📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Sports Rightsholders Want an EU Blacklist for ‘Piracy’ Hosting Providers

https://torrentfreak.com/sports-rightsholders-want-an-eu-blacklist-for-piracy-hosting-providers/

Ever wonder why your favorite stream buffers right when the big goal is scored? You might want to thank the copyright lobby.

Sports broadcasters like beIN Sports are pushing the European Commission to create a hardline “blacklist” of rogue hosting providers. Instead of just blocking specific pirate websites, they want ISPs and data centers to cut off entire networks identified by their Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). Think of it as banning an entire apartment building because one tenant is playing loud music.

This isn’t just a sports gripe. The Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance, representing giants like the Premier League and DAZN, backs the idea. Even Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, filed a similar submission. They all want a central EU authority to designate non-compliant offshore hosts, forcing European internet providers to block traffic at the infrastructure level.

The catch? Internet service providers are warning that this approach could cause massive “overblocking.” If you ban an ASN, you might accidentally knock out legitimate services sharing that network. While the rightsholders argue this is necessary to kill piracy, intermediaries see it as a recipe for collateral damage. It’s a classic standoff: content creators want the kill switch, while tech companies want to avoid breaking the internet in the process.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Game of the Month: Stand Alone with Just One July

https://retrohandhelds.gg/game-of-the-month-stand-alone-with-just-one-july/

Ready to play a one-hit wonder? That’s the vibe for July at Retro Handhelds, where the community is diving into “GotX” — their version of a gaming book club. This month’s theme is delightfully specific: games with no sequels, remakes, or spin-offs. Just pure, standalone experiences.

The lineup is a wild mix of genres and eras. For pre-1996, we’re looking at Rapid Reload on PlayStation 1, a speedy run-and-gun where you race terrorists for a legendary artifact. If you prefer N64 nostalgia, Blast Corps challenges you to steer runaway nuclear trucks by demolishing cities in real-time. And for the strategy RPG fans, Jeanne d’Arc on PSP offers a fantasy twist on history, complete with magical frog-fusion mechanics that are somehow endearing.

But wait, there’s more. The community also picked Pokémon Diamond and Pearl as the Game of the Quarter. Yes, the main series games count as “standalone” in this context, likely because they launched a distinct generation. It’s a meatier 26-hour ride that introduced the physical/special split and Wi-Fi trading.

If you’re short on time, check out the Game of the Week, which features sub-two-hour titles like S.O.S. or Monsters Probably Stole My Princess. Whether you’re chasing imaginary internet points for merch or just want to chat through the Discord, there’s a perfect little game for your schedule.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

PlayStation is Ending Disc Production For New Games in 2028

https://retrohandhelds.gg/playstation-is-ending-disc-production-for-new-games-in-2028/

Sony just drew a line in the sand, and it’s drawn for January 2028. That’s when the PlayStation officially ends disc production for new first-party games. While die-hard collectors might feel the sting, the math is brutally straightforward: 85% of PS5 games are already sold digitally.

Let’s look at the bottom line. If a blockbuster like GTA VI sells 40 million copies, the cost of manufacturing and distributing physical discs eats into millions of dollars in potential profit. It’s not just about lost revenue, either. Physical discs require shelf space, logistics, and inventory management that digital doesn’t. By going all-digital, Sony isn’t just “adapting to trends”; they’re streamlining their operation to maximize shareholder value. It’s a classic corporate move, but it’s one that’s been inevitable for years.

This shift also sets the stage for the PlayStation 6. With next-gen hardware costs rising and game files ballooning, it’s all but certain the PS6 will launch as a digital-only console, with a disc drive available as an optional add-on.

So, what does this mean for you? If you love the ritual of swapping discs, your PS5 and PS5 Pro are officially on borrowed time. The era of the true physical game is winding down. Maybe it’s time to start curating that digital library, or just enjoy these last few years of holding the future in your hands.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Interview With Dennis aka Pointer Function

https://retrorgb.com/interview-with-dennis-aka-pointer-function.html

Remember the days when a scratched CD ruined your gaming night? Dennis van den Broek, aka Pointer Function, is here to save your disc collection—and your wallet. He recently sat down for a RetroRGB podcast to talk about his latest brainchild: the RGR EZBuff.

This isn’t just another gadget; it’s an open-source disc polisher designed to tackle a very specific, very expensive problem. Dennis breaks down why those cheap, generic polishers are a nightmare to repair and why the big commercial units (like the ELMs) are practically cash traps, charging you over $1,500 upfront plus a fee for every single disc you polish.

