retro Archives - Lon Seidman & Lon.TV Blog

The New Apple IIgs MiSTer Core Is Pretty Amazing!

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:56:39 +0000

The Apple IIgs core is now officially released on the the MiSTer FPGA platform. While I have maintained an original IIgs hardware setup for many years, the development of this cycle-accurate FPGA core offers a way for the masses to access this sometimes underappreciated Apple II computer’s software library. Since its initial beta phases a few months ago, the core has seen significant functional improvements and is now integrated into the standard update scripts for MiSTer users.

Check it out in my latest video!

Getting the system operational is straightforward. Running the “update all” script installs the core and the necessary ROM automatically. For software, I have been using disk and hard drive images sourced from community archives, specifically those curated by Alex Lee on his website “What is the Apple IIgs?”

Using a System 6.04 hard drive image provides a bootable desktop environment that mirrors the original user interface. The core currently supports mounting two hard drive or floppy images simultaneously along with an additional 3.5-inch and a 5.25-inch volume. One technical detail to note is that while the core can boot from zipped files, these images remain read-only. To save data or configurations, the files must be unzipped on the MiSTer storage.

The user interface of the IIgs was notable for being the first color Apple GUI environment, predating the color Macintosh. In testing various titles like Tunnels of Armageddon and Task Force, the performance remains consistent with the original 2.8 MHz hardware. For those who find the native speed restrictive, the core includes options to emulate period-accurate accelerators like the Zip GS or TransWarp GS. The audio quality, which was somewhat muffled in earlier versions of the core, is now clear and reflects the capabilities of the original Ensoniq sound chip.

Beyond gaming, I tested the core’s compatibility with demo scene software that often pushed the hardware to its max. The Free Tools Association (FTA) produced several technically demanding demos, such as Space Harrier and Modulae. Most of these run without issue, though minor graphical glitches occasionally appear in specific demos like FTA’s Xmas.

For users interested in visual accuracy, the core supports RGB output through the MiSTer analog board, which allows for connection to CRT monitors and televisions. It looked spectacular on my JVC TV that has an RGB component input.

One of the more interesting features available is the MiSTer platform’s ability to provide modem emulation through a Telnet connection. By adjusting the UART settings in the MiSTer menu, the IIgs core can communicate over a network as if it were using a physical serial port. Using terminal software like Spectrum, I was able to dial into Telnet-based bulletin board systems. The core supports two-way communication, meaning it is also possible to host a BBS directly from the device. The Telnet feature simulates a modem ring and can answer standard Hayes AT commands to answer the virtual phone.

The system also maintains backwards compatibility with the broader Apple II library. When running older software designed for the Apple II Plus or IIe, such as Oregon Trail, the system speed must be adjusted manually in the control panel to 1 MHz to ensure the software does not run too quickly.

With 8 MB of onboard RAM—more than many original machines possessed—this new core functions as a comprehensive recreation of the hardware in its most “souped up” state. The efforts of the contributing developers have resulted in a stable environment for exploring this specific era of computing history.

See more of my MiSTer content here!

DOS Games in a Browser? DOS.ZONE Review

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:48:01 +0000

For my annual Christmas retro video, I explored the Exodos project, a method for downloading and playing a vast library of classic DOS games. While functional, it requires significant disk space, BitTorrent downloads and some complexity. It also lacks native compatibility with MacOS and Linux. Following a recommendation from my friend Adam of TechOdyssey, I recently tested an alternative approach called DOS.zone.

Check it out in my latest video!

DOS.zone is a web-based emulation platform designed to run legacy DOS and Windows 95 games directly within a browser. During my testing on an M2 MacBook Air using the Brave browser, games like Doom booted quickly and ran at standard speeds without requiring any software installation or command-line management. The platform currently hosts approximately 2,000 titles, which is a smaller library compared to the Exodos project, but it focuses on immediate accessibility.

The service operates primarily as a free service, downloading and executing the game files locally in the browser rather than streaming them from a server. The DOS games run in DosBox or DosBox-X which has been ported to Javascript (more on that later).

Game progress can be saved to the browser’s local storage, provided the user clicks the designated save icon before exiting. Because local browser data can be cleared or lost, DOS.zone offers an optional subscription for a few dollars a month that enables cloud synchronization for save files. The save files can be synced across devices too.

The emulation includes various adjustable settings to tailor the experience. Users can modify the DOSBox performance by toggling the auto-adjust feature and manually setting CPU cycles, which I found necessary to stabilize the frame rate in titles like Wing Commander. Other options include mouse capture, on-screen control scaling, and an image smoothing toggle for those who prefer altered graphics over the original pixelated rendering. Notably, the platform currently lacks native game controller support, relying instead on keyboard controls or external software mapping.

Technically, DOS.zone distinguishes itself from other in-browser solutions by supporting Windows 95 environments and 3dfx hardware acceleration. Loading a game like Road Rash prompts a brief Windows 95 boot sequence before launching the application. While this specific browser port lacks the original full-screen video and music, it runs consistently at 60 frames per second. The 3dfx support extends to titles like the original Grand Theft Auto and various hardware demos, rendering hardware-accelerated graphics entirely within the browser window.

The platform also integrates a multiplayer hub where users can join active network sessions for games like Quake or Half-Life Deathmatch. In my experience, some visual assets load dynamically during the initial session, which can cause minor stuttering, but the performance stabilizes once the caching is complete.

Because the underlying technology utilizes the open-source JS-DOS API, the emulation extends to mobile devices. Testing Need for Speed on a smartphone demonstrated that the platform automatically maps necessary game controls to the touchscreen, enabling mobile gameplay without requiring a dedicated app installation.

For users seeking a broader library, the Internet Archive remains a viable alternative with over 8,800 browser-playable DOS titles. However, DOS.zone provides a more specialized technical implementation with its inclusion of 3dfx, Windows 95 support, and built-in multiplayer routing, offering a highly accessible route to revisiting legacy software without the need to manually configure local emulators.

See more retro here!

DSpico Review : An affordable flash cartridge for Nintendo DS handhelds

admin — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:16:31 +0000

Twenty years after the release of the Nintendo DS, managing the system’s physical media presents an ongoing logistical challenge for users. In my latest retro video, I take a look at the DSPico, an open-source flash cartridge designed to boot digital copies of DS games directly on original hardware. These sell for around $20 on Aliexpress (compensated affiliate link)

Check out the review here!

The device retails for approximately $20, with shipping bringing the total cost to around $30. It is built around a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and features a USB-C port alongside an SD card slot. The pre-assembled model I examined shipped with an 8-gigabyte SD card. The hardware requires a FAT32 format, and while some users have reported software lockups when using larger 64-gigabyte and 128-gigabyte cards, developers are currently addressing these bugs through firmware updates on GitHub. Updating the firmware requires connecting the cartridge to a computer via USB-C and transferring the necessary files to the card.

The cartridge has full access to the SD card, so you can store ROM files in an organizational structure of your choice. The DSPico reads and writes save files to the SD card and saves function just like they do on a regular cartridge. But it does not support save states like some Gameboy cartridges do.

