GOG, the DRM-free digital storefront, has unveiled the ‘Dreamlist,’ a new feature that invites gamers to vote on classic titles they’d like to see preserved and re-released. This initiative aims to guide GOG’s efforts in negotiating with IP owners to bring classic games back to modern platforms.
Credit: GoG
The Dreamlist functions as a community-driven wishlist, allowing users to cast votes for their most-wanted games. While GOG clarifies that high vote counts don’t guarantee a game’s return, the data collected will help demonstrate community interest to rights holders. Currently, titles like ‘Black & White,’ ‘Diablo 2,’ and the original ‘Final Fantasy 7’ are among the top contenders, reflecting a strong desire to see these classics revived.
This move aligns with GOG’s ongoing commitment to game preservation. In November 2024, the company launched its Preservation Program, starting with over 100 titles, including ‘Diablo,’ ‘System Shock 2,’ and the original ‘Resident Evil’ trilogy. The program ensures these games remain compatible with current and future systems, offering complete editions with all available content and technical support.
In conjunction with the Dreamlist launch, GOG has also released updated versions of ‘Dino Crisis’ and ‘Dino Crisis 2,’ optimized for modern PCs. These releases are part of the Preservation Program’s efforts to keep classic games accessible and enjoyable for contemporary audiences.
By introducing the Dreamlist, GOG empowers its community to play an active role in the preservation of gaming history, ensuring that cherished titles continue to be available for future generations.
Krikzz has unveiled the Turbo EverDrive CORE, a streamlined version of their Turbo EverDrive PRO flash cartridge for PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 consoles. Priced at $99, the CORE model offers essential features for retro gaming collectors.
New Turbo EverDrive CORE available for order on https://t.co/eIkI80XsCQ! New cart is based on Turbo-ED PRO, but with cutted off CD core and for the half of price. This is the nice options for those who don't care about CD library pic.twitter.com/ANad2UkHic
The Turbo EverDrive CORE is based on the Turbo EverDrive PRO but omits the built-in CD-ROM² core, resulting in a more affordable option at half the price.
For those interested in CD game support, the Turbo EverDrive PRO remains available at $199.
Both models are currently available for order on the Krikzz website.
After years of limited availability, The Sims and The Sims 2 are making a return to PC. According to reports, both titles will be re-released digitally on January 31, 2025, each bundled with all their original expansion packs.
The original Sims game, launched in 2000, became a cultural phenomenon, allowing players to simulate daily life in unprecedented detail. Its sequel, The Sims 2, released in 2004, expanded on this foundation with enhanced graphics and deeper gameplay mechanics. Despite their popularity, both games have been challenging to access on modern systems, making this re-release a notable event for fans.
Credit: Sims Wiki
While the PC versions are confirmed, it’s currently unclear if these re-releases will extend to consoles. Given the games’ origins and control schemes, a console adaptation would require thoughtful adjustments to ensure a seamless experience.
This move not only preserves gaming history but also introduces these classics to a new generation of players. As the release date approaches, fans are eager to revisit the charm and challenges that made The Sims series a staple in gaming.
Nightdive Studios’ recent release, The Thing: Remastered, has quickly become the developer’s fastest-selling game to date. According to Atari’s 2024 end-of-year business report, the remastered title was “well-received by critics and players alike,” achieving unprecedented launch sales across all digital PC and console platforms. The remake has reasonable reviews, getting a mixed score of 69 on Metacritic.
Originally launched in 2002, The Thing served as a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 film, offering a third-person survival horror experience that resonated with players. The game sold over a million units during its initial run, cementing its place as a standout horror title of its era.
The remastered version, released on December 5, 2024, brings the classic back with enhanced graphics and updated gameplay mechanics, aiming to captivate both returning fans and newcomers. While specific sales figures for the remaster haven’t been disclosed, its rapid success suggests a strong market appetite for revitalised classic horror games.
This achievement not only highlights the enduring appeal of The Thing but also underscores Nightdive Studios’ expertise in delivering quality remasters that honor the original while appealing to modern gamers.
Renowned developer Rumbleminze has successfully ported the classic NES game Double Dragon II: The Revenge to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This latest release enhances the original gameplay experience by leveraging the SNES’s advanced hardware capabilities.
Credit: Rumbleminze
Key Enhancements:
• Dedicated Jump Button: The SNES ‘A’ button now functions as a dedicated jump button, simulating the simultaneous press of ‘Y’ and ‘B’ buttons, thereby improving control responsiveness.
• MSU-1 Audio Support: Players can enjoy an enriched auditory experience with the inclusion of MSU-1 audio support, allowing for high-quality, CD-like music during gameplay.
• Simplified Continuation: The port removes the need for inputting continuation codes after game-overs, enabling players to resume progress seamlessly.
• Difficulty Adjustments: The game is now completable on all difficulty settings, offering a balanced challenge for both newcomers and veteran players.
• Visual Refinements: Updates to the title screen palettes provide a refreshed visual appeal, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the game.
