In the ever-evolving world of Super Mario 64 discoveries, a dedicated player has unearthed a peculiar glitch involving a log, a cliff, and an extraordinary amount of patience. By executing a precise 34-frame loop repeatedly—approximately 2.8 million times over 36 days—the player managed to make a log drift through a cliff. As of now, this glitch has no known practical application in gameplay or speedrunning.
The Discovery
The glitch was identified by a member of the Super Mario 64 community, showcasing the game’s complex mechanics and the dedication of its fanbase. The process involves meticulous timing and repetition, highlighting the intricate possibilities within the game’s physics engine.
Due to floating point imprecision, the rolling log in Tall, Tall Mountain in Super Mario 64 can be very slowly manipulated to go sideways through the cliff. It takes 36 days of nonstop manipulation to reach the limit of how far it can go. This has no currently known purpose.
While the glitch doesn’t currently offer advantages for speedrunners, it adds to the collective understanding of Super Mario 64’s inner workings. The community often explores such anomalies to find potential time-saving strategies or to gain deeper insights into the game’s design.
A Testament to Community Dedication
This discovery underscores the enduring passion and curiosity of the Super Mario 64 community. Even decades after its release, players continue to explore and uncover new aspects of the game, contributing to its lasting legacy in the gaming world.
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GOG, a prominent European digital game distribution platform, has become a member of the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP). This coalition, established in 2012, is dedicated to preserving video games as cultural heritage.
Credit: GoG
EFGAMP comprises over 20 heritage institutions, including VIGAMUS in Rome, MO5.COM in France, and the Computerspielemuseum in Berlin. GOG’s inclusion marks the first Polish institution to join, bridging the private sector with cultural organizations across Europe.
Maciej Gołębiewski, Managing Director at GOG, stated, “GOG was created with video game preservation in mind.” He highlighted the GOG Preservation Program, launched in 2024, which ensures compatibility for over 100 classic games, delivering hundreds of enhancements to keep them accessible on modern systems.
Andreas Lange, COO of EFGAMP, welcomed GOG’s membership, noting that GOG’s experience in making classic games accessible complements the work of existing members and brings additional digital expertise to collective preservation efforts.
GOG’s collaboration with EFGAMP underscores the growing importance of preserving digital media. As concerns about the disappearance of digital content increase, initiatives like this play a crucial role in maintaining access to the titles that have shaped the gaming medium.
By joining EFGAMP, GOG reinforces its dedication to protecting gaming’s cultural legacy, ensuring that players worldwide can continue to enjoy classic games for years to come.
For more information, visit the official announcement.
NF Publishing, LLC has launched a Kickstarter campaign for an officially licensed, fully hand-illustrated guide to the original Mega Man game – and it got funded in 12 minutes.
Credit: Kickstarter / Capcom
Campaign Highlights:
• Official Licensing: This guide is officially licensed by Capcom, ensuring authenticity and quality.
• Hand-Drawn Illustrations: Every page is meticulously hand-illustrated, capturing the essence of the original game.
Credit: KickStarter
• Comprehensive Coverage: The guide offers detailed walkthroughs, enemy profiles, boss strategies, and more, making it an invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned players.
• Collector’s Item: With its unique artistic approach, this guide serves as both a functional manual and a collectable piece of art.
Supporting the Project:
Backers can choose from various pledge levels, each offering different rewards, including digital copies, physical books, and exclusive merchandise. The campaign aims to raise funds to cover production costs, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards.
Why It Matters:
In an era dominated by digital media, this hand-drawn guide offers a tangible connection to the classic gaming experience. It celebrates the artistry and challenge of the original Mega Man, providing fans with a nostalgic journey back to the game’s roots.
For more details and to support the project, visit the Kickstarter page.
Retro-Bit Publishing, in collaboration with City Connection, has announced the revival of “P-47 II: The Freedom Star,” an unreleased shoot ’em-up game originally developed by Jaleco for the Sega Mega Drive in the early 1990s. After 35 years, this title is now available for pre-order as “P-47 II MD.”
“P-47 II MD” is a horizontal scrolling shooter that serves as a sequel to Jaleco’s arcade hit “P-47: The Phantom Fighter.” The game retains the classic shoot ’em up mechanics, challenging players to navigate through enemy-infested skies, dodging bullets and unleashing powerful attacks. The revival aims to deliver an authentic retro gaming experience, preserving the original gameplay while ensuring compatibility with modern hardware.
The physical release is priced at $54.99 USD (€69.99 EUR) and includes:
• Clear Black Cartridge: Paying tribute to the original arcade game, the cartridge features a clear black shell, allowing visibility of the red circuit board within.
• Reversible Inlay Artwork: The game case includes reversible cover art, showcasing Tankro Kato’s artwork on one side and the P-47 aircraft’s tail design on the other.
