Category Archives: Modern Retro Consoles

Nintendo Switch 2 Experience: Hands-On Events Announced Worldwide

Nintendo has officially unveiled the “Nintendo Switch 2 Experience,” a series of global events giving fans an exclusive chance to try out the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 before its official release. These hands-on showcases will take place in cities across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia from April to June 2025.

Credit Nintendo

Key Dates and Locations:

North America:

• New York: April 4–6, 2025

• Los Angeles: April 11–13, 2025

• Dallas: April 25–27, 2025

• Toronto: April 25–27, 2025

Europe:

• Paris: April 4–6, 2025

• London: April 11–13, 2025

• Milan: April 25–27, 2025

• Berlin: April 25–27, 2025

• Madrid: May 9–11, 2025

• Amsterdam: May 9–11, 2025

Oceania:

• Melbourne: May 10–11, 2025

Asia:

• Tokyo (Makuhari): April 26–27, 2025

• Seoul: May 31–June 1, 2025

• Hong Kong: To be announced

• Taipei: To be announced

How to Register:

Registration for these events will be available through a lottery system via the official Nintendo Switch 2 Experience website. A Nintendo Account is required for entry. In North America, registration opens on January 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM PST (3:00 PM EST). Other regions will have varied registration periods, so check the official website for specific details.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the next evolution in Nintendo gaming!

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Breaking Barriers: Taki Udon’s FPGA PS1 Revolutionises Retro Gaming

In a recent interview with the team at Time Extension, hardware innovator Taki Udon unveiled his latest project: an FPGA-based console inspired by Sony’s original PlayStation. This initiative aims to make FPGA gaming more accessible by eliminating common entry barriers.

Credit: @TakiUdon_

Key Features of the FPGA PS1:

Comprehensive Compatibility: The console supports original PS1 controllers and memory cards, ensuring an authentic gaming experience. An optional add-on allows users to play original PS1 discs, enhancing its versatility.

Integrated Connectivity: Unlike traditional setups requiring multiple dongles, this console offers built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and various analogue video outputs, streamlining the user experience.

Affordable Entry Point: Continuing his mission to democratise FPGA gaming, Udon has priced the console starting at $149, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Udon’s previous venture, the MiSTer Pi, significantly reduced the cost of FPGA gaming, and this new project builds upon that success. By focusing on user-friendly design and affordability, Udon hopes to attract both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the FPGA community.

For a comprehensive understanding of Taki Udon’s vision and the development journey of the FPGA PS1, you can read the full interview here.

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Evercade Unveils Indie Heroes Collection 4: A Retro Gaming Treasure Trove

Evercade has announced the upcoming release of “Indie Heroes Collection 4,” a curated selection of 11 modern retro games crafted by indie developers. This collection is set to launch in February 2025, with pre-orders opening on January 30th. 

The compilation features a diverse array of genres, including platformers, puzzle games, and action-packed adventures, all designed to evoke the charm of vintage gaming. Notable titles in this collection include:

The Curse of Illmoore Bay: Battle supernatural forces in this action-packed platformer.

Credit: Evercade

Block’Em Sock’Em: A fun and fast-paced puzzle brawler where strategy meets chaos.

Nyghtmare: The Ninth King: Explore a haunting realm in this dark fantasy action-adventure.

Jane Austen’s 8-Bit Adventure: Dive into a charming, literary-inspired journey filled with wit and puzzles.

Collie Defense: Strategically protect your territory in this quirky defense game.

Flea!2: Henry the Flea is back in this precision platformer for Evercade.

Batty Zabella: Batty Zabella’s beloved Husbano has disappeared, and it’s up to you to help her find him in this saucy, spooky adventure for Evercade.

Murtop: Murti the bomb-pooping rabbit has a mission: eliminate all the nasty moles!

Credit: Evercade

Soko Banana: An 8-bit puzzler designed in the style of the classic Sokoban block-pushing formula.

Block Droppin’: Classic “match three” gameplay comes to Evercade with this block-swapping puzzler.

Starseed: Embark on an interstellar journey in this engaging space-themed adventure.

Each game has been previously featured in Evercade’s “Game of the Month” series, allowing players to experience a variety of indie titles throughout the year. The physical cartridge will be compatible with all Evercade and HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket devices, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players. 

