Tag Archives: retrogaming

👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0130

Happy 2025! I hope you all are enjoying a positive start to the new year.

My week in gaming has been a continued quest to get my PS3 Slim loaded with all the Guitar Hero games from the PS2/3 onto the console with CFW. I do not have a hard-wired solution, so transfers are very slow (especially for the larger PS3 games). The guitar is on order, so gaming should commence this week. Also been playing some (too much) Marvel Rivals and Marvel Snap. I have also been working on some new products for RetroShell, expect some updates on the new collection of protectors soon. Plus, I have been continuing to build RetroShell as a news website.

We have 37 stories this week, covering everything from building a N64 Mini, upgrading your GBC with a radio, a new Sega Sonic game and a whole load more.

The people have spoken, and I will add generation 6 to the next edition. Thanks for reading, and I will always strive to make the newsletter better.

News

🎮Atari and My Arcade team up to tease an exciting new console at CES 2025—could this be a retro gaming revolution? [RetroShell] Link

The number pad is a strange addition…

🎨AYANEO’s Pocket Micro gets a Famicom-inspired makeover—perfect for retro enthusiasts! [Time Extension] Link

❄️Snow Bros. Deluxe Edition brings frosty fun to NES, Genesis, Mega Drive, and Game Boy—don’t miss this wintry revival! [RetroShell] Link

🕵️‍♂️A YouTuber’s bizarre saga involving fake Nintendo lawyers and DMCA takedowns—you won’t believe what happened next! [Game Rant] Link

🐉Dragonyhm, a magical retro RPG, breathes new life into the Game Boy Color—explore its enchanting world! [RetroShell] Link

📥Nintendo offers free N64 game downloads—here’s how you can grab these classics for your collection! [Gaming Bible] Link

⚡A fan-made Sega Saturn Sonic Galactic beta is here, and it’s already wowing gamers. [RetroShell] Link

✨Sonic Galactic is so polished it feels like an official Sega product—fan projects don’t get much better than this! [Time Extension] Link

💥Street Fighter IV gets an unexpected retro twist with a fan-made demo for the Sega Mega Drive and Genesis. [RetroShell] Link

🔧The modder behind the Sega Neptune is now eyeing the SNES PlayStation hybrid—could retro gaming dreams come true? [Time Extension] Link

🏴‍☠️Lost Treasure of Lima brings adventurous platforming to the Game Boy—set sail for some retro fun! [RetroShell] Link

🐺36 years later, the Sega Genesis finally gets a proper port of Shadow Dancer—better late than never! [Time Extension] Link

🥷🏻Shinobi surprises fans with a Neo Geo jump in this impressive fan project! [RetroShell] Link

📼The Atari Jaguar is coming to the Analogue Pocket—another win for retro hardware enthusiasts. [Time Extension] Link

🚀Exciting new Sega Genesis shooter ZPF opens for pre-orders—lock in your copy today! [RetroShell] Link

Features

🍄Dive into the unmatched legacy of Super Mario Bros. 3 and discover why it remains a timeless classic. [RetroShell] Link

Choose your weapon

📺How YouTube’s censorship policies are creating new challenges for retro game historians preserving gaming’s past. [Time Extension] Link

💾Explore the Famicom Disk System’s unique take on Mario’s legacy, uncovering a fascinating chapter in Nintendo’s history. [RetroShell] Link

Really want one of these.

📻Meet the Orange FM Game Boy cartridge—a quirky accessory that doubles as a radio! [TechEBlog] Link

🎮Building the ultimate Nintendo 64 in 2025? Check out these essential upgrades for modern gaming perfection. [RetroShell] Link

📼A world record on the Nintendo 64, a dusty VHS tape, and a 15-year-long mystery solved—read this incredible gaming story. [Jason Deegan] Link

🔧Discover what you can still buy for the Sega Genesis in 2025—keeping retro alive in style! [RetroShell] Link

🐉Uncover the story of a fully playable Shenmue port for the PS2 that Sega developed but never released. [DualShockers] Link

