Category: Tater News

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Homebrew Side Quests #2: Sentient Inhalers

https://retrohandhelds.gg/homebrew-side-quests-2-sentient-inhalers/

Retro Roundup: Sentient Inhalers, Skyblivion, and the Unkillable Spirit of Homebrew

Old hardware isn’t just nostalgic—it’s resilient. This week’s homebrew scene proves that if you’ve got enough stubbornness (and caffeine), even 1980s silicon can pull off wizardry.

💡 Arcade Perfection, Finally

JOTD’s AGA Ghosts’n Goblins for the Amiga is shaping up to be the definitive home version—typo and all—including interrupt-driven blitting for those massive, corkscrew-scrolling levels. Meanwhile, RCampeador’s Super Pang Genesis port hits v0.2 with machine guns and two-player chaos, while Bob’s Stuff resurrects Lock’n’Chase on the ZX Spectrum with AY sound that’ll make your 48K weep.

🚀 Retro Reinvention

• Rogue 7800: A roguelike on the Atari 7800? Yes. Procedural dungeons on a machine that barely ran After Burner.
• FamiDash: Geometry Dash on NES? Timing jumps, spikes, and momentum—compressed into 64KB of pure madness.
• Wheeze!: A Game Boy platformer starring Pumpy, a sentient inhaler battling pollution and cigar-wielding execs. Because why not?

🌌 The Big Leagues

Skyblivion—yes, that Oblivion remade in Skyrim’s engine—is now pushing 223 quests, original lockpicking, and atmospheric Ayleid ruins. It’s a mod by technical definition… but when your team rivals AAA studios in scope and polish? Homebrew in spirit, at least.

Bonus: Gobliiins 6 is a real, modern release with retro DNA—and Kula World is finally coming to the 32X. Because why let a crippled 3D accelerator stop greatness?

Bottom line: Retro gaming isn’t dead. It’s just getting weirder.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

I Played EVERY Pokemon Game on Different Retro Handhelds! [VIDEO]

https://retrohandhelds.gg/i-played-every-pokemon-game-on-different-retro-handhelds-video/

Pokémon on Retro Handhelds? This Guy Did the Unthinkable—And It Kinda Works. 🎮⚡

It’s Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, and one brave reviewer didn’t just dust off their Game Boys—they lined up nine retro handhelds to battle through every mainline Pokémon game since 1996. Spoiler: not all devices play nicely with every era.

The Anbernic RG35XXSP ($48–$65) emerged as the MVP for early-gen classics like Red/Blue and Gold/Silver, thanks to solid GB/GBC emulation. But when it came to DS/3DS games (Diamond, X/Y, etc.), things got… wobbly. The RG DS ($95–$95) handled HeartGold and Platinum well, but 3DS titles like ORAS still needed serious tweaks—and even then, some ran at half-speed.

For modern(ish) entries like Sun/Moon and Sword/Shield, you’ll want heavy-hitters: the Retroid Pocket 5 ($199–$209) or AYN Thor ($249–$310), though even they struggle with Sword/Shield’s heavier loadouts.

💡 Pro tip: Skip the Switch 2 for now—$450 feels cruel when your RG35XXSP can run Crystal just fine for $48.

Full breakdown in [Zu Reviews’ video](link), complete with timestamps, coupon codes (yes, they work), and zero pretense. Because sometimes, the best way to relive Kanto is with a $50 gadget and a trusty Pikachu. 🌟

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

KONKR Pocket Fit Review: The Value Choice

https://retrohandhelds.gg/konkr-pocket-fit-review/

KONKR Pocket Fit Review: A Solid Mid-Tier Contender — If You’re Not Chasing the 8 Elite

Let’s cut through the noise: budget and value aren’t the same thing—and KONKR’s first device proves it. Priced from $269, the Pocket Fit packs a Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 under its hood, making it more capable than “cheap” and squarely in the “smart spend” zone.

✅ What Works:

• Strong performance for its class (beats Gen 2 handhelds, lags behind 8 Elite)
• Solid IPS screen (144Hz, bright, great for streaming or casual gaming)
• Thoughtful controls: quiet triggers with flip-down stops, responsive D-pad
• Solid ergonomics—lighter and more balanced than the Odin 3, though bumps are smaller
• Great extensibility: microSD, USB-C 3.2, 3.5mm jack

❌ Where It Stumbles:

• Stock analog sticks are slick and less ideal for larger devices (swap them!)
• Software hiccups: AYASpace still feels rough, app installs sometimes fail
• Thermal throttling cuts into long-term performance stability (~88% sustained)

🎯 Who Should Buy It?

• Gamers prioritizing value over peak power: the 8GB ($269) and 12GB ($329) models are real steals.
• Emulation fans, streamers, or retro lovers who want a do-it-all Android handheld.
• Those avoiding AYANEO’s overpriced Odin 3 (unless you really want that screen and build quality).

