👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0139
In this week’s newsletter we cover the greatest Game Cube games, linking the Dreamcast and the Neo Geo pocket, the rise of retro and a load more.
News
🛡️ Halo meets Hyrule – A modder has introduced Halo-inspired weapons and vehicles into The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, blending two iconic gaming franchises. Retroshell
🕹️ New classics on Switch Online – Donkey Kong ’94 and Mario’s Picross are now available on Nintendo Switch Online, expanding its library of retro games. Polygon
🇯🇵 Suda51’s lost story translated – A fan translation of Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special makes the game’s dark and legendary narrative accessible to Western audiences. Retroshell
🎮 NES history at GDC 2025 – GDC attendees are invited to explore the lost history of the Nintendo Entertainment System in a special presentation. GoNintendo
🐷 Snout lands on Game Boy Color – Snout, a new Game Boy Color adventure, is seeking funding on Kickstarter, promising fresh retro-style gameplay. Retroshell
🔍 Zelda’s hidden secrets – A deep dive into The Legend of Zelda series reveals fascinating hidden details and Easter eggs that many fans may have missed. Ranker
🦖 Baby T-Rex returns – The classic dinosaur platformer Baby T-Rex is making a comeback on the Game Boy, reviving a nostalgic adventure. Retroshell
🚀 Sigma Star Saga DX preorders open – Preorders are now live for Sigma Star Saga DX, a revamped version of the Game Boy Advance cult classic. Capsule Computers (below)
⚖️ Nintendo blocks piracy site – Nintendo has successfully taken down a French file-hosting site that was distributing pirated retro games. Retroshell
⭐ Underrated N64 gems – A look at some of the most overlooked yet beloved Nintendo 64 games, including Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007. ComicBook
🧩 Puyo Puyo gets English patch – The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis classic Puyo Puyo has received a full English fan translation. Retroshell
🎮 Analogue’s silence on N64 console – Analogue has yet to provide an update on its rumored 4K Nintendo 64 console, leaving fans waiting. Technowize
🏛️ Acclaim makes a comeback – The legendary game publisher Acclaim is returning in 2025, aiming to reclaim its place in the industry. Retroshell
🫧 Kiddy Bubble review – Kiddy Bubble, a love letter to the Game Gear era, delivers classic emulation a modern twist. Time Extension
⚔️ Suikoden I & II return – Konami is reviving the beloved Suikoden JRPG series, bringing new life to these classic titles. Retroshell
🕹️ Namco’s Vs. Mystery Tower – The puzzle-platformer Vs. Mystery Tower is the latest Arcade Archives release, preserving another classic. Time Extension
🏆 Masahiro Sakurai honored – Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai is being celebrated for his influential game designs and lasting legacy. Retroshell
📢 Hyperkin apologizes for delays – Hyperkin has admitted to overpromising and underdelivering, addressing concerns about its gaming hardware. Time Extension
🎵 A Link to the Past joins Nintendo’s music library – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past has been officially added to Nintendo’s music catalog. Retroshell
🦇 Castlevania: Dracula X revisited – A fresh look at Castlevania: Dracula X argues that it’s better than its reputation suggests. CBR
🕹️ Geometry Dash meets NES – Famidash, a new homebrew title, brings Geometry Dash-style gameplay to the NES. Retroshell
🎉 PlayStation 2 turns 25 – As the PlayStation 2 celebrates its 25th anniversary, its impact as the best-selling console in history is revisited. Gagadget
👻 GameCube games on Switch 2? – Rumors suggest that Luigi’s Mansion 4 and other GameCube titles could be part of the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup. ComicBook
Features
🎬 The Legend of Zelda movie update – New details have emerged about The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, including its creative team and production status. Retroshell
📈 Retro gaming’s digital rise – The resurgence of retro gaming in the digital era is explored, highlighting emulation, re-releases, and collector demand. Goomba Stomp
📉 Nintendo drops out of Metacritic’s top 20 – For the first time in years, Nintendo has fallen out of Metacritic’s top 20 publishers of 2024. Retroshell
🕹️ Inside the rare Nintendo PlayStation – A deep dive into the history and functionality of the ultra-rare Nintendo PlayStation prototype. XDA Developers (below)
🤖 Super Mario as an AI benchmark – Super Mario is now being used as a key test for AI performance, influencing machine learning research. Retroshell
🔌 GameCube HDMI upgrade – A new mod delivers crisp and clear HDMI output for the GameCube, enhancing its visuals on modern displays. Time Extension
🎂 Mario’s 40th anniversary tribute – A special Mario 40th-anniversary cover celebrates gaming’s most iconic hero and his enduring legacy. Retroshell
🔗 Dreamcast and Neo Geo Pocket link-up – A guide to connecting the Sega Dreamcast with the Neo Geo Pocket Color, unlocking exclusive features. MyGamer
Lists & Rankings
💰 Rarest Sega Genesis games – A look at the rarest and most valuable Sega Genesis games, with some fetching high prices among collectors. CBR
⚔️ Best 8-bit tactical RPGs – A ranking of the greatest 8-bit tactical RPGs, showcasing the strategy classics that defined the genre. GameRant
🕹️ Games that thrived on clones – Many famous games owe their success to unofficial clones and bootlegs that helped spread their popularity. How-To Geek
🎮 Best GameCube games – A definitive list of the greatest GameCube games, celebrating Nintendo’s beloved sixth-generation console. Beebom
