Author: taternews

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

TrimUI Brick Pro First Impressions: Bigger, Better, but Not Without Issues

https://retrohandhelds.gg/trimui-brick-pro-first-impressions/

Stop scrolling and take a look at your pockets. If you’re currently wrestling with a tiny retro handheld that feels like a toy in your hand, TrimUI’s new Brick Pro might just be the grown-up upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

Think of the Brick Pro as the Brick’s bigger, more comfortable brother. It trades the pocket-sized gimmickry for a spacious 3.95-inch screen and proper dual joysticks, making it a much more viable candidate for actual gaming sessions rather than just quick fixes. The hardware is solid—same reliable Allwinner chip as its smaller siblings, but now with Hall Effect sticks that should last longer and feel smoother. Plus, it’s already getting custom firmware love via KNULLI, so you won’t be stuck with just the stock experience.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Early tests show some stuttering audio and missing graphics in heavier N64 titles, which is par for the course with Linux-based handhelds. More concerning is TrimUI’s decision to pre-install commercial ports like Grand Theft Auto III and Celeste on the included microSD card without permission. It’s a lazy, legally gray move that should have been avoided.

Still, if you want a larger screen and don’t mind tweaking settings, the Brick Pro is a strong contender. Just maybe don’t use it as a pillow while your toddler throws a tantrum—it’s a bit too big and slippery for that.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Valve Might Be Quietly Discontinuing Steam Deck LCD

https://retrohandhelds.gg/valve-might-be-quietly-discontinuing-steam-deck-lcd/

Looks like the party might be winding down for the original Steam Deck. A recent update from iFixIt suggests Valve is quietly pulling the plug on replacement parts for the LCD model, a move that smells less like a supply chain glitch and more like a deliberate sunset.

The signs are piling up. iFixIt support confirmed they aren’t just running out of stock; Valve is actively stopping production of OEM batteries. As one staff member bluntly put it, Valve is “starting to sunset these parts.” For a device released in 2022, this timing feels a bit abrupt, leaving owners wondering how long their hardware will stay repairable.

Why the rush? It’s likely a mix of rising component costs and a strategic pivot toward the Steam Machine. Valve probably sees more value in focusing resources on new hardware than keeping older units in the production loop.

If you’re holding an LCD Deck, this is your wake-up call. Replacement parts are going to get scarce fast. While it’s not an official “discontinued” announcement, the writing is on the wall. Consider this your gentle nudge to secure any necessary repairs or spare parts before they vanish into the ether.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Gamenative V1.1.1 Pre-Release Drops With a Ton Added

https://retrohandhelds.gg/gamenative-v1-1-1-pre-release-drops-with-tons-added/

Gamenative is moving fast. Just weeks after the last big update, the team has dropped V1.1.1, a pre-release packed with enough new features to keep you busy for a while. If you’re waiting for the stable version, don’t hold your breath—this pre-release is essentially the final dress rehearsal. The core improvements are already here, so if you want to test the waters, now’s the time.

The headline grabbers are serious. They’ve added native DX12 support for Mali and Exynos devices, which is a massive win for compatibility on those specific hardware setups. Plus, Nexus Mods support is finally here, letting you tweak your games without leaving the app. For VR folks, the Quest and XR builds have had extra time to cook, smoothing out the experience significantly.

Beyond the big features, there’s a laundry list of fixes that matter:

• Steam integration: Fixed crashes, achievement notifications, and added collections.
• UI polish: An animated focus ring and better controller customization options.
• Performance: Optimized downloads for GOG and Epic, plus fixes for ANRs (those annoying app freezes).

It’s another solid step forward for the platform. Check their GitHub for the full changelog or jump into Discord if you want to chat with the devs directly. The app just keeps getting better.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

LincStation E1 NAS Review: Solid Hardware Held Back By Software Walls

https://retrohandhelds.gg/lincstation-e1-nas-review-solid-hardware-held-back-by-software-walls/

The LincStation E1 is a hardware gem trapped in a software prison. On paper, it’s a sleek, compact beast featuring the same Rockchip RK3568 chip found in popular retro handhelds, paired with a clever “2+2” layout supporting both SATA drives and M.2 NVMe SSDs. For $200, the build quality is surprisingly solid, and installing drives is genuinely tool-free and fast.

But here’s the catch: the proprietary OS, LincOS, is a mess. You can’t even initialize the device without installing a Windows desktop client and registering with their cloud portal—a massive red flag for anyone seeking true digital sovereignty. Once inside, the browser interface is sparse, lacking basic drive management tools. To actually format drives or set up RAID, you’re forced to use a buggy Android app that throws generic Linux errors if you try simple configurations.

Performance is equally frustrating. Because the software forces mismatched drives into a single RAID 0 pool, your blazing-fast NVMe SSDs are dragged down to the speed of your slow mechanical hard drives. Transfers are sluggish, files over 2GB take minutes to initialize, and the system crashes more often than it should.

The Verdict: Buy the hardware if you love tinkering, but hold off on buying it ready-to-go. The software needs years of refinement. If you want a hassle-free NAS experience today, look elsewhere.

📰 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.