The 8 Bit Files

In this episode of "The 8-Bit Files," hosts John and Dave talk all about the recently announced Atari 2600+ game console.  The Atari 2600+ is an updated version of the iconic Atari 2600, which has been enhanced with HDMI output, a widescreen mode and more.  The guys debate the pros and cons of the Atari 2600+ and John may or may not end up ordering one! The guys also talk about listener...

In this episode, the guys delve deep into the world of handheld emulation gaming devices. They discuss tips about which handheld devices to choose, which to avoid, and more. They talk about the Odroid, Bittboy, and Anbernic devices among others. The guys also talk about emulation on the Steamdeck.

In this episode of "The 8-Bit Files" John and Dave talk all about their experience using BASIC programming on their 8 bit computers like the C64 and Atari 800XL. The guys share stories about how they learned BASIC programming and some of the projects they worked on. They also discuss modern programming tools like CBM64Studio, XCBasic and more. They also share reader feedback and are enco...

In this episode of "The 8-Bit Files" John and Dave talk all about the iconic Commodore 64 Computer. The guys talk about the C64's timeline and history, different models, hardware, peripherals, modern hardware addons, popular games, and personal memories and more. They also talk about John's experience so far with the FujiNet on his Atari 800XL. Links: C64 Christmas demo: https://...

In this episode of "The 8-Bit Files," hosts John and Dave delve into the world of Atari 8-bit computers. John shares his personal experiences of owning and discovering these computers. The guys discuss the Atari 400, 800, 600XL, 800XL, and other models, exploring their features and compatibility. The hosts reminisce about their first encounters with Atari computers, the peripherals that...

In this episode, John and Dave talk about the Atari VCS/2600, the iconic console that launched the video game industry in the late 1970s.  Whether you grew up playing Atari or you're just curious about its history and legacy, this episode will take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.  The guys discuss their favourite (and not so favourite) 2600 games, hardware peripherals, personal memor...

In this episode, John and Dave talk about Multicarts & SD based storage solutions for 8 bit computers and gaming consoles.   These devices let you load hundreds of games from a single memory card and play them on your original hardware. Some of them even support advanced features like flash cartridges, speed loaders and co-processors.  Dave also talks about the WiC64, a device that lets you co...

In this episode, John and Dave talk about one of the most unique and innovative 8 bit gaming consoles of all time - the Vectrex. The Vectrex was a cool video game console that came out in the early 80s. It had a built-in screen that used vector graphics, which looked different from other games at the time. It also had overlays that you could put on the screen to make the games more colourful.  It...

In this episode, John and Dave talk about the use of emulation vs original hardware when it comes to retro gaming and computing. Emulation is the process of running old games on modern devices, such as computers or smartphones. Original hardware is the actual console or computer that the game was designed for. Both options have their pros and cons, and it ultimately depends on your personal prefer...

In this episode, John and Dave talk about Bulletin Board Systems (BBS).  A BBS is a form of computer network which was popular in the 80s and early 80s, where users can connect and share messages, files, games and other content.   BBS systems were often run from 8-bit computers and were typically accessed by a traditional telephone line and modem. John and Dave share their own BBS stories, from bo...

In this episode, John and Dave talk about how they got started in 8 bit computers and gaming.  John talks about his love for the Atari 800XL, the Vectrex and other machines.  Dave talks about his admiration of the Commodore 64 and how he almost got a VIC20 instead. The guys talk about BBSes, trading pizza subs for floppy disks and a lot more!