• Full-Color Instruction Manual: A comprehensive manual providing game setup instructions and background information.
• Individually Numbered Slipcover: Each copy comes with a protective slipcover featuring the main artwork and gameplay screenshots.
• 8cm Mini CD Soundtrack: A first for Retro-Bit, this release includes a mini CD featuring the original game’s soundtrack, allowing fans to enjoy the game’s music outside of gameplay.
Credit: retro-bit
Pre-orders are open from January 14 through February 16, 2025, with the game available through various retailers in North America and Europe. Given the limited nature of this release, enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to secure their copies within the pre-order window.
Credit: retro-bit
For more information and to place a pre-order, visit Retro-Bit Publishing’s official website.
Stay updated with the latest retro gaming news by subscribing to our newsletter at Retro Gaming Substack.
“Annihilator” is a new top-down shooter developed by SALT & PIXEL for the Game Boy Color. In this game, players control Shinryu, an ex-marine and activist who awakens from a robotic slumber seeking revenge against the corporation CRUSH, which has taken his family, life, and body.
Credit: SaltAndPixel / Itch
The game features:
• Gameplay Modes: Three difficulty levels—Easy, Normal, and Hard—each offering a unique challenge.
• Controls: Simple controls with shooting, dodging, and item usage, optimized for the Game Boy Color.
• Cutscenes: Optional cutscenes that can be toggled on or off.
“Annihilator” is available for purchase at $10.00 USD, with a demo version also accessible for those who wish to try the game before buying.
For the latest updates and to join the community, players can visit the developer’s page.
Evercade has announced the upcoming release of “Indie Heroes Collection 4,” a curated selection of 11 modern retro games crafted by indie developers. This collection is set to launch in February 2025, with pre-orders opening on January 30th.
The compilation features a diverse array of genres, including platformers, puzzle games, and action-packed adventures, all designed to evoke the charm of vintage gaming. Notable titles in this collection include:
• The Curse of Illmoore Bay: Battle supernatural forces in this action-packed platformer.
Credit: Evercade
• Block’Em Sock’Em: A fun and fast-paced puzzle brawler where strategy meets chaos.
• Nyghtmare: The Ninth King: Explore a haunting realm in this dark fantasy action-adventure.
• Jane Austen’s 8-Bit Adventure: Dive into a charming, literary-inspired journey filled with wit and puzzles.
• Collie Defense: Strategically protect your territory in this quirky defense game.
• Flea!2: Henry the Flea is back in this precision platformer for Evercade.
• Batty Zabella: Batty Zabella’s beloved Husbano has disappeared, and it’s up to you to help her find him in this saucy, spooky adventure for Evercade.
• Murtop: Murti the bomb-pooping rabbit has a mission: eliminate all the nasty moles!
Credit: Evercade
• Soko Banana: An 8-bit puzzler designed in the style of the classic Sokoban block-pushing formula.
• Block Droppin’: Classic “match three” gameplay comes to Evercade with this block-swapping puzzler.
• Starseed: Embark on an interstellar journey in this engaging space-themed adventure.
Each game has been previously featured in Evercade’s “Game of the Month” series, allowing players to experience a variety of indie titles throughout the year. The physical cartridge will be compatible with all Evercade and HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket devices, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players.
Priced at £19.99, $24.99, and €24.99, the collection offers an affordable opportunity for gamers to explore new titles inspired by classic gaming aesthetics. The package includes a full-colour manual, providing insights into each game’s development and gameplay mechanics.
For those interested in securing a copy, pre-orders will be available through Evercade’s official retailers starting January 30th. Given the popularity of previous Indie Heroes collections, enthusiasts are encouraged to act promptly to ensure availability.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit Evercade’s official website
For the latest news on retro gaming, subscribe to our newsletter at Retro Gaming Substack.
Retro gaming enthusiasts have a chance to own a piece of gaming history with the Hitachi Game & Car Navi High Saturn, now in stock at the BEEP Akihabara store. This Sega Saturn-compatible console is a rare multimedia terminal that could also function as a car navigation system—a unique blend of gaming and practicality.
Credit: Akiba PC Watch
The current stock is a used unit with the following features:
• Missing Components: No box, manual, TV tuner, navigation disc; Navi operation not confirmed
• Monitor: Originally paired with a 4-inch dedicated monitor (sold separately)
The console is priced at 580,000 yen, reflecting its rarity and premium value. Converted into other currencies (as of today’s rates):
• USD: Approximately $4,000
• EUR: Around €3,650
• GBP: About £3,200
A Brief History of the High Saturn
Released in December 1995 by Hitachi, the High Saturn was a multimedia version of the Sega Saturn designed to integrate gaming with in-car navigation—a forward-thinking concept for its time.
