Category: Tater News

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Jotego Confirms Neo Geo AES+ Features

https://retrorgb.com/jotego-confirms-neo-geo-aes-features.html

The Neo Geo is getting a modern makeover, and it looks like the real deal.

If you’ve been following the rumors around the upcoming Neo Geo AES+ from Plaion, it’s time to stop holding your breath and start getting excited. FPGA legend Jotego recently sat down for an interview, and he dropped some serious truth bombs that suggest this isn’t just another cheap emulator in a fancy box.

The secret sauce? This system is being built using an ASIC spun off directly from the MiSTer FPGA core. To put it simply: it’s the same DNA as the legendary hardware, just streamlined into a single chip. We’re talking about a “Genesis 2” level of evolution rather than a total rewrite.

Here is why your retro setup should be nervous (in a good way):

• Visual Perfection: Jotego worked specifically on ensuring the RGB output and colors are as faithful to the original hardware as humanly possible.
• Zero Lag: The controller pins wire directly to the ASIC, meaning button presses translate to screen movement in real-time. No input delay here.
• Sonic Accuracy: The audio circuits have been custom-tailored to mimic that iconic Neo Geo sound.

The best part? Jotego teased that another console is already on the way. We don’t know what it is yet, but the retro hardware renaissance is officially in full swing.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Weekly Roundup #511

https://retrorgb.com/week511.html

If your weekend plans involved tinkering with vintage hardware or hunting for rare fan translations, you’re in luck—the latest RetroRGB roundup is officially here.

It’s a packed episode this week, starting with some great news for Sega Saturn fans: Ninku has finally received a much-needed fan translation. If you’ve been looking for something new to play on that classic console, this is your sign.

The technical side of the hobby is also buzzing. We’re seeing significant updates for MiSTer enthusiasts (including some big news for Darius 2 fans), a new 720p support boost for NeoPico HD, and a clever way to unlock PSX hard drives using ATA Express.

A few other quick hits worth your attention:

• Hardware Fixes: New power supply replacements are coming for the legendary LaserActive.
• DIY Projects: Learn how to build your very own Xbox prototype or set up a “RetroNAS” for centralized file storage.
• The Essentials: From cheap Kodi/MiSTer remotes to new Genesis Mug lids, there’s plenty of gear talk to keep you busy.

Whether you prefer watching the breakdown on video or listening on the go via Spotify or iTunes, it’s a deep dive you won’t want to miss.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

ZSNES is back as “Super ZSNES”!

https://retrorgb.com/zsnes-is-back-as-super-zsnes.html

Dust off those old cartridges, because a legend just got a massive glow-up. The original developers behind the iconic ZSNES have officially returned with something much more ambitious: Super ZSNES.

This isn’t just a simple patch or a nostalgic retread. The team has completely rewritten the emulator from the ground up to do things we previously thought were impossible for 16-bit hardware. We’re talking about using your modern PC’s GPU to handle the heavy lifting, which should keep things running buttery smooth.

The real showstopper, however, is their new “Super Enhancement Engine.” This feature allows classic games to be rendered in much higher resolutions and even widescreen formats. It’s essentially giving your favorite SNES classics a high-definition facelift.

Here is the quick breakdown:

• Available now: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android (iOS is on the way).
• The Tech: Offloads processing to the GPU and enables “enhanced” game modes.
• The Cost: Currently free to download, though the devs are seeking Patreon support to keep the momentum going.

Whether you’re a retro purist or just want to see Chrono Trigger in glorious widescreen, this is one update worth downloading.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

RetroNAS Brings Centralized File Storage to Retro PC Setups

https://retrorgb.com/retronas-brings-centralized-file-storage-to-retro-pc-setups.html

If you’ve ever spent an entire afternoon swapping 3.5″ floppies just to get a single driver onto an old IBM clone, we have some good news for your wrists.

