Evercade’s first-ever Rare cartridge drops in Nov—here’s why you’re gonna want it.

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Fun Fact: Did you know that the original Pong arcade game doesn’t have any source code because there is no software. The entire game is implemented as hardware.

In today’s email:

• Yuzo Koshiro’s Double Plea: Support Earthion, and No AI Was Harmfully Used

• Evercade’s first-ever Rare cartridge drops in Nov—here’s why you’re gonna want it.

• Only 30 Pairs Ever: Sonic × Timberland Boots Launch in Tokyo

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Yuzo Koshiro’s Double Plea: Support Earthion, and No AI Was Harmfully Used

Two big updates from Yuzo Koshiro he wants you to see — and your support matters.

A Rare Plea to Retro Fans: Please Don’t Pirate Earthion

Just days after Earthion hit Steam (July 31, 2025), an encrypted Genesis ROM was cracked and leaked online. Koshiro, working through Ancient, posted on X that:

• The circulating file is not official.

• The only legitimate version right now is on Steam.

• The Mega Drive cartridge version rolls out next year, with no paid ROM download ever planned.

• Piracy, he stresses, hurts indie teams like theirs—especially smaller outfits that rely on sales to keep making passion-driven games.

Koshiro and Ancient encrypted the ROM to prevent leaks, but as he says: “it’s always a game of cat and mouse.” There’s only so much you can do—support via official channels is the best way to ensure more retro titles like this keep happening.

Yes, steam provides a polished emulation, plus extras like filter options, achievements, and updates. At US$19.99 / €17.99, it’s a well-priced throwback to the Genesis era.

Clearing the Air: No Generative AI in Artwork or Final Game

Rumors popped online that Earthion used generative AI—particularly in voice work or visuals. Koshiro swiftly addressed and dispelled them:

• During prototyping, placeholder voices were made using Synthesizer V, a licensed service that generates vocals from pre-existing voice models—not general AI like ChatGPT or Midjourney.

• These placeholders were replaced by human voice actors in the final release—no generative AI remains in the game.

• Koshiro affirms: “We fully respect the work of human artists and voice talent.” 

The result? A fully human-crafted creation, respecting artistic and vocal contributions every step of the way.

Why This Matters to Retro Gamers

A perfect fusion of old and new — Earthion was built to push the Mega Drive beyond its 16‑bit roots, powered by Koshiro’s 27‑track soundtrack and stunning pixel‑art visuals that evoke the golden age of shmups. It’s a retro revival done RIGHT.

Ethical play matters — by supporting the game officially (Steam or upcoming console/cartridge releases), you help sustain indie creators and protect the future of retro-inspired titles. Piracy, especially of brand-new productions, jeopardizes that ecosystem.

Creative integrity — no shady AI shortcuts here. Everything in the final release was crafted by real humans, honoring the spirit of retro artistry.

What You Can Do:

Stay in Touch & Join the Conversation

Follow Yuzo Koshiro and Ancient on social:

• X (formerly Twitter) / BlueSky: latest statements and dev talk

• Instagram / Threads / Facebook: peek at development art and soundtrack updates

• Time Extension: in‑depth analysis and reporting on Earthion’s journey

• Retro fans on Reddit: see passionate reactions like this one 👉

Final Thoughts
Koshiro’s message is clear: if you love retro games, respect the creators behind them. The integrity, artistry, and community spirit driving Earthion deserve support—no shortcuts, no piracy, no generative AI confusion.

Don't just play it—own it, share it, and support the next retro revival.

Evercade’s first-ever Rare cartridge drops in Nov—here’s why you’re gonna want it.

Pull up a seat next to your CRT-simulated pixel display—Evercade and Rare are teaming up for something truly special. To celebrate Rare’s 40th anniversary, Blaze Entertainment has announced Rare Collection 1, a brand-new Evercade cartridge packed with 12 classic games from Rare’s early catalog—marking the platform’s first-ever Rare cartridge release.

What’s Inside the Cartridge?

Rare Collection 1 is a curated retro time capsule. It brings together 12 iconic titles spanning ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, NES, handheld, and arcade origins:

• ZX Spectrum: Atic Atac, Gunfright, Jetpac, Knight Lore, Lunar Jetman, Sabre Wulf

• Commodore 64: Underwurlde

• 8-bit console: Cobra Triangle, R.C. Pro‑Am

• Handheld: Conker’s Pocket Tales

• Arcade: Battletoads Arcade, Battletoads (NES)

Importantly, this is the first time ZX Spectrum games will be playable on Evercade hardware.

