pinball Archives

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, has developed TinyRetroPad, a Notepad-like application that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. TinyRetroPad includes features such as Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and an unsaved changes prompt. It is built on existing Windows components, allowing it to function efficiently without extensive resources. TinyRetroPad is based on Dave’s Tiny Editor and utilizes RICHEDIT50W for text handling. The application's file size increased incrementally with each feature added, with the final size being 2,476 bytes. Crinkler, a compression linker, was used to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad is still in development, facing issues like high memory consumption and compatibility problems. In contrast, Windows 11's Notepad has become larger and more complex, weighing approximately 352KB and incorporating features that some users find unnecessary. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad without modern features, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential for simplicity in application design.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, is recreating Notepad in 2.5 kilobytes with a project called TinyRetroPad, which includes features like Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and unsaved changes prompt. TinyRetroPad leverages existing Windows infrastructure, utilizing built-in resources to function efficiently. It is based on Matt Power’s Dave’s Tiny Editor and operates as a wrapper around RICHEDIT50W. The size of TinyRetroPad increased with each feature added, reaching 2,476 bytes with printing. The project uses Crinkler, a compression linker, to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad currently lacks a dedicated Releases page and may trigger false positives from antivirus software. Users have reported issues such as excessive memory usage and compatibility problems with older Windows versions. In contrast, the modern Notepad in Windows 11 has grown to approximately 352KB, with a total disk footprint nearing 5MB, leading to user backlash over its complexity. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential of leveraging existing OS capabilities rather than adding unnecessary features.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Retro Arcade Shop Simulator Brings the Neon 80s to PC

The Retro Arcade Shop Simulator, developed by Alt Tab Game, will debut on PC with a demo available on June 11. The full version is expected in 2026/2027, with a console release in 2027. The game allows players to build and manage their own retro arcade, featuring 28 types of entertainment options and interactive machines. The demo includes four progression levels, six types of attractions, and customization options for layout and decor. Players can manage a cafeteria and hire staff. The minimum system requirements for the PC demo include Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i3-14100F or AMD Ryzen 5 5560U, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600, and 8 GB of available SSD space.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

I stop looking for 5 seconds and now Crimson Desert has pinball and a rideable wyvern

Crimson Desert has released Patch 1.10.00, which includes several new features and improvements. Notable additions are the introduction of a pinball minigame at the inn near the Deleysian Institute, where players can earn tokens for various items, and a new minigame called "Orb Roll" located at the Great Gate of Urdavah. Players can now nurture a baby wyvern that can be fed and eventually ridden. The update also includes improved Re-Blockade mechanics, the ability to request "Protection" for strongholds, new mounts and pets, enhanced item management, combat enhancements, and UI improvements.

Winsage

May 26, 2026

Windows’ classic 3D Space Cadet pinball is getting a physical re-creation

3D Pinball for Windows – Space Cadet was included with several Microsoft operating systems until Windows XP and was part of the Full Tilt! Pinball software collection launched by Maxis in 1995. Deeproot Pinball attempted to create a physical version of Space Cadet but faced collapse before completion. Hobbyist CNCDan is now working on a physical Space Cadet table, featuring 3D-printed mechanical flippers, pop bumpers with embedded LEDs, slingshots, and a raised playfield. He has encountered challenges with the size and positioning of table elements, resulting in a playfield that measures 56 cm in width, which is smaller than typical commercial pinball tables.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

I’m tired of everything getting turned into a roguelite, but I’ll make an exception for pinball

Developers are rapidly creating quick-hit games inspired by various mechanics, with 257 new roguelites released on Steam in the past month. One notable title is Pin-Crawl, which introduces a roguelite twist to pinball gameplay, featuring upgrades that create chaotic effects and unique spells for strategic advantages. Although its visuals may not match those of established titles, it offers innovative gameplay mechanics, including stats, bosses, and meta progression. Pin-Crawl aims to deliver quick, engaging sessions, appealing to players' nostalgia for pinball while blending it with roguelite elements.

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Linux gains more critical Windows apps … 3D Movie Maker and Space Cadet Pinball

Several notable Windows applications, including Space Cadet Pinball and Microsoft 3D Movie Maker, have been successfully ported to Linux. Space Cadet Pinball, originally part of the Microsoft Plus Pack for Windows 95, has been decompiled and rebuilt, now available across 14 platforms, including Linux, thanks to Muzychenko Andrey. The source code for Microsoft 3D Movie Maker was released by Microsoft, and a new fork has been developed by Mark Cave-Ayland and Ben Stone, enabling it to run on Linux. Their project also includes bug fixes, 64-bit compatibility, and builds for ARM64 Windows, with plans for a Raspberry Pi version.

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

Ball x Pit has a new update because who needs free time anyway?

The Shadow Update for Ball x Pit introduces two new characters, The Tiptoer and The Tunneller, along with four new passive abilities, 11 new balls, and a guildhall for players to build. The Tiptoer can evade detection by enemies, while The Tunneller can fire balls that wrap around the screen's edges. The new balls include one that manipulates time, one that immobilizes enemies, and one that allows for random teleportation. The update also features the Full Metal Rapier passive ability, which scales damage based on the number of elements on screen, and the Arrow of Fate, which grants projectile immunity and releases smaller balls upon being hit. The update is available for free on Steam and adds 18 new elements, creating 88 combinations of characters, passives, and balls.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Amazon Prime subscribers can claim 12 free PC games this month

Amazon Prime subscribers can access twelve free games through Prime Gaming in April 2026. Notable titles include XCOM: Enemy Unknown Complete Edition and Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties, available for immediate download. Additional games will be released weekly: - April 9: Rat's Quest: The Way Back Home and King of Retail - April 16: Snake Core, Monster Harvest, and Detective Agency: Gray Tie Collector's Edition - April 23: Neo Cab and The Pale Beyond - April 30: KinnikuNeko: Super Muscle Cat, Fantasy General, and Pinball Spire

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Amazon Prime’s 12 ‘free’ games for April include XCOM: Enemy Unknown Complete Pack

Amazon Luna has released a lineup of complimentary PC games for subscribers in April 2026, including: - Available now: - XCOM: Enemy Unknown Complete Pack (GOG) - Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties (Epic Games Store) - April 9: - A Rat’s Quest: The Way Back Home (Epic Games Store) - King of Retail (GOG) - April 16: - Snake Core (GOG) - Monster Harvest (Epic Games Store) - Detective Agency: Gray Tie Collector’s Edition (Legacy Games) - April 23: - Neo Cab (GOG) - The Pale Beyond (GOG) - April 30: - KinnikuNeko: Super Muscle Cat (Epic Games Store) - Fantasy General (GOG) - Pinball Spire (GOG) Players can still claim titles from March, including Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, Total War: Rome II, and Total War: Three Kingdoms. Amazon Luna also revamped its streaming service last October, introducing GameNight, which features around 30 party games that allow players to use mobile phones as controllers without app downloads.