Tag: retro

The FPGA Retro Gaming War Kicks Off: Analogue’s “Labubu Economics” vs. Palmer Luckey’s Loss Leading ModRetro

My latest video digs back into FPGA-based retro gaming hardware, sparked by the arrival of the Analogue 3D that landed on my doorstep last week.

As someone who has followed Analogue for years and bought most of their consoles as they’ve rolled out, I’ve noticed the rhythm their products follow. The devices show up, YouTube channels light up with praise, interest spikes, and there’s no stock to meet the demand.

The newest Analogue 3D console is no different. It’s a well-constructed machine that very accurately replicates the Nintendo 64 experience with modern conveniences, but like nearly everything Analogue sells, it was gone almost immediately.

Their previous systems—the Mega SG, the Super NT, the NT Mini, and even their handheld—are all unavailable, with no reliable guidance on restocking. It’s become a familiar cycle: excitement, scarcity, and the inevitable rise of inflated eBay listings.

As with Labubu collectibles, another scarce item I’ve had some dealings with (for my daughters of course), drops happen at set times, queues form instantly, scalpers scoop up a large share, and buyers who miss the window pay double or triple later.

The usual assumption is that this is artificial scarcity, but in this case the shortage may have more to do with components and Analogue’s ability to cover manufacturing costs. The FPGAs that power these consoles are in high demand across many sectors, including defense and aerospace, where their massively parallel architecture is especially valuable. That demand affects both availability and cost.

When a company like Analogue is already producing hardware with expensive metals, premium plastics, and custom manufacturing, it’s easy to see how difficult it becomes to scale production without taking a loss – especially with volatile costs of the raw materials making holding inventory a risky endeavor. Even so, the limited customer base for FPGA retro devices also shapes how companies approach supply. These aren’t mainstream gadgets, and for many people, emulators, Switch Online libraries, or even original hardware are good enough. The buyers who care about fidelity and accuracy are passionate but small in number.

That’s why the arrival of ModRetro has captured so much attention. Their first device, the Chromatic (compensated affiliate link), is a Game Boy-style handheld built from magnesium with an optional sapphire screen. It’s over-engineered in ways that resemble Analogue’s philosophy, but what sets it apart is that it’s actually in stock. You can check out my review of it here.

The company is also preparing an FPGA-based N64 clone called the M64, with a controller designed to emulate the original’s feel. ModRetro’s founder, Palmer Luckey, has made it clear that he approaches these products as passion projects rather than profit centers. His resources give him access to supply chains most companies can’t tap, especially given the FPGA needs of his current day job, a defense contractor startup called Anduril. That may allow ModRetro to maintain consistent inventory where others can’t, shifting the dynamic of this small market.

Other options are emerging for people trying to enter the FPGA space without playing drop-day roulette. The MiSTer project remains one of the most flexible and capable FPGA platforms available, covering everything from the PlayStation and Saturn down to early arcade and computer systems.

But even Mister hardware and accessories are caught up in the same supply issues. Some vendors are sold out not only of their core boards but also the add-ons required to run the cores effectively. But there are some promising alternatives that can get a fully functional FPGA system into your hands without having to play games to get one.

The Mister Multisystem 2 offers a more accessible path even though it too is currently out of stock. The Multisystem makers have an ongoing production strategy and a queue-based shipping system that doesn’t require watching a countdown clock.

Taki Udon’s upcoming SuperStation One blends Mister functionality with a PlayStation-focused form factor. Taki collects orders in batches and ships them following production. Currently the SuperStation One is taking orders for a batch that will ship in the first quarter of 2026.

Analogue now faces pressure from multiple directions. Their high quality products continue to attract attention, but scarcity and unpredictable restocks leave buyers discouraged, and a community this small notices quickly when a company seems unresponsive.

Enthusiasts increasingly recognize that a MiSTer setup costs less, does more, and isn’t tied to hype-driven scarcity. With new systems from ModRetro and Mister-based makers on the way, the market is likely to become more competitive. I have several of these systems on order myself, so there will be more reviews coming as they arrive. For now, the retro FPGA landscape is shifting, and companies that want to stay relevant may need to rethink how they balance demand, supply, and the patience of the people who want to support them.

My Arcade Atari Gamestation Go Review

In my latest video review, I take a look at the My Arcade Atari GameStation Go (compensated affiliate link), a portable emulation console aimed squarely at those of us who grew up in the era of wood-paneled consoles and CRTs.

It’s a self-contained handheld that plays hundreds of mostly Atari classic games from the 80s and 90s and even lets you load more through an SD card. What caught my attention was the variety of control options—there’s a built-in paddle for games like Breakout, a trackball for Centipede and Missile Command, and a solid D-pad with shoulder buttons. It doesn’t have the high-end feel of a Steam Deck or Switch, but it manages to strike a decent balance between nostalgia and functionality.

Navigating the interface is straightforward. The menus are organized by system, with sections for Atari 2600, 5200, and arcade titles. I tried Breakout first, which uses the paddle controller, and I liked that the device’s “SmartGlow” lighting highlights which controls are active for each game. The paddle isn’t a free-spinning spinner, but it has enough resistance to make gameplay feel natural. The trackball, however, felt scratchy and inconsistent, and I found myself preferring the D-pad for precision control in Centipede. The D-pad itself is surprisingly good—firm, responsive, and better than my initial impression led me to believe.

The system includes about 200 licensed games, mostly from Atari’s catalog. Activision classics like Kaboom and Pitfall! are missing due to licensing, but loading them from an SD card is simple. Once I inserted a card, a hidden menu appeared, letting me boot ROMs from different systems, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and even PlayStation. Performance varies—Sonic the Hedgehog lagged a bit, and Dreamcast games crawl. But PlayStation and Atari Lynx emulation worked better than expected. It’s essentially running an open-source emulator framework under the hood, so there’s potential for the community to expand its capabilities over time.

Battery life felt similar to a small tablet—around four to six hours, depending on what’s running. There’s HDMI output too, but connecting it reboots the system and reduces performance. The image quality looks fine at 1080p, but frame rates dip with some of the newer “Recharged” Atari titles installed on the console. Still, older Atari games like Bowling and Breakout play smoothly both on the built-in screen and an external display.

