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Tired of scrolling for hours through your game lists full of duplicates and multiple revisions? Our new video tutorial is here to make your life easier! Learn how to clean up your libraries in just a few clicks thanks to the "One Game One ROM" feature available since Recalbox 10.

A complete video tutorial

In this ten-minute video, presented by Fab2Ris, you’ll learn step by step how to configure this game-changing option. It allows you to display only one entry per game while still keeping access to other versions (European, American, Japanese, revisions) through a simple keyboard shortcut. No more endless lists of identical games!

Bonus: clean up your arcade lists

The tutorial doesn’t stop at home consoles. You’ll also discover how to tidy up your MAME and FinalBurn Neo collections by automatically collapsing clones and displaying only parent ROMs. A particularly useful feature for arcade catalogs, which sometimes include dozens of variants of the same game.

Enjoy the video:

Big news for the emulation community! Dolphin has just added full Triforce support to its stable branch (version 2512-395). This legendary arcade platform, the result of an unlikely alliance between Nintendo, Sega, and Namco in 2002, has remained in the shadows for over twenty years. Now, its gems like Mario Kart Arcade GP are finally becoming accessible.

When three rivals join forces

Imagine Nintendo and Sega, fierce rivals of the 90s, joining forces. That’s exactly what happened with the Triforce. The concept? Adapt the GameCube hardware for arcade use, enhanced with Sega’s networking expertise and Namco’s arcade cabinet know-how. The result: a boosted system with double the RAM and brand-new features, such as the ability to plug your GameCube memory card directly into the cabinet to transfer data between F-Zero GX and F-Zero AX.

A massive undertaking

The story of Triforce emulation has been a real saga. The first attempts date back to 2009, but the system’s complexity discouraged the Dolphin team, who abandoned the effort in 2016. For nearly a decade, a single developer, crediar, kept an alternative version alive almost single-handedly. In 2025, he reconnected with the Dolphin team to submit his fully reworked code. Today, nearly all games are playable, with the exception of The Key of Avalon, which requires a specific touchscreen setup.

Preservation first and foremost

Beyond the technical achievement, this is a major win for video game preservation. Triforce cabinets are rare and fragile, and many exclusive titles risked disappearing as the hardware aged. Thanks to Dolphin, games like Virtua Striker 4 and both Mario Kart Arcade GP titles are getting a second life. The icing on the cake: multi-cabinet network mode is now functional, making it possible to recreate the authentic arcade experience across multiple emulated machines.

On the Recalbox side, we are closely monitoring the project’s progress.

Sources: Dolphin Emulator, Time Extension, Android Authority

Version 10 of Recalbox was officially released this week-end, and it comes with a major new feature: compatibility with modern handheld consoles! Our new video walks you through in detail how to install and use Recalbox on the Steam Deck, and more experimentally on the ROG Ally and the Legion Go.

In this comprehensive video, we guide you step by step through installing Recalbox on these machines, compare their performance and ergonomics, and explain the advantages and limitations of each model. The Steam Deck stands out in particular with deep Recalbox integration: native volume control, brightness management, sleep mode support, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. You’ll be able to emulate the Wii, PlayStation 2, GameCube, and even the Xbox, while keeping SteamOS accessible on the SSD so you can switch between your PC games and retro titles.

For the ROG Ally and the Legion Go, the installation process is also fully covered, although these consoles come with a few additional constraints (no SD card boot support, still experimental version). Whether you already own one of these devices or are considering buying one, this video will give you everything you need to make the most of Recalbox V10 in handheld mode!

Finally, an important note: given the price of these machines, we do not recommend purchasing one solely for Recalbox. These handheld gaming PCs are primarily designed to run relatively recent games, so using Recalbox should be seen as a bonus to also enjoy your retro gaming library.

The video game industry is in mourning. Hideki Sato, the legendary engineer behind all of Sega’s home consoles, passed away on February 13, 2026, at the age of 77. Less than two months after the death of David Rosen, Sega’s co-founder, another pillar of the company’s history has fallen. If Rosen built the Sega empire from arcade machines, Sato designed every console that made its way into our living rooms.

