Hi! I’m Kip Hakes, I’m a 44-year-old Blogger, Vlogger and Designer. I’m married to Vicki and I’ve got two children, and a Cavachon called Duggee. We live in the Essex countryside just outside of Colchester.
I’ve blogged since 2008, and my blogging subjects include – Parenting, Technology, Reviews, Photography, Rants and Raves and more. I’m Designer of stuff by day, and a total nerd at night.
Kip Hakes
Duggee powered by…
Cameras provided by…
VPN provided by…
Smart Glasses provided by…
Blog
What will Alton Towers do with the World of David Walliams? Project Horizon might help
Alton Towers finds itself facing a complicated problem — and it’s not just about rides [...]
Read More
Why the Alton Towers Content Creator Programme Failed
This episode marks the launch of a brand-new podcast — one that won’t be tied [...]
Read More
I need your help..
So a few people have suggested I try and make a podcast. Which to be [...]
Read More
I’m not okay.. but now I know why!
So many of you read this post the other month – if you haven’t read [...]
Read More
I’m not okay…
I’ve been thinking about writing this post for a while now, and I been putting [...]
Read More
Behind The Scenes Tour of Tomb Blaster at Chessington
I’ll be completely honest with you, I wasn’t planning on visiting any Merlin-owned theme parks [...]
Read More
Paultons Park – The UK’s BEST Theme Park
I suppose I have to start this post off by calling it an advert, because [...]
Read More
Alton Towers CBeebies Land Rollercoaster to open in 2026 – Project Sunshine is GO!
Alton Towers Resort have JUST announced that the have submitted a planning application for a [...]
Read More
Why was Hex at Alton Towers closed for 19 months? There’s a dramatic twist in this tale..
On the 30th of March 2023, I went to Alton Towers Resort for the first [...]
Read More
Thorpe Park Fright Nights 2024 – Everything you need to know!
In just a few days, Thorpe Park Resort will be welcoming guests for Thorpe Park [...]
Read More
This is BIG news!
You might have seen, if you’re subscribed to my YouTube Channel, or follow me on [...]
Read More
Do I STILL need surgery on my back? How the NHS has failed me
Something very interesting happened before Christmas.. I got a text from the NHS telling me [...]
Read MoreYouTubeVisit my Channel
![👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ew8ewuS or enter the search code [AYVQQ9] on the AliExpress homepage to see all the amazing items I've handpicked for you. And don't forget to enjoy extra savings with the exclusive discount codes below, just for fans like you!
🌟 Remember, these codes can be used on almost all items in selected countries on AliExpress, except for mobile phones.
Click my link to explore amazing products on AliExpress and use my codes for additional discounts!
😍 The codes apply to affiliate products, including mobile phones.Discount Codes:
$3 off on orders over $29:【IFPM1PI1】
$6 off on orders over $59:【IFP1JVKT】
$9 off on orders over $89:【IFPR5FPB】
$16 off on orders over $149:【IFPNHHAC】
$23 off on orders over $199:【IFP5V4XS】
$30 off on orders over $269:【IFPAX3JI】
$40 off on orders over $369:【IFPH75TN】
$50 off on orders over $469:【IFPKEPAP】
$60 off on orders over $599:【IFP5UCSZ】
$70 off on orders over $699:【IFPKUZ2C】#aliexpresshaulProduct Picks:
The MisTer FPGA is here - https://kiphak.es/MisterFPGA
This is the controller - https://kiphak.es/8BitDoController
This is my Screwdriver - https://kiphak.es/PrecisionScrewdriverSetCheck Out the 'Update All' Script here - https://github.com/theypsilon/Update_All_MiSTerIn this video, I take a look at a MiSTer FPGA clone from AliExpress to find out whether it really can replace an entire collection of retro consoles and computers. Costing around £150, this FPGA-based system promises cycle-accurate recreation of classic gaming hardware, from the Amstrad CPC and NES through to the Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, Sega Saturn, PlayStation and more.
If you've heard people talking about MiSTer FPGA but never understood what all the fuss is about, this video covers the basics, from unboxing and setup through to testing a range of console and computer cores. I explore how the system works, load up a selection of classic games, and put it through its paces to see whether it lives up to the hype.Unlike traditional software emulation, FPGA hardware recreates the original console logic, offering an experience that's designed to be as close as possible to the original hardware. Whether you're interested in retro gaming, classic computers, arcade machines or preserving old systems, MiSTer FPGA has become one of the most talked-about platforms in the retro community.I also take the MiSTer FPGA clone apart to see what's inside, look at the hardware powering it, discuss the setup process, and share my thoughts after spending time with the system. Along the way, I test a variety of cores including Game Boy, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, Sega Saturn and more to see how this budget-friendly clone performs.Can a £150 MiSTer FPGA clone from AliExpress really deliver an authentic retro gaming experience, or is it too good to be true? Let's find out.#MiSTerFPGA #RetroGaming #FPGA #AliExpress #GamingSetup #RetroComputing #SegaSaturn #PlayStation #Nintendo64 #MegaDrive #GameBoy #AmstradCPC #RetroConsoles #ClassicGaming #KipHakesAs an Amazon Associate and AliExpress Affliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannel00:00 Intro
00:33 What Is FPGA?
