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Tag Archives: nintendo

Retro Gaming News

👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0139

Posted on by Owen

In this week’s newsletter we cover the greatest Game Cube games, linking the Dreamcast and the Neo Geo pocket, the rise of retro and a load more.

News

🛡️ Halo meets Hyrule – A modder has introduced Halo-inspired weapons and vehicles into The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, blending two iconic gaming franchises. Retroshell

🕹️ New classics on Switch Online – Donkey Kong ’94 and Mario’s Picross are now available on Nintendo Switch Online, expanding its library of retro games. Polygon

🇯🇵 Suda51’s lost story translated – A fan translation of Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special makes the game’s dark and legendary narrative accessible to Western audiences. Retroshell

🎮 NES history at GDC 2025 – GDC attendees are invited to explore the lost history of the Nintendo Entertainment System in a special presentation. GoNintendo

🐷 Snout lands on Game Boy Color – Snout, a new Game Boy Color adventure, is seeking funding on Kickstarter, promising fresh retro-style gameplay. Retroshell

🔍 Zelda’s hidden secrets – A deep dive into The Legend of Zelda series reveals fascinating hidden details and Easter eggs that many fans may have missed. Ranker

🦖 Baby T-Rex returns – The classic dinosaur platformer Baby T-Rex is making a comeback on the Game Boy, reviving a nostalgic adventure. Retroshell

🚀 Sigma Star Saga DX preorders open – Preorders are now live for Sigma Star Saga DX, a revamped version of the Game Boy Advance cult classic. Capsule Computers (below)

⚖️ Nintendo blocks piracy site – Nintendo has successfully taken down a French file-hosting site that was distributing pirated retro games. Retroshell

⭐ Underrated N64 gems – A look at some of the most overlooked yet beloved Nintendo 64 games, including Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007. ComicBook

🧩 Puyo Puyo gets English patch – The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis classic Puyo Puyo has received a full English fan translation. Retroshell

🎮 Analogue’s silence on N64 console – Analogue has yet to provide an update on its rumored 4K Nintendo 64 console, leaving fans waiting. Technowize

🏛️ Acclaim makes a comeback – The legendary game publisher Acclaim is returning in 2025, aiming to reclaim its place in the industry. Retroshell

🫧 Kiddy Bubble review – Kiddy Bubble, a love letter to the Game Gear era, delivers classic emulation a modern twist. Time Extension

The Kiddy Bubble. Strange name.

⚔️ Suikoden I & II return – Konami is reviving the beloved Suikoden JRPG series, bringing new life to these classic titles. Retroshell

🕹️ Namco’s Vs. Mystery Tower – The puzzle-platformer Vs. Mystery Tower is the latest Arcade Archives release, preserving another classic. Time Extension

🏆 Masahiro Sakurai honored – Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai is being celebrated for his influential game designs and lasting legacy. Retroshell

📢 Hyperkin apologizes for delays – Hyperkin has admitted to overpromising and underdelivering, addressing concerns about its gaming hardware. Time Extension

🎵 A Link to the Past joins Nintendo’s music library – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past has been officially added to Nintendo’s music catalog. Retroshell

🦇 Castlevania: Dracula X revisited – A fresh look at Castlevania: Dracula X argues that it’s better than its reputation suggests. CBR

🕹️ Geometry Dash meets NES – Famidash, a new homebrew title, brings Geometry Dash-style gameplay to the NES. Retroshell

🎉 PlayStation 2 turns 25 – As the PlayStation 2 celebrates its 25th anniversary, its impact as the best-selling console in history is revisited. Gagadget

👻 GameCube games on Switch 2? – Rumors suggest that Luigi’s Mansion 4 and other GameCube titles could be part of the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup. ComicBook

Features

🎬 The Legend of Zelda movie update – New details have emerged about The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, including its creative team and production status. Retroshell

📈 Retro gaming’s digital rise – The resurgence of retro gaming in the digital era is explored, highlighting emulation, re-releases, and collector demand. Goomba Stomp

📉 Nintendo drops out of Metacritic’s top 20 – For the first time in years, Nintendo has fallen out of Metacritic’s top 20 publishers of 2024. Retroshell

