📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Valve’s Steam Machine and Steam Frame Launch Plans May Finally Be Coming Together

https://retrohandhelds.gg/valves-steam-machine-and-steam-frame-launch-plans-may-finally-be-coming-together/

Valve’s long-awaited PC console finally has a face—and a shipping address. After months of silence and wild speculation, the steam machine is no longer just vaporware. Insiders report that reviewers are already holding early units of both the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame, signaling that the official launch is inches away.

Here’s the timeline that’s starting to take shape: Expect an official hardware announcement between June 22 and June 30, with a strong lean toward Tuesday, June 23 at 10 AM PT. Reservations are likely to open a week later, on June 30. To get there, Valve has been quietly moving mountains—literally. Recent logistics data shows nearly 35 tons of “VR Devices” and over 140 tons of “Game Consoles” hitting US warehouses. That’s not a typo; that’s a full-scale invasion.

What’s in the box? The Steam Machine arrives with a Steam Controller and mounting brackets, though you might want to check your wallet before pre-ordering. Sources hint the price point could be steep. Meanwhile, the Steam Frame is getting serious love, with new ARM-based SteamOS packages appearing for the headset. This isn’t just about VR; it’s a massive step for Valve’s ecosystem. The smoke has finally turned into fire, and we’re getting ready to light the match.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Retroverse Controller Tester Demo’d

https://retrorgb.com/retroverse-controller-tester-demod.html

Testing retro controllers can be a tedious chore, especially if you’re doing it for a living. Enter the Retroverse Controller Tester, a hardware solution that promises to slash testing time for repair shops and retro game stores. The concept is elegantly simple: you plug in a specific controller module and its corresponding adapter, and the device handles the rest. No console required, no fiddling with cables.

The real magic happens in the demo by Tito from Macho Nacho Productions. He walks through various modules, showing how quickly you can verify button responsiveness and analog stick accuracy. For anyone who has to test dozens of controllers a day, this isn’t just a gadget; it’s a productivity tool. It turns a potentially hours-long process into a matter of seconds per unit.

However, there’s a catch. This kit is built for professionals. A full setup with over 20 modules and a carrying case runs close to $600. Unless you’re running a busy repair shop, that’s a steep price for a hobbyist. For most of us, using test software or just playing a game that stresses every button is plenty effective.

That said, if you ever hit the lottery, this would make for a very satisfying desk toy. It’s the kind of specialized gear that makes the retro hobby feel a little more professional. For now, though, it’s a tool for the trade, not the casual collector.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Mega EverDrive Firmware v26.0608

https://retrorgb.com/mega-everdrive-firmware-v26-0608.html

If you’re rocking a Mega Everdrive, your nostalgia rig just got a serious upgrade. Krikzz has dropped firmware v26.0608 for both the Core and Pro versions, and this update is surprisingly packed with quality-of-life fixes that make day-to-day retro gaming a lot smoother.

The headline feature? A massive boost in savestate stability. If you’ve ever lost hours of progress because a save corrupted, this alone is worth the download. Beyond that, the menu system is getting smarter. You can now copy and paste files directly from the cartridge menu, which saves you from digging through your PC’s file explorer every time you want to organize your SD card.

There’s also a clever new “Cheats Exporter” that lets you apply cheat codes from a text file to any ROM on your card, not just the one you’re currently playing. It’s a small tweak that saves a ton of tedious setup time.

For the niche crowd with early 32X units, there’s a new “Extension Unit” toggle. Enable it only if you’re seeing graphical glitches on Model 1 consoles; otherwise, leave it off. It’s a precise fix for a specific hardware quirk, showing just how deeply Krikzz understands these legacy systems.

Update your firmware, reclaim your saves, and enjoy the smoother menus. You can grab the latest files directly from Krikzz’s support page for both Core and Pro models.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

GameMT EX5 (PSK5000) Review: Can’t Judge a Handheld by its Knob

https://retrohandhelds.gg/gamemt-ex5-psk5000-review/

### Don’t let the weirdness fool you

If you’re scrolling through AliExpress and see a handheld with a massive, bright red knob on the front, your first instinct might be to keep scrolling. It looks like something straight out of a toy aisle, but the GameMT PSK5000 (rebranding to the EX5) is proving that sometimes, the kitsch is actually genius.

