In a recent interview with Edge, Takaya Imamura, the designer behind Star Fox, revealed that the game’s iconic characters were inspired by key Nintendo staff members. Fox McCloud, the protagonist, embodies the “essence” of Shigeru Miyamoto. Imamura explained, “Fox is based on Miyamoto-san… I think, if you look closely, you can see the similarities.”
Other characters also have real-life counterparts:
• Peppy Hare: Modeled after the game’s director, Katsuya Eguchi.
• Falco Lombardi: Inspired by graphics team member Tsuyoshi Watanabe, noted for his prominent “Roman nose.”
• Slippy Toad: Based on assistant director Yoichi Yamada, who had an affinity for frogs.
Imamura noted that these designs captured the “essence” of his colleagues rather than being direct caricatures. Interestingly, during development, the team members didn’t have strong reactions to their in-game representations, possibly due to the intense focus on the project.
This behind-the-scenes insight adds a personal touch to the Star Fox series, highlighting the creative inspirations that shaped its beloved characters.
Nintendo has announced upcoming price increases for its Nintendo Switch Online service in select Latin American countries, effective March 1, 2025, as reported by Centro Leaks on X. The adjustments will affect both individual and family plan subscriptions.
Nintendo Switch Online is getting a price increase in Latin America, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Perú.
In Mexico, the annual fee for the Expansion Pack Family Plan will rise from MX$1,599 to MX$1,999. Brazilian subscribers will see an increase from R$262.99 to R$299.00, while in Argentina, the price will go from ARS$76,899 to ARS$93,079. These changes represent increases ranging between 11% and 25%.
Nintendo has not provided specific reasons for these regional price adjustments. While the company has not announced similar changes in other regions, some industry observers speculate that broader price revisions could accompany the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Currently, Nintendo Switch Online offers various subscription options. A standard membership is available at $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 for twelve months. The Expansion Pack tier, which includes additional content, is priced at $49.99 annually.
As of now, Nintendo has not commented on potential price changes for other regions or provided further details regarding the upcoming adjustments.
In a surprising turn of events, a family-owned supermarket in San Ramón, Costa Rica, has successfully defended its name, ‘Super Mario’, against gaming giant Nintendo.
The supermarket, operating under the slogan “Su lugar de confianza” (“Your trusted place”), has been a community staple for decades. When the owner’s son sought to renew their trademark last year, Nintendo challenged the application, citing its iconic video game character.
Despite feeling daunted by the prospect of facing such a “commercial monster,” the family, with the assistance of legal advisor José Edgardo Jiménez Blanco, decided to stand their ground. Their perseverance paid off when Costa Rica’s National Register ruled in their favor, noting that while Nintendo holds trademarks for ‘Super Mario’ in various categories, it does not cover supermarkets or the sale of groceries.
Credit: Facebook
Expressing their relief and joy, the family stated, “For a moment we thought about throwing in the towel. How were we going to win against such a commercial monster? Especially with the number of legal documents presented by them to ensure victory. Well, luckily Edgardo and I stood firm and a few days ago we received the good news.”
This case underscores the complexities of trademark law and highlights the challenges small businesses can face when up against global corporations. It’s a reminder that with determination and proper legal support, even the smallest entities can uphold their rights.
Kirby, the iconic pink puffball created by Nintendo, has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide since his debut in 1992. A curious aspect of Kirby’s marketing has been the variation in his portrayal on game box art between Japan and Western markets. In Japan, Kirby is often depicted with a friendly, cheerful smile, embodying his playful and innocent nature. However, Western box art frequently shows Kirby with a more aggressive or determined look, aiming to appeal to a different audience demographic.
Determined Kirby
This strategic shift in visual representation was notably articulated by Leslie Swan, who served as the localization director at Nintendo of America. Swan noted that the intent was to transform Kirby into “a fierce, tenacious little pink puffball” for Western markets, particularly targeting tween and teen males. This approach was first evident in the 2002 game “Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land,” where the U.S. box art showcased Kirby with a more intense, battle-ready expression compared to his more serene Japanese counterpart.
Happy Japanese Kirby
The divergence in box art style began to take shape as part of Nintendo’s broader marketing strategy to adapt characters for cultural differences. In the West, video game heroes were often portrayed with a more combative, heroic stance to align with the then-prevailing market trends which favored action-oriented characters.
However, as time progressed, the global gaming community’s tastes began to converge. The rise in popularity of Japanese pop culture, including anime and manga, also influenced perceptions of character design. This cultural shift facilitated a move towards more consistent branding across regions. By the late 2000s and into the 2010s, Nintendo started to adopt a more unified global image for Kirby, minimizing the stark differences seen in earlier years.