While this isn’t a machine for hardcore emulation fans, it’s an enjoyable, self-contained throwback for casual players and gift-givers who want a plug-and-play experience without tinkering. The stand-out features here are the paddle and trackball that allow for game controls that more closely match how these games were originally played.

The BlueRetro Connects Modern Controllers to the Nintendo 64

I’ve been revisiting my old Nintendo lately, and this time I took a closer look at a small but powerful accessory that could be a game-changer for retro gaming enthusiasts: the BlueRetro Bluetooth controller adapter. Based on BlueRetro’s open source design, it allows nearly any modern bluetooth-based controller to work with the classic console. But it goes beyond just that basic function.

You can check it out in my latest video.

I’ve been using an Xbox controller with my BlueRetro, and everything mapped pretty well right out of the box. Analog stick movement feels accurate and responsive, and it’s a lot more comfortable than trying to wrangle an aging OEM controller back to life. For parents introducing their kids to the N64, this might also be a friendlier on-ramp.

One of the added benefits is its support for controller pack saves. My original controller pack is non-functional, but the BlueRetro replicates that feature internally. I tested it with Rampage World Tour and a few other games and was able to save and load my progress just fine. It’s not something that’s enabled by default, but once set up through the BlueRetro’s web-based control panel, it works well.

The adapter is powered by the console’s controller ports. You’ll need an additional BlueRetro for each controller port, and it’s worth noting that some older N64 power supplies may not handle four units at once. Many users report no issues but it’s something to keep in mind.

Bluetooth pairing is simple enough, and the adapter supports a wide range of controllers. I had no issues with Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch Pro, and several from 8BitDo. Nintendo’s N64 controller for the Switch is also reported to work.

Most controller functions are mapped intelligently out of the box, but everything is reconfigurable through a web-based UI hosted at blueretro.io. To access it, you’ll need a Chromium-based browser like Chrome or Brave, and you might have to enable the Web Bluetooth API in browser settings. You can remap buttons, back up controller pack saves, and even set configurations on a per-game basis.

I also tested out some advanced functionality, like emulating a Rumble Pak and switching the device into mouse mode. That came in handy when I loaded up a Japanese-exclusive 64DD disc—Mario Artist Paint Studio—through my SummerCart. I paired the 8BitDo mouse I reviewed the other day with the BlueRetro and was able to draw using the original N64 hardware. That’s something I never thought I’d do on a U.S. console.

Overall, this little device along with my new SummerCart has breathed some new life into my Nintendo 64 setup. It’s not without quirks, especially in the configuration process, but once it’s up and running, it opens up a lot of options that weren’t previously available or affordable.

Dust of Your Nintendo 64! The Summercart 64 Review

The other day, a friend of mine mentioned that her son had dug out her old Nintendo 64 and was having a great time playing retro games. She got a real kick out of it, since that was her childhood console. I suggested she look into getting a flash cartridge to expand their game library, and one affordable option I came across is the SummerCart 64. It’s priced around $40, at least for now, before new tariffs kick in.

You can check it out in my latest retro review.

Setting it up was straightforward. I put some games on a SD card along with a menu file (instructions are on the project’s homepage), inserted the cartridge and booted up a game on the original N64 hardware with a couple of button presses.

The cartridge makes it very easy to breathe new life into the old hardware. One particularly exciting feature is its ability to emulate the 64DD disk system, a Japan-only add-on for the Nintendo 64. It opens up access to a handful of rare games and offers a glimpse at what might have been had the add-on been more successful outside of Japan.

I picked mine up from AliExpress for $40.84, but it’s important to note that this is an open-source hardware project. There’s no official manufacturer, and quality can vary between units. It’s a buyer-beware situation. Additionally, with tariffs set to kick in starting May 2025, anyone ordering from China might have to pay more than item’s value in new import taxes.

Those who want to build their own can find schematics and parts lists on the SummerCart 64 website. It’s worth considering a donation to the developers if you find value in the project, since they don’t receive royalties from commercial sales.

The cartridge I received came fully assembled with a pre-installed CR2032 battery, which maintains the real-time clock and backs up save data. Games are stored on an SD card that plugs into the side of the cart, and ROMs that work in emulators are compatible here too. Save games will backup to the SD card automatically. There’s also a USB-C port, mainly used for firmware updates, though my unit arrived with the latest firmware already installed.

Loading a game involves two button presses, and there’s a useful display showing compatibility notes, such as whether a game requires the N64’s expansion pack or a controller memory pack. It’s worth mentioning that save states and GameShark cheat codes aren’t supported. If those features are important, an emulator might be a better fit.

What really piqued my interest was the support for the 64DD system. Even without the original hardware, the SummerCart allowed me to boot up Japan-only releases like “Japan Pro Golf Tour 64” and explore community translated titles like the F-Zero X Expansion Kit. The F-Zero expansion added track and vehicle editors along with new race cups that were previously locked away behind rare and expensive hardware. There’s a great community keeping the DD system alive over at 64dd.org.

Firmware updates for the SummerCart are handled through a simple command-line tool called SC64Deployer, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Updating the firmware was quick, and the real-time clock could be synced to my computer’s clock with that tool as well. The Deployer app also enables a number of developer functions that allow for bug testing on the original N64 hardware.

Over the past few days, I’ve had a lot of fun exploring games and expansion content I never had access to when the Nintendo 64 was new. Between homebrew games, 64DD titles, and the ability to easily back up save files, this little cartridge breathes a surprising amount of new life into aging hardware for a very affordable price (tariffs notwithstanding).

Part of my excitement also stems from having Analog’s upcoming FPGA-based Nintendo 64 console on order. I’m looking forward to seeing how the SummerCart performs on that system when it arrives.

Disclosure: I paid for the cartridge with my own funds.

Free App Hidden Gem: Retro Achievements for Emulators!

My latest video takes a look at RetroAchievements, a free online service that adds Xbox-style achievements to classic games played through supported emulators. Think of it as a gamified layer on top of your retro library, with score tracking, leaderboards, and a whole community of players competing to earn bragging rights.

