When legendary Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto asked former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida for his thoughts on Star Fox Zero for the Wii U, he probably wasn’t expecting an awkward moment. But as Yoshida recalled in a recent discussion, he found himself in the classic dilemma of whether to give an honest opinion or a polite one.
Star Fox Zero launched in 2016 with a mixed reception. It attempted to bring back the classic Star Fox gameplay with a motion control twist, using the Wii U GamePad’s gyroscopic aiming. While Miyamoto saw this as an innovation, many players found the controls cumbersome, leading to frustration rather than immersion. The game holds a Metacritic score of 69, reflecting its divisive nature.
Yoshida, who had a professional admiration for Miyamoto, faced a moment of hesitation when asked about the game. “Should I say my honest reaction?” he recalled thinking. While he didn’t reveal exactly what he said, the implication was clear: even among industry veterans, Star Fox Zero had issues that were hard to ignore.
At E3 2015, PlayStation's Shuhei Yoshida was invited by Nintendo to play Star Fox Zero with Shigeru Miyamoto. He didn't have the heart to tell him his real opinions on the game…
This interaction highlights a key issue in game design—innovation versus accessibility. Nintendo often priorities creative control schemes, but Star Fox Zero showed that not every experiment works out. The game’s failure to gain traction contributed to the Wii U’s struggles, and it remains one of the more polarizing entries in the Star Fox series.
Would a Switch or Switch 2 re-release with traditional controls redeem Star Fox Zero? Fans remain divided. One thing’s for sure—when Miyamoto asks for feedback, you better have a diplomatic answer ready.
After eight years of dedication, Fan Translators International has released a complete English translation patch for Level-5’s visual novel on the 3DS. Time Travelers, was originally exclusive to Japan on the PSP, 3DS, and PSVita platforms.
The team
Set in a futuristic Tokyo, Time Travelers weaves a narrative that intertwines the lives of five protagonists, each grappling with the consequences of time manipulation. The game’s unique storytelling and interactive elements have intrigued players since its initial release.
The translation team, led by sekki35, 22sorataka, ecky, onepiecefreak, Theswweet, and Teekro, meticulously translated the main story, ensuring that the game’s emotional depth and quirky humour resonate with English-speaking audiences. Proofreading was handled by Theswweet and Teekro, while Etokapa, MissBazinga, and NitroTears focused on graphics and movie translations. Programming support was provided by Neobeo. Edit: Wilson reached out to me to clarify that “onepiecefreak is the mastermind behind the translation doing the majority of the programming and reverse engineering work.” – so extra kudos and apologies for missing this from the original article.
After 8 long years of trials and tribulations. The team is finally ready to unveil the English translation patch for Time Travelers on 3DS!https://t.co/toP4p1ZWN0
To experience this translated adventure, players need a .3ds or .cia version of the game. After downloading the patch, extract the .zip file and run the .exe. Provide the file paths to both the game and the provided .pat file, then specify the output directory for the Luma3DS LayeredFS-ready patch. Finally, copy the new folder to your 3DS’s SD card and ensure “Game Patching” is enabled in the Luma3DS CFW settings.
This release marks a significant achievement in fan-led translation projects, allowing a broader audience to engage with a previously inaccessible title. For more details and to download the patch, visit Fan Translators International’s official website.
Welcome to this weeks newsletter, this week I started to play Elden Ring and wow, what a game – my retro gaming might get a little bit hampered by this game, but lets see.
This week we have 39 stories including some new games for the NES and Genesis/Megadrive, a new motherboard for the PS1 and one adaptor to power all your consoles – plus a lot more.
