Category: Tater News

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Homebrew Side Quests #1: Wii Did It

https://retrohandhelds.gg/homebrew-side-quests-1-wii-did-it/

Homebrew Side Quests #1: Wii Did It 🕹️

Let’s be honest—retro gaming isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a full-blown renaissance. This week’s Homebrew Side Quests proves that classic hardware is still getting love, upgrades, and wildly creative new life—even if the original manufacturers moved on decades ago.

We’ve got Spider Maze 2 for the C64: a glossy, spike-filled maze dash that’s like Pac-Man meeting QBert at a disco. Then there’s US Championship V’Ball, finally ported to Amiga with all the beach vibes and 68k muscle you didn’t know you needed.

But things get spookier with The Last Pumpkin—a co-op platformer where you bounce around a haunted castle as either a pumpkin or a cat. Yes, really—and yes, it’s as fun (and chaotic) as it sounds.

Over on the Amiga front, Double Baboon Ninja promises neon-drenched simian ninja action, while G-Wars goes full Geometry Wars on AGA machines like it’s 1999 again. Meanwhile, Demon Pages brings old-school Western CRPGs to PC (and emulators), and Metal Canary—a Wii/Dreamcast/Steam shooter—is already playable on Nintendo’s 2006 console… with a physical Wii release planned for Retrocon 2026.

Turns out, the past isn’t even past—it’s just being remixed.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Windows98 Quick Install V1.0 Release

https://retrorgb.com/windows98-quick-install-v1-0-release.html

Windows 98 Just Got a Whole Lot Easier to Install — and Faster Too 🚀

Remember wrestling with Windows 98 setup disks, endless reboots, and driver CDs? Yeah… me neither — because I wasn’t born yet. But for the rest of us nostalgic PC enthusiasts, Windows 98 Quick Install (Win98QI) v1.0 has officially landed on GitHub — and it’s a game-changer.

Created by developer E. Voirin (a.k.a. OERG866), Win98QI streamlines the entire install process. Think of it as a modern turbo button for retro computing:

✅ One-click install (no more skipping through Setup menus)

✅ Pre-integrated DirectX 8.1 for gaming and multimedia

✅ Multiple flavor options: standard Win98, lite version, or even Windows ME

✅ USB (.img) and CD (.iso) support — no optical drive? No problem.

It’s still labeled “beta” (with the usual solo-dev disclaimer: “mostly problem-free, but… yeah”), but past versions have proven reliable. And with help from YouTube legend Phil from Phil’s Computer Lab, it’s never been easier to get up and running.

Ready to revisit the golden age of desktop aesthetics and dial-up delays?

👉 Grab it on GitHub

📺 Watch Phil’s walkthrough here

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Hacking The Mainframe #1: First Fight

https://retrohandhelds.gg/hacking-the-mainframe-1-first-fight/

Hacking The Mainframe #1: First Fight 🕹️💥

Let’s be real—official remasters are nice, but the real magic happens when fans roll up their sleeves and lovingly rebuild, refine, or reimagine the past. Enter Hacking The Mainframe, your new weekly digest of fan-driven preservation wizardry.

This debut issue highlights some seriously impressive labor-of-love projects:

• Final Fight Enhanced (Amiga): Prototron didn’t just fix the notoriously bad US Gold port—they rebuilt it from scratch in 68000 assembly. Wider screen? New moves? Better animation & sound? All while running on real Amiga hardware? Yes, please.

• Super Mario World: The Definitive Edition (SNES): Not a overhaul, but a polish. Tweaked graphics, bug fixes, Luigi finally looks distinct—and it’s all for fans who want the “perfect” SMW experience, not a kaizo nightmare.

• Pokémon – War of Masters (GBA): Technically more homebrew than hack—this is a tactical RPG using Pokémon assets. Think Fire Emblem meets Galar, with grid-based combat and massive crossover appeal.

And that’s just the start. From F-Zero Astra Front’s fair-yet-challenging AI to the long-awaited English patch for Rival Schools’ Japan-only board game mode, the community’s dedication keeps retro gaming alive in ways corporations never could.

Bottom line: ROM hacks, translations, decompilations—they’re not just nostalgia trips. They’re acts of cultural rescue.

—

Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll dive into decompilations and the science behind bringing dead systems back to life.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

SD2SP1 – For GameCube’s Without the SP2 Port

https://retrorgb.com/sd2sp1-for-gamecubes-without-the-sp2-port.html

GameCube Owners, Meet the SD2SP1: $5 MicroSD Magic for SP1 Consoles

If your GameCube is stuck in the SP1 era (no Serial Port 2), loading homebrew or mods via Swiss used to mean jury-rigging old memory cards or finicky adapters. Enter SD2SP1—a sleek, $5 MicroSD adapter from Greg of LaserBear that plugs directly into your SP1’s memory card slot and just works… mostly.

