The 8 Bit Files
If you love 8 bit computers, video games and their history, you'll love The 8 Bit Files, a podcast hosted by John and Dave, two retro computing enthusiasts who share their passion and knowledge with you every week. In each episode, they explore a different topic related to 8 bit computers, such as hardware, software, games, programming, culture, and more. Whether you're a veteran 8 bit enthusiast or a newcomer who wants to learn more about this fascinating era of computing, you'll find something to enjoy. Subscribe today and join John and Dave on their 8 bit adventures!
Episodes
In this episode, Dave leads off on the revived Commodore: the C64C Ultimate and the story of the original 1986 injection molds, and the brand-new "Made For U(ltimate)" software initiative. The block closes on the Callback flip phone, its wildly unstable pricing, and Dave's argument that nobody agrees on what a "dumb phone" actually means.
John brings a MiSTer update — DreamSTer, running Dreamcast on a DE10-Nano by putting the...
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...
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 d...
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 che...
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 &...
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 touchstone and brought families together
Dave sh...
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 open world
- John demonstrates his new "Singe" ...
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 value proposition.
The guys also talk ...
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://atari.com/products/at...
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.info
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
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.
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