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Pixel FX, known for their wide range of HDMI solutions, has now introduced an internal adapter that brings HDMI to the GameCube.

What Does This Mean For GameCube Enthusiasts?

The GEM adapter preserves your GameCube’s clean, boxy design by integrating internally, unlike the external adapters offered by other companies.

To install the GEM mod, users will need to be comfortable with soldering and DIY electronics due to its invasive nature. However, once installed, it promises clearer and crisper visuals that can significantly enhance the viewing experience for GameCube owners without breaking their budgets.

Conclusion

The Pixel FX GEM mod is a valuable advancement for GameCube owners who wish to enjoy their games in higher definition and want a self-contained set-up. Some may even prefer the DIY challenge.

Do you think the Pixel FX GEM will set a new standard, or are there any other solutions that you prefer?

AYANEO has recently launched the Pocket Micro Classic, a refreshed version of its Android-based handheld device. This new model comes with a lower price point at $179, $20 cheaper than the original, making it the company’s most affordable device yet.

The AYANEO Pocket Micro was praised for its compact design and aesthetic appeal. This new iteration retains those strong points, together with the powerful MediaTek Helio G99 chipset.

One notable difference is that it no longer includes dual analogue sticks. Both the Pocket Micro and Pocket Micro Classic can emulate up to the Dreamcast era.

In your opinion, is the absence of sticks a significant drawback?

Square Enix Staff Unearth Rare Retro Gaming Treasures

Recently, members of the Square Enix team made an exciting discovery in an old storage container that had been shut for nearly two decades. Inside were pristine retro games dating back to 1995 and beyond.

According to Lee Singleton, Head of Studio at Square Enix External Studios, the treasure trove contains classic titles originally published by Domark Limited or its successor Eidos Interactive — both companies acquired by Square Enix in 2009. Among these titles are popular games like Klax, Hard Drivin’ and the James Bond tie-in, The Living Daylights. Platforms include Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, DOS, N-Gage, Nintendo Wii, and Amstrad CPC.

Singleton announced this rare find on LinkedIn, explaining that employees have been invited to take whatever they want, though Square Enix is also in discussion with the BGI/National Videogame Museum in Sheffield about possibly donating these items. John O'Shea, co-creator and CEO of the museum, described the collection as "interesting for all sorts of reasons".

What do you think should be done with this find?

Overview

The recently released XenonRecomp tool (link in the original article) has brought renewed interest to the world of decompiling/recompiling console games for PC. This open-source project converts X360 executables into C++ code, which can then be recompiled on any platform. Currently, it only supports x86 platforms and holds immense potential.

Impact on Gaming

There are over 500 delisted Xbox 360 titles that could now receive a much-needed boost in accessibility and legacy with this tool. Notable games such as After Burner Climax, Daytona USA, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and many others can potentially find their way to PC without losing quality or functionality.

There is also the tantalizing prospect for a native PC version of the GoldenEye 007 XBLA port.

What classic Xbox 360 game are you most excited to see reborn on PC thanks to this tool?

Dip switches! Free games! Language support!

Blaze has just launched the first firmware update of the year for the VS/VS-R, EXP/EXP-R and Alpha models, bringing several new features.

• Game of the Month: Replaced by Highlight of the Month, allowing owners to explore a selection of games from Evercade's back catalogue without needing the original cartridges.

• Dip Switch Support: Now in beta for arcade releases across the range, dip switches offer adjustable difficulty, lives, and more.

• Language Support: The upcoming Broken Sword Collection will receive alternative language versions.

What features do you think should be included in future updates?

The handheld will be available in two different models and four colourways:

• Ice Blue
• Black
• GC (an obvious nod to the Nintendo GameCube)
• 16-Bit US (a reference to the Super Nintendo's US design)

There are two separate models, each featuring a different SoC:

• First model: Snapdragon 865 SoC (from the Retroid Pocket Mini and Pocket 5)
• Second model: MediaTek D1100 SoC (from the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro)

Both models share the following specs:

• A 5.5” 1080p AMOLED screen
• 8GB Low Power DDR4X RAM
• 128 GB Universal Flash Storage
• Android 13 OS

However, differences exist:

• The Snapdragon SoC model offers faster charging speed
• The D1100 SoC model uses a newer version of Bluetooth

GoRetroid has stated that pricing details and pre-order dates will be announced soon.

What do you think of these specs?

The gaming accessory company, 8BitDo, has recently unveiled the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller.

This new model comes with a range of impressive improvements over its predecessor. Key among these is claimed to be an ultra-low latency (1000hz / 1ms) connection, thanks to what the company dubs "8Speed Wireless Technology". Additionally, it debuts TMR (Tunneling magnetoresistance) technology in its joysticks for higher sensitivity and enhanced durability while reducing power consumption.

For those interested in the technical specs, here's a quick rundown as provided by 8BitDo:

• TMR Joysticks
• Speed - Ultra-low latency 2.4G wireless with 8Speed technology
• 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
• Fire Ring - RGB lighting joysticks
• Extra Bumpers (R4 and L4)
• Pro Back Paddle Buttons
• Trigger Mode Switch
• Tactile Bumpers and D-pad
• 6-axis motion control
• Turbo Function
• Vibration
• Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V

Priced at $59.99.

