Shows
The 8 Bit Files032 - Nintendo WiiIn 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 controls...2025-04-151h 14The 8 Bit Files031 - Sega Dreamcast & moreIn 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 open world John demonstrates his new "Singe" emulator that runs Laserdisc-style games and lets people create interactive adventures from movie clips They reminisce about playing games on massive CRT TVs that "weighed a billion...2025-03-0251 minThe 8 Bit Files030 - Atari VCS hands on, 8BitDo GameCube Bluetooth Mod & moreIn 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 value proposition.
The guys also talk about:
My Arcade's exciting new Game Station product announcements from CES 2024
Dave's successful 8BitDo GameCube Controller Bluetooth mod project
John's clever new gaming TV setup featuring multiple...2025-01-221h 01The 8 Bit Files029 - The Spectrum hands-on, Atari VCS, AI coding & moreIn 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://atari.com/products/atari-vcs-onyx-all-in
Join us on DISCORD: https://discord.com/invite/CZBSpHWr2024-12-0255 minThe 8 Bit Files028 - Sega Genesis/MegaDrive, Anbernic RG35XXSP & moreIn 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/TrwKu8272X2024-11-1259 minThe 8 Bit Files027 - MiSTER Pi & Discord announcementIn 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/CZBSpHWr2024-10-051h 12The 8 Bit Files026 - The Spectrum, MiSTER Pi and AI C64 codingIn 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/2024-09-2157 minThe 8 Bit Files025 - Atari ST computersIn 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.2024-08-1854 minThe 8 Bit Files024 - 8-Bit Computer Magazines, Boatfest recap and moreIn this episode, the guys talk about memories of old computer magazines, Dave talks about Boatfest, and a lot more.2024-07-251h 01The 8 Bit Files023 - Mattel Intellivision, Vectrex light pen, Boatfest & moreIn 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-YBoatfest: https://boatfest.info2024-06-1153 minThe 8 Bit Files022 - Delta Emulator for iOS, Famicom & moreIn 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.2024-05-031h 03The 8 Bit Files021 - Atari 400 miniIn 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
2024-04-061h 09The 8 Bit Files020 - All about the JoysticksIn 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 2600.2024-03-231h 15The 8 Bit Files019 - Hands on the 2600+, GSP firmware & moreIn 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.2024-02-2439 minThe 8 Bit Files018 - Atari Gamestation Pro & THE400 MiniIn this episode, John and Dave talk about their experiences with the Atari Gamestation Pro and then discuss the recently announced THE400 Mini console.2024-01-201h 03The 8 Bit Files016 - Commodore VIC-20 ComputersIn 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.2024-01-061h 02The 8 Bit Files017 - 8 Bit Holiday MemoriesIn 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.2023-12-1351 minThe 8 Bit Files015 - Steam Deck handheld game consoleIn 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://www.emudeck.com/
Jimbo's PETSCII games: https://jimbo.itch.io/2023-11-121h 10The 8 Bit Files014 - Miyoo Mini Plus handheld game consoleIn 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 on your Atari 8 bit machine.
Links:
Miyoo Mini Plus: https://miyoominiv2.com/
Onion OS: https://github.com/OnionUI/Onion
...2023-10-1556 minThe 8 Bit Files013 - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)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.2023-09-301h 16The 8 Bit Files012 - MiSTer FPGA
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: https://misterfpga.org/viewforum.php?f=28&sid=be2dcaa927ec3edc915c8677c67f4a08
MiSTer Addons: https...2023-09-091h 05The 8 Bit Files011 - Atari's new 2600+ gaming consoleIn 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 feedback and more.
Links:
Atari 2600+: https://atari.com/products/atari-2600-plus
Southern Amis BBS project: https://www.southernamis.com/
Commodore Chronicles pod...2023-08-271h 02The 8 Bit Files010 - Handheld gaming devicesIn 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. 2023-08-181h 03The 8 Bit Files009 - BASIC ProgrammingIn 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 encouraging you to send your stories in to the8bitfiles@gmail.com.
Links:
XC-Basic: https://xc-basic.net/doku.php?id=v3:start
CBM Prg...2023-08-0549 minThe 8 Bit Files008 - Commodore 64 ComputersIn 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://archive.org/details/sxchristmasdemo
Compute's Gazette archive: https://archive.org/details/compute-gazette
Commodore 64 models: https://deskthority.net/wiki/Commodore_642023-07-201h 23The 8 Bit Files007 - Atari 8-bit ComputersIn 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 accompanied them, and the transition from consoles like the Atari 2600 to the more powerful 8-bit computers. They touch on the availability of software, the absence of the internet in those days, and how magazines played a role in building anticipation for...2023-07-011h 06The 8 Bit Files006 - Atari VCS/2600In 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 memories, and more.
Links:
Atari 2600 hardware: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_2600_hardware
Atari 2600 homebrew: https://atariage.com/store/
Stella Atari 2600 emulator: https://stella-emu.github.io/
...2023-06-1059 minThe 8 Bit Files005 - Multicarts & SD storage solutionsIn 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 connect your original Commodore computer to the internet.
Links:
SD2IEC: https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/index.php/sd2iec-info
Pi1541: https://cbm-pi1541.firebaseapp.com/
SIO2S...2023-05-2855 minThe 8 Bit Files004 - VectrexIn 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 was one of a kind and still has fans today.
John also talks about a potential remake of the Atari 800X...2023-05-1845 minThe 8 Bit Files003 - Emulation vs Original HardwareIn 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 preference and budget. Listen to this episode for some great discussion on this topic.
Dave also gets John’s opinion about the requirement for a RAM expansion unit to...2023-04-221h 11The 8 Bit Files002 - Bulletin Board Systems (BBS)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 both a user and system operator (Sysop), reflecting on their BBS experiences in the 80s and 90s.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The BBS do...2023-04-2259 min
The 8 Bit Files001 - John and Dave's origin storiesIn 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!
2023-04-151h 05