029 - The Spectrum hands-on, Atari VCS, AI coding & more

In this episode, John and Dave dig into the one John has been waiting for: Atari's full-size THE 800XL reissue from Retro Games. It has a mechanical keyboard, a working cartridge slot, Atari BASIC and M.U.L.E. built in, but no SIO port, no networking, and a white joystick John can't stand. He preordered it anyway. The guys compare it with the C64 Maxi and the upcoming A1200, debate the price, and wonder what that cartridge slot is really for. John also shows off AtariBoy, which runs Game Boy games on his 800XL from a $5 Pico cartridge, and the guys cover the wave of jailbreaks hitting the PS5, Xbox 360 and Switch 2, plus the rumoured $1,800 Xbox.Then they take on AI and the retro scene: Wind Waker running on an iPhone, synth firmware rewritten in days, and why working with AI feels more like being the foreman than the laborer. Dave follows up on his long-running Commodore 64 recreation of the Mattel handheld football game. With help from Claude, Pro Football II is finally finished and released for the C64, with a VIC-20 version too. Plus Dave's Atari 2600 to C64 conversion of Mr. Run and Jump, a brand-new C64 version of Hatris with original SID music, and John's FPGA video synth with a Commodore 64 filter.Topics discussed in this episode- Atari THE 800XL, the full-size reissue from Retro Games, up for preorder https://link.amazon/B0gVPkWSB- Pro Football II, Dave's C64 remake of the Mattel handheld football game (free on itch.io) https://dzille.itch.io/pro-football-ii-c64- AtariBoy, a Game Boy emulator for the Atari 8-bit that runs from the A8PicoCart https://github.com/nosty3/AtariBoy- XDA: Nintendo Switch 2 jailbroken for the first time, with help from AI https://www.xda-developers.com/nintendo-switch-2-jailbroken-for-first-time-with-help-from-ai/- Xbox 360 PeerPressure, a software-only softmod https://github.com/grimdoomer/Xbox360PeerPressure/wiki/Installation- Destructoid: the next Xbox could cost up to $1,800 https://www.destructoid.com/next-xbox-console-reportedly-2028-could-cost/- Wind Waker HD Recomp on GitHub https://github.com/ZeldaWWHDRecomp/ZeldaWWHDRecomp- Podcast + Discord + Contact https://the8bitfiles.com

In this episode, Dave leads off on the revived Commodore: the C64C Ultimate and the story of the original 1986 injection molds, and the brand-new "Made For U(ltimate)" software initiative. The block closes on the Callback flip phone, its wildly unstable pricing, and Dave's argument that nobody agrees on what a "dumb phone" actually means. John brings a MiSTer update — DreamSTer, running Dreamcast on a DE10-Nano by putting the PowerVR2 on the FPGA and everything else on the ARM cores, plus MiSTer Monitor, an ESP32 companion display for artwork and system stats. John also unpacks his recent travel experiences to Japan, including Nintendo, Super Potato and other fun places he visited. Dave signs off with the 486 he rescued from his parents' house, and a plea for a keyboard with a five-pin DIN connector.Topics discussed in this episodeCommodore announces the C64C Ultimate using the rediscovered original 1986 injection moldshttps://commodore.net/c-you-soon-commodore-64-ultimate-line-up-expands-with-c64c-edition-later-this-year/Time Extension: the revived Commodore's next FPGA recreation, complete with the original 1986 imperfectionshttps://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/04/the-revived-commodore-just-announced-its-next-fpga-recreation-complete-with-the-original-1986-imperfectionsTime Extension: Commodore celebrates its first birthday with the "Made For U(ltimate)" game initiativehttps://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/08/what-a-year-its-been-commodore-celebrates-its-birthday-with-a-new-game-initiative-for-the-c64-ultimateCommodore gets transparent on the Callback flip phone pricinghttps://commodore.net/commodore-gets-transparent-on-callback-flip-phone/Tom's Hardware: Callback drops to $399 by defaulting to recycled memory chipshttps://www.tomshardware.com/phones/commodore-drops-callback-flip-ohine-to-399-by-defaulting-to-recycled-memory-chipsTime Extension: the "impossible" Dreamcast core comes to MiSTer, but it's very early dayshttps://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/07/the-impossible-dreamcast-core-comes-to-mister-but-its-very-early-daysDreamSTer on GitHub — skmp's Dreamcast project for the DE10-Nanohttps://github.com/skmp/DreamSTerMiSTer Monitor — ESP32 companion display for artwork, system stats and RetroAchievementshttps://github.com/chipster6502/MiSTer_monitorSuper Potato, Akihabarahttps://www.superpotato.com/

