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34 years ago today, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link was released for the trusty NES. Never played it? Well, we got you – you can play it through your browser here.
Nintendo was born 133 years ago as a playing card company – Reutir look back at the history of the Legendary gaming company (I do not throw legendary around easily). Link
Modern games too easy? Sick of being able to reload that save when things get sticky? Looking for a challenge? Yardbarker look at the toughest NES games (below for my #1). Link
Makes Bloodborne feel easy
The best retro gaming tees ever made.
Remember that classic game called Bible Adventures for the NES? No? Well it happened, and Nintendo Link look back in more detail about what it was all about (below). Link
Moses was preparing for his sailing adventure
Den of Geek take a look at the 15 weirdest Gameboy games ever made, in case you care. Link
A bit of a strange one, but Happy Mag report on Impact Soundworks offering Super Audio Boy for free, which is a piece of software that includes a ton of Game Boy 8 bit samples. Link
Den of Geek give their view on the 15 best SNES fighting games (below). Link
Can you name all four?
Tech E Blog reveal that a modder has created a 60fps version of StarFox. Link
In a slow Sega news week a Japanese couple got married and had a cool Sega 90’s tower wedding cake (below). Link
Saved you a click
Its hard to argue that the NES was the winner versus the Master System, but there were some games that were better on the Sega console. The Gamer have a list. Link
The Sega Modem was ahead of its time and an amazing piece of kit – Tech e Blog look at in more detail. Link
More bolt ons than Frankenstein
Other
Kim Komando has an article that looks at 10 “vintage” electronics that are are now worth a sh*tload (my word). Some interesting retro gaming bits included. Link
Tedium look into the MagnaVox Odysseys’ history and its place in video gaming history (worth a read). Link
That’s it for this week, if you are reading this – thanks for reading to the end. Have a great week!
Mega Man Zero turned 20 last week and to celebrate this, Nintendo Life rank all (53) of the games from the franchise.
Mega Man is mega man. Credit: Nintendo Life
Want to know what the most valuable N64 games are? Well 80’s kids think you do so much they wrote an article about this. Link
With Goldeneye (below) all over the news due to its birthday, subsequent documentary and re-release on the Switch and Xbox, CBR look back at to why the game was so special. Link
Once you see the wide mouth of bond (or is it his hand) – you can’t un-see it.
Ruerir report on a new game for the Sega Megadrive/Genesis by Pixel Heart – Alice Sisters. Link
Other
How to Geek have a nice feature on the best modern retro consoles and look at the best way of playing old games on new hardware. I did not know you could run RetroArch on the Series X in developer mode! Link
Remember that time Apple made a console? The Pippin was not a success like most Apple products, and California18 look in more detail about the $450 flop (below). Link
Naming it after a basketball player was a strange move.
The folks at Chithot (nice name) have voted 1996 as the best year in gaming. Link
CBR give their list of the 10 most expensive Atari games. Link
USA today look at what was the first video game. It was not known by me! Link
Arstechnica look at the 103 games that did, and did not make it into the Atari 50 collection. Link
Welcome to issue #8, this week (tomorrow) 39 years the legendary Mortal Kombat was released on the SNES and Megadrive/Genesis. For me it was always a lot of fun, not quite as polished as SF2 but there was something about ripping the head and spine from my opponents body that was very unique. You can play the gorier Sega version here (but good luck with a keyboard).
Oh My Mag kick us off with a clickbait title saying that this NES game is worth almost $11k – spoiler alert as I dislike clickbait – its called Phantom Air Mission and the condition for this valuation is brand new, but the cart alone is worth $1k. Link
Numbered, limited edition retro tees.
