Hot Retro Gaming How-Tos


How To: Tie up the objects in Philosophy on Zen Bound 2
As you go up the branches of the tree, you get harder and harder objects to cover in rope. This tutorial shows you a few strategies for completed some of the shibari challenges in the Philosophy level of Zen Bound 2.

How To: Mod your NES controller to play on PC
This is a HouseholdHacker mod teaching you how to mod your old Nintendo controller to work with your PC computer games. Today we'll show you how to convert your old Nintendo controller into a retro gaming icon on your computer desk!

How To: Do the reset curse glitch in Zelda: A Link to the Past
By performing the mirror glitch, it's possible to perform a glitch in the game aptly dubbed the reset curse in Zelda: A Link to the Past. This instructional video shows you how to perform the reset curse glitch which causes a number of odd things to occur such as the inability to pick things up and discoloration. Note that this trick only works on the Game Boy Advanced version, not the Super Nintendo.

How To: Cheat on Plants vs Zombies when playing on an iPhone (11/23/2010)
Not only does this tutorial teach you how to effectively hack the iPhone version of Plants vs Zombies, it also shows you how to do it without having to go through Cydia every time you want to play a game!

How To: Get titan's mitt early in Zelda: A Link to the Past
In Zelda: A Link to the Past, the Titan's Mitt is a handy item that allows Link to lift heavy objects. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to get this time early in the game by using the mirror glitch. In order to get this item, you will need the magic hammer.

How To: Combine a GameCube and N64 into One Awesome Hybrid Gaming Console
The biggest problem with having a lot of gaming systems lying around the house is the clutter. Each device has several cables and adapters that need to be plugged in somewhere and it could leave your gaming area look something like this... Not a pretty sight, huh?

How To: Download and play Nintendo 64 games on your computer
Longing for the days of Mario Kart 64, The Ocarina of Time, and King of Pro Baseball? If you're feeling nostalgia for the Nintendo 64 games of old, watch this video and learn how to download and play N64 games on your PC.

How To: Cherry mod the Sanwa JLF video game joystick
Sanwa Denshi's JFL series joystick is one of the most popular ones on the market, and a lot better than the standard joysticks out there. If you want great gameplay, you need the right equipment, but that's not to say the JFL doesn't have it's faults. Sometimes, even the best gaming equipment needs modded every now and then, and that's where the Happ Cherry Micro-switches come in. You're JFL joystick will reign supreme. This three-part series will show you just how to do the Cherry mod.

How To: A Guide to Downloading Console Games Online
In last week's guide, we covered the best places to purchase digital copies of computer games online. This week we'll cover another type of downloadable content: those available for video game consoles. Every major console out today either has or plans to have a DLC platform, but which one is the best? If you don't like leaving your house and want to play console video games, which console should you get? Below I will break down what the online marketplace offers so you can decide which conso...

How To: Create a portable Nintendo 64
Systm is the Do It Yourself show designed for the common geek who wants to quickly and easily learn how to dive into the latest and hottest tech projects. We will help you avoid pitfalls and get your project up and running fast.

How To: Convert a Super Nintendo controller to PC controller
In this "super" video tutorial, you'll learn how to convert a Super Nintendo controller to PC controller. Now, dig deep into your garage and pull out those old SNES pads (or controllers) and get ready for some "super" modding!

How To: Clean your NES Nintendo game cartridges for cheap
This is a DIY cleaning video for NES Nintendo game cartridges. Using Brasso and alcohol seems to work to clean the connectors in the cartridges. It seems Brasso will turn black even if the connectors are clean. Base the results on the cleanliness of your connectors rather than the cleanliness of the rag. Games go from broken to working. Don't use a brillo or scour pad as it may strip the metal pins in the connector.

How To: Get debug mode in Sonic & Knuckles
Ever wonder how you get debug mode in the classic Sonic and Knuckles game? It's not directly possible, but, by exploiting a class 7 bug (very severe as it'll crash the game) with Sonic 3 & Knuckles, you can. There's only one requirement: you've obtained all the emeralds and have the ability to transform. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to get this mode in the game.

