Gaming - Make Tech Easier

Where to Obtain Legal Video Game ROMs

Ryan Lynch — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 00:25:00 +0000

In recent years, old school games have experienced a full-blown renaissance. This is in large part due to the release of a slew of mini consoles, replicas of classic arcade games and the availability of older titles on newer consoles.

If you’re someone who wants to revisit yesteryear and feed your nostalgia with and relive the era of button mashing and pinpoint platforming, you may be tempted to make your own retro gaming set-up. This can be a done a number of ways. You can use your PC to run emulators or you can grab one a single board computer like the Raspberry Pi to run RetroPie or Recalbox. The only issue you may face is, where do you get your hands on the games (legally)?

How to Emulate PS2 Games on an M1 Mac with AetherSX2

Sydney Butler — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 15:25:00 +0000

AetherSX2 is a newly released PS2 emulator (which is still in Alpha) that can emulate PS2 games even on the base M1 Macbook Air at full speed. If you like the idea of loading up your favorite PS2 games on your shiny Apple Silicon computer, we’ll show you how it’s done.

Content

What Is Emulation?
Why the M1 Is Perfect for Emulating Games
Legal Considerations When Emulating
AetherSX2 Requirements
How to Set Up AetherSX
Additional AetherSX Settings When Emulating
AetherSX2 Still Has Problems

What Is Emulation?

The Playstation 2 is a very different kind of computer than an Apple computer. Especially one with a CPU like the M1 in it. They don’t speak the same “language” at all and the arrangement of physical processors doesn’t... Read more

How to Connect Your PS4/PS5 to a Laptop or Mac

Miguel Leiva-Gomez — Sat, 28 May 2022 15:25:26 +0000

When you have your PlayStation next to a monitor or TV, it’s convenient to hook up your console to your setup for quick and easy gaming. However, if you own something like a Mac or a laptop, you may need to do a little more legwork to play games on your screen. Let’s take a look at how you can connect PS4 or PS5 to your laptop or Mac.

Content

The Problem With Using a PlayStation's HDMI Cable on a Laptop or Mac
How to Play PS4/PS5 Games on a Laptop or Mac
How to Turn Off PS4/PS5 Controller
Frequently Asked Questions

The Problem With Using a PlayStation’s HDMI Cable on a Laptop or Mac

If you use a traditional computer and monitor setup that uses HDMI connections, plugging in a... Read more

How to Find Your Steam ID And Customize It

Crystal Crowder — Sat, 14 May 2022 21:25:00 +0000

Knowing your Steam ID is essential if you want to link your account to third-party sites that give you usage information, organize your library and so on. However, Steam doesn’t offer any information about how to find your Steam ID (it’s not the same thing as your username and profile name), so here we show you a couple of ways to do it and how you can change it to something more personal and memorable.

Content

Ways to Find Your Steam ID
Find Steam ID Using Valve Game
Find Your Steam ID64 (Friend ID) Using URL View
Find Your Steam ID Using Steam ID Finder
How to Change Your Steam ID
You Can Also Use the Steam Mobile App
Frequently Asked Questions

Ways to Find... Read more

PS4/PS5 Controller Alternatives for Those Who Prefer the Xbox One Controller

Ryan Lynch — Thu, 05 May 2022 15:25:00 +0000

Sorry Sony, but the DualShock and the DualSense controllers don’t hold a candle to the Xbox controller. Microsoft’s controller features a more comfortable offset analog stick layout and proper shoulder triggers instead of clunky bumpers. While it can be argued that the Sony consoles have a significantly better game library than the Xbox and despite both connecting through Bluetooth, there’s no way to use your Xbox One controller on your PlayStation natively. If you’re a PS4/PS5 fan but have always been envious of the Xbox One controller, there are a few third-party controller manufacturers that have answered your prayers.

