📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Bonus Level: Sony Addresses The State Of Play

https://retrohandhelds.gg/bonus-level-sony-addresses-the-state-of-play/

Sony’s State of Play Was a Massive Info Dump — Here’s What Actually Matters

Forget “teasers”—Sony’s latest State of Play felt like a full-blown PlayStation Expo in under 90 minutes. Over an hour of announcements packed with remakes, sequels, and wild new IPs (yes, even tactical octopus infiltration), it was a reminder: PlayStation’s 2025 slate is already stacking up like a shelf of limited-edition controller bundles.

The Heavy Hitters:

• God of War gets a remake of the original Greek trilogy and a surprise 2D spin-off, Sons of Sparta, dropping same-day on PS5.
• Silent Hill: Townfall flips the script with first-person gameplay and a portable CRT TV that lets you rewind time and solve puzzles mid-horror—because why just scare people when you can rewind their despair?
• John Wick is finally getting a game that actually feels like the movies (gun-fu, driving, Continental lore)—and Saber’s working directly with the filmmakers.

Surprise & Quirky Gems:

• Darwin’s Paradox: You play as an octopus infiltrating underwater bases. Yes, an octopus. Ink clouds, camouflage, tentacle-based stealth—it’s Metal Gear Solid, but with eight arms.
• Yakoh Shinobi Ops: A four-player stealth action game where failing means an unstoppable Pursuer ends your run early. Think Hotline Miami meets Metal Gear, but with more ninja tricks and less bullets.
• Mina the Hollower: Yacht Club’s Link’s Awakening homage, but with Game Boy aesthetics and 25+ bosses. A PS5 demo drops tomorrow—set your alarms.

The Verdict:

This wasn’t just a showcase—it was a shot across the bow to competitors. Sony’s going all-in on variety: co-op, remakes, radical IPs, and fan-service remasters—all while quietly building a 2025 lineup that might actually deliver on its promise of “something for everyone.” Whether that translates to actual hits? Still TBD. But the ambition? Undeniable.

—

Bonus: PlayStation Plus got 5 new games, including Spider-Man 2 and Wall-E. Because why not give you everything except the kitchen sink?

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Feral Brings ‘Fully Fledged Modern Tomb Raider’ to Mobile, DLC Included

https://retrohandhelds.gg/feral-brings-fully-fledged-modern-tomb-raider-to-mobile-dlc-included/

Lara Croft Lands on Mobile—With All the Trimmings (and No Microtransactions)

Feral Interactive is bringing the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot to iOS and Android on February 12—and this isn’t a stripped-down mobile cash-in. Nope. You’re getting the full origin story: campaign + all 12 DLC packs (yes, even the costume bundles and extra challenge tombs), no extra charges. Think of it as “AAA on the go,” redefined.

Feral—known for slick ports like Alien: Isolation and GRID Autosport—is leaning into its rep as the “mobile PC port” specialists. Expect customizable touch controls, full gamepad support, keyboard/mouse on tablets, and gyro aiming for precision. That’s more thoughtful input design than some console-to-PC ports bother with.

Hardware-wise: Android needs 13+, 12.5GB storage (20GB recommended), and ideally a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ with 6GB RAM. iOS requires ~20GB free space during install (iOS 16.1+). No official device list yet, but Feral usually blocks purchases on unsupported hardware—so if it’s in the store? You’re probably good.

Priced at $19.99 (no IAPs), it’s a bold premium move in 2026—but fans are celebrating. As one Reddit user put it: “Feral always a goat.” 🐐

🔗 [App Store] | 🔗 [Google Play]

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: TrimUI ‘Flap X1’, Ocarina of Time on PS1, Switch Emulators DMCA’d, and More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-86/

Retro Handhelds Weekly: What a Week! 🎮⚡

This week in retro handheld land was packed—new hardware leaks, wild software experiments, and even a PlayStation 1 port of Ocarina of Time (yes, really). Let’s break it down:

—

🔹 Hardware Highlights

• TrimUI’s “Flap X1” might be coming—a clamshell design spotted in CAD renders, possibly challenging the Retroid Pocket Flip 2.
• Anbernic’s RG Vita & Pro confirmed for March launch, with the Pro got a 1080p screen and new RockChip chip.
• MagicX Two Dream revealed—a 4.5” 1440×1080 handheld with a very retro 4:3 aspect ratio.
• Bonus: Analogue dropped limited “Prototype” colorways, and GameSir teased a new Tarantula controller.

—

🔹 Software Shenanigans

• OoT PSX is real—a work-in-progress PS1 port of Ocarina of Time live on GitHub. Not playable yet, but wildly ambitious.
• Cocoon Shell 2.0 Beta drops with a full UI overhaul—great for dual-screen and single-screen Android handhelds.
• ES-DE directories guide? Russ from Retro Game Corps got you covered for Android setup.

—

🔹 Emulation & Firmware

Vita3K adds Rear Touch support on Android, RetroDECK hits 0.10.3b, and GammaOS expands for MANGMI devices—keep your firmware fresh!

