The new edition of Flashback – Retrocomputing and Retrogaming Festival, a landmark event for all enthusiasts of the history of computing and video games, was held in Follonica, in the evocative spaces of the Fonderia N.1, on the weekend of October 4th and 5th 2025.
The MSX Italia Association participated with great enthusiasm, exhibiting cameras of rare beauty and first-rate quality that captured the attention of many visitors: Canon V-20 (MSX), Philips NMS8245 (MSX2), Panasonic FS-A1 (MSX2), Panasonic FS-A1 FX (MSX2+), Panasonic FS-A1 ST modified (MSX turbo R), Toshiba HX-10 transformed into an MSX2+ thanks to the MiniTang and one of only three MSX0 Stacks present in Italy.
In addition to the machines, cartridges and accessories of great historical and technical interest were on display: WonderTang made in Italy by member Ivan Michelini, Bee Card, Rookie Drive NX, MegaFlashROM SCC+, as well as original games in physical versions such as Western House, Vampire Killer and Freedom Fighter, the latter developed by our member Giuseppe Pintus.
Our booth was enlivened by the presence of Lorenzo Mancini, Damiana La Rosa, Fausto Pracek, Alessio Garzi, Federico Gori, and of course our tireless President Max Privrat. A significant moment was the Sunday evening conference given by Federico Gori, who captivated the audience with technical and historical topics related to the world of consoles.
A huge shout-out goes to promoter Daniele Mastri, who oversaw the event's organization with dedication, transforming Fonderia N.1 into a veritable paradise for retrocomputing and retrogaming enthusiasts. The upper floor featured arcade games, minicar stations, tournaments, and the local radio station. Downstairs was the retrocomputer and retroconsole exhibition, featuring many longtime friends and newcomers.
Exhibitors and guests included Matteo Turchi, Giacomo Bersiga, the team from the Prato Computer Museum with Massimo Belardi and Riccardo Aliani, Retro Lair, and Carlo Santagostino.
One of the most emotional moments of the festival was meeting Gastone Garziera, the last member of the team that created the legendary Olivetti Programma 101. We enjoyed a souvenir photo with him and a delightful chat about the Z80 and its creator, Federico Faggin, his colleague.
The exhibition as a whole offered a vast array of exhibits: historic and modern computers, calculators, consoles, vintage telephones, accessories and peripherals, tournaments, and conferences. Other exhibitors included RetroCampus, Associazione Retrobit, C64 Club Italia, Amiga Future, as well as independent collectors and enthusiasts.
For MSX Italia, participating in Flashback 2025 was not only an opportunity to showcase our machines, but also to strengthen ties with the retro community, meet old friends, and introduce new enthusiasts to the beauty and vitality of the MSX world. A heartfelt thanks goes to all the members and friends who helped make this an unforgettable experience.
We'll soon publish a full photo gallery of our booth and the event. For more information and to join the community: www.msxitalia.org
