Fun Fact: Did you know that the original "Legend of Zelda" game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was one of the first console games to include a save feature? Released in 1986, this was a significant innovation at the time. Prior to this, players often had to record long codes or leave their consoles on to save their game progress. The inclusion of a battery-backed memory chip inside the cartridge made it possible for players to save their game and return to it later, setting a new standard for convenience in console gaming. This feature was a game-changer and is now considered standard in almost all video games.

In today’s email:

• Game Boy Advance Joins the Nintendo Switch Online Family

• Unleashing the GameCube: The Revolutionary ETH2GC Adapter

• Our first giveaway winner!

NES

🎮 Game Boy Advance Joins the Nintendo Switch Online Family 🎮

In an exciting development for retro gaming enthusiasts and Nintendo Switch Online members, Nintendo has expanded its nostalgic gaming offerings with the addition of Game Boy Advance (GBA) titles to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. This move allows gamers to dive back into a treasure trove of classics from one of Nintendo's most beloved handheld consoles, bringing a mix of nostalgia and modern convenience to the Switch.

A Classic Collection Reimagined

The "Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online" service kicked off with an impressive lineup of games, featuring timeless adventures such as "The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap," "Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga," and action-packed titles like "Metroid Fusion" and "Mario Kart: Super Circuit." The service is exclusively available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members, providing access to a growing library of GBA games alongside existing offerings from the NES, Super NES, and Nintendo 64.

Enhanced Gameplay Features

One of the standout features of this service is the ability to play, save, and jump back into games at any point, offering a level of convenience that caters perfectly to the on-the-go nature of the Switch. Additionally, a rewind feature allows players to easily redo challenging sections, ensuring a smoother gaming experience. For titles that originally featured multiplayer capabilities, the service has been updated to support online connectivity, allowing friends to play together regardless of physical distance. Players can also customize their play experience with options to adjust screen size or apply a retro-style filter, further enhancing the nostalgia factor.

Community Response and Future Prospects

The addition of GBA games has been met with enthusiastic responses from the gaming community. Fans have eagerly shared their experiences and excitement over being able to play multiplayer in titles that were previously restricted to single-player or local multiplayer due to the GBA's hardware limitations. This update has not only rekindled love for classic games but also introduced them to a new generation of gamers, broadening the audience for these timeless titles.

Nintendo has committed to regularly expanding the GBA library on the Switch Online service, promising to keep the selection of games fresh and engaging. This continual growth ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers will find something to love in the expansive world of Nintendo's handheld gaming history.

For those interested in exploring the full list of Game Boy Advance titles available on Nintendo Switch Online, more information can be found on Nintendo's official site. As the library expands, so does the opportunity to revisit cherished memories or create new ones, proving that the classics never truly go out of style.

GAMECUBE

🌟 Unleashing the GameCube: The Revolutionary ETH2GC Adapter

In an exciting development for retro gaming enthusiasts and Nintendo GameCube aficionados, the introduction of Webhdx's ETH2GC has stirred the community, promising to unlock a whole new dimension of online gaming possibilities for the beloved console. This innovative project has quickly gained traction, showcasing the power of modern technology to breathe new life into classic gaming systems.

ETH2GC: The Bridge to Online Gaming

At its core, the ETH2GC is an aftermarket Ethernet module that emulates the functionality of the much sought-after but rarely found Broadband Adapter for the Nintendo GameCube. By leveraging the emulation capabilities of the Swiss software, the ETH2GC enables GameCube owners to connect their consoles online for multiplayer gaming, a feature that was a novelty during the console's heyday.

The Variants: Lite and Sidecar

The project offers two main variants of the adapter: the ETH2GC Lite and the ETH2GC Sidecar. The Lite version is straightforward, involving a single PCB that connects the ENC28J60 module directly to the GameCube, making it a suitable option for most DOL-001 console models equipped with Serial Port 2. On the other hand, the Sidecar variant presents a more refined solution, routing cables towards the back of the console for a cleaner setup and compatibility with the GameBoy Player attachment.

Unlocking New Experiences

What sets the ETH2GC apart is not just its ability to connect the GameCube to the internet but also the doors it opens for gameplay. Players can now enjoy online multiplayer in titles like "Mario Kart: Double Dash!!" with mods, connect to private servers for "Phantasy Star Online," and even engage in LAN-supported games that were previously restricted by the console's offline nature. The adapter also facilitates the dumping of game discs and save data over the network, alongside debugging homebrew applications. More info here.

A Community Effort

The ETH2GC stands as a testament to the dedication of the retro gaming community, driven by a passion for keeping classic consoles alive in the modern gaming landscape. With the ETH2GC, the Nintendo GameCube steps into the realm of online multiplayer, expanding its library and playability far beyond what was originally envisioned by its creators. This project not only revives interest in the console but also ensures its place in the ongoing narrative of gaming history.

Looking Forward

As the ETH2GC continues to evolve, with plans to support more Ethernet NICs and further enhance the GameCube's connectivity options, the potential for new multiplayer mods and online gaming experiences grows. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the retro gaming community: a desire to preserve the essence of classic gaming while embracing the possibilities offered by modern technology.

For fans of the GameCube and retro gaming enthusiasts alike, the ETH2GC represents a significant milestone, merging nostalgia with innovation to unlock a new frontier of gaming experiences. As we watch this project develop, one thing is clear: the future of retro gaming is bright, and it's online.

This exploration of the ETH2GC adapter reveals a vibrant future for retro gaming, demonstrating how innovation can extend the life and capabilities of classic gaming consoles. Whether for playing old favorites in new ways or exploring the potential of homebrew applications, the ETH2GC is a key that unlocks many doors in the vast mansion of retro gaming.

GIVEAWAY

🎉 Annoucing Our First Giveaway Winner 🎉

We're thrilled to announce the winner of our very first giveaway, "Contra: Operation Galuga." Congratulations are in full blast for Harold Price, who emerged victorious.

Harold is now the proud owner of "Contra: Operation Galuga," and we wish him luck in his conquest to beat the run-and-gun action of this updated classic turned modern game.

As we celebrate Harold's win, we also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants who made this giveaway a memorable kickoff event. Your enthusiasm and passion for retro gaming have truly set the stage for more thrilling contests to come.

To Harold, we say: Enjoy the victory and the accolades that come with being our first giveaway champion. Let us know how it goes in the journey back to being a Contra warrior.

Stay tuned, fellow gamers, for more exciting events and opportunities to win fun prizes in the vibrant world of retro gaming. Harold's victory is just the beginning—there are more adventures, contests, and surprises waiting just around the corner.

We’d live to hear from you. Let us know what you would like to see from us in the future.