showcases Archives

Winsage

October 10, 2026

We tested gaming performance in 17-year-old Windows 7 against Windows 11 on a modern gaming PC — older operating system delivers advantages in some scenarios

Windows 7 was released in 2009 and has received positive reviews for nearly two decades. A performance evaluation was conducted by installing Windows 7 on a modern PC and testing it against Windows 11 across ten games, including eight DirectX 11 titles and two DirectX 9 titles. In the game Metro 2033 Redux, Windows 11 achieved a higher average frame rate, but Windows 7 had better handling of CPU-related performance drops, resulting in stronger 1% lows. In Batman: Arkham Origins, Windows 7 outperformed Windows 11 in both average frame rate and 1% lows at 1080p and 4K. For Batman: Arkham Knight, Windows 7 showed higher performance when CPU-limited at 1080p, while Windows 11 led in GPU-limited scenarios at 1440p and 4K. In Batman: Arkham City, Windows 11 had the advantage across all resolutions as the game was GPU-bound. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Windows 7 outperformed Windows 11 in 1% lows at 1080p, but Windows 11 took the lead at higher resolutions. Control showed Windows 11 outperforming Windows 7 across all resolutions due to GPU optimizations. Hitman: Absolution also favored Windows 11 in GPU-limited scenarios. For DirectX 9 games, Windows 7 demonstrated significant advantages in average frame rate and 1% lows in Batman: Arkham Asylum, especially at lower resolutions, while performance in Borderlands 2 was nearly identical across both operating systems at 4K. Overall, Windows 7 excels in CPU-limited scenarios, while Windows 11 performs better in GPU-bound situations, aided by advanced graphics drivers. Microsoft’s ongoing efforts aim to improve Windows 11's performance and reliability.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

From a 1997 PC Game to a Prime Video Hit, Why Fallout Remains a Gold Standard

Fallout celebrates its 29th anniversary today. Developed by Interplay Productions, it is a post-apocalyptic RPG known for its exceptional storytelling, mature themes, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Critics praised its smooth gameplay, effective action points system, user-friendly inventory, and character development. Fallout's narrative was noted for its depth, leading players to reconsider their gaming choices. The franchise's legacy is highlighted by sequels and a successful television adaptation on Prime Video, starring Walton Goggins, which showcases the narrative strength of the series.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

I might finally have gone too far with a GTA 5 mod that imports most of Doom 2

A mod named Doom 2 in GTA 5 Hell On Earth (D2IGTA5HOE) merges elements of Doom 2 with Grand Theft Auto 5, allowing players to switch from third-person to first-person perspective using the F9 key. Players can engage in combat in Los Santos with weapons from the Doom franchise, such as a minigun and BFG, while activating Hell On Earth mode with the F10 key introduces Doom 2 enemies. The gameplay features include battling demons and armed furries, with additional features like flossing and Superman mode also triggered by the F10 key, which can clutter the screen.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

AnyPS5 implemented 100% of the instructions GPU PlayStation 5 for playing PC games

The AnyPS5 project has achieved 100% implementation of graphics shader instructions, allowing for the direct porting and cross-linking of PlayStation 5 executable files to Windows and Linux without traditional emulation. The project has translated proprietary calls to the PS5's graphics chip into the SPIR-V format for rendering through the Vulkan API. While the complete instruction set coverage indicates successful implementation, it does not guarantee flawless operation in all scenarios. The project has demonstrated stable performance, running a 2D platformer at 60 frames per second on an Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card. The developers plan to implement key system libraries for the PRX format soon, leveraging architectural similarities between the PS5 and modern PCs. Additionally, advancements may support related initiatives like the kytyps5 translation layer for console games on PCs.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Someone squeezed Windows 95 onto an ESP32-P4, and so can you

