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A Premium Alternative at the Best Price for All Your Gaming Needs

We are excited to announce the arrival of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C on the Recalbox store! This versatile wireless controller redefines gaming standards with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Available for pre-order in black (shipping on February 27) and in 4 additional colors (green, peach, purple, mint), it stands as a serious alternative to official controllers while delivering a premium experience.

Design & Ergonomics

Its ergonomic design ensures a natural and comfortable grip, even during long gaming sessions — Xbox controller users will feel right at home. Its lightweight build and high-quality finish enhance the overall experience without compromising performance. If you’re familiar with 8BitDo, you already know the level of quality to expect: refined design, solid construction, and premium materials. In use, the controller confirms that it’s built to last.

Images: 8BitDo

Technical Specifications

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C features Hall Effect technology on both the sticks and triggers, ensuring optimal precision and enhanced durability against the common stick drift found in modern controllers.

The controller offers broad compatibility with Recalbox, Windows, and Android, whether via Bluetooth wireless, 2.4 GHz using the included USB-C dongle, or wired with the included 1-meter USB-C cable. Its high 1000 Hz polling rate guarantees ultra-responsive gameplay, while the turbo mode will delight shoot’em up and retro gaming enthusiasts.

Long-Lasting Battery Life

Battery life reaches up to approximately 19 hours in 2.4 GHz mode or 32 hours via Bluetooth, ensuring long, uninterrupted gaming sessions.

What’s in the Box

• 1 × 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless controller
• 1 × USB-C charging cable (1 m)
• 1 × USB-C dongle
• User manual

Also Available: RGB DUAL 2 – PCB Only Version

For those who wish to directly integrate our RGB DUAL 2 solution into their arcade cabinets or DIY cases, we now offer the standalone PCB for €59. This enclosure-free version allows direct integration into your custom projects while benefiting from pixel-perfect 15kHz/31kHz RGB signal quality, I2S DAC audio, and native Raspberry Pi 5 support.

Discover the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C

Discover the RGB DUAL 2 PCB Only

After more than 10 years of existence, Recalbox reaches a decisive milestone with the release of version 10 — far more than a simple update. This new iteration marks a true turning point for the distribution, with the integration of new hardware, new systems, a complete overhaul of the user interface, the addition of revolutionary new features, and extended support for arcade and CRT.

You will find at the bottom of this article the full release notes, as well as the presentation video covering all the new features.

EXPANDED HARDWARE SUPPORT

Recalbox 10 reaches a major milestone in hardware compatibility. Whether you are an arcade purist with your JAMMA cabinet, a CRT enthusiast seeking absolute authenticity, or a nomadic gamer who wants to take your library everywhere, this new version adapts to every use case. From the classic Raspberry Pi, boosted by the Raspberry Pi 5, to the latest-generation PC gaming handhelds, including more exotic peripherals such as Arduino spinners or the GunCon 2 light gun, Recalbox 10 pushes compatibility limits to offer unprecedented flexibility. Here is a complete overview of the new supported hardware:

New Raspberry Pi models and cases:

• Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB RAM version) and Raspberry Pi 500
• Optimized compatibility with recent PCs
• Support for Retroflag cases (64Pi Case, DreamCase) and Argon One v3

New-generation portable experience:

• Full support for Steam Deck LCD and OLED with advanced integration (brightness, sound, sleep mode)
• Experimental support for Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go

CRT, Arcade, and exotic peripheral compatibility:

• RGB DUAL 2 (SCART, RCA, VGA, Mini Jack), enhance your CRTs and monitors
• RGB JAMMA 2 with full support, give your JAMMA cabinets a second life
• Recalbox Card Reader and its RecalCards, insert your Recalbox RecalCards!
• GunCon 2 light gun for CRT TVs (experimental, in 15 kHz with RGB DUAL 2 or RGB JAMMA 2)
• Taito Trackball/Spinner and Baolian Spinner
• DIY spinners based on Arduino

NEW SYSTEMS AND EMULATORS

Recalbox 10 continues to expand its catalog of emulated systems while optimizing performance on existing platforms. The arrival of new sixth-generation consoles — some known to be difficult to emulate on modest hardware — demonstrates the technical progress achieved by the team. PC and Steam Deck players welcome the original Xbox, while Raspberry Pi 5 users will discover emulators that previously seemed out of reach for this type of hardware. Arcade also benefits from major optimizations delivering truly impressive performance:

On PC and Steam Deck:

• Original Xbox

On Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB minimum):

• Model 3
• Nintendo DS
• GameCube and WiiWares (Wii)

Arcade optimizations: Major improvements on MAME and FBNeo for impressive performance, especially on Raspberry Pi 5.

