Retro Gamer Spotlights New and Upgraded Classic Console Projects

22 October 2026

Retro Gamer, the world's biggest and longest-running magazine dedicated to classic games, is shining a spotlight on exciting new projects that seamlessly fuse the best of retro hardware with modern conveniences. From the NEOGEO AES+ upgrade to miniature arcade cabinets, the UK-based publication is helping collectors and enthusiasts explore fresh ways to preserve and enjoy beloved gaming history.

The NEOGEO Reborn, Revisited

Retro Gamer's latest issue, #285, dived deep into an ambitious NEOGEO AES+ project, described as "the ultimate take" on the esteemed console. The feature article hailed the original NEOGEO as icon of the 1990s gaming scene, the most technically advanced console of its era with games that are exorbitantly priced on today's collectors' market.

The magazine introduced the brainchild of Ben Jones and Bruno Steux, the NEOGEO AES+. This hardware upgrade steers clear of the FPGA modifications prevalent in today's retro circles in favor of an alternative technical approach. The 1:1 pixel-perfect reproduction delivers a smoother, zero-lag gaming experience, earning the NEOGEO AES+ the label of "world's most accurate NeoGeo."

Mini Games, Maximum Impact

For portability-minded players yearning to relive arcade magic, Retro Gamer Issue 229 profiled a charming mini arcade cabinet. Packed with 40 iconic Taito titles, including classics like Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble, and The New Zealand Story, the pocket-sized powerhouse sports a rotating 4:3 display and HDMI output.

The real kick comes with the accessories - a paddle and trackball controller that introduces additional games like Arkanoid and Puchi Carat. By seamlessly blending the nostalgia of retro control schemes with modern connectivity, this miniature marvel has earned its place among collectors as a must-have handheld experience.

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The A500 Mini and NES-039 Deep Dive

Retro Gamer's commitment to examining the minutiae of retro hardware shone through in its analysis of the A500 Mini, an emulation device paying homage to the Amiga 500's 16-bit sounds and pixel-perfect graphics. While hardware limitations prompt minor heat issues, the team behind it took creative liberty with the included controller, featuring a gamepad instead of a joystick. This decision aligns with the Amiga's aftermarket controller vendors in the '90s, proving that innovation is key to preserving retro experiences.

In the same issue, Retro Gamer explored the revised NES design, the NES-039. Revealed alongside a bundle of system enhancements in 1993, the controller's original asking price was $14.95. Rare today, an unboxed NES-039 can fetch up to $200, while boxed units hold steady around $400. These numbers show how even minor hardware variations can have major collector value.

The Retro Gamer Vision: Authenticity Meets Accessibility

Retro Gamer isn't just a static archive of gaming lore. Its team of experts constantly seek out the vital nexus between authenticity and accessibility, examining how new technologies can elevate classic experiences. Whether it's through meticulous console upgrades (like the NEOGEO AES+), perfect miniaturizations (with the Taito arcade cabinet), or exploring the quirks and costs of obscure collector's items (like the NES-039), Retro Gamer weaves a tapestry of gaming history that respects the past, celebrates the present, and points the way to a retro future.

As hardware and software preservation evolve, publications like Retro Gamer will remain vital bridges between generations, furnishing enthusiasts with knowledge, context, and avenues to live their retro gaming dreams, even as they explore the frontiers of future retro gaming.