RetroDreams December 2025 Update

It has been quite a while since our last major update, and we know the silence has been frustrating. A lot has been happening behind the scenes, sometimes slower than any of us would like, but always moving toward the same goal: building better, more complete retro hardware.

This post is a detailed catch-up on where things stand today. Thank you for taking the time to read it.

ITX Llama Batch 3 – Why It Became a Reboot

Back in August, we were still hoping to open Batch 3 preorders around September. That did not happen, and at this point it would not even be accurate to describe what we are working on as a simple revision.

As development progressed and more features were integrated, especially onboard video, the scope shifted dramatically. What started as a board update has effectively become a full reboot of the ITX Llama. The goal now is not just to iterate, but to address long-standing limitations, improve usability, and set the platform up for the long term.

Because of this shift, we made a deliberate decision:

We will not accept any preorder payments until we have real prototypes built and tested.

These prototype runs will be funded directly out of my pocket, unlike Batch 2 where preorder deposits helped cover early production. Once we are confident in the hardware and have validated it thoroughly, we will publish full specifications and only then open preorders.

Batch 3 is still coming, but it will arrive as a far more ambitious and refined system than originally planned.

BIOS Progress and Recent Improvements

BIOS development has continued steadily, and a new BIOS release is planned for all existing users later this month.

  • FreeDOS-based virtual floppy image replacing the original miniDOS option
  • Fixes for issues related to booting from CD-ROM
  • Slight improvements to available UMBs under DOS
  • Compatibility improvements allowing Nvidia graphics cards under Windows 98

These changes represent meaningful quality-of-life improvements for existing systems.

Official Case and Expansion – Where We Stand

The official ITX Llama case and expansion unit have had a difficult production cycle, and we want to be fully transparent about what happened.

Earlier this year, the factory produced panels using an incorrect beige gradient. Correcting that issue took time. Afterward, internal staffing shortages delayed shipment of the corrected panels by roughly two months.

The good news is that the correct panels have finally started arriving this week.

  • Panels are currently being sorted and verified
  • Assembly will begin next week
  • Packing and shipping are expected to begin by the end of next week

We sincerely apologize for how long this has taken and thank you for your patience.

USB Optical Drive Emulator – Bracket and Enclosure

The USB-based optical drive emulator is still in development. Component pricing and availability in this space continue to shift, which has made it difficult to lock in a final configuration.

That said, work around the ecosystem has continued:

  • Custom 5.25-inch drive bay bracket in development
  • Compatibility with the official case expansion unit
  • Support for Pirate Audio HAT screen and buttons

In addition, a standalone enclosure is also being designed for users who want to share a single optical drive emulator between multiple PCs.

PCI Video Cards – Early Prototype Status

There has also been quiet but meaningful progress on PCI video cards.

A Voodoo3-based PCI prototype is already operational and performing well. Current digital output logic supports resolutions from 640×480 up to 1600×900 over HDMI. Work is ongoing to improve stability at higher resolutions.

These cards remain in the prototype stage. There are no product names, finalized specifications, or release timelines yet, but progress so far is very encouraging.

People Behind the Project

  • Eivind – original creator of the ITX Llama, currently on an indefinite break
  • Jimmy – mechanical and accessory design
  • sdz – board-level changes, PCI video work, BIOS improvements
  • Mike – BIOS testing, validation, and community support

To everyone involved, and to the wider community, thank you.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We will be at VCF Montreal on January 24–25, 2026, hosting a Llama LAN party and demonstrating the Llama stack in action. If you can make it, we would love to see you there.

A Final Word

This year came with more delays and challenges than expected. It also brought deeper designs, better ideas, and a community that stayed patient and supportive through it all.

If you have supported RetroDreams in any way this year, thank you. It truly means a lot.

And as you plan your holiday spending, you might want to leave a little room in the budget. Llama preorders are coming.

Thank you for dreaming with us.

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