Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
@sharkabytes.bsky.social
Freelance Writer│Magazine Editor│VG & Anime Historian│🦈 fur │UK│Trans woman she/her│AuDHD │❤️ : @kitnibbles.bsky.social │Business Enq: [email protected]
More info in pinned
❤️ : https://ko-fi.com/retrobytes
❤️ : patreon.com/SashasRetroBytes
More info in pinned
❤️ : https://ko-fi.com/retrobytes
❤️ : patreon.com/SashasRetroBytes
Pinned
New pinned post and info sheet!
I'm curious and passionate about a whole bunch of nerdy and cool stuff! I also publish a fortnightly retro gaming and anime 'zine and write on several blogs:
Scanlines zine: betweenthescanlines.itch.io
Main blog: scanlineartifacts.wordpress.com
I'm curious and passionate about a whole bunch of nerdy and cool stuff! I also publish a fortnightly retro gaming and anime 'zine and write on several blogs:
Scanlines zine: betweenthescanlines.itch.io
Main blog: scanlineartifacts.wordpress.com
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Holy cow! Kyoto Xanadu actually has a reference to Computer Land Tachikawa, the PC store that Falcom operated when they were first established in the 80s. They even look the similar.
February 5, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Holy cow! Kyoto Xanadu actually has a reference to Computer Land Tachikawa, the PC store that Falcom operated when they were first established in the 80s. They even look the similar.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
The wisdom of an owl greets you as you ponder this PC9801BX, released in 1993 as a cost-reduced version of the PC9821, the successor to the PC98.
It's lacking the 256-colour graphics of its pricier kin, but it's still got the same sharp display (640x400x16 colours) much prized for visual novels.
It's lacking the 256-colour graphics of its pricier kin, but it's still got the same sharp display (640x400x16 colours) much prized for visual novels.
April 14, 2025 at 9:54 PM
The wisdom of an owl greets you as you ponder this PC9801BX, released in 1993 as a cost-reduced version of the PC9821, the successor to the PC98.
It's lacking the 256-colour graphics of its pricier kin, but it's still got the same sharp display (640x400x16 colours) much prized for visual novels.
It's lacking the 256-colour graphics of its pricier kin, but it's still got the same sharp display (640x400x16 colours) much prized for visual novels.
"I am Hiro... The last of the Bladeknights."
The first game I ever played where the influence from anime/manga was front-and-centre. A pretty neat action-platformer that sees you exploring an underground labyrinth.
📺: Switchblade, Core Design/Gremlin Graphics, 1989/1991. (ZX Spectrum)
The first game I ever played where the influence from anime/manga was front-and-centre. A pretty neat action-platformer that sees you exploring an underground labyrinth.
📺: Switchblade, Core Design/Gremlin Graphics, 1989/1991. (ZX Spectrum)
February 5, 2026 at 3:20 PM
"I am Hiro... The last of the Bladeknights."
The first game I ever played where the influence from anime/manga was front-and-centre. A pretty neat action-platformer that sees you exploring an underground labyrinth.
📺: Switchblade, Core Design/Gremlin Graphics, 1989/1991. (ZX Spectrum)
The first game I ever played where the influence from anime/manga was front-and-centre. A pretty neat action-platformer that sees you exploring an underground labyrinth.
📺: Switchblade, Core Design/Gremlin Graphics, 1989/1991. (ZX Spectrum)
"Free Demo."
Always worth seeing again, especially on Paper Mario's 25th NA release birthday. Still one of my favourite game ads.
Always worth seeing again, especially on Paper Mario's 25th NA release birthday. Still one of my favourite game ads.
February 5, 2026 at 1:45 PM
"Free Demo."
Always worth seeing again, especially on Paper Mario's 25th NA release birthday. Still one of my favourite game ads.
Always worth seeing again, especially on Paper Mario's 25th NA release birthday. Still one of my favourite game ads.
A cool way to play FPS games and arcade flight sims on PS2: The Gamester FPS Master.
Works a lot better than you might expect, and has on-the- fly hardware button rebinding and analog stick inversion.
Works a lot better than you might expect, and has on-the- fly hardware button rebinding and analog stick inversion.
February 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
A cool way to play FPS games and arcade flight sims on PS2: The Gamester FPS Master.
Works a lot better than you might expect, and has on-the- fly hardware button rebinding and analog stick inversion.
Works a lot better than you might expect, and has on-the- fly hardware button rebinding and analog stick inversion.
Time to break out the paper and pencils and go on an action-RPG journey across the Mushroom Kingdom: Happy 25th anniversary of your NA release, Paper Mario for N64!
