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Category Archives: New Hardware For Retro

New Hardware For Retro, Sony

MemCard Pro Now Doubles as Bluetooth Controller Receiver for PlayStation 1

Posted on by Owen

A significant firmware update has transformed the MemCard Pro into a multifunctional device for PlayStation 1 enthusiasts, adding Bluetooth controller support to its existing memory card capabilities. This development allows PS1 owners to use modern wireless controllers with their vintage consoles without requiring additional adapters or hardware modifications.

Credit: Stone Age Gamer

Dual Functionality Enhancement

The MemCard Pro, originally designed as a digital memory card solution for the PlayStation 1 & 2, now features XelQ gamepad receiver functionality through the latest firmware update. This innovative approach leverages the communication protocol of the PlayStation 1 memory card slot to receive and translate Bluetooth controller inputs to the console. The update effectively allows a single device to serve both as expanded storage and as a wireless controller interface.

Users can switch between memory card mode and Bluetooth receiver mode through a straightforward button combination, with LED indicators providing clear visual feedback about the current operating state. This dual functionality preserves the original memory management capabilities while adding substantial controller flexibility to the classic console.

Credit: 8 Bit Mods

Compatible Controllers and Performance

The update supports a wide range of modern Bluetooth controllers, including DualSense, DualShock 4, and various third-party options from manufacturers like 8BitDo. Testing indicates minimal input lag, with latency measurements comparable to dedicated Bluetooth adapters currently on the market. The implementation maintains compatibility with the original PlayStation controller protocol, ensuring proper button mapping and analogue stick functionality where supported.

Technical experts have noted that the solution makes efficient use of the PlayStation 1’s hardware architecture. The memory card communication channel provides sufficient bandwidth for controller data while the firmware handles the necessary protocol conversion between modern Bluetooth standards and the console’s native controller interface.

Community Reception and Practical Applications

The PlayStation modding community has responded positively to this development, with many users appreciating the reduction in cable clutter and the convenience of using familiar modern controllers. Toy can get the Memcard Pro 2 from Stone Age Gamers for $51.99 or in the UK from 8 Bit Mods for £39.98 (presently out of stock).

Safeguard your gaming collection with RetroShell‘s premium protective cases, designed specifically for vintage cartridges and discs. For weekly coverage of developments like these and other retro gaming news, our Substack newsletter delivers essential updates every Monday – subscription is completely free!

New Hardware For Retro

Retroid Pocket Classic Upgrades with New Six-Button Version

Posted on by Owen

Goretroid has revealed additional details about its forthcoming Retroid Pocket Classic handheld, including a new six-button variant that significantly enhances the device’s gaming capabilities. The updated version represents a substantial improvement over the original design, offering expanded compatibility with classic fighting games and other titles that require additional input options.

Credit: Retroid / X

Enhanced Control Options

The newly announced six-button configuration addresses one of the primary limitations of the original Retroid Pocket design. While the standard model features the traditional four face buttons common to many retro handhelds, the six-button variant adds two additional buttons positioned to allow comfortable access during gameplay. This enhancement particularly benefits players of classic fighting games from the 16-bit era, such as Street Fighter II: Championship Edition and Mortal Kombat, which were designed for six-button arcade configurations.

The layout closely mirrors the button arrangement found on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis six-button controller, which became the standard for fighting games in the early 1990s. This thoughtful design choice demonstrates Goretroid’s commitment to authenticity in the retro gaming experience.

Technical Specifications

Beyond the control improvements, the Retroid Pocket Classic maintains the core technical specifications that made its predecessor popular. The device features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution optimised for classic games, ensuring sharp visuals without the scaling issues that often plague retro titles on modern screens. The internal components include sufficient processing power to emulate 8-bit and 16-bit systems accurately, with particular attention to frame rate stability.

