cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/25267065

Italian police recently dismantled a significant video game trafficking ring, seizing counterfeit retro consoles and pirated games valued at approximately $50 million. The operation involved the confiscation of around 12,000 fake consoles and over 47 million pirated games.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/12760088

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Konami has announced its plans to develop Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Volume 2, with a focus on bringing major titles in the series up to HD standards. Producer Noriaki Okamura mentioned that while ports exist for Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3, many following entries lack such upgrades, presenting unique challenges.

The specific titles included, development timeline, and release dates are yet to be disclosed. The company aims to avoid repeating mistakes made with Volume 1 and asks fans to exercise patience. Okamura also noted that Metal Gear Solid 4 is exclusive to the PS3, creating an opportunity for porting it and Peace Walker to modern platforms; this would mark the first chance to play MGS 4 on a device other than its original console.

What are your thoughts on Konami's plans for the Metal Gear Solid series? Will you be adding any titles to your collection?

ANBERNIC announces the release of three new transparent variants for their popular RG35XXSP handheld, expanding from four to seven color options. These new additions include Transparent Green, Transparent Pink, and Transparent White.

The introduction of these new colors comes after a successful launch and indicates a responsiveness to market trends.

What new features or design changes would you like to see next from ANBERNIC? How important are color and design elements when considering a new retro handheld device?

Jaleco’s Bio Senshi Dan for Nintendo Switch

The classic Famicom adventure game Jaleco’s Bio Senshi Dan is getting a reissue for the Nintendo Switch, set to release on September 26th, 2024. This re-release comes with various extras, though details are yet to be disclosed.

Originally released in 1987, this cult favourite will gain a new lease of life on modern platforms, allowing both new players and nostalgic fans an opportunity to experience it once more.

Will this classic game find its way into your collection?

Also: am I remembering wrong, or was doom 64 easier than its predecessors?

Steel Legion: Introducing a new NES homebrew metroidvania-style game that takes players on a journey through a dystopian cyberpunk universe.

Developed by Aeon & Star Interactive. Players embark as cyborg commandos in their mission to protect humanity from the evil AI threatening its existence.

Four interconnected stages with unique challenges and secrets to uncover. With abilities like hyper jumps and special missiles, players can access previously locked areas and overcome bosses. Meet NPC characters that bring depth and change locations throughout your quest.

Featuring classic 8-bit pixel art and a hard rock chiptune soundtrack, the game delivers an authentic nostalgic experience while adding modern twists. Fans of Metroidvania games will appreciate its homage to classic NES adventures with a focus on exploration and skill development.

Developers' Update:

With the successful Kickstarter campaign funding, Aeon & Star Interactive is moving towards a physical release with various tiers offering collectors a chance to get unique merchandise and soundtracks. For those eager to experience the game, Steel Legion is now available as an NES ROM on itch.io.

What do you think about the fact that games are still being released for the NES platform?

Analogue support for third-party controllers is now available in the latest Evercade system update, bringing much-anticipated functionality. This feature has been a long-sought-after request by enthusiasts since Evercade started incorporating 32 and 64-bit games on its cartridges.

Users will need to download the new system update and navigate through the Settings menu (using their standard Evercade controller), then click into the System menu, selecting 'Enable Analogue Support For 3rd Party Controllers (BETA)'.

Plugging in a third-party analogue pad should trigger automatic detection by the Evercade VS home system. According to Blaze, the company behind Evercade, Xbox and PlayStation pads along with some other brands like 8BitDo have been verified to work.

Analogue controls are currently supported in the following games:

• Worms Armageddon
• Speedball 2100
• 40 Winks
• Duke Nukem: Land of the Babes
• Duke Nukem: Time to Kill
• Glover
• Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
• Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

Beyond this major update, the Evercade VS now includes a 'safe eject' feature for cartridges and rapid fire support in certain arcade titles. High scores are automatically saved as well.

You can read more on the Evercade web site.

Are you one of the customers who have been eagerly awaiting this feature? Which controller will you be trying?

EDIT: fixed the list of supported games, as pointed out by MurrayL@lemmy.world

Opening a Pokémon Snap kiosk for the first time in 25 years is a nostalgic journey back to a unique era in gaming history. These kiosks, known as Pokémon Snap Stations, were a collaboration between Nintendo and Blockbuster in the late 1990s.

New Classic Games Available on PlayStation Plus for September 2024: Secret Agent Clank, Sky Gunner, Mister Mosquito & Pistol Whip are now part of the PlayStation Plus Catalogue.

