📰 New article from RetroRGB

BadUpdate Xbox 360 Hypervisor Exploit Updated

https://retrorgb.com/badupdate-xbox-360-hypervisor-exploit-updated.html

Remember the thrill of turning your dusty Xbox 360 into a homebrew powerhouse with just a USB stick? That’s the magic of BadUpdate, and it just got a serious performance boost. Developer Grimdoomer has released version 1.3, and if you were on the fence about trying it, this update might finally push you over the edge.

The headline news is reliability. While previous versions were solid, v1.3 claims a near 100% success rate, and it does the job much faster than before. It’s not just about speed, though. The code has been refined under the hood, featuring new hypervisor overwrite detection logic and a rewritten Stage 2 ROP chain. These tweaks make the exploit smoother and, frankly, less likely to leave your console in a permanent boot loop.

There are a few other neat additions worth noting:

• Recovery Mode: If you’ve messed with your boot animation, there’s now a safety net to get you back on track.

Game Support Swap: Support for Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland has been dropped in favor of Rock Band Blitz*, likely for better compatibility.

If you’ve been waiting for the “just right” moment to jailbreak that old console, this feels like it. The GitHub release page has the full download and tutorials if you’re ready to dive in.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

[Now Available in Peach] AYANEO Shares Some Additional Details on the KONKR Pocket Advance, Including a Live Order Page

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneo-shares-some-additional-details-on-the-konkr-pocket-advance-including-a-live-order-page/

Forget the peaches you’re eating—AYANEO just dropped a new handheld in this exact shade. If you’ve been eyeing the KONKR Pocket Advance but felt the previous color options didn’t quite match your vibe, the wait is over. The company has officially unveiled a “Peach” colorway, joining the previously teased Purple, Orange, and Retro DMG editions.

Here’s the juicy part: it’s live on the order page right now. You can snag the 3GB/32GB model for $89 or bump up to the 4GB/64GB version for $109. Just keep in mind that shipping costs an extra $20 via 4PX. These prices are strictly preorder deals, and given how quickly the Retro DMG version sold out earlier this week, you might want to move fast before they vanish again.

Under the hood, this pocket-sized nostalgia machine runs on Android 12 with a MediaTek Helio G90T chip and a crisp 3.5-inch, 960×640 LCD screen. It’s essentially a Frankenstein of sorts, borrowing components from the Pocket Micro and Air Mini to create a GBA-focused device that feels surprisingly capable for its size.

Shipping is slated for the end of August, so you’ll have just enough time to decide if this peach-colored retro rig deserves a spot in your collection. If you’re a fan of handhelds that pay homage to the GameBoy Advance era, this might be your next guilty pleasure.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Game Console R40xx Pro Max/S Review: A Waste of a Perfectly Good RK3326

https://retrohandhelds.gg/r40xx-pro-max-review/

If you’ve been eyeing the R40xx Pro Max as a budget emulation upgrade, put the credit card away. This device is essentially a waste of a perfectly good RK3326 chip, wrapped in a package that screams, “We tried, but really, did we?”

The name alone is a red flag: the box says R40xxS, but the device calls itself the Pro Max. That’s not just confusing; it’s a preview of the “we don’t care” attitude that permeates every aspect of this handheld.

Here’s why it’s an easy pass:

• Thermal Issues: The screen gets dangerously hot even while idling. There’s zero cooling design, making it feel like a fire hazard waiting to happen.
• Audio Disaster: Forget crisp sound. The speakers crackle and pop like a hyena in distress, thanks to terrible shielding and grounding.
• Mushy Controls: The D-pad feels spongy and unresponsive, while the shoulder buttons are back to being loud and clacky.
• Lazy Software: The included ROMs are a jumbled mess of broken paths and unwanted hacks. Even basic emulators like DS aren’t configured properly out of the box.

At over $50, this isn’t a steal—it’s a trap. You’re better off sticking with the original R36S or looking at the R40xx from Boyhom. Save your money and your sanity; this one is pure e-waste.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Virtual Boy MiSTer Core Released

https://retrorgb.com/virtual-boy-mister-core-released.html

Remember the Virtual Boy? That infamous Nintendo head-hurter from the 90s? Well, thanks to a new MiSTer core by developer Kitrinx, it’s finally looking better than it ever did on plastic. This isn’t just a basic emulator; it’s a feature-rich revival that brings 3D back to modern displays in ways the original hardware never dreamed of.