🕹️ Inside the rare Nintendo PlayStation – A deep dive into the history and functionality of the ultra-rare Nintendo PlayStation prototype. XDA Developers (below)

The gaming world could have been a very different place

🤖 Super Mario as an AI benchmark – Super Mario is now being used as a key test for AI performance, influencing machine learning research. Retroshell

🔌 GameCube HDMI upgrade – A new mod delivers crisp and clear HDMI output for the GameCube, enhancing its visuals on modern displays. Time Extension

🎂 Mario’s 40th anniversary tribute – A special Mario 40th-anniversary cover celebrates gaming’s most iconic hero and his enduring legacy. Retroshell

🔗 Dreamcast and Neo Geo Pocket link-up – A guide to connecting the Sega Dreamcast with the Neo Geo Pocket Color, unlocking exclusive features. MyGamer

Lists & Rankings

💰 Rarest Sega Genesis games – A look at the rarest and most valuable Sega Genesis games, with some fetching high prices among collectors. CBR

⚔️ Best 8-bit tactical RPGs – A ranking of the greatest 8-bit tactical RPGs, showcasing the strategy classics that defined the genre. GameRant

🕹️ Games that thrived on clones – Many famous games owe their success to unofficial clones and bootlegs that helped spread their popularity. How-To Geek

🎮 Best GameCube games – A definitive list of the greatest GameCube games, celebrating Nintendo’s beloved sixth-generation console. Beebom

Fun Things, Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda Movie: What We Know So Far

Posted on by Owen

A live-action Legend of Zelda film is officially in development, a surprising turn for Nintendo after years of reluctance from creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Announced in November 2023, the project has fans eager for details. Here’s what’s known, when it might release, and how it ties to the success of recent video game films.

Miyamoto once firmly opposed a Zelda movie, even rejecting the idea if Steven Spielberg pitched it, according to Gail Tilden, ex-Nintendo of America marketing head in a podcast with the Video Game History Hour. The disastrous 1993 Super Mario Bros. film likely fuelled his stance. Yet, decades later, he’s now a producer on this adaptation.

Nintendo confirmed Wes Ball (Maze Runner) as director and Avi Arad (Marvel veteran) as a producer alongside Miyamoto. Announced via an official press release, the live-action film remains in early pre-production. Few specifics exist, but Nintendo’s hands-on approach suggests a focus on staying true to the franchise.

With the announcement in late 2023, a release is likely years away. The Super Mario Bros. Movie took five years (2018–2023), and Sonic the Hedgehog spanned six (2014–2020). A 2026 or 2027 premiere seems plausible, depending on production scale.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie earned over £1 billion globally in 2023, while Sonic films each cleared £240 million. Their success, blending fan service with broad appeal, likely convinced Nintendo to greenlight Zelda, capitalising on a proven market for game adaptations.

The Zelda movie marks Nintendo’s cinematic expansion amongst a number of successful game to big screen adaptions. Details remain scarce, but anticipation is high.

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New Games, Nintendo

Nintendo Slips Out of Metacritic’s Top 20 of 2024

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo, historically revered for its consistently polished releases, has slipped outside the top 20 in Metacritic’s 15th Annual Game Publisher Rankings. The news has come as a shock to long-time followers who have come to expect high scores for the company’s titles, many of which have roots stretching back to the 1980s and beyond. Metacritic’s annual ranking analyses critical reception and overall performance, making Nintendo’s lower placement a notable departure from its usual standing near the top.

Credit: Metacritic

The 2025 ranking suggests that the publisher’s newer releases, while not necessarily lacking in quality, have not reached the stellar acclaim of previous generations. Still, this could be influenced by the competitive nature of the modern gaming landscape, where publishers vie for attention across multiple platforms.