Far from being just a gimmick, that “Super Knob” acts as a physical performance throttle. You can dial it from “Power Save” for retro classics to “Performance” mode when you’re trying to push through heavy-hitting PSP titles. It’s a clever way to manage power on the fly, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air compared to digging through digital menus.

Under the hood, this isn’t your typical budget clone. It runs on a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which punches well above its weight class. Here’s the quick breakdown:

• The Good: It’s a PSP lover’s dream, handling most games at 2x resolution with a beautiful, themed Android interface.
• The Hardware: Sleek design, Hall Effect sticks, and a surprisingly punchy 1080p screen.
• The Trade-offs: It lacks L2/R2 triggers and uses a clicky micro-switch D-pad rather than a traditional membrane.

At around $100, it’s a highly capable, budget-friendly tribute to the handheld glory days. Don’t judge this one by its knob.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Married Couple Behind ‘Billion-Visit’ Webtoon Piracy Network Caught in Vietnam

https://torrentfreak.com/married-couple-behind-billion-visit-webtoon-piracy-network-caught-in-vietnam/

The Billion-Visit Takedown

It turns out that running a massive webtoon piracy empire is a lot harder than just clicking “translate” and collecting donations. In a massive blow to the world of unauthorized manhwa, Vietnamese police have seized the servers of three major piracy networks: Harimanga, Manhwaclan, and Kunmanga.

The culprits? A Vietnamese couple who had been running the show since early 2023. These sites weren’t just small-time operations; they were pulling in an estimated 1.1 billion visits a year, serving up nearly 15,000 titles to readers across the globe. The financial fallout for the Korean content industry is staggering, estimated at roughly $136 million.

This wasn’t just luck—it was a coordinated manhunt. Naver Webtoon helped map the network, providing the evidence that allowed Korean and Vietnamese authorities to team up and pull the plug.

Why this matters:

• A New Era of Enforcement: South Korea recently gained “emergency blocking power,” allowing them to bypass lengthy review committees to shut down pirate sites instantly.
• Global Pressure: The U.S. has recently put Vietnam on a “Priority Foreign Country” watchlist due to weak piracy enforcement, so this high-profile bust is a major test of whether Hanoi is getting serious.

The couple faces local charges, though Korea is pushing for extradition. For now, the original sites are dark, but in the world of piracy, a new name is usually just a domain rename away.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

[UPDATE: Pre-orders Beginning] TrimUI Drops Another Teaser for Its Upcoming Brick Pro and Hammer Pro U Handhelds

https://retrohandhelds.gg/trimui-drops-another-teaser-for-its-upcoming-brick-pro-and-hammer-pro-u-handhelds/

If you thought the retro handheld scene was getting a little sleepy lately, TrimUI just threw a massive shot of espresso into the mix. After months of quiet rumors and leaked packaging, the hype train is officially back on the tracks with the announcement of two new heavy hitters: the Brick Pro and the Hammer Pro U.

Here’s the breakdown of what’s coming to your pocket:

• The Brick Pro: Think of this as the “just right” option. It’s a beefed-up version of the original Brick with a 3.95-inch display and dual joysticks. It runs on Linux, which is a huge win for the custom firmware crowd who love to tinker.
• The Hammer Pro U: This is the powerhouse. It swaps Linux for Android and packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 chip, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It’s built for those who want more muscle behind their emulation.

The best news? You don’t have to wait for the “official” launch to get your hands on the Brick Pro. Pre-orders have already popped up at retailers like GoGameGeek and LITNXT, starting around $99 (though you can snag a discount with some quick coupon hunting).

Keep your eyes peeled—if these don’t sell out instantly, the retro market might just be getting its spark back.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Gentleman Brings a MiSTer-Style Frontend to PCs

https://retrohandhelds.gg/gentleman-brings-a-mister-style-frontend-to-pcs/

If your current method of playing retro games involves digging through a messy pile of Windows folders like you’re looking for a lost sock, it’s time for an upgrade.

Enter Gentleman, a new PC frontend designed to bring that clean, streamlined MiSTer-style aesthetic straight to your Windows machine. Developed by Anime0t4ku, this project aims to bridge the gap between “too complex” and “too ugly,” offering a user interface that is as easy on the eyes as it is to navigate.

