📰 New article from TorrentFreak

EU Study: Block Live Sports Piracy in 30 Minutes, Across DNS Resolvers, VPNs and CDNs

https://torrentfreak.com/eu-study-block-live-sports-piracy-in-30-minutes-across-dns-resolvers-vpns-and-cdns/

Want to stop live sports piracy? A new EU study says it’s surprisingly easy: just 30 minutes.

Commissioned by the European Parliament, the report argues that current voluntary guidelines are too slow for the fast-paced world of live streaming. It proposes a binding regulation requiring intermediaries—from DNS providers like Google to VPNs and CDNs—to block unauthorized streams within half an hour. Think of it as an EU-wide version of Italy’s controversial “Piracy Shield.”

The logic is straightforward. Since courts in places like Paris are already ordering these tech giants to help, the report suggests standardizing this across the bloc. It even recommends creating independent administrative agencies in every member state to oversee enforcement, ensuring consistent action rather than a patchwork of local efforts.

However, this approach isn’t without serious risks. The study admits that IP and DNS blocking are “blunt instruments” that often cause overblocking. Citing data from Spain, it notes that major blocks have accidentally taken down legitimate sites, including those for Amnesty International and UNICEF.

Ultimately, the report acknowledges a hard truth: if legal options remain fragmented and expensive, piracy will persist. While the 30-minute takedown proposal is a bold wishlist, it’s just advice for now. The real question is whether the EU will prioritize speed over collateral damage when drafting the next law.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: SteamBoy, Pokémon Recomp, and Faster PS3 Emulation

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-111/

Grab your coffee, because the retro handheld scene is moving faster than a Pikachu on espresso this week. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your pocket gaming setup, there’s finally some concrete news to get excited about.

AYANEO is expanding the KONKR Pocket Advance lineup with a new “Peach” color option, and the Mangmi Air Y and Y Pro are finally dropping their pre-order dates for mid-August. If you’re budget-conscious, keep an eye on Anbernic’s upcoming RG SP; it’s aiming to hit the market at a surprisingly low $59. And for the DIYers, a community member has already turned a Steam Deck into a vertical “SteamBoy” with a stunning 90Hz AMOLED screen.

But the real headline for performance lovers? PS3 emulation just got a massive boost. Lead developer Whatcookie revealed that ARM architecture optimizations are pushing RPCS3 performance up by 60% while cutting power draw by a quarter. That’s a game-changer for running heavier titles on smaller, cooler handhelds.

On the software side, the Pokémon Gen 1 recomp is here and looks like a must-play for nostalgic fans. Plus, SpruceOS 4.3 is bringing updated support for newer devices like the TrimUI Brick Pro. Whether you’re hunting for deals or just tweaking your emulator settings, there’s plenty to tinker with this week.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Project Neon: Platform Release Schedule

https://retrorgb.com/project-neon-platform-release-schedule.html

Remember when shooting galleries were strictly vertical? Project Neon is here to remind us they don’t have to be. The modern retro shmup from developer Coin Feeder (aka Fullset) is finally out, and it’s throwing a platform party on just about every screen you own.

If you’re a collector, you’re in luck. AES and MVS cartridges are already in stock at Stone Age Gamer, along with a physical soundtrack CD. But the real headline is the sheer breadth of digital availability. You can jump in right now on Xbox, Windows, Apple devices, Steam, Google Play, and PlayStation. The Switch version drops next, on August 13th.

Here’s the kicker: You can play in either horizontal or vertical (TATE) mode. And no, this isn’t some lazy, laggy video buffer trick. The game actually redraws itself for the orientation, making touch controls feel natural on mobile and perfectly at home on a TV. It’s rare to see a game that embraces both orientations so genuinely.

Pre-orders for the retro hardware crowd are still open for Dreamcast, Saturn, and N64, shipping by year-end. The Saturn release is particularly notable, marking the first exclusive cartridge release for the platform. Whether you’re dodging bullets on a phone or an OLED TV, Project Neon proves that classic arcade thrills still have plenty of room to rotate.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Seedless and WatermelonDS Drop Their Latest Updates at Once

https://retrohandhelds.gg/seedless-and-watermelonds-drop-their-latest-updates-at-once/

Double trouble just hit the retro handheld scene. If you’ve been feeling stuck between high-end emulation and the charm of original hardware, two new projects are stepping up to bridge that gap. SeedlessDS and WatermelonDS have both dropped major updates, giving dual-screen gamers fresh options for their Android devices.