In the video I demo an achievement I earned playing the Sega Master system version of Choplifter for gaining an extra life without losing any lives. When an achievement is reached, an on-screen badge pops up, and points get logged on the RetroAchievements website. That bumped me to rank 100,800 out of around 111,000 players. It’s not exactly elite status, but it’s a start :)!

Setting it up was straightforward. After creating an account on retroachievements.org, I linked it up with my emulators. There’s a wide range of compatible emulators, including RetroArch, Dolphin, DuckStation, and PCSX2. On my Steam Deck, I use EmuDeck, which simplifies the process even further and logs you in across all your installed emulators.

RetroAchievements has two play modes: “hardcore,” which disables cheats, save states, rewinds, and slow motion, and “softcore,” which allows those conveniences. There’s a separate ranking system for each mode, so your score stays relevant no matter how you like to play. The community enforces rules against cheating, so even in softcore, the competition feels fair.

What makes this system interesting is how the achievements are actually built. They’re tied to the emulator’s memory and look for specific values or in-game events. When the right conditions are met, the emulator triggers the achievement and reports it back to the website. You can even follow other users and compare your scores directly.

Another nice feature is the in-game feedback indicating how close you’re getting to your next achievement. While playing Afterburner II on the Sega Saturn, I went after a particularly tricky achievement called “Too Close for Missiles,” which requires destroying 150 enemies with guns on normal difficulty or higher. A counter appeared on screen, incrementing after every plane was downed with my cannons. I haven’t cracked that one yet—it resets if you game over and continue—but it’s kept me coming back to the game long after I completed it.

The achievements themselves are created by the RetroAchievements community, and becoming an achievement developer involves learning how emulators and game memory work. It’s more than just coming up with fun challenges—you actually have to build them into the game logic without breaking anything. There’s a whole process for ensuring that achievements trigger properly and don’t interfere with the game’s performance.

FPGA-based systems like the MiSTer and Analog consoles aren’t supported, at least not yet. I use a MiSTer for a lot of my retro gaming on a CRT upstairs, and it would be great to get achievements while playing there. Hopefully, support for those systems is on the horizon.

You can find my RetroAchievements profile here. If you think you can top my score in Afterburner II, go for it. I’ll be watching.

Curious about how I retro these days? Check out my video on that here!

The 2013 “Trashcan” Mac Pro is Cheap and Surprisingly Relevant in 2025

I never really considered myself a collector of retro computers, but somehow, they seem to be accumulating around me. My childhood Apple IIgs and a Mac SE/30—nostalgic relics of past computing eras—sit behind me in every video. Offstage I have a bunch of other retro Macs and PCs that I’ll get around to showing you some day.

The other day, I came across a late 2013 Mac Pro for just $169 at OWC (compensated affiliate link) and couldn’t pass it up. Back when these machines first hit the market, they were priced at over $3,000, and I never found a good enough reason to justify owning one. But now, with the cost so low, I finally had my chance. The question was: what could I actually do with it in 2025? Surprisingly quite a bit. Take a look in my latest video !

The Mac Pro I picked up is the lowest-end model from its generation, featuring an Intel Xeon E5 processor, dual AMD FirePro D300 GPUs with 2GB of VRAM each, and 16GB of DDR3 memory. It did not come with the original packaging, just a simple brown box with bubble wrap—but cosmetically, the Mac barely looked used.

This design, often referred to as the “trash can” Mac Pro still looks pretty cool IMHO. It’s compact, upgradable, and eerily quiet, thanks to its innovative cooling system that pulls air through the bottom and exhausts it through the top.

One of the first things I did was install macOS Sequoia 15.3.1 (the most current version of macOS at the time of this writing) using the OpenCore Legacy Patcher. Apple officially stopped supporting this machine at macOS Monterey (version 12), but OpenCore extends its lifespan by enabling newer macOS versions to run. The installation was surprisingly straightforward, though I disabled automatic updates to avoid potential compatibility issues. Even a small point release can break OpenCore’s boot loader, so it’s best to wait until OpenCore updates to run the macOS updater.

1440p feels like the sweet spot for this machine, as performance at 4K 60Hz is a little sluggish but far better than expected for browsing, office tasks etc. Playing 1440p/60 videos on YouTube is seamless, but pushing it to 4K 60fps results in dropped frames and choppiness.

For productivity, Apple’s Keynote runs well at 4k60, handling animations and transitions without issue. Even Final Cut Pro, thanks to OpenCore, is functional—though rendering and previewing at 4K 60fps is sluggish compared to modern Apple Silicon machines. Editing at 1080p or 1440p is more practical, but it’s clear that this machine isn’t optimized for high-end video production anymore.

Running the Speedometer 3.0 benchmark, the Mac Pro scored 10.7—comparable to some budget mini PCs we look at today. However, its power consumption is significantly higher, sitting around 95 watts at idle and spiking much higher under load.

Windows 10 installation via Boot Camp is surprisingly still supported under Sequoia. I opted to boot from an external Thunderbolt SSD rather than partitioning the internal storage following instructions I posted way back in 2016.

Windows feels snappier than macOS. Basic web browsing and productivity tasks perform well, but modern gaming struggles. No Man’s Sky, running at 720p on the lowest settings, hovered between 25-30 fps—playable but not ideal. Updating the AMD drivers helped, but support for these GPUs ended in 2021, limiting future compatibility.

I also explored Linux, specifically Linux Mint LMDE 6, which was recommended for this hardware. It detected both GPUs, CPU, and network interfaces without issue. Performance was decent, though not as fluid as Windows. But, ChromeOS Flex was a no-go due to compatibility issues with the graphics hardware.

Macs running with the “Apple Silicon” M-series chips, like the M4 Mac Mini we looked at recently, outperform this Mac Pro in every metric while consuming a fraction of the power. But twelve years later this Mac is still able to run the most recent version of macOS reliablity, has great Windows support, and Linux compatibility. If you’re looking for a fun project or a retro computing experience, a late 2013 Mac Pro might be worth picking up if you find one cheap like I did.

The Mister Pi is an Affordable New Option for FPGA Retro Gaming and Computing

I’ve spent a lot of time with retro gaming and computing, and one of my favorite devices for diving into that world is the MiSTer. For those unfamiliar, the MiSTer is a device that replicates retro computers, game consoles, and arcade machines with impressive accuracy.