For example, in games like “Kirby’s Return to Dream Land” (2011) and “Kirby: Triple Deluxe” (2014), while some regional differences still existed, they were less pronounced. The artwork began to reflect a balance between Kirby’s inherent cuteness and his ability to take on adversaries, appealing universally to both children and adult fans.
Kirby’s return to Dreamland
This evolution in Kirby’s portrayal not only highlights changing market dynamics but also reflects a broader acceptance and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions in gaming. Today, Kirby’s global image continues to evolve, maintaining his core character traits while adapting to the nuances of an increasingly interconnected global audience.
Reddit is an amazing place, what was once the domain of bulletin boards, is now combined into a single platform we all know and (mostly) love. It has a Reddit for everything and is a great place to see what is going on in the retro world, so we have decided to try a new feature where we pick out the best posts from all of the retro gaming subreddits in one place as a weekly digest. Let us know in the comments if this is helpful or if we should make any adjustments.
In r/Famicom a rare Famicom/PC Engine multi-controller was shared on the r/Famicom group, which looked very cool.
There you have this week’s roundup, let me know your thoughts on this format and we will try and publish this weekly if it is of interest.
While you are here, if you are a collector of retro games, consider using a RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector for protecting your treasures, or, if you are just here for the retro news, why not sign up for our free Substack and have it delivered to you each week on a Monday.
This week has not been very focused on gaming, as I built a new app (more details to be shared very soon), however, I did manage to play Marvel Snap a lot and also get my Analogue Pocket updated with a load of cores and I started to put some ROM’s on it for future reference. I also got accepted to “Stars Reach” pre-Alpha, but do not have a PC to run it. This looks like a good Star Wars Galaxy successor (the 🐐 in my opinion), but let’s see.
This week we have 40 entries to the newsletter, making it the biggest yet. We cover more “new” Game Boy games, updates on the Superstation One (FPGA PS1), a Tang $69 FPGA console, and a load more.
News
🎮 Embark on a Retro Adventure with PokettoHiro for Game Boy Color. A new retro-style game called PokettoHiro has been released for the Game Boy Color, offering an exciting mix of platforming and RPG mechanics. Retroshell.
🎵 Gimmick! Gets a New Arranged Album Featuring an All-Star Lineup. A newly arranged album for the NES classic Gimmick! is in production, featuring contributions from renowned musicians. Time Extension.
🕹️ Ultima VII Revisited: Version 0.1.0 Breathes New Life into a Classic RPG. A fan project updating Ultima VII has released version 0.1.0, introducing modern enhancements while preserving its classic RPG charm. Retroshell.
🎮 Balenciaga’s Limited Edition Game Console Misses the Mark. Balenciaga’s new luxury game console highlights the disconnect between high fashion and gaming culture. Yanko Design.
👻 The Demo for Cronela’s Mansion Has Dropped. A playable demo for Cronela’s Mansion is now available, teasing a spooky new experience for fans of indie horror games. Retroshell.
🎮 Metal Miracle: A New Game Boy Color Title from Hermano’s Creators(below). The developers of Hermanohave unveiled Metal Miracle, a fresh RPG for the Game Boy Color. Retrododo.
🕹️ Mega EverDrive Core: Affordable Flash Cartridge for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. The Mega EverDrive Core is a cost-effective flash cartridge offering new accessibility for Sega Genesis and Mega Drive gaming. Retroshell.
⚔️ Game Boy Classic Ninja Five-O Returns February 25. Ninja Five-O, a beloved Game Boy Advance action game, will make a comeback on February 25. Hardcore Gamer.
⚔️ Ninja Five-O: Konami’s Forgotten GBA Gem Returns. Konami’s cult classic Ninja Five-O is being re-released, rekindling interest in the overlooked GBA title. Retroshell.
🎨 Limited Run Games Adds Phantasy Star Online Merch Line. Limited Run Games has launched new merchandise inspired by Phantasy Star Online. GoNintendo.
🔑 The New SEGA Account Connects Fans with Iconic Games. Sega introduces a unified account system to enhance access to its game ecosystem. Retroshell.
🕺 Dreamcast Dance Rhythm Game Puyo Puyo DA Now in English. The rhythm game Puyo Puyo DA for the Dreamcast has been translated into English, making it accessible to a wider audience. Time Extension.
🌟 The Meating Special Edition Glow-in-the-Dark Shell Unveiled. A glow-in-the-dark special edition shell for The Meating has been announced. Retroshell.
