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Tag Archives: Gaming

Fun Things

Fighting Game Titans Street Fighter x Mortal Kombat Unite in Unprecedented Crossover Event

Posted on by Owen

A landmark collaboration is set to reshape the gaming landscape as three of the industry’s most celebrated franchises converge. Developers have today announced a crossover event that will merge the worlds of Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Fortnite, offering fans the opportunity to see their favourite fighters share a screen for the first time.

Credit: Fortnite

Epic Games has remained tight-lipped on the full scope, but a spokesperson hinted at the vision: “We’re bringing together these beloved universes to create something fresh yet respectful of their legacies. Expect gameplay that celebrates their histories while pushing what’s possible in Fortnite.” The crossover aligns with the season’s “Lawless” theme, featuring a criminal underworld aesthetic that complements the ninja personas of Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside Street Fighter’s martial arts icons.

The collaboration promises more than just skins. Leaks suggest limited-time challenges and possibly new points of interest tied to Mortal Kombat, enhancing the battle royale experience with nods to its brutal roots—albeit toned down for Fortnite’s broader audience. While a unified narrative remains speculative, the inclusion of such iconic characters hints at a loose storyline bridging these worlds, a tactic Fortnite has mastered with past crossovers like Marvel and Star Wars.

Analysts see this as a bold step in gaming’s evolution, merging the nostalgia of 1990s fighting games with today’s dominant battle royale format. “This is a landmark moment,” said Trent Murray, a veteran esports writer for Sports Illustrated. “It’s not just about skins—it’s about uniting communities across genres and generations.” The move reflects a growing trend of leveraging intellectual properties to create hybrid experiences, a strategy Epic has honed since Fortnite’s rise to cultural phenomenon status.

With the season now live as of February 21, 2025, excitement is palpable across gaming forums and social media. Posts on X highlight fans’ enthusiasm, with some calling it the closest they’ll get to a Street Fighter vs. Mortal Kombat showdown—a dream matchup long desired but never realized in a traditional fighting game. Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat’s co-creator, even acknowledged the crossover’s significance online, fuelling speculation about future additions like Mileena or Raiden.

This pioneering event not only celebrates decades of gaming heritage but also signals a future where cross-genre collaborations could become the norm. As players dive into Fortnite’s latest season, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash of titans—one that’s already shaping up to be a milestone in interactive entertainment.

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Nintendo

Wario Land 4 Joins Nintendo Switch Online’s GBA Library on Valentine’s Day (February 14th)

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo is adding Wario Land 4 to the Game Boy Advance lineup on Nintendo Switch Online on February 14, giving subscribers a chance to revisit one of the best platformers on the handheld.

The original Wario Land 4

Originally released in 2001, Wario Land 4 stands out for its creative-level design, unique transformations, and a mix of puzzle-solving and platforming. Unlike traditional Mario games, Wario’s adventures let him take damage without immediately losing a life, instead using various enemy attacks to his advantage. The game also introduced the “Hurry Up!” mechanic, where players trigger a timer before scrambling back to the entrance, adding a layer of tension not seen in earlier Wario Land titles.

This release is part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which already features Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap in its GBA collection. With Wario Land 4, Nintendo continues to flesh out its Game Boy Advance offerings, though many fans are still hoping for additions like Metroid Fusion and Golden Sun: The Lost Age.

Whether you played it back in the day or are experiencing it for the first time, Wario Land 4 is a must-play. It remains one of the most stylish and inventive platformers on the system, blending humour, challenge, and variety in a way that few games of its era could match.

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Nintendo

Zelda Designer Takaya Imamura Clarifies “PTSD” Mistranslation in Recent Interview

Posted on by Owen

Takaya Imamura, a key figure in Nintendo’s golden era and the creator of beloved characters like Tingle and Captain Falcon, recently had to clear up a mistranslation from an interview about his work on The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

The interview, originally published in Japanese, was misinterpreted to suggest that Imamura had described his experience working on A Link to the Past as giving him “PTSD.” This caused a stir online, with some fans misreading the comment as an indication of extreme stress or trauma during the development process.

The OG Commercial for a Link to the past in Japan, just because.

Imamura quickly stepped in to correct the misunderstanding, explaining that his actual words had been taken out of context. He clarified that while the development process was intense and challenging, he never intended to equate it to post-traumatic stress disorder. Rather, he meant that the experience left a lasting impression on him due to the high expectations and demanding nature of working on such a major title at Nintendo.

