Onkyo has introduced a pair of true wireless earphones inspired by the iconic SEGA Saturn console. The CP-TWS01A model features earbuds designed to resemble the Saturn’s controllers, while the charging case mirrors the console’s aesthetic. Notably, these earphones incorporate the SEGA Saturn’s startup and system sounds, enhancing the nostalgic experience for users.
Key Features:
• Design: The earbuds and charging case are meticulously crafted to reflect the SEGA Saturn’s design elements, appealing to retro gaming enthusiasts.
• Audio Integration: Includes authentic SEGA Saturn startup and system sounds, providing an immersive nostalgic experience.
• Technical Specifications: Equipped with Qualcomm’s QCC3040 chipset, supporting SBC, AAC, and Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive audio codecs for high-quality sound reproduction. Features IPX7 water resistance (excluding the charging case), ambient microphone functionality, and a battery life of up to 9 hours on a single charge.
• Wireless Charging: An optional wireless charging pad, designed to resemble a game disc, is available for purchase separately.
Availability:
The SEGA Saturn-themed CP-TWS01A earphones are available for purchase in Japan, priced at approximately $100 USD for the earphones alone, and around $130 USD when bundled with the wireless charging pad.
For over 40 years, Dragon Ball has been a global phenomenon, captivating fans through its manga, anime, and an ever-expanding library of video games. With more than 160 officially licensed titles under its belt, the Dragon Ball franchise has explored nearly every genre and gaming platform imaginable, from 8-bit side-scrollers to modern 3D fighters. But which games truly stand out, and how has the franchise evolved over time?
The First Steps: Early Dragon Ball Games
1. Dragon Ball: Dragon Daihikyo (1986)
The very first Dragon Ball video game debuted on the short-lived Super Cassette Vision console. A simple shoot-’em-up featuring Goku on his Flying Nimbus, this title introduced players to the interactive side of the Dragon Ball universe.
2. Dragon Ball: Shenron no Nazo (1986)
Released for the Famicom, this action-adventure game introduced survival mechanics by requiring Goku to constantly replenish his health with food. The U.S. localization—titled Dragon Power—censored many elements, replacing flying panties with sandwiches and Master Roshi with a generic wizard.
Expanding Genres: RPGs and Card Battlers
3. Dragon Ball: Daimaō Fukkatsu (1988)
A revolutionary RPG for its time, this Famicom title used a card-based system for combat and exploration. Predating collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering by several years, it showcased the series’ ability to innovate.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors (2002)
One of the best card-based DBZ games, this Game Boy Color gem offered strategic, turn-based battles and a surprisingly deep narrative spanning Dragon Ball Z’s key arcs.
The Fighting Game Boom
5. Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden (1993)
The first proper 2D fighting game in the franchise, this Super Famicom classic introduced split-screen mechanics for larger battlefields. Its success led to two sequels and laid the groundwork for many DBZ fighters to come.
6. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (2002)
A turning point for the series, Budokai brought faithful 3D character models and accessible combat to the PlayStation 2. While not perfect, it established the foundation for future 3D fighters.
7. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (2007)
With a staggering roster of over 150 characters, destructible environments, and expansive 3D arenas, Tenkaichi 3 remains a fan favorite. Its sheer scale and authenticity have yet to be fully surpassed.
Modern Masterpieces
8. Dragon Ball FighterZ (2018)
Developed by Arc System Works, this visually stunning 2D fighter combines the fast-paced combat of Guilty Gear with the cinematic flair of Dragon Ball Z. Balancing accessibility and depth, it has earned a place in the competitive fighting game scene and at tournaments like Evo.
9. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (2020)
A sprawling action RPG that faithfully retells DBZ’s story, Kakarot offers fans an immersive experience filled with side quests, world exploration, and iconic battles. Though imperfect, it’s a love letter to the series.
The Best, Worst, and Weirdest
• Best: Dragon Ball FighterZ – A technical masterpiece and a fan-favorite fighter.
