Tag: game preservation

  • RPCS3 Adds Blu-Ray Support & Major Effects Fixes

    Key Takeaway

    – RPCS3 can now boot games directly from supported Blu-Ray drives and use disc dumping tools for decryption.
    – Automatic application of recommended database settings at boot simplifies game setup while preserving user preferences.
    – New UI features allow reordering of game list columns for easier sorting.
    – Major graphical fixes across dozens of games, including reflections, shadows, skyboxes, and lighting.
    – Support for decrypted and encrypted ISOs improves game preservation and disc-based emulation.

    New Features Hit RPCS3 Emulator

    The talented developers behind cross-platform PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 continue to impress with new features and fixes for the emulator, now including the ability to boot games from supported Blu-Ray drives. The same drives can now also be used to decrypt PlayStation 3 games with 13xforever’s disc dumping tool—but more on that below. For now, lets focus on the other new RPCS3 features and fixes.

    Boot improvements and UI changes

    One major improvement is in game booting itself. Now, RPCS3 will automatically apply recommended RPCS3 database configuration settings on boot, barring game patches, resolution scaling, anisotropic filtering, and debug configurations. Since those are typically unneccessary for getting a game to work properly (and may also boil down to personal preference,) they are left untouched by this update while still making it easier to get games up and running before opening up an RPCS3 Wiki page.

    Game list columns and visual fixes

    Another major feature addition is the game booting UI, which allows you to reorder game list columns (such as playtime, compatibility, etc), making it easier to sort games within the RPCS3 UI. By far the most important updates are to game effects themselves, though. Reflections, shadows, skyboxes, lighting, and various other effects have been fixed across dozens of games in the RPCS3 library, further improving accuracy and fidelity for the emulator. Weve listed known-impacted titles below.

    Preservation and drive support

    The full breadth of games with improved emulation is unknown even by the RPCS3 team, but what they’ve shown is fairly impressive for fans of emulation and game preservation alike. On the note of preservation, RPCS3 now supports both decrypted and encrypted ISOs alongside Blu-Ray drives, and the RPCS3 Quickstart page now includes a full list of compatible Blu-Ray drives at the bottom.

    Alongside the recent (unrelated) release of OmniDrive firmware, we’re seeing an impressive push on part of developers in the emulation scene to improve support for booting and backing up games from real media without the need for a jailbroken console. Hopefully, these efforts continue making emulation easier without the need to resort to piracy or bloating a perfectly-good SSD with a game you already have on a disc.

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  • OmniDrive Turns Blu-ray Drives into Retro-Game Dumpers

    OmniDrive Turns Blu-ray Drives into Retro-Game Dumpers

    Key Takeaway

    – OmniDrive enables legally ripping and dumping proprietary disc games from multiple consoles (e.g., GameCube, Wii, Xbox families, PS3/PS5, Dreamcast) using compatible MT1959 chipset drives.
    – It’s open-source and widely endorsed by preservation communities (Redump) as a replacement for older firmware.
    – Setup requires verifying drive compatibility with MakeMKV’s diagnostic tool, flashing the drive with OmniDrive, and using free tools (Media Preservation Frontend or redumper) to create ISO or raw dumps.
    – There is a non-trivial risk: flashing the wrong firmware can brick the drive; thorough checks and exact model confirmation are essential.

    Game collectors and preservationists can now legally rip their retro GameCube, Wii, and Xbox games using a compatible Blu-ray disc drive.

    In this article, we will keep the tone varied and the lines a touch informal, while sticking to the facts about OmniDrive and its use for legally backing up disc-based games. The core message is that a legally compliant path exists for converting physical media into digital libraries using a compatible optical drive and open source firmware.

    What OmniDrive does and why it matters

    OmniDrive is custom firmware that converts certain optical drives into rippers for various consoles’ proprietary disc formats. This enables game preservation enthusiasts to back up their own discs and dump content without stepping into shady territory or piracy, providing a clear route for legit archival work.

    Community reception and platform reach

    Retro video game preservation communities have welcomed OmniDrive as a practical tool. Redump.org and related wikis note that OmniDrive is highly recommended and has replaced older firmware recommendations once used in 2022, signaling a shift toward newer open-source solutions.

    Supported platforms and disc types

    OmniDrive can read and dump a wide array of discs across 12 major platforms, including Nintendo GameCube, Wii, and Wii U; Microsoft’s Xbox family; Sony’s PlayStation 3 and 5; Sega’s Dreamcast; plus standard lead-out CDs and DVDs, among others. This broad compatibility helps many collectors build complete digital libraries from physical copies.

    Version, authorship, and hardware requirements

    Released in February of the current year, OmniDrive is at version 1.0.2. It is fully open source, authored by RibShark, and designed for drives using the MT1959 chipset from Hitachi-LG Data Storage. Compatibility extends to certain desktop writers and slim drives like ASUS BW-16D1HT, LG BU40N, and BP50NB40, expanding the hardware options for users.

