This is the last newsletter before Christmas, so I wish you all a merry Christmas wherever you are in the world and however, you are spending it. I hope you get lots of time to play some retro games.
My week in gaming this week has revolved around hacking a PS3 Slim and getting every conceivable Guitar Hero/Rock Band game installed on it, then realising I did not have a PS3 Guitar (only an Xbox 360 one) and appreciating how slow the network functionality is on the PS3 as I try and transfer files 🫠. Also, I have been working on making RetroShell a news website and sourcing and writing many news articles that we have been writing on X (so it looks like the sources are very RetroShell-heavy this week).
The latest newsletter includes 33 stories, featuring pre-orders for retro gems like Slipstream Deluxe Edition, a Shenmue fangame’s festive update, Sega’s Netflix-style service, and rankings of gaming’s iconic moments.
News
🎮 Pre-orders for Slipstream Deluxe Edition are now live for the Nintendo Switch and PS5, offering the ultimate arcade-racing nostalgia! [RetroShell] Link
🐛 Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Worms Armageddon with a special Collector’s Edition packed with nostalgic goodies! [Otaku Study] Link
🎉 Celebrate the legacy of Gimmick! 2 with its stunning Collector’s Edition, now open for pre-orders on Switch and PS5. [RetroShell] Link
🎄Shenmue Fangame: Dreams of Saturn gets a festive update with bonkers new features for Christmas! [TimeExtension] Link
📖 Dive into The SNES Pixel Book, a beautifully illustrated celebration of the Super Nintendo’s glorious 16-bit era. (below) [RetroShell] Link
🎧 Onkyo teams up with Sega Saturn to release true wireless earphones, designed for fans of retro audio perfection. [TechEBlog] Link
🦁 A prototype of The Lion King SNES game from March 22, 1994, has been released, offering a fascinating glimpse into its development. [RetroShell] Link
📺 Sega considers launching a Netflix-style subscription service for its games, potentially changing the way retro titles are enjoyed. [GameRant] Link
🎲 Super Tilt Bro for the NES receives its first online update, marking a milestone for Wi-Fi cartridges in retro gaming. [RetroShell] Link
🎶 Sega fans rejoice! The SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection takes you on a nostalgic musical journey through Sega’s early console era. [RetroShell] Link
🚗 BattleTanx for the N64 is back, with Limited Run Games opening pre-orders for a new cartridge release. [RetroShell] Link
🌍 Sam PR Explorer invites players on an Egyptian adventure with its brand-new MSX2 game. [RetroShell] Link
📱 A new multi-emulator for retro gaming has been launched on iOS, making it easier than ever to relive classics on the go. [Gearrice] Link
🌀 Relive the chaos! Sonic the Hedgehog 4 brings fresh adventures to the iconic blue blur’s legacy. [ScreenCrush] Link
🎅 The Shenmue fan game Dreams of Saturn is getting a crazy new Christmas update, packed with festive surprises! [Time Extension] Link
Features
🎮 Darkstalkers fans, rejoice! A developer shares exciting progress on a Sega Genesis fan project, breathing new life into the classic fighter. [RetroShell] Link
🕹️ Curious about playing SNES games on your Steam Deck? Here’s a guide to bringing your retro favourites to the modern handheld. [TechStory] Link
📦 ModRetro Chromatic Review: Is this modern device every retro gamer’s dream or just another pixelated promise? Find out! [Yahoo Tech] Link
🔫 Doom 64 stands tall as one of the best in the series—discover why it’s a must-play on Nintendo’s iconic console. [CBR] Link
🛠️ Hidden gems: An N64 modder uncovers extra RAM in the Expansion Pak, sparking fresh possibilities for retro enthusiasts. (below) [GoNintendo] Link
📺 Sega Mini Consoles may not be done yet—insights into the company’s roadmap for tapping into nostalgia. [Rolling Out] Link
📖 Relive Hideo Kojima’s early brilliance—30 years ago, Snatcher debuted in America with its sole official release. [Paste Magazine] Link
⏳ Sega’s future lies in its past? A bold statement from the company as it balances innovation with nostalgia. [The Guardian] Link
🥋 Rise of the Robots and its lesser-known sequel—how a forgotten fighter became the talk of fans for all the wrong reasons. [EventHubs] Link
Lists & Rankings
🎮 Ever wondered which Mario games appeared on non-Nintendo systems? Explore the plumber’s unexpected cameos across the gaming world. [CBR] Link
🚀 Some consoles were so ahead of their time they confused the market—discover the tech marvels that were misunderstood in their era. [CBR] Link
💪 The SNES boasted strong female leads—ranked here are the most iconic games showcasing their stories and impact. [GameRant] Link
🧛 Step into Dracula’s castle to rank the most intricately designed bosses from the Castlevania series—gory, gothic, and glorious. [CBR] Link
💰 Selling retro this Christmas? Here’s the golden list of the most expensive vintage consoles to flip for festive profits. [Golden Gate Media] Link
🎵 Retro consoles didn’t just play games—they were symphonies of sound. Dive into the best audio experiences of the golden age. [CBR] Link
🏢 Remember the studios that defined our childhoods? It’s a nostalgic tribute to the gaming legends that sadly closed their doors. [DualShockers] Link
📀 The Atari Lynx might’ve been overshadowed, but its game library was legendary. Here’s the definitive ranking of its best titles. [CBR] Link
🎨 The Game Boy Color isn’t just retro—it’s a treasure trove. Check out the hidden gems that still sparkle today. [Shacknews] Link