Though the rankings are surprising, many believe Nintendo’s legacy of imaginative gameplay and focus on hardware innovation will endure. After all, the gaming giant has weathered various market cycles since its early ventures, including its transition from playing card production to pioneering family-friendly consoles. Whether it’s the ongoing popularity of Super Smash Bros. tournaments or enduring fan communities sharing tips, gaming history shows that a single ranking rarely defines a publisher’s overall standing in the long run.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Nintendo, Rom Hack

Pokémon Mario Red And Luigi Green: Iconic Nintendo Worlds Intertwine In New Rom Hack In Development

Posted on by Owen

A new ROM hack called Pokémon Mario Red and Luigi Green has recently been announced, merging two of Nintendo’s most enduring franchises into a single project. This inventive spin on the original Pokémon adventures replaces familiar pocket monsters with beloved Mushroom Kingdom characters, which is a really interesting project.

Credit: DogPond4 Twitter

Mario has been synonymous with Nintendo since the 1980s, headlining titles from the earliest NES releases to more modern platforms, while Pokémon, first published in 1996 for the Game Boy, quickly became a worldwide sensation. Both remain central pillars of Nintendo’s heritage, with each franchise having introduced millions to gaming in their formative years. By fusing these icons, the ROM hack pays homage to the playful exploration found in classic Pokémon while embracing the whimsical spirit of the Mario series.

From a technical perspective, ROM hacking is an intricate process that involves altering a game’s original data to introduce new visuals, storylines, or gameplay mechanics. While the practice has its roots in the broader retro gaming community. It is going to be very interesting to see how DogPond4 approaches the balance of the characters, will he simply lift the stats from the Pokemon and assign them to the Mario characters, and which ones will align with the different Pokemon types? I already like the approach that has been shared regarding how the evolutions and shinies will work in the hack.

Credit: DogPond4 / Twitter

Interestingly, the original Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy ranked among the best-selling RPGs of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. The ongoing popularity of Pokémon, combined with the universal appeal of Mario, underscores the significance of this hybrid hack for classic games collectors and Nintendo devotees alike. You can follow the project, by following DogPond4 on X.

Keep your classic games safe with [RetroShell], designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, [subscribe to our free Substack], delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Nintendo

Nintendo Successfully Blocks French File-Hosting Site from Distributing Pirated Retro Games

Posted on by Owen

In a significant victory against piracy, Nintendo has successfully blocked French file-storage website 1fichier from hosting unauthorised copies of its games. The ruling, issued by the Paris Judicial Court, mandates the site to implement measures that prevent users from uploading or sharing pirated versions of Nintendo’s classic and modern titles.

This court decision arrives as part of Nintendo’s ongoing campaign to protect its intellectual property, particularly targeting platforms facilitating widespread piracy. Nintendo has historically been assertive about safeguarding its gaming heritage, actively targeting piracy and emulation sites that illegally distribute ROMs.

1fichier had long been popular among players seeking easy access to downloadable game ROMs, becoming a hub for hosting retro titles across generations, including games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy Advance eras. The site’s accessibility made it an attractive destination, but the ease of obtaining these titles illegally undermined Nintendo’s official distribution channels, which rely on services like the Nintendo Switch Online retro library.

Historically, Nintendo has aggressively pursued piracy enforcement, often to protect its profitable back-catalogue. Notably, the company has repeatedly targeted ROM-hosting platforms, such as EmuParadise and ROMUniverse. The current victory over 1fichier continues this pattern, reflecting Nintendo’s unwavering stance on preserving both its current revenues and the heritage of its expansive game library.

Nintendo’s efforts have not always been popular with all gamers, particularly those who view ROM sites as crucial to game preservation. Critics argue Nintendo’s own efforts at preservation have been inconsistent, citing limited availability of older titles and periodic removals of classic games from its online stores.

Interestingly, Nintendo’s history of aggressive copyright enforcement dates back decades. In the late 1980s, Nintendo famously pursued legal actions against companies producing cartridges for the NES without permission, setting a precedent that still influences legal approaches to gaming IP today.

Ultimately, this latest legal victory reinforces Nintendo’s commitment to safeguarding its legacy, although debates about the role ROMs play in historical preservation continue.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell – the ultimate protection for your retro collection. For the latest news and insights in retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Collecting, Fun Things, Nintendo

Mario’s 40th Anniversary Time Cover: A Testament to Gaming’s Most Iconic Hero

Posted on by Owen

Time Magazine has released a Special “Mario” Edition of its famous magazine to celebrate 40 years of Nintendos legendary mascot.