❄️ Snow Bros. 2 Special Brings Frosty Fun Back. The arcade classic Snow Bros. 2 is set to return with updated visuals and gameplay tweaks. Retroshell.
🎮 Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics Gearing Up for Launch. Technos Japan’s arcade classics are bundled into Super Technos World, bringing nostalgic titles to modern platforms. Retroshell.
🤓 Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit Coming to Modern Consoles and NES. The Angry Video Game Nerd’s 8-bit game is launching soon for both modern consoles and the original NES. Retroshell.
🦆 Tiny Duck Hunt 3D Demo Available Now. A 3D reimagining of Duck Hunt has released its demo, showcasing a modern twist on the NES classic. Retroshell.
🎮 Three New SNES Games Join Switch Online Library. Nintendo has added three new SNES titles to its Switch Online service. Retroshell.
⚠️ Atari Warns Against Unauthorized Use of Pong Trademark. Atari has issued a warning to a cryptocurrency project for unauthorized use of the Pong trademark. Retroshell.
🥋 Mortal Kombat II Fan Project for 3DO Reaches New Milestone. A fan-made version of Mortal Kombat II for the 3DO has made significant progress, including gameplay refinements. Retroshell.
🕹️ Sipeed Introduces Tang Console: A $69 FPGA Device for Retro Gaming. The Tang Console is a $69 FPGA-based device aimed at retro gaming enthusiasts. Retroshell.
📚 Video Game History Foundation Opens Digital Library to the Public. The Video Game History Foundation is sharing its digital library, granting public access to rare game materials. Retroshell.
Features
🎮 Sega has launched a Japanese Game Centre Guide to help tourists navigate the vibrant arcade scene in Japan. Retroshell
🎸 A deep dive into the “Family Bass,” exploring the unique low-end sounds of the Famicom’s musical capabilities (below). Sonic State
🎨 Takaya Imamura, the artist behind Nintendo’s iconic worlds, is celebrated for his creative contributions to gaming. Retroshell
🕹️ A comparison of the Sega Saturn and PlayStation highlights the defining aspects of the 1990s console wars. CBR
🛠️ A Neo Geo Pocket Color modder has enhanced the handheld with a Raspberry Pi, expanding its capabilities. Retroshell
🚫 Lizardcube, the studio behind Wonder Boy and Streets of Rage, declined the chance to work on a Metal Slug title. Time Extension
🔫 Marvel’s The Punisher celebrates its 20th anniversary, reflecting on the legacy of the brutal vigilante in gaming. Inverse
Lists & Rankings
📚 A list of 10 books about retro gaming offers insights and knowledge for enthusiasts and historians. Retroshell
🎥 The best Super Nintendo movie-based games are ranked, highlighting their impact and quality. CBR
🍌 All mainline Donkey Kong games are ranked from best to worst, showcasing the franchise’s evolution. Augustman
🎯 A ranking of the best pinball video games of all time explores this unique gaming niche. CBR
🎮 The best video game controllers of all time are discussed, emphasizing design and innovation. Digital Trends
🕹️ The best Sega Genesis RPGs are ranked, celebrating the console’s standout role-playing games. CBR
🐵 Donkey Kong’s most iconic characters are ranked based on their contributions to the franchise. TheGamer
✨ A look at SNES RPGs that would benefit from HD-2D visuals highlights the potential for modern remakes. CBR
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Takaya Imamura reflects on his 32-year tenure at Nintendo, where he played a pivotal role in shaping some of the company’s most beloved franchises.
Journey to Nintendo
Imamura joined Nintendo in 1989, inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto’s groundbreaking work. Despite initial reservations about his lack of programming skills, he was hired for his artistic talent. His early contributions included designing vehicles and characters for F-Zero, notably creating Captain Falcon.
Credit: The Guardian
Contributions to Iconic Franchises
Throughout his career, Imamura left an indelible mark on several major titles:
• Star Fox Series: He was instrumental in designing the anthropomorphic characters, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore and Nintendo colleagues.
• The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask: Imamura designed the game’s titular mask and the iconic moon, infusing the game with its distinctive eerie atmosphere.
• F-Zero Series: Beyond the original, he collaborated with Sega on F-Zero GX, which he regards as the pinnacle of the series.
Life After Nintendo
After retiring in 2021, Imamura transitioned to academia, teaching at the International Professional University of Technology in Osaka. He also pursued personal projects, including creating the manga Omega 6, which is being adapted into a retro-styled adventure game.
