📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Major Brand Ads on Pirate Sites Surged 80% in a Year, EUIPO Finds

https://torrentfreak.com/major-brand-ads-on-pirate-sites-surged-80-in-a-year-euipo-finds/

Brands, you might want to check your ad placement. Seriously.

The EU Intellectual Property Office just released a report that should give every CMO a cold sweat: major brand ads on pirate sites surged by 80% in a single year. We’re talking about recognizable global names, not sketchy drop-shippers. In 2021, big brands made up just 3% of ad impressions on these sites. By 2025, that share skyrocketed to 36%. On the worst offenders—sites already legally flagged as illegal—major brands now dominate nearly 60% of ad space.

So, what happened? The report points a finger at the collapse of industry policing. Coordinated outreach programs designed to educate brands about where their ads were showing up seem to have fizzled out around 2023. Without that gentle nudge, brands were left flying blind while their logos appeared next to pirated movies and software.

The financial stakes are real, too. Pirate sites generated an estimated €382 million in ad revenue last year. While ad-blocking lists exist, they’re failing to catch the biggest players, with some Chinese brands accounting for nearly all the major brand impressions on blocked domains. It’s a clear sign that voluntary industry efforts aren’t enough anymore. If you want to protect your brand’s reputation, it’s time to get serious about enforcement.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

SVS Castlemania Pre-Orders

https://retrorgb.com/svs-castlemania-pre-orders.html

If you’ve been eyeing the Scalable Video Switch (SVS), now’s your moment to lock in your gear before the next wave hits. Castlemania Games has officially opened pre-orders for Arthrimus’ modular video switch, giving retro gaming enthusiasts a chance to secure their modules ahead of the September release.

Think of this less as a frantic, limited-stock scramble and more as a strategic reservation system. Pre-orders will stay open until the allotted units are claimed, so if you know what you want, don’t wait. The hardware is slated to ship in September, coinciding with the general release of any remaining inventory that wasn’t snapped up during this window.

One smart move here: you can bundle everything into one order. All modules are available for pre-order, including the highly anticipated new transcoders. Even if some parts are still technically “in stock” on the main site, using Castlemania lets you consolidate your purchase. This isn’t just about securing availability; it’s a clever way to save on shipping costs by placing a single, comprehensive order rather than juggling multiple transactions.

Whether you’re chasing perfect video output or just want to future-proof your setup, getting in early ensures you won’t be left waiting when the next batch drops.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

RG Rotate Update Lets You Customize Your Watch Face Even More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/rg-rotate-update-lets-you-customize-your-watch-face-even-more/

Let’s be honest: the Anbernic RG Rotate is a device that lives in a very specific niche. You either love its chunky, metallic, rotating-hinge aesthetic or you’re baffled by why anyone would want a square screen. But whether it’s a retro gaming rig or a quirky desk clock, Anbernic just proved it’s still actively supporting the hardware.

They’ve dropped system update V1.44, and while it’s not a massive overhaul, it’s a welcome quality-of-life boost. The highlight? You can finally customize your lock screen. No longer are you stuck with the default look; you can toggle the status bar away and swap out digital watch faces for something that actually matches your vibe.

Want to go full DIY? The update makes it surprisingly easy to create your own clock. You just name your background and clock hand images (`clock_background`, `clock_hour`, etc.), drop them in a folder, and refresh the app. It’s basically a simple drag-and-drop job for personalizing your device.

This update signals that Anbernic is actually listening to feedback, rather than just releasing a device and abandoning it to a single software version. If you’re rocking an RG Rotate, update now to tweak that screen. If you’re on the fence, remember: it’s a perfectly decent clock, even if it lacks a headphone jack.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

[UPDATE: Color Options] Retroid Teases a New 4:3 OLED Device With the Pocket Nova

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retroid-teases-a-new-43-oled-device-with-the-pocket-nova/

Retroid didn’t just knock on the door; they kicked it open with a surprise teaser for the Pocket Nova. If you’ve been holding your breath since the Retroid Pocket Mini V1 debacle, take a deep breath. This new horizontal handheld is shaping up to be the redemption arc the retro community has been waiting for.