—

🔥 Editorial Goodies

Jim’s launching Hacking The Mainframe (ROM hacks, translations), Rewind Roundup (remakes & remasters), and Next Level (fresh indie gems)—plus a spicy take on Blood Strike, NetEase’s shameless COD ripoff (he’s fine with it).

—

🛍️ Deals Alert

Anbernic’s Spring Sale drops prices like a dropped Game Boy (e.g., RG35XXSP for $50), and AliExpress has coupon codes galore.

—

📧 New Newsletter Alert!

Retro Handhelds’ weekly email is finally here—no spam, just curated retro goodness. Free. Sign up now.

What’s your most exciting pick from the week? Drop it below or join the chat on Discord! 🪙

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Homebrew Side Quests #1: Wii Did It

https://retrohandhelds.gg/homebrew-side-quests-1-wii-did-it/

Homebrew Side Quests #1: Wii Did It 🕹️

Let’s be honest—retro gaming isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a full-blown renaissance. This week’s Homebrew Side Quests proves that classic hardware is still getting love, upgrades, and wildly creative new life—even if the original manufacturers moved on decades ago.

We’ve got Spider Maze 2 for the C64: a glossy, spike-filled maze dash that’s like Pac-Man meeting QBert at a disco. Then there’s US Championship V’Ball, finally ported to Amiga with all the beach vibes and 68k muscle you didn’t know you needed.

But things get spookier with The Last Pumpkin—a co-op platformer where you bounce around a haunted castle as either a pumpkin or a cat. Yes, really—and yes, it’s as fun (and chaotic) as it sounds.

Over on the Amiga front, Double Baboon Ninja promises neon-drenched simian ninja action, while G-Wars goes full Geometry Wars on AGA machines like it’s 1999 again. Meanwhile, Demon Pages brings old-school Western CRPGs to PC (and emulators), and Metal Canary—a Wii/Dreamcast/Steam shooter—is already playable on Nintendo’s 2006 console… with a physical Wii release planned for Retrocon 2026.

Turns out, the past isn’t even past—it’s just being remixed.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Windows98 Quick Install V1.0 Release

https://retrorgb.com/windows98-quick-install-v1-0-release.html

Windows 98 Just Got a Whole Lot Easier to Install — and Faster Too 🚀

Remember wrestling with Windows 98 setup disks, endless reboots, and driver CDs? Yeah… me neither — because I wasn’t born yet. But for the rest of us nostalgic PC enthusiasts, Windows 98 Quick Install (Win98QI) v1.0 has officially landed on GitHub — and it’s a game-changer.

Created by developer E. Voirin (a.k.a. OERG866), Win98QI streamlines the entire install process. Think of it as a modern turbo button for retro computing:

✅ One-click install (no more skipping through Setup menus)

✅ Pre-integrated DirectX 8.1 for gaming and multimedia

✅ Multiple flavor options: standard Win98, lite version, or even Windows ME

✅ USB (.img) and CD (.iso) support — no optical drive? No problem.

It’s still labeled “beta” (with the usual solo-dev disclaimer: “mostly problem-free, but… yeah”), but past versions have proven reliable. And with help from YouTube legend Phil from Phil’s Computer Lab, it’s never been easier to get up and running.

Ready to revisit the golden age of desktop aesthetics and dial-up delays?

👉 Grab it on GitHub

📺 Watch Phil’s walkthrough here

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Hacking The Mainframe #1: First Fight

https://retrohandhelds.gg/hacking-the-mainframe-1-first-fight/

Hacking The Mainframe #1: First Fight 🕹️💥

Let’s be real—official remasters are nice, but the real magic happens when fans roll up their sleeves and lovingly rebuild, refine, or reimagine the past. Enter Hacking The Mainframe, your new weekly digest of fan-driven preservation wizardry.

This debut issue highlights some seriously impressive labor-of-love projects:

• Final Fight Enhanced (Amiga): Prototron didn’t just fix the notoriously bad US Gold port—they rebuilt it from scratch in 68000 assembly. Wider screen? New moves? Better animation & sound? All while running on real Amiga hardware? Yes, please.

• Super Mario World: The Definitive Edition (SNES): Not a overhaul, but a polish. Tweaked graphics, bug fixes, Luigi finally looks distinct—and it’s all for fans who want the “perfect” SMW experience, not a kaizo nightmare.

• Pokémon – War of Masters (GBA): Technically more homebrew than hack—this is a tactical RPG using Pokémon assets. Think Fire Emblem meets Galar, with grid-based combat and massive crossover appeal.

And that’s just the start. From F-Zero Astra Front’s fair-yet-challenging AI to the long-awaited English patch for Rival Schools’ Japan-only board game mode, the community’s dedication keeps retro gaming alive in ways corporations never could.

Bottom line: ROM hacks, translations, decompilations—they’re not just nostalgia trips. They’re acts of cultural rescue.

