Why Mobile Versions of Classic Games Are Trash

October 3, 2022

With the rise of smartphones and iPads, there has been a trend in gaming. Nostalgia always sells, right? (Just look at the movies) Well, maybe the same applies to gaming! More and more game developers have taken old beloved games and repackaged them for your smartphone or tablet.

And they’re almost always trash. It’s a shame because it means we’re not getting better games for your mobile devices. Check out why we think so in the top story.

Other Highlights:

• It’s October! (Already?!?!) Check out these cool tech history events that occurred in October past.
• If you’re looking for some extra online tutoring help for children, we put together a great list of resources for you.
• Sometimes Spotify gets really gross, and this is yet another instance of that.
• … and more!

Smartphone gaming is a large part of the market, but sadly it’s dominated by copy-pasted tower defense games, micro-transaction heavy time sinks, and simple puzzlers. So you may be tempted by a port of one of your favorite classic games. But you shouldn’t bother with those either. Read More »

Whether you realize it or not, you’re a victim of shrinkflation. Several brands have reduced the weight or volume of their products to avoid a price hike—essentially, you’re paying the same price for less stuff. And thanks to several eagle-eyed shoppers, we have photographic proof. Read More »

If you’ve put away a device and forgotten to take out the batteries, the terminals are probably covered in battery acid by now. The good news is, you can clean them pretty easily, depending on the severity of the leak. Read More »

The history of technology in October sees the dawn of the age of the personal automobile, the unintended beginnings of video gaming, the release of the classic MP3 player that changed everything, and even the formal definition of the internet. Read on for all the details. Read More »

If you regularly host outdoor events or are just worried about the contents of your freezer during a power outage, buying a portable generator is a good idea. But not all generators are the same, and each type has its pros and cons. Read More »

Keep your doggo hydrated while you’re out on a walk, hiking, or playing fetch at the park with this 2-in-1 water bottle device. The food-grade plastic water bottle holds 19oz, which should be enough for most small to medium-sized animals. Push a button on the leak-resistant lid, and it’ll quickly fill the top “water trough” or dispenser area so you can bend down and let your pup get a drink.

This pet water bottle dispenser is FDA-approved, not to mention BPA and lead-free, so it is safe for pets. Get one for you and your furry friend’s next adventure.

If you hang out on the corners of the internet obsessed with mechanical keyboards, you may notice some odd-looking rectangular boards with square keys in perfectly straight rows and columns. These are ortholinear keyboards, an interesting fad among the enthusiast crowd. What’s the deal? Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

The first-ever Rotten Tomatoes card game is now available for pre-order. Designed in collaboration with Cryptozoic Entertainment, the multiplayer game test your knowledge of movies. Or more specifically, it asks you to guess the Tomatometer score given to a movie based on critical reviews. Read More »

Modern computers are practically silent. But just a few decades ago, PCs were very loud. With the hum of a CRT monitor, the whir of some crappy fans, and the clicks of a hard drive, turning on a computer felt like firing up a spaceship. Read More »

OneD’s SINANODE nanotechnology uses unique silicon nanowires to enhance graphite in battery cells. The hope is to offer a 10x increase in energy, which would open the doors for smaller EV battery packs, lighter vehicles, or potentially more performance in smaller spaces. Read More »

When the school years begin, millions of K-12 students meet new teachers, gain knowledge, and make new friends. But school can be anxiety-inducing for some parents who worry about academic performance. Online tutoring can help. Read More »

Remember when Apple dumped a U2 album on everyone’s iPhone? Well, it seems that Microsoft is automatically installing Spotify on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. Several users report that Spotify magically appeared on their desktop after a recent update. Read More »

To celebrate the upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever film release, LEGO is finally selling a bust of King T’Challa. It features the iconic Black Panther helmet and necklace, plus two arms held in the Wakanda Forever pose. Read More »

Portable power stations are one of the best gadgets for outdoor enthusiasts or in emergencies like a power outage. And while we loved the big Anker 757 Powerhouse I reviewed earlier this year, Anker just started teasing something even better. Read More »

If you thought LEGO’s Super Mario sets were exciting, wait until you see Bowser. The all-new LEGO Mighty Bowser is a massive, ridiculously detailed set that’s inspired by puppetry and doubles as a LEGO Super Mario Starter Course add-on. Read More »

The latest LEGO crossover may be the best one we’ve seen yet. The official LEGO Twitter account just confirmed a new The Office set based on the critically acclaimed NBC show everyone loves. If you’re a fan or know someone that is, this would be the perfect gift. Read More »

Any kid (or adult) that loves G.I. Joe, Ghostbusters, Power Rangers, and more can soon suit up alongside their favorite characters. Hasbro partnered with a company known as FormLabs and will take a digital scan of your face, then uses a 3D printer to make it come to life and put it on the action figure of your choice. Read More »

In early 2022, Google and Valve announced that Steam would be coming to Chrome OS. This instantly made Chromebooks much more capable gaming devices. It took a long time for this to happen, so how does it work? Read More »

Who wants to pay more on their electric bill if they don’t have to? Here’s how to identify and measure phantom loads to save money. Read More »