📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AceMagic M1 Review: CPU Power Isn’t Everything

https://retrohandhelds.gg/acemagic-m1-review/

Let’s be real: if you’re buying a Mini PC in 2026, you’re not shopping—you’re scavenging. And the AceMagic M1? It’s like finding a Ferrari engine in a Razor scooter.

Intel’s i9-13900HK? Yeah, that’s power. 14 cores. 20 threads. Enough to run a small country’s tax system. But here’s the twist: it doesn’t feel like it. Geekbench scores are oddly low, and Intel’s Iris XE graphics? Solid for everyday stuff, decent for emulation (Wii U? Yep. PS3? Maybe if you’re patient). But ask it to run Bioshock Infinite—and it ghosts you. Meanwhile, a $200 NUC from 2021 outperforms it in Dirt 3. Weird? Yes. Tell your GPU.

The design? Plastic, noisy fan, screws buried under glued-on rubber feet—like someone built it in a garage while listening to Windows 95 startup sounds. And if you want RAM or storage? Better bring cash. Barebones starts at $329, but the real value is the fully loaded version… which, surprise, is sold out.

So who’s it for? Homelab nerds. Docker enthusiasts. People who think “I need 20 threads to check email.” Gamers? Stick with AMD. Retro fans? It’ll work—but you’ll spend more time tinkering than playing.

Bottom line: Power isn’t everything. Sometimes, it’s just… loud.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

GitHub Restores Repo of GTA Mod ‘Multi Theft Auto’ After Take-Two Fails to Sue

https://torrentfreak.com/github-restores-repo-of-gta-mod-multi-theft-auto-after-take-two-fails-to-sue/

Here’s the punchy, newsletter-ready version:

—

GitHub brought back GTA’s biggest fan mod—because Take-Two couldn’t be bothered to sue.

Multi Theft Auto (MTA), a 21-year-old mod that lets you play Grand Theft Auto with friends, got yanked from GitHub after Take-Two claimed it hosted “leaked source code.” Except… it didn’t. MTA doesn’t copy GTA’s files—it hooks into your legally bought copy of the game. Think of it like a smart plugin, not a pirated clone.

The takedown? Suspicious. No specific files named. Forks untouched. Developers suspected a bot or bluff. So they fired back with a formal DMCA counter-notice: “We wrote this from scratch.”

Under the law, GitHub had to restore it—unless Take-Two sued within 10–14 days. They didn’t. Repo’s back. MTA’s celebrating. GitHub won’t comment. Take-Two? Radio silence.

But here’s the catch: This isn’t over. In 2021, similar GTA mods got restored… then sued months later. Take-Two could still come for MTA. They just chose not to—yet.

For now, modders rejoice. But keep your legal docs handy. The cops might still show up.

—

Word count: 179

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Weekly Roundup #495

https://retrorgb.com/week495.html

Hey there, retro fanatics — your weekly dose of nostalgia just got a whole lot weirder.

This week on RetroRGB, Bob didn’t just update scanlines—he normalized them. Yes, you read that right. The RetroTink 4K now makes scanlines behave like they’re on a yoga retreat: chill, consistent, and oddly zen. Meanwhile, someone recreated the audio of Magical Puzzle Popils (yes, that obscure NES game)… and it’s actually kinda beautiful. Who knew 8-bit bloopiness could be poetic?

But wait—there’s more. Atari Jaguar owners, rejoice: bypass kits are back, and the instructions? Updated. Not just “here’s a screwdriver” level updated—think “we’ve mapped your motherboard like it’s a treasure map to glory.” And if you missed it, Vigilant Paradise, a brand-new Saturn FPS, just dropped. It’s like if Doom and Twin Peaks had a baby… with better textures.

Also: Furrtek’s store is open again (stock up before it vanishes), the C64 Ultimate got a full review (spoiler: it’s not just a “retro” toy), and Bob tested a snow tube… with a joystick. Yes, really. You’ll thank us later.

Support the channel? Do it via affiliate links—because who doesn’t love saving money while feeding their inner 1992 kid? 🎮💙

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess 4K Just Got Better!

https://retrohandhelds.gg/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-4k-just-got-better/

Forget “remasters”—this is reimagination with a sense of humor.