• Worst: Dragon Ball Z: Taiketsu – A poorly executed GBA game with clunky mechanics and rushed development.
• Weirdest: Dragon Ball: Atsumare! Goku’s World – A trivia game played with a landline phone, featuring Goku calling players directly.
Looking to the Future: Sparking Zero
The newly released Dragon Ball Sparking Zero updates the beloved Tenkaichi formula with modern visuals, online multiplayer, and an astounding roster of 182 characters. Its record-breaking launch proves that the Dragon Ball gaming legacy is far from over.
Why Dragon Ball Games Endure
From the first pixelated Goku to modern masterpieces, Dragon Ball games have always found ways to capture the spirit of the series. Whether it’s through innovative mechanics, faithful storytelling, or massive character rosters, these games keep fans engaged and eager for more.
What’s your favorite Dragon Ball game, and what do you hope to see next? Let us know!
The Nintendo 64, marketed with 4 MB of RAM and expandable to 8 MB via the Expansion Pack, might not be what it seems. Recent findings reveal that the N64 actually possesses an additional 0.5 MB of “hidden” memory, bringing its true capacity to 4.5 MB (and 9 MB with the Expansion Pack). These hidden bits, buried deep within its architecture, have sparked intrigue among retro gaming enthusiasts and hardware developers.
What Are These Hidden Bits?
The N64’s memory operates on a unique system where each memory cell holds 9 bits of data instead of the standard 8. While most games only utilize 8 bits per cell, the ninth bit is reserved for specific rendering processes. This extra data has largely remained untapped, with only a handful of games—such as The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask—making purposeful use of it.
Why Were These Hidden Bits Added?
The additional bits were designed for the N64’s advanced anti-aliasing capabilities. By calculating how much of a screen pixel is covered by a rendered triangle, the system can blend colors for smoother visuals. These calculations require three “hidden” bits per pixel:
• Two for coverage percentage.
• One visible bit for blending.
This innovative approach allowed the N64 to achieve its signature smooth graphics, but it also left developers with a hidden resource that could theoretically be harnessed for other purposes.
Can Developers Use These Hidden Bits?
Yes—but with limitations. Here’s how the hidden bits can be accessed:
1. GPU-Based Techniques
The GPU can read and write these bits for rendering effects, as demonstrated by Majora’s Mask in its Lens of Truth effect.
2. CPU-Based Methods
Through a technique involving “invisible geometry,” developers can write specific data to the hidden bits. However, this method is slow and complicated, limiting its practicality.
3. EBUS Mode
A more efficient approach leverages the N64’s EBUS mode, allowing developers to read and write these bits more effectively. While this method sacrifices some visible memory, it offers a way to access extra storage in specific scenarios.
Practical Applications and Challenges
While the extra memory can theoretically provide a 5-10% boost in usable RAM, its real-world application is niche:
• Ideal for rarely accessed data like dialogue, save files, or static assets.
• Requires careful memory management to avoid corrupting visible data.
• Not supported by most emulators, making it inaccessible to many players.
A Glimpse into Development
For developers like the video’s creator, these techniques present exciting opportunities. Working on an N64 game that pushes the console’s limits, they’ve explored every quirk of the hardware, including the hidden bits. While these tricks offer unique advantages, they also underline the ingenuity required to develop on retro platforms.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Potential of Hidden Memory
The discovery of the N64’s hidden memory highlights the depth and complexity of retro gaming hardware. While its practical use remains limited, it showcases the creative potential of developers who continue to push the boundaries of what classic consoles can do.
Whether you’re a developer or a retro gaming enthusiast, the N64’s hidden bits offer a fascinating glimpse into the innovative spirit of gaming’s golden era.
Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the classic action game BattleTanx on a playable Nintendo 64 (N64) cartridge are now open. Originally released in 1998, BattleTanx immerses players in a post-apocalyptic America, where they command powerful tanks to rescue the revered QueenLords from hostile factions.
