retro Archives

BetaBeacon

September 23, 2025

This $80 Android gaming handheld has two D-pads, but for good reason

The MagicX One35 is a budget handheld device with a unique design featuring two D-pads instead of dual joysticks. It is designed for both horizontal and vertical gameplay, with specs including a MediaTek Helio G85 and 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The device will run on a modified version of Dawn Launcher in Android 12 and will have Play Store compatibility. The pricing for the MagicX One35 is set at .90, making it one of the cheapest Android gaming handhelds available.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

Five new Steam games you probably missed (September 22, 2025)

Steam introduces approximately a dozen new games daily. Megabonk - Release: September 19 - Developer: vedinad - Genre: Cyberpunk roguelike shooter with ASCII-inspired art and a surreal sci-fi narrative. Henry Halfhead - Release: September 16 - Developers: Lululu Entertainment - Follows a character with half a head who can inhabit objects to solve puzzles. Town to City - Release: September 17 - Developer: Galaxy Grove - A city-building game with voxel-based settlements inspired by 19th-century Mediterranean architecture, currently in early access with nearly a thousand "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews. Pigface - Release: September 19 - Developer: titolovesyou - An early access game about a woman with a bomb in her head, combining tactical shooting with a retro aesthetic.

BetaBeacon

September 20, 2025

AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini: Meet the company’s first sub-$100 gaming handheld

The AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini is the company's first gaming handheld released for under 0.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Think You Need A New PC For Windows 11? Think Again

Windows 11 has no legacy 32-bit support, but a 2005 Sun Workstation with an AMD Opteron processor can run it using a modified version called "Tiny11," which removes unnecessary components and the hardware compatibility checker. The specific version used by Sean from Action Retro is archived on Archive.org. Newer Windows 11 builds include the POPCNT operation, which the workstation's processor does not support. Additionally, Haiku is an alternative operating system that is ready for daily use.

BetaBeacon

September 19, 2025

GameNative: How to Play Steam Games on Android

The text provides a step-by-step guide on how to play Steam games on Android using GameNative. Additionally, it explains how to play Steam games offline with GameNative.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

New fan-made Fallout New Vegas remaster is the game I wish Bethesda would make

Dragon Age: Origins is a classic BioWare fantasy role-playing game that could benefit from a remaster to attract new players. Fallout New Vegas, known for its rich atmosphere and gameplay, lacks an official remaster from Obsidian or Bethesda, but the gaming community has developed a mod that enhances its graphics. This mod, called the FNV Texture Upscale Project, improves the game's textures to 4K resolution while also offering a 2K alternative for better performance on the original engine. The mod highlights limitations of the original models but allows for collaborative enhancements. The original mod creator has retired, leaving future updates to the community. The Fallout New Vegas 4K remaster mod is available on Nexus Mods.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

KARRI Generation 2 Messenger is a screen-free device for safe kids’ communication

The KARRI messenger is designed for children aged five to thirteen, focusing on voice communication without the complexities of smartphones. It connects a parent's phone app to the child's handheld device and other KARRI units, using its own data SIM with 99% population coverage and GPS tracking. The device features a simple "slide to talk" button for easy operation and is developed with input from families to ensure usability. Enhanced features include geo-fencing for safety, a companion app for monitoring, a built-in flashlight, and a colorful design appealing to children. KARRI, founded in 2023 in London and Berlin, aims to empower children's independence before they engage with more complex digital environments. The messenger will launch in early 2026, with presales available, and has received positive feedback for its user-friendly design and safety features.

BetaBeacon

September 9, 2025

I spent the weekend playing Silksong on my phone

The text describes how the author was able to play Hollow Knight: Silksong on their Android phone using Windows emulation and GameHub. They were able to adjust settings for better performance, such as lowering in-game settings and capping the framerate, to reduce power usage and prevent overheating. Other options to play Silksong on a phone include using different Windows emulators, Xbox Cloud Gaming, local game streaming, or emulating the Switch version.

AppWizard

September 7, 2025

You’ve all been playing too much Silksong this weekend, have some sleepy videogame soundtracks so you can finally get a little shuteye

As the summer sun retreats in the northern hemisphere, a sense of fatigue sets in, leading to a desire for cozy winter comforts. This week’s Soundtrack Sunday focuses on video game music that evokes specific moods for various activities. Minecraft features a soothing soundtrack, particularly the track "Sweden," composed by Daniel 'C418' Rosenfeld, which is characterized by a gentle piano melody. In Stardew Valley, the track "Dance of the Moonlight Jellies," composed by Eric Barone, captures the essence of late summer with its twinkling notes. "Stellar Fishing Ground" from Infinity Nikki offers a minimalist ambiance, reminiscent of Animal Crossing. The piece "Serenity" from Final Fantasy 14 evokes nostalgia with its soft piano and strings, enhancing relaxation. Lastly, "Shop" from Undertale, composed by Toby Fox, blends unsettling and comforting tones, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

AppWizard

September 6, 2025

I’m a gamer. The NO FAKES Act could get me in trouble.

Congress is considering the NO FAKES Act of 2025, which aims to combat AI-generated deepfakes by establishing property rights over one's "digital replica." This legislation could negatively impact the gaming community by making it illegal to create realistic representations of individuals without consent, potentially affecting games that rely on accurate likenesses. The act introduces liability for unauthorized digital replicas, which could lead to censorship and discourage developers from offering diverse customization options. Existing laws already provide protections related to publicity rights and intellectual property, but the NO FAKES Act may disproportionately affect small developers and non-commercial fan projects. Valve has announced plans to require developers to disclose AI use in games, promoting transparency.