Blog

This year, Tetris celebrates its 40th anniversary! Developed in 1984, the cult game was only released on Game Boy in 1989, after Nintendo obtained exclusive rights thanks to an agreement with the USSR government.

To celebrate this anniversary, Nintendo is offering Switch Online subscribers Tetris (1989) and Tetris DX (1998), in their NES and Game Boy Color versions.

Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris, also marked the event by sharing a special message in a video that you can find at the bottom of this article. In it, he warmly thanks fans for their loyalty:

This is the first time Tetris for NES has been available since 1989 [...] I'd like to thank all the fans around the world. You've been part of the Tetris legacy for 40 years and will continue to be for years to come. ‘

This is the perfect opportunity to rediscover this monument to the history of video games, which has also been adapted into a film in 2023. This feature-length film tells the story of Henk Rogers, who risked everything by travelling to the USSR to work with Alexey Pajitnov and introduce Tetris to the whole world.

Finally, if you already own Tetris or Tetris DX, you can still stack the famous bricks on Recalbox or almost any other platform imaginable, as the game has been ported multiple times over the generations of consoles.

If there's one controller that has left its mark on gamers, it's the Nintendo 64. With its three ‘arms’ and central joystick, it's often been mocked, but it's nonetheless iconic in the world of video games. It was also one of the first mainstream offerings of a joystick of this type.

However, users of this console will no doubt remember a well-known flaw: its joystick. After a certain period of use, the joystick would present problems, such as an enlarged dead zone or malfunctions that prevented the joystick from returning to its initial position.

You might think that this is a problem that no longer concerns us in 2024, but think again. The Super Smash Bros. competitive scene remains very active, and the speedrunner community continues to tackle iconic Nintendo 64 titles. These activities require intensive use of the controller, putting the joystick to a severe test.

With this in mind, a group of modders have set themselves the task of solving this problem. Their aim: to reproduce as faithfully as possible the components of the original controller, in particular its unusual joystick design.

"Last year, I spent hundreds of hours of my life and thousands of dollars to effectively recreate the original N64 controller, as close as possible to Nintendo's OEM specifications," explains RockerGaming. "Once that goal was achieved, I began modifying the module to bring it up to modern standards."

The ambition of these enthusiasts is to design a Nintendo 64 controller that offers the same precision as the original version, while using modern, more resistant materials. Their product would be capable of meeting the demands of Smash Bros. competitions and speedrunners.

In a recent post on X, RockerGaming gave an update on the progress of its project, dubbed the ‘Renaissance Project’, which appears to be well underway. The moulds needed to produce the parts are currently being adjusted, a painstaking process requiring precision to within a third of the thickness of a human hair.

Some parts have already been sent to speedrunners for comfort and reliability tests. The ultimate aim is clear: to offer controller components that are "good enough for professionals and affordable enough for enthusiasts ".

Photos: RockerGaming

If you follow retrogaming news, and more particularly FPGA console projects (equipped with reprogrammable chips that reproduce the hardware of old consoles), you've probably heard of the SuperSEGA project.

However, it's likely to be in unflattering terms. And with good reason: this project is racking up dubious presentations and surprising behaviour on the part of its designers, arousing suspicion and criticism.

SEGA rises to the occasion

Already viewed with scepticism by the retrogaming community, it would appear that the main people involved, SEGA, are not at all happy about this turn of events. According to the MO5 website, SEGA has demanded that the project be stopped altogether, and that existing prototypes be destroyed.

A flawed project from the start

Announced this summer, SuperSEGA's ambition was to become an FPGA console capable of reading the cartridges and CDs of SEGA's historical consoles, notably the SC-3000/SG-1000, Mark III, Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, Mega-CD, Saturn, and Dreamcast.

Unfortunately, as soon as its design was presented, observers expressed doubts. And these doubts were reinforced a few weeks later during a video presentation: a device supposedly in operation behind a television, a prototype switched off, inexplicable cuts... The demonstration left more questions than answers.

Opaque communication and controversial decisions

Journalists wishing to test the machine were categorically refused by the designers, who cited fears that ‘competitors’ such as Analogue would steal their ideas.

Despite this lack of clarity, around 200 people pre-ordered the console. But these buyers were in for a nasty surprise: instead of being debited on dispatch, as initially announced, their accounts were debited €400 at the end of the reservation campaign, without any notice or warning...

SEGA wants to protect its image

Faced with what is looking more and more like a fiasco, SEGA is starting to worry. The famous Japanese company obviously does not want its name to be associated with an initiative that could be perceived as a scam.

On 30 November, SEGA denounced the misuse of its brand and the ambiguity surrounding the project.

Response expected

In a letter published by SuperSEGA, the Spanish company behind the project justifies its position, asserts its legitimacy and demands a response from SEGA within two weeks. So the matter is far from over.

