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Minecraft Finds Its Way Onto the PlayStation 2 Thanks to Homebrew Persistence
AppWizard
June 15, 2026

Minecraft Finds Its Way Onto the PlayStation 2 Thanks to Homebrew Persistence

OptiJuegos has ported a functional version of Minecraft, branded as OptiCraft, to the original PlayStation 2, inspired by Minecraft Pocket Edition version 0.6.1. The adaptation allows gameplay on hardware that predates the mobile version by over a decade, featuring world generation, block manipulation, and survival gameplay. The development focused on optimizing for the PlayStation 2’s limited specifications, achieving a frame rate exceeding 30 frames per second. The gameplay mirrors the Pocket Edition, including the Nether Reactor Core, while the draw distance and world size are reduced due to memory constraints. Controls are adapted for the DualShock 2, and feedback indicates good performance with occasional stutters. Users must configure their console to run the port, with options for modded PS2s and stock Slim variations. World saves are stored on memory cards, and the developer is working on USB storage integration. This project highlights the homebrew community's creativity and technical skill in delivering new experiences on the PlayStation 2.
15 years later, the PS2 gets a Minecraft port, and it actually hits 30fps
AppWizard
June 11, 2026

15 years later, the PS2 gets a Minecraft port, and it actually hits 30fps

The Sony PlayStation 2 is the highest-selling gaming console ever, with sales exceeding 160 million units. Minecraft is the most sold non-arcade video game, second only to Tetris in overall sales. Minecraft was never officially released on the PS2, but a developer has successfully ported Minecraft Pocket Edition version 0.6 to the PS2, allowing it to run without modded hardware. The port achieves frame rates exceeding 30fps despite the PS2's limitations, using a custom "OpenGL adaptor" and various strategies to manage the console's 32MB of RAM. The optimized version of the game is called OptiCraft.
Bandai Namco just stealth announced that one of the coolest Ace Combat games is coming to PC for the first time as a pre-order freebie
AppWizard
June 3, 2026

Bandai Namco just stealth announced that one of the coolest Ace Combat games is coming to PC for the first time as a pre-order freebie

Sony announced a port of Ace Combat Zero, originally released two decades ago, which will debut on PC later this year. This port is part of a pre-order incentive for the deluxe edition of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, launching on PS5 and Steam on October 1. Ace Combat Zero has not received HD remaster treatment and will be available for separate purchase. The gameplay features aerial dogfighting, a reputation system affecting player choices, and characters inspired by Norse mythology. The game includes a unique 1-on-1 jousting match and will be available to those who pre-order the deluxe edition starting September 29.
This OLED Android handheld is great for PS2 games, and it just got a cheaper model
BetaBeacon
May 22, 2026

This OLED Android handheld is great for PS2 games, and it just got a cheaper model

ANBERNIC has released an 8GB/128GB version of the RG577 handheld, which is currently being sold for a discounted price on their website. The device features a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, a 5.48-inch OLED screen, a 5,500mAh battery, and other notable specs. Despite facing competition from other handhelds with OLED screens and Snapdragon chipsets, the RG577 is still considered a capable Android handheld option under 0.
After 3 years of work, GTA 4 dev's sandbox game hits Steam as he has to tell people it's "completely different" from Minecraft: "For starters, no Steve"
AppWizard
May 8, 2026

After 3 years of work, GTA 4 dev’s sandbox game hits Steam as he has to tell people it’s “completely different” from Minecraft: “For starters, no Steve”

Obbe Vermeij, former technical director at Rockstar Games, has launched a new sandbox game titled Plentiful in Early Access on May 5. The game emphasizes consequence-driven gameplay, where players' actions impact the environment, such as too many trees draining water and a single spark potentially causing widespread fire. While it features low-fi, blocky visuals reminiscent of Minecraft, Vermeij asserts that Plentiful is distinct, drawing inspiration from the classic game Populous. Players interact with the game world solely through a mouse cursor, without a traditional avatar.
All Three Mainline Jak & Daxter PS2 Games Now Have Native PC Ports
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