News
🕹️ A Famicom enthusiast in Japan is selling an almost complete collection of the console’s games before passing away, sparking significant attention online. Automaton Media
Got, got, need
🎵 “Banjo-Kazooie” composer Grant Kirkhope has cast doubt on the possibility of the beloved series making a return. Retroshell
🔥 The risqué shoot-’em-up “Steam Hearts” and fighting game “Advanced Variable Geo” are getting modern console releases. Time Extension
🚀 Sega has filed a new trademark for “Skies of Arcadia,” fueling speculation about a potential remaster. Retroshell
⛏️ Data Man: New NES Game Launches via Broke Studio. Retroshell
🎮 A determined modder has released a “GTA: Vice City” mod despite takedown threats. Retroshell
🐱 “SkateCat,” a retro-inspired adventure game, is rolling onto Nintendo Switch, Itch, and Steam. Retroshell
🔫 The indie shooter “Lethal Wedding” is gearing up for a Kickstarter campaign. Retroshell
🕹️ A custom PlayStation 1 motherboard, “NSOne,” has been unveiled, marking the first in 30 years. Retroshell
⌚ Atari has teamed up with Nubeo to launch a luxury watch inspired by the classic game “Asteroids.” Retroshell
👽 “The Thing: Remastered” has become Nightdive Studios’ fastest-selling game to date. Retroshell
🎮 Songbird Productions is reviving classic Atari Jaguar titles with high-quality reprints. Retroshell
🎼 The “Super Mario RPG” soundtrack is set to release on April 9, including a Super Famicom version in Japan. Retroshell
🔄 A roundup of the best Sega-related posts on Reddit from the past week. Retroshell
🎮 A collection of the most popular original Xbox, PS1, and PS2 posts on Reddit this week. Retroshell
🕹️ Highlights of the best retro Nintendo gaming posts on Reddit from the last week. Retroshell
📼 A roundup of this week’s best Reddit posts covering Atari, Neo Geo, WonderSwan, TurboGrafx, and the 3DO. Retroshell
🕹️ “Quarter Arcades” is adding “Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja” and “Lunar Lander” to its collection of mini arcade cabinets. Retroshell
🧙 The “Elminage” series is making its way to modern consoles for the first time. Retroshell
⚖️ A local supermarket has won a trademark dispute against Nintendo. Retroshell
🎲 Atari has launched 15 “mystery patch” packs for collectors and retro gaming fans. Retroshell
🏎️ “Dream Ride,” a Micro Machines-style party racer, is coming to the Dreamcast. Retroshell
Dream Ride
💰 Nintendo Switch Online is adjusting its regional pricing, affecting subscribers worldwide. Retroshell
🎮 “The Sims” nostalgia is in full swing with a new Y2K-themed website dedicated to the classic life-sim. Retroshell
🚗 “Ridge Racer 64” is drifting onto Nintendo Switch Online. Retroshell
🦤 A bizarre Kazooie puppet just sold for over $2,000, despite its unsettling appearance. Time Extension
Nightmare Fuel
🎮 A fan is developing an NES-style version of “Celeste,” and it’s already playable. Time Extension
Features
🎲 Technōs Japan’s Famicom RPG Sugoro Quest is finally receiving an official English translation next month. Destructoid
🎨 A look at how Kirby’s box art has evolved across cultures, from cute to combat-ready. Retroshell
🕹️ Megami Tensei’s author explains why the game had two distinct versions for the Famicom and Japanese computers. Time Extension
⚙️ A deep dive into the differences between FPGA hardware and traditional software emulation for retro gamers. Retroshell
📜 A complete timeline of video game consoles, from the industry’s origins to today. Digital Trends
🐵 Donkey Kong designer discusses the character’s iconic redesign and the creation of Diddy Kong. Retroshell
🦇 A look back at why Castlevania’s Nintendo 64 entries are considered some of the franchise’s biggest missteps. CBR
⚖️ Nintendo’s legal battle against emulators intensifies, raising concerns for preservationists and retro gamers. Android Police
🔌 The Retro-Tap lets users power up to 10 retro consoles with a single power block. Retro Dodo
📖 An excerpt from a book detailing the history of the Intellivision console and its impact on gaming. Polygon
🎮 A guide to modern retro gaming consoles, including top systems like the SuperStation One. GeekSided
Lists & Rankings
🛡️ A list of games where players must heavily rely on equipment to survive and progress. TheGamer
🎨 A showcase of SNES games with some of the most incredible box art designs. CBR
In honour of the 40th anniversary of the classic puzzle game Sokoban, Dutch MSX veterans have crafted ‘Super Sokoban’ for the MSX2.
