Game Preservation
Ongoing coverage on Game Preservation.
Latest coverage
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.
Original Xbox games on PC means one less reason to buy the next console
Xbox is making original Xbox console games playable on PC, starting with Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live And Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. This initiative, which includes achievements and customizable graphics, aims to enhance backwards compatibility and game preservation. The move raises questions about the necessity of purchasing future Xbox consoles if games are readily accessible on PC.
Xbox announces backwards compatibility for PC and handheld devices
Xbox is expanding its backwards compatibility initiative to PC and handheld devices, starting with four classic titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games will be available for purchase and via Game Pass, with existing digital licenses transferring to PC. This move is part of a broader effort to preserve Xbox games and bring them to PC, alongside enhancements for graphics and future Achievement support.
Games Inbox: Is buying second-hand video games going to end?
Readers discuss the potential end of second-hand physical game sales due to the increasing prevalence of digital distribution. Concerns are raised about the loss of ownership and the impact on retailers like CeX. The convenience of digital is acknowledged as a major factor driving this shift, with some lamenting the decline of physical media.
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.
Microsoft is bringing original Xbox exclusives to PC for the first time, starting with four 'classic games'
Microsoft has launched a new program to bring original Xbox exclusive games to PC for the first time, 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 PC and included with all Game Pass plans, offering enhanced features like customizable graphics. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Xbox to preserve and make older games accessible on modern platforms.
"Mario looks like Mario now" - One week later, the cursed plumber in Super Mario 64 for 3DO has been cured
Eyepatch Entertainment has released an update for their Super Mario 64 conversion on the 3DO, significantly improving Mario's appearance and overall project fidelity. While performance is still being refined, the developer is also working on a Sega Saturn version. Distribution of the 3DO version is unlikely due to Nintendo's intellectual property concerns.
Microsoft launches Xbox backward compatibility for PC
Microsoft has begun rolling out Xbox backward compatibility for PC, starting with four classic titles: BliNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fusion Frenzy. These games support up to 4x resolution upscaling and enhanced graphics settings, with plans to add features like achievements in the future. This initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve Xbox games and bring them to PC, occurring amidst industry-wide discussions on game preservation and recent layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division.
Following layoffs and muddy strategy shifts, Xbox announces Backward Compatibility on PC program, with Blinx and Conker leading the first wave
Xbox has launched a new Backward Compatibility on PC program, bringing classic titles like Blinx: The Time Sweeper and Conker: Live and Reloaded to PC and handhelds such as the ASUS ROG Ally. This initiative includes enhanced features like up to 4x resolution upscaling and is available through Xbox Game Pass or individual purchase. The program aims to revive Xbox's strength in backward compatibility, with plans for future updates and achievements.
Miyamoto defends the idea that there are too many remakes, explains why Nintendo releases them
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto defended the practice of releasing game remakes, stating they provide access to older titles for new generations and can lead to future developments. He mentioned Star Fox 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as recent examples. Miyamoto also noted that the release of Star Fox and Yoshi games this year was influenced by The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Xbox launches new backwards compatibility program on PC, starting with four games from the early 2000s
Microsoft's Xbox division has launched a new backwards compatibility program for PC, making four original Xbox titles available on the Xbox app. These enhanced versions of Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, and Fuzion Frenzy feature upscaled resolution and other improvements. This initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve Xbox's gaming legacy and bring classic titles to PC.
Xbox Reveals Four Classic Xbox Titles As Part Of "Backward Compatibility on PC"
Xbox has launched its "Backward Compatibility on PC" initiative, making four classic original Xbox titles available to play natively on PC with enhanced graphics options. The titles include BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, all of which are also included in Xbox Game Pass. Future updates will bring achievements to these and other original Xbox games.
We Need Physical Video Games
This opinion piece argues for the continued importance of physical video game media, contrasting it with the perceived downsides of an all-digital future. The author highlights personal experiences with physical games and discusses concerns about ownership, preservation, and the impact of digital-only distribution on the gaming landscape.
Play More of the Games You Love, Wherever You Play with XBOX Backward Compatibility on PC
Xbox Backward Compatibility is now available on PC, allowing players to access classic original Xbox games on PC and handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. Initially launching with four titles, this feature is part of a broader effort to preserve older games and enhance them with features like resolution upscaling and customizable graphics settings. Future updates will include Achievements for select titles.
PlayStation "may as well eliminate the hardware" if Sony is ending physical discs, says creator of Disgaea RPG…
Sohei Niikawa, creator of the Disgaea series and former president of Nippon Ichi Software, has criticized Sony's decision to end physical game discs for PlayStation by 2028. He argues that physical editions are crucial for collectors, fans, and preserving game history, suggesting that if Sony eliminates discs, they might as well eliminate the hardware itself. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by other industry figures like Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro regarding the future of physical media.
Xbox Backwards Compatibility for PC is Now Live With BLiNX: The Time Sweeper and More
Xbox has launched backwards compatibility for several original Xbox titles on PC, including BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are available for purchase and included with all Game Pass tiers, offering enhanced features like resolution upscaling and improved graphics. This initiative aims to preserve older Xbox games and bring them to PC, with plans for more titles and achievements to be added over time.
Two PlayStation Games Sold Over 10,000 Physical Copies in the Week Ending on July 11th – Analyst
Analyst Mat Piscatella noted that only two PlayStation games sold over 10,000 physical copies in the week ending July 11th, with only seven exceeding 100,000 for the year. Despite fan backlash, retailers like GameStop are not opposing Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028, citing a natural shift towards digital media preferences.
In the age of AI and layoffs, playing old games in 2026 is about more than nostalgia
In 2026, the author finds solace in playing older video games as a coping mechanism against the backdrop of AI advancements and widespread layoffs in the industry. This retreat into retro titles like Pokemon Leaf Green and Diablo 2 offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, providing a temporary escape from the anxieties surrounding the current state of game development and corporate practices. Despite the industry's challenges, the author finds a glimmer of optimism in the progress made regarding representation, workplace conditions, and unionization.
Octopath controversy, Splatoon is coming, and dual docks | Pure Nintendo Podcast E171
The Pure Nintendo Podcast episode 171 covers various gaming topics, including the controversial Switch 2 editions of Octopath Traveler without upgrade paths. Discussions also touch on the end of Mario Kart Tour, a new Yoshi demo, a physical collection for Cult of the Lamb, and the potential for a new dock compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles.
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.
