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Questions about downloading PC games.
8 years ago
General
So I have a major issue as of late.
I still use a CRT TV and regardless of whether I get a Nintendo Switch of PlayStation 4 I would require an HDTV. (Not so much for the Switch as I could just play it on the screen like a 3DS.) A new HDTV would come with having to reconfiguring all of the cables going into this new TV. I do still have a VCR for the purposes of hooking up my Wii U, Gamecube and PS2 since the VCR has AV ports. Also if I were to get an HDTV I would not longer be able to hook up my N64 and that cuts out a LOT of my favorite games, two Zelda games, Mario 64, Doom 64, Banjo Kazooie and others. Yes you can buy adapters, but lo and behold I can play my N64, PS2, Wii U and Gamecube right now without buying any extra peripherals.
As for the systems themselves, looking at the Nintendo Switch's current game library there isn't a whole lot I want right now aside from Super Mario Odyssey. Yes there are some games on the horizon like Doom 2016 which I do want to play, but at this moment there isn't a whole lot that I want.
For the PS4, well, no backwards compatibility is a major complaint I have with it. I have a load of PS3 games and nothing to play them on... So a PS4 seems like an insult to buy. Yes there are a fair amount of games and the PlayStation store, but still...
I don't want an X-Box One, I just don't. No further comments on that.
So the big issue I have right now is that there are some indie games I'd like to play that either are not on the slightly more favorable Switch, or not on either of those consoles. Ori and the Blind Forest and Cuphead come to mind. Cuphead for example is only on X-Box & PC and is actually the game I'd like to play more. My major issue is not knowing whether or not my PC can handle these games. This is my biggest concern when it comes to buying PC games online, it's not that I will lose out on money, but rather that my computer will not be able to handle the game.
Here are my computer specs:
Windows 10 Home
Processor: Intel Core i3-6100 CPU @ 3.70GHz
Installed RAM: 8.00 GB
System Type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
All I know about computers is what little I use them for as I have never really felt comfortable about buying games online, but if it is coming to that then I may have to overcome these issues.
I would also like it if I didn't have to download Steam to be able to buy these games, again I hate having to download extra things just to play a game.
One more thing is the controller, I have an iBuffalo SNES controller:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.....1PEU48oG3L.jpg
It's a simple plug and play controller that works for most of the freeware games I have downloaded like Jumper, An Untitled Story, I Wanna be the Guy, Guardian of Paradise, Another Metroid 2 Remake and a few others. This controller however does not work with Cave Story or Undertale. So another factor will be whether or not these games work with this controller. I MAY be willing to download something like "Joy-to-key" or whatever it's called but I would likely need a lot of help figuring out how to set it up...
Also, buying a PC controller that will work better than the SNES one will be a LOT less painful than having to buy an HDTV or an adapter that may or may not work as well as I want.
So if anyone knows whether or not my computer can handle games like the two mentioned that would be nice to know.
I still use a CRT TV and regardless of whether I get a Nintendo Switch of PlayStation 4 I would require an HDTV. (Not so much for the Switch as I could just play it on the screen like a 3DS.) A new HDTV would come with having to reconfiguring all of the cables going into this new TV. I do still have a VCR for the purposes of hooking up my Wii U, Gamecube and PS2 since the VCR has AV ports. Also if I were to get an HDTV I would not longer be able to hook up my N64 and that cuts out a LOT of my favorite games, two Zelda games, Mario 64, Doom 64, Banjo Kazooie and others. Yes you can buy adapters, but lo and behold I can play my N64, PS2, Wii U and Gamecube right now without buying any extra peripherals.
As for the systems themselves, looking at the Nintendo Switch's current game library there isn't a whole lot I want right now aside from Super Mario Odyssey. Yes there are some games on the horizon like Doom 2016 which I do want to play, but at this moment there isn't a whole lot that I want.
For the PS4, well, no backwards compatibility is a major complaint I have with it. I have a load of PS3 games and nothing to play them on... So a PS4 seems like an insult to buy. Yes there are a fair amount of games and the PlayStation store, but still...
I don't want an X-Box One, I just don't. No further comments on that.
So the big issue I have right now is that there are some indie games I'd like to play that either are not on the slightly more favorable Switch, or not on either of those consoles. Ori and the Blind Forest and Cuphead come to mind. Cuphead for example is only on X-Box & PC and is actually the game I'd like to play more. My major issue is not knowing whether or not my PC can handle these games. This is my biggest concern when it comes to buying PC games online, it's not that I will lose out on money, but rather that my computer will not be able to handle the game.
