Author: taternews

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

PS3 Emulation Hits 73% Playable, With 98% In-Game

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ps3-emulation-hits-73-playable-with-98-in-game/

PS3 Emulation Just Got Serious — 73% Fully Playable, 98% In-Game

Emulation’s holy grail just got a little less mythical: RPCS3, the open-source PS3 emulator, has hit a massive milestone. A staggering 73.06% of the PS3 library is now “Playable” — meaning you can boot, play, and finish games without major roadblocks. Another 25.12% are “Ingame,” where they run through menus and gameplay but may stumble on glitches or performance hiccups. Combined? 98.18% of PS3 games now get past the title screen — that’s almost the entire catalog, down to the last obscure indie release or niche JRPG.

What’s holding up the final stretch? Mostly PlayStation Move junk. Of the 62 remaining “Intro” titles (boot but crash before gameplay), 46 rely on Move controllers — a clunky peripheral whose motion tracking and input quirks are proving stubborn for emulators to nail. But here’s the kicker: this isn’t about core performance anymore. It’s about edge cases — niche peripherals, odd control schemes, or ultra-specific hardware dependencies.

That means if you’ve been waiting for PS3 emulation to mature before building a retro handheld or mini PC setup? The wait’s over. The PS3 is no longer a gamble — it’s now a strategic addition to any emulation-powered library. At this pace, “when,” not “if,” is the only question left. 🎮🚀

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

RIP Hideki Sato, The Father of Sega Hardware

https://retrohandhelds.gg/rip-hideki-sato-the-father-of-sega-hardware/

RIP Hideki Sato: The Quiet Architect Behind Sega’s Golden Age

Hideki Sato—Sega’s unsung hardware visionary, the man who helped design nearly every iconic console from the SG-1000 to the Dreamcast—has passed away at 75. Known as the “Father of Sega Hardware,” he shaped not just machines, but generations of gamers.

Sato joined Sega in 1971, just as arcade gaming was exploding. He led engineering for the SG-1000 (launched the same day as Nintendo’s Famicom!), the Genesis/Mega Drive—which gave Sega its 16-bit edge—and even the bold, colorful Game Gear handheld. His technical foresight helped Sega punch above its weight against Nintendo and Sony alike.

Later, he guided the Saturn and Dreamcast projects, ensuring that even as Sega shifted from manufacturing, his philosophy—fun first, innovation always—remained central. After leaving Sega in 2008, he taught the next wave of engineers, passing on not just circuit diagrams, but a spirit of playful ambition.

His legacy? Every time you heard that Genesis startup chime or felt the satisfying click of a Master System controller—you were feeling Sato’s hand at work. Rest in power, Hideki-san. The pixels will remember you.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Homebrew Dev Recreates Minecraft on Saturn

https://retrorgb.com/homebrew-dev-recreates-minecraft-on-saturn.html

Homebrew Hero Builds Minecraft on Sega Saturn—Yes, That Saturn

Forget emulation: a homebrew wizard has actually built Minecraft from scratch for the Sega Saturn. Developer Frogbull pulled off the impossible—porting one of gaming’s most beloved voxel-based sandboxes onto hardware that peaked in the 1990s—and it’s already playable (if very early).

The prototype runs on modified Saturn hardware using Frogbull’s own clever optimizations and the Z-Treme Engine, wrapped in Sega’s low-level SGL graphics library. No fancy PC power here: just raw ingenuity to squeeze out performance on a 28.6MHz CPU and 2MB RAM. The result? A creative-mode sandbox with nine block types, infinite skies/oceans (well… simulated), and full audio—including that iconic music loop—plus floating movement via shoulder buttons. No mining, crafting, or collision yet… but it’s moving.

What’s next? Bigger worlds (thanks to a 4MB RAM cartridge), more block types, and—eventually—survival mechanics. With community support from devs on SegaXtreme Discord cheering him on, Frogbull may just deliver the Saturn’s most ambitious homebrew yet: a full-on tribute to a modern classic.

