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Fun Fact: Did you know that in the 1990s, Nintendo experimented with online gaming through a service called Satellaview? Launched in Japan in 1995 for the Super Famicom (the Japanese version of the Super Nintendo), Satellaview allowed players to download games, news, and other data via a satellite broadcast. Users could access exclusive games that were broadcasted at specific times, including "The Legend of Zelda: Ancient Stone Tablets," which was a follow-up to the popular "The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past." This service was quite ahead of its time, considering the limited internet accessibility and the predominance of dial-up connections during that era.

In today’s email:

• The Arrival of Evercade EXP-R and VS-R

• The Konami Code: A Legacy Unearthed in Castlevania After 25 Years

• RetroFlow Launcher 7.0: Transforming the PlayStation Vita Gaming Experience

HANDHELDS

The Arrival of Evercade EXP-R and VS-R

The retro gaming community is buzzing with anticipation for the July 2024 release of Blaze Entertainment's latest consoles, the Evercade EXP-R and Evercade VS-R. These new models promise to blend nostalgic appeal with innovative features, enhancing the already popular Evercade lineup.

The Evercade EXP-R: A Leap Forward in Handheld Gaming

Blaze Entertainment is set to expand its Evercade handheld series with the new Evercade EXP-R. Following the success of the Evercade EXP, this updated version aims to boost the gaming experience with superior hardware and software, while still supporting the classic cartridge-based system for game enthusiasts.

Enhanced Features and Specifications

- Display: The Evercade EXP-R will feature a 4.3-inch IPS screen with an 800 x 480 resolution, providing sharp and colorful visuals.

- Performance: It is powered by a 1.5GHz processor and comes with 4GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance across various classic games.

- Connectivity: This model includes miniHDMI out (720p), Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports, allowing for easy connectivity for multiplayer and solo gaming sessions.

- Game Library: Gamers can look forward to 18 preloaded Capcom games, a cartridge with six IREM classics like the iconic R-Type, and five secret games unlockable through gameplay achievements.

The Evercade VS-R: Reinventing Retro Multiplayer Gaming

The Evercade VS-R introduces a fresh take on multiplayer gaming within the Evercade family. This console will offer a dual-screen setup enabling simultaneous gameplay, enhancing the social aspect of gaming.

Anticipated Features

The specific features of the Evercade VS-R are still under wraps, but it is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Evercade VS, which supported multiplayer gaming and dual cartridge functionality.

Broad Game Library and Compatibility

Both the Evercade EXP-R and VS-R will be compatible with the extensive Evercade cartridge library, which includes a variety of games from numerous publishers. Additionally, new cartridges specially optimized for the enhanced hardware of these models are in development.

Pricing and Availability

Set to launch in July 2024, the pricing for the new consoles has not been disclosed yet. However, based on the pricing trends of previous models, such as the Evercade EXP priced at around $150, a similar range can be expected for the new versions. They will be available through Blaze Entertainment’s official channels and selected retail partners.

To Wrap Things Up

With the impending launch of the Evercade EXP-R and Evercade VS-R, Blaze Entertainment is poised to make a significant impact on the retro gaming market. Offering an improved gaming experience, a vast library, and enhanced multiplayer capabilities, these consoles are eagerly awaited by both veteran gamers and newcomers alike. As the release date draws nearer, the excitement within the gaming community continues to grow, underscoring the enduring appeal of retro gaming.

N64

The Konami Code: A Legacy Unearthed in Castlevania After 25 Years

The world of gaming is rich with secrets and Easter eggs, but few have reached the legendary status of the Konami Code. Recently, a variant of this famous sequence was discovered in the 1999 N64 game "Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness," surprising the community with its hidden presence for over two decades.

A Remarkable Discovery

The revelation of this code variant came not through player trial and error but from the diligent efforts of hackers who dug deep into the game's programming. This variant, different from the traditional sequence, unlocks all characters and costumes from the start, a feature that went unnoticed for 25 years due to its unique input sequence.

The reason this code remained undiscovered for so long is due to its unique variation from the standard sequence. Instead of the typical inputs, it necessitates pressing C-Up four times followed by C-Down four times then two presses each for C-Left and C-Right, where normally only one press is needed for each direction. The sequence concludes with a single press of the 'L', 'R', and 'Z' buttons. This deviation from the expected pattern is what kept it hidden for over two decades.

