📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

UGREEN Is Getting Into the Smart Home Business

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ugreen-is-getting-into-the-smart-home-business/

### UGREEN is trading chargers for smart homes

If you’ve ever felt the sting of a monthly subscription fee just to watch your own doorbell camera footage, UGREEN has some news for you. The company, known mostly for its reliable cables and chargers, is officially pivoting into the smart home ecosystem with a heavy dose of local AI.

Their new “HomeAgent” lineup is designed to kill the cloud dependency. Instead of sending your data to a massive server farm to be processed, these hubs—ranging from the entry-level HA100 to the beastly, NVIDIA-powered MasterAgent—keep everything on your local network. This means faster recognition of pets and packages, better privacy, and, most importantly, no more recurring monthly bills for storage.

But they aren’t just playing with smart hubs. UGREEN also unveiled:

• The MagFlow Line: Liquid-cooled wireless chargers that use a tiny micro-pump to keep your phone from turning into a pocket heater.
• Smart Hardware: A suite of cameras, an ePaper smart frame, and a smart speaker for their “Uliya” assistant.
• Major Moves: A new partnership with the New England Patriots to cement their presence in the North American market.

It’s a bold move from an Amazon staple to a serious smart home contender. Whether these hubs can truly replace the Nest or Ring giants remains to be seen, but the promise of “privacy without a subscription” is a very tempting pitch.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

FunnyPlaying Shows Off Mini Game Boy in the Works

https://retrohandhelds.gg/funnyplaying-shows-off-mini-game-boy-in-the-works/

If you’ve ever looked at a classic Game Boy and thought, “This is great, but I wish it fit more comfortably in my coin pocket,” FunnyPlaying might have just answered your prayers.

The hardware enthusiasts, known for their high-quality shells and upgrades, are officially venturing back into the handheld market with a teaser for the “Retro Pixel MiniGB.” It’s essentially a miniaturized Game Boy DMG that doesn’t just look the part—it actually plays original cartridges.

Here is the quick rundown on what we know so far:

• The Vibe: It’s a scaled-down version of the classic DMG, featuring tiny buttons and a D-pad.
• The Screen: Despite the tiny body, the display is expected to stay around a respectable 2.6 inches, looking much brighter than the original hardware.
• The Tech: While details are slim, there’s heavy speculation it will use FPGA technology (similar to their FPGBC kit) to run Game Boy and Color ROMs with high accuracy.

We’re still playing the waiting game for the big three: price, release date, and resolution. But if FunnyPlaying can polish the hardware as well as they did their previous releases, this could be the ultimate “pocket companion” for retro fans.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Sony Announces a New Physical Release in the LEGO PlayStation

https://retrohandhelds.gg/sony-announces-a-new-physical-release-in-the-lego-playstation/

If you thought the console wars were over, Sony just dropped a brick-shaped bombshell.

Following in the footsteps of the LEGO NES and Game Boy sets, PlayStation is officially joining the blocky fray. This isn’t just a tiny desktop trinket, either; we’re looking at a massive 1,911-piece build that captures that iconic, chunky aesthetic we all remember.

For $179.99, you get a surprisingly detailed model complete with memory card slots, controller ports, and even a working disc drive. Just a fair warning: don’t try to slide your actual CDs in there. Instead, the set includes two miniature brick-built mockups of classic games to sit inside the drive.

The quick hits:

• Release Date: October 4th (perfect for holiday shopping).
• The Goods: A detailed console and a matching “no-stick” controller.
• The Vibe: Pure nostalgia for anyone who spent their childhood staring at a glowing green power light.

Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just want a piece of gaming history to sit on your shelf, this is a must-grab. Just try not to step on it in the dark—that’s a level of pain even Sony can’t fix.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG DS Plus Officially Revealed, Equipped with Larger Screens and Built-in Stylus for ‘under $100’

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-ds-plus-officially-revealed-equipped-with-larger-screens-and-built-in-stylus-for-under-100/

If you’ve been feeling the itch to revisit your Nintendo DS glory days, Anbernic just dropped a little something to scratch it. After a somewhat sleepy start to the year, the company has officially pulled the curtain back on the RG DS Plus, and it looks like a serious upgrade for fans of the dual-screen lifestyle.

