Category: Tater News

  • Tito’s “Ultimate” Sharp X68000 Build

    📰 New article from RetroRGB

    Tito’s “Ultimate” Sharp X68000 Build

    https://retrorgb.com/titos-ultimate-sharp-x68000-build.html

    If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of computing history but your bank account shouted “absolutely not,” this one is for you.

    Tito from Macho Nacho Productions recently dropped a deep dive into his restored Sharp X68000—a legendary Japanese computer that was basically the “supercar” of the 1980s. To give you some perspective, this machine cost about $3,000 back in 1987. In today’s money? That’s over $8,000. It’s a “console for the rich” in the truest sense.

    Tito’s build is a masterclass in balancing preservation with modern usability. If you’re looking to dive into the X68000 rabbit hole, here are the essential takeaways:

    • The Essentials: If you find one, prioritize capacitor replacements and SRAM battery mods to keep it alive.
    • Power Moves: Swapping the old power supply for a PicoPSU is a smart way to protect the original hardware.
    • Modern Perks: Adding a Hard Drive emulator, MIDI card, or RAM expansion can turn this vintage beast into a modern powerhouse.

    Can’t drop eight grand? Don’t sweat it. Between the MiSTer’s X68k core and solid software emulation, you can still experience the magic without the financial heartbreak.

  • Steam Frame Unboxing Leaks

    📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

    Steam Frame Unboxing Leaks

    https://retrohandhelds.gg/steam-frame-unboxing-leaks/

    Hold onto your headsets, because Valve is finally giving us a real look at the Steam Frame. After a brief, accidental leak through the ARM Steam Client, the official unboxing video has officially landed, and it’s everything we hoped for.

    For those who haven’t been following the hype, the Steam Frame is a VR headset designed to push Steam games using a modern Snapdragon processor. It feels like the missing piece of the puzzle, especially since Valve has already been prepping the ground with ARM-specific software updates.

    The unboxing video gives us a full rundown of the retail package, which includes:

    • The headset and controllers
    • A USB-C cable
    • A “gigantic” dongle (which seems to be a key piece of the setup)
    • A collection of essential setup guides for everything from IPD adjustment to ergonomic accessories.

    The design language stays true to Valve’s sleek, modern hardware aesthetic, looking right at home next to the Steam Deck. We’re down to the two biggest questions left: how much is this going to cost, and when can we actually get our hands on one? Until then, we’ll just be staring at these videos and dreaming of virtual worlds.

  • Aolion K30 Review: So Close to Greatness

    📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

    Aolion K30 Review: So Close to Greatness

    https://retrohandhelds.gg/aolion-k30-review/

    ### So Close, Yet So Far: The Aolion K30

    If you’ve ever felt like your gaming controller was missing that “premium” soul, Aolion might be trying to sell you the cure—but it might be a bit of a mixed bag. The new K30 has officially entered the ring, and while it’s a step up from its predecessors, it’s not quite the knockout hit we were hoping for.

    The K30 is a solid, well-built piece of hardware that borrows a lot of its DNA from the Xbox Series controller. It’s got some seriously impressive tech under the hood, specifically the TMR sticks that virtually eliminate the dreaded “stick drift” and triggers that feel incredibly smooth. Plus, the ability to swap between Xbox and Nintendo layouts with a simple switch is a dream for multi-platform gamers.

    However, perfection is elusive. The reviewer noted some annoying inconsistencies:

    • Uneven sounds: The shoulder buttons don’t quite match in volume.
    • D-pad quirks: The “down” direction feels significantly tighter than the others.
    • Glitchy display: The built-in battery segment display can be a bit temperamental.

    At $50 and up, the K30 is entering a crowded neighborhood filled with heavy hitters like 8BitDo and GameSir. It’s a decent choice if you find it on sale, but for full price? You might want to keep your eyes on the competition.

  • Wobbling Pixels RT4K Profile Updates

    📰 New article from RetroRGB

    Wobbling Pixels RT4K Profile Updates

    https://retrorgb.com/wobbling-pixels-rt4k-profile-updates-august-2026.html

    If you own a RetroTINK 4K, prepare to feel very, very spoiled.

    Wobbling Pixels just dropped a massive profile pack update that is, quite frankly, next-level. We’re moving past simple “good enough” settings and stepping into the realm of true CRT emulation.

