graphics API Archives

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

PS5 emulator successfully runs six titles at a playable 60 FPS — PS5 emulation continues to gather momentum as developers improve shader translation and Vulkan support

Developers of SharpEmu, an experimental open-source PS5 emulator, have achieved playable frame rates of 60 FPS for six out of 55 tested PS5 titles. The six titles that reached this milestone are Dreaming Sarah, Void Terrarium, New Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja, Tetris Forever, Hoa, and Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. This achievement coincides with the release of SharpEmu v0.0.4-release.2, which includes improvements such as enhanced SPIR-V shader translation and updated Vulkan API support. SharpEmu is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS, and utilizes Vulkan and MoltenVK for graphics API calls. The emulator leverages the PlayStation 5's AMD Zen 2 x86-64 CPU to execute console CPU instructions natively on PCs. Currently, only 12 of the 55 tested titles are in a game-ready state, with six playable at 60 FPS. SharpEmu is intended for research and educational purposes and does not include copyrighted system firmware or game data. Additionally, another emulator, KytyPS5, has run the PS5 version of GTA V at approximately 40 to 60 FPS, though it experienced crashes after the opening mission.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Aniimo: Pokemon’s Rival Game Debuts On Android And iOS Bringin An Open World RPG

Aniimo is a game that allows players to explore the open world of Idilia, tame unique creatures, and transform into Aniimo using the Twine mechanic. The game features cross-progression support and has specific hardware requirements for Android and iOS devices.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

PlayStation 5 emulation has taken a new leap forward, bringing console-based Minecraft to PC.

Developers of PlayStation 5 emulation software have made significant progress in running various 3D games on personal computers, including a version of Minecraft. This advancement is due to architectural similarities between modern consoles and PCs, although major AAA titles still require further system enhancements to be emulated. Sony has decided not to release single-player, high-budget games on PCs, focusing instead on multiplayer titles, which has increased interest in emulation for experiencing single-player games. In contrast, the development of an emulator for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be more challenging and time-consuming due to its dedicated processor, complex graphics API, and lack of a console jailbreak, leading analysts to predict a lengthy emulation process similar to that of Sony's hardware.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Minecraft Java Edition Now Demands 16GB RAM in First Hardware Overhaul in 17 Years

Mojang Studios has updated the system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition for the first time in 17 years, raising the recommended memory to 16GB of RAM. The new minimum specifications include a 64-bit operating system, a quad-core CPU, a graphics card supporting Vulkan 1.3 API with at least 2GB of VRAM, and 8GB of system RAM for discrete GPUs or 12GB for integrated graphics. For the recommended "Fancy" preset, 16GB of system memory, a current-generation processor, and a graphics card with 6GB or more of VRAM are required. Older hardware may struggle to run the game, leading to low frame rates and visual issues. Mojang is transitioning from OpenGL to Vulkan to enhance game performance and visuals. Players can still use Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for lower system requirements or community optimization mods like Sodium to improve performance on less capable hardware.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Minecraft System Requirements Change After 17 Years

Microsoft has updated the system requirements for Minecraft for the first time in 17 years. Players will now need CPUs and GPUs that support the 'Vulkan 1.3' graphics API. The recommended RAM has increased from 4GB to 16GB, with the new specifications being: - Recommended: 16GB of RAM and 6GB of VRAM - Minimum: 8GB of RAM (12GB if using integrated graphics) and 2GB of VRAM Mojang Studios stated that these changes aim to provide realistic guidelines for playing the game at high settings in Full HD resolution, and reassured existing users that performance demands will not drastically change overnight.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Chaos Cubed Drops Tomorrow: Hardcore Exploit Closed, Vulkan Renderer Ships

Minecraft Java Edition 26.2, titled Chaos Cubed, will be released on June 16, 2026, featuring a new underground biome called sulfur caves, a unique mob named sulfur cube, and an experimental Vulkan graphics renderer. The sulfur caves introduce pale-yellow sulfur blocks and deep-red cinnabar, along with geysers that erupt every 50 seconds and sulfur spikes that can inflict damage. The sulfur cube is a passive mob that absorbs blocks, altering its behavior, and can transform into a mobile explosive when it absorbs TNT. The Vulkan renderer allows players to switch between OpenGL and Vulkan for improved performance, utilizing multiple CPU cores. A friends list feature will be added, enabling players to send friend requests and check online statuses, but peer-to-peer world hosting will not be included. Hardcore mode will now enforce permadeath by disabling certain options in the Open to LAN menu. The update also includes six new music tracks and the /unpublish command.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Pre-Release 5

