Let's be honest, indie developers are continually bringing out new romps for the best retro consoles in 2026. That is to say, new games for old systems aren't enough to get me hyped these days, but the creator of the survival horror classic Alone in the Dark, Frédérick Raynal, has gone a step further and remade his very different 1988 DOS Arkanoid clone for Sega Genesis with Atari-style paddle controllers.
Okay, let me back up, as the idea of getting custom Sega Mega Drive / Genesis controllers in the big 26 for port of a 38-year-old PC game is a lot to take in. But, that's exactly what POPCORN DUEL + SPINNER Kickstarter campaign hopes to achieve. Based on the original "POPCORN" for MS-DOS, this new version transforms the block-breaking bonanza into a two-player battleground in the style of Windjammers.
Effectively, the genre boils down to competitive PONG, but POPCORN DUEL fully leverages the spirit of Sega's 16-bit system. I'm talking slapping bass effects generated by the Yamaha YM2612 FM synthesizer, fast-paced gameplay worthy of the term "blast processing", and animations that feel distinctly like an authentic Mega Drive game from 30 years ago.
I'll admit that I was pretty much sold on POPCORN DUEL upon hearing the 16-bit soundtrack and seeing the original blocks being replaced by an audience whose heads POP in a delightfully grittier '90s Sega way upon being hit. However, the fact this futuristic death sport comes with its own paddle controllers that will work on the Mega Drive and PC is a massive cherry on top.
Naturally, you could just play this new block breaker with a standard gamepad, or even a fresh 8Bitdo M30 for Sega Genesis / Mega Drive if you're feeling fancy. The idea of picking up a brand new, purpose-built paddle controller that will translate your frantic analogue spinning into frantic moves feels special, though, as the system didn't get an accessory like that back in the day.
If, like me, you're sold on adding a shiny new multiplayer Genesis game to your collection with its own peripherals, you can help make it happen. At the time of writing, the campaign only has 10 days to go and 212 backers, and it has yet to meet its €60,000 Kickstarter goal (that works out at just over $70,000).
As is tradition with these types of Kickstarter campaigns, there are various tiers you can back that will grant you extra special goodies. You can grab just the Genesis / Mega Drive cartridge itself for around €60 that comes with the original and new versions, a pack with a spinner for €120, or various other beefier packages with fun collectable extras, including a massive "Ultimate Edition" with a 34 cm "Mr. Popcorn" figure that has its own two games on a monochrome LCD screen.
Yes, those prices are all in euros, although the game will ship worldwide. I should point out that most of the reward tiers are still available, too, so you can still easily buy the base game or an additional paddle controller. I'd be surprised if POPCORN DUEL doesn't meet its goals in time, but if you're concerned it will never see the light of day, I'd think about giving it some love and support.
Raynal says a fully functioning prototype of the POPCORN controller has been fully tested, and a manufacturer has already been picked out. The games are "nearly complete" too, and since we're hardly talking about GTA 6 or the next Elder Scrolls, I can't see it being delayed for a decade.
I've got high hopes that POPCORN DUEL will see the light of day, and as a massive Sega dork, trying out the spinner is now on my priority list for 2026. This won't be the last time I talk about this Mega Drive / Genesis game, so watch this space for more.
Looking to play Sega classics on the go? Swing by the best retro handhelds for emulation portables and more.
