Author: taternews

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

HyperMegaTech Adds Activision to Their Super Pocket Roster

https://retrohandhelds.gg/hypermegatech-adds-activision-to-their-super-pocket-roster/

Attention, retro gaming junkies: HyperMegaTech just dropped another bombshell into the Super Pocket lineup. If you’ve been eyeing their pocket-sized time machines, the new Activision Edition is officially here, and it’s packing a serious punch for just $69.

This isn’t just a cosmetic swap; it’s a curated collection of 34 classic Atari 2600 titles originally developed by Activision. We’re talking absolute legends like Pitfall!, River Raid, Kaboom!, and Demon Attack. It’s the kind of library that makes you wonder why anyone would bother with emulators when you can have this hardware in your pocket.

Under the hood, it’s the same reliable beast you know and love: a 1.2GHz ARM CPU and a crisp 2.8-inch screen. The specs haven’t changed, but the nostalgia factor just skyrocketed. It’s cheap, it’s cheerful, and it’s ready to transport you back to the golden age of 8-bit gaming.

Just keep your calendar handy. These units are currently up for pre-order, but they won’t start shipping until September 28, 2026. Yes, that’s a long wait, but hey, good things come to those who wait—especially if those things include Enduro and Spider Fighter. If you can’t wait that long, you might want to snag a different model, but be warned: the shoulder buttons on the standard units have a reputation for being a bit… awkward.

What’s your pick? Are you all-in on the Activision bundle, or saving your cash for something else? Let us know in the comments!

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

MagicX Sets Out New Options for the Mini40

https://retrohandhelds.gg/magicx-sets-out-new-options-for-the-mini40/

Remember the Mini Zero 28? Yeah, it’s gone. MagicX recently pulled the plug on that model due to soaring RAM costs, leaving retro handheld fans clutching their pearls. But instead of leaving us in the lurch, they’ve pivoted to a new contender: the Mini40. And after realizing their initial RK3566 plan was a bit too budget-challenged, they’ve come back with two fresh options that actually look promising.

Here’s the deal: you can now choose your fighter based on your wallet. The $59 tier features the Allwinner A333 with 1GB of RAM, while the $79 upgrade bumps you up to the more powerful RK3572 and 2GB of RAM. Both keep the 4-inch 800×480 screen and dual SD slots, which is a nice touch for storage flexibility. It’s a solid step up from the original $49 rumor, offering real performance gains for just a little extra cash.

MagicX is also letting the community pick the color scheme, with options ranging from classic Black to translucent hues like Blue and Magenta. This is still a feasibility poll, not a pre-order, but given the stalled progress of other projects like the Dream One, a reliable sub-$100 device would be a welcome relief. If you’re interested in keeping the retro handheld dream alive, hop on their Discord and cast your vote before the window closes.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Home Arcade System (HAS) & RECO In Stock

https://retrorgb.com/home-arcade-system-has-reco-in-stock.html

Finally, the wait is over. RetroRGB has restocked the highly acclaimed Home Arcade System (HAS) and the updated RECO controller circuit. If you’ve been eyeing these upgrades for your retro setup, this is your moment to strike.

The HAS is widely considered one of the best superguns on the market, offering robust features like rapid fire and programmable buttons. Meanwhile, the RECO is a nifty add-on that sits in-line with your existing JAMMA harness, giving you that same controller functionality without needing a full supergun setup. Stock is currently healthy across the board, so you won’t have to play whack-a-mole to find one.

A few quick tips before you buy: First, the HAS now uses an HD-15 (VGA-style) port for RGB output. If you’re running a PAL CRT, make sure you grab the specific SCART cable from their store that includes power, or use a standard dongle and accept the loss of power support.

Second, pay close attention to power supply selection. You’ll need to buy one separately, and the model numbers (RT-65A, RT-85A, or RT-125A) must match exactly. Don’t accidentally order the “B” version if the link specifies “A.” Finally, read the manual before plugging anything in. It’s always safer to double-check sync and voltage settings than to fry a perfectly good CRT.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic Goes for Ecosystem With Their Latest Update

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-goes-for-ecosystem-with-their-latest-update/

Anbernic used to be the brand you bought for the hardware and ignored for the software. If you’ve owned their Android handhelds, you probably remember the bloatware and the frantic search for third-party firmware to make things usable. Well, hold onto your controllers, because Anbernic is finally growing up.

