Aswan crew tracking the mod scenes reviving retro consoles
We dig into the modding communities keeping cartridges, PCBs, and classic hardware alive across the world and here in Aswan, Egypt.
What the Community Says
Been reading since their piece on the Mega Everdrive scene. The writeup on region-locked PAL boards actually explained why my Genesis clone was acting up. Solid, specific stuff.
Their coverage of a Cairo-based SNES recap modder was the first time I'd seen that community documented in English. Detailed, honest about the trade-offs, no fluff.
I sent them a tip about a local guy doing custom shells for the Dreamcast and they actually followed up and ran the story. Rare to see that kind of attention to a small scene.
Which mod scene should we cover next?
Tell us about the modder, the build, or the console you think deserves a closer look.
Why Read Caledonia Usall Gaming
What separates our coverage from the average retro roundup
We open the shells, trace the boards, and talk directly to the modders instead of just reposting spec sheets.
Many of our features start as tips from builders and collectors in Aswan and beyond who trust us with their work.
We track modding circles often overlooked by bigger outlets, from Nile Delta workshops to niche online forums.
Every review reflects what we actually tested or verified with the modder, not marketing claims from a kit box.
Mod Communities We're Following
A snapshot of the crews and builds currently on our radar
SNES Recap Collective
A loose network of technicians replacing aging capacitors on Super Famicom boards to keep decades-old units running reliably.
Genesis Region-Free Builders
Modders installing switchless region kits so PAL and NTSC Mega Drive cartridges play on the same console without adapters.
PC Engine Shell Artists
A small but dedicated group casting custom resin shells for the PC Engine, reviving a console that never got wide release in this region.
Dreamcast VMU Restoration Group
Enthusiasts reverse-engineering VMU battery replacements to save memory cards from the corrosion that's claimed thousands of units.
N64 RGB Mod Crew
A community documenting RGB board installs that dramatically sharpen composite-era N64 output on modern displays.
Saturn Optical Drive Emulators
Technicians building ODE solutions to replace failing Saturn optical drives, a common failure point on original hardware.
Common Questions From Readers
Things collectors and modders ask us most often
Do you sell or install console mods yourselves?
No, we're an editorial blog. We cover and review modding communities, techniques, and hardware trends, but we don't offer installation services or sell modding kits ourselves.
How do you choose which mod scenes to feature?
We follow community forums, reader tips, and firsthand conversations with modders. We prioritize builds that show craftsmanship, historical relevance, or solve a real preservation problem for aging hardware.
Are the consoles you discuss still findable today?
Many are, through secondhand markets and collector networks, though availability varies by model and region. We often note rarity and typical condition issues in our reviews.
Is capacitor replacement (recapping) something a beginner should try?
It requires soldering experience and care, since aging boards can be fragile. We've featured modders who document the process, but we always recommend research before attempting a first recap.
Do you cover consoles outside the classic Nintendo/Sega lineup?
Yes, we regularly feature PC Engine, Neo Geo, and other less mainstream systems, since some of the most active modding communities center on these less common consoles.