🏆Ranking the top 10 Nintendo 64 games by Metacritic scores—how many of your favourites made the list? [RetroShell] Link

📉From ambitious beginnings to unexpected failures, revisit the reasons why Sega’s consoles ultimately stumbled. [SlashGear] Link

👾2025’s best NES products are here! See what’s keeping the Nintendo Entertainment System alive for another generation. [RetroShell] Link

🕵️Masahiro Sakurai’s connection to Detective Club reveals a surprising side of the Super Smash Bros. creator’s legacy. [EventHubs] Link

🎮Building the ultimate Nintendo 64 in 2025? Don’t miss these essential upgrades! [RetroShell] Link

Lists & Rankings

🕹️Explore the hottest Sega Genesis products you can buy in 2025—keeping retro gaming alive and well! [RetroShell] Link

🌀What if Sonic the Hedgehog wasn’t Sega’s mascot? Discover the surprising replacements Sega considered. [CBR] Link

🎮Nintendo’s official ranking of the 10 greatest NES games—find out which classics made the cut! [RetroShell] Link

💾Uncover the rarest PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games and what collectors are paying to own them. [Game Rant] Link

🎂The best SNES games of all time—Newsweek reveals the crème de la crème of the 16-bit era. [Newsweek] Link

🔍Classic video game fans rejoice—Season 2 of Secret Level dives deeper into gaming history. [CBR] Link

🌟The top 10 Nintendo 64 games ranked by Metacritic scores—are your favourites on the list? [RetroShell] Link

🎮Which handheld gaming consoles had the best graphics? A look at portable powerhouses through the years. [CBR] Link

💎Discover the rarest Neo Geo AES games and how much they’re worth in today’s collector market. [Game Rant] Link

Exciting New Sega Genesis Shooter ZPF Opens for Pre-Orders

The well-funded shooter ZPF from Mega Cat Studios has opened up for pre-orders, with shipping estimated at being February 2025.

The game reached its Kickstarter funding goal in just 19 minutes and went on to raise over $162,000 – more than 1,080% of its initial $15,000 target.

Developed by the ZPF Team and published by Mega Cat Studios, this new Sega Genesis/Mega Drive title features three unique playable characters, engaging scoring mechanics, and a mix of fantasy, sci-fi and horror elements across its various stages. The game is being created by a veteran team including Perry Sessions on art and animation, Mikael Tillander handling programming, and Jamie Vance composing the music.


The game is currently priced between $50 (the basic cartridge only) and $150 (the collector’s edition) and promises to deliver an authentic 16-bit shooting experience complete with mid-stage and end-stage bosses. Development is nearly complete, with only minor bug fixes and backer names left to be added before release.

You can pre-order it here.

For retro gaming enthusiasts interested in following more stories like this and staying up to date with the latest developments in the classic gaming scene, subscribe to our free weekly retro gaming news Substack, delivered to your inbox each Monday.

Atari and My Arcade tease a new console for CES2025

Atari and My Arcade have teased the upcoming release of the Atari Gamestation Portable, a handheld console that brings classic gaming experiences to modern audiences. 

The Gamestation Portable features a ~7-inch high-resolution display and incorporates unique control options, including a paddle, trackball, and keypad, designed to emulate the original Atari gaming experience. Right now we only have very limited information based on the teaser video.

This release is part of a broader collaboration between Atari and My Arcade, aiming to deliver authentic retro gaming experiences through modern hardware solutions. 

If you are a collector of Atari games, be sure to check out the RetroShell Atari video game protectors to give your games the best possible protection.

For more information and updates, follow us on X.

Previously unreleased NES Prototypes shared with the Retro Community

Hidden Palace has unveiled a treasure trove of NES prototypes from the collection of Armageddon Potato, a well-known figure in the Nintendo collecting community. This release offers enthusiasts a unique glimpse into the development stages of numerous classic titles.

The collection includes early versions of games such as Adventures of DizzyBombermanBubble Bobble 2Felix the CatMega Man 2Ninja Gaiden II, and The Simpsons: Bart vs. the World. These prototypes provide invaluable insights into the evolution of these games, showcasing differences in graphics, levels, and gameplay mechanics compared to their final releases.