The EZBuff offers a refreshing alternative. It’s open source, meaning the community can tinker and improve it, and it promises to fix those scratched gems without breaking the bank. Dennis even hints at a future livestream where he’ll put the device through its paces, so keep an eye out for real-world testing results.

If you’ve ever stared at a scratched disc in despair, this is worth a listen. You can catch the full interview by searching “RetroRGB Dennis” on your favorite podcast app. And if you want to support the man behind the magic, his Ko-fi and Printables pages are linked up for your donation pleasure.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

RGR EZBuff: Open Source Disc Buffer/Resurfacer

https://retrorgb.com/rgr-ezbuff-open-source-disc-buffer-resurfacer.html

Tired of watching your favorite retro game titles gather dust because of a scratched disc? The frustration is real, but thanks to Dennis van den Broek (aka Pointer Function), you might just be able to save them without breaking the bank. He’s just dropped the RGR EZBuff, a fully open-source optical disc buffer and resurfacer that you can build yourself at home.

The genius here is simplicity and cost. You don’t need expensive industrial gear; just standard off-the-shelf parts and a basic 3D printer with a single kilogram of filament. It’s designed to be affordable enough to build or buy, solving a massive gap in the market where options were either hand-polishers from the nineties or professional kits costing upwards of $2,000.

Before you start polishing your rarest finds, though, take a breath and read the safety notes. Discs vary wildly in thickness and composition, so always practice on cheap, disposable CDs first. Dennis recommends a “slow and steady” approach: start the motor slowly for just a minute and let things cool down between sessions. You can even swap felt pads for sandpaper if you need heavy resurfacing, though he suggests keeping the two processes separate to avoid cross-contamination.

For retro gamers and small game stores alike, this is a game-changer. It turns disc repair from a costly service into a manageable DIY project. If you’ve got a shelf of unplayable gems, the RGR EZBuff might just be the resurrection kit they’ve been waiting for.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Weekly Roundup #520

https://retrorgb.com/week520.html

Grab your controller and queue up the playlist, because RetroRGB’s Weekly Roundup #520 is here to satisfy your retro-gaming itch. This isn’t just a list; it’s a curated dive into the weird, wonderful, and weirdly specific corners of gaming history and hardware modification.

First up, the nostalgia train isn’t slowing down. We’re looking at Aleste III GG getting a new life on the Sega Master System via a patch, and Sonic 1 & 2 getting another re-release. Are we tired of Sonic re-releases yet? Probably, but they’re still selling. Meanwhile, the GameTank, a new 8-bit console, is making waves for those who appreciate the aesthetic of chunky plastic and simple circuits.

But it’s not all about playing old games; it’s about tinkering. If you’ve got a dying iPod Classic gathering dust, there’s now a plug-and-play upgrade kit to give it new life. For the modern retro enthusiast, the Zaparoo frontend has been upgraded to work smoothly with the MiSTer, making your FPGA setup feel less like a science experiment and more like a console. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to read Game Informer archives without digging through physical copies, there’s now a digital solution.

It’s a solid mix of preservation, modification, and pure nostalgia. If you enjoy the deep dives, consider supporting Bob’s work—it keeps the retro flame alive.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Kim Dotcom Loses Court of Appeal Bid to Block Extradition to the U.S.

https://torrentfreak.com/kim-dotcom-loses-court-of-appeal-bid-to-block-extradition-to-the-u-s/

It’s been a wild fourteen-year ride for Kim Dotcom, but New Zealand’s Court of Appeal just dealt another heavy blow to his bid to stay out of U.S. hands. The court dismissed his latest appeal against extradition, closing the door on his arguments that he should have been charged locally instead.

Dotcom tried to draw a comparison to his former co-defendants, who pleaded guilty and served shorter sentences in New Zealand. The judges weren’t having it. They ruled that the Police Commissioner’s decision to focus on Dotcom as the alleged ringleader was justified, especially since those other defendants had actually cooperated. Without a plea deal from Dotcom, the U.S. wasn’t about to back off its extradition request.

Then there’s the matter of the potential prison time. Facing 30 to 150 years in the U.S., Dotcom argued this severity should “shock the conscience” of New Zealanders. It didn’t. The court noted that while the sentence is steep, it doesn’t violate human rights laws because mechanisms like compassionate release still exist.