💡 Fun fact: He stores each block in just 4 bits—giving him 16 possible IDs (one is air). Smart, efficient—and a testament to why Saturn homebrew still thrives decades later.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Architecture of Consoles Book #4: The Handheld Club

https://retrorgb.com/architecture-of-consoles-book-4-the-handheld-club.html

Hot New Release: “The Handheld Club” – A Love Letter to Portable Gaming

Rodrigo Copetti’s Architecture of Consoles series just hit its fourth volume—“The Handheld Club”—and it’s a beautifully packed tribute to five iconic portable systems: the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable.

If you’ve ever geeked out over the engineering wizardry behind handhelds (or just loved staring at their sleek casings), this is your jam. Copetti doesn’t just talk about these devices—he dissects them, with schematics, teardown photos, and deep technical insights that are equal parts scholarly and wildly cool.

Available in hardcover ($50), paperback ($30), or eBook ($10), each version is a joy to hold—or scroll through. (Yes, even the eBook looks stunning.) And while all his work is free online, grabbing a physical copy supports an amazing creator—and gives your bookshelf that nerd-chic glow-up it’s been begging for.

👉 Check it out here

📚 Bonus: His whole series is worth collecting—especially if you dig the hidden stories behind hardware history.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Amazon Wins $6 Million in Damages Against Pirated DVD Stores, Plus Domain Takeovers

https://torrentfreak.com/amazon-wins-6-million-in-damages-against-pirated-dvd-stores-plus-domain-takeovers/

Amazon Wins $6 Million + Seizes Pirate DVD Domains in Landmark Anti-Piracy Win

In a major win for content creators—and a stark warning to bootleggers—Amazon has been awarded $6.075 million in damages against a network of pirate DVD sellers, with the added bonus of seizing eight domains and locking down their infrastructure.

The culprit? A China-linked operation using sites like dvdshelf.com.au, dvds.trade, and dvd-wholesale.com to peddle counterfeit discs—especially of Amazon originals like Fallout, The Rings of Power, and The Boys—masquerading as official releases. Even though some titles were never released on DVD, the pirates sold them anyway, tricking consumers and violating Amazon’s IP rights.

Despite being served in April 2024, the defendants ignored the court. So Amazon pushed for—and received—a default judgment this week in U.S. District Court, granting not only massive statutory damages but also a sweeping injunction.

Here’s what else the ruling includes:

• Domain transfers: GoDaddy, Drop.com.au, and top-level registries (like Verisign and Nominet UK) must hand over the eight domains to Amazon.
• Hosting shutdowns: Providers must suspend and administratively lock the sites.
• Future-proofing: The injunction can expand to cover new domains if the same crew pops up elsewhere.

While collecting cash from offshore defendants is unlikely, the real victory lies in cutting off their digital lifelines—a smart, strategic escalation in Amazon’s ongoing anti-piracy campaign. 🎬🚫

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Pokémon Lazarus Gets Its Biggest Update Since Launch

https://retrohandhelds.gg/pokemon-lazarus-gets-its-biggest-update-since-launch/

Pokémon Lazarus V2.0: The Biggest Update Yet is Here—and It’s a Delight

Remember Pokémon Lazarus, the GBA ROM hack that reimagines the Pokémon world through a Greek myth lens, complete with GBC-style pixel art and a whole lot of passion? Well, creator Nemo622 just dropped Version 2.0, and it’s packed with fan-requested upgrades, fixes, and very fun additions.

🔥 Headliners:

• ✨ Six new Mega Evolutions, including four original designs (Typhlosion, Carracosta, Aurorus, Tyrantrum) plus Mega Crabominable and Golisopod—yes, the latter two were pulled from Legends Z-A leaks and now feel very real.
• ⚖️ Several existing Megas got rebalanced: Mega Raichu X is now Electric/Fighting, Heliolisk gets Drought + Fire typing, and Greninja’s Protean is now once-per-battle (a smart nerf for balance).

