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Recalbox was born during the Christmas holidays of 2014, with the mission of making retrogaming accessible to as many people as possible. With over 500,000 downloads per year, Recalbox has become a must-have for retro gaming enthusiasts.

In 2022, we made the decision to dedicate ourselves full-time to the Recalbox project. That’s when we turned to Patreon to give you the opportunity to support the project. Your feedback and engagement have strengthened our confidence in that choice.

It’s now been three years since you’ve been able to actively take part in the project. To mark the occasion, we’ve made a new video looking back at the incredible journey of Recalbox — a project born from a love of retrogaming that, thanks to you, has grown into a true human and community adventure.

Discover how the support of Recalbox Patrons has allowed the team to bring bold ideas to life and develop new features tested exclusively by Patrons before being released to the public. Your support has also helped us build partnerships with independent studios and contribute, in our own way, to preserving retro video games.

Being a Recalbox Patron means much more than providing financial support — it means taking an active role in the project’s future, exchanging ideas directly with the team about concepts and prototypes, and enjoying exclusive perks: early access to the latest versions, enhanced scraping, exclusive playlists, contests, promo codes, collector goodies, and much more!

Join the big Recalbox Patrons family today, and help keep retrogaming free, accessible, and full of passion:

https://www.recalbox.com/en/patreon/

It's an open secret that most gamers know, but it's always worth mentioning: your old PlayStation 1 discs hide an unexpected musical feature. Pop some of your PS1 games into a classic CD audio player, and you can listen to their soundtracks like real albums. A brilliant feature from Sony that deserves a closer look.

This function was deliberately integrated by Sony from the PlayStation's launch in 1994, but was so little publicized that even today, some players are still discovering this gem. The principle is simple: developers stored game music in Red Book Audio format (CDDA - Compact Disc Digital Audio), the CD audio standard, on tracks separate from game data. Result? A classic CD player could read these music tracks without any problem.

How Does It Work and Which Games Have It?

The test is super simple: take any PS1 disc, insert it into a traditional CD player, and press play. But be careful, not all games react the same way. Some deliver complete soundtracks with all the musical tracks, others offer hidden messages or bonus dialogues, and sometimes... just weird noises for games that don't use the Red Book Audio format.

The list of compatible games is impressive: WipeOut 2097 (with tracks from The Chemical Brothers), Ridge Racer Type 4, Gran Turismo 2, Final Fantasy VII with its orchestral OST by Nobuo Uematsu, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Tomb Raider, Twisted Metal 2, or titles like Colin McRae Rally, Tony Hawk, and Tekken 2 and 3. Some Saturn games also benefited from this feature, as did PC titles until 1999-2000.

A Technical Constraint Turned Feature

This approach wasn't just a nice bonus, it was also a technical constraint. As retro forum enthusiasts explain, when you access CD audio tracks, it's impossible to read game data simultaneously: the drive has only one laser. Early PS1 games therefore had to choose between Red Book music (to be loaded beforehand) and fast loading times.

From 1996 onwards, with the arrival of audio compression (MP3 and other formats), developers began compressing music to load it into memory rather than reading it directly from the CD. This evolution allowed for faster loading times, continuous loading, and paved the way for open worlds and sandbox games. But early PS1 titles remain true musical treasures accessible on any CD player.

CD Swapping, the Other Forgotten Trick

Cherry on top: some PS1 games even allowed the reverse! Once the level was loaded into memory, you could eject the game disc and replace it with an audio CD of your choice. Imagine carving down the slopes of Cool Boarders or racing through Vigilante 8 while listening to your favorite album. A revolutionary musical customization for the time, well before modern consoles natively integrated this option.

Sony had this forward-thinking vision where the console should be more than just a gaming machine. Thirty years later, rediscovering these tricks triggers a real wave of nostalgia mixed with admiration for the ingenuity of that era.

Major video game event in France, the Paris Games Week will open its doors from October 29 to November 2 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a curious parent, a cosplay enthusiast, or simply a fan of geek culture, PGW 2025 promises five days of total immersion in the video game universe.

Tickets are already available, with several options tailored to all profiles (day ticket, 2-day or 4-day pass, premium ticket). If you attend, it’s quite possible you’ll spot a bit of Recalbox there. No hallucination — we’re lucky to be represented by two associations we’re especially fond of: Art'cade and R3D2.

Art'cade

Art'cade is a Lyon-based manufacturer creating arcade cabinets where retrogaming and urban art meet. Each machine is customized by renowned street artists and produced in limited series with a certificate of authenticity. French artisanal know-how combined with unique designs turn every cabinet into a true collector’s piece.

