Retro News, Tips, Tricks & Ideas

Before we dash-attack into my deals, here's a Vault-Tec sponsored PSA. The free Fallout 4 next-gen updates are rolling out now. Along with a visual spitshine (4K/60 fps for PS5 and XSX consoles) and support for ultra-wide PC screens, they add new weapons, apparel, and workshops to the Commonwealth. Wish I could say there were mad discounts still going for every store version of this game, but it seems to only be a PC affair.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door's Switch remake has kept in the beloved Fire Emblem Toad, despite previous trailers suggesting he had been removed.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes MSRP $49.99 Score Details Pros

Welcome to another smashing week of smart purchasing decisions on the games worth owning. Today is very much all about the first discount I've seen for the venerable Meta Quest 3 512GB. Speaking personally, 70 bucks off and free shipping (via a disposable "First" membership) were enough to tip me into a purchase. Be sure to look out for some future Best Quest 3 Games to Get article from me in the near future!

Thank your own personal deity—possibly the Mother Sphere—it's Friday! I'm not going to spend too much time waffling this morning, as the deals speak for themselves. Just get in and secure something awesome to play for the weekend. In case I don't see you, stay safe, save often, and catch you Monday!

Apple finally updated its App Store guidelines to allow global developers to host retro game emulators on iOS. Now, you don’t need to jailbreak your iPhone or download any sketchy software — you can get a sophisticated emulator right in the palm of your hand for free on the App Store.

A new retro compilation coming to the Switch next week will see the return of cult sports title California Games.

The market for iPhone games has become so wide and diverse that it can realistically compete with most console and PC offerings. Where we once only got cheap time-wasters, we now have complete experiences that don’t feel any less impressive than what the competition offers. In fact, a lot of games made for consoles are appearing on the iPhone now that it is becoming so powerful. However, older games have paradoxically been mostly absent from the app store. That all could be about to change as emulation is now allowed on iPhone, though with some caveats that any retro fan should know about before getting too excited to play all your favorite NES games on your phone. Here’s what’s up with iPhone emulators, as well as our picks for a few of the best ones you can get right now.

The recent unveiling of the GTA 6 trailer has set the gaming community abuzz with excitement, offering an attractive glimpse into the vibrant world of Vice City and the state of Leonida. Among the myriad of details showcased in the 90-minute teaser, one particular element has captured the attention of fans worldwide - the cars. From classic favourites to new additions, the trailer is brimming with a diverse array of vehicles, each adding depth and flavour to the virtual landscape.

If you're after a nice price slice on Stellar Blade, today's the day to unsheathe your wallet. Why put the preorder down? For starters, it's cheaper than RRP. For finishers, famed game director Yoko Taro heaped quite a bit of praise on it, saying: "Stellar Blade is a really amazing game. I'd say that it's much better than NieR: Automata." 'Nuff said, really.

It hasn't been long since Apple started allowing retro game emulators on the App Store. We've already seen one notable controversy after the company pulled Game Boy emulator iGBA from the storefront. It turned out that iGBA, which hit the top of the download charts, was a near carbon copy of another emulator submitted for review.

If you missed out on the DOS era of gaming, there has never been a better time to dip your toes into the best of what the platform can offer. Retro gaming is in vogue once more, so why not get in on the fun with a gaming platform that doesn't get enough love?

Blaze Entertainment has made a bunch of announcements regarding its Evercade retro gaming consoles. Among other things, the company has revealed refreshed and less expensive hardware.

If you're not on school holidays right now, happy stuck-at-work hump day! While I can't magically grant you similar time off, I can direct you to the cheapest escapism needed for when you do knock off. Case in point: a ridic amount of Resis and my usual eclectic assortment of price-mauled modern classics.

UK-based Blaze Entertainment has announced a refresh of its Evercade line of retro consoles.

Let's begin with a shining pearl of wisdom—when Pokémon games go 40% off, secure a copy. Why? Because Nintendo AAAs seem to retain their value, and their prices don't often swoop this low. Also, the fact that Brilliant Diamond hasn't seen a similar chop suggests that this could well be an anomaly. Whatever the case, capitalise now.

A modder has turned their PS1 console into a working handheld.

Welcome to the first day of the holidays. Bored yet? I am, which is why I've scoured the stores for the best deals on the hottest games. The Fallout series is still the thing to replay, plus Hogwarts Legacy has gone halfy Potter on PS and PC. Awful wordplay aside, save often and do stay safe during these holidays.

