Retro

Retroid has announced the return of a 12GB RAM version of the Pocket 6 Android handheld. The new variant arrives with less storage, fewer colors, but the same price as the discontinued version.

TrimUI has revealed that it has two new handhelds on the way. The two devices, which will arrive as the Brick Hammer Pro U and Brick Pro, are the successors to the Brick and Brick Hammer vertical handhelds released in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

A new rumor suggests Sega or a licensing partner may be exploring a low-cost retro handheld built around physical cartridges, a 5-inch OLED display, and hardware optimized for modern 2D pixel-art games.

Harbour Masters, known for polished Nintendo 64 PC ports, is expanding its Libultraship tools to GameCube titles, with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess leading the effort through the native PC port Twilight Princess: Courage Reborn.

ModRetro’s M64 is a new FPGA-based Nintendo 64 console built around AMD’s Artix UltraScale+ FPGA, aiming to reproduce original cartridge hardware behavior with tighter timing, input response, and accuracy than conventional emulation. Launching July 28, 2026, the system will start at $199 for early backers, alongside a $90 Bluetooth Pro Controller and a lineup of new N64-compatible titles.

The M64 is essentially a modern retro console that also supports original hardware for exceptionally accurate emulation. The manufacturer, ModRetro, has now commented on the console's release.

D.C. startup dumb.co has launched the Dumbphone 2, a $20 companion phone that syncs with your smartphone but strips it to essentials — Uber, maps, calls, texts. Plans run $15.99-$25.99/mo, with a standalone tier for kids and smartphone quitters.

Colin Porch, 81, has released Return to Blacktooth: A Head Over Heels Adventure, a long-abandoned sequel begun 37 years ago, now available for Atari ST and Commodore Amiga via itch.io.

A rare New Nintendo 3DS XL signed by Shigeru Miyamoto and awarded to John “Numbers” Goldberg, winner of the 2015 Nintendo World Championships, has surpassed $21,000 in an eBay auction. The mint-condition handheld, featuring Miyamoto’s signature and a Mario sketch, is drawing strong collector interest due to its provenance and the rarity of Miyamoto-signed Nintendo memorabilia.

YouTuber James Channel transformed a broken PS2 Slim into the “JamesStation 2,” a duct-taped portable handheld with salvaged controller parts, a GPS screen, rewired ports, and an exposed spinning disc drive. Despite its crude and hazardous construction, the DIY console reportedly runs demanding PS2 games for up to five hours on a 10,000 mAh battery, outlasting the Steam Deck.

OmniDrive, an open-source custom firmware for select Blu-ray drives, gives PC users a legal way to dump and preserve their own GameCube, Wii, Xbox, PlayStation, and other disc-based games.

Panic has added Crankboy to the Playdate Catalogue, bringing full-speed Game Boy emulation to the crank-equipped handheld for $10, with four bundled homebrew titles and support for legally imported ROMs.

The Linux on PS5 hack makes the console a tempting platform for the RPCS3 PS3 emulator. Digital Foundry discovered that more GPU-dependent games thrived on the newer hardware. Unfortunately, performance suffered with titles designed to maximize the PlayStation 3’s cell processor.

Anbernic has released cheaper versions of one of its popular retro handhelds. Now available with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, the Anbernic RG557 is significantly cheaper than it was previously, despite retaining an AMOLED display and a powerful chipset.

After Google declined to repair a Pixel 8 with a persistent pink display line, its owner repurposed the otherwise functional phone into a compact retro gaming console connected to a TV. Using a USB-C hub, wired controllers, active PC-fan cooling, HDMI output, and EmulationStation Desktop Edition, the project turns damaged hardware into a practical emulation setup rather than e-waste.

Modder Throaty Mumbo has successfully ported Windows CE 2.11 to the Nintendo 64, using custom-built drivers, Microsoft’s old Platform Builder tools, and an EverDrive 64 cartridge to boot the system on original hardware. The project turns the retro console into a functional Windows CE desktop with controller-based mouse input, audio and graphics support, SD card app loading, and demos including Cube3D and Tetris.

Powkiddy has released a new retro handheld globally. Available in a choice of three colours, the Powkiddy P36S is comparatively small despite featuring two joysticks, two USB Type-C ports and a pair of microSD card slots.

Ayaneo is preparing to announce new products on May 21. In the meantime, a second budget handheld has appeared bearing Ayaneo Bitwave branding. A horizontal model, the new device may feature a 120 Hz display but lacks any joysticks to speak of.