Beyond manufacturing, Art'cade energizes the Lyon retro scene through its association “Arcade in the Box”: a venue with more than 40 free-play machines, event rentals, and a workshop open to visitors at La Cité des Halles (Lyon 7th district). We’ve had the pleasure of visiting several times, including private evenings with our Patrons.

True friends of the Recalbox project, Art'cade will showcase RGB Dual 2 and RGB Jamma 2 demos at their booth. Be sure to stop by and discover their universe!

R3D2

R3D2 (R3born R3start R3build Sustainable Development) is an association founded by two passionate teachers who raise awareness about ecology in a playful way through retrogaming. Their concept? Arcade cabinets made from recycled materials — halfway between pixel passion and environmental consciousness.

Their presence at Paris Games Week will be marked by a challenge for a good cause: building 8 arcade cabinets for pediatric hospitals!

"These cabinets will be assembled directly at Paris Games Week with young people from the Hauts-de-France region, to show that video games can also rhyme with solidarity, creativity, and sharing," as stated on the association’s social media.

We are proud to contribute to the project by equipping each of these cabinets with Recalbox! If you want to see arcade machines being built from A to Z and a Recalbox installation on site, you know where to go!

Images: PGW / Art'cade / R3D2

Now that we’ve protected the Earth with Cosmo Gang the Video (with almost 20 challengers — thank you all!), let’s head to the Aniverse to face the Toad Empire with the fourth game of our first One Credit Challenge season: Bucky O’Hare.

Bucky O’Hare is a hybrid game mixing beat’em up and run and gun gameplay, released in 1992 and developed and published by Konami. It appeared in arcades on the Konami system in September 1992 in Japan, then in the United States. The game is based on the animated TV series "Bucky O’Hare and the Toad Wars" from 1991, and even features the original voice actors from the show in its cutscenes.

Universe & atmosphere

In this game, you play as one of the four crew members of the Righteous Indignation: Bucky O’Hare (the heroic rabbit captain), Jenny (a telepathic “Aldebaran cat”), Dead-Eye Duck (a four-armed duck), or Blinky (a one-eyed android). Their mission: to stop the Toad Empire invading the planets of the Aniverse and enslaving their populations, by destroying KOMPLEX, the evil computer program that controls the empire, and freeing the “Interplanetary Life Force.” The colorful, cartoon universe stays faithful to the series, with dynamic animations and a fun space opera atmosphere.

Gameplay & mechanics

The gameplay mixes action and shooting: unlike classic beat’em ups, each character is equipped with a laser gun as their main weapon, while also being able to perform melee attacks and jumps. Each hero also has a limited number of smart bombs to eliminate multiple enemies at once. Weapon and health power-ups appear occasionally through glowing “doors.”

The game features 8 stages across various environments: Planet Warren, Planet Punk, Climate Converter, Asteroid Belt, Planet Rat, Mothership, Toad Star, and finally the Planet Life Force. The perspective changes between stages — sometimes classic side scrolling, sometimes forced isometric view, or vertical scrolling. Some levels even include jetpack sequences or rides on Toad Croakers (hover bikes). A boss awaits at the end of each stage, with KOMPLEX as the three-phase final boss.

The game supports up to 4 players in co-op, making the experience even more intense. Upon release, RePlay ranked Bucky O’Hare as the third most popular arcade game at the time.

🏆 Challenge rules

Your goal is to achieve the best score in a single credit.
The challenge runs from October 16 to 31 at 11:59 PM.
You have as many attempts as you like.

📢 How to participate

1. Launch the game (rom "bucky.zip")
2. Play and try to beat the best score
3. Take a screenshot or a photo of your final score
4. Share your score on the Discord channel #challenges with your username and score

⚖️ Rules to respect

To ensure fairness:

• The score must be achieved in a single credit, without save states, rewind, cheats, or auto-fire (unless included in the game)
• Gentlemen’s agreement: using glitches to artificially boost your score is also forbidden

🎁 Rewards and fair play

The challenge’s goal is above all to discover games, share tips, and have fun, all in a friendly competitive spirit.

• The winner will get a game key (GOG, Steam, etc.) to choose from a list of about 100 titles
• If you’ve already won a challenge in the past three months, the reward goes 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 Recalbox Patreon subscription

Good luck everyone, and may the best score win!

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the original PlayStation, and to celebrate the occasion, Sony is teaming up with Reebok to launch a limited-edition sneaker collection that will delight both video game fans and streetwear enthusiasts.

The collaboration pays tribute to the console's legacy in an original way: each model in the collection corresponds to a key market from the PS1 launch – Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom – and draws inspiration from the visual codes and aesthetics of that era.

