Category: Tater News

  • Pirate Sites’ Domain Hopping Habit Undermines Belgium’s New Blocking Order

    📰 New article from TorrentFreak

    Pirate Sites’ Domain Hopping Habit Undermines Belgium’s New Blocking Order

    https://torrentfreak.com/pirate-sites-domain-hopping-habit-undermines-belgiums-new-blocking-order/

    Belgium’s war on piracy is officially a game of digital Whac-A-Mole. The country recently issued a new court order blocking 113 more pirate domains, targeting heavy hitters like Zone-Telechargement and Wawacity. But here’s the kicker: the blocklist was already outdated before the ISPs even had time to implement it.

    Why the rush? These sites are masters of “domain hopping.” Every time France or Belgium slaps a block on a domain, these operators simply register a fresh, obscure top-level domain (like .poker or .golf) and redirect users via Telegram. It’s a frantic game of musical chairs where the pirates always find a seat before the music stops.

    In a clever twist, the new order also targets “signpost” pages—sites like wawacity-info.com that don’t host content but tell users how to bypass blocks. Rightsholders successfully argued these facilitate access, so they’re getting blocked too. It’s an attempt to cut off the map, not just the territory.

    The takeaway? Blocking domains is a blunt instrument against agile operators. While Belgium’s blacklist grows by hundreds each week, pirates can pivot in minutes. It’s a high-stakes arms race where the defenders are constantly playing catch-up, and the users just keep clicking.

  • Hyperkin Captain+ Hall Effect N64 Controller

    📰 New article from RetroRGB

    Hyperkin Captain+ Hall Effect N64 Controller

    https://retrorgb.com/hyperkin-captain-hall-effect-n64-controller.html

    Remember the dreaded N64 joystick drift? Yeah, we all do. It’s the digital ghost that haunts every retro gaming session, turning a precise jump into a clumsy stumble. Hyperkin is finally looking to exorcise that demon with the new Captain+ controller.

    Priced at $30, this updated wired controller is a $10 bump over the original, but you’re paying for serious tech upgrades. The headline feature is a Hall Effect analog stick. Unlike traditional potentiometers that wear out over time, this magnetic technology promises significantly better accuracy and longevity. It’s a smart move for a console that’s now nearly thirty years old.

    The Captain+ isn’t just for purists, either. It plugs directly into original N64 consoles and should work with third-party retro consoles that use N64 ports. You can grab it in four translucent shades—Red, Green, Purple, or Frost—shipping out on August 18th.

    It’s a bold attempt to balance cost and performance, a sweet spot many modern peripherals miss. While we’ll need to wait for pro gamers to put it through the wringer to confirm it’s truly drift-proof, the specs look promising. If you’ve been avoiding your N64 because of stick issues, this might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

  • Konkr Pocket Advance Gets a Full Outline With an Announcement Coming Soon

    📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

    Konkr Pocket Advance Gets a Full Outline With an Announcement Coming Soon

    https://retrohandhelds.gg/konkr-pocket-advance-gets-a-full-outline-with-an-announcement-coming-soon/

    Remember the Konkr Pocket Micro 2? Yeah, that one sold out so fast it practically vanished into the void of high-demand handhelds. Well, Ayaneo isn’t resting on those laurels. They’re doubling down with the Konkr Pocket Advance, and if the cryptic teasers dropping on their Discord and Twitter are any indication, we’re looking at a device that channels serious Game Boy Advance energy.

    We haven’t seen the full specs yet, but the silhouette is unmistakable. It’s compact, styled like a classic GBA, and likely packs four face buttons with some extra triggers on the back for those who like their retro gaming with a modern grip. It’s not exactly breaking new ground—Anbernic’s RG 34XX hit shelves back in early 2025—but that 3:2 aspect ratio remains a cult favorite for purists who miss the golden age of portable gaming.

    Here’s the real kicker, though: Ayaneo just restocked the Micro 2, which serves a nearly identical niche. Announcing another device that appeals to the exact same crowd feels a bit like kicking someone while they’re already down. It’s a bold move to target those who just missed out on the last batch, or perhaps it’s just good business to feed the insatiable retro hunger.

    Mark your calendars for July 17th. Ayaneo is set to drop the full announcement, possibly via a livestream on YouTube. If you’ve got a soft spot for tiny, nostalgic screens, you’ll want to tune in. We’re all waiting to see what tech fits inside that classic-shaped box.

