The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, released in 1993 for the Game Boy, has long been celebrated for its unique charm and engaging gameplay. However, recent discoveries from the 2020 Gigaleak have unveiled aspects of the game’s original design that were altered or omitted in the final release. Enter “Dreaming Island,” a comprehensive ROM hack that seeks to restore these elements, offering players a glimpse into what Link’s Awakening might have been.
Credit: Romhack Plaza
Restoring the Overworld and Characters
One of the most significant restorations in Dreaming Island is the overworld map. The hack reinstates the original map design, complete with areas like Kakariko Village, Hyrule Castle, Death Mountain, and the Eastern Palace. These locations initially intended to mirror those in A Link to the Past, provide a more expansive and varied world for players to explore.
In addition to the overworld, several non-playable characters (NPCs) have been reintroduced. Notably, Princess Zelda, who was absent from the final version of Link’s Awakening, now appears in the sanctuary. Other characters, such as the Old Man from the original The Legend of Zelda and Aginah from The Desert Sanctuary, enrich the game’s narrative and depth.
Credit: Romhack Plaza
Enhanced Gameplay and Debug Features
Dreaming Island doesn’t stop at visual and character restorations. The hack includes a debug pre-save labelled “ZELDA,” granting players all items, 10 hearts, and 509 rupees—mirroring early press screenshots of the game. This feature allows for immediate exploration and experimentation within the restored world.
Moreover, players can utilize debug functions such as warping to any location via the mini-map and toggling collision detection, providing a more flexible and user-friendly experience.
Accessing Dreaming Island
To experience Dreaming Island, players need to apply an IPS patch to a legitimate copy of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (USA, Europe) ROM (v1.0). Detailed instructions and the necessary patch file are available on RomHack Plaza.
Credit: Romhack Plaza
A Tribute to Zelda’s Legacy
Dreaming Island serves as both a tribute to the original vision of Link’s Awakening and a testament to the dedication of the fan community. By restoring these unused elements, the hack offers a fresh yet nostalgic experience for both new players and longtime fans of the series.
For more information and to download the patch, visit RomHack Plaza.
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The Super Mario Land series holds a special place in gaming history. These Game Boy classics were Nintendo’s first foray into adapting their legendary Super Mario Bros. franchise for a handheld console. Spanning just three games, the series introduced new characters, mechanics, and worlds that still resonate with fans today. Yet, these gems often remain overlooked in favour of Mario’s larger console adventures.
A Game Boy Launch Essential
Released in 1989 as a launch title for the Game Boy, Super Mario Land showcased the console’s potential. The game introduced Sarasaland, a new setting filled with unique kingdoms inspired by real-world locations, such as the Egyptian-style Birabuto and the mysterious Easter Island-inspired Easton. Princess Daisy also made her debut here, adding a fresh face to the Mario universe.
Super Mario Land managed to condense the magic of Mario’s NES adventures into a 12-level portable experience. Despite its brevity and slightly “off” physics, the game sold over 18 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Game Boy titles of all time.
The Original Box from Japan
Innovating the Mario Formula
In 1992, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins took the series to new heights. With richer graphics, an overworld map, and new power-ups like bunny ears for hovering, the game felt closer to the console-based Mario games fans knew and loved. This sequel also introduced Wario, the greedy anti-hero who would later star in his own successful series.
Unlike its predecessor, Super Mario Land 2 gave players more freedom to explore non-linear worlds, including the eerie Pumpkin Zone and the whimsical Mario Zone, a giant mechanical version of Mario himself. The game sold over 11 million copies, cementing its place as a Game Boy classic.
Wario’s debut from the game, Super Mario Land 2
Wario Takes the Spotlight
The third instalment, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, shifted the spotlight entirely to Wario. Released in 1994, this game introduced slower, treasure-focused gameplay and unique mechanics like Wario’s hat power-ups. It marked the start of the Wario Land series and was a fitting end to the Super Mario Land saga, which had now sold over 34 million units across all three titles.