🚫 Skip It If…

• You’re waiting for the delayed 8 Elite model (March? Yeah, right.)
• You demand OLED or absolute max performance per watt

Verdict: A confident debut from KONKR—not perfect, but a smart buy at its price point. As the reviewer says: “Maybe streaming and Android gaming” is the new sweet spot—and this handheld nails it. 🎮

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer FPGA News – Tandy 1000, Dogyuun, Sea Fighter Poseidon & More

https://retrorgb.com/mister-fpga-news-tandy-1000-dogyuun-sea-fighter-poseidon-more.html

MiSTer FPGA Roundup: N64 Turbo Tweaks, Tandy 1000 Split, and Bullet-Hell Comebacks! 🎮⚡

The MiSTer FPGA community is firing on all cylinders this month — with cool updates across arcade, home computer, and console emulation. Here’s the lowdown:

🔹 N64 Turbo Boosted!

User Corn has tweaked the N64 core — RSP and memory clocks jump to 93.75MHz and 187.5MHz, respectively, while the CPU stays at 93.75MHz (unlike older “full turbo” builds). The goal? Smoother performance in geometry-heavy games. Available now on Discord.

🔹 Tandy 1000 Gets Its Own Core!

Breaking from the PCXT core for efficiency, spark2k06 is splitting them out. Why? Some components only make sense on one system — freeing up FPGA space for future improvements. An early build is live on GitHub.

🔹 Bullet-Hell History Lesson

Toaplan’s final arcade classic, Batsugun, and its predecessor Dogyuun are both in development — with attention to accuracy (especially for the V25 microcontroller). These games helped define the “bullet hell” genre, so fans are watching closely.

🔹 SlapFight/Tiger Heli Reimagined

Anton Gale’s rework improves pause/high-score stability and adds a master clock toggle for 60Hz overclocking. A classic dual-stick shooter gets a modern polish.

🔹 More Goodies

• Sea Fighter Poseidon joins the Taito SJ core — scuba diving + torpedoes = 80s arcade fun.
• Zaparoo v2.9.0 drops a major UI overhaul + Kodi/LaunchBox love.
• MiSTer Organize v2 gets PC integration and RetroNAS support — finally, your ROMs can actually be sorted alphabetically.
• Update All 2.5 fixes CRT display issues — yes, really.

All in all: a strong week for MiSTer’s ever-evolving ecosystem. Keep those FPGA dreams alive! 🛠️

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Virtual Boy Switch Online Thoughts

https://retrorgb.com/virtual-boy-switch-online-thoughts.html

Virtual Boy on Switch Online: A Fun, Flawed Nostalgia Trip

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to play Mario’s Time Machine while half-blinded by red LED glare, Nintendo’s new Switch Online Virtual Boy offering delivers the experience—with a few caveats. Priced at $25 for a cardboard visor or $100 for an almost-perfect replica, plus the $30/year Expansion Pack (or $50 if you’re starting from scratch), it’s not cheap nostalgia—but for newcomers, it’s the easiest way in.

The setup is surprisingly smooth: install the app, calibrate (yes, the screen looks weird at first—keep going), and boom, you’re squinting at Warioland in 3D. Motion blur and refresh quirks pop up on LCD Screens (OLED models likely smoother), but most players may not mind—especially when playing the exclusives coming later.

The controller situation is a letdown: no official wireless VB pad, and modding one in costs more than the console itself. So while hardcore fans might stick to their original hardware (or a modded Switch), casual retro lovers will find this a stylish, functional way to dip their toes—or eyes—into one of gaming’s strangest footnotes.

And honestly? That $100 replica looks gorgeous on your shelf.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Virtual Boy -> Switch Controller PCB Replacement

https://retrorgb.com/virtual-boy-switch-controller-pcb-replacement.html

Virtual Boy Controllers Get a Modern Second Life — for $100 and Some Solder

Forget emulators: if you own a Virtual Boy, Kevin Mellott’s new PCB upgrade lets you actually use it—wirelessly. His custom controller replacement board breathes new life into original VB controllers, letting them pair with the Nintendo Switch (1 & 2), original Virtual Boys (with a BlueRetro receiver), and even Windows PCs via Bluetooth.

Here’s the catch: it’s not plug-and-play. You’ll need to salvage parts from your old controller (buttons, casing, D-pad) and do some light soldering. A battery pack is also required—original VB packs, Kevin’s own, or Laser Bear’s options all work.

At $100, this isn’t for casual retro fans—but if you’re a diehard VB enthusiast with a busted controller or just want to play Mario’s Tennis wirelessly on your Switch? This is the dream. Pre-orders are live, with shipping underway asap.

Bonus: It supports multiple operation modes and has been tested across various Bluetooth devices—so yeah, it should just work. Grab one here before Kevin runs out of stock (or ambition).

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Weekly Roundup #501

https://retrorgb.com/week501.html

RetroRGB Weekly Roundup #501: VR Zelda, Saturn Minecraft, and… Foot Warmers? 😄

Bob from RetroRGB is back with Episode #501 of his beloved retro-gaming and tech roundup—and yes, it’s as delightfully chaotic as ever. This week’s highlights include some very niche but fascinating updates for vintage hardware enthusiasts.

