Author: taternews

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYANEO Pocket MICRO 2 is Apparently ‘Retro’s New Icon’

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

AYANEO isn’t just resting on its laurels; they’re busy rewriting the retro handheld playbook. Just weeks after teasing the Android-powered KONKR Pocket Block, the company dropped a surprise announcement for the AYANEO Pocket MICRO 2. They’re calling it a “Gen 2 Powerhouse” and “Retro’s New Icon,” which is definitely bold marketing speak.

While details are currently scarce, the context suggests we’re in for a meaningful upgrade. The original Pocket Micro launched in late 2024 as a premium 3:2 retro device, quickly becoming a fan favorite. It was later joined by the cheaper, stick-less Pocket Micro Classic in early 2025. Both models relied on the MediaTek Helios G99 chip—solid, but hardly cutting-edge by today’s standards.

If the MICRO 2 truly lives up to the “powerhouse” title, it’s almost certain to ditch that aging processor for something with more modern punch. Given the rapid pace of the handheld market, AYANEO is likely aiming to keep its retro line competitive against newer entrants.

For now, we’re left waiting. Expect a livestream or a storefront update soon to reveal the specs. If they finally upgrade the internals while keeping that beloved form factor, this could be the retro handheld upgrade we’ve been waiting for. Stay tuned, because the wait might be short.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

iiSU Alpha Brings New Features and New Visuals on Board

https://retrohandhelds.gg/iisu-alpha-brings-new-features-and-new-visuals-on-board/

Remember that promise of the “Nintendo-style” frontend we all wanted? iiSU is finally delivering. After a rocky start and plenty of development time, the team behind this visuals-first Android launcher has released Alpha 0.0.7.2, and it’s a massive leap forward.

The headline grabber? A complete visual overhaul. We’re talking glass-style menus, a refreshed Cal Sans default font, and smoother animations that make switching between screens feel genuinely premium. It’s no longer just functional; it’s pretty.

But don’t let the aesthetics fool you—this update is serious about performance. The team rebuilt the home menu and browsing systems with a new renderer to reduce frame drops and improve stability. They’ve also added low-power modes and optimized media loading, which is a lifesaver for those of us running these launchers on lower-end handhelds.

Other standout additions include:

• Widget Support: From playtime trackers to web embeds, your home screen can now do more.
• Better Emulation: Expanded support for tricky platforms like PS3 and Vita.
• Smart Onboarding: A clearer setup flow that actually helps you get running without a headache.

If you’ve been waiting for a launcher that balances eye candy with actual usability, this might be the one. It’s worth checking out, especially if you’re tired of clunky interfaces.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

RetroTINK 4K Firmware v1.27.0

https://retrorgb.com/retrotink-4k-firmware-v1-27-0.html

Tired of wrestling with complex scaling menus just to get your retro games looking crisp? Mike Chi from RetroTINK has just dropped firmware v1.27.0 for the RetroTINK 4K, and it’s a massive quality-of-life win for speedrunners and casual gamers alike.

The headline feature is “Auto Fill Int+,” a new scaling mode that mimics the beloved “Over” setting from the RT5X. If you love that CRT-overscan look for 240p games, you can now set it once and forget it. It even includes a handy “Vertical Pan” slider to adjust the image height without manually cropping top and bottom.

For those who find the full menu overwhelming, there’s a new “Simple Mode.” It’s a streamlined interface that gives you instant access to inputs, outputs, and starter profile packs. It’s perfect for quickly swapping between CRT masks or trying out new settings without digging through layers of advanced options.

You also get “Keep Current Input” and “Keep Current Resolution” toggles. These are lifesavers when testing different profiles, letting you preview settings without your TV resolution or input source changing every time. Just remember to grab the updated VHS pack, as the previous modelines had a glitch that required a re-save. It’s a solid update that makes the RT4K even more user-friendly.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: TrimUI Brick Pro Arrives, Retroid Returns, and Deals Heat Up

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-103/

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to dust off your nostalgia goggles, this week’s Retro Handhelds roundup is your golden ticket. The market is heating up, prices are shifting, and yes, there are still deals to be had before the summer sales frenzy truly begins.

First up, the TrimUI Brick Pro has officially entered the chat with pre-orders popping up at major retailers. While the sticker price sits at $99.99, savvy shoppers can knock it down to roughly $85 using specific discount codes. It’s a solid entry point for budget-conscious retro gamers looking for something new.

