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.
It's been a rather fun Xbox system link gaming day today.
Also had a chance to check the clock capacitors on these two, which is THE capacitor that will itself decide to ruin your original Xbox at some point if left unchecked.
#retrogaming #retroconsoles
Also had a chance to check the clock capacitors on these two, which is THE capacitor that will itself decide to ruin your original Xbox at some point if left unchecked.
#retrogaming #retroconsoles
January 17, 2026 at 10:53 PM
It's been a rather fun Xbox system link gaming day today.
Also had a chance to check the clock capacitors on these two, which is THE capacitor that will itself decide to ruin your original Xbox at some point if left unchecked.
#retrogaming #retroconsoles
Also had a chance to check the clock capacitors on these two, which is THE capacitor that will itself decide to ruin your original Xbox at some point if left unchecked.
#retrogaming #retroconsoles
Welcome to my MIDI family...
The Roland Sound Canvas SC-88 Pro. I'm surprised how many vocal samples it has. Very distinct instrumentations really enjoying it.
Sadly the SC-55 mode isn't 100%, so I'll certainly keep that around but for what it is, I'm really happy with it.
The Roland Sound Canvas SC-88 Pro. I'm surprised how many vocal samples it has. Very distinct instrumentations really enjoying it.
Sadly the SC-55 mode isn't 100%, so I'll certainly keep that around but for what it is, I'm really happy with it.
January 16, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Welcome to my MIDI family...
The Roland Sound Canvas SC-88 Pro. I'm surprised how many vocal samples it has. Very distinct instrumentations really enjoying it.
Sadly the SC-55 mode isn't 100%, so I'll certainly keep that around but for what it is, I'm really happy with it.
The Roland Sound Canvas SC-88 Pro. I'm surprised how many vocal samples it has. Very distinct instrumentations really enjoying it.
Sadly the SC-55 mode isn't 100%, so I'll certainly keep that around but for what it is, I'm really happy with it.
Yamaha MU2000 with DX, VL, and SG Expansion
MIDI was huge in the 90s. The MIDI file used here is a 64-channel demonstration provided by Yamaha, to show the sounds of the MU2000 and the optional plugin boards when combined together. Amazingly, the file is just 61KB!
youtu.be/qo2pqp_dy9g?...
MIDI was huge in the 90s. The MIDI file used here is a 64-channel demonstration provided by Yamaha, to show the sounds of the MU2000 and the optional plugin boards when combined together. Amazingly, the file is just 61KB!
youtu.be/qo2pqp_dy9g?...
Yamaha MU2000 with PLG100-DX, VL, and SG Expansion Boards | Rare MIDI Japanese Tone Module
YouTube video by Pixel Refresh
youtu.be
January 11, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Yamaha MU2000 with DX, VL, and SG Expansion
MIDI was huge in the 90s. The MIDI file used here is a 64-channel demonstration provided by Yamaha, to show the sounds of the MU2000 and the optional plugin boards when combined together. Amazingly, the file is just 61KB!
youtu.be/qo2pqp_dy9g?...
MIDI was huge in the 90s. The MIDI file used here is a 64-channel demonstration provided by Yamaha, to show the sounds of the MU2000 and the optional plugin boards when combined together. Amazingly, the file is just 61KB!
youtu.be/qo2pqp_dy9g?...
It's amazing how many tech news titles feature the word "Finally", even if it never needed the word!
January 5, 2026 at 5:34 PM
It's amazing how many tech news titles feature the word "Finally", even if it never needed the word!
Reposted by James - PixelRefresh.com
This is a resolution we can support.
Happy New Year from the Volunteer Team at RCM 🥰
bsky.app/profile/chan...
Happy New Year from the Volunteer Team at RCM 🥰
bsky.app/profile/chan...
December 31, 2025 at 10:42 PM
This is a resolution we can support.
Happy New Year from the Volunteer Team at RCM 🥰
bsky.app/profile/chan...
Happy New Year from the Volunteer Team at RCM 🥰
bsky.app/profile/chan...
