Author: taternews

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Weekly Roundup #522

https://retrorgb.com/week522.html

Ready to get retro? This week’s roundup from RetroRGB is packed with deep dives into the hardware and history that keep classic gaming alive. If you’re tired of scrolling through endless links, here’s the quick rundown of what’s buzzing in the community.

First up, if you’ve ever wondered why your NES output looks like a wobbly mess, there’s a clear explanation for that composite video artifacting. It’s not just your TV acting up; it’s physics. On the hardware side, the RetroTINK 4K is getting smarter with a new Profile Editor and Lumacode support, giving power users finer control over their signal chain.

For the competitive crowd, Gampadla has released a new Lag Test Kit, and there’s a fascinating look at the hidden 3D ball physics in NES Double Dribble. It turns out that “corner three” exploit wasn’t a bug—it was a feature of the code.

Other highlights include a rare CRT + PC Engine combo that looks stunning, a GameCube internal Bluetooth kit for the modern era, and a nostalgic trip back to the AIM server history. Plus, Bob revisits a coffee machine he’s reviewed before (because caffeine is essential for emulation).

Whether you’re watching the video or tuning in via podcast, there’s plenty to geek out over. And if you enjoy the content, check out the support links—it’s the best way to keep these deep dives coming.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

EU’s Top Court: Geo-Blocking Protects Publishers in Copyright Disputes, VPNs Not Liable

https://torrentfreak.com/eus-top-court-geo-blocking-protects-publishers-in-copyright-disputes-vpns-not-liable/

Ever wonder if you can legally read a classic book online just because it’s public domain in the next country over? The EU’s top court just said yes, provided you put up a digital “No Trespassing” sign.

In a landmark ruling regarding The Diary of Anne Frank, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decided that geo-blocking is a sufficient legal shield for publishers. Even though copyright terms vary across the EU—keeping the diary protected in the Netherlands while it’s free in Belgium—publishers don’t need 100% unbreakable walls. As long as they use “state-of-the-art” geo-blocking and clearly state that Dutch readers aren’t the intended audience, they aren’t infringing copyright.

Here’s the big takeaway: VPNs are off the hook. The court ruled that VPN providers are neutral intermediaries, not copyright infringers, even if users employ them to bypass those geo-blocks. You can’t blame the messenger (or the routing tool) for the post’s destination.

This decision strikes a delicate balance. It protects publishers’ rights without forcing them to slap login walls on content that should be freely available to the public in other member states. However, the case isn’t fully closed; the Dutch Supreme Court must still determine if the specific blocking technology used actually meets the “state-of-the-art” threshold. For now, though, it’s a win for digital accessibility and a clear boundary for VPN liability.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

You Can Play Animal Crossing on Your Clamshell with This Decompilation

https://retrohandhelds.gg/you-can-play-animal-crossing-on-your-clamshell-with-this-decompilation/

Remember when gaming meant actual effort? Well, not this time. Thanks to a new project called OpenCrossing, you can finally play the beloved GameCube classic Animal Crossing on some of the tiniest handhelds available today. That’s right—instead of lugging around your Switch or 3DS, you can now villager-simulate on devices as small as the RG 34XXSP.

Developed by GitHub user GabeConway, this decompilation builds on previous community work to squeeze the GameCube experience into these pocket-sized powerhouses. It’s a tech marvel, but it’s not quite plug-and-play. You’ll need your own legally obtained USA ISO and must install either the muOS or Knulli operating system on your device. It’s a bit of setup, but for retro enthusiasts, that’s part of the charm.

