📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Anbernic RG 55G1, GameNative v1.2, and the Future of Physical Games

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-114/

Whether you’re a collector of plastic discs or a lover of tiny handhelds, this week’s news is a bit of a tug-of-war between the old school and the new.

First up, the hardware crowd is buzzing. Anbernic finally dropped the full specs for the RG 55G1, and it looks like the rumors were mostly right. Meanwhile, if you have a massive wallet, the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 preorders are live—starting at a cool $1,299.

But the real story is the battle for “ownership.” As Microsoft begins letting Xbox Insiders convert physical discs into digital licenses, a new tool called DiscWright is popping up to let users burn GOG installers back onto physical discs. It’s a cheeky way of saying, “If I bought it, I want to hold it.”

Quick hits from around the circuit:

• GameNative v1.2: A major update to make x86 emulation on Android much smoother.
• Atari & Activision: Teaming up to re-release nearly 40 classic Atari 2600 games on physical media.
• Analogue Pocket: A new tool is making it easier to dump Game Boy cartridges directly via the device’s connector.

It’s a busy week for anyone trying to keep retro gaming alive—one disc (or handheld) at a time.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer FPGA News – New Arcade Cores, DVD Players & More

https://retrorgb.com/mister-fpga-news-new-arcade-cores-dvd-players-more.html

### MiSTer FPGA: From Arcade Classics to Living Room Cinema

If you thought your MiSTer setup was complete, think again. The latest wave of updates is turning this powerhouse into something much closer to an all-in-one retro entertainment center.

The biggest news? We are officially entering the era of the DVD. Developers are making massive strides with DVD cores, with one version already boasting real-time PAL/NTSC toggles and smooth ISO playback. If you’re a fan of physical media, a new “Physical Disc” binary has also arrived, fixing audio and disc-swapping issues for classics like Ridge Racer and Tomb Raider.

For the arcade purists, there is plenty to keep you busy:

New Cores: OutRunners (with dual-screen support!), G.I. Joe, and the side-scrolling beat ’em up Denjin Makai* are ready for action.

Sega Love: The Sega System 32 core just got a massive library boost, including Jurassic Park and Spider-Man*.

• Handheld Vibes: A brand-new, ground-up Neo Geo Pocket Color core is here, supporting both Mono and Color versions.

Bonus points for the “MiSTerFin” client, which lets you stream Jellyfin media directly to your CRT. It’s basically a time machine for your movies.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG 55G1 Impressions: End of Summer Surplus?

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-55g1-first-impressions/

### A Beautiful Paradox in Your Palms

If you’ve been following the tech world lately, you know the drill: parts are scarce, prices are climbing, and “new” often feels like “slightly less capable than last year.” The Anbernic RG 55G1 is a perfect, if slightly frustrating, example of this new reality.

On paper, the device is a bit of a head-scratcher. It sports a gorgeous, high-resolution 1080p screen that looks so good you’ll swear it’s an OLED. The build quality is premium, the Hall Effect triggers are a dream, and the controls are whisper-quiet—perfect for late-night gaming without waking the spouse.

The catch? The internal processor. While the screen is top-tier, the chipset struggles to keep up with high-end emulation. You’ll get crisp, beautiful upscaling for PSP and Dreamcast, but once you hit PS2 or GameCube, the resolution can look a bit muddy.

The bottom line:

• The Good: Stunning display, premium feel, and excellent UI.
• The Bad: A mid-tier chip that creates a “mismatch” with that beautiful screen.
• The Verdict: If you can snag this around the $130 mark, it’s a stellar handheld. Any higher, and you might be better off looking for more raw power.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

RetroTap Power Supply On Sale September 3rd

https://retrorgb.com/retrotap-power-supply-on-sale-september-3rd.html

If your retro gaming setup currently looks like a tangled nest of black wires and “wall wart” power bricks, it’s time to stage an intervention.

This Thursday, September 3rd, at 11 AM (NYC time), Kytor Industries is officially dropping the RetroTap. Unlike those frustrating pre-order cycles that leave you staring at a loading bar for months, these units are in stock and ready to ship immediately.

