RetroSouls’ fast-paced action title Old Towers is gearing up for a grand revival, this time landing on the Atari Jaguar. First launched in 2018 for Windows and later adapted for the Sega Genesis, Old Towers won over retro gaming fans with its blend of puzzle-platforming chaos, drawing comparisons to timeless classics like Tetris and Lode Runner. Now, Songbird Productions has unveiled an expanded port for the Atari Jaguar, set to refresh this modern retro gem for a new audience.
Credit: Song Bird Productions
This isn’t just a nostalgic rehash. Songbird Productions promises enhancements tailored to the Jaguar’s quirky hardware, including sharper graphics, extra levels, and a punchy soundtrack that taps into the console’s 64-bit potential. The original Old Towers thrived on its relentless pace—players raced to stack blocks and outwit enemies in a pixel-perfect frenzy—and this port aims to amplify that thrill while staying true to its roots. The Atari Jaguar, a system often celebrated for its ambition rather than its market success, gets a rare chance to shine with a release that honours its unique place in gaming lore.
Credit: Song Bird Productions
Eager players can secure their copy now, with pre-orders open on Songbird Productions’ website for $79.99. The physical cartridge, due in April 2025, will be a limited run—a tantalising prospect for collectors and Jaguar devotees alike. It’s a fitting move for a console that, since its 1993 debut, has cultivated a loyal following despite its rocky commercial past.
RetroSouls, the indie outfit behind Old Towers, has form in this space, having delivered retro-inspired hits like Alter Ego. Teaming up with Songbird Productions, a stalwart of Atari homebrew, they’re proving the Jaguar’s enduring appeal. Launched as Atari’s final home console, the Jaguar aimed to outmuscle Sega and Nintendo but faltered. Yet, its legacy lives on through projects like this, keeping the flame alive for a niche but passionate crowd.
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Atari is set to breathe new life into its classic arcade title with the announcement of Breakout Beyond, developed by Choice Provisions, the team behind the Bit.Trip series. This reimagined version of the 1976 classic introduces a fresh horizontal perspective, challenging players to smash through vibrant walls of blocks from left to right.
Credit: Atari
The game boasts 72 levels, an endless mode with online leaderboards, and a two-player local co-op feature, allowing friends to team up for the brick-breaking action. Dynamic procedural audio and visual effects enhance the experience, intensifying with each successful combo.
Originally conceived as an exclusive for the Intellivision Amico in 2020, Atari recognized the game’s potential and collaborated with Choice Provisions to adapt it for modern platforms. Breakout Beyond is slated for release later this year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (via Steam), Atari VCS, and Nintendo Switch.
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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
Atari are really having a resurgence, buying up IP, releasing mini consoles, doing co-labs with luxury watch makers and re-releasing classic games. So what is next for the iconic retro brand. Well, you should have guessed from the title, but they announced today that they are releasing a limited number of (500) Atari Patch Packs. Each one is a mystery from a number of different options.
Credit: Atari
As of the time of writing almost all have sold, so be quick if you want your chance.
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Last, but by no means least, as part of our coverage on what is hot in the world of retro gaming across Reddit we cover some of the lesser-known consoles, so let’s begin with Atari.
In r/atari we have a redeployment of the console into a guitar, which looks great.
Finally, we look at r/3DO (let me know if you want me to cover any other consoles). The main news was a MKII port (but we covered that here) so the next best was someone sharing their FX11-, which is a sleek looking machine.
There you have the round-up – I hope you found it interesting – do let me know in the comments below.
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The Atari Jaguar is getting a well-deserved shot of nostalgia, thanks to Songbird Productions. The company has announced reprints of iconic Jaguar titles, giving retro gaming enthusiasts the chance to own pristine, authentic versions of some of the rarest and most beloved games from the ’90s.
Announcing three Songbird reprints for the Jaguar, including a limited run of Atari Karts in partnership with @atari! Also brand-new box art for arcade shooters Wormhole 2000 and SpideX.
