Retro Recap: A Week of Gaming News and Trends (August 9th 2026)
Welcome to Retro Recap, a weekly feature that brings you the latest in retro gaming news and content. This week, we've got a mix of exciting developments, retro-inspired products, and a few surprises that will keep you entertained.
EverDrive-64 Pro: A N64 Flash Cart with 64DD Core
Krikzz, the EverDrive maker, has unveiled a new flash cart for the Nintendo 64 console, the EverDrive-64 Pro. This upgrade to the EverDrive-64 X7 features a faster Cyclone 10 FPGA chipset, more memory, speedier USB data access, and a dedicated 64DD core. The 64DD, a Japan-only storage device for the N64, played games on magnetic rewritable discs. This new cart brings the power of the 64DD to a wider audience, allowing players to experience the unique games it offered.
GB Bridge to AI: A Shift in Development
Iván Delgado, the developer behind the GB Bridge project, which ports Game Boy games to the Game Boy Advance, has made a surprising pivot. Delgado has shifted to AI to speed up development, which has caused some controversy. While AI can undoubtedly streamline the process, it's interesting to see how this change will impact the quality and authenticity of the ports. Will the AI-assisted ports capture the essence of the original Game Boy games?
Sega Watches: A Trip Down Memory Lane
SuperGroupies, a Japanese fashion company, has collaborated with Sega to create a trio of watches inspired by the Mega Drive, Saturn, and Dreamcast. Each watch replicates elements of its respective console's controller and comes in packaging that mimics the original systems. These watches are a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Sega fans, offering a stylish way to keep track of time.
London Spirit Detectives: A Translated RPG
Bandai's Japan-exclusive PlayStation 1 RPG, London Seirei Tantei-Dan, is now available in English thanks to a fan translation. Set in a 19th-century Victorian-era setting, the game follows an orphan boy who becomes an assistant to a famous detective. With a unique blend of 'Sherlock Holmes meets Oliver Twist' elements, this RPG is a hidden gem for fans of the genre.
Evercade DOOM Collection and Nexus DOOM Edition
Evercade maker Blazer has officially announced a new Evercade cartridge featuring DOOM and DOOM II, along with six official mission packs and a special collection of Deathmatch levels. The cartridge is available for pre-order, and shipping is expected in October. Additionally, a DOOM Edition of the Evercade Nexus handheld will be available for pre-order in August. These products cater to fans of the iconic DOOM franchise, offering a chance to relive the classic games.
Super Mario Land Reimagined
2bitcrook's Super Mario Land 1 + ½ is a short but sweet demo for Game Boy Color and Game Boy emulators. It reimagines the 1989 title as if it had been released later, with the developers having more experience with the Game Boy hardware. This demo invites players to imagine how the game might have turned out if it had been released with more advanced features, adding a layer of nostalgia and curiosity.
KONKR Pocket Advance: A Hit with Fans
AYANEO's KONKR Pocket Advance, a handheld inspired by the Game Boy Advance, has been a huge hit with fans. The first batch of international units sold out quickly, prompting AYANEO to announce a new Peach Edition colorway and a restock of other colorways. This handheld's popularity highlights the enduring appeal of retro-inspired gaming devices.
Pico GX: An Open-Source Cartridge
Rodrik's Pico GX is an open-source cartridge that offers an all-in-one solution for running games on the GX console and Amstrad Plus computers. With a price tag of £40, it provides an affordable way to experience a variety of games. The Pico GX is a testament to the power of open-source hardware, allowing developers and enthusiasts to create and share their own gaming experiences.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer - A Spiritual Successor
Star Wars: Galactic Racer, a new racing game in the Star Wars universe, is set to release later this year. Developed by Fuse Games and published by Secret Mode, it is a spiritual successor to Episode 1: Racer. The game's developers, Jon Knoles, Eric Johnston, and Brett Tosti, shared intriguing stories about the making of the original game and its ports. This retrospective look at the development process adds a layer of depth to the game's release, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of creating a racing game in the Star Wars universe.