Three Models, Three Tributes

• InstaPump Fury 94 (Japan): Inspired by the 1994 Japanese launch, this sneaker embraces a futuristic look with Reebok's iconic Pump technology and touches reminiscent of the early PlayStation console design.
• Pump Omni Zone II (United States): As a tribute to the 1995 American launch, this model blends comfort and style, with retro details that recall PlayStation's first steps in the US market.
• Workout Plus (United Kingdom): This model celebrates the 1995 British launch and revisits the vintage aesthetic of classic Reebok sneakers, while incorporating subtle references to the console.

"This collection is a time machine," said Mubi Ali, Global Senior Product Marketing Manager at Reebok. "It speaks to the kids of the 'music on TV after school' generation: grunge in their earbuds, wheels under their feet, and an early online world that felt infinite. We've brought those memories to life in every stitch, every lace, and every pump."

A Collector's Box Set for Hardcore Fans

For collectors, an exclusive box set brings together all three models in packaging inspired by the original PlayStation. Each box set is numbered and limited, making this set a true collector's item for retro gaming and sneaker enthusiasts.

A Commemorative Book on the Side

Sony is taking advantage of this anniversary to publish PlayStation: The First 30 Years, a 400-page book that chronicles the console's history, from its early prototypes to worldwide success. It contains never-before-seen photos, sketches, and development anecdotes, and will be available in standard or deluxe versions, the latter limited to 1,994 copies to commemorate the PS1's launch year.

Availability and Launch

• Japan – InstaPump Fury 94: available from October 14, 2025 at Beams
• United States – Pump Omni Zone II: available from October 17, 2025 at CNCPTS
• United Kingdom – Workout Plus: available from October 15, 2025 at END

This collaboration between Reebok and PlayStation skillfully blends tribute and contemporary style. These sneakers celebrate 30 years of PlayStation while offering models inspired by the console's original aesthetic, perfect for retro enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike.

The LEGO Game Boy, released this summer, did not go unnoticed. True to the design of Nintendo’s iconic handheld, it proudly sits on the shelves of brick and retro gaming fans alike. But for Natalie the Nerd, a well-known American modder, this simple display model was only the beginning.

Her idea? Turn this LEGO creation into a fully functional handheld console, capable of playing real Game Boy cartridges!

A 100% authentic mod

Natalie chose authenticity: she integrated a Game Boy Pocket motherboard directly inside the LEGO shell (Pocket version to save space and make integration easier). The result? A console that plays original cartridges using real vintage hardware — no Raspberry Pi, no emulator software. A true feat of miniature engineering!

To achieve this, she had to redesign several internal elements:

• a smaller board than a standard cartridge, to fit inside the LEGO case
• a more modern USB-C power system
• and soon, fully functional buttons mounted on a small PCB and fitted into a 3D-printed LEGO piece

Every detail was carefully planned to preserve the charm of the LEGO set while staying true to the spirit of the original console.

A creation made for the community

Natalie didn’t design this Game Boy just for herself. In true DIY spirit, she plans to share her files and schematics so that enthusiasts can reproduce the mod at home.
She will also provide details on all the required components, allowing anyone to build their own version.

This kind of initiative perfectly illustrates the creativity of the modding scene — a blend of nostalgia, engineering, and passion — a mix that could inspire many other hybrid projects.

Images: Natalie the Nerd

Now that we have cleaned up the planet Anders with Demon Front, it's time to turn to the third game of our first season of the One Credit Challenge and protect the Earth with Cosmo Gang the Video.

Overview

Cosmo Gang the Video is a fixed shooter (you can only move horizontally) released in 1992, developed and published by Namco. It first appeared in arcade on the Namco System 2 in Japan in March 1992, then in the United States in April. The same year, it was ported to Super Famicom (the Japanese version of the Super Nintendo).

Universe & Atmosphere

In this game, the player pilots a ship named Hyper Beat to fend off the Cosmo Gang, a group of colorful, mischievous aliens invading space around the Earth. The visual style is colorful, cute, and dynamic, with cartoon-like enemies, creating a light yet intense atmosphere.

Gameplay & Mechanics

The gameplay is simple but addictive: eliminate waves of enemies coming from above or the sides, avoid their shots, and collect power-ups (shield, slow bombs, spider webs, etc.) to enhance your abilities. The game features 32 levels, with bonus stages and a final boss, Don Cosmo, to defeat at the end. In two-player mode, special interactions between the two ships enrich the experience.

🏆 Challenge Rules

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

📢 How to Participate

• Launch the game (ROM "cosmogng")
  ⚠️ Make sure to play the arcade version, not the Super Famicom version.
• 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 in the challenge:

• The score must be achieved on a single credit, without save states, rewinds, cheats, or auto-fire (unless allowed in the game).
• Gentlemen’s agreement: using glitches to artificially inflate scores is also prohibited.

