👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0161
Welcome to issue #161 of our weekly retro gaming roundup. This week we include a lucky haul at a local tip, a look back at VR in the 90’s, the rarest Sega Master System games and whole lot more.
Thanks to every reader, and a special thanks to those that like and share the newsletter, y’all rock.
News
🎮 Rare is marking its 40th anniversary with a special edition licensed Xbox controller, which appeared early in an Amazon listing. Video Games Chronicle
🎵 Nintendo Music has added official soundtracks for the Pilotwings series, including both SNES and N64 entries. Final Weapon
🚗 An unofficial Dreamcast port of Mario Kart 64 is now available to download. Time Extension
👾 The NES fan game All Hell Unleashed has been released as a standalone Windows port. Bloody Disgusting
📚 The Video Game History Foundation has released a historically significant gaming document to the public for preservation. GamesPress
🎨 A recent James Pond re-release from Gameware has drawn criticism for incorrectly depicting the character’s color. Time Extension
🖱️ 8BitDo has launched the Retro R8 “Mouse N” edition in the US and Europe. Final Weapon
💿 The PS1 clone “SuperStation One” can run Sega CD and Sega Saturn discs in addition to PlayStation games. Time Extension
🛍️ EB Games stores are expanding their retro game and accessory offerings, with more consoles to be added. Press Start
🗝️ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time fans have discovered how to obtain a hidden heart piece after 26 years. Glass Almanac
🪄 Nightdive Studios announced definitive re-releases of Heretic and Hexen for the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Life
📦 A gaming industry op-ed argues that creators, not publishing labels, should be highlighted on product packaging. Time Extension
♻️ A Reddit user’s discovery of discarded video games in a dumpster has sparked debate on waste and preservation. The Cool Down
🎼 Composer Yuzo Koshiro has asked fans to support his work after a pirated ROM of Earthion surfaced online. Time Extension
🕹️ MagicX has teased its upcoming handheld gaming device, the Retro45. Retro Dodo
🕹️ The latest MAME update improves visuals for many classic arcade games. How-To Geek
Features
🍄 Yoshi’s Island on the SNES remains one of the Mario franchise’s most unique and artistically distinctive titles. CBR
📱 The history of the Nintendo Game Boy spans its 1989 debut to its cultural impact as one of gaming’s most successful handhelds. Mental Floss
🎮 A look at the best 1990s gaming consoles highlights their enduring influence on modern gaming. A90sKid
🕶️ Nintendo, Atari, Sega, and Hasbro all attempted VR headsets in the 1990s, but most failed due to technical and market limitations. Heise
📼 N64 game rentals from stores created lasting memories and unique access to titles for many gamers. Retro Handhelds
🐵 Donkey Kong Country 3 is revisited as an overlooked SNES masterpiece that pushed the console’s limits. GamesHub
🎭 Before GTA and Def Jam: Fight for NY, Ice-T starred in a supernatural action RPG with a distinctive tone and style. Time Extension
🎮 The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller for Analogue 3D earns praise for its quality build and modern features. GamesRadar
🔧 A YouTuber has revived the Sega Game Gear with an HD screen and USB-C port, creating a modernized “ultimate” version. Yanko Design (below)
🎮 The Retroid Pocket Classic 6 SG has officially launched, offering a compact retro gaming handheld. Pocket Tactics
💻 The ZX Spectrum Next delivers powerful FPGA-based performance while honoring Sir Clive Sinclair’s computing legacy. Time Extension
🛠️ A DIY project transforms the PlayStation 2 into a “PS2 Mini” form factor. Overkill (below)
Lists & Rankings
🎮 A look at five of the rarest Sega Master System games reveals titles so scarce that most collectors may never own them. XDA Developers
🎯 The best Nintendo 64 games from each year of its lifespan are ranked, showcasing the console’s evolving library. DualShockers
📊 Every Nintendo console is ranked by total sales, from the least successful to the highest-selling systems. Prima Games
🗡️ The best Game Boy Advance RPGs are highlighted, from turn-based classics to action-oriented adventures. Hardcore Gamer
💿 A list of PlayStation 1 games that have aged exceptionally well spotlights enduring masterpieces from the console’s library. CBR
