It is pretty easy to use. First, you must download your game, which can take some time, especially when the game size is huge. Because of the advancements in visuals and customization, the storage needs for modern games grow on an annual basis. AAA titles like Elden Ring or God of War in 2022 may consume up to 60, 70 GB of your system’s storage space, which is tremendous when compared to earlier games in the nineties and noughties.

Due to the increasing data size of these games, downloading is taking slower. Internet speed, is quite essential. However, even if you have a speedy fiber-optic connection or the latest tech gaming router, it might feel like game downloading takes a lifetime.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to speed up your steam downloads.

How to Increase Steam Download Speed

If you desire to accelerate your downloading speed on Steam, follow these methods given below:

Switch to an Ethernet Connection or Faster Wi-Fi

Although your Wi-Fi connection might be enough, a physical ethernet cables connection is almost always preferable. Choose an ethernet wire to link your gaming computer to the router (and internet service) straight if possible.

In comparison to Wi-Fi networks, which might deal with interference, lower speed limits, and other issues, this will provide the best rates and capacity.

But, for most of the users, their routers are not placed near their gaming machines. Installing ethernet wire inside your house may not be a solution as a result. To get around this issue, you might build up a mesh network and link a node to your PC through ethernet.

You may alternatively want to employ powerline extenders, which allow you to route ethernet traffic across your electrical wiring.

Try Another Connection

When your Steam downloading speed is extremely sluggish, you might have to take more dramatic measures. If your computer is portable, consider borrowing a relative’s or family member’s connection to the internet to complete the task.

A quicker connection is the greatest approach to ensure that your Steam downloads are as fast as possible. If the game is too large for your network, your data can be consumed faster, leaving you behind with no data.

If you already have an unlimited internet capacity and a 4G or 5G connection, you might also utilize a personal hotspot & your cellular data allowance to install Steam games.

Terminate Unnecessary Processes

Eliminating unnecessary processes frees up RAM and CPU for other activities, such as downloads—Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.

Unnecessary processes can be terminated by right-clicking them and selecting “End Task.” Close all browsers and other programs that may have an impact on your download speed.

Click “Open Resource Monitor” at the bottom of the “Task Manager” window, then pick the “Network tab” in “Resource Monitor” to see whether anything is taking your bandwidth.

If you discover that a program is eating all of your bandwidth, you may choose to terminate the task there as well. Select “End Process Tree” from the context menu after right-clicking the process. Be patient since removing it from the list might take some time.

Set Priority for Steam

Another simple hack for making Steam download faster is to prioritize Steam downloads within Task Manager.

This tells your PC that you would like Steam to take precedence over other applications whenever it comes to internet connections. To begin, launch Task Manager by searching for it in the Windows start menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del.

Locate the Steam Client Service, right-click it, and then select Go to details.

Right-click SteamService.exe and choose Set priority > High. This should offer Steam higher network priority and aid with downloads.

Change the Download Region

Steam will automatically identify the area from where you link to servers, and when it mistakenly selects your location, you may be attempting to download from such a server located very far away.

Go to Steam, then click on Settings. Click on Downloads to check your download region.

Examine the Download Region part of this window. Make sure the area is nearest to where you are since this will result in the quickest download rates.

Another modification you may make is immediately below, where it says Limit bandwidth. Uncheck this box to enable Steam to utilize the whole amount of bandwidth required to install your game.

Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall

Your firewall or antivirus software may occasionally interfere with your download rates. Disable each of them to see if anything changes. To learn how to disable it, consult your antivirus provider’s handbook or website.

In the Cortana search field, type “firewall,” then pick “Windows Defender Firewall” in the start menu.

Then, click the “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” button.

Lastly, verify this by checking the box next to “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall,” then clicking “OK.”

Pause Auto-updates on Your Windows PC

Select Settings from the Start Menu by right-clicking on it. Choose the Update & Security option and update settings.

Select the Pause updates for seven days option under Windows Update. Update pause resume Steam downloads. When the download is finished, choose Resume updates to reverse the update settings.

Conclusion

So, these are some of the methods you can apply to improve downloading speed. Even if you only implement a couple of these suggestions, you should observe a significant improvement in your Steam download speeds.

Although it is difficult to manage the strength of your real internet connection, you may make the most of what you can control by following these tricks and methods. After that, you should be able to continue playing your favorite games in no time.

Perhaps you have recently discovered the joys of retro gaming and own a modern television. Or you have recently upgraded your 1990s television which was on its way to being a family heirloom, to a current, OLED flat-screen TV, and are going through a tinge of nostalgia.

In any case, you might be wondering how to link your favorite consoles from “back in the day” to it.