COMPLETE USER INTERFACE OVERHAUL

While Recalbox 10 impresses with new hardware and system compatibility, its graphical overhaul may be what impacts your daily experience the most. No more slowdowns in overloaded menus, no more single interface, no more complex theme switching. The team has completely redesigned the frontend to deliver a fluid, modern, and highly customizable experience, accessible in just a few clicks whether you use HDMI, CRT, or an arcade cabinet. Whether you have 10 or 150 systems enabled, navigation remains instant and smooth. Here are the main improvements:

Ultra-fast navigation:

• New texture manager with background image loading, ensuring smooth navigation at all times, even with more than 150 systems enabled.
• New menus with a more intuitive organization, making it quick and easy to find your way around
• Quick system switching with L and R triggers (jumping five systems at a time)
• Redesigned system logos

New theme and integrated theme manager:

• New customizable default theme
• Around ten themes available at launch
• Preview, download, and install in 2 clicks
• Automatic updates

Advanced system management:

• Show and hide systems on the fly, without rebooting
• Fine customization to keep only the consoles you use daily

REVOLUTIONARY FEATURES FOR GAME LISTS

Managing game lists has always been a challenge for retro gaming enthusiasts: regional duplicates, unnecessary system files, endlessly growing collections, disappearing favorites — a real headache for some. Recalbox 10 tackles this head-on with a series of features that will revolutionize how you organize and browse your libraries. From automatic duplicate cleanup to advanced favorite management, along with new sorting and search options, everything has been designed to make your lists clearer, faster, and more enjoyable to browse:

• One Game, One ROM (1G1R) – The game-changer: This new feature automatically groups different versions of the same game according to your preferred regions, eliminating endless lists and duplicates. Lists become drastically cleaner while still preserving access to all versions.

Improved arcade view:

• Grouping games by clone/parent system
• Removal of duplicates, BIOS files, system files, and non-working games

Simplified ROM management:

• Delete ROMs directly from the interface
• Automatic detection of modifications (add/remove) with gamelist update
• Per-system updates without reboot
• Automatic scraping of newly detected games (Patrons only)

Optimized favorites:

• Return of the “Favorites on top of the list” option
• Lock feature to prevent accidental modifications
• Separate save in gamelist-userdata.ini (preserves favorites after extern scraping)

Enhanced sorting and organization:

• Sort by playtime, region, number of players, genre, developer, rating…
• Clear headers depending on sort type
• Customizable decorations: region flags, genre, number of players…
• Disc number display (e.g., CD 1/2, 2/2) — especially useful for PlayStation and Amiga (via decoration customization)

New search functions:

• Search for different versions of the same game across all platforms
• Browse by license (e.g., view all available Street Fighter games)

AND EVEN MORE

Beyond the major visible improvements, Recalbox 10 fine-tunes the user experience down to the smallest details. Whether you play multiplayer on your couch, seek the authentic CRT arcade experience, or simply need to reset a configuration that went wrong, this version provides simple and automated solutions. No more obscure technical manipulations: Recalbox detects your needs and adapts intelligently. Here are the improvements that will make your daily life easier:

MULTIPLAYER AND CONTROLLER IMPROVEMENTS

• Automatic multitap activation on Super Nintendo, PlayStation, and Saturn when 3 controllers are detected
• Vibration support in compatible systems

RGB DUAL 2 AND RGB JAMMA 2 REVOLUTION

CRT and arcade users benefit from major improvements:

• Complete overhaul of CRT mode management with dynamic resolutions
• 15 kHz and 31 kHz support on RGB DUAL 2 and RGB JAMMA 2
• 24 kHz support on RGB JAMMA
• “HDMI Priority” option to plug in an HDMI screen without unplugging everything
• High score support for MAME
• Access to service mode and DIP switches on RGB JAMMA

SPLIT SETTINGS RESET

Two options for greater peace of mind:

• Reset emulator settings: return all emulators to default settings
• Restore factory settings: complete system reset without deleting games, scraps, saves, or favorites

A STORE THAT EVOLVES WITH THE PROJECT

Recalbox 10 brings native support for new Recalbox hardware. On this occasion, we have updated our store with customizable RecalTower kits designed to fit each user’s needs. HDMI, CRT, Card Reader… each kit corresponds to a specific configuration. For simplicity, kits including the Raspberry Pi 5 come with Recalbox 10 preinstalled.

Modularity: an installation that evolves with your needs

The store now includes all hardware sold separately:

An HDMI user who now wants to play on a CRT simply needs to purchase the RGB Dual 2 add-on. Still craving more nostalgia? The Card Reader add-on and its RecalCards will allow them to launch games “the old-fashioned way” by inserting Recalbox-made cartridges. Adding each of these add-ons is completely Plug and Play — no manipulation required. Just plug it in, everything is instantly recognized, and play:

A passionate user who wants to give a second life to their arcade cabinet can now get the RGB JAMMA 2:

Accessories: retro gaming references combining quality and simplicity

Because it is essential to guide our users toward high-quality hardware that is tested and guaranteed plug-and-play compatible with Recalbox, we provide on our store the must-have references in controllers and arcade sticks:

The 8BitDo Pro 3 controller, the absolute reference, and for Xbox controller fans, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller now available on the shop! For players who want to fully enjoy their arcade library, the 8BitDo Arcade Stick will be their best ally for high scores!

"With more supported machines, more features, a fully modernized interface, and an ever-stronger respect for original hardware, Recalbox 10 simply represents the very best of Recalbox. Our goal is to make retro gaming even simpler, more accessible, and even more faithful to the games that shaped our childhood." – The Recalbox Team

This article only covers a small portion of the improvements included in V10, among more than a hundred that you can find in the full release notes at this link.

Following the announcement during the Recal'Talk about the availability of the 8BitDo Arcade Stick on the Recalbox store, we’re bringing you a video where Fab2ris presents what is quickly becoming the go-to arcade stick for Recalbox. He’ll also share some very useful tips to help you properly configure the joystick and buttons.

If you’re familiar with 8BitDo products, you won’t be surprised by the device’s quality or its refined design. At first glance, the sturdiness and material quality immediately stand out.