Content

Do Any of these Controllers Work on PlayStation 5?
1. Hori ONYX
2. Nacon Asymmetric Wireless
3. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
4. SCUF Vantage
Frequently Asked Questions

Do... Read more

How to Use Your Xbox’s Co-Pilot Mode

Ryan Lynch — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 05:25:00 +0000

The video game industry is absolutely massive. However, despite raking in the cash, there is still a large segment of the population that cannot enjoy gaming. Thankfully, Microsoft has been a leader in making video games more inclusive. One of Microsoft’s most well-known efforts is the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which was designed for people with disabilities, to help make user input for video games more accessible.

However, the Adaptive Controller isn’t the only thing Microsoft has cooked up. In fact, there’s a little known feature built in to the Xbox One and Xbox Series X that can help people get more out of gaming: Co-Pilot Mode. This article looks at how you can use this feature.

Content

What Is Co-Pilot Mode?
Co-Pilot Mode & Young Gamers
Co-Pilot Mode & Disabled Gamers
How to Turn on Co-Pilot Mode
Frequently Asked Questions

Streamlabs Desktop vs. OBS Studio vs. XSplit Broadcaster

Natalie dela Vega — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:25:00 +0000

Does choosing one of the three most popular live streaming software used in the gaming community have you feeling torn? Not for long, we hope. This comparison offers an in-depth comparison of Streamlabs Desktop, OBS Studio, and XSplit Broadcaster and will help you make a decision.

Content

What Is OBS Studio?
What Is Streamlabs Desktop?
What Is XSplit Broadcaster?
Interface
Standout Features
Live Streaming
Recording
Performance
Supported Streaming Services
Pricing
Making Your Choice

What Is OBS Studio?

OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen broadcasting and live streaming software. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It produces real-time screen capture, recording, and encoding to streaming services, such as Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Instagram Live.

14 Best SideQuest Games for Oculus Quest/Quest 2

Robert Zak — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 15:25:00 +0000

SideQuest is a desktop app which lets you sideload various games onto your Oculus Quest 2. And there are tons to choose from! Here are the very best SideQuest games you can sideload onto your Quest.

Note: The process of sideloading from SideQuest is completely safe (we have a guide on how to do it right here), and there are no weird legal things to worry about with it even though the selection of stuff it offers sometimes seems too good to be true!

Do note that many of SideQuest’s games are now link to the Oculus Store, so unlike in the good old days you now have to pay for some of them. The majority however, are free.

Content

1. Gorilla Tag
2. Return to Castle Wolfenstein
3. Ultras Fighter
4. Descent Alps
5. Duck Hunt VR
6. Seeker VR
7. Battle Talent: Fighter Training Simulator
8. Deisim
9. Doom 3 VR (Doom3Quest)
10. Pavlov: Shack
11. Ancient Dungeon
12. Half-Life 1 VR (LambdaVR)
13. Doom VR (QuestZDoom)
14. Virtual Desktop VR Patch

What Does PS Remote Play Do

The Remote Play app (Android | iOS) allows users to play games, navigate the console home screen and browse the console’s menus, all from your mobile device. You... Read more

7 of the Best Game Engines for New Game Developers

Natalie dela Vega — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:25:00 +0000

Game developers require a platform that provides an expression of creativity and performance without additional plugins or extra purchases. While there are hundreds of cool game engines on the market, few are as popular with new developers as those rendering cross-platform support, using artificial intelligence (AI), and creating immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences.

The following list of indie game engines use the most powerful technologies, have the most vibrant online communities for support, and provide the most essential tools and workflows to take your final output to the next level.

Content

1. CryEngine V
2. Unreal Engine 4
3. Unity
4. Amazon Lumberyard
5. GameMaker Studio 2
6. AppGameKit
7. Godot Engine
Frequently Asked Questions

Ultimate Guide to SNES Emulation on Retroarch

Robert Zak — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 20:25:00 +0000

The Super Nintendo is widely regarded as one of the best games consoles of all time, building on the revolution of its predecessor, the NES, to offer more color, great sound, and some of the best pixel-art games of all time (as well as some early 3D ones). Thanks to the miracle of emulation, we’ve been able to play SNES games on our PCs for years now.