Everything nowadays is connected via HDMI ports. This digital, high-definition plug is plug-and-play in every sense of the word, supporting both video and audio.

Any gamer can enjoy a retro console. For many people, connecting their old N64 or PlayStation to play some old-school games is the ultimate nostalgia remedy. Unfortunately, advances in technology will make connecting old consoles a lot more complicated.

Some people are discouraged by these hurdles, but there are several simple solutions available. To play your old retro games, you don’t need an out-of-date television or any knowledge of electronics.

You will quickly get back to playing your old consoles by following a few straightforward measures, which we will discuss in this post.

What Are My Options for Playing My Retro Console?

If you have not been able to locate the correct ports on the back of your TV, there are a few options for you to play your games. You may even have an easy solution right in your own house!

Check the Ports on Your Television

You can start with an elementary check of the ports on your Television. Double-check the Television’s ports. It is possible that you will be able to bind your old console to your new TV without any problems.

This is most likely the case for systems that use RCA (composite), part, or coaxial cables to link to your TV.

Use an Old Monitor or a Projector

You may still have something in your house that you can use to play your retro consoles. By any change, if you have an old monitor or projector lying around in your attic, it is possible that you can use one of those to plug in your console.

Check the back fo your device to see if it is possible to connect your console to it.

Invest in an Adapter

Having an adapter is another standard method for getting your console to function. There is a port on the adapter compatible with your TV, and another one that is compatible with your console.

These adaptors are frequently less expensive and easier to come by than brand new cables. If you have many retro consoles, getting a multi-purpose adapter is a good idea. For example, you can link your SNES or N64 to a modern TV using AV to HDMI converters.

Some Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into any problems, follow these quick steps to get your console back in operation.

Switch to The Appropriate Source

Don’t forget to check that your TV is tuned to the source that it is receiving signals from. It is possible that your TV will not understand signals coming from the designated port on its own and may need to be told to accept signals from a specific port.

On most models, this is done by pressing the source button on the TV remote. According to the port used, the channel should be labelled. After switching channels, it can take a few seconds for the link to be established.

Check Your Console

Check to see if your console is still operational. The majority of devices have a light that indicates when they are turned on.

The console could be faulty if this indicator light does not illuminate when you plug it in and turn it on. There are a few options for rebooting your new/old console, but you will need to seek professional assistance.

Examine the Connection

Double-check that all cords are safely plugged in if you are on the correct channel. Check the TV or console for any loose cables. Unplugging and replugging them will also improve the connection.

Clean the console or ports with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or pressurized air if they are dusty.

When using RCA cables, double-check that the audio and video outputs are connected correctly; the ports and jacks will be color-coded.

Change the Screen Resolution

Another major improvement that modern TVs received was a significant shift in resolution.

Retro consoles format their screens to match the regular TV of the time. To get the best results, you may need to adjust the resolution settings on your television. If the image is not clear or is stretched beyond the TV screen, try changing the aspect ratio. Most modern TVs are 16:9, while retro consoles are mostly 4:3.

Retro Games Can Be Played on Modern TVs

Yes, that is right. Retro consoles can be played on modern televisions, including the Best 75-80 Inch TVs. You will need to take some extra measures to get your systems on the screen, which isn’t a big deal if you’re looking for pure nostalgic pleasure.

There are a variety of ways to get your fix without having to hunt down an old television. Retro gaming’s popularity has made it easier than ever to play your favorite childhood games from the comfort of your own living room.

Information is an essential tool. Understanding how accounts get hacked will help you protect your accounts and avoid having your passwords “hacked” in the first place.

Malware and credentials stuffing attacks are the course of action for targeting gamers. The cybercriminal uses lists of usernames and password combinations that anyone can purchase online to log into game accounts or gaming channels like Steam.

What Is Interesting in Your Gaming Account?

Hackers will gain a lot of value from your account, whether you play a free or paid online game. Since so many players fail to take simple cybersecurity measures, hacking most gaming accounts is not difficult. They may very well be able to:

• Listen in on your gaming exchanges and read your chats until they take over your account.
• Use your login credentials to access your other accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bank account.
• Sell your identity on the deep web.
• Use your personal information to extract even more information from you in phishing attacks.
• Launder money or evade taxes, using your bank account details.
• Purchase cryptocurrencies with your payment information.

How Can Hackers Gain Access to Your Account?

Your device is comparable to The Great Wall in Game of Thrones. It is reinforced and sits in one place. However, there is a massive army of white walkers waiting just outside its gates, ready to burst through and kill everything inside. The army of the dead is not going to take a break or withdraw the attack. They will surround you the moment you crack a window open.