Not a Mario in sight
Why It Matters
The Super Mario Land series demonstrated Nintendo’s ability to innovate while staying true to their beloved franchise. It introduced enduring characters like Daisy and Wario, while pushing the boundaries of what the humble Game Boy could achieve. Despite their underappreciated status today, these games were instrumental in the Game Boy’s early success.
For collectors and fans, preserving these pieces of gaming history is essential. Protect your treasured Super Mario Land cartridges with a RetroShell premium game protector. And if you’re as passionate about retro gaming as we are, subscribe to our newsletter at Retro Gaming Substack for more nostalgic deep dives.
In 1990, the video game industry was ablaze with innovation. Handheld gaming was the new frontier, ignited by Nintendo’s release of the Game Boy in 1989. This monochrome marvel was so successful that Nintendo projected sales of 9 million units by the end of 1990. Atari entered the scene with the Lynx, boasting the first backlit colour display for handhelds. Meanwhile, NEC introduced the TurboExpress, a portable rendition of their TurboGrafx-16 console. Even Sega, Nintendo’s eternal rival, was crafting its handheld, the Game Gear.
Among the titans, a small company from San Jose, California, dared to dream big. BDL Enterprises, led by engineer Paul Biederman, envisioned something revolutionary: a portable version of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Their creation, The Express, promised a gaming experience that could have rivalled the heavyweights of its time. But what happened to this ambitious project? And why did it never see the light of day?
Credit TechEBlog
The Rise of BDL Enterprises
Before diving into The Express, let’s rewind to the origins of BDL Enterprises. Founded in 1989 by Paul Biederman, a former Capcom technician, the company initially carved a niche in arcade technology. Biederman’s expertise in designing testing equipment for coin-operated games quickly earned his firm respect in the industry. Products like JAMMA and monitor testers were their bread and butter, and they even dabbled in contract work for Capcom.
But Biederman’s aspirations didn’t stop at arcade machines. Recognising the explosive growth of home gaming, he ventured into consumer electronics. The company’s first retail product, the Turbo Blaster, allowed NES controllers to gain turbo and slow-motion functionality. Retailing at $39.99, the device was well-received and even became an officially licensed Nintendo product, earning a feature in Nintendo Power Magazine.
Strong name
It was a solid start, but Biederman had his sights set on something much bigger.
The Express: A Portable NES Ahead of Its Time
Biederman’s next brainchild was The Express, a compact, fully functional NES shrunk down to portable size. By meticulously stripping unnecessary circuitry from the NES motherboard, he created a new board measuring just 3 x 5 inches. Housed in a sleek shell, The Express was six inches wide, up to 10 inches long, and two inches thick.
This wasn’t a mere prototype—it was a technological marvel. The console featured:
• A 4-inch backlit colour screen.
• Built-in speakers with simulated stereo sound.
• A headphone jack.
• Ports for NES controllers (later replaced with an integrated controller).
• The ability to play nearly every NES game (excluding Zapper games).
Running on four C batteries, BDL claimed The Express could deliver 30 to 40 hours of gameplay. While these figures were never verified, the potential was undeniable. At an estimated retail price of $149–$169, it was on par with the Atari Lynx but far more versatile.
An early article from Electronic Gaming Magazine
Nintendo’s Reluctance: A Roadblock Too Big to Overcome
In 1990, Biederman presented The Express to Nintendo of America, hoping to secure a manufacturing license. But despite its promise, Nintendo turned him down. Their reason? The concept didn’t align with their long-term marketing strategy.
The rejection wasn’t entirely surprising. Nintendo had no incentive to support a product that might cannibalise sales of their Game Boy or even the NES itself. Why risk undermining two of their best-performing products for a third, untested contender?
Gaming magazines were quick to criticise Nintendo’s decision. Electronic Gaming Monthly called it unfair, arguing that The Express could have helped Nintendo fend off competitors like the Atari Lynx. Meanwhile, GamePro and Game Players Magazine speculated that Nintendo might have had their own portable NES in development. But for BDL Enterprises, the door was firmly closed.
Second page of the article above
The Aftermath: A New Opportunity with Camerica
Undeterred, Biederman continued innovating. By the end of 1990, he had developed a Game Boy-to-NES adapter, a product aimed at making Game Boy games playable on NES consoles. Enter Camerica, a Canadian company infamous for its unlicensed gaming products, including the Game Genie. Camerica showed interest in both The Express and the Game Boy-to-NES adapter, even announcing plans to bring them to market in 1991.