These improvements are made possible by utilizing FastROM/HiROM techniques, which expedite data transfer and when combined with the SNES’s higher sprite limit, effectively reduce flicker and slowdown issues present in the original NES version.
Rumbleminze has previously undertaken similar NES-to-SNES conversions, including titles like Rescue Rangers, Rygar, Super Dodgeball, and Kid Icarus, each benefiting from the SNES’s superior hardware to deliver smoother and more polished gameplay experiences.
In the ever-evolving world of Super Mario 64 discoveries, a dedicated player has unearthed a peculiar glitch involving a log, a cliff, and an extraordinary amount of patience. By executing a precise 34-frame loop repeatedly—approximately 2.8 million times over 36 days—the player managed to make a log drift through a cliff. As of now, this glitch has no known practical application in gameplay or speedrunning.
The Discovery
The glitch was identified by a member of the Super Mario 64 community, showcasing the game’s complex mechanics and the dedication of its fanbase. The process involves meticulous timing and repetition, highlighting the intricate possibilities within the game’s physics engine.
Due to floating point imprecision, the rolling log in Tall, Tall Mountain in Super Mario 64 can be very slowly manipulated to go sideways through the cliff. It takes 36 days of nonstop manipulation to reach the limit of how far it can go. This has no currently known purpose.
While the glitch doesn’t currently offer advantages for speedrunners, it adds to the collective understanding of Super Mario 64’s inner workings. The community often explores such anomalies to find potential time-saving strategies or to gain deeper insights into the game’s design.
A Testament to Community Dedication
This discovery underscores the enduring passion and curiosity of the Super Mario 64 community. Even decades after its release, players continue to explore and uncover new aspects of the game, contributing to its lasting legacy in the gaming world.
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GOG, a prominent European digital game distribution platform, has become a member of the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP). This coalition, established in 2012, is dedicated to preserving video games as cultural heritage.
Credit: GoG
EFGAMP comprises over 20 heritage institutions, including VIGAMUS in Rome, MO5.COM in France, and the Computerspielemuseum in Berlin. GOG’s inclusion marks the first Polish institution to join, bridging the private sector with cultural organizations across Europe.
Maciej Gołębiewski, Managing Director at GOG, stated, “GOG was created with video game preservation in mind.” He highlighted the GOG Preservation Program, launched in 2024, which ensures compatibility for over 100 classic games, delivering hundreds of enhancements to keep them accessible on modern systems.
Andreas Lange, COO of EFGAMP, welcomed GOG’s membership, noting that GOG’s experience in making classic games accessible complements the work of existing members and brings additional digital expertise to collective preservation efforts.
GOG’s collaboration with EFGAMP underscores the growing importance of preserving digital media. As concerns about the disappearance of digital content increase, initiatives like this play a crucial role in maintaining access to the titles that have shaped the gaming medium.
By joining EFGAMP, GOG reinforces its dedication to protecting gaming’s cultural legacy, ensuring that players worldwide can continue to enjoy classic games for years to come.
For more information, visit the official announcement.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 has once again proven to be a playground for retro gaming enthusiasts. My Arcade, a leading name in the retro gaming scene, joined forces with Atari to unveil the Atari Balls of Steel Pinball Player Pro, a cutting-edge pinball machine with a nostalgic twist. This collaboration is yet another testament to the undying charm of classic gaming in the modern tech world.
Credit: MyArcade
A Retro-Modern Marvel
For those who grew up in arcades, the Atari Balls of Steel Pinball Player Pro is like a time machine—but with a high-tech engine. The pinball machine integrates Atari’s classic gaming heritage with state-of-the-art features, offering players a tactile, immersive experience that pays homage to the golden era of gaming while embracing the future.
Designed for both seasoned pinball players and newcomers, the Pinball Player Pro features vibrant LCDs, immersive soundtracks, and lightning-fast mechanics. It’s a brilliant example of how timeless design and modern engineering can collide to create something truly unique. CES attendees were treated to hands-on demos, and early impressions suggest that this is more than just a pretty machine—it’s set to be a game-changer for pinball enthusiasts.
Credit MyArcade
Why It Matters
Pinball machines, once ubiquitous in the 70s and 80s, have seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to retro gaming’s growing popularity. Atari and My Arcade’s new creation doesn’t just ride the retro wave; it pushes it forward. With collectors and gamers alike clamouring for physical gaming experiences, this launch could spark a revival in home-based arcade setups.
It also taps into the wider nostalgia trend that has taken over pop culture. Whether it’s the return of vinyl records, remakes of classic films, or vintage gaming, people are looking to reconnect with simpler times. Atari and My Arcade have smartly positioned themselves at the centre of this cultural phenomenon.
A Sign of Things to Come?
This partnership hints at a potential revival for other Atari classics. Could we see updated versions of Pong, Asteroids, or Centipede next? If the buzz around this release is any indication, the retro gaming market is far from tapped out. Atari’s brand power, combined with My Arcade’s hardware expertise, is a promising formula that could pave the way for even more ambitious projects.
