James - PixelRefresh.com
@james.pixelrefresh.com
Founder of 🌐 https://www.pixelrefresh.com
Love of Retro Gaming & Modern Tech - articles, podcasts & videos
🎙️ Host of Game & Gadget #Podcast
🎵 Creator of #ScummVM Music Enhancement Project
My post topics: #retrogaming #retrocomputing #retroconsoles
Love of Retro Gaming & Modern Tech - articles, podcasts & videos
🎙️ Host of Game & Gadget #Podcast
🎵 Creator of #ScummVM Music Enhancement Project
My post topics: #retrogaming #retrocomputing #retroconsoles
Pinned
Pixel Refresh
Retro games reviews, restorations, podcasts and guides. Discover classic video games, vintage consoles & computers as well as modern gadgets & tech.
www.pixelrefresh.com
Hello everyone! About time I reintroduced myself...
I'm James from the UK, a Freelance Journalist...
I own & run Pixel Refresh, a website specialising in #retrogaming, gadgets & modern tech since 2006 www.pixelrefresh.com
Articles, reviews, podcasts and video content.
I'm James from the UK, a Freelance Journalist...
I own & run Pixel Refresh, a website specialising in #retrogaming, gadgets & modern tech since 2006 www.pixelrefresh.com
Articles, reviews, podcasts and video content.
My very first music keyboard was the Yamaha PSS-270 powered by FM synthesis released in 1986.
I had a little look around online to relive that childhood nostalgia and found this example in original box and after collecting it and giving it a very light clean it's in absolutely amazing condition!
I had a little look around online to relive that childhood nostalgia and found this example in original box and after collecting it and giving it a very light clean it's in absolutely amazing condition!
November 8, 2025 at 6:56 AM
My very first music keyboard was the Yamaha PSS-270 powered by FM synthesis released in 1986.
I had a little look around online to relive that childhood nostalgia and found this example in original box and after collecting it and giving it a very light clean it's in absolutely amazing condition!
I had a little look around online to relive that childhood nostalgia and found this example in original box and after collecting it and giving it a very light clean it's in absolutely amazing condition!
My latest project is in this case cleaning a classic Yamaha PortaSound PSS-390 music keyboard.
It's in good condition and works perfectly, but needs a clean.
The era of FM synthesis was a fun one and this reminds me so much of my childhood.
It's in good condition and works perfectly, but needs a clean.
The era of FM synthesis was a fun one and this reminds me so much of my childhood.
November 2, 2025 at 10:47 AM
My latest project is in this case cleaning a classic Yamaha PortaSound PSS-390 music keyboard.
It's in good condition and works perfectly, but needs a clean.
The era of FM synthesis was a fun one and this reminds me so much of my childhood.
It's in good condition and works perfectly, but needs a clean.
The era of FM synthesis was a fun one and this reminds me so much of my childhood.
I still get a wonderful feeling playing GM, GS & XG MIDI files from the 90s and beyond.
Knowing that the instrument sampled data is coming directly from the unit makes them feel alive. The displays help also!
Featured here are the Roland Sound Canvas SC-55 Mark 2 and the Yamaha MU80.
Knowing that the instrument sampled data is coming directly from the unit makes them feel alive. The displays help also!
Featured here are the Roland Sound Canvas SC-55 Mark 2 and the Yamaha MU80.
October 19, 2025 at 11:38 AM
I still get a wonderful feeling playing GM, GS & XG MIDI files from the 90s and beyond.
Knowing that the instrument sampled data is coming directly from the unit makes them feel alive. The displays help also!
Featured here are the Roland Sound Canvas SC-55 Mark 2 and the Yamaha MU80.
Knowing that the instrument sampled data is coming directly from the unit makes them feel alive. The displays help also!
Featured here are the Roland Sound Canvas SC-55 Mark 2 and the Yamaha MU80.
Slowly rebuilding my PS3 collection...
Sony had enormous success with the PS1 and PS2, had a sudden jolt of reality with the PS3 and got back on track with the PS4.
And yet, the PS3 has some cracking titles that really shows what it is capable of when the hardware is mastered.
Sony had enormous success with the PS1 and PS2, had a sudden jolt of reality with the PS3 and got back on track with the PS4.
And yet, the PS3 has some cracking titles that really shows what it is capable of when the hardware is mastered.
October 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Slowly rebuilding my PS3 collection...
Sony had enormous success with the PS1 and PS2, had a sudden jolt of reality with the PS3 and got back on track with the PS4.
And yet, the PS3 has some cracking titles that really shows what it is capable of when the hardware is mastered.
