Tag Archives: virtual boy

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0025

Happy new year to all the readers! I wish you all the best for the coming year.

This week, a certain video game character turns 57 – this character has appeared in a lot of games nfirst appearing in 1985, and is immune to poison. Can you guess who it is?

 
Protect your games.

News

There is a Rom hack being developed for Ghostbusters for the Megadrive/https://www.retroshell.com/product-category/sega/Genesis which will include Winston [Bloody Disgusting]. Link

 
Chill Winston

A programmer has managed to get PC games running on a NES! Far too complicated for me to really understand, but impressive [TecheBlog]. Link

Run Microsoft Windows Games NES
 
Off to find Princess Whats Her Name

The Arduboy Mini is live on kickstarter and the reviews seem good for this matchbox sized, 8 bit, monochrome gaming device [The Verge]. Link

Rumour has it that F-Zero might be coming back in 2023 [GameRant]. Link

A WWE star (Xavier Woods) got the entire N64 collection for Christmas – lucky (rich) man [GameRant]. Link

 
This is what my face would look like if I got the entire N64 USA collection for Christmas.

The Polymega has just announced pre orders for a module allowing you to play N64 cartridge [HypeBeast]. I was not familiar with the PolyMega, but it looks like a fine piece of hardware 😍. Link

Polymega Ultra Module Set EM05 N64 games news retro gaming nintendo video games
 
Some very nice hardware. Want.

Features

In a nice feature, Nintendo Life look back at the gaming magzines of 30 years ago to see what they were reporting on and how they were reviewing the hot new releases back in 1992. Link

 
I miss the excitement of gaming magazines being the sole source of news.

Gamers Grade have an article discussing which was the best Nintendo generation? Link

 

 

Pigsy’s Retro Game Dev Tutorials has a video looking at the 25 new Sega Genesis/Megadrive games in production for 2023. Link

Paste Magazine has a guide on modern handheld consoles to play retro games. Useful as there are quite a lot these days. Link

A Beginner's Guide to Retro Gaming Handhelds
 
Too many games, not enough time

24sSports have a lit of the best 10 Sega Saturn games. Link

 
Another Shining Force game I was not aware of 😍

Want to know what its like to play N64 on the worlds smallest monitor? Then TecheBlog will enlighten you. Link

Gaming Smallest Monitor World
 
He likes to watch…

Lists

The Gamer looks at 10 games that are turning 30 this year. Amazing ability to create a list out of nothing. Link

 

CBR (the Kings of lists) have decided to rank every Donky Kong Game (No mention of the actual game Donkey Kong, which is strange). Lin

 

k

ScreenRant (the queen of lists) have a list on 10 innovative gaming technologies that flopped with a few honourable mentions in the retro category. Link

 
Not so retro but worth a read

GameRant (see a theme with the previous news source…) also love a list. Here they rank all of the Nintendo console controllers. Link

Duelshockers has a look at the best rail shooters of all time. Link

 
Might want to get those wounds looked at

Thats all for this week. The answer to this weeks birthday is Princess Peach! Thanks for reading and please do give us a like and/or a share if you enjoyed it.

Why Retro Gaming?

Retro gaming has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many people rediscovering the joys of playing classic video games from the past. In my opinion, there are several reasons why retro gaming is worth revisiting.

First, retro games are a nostalgiciac trip down memory lane. For many people, playing classic games brings back fond memories of their childhood and allows them to relive the experiences they had while playing these games for the first time.

Second, retro games are often simpler and more focused than modern games, which can be a refreshing change of pace. Without the distractions of high-resolution graphics, cutscenes, and complex storylines, retro games allow players to focus on the core gameplay and challenge themselves to improve.

Third, retro games are often more affordable than newer games. Many classic games can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of new releases, making them an affordable option for gamers on a budget.

Finally, retro gaming can be a great way to introduce younger generations to the history of video games. Many classic games are considered classics for a reason, and playing them can give younger players a sense of perspective and appreciation for the evolution of the medium.

Overall, I believe that retro gaming is a valuable and enjoyable pastime that is worth exploring for anyone who is a fan of video games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to relive old memories or a newcomer who is curious about the history of the medium, there is something for everyone in the world of retro gaming.

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0023

Welcome to issue #23 of the newsletter, thank for all of the feedback on the survey – it is appreciated and is already shaping the newsletter (for the better I hope) – I will do a separate edition to share the results with you all. If you still want to give your views, you can find the survey here.

