📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

MiSTer Gets RetroAchievements Support for SNES, N64, PS1, and More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/mister-gets-retroachievements-support-for-snes-n64-ps1-and-more/

If you’ve ever spent more time scrolling through your massive MiSTer ROM library than actually playing games, we have the cure for your indecision.

A developer named odelot has just dropped a massive update to GitHub that brings RetroAchievements support to the MiSTer FPGA. This means you can finally earn those sweet, sweet digital trophies while playing on hardware-accurate cores. The list of supported systems is already a heavy hitter, covering everything from the NES and SNES to the N64 and PlayStation.

The tech behind it is surprisingly slick. It uses an MD5 hash to check your ROM against the RetroAchievements database and monitors the RAM in real-time to trigger on-screen notifications when you nail a challenge. It even includes an overlay that lets you peek at available achievements mid-game.

Why this matters:

• Motivation: Achievements provide the perfect “just one more try” loop for retro enthusiasts.
• Seamlessness: The integration is smart enough to stay quiet if you’re using standard cores, so no unnecessary network lag.
• Offline Friendly: It features automatic reconnection if your internet decides to take a nap.

It’s still in the “in-development” phase, so expect some fine-tuning before it becomes an official staple of the MiSTer ecosystem.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

A New Open Source Project Can Boot Linux on Original PS5 Hardware With Full Steam Support

https://retrohandhelds.gg/a-new-open-source-project-can-boot-linux-on-original-ps5-hardware-with-full-steam-support/

The PS5 Just Got a Major Identity Crisis

Ever looked at your PlayStation 5 and thought, “This is great, but I really wish it functioned like a high-end Linux desktop”? Well, thanks to a new open-source project called ps5-linux, you can now make that weirdly specific dream a reality.

The developers have successfully figured out how to exploit a hypervisor vulnerability to boot Linux directly on the console’s hardware. We aren’t talking about a glorified slideshow, either; once it’s running, you get access to all eight CPU cores and a beefy GPU. The end goal? Turning your console into a legitimate Steam gaming machine capable of running PC titles and emulators with impressive results.

Before you go rushing to eBay to hunt for an old console, there are some serious “fine print” vibes here:

• The Hardware: This only works on the original “Phat” PS5 models.
• The Software: You need to be running specific older firmware (3.xx or certain 4.xx versions) to get the full experience.
• The Catch: If your console is up-to-date with Sony’s latest security patches, you’re likely out of luck for now.

It’s a massive win for hardware enthusiasts and a fascinating peek at just how much power is locked behind Sony’s walled garden.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

The Travel Board you Didn’t Know you Needed: Epomaker Luma40

https://retrohandhelds.gg/epomaker-luma40-review/

### The Keyboard That Thinks Outside (and Inside) the Box

If you think a 65% keyboard is small, Epomaker just arrived to challenge your entire concept of space. Enter the Luma40: a 40% ortholinear keyboard that strips away almost everything—number keys, upper punctuation, and even the traditional staggered layout—leaving you with nothing but a sleek, grid-based minimalist dream.

At $115, this isn’t exactly a budget impulse buy, but you’re paying for some serious “premium” vibes. It features a sturdy aluminum shell that feels dense enough to survive being tossed into a backpack, making it an absolute powerhouse for travelers or anyone frequently moving between a desk and a couch.

However, there is a learning curve (and maybe a bit of hand cramping). Because the keys are arranged in a straight grid rather than the usual staggered rows, your typing speed might take a temporary hit while your brain re-learns where everything lives.

The quick breakdown:

• Pros: High-quality aluminum build; great for travel; uses user-friendly VIA software.
• Cons: Battery life drains fast if you love RGB; the “ortho” layout is a massive adjustment; keycaps can be tricky to read under bright lights.

It’s probably not your primary daily driver, but as a secondary board for your HTPC or a dedicated travel companion? It’s a winner.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Now’s Your Last Chance to Get Some of AYANEO’s Best Android Handhelds

https://retrohandhelds.gg/nows-your-last-chance-to-get-some-of-ayaneos-best-android-handhelds/

If you’ve been eyeing a new piece of portable gaming gear lately, you might want to move a little faster than usual.

AYANEO has officially announced that they are pulling the plug on several of their popular Android handhelds. The culprit? Rising costs for RAM and storage. It’s not exactly a shocker in today’s hardware climate, but it does mean some fan favorites are headed for the retirement home.