Update Edited on Monday, May 18th with more detailed optimization info and a few corrections. The first installment of [Tuesday Tweaks] covers Lossless Scaling, its vendor-neutral Frame Generation, and how it can be used to achieve higher framerates in games locked to 30 or 60 FPS, including emulators, fighting games, and etc. The actual Scaling functionality will also be briefly discussed.

Ayaneo has put a pause on new product announcements for a few months now, but it appears it might have a new product on the horizon. Thanks to a new report, we have a first look at images and the user manual of a new handheld that is expected to launch as the Ayaneo Pocket Block.

A new Game Maker’s Toolkit video examines how Rockstar made Grand Theft Auto III’s Liberty City work within the PlayStation 2’s 32MB memory limit by using a dynamic asset-streaming system. Through source-code analysis and a modded executable, Mark Brown shows how the game continuously loaded nearby city sectors while unloading areas behind the player, creating the illusion of a seamless open world.

Alejandro Martin, creator of the troubled SuperSega FPGA console, has returned with “SuperSega V3,” a handmade wooden PC-style system promising support for original Sega cartridges and discs alongside user-installed high-end hardware. Given the project’s vague pricing, limited production claims, past refund controversies, and apparent reliance on standard emulation, the new pitch is likely to face deep skepticism from retro gaming consumers.

In 2024, a modern version of the ZX Spectrum was released, however, it was available in the same black version as the original. Now, buyers can purchase The Spectrum in white, which is based on the one-millionth white version of the original that was specially made for Clive Sinclair.

The Yoo Y1, a new Android-based retro handheld from Chinese designer Zhang, is drawing early attention for its premium build, minimalist glass front, 3:2 1620 x 1080 display, TMR joysticks, Hall-Effect triggers, metal frame, and 6,000mAh battery. While its processor remains unconfirmed, the device’s final performance and connectivity features could determine whether it becomes a serious rival to established premium handhelds from Retroid and Ayn.

Anbernic has refreshed its RG34XX SP handheld with a new model. Apparently more than just a visual refresh, the new Metallic Blue variant also brings a metallic finish to the RG34XX SP that was missing from its existing four colour options.

The Lenovo G02 is a new handheld designed to emulate retro games. Featuring a 4.5-inch IPS display, the Lenovo G02 comes in multiple colours with more than a passing resemblance to the Anbernic RG40XX V.

Macho Nacho Productions’ Tito spotlights the “Kawaii,” a keychain-sized, heavily trimmed Nintendo Wii built by YveltalGriffin and WeskMods that plays full GameCube titles on original hardware, not emulation, inside a CNC-machined aluminum shell that doubles as a heatsink. The project relies on an undervolted Omega-trim motherboard with Thundervolt hardware and a magnetic pogo-pin connector, with an optional dock for full-size controller ports and AV output, though heat buildup can trigger shutdowns without added cooling.

8BitMods has showcased its BitLink DC Kit, an aftermarket upgrade that converts a Sega Dreamcast controller into a motion-control racing wheel, adding 2.4 GHz wireless play, rumble, RGB lighting, VMU virtual support, and USB-C charging.

Nearly 30 years after Core Design’s planned Nintendo 64 version of Tomb Raider was canceled, a homebrew developer known as Snake has demonstrated a work-in-progress port running on N64 hardware via the Analogue 3D. Built from scratch using the TRX decompilation approach alongside libdragon and Tiny3D, the project reportedly implements most of the full game but still faces major bugs and performance constraints, with no release date or ROM distribution confirmed.

Lego and Sega’s newly revealed Sega Genesis set (40926) launches June 1, 2026, for $39.99 with 479 pieces, detachable controllers, and a plug-in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 cartridge, but its compact size and sticker-heavy build have drawn immediate criticism. Fans online say it lacks the detail and premium feel of Lego’s larger retro console kits, particularly the 2,646-piece NES set, and some argue even the earlier Genesis Controller gift-with-purchase model looks more faithful.

Preorders for Plaion Replai and SNK’s 1:1 Neo Geo AES+ reproduction have hit a snag in the U.S. and Canada, where buyers currently can’t order directly from Plaion’s site due to state-by-state tax registration requirements triggered by unexpectedly high demand. Plaion is directing customers to Amazon for the $249.99 standard and $349.99 Anniversary editions with a listed November 12, 2026 delivery, while the $1,000 REPLAI-exclusive Ultimate Edition remains unavailable until compliance is completed around late May.

Blaze Entertainment has unveiled two retro-inspired handhelds based on the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, each packed with 25 classic games. The devices blend nostalgic design with modern features — but come at a noticeably higher price than typical emulation handhelds.