This accuracy comes from its field-programmable gate array processor (FPGA), which remaps the logic of the original devices at a hardware level. The community’s dedication to preserving this technology is extraordinary, going so far as to remove chip casings and manually map circuits to achieve faithful recreations of the original hardware.

Getting into the MiSTer ecosystem hasn’t always been easy, though. It used to require sourcing various components—a DE-10 Nano FPGA development board, analog video boards, USB hub boards, additional memory—and assembling them yourself, often at a high cost.

That’s where a new solution from YouTuber Taki Udon comes in: the MiSTer Pi. It’s a pre-assembled, more affordable version of the MiSTer. I decided to pick one up, opting for the $180 Turbo Pack, which includes everything pre-assembled and ready to use. You can see it in action in my latest review.

The kit comes fully assembled inside a case. The components include Taki’s DE-10 Nano FPGA board clone, a USB hub board for connecting peripherals, Taki’s analog board that allows for connecting the device to CRT televisions (along with attaching original console controllers via SNAC), a 128MB memory board, and a 64GB Sandisk SD card already set up with the MiSTer project firmware.

You only need to add a USB-C power supply, which many of us likely have lying around. I recommend also picking up a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapter for wireless connectivity and controller support. Taki sells these for only $5.

If you want to save a little money, the Mega Pack lets you assemble the components yourself, though compatibility with third-party cases might be limited. For beginners, the fully assembled Turbo Pack is a great choice.

Running the MiSTer Pi is straightforward. You select a core—the hardware profile for a specific console, computer, or arcade—and the device reconfigures itself to replicate that system’s logic. Transitioning from an arcade game to a Sega Saturn, for instance, happens with just a few key presses. The MiSTer Pi performs equally well across various platforms, and when paired with a CRT, the experience feels as close to the original hardware as possible. In some cases, the video output even surpasses what the original systems could achieve without modification, especially when used with televisions that have a component video input.

For those interested in maximizing the device’s potential, I recommend a few setup tweaks. First, install the “Update All” script to ensure your MiSTer Pi stays current with community updates, new cores along with ROMs and BIOS files. This script simplifies the process of downloading updates and organizing files, making maintenance a breeze.

I’ve been using my MiSTer Pi primarily for retro computing, dedicating it to classic systems like the Amiga. The vast library of games and demos available for these systems is a treasure trove of nostalgia and discovery. For gaming, the MiSTer Pi supports a wide range of consoles and arcade titles with more being added on a very regular basis by the community. The MiSTer project maintains a list of cores here.

There are a few minor drawbacks. The built-in fan is somewhat noisy compared to fanless MiSTer cases, and existing cases may not be compatible with the MiSTer Pi’s port layout. These are small trade-offs, though, for a device that brings so much functionality at a more accessible price point.

Taki sells the Mister Pi in batches on his website at RetroRemake.co. I suggest keeping an eye on his social media posts on X or BlueSky for updates on when the next batch will be available. I found the last batch remained in stock for about a week or two.

Holiday Retro Video: Infedility’s NES to SNES Conversions

Retro gaming often surprises me with how inventive the community can be, and this year’s holiday retro video showcases a fascinating project by developer Infidelity that brings classic NES games to the Super Nintendo. These aren’t remakes or reimagined versions but direct ports that maintain the core essence of the original games while leveraging the hardware advantages of the SNES.

You can see them in action in my latest review.

The NES and SNES share similar processors, making this porting effort particularly effective for maintaining the “feel” of the source material. With the SNES’s improved hardware capabilities, these ports eliminate the flicker and slowdown that often plagued the original NES versions. Most of the games have enhancements, such as improved CD quality digital soundtracks and quality of life enhancements.

I tested these games on original hardware using a Super Nintendo and an SD2SNES flash cartridge. However, they also run seamlessly on emulators and platforms like the MiSTer and Steam Deck.

I started with the Ninja Gaiden Trilogy, which includes all three NES games in one package. The sound options offer the original NES soundtrack, a PC Engine version, and an arranged CD-style soundtrack. I favored the latter for its rich audio quality and awesome reimagining of the original NES music. The gameplay faithfully replicated the NES experience but with noticeably smoother performance.

DuckTales was another highlight, featuring enhanced intro screens and a full-motion video from the cartoon show—offering a glimpse of what a CD-ROM attachment would have been like on the SNES. The game’s remastered soundtrack from the 2013 reboot version added a modern touch, but the gameplay remained true to the original’s charm. The added performance stability made it even more enjoyable, especially for those who grew up with the NES version.

Contra, one of my all time favorite games, offered some of the most exciting enhancements. In addition to improved soundtracks—including a heavy metal-inspired rendition from Vomitron—it included new quality-of-life features. Players can now shoot diagonally without moving and be able to hold onto two weapons with a switching mechanic similar to the later versions of the game. These updates make the game feel fresh without compromising its original identity.

Metroid, another classic, brought the option to save progress in addition to the traditional password system. Infidelity also added a map that can be pulled up on screen at any time – a feature missing from the original. The orchestral soundtrack option felt particularly fitting, providing an immersive atmosphere that the original hardware could only dream of achieving.

While I demonstrated these ports running on the original hardware, they’re equally accessible on emulators. However, features like retro achievements may not yet be compatible, so at the moment you won’t see your retro street cred increase by playing them. Still, these ports breathe new life into the games, making them more accessible and enjoyable for both nostalgic players and newcomers.

Infidelity’s work is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the retro gaming community. These projects not only preserve classic games but also enhance them in thoughtful ways, ensuring they continue to be enjoyed for generations. If you’re interested, the Internet Archive is a great place to start exploring these ports. Supporting creators like Infidelity on platforms like Patreon can also help sustain these efforts.

How I Play Retro Games in 2024!

While I don’t consider myself a retro video game collector, I have held onto most of the games I played as a kid and acquired a few of the consoles that I didn’t have over the years. Nothing beats the experience of playing games on real hardware on an old CRT television.

But managing all of these devices and games can make it difficult to just “pick up and play.” But there are some solutions that add convenience while maintaining accuracy – both on that old TV with the MiSTer project and on-the-go with my Steam Deck.

I share what I’m doing in my latest review.