Leading the charge is Atari Karts, making a triumphant return at $89.95. This limited-edition reprint brings back the 1995 classic in all its glory, featuring Bentley Bear and a cast of quirky racers. Licensed directly from Atari, this version includes a brand-new box, a meticulously crafted cartridge, and a full-colour 16-page manual—just like the original release.
Credit: Songbird
The production run is set at 250 copies, split across two phases in February and April, with pre-orders opening Thursday 30th January. However, if demand surges, Songbird Productions is open to expanding the run, ensuring fans don’t miss out on reliving this underrated karting gem.
Accompanying Atari Karts are SpideX and Wormhole 2000, two intense arcade shooters priced at $79.95 each. These aren’t just simple reprints—they come with stunning, all-new box art, reflecting Songbird’s dedication to enhancing the Jaguar experience. Now fully owned by Songbird, both titles are receiving the premium treatment, making them must-haves for collectors.
Each package includes a fresh box, cartridge, and an 8-page full-colour manual. The initial run is limited to just 50 copies in February, but as with Atari Karts, a larger release could follow if demand proves high.
Check out their website and X account for more Atari products and stay tuned for more products.
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Atari and luxury watchmaker Nubeo have teamed up to create a limited-edition watch series inspired by the classic arcade game Asteroids. The collection brings retro gaming nostalgia to high-end timepieces, featuring intricate dial designs that mimic the chaotic asteroid fields from the game. These mechanical watches blend horological craftsmanship with Atari’s iconic 8-bit aesthetics, making them a collector’s item for both watch enthusiasts and gaming fans. The watch is available in 5 colours, and is priced at €488 / $499 and get are listing them with a discount of <$1000 from the original RRP. Interestingly, when you price the website in USD they are showing as all out of stock, but when you switch to Euros, they have most models aside from the grey.
Credit: Nubeo Watches
The collection includes different colours, each incorporating details reminiscent of Asteroids, from meteor-shaped subdials to pixelated elements referencing the game’s vector graphics. The watches feature automatic movements, ensuring a balance between classic mechanical watchmaking and digital nostalgia. While gaming collaborations in fashion and accessories have become more common, Atari’s partnership with Nubeo elevates the concept by integrating game-inspired visuals into high-end horology.
Credit: Nub
Unlike typical digital gaming watches, these pieces focus on subtle design cues rather than overt branding, making them wearable beyond gaming circles. Atari has been expanding its brand through various collaborations – such as hot sauces, tapping into nostalgia-driven markets. This partnership with Nubeo aligns with its strategy of blending retro gaming with modern lifestyle products, catering to fans who appreciate both classic arcade culture and fine craftsmanship.
Retro gaming isn’t just about dusting off old cartridges, trying to hook up an ageing console or grabbing a handful of coins for the local arcade. For me, it is a story of how the industry became the juggernaut that it is today, the more basic times when gaming was still a niche hobby. It’s a journey through the stories, innovations, and cultural moments that shaped the massive video game industry we know today.
The more I write about retro, covering news stories and carrying a flame to support the communities that are keeping the retro scene not just surviving, but thriving. Whilst replaying the classics can bring back fond memories, there’s no better way to uncover the behind-the-scenes drama and unsung heroes than reading books dedicated to gaming’s golden eras. In an era of dopamine overload, what better way to give yourself a detox and uncover some of the fascinating stories that made the gaming industry?
Below, you’ll find 10 recommended reads, in no particular order—each offering a unique perspective on the games and consoles that defined generations. Lets begin.
The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent
Why You’ll Love It: This hefty tome covers everything from the earliest computer experiments to the modern console battles. Kent explores iconic companies like Atari, Sega, Nintendo, and more, unveiling how each shaped the industry’s highs and lows. I love the pixel art cover and this book (the first of two) will take pride of place on any coffee table.
Key Takeaway: If you want a thorough overview—complete with anecdotes about the arcade boom, the rise of home consoles, and the role of major players—this is your all-in-one starting point.
It has 847 reviews, giving it 4.6 stars at Amazon and 4.13 ⭐️ from over 2,900 review at Goodreads.
Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle That Defined a Generation by Blake J. Harris
Why You’ll Love It: Get ready for an intense business showdown. Harris weaves a narrative about the cutthroat competition between Sega and Nintendo in the 16-bit era, focusing on Sega of America’s bold marketing tactics and Nintendo’s iconic family-friendly approach. The 90’s console wars were a wild ride.
Key Takeaway: You’ll see how characters like Sonic and Mario weren’t just mascots—they were front-line soldiers in a global corporate battle for gamers’ hearts, and how this battle played out, with Sega being the plucky underdogs taking a great fight to Nintendo.
Its a “Goodreads Choice” award nominee and has a rating of 4.4⭐️ from over 3,700 reviews on Amazon, and 3.97⭐️ from over 11,500 reviews on Goodreads.
Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World by David Sheff
Why You’ll Love It: Sheff’s book zooms in on Nintendo’s journey from a humble playing card company to a juggernaut of interactive entertainment. It provides insight into the company’s inner workings, strategies, and the people behind the Mario and Zelda phenomena. Its quite an old book so getting a copy might be a challenge, bit it talks about a time before the modern console wars with Sony and Microsoft taking over from Sega and Atari as Nintendo’s challengers.
Key Takeaway: Learn how Nintendo’s innovations—and sometimes controversial business tactics—reshaped the entire gaming landscape and forced competitors to catch up.
It has 4.6⭐️ from a feeble 28 reviews on Amazon, but a score of 4.1⭐️ from over 1,500 reviews on Goodreads.
Masters of Doom by David Kushner
Why You’ll Love It: Travel back to the early ’90s PC revolution with John Carmack and John Romero, the rockstar developers of Doom and Quake. Kushner’s fast-paced storytelling shines a light on the creative frenzy that turned first-person shooters into a worldwide obsession which is still finding ports to weird and wonderful devices today.
Key Takeaway: Witness how garage start-ups and coding genius changed the face of gaming—sometimes literally overnight—and paved the way for eSports and modding communities.
It has a whopping 4.6 ⭐️ from over 3,300 reviews on Amazon and 4.3 from over 19,000 reviews on Goodreads.
Replay: The History of Video Games by Tristan Donovan
Why You’ll Love It: Donovan’s global perspective sets this book apart. Rather than centring only on North America, it delves into arcade scenes in Europe and Japan, uncovering overlooked pioneers and cultural influences that shaped game design.
Key Takeaway: If you’re curious about the worldwide tapestry of retro gaming—beyond the usual Sega vs. Nintendo focus—this book is a must-read to give you an expanded view.
It has 4.5⭐️ from over 250 reviews on Amazon, and 4.04⭐️ from over 1,400 reviews on Goodreads.
Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life by Chris Kohler
Why You’ll Love It: Kohler uncovers how Japanese culture and design philosophies became a driving force in video game innovation. From RPGs like Final Fantasy to Nintendo’s family-friendly hits, you’ll discover what makes Japanese titles so influential and also so different from Western styles.
Key Takeaway: A fantastic read if you love JRPGs, the creativity behind Nintendo’s classics, or the cultural crossover that turned Japanese games into global phenomena.
It gets 4.5⭐️ from over 100 reviews on Amazon and 3.99⭐️ from over 430 reviews on Goodreads.
The CRPG Book: A Guide to Computer Role-Playing Games edited by Felipe Pepe
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for those who spent hours exploring dungeons on classic PC titles. This community-driven project covers the evolution of role-playing games, from text-based adventures on mainframes to groundbreaking hits like Baldur’s Gate and The Elder Scrolls.
Key Takeaway: You’ll discover hidden gems, learn how mechanics evolved, and see how CRPGs paved the way for today’s sprawling open-world epics.
It has a strong 4.8⭐️ from 130 reviews on Amazon and 4.45 reviews from over 240 reviews on Goodreads.
Sega Mega Drive/Genesis: Collected Works by Darren Wall
Why You’ll Love It: A deep dive into the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis era (which for me was the best era of gamine, the Megadrive being my first proper console), this beautifully compiled collection includes artwork, developer insights, and fan-favourite game retrospectives. It also highlights how Sega’s edgy approach contrasted with Nintendo’s family-friendly image.