The company just dropped a massive system update for its entire T820 lineup, covering devices ranging from the RG556 to the RG406H. This isn’t a patch for one model; it’s a unified push across the board, signaling a serious shift toward building a cohesive ecosystem rather than just shipping plastic boxes.

The real star here is the new “RG Ecosystem,” starting with RG Home. This replaces the clunky old launcher with a clean, Android-integrated frontend that actually looks modern. But the game-changer is the RG Control Center. Swipe from the edge, and you get instant access to performance monitoring, settings, and button mapping overlays. Yes, overlays. For years, Android handheld fans have begged for this, and Anbernic is finally delivering it natively.

This update makes the hardware feel significantly more polished and user-friendly. If Anbernic keeps this momentum up, they might just convert a few skeptics along the way.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

‘Tonga’ Suspends Popular Pirate Site Domains Following Indian Court Order

https://torrentfreak.com/tonga-suspends-popular-pirate-site-domains-following-indian-court-order/

Remember when the .to domain was the ultimate pirate safe haven? Well, the “safe” part just got a lot less safe.

Thanks to a broad blocking order from India’s High Court, the Kingdom of Tonga has suddenly stopped playing hardball. Major torrent sites like S.to and BS.to, which had remained online for years despite foreign legal pressure, were abruptly placed on “clientHold.” This ICANN status code effectively suspends the domains, signaling that the new management is actually listening to court orders.

Why the change? It’s all about infrastructure. The old US-based operator, Tonic Domains, lacked the technical “suspension button.” That’s because the backend was recently handed over to Tucows, a Canadian company, with the Tongan government now listed as the official registrar. Suddenly, compliance isn’t just a request—it’s technically possible.

Rightsholders like Disney and Netflix had been begging for this. While site operators argue the Indian court has no jurisdiction over German websites, the reality is stark: if you can’t enforce a hold, you’re just waiting for the next amendment to the court order. The era of .to as a lawless zone is officially over.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

EmuDeck for Android Just Got a New Launcher and a Ton of Upgrades

https://retrohandhelds.gg/emudeck-for-android-just-got-a-new-launcher-and-a-ton-of-upgrades/

Let’s be real: setting up a new Android handheld is less “gaming nirvana” and more “IT department on a Monday morning.” You know the drill—scraping artwork, tweaking configs, and praying your save files don’t vanish into the digital void. Enter EmuDeck, the Swiss Army knife that’s finally making Android emulation actually pleasant.

The latest update is a massive leap forward, bringing the Android experience closer to parity with its x86 PC counterpart. Big news? It now supports Armada, the ambitious project aiming to bring full SteamOS functionality to Android. If you’re rocking that setup, your emulator installer will finally stop throwing up its hands and refuse to work.

But the real headline is Rift Frontend, a shiny new launcher designed to replace your existing mess. It’s got automatic CloudSync syncing, custom themes, RetroAchievements, and even dual-screen support for melonDS. Essentially, it turns your handheld into a cohesive console rather than a folder of disconnected emulators.

They’ve also fixed critical bugs in CloudSync-compatible forks like RetroArch and Dolphin, and added support for some heavy hitters like PS2 via ARMSX2. If you’re deep in the Android handheld scene, this update is practically mandatory. It’s time to stop wrestling with your device and start actually playing games.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

PSBBN – July 2026 Update

https://retrorgb.com/psbbn-july-2026-update.html

Remember the PlayStation Broadband Navigator? It’s that quirky, forgotten peripheral that turned your PS1 into a dial-up modem. It’s obscure, it’s niche, and thanks to CosmicScale, it’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves.

The developer just dropped a massive July 2026 update for his definitive translation project, and it’s a game-changer for retro enthusiasts. The highlight? Full localization. Scripts are now available in English, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese. That’s a staggering amount of effort to make this dusty piece of hardware accessible to a global audience.

But it’s not just about words. The update tackles the Game Selector, improves PS1 compatibility on exFAT drives, and integrates POPSLoader support. Essentially, it smooths out the rough edges that made using BBNN in 2026 feel like a chore.