🔍 DexNav gets a full rebuild:

• Start with 4 rerolls per encounter (Shiny Charm adds +2 each).
• Chain bonuses stack aggressively: 100 chains = +10 rerolls.
• Maxed Search Level (100) gives +2 more.

Yes, shiny hunting is now less soul-crushing.

🎮 QoL upgrades:

• Disable level caps? Done.
• Swap Pokémon balls from the bag menu? Finally.
• That infamous low-health beep? GONE—thank the heavens.
• Dragapult evolves at 48 instead of 60, TM21 is now Acid Spray (not Frustration), and a new `BATTLEPASS` cheat unlocks battle items.
• Also fixed the cursed Raging Bolt freeze bug at Pokémon Centers.

The full update is live on Nemo622’s site and Ko-Fi—saves from v1.x carry over seamlessly. Whether you’re a veteran player or just discovering Lazarus, this update makes it the most polished—and fun—Greek-inspired Pokémon hack yet. 🏛️⚡

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Bonus Level: Sony Addresses The State Of Play

https://retrohandhelds.gg/bonus-level-sony-addresses-the-state-of-play/

Sony’s State of Play Was a Massive Info Dump — Here’s What Actually Matters

Forget “teasers”—Sony’s latest State of Play felt like a full-blown PlayStation Expo in under 90 minutes. Over an hour of announcements packed with remakes, sequels, and wild new IPs (yes, even tactical octopus infiltration), it was a reminder: PlayStation’s 2025 slate is already stacking up like a shelf of limited-edition controller bundles.

The Heavy Hitters:

• God of War gets a remake of the original Greek trilogy and a surprise 2D spin-off, Sons of Sparta, dropping same-day on PS5.
• Silent Hill: Townfall flips the script with first-person gameplay and a portable CRT TV that lets you rewind time and solve puzzles mid-horror—because why just scare people when you can rewind their despair?
• John Wick is finally getting a game that actually feels like the movies (gun-fu, driving, Continental lore)—and Saber’s working directly with the filmmakers.

Surprise & Quirky Gems:

• Darwin’s Paradox: You play as an octopus infiltrating underwater bases. Yes, an octopus. Ink clouds, camouflage, tentacle-based stealth—it’s Metal Gear Solid, but with eight arms.
• Yakoh Shinobi Ops: A four-player stealth action game where failing means an unstoppable Pursuer ends your run early. Think Hotline Miami meets Metal Gear, but with more ninja tricks and less bullets.
• Mina the Hollower: Yacht Club’s Link’s Awakening homage, but with Game Boy aesthetics and 25+ bosses. A PS5 demo drops tomorrow—set your alarms.

The Verdict:

This wasn’t just a showcase—it was a shot across the bow to competitors. Sony’s going all-in on variety: co-op, remakes, radical IPs, and fan-service remasters—all while quietly building a 2025 lineup that might actually deliver on its promise of “something for everyone.” Whether that translates to actual hits? Still TBD. But the ambition? Undeniable.

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Bonus: PlayStation Plus got 5 new games, including Spider-Man 2 and Wall-E. Because why not give you everything except the kitchen sink?

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Feral Brings ‘Fully Fledged Modern Tomb Raider’ to Mobile, DLC Included

https://retrohandhelds.gg/feral-brings-fully-fledged-modern-tomb-raider-to-mobile-dlc-included/

Lara Croft Lands on Mobile—With All the Trimmings (and No Microtransactions)

Feral Interactive is bringing the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot to iOS and Android on February 12—and this isn’t a stripped-down mobile cash-in. Nope. You’re getting the full origin story: campaign + all 12 DLC packs (yes, even the costume bundles and extra challenge tombs), no extra charges. Think of it as “AAA on the go,” redefined.

Feral—known for slick ports like Alien: Isolation and GRID Autosport—is leaning into its rep as the “mobile PC port” specialists. Expect customizable touch controls, full gamepad support, keyboard/mouse on tablets, and gyro aiming for precision. That’s more thoughtful input design than some console-to-PC ports bother with.