Here are my computer specs:
Windows 10 Home
Processor: Intel Core i3-6100 CPU @ 3.70GHz
Installed RAM: 8.00 GB
System Type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
All I know about computers is what little I use them for as I have never really felt comfortable about buying games online, but if it is coming to that then I may have to overcome these issues.
I would also like it if I didn't have to download Steam to be able to buy these games, again I hate having to download extra things just to play a game.
One more thing is the controller, I have an iBuffalo SNES controller:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.....1PEU48oG3L.jpg
It's a simple plug and play controller that works for most of the freeware games I have downloaded like Jumper, An Untitled Story, I Wanna be the Guy, Guardian of Paradise, Another Metroid 2 Remake and a few others. This controller however does not work with Cave Story or Undertale. So another factor will be whether or not these games work with this controller. I MAY be willing to download something like "Joy-to-key" or whatever it's called but I would likely need a lot of help figuring out how to set it up...
Also, buying a PC controller that will work better than the SNES one will be a LOT less painful than having to buy an HDTV or an adapter that may or may not work as well as I want.
So if anyone knows whether or not my computer can handle games like the two mentioned that would be nice to know.
https://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri
I use this site all the time, especially for newer titles.
As for your console/tv issues, you could get a video input switch/converter.
Also something I forgot, you can play a Switch without the need of a TV. =P
Another idea could be a used projector.
Then it would just be a matter of finding a TV with those features since my current TV will inevitably die...
Also I just realized I made a mistake above--I would need an adapter to hook up an Atari 2600, I forgot that its native connector is flat-pair with spade lugs, which went out of style pretty much as soon as F connectors (the standard cable connector) were introduced. But you could certainly play an original NES on it!
But logic dictates if an NES can hook up to it then an N64 can. I had a working Atari but I have no desire to play it as NES is superior in almost every way.
Super Mario Odyssey *
The Mummy Demastered
Steamworld Dig 2
Sonic Mania
Mighty Gunvolt Burst
Blaster Master Zero
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Puyo Puyo Tetris
Snake Pass
Wonder Boy The Dragon's Trap
Snipperclips
More is on the way but what's here so far has been thoroughly entertaining me, plus there are plenty more I haven't purchased because I already had them elsewhere, like Shovel Knight, Axiom Verge, etc.
I can understand waiting longer though, especially since you got BotW on the Wii U instead.
What's the exact setup with the VCR anyway, your CRT TV is so old that it doesn't have standard AV inputs and has to be routed through the router? A good modern HDTV still supports older inputs like AVI.
In the case of N64, you wouldn't use a scart cable, but an AV composite cable or something. Actually, since the SNES, N64 and Gamecube all have the exact same video port they can use the same cable, really.
Like xolroc mentioned, a lot of HDTVs can have a lot of different ports on them, supporting older inputs and would still work for the likes of NES too.
One of the main problems with HDMI-only systems like the Switch and the SNES Classic Mini, is that HDMI is both video and audio output. If you plug it into a device that doesn't have sound output, I do not believe there's a way to get sound. It has to be an HDTV with speakers.
Curiously, the Switch recently added support for USB third party controllers in a firmware update, which accidentally included the Wii U Gamecube Controller adapter. But it might actually make your iBuffalo controller work with the Switch when docked, which would be fine for some of the basic games that use limited buttons.
As for downloading PC games, these days the reality is just that you use Steam. Some DRM free games exist and are available through sites like GOG.com, some Humble Bundle sales, or individual indie title websites, but don't expect to see the likes of Cuphead without Steam.
Ori and the Blind Forest however, is available through GOG and requires no online activation or DRM, i.e. no Steam.
https://www.gog.com/game/ori_and_th.....nitive_edition
Your current PC system does have some of the spec needed to play the game, but it's likely lacking the crucial element: a graphics card.
They recommend at minimum a GeForce 240 GT or Radeon HD 6570 1 GB. These are pretty old cards.
Even the recommended GeForce GTX 550 Ti or Radeon HD 6770 are pretty old, they are 2011 models and can be picked up cheap, but I'd recommend researching more modern and affordable graphics cards you can install.
I have no idea about what the exact cables are, but here's the basics.
There is a cable that runs from my TV to the VCR, I believe the ends of the cables have the really thin pin that plugs into the TV and VCR, the kind that have you have to screw tightly onto the port.
Then my consoles connect to the VCR through AV cables, so when I play a game I turn on the VCR and always have it on the "video" channel.