The DSpico is compatible with the original DS, the DS Lite, the DSi, and the 3DS line. It only runs standard DS software, meaning it cannot be used to load 3DS-specific titles. On compatible hardware like the DSi and the 3DS, the DSPico also supports DSiware titles that were originally distributed strictly over the Internet – currently the only flash cart to do so.

Beyond preservation of out of print games, the DSPico serves as a loader for homebrew projects. I tested a few community projects, including a 3D role-playing game currently in development called WolveSlayer and a port of Lemmings. Both games played without issues. LemmingsDS goes beyond just a ROM file and utilizes a process where secondary assets are pulled directly from the SD card after the initial ROM loads.

As the secondary market for physical DS cartridges continues to experience price inflation, the DS Pico presents a functional method for accessing older software libraries without requiring the original media. Because the entire project is open-source, individuals have the choice to assemble the hardware themselves using the public repository or purchase pre-manufactured units from existing suppliers. The active development surrounding the device suggests that this two-decade-old handheld platform will remain accessible for the foreseeable future.

Disclosure: The DSPico was provided free of charge by the Aliexpress seller linked above. No other compensation was received and they did not review or approve this content prior to publication.

This Was the Best Selling Game Console of 1976

admin — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:26:16 +0000

To commemorate my upcoming 50th birthday, I acquired a piece of technology that shares my birth year: the Coleco Telstar, a video game console released in 1976. It’s the subject of my latest retro video!

I purchased this device for a local historical society project celebrating the United States’ 250th year, intended to demonstrate to younger generations what home entertainment looked like when the country turned 200. The unit, a Pong clone, was manufactured by the Coleco, formerly known as the Connecticut Leather Company making this quite relevant for a local Connecticut historical society!

This specific model, the 6040, was the first edition released by Coleco. Its market success was largely due to its price point; while competitors like the Magnavox Odyssey and Atari’s Pong console retailed for approximately $100, the Telstar launched at just $50. Adjusted for inflation, that $50 price tag is roughly $290 today. This aggressive pricing strategy helped the company sell over a million units, a figure surpassed only by a Nintendo Pong clone sold exclusively in the Japanese market.

Internally, the device is distinct from modern consoles as it lacks a central processing unit. Instead, it operates using a specific chip, the AY-3-8500, which has the game logic hardcoded directly into its circuitry. Because the software is fixed on the chip, the system is not programmable. It generates sound through a built-in speaker rather than the television set and connects to displays via an analog RF connector, originally designed to work with a switch box on the VHF band’s channel 3. While a power connector was available as an add-on, the device was primarily intended to run on six C batteries.

The gameplay experience is controlled by knobs that move paddles on the screen, with a difficulty slider available to adjust the game mechanics. The console features three variations: a standard tennis-style Pong game, a single-player handball mode, and a hockey game where players control both a goalie and a forward. Upon testing this specific unit, I noted several functional issues consistent with its age, including a stuck game selector switch and a malfunctioning difficulty slider that fails to resize the paddles correctly on the “pro” setting.

This device represents the entry of Coleco into the video game market, a venture that eventually led to the release of the legendary ColecoVision console and the less successful ADAM personal computer. The Telstar remained on the market for approximately two years before the company shifted focus to handheld games and programmable consoles. It serves as a historical marker for home gaming in 1976, predating the significant technological leap that occurred just a decade later with the introduction of titles like The Legend of Zelda.

More DOS Game Fun: Unlocking the Potential of GOG’s DRM-Free DOS Games

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 06:01:07 +0000

While the ExoDOS project serves as a comprehensive effort to preserve nearly every DOS game ever created, its massive 638-gigabyte archive can present a significant barrier to entry for users seeking just a few specific titles. For those interested in acquiring only a few games without managing large downloads, the GOG platform offers a practical alternative.

In my latest retro video, I explore how the platform’s DRM-free policy allows users to extract game data from the default installation wrapper and migrate it to other environments, such as Linux, custom DOSBox configurations, or even original retro hardware!

To demonstrate this process, I picked the classic Wing Commander 2, which is available on the platform bundled along with the first game and expansion packs for approximately three dollars—a significant reduction from its original retail cost in 1990.

The extraction process varies slightly by operating system. On a Macintosh, rather than using the Galaxy client, I downloaded the offline backup game installer. After bypassing standard security prompts to install the legacy software, the game files are typically contained within the application package. By right-clicking the executable and selecting “Show Package Contents,” then navigating to the “Resources” and “Game” subfolders, users can locate the raw game data and executables. Moving them is as easy as copying it over to a new directory or drive.

I copied these files to a separate directory to test them with Boxer, an open-source DOSBox port for macOS that has been forked for compatibility with Apple Silicon. One functional advantage of this manual extraction is the ability to enable features not active in the default wrapper. In the case of Wing Commander II, the default installation uses Sound Blaster audio; migrating the files allowed me to configure Boxer to support the Roland MT-32 soundtrack.

The procedure on Windows is equally straightforward. After running the offline installer, the necessary game data—specifically Wing Commander II’s “gamedat” folder and root files—can be found directly in the installation directory, usually located on the C drive. While the folder may contain modern cloud save data or platform-specific wrappers, these are not required for the game to function in other environments. Just like the Mac version, the game files can simply be copied out of the installation directory.

To verify the portability of these DRM-free files, I transferred the extracted Wing Commander 2 data onto a Compact Flash adapter and loaded it into my 26-year-old college laptop running Windows 98. This test confirms that the software sold through GOG remains independent of the delivery mechanism, granting users the flexibility to execute the code on the hardware or emulator of their choice. It’s a rare example of true digital ownership!

Holiday Retro : The eXoDOS and eXoWin9x Projects Seek to Preserve 80s and 90s PC Gaming in a Single Collection

admin — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 13:46:49 +0000

Every year around Christmas I try to find a piece of retro technology to feature on the channel, and this time I landed on something for fans of 80s and 90s PC games. The eXoDOS project is an attempt to make nearly the entire history of DOS gaming accessible with a single click. With that project largely done, the group is now focusing in on the Windows 95/98 era with eXoWin9X.

In my latest retro video I take a look at both running on a lower end Mini PC.

Similar to projects like Emudeck, the eXo project has its entire library of games preconfigured and ready to run mostly with just a single click to get going. Scripts for each game determine the best emulator (either Dosbox or 86box) along with the best settings for optimal performance.

ExoDOS is downloaded from the Retro-Exo site and can be installed either as a massive full archive or as a much smaller “lite” version that pulls down individual games on demand. The full collection weighs in at well over 600 GB, but the lighter option lets games download as you play them, after which they stay local. Setup is handled through a batch file, and once installation finishes everything runs through LaunchBox. The result is a browsable library of roughly 7,600 DOS games, searchable by title, publisher, or hardware features. This is mostly a Windows-centric project although there are some patches to get it working on Linux.

To see how well this works on modest hardware, I ran everything on a midrange mini PC with a Ryzen 6650H processor and 16 GB of RAM (compensated affiliate link). That turned out to be more than sufficient, even for titles that originally required specialized hardware.

