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👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0135

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My week in gaming has been mostly Elden Ring, expect limited retro updates for the foreseeable future, this game is great.

This is our biggest ever newsletter, with a whopping 54 stories (mainly due to me being laser focused on sourcing every drop of retro news from around the web). We have lots of new games for retro consoles, including some fan translations and some exciting Shining Force III news (one of my favourite games ever). Thanks for reading!

News

🎮 Next-gen PS2 memory cards allow for seamless game loading and data saving, offering a modern twist on classic hardware. Retroshell

🕹️ Famicom board game RPG Kamen Rider SD: Granshocker no Yabou gets an English fan patch, making the 1990 title accessible to a wider audience. TimeExtension

🦍 Donkey Kong’s new look hints at possible changes for the franchise’s future, sparking speculation among fans. Retroshell

⌨️ 8BitDo’s retro mechanical keyboards, styled after C64 and NES designs, are getting European layouts, expanding accessibility for international users. TimeExtension

📉 Nintendo reports a 46% drop in operating profit, citing weaker hardware and software sales. Retroshell

🚀 Operation Night Strikers is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch, bringing a classic-style shooter to modern audiences. MyNintendoNews

🕹️ Retro platformer Flea 2 is coming to the Dreamcast and NES, continuing the indie hit’s quirky adventure. Retroshell

📀 Sega CD titles Earnest Evans and Anett Returns are receiving their first official English releases, making them more accessible to global players. TimeExtension

💀 Doomlings puts a dark twist on Lemmings for the MSX, offering a new challenge for retro gaming fans. Retroshell

🌐 A new hack aims to take Shining Force III online, expanding multiplayer possibilities for the classic RPG. TimeExtension

🎵 Nintendo adds Super Mario World soundtrack to its music app, giving fans a nostalgic listening experience. Retroshell

🕹️ Capcom’s Midnight Wanderers is being ported to the Neo Geo, bringing the arcade classic to a new platform. TimeExtension

🔍 A leaked pre-release build of GTA: Vice City reveals beta content, offering insight into the game’s development. Retroshell

🎮 A rare Nintendo GameCube console has surfaced, sparking interest among collectors. ComicBook

🏆 Donkey Kong’s infamous “kill screen” has been conquered after 44 years, marking a milestone in arcade gaming history. Retroshell

⚡ MAME 0.274 update improves performance and adds new games, enhancing the arcade emulator’s capabilities. Retroshell

🏚️ Retro-inspired game Cronela’s Mansion is now live on Kickstarter, seeking funding for its eerie adventure. Retroshell

🏁 After years of waiting, Daytona USA 2 finally gets a home release—sort of, with a new version available to fans. Retroshell

🌍 A new Skies of Arcadia patch delivers a 60Hz multi-language experience, improving accessibility for players worldwide. Retroshell

⏰ Universal Studios Japan hotels are renting out Nintendo Alarmo Clocks, letting guests wake up like Mario. Retroshell

💾 Ruiki announces X68000 Z Super and X68000 Z XVI, modern takes on the classic computer line. Retroshell

🚫 PlayStation shuts down the Bloodborne PSX demake, but Nightmare Kart is still in development, keeping the fan project alive. Retroshell

🎮 ESA unveils Iicon, a new summit focused on gaming’s future, following the end of E3. Retroshell

🇯🇵 MSX2 RPG Burai Joukan is coming to the Nintendo Switch in Japan this summer, bringing the classic to a modern audience. Retroshell

💘 Wario Land 4 is joining Nintendo Switch Online’s GBA library on February 14, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Retroshell

🗺️ The second volume of Video Game Maps: SNES is now available for pre-order, featuring more classic game cartography. Retroshell

🐱 An indie game inspired by Cat Soup is being developed for original PlayStation hardware, blending surreal aesthetics with retro technology. 80.lv

Features

🕹️ The Nintendo PlayStation’s first game was an FMV space shooter that was nearly completed, shedding light on the lost project. Retroshell

📺 A portable LCD screen for the Super Nintendo and Famicom brings retro gaming on the go (Below). TechEBlog

🦍 Donkey Kong’s new look hints at possible changes for the franchise’s future, sparking speculation among fans. Retroshell