In use, the stick confirms that this is serious hardware, delivering both comfort and excellent gameplay feel. The controls have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when compared with industry references like Sanwa and Seimitsu.

With plug-and-play support and a setup process accessible to everyone, this new accessory will be your best ally for rediscovering your arcade game library!

Most importantly, don’t forget that as a Patron, you get 10% off by entering your promo code available in the Patron area on the Recalbox website.

Relive the nostalgic feel of physical cartridges with a unique design by Recalbox

You’re probably already familiar with the Card Reader and its RecalCards. The idea is simple: allow Recalbox users to rediscover that old-school gesture by choosing a physical RecalCard cartridge and inserting it into a dedicated reader to launch the game of their choice.

The RecalCards concept

RecalCards are collectible cards designed specifically by and for Recalbox. Blank when you receive them, you can program them yourself by telling your Recalbox which game to launch when a specific RecalCard is inserted.

A new exclusive perk for Patrons

Our Tier 2 and Tier 3 Patrons — supporting the Recalbox project via Patreon — will now enjoy a brand-new perk directly linked to these RecalCards: if you’re a Tier 2 Patron, you’ll receive one Exclusive Collector RecalCard at home every two months; if you’re a Tier 3 Patron, you’ll receive three Exclusive Collector RecalCards per shipment!

These RecalCards are entirely designed by the Recalbox team, with one simple goal: instantly recognize the games that bring us together today. Street Fighter, Earthworm Jim, Super Mario World, Metroid… 16 RecalCards are planned for the first season!

Behind the scenes of the design

Vote for your favorite designs

If you’re signed up on Patreon (even with free access), you’ve probably seen the recent updates about this, including a vote that allowed our Patrons to choose their favorite visuals for the RecalCards dedicated to them. We submitted 6 votes to guide our designs, but the designs for 10 other RecalCards are already finalized — you’ll discover them when you receive them.

These cards are exclusive and will not be sold on the Recalbox store. Of course, no games are included with the RecalCards: you’ll need to assign games from your own library to the cards, which simply launch the game upon insertion and close it when you remove the RecalCard from the Card Reader.

Voting is in full swing on Patreon

A complete collection for everyone

Knowing our community’s love for collecting, we’ve thought of everything. Tier 2 Patrons will indeed receive all the cards from the current Season, just over a slightly longer period than Tier 3 Patrons, who receive more cards per shipment.

And don’t worry: if you become a Patron during the season, you’ll still start your collection with RecalCard #1.

If you subscribed in November 2025 following the announcement of this perk during the Recal’Talk (a Discord video session with the Recalbox team dedicated to Patrons), we’ll of course take your seniority into account for the first shipments. 😉

We hope this new perk will delight you and that you’ll enjoy discovering the designs as much as we enjoyed creating them. And if you ever want to design your own RecalCards, don’t forget we’ve made the RecalCard Gen available!

Hamster used the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase to announce a highly anticipated release: Rave Racer, the third entry in the Ridge Racer series, will arrive on February 26, 2026 via the Arcade Archives collection. Originally released in arcades in 1995, this title never received a true home console conversion, making this announcement a major event for arcade racing fans.

31 Years of Waiting for a Port

Developed by Namco on the System 22 hardware, Rave Racer was initially planned for a PC release shortly after its arcade debut, but the project was ultimately canceled. Since then, the only way to play it outside of arcades was through the Ridge Racer Arcade 1Up cabinet. Fans of the series have therefore had to wait more than three decades to finally enjoy this classic at home in a faithful version.

From a technical standpoint, Rave Racer was a showcase for its time, featuring highly detailed environments thanks to impressive texture mapping for the mid-1990s. The game stood out for its consistent 60 frames per second performance, crucial for arcade-style drift gameplay where precision is everything. The legendary “City” and “Mountain” tracks offered varied challenges that left a lasting impression on an entire generation of players.

The Authentic Arcade Experience

This Arcade Archives re-release will bring back the original experience along with the collection’s usual features: CRT-style screen filters, quick save functionality, and full customization of difficulty settings. Purists will be able to relive the authentic arcade feel, while newcomers can discover one of the finest representatives of 1990s arcade racing.

Source: Time Extension / Retrogamer.cc

The Sega Saturn is definitely making headlines these days. Chinese modder TZMWX, already known for his portable creations based on the console, has just unveiled the Sega CDX2. This project pays tribute to the legendary CDX (known as the Multi-Mega in Europe), that ultra-rare hybrid console from the 1990s which combined the Mega Drive and Mega CD in a revolutionary portable form factor. This time, it’s a full Saturn that has been miniaturized into a compact CD player-style case.

A tribute to the original CDX

The original Sega CDX, released in 1994, remains one of the rarest and most sought-after consoles in Sega’s history. About the size of a portable CD player, it could even function as one and run on batteries. Its prohibitive price ($400 at the time) and limited production turned it into a mythical collector’s item.

The CDX2 takes this bold concept further by integrating a Saturn motherboard folded in half to drastically reduce space requirements. A Sony KSM-900 optical mechanism replaces the standard CD drive, while the case borrows its top shell from a Sanyo CD player.

The original CDX

A gradual evolution

The final version of the CDX2, unveiled in early February 2026, includes many improvements over the December 2025 prototype. The finished model features a built-in modchip, 1M/4M EXRAM for games requiring expansion cartridges, integrated memory storage, a small LCD screen, and a Panasonic 21700 battery for portable use. The modular case allows different functional modules to be added.