    The absolute star of the show? The new CRT blend profiles. These allow you to keep the crisp, accurate colors of RGB while adding that beautiful dithered blending you’d get from a composite signal. It’s a game-changer for early 3D titles on the Saturn and PlayStation 1 that can often look a bit “harsh” on modern screens.

    Here’s what else is in the box:

    • Universal Profiles: No more swapping files for NTSC vs. PAL; one profile now handles both.
    • Massive Refresh: Updated sharp and CRT/LCD profiles for everything from the NES to the GameCube.
    • Zero Effort: Since the RT4K CE now features continuous auto-phase, you just load the profile and play. No manual tinkering required.

    To get these, just grab the new files, wipe your existing “Wobbling Pixels” folder on your SD card, and drop the new ones in. Your retro setup will thank you.

  • RetroTINK 4K Firmware v1.75 – Updated Serial Control

    📰 New article from RetroRGB

    RetroTINK 4K Firmware v1.75 – Updated Serial Control

    https://retrorgb.com/retrotink-4k-firmware-v1-75-updated-serial-control.html

    If you’ve ever stared at a list of profiles named “New Profile 1,” “New Profile 2,” and “New Profile 3” and wondered which one holds your precious Saturn settings, Mike Chi has heard your cries.

    The latest RetroTINK 4K firmware (v1.75) is officially here, and while it’s packed with “infernal optimizations” (his words, not mine), the quality-of-life improvements are the real stars. Most notably, you can now use an on-screen keyboard to actually name your profiles. No more guesswork.

    But the real heavy lifting is happening under the hood with the updated serial control. If you use PIPe’s USB serial control, you can now mirror the entire menu on your PC in real-time. This is a total game-changer for testing display modes or setting custom resolutions before you even power on your CRT.

    A few other highlights for the power users:

    • Audio Rescue: The 4K-Pro can now resample “off-spec” audio (like the SNES’s 32 kHz) into a standard 48 kHz or 96 kHz, making it compatible with modern gear.
    • Custom Branding: If your profile has a custom logo, it’ll now show up on-screen when the menu is off.
    • Performance: Significant bug fixes for vertical decimation and Saturn detection.

    It’s another big step toward making the RT4K the ultimate “set it and forget it” powerhouse.

  • Weekly Roundup #527

    📰 New article from RetroRGB

    Weekly Roundup #527

    https://retrorgb.com/week527.html

    If you thought the retro gaming scene was slowing down, think again. The latest RetroRGB roundup is officially here, and it’s a massive buffet of hardware mods, software hacks, and niche tech updates that prove we will never, ever stop tinkering.

    From the heavy hitters to the deep cuts, there is something for every type of enthusiast. If you’re a Sega fan, you’ll want to check out the new MEDPro SCD kit for the CDX or the availability of the SMS Lumacode mod in the US. For the MiSTer crowd, Lu’s latest updates are bringing a steady stream of new cores to the party, including Nintendo DS support.

    Here are a few highlights you shouldn’t miss:

    • Virtual Boy Revival: New eInk ROM carts and anaglyph 3D glasses for the MiSTer core are making that red-and-black handheld feel a bit more modern.

    Zelda Magic: A new ROM hack is finally letting you play the original Legend of Zelda* with two players.

    • Workshop Vibes: Retro World is even hosting a CRT Wizard workshop for 2026—because nothing beats a real tube for that authentic glow.

    Whether you’re watching the video or catching the podcast on Spotify, it’s a packed episode. Happy tinkering!

  • There’s a Breath of the Wild Demake for the 3DS, and It’s Kind of Playable

    📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

    There’s a Breath of the Wild Demake for the 3DS, and It’s Kind of Playable

    https://retrohandhelds.gg/theres-a-breath-of-the-wild-demake-for-the-3ds-and-its-kind-of-playable/

    Ever feel like your Nintendo 3DS is gathering dust? Well, a mysterious new project might just give it a second lease on life.

    A “demake” of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has surfaced online, and it’s doing exactly what you’d expect from a game being forced onto much older hardware: it’s a bit of a mess. While it’s technically playable, expect some graphical hiccups and the kind of bugs that make you question your life choices.

    The real mystery, however, isn’t just the gameplay—it’s where it came from. Some eagle-eyed fans noticed Japanese text on the title screen that translates to “For internal playtesting purposes only,” leading to wild theories that this could be an unreleased Nintendo demo. Other evidence suggests it’s just a dedicated homebrew project, but the debate is raging.