Priced at £19.99, $24.99, and €24.99, the collection offers an affordable opportunity for gamers to explore new titles inspired by classic gaming aesthetics. The package includes a full-colour manual, providing insights into each game’s development and gameplay mechanics. 

For those interested in securing a copy, pre-orders will be available through Evercade’s official retailers starting January 30th. Given the popularity of previous Indie Heroes collections, enthusiasts are encouraged to act promptly to ensure availability. 

For more information and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit Evercade’s official website

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The Sega Neptune (combined 32x/Genesis) gets a Controller and a Promo Video

The Neptune console was a project from Sega to merge both the Sega Megadrive/Genesis and the 32x to create a more horizontal experience than the tower of power that is the modular approach. There has been some development as Cosam The Great has shared a promo video for the project, giving some insights as to the work that goes into the development, along with some details of the early promotional material for the original project.

As if that was not enough to get you excited about what might be, there has also been an image shared by @DVIZIX showing what the control pad might look like for this project – and it looks amazing. As I have said many times before, I think the 6-button pad is the pinnacle of gaming controllers, and this looks to be an even better version of this – with beautiful transparent XYZ buttons.

Credit Dvizix

Not too much else to report on the project along the lines of release dates or cost, but we will be continuing to follow the project with a very keen interest.

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How to Retro Games on Apple TV with an Xbox Controller (Or Any Controller!)

Are you ready to dive into retro gaming on your Apple TV? Thanks to Apple relaxing rules on emulators on the Appstore, you can now play your favourite classic Retro games on an Apple TV using a controller—Xbox, PlayStation, or something older like the NES! Let’s walk you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Install RetroArch

Head to the App Store on your Apple TV and search for RetroArch. This free app is your gateway to retro gaming. Once installed, open it, and you’ll see a prompt with a web address for transferring files from your computer.

Credit: RetroArch / Appstore

Step 2: Prepare Your ROMs

On your computer, visit the address provided by RetroArch. Use the web interface to create a folder called ROMs (or something similar) for your games. Drag and drop your organised ROM folders (like PS1, GBA, etc.) into the web browser for upload. Want to know the best places to get ROMS – check out the Reddit Guide to Roms.

Pro Tip: Dragging entire folders saves time compared to uploading individual files.

Step 3: Connect Your Controller

• Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth on your Apple TV.

• Put your controller into pairing mode:

• Xbox: Hold the button on the back until the front light blinks.

• PlayStation: Hold the Share and PS buttons until the light bar blinks.

• Your controller should appear under “Other Devices.” Select it to connect.

Step 4: Update RetroArch

Before diving into games, update RetroArch:

• Navigate to Online Updater and update core info files, assets, controller profiles, cheats, databases, and overlays.

• This ensures a smoother experience and access to the latest features.

Step 5: Customise the Interface

Want a cleaner look?

• Go to Settings > Drivers > Menu and select XMB.

• Restart RetroArch for the new interface, reminiscent of a classic PlayStation dashboard.

Step 6: Scan and Play

• Navigate to ROMs > [Your Game Folder] and select “Scan Directory.”

• RetroArch will scan your games and organise them by system.

• For PlayStation games, select a core (e.g., PCSX ReARMed) the first time you load a game.

Pro Tip: Hover over a game to download its cover art!

Step 7: Play and Enjoy!

Once everything is set up, pick a game, select your emulator, and start playing! Whether it’s Ridge Racer or Super Mario Kart, you’ll be transported back to the glory days of gaming.

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My Arcade’s Super Retro Champ: A Handheld for SNES and Genesis Cartridges (FINALLY!)

My Arcade has announced the upcoming release of the Super Retro Champ, a handheld console capable of playing original Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis cartridges. First introduced at CES four years ago, the device is now set to launch later this year for $149.99, an increase from the originally planned $110. 

Console Wars Over? (Credit: My Arcade)

The Super Retro Champ features slots for both SNES and Genesis cartridges, accommodating international versions like Super Famicom and Mega Drive. Its design includes a six-inch screen with substantial bezels, and while it can function as a handheld with a rechargeable battery, it’s more suited for tabletop use with its folding stand, connected controllers, and power adapter. Additionally, the console offers an HDMI port for TV connection, though it doesn’t support high-definition output. 

Portable, kind of. (Credit: My Arcade)

This device caters to retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a versatile way to enjoy their classic game collections. However, its bulky design and lack of HD support may be considerations for potential buyers.

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