TZMWX kept several elements from the Sanyo CD player used as a base: the headphone jack, volume potentiometer, panel button functions, and the multi-function slot. He also added a 5-button joystick, an LCD port on the rear panel, and two integrated Apple speakers.

A one-of-a-kind piece

As with his previous creations (notably the Sega Uranus inspired by the Venus prototype), TZMWX remains firm: his builds are unique pieces intended for his personal use.

The modder generously shares his progress on Twitter, documenting each step and potentially inspiring other makers to attempt their own projects. The CDX2 is part of a broader celebration of the Saturn, a console experiencing a true revival thanks to an active homebrew scene and a passionate community.

Source: Time Extension / Rom Game

The Dreamcast continues to attract some of the most ambitious homebrew developers. Following ports of GTA III, GTA Vice City, and Star Fox 64, it’s now The Simpsons: Hit & Run that is receiving an unofficial conversion. The project is led by maximqad (aka craf7y24), a modder who previously brought Half-Life Deathmatch and Counter-Strike to Sega’s console.

A project still in its early stages

So far, only a single screenshot has been revealed, showing work in progress on the color palette and basic graphical compatibility. The project is clearly in its infancy, and no release date has been announced. Observers remain optimistic, however: if the Dreamcast managed to run GTA III and Vice City, it should logically be able to handle this “Springfield-style clone” released in 2003.

The original title, developed by Radical Entertainment, was openly inspired by Grand Theft Auto III, offering an open world to explore within the universe of the animated series. Players took control of various members of the Simpson family and roamed around Springfield on foot or by car.

A console that never stops surprising

This port is part of the momentum of an especially active homebrew scene, with projects such as Star Fox 64 adapted in 48 hours or WipEout running at 60 frames per second. The Simpsons: Hit & Run remains one of the most beloved games in The Simpsons universe, and the lack of an official re-release has made it a sought-after title among nostalgic fans.

More than twenty-five years after its launch, the Dreamcast continues to impress with the technical feats its community manages to pull off.

Source: Rom Game / Time Extension / Retro Dodo

As you know, users supporting the Recalbox project through Patreon Tier 2 or Tier 3 subscriptions will receive RecalCards Collectors every two months, featuring Recalbox-made artworks inspired by iconic retrogaming titles. These artworks are entirely created in-house, exclusive, and will not be available in the shop.

Recalcard Gen: Personalize Your Own RecalCards

But we didn’t want to stop there. Because community creativity is part of Recalbox’s DNA, we’re providing you with a brand-new online tool:

Recalcard Gen

This generator allows you to import your own images and create a PDF file in the correct format for RecalCards. You can then print your labels and stick them onto your cards.

Official artworks you especially love, personal creations, tributes to your favorite games, fully embraced graphic experiments… you’re completely free. This tool is here to let you customize your RecalCards however you like.

Show Us Your Creations

We can’t wait to see what the most creative among you come up with. So if you design your own visuals, don’t hesitate to share them on the Recalbox Discord. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just a passionate fan creating for fun, your work absolutely belongs in the community.

Between the official RecalCards Collectors made by Recalbox and your custom versions created with Recalcard Gen, your retrogaming collection is about to level up in a big way!

Some creations from users:

magici1

lmiduno

After the futuristic madness of Nitro Ball and its space pinball tables, the One Credit Challenge takes a turn toward puzzle gaming! Risky Challenge (Irem, 1993), known as Gussun Oyoyo in Japan, drops us into an underground world where reflexes and strategy are essential to save a very clumsy treasure hunter.

In this puzzle game with platforming elements, Vic and Vinnie are two treasure hunters trapped in a flooding underground cavern. The player must save them by dropping Tetris-like blocks to build a path to the exit, while the water rises relentlessly from below. The real challenge lies in the character’s behavior, as he moves on his own, in the style of Lemmings: the player must therefore anticipate movements to prevent him from falling into traps.

Designed for Irem’s M-97 arcade system, Risky Challenge delights with its kawaii visual style reminiscent of Bubble Bobble and its more than thirty varied stages, each offering a distinct puzzle challenge. Initially released only in arcades, the game later received several console ports and even spawned a PlayStation sequel in 1996, Gussun Paradise. A true arcade puzzle gem that the One Credit Challenge invites us to rediscover with a single credit!

🏆 Challenge Rules

Your goal is to achieve the highest score on a single credit.
The challenge runs from February 1st to February 15th at 11:59 PM. You may try as many times as you like.

📢 How to participate?

• Launch the game (rom: riskchal)
• Play and try to beat the high score
• Take a screenshot or photo of your final score
• Share your score in the Discord channel #challenges along with your username and score

⚖️ Rules to follow

To ensure fairness in the challenge:

The score must be achieved on a single credit, without save states, rewind, cheats, or auto-fire (unless the game natively allows it).

Gentlemen’s agreement: the use of glitches that artificially inflate the score is also forbidden.

🎁 Rewards and fair play

The challenge is above all about discovering games, sharing tips, and of course having fun, all in a competitive spirit that’s always welcome!

The winner will receive a game key (GOG, Steam, etc.) chosen from a list of around 100 titles.
If you have won a challenge in the past three months, the prize will go to the next player.

Your ranking will be added to the One Credit Challenge leaderboard.
The champion of the first season will win either a free RGB Dual 2 or a one-year subscription to Recalbox Patreon.