Retroarch is one of the best options around, offering an all-in-one emulation frontend for your SNES games, as well as those from other consoles. But Retroarch can be a little fiddly to set up, so this guide will show you how to give yourself the ultimate SNES experience on PC.

Content

Picking the Right Core
Controller Configuration
Graphics Configuration and Shaders

Picking the Right Core

We’re going... Read more

Minecraft vs. Roblox: Which Is Best for You or Your Child?

Robert Zak — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 20:25:00 +0000

Minecraft vs. Roblox is a big battle between two of the leading sandbox games. They both let players build and explore worlds, go on adventures alongside others, and create something akin to using digital Lego bricks. Even so, there are differences you’ll want to know about before choosing one. This post will look at Minecraft vs. Roblox in a number of areas, and which one’s best for you (or your child).

Content

Minecraft vs. Roblox: Gameplay
Minecraft vs. Roblox: Popularity
Minecraft vs. Roblox: Parental Controls
Minecraft vs. Roblox: Price
Frequently Asked Questions

Minecraft vs. Roblox: Gameplay

On the surface, both Minecraft and Roblox look similar, although they have different gameplay mechanics.

Minecraft has more of a fixed mechanics system. The game is played from a first- or third-person perspective, and allows you to engage in basic activities like building, mining, farming and fighting with a melee weapon. There are no guns in Minecraft (unless you mod the game), and the combat is decidedly non-violent and “cartoony”, with very simple animations.

How to Share Steam Games with Family

Natalie dela Vega — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 01:25:00 +0000

When using Steam Family Sharing, you can share Steam games with family and friends without them needing to buy another copy. This sounds great on paper, but there are some limitations to it, as enabling this option requires that you sign in with your account on the computer where the games will be shared. This article discusses how to get Steam Family Sharing set up and gives you a method for doing so that won’t require you to share your password or be there in person.

Content

Steam Family Sharing: The Rules
How to Enable Steam Guard on Your Account
Setting Up Steam Family Sharing
How to Do Long-Distance Family Sharing without Sharing Passwords
How to Share Games with Friends Using Steam Remote Play Together
Frequently Asked Questions

Steam Deck Alternatives You Can Buy Right Now

Ryan Lynch — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 06:25:00 +0000

The Steam Deck from Valve is out in just over a week, and we’re not going to sit here pretending we’re not super-excited about it. We are, because it looks like one of the most forward-thinking pieces of handheld tech in years. Sure, it borrows the design from the Nintendo Switch, but has a deceptive amount of power, lovely innovations like those haptic pads, and of course much of the choice and freedom of the PC gaming market.

With that said, availability will be limited on its launch day, and should you miss out on Steam’s handheld machine then here are a bunch of excellent alternatives for you.

Content

Steam Deck Availability
1. Nintendo Switch OLED
2. AYA Neo
3. GPD Win 3
4. OneXPlayer
5. OneGX1 Pro
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use ExitLag for Lag-Free Gaming

Natalie dela Vega — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 01:25:00 +0000

The rise of online gaming has proved that having a stable Internet connection is vital to an excellent gaming experience. However, since fast Internet isn’t available in every part of the world, not all gamers experience the best of online multiplayer games. This is where ExitLag comes in. If you’re not familiar with this premium service, we explain what it is, and how it’ll improve your online gaming experience.

Content

What Is ExitLag?
Why Use ExitLag?
How to Take Advantage of ExitLag in Online Games
Free Alternative: PingEnhancer
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is ExitLag?