It’s not perfect:

• Some MicroSD cards (especially larger or faster ones) may misbehave.
• Missing the SP2’s built-in OR logic gate, so theoretical compatibility issues with certain games (though in practice? Few complaints so far).
• Might clash with IPL add-ons like PicoBoot.

But here’s the kicker: $5. For that price—even factoring in shipping—it’s a no-brainer gamble for SP1 owners wanting a clean SD-based workflow. And if you do have an SP2? Greg’s SD2SP2 ACE remains the gold standard.

Pro tip: Bundle with his other GC mods (like stylized faceplates or USB mods) to save on shipping. GameCube modding has never been this affordable—or fun. 🎮💾

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Deals of the Week

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-deals-of-the-week/

🎮 Retro Handheld Deals of the Week: Your Wallet’s New Best Friend

Love retro gaming but hate overpaying? Retro Handhelds has dropped its latest weekly deal round-up—and wow, it’s a treasure trove. From Anbernic and PowKiddy handhelds to x86 powerhouses, controllers, storage, and even game bundles—this list has everything (and yes, coupons are included).

### 🔥 Top Picks

• Anbernic RG40XXV drops to $57.90 on AliExpress with code `6RHH`
• PowKiddy X55 slinks down to $70.92 (that’s $39 off retail!)
• Miyoo Mini Flip? As low as $50.31 on AliExpress
• TrimUI Smart Pro S hits $85.77 (yes, with 10% off)

### 💸 Bonus Bounties

• AliExpress coupon stacks (up to $60 off $499!)
• Epic & GOG free games (hello, The Darkside Detective!)
• 8BitDo Pro 3 for $51.99 on Woot
• SanDisk Ultra 256GB SD card for $27.95 on Amazon

Whether you’re building a retro dream rig or just grabbing a fun handheld for the commute—now’s the time.

🔗 [Check out all the deals at Retro Handhelds](#) (affiliate links)

💬 Got a favorite find? Share it in their Discord!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Newcare HDMI 1×2 Splitter

https://retrorgb.com/newcare-hdmi-1×2-splitter.html

TL;DR: For just $10, the Newcare HDMI 1×2 Splitter is a surprisingly solid performer—especially for retro gamers. It adds zero noticeable lag, handles 4K60 (mostly), supports EDID control, and works great with the RetroTINK 4K, PS3, capture cards, and even MiSTer & OSSC setups.

✅ Pros:

• Dirt-cheap for what it does
• Zero input lag
• Downscaling from 4K to 1080p on either output
• Solid genlock performance with rapid resolution switching (240p ↔ 480i)
• Compact and plug-and-play

⚠️ Quirks to know:

• No CEC passthrough
• Not fully MiSTer Direct Video compatible
• Rare but notable issue: 有时 won’t output 4K60 RGB (especially on port #1), though it mostly works fine
• Slight delay during resolution handoffs

💡 Verdict: Not perfect, but absolutely one of the best value splitters out there—especially if you’re using a RetroTINK 4K or similar upscaler. Just be mindful of colorspace limitations (RGB vs YUV), and try swapping cables if you hit a snag.

🔗 Grab it on Amazon (affiliate)

(Via RetroRGB — full video review linked in source.)

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYANEO’s Latest Update: A Victory Lap for the Bare Minimum

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneos-latest-update-a-victory-lap-for-the-bare-minimum/

AYANEO’s “Victory Lap” Is Just a Very Loud Walk Back to the Drawing Board

It’s been a wild ride for AYANEO since creator Zu dropped his scathing “I’m Done with AYANEO” video in early December 2025 — and honestly? The company’s response feels less like a reckoning and more like a frantic sprint to look responsive while barely touching the real issues.

In the past month and change, AYANEO has announced or released eight products — from the Pocket DMG Aura Yellow to the NEXT 2 crowdfunded beast. That’s roughly one launch per week, even as they promised to scale back on crowdfunding and “act more like a mom-and-pop shop.” Hmm.

The latest blog post — dropped just before Chinese New Year, after Zu released another critical video — touts progress on old orders and reiterates its commitment to improvement. But the cringe-worthy moment? Blaming Indiegogo for the NEXT 2’s crowdfunding rollout, citing a “long-term strategic partnership.” Translation: We still need your money, and we’re not sorry.