On the flip side, the high-end market just got a bit more expensive. AYN confirmed another price jump for its popular Thor and Odin 3 models, so if those are on your wishlist, you might want to move fast before costs climb further. Meanwhile, Retroid has brought back the Pocket 6 with 12GB of RAM, offering a familiar favorite for those who missed out earlier.

Beyond the hardware drama, there’s plenty of software magic. From a new MiSTer-style frontend for PC to impressive native ports of classics like Pokémon Stadium, the emulation scene is thriving. And with AliExpress’s Mid-Year Sale and Amazon Prime Day looming on the horizon, now is the time to hunt for those elusive discounts.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Valve’s Steam Machine and Steam Frame Launch Plans May Finally Be Coming Together

https://retrohandhelds.gg/valves-steam-machine-and-steam-frame-launch-plans-may-finally-be-coming-together/

Valve’s long-awaited PC console finally has a face—and a shipping address. After months of silence and wild speculation, the steam machine is no longer just vaporware. Insiders report that reviewers are already holding early units of both the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame, signaling that the official launch is inches away.

Here’s the timeline that’s starting to take shape: Expect an official hardware announcement between June 22 and June 30, with a strong lean toward Tuesday, June 23 at 10 AM PT. Reservations are likely to open a week later, on June 30. To get there, Valve has been quietly moving mountains—literally. Recent logistics data shows nearly 35 tons of “VR Devices” and over 140 tons of “Game Consoles” hitting US warehouses. That’s not a typo; that’s a full-scale invasion.

What’s in the box? The Steam Machine arrives with a Steam Controller and mounting brackets, though you might want to check your wallet before pre-ordering. Sources hint the price point could be steep. Meanwhile, the Steam Frame is getting serious love, with new ARM-based SteamOS packages appearing for the headset. This isn’t just about VR; it’s a massive step for Valve’s ecosystem. The smoke has finally turned into fire, and we’re getting ready to light the match.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Retroverse Controller Tester Demo’d

https://retrorgb.com/retroverse-controller-tester-demod.html

Testing retro controllers can be a tedious chore, especially if you’re doing it for a living. Enter the Retroverse Controller Tester, a hardware solution that promises to slash testing time for repair shops and retro game stores. The concept is elegantly simple: you plug in a specific controller module and its corresponding adapter, and the device handles the rest. No console required, no fiddling with cables.

The real magic happens in the demo by Tito from Macho Nacho Productions. He walks through various modules, showing how quickly you can verify button responsiveness and analog stick accuracy. For anyone who has to test dozens of controllers a day, this isn’t just a gadget; it’s a productivity tool. It turns a potentially hours-long process into a matter of seconds per unit.

However, there’s a catch. This kit is built for professionals. A full setup with over 20 modules and a carrying case runs close to $600. Unless you’re running a busy repair shop, that’s a steep price for a hobbyist. For most of us, using test software or just playing a game that stresses every button is plenty effective.

That said, if you ever hit the lottery, this would make for a very satisfying desk toy. It’s the kind of specialized gear that makes the retro hobby feel a little more professional. For now, though, it’s a tool for the trade, not the casual collector.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Mega EverDrive Firmware v26.0608

https://retrorgb.com/mega-everdrive-firmware-v26-0608.html

If you’re rocking a Mega Everdrive, your nostalgia rig just got a serious upgrade. Krikzz has dropped firmware v26.0608 for both the Core and Pro versions, and this update is surprisingly packed with quality-of-life fixes that make day-to-day retro gaming a lot smoother.

The headline feature? A massive boost in savestate stability. If you’ve ever lost hours of progress because a save corrupted, this alone is worth the download. Beyond that, the menu system is getting smarter. You can now copy and paste files directly from the cartridge menu, which saves you from digging through your PC’s file explorer every time you want to organize your SD card.

There’s also a clever new “Cheats Exporter” that lets you apply cheat codes from a text file to any ROM on your card, not just the one you’re currently playing. It’s a small tweak that saves a ton of tedious setup time.

For the niche crowd with early 32X units, there’s a new “Extension Unit” toggle. Enable it only if you’re seeing graphical glitches on Model 1 consoles; otherwise, leave it off. It’s a precise fix for a specific hardware quirk, showing just how deeply Krikzz understands these legacy systems.

