retro games Archives

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

I played dozens of retro games this year, and these are the ones I still whole-heartedly recommend going into 2026

The concept of "old" in personal computing is fluid, with platforms like Steam and GOG offering a mix of new and classic games. Modern hardware can run both cutting-edge graphics and nostalgic titles. There is a continuous influx of classic games being revived, allowing players to explore a wealth of gaming history. Engaging with classic arcade shmups, such as Taito's, provides an exhilarating experience with accessible yet intricate mechanics. Compilations, like The Ivalice Chronicles, offer a variety of gaming options and feature both original and remastered versions of games, enhancing the gaming experience with new content.

BetaBeacon

December 10, 2025

How to Get Games on Your Retro Gaming Handheld

Emulation is a popular use for retro gaming handhelds, allowing them to mimic older devices like the Game Boy, Super Nintendo, and PlayStation 1 to play games originally released for those platforms. Emulators can recreate all the processes of old consoles using modern hardware. Emulation can lead to minor inaccuracies in sound or graphics, but also allows for games to be upscaled to higher resolutions and supports save states. Emulation is legal as long as copyrighted software is not distributed to run on emulators. Retro gaming handhelds can also play Android games and stream games from the cloud. There are ways to play PC games on retro gaming handhelds using Linux or Android, either through fan-made ports or compatibility layers. Some concerns exist with using certain apps to play Steam games on Android, but the future may hold an official way to play Steam games on these devices.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Amazon Luna’s December lineup includes Hollow Knight, Lego 2K Drive and a few Fallout games

Amazon Luna has announced its game lineup for December, which includes the following titles: - LEGO 2K Drive - Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus - Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game - Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection One - Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two - Christmas Adventure: Candy Storm - Gunslugs 2 - Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Three - Dreamscaper Additionally, Luna members can access streaming titles such as Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition, Fallout 3, and Fallout: New Vegas. Other notable games available include Mafia: Definitive Edition, Hollow Knight, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. Amazon relaunched its revamped Luna service at the end of October, introducing a collection of smartphone-controlled multiplayer games for Prime subscribers at no extra cost.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

The best Black Friday gaming deals for 2025: Save on PS5 consoles, Nintendo Switch games, handhelds and more

Gaming enthusiasts can find various Black Friday deals, including: - PlayStation 5 Digital Edition for 9 at Walmart (a 0 discount). - PlayStation 5 Pro for 9 at Amazon (tied for the lowest price). - Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World for 9 at Amazon (no discount). - Donkey Kong Country Returns at Target (new low price). - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom at Target (new low price). - Super Mario Odyssey at Walmart (discounted). - Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door at Best Buy (new low price). - Sony DualSense controller at Amazon (discounted). - Sony DualSense Edge controller for 9 at Amazon (best price to date). - PlayStation Plus Premium (12-month) for at PlayStation (discounted). - Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox (2TB) for at Amazon (discounted). - Clair Obscur for PlayStation (acclaimed RPG). - Battlefield 6 at GameStop (discounted). - Steam Deck for 9 at Steam (20% discount). - Lenovo Legion Go S for 9 at Best Buy (new low price). - Meta Quest 2 for 9 at Amazon (includes credit). - PlayStation VR2 + Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle for 9 at Amazon (no discount). - Lemokey P1 HE for at Amazon (best price for Prime members). - ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless for 9 at Amazon (all-time low). - Razer Viper V3 Pro for at Amazon (lowest price in months). - Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed at Amazon (discounted). - Turtle Beach Atlas Air for at Amazon (best price since February). - HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 at Amazon (budget-friendly option).

BetaBeacon

November 26, 2025

This ambitious new emulation hub could be a game-changer on Android

iiSU is an ambitious emulation frontend that draws heavily from the Nintendo 3DS and PSP user interfaces. It features custom art and music for games, integrates with RetroAchievements, allows browsing and playing of local media files, and plans to include a social network and a shop for custom themes and icons. The platform is currently in development, with a public build expected in Spring 2026 for Android users.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Google is preparing big Android 17 gaming upgrades for fans of real controllers

Android treats USB or Bluetooth gaming controllers as input devices, translating button presses into key codes and axis values for in-game actions. Android relies on predefined configuration files for popular controllers, but many niche peripherals are also compatible. Android does not support button remapping out of the box, but evidence suggests that a future version of Android, possibly Android 17, will bring native controller remapping. This feature will be restricted to apps signed with the platform key. Additionally, a new game controller menu within the Settings app and a virtual gamepad feature have been discovered, which could allow for button remapping and mapping on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs.

BetaBeacon

November 11, 2025

Windows game emulator for Android with Steam support hits Google Play Store

Emulation on Android devices allows users to play classic video games from older consoles such as the NES, SNES, and PlayStation 1. Emulators can be easily downloaded from the Google Play Store or other sources, providing a convenient way to access a wide variety of games. It is important to only download and use emulators for games that you own legally to avoid any legal issues.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

The best playable game documentary on Steam is getting a Namco-centric DLC this week, including the worst version of Pac-Man

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a compilation available on Steam that includes a collection of retro games, interviews, historical insights, and reimaginings of classic titles. A notable game in this collection is Yars’ Revenge. An upcoming DLC, set to launch on November 13, will add Bandai Namco’s 80s classics, including Pac-Man, Dig Dug, and Galaga, to the Atari 50 collection, marking their first official appearance on Steam.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

This year’s JRPG remakes keep proving that old games don’t just get by on nostalgia: They’re still just really good games

Dragon Quest 1 and 2 have been remastered and released on Steam, originally launched in the 1980s on Japan's MSX platform. These games are significant in the RPG genre and serve as an accessible entry point for new players while appealing to long-time fans. They feature straightforward storytelling and brisk pacing, contrasting with the trend towards complex narratives in modern RPGs. The remasters highlight the lasting influence of these titles on contemporary games, emphasizing their charm and ability to provide enjoyable gameplay.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Surprise Steam update adds a new feature I never knew I needed

Valve has introduced a new Steam calendar feature that provides a streamlined list view of upcoming PC game releases. This feature allows players to easily track anticipated games and reduces the chances of missing out on releases. It highlights wishlisted games and suggests titles based on individual gaming habits. The calendar is particularly useful for gamers who follow multiple releases, especially within the indie scene, while casual gamers may find it less beneficial. Users can access their personal calendar on the Steam platform.