Credit: Time Magazine

The decision to mark the plumber’s 40th anniversary by placing him on a special edition cover highlights Mario’s unrivalled influence on the world of gaming. Technically, Mario is 44 years old, his first appearance being as “Jumpman” for the arcade game Donkey Kong, but most people mark the start of the Mario era based on his first appearance in Mario Bros in 1985 on the NES.

For those who grew up with Mario, this cover signifies more than a pop-culture nod; it’s a celebration of an enduring legacy that helped shape side-scrolling platformers and established a high bar for game design and playability. Mario’s journey from 8-bit sprite on the original NES to the fully realised hero in today’s titles exemplifies the evolving technical landscape. From cartridge-based consoles that paved the way for speedy arcade ports to modern 3D worlds running on advanced hardware, Mario’s presence throughout gaming history has remained consistent, adaptable, and beloved.

Beyond pure nostalgia, this Time Magazine feature underlines Mario’s international reach and commercial success. Few gaming characters have made the leap from classic games on platforms such as the Game Boy, SNES, and even the occasional PC port, to still remain relevant decades later. This milestone acknowledges how retro gaming continues to inspire current titles, captivating both new players and those who fondly remember the 8-bit era and the early years of gaming.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Modern Retro Games

Famidash Brings Geometry Dash to the NES in Latest Homebrew Triumph

Posted on by Owen

The NES homebrew development scene continues to thrive, showcasing the dedication and creativity of retro gaming fans. A standout project in this vibrant community is Famidash, a fan-made demake of the popular rhythm-action platformer Geometry Dash, now available for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Developed by a team initially led by Zephyrside and later maintained by kandowontu, Famidash was released on October 10, 2024, and brings the fast-paced challenge of its modern inspiration to the 8-bit console. With 12 levels recreated from the original game plus three community-designed additions, players navigate rhythm-based obstacles—switching between a jumping cube, flying ship, or rolling ball—within the NES’s tight technical limits. The latest update for the game brings the number of levels up to 63 and the game can be played in its entirety without a gamepad, utilising the SNES Mouse.

Credit: Rom Hack Plaza

The NES, first launched in 1985, has long been a favourite among homebrew developers due to its straightforward design and well-understood hardware. Nearly 40 years on, the scene remains active, supported by forums like NESdev, where coders exchange ideas and tackle the challenges of 6502 assembly programming. Famidash itself is built using a mix of C language and assembly, a feat that highlights the skill required to adapt a modern game to such vintage technology. The community has also seen growth thanks to tools like NESFab, which simplify development, leading to a steady stream of new titles like CelesteNES and Mosh-Lift.

Credit: Rom Hack Plaza

Activity in the NES homebrew world is robust, with developers regularly releasing games and sharing progress online. Platforms like Reddit and GBAtemp buzz with discussions about projects, while X posts reveal upcoming works like R-G-Bleeki. Famidash has been warmly received, praised for its faithful mechanics and nostalgic appeal, further fuelling interest in creating for the NES. This ongoing wave of innovation ensures the console’s legacy endures, blending classic gaming with fresh ideas. To get in on the Famidash action, you can check its project page on Rom Hack Plaza, or its Github page.

Protect your cherished classics with RetroShell, crafted to safeguard your retro collection. For more retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Retro Gaming News

👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0138

Posted on by Owen

A bumper 52 stories coming your way this week, including 30 years of Ristar, more GTA for the Dreamcast, Terminator 2 is back and 100 years of Pokemon? 

News

⚽ Super Soccer Exits Switch Online in Japan – Nintendo is removing Super Soccer from the Switch Online SNES library in Japan on March 5, 2025, marking a rare case of a game being delisted from the service. Retroshell

💰 Rare Pokémon Game Sells for Over $80,000 – A sealed copy of Pokémon Red (1996) set a new auction record, fetching more than $80,000 due to its rarity and pristine condition. JustCollecting

🎸 Gibson & CRKD Unveil New Guitar Controllers – Gibson has partnered with CRKD to launch officially licensed Guitar Hero-style controllers, designed for modern and retro gaming platforms. Retroshell