Credit: The Guardian
Legacy and Impact
Imamura’s work has significantly influenced Nintendo’s creative direction, blending art and storytelling to create immersive gaming experiences. His designs continue to resonate with fans worldwide, exemplifying the profound impact of artistic vision in game development.
For a more in-depth look at Takaya Imamura’s journey and contributions, read the full interview on The Guardian.
Level up your retro gaming knowledge—subscribe to Retro Gaming News on Substack!
Keep your cherished retro games safe with RetroShell premium protectors.
When it comes to gaming legends, few names command as much respect as Masahiro Sakurai. The creative genius behind Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) has built a legacy by uniting iconic fictional characters under one roof. From Mario to Solid Snake, SSBU celebrates gaming history like no other. But Sakurai’s recent comments about real-life characters entering the fray have sparked a fresh wave of curiosity – and controversy.
Masahiro Sakurai
The Legacy of Super Smash Bros.
Since its debut in 1999, Super Smash Bros. has been a celebration of fictional heroes. The series takes fan-favourite characters from across the gaming universe and pits them against each other in chaotic, joyous brawls. Sakurai has always been the mastermind of this incredible roster, ensuring that every character represents its source material authentically while blending seamlessly into the game’s mechanics.
The OG – 1999 Super Smash Bros.
So why mention real-life characters now?
Fiction Meets Reality
In a recent discussion, Sakurai mused about the idea of adding real-life characters to SSBU. While this is far from a concrete plan, it’s enough to get fans talking. Imagine iconic figures from history, esports legends, or even developers themselves standing shoulder-to-shoulder with gaming titans. It’s a thought-provoking idea, but it raises an important question: Does reality have a place in a game that celebrates fantasy?
The Challenges of Real-Life Characters
While some games, like Assassin’s Creed, weave historical figures into their narratives, SSBU’s core identity is rooted in fictional escapism. Introducing real people might feel jarring. There are also practical concerns: How do you balance a real-life character’s abilities in a universe with dragons, electric rodents, and intergalactic bounty hunters? And what about the cultural or ethical implications?
Fans Weigh In
The community has been buzzing with mixed reactions. Some fans love the idea of including real-life figures like esports icons or legendary creators, while others argue it would disrupt the game’s harmony. Would it be thrilling or cringe-inducing to see someone like Shigeru Miyamoto wielding a Master Sword?
Cultural and Ethical Questions
Adding real-life characters also invites scrutiny. Would their inclusion overshadow the fictional heroes? Would the game risk offending audiences by misrepresenting real people? Sakurai has always been a stickler for detail, so if anyone could pull it off, it’s him. But even he admits this idea is purely speculative – for now.
The complete canon roster – credit: Reddit
What’s Next for Smash?
Sakurai’s comments, while hypothetical, are a testament to his ever-evolving creativity. Whether or not real-life characters ever join the SSBU roster, one thing is certain: Sakurai knows how to spark a conversation.
Would you want to see real-life figures in SSBU? Or should the series stick to celebrating the worlds of fantasy and fiction? Let us know what you think – and in the meantime, keep your retro gaming treasures safe with a RetroShell premium protector.
This week in gaming has been mostly focused on trying to source a guitar for the PS3 for a reasonable price (and with a dongle), and still playing Marvel Snap and Rivals. I’m also playing a game called Retro Bowl on IOS which is very cool! If anyone has any good IOS games like this, please let me know in the comments.
29 featured stories this week, and I have now added Gamecube, PS1/2, Xbox and Dreamcast to the list of consoles covered. Atari announce a new console, lego Game Boy and a load more.
