📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Paper Mario Star Nova Is a Massive Total Conversion Mod for the N64 Classic

https://retrohandhelds.gg/paper-mario-star-nova-is-a-massive-total-conversion-mod-for-the-n64-classic/

If you thought your N64 collection was already complete, think again. The modding community just dropped a bombshell that proves “total conversion” is an understatement for what’s happening to Paper Mario.

Creator NicTube has released Paper Mario: Star Nova, and this isn’t your run-of-the-mill texture pack or a simple difficulty tweak. We’re talking about a massive overhaul that replaces almost everything from the 1998 classic. It features an entirely original story, new lore, fresh characters, and brand-new partners to recruit. If you’re looking for a challenge, there are over 70 new star pieces scattered throughout this revamped world.

It’s essentially a high-budget sequel built on top of the original game’s bones. Here is what you need to know before you dive in:

• The Setup: This is a mod for the N64 ROM, so you’ll need to provide your own base game file.
• How to Play: It runs via an emulator; it isn’t a native PC port.
• The Scope: It’s as ambitious as the most legendary Pokémon or Zelda ROM hacks you’ve seen.

If you already have an emulator running, this is a must-play way to revisit a masterpiece with a totally fresh perspective.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

The Minish Cap Is Now Playable on PC Thanks to a New Unofficial Port

https://retrohandhelds.gg/the-minish-cap-is-now-playable-on-pc-thanks-to-a-new-unofficial-port/

If you’ve been itching to revisit Hyrule but found your only option was digging through an old Wii U, I have some excellent news for your PC setup.

For years, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap has been stuck in a bit of a digital limbo. Despite being a GBA gem, Nintendo hasn’t exactly rushed to bring this shrinking-sized adventure to modern computers. But, as it turns out, fans don’t like waiting for permission.

A developer known as MatheoVignaud has officially released an unofficial native PC port of the game via GitHub. It follows the classic “fan-project” playbook: the download doesn’t include any actual game files (keeping Nintendo’s lawyers at bay), so you’ll need to provide your own ROM to get the magic happening.

Why should you care? Because Minish Cap is a top-down masterpiece. Whether you’re using Mole Mitts to dig or shrinking down to navigate tiny worlds, it’s one of the most inventive entries in the Zelda timeline. If you have the ROM ready, your desktop is about to become a much more adventurous place.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic Releases the RG34XXSP in a New Blue Hue

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-releases-the-rg34xxsp-in-a-new-blue-hue/

### New Hue, Same Great Value

If your retro handheld collection is looking a little monochromatic, Anbernic might have just found your new favorite accessory. The company just dropped a teaser for the RG34XXSP in a stunning new Metallic Blue.

While the device itself isn’t exactly “new”—it’s been around for about a year in colors like yellow and indigo—this fresh blue finish is easily the standout of the bunch. It perfectly captures that premium, sleek look without breaking the bank.

If you haven’t picked up an RG34XXSP yet, here is why it’s worth your attention:

• The Form Factor: It uses a classic clamshell design (a clear nod to the GBA SP) with a perfect 3:2 aspect ratio for handheld classics.
• Performance: Powered by the Allwinner H700, it handles everything from Game Boy Advance up to PlayStation 1 and even some Dreamcast titles.
• The Price Tag: You can snag this beauty for around $68, which is a steal for a dedicated retro machine.

Just a quick heads-up before you click “buy”: make sure to double-check your specs. Anbernic recently updated the listing to reflect 1GB of RAM rather than the 2GB it originally boasted at launch. Still, for under $70, it’s hard to find a better way to travel back in time.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

U.S. Removes Bulgaria from Piracy Watch List After Torrent Tracker Crackdown

https://torrentfreak.com/u-s-removes-bulgaria-from-piracy-watch-list-after-torrent-tracker-crackdown/

### Bulgaria’s Piracy “Clean Slate”

It looks like Bulgaria just finished its much-needed digital detox. After years of being labeled a “safe haven” for online pirates, the country has officially been scrubbed from the U.S. piracy Watch List.