Here is the good news: the screen is OLED, and it’s finally a proper 4:3 aspect ratio. Yes, that means no more cropped edges on classic games. The CEO previously teased a “mortgage screen” to fix the Mini’s issues, and the Pocket Nova looks like it’s delivering exactly that.

But wait, there’s more. Retroid quickly clarified the confusing silhouette from the initial tweet. No, those aren’t inline triggers. And yes, you’ll actually have color options to choose from. Community sleuths are already estimating a 4.4 to 4.5-inch display, which would keep the device compact and reminiscent of the beloved Mini layout.

Why does this matter? Because 2026 has been painfully quiet for handheld makers, largely due to crazy memory costs. This update is a much-needed spark of excitement. While we’re still guessing on the chip (hoping for an 8 Gen 2) and the price, one thing is clear: Retroid is listening, and the Nova looks promising.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

RH Picks: Best Prime Day Deals of 2026

https://retrohandhelds.gg/rh-picks-best-prime-day-deals-of-2026/

Prime Day is back, and if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your pocket-sized gaming arsenal, the clock is ticking. Retro Handhelds has spent the last few weeks digging through the digital trenches to bring you the best deals on Amazon, specifically tailored for those of us who enjoy retro emulation and portable power.

The real winner here? Accessibility. While you might find cheaper prices on AliExpress, these Prime Day picks offer the peace of mind of easy returns and fast shipping. Whether you’re eyeing a budget-friendly R36MAX for under $50 or splurging on a Windows-powered Legion Go S for $549.99, there’s something for every wallet.

Don’t stop at the handhelds, though. The accessories are just as juicy. We’re seeing serious discounts on 8BitDo controllers, high-speed microSD cards for storing those terabytes of ROMs, and even some adorable retro mechanical keyboards. If you’ve been eyeing a sleek carrying case or a multi-port charger to keep your rig powered up, now is the time.

Just remember, the sale ends Friday, June 26, at 3 AM ET. So, don’t let these deals slip away while you’re still scrolling. Happy hunting!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

New Home for Redump

https://retrorgb.com/new-home-for-redump.html

Ever feel that familiar chill when your browser screams, “This connection is not private”? Yeah, that’s officially a thing of the past for one of gaming’s most vital digital archives. The Redump team, the unsung heroes behind preserving our favorite retro games, has officially packed up their digital bags and moved operations to a new, significantly safer home: redump.info.

For those who’ve been hoarding ROMs and ISOs for years, this isn’t just a cosmetic update—it’s a security upgrade. The old redump.org domain is now considered obsolete. While the old site might stick around for a bit, all future activity, updates, and community discussions are happening at the new location. The best part? The new site actually supports dark mode. Because let’s be honest, late-night emulation sessions shouldn’t require sunglasses.

Already an old-timer with an account? Don’t panic. Your username still works, but you’ll need to reset your password via the new forum at forum.redump.info. New contributors can register fresh and jump right in. This migration ensures that the massive effort put into preserving gaming history remains accessible and secure for everyone who depends on it.

So, go ahead, give the new site a spin. It’s faster, safer, and finally free of those ominous browser warnings. Let’s raise a glass (or a controller) to the team keeping our retro libraries alive.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Retro Game Restore: Status Update

https://retrorgb.com/retro-game-restore-status-update.html

If you’ve been staring at your inbox, waiting for that Retro Game Restore order to magically appear, take a deep breath. Martin, the guy behind RGR, just dropped a brutally honest status update that explains why things are moving slower than a dial-up connection in 1999.

The short version? The Xbox shell project is technically alive—samples are in hand—but the global supply chain for plastics and chemicals is currently playing hard to get. Meanwhile, international shipping remains a logistical nightmare, though things are finally starting to thaw out. In a massive gesture of goodwill, RGR is eating the prepaid duties and tax-processing costs for all pre-orders placed before July 1st. That’s a significant hit to their bottom line, but it’s a good faith effort to keep customers happy.

Here’s the reality check: nobody wins here. You’re waiting for a product, and Martin is drowning in processing fees, lost shipments, and sourcing headaches. Refunding everyone would bankrupt the operation, but shipping delays are infuriating. It’s a classic “nobody’s fault, but everyone’s suffering” scenario driven by global chaos that no small business could plan for.