Screen Rant provide us with a massive surprise by compiling a list of 10 “Groundbreaking” Game Boy games that still look good today. IMO there is only so much you can do with a monochrome display, but in case you are interested. Link
The Gamer take a look at the best accessories for the Game Boy, I had the link cable (used one or twice for Tetris) and the magnifier. Not sure why I needed the latter as my young eyes were perfectly fine, but it always seemed cool. Always wanted the printer, not sure why. Link
More on the Rare console that never was – the Play Boy. I have a good friend who was senior at Rare who explained to me that they took it to CES, showed Miyamoto of Nintendo (they were partners) who then revealed the Gameboy, and that was that. Did you know Rare also did a 4p adaptor called the Foreplay and also a motorbike engine (V-Twin). Link
Ever heard of the Sharp SF1 (below)? I had not. Find out more about the TV with built in SNES from 1990 as told by TechEBlog. Link
Want, but shipping from Japan will be a bitch
Lord of the Rings is hot right now (the series on Amazon for me is a bit meh thus far), so Ruetir look back at the history of LOTR and the SNES – which is not a history with quality games. At all. Link
A look at the Twitch Streamer “Acegamersam” who beat all 296 N64 games in 5 years (that’s over 4 a month, I struggle with 4 a year these days). Impressive. Reported by Know techie. Link
What are the 10 most valuable N64 games? Find out thanks to Twinfinate. Link
Today I learned about SAGE’22 – Sonic Amateur Games Expo, which was last week. Link
Disney are remaking Gargoyles (originally for the Mega Drive) and Game News 24 tell you more. Link
The Sega/Mega CD was a nice idea and brought FMV to the 16 bit generation – and there was a quite large catalogue of games available. At the time it was just a dream to own one. Exputer look at the best games ever released on the system. Link
One of my personal favourite franchises and looking forward to playing the CD version when I get the Mini 2.
Other
The 2600 is 45 years old and and Stuff look at the best games on this faux wooden granddaddy of gaming (below). Link
60% of the time, it works every time.
Gizmodo look at the PocketStar retro gaming console – which is almost keyring sized and looks fiddly. Link
You need hands the same size as this person to play this.
And that’s it for this week. Hope you learned something new, and if you enjoyed reading, please share with other retro fans.
Welcome to issue number 8! Thanks for reading and if you have any other new sources or articles we have missed please message us or leave comments. On the 7th September we celebrate the launch of Galaxian for the NES, a mere 38 years ago. You can play it here.
This week I watched GoldenEra – a documentary about Goldeneye. It was nice to relive the nostalgia and worth a watch for fans of the game (who is not..) – but felt like the last 30 mins went a bit off the rails.
Despite Nintendo games being more on the PG-13 side of things, some of the bosses and characters are very strange. CBR look at the 10 weirdest Nintendo Bosses (below). Link
Paper Mario dreaded wrapping presents.
Dualshockers look at the 10 most valuable Nintendo Games, and 9 of them are worth over $100k – time to raid the attic. Link
The Evercade EXP console will have 18 Capcom games installed to play out of the box (below). Link
Want. Will never use, but still want.
A sensational collection of retro gaming consoles is being sold – the asking price, $1m. Link
Anyone wanna lend me $1m?
Atari XP are releasing some new pressings of Atari 2600 games that will play on the original console. So far we have Missile Command, Adventure, Aquaventure, Yars’ Revenge and Saboteur and each is limited to 1000 copies. Link
Did you know Rare also wanted to make hardware as well? I did’t – well meet the PlayBoy (below)… Link
Playboy – the Rare multitap was called the Fourplay. See a theme…?
Thanks for reading this weeks episode and if you enjoyed it, please feel free to share with the retro community!
Welcome to all of the new subscribers and thanks to those that are sharing the newsletter with others. Issue 7 coming in hot filled with more Retro goodness. 27 years ago this week (1st September 1995) DOOM arrived on the SNES – you can play it here.