Instead of wrestling with complicated databases, Gentleman uses a folder-based structure that keeps things snappy. Whether you’re a RetroArch devotee or a standalone emulator enthusiast, it’s built to play nice with your existing setup.

The latest V1.2.0 update has also leveled up the “couch gaming” experience by adding:

• Controller-first navigation: Smooth D-pad support and on-screen keyboards.
• Visual flair: Animated GIF wallpaper support to make your setup pop.
• Smart browsing: A built-in file browser and improved menu scaling.

It’s still in the early stages, but if you want your PC to feel less like a workstation and more like a dedicated retro console, Gentleman is definitely one to watch.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic Finally Begins Selling Replacement Parts for Its Handhelds

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernic-finally-begins-selling-replacement-parts-for-its-handhelds/

If you’ve ever had a beloved retro handheld turn into a “spicy pillow” (that’s enthusiast-speak for a swollen battery, for the uninitiated), you know the struggle. Until now, your only real option was a desperate prayer to Anbernic support or, worse, throwing the whole device in the trash.

Well, grab your tiny screwdrivers, because Anbernic is finally playing ball. They’ve launched a dedicated replacement parts page, making it possible to actually repair your favorite devices instead of replacing them.

Whether you want to swap out a sticky button, replace a cracked screen, or just refresh a worn-out shell, you can now browse a catalog of parts for most of their lineup. The list includes:

• Essential internals: Motherboards, batteries, and screens.
• Control components: Joysticks, buttons, and conductive rubber pads.
• Aesthetics: Replacement shells to make an old device feel new.

It’s a massive win for sustainability and your wallet. While it’s technically possible to buy every single part for a WIN600 and rebuild it from scratch, it’s probably cheaper to just buy a new one. Still, for the DIY crowd looking to mod or mend, the era of “disposable” handhelds just got a lot more interesting.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retroid’s 12GB Pocket 6 Returns With a Few Trade-Offs

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retroids-12gb-pocket-6-returns-with-a-few-trade-offs/

If you’ve been holding your breath waiting for Retroid to drop a massive bombshell, you might want to exhale slowly. The rumors of a revolutionary new handheld turned out to be a “new” version of a familiar friend: the Retroid Pocket 6 is back, but it’s coming with some strings attached.

Retroid has officially released a 12GB RAM configuration, which sounds great for power users—until you look at the fine print. To keep things moving, they’ve made a few strategic “optimizations” that feel a bit like a trade-off:

• Storage Downgrade: Instead of the lightning-fast UFS 4.0, this model uses the slightly slower UFS 3.1 storage.
• Fixed Layout: The choice between a D-pad or a stick in the top left is gone. If you want the 12GB model, you’re getting the stick. Period.
• Color Cuts: Say goodbye to Orange and Light Purple; we’re sticking to Silver, 16Bit, and Black.

The silver lining? There’s no waiting around for a pre-order window. This unit is in stock and ready to ship immediately. It’s a bit of a “choose your own adventure” situation—you get more RAM, but you give up a little bit of flexibility to get it.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

8 More Games to Grow Your Steam Backlog

https://retrohandhelds.gg/8-more-games-to-grow-your-steam-backlog/

Is your Steam backlog looking a little too… organized? Don’t worry, we’ve got the cure for your productivity. Whether you’re a PC enthusiast, an Android handheld devotee, or someone who just wants to play games while ignoring their responsibilities, there’s something new to dive into this month.

The latest round of recommendations covers everything from zen-like lizard explorations to absolute chaotic mayhem. If you’re in the mood for brain-teasers, Piece by Piece and Gecko Gods offer charming puzzle-platformer vibes that play beautifully on GameNative. Looking for something more intense? Gambonanza brings tactical chess-based roguelike action to your screen, while Dungeon Clawler lets you build a deck using—wait for it—claw machines.

Here’s the quick breakdown of what to watch:

The Big Spender: Forza Horizon 6* is the heavy hitter here. It’s pricey and demanding, but if your hardware can handle it, it’s pure, unadulterated fun.

The Budget Wins: Both Gambonanza and Dungeon Clawler* offer native Android ports that are significantly cheaper than their Steam counterparts.

The Wild Card: Rubato* is a trippy, 2D collect-a-thon involving frogs, muscular onions, and 90s hatchbacks. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s definitely worth the $20.

Grab your handhelds and happy gaming!