The Ultimate Sega Nomad Upgrade: Inside the Venus SUB 2020 Kit

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Fun Fact: Did you know that the protagonist of Tomb Raider was originally designed as a male character named Indiana Smith.

In today’s email:

• The Ultimate Sega Nomad Upgrade: Inside the Venus SUB 2020 Kit

• NES-ential Celebration: The Ultimate Tribute to Nintendo’s 8-Bit Legacy

• Crash Bandicoot™ Classic Statue Pre-Orders Now Open!

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The Ultimate Sega Nomad Upgrade: Inside the Venus SUB 2020 Kit

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your Sega Nomad into the handheld it should have been in 1995, Oleg Endo’s Venus SUB 2020 kit is the mod that makes it real.

This isn’t just a screen swap or battery tweak—it’s a full-blown reinvention. Think: modern display, USB-C charging, region-free play, and a firmware-upgradable brain. It’s the kind of overhaul that transforms the Nomad from a quirky relic into a must-have retro powerhouse.

Let’s break down why this kit is such a game-changer.

A Screen That Finally Does the Genesis Justice

The original Nomad’s screen was... rough. Motion blur, dim colors, and a general fuzziness that made Sonic feel like he was running through a fog machine.

The Venus SUB 2020 replaces that with a crisp IPS LCD that taps directly into the console’s RGB output. The result? Sharp, vibrant visuals that make every sprite pop. It’s a night-and-day difference.

Internal Power That Lasts

Remember the six AA batteries that barely gave you two hours of play? Those days are over.

This mod includes a 5000 mAh lithium battery tucked inside the Nomad’s shell, delivering around eight hours of gameplay. Charging is handled via USB-C—just like your phone. There’s even an LED indicator to show charging status.

Smart Controls and On-Screen Menus

The Venus kit replaces the original volume and brightness dials with rocker switches that feel great and offer more control. Pressing these brings up an on-screen menu where you can:

• Switch video modes (NTSC/PAL) for region-free gaming

• Adjust screen filters (sharp, medium, soft)

• Enable or disable TV-out

• Overclock the CPU up to 10 MHz

• Mute audio or tweak brightness on the fly

It’s like giving your Nomad a modern OS.

Flash Cart Compatibility and Sega CD Support

Pair this mod with a flash cart like the Mega EverDrive Pro or Mega SD, and you unlock even more potential:

• Play Master System games

• Run Sega CD/Mega CD titles with audio (no extra mods needed)

• Load your entire Genesis library on the go

It’s the ultimate portable Sega setup.

Firmware Updates via USB-C

One of the coolest features? The Venus SUB 2020 is firmware-upgradable. That means future enhancements, bug fixes, and new features can be added over time. It’s a mod that evolves.

Where to Get It

Oleg Endo sells the Venus SUB 2020 kit through his official site: endosc.net. Stock can be limited, so keep an eye out for restocks.

The Venus SUB 2020 kit doesn’t just fix the Nomad’s flaws—it reimagines the console for the modern age. If you’re a Sega enthusiast or a handheld gaming fan, this mod is a must-have. It turns the Nomad into the portable Genesis it was always meant to be.

NES-ential Celebration: The Ultimate Tribute to Nintendo’s 8-Bit Legacy

If you’ve ever blown into a cartridge, memorized the Konami Code, or lost hours to Mega Man 2, this is for you.

Playbug Books has launched a Kickstarter campaign for The NES-ential Celebration, a deluxe hardcover book honoring the NES’s 40th anniversary. It’s more than a nostalgia trip—it’s a 300+ page deep dive into the console that changed gaming forever.

What’s Inside?

This isn’t just another retro roundup. The NES-ential Celebration is packed with:

• Essays from gaming legends: Contributors include Takaya Imamura (Star Fox, F-Zero), Gavin Price (Viva Piñata), and Alex Hutchinson (Far Cry 4).

• Insights from top journalists: Writers like Jen Glennon (Inverse), Mark Brown (Game Maker’s Toolkit), and Matthew Castle (Official Nintendo Magazine) share their perspectives.

• Stunning visuals: Original artwork and sprite-inspired designs that capture the NES era’s essence.

• Behind-the-scenes stories: Discover the NES’s role in reviving the gaming industry post-1983 crash and its influence on modern gaming.

How to Back It

The Kickstarter offers several tiers:

• Digital Edition: $30 CAD (~$22 USD)

• Hardcover Book: $70 CAD (~$52 USD)

• Collector’s Editions: Includes extras like an NES-Replica slipcase and The NES Vault, a companion book detailing over 700 NES games.

The campaign has already surpassed its goal, raising over £38,000 with nearly a month remaining.

Why It Matters

As we anticipate the next generation of consoles, The NES-ential Celebration offers a chance to reflect on where it all began. It’s a heartfelt homage to the console that laid the groundwork for today’s gaming landscape.

Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or a newcomer curious about gaming history, this book promises a rich, engaging experience.

Ready to relive the 8-bit glory? Back The NES-ential Celebration on Kickstarter and secure your copy today.

Crash Bandicoot™ Classic Statue Pre-Orders Now Open!

Crash Bandicoot fans, get ready to spin into action! First 4 Figures has opened pre-orders for their latest collectible: the Crash Bandicoot™ Classic statue. This meticulously crafted piece captures the essence of the beloved marsupial hero, bringing a touch of nostalgia to your collection.

A Tribute to the Classic

Inspired by the original game cover, the statue features Crash in his iconic running pose, exuding energy and mischief. The base pays homage to N. Sanity Island, immersing fans in the vibrant world of the game. Standing approximately 10.8 inches tall and weighing 1.5 kg, this resin statue is a must-have for enthusiasts.

Available Editions

First 4 Figures offers three editions to cater to different preferences:

• Standard Edition: Priced at $319.99, this edition includes the detailed Crash statue with the N. Sanity Island base.

• Exclusive Edition: At $349.99, it adds a removable Aku Aku mask accessory, enhancing the display options.

• Definitive Edition: For $399.99, this version boasts a larger base with temple pillars and a man-eating plant, plus the Aku Aku mask, offering a comprehensive display experience.

Each edition comes with an authentication card and is expected to ship in Q2 2026.

Early Bird Offer

Secure your statue before June 30, 2025, at 16:00 Hong Kong time to enjoy early bird discounts:

• Standard Edition: $20 off

• Exclusive Edition: $20 off

• Definitive Edition: $25 off

Flexible payment plans are available, allowing you to spread the cost over several months.

How to Pre-Order

Visit the First 4 Figures website to place your pre-order. Remember, statue numbers are assigned randomly, so there's no rush to be the first.

This Crash Bandicoot™ Classic statue is more than a collectible; it's a piece of gaming history. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, this statue is a perfect addition to your collection. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of the Crash legacy.

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