gaming console Archives

AppWizard

February 16, 2025

How did your parents limit your game time?

Engaging in conversations about childhood gaming experiences highlights the trend of regulating gaming time for children. Today's parents tend to adopt a cautious approach, imposing restrictions while also participating in gaming with their children. The author reflects on their own lenient upbringing regarding gaming time, noting that their parents allowed gaming after homework was completed. They maintained a disciplined routine, limiting themselves to an hour of play each night, and later negotiated for more gaming time as a secondary school student. The author has since pursued a career in game development, influenced by their father's work in the field.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

5 reasons you should use Windows for retro gaming emulation

Gaming has become increasingly popular, with many new titles and classic games available through emulation. Windows is the preferred platform for running retro game emulators due to its user-friendly nature, as most PCs come preinstalled with it. Windows 11 offers strong security features through Microsoft Defender, which is important for users downloading potentially risky ROMs. Linux has faced challenges with integer scaling, affecting the visual quality of emulated games, while Windows has better compatibility with emulators and hardware. Emulation Station Desktop Edition (ES-DE) enhances the retro gaming experience on Windows by providing an intuitive interface. Overall, Windows is considered the most accessible and practical option for retro gaming.

AppWizard

November 27, 2024

Christmas Gift Guide 2024: The Best Presents for PC Gamers

- Steam Deck OLED (AUD 9 for the 512GB Model) is a premium handheld gaming console available for order in Australia. - Venom Universal Carry Case (AUD .91) and NewQ Steam Deck HDMI Dock (AUD .99) are accessories for the Steam Deck. - Sennheiser Professional Profile USB Mic (AUD 0.98) is a reliable microphone known for sound quality and design. - Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick (AUD 9.95) is designed for flight simulation games. - SmartQ USB 3.0 Hub (AUD .99) is a multi-USB hub to connect multiple peripherals. - HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless Mouse (AUD 9.00) is a responsive gaming mouse. - Nanoleaf Lights (Starting from AUD 9.00) are customizable lights for gaming spaces. - Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Headset (Gen 3) (AUD 9.95) offers sound quality and long battery life. - SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (AUD 1.66) is a stylish headset with robust sound quality. - SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (AUD 9.00) features active noise cancellation. - Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (AUD 9.00) is a programmable button hub for streamers. - Geecol RGB Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad (AUD .99) features customizable RGB lighting. - WD_Black P10 5TB Game Drive (AUD 8.24) provides ample storage for games. - Anda Seat Kaiser 3 gaming chair (Around AUD 0) offers comfort and support. - A Steam Voucher or direct game purchase can be a thoughtful gift for PC gamers.

AppWizard

November 17, 2024

The best device for playing PC games is finally coming to Australia

Valve's Steam Deck is set to launch in Australia on November 19 and has already sold millions of units internationally. It is a handheld gaming device that functions as a Linux PC, offering extensive customization options. The Steam Deck measures nearly 30 centimeters wide and 12 centimeters tall, weighs 640 grams, and features a 7.4-inch HDR OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz and a native resolution of 1280x800. It supports a wide range of games, including high-profile titles and indie games, with battery life varying from two to eight hours depending on the game's demands. Control options include a d-pad, face buttons, analog sticks, touch-sensitive pads, and customizable settings. The Steam Deck runs on a customized Linux operating system, SteamOS, which facilitates the use of Windows games through an emulation layer called Proton. Valve rates games for performance and compatibility, with a starting price of 9 for the Steam Deck OLED and various models available at different price points.

BetaBeacon

November 17, 2024

I tried gaming on the Google TV Streamer, and it was just awful

The Google TV Streamer does not support all three modes of the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus controller, with only D-input mode working reliably for both Android TV and Google TV. Playing native Android games on the device is possible but may have latency and performance issues. Emulated console games are difficult to play due to the lack of expandable storage and a native file explorer. Streaming games from a PC using Moonlight provides the best gaming experience on the Google TV Streamer. Overall, the Google TV Streamer is not recommended as a gaming machine, and using a phone or investing in a more powerful streaming device like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is suggested for better gaming performance.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

It looks like an Atari 2600, but I’d use it as a sub-$200 indie gaming Steam Machine

The Atari VCS mini PC was launched in 2021 with an initial price of 9, which deterred potential buyers. As of now, it is available for 9.99, making it an attractive option for retro and indie gamers. The VCS features 100 pre-loaded classic Atari games, a modernized 2600 joystick, a wireless gamepad, and is built on an AMD mini PC architecture with a VEGA APU, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 32GB MMC storage that is expandable via an M.2 slot. It can run lower-spec titles at 1080p and manage some recent games like Sonic Superstars and Tomb Raider Remastered at reasonable settings. However, it is not suited for high-performance gaming and has limitations due to its 4GB VRAM. Alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally offer more portability but at a higher price. The VCS combines retro aesthetics with modern gaming capabilities, appealing to a new generation of players.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Tinkerer converts ThinkCentre into compact Steam OS-powered gaming console

A Linux gaming PC has been created by Eta Prime, resembling the size of a Wii and featuring a console-like interface similar to the Steam Deck. It includes an Intel i7 processor and an AMD Radeon RX 6400 graphics card, fitted into a Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q chassis. The build incorporates 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD, and runs on the Bazzite distro operating system, which allows direct booting into Steam Gaming Mode. Performance tests showed the system running Left 4 Dead 2 at 1440p with 120fps, Street Fighter 6 at 1080p with 60fps, Elden Ring at 1080p low settings near 60fps, Doom Eternal exceeding 100fps at 1080p, and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low settings averaging around 56fps.

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

Night Signal Entertainment announces horror puzzle game Please Insert Disc for PC

Night Signal Entertainment has announced a new horror puzzle game titled Please Insert Disc, set to launch on PC via Steam. The game involves navigating a 2000s-era gaming console to troubleshoot and restore its functionality, featuring a series of complex puzzles and original soundscapes. A specific release date has not been disclosed.

BetaBeacon

September 17, 2024

The best Android emulators for playing your favorite classic games [Video]

Emulators are legal, but the distribution of copyrighted ROM files is illegal. Users are responsible for obtaining ROM files legally, such as by purchasing physical copies of games or through legal digital distribution platforms.

Winsage

August 29, 2024

I turned my old Windows PC into a retro gaming console — here’s how you can do it too

Repurposing an old computer into a retro gaming console can be achieved using EmulationStation (ES-DE). To set it up, download the latest version of ES-DE and create directories for game files in the C:Users%username%ROMS directory. Organize your game files and relaunch ES-DE to display your titles. Install an emulator, such as RetroArch, to play the games, selecting the appropriate cores for classic systems. Connecting a controller is straightforward for USB options, while wireless controllers require Bluetooth pairing, though compatibility issues may arise. Check advanced settings in ES-DE to ensure emulators are configured correctly. Users may encounter challenges like compatibility issues or graphical glitches with certain games.