GoldenEra, the documentary about GoldenEye for the N64 is out and IGN have posted a review on this classic game (below). Link
Limited Run Games (below) have revealed a OG Game Boy release for their game PHOBOS DERE. GB (not shouting, that’s how its written apparently). Pre-orders are available now! Link
Elago have released some nostalgic cases for Apple devices, including a SNES controller for Air Tags (below) – which looks very cool. Cult of Mac report. Link
Go Nintendo give an update on a new game for the NES called Malasombra which is close to completion, having been stated in 2018. Link
Looking for a NES challenge? Yardbarker get all list and tell you their thoughts on the 20 hardest games for the console. Link
The Sega Megadrive is 33 this year (aka Genesis in the USA), and The Gamer have written a Love Letter to the “greatest console of all time” (not my words, but I kind of agree). Link
Some might argue that the Sega Master System games might have the most basic looking game cases, but the champions of lists, Game Rant, have got a list of the 14 Forgotten Sega Master System games with awesome cover art (below). A niche list indeed. Link
Time Extension have a cool article on the Sega/Nintendo console wars and how Sega won in the UK. Link
Other
Want to know how Atari designed the original universal console port and how it lasted almost 20 years? Tedium have a cool article with a deep dive on this. Link
Digimon is 25 years old and they are celebrating this in Tokyo (below) with a number of events, reported by Crunchyroll. If you are a fan of the series there are some cool exhibits. Link
Indie Retro News report on a new Amiga platformer being developed called “Super Metal Hero”. Looks cool (below). Link
This weeks featured social media account is the “Retro Gaming Geek” who you can follow on Twitter. Link
Thanks for reading, comments and feedback always welcome!
Welcome to issue #6, I hope that you are enjoying the newsletter and format – however if you have any feedback please do let me know.
35 years ago today The Legend of Zelda was launched on the NES and changed gaming forever. If you have not already played this masterpiece, then you can do so here.
Nintendo have released Wave Race 64 on the Nintendo Switch, you can see the launch trailer if you want to be reminded of what a great game this was (below). Link
If Switch retro gaming is how you get your fix then Nintendo Life has an article explaining every NES, SNES and N64 game that is available to play now. Link
The Gamer gives their opinion on the best 10 SNES games available for the Switch Online. Link
The ultra limited edition, and individually numbered Mushroom Kingdom shirts are selling fast – get in on the finest retro inspired tees! Link
A crafty Switch owner has turned a broken N64 into a Switch dock. Link
Looking for some inspiration on what games to replay on the NES? Sportskeeda has an article on 5 games to replay in 2022 (below). Link
CBR took a look at some SNES classics that have not aged well (below). Harsh. Link
Nintendo have patented a cover that turns smartphones into an OG Gameboy. (Is Game Boy one or two words…?). The Wrap shares more information. Link
The Den of Geek f*cking love a list – and here they tell you the 10 games that were better on the Sega Genesis. Link
Polygon has the full lineup for the Genesis Mini 2 which is launching on the 27th October. Some absolute classics and I am very tempted to find a way to get one (but will probably stick with my Analogue Sega SG). Link
And it’s coming to Europe on the same day as reported by Sega. Link
Looking for some superior protection for your Sega collection? Then you will want to get some RetroShell(s). Link
CBR did an interesting deep dive on the “Lost” game that (apparently) killed the Sega Saturn – Sonic X-Treme. Link
Nintendo Life have reported that Sega are making Space Channel 5 and Comix Zone films (below). Link
Other
The first colour handheld console to be released in the USA was not the Game Gear, as I thought – but the Atari Lynx. My Droll has a nice article on the 160×102 ultra LD system. Link
“299” – Cracked look at the three digits that kind of changed the video gaming history. A turning point in the console wars in 1995. Link
Remember Sunsoft? The were a publisher for the 8 and 16 bit era and probably best known for Aero the Acro-Bat, and they are back. Polygon explained more. Link
Inverse talk about how a platformer on the 2600 redefined the genre forever (below). Link
If you are lucky enough to own an Analogue Pocket – then you will be happy to hear about some new cores for the device, including the Master System, Game Gear and the SG-1000. Link
GamesRadar has a nice piece on the 50 things that changed gaming. Long but cool. Link
NFL Blitz was amazing, let’s be honest here. Arcade1Up have announced an arcade cabinet for NFL Blitz Legends (below). Link
Antstream have an article on the story of the Commodore 64, and calls it the “King” of 8 bit computers. Link
Thanks for reading, comments and feedback always welcome!
Welcome to issue number 5, and a thanks as always for reading. 35 years ago today Metroid was released for the NES. If you want to play it you can here.
The documentary about Goldeneye for the N64 called Golden Era is landing on the 23rd August and the company that made it has been acquired by Cinedigm. Link
Some modders have transformed the aforementioned game into the Spy Who Loved Me including the iconic chase scene in the Alps. More information from Hypebeast (image below). Link
Roger Moore was the best Bond, case closed.
