The Gametank just smashed its crowdfunding goals, and I'm thrilled at the idea of a new 8-bit retro console in the big 26

Late last year, the Gametank popped up online with the promise of offering a brand new 8-bit console experience. Rather than emulating one of the best retro consoles like the NES, this new system is basically a rival with its own '80s-inspired archetecture, and I'm thrilled to report it just met its crowdfunding goals.

That means that since the Gametank has tipped over its $30,000 Crowdsupply goal, we're officially getting a new 8-bit console in the big 26. That's pretty bananas given we're not talking about software emulation or even FPGA hardware replication like with the Analogue 3D or Commodore 64 Ultimate. This machine is its own platform entirely, and it could spark a new wave of games that feel old, but are entirely new.

I've been following the Gametank's creator, Clyde Shaffer, on Bluesky for a while, and I've been enjoying seeing the process behind creating what could be considered an antiquated console. We're talking about a system that uses a dedicated framebuffer specifically for pixel graphics and has dedicated sprite RAM, and it even goes as far as to use composite RCA video output just like your original NES.

By hitting $30,133 (in counting), the Gametank is now set to start shipping July 12, 2026. These developer units come with a unique controller, a blank cartridge, and a flasher device for loading ROM files to the console. If you're just looking to start playing, you'll also get a copy of Accursed Fiend, a "top-down dungeon crawling hack n' slash with procedural levels." It's basically a Zelda-style romp that features an aesthetic that's entirely its own, and despite having used practically every retro console ever, I can confirm I've not witnessed VHS-vibe graphics quite like this.

Accursed Fiend - GameTank - YouTube

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It's naturally early days for the Gametank, but the fact that an 8-bit system like this gets to exist in a world where even the Steam Machine is struggling to launch is pretty extraordinary. There's every chance that the console will become an indie phenomenon just like the Playdate if developers big and small get on board, and I fully believe that creativity shines on systems with limited hardware like this.

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