Bomberman was released 37 years ago today (19/12/87) for the Famicom and a certain video game character turned 35 (17/12/87). His OG name was Rockman, can you guess who he is (answer at the bottom)?

 
Remember Baywatch? You will love Nostalgiatron.

 

News

Switch online has added 4 new Megadrive/Genesis games – including Columns [Eurogamer]. Link

The Daily Mail report on what they think is the largest video game collection in the world, worth an estimated $2.1m. I truly believe that retro is a wise investment. Link

 
The angels decided to pimp their iPad with colourful dots

A forgotten game called Scramble Training for the Sega AS-1 has been found at a car boot sale featuring some Michael Jackson video [NME]. Link

Michael Jackson
 
I wonder if this game was Bad?

The Wonderboy anniversary collection will be launching on January 26th for the Switch [Nintendo Everything]. Link

 
What is the secret of your power?

Articles

Redbrick have a feature on the gaming on the wars in the 90’s and the impact on wider gaming. I used to be team Megadrive (Genesis) as that is what my parents got me, but it’s hard to see it as being better than the SNES these days. Link

 
Lets just call them the two goats 🐐

Continuing the console history theme, Stratechery have a history go video games starting way back in 1958, its well worth a read. Link

Khabar Non Stop have a feature on the Rare “Play Boy” handheld that was never released (unfortunately). Link

Meet The "Playboy" Handheld, Rare's Unreleased Game Boy Rival | Time  Extension
 
Someones (was) gonna get sued

Destructoid have a feature as they revisit on Final Fight 3 on the SNES. Link

Final Fight 3 Haggar Beating Nazis
 
Take a look at what I’m wearing, people. You think anybody wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I’m wearing these bad boys? Forget about it – Mike Haggar

If you have a VR unit and want to recreate a working 90’s bedroom of your dreams, you need EmuVR (can be played without as well) [Lifehacker]. Link

 
4mm Acrylic “built like a tank” display cases for your retro games

Make Tech Easier have a run down about the best dedicated controllers for retro gamers. Link

Who knew there was a game called Millenium Falcon Challenge? Who knew there was a games console called the Tiger-R Zone. If you answered no to either question then you will enjoy this look at the “worst games console of all time” and a forgotten Star Wars game [California 18]. Link

This Star Wars video game you've never played: Millenium Falcon Challenge
 
Full disclosure, I never knew this existed until now.

Yahoo News has a gift guide on dedicated modern consoles to play retro games (and controllers). Link

 
Each tee is limited edition and individually numbered

 

Lists

The Hawkeye give their ranking on the classic MegaMan games. I never really played any of them and should really get around to doing so. Link

Graphic by Alexander Cha
 
Rockman (spoiler alert for the question in case anyone reads this)

The Review Geek look at the top Mario games of all time, and there are some surprising entries amongst the more usual suspects. Link

Thats all for this week, the answer to the question is Mega Man (aka Rockman). The link to the survey is here – and please share with communities if you enjoy the newsletter. Thanks!

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0022

 

Last call for the survey on content – some very interesting and constructive responses so far and I will share the results in a future episode. You can find the link here and it will only take 2 mins of your time.

On this day (12th December) in 1960 – a character from Street Fighter was born. He likes John Wayne films, his hair and dog walking. Can you guess which character turning 62 today (answer at the end of the newsletter)?

I have broken the newsletter into new sections (thanks for the feedback) – let me know how this works for you as it will include all consoles in all sections (broken down as News/Features/Lists – NFL).

 
Everything else is just a flimsy plastic case

News

Final Fantasy V celebrated turning 30 – it was an iconic game in an iconic series, and Nintendo Life go into why it was a landmark in the series. Link

 
Such amazing artwork from Square Enix 😍

25 years later, the once cancelled Airball for the NES is being released (also available for GBA) by Retro Room Games – you can view the trailer here.

Toejam and Earl and getting a film (The Verge)! Link

 

Features

Nintendo Life has a nice feature on Christmas gifts for Nintendo fans. Link

 
Etsy has it all.

Essentially Sports looks at the gaming life of Elon Musk as he suggested the Atari 2600 was his first console. Link

CRT’s and Retro Gaming go together like ET and landfill – the smallest CRT ever released was the Panasonic CT-101, so of course someone has hooked it up to a NES to play retro (TecheBlog). Link

Panasonic CT-101 Smallest Color CRT TV Super Nintendo
 
What is this? A TV for ants?