• Secret Agent Clank - A modern re-release from the PlayStation Portable to PS4/PS5.
• Sky Gunner - A third-person combat flight simulator with enhanced features for modern consoles.
• Mister Mosquito - A quirky adventure as a mosquito in a Japanese family's home.
• Pistol Whip - An immersive rhythm-based action game on PlayStation VR2.

All titles are accessible from September 17, catering to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. 🎮📚

Are these the kind of games that will encourage you to become a Premium subscriber?

A recent leak has revealed that two forgotten PlayStation 2 exclusives, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army and its sequel Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, are potentially making a return. These games, part of the larger Megami Tensei franchise, were originally released between 2006 and 2008 and have remained exclusive to the PS2, although they were later made available on the PS3 as emulated versions.

Capcom producer, Shuhei Matsumoto, has shared his desire to develop a new entry in the beloved Marvel vs. Capcom series, expressing that it's up to the fans' support to bring this wish into reality.

In an interview, Matsumoto highlighted how fan enthusiasm is crucial for such projects and emphasized that collaboration between Capcom and Marvel can shape a promising future for the franchise. The recent release of Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, which includes seven classic titles from the series, is seen as a pivotal step in gauging interest and ensuring potential success.

The Power of Fan Support: Matsumoto believes that continued support from fans plays an instrumental role in realizing their vision. His words underscore how fan engagement can influence decision-making within game development, making the journey to creating a new Marvel vs. Capcom game not just about sales projections but also a collaborative effort driven by community passion.

What's your favourite instance of fans influencing the direction of a franchise?

Namco’s VS. Battle City Arrives on Switch and PS4 This Week

Namco’s classic multi-directional shooter, VS. Battle City, is making a comeback on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 this week. Originally released in 1985, this game features cooperative multiplayer for two players to strategize together and a level editor for creative stage creation.

Co-op Multiplayer: Battle City boasts a collaborative multiplayer experience that allows you and a friend to join forces against enemy tanks and protect your base.

Level Editor: One of the early games with an integrated level editor, enabling players to craft their own levels, adding a personalized touch.

Varied terrain and power-ups further enhance gameplay, offering different brick walls, steel barriers, ice fields for strategic advantage, as well as collectable boosts that can aid or hinder your progress.

What are your memories of the original? Is this one worth picking up?

Bitmap Books Teases Upcoming Game Boy Advance Pixel Book Collab

Bitmap Books announces the upcoming release of "The GBA Pixel Book", celebrating pixel art from over 240 Game Boy Advance titles. The book, featuring almost 4,000 screenshots and articles diving into the console's library, is set for release on November 11th, 2024.

• Why this matters: This book serves as a testament to the continued influence of pizel-art on the GBA at a time when 3D games dominated the home console scene.

• What you should know: It includes pixel art from popular titles such as Advance Wars, Fire Emblem, The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, Sword of Mana, various Final Fantasy entries, among others. Pre-orders are now available for this 300-page tome.

Do you plan to add this book to your library?

What's everyone playing? I'm enjoying Mr. Driller for the GBC.

The progress is incredible!

I think I may roll with this headcanon from now on

Analogue Pocket Limited Edition Colours: A GBC Inspired Throwback

The Analogue Pocket is set to release six new limited edition consoles with colours that pay homage to the beloved Game Boy Color. These vibrant editions will feature shades of Kiwi, Teal, Grape, Berry, Dandelion, and Gold.

Pre-orders open September 12th at 8 a.m. PT for $249.99 each. Shipping is expected to begin on September 16th.

Key Facts:

• Inspiration: Colours reminiscent of the iconic Game Boy Color.
• Launch Date: Limited quantities available starting September 12th.
• Price: $249.99 per console.
• Shipping: Begins on September 16th after order confirmation.

Analogue Pocket: The retro gaming device that offers authentic experiences by utilizing FPGA technology for hardware emulation, allowing players to enjoy classic cartridges from Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and even Game Boy Advance.

In your opinion, how do these new colours compare to their normal range?

Tamagotchi 28th Birthday Celebration Egg

Next year, Bandai Namco will release a special Tamagotchi Celebratory Egg to celebrate the toy's iconic 90s heritage. This egg, reminiscent of the original Gen 1 animals with 6 collectibles—Mametchi, Ginjirotchi, Maskutchi, Kuchipatchi, Nyorotchi, and Tarakotchi—brings eco-friendliness to a whole new level. Made from recycled eggshells, this Tamagotchi is not only a nod to nostalgia but also promotes sustainability. Priced at £29.99 on Amazon, it's set to remind us of our 90s childhood with a twist! Stay tuned for its launch in 2025.

Why do you think Bandai Namco have decided to celebrate the 28th anniversary, rather than the 30th? What's your favourite Tamagotchi? Could this anniversary edition take its place?