PS2 and PS1 BIOS Extraction Guide

PS2 and PS1 BIOS Extraction Guide

Last updated: 17FEB2023 (see Changelog for details)

In this guide I’ll show you how to safely extract your own BIOS files to use with PS2 and PS1 emulators, thanks to a new tool that works with the official Sony PS3 firmware update file. No longer do you need to rely on a hacked console (or shady websites) to acquire your BIOS files! These BIOS can then be used in many popular emulators like PCSX2, AetherSX2, DuckStation, and RetroArch.

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The Ultimate ROM File Compression Guide

The Ultimate ROM File Compression Guide

Last updated: 08FEB2023 (see Changelog for details)

Organizing your ROM library can be confusing and tedious, and so in this guide I will show you how I use CHD, PBP, and RVZ files to optimize my collection.

For this guide I will focus on CD-based games, as they often pose the most issues when it comes to compatibility. (Secret tip: for cartridge-based systems like NES, you can generally just use zip files or leave them uncompressed).

Note that the video guide is made with Windows PCs in mind, but I have included Mac instructions where applicable below.

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Anbernic RG35XX Starter Guide

Anbernic RG35XX Starter Guide

Last updated: 23AUG2023 (see Changelog for details)

In this guide I will show you how to get started with the Anbernic RG35XX retro handheld, and how to set up the new GarlicOS game launcher and greatly improve the device’s user experience.

Where to buy the RG35XX:
Anbernic website
AliExpress
Amazon (more expensive but faster shipping and easy returns)

GarlicOS is provided as a community build thanks to the work of developer Black Seraph. If you have the means, please consider leaving him a tip jar donation to thank him for his efforts. MinUI is created by Shaun Inman.

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Anbernic RG353M Review & Guide

Anbernic RG353M Review & Guide

Another month, another Anbernic handheld, right? The new RG353M surprised me with some overdue component upgrades and a wonderfully compact and thin design. On top of that, it stands on the shoulders of all their other products to finally be a 4:3 retro handheld that does everything just right without any glaring issues.

Buy one here

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Steam Deck Emulation Starter Guide

Steam Deck Emulation Starter Guide

Last updated: 05MAR2024 (see Changelog for details)

Valve’s Steam Deck is the perfect storm of handhelds: it has an exceptional price-to-performance ratio, a large game library thanks to its Steam integration, and it is becoming more readily available every month. In this guide I’ll show you how to play your favorite retro (and modern) game systems via software emulation.

This guide will primarily use an app called EmuDeck to set up your emulation experience, but I will also touch on other solutions like RetroDeck and Batocera. If you are looking for a general setup guide for the Steam Deck itself, I recommend this comprehensive Steam Deck guide from GitHub user mikeroyal.

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Introducing Castor – Split and Stream your PC!

Introducing Castor – Split and Stream your PC!

Castor is a new app that will allow you to stream from your PC to an Android device using a process known as paravirtualization. This means you can allocate a portion of you PC’s resources to create a virtual machine environment which can then be used for game streaming without disrupting your main PC’s functionality.

To access Castor, check out Black Seraph’s Patreon page. You will need to subscribe to the $10 tier for at least one month but can cancel after that if you’d like. While you are a member, consider grabbing Black Seraph’s custom firmware builds for the RG552, PowKiddy X18S, and various GPD devices.

Castor is made though a package of open-source and prorpeitary tools all compiled into one simple, user-friendly package. If you would like to see the modified GPL & MIT-licensed components of Castor, here is the GitHub page. This includes the mirror driver, patched Sunshine & the NAT-compatible Android Moonlight client.

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Anbernic’s New Official Android Frontend — Review and Setup Guide

Anbernic’s New Official Android Frontend — Review and Setup Guide

Anbernic has released a new frontend for their Android operating system, which will work on the RG353P and the upcoming RG353V. In this video I’ll walk you through the installation of their new Android build, and show off some of its features (and failures) within.

Buy an RG353P
AliExpress

Anbernic software link
My RG353P review and custom firmware showcase
Install Play Store on the RG353P

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Super Console (KinHank) Arcade Stick Setup Guide

Super Console (KinHank) Arcade Stick Setup Guide

Last updated: 06SEP2022

The Super Console Arcade Stick from KinHank is one of my family’s favorite gaming devices of 2022, and so in this guide I will show you how to load it up with a clean copy of EmuELEC 4.3, add your own game library, and then tailor it for the best experience possible.

Buy one via AliExpress or Amazon
Replacement arcade buttons via AliExpress or Amazon

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