In 1982, Japanese developer Thinking Rabbit introduced the world to Sokoban, a puzzle game that has since become a cornerstone of the genre. The original MSX version debuted in 1984. Now, as part of the MSXdev24 competition, a new iteration titled “Super Sokoban” has been released, offering enhanced graphics and SCC soundtracks.
Credit: MSX Devs
This polished rendition utilizes the MSX2’s capabilities and features an SCC soundtrack, enhancing the original’s charm. Players guide a warehouse worker, manoeuvring boxes to designated spots within confined spaces, demanding strategic foresight. The game offers two modes and a password system, ensuring both challenge and accessibility. For newcomers, an included manual provides guidance.
For those that are interested, you can find the game here, credit to the source of the article – MSX Devs.
Protect and display your retro games with RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protectors. If you are a fan of retro gaming, get all of the news delivered to your inbox each Monday with our free Retro Gaming Substack.
Nintendo’s recent unveiling of the Switch 2 brought with it a fresh design for Donkey Kong in the upcoming Mario Kart 9. This updated appearance, featuring a more relaxed and cheerful demeanour, has now extended beyond the game.
The official My Nintendo Store has introduced merchandise showcasing this friendlier version of the iconic ape, suggesting that this redesign is here to stay.
Credit: Nintendo Store
The shift in Donkey Kong’s look has sparked discussions among fans. Some appreciate the softer, more approachable design, while others miss the classic, more intense expression. Kevin Bayliss, the original designer from the Donkey Kong Country era, supports the change, noting that the previous design limited the character’s range of expressions.
Nintendo’s recent unveiling of the Switch 2 brought with it a fresh design for Donkey Kong in the upcoming Mario Kart 9. This updated appearance, featuring a more relaxed and cheerful demeanor, has now extended beyond the game. The official My Nintendo Store has introduced merchandise showcasing this friendlier version of the iconic ape, suggesting that this redesign is here to stay. 
The shift in Donkey Kong’s look has sparked discussions among fans. Some appreciate the softer, more approachable design, while others miss the classic, more intense expression. Kevin Bayliss, the original designer from the Donkey Kong Country era, supports the change, noting that the previous design limited the character’s range of expressions. 
This evolution in Donkey Kong’s appearance aligns with Nintendo’s broader strategy of updating character designs to appeal to a wider audience. As the Switch 2 era begins, it will be interesting to see how this and other character redesigns influence the gaming landscape.
Protect your collection with RetroShell’s premium game display protectors, and stay updated with retro gaming news by subscribing to the Retro Gaming Weekly Substack.
This evolution in Donkey Kong’s appearance aligns with Nintendo’s broader strategy of updating character designs to appeal to a wider audience. As the Switch 2 era begins, it will be interesting to see how this and other character redesigns influence the gaming landscape.
After more than a decade, The Sims 2 has made its return to modern platforms, now available on the EA App and Steam. This re-release includes compatibility for Windows 10 and 11, along with support for widescreen and high resolutions. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a full remaster; the game remains largely as it was during its original 2004 release.
Early feedback from players has been mixed. While some are thrilled to revisit the classic life simulation, others have reported frequent crashes and technical issues that hinder the experience. On Steam, the game currently holds a “mixed” review status, with many users expressing frustration over these persistent problems.
Credit: Steam
Despite these challenges, the re-release offers a nostalgic journey for fans, complete with the original’s charm and quirks. The iconic music and unique gameplay mechanics remain intact, providing a trip down memory lane for those who enjoyed the game in its heyday.
It’s worth mentioning that this version includes all previously released DLCs, offering a comprehensive package for players. However, given the technical issues, potential players might want to wait for patches or updates that address these problems before diving back into the world of The Sims 2.
In a recent interview with Edge, Takaya Imamura, the designer behind Star Fox, revealed that the game’s iconic characters were inspired by key Nintendo staff members. Fox McCloud, the protagonist, embodies the “essence” of Shigeru Miyamoto. Imamura explained, “Fox is based on Miyamoto-san… I think, if you look closely, you can see the similarities.”
