Category: Tater News

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Nintendo Piracy: NXBrew and NSWPedia Targeted in European Blocking Efforts

https://torrentfreak.com/nintendo-piracy-nxbrew-and-nswpedia-targeted-in-european-blocking-efforts/

Nintendo’s Piracy Crackdown Hits Europe: NXBrew and NSWPedia Blocked in NL & DE

Piracy just got harder for Nintendo Switch owners in Europe — and it’s not just about takedowns. In a coordinated legal push, Dutch and German courts have ordered ISPs to block two major piracy hubs: NXBrew.net in the Netherlands and NSWPedia in Germany.

In a historic first for Dutch gaming enforcement, Rotterdam’s court ordered Delta Fiber to block NXBrew — a site allegedly hosting over 12,000 pirated Switch games. Crucially, the order includes dynamic blocking, meaning any new domains or mirrors used by NXBrew can be added without returning to court. While Nintendo didn’t sue directly, anti-piracy group BREIN led the charge — and other Dutch ISPs agreed to voluntarily comply under a 2021 covenant. BREIN also asked Google to delist NXBrew, and the search giant usually complies — even when not legally required.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Cologne Regional Court ruled NSWPedia was “structurally infringing” — with up to 99.8% of its content deemed illegal. Under the CUII framework, German ISPs are required to block it quickly and uniformly — though transparency is thinner here: no official public blocklist exists, prompting a developer to launch an independent tracker, CUIIListe.de, to catch errors.

TL;DR:

• 🔒 First-ever Dutch gaming piracy block: NXBrew.net
• 🇩🇪 Germany blocks NSWPedia, citing overwhelming infringement
• ⚖️ Both orders rely on court rulings + ISP cooperation, not direct lawsuits
• 🕵️ Transparency gaps — especially in Germany — spark community-led oversight

Piracy sites may adapt, but legal tools are evolving faster.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Analogue Launches New Line Of Limited 3D In “Prototype” Colorway

https://retrohandhelds.gg/analogue-launches-new-line-of-limited-3d-in-prototype-colorway/

Analogue Drops “Prototype” N64 Editions — Because Why Not Live the Dream?

Remember those wild, unreleased Nintendo 64 color concepts that leaked over the years—like Atomic Purple or Extreme Green? Well, Analogue’s saying “What if?” and answering it with a limited-run line of Analogue 3D consoles in those exact vintage prototype hues.

These aren’t just cosmetic tweaks—each console ships with color-matched cables (yes, even the HDMI), and optional 8BitDo wireless controllers in matching finishes. All wrapped up in Analogue’s signature FPGA-powered hardware, meaning 100% accurate N64 performance—no emulation lag, just pure, crisp retro bliss on your modern TV.

Priced at $299.99, and labeled “extremely limited,” these will likely vanish faster than a 64DD developer demo. Shipping kicks off in 24–48 hours after purchase (a rare win in pre-order land), with controllers rolling out starting April.

In short: this is luxury nostalgia, FPGA-edition. If you’re a collector, a completionist, or just really feel Atomic Purple in your soul—better set that alarm. For everyone else? Congrats, you’re now officially aware of the sneaker-drop energy hitting niche gaming hardware. 🎮✨

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

TrimUI Brick Pro Caught In The Wild

https://retrohandhelds.gg/trimui-brick-pro-caught-in-the-wild/

TrimUI’s Brick Pro Has Finally—and Actually—Appeared in the Wild!

Glowing RGB joysticks, a chunky plastic chassis, and that unmistakable tall silhouette—Meet the TrimUI Brick Pro, spotted in its first real-world photos by MechDIY. This isn’t just a concept anymore; it’s holding court like it means business.

The core formula remains familiar: Android-based, retro-focused, and built for portability. But the升级 (upgrade) is real—dual hall-effect analog sticks with RGB lighting are a huge leap from the original Brick’s button-heavy layout. That said, specs are still thin on details: no confirmed CPU yet, and while NetherSX2 (a lightweight PS2 emulator) ran smoothly in earlier clips, actual real-world performance remains TBD—especially if things get too warm.

What could really set the Brick Pro apart? A dual-boot OS—say, Android and PortMaster-ready firmware—to please both emulator purists and modern-OS fans. If TrimUI nails the pricing and thermal design, this could be a serious contender in an increasingly crowded handheld arena.

One thing’s for sure: the tease is over. The Brick Pro is ready for its close-up—and we’re all watching. 🎮✨

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer FPGA News – Super Attract Mode, MultiSystem 2 JAMMA, Chase HQ & More

https://retrorgb.com/mister-fpga-news-super-attract-mode-multisystem-2-jamma-chase-hq-more.html

Here’s a punchy, newsletter-ready summary of the latest MiSTer FPGA updates — perfect for sharing with retro gaming fans:

—

### 🎮 MiSTer FPGA Roundup: Bluetooth Keyboards, Fantasy Consoles & Arcade Magic

🎧 Bluetooth Keyboard Pairing (Yes, Really)

Stuck pairing a keyboard that throws random passkeys? Reddit user u/m0nkey cracked the code: sniff the passkey with a PC, then pair via terminal. Works like a charm — including for the sleek Logitech MX Keys Mini. Video demo here.