Credit: Retroid / X

Battery life remains competitive at approximately 8-10 hours of gameplay, positioning the device as suitable for extended gaming sessions. The Classic model also retains the original’s portable form factor, with dimensions making it comfortable for extended play while remaining pocket-sized.

Market Positioning

The introduction of the six-button variant positions the Retroid Pocket Classic more competitively against other retro handhelds in the increasingly crowded market. With the latest additions Goretroid is targeting both casual retro enthusiasts and dedicated fighting game fans with this dual-model approach.

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Fun Things, New Hardware For Retro

Gibson and CRKD Unveil New Guitar Controllers

Posted on by Owen

Gibson and CRKD have joined forces to launch two striking guitar controllers, unveiled on 27 February 2025. Dubbed the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller Range, this collaboration resurrects the iconic Les Paul silhouette—famous from Guitar Hero 3—in two flavours: the Encore Edition and the Pro Edition. Tailored for titles like Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4, these controllers blend nostalgia with modern flair. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping slated for June 2025, promising to reignite the strumming spirit of gaming’s golden age.

Credit: CRKG

The mid-2000s saw rhythm games strike a chord with players worldwide. Guitar Hero, launched in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, turned plastic guitars into household names, while Rock Band upped the ante with full-band play. The Gibson Les Paul controller, debuted in Guitar Hero 3, became a symbol of that era—its sleek design etched into the memories of late-night shredders. As rhythm gaming faded from the mainstream, its legacy endured among devotees. Today, with Fortnite Festival and fan-driven projects like Clone Hero, the genre is strumming back to life, and CRKD x Gibson are here to lead the encore.

Credit: CRKD

The Encore Edition sports mechanical frets and a classic strum bar, perfect for casual players. The Pro Edition, however, ups the tempo with Hall effect frets and a matching strum bar—magnetic sensors that offer pinpoint accuracy and durability, a godsend for precision-dependent rhythm titles. Both boast a Hall effect whammy bar, RGB lighting, and tilt sensors for star power, bridging retro vibes with cutting-edge tech. They’re compatible with PC, Switch, Android, and Xbox, and a Legacy mode unlocks PS3 classics like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, ensuring no vintage track is left unplayed.

CRKD, known for its stylish Nitro Deck, includes a Purple/Orange Ombre Guitar Shoulder Strap and a Collector’s Pin with pre-orders. The Les Paul design screams display-worthy, appealing to those who cherish gaming’s tangible past. Whether you’re a veteran of Rock Band marathons or a newbie to the fretboard, these controllers promise a riff-tastic revival.

Safeguard your beloved classics with RetroShell, the ultimate protector for your retro hoard. Stay tuned to gaming’s yesteryears by subscribing to our free Substack, landing in your inbox every Mond

New Hardware For Retro

8BitDo Unveils Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller: A Modern Twist on Retro Gaming

Posted on by Owen

8BitDo, a name synonymous with retro-inspired gaming gear, has just unveiled the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller—a device that marries the charm of yesteryear’s gaming with today’s technological prowess. Boasting ultra-low latency 2.4G wireless connectivity, precision TMR joysticks, switchable triggers, and a snazzy customizable RGB Lighting Fire Ring, this controller is poised to elevate the experience of classic game lovers everywhere. Compatible with Windows and Android, it’s now available on Amazon ($59.99), in Purple, Black and White ready to bring next-level performance to your retro adventures.

Credit: 8BitDo

Controllers have come a long way since the days of the Atari 2600’s rudimentary joysticks and the NES’s iconic rectangular pads. For those who cherish the golden age of gaming—the 80s and 90s when Super Mario Bros. and Doom ruled supreme—the right hardware can make all the difference. The Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller steps into this nostalgic space with finesse. Its wireless design frees players from the tether of short cables that once kept us huddled near CRT televisions, offering instead the liberty to kick back and enjoy a more social, arcade-like vibe from anywhere in the room.

