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Author Archives: Owen

Nintendo, Retro Gaming News, Sega, Sony, Top 10

👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0136

Posted on by Owen

My week in gaming has been dominated by Elden Ring, it has been a while since I have been this involved in a game and I am enjoying the difficulty and the world.

39 stories this week across the word of retro gaming including some new F-Zero courses, a new Punch Out speedrun record, mapping out the entire Mario planet, GTA 8-Bit and lots more.

News

🎮 Glover is set to launch on Nintendo Switch, bringing the cult N64 platformer to modern audiences. Retroshell

🥷 Justice Ninja Casey, a Super Famicom game, is receiving an official English release for Nintendo Switch. GoNintendo

🦊 Star Fox artist is advocating for Star Fox Assault to be released on the rumoured Switch 2. Retroshell

🕹️ Märchen Maze, a classic arcade game, is getting a modern re-release. NicheGamer

🤖 A remastered version of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny has been announced for Switch and PC. Retroshell

🥋 Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is set for an August release, continuing the legendary ninja franchise. Retroshell

🪓 A revitalised Neo Geo port of Golden Axe is now available for players. Retroshell

🕊️ Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, known for portraying E. Honda in the Street Fighter movie, has passed away at age 61. Retroshell

🐄 Save Me Cows, a new action-puzzle adventure for the Game Boy, has been announced. Retroshell

🏎️ F-Zero SNES has received a fan-made Bower League expansion, adding new tracks and challenges. Retroshell

🧱 A massive Mario Kart LEGO set is rumoured to be in development. Retroshell

⚡ Speedrunner Summoning Salt has broken the two-minute barrier in Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!. Retroshell

🏙️ Hudson Soft’s lost SimCity mobile game for Japanese phones has been preserved. Retroshell

Features

🎂 Happy Birthday to the Game Boy Advance SP, the stylish handheld that revolutionised portable gaming. Retroshell

🎮 Grand Theft Auto 6 gets an 8-bit NES-style demake TechEBlog

📝 Final Fantasy’s creator acknowledges Dragon Quest as a key influence on the franchise’s development. The Popverse

💰 Berkshire Hathaway once considered acquiring both Nintendo and Activision. Retroshell

🌍 A dedicated fan spent 100 days mapping Super Mario’s entire planet (CreativeBlog)

🧝 Zelda’s Marin set the standard for compelling side characters in gaming. CBR

🏁 Diddy Kong Racing is hailed as the true king of N64 mascot racers. VICE

💎 A broken GameCube was sold for $100,000 due to its rarity and history. Jason Deegan

🚐 A Chevy work van features a custom in-dash Nintendo 64 setup for gaming on the go. The Drive

⭐ Ristar should have been the Sega Genesis mascot instead of Sonic, according to some fans. GameSpot

📈 Retro gaming is experiencing a resurgence, with growing interest in classic consoles and games. COGConnected

🦖 Bobby Kotick aggressively pursued Jurassic Park game rights from Steven Spielberg. Gameranx

🏎️ Mario Kart 64 celebrates 28 years of friendship-ruining races. Nintendo Wire

🎥 An artist recreates classic movies with PlayStation 1-style graphics. eBaum’s World

🎨 A debate emerges over whether a classic Nintendo console logo is the best ever. Creative Bloq

📺 The Sega Dreamcast has a hidden menu system that many fans never knew about. Time Extension

🌐 A deep dive into the online past of the Sega Dreamcast reveals a fascinating glimpse into its early internet features. Forbes

Lists & Rankings

💰 Retro video games are becoming highly valuable, and collectors should know what makes certain titles rare. SlashGear

📱 The best simulation games on Game Boy Advance are ranked by fun and depth. GameRant

🎮 Every Sega console launch lineup is ranked, comparing the strongest and weakest debuts. CBR

🕹️ 20 legendary video game consoles that revolutionised the industry. Go2Tutors

⚔️ The best turn-based combat systems in Sega games are ranked. GameRant

🤼 The weirdest WWE games that most players overlooked. TheSportster

🔥 The best Capcom games of all time are ranked, celebrating the studio’s greatest hits. Hardcore Gamer

Fun Things, Nintendo

Blindfolded Super Mario 64 Speedrunner’s Near-Record Run Invalidated by Webcam Failure

Posted on by Owen

In the world of speedrunning, precision and adherence to rules are paramount. Blindfolded speedrunner Bubzia, renowned for his expertise in Super Mario 64, recently experienced a heartbreaking incident where a technical glitch nullified a near-record-breaking run.

