Video Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
PS5 can now run physical PS2 game discs with vibe-coded emulator
A jailbroken PlayStation 5 can now run physical PlayStation 2 game discs using a ported PC emulator, PCSX2, and AI. While not officially supported by Sony, this development allows for playing a selection of PS2 titles on the current console. This project highlights the growing impact of AI on video game emulation and preservation efforts.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is "beautiful" on PS5 at 4K, fans say as Nintendo gem hits PlayStation…
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is reportedly playable on a jailbroken PlayStation 5 via emulation, running in 4K. While some fans are impressed by the visual fidelity, others argue it looks better on the Nintendo Switch 2, which offers a native 1440P resolution and 60fps. Discussions around emulation on the PlayStation 5 are increasing, though Nintendo may take action against such projects.
The most underrated Castlevania games could be making a comeback as a Konami teaser gives fans hope for a 3D collection
Konami's 40th-anniversary Castlevania video has sparked speculation among fans about a potential collection of the series' 3D titles. The video featured artwork from Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, leading to theories that these previously console-locked games might be re-released. This follows the announcement of Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, a new mainline entry.
The Video Game History Foundation is scanning Japanese magazines now
The Video Game History Foundation has expanded its free digital archive of game magazines to over 5,000 issues, now including Japanese publications. They are starting with Neo Geo Freak and are using a method of indexing major articles in English with the help of Japanese-fluent volunteers, rather than full automated translation.
Evening Reading - September 21, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of gaming news, including reviews for Silent Hill: Townfall and Samurai Pizza Cats, a look at World of Warcraft: Forever, and a delay for Blighted. The article also touches on AMD's market cap milestone, Bungie's plans for Destiny, and Sony's push for digital-only sales.
Comparing Super Mario Sunshine in 3D All-Stars vs. Nintendo Switch Online
This article compares Super Mario Sunshine as available through Super Mario 3D All-Stars versus Nintendo Switch Online. While 3D All-Stars offers improved widescreen visuals and re-rendered cutscenes, the Nintendo Switch Online version provides the convenience of save states, making it more accessible for new players.
Now You Can Play Star Fox Adventures On Switch 2 And Decide If It’s Terrible Or Great Yourself
Star Fox Adventures, originally a GameCube title developed by Rare, has been added to the Nintendo Switch Online service for subscribers of the Expansion Pack. The game, which marked a departure from the series' traditional dog-fighting gameplay with its Zelda-like action-adventure style, is now available for players to experience and form their own opinions on its divisive legacy.
Ocarina of Time-remaken släpps 5 november
Nintendo announced a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on November 5, 2026. The remake will feature updated visuals and modernizations such as manual jumping and motion control aiming, while aiming to preserve the original game's feel. The announcement was part of a larger 40th-anniversary celebration for the Zelda series, which also included details on the upcoming Zelda film and special edition hardware.
September 2026 Nintendo Direct predictions
This article speculates on potential announcements for upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, focusing on predictions for the September 2024 events. It covers potential reveals for remakes like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, new entries in series like Metroid, and updates for existing titles such as Pikmin 4, while also discussing rumors and leaks.
The Best SNES RPG You Likely Never Played Is Getting A Modern Re-release
The Super Nintendo action RPG Terranigma, previously only released in Europe and Japan, is getting a global re-release in early 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Published by Clear River Games in cooperation with Square Enix, this re-release aims to bring upgrades and bonus features to the 1996 title. Terranigma follows the story of Ark on a quest to revive the world and humanity.
PS5 Ports of Beloved Classics Might Be Delisted From PlayStation Store
PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 versions of Disney classics Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 are expected to be delisted from the PlayStation Store soon. This removal is anticipated to occur before their re-release in the 'Toy Story: Retro Roundup!' collection and as a separate 'Toy Story 3 Complete Edition' on October 15.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North re-release is just the start as publisher teases "more classic releases" from Middle-earth are on the way
Aspyr has re-released The Lord of the Rings: War in the North and teased that more classic Lord of the Rings games are planned for future releases. This announcement suggests a potential revival of several previously inaccessible titles from the franchise, including The Third Age and Battle for Middle-earth.
Canceled F-Zero sequel and game from Fire Emblem studio are being resurrected next week on Switch, 30 years after they were supposed to launch on Nintendo's unpopular Virtual Boy
Nintendo is releasing two previously unreleased Virtual Boy games, Zero Racers and Dragon Hopper, on August 4th via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library. Zero Racers is a lost F-Zero sequel, while Dragon Hopper is a Zelda-like adventure game developed by Fire Emblem studio Intelligent Systems. Both titles were canceled due to the Virtual Boy's commercial failure.
$9,000 eBay auction might hold a secret Pokemon game that's been lost for 20 years
An eBay auction is seeking $9,000 for a Nintendo DS development cartridge that may contain PokePark Fishing Rally, an official Pokemon game considered lost media since its 2005 release in Japan. The game was only available via DS Download Play at the PokePark theme park and has not been publicly available since distribution ended around 2006. This auction represents a significant potential discovery for video game preservationists hoping to recover the ROM.
Evening Reading - July 20, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including reviews for EA Sports College Football 27 and Backyard Baseball, and updates on Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. It also touches on rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a discussion about favorite Grand Theft Auto games, and Microsoft's agreement to use AMD AI infrastructure.
GOG veterans thank Microsoft and Windows 11 for finding "spectacular ways" to break classic games they're…
GOG's publishing technical manager, Michał Obuchowski, highlights how Windows 11's security changes, such as Administrator Protection and regressions in Directshow, are breaking classic PC games. He emphasizes the importance of DRM-free distribution and preservation initiatives as Microsoft's updates can render older titles unplayable.
EU Commission to 'engage with the industry' over Stop Killing Games initiative
The European Commission will engage with the video game industry and consumers by the end of 2026 to address the issue of publishers disabling games. This follows a European Citizens' Initiative, 'Stop Killing Games,' which advocates for players to retain access to purchased titles. The Commission is exploring industry codes of conduct and leveraging existing consumer protection laws to incentivize longer game lifespans, citing Ubisoft's delisting and shutdown of The Crew as a key example.
Pixel Arcadia - A Brand New Digital Showcase Dedicated Exclusively to Retro Gaming to Debut Summer 2026
Pixel Helix has announced Pixel Arcadia, a new digital showcase dedicated to retro gaming, set to debut on August 24, 2026. The event will highlight independent retro projects, classic game preservation, and new announcements, positioning itself before gamescom 2026. Al Hibberd, CEO of Pixel Helix, stated the showcase aims to provide editorial value and connect developers with their audience.
Game History and Preservation
Barbie Rewind has been announced as a collection of 16 classic games integrated into a Dreamhouse Decorator experience. This release highlights a trend in digital collections preserving older gaming titles.
Toy Story is the next series to get Digital Eclipse's acclaimed retro collection treatment, and a remaster of Toy Story 3 is also on the way
Digital Eclipse is releasing two collections celebrating the Toy Story franchise for its 30th anniversary. Toy Story: Retro Roundup will feature retro versions of Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Toy Story Racer, and A Bug's Life. Additionally, a standalone remaster of Toy Story 3, titled Toy Story 3: Complete Edition, will include previously exclusive content and 4K resolution support. Both are set to launch on October 15th for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