Now as for the N64 it must be hooked up a little differently through whatever splitter it has since I have to change to channel 3 or 4 to display it on screen.
Well Ori and the Blind Forest isn't as much of a concern for me to play, I can tell from what I have seen it looks graphics intensive.
Is Cuphead the same way?
Sounds like a coaxial cable, those are old and nothing uses them any more. I believe the NES had an option to use them, but basic composite cables were better.
Pretty surprising that you actually have to play your systems via the VCR though, it's that old that it doesn't have even composite inputs?
There's also scart inputs but as I recall they're found on European TV sets, you often find composite adapters for scart, but direct composite was better.
Can't say why your N64 has to be viewed on a different channel, only you would know your own setup.
Cuphead isn't a particularly intensive game either, if you were to pick up any recent cheap graphics card, like a higher-end one from a few years ago, it should effortlessly run Ori and Cuphead as your CPU should be adequate, but it's the GPU that counts.
Is that site the first comment mentioned here work well for letting me know if my computer can handle Cuphead?
Yes, systemrequirementslab is a pretty well trusted site and has been used for a very long time.
How it works is you search a game you want to check if your system can play it, and it displays the minimum and recommend requirements.
It then acts you to download a small, simple and safe "Detection.exe" program, which collects a little data about your computer's specifications and nothing personal.
Once it has that data, the website can tell you if your system meets the requirements to run the game, in-depth.
You can try it right now, no harm.
Dedicated Video RAM I need-512 MB I have-128 MB
It says the minimum needed video card is:
Intel Core2 Duo E8400, 3.0GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+, 3.0GHz or higher
The Intel Core i3 6100 has an integrated graphics processor, called an Intel HD 530.
It's a basic GPU that's a fallback for when you don't have dedicated graphics installed, and is adequate for running HD video and some games on very low settings, or some older games.
As mentioned, literally any cheap graphics card will be a huge boost and open up a world of PC gaming. All that matters is making sure you pick one that will in fact fit on your motherboard and PC case.
Also worth mentioning, if you buy games on Steam, they have a 2 hour refund policy.
If you've played a game for less than 2 hours, you can request a refund. Not playing on your PC because of technical problems or your PC not being good enough are valid reasons for refunds, though I don't know if they refund your payment method, or give you store credit.
Well now the big thing here will be, even if I do find an acceptably priced graphics card I want then the issue is opening up my computer to install it... That's not something I feel very comfortable doing.
But it is nice to know there is a 2 hour return policy.
If you can construct complex Lego model sets, this is a fraction of that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoLv2s23mMQ
The gist is power off and disconnect the PC from power, open the case, and remove a couple of guard slots on the back for where you'll put the outward facing ports.
Insert the graphics card into the appropriate slot until it clips in.
Use the provided 6-pin connectors to wire the graphics card to the motherboard (they might include several kinds of cables in the box, you don't need all of them, just the correct one)
Close up the case, plug it back in using the new video port instead of the old one, and turn it on.
If it boots up with video no problem, proceed to driver installation, Windows 10 may do it automatically for you, but getting the drivers installed directly from the vendor website is best.
Like the video mentions, touch metal before handling electronic components, to discharge any static build up you might have, to mitigate risk of damaging components.
I've done this a lot of times and it's quite easy, I've built a PC from all the parts too which is easy enough as well.
Could you show me what ones of them would be good for my purposes?
https://www.bestbuy.com/
Just telling me what they are called don't help, remember how you helped me with getting a computer, showing me a listing was far more helpful than just telling me things or building me a PC. >_>
http://en.community.dell.com/suppor.....515/t/19999837
This person with the same system contacted Dell support about getting a graphics card installed.
At first, something like this might appear to be ideal:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/xfx-am.....?skuId=5315600
But it's actually really bad, performance wise it's worse than your already integrated graphics.
https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp%5B%5D=3123&cmp%5B%5D=3281
This another bad example:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/xfx-co.....?skuId=5315800
https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp%5B%5D=3281&cmp%5B%5D=2713
Something like this might be better:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/xfx-am.....?skuId=5869600
https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp%5B%5D=3281&cmp%5B%5D=3761
This is very similar to the other one above:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/msi-am.....?skuId=5934205
The key difference is the different size and having 2gb memory instead of 4gb. I'm not certain, but there's a chance this card will fit in your PC where the other might not.
If you're buying from Best Buy, maybe it'd be possible to bring your PC into their store to make absolutely sure you can install one that fits.