🎁 Rewards & Fair Play

The challenge is mainly about discovering games, sharing tips, and, of course, having fun, all within a friendly competitive spirit! The winner will receive a game key (GOG, Steam, etc.) to choose from a list of around 100 titles.

If you have won a challenge in the last three months, the reward will go to the next player 🥇🥈🥉.
Your ranking will be added to the One Credit Challenge leaderboard. The first season champion will choose between a RGB Dual 2 or one year of Recalbox Patreon subscription.

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

In a groundbreaking announcement

Electronic Arts (EA), the legendary publisher behind franchises such as The Sims, Battlefield, FIFA and Madden, is about to be acquired in a massive deal. The buyout would value the company at around $55 billion, and would result in its delisting from the stock market (barring unforeseen circumstances). The details of the consortium, the financing, and the implications deserve a closer look.

The structure of the deal

The offer consists of a cash buyout, approved by EA’s board of directors, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.

The consortium of buyers includes several major players:

• Silver Lake (technology-focused investment fund)
• Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, already a significant EA shareholder
• Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump

The proposed financial structure: around $36 billion in equity and $20 billion in debt, arranged notably through JPMorgan Chase.

What it means for EA and its shareholders

Current shareholders would receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25% premium compared to EA’s price before buyout rumors surfaced. Once completed, EA would no longer be publicly traded, becoming a private company, and therefore free from the constant scrutiny of public markets.

Even after the acquisition, EA would keep its headquarters in Redwood City, California, and Andrew Wilson would remain CEO.

Stakes & risks

This $55 billion acquisition would be one of the largest ever recorded in the industry, particularly among video game publishers. For reference, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision in 2023 totaled $75.4 billion.

Some analysts believe the offer, though generous, might undervalue EA’s long-term potential, especially with upcoming major releases like Battlefield 6. The buyout still faces multiple hurdles: regulatory approval and a shareholder vote. Without these, the deal could fall through.

Strategy and future implications

This event marks a major strategic shift for EA: going private could grant the company greater freedom to invest, restructure, or take long-term risks, without constantly needing to reassure markets and shareholders. The significant involvement of a sovereign fund like the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) highlights the growing influence of non-traditional players in entertainment and gaming.

Electronic Arts, a key figure in our passion

Let’s be honest — in recent years, EA’s releases have been hit or miss, alternating between excellent titles and more questionable choices. Take Battlefield, for example: the series has delivered several memorable entries, only to disappoint with Battlefield 2042, a surprising episode lacking the soul and authenticity that once defined the franchise. The same can be said for Mass Effect, the iconic space opera, which concluded with Andromeda, well below expectations.

On the other hand, EA has also produced critically acclaimed titles like the Star Wars games (Battlefront and the Jedi saga), or the award-winning It Takes Two, praised for its brilliant game design and original storytelling.

And for retrogaming fans like us, it’s hard not to remember the countless titles that defined our youth: The Sims, SimCity, Command & Conquer, Need for Speed, FIFA, Medal of Honor, Road Rash… and many more!

Recently, several leaks suggest that Anbernic, already well-established in the handheld emulation market, is planning to launch a dual-screen model heavily inspired by the Nintendo DS.

A design strongly inspired by the DS / DSi

According to images shared on Chinese social media, the upcoming device — supposedly named RG DS — adopts a clamshell design, aesthetically very close to the DSi, with a glossy top shell.
It features two symmetrical screens, a solid hinge, and a layout with classic directional and action buttons, as well as four shoulder triggers on the top edge of the console.

One notable detail: the new device is said to include two analog sticks, which is quite unusual for a DS-inspired console.
It would also feature two USB-C ports, a MicroSD slot, and design cues reminiscent of Nintendo models — particularly the metallic finish on the top.

Speculation and uncertainty

Even though these leaks have sparked a lot of discussion, they should be taken with caution:

• Some elements in the images seem suspicious — for instance, one of them carries a “Google Gemini” watermark, suggesting it might have been AI-generated or edited.
• Neither Anbernic nor any official sources have confirmed the specs, release date, or pricing.
• Pricing remains unclear, but leaks mention a “three-digit price”, which could mean somewhere between $100 and $200, depending on the region.

What can players expect?

If the project turns out to be real, the RG DS could appeal to Nintendo DS / 3DS emulation fans looking for a dedicated, compact, and faithful handheld.

Competition in this category already exists (with, for example, the AYANEO Pocket DS — which we covered here — and other dual-screen devices), but Anbernic, closely followed by the retro gaming community, could stand out if the price-to-performance ratio is right.

⚠️ WARNING: As of today, only two Anbernic models are officially supported by Recalbox.
You can find the full list of supported handhelds here.