Here is my Dell XPS 710 from around 2007 (with a 720 motherboard), 8GB RAM, upgraded to GeForce Titan and Q6600 CPU.
It's just had its first clean and oh my the heatsink! So much dust!!! You couldn't tell until you took it apart. All sorted now though.
It's just had its first clean and oh my the heatsink! So much dust!!! You couldn't tell until you took it apart. All sorted now though.
December 16, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Here is my Dell XPS 710 from around 2007 (with a 720 motherboard), 8GB RAM, upgraded to GeForce Titan and Q6600 CPU.
It's just had its first clean and oh my the heatsink! So much dust!!! You couldn't tell until you took it apart. All sorted now though.
It's just had its first clean and oh my the heatsink! So much dust!!! You couldn't tell until you took it apart. All sorted now though.
Experience the DOS floppy disk version introduction of Simon the Sorcerer on real Roland MT-32 hardware. Simon the Sorcerer is a classic point and click adventure game by Adventure Soft.
youtube.com/shorts/hi9PW...
#retrogaming #mt32 #simonthesorcerer
youtube.com/shorts/hi9PW...
#retrogaming #mt32 #simonthesorcerer
Simon the Sorcerer Intro - Real Roland MT-32
YouTube video by Pixel Refresh
youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Experience the DOS floppy disk version introduction of Simon the Sorcerer on real Roland MT-32 hardware. Simon the Sorcerer is a classic point and click adventure game by Adventure Soft.
youtube.com/shorts/hi9PW...
#retrogaming #mt32 #simonthesorcerer
youtube.com/shorts/hi9PW...
#retrogaming #mt32 #simonthesorcerer
Experience the DOS floppy disk version introduction of Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge on real Roland MT-32 hardware. Monkey Island Two is a classic point and click adventure game by Lucas Arts.
youtube.com/shorts/022pw...
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #scummvm
youtube.com/shorts/022pw...
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #scummvm
Monkey Island 2 Intro - Real Roland MT-32
YouTube video by Pixel Refresh
youtube.com
December 6, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Experience the DOS floppy disk version introduction of Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge on real Roland MT-32 hardware. Monkey Island Two is a classic point and click adventure game by Lucas Arts.
youtube.com/shorts/022pw...
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #scummvm
youtube.com/shorts/022pw...
#retrogaming #retrocomputing #scummvm
Experience the DOS floppy disk version introduction of Monkey Island 1 on real Roland MT-32 hardware. The Secret of Monkey Island is a classic point and click adventure game by Lucas Arts.
youtube.com/shorts/QWbBx...
#monkeyisland #mt32 #retrogaming
youtube.com/shorts/QWbBx...
#monkeyisland #mt32 #retrogaming
The Secret of Monkey Island Intro - Real Roland MT-32
YouTube video by Pixel Refresh
youtube.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Experience the DOS floppy disk version introduction of Monkey Island 1 on real Roland MT-32 hardware. The Secret of Monkey Island is a classic point and click adventure game by Lucas Arts.
youtube.com/shorts/QWbBx...
#monkeyisland #mt32 #retrogaming
youtube.com/shorts/QWbBx...
#monkeyisland #mt32 #retrogaming
Victoria Coach Station in London UK still using the Microsoft Windows XP operating system in 2025 🫠
I spotted on my way back home...
#windowsxp
I spotted on my way back home...
#windowsxp
November 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Victoria Coach Station in London UK still using the Microsoft Windows XP operating system in 2025 🫠
I spotted on my way back home...
#windowsxp
I spotted on my way back home...
#windowsxp
Reposted by James - PixelRefresh.com
Oh yeah, #BlackFriday ... how about no discount but a couple of signed Rev art cards thrown in for FREE with every book! 😁 👉 ko-fi.com/A6714MSW/shop
November 28, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Oh yeah, #BlackFriday ... how about no discount but a couple of signed Rev art cards thrown in for FREE with every book! 😁 👉 ko-fi.com/A6714MSW/shop
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.