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, 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.
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://www.emudeck.com/
Jimbo's ...
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 on your Atari 8 bit machine.
Links:
...
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: https://misterfpga.org/viewforum.ph...
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 feedback and more.
Links:
Ata...
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 encouraging you to send your stories in...
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://archive.org/details/sxchristmasdem...
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 accompanied them, and the transitio...
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 memories, and more.
Links:
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 connect your original Commodore compu...
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 was one of a kind and still has fan...
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 preference and budget. Listen to this epi...
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