JELOS x86 (PC) Guide

JELOS x86 (PC) Guide

Last updated: 02OCT2023 (see Changelog for details)

JELOS (Just Enough Linux OS) is a custom operating system that is generally associated with lower-end hardware, but they also have an x86 (PC) build that works on any number of PCs, including handhelds. In this guide I’ll walk you through the steps of getting set up, and some of the nuances of this setup.

Our example device for this guide is the Loki Zero.

Buy a Loki Zero

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

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

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.

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Retro Gaming on a Mac

Retro Gaming on a Mac

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.

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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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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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Review: Analogue Pocket

Review: Analogue Pocket

The Analogue Pocket is the first FPGA handheld, promising cycle accurate gameplay for your beloved Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges with a brilliant display and modern features. But does this experience warrant its hefty price tag?

More info here (ships in 2023): https://www.analogue.co/pocket

Other devices featured in this video:
Miyoo Mini
Anbernic RG351V
Anbernic RG552

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MoreFine S500+ Review (Ryzen 7 5700U): Surprising Xbox & PS3 Performance!

MoreFine S500+ Review (Ryzen 7 5700U): Surprising Xbox & PS3 Performance!

The new MoreFine S500+ (Ryzen 7 5700U model) is quite a capable little gaming PC, and has some surprising emulation performance, too. In this video we’ll see how it performs across a broad spectrum of games, and determine whether it’s a good fit for you.

Non-affiliate link
Use code “Retro Game” for a discount

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:05 unboxing & impressions
02:31 specs & pricing
03:37 teardown
06:06 setup & power profile
07:20 PC gaming
09:11 GameCube, Wii U, Switch
12:11 PSP, PS2, PS3, Xbox
16:10 Batocera Linux
18:15 summary (likes & dislikes)
20:33 conclusion

Introducing EmuDeck: Steam Deck Emulation Configuration Tool!

Introducing EmuDeck: Steam Deck Emulation Configuration Tool!

Let’s check out the new tool called EmuDeck, which will preconfigure all of your Steam Deck emulators and also set up the Steam ROM Manager for you, too. You can have your whole retro library up and running within SteamOS in 20 minutes, complete with fancy game art, customized controls, universal hotkeys, and more.

Check it out here
EmuDeck discord
EmuDeck discussion on Reddit

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More Emulation Testing on that *Large Linux-based Handheld*

More Emulation Testing on that *Large Linux-based Handheld*

In this video we’ll cover all the game emulation I wasn’t able to cover in a previous video showcasing a certain new Linux-based handheld device. For those of you wondering why the wording in my video is so cryptic, this video is helpful.

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