Category: Tater News

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Steam on Android, Open-Source DS Hype, and Hardware Chaos

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-95/

### Hardware Chaos and Steam Dreams

If you thought the retro handheld market was settling into a predictable rhythm, think again. This week’s news feels like a fever dream of experimental hardware and software breakthroughs that might actually change how we play.

Anbernic is clearly leaning into the “weird” lately. After a rocky start to 2026, they’ve teased the RG Rotate, a device that looks like it’s trying to find its soul through unconventional form factors. Not all news is quite so experimental, though; AYN dropped a bit of a bombshell regarding their upcoming Thor and Odin 3 batches, announcing a transition to UFS 3.1 storage—a slight downgrade from the 4.0 we were expecting.

On the software side, things are getting seriously impressive:

• Steam on Android: Thanks to ROCKNIX, your Qualcomm-based handhelds (like the Retroid Pocket 6) can now run native Linux games and Windows titles via Proton. It’s basically a mini Steam Deck in your pocket.
• The Return of the Classics: After an eight-year slumber, the Snes9xTYL emulator for PSP and PS Vita has finally received an update.

Whether you’re looking for open-source DS flash carts or browsing new indie titles on the Afterplay storefront, it’s a wild time to be a collector. Grab your coffee—the handheld wars are just getting interesting.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

GitHub Reports DMCA Takedown Record and Surging Anti-Circumvention Claims

https://torrentfreak.com/github-reports-dmca-takedown-record-and-surging-anti-circumvention-claims/

### The Great Code Crackdown: GitHub’s Takedown Spree

If you thought your inbox was the only place getting flooded with “urgent” requests lately, think again—GitHub is feeling the heat. The world’s largest code repository just dropped its latest transparency report, and the numbers are a bit startling.

Copyright claims are on a massive upward trajectory. Most notably, “anti-circumvention” claims—requests to kill projects that bypass digital locks—have surged by 41% this year. To put that in perspective, back in 2020, these types of notices were rare occurrences; now, GitHub is processing hundreds of them annually.

It’s not just the “lock-breaking” tools getting targeted, though. Total DMCA takedowns are also climbing, with the number of affected repositories jumping over 50%. Interestingly, much of this seems to be caused by a few massive “bulk” complaints hitting popular projects rather than a million tiny ones.

The silver lining? GitHub is doubling down on its role as a developer bodyguard. Thanks to recent legal wins that protect platforms from being held automatically liable for user actions, GitHub says it has more breathing room to side with creators and keep the open internet—and your code—running.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

How to Install Steam on Android with ROCKNIX

https://retrohandhelds.gg/how-to-install-steam-on-android-with-rocknix/

### Your Android Handheld is About to Become a Mini Steam Deck

If you own a high-powered Android handheld like the AYN Odin 2 or Retroid Pocket 5, prepare to clear some storage space. For a while now, we’ve been using workarounds like Winlator to squeeze PC games onto our mobile devices, but the game has officially changed. Thanks to the latest ROCKNIX nightly releases, you can now install Steam directly on Android-based handhelds.

Previously, playing PC titles meant a clunky dance of switching boot modes and jumping back into Android. Now, with a bit of technical tinkering, you can turn your device into a dedicated gaming powerhouse that feels much closer to a Steam Deck experience.

The fine print:

• It’s not for everyone: This currently works best on devices with specific chipsets (like the SM8550).
• A bit of a project: You’ll need to flash a new ABL, use a microSD card, and navigate some script-running.
• Early days: Since this relies on “Nightly” builds, expect some bugs.

The recommendation? Stick to the microSD card installation for now. It’s much safer than trying to overwrite your internal Android storage—and since this is still in the experimental phase, you’ll want an easy way to revert if things get messy.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Original OSSC: NES Lumacode Profile & Setup Guide

https://retrorgb.com/original-ossc-nes-lumacode-profile-setup-guide.html

If you’ve ever spent your Friday nights squinting at a fuzzy, interlaced mess on your modern TV, we have some good news for your retinas. RetroRGB just dropped a new setup guide that promises to make your NES look better than it did in 1985.

The secret sauce? A combination of the original OSSC (Open Source Scan Converter) and a specific “Lumacode” mod for your NES or Famicom. If you’ve managed to get your hands on both, there is now a pre-configured profile available that makes the setup process incredibly easy.

