Author: taternews

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Pre-orders for the Retroid Pocket Nova Are Now Open!

https://retrohandhelds.gg/pre-orders-for-the-retroid-pocket-nova-are-now-open/

If you’ve been watching the retro handheld space lately, you know Retroid has had a bit of a rough patch. Between supply chain headaches and the infamous “RAMpocalypse,” the company has been scrambling to keep its lineup stable. But instead of hiding from the chaos, they’re jumping straight into the fire with the new Retroid Pocket Nova. Pre-orders are live, and honestly, it’s a surprisingly fast turnaround for a device this capable.

Here’s the lowdown: The Nova packs the same potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip found in higher-end devices, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. It’s not just about raw power, though; it’s about value. Starting at $229, it undercuts many competitors while offering a crisp 4.5-inch 120Hz display and Hall Effect sticks. It’s clear Retroid is aiming to win back trust by delivering solid specs without the usual bloatware or price gouging.

If you’re on the fence, consider this your sign to pull the trigger. Pre-orders come with a free bumped-back shell and tempered glass, which is a nice touch for early adopters. Plus, if you’re a previous Pocket Mini V1 owner, you can snag an extra $3 off with code V1SAVE3. It’s a bold move by Retroid to push forward aggressively, and for now, the Nova looks like a winner. Are you grabbing the 8GB or saving up for the 12GB?

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG 55G1 Hands-On Video Gives Us Our Best Look Yet

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-55g1-hands-on-video-gives-us-our-best-look-yet/

Hold onto your wallets, handheld enthusiasts. It is officially the wildest week for portable gaming since the great RAMpocalypse of last year. We’ve got the Retroid Pocket Nova launching tonight, the AYANEO Pocket Micro 2 already sold out, and now Anbernic is circling back with the RG 55G1.

Anbernic just dropped its first real hands-on video, which is a welcome change from the usual polished 3D renders. The clip gives us a quick peek at the device in action, followed by close-ups of the three available color options. It’s a stylish little tease, though they haven’t revealed much beyond aesthetics.

Here’s the real tea, though: an unconfirmed Geekbench listing suggests the RG 55G1 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip and runs Android 14. If accurate, this marks a major shift for Anbernic, potentially making it their first handheld to use a Qualcomm processor.

While pricing and a release date remain under wraps, the timing suggests we’ll get those details soon. With three major launches happening in such a short window, the question is no longer just about specs—it’s about which handheld actually deserves your cash this week. Are you still interested, or have you already pledged your allegiance to the Pocket Nova?

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYANEO Pocket Micro 2 is Officially Released, Immediately Sells Out

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneo-pocket-micro-2-is-officially-released-immediately-sells-out/

It’s official: the AYANEO Pocket Micro 2 is here, and it has already vanished from shelves faster than concert tickets on a Friday night. If you were hoping to snag one this morning, you’re likely out of luck. The handheld sold out almost immediately across all configurations, proving that the demand for compact, retro-focused gaming devices is stronger than ever.

So, what’s the big deal? AYANEO finally ditched the MediaTek Helio G99 chip that powered its previous mini-devices. In a move that will make emulation purists happy, the Pocket Micro 2 is running on the legendary Snapdragon 865. Paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, this setup should offer significantly better driver support for Linux-based firmware like Batocera and ROCKNIX. It’s a smart pivot toward performance and compatibility rather than just chasing raw power.

The hardware remains delightfully niche. You’re looking at a 3.5-inch LCD screen (yes, still LCD, which is great for battery life), a larger 3,950mAh battery, and active cooling. Prices start at a very reasonable $239 for the base model, though the limited-edition Stardust Purple jumps to $309.

If you missed the drop, keep your eyes peeled. Restock dates are unknown, but honestly, the fact that it sold out this fast suggests you might want to act quickly when they do return.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U Might Be Dead Before It Even Ships

https://retrohandhelds.gg/trimui-brick-hammer-pro-u-might-be-dead-before-it-even-ships/

If you were waiting for the TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U, you might want to check your wallet before you check your inbox. What started as a hype-fueled pre-order for a $150 handheld has morphed into a $250 reality. That’s not a typo; retailers like GoGameGeek and MechDIY are now listing the device at nearly double the initial expected price, even after applying discount codes.

