https://cartandpixel.com The definitive source for N64 game reviews, emulation guides, and retro hardware analysis. en-us Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:18:27 GMT https://cartandpixel.com/steam-deck/emudeck-best-settings-per-system/ https://cartandpixel.com/steam-deck/emudeck-best-settings-per-system/ A system-by-system breakdown of the optimal emulator settings for EmuDeck on Steam Deck. Resolution scaling, rendering backends, per-game fixes, and the configs the defaults miss. Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen steam-deck https://cartandpixel.com/steam-deck/steam-deck-retro-tweaks/ https://cartandpixel.com/steam-deck/steam-deck-retro-tweaks/ Go beyond EmuDeck's defaults with shader presets, per-game performance profiles, custom bezels, and power management tweaks that squeeze every drop of battery life from retro gaming sessions. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski steam-deck https://cartandpixel.com/steam-deck/emudeck-setup-guide/ https://cartandpixel.com/steam-deck/emudeck-setup-guide/ EmuDeck transforms your Steam Deck into the ultimate portable retro gaming machine. This guide walks you through installation, configuration, and optimal settings for every supported system. Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen steam-deck https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/super-mario-bros-3/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/super-mario-bros-3/ The pinnacle of 8-bit platforming. Mario 3 introduced the world map, the Raccoon Suit, and a level of variety that made every world feel like a new adventure. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-gg/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-gg/ Not a port of the Genesis original but a unique, challenging platformer built for Sega's handheld. Bridge Zone's music alone makes it worth playing. Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/metroid-fusion/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/metroid-fusion/ A more linear, story-driven Metroid that trades open exploration for constant tension. The SA-X stalking you through BSL Station is one of gaming's greatest horror mechanics. Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/shadow-of-the-colossus/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/shadow-of-the-colossus/ A game made entirely of boss fights, each a towering puzzle of scale and emotion. Fumito Ueda's minimalist masterpiece strips away everything unnecessary and leaves only wonder. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/emulation/n64-emulation-guide-2025/ https://cartandpixel.com/emulation/n64-emulation-guide-2025/ From Project64 to Ares to RetroArch — a comprehensive guide to running N64 games via software emulation, including recommended settings, plugin configurations, and the best controllers to use. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen emulation https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/virtual-boy-wario-land/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/virtual-boy-wario-land/ The best game on Nintendo's worst console. Wario Land VB uses the system's stereoscopic 3D for clever foreground/background platforming that no other game could replicate. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/links-awakening-dx/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/links-awakening-dx/ A surreal, heartfelt Zelda adventure on a tiny screen. Link's Awakening DX added color and a bonus dungeon to what was already one of the best handheld games ever made. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/blazing-lazers/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/blazing-lazers/ Compile's vertically scrolling shooter is the TurboGrafx-16's killer app. Nine stages of intense action with a weapon system that rewards mastery and a soundtrack that slaps. Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/resident-evil-4/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/resident-evil-4/ Capcom reinvented survival horror with an over-the-shoulder camera, tight gunplay, and relentless pacing. RE4 on GameCube remains one of the most influential action games ever made. Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/nights-into-dreams/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/nights-into-dreams/ Sonic Team's dreamy Saturn exclusive is a score-attack masterpiece wrapped in gorgeous art direction. NiGHTS soars with fluid flight mechanics and an unforgettable soundtrack. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/shenmue/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/shenmue/ Yu Suzuki's impossibly ambitious open-world adventure was years ahead of its time. Shenmue's living, breathing Yokosuka remains one of gaming's most atmospheric settings. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/pokemon-red-blue/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/pokemon-red-blue/ The games that launched a global phenomenon. Exploring Kanto, catching 151 Pokemon, and trading with friends via link cable defined portable gaming for an entire generation. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/phantasy-star/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/phantasy-star/ Sega's answer to Dragon Quest was ambitious, beautiful, and ahead of its time. Phantasy Star's sci-fi setting, female protagonist, and first-person dungeons set it apart in 1987. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/super-metroid/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/super-metroid/ The game that perfected atmospheric exploration. Super Metroid's Zebes is a masterclass in non-linear design, environmental storytelling, and tight action gameplay. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski review https://cartandpixel.com/hardware/analogue-3d-review/ https://cartandpixel.com/hardware/analogue-3d-review/ Analogue's FPGA-based N64 console plays original cartridges at 4K via HDMI with zero input lag. It's the most faithful — and most expensive — way to experience the N64 library on modern displays. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski hardware https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/the-king-of-fighters-98/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/the-king-of-fighters-98/ The dream match that fighting game fans still play competitively. KOF '98's massive roster, three-on-three team system, and deep mechanics make it the pinnacle of SNK's fighting legacy. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/goldeneye-007/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/goldeneye-007/ Rare's genre-defining shooter brought split-screen multiplayer to an entire generation. Two decades later, it still holds up where it matters most — in the chaos of a four-player Facility deathmatch. Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/streets-of-rage-2/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/streets-of-rage-2/ The king of the beat 'em up genre. Streets of Rage 2's pixel art, Yuzo Koshiro's legendary soundtrack, and satisfying combat make it one of the best Genesis games ever made. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Chen review https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/castlevania-sotn/ https://cartandpixel.com/reviews/castlevania-sotn/ The game that married Castlevania's gothic action with Metroid's exploration. SOTN's inverted castle, RPG systems, and Michiru Yamane's soundtrack created the definitive 2D action game. Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT Sarah Kowalski review