Sony had enormous success with the PS1 and PS2, had a sudden jolt of reality with the PS3 and got back on track with the PS4.
And yet, the PS3 has some cracking titles that really shows what it is capable of when the hardware is mastered.
Reposted by James - PixelRefresh.com
A few more pics of the mythical, lost for 25 years, BS2 GBA :)
October 17, 2025 at 8:01 AM
A few more pics of the mythical, lost for 25 years, BS2 GBA :)
Not sure how old these sealed brand new floppy disks are that a friend has found and given to me, but they reference a 286 PC 🤣
#retrocomputing
#retrocomputing
October 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Not sure how old these sealed brand new floppy disks are that a friend has found and given to me, but they reference a 286 PC 🤣
#retrocomputing
#retrocomputing
Broken Sword The Smoking Mirror Reforged has been announced for PC and console platforms, releasing in 2026.
www.pixelrefresh.com/broken-sword...
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #brokensword
www.pixelrefresh.com/broken-sword...
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #brokensword
www.pixelrefresh.com
October 7, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Broken Sword The Smoking Mirror Reforged has been announced for PC and console platforms, releasing in 2026.
www.pixelrefresh.com/broken-sword...
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #brokensword
www.pixelrefresh.com/broken-sword...
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #brokensword
My Dell Optiplex 3010 is now running Debian 13 replacing Windows. Slowly moving the majority of my hardware over to #Linux. This is my 4th.
Intel Core i5-3470
16GB RAM
RADEON 6400 4GB GPU
256GB SSD
Also enjoying Two Point Campus on it, which runs fab!
Intel Core i5-3470
16GB RAM
RADEON 6400 4GB GPU
256GB SSD
Also enjoying Two Point Campus on it, which runs fab!
October 7, 2025 at 2:43 AM
My Dell Optiplex 3010 is now running Debian 13 replacing Windows. Slowly moving the majority of my hardware over to #Linux. This is my 4th.
Intel Core i5-3470
16GB RAM
RADEON 6400 4GB GPU
256GB SSD
Also enjoying Two Point Campus on it, which runs fab!
Intel Core i5-3470
16GB RAM
RADEON 6400 4GB GPU
256GB SSD
Also enjoying Two Point Campus on it, which runs fab!
This is great news for Linux. We may get some less than optimal results for those rooting for Linux to do well versus Windows, but hopefully it will inspire a new push for Linux in gaming and beyond!
youtu.be/5O6tQYJSEMw?...
youtu.be/5O6tQYJSEMw?...
Adding Linux GPU Benchmarks: Best Distributions for Gaming Tests, ft. Wendell of Level1 Techs
YouTube video by Gamers Nexus
youtu.be
September 27, 2025 at 12:30 AM
This is great news for Linux. We may get some less than optimal results for those rooting for Linux to do well versus Windows, but hopefully it will inspire a new push for Linux in gaming and beyond!
youtu.be/5O6tQYJSEMw?...
youtu.be/5O6tQYJSEMw?...
It's great that #Spotify now supports lossless audio, although capped to 24-bit 44KHz after an insane 4 and half years of waiting!!! 🤦
Maybe they can now announce Dolby Atmos spatial audio next and begin the 4 year wait for that too! 😉
Maybe they can now announce Dolby Atmos spatial audio next and begin the 4 year wait for that too! 😉
September 23, 2025 at 5:28 AM
It's great that #Spotify now supports lossless audio, although capped to 24-bit 44KHz after an insane 4 and half years of waiting!!! 🤦
Maybe they can now announce Dolby Atmos spatial audio next and begin the 4 year wait for that too! 😉
Maybe they can now announce Dolby Atmos spatial audio next and begin the 4 year wait for that too! 😉
Another day, another laptop refurbished.
It's very therapeutic restoring tech & even a five year old laptop you can see the CPU thermal paste Incredibly dry so time for a refresh.
After the cleaning & paste, fan now comes in much less & replaced Windows 11 with Debian 13 and it's been excellent!
It's very therapeutic restoring tech & even a five year old laptop you can see the CPU thermal paste Incredibly dry so time for a refresh.
After the cleaning & paste, fan now comes in much less & replaced Windows 11 with Debian 13 and it's been excellent!
September 14, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Another day, another laptop refurbished.
It's very therapeutic restoring tech & even a five year old laptop you can see the CPU thermal paste Incredibly dry so time for a refresh.
After the cleaning & paste, fan now comes in much less & replaced Windows 11 with Debian 13 and it's been excellent!
It's very therapeutic restoring tech & even a five year old laptop you can see the CPU thermal paste Incredibly dry so time for a refresh.
After the cleaning & paste, fan now comes in much less & replaced Windows 11 with Debian 13 and it's been excellent!