Pre-orderers aren’t being left in the dark, though. They’ve received emails offering three choices: pay the price hike, swap for the cheaper standard Brick Pro, or take a full refund. While retailers haven’t explicitly stated why costs spiked, the market response is clear. The device is essentially dead on arrival.

Why? Because for that ~$250 price tag, you can now buy the Retroid Pocket Nova, which offers significantly better specs for less money. With competitors like the AYANEO Pocket MICRO 2 also entering the chat, the Hammer Pro U is competing in a league it can no longer afford to play in. If you’re holding a pre-order, it might be time to exercise that refund option and look elsewhere.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

The Steam Summer Sale Is a Great Excuse to Build Your PortMaster Library

https://retrohandhelds.gg/the-steam-summer-sale-is-a-great-excuse-to-build-your-portmaster-library/

Take a breather from the endless stream of new handheld announcements. The 2026 Steam Summer Sale is officially here, and it’s the perfect excuse to finally tackle that mile-long backlog of games you’ve been ignoring. But why just play them on your PC when you can take the fun on the go?

Enter PortMaster. This tool lets you run Windows games on your favorite retro handhelds, turning your pocket device into a powerhouse. The sale is the ideal time to snag titles that work seamlessly with PortMaster at rock-bottom prices. It’s a liberating feeling to grab a game at a discount, knowing you can play it immediately on your handheld without worrying about platform compatibility.

If you’re wondering where to start, here are 15 of the most downloaded PortMaster-compatible titles currently on sale:

• The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth: 90% off ($1.49)
• Sonic Mania: 90% off ($1.99)
• Half-Life: 80% off ($1.99)
• Chasm: 85% off ($2.99)
• Undertale: 75% off ($2.49)
• Celeste: 75% off ($4.99)

Deals like these make building a portable library incredibly affordable. Keep an eye on Handheld.Deals for a dedicated PortMaster deals page as it builds out. With discounts this deep, there’s really no reason to wait.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

[Update: Launch Livestream Coming Tomorrow] AYANEO Pocket MICRO 2 is Apparently ‘Retro’s New Icon’

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneo-pocket-micro-2-is-apparently-retros-new-icon/

AYANEO is back at it, turning the Pocket MICRO 2 into the self-proclaimed “Retro’s New Icon.” If you’ve been waiting for a handheld that doesn’t feel like it’s held together by hope and duct tape, this might be the upgrade you’ve been eyeing.

The big news? The battery life is finally catching up to the hype. We’re looking at a 3,950mAh cell, which is a massive 52% jump from the original Pocket Micro. That means fewer frantic searches for charging cables and more actual playing time. And yes, it’s still rocking that beloved 3.5-inch LCD screen, so the pixelated nostalgia factor remains intact.

But it’s not just about power; it’s about comfort. The MICRO 2 is introducing a curvier design that should feel less like a brick and more like an extension of your hands. AYANEO has also upgraded the controls with larger, enhanced D-pad and ABXY buttons, plus TMR joysticks. If you’ve ever cramped your thumbs on smaller devices, this is a welcome change.

The launch livestream drops tomorrow at 8 AM ET. Let’s hope they announce pre-orders immediately, because if this “Gen 2 Powerhouse” is half as good as the battery numbers suggest, it’s going to sell out faster than a limited-edition Game Boy. Stay tuned for the full specs!

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retroid Pocket Nova: Everything We Know

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retroid-pocket-nova-everything-we-know/

If you’ve been waiting for a retro handheld that doesn’t feel like a glorified calculator, your patience is about to pay off. Retroid has been moving at breakneck speed this week, dropping full specs and pricing for the new Pocket Nova, and honestly? It’s impressive.

Under the hood, this thing is packing a Qualcomm QCS8550—essentially a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 without the 5G modem. That’s flagship-tier power in a clamshell body. You’re also getting a gorgeous 4.5-inch AMOLED screen running at 120Hz with a classic 4:3 aspect ratio, which is perfect for those nostalgic 16-bit vibes. It’s not just about raw power, though; the inclusion of Hall Effect sticks and stacked shoulder buttons makes it feel like a premium gaming device, not just another emulator box.

Here is the damage to your wallet:

• 8GB RAM/128GB Storage: $229
• 12GB RAM/128GB Storage: $269
• Special Colors: $274

For context, those clear, colorful finishes are exclusive to the 12GB model, but given the hardware inside, the base price is surprisingly competitive. Retroid is even throwing in a free ergonomic back shell swap for pre-orders.

