DOSBox Archives

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

id Software released its first game 35 years ago today — Commander Keen title showcased John Carmack’s breakthrough side-scroller engine

Today marks 35 years since the release of Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons - Episode 1: Marooned on Mars, a DOS game that contributed to the formation of id Software. John Carmack's development of smooth scrolling on PCs was a significant achievement during the Enhanced Graphics Adapter era, initially intended for a port of Super Mario Bros. 3. The success of Commander Keen led Carmack and his colleagues to leave Softdisk and establish Ideas from the Deep, which became id Software. The Commander Keen trilogy laid the groundwork for id Software's transition into 3D rendering, culminating in the release of Wolfenstein 3D in 1992 and Doom in 1993. This period marked a shift in PC hardware from 486 to Pentium processors and the rise of dedicated 3D graphics cards. Nvidia introduced the GeForce 256 at the end of the 1990s, with Quake III Arena being one of the first titles to utilize this technology.

AppWizard

October 19, 2025

If emulating classic DOS games seems like a pain, there’s a DOSBox fork ‘aiming for simplicity and ease of use’, now standalone for the first time

DOSBox Pure is a standalone application derived from the core of RetroArch, designed to simplify the process of running classic DOS games on modern systems. It allows users to load ZIP files, mounted CD and floppy disk images, and DOS executables. Available as a pay-what-you-want download on itch.io, it features a user-friendly interface and provides step-by-step instructions for launching games. Users must supply their own game files, which can be sourced from platforms like GOG. Key features include rebindable keys, gamepad and joystick support, save states, a CRT video filter, and touchpad mode. The application automatically assigns controller buttons when detecting the game and gamepad, with customization options available.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

DOSBox Pure Unleashed is ready for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers after five years in development — enhanced standalone release no longer restricted to being a RetroArch core

DOSBox Pure Unleashed is a new version of the DOS emulator developed by Psyraven, released on Saturday evening. It is a standalone application compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, featuring a user-friendly interface. Key enhancements include experimental support for Windows 9X, the ability to run games from ZIP archives, Voodoo graphics emulation up to 4K/UHD resolution, and integration of MIDI synths and SoundFonts. The emulator is available for download on its GitHub page, and its source code is accessible under the GNU General Public License, version 2 or later.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Windows 95 on a PlayStation 2 kind of works — but this modded PS2 couldn’t play Doom

Jace, the host of the YouTube channel MetraByte, attempted to install Windows 95 and run Doom on a Sony PlayStation 2. He faced significant challenges due to the differences in architecture between the PS2's MIPS processor and the x86 code of Windows 95. Initially using DOSBox, he made "47 attempts" before switching to Bochs, an emulator for x86. The process was fraught with technical difficulties, including limited I/O capabilities, read and write errors, and missing files. After approximately "14 hours," he successfully reached the Windows 95 setup screen and launched Paint, but was unable to run Doom95.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Windows 95 On PlayStation 2 Works As Well As You Expected

[MeraByte] has successfully installed Windows 95 on a PlayStation 2 using an x86 emulator called Bochs, despite the PS2's MIPS-based Emotion Engine not being designed for x86 instructions. The installation process faced numerous challenges, resulting in limited functionality, such as non-responsive mouse input and the inability to run the game Ultimate Doom 95. The endeavor raises questions about the overall success of the hack, especially given the significance of Doom in gaming culture. Alternative suggestions for PS2 users include exploring programming with GoLang, as there has never been an official release of Doom for the console.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

8 reasons why PC gaming is better than console gaming

PC gaming offers a vast library of games, including mainstream titles, indie games, and classic re-releases. Major first-party titles are increasingly available on PC, diminishing the appeal of console exclusives. PCs excel in game preservation, allowing access to classic titles through emulators and tools like DOSBox. The PC gaming community benefits from mods that enhance older games with improved graphics and new content. PCs provide unmatched performance and customization options, allowing gamers to tailor their experience. Unlike consoles, PC gaming does not require subscription fees for online multiplayer. PCs can be upgraded incrementally, extending their lifespan and saving money. Emulation on PCs allows access to games from various consoles without original hardware. PC gamers enjoy extensive creative control over their gaming setups, including hardware and peripherals.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

Blizzard’s pulling of Warcraft I & II tests GOG’s new Preservation Program

GOG has enhanced the networking code for Warcraft I and refined the DirectX wrapper for Warcraft II, improving compatibility with modern monitor resolutions. GOG's commitment to preserving classic games includes the Warcraft series and may extend to other titles facing diminishing publisher interest. However, GOG faces limitations in modifying certain games due to rights issues, which complicates ensuring compatibility with modern systems. Warcraft II: Remastered allows players to toggle between classic and remastered graphics, enhances support for widescreen monitors, and increases the number of selectable units. The 2020 release of Warcraft III Reforged received significant backlash, criticized for its execution and lack of polish, while the remastered versions of the first two Warcraft games feature numerous visual updates for the UI and improved gameplay experience.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

5 cool things to do with virtual machines on Windows 11

Windows 11 simplifies the setup of virtual machines (VMs) using Hyper-V or Oracle's VirtualBox, allowing users to quickly establish VMs for various purposes. Users can run legacy applications and games that struggle on modern systems by utilizing older operating systems like Windows XP or Windows 7, or using DOSBox for very old games. VMs enable users to operate multiple operating systems simultaneously, catering to different needs such as programming or graphic design. They can also help maintain privacy against workplace monitoring by isolating personal activities from employer-mandated tracking software. Additionally, VMs allow users to safely explore potentially harmful software for cybersecurity purposes, although caution is advised due to the risk of sophisticated malware escaping the VM. Backing up an entire operating system within a VM is straightforward, involving the management of files like virtual disk images and configuration files, but users should be aware of legal considerations regarding sharing or duplicating VMs.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

GOG commits to ‘preserving’ 100 classic PC games, forever

Good Old Games (GOG.com) has launched the GOG Preservation Program to keep classic PC games playable despite the lack of ongoing developer support. The program features a curated selection of 100 iconic games, including Diablo, Resident Evil, Wing Commander III, Ultima VII, and Fallout, which are labeled as “Good Old Games” on GOG’s store page. This initiative addresses the issue of code incompatibility that can render older games unplayable on modern systems. GOG ensures these classic titles remain functional without introducing new features and offers DRM-free access with dedicated tech support. The company has been working on preservation efforts for several years, resolving issues with specific games and enhancing compatibility with modern operating systems.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

Cast your eyes upon this deeply cursed setup: Windows 95 on a hacked Nintendo 3DS

MetraByte, a YouTuber, is attempting to run Windows 95 on the Nintendo 3DS using a version of DOSBox tailored for the device. The setup process involves extensive command line input and faces numerous challenges, including limited memory, with only 16 MB allocated to the installation. The New Nintendo 3DS has 256 MB of RAM, but struggles to handle the operating system. MetraByte encounters technical hurdles when trying to allocate more memory, with the system crashing beyond 32 MB. The project highlights the limitations of the 3DS while showcasing the interest in retro technology.