📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retroid Slashes Prices on Remaining Stock of Devices

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retroid-slashes-prices-on-remaining-stock-of-devices/

If you’ve been eyeing a new retro handheld but were waiting for the “perfect moment” to pull the trigger, this might be it. Retroid is currently clearing out its warehouse, and they aren’t playing around with the discounts.

The company has slashed prices on several of its older, beloved devices to make room for newer releases like the Pocket Nova. While the shiny new tech is great, these older models remain community staples for a reason—they work, they’re reliable, and right now, they’re significantly cheaper.

Here’s the breakdown of the heavy hitters:

• Retroid Pocket Classic: Now $99 (down from $149)
• Retroid Pocket 5 (12GB): Now $179 (down from $209)
• Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Starting at $149 (depending on the model)

The catch? This is a “when they’re gone, they’re gone” situation. Retroid has explicitly stated that once this remaining stock sells out, these devices will be discontinued entirely. If you want to snag a bargain before these models become collector’s items, you’ll need to move fast.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Game Bub Portable FPGA Review

https://retrorgb.com/game-bub-portable-fpga-review.html

If you’ve ever looked at your stack of old Game Boy cartridges and thought, “I wish I could play these on a device that actually feels premium,” then you’ll want to pay attention to this one.

Ken from What’s Ken Making just dropped a deep-dive teardown and review of the Game Bub, the horizontally-oriented production version of the open-source FPGA handheld. While Ken previously tinkered with the vertical prototype, this new version is the one you can actually get your hands on right now via Crowd Supply.

Here is why this little powerhouse is turning heads:

• True Hardware Emulation: Since it uses FPGA, it isn’t just “simulating” games; it’s recreating the actual hardware logic.
• Versatility: It plays physical Game Boy, GBC, and GBA cartridges, but you can also load up ROMs and various other cores.
• Built to Last: The teardown gives a clear look at how the production model compares to the earlier builds.

Whether you’re a hardware geek or just a handheld enthusiast, Ken’s breakdown is a must-watch before you pull the trigger on your own.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

RS-16 Review: This Mystery Clam Clone Has Heart

https://retrohandhelds.gg/rs-16-review/

### The Mystery of the Clamshell Clone

In the world of retro handhelds, there’s nothing quite as thrilling as a “whodunnit.” Enter the RS-16: a clamshell device that looks like a nostalgic nod to the Game Boy Advance SP, but comes with a massive catch—nobody actually knows who made it.

Despite its mysterious origins and a somewhat generic, “chunky” exterior, the RS-16 is a surprising sleeper hit. While it lacks the bells and whistles of premium brands (no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no fancy OS), it’s built with a level of intent that you don’t often see in budget clones. It feels less like a random hodgepodge of leftover parts and more like a device designed from the inside out to maximize performance.

The quick hits:

The Good: The 3.5-inch screen is surprisingly crisp and bright, and the RK3326 chipset is punching well above its weight class, even handling PC ports like Vice City* with ease.

• The Bad: The shoulder buttons are a struggle; they require a comical amount of force to register a press.
• The Verdict: It’s a budget-friendly powerhouse that proves even “old” chips can feel new with the right tuning.

Finding one to buy is currently a game of hide-and-seek on AliExpress, but if you spot a deal, don’t sleep on it. This mystery clone has a surprising amount of heart.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Rightsholders Can’t Use OpenAI and Anthropic to Dismantle Meta’s Seeding Defense

https://torrentfreak.com/rightsholders-cant-use-openai-and-anthropic-to-dismantle-metas-seeding-defense/

### The “It’s Just How BitTorrent Works” Defense

Meta is currently in a legal tug-of-war over how it trained its Llama AI models, and the argument is getting surprisingly technical. Authors and publishers are accusing Meta of using pirated “shadow libraries” to feed its AI, and because Meta used BitTorrent to get the data, they ended up “seeding” (uploading) those pirated books to other users in the process.

Meta’s defense? They claim that uploading is an “inherent characteristic” of the BitTorrent protocol—basically saying, “Look, if you want the data in bulk, you have to share it. It’s just how the tech works.”

In a clever move, plaintiffs tried to call Meta’s bluff by subpoenaing AI rivals OpenAI and Anthropic. The logic was simple: if OpenAI and Anthropic used torrents but configured their software not to upload, then Meta’s “it’s unavoidable” excuse falls apart.

However, the court just shut that plan down. A judge ruled that poking around OpenAI’s logs wouldn’t prove anything about Meta’s specific settings. Instead of playing detective with Meta’s competitors, the court says the plaintiffs should look under Meta’s own hood.

The takeaway: Meta has been ordered to hand over its own server command histories. This will show exactly how their torrent clients were configured—and whether they intentionally chose to seed pirated content or if it really was “just the protocol.”

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Socket Gets its Latest 0.6.0 Update

https://retrohandhelds.gg/socket-gets-its-latest-0-6-0-update/

If you’ve been following the handheld scene lately, you know the “frontend wars” are in full swing. We’ve seen a massive wave of new interfaces lately, ranging from the ultra-minimalist to the feature-heavy powerhouses. Enter Socket: the rising contender that’s trying to strike that perfect balance between “looks gorgeous” and “actually works great.”

The developers just dropped version 0.6.0, and while it might not be a total overhaul, it’s a clear sign that this project is being built with real care. They aren’t just chasing bells and whistles; they’re polishing the experience.

Here’s the lowdown on what’s new:

• Android Support: You can now see Android apps popping up in that sleek 3D carousel.
• Customization: A new zoom slider in the “Edit Platform” menu lets you tweak how those 3D models look.
• Bug Squashing: They’ve fixed several annoying issues, including RetroArch crashing during sleep mode and some hiccups with PlayStation button layouts.

