In a significant shift within the gaming industry, US spending on physical video games has declined by more than half since 2021, according to recent data from market research firm Circana. This trend underscores the accelerating consumer preference for digital formats over traditional boxed copies.
This echoes my experience with gaming, I am a die-hard physical media kind of person. I like to physically have my games, to collect and share (well, I am a collector). It has made me a little bit sad in recent times that my friends who I used to borrow and exchange games with, now – no longer have physical media to trade. I do understand the convenience, but rarely do I need a game there and then – and your purchase is lost forever once the servers shut down.
Several factors contribute to this decline. The widespread availability of high-speed internet has facilitated easier access to digital downloads, while online marketplaces on consoles have made purchasing games more convenient. Additionally, the rise of live service games, which often rely on microtransactions, has further propelled the digital shift.
Circana’s analysis indicates that the move towards digital consumption has gained momentum since the pandemic. Their data reveals that physical game spending is now over 85% below its 2008 peak. Despite this, overall content spending—including both physical and digital purchases, as well as subscriptions and microtransactions—has seen an uptick since 2019.
The rate of decline in US physical video game software spending accelerated in 2024.
Spending on physical video game software in the US has been cut in more than half since 2021 and is now more than 85% below its 2008 peak.
We'll see if Switch 2 can help slow/reverse this trend in 2025.
It’s noteworthy that in 2024, a lighter release schedule for the Nintendo Switch, which traditionally bolsters a significant portion of physical game sales, may have contributed to the accelerated decline in physical purchases.
While the overarching trend leans towards digital, the rate of this transition varies across platforms and game series. For instance, in Europe last year, the overall digital share rose to 68% from 60%. Xbox’s digital share increased to 75% (up from 70%), PlayStation 5’s to 64% (up from 55%), while Nintendo’s remained steady at 22%.
As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how upcoming hardware releases, such as the anticipated Switch 2, will influence consumer purchasing habits in 2025.
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Fans of classic RPGs are buzzing after Sega filed a new trademark for the beloved Dreamcast title, Skies of Arcadia. The trademark, spotted in Japan’s intellectual property database, has reignited speculation that the game may finally receive a modern remaster or remake as reported originally by Gematsu.
The Original
Skies of Arcadia, originally released in 2000, is one of the most acclaimed JRPGs of its era, praised for its vibrant world, airship battles, and unforgettable characters – it has a stellar score of 93 on Metacritic.
While it was ported to the Nintendo GameCube in 2003 as Skies of Arcadia Legends, it has yet to make its way to modern consoles.
The new trademark could mean several things: a re-release, a remaster, or even a sequel. However, trademarks don’t always guarantee new projects, as companies often renew them simply to protect intellectual property. Still, the timing feels significant, with Sega increasingly mining its back catalogue for nostalgic projects, including Sonic Origins and the Like a Dragon series.
Will Skies of Arcadia finally return to the skies? Only time will tell, but Sega’s move has undeniably sparked hope.
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In a recent interview, Banjo-Kazooie composer Grant Kirkhope delivered a stark verdict for fans hoping to see a new instalment in Rare’s beloved platformer series. Kirkhope, who crafted the iconic soundtrack for the Nintendo 64 classics, expressed that he has “zero hope” for a new Banjo-Kazooie game ever being made.
Kirkhope went on to elaborate that even if a new game were greenlit, it would face insurmountable challenges in meeting fan expectations. “All you die-hard fans would instantly hate it,” he said, referencing the immense nostalgia and reverence surrounding the original titles. According to Kirkhope, any modern attempt to recapture the magic of the series would likely fall short of its legacy, leaving fans disappointed.
I’ve said it before … but .. I have zero hope for another Banjo game, plus all you die hard fans would instantly hate it and slag it off no matter how good it was , it never works.
The statement echoes a sentiment shared by many in the gaming community: reviving a classic franchise comes with high stakes and the potential for backlash. While Banjo-Kazooie made a celebrated return as guest characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and received a port on the Xbox platform, fans hoping for a full-fledged sequel may have to temper their expectations.
The Orginal
For now, the adventures of Banjo and Kazooie remain a cherished memory of gaming’s golden age, with little sign of a new journey on the horizon.