In addition to Armageddon Potato’s collection, a previously unseen prototype titled Scanner has been released, courtesy of Frank Cifaldi. Furthermore, the team at Codebound has contributed source code and several builds of The Lion King for NES and Game Boy, offering a deeper understanding of the game’s development process.

These releases are part of Hidden Palace’s ongoing efforts to preserve video game history by archiving and sharing prototypes, source code, and other development materials. Such initiatives are crucial for understanding the creative processes behind classic games and ensuring that this knowledge is accessible to future generations.

For those interested in exploring these prototypes, they are available for download on Hidden Palace’s website. This release not only enriches the historical record of NES game development but also provides fans and researchers with the opportunity to experience and study these early versions firsthand.

To stay updated on future releases and preservation efforts, follow Hidden Palace on their official channels.

Lunatic Fighters: A Retro Brawler for the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis 🇧🇷

Retro gaming enthusiasts, get ready for a new contender in the fighting game arena. Lunatic Fighters is an exciting new project currently seeking funding on Catarse. Designed exclusively for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, this game brings gritty combat and fast-paced action to your favourite 16-bit console, blending nostalgic visuals with a dark and thrilling storyline.

The Premise

Set in a dystopian future, Lunatic Fighters pits criminals against each other in a brutal arena where survival is the only option. Each character comes with a unique backstory, distinct fighting style, and special moves, creating a rich roster that adds depth to the brawling experience.

Gameplay Features

Dynamic Combat: Players will enjoy intense one-on-one battles with tight controls and fluid animations that push the Mega Drive hardware to its limits.

Customisable Modes: Explore both single-player campaigns and multiplayer battles with various modes that cater to competitive and casual players alike.

Retro Visuals: Classic 16-bit pixel art brings the game’s dark and gritty world to life, complemented by a killer chiptune soundtrack.

Support the Project

The developers of Lunatic Fighters are crowdfunding on Catarse to bring this ambitious project to life. Backers can choose from a range of rewards, including digital copies of the game, physical cartridges, and exclusive merchandise. By supporting this campaign, fans not only contribute to the production of a new game but also help keep the Sega Mega Drive’s legacy alive.

Why It Matters

Projects like Lunatic Fighters are a testament to the enduring appeal of retro gaming and the creativity of the indie development community. They breathe new life into classic hardware, offering fans the chance to experience something fresh while celebrating the timeless charm of 16-bit gaming.

Join the Fight

The campaign is now live on Catarse, and early backers can secure exclusive rewards and help shape the future of this promising title. If you’re a fan of retro brawlers, now is the time to support Lunatic Fighters and ensure its place in the Mega Drive’s legendary library.

Visit Catarse to learn more and support the campaign today!

Star Wars Holiday Special Brings Festive Fun to Sega Mega Drive / Genesis

Developer Master Linkuei has released Super Star Wars Holiday Special, a fan-made game for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. Inspired by the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, this action-platformer lets players control Luke Skywalker on a mission to rescue Han Solo and Chewbacca from Imperial forces, aiming to celebrate Life Day on Kashyyyk.

Key Features:

Classic Gameplay: Emulates the style of the original Super Star Wars series from the Super Nintendo, offering nostalgic action-platforming.

Original Storyline: Loosely based on the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, providing a unique narrative experience.

Rapid Development: Created in just 20 days using the Scorpion Engine by earok, showcasing impressive dedication and skill.

Availability:

Super Star Wars Holiday Special is available for download on itch.io. As a fan-made project, it is free to play, with an option to donate to support the developer.

For more information and to download the game, visit: Super Star Wars Holiday Special

The Rise and Fall of Sega: An Odyssey through the Saturn Era

Sega’s journey in the gaming industry is a remarkable and often tumultuous saga that captures the volatile landscape of video game console rivalry, especially during the 1990s. Known as a pioneer in gaming technology, Sega not only set trends but also faced failures that reshaped the market. This summary will explore their ambitious yet misguided journey with the Sega Saturn, chronicling its initial promise, missteps, and the resulting legacy.