Release Details & Pre‑Order Info

• Release Date: November 2025

• Pre‑Orders Start: September 30, 2025

• Price: £19.99 / $29.99

• Platform Support: Works with Evercade VS, EXP, Alpha bartop arcade, and HyperMegaTech Super Pocket handhelds

The cartridge also includes a full‑colour manual and reversible sleeve art—blue for Spectrum, red for console editions—a first in Evercade’s packaging design.

Why It Matters to Retro Fans

1. Rich Nostalgic Value: Rare’s early games—especially the Spectrum titles—are beloved classics seldom seen outside vintage hardware.

2. First‑ever Rare on Evercade: This marks a major license milestone and opens the door for more Rare collections in the future.

3. Diverse Gameplay: From exploration puzzlers (Knight Lore) to high‑speed shooters (Lunar Jetman), and platform‑beat ’em ups (Battletoads), the collection covers a wide range of Rare’s heritage.

Why This Cartridge Rocks (in Casual Terms)

Think of it as your original Game Boy mixed with Spectrum magic and arcade edge—all in one £20‑ish cart. The fact you can play Jetpac one minute and Battletoads Arcade the next without ever swapping carts? Pure retro bliss.

This release doesn’t just celebrate the games—it honors Rare’s early identity as Ultimate Play the Game, the U.K. indie studio that dared to push creative boundaries in the ‘80s. It’s also a reminder of how far emulation and physical media collectors have come.

Stay Connected

Wanna keep tabs on future drops and community shenanigans?

• Twitter/X: @EvercadeGames

• Facebook: Evercade Retro Console

• Instagram: @blaze_entertainment

• Reddit: r/evercade

✅ TL;DR Snapshot

Only 30 Pairs Ever: Sonic × Timberland Boots Launch in Tokyo

Hey there, fellow retrogamers and Sonic superfans!

Have you heard the news? Sega has gone full 90s meets streetwear with a wild new collab: only 30 pairs of Sonic-themed Timberland 6‑inch Premium Waterproof Boots, dropping August 9 at the Timberland store inside Shibuya PARCO, to celebrate Sega’s very first flagship store in Japan.

What Makes These Boots So Special?

• Classic “Wheat” Timberland style, infused with Sonic flair: cobalt‑blue laces (of course), an etched illustration of Sonic wearing Timbs on the heel, and Sonic branding on the medial side and the hang tag.

• Just 30 pairs ever—making them among the rarest character collabs in memory.

• Retail price: ¥38,500 (about USD 260 / GBP 197).

• Bonus swag: if you cop the boots or a T‑shirt, you score a novelty postcard and sticker featuring Sonic in his Timbs.

Also Included: Sonic Eyecandy Tees

If boots are too much to chase down, the release also includes:

• Short‑sleeve graphic tee: giant Sonic on the back, co‑branded logos on chest.

• Long‑sleeve graphic tee: smaller Sonic print with logo accents on the sleeves.

Why It Matters to Retro Gamers

• Mega‑rare collectible: only 30 pairs ever. Talk about the ultimate flex for a Sonic fan.

• Icon mashup: the legendary Speed of Sonic meets the rugged style of Timberland—retro game lore wrapped around nifty boots.

• Global speculate‑bait: they’re exclusive to Tokyo, so fade into resell markets if they ever pop up outside Japan. Retro sneakerheads already salivating .

• A wink at the 90s: Sonic in Timbs feels like a Tumblr‑era meme come to life—and it’s marketing gold for Sega’s heritage angle.

What You Need to Know (Dates & Availability)

• Launch date: Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the officially announced location: Timberland Shibuya PARCO, Tokyo .

• Availability: in‑person at that one store only—no global rollout, no web shop, no ATC.

• If you're not in Tokyo: your best bet is monitoring high-end resale platforms—or just cherishing the artwork and epic design teased across media .

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a die‑hard Sonic speedrunner or a streetwear collector who grew up blasting levels on a Genesis—or both—this Sonic × Timberland collab nails nostalgia with style. Only 30 pairs of boots, only in Tokyo, and likely never to be seen again. It’s a marketing love letter to retro gamers everywhere—as rare as a Sonic dev cart left in shrink seal.

Follow & Share

Keep up with the collab on social media:

• Instagram: @timberland, @sonic_hedgehog

• Twitter / X: @Timberland, @sonic_hedgehog

We hope you tune back in for our next issue, where we'll dive deep into more retro gaming news!

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