Author: taternews

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Zaxour’s Palette Cleanser – Correct PCE Colors over RGB

https://retrorgb.com/zaxours-palette-cleanser-correct-pce-colors-over-rgb.html

If you’ve ever hooked up a PC Engine or TurboGrafx-16 to an RGB setup only to find the colors looking… well, a bit “off,” you aren’t alone. For years, retro enthusiasts have suspected that getting true, accurate colors out of these consoles via RGB was nearly impossible without heavy emulation.

Well, it turns out we just needed a better “palette cleanser.”

Zaxour has officially released an internal RGB mod that finally solves the color accuracy issue on original hardware. By tapping into the console’s digital pins, this mod allows for proper color output that actually matches the original intent—a massive leap over the standard RGB signals we’ve been settling for.

Here is the quick breakdown:

• Compatibility: It works on most PCE/TG-16 models, including the Duo, Core Grafx, and even the elusive Pioneer LaserActive modules.
• The Catch: This isn’t a simple “plug and play” fix. It’s an internal installation, and you’ll likely need a few specific adapters to make it all work together.
• Bonus: If you pair it with Zaxour’s TurboNanza, you can even get matching, high-quality S-Video signals.

It’s a technical marvel that’s going to make those classic titles pop like never before. Just make sure you read the fine print before you hit “buy”!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Arcooda 26″ 4K Display – Brackets for Nova Blast Monitor Replacements

https://retrorgb.com/arcooda-26-4k-display-brackets-for-nova-blast-monitor-replacements.html

If you own a Unico Nova Blast arcade machine, you’ve likely experienced the “it’s a great cabinet, but the screen is… meh” phenomenon. It’s a classic case of high-end hardware being let down by a mediocre display.

Well, there’s finally a fix, provided you have the budget for it. Arcooda has confirmed that their 26″ 4K display can serve as a direct replacement for the Nova Blast panel—as long as you get the 4K version. (Avoid the 1080p model; it’s a different size and won’t fit).

To make the swap seamless, Arcooda is offering specific mounting brackets. If you haven’t bought the screen yet, you can snag the bracket for free by selecting the correct option at checkout. Already own the 4K display? You can grab the bracket separately for about $13.

Is spending $700 to upgrade a $1,300 machine a bit of “sunk cost syndrome”? Maybe. But for retro gamers tired of hunting for working CRTs or wrestling with complex scalers, this is a massive win. It’s a plug-and-play way to turn a decent cabinet into a premium experience without the maintenance headaches.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

BlastEm v1.0 Released

https://retrorgb.com/blastem-v1-0-released.html

If you’ve ever spent your childhood yelling at a CRT TV because your Sega Genesis wouldn’t behave, I have some very good news for your nostalgia.

Developer Michael Pavone has officially dropped version 1.0 of BlastEm, and it is a massive win for Sega enthusiasts. While BlastEm has long been the gold standard for accuracy—even handling those legendary “blast processing” demos that make other emulators sweat—this update turns it into a true Sega powerhouse.

It’s not just about the classics like the Genesis, Sega CD, and 32X, either. We’re talking Game Gear, SMS, and even the obscure Sega Pico.

But this isn’t just a playground for gamers; it’s a dream for developers and content creators. The new technical toolkit includes:

• An Oscilloscope View for seeing exactly what’s happening under the hood.
• VGM logging and a new media player mode.
• Video recording capabilities (APNG + WAVE) to capture your gameplay.

With future plans to tackle the Teradrive and LaserActive, the Sega ecosystem is looking more playable than ever. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or Linux, it’s time to dust off those virtual cartridges.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

GPD Adds New Win 5 Configuration

https://retrohandhelds.gg/gpd-adds-new-win-5-configuration/

If you’ve ever looked at a handheld gaming device and thought, “This is great, but I wish it had the power of a high-end desktop and cost as much as a used sedan,” then GPD has a surprise for you.

The company is officially adding a new configuration to its Win 5 lineup. This isn’t just a minor tweak; we’re talking about a new tier powered by the AMD AI MAX+ 388 mobile APU. It comes packed with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, all designed to squeeze every drop of performance out of that beefy hardware.

The clever bit here is the trade-off: by dropping from 16 cores to 8, GPD is essentially diverting power away from the CPU to feed the GPU. It’s a “less is more” approach aimed at maximizing graphics performance.

Of course, there’s a small catch (or two):

• The Price: It’ll set you back roughly $1,722.
• The Battery: In true handheld fashion, you might still want to shell out an extra $93 for an external battery pack if you actually want to play away from a wall outlet.

It’s a powerhouse of a machine, but whether it’s worth a small mortgage is up to you.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Acer Predator Atlas 8 is Now Available, Provided You’re in the UK

https://retrohandhelds.gg/acer-predator-atlas-8-is-now-available-provided-youre-in-the-uk/

If you’ve been waiting for Acer to finally follow through on its handheld promises, the wait is technically over—but there’s a catch. The Acer Predator Atlas 8 has officially surfaced on the UK’s Curry’s website, meaning it’s finally out in the wild.

After months of radio silence since Computex, this device is making waves as one of the few handhelds powered by Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme chip. While it might not quite dethrone the heavy-hitting Ryzen AI Max powerhouses, it offers a much more approachable price point, landing at roughly £1,299 ($1,735).

