Retro News, Tips, Tricks & Ideas

The Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Deluxe Set is now available to pre-order in the UK.

In a narrow hallway that divides the dance floor and the bathrooms at a local club, I saw some girls snapping photos. Instead of an iPhone, one of them held a retro digital camera above the group’s heads at an angle. The flash went off and I squeezed past them as they looked at the screen and giggled. It’s a small moment, but it’s also part of a much larger consumer trend. Now — thanks to TikTok — ’90s- and 2000s-era handheld digital cameras are making a massive comeback, and I can say it’s one of the trends that’s actually well worth the hype.

The RetroArch video game emulation frontend was released on the iOS App Store yesterday, alongside popular PSP emulator PPSSPP (itself a core available in RetroArch).

PPSSPP, an app that's capable of emulating PSP games, has joined the growing number of retro game emulators on the iOS App Store. The program has been around for almost 12 years, but prior to this, you could only install it on your device through workarounds. «Thanks to Apple for relaxing their policies, allowing retro games console emulators on the store,» its developer Henrik Rydgård wrote in his announcement. If you'll recall, Apple updated its developer guidelines in early April, and since then, the company has approved an app that can emulate Game Boy and DS games and another that can play PS1 titles.

Welcome to a day of samurai, wanton assassination, and savings. Obviously, I'm more talking about a discount on the imminently releasing Ghost of Tsushima as opposed to the just revealed Assassin's Creed Shadows. Preorders are indeed open for that, but I'm the type to at least wait for some actual gameplay video before getting too excited. Because, let's be honest, Sucker Punch—and to a lesser extent, Team Ninja—have left some pretty big sandals to fill.

A Lego set based on The Great Deku Tree from The Legend of Zelda will be released in September and contain four figures, it’s claimed.

Let's dispense with the pleasantries and cut to a deal that's close to my heart. You'd be nuts not to go buy Broforce for 80% off and under a fiver. It's like a side-scrolling Expendables film—but not rubbish—that includes OTT gore, a who's who pun-ification of every action star that matters, and 4P co-op. I'm also all about that dirt cheap Pokémon Pearl and a cool 144 bucks off a Switch OLED.

Ron Gilbert is developing another game, and its premise is extremely exciting. Gilbert, who most famously created Monkey Island, is working on a retro RPG that he describes as "Classic Zelda meets Diablo meets Thimbleweed Park."

It’s only been a month since Apple started allowing retro game emulators on the App Store and we already have our second bona-fide hit. The newly-released Gamma is a free PS1 emulator with plenty of bells and whistles for those looking to dive back into the world of blocky polygons. It joins the massively popular Nintendo emulator Delta. We have no idea why these apps keep getting named after the Greek alphabet, as both are made by completely separate devs.

Welcome to yet another week of paying a little for a lot. The Microsoft and PlayStation stores are starting to warm up with a bunch of decent sales events—the pick of which are represented below. I'm also keeping an eye on Amazon for any sign of extraordinarily early EOFY deals as well. Not much doing there. But I'll be ready to holler if and when they appear.

A new update for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night adds two free game modes and a free cosmetic pack.

Welcome to a Thursday chock full of sweet gaming discounts. I'm always on the prowl for AAA Switch titles that are sub-sixty-bucks, and today that's Pikmin 4. I honestly think PC folk should also stake an early claim on Ghost of Tsushima Director's or sink their fangs into V Rising. You know what? Let's keep that "quality vampire games" motif going. Segue: engaged...

Nintendo has officially announced Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition.

It's a sad day today, given the closure of Tango Gameworks, producers of the perfectly 9/10 excellent Hi-Fi Rush. That being said, an opportunity exists for PC players to score it in a bundle (which most notably includes Yakuza: Like A Dragon) for posterity and a pittance. Of all the recent dev shedding that's been going on, this one feels especially senseless. Do not sleep on this surprise gem of a game, which is also going for 30% off on PS Store.

While many classic Nintendo consoles are known for fetching decent prices among collectors, the most recent one to hit the market may end up being the most expensive ever sold at auction. The world of video game collecting has exploded in recent years as rare games and consoles have become notorious for their impressive prices when sold to the right bidder. Original copies of NES classics like and have been known to be especially valuable, but an early build of a popular console may be even more lucrative for the seller.

The opening of the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto has seemingly been delayed.

As the winds of autumn gather to whip us, like some sort of FromSoftware boss inspired by Devo, games shall emerge as your perfect reason to stay indoors. Admittedly, we're in the dead period of the year, so that means looking back to recent releases and classics of yore. If you do want to keep things seasonal, it's the perfect time to play the discounted Resi 4 Remake and Far Cry 5 below—both of which take place in autumn. Otherwise, just binge a ton of Yakuza games (purely because they're cheap and awesome).

We all know that Persona 5's Joker is a gamer at heart, regularly retiring to his room for a session of Punch Ouch or Train of Life on his secondhand retro console. He views his own physical and mental health as stats to increase, you don't get much more gamer than that. He's clearly a connoisseur of the classics, and a new mod for Persona 5 Royal is finally giving him access to one of te most iconic retro games out there - Doom.

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.

Video game emulator Delta’s decade-long struggle against the iOS app store began with a school-issued TI-84 calculator.

A new version of one of the rarest games of all time is coming to theNintendo Switch and it should hopefully appeal to retro fans and newcomers alike. Nintendo enthusiasts will undoubtedly remember a time when the company used to host the Nintendo World Championship, a tournament that saw competitors taking on a variety of different games based on popular releases to show off their skills with a controller. The Game Pak for the Nintendo World Championship 1990 event is considered the rarest NES game of all time but fortunately, a new version is on the way for Switch.

A new game based on the Nintendo World Championships appears to have been rated by the ESRB.

American convenience store chain 7-Eleven is partnering with Tetris on a line of merchandise, including a handheld.

MediaCity Games has dropped a new brain-tickler called Atomic Escape. It’s a space-age point-and-click game set in a retro sci-fi world. It’s out on Android for $1.99. In case you don’t know, MediaCity Games has dropped games that show their knack for puzzle adventures. Their lineup includes Escape from Crimson Manor Ep.1, Alice Beyond Wonderland, The Ghost Town Treasure and The Lost Fountain.

Gear up for a retro ride back in time because World of Tanks Blitz is joining forces with none other than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! The World of Tanks Blitz x TMNT crossover will let you chow down on some yummy pizza right before diving into the sewers with the green team. Yes, you’re up against Shredder again, and it’s going to be totally tubular!

It's time to press start on another week of mad savings. I'm mighty keen on a few double packs (like Quake 1 + 2, Deathloop + Ghostwire, etc). Not to mention "whole shebang" collections going for a fraction of the price of a single game (see: Yakuza Remastered Collection, Trine Ultimate Collection, etc).

Hearken to this, my fellow retro gaming sickos: Nintendo is finally catering to our very unusual tastes with the latest updates to the Nintendo Switch Online retro game library. This time, we've gotten a pair of N64 games that I'd wager you've either never heard of or entirely forgotten up until this moment.

Modern technology has opened up new avenues for entertainment, and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Gemini are leading the way. These AI marvels have the ability to engage in natural conversations, offering not just productivity assistance but also delightful gaming experiences.

Plenty of modern games have tried to recapture the nostalgic retro vibes of early 1990s RPGs. And some are more successful than others.

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.

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.

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.