New leaked images show four previously unseen transparent plastic colour options for ModRetro's Chromatic handheld, following earlier teasers of the clear finishes. The leak adds specific variants to the range ModRetro had hinted would launch. via retrododo.com
Developer RetroWorks has released Shadows of Belial, an action-adventure game for the ZX Spectrum 128K. The game follows Sir Fred on a quest for justice and redemption across five stages, starting in a ruined mining village besieged by Barbary pirates. via indieretronews.com
Developer orbit-leisure has released Mind the Drains, a free homebrew puzzle game for the ZX Spectrum 128K (also compatible with 48K). Framed as a 1987 council drainage survey, it uses Minesweeper-style mechanics where players count open drains touching each surveyed square while avoiding standing in one. via itch.io
Df3mod, creator of the MiSTer Ironclad, has opened pre-orders for Mercury, a Sega Saturn-themed MiSTer FPGA kit named after the console's original codename. The kit features a white injection-molded shell, includes all necessary accessories aside from the DE-10 Nano, and is compatible with the MiSTer Pi. via retrorgb.com
A modder has created a homemade game console that plays games from optical discs, bucking the modern trend toward digital-only or emulated libraries. The project showcases custom hardware built to read physical disc media. via retrododo.com
The unofficial Sega 32X port of Daytona USA, developed using the engine from Virtua Racing Deluxe, has gained a custom track editor. The project is still described as unfinished, with some technical challenges remaining before completion. via console-classics.com
Developer alphanu1 has created a PC port of Sega's 1994 arcade racer Daytona USA by recompiling the code from the Daytona USA Deluxe '93 ROM into C++. This allows the game to run natively on Windows rather than through an emulator. The same developer recently built an FPGA Model 1 core used for Virtua Racing. via timeextension.com
Modder Porting Pete's static recompilation of The Darkness, built from the 2007 Xbox 360 version's source code, has been detailed further. The Windows port supports 4K resolutions and ultrawide monitors, with adjustable V-sync, FPS and FOV settings, as well as game save support. via timeextension.com
Pokémon Reforged Bronze, a fan project inspired by the Roblox game Pokémon Brick Bronze, has released a second demo. The new build expands starter selection to all 27 Pokémon that have appeared as starters across the franchise. via retrododo.com
Pokémon Pinball Plus is a fan-made ROM hack of the Game Boy Color pinball game that adds new features including shiny Pokémon hunting, boss fights, and an extended Pokédex. It continues the ongoing trend of fan projects building on classic Pokémon titles. via retrododo.com
Pokémon Origin HeartGold, a ROM hack that gained popularity in China, has now received a complete English translation patch. The hack was previously largely unknown to English-speaking fans despite its following elsewhere. via retrododo.com
Publisher Clear River Games has announced a physical Nintendo Switch 2 release of Taito's 2019 platformer Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron Is Back! Pre-orders are open now, with shipping expected in Spring 2027. The game builds on the 1986 arcade classic's bubble-popping action with four-player co-op. via timeextension.com