This incident highlights the difficulties of translating nuanced statements, particularly when discussing emotionally charged topics. Video game history is filled with development struggles, and while A Link to the Past is now considered one of the greatest games of all time, it’s a reminder that even legendary projects come with their share of pressure.

Nintendo fans were quick to rally behind Imamura, appreciating his clarification and recognizing the importance of precise translation in gaming history. The incident also serves as a testament to how much effort goes into crafting classic titles that stand the test of time.

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Top 10

The Top 10 Retro Gaming Reddit Communities – Ranked By Members (Jan 2025)

Posted on by Owen

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.

10. The Atari 2600 R/Atari2600 @12k Subs

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.

I’m 19 I should be into girls or underage drinking or something
byu/TheSwoodening inAtari2600

9. The SEGA CD /r/SEGACD @12k Subs

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.

Two months and two Model 1s later, I have a working Sega CD!
byu/trustanchor inSegaCD

8. The Neo Geo R/NeoGeo @12k Subs

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.

Hello from France.
byu/Dry-Primary6128 inneogeo

7. Sega Saturn /r/SegaSaturn @35k Subs

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.

$30 garage sale haul
byu/cafink inSegaSaturn

6. Sega Genesis /r/SegaGenesis @48k (or 57.4k) Subs

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.

I drew a Genesis exploded view
byu/Poire_ inSEGAGENESIS

5. PSX /r/PSX @105k Subs

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.

Posts from the psx
community on Reddit

4. Nintendo NES /r/NES @108k Subs

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.

Hello dark nes my old friend
by innes

3. Nintendo SNES /r/SNES @154k Subs

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.

Today I finished my snes set 720/720
byu/blackandbluebolts insnes

2. Nintendo 64 /r/N64 @205k Subs

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.

My orthodontist’s office has a n64 kiosk
byu/AudioVid3o inn64

1. 1. Game Boy /r/GameBoy @227k Subs

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 😂).

After 10 years I’ve completed the US original GameBoy cartridge set!
byu/popfonics inGameboy

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.

Game Port, Retro Gaming News, Sega

🥷🏻Shinobi Makes a Surprise Jump to Neo Geo in Fan ProjectShinobi

Posted on by Owen

An exciting new fan project has emerged that reimagines SEGA’s classic ninja action game Shinobi for the Neo Geo hardware. This ambitious demake demonstrates the creative spirit still alive in the retro gaming community.


The project, developed by H0ffman, showcases what Shinobi might have looked like if it had been released on SNK’s powerful arcade system. While SEGA’s original Shinobi was known for its tight controls and ninja action on the Master System and Genesis, this Neo Geo interpretation brings a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise.


For retro gaming enthusiasts interested in following more stories like this and staying up to date with the latest developments in the classic gaming scene, subscribe to our free weekly retro gaming news Substack, delivered to your inbox each Monday.
Keep playing!

Retro Gaming News

8BitDo Unveils Ultimate Mini Wired Controller for Xbox

Posted on by Owen

8BitDo has introduced the Ultimate Mini Wired Controller, a compact and lightweight gamepad officially licensed by Xbox. Designed for gamers with smaller hands, including teenagers and children, this controller is 20% smaller and 10% lighter than the standard 8BitDo Ultimate C model, enhancing comfort during extended gaming sessions.

Key Features:

• Compact Design: Tailored for smaller grips, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic gaming experience.

• Hall-Effect Triggers and Joysticks: Provides higher precision and sensitivity, enhancing gameplay accuracy.

• Fire Ring RGB Lighting: Interactive LED lighting around each joystick with multiple modes, including Fire Ring, Light-tracing, and Rainbow Ring, adding a dynamic visual element to gaming.

• Enhanced Grip and Tactile Feedback: Features refined bumpers and a D-pad recalibrated for a clicky yet smooth feel, along with impulse triggers and high-definition vibration for immersive gameplay.

• 3.5mm Audio Jack: Includes a standard CTIA connector for seamless audio integration.

Compatibility:

The Ultimate Mini Wired Controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 systems, offering versatility across platforms.

Availability:

Available in translucent white, pink, and green, the controller is priced at $34.99 and can be purchased through 8BitDo’s official store and select retailers.

For more information and to purchase, visit: 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller for Xbox