Have you played much of this series, peeps? Do you have a favourite Paper Mario game?
Have you played much of this series, peeps? Do you have a favourite Paper Mario game?
February 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Time to break out the paper and pencils and go on an action-RPG journey across the Mushroom Kingdom: Happy 25th anniversary of your NA release, Paper Mario for N64!
Have you played much of this series, peeps? Do you have a favourite Paper Mario game?
Have you played much of this series, peeps? Do you have a favourite Paper Mario game?
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
📖 Bytes of Game Ads 📺
Two heroes - one hope. Final Fantasy X.
I quite like how this double-page spread ad is laid out. It has a feeling of visual splendour and wonder befitting FFX.
📖: PSM issue 55, February 2002.
Two heroes - one hope. Final Fantasy X.
I quite like how this double-page spread ad is laid out. It has a feeling of visual splendour and wonder befitting FFX.
📖: PSM issue 55, February 2002.
December 10, 2024 at 3:33 PM
📖 Bytes of Game Ads 📺
Two heroes - one hope. Final Fantasy X.
I quite like how this double-page spread ad is laid out. It has a feeling of visual splendour and wonder befitting FFX.
📖: PSM issue 55, February 2002.
Two heroes - one hope. Final Fantasy X.
I quite like how this double-page spread ad is laid out. It has a feeling of visual splendour and wonder befitting FFX.
📖: PSM issue 55, February 2002.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
While doing some late-night trawling of the Internet Archive, I discovered the Namco Museum of Gunpla: Gundam Shop Volume 1 from 1996.
This multimedia CD (Macintosh) is a wonderful virtual Gunpla store and museum with photos of model kits, boxes, and info.
Will drop a vid of it in action below.
This multimedia CD (Macintosh) is a wonderful virtual Gunpla store and museum with photos of model kits, boxes, and info.
Will drop a vid of it in action below.
July 28, 2025 at 11:19 PM
While doing some late-night trawling of the Internet Archive, I discovered the Namco Museum of Gunpla: Gundam Shop Volume 1 from 1996.
This multimedia CD (Macintosh) is a wonderful virtual Gunpla store and museum with photos of model kits, boxes, and info.
Will drop a vid of it in action below.
This multimedia CD (Macintosh) is a wonderful virtual Gunpla store and museum with photos of model kits, boxes, and info.
Will drop a vid of it in action below.
Another of the PC-98 to Mega Drive conversion artworks from the slideshow I snapped e... a.... *Sasha bluescreens looking at it again and HER* 🥵
Sapphic feelings intensifying!
Sapphic feelings intensifying!
February 5, 2026 at 12:06 AM
Another of the PC-98 to Mega Drive conversion artworks from the slideshow I snapped e... a.... *Sasha bluescreens looking at it again and HER* 🥵
Sapphic feelings intensifying!
Sapphic feelings intensifying!
Taking a byte of an Apple II magazine this eve on big ol' floppy floppy disks: Softdisk!
In the 56th issue of this sweet Apple II disk mag from 1986: an interview with Richard Garriott around the time of Ultima IV being released.
In the 56th issue of this sweet Apple II disk mag from 1986: an interview with Richard Garriott around the time of Ultima IV being released.
February 4, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Taking a byte of an Apple II magazine this eve on big ol' floppy floppy disks: Softdisk!
In the 56th issue of this sweet Apple II disk mag from 1986: an interview with Richard Garriott around the time of Ultima IV being released.
In the 56th issue of this sweet Apple II disk mag from 1986: an interview with Richard Garriott around the time of Ultima IV being released.
The announcement of Virtual Console as a headline feature for the Nintendo Wii (still titled Revolution) during E3 2005.
For Iwata, it would redefine backward capability as not just hardware but also as software: multiple prior generations of console games all in one machine.
#VideoBytes
For Iwata, it would redefine backward capability as not just hardware but also as software: multiple prior generations of console games all in one machine.
#VideoBytes
February 4, 2026 at 10:30 PM
The announcement of Virtual Console as a headline feature for the Nintendo Wii (still titled Revolution) during E3 2005.
For Iwata, it would redefine backward capability as not just hardware but also as software: multiple prior generations of console games all in one machine.
#VideoBytes
For Iwata, it would redefine backward capability as not just hardware but also as software: multiple prior generations of console games all in one machine.
#VideoBytes
The surprise announcement of the return of buy-to-own Virtual Console.
February 4, 2026 at 10:12 PM
The surprise announcement of the return of buy-to-own Virtual Console.