WatermelonDS (formerly melonDualDS) is the power player here. A fork of MelonDS, it brings a sleek visual overhaul, Vulkan support, and RetroAchievements hardcore mode. It’s polished, feature-rich, and clearly aiming for the enthusiast market that wants the best visual fidelity and social gaming features.

Then there’s SeedlessDS, the lightweight sibling. Built on the legendary DraStic core, it’s designed specifically for low-power handhelds like the Anbernic RG DS. It features a brand-new Kotlin UI, physical controller mapping, and save states with screenshots. Think of it as the efficient, no-nonsense option for older or budget hardware.

The best part? They’re playing nice together. Both support RetroAchievements and are building toward broader compatibility, including a planned Linux version for devices like the RG35XX SP. Whether you want raw power or battery life, there’s now a dedicated emulator for your specific setup. Support these devs if you can; they’re filling a real gap in the market.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG SP Review: Slimmer, Cheaper, and Better Than Expected

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-sp-review/

Anbernic just dropped the RG SP, and honestly? It’s a pleasant surprise. In a market crowded with overpriced gadgets, this slim, clamshell handheld proves you don’t need 2GB of RAM to have fun. It’s built on the trusty Allwinner H700 chip, meaning it handles PSP, PS1, and even some N64 and Dreamcast titles with ease. Sure, it lacks analog sticks, so don’t expect to run heavy emulators smoothly, but for retro gaming purists, it’s a solid contender.

The real story here, though, is the form factor. At 168 grams and 24mm thick, it’s practically a spiritual successor to the Game Boy Advance SP. It’s lighter than the RG35XXSP and easier on the hands during long sessions. Anbernic also tightened up their stock Linux OS slightly, finally letting us cycle through shaders without diving into the code. It’s not perfect—the default button sounds are still annoyingly loud, and the battery life could be better—but it’s miles ahead of their previous janky firmware.

If you’re hunting for a pocket-sized retro rig, the RG SP is a sleeper hit. It’s cheaper than the RG34XXSP and fills a unique niche. Just remember: if you can snag the older 2GB RG34XXSP, take it. Otherwise, the RG SP is the smart buy. It’s slim, it’s cheap, and it’s surprisingly good.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Japanese Police Arrest NYAA ‘First Uploader,’ But Not by Watching the Swarm

https://torrentfreak.com/japanese-police-arrest-nyaa-first-uploader-but-not-by-watching-the-swarm/

Forget the hype about sophisticated swarm-tracking. In a surprising twist, Japanese police have arrested the “first uploader” for the anime torrent site NYAA, but not by sniffing BitTorrent traffic.

The suspect, 56-year-old Masakazu Ono, allegedly seeded around a thousand NHK recordings over five years. He even confessed, claiming he just wanted the world to see Japanese culture. But here’s the kicker: the enforcement tool used didn’t log IP addresses within the torrent swarm. Instead, it analyzed data flow at the index and tracker site level. While CODA won’t reveal the exact tech, it’s clear this wasn’t a simple “you forgot your VPN” catch.

The real takeaway? Don’t think you’re safe just because you’re downloading. Three other men were also prosecuted for sharing files they downloaded, as most torrent clients upload by default. CODA is sending a loud, clear message: if you’re using BitTorrent in Japan, you’re potentially uploading copyrighted material, and that’s a crime.

NYAA is still up and buzzing with millions of visits, but the net is definitely tightening. If you’re sharing files, you’re sharing liability.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

SpruceOS 4.3 Drops With Support for TrimUI Brick Pro, Anbernic XX and More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/spruceos-4-3-drops-with-support-for-trimui-brick-pro-anbernic-xx-and-more/

Tired of choosing between five different custom firmwares? SpruceOS might just be the one you’ve been missing. While dArkOS and Rocknix grab the headlines, this under-the-radar OS has been quietly expanding its ecosystem, and version 4.3 is a major leap forward.

The biggest news? SpruceOS now officially supports the TrimUI Brick Pro. We’re talking full device bringup, complete with PyUI, RetroArch, and support for N64, Dreamcast, and PSP. It also kicks off early development for the Anbernic RGXX+ lineup, bringing NDS support and the signature Spruce theme to those newer devices.

