console games Archives

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

Is native PS5 game launch on PC a month away? Enthusiasts are close to completing decryption

The AnyPS5 project aims to enable the native launch of PlayStation 5 games on PC, with developers expecting to complete their decryption work in 24 days. They have successfully decrypted 100% of the PlayStation 5 graphics shader instructions, and the exploration of the console's system libraries is 89.44% complete. Advancements in artificial intelligence are aiding the decompilation of console games, facilitating the transition of exclusives to PC. The first native port, God of War: Sons of Sparta, is already operational on PC without an emulator. The completion of the decryption process is expected to lead to more fan-made ports for PC users.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

42.4% of Steam Users Play PC Games Exclusively

In a survey by GameDiscoverCo involving over 16,000 Steam users, 42.4% reported exclusively engaging in PC gaming, while 15.6% played on PC, console, and mobile platforms. Additionally, 91.5% of respondents play PC games for at least one hour monthly. Among cross-platform users, 22% enjoy mobile games alongside PC, and 11.5% play both PC and console games without engaging in mobile gaming. The survey methodology included participant recruitment through online giveaways and cross-referencing responses with Steam library data.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

AnyPS5 implemented 100% of the instructions GPU PlayStation 5 for playing PC games

The AnyPS5 project has achieved 100% implementation of graphics shader instructions, allowing for the direct porting and cross-linking of PlayStation 5 executable files to Windows and Linux without traditional emulation. The project has translated proprietary calls to the PS5's graphics chip into the SPIR-V format for rendering through the Vulkan API. While the complete instruction set coverage indicates successful implementation, it does not guarantee flawless operation in all scenarios. The project has demonstrated stable performance, running a 2D platformer at 60 frames per second on an Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card. The developers plan to implement key system libraries for the PRX format soon, leveraging architectural similarities between the PS5 and modern PCs. Additionally, advancements may support related initiatives like the kytyps5 translation layer for console games on PCs.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Dynamic Nvidia DLSS upscaling in Gears of War: E-Day is ace, and I wish more PC games took this approach

Nvidia DLSS upscaling is favored by the author, but the release of Gears of War: E-Day has changed their perspective on its use. The game features a dynamic upscaling option that works with a customizable frame rate target, enhancing image quality and performance management. Dynamic resolution scaling is common in console games but less so on PC, where options often lack customization for specific performance metrics. Gears of War: E-Day allows players to switch between upscalers like Nvidia DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4.1, and Intel XeSS 2, with the author typically using DLSS in Performance mode on a 4K setup. Testing on a system with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and GeForce RTX 5090, the game averages 77fps at maximum settings, being 97.8% GPU bound. Transitioning to dynamic DLSS with a target of 60fps results in an average of 64fps and an average resolution scale of 61%, with an 11% increase in pixel count but an 18.4% decrease in performance. VRAM usage increases by nearly 3GB. The author prefers prioritizing sharpness and visual enhancements over smoothness, ensuring consistent 60fps gameplay and allowing users with less powerful graphics cards to enable frame generation without latency concerns. The author hopes more games will adopt similar configurability in the future.

BetaBeacon

October 8, 2026

Original Metroid Prime Ported to Android and PC – GameCube Version Runs Without Emulator

An enthusiast named Odrannnn has created an unofficial native port of the classic game Metroid Prime for Android, Windows, and Linux systems. The port includes touch controls, radial menus, gesture-based controls, widescreen display support, adjustable field of view, mods, save transfers from the Dolphin emulator, uncapped frame rate, and customizable gameplay options. Users need a device running Android 9 or newer with ARM64 support and their own copy of the American version of Metroid Prime 1.00 for the GameCube to play.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

The Simpsons Game Unofficial PC Port Released

The unofficial PC version of The Simpsons Game has been released nearly two decades after its original console launch in 2007. It is based on the Xbox 360 version and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. The game has been rebuilt for x86-64 architecture, allowing it to run without CPU emulation, and supports Direct3D 12 and Vulkan. Players can experience fluid gameplay at 60 FPS, with menus and loading screens capped at 30 FPS. The port includes adjustable render scales for improved graphics and supports both controllers and customizable keyboard and mouse controls. The launcher features a new theme, automatic settings saving, and improved user interface. Performance enhancements include a refined timer setting for audio issues, increased frame rates on the Steam Deck, and reduced video memory usage. The game is available for download, but players must provide their own Xbox 360 ISO. Additionally, there is a growing library of unofficial PC ports of console-exclusive games, including titles like Super Mario 64 and Crash Team Racing.

BetaBeacon

September 23, 2026

What is an Android handheld gaming device and what is it for? Feat. AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT

The AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT is a handheld gaming device powered by the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset. It can run games from the Google Play Store well and can also emulate older console games. The device has an 8,400mAh battery and charges in around 105 minutes. It is priced at around RM2.3k and is considered a niche product with solid build quality and versatility.

BetaBeacon

September 11, 2026

This sideloaded Android Auto app transformed my car’s screen into a retro gaming arcade

- Some of the games in Xtream Player are knock-offs of well-known titles like BrickIt, SweepIt, SnakeIt, Circle Ninja, and Chess. - The games have simplistic visuals and are reminiscent of early 1980s 8-bit home console games. - Xtream Player is not as advanced as GameSnacks in Android Auto. - Getting Xtream Player to work in Android Auto requires enabling Developer Mode for both Android and Android Auto, installing AAEnabler, and paying a one-time premium fee.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

A disturbing ’90s point-and-click horror game about waking up in a rundown asylum with no recollection of who you are is getting a glow up in 2026

In 1998, notable PC games included Half-Life, Unreal, StarCraft, Thief, and Baldur's Gate, while console games featured Nintendo 64's Ocarina of Time and Banjo-Kazooie, and PlayStation's Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil 2. Sanitarium, an isometric point-and-click adventure game, was released in April 1998, focusing on the story of Max, an amnesiac in a sanitarium. A new version, Sanitarium Enhanced, is set to be released by Ziggurat, featuring widescreen support, controller support, an extras gallery, a new hint mode, bug fixes, and optimizations for the Steam Deck, with availability on Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles in 2026.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Pretty Cool Games Launches As New Studio From “Human: Fall Flat” Devs

Sitara Shefta and Will Dudley have launched Pretty Cool Games, a remote indie studio in the UK, with funding from Coreblazer, the investment arm of HyperGryph. The studio is developing its first project, a double-A, physics-based game focused on gameplay. The game draws inspiration from Nintendo, Hazelight, Disney theme parks, and classic physical comedy films. Despite challenges in the gaming industry, Pretty Cool Games is optimistic about the demand for innovative gaming experiences. The studio aims to create highly entertaining PC and console games, emphasizing creativity and quality, with a team experienced in developing successful titles.