🎮 VR Adventure Awaits: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can now be played in VR—yes, really. A modder’s work makes Link’s adventure even more immersive (and possibly dizzy-inducing).

📡 OSSC Pro Gets RF Support: The open-source video scaler now handles analog RF inputs, meaning you can hook up your old NES or Famicom without needing a modded console. Nostalgia + functionality = win.

📚 Cheat Code Bible Returns: The GameShark book is back—fully updated with every known cheat code across generations. A must-have for speedrunners and cheaters alike.

🎮 Minecraft on Saturn?! A homebrew dev has ported Minecraft to the Sega Saturn. It’s rough around the edges—but hey, it runs on 1990s hardware.

🔥 And yes, there’s a segment on foot warmers. Because sometimes retro comfort needs actual warmth.

Want to support the channel? Bob links his Patreon, Amazon affiliate gear, and even a handmade camera slider—all in the spirit of preserving retro culture one weird link at a time. 🖥️💡

🎧 Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Pyrite64 Lets You Build True N64 Games Without ’90s Toolchain Pain

https://retrohandhelds.gg/pyrite64-lets-you-build-true-n64-games-without-90s-toolchain-pain/

Pyrite64 Is the N64 Homebrew Dream Tool — and It Actually Works

Remember trying to build an N64 game in the late ’90s—only to get lost in cryptic SDK docs, broken compilers, and assembly-level hacks? Yeah, us too. Enter Pyrite64, a fresh, open-source engine and visual editor that finally makes real N64 development human-friendly.

Launched by developer HailToDodongo, Pyrite64 runs on real Nintendo 64 hardware (or accurate emulators) and avoids all proprietary Nintendo SDKs—so it’s legally safe and technically sound. Built on Libdragon and tiny3d, it bundles a self-contained toolchain manager, so no more manual dependency wrestling.

The workflow? Modern and N64-aware:

• Design levels in Blender + Fast64
• Import assets via a slick integrated manager
• Script gameplay with C++ + node graphs (yes, visually)
• Even push light effects like bloom and HDR-style pipelines—optimized for N64’s quirks, not drowned by them

Reddit users are calling it the moment the N64 “became a new console again.” Whether you’re dreaming of Earthbound 64 or just want to finish your own game without throwing your keyboard out the window, Pyrite64 removes the pain.

👉 Check it out on GitHub — and maybe finally ship that N64 game you started in 2003.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Recalbox Hits Deck, Ally, and Legion Go With Big V10 Update

https://retrohandhelds.gg/recalbox-hits-deck-ally-and-legion-go-with-big-v10-update/

Recalbox V10 Drops Like a Console-Filled Thunderbolt for x86 Portables

Forget Batocera FOMO—Recalbox just unlocked its most polished release yet: V10, now officially rolling out on the Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), ROG Ally, and Legion Go. This isn’t just “it runs”—it belongs. Native support for volume, brightness, sleep, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth means booting into Recalbox feels less like a hack and more like switching consoles.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Steam Deck owners: Full, plug-and-play bliss. Keep SteamOS on your SSD, boot Recalbox for GameCube, PS2, Wii—and yes, original Xbox emulation on PC hardware. It’s clean, it’s stable, and it just works.
• Ally & Legion Go users: Experimental for now (no SD card boot yet), but a full install guide is live. The team wisely warns: don’t buy these just for Recalbox… unless you already own one and want a streamlined, Windows-free emulation mode.

Under the hood? Massive upgrades: better arcade performance, expanded 6th-gen coverage (hello, Saturn and N64), and a redesigned frontend that won’t gag when your ROM folder hits a lot of files. New tools even auto-clean up `(Rev A) (Europe)` clutter and smarter favorites.

Bottom line: If you’re deep in the portable emulation game, Recalbox V10 is finally worth a serious look—especially if you value simplicity over tinkering. 🎮✨

[Source: Recalbox]

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

izzy2lost Aims xemu at Android for Original Xbox Emulation

https://retrohandhelds.gg/izzy2lost-aims-xemu-at-android-for-original-xbox-emulation/

Title: Xbox on Android? Meet xemu’s wild new mobile cousin — courtesy of chaos wizard izzy2lost

Hold onto your SD cards, retro fans—Xbox emulation is finally making a beeline for Android, thanks to the ever-chaotic dev izzy2lost (yes, that PSX2 and “Spaghetti Kart” guy). His latest GitHub drop? A mobile fork of xemu, built to run legal Xbox game backups on modern Android hardware.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves:

• 🚧 Still alpha-tier — unsigned APK, self-sourced BIOS/HDD required
• 🐉 Resource-hungry — expect heavy CPU/GPU usage, especially on non-flagship devices
• 🎮 Not plug-and-play — think “devs and degenerates only” for now

That said… if you’ve ever mourned the loss of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2X on handhelds, this could be your calling. Desktop xemu has already proven Xbox emulation is possible—now it’s about trimming weight and optimizing for mobile. And honestly? It’d be wild to see Halo 2 run smoothly on a Steam Deck clone.

Worth watching closely. Just don’t blame us when your phone turns into a space heater trying to load Sunset Overdrive. 🌋