Performance is solid, averaging around 56 FPS, though dips to 40 FPS are possible. It’s only been officially tested on the 34XX SP and 28XX models, so results may vary on other hardware. Also, note that while AI assisted in the optimization process, it wasn’t used in the actual game code—so purists need not worry. It’s a fantastic reminder of how far handheld emulation has come, proving that you don’t need a bulky console to escape into your own virtual island life.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

GameCube Internal Bluetooth Kit ‘v3’ – New Stock

https://retrorgb.com/gamecube-internal-bluetooth-kit-v3-new-stock.html

Remember when your GameCube felt like a relic of the past? Not anymore. Greg from LaserBear has just opened pre-orders for his new internal Bluetooth kit (v3.5), turning your trusty gray box into a modern wireless powerhouse. This isn’t just about plugging in a dongle; it’s a clean, internal install that lets you connect up to four Bluetooth controllers simultaneously.

Here’s the kicker: it also enables remote power control for the console. Imagine turning on your GameCube and having all your controllers wake up with it. It’s the kind of seamless integration that external adapters simply can’t match. Plus, it retains full support for wired controllers, so you’re not leaving old-school favorites on the shelf.

Is it worth the ~$100 price tag? It depends. If you’re planning to use three or four wireless controllers, this kit is actually cheaper than buying individual adapters for each. However, if you only need one controller or want to share wireless capability across multiple consoles, a simple plug-and-play dongle is the more cost-effective choice.

The best part? It runs on Darthcloud’s open-source Blueretro platform, delivering some of the lowest Bluetooth latency recorded. For a cleaner setup without sacrificing performance, this is a no-brainer for the serious retro gamer.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Anime Piracy Giant Animeflv Mysteriously Stopped Serving Video

https://torrentfreak.com/anime-piracy-giant-animeflv-mysteriously-stopped-serving-video/

Remember AnimeFLV? That Spanish-language piracy giant that served over a billion visits a year to anime fans across Latin America? Well, as of mid-June, it’s acting like a digital ghost town.

The site is still online, and its directory of series and movies remains fully updated. But try to hit play, and you’re greeted with a stark message: “Actualmente no hay videos” (There are currently no videos). Essentially, it’s become a catalog with no content.

While the operators haven’t issued a statement, this fits a broader, aggressive crackdown on pirate infrastructure. We’ve seen similar moves recently, including the shutdown of HiAnime and the takedown of major hosting providers like MegaCloud. Although AnimeFLV’s silence makes it hard to pin the cause on one specific enforcement action, the timing is suspiciously coordinated with other industry busts.

Why keep the site alive if there’s nothing to watch? It’s a mystery, but it suggests a potential pivot to a directory-only model rather than a permanent closure. Meanwhile, competitors like AnimeAV1 are already circling, ready to pick up the slack with modern codecs. For now, AnimeFLV fans are left staring at empty shelves.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

A Look At A Rare CRT + PC Engine Combo

https://retrorgb.com/a-look-at-a-rare-crt-pc-engine-combo.html

Remember when buying a retro console meant just plugging it in and playing? Yeah, those days are long gone. Enter Tito from Macho Nacho Productions, who recently embarked on what can only be described as a global treasure hunt for the NEC PC-KD863G. This isn’t just a monitor; it’s a rare, all-in-one CRT beast with a PC Engine built right inside.

The story of acquiring this piece of tech is pure adventure. It required a trip around the globe, a custom flight case, and a healthy dose of luck. But beyond the travelogue, it serves as a practical guide for anyone diving into the CRT market. Spoiler alert: almost every tube you buy will need some TLC. Tito walks viewers through the inevitable repairs and even shows off some serious trace repair work for the modding enthusiasts in the crowd.

The video is a love letter to retro gaming, featuring stunning shots of Japan and reunions with old friends. However, Tito’s quest isn’t quite complete. He’s still on the hunt for a matching set of PSP-101 speakers to finish the setup. If you have a spare pair gathering dust, now’s your chance to help complete the set and support the community.

📰 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.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

U.S. Seizes More Pirate Sports Streaming Domains, But Iranian Fallbacks Remain

https://torrentfreak.com/u-s-seizes-more-pirate-sports-streaming-domains-but-iranian-fallbacks-remain/

The U.S. Department of Justice just dealt another blow to pirate sports streams, seizing over 100 domains in the ongoing “Operation Offsides.” But here’s the twist: the pirates aren’t just picking up the pieces—they’re moving house entirely.