How To: Get Your Hands on the New SNES Classic Edition
Nintendo's Super NES Classic system, a pint-sized version of the iconic Super NES from the '90s, is highly anticipated in the gaming world. The retro system has already met its fair share of controversies and it's been a long journey to preorder. Finally, the Super NES Classic is officially available for preorder, but it's selling out fast.

How To: Complete the Game Mystery House for Apple II
Mystery House by Sierra On-Line was the first game to feature graphics in a text adventure. The game featuring crime fiction, cut scenes and suspense is known to be the first adventure game to feature high resolution graphics. Released back in 1980, the game set a new era for the adventurers around the world.

How To: Step Up Your Yard's Game with These Concrete NES Stepping Stones
In the mid-80s, the Nintendo Entertainment System was released, and it not only revitalized, but also revolutionized the video game industry. With games such as Super Mario Bros., Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, the NES went on to become the best-selling gaming console of its time. Even though the console is several decades old, it is immortalized in the world of gaming and will forever be known as the standard for gaming consoles. As if that isn't enough, Instructables user fungus amungus has ...

How To: Fix Your Game Controller's Analog Stick with a Furniture Gripper Pad
It can get pretty chaotic when you're gaming. When you're playing a fast-paced game like Black Ops, frustration, urgency, and confusion will lead to a sudden loss of control, i.e. a panic attack. There's an enemy at your six and you try to spin around, but it's too late—and that sudden rush of adrenaline will tear your controller to shreds. It's a step beyond mere button-mashing, because it's not really intentional—you just put a little more force on that thumbstick than needed. And now you'r...

How To: Download a Nintendo 64 emulator to your PC
Miss those classic N64 titles? Don't get mad that your mom sold your console at her last yard sale, be glad that all you have to do is watch this video to learn how to download a Nintendo 64 emulator to your PC.

How To: Clean your old video game cartridges
In the mood to play your favorite Game Boy, SNES or Sega Genesis game? If the cartridges have been sitting around for a while, they probably need cleaning. Watch this video to learn how to properly clean a video game cartridge.

How To: Buy and sell vintage video games
If you've got video games that have been sitting on the shelf for months, or even years, you might be interested in selling them. Or maybe, you want to expand your collection by picking up some vintage Nintendo or PlayStation games. This video is a helpful guide to buying and selling used video games.

How To: Make a multiplayer Minecraft server on a Mac computer
Want to be able to play Minecraft with all of your friends? This tutorial shows you how you can use a Mac so you can set up a server for playing multiplayer Minecraft. Download the program from the Minecraft website, then follow the procedure in the video.

How To: Play through the first part of Zen Bound 2 on the iPhone
Zen Bound 2 is a fun new game for the iDevice, just recently released for PC, that lets you tie up inanimate objects with rope. This tutorial shows you a few different strategies for tying the first objects in the game.

How To: Download and install Cheat Engine onto a Mac computer
Why should PC users have all the fun? This video shows you how you can download and install a copy of Cheat Engine onto your Mac computer. Now you too can hack all the online games like FarmVille and Pet Society!

How To: Transform your Kinect into an inexpensive green screen
The Kinect is a powerful piece of technology you can use to do more than just play games. This tutorial shows you how to construct a basic green screen using the Kinect, and then you can use the Wiimote for even greater 3-D functionality.

How To: Hack into the locked levels on Angry Birds on a Droid phone
Want to get into both of the locked levels for the popular phone game Angry Birds? This video shows you how to access both of them when you're using a Droid phone. This is a very easy hack to replicate!

How To: Play games on your computer using an Xbox 360 controller
If you love the processing power of your personal computer, but prefer an Xbox controller to a keyboard and mouse, this tutorial is for you! You can set up your home gaming system to let you play games on your computer with an Xbox 360 controller!

How To: Walkthrough Mirror's Edge on the Apple iPad (iOS)
Check out this video guide for Mirror's Edge on the iPad! Mirror's Edge is a single-player, first-person, action-adventure video game available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, but there's also a side-scroller version for iOS (Apple's iPad and iPhone), and that's what you're going to see the gameplay for here. Watch the complete walkthrough of all the missions and see if you can get more "Bags" than Mahalo.

