👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0179
Welcome to issue number 179 of our retro gaming weekly roundup. I am headed off to Malaysia and Laos for Christmas, and will hopefully squeeze in some retro game hunting in Kuala Lumpur (I imagine Laos is a bit more limited, but if you have any tips - let me know.
In this weeks newsletter we see the return of of Jaws, the NES gets Xcavator as a physical release, the new Street Fighter film gets a trailer, a look at the best Virtual Boy games (as the hardware goes on sale), transparent Analogue 3D’s and a whole lot more.
Thanks to all of you legends whom read every week wherever you are in the world! ❤️
News
🎵 Nintendo has released a comprehensive list of games featured in its new official music soundtracks collection. Final Weapon
🦈 Jaws: Retro Edition has been announced for PS5 and Nintendo Switch, bringing a reimagined take on the 1987 NES title. Gematsu
💾 A sealed NES copy of Xcavator was discovered and showcased at Day of the Devs, shedding light on a long-lost game. Shacknews
🧨 Oblast is a new C64 homebrew that reimagines the 1978 arcade game Blasto with fresh visuals and gameplay. Retroshell
🎬 The upcoming Street Fighter movie gets its first trailer, cast details, and a confirmed release date (below). Kotaku
🚀 A fan-developed Star Fox 64 Dreamcast port has been released, bringing the N64 classic to Sega’s console. Retroshell
🕹 Two classic N64 platformers are coming to Nintendo Switch Online later this month. Eurogamer
👾 R-Type III is getting a full remake titled Dimensions III, slated for release in 2026. Retroshell
🟥 Nintendo has unveiled a Virtual Boy-inspired Switch Online controller, reviving the system’s design in hardware form. 9to5Toys
🎻 Mariachi Legends is a new Metroidvania with PS1 and DS-era Castlevania influences and a unique Mexican folklore style. Retroshell
💞 A fan translation is underway for the Dreamcast visual novel based on Love Hina, making it accessible in English. Time Extension
⌨️ Sega and Higround have launched limited-edition Sonic Dreamcast keyboards with themed designs and mechanical switches. Retroshell
📼 Evercade will retire its Intellivision and Irem cartridge lines in 2026, phasing out select classic game compilations. Retroshell
🎮 An open-source adapter revives Nintendo’s WaveBird controller for modern use on PCs and other devices. Hackaday
📱 AYA Neo has teased the Pocket Play, a modern gaming phone inspired by the Xperia Play. Retroshell
💿 The final officially released Sega Dreamcast game is set to arrive on Steam next year. Time Extension
🕰 A full fan translation of the Japan-only 3DS title Time Travelers has been completed. Retroshell
🎮 The Anbernic RG477V handheld has been showcased running PS2, GameCube, and Wii games at up to 4× resolution. Notebookcheck
🧪 A YouTuber got hands-on with a rare all-metal original Xbox prototype, revealing design details never seen before. Retroshell
🎄 The Shenmue-inspired fangame Dreams of Saturn is getting a festive Christmas update this year. Time Extension
🧙 Ziona Quest 2: Part 2 has launched for the ZX Spectrum 128K, continuing its retro-style RPG adventure. Retroshell
🧴 Hawthorne has teamed up with Sega for a Jet Set Radio-themed cologne collaboration. Anime News Network
🌀 Sonic the Hedgehog is getting an unofficial port to the Commodore Amiga. Retroshell
🚫 The rumored Shenmue 4 trailer has been confirmed to be fake. Time Extension
🛠 GammaOS’s upcoming firmware update resolves screen bugs on the RG-DigitalStation handheld. Retroshell
📀 A previously lost PS1 game has been re-released with full remastering and modern platform support. ComicBook
🐉 Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja has received an unofficial Sega Genesis/Mega Drive port. Retroshell
🎯 Arcade Archives is teasing a major announcement ahead of its 500th release. Time Extension
🧩 The FPGA-powered Sega Neptune clone has been delayed to 2026 for final polishing. Retroshell
🇯🇵 A Japan-exclusive PS1 game has received an English release after 26 years—and it’s available on Xbox too. Pure Xbox
📘 A fan translation of Segagaga has entered its final phase, bringing the Dreamcast cult classic closer to a full English release. Retroshell
Features
🎮 Gunpei Yokoi’s improbable rise from factory worker to Nintendo legend shaped iconic hardware like the Game Boy and Game & Watch — ETNowNews
🧩 Cassette Boy is an inventive Fez‑like puzzle RPG where you rotate the world to solve spatial puzzles in a 3D environment hidden in 2D — RockPaperShotgun
🛠️ A decade‑long retrobrighting test suggests the popular method might worsen yellowing and potentially damage vintage console plastic over time — RetroShell
🕹️ A collector’s room houses over 12,000 video games spanning consoles from Atari to PS5, started by a $6 Sega Model 3 purchase — Vice
📺 GoldenEye 007 looks dramatically sharper at 640×480 forced HD on the Analogue 3D retro console — RetroShell
🎮 The 8BitDo 64 controller revives the classic N64 layout in new transparent retro‑style colorways for modern retro play — TrendHunter
🕹️ A look back at Sega’s post‑Mega Drive missteps shows how ambitious add‑ons like the Mega CD and 32X failed compared to rivals — Gamereactor
📀 Current consoles’ backward compatibility varies widely, with many systems lacking native support for older generations — GameSpot
🎶 Furnace Tracker now emulates over 60 classic sound chips from retro systems for chiptune music creation — SonicState
🕹️ Despite years of delays and company struggles, the Intellivision Amico hasn’t been officially cancelled, though its future remains uncertain — GamesHub
Lists & Rankings
🕹️ A curated list of Virtual Boy games noted for their enduring playability and replay value — DualShockers
🎮 A ranked rundown of the top Nintendo 64 titles based on quality and legacy — ComicBook
🕹️ A selection of Master System games that helped define 1980s gaming culture — ComicBook
🕹️ An exploration of 1990s video games that have not aged well in hindsight — CBR
🎮 A guide to Sega Saturn games with notable replay appeal — DualShockers
👻 A cross‑generation list of standout horror games from various consoles — DualShockers
🎮 A list of lesser‑remembered Bethesda games that many fans have overlooked — ComicBook
🔥 A compilation of inexpensive boss battles in games that are notorious for inducing rage quits — WhatCulture