The RetroTap is designed to solve the ultimate retro gamer headache: cable clutter. Instead of a dozen messy plugs, you can power up to 11 consoles using a single, high-quality 9V power supply. It’s not about saving money—it’s about reclaiming your desk space and upgrading to a reliable power solution.

A few quick tips before you hit “buy”:

• Check your ports: The device has two sides with different port sizes and polarities (center positive vs. center negative). This prevents you from accidentally frying a console, but it does mean you should count your specific console types before ordering.
• The Extras: The unit is $60, but remember you’ll need to grab a high-quality 9V PSU and individual DC cables to make the magic happen.

If you’re just looking to power one or two machines, a Triad might be your best bet, but for the heavy hitters, the RetroTap is a game-changer.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

The State of 3:2 Retro Handhelds in 2026

https://retrohandhelds.gg/the-state-of-3-2-retro-handhelds-in-2026/

### The Quest for the Perfect GBA Replacement

If you grew up with a Game Boy Advance SP in your hands, you know that specific 3:2 aspect ratio isn’t just a technical spec—it’s a feeling. For a long time, finding a modern handheld that didn’t stretch or squash those classic pixels felt like a fool’s errand, leaving us stuck with widescreen devices that just didn’t “fit.”

Well, 2026 is officially the year of the comeback. The market for 3:2 retro handhelds is seeing a massive resurgence, and whether you’re a Linux purist or an Android power user, there is finally something for everyone.

Here’s the quick breakdown of where to put your money:

• The Linux Loyalists: If you want simplicity and low cost, the Anbernic RG SP is the current king of vibes. For a budget win, the Powkiddy V10 is a steal.
• Small Screen Android: Looking for something pocketable? The MagicX One35 offers a great balance of price and build, while the upcoming Pocket Micro 2 is the premium powerhouse for those who want to push into PS2 territory.
• Big Screen Android: For a more substantial experience, the KTR2 is the sweet spot for build quality and performance. If money is no object, the Ayaneo Pocket Ace is the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Bottom line: The “GBA feel” is back, and you no longer have to settle for awkward widescreen emulation.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Strider 2 Vinyl Soundtrack Launched

https://retrorgb.com/strider-2-vinyl-soundtrack-launched.html

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the high-octane intensity of a 90s side-scroller while spinning a classic disc, your time has come. Mana Wave Media just dropped a brand-new vinyl release for the Strider 2 soundtrack, and it’s looking as sharp as a Strider blade.

Composed by the talented Setsuo Yamamoto and Etsuko Yoneda, this soundtrack captures that specific era of Arcade and PlayStation magic. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or just a collector of vintage gaming vibes, this is a piece of history you can actually hold.

Here’s the quick breakdown for the collectors:

• The Look: Available in a striking red and blue splatter design.
• The Scarcity: It’s a single LP limited to just 500 copies.

The Sound: The tracklist mirrors the original Strider Hiryu 2* CD release.

At $30, it’s a relatively easy grab, but with only 500 copies on the table, it won’t stay on the shelves for long. If you want to soundtrack your next gaming session with some retro flair, you might want to move faster than a ninja.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Belgian Orders Demand Pirate Site Operators’ Bank Details, Crypto Wallets and Server Logs

https://torrentfreak.com/belgian-orders-demand-pirate-site-operators-bank-details-crypto-wallets-and-server-logs/

The Belgian authorities are playing a high-stakes game of digital hide-and-seek, and they’re tired of losing.

For years, anti-piracy groups have relied on blocking websites, only to watch pirate operators hop to a new domain name faster than you can click “skip ad.” Now, Belgium’s Department for Combating Online Infringement (BAPO) is changing its strategy: instead of chasing the site, they’re going after the person behind it.

Through a series of court orders, Belgian authorities are demanding that domain registrars hand over a massive digital paper trail. We aren’t just talking about names and emails; they are digging for:

• Full banking details (IBANs and card types)
• Crypto wallet addresses and transaction IDs
• Detailed server logs (IP addresses, device types, and browser history)

The goal? To unmask the operators behind sites that are likely streaming sports content.