Sure, AYANEO nails the right words — “delivering as promised is key,” compensation plans, etc. — but the pattern remains: overpromise, underdeliver, then offer branded goodwill gestures like free Pocket AIR Minis to soothe the masses.

Will they change? Or is this just another round of retro gaming theater, where the hardware looks cool and the timeline stays… optimistic? Time — and your inbox full of late shipments — will tell.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Rewind Roundup #1: Insert Quarter

https://retrohandhelds.gg/rewind-roundup-1-insert-quarter/

Rewind Roundup #1: Insert Quarter 🕹️

The retro gaming world is buzzing this week—arcade ghosts are being exorcised back into living rooms, obscure microcomputer gems are resurfacing, and remakes are creeping out of the shadows like long-lost cousins with better lighting.

Hamster Co. is leading the charge with Arcade Archives 2, bringing Namco’s cult arcade racer Rave Racer home for the first time—now with online play, rewind, and VRR support to make it feel like you’re actually pressing coins into a dusty cabinet. Their new Console Archives line kicks off with Cool Boarders and Ninja Gaiden II, each packed with modern QoL upgrades like save states.

Meanwhile, Rayman is getting a 30th-anniversary glow-up—HD visuals, smarter checkpoints, and less frustration (finally!). And Apple Arcade’s Retrocade? A full-on time capsule: 10 arcade classics in a virtual ‘80s parlor, complete with trivia and daily leaderboards.

Over on the Switch eShop, deep cuts like Eggy (1985 PC-88 action game with deliberate combat) and Burai MSX2 Complete (a floppy-disk-to-Switch miracle) prove Japan’s vaults still hold treasures waiting for rediscovery.

TL;DR: Retro revivals are hitting hard—whether it’s arcade fidelity, remastered classics, or forgotten microcomputer oddities. Just don’t forget your quarter. 🪙

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

South Korea Seeks Multilingual Talent to Hunt Down K-Content Piracy

https://torrentfreak.com/south-korea-seeks-multilingual-talent-to-hunt-down-k-content-piracy/

South Korea’s “K-Copyright Monitors” Get Paid Minimum Wage to Hunt Piracy—Including Ransomware Risks

South Korea is doubling down on the global fight against K-content piracy—and it’s hiring real humans to do it. The Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA) is recruiting 25 new “K-Copyright Monitors” to scan overseas pirate sites in 10 languages, from Chinese and Spanish to Arabic and Vietnamese. Think of it as digital detective work, but with a side of malware exposure.

The role? Browse pirate platforms, spot unauthorized K-dramas, webtoons, music, and more—then collect evidence for takedowns. It’s not glamorous: the pay is exactly Korea’s minimum wage (~$7.50/hour), the job is remote (but must be done from a registered home address), and applicants should expect occasional encounters with ransomware and viruses—hence the suggestion to use a virtual machine.

Why still rely on people? KCOPA says AI is great for volume, but humans catch new tricks—like sites that morph slightly each time to dodge detection. Human insight also helps train AI systems over time.

The payoff? Over 240,000 pirated links nixed just last year. As one KCOPA official put it: “Automated systems handle repetition; humans handle the weird stuff.”

Still, if you’re applying—brush up on your Bahasa or Russian. And maybe run a malware scan before lunch. 🎬🛡️

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYANEO: Nothing Has Changed [VIDEO]

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneo-nothing-has-changed-video/

AYANEO: Nothing Has Changed — And It Shows

Six weeks ago, Zu called “time’s up” on AYANEO — and the gaming handheld world listened. Fans, creators, and backers flooded in with grievances: shipping delays, sketchy quality control, and a heavy reliance on crowdfunding over customer trust. The fallout was intense — and AYANEO’s CEO responded with a 4,600-word mea culpa and a “Service Improvement Plan” that sounded like a roadmap to redemption.

Then came the Pocket S Mini — with a battery 22% smaller than promised — and the sudden resurrection of the paused Pocket Play. Worst of all? The AYANEO Next 2 landed on Indiegogo at up to $4,299, just two weeks after the “pause” was announced. In short: every promise got shelved faster than a defective batch of controllers.

Zu’s new deep-dive video maps this backslide in real time — from early defensiveness to half-hearted apologies to repeat offenses. He also drops a brutal head-to-head: the Next 2 vs. ASUS ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition (same Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip, 128GB RAM, retail availability, and actual support) — for a fraction of the price.

If you’re still waiting on your AYANEO order… or eyeing that Next 2? Watch this first. 🎮🔥