However, Camerica’s legal troubles with Nintendo, coupled with internal issues (like routing their 1-800 number through Cuba), led to the company’s closure in 1992. With Camerica gone and Nintendo unwilling to collaborate, BDL Enterprises quietly faded away. By July 1992, the company was listed as inactive.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though The Express never hit store shelves, its concept foreshadowed the future of gaming. Portable versions of home consoles eventually became a reality. The TurboExpress, Sega Nomad, and even today’s Nintendo Switch owe a debt to pioneers like Biederman.
In 2005, when NES patents expired, a flood of clone consoles hit the market, reviving interest in retro gaming. By 2012, devices like the RetroDuo Portable allowed players to enjoy NES cartridges on the go—a dream Biederman had envisioned over two decades earlier. Interestingly, there is a Retro Due V2 due out in 2025.
The now-defunct Retro Duo
Protect Your Retro Gaming Legacy
The story of The Express is a reminder of how innovation can shape the gaming world, even if it doesn’t immediately succeed. For retro gaming enthusiasts, preserving the past is more important than ever. That’s why protecting your classic games with RetroShell’s premium protectors is essential. Keep your cartridges safe from dust, scratches, and the wear of time.
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Retro handheld gaming continues to thrive with the release of Lost Treasure of Lima, a brand-new title for the classic Nintendo Game Boy. Developed by Broke Studio, this adventure-puzzle game combines nostalgic aesthetics with captivating gameplay, designed to run on original Game Boy hardware as well as modern emulators.
Lost Treasure of Lima takes players on a thrilling treasure hunt inspired by real-world history. Set in the early 19th century, the game challenges you to navigate perilous landscapes, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover secrets hidden within its pixel-perfect graphics. With a compelling storyline and immersive soundtrack, it’s a standout addition to the Game Boy’s ever-growing homebrew library.
Retro handheld gaming continues to thrive with the release of Lost Treasure of Lima, a brand-new title for the classic Nintendo Game Boy. Developed by Broke Studio, this adventure-puzzle game combines nostalgic aesthetics with captivating gameplay, designed to run on original Game Boy hardware as well as modern emulators.
Lost Treasure of Lima takes players on a thrilling treasure hunt inspired by real-world history. Set in the early 19th century, the game challenges you to navigate perilous landscapes, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover secrets hidden within its pixel-perfect graphics. With a compelling storyline and immersive soundtrack, it’s a standout addition to the Game Boy’s ever-growing homebrew library.
Key Features:
• Authentic Gameplay: Built specifically for the original Game Boy, offering a true retro experience.
• Physical Release: Includes a cartridge, box, and manual, perfect for collectors.
• Modern Compatibility: Fully functional on original hardware, the Game Boy Color, and various emulators.
The Lost Treasure of Lima is available now for pre-order through Broke Studio. Don’t miss your chance to add this exciting new game to your collection!
Key Features:
• Authentic Gameplay: Built specifically for the original Game Boy, offering a true retro experience.
• Physical Release: Includes a cartridge, box, and manual, perfect for collectors.
• Modern Compatibility: Fully functional on original hardware, the Game Boy Color, and various emulators.
The Lost Treasure of Lima is available now for pre-order through Broke Studio. Don’t miss your chance to add this exciting new game to your collection!
If you want to keep abreast with all the latest releases be sure to subscribe to our free weekly Substack, delivered each Monday.
The story of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening represents one of gaming’s most fascinating tales of creative freedom and innovation born from after-hours experimentation. Let me take you through this remarkable journey that began in 1991, just as Nintendo was riding high on the success of A Link to the Past.
The Japanese Advert for “Links Awakening”
An Unexpected Beginning
Sometimes the most innovative ideas emerge when nobody’s watching. Following the release of A Link to the Past, director Takashi Tezuka found himself yearning to explore concepts that hadn’t made the final cut. His opportunity came through an unexpected discovery – programmer Kazuaki Morita tinkering with a Game Boy Development Kit after hours, attempting to recreate Zelda’s magic on Nintendo’s new handheld system.
