game preservation Archives

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

RPCS3 Team Won’t Touch Leaked DLSS 5, Calls the Output “Slop”

The RPCS3 development team has stated they will not incorporate the recently leaked DLSS 5 technology into their PS3 emulator, despite some users testing it. They expressed a preference to distance themselves from DLSS 5, criticizing the use of upscalers and frame generation that they believe obscure optimization issues. The team previously integrated AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), leading to discussions about their stance on different upscaling technologies. The leaked DLL from an early build of NBA 2K27 has been used in various PC titles with mixed results, but RPCS3 remains committed to game preservation, asserting that DLSS 5 does not align with their mission.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

How Enterprising Modders Installed Windows NT On Nintendo GameCubes

The resurgence of "analog" technology has led to increased interest in console modding among hobbyists. Modders have successfully integrated Windows NT 4.0 into the GameCube through the Entii for Workcubes project, which allows the operating system to run on systems from the GameCube to the Wii U. This initiative was highlighted by YouTube creator emu_kidid in February 2025, followed by contributions from Jiga Tech and Michael MJD in 2026, who demonstrated the hardware installation process. The modifications included removing the disc drive, installing a mod drive, and using an SD card disguised as a GameCube memory card. The GameCube's design facilitated these modifications, despite its lower power compared to contemporaries. Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies on newer consoles have driven modders to focus on older systems, highlighting ongoing discussions about technology ownership and game preservation.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

How Enterprising Modders Installed Windows NT On Nintendo GameCubes

Console modding is experiencing a resurgence as enthusiasts enhance classic hardware, with a notable project involving the installation of Windows NT 4.0 on the GameCube. This initiative builds on previous work by Entii for Workcubes and has gained attention through videos by creators like Jiga Tech and Michael MJD. The process involves utilizing the shared PowerPC architecture of the GameCube and Wii, allowing modders to run the vintage operating system. Demonstrations of the modding process began in February 2025, showcasing the installation of a mod drive and software. Despite the challenges posed by modern gaming companies, such as Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies, these projects highlight the creativity of the modding community and the potential for innovative uses of older consoles.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

“I’m not interested in bypassing DRM” – Preservationist brings back physical PC games using discs and even mechanical HDD “cartridges”

Preservationists are finding innovative ways to keep physical media alive, including modern PC games. Archades Games, led by Ryan Enstrom, offers options to transfer new titles onto discs and cartridges. At the Utah Retro GameXpo, Enstrom showcased discs compatible with platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Xbox app. He uses GOG's DRM-free installers, emphasizing adherence to licensing agreements. Enstrom notes that most games released before 2020 can run from mechanical drives, and the Xbox app can dynamically detect drive changes, unlike Steam. He has developed a custom user interface for multi-carts and created custom Blu-rays for retro games. While these products are not for sale, there is potential for publishers to adopt this idea, promoting physical PC games. Archades Games provides video tutorials and resources for those interested in converting digital collections into physical formats.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

I checked GOG’s most popular games and found shocking gaps in updates, DLC, languages, soundtracks, and more — 1,140 games are affected with 1,531 issues

GOG has become a popular platform for PC gamers to purchase and manage game collections, emphasizing consumer rights and true game ownership. However, a user-maintained catalog titled "Games that treat GOG customers as 2nd Class," last updated on August 11, 2026, lists 1,140 games with a total of 1,531 reported issues, including missing updates (308), languages (100), free DLC (51), paid DLC (200), features (111), soundtracks (439), builds (278), and region locking (12). Developers and publishers are responsible for the content included in GOG submissions, with Devolver Digital and THQ Nordic GmbH noted for having 29 issues each. GOG's DRM-free requirement and smaller user base compared to Steam contribute to these challenges, leading to concerns about the value of purchasing games that may lack features available on other platforms.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

PC Game Permanently Removed From GOG in Sudden Delisting

Circle Empires has been permanently removed from the GOG digital storefront, following a wave of delistings that included six other games on July 31. Developed by Luminous and published by Iceberg Interactive, Circle Empires was released in 2018 and has over 1,000 user reviews on Steam with an 88% approval rating, qualifying it for the “Very Positive” distinction. On GOG, it has a score of 3.8 out of 5. The reasons for its delisting are unclear, as it remains available on Steam. GOG announced the delisting on August 6, providing only 48 hours' notice. Circle Empires is currently priced at .99 on Steam. A sequel, Circle Empires 2, was launched earlier this year but is not available on GOG. Despite the delisting, a classic PC game was recently added to GOG for free.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

The next Xbox could play every Xbox game ever made

Microsoft's upcoming console, Project Helix, aims to support a vast library of games, including titles from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, as well as new releases for Helix. The console may not include a disc drive, complicating the concept of backwards compatibility. A leaked memo indicates that Xbox 360 games will also be available on PC and run on Helix, allowing access to five generations of Xbox games on one platform. Microsoft is seeking cooperation from game publishers to facilitate the transition of Xbox discs to digital formats, requiring individual authorization for original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles. Publishers can benefit financially by repackaging older titles and converting physical disc owners into digital customers. The success of Project Helix hinges on publisher consent, as licensing issues could impact the availability of older titles.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Report shows 34% of physical PS5 games and 50% of Xbox Series X games do not work fully without a download first

Sony plans to end production of game discs by 2028, indicating a shift towards digital gaming. An analysis shows that physical discs may not ensure offline gaming access, as recent outages of Xbox servers have hindered users' ability to play their games. This raises concerns about game preservation, as reliance on online servers and downloads complicates the safeguarding of digital experiences. Unlike PC gamers, who can still use external disc drives, future PS6 owners will not have this option, making it harder for physical media enthusiasts and preservationists.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

The new ‘backward compatible’ Xbox games on PC run on an OG Xbox emulator inside an Xbox 360 emulator, and people have already used it to run other Xbox 360 games

The four original Xbox titles made available for "Backward Compatibility on PC" are using a double layer of Xbox console emulation. The new backwards compatibility layer is an Xbox 360 emulator operating with XeFu, the original Xbox emulator designed for the 360. Developers can run dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and Xbox Original games on PC using Microsoft's PC port of XeO3 and components of XWine1. This approach reuses existing technology rather than creating a new emulator from scratch. The XWine1 project indicates that it is possible to run other original Xbox and Xbox 360 games on PC, although success may vary.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

10 Games We’d Love To See Added To Xbox Backwards Compatibility On PC

Xbox has announced backwards compatibility for PC, allowing fans to vote on classic titles they want to see made available. Current favorites among voters include Fable 2, Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, Fable 3, Sonic Unleashed, Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Gears of War 3, Lost Odyssey, and Ninja Gaiden Black. A curated list of ten highly sought-after titles already enjoying backwards compatibility on consoles includes Fable 2, Gears of War 2, Lost Odyssey, Ninja Gaiden Black, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Sonic Unleashed, Gears of War 3, Banjo-Tooie, SSX 3, and Fable 3.