Good luck to everyone, and may the best score win!

XL2, a developer well known in the Saturn homebrew scene for work on Sonic Z-Treme, has just achieved an impressive technical feat: implementing ray tracing on the Sega Saturn. While the term today brings to mind the most powerful graphics cards on the market like Nvidia’s GeForce RTX series, applying it to a 1994 console is a display of truly remarkable mathematical ingenuity.

A clever approach to ray tracing

Ray tracing is a graphics technique that simulates the path of light to create realistic shadows and reflections. On modern PCs, this requires enormous processing power. So how can it work on a 1994 console? XL2 found a smart workaround: instead of calculating light for every pixel on screen (which would be impossible), it only computes it for the corners of 3D objects.

To optimize things even further, a technique called BSP is used to divide the environment into zones. Picture a level map split into sections: the processor can quickly determine whether a light ray is blocked by a wall or an object. If it is, that area falls into shadow. Simple and effective!

Optimization and impressive results

To keep the game running smoothly, XL2 doesn’t recalculate every corner at once. With each displayed frame, only a quarter of the corners are updated. To prevent shadows from flickering unpleasantly, the transition between light and shadow is handled gradually and smoothly.

The video result is striking: lighting reacts in real time, especially when gunshots briefly illuminate the environment. For now, moving enemies don’t yet cast shadows, but the technical foundation is already working very well.

The Saturn pushed to its full potential

This demonstration proves that the Sega Saturn still has hidden capabilities. Its dual processors, often underused by developers at the time, can achieve impressive graphical feats when programmed properly.

Once again, this experiment shows that retro consoles still have many secrets left to uncover in the hands of passionate developers.

Sources: Le Mag MO5 / Retrogamer

XL2, a developer well known in the Saturn homebrew scene for work on Sonic Z-Treme, has just achieved an impressive technical feat: implementing ray tracing on the Sega Saturn. While the term today brings to mind the most powerful graphics cards on the market like Nvidia’s GeForce RTX series, applying it to a 1994 console is a display of truly remarkable mathematical ingenuity.

A clever approach to ray tracing

Ray tracing is a graphics technique that simulates the path of light to create realistic shadows and reflections. On modern PCs, this requires enormous processing power. So how can it work on a 1994 console? XL2 found a smart workaround: instead of calculating light for every pixel on screen (which would be impossible), it only computes it for the corners of 3D objects.

To optimize things even further, a technique called BSP is used to divide the environment into zones. Picture a level map split into sections: the processor can quickly determine whether a light ray is blocked by a wall or an object. If it is, that area falls into shadow. Simple and effective!

Optimization and impressive results

To keep the game running smoothly, XL2 doesn’t recalculate every corner at once. With each displayed frame, only a quarter of the corners are updated. To prevent shadows from flickering unpleasantly, the transition between light and shadow is handled gradually and smoothly.

The video result is striking: lighting reacts in real time, especially when gunshots briefly illuminate the environment. For now, moving enemies don’t yet cast shadows, but the technical foundation is already working very well.

The Saturn pushed to its full potential

This demonstration proves that the Sega Saturn still has hidden capabilities. Its dual processors, often underused by developers at the time, can achieve impressive graphical feats when programmed properly.

Once again, this experiment shows that retro consoles still have many secrets left to uncover in the hands of passionate developers.

Sources: Le Mag MO5 / Retrogamer

Nintendo and Illumination have unveiled a brand-new trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie during a Nintendo Direct presentation broadcast on January 25, 2026. This new video finally gives us a long-awaited first look at Yoshi, Mario’s loyal dinosaur companion, and confirms an earlier-than-expected release date.

Yoshi makes his big-screen debut

The trailer reveals how Mario and Luigi discover Yoshi after finding a hatched egg while investigating a clogged pipe. This marks the character’s first official appearance in the Mario cinematic universe, following his tease in the post-credits scene of the first film released in 2023. Yoshi, who debuted in 1990 in Super Mario World on the Super Nintendo, has become one of the franchise’s most beloved characters across several generations of Nintendo games.

The new footage doesn’t focus solely on Yoshi. We also catch glimpses of Birdo fighting Princess Peach, Mouser (a boss character from Super Mario Bros. 2) who looks rather worn out, Lakitu in action, as well as Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, although the context of their appearance remains a mystery.

A returning voice cast

For the English version, Chris Pratt reprises his role as Mario alongside Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. New additions include Brie Larson as Rosalina and Benny Safdie, who lends his voice to Bowser Jr.

A French-dubbed version was also shown after the Nintendo Direct. The French voice cast for this sequel has not yet been officially announced, but it is worth recalling that the first film benefited from an excellent French dub featuring Pierre Tessier (Mario), Audrey Sourdive (Princess Peach), Benoît Du Pac (Luigi), Jérémie Covillault (Bowser), Emmanuel Garijo (Toad), Xavier Fagnon (Donkey Kong), Nicolas Marié (Cranky Kong), and Thierry Desroses (the Penguin King). This French version received very positive feedback, to the point where some American viewers expressed envy of it on social media.

Release date moved up to April 1, 2026

Good news for impatient fans: the release date has been moved up by two days. The film will now be released on April 1, 2026 in many countries, including the United States and France, instead of the initially planned April 3. Japan will have to wait until April 24, 2026. The movie will be available in RealD 3D and IMAX.