Takashi Tezuka – The Man Himself
The After-Hours Club
What started as curiosity evolved into something special. Tezuka joined Morita’s experimental sessions, and soon other members of Nintendo’s Entertainment Analysis & Development division formed what essentially became an unofficial “after-hours club.” These passionate developers would complete their regular work during the day, and then gather to work on their secret Zelda project – despite none of them having prior Game Boy development experience.
Breaking Free from Convention
The project’s unofficial nature proved to be its greatest strength. Without the usual oversight (even Miyamoto was “too busy to pay much mind”), the team could explore fresh ideas. They abandoned series staples like Princess Zelda, Ganon, and the Triforce, crafting something entirely new.
Twin Peaks Meets Hyrule
Tezuka, a huge Twin Peaks fan, encouraged his team to embrace the TV show’s surreal elements and dream-like qualities. This influence manifested through two key creative forces:
Kensuke Tanabe
Veteran developer of Super Mario titles
Finally implemented his long-held concept of a world-ending egg on a mountaintop
Yoshiaki Koizumi
Former aspiring film director
Brought cinematic storytelling to the Zelda series
Created the most narrative-driven Zelda game to date
Yoshiaki Koizumi
Innovation Through Freedom
The development team’s creative freedom led to several series of innovations:
First fishing mini-game (added by Morita)
Trading sequence side quests
Item combination system
Side-scrolling segments
Cameos from other Nintendo franchises
The Japanese TV Commercial for the game
A Dream Within a Dream
The story they crafted was unlike anything seen in previous Zelda games. Link, washed ashore on mysterious Koholint Island, must collect eight musical instruments to wake the Wind Fish. The revelation that the island exists only in the Wind Fish’s dream adds a philosophical depth previously unseen in the series.
The Wind “Fish” (Looks like a whale to me, but hey)
Technical Achievement
Despite the Game Boy’s limitations, the team created a full-scale Zelda adventure that didn’t feel compromised. The soundtrack, composed by newcomers Kozue Ishikawa and Minako Hamano, produced memorable tunes like The Ballad of the Wind Fish. Even Kazumi Totaka contributed, hiding his famous secret song within the game.
The entire map of Links Awakening – impressive on a Game Boy
Commercial and Critical Success
Released in 1993, Link’s Awakening exceeded all expectations:
Sold over 3.5 million copies
Ranked 15th best-selling Game Boy game
Received universal critical acclaim
Later enhanced through Link’s Awakening DX for Game Boy Color
Remade for Nintendo Switch in 2019
Legacy and Influence
Link’s Awakening’s impact on the Zelda series cannot be overstated. Current series producer Eiji Aonuma acknowledges it as “the quintessential isometric Zelda game” and credits it as a crucial stepping stone between A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time.
The Switch Remake
A Labor of Love
What makes Link’s Awakening truly special is that it began as a passion project – developers creating something simply because they loved doing it. As Tezuka recalled, “I remember it was fun working on it and when it was over, I remember us talking to each other about how fun it was.”
The game stands as a testament to what can happen when talented developers are given the freedom to experiment and create. It broke conventional Zelda formulas while establishing new ones, proving that sometimes the best ideas come from after-hours tinkering and pure creative passion.
Thanks for reading, if you are a fan or retro gaming, and want to stay up to date with all the latest news, then subscribe to our free weekly retro gaming news roundup Substack.
Reddit is a great platform for bringing people together under a common topic, whether it is news, gaming or bizarrely specific subreddits (r/birdswitharms anyone…?) – it really does have something for every interest. It can also be a great source of news and insights for the retro gaming community. Sadly, the days of the traditional bulletin boards are dying, and Reddit seems to be the place to be to find the meta of all BBs in one place.
So, let’s have a look at the biggest retro gaming communities in the world of Reddit, as ranked by member numbers, plus the hottest post of all time for each. For the record, I am only considering up to generation 5 for this list.
Before we begin, if you are a fan of retro gaming – I implore you to check out our free weekly retro gaming newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Monday and packed with all of the latest retro gaming news.