One example is Wing Commander II, which in this setup includes the CD-ROM edition with speech and Roland MT-32 audio. Selecting the MT-32 option recreates a sound experience that was out of reach for many players in the early 1990s, when the Roland synth hardware was expensive and uncommon. For those leaning in on the nostalgia, Soundblaster FM synthesis is also an option.

What stood out immediately is how quickly these games launch. Game controllers work out of the box, manuals are included as PDFs, and supplemental materials like box art and disk images are bundled alongside the games.

The archive also functions as a memory jogger. Games that are half-remembered from BBS downloads or shareware disks tend to be here, including titles like Night Raid, a Paratrooper-style game that circulated widely on BBS’s in the early 1990s. For adventure fans, the collection includes both floppy and CD-ROM versions of games like Space Quest IV and many others from Sierra and Lucasarts.

ExoDOS also organizes games by technical capabilities, including a playlist of DOS titles that supported early glide/3Dfx 3D acceleration. Running something like Battle Arena Toshinden with emulated 3dfx support shows how well these setups scale, even if performance varies slightly depending on host hardware and settings. The important part is that the environment detects and configures the right components automatically.

Alongside ExoDOS is the newer project called ExoWin9x, which applies the same philosophy to Windows 95 and Windows 98 games. These titles run inside carefully optimized virtual machines that avoid duplicating full Windows installations for every game. Instead, system changes are swapped in as needed, saving space and simplifying management. At the moment the collection covers games from the mid-1995 and 1996, with more planned for the future.

Running Windows-era games like Beavis and Butt-Head: Virtual Stupidity or Wing Commander IV highlights how much effort has gone into preservation beyond just making the games start. Virtual CD-ROMs are fully browsable, bonus videos are intact, and even obscure developer easter eggs remain accessible. Different emulators are used depending on what a game needs, and the system quietly selects the appropriate one.

Downloading these projects can only be done over BitTorrent given the huge file sizes involved with each. But once it’s done, it’s done.

What ties all of this together is the focus on removing friction. These projects prioritize playing over configuring, while still preserving the original context of the software. Instead of reconstructing old setups from memory, the experience becomes as simple as browsing, clicking, and playing.

See more retro videos here!

The QMTech MiSTer Clone is Affordable and Available!

admin — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 03:05:41 +0000

The latest video in my MiSTer series features a system from QMTech, a fully assembled clone that, at the moment, is actually available to buy over at Aliexpress (not an affiliate link). Given how difficult it has been to find MiSTer hardware in stock over the past few years, I was curious to see how this one would stack up, especially at its asking price. So I ordered one to find out!

Check it out in my latest review!

For anyone unfamiliar with MiSTer, the appeal lies in how FPGA hardware recreates the original logic of classic consoles and computers. Instead of translating software instructions the way an emulator does, the FPGA is reconfigured to behave like the original hardware itself. That approach is particularly valuable for complex systems such as the Sega Saturn or Sega 32X, where multiple processors need to operate in parallel with precise timings. The result is very low input latency and timing behavior that closely matches the original machines, whether the output is going to a modern flat panel or a CRT based display.

The QMTech unit is based around a cloned DE10-Nano FPGA board with an integrated heatsink and fan, paired with a custom analog I/O board. From a compatibility standpoint, it behaves like any other standard MiSTer setup, with full support for the existing ecosystem of cores and tools. In day-to-day use, it feels no different from other MiSTer systems I’ve tested, including the MiSTer Pi I looked at last year. There are two versions for QMTech devices for sale, one priced lower for U.S. buyers and a higher-priced option for international customers, but both arrive fully built rather than as kits.

Physically, the QMTech system is straightforward. The built-in USB hub provides four ports, which is fewer than some other MiSTer builds, though adding an external hub is an easy workaround. Ethernet is included, but there is no onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so wireless connectivity requires a USB adapter for updates. A SNAC port is present for connecting original controllers directly to supported cores, which allowed me to use a Nintendo Zapper with the NES core on a CRT just as I would on original hardware.

The unit ships with a 32 GB SD card with a basic MiSTer installation already in place. As with other preconfigured systems, some additional setup is still required to get everything working the way I prefer, including running updater scripts and making configuration tweaks. Since the hardware is fully MiSTer-compatible, the setup process is identical to other systems and well documented elsewhere.

On the back, the system offers HDMI for modern displays and analog video output suitable for VGA monitors or CRT televisions with component RGB inputs. With the appropriate cable, the analog output delivers a clean signal that looks amazing on a late-model CRT. Audio for CRT televisions and monitors is available via analog output or optical and the system powers on immediately when plugged in, as there is no physical power switch.

To see how the hardware handled more demanding workloads, I spent time running several cores known to stress the MiSTer platform. Arcade titles like Street Fighter Alpha 3 ran without issue, even after extended periods in attract mode, suggesting that both cooling and memory stability were solid. Switching between cores was quick, and the system handled rapid transitions from late-1990s arcade hardware to mid-1980s home computers without complaint.

I also tested computer and console cores that are often used as benchmarks for system stability. Amiga demos and games ran cleanly, Neo Geo titles like King of Fighters 2003 loaded and played as expected, and Sega Saturn games such as Daytona USA worked within the known limitations of the MiSTer’s memory configuration. The Nintendo 64 core, which has matured significantly, performed well across the titles I tried, and other complex systems like the Sega 32X behaved correctly without any issues.

Even cartridge-based games with custom chips, such as Star Fox on the Super Nintendo, ran properly, demonstrating that the necessary co-processors were being accurately reproduced. At the other end of the spectrum, earlier consoles like the Atari 2600 and ColecoVision also worked as expected, complete with the quirks of their original control schemes.

To round things out, I ran memory stress tests at 130 MHz for an extended period and saw no errors. While the RAM could be overclocked slightly, there was no real benefit in doing so, as none of the existing cores require more than the standard operating speed.

After spending time with it, the QMtech MiSTer left me with the impression that it is a competent and well-executed implementation of the platform. It handled everything I threw at it, stayed cool, and ran quietly in the process even with its tiny on board fan. For a device that is currently available to purchase at a relatively accessible price point, that combination is noteworthy, especially in a market where MiSTer hardware is often difficult to find at all.

Intellivision Sprint Review – A great recreation of a classic

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:48:47 +0000

The Intellivision Sprint is a newly released console that looks and feels like it belongs to the early 1980s. With faux woodgrain panels and metallic accents, it closely resembles the original Intellivision, the Mattel-produced system that competed with the Atari 2600. What’s notable here is that this hardware is now coming from Atari itself, following its acquisition of the Intellivision brand.

You can see it in action in my latest review.

The console is smaller than the original unit, but the controllers retain the familiar size and layout. They are wireless and include the full numeric keypad that defined the original experience, along with physical overlays that slide over the buttons to indicate game-specific functions. Forty-five games come preinstalled, drawing from much of the classic Intellivision library. While the system does not support original cartridges, it does provide alternative ways to run additional software via its USB port.