I'll tag some of the many peeps I appreciate and would happily hug. Thanks for being here. 💜
@innerspiral.lol @videogamebeach.bsky.social @barleybap.bsky.social @yunanoire.bsky.social @hereticalramza.bsky.social @lainwithtea.bsky.social @keia.me @mxabye.bsky.social @madfoxtimmy.bsky.social
@innerspiral.lol @videogamebeach.bsky.social @barleybap.bsky.social @yunanoire.bsky.social @hereticalramza.bsky.social @lainwithtea.bsky.social @keia.me @mxabye.bsky.social @madfoxtimmy.bsky.social
Hey everyone, it’s already a hard year, so tag anyone you want to give a hug to!
I’ll go first!
@innerspiral.lol @qiyra.net @pinuwuk.itch.io @momfriend64.northsky.social @akkigou.tv @trashcangoddess.com @kitkhat.bsky.social @sharkabytes.bsky.social @peachael.bsky.social @ushimomoka.bsky.social
I’ll go first!
@innerspiral.lol @qiyra.net @pinuwuk.itch.io @momfriend64.northsky.social @akkigou.tv @trashcangoddess.com @kitkhat.bsky.social @sharkabytes.bsky.social @peachael.bsky.social @ushimomoka.bsky.social
two anime girls are laughing and one has a v on her face
Alt: two anime girls are laughing and hugging so hard one of them pushes her face up against the other
media.tenor.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:43 PM
I'll tag some of the many peeps I appreciate and would happily hug. Thanks for being here. 💜
@innerspiral.lol @videogamebeach.bsky.social @barleybap.bsky.social @yunanoire.bsky.social @hereticalramza.bsky.social @lainwithtea.bsky.social @keia.me @mxabye.bsky.social @madfoxtimmy.bsky.social
@innerspiral.lol @videogamebeach.bsky.social @barleybap.bsky.social @yunanoire.bsky.social @hereticalramza.bsky.social @lainwithtea.bsky.social @keia.me @mxabye.bsky.social @madfoxtimmy.bsky.social
PC-98 in the streets,
Sega Mega Drive between the sheets~
One image of a slideshow prod of carefully converted artwork from their original PC-98 colour palette and resolution to that of the Mega Drive, which I popped onto our MD's Everdrive to check out.
📺: Possessioner, Queen Soft, 1994
Sega Mega Drive between the sheets~
One image of a slideshow prod of carefully converted artwork from their original PC-98 colour palette and resolution to that of the Mega Drive, which I popped onto our MD's Everdrive to check out.
📺: Possessioner, Queen Soft, 1994
February 4, 2026 at 8:56 PM
PC-98 in the streets,
Sega Mega Drive between the sheets~
One image of a slideshow prod of carefully converted artwork from their original PC-98 colour palette and resolution to that of the Mega Drive, which I popped onto our MD's Everdrive to check out.
📺: Possessioner, Queen Soft, 1994
Sega Mega Drive between the sheets~
One image of a slideshow prod of carefully converted artwork from their original PC-98 colour palette and resolution to that of the Mega Drive, which I popped onto our MD's Everdrive to check out.
📺: Possessioner, Queen Soft, 1994
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Can confirm. This is quite literally me.
February 4, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Can confirm. This is quite literally me.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
My work (and myself) relies on your support! So if you enjoy reading in-depth articles and fresh takes on all the games you already know and love, and plenty more on others I hope you will by the time you've finished reading about them, please consider subscribing!
ko-fi.com/kimimi
ko-fi.com/kimimi
February 4, 2026 at 6:49 PM
My work (and myself) relies on your support! So if you enjoy reading in-depth articles and fresh takes on all the games you already know and love, and plenty more on others I hope you will by the time you've finished reading about them, please consider subscribing!
ko-fi.com/kimimi
ko-fi.com/kimimi
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Aura Battler Dunbine (1988) illustration of Sirbine by Yoshiyuki Takani.
February 4, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Aura Battler Dunbine (1988) illustration of Sirbine by Yoshiyuki Takani.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Hi there, I'm a trans woman in Michigan struggling with a depressive episode
I need $35 to cover my dental insurance, and maybe a little extra for gas, laundromat, recreation
My budget is almost stabilized, just gotta get thru the next 2 weeks
Venmo: @Two-Bit_Natty
Cashapp: $2bitnatty
I need $35 to cover my dental insurance, and maybe a little extra for gas, laundromat, recreation
My budget is almost stabilized, just gotta get thru the next 2 weeks
Venmo: @Two-Bit_Natty
Cashapp: $2bitnatty
February 4, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Hi there, I'm a trans woman in Michigan struggling with a depressive episode
I need $35 to cover my dental insurance, and maybe a little extra for gas, laundromat, recreation
My budget is almost stabilized, just gotta get thru the next 2 weeks
Venmo: @Two-Bit_Natty
Cashapp: $2bitnatty
I need $35 to cover my dental insurance, and maybe a little extra for gas, laundromat, recreation
My budget is almost stabilized, just gotta get thru the next 2 weeks
Venmo: @Two-Bit_Natty
Cashapp: $2bitnatty
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
If you like drum n bass AND light jazz, have I got the exact Yugioh spinoff racing game soundtrack song for YOU. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFHS...
