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I had grilled hamburgers over charcoal with hickory wood chips. I love smoking those burgers. 

Watched fireworks out our picture window from the neighbors down the street.

Happy 4th to everyone.

The key-cards make me suspicious and skeptical. At anytime, not that they would do it, they could fix it so that if you decided to sell that key-card, the one who purchased it from you, would have to repurchase the game. Or they could make it non transferable. I know that Nintendo's intentions are stopping piracy by requiring the key card to play the game. An inconvenience for anyone desiring digital only.
and I agree with CreepinDeth and feel the same as SpartanEvolved

I will probably wait for a switch 2 lite? Here is hoping for some type of price drop on games, used? I will watch prices on the Switch 1 to see if that drop. Might finally pick one up to go with my Switch lite.   

I like all that stuff on that side bar.

At some point several years ago I switched to a Galaxy A01 phone simply because TracFone offered it for $15. This week I was set free of that horrid monstrosity! I finally switched back to an iphone. I am now sporting an iphone SE 3rd generation. It feels so good.

@BLUEVOODU so those particular DS models never received any firmware updates.....

@BLUEVOODU I do not have that feature on my old original DS.    I find this interesting. Yours looks like a totally different firmware. Or is it modded? There is nothing in my menu that will enable me to set up for wifi.

(So you had to have a game that contained the software to connect to the net. Hardware was there but no way to access unless you had an "online play" game. That is why I never knew it had that capability. Not until they included the software in the DSi.)

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@CreepinDeth just purchased this game last week I do not know the history of the game.

@retro junkie  -
BTW - My original DS did play online... I played Tetris online with it... and it was a lot of fun.

The "original DS" did not have any feature that would enable it to be connected to the internet. Neither did the DS Lite. The DSi was the first model that featured internet access. Now they did have the ability to connect with another DS in the same area for gameplay, or using the picochat.

I know for sure that it is not the console, per say, that is the problem. And that is because the same issue manifests itself on all four 3DS, one of them is a 2DS. And that is a big assumption on my part.

The pins on the game looks good, no corrosion. I have tried cleaning in case there is something that I cannot see. I do want to purchase another copy. I will try that route to see if I find the same issue. Knowing that some games as they are released can have fixes, like the first batch can have bugs, and the next batch would have a fix in the game. I have read that some 3DS games have an issue with some of the flash memory deteriorating which effects the game.

I have a game that I purchased used for my 3DS. It will play for five, ten, or maybe three minutes and then crash, producing an error code. I keep searching the net for answers but have found nothing that satisfies. The Nintendo help section only addresses "the thinking" that the console is defective. But I have the same issue with this game on all four of my 3DS consoles. I think that simply verifies that it is a game issue.

The question that I have floating around in my mind is, "When games and their consoles enter the realm of "old hat," which are no longer supported, would this result in issues to play the game, or certain games?

I am not expecting any answers so don't feel pressured. I am just thinking out loud. Do updates that fix bugs in the firmware of a console effect the gameplay, or booting, of games creating the situation for the need of the game update? When going back to something like the SNES it is a closed system, never needing an update, neither the games. But then again is it the internet and security that instigates the need for an update?
None of my DS consoles can connect to the internet anymore. Not sure why. The original DS and the DS lite never connected to the internet, so no updates were ever needed. I don't remember of any games for the DS ever having an update either. I have been reading and watching YouTube addressing the problem of some 3DS games deteriorating and becoming unplayable.

I have been playing this game that motivated this post. If I get to a save point before the game crashes, I can restart the game and continue at that point. It is some what frustrating, but the game is fun to play. Puzzles & Dragons Mario edition, I hesitate to invest any money trying to purchase another one, even a brand new one. Now I am somewhat cautious about the 3DS format and its games. I do have another one that has quit working.
Any thoughts?
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Whaat?!
Oh..........Happy Belated Birthday!!!

He kept saying "unLinked". Did he lose his Zelda hero character? 

I don't know, but what got me was that he immediately did this so close to when he purchased the unit.

