revival Edition) is set for a February 26, 2026 digital launch with new modes/features, plus physical editions planned for September 17, 2026. Final Weapon

🎮 Evercade announced a wireless controller for VS/VS-R and Alpha (with broader compatibility noted), priced at £34.99 and slated for September 2026. Time Extension

Features

🕹️ A video walkthrough shows how Nintendo’s Family BASIC cartridge, keyboard, and cassette interface let Famicom owners write and save their own programs in the 1980s. Hackaday

🎮 Pittsburgh’s Mega Cat Studios reportedly partnered with Sony Santa Monica on a surprise God of War prequel after pitching the idea, developing it in tandem with the franchise studio. Pittsburgh Business Times

🏂 The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics broadcast presentation—drone chase cams, advanced replays, and energetic commentary—is likened to the feel of classic 1990s snowboarding video games. The Guardian

🎵 Ubisoft says it understands fan disappointment with Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition’s “reimagined soundtrack,” and suggests original tracks could still return. GoNintendo

🤖 Gun Nose is revealed as a GBA-inspired robot mystery game emphasizing standout pixel art and retro handheld vibes. Time Extension

🟥 The Independent rounds up how Virtual Boy-style 3D and red-tinted nostalgia is being “revived” for Switch players via modern options. The Independent

⏱️ A top Mario speedrunner is offering cash bounties for others to beat specific records, saying he’s bored of holding the top times. Dexerto

🎾 A retrospective argues that Mario Tennis’ earlier JRPG-style progression and stat-building campaigns gave the series a distinct appeal that later entries lack. Game Rant

🧙 A look back contends Phantasy Star IV still stands as a defining Sega Genesis RPG decades later, highlighting its lasting strengths. CBR

📺 A guide explains how to set up RetroArch on Apple TV for retro gaming, covering installation basics and controller setup. AppleInsider

🧠 An interactive simulation visualizes how an 8-bit-era CPU fetches instructions and data from ROM, spotlighting low-level timing and bus behavior. PC Gamer

🧃 A nostalgia feature revisits lesser-remembered corners of 1990s gaming culture and the oddities that shaped the era beyond the biggest hits. The Escapist

🕯️ A retrospective claims the original Silent Hill remains one of the PS1’s darkest experiences and singles out a standout boss encounter as historically great. CBR

Lists & Rankings

🕹️ A ranked look at standout 1980s home consoles—spanning Nintendo, Atari, Sega, and more—highlighting the systems that defined the era and why they still matter. CBR

🚀 A roundup of five 1990s sci-fi games the author says remain highly playable today, including Super Metroid, MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries, Final Fantasy VII, Star Fox 64, and F-Zero X. SVG

🧩 A ranked top five of the author’s favorite NES games—Mega Man 2, Contra, Tetris, Super Mario Bros. 3, and The Legend of Zelda—as enduring pillars of the console’s legacy. SVG

🗡️ A full-series ordering of The Legend of Zelda games (with honorable mentions), presented from worst to best as the franchise approaches its 40th anniversary. CGMagazine

😈 A list of five notoriously tough SNES platformers—The Lion King, Donkey Kong Country 2, Hagane, Castlevania: Dracula X, and Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts—picked for their punishing difficulty. ComicBook.com

🎮 A retrospective list arguing certain GameCube titles influenced modern game design more than players may realize, with entries including Metroid Prime, Pikmin, and Kirby Air Ride. DualShockers

🦸 A ranked overview of every major Superman video game, ordered using a mix of contemporary critic scores, popularity, and play experience. ComicBook.com

🛋️ A list of nine GameCube games framed as peak “couch co-op event” experiences, spanning action, sports, and party favorites like Serious Sam: Next Encounter and Mario Power Tennis. DualShockers

🎛️ A nostalgia-driven list of eight PS2 games remembered for especially wild cheat codes—like big-head modes and other exaggerated modifiers—paired with notes on why that era of cheats is missed. DualShockers

In this weeks newsletter we feature stories including the return of Rayman, as is Belmont, Temco Bowl - the film, playing BOTW on the Virtual Boy(?!), and the PS2 and N64 Mario coop plus a stack more.