News
🎮A Wi-Fi and AI-enabled Game Boy game, Do You Like, is in development—blending retro vibes with futuristic tech! [RetroShell] Link
💒Wedding Peach, the SNES party game, just got a brand-new fan translation—perfect for your next retro multiplayer session. [Time Extension] Link
👾The final build of DOOM 64 has arrived for Sega Dreamcast fans, bringing a cult classic to a beloved console. [RetroShell] Link
📱The all-purpose emulator Provenance is now available on iOS, making retro gaming on Apple devices easier than ever. [Gearrice] Link
🌬️Pre-orders are now open for The Secret of the Four Winds Collector’s Edition for Sega Mega Drive/Genesis—secure yours now! [RetroShell] Link
🥋A new Virtua Fighter project was previewed at CES 2025, teasing fans with what’s next for the iconic fighting franchise. [RetroShell] Link
🤖The modular Mecha Comet, priced at $160, is giving us serious DIY Game Boy vibes—retro gaming meets modern ingenuity. [Time Extension] Link
🔥A new Gunstar Heroes: Ultimate Edition ROM hack has dropped for Sega Genesis, packed with fresh features for fans. [RetroShell] Link
🖼️Step into DOOM: The Gallery Experience and explore the game’s art and legacy in an innovative way. [RetroShell] Link
🎮The BackBit Neo Geo ROM cart has been announced at $400, providing new ways to explore the Neo Geo library. [RetroShell] Link
🕹️An XXL arcade machine for Street Fighter Alpha 2 has been unveiled at CES 2025, bringing the iconic title to life on a massive scale. [RetroShell] Link
🌟A homebrew Dreamcast game with 82 playable characters has been released for PC and Android, pushing the boundaries of retro creativity. [RetroShell] Link
Features
💾 Explore the tech revolution fueling retro gaming in 2025 and how it’s shaping the future of nostalgia-driven gaming experiences. [RetroShell] Link
🦔 Sonic Adventure 2 has been adapted twice, but do these versions do justice to the blue blur’s legacy? [CBR] Link
🛡️Uncover the untold story behind Link’s Awakening, one of Nintendo’s most unique Zelda games. [RetroShell] Link
🎮 Relive the console wars with a deep dive into the rivalry between Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2—who really came out on top? [CBR] Link
🦁 Games like The Lion King and The Phantom Menace are infamous for being abandoned after one level—find out why! [The Gamer] Link
🍄 Celebrating Super Mario Bros. 3, a game whose legacy redefined what gaming could be—discover its incredible impact. [RetroShell] Link
💥 This Street Fighter Alpha 2 commercial delivered iconic jokes that still resonate with fans today. [EventHubs] Link
🔧 Protect your cherished retro game collection with the best tips and tools for keeping games in mint condition. [RetroShell] Link
🌀 Unlock hidden debug menus in the cult Dreamcast RPG Segagaga with this new patch—fans rejoice! [Time Extension] Link
🧱 A LEGO PS2 design with moving internals could become reality alongside Simpsons and Jumanji kits—dreams really do come true! [Games Radar] Link
Lists & Rankings
🌐Discover the top 10 retro gaming Reddit communities ranked by members for January 2025—find your next favourite group! [RetroShell] Link
🎮Explore the best Nintendo games exclusively available on the Game Boy Advance—classic handheld gems! [Game Rant] Link
💰Dive into the world of the rarest PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games—find out how much they’re worth today! [Game Rant] Link
🎸Rolling Stone ranks the top 50 video games of all time—see which classics made the cut and which were snubbed! [RetroShell] Link
🔄Forgotten Sega games that truly deserve a remake—relive these hidden gems and imagine the possibilities! [DualShockers] Link
😱From censorship scandals to disturbing themes, these are the most controversial horror games ever created. [Game Rant] Link
👻The scariest enemies in non-horror games—proof that even action and adventure titles can send shivers down your spine! [WhatCulture] Link
SSF Designs has introduced the Virtual Lens Set, a premium replacement for the aging plastic lens covers of the Nintendo Virtual Boy. Available for $23.99 at Stone Age Gamer, this set aims to rejuvenate your console’s visual clarity, ensuring a pristine gaming experience.
Credit: Stone Age Gamer / SSF Designs
Key Features:
• Complete Set: Includes two lenses, catering to both eyes, for a comprehensive upgrade.
• User-Friendly Installation: Designed for easy replacement, allowing gamers to swiftly enhance their console without hassle.
• Enhanced Light Blocking: Engineered to reduce external light interference, minimizing unwanted light bleed and enhancing immersion.
Over time, original Virtual Boy lenses can accumulate scratches and degrade, diminishing the overall gaming experience. The Virtual Lens Set addresses these issues, offering a straightforward solution to restore visual fidelity.
For optimal performance, it’s recommended to handle the lenses by their red plastic sides during installation to prevent fingerprints and dust accumulation. Cleaning with a camera lens cloth or isopropyl alcohol can further maintain their clarity.
For a detailed installation guide, SSF Designs provides a helpful video tutorial.
In addition to the Virtual Lens Set, Stone Age Gamer offers a range of accessories and replacement parts for the Virtual Boy, including foam visors and eye shade holders, enabling enthusiasts to fully refurbish their classic consoles.
Preserving the condition of retro gaming hardware is essential for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Upgrading components like the lens covers can significantly enhance the longevity and enjoyment of these classic systems.
For those looking to protect their physical game collections, consider investing in RetroShell premium game protectors. Stay informed about the latest in retro gaming by subscribing to our newsletter at Retro Gaming Substack.
