Category: Tater News

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Jsaux Announces Voidjoy; the Next Step in Their Gaming Lineup

https://retrohandhelds.gg/jsaux-announces-voidjoy-the-next-step-in-their-gaming-lineup/

Think JSAUX has cornered the market on Switch cases and ROG Ally batteries? Think again. The accessory giant is officially expanding its horizons, and they’re doing it with a brand new sub-label called Voidjoy. Announced on August 6th, this move signals a pivot from just housing your console to actually controlling it.

Voidjoy is stepping into the controller arena, promising a lineup that covers all your input bases. The company teased three main categories for the debut: portable controllers, PC controllers, and a suite of controller accessories. It’s a clear play to capture the growing market of gamers who want better ergonomics than stock hardware offers.

While the official drop hasn’t happened yet, the teaser image is already sparking the usual rumor mill. Early speculation suggests a design reminiscent of the 8BitDo Lite, a traditional docked-style controller, and perhaps modular Joy-Con attachments that snap together. It’s all guesswork for now, but the visual clues point toward a versatile, multi-platform approach.

If you’re itching to see what’s under the hood, JSAUX has you covered. You can join their Discord for the latest leaks or sign up for their website’s reveal list. Either way, expect some new hardware to hit the shelves soon. Keep your eyes peeled, because Voidjoy is about to change how you hold your game.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer: Physical Disc Support Updates

https://retrorgb.com/mister-physical-disc-support-updates.html

Remember when loading screens were just… waiting? Well, retro fans are reclaiming that tactile joy. Developer Anime0t4ku just pushed a major update to the MiSTer Physical Disc project, finally bringing native support for physical optical drives.

Here’s the deal: You can now plug in any USB optical drive and play disc-based games directly. No need to hunt down ISOs or worry about SD card space. It works with 3DO, Sega CD, PlayStation, Saturn, and even SNES via MSU-1. Yes, you can literally burn a SNES ROM to a CD for that “what if” Nintendo PlayStation vibe.

Getting set up is dead simple. Just run the `update_all` script, navigate to “Other Cores,” and toggle on Physical CD Support. If you’re feeling lazy, you can even add a single line to your `MiSTer.ini` file to auto-boot whenever a disc is detected. Just watch out for a minor config tweak if you’re upgrading from an older version.

But wait, there’s more. Alongside the disc support, Anime0t4ku dropped “MiSTer Hi-Fi,” a stunning visual music player. It handles lossless audio, album artwork, spectrum visualizers, and yes, physical audio CDs too. It’s another great reason to dust off those USB ports and get back to the hardware roots.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

BadUpdate Xbox 360 Hypervisor Exploit Updated

https://retrorgb.com/badupdate-xbox-360-hypervisor-exploit-updated.html

Remember the thrill of turning your dusty Xbox 360 into a homebrew powerhouse with just a USB stick? That’s the magic of BadUpdate, and it just got a serious performance boost. Developer Grimdoomer has released version 1.3, and if you were on the fence about trying it, this update might finally push you over the edge.

The headline news is reliability. While previous versions were solid, v1.3 claims a near 100% success rate, and it does the job much faster than before. It’s not just about speed, though. The code has been refined under the hood, featuring new hypervisor overwrite detection logic and a rewritten Stage 2 ROP chain. These tweaks make the exploit smoother and, frankly, less likely to leave your console in a permanent boot loop.

There are a few other neat additions worth noting:

• Recovery Mode: If you’ve messed with your boot animation, there’s now a safety net to get you back on track.

Game Support Swap: Support for Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland has been dropped in favor of Rock Band Blitz*, likely for better compatibility.

If you’ve been waiting for the “just right” moment to jailbreak that old console, this feels like it. The GitHub release page has the full download and tutorials if you’re ready to dive in.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

[Now Available in Peach] AYANEO Shares Some Additional Details on the KONKR Pocket Advance, Including a Live Order Page

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneo-shares-some-additional-details-on-the-konkr-pocket-advance-including-a-live-order-page/

Forget the peaches you’re eating—AYANEO just dropped a new handheld in this exact shade. If you’ve been eyeing the KONKR Pocket Advance but felt the previous color options didn’t quite match your vibe, the wait is over. The company has officially unveiled a “Peach” colorway, joining the previously teased Purple, Orange, and Retro DMG editions.