Key Features:
• Multiplayer Action: Supports up to four players simultaneously, offering explosive 3D tank combat across various modes, including Campaign, Deathmatch, Annihilation, and Family modes.
• Diverse Levels: Features 17 intense levels set in a devastated American landscape, challenging players to strategize and survive.
• Rumble Pak Support: Compatible with the N64 Rumble Pak™, enhancing the gaming experience with tactile feedback.
Pre-Order Details:
• Price: $59.99
• Pre-Order Period: Open until Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
• Availability: This is an open pre-order for a limited time, with no purchase limit per customer.
This release is a unique opportunity for retro gaming enthusiasts to own a physical copy of BattleTanx for the N64, preserving a piece of gaming history.
Protect your N64 games with RetroShell’s premium Nintendo 64 protectors—the ultimate solution for collectors. Explore the world’s best retro game protectors at www.retroshell.com.
The Sega Saturn, while home to an impressive catalogue of games, poses a challenge for modern gamers due to the skyrocketing prices of its original titles. Enter the Saru cartridge, a groundbreaking solution that makes accessing Sega Saturn games affordable and convenient.
What is the Saru Cartridge?
The Saru cartridge is an innovative accessory for Sega Saturn enthusiasts, providing access to a vast game library without the need for expensive physical copies or extensive system modifications.
Key Features:
• Affordable Access: At around $75, it’s a fraction of the cost of many Saturn games.
• Pre-loaded Games: Comes with a Micro SD card stocked with popular titles.
• Simple Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Adding new games is as easy as transferring files on your computer.
Easy Setup and Compatibility
Setting up the Saru cartridge is beginner-friendly:
1. Remove the included Micro SD card.
2. Connect it to your computer.
3. Drag and drop game files into the designated ISO folder.
4. Reinsert the card into the cartridge and start gaming!
The cartridge supports a variety of content, including:
• Classic Sega Saturn Games
• Fan-Made Homebrew Titles
• Japanese Games with Translation Patches
Superior Performance
The Saru cartridge enhances the gaming experience with faster loading times and reliable hardware-level emulation. Here’s a glimpse at how it performs:
Game TitleLoad Time (Seconds)
Panzer Dragoon 2
X-Men vs. Street Fighter 3
Christmas Nights 1
Why the Saru Cartridge Stands Out
1. No System Modifications: Works with the Sega Saturn straight out of the box, no tinkering required.
2. Firmware Updates: Regular updates improve compatibility and add new features.
3. Enhanced Gameplay: Nostalgic classics like Christmas Nights can be experienced with minimal load times and no input lag.
A Must-Have for Sega Saturn Fans
For Sega Saturn owners, the Saru cartridge is a game-changer. It combines affordability, convenience, and performance, making it an essential accessory for collectors and newcomers alike.
Why Choose the Saru Cartridge?
• Access a diverse range of Sega Saturn games without the hefty price tag.
• Enjoy a user-friendly setup with no modifications needed.
• Enhance your experience with homebrew games and translation patches.
For retro gaming enthusiasts who want to explore Sega Saturn’s rich history, the Saru cartridge delivers a cost-effective and seamless solution. Revisit the classics and rediscover the joy of Sega Saturn without the financial strain.
For retro gaming fans, the idea of bringing Darkstalkers to the Sega Genesis is a dream come true. In a recent update video, Daniel from Retro Reloaded shared his progress on a fan project that aims to reimagine the beloved Capcom fighter for the classic 16-bit console. While the project is making headway, Daniel also highlighted some significant challenges in adapting the game to the Genesis’s limitations.
Progress Report: Characters and Animations
Daniel has completed most of the character animations, with all moves—except special attacks—successfully implemented. From Dimitri to Sasquatch, the roster is shaping up nicely. However, timing adjustments and hitbox refinements are still needed to bring the gameplay to life.
Key Milestones Achieved:
• Character animations are nearly finalized.