I had forgotten how hard the grinding was on the PS1 version. The GBA version was toned down for some reason. Spoiled by the GBA Lunar. I am trying to get my character leveled up before moving on. I want them at least about level 50. Yes I am still playing. I am sharing time with Final Fantasy 4 on the PSP. Double grinding.
The Switch Lunar is really a port of the PS1 version. You can choose to play the original pixelated version or the upgraded one which smooths out the graphics and animation. I'm playing the upgrade.

I am thankful that handhelds are powerful enough that we can finally have CD games converted to cartridges.

Not sure if anyone around here would do this, but here is a warning not to use the MIG switch on the Switch 2.

The guy has a follow up video in which he had to go out and purchase another Switch 2.

Nice! I think that the move from GBA to the brighter screen on the last of the GBA SP models was the best thing N could have done. Those non-backlit screens were so hard to enjoy. How difficult was the install?

The install kit was a "no solder" kit. It was a simple take out the screws, pull the board, pull the speaker, ribbon cable, old screen. And then put in the new parts, and reassemble. Everything fit perfect. I have another old gray original Gameboy that I am pumped to mod also.

@retro junkie -->

I remember the old "Play it loud" tagline... but I don't remember this Game Boy.  I had the original Game Boy, and I was able to see the screen pretty ok in most scenarios.  Although, I've heard of others not having the exact same experience I had.

Here is the Gameboy play it loud colors that was a part of that time period. It was the last of the original Gameboys before the GB Pocket. It was simply the old gray Gameboy given to us in other colors.

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After watching I had to sit back and think about it....................
Because of the trailers I went into that movie with high expectations. I did not know that the red Hulk was going to be the climax of the movie. That alone disappointed me and set the tone of the movie for me. I kept saying, okay now, wait not now? When is he going to turn into the red hulk?

The movie had a lot of super hero action and moments that were satisfying. The writing needed a bit more polish. And I think it was a waste of not having the red hulk early in the movie. His identity did not have to be revealed to the people until the end. The leader, the bad guy, that is what he was called in the comic, should have had his head shaped like the character in the comics.

It is not a movie that I would want to watch again.

The $80 price tag makes me feel like a kid again. Like....I need parents to buy me a game.    This is totally out of my price range even though I have paid $80 for a game. But that was a special moment. I purchased an N64 game for $80 some years ago, Bangai-O. At the time it was going for $150-$200. I have it in the box with the booklet and it is now worth, cart alone, $300, in box with booklet, $400, or $85 just for the booklet. It was one of those treasures in gaming, I love the game. And found that the game was one of those defining moments for the N64.
When I came into gaming during the Sega Genesis years, before the SNES was released, I quickly discovered that my local K-Bees reduced the price of the older games in their store. This fed my gaming addiction. I never paid the full price again. Sadly we do not have those stores anymore. And the collector's market has effected a lot of prices of AAA titles. Glad I got mine back then.....
I have a lot of mixed feelings about the direction of modern gaming and my love of physical media. But I also have both feet into retro gaming simply because that is where I find my fun when it comes to games. The influence of arcade flavored games are what hooks me. And the early years of video games it was all about those types of games. And the early consoles was all about physical media, collection packs with extra stuff, pixel sprites, great animation, maps included in the box. I have Lunar 1 and 2 collector editions for PS1 packed with goodies. I am not sure you would ever see something like that produced in this and the coming generation of video gaming. I don't like the idea of digital downloads being the main focus of supplying the games to a console, key or no key. Even though they keep telling us that has been the trend in modern gamers.

Having said all of this, my last generation cut-off point for purchasing a console was Playstation 3, XBOX one, and Switch lite.

I am finding myself at the point of no return. At the point of no return to modern gaming.

There is a live homebrew community producing games for the Sega Genesis, NES, and Gameboy. That is where my money has been going recently. I have a new Genesis game being shipped to me this month, ZPF.

Oh maaannnn....I missed this

HaPpY bIrThDaY!!