Thanks for reading, and double thanks if you take a second to like share or tell a friend ❤️

Subscribe now

News

🎉 Ubisoft and Digital Eclipse released Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition, bundling multiple classic versions alongside 120+ extra levels and an exclusive documentary. MixVale

🧛 FilmoGaz reports Sony revealed a new 2D entry, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, during a State of Play presentation. FilmoGaz

🦖 Limited Run Games’ Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection is set to be delisted a little over two years after launch, with the publisher saying it’s providing advance notice this time. GamesRadar+

🎲 Square Enix and KessCo announced Final Fantasy: The Board Game, starting with content based on Final Fantasy I–III and targeting a Q3 2026 release. Vijesti

🎲 ScreenRant says Square Enix and KessCo are launching a cooperative Final Fantasy board game inspired by the Pixel Remaster era, planned for 2026. ScreenRant

🎬 A Tecmo Bowl movie is in development at Tongal, with reporting describing it as a hybrid live-action/animated project. Final Weapon

🎮 Konami confirmed Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 is coming to Switch and Switch 2 on August 27, 2026, including MGS4, Peace Walker, and Ghost Babel. My Nintendo News

🕹️ Wheeze! is a newly announced Game Boy game drawing inspiration from Super Mario Land and James Pond. Retro Dodo

📟 Hyperkin’s long-delayed portable Genesis/Mega Drive device, the Mega95, is reportedly nearing release as the company shares updated progress. Time Extension

🥽 A new Virtual Boy-style headset accessory is reported to support Switch VR-enabled titles like Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. TheGamer

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 A modder connected a Nintendo 64 and a PlayStation 2 online so two players could run through Super Mario 64 in synchronized co-op. TechEBlog

🕹️ Hamster’s latest Arcade Archives release is Konami’s 1984 tank shooter Mega Zone, credited to staff who later worked on series like Contra and Ghosts ’n Goblins. Time Extension

🕯️ Sega hardware figure Hideki Sato, described as a key engineer behind systems from the SG-1000 through the Dreamcast, has died at 77. Kotaku

🚀 A fan-made Parodius port for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive continues to progress, with new updates showing the project’s ongoing improvements. Time Extension

🌀 CBR argues Sonic Adventure 2 is the standout Dreamcast title, highlighting its story setup and broader appeal on the platform. CBR

🗝️ A playable beta of Rogue 7800, a new roguelike homebrew for the Atari 7800, is now available. Time Extension

⌚ Sega is marking its 65th anniversary with two limited-edition Seiko collaboration watches featuring Sonic-themed details. Dexerto

🏐 The PS1 puzzle game Kula World is being unofficially ported to the Sega 32X, according to a new fan project update. Time Extension

⛏️ Craft Mines has been demonstrated running on Sega Saturn hardware, highlighting another modern-style fan project on the console. Retro Handhelds

📼 Rare footage of a Space Channel 5 and MTV crossover segment has resurfaced online after roughly 25 years. Time Extension

🧩 A fully reverse-engineered, commented source code release for Atari 2600’s Raiders of the Lost Ark has been published on GitHub. Adafruit

🃏 A new fan translation patch makes the Japan-only bonus board game mode bundled with Project Justice: Rival Schools 2 playable in English. Time Extension

Features

🎮 A historical look at how Nintendo’s NES helped revive the U.S. console market after the early-’80s crash through tight licensing control, smart rebranding, and flagship games that established long-running franchises. TechSpot

🗿 A rare four-foot 1990s Super Mario N64 promotional statue—one of roughly 400 produced by Dutchland Plastics—is being auctioned, highlighting the scarcity of surviving retail marketing displays from the era. Retro Dodo

🕹️ A Twin Galaxies feature spotlights “Aquarius Master System,” a project focused on playing Sega Master System games on the modern Aquarius Plus (AQ+) retro computer platform. Twin Galaxies