—

Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll dive into decompilations and the science behind bringing dead systems back to life.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

SD2SP1 – For GameCube’s Without the SP2 Port

https://retrorgb.com/sd2sp1-for-gamecubes-without-the-sp2-port.html

GameCube Owners, Meet the SD2SP1: $5 MicroSD Magic for SP1 Consoles

If your GameCube is stuck in the SP1 era (no Serial Port 2), loading homebrew or mods via Swiss used to mean jury-rigging old memory cards or finicky adapters. Enter SD2SP1—a sleek, $5 MicroSD adapter from Greg of LaserBear that plugs directly into your SP1’s memory card slot and just works… mostly.

It’s not perfect:

• Some MicroSD cards (especially larger or faster ones) may misbehave.
• Missing the SP2’s built-in OR logic gate, so theoretical compatibility issues with certain games (though in practice? Few complaints so far).
• Might clash with IPL add-ons like PicoBoot.

But here’s the kicker: $5. For that price—even factoring in shipping—it’s a no-brainer gamble for SP1 owners wanting a clean SD-based workflow. And if you do have an SP2? Greg’s SD2SP2 ACE remains the gold standard.

Pro tip: Bundle with his other GC mods (like stylized faceplates or USB mods) to save on shipping. GameCube modding has never been this affordable—or fun. 🎮💾

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Deals of the Week

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-deals-of-the-week/

🎮 Retro Handheld Deals of the Week: Your Wallet’s New Best Friend

Love retro gaming but hate overpaying? Retro Handhelds has dropped its latest weekly deal round-up—and wow, it’s a treasure trove. From Anbernic and PowKiddy handhelds to x86 powerhouses, controllers, storage, and even game bundles—this list has everything (and yes, coupons are included).

### 🔥 Top Picks

• Anbernic RG40XXV drops to $57.90 on AliExpress with code `6RHH`
• PowKiddy X55 slinks down to $70.92 (that’s $39 off retail!)
• Miyoo Mini Flip? As low as $50.31 on AliExpress
• TrimUI Smart Pro S hits $85.77 (yes, with 10% off)

### 💸 Bonus Bounties

• AliExpress coupon stacks (up to $60 off $499!)
• Epic & GOG free games (hello, The Darkside Detective!)
• 8BitDo Pro 3 for $51.99 on Woot
• SanDisk Ultra 256GB SD card for $27.95 on Amazon

Whether you’re building a retro dream rig or just grabbing a fun handheld for the commute—now’s the time.

🔗 [Check out all the deals at Retro Handhelds](#) (affiliate links)

💬 Got a favorite find? Share it in their Discord!

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Newcare HDMI 1×2 Splitter

https://retrorgb.com/newcare-hdmi-1×2-splitter.html

TL;DR: For just $10, the Newcare HDMI 1×2 Splitter is a surprisingly solid performer—especially for retro gamers. It adds zero noticeable lag, handles 4K60 (mostly), supports EDID control, and works great with the RetroTINK 4K, PS3, capture cards, and even MiSTer & OSSC setups.

✅ Pros:

• Dirt-cheap for what it does
• Zero input lag
• Downscaling from 4K to 1080p on either output
• Solid genlock performance with rapid resolution switching (240p ↔ 480i)
• Compact and plug-and-play

⚠️ Quirks to know:

• No CEC passthrough
• Not fully MiSTer Direct Video compatible
• Rare but notable issue: 有时 won’t output 4K60 RGB (especially on port #1), though it mostly works fine
• Slight delay during resolution handoffs

💡 Verdict: Not perfect, but absolutely one of the best value splitters out there—especially if you’re using a RetroTINK 4K or similar upscaler. Just be mindful of colorspace limitations (RGB vs YUV), and try swapping cables if you hit a snag.

🔗 Grab it on Amazon (affiliate)

(Via RetroRGB — full video review linked in source.)

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYANEO’s Latest Update: A Victory Lap for the Bare Minimum

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneos-latest-update-a-victory-lap-for-the-bare-minimum/

AYANEO’s “Victory Lap” Is Just a Very Loud Walk Back to the Drawing Board

It’s been a wild ride for AYANEO since creator Zu dropped his scathing “I’m Done with AYANEO” video in early December 2025 — and honestly? The company’s response feels less like a reckoning and more like a frantic sprint to look responsive while barely touching the real issues.

In the past month and change, AYANEO has announced or released eight products — from the Pocket DMG Aura Yellow to the NEXT 2 crowdfunded beast. That’s roughly one launch per week, even as they promised to scale back on crowdfunding and “act more like a mom-and-pop shop.” Hmm.

The latest blog post — dropped just before Chinese New Year, after Zu released another critical video — touts progress on old orders and reiterates its commitment to improvement. But the cringe-worthy moment? Blaming Indiegogo for the NEXT 2’s crowdfunding rollout, citing a “long-term strategic partnership.” Translation: We still need your money, and we’re not sorry.

Sure, AYANEO nails the right words — “delivering as promised is key,” compensation plans, etc. — but the pattern remains: overpromise, underdeliver, then offer branded goodwill gestures like free Pocket AIR Minis to soothe the masses.

Will they change? Or is this just another round of retro gaming theater, where the hardware looks cool and the timeline stays… optimistic? Time — and your inbox full of late shipments — will tell.