Category: Tater News

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Steam Controller Review Leaks Early, Pricing at $99

https://retrohandhelds.gg/steam-controller-review-leaks-early-pricing-at-99/

The Steam Controller leak we’ve all been waiting for

If you’ve been holding your breath for Valve’s new Steam Controller, it looks like you can finally exhale. A leaked early review has accidentally spilled the beans on much more than just the hardware—we finally have a price tag.

According to the leak, the controller is set to retail for $99. While that might not sound like pocket change, the reviewer pointed out it’s only about $25 more than a standard PS5 controller, making it a surprisingly accessible upgrade for PC enthusiasts.

Beyond the cost, the leak gives us a tasty preview of what makes this thing special:

• Trackpad Magic: The trackpads are reportedly so intuitive that they feel “totally natural” within minutes, allowing you to mimic a mouse cursor or scroll through menus with ease.
• Extra Buttons & Gyro: It features four back buttons (similar to the Steam Deck) and six-axis gyro support for immersive, motion-based gameplay.

Valve had previously pushed the release window back due to rising component costs, but this leak suggests we might not have to wait until late 2026 to get our hands on one. Grab your snacks; the Steam era might be arriving sooner than expected.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYANEO Pocket Air Mini Setup Guide

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneo-pocket-air-mini-setup-guide/

### The Budget Gem: Setting Up Your AYANEO Pocket Air Mini

If you’ve been following the retro handheld scene lately, you know that AYANEO is usually the brand associated with “luxury” price tags. That’s why the Pocket Air Mini has become such a cult favorite—it’s a rare, budget-friendly exception to their usual rule, offering great build quality without the kidney-selling cost.

But getting this little powerhouse running perfectly takes more than just turning it on. If you’re looking to transform yours from a basic Android device into an emulation beast, here is the game plan:

• RAM Matters: If you haven’t bought one yet, aim for the 3GB version. The 2GB model works fine for PlayStation 1 and older, but anything more demanding will feel the struggle.
• The “Obtainium” Trick: Forget hunting down individual emulator APKs. Use Obtainium to pull software directly from developer sources. It makes updates a breeze and keeps your library fresh.
• Choose Your Launcher: While the built-in AYASPACE is okay, many enthusiasts swear by Beacon Game Launcher for its clean, no-fuss aesthetic.

Pro Tip: If you’re trying to push the limits with GameCube or PS2 emulation, check out the community “debloat” guides on GitHub. A little optimization goes a long way when you’re working with mobile hardware!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Lumacode – Cable Length and A/V Switch Testing

https://retrorgb.com/lumacode-cable-length-and-a-v-switch-testing.html

If you’ve ever felt like your retro gaming setup is starting to look more like a bowl of colorful spaghetti than a high-end AV rig, we have some good news.

Recent testing on Lumacode-modded consoles has confirmed that you can actually use an A/V switch to clean up the chaos. Instead of running every single modded console directly into your digitizer or OSSC, you can plug them all into a central switch first. This setup allows multiple Lumacode systems to share one output, provided you route that RCA cable into the correct jack on the switch.

The beauty of this is how seamless it integrates with existing component setups. If you’re using an OSSC or OSSC Pro, you likely won’t even need to mess with much—just a quick profile tweak and you’re golden.

A few things to keep in mind for your DIY setup:

• Cable Length Matters: While the test showed success with longer runs, very long distances might require a powered switch to maintain signal integrity.
• Shielding is Key: The demo used a properly modded NES with shielded cables, which is crucial for avoiding interference.

Essentially, if you’ve been holding off on more Lumacode mods because of “cable clutter anxiety,” consider this your green light.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

NeoPico-HD – 720p Support Added

https://retrorgb.com/neopico-hd-720p-support-added.html

### Retro Gaming Gets a High-Def Glow Up

If you’ve ever tried to hook up a classic Neo Geo MVS motherboard to a modern 4K TV, you know the struggle. You’re usually stuck dealing with blurry upscaling or weird aspect ratio issues that make your beloved arcade classics look like they were filmed through a fog machine.

Enter the latest update for NeoPico-HD. This open-source project uses a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 to tap directly into digital video and audio signals, and version 0.1.4 just added 720p support. This is a huge deal because 720p scales beautifully to modern 4K displays, providing a much cleaner image than the old-school 480p or 240p methods.

