Category: Tater News

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

You Can Play Animal Crossing on Your Clamshell with This Decompilation

https://retrohandhelds.gg/you-can-play-animal-crossing-on-your-clamshell-with-this-decompilation/

Remember when gaming meant actual effort? Well, not this time. Thanks to a new project called OpenCrossing, you can finally play the beloved GameCube classic Animal Crossing on some of the tiniest handhelds available today. That’s right—instead of lugging around your Switch or 3DS, you can now villager-simulate on devices as small as the RG 34XXSP.

Developed by GitHub user GabeConway, this decompilation builds on previous community work to squeeze the GameCube experience into these pocket-sized powerhouses. It’s a tech marvel, but it’s not quite plug-and-play. You’ll need your own legally obtained USA ISO and must install either the muOS or Knulli operating system on your device. It’s a bit of setup, but for retro enthusiasts, that’s part of the charm.

Performance is solid, averaging around 56 FPS, though dips to 40 FPS are possible. It’s only been officially tested on the 34XX SP and 28XX models, so results may vary on other hardware. Also, note that while AI assisted in the optimization process, it wasn’t used in the actual game code—so purists need not worry. It’s a fantastic reminder of how far handheld emulation has come, proving that you don’t need a bulky console to escape into your own virtual island life.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

GameCube Internal Bluetooth Kit ‘v3’ – New Stock

https://retrorgb.com/gamecube-internal-bluetooth-kit-v3-new-stock.html

Remember when your GameCube felt like a relic of the past? Not anymore. Greg from LaserBear has just opened pre-orders for his new internal Bluetooth kit (v3.5), turning your trusty gray box into a modern wireless powerhouse. This isn’t just about plugging in a dongle; it’s a clean, internal install that lets you connect up to four Bluetooth controllers simultaneously.

Here’s the kicker: it also enables remote power control for the console. Imagine turning on your GameCube and having all your controllers wake up with it. It’s the kind of seamless integration that external adapters simply can’t match. Plus, it retains full support for wired controllers, so you’re not leaving old-school favorites on the shelf.

Is it worth the ~$100 price tag? It depends. If you’re planning to use three or four wireless controllers, this kit is actually cheaper than buying individual adapters for each. However, if you only need one controller or want to share wireless capability across multiple consoles, a simple plug-and-play dongle is the more cost-effective choice.

The best part? It runs on Darthcloud’s open-source Blueretro platform, delivering some of the lowest Bluetooth latency recorded. For a cleaner setup without sacrificing performance, this is a no-brainer for the serious retro gamer.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Anime Piracy Giant Animeflv Mysteriously Stopped Serving Video

https://torrentfreak.com/anime-piracy-giant-animeflv-mysteriously-stopped-serving-video/

Remember AnimeFLV? That Spanish-language piracy giant that served over a billion visits a year to anime fans across Latin America? Well, as of mid-June, it’s acting like a digital ghost town.

The site is still online, and its directory of series and movies remains fully updated. But try to hit play, and you’re greeted with a stark message: “Actualmente no hay videos” (There are currently no videos). Essentially, it’s become a catalog with no content.

While the operators haven’t issued a statement, this fits a broader, aggressive crackdown on pirate infrastructure. We’ve seen similar moves recently, including the shutdown of HiAnime and the takedown of major hosting providers like MegaCloud. Although AnimeFLV’s silence makes it hard to pin the cause on one specific enforcement action, the timing is suspiciously coordinated with other industry busts.

Why keep the site alive if there’s nothing to watch? It’s a mystery, but it suggests a potential pivot to a directory-only model rather than a permanent closure. Meanwhile, competitors like AnimeAV1 are already circling, ready to pick up the slack with modern codecs. For now, AnimeFLV fans are left staring at empty shelves.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

A Look At A Rare CRT + PC Engine Combo

https://retrorgb.com/a-look-at-a-rare-crt-pc-engine-combo.html

Remember when buying a retro console meant just plugging it in and playing? Yeah, those days are long gone. Enter Tito from Macho Nacho Productions, who recently embarked on what can only be described as a global treasure hunt for the NEC PC-KD863G. This isn’t just a monitor; it’s a rare, all-in-one CRT beast with a PC Engine built right inside.