There’s a catch: a strict gag order is in place, meaning these registrars can’t even tell the users they’re being investigated. It’s a bold, aggressive move that tests the limits of EU law, but whether it actually catches the “big fish” remains to be seen.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Honoring Optimus: My Favorite Ways to Play Transformers

https://retrohandhelds.gg/honoring-optimus-my-favorite-ways-to-play-transformers/

### Roll Out: Remembering the Legend of Optimus Prime

If you grew up in the ’80s, you probably remember the collective trauma of watching Optimus Prime die in The Transformers: The Movie. Before Game of Thrones became the poster child for shocking character deaths, a group of unsuspecting kindergartners was already experiencing genuine grief via a VHS tape.

That emotional weight was largely thanks to the legendary Peter Cullen. His gravelly, heroic performance turned a commercial for plastic toys into something that felt profoundly real. As we reflect on his massive legacy, it’s the perfect time to revisit the games that captured that magic.

While the Transformers gaming library is a mixed bag of low-effort cash-ins, there are some absolute gems worth hunting down:

• Transformers: Devastation: A cel-shaded love letter to the G1 cartoon style. It’s currently delisted from digital stores, so physical copies are your best friend here.
• Transformers: Animated: A clever 2D puzzle-platformer for the DS that proves sometimes “less is more.”
• War for Cybertron / Fall of Cybertron: High-octane action that nails the transition between robot and vehicle combat.

Whether you’re playing via emulation or hunting for old discs, these titles keep the spirit of the Autobots alive. Till all are one!

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Disc to Digital: How Xbox is Hedging Against the End of Physical Media

https://retrohandhelds.gg/disc-to-digital-how-xbox-is-hedging-against-the-end-of-physical-media/

If your gaming shelf is starting to look more like a plastic graveyard than a library, Microsoft might have just handed you a lifeline.

Starting August 31, Xbox Insiders can officially begin converting their physical game discs into digital licenses. The process is surprisingly painless: pop the disc into your Xbox One or Series X, launch the game, and—presto—the title is tied to your account forever. No more swapping discs or hunting for scratched copies; your games are now ready for cloud streaming and cross-platform play.

While it sounds like a win for convenience, there’s a strategic layer here. Sony is reportedly eyeing a total phase-out of physical media by 2028, leaving PlayStation owners with nothing but expensive paperweights. Microsoft, meanwhile, is building a bridge to a disc-less future (rumored to be codenamed “Project Helix”) by letting you “digitize” your collection before the hardware changes.

It’s a clever move that frames a digital transition as “game preservation.” Whether it’s a genuine gift to collectors or a smooth way to migrate users to the cloud, one thing is clear: your old discs just got a lot more relevant.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

KONKR Pocket Advance First Impressions: Modern Tech in a Familiar Shell

https://retrohandhelds.gg/konkr-pocket-advance-first-impressions/

### Nostalgia, but make it Android

If you’ve ever looked at your old Game Boy Advance and wished it had a bit more “oomph” (and a modern OS), the KONKR Pocket Advance is coming for your wallet. It’s a retro-inspired handheld that manages to wrap high-end modern tech in a shell that feels like a warm hug from the early 2000s.

Starting at a pretty accessible $89, the Pocket Advance is a powerhouse for its size. It runs on Android 12, meaning you get the flexibility of a modern ecosystem rather than being locked into a rigid Linux setup. While it’s built for GBA classics, the internals are beefy enough to tackle some GameCube and PS2 titles, too.

The quick breakdown:

• The Good: The build quality feels premium, the buttons are whisper-quiet (perfect for late-night gaming), and the 3:2 aspect ratio screen is gorgeous.
• The Bad: The ABXY buttons can feel a bit “mushy,” and some early units have reported minor screen lifting issues.

The Verdict: If you already own an Anbernic RG34XX, you don’t need* to upgrade. But if you want better specs, a better screen, and an Android-based experience, this is a serious contender.