While the crackdown targets familiar faces like buffstreams.plus and footybite.app, operators have quietly pivoted to Iran’s .ir country-code top-level domain. Think of it as a digital safe house. These Iranian domains resolve to the same Ukrainian servers but use local nameservers and SSL certificates, effectively putting them out of reach for American law enforcement.

Why the switch? It’s a masterclass in jurisdictional arbitrage. The U.S. can’t seize .ir domains because American registrars are banned from selling them, and Tehran has no incentive to cooperate with Washington. Plus, Iran’s updated privacy laws mean who actually owns these sites remains a mystery.

The kicker? These weren’t desperate, last-minute registrations. SSL logs show many .ir domains were quietly prepared nearly three years ago, waiting in the wings for exactly this moment.

The Bottom Line:

• More Seizures: Over 100 new domains taken down this weekend.
• New Hideout: Pirates are migrating to Iranian .ir domains to avoid U.S. jurisdiction.
• Long Game: These backup domains were likely set up years in advance.
• Cat and Mouse: As long as sanctions exist, pirate streams will keep finding new borders to cross.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Lenovo is Bringing a New Handheld With the C700?

https://retrohandhelds.gg/lenovo-is-bringing-a-new-handheld-with-the-c700/

Remember the Legion Go? Yeah, that one. Well, Lenovo is trying again, and this time they might actually nail it. After a few stumbles and some weird rumors, the company is reportedly preparing a new handheld codenamed the C700. Think of it as the spiritual successor to their previous attempts, but with a twist that could change the game entirely.

First off, the hardware looks promising. Leaked images suggest the C700 resembles a Legion Y700 tablet with controller grips attached. If Lenovo ports that high-quality OLED panel from the Y700 into a handheld form factor, we’re looking at a serious contender for screen real estate and clarity. Their LCDs have always been top-tier, so even if they stick to that tech here, it shouldn’t disappoint.

Here’s the kicker: reports hint that the C700 will be partnered with Tencent Games. This strongly implies a “streaming-first” focus, similar to the Logitech G Cloud. While standalone gaming handhelds have their place, a dedicated streaming device powered by a solid chip could offer incredible performance without the battery drain. It’s a risky pivot, but Lenovo knows how to build solid gaming gear.

We’ll have to wait until August for the official announcement, but the early signs point to a device that’s trying to solve the problems of its predecessors. Fingers crossed it’s more of a fix and less of a repeat.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Retroid Gets More RAM, Mangmi Goes Vertical, and Dual-Screen Zelda

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-107/

Grab your coffee, because this week in retro handhelds is shaping up to be a wild ride. We’ve got price hikes, new form factors, and a Zelda port that might just change how you play classics. Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the vertical.

First up, Retroid is shaking things up with the Pocket Nova pre-orders. You’ve got two tiers: 8GB/128GB starting at $229, or 12GB/128GB for $269. It’s a solid entry point if you’re looking for that extra RAM headroom. But hold onto your wallets, because the Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 are getting a $10 price bump. Don’t panic, though—they’re throwing in an extra 4GB of RAM to sweeten the deal. It’s a classic “upgrade or pay more” move, but hey, at least you’re getting more memory for your buck.

On the hardware innovation front, Mangmi is going vertical with the Air Y series. Powered by a Qualcomm chip, it’s a fresh twist on the handheld layout, though details are still sparse. Meanwhile, MagicX is navigating the rocky road of RAM costs by discontinuing the Mini Zero 28 and teasing a new Mini40. It’s a tough market right now, but these moves show the industry is adapting.

Finally, software wizards are at it again. Imagine playing A Link to the Past on a dual-screen setup? User samyost1 made it happen. And if productivity is your vibe (or lack thereof), someone’s porting Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies to Portmaster. Because nothing says “get back to work” like zombie apocalypse mode.