Inside, the hardware is relatively modest, built around an ARM processor running games through emulation. The emulator chosen here is well regarded within the Intellivision community, and everything I tested ran as expected. Video output is limited to 720p at 60 frames per second, and the system does not require an internet connection to function. Power is supplied over USB-C, though no power adapter is included.

On the back of the unit are USB ports used for firmware updates and for connecting wired controllers. While the system does not support Bluetooth pairing with third-party controllers, plugging one in directly is an option. Using a modern USB controller had more input lag compared with the included wireless controllers.

The included controllers use Intellivision’s distinctive disc-style directional control, which behaves more like a rocker pad – kind of an early pre-cursor to the modern d-pad. It’s a design that can take some getting used to (especially with the side buttons), but it closely matches how the games were originally designed to be played.

Turning the system on highlights how much attention was paid to physical details. The power switch has a firm, mechanical click that feels deliberately old-fashioned. The main menu provides individual information screens for each game, including a visual reference for the controller overlays. Games can be rated and marked as favorites, making it easier to return to specific titles later.

Playing through the built-in library underscores how many of these games were designed around shared, two person competitive play. Titles like Shark! Shark! are simple in structure but clearly more fun when a friend is playing too. The controls feel close to how I remember them from years ago.

One standout experience was B-17 Bomber, a game I had heard about but never previously played. It makes use of synthesized speech and places you in various roles aboard a bomber during missions, switching stations through the keypad. The voices announce the direction of incoming fighters along with the proximity of the desired target. For an early 80’s game it’s pretty impressive.

The system also allows additional games to be loaded from a USB drive. With the right setup, titles like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong can be run even though they are not included with the console. Definitely check out GenXGrownUp’s tutorial on geting this right. This works reliably once configured, but the hardware is particular about USB drives. Several modern sticks I tried were not recognized, while an older, generic drive worked without issue.

I didn’t own an Intellivision growing up, so nostalgia isn’t driving my reaction here. Even so, the effort put into replicating the look, feel, and behavior of the original hardware is evident. This is clearly a niche product aimed at a limited audience, but it treats that audience seriously. If you’re an Intellivision fan or Intellivision curious, definitely check this one out. I don’t think it’ll be around for long.

Last year, Atari gave its own classic console a modern refresh with the Atari 2600+. That one works with original Atari cartridge games and controllers. It even comes packed in with a 10-in-1 cart that runs on original hardware too!

Check out more retro reviews here!

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

admin — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 14:02:03 +0000

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

admin — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:13:18 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 18 May 2025 11:02:44 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 14:46:48 +0000

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!

admin — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 01:32:06 +0000

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

admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:58:24 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:17:07 +0000

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

admin — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:00:47 +0000

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!

admin — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 13:03:45 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 00:08:48 +0000

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!

admin — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 11:29:56 +0000

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!

admin — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 12:36:20 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 13:31:44 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 12:40:45 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:58:19 +0000

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

admin — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 15:03:07 +0000

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

admin — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 14:10:55 +0000

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

admin — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:43:07 +0000

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

admin — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 12:30:23 +0000

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

admin — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 11:38:16 +0000

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.

Retro Review: An Original iPhone Time Capsule!

admin — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 12:19:26 +0000

It’s hard to believe it’s been 16 years since the introduction of the original iPhone. There are kids today using iPhones who weren’t even born when the first one was introduced!

I bought my Mom an original iPhone as a gift in late 2007 after their controversial price cut. She used the phone all the way until 2010 when she upgraded to an iPhone 4, but never reset the old one. In my latest video, we take a look at this digital time capsule running iPhone OS 3.1!

I purchased my own iPhone on its release date in 2007 mostly on a whim. I went up to my closest Apple store in the evening after work looking to get some hands-on time with a demo unit and assuming there would be none left in stock. To my surprise my local Apple store was mostly empty and they had plenty of iPhones to go around even at 8 p.m. that evening.

In the days that followed my purchase I became the most popular person in any setting. People (mostly strangers) would gather around wherever I went, curious to see this new piece of technology. Perhaps in some ways it was the start of my YouTube career as I was peppered with questions and demo requests. Eventually I figured out what most people wanted to see and developed my own formulaic demo procedure whenever I made a new friend.

The packaging from that time was signature Apple. Back then, they included a lot more with your phone. From a charger to headphones, and even a little dock to charge it on. I also managed to hang onto the original retail bag and my original receipt! You can see both in the video. But I did sell my iPhone when I upgraded to the 3 the following year.

One of the most surprising discoveries on my Mom’s phone was that many of the original iPhone’s features still work. Google Maps, for instance, still fetches map data. The App Store still pulls data from Apple, even though you can’t install any of the apps. I also plugged it into my Macbook Air M2 and found that it was fully supported on Mac OS 13.6, allowing for photo, music and video transfer along with backups.

But most other functions did not work correctly. The web browser struggled with modern websites, and many apps that were installed no longer functioned. The phone’s interface design philosophy, known as skeuomorphism, definitely looks dated today.

Today’s iPhones are certainly orders of magnitude better than this original, but none captured the public’s curiosity more than this original one. I can’t think of any other products in recent memory (beyond perhaps the original iPad) that captured the same level of consumer interest. Apple certainly hasn’t captured that with their new $3500 VR headset.

Nintendo 64 to HDMI on a Budget!

admin — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:57:05 +0000

In my latest video I take a look at some budget friendly options to get your old Nintendo 64 working on your modern HDMI television.

The most straightforward method would be using the composite output if your television has composite inputs. But not all televisions do a very good job displaying composite signals properly.

A better way is to get a decent line doubler or scaler to process that signal into something that’s more compatible with modern HD and 4k televisions. I stumbled upon two budget-friendly solutions for this purpose through the Amazon Vine review program: the Pound Link Cable and another device from a company called RuntoGOL. Both devices plug directly into the Nintendo 64 and promise high def output via HDMI. But do they deliver on this promise?

Before diving into these budget options, I explored the higher-end solutions to set a benchmark. The RetroTink products, particularly the RetroTink 2x and the 5x, are renowned in the retro gaming community. These devices are really perfect – they offer a near-zero lag experience with stunning visual quality. But they are quite expensive, starting at $149 for their lowest cost version available at the moment.

However, the Pound Link Cable and the RuntoGOL Adapter are significantly less expensive coming in at under $30 each.

Unfortunately you get what you pay for with the least expensive RuntoGOL Adapter. It stretched the game’s aspect ratio, making everything appear squished. The image clarity was also subpar, likely because it sourced the video from the composite output. Additionally, it introduced noticeable input lag.

On the other hand, the Pound Link Cable was a pleasant surprise. Despite its low cost, it delivered decent image quality by sourcing its visuals from the Nintendo 64’s S-Video output. The aspect ratio was preserved, and the games looked as they should. For casual retro gamers looking for a quick and affordable solution it checks the box. However, like the RuntoGOL Adapter, it also suffered from input lag that was about double vs. what I experienced with the Retrotink products.

For those looking for resources on retro gaming, the best place to start is my friend Bob at retroRGB.com. This website offers invaluable insights into getting the most out of retro game consoles. From modification guides to non-mod solutions, it’s a treasure trove for enthusiasts.