While we’re still waiting on the full spec sheet, the highlights are already looking sweet. We’re talking dual 4.3-inch screens with a crisp 1024 x 768 resolution, designed to give DS games that “pixel-perfect” look we all crave. They’ve also added a built-in capacitive stylus—because let’s be honest, losing your pen is the worst.

Here’s the real tea:

• Linux-First: They’ve ditched the Android headache in favor of a smoother Linux experience.
• Better Build: A redesigned, sturdier hinge and a more rounded, ergonomic feel.
• The Price: Anbernic rep Wild Lee confirmed it will retail for under $100.

It’s running the same Rockchip processor as its predecessor, but with the new NNDDSS emulator and better software optimization, it’s shaping up to be a budget-friendly powerhouse for retro enthusiasts.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Super Mario Bros NES to SMS Port v1 Release

https://retrorgb.com/super-mario-bros-nes-to-sms-port-v1-release.html

Ever wondered what would happen if Nintendo and Sega had actually played nice in the late ’80s? Well, a developer named LackOfTrack just gave us the answer.

The first full version of the Super Mario Bros. port for the Sega Master System is officially here. This isn’t just some lazy re-skin of an existing Sega game with Mario’s face slapped on it; it’s a genuine, faithful port of the NES original. Using the classic NES disassembly as a blueprint, the developer has managed to make the game feel and play exactly like the masterpiece we grew up with—just on Sega hardware.

For the retro purists out there, this is a massive win. You can run it through an emulator, but it’s also fully compatible with original hardware via ROM carts.

A few quick highlights:

• Full Game: Unlike the early contest entry that only had level one, this is the complete experience.
• Audio Options: You can toggle an FM sound track to give it that signature Sega punch (though you’ll need an FM module on real hardware to hear it).

It’s a beautiful “what if” scenario brought to life. Grab the ROM and start jumping!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Virtual Boy “Mr Cart” In Stock

https://retrorgb.com/virtual-boy-mr-cart-in-stock.html

If you still have a Nintendo Virtual Boy gathering dust in your attic, it’s time to dust off those red goggles. The legendary (and slightly headache-inducing) handheld just got a massive quality-of-life upgrade.

Stone Age Gamer has officially restocked the “Mr Cart,” a ROM cartridge that basically turns your Virtual Boy into a digital powerhouse. Instead of hunting down rare, expensive physical games, you just load your favorites onto a MicroSD card. You can browse your library directly on the VB’s screen, making it compatible with everything from original classics to modern homebrew titles.

It’ll set you back about $250, but the convenience is hard to beat. Loading a game takes anywhere from ten seconds to a minute, but once it’s loaded, you’re good to go.

If you’re the type of person who needs more “flair” with your retro gaming, there is a second option: the HyperBoy 32+. It’s a bit more niche—you can only load one game at a time via a PC—but it features a built-in eInk screen that displays the game’s box art.

Whether you want the versatility of the Mr Cart or the aesthetic vibes of the HyperBoy, the Virtual Boy is officially back from the brink.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Razer Prio First Impressions: Pocketable Gaming With a Few Caveats

https://retrohandhelds.gg/razer-prio-first-impressions/

### Small Controller, Big Questions

Razer is back at it again, attempting to shrink the gaming experience down to something you can actually fit in a pocket. Their new Prio telescopic controller aims to be the ultimate travel companion, but as the saying goes: you get what you pay for—and sometimes, you get what you lose.

At $100, this isn’t your budget grocery-store peripheral. It’s a sleek, wired-only device that uses some pretty wild tech—specifically a rubbery strap that handles data transfer to keep the footprint tiny. It’s incredibly portable, easily sliding into a backpack sleeve or a jacket pocket without needing a bulky case.