ExitLag is advertised as a virtual private network (VPN) for online gaming. Its intended function is to optimize your Internet connection, making it more stable and decreasing... Read more

5 of the Best GBA Emulators to Play GameBoy Advance Games

Ojash Yadav — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 01:25:00 +0000

Nintendo’s GameBoy Advance had an extensive library of games, and almost all of them have aged well. If you are thinking of revisiting some of the old GBA titles, emulators provide an amazing experience that is both more improved and optimized than the original console. In this article, we go over the top five free GBA emulators available online.

Content

What Are GBA Emulators?
1. mGBA
2. VisualBoyAdvance-M
3. BatGBA
4. No$GBA
5. higan
Frequently Asked Questions

What Are GBA Emulators?

GBA or Game Boy Advance was a 32-bit handheld console released in 2001 by Nintendo. Since the console has been discontinued, the only way to play those games is by using emulators, which are third-party programs. Emulators are... Read more

What Is GameFi and Can You Really Earn Money Playing Video Games?

Ojash Yadav — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 01:25:00 +0000

GameFi has become a very popular notion in the gaming and blockchain sectors lately. Traditional video game players, who are accustomed to paying to play an online game, are drawn to blockchain video games, where they can make money for the time and effort they invest. In this post, we explain what GameFi really is and list some popular GameFi games.

Content

What Is GameFi?
How Does GameFi Work and How Can You Make Money Off It?
How to Start Using GameFi
1. Axie Infinity
2. Decentraland
3. Illuvium
4. CryptoKitties
5. Alien Worlds
6. CryptoBlades
The Future of GameFi
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is GameFi?

The term GameFi comes from joining two words: games and decentralized finance (DeFi). It was first coined in a 2020 tweet by Andre Cronje, the... Read more

How to Set Up VisualBoyAdvance-M Emulator on Windows

Ojash Yadav — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 01:25:00 +0000

If you’re looking to relive the old classic games from the Nintendo GameBoy era, you will find plenty of GBA emulators for Windows and Android. For this guide, we are using the VisualBoyAdvance-M (VBA-M) emulator and going over some of the features offered by emulators that make them worth your while.

Content

How to Run VisualBoyAdvance Emulator in Windows
How to Set Up Your Gamepad or Keyboard for VBA-M
How to Download and Load GBA Games on Your VisualBoyAdvance Emulator
Modern GBA Emulator Features
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Run VisualBoyAdvance Emulator in Windows

If you’re new to emulators, you don’t need to worry about a complex installation with the VisualBoyAdvance emulator. It is a portable software package and... Read more

How to Stream Twitch on Roku

David Joz — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 01:25:00 +0000

Unquestionably, Twitch is one of the biggest platforms for gamers and serves as a great place to follow other gamers’ live streaming as they play. The platform has also encouraged expansion into other types of broadcasts, including music, sports, news, etc. Twitch is one of those platforms that can be viewed almost anywhere, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and Apple TV. One notable absence is Roku. Fortunately, you can rectify Twitch’s absence on Roku fairly easily. Let’s take a look at how you can stream Twitch on Roku.

Content

Streaming through Chromecast, AirPlay, etc. on a Roku TV
On macOS
On Windows
On Mobile Devices
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Add Twitch to Roku

The first step is to go to https://my.roku.com on your browser.... Read more

The Best Wordle Tips, Tricks, and Apps You Need to Know

Crystal Crowder — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:25:00 +0000

Have you seen an sudden influx of social media posts featuring green, yellow, and gray boxes? Welcome to Wordle, the Internet’s favorite new word game. While the boxes might not look like a word game at first, they represent how well a player did on the day’s puzzle, without giving away the solution. Want to get in on the action yourself and see if you can guess the right word? Use this guide that includes tips and tricks to get started right away.

Content

Wordle Rules
Wordle Tips and Strategies
Wordle Cheat Tools
Guaranteeing a Daily Win
Best Wordle Clones
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Wordle?

Before diving into tips and tricks, you’re still probably wondering what Wordle is exactly. It’s a fairly simple (yet insanely challenging) word game.... Read more