Emulation
Ongoing coverage on Emulation.
Latest coverage
The most popular GameCube emulator is no longer the only one
While Dolphin is the most recognized GameCube emulator, a new contender has emerged that could offer an alternative for players. This newcomer emulator presents a potential new option for enjoying classic GameCube titles.
Wes Fenlon's recommendations
PC Gamer writer Wes Fenlon shares his personal recommendations for games, movies, gadgets, and more, reflecting on his decade-long career covering PC gaming. He highlights his interest in emulation, Japanese games, and niche communities, often finding himself drawn to complex simulations like Satisfactory or older titles like Final Fantasy.
Embrace the great Tech Pause
The article advocates for a 'Tech Pause,' encouraging gamers to appreciate existing hardware rather than constantly chasing the latest expensive technology. It highlights the stagnation in GPU improvements and the rising costs of PCs and consoles, suggesting that older hardware is still capable of playing a vast library of games, including many new releases. The piece also celebrates the advancements in emulation and PC handhelds as more accessible and rewarding avenues for gaming.
Xbox 360 games are coming to PC and Project Helix reveals leaked document
A leaked document suggests Microsoft is planning to bring Xbox 360 games to PC and other next-generation devices through emulation, with a gradual rollout expected by 2027. The company is also reportedly working on a disc-to-digital service to allow players to obtain digital licenses for their physical games, potentially supporting a move away from physical media.
Xbox 360 games are reportedly coming to PC this year as Microsoft prepares disc-to-digital conversion for an upcoming…
Microsoft is reportedly planning to bring Xbox 360 games to PC through an expanded emulation rollout later this year. This initiative, part of a rumored disc-to-digital conversion plan, aims to enhance backwards compatibility and digital ownership for Xbox titles. The roadmap suggests PC emulation for Xbox 360 games could launch in waves throughout 2027 and 2028, with a potential public testing phase for disc-to-digital conversion starting in July.
Valve may be putting the finishing touches to the Steam Frame software stack, because Lepton and FEX are now on Steam
Valve has released Lepton and FEX software on Steam, key components for its upcoming Steam Frame wireless VR headset. Lepton enables Android games to run on Linux, while FEX translates x86 games for Arm-based systems like the Snapdragon SoC powering the Steam Frame. This suggests the headset's release may be imminent, with these tools now available for developers.
Morning Patches
This article notes a "Summer Scrub" update for Dota 2, alongside mentions of MAME version 0.289 and unofficial game patches. It appears to be a brief update log or news brief.
The new 'backward compatible' Xbox games on PC run on an OG Xbox emulator inside an Xbox 360 emulator, and…
New original Xbox games available on PC through backward compatibility utilize a complex emulation system. These games run on an Xbox 360 emulator, which in turn runs an original Xbox emulator (XeFu). Independent developers have already leveraged these emulators to run other original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles on PC, showcasing the intricate engineering behind Microsoft's backward compatibility efforts and raising discussions about game preservation.
Original Xbox classics land on PC — and Microsoft says this is only the start
Microsoft has launched an initiative to bring original Xbox games to PC, starting with four titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are available for purchase on Windows PCs and are also included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Microsoft states this is the beginning of a broader effort to preserve and release older Xbox games on PC.
Game History and Preservation
An emulator for the PlayStation 3 has added support for ATI Radeon HD 2000, 3000, and 4000 series graphics cards on Linux systems. This update contributes to the ongoing efforts in game preservation and emulation technology.
Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC launches today with Blinx, Conker and more
Microsoft has launched its Xbox Backward Compatibility program for PC, allowing select original Xbox titles like Blinx: The Time Sweeper and Conker: Live and Reloaded to be playable on Windows 11 PCs and handhelds such as the ASUS ROG Ally. These games are available via Xbox Game Pass or purchase, with features like resolution upscaling and achievements planned for later this year.
Anbernic is making yet another GBA SP clone, and I'm glad it's ditching the sticks
Anbernic is releasing a new GBA SP-style handheld, the RG SP, which notably ditches the embedded thumbsticks of its predecessors for a more authentic retro experience. This new model is 10% slimmer than previous versions and features a 25% thinner top screen bezel. It will be powered by the H700 chipset, capable of emulating up to PlayStation 1 and Dreamcast, and will be available in multiple colors.
The Game Boy Pocket is now 30 years young, and I'd thank it for today's retro handhelds
The Game Boy Pocket, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is credited with refining the handheld gaming experience and influencing modern retro handhelds. Despite lacking a backlight, its improvements over the original Game Boy, such as a better screen and slimmer design, set a precedent for quality-of-life enhancements that continue to inspire devices like the Steam Deck and Anbernic's emulators.
Best Android PS1 Emulator Guide – Updated!
This guide details the best PlayStation 1 emulators available for Android devices, including DuckStation, FPse, EmuBox, and ePSXe. It highlights features such as graphical upscaling, widescreen support, overclocking, and controller compatibility for each emulator.
You can now play SNES Doom with modern dual analogue controls thanks to Blueretro dev
A developer has created a ROM hack for Super Nintendo's Doom that adds dual analogue stick support, leveraging the BlueRetro adapter firmware. This enhancement, built upon previous FX3 cart improvements, can now be experienced through the Mesen emulator on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible without physical hardware modifications.
LCD emulation could preserve a bunch of iconic Nintendo handhelds and their cursed rivals
The BrickEmuPy project aims to preserve classic handheld LCD games through emulation, having already archived over 60 titles including Nintendo's Mini Classics keychain games. This initiative seeks to maintain access to these older, often obscure, gaming devices as physical hardware degrades and the industry moves towards digital distribution.
Retroid finally provides a closer look at its Pocket Nova handheld in action
Retroid has released new gameplay footage of its upcoming Pocket Nova retro handheld, showcasing its ability to run various classic games like F-Zero GX and God of War 2. The portable device features a 4:3 screen and is priced starting at $229, positioning it against competitors like the Anbernic RG Cube and Retroid's own Pocket 5.
As Sony prepares to shut down the PS3 store, RPCS3 devs promise “75% of all PlayStation 3 games are now playable…
As Sony prepares to close the PlayStation 3 and Vita digital stores, the developers behind the RPCS3 emulator have announced that 75% of all PlayStation 3 games are now playable on PC. While many major titles are still in progress, the emulator has reached a significant milestone in preserving the console's library.
PS5 fans fast-track PC emulation in response to Sony ditching physical games
In response to Sony's move towards an all-digital future, PlayStation 5 emulation efforts on PC have accelerated. Recent progress includes booting exclusive titles like Astro Bot and Demon's Souls on PC using experimental emulators such as SharpEmu. These developments are seen as a win for game preservationists, allowing games to remain playable even if official support is withdrawn.
Review: Console Archives L’Empereur (Nintendo Switch 2)
This review covers Hamster's Nintendo Switch re-release of Koei's 1991 historical simulation game, L’Empereur. While the game offers deep strategic gameplay for fans of the genre, its complex menus and lack of modern quality-of-life features make it a challenging experience for new players. The digital manual is praised for its faithfulness to the original, but the overall emulation approach is seen as outdated compared to other retro collections.
