If there’s one object that truly represents our passion for retrogaming — and has even become part of pop culture — it’s the game cartridge, a real symbol for many of us. A single glance at some of them is enough to awaken long-dormant memories.

A real ritual before our gaming sessions, almost sacred: who remembers gently removing a cartridge from its case, blowing into it, sliding it into the console with that unmistakable sound, and hoping the game would start on the first try?

While we’re lucky today to have extraordinary emulation solutions that let us relive our childhood, that unique magic only original hardware could offer is sometimes missing.
So an idea emerged: what if Recalbox released its own game cartridges?

We are thrilled to introduce the RecalCards: collectible and programmable Recalbox cards!

The idea is simple: allow Recalbox users to rediscover that familiar old gesture by choosing a physical RecalCard and inserting it into a dedicated reader to launch the corresponding game from their library (after blowing into it, of course).

RecalCards are brand-new collectible cards designed specifically by and for Recalbox. Delivered blank, you can program them yourself by telling Recalbox which game to launch when a specific RecalCard is inserted. This will be done directly through the Recalbox menu, and it’s accessible to everyone.

The Card Reader: the new Recaltower module

To use your RecalCards, we imagined a new module that fits directly into your Recaltower (whether you own the RGB Dual 2 or not). The Card Reader sits on top of your Recaltower and can be customized to match the colors of your favorite console. It’s ready to use straight away, with no software configuration required.

Once your RecalCards are assigned to games, using them becomes child’s play: turn on your Recalbox, pick the cartridge for the game you want to launch, insert it into the Card Reader, and the game starts automatically — with no menu navigation needed.

While you’re in-game, simply remove the RecalCard from the reader to return instantly to the Recalbox menu.

If a RecalCard is inserted when you power on your Recalbox, it will boot directly into the associated game without showing the startup screen (you can disable this option if you prefer the normal boot). The experience mirrors that of our old cartridge-based consoles — the reflexes come right back!

More details on wiki here.

Collector RecalCards for our Level 2 and Level 3 Patrons

But that’s not all! To thank our Patrons who support Recalbox on Patreon, we will send them exclusive collector RecalCards every two months to grow their collection.

Level 2 Patrons will receive 1 RecalCard every two months.
Level 3 Patrons will receive 3 RecalCards every two months.

These collector RecalCards will feature some of the most iconic retrogaming titles — genuine little collectible items with golden connectors and labels designed by the Recalbox team. A stylish way to launch your favorite games.

We already have 16 RecalCards in development for the first season, each paying tribute to a memorable game from our childhood. True collectible items that we can’t wait to show you.

Season 1: 16 Collector RecalCards

We have already planned Season 1 with 16 collector cards paying tribute to the cult games of our childhood. Each shipment will be a surprise, a new piece of nostalgia that only you can collect.

• Level 2 Patrons: Build an exclusive collection over the months (6 collector cards per year)
• Level 3 Patrons: Speed up your collection with 18 collector cards per year.

Regardless of when you subscribe or upgrade from Level 1 to Level 2 or 3, you will receive the RecalCards in order, meaning you will receive 1 out of 16 first. In addition, Level 2 Patrons will receive the entire season (as long as their subscription is active), so they won't miss any RecalCards, but will receive them over a slightly longer period of time. This way, you can be sure to complete your collection with peace of mind.

We hope this new project will mean as much to you as it did to us while imagining it. Whether you’re a collector, a fan of launching games “the old-school way” (don’t forget to blow into the cartridge!), or someone who simply enjoys letting your RecalCards sit next to your Recaltower to spark curiosity among your guests, we can’t wait to send you your first cards.