Introduction to Sega

  • Founding Year: Sega began as ‘Standard Games’ in 1940, primarily producing arcade games in Hawaii. By 1952, the company transitioned to Japan, becoming ‘Service Games of Japan.’
  • Market Transition: Sega initially thrived in the arcade sector, pivoting from mechanical games to groundbreaking console products in the early 1990s.

Sega’s peak came with the Genesis (or Mega Drive), launched in 1988-89, which spearheaded its success in Western markets by outpacing Nintendo at a vital time.

Sega’s Golden Era

The early 90s saw the rise of Sonic the Hedgehog, the company’s vibrant mascot who characterized a new era. Sega’s marketing campaigns were fierce, creating popular slogans like “Sega does what Nintendon’t,” directly challenging Nintendo’s dominance.

  • Market Strategy: Sega hired Tom Kalinske as President of Sega of America, who employed aggressive marketing tactics that propelled the Genesis into the forefront, resulting in a three-year lead over the Super Nintendo.

Enter Saturn

The Development Phase

  • Beginning: The Saturn was initially designed to showcase state-of-the-art 2D and 3D capabilities due to emerging competition from the Panasonic 3DO and Atari Jaguar.
  • Hardware: It boasted innovative specs—two CPUs (Hitachi’s SH-2 chips), dual Video Graphics Processors, and high-quality sound capabilities.

Despite promising features, concerns about competition led the team to hastily alter the planned release schedule, reflecting an uncharacteristic panic that derailed their earlier confidence.

Stumbling at Launch

E3 1995 Disaster

  • Surprise Launch: On May 11, 1995, during E3, Sega unveiled the Saturn with a shocking announcement that it was available immediately at an initial price of $399.
  • Market Backlash: The early release—meant to undermine the upcoming PlayStation—backfired spectacularly. Retailers, who were left unprepared, were enraged, and the insufficient supply (30,000 units) designed for launch worsened the perception of Sega’s mismanagement.

Sony’s Counterattack

  • The Mic-Drop Moment: Sony’s Steve Race followed up by dropping the price of PlayStation to $299, swiftly becoming the more attractive option. The move devastated Sega’s stance in the market.

An Uneven Battlefield

Hardware Complications

Despite an innovative vision, the Saturn’s complex hardware configuration made it difficult for developers. Notable issues included:

  • Lack of User-Friendly APIs: Unlike PlayStation, which provided tailored development tools, Sega’s unclear documentation resulted in a confused developer base.
  • Limited Games: The Saturn launched with only five titles, lacking sufficient exclusives to entice gamers, impacting its reception adversely.

Market Fragmentation and Internal Politics

The Disastrous 32X

  • Dual Systems: The release of the 32X, seen as a bridge between the Genesis and Saturn, inadvertently confused consumers and split Sega’s audience, crippling their marketing efforts.
  • Failure to Capture Momentum: After the Saturn’s rush to market, many titles developed for the 32X did not contribute meaningfully to the Sega brand.

Growing Divisions

Tensions grew internally between Sega’s American and Japanese divisions, leading to strategic misalignments that ultimately resulted in their decline, as detailed by Kalinske’s experiences.

Key PlayersImpact on Market
Tom Kalinske (USA)Successful marketing, initial console dominance
Hayao Nakayama (Japan)Stringent control, limited vision for the international market

Identifying the Problems

  1. Flawed Marketing Strategy: Marketing blitzes were overshadowed by poor launch decisions and confusing consumer offers.
  2. Missed Opportunities: Significant games such as Sonic X-Treme fell victim to internal squabbles, exemplifying the curse of over-ambition entangled in ambition.

The Diminishing Legacy

The Post-Saturn Years

By 1998, with the Saturn officially discontinued after only three years and underwhelming sales of 9.26 million units, Sega struggled to regain market viability.