So, where does that leave him? With the appeal rejected and costs ordered, Dotcom now faces the prospect of a final, desperate leap to the Supreme Court. If that fails, the U.S. federal prison system is likely next.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Interview With Dennis aka Pointer Function

https://retrorgb.com/interview-with-dennis-aka-pointer-function.html

Let’s be honest: keeping old game discs playable shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes financial gamble. For years, retro gamers have been stuck between buying overpriced commercial polishers that charge you per disc or investing in machines that cost a fortune to repair. It’s a frustrating loop, but Dennis van den Broek—aka Pointer Function—might just be the hero we didn’t know we needed.

In a recent RetroRGB podcast interview, Dennis opened up about his latest open-source project: the RGR EZBuff. Think of it as a DIY solution to a very specific, very expensive problem. While commercial units often lock you into costly maintenance or per-disc fees, the EZBuff is designed to be accessible and repairable, putting the power back in the hands of the community.

If you’re tired of watching your collection degrade or emptying your wallet for minor fixes, this is worth a listen. Dennis breaks down the logic behind the build and why open-source hardware is the future of retro preservation.

Why you should care:

• Open Source: No hidden fees or proprietary lock-ins.
• Cost-Effective: A smarter alternative to the $1,500+ commercial units.
• Community Driven: Join the growing movement of retro tech tinkerers.

Check out the full chat on your favorite podcast app by searching “RetroRGB Dennis.” And if you appreciate the effort, Dennis has a Ko-fi page ready for support. Here’s to cleaner discs and clearer skies for retro gaming.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

RGR EZBuff: Open Source Disc Buffer/Resurfacer

https://retrorgb.com/rgr-ezbuff-open-source-disc-buffer-resurfacer.html

Tired of watching your retro game collection turn into expensive plastic coasters? There’s finally a solution that doesn’t require selling a kidney. Dennis van den Broek has just released the RGR EZBuff, a fully open-source disc buffer and resurfacer that’s as easy on the wallet as it is effective.

The beauty of this project lies in its accessibility. You don’t need a factory to build one; just grab some affordable, off-the-shelf parts and print the enclosure using a standard home 3D printer and a single kilogram of filament. It’s a win for DIY enthusiasts who want professional-grade results without the professional-grade price tag.

Safety first, though. As with any disc repair, start slow. Dennis advises practicing on cheap, disposable CDs before touching anything sentimental. Let the unit cool between sessions, and remember that some discs are simply beyond saving. You can swap felt pads for high-grit sandpaper if you need heavy-duty resurfacing, but keep those processes separate to avoid contamination.

Why does this matter? Because the current market is bleak. Professional kits often cost $2,000 and charge per-disc fees, while cheaper alternatives require constant, costly part replacements. The EZBuff breaks this cycle, offering a sustainable, affordable path for retro game stores and collectors alike to keep their libraries spinning.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYANEO Pocket Vert Review: Premium Meets Portable, With a Dash of Disappointment

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneo-pocket-vert-review/

If you thought the AYANEO Pocket DMG was the undisputed king of vertical handhelds, grab your pitchforks—or maybe just your wallet. The Pocket Vert has arrived, promising to dethrone the incumbent with a design that screams “premium” and a screen so sharp it’ll make your eyes hurt.

AYANEO went all-in on aesthetics here. We’re talking a CNC-milled metal body, an all-glass front, and unmarked crystal buttons. It feels substantial (325 grams of pure heft) and looks absolutely stunning. The 3.5-inch LCD boasts a mind-bending 615 PPI, meaning Game Boy games look impossibly crisp. If you’re chasing that retro pixel-perfect glow, this thing delivers.

But here’s the rub: the Vert is tiny. At 3.5 inches, it’s a pocket-sized marvel that leaves little room for error. Worse yet, it ditches the analog sticks entirely. Instead, you get “MagicTouch” sensors that are overly sensitive and frustratingly imprecise. Sure, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 can handle PS2 emulation, but trying to navigate 3D worlds without actual sticks? That’s a recipe for rage-quitting.

The Verdict: The Pocket Vert is a beautiful, expensive toy. It’s perfect for 2D classics and showing off at parties, but for serious gaming, the lack of analog controls and the cramped screen keep it from truly surpassing the Pocket DMG. It’s premium, alright—but is it worth the upgrade? Maybe not.