• Most stages are functional, though some require optimization.
• Work on special moves and balancing is scheduled next.
Challenges with VRAM Limitations
Adapting Darkstalkers to the Sega Genesis presents unique technical hurdles. Daniel discussed how the system’s limited VRAM (Video RAM) has forced compromises in stage design and even character inclusion.
Notable Issues:
• Stage Glitches: Some backgrounds disappear or exhibit visual glitches due to insufficient VRAM.
• Character Cuts: Acarus, a character with massive sprites and screen-wide moves, may need to be replaced by smaller, more manageable characters like BB Hood or Q-Bee.
These adjustments are critical to ensuring the game runs smoothly on Genesis hardware.
A Fan-Led Labor of Love
This project is a solo effort, with Daniel managing every aspect of development. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about completing the game, potentially by next Christmas. Fans of Darkstalkers are encouraged to provide feedback on character roster decisions, as these will impact the project’s timeline and final quality.
Preserve Your Retro Gaming Memories
For collectors excited about Darkstalkers and other retro gems, keeping your cartridges and consoles in top condition is essential. RetroShell’s protective cases are the perfect way to showcase and safeguard your collection, offering durable and stylish protection for your gaming treasures.
Stay Tuned for Updates
As the project progresses, fans can follow Daniel’s journey on Retro Reloaded’s YouTube channel. Whether you’re a Darkstalkers enthusiast or just love fan projects that push retro hardware to its limits, this project is one to watch.
The gaming industry in 2024 was marked by significant challenges and transformative trends that reshaped its landscape.
Key Trends:
• Industry Layoffs and Studio Closures: The year witnessed unprecedented layoffs, with over 10,000 developers losing their jobs in 2023 and a 40% increase in job losses in 2024. High-profile studio closures and project cancellations underscored the industry’s volatility.
• Rise of AI in Game Development: Approximately 62% of developers incorporated AI tools into their workflows, leveraging generative AI for asset creation and other production processes.
• Unionization Efforts: There was a notable increase in labor organization within the industry, with quality assurance roles becoming a focal point for unionization to advocate for better wages and career opportunities.
• Economic Pressures and Market Shifts: Economic fluctuations, rising development costs, and changing consumer spending habits contributed to the industry’s challenges, prompting a reevaluation of business models and strategies.
• Indie Developer Struggles: Independent studios faced significant hardships, with many small developers shutting down due to financial constraints and limited access to funding.
Despite these challenges, the industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with ongoing discussions about sustainable practices and the future of game development.
The preservation of video game history often focuses on early builds and prototypes, but an equally valuable source lies in the documentation surrounding a game’s development. Recently, the Video Game History Foundation was gifted a remarkable collection of documents and files from Michael Manheim, a game developer whose career spans decades with companies like Sunsoft, EA, and 3DO. Among the gems of this collection are detailed records of Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes, revealing fascinating insights into its development.
Nine Fascinating Facts About Sarge’s Heroes
1. A Lightning-Fast Development Cycle
From pitch to store shelves, the development of Sarge’s Heroes took only 18 months—a remarkable feat considering it was one of five Army Men titles released in 1999.
2. Inspired by Tomb Raider and GoldenEye
Drawing inspiration from console hits like Tomb Raider and GoldenEye, the game shifted the series’ focus from strategy to a character-driven adventure, tailored for home consoles.
3. Simplified Gameplay for Development Feasibility
Initial ambitious plans included squad mechanics, vehicle controls, and co-op campaigns. Many features were cut to meet deadlines, though echoes of these ideas appeared in later titles.
4. The Creation of Vikki
The design of Vikki, the series’ lone female character, faced unique challenges. Early concepts struggled to balance her role as a character and as an appeal to the target audience.
5. Built with the N64 in Mind
The original pitch firmly positioned Sarge’s Heroes as an N64-focused title, leveraging the console’s strengths in rendering expansive 3D environments and supporting four-player split-screen gameplay.