🌀 CBR revisits Sonic 3D Blast, framing it as an unconventional Genesis-era Sonic entry that still holds up better than many expect years later. CBR

📼 Twin Galaxies highlights the launch of SegaLordX’s “Sega Game Gear Spotlight” series, starting with a Part One overview focused on lesser-known Game Gear titles. Twin Galaxies

💎 A roundup explains why certain retro games command intense collector demand, pointing to factors like tiny production runs, unusual releases, and surviving complete-in-box scarcity. Go2Tutors

🧩 An impressions piece says Atari’s Intellivision Sprint is a focused nostalgia device with HDMI, two wireless controllers, and a library of 45 built-in games designed around Intellivision-style overlays and controls. GamesBeat

🗡️ CBR looks at The Legend of Zelda franchise’s longevity and discusses which incarnation of Princess Zelda is portrayed as the most powerful in the series’ history. CBR

Lists & Rankings

🎮 A roundup of five pre-2000 “must-play” classics—Super Mario Bros., Tetris, Street Fighter II, Chrono Trigger, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time—framed as essential retro-game experiences. SVG

🛋️ A list of nine Nintendo 64 titles that captured the “couch co-op event” feel, including picks like Super Smash Bros., Perfect Dark, Diddy Kong Racing, and Gauntlet Legends. DualShockers

🧩 A ranked selection of games described as only available on Nintendo 64, featuring lesser-seen picks such as Quest 64, Rakugakids, the Mario Artist collection, Buck Bumble, and Body Harvest. Game Rant

🎲 A ranked list of the greatest GameCube games that spotlights standout releases like Super Mario Sunshine and Resident Evil 4 among the console’s best. CBR

🕹️ An overview of retro-era habits and formats many younger players missed, from blowing cartridges and renting games to password saves, CRT TVs, demo discs, and couch multiplayer. Gaming Lyfe

📆 A year-by-year rundown naming the most popular game for each year of the 1980s, using sales and cultural impact as the guide (e.g., Space Invaders for 1980 and Super Mario Bros. for 1985). ComicBook.com

Covered herewith are stories such as running PokeMon in Excel, a health tracking controller from Anbernic, more Analogue 3D options, PokePark Kanto opens in Japan, and lot more.

As ever, thanks to you all, the readers - for taking a moment to read these emails or posts and giving me a cheeky like or share. You rock.

*probably the only as well

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News

🎮 Hamster has announced a new “Console Archives” series for PS5 and Switch, aiming to revive classic console games with modern features. Gematsu

💣 A Bomberman Collection is reportedly in development for Switch 2, with potential remasters and online play. GameRant

🗾 Japan is receiving an exclusive Ganbare Goemon retro collection for Switch, stirring envy among international fans. Time Extension

🦇 A new physical retro collection including Aero the Acro-Bat, Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, and other Sunsoft titles has been announced. Games Asylum

🥋 Street Fighter 6 sales have now surpassed Street Fighter II, while the Marvel vs. Capcom collection also sees a major sales boost. Wadena News

🌌 A Super Mario Galaxy movie is rumored to be in development, with a focus on Luigi and potential new power-ups. The Direct

📟 Anbernic’s new health-tracking controller is now available for pre-order, blending fitness and retro gaming. Retro Handhelds

📊 A fan-made emulator allows users to play Game Boy titles directly inside Microsoft Excel. GoNintendo

🟨 Analogue reveals new color variants for its upcoming 3D N64 console, now shown in prototype form. Kotaku

🎢 The world’s first Pokémon theme park has opened in Tokyo, launched during Japan’s record-breaking tourism boom. VN Express

👾 Stranger Things: Tales from 85 receives its first trailer, teasing a nostalgic, horror-filled adventure. Cosmic Book News

🚁 Kickstarter campaign launched for Jett Rider Mini, a H.E.R.O.-inspired Game Boy title aiming for a physical release. GoNintendo

🎥 English Patch for Tales of Phantasia Cross Edition Revitalizes PSP Classic. FilmoGaz

🌐 EmulatorJS now supports thousands of retro games playable directly in the browser. Gigazine