🛠️ A deep dive into the NES’s unique architecture reveals how cartridges interacted with the console, shaping its game library. XDA Developers

🚀 New details emerge about Star Fox, including how Nintendo staff were secretly used as game icons. Retroshell

🎨 HD-2D continues to rise in popularity among retro game fans, blending pixel art with modern visuals. CBR

⚖️ The UK government rejects the “Stop Destroying Video Games” petition, dismissing concerns over game preservation. Retroshell

🎮 A fan remake of Super Mario World in Unreal Engine 5 showcases the classic game in stunning 3D (Below). CreativeBloq

🎨 An artist transforms everyday spaces by adding pixelated pop culture icons, blending nostalgia with reality. NewsBreak

🧵 The Game Boy once powered a functional sewing machine, marking one of Nintendo’s strangest tech crossovers. Retroshell

💻 DOOM has been successfully run on an Apple Lightning-to-HDMI adapter, proving once again that DOOM runs on everything. Gigazine

🗡️ Zelda designer Takaya Imamura clarifies a mistranslation regarding PTSD in a recent interview, addressing fan concerns. Retroshell

🎮 RetroFlag unveils the 64Pi Mini, a compact N64-inspired console, offering a nostalgic design with modern features. TechEBlog

🥋 A hidden Mortal Kombat 1 boss fight named Floyd sparks nostalgia and curiosity about the game’s success.GameRant

💾 Meet the man making retro game save data management easier, simplifying backups for collectors and players. TimeExtension

🎮 The PlayStation 2 celebrates 25 years, reflecting on its impact and enduring legacy. CBR

📀 A look into the Sega Saturn’s backlog highlights Shinobi X and Legions as must-play titles. Express

📚 A new book excerpt explores the history of the Intellivision, offering insights into the early console wars. Polygon

🦴 Bonk, the PC Engine mascot, has been absent from games for two decades—what happened? Softonic

⚡ A Harry Potter PS1 classic could be getting a next-gen remaster, sparking excitement among fans.GamingBible

💡 A DIY PS1 lamp keychain project goes viral, inspiring nostalgic gamers to create their own. GameRant

📱 Can you play Sega Dreamcast ROMs on an iPhone? Here’s what you need to know. MacObserver

Lists & Rankings

🕹️ These platformer sequels surpassed their originals, refining mechanics and expanding gameplay. DualShockers

🎮 A look at how gaming has evolved over the past 30 years, from technology to player experiences. GameRant

🏆 The best multiplayer N64 games ranked, highlighting the console’s most iconic party experiences. Destructoid

⚔️ These underrated PlayStation RPGs deserve more recognition for their unique mechanics and storytelling. TheGamer

Can you guess what it is yet?

🌀 The weirdest Sega Dreamcast games ranked, showcasing the console’s most bizarre and creative titles. CBR

Collecting, Fun Things, Nintendo

Video Game Maps: SNES Volume 2 Now Available for Pre-Order

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For those who love the intricate worlds of 16-bit gaming, a new book is on the way that might be essential for your collection. Video Game Maps: SNES Volume 2 is now available for pre-order, bringing another deep dive into the pixel-perfect maps of some of Super Nintendo’s most beloved games.

Following the success of the first volume, Volume 2 expands the collection, featuring detailed maps from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Kirby Super Star, Mega Man X, Secret of Mana, and many more. The book is officially licensed by Retro Game Books, a publisher known for producing high-quality gaming reference materials.

Credit: Retro Game Books

For those unfamiliar with the concept, these books compile full overworlds, dungeon layouts, and level designs in meticulous detail. It’s a way to appreciate the artistry of classic games while also acting as a resource for players looking to explore every corner of these 16-bit worlds.

Credit: Retro Game Books

The maps themselves are created using the original game assets, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. Whether you’re revisiting Super Mario World or studying the enemy placements in Contra III, this book is perfect for collectors and gaming historians alike.

Credit: Retro Game Books

Pre-orders are open now, and considering the popularity of Volume 1, this will likely sell out fast. If you’re a fan of gaming cartography or simply want to immerse yourself in the golden era of Super Nintendo, this might be one to add to your shelf.

Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!
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Nintendo

Wario Land 4 Joins Nintendo Switch Online’s GBA Library on Valentine’s Day (February 14th)

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Nintendo is adding Wario Land 4 to the Game Boy Advance lineup on Nintendo Switch Online on February 14, giving subscribers a chance to revisit one of the best platformers on the handheld.

The original Wario Land 4

Originally released in 2001, Wario Land 4 stands out for its creative-level design, unique transformations, and a mix of puzzle-solving and platforming. Unlike traditional Mario games, Wario’s adventures let him take damage without immediately losing a life, instead using various enemy attacks to his advantage. The game also introduced the “Hurry Up!” mechanic, where players trigger a timer before scrambling back to the entrance, adding a layer of tension not seen in earlier Wario Land titles.

This release is part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which already features Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap in its GBA collection. With Wario Land 4, Nintendo continues to flesh out its Game Boy Advance offerings, though many fans are still hoping for additions like Metroid Fusion and Golden Sun: The Lost Age.

Whether you played it back in the day or are experiencing it for the first time, Wario Land 4 is a must-play. It remains one of the most stylish and inventive platformers on the system, blending humour, challenge, and variety in a way that few games of its era could match.

Preserve your collection! Protect your retro games with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you want to stay on top of retro gaming news, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter for all the latest updates!

Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Retro Gaming News

MSX2 RPG Burai Joukan Heads to Switch in Japan This Summer

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Retro gaming fans in Japan will soon get their hands on a revived classic. Burai Joukan, a turn-based RPG originally released on the MSX2, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch in early summer 2025. The game, developed by Riverhillsoft and first released in 1989, is a lesser-known but visually striking RPG with a deep story rooted in Eastern mythology was announced here.

The original

This marks yet another MSX2 title finding new life on modern hardware. While Burai Joukan was later ported to platforms like the PC-98 and Sega CD, the original MSX2 version is remembered for its detailed pixel art and ambitious storytelling. The game follows a group of warriors known as the “Eight Heroes” as they battle against an evil force seeking to disrupt the balance of the world. Its combat system is a blend of strategic, turn-based mechanics with a focus on character-driven progression.

Credit: At Press Japan

While details on the Switch version remain limited, it’s expected to retain the original game’s visuals and gameplay while potentially incorporating quality-of-life improvements. Given the recent trend of MSX2 titles being re-released with modernized features such as save states and enhanced menus, Burai Joukan could receive similar treatment.

For fans of Japanese retro RPGs, this re-release is an opportunity to experience a title that never saw an official Western release. Whether this signals more MSX2 classics making the jump to Switch remains to be seen, but it’s a promising sign for enthusiasts of classic Japanese RPGs.

Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!

Microsoft, PC Gaming

Amazon Prime Gaming’s February Lineup: BioShock Infinite and More

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Amazon Prime subscribers are in for a treat this February, with Prime Gaming offering a selection of 20 free games. Notably, this month’s lineup includes BioShock Infinite: Complete Edition, Super Meat Boy Forever, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut, and Wolfenstein: Youngblood, which is available for both PC and Xbox users.  

Super Mear Boy Forever Credit: Steam

Here’s a breakdown of the games and their availability dates:

Available Now:

• BioShock Infinite: Complete Edition (GOG): Dive into the floating city of Columbia in this critically acclaimed first-person shooter.

• Surf World Series (Amazon Games App): Ride the waves in this arcade-style surfing game.

• AK-xolotl: Together (Epic Games Store): Experience a quirky action game featuring an armed axolotl.

• Sands of Aura (Epic Games Store): Embark on an open-world adventure in a realm buried beneath sand.

• The Talos Principle: Gold Edition (GOG): Challenge your mind with philosophical puzzles in a beautifully rendered world.

Available February 13:

• Stunt Kite Party (Amazon Games App): Engage in kite-flying battles and party games.

• The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone (GOG): Join the Smurfs on a new adventure to save their village.

• Hardspace: Shipbreaker (Epic Games Store): Dismantle spaceships in a zero-gravity environment.

• Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior (Epic Games Store): Manipulate time to defeat enemies in this action-packed game.

• Dark Sky (GOG): Explore a mysterious world shrouded in darkness.

Available February 20:

• Wolfenstein: Youngblood (Microsoft Store): Team up in this co-op shooter set in an alternate history.