I'm gonna do a bit more research on this, see if I can find a viable affordable graphics card that fits in your PC.
It seems like this card might fit in your PC after all, going by dimensions.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/xfx-am.....?skuId=5869600
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/a.....uide_en-us.pdf
Card: 4.8in x 1.6in x 7in
PC case: 13.9in x 6in x 11.9in
The main concern now though is the wattage.
The card says the minimum wattage required is 350W.
I've no idea what wattage your PC is, you'll have to look at the back label where the power supply is and see what it says.
http://en.community.dell.com/resize.....-psu-label.JPG
If it's similar like that and it's 240w, it might not work.
Ultimately, I would suggest taking your PC down to Best Buy and seeing if they can install the graphics card for you, make sure it turns on and all that.
Something affordable but actually offers an improvement over your current Intel HD 530 graphics, don't get conned by buying something technically worse.
I think I will pass on a graphics card as that will only solve being able to play certain games. There's more to it than just that, but there are a bunch of games I wouldn't be able to play since they are console exclusive.
One game I have wanted to play is Doom 2016, but according to that system requirement site two of the required things are bare minimum, and the Dedicated Video RAM needed is 2048 MB.
But wait, there is a console that Doom 2016 is coming to, what's it called? Oh right, the Nintendo Switch. This works out in my favor in many ways since Nintendo is all about exclusives anyway and having a gaming ready PC wouldn't help me in that regard. So I will put the $80 I would have spent on a graphics card and opt to get a Switch instead. I can deal with playing on the Switch screen exclusively, I did that with Hyrule Warriors anyway since I couldn't see the map well on my TV, but that one was starting to die anyway.
Also. as some luck would have it the nearest "Target" store has games buy two get one free, so right there I could in theory save $60.
So yeah, I think I have decided to get a Switch as opposed to a graphics card.
I do thank you for the help however, but ultimately this all fell unto me to make a decision.
I think that's fair though, saving the money towards the Switch instead of a graphics card for a few PC games would be a better investment.
Part of what's nice about the Switch is you can just use it as its own screen, with any wireless controllers.
Of course, that all depends what games are included in the promotion. It's possible the games you care about are not, and it's usually not the full price games you save money on.
And absolutely, I fully support just giving you information to make a decision.
Haven't taken out of the box yet, but I have one.
Well even if the games I want aren't part of that deal I will definitely be getting Mario Odyssey when I head up to Target.
But this Target has had sales like this even on full priced games.
Perfect then, sounds like the ideal time to get some nice Switch games.
Since online most likely doesn't matter to you aside from some digital games, I would say don't get ARMS or Splatoon 2 since they're all about the online play, as good as they are.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is thoroughly enjoyable even offline, and if you never played the Wii U version it's a must have.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is surprisingly good, I've enjoyed it though I usually have a hard time with strategy games, even simpler ones. That's one game that really needs a demo to be honest.
Doom is getting a Switch release in the future.
There is Rayman Legends on the Switch but I believe you've already played it?
Something I've also been curious about actually.
Like I mentioned, a firmware update added in support for third party USB controllers, I'm curious to see if your iBuffalo controller will work when used on a docked Switch.
I had no interest in those two games anyway.
I'm not big on racing games aside from Diddy King Racing.
Having seen gameplay of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle I am not highly interested. I've watched X-Com games and they aren't something that appeals to me.
Doom is definitely one I will be getting when it comes out, as I said, I LOVE Doom 64 and everything in Doom 2016 looks like what I liked about Doom 64.
Yes, I played it and did not like it. =P
It a game uses few buttons, like a VC SNES game =P I am sure it may work. I would be curious to try it since a SNES controller is very comfortable in my hands. =3
Some games even let you record 30-second video clips now.
Understandably so.
It's a shame nothing has ever recreated the adventure of Diddy Kong Racing, seriously. The DS port was awful though.
I know it's very similar to XCOM, but I've never watched or played that so don't know how it compares.
From what I've heard, Doom 2016 is a worth entry in the series, it was modernised well.
Well, that's a title to not pick up for the Switch then. :P
Yeah, using my 8bitdo controller, it happens to be perfect for Puyo Puyo Tetris, Mighty Gunvolt Burst, Pokkén Tournament, Steamworld Dig 2, Sonic Mania, Wonder Boy The Dragon's Trap. Also very good for Cave Story+.
Since it technically emulates the analogue stick despite having a d-pad, even Mario Kart 8 is playable. :P