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The highly anticipated SuperStation One from Taki Udon has started to take pre-orders for those who want to get in on this FPGA marvel in a beautiful form factor.
When writing, the black and transparent blue models are available, and the founder’s packages for these colours are still available. I snagged a Black one (pre-orders opened yesterday at 3am European time, but I missed this) for $149.99.
Credit: RetroRemake
The SuperDock is also available for pre-order, by way of a $5 deposit (so I ordered this as well as it will be nice to have the CD functionality). The website assures me that I will get my dock in the same colour as the console, which is great – and they are stating that the full price will be targetted at $40 – which seems reasonable as well for, the media capabilities and an extra set of connectivity (2 x more USA A slots).
Credit: RetroRemake
It is worth noting that I am not sure how many pre-orders will be taken at this price and the Founders Edition (Mexico) has sold out. For those that do not snag a founders edition, there is also the regular SuperStation One for $179.99.
For those who are interested, shipping was $31 to Spain, and the taxes were pre-charged at $39.06, which is great as paying taxes in other ways is frustrating.
if you want to read more about the SuperStation one, we have you covered here.
Introducing the SuperStation one. An open-source PS1 FPGA gaming console that supports original games, memory cards, and controllers. Load games from a disk or a backup. Region free. Supports all MiSTer FPGA cores, including N64 & Sega Saturn.
The SuperStation One is an FPGA-based gaming console inspired by the PS One, designed to support original PlayStation games, memory cards, and controllers. It is region-free and fully compatible with MiSTer FPGA cores, allowing it to emulate a variety of classic gaming consoles. 
Key Specifications: • Storage: Comes with a pre-installed 64GB Micro SD card. • Connectivity: • Three USB-A ports • Ethernet port • NFC reader • USB-C for power • Video Outputs: • HDMI • VGA • DIN10 • Composite • Component • Audio Outputs: • 3.5mm audio jack • Digital audio port • Expansion Slot: Includes an expansion slot for the upcoming SuperDock accessory, which will add a slot-loading disc drive, a 2280 m.2 SSD bay, and four additional USB-A ports. 
We look forward to seeing if the estimated Q3 delivery date is met.
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This week has not been very focused on gaming, as I built a new app (more details to be shared very soon), however, I did manage to play Marvel Snap a lot and also get my Analogue Pocket updated with a load of cores and I started to put some ROM’s on it for future reference. I also got accepted to “Stars Reach” pre-Alpha, but do not have a PC to run it. This looks like a good Star Wars Galaxy successor (the 🐐 in my opinion), but let’s see.
This week we have 40 entries to the newsletter, making it the biggest yet. We cover more “new” Game Boy games, updates on the Superstation One (FPGA PS1), a Tang $69 FPGA console, and a load more.
News
🎮 Embark on a Retro Adventure with PokettoHiro for Game Boy Color. A new retro-style game called PokettoHiro has been released for the Game Boy Color, offering an exciting mix of platforming and RPG mechanics. Retroshell.
🎵 Gimmick! Gets a New Arranged Album Featuring an All-Star Lineup. A newly arranged album for the NES classic Gimmick! is in production, featuring contributions from renowned musicians. Time Extension.
🕹️ Ultima VII Revisited: Version 0.1.0 Breathes New Life into a Classic RPG. A fan project updating Ultima VII has released version 0.1.0, introducing modern enhancements while preserving its classic RPG charm. Retroshell.
🎮 Balenciaga’s Limited Edition Game Console Misses the Mark. Balenciaga’s new luxury game console highlights the disconnect between high fashion and gaming culture. Yanko Design.
👻 The Demo for Cronela’s Mansion Has Dropped. A playable demo for Cronela’s Mansion is now available, teasing a spooky new experience for fans of indie horror games. Retroshell.
🎮 Metal Miracle: A New Game Boy Color Title from Hermano’s Creators(below). The developers of Hermanohave unveiled Metal Miracle, a fresh RPG for the Game Boy Color. Retrododo.
🕹️ Mega EverDrive Core: Affordable Flash Cartridge for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. The Mega EverDrive Core is a cost-effective flash cartridge offering new accessibility for Sega Genesis and Mega Drive gaming. Retroshell.