On 10th February 2025, during an attempt to surpass his own blindfolded 70-star world record, Bubzia was on an impressive pace. Approximately 24 minutes into the run, unbeknownst to him, his webcam ceased functioning. In blindfolded speedrunning, continuous visual proof is essential to validate that the player is indeed not seeing the game. Without this verification, runs are deemed invalid. Bubzia, unable to notice the malfunction due to his blindfold, continued the run, ultimately finishing just seconds shy of the world record. It was only after completing the run that he realised the webcam had failed, rendering his effort void.

This incident underscores the unique challenges faced by blindfolded speedrunners, where not only in-game performance but also reliable equipment play crucial roles in successful attempts.

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Modern Retro Consoles, Nintendo

Introducing Game Bub: An Open-Source FPGA Handheld for Retro Gaming Enthusiasts

Posted on by Owen

Introducing the Game Bub, an open-source FPGA-based handheld console designed to play Game Boy, Game Boy Colour, and Game Boy Advance titles. Developed over a year and a half by engineer Eli Lipsitz, Game Bub offers a blend of nostalgia and modern tech, allowing users to enjoy classic games directly from original cartridges or via ROM files stored on a microSD card.

Credit: Eli Lipsitz

A Modern Take on Classic Gaming

Game Bub stands out by supporting physical cartridges, enabling players to relive their favourite games as they were originally intended. Additionally, it offers emulation capabilities, allowing ROM files to be loaded from a microSD card for convenience. The device also features compatibility with the Game Link Cable in both Game Boy and Game Boy Advance modes, facilitating multiplayer experiences.

Feature-Rich Design

Beyond basic gameplay, Game Bub boasts several enhancements:

• Video Output: Connect to larger screens via HDMI through a custom dock.

• Immersive Feedback: Incorporates a rumble motor for tactile responses during gameplay.

• Real-Time Clock: Supports games that utilise time-based events.

• Extensibility: Designed with future expansions in mind, allowing for software updates and additional features.

Technical Specifications

At its core, Game Bub features a custom-designed six-layer PCB housing a Xilinx XC7A100T FPGA with integrated memory. The handheld includes a vibrant display, built-in speakers, a rechargeable battery, and a GB/GBA cartridge slot, all encased in a custom 3D-printed enclosure.

Credit: Eli Lipsitz

Open-Source and Community-Driven

Emphasising accessibility and collaboration, the project’s instructions, code, and design files are available on GitHub. While assembling a Game Bub unit is complex, enthusiasts interested in purchasing a complete kit are encouraged to express their interest through a provided form, aiding in gauging demand for potential production.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protector. And for a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our Substack—it’s free!

Game Port

Karnov Makes a Triumphant Return on Neo Geo Platforms

Posted on by Owen

The 1987 arcade classic Karnov has been revitalised for Neo Geo enthusiasts, thanks to the efforts of developer IQ_132. Originally developed by Data East, Karnov introduced players to the fire-breathing strongman Jinborov Karnovski, embarking on a quest through diverse terrains filled with formidable adversaries. This latest port brings the nostalgic platformer to the Neo Geo MVS, AES, and CD systems, offering both seasoned fans and new players an opportunity to experience the game on modern hardware.

IQ_132’s porting process involves a conversion script that requires users to supply their own ROM file. The script outputs files compatible with platforms such as MAME, MiSTer, original Neo Geo hardware, and the Neo Geo CD. While the script doesn’t directly create a .neo file for NeoSD cartridges, users can generate one using TerraOnion’s NeoBuilder tool. It’s important to note that in console mode, players need to press the select button to insert coins, as a free play option isn’t currently available. Additionally, saving high scores to SRAM or memory cards isn’t supported, and the music quality reflects the developer’s self-professed challenges with sound design.