Better late than never, the secret 2 player mode of Super Punch Out has been discovered, as reported by Arstechnica. Link
Nintendo Insider has revealed the Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection for the Switch (below). Link
50 years young.
Sportskeeda give their view on the 5 most overrated games from the SNES era. Link
Gematsu reported that The Genesis/Mega Drive 2 Japanese titles 34-44 have been revealed – with Ecco CD, Phantasy Star II and Populous being my highlights in this update. Link
Kanji is just cool.
The 10 most expensive Saturn games have been ranked, I mean what would Screerant be doing if not ranking things. Link
And while we are at it, how about Mega Visions Top 10 underrated Sega games. I have still never played Ristar and would not call Quackshot underrated but here you go. Link
Other
France as a huge archive of video games at the National Library as part of one of the longest running efforts to preserve them. Ultimate “check out my games room” flex from France. Reported by Wionews. Link
The forthcoming game “Arcade Paradise” have launched a trailer, could be fun. Link
Episode number 4 and now publishing on a Monday so that you can start the week with your Retro Fix!
On the 10th August 1995 Bomberman was released for the Game Boy – you can play it here!
Nintendo News:
The N64 was a massive leap forward graphically from the SNES and there are some beautiful and groundbreaking games for the system. Gamerant has picked the 13 with the best graphics. Link
Also on the N64 SlashGear looks at the N64 DD (Disk Drive) which was a Japan only release and offered online capability along with disk storage. A rare beast these days, and they look at how much this is worth. Spoiler alert – its worth a lot. Link
Some clever modders have turned Super Mario 64 into a first person horror game and it looks great (see below). Read more on Kotaku. Link
Excited by the Super Nintendo World that is opening in the USA? – well there is another. Look into the Japanese original in Osaka thanks to Stars and Stripes.com. Link
But if you only have eyes for the Hollywood version you can find out how it is coming along on Go Nintendo. Link
The Gamer look at 10 SNES games that deserved a sequel. Link
Inverse look back 33 years to the Nintendo Gameboy that they claim changed how we game forever. Nice Article. Link
Player Clothing have just launched their ultra limited edition, individually numbered Mushroom Kingdom collection (see below). Get your Mario, Luigi, Princess, Toad, Yoshi and Bowser inspired tees! Link*
Sega:
The Genesis Mini 2 has a nice array of games available for it, including some Mega CD titles, however if you want to pre order it, the process is kind of convoluted. You can find out how thanks to IGN. Link
..and The Verge is reporting that there is a very slim allocation coming to the USA (not looking good for Europe thus far). Link
Den of Geek talk through the 15 best Genesis / Megadrive games ever released (they love a 15 best/worst/etc list). For me it’s Shining Force, leave yours in the comments below. Link
A fan has reimagined the Game Gear version of Sonic as a 16 bit release, and it looks great. Gamespew has the deets. Link
Ruetir looks at the 15 most expensive Master System games. Link
Other:
Techeblog has a hands on of the upcoming Lego Atari 2600. Link
…and IGN revealed a secret in the upcoming Lego set. Link
Rely On Horror – look back at the history of handheld horror gaming from 1995-2017 (below). Link
Thanks for reading, if you want anything else included or have any reaction or comment please let us know.
