The 8 Bit Files

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 Ninte...

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 elec...

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...

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...

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 wild They discuss how Wii Sports, especially bowling, became a cultural touchston...

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 o...

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...

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://atar...

In this episode, the guys talk about their personal experiences with the Sega Genesis (aka Sega MegaDrive). John talks about his experience with the Anbernic RG35XXSP Folding Handheld and Dave discusses his recent SNES pickup. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/TrwKu8272X

In this episode, the guys talk about John's experience with the MiSTER Pi, the new fully compatible MiSTer FPGA solution. And Dave talks about his fun time building the Atari 2600 lego set, and his new video capture setup. And we are now on DISCORD! * Join us: https://discord.com/invite/CZBSpHWr

In this episode, the guys talk about their excitement for the newly announced "The Spectrum" ZX Spectrum remake from Retro games, and all things Spectrum related. John also talks about the MiSTER Pi and his excitement about joining the MiSTer community. And Dave talks about his experiences using AI to do Commodore 64 game programming. Links: MiSTER Pi: https://retroremake.co/

In this episode, the guys talk about their memories of the Atari ST line of computers. Dave also reviews his experience with the 8BitDo Commodore 64 inspired keyboard, and John mentions an update on emulating the ST on the Atari Gamestation Pro.

In this episode, the guys talk about memories of old computer magazines, Dave talks about Boatfest, and a lot more.

In this episode, the guys talk about the iconic Intellivision gaming console, including games, peripherals and their personal memories. They also talk about a cool light pen project for the Vectrex, MiSTer clone boards, and about the upcoming Boatfest retro computing event in Hurrican West Virginia. Links: MiSTer clone board: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RSrzM7dM-Y Boatfest: https://boatfest.i...

In this episode, the guys talk about the Delta retro emulator for iOS, which allows emulation of retro gaming on iPhones and iPads. They also talk about Dave's recent acquisition of an original Famicom, and more.

In this episode, the guys talk about John's hands on experience with the new Atari 400 mini console. They also talk about a bluetooth controller solution for your 8 bit game console and an awesome new C64 themed mechanical keyboard. Episode notes: Atari 400 mini -first thoughts DB9-BT dongle project - reddit , Github 8Bit Do C64 Keyboard

In this episode, Dave and John talk all about their love and experiences with Joysticks, from retro to modern. They also talk about Dave's new Ultimate II+ cartridge, and the MovieCart for the Atari 2600.

In this episode, the guys cover a variety of topics - hands on with the Atari 2600 plus, exciting updates to the Atari GameStation Pro firmware, and they talk about old catalog (Sears, etc) retro memories.

In this episode, John and Dave talk about their experiences with the Atari Gamestation Pro and then discuss the recently announced THE400 Mini console.

In this episode of "The 8-Bit Files," hosts John and Dave talk all about their experiences and memories of the iconic Commodore VIC 20 8-bit computer. The guys also talk about memories of the original XBOX console.

In this episode, the guys talk about their childhood and current-day 8 bit holiday memories and traditions. The guys also cover a range of topics, including their 2023 retro holiday plans.

In this episode, John and Dave talk all about the ins and outs of the Steam Deck handheld gaming console, including how it works as a great way to emulate retro games and other consoles. The guys also talk about the Commodore PET and some cool new PETSCII based games for the PET computer, and some of John's recent auction finds. Links: Steam Deck: https://www.steamdeck.com/en/ Emudeck: https:/...

In this episode, John and Dave talk all about one of John's favorite new handheld gaming devices, the Miyoo Mini Plus. The guys talk about the Onion OS, and the various emulators supported on the device, and general experience playing retro games using the Miyoo Mini Plus. The guys also talk about a cool Atari 8 bit project called the A8PicoCart, which is a low cost way to emulate cartridges o...

In this episode, John and Dave talk all about the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). They discuss their personal memories of the NES, hardware peripherals, games and more. The guys also talk about their recent auction retro finds.

In this episode of the 8 Bit Files, the guys talk about the MiSTer FPGA and how it can be used to emulate err.. We mean simulate retro computers, game consoles and a lot more.  The guys talk about the MiSTer’s features, how it compares to real hardware, and more. John and Dave also talk about Atari’s recent acquisition of the online Atari fan/resource site, AtariAge.   Links: MiSTer FPGA Forum: ht...