Why should you care? Because this isn’t some expensive, proprietary FPGA setup. It’s an affordable, DIY-friendly solution that makes high-quality digital output accessible to more Neo Geo owners.

The quick highlights:

• Versatility: With recent additions of 240p and 480p support, it works on everything from modern flat panels to vintage CRTs.
• Better Audio: New support for PCM1802 ADC means even non-MV1C boards can get in on the action.
• Open Source: The developer has no plans to sell this; it’s free for anyone to tinker with, modify, or build.

It’s a massive win for anyone trying to keep arcade history looking crisp in a modern living room.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Recalbox RGB JAMMA 2

https://retrorgb.com/recalbox-rgb-jamma-2.html

If you’ve ever dreamt of turning your old-school arcade cabinet into a modern powerhouse, Recalbox just made the dream a little more accessible.

The new RGB JAMMA 2 has officially arrived, and it’s specifically designed to house the Raspberry Pi 5. While the original adapter was a hit, this successor steps things up with a sleek, white resin-printed case. This isn’t just for looks, either; the shell helps protect your hardware by isolating electronic components once you tuck it away inside your machine.

Now, let’s talk numbers. At roughly $150, it is more than double the price of its predecessor. However, between the upgraded features and the reality of inflation since the last launch, the price tag feels justified—especially if you value a clean, professional setup.

A few quick things to keep in mind before you hit “buy”:

• Hardware required: You’ll need to supply your own Raspberry Pi 5 and MicroSD card.
• Software: If you stick with RecalBox software, it’s essentially “plug and play” (as much as arcade tinkering ever truly is).
• Customization: While other operating systems can likely run, they aren’t officially supported, so prepare for some troubleshooting.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Zaxour’s CLD PD – Spring 2026 Pre-Orders

https://retrorgb.com/zaxours-cld-pd-spring-2026-pre-orders.html

If you own a Pioneer LaserActive, you already know that “expensive” is an understatement. So, why not spend a little extra to make sure it doesn’t catch fire?

Zaxour has officially opened pre-orders for their CLD PD power supply replacement. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hack job; it’s a high-quality, USB-PD based solution (20V/5A) designed to swap out the aging internals of the CLD-A100. It’s a “no cut” mod, meaning you can keep your precious hardware intact while upgrading to modern power standards.

The catch? You’ll need to wait until Spring 2026 for delivery, and it’ll cost you $165 plus shipping. But when you’re dealing with legendary, rare hardware, “cheap” is usually a recipe for disaster. Using a quality USB-PD adapter is the best way to ensure your console stays running for another three decades.

A quick heads-up for the DIY crowd:

While the power supply itself is top-tier, working on these 30-year-old units is a delicate dance. The factory ribbon cables are notoriously brittle and can crack if you aren’t careful. If you’re planning a refurbishment, grab this PSU now—but handle those old cables like they’re made of glass.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Guide: How to Install GammaOS Next on the Anbernic RG VIta Pro

https://retrohandhelds.gg/how-to-install-gammaos-next-on-the-anbernic-rg-vita-pro/

### A Fresh Breath of Air for Your Anbernic RG Vita Pro

If your Anbernic RG Vita Pro has been feeling a little “half-baked” lately, it might be time for an upgrade. The legendary developer TheGammaSqueeze is back, and they’ve dropped GammaOS Next—a custom OS designed to fix the identity crisis of the original software.

While the stock dual-boot system was a noble effort, GammaOS Next actually delivers the performance promised. We’re talking hardware tweaks, overclocks, and a “Lite” version that strips away Google bloat for maximum battery life.

A few pro tips before you start flashing:

• Ditch the stock SD card: The cards that come with these devices are notorious for dying. Buy a reliable brand (64GB–128GB) and use that instead.
• Watch the heat: If you choose the overclocked version, consider adding a thermal pad. The Vita Pro lacks active cooling, and we don’t want your handheld turning into a pocket heater.
• The “Yank” Method: During installation, the guide literally instructs you to pull the SD card out while the device is still powered on. It sounds terrifying, but it’s part of the magic.