A Generation of Sega Fades Away

On December 25, 2025, we lost David Rosen, who co-founded Sega in 1965. Barely six weeks later, Hideki Sato also passed away. These two men embodied complementary sides of Sega: Rosen, the visionary entrepreneur who structured the arcade industry, and Sato, the engineer who transformed that expertise into groundbreaking home consoles.

From the Arcade to the Living Room

Joining Sega in 1971, Sato first worked on arcade machines. In 1989, after being promoted to head of the R&D department, he was given a mission: defeat Nintendo. “Sega’s console development was always influenced by our arcade development,” he explained. This philosophy led to the creation of the Mega Drive, an elegant black console with gold lettering that established Sega as a global force, selling over 30 million units.

Innovation Until the End

Sato continued with the Saturn and later the Dreamcast, Sega’s swan song in the hardware business. Although a commercial failure, the Dreamcast remains iconic for its innovations: the VMU, a built-in modem, and the first successful console MMO. “The keyword during development was ‘play and communication,’” Sato explained, carrying on the social vision of gaming that Rosen had initiated in his Japanese arcade halls.

A Shared Legacy

From 2001 to 2003, Sato served as Sega’s president during its difficult transition to becoming a third-party publisher. Where Rosen built the empire, Sato forged its weapons. If we are here together enjoying retrogaming today — whether on original hardware or through emulation — it is in part thanks to them.

Sources: Time Extension, Kotaku, PC Gamer

After the aquatic brain-teasers of Risky Challenge and its life-saving Tetris blocks, the One Credit Challenge is back in action with a crazy run and gun! Biomechanical Toy (Gaelco, 1995) leaves puzzles and rising water behind to plunge us into a world of wild living toys, somewhere between a nightmarish Toy Story and a cartoon-style Metal Slug.

Developed by the Spanish studio Zeus Software, this side-scrolling shoot’em up puts you in the shoes of Inguz, an ’80s action hero figurine (with a slight Steven Seagal vibe), tasked with recovering the Magic Pendulum stolen by the criminal Scrubby. This pendulum brings toys to life, and without it, their magical world is doomed to disappear. Armed with a semi-automatic pistol, players battle through toy-themed levels: giant chessboards, a high-speed train, an office desk with a computer in the background…

Visually explosive with its vibrant colors and bold cartoon style (matched by an equally energetic soundtrack), Biomechanical Toy delivers fast-paced gameplay and an unusual strategic ammo management system for the genre. Overlooked at release due to its Spanish origins and the rise of 3D gaming, this hidden gem eventually found new life through the Gaelco Arcade 1 compilation on Evercade. A perfect challenge to discover one of the hidden pearls of ’90s arcade run and gun games!

🏆 Challenge Rules

Your objective is to achieve the highest score using a single credit.
The challenge runs from February 16 to February 28 at 11:59 PM. You may attempt it as many times as you like.

📢 How to participate?

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

⚖️ Rules to Follow

To ensure fairness:

Scores must be achieved on a single credit, without save states, rewind, cheats, or auto-fire (unless built into the game).

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

🎁 Rewards & Fair Play

The goal of the challenge is above all to discover games, share tips, and most importantly, have fun — all within a healthy competitive spirit!

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

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

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

As you know, Recalbox version 10 was officially released this Friday, February 13! To mark the occasion, Fab2ris has prepared a video of over one hour to walk you through all the new features of this V10.

This video is a comprehensive guide covering all the features of Recalbox V10. From the new theme manager to in-game options (rewind, softpatching, save states), including shaders, HD mode, RetroAchievements, Netplay, arcade systems, TATE mode, and much more… We reveal all the settings and tips you need to get the most out of your Recalbox!

Please note that this video primarily targets HDMI users. Additional tutorial videos will be released for CRT and JAMMA setups.

Whether you’re new to the system or a long-time user, you’ll definitely find something to enhance your retrogaming experience. Enjoy the video and have fun with V10!

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.

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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.