Key Takeaway: A visual feast and a historical record for anyone who ever popped in a cartridge to play Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, or Golden Axe.
It has a solid 4.6⭐️ from over 200 reviews on Amazon and 4.5⭐️ from over 50 reviews on Goodreads.
Arcade Perfect: How Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, and Other Coin-Op Classics Invaded the Living Room by David L. Craddock
Why You’ll Love It: Craddock focuses on the beloved arcade-to-home conversions that fueled the console wars. From Pac-Man’s bumpy journey to the Atari 2600 to the faithful (and not-so-faithful) ports of Mortal Kombat, it’s a fascinating snapshot of how developers tackled arcade magic on limited hardware.
Key Takeaway: Learn about the technical tricks—and occasional flops—behind bringing arcade hits into living rooms, plus the cultural ripple effects of each release.
It gets 4.1⭐️ on Amazon from over 40 reviews and 4.15⭐️ also from over 40 reviews on Goodreads.
The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox by Evan Amos
Why You’ll Love It: Evan Amos’s updated photographic encyclopedia offers high-quality images and essential details for consoles spanning generations—from the earliest Ataris to modern Xboxes. It’s both a nostalgic trip through gaming hardware and an informative reference that highlights each console’s design and evolution with beautiful photography.
Key Takeaway: If you love the look and feel of classic hardware (or want a visual refresher on every major console in gaming history), this book’s stunning photos and concise summaries make it a perfect coffee-table companion.
It has a stellar 4.9⭐️ from over 650 reviews on Amazon, and 4.45⭐️ from over 140 reviews on Goodreads.
So there you have it, it is not an exhaustive list as there are several amazing books coming out all of the time. Publishers such as Bitmap Books are constantly releasing beautiful new publications celebrating retro games and gaming history. As I try and spend less time glued to my mobile, I al finding a lot of enjoyment in carving out some time to get my kindle and expand my knowledge of gaming history with a good book.
What are your favourite books, have I missed anything – please do let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading.
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Atari has publicly denounced RealPongCoin or $PONG, a cryptocurrency project using its PONG trademark without authorization. In a recent X post, Atari clarified it has no affiliation with RealPongCoin, warning that the project risks deceiving consumers by suggesting a false association. Atari’s legal team is reviewing measures to halt this misuse of its intellectual property, emphasizing the company’s commitment to protecting its brand, which includes over 200 games like Asteroids® and Pong®.
Atari is warning the Public that @realPongCoin or $PONG is using our registered trademark without consent or approval and Atari has no affiliation with the project.
realPongCoin risks deceiving consumers by suggesting an affiliation with Atari, and our legal team is actively…
This issue highlights the complexities companies face with intellectual property in the rapidly evolving crypto market, where unauthorized use can mislead consumers. Atari’s action underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining brand integrity amidst digital innovation.
Today, January 20, 2025, SEGA Group’s Sega Feve Co., Ltd. unveiled the Japanese Game Centers Guide, a comprehensive website aimed at helping foreign tourists explore Japan’s vibrant arcade culture. Available in five languages—English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese—the guide offers a detailed introduction to the unique world of Japanese game centres.
Credit: Sega Gamecentre Guide
A Deep Dive Into Japanese Arcade Culture
The guide categorises Japanese arcade games into six distinct genres: crane games, music games, racing games, video games, photo booths (purikura), and medal games. For each genre, SEGA provides recommendations for must-play games, step-by-step instructions on how to play, and tips for winning prizes in crane games.
The website also explains the rules and manners unique to Japanese game centres. Visitors will find information on exchanging money, using electronic payment methods, and the etiquette expected within arcades—essential knowledge for tourists unfamiliar with Japan’s cultural nuances.
Credit: Sega Gamecentre Guide
Why It Matters
Japanese arcades are an iconic part of the country’s gaming culture, offering experiences that differ significantly from those in other parts of the world. SEGA’s Japanese Game Centers Guide bridges the gap for foreign visitors, making arcades more accessible and enjoyable.
Whether you’re a fan of classic racing games or curious about purikura photo booths, this guide ensures you won’t miss a thing.
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