Anbernic has officially confirmed full specifications for its next retro gaming handheld. At the same time, the company has showcased the Anbernic RG Rotate as part of the same lengthy unboxing video, too.

Commodore is expanding its FPGA-based Commodore 64 revival with the new “Slimline” C64C Ultimate, a sleeker Amiga-inspired redesign that keeps the same cycle-accurate core while adding modern conveniences like HDMI, Wi‑Fi, turbo mode, extra RAM, and multiple SID options. Commodore is also using the original 1986 injection-molding tooling to recreate the C64C shell, but that fidelity comes at a premium with preorders priced from $299.99 to $499.99 depending on the edition.

Modder Chris Hackmann (LeggoMyFroggo) has built the Time Frog Color, a 38 mm wristwatch that runs Game Boy Color games on original GBC hardware and accepts tiny physical cartridges, with an RP2040 handling display signal translation while preserving basic timekeeping when powered off. The build is an impressive, if impractical proof of concept, hampered by a very small screen, clunky controls, limited battery life, and no audio.

In a 2003 interview with Sweden’s Superplay magazine, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto addressed the growing popularity of Grand Theft Auto by arguing that Nintendo’s role was not to imitate Rockstar’s darker style, but to “produce alternatives.” He emphasized a design philosophy aimed at both children and adults while urging developers to observe moral and ethical boundaries, reflecting an approach Nintendo has largely maintained since.

Anbernic has finally confirmed the gaming capabilities of its new RG Rotate handheld. Supposedly capable of emulating up to PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii titles, the Anbernic RG Rotate should be particularly compact thanks to a tiny 3.5-inch and 1:1 display.

The developers behind the classic Super Nintendo emulator ZSNES just announced a new project: Super ZSNES. Super ZSNES is a new Super Nintendo emulator that relies on a system's GPU for enhanced visuals, audio, and more features.

Sega has launched “Sega Universe,” an initiative designed to revive its classic franchises and expand them beyond games into film, music, fashion, and other entertainment. The first phase centers on 2026 anniversary projects for nine retro titles, ranging from Fantasy Zone and Out Run to NiGHTS into Dreams and Sakura Wars, as Sega builds on its broader transmedia strategy proven by Sonic.

Atari has acquired emulation specialist Implicit Conversions, adding the studio’s proprietary Syrup engine to accelerate the revival of 32-bit-era games, starting with PlayStation support and early PlayStation 2 work, on modern platforms. The deal bolsters Atari’s retro-focused strategy alongside Digital Eclipse, expanding its in-house tooling and talent to re-release titles from its own catalog and partner IP back catalogs.

The Gamestation Go handheld launched with unique controls, now My Arcade offers those controls as a separate product called the Gamestation Retro Gamepad. The controller is compatible with only the Gameststaion Go and Gamestation Mega.

Anbernic has shared a new teaser video for its long-awaited compact handheld. Launching globally, it is still a mystery as to the hardware that powers the Anbernic RG Rotate.

Plaion says the Neo Geo AES+, launching November 13, 2026, is a 1:1 reproduction built around newly re-engineered ASIC chips rather than emulation or an FPGA approach, with noted retro hardware specialists Jotego and Furrtek involved in development. However, FPGA developer Pramod Somashekar alleges the project could effectively be a MiSTer-derived design split into multiple ASICs, a potential “bait and switch” that could limit post-launch updates, despite the console’s modern HDMI and legacy CRT-friendly outputs.

SNK has partnered with Plaion to launch a modern version of its 90s console, the NeoGeo AES. Called the NeoGeo AES+, it keeps the design of the original and is compatible with the original AES cartridges.

Presented in stunning hand-drawn animation, Machinarium takes you on a potentially nostalgia-inducing trip to the early days of gaming.

Despite unveiling two new handhelds in early February, MagicX is yet to release them. Now, the manufacturer has explained why the Two Dream Light and Two Dream Pro handhelds are yet to launch.

Former Microsoft publishing executive Ed Fries says Xbox’s early-2000s push into Japan ran into a risk-averse PS2-era industry, where many publishers hesitated to publicly support Microsoft despite private interest and negotiations over major franchises. He claims Sony’s market power enabled it to “punish” partners (if it wanted to) through tactics like delayed dev kits or reduced marketing, with a few companies, such as Tecmo, backing Xbox exclusives to curb what they saw as a monopoly.

Anbernic has officially confirmed the existence of its next retro gaming handheld. Another pocketable device, the Anbernic RG Rotate should be powerful enough to emulate classic consoles while also serving as an MP3 player alternative.

The TrimUI Brick Pro may soon be released as a leak has revealed what its retail box looks like. A handful of its specs have also been revealed.