The real magic happens in the settings. You can now enjoy side-by-side 3D on compatible TVs, use anaglyph glasses (red/blue), or even tweak color palettes for a nostalgic twist. I tested the side-by-side mode on an OLED, and honestly? It’s the sharpest Virtual Boy experience I’ve ever seen. Just remember to toggle “Eye Drawn” to “Both” or “Side-by-side” and set “Scale” to “Normal” to get the 3D effect working correctly.

Pro tip: Switch the Brightness Map to HDR HLG. The original console was notoriously dim, and this tweak makes games pop without blowing out your eyes. You can also enable savestates, which is a lifesaver for those tricky platformers.

For the purists, there’s a specific video filter that mimics the original CRT look, and TAS (Tool-Assisted Speedrun) support for those who love watching others suffer through the difficulty. If you have a MiSTer board, this is a must-download. Go play Mario’s Tennis in glorious, headache-free 3D.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Evercade Drops Doom Edition Nexus and More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/evercade-drops-doom-edition-nexus-and-more/

Evercade is proving that physical media isn’t dead—it’s just getting a serious glow-up. If you’re a fan of collecting cartridges and missing the tactile thrill of old-school gaming, the brand’s latest move is worth your attention. They’ve just dropped a limited-edition DOOM bundle for their Nexus handheld, and it’s designed to turn heads (and wallets) this Halloween season.

This isn’t just a console; it’s a collector’s box. For $249.99, you’ll snag the Nexus system, the DOOM Collection cartridge, a hard-shell case, a poster, and even an exclusive comic. It’s a premium package for a premium fanbase, but don’t think about it too long. Production is strictly limited to 3,000 units, and pre-orders open August 7th at 7 AM PDT. If you hesitate, you’re likely missing out.

For those who prefer platformers over demons, Evercade is also rolling out a Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack. You can grab it as a standalone cartridge for $29.99 or bundle it with the standard Nexus for $199.99. Both the DOOM and Banjo releases hit shelves on October 30th, giving you plenty of time to decide which retro vibe suits your holiday gaming better. Whether you’re slaying demons or collecting stars, Evercade is keeping the physical retro experience alive and well.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

YggTorrent Teases a Comeback in September, Weeks After Arrests

https://torrentfreak.com/yggtorrent-teases-a-comeback-in-september-weeks-after-arrests/

Remember YggTorrent? It was France’s behemoth torrent community, boasting 10 million users before a devastating hack forced its shutdown this past March. The fallout was brutal: twelve operators were arrested in July, and the site seemed destined for the digital scrapheap.

But hold your breath—YggTorrent is trying to claw its way back from the dead.

While the domain was briefly listed for a staggering $700,000, the sale never materialized. Instead, the site now hosts a countdown to a “Grand Return” on September 1st. The messaging is bold, claiming a “new team” has taken over and that the “Ygg spirit” remains intact. They’re even touting a surviving community of 6 million members and a catalog of over a million torrents.

Here’s the catch: Is this a genuine resurrection or a clever scam?

Tracker stats suggest the old infrastructure might still be humming along, with hundreds of thousands of torrents still being seeded. However, with French police keeping a close watch and the identity of the “new team” completely mysterious, skepticism is warranted. The clock is ticking toward midnight Paris time, but until we know who’s actually pulling the strings, treat this comeback with a healthy dose of caution.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

NES Lumacode Board – US Distributor

https://retrorgb.com/nes-lumacode-board-us-distributor.html

Remember when modding your NES meant risking a soldering iron and a permanent haircut? Yeah, those days are fading fast. Koala Koa has officially become the US distributor for C0pperdragon’s Lumacode board, and honestly, it’s a game-changer for retro gamers tired of exorbitant international shipping fees.

Here’s the deal: The Lumacode “PPU Digitizer” lets you get crisp HDMI-quality video from your classic 8-bit console without opening the case or desoldering a single chip. It’s a 100% no-cut mod that plugs right in and pairs beautifully with scalers like the RetroTINK 4K or OSSC. You get that modern clarity without the permanent hardware modifications.

Why does this matter? Because buying directly from overseas was becoming a financial nightmare. With US distribution, bulk shipping brings the cost down significantly, making this mod actually attainable for North American collectors. Just remember, if you’re outside the US, you might still get hit with surprise import fees, so compare your local store options before pulling the trigger.