01:05 What This Video Covers
01:33 AliExpress Coupon Codes
01:58 What’s Included
02:31 Ports And Connections
03:03 SNAC Controller Support
03:59 HDMI, Audio And VGA Outputs
04:32 8BitDo Controller
05:28 First Power On
06:02 Running The Update Script
06:39 Channel Member Shout Out
07:36 Testing The Amstrad CPC Core
08:56 Exploring The Console Cores
09:44 Loading Games From USB
10:24 Game Boy Core Test
11:40 Star Fox On SNES
13:51 Virtua Racing On Mega Drive
15:02 Game Gear Core Test
15:42 NES And Super Mario Bros 3
17:19 Sega Master System Core Test
18:09 Sega Saturn Core Test
19:08 Opening The MiSTer FPGA Clone
19:58 Inside The Hardware
20:48 The Main Board And RAM
21:24 Reassembly And BIOS Issues
22:22 Update All Script
22:56 Final Thoughts
23:32 Controller Notes
24:33 Is It Worth Buying?
25:01 Game OverScore summer’s best deals. Up to 20% OFF with my code!Tap my link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3vr1vgH or enter search code【AY8UPH】on AliExpress to shop my top picks.⏰ Valid June 1–30 (PST) — shop early for launch-day exclusives & full stock!
Save $3 off a $15 order : 【KIP3】
Save $8 off a $49 order : 【KIP8】
Save $18 off a $99 order : 【KIP18】
Save $29 off a $159 order : 【KIP29】
Save $40 off a $249 order : 【KIP40】
Save $58 off a $339 order : 【KIP58】
Save $75 off a $499 order : 【KIP75】
Save $93 off a $599 order : 【KIP93】
Save $120 off a $700 order : 【KIP120】Product Picks:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mOXrFgJ
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mML0fqL
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_m0Zm89d
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mrjo1CJ
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mNBEOzz](https://www.kiphakes.com/wp-content/plugins/feeds-for-youtube/img/placeholder.png)
Recipes
Mushroom Pie
This Mushroom Pie is AMAZING! It’s fantastic for veggies and packed full of flavour, carnivores [...]
Read More
Vegetarian Chicken Tikka Masala with Coriander and Lime Rice
This is a favourite of mine, it’s got a bit of a kick to it, [...]
Read More
Super Simple Katsu Curry
This super simple Katsu Curry is a regular on the Hakes family meal roster. With [...]
Read More
Paneer, Tomato and Spinach Curry
This is a great curry. I really do love Paneer, and I’ve tried a few [...]
Read More
Alleppy Quorn Curry – Vegan Friendly
This started life as an Alleppy Prawn Curry, and it looked amazing. I pondered how [...]
Read More
Creamy Cheese and Pea Pasta with Vivera Veggie Bacon Pieces
As a vegetarian, something I get asked a lot is.. “Do you miss bacon?”. The [...]
Read MoreReviews
Review – Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress
You might remember, early last year I wrote this review of my Simba Hybrid Luxe [...]
Read More
Review – Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress
You might remember, we’ve been happy Simba Hybrid mattress customers for while now. However, when [...]
Read More
Testing out SmartBuyGlasses.co.uk
Smartbuyglasses.co.uk Ease of Use Product Selection 5 Summary I got the sunglasses I wanted, at [...]
Read More
Review – Glamp at The Priory
As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]
Read More
Review – Tulleys Christmas Experience 2019
Tulleys Christmas Experience Overall 5 Summary I cannot recommend Tulleys Christmas Experience enough. We had [...]
Read More
Review – Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019
Chessington Howl'o'ween 2019 Atmosphere Mazes 5 Summary I was utterly charmed by Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019. [...]
Read MoreTravel
8 Best New York Bars to Visit this Summer
No matter your reason for visiting New York City this summer, you are sure to [...]
Read More
The Best Family-Friendly Heritage Sites in York-shire
Planning a family staycation? Many families have discovered the many benefits of a staycation and [...]
Read More
Top Unique Holiday Ideas Travelers Will Love
Everyone wants to go on holiday every once in a while. When they do, they [...]
Read More
5 Beginners Tips For Adventure Travel
If you’re the type of person who gazes in awe and wonder at Instagram pictures [...]
Read More
How to Run an Eco-friendly Caravan Park
From reducing carbon footprints to actively supporting local ecosystems, it’s fantastic that caravan park owners [...]
Read More Review – Glamp at The Priory
As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]
Read More