Abernic are launching the RG35XX which comes in a Game Boy style case and comes with 2 Micro SD Card Slots, a 2100mh battery and an IPS screen with HDMI out and an A9 processor (Notebook Check). Link

 
A good looking device, but has to be #2

Hackster have info on modding a Game Boy Advance to be a wireless whole house remote. Link

And Peta Pixel have a feature on 3D printing new lenses for the Game Boy OG camera – 2 bit all the way baby. Link

 
An Elegant Camera for a More Civilized Age

Wired review the Evercade EXP (spoiler 7/10). Link

Want some geeky, retro inspired Christmas Tree decorations? Gizmodo has got you covered! Link

 
From Hallmark of all places!

Chained Echos is getting rave reviews for modern consoles – it is a 16 bit (retro) inspired RPG which looks great. He is the YouTube launch trailer. Link

 
They liked to watch….

Khabar Nonstop have a feature on the Nintendo seal of quality that adorned many of the best games. Link

CBR has a feature on why Kiddy Kong was so controversial (I never knew he existed 🫣). Link

 
He does look annoying.

Final Weapon has a feature on gaming in the 90’s. Link

Reutir looks at 8 bit compatibility on modern OS’s. Link

 

Lists

Gamespot have a long list of the greatest NES games of all time – and inspiration to revisit some of these classics. Link

CBR love a list, so when the decided to share us their best Nintendo games with the worst endings we just had to feature it. Link

And GameRant has a list of the 6 N64 games with the best cut scenes. Link

10 things you did not know about the Atari 2600 (Adafruit). Link

Cultured Vultures has a list of the 20 best N64 games of all time. Link

 
#11 was a Japanese only release – any ideas?

No one: The Gamer: The 7 best Alligators in video games. Link

And finally

Thanks for reading, please help me to improve by giving your feedback on the survey (link here).

The answer to this weeks question is Guile!

 

 

 

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0021

39 years ago this week the innovatively named ”Baseball” was launched on the humble Famicom. You can play one of the granddaddy of sports games here.

Thanks to those that have shared their feedback on the survey – if you have not, I would be very grateful if you could spend 2 mins letting me know what you like or don’t like about the newsletter so that it can be improved. Here is the link.

 

Nintendo

Game Rant has some weird ports of retro fighting games. Streetfighter 2 on the Spectrum anyone? Link

 
Contestants in this year’s tournament were feeling blue.

There is a new trailer for the Super Mario Bros. film. Link

Some footage of a lost Metroid games for the N64 has surfaced (The Gamer). Link

Ruetir has some interesting (or not) facts about Donkey Kong. Link

 
A lot going on in this picture

There is a new multi-game changer for the Game Boy Colour, which is totally crazy, but sometimes crazy is cool (Hackaday). Link

 
Complicated solutions for simple problems

Tech E Blog has a complete history of Super Mario Kart and why is was made. Link

Complete History Super Mario Kart Nintendo
 
Mario Kart v1

Destructoid has a list of the 5 best games for the N64, not as obvious a choice as you might have thought. Link

Other

ABC News have a feature on the rise of demand for retro consoles. Link

Destructoid has compiled the best consoles that are the worst to collect for. No mention of the 32x! Link

 
If you know, you know.

Make Use Of have an article on which modern console is best for retro gaming (the ones you can hack usually…). Link

 
What is this? A Commodore for ants?!

Want to know the best 10 Sega Genesis games that were made in the 21st century? No? Well either way CBR have a list. Link

 
None sighted thus far in the 21st century

And CBR also has a look at some cancelled Konami games which might have been nice had they actually seen the light. Link

Pong has turned 50! Yahoo/Engadget have an interview on its creation. Link

Spokesman has an article on how to care for some of the retro consoles, nothing ground-breaking but definitely some “good to know” points made. Link

That’s all for this week, a gentle nudge to give your feedback on the newsletter if you have 2 mins you can spare. Please do share the newsletter with friends and retro communities if you enjoy it.

 

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0020

27 years ago this week Mega Man X3 was launched for the SNES in Japan. You can play it here.

This newsletter is still a work in progress, but if you can find 2 mins to fill in this survey so I can understand what kind of news is most popular it would be helpful for me to collate the proper selection. You can find the survey here (and thanks very much).

Subscribe now

 

 

Nintendo

DualShockers have a list of 10 of the best villains from NES RPG’s. Niche, but provides a good visual for the cover of the newsletter. Link

 
Dude on the left is packing some interesting pants.