If you’re a collector with a spare PS1 and a dream, this is your sign to dust off that modem. For a deeper dive, Tito from Macho Nacho Productions has a full demo video that breaks down exactly what’s new. It’s a brilliant example of how community passion can breathe new life into forgotten tech.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Alleged Operators of HiAnime Piracy Ring Arrested in Vietnam with U.S. Support

https://torrentfreak.com/alleged-operators-of-hianime-piracy-ring-arrested-in-vietnam-with-u-s-support/

Talk about a dramatic exit. HiAnime, the anime piracy portal that raked in over 150 million monthly visits, vanished without a trace back in March. But while the site went dark, the people running it didn’t get away scot-free.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has just arrested seven suspects linked to a massive piracy network that operated more than 100 sites, including HiAnime. The bust wasn’t a solo act; Vietnamese authorities worked closely with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE). This collaboration came under intense pressure after the U.S. classified Vietnam a “Priority Foreign Country,” threatening potential trade sanctions over rampant copyright infringement.

The alleged operators, mostly young IT graduates, raked in roughly $12.8 million through ads. They paid themselves in crypto, then laundered the cash into luxury cars and real estate to legitimize the profits. One ringleader even confessed to earning $2 million personally, spending it on high-end vehicles.

Here’s the catch: rightsholders are watching closely. A previous similar case involving Fmovies resulted in suspended sentences, which frustrated U.S. officials. Vietnam has recently issued urgent directives to crack down harder, so let’s see if this HiAnime case finally delivers the deterrent prison time everyone is hoping for.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG 55G1 Gameplay Hints at Solid Performance

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-55g1-gameplay-hints-at-solid-performance/

Anbernic’s RG 55G1 is finally showing its teeth, and honestly? It’s looking surprisingly sharp.

After a Geekbench leak hinted at a Snapdragon chip but raised eyebrows over the mere 4GB of RAM, the company has dropped a new gameplay showcase that tempers those concerns. We’re seeing Portal 2 running smoothly via GameNative, which is a big deal. Why? Because it points to the adoption of Turnip drivers. These are usually reserved for higher-end Snapdragon silicon, but their presence here suggests Anbernic is serious about pushing emulation boundaries, even on a budget-focused device.

The real standout feature, however, is the resolution scaling. The video demonstrates 4x to 6x upscaling for PSP games. Considering Anbernic just launched the RG Vita series, this top-happy device looks poised to crush PSP emulation in both clarity and compatibility.

Then there’s the screen. During Etrian Odyssey III, the display goes pitch black during transitions. Sure, that could be editing, but it’s fueling wild (and hopeful) speculation about an OLED panel.

Keep your expectations grounded—showcase videos are always cherry-picked—but if this hardware delivers consistent performance without breaking the bank, the RG 55G1 might just be the retro handheld we’ve been waiting for. Now, we just need to know the price.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Artemio Interviews PGM Core Creator Wickerwaka

https://retrorgb.com/artemio-interviews-pgm-core-creator-wickerwaka.html

Ever wonder what goes on behind the curtain of those crisp, perfect retro gaming cores? You’re about to get a front-row seat.

Artemio sat down with Martin Donlon—better known in the FPGA scene as Wickerwaka—to dig into his latest masterpiece: the reverse-engineered IGS PolyGame Master (PGM) core for the MiSTer project. If you’ve ever marveled at how accurately these modern devices replicate vintage arcade experiences, Martin is the wizard making it happen. He’s also the mind behind the R-Type cores and MiSTer Laggy, so he’s basically a staple in the retro gaming community.

The interview dives deep into the technical nitty-gritty of his reverse engineering process. It’s developer-focused, so if you love understanding the “how” and “why” of hardware emulation, you’ll eat this up. There’s a tiny hiccup at the start when Artemio’s mic decided to quit on him, but don’t worry—it’s fixed by the three-minute mark. After that, the conversation flows beautifully.

Even if some of the technical jargon floats over your head, the passion is palpable. It’s rare to hear two devs geek out like this, so grab a coffee, tune in, and appreciate the craft. And if you missed his earlier appearance, his previous interview is still out there waiting for you.