How do you think this will compare with the previous version?

Tomoharu Saito, the artist behind the iconic pixel art of Astro Boy: Omega Factor, tragically lost a leg during his work on this game. This came to light when Tetsu 'Tez' Okano, who also on the Dreamcast RPG Segagaga, provided insights on the circumstances.

"Because of this work, he was delayed in going to the hospital, lost one of his legs, and finally died," says Okano.

Tomoharu Saito was known for his contributions to a variety of classic games such as Streets of Rage 2, Gourmet Warriors, and Gunstar Super Heroes. His passion for illustrating games was profound but exacted a high cost on his personal health.

• Cause Of Death: Cancer synovial sarcoma, which led to amputation and, later, lung cancer.
• Work: Saito was a freelancer for multiple companies including Sega, Masaya, and Cave. He later worked as a full-time employee at Square before returning to freelancing.

The sacrifices made by Tomoharu Saito highlight the often-overlooked human side of game development. His dedication to his craft was unquestionable but comes with a heavy toll on personal well-being.

Saito said "legs aren't necessary in the illustration industry". What do you think this says about the game development industry?

One of the more welcome surprises of last year was the revelation that GTA 3 would be unofficially ported to the Sega Dreamcast. Developed by a team led by SKMP and built using KallistiOS software, the initial port of GTA 3 was an incredible example of what Sega's 128-bit console is capable of in the right hands.

Recently, this same developer announced that they've now begun work on bringing GTA: Vice City to Dreamcast. Early development footage shows a game that's still very much in its early stages—graphical issues and no sound are evident—but fans remain optimistic about the prospects of this retro masterpiece making it fully playable on the platform.

The original GTA: Vice City launched on PlayStation 2 (PS2) in 2002, eventually selling a staggering 14.2 million copies across all formats and reaching over 17.5 million total sales.

Have you played the GTA 3 Dreamcast port? What are your hopes for this Vice City port?

Rediscovering Text Adventures with the Ink Console

A new handheld gaming system, Ink Console, aims to bring back the magic of '80s text adventures. Developed by Daniel "Dana" Puchau from Shanghai, this device features a 7.5-inch e-ink screen capable of displaying an 800 x 480 black & white resolution.

Specifications:*

• Microprocessor: ESP32-D0WDQ6 (dual-core 32-bit)
• Flash Memory: 4MB
• PSRAM: 8 MB
• SRAM: 520 KB
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 4
• Built-in SD card reader for additional games

Three initial titles are in development:

1. Toto Umbrella
2. The Visit
3. Breath

With the potential to develop more through its SDK in future. The developer says they intend to release the SDK and open-source the project upon completion of crowd-funding campaign.

Puchau remarks:

The idea for Ink Console came from a desire to bring the magic of text adventures, like the 1980s classic Zork I, to a new audience unfamiliar with these games. We also were very inspired by the beloved Choose Your Own Adventure series of books. Our hope is that this interactive format makes reading feel like an adventure and helps instill a love for books in young readers.

There's a link in the original article to the Crowdsupply campaign.

What are your favourite text adventure memories?

The MSXBOOK: Reviving MSX in a Modern Notebook

Introduction to the MSXBOOK

A Chinese company called 8086YES! has introduced an intriguing device named MSXBOOK, which they are selling for $215 on the Tindle web site. The MSXBOOK is a portable laptop that brings back the spirit of the Japanese home computer standard.

Features and Specifications

• 9.7-inch LCD Screen: With a resolution of 1024x768.
• Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
• Speakers and Headphone Jack: A pair of built-in amplified stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio output jack.
• Battery: Equipped with a 4000mAh lithium battery that promises up to 4 hours of usage.
• Hardware Compatibility: MSX2-compatible and retro computing enthusiasts will appreciate the support for KDL firmware.

Additionally, it features an external cartridge slot, DB9 joystick/gamepad slots, USB ports, and a 4GB SD card storage option.

Turbo Mode Support (Optional)

The "Turbo" speed settings support speeds up to 5.37 MHz or 8.06 MHz.

Given its price point, features, and compatibility options, is the MSXBOOK worth the $215 investment?

Tetris, one of the most iconic and enduring video games, has just unveiled a new collector's package as part of Tetris Forever. This package comes with a sleek new Tetris handheld device that pays homage to the classic Game Boy.

• Handheld Details: The handheld features two pre-installed Tetris games along with a branded stand for display. The design features Tetrimino branding on the bottom and brings back nostalgic vibes.

• Collector's Edition: In addition to the handheld, the package includes various collectibles such as a modular box that can be shaped into one of the classic Tetris pieces, woven patches, poster, the soundtrack from Tetris Time Warp on CD, magnets, and the game itself.

• Availability: This Collector's Edition is available from Limited Run Games (NA) and Clear River Games (EU) starting February 25th.

What do you think of the Gold Collector's Package?