🎮 Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Specs and Colors Revealed – The upcoming Retroid Pocket Flip 2 handheld will feature a clamshell design, improved hardware, and multiple color options, appealing to retro gaming enthusiasts. Retrododo

🦎 Gex Trilogy Set for Summer 2025 Release – Limited Run Games confirms the Gex Trilogy will launch in Summer 2025, bringing the cult-classic platformer series to modern consoles. Retroshell

🚀 Sigma Star Saga Gets Enhanced DX Cartridge Release – The cult-classic GBA title Sigma Star Saga is receiving an upgraded physical release with new features, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Time Extension

🤖 Terminator 2D: No Fate Brings Retro Action to Modern Consoles – Terminator 2D: No Fate is set to deliver classic side-scrolling action with modern enhancements, launching on current platforms. Retroshell

📥 Anbernic Pulls Controversial Firmware Update – Anbernic has removed a firmware update that allowed direct ROM downloads, following backlash over potential legal issues. Time Extension

🕹 Old Towers Expands to Atari Jaguar – The indie puzzle platformer Old Towers is making its way to the Atari Jaguar, continuing the trend of modern games arriving on retro hardware. Retroshell

🎶 Sega Rally 30th Anniversary Soundtrack Now Streaming – The official Sega Rally soundtrack is available to stream for the first time, celebrating 30 years of the arcade racing classic. Time Extension

🎮 8BitDo Unveils Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller – 8BitDo’s new Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller blends modern technology with retro gaming appeal, supporting multiple platforms. Retroshell

🧱 Breakout: Beyond Coming to PC & Consoles in March – The former Amico-exclusive game Breakout: Beyondis set to release on PC and modern consoles next month. Time Extension

🟨 Tetris Forever Update Brings MS-DOS Classics to Modern Players – The latest Tetris Forever update adds MS-DOS game support, expanding its retro gaming library. Retroshell

🕹 GamesCare Unveils New Dev Cart for Sega Genesis – A new development cartridge for the Sega Genesis promises enhanced functionality for homebrew and prototype game creators. Retroshell

🔥 King of Fighters ‘98 Leads Arcade Archives 2 on PS5 & Xbox – King of Fighters ‘98 is the first Arcade Archives 2 Neo Geo title launching for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Retroshell

🐺 Wolfenstein RPG Gets Unofficial PC Port – The rare Wolfenstein RPG from 2008 has been ported to PC by fans, making the mobile-exclusive title more accessible. Retroshell

👊 Final Vendetta Neo Geo Release Delayed for Quality Enhancements – The Final Vendetta Neo Geo version has been delayed, with developers promising improved features and performance. Retroshell

🚀 Fan-Made Genesis R-Type Port Expands with New Content – A homebrew R-Type port for the Sega Genesis is receiving exclusive levels and enhancements. Retroshell

🌙 Sonic’s Lunar Adventure: Unfinished Fan Game Released – An incomplete Sonic fan game, Sonic’s Lunar Adventure, has unexpectedly surfaced online. Retroshell

🎮 Hyperkin Confirms PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 Clone – Hyperkin has officially announced a new clone console that will support PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games. Retroshell

🌍 English Translation of Dreamcast RPG Segagaga in Progress – The fan translation of Sega’s cult-classic Segagaga is making steady progress toward completion. Time Extension

🥷 Justice Ninja Casey Brings SNES Classic to the West – The 1994 SNES game Justice Ninja Casey is finally getting an official Western release this week. Retroshell

💖 ToHeart Remake Launching in Japan on June 26, 2025 – The ToHeart visual novel remake is set to release in Japan with updated visuals and gameplay enhancements. Retroshell

🎥 ToHeart Remake Opening Movie Compared to PS1 Version – A side-by-side comparison showcases the graphical improvements in the upcoming ToHeart remake. Siliconera

Features

📖 Metroid Prime’s Legacy Celebrated in New Visual Retrospective – A new book explores the artistic and historical impact of Metroid Prime, offering fans a detailed look at the franchise’s evolution. Retroshell