So what’s the best way to experience retro games? On an old tube CRT television of course! And the best part is that you could probably find someone to pay you to take their old TV away! A win-win!

Disclosure: The RuntoGol and Pound cables came in free of charge through the Amazon Vine program. I had no contact with the manufacturers, no one reviewed or approved this video before uploading, and no other compensation was received.

Return of the Jedi Released 40 Years Ago Today

admin — Thu, 25 May 2023 23:13:07 +0000

40 years ago today my Mom picked me up early from school (I was in first grade) and we went down to our local duplex theater to catch Return of the Jedi.

I was so excited, especially as the news that morning was showing previews. I remember seeing the speeder bike scene on Good Morning America or the Today show. I consumed every bit of info I could about the movie before it came out – Time Magazine had a great special issue all about it that I’m sure I have around somewhere.

I loved every minute of that movie and still do. It was awesome seeing it with a packed theater of folks also seeing it for the first time. There was so much energy in that theater and quite a reaction when Vader dispatched the emporer! When we left there was a line of teenagers all the way down Main Street waiting to get into the next showing. It was nuts.

Ever since then I’ve taken my Mom to each new Star Wars release to keep the tradition alive.

My College Dorm Tech Circa 1998

admin — Sat, 20 May 2023 21:29:10 +0000

25 years ago I was just finishing up my senior year of college. I was just as much a nerd then as I am today so of course I had quite a bit of tech in my on-campus apartment. I recently found an old video from that time with some of the gear visible. Check it out:

The PC

The PC pictured began its journey as a Pentium 166, assembled with parts procured from local computer fairs. It was the first PC I built myself. By the time I graduated, the PC had undergone an upgrade to a Pentium 233 MMX that was just a simple CPU swap.

My PC was pretty decked out – it had a Creative Labs Voodoo2 GPU which was lightyears beyond what game consoles could do at the time. This is when the PC really started to prove itself as a gaming platform with Quake II and many other games really pushing the graphical hardware available at the time.

You’ll notice on the front of the case that I had both a 3.5″ floppy drive and an IDE Zip drive. Thanks to its IDE interface the Zip drive ran much faster than than the external parallel version that was more widely used at the time. I recall that this particular zip drive required a version of Windows 95 that was only sold with OEM computers which took a little bit of work to acquire!

The CD-ROM drive was actually one of the first DVD drives available for PCs also from Creative Labs. The drive came bundled with an interface card that included an MPEG 2 decoder for watching DVD movies. It also came with a custom version of Wing Commander IV which had DVD quality cut scenes that were a major step up from the regular DOS version.

My video also caught the computer’s screen running Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 4 and Winamp that was playing some tunes while my girlfriend was reading her email.

Earlier that year I discovered the wonder of MP3s. The fact that such a small file could produce such high fidelity sound was nothing short of miraculous. Remember, this was a time when storing uncompressed CD wav files on a hard drive was an impractical endeavor due to file sizes and high storage costs. The advent of MP3s represented a significant leap in music technology, enabling us to enjoy our favorite tunes without worrying about running out of disk space.

That year my campus rolled out a residential ethernet network for all of the on-campus housing. That gave us a direct pipe into the University’s T1 line running at a whopping 1.5 megabits per second. It was a huge step up from the dialup modems we were using up until that point. Transitioning back to dialup after graduation was a major bummer – it would be another three years before DSL service was available at my house.

It was scary too because there were zero security safeguards with many student computers openly exposed to others on campus and the rest of the Internet for that matter. Personal firewalls were still a long ways off.

My Cell Phone

1998 was also the year that saw the introduction of digital cellular phones. I owned a Qualcomm QCP-820 phone that operated on Bell Atlantic’s CDMA network. Fun fact: Bell Atlantic later became Verizon. The QCP-820 was a dual band phone meaning it could operate in digital or analog mode. Digital coverage was few and far between when I first got the phone. But when I was lucky enough to find myself in a digital zone the quality of the call was substantially better.

Here’s another shot of the phone next to the iconic solo cup design of the late 90’s:

The Living Room

Despite the PC Powerhouse in my bedroom we still had a few game consoles on hand which were more fun for local multiplayer games. At this point in 1998 the Sony Playstation had become the dominant home video game console. You can see it sharing space with our VHS VCR that we used as our DVR to record our favorite shows when we were out and about and of course for Blockbuster rentals.

Also on hand, but sadly less frequently used, was my Sega Genesis (the very same one you’ll see on my YouTube set!) along with the Sega 32X attached. A year earlier the 32X add on was discontinued and liquidated so I picked it up for only about $30. The Genesis underneath was purchased in 1989 right when it came out and was almost 9 years old when this video was taken.

Concluding Thoughts

What’s remarkable is how many technologies came to be in the short span of time between my freshmen and senior year (1994-1998). Today’s technology is certainly better than it was back then but what we have today has mostly evolved from all of this 90’s innovation.

TinyNES Review – A Super Niche NES Console

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:32:57 +0000

My latest review is of a device designed for a very specific niche called the TinyNES. On the surface this might look like yet another NES clone console but it merges original NES hardware with a modern, open source design.

What it uses from the original NES are the CPU and PPU (graphics processor) chips. Although the NES uses a 6502 processor, the CPU chip used on the original NES and Famicom had its sound hardware also on the CPU die.

The TinyNES can be ordered with genuine chips but is also compatible with clone processors as the originals are no longer being manufactured. It’s not clear whether the genuine chips in this particular unit were pulled from dead consoles or leftover unused parts. The CPU and PPU chips on the TinyNES are socketed and can be swapped out easily.

The rest of the components are new and modern resulting in cleaner video and audio output. But nothing is added here – the console only outputs composite (not RGB component) and has no HDMI option. The design is open source so it’s conceivable somebody could add this functionality in later.

Part of the reason behind a lack of modern video options is that the original NES PPU output its video signal on a single pin as a composite of red, green and blue. Later revisions of the PPU did offer RGB output options but most NES and Famicom systems had the single pin output.

The TinyNES main board does support the RGB variants of the PPU but they are apparently much harder to find. There will be a solderless RGB add-on module available in the future for those lucky enough to have one of the RGB PPU chips.

So with no modern video outputs why does this thing exist when a real NES can be acquired for less money? Viewer Destructodisk has a good summation:

Now obviously this is a very niche device for an audience that wants something very specific… but there is a point and reasoning to it. Much that same as some people don’t like emulators because it isn’t as close to how real hardware plays. Some people aren’t satisfied with FPGAs. And then there’s the extreme that aren’t satisfied with the quirks a video signal add on brings. Its great everyone seems to have a perfect device being built for them.

The fact that the makers of the TinyNES found enough people willing to fund its production is proof enough that there’s a market for it. Not a large one, but a market nonetheless.

A big thank you to viewer Handheld Obsession for letting us borrow his unit for the review!