A new selection of retro games hit the Nintendo Switch Online library today, and while it's not the biggest group of names this time around, there is one notable addition in the form of a Mario game that had never previously been released outside of Japan.

As you've no doubt seen today—and as I've been subtly trying to tell you over the past few weeks—the Fallout TV series is in fact awesome. 9/10, among the best gaming adaptations in ages, awesome. I binge-watched all 8 eps in almost one sitting, and then promptly felt a burning desire to replay the game series (for like, the tenth time). Collected below are the current best ways for you to do similar, should you feel the same urge.

Welcome to the IGN AU Daily Deals article, also unofficially known as the "How Low Can That Starfield Constellation Edition Go" limbo check. Full truth: I'm eyeing a purchase of it myself, and my absolute must-buy mark is going to be that magical $200. Shall we reach that numerical event horizon where nothing—not my money, or even light itself—can possibly escape? I dunno. But it was $256.14 yesterday...

Apple updated its App Store rules Friday to allow emulators for retro console games globally with an option for downloading titles. However, the company warned that the developers are responsible for making sure that they follow copyright rules.

EA have announced a range of new, or to be precise, rather old, football kits for EA Sports FC 24.  “From the 2004 FC Porto kit, worn during one of the most legendary football seasons in the modern era, to the 2014 Real Madrid kit, worn during their double winning season consisting of the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, fans can relive some of the most well-known kits and teams throughout global football history,” say EA.

Let's cut past the intro and into the prices. Today, I'm all about a sub-five-follar Broforce, and that stupidly reduced Starfield Constellation Edition. Last but not least, with that Fallout TV series being days away, I can see more than a few of you wanting to replay some / all of the series (because that's the urge I got after watching some of Netfilx's The Witcher show). Should that occur, the savings in the below bundle ought to set your world on fire.

Apple has made a significant change to its App Store regulations, allowing retro game emulators globally. Now, developers can create emulator apps for classic console games, with an option for users to download titles. However, Apple emphasizes that developers must ensure compliance with copyright rules.

Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for April 7: Get ready, Free Fire gamers! The Magic Cube Mayhem event is on the horizon, promising exciting rewards and new challenges. Leaked by reliable sources, this event is set to kick off on April 9, 2024, and will run until April 14, 2024.

In addition to updating its developer guidelines to allow music streaming apps to link to external website, Apple has also added new language that allows game emulators on the App Store. The updated guidelines, first noticed by 9to5Mac, now say that retro gaming console emulator apps are welcome and can even offer downloadable games. Apple also reportedly confirmed to developers in an email that they can create and offer emulators on its marketplace.

In a recent move, Apple has revised its App Store guidelines to greenlight the availability of retro game emulators worldwide, providing users with the option to download titles. This significant update signals a shift in Apple's stance on emulation software, a domain previously restricted within its ecosystem. 

The Apple Vision Pro is an impressive piece of hardware, and the eye-tracking/hand gesture input combo is fantastic for navigating menus and the like. It’s not so great for gaming. There haven't been many easy ways to connect a third-party controller for playing iPad or cloud games. This is changing, however, as accessory manufacturer 8BitDo just announced Vision Pro compatibility for a number of its controllers.

How old does a game have to be before it becomes "retro"?

UK high street second-hand gaming and technology retailer CeX has launched a new repair service in partnership with the specialist gaming console repair company Tech Centre.

Smiling Friends fans have already turned Gwimbly, a parody of mistreated platforming mascots like Crash Bandicoot and Banjo-Kazooie, into a real-life icon.

Thank your own personal deity—possibly Kratos—it's Friday! All things considered, though, we could just as well have called it Freeday. Across the Epic Store and the Prime Gaming rewards page are scattered four games worth paying for (and therefore also very much worth making a free account to score, too). Check the PC section below to get started!

High street second hand games giant CEX is launching a console repair service, in partnership with established company Tech Centre.

Fresh from bringing back classics such as Star Wars: Dark Forces, Turok 3, and Quake 2, Nightdive Studios has announced its next restoration — and it’s a game no-one expected.

Celebrate hump day by paying chump change for good games. Top of that list has to be It Takes Two, surely one of the most delightful two-player co-op games you can buy that centres on divorce. Speaking of co-opportunities, an 85% descent on the RRP of The Ascent is amazing. Lastly, the continuing deals on Elden Ring and FC 24 are still welcome here (while they last).

