Hardware

8K60 HDMI Splitter Tested for MiSTer and PS3 Compatibility

8K60 HDMI Splitter Tested for MiSTer and PS3 Compatibility

A newly reviewed HDMI splitter supports resolutions up to 8K60 or 4K120 and includes true variable refresh rate support. It is compatible with MiSTer FPGA systems, including when running in direct video mode, as well as with PS3 consoles and streaming boxes. The splitter also features built-in downscaling for setups where one display only supports 1080p while the other handles 4K, plus CEC passthrough. It is noted as being tied for the best option the reviewer has tested. via retrorgb.com

ModRetro Chromatic Gains Wireless Game Downloads

ModRetro Chromatic Gains Wireless Game Downloads

Developer David Walter has found a way to wirelessly download games onto the ModRetro Chromatic, a Game Boy-style handheld. The feat follows the device being fully unlocked, opening it up to modifications beyond its original design. The Chromatic has drawn attention among retro enthusiasts for its premium build and compatibility with classic Game Boy cartridges, and this latest development points to a growing homebrew and modding scene around the hardware. via retrododo.com

TRX64 Alternative Firmware Emerges for Ultimate 64

A new project called TRX64 has appeared offering alternative firmware for the Ultimate 64 Elite II and C64 Ultimate. The work is still in its early stages, but demonstrates the hardware's capability to run systems beyond the Commodore 64 it was designed for, since the Ultimate 64 is built around an FPGA. The Ultimate 64 is a modern FPGA-based recreation of the C64 developed to run original hardware and software at full speed without emulation. via reddit.com/r/thisweekinretro

Modder Turns NES Into Working Windows-Style Desktop

A modder has built a Windows-like desktop environment running on original NES hardware. The project reportedly includes a CD drive and recreates the experience of slow dial-up era internet, resulting in what is described as a surprisingly complete and functional system. The build pushes the console's hardware well beyond its original design to emulate a period-accurate retro computing experience. via tomshardware.com

Atari VCS Store to Close in 2027, Home Brew App Planned

Atari VCS Store to Close in 2027, Home Brew App Planned

Following Atari's confirmation that it is sunsetting the Atari VCS, further details have emerged on how the wind-down will work. The console's online store is set to close in 2027, but Atari plans to issue a system update alongside a new Atari Home Brew app, intended to let owners and developers keep using and creating software for the machine after the store goes offline. The Atari VCS was a Linux-based console that began as a crowdfunded project before reaching retail after repeated delays. via console-classics.com

Amiga Browser Amelinium Reaches Version 1.5.0

Developer Paweł 'juen' Nowak has released version 1.5.0 of Amelinium, his web browser for all Amiga systems, alongside an update to his companion email programme Emalinium, which supports POP3, IMAP and SMTP. Since the previously reported version 1.2.6, the software gained expanded JavaScript and CSS support, better compatibility with modern websites, further video playback development, and progress on complex layouts and webmail including Roundcube. Later updates focused on rendering, JavaScript and image performance, and version 1.5.0 itself adds plugin support, local archive extraction, native handling of additional image and font formats, and a configurable cache location. via amiga-news.de

Modder Builds World’s First Foldable Portable PlayStation 2

Modder Builds World's First Foldable Portable PlayStation 2

A modder has built what is being called the world's first foldable portable PlayStation 2, turning Sony's sixth-generation console into a clamshell handheld. The project reworks the PS2 hardware into a folding form factor similar in concept to the recent iPhone Duo, letting the console close up for portability while still running original PS2 games. The PS2 launched in 2000 and remains one of the best-selling consoles ever, with a large library of games still popular among collectors. via retrododo.com

Retro Games Ltd Hints at More Amiga Devices After A1200

Retro Games Ltd Hints at More Amiga Devices After A1200

An opinion piece on Time Extension argues that Retro Games Ltd's Amiga lineup may be expanding rather than winding down. The company's forthcoming A1200 is a full-size reproduction of Commodore's machine, arriving pre-loaded with classic games, running Workbench, and supporting extra titles via USB storage, following the earlier A500 Mini micro-console. The piece cites a Retro Gamer magazine interview in which Retro Games Ltd licensing director Darren Melbourne hints that further Amiga devices could be on the horizon, despite the company already having two Amiga clones on the market. Retro Games Ltd is a UK specialist known for recreating classic Commodore and Amiga hardware. via timeextension.com

MiSTer Laggy Hardware Measures Lag on FPGA Systems

MiSTer Laggy Hardware Measures Lag on FPGA Systems

A new accessory called MiSTer Laggy has been introduced for the MiSTer FPGA platform. It is a low-cost photodiode device that connects via a MiSTer kit's SNAC/UserIO port and works with a dedicated MiSTer Laggy core, which is already bundled with recent Update_all installations under the Utility section. The device lets users test and measure lag when running games and cores on MiSTer. MiSTer is an open-source FPGA project that recreates classic computer and console hardware for accurate retro gaming. via retrorgb.com

muOS Andromeda Update Brings 1,200+ Changes to MustardOS

muOS Andromeda Update Brings 1,200+ Changes to MustardOS

MustardOS has released muOS Andromeda, a major update to its custom firmware for handheld emulation devices. The release is described as packing more than 1,200 recorded changes, including expanded device support, Bluetooth connectivity, media playback features, new themes and screensavers. MustardOS is used on a range of budget Android and Linux retro handhelds as an alternative launcher and system interface. via retrohandhelds.gg

DIY Mod Adds OLED Screen, USB-C to Game Boy Color

DIY Mod Adds OLED Screen, USB-C to Game Boy Color

A DIY modding project has upgraded the Game Boy Color with an OLED screen while retaining the console's original hardware. The mod adds USB-C charging, wireless charging support, RGB buttons, improved audio and a larger battery for extended play time. It also brings performance improvements intended to modernise the handheld without replacing its classic internals. The Game Boy Color, released by Nintendo in 1998, remains a popular target for hobbyist hardware mods. via console-classics.com