Sources: Time Extension / Retrododo

It's hard to imagine a controller without the iconic A, B, X, and Y buttons. This combination, popularized by the Super Nintendo, became standard on most consoles that followed — from the Dreamcast to the Steam Deck, and even the Xbox. A layout so familiar that we almost forget to ask the question: why these letters, and not simply A, B, C, D?

Originally, other manufacturers had actually gone in a different direction. Sega, with its Mega Drive, opted for A, B, C buttons, while SNK completed the alphabet with A, B, C, D on the Neo Geo. But it was Nintendo who, in the early 1990s, chose to break away from this alphabetical logic.

This choice apparently dates back to the development of the Super Famicom. A reader of Nintendo Power, intrigued, even asked the company directly in 1993. And the answer is quite surprising: according to Lance Barr, a designer at Nintendo of America, the letters X and Y were borrowed from the world of CAD (Computer-Aided Design). (The magazine clipping was shared by Sasha’s Retrobytes on BluSky and reported by Time Extension.)

In these 2D and 3D modeling programs, the X and Y axes are used to represent horizontal and vertical directions. A nod to industrial design tools, illustrating Nintendo's methodical approach to controller design.

A and B were intended as the primary action buttons (the most used, placed on the bottom right), while X and Y served as secondary buttons. They are sometimes visually differentiated (concave/convex shapes and colors varying by region) to help players distinguish them.

A choice that is both technical and ergonomic, which eventually became a new standard in video gaming. Even Sega later adopted the letters X, Y, Z on some of its controllers, proving that Nintendo's intuition was correct.

And even today, more than thirty years later, this layout is ingrained in our gaming reflexes, and it must be said that A, B, X, Y sounds better than A, B, C, D. It’s hard not to mention PlayStation, which has engraved the look of its action buttons into pop culture, instantly recognizable and now universal.

Now the question remains whether this theory is correct, as none of the original SNES or controller creators have either confirmed or denied it.

The HFS Summer 2025, which took place from May 23 to 25, 2025 at the Halle des Expositions in Évreux, lived up to all expectations for fans of retrogaming, arcade, and emulation. Organized by the association HFS Play, this annual event (the 11th edition) has established itself as one of the most important retro-gaming festivals in France, attracting not only a national audience but also visitors from across Europe.

There were more than 150 arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and retro consoles available in free play, along with varied tournaments (family-friendly for fun, international for competition) featuring fighting games such as Street Fighter, Virtua Fighter, Capcom vs SNK, Windjammers, and more. The atmosphere was festive and friendly, making it the perfect spot for both newcomers and competitive players.

For Recalbox, being at HFS Summer 2025 was more than just an exhibition: it was an opportunity to meet its community in person, exchange with other enthusiasts, test iconic machines, connect with arcade and retrogaming experts (both players and technicians), and fully immerse itself in the retro culture so dear to its users.

To truly capture the atmosphere, we’re sharing a fifty-minute video (below) in which Fab2Ris, together with Gtranche, takes you on a tour of the event. You’ll discover the different types of cabinets (candy, sports, music, guncab, racecab…), as well as the pinball area with passionate exhibitors, and many other stands.

We’ll let you enjoy it all… and we hope to see you there next year!

For years, the 8BitDo Pro 2 has established itself as one of the best controllers for retrogaming. But its successor has arrived: the 8BitDo Pro 3. Announced several months ago, it is finally available in France and comes as a major evolution, designed to dethrone the previous model.

Flawless presentation and design

Right out of the box, you’ll find a flawless presentation, true to the brand’s standards. The controller comes with a charging base (dock), a USB-C cable, a manual, and some aesthetic accessories that we’ll show you later. The Pro 3 is available in three color schemes, which we could call Game Boy, PlayStation (which can easily be turned into SNES), and GameCube — enough to please any retro fan.

Notable improvements over the Pro 2

So, what does the Pro 3 bring compared to the Pro 2?

• TMR joysticks: say goodbye to “drift,” a frequent issue on modern controllers.
• New triggers Halle Effect: with a switch, they can go from analog to instant “click,” perfect for fighting or action games.
• Two new programmable buttons (L4 and R4), compatible with Ultimate Software 2, allowing you to assign keys or macros.
• New D-Pad: more precise and responsive, ideal for 2D games.

A smart and practical dock

One of the Pro 3’s main assets is its multifunctional dock. Not only does it charge the controller, but it also houses a built-in USB-C wireless dongle (receiver). As a result, you just have to plug the dock into your PC, Raspberry Pi, or Nintendo Switch, and the controller pairs instantly, without any manual setup.

A real comfort of use, especially since you just need to pick up the controller for it to connect automatically to your device, without pressing any button.