The MiSTer has become my go-to for a true-to-life retro experience. It relies on an FPGA chip to “replicate”—rather than emulate—classic hardware, and its accuracy is impressive.

An FPGA, or Field Programmable Gate Array, is a type of chip that can be configured to mimic the behavior of other hardware circuits. Unlike traditional processors, which follow predefined instruction sets, an FPGA can be “programmed” to act as a custom-built circuit by arranging its internal logic gates and connections to mirror the specific functions of the hardware it’s replicating. In retro gaming, an FPGA can be used to replicate the precise electrical behaviors of vintage gaming consoles, accurately recreating the way those systems processed inputs and displayed outputs without traditional emulation.

My MiSTer configuration

This allows for near-perfect replication of classic hardware with minimal latency, making it ideal for users who want the authentic experience of older technology. It also allows for these old games to output video to a CRT television in a similar manner to the consoles being replicated without any input lag or video processing.

The MiSTer can recreate the experience of different gaming systems, whether it’s the Sega Genesis, NES, or even more complex systems like the Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64. My MiSTer is connected to an old JVC television my father gave me when he was renovating his house. To my luck and surprise that TV has RGB inputs on board that can connect directly to my MiSTer for pristine analog output.

The setup not only delivers minimal lag but also lets me switch seamlessly and quickly between systems. In my video we explore various ports of After Burner, jumping quickly between the NES, Sega Master System, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega 32x, and finally the Sega Saturn – all pixel perfect on that JVC television.

Afterburner Running on the Sega Saturn Core

But the MiSTer doesn’t just limit itself to game consoles. There are hundreds of arcade game cores with many, many more in development. Usually you’ll see a new core released every couple of weeks if not more frequently depending on what hardware platform has been completed. Playing arcade games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Street Fighter 2 on my CRT is amazing; it fulfills my childhood dream of having the actual arcade game at home!

And when you’re done with games you’ll also find an extensive list of retro computing cores. I can seamlessly jump from one machine to another, like from an Apple II to a Commodore 64, exploring software I missed out on in the past. On a CRT display, these systems look and feel close to how they did decades ago, giving me an authentic retro computing experience without the need for multiple pieces of old hardware.

More advanced systems are also represented like classic DOS PCs thanks to the ao486 core and even more obscure offerings like the Sharp x68000. One of my favorites is the ao486 core, which emulates an old-school 486 PC, complete with support for classic operating systems like DOS and Windows 3.1. Old PC games run pretty nicely on this core.

Windows 3.1 Booting on the MiSTer

Many MiSTer cores lack modern features like save states or rewind functions, but I find this aligns it closer to the spirit of the original gameplay. Most cores do support whatever save-game features the original games supported, however.

There are new MiSTer cores being added all the time thanks to a very active development community. The best way to keep up with these developments is to follow this tag on RetroRGB’s excellent website. Bob from RetroRGB also maintains an excellent guide on how to get started.

When it comes to controllers, the MiSTer is versatile, working with a range of USB controllers and adapters, even supporting original controllers through a device called the SNAC. Using these connections, I can get as close as possible to the feel of the old systems, and on some games, I can even use original light guns on the CRT. The accuracy and responsiveness have made the MiSTer a reliable setup for these gaming sessions.

For other controllers I like to use 8bitdo’s offerings. In addition to modern-styled offerings like the Pro 2 and Ultimate Controller they also have some specialty controllers that replicate the feel and button layout of the originals. Some examples are the M30 that have a classic Sega feel and their Turbografx 16 styled controllers.

The 8bitdo M30

The Steam Deck, meanwhile, has brought retro gaming to the palm of my hand. With a tool called EmuDeck, it transforms into an emulation powerhouse, running everything from the Nintendo Switch backward in time. EmuDeck integrates games directly into the Steam interface, allowing me to jump into a title without navigating multiple menus and emulators. It’s convenient, especially for moments when I only have a few minutes here and there. With games loaded and readily accessible, it’s easy to squeeze in gaming time between other daily tasks.

The Steam Deck does an exceptional job of emulating the Dreamcast, PS2, Gamecube, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360 and many others that the MiSTer currently can’t replicate. You can see an example of some of those games running in the video linked above.

The Steamdeck running the Xbox 360 version of Afterburner Climax

I also enjoy a really fun project called Retro Achievements, a feature that brings the accomplishment-tracking aspect of modern gaming into classic games. It’s an engaging way to breathe new life into older titles, and tracking my progress in real time gives me a fresh incentive to push a bit further in each game. You can check out my profile here to see how I’m doing!

For larger screen gaming, I’ve set up a docking station for the Steam Deck to connect to my TV. It’s a quick way to enjoy those handheld games on a big screen, especially with friends. Despite some minor adjustments required for resolution changes, the Steam Deck’s versatility really shines through – offering just enough processing power to run the games at full speed on a larger display.

Both the MiSTer and the Steam Deck offer different strengths for retro gaming, and each has become an integral part of my setup. With more tools and utilities emerging, like RetroBat and Batocera for PC gamers, retro gaming has never been easier to dive into. There’s an endless amount to explore, and I’m looking forward to discovering new ways to keep these classics alive.

Loading a 30 Year Old SimCity 2000 Save Game File

I am a digital packrat. I have a blob of data that I started way back in the early 80s on my Apple II. It includes Bank Street Writer files from elementary school, and nearly all of my school assignments throughout middle school, high school and college. It also includes at least one SimCity save game file I made way back in March, 1994.

I was eager to see if the file would still boot up. I likely made it on my Mac PowerBook that I got in December of 1993 so I figured a Mac emulator would be a good place to start.

There’s a quick turn-key solution out there called Infinite Mac that lets you boot up a number of different classic Mac configurations in your web browser! They even have a copy of SimCity 2000 already installed. I demoed the emulator in this video from a few years ago:

Initially SimCity did not recognize the file and I couldn’t open it up. But what likely happened was that at some point in the 90’s I copied the file onto my Windows PC for safe keeping and it lost some of its embedded file information. Enter the Mac utility ResEdit that helps manually assign those values.

To figure out what those values were I created a new city and saved it and got the “type” and “creator” for that working file. Once I entered the values in the old file I reloaded SimCity 2000 and voila!

