pinball Archives

BetaBeacon

September 5, 2026

The Wrapp – 8-bit dungeon crawling, blue-eyed dragons, and rusty survival games

- Armoured Mewtwo will be appearing in Pokémon Go raids over the weekend, drawing a crowd of players. - Xbox may be pushing to be the temporary physical media saviour, causing PlayStation to rethink their strategy. - Catherine Dellosa is prepping early access games for a work trip and will be playing Backpack Stars, a backpack management game. - Shaun Walton will be playing Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links with his Blue-Eyes deck. - Iwan Morris will be recovering from Gamescom and playing No More Room in Hell 2 and looking for a good zombie game. - Stephen Gregson-Wood is enjoying playing Rust Mobile's second closed beta.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Whatever happened to Minesweeper and 3D Pinball on Windows?

Microsoft included the Solitaire Collection with Windows 10 and Windows 11, while many classic games required separate downloads. The company has shifted focus towards its Xbox platform, leading to the discontinuation of games like 3D Pinball: Space Cadet due to technical challenges. Raymond Chen noted that the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture caused significant issues for 3D Pinball, including a bug where the ball would pass through objects. Ultimately, the decision was made to exclude Pinball from the product lineup to avoid the complexities of porting its code.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Why Windows stopped including fun games like Minesweeper, Solitaire, and Pinball

Microsoft integrated games into the Windows operating system from its early versions, starting with Reversi in Windows 1.0 in 1985 and introducing Solitaire in Windows 3.0 in 1990. Over the years, various versions of Windows included a range of built-in games, peaking with Windows Vista and Windows 7, which featured titles like Chess Titans and Mahjong Titans. However, with the release of Windows 8, Microsoft removed classic games from the operating system and transitioned to an app-centric model, directing users to the Windows Store for gaming. The Microsoft Solitaire Collection became a single app, while other games were made available as separate downloads. This shift marked a change in how Microsoft approached gaming, moving from integrating games as part of the OS to treating Windows as a platform for independent applications and services.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Why did the Windows 95 CD have a Weezer music video on it?

Windows 95 included an installation CD featuring music videos such as Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” and “Good Times,” a cinematic trailer for Rob Roy, and animations by Bill Plympton. It also offered interactive content like the game Pinball and the hovercraft game Hover!. In February 2026, Raymond Chen wrote a blog post discussing the inclusion of the Weezer music video in the installation package, reflecting on the innovative efforts of Microsoft during that time.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Back to the Start: How Microsoft launched Windows 95 to the world

In 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, an operating system designed to transition users from 16-bit to 32-bit computing, with a marketing budget estimated between 0 million and 0 million. Windows 95 featured a 32-bit architecture capable of managing up to 4GB of memory, the Start button, taskbar, Microsoft Exchange, and Plug and Play technology. The global launch event occurred on August 24 at Microsoft's headquarters, featuring Bill Gates and a promotional campaign that included The Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and a videotape guide with Friends stars. In Malaysia, the official launch was on August 29, with some dealers organizing midnight sales, although turnout was disappointing. Microsoft hosted a Windows 95 Expo in Kuala Lumpur, leading to strong sales of additional products. By 1996, Microsoft announced the shipment of 40 million units of Windows 95 worldwide.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft explains why Pinball vanished from Windows: “We couldn’t afford to spend days studying the code”

3D Pinball was a space-themed game included in Windows XP since its debut in 1995. It was removed with the launch of Windows Vista due to a bug in the code that caused the game to be unplayable, not because of legal issues as commonly believed. The bug occurred during the transition of Windows XP to 64-bit architecture, where the ball would drop into the launcher and fall through the plunger. Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen, who worked on the project, noted that the original code was largely undocumented, making it difficult to fix. The game was licensed from Cinematronics and Maxis, which limited Microsoft's rights to bundling it within Windows and its Plus! packs, preventing a standalone release. Attempts to revive the game were hindered by these legal constraints. As of 2022, no official version of 3D Pinball has been included in Windows 11, and the licensing situation remains complicated due to the acquisition of Cinematronics and Maxis by Electronic Arts.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

The guy who built Windows Task Manager in 1996 just remade it with a cyberpunk vibe — but there’s one big issue for PC users

Dave W. Plummer, a notable figure in programming, contributed significantly to Microsoft by introducing ZIP file support for Windows, adapting Space Cadet Pinball for Windows NT, and creating the Windows Task Manager, which debuted in 1996. He has shared insights from his time at Microsoft through his platform, Dave's Garage. Recently, he released a mockup of a redesigned Task Manager, named "Task Manager OG" (TMOG), which features a cyberpunk aesthetic and is currently available as a beta version for macOS, with a Windows version planned. TMOG combines elements of macOS's Activity Monitor and Windows Task Manager, providing essential system information and deeper diagnostics. The application is described as being half the size of the Windows Task Manager and is available for free download.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Steam’s Cyberpunk Fest means big savings on games about high-tech lowlifes

The Steam Cyberpunk Fest is ongoing until 10 AM on August 10, featuring discounts on various cyberpunk-themed games. Notable offers include: - Ruiner: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - Neon Struct: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].79 - The Ascent: 75% off at .49 - Cruelty Squad: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - The Red Strings Club: 80% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - Shadowrun Hong Kong: 75% off at .99 - Invisible, Inc: 75% off at .99 - Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: 65% off at .99 - Cyberpunk 2077: 70% off at .99 - Deus Ex: 50% off - Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut: 85% off Upcoming sales include the Pins & Pegs Fest from August 17 to 20 and the PvE Survival Crafting Fest from August 31 to September 7.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: PARANORMASIGHT, Klocki, Maneater, more

Android users can find a variety of app deals today, including price drops on titles such as PARANORMASIGHT: TMC, Hexologic, Klocki, Roundguard, Ailment: Dead Standoff Premium, Maneater, and Can You Escape: The Collection. There are also ongoing pre-order promotions for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8, offering bonuses like FREE 0 credits and discounts up to 0 with trade-ins. Additionally, Microsoft’s 2026 touchscreen Surface Pro 2-in-1s are available at savings of up to 0, and there is a deal on the ASUS 16GB/256GB ExpertBook.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Pixel Party Free Add On

Two friends visited an arcade filled with games and competed for leaderboard positions, winning prizes such as cosmetic items and food. They announced the release of the free Chaos Cubed: Pixel Party add-on by Hogskull Labs, which includes a quest to find the Arcade Cave containing five unique arcade machines. Players can engage in minigames that utilize sulfur cube physics, such as Netherball, Metal Mania, Paint Frenzy, and Void Pinball. Completing challenges in these games can earn players collectible pet spawners, while the Rewards Kiosk offers cosmetics, plushies, and consumables based on performance. The add-on also provides tools for creative players to build their own arcade experiences in Creative Mode. The add-on is available at the Minecraft Marketplace and requires Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.