You don't change a winning team! Following on from the success of the Pi 400, launched shortly after the Pi 4, the Raspberry Foundation has announced the imminent arrival of a new microcomputer with an integrated keyboard: the Pi 500.

A familiar architecture

As you might expect, the Pi 500 is based on the same architecture as the Raspberry Pi 5. So you'll find the same features and performance as the latter, released just over a year ago.

If you're new to this range, the Pi X00 models are personal computers built into a keyboard. All you need to do is add a mouse (optional but recommended), a screen and install an operating system (Linux, Recalbox, etc.), just like on a Pi 5.

Improved performance

Like the Pi 5 and the Pi 4, the Pi 500, equipped with 8 GB RAM, outperforms the Pi 400 thanks to its Quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 64-bit processor running at 2.4 GHz and its updated GPU VideoCore VII.

Connectivity and features

The Pi 500 offers everything you'd expect from a modern microcomputer for everyday use:

• Dual-band Wi-Fi** (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
• Bluetooth 5.0
• 2 USB 3.0** ports and 1 USB 2.0** port
• Ethernet port** for wired connection
• 2 micro HDMI** ports, allowing two screens to be connected simultaneously
• micro SD port** SDR104 compatible
• 40-pin GPIO **Header

Design and layout

The Pi 500's keyboard incorporates a one-piece aluminium heat sink, guaranteeing passive cooling. This may come as a surprise in the absence of a fan, but it's justified by the extra space inside the keyboard, reducing the overheating common to components. The result is total silence, even during intensive use.

In terms of dimensions, the Pi 500 remains faithful to the Pi 400: 286 mm × 122 mm × 23 mm. As a practical addition, a power button is now integrated into the top right-hand corner of the keyboard.

Availability and price

Pre-orders are now open on the Kubii website, where the Pi 500 is priced at €112.80. Please note, however, that this price does not include the power supply, micro HDMI to HDMI cable or mouse.

To benefit from these accessories, you'll need to opt for the Pi 500 Kit at a price of €144. As usual, we recommend investing in the official power supply for the best possible experience.

Recalbox compatibility

For all you retrogaming fans out there, we'll keep you posted in due course on Recalbox compatibility, as the announcement was made only recently and no tests have yet been carried out. On the assumption that Recalbox was easily ported to the Pi 400, the same should apply to the Pi 500, which follows the same architecture as the Raspberry Pi 5. Stay tuned! 😉

By now you've probably heard about the long-awaited remaster of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, the PlayStation game developed by Argonaut Games and published by Rock It Games. The last few days have brought both good news and bad news for fans of the game.

The good news:

A collector's version of the remaster, originally planned for Nintendo Switch and PS5, will also be available on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series and PC.

This collector's edition will include:

• A digital code for the game (although a physical medium would have been appreciated),
• A DVD case with the game manual printed in colour,
• A 20 cm statue of Croc with a certificate of authenticity,
• The game's original soundtrack on 4 CDs,
• A key ring and a double-sided poster.

The collector's version is already available for pre-order on the Rock It Games website.

The bad news:

The game's release has been postponed. Argonaut Games announced the decision via its X account, stating that ‘the decision has not been taken lightly’, but that ‘a little more time is needed to add the finishing touches and ensure the game meets the high standards they aspire to, and that you deserve’.

No specific date has been given, apart from a vague ‘Q1 2025’. The original game was released on PlayStation in 1997, 27 years ago, so fans shouldn't be far behind.

Croc still has a strong community of fans who keep the game alive. At the time, the title received a favourable reception from both the press and the public, enough to allow the release of a second opus in 1999. Sadly, this would remain the franchise's last, hopes of a sequel having been dashed by the closure of Argonaut Games in 2004 (which reopened its doors in 2024 for this remaster).

DIY enthusiasts and people who hate to throw things away, the Youtuber Dubesinhower recently posted a video test/tutorial on his channel to present a new range of cables that will allow you to change the original cable of your NES / Famicom controllers.

We've all - or know someone who has - thrown away a wired controller when it was simply a problem with the cable. While some cables are easy to change, it can be difficult to find quality models dedicated to our old consoles.

Dubesinhower's video features "high quality cables ’ for NES and Famicom controllers from JT Studios and Retro Game Restore. These braided cables are ideal for repairing original controllers or creating new ones, while guaranteeing a premium look and robustness.

With all the safety precautions that need to be taken, we can only encourage this type of approach, which on the one hand helps to avoid throwing away equipment, and above all preserves a videogame hardware heritage that is increasingly difficult to find in good working order.