Some might call this the console that started putting gaming into the mainstream, others might blame it on the video game crash of 1983. Whatever it means to you, it is a crucial part of gaming history and stakes a big claim for igniting the mainstream of video games. Coming in at 12k subs at the time of writing, it squeezes into the top 10. If you collect Atari 2600 games, then check out our RetroShell cases, which are the finest protection you can get. And here is its top post ever.
A bold attempt by SEGA to leap into the future of gaming, the SEGA CD (or Mega-CD as us Europeans know it as) added CD-ROM capabilities to the Genesis (Megadrive), bringing full-motion video (FMV) and enhanced audio to the forefront. While it didn’t see massive success, it’s still remembered fondly for cult classics like Sonic CD and Night Trap. At 12k subs, it ties with its retro sibling, the Neo Geo, and makes the top 10 by a thread. And here’s its top post ever.
The Neo Geo was the ultimate arcade experience at home, famous for its jaw-dropping price and unmatched graphical fidelity for its time. Known for timeless fighting games like Samurai Shodown and King of Fighters, it’s a dream machine for retro enthusiasts. Its community of 12k members holds strong, celebrating this powerhouse console. And here’s its top post ever.
The Sega Saturn, a misunderstood gem of the 32-bit era, struggled against stiff competition but delivered a library of innovative and experimental games like Nights into Dreams and Panzer Dragoon Saga. With 35k subs, the Saturn fanbase continues to champion its unique place in gaming history. Here you have its top post.
The Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive for some) was Sega’s bold challenge to Nintendo’s dominance, delivering classics like Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage. Its legendary “blast processing” marketing and edgy attitude cemented its legacy. At 48k subs, it comfortably secures a spot in the retro console pantheon – if we include the r/Megadrive which has 9.6k then you have 57.4k members. Here is the top post.
Sony’s PlayStation (PSX) broke new ground in gaming with its embrace of 3D graphics, a massive game library, and unforgettable titles like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid. At 105k subs, the PSX community proves that this revolutionary console still holds a special place in gamers’ hearts. And here’s its top post ever.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revived the gaming industry after the crash of 1983, introducing iconic franchises like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. With 108k subs, it remains a cornerstone of retro gaming nostalgia. If you are a NES game collector, we have a RetroShell to help you keep your treasures in the best condition. And here’s its top post ever, with an amazing title.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) took 16-bit gaming to new heights with unforgettable masterpieces like Super Metroid and Chrono Trigger. At 154k subs, the SNES fanbase is as vibrant as ever, celebrating the pinnacle of 2D gaming. If you have some SNES games, we have a RetroShell to help you keep it preserved in style. Want to know the top post, we have this amazing collection.
The Nintendo 64 brought 3D gaming to the masses with groundbreaking titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. At 205k subs, it’s clear this console still holds a massive place in gamers’ hearts. Guess what, we also have a RetroShell for this gaming legend. Want to know the top post, we have this amazing collection.
The Game Boy redefined gaming on the go with its incredible portability and a library led by Tetris and Pokémon Red and Blue. At a staggering 227k subs, it sits proudly atop the list, proving its enduring appeal among retro gaming fans (RetroShell coming very soon). Here is the top post, and it’s a mighty fine achievement (but now do this with boxes 😂).
So there you have it, the OG Game Boy tops the chart, not really a surprise given its amazing catalogue and lifespan (and also I guess it is a catchall for multiple systems). Thanks very much for reading, if you love retro news, you can also follow us on X, or join the r/Retroshell sub.
In the mid-’90s, Nintendo delivered one of its most groundbreaking peripherals: the Super Game Boy. Designed for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), this add-on was nothing short of revolutionary, allowing players to enjoy their Game Boy games on the big screen. Released in 1994, the Super Game Boy bridged the gap between handheld and console gaming, offering a whole new dimension to fans of classics like Metroid II: Return of Samus and Killer Instinct.
A Technical Marvel
Unlike modern emulators, the Super Game Boy wasn’t just software running on the SNES. Instead, it contained nearly identical hardware to an original Game Boy. The add-on housed the same CPU, RAM, and VRAM as its handheld counterpart. This design allowed for full compatibility with Game Boy games, including those compatible with the Game Boy Color—a significant feat for the time.