Reposted by James - PixelRefresh.com
Can we get to 800 backers before we shut it down on Sunday?? These big-boxes are going to be super rare! #indiegame #pixelart #UrbXWarriors 😅
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ton...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ton...
UrbX Warriors - for the PC & Spectrum Next
- Late Pledges… Limited Time - A super-fun retro-inspired arcade-adventure by Tony Warriner & Stoo Cambridge
www.kickstarter.com
September 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Can we get to 800 backers before we shut it down on Sunday?? These big-boxes are going to be super rare! #indiegame #pixelart #UrbXWarriors 😅
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ton...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ton...
My MacBook Pro from ~2014 with Retina display is still very capable, but macOS for it is end of life...
Linux Mint to the rescue and now on the just released Linux Mint 22.2 (Zara).
Although Windows and macOS have their advantages, Linux Mint is proving a worthy OS, especially on older hardware.
Linux Mint to the rescue and now on the just released Linux Mint 22.2 (Zara).
Although Windows and macOS have their advantages, Linux Mint is proving a worthy OS, especially on older hardware.
September 3, 2025 at 6:22 AM
My MacBook Pro from ~2014 with Retina display is still very capable, but macOS for it is end of life...
Linux Mint to the rescue and now on the just released Linux Mint 22.2 (Zara).
Although Windows and macOS have their advantages, Linux Mint is proving a worthy OS, especially on older hardware.
Linux Mint to the rescue and now on the just released Linux Mint 22.2 (Zara).
Although Windows and macOS have their advantages, Linux Mint is proving a worthy OS, especially on older hardware.
Reposted by James - PixelRefresh.com
Late pledges keep ticking up, but not long left for these now. Get ye collectable one-off big box while ye may :) #indiegame #bigbox #spectrumnext #PCGaming #linuxgaming #macosgaming RT🙌
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ton...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ton...
August 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Late pledges keep ticking up, but not long left for these now. Get ye collectable one-off big box while ye may :) #indiegame #bigbox #spectrumnext #PCGaming #linuxgaming #macosgaming RT🙌
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ton...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ton...
Playtesting Adventures, ZX Spectrum Next (KS3), Retro LANs & Neo Geo Ports – Game & Gadget Podcast #42
@tonywarriner.bsky.social and I discuss game development tours, UrbX Warriors playtesting & retro LAN parties with Windows XP machines.
www.pixelrefresh.com/playtesting-...
@tonywarriner.bsky.social and I discuss game development tours, UrbX Warriors playtesting & retro LAN parties with Windows XP machines.
www.pixelrefresh.com/playtesting-...
Playtesting Adventures, ZX Spectrum Next (KS3), Retro LANs & Neo Geo Ports - Game & Gadget Podcast #42 | Pixel Refresh
James & Tony discuss game development tours, UrbX Warriors playtesting & retro LAN parties with Windows XP machines.
www.pixelrefresh.com
August 16, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Playtesting Adventures, ZX Spectrum Next (KS3), Retro LANs & Neo Geo Ports – Game & Gadget Podcast #42
@tonywarriner.bsky.social and I discuss game development tours, UrbX Warriors playtesting & retro LAN parties with Windows XP machines.
www.pixelrefresh.com/playtesting-...
@tonywarriner.bsky.social and I discuss game development tours, UrbX Warriors playtesting & retro LAN parties with Windows XP machines.
www.pixelrefresh.com/playtesting-...
New writer @daveswan.bsky.social for @pixelrefresh.bsky.social shares his career in pixel art, sprites & textures – from early arcade inspiration to creating graphics for games:
- SEGA Manx TT
- Wolverine: Adamantium Rage
- ...and the Discworld series.
www.pixelrefresh.com/wolverine-to...
- SEGA Manx TT
- Wolverine: Adamantium Rage
- ...and the Discworld series.
www.pixelrefresh.com/wolverine-to...
Wolverine to Discworld - Pixel Artist David Swan Shares His Journey | Pixel Refresh
David Swan shares his career in pixel art, sprites & textures - from early arcade inspiration to creating graphics for games SEGA Manx TT, Wolverine: Adamantium Rage and the Discworld series.
www.pixelrefresh.com
August 10, 2025 at 2:58 PM
New writer @daveswan.bsky.social for @pixelrefresh.bsky.social shares his career in pixel art, sprites & textures – from early arcade inspiration to creating graphics for games:
- SEGA Manx TT
- Wolverine: Adamantium Rage
- ...and the Discworld series.
www.pixelrefresh.com/wolverine-to...
