📰 New article from Retro Handhelds
Virtua Racing is Back and Better Than Ever Thanks to this Port
https://retrohandhelds.gg/virtua-racing-is-back-and-better-than-ever-thanks-to-this-port/
Remember when Virtua Racing blew our minds on the Genesis? It’s easy to forget that the original arcade version ran on Sega’s massive Model 1 hardware, not the home console. But thanks to a community effort that feels like a genuine gift to retro gamers, that pristine arcade experience is back—and it’s doing things the original never could.
A developer named Wanszai has released a new port of the Model 1 version that runs smoothly on both PC and Xbox Series consoles. You just need a legally obtained copy of the game file (vr.zip) and drop it into the folder. It’s that simple. And honestly, it’s impressive how well they’ve managed to capture that distinct 90s arcade feel while modernizing the experience.
The real game-changer here is the online multiplayer. You can jump into races with up to eight other players, which turns a nostalgic single-player experience into a competitive multiplayer event. Plus, you get to choose between English or Japanese, tweak controller settings, and even crank it up to 60 FPS (though widescreen mode might introduce some visual artifacts).
It’s a win for preservation and a win for fun. If you want to try it out, head over to Wanszai’s GitHub page for the download and setup instructions. And if you enjoy this kind of technical wizardry, consider dropping a tip on their Ko-Fi page to support the work.