The 8 Bit Files

036 - Triforce, Virtual Boy & AI Coding an 8-Bit Game

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/

035 - Retro-friendly homelabs with ZimaOS

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

034 - Commodore 64 Ultimate, C64 Mini Black edition & more

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

033 - Ultimate 64 Elite-II, Switch 2

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

032 - Nintendo Wii

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