PC Archives

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

It’s now easier to gift Steam games, even if you don’t have an account.

Valve has improved the gifting process on Steam, allowing users to purchase and send full games, gift cards, or hardware, even to email addresses not linked to a Steam account. The update also enhances cross-region gifting capabilities, enabling users to send games across different geographical boundaries.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Original Xbox Games Are Coming to PC Starting With Four Fan Favorites

Microsoft has launched its Xbox Backward Compatibility preview, enabling four original Xbox games—Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy—to be played on PC and handheld devices. These games feature enhancements such as 4x resolution upscaling, VSync support, multiple display modes, anisotropic filtering, and improved anti-aliasing. They are available for purchase on the Xbox Store and can be accessed on PC or handhelds through Xbox Play Anywhere or Xbox Cloud Gaming. All four titles are also included in Xbox Game Pass. Minimum system requirements for playing these games include: - GPU: Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550 or Intel UHD 770 or Intel Arc A310 - CPU: Minimum 4 Cores Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor - RAM: 8GB - OS: Windows 11 - Drivers and Versions: Latest Version as of January 2026 Recommended specifications include: - GPU: Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti or Intel Arc A770 - CPU: 6 cores and 12 threads Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme - DirectX Version: DirectX12 API, Hardware Feature Level 11 - GPU VRAM: 8GB - OS: Windows 11 - Drivers and Versions: Latest Version as of January 2026

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Xbox Backward Compatibility Is Finally Bringing Original Xbox Games to PC

Xbox has announced the early release of backward compatibility for original Xbox games on PC, allowing players to purchase and enjoy four classic titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are available via the Xbox PC app and included in all Xbox Game Pass plans. Players who own digital copies on Xbox can transfer their licenses to PC without repurchasing. The games can be installed locally, and Xbox is enhancing them with PC-specific improvements, including up to 4x resolution upscaling and customizable settings. Achievements for these titles will be introduced later this year.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Microsoft just released my favorite old-school Xbox game on PC

Microsoft is reviving classic Xbox titles for PC gamers through an initiative called "Xbox Backwards Compatibility on PC." The initial rollout includes four games: Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and Fusion Frenzy, all designed to run natively on Windows PCs. Crimson Skies is priced at ten dollars but is currently available only for streaming via Game Pass. Accessing these titles requires the latest version of the Xbox Insider build, leading to some user difficulties. Despite this nostalgic initiative, Xbox faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness against rivals like PlayStation and Valve's Steam, compounded by recent layoffs within its development teams.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Microsoft is bringing original Xbox exclusives to PC for the first time, starting with four ‘classic games’

Xbox has launched the "Backward Compatibility on PC" program, which aims to bring classic Xbox titles to PC and compatible handheld devices for the first time. The program starts with four original Xbox games, including Crimson Skies and Conker. This initiative is part of Xbox's strategy to expand its exclusive content library and aligns with former head Phil Spencer's vision of preserving video game history and reintroducing beloved titles to new audiences.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Microsoft brings OG Xbox games to PC with backward compatibility

Microsoft is expanding its backward compatibility initiative to include original Xbox console games on PC, starting with four titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies, and Fusion Frenzy. These games are available for purchase and included in Xbox Game Pass, with licenses transferring seamlessly for those who already own them digitally on Xbox. New graphics settings have been introduced, allowing up to 4x resolution upscaling, VSync support, fullscreen and windowed modes, anisotropic filtering, and enhanced anti-aliasing. This launch is part of a larger effort to preserve Xbox's gaming legacy and integrate achievements into classic titles. The move comes amid discussions of game preservation in the industry, particularly with Sony ending physical disc production by 2028. The upcoming Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will support both Xbox and PC games, indicating a trend towards cross-platform integration.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Xbox Is Bringing Backward Compatible Games To Your Windows PC

Microsoft has announced the early release of its Xbox backward compatibility program for Windows PCs and portable handhelds, allowing players to access four classic Xbox games: "Fuzion Frenzy," "Blinx: The Time Sweeper," "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge," and "Conker: Live and Reloaded." These games can be purchased individually or accessed through Xbox Game Pass. The program will support Xbox achievements, which will be activated later this year, and offer customizable graphics settings. Minimum system requirements for PCs include Windows 11, updated drivers, 8GB of RAM, a minimum 4 Core CPU, and a compatible GPU.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Promising Time-Loop Metroidvania Echo Weaver Arrives On Consoles And PC This October

Echo Weaver is set to launch on consoles and PC on October 8. The game features a time-loop mechanic and is described as "Metroidbrainia" by developer Moonlight Kids. Players take on the role of the last Weaver in a desolate world, navigating an expansive 2D map filled with puzzles and enemy encounters. Progression in the game relies on mastering specific mechanics rather than simply unlocking abilities. A digital preview is available for Game Informer subscribers. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Modern Warfare 4’s Kill Block lets you use a Desert Eagle sniper rifle, but it’s still Call of Duty at heart

The Fanatics Fest convention at the Javitz Center in Manhattan featured the public debut of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. A new map called Kill Block was introduced, which consists of three modules that rotate every two rounds in Gunfight mode, creating an evolving gameplay experience. The game includes a new ballistics model that enhances realism but does not drastically change gameplay mechanics. The Gunny system simplifies weapon customization by automatically assembling guns based on available attachments. Modern Warfare 4 retains core elements familiar to the series while emphasizing grounded combat, allowing players to maintain aim down sights while mantling. Overall, the game aims to reaffirm Infinity Ward's status in the Call of Duty franchise.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Meta Horizon+ Adds XBOX Game Pass

Meta and XBOX have launched a starter edition of XBOX Game Pass on the Meta Horizon+ platform, providing access to over 50 games. This edition includes 10 hours of cloud gaming each month, allowing players to stream select titles without downloads. Users can also download games for unlimited play across various devices. The library features notable titles such as Fallout 4, Overcooked 2, Grounded, DayZ, Deep Rock Galactic, and SnowRunner. Meta Quest Touch controllers will soon emulate an XBOX gamepad, enabling easy access to Game Pass titles. The subscription to Meta Horizon+ costs .99 USD per year or .99 USD per month, with a one-month free trial for new users, and includes over 100 VR games.