Prices and availability

• NES cables: available individually for $12.
  Buy an NES cable

• Famicom cables**: sold in pairs for $18
  Buy a set of Famicom cables

Precautions before installation

Original consoles and controllers are often more than 30 years old, which means you need to take a few precautions when installing them:

• Set your desoldering iron to a low temperature (around 175°C or 350°F).
• Use dedicated solder remover, and remember to add a little fresh solder to the original connections before desoldering them.
• Go gently to avoid damaging fragile components.

Value for money to consider

Dubesinhower points out that while these cables represent an investment, their quality clearly sets them apart from cheap alternatives. Indeed, it is possible to find replacement cables for a few dollars on Aliexpress, but without quality control, the result can vary: imperfect fits, poor durability, or badly designed connectors.

A clarification on prototypes

Finally, the Famicom cable shown in the video was a pre-production prototype. Final versions may therefore have minor variations in pinout or colour. Follow the instructions on the box for a successful installation.

Source: RetroRGB

The RG34XX is not compatible with Recalbox

This weekend, Anbernic presented its latest creation: the RG34XX, a portable console dedicated to retrogaming. If you're a Recalbox user, you'll be aware that Anbernic is no stranger to retrogaming.

The Chinese manufacturer has already developed several portable retrogaming consoles that are 100% compatible with Recalbox (such as the RG353M and RG351M) and offers many other models, both for retrogaming and gaming.

With this new console, Anbernic is banking on nostalgia by drawing inspiration from the Game Boy Advance, the famous Nintendo console released in 2001.

What we know about the RG34XX

The video presentation gave away very little information, but here are the main features we can tell you about:

• 3.4-inch IPS** screen
• Resolution**: 720 x 480
• Operating system** : Linux 64 bits
• HDMI output**: the console can be used as a joystick
• Connectivity**: 5G Wi-Fi (for online gaming) and Bluetooth 4.2
• Multimedia player**: support for videos, music and e-books
• Compatibility with a wide range of platforms, including PS1, Nintendo 64 and PSP

Colourful design

The RG34XX will be available in four colours:

• Purple
• Black
• Transparent red
• Transparent green

An important clarification

The RG34XX is not compatible with Recalbox at this time. No release date or price has yet been announced.

If you'd like to create a Recalbox-compatible retrogaming handheld console, check out all the supported models on our site: Recalbox-compatible handheld consoles.

One of the most eagerly awaited games in the retrogaming scene, ZPF, a shoot ‘em up (shmup) designed for the Sega Mega Drive by Mega Cat Studios, recently appeared on Kickstarter. The project has quickly captured the imagination of retro gamers, thanks in no small part to its style of play and graphics, which are faithful to the golden age of shmups.

Back to basics

ZPF stands out for its homage to the classic shmups of the 90s, with polished gameplay and an electrifying soundtrack. The game features intense action and fluid ship control, where players must battle a series of enemy waves and giant bosses as they traverse six different levels. The pixel graphics and aesthetics of the Mega Drive are impeccably reproduced, which will delight nostalgic fans of classics such as R-Type or Gradius.

Successful funding

Funding for ZPF on Kickstarter was a huge success, reaching its target in record time. Contributors were able to pre-order limited editions, including physical versions of the game and goodies. This kind of project highlights the passion of independent developers for retro consoles and, above all, shows the ever-growing interest in ‘amateur’ games on machines like the Sega Mega Drive.

To give you an idea, out of the $15,000 requested, the developers raised a whopping $204,670... That's what we call a success.

A modern Shmup for a classic console

What makes ZPF particularly interesting is that it combines the charm of retro games with modern elements. Although the Mega Drive is a decades-old console (1989), ZPF uses all the machine's capabilities to offer an intense gaming experience, with impressive visual and sound effects for the platform. So shmup fans old and new can look forward to a thrilling adventure that doesn't compromise on quality.

You'll be able to traverse the six levels at the controls of three different ships. The developers promise plenty of secrets and different endings. A fifteen or so musical tracks will accompany your scoring attempts (tracks that should be pressed on vinyl).

When will it be released?

The game is already available for pre-order, with a release date in the coming months. If you're a fan of the Sega Mega Drive and enjoy quality shoot ‘em ups, ZPF should be in your library soon.

On December 5, 2024, Konami has relaunched City Bomber, a car combat game, with the teams at HAMSTER Corporation, as part of its Arcade Archives series. Available now on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, the title is part of a series of re-releases of vintage arcade games from the Japanese publisher.

Originally released in 1987 on arcade terminals, City Bomber is a game where players take control of an armoured vehicle to destroy targets in a city (and a few other settings) while avoiding obstacles and enemies.

A Retro Arcade Experience

City Bomber stands out for its simple yet addictive gameplay. The player must drive a vehicle through a city, dropping bombs to destroy buildings while avoiding obstacles such as enemy cars.

The game is based on the destruction mechanic that marked the first arcade games: the aim is to score points by eliminating targets while avoiding being destroyed.

