RetroBytes Neo: July 2026

RetroBytes Neo has found its groove as a monthly hangout for gamers and pop-culture fans alike. Each month, Joe and Brian pull up a chair for an unscripted conversation that can go just about anywhere—from industry trends and gaming history to personal stories and the occasional completely unexpected tangent. For the July 2026 edition of RetroBytes Neo, Joe welcomes his cousin... Joe to the show for a deep dive into one of gaming's most powerful forces: nostalgia. Why do certain games stay with us decades later? Are we remembering the games themselves, or the time and place they represent in our lives? From childhood favorites and forgotten classics to the modern trend of remakes, remasters, and retro-inspired releases, the cousins explore how nostalgia shapes the way we play, collect, and talk about video games today. Along the way, they discuss the difference between healthy nostalgia and nostalgia that can cloud our judgment, the games that still hold up versus those best left in memory, and why revisiting old favorites can feel like reconnecting with an old friend. Whether you're dusting off a cartridge, booting up an emulator, or wondering if your favorite childhood game is really as good as you remember, this month's RetroBytes Neo is a thoughtful and personal conversation about gaming's past—and the lasting impact it continues to have on the present. You can join in on the fun FOR FREE over at patreon.com/retrotopia where you can get this show 15 DAYS EARLY with a video bonus exclusive to Patreon. There, you can participate in the 9-Bit Banter Box, comment on the Game of the week, take part in polls, and listen to the Patreon exclusive Quick Play or get RetroBytes 15 days early with an exclusive Patreon topic. You can also join The Hero tier for $2 a month and choose a host to play and review a game for Quick Play and listen to Retrotopia After Dark, where we start each week with a little warm-up and chat. Find us on social media at linktr.ee/retrotopia Instagram, Twitter, BlueSky, YouTube, and a link to our Discord can all be found here. Direct Discord Link: https://discord.gg/Fn63vQ4CPc Find Retrotopia Merchandise at https://retrotopia.dashery.com/ We offer a wide range of designs and continually add new ones. Get T-shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, Stickers, Magnets, Hats, and more.