NostalgiaTron – The Podcast about growing up in the 80’s & 90’s
Monday 8th August Episode number 4 and now publishing on a Monday so that you can start the week with your Retro Fix! On the 10th August 1995 Bomberman was released for the Game Boy – you can play it here! This week’s newsletter is sponsored by: Nintendo News: The N64 was a massive leap forward graphically from the SNES and there are some beautiful and groundbreaking games for the system. Gamerant has picked the 13 with the best graphics. Link Also on the N64 SlashGear looks at the N64 DD (Disk Drive) which was a Japan only release and offered online capability along with disk storage. A rare beast these days, and they look at how much this is worth. Spoiler alert – its worth a lot. Link Some clever modders have turned Super Mario 64 into a first person horror game and it looks great (see below). Read more on Kotaku. Link Excited by the Super Nintendo World that is opening in the USA? – well there is another. Look into the Japanese original in Osaka thanks to Stars and Stripes.com. Link But if you only have eyes for the Hollywood version you can find out how it is coming along on Go Nintendo. Link The Gamer look at 10 SNES games that deserved a sequel. Link Inverse look back 33 years to the Nintendo Gameboy that they claim changed how we game forever. Nice Article. Link Player Clothing have just launched their ultra limited edition, individually numbered Mushroom Kingdom collection (see below). Get your Mario, Luigi, Princess, Toad, Yoshi and Bowser inspired tees! Link* Sega: The Genesis Mini 2 has a nice array of games available for it, including some Mega CD titles, however if you want to pre order it, the process is kind of convoluted. You can find out how thanks to IGN. Link ..and The Verge is reporting that there is a very slim allocation coming to the USA (not looking good for Europe thus far). Link Den of Geek talk through the 15 best Genesis / Megadrive games ever released (they love a 15 best/worst/etc list). For me it’s Shining Force, leave yours in the comments below. Link A fan has reimagined the Game Gear version of Sonic as a 16 bit release, and it looks great. Gamespew has the deets. Link Ruetir looks at the 15 most expensive Master System games. Link Other: Techeblog has a hands on of the upcoming Lego Atari 2600. Link …and IGN revealed a secret in the upcoming Lego set. Link Rely On Horror – look back at the history of handheld horror gaming from 1995-2017 (below). Link Thanks for reading, if you want anything else included or have any reaction or comment please let us know. Finally, another thanks to our sponsors: RetroShell – The finest Retro Game Protectors Player Clothing – Retro Gaming Inspired Clothing NostalgiaTron – The Podcast about growing up in the 80’s & 90’s
A huge thank you to all the readers, quicker than Sonic we bring you issue number #3. Please do share with friends and contacts in the retro gaming community to spread the love.
Thanks for reading RetroShell Weekly Retro Gaming News! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
On this day (July 29th 1993) Ecco the Dolphin was released for the Sega Genesis and Megadrive. Such a great game – and you can play it here.
SIV Telegram Media (!?) remember the top 10 Super Nintendo co-op titles. What were yours? Link
IGN have prepared a video on the Top 10 Super Mario Levels of all time. Never really thought about this, would Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road on the SNES be considered a Super Mario Level…? Link
Nintendo Life have reported that Capcom’s franchise Mega Man has now sold 38 million copies worldwide. To compare, Resident Evil has sold 127m, Monster Hunter 84m, and Street Fighter “only” 48m. Link
GameRant have published an article that lists the top 10 Mario games with the most replay value. I was surprised at the #1 (never played it…). Link
If you are a game collector, Retroshell have got you covered with hard cases for the NES, SNES, N64, Famicom and Super Famicom boxes and games which offer superior protection to your softer cheap cases. Link*
The Hollywood Super Nintendo World is coming along with some cool decorations. Update with pictures (below) buried in the WDWNT news. Link
Very cool.
Goomba Stomp are talking about a remastered version of the music from “A Link to the past” which is worth a listen if you are a fan of the series/music. Link
Screenrant rank all of the Nintendo fighting games that are not Super Smash Bros. Link
Gamespot report that there might be a new remake of Tactics Ogre (originally launched for the SNES in 1995) to the PlayStation Network (it was released as a later version for the PSP). Link
CBR give their view on every Kirby Game from the 90’s as ranked by Metacritic. Link
The Switch Online service has added three more NES/SNES games (Kirby’s Avalanche aka Kirby’s Ghost Trap, Fighters History and Daiva Story 6). Link
More rankings – this time the best Nintendo controller designs. Imo the N64 all the way – but they do not agree at Dualshockers. Link
Have you been wondering what the 15 best boss fights on the SNES were? No? Well either way Den of Geek tell you. Link
A new Game Boy platformer is coming out this summer from PixelHeart called Lost Terminal (below). Link
Memories…
Play Crazy Game list the top 30 selling Super Nintendo Games. Link
Inverse celebrates 32 years of Dr Mario which they say “changed Nintendo forever” – bold claim. Link
Did you know Enix made a game where Jesus was a Space Station? No? Me neither… Link
A cool history of the SNES – did you know it was called the “Super Comboy” in South Korea and was made by Hyundai? Link
Not retro, but interesting – every year Nintendo gives their employees a company guide booklet, and this years theme is a passport. Link
In case you ever wanted to see what some Zelda monsters looked like recreated in a nightmarish fashion (below), Screenshot have you an article. Link
Nightmarish?
