👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0193

23rd March 2026

Welcome to issue #193!

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. ❤️

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