    The good news? The files are out in the wild. This means the community can finally grab the reins, fix the bugs, and potentially turn this rough prototype into a polished 3DS masterpiece. Grab your soldering iron; the Zelda fans are officially on the case.

  • A German Court Drew the Piracy Line at 81.5%, KinoGO Was Blocked with (at least) 82.4%

    📰 New article from TorrentFreak

    A German Court Drew the Piracy Line at 81.5%, KinoGO Was Blocked with (at least) 82.4%

    https://torrentfreak.com/a-german-court-drew-the-piracy-line-at-81-5-kinogo-was-blocked-with-at-least-82-4/

    Ever wonder exactly how much “illegal” a website has to be before the internet police come knocking? In Germany, it turns out there might be a specific math equation for that.

    A recent court ruling has revealed a fascinating (and slightly nerdy) threshold for website blocking. According to recent paperwork, German authorities have been using an “81.5% rule.” Essentially, if more than 81.5% of a site’s content is pirated, it’s officially deemed “structurally infringing” and ripe for a block.

    This isn’t just theoretical—it’s currently being put to the test. The pirate site KinoGO was recently blocked after investigators found that anywhere from 82.4% to 94.6% of its content was infringing. It barely cleared the bar, but it cleared it nonetheless.

    While this provides some much-needed clarity, it also opens a hilarious loophole for clever developers. If you wanted to keep your pirate library intact while dodging the law, you could technically just flood your site with thousands of public domain movies or AI-generated filler to “pad” your legal content percentage.

    In the battle of math vs. copyright, the lawyers are winning—for now.

  • Sega Master System Lumacode Mod – US Seller

    📰 New article from RetroRGB

    Sega Master System Lumacode Mod – US Seller

    https://retrorgb.com/sega-master-system-lumacode-mod-us-seller.html

    If you’ve ever tried to hook up a Sega Master System to a modern flat-screen, you know the struggle. The standard RGB output can be… well, let’s just say “not exactly a cinematic masterpiece.”

    Enter the Lumacode mod. Created by C0pperdragon and now available via US seller Koala Koa, this little piece of magic is a game-changer for retro enthusiasts.

    The best part? It’s a “no-cut” mod. Unlike traditional hardware hacks, you don’t need to desolder components or start hacking away at your console’s plastic shell. It’s designed to be easy to install, making it the perfect middle ground for people who want high-end visuals without the surgical precision of a professional modder.

    When paired with a high-quality scaler like the RetroTINK 4K or an OSSC, Lumacode gives you an image quality that rivals a dedicated HDMI mod. It’s essentially the “easy button” for getting crisp, clean video from your SMS onto a modern TV.

    The TL;DR:

    • Zero permanent damage: No cutting or desoldering required.
    • Pro-level visuals: Works beautifully with OSSC and RetroTINK.
    • US Friendly: Koala Koa is now stocking them to save you a fortune on shipping.

  • A Supreme-branded Analogue Pocket is Coming This Fall, and in 24K Gold

    📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

    A Supreme-branded Analogue Pocket is Coming This Fall, and in 24K Gold

    https://retrohandhelds.gg/a-supreme-branded-analogue-pocket-is-coming-this-fall-and-in-24k-gold/

    If you thought your Monday was going to be predictable, think again. Streetwear giant Supreme just dropped their Fall/Winter 2026 preview, and tucked inside the collection is a piece of hardware that is equal parts “gaming dream” and “financial nightmare.”

    They are teaming up with Analogue to release a Supreme-branded Analogue Pocket—and it isn’t just a simple color swap. We’re talking about a unibody aluminum handheld finished in 24K gold plating and custom red glossy accents.

    For the uninitiated, the Analogue Pocket is already a cult favorite among retro gamers for its ability to play Game Boy, Color, and Advance cartridges with stunning precision. This version just happens to look like it belongs in a high-security vault rather than a backpack.

    While we don’t have an official price tag yet, let’s just say you might want to start saving your pennies (or your gold bars) now. Here is the quick breakdown:

    • The Goods: 24K gold plating, custom red finish, and debossed Supreme logos.
    • The Specs: Plays 2,780+ GB/GBC/GBA cartridges and includes a built-in synthesizer.
    • The Catch: It’s coming this fall, and it will almost certainly be expensive.