• Launch Price:
• Console: 150,000 yen (tax excluded)
The High Saturn in all its glory
While innovative, its high price and niche market focus meant that it saw limited production, making it a rare find today.
The High Saturn’s compact design (252 x 214 x 57mm) made it smaller than the standard Sega Saturn (260 x 230 x 83mm), and it supported dual power supplies: an AC adapter for home use and a car adapter for mobile gaming. This versatility set it apart from other consoles of its era.
Due to its limited circulation and unique concept, the High Saturn has become a highly sought-after collector’s item. The price at BEEP Akihabara highlights its rarity, with original accessories and functionality checks adding to its allure for retro gaming fans.
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This week in gaming has been mostly focused on trying to source a guitar for the PS3 for a reasonable price (and with a dongle), and still playing Marvel Snap and Rivals. I’m also playing a game called Retro Bowl on IOS which is very cool! If anyone has any good IOS games like this, please let me know in the comments.
29 featured stories this week, and I have now added Gamecube, PS1/2, Xbox and Dreamcast to the list of consoles covered. Atari announce a new console, lego Game Boy and a load more.
News
🎮A Wi-Fi and AI-enabled Game Boy game, Do You Like, is in development—blending retro vibes with futuristic tech! [RetroShell] Link
💒Wedding Peach, the SNES party game, just got a brand-new fan translation—perfect for your next retro multiplayer session. [Time Extension] Link
👾The final build of DOOM 64 has arrived for Sega Dreamcast fans, bringing a cult classic to a beloved console. [RetroShell] Link
📱The all-purpose emulator Provenance is now available on iOS, making retro gaming on Apple devices easier than ever. [Gearrice] Link
🌬️Pre-orders are now open for The Secret of the Four Winds Collector’s Edition for Sega Mega Drive/Genesis—secure yours now! [RetroShell] Link
🥋A new Virtua Fighter project was previewed at CES 2025, teasing fans with what’s next for the iconic fighting franchise. [RetroShell] Link
🤖The modular Mecha Comet, priced at $160, is giving us serious DIY Game Boy vibes—retro gaming meets modern ingenuity. [Time Extension] Link
🔥A new Gunstar Heroes: Ultimate Edition ROM hack has dropped for Sega Genesis, packed with fresh features for fans. [RetroShell] Link
🖼️Step into DOOM: The Gallery Experience and explore the game’s art and legacy in an innovative way. [RetroShell] Link
🎮The BackBit Neo Geo ROM cart has been announced at $400, providing new ways to explore the Neo Geo library. [RetroShell] Link
🕹️An XXL arcade machine for Street Fighter Alpha 2 has been unveiled at CES 2025, bringing the iconic title to life on a massive scale. [RetroShell] Link
🌟A homebrew Dreamcast game with 82 playable characters has been released for PC and Android, pushing the boundaries of retro creativity. [RetroShell] Link
Features
💾 Explore the tech revolution fueling retro gaming in 2025 and how it’s shaping the future of nostalgia-driven gaming experiences. [RetroShell] Link
🦔 Sonic Adventure 2 has been adapted twice, but do these versions do justice to the blue blur’s legacy? [CBR] Link
🛡️Uncover the untold story behind Link’s Awakening, one of Nintendo’s most unique Zelda games. [RetroShell] Link
🎮 Relive the console wars with a deep dive into the rivalry between Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2—who really came out on top? [CBR] Link
🦁 Games like The Lion King and The Phantom Menace are infamous for being abandoned after one level—find out why! [The Gamer] Link
🍄 Celebrating Super Mario Bros. 3, a game whose legacy redefined what gaming could be—discover its incredible impact. [RetroShell] Link
💥 This Street Fighter Alpha 2 commercial delivered iconic jokes that still resonate with fans today. [EventHubs] Link
🔧 Protect your cherished retro game collection with the best tips and tools for keeping games in mint condition. [RetroShell] Link
🌀 Unlock hidden debug menus in the cult Dreamcast RPG Segagaga with this new patch—fans rejoice! [Time Extension] Link
🧱 A LEGO PS2 design with moving internals could become reality alongside Simpsons and Jumanji kits—dreams really do come true! [Games Radar] Link
Lists & Rankings
🌐Discover the top 10 retro gaming Reddit communities ranked by members for January 2025—find your next favourite group! [RetroShell] Link
🎮Explore the best Nintendo games exclusively available on the Game Boy Advance—classic handheld gems! [Game Rant] Link
💰Dive into the world of the rarest PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games—find out how much they’re worth today! [Game Rant] Link
🎸Rolling Stone ranks the top 50 video games of all time—see which classics made the cut and which were snubbed! [RetroShell] Link
🔄Forgotten Sega games that truly deserve a remake—relive these hidden gems and imagine the possibilities! [DualShockers] Link
😱From censorship scandals to disturbing themes, these are the most controversial horror games ever created. [Game Rant] Link
👻The scariest enemies in non-horror games—proof that even action and adventure titles can send shivers down your spine! [WhatCulture] Link
The Super Mario Land series holds a special place in gaming history. These Game Boy classics were Nintendo’s first foray into adapting their legendary Super Mario Bros. franchise for a handheld console. Spanning just three games, the series introduced new characters, mechanics, and worlds that still resonate with fans today. Yet, these gems often remain overlooked in favour of Mario’s larger console adventures.