Community feedback indicates that the game performs well on Neo Geo MVS systems equipped with Unibios, and it is also playable on the Neo Geo CD, either by burning a disc or using the Neo Geo CD SD Loader. However, AES users have reported issues with inserting virtual coins to start the game, even when using the Unibios set to arcade mode. IQ_132 is aware of this issue and is investigating potential solutions.

For those interested in supporting such development efforts, IQ_132 maintains a Patreon page that delves into the technical aspects of these conversions, providing valuable insights for developers and enthusiasts alike.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protector. And for a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our Substack—it’s free!

Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

‘Ravi and Navi’: First New Famicom Disk System Game Since 1992

Posted on by Owen

‘Ravi and Navi’ has been unveiled as the first new title for the Famicom Disk System (FDS) since 1992. This release breathes new life into Nintendo’s classic console peripheral, which was originally launched in 1986.

Credit: GameSpark JP

The FDS, an attachment for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), utilised proprietary floppy disks for game storage, offering expanded memory and the ability to save game progress—features that were groundbreaking at the time. However, with the advent of more advanced gaming technologies, production of FDS games ceased in the early ’90s.

Credit: Gamespark JP

‘Ravi and Navi’ is set to be released on vibrant orange 3D-printed disks, a modern twist that pays homage to the original FDS media. This innovative approach not only captures the nostalgia of the era but also showcases the dedication of the retro gaming community to preserving and revitalising classic gaming experiences.

The game’s development and impending release highlight a growing trend among enthusiasts to create new content for vintage gaming systems. This movement not only honours the legacy of classic consoles but also introduces these timeless experiences to new generations of gamers.

As ‘Ravi and Navi’ prepares to make its debut, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of retro gaming and the passion of its community. This release is poised to inspire further interest and development in classic gaming platforms, ensuring that the legacy of consoles like the Famicom Disk System continues to thrive.

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Collecting, Fun Things, Nintendo

Mario Hanafuda: Nintendo’s Latest Fusion of Tradition and Nostalgia

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo is blending history with its beloved Mario franchise in a new collection of “Mario Hanafuda” goods, launching on February 17, 2025. The lineup, available at Nintendo TOKYO, OSAKA, KYOTO, and the My Nintendo Store, celebrates the rich heritage of Hanafuda—a traditional Japanese card game—with a Super Mario twist.

Credit: Nintendo

The collection features intricate designs inspired by classic Hanafuda cards, each reimagined with iconic Mario characters. Yoshi is represented in the “February Plum” pattern, Donkey Kong takes the spotlight in “April Wisteria,” while Princess Peach is beautifully depicted in “March Cherry Blossom.” Other designs include Mario’s “June Peony” and Boo’s hauntingly elegant “August Mang.”

Beyond the stunning card designs, Nintendo is offering a range of stylish merchandise incorporating these unique motifs. The collection includes:

  • T-Shirts (Black) – 3,960 yen
  • Half Towel Handkerchiefs – 715 yen
  • Face Towels – 1,375 yen
  • Reversible Azuma Bags – 3,520 yen
  • Mini Letter Sets – 770 yen
  • Pair Glasses (Moon Viewing & Cherry Blossom Viewing Editions) – 3,080 yen

This collection is a nod to Nintendo’s deep roots in Hanafuda manufacturing before it became a global gaming powerhouse. It’s a perfect fusion of classic artistry and modern gaming nostalgia, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

For those interested, these goods will be available in limited quantities. Be sure to check Nintendo’s stores or online marketplaces like Amazon and Rakuten to secure your favourites.

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Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming

System Shock 2: Celebrating a Classic and Its Upcoming 25th Anniversary Remaster

Posted on by Owen

Released in 1999, System Shock 2 has long been hailed as a groundbreaking title in the realm of immersive simulation and horror gaming. Developed by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios, the game masterfully blended elements of role-playing, first-person shooting, and survival horror, setting a new standard for atmospheric storytelling and gameplay depth.