The way to the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) good graces? A massive, coordinated crackdown earlier this year. Working alongside American law enforcement, Bulgarian authorities successfully seized the domains of the nation’s biggest torrent giants, including ArenaBG and Zamunda. This wasn’t just a random raid; it was the result of new 2023 legislation that finally gave prosecutors the teeth to go after those “creating conditions” for piracy.

The scale of the operation was pretty intense:

• 5 major domains seized (including some massive traffic drivers).
• 44 websites targeted in total.
• 30 locations raided with multiple arrests made.

While Bulgaria has a habit of dancing in and out of this Watch List, the USTR is officially giving them credit for “significant enforcement actions.” However, don’t hold your breath just yet—the EU was actually added to the list this year, and Vietnam has taken the top spot as a major priority concern. For now, though, Bulgaria gets a much-deserved clean bill of health.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

MiSTer Multisystem2 Arcade system (JAMMA)

https://retrorgb.com/mister-multisystem2-arcade-system-jamma.html

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your dusty old arcade cabinet into a high-tech retro powerhouse without a tangled mess of cables, pay attention. The MiSTer Multisystem team just dropped news on their second JAMMA-based kit, and it’s looking like a dream for cabinet owners.

The magic here is the integration. Instead of hunting down a DE-10 Nano and trying to wire up separate boards, this kit features the FPGA and entire circuit built directly into the main board. It plugs straight into your existing arcade machine, allowing you to play via your original CRT and joystick with zero friction.

Why should you care?

• Plug-and-Play simplicity: No extra hardware or complex setups required.
• Cost-effective: You get all the standard MiSTer features without the “kit + separate board” price premium.
• Seamless integration: It’s designed specifically to live inside a JAMMA arcade setup.

The kit is priced around $350 and is slated to start shipping this August. If you’re looking to breathe new life into an old cabinet, this might be the easiest way to do it.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic RG Rotate First Impressions: Refreshingly Odd, But Not Perfect

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-rg-rotate-first-impressions/

### A New Fidget Toy for Your Pocket?

If you’re the type of person who can’t stop clicking your retractable pen during a meeting, Anbernic might have just found your new obsession. The newly unveiled RG Rotate is officially here, and it brings a much-needed dose of “weird” to the retro handheld scene.

Unlike the standard rectangular bricks we’re used to, this device features a rotating display hinge that’s as much a fidget toy as it is a screen. It’s a refreshing break from the recent, somewhat lackluster launches in Anbernic’s lineup, offering a unique 1:1 aspect ratio screen that feels genuinely different.

However, it’s not all smooth rotation. While the device handles PSP classics like Burnout Legends with ease, don’t expect to run heavy PS2 titles without some serious stutter. A few other quirks to keep in mind:

• The Good: Super portable, surprisingly lightweight, and features swappable shoulder buttons.
• The Bad: The “Polar Black” version feels a bit cheap and smudgy, and the 32GB of internal storage disappears faster than your motivation on a Monday morning.
• The Weird: It lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, though it doubles as a portable DAC for those willing to use a USB-C adapter.

At an early pre-sale price starting around $83, it’s an intriguing, budget-friendly experiment—even if you have to bring your own dongle.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

The Retro Handheld Accessories I Can’t Live Without

https://retrohandhelds.gg/the-retro-handheld-accessories-i-cant-live-without/

### Level Up Your Gear: The Essential Retro Handheld Toolkit

If you’ve fallen down the retro handheld rabbit hole like the rest of us, you know it starts with one device and ends with a “silly collection” of emulators scattered across your desk. But as any seasoned enthusiast knows, owning the hardware is only half the battle—maintaining it is where the real work begins.

To keep your devices from becoming expensive paperweights, a few low-cost accessories are non-negotiable. First up: SD card readers and organizers. Since those stock cards that come with your handhelds are notoriously unreliable, you’ll be swapping SD cards constantly. A dedicated storage case is a lifesaver for preventing “lost card syndrome.”