🏒 A newly released SNES ROM hack adds 5-player support and enhanced gameplay to classic 16-bit hockey. Retro Handhelds

🛰 Space Station Silicon Valley receives a recompilation alpha release for PC, reviving the cult N64 title. GBAtemp

🕶 Perfect Dark’s N64 campaign is being rebuilt as a standalone Quest VR experience. Retro Handhelds

🎈 Balloon Kid and Yoshi have been added to the Game Boy Nintendo Switch Online Classics lineup. Vooks

🎮 Analogue 3D firmware update 1.2.0 introduces new N64 core enhancements and quality-of-life improvements. NoobFeed

🕹 ABXYLUTE’s new retro-style N6 and N9C controllers support Switch 2, GameCube, and modern platforms. The Verge

💿 The Simpsons: Hit & Run is being unofficially ported to Sega Dreamcast by modders. Time Extension

💾 FlipperMCE adds custom boot screens and unlimited save slots to GameCube consoles. Retro Handhelds

🛰 A prolific Saturn modder unveils a spiritual successor to one of Sega’s rarest consoles. Time Extension

💡 A homebrew demo showcases real-time ray tracing running on 1994-era hardware. TechSpot

🎲 Two Culdcept titles are confirmed for release this July, continuing the cult board/card game hybrid franchise. Time Extension

🥊 Zuiki is reviving three Fatal Fury games for the X68000 computer platform. Retro Handhelds

Features

🎠 A Derby Stallion developer reflected on the unexpected success of Uma Musume while revisiting the struggles and legacy of horse racing games in Japan — GoNintendo

🕶️ Nintendo gave a private Virtual Boy demo to a journalist in 2024, showcasing emulation capabilities and sparking renewed interest in the long-abandoned platform — Game File

📉 In 2025, U.S. gamers purchased exactly one copy each of several obscure Nintendo titles across Wii, Wii U, 3DS, Game Boy, GameCube, and DS platforms — GoNintendo

🦍 A fan-built Donkey Kong Country remake in Unity delivers a modern look while preserving its classic gameplay — TechEBlog

🕹️ Classic Virtual Boy games will soon be playable on Nintendo Labo VR headsets, offering a new way to experience the rare system’s library — GamesBeat

🛠️ A new HDMI mod for the Nintendo 64, combined with custom shell designs, provides both visual and physical upgrades for retro enthusiasts — Digg

💿 As digital media dominates, a columnist defends the irreplaceable tactile and emotional experiences offered by CDs and DVDs — The Guardian

📄 A tech enthusiast managed to run Super Mario 64 from within a PDF file, demonstrating the growing complexity of embedded exploits — TechEBlog

📺 A roundup of the best CRT TVs for retro gaming highlights which models deliver the most authentic visuals and lowest latency — Editorialge

🧠 Digital Foundry tests NVIDIA’s new DLSS 4.5 L-preset, analyzing how well 720p content can be upscaled to 4K with minimal loss — Digital Foundry

🐉 The canceled PC port of Panzer Dragoon Saga may be revived as its developer expresses renewed interest in the project — Time Extension

🎮 Marvel vs. Capcom 2, once hailed as a Dreamcast gem, is quietly making waves again in the retro gaming community — CBR

🍕 A recent test shows that ordering pizza on a Sega Dreamcast browser still technically works—though it’s far from convenient — Hackaday

🎬 Jonah Hill’s Superbad character was nearly rewritten to use a PlayStation instead of a Sega Genesis, reflecting last-minute product placement changes — VICE

Lists & Rankings

🎲 A ranked list highlights five of the most poorly received Dungeons & Dragons video games, citing issues ranging from bugs to lackluster gameplay – ComicBook.com

🕹️ Several beloved SNES titles are reevaluated for gameplay flaws and design choices that haven’t aged well in modern gaming – CBR

🚫 A retrospective explores ‘90s video games with controversial themes or mechanics that would prevent their release in today’s industry – SVG

❌ A breakdown of major video games that were unexpectedly canceled just before launch, despite hype and near-completion – SVG