game compatibility Archives

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, especially targeting gamers. Key features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR for enhanced visuals on SDR games, DirectStorage for reduced loading times and improved frame rates with NVMe SSDs, and Compact Mode for Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens. Other features include Dynamic Lighting for RGB devices, HDR Calibration app, color filters for colorblind players, and Automatic Super Resolution for Arm-based PCs. The effectiveness of these features depends on hardware compatibility, and while some improvements may enhance gaming experiences, they may not be significant enough for all users to upgrade immediately. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider their options regarding upgrading or sticking with Windows 10.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

GOG’s Game Preservation Effort Will Include Delisted Titles

GOG has launched a "Good Old Games" preservation program featuring an initial selection of 100 titles, ensuring they are playable on modern PCs with the latest Windows versions and graphics drivers. The program includes ongoing support for bug fixes and a support service for players encountering issues. GOG will continue to support classic titles like Warcraft and Warcraft II, even after their removal from the store by Blizzard. The initiative aims to address the challenges of game preservation, including the complexities of digital ownership and securing rights from publishers. GOG employs open-source emulators for older DOS-based games and has undertaken quality assurance processes for the titles in the program. The company plans to expand the preservation program monthly and has invested in resolving persistent issues, such as a memory leak in Dragon Age: Origins.

Winsage

November 24, 2024

Microsoft temporarily halts Windows 11 24H2 update on PCs with select Ubisoft games — avoiding frequent freezing and black screen glitches in modern Assassin’s Creed, Star Wars, and Avatar titles

Microsoft has acknowledged that users may experience crashes or compatibility issues with certain Ubisoft games after installing the Windows 11 24H2 update. To protect user experience, Microsoft has temporarily paused updates for devices with these specific titles installed. Ubisoft is working to mitigate the bug, but there is no definitive timeline for a fix. The 24H2 update has introduced performance enhancements but also compatibility issues, including previous incidents with BSODs on Western Digital SSDs. Microsoft advises against updating for users who want to keep playing Ubisoft games, as it could render them unplayable. Users experiencing game freezes can use Task Manager to terminate the problematic process. Reports of crashes have been ongoing since at least early last month. A rollback to the previous 23H2 version is possible within a 10-day window, and a complete reinstallation of Windows may also resolve the issues.

Winsage

November 9, 2024

Update for Windows PCs with ARM chips could improve compatibility with x86 games and applications

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors are the fastest ARM-based chips for Windows laptops, making ARM-powered PCs viable alternatives to Intel and AMD. Microsoft has introduced an emulator named Prism to facilitate the execution of x86 applications on Windows PCs. The latest version of Prism enhances performance by supporting additional CPU features during emulation and simulates a virtual x86 CPU, allowing non-natively compatible software to run. It adds support for several x86 instruction set extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, improving compatibility for PC games. The updated Prism is accessible in Windows 11 24H2 and supports any 64-bit x86 application, enabling previously blocked games and creative applications to operate on ARM processors. The new version is currently available to Windows Insider program members, with no details on a broader release timeline.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2024

Nintendo confirms Switch game compatibility with Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 will have compatibility with older Switch games.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Microsoft’s new emulator could bring more games to Windows on Arm

Microsoft is updating Windows on Arm to improve x64 software and game compatibility through advanced emulation, focusing on devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. This update is part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, being tested in the Canary Channel. The new emulator will support 64-bit x86 software and various processor extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, but will not support 32-bit software. Popular games using AVX2 technology, like Starfield and Helldivers 2, will benefit from this update. Some widely-used applications, such as Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have native ARM64 versions, but others still rely on emulation. The emulator is currently enabled in a limited capacity on retail PCs, allowing Premiere Pro 25 on Arm to operate. A correction noted that Blender now has an ARM64 version and does not require emulation.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

Bazzite delivers the SteamOS experience Windows handhelds need

Bazzite is a Linux-based operating system designed for Windows gaming handhelds, offering a user experience similar to SteamOS. It is built on Fedora and features a console-centric design, allowing for smooth controller navigation and stable performance. Bazzite includes specific enhancements for the Asus ROG Ally, such as TDP modes and lighting options. The latest version has resolved initial issues with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, allowing for low frame-rate compensation. Game performance on Bazzite is generally positive, with some titles experiencing a performance penalty compared to Windows. Bazzite mitigates shader compilation stutters better than Windows and offers slightly improved battery life. The installation process requires partitioning internal storage and is comparable in complexity to installing Windows on the Steam Deck. Users can dual-boot between Bazzite and Windows. Overall, Bazzite enhances the gaming experience on the ROG Ally, despite some trade-offs in performance and compatibility.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

How To Make A PS4 Or PS5 Controller Work With PC Games – SlashGear

Connecting a PlayStation 4 or 5 controller to a PC can be done via Bluetooth or a USB cable, with wired connections preferred for lower latency and better game compatibility. The DualShock controller uses Micro-USB, while the DualSense controller uses USB-C. Windows 10 or 11 should automatically recognize the controller and install drivers. To connect via Bluetooth, put the controller in pairing mode and follow the Bluetooth setup process in Windows. Steam indicates which games support PlayStation controllers, with many requiring no additional setup. Some games, like "Magic: The Gathering Arena," do not support controllers, while others may have limited compatibility. Steam Input can be used to map controller buttons for games that do not support PlayStation controllers natively. Users can customize controller settings through the Steam menu. For broader compatibility across various launchers, DS4Windows can convert the controller's input to XInput. Users need to download DS4Windows, run the application, and connect the controller via USB or Bluetooth. Common troubleshooting steps include connecting via USB if Windows doesn't recognize the controller, verifying controller mapping in game settings, and ensuring proper configuration in Steam Input or DS4Windows.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Microsoft’s new ‘Copilot’ PCs can’t handle hundreds of popular PC games

Microsoft and its partners have launched Copilot+ PCs featuring AI-powered capabilities, moving away from Intel's architecture to Qualcomm chips based on Arm designs. However, gaming compatibility poses challenges, as many popular PC games are optimized for Intel's x86 chips. An analysis revealed that out of approximately 1,300 evaluated games, only about half functioned smoothly on the new Arm-powered PCs. Microsoft has acknowledged that some high-demand games may not work on these devices, and Qualcomm stated that their chip architecture is not currently viewed as a gaming platform. The competition between the Qualcomm-Arm alliance and Intel is expected to intensify, with predictions that new Intel chips for Windows AI PCs will gain significant market share due to better compatibility.

Winsage

August 31, 2024

Only Microsoft Can Save Windows-Powered Handheld Game Consoles

The Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck have successfully integrated AAA gaming into portable devices, posing challenges for other companies entering the handheld market, particularly those using Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Many manufacturers, such as Asus and MSI, are opting for Windows due to a lack of resources to develop custom operating systems, despite its drawbacks. These companies face limitations when licensing Windows, as they cannot fundamentally alter its operation, leading to issues like intrusive low battery notifications. Microsoft requires certain software to be included with Windows licenses, which may not be suitable for gaming devices. In late 2023, Microsoft introduced a preview of its Xbox app with a Compact Mode for gaming handhelds, aimed at improving user experience, but it currently only supports games purchased through Microsoft. There are rumors that Microsoft may consider developing its own gaming handheld, which could impact existing manufacturers.