Original accessories

The Pro 3 also comes with arcade stick-style balls that can be swapped onto the analog sticks. Rounder than the traditional mushroom caps, they provide a different grip, which could be interesting for certain game genres. While the visual effect is appealing, it may take some players time to adapt and see over time whether the grip proves truly comfortable, or if the accessory ends up being considered more of a gimmick.

Another aesthetic detail: the ability to swap out the action buttons (with a small included tool) to switch from a GameCube look to a Super Nintendo style, depending on your preferences.

Excellent compatibility

As always with 8BitDo, compatibility is guaranteed: PC, Android, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, Raspberry Pi, and of course Recalbox. The controller works instantly, both wired and wireless.

With the Ultimate Software V2, the 8BitDo Pro 3 is fully programmable. You can remap buttons, create macros, invert joystick axes, program the L4/R4 buttons... Profiles can be switched on the fly using the central button, offering perfect customization for each game or emulator.

Verdict: the ultimate retro controller?

The price is slightly higher than the Pro 2, sure, but it includes the dock, the wireless receiver, and several accessories. For any demanding retro gamer, the 8BitDo Pro 3 ticks all the boxes: symmetrical ergonomics, customization, durability, responsiveness, and a polished design.

In our eyes, it stands out as the new benchmark for retrogaming controllers.

Test video:

Images: 8bitdo

After the launch of version 10 in early access for our users supporting us via Patreon, Recalbox keeps getting better with the 10.0-patron-2 update. Behind this “2” lies a long list of fixes, new features, and optimizations that improve the interface, hardware compatibility, and even specialized peripherals like lightguns. Here’s a look at the most important additions.

A smoother and more reliable interface

Recalbox 10.0-patron-2 fixes many small issues that could affect the user experience:

• Saves and display: the last played games are now properly remembered, dates in themes are aligned correctly, and TATE mode (vertical screen) display has been fixed on both CRT and HDMI.
• Search and navigation: searching for games no longer causes crashes, fonts reload correctly, and long titles are displayed properly in message windows.
• Visual performance: a switch to a new texture manager makes the interface smoother, especially on slow storage or via NAS, while also fixing missing character issues.
• Web Manager fix on Pi3

Improved compatibility for retro hardware

• CRT and display: added a CRT calibration screen in RetroArch, better splash screen handling, 480i fix on RGB JAMMA, and PAL/NTSC refresh rate support on DosBOX Pure. CRT fans will be delighted.
• RGB DUAL 2 and JAMMA: a new dedicated boot screen has been added, while compatibility with Model 3 via RGB JAMMA has been fixed.
• Expanded support: added support for the Dreamcase case, lr-holani (Lynx core), and updated MAME to version 0.278.

New features for peripherals and emulators

• GunCon / lightguns: default calibration has been fixed, ghost movements removed, and a new automatic priority management system configures or disables GunCon depending on whether the game is compatible or not. Support for 2-player GunCon 2 has also been added.

Improved emulation:

• Supermodel (Sega Model 3 emulator) is now supported on Raspberry Pi 5.
• Dolphin standalone (Dolphin GUE / GameCube) now supports RPi5 + CRT.
• lr-picodrive and lr-gearsystem include new options and support for specific peripherals (paddle, light phaser, SC-3000 keyboard…).
• lr-scummvm and lr-dolphin benefit from major updates for better 3D performance.
• lr-mednafen-saturn improves rendering with aspect ratio fixes and deinterlacing options.

Better gaming comfort

Multiplayer controller setups now work stably with 3 players or more. GunCon shader rendering has been refined, and screenshots now work properly, including in 480p in the web manager or on CRT.

The 1G1R (One Game One ROM) feature, which simplifies game lists by keeping only one version per title, has also been improved with better region sorting and optimized handling of multi-disc games.

Ongoing development

As you can see, Recalbox 10.0-patron-2 is not just a bugfix update: it improves the overall experience in many areas (full changelog available here).

From a smoother interface to better CRT handling, through enhanced support for retro emulators and peripherals like GunCon or Dreamcase, this version has been carefully refined to be available on the RGB Dual 2 and RGB JAMMA 2, in addition to traditional PC or HDMI setups.

A huge thank you to our Patrons, whose support helps us test different versions faster and more efficiently, allowing us to speed up the release of these updates.

As a reminder, as you can see with the fixes and improvements listed above, the V10 available to Patrons is currently in beta. For the most motivated among them, an alpha version is also available, allowing them to take an even more active part in the development of V10, which will later be released as a final version for everyone once stabilized.

If you are a Patron, you don’t have to do anything: if your Patreon key is activated and you’re on the “patron” update channel, your Recalbox will update automatically. Enjoy your games, and don’t hesitate to share your feedback on our Discord.

Fifteen days after a fierce battle in the mazes of Tinkle Pit, the second game of the One Credit Challenge is already here! No more racing through mazes—One Credit Challenge now takes you to war across forests, mountains, and enemy bases on Anders with Demon Front!