MuffinTerm is the Best Way to Access Retro Telnet BBS Systems on a Mac, iPad or iPhone

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:12:11 +0000

Computer Bulletin Board Systems, aka BBS’s, were how many of us “went online” back in the days before the commercial Internet. Thousands of systems were set up all over the world and many were even connected to one another in massive hobbyist networks like FidoNet. I covered the basics of the BBS world in this video from seven years ago.

The other day I stumbled across a great post on the Byte Cellar about a new app called MuffinTerm. This is the subject of my latest video.

Muffinterm is a free telnet client that runs across the Mac, iPad and iPhone designed specifically to connect to retro BBS systems complete with full ANSI and IBM PC graphics support. It also supports Commodore PETSCII systems (something I never experienced back in the day). Some other formats will be added to it in the near future.

The BBS system I profiled in the piece is called “Captain’s Quarters II” which is run on the more modern Mystic BBS platform. It’s a great example of what a good BBS looked like back in the day: an active community with a great file section and a fun assortment of games.

BBS systems largely died out in popularity in the mid 90’s when the Internet made the entire world accessible without long distance telephone charges. It was pretty crazy how fast everyone pulled up stakes and went on the ‘Net. If you missed this era of computing I do suggest to check out Jason Scott’s excellent documentary on YouTube. It not only covers the history of computer bulletin boards but also has interviews with some of the people that made it all work.

MuffinTerm is available in the Mac and iPhone/iPad app stores. For PC and Linux users Syncterm is great client. A browser based alternative called fTelnet is another good solution. And if you’re looking for a BBS to connect to the Telnet BBS Guide maintains a list of active bulletin board systems that can be filtered down by BBS software. You’ll even find bulletin boards running on original retro hardware!

Hallmark’s Sega Genesis Ornament

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 13:54:52 +0000

I have never been much of a Christmas ornament guy (my wife has more of them than we have trees for) but the other day I found one that I just couldn’t pass up. My friend Smokemonster let us all know on Twitter that Hallmark’s Sega Genesis ornament was marked down to just under $6 from its initial $30 price tag:

The ornament arrived yesterday and it’s glorious. They based it off the American version of the version 1 console, the one I got in 1989 that has been the centerpiece of my YouTube set since I got into this business. Unlike the original it includes two controllers but of course in this implementation they are not functional.

But what is functional is the little power switch that works just like the original. When the included batteries are inserted, flicking the power switch lights up its red power indicator and it then plays some digitized sounds from the original Sonic the Hedgehog game including the iconic “SEGGGAAAA” and a minute or two of music from the game.

The speaker, as you can hear in this YouTube Short I posted this morning, is incredibly loud for a little thing like this. Smokemonster tells me that an earlier SNES ornament is also quite the noisemaker.

Retroarch & Emulators on Retail Xbox Consoles Including Series S & Series X

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 16:49:57 +0000

Xbox consoles, even some of the older ones, make great emulation devices. In the past getting emulators onto a game console would require circumventing DRM controls but lately things have become a bit easier.

My project this weekend was getting Retroarch installed on my Xbox Series X. The good news is that the process was so easy I spent more time playing than configuring!

This process initially required setting the console into developer mode but this new method allows any retail console to work without modification or mode switching. I found this guide at MakeTechEasier.com to be pretty helpful. If you’re somebody who needs a little more of a visual step-by-step ETA Prime has a great tutorial that you can find here.

The Xbox Series consoles have pretty powerful CPUs that can handle emulation of nearly every supported core that Retroarch offers. That includes even more complex consoles like the Playstation 2 and Gamecube/Wii. You can even load the games up on a USB flash drive which is detailed in the tutorials linked above.

The MiSTer is still my go-to retro device but for certain things like more recent game consoles and Sega Super Scaler arcade titles Retroarch on the Xbox is a great combination. It was awesome playing Afterburner 2 on my 65″ OLED with its awesome soundtrack pumping through my home theater audio. And although I will probably re-map some of the controls the general experience I found to be excellent insofar as compatibility, gameplay and performance are concerned.

If you’re curious about Retroarch and why it’s so popular, check out this interview I did with a member of the Retroarch team a few years back. They do some amazing work making emulation less complex for the masses!

Retro Review: The Atari 50th Celebration Compilation & My Favorite Atari 2600 Games!

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:45:31 +0000

Every year around the holiday season I like to do a retro review looking at some old technology in my collection. This year we look at an AV modded Atari 2600 that I picked up recently.

I begin the video with an overview of the great Atari 50th Celebration compilation (affiliate link). The compilation is a virtual museum of all things Atari including their arcade games, computer systems and all of their consoles (including the Lynx & Jaguar!). There are dozens of playable games on the compilation but many of my favorites didn’t make the cut primarily due to licensing issues.

There are lots of great videos on the Atari 2600 on YouTube so I focused on a few favorites from my childhood collection in the second part of my video. Most of the games featured are my original 2600 cartridges! Surprisingly they all booted right up.

For the games I couldn’t find cartridges for I was able to play them using a flash cart called the Harmony Cartridge. The Harmony cart can play just about every game ever released for the 2600 including some titles that make use of special chips like Pitfall 2. One of the things that I love about living in the future is that we have great new hardware for legacy systems!

The Atari 2600 era was a time of great experimentation where every idea was made into a game. Many of these experiments fell flat but many others became timeless classics that influence modern game mechanics.

In a comment, viewer Yuan Chang best summed up the 2600 : “Gaming distilled down to its purest elemental form and even in that form, it provided countless hours of fun.”

I definitely agree.

Downloading Shareware Games in the Early 90’s

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:24:43 +0000

I stumbled across a game I used to play in 1992 as a teenager called “Night Raid” the other day. You can find it on the Internet Archive and play it right in your browser!

Night Raid was a take on an old Apple II game called “Sabotage.” The premise of both games is that you’re a lone anti-aircraft gunner fighting off wave up after wave of paratroopers trying to take you out. You earn points with each aircraft and paratrooper hit and lose a point every time the gun is fired.

I hadn’t given the game much thought over the years (I even forgot its name) but the other day something about it popped in my head that sent me down a Google rabbit hole. A few minutes of searching brought me to the Internet Archive and I immediately was back in the 90’s playing a cool shareware game in my browser! I’ve since added it to the DosBox-X instance I run on my Macbook Air.

One of the fun parts about Night Raid was the heavy promotion of the Software Creations Bulletin Board System (BBS) that hosted its download files. During the Intermission scenes a little airplane flies overhead with the phone number for the BBS and the end screen of the game also encourages people to dial in and experience the board’s 50 lines and 6 gigabytes of storage space!

Software Creations was located in Massachusetts and was one of the larger BBS systems at the time. When a hot new shareware game came out you’d hear about it on FidoNet message boards on your local BBS but you’d have to dial out long distance to pick up the files at Software Creations. This was also where I picked up Doom in 1993 right when it was released to the public.

As you can imagine I racked up some major phone bills dialing into that BBS. Night Raid’s zip file came in at around half a megabyte which took roughly 33 minutes to download on the 2400 baud modem I used at the time.

When Doom came out the following year it was a whopping 2 megabytes and took over two hours to download. Unfortunately for me there wasn’t an active shareware gaming user base in my local calling area beyond my buddies and me so long distance was the only way to get at the latest goods.