Update your firmware, reclaim your saves, and enjoy the smoother menus. You can grab the latest files directly from Krikzz’s support page for both Core and Pro models.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

GameMT EX5 (PSK5000) Review: Can’t Judge a Handheld by its Knob

https://retrohandhelds.gg/gamemt-ex5-psk5000-review/

### Don’t let the weirdness fool you

If you’re scrolling through AliExpress and see a handheld with a massive, bright red knob on the front, your first instinct might be to keep scrolling. It looks like something straight out of a toy aisle, but the GameMT PSK5000 (rebranding to the EX5) is proving that sometimes, the kitsch is actually genius.

Far from being just a gimmick, that “Super Knob” acts as a physical performance throttle. You can dial it from “Power Save” for retro classics to “Performance” mode when you’re trying to push through heavy-hitting PSP titles. It’s a clever way to manage power on the fly, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air compared to digging through digital menus.

Under the hood, this isn’t your typical budget clone. It runs on a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which punches well above its weight class. Here’s the quick breakdown:

• The Good: It’s a PSP lover’s dream, handling most games at 2x resolution with a beautiful, themed Android interface.
• The Hardware: Sleek design, Hall Effect sticks, and a surprisingly punchy 1080p screen.
• The Trade-offs: It lacks L2/R2 triggers and uses a clicky micro-switch D-pad rather than a traditional membrane.

At around $100, it’s a highly capable, budget-friendly tribute to the handheld glory days. Don’t judge this one by its knob.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Married Couple Behind ‘Billion-Visit’ Webtoon Piracy Network Caught in Vietnam

https://torrentfreak.com/married-couple-behind-billion-visit-webtoon-piracy-network-caught-in-vietnam/

The Billion-Visit Takedown

It turns out that running a massive webtoon piracy empire is a lot harder than just clicking “translate” and collecting donations. In a massive blow to the world of unauthorized manhwa, Vietnamese police have seized the servers of three major piracy networks: Harimanga, Manhwaclan, and Kunmanga.

The culprits? A Vietnamese couple who had been running the show since early 2023. These sites weren’t just small-time operations; they were pulling in an estimated 1.1 billion visits a year, serving up nearly 15,000 titles to readers across the globe. The financial fallout for the Korean content industry is staggering, estimated at roughly $136 million.

This wasn’t just luck—it was a coordinated manhunt. Naver Webtoon helped map the network, providing the evidence that allowed Korean and Vietnamese authorities to team up and pull the plug.

Why this matters:

• A New Era of Enforcement: South Korea recently gained “emergency blocking power,” allowing them to bypass lengthy review committees to shut down pirate sites instantly.
• Global Pressure: The U.S. has recently put Vietnam on a “Priority Foreign Country” watchlist due to weak piracy enforcement, so this high-profile bust is a major test of whether Hanoi is getting serious.

The couple faces local charges, though Korea is pushing for extradition. For now, the original sites are dark, but in the world of piracy, a new name is usually just a domain rename away.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

[UPDATE: Pre-orders Beginning] TrimUI Drops Another Teaser for Its Upcoming Brick Pro and Hammer Pro U Handhelds

https://retrohandhelds.gg/trimui-drops-another-teaser-for-its-upcoming-brick-pro-and-hammer-pro-u-handhelds/

If you thought the retro handheld scene was getting a little sleepy lately, TrimUI just threw a massive shot of espresso into the mix. After months of quiet rumors and leaked packaging, the hype train is officially back on the tracks with the announcement of two new heavy hitters: the Brick Pro and the Hammer Pro U.

Here’s the breakdown of what’s coming to your pocket:

• The Brick Pro: Think of this as the “just right” option. It’s a beefed-up version of the original Brick with a 3.95-inch display and dual joysticks. It runs on Linux, which is a huge win for the custom firmware crowd who love to tinker.
• The Hammer Pro U: This is the powerhouse. It swaps Linux for Android and packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 chip, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It’s built for those who want more muscle behind their emulation.

The best news? You don’t have to wait for the “official” launch to get your hands on the Brick Pro. Pre-orders have already popped up at retailers like GoGameGeek and LITNXT, starting around $99 (though you can snag a discount with some quick coupon hunting).

Keep your eyes peeled—if these don’t sell out instantly, the retro market might just be getting its spark back.