Released in 2002 on the PGM (Poly Game Master) arcade system by Taiwanese company IGS, Demon Front is a run & gun often rightly compared to Metal Slug. Ported late to console with the IGS Arcade Collection on Switch, it remained rather confidential despite its addictive gameplay and fantastic universe that stands out from the usual military tone of the genre.

Four heroes are playable, each accompanied by a companion (pet) that grants unique powers. The game features 5 themed chapters, each ending with a boss. A secret sixth stage even appears depending on the chosen pet, encouraging replayability to discover all variations.

While the feel is reminiscent of Metal Slug, Demon Front stands out with its pet system—both weapon and shield—capable of leveling up and evolving. The game offers four-direction shooting, extended jump phases similar to gliding, and a strategic layer reinforced by pet management, as some companions are more useful depending on the situation.

Challenge rules

Your goal is to achieve the highest score with a single credit. The challenge runs from September 16th to 30th at 11:59 PM. You have as many attempts as you like.

How to participate?

1. Launch the game (rom demonfrnt)
2. Play and try to beat the high score
3. Take a screenshot or a photo of your final score
4. Share your score on the #challenges Discord channel, mentioning your username and score

Rules to follow

To ensure fairness:

• The score must be achieved with a single credit
• No save states, rewinds, cheats, or auto-fire (unless built into the game)
• Gentlemen’s agreement: using glitches to artificially inflate the score is prohibited

Rewards and fair play

The challenge is all about discovering games, sharing tips, and of course having fun, with a friendly dose of competition!

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

Your result will be added to the One Credit Challenge scoreboard.
The champion of the first season will walk away with their choice of:

• a RGB Dual 2
• or a 1-year Patreon Recalbox subscription

Good luck everyone, and may the best score win!

If you are even slightly interested in video games and retrogaming, you probably already know that a museum is being created to honor our shared passion: video games, their history, and pop culture as a whole. Its name: the Odyssée Museum!

We’re talking about it today because the museum has launched its YouTube channel, with a first video of about half an hour presenting the project, how it works, its team, and the steps already underway.

You’ll discover how the team gets arcade cabinets — thanks in part to our friends at Tenzen Arcade, who donated one to the museum — how they restore them, how the project is financed, and the current status of the museum itself (building permit pending). A documentary that follows the team for 72 very busy hours.

Hands in the grease

If you love beautiful machines, from old arcade cabinets to the latest ones, consoles from your childhood to fragile controllers preserved in bulk (hello Nintendo 64), we can only encourage you to watch this documentary (even more if you love food!).

The museum

Just a few minutes from Disneyland Paris, the Odyssée Museum will be much more than just a museum. This project aims to become a true temple of video games and geek culture in Europe, blending heritage, entertainment, and immersive experiences.

At the heart of the project, a 3,150 m² space dedicated to the history of video games, with the promise of exhibiting the largest console collection in the world — more than 2,200 machines, brought together by Ludovic Charles, cofounder and great collector, alongside Benoît de Ruyter and Benoît Theveny, aka Tev.

Even seasoned eyes sparkle at Tenzen Arcade

If you follow us on Twitch, and especially if you watched this year’s ZEvent, you probably saw Ludovic and Benoît presenting the project and offering gifts to the community to encourage donations.

The site will also feature a 1,500 m² Gaming Arena, capable of hosting both eSport tournaments and concerts or screenings. A 1,000 m² food court will be dedicated to Japanese cuisine under the direction of Éric Ticana, and a commercial agora will allow brands, publishers, and creators to offer exclusives and activities for visitors.

In total, no less than 11,000 m² will be dedicated to video games and their culture. Odyssée aims to attract more than one million visitors per year and become a must-visit destination for all enthusiasts. The roadmap includes:

• Late 2025: first events under the Odyssée name.
• 2026-2028: construction and site development.
• Opening planned for 2028, with a large-scale inauguration.

Presentation of the plans

A collective adventure

Odyssée is also being built with its community. Driven by a passionate team and supported by an association, the project relies on public participation through crowdfunding and exclusive events. A way to remind everyone that video games are, above all, a story of sharing and passion.

If you’d like to join the adventure and support the project, you can join the association for €24 per year, or soon get goodies bearing the museum’s image — including the excellent Consoles Museum book, a true bible for any enthusiast.

We’ll continue to closely follow this project, and we wish the whole team the best of luck in this exciting adventure!

Nintendo loves to surprise, and this time, an unexpected return is on the horizon. Thirty years after its commercial failure, the Virtual Boy is making a comeback on the Switch and Switch 2. A bold move that mixes nostalgia and curiosity.