⚔️ Game Boy Classic Ninja Five-O Returns February 25. Ninja Five-O, a beloved Game Boy Advance action game, will make a comeback on February 25. Hardcore Gamer.
⚔️ Ninja Five-O: Konami’s Forgotten GBA Gem Returns. Konami’s cult classic Ninja Five-O is being re-released, rekindling interest in the overlooked GBA title. Retroshell.
🎨 Limited Run Games Adds Phantasy Star Online Merch Line. Limited Run Games has launched new merchandise inspired by Phantasy Star Online. GoNintendo.
🔑 The New SEGA Account Connects Fans with Iconic Games. Sega introduces a unified account system to enhance access to its game ecosystem. Retroshell.
🕺 Dreamcast Dance Rhythm Game Puyo Puyo DA Now in English. The rhythm game Puyo Puyo DA for the Dreamcast has been translated into English, making it accessible to a wider audience. Time Extension.
🌟 The Meating Special Edition Glow-in-the-Dark Shell Unveiled. A glow-in-the-dark special edition shell for The Meating has been announced. Retroshell.
❄️ Snow Bros. 2 Special Brings Frosty Fun Back. The arcade classic Snow Bros. 2 is set to return with updated visuals and gameplay tweaks. Retroshell.
🎮 Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics Gearing Up for Launch. Technos Japan’s arcade classics are bundled into Super Technos World, bringing nostalgic titles to modern platforms. Retroshell.
🤓 Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit Coming to Modern Consoles and NES. The Angry Video Game Nerd’s 8-bit game is launching soon for both modern consoles and the original NES. Retroshell.
🦆 Tiny Duck Hunt 3D Demo Available Now. A 3D reimagining of Duck Hunt has released its demo, showcasing a modern twist on the NES classic. Retroshell.
🎮 Three New SNES Games Join Switch Online Library. Nintendo has added three new SNES titles to its Switch Online service. Retroshell.
⚠️ Atari Warns Against Unauthorized Use of Pong Trademark. Atari has issued a warning to a cryptocurrency project for unauthorized use of the Pong trademark. Retroshell.
🥋 Mortal Kombat II Fan Project for 3DO Reaches New Milestone. A fan-made version of Mortal Kombat II for the 3DO has made significant progress, including gameplay refinements. Retroshell.
🕹️ Sipeed Introduces Tang Console: A $69 FPGA Device for Retro Gaming. The Tang Console is a $69 FPGA-based device aimed at retro gaming enthusiasts. Retroshell.
📚 Video Game History Foundation Opens Digital Library to the Public. The Video Game History Foundation is sharing its digital library, granting public access to rare game materials. Retroshell.
Features
🎮 Sega has launched a Japanese Game Centre Guide to help tourists navigate the vibrant arcade scene in Japan. Retroshell
🎸 A deep dive into the “Family Bass,” exploring the unique low-end sounds of the Famicom’s musical capabilities (below). Sonic State
🎨 Takaya Imamura, the artist behind Nintendo’s iconic worlds, is celebrated for his creative contributions to gaming. Retroshell
🕹️ A comparison of the Sega Saturn and PlayStation highlights the defining aspects of the 1990s console wars. CBR
🛠️ A Neo Geo Pocket Color modder has enhanced the handheld with a Raspberry Pi, expanding its capabilities. Retroshell
🚫 Lizardcube, the studio behind Wonder Boy and Streets of Rage, declined the chance to work on a Metal Slug title. Time Extension
🔫 Marvel’s The Punisher celebrates its 20th anniversary, reflecting on the legacy of the brutal vigilante in gaming. Inverse
Lists & Rankings
📚 A list of 10 books about retro gaming offers insights and knowledge for enthusiasts and historians. Retroshell
🎥 The best Super Nintendo movie-based games are ranked, highlighting their impact and quality. CBR
🍌 All mainline Donkey Kong games are ranked from best to worst, showcasing the franchise’s evolution. Augustman
🎯 A ranking of the best pinball video games of all time explores this unique gaming niche. CBR
🎮 The best video game controllers of all time are discussed, emphasizing design and innovation. Digital Trends
🕹️ The best Sega Genesis RPGs are ranked, celebrating the console’s standout role-playing games. CBR
🐵 Donkey Kong’s most iconic characters are ranked based on their contributions to the franchise. TheGamer
✨ A look at SNES RPGs that would benefit from HD-2D visuals highlights the potential for modern remakes. CBR
Yuzo Koshiro, the legendary composer and developer known for iconic soundtracks in games like Streets of Rage and The Revenge of Shinobi, has shared an exciting update on his latest project, Earthion. Originally designed as a passion project for the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis), Koshiro has revealed that the game is now also in development for Steam, promising modern enhancements that build upon the 16-bit version’s nostalgic charm.