🎮 GAMELORD: A Fantasy Console from Scratch

User moon is building the GAMELORD, a fictional retro console for MiSTer — with a 32-bit RISC-V CPU, dual SID chips + FM sound, and Genesis-style graphics. It’s nearly feature-complete (bugs still being ironed out), with open-source plans soon.

🎰 Arcade Cabinet Upgrade Alert!

The MiSTer MultiSystem 2 JAMMA is here — plug-and-play for arcade cabinet owners. Bonus: Atari System 1 core now actually maps steering wheels to mouse input (yes, RoadBlasters finally works right). Feedback is welcome — see the video.

💻 PCjr Core Progress & Chase HQ Rumors

• IBM’s quirky PCjr core is shaping up (think: enhanced graphics, joystick ports) — test release available.
• Chase HQ core? Developer wickerwaka (known for Irem M72/M92 cores) has opened a GitHub repo — fingers crossed! Could unlock Aqua Attack, Battle Shark, and more.

📺 Super Attract Mode Goes Wild

Now loading VCD images — yes, TV commercials can play on your MiSTer during idle time. Creator Mrchrister even built a batch encoder for commercial-to-VCD conversion. Pure nostalgia chaos.

—

Want more? Dive into the deep end at MiSTer FPGA Forum.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

SD2SP2 “ACE” – MicroSD GameCube Adapter

https://retrorgb.com/sd2sp2-ace-microsd-gamecube-adapter.html

GameCube Owners, rejoice: the SD2SP2 “ACE” is here—and it’s finally user-friendly.

LaserBear’s Greg has upgraded the beloved SD2SP2 adapter with a slick new v2 ACE edition that solves longtime complaints: messy placement, flaky connections, and the annoyance of flipping your GameCube (or removing the GB Player) just to swap a MicroSD card.

The ACE’s magic lies in its side-access design—insert or eject your SD card right from the console’s side, no disassembly needed. Plus, Greg’s 3D-printed case clips securely into place, keeping the serial port connection solid even if you bump or jostle the system mid-game. No more accidental disconnects during a tense Twilight Princess cutscene.

And let’s talk aesthetics: it looks like something Nintendo would’ve released—clean, compact, and OEM-grade. If you’re tired of sketchy knockoffs or finicky early versions, this is the premium pick: reliable, elegant, and thoughtfully engineered.

👉 [Grab one here](#)

(P.S. Greg makes other cool GC mods too—worth a peek!)

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Ratcheteer DX Q&A With Shaun Inman

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ratcheteer-dx-qa-with-shaun-inman/

Ratcheteer DX Is Coming to Switch & Steam—And It’s Better Than Ever

Shaun Inman’s beloved Ratcheteer, originally a Playdate Game of the Year winner, is getting the DX upgrade—and it’s hitting Switch, Steam, itch, and Mac App Store on March 5 in full color. But don’t worry: it’s not just a port. It’s a thoughtful evolution.

The game began as a love letter to black-and-white handhelds like the Game Boy, using stark contrast and clever lighting (via that iconic lantern mechanic) to create tension and depth. Transitioning to color raised concerns about losing its moody atmosphere—but Inman leaned into it, offering palette swaps, optional CRT-style overlays, and a CD-quality soundtrack by Matt Grimm. Bonus: each tool now has its own dedicated button—no more fumbling mid-air.

What started as a Playdate-native experiment grew from constraints: tile sizes tuned for Game Boy proportions, Lua-to-C rewrites (and yes, he built his own C superset), and design choices that prioritized clarity over complexity. Early feedback helped refine tool-switching, difficulty pacing, and even the in-game economy.

And if you’re wondering about influences? Think Link’s Awakening DX, Drill Dozer, FFVI’s narrative gamble, and Metroid’s exploration loop—all filtered through Inman’s minimalist-yet-expressive lens.

Why it matters: Ratcheteer DX proves that great game design thrives not despite constraints, but because of them. It’s a reminder that passion projects, especially ones born from playful limitations, can resonate far beyond their original platform.

👉 [Try the demo on Steam](#) and wishlist before March 5!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

UGREEN NAS DH2300: Budget NAS for PC backup & MiSTer FPGA

https://retrorgb.com/ugreen-nas-dh2300-budget-nas-for-pc-backup-mister-fpga.html

UGREEN NAS DH2300: A Budget Powerhouse for Retro & Backup? Absolutely.

Bob over at RetroRGB tested the UGREEN NAS DH2300—and he’s impressed. Priced for mortals (under $150), this compact 2-bay NAS isn’t just for basic file storage; it’s a legit tool for retro enthusiasts and everyday PC backup needs.