City Bomber is typical of 80s arcade games, with :

• Simple but effective pixel graphics.
• An energetic soundtrack that amplifies the dynamics of the game.

Although simple in its approach, it's easy to immerse yourself in for long hours thanks to the increasing difficulty and challenges it offers.

A return to Switch and PlayStation

With the game's arrival in the Arcade Archives collection, City Bomber benefits from a subtle modernisation that allows players to enjoy this classic game with improved definition and a smooth experience on modern consoles.

For those nostalgic for the 80s, but also for new players, this return to the roots is an excellent way to discover or rediscover a game that left its mark on arcade fans.

The release of City Bomber in this collection is part of Konami's drive to revive its arcade classics, which has already begun with other popular titles such as Gradius and TwinBee. This trend allows old fans to relive memories and young players to discover the origins of gaming and scoring.

Perhaps you've already tried City Bomber on Recalbox, the game being playable on MAME or FB Neo. The Arcade Archives series continues to help us discover or rediscover these gems of the past.

Photo: Konami screenshot

On 3 December 1994, we had no idea of the impact that the release of the first PlayStation would have on the world of video games. Whether you like the brand or not (no console wars here), PlayStation's imprint is indelible, and there's no end in sight.

At the beginning of the 90s, the console hierarchy was well established, and the general public found it hard to imagine any brand other than Nintendo or SEGA gaining a foothold in the home.

But then Sony came along with the PlayStation. To retrace this success story, Sony has launched a website dedicated to the history of PlayStation and published a video (see below) to thank gamers for this shared adventure.

The site traces the chronology of consoles, iconic games and accessories that take us back 30 years (Memory Card, Multitap...), while sharing some impressive figures. Videos also illustrate the brand's iconic moments, with gameplay footage and enthusiastic crowds at the launch of new models.

Video celebrating PlayStation's 30th anniversary:

A Sacred History

The Origins of PlayStation (1988-1994)

The story of PlayStation began in the late 80s. Sony collaborated with Nintendo** to develop a CD player for the Super Nintendo, called the Nintendo Play Station. The partnership was cancelled in 1991, but Sony continued the project on its own.

On 3 December 1994, Sony launched the PlayStation 1 (PS1) in Japan, followed by North America and Europe in 1995. It was an immediate success, with iconic titles such as Final Fantasy VII, Crash Bandicoot, and Metal Gear Solid. It became the first home console to sell more than 100 million units.

Ascension with the PS2 (2000-2006)

In 2000, Sony released the PlayStation 2 (PS2), a huge commercial success. With backward compatibility for PS1 games and a built-in DVD player, it appealed to a wide audience. Games such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, God of War, and Shadow of the Colossus boosted its popularity.

Today, the PS2 is the best-selling console in history, with 160 million units sold**.

The Transition to High Definition: PS3 (2006-2013)

The PlayStation 3 (PS3), released in 2006, introduced the Blu-ray player, but had a difficult launch due to its high price and competition from the Xbox 360. Exclusives such as Uncharted, The Last of Us, and LittleBigPlanet, however, helped it to establish itself with 87 million sales.

The Golden Age of the PS4 (2013-2020)

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) was released in 2013 and was an immediate success with games such as Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War (2018), and Spider-Man. It reached more than 117 million sales.

The Next Generation Era: PS5 (2020 to present)

In 2020, Sony launches the PlayStation 5 (PS5), with 4K graphics, an ultra-fast SSD, and the new DualSense controller. Despite supply problems, titles such as Demon's Souls (remake), Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and God of War Ragnarök mark this new generation.

PlayStation Portable Consoles

1. PlayStation Portable (PSP) - 2004

The PSP is Sony's first portable console, released in 2004.
Features :

• Universal Media Disc (UMD) player.
• Multimedia functions: music, videos, Internet.
• Over 80 million units sold**.

2. PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) - 2011

The PS Vita succeeds the PSP in 2011 with an OLED screen and graphics similar to the PS3.
Features :

• Front touchscreen and rear touchpad.
• Compatible with PS4 games via Remote Play.
• Critical but limited success, with 16 million units sold.

PlayStation VR (PSVR)

1. PlayStation VR (2016)

Features :

• OLED screen with 1080p resolution.
• Motion tracking via PlayStation Camera and Move controllers.
• Popular games : Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, Beat Saber, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.

2. PlayStation VR2 (2023)

Features :

• 2000x2040 resolution per eye.
• Eye tracking and haptic feedback on the headset.
• Notable games : Horizon: Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7.

Sony's handheld consoles, while not as dominant as their Nintendo rivals, have left their mark on the industry with their technical innovations. As for PlayStation VR, it illustrates Sony's desire to explore immersive technologies in order to offer new gaming experiences, but in my humble opinion, these are still just ‘big demos’ which, while undeniably of high quality, are struggling to attract and enthral audiences over time.