Here’s the juicy part: it’s live on the order page right now. You can snag the 3GB/32GB model for $89 or bump up to the 4GB/64GB version for $109. Just keep in mind that shipping costs an extra $20 via 4PX. These prices are strictly preorder deals, and given how quickly the Retro DMG version sold out earlier this week, you might want to move fast before they vanish again.

Under the hood, this pocket-sized nostalgia machine runs on Android 12 with a MediaTek Helio G90T chip and a crisp 3.5-inch, 960×640 LCD screen. It’s essentially a Frankenstein of sorts, borrowing components from the Pocket Micro and Air Mini to create a GBA-focused device that feels surprisingly capable for its size.

Shipping is slated for the end of August, so you’ll have just enough time to decide if this peach-colored retro rig deserves a spot in your collection. If you’re a fan of handhelds that pay homage to the GameBoy Advance era, this might be your next guilty pleasure.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Game Console R40xx Pro Max/S Review: A Waste of a Perfectly Good RK3326

https://retrohandhelds.gg/r40xx-pro-max-review/

If you’ve been eyeing the R40xx Pro Max as a budget emulation upgrade, put the credit card away. This device is essentially a waste of a perfectly good RK3326 chip, wrapped in a package that screams, “We tried, but really, did we?”

The name alone is a red flag: the box says R40xxS, but the device calls itself the Pro Max. That’s not just confusing; it’s a preview of the “we don’t care” attitude that permeates every aspect of this handheld.

Here’s why it’s an easy pass:

• Thermal Issues: The screen gets dangerously hot even while idling. There’s zero cooling design, making it feel like a fire hazard waiting to happen.
• Audio Disaster: Forget crisp sound. The speakers crackle and pop like a hyena in distress, thanks to terrible shielding and grounding.
• Mushy Controls: The D-pad feels spongy and unresponsive, while the shoulder buttons are back to being loud and clacky.
• Lazy Software: The included ROMs are a jumbled mess of broken paths and unwanted hacks. Even basic emulators like DS aren’t configured properly out of the box.

At over $50, this isn’t a steal—it’s a trap. You’re better off sticking with the original R36S or looking at the R40xx from Boyhom. Save your money and your sanity; this one is pure e-waste.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Virtual Boy MiSTer Core Released

https://retrorgb.com/virtual-boy-mister-core-released.html

Remember the Virtual Boy? That infamous Nintendo head-hurter from the 90s? Well, thanks to a new MiSTer core by developer Kitrinx, it’s finally looking better than it ever did on plastic. This isn’t just a basic emulator; it’s a feature-rich revival that brings 3D back to modern displays in ways the original hardware never dreamed of.

The real magic happens in the settings. You can now enjoy side-by-side 3D on compatible TVs, use anaglyph glasses (red/blue), or even tweak color palettes for a nostalgic twist. I tested the side-by-side mode on an OLED, and honestly? It’s the sharpest Virtual Boy experience I’ve ever seen. Just remember to toggle “Eye Drawn” to “Both” or “Side-by-side” and set “Scale” to “Normal” to get the 3D effect working correctly.

Pro tip: Switch the Brightness Map to HDR HLG. The original console was notoriously dim, and this tweak makes games pop without blowing out your eyes. You can also enable savestates, which is a lifesaver for those tricky platformers.

For the purists, there’s a specific video filter that mimics the original CRT look, and TAS (Tool-Assisted Speedrun) support for those who love watching others suffer through the difficulty. If you have a MiSTer board, this is a must-download. Go play Mario’s Tennis in glorious, headache-free 3D.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Evercade Drops Doom Edition Nexus and More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/evercade-drops-doom-edition-nexus-and-more/

Evercade is proving that physical media isn’t dead—it’s just getting a serious glow-up. If you’re a fan of collecting cartridges and missing the tactile thrill of old-school gaming, the brand’s latest move is worth your attention. They’ve just dropped a limited-edition DOOM bundle for their Nexus handheld, and it’s designed to turn heads (and wallets) this Halloween season.

This isn’t just a console; it’s a collector’s box. For $249.99, you’ll snag the Nexus system, the DOOM Collection cartridge, a hard-shell case, a poster, and even an exclusive comic. It’s a premium package for a premium fanbase, but don’t think about it too long. Production is strictly limited to 3,000 units, and pre-orders open August 7th at 7 AM PDT. If you hesitate, you’re likely missing out.

