Category: Tater News

📰 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.

📰 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.

📰 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.

📰 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!

📰 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.

📰 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.

📰 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.

📰 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.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Weekly Roundup #522

https://retrorgb.com/week522.html

Ready to get retro? This week’s roundup from RetroRGB is packed with deep dives into the hardware and history that keep classic gaming alive. If you’re tired of scrolling through endless links, here’s the quick rundown of what’s buzzing in the community.

First up, if you’ve ever wondered why your NES output looks like a wobbly mess, there’s a clear explanation for that composite video artifacting. It’s not just your TV acting up; it’s physics. On the hardware side, the RetroTINK 4K is getting smarter with a new Profile Editor and Lumacode support, giving power users finer control over their signal chain.

For the competitive crowd, Gampadla has released a new Lag Test Kit, and there’s a fascinating look at the hidden 3D ball physics in NES Double Dribble. It turns out that “corner three” exploit wasn’t a bug—it was a feature of the code.

Other highlights include a rare CRT + PC Engine combo that looks stunning, a GameCube internal Bluetooth kit for the modern era, and a nostalgic trip back to the AIM server history. Plus, Bob revisits a coffee machine he’s reviewed before (because caffeine is essential for emulation).

Whether you’re watching the video or tuning in via podcast, there’s plenty to geek out over. And if you enjoy the content, check out the support links—it’s the best way to keep these deep dives coming.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

EU’s Top Court: Geo-Blocking Protects Publishers in Copyright Disputes, VPNs Not Liable

https://torrentfreak.com/eus-top-court-geo-blocking-protects-publishers-in-copyright-disputes-vpns-not-liable/

Ever wonder if you can legally read a classic book online just because it’s public domain in the next country over? The EU’s top court just said yes, provided you put up a digital “No Trespassing” sign.

In a landmark ruling regarding The Diary of Anne Frank, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decided that geo-blocking is a sufficient legal shield for publishers. Even though copyright terms vary across the EU—keeping the diary protected in the Netherlands while it’s free in Belgium—publishers don’t need 100% unbreakable walls. As long as they use “state-of-the-art” geo-blocking and clearly state that Dutch readers aren’t the intended audience, they aren’t infringing copyright.

Here’s the big takeaway: VPNs are off the hook. The court ruled that VPN providers are neutral intermediaries, not copyright infringers, even if users employ them to bypass those geo-blocks. You can’t blame the messenger (or the routing tool) for the post’s destination.

This decision strikes a delicate balance. It protects publishers’ rights without forcing them to slap login walls on content that should be freely available to the public in other member states. However, the case isn’t fully closed; the Dutch Supreme Court must still determine if the specific blocking technology used actually meets the “state-of-the-art” threshold. For now, though, it’s a win for digital accessibility and a clear boundary for VPN liability.