However, don’t go grabbing your soldering iron just yet—there are a few hurdles to clear first:

• The Hardware: You need an NES/Famicom that has already undergone the Lumacode mod.
• The Firmware: Your OSSC needs to be running v1.21 or higher.
• The Techy Bit: If you have older OSSC hardware, you might need to perform a small hardware mod (removing one resistor and adding a wire) to support the latest firmware.

It’s a bit of a rabbit hole, but for those chasing that perfect, crisp retro signal, it’s a game-changer.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

The Neo Geo AES+ Uses Re-Engineered Original Chips and Launches This November

https://retrohandhelds.gg/the-neo-geo-aes-uses-re-engineered-original-chips-and-launches-this-november/

The Neo Geo AES+ Is Real (And It’s Not Emulation)

Dust off your arcade sticks, because the legend is making a comeback. SNK and Plaion Replai just announced the Neo Geo AES+, a brand-new version of the iconic home console arriving this November.

But here is the real kicker: this isn’t just another software emulator running on a cheap chip. The AES+ uses re-engineered ASIC chips designed to replicate the original hardware natively. This means it can play both new and original AES cartridges with much higher fidelity than your average software-based setup. It’s basically the original experience, but with modern perks like 1080p HDMI output, low latency, and stereo sound.

If you’re a purist, don’t worry—they kept the original AV output so you can still hook it up to a glorious CRT.

The pricing tiers are, predictably, a bit of a rollercoaster:

• Standard Black Edition: $250 (includes a wired controller).

Anniversary Edition: $350 (white finish, wireless arcade stick, and Metal Slug*).

• Ultimate Edition: A whopping $1,000 (includes ten games and a game rack).

While we’re all excited, the real test will be seeing if those re-engineered chips truly capture the magic of the original hardware. Pre-orders are open now!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

The Final Fantasy Battle Engine: A Dissection of Physical Attacks – Behind the Code

https://retrorgb.com/the-final-fantasy-battle-engine-a-dissection-of-physical-attacks-behind-the-code.html

Ever wondered why your favorite hero suddenly deals exactly 73 HP of damage instead of a clean 75? It feels like magic, but behind the curtain, it’s actually just a chaotic math homework assignment.

A recent deep dive from RetroRGB pulls back the veil on the original Final Fantasy engine to show exactly how physical attacks are calculated. Using custom Lua scripts and an enhanced status screen, the author dissects the precise moment stats, weapon power, and pure RNG collide to determine if you land a critical hit or a total dud.

It turns out that “behind the scenes” is a whirlwind of variables:

• Character strength stats
• Weapon-specific modifiers
• The unpredictable roll of the dice (RNG)
• …and a few notorious bugs hiding in the NES code.

Instead of drowning readers in raw assembly code, the breakdown uses visual flowcharts to track how numbers morph in real-time during a battle log. It’s a fascinating look at how much heavy lifting happens in the background just so you can feel the satisfaction of a well-timed strike.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

GameSir Pocket Taco Review: Clip-on Comfort

https://retrohandhelds.gg/gamesir-pocket-taco-review/

### The “Pocketable” Gaming Revolution

If you’re like most of us, your phone is for emails, doomscrolling, and checking the weather—not for serious gaming. Most mobile controllers feel like a bulky compromise that ends up gathering dust on a shelf next to your old Razer Kishi.

Enter the GameSir Pocket Taco. Instead of trying to turn your phone into a widescreen console, this clever clip-on accessory embraces “portrait mode.” It essentially transforms your smartphone into a modern version of a Game Boy, making it perfect for retro emulation.

The Taco isn’t trying to win any heavyweight awards for ergonomics, but it excels at being low-profile. Because it’s so slim, it actually fits in a pocket alongside your keys and wallet—a feat most handheld enthusiasts thought impossible.

Why it’s worth a look:

• Retro-Focused Design: Specifically built for older systems that look great on vertical screens.
• Great Tactile Feel: The D-pad has excellent travel, and the shoulder buttons are surprisingly quiet (your sleeping partner will thank you).
• Seamless Connection: Unlike many Bluetooth nightmares, this pairs reliably and even powers down automatically when you remove your phone.
• Budget Friendly: At around $35, it’s a small price to pay for a portable retro station.