A Pioneering Legacy

Set aboard the starship Von Braun, players navigate a haunting narrative filled with cybernetic enemies, environmental puzzles, and the ever-looming presence of the malevolent AI, SHODAN. The game’s intricate design and eerie ambiance have influenced numerous titles over the years, including the acclaimed BioShock series, which drew inspiration from System Shock 2’s mechanics and narrative style.

Credit: Nightdive Studios

The 25th Anniversary Remaster

In celebration of the game’s enduring legacy, Nightdive Studios has announced the System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster. This remastered edition aims to enhance the original experience with updated visuals, improved controls, and modernised interfaces, making it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers.

The remaster is expected to be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG.  

As we await the release of the System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster, it’s an opportune moment to revisit the original and appreciate its lasting impact on the gaming landscape.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protector. And for a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our Substack—it’s free!

Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Cult N64 Platformer ‘Glover’ Set to Launch on Nintendo Switch

Posted on by Owen

The classic Nintendo 64 platformer Glover is making its way to the Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2025, priced at $19.99. Originally released in 1998, Glover offers a unique gameplay experience where players control a magical glove navigating various levels atop a transformative ball.

In Glover, players embark on a quest to restore balance to the kingdom by solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles across six distinct worlds. The game’s mechanics revolve around the ability to change the ball’s properties, providing diverse interactions and challenges.

This upcoming release is a port of the original N64 version, developed by QUByte Interactive. Notably, a physical edition was previously offered through Limited Run Games, with pre-orders closing in September 2024 and shipments expected in January 2025. However, this physical release has already sold out, making the digital launch a prime opportunity for those who missed out.

Fans are hopeful that this Switch version will address issues present in the 2022 Steam release, which faced criticism for various bugs. The developers have yet to confirm any specific improvements, but the community remains optimistic for a polished experience.

Credit: Steam

For those looking to relive a piece of gaming history or experience Glover for the first time, the upcoming Switch release offers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy this cult classic.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And for a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our Substack—it’s free!

Fun Things, Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

Star Fox Artist Advocates for ‘Star Fox Assault’ on Switch 2

Posted on by Owen

As Star Fox Assault reaches its 20th anniversary, original series artist Takaya Imamura has expressed his desire to see the GameCube title become available on Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console. Imamura, who designed iconic characters like Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi, shared an illustration on social media featuring Fox holding a submarine, symbolising both Star Fox Assault and Steel Diver Sub Wars, another title he hopes will be playable on the new system.

Released in 2005, Star Fox Assault was developed by Namco and combined traditional space combat with ground-based missions. While the game received mixed reviews, with some criticism directed at its on-foot segments, it has maintained a dedicated fan base over the years.

Imamura’s advocacy for bringing classic titles to modern platforms isn’t new. In 2022, he called for a port of Star Fox Zero, a Wii U exclusive, to the Nintendo Switch, highlighting his ongoing commitment to the franchise and its accessibility to new audiences.

As Nintendo prepares for the launch of the Switch 2, fans share Imamura’s enthusiasm for making classic games more accessible. The potential inclusion of titles like Star Fox Assault could offer both nostalgic experiences for longtime players and fresh adventures for newcomers.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And for a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our Substack—it’s free!

Fun Things, Nintendo, Steam

Omega 6 Manga by Star Fox Artist Set for English Release

Posted on by Owen

Takaya Imamura, renowned for his work on Star Fox and F-Zero, is bringing his manga Omega 6 to English-speaking audiences. Originally released in France, the 216-page English edition will be published by Dark Horse Comics and is scheduled for release on October 21, 2025, priced at $14.99.

Omega 6 follows protagonists Thunder and Kyla, bounty hunters journeying through space in search of a new home for humanity. This narrative serves as the foundation for the video game adaptation, Omega 6: The Triangle Stars, which was released in Japan last year. The English version of the game is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam).

Junji Seki, president of the game’s developer Happymeal, emphasizes that the game’s storyline is distinct from the manga, offering fresh experiences for fans of both mediums. He notes, “The video game version is a totally different story, set in the same world as the Omega 6 comic.”

Imamura, who departed Nintendo in 2021 after a three-decade tenure, expressed his enthusiasm for reaching a broader audience: “I sincerely hope that my manga and games can be enjoyed by people regardless of where they live.”

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