- SEGA Manx TT
- Wolverine: Adamantium Rage
- ...and the Discworld series.
www.pixelrefresh.com/wolverine-to...
Spotify lossless audio was announced in February 2021...
We are still in 2025 over 4 years later waiting for its release 🫠
We are still in 2025 over 4 years later waiting for its release 🫠
August 5, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Spotify lossless audio was announced in February 2021...
We are still in 2025 over 4 years later waiting for its release 🫠
We are still in 2025 over 4 years later waiting for its release 🫠
It's 2025 and still the 37 year old SEGA Mega Drive console sees new amazing releases.
Earthion is a wonderful, jaw dropping, frantic & pleasing SHMUP that is accessible for newcomers to the genre and challenging for the experienced.
Bring on the cartridge!
store.steampowered.com/app/3597580/...
Earthion is a wonderful, jaw dropping, frantic & pleasing SHMUP that is accessible for newcomers to the genre and challenging for the experienced.
Bring on the cartridge!
store.steampowered.com/app/3597580/...
August 3, 2025 at 3:42 PM
It's 2025 and still the 37 year old SEGA Mega Drive console sees new amazing releases.
Earthion is a wonderful, jaw dropping, frantic & pleasing SHMUP that is accessible for newcomers to the genre and challenging for the experienced.
Bring on the cartridge!
store.steampowered.com/app/3597580/...
Earthion is a wonderful, jaw dropping, frantic & pleasing SHMUP that is accessible for newcomers to the genre and challenging for the experienced.
Bring on the cartridge!
store.steampowered.com/app/3597580/...
I have a great number of CRT TVs for retro gaming, but the Mister FPGA using scanlines while triggering HDR to boost the brightness is pretty darn impressive!
CRT TVs have other benefits too, but this is effective on modern displays!
CRT TVs have other benefits too, but this is effective on modern displays!
July 17, 2025 at 4:52 AM
I have a great number of CRT TVs for retro gaming, but the Mister FPGA using scanlines while triggering HDR to boost the brightness is pretty darn impressive!
CRT TVs have other benefits too, but this is effective on modern displays!
CRT TVs have other benefits too, but this is effective on modern displays!
Legendary writer & game designer @steve-ince.bsky.social kindly shares 30 items from his ‘201 Things for Better Game Writing’ book exclusively for @pixelrefresh.bsky.social.
www.pixelrefresh.com/30-things-fo...
www.pixelrefresh.com/30-things-fo...
30 Things for Better Game Writing by Steve Ince | Pixel Refresh
Legendary writer & game designer Steve Ince kindly shares 30 items from his '201 Things for Better Game Writing' book.
www.pixelrefresh.com
July 15, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Legendary writer & game designer @steve-ince.bsky.social kindly shares 30 items from his ‘201 Things for Better Game Writing’ book exclusively for @pixelrefresh.bsky.social.
www.pixelrefresh.com/30-things-fo...
www.pixelrefresh.com/30-things-fo...
Fun times testing out for a future Retro LAN. Went fairly smoothly, so looking forward to when a bunch of friends get together to relive some Windows XP memories...
Think Quake 3 Arena, Unreal Tournament 99, Unreal Tournament 2004, Quake and more...
Can't wait!
Think Quake 3 Arena, Unreal Tournament 99, Unreal Tournament 2004, Quake and more...
Can't wait!
July 3, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Fun times testing out for a future Retro LAN. Went fairly smoothly, so looking forward to when a bunch of friends get together to relive some Windows XP memories...
Think Quake 3 Arena, Unreal Tournament 99, Unreal Tournament 2004, Quake and more...
Can't wait!
Think Quake 3 Arena, Unreal Tournament 99, Unreal Tournament 2004, Quake and more...
Can't wait!
Reposted by James - PixelRefresh.com
Today is #StopKillingGames day! If you live in the UK or the EU you have a chance to potentially make a difference to the future of game preservation just by signing a petition. Information here: www.stopkillinggames.com
Stop Killing Games
www.stopkillinggames.com
July 2, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Today is #StopKillingGames day! If you live in the UK or the EU you have a chance to potentially make a difference to the future of game preservation just by signing a petition. Information here: www.stopkillinggames.com
You know when you've watched too many modern gaming graphics analysis videos when you sit in your garden one sunny afternoon and think to yourself, "The shadow resolution isn't half bad".
July 2, 2025 at 6:04 AM
You know when you've watched too many modern gaming graphics analysis videos when you sit in your garden one sunny afternoon and think to yourself, "The shadow resolution isn't half bad".
If I was going to buy a brand, this is the one for me...
July 1, 2025 at 5:43 AM
If I was going to buy a brand, this is the one for me...