What sets this controller apart for retro fans? The ultra-low latency 2.4G connection ensures every jump in Super Mario Bros. or shotgun blast in Doom feels spot-on, mimicking the responsiveness of vintage hardware. The TMR joysticks provide pinpoint accuracy—ideal for navigating the analogue-heavy worlds of Nintendo 64 classics—while the switchable triggers adapt to varied playstyles, from rapid-fire shooters to smooth racing titles. And on Android, it transforms your mobile into a portable retro powerhouse, perfect for emulating MS-DOS gems like Commander Keen on the go.

Credit: 8BitDo / Amazon

As you dive into classic gaming with the Ultimate 2, keep your treasured collection pristine with RetroShell, offering bespoke protection for your retro haul. For the latest scoop on gaming’s past, sign up for our free Substack, landing in your inbox every Monday.

New Hardware For Retro, Sega

GamesCare Unveils Revolutionary Dev Cart for Sega Genesis/Megadrive, Pushing Retro Gaming Boundaries

Posted on by Owen

Brazilian company GamesCare has revealed an open-source development cartridge for the Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive in the UK and Europe. This new tool promises to empower indie developers to craft games that exceed the original limitations of the iconic 16-bit console, potentially sparking a fresh wave of creativity within the Genesis homebrew community.

Credit: Games Care

The Sega Genesis first arrived in 1988, hitting UK shores in 1990 as the Mega Drive. It quickly became a household name, challenging Nintendo’s dominance with a stellar lineup including Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Phantasy Star IV. By the time production ceased in 1997, the console had sold over 30 million units worldwide, cementing its place in gaming history. Even today, its passionate fan base keeps the system alive through collecting, modding, and homebrew projects.

GamesCare’s dev cart is designed to unlock new possibilities for this classic platform. While full technical specs remain under wraps, the company claims it offers “several features” to help developers create titles that go “beyond the power of the console.” This could mean enhanced memory, additional processing capabilities, or support for larger game sizes—features that sidestep the Genesis’s original Motorola 68000 CPU and 64 KB RAM constraints. For a system capped at 4 MB per cartridge in its commercial peak, this represents a leap forward.

The implications are exciting for retro gaming enthusiasts. The Genesis homebrew scene has thrived in recent years, buoyed by tools like the Mega Everdrive Pro, which lets users play ROMs on original hardware. GamesCare’s cartridge, however, focuses squarely on creation, not just playback. It could pave the way for ambitious projects—think sprawling RPGs or visually stunning platformers—that were once unimaginable on the 16-bit machine.

This isn’t the first time developers have sought to expand retro consoles’ potential. The Everdrive series, for instance, has long supported multiple systems, while SNES homebrew has flourished with modern tools. Yet, GamesCare’s offering stands out for its Genesis-specific innovation, aligning with a growing trend of indie developers revisiting classic hardware. Still, some fans have raised concerns online about power draw potentially straining ageing consoles—a challenge GamesCare will need to address.

With the Sega Genesis now over 35 years old, this dev cart bridges its storied past and a future ripe with possibility. Protect your classic cartridges with RetroShell, the ultimate safeguard for your retro gaming treasures. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack newsletter, Retro Gaming News, delivered straight to your inbox every Monday.

New Hardware For Retro

Hyperkin (finally) Confirms PC Engine & TurboGrafx-16 Clone

Posted on by Owen

Hyperkin has confirmed that its long-awaited PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 clone console is finally set for release in May 2025, priced at $89.99 three years after it was initially announced. This news has excited retro gaming enthusiasts keen to explore NEC’s library of classic games on modern hardware. The original PC Engine, released in Japan in 1987, captured the imagination of gamers with its compact design and innovative HuCard format, while its North American counterpart, the TurboGrafx-16, launched in 1989. Despite facing tough competition from the Mega Drive and Super Nintendo, it offered cult-favourite titles that remain popular among collectors today.