The PlayStation legacy

Today, PlayStation embodies a gaming culture that has shaped generations. With constant innovation and a focus on quality exclusives, the brand remains a pillar of the video game industry.

The recent release of the PS5 Pro seems out of step with the history of its predecessors, perhaps due to a somewhat questionable commercial strategy. With re-releases and remasters often priced at around ten euros, even if you already own the game, Sony seems to be exploiting its franchises (too) intensively. This approach gives the impression of a certain ease, at the risk of compromising the quality and innovation of its franchises, which has forged the brand's reputation.

PlayStation and Recalbox

Remember that you can play PlayStation (PSX) on your Recalbox, with the added bonus of ‘multi-disc’ game management that lets you change ‘DISC’ directly via RetroArch or via a very simple joystick shortcut that Fabrice explains in this video:

A charity collaboration 🎉

Super Excidium Event is the result of a collaboration between publisher Mega Cat Studios, the [Video Game Sage] community(https://www.videogamesage.com/) and members of Reddit r/retrogaming. Why so many partners? Quite simply because all profits will be donated to Child's Play, a charity that provides children in hospital with entertainment through video games and therapeutic technologies.

An edgy retro space shoot'em up

This 16-bit game puts you in command of a spaceship capable of firing in four directions - or eight, according to the trailer. Your mission? Repel waves of enemies while battling fearsome bosses who will put your reflexes to the test.

"Set in space, this interstellar epic is a return to the glory days of arcade games that will soothe even the most itchy trigger fingers."

"As intrepid space pilots soar through perilous alien terrain, they exchange fire with swarms of enemy ships and an epic boss bestiary, intent on turning your starfighter to dust " - reads the press release.

Promising trailer

The game was unveiled on 29 November in a colourful trailer that reveals a dynamic game in keeping with the Super Nintendo. You'll have several types of weapon at your disposal, which you can use without restraint in a variety of settings.

"Not only does Super Excidium Event allow players to fend off waves of invaders, it also helps to improve the daily lives of countless children in hospital, thanks to the partnership with Child's Play."

"It's been an amazing experience working on this project. We've created something special with Super Excidium Event, and we can't wait to share it with the retro community. We hope you enjoy playing it as much as we enjoyed developing it!"

• Shares Zachary Girgenti of r/Retrogaming

Where to get it

You can already get Super Excidium Event on SNES for €57.95** by following this link. A purchase will keep your SNES happy and help children fight boredom in many hospitals around the world.

The publisher Côté Gamers has just launched a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule for its new book: **Chronogames: Les jeux vidéo de 1940 à 1981’.

Côté Gamers is already well known to fans of videogame encyclopaedias, having published several reference works on iconic licences such as Zelda, Castlevania, and the history of Shmups and LucasArts.

This time, the publisher is focusing on the history of video games from 1940 to 1981, a pivotal period marked by the emergence of legendary titles and often little-known precursors. From the first arcade games to the beginnings of major licences such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, this book promises to reveal all their secrets.

Thanks to this volume, you'll know everything there is to know about games you may have heard of before, but don't really know. You'll get an extraordinary overview of what was being produced at the time and, to take things even further, an overview of the series and their sequels. Enough to enrich your videogame culture while keeping you entertained! Extract from the Ulule contribution page.

The book is priced at €42, including postage for France and Belgium. Please note that the first 50 contributors will benefit from limited exclusives:

• 1 copy of the book with a holographic sticker bearing your name
• 1 A4 lithograph of the cover
• 1 A4 lithograph of the prototype cover
• 6 gold encyclopaedic cards

Shipments will begin in March 2025. However, the number of pages in the book is still unknown.

If you are interested in this project and would like to support it, go directly to the Ulule page to find out more!

Retroflag has just published details of the 64Pi CASE on its official website, confirming the imminent release of this case, which we reported on a few days ago.

A direct tribute to the Nintendo 64

As its name suggests, the 64Pi CASE is directly inspired by the Nintendo 64, faithfully reproducing the design of the cult console released in 1996. To add a splash of colour to its range, Retroflag has opted for a turquoise blue version, recalling one of the 64-bit console's iconic translucent variations.

Designed exclusively for the Raspberry Pi 5

The 64Pi CASE is specifically designed to accommodate the Raspberry Pi 5, and only this model. In fact, it's the first case from Retroflag to be compatible with the Pi 5.

In our last issue of Retrogaming News, we stressed the importance of good accessibility to the Pi 5's connectors, and this case reassures us on this point, with a design that minimises internal electronic complexity.

