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Part 1/12:

Joey's Retro Newscast: Weekly Recap of Retro Handhelds & Gaming Updates

Introduction to Joey’s Weekly Show

Every Friday, Joey delivers his Retro Newscast, a dedicated podcast and YouTube series focusing on the latest news in retro handheld gaming and emulators. The show caters to a niche audience passionate about vintage gaming devices, emulation software, and hardware innovations. Joey kicks off each episode with a personal touch, sharing his recent experiences—like attending an ASUS press event where he met content creators such as Mr. Sugano and Techweb, the latter of whom Joey humorously describes as seeing only from the waist down.

Major News Highlights

Citron Emulator 0.8 Update

Part 2/12:

One of the standout pieces of news is the release of Citron 0.8, the latest version of the Switch emulator. This update is notably a coordinated effort involving developers from Ryubing (a fork of RyuJinx), Tears of the Kingdom mod manager, and NX Optimizer—signaling a significant collaborative milestone. Among the improvements are full compatibility with both Zelda titles, enhanced audio features, and visual upgrades. While much of the technical details go over Joey’s head, the consensus is that Citron 0.8 represents a meaningful step forward for Switch emulation enthusiasts.

The Spoof and Reality of GameHub Alternatives

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Joey revisits the controversy around GameHub, a supposedly spyware-ridden app, which prompted a user to create an alternative called GameHub Light. Although Joey emphasizes he hasn't tested this new version personally, it is available for download as an APK, offering an option to bypass tracking and spyware. He points out possible limitations, such as the inability to use existing accounts, and urges users to wait for professional testing before making definitive judgments.

Question of the Week: Which Dual-Screen Handhelds Are You Choosing?

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A recurring topic involves dual-screen handheld consoles. Joey highlights several options: the newly shipped AYN Thor, the Pocket DS from IEO, Amberick’s upcoming RGDS, and a new SPU device from Magic X. He asks his viewers which device hits the mark for them or which they are patiently waiting for. The community engagement is high, with viewers sharing their preferences and thoughts.

The Amberick RGDS: Rumors and Reality

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Joey addresses the Amberick RGDS, clarifying misconceptions after recent confusion. Initially thought to be a fake, Amberick confirmed it is indeed real after videos surfaced. The device resembles a DS Lite but suffers from typical issues like inferior VA sticks—a recurring annoyance. It appears to be designed primarily as a D-pad-only system, likely without support for features like MelonDS, which may frustrate retro emulation fans.

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Joey expresses curiosity about how Amberick’s software will handle dual screens, especially given the device’s design and other Amberick products. Despite the hype, he remains skeptical about its capabilities for Retro Achievements support, noting that under $100 devices often struggle with such features. Still, he recognizes the RGDS’s attractive appearance and affordable price point, suggesting it will sell well regardless of his personal opinion.

The Shipping and Hands-On Experience of the AYn Thor

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Joey shares that Ayn Thor handhelds are now shipping, and he’s received his white model. His initial impression is very positive, finding the white version aesthetically superior to the black model he previously disliked. He invites the community to share their own experiences and whether their expectations match his review.

Upcoming Devices & Pre-Orders

• Magic X1: Priced at $55, with a launch date set for November 25. Pre-orders are available, although Joey doubts reviews will come out in time, given shipping timelines. The device features a 3x2 aspect ratio (similar to GBA), a G85 processor, and tate mode for vertical arcade-style gameplay.

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• MagMi Air: Now available for purchase at $79 with immediate shipping, making it a practical choice for those needing a compact device.

• Miu Mini Flip: Pre-orders open October 19, with a $59.99 price point. Joey has one arriving soon and is intrigued by this smaller handheld, particularly for its flip screen design—a rarity in the current market, which tends to favor larger devices.

Consoles and Emulation Hardware

Xbox Ally & Xbox Ally X

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Joey highlights the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, now available in the wild and reviewed by the community. He praises the Ally X as his personal favorite, emphasizing its suitability for newcomers to PC handheld gaming due to its approachable software and easy setup. Joey also reveals he purchased one himself, indicating strong interest and confidence in its potential.

The Streaming and Use Case Dilemmas

He shares his own experience with streaming—which he considers "perfect," playing games directly from his PC with zero latency. For him, this feature outweighs portability limitations, although he questions whether investing in expensive handhelds makes sense for infrequent trips.

Final Thoughts & Community Engagement

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Joey wraps up by encouraging viewers to join the Discord, where they can play games together like "Kirby and the Amazing Mirror," which he humorously describes as "Kirby but Metroid." He also mentions ongoing ROM hacks like Super Mario Land X and his favorite game Legend of Draon, which he is playing in his free time.

Questions & Interactions

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The show concludes with a Q&A segment, where viewers submit questions ranging from opinions on Canadian Tire stores—"niche and expensive"—to their favorite non-online multiplayer games. Joey shares nostalgic memories of classic local multiplayer titles like GoldenEye 007 and discusses the dilemma of choosing between a new Odin device or a used ROG Ally with his limited budget, favoring the latter for its power despite drawbacks like battery life.

Closing Remarks

Joey ends with a call to action: like, subscribe, join the Discord, and support his content through memberships. He expresses his appreciation for the audience's ongoing support, signing off from British Columbia with a humorous note about the heat.

Part 12/12:

Stay tuned for more updates and reviews—Joey’s weekly recap keeps the retro gaming community connected and informed!