6. A Name from Trip Hawkins
The name Sarge’s Heroes was suggested by EA and 3DO founder Trip Hawkins, aiming to give the game a unique identity while hinting at its narrative focus.
7. Robin Williams as Sarge?
Robin Williams, an avid gamer, was once considered for the role of Sarge. Ultimately, the character was voiced by the prolific Jim Cummings.
8. Aiming for a Multimedia Brand
Plans for Sarge’s Heroes extended beyond games to include action figures, a television series, and even a feature film. While some of these plans were unrealized, the IP became a cornerstone of the Army Men franchise.
9. Nintendo’s Behind-the-Scenes Input
Rare glimpses into Nintendo’s internal testing feedback highlight the depth of their involvement. Suggestions for graphical tweaks and design refinements helped shape the final product.
Why This Matters to Retro Gaming Enthusiasts
The insights from Manheim’s documents illustrate the creative and technical challenges of game development in the late 1990s. From ambitious pitches to hard decisions on cuts, these stories enrich our understanding of gaming history. Collectors and fans of retro gaming can also find joy in preserving these relics, much like the cartridges and consoles themselves.
Protect and Showcase Your Gaming Memories
For collectors of retro games like Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes, keeping your treasures in pristine condition is key. RetroShell’s protective cases provide durable, high-quality storage to safeguard your collection while showcasing your love for classic gaming.
Support the Video Game History Foundation
To continue exploring and preserving video game history, consider supporting the Video Game History Foundation through their YouTube channel or Patreon. Every contribution helps keep the stories of our gaming past alive.
The MSXdev’24 competition has unveiled a new entry, Sam.Pr Explorer, an engaging game for the MSX2 platform that transports players to the enigmatic world of ancient Egypt.
Game Overview:
In Sam.Pr Explorer, players assume the role of Sam.PR, an intrepid explorer who finds himself trapped within the labyrinthine corridors of an Egyptian pyramid. The objective is to navigate through a series of perilous rooms, each filled with traps and adversaries, to secure an escape. The game offers varying difficulty levels, challenging players to clear multiple rooms within a set timeframe, all while evading foes intent on thwarting their progress.
Key Features:
• Authentic Egyptian Setting: Immerse yourself in the atmospheric recreation of ancient pyramid interiors, complete with thematic challenges and obstacles.
• Time-Based Challenges: Race against the clock to solve puzzles and overcome traps, with difficulty levels that adjust the number of rooms and time constraints.
• Dynamic Adversaries: Encounter a variety of enemies designed to impede your escape, requiring strategic thinking and quick reflexes.
Sam.Pr Explorer is a testament to the enduring creativity within the MSX community, offering both nostalgia and fresh challenges to enthusiasts of the classic platform.
8BitDo has introduced the Ultimate Mini Wired Controller, a compact and lightweight gamepad officially licensed by Xbox. Designed for gamers with smaller hands, including teenagers and children, this controller is 20% smaller and 10% lighter than the standard 8BitDo Ultimate C model, enhancing comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Key Features:
• Compact Design: Tailored for smaller grips, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic gaming experience.
• Hall-Effect Triggers and Joysticks: Provides higher precision and sensitivity, enhancing gameplay accuracy.
• Fire Ring RGB Lighting: Interactive LED lighting around each joystick with multiple modes, including Fire Ring, Light-tracing, and Rainbow Ring, adding a dynamic visual element to gaming.
• Enhanced Grip and Tactile Feedback: Features refined bumpers and a D-pad recalibrated for a clicky yet smooth feel, along with impulse triggers and high-definition vibration for immersive gameplay.
• 3.5mm Audio Jack: Includes a standard CTIA connector for seamless audio integration.
Compatibility:
The Ultimate Mini Wired Controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 systems, offering versatility across platforms.
Availability:
Available in translucent white, pink, and green, the controller is priced at $34.99 and can be purchased through 8BitDo’s official store and select retailers.