The Virtual Boy games will join the Switch Online + Expansion Pack catalog. To enjoy them, you will need a brand-new accessory: a plastic headset with lenses and a desktop stand that holds the screen of your Switch or Switch 2, priced at €79.99. Nintendo also offers a lighter cardboard version for €19.99. The plastic version perfectly replicates the curves and colors of the original Virtual Boy.

Fourteen titles are currently planned, including Mario Tennis, Galactic Pinball, Wario Land, and Red Alarm. This allows players to dive straight into the unique world of the Virtual Boy, characterized by its red monochrome graphics and distinctive atmosphere. Nintendo has already promised that most of the catalog will follow soon, giving a second life to a console remembered for the wrong reasons.

The 1995 Virtual Boy, despite its visionary and arguably avant-garde nature, was mainly criticized for its discomfort, the headaches it could cause, and the lack of truly memorable games. It remains to be seen whether this accessory will become a collector's item or if players will find genuine gameplay interest in it.

This project is part of a broader strategy: highlighting Nintendo's heritage and continuously expanding its online service content. After the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy, it is now the turn of the most unusual machine in Big N's history to return to the spotlight. Retro-gaming enthusiasts and collectors will likely be the first to try it, but it will be interesting to see if the wider public follows this time.

The Virtual Boy and its games will be available on February 17, 2026.

Images: Nintendo

Two years after the worldwide success of the film Super Mario Bros. (2023), Universal Pictures and Illumination have officially announced its sequel during the Nintendo Direct on September 12, 2025. The title will surely excite fans: Super Mario Galaxy, the movie.

A release planned for April 2026

The film is set to be released in April 2026, the exact date has not yet been revealed, but one thing is certain: Mario, Luigi, and Peach will return to the big screen next spring.

Good news for viewers who enjoyed the voices in the first film (original version): Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), and Jack Black (Bowser) are all reprising their roles. Seth Rogen, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kevin Michael Richardson will also return, providing the voices of Toad and Kamek.

The French cast has not yet been announced, but it is likely that the same voices from the first film will return: Mario was voiced by Pierre Tessier, Luigi by Benoît Du Pac, Peach by Audrey Sourdive, Bowser by Jérémie Covillault, Toad by Emmanuel Garijo, Donkey Kong by Xavier Fagnon, and Kamek by Donald Reignoux.

A first teaser

During the Nintendo Direct, a first teaser was released showing Mario napping in the shade of a tree in the Mushroom Kingdom, where life seems peaceful, in a sequence that takes us into the stars to reveal the film’s title with music that will trigger nostalgia for those who played the Wii game.

A success to come

The first film grossed over $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming one of the most successful video game adaptations. With a title referencing one of the most beloved episodes of the saga, Nintendo and Illumination hope to repeat the success.

In parallel, Nintendo is already preparing the future on the big screen, with an adaptation of The Legend of Zelda expected in 2027. This confirms that the world of video games has firmly established its place in cinema.

Now that Kickstarter shipments are ramping up, the new ultimate solution to enjoy your retro games on CRT televisions and VGA monitors is now available for pre-order on the official Recalbox shop!

After a lightning-fast crowdfunding campaign — funded at 200% of its goal in less than an hour — the RGB DUAL 2 is about to join your setups, bringing a second life to your CRTs while remaining fully compatible with modern HDMI displays.

A small technical revolution

Successor to the very first RGB DUAL, this new model goes even further in fidelity and versatility:

• Multiple video outputs: SCART, RCA (composite), VGA, AV jack, and of course HDMI for HD.
• High-fidelity audio: built-in I2S DAC (384 kHz / 32-bit).
• Full compatibility: 4:3 and 16:9 formats, progressive and interlaced modes (480i), and dynamic resolution switching (240p ↔ 480i).
• And as a bonus: experimental support for the Guncon 2, bringing your favorite light gun games back to life!

The RecalTower: elegance and modularity

Alongside the RGB DUAL 2 comes a brand-new case: the RecalTower.
Specially designed to house the Raspberry Pi 5 and the RGB DUAL 2, it allows you to easily stack your components for a setup that’s as practical as it is stylish.

Available now for pre-order

The RGB DUAL 2 + RecalTower is priced at €99 (VAT included) and available for pre-order on the Recalbox Shop.
Shipping will begin after the end of the Kickstarter expedition, approximately starting from December 2025.

Don’t miss this opportunity to modernize your setup and rediscover your retro classics in the best possible conditions!

👉 Head over to the official shop to place your order and join the RGB DUAL 2 adventure today. You can also check out the dedicated RGB DUAL 2 channel on our Discord to chat with early adopters.

To get the most out of your setup, we strongly recommend adding to your kit:

• The shielded SCART cable
• The official Raspberry Pi 5 fan