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers Soundtrack - Race Theme 5
YouTube video by TurboBlaze100
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:08 PM
If you like drum n bass AND light jazz, have I got the exact Yugioh spinoff racing game soundtrack song for YOU. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFHS...
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Visions of classic Warhammer 40K artwork lit by the cathode lumens of a cogitator screen; snippets of the evocative intro to Space Hulk: Vengeance of the Blood Angels. (PSX version)
Still one of my favourite adaptations of the classic GW board game.
Still one of my favourite adaptations of the classic GW board game.
October 21, 2024 at 8:20 PM
Visions of classic Warhammer 40K artwork lit by the cathode lumens of a cogitator screen; snippets of the evocative intro to Space Hulk: Vengeance of the Blood Angels. (PSX version)
Still one of my favourite adaptations of the classic GW board game.
Still one of my favourite adaptations of the classic GW board game.
A long-lost father, the legacy of a slain demon; it's time for Latok to wield his blade once again on MSX in Xak II: Rising of the Redmoon from 1990.
But first, before you insert a single disk, you're treated to some gorgeous box art from Kia Asamiya.
But first, before you insert a single disk, you're treated to some gorgeous box art from Kia Asamiya.
February 4, 2026 at 6:11 PM
A long-lost father, the legacy of a slain demon; it's time for Latok to wield his blade once again on MSX in Xak II: Rising of the Redmoon from 1990.
But first, before you insert a single disk, you're treated to some gorgeous box art from Kia Asamiya.
But first, before you insert a single disk, you're treated to some gorgeous box art from Kia Asamiya.
Still one of the coolest video game main menus I've ever seen.
📺: Macross Digital Mission VF-X, UNiT/Bandai, 1997 (PS1)
📺: Macross Digital Mission VF-X, UNiT/Bandai, 1997 (PS1)
February 4, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Still one of the coolest video game main menus I've ever seen.
📺: Macross Digital Mission VF-X, UNiT/Bandai, 1997 (PS1)
📺: Macross Digital Mission VF-X, UNiT/Bandai, 1997 (PS1)
I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
The deepest ocean, my love to find 🎶
Dedicated to @videogamebeach.bsky.social 💜
📺: Endless Ocean: Blue World, Arika, 2009 (Wii)
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
The deepest ocean, my love to find 🎶
Dedicated to @videogamebeach.bsky.social 💜
📺: Endless Ocean: Blue World, Arika, 2009 (Wii)
February 4, 2026 at 2:57 PM
I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
The deepest ocean, my love to find 🎶
Dedicated to @videogamebeach.bsky.social 💜
📺: Endless Ocean: Blue World, Arika, 2009 (Wii)
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
The deepest ocean, my love to find 🎶
Dedicated to @videogamebeach.bsky.social 💜
📺: Endless Ocean: Blue World, Arika, 2009 (Wii)
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Muppet RaceMania - One of those hiding in plain sight hidden gems, Traveller's Tales puts all their experience at failing to make good platformers or good racing games and somehow put together a right banging platform racing game. Obscenely content dense - far more muppets than you'd think appear.
February 4, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Muppet RaceMania - One of those hiding in plain sight hidden gems, Traveller's Tales puts all their experience at failing to make good platformers or good racing games and somehow put together a right banging platform racing game. Obscenely content dense - far more muppets than you'd think appear.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Three years already since I started this project!
Who would have thought it would last this long? Not even me, still many beaches to share.
I can only express my gratitude for all your support. How time flies, doesn't it? But that's normal when you spend it surrounded by such wonderful people.
Who would have thought it would last this long? Not even me, still many beaches to share.
I can only express my gratitude for all your support. How time flies, doesn't it? But that's normal when you spend it surrounded by such wonderful people.
February 3, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Three years already since I started this project!
Who would have thought it would last this long? Not even me, still many beaches to share.
I can only express my gratitude for all your support. How time flies, doesn't it? But that's normal when you spend it surrounded by such wonderful people.
Who would have thought it would last this long? Not even me, still many beaches to share.
I can only express my gratitude for all your support. How time flies, doesn't it? But that's normal when you spend it surrounded by such wonderful people.