So, be patient. Martin has a years-long track record of delivering top-tier quality, and it looks like these products will eventually arrive. Just remember that behind every delayed package is a creator trying to keep their dream alive amidst the madness.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Film Companies “Piggyback” on Other Lawsuits to Unmask BitTorrent Pirates

https://torrentfreak.com/film-companies-piggyback-on-other-lawsuits-to-unmask-bittorrent-pirates/

Think you’ve outrun a BitTorrent lawsuit because the ISP’s 180-day data retention clock ran out? Think again. A clever new legal tactic is turning that privacy window into a trapdoor.

Movie studios are now “piggybacking” on the massive library of subpoenas filed by adult producer Strike 3 Holdings. Since Strike 3 targets thousands of IPs annually, they often force ISPs to hand over subscriber details well within the legal window. Now, film companies are asking courts to force ISPs to release those same records for older cases, arguing that if the ISP gave the info to Strike 3, they must still have it stored for litigation purposes.

A federal judge recently agreed, granting subpoenas that bypass the standard data expiration limits. The logic? If the ISP holds the document for one lawsuit, they can be compelled to produce it for another. It’s a savvy workaround that keeps the net open long after the original statute of limitations for data retention has closed.

But here’s the catch: IP addresses aren’t foolproof fingerprints. While the same IP and torrent client suggest a suspect, weeks can pass between cases, potentially assigning the address to a new household. Still, for studios like Capstone, this “piggyback” strategy is a welcome liftoff after losing previous battles in court. The era of easy anonymity via data expiration? It’s officially over.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

[UPDATE: Screen Specs] Retroid Teases a New 4:3 OLED Device With the Pocket Nova

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retroid-teases-a-new-43-oled-device-with-the-pocket-nova/

Retroid just dropped a curveball, and the retro handheld community is losing its mind. Right as the weekly podcast was about to kick off, the company teased the Retroid Pocket Nova, a new horizontal device that promises to fix the biggest complaint from last year: the screen.

Remember the “mortgage screen” drama with the Pocket Mini V1? Yeah, this looks like the apology tour. The Nova features a native 4:3 aspect ratio OLED display, finally giving classic games the pixel-perfect presentation they deserve. No more squished sprites or awkward cropping.

Here’s what we know so far:

• Design: It’s a compact, horizontal handheld, likely similar in size to the Pocket Mini.
• Controls: Contrary to some early guesses, inline triggers are off the table. Expect the traditional layout, possibly placing the D-pad above the analog sticks to honor those old-school console days.
• Specs: The chip remains a mystery, but hopes are high for a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or better.

While pricing and release dates are still under wraps, this feels like the hardware redemption arc we’ve been waiting for. In a market stifled by high component costs, a device that actually prioritizes retro authenticity over gimmicks is a breath of fresh air. Stay tuned for more updates—because if this screen lives up to the hype, it might just be the one to watch in 2026.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Valve Finally Reveals Steam Machine Pricing and Opens Waitlist

https://retrohandhelds.gg/valve-finally-reveals-steam-machine-pricing-and-opens-waitlist/

Valve finally dropped the hammer on Steam Machine pricing, and honestly? It’s steep. If you’ve been eyeing the desktop console, you’re looking at $1,049 for the base 512GB model, jumping to $1,428 if you want the 2TB storage and that signature Steam Controller. It’s eye-watering, sure, but it tracks with the current memory and storage crunch. It’s definitely not the budget-friendly dream Valve might have pitched back in late 2025, but it is what it is.

Here’s the twist: this isn’t a frantic “first-come, first-served” race. You can join the waitlist anytime before June 25th at 10 a.m. PT. Once that clock stops, Valve enters everyone into a random lottery. You’ll get an email with your results, and if you win, you get to pick your specific config. It’s a much fairer system than the chaos we’ve seen with other limited drops, giving you a genuine shot without needing a supercomputer to beat the servers.

On a brighter note, Valve is opening the gates for DIY enthusiasts. Starting with SteamOS 3.8, you can now install the OS on your own custom PC build, with recent updates smoothing out compatibility for Intel and AMD hardware. As for the Steam Frame headset? Keep your hopes in check; pricing and availability for that are still under wraps.