26.2 Pre-Release 5 introduces adjustments to Hardcore mode settings and various bug fixes, with an official launch scheduled for June 16. Changes include: - Automatic adjustment of the Graphics API setting if a crash occurs during startup. - Correction of the sound effect for hitting the sulfur cube in the bouncy archetype. - World hosts can change the game mode using F3 + F4 or commands, updating the default game mode for the world. - Removal of the "Game Mode" and "Allow Commands" buttons in Hardcore mode worlds. Startup and Fallback Behavior for Graphics API: - If a crash occurs at startup with "Prefer Vulkan" selected, it reverts to "Default." - The game collects system information regarding Vulkan even when set to "Default." - If a crash occurs with "Default," it switches to "Prefer OpenGL." - "Prefer OpenGL" prevents interaction with Vulkan to avoid crashes. Fixed bugs: - Sounds for the bouncy sulfur cube play at appropriate volume levels. - Flower patches now generate instead of single flowers. - Spear with Lunge no longer launches players downwards on a geyser. - Players cannot change their game mode from the World Options menu in hardcore worlds. - Friends Screen key binding allows typing instead of closing the screen. - Custom dialog buttons no longer disrupt the game menu. - Adjusting command settings updates the "Game Rules" button state correctly. - Changing game modes with commands reflects accurately in the World Options screen. - The "Statistics" button has been realigned in the game menu. - Correction of a string error in the friends error message. - Game mode is no longer incorrectly set to Survival mode upon re-entering the save. - Hardcore death cannot be circumvented by rejoining the world. Pre-Releases are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and users are advised to back up their data before testing.

BetaBeacon

May 11, 2026

How to play Steam PC games on Android phones and tablets (for real)

Valve released Proton in 2018, a fork of Wine that improves Linux compatibility with Windows games. By 2024, it became possible to run full-blown PC games from 1997 to 2005 on phones with Snapdragon processors. In 2025, GameSir released GameHub, allowing users to play Steam games on Android devices. Other open-source projects like GameNative and GameHub Lite have since improved the gaming experience on Android devices.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 Run dialog is faster than the Windows 95-era version it’s replacing

Microsoft is developing a modernized version of the Run dialog for Windows 11, featuring a streamlined design created using C# and WinUI 3. The new Run dialog has a median "time-to-show" of 94 milliseconds, which is an improvement over the old dialog's 103 milliseconds. This new version is designed to be more functional and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly access their home directory and supporting dark mode. The modern Run dialog is currently being rolled out as an opt-in feature for Insiders in the Experimental Channel.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Snapshot 1

- The upcoming release is titled "Chaos Cubed." - Players can explore the Overworld and sulfur caves, seeking sulfur springs and new resources. - A new mob called the Sulfur Cube has been introduced, which absorbs blocks and can be interacted with using Shears. - The Sulfur Cube can detect nearby block items and will follow players holding absorbable blocks. - Upon defeat, the Sulfur Cube splits into two smaller versions, which can be fed to grow larger. - New Cinnabar and Sulfur block sets have been added, including various variants like Polished and Bricks. - The sulfur caves biome has been added, featuring sulfur pools and the Sulfur Cube mob. - Potent Sulfur is a new block that produces nausea-inducing gas when placed under water. - Sulfur Springs generate naturally above the sulfur cave biome in various sizes. - Vulkan support has been added for improved visual experience, with a new "Graphics API" option in Video Settings. - Players can toggle between OpenGL and Vulkan, with Vulkan being the default if supported. - New attributes related to bounciness and friction have been introduced for entities. - New sounds and textures for Sulfur, Potent Sulfur, Cinnabar, and the Sulfur Cube have been added. - Various bugs have been fixed to improve gameplay stability.