Retro

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.

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.

An ultra-rare, fully playable but silent early prototype of Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! has been dumped online, revealing major departures from the final 1987 NES release, including arcade-era character names, unused fighters, and only four accessible opponents. The Video Game History Foundation analyzed the unusual cartridge, reportedly found at a former Nintendo of America employee’s garage sale and later sold for $45,000, highlighting its retail-style mask ROM chips and previously unseen roster entries like Rockyhead and Mongol Khan.

Capcom has brought the original Resident Evil trilogy alongside Breath of Fire IV to Steam for $4.99 each, using the same enhanced versions previously sold on GOG with upgraded audio, controls, and display options. The release, however, is drawing criticism for adding Capcom’s Enigma DRM, which users link to past performance problems and current Steam Deck compatibility issues, including input glitches, video playback inconsistencies, and missing cloud saves.

A PSP enthusiast has submitted a 333-piece LEGO Ideas recreation of Sony’s original PSP-1000, accurately capturing its distinctive curves, controls, and screen, using legal building techniques and detailed parts such as the power slider and charging port. The model also includes a retractable UMD tray with a demo disc and must reach 10,000 supporters on LEGO Ideas after surpassing 700 votes since its April 1, 2026 launch to be considered for an official release.

Retro gamers are often frustrated when titles disappear from the Microsoft Store. Happenings in the xCloud backend may be a prelude to Xbox 360 games and other favorites returning. The company has promised to implement backward compatibility on PCs and existing and new Xbox consoles.

A resurfaced account from Portal 2 lead designer Josh Weier says Valve co-founder Gabe Newell stepped back from hands-on game development after Portal 2 because his seniority made it difficult for developers to challenge his ideas with honest disagreement. Weier described Newell as eager to collaborate but often met with deference, citing Portal 2 design debates as an example of why Newell ultimately chose to give teams more autonomy while offering periodic check-ins and feedback.

More than 20 years after Deus Ex: Invisible War split fans over its streamlined design, audio director Alexander Brandon said the game had “room for improvement” but argued the team delivered strong work under tight deadlines and technical constraints.

A new leak has confirmed fresh information about Anbernic's next gaming handheld. With the Anbernic RG Rotate name now locked in, the leak has also confirmed battery and charging information ahead of schedule.

A gamer who bought an Xbox 360 development kit for £5 at an Edinburgh car boot sale discovered a legitimate 118GB November 2007 beta build of *Grand Theft Auto IV*, later shared online and now being examined by the GTA community. Early findings point to substantial cut content, including a ferry system removed due to AI and physics issues, altered radio assets, and evidence of a scrapped “Z: Resurrection” zombie mode that Rockstar’s former technical director Obbe Vermeij described as an internal test.

New videos have offered up fresh information about Anbernic's next gaming handheld. One video also teases that the device could launch as the Anbernic RG Rotate. The handheld supports MP3 player functionality and apparently has enough power to emulate Nintendo 64 games, too.

Analogue’s firmware 1.2.4 update for the FPGA-based Analogue 3D addresses a major pain point for N64 flash cart users by detecting ROM header changes and treating each title on a single cartridge as a separate library entry. The “advanced library detection” feature preserves per-game saves and settings, such as Virtual Controller Pak data and controller configurations, while additional OS tweaks, such as a cartridge-dependent “Ready” prompt, streamline startup.

The Evercade Nexus is a new handheld with support for Evercade's collection of cartridge-based games. The new handheld has a customizable RGB logo and a TATE mode, but won't be available until October.

Retro Gamer reports that Kratos’ iconic pale, ashen skin in God of War was not a lore-first design choice but the result of director David Jaffe approving an unfinished concept sketch that simply looked “really cool.” Developer Stig Asmussen says the team later integrated the accidental look into the narrative, while the stark white palette also helped Kratos stand out amid the game’s marble environments and blood-soaked combat.

A prototype mod dubbed the Super Switch HD taps the SNES’s internal digital video bus to deliver native, lag-free 1080p output over a pure digital signal, avoiding analog RGB and external upscalers. Created by modder Stanislav Parhomovich, it adds an on-screen interface for resolution, aspect ratio, and processing tweaks, but has no announced release date or price.

Brenda Romero says the Xbox-exclusive *Dungeons & Dragons Heroes* was effectively rescued just five months before release, after an internal reckoning prompted the team to pivot from Atari’s intended Gauntlet-style hack-and-slash into a more authentic RPG with quests, items, NPCs, and progression. Though the 2003 game ultimately received mixed reviews and Romero calls it “mediocre,” she describes the late-stage overhaul as a development “miracle” given the compressed timeline.

New Zealand police have seized and will auction a Christchurch man’s $150,000–$172,000 pinball collection after a High Court ruled the “Kimzone” garage arcade was tainted property linked to a drug-dealing operation. Kim Michael Dozier, sentenced to four years and one month in prison, was found with drugs valued at about $125,000, $45,500 in cash, and illegal substances hidden throughout his home.

Nintendo has disappointed gamers with poor performance in its official GameCube emulator. Gradually, the company has addressed bugs and sensitive inputs that plague many retro favorites. The latest Nintendo Switch Online update further improves controls in GameCube games like F-Zero GX.

The PSK5000 is a new 5-inch handheld aimed at budget gamers. Available for under $100 globally, the PSK5000 runs Android and should be powerful enough to emulate many classic systems thanks to its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset and 3 GB of LPDDR4X RAM.

(Update: The article has been updated to reflect changes to the prices of the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro.) Several weeks after they were first announced, Anbernic has now revealed the price of the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro. The two PS Vita-like handhelds will also be available to pre-order later this month.

An unofficial decompilation project has produced a native PC build of the Nintendo GameCube’s Animal Crossing, bypassing emulation with an x86 translation layer that swaps the console’s GX graphics API for OpenGL 3.3.

After Myrient, one of the largest game archives on the Internet, announced it would close on March 31st, members of the gaming community banded together to back up every title included in its database. As of this week, the entirety of Myrient's 385 TB has been officially backed up.

Duckstation, one of the most popular PlayStation 1 emulators, may not see any more updates on Android. Stenzek, the developer behind the emulator, stated in a Discord chat that he may no longer develop updates for the Android version of Duckstation.