 

Inverse has a nice article on how Nintendo need to treat their older games with more respect. Link

Forbes looks back at the lessons learned on consumer values from the OG Game Boy. Link

Crunchyroll has announced Hime’s quest for the Game Boy Color and PC, as reported by Gematsu. Link

 
Is that Miles hiding on Hime’s head?

Destructiod gives their view on the best 5 Pokemon games (60% retro). Link

 
Pixel art is the best art.

A modder has created the worlds smallest Game Boy, TecheBlog report. Link

Worlds Smallest Nintendo Game Boy
 
Game Baby?

The SnesDev Party team have announced the release of Supercooked! a cooking co-op game that works with the OG 16-bit hardware and emulators. Looks like fun! RealotakuGamer has more. Link

 
The younglings!!!!

Rare is a publisher of distinguished quality, but there have been a surprising number of games that there cancelled. CBR do what they do best and provides a list of them. Link

 

 

Reur goes deep on the story of Star Fox 2 – the lost game. Worth a read if you are a fan. Link

From myth to reality: the story behind Star Fox 2, the lost SNES game - Nintenderos
 
Furries in space.

Back to Rare, Diddy Kong Racing turns 25 and Exputer takes a look back on why you should not judge a game by its cover. Link

Others

California 18 feature a look at the Sega offices in Japan. Link

Bounding into Comics take a look at some very interesting Sega Genesis/Megadrive ROM hacks. Link

Split image of hacked roms for Castlevania: Bloodlines, Streets of Rage 2, and Golden Axe on Sega Genesis
 
Is that a cigar in your mouth?

Game Asylum look back at the Atari 7800 catalogue – an underrated console? Link

Hacker Noon looks back at some film-to-game conversions that are worth a look. No ET. Link

 

Cultured Vultures give their view on the 20 best Sega Genesis games ever. Link

Toejam & Earl
 
Only #20?

Duealshockers have a piece on what Atari was like before the crash of ‘83. Link

 
Box art was amazing back then.

For the Atari 50 celebration, they developed a new Atari Jaguar emulator from the ground up. GameRant reports. Link

 
Best console logo ever?

And that’s all for this edition – hope that you enjoyed it. If you missed it at the beginning or forgot, and you have a spare 2 mins – it would be very much appreciated if you can share your feedback on the newsletter (link here).

 

 

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0019

Welcome to issue #19, the nights get longer so a perfect time to dust off some retro games and get around to playing thatgame you have been waiting to play.

 
Discussing all things 80’s and 90’s like Going Live and Coco Pops

32 years ago today the SNES was launched in Japan and a life was never quite the same again. With that came one of the greatest games ever - Super Mario World – and you can relive this masterpiece here.

 
Hard 4mm Acrylic Cases for Nintendo, Sega and many many more.

 

Nintendo

TecheBlog look back at the nemesis of school children in the 80’s or 90’s (which I never knew existed) – the “Homework First” (below). Link

Homework First Combination Lock NES Cartridge Slot
 
I would have left home if this ever appeared in my childhood.

Did you know gaming have released an insightful video (30 mins) about every Zelda game that was never released. Link

Did You Know Gaming Zelda Game Not Released America
 
Is Zelda the greatest gaming series ever?

Comicbook Gaming look back at Namco’s Star Wars game for the Famicom which had Darth Vader turn into a scorpion, a shark, a pterodactyl, and a Wampa - not canon. Link

 
Dad?

Some good people have made every issue of Nintendo Power magazine available for download. Not all hero’s wear capes. Link

CBR have a deep, well written view on the state of Retro Gaming. Joke, it’s a list of the 10 SNES games that are not as good as you remember. Link

 
Harsh. Harsh. Harsh. (But to be fair they provide good visuals for the newsletter).

I love a limited edition console, my Pikachu N64 is one of the highlights of my collection. Dual Shockers look at the rarest Nintendo variants. Link

 
MTV Gamecube!

Shigeru Miyamoto Turns 70 and Bolly Inside look back at the career of one of the most influential names in gaming. Link

The Escapist give the “Definitive View” of the Virtual Boy (their words not mine). Link

Virtual Boy Works review Jeremy Parish Limited Run Games Press Run retrospective history book
 
Virtual boy is a weird name, sounds like an invisible friend.