If you’re a retro gaming fan, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year. The Atari Balls of Steel Pinball Player Pro promises to reignite arcade nostalgia while setting new standards for pinball enthusiasts.
As retro gaming continues its triumphant return, now’s the perfect time to protect your classics. Keep your favourite retro games pristine with RetroShell premium game protectors—because your collection deserves the best. Visit www.retroshell.com today.
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Do you like Doom? Do you like wine? Do you like art? If you answered yes to all three, then you are in for an absolute treat.
A new mod titled Doom: The Gallery Experience offers players a sophisticated twist on the classic 1993 Doom game. Developed by Filippo Meozzi and Liam Stone, this mod transforms the traditional demon-slaying adventure into a cultured gallery visit, complete with wine and cheese.
In this reimagined version, players navigate a renovated E1M1 level, now designed as an art gallery. Instead of collecting weapons and ammunition, attendees gather hors d’oeuvres and beverages while appreciating various artworks. Interacting with exhibits provides detailed information sourced from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience.
The mod is available for download or can be played directly in the browser via Itch.io. This creative adaptation showcases the versatility of the Doom engine and the ingenuity of its fan community, offering a unique blend of classic gaming and high culture.
The retro gaming scene thrives on nostalgia—a powerful force that keeps us hooked on the cherished games of our youth. Despite Nintendo’s successful ventures with the NES and SNES Classic Editions, fans have long awaited a Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition. While no official product exists, the creative spirit of the gaming community has bridged the gap. This blog explores the creation of a DIY Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition using the versatile Raspberry Pi 5, blending nostalgia with modern technology.
A Nostalgic Look Back
When Nintendo introduced the NES and SNES Classic Editions, they rekindled the flame of retro gaming. These consoles catered to a generation that grew up on Mario, Zelda, and Metroid, packaged in sleek miniaturised forms. Released between 2017 and 2018, these editions aligned perfectly with the launch of the Nintendo Switch, providing a sense of continuity in Nintendo’s gaming universe.
The SNES Mini (EU Edition)
What Made Them Popular?
• Nostalgia Reimagined: Players relived classic games with modern ease.
• Plug-and-Play Convenience: No fiddling with cartridges or blowing on connectors—just pure gaming.
• Speculated Expansion: Rumours about potential Game Boy or Nintendo 64 Mini editions buzzed for years, fuelling anticipation.
However, the Nintendo 64 Mini never materialised. Meanwhile, Sega dipped into the nostalgia pool with its Genesis Mini, but consumer interest in such official products eventually waned. Enter the enthusiasts who take matters into their own hands.
Enter the DIY Nintendo 64 Mini Project
Determined to bring the Nintendo 64 Mini to life, a creative gamer embarked on a project to build one from scratch. At the heart of this endeavour was the Raspberry Pi 5, a credit-card-sized computer renowned for its versatility and affordability. The Pi, coupled with a custom Nintendo 64-style case, created the foundation for this retro revival.
Raspberry Pi Model 5
What Made This Project Special?
1. Authentic Aesthetics: A Retro Flag case designed to mimic the colourful charm of the original console.
2. Powerful Hardware: The Raspberry Pi 5’s advanced specs made it perfect for emulating Nintendo 64 games.
3. Tailored Experience: A handpicked selection of 60 iconic titles ensured every gaming session was a trip down memory lane.
Building the Console
The Components
Before diving into the build, assembling the right tools and components was essential:
1. Raspberry Pi 5 ($45-$80 depending on spec): The brain of the operation.
2. RetroFlag Case ($29.99): Shaped like the Nintendo 64 for that authentic retro feel.
3. Heat Sinks and Cooling Fans: To keep the Pi running smoothly during intense gaming sessions.
4. Micro SD Card ($21.05 – suggested Sandisk 256gb): For storage, loaded with games and the operating system.
2. Flash the SD Card: Use Win32 Disk Imager (or a similar tool) to write the image to the card.
3. Boot Up the Pi: Insert the SD card into the Pi, power it on, and let Batocera work its magic.
Adding Games
Transferring ROMs (game files) is a straightforward process:
1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Configure your network for easy file transfers.
2. Use FileZilla: This FTP client allows you to drag and drop ROMs into the Pi’s storage.
3. Organise Your Library: Add box art and video previews for a polished look.
Reliving the Nintendo 64 Experience
Gaming Setup
Once everything is in place, the DIY Nintendo 64 Mini boots to life, displaying a clean interface and an array of familiar games. With a controller in hand, the nostalgic journey begins.
• Customisation: Users can tweak splash screens, add background music, and personalise settings.
• Controller Pairing: A quick Bluetooth sync connects the classic Nintendo 64 controller for an authentic feel.
And there you have it! Your own Nintendo 64 mini console. If you are a Nintendo 64 game collector then make sure you protect your precious collection with a RetroShell, and if you love retro, then sign up to our free weekly retro gaming newsletter.
What do you think of this Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition? Are you tempted to build your own or perhaps adapt this idea for another console? Let us know in the comments below!
