console Archives

BetaBeacon

December 28, 2024

I replaced my Android launcher with a game emulation hub, and it (mostly) worked

ES-DE Frontend is a paid app that brings all emulators and games into a unified UI, but it does not emulate anything. The most difficult part of the installation process is setting up RetroArch. The app allows for customization with various themes and the addition of Android apps and games through external tools. However, the app lacks touch controls, only works in landscape mode, and requires manual scrolling to access apps, making it less suitable for daily use. Tasker can be used as a workaround to switch the launcher to ES-DE when a controller is attached. Despite its limitations, ES-DE Frontend is recommended for Android-based gaming handhelds.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Best PC Game of 2024 — Best New PC Games This Year

PC gaming in 2024 featured a variety of innovative titles, with Hades 2 winning the Best PC Game of 2024. Hades 2, which entered early access in May, follows Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, as she attempts to thwart Chronos, the Titan of Time. The game introduces new mechanics, including a Magick Bar and a sprint ability, and offers multiple exploration paths. It can be completed in under 20 hours, but completionists may invest nearly 60 hours. Other notable nominations for Best PC Games of 2024 include: - I Am Your Beast: Released in September, this fast-paced action game features 25 levels designed for quick play sessions, appealing to speedrunners. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 distinct games that pays homage to retro console games, showcasing a variety of genres. - Frostpunk 2: A city-builder set three decades after the original, allowing players to manage complex societal issues and construct larger cities. It won the Best Gameplay award at the Gamescom Awards 2024.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Is Coming To PC On January 30th – Latest Updates

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was released on PlayStation 5 on October 20, 2023. It is set to launch on PC platforms on January 30, 2025, available through Steam and the Epic Games Store. The PC version will be developed by Nixxes Software and will include all updates and enhancements from the PS5 edition, such as new suits, a New Game+ mode, increased difficulty levels, new styles for the Symbiote suit, options to modify the time of day, and additional post-story challenges. The game was part of Sony's strategy to bring more PlayStation exclusives to PC. Pre-order bonuses included early access to specific suits and gadgets, and various editions were available at launch, including a Standard Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition, and Collector’s Edition.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

If 2024 proves anything, it’s that mainstream success hasn’t made PC gaming any less weird—and thank God for that

PC gaming has transitioned from a niche hobby to a significant competitor against consoles, highlighted by the success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3. The Steam wishlist charts showcase a diverse range of games, including janky survival games, indie debuts, and obscure titles that gain unexpected popularity. Notable games this year include a survival game with 25 million players, a poker roguelike, and Stalker 2. Discussions around Game of the Year awards featured unconventional games, reflecting the eclectic nature of PC gaming. Despite the rise of console-first releases on PC, the platform continues to embrace a variety of genres and interests, maintaining its unique identity and charm.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

The Best PC Games of 2024

The best PC games of 2024 include: - Duck Detective: The Secret Salami: Players solve the mystery of a stolen salami in a quirky office environment, combining humor and intrigue with a captivating design and storytelling. - Turnip Boy Robs a Bank: A sequel featuring a mischievous vegetable engaging in a heist, noted for its engaging art style and witty writing. - The Crush House: A game blending reality TV and social commentary, exploring entertainment pressures and social media impacts with humor and engaging gameplay. - Conscript: A portrayal of the psychological toll of war, offering a raw narrative crafted by Australian developer Jordan Mochi. - Sumerian Six: A strategic turn-based adventure combining history and fantasy, encouraging thoughtful tactics and creativity. - The Rise of the Golden Idol: A successor to The Case of the Golden Idol, featuring fresh aesthetics and intricate puzzles that promote critical thinking. - Neva: Known for its emotional storytelling and stunning art direction, creating an immersive experience. - Harold Halibut: Reflects on life’s purpose through a handcrafted aesthetic and engaging narrative. - The Plucky Squire: Blends 2D and 3D environments, showcasing innovative mechanics and captivating visuals. - The Sims 4 Life and Death: An expansion pack introducing themes of mortality, enhancing the gameplay experience with new elements like funerals and a Reaper career.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Review: The Steam Deck OLED changed how i play PC games