If you want to see other classic systems get the Lumacode treatment—like the Intellivision, Sega Master System, or Commodore 64—let Koala Koa know. It sounds like there’s plenty of demand.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Mangmi Air Y and Y Pro Finally Get Pricing and Pre-Order Dates

https://retrohandhelds.gg/mangmi-air-y-and-y-pro-finally-get-pricing-and-pre-order-dates/

The wait is finally over for the Mangmi Air Y and Y Pro. After weeks of sizzle reels, livestreams, and a brief delay for last-minute fixes, the pricing and pre-order window are officially set. If you’ve been eyeing a vertical handheld that doesn’t break the bank, now is the time to pay attention.

Pre-orders kick off on August 12th at 7:00 PM PDT and close just 72 hours later on August 15th. Want to save cash? You’ll need to be quick during that early bird window. Here’s the deal:

• Air Y (3GB/32GB): $89.99 early bird, $94.99 retail.
• Air Y Pro (4GB/64GB): $145.99 early bird, $159.99 retail.
• Air Y Pro (8GB/128GB): $175.99 early bird, $189.99 retail.

Why does this matter? The Pro model is a serious contender. At $189.99 for the top-tier version, it undercuts the Retroid Pocket 5 by $20 and Mangmi’s own Pocket Max by $40. With a Snapdragon 865, active cooling, and a crisp 4:3 screen, the hardware looks impressive on paper.

However, specs aren’t everything. While the value proposition is undeniable, actual build quality and software polish remain a “wait and see.” If you’re chasing the best bang for your buck in the retro space, mark your calendars for August 12th.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG Vita Pro Joins the RG Home Update Train

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-vita-pro-joins-the-rg-home-update-train/

Anbernic is on a roll, and honestly? We’re here for it. Just a month after shaking up the T820 lineup with a massive software overhaul, the company is turning its attention to the RG Vita Pro. If you’ve been holding onto this handheld, you’re in for a treat. The latest update, version 1.15, isn’t just about fixing bugs; it’s about making the device actually feel modern.

The star of the show is the new RG Home interface. Think of it as a unified hub for both your apps and ROMs, bringing the sleek aesthetic of the T820 series to the Vita Pro. It’s clean, it’s intuitive, and it finally gives you a single place to manage your entire retro library. Plus, there’s a beta Anbernic account feature for syncing favorites and gameplay history—though proceed with caution if you’re wary of cloud syncing.

But the real game-changer might be the RG Keymapper. No more awkward contortions trying to hit virtual buttons on a touchscreen while playing. You can now map controls directly to the screen and save multiple profiles. Coupled with the new Anbernic Control Center for quick access to performance settings and button mapping, this update transforms the RG Vita Pro from a niche gadget into a genuinely usable daily driver. Anbernic is clearly listening to its community, and the results speak for themselves.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Broadcaster Wins Broad U.S. Blocking Injunction Covering Pirate Sites That Don’t Exist Yet

https://torrentfreak.com/broadcaster-wins-broad-u-s-blocking-injunction-covering-pirate-sites-that-dont-exist-yet/

Imagine a court order that bans crimes you haven’t committed yet. That’s exactly what TelevisaUnivision just pulled off in a stunning Florida federal case. The broadcaster didn’t just win a standard injunction; they secured a “self-expanding” blocking order that targets pirate IPTV services—even those that don’t exist yet.

Here’s the kicker: the judge allowed TU’s lawyers to add new targets to the blacklist simply by filing a sworn declaration. No new hearings, no judicial review. This dynamic approach, common in Europe, is effectively new in the U.S., letting the broadcaster chase down fresh pirate brands like XuperTV and Roja Directa without further court intervention.

The order casts a massive net, hitting ISPs, ad networks, and payment processors like BBVA Bancomer. But the real action is with domain registrars and Cloudflare. U.S.-based services like GoDaddy and Namecheap suspended over 200 domains almost immediately, while foreign hosts largely ignored the ruling. Cloudflare, meanwhile, was forced to hand over origin IPs and account details under strict, tailored rules.

This isn’t just about stopping current pirates; it’s about creating a chilling effect on any future service that might infringe on TU’s rights. It’s a powerful precedent that shifts the balance of power heavily toward rightsholders, turning legal orders into living, breathing weapons that evolve as fast as piracy does.