• El Hijo: A Wild West Tale (Epic Games Store): Navigate stealthily through the Wild West as a young boy on a quest to find his mother.

• Colt Canyon (GOG): Rescue your partner from ruthless bandits in this roguelike shooter.

• Republic of Jungle (Epic Games Store): Engage in social deduction and strategy in a world of political animals.

• Royal Romances: Cursed Hearts (Legacy Games): Immerse yourself in a romantic fantasy adventure.

Available February 27:

• Deus Ex: Human Revolution (GOG): Delve into a dystopian future where cybernetic enhancements are the norm.

• Night Reverie (Amazon Games App): Solve puzzles in a whimsical dreamscape.

• Sine Mora EX (Amazon Games App): Experience a side-scrolling shoot ’em up with a unique time-manipulation mechanic.

• Redemption Reapers (Epic Games Store): Lead a band of mercenaries against a dark force threatening the world.

• Yes, Your Grace (GOG): Rule your kingdom, make tough decisions, and manage resources in this medieval simulation.

To claim these titles, Prime members can visit the Prime Gaming website and follow the instructions to redeem each game. Once claimed, these games remain in your library permanently, even if your Prime membership lapses.

Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!

Nintendo

Zelda Designer Takaya Imamura Clarifies “PTSD” Mistranslation in Recent Interview

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Takaya Imamura, a key figure in Nintendo’s golden era and the creator of beloved characters like Tingle and Captain Falcon, recently had to clear up a mistranslation from an interview about his work on The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

The interview, originally published in Japanese, was misinterpreted to suggest that Imamura had described his experience working on A Link to the Past as giving him “PTSD.” This caused a stir online, with some fans misreading the comment as an indication of extreme stress or trauma during the development process.

The OG Commercial for a Link to the past in Japan, just because.

Imamura quickly stepped in to correct the misunderstanding, explaining that his actual words had been taken out of context. He clarified that while the development process was intense and challenging, he never intended to equate it to post-traumatic stress disorder. Rather, he meant that the experience left a lasting impression on him due to the high expectations and demanding nature of working on such a major title at Nintendo.

This incident highlights the difficulties of translating nuanced statements, particularly when discussing emotionally charged topics. Video game history is filled with development struggles, and while A Link to the Past is now considered one of the greatest games of all time, it’s a reminder that even legendary projects come with their share of pressure.

Nintendo fans were quick to rally behind Imamura, appreciating his clarification and recognizing the importance of precise translation in gaming history. The incident also serves as a testament to how much effort goes into crafting classic titles that stand the test of time.

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Fun Things

E3 Organisers ESA Unveils IICON: A New Summit for Gaming’s Future

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The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), known for organizing E3, has announced IICON, a new gaming-focused thought leadership summit set to debut in 2024. Positioned as an industry-defining event, IICON aims to bring together influential voices from gaming, business, technology, and culture to explore how interactive entertainment is shaping the world.

According to the ESA, IICON will differ from traditional gaming expos by focusing on high-level discussions, networking, and cross-industry collaboration rather than product showcases. The summit is expected to feature speakers from major game studios, tech giants, and creative industries, discussing topics such as artificial intelligence, game monetization, and the evolving role of gaming in social and economic trends.

The move comes after the ESA officially cancelled E3 for good in 2023, following years of declining interest and the rise of publisher-led showcases like Sony’s State of Play and Nintendo Direct. Many in the industry view IICON as a strategic pivot for the ESA, allowing it to remain relevant in a gaming landscape where digital-first events have become the norm.

While details on IICON’s first edition are still limited, the ESA’s ambitions are clear: to position the summit as a must-attend event for leaders looking to understand and shape the future of gaming. Whether IICON can fill the gap left by E3 or carve out a new niche remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the ESA is betting big on the growing influence of interactive entertainment beyond just gaming.

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Modern Retro Games, Sony, Steam

PlayStation Strikes Down Bloodborne PSX Demake, But Nightmare Kart Races On

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As reported yesterday, PlayStation has issued a DMCA takedown against the beloved Bloodborne PSX demake, forcing its complete removal from Itch.io and other platforms. The project, a passion-driven recreation of Bloodborne in the style of a PlayStation 1-era game, has built a devoted following since its release in early 2022. Fans of the demake praised its authentic retro aesthetic and faithful reinterpretation of Bloodborne’s opening sections.