How To: Play Bejeweled Blitz on the iPad or iPhone using tips and cheats
Become a master at Bejeweled Blitz for the iPad or iPhone platforms! This tutorial gives you a few strategy tips for improving you game. And, if you don't want to succeed honestly, there are also a few cheats you can use to inflate your score.

How To: Solve the puzzles in the iPhone game Antrim Escape
Antrim Escape is a newly popular room escape game you can play on your iPhone or iPad. This walkthrough shows you how to solve the various puzzles by using the objects available to you in order to escape your prison!

How To: Solve Antrim Escape by using the secret Ethel exit
While the easiest way to get out of the room in Antrim Escape is the 'Emma' exit, there is another secret method to escape called 'Ethel.' This tutorial shows you how to use the Ethel method to solve Antrim Escape.

How To: Solve all the puzzles and get out of the room in the iPhone game Antrim Escape
Antrim Escape is a popular game available for the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. You're trapped in a room and need to use what's around in your environment to solve all the puzzles so you can get out of the room. This tutorial shows you how to solve both the basic exit and the secret exit puzzles.

How To: Walkthrough the Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem game for Apple devices
Spider-Man hits the iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad! In Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem, you take control of Spidey, slinging webs and fighting crime. No longer do you have to stick to comic books, you can enjoy Spider-Man right from your Apple mobile device.

How To: Walkthrough Castlevania as Reinhardt Schneider on the Nintendo 64
If you've already beaten Castlevania 64 using Carrie Fernandez, then it's time to try out Reinhardt Schneider. This video walkthrough series will show you in 21 parts how to defeat Castlevania for the Nintendo 64, the first 3D game in the Castlevania series. Reinhardt is the whip-wielding heir to the famous Belmont Clan, and it's up to him to defeat Count Dracula! Watch the whole video series for all the vampire hunting action!

How To: Walkthrough Castlevania as Carrie Fernandez on the Nintendo 64
This is the first 3D game from the Castlevania series, and it's solely for the Nintendo 64! This 18-part walkthrough series will cover everything involved in beaten Castlevania 64 using the Carrie Fernandez character. She's a young orphan gifted with dangerous magic powers on a vampire hunting mission to stop Count Dracula's impeding return to power. Watch and learn! Then try out defeating the game using Reinhardt Schneider.

How To: Walkthrough The Smurfs (1994) on the SNES
The Smurfs. The Super Nintendo. Together, they're a nostalgic combination of our youth. Hanna-Barbera and 16-bit video games. There's nothing better than taking a trip down memory lane… and kicking its butt!

How To: Make your own Atari 2600 games using BASIC
It's hard to believe that gaming consoles have been around for almost forty years. It seems like only yesterday that we all needed a tempermental joy stick to play Atari Space Invaders or were dying to get our hands on a Game Genie so we could beat Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. If you are nostalgic for the good old days and can't seem to get your old console to work, check out this tutorial.

How To: Cut lexan for a control panel overlay for an arcade
In this video we get to see how to cut a lexan for your control panel overlay. First we have to lay the control panel on the lexan. Now go to any corner. We use just three tolls in our process two drill bits and a scoring tool. Take the scoring tool and drag it along the sides so that the lexan breaks or cracks. There is no reason to worry since lexan is very easy to work with. Now take the torn lexan and place it on the top of the panel. Clamp it using the clamps at the corners. Now we take ...

How To: Purchase and hook up an Atari 2600
In its heyday the Atari gaming console was the Playstation of the 80s. Sure, you could download some wannabe emulator, but why not go a step further and purchase an actual Atari. They're still floating around and just think how cool it'll be to play pong in hi-definition.

How To: Walkthrough Street Fighter II Turbo on the SNES
Dust off your Super NES and find your Street Fighter 2 game and get ready to win some battles! This is the ultimate Street Fighter II Turbo playthrough. If you want to learn the tips and tricks to playing Street Fighter 2 Turbo, then this walkthrough is the place to look. Simply watch and learn.

How To: Download Digimon World 3 on your computer
Digimon World 3, also known sometimes as Digimon World 2003 is a role-playing game created for PlayStation. Learn how to play DIgimon 3 on your computer, playing the role of Junior inside the world of Digimon Online. In this video, learn how to get this beloved video game on your computer.