Henriko Magnifico, the unsung hero of Zelda texture packs, just dropped Twilight Princess 4K v3.0—and it’s like someone gave Hyrule a spa day, a coffee shot, and a new wardrobe. Forest Temple? Rebuilt. Hyrule Field? Swept clean of pixel ghosts. Even Link’s tunic now has texture, not just “kinda gray-ish cloth.” And yes, it’s all behind a $3 Patreon—because if you’re not paying for this level of love, who is?

The magic? It doesn’t feel like a mod. It feels like the GameCube version you always wished Nintendo had made. Colors pop, shaders shimmer, and the UI? Actually readable now. (RIP, tiny 2006 text that made you squint like a confused owl.)

Works on PC? Stunning. On your AYN Thor Pro? Still gorgeous—just don’t forget 8GB RAM or your device will weep. Android folks, hold tight—guide coming soon (probably after Henriko finishes refurbishing the Castle Town market stalls).

Bottom line: For three bucks, you’re not just upgrading graphics—you’re funding a one-man love letter to Zelda’s most underrated chapter. Go be a hero. Subscribe. And maybe don’t play it on your toaster.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Lenovo Reveal SteamOS on the Legion Go 2

https://retrohandhelds.gg/lenovo-reveal-steamos-on-the-legion-go-2/

Let’s be real—Lenovo just dropped a SteamOS version of the Legion Go 2, and it’s basically the “I don’t wanna deal with Windows” upgrade we didn’t know we needed.

The Legion Go 2 was already the sleek, expensive king of handhelds—detachable controllers that double as FPS mice? VRR OLED screen? AMD Z2 chip? Yeah, it’s basically a gaming console that also runs your tax software. But now, instead of wrestling with Windows 11 updates and bloatware, you get SteamOS: lean, fast, and “just works.” No dual-booting. No driver headaches. Just boot up, launch Elden Ring, and pretend you’re on a Switch… if the Switch could run Cyberpunk at 120fps.

Price? Still $1,199.99. Oof. But hey—if you’ve ever stared at a Windows update progress bar while your game was supposed to start, this might be worth the splurge. And with Xbox’s Full Screen Experience already sneaking onto the device, we’re living in a world where handhelds are basically little Windows/Linux/Xbox hybrids. Who knew?

So… SteamOS or stick with Windows? The real question is: can you resist a handheld that turns your living room into a retro-futuristic gaming cave? (Spoiler: No. You can’t.)

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

GameSir Pocket Taco: $35 Controller for Portrait Gaming on the Go

https://retrohandhelds.gg/gamesir-pocket-taco-35-controller-for-portrait-gaming-on-the-go/

Meet the Pocket Taco—because your phone deserved a snack, not just another case.

GameSir just dropped a $35 Bluetooth controller that clamps onto the bottom of your phone like a tiny, taco-shaped sidekick. It’s not just cute—it’s functional. Two shoulder buttons, four face buttons, a D-pad that actually feels like a D-pad, and a hollow bottom so you can charge while playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater on your lunch break. No awkward sideways grip. No bulky add-ons. Just pure, snackable portability.

At 60 grams and wrapped in soft silicone (so your phone doesn’t get mad), it’s basically a Game Boy that got a glow-up. The app lets you remap buttons, turbo-press triggers, and—yes—activate “keyboard mode” (because sometimes you just need to yell “NINJA!” in chat mid-level). The 600mAh battery? More than enough to survive three rounds of BopIt! GB.

It’s a gimmick? Absolutely. But it’s the right kind of gimmick—the one you didn’t know you needed until your thumbs started crying over touchscreen controls. Preorders are live, shipping March 15. And yes, a transparent version is coming soon. Because why not? We’re all just one taco away from retro bliss. 🌮🎮

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

DSpi Turns A Raspberry Pi Into A DIY DS

https://retrohandhelds.gg/dspi-turns-a-raspberry-pi-into-a-diy-ds/

Meet DSpi: the Raspberry Pi-powered DIY DS that’s basically a love letter to Nintendo’s dual-screen genius—except it’s built by a nerd, for nerds.

Borpendy didn’t just slap a Pi CM5 into a DS-shaped case. They engineered a full-blown handheld with dual 800×480 IPS screens, dedicated audio amps, a TI DAC for pristine headphones, and even an Xbox-style controller microcontroller. Yes, it’s overkill. And yes, that’s the point.