Credit: Itch.io

The takedown, however, does not affect developer Lilith Walther’s other project, Nightmare Kart, a gothic racing game that began as an April Fools’ joke but evolved into a standalone title. Originally conceived as a Bloodborne Kart fangame, Nightmare Kart has since transformed to distance itself from Sony’s intellectual property, with original character designs and worldbuilding.

Credit: b0tster

Walther confirmed that development on Nightmare Kart continues, and the game will receive a DLC expansion, despite the legal roadblock on Bloodborne PSX. This news comes as a disappointment to fans who had hoped Sony might embrace the Bloodborne demake, particularly in the absence of an official PC or PS5 remaster of the game.

While Sony’s crackdown is unsurprising given its IP protection stance, it does little to alleviate the ongoing frustration among Bloodborne fans who have been clamouring for a modern re-release. For now, Nightmare Kart lives on, ensuring that the spirit of Walther’s work isn’t entirely lost.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And for a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered every Monday!

New Hardware For Retro, PC Gaming, Retro Gaming News

Ruiki Announces X68000 Z SUPER and X68000 Z XVI – A Modern Take on a Classic

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On February 6, Ruiki officially unveiled two new personal workstations: the X68000 Z SUPER and the X68000 Z XVI. These updated machines, inspired by the legendary Sharp X68000 series, will launch in fall 2025 via crowdfunding on Kibidango. Pricing starts at ¥74,800 (approximately €470 / $510 / £400).

Credit: X68000 Z Twitter

The X68000 Z SUPER builds upon the existing X68000 Z model but introduces expanded connectivity, including MIDI in/out, a SCSI port, and a D-Sub terminal. Additionally, it supports a Nano-ITX motherboard, enabling dual-boot functionality with Windows.

The more powerful X68000 Z XVI takes things further with an upgraded octa-core Cortex-A55 SoC, a Mali-G57 GPU, and 1GB of DDR4 RAM. While its interface and physical dimensions remain identical to the SUPER, it sports a redesigned front panel inspired by the original X68000 XVI. Notably, users can swap the front unit and mainboard to convert an X68000 Z SUPER into an X68000 Z XVI, offering flexibility for enthusiasts.

Both models come in a sleek Titanium Black finish and are larger than the current X68000 Z but still smaller than the original 1987 X68000. Their exact dimensions are 227mm (H) × 96mm (W) × 169mm (D).

Crowdfunding for these machines runs from February 8 to February 27, with no plans for general retail sales. Given the enduring appeal of the X68000 among retro computing fans, demand is expected to be high.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your retro collection with RetroShell, the finest game protector available. And for all the latest retro gaming updates, subscribe to our free weekly Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!

Fun Things, Microsoft

Minecraft Introduces New Chickens, Plants, and Grass in Latest Update

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Mojang Studios has unveiled new content for Minecraft (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android), introducing two new types of chickens, cactus flowers, and dead grass. These features are now available in the Java Edition snapshots and the Bedrock beta/preview versions.

Credit: Minecraft.net

The new chickens add more variety to the game’s ecosystems. Yellowish chickens now spawn in warm biomes, while greyish chickens appear in cold biomes. Like regular chickens, both types lay eggs and contribute to the game’s growing list of passive mobs.

Credit: Minecraft.net

Alongside these additions, the update brings more environmental details to desert biomes. Cactus flowers, which bloom on top of cacti, can now be harvested and used for dyes. Additionally, these flowers attract bees, adding a new dynamic for players interested in beekeeping and resource gathering.

Dead grass also makes its debut, appearing in tall and short variants within desert biomes. Players can use bone meal on short dead grass to grow it taller, while using bone meal on tall dead grass will cause additional short dead grass to grow nearby. Interestingly, dead grass functions similarly to regular grass and can be fed to sheep, making it a useful addition for players managing livestock in arid environments.

Credit: Minecraft.net

This latest Minecraft update continues the game’s tradition of expanding its natural landscapes with subtle but impactful details. Players can experiment with these new features in Java snapshots and Bedrock previews before they make their way into the full release.

For more details, visit the official Minecraft website.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. For a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack at Retro Gaming Weekly.