Let’s not forget the phenomenal success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, released in 2023, which shattered box-office records with over $1.36 billion in worldwide revenue, becoming the most lucrative video game adaptation of all time. Analysts are already predicting a massive opening for this sequel, driven by nostalgia and a large adult fan base that grew up with Mario.

A journey across the galaxies

Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, with a screenplay by Matthew Fogel (all three returning after the first film), The Super Mario Galaxy Movie draws strong inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy, released on Wii in 2007. The film will follow Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad on a space-faring adventure across the galaxy to face Bowser Jr., Bowser’s son.

According to the producers, the movie will also include surprise elements and references to other Mario games, with iconic locations such as the Sand Kingdom, briefly seen at the beginning of the trailer and sure to remind viewers of their adventures in one of the early levels of Super Mario Odyssey.

Chris Meledandri, founder and CEO of Illumination, and Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of the franchise and Nintendo representative, once again serve as co-producers on this highly anticipated film.

See you in theaters on April 1, 2026, for this new galactic adventure!

Often associated with uneven productions, Banpresto (short for Bandai Presto) actually hides a much richer and more surprising arcade library than one might expect. Between fast-paced shoot’em ups, solid beat’em ups, and surprisingly addictive puzzle games, the Japanese studio delivered a wide range of experiences — sometimes imperfect, but often full of personality.

A selection showcasing Banpresto’s know-how

This video highlights a selection of games developed and published by Banpresto, spanning radically different styles. It features cult titles such as Guardians and Macross Plus, alongside more obscure and lesser-known games that clearly deserve a closer look.

Vertical and horizontal shoot’em ups, generous beat’em ups, versus-focused puzzle games, and even more unusual experiences like Metamoqester — Banpresto explored many genres with a freedom and originality that still give these games their unique charm today.

Licenses and ideas that can surprise

The studio also stood out through several adaptations of iconic licenses. Mazinger Z, with the ability to play as Grendizer, and Ultra X Weapons, drawn from the Ultraman universe, show how Banpresto sometimes managed to turn well-known franchises into genuine arcade pleasures.

An invitation to discover

This video invites you to discover or rediscover these games in action, form your own opinion, and maybe even stumble upon a hidden gem you had never played before. A perfect dive into a lesser-known, yet fascinating part of Japanese arcade history.

Over the years, the solutions offered by Recalbox have continued to grow, on one hand through software updates that make emulation ever more complete, accessible, and customizable, and on the other through the development of hardware solutions.

With the launch of the RGB Dual, a true adventure began, driven by your enthusiasm. The arrival of the Raspberry Pi 5 then allowed us to go even further with the RGB Dual 2, followed by the Card Reader, all designed to be housed inside the Recaltower (without forgetting the JAMMA 2, which is not covered in this article).

Solutions tailored to every need

These hardware solutions are designed to adapt to a wide range of configurations and, above all, to different user needs. However, for newcomers, the variety of possible setups can sometimes be confusing, with the fear of purchasing the wrong kit or add-on for their current configuration.

That’s why we’re providing the diagram below to guide you. Rather than long explanations open to interpretation, this graphic will help you identify your current setup, the one you’re aiming for, and the hardware required to get there.

Store, guidance, and Patron benefits

The kits and add-ons shown in this diagram are available on the store, where we’ve made every effort to be as clear as possible. Of course, if you have any questions, we invite you to join our Discord to chat with the Recalbox community and the team, who will be happy to guide you.

Finally, if you support the project via Patreon, don’t forget that you benefit from a 10% discount on the entire store by using the code available in your Patron space. Keep this in mind, especially if you order a Card Reader, which comes with a RecalCard collector thanks to the Patron code.

Shoot'em up fans, get ready to discover the very best the arcade genre has to offer. This video takes you deep into the fascinating world of shoot'em ups developed by Cave, a legendary studio founded by former members of Toaplan that revolutionized the bullet hell genre. Games that long remained relatively unknown in the West, yet represent the absolute pinnacle of Japanese arcade excellence.

Essential Recalbox setup

Before diving in, a few essential settings are required. These relatively recent games (up to 2012) require a Raspberry Pi 5 or a PC to run smoothly without slowdowns.
You will also need a complete Final Burn Neo romset.

Developer-based sorting tip:
Go to Start > Arcade Settings > Virtual Manufacturer System, then enable Cave.
All your Cave games will automatically be grouped into a dedicated virtual folder.

Vertical mode (TATE)

Most Cave games are tate (vertical). If you can rotate your screen, configure the Tate Settings to enable the Tate virtual system and choose the rotation (left or right).
Your games will then be displayed fullscreen, which is absolutely essential to fully enjoy these shoot'em ups.

The must-play selection

From DonPachi (1995), the pioneer that laid the foundations of bullet hell (maniac shooters), to DonPachi Saidaioujou (2012), the studio’s visual masterpiece, this selection spans 17 years of excellence.

Among the must-play titles:

• ESP Galuda, with its bullet time system
• the colorful Mushihime-sama and its insect-themed universe
• the delightfully unhinged Muchi Muchi Pork with its flying pigs
• and Deathsmiles, an outstanding horizontal shoot'em up featuring bidirectional shooting

Each game offers unique mechanics and remarkable gameplay depth.

Going further

To refine your strategies and explore the subtleties of each ship, be sure to visit schmups.com and shmups.system11.org.

We are pleased to present the latest version for Patrons: 10.0-Patron-5. It notably introduces the welcome assistant for new installations (RGB Dual 2, Jamma 2, Card Reader), as well as the first building blocks of console mode with the arrival of the Card Reader.