My city is a bit of a mess as it kind of just grew over time without doing much urban planning to get it up and running. I’ve had fun this weekend trying to improve the underground utilities and transportation systems, but I do think the bulldozer will be needed soon to get everything whipped into shape.

The early 90’s were a golden era for PC gaming. PCs of course had the advantage of significantly more storage space and processing power vs. the cartridge-based console titles at the time. But there was more to it than just greater system resources. Developers came up with fun and inventive new gaming concepts. We were blessed with Sierra’s adventure games (including talkie CD-ROMs), awesome flight sims, space simulators like Wing Commander and X-Wing, and of course the dawn of first person shooters with Wolfenstein 3D and Doom.

An Interview With the Last Floppy Disk Retailer!

Japan has officially banned the use of floppy disks in its government operations. This move comes as part of a broader effort by the country’s new Digital Transformation Minister, Taro Kono, who has declared a war on outdated technology. According to a recent Ars Technica article, the Japanese government required obsolete media formats, including floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and even mini-discs for many official filings.

In my latest video we take a look at the Japanese law and look at why floppy disks persist as a storage medium over a decade after the last one was made. We also have a fun interview with Tom Persky, owner of floppydisk.com, who is one of the last remaining floppy disk retailers.

In the United States, the use of floppy disks persisted in critical areas longer than one might expect. For example, until 2019, the US nuclear arsenal relied on 8-inch floppy disks, which were eventually replaced by secure digital storage solutions. Floppy disks also remain essential in certain private sector areas, particularly in aviation, where some Boeing 747s update their software using 3.5-inch floppy disks.

Despite their obsolescence, floppy disks are not entirely dead. They are still available for purchase online, often from niche suppliers like Tom Persky’s Floppydisk.com. Persky’s business, which started as a software development house, morphed into a disk duplication service in the 1990s. Now it thrives by catering to a dwindling yet persistent market for floppy disks. As retail shelf space for these disks has vanished, Persky’s large inventory and online presence have made him a go-to source for individuals and businesses needing floppy disks.

Floppydisk.com supplies both new old stock and repurposed disks. Persky’s stock comes from various sources, including large purchases from countries like South Africa, Argentina, and Brazil. He also provides a recycling service for used disks, repurposing those that pass reformatting tests and selling others for artistic or promotional uses.

The clientele for floppy disks is diverse. About 10% of Persky’s customers are computer hobbyists looking to revive old games or systems. He says the bulk of his business comes from industrial customers who rely on floppy disks to operate machines built decades ago. These machines, designed to last for decades, still use floppy disks to ingest data for automation.

One common concern about floppy disks is their longevity. Persky notes that disks manufactured during the peak production years of the 1980s and 1990s are generally reliable. In contrast, disks made towards the end of their manufacturing run may be less so. Interestingly, well-maintained floppy disks can sometimes be more dependable than other storage media like USB drives or CDs, which can suffer from issues like “disc rot” over time. I have a few CD’s that I burned in the late 90’s that are rotted out yet many of my 40 year old Apple II disks still read perfectly.

Floppydisk.com also offers data transfer services, helping customers recover old data from floppy disks, such as early drafts of books, financial records, and treasured photographs.

While the future of floppy disks is finite, given that no new disks are being produced, Persky remains optimistic. He acknowledges that the business may not last forever, but is confident that the current inventory will suffice for the foreseeable future.

Retrobat : One Click Retro Emulation on Windows – Even Works on USB Drives!

After hearing from viewers about Retrobat, I decided to explore this one-click installer for retro game emulators. Retrobat supports a vast array of systems and offers a simple installation process, making it easy to organize and manage games with just a game controller. You can see it in action in my latest video.

One appealing feature is its portability; by installing it on an external hard drive, I can carry my configurations, save games, and save states between different computers seamlessly.

I started by downloading Retrobat from its website and proceeded with the installation, opting to place it on an external drive for portability. The installation was straightforward, involving a typical Windows setup process. Once installed, the software created essential folders like BIOS and ROMs on my drive. I began by adding some Sega Genesis games, as they do not require BIOS files to run. After copying the ROM files to the appropriate folder, I launched Retrobat.

The initial boot of Retrobat was smooth, and my games appeared in the menu without any additional configuration. The interface even applied a CRT-like curvature to the display, which can be customized or disabled based on preference. Using the scraper feature, I quickly matched metadata and box art to my games. Game manuals were also added to the interface thanks to the Screenscraper database.

For systems requiring BIOS files, like the 3DO, Retrobat provided clear instructions on obtaining and placing these files in the correct directory. Once the BIOS was added, games from that system ran without issue.

Retrobat also manages controller profiles so no up-front configuration is required in almost every instance. Even hot keys like save states tend to work the same no matter which emulator Retrobat summons to play a game.

The best part is that when I moved my USB SSD to another computer everything picked up right where I left off. All of the meta data, interface preferences and even save states carried over seamlessly.

Retrobat simplifies the emulation experience on Windows PCs, offering an easy-to-use interface and extensive customization options. Its portability makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy retro gaming across multiple devices without repeatedly configuring settings.

Wrenching on my old Apple IIe! Adding an FPGA HDMI and sound card

I am a sucker for new hardware for old bits of tech. I’ve covered a number of flash cartridges over the years for old game consoles that add new functionality like save states, integrated cheat devices, audio expansion and more. My Apple II collection also has a bunch of new, modern hardware installed. You can see what my Apple IIgs has inside here.

In my latest video I detail a new piece of Apple II hardware called the A2FPGA. This card, featuring a built-in FPGA, initially allows for a clean 480p HDMI video output with audio and simulates the old “Mockingboard” sound card. I say initially because the FPGA on the card is programmable and it will likely be able to replicate the logic of many other expansion cards with future firmware updates. The card is an open source design but can be purchased fully assembled at ReactiveMicro for $199.

The card comes with the most recent firmware preinstalled so it’s mostly plug-and-play. There are a few dip switches on the front of the card which I left mostly in their default settings, although I did disable the option for scanlines to appear in the HDMI output.

On first boot everything worked great – the video output was the cleanest I’ve ever seen out of this computer as before our only option was a composite output. The first game I booted up was my old copy of Skyfox that has support for the Mockingboard audio capabilities. It was really cool to hear the enhanced stereo soundtrack that was locked away on the floppy disk for decades!

