Retro Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Retro Gaming.
Latest coverage
From Game Boy Cartridge to Steam - ORPHEUS: TO HELL AND BACK Launches July 13th
Studio Loading, Kibou Entertainment, and Alunite Inc. announced that ORPHEUS: TO HELL AND BACK, originally a Game Boy cartridge game, will launch on Steam on July 13th, 2026. The action-puzzle adventure game, funded on Kickstarter, features an 80s chibi-anime aesthetic and uses music-based mechanics to solve puzzles and combat enemies in a stylized ancient Greece and underworld setting.
BitmoLab's GameBaby Transparent Edition Turns iPhone 17 Pro Max into a Retro-Style Handheld
BitmoLab has launched the GameBaby Transparent Edition, a limited-edition case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max that transforms it into a retro-style handheld gaming device. This new version features a transparent shell, metal keycaps, and an ABXY button layout, enhancing compatibility with classic games and offering a tactile gaming experience without Bluetooth or charging. The case is available globally for $24.99, with only 500 units produced.
River Raid+ An upcoming, sped up remake of the classic retro shooter for the ZX Spectrum by thealfest
An unofficial remake of the classic 1980s shooter River Raid, titled River Raid+, has been teased for the ZX Spectrum. This enhanced version offers a significant performance boost and cleaned-up sprites, though its engine sound is noted as poor. The original game was designed by Carol Shaw, one of the first female video game developers.
Chuckie Egg 3 - Henhouse Harry, star of ZX Spectrum classic Chuckie Egg is back via Langford Productions
Langford Productions has announced Chuckie Egg 3, bringing back the character Henhouse Harry from the classic ZX Spectrum game Chuckie Egg. The new title modernizes the gameplay for PC while offering a 'Spectrum Mode' with authentic retro graphics and sounds. The game features 30 levels across 10 scenes, tasking players with painting, collecting, and delivering eggs while avoiding farmyard enemies and a returning Mother Hen.
Jaleco Arcade Collection Vol.1 and Jaleco Arcade Collection Vol.2 announced for Nintendo Switch
Gravity Game Arise has announced the Jaleco Arcade Collection Vol.1 and Vol.2 for Nintendo Switch, set to launch this winter. Each volume will feature 16 retro arcade titles from the 1980s and 1990s, totaling 32 games across both compilations. The collections will include enhanced features like rewind, save states, and customizable controls.
Nintendo Switch Online adds Clu Clu Land, Kuru Kuru Kururin icons
Nintendo Switch Online has added new retro icons for Clu Clu Land and Kuru Kuru Kururin to kick off August. Players can acquire these icons, featuring characters from the games, for 5 Platinum Points each via their respective system apps. Access to the Kuru Kuru Kururin icons requires the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. These icons will be available until September 3, 2026.
Commodore calls its dumbphone the "biggest moment in Commodore's modern history," and the C64 Ultimate…
Commodore has declared the sales of its "dumbphone," the Callback 8020, to be the "biggest moment in Commodore's modern history," matching the first-month sales of the C64 Ultimate in just three days. The company is also facing criticism for its use of AI in promotional videos and the marketing of a $24 crossbody holster for the phone.
Mort & Phil - An Amiga game that pays tribute to the late master Francisco Ibañez Talavera
A new retro gaming project titled Mort & Phil, based on the Spanish comic duo Mortadelo and Filemón, is set to release soon for the Commodore Amiga. Developed by Amiga Factory, the game pays tribute to the late comic creator Francisco Ibáñez Talavera and features strategy, puzzle-solving, and a disguise system. The project will be open-sourced upon release and is optimized for AGA Amigas, with a potential port for older models.
Puzzle adventure game Undergrounded announced for Nintendo Switch
Aksys Games has announced that the puzzle adventure game Undergrounded will be released for the Nintendo Switch this fall. The game follows Scott, who loses his engagement ring down a storm drain and must journey through a surreal underground dungeon representing American history to retrieve it. Players will solve puzzles with the help of a canary companion and battle bosses using retro game mechanics.