Hardware-wise: Android needs 13+, 12.5GB storage (20GB recommended), and ideally a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ with 6GB RAM. iOS requires ~20GB free space during install (iOS 16.1+). No official device list yet, but Feral usually blocks purchases on unsupported hardware—so if it’s in the store? You’re probably good.

Priced at $19.99 (no IAPs), it’s a bold premium move in 2026—but fans are celebrating. As one Reddit user put it: “Feral always a goat.” 🐐

🔗 [App Store] | 🔗 [Google Play]

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: TrimUI ‘Flap X1’, Ocarina of Time on PS1, Switch Emulators DMCA’d, and More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-86/

Retro Handhelds Weekly: What a Week! 🎮⚡

This week in retro handheld land was packed—new hardware leaks, wild software experiments, and even a PlayStation 1 port of Ocarina of Time (yes, really). Let’s break it down:

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🔹 Hardware Highlights

• TrimUI’s “Flap X1” might be coming—a clamshell design spotted in CAD renders, possibly challenging the Retroid Pocket Flip 2.
• Anbernic’s RG Vita & Pro confirmed for March launch, with the Pro got a 1080p screen and new RockChip chip.
• MagicX Two Dream revealed—a 4.5” 1440×1080 handheld with a very retro 4:3 aspect ratio.
• Bonus: Analogue dropped limited “Prototype” colorways, and GameSir teased a new Tarantula controller.

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🔹 Software Shenanigans

• OoT PSX is real—a work-in-progress PS1 port of Ocarina of Time live on GitHub. Not playable yet, but wildly ambitious.
• Cocoon Shell 2.0 Beta drops with a full UI overhaul—great for dual-screen and single-screen Android handhelds.
• ES-DE directories guide? Russ from Retro Game Corps got you covered for Android setup.

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🔹 Emulation & Firmware

Vita3K adds Rear Touch support on Android, RetroDECK hits 0.10.3b, and GammaOS expands for MANGMI devices—keep your firmware fresh!

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🔥 Editorial Goodies

Jim’s launching Hacking The Mainframe (ROM hacks, translations), Rewind Roundup (remakes & remasters), and Next Level (fresh indie gems)—plus a spicy take on Blood Strike, NetEase’s shameless COD ripoff (he’s fine with it).

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🛍️ Deals Alert

Anbernic’s Spring Sale drops prices like a dropped Game Boy (e.g., RG35XXSP for $50), and AliExpress has coupon codes galore.

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📧 New Newsletter Alert!

Retro Handhelds’ weekly email is finally here—no spam, just curated retro goodness. Free. Sign up now.

What’s your most exciting pick from the week? Drop it below or join the chat on Discord! 🪙

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Homebrew Side Quests #1: Wii Did It

https://retrohandhelds.gg/homebrew-side-quests-1-wii-did-it/

Homebrew Side Quests #1: Wii Did It 🕹️

Let’s be honest—retro gaming isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a full-blown renaissance. This week’s Homebrew Side Quests proves that classic hardware is still getting love, upgrades, and wildly creative new life—even if the original manufacturers moved on decades ago.

We’ve got Spider Maze 2 for the C64: a glossy, spike-filled maze dash that’s like Pac-Man meeting QBert at a disco. Then there’s US Championship V’Ball, finally ported to Amiga with all the beach vibes and 68k muscle you didn’t know you needed.

But things get spookier with The Last Pumpkin—a co-op platformer where you bounce around a haunted castle as either a pumpkin or a cat. Yes, really—and yes, it’s as fun (and chaotic) as it sounds.

Over on the Amiga front, Double Baboon Ninja promises neon-drenched simian ninja action, while G-Wars goes full Geometry Wars on AGA machines like it’s 1999 again. Meanwhile, Demon Pages brings old-school Western CRPGs to PC (and emulators), and Metal Canary—a Wii/Dreamcast/Steam shooter—is already playable on Nintendo’s 2006 console… with a physical Wii release planned for Retrocon 2026.

Turns out, the past isn’t even past—it’s just being remixed.