For the tinkerers among us, a few more items belong in your toolkit:

• Precision Tools: A multi-driver kit and tweezers are essential for those tiny ribbon cables (unless you enjoy the struggle of “fat-fingered” repairs).
• Connectivity: Keep a drawer full of USB-C to USB-A adapters for when you need to plug in peripherals.
• Maintenance: A screen cleaner specifically for electronics—and a microfiber cloth—to combat the inevitable fingerprint smudges.

The ultimate (and most expensive) flex? A 3D printer. From custom ergonomic grips to custom display stands, it’s the gold standard for anyone looking to truly customize their collection.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Star Fox Returns to the Switch 2

https://retrohandhelds.gg/star-fox-returns-to-the-switch-2/

Star Fox Returns to the Switch 2

Dust off your flight goggles and prepare for some serious barrel rolls, because Fox McCloud is officially back from his decade-long hiatus. After skipping an entire console generation, a new Star Fox title is slated to land on the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026.

If you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu, you aren’t alone. This looks to be the fourth time we’ve seen this specific gameplay loop resurrected, but there is something special about this iteration. It appears to be a love letter to the SNES and N64 eras, featuring an art style that leans heavily into the classic, animal-like designs of the 90s rather than the more “humanoid” looks of recent years.

Expect the classic on-rails dogfighting action we know and love, with plenty of branching paths to keep you replaying. While it won’t reinvent the wheel—it even supports native N64 controller input—it does bring some new bells and whistles like fresh cutscenes and a “mouse mode.”

Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or just want to see Slippy looking particularly… vibrant… this is one flight you might want to book.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Open Source Sega Nomad Battery Pack

https://retrorgb.com/open-source-sega-nomad-battery-pack.html

If you still cling to your Sega Nomad like a security blanket, you know the biggest heartbreak is being tethered to a wall outlet. But good news: the era of the “wall-hugger” might finally be coming to an end.

Dennis van den Broek (aka Pointer Function) just dropped an open-source battery pack design that’s a total game-changer for DIY enthusiasts. Using rechargeable 18650 batteries and modern USB-C charging, this setup lets you take your handheld into the wild without hunting for an AC adapter. The project is super flexible, too—there are different versions depending on whether you want a power switch or specific connection types.

If you’re looking to build this yourself, just a word of caution: watch out for those sketchy 18650 batteries on Amazon. If a listing claims a capacity over 3500mAh, it’s almost certainly a fake. Stick to reputable sources unless you want your retro project turning into a literal fire hazard.

Of course, if you lack the patience for soldering and 3D printing, there are still polished plug-and-play options like Greg’s Nomad Pak available. But for the makers out there? The freedom is officially here.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

ROCKNIX On the MiniLoong Pocket 1: Transformative!

https://retrohandhelds.gg/rocknix-on-the-miniloong-pocket-1-transformative/

### The MiniLoong Pocket 1 Just Got a Major Software Glow-Up

If you’ve been eyeing the MiniLoong Pocket 1 for its sleek design and high-res screen, you might have also been repelled by its original software. Let’s be honest: the stock “MiniloongOS” was a bit of a disaster. Between laggy menus, audio delays that made platformers unplayable, and a volume button that lets out a deafening CLICK to alert your entire household to your gaming session, it was hard to love.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel—and it’s called ROCKNIX (specifically the “Aurknix” branch).

By swapping out the clunky stock OS for this much more polished Linux-based alternative, the experience transforms from frustrating to fantastic. Here is why the switch matters:

Smooth Performance: Gone are the days of heavy audio lag and frame drops. Games like Kirby Super Star* run buttery smooth.

• Hidden Potential: You can actually unlock a 90Hz refresh rate in the settings, making menu navigation and gameplay incredibly fluid.
• User-Friendly: It brings much-needed features like online scraping, RetroAchievements, and better power management.

It requires a little bit of “SD card surgery” to get it running, but for anyone owning this handheld, it is arguably the single most important upgrade you can make.