📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Pirate Streaming Portal Series.ly Has Domain Suspended, Rebrands Instantly

https://torrentfreak.com/pirate-streaming-portal-series-ly-has-domain-suspended-rebrands-instantly/

### The Great Streaming Shell Game

If you thought the “Whack-a-Mole” game was just for kids, the streaming wars are here to prove you wrong.

Series.ly, a massive pirate streaming hub that had carved out a huge following (mostly in Spain), just learned that being popular comes with a heavy price tag. After a Spanish court approved a crackdown on copyright infringement, the site’s domain registrar, Libyan Spider, pulled the plug, effectively sending the site into a digital coma.

But if you think that’s the end of the story, think again. In a move straight out of a spy thriller, the operators didn’t miss a beat. They immediately rebranded and migrated to a fresh domain under a new name: Cinubo.

It’s a classic cat-and-mouse standoff:

• The Authorities: Using court orders to force Google, Bing, and ISPs to block access.
• The Operators: Claiming they are a “non-profit” community link aggregator and moving to new domains faster than a legal notice can be delivered.

The battle isn’t over, though. The Spanish order specifically targets future domains used for the same purpose, meaning Cinubo might find itself in the crosshairs very soon. Stay tuned.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

REG Linux Breathes New Life Into the Original AYN Odin

https://retrohandhelds.gg/reg-linux-breathes-new-life-into-the-original-ayn-odin/

If you’ve been treating your original AYN Odin like a high-tech paperweight while waiting for the Odin 2 or 3 to drop, it’s time to go digging in your junk drawer. The OG Odin (the Snapdragon 845 model) just got a serious shot of adrenaline thanks to REG Linux.

For those who haven’t been following the custom firmware scene, REG Linux is positioning itself as a lightweight, high-performance alternative to Batocera. It’s designed to be a “drop-in” replacement that prioritizes speed, and it’s officially bringing that snappy experience to the original Odin.

While it’s not a perfect “plug and play” experience just yet, the potential is huge for reviving older hardware. Here is the quick lowdown:

• Who it’s for: Specifically the Odin M0 model (check your “About” settings to be sure).
• The Good: Significant performance boosts and a much lighter OS.
• The “Work in Progress”: HDMI output and Samba shares are currently offline, and you might need a second boot to get the sound working.

It’s a great reminder that in the world of handhelds, a little bit of clever software can make “old” hardware feel brand new again.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Wonderfitter M17 Gen 2 Review: Light Gun Gaming Gets Serious

https://retrohandhelds.gg/wonderfitter-m17-gen-2-light-gun-review/

### A Very Realistic Way to Play Duck Hunt

If you grew up in the golden age of arcade shooters, you know the specific thrill of a light gun in your hand. But since the era of CRT TVs and plastic toy guns faded, that immersive “kick” has been missing from modern gaming. Enter the Wonderfitter M17 Gen 2—a device that takes “immersion” to a level that might actually be a little too realistic.

The M17 isn’t just a controller; it’s a high-fidelity simulator. It features motorized recoil that mimics a real firearm and a build quality so convincing that the reviewer jokingly (but not really) noted you might get some side-eye in public. It’s premium, heavy, and feels incredibly satisfying when you’re reloading during a frantic session of Virtua Cop.

The Quick Lowdown:

• The Good: Incredible tactile feedback, realistic weight, and a camera-based tracking system that works on modern flat screens.
• The Bad: The battery life is a bit short (about 90 minutes of continuous play), and the software is currently Windows-only and feels a bit “Beta.”
• The Pricey: At a $499 MSRP, this is a serious investment for the hardcore arcade enthusiast.

It’s a brilliant piece of hardware that’s currently working through its growing pains. If you can stomach the price and the software kinks, it’s the closest we’ve ever come to bringing the arcade shooting gallery into the living room.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Cloudflare Keeps 1.1.1.1 Out of Piracy Blocking, Escapes Penalties in France

https://torrentfreak.com/cloudflare-keeps-1-1-1-1-out-of-piracy-blocking-escapes-penalties-in-france/

### The Great DNS Tug-of-War

If you’ve ever used Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS to speed up your browsing, you might be breathing a sigh of relief today. French courts just handed Cloudflare a major win in a high-stakes battle over sports piracy.