One fascinating detail was how the Super Game Boy synchronized its processing speed with the SNES’s internal clock. However, this setup caused a slight speed difference, making the Super Game Boy run about 2.4% faster on NTSC systems and 1.5% faster on PAL systems. While most players didn’t notice, this discrepancy was significant enough to ban the peripheral from official speedrunning competitions.
Enhanced Gaming Experiences
The Super Game Boy wasn’t just a tool for playing handheld games; it elevated them. Players could customise the colour palette, choosing from 32 predefined options or creating unique combinations. Some games even detected the Super Game Boy to display enhanced visuals, including custom borders and expanded colour palettes. Notably, Kirby’s Dreamland 2 and Pokémon Yellowshowcased improved colour integration, adding layers of depth to their visuals.
Other titles, like Donkey Kong (1994), went a step further by dynamically changing palettes for different levels and menus. And for the few games that embraced the SNES’s superior audio capabilities, the results were stunning—Animaniacs replaced its entire soundtrack with an enhanced version, while Bomberman GB introduced upgraded sound effects.
Multiplayer and Hidden Surprises
One often overlooked feature was the second controller support. This allowed for multiplayer experiences in games like Killer Instinct, without the need for a link cable. And then there was Space Invaders, which included a hidden SNES game that transformed the humble Game Boy title into a 16-bit arcade masterpiece when accessed through the Super Game Boy.
A Legacy of Innovation
Though the Super Game Boy’s original iteration had some quirks, Nintendo refined it with the Super Game Boy 2, released exclusively in Japan. This updated version corrected clock speed issues and added link cable support, ensuring even better compatibility.
Today, the Super Game Boy remains a beloved relic of Nintendo’s innovative history. Whether you’re a retro collector or simply looking to revisit your childhood favourites, it’s a device that continues to impress.
So, what’s your favourite memory of the Super Game Boy? Whether it’s creating custom palettes or discovering hidden features, there’s no denying this peripheral’s impact on retro gaming culture.
This is the last newsletter before Christmas, so I wish you all a merry Christmas wherever you are in the world and however, you are spending it. I hope you get lots of time to play some retro games.
My week in gaming this week has revolved around hacking a PS3 Slim and getting every conceivable Guitar Hero/Rock Band game installed on it, then realising I did not have a PS3 Guitar (only an Xbox 360 one) and appreciating how slow the network functionality is on the PS3 as I try and transfer files 🫠. Also, I have been working on making RetroShell a news website and sourcing and writing many news articles that we have been writing on X (so it looks like the sources are very RetroShell-heavy this week).
The latest newsletter includes 33 stories, featuring pre-orders for retro gems like Slipstream Deluxe Edition, a Shenmue fangame’s festive update, Sega’s Netflix-style service, and rankings of gaming’s iconic moments.