Credit: Guinea Pig Games

Hyperkin’s upcoming clone is expected to support official HuCards, potentially allowing players to enjoy both PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 releases. While specific technical details are still emerging, many fans anticipate improved video output options, such as HDMI, that will make these 8-bit CPU/16-bit graphics titles look sharp on modern displays. Hyperkin has a history of producing well-received clone systems, including the RetroN series, so there is optimism about the quality of this console.

In addition to offering a new way to experience NEC’s back catalogue, Hyperkin’s device highlights a growing trend of preserving retro gaming history through dedicated hardware. This approach can provide an authentic experience that emulation alone might struggle to replicate, particularly when it comes to controller accuracy and on-screen input latency.

As the official release date draws near, many are hoping that Hyperkin will include region-switching capabilities, ensuring compatibility with the PC Engine’s extensive Japanese library. Although full regional support remains unconfirmed, it would be a significant draw for collectors looking to rediscover lesser-known titles. Fans are keeping a close eye on further announcements, eager to learn whether any bonus features or pack-in games will be included.

Keep your classic games in prime condition with RetroShell – the best solution for safeguarding timeless collections. For up-to-date reports on the retro scene, subscribe to our free Substack, and receive news delivered every Monday.

New Hardware For Retro

MSXbook: A Modern Laptop Inspired by a Classic Japanese Computer

Posted on by Owen

The MSX standard, one of Japan’s most influential home computer platforms of the 1980s, is making a comeback in a surprising new form. The MSXbook is a newly announced laptop that pays homage to the MSX computing era while incorporating modern hardware, offering a fresh way to experience retro computing as shared by 4Gamer.

Credit: Tindie

Developed as a spiritual successor to the MSX line, the MSXbook blends vintage aesthetics with contemporary functionality. The laptop aims to support classic MSX software while also running modern applications, making it a unique hybrid device for enthusiasts. Whether you want to boot up classic games like Metal Gear and Aleste or tinker with MSX BASIC, this device has you covered.

Credit: Tindie

Designed with a sleek but retro-inspired look, the MSXbook comes with a built-in mechanical keyboard reminiscent of the classic MSX machines. It also boasts a range of connectivity options, including USB-C, HDMI, and even cartridge support for original MSX software. The hardware ensures compatibility with the original MSX code, making it a dream device for retro computing fans.

The resurgence of MSX-themed hardware reflects a growing demand for vintage computing experiences, especially in Japan and among international collectors. The MSXbook taps into this nostalgia while offering the convenience of modern technology, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds. It’s not just a tribute—it’s a fully functional, everyday-use machine tailored for retro enthusiasts and developers alike.

With a planned release later this year, and a price of $215 on Tindie the MSXbook is generating excitement among the retro tech community. Presently the MSXBook is out of stock, but you can join the waitlist (as we have) to get your hand on one by entering your email here. Whether you’re a longtime MSX fan or new to the platform, this laptop offers a rare opportunity to revisit one of gaming’s most influential home computing standards.

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Collecting, Fun Things, Modern Retro Consoles, Modern Retro Games, New Hardware For Retro

Why Physical Media Still Matters in Retro Gaming

Posted on by Owen

In an era dominated by digital downloads and streaming, a significant number of enthusiasts continue to cherish physical media, particularly in the realm of retro gaming. A recent survey by Consumer Reports highlights that millions still hold onto items like DVDs, vinyl records, and classic game consoles, underscoring a collective appreciation for tangible media formats.

The allure of physical media in gaming is multifaceted. For many, it’s about the tactile experience—the satisfaction of unboxing a new game, the distinct feel of a cartridge, or the nostalgia evoked by original packaging. Physical copies also offer a sense of ownership and permanence that digital versions can’t match. Unlike digital purchases, which can be delisted or become inaccessible due to licensing issues, physical games remain playable as long as the hardware endures.

Keep em protected!