The standout? It works seamlessly with the MiSTer FPGA platform—letting you stream ROMs directly over your network instead of juggling USB drives. Bob even provides a ready-to-use `cifs_mount.zip` to simplify setup (thank you, automation). Bonus: It’s SATA/NVMe-ready and supports RAID 1 for redundancy on a budget.

Why it shines:

• Plug-and-play setup (no PhD required)
• Quiet, low-power, and compact—perfect for a living room or desk
• Dual drive bays (expandable later)
• Works out-of-the-box with Windows/macOS/Linux backups

Bottom line: If you’re building a retro rig or just want reliable, affordable network storage, the DH2300 punches way above its weight. And for a limited time (until Feb 22), you can snag it with discounts using codes DHNAS23US (US) or DHNAS26UK (UK).

Coming soon: Bob’s deep dive on UGREEN’s higher-end models with UnRAID & RetroNAS—stay tuned!

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

DMCA Subpoenas Can’t Be Used for Foreign Piracy Lawsuits, Court Rules

https://torrentfreak.com/dmca-subpoenas-cant-be-used-for-foreign-piracy-lawsuits-court-rules/

DMCA Subpoenas Can’t Be a Global Piracy Hit List, Court Rules

When manga giant Shueisha tried to unmask the shadowy operator behind Mangajikan—once one of the web’s biggest piracy hubs—it turned to a DMCA subpoena targeting Cloudflare. The move worked: the site vanished, and a court granted the subpoena. But now, a federal judge has slammed the brakes on how that intel can be used.

Here’s the catch: The DMCA subpoena is strictly for U.S. copyright enforcement. In a sharp ruling, Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson clarified that Shueisha’s sworn declaration—stating the info would be used “only” for protecting rights under U.S. law—binds them tightly. No foreign lawsuits. Period.

Why it matters:

• Shueisha can’t use the operator’s identity to launch lawsuits in Japan or elsewhere.
• Filing a token U.S. case won’t “unlock” the data for global use—that’s a no-go “bait-and-switch.”
• The operator wins on privacy: while their name can go in U.S. court docs, personal details (emails, phones, financials) stay shielded.

Bottom line: DMCA subpoenas aren’t a backdoor to global enforcement. Rightsholders get smart intel—but only within American legal lines.

Cloudflare now must hand over the identity. Shueisha has until the statute of limitations runs out to file a U.S. suit—or destroy the data. 🚫🌍

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Anbernic Teases RG Vita, MANGMI Pocket Max Launches, and Much More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-85/

If you thought retro handheld news moved slower than a Game Boy boot screen, think again—this week’s roundup is a speed‑run of new devices, software upgrades and bargain hunting.

Anbernic dropped the teaser for its RG Vita and Vita Pro, positioning them as the spiritual successors to the now‑retired Odin 2 Mini. At the same time, MANGMI finally lifted the veil on the Pocket MAX—a 7‑inch OLED beast with swappable control modules, priced at a wallet‑friendly $199 (but only until Feb 12). And for those who love gadgets that count your steps while you beat a boss, Anbernic’s health‑tracking RG G01 controller is back in pre‑order, with an early‑bird discount down to $35.99.

On the software side, GameNative 0.7.1 adds Epic Store support to Android handhelds, turning any portable into a full‑blown PC‑backlog machine. Meanwhile, iOS gets its own retro front‑end: SUMEE! is now in TestFlight, promising an all‑in‑one experience for Apple users.

Bottom line? New hardware is hitting shelves faster than you can say “pixel perfect,” and the software ecosystem is finally catching up—so polish that OLED screen, charge those batteries, and get ready to press start.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Open Source Game Boy Advance Motherboard

https://retrorgb.com/open-source-game-boy-advance-motherboard.html

Ever wish you could resurrect a classic Game Boy Advance without hunting down dusty spare parts? A pair of hobbyist hackers just made that dream a little more doable.

Redherring32 teamed up with Nick from Mousebitelabs to drop OpenTendo‑AGB, a fully open‑source recreation of the original AGB‑CPU‑01 motherboard. The schematics, firmware and layout live on GitHub under a Creative Commons BY‑SA 4.0 license, meaning anyone can print a replacement board, tweak the design, or even spin off a custom handheld.

Why it matters:

• Preservation – Open hardware keeps aging consoles alive long after official support ends.
• Modding potential – Imagine slapping an open‑source GBAHD HDMI add‑on onto the board for lag‑free video output.

The project echoes Redherring’s earlier open NES motherboard and joins a growing cadre of reverse‑engineers like Natalie, all working to keep retro tech functional—and fun. Whether you’re a collector needing a spare part or a tinkerer dreaming up a next‑gen handheld, OpenTendo‑AGB gives the blueprint.

Got a soft spot for these nerdy rescue missions? The creator even invites Patreon support—because good hardware deserves a little love too.