For those who prefer platformers over demons, Evercade is also rolling out a Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack. You can grab it as a standalone cartridge for $29.99 or bundle it with the standard Nexus for $199.99. Both the DOOM and Banjo releases hit shelves on October 30th, giving you plenty of time to decide which retro vibe suits your holiday gaming better. Whether you’re slaying demons or collecting stars, Evercade is keeping the physical retro experience alive and well.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

YggTorrent Teases a Comeback in September, Weeks After Arrests

https://torrentfreak.com/yggtorrent-teases-a-comeback-in-september-weeks-after-arrests/

Remember YggTorrent? It was France’s behemoth torrent community, boasting 10 million users before a devastating hack forced its shutdown this past March. The fallout was brutal: twelve operators were arrested in July, and the site seemed destined for the digital scrapheap.

But hold your breath—YggTorrent is trying to claw its way back from the dead.

While the domain was briefly listed for a staggering $700,000, the sale never materialized. Instead, the site now hosts a countdown to a “Grand Return” on September 1st. The messaging is bold, claiming a “new team” has taken over and that the “Ygg spirit” remains intact. They’re even touting a surviving community of 6 million members and a catalog of over a million torrents.

Here’s the catch: Is this a genuine resurrection or a clever scam?

Tracker stats suggest the old infrastructure might still be humming along, with hundreds of thousands of torrents still being seeded. However, with French police keeping a close watch and the identity of the “new team” completely mysterious, skepticism is warranted. The clock is ticking toward midnight Paris time, but until we know who’s actually pulling the strings, treat this comeback with a healthy dose of caution.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

NES Lumacode Board – US Distributor

https://retrorgb.com/nes-lumacode-board-us-distributor.html

Remember when modding your NES meant risking a soldering iron and a permanent haircut? Yeah, those days are fading fast. Koala Koa has officially become the US distributor for C0pperdragon’s Lumacode board, and honestly, it’s a game-changer for retro gamers tired of exorbitant international shipping fees.

Here’s the deal: The Lumacode “PPU Digitizer” lets you get crisp HDMI-quality video from your classic 8-bit console without opening the case or desoldering a single chip. It’s a 100% no-cut mod that plugs right in and pairs beautifully with scalers like the RetroTINK 4K or OSSC. You get that modern clarity without the permanent hardware modifications.

Why does this matter? Because buying directly from overseas was becoming a financial nightmare. With US distribution, bulk shipping brings the cost down significantly, making this mod actually attainable for North American collectors. Just remember, if you’re outside the US, you might still get hit with surprise import fees, so compare your local store options before pulling the trigger.

If you want to see other classic systems get the Lumacode treatment—like the Intellivision, Sega Master System, or Commodore 64—let Koala Koa know. It sounds like there’s plenty of demand.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Mangmi Air Y and Y Pro Finally Get Pricing and Pre-Order Dates

https://retrohandhelds.gg/mangmi-air-y-and-y-pro-finally-get-pricing-and-pre-order-dates/

The wait is finally over for the Mangmi Air Y and Y Pro. After weeks of sizzle reels, livestreams, and a brief delay for last-minute fixes, the pricing and pre-order window are officially set. If you’ve been eyeing a vertical handheld that doesn’t break the bank, now is the time to pay attention.

Pre-orders kick off on August 12th at 7:00 PM PDT and close just 72 hours later on August 15th. Want to save cash? You’ll need to be quick during that early bird window. Here’s the deal:

• Air Y (3GB/32GB): $89.99 early bird, $94.99 retail.
• Air Y Pro (4GB/64GB): $145.99 early bird, $159.99 retail.
• Air Y Pro (8GB/128GB): $175.99 early bird, $189.99 retail.

Why does this matter? The Pro model is a serious contender. At $189.99 for the top-tier version, it undercuts the Retroid Pocket 5 by $20 and Mangmi’s own Pocket Max by $40. With a Snapdragon 865, active cooling, and a crisp 4:3 screen, the hardware looks impressive on paper.

However, specs aren’t everything. While the value proposition is undeniable, actual build quality and software polish remain a “wait and see.” If you’re chasing the best bang for your buck in the retro space, mark your calendars for August 12th.