🕹 Unreleased Popeye Game for Sega Genesis Resurfaces After 31 Years – A long-lost Popeye beat-’em-up from the makers of Double Dragon has been discovered, shedding light on a canceled 16-bit project. Time Extension

Si pappy

🏆 BAFTA Calls for Votes on Gaming’s Most Influential Title – The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is inviting gamers to vote on the most influential video game of all time. Retroshell

💻 Developer Ports x86 Linux to the NES – A developer has successfully ported a version of x86 Linux to the Nintendo Entertainment System, demonstrating the console’s unexpected capabilities. Research Snipers

🎮 Pokémon Boss Aims for a Century-Long Gaming Legacy – Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara discusses the franchise’s long-term vision, aiming for a lasting impact over the next 100 years. Retroshell

🎮 Battle of the Handhelds: Which Portable Console Reigns Supreme? – A deep dive into the best handheld consoles, comparing classic and modern devices in the ever-evolving portable gaming landscape. Nerdbot

🕹 AYANEO Clarifies Production and Future of Flip Handheld – AYANEO has addressed concerns about the production status of its Flip handheld, reaffirming its commitment to upcoming releases. Retroshell

🐴 Link’s Iconic Horse Was Almost a Moose, Reveals Miyamoto Interview – Newly unearthed insights from Shigeru Miyamoto reveal that The Legend of Zelda nearly featured a moose instead of Epona. Creative Bloq

⚔ BioWare Co-Founder Reflects on Jade Empire’s Lost Potential – A BioWare co-founder looks back on Jade Empire, expressing regret over the studio not expanding the franchise further. Retroshell

🤼 Play Classic WCW Games with New Mods for N64 – Modders have recreated WCW Saturday Night using Virtual Pro Wrestling on the Nintendo 64, offering a fresh way to experience classic wrestling games. TheSportster

📟 The Unused Terminal of the NES Disk System – A look into a forgotten feature of the NES Disk System, revealing an unused terminal mode that was never fully implemented. Retroshell

🎰 All the Classic Sega Games Featured in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (aka Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii) includes numerous classic Sega titles as playable minigames. Siliconera

🎨 Collector Digitally Preserves Iconic Street Fighter II Figures – A gaming historian has scanned and preserved rare Street Fighter II action figures, ensuring their legacy in digital form. Retroshell

🎵 Streets of Rage Composer Disappointed by Lack of Recognition – Yuzo Koshiro, the legendary Streets of Ragecomposer, expresses disappointment that his influential work isn’t more widely recognized. Time Extension

🌟 Ristar at 30: A Cult Classic Fans Want Revived – As Ristar turns 30, fans are calling for a modern revival of the beloved Sega platformer. CBR

⭐ Ristar Turns 30, Fans Demand a New Game – The 1995 Sega platformer Ristar reaches its 30th anniversary, reigniting discussions about a potential sequel. Metro

🕹 Tokyo Arcade Shares Update on Post-COVID Recovery – A famous Tokyo arcade has provided an update on its business performance after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Time Extension

🦇 Castlevania: Dracula X—Better Than You Remember? – A fresh look at Castlevania: Dracula X argues that the game deserves more appreciation than it originally received. CBR

🔗 The PlayStation Had a Hidden Multiplayer Mode Using Game Boy Cables – A forgotten multiplayer feature on the original PlayStation allowed link-cable gaming using Game Boy peripherals. Ruetir

🏈 Classic NFL Game Gets Online Multiplayer Mode via Fan Mod – Modders have introduced online multiplayer functionality to a classic NFL video game, reviving it for modern players. AppTrigger

Lists & Rankings

🎮 The Rarest NES Games and Their Prices – A look at some of the rarest and most valuable NES games, with prices reflecting their rarity and collector demand. CBR

Looks familiar…

🦔 Sonic’s Surprisingly Weak Characters – A ranking of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise’s weakest characters, highlighting those who fall short in terms of power and impact. GameRant

⚔ Best 32-Bit Tactical RPGs, Ranked – A list of the top tactical RPGs from the 32-bit era, showcasing strategic gameplay and memorable stories. GameRant

🕹 The Best Arcade Games of All Time – A curated selection of the greatest arcade games ever, celebrating their lasting influence on gaming history. Digital Trends