All Three Mainline Jak & Daxter PS2 Games Now Have Native PC Ports

The OpenGoal team has released a beta version of its native PC port for Jak 3, making all three games in the Jak & Daxter series "feature complete and fully completable" on PC platforms. Players can access the games on Windows, Linux, or Mac by following instructions on the OpenGoal website, provided they have a copy of the original games. The ports offer enhanced accuracy and various quality of life improvements. Jak 3's release was announced via a YouTube trailer on April 1st and has been confirmed as genuine. Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is not yet in beta, while Jak II and Jak 3 have minor audio and graphical issues being addressed. The team is not currently considering porting PSP games but may explore the possibility of decompiling Jak X: Combat Racing, which uses the GOAL programming language. Further details are available on the OpenGoal website.
The Entire Jak And Daxter Trilogy Now Have Native PC Ports, And They Are Great on Steam Deck
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

The Entire Jak And Daxter Trilogy Now Have Native PC Ports, And They Are Great on Steam Deck

The OpenGOAL initiative is working on native PC ports for the Jak and Daxter trilogy, with Jak 3 now available for public play. The project aims to recreate the original programming language of the games, offering features like support for various aspect ratios, high frame rates, and mod support. While Jak 2 and Jak 3 are in beta and may have minor issues, players can still enjoy the games. Testing on the Steam Deck shows that the games run smoothly at 60 FPS with low battery consumption, although there are minor drawbacks such as PlayStation controller icons and occasional battery drain spikes during intense gameplay.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
April 2, 2026

The most hardcore Jak & Daxter heads in the world have finished their native PC ports of the entire trilogy

The OpenGOAL team has released a complete PC port of Jak 3, requiring users to have a legally-obtained copy of the game. This port offers an enhanced gaming experience with fewer bugs, less resource consumption, and extensive configuration options, including modding possibilities like ultrawide support. Jak 2 was completed on OpenGOAL in 2023. Users can create an OpenGOAL-compatible disk image from their PS2 copy of Jak 2 using utilities like MPF or ImgBurn. OpenGOAL's website provides an installer and instructions for setup, including for Steam Deck users.
This week in PC games: a new Hooded Horse city-builder, some PS2-style horror, a school-day RPG and an absolutely tremendous catfish
AppWizard
March 23, 2026

This week in PC games: a new Hooded Horse city-builder, some PS2-style horror, a school-day RPG and an absolutely tremendous catfish

The atmosphere in gaming is currently lacking excitement due to a lull with no major releases. Notable upcoming games include: - Journey of the Garden Rose: An adventure game featuring a princess battling insects in a low-poly palace. - Frog Holm: A bar-running game that combines cocktail mixing with Tetris mechanics. - No Vacation for an Executioner: An action-horror game with a PS2 style and intricately designed monsters. - Come Again, Chachii?: A game where players help quirky aliens find jobs by deciphering their speech. - Roombattle: A top-down multiplayer game featuring competing vacuums. - Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy: A dungeon-crawling RPG with cheerful characters and perilous elements. - Beast Breaker: A tactical pinball game where players launch a mouse at kaiju. - Nova Roma: An early access city-builder focusing on water management. - Damon and Baby: An action-adventure game featuring a baby and a demon king. - Screamer: A cyberpunk racing game known for its colorful mechanics. - Project Songbird: A game about overcoming writer's block while battling tree monsters. - EverSiege: Untold Ages: An action-strategy game from the creators of Aliens: Dark Descent. Additional activities include capturing images of mushrooms in Rova, constructing a mycelial web in ChloroLink, battling vintage supervillains in Marvel Maximum Collection, searching for a sister in Too Well Hidden, harvesting fuel in Venus in Transit, and transforming clouds into sea creatures in The Wide Open Sky is Running out of Catfish. The Treehouse is working on guides for Crimson Desert, evaluating Slay The Spire 2, assessing hardware, and participating in a preview event.
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