In a tweet shared on January 25, 2025, Koshiro confirmed the progress:
“The development of the Steam version of Earthion is progressing smoothly. We are including additional elements not found in the Mega Drive version, so please look forward to it.”
Koshiro’s message reflects his meticulous approach to game development, emphasizing daily improvements and a deep commitment to quality. Despite the inevitable debugging challenges, Koshiro has found the process enjoyable, underscoring his passion for Earthion. This hands-on care and attention suggest players can expect a polished and engaging experience, whether they play on vintage hardware or Steam.
First showcased at the Tokyo Game Show, Earthion immediately caught the attention of retro gaming fans with its visually striking 16-bit aesthetic and gameplay reminiscent of the golden age of gaming. Attendees praised its vibrant graphics and tight mechanics when it was playable at Happinet’s booth.
Initially planned for a 2024 release, Koshiro opted to delay the game to 2025, citing the need to refine the experience further. The move hopefully ensures Earthion will deliver on its potential when it launches on both the Mega Drive / Genesis and Steam.
A Legend in Gaming Continues to Innovate
Koshiro’s decision to expand Earthion to modern platforms like Steam broadens its and bridges retro gaming with modern gamers.
Stay tuned for more updates as Earthion nears completion, promising to deliver a blend of classic and modern gaming that only a master like Yuzo Koshiro could create.
The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has announced that its extensive digital library of gaming publications will become accessible to the public starting next week. This move represents a significant milestone in the preservation and sharing of video game history, offering enthusiasts, researchers, and developers access to a treasure trove of historical gaming materials.
Good things come to those who wait – the Video Game History Foundation Digital Library launches on January 30th, 2025. (We'll tell you all about it then!) pic.twitter.com/pKHoAS9Qkw
— Video Game History Foundation (@GameHistoryOrg) January 23, 2025
What the Digital Library Offers
The VGHF’s digital library includes scans of rare gaming magazines, strategy guides, promotional materials, and other print resources that document decades of gaming history. These materials, previously available only to researchers or through in-person visits, will now be accessible online for anyone interested in exploring the evolution of the video game industry.
Credit: Gamehistory.org
To protect the intellectual property rights of these materials, access will initially be limited to “controlled digital lending.” Users will need to check out specific materials from the library, similar to borrowing books from a physical library. This approach ensures the preservation of copyright while still enabling public access to invaluable resources.
Why This Matters
The opening of the VGHF’s digital library underscores the importance of preserving video game history. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, many early gaming materials risk being lost or forgotten. The Foundation’s efforts aim to safeguard these artefacts, providing a window into how games were created, marketed, and received by audiences over the years.
For gamers and researchers alike, this library offers a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the gaming industry, from iconic console launches to forgotten titles that shaped the medium.
About the Video Game History Foundation
Founded in 2017, the VGHF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of video games. The Foundation works to digitise and archive materials, ensuring that the legacy of gaming is not lost to time.
A Minecraft player has transformed the game into a digital art gallery by recreating several iconic paintings, including Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Using a creative selection of blocks and meticulous attention to detail, the artist has brought these timeless masterpieces to life within the blocky world of Minecraft.
The project, showcased in a YouTube video, demonstrates the artist’s thoughtful use of Minecraft’s materials to replicate these famous works. Stripped logs and planks from various wood types, copper in different oxidized states, Terracotta, Stone, Deepslate, and more were cleverly combined to emulate the fine details and vibrant colours of the original paintings.