Connectors and features

The USB 2.0 ports have been moved to the front of the case to serve as joystick sockets (two instead of the four found on the original Nintendo 64). The Raspberry Pi 5's other connectors, such as the power supply, the two Mini HDMI ports, the USB 3.0 and the RJ45 port, remain directly accessible from the rear.
It should be noted that the USB 3.0 and RJ45 ports can be concealed thanks to a small hatch on the side.

The slot for the Micro SD card is located on the underside of the case, providing direct, convenient access.

Optimised cooling

If you turn the case over, you'll notice a large ventilation grille designed to ensure that the Raspberry Pi 5 is properly cooled.
On the active cooling side, the 64Pi CASE is equipped with a fan, which appears to be large enough to maintain optimum temperatures.

Retroflag also supplies a custom-made aluminium heat sink**, which can be attached to the Pi 5 using thermal pastes. We find this complete cooling system particularly convincing.

Functional buttons

In terms of ergonomics, Retroflag is true to its reputation: the Power and Reset buttons are fully functional and connected to the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi 5.
This configuration enables the Pi 5 to be shut down or restarted in complete safety, provided that the "Safe Shutdown ’ function has been activated.

A word of warning about Wi-Fi

A word of warning: according to the user manual, using the USB 3.0 ports could affect Wi-Fi in 2.4 GHz mode.
If you encounter this problem, we recommend that you switch to Wi-Fi 5 GHz or use the Ethernet RJ45 port.

Availability and compatibility

The 64Pi CASE will be available in France in early 2025, at an estimated price of 29.99$.
We have not yet received a copy, so Recalbox is not yet 100% compatible with this box.
We'll keep you posted on developments in the coming weeks.

Photos: Retroflag

A few days after announcing its elegant keyboard inspired by the Sega Saturn, 8BitDo has struck again by unveiling a mechanical keyboard paying homage to the Original Xbox.

With a unique aesthetic that will leave no one indifferent, the keyboard features a translucent green colour and backlit keys.
This resolutely retro look is sure to appeal to fans of the first Xbox.

The backlit keys don't just have a simple white or green light: they're powered by LED RGB, allowing you to customise the lighting with the colour of your choice.

Developed in partnership with Microsoft, the keyboard features a dedicated Xbox button, which opens the Windows Game Bar at the touch of a button.

Another notable advantage is that the keyboard is equipped with a replaceable printed circuit board and supports key inversion for complete customisation.

As usual, 8BitDo offers its - now classic - retro buttons dedicated to volume and connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB).

A detail that will appeal to nostalgic fans: the arrow buttons are colour-coded to match the A, B, X and Y buttons on the Xbox controller, a nod to the past.

The Retro R8: a matching mouse

8BitDo hasn't just released a keyboard. The brand has also unveiled the Retro R8, a mouse to match the keyboard's translucent green design.

It features four programmable buttons in the colours of the A, B, X and Y buttons. The mouse is battery-powered and comes with a colour-coordinated charging station.

The Retro R8 offers three connection modes and sensitivity settings with six different levels.
All parameters, both keyboard and mouse, will be fully managed via 8BitDo's in-house software.

Availability and price

The keyboard is currently priced at $119.99 on the Amazon US Store, with shipments scheduled to begin on January 15, 2025.
At the time of writing, the price and availability of the mouse are not yet known.

Photos: 8BitDo

System 3 Software has announced the release, in December 2024, of a special edition celebrating 40 years of the game Archer Maclean's Dropzone.
This retrogaming classic, originally launched in 1984 for the 8-bit Atari, has since been ported to a number of platforms including the Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Gear.

A tribute to Defender.

The gameplay of Dropzone is heavily inspired by Defender (1981), the first horizontal shoot'em up in the history of video games.
From the moment it was released, Dropzone was a critical and commercial success, surpassing its predecessor in terms of its visual and sound advances.

A faithful and respectful remaster

This 40ᵉ anniversary re-release features a HD graphics facelift with smoother, more detailed visuals.
For purists, it will be possible to switch instantly between the remastered and original graphics, without interrupting the action.
The sound work has also been reworked: the game will allow you to switch from the 8-bit version to the remastered sounds at the touch of a button.

This attention to detail can be explained by the fact that the developers have worked on the game's original source code, guaranteeing a re-release that is faithful to the original work, both graphically and sonically.

Gameplay adapted to modern standards

If Dropzone won over gamers as soon as it was released in 1987, it was largely thanks to the precision of its gameplay, which was particularly impressive for its time.
Mindful of this heritage, the developers have adjusted the controls to make them compatible with modern hardware, while preserving the authentic feel of the original game.

To date, no specific date or price has been announced, other than a planned release date of December 2024.
The game will be available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox.

Play Dropzone on Recalbox

If you want to tackle the 99 levels of Dropzone the old-fashioned way, the game can be played on Recalbox on the Atari, Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Gear platforms.

