The 8 Bit Files

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

June 30, 2025 68 mins

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 &...

Mark as Played

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

  • Dav...

Mark as Played
March 2, 2025 51 mins

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 hi...
Mark as Played

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 t...

Mark as Played

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.

Mark as Played

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

Mark as Played
October 5, 2024 72 mins

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

Mark as Played

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/

Mark as Played
August 17, 2024 54 mins

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.

Mark as Played

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

Mark as Played

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

Mark as Played

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.

Mark as Played
April 6, 2024 69 mins

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:

Mark as Played
March 23, 2024 75 mins

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.

Mark as Played

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.

Mark as Played
January 20, 2024 63 mins

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

Mark as Played
January 5, 2024 62 mins

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.

Mark as Played
December 13, 2023 51 mins

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.

Mark as Played
November 11, 2023 70 mins

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 ...

Mark as Played

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:

...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.