Pre-orders open this Friday, June 26. With storage prices soaring due to AI demand, Retroid has managed to keep this palatable. If you want one, you’ll need to move fast—the site is already showing “SOLD OUT” placeholders. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

GG Aleste 3 – Game Gear to SMS Patch

https://retrorgb.com/gg-aleste-3-game-gear-to-sms-patch.html

Remember that elusive GG Aleste 3? Back in 2020, M2 released this sequel exclusively for the Game Gear, leaving the rest of us SMS and Genesis fans feeling a bit left out in the cold. But thanks to the relentless efforts of ROM hacker morb, the barrier between those two iconic handheld/console ecosystems has finally been breached.

Morb has successfully ported the game to run on Sega Master System hardware. The process is surprisingly painless: you just patch the legally owned ROM, rename the file extension to “.sms,” and you’re ready for launch. It’s a neat trick that brings this vertical shooter to your TV via original hardware, Everdrives, or emulation.

There are a few quirks to keep in mind. Since the SMS lacks a dedicated Start button, you’ll need to hit the Pause button on the console itself (or the button on your Everdrive cart) to begin. Morb also had to swap out certain color palettes to account for the SMS’s more limited graphics capabilities, though the visual glitches are minimal.

While the gameplay area mostly retains its Game Gear proportions—since the game wasn’t designed for a wider TV screen—it’s still a fun, accessible shmup. If you’ve ever wanted to blast aliens on a CRT without buying a dedicated Game Gear, this patch is your golden ticket.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

ACE, UEFA, and Mexico Chase PirloTV’s 950-Million-Visit Piracy Network

https://torrentfreak.com/ace-uefa-and-mexico-chase-pirlotvs-950-million-visit-piracy-network/

PirloTV and RojaDirecta have long been the default stops for millions of sports fans in Latin America craving free, ad-supported streams of everything from the World Cup to the Champions League. But that free ride just got significantly bumpier.

The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), alongside UEFA and Mexico’s IMPI, recently executed a major disruption operation targeting 44 domains linked to the piracy network. The scale is staggering: these sites collectively pulled in over 950 million visits annually, with Mexico alone accounting for 230 million of them. This marks the first public enforcement action under a new intelligence-sharing agreement between ACE and Mexican authorities, signaling a tougher stance on cross-border digital piracy.

So, is it game over for the pirates? Not quite. The operation focused on domain disruption rather than arresting the operators, meaning the infrastructure can—and likely will—evolve. New domains like pirlotvplay.dev have already popped up, mirroring the old sites and serving today’s match schedules. While this hit the pirates’ revenue hard, it’s a classic game of whack-a-mole. The real test now is whether authorities will shift from blocking domains to catching the people behind them.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

[UPDATE: ‘Sizzle Reel’] Retroid Teases a New 4:3 OLED Device With the Pocket Nova

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retroid-teases-a-new-43-oled-device-with-the-pocket-nova/

Retroid isn’t just dipping a toe in the water; they’re cannonballing. The handheld maker has officially unveiled the Pocket Nova, a new horizontal device that promises to fix the biggest gripe of the retro gaming crowd: the screen.

Forget the cropped 16:9 displays that cut off the edges of classic games. The Nova boasts a pristine 4:3 aspect ratio paired with a vibrant OLED panel. Think of it as the “mortgage screen” Retroid’s CEO hinted at back during the Pocket Mini V1 controversy. If you ever felt like your favorite NES or SNES title was missing its corners, this is your redemption arc.

Under the hood, things are getting serious. The device will be powered by the QCS8550 (Dragonwing), a modified Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. That’s a massive jump in power, suggesting the Nova won’t just handle retro classics but could tackle more demanding emulation with ease.

Here’s the quick rundown so far:

• Screen: 4:3 OLED (likely around 4.4–4.5 inches).
• Power: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 derivative.
• Design: Horizontal layout, with multiple color options coming soon.
• Controls: No inline triggers, but a layout that favors classic D-pad positioning above the sticks.

Retroid is dropping all the details this week, so keep your eyes peeled. In a market where storage prices have made everything feel expensive and sluggish, this feels like the fresh breath of air we’ve been waiting for.