👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0162

18th August 2025

Welcome the 162nd issue of our weekly retro gaming news roundup. In this weeks edition we look back at how 80’s newsletters covered the launch of Zelda, another new N64 console(?), 16 bit inspired Transformers, and lot more.

Thanks for reading, and a special thanks to those who take a second to like the newsletter, it really does make it all worthwhile.

News

🤖 New galleries showcase PlayStation Optimus Prime, Sega Genesis Megatron, and 16-bit Mega Drive Megatron Transformers figures Seibertron.

🕹️ The Red Viper emulator for 3DS reaches version 1.0, enhancing performance and compatibility on Nintendo’s handheld RetroHandhelds.

🎮 Xbox Game Pass adds multiple retro classics in August 2025, expanding its library with older fan-favorite titles TrueAchievements.

💿 Sega LaserDisc emulation sees major progress, improving support for rare arcade titles from the format TimeExtension.

🌀 A new Sega Saturn emulator named Ymir is in development, promising improved performance and accuracy AndroidAuthority.

🌍 A fan project titled Random Earthion brings a Game Boy Color-style experience, though not a full game release yet TimeExtension.

📀 GameCube cult classic Chibi-Robo! arrives on Nintendo Switch Online on August 21st (below) AnimeSuperhero.

🐾 Bubsy in The Purrfect Collection launches September 9, compiling the platforming franchise’s titles Gematsu.

Features

💸 Nintendo Switch Online’s expanding catalogue has led to a rise in second-hand game prices on the market TheGamer.

🌿 A fan project reimagines The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with modern visuals, showcasing what the classic might look like today NotebookCheck.

🌞 A new blog revisits memories of 1990s summer gaming, highlighting popular titles and experiences from the era GamesAsylum.

🎮 An analysis revisits why Sega exited the console hardware business, reflecting on key decisions that shaped gaming history XDA Developers.

⚔️ A retrospective explores the atmosphere of the console wars, capturing how fans experienced the rivalry firsthand XDA Developers.

🕹️ The creator of Earthion discusses the making of the Mega Drive game and how returning to it highlighted the console’s strengths TimeExtension.

🎨 Hong Kong’s “Restart Beyond Gaming” exhibition takes visitors through gaming history as a cultural and nostalgic journey SCMP.

💻 A new edition of the C64 Mini in black has been released, reigniting interest among retro computing fans GamesRadar.

🕹️ A retro-themed arcade opens despite industry challenges, offering a rare bright spot in the sector (below) TimeExtension.

📼 A feature spotlights some of the most memorable but flawed PS1 games, celebrating their quirks TheGamer.

📜 Archived newsletters capture the cultural impact of The Legend of Zelda’s original debut, marking its groundbreaking influence NoobFeed.

📊 Nintendo has sold over 860 million consoles and more than 59 billion games across its history VGChartz.

Lists & Rankings

🎮 A ranking highlights the best launch games across Nintendo’s handheld systems CBR.

🕹️ Several SNES RPGs are praised for improving as players progress deeper into the games GameRant.

📀 Every Sega console is ranked by the strength of its launch titles CBR.

✨ A list showcases the most technically impressive SNES games that pushed the console’s limits GameRant.

📼 Certain N64 titles are revisited as examples of games that have aged poorly and become hard to play today CBR.

🦔 The best Sonic the Hedgehog games not developed by Sega are ranked for their quality and impact GameRant.

👾 Classic retro platformers that remain enjoyable and relevant are highlighted DualShockers.

📊 An overview examines the most influential Sega Genesis games and their role in shaping the console’s legacy ComicBook.

🕹️ A guide details 25 rare gaming consoles and their current market values EarlyGame.

💿 A list outlines the rarest Sega CD games that collectors are unlikely to find XDA Developers.

🎮 The rarest Atari 2600 games are documented, with some nearly impossible to obtain XDA Developers.

🦸 A ranking presents the top four Superman games that best capture the feeling of playing as the hero Yardbarker.

🎮 Collectors’ most sought-after game cartridges are listed, including their appeal and rarity Go2Tutors.

📀 Eight standout PS2 titles are recommended as still enjoyable today TotalApexGaming.

📚 A roundup highlights RPGs that are engaging yet manageable for players with limited time HardcoreGamer.