Enter RetroNAS: a new suite of tools designed to turn a humble Raspberry Pi or an old spare computer into a centralized Network Attached Storage (NAS) hub. Think of it as a modern cloud service, but specifically tailored for the era of DOS and Windows 98.

The magic lies in its ability to bridge the gap between decades of tech. By using services like EtherDFS (which is lightweight enough not to choke your precious DOS memory) and an older version of Samba, you can map a network folder as a local drive letter on your retro machines.

Why this is a game-changer:

• Centralized Library: Keep all your ISOs, floppy images, and drivers in one place.
• Save Disk Space: Run games directly from the network drive instead of hunting for new CF cards or hard drives.
• Cross-Platform: Serve files simultaneously to DOS, Windows for Workgroups, and even modern devices.

Fair warning: this isn’t exactly “plug-and-play.” You’ll need a bit of networking know-how to get the configuration right, but once it’s running, your retro setup will feel significantly more high-tech.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Pokemon Light Platinum DS Drops Its First English Demo, and It’s a Big One

https://retrohandhelds.gg/pokemon-light-platinum-ds-drops-its-first-english-demo-and-its-a-big-one/

If you spent your late 2000s glued to a Game Boy Advance, the name Pokémon Light Platinum probably triggers some serious nostalgia. This ambitious ROM hack was legendary for its custom regions and massive feature list—and now, it’s getting a massive glow-up.

The developers have just dropped the first English-language demo for the Nintendo DS version, and “small” is definitely not the word to describe it. Unlike most demos that give you a tiny taste of gameplay, this one packs over 20 hours of content, taking players all the way up to the fifth gym.

Moving from GBA to DS isn’t just a simple port; it’s a technical heavy lift. Built on the HeartGold engine, this version brings much smoother presentation and custom features (like a brand-new HM implementation) that the original simply couldn’t handle.

While we don’t have an official release date for the full game yet, this demo proves the project is in fantastic shape. If you’re looking to rediscover a classic with modern polish, it might be time to dust off that DS emulator.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Stop Killing Games Makes Its Case to the EU and Walks Away With a Win

https://retrohandhelds.gg/stop-killing-games-makes-its-case-to-the-eu-and-walks-away-with-a-win/

Ever bought a game only to realize you don’t actually own it? It’s a frustrating reality in the era of live-service titles, but there might finally be some light at the end of the digital tunnel.

The “Stop Killing Games” movement recently took its fight to the European Parliament, and the results were nothing short of a victory lap. Founded by YouTuber Ross Scott, the initiative argues that when publishers shut down servers, they effectively delete the product you paid for—turning expensive software into glorified paperweights.

The presentation went incredibly well. The committee chairwoman expressed support, and even more importantly, European Commission officials have pledged to examine the copyright laws that currently allow this “server-side destruction” to happen.

Here is the quick breakdown:

• The Goal: To pass laws preventing publishers from making games unplayable once servers go dark.
• The Status: The movement has massive political backing across all parliamentary groups.
• What’s Next: We’re waiting on a formal response from the Commission by July.

While we aren’t at the finish line yet, the conversation is officially on the official docket. For fans of titles like Concord or Anthem, it’s the first real sign that our digital libraries might actually be permanent.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Farewell, Spiders: The Makers of GreedFall Are Closing Their Doors

https://retrohandhelds.gg/farewell-spiders-the-makers-of-greedfall-are-closing-their-doors/

It’s a sad day for fans of “ambitious but janky” RPGs. Spiders, the Parisian studio behind the cult classic GreedFall, is officially closing its doors. After a period of uncertainty, the studio is moving into full liquidation after no buyer stepped up to save them.

If you played their games, you know the vibe: the production values might have been modest and the bugs were frequent, but there was always a massive amount of heart under the hood. From the clockwork nightmare of Steelrising to the colonial charm of GreedFall, Spiders specialized in making games that felt much bigger than their actual budgets allowed.