If you want to squeeze some classic gaming into your commute without carrying a dedicated device, the Taco is a surprisingly tasty option.

📰 New article from Wololo.net

Homebrew Release: Warnel Chawpiovs v1.2.0 (PC & Nintendo Switch), adds “Sinister Motives” cards and more

https://wololo.net/2026/04/17/homebrew-release-warnel-chawpiovs-v1-2-0-pc-nintendo-switch-adds-sinister-motives-cards-and-more/

### Multiverse Expansion: Warnel Chawpiovs Gets a Heroic Update

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the tactical chaos of Marvel Champions without the physical clutter of a thousand card sleeves, your digital day just got much better. The homebrew sensation Warnel Chawpiovs has officially dropped version 1.2.0, and it’s bringing some heavy hitters along for the ride.

This update is all about expansion. We’re talking new heroes like Doctor Strange and War Machine, alongside a fresh wave of villains from the “Sinister Motives” pack—including Sandman, Venom, and even the Sinister Six. Whether you’re playing on PC or a (hacked) Nintendo Switch, the game now boasts a massive roster of 14 heroes and 18 scenarios to conquer.

What’s inside the box:

• New Heroes & Villains: Miles Morales, Ghost Spider, and more.
• Smoother Performance: Card images now download in the background so you aren’t stuck staring at loading bars.
• Bug Fixes: Essential tweaks to keep the engine running (though multiplayer is still a bit “broken” for now).

Just a heads-up: if you’re playing on Switch, you might want to overclock your console—the port can be a bit slow. Happy battling!

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Korean Rights Holders Behind Takedown of Manga Piracy Giant TuMangaOnline

https://torrentfreak.com/korean-rights-holders-behind-takedown-of-manga-piracy-giant-tumangaonline/

### The End of an Era for Spanish Manga Fans

If you’ve spent any time in the Spanish-speaking manga community lately, you’ve probably noticed a massive, digital hole where TuMangaOnline (TMO) used to be. After months of “under maintenance” excuses and flickering domains, the party is officially over.

It turns out this wasn’t just a technical glitch; it was a highly coordinated legal strike. The Copyright Overseas Promotion Association (COA), representing heavyweights like Kakao and Webtoon, teamed up with Spanish law firms and anti-piracy specialists to take down the network.

The operation centered in Almeria, Spain, where authorities moved against the interconnected sites that were pulling in billions of views. While we don’t yet know if anyone is heading to jail—the investigation is still very much active—the “clienthold” status on their domains means the lights are staying off.

This isn’t an isolated incident, either. TMO’s disappearance is part of a massive, global wave of enforcement hitting piracy giants like HiAnime and Batto.to. If you’re looking for your favorite webtoons, you might want to start looking toward official platforms—the era of the “piracy giant” is shrinking fast.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYN Announces Another AYN Thor Price Jump and a Major Change to the Thor and Odin 3

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayn-announces-another-ayn-thor-price-jump-and-a-major-change-to-the-thor-and-odin-3/

### The “Upgrade” That’s Actually a Downgrade

If you were planning on pre-ordering the new AYN Thor or Odin 3, you might want to take a second look at your wallet—and your expectations. In a move that has retro gaming fans scratching their heads, AYN just announced some major changes for the upcoming batches, and “less for more” seems to be the theme.

First up, the hardware is getting a bit of a haircut. AYN is transitioning from UFS 4.0 storage down to UFS 3.1. While you might not notice it while playing SNES, this is a massive hit to performance for heavy hitters like Switch or PS3 emulation. We’re talking about a roughly 50% drop in read and write speeds, plus a less efficient power draw that could eat into your battery life.

To make matters even more interesting, the price tag on the high-end Thor Max models is jumping up to $549. Here’s the quick breakdown of the new Thor lineup:

• Thor Lite: $249
• Base & Pro Models: Prices held steady (for now)
• Thor Max (16GB/512GB): $469 (The new kid on the block!)
• Thor Max (16GB/1TB): $549

It’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re paying more for slower tech, but if you’re strictly sticking to older handheld classics, it might still be a decent value. Just don’t expect any miracles with the heavy-duty stuff.