The only other hardware modification I made was to unplug the Apple //e’s built in speaker. It will output simultaneously with the HDMI and there is no way to disable the internal speaker short of unplugging it from the mainboard.

I tested out a few other things too like 80 column text mode, and a game called the Halley Project that made creative use of the native Apple II sound system to play around 20 seconds of digitized audio. Everything worked flawlessly.

I am excited to see what new capabilities will be added to this card in the future! If you are curious about what an FPGA is, Bob from RetroRGB and I did a fun explainer at Retro World Expo a few years ago. You can see it here.

Let’s Build a Gameboy! Funnyplaying FPGA Game Boy Color Clone Review

In my latest video we embark on a fun project: building a Game Boy using a Funnyplaying FPGA kit. This no-solder kit costs around $120 shipped (affiliate link) is easy to assemble and when complete feels almost identical to the original Gameboy Color both in hardware and gameplay but with a significantly better IPS display.

My adventure began with assembling the kit, which included a motherboard, display, speaker, battery, casing, controller components, and buttons. The kit, sourced from the Retro Gaming Repair Shop (affiliate link) is made by a company called Funnyplaying, which manufactures close-to-the-original cases and other replacement parts for Gameboy hardware. You have a choice of many different hardware shells and button color combinations all very reasonably priced.

The assembly started with installing the display onto the casing, attaching the ribbon cable to the motherboard, and setting up the speaker. I found the kit very user-friendly, with the components fitting nicely into place. The kit comes with a rechargeable battery which is charged by the USB-C port on the bottom of the motherboard.

The assembly wasn’t terribly difficult but would have been made easier if instructions were included (they were not). The only real struggle I had was getting the tiny power cable in place.

I was pleased with how close to the original this felt when it was assembled. It doesn’t feel like a cheap knock-off!

I first tried some original Game Boy cartridges, which worked flawlessly, providing both the classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color experiences. I also tested the device with an older Everdrive GB flash cart. The FPGA kit recognized and ran the games from the Everdrive without issues. There is no SD card slot on this, so rom files can only be played through the use of a flash cartridge like the Everdrive.

Initially the Funnyplaying device boots up with its Gameboy Color core which applies a color palette to the original monochrome games. Pushing the volume rocker switch in will pull up an on-screen display that allows switching to the original Gameboy mode. Once in that mode it’ll display the original games in a green-hued color palette closer to the original display.

The onscreen display also allow for changing the color palettes – on the Gameboy Color core it’ll work similar to how the palette can be changed on the original device. In the original core it will allow the selection of palettes that match the original (default) along with a few of the other monochrome gameboy iterations.

Sound quality was great on this and very close to the original. The speaker, while causing slight vibrations in the case, produced clear audio. There’s also a headphone jack for connecting headphones or routing it to an audio capture device for streaming. I have a sound demo in the video so you can decide how close to the original it sounds.

The buttons and controls responded well, giving a sense of newness compared to the wear and tear typically found on original Game Boy units.

The Funnyplaying FPGA Game Boy kit offers a satisfying DIY experience for gaming enthusiasts, blending nostalgia with modern technology. This project, while not reaching the multifaceted capabilities of devices like the Analogue Pocket, provides an affordable, authentic way to enjoy Game Boy classics in a new light.

See more retro coverage here!

Blockbuster Mini VHS Game Case Review

I am an easy mark when it comes to weird retro stuff.. A few weeks ago I learned of the Retro Fighters Blockbuster VHS Mini Game Case, a case for Nintendo Switch games that looks like a Blockbuster rental complete with a replica VHS tape inside. This is the subject of my latest review.

The case, an officially licensed Blockbuster replica, is designed to hold Nintendo Switch games, capturing the essence of a bygone era of home video rental. Purchased from Stone Age Gamer (compensated affiliate link), this $20 item is likely going to be in short supply given its very niche appeal. It is manufactured by Retro Fighters, known for their retro gaming accessories and controllers.

Unboxing the product, the first component that caught my eye was the miniature Blockbuster case. Although smaller than the VHS cases many of us picked up from Blockbuster on a Friday night, the detailing is impressively accurate, complete with a generic label and a barcode, mimicking the original Blockbuster aesthetic. The case even includes an address for a fictional Blockbuster location.

The next component, central to the product’s function, is a faux VHS tape, which houses the Nintendo Switch games. This miniaturized tape, while not functional in the traditional sense, features movable wheels and a decent weight, contributing to its realistic feel. The tape opens up to reveal storage for 12 Switch games and four microSD cards. The design ensures games are securely held, with a slightly rubbery surface inside for added grip.

Assembling the case with the tape inside completes the nostalgic experience. It’s a creative and playful way to store and transport Nintendo Switch games, merging modern gaming with a touch of retro flair.

With all of the chatter about the end of physical media, this product makes a bit of statement. It pays homage to a dead physical media distribution while housing modern physical games!

Hallmark Keepsake NES Zelda Cartridge Mini Review

As someone who has never been particularly drawn to Christmas ornaments, I found myself intrigued by Hallmark’s Keepsake ornaments, especially those that resonate with my passion for retro video games. The latest addition to my collection is the NES Zelda cartridge ornament, which not only appeals to my gaming nostalgia but also stands out for its solid metal construction. Check out my short review here.

The ornament is a diecast metal version of the original Nintendo Zelda cartridge, known for its distinctive gold color—a vivid memory from when I first purchased it years ago. It’s much heavier than expected, requiring a sturdy branch for display.

What sets this Zelda ornament apart from others in my collection, like the Sega Genesis, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Dreamcast, is the absence of electronics. Unlike its counterparts that play sounds from their respective games, this ornament is purely a visual representation. It’s a smaller yet faithful reproduction of the original cartridge’s appearance.

Upon a closer look, the ornament does require a bit of polishing, possibly due to some condensation build-up, a natural occurrence given its metallic nature and my current cold environment. Its design is very close to the original cartridge that was released in 1987 in North America. You can see the two side-by-side in the video.

Remembering Super Cheap and Super Fast Shipping in the Pre-Internet Early 90s

One of the many feeds in my RSS reader is from the Internet Archive’s Computer Magazines collection. Every so often they’ll dump a bunch of scans of popular computing and gaming magazines into the archive.