News
🎮 Pre-orders for Slipstream Deluxe Edition are now live for the Nintendo Switch and PS5, offering the ultimate arcade-racing nostalgia! [RetroShell] Link
🐛 Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Worms Armageddon with a special Collector’s Edition packed with nostalgic goodies! [Otaku Study] Link
🎉 Celebrate the legacy of Gimmick! 2 with its stunning Collector’s Edition, now open for pre-orders on Switch and PS5. [RetroShell] Link
🎄Shenmue Fangame: Dreams of Saturn gets a festive update with bonkers new features for Christmas! [TimeExtension] Link
📖 Dive into The SNES Pixel Book, a beautifully illustrated celebration of the Super Nintendo’s glorious 16-bit era. (below) [RetroShell] Link
🎧 Onkyo teams up with Sega Saturn to release true wireless earphones, designed for fans of retro audio perfection. [TechEBlog] Link
🦁 A prototype of The Lion King SNES game from March 22, 1994, has been released, offering a fascinating glimpse into its development. [RetroShell] Link
📺 Sega considers launching a Netflix-style subscription service for its games, potentially changing the way retro titles are enjoyed. [GameRant] Link
🎲 Super Tilt Bro for the NES receives its first online update, marking a milestone for Wi-Fi cartridges in retro gaming. [RetroShell] Link
🎶 Sega fans rejoice! The SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection takes you on a nostalgic musical journey through Sega’s early console era. [RetroShell] Link
🚗 BattleTanx for the N64 is back, with Limited Run Games opening pre-orders for a new cartridge release. [RetroShell] Link
🌍 Sam PR Explorer invites players on an Egyptian adventure with its brand-new MSX2 game. [RetroShell] Link
📱 A new multi-emulator for retro gaming has been launched on iOS, making it easier than ever to relive classics on the go. [Gearrice] Link
🌀 Relive the chaos! Sonic the Hedgehog 4 brings fresh adventures to the iconic blue blur’s legacy. [ScreenCrush] Link
🎅 The Shenmue fan game Dreams of Saturn is getting a crazy new Christmas update, packed with festive surprises! [Time Extension] Link
Features
🎮 Darkstalkers fans, rejoice! A developer shares exciting progress on a Sega Genesis fan project, breathing new life into the classic fighter. [RetroShell] Link
🕹️ Curious about playing SNES games on your Steam Deck? Here’s a guide to bringing your retro favourites to the modern handheld. [TechStory] Link
📦 ModRetro Chromatic Review: Is this modern device every retro gamer’s dream or just another pixelated promise? Find out! [Yahoo Tech] Link
🔫 Doom 64 stands tall as one of the best in the series—discover why it’s a must-play on Nintendo’s iconic console. [CBR] Link
🛠️ Hidden gems: An N64 modder uncovers extra RAM in the Expansion Pak, sparking fresh possibilities for retro enthusiasts. (below) [GoNintendo] Link
📺 Sega Mini Consoles may not be done yet—insights into the company’s roadmap for tapping into nostalgia. [Rolling Out] Link
📖 Relive Hideo Kojima’s early brilliance—30 years ago, Snatcher debuted in America with its sole official release. [Paste Magazine] Link
⏳ Sega’s future lies in its past? A bold statement from the company as it balances innovation with nostalgia. [The Guardian] Link
🥋 Rise of the Robots and its lesser-known sequel—how a forgotten fighter became the talk of fans for all the wrong reasons. [EventHubs] Link
Lists & Rankings
🎮 Ever wondered which Mario games appeared on non-Nintendo systems? Explore the plumber’s unexpected cameos across the gaming world. [CBR] Link
🚀 Some consoles were so ahead of their time they confused the market—discover the tech marvels that were misunderstood in their era. [CBR] Link
💪 The SNES boasted strong female leads—ranked here are the most iconic games showcasing their stories and impact. [GameRant] Link
🧛 Step into Dracula’s castle to rank the most intricately designed bosses from the Castlevania series—gory, gothic, and glorious. [CBR] Link
💰 Selling retro this Christmas? Here’s the golden list of the most expensive vintage consoles to flip for festive profits. [Golden Gate Media] Link
🎵 Retro consoles didn’t just play games—they were symphonies of sound. Dive into the best audio experiences of the golden age. [CBR] Link
🏢 Remember the studios that defined our childhoods? It’s a nostalgic tribute to the gaming legends that sadly closed their doors. [DualShockers] Link
📀 The Atari Lynx might’ve been overshadowed, but its game library was legendary. Here’s the definitive ranking of its best titles. [CBR] Link
🎨 The Game Boy Color isn’t just retro—it’s a treasure trove. Check out the hidden gems that still sparkle today. [Shacknews] Link
This week’s newsletter was a challenge, being written from the Dominican Republic using only my mobile as I forgot my laptop 🫠. Apologies in advance if it’s a bit below par.
My week in gaming has been Rollercoaster Tycoon, a scrabble like game called Letterlike on IOS and more Marvel Snap as I try to hit infinite again (still some spots in the alliance available [LFC] open to readers!
This week’s newsletter features 34 stories covering retro gaming updates like NES Tetris on Switch, the Wonderswan Color’s 25th anniversary, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. updates. Subscribe now for all the nostalgia!