The story of acquiring this piece of tech is pure adventure. It required a trip around the globe, a custom flight case, and a healthy dose of luck. But beyond the travelogue, it serves as a practical guide for anyone diving into the CRT market. Spoiler alert: almost every tube you buy will need some TLC. Tito walks viewers through the inevitable repairs and even shows off some serious trace repair work for the modding enthusiasts in the crowd.

The video is a love letter to retro gaming, featuring stunning shots of Japan and reunions with old friends. However, Tito’s quest isn’t quite complete. He’s still on the hunt for a matching set of PSP-101 speakers to finish the setup. If you have a spare pair gathering dust, now’s your chance to help complete the set and support the community.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Virtua Racing is Back and Better Than Ever Thanks to this Port

https://retrohandhelds.gg/virtua-racing-is-back-and-better-than-ever-thanks-to-this-port/

Remember when Virtua Racing blew our minds on the Genesis? It’s easy to forget that the original arcade version ran on Sega’s massive Model 1 hardware, not the home console. But thanks to a community effort that feels like a genuine gift to retro gamers, that pristine arcade experience is back—and it’s doing things the original never could.

A developer named Wanszai has released a new port of the Model 1 version that runs smoothly on both PC and Xbox Series consoles. You just need a legally obtained copy of the game file (vr.zip) and drop it into the folder. It’s that simple. And honestly, it’s impressive how well they’ve managed to capture that distinct 90s arcade feel while modernizing the experience.

The real game-changer here is the online multiplayer. You can jump into races with up to eight other players, which turns a nostalgic single-player experience into a competitive multiplayer event. Plus, you get to choose between English or Japanese, tweak controller settings, and even crank it up to 60 FPS (though widescreen mode might introduce some visual artifacts).

It’s a win for preservation and a win for fun. If you want to try it out, head over to Wanszai’s GitHub page for the download and setup instructions. And if you enjoy this kind of technical wizardry, consider dropping a tip on their Ko-Fi page to support the work.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

U.S. Seizes More Pirate Sports Streaming Domains, But Iranian Fallbacks Remain

https://torrentfreak.com/u-s-seizes-more-pirate-sports-streaming-domains-but-iranian-fallbacks-remain/

The U.S. Department of Justice just dealt another blow to pirate sports streams, seizing over 100 domains in the ongoing “Operation Offsides.” But here’s the twist: the pirates aren’t just picking up the pieces—they’re moving house entirely.

While the crackdown targets familiar faces like buffstreams.plus and footybite.app, operators have quietly pivoted to Iran’s .ir country-code top-level domain. Think of it as a digital safe house. These Iranian domains resolve to the same Ukrainian servers but use local nameservers and SSL certificates, effectively putting them out of reach for American law enforcement.

Why the switch? It’s a masterclass in jurisdictional arbitrage. The U.S. can’t seize .ir domains because American registrars are banned from selling them, and Tehran has no incentive to cooperate with Washington. Plus, Iran’s updated privacy laws mean who actually owns these sites remains a mystery.

The kicker? These weren’t desperate, last-minute registrations. SSL logs show many .ir domains were quietly prepared nearly three years ago, waiting in the wings for exactly this moment.

The Bottom Line:

• More Seizures: Over 100 new domains taken down this weekend.
• New Hideout: Pirates are migrating to Iranian .ir domains to avoid U.S. jurisdiction.
• Long Game: These backup domains were likely set up years in advance.
• Cat and Mouse: As long as sanctions exist, pirate streams will keep finding new borders to cross.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Lenovo is Bringing a New Handheld With the C700?

https://retrohandhelds.gg/lenovo-is-bringing-a-new-handheld-with-the-c700/

Remember the Legion Go? Yeah, that one. Well, Lenovo is trying again, and this time they might actually nail it. After a few stumbles and some weird rumors, the company is reportedly preparing a new handheld codenamed the C700. Think of it as the spiritual successor to their previous attempts, but with a twist that could change the game entirely.

First off, the hardware looks promising. Leaked images suggest the C700 resembles a Legion Y700 tablet with controller grips attached. If Lenovo ports that high-quality OLED panel from the Y700 into a handheld form factor, we’re looking at a serious contender for screen real estate and clarity. Their LCDs have always been top-tier, so even if they stick to that tech here, it shouldn’t disappoint.