A Game Boy Launch Essential
Released in 1989 as a launch title for the Game Boy, Super Mario Land showcased the console’s potential. The game introduced Sarasaland, a new setting filled with unique kingdoms inspired by real-world locations, such as the Egyptian-style Birabuto and the mysterious Easter Island-inspired Easton. Princess Daisy also made her debut here, adding a fresh face to the Mario universe.
Super Mario Land managed to condense the magic of Mario’s NES adventures into a 12-level portable experience. Despite its brevity and slightly “off” physics, the game sold over 18 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Game Boy titles of all time.
The Original Box from Japan
Innovating the Mario Formula
In 1992, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins took the series to new heights. With richer graphics, an overworld map, and new power-ups like bunny ears for hovering, the game felt closer to the console-based Mario games fans knew and loved. This sequel also introduced Wario, the greedy anti-hero who would later star in his own successful series.
Unlike its predecessor, Super Mario Land 2 gave players more freedom to explore non-linear worlds, including the eerie Pumpkin Zone and the whimsical Mario Zone, a giant mechanical version of Mario himself. The game sold over 11 million copies, cementing its place as a Game Boy classic.
Wario’s debut from the game, Super Mario Land 2
Wario Takes the Spotlight
The third instalment, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, shifted the spotlight entirely to Wario. Released in 1994, this game introduced slower, treasure-focused gameplay and unique mechanics like Wario’s hat power-ups. It marked the start of the Wario Land series and was a fitting end to the Super Mario Land saga, which had now sold over 34 million units across all three titles.
Not a Mario in sight
Why It Matters
The Super Mario Land series demonstrated Nintendo’s ability to innovate while staying true to their beloved franchise. It introduced enduring characters like Daisy and Wario, while pushing the boundaries of what the humble Game Boy could achieve. Despite their underappreciated status today, these games were instrumental in the Game Boy’s early success.
For collectors and fans, preserving these pieces of gaming history is essential. Protect your treasured Super Mario Land cartridges with a RetroShell premium game protector. And if you’re as passionate about retro gaming as we are, subscribe to our newsletter at Retro Gaming Substack for more nostalgic deep dives.
Are you ready to dive into retro gaming on your Apple TV? Thanks to Apple relaxing rules on emulators on the Appstore, you can now play your favourite classic Retro games on an Apple TV using a controller—Xbox, PlayStation, or something older like the NES! Let’s walk you through the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Install RetroArch
Head to the App Store on your Apple TV and search for RetroArch. This free app is your gateway to retro gaming. Once installed, open it, and you’ll see a prompt with a web address for transferring files from your computer.
Credit: RetroArch / Appstore
Step 2: Prepare Your ROMs
On your computer, visit the address provided by RetroArch. Use the web interface to create a folder called ROMs (or something similar) for your games. Drag and drop your organised ROM folders (like PS1, GBA, etc.) into the web browser for upload. Want to know the best places to get ROMS – check out the Reddit Guide to Roms.
Pro Tip: Dragging entire folders saves time compared to uploading individual files.
Step 3: Connect Your Controller
• Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth on your Apple TV.
• Put your controller into pairing mode:
• Xbox: Hold the button on the back until the front light blinks.
• PlayStation: Hold the Share and PS buttons until the light bar blinks.
• Your controller should appear under “Other Devices.” Select it to connect.
Step 4: Update RetroArch
Before diving into games, update RetroArch:
• Navigate to Online Updater and update core info files, assets, controller profiles, cheats, databases, and overlays.
• This ensures a smoother experience and access to the latest features.
Step 5: Customise the Interface
Want a cleaner look?
• Go to Settings > Drivers > Menu and select XMB.
• Restart RetroArch for the new interface, reminiscent of a classic PlayStation dashboard.
Step 6: Scan and Play
• Navigate to ROMs > [Your Game Folder] and select “Scan Directory.”
• RetroArch will scan your games and organise them by system.
• For PlayStation games, select a core (e.g., PCSX ReARMed) the first time you load a game.
Pro Tip: Hover over a game to download its cover art!
Step 7: Play and Enjoy!
Once everything is set up, pick a game, select your emulator, and start playing! Whether it’s Ridge Racer or Super Mario Kart, you’ll be transported back to the glory days of gaming.
Retro gaming news, tips, and unbeatable protection—RetroShell™ and our weekly newsletter have you covered.