The tragedy here isn’t just the loss of a studio, but how it happened. While the recent launch of GreedFall 2: The Dying World struggled to find an audience, staff and unions have pointed the finger at mismanagement from parent company Nacon. Allegations of canceled projects and a focus on short-term profits have left even viable studios hollowed out.

It’s a tough end for a team that consistently punched above its weight class. We’re rooting for the devs to find new homes where their creativity can actually breathe.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG Rotate Specs Revealed Ahead of Official Relase

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-rotate-specs-revealed-ahead-of-official-relase/

If you’ve ever looked at your handheld gaming collection and thought, “This needs more mechanical movement,” Anbernic might have just answered your prayers. The full specs for the upcoming RG Rotate are finally out, and it is bringing some serious Transformer energy to your pocket.

The star of the show is a unique rotating hinge that lets you flip the screen into different orientations. It even features a Hall sensor, meaning the device can wake up automatically as you slide it open—a pretty slick touch for anyone who loves a seamless unboxing experience every time they play.

Under the hood, we’re looking at the Unisoc T618 chip (the same one from the RG Vita), which promises enough muscle to tackle everything from classic Android games to some heavier hitters like PS2 and 3DS. Just keep an eye on that 32GB of internal storage; you’ll definitely want a beefy microSD card to handle those bigger libraries.

The Quick Deets:

• Price: Expected around $87.99 (Black) or $107.99 (Silver).
• Release Date: Mark your calendars for May 11.
• Build Options: ABS Plastic or a premium CNC Aluminum Alloy.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Sony Responded! The PS5 DRM Update Explained

https://retrohandhelds.gg/sony-responded-the-ps5-drm-update-explained/

### Sony’s DRM Drama: A Small Win for PS5 Owners?

If you’ve been doomscrolling tech news lately, you probably saw the firestorm surrounding a recent PS5 system update. The news that new digital purchases would require a mandatory “check-in” every 30 days felt like a massive blow to the concept of digital ownership—and a bit ironic, considering Sony used to mock Xbox for doing the exact same thing.

But before you start hoarding physical discs like it’s the apocalypse, there is some good news. Sony has officially stepped in to clarify that this isn’t an “always-online” nightmare for your entire library.

Here is the breakdown of what’s actually happening:

• The Good: Your existing digital library and all disc-based games are unaffected. They will continue to work offline just fine.

The Catch: Only new* digital purchases require a one-time online check-in after 30 days.

• The Result: Once that 30-day window passes, the game converts to a permanent license. After that, you can go back to playing offline without a hitch.

It’s not a total victory for digital ownership—we’re still essentially dealing with “limited licenses” rather than true ownership—but at least your PS5 won’t turn into an expensive paperweight the moment your Wi-Fi cuts out.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

The C64 and ZX Spectrum Are Getting Their Own Clamshell Handhelds

https://retrohandhelds.gg/the-c64-and-zx-spectrum-are-getting-their-own-clamshell-handhelds/

If you spent your childhood surrounded by beige plastic and rubber keys, prepare your wallet. Evercade maker Blaze has teamed up with Retro Games Ltd to announce two new clamshell handhelds that are pure nostalgia in portable form: THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld.

The design is a deliberate love letter to the Game Boy Advance SP era. The C64 model arrives in “Retro Beige” with tactile keys, while the Spectrum version sports a classic black finish with rubberized buttons to mimic the original machine’s feel. Under the hood, both devices pack a 4.3-inch IPS display and enough power to run various configurations of their respective legends—including overclocking support for the Spectrum fans.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• The Specs: Quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 256MB RAM, and USB-C charging.
• Storage: Each comes with 25 preloaded games, but you can add more via MicroSD.
• Pricing: Standard units start at $129.99, with limited Collector’s Editions (which include exclusive magazines) for $149.99.

The catch? These aren’t hitting shelves until October 2026. It’s a long wait, but pre-orders are officially open if you want to secure your slice of retro glory.