Here is the quick breakdown of what’s under the hood:

• Display: A snappy 8-inch, 120Hz screen.
• Memory/Storage: 24GB of RAM and a generous 1TB SSD.
• Battery: An 80Wh capacity to keep you gaming on the go.

The bummer? If you’re in the U.S., you’re stuck in shipping limbo. Since Curry’s doesn’t play nice with international orders, you’ll either need a freight forwarding service or a lot of patience. Hopefully, a domestic release is lurking just around the corner.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

KONKR Pocket Advance Review: A Nostalgic Nod to the Game Boy Advance

https://retrohandhelds.gg/konkr-pocket-advance-review/

### Nostalgia in Your Pocket: The KONKR Pocket Advance

If you grew up clutching a Game Boy Advance, the KONKR Pocket Advance is going to feel like a warm hug from your childhood. AYANEO’s budget-friendly handheld is a love letter to the early 2000s, sporting curved bezels and a color palette that screams retro chic.

But don’t let the pretty colors fool you; this isn’t just a museum piece. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G90T chip handles everything from classic Game Boy titles to PSP with ease. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even squeeze some GameCube or PS2 performance out of it—provided you don’t mind a little technical tinkering.

The Quick Lowdown:

• The Good: It’s incredibly comfortable for long sessions, features a crisp 3:2 aspect ratio screen (perfect for GBA games), and is surprisingly quiet—great for late-night gaming.
• The Not-So-Good: The buttons can feel a bit “mushy,” and if you try to use this for PC gaming, prepare for a headache. This is a retro specialist, not a heavy lifter.

At a palatable price point, it’s a fantastic pick for those who want high-quality nostalgia without breaking the bank.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

RetroTINK Wireless Control: DonutShop & Retro-Bridge

https://retrorgb.com/retrotink-wireless-control-donutshop-retro-bridge.html

Ever feel like your RetroTINK setup is a bit too… tethered? If you’re tired of crawling behind your TV every time you want to swap a setting, there’s some sweet news for the retro gaming crowd.

Two new DIY-friendly projects, DonutShop and Retro-Bridge, are officially bringing wireless control to the RetroTINK 6x and 4K. Essentially, these solutions allow you to tweak your settings without the physical struggle of manual button-mashing on the device itself.

Here’s the quick breakdown of your options:

• DonutShop: Uses an Arduino Nano ESP32 to pass serial commands via USB or VGA. It’s a great pick for those who want a robust, dedicated controller setup.
• Retro-Bridge: Utilizes a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W to bridge the gap, offering another way to command your scaler wirelessly.

A quick heads-up for the gear nerds: if you’re rocking the 6x CE, you’ll need to wait for an upcoming VGA adapter to make this work. Otherwise, grab a USB splitter and start enjoying the luxury of sitting on your couch while your hardware does the heavy lifting.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Court Upholds Belgian Pirate DNS Blocking Order, OpenDNS Exit Looms

https://torrentfreak.com/court-upholds-belgian-pirate-dns-blocking-order-opendns-exit-looms/

If you thought your internet browsing was private, Belgium just threw a very expensive wrench into the gears.

A Belgian court has officially upheld a massive ruling that forces major DNS providers—the services that translate website names into IP addresses—to block pirate streaming domains. This isn’t just a general ban; it’s a precision strike aimed at sports rightsholders like DAZN.

To catch pirates off guard, the blocking is getting tactical. Instead of a permanent blackout, the blocklists will go live just 90 minutes before major football matches start. It’s essentially a digital “surprise inspection” designed to disrupt illegal streams right when fans are most eager to watch.

While Google and Cloudflare have found ways to comply, Cisco is playing hardball. They’ve warned that implementing such dynamic, localized blocking could compromise their service’s stability. Their solution? Pulling OpenDNS out of Belgium entirely.

The takeaway: Unless an appeal changes things, Belgian OpenDNS users are looking at a second “dark period” later this year. The battle between free content and copyright enforcement just got a whole lot more complicated.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Konsoru: The Thor Focused Launcher Drops v0.6.0

https://retrohandhelds.gg/konsoru-the-thor-focused-launcher-drops-v0-6-0/

If you own an AYN Thor, you know that dual-screen real estate is a bit of a wild frontier. While other launchers try to play it safe, a new player called Konsoru is leaning hard into the niche, and their v0.6.0 update just dropped to make things even sweeter.

Unlike generic frontends, Konsoru is built with a “bespoke” vibe. We’re talking 20 different authentic console UIs—imagine having a dedicated Dreamcast or GameBoy interface that actually respects your hardware. It’s less about making a single list of games and more about making your handheld feel like a specialized piece of hardware for every era.

The latest update is packed with quality-of-life wins, including:

• A dedicated Guide Hub: You can now pull up manuals and guides on your bottom screen while you play.
• Better Save Sync: Improved integration with RomM to keep your progress safe.
• RetroAchievements: Easier access to your trophies during gameplay.

It’s clearly a labor of love for the dual-screen community. Whether you’re a tinkerer or just want a prettier UI, Konsoru is definitely one to watch as it evolves.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

FunnyPlaying’s FPGB MINI Might Be Closer to Launch Than We Thought

https://retrohandhelds.gg/funnyplayings-fpgb-mini-might-be-closer-to-launch-than-we-thought/

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