🎮 Best Third-Party GameCube Games, Ranked – A ranking of the best third-party titles on the GameCube, spotlighting hidden gems and fan favorites. CBR

Fun Things, Nintendo

Metroid Prime’s Legacy Bound in Print: A Visual Retrospective Unveiled

Posted on by Owen

Today, we’ve got a cracking bit of news that’ll thrill anyone who’s ever donned Samus Aran’s Varia Suit in virtual battle. On February 27, 2025, Piggyback and Nintendo unveiled an official release date for Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective, a lavish art book celebrating over two decades of the iconic first-person adventure series. Slated to hit shelves on June 24, 2025, this 215-page hardcover promises a deep dive into the artistry and development of Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, and the stunning Metroid Prime Remastered. For fans of vintage Nintendo brilliance, this is a must-have.

The Metroid Prime saga began in 2002 on the GameCube, a bold shift from the series’ 2D roots to a 3D masterpiece crafted by Retro Studios. It was a gamble that paid off, blending atmospheric exploration with technical wizardry that pushed the console’s limits—think 60 frames per second and texture work that still holds up today. The trilogy continued with Echoes in 2004 and Corruption on the Wii in 2007, each refining the formula while introducing innovations like motion controls. The 2023 Switch remaster of the original only cemented its status as a timeless classic. Now, this book—priced at £39.99/$49.99/ C$69.99—offers concept sketches, developer notes, and a foreword by producer Kensuke Tanabe, peeling back the curtain on a franchise that redefined retro gaming’s potential. Amazon already has pre-orders open and you can get 10% discount ($44.99).

What makes this announcement timely is the buzz around Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, still pegged for a 2025 Switch release. With its predecessor’s art book dropping just weeks before summer, speculation is rife that Nintendo’s aligning its ducks—or rather, its Space Pirates—for a blockbuster year. Piggyback, known for their sumptuous Zelda guides, brings their A-game here, with premium paper and a metallic foil cover that’ll gleam on any collector’s shelf. For those who’ve scoured Tallon IV or battled Phazon corruption, this is more than a book—it’s a tribute to a golden era of gaming heritage.

So, preserve your treasured classics with RetroShell, the ultimate shield for your retro collection. For more vintage gaming scoops, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh to your inbox every Monday!

Nintendo

Super Mario Collection 40th Anniversary Book: A Nostalgic Journey Through Mario’s History – Relaunches on Mar10 Day

Posted on by Owen

The Super Mario Collection 40th Anniversary Book is poised for a reprint, contingent on the success of its soon to be launched Kickstarter campaign. This coveted collector’s item, first published in 2024 and swiftly sold out, chronicles four decades of Super Mario—a franchise that has delighted players since its debut in 1985. Compiled by dedicated collector Oscar Bown, the book is a treasure trove of memorabilia gathered over 20 years, featuring rare merchandise, early game artwork, and exclusive insights into Mario’s storied legacy. Each copy even includes a special Gold Mario Pin, elevating its appeal for devotees of the plumber’s adventures.

Credit: Kickstarter

The Kickstarter, which kicked off on Mario Day—March 10, 2025—invites fans to fund this updated edition, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. As of February 27, 2025, the campaign is gaining momentum, a testament to the enduring love for Mario among gamers worldwide. This reprint not only offers a chance to own a piece of gaming history but also underscores the franchise’s monumental impact, from its NES origins to its sprawling influence across consoles, TV screens, and cinemas.

Since bursting onto the scene in 1985, Super Mario has evolved into a cultural juggernaut, spawning iconic titles, spin-offs, and a vast array of collectibles. This book captures that journey, spotlighting artefacts that are increasingly rare in today’s digital age. For collectors and nostalgists alike, it’s a fitting tribute to a character who has shaped gaming for generations. The Kickstarter’s success could also signal a broader trend, with similar retro gaming projects—like recent reprints of Sega and Nintendo books—finding enthusiastic support online.

Don’t miss your chance to back this nostalgic gem. Protect your classic games with RetroShell, crafted to safeguard your retro collection. For more retro gaming news, join our free Substack, delivered fresh to your inbox every Monday!