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An important achievement in the preservation and translation of retro gaming has recently unfolded. Xenosaga: Pied Piper, a mobile phone spin-off developed by Monolith Soft, Namco, and Tom Create, that was previously thought to be lost to digital oblivion is now being restored and will be playable in English.

ValakTurtle from Vector Translations & Preservation acknowledges the tireless efforts of many within the Xenosaga fan community:

Firstly, I cannot express enough gratitude to the Keitai Wiki Discord for the many months of hard work and dedication they’ve put towards preserving this game. I’d especially like to thank MemoryHunter for starting the whole Keitai preservation movement, xyz for being the lead reverse engineer.., LNRC for keeping us informed about the status of the project.., cuebus for assisting in chip dumping phones, RockmanCosmo for being a pillar of the Keitai community, and everyone else who contributed to our cause. I’m also eternally grateful for the anonymous donor who was willing to dump the game for us.

Fans can look forward to a full translation patch created by Vector Translations & Preservation, which is estimated to take at least several months to ensure quality. In the meantime, CycloneFox’s remake of the game (link in the original article) serves as an impressive testament to fan creativity and devotion.

How do these phone spin-off games compare to the mainline games?

AYANEO's Pocket S2 Handheld

AYANEO has just revealed their latest Android gaming handheld, the Pocket S2. This device, unveiled at GDC 2025 alongside Qualcomm's newest platform, will be powered by the 'latest Qualcomm flagship gaming platform'. The successor to the popular AYANEO Pocket S from 2024, the new model retains a similar form factor but promises enhanced performance.

The Pocket S2 aims to take the best of Android portables to a new level.

Given AYANEO's history of delivering high-end devices, gaming enthusiasts are eager to see what innovations and features this new model offers. Will it cement its reputation as a go-to device for Android emulation?

What are you hoping this more powerful chipset will bring to the table?

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remake

The much-anticipated remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion could be coming sooner than expected. According to reliable insider NateTheHate, the game is set to launch either in April or May 2025, which is earlier than the original June release date.

• Developer: Bethesda and Virtuos
• Engine: Unreal Engine 5
• Features: Significant visual enhancements, revamped gameplay mechanics (including stamina, sneaking, blocking, archery, hit reactions, and a redesigned HUD)

This remake is moving at a rapid pace, with insider reports suggesting that Bethesda is preparing an imminent reveal.

What are the enhancements you think are essential to be included in this remake?

GoRetroid, the company behind popular retro gaming handhelds like the Original Retroid Pocket, has unveiled more details about its upcoming product: the Retroid Pocket Classic.

Key highlights include:

• Processor: Qualcomm 4nm chipset
• Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
• Memory: 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage
• Wireless Capabilities: Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 5
• Dimensions: 138mm x 89mm x 8.26mm

The handheld is powered by Android 14, and will feature an AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1240x1080, capable of reaching up to 500 nits in brightness.

One standout feature is the inclusion of a six-button variant, allowing for more games that traditionally required six buttons, especially from systems like the Sega Saturn. There's also a traditional 4-button layout.

Further updates on pricing and availability are expected.

Have you been longing for a six-button layout on your retro handheld?

Pixel FX, known for their wide range of HDMI solutions, has now introduced an internal adapter that brings HDMI to the GameCube.

What Does This Mean For GameCube Enthusiasts?

The GEM adapter preserves your GameCube’s clean, boxy design by integrating internally, unlike the external adapters offered by other companies.

To install the GEM mod, users will need to be comfortable with soldering and DIY electronics due to its invasive nature. However, once installed, it promises clearer and crisper visuals that can significantly enhance the viewing experience for GameCube owners without breaking their budgets.

Conclusion

The Pixel FX GEM mod is a valuable advancement for GameCube owners who wish to enjoy their games in higher definition and want a self-contained set-up. Some may even prefer the DIY challenge.

Do you think the Pixel FX GEM will set a new standard, or are there any other solutions that you prefer?

AYANEO has recently launched the Pocket Micro Classic, a refreshed version of its Android-based handheld device. This new model comes with a lower price point at $179, $20 cheaper than the original, making it the company’s most affordable device yet.

The AYANEO Pocket Micro was praised for its compact design and aesthetic appeal. This new iteration retains those strong points, together with the powerful MediaTek Helio G99 chipset.

One notable difference is that it no longer includes dual analogue sticks. Both the Pocket Micro and Pocket Micro Classic can emulate up to the Dreamcast era.

In your opinion, is the absence of sticks a significant drawback?

Square Enix Staff Unearth Rare Retro Gaming Treasures

Recently, members of the Square Enix team made an exciting discovery in an old storage container that had been shut for nearly two decades. Inside were pristine retro games dating back to 1995 and beyond.