This isn’t just a one-off mod—it’s the first brick in a modular ecosystem. Future plans? A bigger 7-inch dual-screen beast, a controller-sized PC with HDMI output, and even a cyberdeck laptop. All on the same CM5 platform. Think of it as LEGO for handheld junkies.

Right now, it’s experimental—firmware’s rough, UX is a work in progress. But all the 3D prints, schematics, and code? Open on GitHub. No need to wait for Anbernic to drop a “DS Lite 2.0.” If you’ve got a printer, some patience, and a soft spot for NDS games on the go… you’ve got your next project.

It’s not a Switch. It’s better. It’s yours.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

RetroFrog LS-2: 9 Pin Retro Joystick

https://retrorgb.com/retrofrog-ls-2-9-pin-retro-joystick.html

Forget clunky old joysticks—RetroFrog’s LS-2 is the adult version of your childhood favorite. Priced at $100, this sleek, 9-pin beast isn’t just a joystick—it’s a retro gaming upgrade with attitude.

Built like a tank (brass inserts! high-grade PLA!), it packs premium Seimitsu LS-56 lever and Sanwa buttons—yes, those arcade-grade parts. Two big 30mm buttons? Both are Button 1, with a nifty rapid-fire toggle. The smaller 24mm button? It’s your Amiga Button 2… or, cleverly, it can switch to “Up as Jump” for games that never learned how to use two buttons. Genius.

And if you’re teaming up for Smash TV or Robotron, grab the $30 Twin Plate. Buy both sticks + plate? You get a $15 discount. Two-player chaos, sorted.

Works with everything from the C64 and Amiga to Atari 2600 and even ZX Spectrum (with a little help). Only hiccup? The Spectrum Next can’t do turbo fire—thanks, 5V shortage.

In short: if you’ve ever wished your retro rig had a joystick that looked this good and played better? This is it. No adapter needed. Just plug, play, and dominate.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: AYANEO, OneXSugar Wallet, PICO-8 on iOS, NHL ’94 Updates and Much More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-80/

Retro Handhelds Weekly: The Foldable, the Fights, and the AI Overlords

Let’s be real—2026 is starting like a retro handheld convention that never ended. AYANEO dropped details on the Pocket Play, a gaming phone that looks like an Xperia Play’s moody cousin. Meanwhile, OneXSugar just unveiled a foldable Android handheld called the Wallet. Yes. A clamshell that opens like a book… and plays Tetris. We’re living in the future, folks.

NHL ’94 finally got its brawls back. After 30 years of silent skating, NHL’94: Fight Edition drops haymakers where they belong—right between the goalposts. And PICO-8? Now natively on iPhone. No more browser glitches. Just pure, pixelated magic in your pocket.

But it’s not all fun and games. ASUS is raising prices “because AI.” Sony patented an AI ghost tutor that basically whispers hints into your brain like a smug roommate. And AYANEO? Still dragging their feet on global orders while pretending it’s not their fault. We see you, AYANEO. We’ve seen this movie before.

On the bright side: touchHLE now supports 300+ early iOS games, Ys V finally has an English PS2 patch, and the AYN Odin 3 is a beast that doesn’t know when to quit. January’s GotX challenge? Play any past Game of the Month. Time to dig through your backlog… and maybe unplug for a minute.

Still waiting for the AI-generated controller that tells you when to stop playing.

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYN Thor Lite up for Preorder

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayn-thor-lite-up-for-preorder/

You thought the AYN Thor Lite was dead? Nah—it’s just napping.

After months of “out of stock” limbo, AYN has finally revived the Thor Lite for preorder at $249. It’s basically the Thor with a vintage soul: same sleek shell, same gorgeous screen, but now powered by the 2019-era Snapdragon 865 (yes, that one). It’s still a beast for handheld gaming—just not the latest and greatest.

Here’s the twist: For $50 more, you can get the Thor Base with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Meanwhile, rivals like the Retroid Pocket G2 offer stronger chips and smaller OLEDs at similar prices. So is the Lite worth it? Only if you love retro-styled hardware with a side of nostalgia—and don’t mind waiting longer for the pricier model to ship.

Bottom line: It’s not the best deal on paper… but if you’ve got a soft spot for chunky, stylish handhelds that feel like a love letter to the golden age of PSPs? Go for it. Just don’t blame us when your friends ask, “Why not just get the one with the newer chip?”

Preorder here. (And yes, it’s still a bargain—if you’re into vintage power with modern flair.)