No major additions like in previous versions (notably Patron 4 and the Theme Manager), for a very simple reason: we are in the final stretch. Polishing, optimization, and bug fixes are the focus. This version is approaching 98% of the final V10.

10.0-Patron-5 is rolling out today to Patrons. They will be able to discover this new version ahead of a larger-scale testing phase, which you will learn more about in the coming days. Perhaps you’ll have a role to play ;)

In the meantime, discover below the main highlights of the release notes (available in full here).

Interface and menus

• Display of release notes directly in the System menu
• Display of available memory on Raspberry Pi in the System menu
• Improved rendering of selectors and buttons in menus
• Fixes for several display and navigation bugs
• Improved handling of text scrolling and pop-up messages
• Added a welcome assistant for new installations (RGB Dual 2 / JAMMA 2 / Card Reader)
• Improved boot time

Card Reader

• First iteration of console mode
• Added music and video (BIOS) selection for console mode
• Saving of the game association in the reader’s memory
• Automatic card reset if the associated game is deleted

Scraper

• Fixed crashes when closing
• Improved error handling (problematic games are ignored and processing continues)
• Improved display in 240p / 480p resolutions
• Fixed the error screen not displaying in low resolution

Controllers and compatibility

• Steam Deck: Bluetooth support for the OLED model (Galileo), fixes for triggers and sleep mode
• Re-added Joy-Con support
• Improved HAT debounce on low-latency controllers
• Fixed the configuration assistant when no controller is configured

Emulation

• Multitap: fixes and improvements for PSX (SwanStation, PCSX Rearmed, Mednafen PSX HW) and Saturn
• Fixed Daphne games in 480i
• Added lr-puae on CRT
• Added Naomi BIOS from MAME 0.278
• Fixed the use of Dolphin assets in Libretro cores
• Fixed the diagnostic button with FBNeo
• Added Williams as a manufacturer in Midway

Technical fixes

• Multiple fixes in PulseAudio and volume management
• Fixed volume synchronization
• Fixed crashes in Markdown components
• Fixed event handling with multiple components on screen
• Fixed themes not updating correctly
• Fixed boot on game (removal of background image at startup)
• Fixed dates in gameclip
• Fixed CRT on RPi3 (default superrez is now x6)
• Fixed switching between RGB and composite signals on RGB Dual 2

Languages and themes

• Updated French and Spanish translations
• Complete English and French translations
• Fixed background color based on selected region
• Default theme configuration for RGB Dual / JAMMA

If you would like to see the additions in video form, you can also check out our Patreon post available via this link.

See you very soon for what promises to be a busy period of news.

After the aquatic adventures of the cute Hipopo in Liquid Kids and its classic platforming mechanics, the One Credit Challenge takes a sharp turn with a totally unconventional concept! Nitro Ball (Data East, 1992) leaves water bubbles and fruit behind to plunge us into a futuristic frenzy blending run and gun action with a pinball-inspired universe!

Presented from a top-down perspective, the game throws players into a space game show where they control an armed soldier capable of shooting in eight directions across five themed stages designed like real pinball tables. Each level is packed with bumpers, ramps, targets, and holes, and when enemies are defeated, they roll across the playfield, bouncing off these elements and triggering spectacular chain reactions.

The focus is clearly on scoring, with bonus points awarded for completing specific objectives in bonus rooms. Your final reward depends on your total score — with the very best players literally becoming President of the United States!

Produced by Data East in their tradition of bold experimentation, Nitro Ball stands out thanks to its unique concept. It can be completed in under twenty minutes if you’re experienced, but its replay value lies entirely in the hunt for high scores. Long exclusive to arcades, the game eventually received a console port on Nintendo Switch in 2018. A perfect challenge to discover one of the most original and frenetic experiences in the Data East catalog!

🏆 Challenge rules

Your objective is to achieve the highest possible score on a single credit.
The challenge runs from January 16 to January 31 at 11:59 p.m. You may attempt it as many times as you like.

📢 How to participate?

• Launch the game (ROM: nitrobal)
• Play and try to beat the best score
• Take a screenshot or photo of your final score
• Share your score on the #challenges Discord channel, including your username and score.

⚖️ Rules to follow

To ensure fair play:

The score must be achieved on a single credit, with no save states, rewind, cheats, or auto-fire (unless built into the game).

Gentlemen’s agreement: the use of glitches that artificially inflate the score is also prohibited.

🎁 Rewards and fair play

The challenge is first and foremost about discovering games, sharing tips, and of course having fun — all within a healthy competitive spirit!

The winner will receive a game key (GOG, Steam, etc.) to choose from a list of around 100 titles.
If you have won a challenge in the past three months, the reward will go to the next player.

Your ranking will be added to the One Credit Challenge leaderboard.
The champion of the first season will receive either a free RGB Dual 2 or a one-year Recalbox Patreon subscription.

Good luck to everyone, and may the best score win!

That’s it, it’s official! Ticket sales for HFS Summer 2026 are now open for the event taking place from May 29 to 31, 2026, at the Halle des Expositions in Évreux. After the success of the first edition held in Évreux last year, the HFS team is back with even more ambition and passion, aiming to deliver an exceptional weekend for arcade and retro gaming enthusiasts.

