👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0149
Hi all, I'm back from Japan and a little bit jet-lagged this week. I did a lot of retro game hunting in all three places I visited, and I was surprised to see the changes in the scene since my last visit around 6 years ago. I will start to collate my notes and make a video about my findings and my purchases—watch this space.
This week we have more fan translations, a Dreamcast VMU that can play emulators, more Tony Hawks(?), new Mario 64 discoveries and a lot more.
News
🧠 A newly fan-translated SNES game based on a Japanese quiz show challenges players with trivia questions from the classic TV series Naruhodo! The World — now accessible to English-speaking audiences via patch. Time Extension
🎬 The next Super Mario movie may adopt the name Super Mario Bros. 2, a nod to the SNES classic, as speculation builds following domain registration activity. Engadget
🕹️ The Sega Saturn version of Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom is now playable in English thanks to a new fan translation project. Time Extension
🎮 Killer Instinct Gold has been added to Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo 64 library, expanding its lineup of retro fighters. Gematsu
🧩 Polymega’s upcoming module will support Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges, broadening its retro hardware compatibility. Time Extension
📦 A large collection of over 200 undumped beta cartridges for GBA, DS, DSi, and 3DS is at risk of being lost unless preservationists act quickly. Time Extension
🛹 Tony Hawk expressed interest in a remaster of Underground, joining fan calls for a modern revival of the classic skating game. Nintendo Life
🐉 A new fan-made Dragon Ball fighter is in development for the Sega Saturn, bringing original gameplay and visuals to the retro platform. Time Extension
💾 8BitMods has unveiled the VMU Pro, a modern Dreamcast memory card that doubles as an emulator and works with NES and Sega games. The Verge
🧑💼 SNK is appointing a new CEO following the commercial failure of its recent Fatal Fury revival. Time Extension
🔊 A hidden sound effect in Super Mario 64 can only be heard in full if the game is left running continuously for 14 months, a hacker has discovered. GamesRadar
🎨 Earthion’s vibrant key art was revealed to be created by Mitsuhiro Arita, the legendary artist known for his work on Pokémon. Time Extension
🛠️ Modders have decompiled Mario Party 4, paving the way for potential native PC ports of GameCube titles in the future. PC Gamer
🕵️ A fan-made port of Metal Gear for the Genesis/Mega Drive has been released, bringing the stealth-action classic to Sega’s 16-bit system. Time Extension
🎮 GuliKit’s new Elves 2 Pro controller is inspired by the Sega Saturn and features Hall effect joysticks for improved precision. The Verge
💿 Another classic PlayStation title is reportedly being unofficially ported to the Dreamcast, continuing the trend of PS1-to-DC projects. Time Extension
🥋 Ultravore, an unreleased fighting game for the Atari Lynx, has surfaced, revealing new footage and details from the cancelled project. TechEBlog
💀 Data East’s infamous Tattoo Assassins, once considered a Mortal Kombat clone failure, is being revived for modern audiences. Time Extension
🚀 Telenet Shooting Collection II has been announced for Nintendo Switch, featuring more classic shoot-’em-ups from the Japanese developer. Final Weapon
Features
⚰️ A look back at how each generation of video game consoles met its end, revealing patterns in industry shifts and player preferences. Den of Geek
🐵 Ape Escape’s development story highlights how it became a breakthrough title for PlayStation and the first game to fully utilise DualShock controls. Time Extension
🕹️ The Retropian Colour retro handheld offers vibrant visuals and support for classic games, now available at a discount. Mashable
🚀 ZPF delivers a polished and intense shoot-’em-up experience on the Mega Drive, earning praise for both its visuals and gameplay depth. Time Extension
🧩 Nintendo’s Picross series remains one of the company’s most enduring yet underrated puzzle franchises. CBR
🔧 California’s retro gaming scene thrives through a passionate modding community blending nostalgia, engineering, and preservation. Comstock’s Magazine
🦇 Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is often hailed as the franchise’s best entry for its unique soul system and futuristic setting. CBR
🧠 Tetris distributor Henk Rogers recounts tense KGB encounters and the game’s Cold War journey to global stardom. The Guardian
🎥 Heart of Neon, a documentary in progress, aims to tell the story of legendary UK game developer Jeff Minter. Time Extension
🎼 Nintendo has embedded a hidden jingle—“Totaka’s Song”—in its games for over 35 years, often unnoticed by players. Softonic
🎲 Sega’s ambitious but ultimately doomed Saturn launch marked a critical moment of risk and miscalculation in 1995. Time Extension
🏁 A retrospective explores Mario Kart’s evolution from SNES to the upcoming Switch 2, tracking its innovation and cultural impact. Nintendo Life
📺 A 1995 trade ad for the Saturn reveals Sega’s marketing anxieties during its battle against the original PlayStation. Time Extension
📉 From the Virtual Boy to the Wii U, Nintendo’s console misfires are analysed for their causes and industry lessons. Gamemite
🤖 Cult Genesis title Target Earth (also known as Assault Suits Leynos) is now available on Switch, PS4, and Xbox with modern enhancements. Time Extension
📼 The Atari 7800 offers a unique retro gaming experience for collectors and enthusiasts who value physical media. VICE
🛠️ Space Invaders creator Tomohiro Nishikado critiques modern game development, emphasising a loss of creative spontaneity. Time Extension
Lists & Rankings
🕰️ These SNES titles are praised for their timeless design and gameplay, standing strong decades after their original release. DualShockers
📊 A console-by-console breakdown reveals the top-selling game for each major system, highlighting long-running franchise dominance. Digital Trends
🎮 A curated list of underrated SNES games showcases overlooked gems that still deserve attention today. DualShockers
🏪 Nintendo is opening a new retail store in San Francisco, giving fans a dedicated space for merchandise, events, and nostalgia. TechEBlog
💰 A new ranking highlights the 20 most valuable unsealed retro video games, with titles from Nintendo and Sega topping collector wishlists. Esports News UK
🏎️ Every Mario Kart game is ranked from worst to best, evaluating gameplay, innovation, and fan impact. Stuff
🥋 A ranking of the best retro fighting games not from arcades explores beloved console titles that shaped the genre. CBR
💿 A guide to the rarest PlayStation 2 games reveals which titles are most sought after by collectors today. XDA Developers
🕹️ Often overlooked, these game consoles are celebrated for their innovation and uniqueness despite modest commercial success. TheGamer
📼 A deep dive into forgotten game consoles shows how some systems were ahead of their time but fell short in the market. Editorialge
🔥 A definitive list of the best Neo Geo games highlights the standout titles that helped define the platform’s legacy. TheGamer