Here’s the kicker: reports hint that the C700 will be partnered with Tencent Games. This strongly implies a “streaming-first” focus, similar to the Logitech G Cloud. While standalone gaming handhelds have their place, a dedicated streaming device powered by a solid chip could offer incredible performance without the battery drain. It’s a risky pivot, but Lenovo knows how to build solid gaming gear.

We’ll have to wait until August for the official announcement, but the early signs point to a device that’s trying to solve the problems of its predecessors. Fingers crossed it’s more of a fix and less of a repeat.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Retroid Gets More RAM, Mangmi Goes Vertical, and Dual-Screen Zelda

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-107/

Grab your coffee, because this week in retro handhelds is shaping up to be a wild ride. We’ve got price hikes, new form factors, and a Zelda port that might just change how you play classics. Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the vertical.

First up, Retroid is shaking things up with the Pocket Nova pre-orders. You’ve got two tiers: 8GB/128GB starting at $229, or 12GB/128GB for $269. It’s a solid entry point if you’re looking for that extra RAM headroom. But hold onto your wallets, because the Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 are getting a $10 price bump. Don’t panic, though—they’re throwing in an extra 4GB of RAM to sweeten the deal. It’s a classic “upgrade or pay more” move, but hey, at least you’re getting more memory for your buck.

On the hardware innovation front, Mangmi is going vertical with the Air Y series. Powered by a Qualcomm chip, it’s a fresh twist on the handheld layout, though details are still sparse. Meanwhile, MagicX is navigating the rocky road of RAM costs by discontinuing the Mini Zero 28 and teasing a new Mini40. It’s a tough market right now, but these moves show the industry is adapting.

Finally, software wizards are at it again. Imagine playing A Link to the Past on a dual-screen setup? User samyost1 made it happen. And if productivity is your vibe (or lack thereof), someone’s porting Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies to Portmaster. Because nothing says “get back to work” like zombie apocalypse mode.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Zelda 3 Now Has a Second Screen with This Port

https://retrohandhelds.gg/zelda-3-now-has-a-second-screen-with-this-port/

Remember that sweet, tactile click of the Nintendo DS bottom screen? Or maybe the 3DS’s handy touchscreen inventory? If you’re rocking an AYN Thor handheld, you can finally get that dual-display nostalgia without hunting down a retro console.

A developer named samyost1 has created a brilliant dual-screen port of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to Past. It’s not a standalone app you just download; it’s a clever mashup of existing open-source code (PyDroid and snesrev’s Zelda 3 project) and your own legally owned ROM assets.

Once you’ve got the setup running, the magic happens. The top screen plays the classic SNES game as usual, while the bottom screen becomes a dynamic utility hub. Instead of flipping through clunky menus, you get:

• A live world map that updates in real-time.
• A dungeon map tracking visited rooms.
• A touch-screen inventory for quick equipment swaps.
• A decorative Triforce when there’s no specific data to show.

It’s a great example of what happens when the emulation community builds on each other’s work. If you have an AYN Thor and want to breathe new life into Hyrule’s past, this is a must-try mod. Just remember to use your own legal copy of the game!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Gamepadla’s Prometheus 82 Input Latency Tester

https://retrorgb.com/gamepadlas-prometheus-82-input-latency-tester.html

Tired of guessing if your controller is the culprit behind your input lag? Gamepadla’s new Prometheus 82 kit might be the answer you’ve been waiting for. This clever device combines a lag-testing circuit with a 3D-printed brace to measure button and stick latency without requiring you to open up or solder anything on your controller. You simply mount your gamepad, align the solenoid, and let the software do its thing.

However, here’s the catch: Prometheus 82 measures total system latency, not just the controller’s raw hardware delay. Because it runs on your PC, your results will include overhead from your operating system, drivers, and background processes. While this gives you a realistic look at how your specific setup performs, it doesn’t isolate the controller itself. For those obsessed with pure hardware metrics, this nuance matters.

So, who is this for? If you’re a casual gamer wanting to optimize your personal rig, this tool is fantastic. It’s accurate enough for real-world comparisons and way easier to use than traditional teardown methods. But if you’re a reviewer or manufacturer claiming specific millisecond stats, you’ll need to account for system variance. It’s a powerful tool, provided you understand exactly what it’s measuring.