Beyond the hardware, the user experience gets some serious polish. You can now enjoy a customizable screensaver that cycles through your actual game box art (no more static backgrounds!), plus a vertical carousel view for those who prefer a different browsing style. They’ve also added Vietnamese language support and fixed some pesky Wi-Fi speed issues on Anbernic devices that had everyone frustrated.

It’s becoming clear that SpruceOS is prioritizing both new hardware compatibility and refining the daily drive. If you’re rocking a TrimUI or Anbernic handheld, it’s definitely worth checking out their GitHub page. The devs are clearly listening to the community, and the result is a smoother, more feature-rich retro gaming experience.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer FPGA News – Portable MiSTer’s, Arcade Cores, Computer Cores & More

https://retrorgb.com/mister-fpga-news-portable-misters-arcade-cores-computer-cores-more.html

FPGA fans, strap in. The MiSTer universe is moving fast, and this week’s update is a doozy. If you’ve ever dreamed of carrying your retro setup in your pocket, two major portable projects are finally showing flesh. The Retro Collective’s Heber Portable MiSTer is moving from schematic to PCB production, boasting swappable controls (think Switch-style modular inputs) and a solid eight to ten hours of battery life. Meanwhile, QMTech is prepping a 5.7-inch handheld with injection-molded cases, though it looks like this one might be reserved for existing supporters.

On the software front, the good news never stops. We’ve got an official Virtual Boy core that finally brings 3D to the table with save states and cheat support. If you’re feeling nostalgic for vector graphics, a new core combines Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, and Lunar Lander with beautiful custom artwork. And yes, Paprium is finally playable for those who bought the official release.

The community also delivered some wild hybrids. We can now run Dreamcast games, Duke Nukem 3D, and even Quake on MiSTer. It’s not just about games, either. Anime0t4ku dropped MiSTer HiFi, a lossless audio player for FLAC and WAV files, proving your FPGA can handle your vinyl collection too. Whether you’re here for the hardware or the code, there’s something new to tinker with.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Jsaux Announces Voidjoy; the Next Step in Their Gaming Lineup

https://retrohandhelds.gg/jsaux-announces-voidjoy-the-next-step-in-their-gaming-lineup/

Think JSAUX has cornered the market on Switch cases and ROG Ally batteries? Think again. The accessory giant is officially expanding its horizons, and they’re doing it with a brand new sub-label called Voidjoy. Announced on August 6th, this move signals a pivot from just housing your console to actually controlling it.

Voidjoy is stepping into the controller arena, promising a lineup that covers all your input bases. The company teased three main categories for the debut: portable controllers, PC controllers, and a suite of controller accessories. It’s a clear play to capture the growing market of gamers who want better ergonomics than stock hardware offers.

While the official drop hasn’t happened yet, the teaser image is already sparking the usual rumor mill. Early speculation suggests a design reminiscent of the 8BitDo Lite, a traditional docked-style controller, and perhaps modular Joy-Con attachments that snap together. It’s all guesswork for now, but the visual clues point toward a versatile, multi-platform approach.

If you’re itching to see what’s under the hood, JSAUX has you covered. You can join their Discord for the latest leaks or sign up for their website’s reveal list. Either way, expect some new hardware to hit the shelves soon. Keep your eyes peeled, because Voidjoy is about to change how you hold your game.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer: Physical Disc Support Updates

https://retrorgb.com/mister-physical-disc-support-updates.html

Remember when loading screens were just… waiting? Well, retro fans are reclaiming that tactile joy. Developer Anime0t4ku just pushed a major update to the MiSTer Physical Disc project, finally bringing native support for physical optical drives.

Here’s the deal: You can now plug in any USB optical drive and play disc-based games directly. No need to hunt down ISOs or worry about SD card space. It works with 3DO, Sega CD, PlayStation, Saturn, and even SNES via MSU-1. Yes, you can literally burn a SNES ROM to a CD for that “what if” Nintendo PlayStation vibe.

Getting set up is dead simple. Just run the `update_all` script, navigate to “Other Cores,” and toggle on Physical CD Support. If you’re feeling lazy, you can even add a single line to your `MiSTer.ini` file to auto-boot whenever a disc is detected. Just watch out for a minor config tweak if you’re upgrading from an older version.

But wait, there’s more. Alongside the disc support, Anime0t4ku dropped “MiSTer Hi-Fi,” a stunning visual music player. It handles lossless audio, album artwork, spectrum visualizers, and yes, physical audio CDs too. It’s another great reason to dust off those USB ports and get back to the hardware roots.