Credit: Bubbaflubba / YouTube
The Framing Touch
Beyond recreating the paintings themselves, the player, known as BubbaFlubba, also framed each one, adding a thoughtful design element that helped the pieces stand out against Minecraft’s natural landscape. This framing elevated the visual impact of each artwork, creating a gallery-like experience for anyone viewing the project.
You can check out his other amazing creations on his YouTube channel.
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Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been confirmed cracked on PC, igniting a flurry of discussions and debates across gaming forums and communities. Initially launched on PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive, the game officially hit PC platforms on January 23, 2025, via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Despite this, unauthorized versions have now surfaced on piracy sites, leading to widespread discourse about the ethics and implications of such actions.
Credit: Square Eniz
The Leak and its Implications
The unauthorized PC versions of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth seem to have originated from pre-release builds or unauthorized modifications. Discussions on platforms like Reddit’s r/PiratedGames and Steam Community forums indicate that these cracked versions include functional gameplay elements, including graphical settings. This situation raises questions about the security of game builds before official releases.
Square Enix has yet to make an official statement on this specific incident, but it underscores the ongoing battle against piracy within the gaming industry.
Fan and Industry Reaction
The gaming community’s response is mixed. Some view the cracked version as a way to circumvent the exclusivity period, while others argue that piracy undermines the developers’ hard work. The debate touches on issues like game pricing, exclusivity, and accessibility, fueling conversations across platforms.
Developers and publishers are under increasing pressure to implement robust anti-piracy measures without alienating their paying customers. This event showcases the delicate balance between security, accessibility, and player satisfaction, especially in a global market where consumer expectations can vary widely.
For those interested in the official release, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth can be purchased on Steam or the Epic Games Store.
Sipeed, a company known for its work in FPGA and embedded systems, has announced the Tang Console, an affordable FPGA-powered device that functions as both a development platform and a retro gaming handheld. Priced at just $69, the Tang Console is aimed at hobbyists, developers, and retro gaming enthusiasts seeking an entry point into FPGA technology.
🎮 Your Dream #FPGA#RetroGame Console is here! ✨ #Tang Console start at just $69—half the size of MiSTer, supports NES,SNES,GB,GBA,MD,Amiga & even handheld form! 🚀 🌍 Open to the community: Free samples for game core devs! 👉 Apply or Preorder now: https://t.co/cne9Md2bHdpic.twitter.com/To4zrak4aj
At an attractive price point and supporting a range of FPGA cores, the tiny device sold the first 200 units sold out in one day.
What Is the Tang Console?
The Tang Console is built around the GOWIN GW1NSR-LV4C FPGA, a flexible and powerful chip that enables custom hardware development. This device comes with a 3.5-inch IPS display (320×480 resolution) and features a compact handheld form factor with built-in controls, making it an ideal platform for experimenting with FPGA cores or running retro games.
Credit: Tang
The device is equipped with 16MB of SDRAM, 32MB of Flash memory, and an ESP8285 chip for wireless functionality. This configuration allows it to handle a wide range of FPGA cores for systems like NES, Game Boy, and more.
Key Features and Use Cases
• Retro Gaming: The Tang Console supports FPGA cores, enabling accurate emulation of classic systems. Sipeed has demonstrated it running games like Super Mario Bros. on an NES core.
• Development Platform: With its affordable price and versatile hardware, the device is a great starting point for those looking to learn FPGA development.
• Portable Design: Its small size and built-in controls make it a convenient handheld device for gaming and experimenting on the go.
Community and Expansion
Sipeed is actively encouraging community involvement in expanding the Tang Console’s capabilities. They’ve already teased compatibility with open-source FPGA projects, and with the right community support, the console could become a robust platform for both development and retro gaming.
Tang is presently offering the 3D step file for creating your case and offering a free console for the winning design.
The device is available for pre-order through Sipeed’s official website and is expected to ship soon.
An affordable entrant to the FPGA console world
While FPGA devices like the Analogue Pocket have gained popularity for their precise hardware emulation, the Tang Console stands out for its affordability and development potential. Whether you’re a developer eager to experiment or a retro gaming fan looking for a budget-friendly handheld, the Tang Console offers something unique at a price point that’s hard to beat.
For more details, check out Sipeed’s official announcements on X (Twitter) and their product page.
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