The drama centers on Canal+, the French pay-TV giant, which has been aggressively trying to shut down illegal Formula 1 and MotoGP streams. Canal+ went to court demanding that Cloudflare block these pirate sites via its DNS resolver, even threatening massive fines of €50,000 per day if they didn’t comply.

However, the Paris court wasn’t buying the drama. They ruled that Cloudflare doesn’t need to “break” its DNS to satisfy the law. Instead, Cloudflare has been using its CDN (Content Delivery Network) to block sites, which is technically more effective but leaves the DNS resolver untouched.

The key takeaways:

• DNS stays free: Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 resolver remains unblocked, sticking to its promise of not interfering with internet traffic.
• Reasonable efforts count: The court decided that using a CDN to block sites constitutes “reasonable measures,” even if some pirate sites simply hop to a different provider.
• The burden is on the broadcaster: The court noted it’s up to Canal+ to chase down new mirror sites, not Cloudflare’s job to play digital whack-a-mole forever.

Cloudflare dodged the fines, but the legal battle isn’t over—other DNS providers, like Quad9, are currently facing similar legal heat.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Evercade Nexus Review: This is the One

https://retrohandhelds.gg/evercade-nexus-review/

### The Big Screen Era of Evercade is Here

If you’ve been following the Evercade journey since its “cheap-feeling” debut, you know the vibe: it’s not about having a million games at your fingertips; it’s about the tactile joy of popping a curated cartridge into a slot and just playing. Well, the new Evercade Nexus has arrived, and it’s a bit of a beast.

The Nexus is a “chonker.” It’s significantly larger than previous models, sporting a nearly 6-inch screen that makes everything feel much more substantial. While the resolution isn’t quite cutting-edge compared to high-end Android handhelds, the reviewer notes that for retro titles, it’s a sweet spot—bright, clear, and surprisingly immersive.

The quick hits:

• The Good: A massive upgrade in screen real estate, improved D-pad, and the addition of analog sticks (finally!). Plus, the new “Eversync” feature promises wireless multiplayer.
• The Not-So-Good: It’s a heavy device with some ergonomic quirks, and the resolution won’t satisfy the pixel-density purists.
• The Bottom Line: At $200, this isn’t an emulation powerhouse. It’s a niche, premium ecosystem for people who want a physical collection of licensed retro gems.

If you love the “pick a cart and go” lifestyle, the Nexus is a serious contender. If you just want to emulate everything under the sun, you might want to stick to your Anbernic.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

GameCube HDMI, DAC, USB Network Single Powered Setup

https://retrorgb.com/gamecube-hdmi-dac-usb-network-single-powered-setup.html

If you’ve ever tried to mod a GameCube, you know the struggle is real. You want the high-end HDMI output, you want the online connectivity via the USB Dolphin, and you definitely don’t want a tangled mess of cables and power bricks cluttering your setup.

The creator over at RetroRGB recently hit a wall when trying to combine a Carby HDMI adapter with a USB network card. The problem? Most affordable HDMI-to-component DACs require their own power source. If you plug them into a wall, your video switcher thinks the console is “on” even when it’s off, effectively breaking your entire setup.

The fix is a bit of a “mad scientist” engineering feat, but it works beautifully. By using a specific single-data/dual-power USB splitter, they managed to:

• Keep the speeds high: The network adapter gets full USB 3.0 data speeds without the interference of a traditional hub.
• Sync the power: The HDMI DAC draws power directly from the GameCube, so it only turns on when the console is actually running.
• Minimize the clutter: A right-angle adapter keeps the profile slim so you can still fit other consoles nearby.

It’s a clever, highly specific workaround for anyone trying to achieve the “perfect” GameCube endgame.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Itch.io Shows Off Their Donk in the Latest App Update

https://retrohandhelds.gg/itch-io-shows-off-their-donk-in-the-latest-app-update/

If you’ve ever spent a late night scrolling through Itch.io looking for that next indie gem, you know the platform is basically the wild west of gaming—in the best way possible. But until now, getting those quirky, experimental titles onto your portable handhelds has been a bit of a chore.

That’s about to change. The team behind Itch.io is working on something they’re calling “Itch Donk.”

Don’t worry, it’s not a joke (well, maybe a little). “Itch Donk” is a scaled-down version of the Itch app specifically ported to run on ARM Linux handhelds. We’re talking about devices like the RG35XXH and the RG40XXH. While it’s still a work in progress, the goal is clear: making it seamless to browse and play your favorite indie titles directly on your favorite pocket-sized consoles.