Developing a frontend is a massive undertaking, especially with so much competition. But with Socket’s aesthetic hitting all the right notes, it’s definitely one to keep on your radar.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer FPGA News – Sega Y Board, Sega Model 1, Hard Drivin’ & More

https://retrorgb.com/mister-fpga-news-sega-y-board-sega-model-1-hard-drivin-more.html

### MiSTer Update: Sega Power and Arcade Classics

If you thought your MiSTer setup was complete, think again. The latest wave of updates is rolling in, and it’s a heavy hitter for arcade enthusiasts.

The big news? We’re seeing some serious Sega love. A new Sega Y Board core is officially available, letting you dive into classics like Galaxy Force II and G-LOC Air Battle. We’ve also got the first glimpses of the Sega Model 1 core (start with Virtua Racing for now) and a massive update to the G80V core.

But the variety doesn’t stop at Sega. Here’s a quick look at what else is hitting your SD card:

New Arcade Hits: Grab the new Hard Drivin’ core for that authentic cockpit feel, or try out the Night Slashers* beat ’em up.

Hybrid Core Drop: The “Update All 2.10” brings four new hybrid cores, including a native port of Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (3S-ARM) and the classic PC shooter Blood*.

• System Tweaks: From improved ZX Spectrum accuracy to better audio on the X68000, the core stability is getting a much-needed polish.

Whether you’re looking for high-speed racing or retro shooters, there’s plenty to keep you busy this weekend. Happy gaming!

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG 55G1 Review: Baby’s First Qualcomm

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg55g1-review/

### Anbernic’s First Qualcomm Attempt: A Mixed Bag

Anbernic has a bit of a reputation: they make devices that are almost perfect, but usually miss the mark on one key feature. With the new RG 55G1, they’ve taken a massive swing by introducing their first Qualcomm chip. But as it turns out, more power on paper doesn’t always mean more power in practice.

The 55G1 is a bit of a contradiction. On one hand, it’s a dream for 4:3 emulation. It handles everything from N64 to Dreamcast with ease, and because of the screen ratio, it makes for a fantastic, oversized PSP experience. The battery life is also stellar, and the cooling fan is so quiet you’ll practically have to hunt for it.

However, there are some significant “buts”:

• The GPU Struggle: While the CPU is snappy, the GPU is surprisingly weak, struggling with high-end emulation like Switch or Wii U.
• Build Quirks: It’s a heavy, dense device with a glass front that adds unnecessary weight and a “flat” back that lacks ergonomic grips.
• Software Bloat: It comes pre-loaded with enough junk apps to make even the most patient user reach for the “uninstall” button immediately.

The takeaway? If you want a premium-feeling handheld dedicated to retro classics and PSP, this is a winner. If you’re chasing high-end Android gaming or heavy-duty emulation, you might want to keep looking.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Sharp Twin Famicom Restoration

https://retrorgb.com/sharp-twin-famicom-restoration.html

If you’ve ever wanted to own a piece of Nintendo history that looks like a futuristic relic from a 1980s sci-fi flick, the Sharp Twin Famicom is your holy grail. It’s a beast of a machine that combines the classic 8-bit console with the Famicom Disk System into one single unit.

Recently, Tito from Macho Nacho Productions shared a masterclass in console revival, documenting his journey to restore a Twin Famicom through deep cleaning, belt replacements, and fresh capacitors. It’s a satisfying watch for anyone who loves seeing dusty tech brought back to life.

But here is the real kicker for the modding enthusiasts: this specific console has a secret weapon—a DIN connector. While most retro enthusiasts dread cutting traces on old motherboards, the Twin Famicom’s design allows for some seriously clean upgrades.

If you’re looking to get that crisp, modern video signal without ruining the hardware, you have some stellar options:

• Lumacode Mod: The ultimate “no-cut” win. It’s non-intrusive, easy to uninstall, and perfect if you already own a high-end upscaler like a RetroTINK.
• NESRGB: The gold standard for high-quality signals if you want to push that 8-bit glory to its absolute limit.

Basically, it’s a rare chance to make a vintage legend play like it’s brand new.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

As US Trade Pressure Mounts, Vietnam Prepares to Prosecute 74 ‘Xoi Lac’ Sports Pirates

https://torrentfreak.com/as-us-trade-pressure-mounts-vietnam-prepares-to-prosecute-74-xoi-lac-sports-pirates/

If you’ve ever watched a Premier League match via a shady, free-to-air stream in Vietnam, you’ve probably encountered the “Xoi Lac” empire. It was the ultimate digital workaround: high-energy commentary, zero subscription fees, and a constant game of cat-and-mouse with domain blockers.

But the party is officially over. Vietnamese authorities are moving to prosecute 74 people involved in a massive piracy network that operated sites like XoilacTV and 90PhutTV. This wasn’t just a group of hobbyists; it was a professional operation. The crew included programmers, server managers, and even a stable of “celebrity” commentators using superhero aliases like “Batman” and “Scarecrow.”

The real kicker? The money. While copyright infringement carries relatively light sentences, the authorities are leaning hard on the gambling angle. Because the sites were flooded with illegal betting ads, defendants could face up to 10 years in prison for organizing gambling.

This crackdown isn’t just local drama, either. It’s a high-stakes diplomatic dance. With the U.S. threatening tariffs due to intellectual property concerns, Vietnam is using these massive takedowns to prove to Washington that they are finally getting serious about protecting global copyrights.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Retroid Pocket Duo, Anbernic RG DS Plus, Zelda 40th Anniversary, and More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-116/

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