Welcome back to a blessed short-week of sweet game savings. If you're a newbie planning to take shade in the Erdtree DLC that's got everybody riled up, I've found a great price on the base Elden Ring to get you started. Alternatively, there are now some $60-and-under Switch evergreen must-owns that ought to be growing in your collection. Lastly, if that stupidly popular Stellar Blade demo impressed you, preorder the full version at this less-than-RRP discount we can all get behind.

If you want to punish yourself, you have to play this new game. Called Bat to Bed, it’s a retro-style one-button game that’s punishing but fun! Developed and published by Brothers Make Games, it’s a free game on Android. Brothers Make Games are known for other fun titles, like Duplicado – Tasty Puzzle Game.

Back in 2018, Retro Games Ltd. released THEC64 Mini, a plug-and-play console and computer modeled on one of the best-selling computers of all time, the Commodore 64. That was followed in 2019 by a full-sized THEC64 and THEVIC20, complete with working keyboards, as well as THEA500 Mini in 2022, which miniaturized the popular Commodore Amiga 500. Now, nostalgic Atari 8-bit computer fans get to join in on the fun with THE400 Mini.

If you grew up playing games like Tokyo Xtreme Racer, Need for Speed Underground, Wangan Midnight, and the like, you'll feel right at home in the driver's seat of a souped-up sports car in Night-Runner.

The figurative sandbox of freedom that is your weekend approaches, so it's time to fill your inventory with stuff to do. Personally, I'm leaning pretty heavily into buying that 87% off Far Cry 6 twice—the plan being to gift one to a mate and then take advantage of the stellar co-op campaign. Self-serving presents aside, I'm still all about Dragon's Dogma 2, even though I'm on the other side of the credits. Game of the month for me.

Nintendo has announced that F-Zero Maximum Velocity is the next Game Boy Advance gaming coming to Switch Online.

Welcome back to my daily dose of scoring games that matter for way less than recommended retail. I've got a smattering of the cheapest current AAAs, but mostly this Wednesday is about slightly older gems that can be scored for near shoplifter level discounts. Case in point: that free Fallout and those almost-free, ≥90% off deals on Star Wars: Squadrons, Titanfall 2 Ultimate, and Evil Genius 2.

I’ve accumulated a lot of retro console reproductions in my day. The Super NES Classic Edition and Genesis Mini 2 are both prized possessions, giving me easy access to a mess of great (and weird) games. Last year’s excellent Atari 2600+ would especially win me over thanks to it nearly 1:1 replication of the original machine — it could even run my old cartridges with ease. While these tend to go on a shelf after I’ve had my fill of them, I appreciate having a tangible way to experience video game history.

If you've been biding your time to buy a PS5—or you already own one and wish to get another so you can race them—today's your day to shop. For one week only, PS5 Slim consoles are being slashed by $114 on Amazon AU. Not a bad entrypoint price to see what all the fuss is with games like Helldivers 2, FF7: Rebirth, Rise of the Ronin, and more.

Mega Block’s Xbox 360 replica set was difficult to find in stock when it first got our attention back in September. But not only is it currently available, it’s selling at $50 off. This 3:4 scale model of the Xbox 360 is an homage to Microsoft’s second gaming console, and it costs $99.99 at Target (was $149.99).

The Super Pocket is already an incredibly cheap way to play and collect retro games in 2024, and it’s one of my favorite handhelds for a bit of high score fun. Yet, the portable just received a price cut that makes it even better value, and at this stage, I think owning one should be mandatory. 

Founded in 2019 by Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio, indie developer WolfEye Studios released its debut game in 2022 with immersive sim action RPG Weird West, and though the studio hasn’t yet officially announced what its next project is going to be, some details on it have emerged nonetheless.

Sony’s emulation strategy has been fairly consistent adding Trophies to classic first-party titles, and upcoming PSP port Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier will not buck the trend. The game – technically the last mainline entry in Naughty Dog’s platforming series – first launched in 2009, and mixes traditional adventuring with aerial combat. It’s not a classic by any stretch, but it’s enjoyable enough.

A remake of Dreamcast rail shooter Rainbow Cotton is set to release in May.

Want a deal that will blow your mind on an exciting space shooter game? Craving a side of mystery with your pew-pew action? Hold onto your spaceships because Endurance: Dead Space Premium might be your next mobile obsession. This game blends retro vibes with RPG elements, all wrapped in a spooky spaceship setting.

