👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0172
Welcome to the 172nd issue of the newsletter. In this issues roundup we cover Japans worst ever game getting a sequel, little known facts about retro consoles, hallmarks retro gaming ornaments get revealed, and so much more.
Thanks to all of you that read/share/like/subscribe - I hope you all have a great week ahead.
News
🎮 Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake receives a wave of pre-launch media coverage showcasing new visuals and gameplay details ahead of its release. RPGamer
🕹️ A fan-made sequel to Hong Kong 97—often cited as Japan’s worst game—has surfaced, titled Amurikka, continuing the legacy of controversial satire. TheGamer
🎄 Hallmark unveils a new line of video game–themed ornaments for 2025, featuring characters and consoles from Nintendo, Sega, and more. RetroDodo
💰 A rare Giant Game Boy demo station from Japan sold for ¥2.2 million (about $14,000 USD) at auction. Anime News Network
🔧 A new kit will soon allow LEGO Game Boy builders to turn their creations into functional, playable handhelds. Retro Handhelds
🔧 A new kit will soon allow LEGO Game Boy builders to turn their creations into functional, playable handhelds. Retro Handhelds
👻 Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD for Nintendo Switch continues to perform strongly, reaffirming the franchise’s enduring popularity. GamingBible
🐭 Mouseward, an N64-inspired Soulslike collectathon, has been unveiled with an early build now available to play. GameWatcher
🎃 Sugar Ghouls, a free PS1-style Halloween game, launches with retro visuals and spooky charm. Retroshell
💥 The Duke Nukem: Zero Hour N64 decompilation project has reached full 100% completion, enabling potential future ports and mods. GBAtemp
🕹️ The Nintendo 64 continues to dominate the retro gaming scene, with growing communities and projects dedicated to preserving its legacy. NoobFeed
🧩 A fan project reimagines Valve’s Portal as a 16-bit classic, blending puzzle gameplay with nostalgic visuals. RetroDodo
💽 Six classic PC Engine titles from Telenet Japan will be reissued on Nintendo Switch in early 2026. Time Extension
🚨 After 36 years, Taito’s Night Striker returns with Night Striker Gear on Switch and PC. Retroshell
🧛 A newly discovered cheat code in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’s Saturn port has spawned a bizarre new speedrun category. GamesRadar
💿 The Super Station One add-on for MiSTer FPGA eliminates CD load times, improving performance for classic console emulation. Retroshell
✈️ Taito’s first-ever flight simulator will land on modern consoles later this week. Time Extension
🎮 The One Retro 45 MagicX handheld aims to emulate Sega Dreamcast, Genesis, Saturn, and Nintendo 64 games for retro enthusiasts. NotebookCheck
🧟 A lost Resident Evil mobile title has been recovered and preserved after years of obscurity. Retroshell
Features
🎮 Nintendo’s Super Mario franchise played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a struggling card-maker into a global entertainment icon, according to historians and game designers. Colorado Arts & Sciences Magazine
📺 The Ness anniversary sparks mixed feelings among fans and developers, revealing complex emotions tied to nostalgia, legacy, and changing player expectations. IGN
🕹️ Angry Video Game Nerd returns to 8-bit form in a nostalgic yet uneven game that captures the series’ humor but struggles with pacing and design consistency. COGconnected
🧩 A look back at forgotten milestones in the early era of video game consoles, exploring the technological limits and cultural shifts that shaped the medium. Go2Tutors
🍄 Super Mario: The World’s Hardest Quiz challenges even lifelong fans with obscure trivia about Nintendo’s most famous plumber. Rolling Stone
🧙♂️ The Lost Vikings remains a standout from the 1990s SNES era for its clever puzzle design and cooperative gameplay mechanics. CBR
🕰️ A new Virtual Console trademark filing rekindles hopes for retro game preservation but also highlights the ongoing restrictions of Nintendo Switch Online. NotebookCheck
🏎️ The 1992 Jaguar XJ220 video game served as a pixelated homage to the real 200mph supercar, blending racing simulation with the flair of 16-bit design. Top Gear
💔 A heartfelt tribute honors Dead or Alive creator Tomonobu Itagaki, reflecting on his artistry, innovation, and the personal bonds he formed in the gaming world. Time Extension
🐧 Evil Penguins, Crime Rings, and Consoles That Didn’t Make It uncovers the bizarre and forgotten failures of gaming hardware throughout the industry’s history. XDA Developers
🕰️ A reflective essay on embracing the “outdated gamer” identity examines how aging players adapt to modern gaming culture and changing industry trends. Metro
Lists & Rankings
🎮 A look back at some of the strangest and most unexpected celebrity collaborations in video games, from pop icons to action stars whose appearances still surprise players today. XDA Developers
🕹️ Readers share their picks for the best fighting and racing games on the original PlayStation, highlighting timeless classics that defined the console’s competitive edge. Metro