This morning some new (old) Mac User magazines made their way to the archive and I virtually thumbed through a few editions. One of the ads reminded me of one of the coolest parts of 90’s computing: super fast and super cheap overnight shipping from mail-order retailers.

One of my favorites was the “Mac Zone” and “PC Zone.” They were located on the West Coast of the USA. With me being on the East Coast I could call them at 4 p.m. my time and often have items delivered to me here in Connecticut by the next morning. The best part? Shipping was only $3! Even adjusting for inflation that’s still super cheap for next day delivery.

Other retailers like the Mac & PC Connection also had attractive freight rates like this. Most of them used “Airborne Express,” a competitor to FedEx (known as Federal Express back then). Airborne Express was later acquired by DHL.

The Mac and PC Zone is still around today. Known simply as “Zones,” they mostly cater to the B2B market offering IT equipment and services. They still have the same toll-free number! The PC and Mac Connection is also still around. They too pivoted more towards the B2B market.

Gen X-ers and Boomers will Love The Atari 2600+ — If they have a boxful of Atari games in the attic

My latest video is a review of the Atari 2600+, a replica of the original beloved gaming console that works on modern HD televisions. It’s designed for those who still have a collection of Atari cartridges, offering a way to play these classic games on modern televisions.

The Atari 2600 Plus is about 80% the size of the original console, featuring a similar build quality with the characteristic fake wood paneling and stiff switches that are reminiscent of the original. It comes with an HDMI output, replacing the RF output of the original, and includes ports for original Atari controllers, including paddles. The package includes one controller in the box that’s a replica of the original 2600 version that also works on the original console too. The system outputs at 720p and includes switches to go into black and white mode along with a widescreen mode.

The console operates via emulation, using Stella for Atari 2600 games and ProSystem for Atari 7800 games. The emulation quality is high, with seamless controller compatibility and no need for button mapping or menu navigation. The system takes a little longer to boot up vs. the original console as it has to boot its OS, dump the ROM off the cartridge, and then load up the emulator.

Playing a game like “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” a cartridge from my childhood, on the Atari 2600 Plus was a smooth experience. The sound and visual quality were impressive, capturing the essence of playing on an original Atari, albeit with the modern convenience of HDMI output.

However, the console does have its limitations. It requires original cartridges to work, and there’s no option for loading games via SD card or USB. This means that for those without a collection of Atari games, the Atari 2600 Plus might not be the best choice. Additionally, flash cartridges like the Harmony cart are not compatible with this console.

Despite these limitations, the Atari 2600 Plus stands out for its authentic replication of the original console’s feel. The tactile experience of inserting a cartridge, flipping the switches, and using the controllers is remarkably close to the original. This makes it an excellent gift for someone who cherishes their Atari memories.

The Atari 2600 Plus is a well-executed blend of nostalgia and modern technology. For those with a trove of Atari cartridges, it’s a fun way to rekindle childhood memories. But if you don’t have a collection already there are far better ways to explore what the 2600 had to offer.

The Making of Karateka Review

In my latest video I take a look at “The Making of Karateka” from Digital Eclipse, a virtual museum exhibit that explores the popular classic computer game Karateka developed by Jordan Mechner. In addition to some neat documentary content is also has a number of playable games including some prototypes from Karateka’s development and a modern refreshed version of the game.

Karateka, originally released on the Apple II, was a groundbreaking game known for its animation, storyline, and music. It featured a karate protagonist on a mission to rescue a princess locked in the dungeon of a temple. The game’s animation was particularly notable, as Mechner used rotoscoping to capture realistic movements, a technique that was later expanded in his other famous game, Prince of Persia.

One of the fun parts about making this video was testing out my original copy of Karateka that is still working 35+ years. At the beginning of the video you can see it booting up on my Apple IIe.

What makes this new compilation from Digital Eclipse intriguing is not just the modern refresh of Karateka but also the extensive exhibit of Mechner’s development process. It’s like walking through a museum, showcasing the journey of Karateka from its inception to its final form. This includes Mechner’s early attempts at game development, his meticulous documentation, and the evolution of his ideas.

Mechner’s first game, Asteroid Blaster, and his subsequent project, Death Bounce, which faced multiple rejections before Karateka, are also part of this compilation. These games reflect the perseverance and creativity of a young developer navigating the early gaming industry. The compilation also includes interviews and footage that provide insights into the animation process and the collaboration between Jordan and his father, who composed the game’s music.

The modern version of Karateka in this compilation is a testament to Digital Eclipse’s dedication to preserving gaming history. They’ve updated the graphics and smoothed out the animations while staying true to the original’s essence. This modern version, alongside the prototypes and earlier versions of Karateka, offers a unique perspective on the game’s development and the technological limitations of the time.

This journey through the making of Karateka is not just a trip down memory lane for those who grew up in the 80s. It’s a comprehensive look into the creative process of game development, the evolution of gaming technology, and the enduring impact of classic games. It’s a reminder of how far the gaming industry has come and the innovative minds that paved the way.

Hallmark Keepsake NES Ornament Review

I am not a Christmas ornament collector, but I find myself continually drawn to purchasing these keepsake ornaments from Hallmark, especially when they tap into the nostalgia of my Gen X roots. Recently, Hallmark reissued one of their popular ornaments: the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). You can see it in action here in my latest review.

Upon unboxing the ornament, I noticed the attention to detail that Hallmark has put into replicating the NES console. I have previously acquired the Sega Genesis and Dreamcast ornaments, and this NES one will fit in very nicely with the others. The ornament comes with pen batteries for sound and light, and the hook for hanging it is placed on the controllers, which are fixed to the top of the console.

The ornament is a striking resemblance to the real Nintendo console. It includes a non-removeable Super Mario Brothers cartridge inside, complete with a working door. The power button works and will illuminate the LED power light and play some sounds from the original Super Mario Bros. The reset button is just for show. The back of the ornament features all the ports in their correct places, making it a very accurate representation of the retro console.

The quantities of these ornaments are usually limited, so it’s wise to pick one up before they sell out. This NES ornament has quickly become one of my favorites in my collection.