The 8 Bit Files
Episodes
036 - Triforce, Virtual Boy & AI Coding an 8-Bit Game
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
035 - Retro-friendly homelabs with ZimaOS
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, John and Dave talk about discovering ZimaOS and building an affordable home lab using repurposed hardware - and how that single setup...
034 - Commodore 64 Ultimate, C64 Mini Black edition & more
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 hi...
033 - Ultimate 64 Elite-II, Switch 2
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 la...
032 - Nintendo Wii
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
031 - Sega Dreamcast & more
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Drea...
030 - Atari VCS hands on, 8BitDo GameCube Bluetooth Mod & more
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Fri...
029 - The Spectrum hands-on, Atari VCS, AI coding & more
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 r...
028 - Sega Genesis/MegaDrive, Anbernic RG35XXSP & more
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the guys talk about their personal experiences with the Sega Genesis (aka Sega MegaDrive). John talks about his experience with the A...
027 - MiSTER Pi & Discord announcement
05 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
026 - The Spectrum, MiSTER Pi and AI C64 coding
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the guys talk about their excitement for the newly announced "The Spectrum" ZX Spectrum remake from Retro games, and all th...
025 - Atari ST computers
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
024 - 8-Bit Computer Magazines, Boatfest recap and more
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the guys talk about memories of old computer magazines, Dave talks about Boatfest, and a lot more.
023 - Mattel Intellivision, Vectrex light pen, Boatfest & more
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the guys talk about the iconic Intellivision gaming console, including games, peripherals and their personal memories. They also talk...
022 - Delta Emulator for iOS, Famicom & more
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 abo...
021 - Atari 400 mini
06 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
020 - All about the Joysticks
23 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ult...
019 - Hands on the 2600+, GSP firmware & more
24 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
018 - Atari Gamestation Pro & THE400 Mini
20 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, John and Dave talk about their experiences with the Atari Gamestation Pro and then discuss the recently announced THE400 Mini console...
016 - Commodore VIC-20 Computers
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
017 - 8 Bit Holiday Memories
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, inc...
015 - Steam Deck handheld game console
11 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 emu...
014 - Miyoo Mini Plus handheld game console
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Oni...
013 - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
30 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, John and Dave talk all about the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). They discuss their personal memories of the NES, hardwar...
012 - MiSTer FPGA
09 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, ga...
011 - Atari's new 2600+ gaming console
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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+ ...
010 - Handheld gaming devices
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the guys delve deep into the world of handheld emulation gaming devices. They discuss tips about which handheld devices to choose, wh...
009 - BASIC Programming
05 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
008 - Commodore 64 Computers
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 timeli...
007 - Atari 8-bit Computers
01 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 experience...
006 - Atari VCS/2600
10 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 yo...
005 - Multicarts & SD storage solutions
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, John and Dave talk about Multicarts & SD based storage solutions for 8 bit computers and gaming consoles. These devices let y...
004 - Vectrex
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 coo...
003 - Emulation vs Original Hardware
22 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 proc...
002 - Bulletin Board Systems (BBS)
22 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 8...
001 - John and Dave's origin stories
15 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 Vec...