Origins of the Konami Code

Developed by Kazuhisa Hashimoto in 1986, the original Konami Code was created to assist in testing the NES port of "Gradius" due to its challenging gameplay. The code was inadvertently left in the final game, allowing players to activate a full set of power-ups, which significantly eased the game's difficulty. This code gained massive popularity after it was included in "Contra," offering players 30 extra lives, a crucial aid in such a punishing game.

Evolution and Cultural Impact

The Konami Code quickly became a staple in video games, appearing in numerous titles across various platforms. Its significance grew beyond gaming, with references appearing in films, television shows, and even websites, where it often activates hidden features or messages.

The Castlevania Connection

"Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness" is not the first in its series to utilize the Konami Code. Earlier games also featured the code, providing various benefits such as additional continues or unlocking new modes. The new discovery in "Legacy of Darkness" enriches the series' intertwined history with the Konami Code and underscores its lasting influence in gaming.

Finally

The recent uncovering of the Konami Code in "Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness" highlights the depths of creativity embedded in game development and the commitment of the gaming community to exploring these mysteries. The Konami Code started as a simple debugging tool but has grown into a symbol of gaming culture, celebrated for enhancing the gaming experience and uniting players with a common thread of nostalgia and discovery.

PS VITA

RetroFlow Launcher 7.0: Transforming the PlayStation Vita Gaming Experience

Sony's PlayStation Vita has experienced a resurgence in interest among retro gaming enthusiasts, largely due to innovative software developments. The latest breakthrough, RetroFlow Launcher 7.0, brings a series of substantial enhancements that elevate the user interface, performance, and compatibility, enhancing the overall gaming experience for Vita users.

Streamlined User Interface

RetroFlow Launcher 7.0 builds on the strengths of its predecessors by providing a more visually engaging and intuitive user interface. It continues the tradition of a 3D coverflow-like aesthetic, making game navigation both smooth and visually appealing. The addition of a 2D list view and a side-scrolling view offers users new ways to browse their extensive game libraries. This version also allows for greater customization, including the ability to organize games into categories and mark favorites or frequently played games for quicker access.

Enhanced Performance

A key upgrade in RetroFlow Launcher 7.0 is its performance enhancements. The software has been optimized to load from cache, significantly speeding up startup times and allowing quicker access to games. Improvements to the game identification system and a new artwork downloader minimize load times and enhance the overall smoothness, addressing previous lag issues when dealing with large game libraries.

Expanded Features

RetroFlow Launcher 7.0 is rich with features that enhance the gaming experience on the PS Vita. It supports a wide array of systems including PS Vita, PSP, Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo, and Sega Dreamcast. The launcher simplifies the integration of games across these platforms without the need for individual bubbles for each emulator, making it a comprehensive tool for gamers. Enhancements such as support for game background images, multiple music tracks, and wallpapers, as well as a new file browser, make setting up and customizing game directories easier than ever.

Broad Compatibility

The new launcher maintains robust compatibility with a variety of gaming systems. It seamlessly integrates with Adrenaline for PlayStation and PSP games, DaedalusX64 for Nintendo 64 titles, RetroArch for various retro systems, and Flycast for Dreamcast games. This version has improved support for these emulators, ensuring a smoother and more reliable gaming experience across a broad range of retro titles.

Cost-Effective Gaming Solution

RetroFlow Launcher 7.0 is available as a free homebrew application, making it accessible to all PS Vita users with a hacked device. This approach allows gamers to enhance their device's capabilities without any additional expense, providing a cost-effective solution for accessing a wide range of retro games.

Lastly

RetroFlow Launcher 7.0 marks a significant advancement in the capabilities of homebrew applications for the PS Vita. With its improved user interface, performance enhancements, expanded feature set, and comprehensive compatibility, it provides an unmatched retro gaming experience. This launcher not only underscores the PS Vita's versatility but also its enduring appeal in the gaming community. As the platform for Vita homebrew continues to grow, RetroFlow Launcher 7.0 stands out as an essential tool for any retro gaming enthusiast looking to leverage the full potential of their PlayStation Vita.