retro gaming Archives

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 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.

BetaBeacon

January 16, 2026

AYANEO hits pause on Pocket Play campaign as part of its ‘Service Improvement Plan’

AYANEO has paused its Kickstarter campaign for the Pocket Play smartphone as part of its "Service Improvement Plan" to address community complaints about unfulfilled orders and delays.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Five new Steam games you probably missed (January 12, 2026)

Steam releases approximately a dozen new games daily, creating a challenging environment for gamers to find hidden gems. - Oddcore - Release: January 7 - Developer: Oddcorp - Features: A wave-based sci-fi shoot 'em up with customizable mechs and a nostalgic '90s aesthetic. - Dungeon Antiqua 2 - Release: January 8 - Developers: Shiromofu Factory - Features: A sequel to an 8-bit JRPG dungeon crawler with top-down exploration and turn-based combat. - Dreadmyst - Release: January 10 - Developer: dreadmyst.com - Features: A free fantasy MMO with no monetization, offering isometric gameplay and four character classes. - Blood Money: Lethal Eden - Release: January 10 - Developer: Jade Flame - Features: An FMV thriller about a catfishing scheme, receiving positive early reviews.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Play Classic Microsoft Tetris for Windows 3.11 in Your Browser

The Internet Archive hosts the full version of Microsoft’s Tetris, originally included in the Windows Entertainment Pack for Windows 3.1 in 1990. It utilizes a Windows 3.11 emulator, allowing players to experience the authentic gameplay with familiar mechanics. Tetris was created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984 in the Soviet Union and has been adapted for numerous platforms. Many players in the U.S. and Japan first encountered Tetris through the Windows version or on the Nintendo Game Boy. Players can control the game using the arrow keys on their keyboard.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

This Desktop Doohickey Will Bring Your Physical SNES Games to Your PC

Epilogue is launching the SN Operator, a device that connects Super Nintendo cartridges to modern PCs, scheduled to ship in April next year. Preorders will open on December 30 at noon ET. The SN Operator is compatible with PC, Mac, and Steam Deck, allowing users to back up games and save progress through the Playback app, which also supports co-op gameplay and RetroAchievements. It reads data directly from cartridges instead of using hardware emulation and supports mouse controls for classic accessories. Epilogue plans to expand its product line, potentially creating an Operator device for NES games in the future.

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 3, 2025

Get 23 Steam Deck-Ready PC Games With This Fanatical Deal

Fanatical's Bundlefestive 2025 event runs from December 1 to December 5, 2025, offering savings on PC games with new bundles launched daily. The event features the Killer Bundle Winter 2025 Edition, which is Fanatical's 1,500th PC game bundle deal, and the Build Your Own Play on the Go Bundlefestive Edition. The Build Your Own Play on the Go Bundle includes 23 games optimized for Steam Deck, such as Tyrant's Realm and Wolfenstein: The New Order. The pricing starts at for three games, decreasing with more selections. The Killer Bundle offers a variety of genres, starting at .75 for five games, with further discounts for larger selections.

BetaBeacon

December 2, 2025

Wish your Game Boy was huge and played PS2 games? Meet the RG 477V

ANBERNIC has announced the launch of the RG 477V, a new vertical handheld gaming device with a 4:3 4.7-inch 120Hz screen and powered by a Dimensity 8300 chipset. The release date and pricing are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to hit the market soon.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

6 Free Android TV Apps You Need To Install Before Google Removes Sideloading

Developers are now required to register their applications before users can sideload them on Android devices, a change aimed at reducing malware risks associated with unverified apps. This policy is particularly significant for Android TV users who often rely on sideloading for niche utilities and unofficial streaming tools. The risk of malware is reportedly 50 times higher when apps are installed from outside the Play Store. Google has promised to create a workflow for experienced users to sideload unverified apps despite the new restrictions. Sideloading allows users to install apps not available on the Play Store, but it comes with increased risks of data-stealing malware. Users can sideload apps by transferring APK files to their devices and adjusting settings to allow installations from unknown sources. SmartTube TV is an unofficial YouTube client that offers an ad-free experience and integrates features like SponsorBlock, but it violates YouTube's Terms of Service. Aptoide TV is a community-driven app marketplace that provides access to apps not available on the Play Store, though caution is advised due to potential malware risks. Leanback Launcher is an open-source launcher that enhances performance and customization options for Android TV. RetroArch allows users to emulate classic gaming consoles and requires legal copies of games. Syncler organizes and streams shows and movies from user-selected providers without hosting content itself. AdAway is an open-source ad blocker that filters ads at the device level using host files. The selection of these apps focuses on enhancing the Android TV experience through performance improvements, user-friendly interfaces, and a range of categories including streaming, gaming, customization, and privacy.