original hardware Archives

BetaBeacon

December 10, 2025

How to Get Games on Your Retro Gaming Handheld

Emulation is a popular use for retro gaming handhelds, allowing them to mimic older devices like the Game Boy, Super Nintendo, and PlayStation 1 to play games originally released for those platforms. Emulators can recreate all the processes of old consoles using modern hardware. Emulation can lead to minor inaccuracies in sound or graphics, but also allows for games to be upscaled to higher resolutions and supports save states. Emulation is legal as long as copyrighted software is not distributed to run on emulators. Retro gaming handhelds can also play Android games and stream games from the cloud. There are ways to play PC games on retro gaming handhelds using Linux or Android, either through fan-made ports or compatibility layers. Some concerns exist with using certain apps to play Steam games on Android, but the future may hold an official way to play Steam games on these devices.

BetaBeacon

October 20, 2025

Watch this sub-$100 dual-screen Android gaming handheld play DS and 3DS games

The ANBERNIC RG DS is a budget-friendly dual-screen handheld that can emulate Nintendo DS and lightweight 3DS games. It supports stylus input but may have some input latency compared to original hardware. ANBERNIC is set to make a mark in the dual-screen handheld market.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade: Can I keep using my old Windows 10 license?

Users can transfer their Windows 10 license to Windows 11 at no additional cost if their hardware meets the requirements. The upgrade process is facilitated by a digital license generated during the installation of Windows 10, which is stored on Microsoft’s servers. Minor hardware changes do not affect the digital license, but a motherboard change may require the product key. Windows can be used without a valid license for a trial period of 30 days, after which certain features are restricted, and this practice is not legally compliant. If the current hardware does not meet Windows 11 specifications, users can either install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using third-party software, upgrade their hardware, or purchase a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed. To use an existing Windows 10 license on a new computer, users must have a retail version of Windows 10. If a digital license or product key for Windows 11 is lacking, users can purchase one from the Microsoft Store, with prices varying. To transfer the Windows 10 license, users need to locate their product key, which can be found in the purchase confirmation email or extracted using tools. Linking the product key to a Microsoft account is recommended for easier identification during installation. After installation, users can check the activation status in the Settings app, which categorizes activation into four scenarios.

BetaBeacon

August 28, 2025

This Android-powered Nintendo DS has fully replaced my OG hardware

The MagicX Zero 40 is a handheld device that runs on Android 10 and is designed for Nintendo DS emulation. It has a unique design that is comfortable to hold but may not be pocketable. The device comes pre-loaded with 1,400 DS games and 500 tate mode games on a 64GB microSD card. Despite some faults, the MagicX Zero 40 is considered the best Nintendo DS emulation device at its price point.

BetaBeacon

August 7, 2025

The AYANEO Pocket S2 is the most powerful Android handheld I’ve ever tested, but is it the best?

The AYANEO Pocket S2 has a sleek and slender design with stacked triggers, high-end TMR electromagnetic sticks, and a headphone jack. It features a Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset that outperforms other popular handhelds in terms of CPU and GPU performance. The device also excels in sustained performance and temperature control. It is highly recommended for gaming, including emulation of retro and modern games. The Pro model comes with a larger battery and a swappable D-pad. However, the premium price tag may make it difficult to recommend, especially with the release of other compelling alternatives by AYANEO.

BetaBeacon

July 10, 2025

The Game Boy of my dreams is finally back in stock for good

The ModRetro Chromatic is the ultimate Game Boy, with an enhanced but authentic screen and exquisite build quality. It only plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, replicating the original hardware closely. It has a backlit LCD panel, premium build quality, and a battery indicator. The device has been restocked with new colorways and accessories. The price has been adjusted, making it a pricey option for diehard Game Boy fans. It is considered the ultimate way to play Game Boy cartridges for dedicated collectors.

BetaBeacon

June 19, 2025

Grab these retro classics on Android / iOS for free before Sega takes them down

Sega Forever program, which ported classic console titles to Android and iOS, was shut down in 2023. Sega is removing the last remaining games from the web, but they are currently free with all optional in-app purchases removed. It is recommended to download any games of interest sooner rather than later.

BetaBeacon

June 4, 2025

Dolphin emulator hits a milestone as the full Wii catalog is now playable

Dolphin emulator release 2506 includes improvements to address audio stuttering on lower-end machines, fixes for frame pacing issues, new anisotropic filtering options for graphics, ability to emulate games beyond 60fps, full compatibility with GameCube and Wii catalogs, and new features for Android users.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

PC gaming remains undefeated: Nintendo now says it has the right to brick your Switch if it thinks you’re pirating games or modifying the console

Nintendo has updated its online user agreement, allowing the company to make a console "permanently unusable" if a user violates the agreement. The revised End User License Agreement (EULA) includes extensive restrictions on actions such as publishing, modifying, or distributing Nintendo Account Services, as well as using unauthorized copies. The EULA also places responsibility on legal guardians for minors and emphasizes that users do not own their games outright but merely license them. Concerns about backward compatibility and potential service discontinuation for the upcoming Switch 2 have emerged, alongside a growing preference among gamers for more control over their gaming experiences.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

8 reasons why PC gaming is better than console gaming

PC gaming offers a vast library of games, including mainstream titles, indie games, and classic re-releases. Major first-party titles are increasingly available on PC, diminishing the appeal of console exclusives. PCs excel in game preservation, allowing access to classic titles through emulators and tools like DOSBox. The PC gaming community benefits from mods that enhance older games with improved graphics and new content. PCs provide unmatched performance and customization options, allowing gamers to tailor their experience. Unlike consoles, PC gaming does not require subscription fees for online multiplayer. PCs can be upgraded incrementally, extending their lifespan and saving money. Emulation on PCs allows access to games from various consoles without original hardware. PC gamers enjoy extensive creative control over their gaming setups, including hardware and peripherals.