Some years ago, I am not sure how long it has been, there was a Peddler's Mall locally. For those who don't know, it was sort-of an indoor flea market, or garage sale, sort-of place. It had multiple tables set up with booths for vendors to sell their stuff (junk). Most of it looked like someone cleaned out their attic, basement, garage, etc. On one of those tables I saw this old 1989 Nintendo Gameboy (Play-it-loud series) marked $1.50. I had to get it.
This old gameboy was plagued by that original sweet pea green screen. It was hideous to play unless you had perfect light. It was best played outside in the bright sunlight. But it was the most popular game system of its day. It dominated the market selling an estimated 118.69 million units. From 1989 to 2003 it was the affordable, heavily supported game system to own.
A week ago I saw a kit online to upgrade this console with a backlit screen for a reasonable price. BOOM!! I got it and had a few minutes today and did this upgrade. These things are good for puzzle games to keep the old brain thinking. And solitaire,I like playing solitaire on these things. After this upgrade it is now worth about $100 on eBay.

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I am not the one.  I have been scared to watch it. I have been burned so many times by Marvel and the way they have churned out some of the poor stuff recently. Whenever they release it on Disney+ I will check it out. I am not into going to the theater much anymore, especially since we do not have one locally. Really Thunderbolts is the movie I am looking forward to...................

It is amazing what they do. The game has all of the Pokemon that the game they are hacking the Pokemon Red into. They also have the story line to match also, even the cut scenes. Even though those cuts scenes are three-quarter view with the conversations, it gives you the feel of that game.

The "key-carts" kills any desire to have a Switch 2 for me. I like my physical games in my hands, complete. But I knew this was coming. Another thing, I have also had a very difficult time just trying to get into the Switch. It seemed such a step back in time to the days of the first GBA for me. There is so much about the features of the 3DS, or NEW 3DS, that I like and enjoy. And do we get a Switch 2 lite? The Switch lite is the only thing that pulled me into purchasing a Switch system.
And the price of admission is a big hindrance for someone like me on a fixed income. (like a kid with a paper route) One would have to weigh the pros and cons very seriously before pulling the trigger. The concern also is the price of the game plus the memory card needed to store your games doubles the empty spot in your wallet. Plus what parent is going to make the investment toward getting something like this for their child? They would have to be a hardcore gamer themselves. They would then understand the tech. What, you need a memory card too? Wait, you need to download the game also? Nintendo never relied on the parent being a gamer in the past. At least I don't think so. The price point really limits the marketing strategy, I would think. Who is the target gamer? Hardcore? Nintendo fanboy? The physical media (with the complete game) addicted crowd, like me, would shy away from this new idea of the digital world. But you are still tethered to a card, that if misplaced, no playing that game? That is downloaded to your console? Nintendo is going to need some killer games to push this thing and have any success. Of course that is just my opinion. I don't mean to be so negative. Nintendo needs a handheld that is a different console than the Switch which is budget priced. That would peak my interest. I miss those days................

edit: something else just popped into my head concerning the Switch 2,...................What is that odor?.....hmmm..... do I smell the Wii U here?

This came out of nowhere for me. I recently played through the GBA Lunar, again. I have both collectors editions of Lunar for the PS1. I had pulled out Lunar 1 thinking I wanted to play it again so I would have to get out my PS1 and hook it up. For some reason the PS 3 would not save this game even after I set it up for PS1 saves. Then out of the blue, I did not see this coming, they are going to release the Lunar series on the Switch? And this got me excited, I got up early on the release date, got it from Amazon. I was thinking, this will be one of those games if you don't get it now it will be at a hefty price in the future.
This game has gotten me into my Switch like no other game. Playing my Lunar, grinding, and enjoying.

Anyone else interested?

@BLUEVOODU I am needing to start the game over again. I was in a grinding mood when I was playing it. I built up my team of Pokemon so much that I couldn't capture anymore. I was wiping out every Pokemon that I went up against. Part of the Pokemon gameplay is collecting as many as possible. Pokemon- UltraViolet is a rom hack of Fire Red. I think it is taken from the Switch Pokemon Violet game inserting the Pokemon and story line. I also have one which is Sword & Shield GBA taken from the Switch games. It also is a hack of Fire Red.