A one-of-a-kind event

HFS Summer will feature over 150 arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and consoles in freeplay for three full days. Whether you’re nostalgic for the arcade halls of the 1980s and 1990s or simply curious to discover these legendary machines, you’re in for a treat. Arcade cabinets, pinball machines, retro consoles, fairground games, and old-school LAN parties will all come together in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

High-level international tournaments such as HADO (Street Fighter III: Third Strike), Facteur X (Street Fighter 2X), and the BREAKCUP (Breaker's Revenge) will run alongside family-friendly tournaments open to everyone. The public will be able to freely attend the competitions throughout the weekend and feel the excitement of epic showdowns between players from all over the world.

Recalbox will be there!

We’ll be attending HFS Summer 2026! It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the Recalbox team, chat with members of the community, and maybe even discover a few surprises we have in store for you. Whether you’ve been using Recalbox for years or are simply curious to learn more, come say hello and share your passion for retro gaming with us.

Practical information

Dates: from Friday, May 29 (10 a.m.–midnight) to Sunday, May 31, 2026 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Venue: Halle des Expositions, 26 avenue du Maréchal Foch, 27000 Évreux

Book your tickets here

Plan your trip

By car: The Halle des Expositions has a large free parking area.

By train: Évreux train station is less than a 20-minute walk from the venue. Be sure to book your SNCF tickets as early as possible to get the best fares.

Carpooling: Want to share travel costs? Head over to our Discord to organize carpooling with other community members. It’s a great way to travel together and get to know each other even before the event begins.

Join our Discord to organize carpooling and chat with the community.

A weekend for everyone

HFS Summer is a family-friendly event open to all ages. Food and drinks will be available on site throughout the entire event. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or on your own, you’re welcome to share this common passion for video games and arcade culture.

Don’t wait too long—tickets are selling fast! Book your pass now and enjoy three unforgettable days at the heart of arcade and retro gaming culture.

See you in Évreux at the end of May!

For more information: https://summer.hfsplay.fr
Ticketing: https://www.billetweb.fr/hfs-summer-2026
HFS Discord: https://discord.gg/hfsplay

A decompilation project for Jet Set Radio Future has just been launched, opening the door to a potential native PC port. The SEGA classic from the original Xbox, which has remained inaccessible since its release in 2002, could finally find a second life thanks to the community’s efforts.

An Xbox Classic That Remained Inaccessible

Released in 2002 on the original Xbox, Jet Set Radio Future is the sequel to the cult classic Jet Set Radio on Dreamcast. The game retained the series’ distinctive cel-shaded style while offering a reworked futuristic aesthetic, a brand-new storyline, and much larger urban areas to explore on rollerblades.

Despite its cult classic status, Jet Set Radio Future never left the Xbox ecosystem. The game is only playable on the original Xbox and Xbox 360 (via backward compatibility), with no PC port and no compatibility with modern Xbox consoles. A frustrating situation for fans eager to rediscover this iconic title.

Decompilation: A Complex Process

Decompilation involves translating an executable file into high-level source code. This technique makes it possible to better understand a game’s internal workings and, in some cases, to port it to other platforms or facilitate the development of mods.

According to the project’s Codeberg page, the decompilation of Jet Set Radio Future is currently 30.6% complete. There is still a long way to go, but this first milestone is encouraging and demonstrates the community’s determination.

What Lies Ahead?

The main goal of this project is to enable a native PC port, finally making the game accessible outside the Xbox ecosystem. Once the decompilation is complete, the code could also serve as a foundation for technical improvements (higher resolution, optimized framerate) or for modding.

Enthusiasts can follow the project’s progress on Codeberg. It will likely take a great deal of patience before this work comes to fruition, but the initiative deserves recognition for helping preserve an important title in video game history.

More than 25 years after its original release, Super Mario 64 has just landed on a completely unexpected platform: the Sega Dreamcast. Thanks to the relentless work of developer jnmartin84, this native port turns SEGA’s console into a Nintendo time machine.

A “AAA-Quality” Port

Developer Falco Girgis describes the result as “a port that plays like a native AAA version.” Unlike simple emulation, this version uses the decompiled source code of the original game to create an experience perfectly tailored to the Dreamcast’s hardware.

The port runs at full speed in the Dreamcast’s native 480p resolution, with complete audio support and VMU support for save files.

A Technical Feat

This project would never have been possible without the full decompilation of Super Mario 64’s source code carried out a few years ago. That decompilation opened the door to native ports of this iconic game not only on PC, but also on other consoles.

The current Dreamcast port significantly improves upon an earlier version released in 2020 by mrneo240, which suffered from audio and visual issues. jnmartin84 took up the torch to fix these shortcomings and add essential features such as VMU save support.

The Dreamcast, a Console with a Thousand Lives

This port joins an impressive list including Sonic Mania, GTA III, GTA Vice City, Star Fox 64, DOOM 64, Mario Kart 64, and Duke Nukem 3D. The Dreamcast homebrew scene has never been this dynamic, 24 years after the console was discontinued.

As previously mentioned with Star Fox 64, jnmartin84 and Falco Girgis form a formidable duo that continues to push the Dreamcast’s technical limits, proving that SEGA’s console still has plenty of life left in it.

Availability

The project is available on jnmartin84’s GitHub repository, but requires a legal US Super Mario 64 ROM to extract the assets. No copyrighted content is included in the source code, making the project legally viable.

For nostalgia lovers and video game preservation enthusiasts, this port once again proves that the Dreamcast stubbornly refuses to die.