gaming PC Archives

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Only two things are stopping me from moving to SteamOS on my desktop PC permanently – the moment they’re addressed, I’ll be saying ‘adiós’, Windows 11

The author experimented with Bazzite, a SteamOS clone, on their Asus ROG Ally and is considering installing it on their primary desktop gaming PC due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Bazzite offers a console-like user interface and features tailored for gaming, particularly benefiting AMD hardware, while Nvidia users face limitations with beta support. Testing Discord on Bazzite yielded mixed results, with issues in streaming that are crucial for the author's gaming experience. The author appreciates the potential of Bazzite's Quick Resume feature and the appeal of a user interface similar to popular consoles. They express hope for improved Nvidia support and functionality to facilitate a transition away from Windows 11.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

How To Play Your Steam Games On Any Chromebook

The gaming landscape on Chromebooks has changed with the introduction of Steam, allowing users to play a variety of games if their device meets the minimum requirements: an Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage. Users can download Steam by searching for "Steam installer" in the launcher, and once installed, they can use Valve's Proton to play Windows games on their Chromebook. Consulting ProtonDB can help users check game compatibility. Additionally, cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW enable access to Steam libraries, allowing high-resolution game streaming on Chromebooks. GeForce NOW supports up to 4K resolution and offers subscription options starting at .99 per month, with a free tier available.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

I bought a $180 mouse to play one PC game, and I’d do it all over again

The author invested 0 in the Razer Naga V2 Pro gaming mouse, which significantly enhanced their gameplay in World of Warcraft Classic by providing 12 side buttons for easier command execution. Initially overwhelmed by its complexity, the author adapted their keybinding system over time, leading to improved gameplay. After a year of use, the mouse became an essential tool for their gaming experience, although the author noted that its extensive setup may not be suitable for all games. The Razer Naga V2 Pro is currently available for 0.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

This emulator lets you run PC games on your Android phone — and it works

Brunodev85’s open-source toolkit, Winlator, allows users to play Windows games on Android smartphones by using a compatibility layer called Wine, which translates Windows system calls for Android. It incorporates Box86 and Box64 to convert x86 instructions to ARM commands and uses DXVK and D9VK for graphical acceleration. Winlator supports classic titles like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Mass Effect 2, Gothic, and Fallout 3, running smoothly on mid-range devices. The toolkit features customizable on-screen buttons for touch controls and enables offline gaming without the need for a constant internet connection or subscription fees. Users must sideload the APK and install necessary components, but the setup offers substantial rewards for those willing to tinker.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Valve could revolutionize gaming with a Steam-powered console

The PC market share for game sales is expanding, prompting Microsoft to consider integrating PC storefronts into the next Xbox. Valve may enter the console market, leveraging its expertise in digital distribution. A potential Valve console could be inspired by the Steam Deck, offering standardized hardware and compatibility with various games. This console could consolidate PC, PlayStation, and Xbox games, providing access to indie titles and making PC gaming more accessible for casual gamers. While Valve's success with Steam raises questions about the necessity of a dedicated console, the company has shown interest in exploring new hardware opportunities, as evidenced by its successful VR headset and handheld gaming device.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

How Mycopunk’s devs turned a school project with zero funding into a ‘Very Positive’ Steam launch: ‘We wanted to make our own dream version of Deep Rock or Helldivers’

Modeler Ryan Yan and creative director Liam Cribbs presented their school project, Mycopunk, to potential publishers at GDC 2024. Mycopunk is a co-op first-person shooter where players act as robot exterminators combating a fungal infection on a planet. The game, developed over nine months by students from NYU, recently launched in early access under Devolver Digital. The team, known as Pigeons at Play, believes in the potential of student-led projects and encourages students to pitch games with a solid plan and a fun demo.

TrendTechie

July 23, 2025

Overclockers.ru: Как я перестал экономить ресурс SSD, стал качать на него торренты и убрал все HDD из игрового ПК

The author began using personal computers in the early 2000s, starting with a 4.3 GB hard drive and upgrading to larger capacities over time, including a 20 GB, 80 GB, and a 320 GB drive in 2007. By 2009, they acquired a 1 TB Western Digital Caviar Green drive and subsequently added more drives. Data loss incidents, including one involving a 3 TB Western Digital Red drive, emphasized the importance of backing up critical information. Managing multiple hard drives in a gaming PC introduced challenges such as noise, vibration, and cable management, particularly with a maximum of seven hard drives and an SSD. Heat generation from multiple drives raised concerns about optimal operating temperatures, leading the author to prefer lower RPM models for long-term storage. The market for reliable hard drives has become complicated due to rebranded drives, making replacements harder to find. Attempts to transition to a dedicated file server faced difficulties due to rapid drive failures in a standard case without proper dampening.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Xbox to bring true cross-device gaming: Start on console, finish on PC

Microsoft is introducing a new play history feature for Xbox users, currently available to Xbox Insiders, which allows access to a comprehensive play history across consoles, PCs, and handheld devices. This feature records play sessions and save games in the cloud, enabling players to resume games from any device. The Xbox PC app now includes a “Cloud playable” filter in the library to identify console games available for cloud streaming. Additionally, a unified game progression feature allows players to start a game on one device and continue on another without losing progress. These updates signify a move towards true cross-device continuity for Xbox gamers.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Windows 7 running natively on a Steam Deck is an affront to science — this tinkerer has Microsoft’s OS booting in portrait mode

The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC by Valve that usually runs on a Linux-based system, has been successfully modified to run Windows 7 natively. This achievement has intrigued tech enthusiasts, although the integrated graphics of the Steam Deck lack the necessary drivers for Windows 7, which only work with Windows 10 and 11. Users like Bob Pony have previously installed Windows 8.1 on the device in 2022. Both Windows 7 and 8.1 lack official support from Microsoft, making their installation on the Steam Deck inadvisable. Despite the possibility of running Windows 11, many users prefer to stick with SteamOS, which has a dedicated following.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

This last-minute Prime Day PC deal is perfect for turning your setup into a pink, cozy gaming paradise

The Ditoo Retro Pixel Art speaker is currently available for .39, down from its regular price of .99. It features a 16 x 16 LED display for showcasing pixel art and connects to Spotify. The speaker is not a gaming console and does not link to gaming accounts. It has a nostalgic design and offers built-in games, functioning as a Bluetooth speaker. The typical price listed on Amazon is .98, while the manufacturer's suggested retail price is .99.