A developer has successfully run Windows 95 on an ESP32-P4 board using the tiny386 emulator. The project, initiated by GitHub user winitboonkliang, allows Windows 95 to boot from a microSD card onto the ESP32-P4's 1280×800 MIPI-DSI display, with USB keyboard and mouse support. The implementation utilizes a port of tiny386, an x86 PC emulator. This project is not intended for everyday use but serves as a study project to explore the limits of running legacy software on compact hardware. A detailed guide is available on GitHub, outlining compatibility issues and limitations.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Quarterfinals: Vote for the best RTS unit of all time

A democratic process has begun to determine the greatest RTS unit, with 16 units competing and eight advancing to the quarterfinals. The initial battles saw the Rohirrim defeat the Psyker and the Warcraft Peon overcome the Glass Dragon. The quarterfinal matchups include: - Peon (Warcraft 3) vs. Mammoth Tank - Rohirrim (Battle for Middle-earth) vs. Pride of Hiigara (Homeworld 2) - Mirage Tank (Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3) vs. Executor Super Star Destroyer (Star Wars: Empire at War) - Dolphin (Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2) vs. Priest (Age of Empires) Each unit has distinct characteristics that influence their appeal and strategy in the competition.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Google Wallet rolling out stacked card list redesign on Android

Google Wallet for Android has introduced a stacked list redesign to enhance accessibility for credit and debit cards, replacing the previous carousel design. Users can now view one complete card at a time with a partial preview of a second card. A "Manage payment methods" option allows users to reorder cards and set a default option. Accessing card details and transaction history now requires tapping a settings gear icon in the top-right corner. The redesign began rolling out in September and is now widely available, optimized for one-handed use.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Android Auto 17.7 Is Here: Here’s What the Update Really Brings

Google has released an update to Android Auto, version 17.7, which refines the autoplay feature, allowing users to disable it entirely and preventing rarely used apps from launching automatically. Media controls are now accessible directly from the dashboard for browser streams and YouTube background audio. The waveform media player, introduced in version 16.0, has received enhancements for better navigation and album cover adaptability. Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, continues to have issues with incomplete responses despite recognizing commands. Upcoming features include 3D navigation, a weather widget, and video streaming capabilities, expected by the end of the year. The update also includes a new green app icon, with many changes being server-side updates.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Modder brings Nvidia Pascal GPU support to Windows XP 32-bit

Tech enthusiast SupraGSX has introduced support for Nvidia's Pascal-era graphics cards (10-series and Quadro P2000-P6000) on the Windows XP 32-bit platform through a custom driver called ForceWare 382.69. This driver combines legacy and modern technology, integrating firmware from Quadro 376.84 and supporting features from GeForce 378.78 designed for Windows 7. Supported graphics cards include GeForce GTX 970, 980, 980 Ti, GTX TITAN X, GTX 1060, 1070, 1070 Ti, 1080, 1080 Ti, GTX 1050 Ti (experimental), Quadro M4000, M5000, M6000, P2000, P2200, P4000, P5000, P6000, and additional OEM variants of GTX 950 and GTX 960. The driver also supports DisplayPort HBR2 and HBR3, ensuring HDMI 2.0 identification and improved HDMI/DVI handling. User feedback has been positive, particularly for ultrawide screens at high refresh rates. The project offers an installer package for download, and modders can access build instructions for modifications. There are inquiries about Windows XP 64-bit support, but a previous fork has been removed, with binaries still available on Mega. Users are advised to proceed with caution due to the unofficial nature of the drivers.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Time Crisis Arcade-Perfect PC Port Is Now Available for Download

An unofficial PC version of the arcade classic Time Crisis has been released as part of the “Namco System 22 games for PC” initiative, which aims to bring several arcade games to the PC platform. The namco22-decompile project currently supports five titles: Time Crisis, Rave Racer, Dirt Dash, Tokyo Wars, and Prop Cycle. These games run more efficiently than traditional emulators and support widescreen formats and resolutions up to 4K. The Time Crisis port features mouse control support and compatibility with light guns. Players need to supply their own ROM files to enjoy the games, as the project does not include in-game assets. Other unofficial PC ports include titles such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Donkey Kong Country games. September 2026 has seen various unofficial PC ports, including Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, GTA: Liberty City Stories, and Super Mario Strikers.