Fun Fact

Our colleagues at Time Extension have tweeted about a "typo ’ in the remaster's illustration image, which you may also have noticed.
More details here.

The last few days have been particularly busy for Switch Online + Additional Pack. Nintendo's online service has welcomed a number of classic games that will delight retrogaming fans.

The Game Boy was first honoured with the arrival of Donkey Kong Land, released in 1995. This title was a sequel adapted from Donkey Kong Country. A few days later, Nintendo followed up with Donkey Kong Land 2, originally released in 1996.

This week, it's the Mega Drive's turn to be highlighted with the addition of three classic titles, the full descriptions of which can be found below:

ToeJam & Earl Panic on Funkotron (1993)

‘The second instalment of the cult action-exploration game. Toejam and Earl have returned safely to their home planet, ‘Funkotron’, but now find themselves invaded by humans! Use the magic bottle to capture the humans running around this peaceful planet as if they owned it, and send them on their way. You'll quit the game if you find all the humans and force them back to the objective. It's an exploration-based side-view action adventure with fun characters that are now more expressive’.

Vectorman (1995)

‘A robot action game with fluid movement. A rebellion of the planet's cleaning robots has brought all the robots on Earth under its control. Vectorman, humanity's last hope, embarks on a great adventure across mechanised Earth.’

Wolf of the Battlefield: Mercs (1991)

‘This is the second instalment in the popular series of action-shooter games that was well received in the arcades. You play as the American mercenary unit ‘Wolf Force’ and try to defeat the boss while taking out swarms of enemies. You can use a wide variety of weapons such as shotguns and burners, the familiar mega crash, and a variety of actions such as moving and attacking vehicles. In addition to the ‘Arcade Mode’ with 7 missions in which you rescue the former president who has been captured by the revolutionary forces of Country R, the game also includes the ‘Original Mode’ with 8 missions in which you fight using 5 soldiers with different attack capabilities to destroy a ballistic missile. So you can enjoy two different games.

To access all of these games, you must subscribe to the Switch Online + Additional Pack service.

Source: Nintendolife

Photo: Nintendo

Fans of the Game Boy Advance SP, prepare to be seduced! Miyoo** has just unveiled its new neo-retro console: the Miyoo-Flip.

A familiar design with modern additions

The Miyoo-Flip takes the iconic design of the Game Boy Advance SP and its clamshell console concept, while adding modern features.

On the front, there's a headphone socket and a USB-C port for recharging. On the sides, the console has Micro SD slots, volume buttons and a power button.

Controls designed for gaming comfort

The Miyoo-Flip stands out for its controls. In addition to the directional crossbar and four action buttons, it is equipped with two analogue joysticks, offering greater precision and enhanced comfort.

Another notable point is the presence of four triggers (L1, R1, L2, R2), ideal for games requiring advanced controls, particularly those of the PlayStation 1, which the console should be able to emulate thanks to a Cortex-A55 chip.

Four colours available

The console will be offered in four different colours, but neither the price nor the release date has yet been announced.

A manufacturer well known to retrogamers

Miyoo is already well known to handheld console fans. Its previous models have received positive reviews, particularly for their design, where the screen often occupies half the surface of the console.

These consoles generally offer a Wi-Fi connection and the option of connecting to a television set via an HDMI cable, enabling games to be played on a large screen.

This clamshell console format is not new. This year, the Anbernic RG35XXSP also adopted this design, confirming the interest of retrogaming enthusiasts in this type of console.

Watch out for compatibility with Recalbox

**Important: Miyoo-Flip, like all Miyoo consoles, is not compatible with Recalbox. Recalbox is currently available on the Anbernic, GPiCase (RetroFlag), ODROID and PIBOY consoles, but not all models are supported. You can view the full list of compatible consoles by following this link.

Photo: Miyoo

To say that Atari is tapping into gamers' nostalgia would be an understatement. Just a few days ago, we reported on the release of vinyl records dedicated to the Recharged range of games, remasters of Atari classics.

The French company has even unveiled an original set: two whisky glasses and a bottle shaped like the legendary Atari joystick. All priced at $125. An elegant way to combine retro passion and tasting!

Back to basics with console reissues

On a more serious note, last year Atari launched a modernised reissue of its famous Atari 2600. This model, originally released in 1977, has been revisited with some welcome additions: HDMI port, USB-C and an emulation system capable of reading games from the Atari 2600 and 7800 consoles.

The console is compatible with the original cartridges from both models, and Atari has taken the opportunity to reissue a number of classics in physical format, compatible with both the new 2600 and the original console.

7800+: a new reissue to come

This year, Atari is back at it again with a reissue of the Atari 7800, originally launched in 1986. The console, dubbed the 7800+, will be available this winter and will benefit from the same improvements as the 2600+, namely modern connectivity and a high-performance emulation system.