The discontinuation affects four specific models, including versions of the KONKR Pocket FIT and the Pocket DS. If you were holding out for a deal on a Pocket Air Mini B.Duck Edition, this is your final warning: once the remaining 30–50 units per model are gone, they’re gone for good.

A few quick takeaways if you’re shopping:

• The “Gone Forever” List: KONKR Pocket FIT (G3 Gen 3 and 8 Elite variants), Pocket DS, and Pocket Air Mini B.Duck Edition.
• Price Shifts: Expect some adjustments to other products like the Pocket S Mini and Pocket VERT as well.
• Where to look: If AYANEO’s direct shop is sold out, keep an eye on third-party retailers like AKNES or DroiX.

Bottom line: Don’t procrastinate unless you enjoy missing out.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Unlock “PSX” PlayStation 2 HDD’s with the ATA Express

https://retrorgb.com/unlock-psx-playstation-2-hdds-ata-express.html

If you own an original Japanese PSX (the PlayStation 2/DVR hybrid), you know the heartbreak: when that internal hard drive dies, your expensive piece of tech becomes a very sleek paperweight. Because the HDD is locked to the hardware, finding a replacement is a nightmare—until now.

Enter the ATA Express. This clever IDE emulator allows you to swap out those finicky old drives for a simple MicroSD card. Not only can you clone your original drive to an SD card to preserve your data, but you can also ditch the tiny storage limits of traditional adapters and scale up to a massive 2TB.

While this version is currently focused on first-gen PSX units, the developer is already working on a follow-up design that promises better mounting and wider compatibility.

The real “mic drop” moment? This tech might eventually allow Sega Dreamcast owners to run homebrew via SD card without sacrificing their original disc drive—a holy grail for collectors who want the best of both worlds.

Quick highlights:

• Huge Capacity: Supports up to 2TB MicroSD cards.
• Versatile: Great for retro PCs looking for a modern, solid-state storage solution.
• The Dreamcast Factor: Potential to act as an ODE while keeping the GDROM functional.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Google Uses Cox Ruling to Kill Last Copyright Claim in Textbook Piracy Lawsuit

https://torrentfreak.com/google-uses-cox-ruling-to-kill-last-copyright-claim-in-textbook-piracy-lawsuit/

Google is playing the “Supreme Court card” to dodge textbook piracy claims.

Remember that massive lawsuit from last June? A group of heavy-hitting publishers (think McGraw Hill and Elsevier) sued Google, claiming the search giant’s Shopping ads were basically a billboard for pirate sellers peddling stolen textbooks.

Well, Google is now trying to pull the rug out from under the remaining copyright claim. Their secret weapon? A recent Supreme Court ruling in Cox Communications v. Sony Music.

Before this ruling, publishers could argue that Google was liable simply because it “contributed” to the infringement by hosting the ads. But the Supreme Court just tightened the leash. Now, to be held liable for contributory infringement, you have to prove Google actually intended for the service to be used for piracy—either by actively inducing it or by running a platform designed specifically for stealing.

Google’s argument is pretty blunt: “We aren’t a pirate site, and we aren’t actively recruiting thieves.”

If the judge agrees, the copyright claim dies. However, there’s one more round left in this fight: a trademark infringement claim regarding unauthorized textbook covers that Google hasn’t quite managed to shake just yet. Stay tuned.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Game Boy Color ‘Watch’, GammaOS Saves Anbernic, and Much More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-96/

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📰 New article from RetroRGB

Make Your Own Xbox Prototype

https://retrorgb.com/make-your-own-xbox-prototype.html

Ever looked at your desk and thought, “This really needs more 2001-era Microsoft prototype energy”? Well, now you can make it happen.

Tito from Macho Nacho Productions has officially launched a web store where you can snag the design files to build your very own Xbox prototype. Whether you want the full-sized version that actually fits an optical drive or a smaller, more “authentic” scale model, the blueprints are ready for download.

For $20 (or $30 for both), you get a complete package. And we’re not just talking about 3D files; Tito is providing a full Bill of Materials and assembly instructions. In a world where “open source” often means a confusing pile of random parts, having a curated, verified list of components is a massive time-saver for any DIYer.

The best part? The center jewel is programmable. You could go full retro-nostalgia, or use the shell to house a modern emulation rig or a mini gaming PC. It’s the ultimate “stealth” hardware project—perfect for tech historians and modders alike.

📰 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!