Sabre Wulf - An Ultimate Play the Game classic has arrived on the Commodore VIC-20
Homebrew developer gekka has released a new port of the 1984 classic Sabre Wulf for the Commodore VIC-20, originally developed by Ultimate Play The Game for the ZX Spectrum. The conversion features reworked graphics and new bonus collectibles, including the Grail, Necklace, and Treasure Chest, alongside the original amulet fragments.
Jet Set Willy - Willy finally arrives on the Commodore VIC-20!
The classic 1980s platformer Jet Set Willy has been ported to the unexpanded Commodore VIC-20 with a disk drive, a feat previously thought impossible due to the system's memory limitations. Developer Kweepa overcame technical hurdles, including adapting the game's visuals and mechanics to the VIC-20's narrower screen and limited hardware, to bring the legendary title to a platform that historically missed out on an official release.
Zaxoid Mixes Retro With Roguelite
Zaxoid, a new twin-stick shooter with roguelite elements and retro inspiration, has been released on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Developed and published by M80 Games Inc., the game features frantic action, ship upgrades, and the ability to switch between aerial combat and ground assaults.
Exclusive interview: How Sam Dyer built Bitmap Books into a shrine for your gaming memories
Sam Dyer, founder of Bitmap Books, discusses how his passion for graphic design and retro gaming led to the creation of a premium publishing house focused on preserving gaming history. The company emphasizes meticulous packaging and high-quality production, treating each book as a collectible artifact. Dyer also highlights the importance of original content and human curation over generative AI, aiming to capture the essence of gaming memories and culture.
Sony almost released a battery-powered PS1 inside a DualShock controller, but it was cancelled due to royalty disputes…
Sony had plans for a battery-powered PlayStation 1 integrated into a DualShock controller, intended for the Brazilian market to circumvent import restrictions. This 'PlayStation PUGA' prototype, developed by Brian Watson, was cancelled due to unresolved royalty disputes between Sony's licensing departments and third-party developers, despite its functional prototype and potential for 20 hours of battery life.
The PS Classic: All Vibe, No Substance
The PlayStation Classic is analyzed as part of a trend of "retro mini" consoles, following similar releases from Nintendo and Sega. Despite its nostalgic appeal, the article suggests the console lacked substance beyond its aesthetic.
Jaleco Sports: Bases Loaded II: Second Season and Goal!2 Released
Sickhead Games and Rock It Games have released PC versions of two retro game collections: Jaleco Sports: Bases Loaded II: Second Season and Jaleco Sports: Goal!2. These collections bring classic sports titles to a modern audience.
Evercade Publishes Instructional Video On Sharing Physical Games
Blaze Entertainment's Evercade brand has released an instructional video detailing how players can share their physical Evercade game cartridges with friends. The video explains the process for accessing over 700 retro and indie games across various Evercade hardware, including the upcoming Evercade Nexus.
Plans to revive the 3DO are already dead, with the publisher claiming it "did not anticipate such fragmentation of…
Empire Interactive has cancelled its plans to revive the 3DO console and remaster retro games due to fragmented ownership rights. The publisher acquired the rights to 'The 3DO Company' brand but not the console itself, leading to disputes with other parties. Empire Interactive will now focus on developing new games.
Dungeon Antiqua announced for Nintendo Switch
Amata Games and developer Shiromofu Factory have announced Dungeon Antiqua for Nintendo Switch, set to release on July 30. This dungeon-crawling RPG features retro-inspired pixel art, drawing inspiration from classics like Wizardry and Final Fantasy, with gameplay focused on exploration, party building, and character development.
33 years later, the 3DO could make an unexpected comeback, but the '90s console revival is already being branded as…
Empire Interactive has announced its acquisition of the 3DO trademark and selected intellectual property rights, sparking a potential revival of the 1990s console. However, the legitimacy of this claim is being contested by Throwback Entertainment, which asserts ownership of the assets, and former Limited Run Games CEO Josh Fairhurst has expressed skepticism about the revival's validity due to the complex web of rights and trademarks involved.