  • The Dreamcast Era: Though the Dreamcast emerged with some technical superiority, it inherited the negative perceptions lingering from Saturn’s chaotic processes.

Conclusion: The End of an Era

Sega’s story, especially regarding the Saturn, is a profound reminder of how company politics and management decisions can critically impact a product’s market success. The Saturn may have represented the peak of Sega’s engineering ambition and creativity, yet ultimately became a cautionary tale amidst fierce competition.

Embracing rapid advancement in technology while maintaining clarity in product development will be a challenge for future console manufacturers. Sega’s bold ambitions in the console wars showcased their innovative spirit, but an overzealous strategy combined with pivotal misjudgments ultimately hindered their fate. They played their cards early, demonstrated panic amidst competition, and unfortunately, lost much more than just a console.

Battle Marine Shoots Its Way onto Sega Game Gear

Battle Marine, the naval-themed shoot ’em up by SUZUKIPLAN, has been successfully ported to the Sega Game Gear and is now available on cartridge. Originally released on Steam, this intense bullet-hell shooter challenges players to master laser attacks and tactical manoeuvres as they navigate increasingly challenging waves of enemies.

The Game Gear version comes with packaging that replicates the original Japanese design, making it a perfect addition for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. The cartridge is available internationally, offering fans a chance to experience this high-energy shooter on classic hardware.

For more information, visit: Battle Marine Game Gear Cartridge

Onkyo Unveils SEGA Saturn-Themed True Wireless Earphones

Onkyo has introduced a pair of true wireless earphones inspired by the iconic SEGA Saturn console. The CP-TWS01A model features earbuds designed to resemble the Saturn’s controllers, while the charging case mirrors the console’s aesthetic. Notably, these earphones incorporate the SEGA Saturn’s startup and system sounds, enhancing the nostalgic experience for users.

Key Features:

Design: The earbuds and charging case are meticulously crafted to reflect the SEGA Saturn’s design elements, appealing to retro gaming enthusiasts.

Audio Integration: Includes authentic SEGA Saturn startup and system sounds, providing an immersive nostalgic experience.

Technical Specifications: Equipped with Qualcomm’s QCC3040 chipset, supporting SBC, AAC, and Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive audio codecs for high-quality sound reproduction. Features IPX7 water resistance (excluding the charging case), ambient microphone functionality, and a battery life of up to 9 hours on a single charge.

Wireless Charging: An optional wireless charging pad, designed to resemble a game disc, is available for purchase separately.

Availability:

The SEGA Saturn-themed CP-TWS01A earphones are available for purchase in Japan, priced at approximately $100 USD for the earphones alone, and around $130 USD when bundled with the wireless charging pad.

For more information and to purchase, visit: Onkyo SEGA Saturn True Wireless Earphones

Sam.Pr Explorer: Embark on an Egyptian Adventure in New MSX2 Game

The MSXdev’24 competition has unveiled a new entry, Sam.Pr Explorer, an engaging game for the MSX2 platform that transports players to the enigmatic world of ancient Egypt.

Game Overview:

In Sam.Pr Explorer, players assume the role of Sam.PR, an intrepid explorer who finds himself trapped within the labyrinthine corridors of an Egyptian pyramid. The objective is to navigate through a series of perilous rooms, each filled with traps and adversaries, to secure an escape. The game offers varying difficulty levels, challenging players to clear multiple rooms within a set timeframe, all while evading foes intent on thwarting their progress.

Key Features:

Authentic Egyptian Setting: Immerse yourself in the atmospheric recreation of ancient pyramid interiors, complete with thematic challenges and obstacles.

Time-Based Challenges: Race against the clock to solve puzzles and overcome traps, with difficulty levels that adjust the number of rooms and time constraints.

Dynamic Adversaries: Encounter a variety of enemies designed to impede your escape, requiring strategic thinking and quick reflexes.

Sam.Pr Explorer is a testament to the enduring creativity within the MSX community, offering both nostalgia and fresh challenges to enthusiasts of the classic platform.

For more information and to download the game, visit: Sam.Pr Explorer – Indie Retro News