guide – Page 2 – Retro Game Corps

Transform Any PC into a Retro Gaming Console (Batocera Guide)

May 26, 2023June 20, 2024by Russ8 Comments

Chances are, you might have an older PC lying around the house. It’s not quite worth the effort to sell on your local marketplace, and nobody in the house wants it, either. How about we turn it into a retro gaming console instead?

In this guide I’ll show you how to install Batocera, a Linux-based custom operating system that will give your PC a console-like experience. Additionally, in this guide I’ll show you how to install PC games to play alongside your favorite retro classics.

Continue reading →

3ds, Guides

3DS Hack Guide

April 8, 2023May 4, 2023by Russ7 Comments

Last updated: 04MAY2023 (see Changelog for details)

It is relatively easy to install custom firmware on a Nintendo 3DS, but it does involve quite a few steps. This video guide is meant to be a supplement to this excellent written guide — think of it like a visual companion for those who want to see the process in action.

Continue reading →

Apple, Guides, Mini PCs

Retro Gaming on a Mac

April 6, 2023April 6, 2023by Russ2 Comments

Last updated: 06APR2023 (see Changelog for details)

Macs have always been considered terrible for gaming, but recent advances in Apple silicon chips have paved the way for some spectacular retro game emulation. In this guide we’re going to focus on the cheapest Mac available, which is the lowest-spec Mac Mini (which retails at $599). I’ll walk you through the setup process and do game testing for all your favorite systems: classic retro content like GBA, NES, and SNES, all the way to more powerful systems like Dreamcast, N64, Saturn, PS1, PSP, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Switch, PS2, PS3, and more.

Continue reading →

Guides, RG351, RG503

ArkOS Starter Guide

March 27, 2023July 18, 2024by Russ33 Comments

Last updated: 18JUL2024 (see Changelog for details)

ArkOS is a custom operating system that is available for many retro handheld devices. It features optimized performance, a simple user interface, online updates, and a very stable experience thanks to years of development work.

This guide will help you get set up with ArkOS, to improve your handheld device in just about every way. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy.

If you would like to support the developer and their work, please consider leaving them a donation for their time and effort over the years.

Continue reading →

Guides

Widescreen SNES Guide

February 22, 2023February 22, 2023by Russ3 Comments

Last updated: 22FEB2023 (see Changelog for details)

In this guide I’ll show you how to set up widescreen for many beloved SNES games. Not every game will work with this setup, but many do, including some of my personal favorites.

To enable widescreen, you must use the BSNES standalone emulator or the BSNES HD Beta core within RetroArch. For this guide we will focus on the BSNES HD Beta RetroArch core.

You will need a somewhat powerful machine to run the BSNES RetroArch core. For retro handhelds, I recommend something like the Retroid Pocket 3+ at the very least, but the AYN Odin or Logitech Cloud will work even better.

Continue reading →

Guides

PS2 and PS1 BIOS Extraction Guide

February 17, 2023February 17, 2023by Russ1 Comment

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.

Continue reading →

Guides

The Ultimate ROM File Compression Guide

February 6, 2023April 13, 2023by Russ44 Comments

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.

Continue reading →

Guides

Anbernic RG35XX Starter Guide

January 3, 2023August 23, 2023by Russ165 Comments

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.

Continue reading →

Guides, Reviews

Anbernic RG505 Review and Guide

November 19, 2022December 5, 2022by Russ7 Comments

At long last, Anbernic has released a handheld device that is both affordable AND powerful. Here’s how to get started with setting the device up.

Continue reading →

Guides, RG503

Anbernic RG353M Review & Guide

November 3, 2022March 31, 2024by Russ25 Comments

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

Continue reading →