News
📺 RetroLDTech unveils stunning handcrafted miniature PVM monitors for retro enthusiasts – small in size, big on nostalgia. [RetroShell] Link
🎸 RIKI’s 8-bit Game Collection rocks retro fans with a chiptune compilation that’s pure nostalgic bliss. [Siliconera] Link
🎮 Atari celebrates its golden years with the release of the M Network Collection for the Atari 2600 – a retro gift to gamers. [RetroShell] Link
🧩 Nintendo Switch Online expands its library with the addition of classic NES and Game Boy Color Tetris titles. [Eurogamer] Link
✨ Konami reveals the full lineup for the Yu-Gi-Oh Early Days Collection and opens digital pre-orders – let the duels begin! [RetroShell] Link
🎮 Sega Teases New Persona Games for 2024 [Exputer] Link
Features
💥 Sega and Nintendo’s Explosive Showdown in 1993: The Battle Heard Around the World – Take a trip down memory lane and relive the legendary showdown between Sega and Nintendo in 1993. [Super Jump Magazine] Link
A solid weekend in.
🍄 Super Mario RPG Review: A Classic RPG Collaboration Between Nintendo and Square Enix – Dive into a review of Super Mario RPG, a beloved collaboration between Nintendo and Square Enix. [Wired] Link
🌟 Super Mario RPG Review: A Nostalgic Journey Back to a Nintendo Classic – Revisit the classic Super Mario RPG with this nostalgic review. [Nintendo Insider] Link
🕹️ Check Out This Gigantic Raspberry Pi Game Boy – Discover an incredible Raspberry Pi-powered Game Boy that promises hours of retro gaming fun. [HowToGeek] Link
💾 Steam Deck Owners Mostly Use It for Emulating PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, GameCube, and Game Boy – Steam Deck owners are turning to emulation to enjoy a wide range of classic games on this handheld device. [Ruetir] Link
🎮 How Much RAM Did the SNES Have? – Uncover the technical details of the SNES and learn how much RAM it had during its heyday. [Robots.net] Link
🚀 From ‘Spacewar!’ to ‘Starfield’: A History of Video Gaming – Take a journey through the history of video gaming, from the early days of “Spacewar!” to the highly anticipated release of “Starfield.” [LI Herald] Link
🔄 Sega Saturn: A Seriously Underrated Console – Explore why the Sega Saturn is often considered an underrated gem in the world of gaming consoles. [CBR] Link
✨ Aladdin for Sega Genesis Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary – Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic Sega Genesis game, Aladdin. [Inverse] Link
A whole new world of platform games 🥁
📼 Remembering Philips CD-i in Chocheluismos: The Revolution of Multimedia – Delve into the world of the Philips CD-i and its impact on multimedia gaming in this nostalgic article. [Ruetir] Link
🎮 Jaguar’s Graphic Power Marked in Its Classic Games – Learn about the graphic prowess of the Atari Jaguar through a look back at its classic games. [Gear Rice] Link
Lists & Rankings
🎮 Relive the ’80s: Top 25 Video Games That Defined a Decade – Take a nostalgic journey back to the ’80s with a list of the top 25 video games from that iconic era. [Wealth of Geeks] Link
If you know this, then you are old.
🍄 Weirdest Mario Games: Exploring the Quirky Side of the Mushroom Kingdom – Discover the quirkiest and most unusual Mario games that have graced the gaming world. [GameRant] Link
The crew were shocked by Mario’s porn collection
🌟 2D RPGs That Deserve HD Remakes: A Nostalgic Journey Awaits – Dive into the world of 2D RPGs and explore titles that are ripe for HD remakes. [CBR] Link
🔵 Best Sega Genesis Platform Games: Jump, Run, and Explore – Explore a selection of the best platform games on the Sega Genesis console. [GameRant] Link
🎮 Blast from the Past: Best Intellivision Games Worth Revisiting – Rediscover the magic of classic Intellivision games that continue to hold up today. [GamesRadar] Link
Not quite as good looking as the arcade version.
🚀 Turbocharge Your Gaming: Best PC Engine Games for Classic Fun – Dive into the world of PC Engine gaming with these outstanding titles. [GamesRadar] Link