Ready to squeeze every drop of power out of your Anberbucks? Grab a PC, some Balena Etcher, and get flashing.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Spanish Film Archivist Faces Prison and €870,000 Fine Over ‘Non-Commercial’ Movie Site

https://torrentfreak.com/spanish-film-archivist-faces-prison-and-e870000-fine-over-non-commercial-movie-site/

If you’ve ever spent hours hunting for a rare, out-of-print cult classic only to find it nowhere on streaming, you might want to sympathize with “El Feo.” The Spanish film enthusiast and YouTuber is currently facing a legal nightmare that sounds more like a high-stakes thriller than a copyright dispute.

The man behind the popular YouTube channel La Filmoteca Maldita is facing a potential prison sentence and a staggering €870,000 fine. The culprit? Zoowoman, a non-commercial film repository he helped run. While the site didn’t actually host files—it just provided links to 11,000 hard-to-find titles—the Spanish rights management group EGEDA isn’t interested in technicalities.

The timing of the crackdown feels particularly spicy: the lawsuit arrived right as FlixOlé, a new streaming service backed by the same industry heavyweights, launched to capture the exact same audience.

El Feo argues the prosecution is wildly misrepresenting his finances, claiming they’ve conflated his modest YouTube earnings with the archive’s operation. With the police allegedly scrubbing server logs and focusing all blame on him personally, the digital preservation community is holding its breath. A verdict is expected soon, and it could set a massive precedent for film archivists everywhere.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

NYXI Hyperion 3 Controller For Switch 2 Review

https://retrohandhelds.gg/nyxi-hyperion-3-review/

### Upgrade Your Grip: The NYXI Hyperion 3 Review

If you’ve ever played a long session on the Switch and felt your hands staging a tiny protest, you aren’t alone. While Nintendo’s Joy-Cons are icons of portability, they aren’t exactly built for marathon gaming sessions. Enter the NYXI Hyperion 3—a detachable, magnetic controller kit designed to turn your handheld into an ergonomic beast.

The standout here is the ergonomics. These controllers feel less like thin plastic strips and more like a premium handheld (think Steam Deck vibes). With Hall effect joysticks that promise zero drift and “clicky” microswitch buttons that feel incredibly satisfying, the tactile experience is top-tier. Plus, you get customizable RGB lighting if you want your setup to glow.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though:

• The Rumble: It uses traditional motors that are—to put it politely—quite loud. You’ll likely want to turn this feature off immediately.
• The D-Pad: While modular, it feels a bit more like clicking buttons than a smooth directional pad.
• Learning Curve: The “Turbo” and macro functions are tucked behind specific button combos that might lead to some accidental programming.

The Verdict: If you can overlook the noisy rumble and focus on the incredible grip and precision sticks, this is a massive upgrade for anyone tired of Joy-Con cramping.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer FPGA News – Darius 2, The Ninja Warriors, Huge AmigaVision Update & More

https://retrorgb.com/mister-fpga-news-darius-2-the-ninja-warriors-huge-amigavision-update-more.html

### Retro Gaming News: Achievements, Amiga Updates, and More

If you thought your MiSTer FPGA setup was already complete, think again. The latest wave of updates is bringing everything from digital trophies to massive hardware expansions to your retro playground.

First up, the “dopamine hit” has officially arrived. Retro Achievements are now being integrated into several major cores, including NES, SNES, and Neo Geo. If you use unofficial builds, you can now see on-screen alerts—just like PlayStation Trophies—to nudge you toward that elusive 100% completion.

The development scene is also buzzing with new hardware progress:

Darius II & The Ninja Warriors: The developer behind the original Darius* core is hard at work on these Taito classics. We’re seeing early footage of attract screens, and while things are a bit glitchy right now, progress is steady.

• AmigaVision Mega-Update: This massive release now supports almost everything—from original Amiga hardware to Android and iOS. They’ve even added nearly 3,000 QR codes that link directly to game manuals.
• PICO-8 Integration: The PICO-8 hybrid core just got a serious facelift, featuring native FPGA video/audio output and seamless CRT support.

Whether you’re hunting achievements or diving into the Amiga demo scene, there’s plenty to keep you busy this week.