Moreover, physical media often comes with unique collectibles, commonly known as “feelies.” These can include items like maps, posters, or themed accessories that enhance the gaming experience. For instance, companies like Limited Run Games specialize in producing physical releases of games, complete with such extras, catering to collectors and fans alike.

The resurgence of retro gaming has further fueled interest in physical media. Modern recreations of classic consoles, such as Analogue’s consoles – offer modern games the chance to use original games and media.

While digital gaming offers undeniable convenience, the enduring appeal of physical media lies in its tangibility, nostalgia, and the comprehensive experience it provides. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s evident that physical formats will maintain a cherished place among enthusiasts.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And for a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our Substack—it’s free!

New Hardware For Retro, PC Gaming, Retro Gaming News

Ruiki Announces X68000 Z SUPER and X68000 Z XVI – A Modern Take on a Classic

Posted on by Owen

On February 6, Ruiki officially unveiled two new personal workstations: the X68000 Z SUPER and the X68000 Z XVI. These updated machines, inspired by the legendary Sharp X68000 series, will launch in fall 2025 via crowdfunding on Kibidango. Pricing starts at ¥74,800 (approximately €470 / $510 / £400).

Credit: X68000 Z Twitter

The X68000 Z SUPER builds upon the existing X68000 Z model but introduces expanded connectivity, including MIDI in/out, a SCSI port, and a D-Sub terminal. Additionally, it supports a Nano-ITX motherboard, enabling dual-boot functionality with Windows.

The more powerful X68000 Z XVI takes things further with an upgraded octa-core Cortex-A55 SoC, a Mali-G57 GPU, and 1GB of DDR4 RAM. While its interface and physical dimensions remain identical to the SUPER, it sports a redesigned front panel inspired by the original X68000 XVI. Notably, users can swap the front unit and mainboard to convert an X68000 Z SUPER into an X68000 Z XVI, offering flexibility for enthusiasts.

Both models come in a sleek Titanium Black finish and are larger than the current X68000 Z but still smaller than the original 1987 X68000. Their exact dimensions are 227mm (H) × 96mm (W) × 169mm (D).

Crowdfunding for these machines runs from February 8 to February 27, with no plans for general retail sales. Given the enduring appeal of the X68000 among retro computing fans, demand is expected to be high.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your retro collection with RetroShell, the finest game protector available. And for all the latest retro gaming updates, subscribe to our free weekly Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!

New Hardware For Retro, Sony

Next-Gen PS2 Memory Cards Let You Load Games and Save Data with Ease

Posted on by Owen

A new wave of PlayStation 2 memory cards is changing the way we play. Devices like the SD2PSX and MemCard Pro 2 are no ordinary memory cards—they’re powered by microcontrollers, packed with features, and can now launch PS2 games directly from a microSD card, eliminating the need for discs, hard drives, or USB sticks.

Originally designed to store unlimited PS1 and PS2 save files, the SD2PSX, an open-source project, recently received a major update thanks to a group of developers known as SD2PSX Extended. They introduced a new protocol called Multi-Purpose Memory Card Emulation (MMCE), allowing the PS2 to communicate with the memory card in two ways—handling save files as normal while also loading game ISOs seamlessly.

The MemCard Pro 2, developed by 8BitMods, has also been updated with the same functionality, making it another excellent all-in-one solution for PS2 gaming. The process is plug-and-play, requiring no console modifications. Users simply install firmware, organize their games into folders, and launch titles via Open PS2 Loader (OPL), all from a single memory card.

The Memcard Pro2, Credit: 8BitMods

Even the original MemCard Pro 1 (latest hardware revision) has gained this feature, providing more options for players. The SD2PSX remains the open-source alternative, while the MemCard Pro 2 offers a polished experience with built-in Wi-Fi, Google Drive backups, and an intuitive web interface.

With these innovations, PS2 enthusiasts now have a streamlined way to enjoy their favourite classics. Whether opting for the open-source SD2PSX or the feature-packed MemCard Pro 2, both devices redefine what a PS2 memory card can do.

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