In this episode, John and Dave cover a mix of retro gaming hardware, emulation history, and hands-on tinkering with old and new tech. They start by discussing Nintendo’s new Virtual Boy accessory for the Nintendo Switch, reflecting on the strange legacy of the original system and what it’s like to experience those games today. The conversation then dives into the fascinating story behind the Nintendo/Sega/Namco Triforce arcade platform and the effort to preserve and emulate these unique arcade systems. Dave also shares a retro-computing adventure recovering files from 1990-era floppy disks by rebuilding a DOS environment and reinstalling Microsoft Works on modern hardware. Finally, they wrap up with an update on Dave’s long-running Commodore 64 project recreating the classic Mattel handheld football game, and how modern AI coding tools are now helping move the project forward.Topics discussed in this episodeNintendo’s new Virtual Boy accessory for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2https://www.nintendo.com/en-ca/store/products/virtual-boy-for-nintendo-switch-2-120829/Nintendo announcement and details about the Virtual Boy accessory rollouthttps://www.nintendo.com/en-ca/whatsnew/virtual-boy-accessories-for-nintendo-switch-2-and-nintendo-switch-now-available-for-pre-purchase/Dolphin Emulator blog post: “Rise of the Triforce” — the history and emulation of Nintendo/Sega/Namco’s arcade platformhttps://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2026/02/16/rise-of-the-triforce/Dolphin Emulator project websitehttps://dolphin-emu.org/MiSTer FPGA project (used for recreating vintage computer environments)https://mister-devel.github.io/MkDocs_MiSTer/MiSTer ao486 core for running DOS-era PCshttps://github.com/MiSTer-devel/ao486_MiSTerMicrosoft Works archive and documentation (classic DOS productivity suite mentioned in the episode)https://archive.org/details/microsoft-works-1.0-1.05-1988-05-english-5.25-360-kb-packard-bell-oemAtariAge forums discussion of the classic Mattel handheld football gamehttps://forums.atariage.com/topic/90135-1970s-mattel-classic-football-led-handheld-game/

In this episode, John and Dave talk about discovering ZimaOS and building an affordable home lab using repurposed hardware - and how that single setup quickly expands into media streaming, network-wide ad blocking, ROM organization, browser-based retro gaming, backups, and local services. Along the way, they also touch on the Commodore 64 Ultimate, a Sega Channel preservation project, a retro electronics repair simulator, and why digital preservation and self-hosting matter more than ever. Topics & sub-topics discussed:ZimaOS - app-based operating system that makes home labs approachablehttps://www.zimaspace.com/zimaosHome lab fundamentals - NAS, backups, ad blocking, VMs, and always-on serversROMM - organizing ROM libraries with metadata, artwork, and downloadshttps://github.com/rommapp/rommEmulatorJS - play retro games directly in your web browserhttps://emulatorjs.orgJellyfin - self-hosted media streaming without subscriptionshttps://jellyfin.orgThe 8-Bit Files Podcast & Discordhttps://the8bitfiles.com

In this episode, Dave dives into the newly announced Commodore 64 Ultimate - a modern, FPGA-powered revival of the classic C64 - and compares it to his previously acquired Ultimate 64 Elite II board. He breaks down the different editions, pricing tiers, and what makes this official reboot stand out in a crowded retro hardware scene. John talks about modding his original Atari 2600 with a composite video output and the guys also check out the impressive MovieCart, a full-motion video cartridge for the Atari 2600, revisit the just-announced THEC64 Mini Black Edition, and discuss the surprise return of Compute!’s Gazette. Plus: John explains why he returned his preorder for the My Arcade Atari Watch.🔗 Links & Resources:Commodore 64 Ultimate: https://www.commodore.netUltimate 64 Elite II: https://ultimate64.com/Ultimate64THEC64 Mini Black Edition: https://retrogames.biz/products/thec64-mini-blackMovieCart for Atari 2600: https://movieroms.com/moviecart/Compute!’s Gazette Subscription: https://www.computesgazette.comPodcast + Discord + Contact: https://the8bitfiles.com