According to Lee Singleton, Head of Studio at Square Enix External Studios, the treasure trove contains classic titles originally published by Domark Limited or its successor Eidos Interactive — both companies acquired by Square Enix in 2009. Among these titles are popular games like Klax, Hard Drivin’ and the James Bond tie-in, The Living Daylights. Platforms include Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, DOS, N-Gage, Nintendo Wii, and Amstrad CPC.

Singleton announced this rare find on LinkedIn, explaining that employees have been invited to take whatever they want, though Square Enix is also in discussion with the BGI/National Videogame Museum in Sheffield about possibly donating these items. John O'Shea, co-creator and CEO of the museum, described the collection as "interesting for all sorts of reasons".

What do you think should be done with this find?

Overview

The recently released XenonRecomp tool (link in the original article) has brought renewed interest to the world of decompiling/recompiling console games for PC. This open-source project converts X360 executables into C++ code, which can then be recompiled on any platform. Currently, it only supports x86 platforms and holds immense potential.

Impact on Gaming

There are over 500 delisted Xbox 360 titles that could now receive a much-needed boost in accessibility and legacy with this tool. Notable games such as After Burner Climax, Daytona USA, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and many others can potentially find their way to PC without losing quality or functionality.

There is also the tantalizing prospect for a native PC version of the GoldenEye 007 XBLA port.

What classic Xbox 360 game are you most excited to see reborn on PC thanks to this tool?

Dip switches! Free games! Language support!

Blaze has just launched the first firmware update of the year for the VS/VS-R, EXP/EXP-R and Alpha models, bringing several new features.

• Game of the Month: Replaced by Highlight of the Month, allowing owners to explore a selection of games from Evercade's back catalogue without needing the original cartridges.

• Dip Switch Support: Now in beta for arcade releases across the range, dip switches offer adjustable difficulty, lives, and more.

• Language Support: The upcoming Broken Sword Collection will receive alternative language versions.

What features do you think should be included in future updates?

The handheld will be available in two different models and four colourways:

• Ice Blue
• Black
• GC (an obvious nod to the Nintendo GameCube)
• 16-Bit US (a reference to the Super Nintendo's US design)

There are two separate models, each featuring a different SoC:

• First model: Snapdragon 865 SoC (from the Retroid Pocket Mini and Pocket 5)
• Second model: MediaTek D1100 SoC (from the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro)

Both models share the following specs:

• A 5.5” 1080p AMOLED screen
• 8GB Low Power DDR4X RAM
• 128 GB Universal Flash Storage
• Android 13 OS

However, differences exist:

• The Snapdragon SoC model offers faster charging speed
• The D1100 SoC model uses a newer version of Bluetooth

GoRetroid has stated that pricing details and pre-order dates will be announced soon.

What do you think of these specs?

The gaming accessory company, 8BitDo, has recently unveiled the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller.

This new model comes with a range of impressive improvements over its predecessor. Key among these is claimed to be an ultra-low latency (1000hz / 1ms) connection, thanks to what the company dubs "8Speed Wireless Technology". Additionally, it debuts TMR (Tunneling magnetoresistance) technology in its joysticks for higher sensitivity and enhanced durability while reducing power consumption.

For those interested in the technical specs, here's a quick rundown as provided by 8BitDo:

• TMR Joysticks
• Speed - Ultra-low latency 2.4G wireless with 8Speed technology
• 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
• Fire Ring - RGB lighting joysticks
• Extra Bumpers (R4 and L4)
• Pro Back Paddle Buttons
• Trigger Mode Switch
• Tactile Bumpers and D-pad
• 6-axis motion control
• Turbo Function
• Vibration
• Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V

Priced at $59.99.

How do you think this will compare with the previous version?

Tomoharu Saito, the artist behind the iconic pixel art of Astro Boy: Omega Factor, tragically lost a leg during his work on this game. This came to light when Tetsu 'Tez' Okano, who also on the Dreamcast RPG Segagaga, provided insights on the circumstances.

"Because of this work, he was delayed in going to the hospital, lost one of his legs, and finally died," says Okano.

Tomoharu Saito was known for his contributions to a variety of classic games such as Streets of Rage 2, Gourmet Warriors, and Gunstar Super Heroes. His passion for illustrating games was profound but exacted a high cost on his personal health.

• Cause Of Death: Cancer synovial sarcoma, which led to amputation and, later, lung cancer.
• Work: Saito was a freelancer for multiple companies including Sega, Masaya, and Cave. He later worked as a full-time employee at Square before returning to freelancing.

The sacrifices made by Tomoharu Saito highlight the often-overlooked human side of game development. His dedication to his craft was unquestionable but comes with a heavy toll on personal well-being.

Saito said "legs aren't necessary in the illustration industry". What do you think this says about the game development industry?