Some accessories for the Virtual Boy are available for pre order, including a rumble pack and a Bluetooth adaptor. Link✓
SlashGear looks at the amazingly ahead of its time Sega Channel for the Sega Genesis (USA only I believe). A very interesting piece of kit and idea. Link
A review of the Everdrive GG X7 which is an everything cart for the Game Gear and plays Master System games as well. Link
Fall Guys is releasing a Green Hill Zone inspired level “Bean Hill Zone”. Link✓
Other News
As mentioned in issue #2 “Black Jewel Reborn” has reached its funding goal of €40k on Kickstarter. For those of you that dont know, it is a hack & slash sequel of Black Jewel for the Game Boy, NES, SNES and Megadrive/Genesis. You still have until the 12/08 to support this project. Link
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga Collection releases on the Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC on the 30th August and contains 13 optimised TMNT titles which were released on a number of retro platforms. Link
Remute (a German electro-pop artist) has released a new album for the Game Boy Advance! Link
MGM have lost the license for Tomb Raider, sparking a bidding war apparently. Link
TIL there were 2/5 scale Saturn and PlayStation model kits from Bandai (below). Link
Want (for some reason)
Some history about the Apple Console that never was in 1997. Link
The UK has seen two Retro arcades opened in Harlow (Essex) and Newcastle (feel free to share your favourites around the world for a future mention). Link 1Link 2
Capcom have released the 2nd Arcade Stadium with 32 arcade classics for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam Including Streetfighter Alpha and 1943). Link
How to play PacMan on Google Chrome browser. Link✓
Well before the top loading NES, there was a Famicom Adaptor games console, which was a product designed to play Japanese Famicom Cartridges that never made it to light – TechEBlog
What was the last ever NES game released? Well there are both official and unofficial games that get covered in this article – Den of Geek
The NES had some tough games, many which by today’s mostly softer standards would not really capture the attention for too long as they are so difficult. YardBarker asks what were the 20 toughest gamers for the NES – YardBarker
CBR have a nice article on the 10 factors that led to the rise of Nintendo – CBR
The NES was a great console – but some of the games were a bit basic (mostly due to hardware capabilities) – but Den of Geek look at the 15 best looking NES games – Den of Geek
Mario Paint was an interesting release for its time, it brought the ability to create and design to the SNES. The Economist looks at how inspired a generation of creative geeks – The Economist
Not really news, but if you are an android user, “Gaming on Phone” has shared a guide on how to play NES games on your phone. Not really recommended unless you have a controller in my experience – Gaming on Phone
WDW share the latest update on the Nintendo World being built in Universal Studios Hollywood – WDW
..and here is a video tour of the gift shop. YouTube
Want a Gameboy Camera DSLR? No? Well if you do you can find out how to get one here – Hackaday
How about using a GameBoy as a Pokedex? – GameRant
A list of the best SNES RPGs to revisit in 2022 (or visit for the first time!) – Sportskeeda
Want to know the best 5 Sega emulators? Windows Report has got you covered – Windows Report
Other News
As Atari turns 50 years old, CDM have written an article on the history of the company – CDM
And Lego are going to release a set so you can build your own 2600 ($240 / €240 RRP) launching on the 1st August – MJ Global Report
Are Jaguar and Lynx games coming to the Switch? Well as part of the 50th Anniversary Collection they might well be. YouTube (Rule of 2 Review)
A list of the 20 best selling video games of all time – Mental Floss
Oddee have come up with a list of 8 famous video game console failures – most are hard to disagree with, but there are some notable admissions (no 3DO) – Oddee
Not all retro, but a list of the 10 games that did not launch with success but went on to become cult classics. – GameRant
Another Kickstarter project, Black Jewel is a hack and slash game for the NES, SNES, Megadrive/Genesis and Gameboy – The Escapist
