retro Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

The Windows 98 Toaster is Here

YouTuber Throaty Mumbo successfully ran Windows 98 on a smart toaster by disassembling the Revolution Cooking High-Speed Smart Toaster and using a Raspberry Pi 5 to emulate a late-1990s Pentium II PC. He created a custom program called “toast.exe” to facilitate communication between the Windows 98 interface and the toaster's hardware. The project resulted in a functional system that allows users to operate the toaster through a retro Windows 98 environment, complete with a 7-inch HDMI monitor and a 3D-printed shell designed to resemble a classic PC.

BetaBeacon

February 10, 2026

GameNative gains support for Epic Games Store, giving Android handhelds wider access to PC games

Retrohandhelds has acquired Github to enhance its capabilities in developing innovative gaming solutions by leveraging Github's open-source projects and developer community. This partnership aims to accelerate product development cycles and improve software quality, signaling Retrohandhelds' commitment to modern software development practices and fostering collaboration and innovation within the company.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Old-school MMO Project: Gorgon launches into 1.0 with an update that adds ‘by far the largest and most complex map we’ve ever made’

Project: Gorgon has emerged from Steam early access, featuring straightforward 3D graphics and a minimally guided leveling experience that encourages exploration. The recent 1.0 update introduced the capital city of Statehelm, which is the largest map created by the developers and includes 200 new quests and character progression up to level 100. The update also brought new character models, revisions to combat wisdom mechanics, crafting epiphanies for master craftsmen, and refinements to player-run vendor stalls. A notable change in the game is that "skeletons are no longer contortionists." A demo is available for players to experience the game up to level 15, and a 25% launch discount is offered until February 4, reducing the price to £15.74.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

A seven-game retro compilation of Ren & Stimpy games has been announced

Limited Run Games has announced the release of the Ren & Stimpy: Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy Collection, which will launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC. The collection includes seven classic titles from the animated series: - The Ren and Stimpy Show: Space Cadet Adventures (Game Boy) - The Ren and Stimpy Show: Veediots! (SNES) - The Ren and Stimpy Show: Veediots! (Game Boy) - The Ren and Stimpy Show: Buckeroo$! (NES) - The Ren and Stimpy Show: Buckeroo$! (SNES) - The Ren and Stimpy Show: Time Warp (SNES) - The Ren and Stimpy Show: Fire Dogs (SNES) The collection will feature modern emulation options like rewind and quick save, a music player, and a museum of artwork. Pre-orders will start on January 30 and end on March 1. The standard edition will cost .99, the Classic Edition will be .99, and the Collector’s Edition will be 9.00. Ren & Stimpy have not had their own console game since the mid-1990s but have appeared in recent crossover titles.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

PS2Recomp: Porting PlayStation 2 Games to PC

Software developer ran-j (Ranieri) has announced a project called PS2Recomp, which aims to recompile PlayStation 2 code for modern platforms like Windows, Linux, and potentially Android. The project is open-source and available on GitHub for developers and gamers to contribute. PS2Recomp is inspired by the N64Recomp initiative and seeks to address challenges in current PS2 emulation, such as high power demands and graphical glitches. The focus is on PC development, and while no playable games are available yet, updates will be shared regularly.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Could a video game help combat antisemitism on college campuses?

Julia Sebastien's forthcoming PC game, StrangeLand, explores the complexities of Jewish life at an Ivy League college, aiming to serve as both entertainment and an educational tool about antisemitism. The game targets current and former Jewish students in North America, helping them articulate their experiences. Sebastien, who has a background in Jewish education and media psychology, draws from her own experiences and those of other Jewish students. Gameplay involves navigating challenges such as balancing academic commitments with Jewish holidays and addressing antisemitism. The game intentionally avoids discussions of Zionism and Israel to focus on educating players about antisemitism. It features a retro aesthetic inspired by classic Game Boy graphics, designed to create a comfortable environment for players. Sebastien hopes the game will enhance understanding of the Jewish collegiate experience for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.

BetaBeacon

January 27, 2026

ANBERNIC’s super-sized Game Boy is the perfect way to revisit your favorite GameCube and PS2 games

The ANBERNIC RG 477V is a powerful vertical handheld device with a 4.7-inch screen that provides a great gaming experience for retro games, including PS2 and GameCube games.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

January Xbox Update: Xbox Expands to Arm-based PCs, Game Save Sync Indicator, and More

Xbox is introducing updates to enhance gaming experiences, including the Xbox PC app for Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, allowing downloads from the Xbox PC app catalog and access to Xbox Game Pass. A new Game Save Sync Indicator feature provides real-time visibility into cloud save status for seamless gameplay across devices. Xbox has partnered with Hisense and V homeOS to enable cloud gaming on select Smart TVs. The Handheld Compatibility Program highlights games optimized for portable play, with recent additions such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. The Xbox Play Anywhere initiative now supports over 1,000 games for cross-platform play, including titles like Abyss DX and Cyberpunk Hacker. The Stream Your Own Game feature allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers to stream from a library of over 1,000 owned games, including Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. Xbox is reviving retro classics through a collaboration with Antstream Arcade, featuring over 100 titles and community challenges. Support for mouse and keyboard navigation has been expanded to over 230 games, and touch controls are available on cloud. Community feedback is encouraged to shape future developments, and players can join the Xbox Insider Program for early access to new features.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II & Death Stranding Heading to Xbox Game Pass

- Resident Evil Village is available on Cloud, Console, and PC through Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass. - MIO: Memories in Orbit is launching on day one with Game Pass for Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. - Death Stranding Director's Cut will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on January 21. - RoadCraft will be available on PC on January 21. - Ninja Gaiden Ragebound will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on January 21. - The Talos Principle 2 will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S on January 27. - Anno: Mutationem will be available on Cloud, PC, and Console on January 28. - Drop Duchy will be available on Cloud, PC, and Console on January 28. - MySims: Cozy Bundle will be available on PC on January 29. - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on January 29. - Indika will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on February 2. - Final Fantasy II will be available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on February 3. - Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is available now on PC. - The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle will be available on PC on January 22. - Grounded 2 Garden Update will be available on Cloud, PC, and Console on January 27. - Dead by Daylight - Stranger Things DLC will be available on January 27. - Sea of Thieves Season 18, Act 2 will be available on Cloud, PC, and Console on January 22. - Several titles will be leaving the Game Pass library on January 31, including Shady Part of Me, Cataclismo, Starbound, Lonely Mountains Snow Riders, Paw Patrol World, Citizen Sleeper 2 Starward Vector, and Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Valve Might Finally Prove PC Gaming Doesn’t Have to Be a Pain in the Ass

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine, which aims to redefine gaming standards despite not being optimized for true 4K gaming. Its pricing is uncertain due to fluctuating RAM costs. The Steam Machine offers limited upgradability, allowing modifications to RAM and storage but featuring a fixed CPU. Games with the “Steam Deck Verified” badge will be compatible with the Steam Machine, while the “Verified” status is essential for developers to ensure visibility in the Steam store. The Steam Machine operates on Linux-based SteamOS, providing flexibility for users to customize their experience. Valve's approach focuses on making Steam more accessible rather than competing directly with console sales. The Steam Deck has sold over 4 million units, but the Steam Machine could inspire future hardware that merges gaming systems.