  • Sunjoyco NES 72-Pin Connector

    📰 New article from RetroRGB

    Sunjoyco NES 72-Pin Connector

    https://retrorgb.com/sunjoyco-nes-72-pin-connector.html

    Let’s be honest: your NES cartridge slot is a ticking time bomb. You know the drill—the dreaded blinking red light that signals your childhood nostalgia has officially packed it in. If you’re tired of blowing into cartridges or playing the “wiggle game” to get Super Mario Bros. to load, there’s a surprisingly simple, budget-friendly fix that’s been holding up for years.

    RetroRGB veteran Bob has been using Sunjoyco’s 72-pin replacement connector since September 2023 with zero issues. For the price of a few snacks, you can swap out that failing gold-plated contact strip and restore full functionality to your console. It’s the perfect “I just want it to work” solution for those of us who prefer the tactile satisfaction of pushing a cartridge straight down rather than sliding it in like a modern drawer.

    If you’re a purist who wants that specific “push-down” feel, this is your ticket. However, if you’re looking for over-engineered longevity and don’t mind changing how you insert games, alternatives like the Slotmaster or Nin10-Drawer offer sturdier builds, albeit with a slide-in mechanism.

    For the full nostalgic experience, the Sunjoyco connector is a no-brainer. It’s cheap, it works, and it keeps the red light at bay. Just don’t forget to check the ConsoleMods wiki if you’re also looking to bypass the CIC lockout chip for good measure. Your games will thank you.

  • MagicX Announces a New Screen for an Unannounced Handheld, Because, Why Not?

    📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

    MagicX Announces a New Screen for an Unannounced Handheld, Because, Why Not?

    https://retrohandhelds.gg/magicx-announces-a-new-screen-for-an-unannounced-handheld-because-why-not/

    Remember when tech companies announced new gadgets weekly instead of yearly? MagicX, a retro handheld maker, used to live in that whirlwind era. Then came the global RAM shortage, known affectionately in industry circles as “RAMageddon,” which turned their production schedule into a ghost town. But today, they’ve popped back up with a surprise that’s got the community buzzing.

    MagicX just revealed they’ve custom-developed a 3.3-inch OLED display with a crisp 1024×768 resolution. This isn’t just another IPS panel; it’s the real deal with the deep blacks and vivid colors OLED is famous for. They’re teaming up closely with their supplier to ensure quality, which is a refreshing change of pace for a brand that has been quiet for a while.

    The kicker? This screen is slated to debut in a device launching in 2026. Since their upcoming Mini40 is confirmed to have a 4-inch display, this new OLED panel likely belongs to a different, yet-to-be-announced handheld. It could be a vertical design like the TrimUI Brick, or perhaps an updated version of a past model.

    We’re still waiting on confirmation that the Mini40 is actually happening, but this OLED tease suggests MagicX isn’t done playing yet. Keep an eye on their Discord—something is definitely brewing.

  • Retroid Pocket Nova Gets Hands-on Treatment Ahead of Release

    📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

    Retroid Pocket Nova Gets Hands-on Treatment Ahead of Release

    https://retrohandhelds.gg/retroid-pocket-nova-gets-hands-on-treatment-ahead-of-release/

    Remember that sweet, sweet anticipation of unboxing a new gadget? Retroid is practically feeding us that feeling with the latest hands-on leaks for the Retroid Pocket Nova. The team’s Chris has been busy sharing exclusive photos and gameplay footage, giving us the first real look at the device before it hits shelves.

    And let’s just say: it’s impressive. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Nova handles heavy hitters like F-Zero GX and God of War 2 with zero sweat. But the real party trick? The Dual Screen Add-on. Chris showed off Mario Kart 7 running smoothly in split-screen mode, proving this accessory isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a legit performance booster for those who love a bit of retro multiplayer chaos.

    Size-wise, things are interesting too. The Nova is surprisingly compact, sitting closer in dimensions to the Pocket Mini than the larger Pocket 6. It’s a sleek, portable package that doesn’t compromise on power.

    Whether you’re already pre-ordering or still on the fence, these visuals are hard to ignore. With prices starting at $229, it looks like Retroid is aiming for that sweet spot between budget-friendly and high-end emulation. Are you ready to add this to your collection, or are you waiting for more color options? Let us know!

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

    📰 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.

  • Valve Might Be Quietly Discontinuing Steam Deck LCD

    📰 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.

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

    📰 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.

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

    📰 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.