However, that extreme portability comes with some “small” problems:

• The Ergonomics: If you have larger hands, prepare for a struggle. The buttons are tiny, and the thumbsticks are impressively miniature.
• The Missing Essentials: There’s no USB-C passthrough (so no charging while you play) and no headphone jack.
• The Software: Razer’s Cortex app remains a bit of a cluttered mess, which might frustrate those looking for a seamless experience.

The bottom line? If you prioritize ultra-portability above all else, the Prio is a fascinating piece of engineering. But if you prefer comfort and extra ports, you might want to keep your wallet closed for now.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Socket Frontend Now Available for Free

https://retrohandhelds.gg/socket-frontend-now-available-for-free/

If you’ve ever missed the tactile satisfaction of rummaging through a physical collection of game cartridges, your Android device is about to get a serious dose of nostalgia.

Socket, the Android emulator frontend that lets you curate your ROMs using customizable 3D cartridges and discs, is opening its doors. To thank their Patreon supporters, the developer (Depmots) has released version 0.3.2 for free.

While the absolute latest bells and whistles are still tucked behind a small monthly subscription, this free version is the perfect “test drive.” It’s a chance to see if you like that unique, hands-on feeling of launching a game with custom animations before committing to the full experience.

Why it’s worth a look:

• Tactile UI: It’s not just a list of names; it’s a 3D library that mimics real-world media.
• Massive Support: From Game Boy to Xbox 360, it covers a staggering amount of retro ground.
• High Customization: You can tweak the models and art to make the library truly yours.

If you’re looking to turn your handheld Android device into a digital museum, now is the time to dive in.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

EasySMX D10 Review: How Did I Miss This One?

https://retrohandhelds.gg/easysmx-d10-review/

### The Hidden Gem in the Controller Aisle

If you’ve been hunting for a premium gaming controller without the “premium” price tag, you might have accidentally walked right past the EasySMX D10. While the brand is known for budget-friendly options, the D10 is their high-end heavy hitter—and it turns out, it’s actually worth the hype.

What makes this one stand out? It’s packed with the kind of tech usually reserved for much pricier gear. We’re talking TMR sticks for super smooth movement, Hall-Effect triggers, and a 1000Hz polling rate. It even comes with a weighted RGB charging dock that actually feels sturdy rather than hollow.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• The Feel: Solid build quality with textured grips that won’t slip mid-boss fight.
• The Controls: Clicky, satisfying face buttons and responsive sticks.
• The Perks: No annoying mandatory software; just plug, play, and go.

Is it the absolute best on the market? Maybe not—brands like 8BitDo and Flydigi still hold some crown jewels. But at a sweet spot of roughly $35 to $60, the D10 is a massive win for casual gamers who want pro-level specs without the pro-level debt.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

RCN Urges Judge to Toss the Major Labels’ ‘Last’ Piracy Liability Lawsuit

https://torrentfreak.com/rcn-urges-judge-to-toss-the-major-labels-last-piracy-liability-lawsuit/

It looks like the major record labels are playing a very long, very expensive game of “chicken” with internet providers.

For years, studios and music giants have tried to sue ISPs like RCN, arguing that because these companies provide the pipes used for piracy, they should foot the bill for their subscribers’ illegal downloads. It was a massive legal theory that essentially aimed to make ISPs the digital police.

However, the tide turned in March when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Cox Communications, essentially saying that providing internet to someone who might pirate content isn’t the same as actively encouraging it. Since then, most other similar lawsuits have been dropped.

So, why is RCN’s case still dragging on after seven years?

RCN claims the labels aren’t actually looking for justice—they’re looking for a payday. They argue the labels are using this “last case standing” as leverage to force a settlement, rather than actually going to trial.

The bottom line: RCN is asking a judge to finally toss the case out, arguing that without proof the ISP actively encouraged piracy, there is no case to be made. We’ll find out if the judge agrees on October 5.