    Pre-rip checks and flashing steps

    Before ripping, users should verify they have a compatible drive by running the MakeMKV diagnostic app to confirm the MT1959HWDN chipset. After that, they can flash the drive with MakeMKV’s sdftool and the OmniDrive firmware. The process is described as straightforward, with free tools such as Media Preservation Frontend or redumper used to create ISO files or raw dumps for Xbox, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, and GameCube titles.

    Safety and cautions

    A reminder is warranted: flashing drives carries the risk of bricking the device if the wrong firmware is applied. It is crucial to double-check every detail and ensure the exact disc drive model is correct before proceeding, to avoid potential hardware failures.

    • OmniDrive – Redump Wiki
    • RibShark GitHub
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  • Xbox 25th Anniversary: Retro Games Return in 2026 with New Features

    Xbox 25th Anniversary: Retro Games Return in 2026 with New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox is celebrating its 25th anniversary with plans to revive classic games in 2026, led by a dedicated team of developers focused on retro gaming.
    2. The game-preservation team aims to modernize older titles while keeping their original essence, enhancing them with features like backward compatibility, Auto HDR, and FPS Boost.
    3. Specific details about which classic games will be re-released or how they will be transformed remain undisclosed.
    4. Xbox emphasizes the importance of preserving games for new generations, allowing younger players to experience timeless classics in fresh ways.
    5. The announcement aligns with Xbox’s next-generation ambitions, highlighted by their Project Helix initiative.

    Xbox is marking its 25th anniversary with exciting hints that some classic and beloved games from its past will be returning in 2026. This revival is credited to a small yet passionate group of developers who are dedicated to keeping retro gaming alive. This announcement comes at a time when Xbox is also unveiling its next-generation ambitions with Project Helix.

    Behind the Scenes Efforts

    In a recent interview at the Game Developers Conference, Jason Ronald, Xbox’s vice president of next-gen initiatives, shared insights into their game-preservation efforts. He mentioned, “The game-preservation team has been working very hard in the background for a number of years. As part of our 25th anniversary later this year, they will release some iconic games from the past that will now be playable in entirely new ways. This shows our commitment to game preservation and to enabling these games to be played by the next generation of players in ways that are very familiar to them.”

    Lack of Specifics

    Sadly, Ronald didn’t provide details about which retro Xbox games would be getting re-releases or what those “entirely new ways” would entail. However, he did elaborate on how Xbox plans to modernize older titles while keeping their original essence intact. As seen with the backward compatibility features on the Xbox Series S|X, many games have benefitted from automatic HDR and improved frame rates. It’s anticipated that Xbox will maintain this trend with the forthcoming retro game releases as well.

    Innovative Features

    Ronald added, “Not only do we want to preserve those games, but we also want to take advantage of the latest technology to enable them to be played in entirely new ways. I think about features like Auto HDR as an example—being able to put HDR on top of a game that was created before HDR even existed. It feels entirely new. It feels very fresh.” He also mentioned FPS Boost, which enhances games that were designed for lower frame rates to run at much higher rates, creating a remaster-like experience for players.

    In closing, Ronald shared his personal connection to these games: “I have so many personal stories of games that maybe my son has played, and it’s like the game came out before he was ever born. Yes, it might be an old game for me. It’s a brand-new game for him. I fundamentally believe that great games are timeless.”

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  • New Virtual Console Trademark Highlights Nintendo Switch Online Limits

    New Virtual Console Trademark Highlights Nintendo Switch Online Limits

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offers essential online features and access to classic Nintendo games but has faced criticism for its subscription model limiting game access.
    2. A recent trademark application has raised hopes for a possible replacement for the Virtual Console, which ended for several consoles in recent years.
    3. The trademark filing may not lead to significant changes, as it could be a way for Nintendo to retain rights for future use, similar to past applications.
    4. The Switch Online model allows for the addition and removal of retro games, whereas the Virtual Console allowed users to buy and download games permanently.
    5. There is ongoing debate between the benefits of subscription services and the importance of owning physical copies or games outright for long-term access and game preservation.

    Many players consider the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to be a great deal. It provides essential online features and access to a collection of classic Nintendo games at a fair price. On the flip side, some critics are not happy that the subscription model limits the games that can be played. Recently, a trademark application has sparked hope that a replacement for the Virtual Console might be on the way.

    A user named Mike Odyssey shared on social media that a trademark filed on April 21, 2025, is currently pending on the USPTO website. One of the categories listed in this trademark is IC 009, which includes “Recorded electronic game programs; downloadable electronic game programs; recorded video game programs.” Additionally, Nintendo has multiple active trademarks linked to the Virtual Console.