In terms of design, Atari has opted for a look combining plastic, brushed metal and a coloured stripe that adds a touch of modernity without denying its retro DNA.

A modern, backwards-compatible controller

The console will come with a CX78+ wireless controller, equipped with a joystick and two buttons. To ensure compatibility with both old and new hardware, the controller will be supplied with two dongles:

• A USB dongle for modern devices.
• A DB9 dongle** to connect it to an original Atari.

The controller will run on a rechargeable battery.

A game included and an expanded catalogue

Because a console without a game is of little interest, the 7800+ will come with the title Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest. You will also be able to use your original cartridges from the 2600 and 7800 consoles.
If you wish, Atari offers a wide choice of games re-released on cartridge, available on its site at an average price of $27.

To suit your preferences, the console will allow you to choose between a 4:3 display for a faithful rendering of the original, or 16:9 to enjoy your games on a modern screen.

Price and availability

The new Atari 7800+ will be priced at $129.99 and should be available this winter.
However, Atari has not yet given an exact date.

*Photo: Atari

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

You've probably seen it in the news over the last few days: the Recalbox team has been hard at work making the Raspberry Pi 5 2G compatible with your favorite emulation system. Excellent news for this more affordable, less power-hungry and less prone to overheating model. However, we would like to draw your attention to some important points regarding its use.

As its name suggests, the Pi 5 2G features 2 GB RAM, but the changes don't stop there. The Raspberry Foundation has also removed certain components from the board and modified others, such as the Broadcom network chip, for example. These changes initially made Recalbox incompatible with this version. This problem has now been corrected. However, a dedicated installation will be required: a microSD card configured for the Pi 5 4G will not work with this 2G model.

To date, the performance of the Pi 5 2G is similar to that of the 4G and 8G models, with the advantage, as mentioned earlier, of reduced power consumption and less heating. What's more, its attractive price - around 15 euros less than the 4G version (depending on package and purchase site) - makes it interesting for certain uses.

However, we would like to warn you about the future. We are currently working on adding new emulators, including the GameCube, which requires more resources, particularly in terms of RAM. While the 2G model is perfectly capable of running currently supported systems, we cannot guarantee its compatibility with the GameCube. So, if you're thinking of upgrading your Recalbox, we don't recommend buying this model.

On the other hand, if your project is to create a dedicated arcade neo-box, the Pi 5 2G will be sufficiently. This model, compatible with our RGB Jamma / RGB Dual hardware solutions, allows you to enjoy “conventional” systems up to PlayStation 1, Dreamcast or Saturn, without any problems (subject to Pi 5-specific audio limitations, easily circumvented thanks to these tips).

Finally, if you're thinking of buying this 2G model, we recommend you get:

• The official Raspberry Pi 5 power supply.
• The official case with ventilation.
• Update your Recalbox over time.

Also note that RetroFlag is planning a compatible case in the near future, presumably with an integrated ventilation system.

To conclude on the subject of the different Raspberry Pi5 models, we remind you that the 8G model is not useful for Recalbox use, and that the 4G model is more than sufficient, even for GameCube use.

Since 2020, Atari has been re-releasing its greatest hits in the form of remasters called "Recharged ’.

These revamped arcade games feature a host of improvements in terms of gameplay, graphics and soundtrack. The remasters also feature new multiplayer options and a system of trophies and achievements to enhance the experience.

To date, ten iconic titles have joined the Recharged collection: Asteroids, Berzerk, Black Widow, Breakout, Caverns of Mars, Centipede, Gravitar, Missile Command, Quantum and Yars. These games stand out for their neo-retro visual style with a very neon feel.

If you've ever played one of them, it's impossible to miss the electro-pop soundtracks that punctuate every scoring attempt. The talented, award-winning composer Megan McDuffee has penned the music for all ten tracks, and soon forty of them will be available on vinyl.

Casandra Brown, Senior Director of Atari, said:

This limited edition vinyl release is a wonderful tribute to the work of composer Megan McDuffee. We're sure that fans of retro gaming and Atari classics will want to add it to their personal collections.

French publisher Microids Records, already behind the Atari 50 vinyl earlier this year, will be responsible for pressing and distribution. Their expertise in creating vinyl for video game fans guarantees a quality product that will live up to collectors' expectations.

The limited-edition double LP will feature forty tracks on two translucent blue and magenta discs, carefully protected by a gatefold sleeve that will include exclusive visuals inspired by the Recharged universe.

For those interested, pre-orders are already open on the Microids Records website at a price of €39.99, with a release date of 17 January 2025.

If you'd like to rediscover these classics or introduce yourself to the world of Atari Recharged, all ten games are available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.

Photos: Atari and Microids Records