In this episode, Dave finally unboxes the long-awaited Ultimate 64 Elite II - an FPGA-based modern C64 replacement - and shares why it might be the last 64 he ever needs. John dives into his surprising change of heart on the Nintendo Switch 2, covering game upgrades, new features, and how it compares to the Steam Deck. Plus: a custom Synthcart controller project and a quick review of the wireless Atari CX-40 joystick.🔗 Links & Resources:Ultimate 64 Elite MK2: https://ultimate64.com/Ultimate-64-Elite-MK2Synthcart for Atari 2600: http://www.qotile.net/synth.htmlMr. Pi Batch 4 Preorder: https://retroremake.co/products/misterpi-preorderPodcast + Discord + Contact: https://the8bitfiles.com

In this episode, the guys talk about the Nintendo Wii, diving deep into what made it a game-changer for both hardcore and casual players. They also discuss the upcoming Switch 2, but it's more of a sidebar to their Wii nostalgia.John recalls lining up for the Wii on launch day and how hard it was to find in the wildThey discuss how Wii Sports, especially bowling, became a cultural touchstone and brought families togetherDave shares how even his mom got into gaming thanks to the Wii’s accessible motion controlsThey reminisce about quirky Wii accessories—from plastic steering wheels to crossbow shells—and how fun (and weird) they wereJohn talks about soft-modding the Wii and loading it with emulators and classic gamesThey mention the Wii’s forward-thinking features like Miis, the Virtual Console, and online updatesThey discuss the Switch 2 announcement, with John expressing skepticism over pricing, lack of killer titles, and backward compatibility quirksReferenced videos from the episode:Wii Bowling training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmN-woiXtqkWii Shopping channel demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxAanYvdx28Wii Mii channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6NAW72KzTQ

In this episode, John and Dave look back at the Sega Dreamcast, sharing memories of the console that was ahead of its time but gone too soon. The Dreamcast had zero copy protection - John and Dave traded burned game CDs "like baseball cards" Their gaming favorites included Crazy Taxi (with its Offspring soundtrack), Jet Grind Radio with its anime style, and Shenmue's groundbreaking open world John demonstrates his new "Singe" emulator that runs Laserdisc-style games and lets people create interactive adventures from movie clips They reminisce about playing games on massive CRT TVs that "weighed a billion pounds" John shares his Batocera emulation setup that includes arcade games and serves as a central ROM library They discuss how modern gaming is moving toward platform-agnostic services, similar to what Sega did after the Dreamcast

In this episode of 8-Bit Files, Dave and John dive deep into the Atari VCS, exploring this modern retro system after John snagged one during Black Friday sales. From its stock gaming experience to transforming it into a versatile mini PC with Windows 11, Ubuntu, and Batocera, they break down everything you need to know about this unique gaming system's capabilities, limitations, and surprising value proposition. The guys also talk about: My Arcade's exciting new Game Station product announcements from CES 2024 Dave's successful 8BitDo GameCube Controller Bluetooth mod project John's clever new gaming TV setup featuring multiple retro consoles Join the conversation at [email protected] and stay tuned for next episode's deep dive into the Dreamcast! 🎮

In this episode, the guys talk about their first impressions hands-on with The Spectrum, John mentions the new 8BitDo XBOX inspired keyboard and his recent order of the Atari VCS, and Dave talks about his adventures in AI coding, this time trying to re-create a favourite 20-year old PSP game. 8BitDo XBOX keyboard: ⁠https://www.8bitdo.com/retro-87-mechanical-keyboard-xbox/⁠ Atari VCS: ⁠https://atari.com/products/atari-vcs-onyx-all-in⁠ Join us on DISCORD: ⁠https://discord.com/invite/CZBSpHWr⁠