The Steam Deck OLED is an upgraded version of the original Steam Deck, featuring a superior OLED screen with enhanced brightness and quality, despite a resolution of 720p. It supports a wide range of Steam Deck Verified games, providing a seamless gaming experience with minimal restrictions, although some modern titles may experience slight performance issues. The device allows for gaming in various settings, making it convenient for users to access a vast library of PC games. The hardware includes robust analog sticks and an improved cooling system that operates quietly during intense gaming sessions. However, battery life can be limited, especially with demanding games, offering only a couple of hours of playtime, which is less than competitors like the Nintendo Switch OLED. Recharging is facilitated by a USB-C port, allowing for the use of portable power banks.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

What to do when Windows 10 Print Management is missing

The Print Management Console is a utility in Windows 10 that allows desktop administrators to manage printer settings and configurations. It may be missing from some Windows 10 deployments, particularly in the Home edition and in installations from Windows 10 version 2004 onwards, where it became an optional feature. To check for its presence, users can run the command PrintManagement.msc. If absent, it can be installed using PowerShell with the command Get-WindowsCapability -Name "Print.Management.Console*" -Online | Add-WindowsCapability -Online or through the Windows GUI by navigating to Settings > System > Optional Features and adding it from there. The console is particularly useful for managing multiple printers, controlling access permissions, and monitoring print jobs.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Playing ClassiCube, a Minecraft Clone, on the SEGA Dreamcast is an Interesting Experience

Playing ClassiCube on the SEGA Dreamcast is a unique experience, utilizing the KallistiOS SDK and GLdc rendering library. The game supports keyboard and mouse controls, and accurate system time is necessary for online play. Players have praised its smooth framerate and multiplayer capabilities. Additionally, LEGO has released a Crafting Table building set for adults to celebrate Minecraft's 15th anniversary, along with a biome adventures set featuring 12 biomes and a model set that includes 5 mini builds and 8 micro figures.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

The 15 best PC games of 2024: From Indy to Kratos, samurai to outlaws, and everything in between

In 2024, the PC gaming landscape thrived due to the resolution of component shortages, the popularity of cloud gaming, and the rise of PC gaming handhelds. A diverse range of games was released, including indie titles and AAA adventures, along with remakes and remasters of classics. The top PC games of 2024 included: 1. Thank Goodness You're Here! 2. Helldivers 2 3. Indiana Jones and The Great Circle 4. Red Dead Redemption 5. Star Wars: Outlaws 6. Balatro 7. Animal Well 8. Fallout: London 9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 10. Dragon Age: The Veilguard 11. Silent Hill 2 12. God of War: Ragnarok 13. Black Myth: Wukong 14. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 15. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut The gaming rig used featured an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card, Intel Core i5-13600K CPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and an Asus ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI motherboard.

AppWizard

December 22, 2024

6 reasons I’m excited for the future of PC gaming

PC gaming has experienced a surge in popularity, with both established studios and indie developers producing exceptional titles. Linux gaming has improved significantly, particularly with Valve's Proton compatibility layer allowing Windows games to run on Linux without requiring ports. Handheld devices like the Steam Deck have transformed gaming by enabling play on the go. The distinction between PC and console gaming is diminishing, with more console titles being ported to PC and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass providing access to console games on PCs. Display technology has evolved, offering monitors with vibrant colors and high refresh rates, enhancing the gaming experience. Apple Silicon has made Macs more viable for gaming, allowing demanding games to run smoothly, although more game ports are needed. There is a growing focus on accessibility in gaming, with studios prioritizing features for inclusivity. Despite concerns about rising graphics card prices, the PC gaming platform remains strong, supported by millions of users on platforms like Steam and Epic Games.