AYANEO has stepped forward to dispel rumours swirling around the fate of its FLIP handheld, a device that’s captured the hearts of retro gaming fans with its nostalgic dual-screen design. Addressing recent confusion, the company confirmed that the FLIP is not discontinued—production is merely on a temporary hiatus. This news should reassure enthusiasts who feared the innovative clamshell console had been shelved for good. Instead, AYANEO is gearing up to produce several hundred more units within the next three months, with a global restock planned through official channels.
Credit: Ayaeo
The FLIP, unveiled in 2024 via an Indiegogo campaign, harks back to the golden age of portable gaming. Its dual-screen setup echoes the beloved Nintendo DS, a staple of the mid-2000s, while packing modern muscle with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor. The 7-inch 1080p IPS display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, promises crisp visuals whether you’re revisiting retro classics or tackling newer titles. It’s a love letter to gamers who grew up with Game Boys and PSPs, blending vintage vibes with cutting-edge tech—a perfect fit for emulating everything from MS-DOS gems to PlayStation 2 hits.
AYANEO also updated backers on the crowdfunding front: 98% of FLIP orders have shipped, leaving just 18 pending. The company’s been in touch with those affected, offering refunds or swaps to keep everyone happy. Looking ahead, the FLIP series isn’t just a one-off. AYANEO plans to refine it with community feedback, enhancing hardware and adding features while preserving that iconic clamshell charm.
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The latest MAME update, version 0.274, brings significant performance improvements and expands the emulator’s already vast library of supported arcade and console games. The new release enhances the emulation of several platforms while fixing long-standing issues and improving overall compatibility.
One of the major highlights of MAME 0.274 is the improved emulation of several Namco System 10 arcade games, including Gekitoride-Jong Space, which is now fully playable. Performance optimizations have also been applied to the driver for Namco’s Super System 22, allowing for a smoother experience when playing titles like Time Crisis 2 and 500 GP.
Gekitoride-Jong Space Arcade
Additionally, Capcom’s Magic Sword has received a sound fix that properly synchronizes effects with gameplay, addressing an issue that had persisted for years. MAME 0.274 also makes refinements to Sega’s Model 3 emulation, improving stability in games such as Virtua Fighter 3 and Scud Race.
Beyond arcade systems, the update introduces improvements to the emulation of several vintage computers and game consoles. The Atari Jaguar emulation has seen major fixes, allowing better compatibility with homebrew games, while the Tandy 1000 line of computers now supports improved graphics rendering.
The Tandy 1000
Performance optimizations have been applied across the board, reducing CPU usage in various drivers, and making the latest version of MAME more efficient even on lower-end hardware.
For retro gaming enthusiasts, this update ensures a more stable and accurate emulation experience. You can grab the latest MAME version from the official MAME website.
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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.
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.
In a surprising development for retro gaming enthusiasts, developer
@craf7y24 has successfully ported the Xash3D engine, a versatile engine compatible with Half-Life, to the Sega Dreamcast. This port was highlighted in a tweet by @falco_girgis where a direct hardware capture demonstrated Counter-Strike 1.6 running on the Dreamcast, a feat that brings a modern gaming experience to the 25-year-old console.
The Xash3D engine not only resolves visual issues like polygon jittering but also aims to pioneer features such as downloading custom maps and assets directly onto the Dreamcast, utilizing either an SD card or an IDE/SATA hard drive mod. This development could significantly expand the Dreamcast’s library with a host of GoldSrc mods, enhancing its legacy in the gaming community.
For those interested in seeing this in action or exploring other Dreamcast homebrew projects, @falco_girgis recommends checking out DC-SWAT’s YouTube channel, where the author of DreamShell, a popular homebrew operating system for Dreamcast, regularly posts new captures. This project represents a major step forward in the homebrew scene, potentially bringing online connectivity and modern gameplay mechanics to a console that has long been out of production.
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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!