Along with the “Donk” hype, the latest app update also brings some much-needed housekeeping:

• Collection Management: You can now manage your Itch.io collections directly from the desktop app.
• Steam Integration: Improved reliability when adding Itch games as Steam shortcuts.

It’s a massive win for the handheld community. Soon, your indie library won’t just live on your PC—it’ll live in your pocket.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller Review: Not Much Ultimate About it

https://retrohandhelds.gg/8bitdo-ultimate-mobile-gaming-controller-review/

### Is the “Ultimate” Controller Actually… Just Okay?

8BitDo is the heavyweight champion of retro-style controllers, but their latest attempt to conquer mobile gaming might be a bit of a squeeze. The 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller takes their beloved “Ultimate” DNA and stretches it into a telescopic frame, but as the review suggests, there isn’t much “ultimate” about the experience.

The good news? The build quality is top-tier. You’re getting those smooth Hall Effect sticks and responsive triggers that 8BitDo fans crave. If you’re coming from their standard desktop lineup, the ergonomics will feel familiar and premium, not cheap.

However, there is a major catch: the “stretch.” The controller maxes out at 170mm, which is barely enough to fit a modern large-format phone—especially if you’re rocking a protective case. If you have a massive device or a small tablet, you’re out of luck.

The Takeaway:

• Pros: Excellent build quality, premium Hall Effect controls, and great Bluetooth stability.
• Cons: Extremely limited stretch range and a somewhat “basic” feature set for the price.

If you have a standard-sized phone and want a reliable, high-quality grip, it’s a solid choice. But if you need versatility, you might want to look at competitors like GameSir that offer a bit more breathing room.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

SuperStation SD2SPX PlayStation Memory Card

https://retrorgb.com/superstation-sd2spx-playstation-memory-card.html

If your PlayStation collection is feeling a little… cramped, it might be time to ditch the tiny plastic memory cards and embrace the digital age.

Retro Remake has officially opened pre-orders for their version of the SD2SPX, an open-source memory card that turns a MicroSD card into a massive storage powerhouse for your PS1 and PS2. This isn’t just a storage expansion; it’s a Swiss Army knife for retro gamers. It supports virtual memory cards, FreeMcBoot, and automatic GameID switching, all managed via a tiny onboard OLED screen and six navigation buttons.

The best part? It’s got some serious personality. You can snag one in eight different colors—including some sweet transparent options—for $35.

The quick hits:

• Hardware: Features an RP2040 MCU, a built-in speaker, and a rechargeable battery.
• Functionality: Easy drag-and-drop firmware updates and dual-boot support for Arduboy games.
• Shipping: Expected to head out in November.

They’ve also dropped a BlueRetro controller receiver and specialized video cables. Pro tip: Grab everything you need in one go, because shipping costs on these niche goodies can sting more than a boss fight at 1% health.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Pirate App MovieBox Passes 300 Million Downloads as Rightsholders Alert EU

https://torrentfreak.com/pirate-app-moviebox-passes-300-million-downloads-as-rightsholders-alert-eu/

### The Pirate App That Won’t Quit

It turns out that playing “whack-a-mole” with piracy sites is a losing game. Last year, copyright watchdogs thought they had a win when they shut down the Nigerian domain for MovieBox. Fast forward to today, and the app hasn’t just survived—it’s thriving.

MovieBox has officially crossed the massive milestone of 300 million downloads, and it’s currently making the European Commission’s “Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List” look very interesting.

The real drama, however, isn’t just the app itself, but where it’s living. Most of these downloads are coming through Palm Store, the preinstalled app marketplace on Transsion-brand phones (like Tecno and Infinix). These brands dominate the African mobile market, making Palm Store a massive distribution engine.

Why this is getting heated:

• Explosive Growth: Downloads surged by over 100% in less than a year.
• Deep Links: Rights holders like Canal+ claim the app is “closely linked” to Transsion’s own infrastructure and certificates.
• The Big Leagues: The app explicitly promotes copyrighted Marvel content and live sports streams.

While being on the EU’s watch list isn’t a formal legal conviction, it’s a massive red flag that will likely trigger some very uncomfortable conversations between Brussels and the tech giants involved.