    Potential Outcomes

    As noted by Nintendo Life, it’s a possibility that this trademark filing may not result in anything substantial, similar to past Nintendo patent applications. The company might just be looking to keep rights to the name for future use. Yet, hopeful gamers are reminiscing about the benefits that the service used to provide.

    The Virtual Console for the Wii ended in 2019, and both the 3DS and Wii U lost access in 2023. There were speculations that Nintendo intended to bring it to the Switch before opting for the NSO solution instead.

    Subscription vs. Ownership

    The Switch Online and the optional Expansion Pack utilize apps specific to Nintendo Classics for each console. A significant difference is that retro games can be added or removed based on Nintendo’s preference. In contrast, Virtual Console users could buy and download games outright, without needing a subscription. Many fans argue that this provided a broader selection of Nintendo titles at any given moment.

    Advocates for game preservation argue for the importance of owning Nintendo games permanently. Players who still have older consoles can continue to enjoy their purchases from Virtual Console. However, with subscription services like Xbox Game Pass becoming popular, it seems Nintendo may be leaning towards steady income from subscriptions. Nevertheless, collectors argue that neither option replaces the value of owning physical copies.

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  • Microsoft Job Posting Signals Game Emulation on New Xbox Console

    Microsoft Job Posting Signals Game Emulation on New Xbox Console

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is working on a new Xbox console that may run on the Windows operating system, focusing on game preservation.
    2. A job listing for a Principal Software Engineer highlights the need for developing scalable emulation solutions for legacy games.
    3. Microsoft has begun releasing past exclusive games on other platforms like the PS5 and may do so for the upcoming Switch 2.
    4. Xbox games are becoming more accessible on modern Windows PCs, but some titles remain exclusive to older consoles.
    5. AI may be used to improve backward compatibility, emphasizing the importance of preserving older Xbox games.

    Microsoft is keen on making sure that its vast collection of Xbox games can still be enjoyed in the years to come. There are talks that the company is working on a new Xbox console that would operate on the Windows operating system. However, Microsoft might encounter challenges in bringing older classics to its new hardware and possibly to other systems. Recently, a job listing was made public for a Principal Software Engineer, aimed at enhancing the game preservation team.

    Some Key Responsibilities

    The role involves creating “scalable emulation solutions” and “emulating legacy games on modern platforms.” The engineer would also be tasked with ensuring game assets are protected from piracy, theft, and other forms of tampering. Sadly, the job posting does not specify which existing or future consoles or platforms these emulated games might be available on.

    Expanding Game Availability

    Microsoft has already started releasing previous exclusives on the PS5, and there are signs that it might extend this to the upcoming Switch 2. Even though sales of the Series X have been on the decline, Microsoft has not given up on its plans to launch a new Xbox console. Project Kennan is a rumored device made by Asus that could include Xbox controls. This handheld device is expected to be based on Windows and will likely offer a full-screen Xbox user interface.

    The Future of Xbox Gaming

    Modern Windows PCs can access a lot of the Xbox games that are available on the Series X, Series S, and now the PS5. However, certain games are still locked to Microsoft’s current and older consoles. Jez Corden from Windows Central reports that Xbox systems will adjust to utilize the Win32 API. The Series X currently supports a development environment that is somewhat similar, but some games coded for Xbox ERA are still restricted.

    The Principal Software Engineer might direct their focus toward older Xbox titles that require more effort to emulate. Phil Spencer has also mentioned that AI could play a role in enhancing backward compatibility. In any case, preserving games will be essential for Microsoft’s Play Anywhere initiative.

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    Microsoft Job Posting Signals Game Emulation on New Xbox Console

     

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  • GOG Launches Game Preservation Program for Abandoned Titles

    GOG Launches Game Preservation Program for Abandoned Titles

    GOG has revealed a new initiative aimed at preserving games that are no longer supported by their original developers. At the moment, the program features a total of 62 titles, which include beloved classics such as Diablo, Dragon Age: Origins, Resident Evil, Warcraft (1 and 2), and System Shock. This collection is expected to expand over time as more games meet GOG’s standards for quality.

    Focus on Windows

    Currently, the GOG Preservation Program is available exclusively for Windows. There are plans to potentially include Linux and macOS support in the future, but that may take some time since there are numerous Windows games that need to be preserved. Only those games that are not actively maintained by their original creators can be included. However, some titles might not make it due to various licensing and intellectual property issues.

    Keeping the Classics Alive

    GOG aims to maintain the games in their original forms as much as possible. If needed, it will implement enhancements for user experience, such as compatibility with modern controllers, localization, and cloud saving features. At present, GOG is also offering significant discounts on select older games. Just like all games bought on the platform, these titles are free from DRM and include an offline installer.

    In a time where many classic games risk being forgotten, GOG’s effort stands out as a refreshing change. The gaming industry could benefit from more initiatives like this, particularly for different platforms. However, challenges arise with companies that have strict regulations, such as Nintendo, which complicate efforts with their anti-emulation stance.

    Source: Link

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