Other characters also have real-life counterparts:
• Peppy Hare: Modeled after the game’s director, Katsuya Eguchi.
• Falco Lombardi: Inspired by graphics team member Tsuyoshi Watanabe, noted for his prominent “Roman nose.”
• Slippy Toad: Based on assistant director Yoichi Yamada, who had an affinity for frogs.
Imamura noted that these designs captured the “essence” of his colleagues rather than being direct caricatures. Interestingly, during development, the team members didn’t have strong reactions to their in-game representations, possibly due to the intense focus on the project.
This behind-the-scenes insight adds a personal touch to the Star Fox series, highlighting the creative inspirations that shaped its beloved characters.
A new wave of PlayStation 2 memory cards is changing the way we play. Devices like the SD2PSX and MemCard Pro 2 are no ordinary memory cards—they’re powered by microcontrollers, packed with features, and can now launch PS2 games directly from a microSD card, eliminating the need for discs, hard drives, or USB sticks.
Originally designed to store unlimited PS1 and PS2 save files, the SD2PSX, an open-source project, recently received a major update thanks to a group of developers known as SD2PSX Extended. They introduced a new protocol called Multi-Purpose Memory Card Emulation (MMCE), allowing the PS2 to communicate with the memory card in two ways—handling save files as normal while also loading game ISOs seamlessly.
The MemCard Pro 2, developed by 8BitMods, has also been updated with the same functionality, making it another excellent all-in-one solution for PS2 gaming. The process is plug-and-play, requiring no console modifications. Users simply install firmware, organize their games into folders, and launch titles via Open PS2 Loader (OPL), all from a single memory card.
Even the original MemCard Pro 1 (latest hardware revision) has gained this feature, providing more options for players. The SD2PSX remains the open-source alternative, while the MemCard Pro 2 offers a polished experience with built-in Wi-Fi, Google Drive backups, and an intuitive web interface.
With these innovations, PS2 enthusiasts now have a streamlined way to enjoy their favourite classics. Whether opting for the open-source SD2PSX or the feature-packed MemCard Pro 2, both devices redefine what a PS2 memory card can do.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers have a new reason to rev their engines: Ridge Racer 64 is now available on the service. Originally released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, this title was notable for being the first in the Ridge Racer series developed for a non-PlayStation console. Interestingly, it was co-developed by Nintendo Software Technology in collaboration with Namco.
The game offers a variety of modes, including Quick Play, Grand Prix, Car Attack, and Time Attack. Players can race across nine different courses set in three unique environments. Notably, Ridge Racer 64 introduced four-player split-screen multiplayer to the series, allowing friends to compete in Battle Mode, Stage Mode, and Team Mode.
This addition to the Switch Online library coincides with the game’s 25th anniversary, which will be celebrated on February 14, 2025. To access Ridge Racer 64, ensure your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription is active, and download the game through the service’s N64 library.
As previously reported – Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the re-release of The Sims and The Sims 2 for Windows 10 and 11 PCs, scheduled for January 31, 2025. This move comes as part of the franchise’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, rekindling fond memories for longtime fans.
To amplify the nostalgia, EA launched a Y2K-themed website, www.the-sims-y2k.com, reminiscent of the internet’s early days. The site features playful elements like “Sim Urself,” allowing users to create retro-style selfies with iconic Simsimagery, and the “Meme Jacuzzi,” offering a collection of Sims-inspired memes. The design, complete with Comic Sans font and vintage graphics, captures the style of the era.
Credit: Sims Y2K Meme Jacuzzi
The re-releases will include numerous expansion packs. For The Sims, this encompasses expansions such as Livin’ Large, House Party, and Hot Date. The Sims 2 re-release will feature eight expansion packs and nine stuff packs, providing a comprehensive experience for players.
These re-releases not only offer a trip down memory lane but also provide an opportunity for a new generation to experience the charm/chaos of the original Sims games.