When I finally had the cash to buy a 14,400 baud modem that same Doom download could be done in 20 minutes. With long distance rates running about 10-15 cents per minute that faster modem offered a huge return on investment!

BBS systems are still out there but are mostly available on the Internet these days via telnet. I did a video on the topic a few years ago if you’d like to get a feel for what it was like on one of those systems.

The whole scene died out pretty quickly once dialup Internet service became available in the mid 90’s. But it’s great to see so many people working to keep not only BBS’ing alive but also some of the networks that connected them together like FidoNet.

The Software Creations BBS was acquired by the “Total Entertainment Network” in 1995 right as BBS’ing gave way to web surfing. Apparently TEN cut their losses as the BBS’ing collapsed and shut the system down only a year or so after the acquisition according to Apogee Software’s Joe Siegler in a 2002 message board post:

It was even more of a surprise to us – as we had our files there. They essentially closed down overnight – we had no warning that it was going to happen.

It would be super cool if one of the Sysops (short for System Operator) had a backup of the BBS somewhere. How awesome would it be to have a time capsule like this accessible via Telnet to experience what the PC gaming scene was like back then.

A Visit to the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) Headquarters!

admin — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 12:03:25 +0000

My journey into the world of amateur radio continues. This week we took a tour of the ARRL headquarters in my home state of Connecticut. We ended up with so much footage we had to split this piece into two parts!

In this first video we look at W1AW, also known as the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station. Maxim was the co-founder of the ARRL and an early pioneer of radio technology. You’ll see one of Maxim’s radios towards the end of the video. It still works but it’s rather dangerous to use around modern electronics due to the electrostatic fields it generates.

W1AW is where the ARRL transmits their morse code trainings and digital bulletins and is known throughout the world as an important entry to get into contact amateur logbooks.

W1AW is open to licensed amateurs and the public to operate from too which is what we’ll do in part of the series!

iPhone at 15 – Original Box and Shopping Bag

admin — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 11:08:15 +0000

The iPhone started shipping on June 29, 2007. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Incidentally I also got married that year so it’s easy to remember how many years I’ve been married based on the age of the iPhone :).

I posted this video on the extra’s channel the other day in recognition of the iPhone’s 15th birthday. It’s kind of a re-run as I made this short on the main channel a little while back.

Those of us suckers who bought an iPhone on release day also got a cool shopping bag to take it home in that you’ll see in the video. I called it the “mug me” bag as it clearly gave away its contents as you left the store. My original receipt was still in there too:

June 29, 2007!

My then fiancé was on a trip with her family and I was bored. So I drove up to the Apple store and bought the phone. There were no lines and they had plenty of stock. Of course that would soon change in future iterations. AT&T’s activation servers that were set up specifically for the iPhone were so overloaded I couldn’t actually use the phone until the next day.

Back then it only worked on AT&T’s network and I had to switch from Verizon. What a mistake that was – the phone part of the iPhone didn’t work anywhere in my house! I had to get a “Femtocell” in order to receive phone calls which barely worked. As soon as Verizon got the iPhone on its network I switched back.

The phone had pretty slow data speeds.. 3G networks were prevalent at the time but the iPhone only supported “Edge” which was about a 135k bits per second – not much faster than a dialup connection. There was no front facing camera and the rear camera was pretty lousy.

I think I traded in my old iPhone at one point to save money on a new one. I regret that now. It sure would look nice on my gadget shelf!

Crazy Atari 800 Add-On Device

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 11:54:34 +0000

I am a sucker for cool modern hardware for old retro hardware. YouTube channel The Retro Shack has this awesome and comprehensive review of an “everything” add-on device for the Atari 800 computers called the Fujinet.

What do I mean by everything? It’s pretty much the kitchen sink here with emulation for 8 floppy drives, a modem (connects via Telnet), a printer (writes out PDFs), realtime clock, a cassette deck for cassette based software, and a network adapter that connects via Wifi. Even crazier is that it allows for mounting disk images remotely over the Internet! It’s not all that expensive either at around $80 or so.

The Atari 800 has an innovative serial bus that in some ways works like USB where a whole chain of devices can be attached to a single cable with each uniquely addressable by the system. The creator of this hardware went on to work on the USB standard.

I have an Atari 800 in the basement here. My father-in-law purchased one back in the 80’s for use as a family PC but it hasn’t been booted up in decades. If you’re interested I might do a video or a stream where we power it up to see if there’s any life left in it!

The 800 is of course also faithfully recreated on the MiSTer.

AI Upscaled Wing Commander 3

admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 23:48:33 +0000

Per WCNews.com a group called CD1188 Entertainment is working on upscaling the now super low resolution video from 1994’s Wing Commander 3. You can see it on their YouTube channel, it’s looking pretty good given the source footage they are working with!

Wing Commander is one of my favorite games of all time. Wing Commander 3 really pushed the envelope back in its day. It required a pretty fast 486 or Pentium, double speed or better CD-ROM, and a whopping 8 megabytes of RAM at a minimum.

The Wing Commander series was know for being a great space shooter but it also had equally good story elements. In the first two games they consisted of animated cut scenes with a few minutes of voice acting. For the third game Chris Roberts went all out with professional actors (including Mark Hamill, Malcom McDowell and John Rhys-Davies to name a few).

I talked about my love for Wing Commander in this video. You can see how the series progressed as technology improved over the course of its five mainline games and spin-offs.

My Apple //c Circa 1987ish

admin — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:12:50 +0000

I was playing the “Halley Project” – a game that taught the basics of space navigation. It involved using an included paper star map to find planets that you needed to navigate to. I was very proud of myself for reaching whatever planet I landed on and took a picture (with film!) to mark the achievement.

The Halley Project also had about 20-30 seconds of full speech when the game first booted up! A rarity for sure on the Apple II.

You can play the game here on the Internet Archive, the audio sequence starts right when it boots up.

Newton Makes a Cameo in For All Mankind

admin — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 00:18:56 +0000

I love the Apple TV+ show For All Mankind. It’s an alternative history sci-fi drama where the Soviets landed on the moon ahead of the United States. There’s something for everyone with this show which is helmed by Ronald Moore who previously worked on Deep Space Nine and Battlestar Galactica.

Season 3, which just launched this week, takes place during an alternative 90’s where the Soviets and Americans are racing to get to Mars. And being an Apple show they are of course using Newtons as their personal digital assistants!

Unfortunately the Newton’s screen never looked this good. The best they could do was a green “indiglo” that was popular on some watches back in the day.

Perhaps all of the space age tech that developed out of the alternative space race in For All Mankind made for better displays!

Read and watch more about Newton in this recent blog post.

The Apple Newton Turns 30

admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 11:30:35 +0000

I have always been a gadget nerd and when I first heard of the Apple Newton I wanted one.

At the time it was a totally new and different product category – “the personal digital assistant.” The device fit in the hand, was operated with only a pen, and had the ability to work with PCMCIA modems just like a laptop for sending faxes and email to online services available at the time.