I have not been too interested in this one. But my Daughter has gotten excited about it....(cough)Loki...(cough)Gambit...............and if she is interested then that gets my attention. I am now looking forward, but can't help having a tiny bit of skepticism. The success of this movie will depend how they bring all of this together. A lot of heroes means there are a lot of fans out there eyeing this and can easily be disappointed.

I finished SG Universe. I really got into it and enjoyed every minute. Bummer, they left it a cliffhanger and canceled the series. BIG disappointment. They could at least made a TV movie that gave it an ending to satisfy the fans, like they did with Firefly TV series.

I am now starting the British Primeval TV series, on the ROKU channel. I don't know why but I like this series and would love it on DVD, but I have had trouble finding it for region one.

Happy Birthday!!

It was not really that hard for me to pick up on the Mac OS, I am thinking it is because I went from Linux to the Mac OS. There was a lot of things in the Mac OS that I felt at home with. It might have been the Distro that I was using at the time. I like the Mac OS and I like the hardware. They feel short lived due to the lifespan of the OS, but I guess that would be true for Windows hardware too. I just can't keep purchasing their hardware every cycle. And I get it. A place like Apple builds their business model around selling new hardware.
The thing about these old Mac Book Pros is that they are a solid, tough, rugged, reliable computer if you get a good one. The bad is that technology changes so fast that it leaves a good thing behind eating dust. As long as you are settled, like I am, and don't need anything more powerful to run some new program, why toss and change? Security is really the only issue if you are at all on the net. (I am sure a lot of people use phones for what I do, banking, bill pay, etc.)
I am so glad that Linux is an option for this Mac Book. I am not sure but I think blue tooth is a little glitchy, if I remember, I just don't use it. That is the only thing I found an issue using MX Linux. I know using Sonoma on my Mac Mini I can't use blue tooth at all, very buggy. I can't use my Apple touch pad or the Apple keyboard.
As long as they keep making Linux for old hardware I will keep using it. It is the only thing that lasts.

I updated my late 2013 Macbook Pro with Open-core Patcher to 15.4 Sequoia. It's such a nice machine that it seemed wasteful to not update it to something more modern and secure. The M series Macs these days are sooooo nice though. I'm glad I have both.

I have considered, but hesitant, updating my Mac Mini to Sequoia. I wasn't sure how it would run. I love taking old stuff and getting it to run with an up to date OS. There is just something enjoyable about it. Some type of pleasure.

Chromebooks seem to be treated like they are disposable by the industry. Those expiration dates are planted in the software, in the settings. It is like they do not want you to use them after that date. Even those Chromebooks that do have the capability to install Linux, they make it hard. You have to open them up and remove something that blocks the install. Not just anyone would tackle such a task.

@CreepinDeth chromebooks updates are based on the year that the laptop was released. Meaning that if it sat on the store shelf for a year before you purchased it, you have lost one year of service. The one that I am using will receive its last update June 2031. They can extend it. I have an old Lenovo, my first chromebook, that was extended until June of this year. It was the laptop in which I learned all about chromebooks. I am not sure about ChromeOS Flex. I am sure it would be totally different than the chromebooks. Just remember the ChromeOS is accessed by your gmail password. Or at least the chromebooks are.

@CreepinDeth @BLUEVOODU i am presently using my Macbook Pro mid 2012 to type this. It is running MX Linux based on DEBIAN. I use it daily. I also use my chromebook daily. I have a Mac Mini late 2012 running Sanoma 14.7.4 using Opencore-Patcher on an SSD with 16 gig ram. That is my desktop. I am seriously thinking about switching it over to Linux when the updates run its course on Sanoma. But that is still undecided.

@BLUEVOODU if you have that ice blue with original box it is a collectors item, worth real money. My Daughter has hers in box.