Sega

Game News 24 have a look at some cult games for the Megadrive/Genesis. Link

 
Individually numbered, premium quality,

Subscribe now

Event Hubs look at Atari’s attempts to compete with Virtual Fighter and Tekken - and created one of the worst fighting games ever - The First For Life. Link

 
This was not the box art.

The Gamer take a look at the Atari 50 collection which has just been released and getting some good reviews. Link

 
And the rest is history

Not Hardware report that Streets of Rage is being made into a film with the writer of John Wick on board. Not holding out much hope, but loved the game series. Link

sor2
 
Attack of the clones

And that’s a wrap! Thanks for reading and if you can share with others I would be extremely grateful!

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0018

This week’s newsletter covers the best of Japanese NES games, Rom Hacks and a new “mini” console in the works.

Also, Sonic Spinball turns 29 years old today! You can play this game here.

 
If you collect games, you really should know RetroShell

Nintendo

Another good article from Reutir, shines a light on interesting topics – this time they turn their attention to the history of RockStar and Nintendo. Link

Nintenderos
 
Would love to see what this might of looked like

Everyone knows Super Mario Bros. but did you know Game Over was not the end and you could continue with a simple button combination 😲. GeekyRant gives more details. Link

Den of Geek are back with a list that tells us all about the “Best NES games released outside of Japan”, and I am sure some are well worth a go. Link

NES Games Not Released Outside of Japan
 
Can you name any of these?

Starfox is one of the iconic SNES games and pushed the hardware, and some cleaver modder has now pushed it further with the release of the ROM hack Starfox EX – which contains SNES mouse support, 5-player mode and 17 levels with battles against some of Nintendo’s icons. PCGamer delve into more detail. Link

 
They are threatening words indeed Luigi.

Did you know there was an N64 Zelda game that never got launched, Ruetir give details and the story behind Zelda 64. Link

 

Game Informer has a nice feature on a visit to Japan’s Mario Themed amusement park. Really want to visit this place. Link

 
Retro gaming tees re-imagined.

Sega

Game Rant has a feature on the final Sega Saturn game which was based on Anime. Link

 

The rankers at CBR give their view on the best 15 Sonic games. For me, it was Sonic 2. Link

 
Relive the halcyon days of the 80s and 90s as a child

 

Other

Reutir has an article on Nintendo’s biggest mistake – the Nintendo Playstation which never was. Link

 

 
Beautiful looking machine IMO

Bleeding Cool gives details of the 6 new games created by Digital Eclipse for their Atari 50 collection. Link

Konami has announced the launch of the TurboGrafix-16 mini! Link

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0017

Welcome to issue #17! On the 9th November 1996 Sonic 3D Blast was released for the Genesis. 3D is a very optimistic word for this game, but you can play it here.

 
The essential podcast for the retro generation

 

Nintendo

Do you like Casio G-Shock watches? Do you like Super Mario Bros? Then Casio have got you covered. Reported by Crunchyroll. Link

 
A mere $150 for this non smart watch

Can you name every Nintendo console in chronological order? I thought I could, but if you need a reminder, ScreenRant have got a list. Link

 
Which is the best?

The year is 2022, you decide you want to build a new NES from scratch – well, you can! Here is a guide from Low Budget reported by Adafruit. Link

A smart chap has managed to stream and record Game Boy games using the OG hardware – using a Pi. Toms Hardware report. Link

Think you know your NES games, well The Express have a quiz to test your knowledge. Link

Kotaku reports that Luigi’s mansion was due to launch on the N64 DD. Link

Luigi’s Mansion Could Have Been A Nintendo 64 Disc Drive Game
 
I want an N64 disk drive

Inverse has an article on one of the hardest games ever, Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts. Link

 
The finest quality tees you can buy

 

Sega

KitGuru report that the next Sega mini console will be decided by fans. Which would you like to see (a mini Saturn would be cool). Link

SVG report one how a lost ”Risqué” Sega Saturn game was finally found. Link

blue face
 
Risqué indeed.

 

Other

A nice article on Japan’s love affair with gaming, lots of retro goodness covered – thanks to Time Square Chronicles. Link

GameRant list the best consoles of the 80’s. Which would you pick as #1 (comments below). Link

Popular Mechanics have a nice article looking at the 50 years of Atari and question how the pioneer of home gaming failed to capitalise on their early start. Link

Thats all for this week, thanks for reading and if you have any suggestions you can let us know on Instagram, or Twitter– or just drop a note in the comments.