January 2026 Update

Hello everyone, I wanted to pop in and share a few updates on all that’s going on with Pixels and Polygons. I’ve got updates on everything and a few recommendations, too.

First, this one is for patient 32 Bit Library Deluxe Edition supporters. I have my final print-ready file, and I will be launching the Kickstarter for the special A4-sized 32 Bit Library Greatest Hits Volume 1: Deluxe Edition SOON! By ‘soon,’ I mean it might be launched today, and this link will take you right to the campaign, depending on how soon you read this email. I will have a few limited sets that’ll include an enamel pin, trading card, and sticker along with the book, but you will also have options to get just the book if you don’t like all the extras. I originally started these books in this size, but the standard ones took priority because of their smaller size (and price). I haven’t forgotten everyone who enjoys the massive coffee table version. The same slipcase and spot UV treatment are here. This is the giant book you’ve been waiting for. Shipping will be late spring, with my goal to get it to everyone by July (or sooner!). You can read all about it and get notified when it launches right here:

This volume’s focus is not on an entire publisher's catalog, but instead on 50 of the best-selling games that were rereleased as “Greatest Hits” on the system. Inside, you’ll be able to read about quite a few games that wouldn’t normally be featured in the typical 32 Bit Library book. From Alien Trilogy to X-Men Mutant Academy, there is something for everyone here. There are also some great original essays by some amazing folks. Check out the link and read all about it.

Up next is Pixels and Polygons Quarterly! Issue one is complete and being printed here any day now. It has come together better than I originally envisioned, with extra content like the “Pencils and Polygons” comic drawn by Maddie, aka ohthatsraspberry. I am also happy to have more writing on it. Each issue has an overall “theme,” so having a story that ties to this theme as a connective tissue for the issue is something I am proud of. Issue two is already in production with another group of great writers. Nadia Oxford (Axe of the Blood God, frequent Retronauts guest, and so much more!), Brendan Hesse of The Crawl, and Alex Johnson. This next issue will be “Square Pegs in Round Holes.” It’ll cover a few less popular Square titles that are fan favorites.

I’ve got a few recommendations this month. If you’re reading this, you likely enjoy old PlayStation games. If you’ve ever seen any of Geeks-Line’s books, you'll know they're anthologies of consoles with game data, development articles, and plenty of info. Their latest, the PlayStation Anthology: The Tetralogy, is a giant four-volume tetralogy covering the original PlayStation. If you have the original volume, you can buy 2-4 and the slipcase or get all four now in the slipcase. It looks like a great book. I recently got their giant slipcase set for the PS2. Check it out on Kickstarter now:

Another book I recently picked up was Philip Summers’ and NF Publishing’s Hand-Drawn Game Guides: Mega Man. This is like a love letter to old gaming magazine strategies with tons of illustrations by Philip. Full level maps, tips, and walkthroughs for the entire game, plus boss info, game history, and more. It’s a great read and art book, all in one, and a neat way to revisit the classic Mega Man. Philip has been a guest on Pixels and Polygons in the past, if you want to find his episodes to hear more from him. Buy your own copy here:

Last part of this update, I’ve been busy with new 2026 episodes of the Pixels and Polygons podcast. Recently, I’ve posted episodes with Gooey from Flashback 64 (also a buddy show on the Sound Stone Network) and Audi Sorlie (DF Retro, Limited Run Games, more) with a revised format. It’s allowed for more conversation and more time for the episode topics. I hope y’all have been enjoying that. I’ve got more new guests lined up in the coming weeks, as well. I’ve also been making time to guest on OTHER podcasts. I recently recorded an episode with Dave from Tales From the Backlog talking about Crazy Taxi. I’ve also got a new Side Quests episode coming from the “Fun” and Games Podcast folks. You can also find me on upcoming episodes of the Still Loading Podcast and the Retro Blast Podcast. Apparently, I’ll take most offers to join others to talk about video games!

I’ll end this update with an original article I posted over on my Patreon (Patreon.com/darrenhupke) that you can follow for FREE! I wrote about the similarities of The Last of Us and an amazing comic called Sweet Tooth, and the dark tensions of being a protective parent. I hope y’all enjoy it! I’ll be back with another update when I have something new to announce. Maybe it’ll be that thing I have been posting so much about with all those skateboarding games on BlueSky…

Buy your books, zines, shirts, and more, all over on PixelsandPolygons.net!