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Microsoft shipped a native Xbox 360 emulator with its new backwards-compatible releases on PC — modders quickly got 360 games running with minor tweaks
AppWizard
July 26, 2026

Microsoft shipped a native Xbox 360 emulator with its new backwards-compatible releases on PC — modders quickly got 360 games running with minor tweaks

Microsoft has released four original Xbox titles for PC, enhancing its gaming ecosystem and aligning with its commitment to backwards compatibility. These titles are packaged as standard Games on Demand (GOD) files, which can be converted into base ISOs using GOD extractors. The company has utilized a native x86 version of its Xbox 360 emulator, Xe03, to facilitate this transition. Xe03 is integrated into Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles for backwards compatibility and allows modern consoles to run original Xbox titles. The recent PC port of Xe03, combined with components from projects like XWine1, enables the running of dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Among the released titles is Fuzion Frenzy, and Microsoft plans to expand its library of backwards-compatible titles for PC. The PC version of Xe03 enhances the original 480p output of OG Xbox games to 4K and includes features like built-in V-Sync and enhanced anti-aliasing. These games are available through the Xbox PC app under the Xbox Anywhere program, allowing users with digital licenses on console to access them for free on PC. Microsoft is also set to introduce Xbox Achievements support for these titles.
Xbox releases four original console games on PC thanks to Backwards Compatibility, but they chose the wrong ones
AppWizard
July 26, 2026

Xbox releases four original console games on PC thanks to Backwards Compatibility, but they chose the wrong ones

Microsoft is reintroducing first-generation Xbox titles to PC through its Backwards Compatibility initiative, allowing access via Game Pass. The initial lineup includes four titles: Fuzion Frenzy, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Conker: Live & Reloaded. The selection has received mixed reactions, with concerns about the lack of appeal and the absence of achievements at launch. Players have suggested that other titles, such as Genma Onimusha, The Simpsons: Hit and Run, Unreal Championship, OutRun 2, Jade Empire, and the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series, could have been more attractive options. Additionally, the upcoming release of Halo: Campaign Evolved could have benefited from the simultaneous launch of Halo: Combat Evolved to boost subscriptions.
25-Year-Old Game Is Currently the #1 Best-Selling Game on Steam
AppWizard
July 26, 2026

25-Year-Old Game Is Currently the #1 Best-Selling Game on Steam

Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, has been released in early access on the Steam marketplace by Xbox and Halo Studios. It has quickly become a top seller on Steam, currently priced competitively. The game has received a “Mostly Positive” rating from users, with around 70% of reviews being positive. Players have praised its gameplay mechanics and visuals, but there are concerns about bugs, performance issues, and the quality of cutscenes. The game has been verified for compatibility with the Steam Deck. Its position as a top seller may be challenged by other games like Palworld as the gaming community explores new releases.
10 Games We'd Love To See Added To Xbox Backwards Compatibility On PC
AppWizard
July 26, 2026

10 Games We’d Love To See Added To Xbox Backwards Compatibility On PC

Xbox has announced backwards compatibility for PC, allowing fans to vote on classic titles they want to see made available. Current favorites among voters include Fable 2, Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, Fable 3, Sonic Unleashed, Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Gears of War 3, Lost Odyssey, and Ninja Gaiden Black. A curated list of ten highly sought-after titles already enjoying backwards compatibility on consoles includes Fable 2, Gears of War 2, Lost Odyssey, Ninja Gaiden Black, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Sonic Unleashed, Gears of War 3, Banjo-Tooie, SSX 3, and Fable 3.
Windows 11's File Explorer is now faster at deleting large files, in a rare speed win from Microsoft
Winsage
July 26, 2026

Windows 11’s File Explorer is now faster at deleting large files, in a rare speed win from Microsoft

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8935 on July 20, which improves File Explorer's ability to delete large, fragmented files more quickly in certain scenarios. The update promises at least a 30% speed increase for bulk deletions and enhances the responsiveness of the Home tab in File Explorer. The Recommended section now supports touch scrolling. Future updates will include a modernization of the Properties dialog and improvements to search functionality. These enhancements aim to address the sluggishness of File Explorer, which has been attributed to fragmentation issues in NTFS and the hybrid architecture of the application.
A Game About Penguins Set to Waddle Onto PC on 10 August 2026
AppWizard
July 26, 2026

A Game About Penguins Set to Waddle Onto PC on 10 August 2026

A Game About Penguins is set to launch on PC on August 10, 2026, developed by Turkish indie studio CO’s Entertainment and published by Ultimate Games S.A. A free prologue, A Game About Penguins: First Catch, has been available on Steam since July 22, showcasing core mechanics and mini-games. The game supports solo play and online co-op for up to 12 players, featuring activities such as fishing, ice skating, snowball fights, swimming, climbing, and playing chess. Players can customize their penguins with various outfits and accessories. The prologue allows progression up to level 3, while the full release will introduce more NPCs, items, and content. The game will also be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in the future.
Modding wizard creates Grand Theft Auto multiverse that lets players travel instantly between Rockstar's first three games: 'We got inter-GTA portals before GTA 6'
AppWizard
July 26, 2026

Modding wizard creates Grand Theft Auto multiverse that lets players travel instantly between Rockstar’s first three games: ‘We got inter-GTA portals before GTA 6’

A modder named DryxioGTA has created a mod for the Grand Theft Auto series that allows players to travel between Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas using portals. The mod enables instantaneous travel between the three worlds while maintaining distinct saves, missions, and settings for each game. Players can interact between the cities, such as shooting through a portal, which triggers responses from civilians in the current world. A video showcasing the mod was shared on YouTube, demonstrating its functionality. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to be released in November.
Microsoft is using TPM chips to crack down on pirated Windows activations
Winsage
July 26, 2026

Microsoft is using TPM chips to crack down on pirated Windows activations

Microsoft has mandated the inclusion of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as a standard feature in all new motherboards and CPUs to enhance the Windows activation process. The company has introduced an enhancement to its Key Management Service (KMS) that leverages TPM's security capabilities to authenticate the legitimacy of KMS servers. This new "TPM-based attestation" aims to mitigate exploitation risks associated with KMS by validating the cryptographic integrity of KMS servers. Starting in August 2026, TPM-based attestation will be required for KMS activation with the next release of Windows Server. Microsoft has also closed off the "KMS38" activation method in 2025, while traditional KMS activation remains functional. The Massgrave collective has developed an Online KMS method that may be impacted by the new TPM-based attestation.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator are getting some more base map reworks — just in time for their console release?
AppWizard
July 25, 2026

Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator are getting some more base map reworks — just in time for their console release?

SCS Software is working on upcoming downloadable content (DLC) and significant base map reworks for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. For American Truck Simulator, Nevada will be reworked to revitalize existing locations, introduce new ones, and expand the road network, including new segments of US-95 and additional depots. Euro Truck Simulator 2 will see a transformation in the UK, with new locations such as Inverness, Stonehenge, and Leeds, along with a revamped EuroTunnel. Both games are anticipated to be released on console platforms, with progress being made, although a specific release date has not been provided. SCS Software will participate in Gamescom 2026, showcasing their largest booth to date and partnering with Thrustmaster and Volvo, but details on the console versions remain undisclosed.
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