📰 RetroDreams – August 2025 Update

It’s been a little while since our last big update, but behind the scenes, we’ve been working hard to bring several long-awaited milestones to life.

From the production of official cases to a major new revision of the ITX Llama — and a few secret projects on the horizon — here’s everything you need to know this month.

🖥️ ITX Llama Case & Expansion – Production Underway!

We’re excited to confirm that the official ITX Llama case and expansion unit are now in production!

We’ve submitted the manufacturing order to our factory, and are currently sourcing the final components — including mounting hardware, packaging, and more.

📦 Estimated shipping start: mid-September

If you preordered one of these cases, thank you for your patience — we’re nearly there!

🐏 Batch 3 – A New Revision Is Coming

The upcoming Batch 3 of the ITX Llama is shaping up to be our most refined yet.

Based on feedback from the community and our own roadmap, here’s what we’re working on for the revised board:

🔧 Planned Hardware Improvements:

• Fix for mono analog audio
• Upgraded to a 6-layer PCB
• USB hub for internal connectors
• Internal analog audio headers with op-amp
• Full-sized SD card slot
• Built-in video chip
  
• PCI slot replacing the AGP interface

We’ll publish a full changelog once testing wraps up.

👋 A Word About Eivind

Although Eivind, the original creator of the ITX Llama, began an indefinite break a few months ago to focus on career and family, his role in this project remains foundational.

He continues to endorse the project, and will benefit from ongoing sales of the ITX Llama. We’re deeply grateful for his contribution and hope to welcome him back when the time is right.

🗓️ Batch 3 Preorders – Late September

We’re currently targeting late September for opening Batch 3 preorders.

Once testing is finalized, we’ll share exact specifications, pricing, and timelines. If you’ve been waiting — now’s the time to start preparing your retro dreams!

💿 Optical Drive Emulator Incoming

We’re also preparing to release a hardware-based optical drive emulator for use with retro PCs.

Designed to be plug-and-play, this tool will make loading disc images far easier — with no need for complex software setups. We’ll be offering it soon via the RetroDreams shop.

🔮 What’s Next?

Without spoiling too much…

• Two PCI video cards in early stages of development
• New accessories for Llama-based builds
• A classified hardware project unlike anything we’ve released before

Stay tuned for updates in the coming months — they’re going to be fun 👀

❤️ Thank You for Your Support

As always, thank you for supporting us.

We’re still a small, independent team — but thanks to your encouragement, enthusiasm, and trust, we’ve been able to bring our vision for accessible retro hardware to life.

More updates are just around the corner.

Until then… Thank you for dreaming with us.

–  The RetroDreams Team