Welcome to our living list of smiles and savings! That's right, Amazon's Big Smile Sale is back again from today through to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 24. What's a Big Smile event? Something that sounds like a dentistry discount-fest but is actually a mini Prime Day—the best time to cheaply grab a game or some peripherals to make your forthcoming holidays awesome!

, the free-to-play arena shooter that was released in December 2023, is quickly approaching the start of its second season and brings a host of new Gadgets, weapons, maps, and abilities. Season 2 officially begins on March 14, 2024, and also comes with a new game mode called Power Shift as well as a new map entitled SYS$HORIZON that embodies this season's new futuristic yet retro theme.

Around six months ago, the retro specialists at Digital Eclipse released the first edition of its new collection, the Gold Master Series.

Today I'm all about bang-for-your-buck bundle deals. Because why spend heaps on a hot and current AAA when you can score a low-cost cluster of classics? A Sega Mega Drive Collection, a gaggle of Trines, three Batman games actually worth giving a damn about, every Expanded Universe Star Wars game under the sun—these are the smart plays, my friend.

After numerous delays, the anticipated System Shock remake launched on PC to solid reviews and enthusiastic fan response early last year, but when do console players get in on the retro cyberpunk fun? Developer Nightdive Studios have always said a console version of the new System Shock was in the works (which sets it apart from the PC-only original) but have been a bit cagey about when it might arrive.

The Lego Atari 2600, with its moving joystick and charming details, is a set that is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves retro gaming as much as they love Lego. Now, thanks to a rad discount, reliving the '80s is more affordable than ever. While the console replica would usually set you back $239.99, you can now pick up a Lego Atari with all its totally bodacious accessories for just $167.99 on Amazon. That's a 30% discount on the whole, and is also the lowest the kit has ever been at Amazon. In other words, it's one of the better Lego deals of this week.

If you caught our Rise of the Ronin preview content and are keen, there's a sub-level discount you'll appreciate. I've spent a good six hours with this samurai epic and can confirm that it's well worth unsheathing your wallet for—click here for a longer version of why that is. Beyond that, you should also be aware that there are cheaper than usual Mario games afoot right now. Wonder, in particular, is well worth your coins.

The developer of Ori and the Blind Forest has revealed the Metroidvania series has sold around 10 million copies when it could've bankrupted its developer. 

Three more classic Mario Game Boy games are coming to Switch Online.

I only had a handful of games growing up, but they were all I needed. I played games like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Pitfall over and over again, without ever actually beating them. Instead, I was content to bang my head against them, learning a little more with each failure so I could get just a bit further on my next go-round. What I wouldn’t realize until I was much older was how short those games actually were. If I played my cards right, I could beat Sonic in under three hours. Pitfall, a game I played for years, was barely 40 minutes long. Difficulty meant value.

Thank your own personal deity—possibly the titular Dragon's Dogma 2 dragon—it's Friday! This morning, I should like to turn your attention to a sale of some old EA-owned gold that's made its way to Steam for the first time. Chief among them for me is The Saboteur, basically a WWII GTA set in Paris. I'm also all about the dirt cheap tsunami of Command & Conquer games, too.

You know that it’s a busy year for gaming when a project by an industry legend launches with hardly any fanfare. That’s exactly what happened in February 2023 with Akka Arrh. Created by Jeff Minter and his eccentric studio Llamasoft, the neon-tinted shooter is a remake of a 1982 Atari game that never saw the light of day after being deemed too difficult. Minter got the greenlight to revive the project, bringing it to life as a retro arcade shooter built in his unmistakable style.

The official full trailer for upcoming horror film Late Night with the Devil has dropped, and it looks like a mix of The Exorcist and retro late-night talk shows. 

Today, it's time to pay not that much to score quite a heck of a lot, thanks to Humble Bundle. The tastiest component in said package has got to be Nioh 2, top action-RPG and spiritual predecessor of the imminently forthcoming Rise of the Ronin. The latter keeps all the samurai action, strips out the supernatural enemies (plus giant enemy crabs), and adds in a backpack glider not unlike the Bat-tastic one from the Arkham series. Pretty good formula so far, no?

Every year, like clockwork, I end up playing one retro-style 2D game that gets its hooks in me. It’s not that I harbor a lot of nostalgia for the Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis; it’s just that indie developers have gotten very good at both replicating and modernizing the fun of old-school platformers. So far in the 2020s, I’ve had a blast with Cyber Shadow, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider, and now, Berserk Boy.