In many ways it was ahead of its time and struggled almost from the get-go. The biggest problem beyond its $700 price tag (the equivalent of $1,400 today) was that the handwriting recognition wasn’t good enough for the average consumer. When it worked it was great but when it didn’t this digital device was far less efficient vs. a pad and paper. It was famously lampooned in the Doonesbury comic strip but also had mixed reviews in the press.

Apple actually released two Newtons – one was an Apple device, the other came from Sharp. But both were effectively the same device inside. Neither was very successful out of the gate.

Apple retooled and released an updated “Newton 110” the following year. That was the device I bought back in the spring of 1994. It had an updated operating system vs. the original device and worked a little better, but still wasn’t up to where consumers wanted the device to be.

It went through a number of iterations over the next four years culminating with the Newton MP2100 in 1997. But by then cheaper and smaller Palm Pilots took over the marketplace while Newtons got larger and more expensive.

Apple of course got the last laugh with their insanely profitable iPhone and iPad lines. They certainly learned from their mistakes.

I own a few Newtons in my retro collection. Here’s a video I did last year looking at how Apple’s iPad borrows a lot from the Newton’s approach to pen interfaces.

80’s Japanese Tech Was So Cool

admin — Fri, 27 May 2022 23:47:29 +0000

Check this cool watch I saw in a Facebook Group post today. It’s a watch but it’s also a TV! This was back in the days of the Sony Watchman.

Unfortunately to get the TV component to work you needed to hook up this walkman size contraption that contained the tuner. But the watch itself was running with a liquid crystal display.

There was even this Casio watch that in the 1980s which not only had a touch screen but could recognize numbers drawn on its face for the calculator function.

This kind of tech was so magical to me as a kid and there never seemed to be an end to all of the cool new innovations coming out of Japan. My Dad traveled to Asia frequently and would always come back with stories of all of the cool tech he saw in the shops.

New Retro Video : Gameboy & NES Manual Estate Auction Haul!

admin — Fri, 27 May 2022 11:25:33 +0000

Last week I told you about the impulse buy I made from a local estate auction website called AuctionNinja. I learned of the site from a funeral director friend of mine who often has to help families liquidate collections of the deceased.

I picked up a lot that consisted of a Gameboy with its original box, a half dozen games, a bunch of NES game manuals along with (oddly) a NES RF adapter and a four way multiplayer device. They didn’t pair the manuals up with the games which were all sold in separate lots.

As it turns out the condition of everything (except the Gameboy) is great – especially the original gameboy box. I couldn’t believe how pristine it was. Yes it’s just a box but it’s one of those things that takes you back to being a kid excited to get the latest game console. The condition of it is far better than anything I’ve seen for sale at game stores and conventions.

The Gameboy itself has seen better days. The adhesive for the screen window came off so I’ll need to reattach it. I am also going to need to take a soldering iron to the screen connection to get rid of the vertical lines that appear on screen (a very common problem with the original gameboy). It looks like a fairly easy fix.

Stay tuned for a Gameboy repair livestream! If I can’t fix the display I’ll replace it with a modern IPS one.

But unfortunately this video isn’t doing very well and that makes me sad :(.

It’s funny sometimes these throwback videos do really poorly at first and then at some point the algorithm tests it with a wider audience and it takes off. This one I did about a demo disc on the 3DO had a similar starting point but later took off an accumulated almost 65,000 views:

So check out the video if you’re so inclined to help add a few views . Thanks as always for your support!

New Video: Removing the Ticking Time Bomb from my Apple IIgs

admin — Fri, 13 May 2022 22:46:00 +0000

In today’s video we’ll be taking apart my Apple IIgs and doing a little preventative maintenance. A video LGR posted on his channel this morning of his Apple II collection reminded me that I had to snip out a ticking time bomb inside my machine.

Many old computers have batteries that power volatile RAM for keeping time, saving system settings, etc. Over time those batteries tend to explode and leak their contents which often results in damage to the computer’s motherboard.

I was afraid of what I might find in my Apple IIgs when I cracked it open today. Thankfully my battery was a newer version that was more robust than some of the earlier IIgs batteries. But I snipped it out anyhow for good measure. My system won’t retain any settings until I come up with a replacement strategy but it is no longer at risk.

My IIgs is currently out of operation because of another widespread issue – exploding RIFA capacitors! Mine blew out when I was recording a video about my IIgs back in 2016. One of these days I’ll get it repaired and make another video about this beloved classic computer.

New Empire Strikes Back Game for the Commodore 64

admin — Wed, 04 May 2022 11:58:24 +0000

Just in time for “May the Fourth” retro developer Megastyle games has released a new Empire Strikes Back game for the Commodore 64!

The game play is similar to the Atari 2600 and Intellivision classic where your snow speeder is up against wave after wave of imperial walkers. This one adds AT-ST’s to the mix along with a level progression system that was lacking from the original. The graphics look great! Here’s some footage of the game courtesy of YouTuber C64.

This will run on original hardware along with emulators and the MiSTer core. They made the game available in a few different formats including cassette tape!

A Great MiSTer News Source

admin — Mon, 02 May 2022 14:35:09 +0000

There is A LOT going on with MiSTer these days – so much so that I hope to do an update video about some of the things that I’m most excited about soon. A Sega 32X core has been added, a Playstation 1 core is close to completion, and the holy grail (for me) – the Apple IIgs – is in the works too!

RetroRGB is a great source for following the progress of the project. A contributor to the site, Lu’s Retro Source, is posting regular update videos of all that’s new and exciting in the MiSTer project. You can find Lu’s channel here.

Check out my prior MiSTer content here. Bob from RetroRGB and I have done two panel discussions of this at Retro World Expo that you can also find in the playlist.

Calmira Makes Windows 3.1 Look Like 95

admin — Sun, 01 May 2022 12:10:45 +0000

On the topic of cool interfaces for old computers, Benj Edwards on YouTube tweeted out this screenshot of Calmira – an open source tool that makes Windows 3.1 function like Windows 95. Calmira is open source and was first released back in 2001.

Find more of my retro content here.

Apple II DeskTop Turns a II Into a Mac

admin — Sun, 01 May 2022 00:06:45 +0000

Apple II DeskTop (also known as MouseDesk) is a remarkable piece of software developed for the Apple IIe and //c way back in 1985. It replicated the look and feel of a Mac desktop on the II with surprisingly decent performance.

It is still being worked on and is now open source. It works on original hardware as well as emulators (including the MiSTer).

h/t to CALL Apple.

AVGN on Why Contra is One of the Best Games Ever

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 12:35:45 +0000

I still remember the day I bought Contra 35 (yikes!) years ago. It is one of my favorite games of all time. AVGN did a great analysis of what made this game so great : it was tough but fair.

Back in the day I managed to get to the last level until word of mouth about the “Konami code” made it to my school. I still remember the thrill of reaching the winter level on my first continue.

While so many games we thought were great don’t hold up today this one actually gets better with age.

Comparing Lag and Ghosting for Every GBA handheld

admin — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 22:39:00 +0000

RetroRGB has an interesting analysis of GBA hardware differences.