Right now, hackers and criminals may be in your network and using your webcams and other credentials. Let us see how they can gain access to your gaming account.

Use of Insecure or Weak Passwords

Using a weak password while building your gaming account is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. For example, a common password like 12345678 or your name is straightforward to crack.

It is time to change your passwords if you don’t want to miss your success and achievements in the games you have played for years. When executing brute force attacks, hackers can access massive databases of common passwords.

The hacker only wants your user name or email address to complete a brute force attack. They will then use a bot to try all of the passwords in their database before one of them eventually works or until they have gone through the entire list without success.

Use of Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing attacks are possible if you reuse passwords across several accounts. Suppose your login credentials are already leaked in the attempt, or a hacker has gained access to one of your other accounts.

In that case, they will most likely attempt to use the same credentials on other platforms. You could be in serious trouble if you used the same password for your gaming account and online banking transactions.

Use of Phishing

Phishing is a form of hacking. Phishing may also be used to persuade you to click on malicious or spoof links. PUBG fans, for example, have been duped into clicking on links posted in gaming forums that promised them discounted or free virtual tokens and other products.

The links were part of a cross-site scripting attack that enabled hackers to access player’s accounts. And by gaining access to your gaming account, they can steal anything they want, such as your passwords, payment information, home address, and so on.

Use of Data Breaches

Another login goldmine for hackers is data breaches and leaks. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to protect yourself because protecting the organization that holds your data is entirely dependent on them. If you want to be safe, just make sure that all websites that you register to encrypt your passwords.

Use of DDoS Attacks

You could be a target of a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack if you are serious about gaming and compete seriously or competitively.

A hacker might flood your router (if the IP is known) or the game server you’re connected to with requests using a botnet with hundreds or thousands of infected devices.

It overloads the machine, causing it to shut down. As a result, your game will be hampered, or you will be disconnected.

Use of Malware

Hackers may also use misinformation to get you to download malware. For example, if you want a game that has not been released in your country, you may want to get it from a P2P source.

Hackers are aware of familiar viral games and can use them as bait. Don’t be fooled into downloading malware disguised as a new game. Not to mention that pirating games is illegal in the first place.

How to Protect Your Gaming Account?

It would help if you took easy precautions to make it more difficult for hackers and your most ruthless opponents. Follow these tips, and you can make it work for you:

Select a Strong Password

The majority of us have a misunderstanding about passwords. We believe they must be complicated messes, such as $%^&&#. For years, the idea that passwords should be illogical and difficult to recall mainly prevailed.

However, you can make sure your passwords are solid in other ways. Read these tips on how to generate a unique and robust password to protect your gaming account from malicious hackers.

Complete the Two-Step Authentication

Another step towards protection is to allow two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA). It is something that a lot of people don’t do on their favorite websites and applications.

With all of the recent data breaches, it is simply irresponsible not to act. Once allowed, you must enter your password, and an additional authentication, such as a one-time access code sent to your mobile phone via text message.

Two-step Authentication is effective in two ways:

• An additional layer of protection now protects your account in addition to your password.
• Second, if anyone attempts to log into your account without your permission, you will be notified right away.

You can read this guide specifically for setting up Two-Step Authentication on standard websites and apps because the process is different for virtually every platform.

Use the Proper WI-FI Configuration

One of the most severe security threats is an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Anyone with basic security knowledge could hack into your wireless network and scurry through your personal data if it is not adequately secured.

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 is the most commonly used standard (or WPA2). Visit the administrator’s page for your router settings and find out more by reading our guide to set up Wi-Fi security.

Once you are in your router’s menu, look for an encryption settings section under Wireless or Security. When you find it, you will typically be presented with several choices, one of which is WPA2.

If you see a WPA3 option, this type of wireless protection is only available on the latest routers. If this option is accessible, use it; if it isn’t, use WPA2.

Install Latest Versions

You must use the most recent Windows version. Not only do these new versions provide the most up-to-date features, but they often include security fixes and patches. Patching the system on a regular basis is also the best way to combat critical security bugs, so keep an eye out for them when they become available.

The DualSense Controller is jam-packed with features that you will not find on any other gaming controller. The controller’s advanced features, such as adaptive triggers, impressive haptic sensors, and mesmerizing hardware, are downright revolutionary for console gamers.

However, as a wireless controller with all these great features, battery life will be an issue for most PS5 owners sooner or later, particularly given the DualSense controller’s hefty price tag.

Furthermore, compared to the PS4 DualShock Controller, the PS5 Controller has a 1560mAh battery, 560mAh more than the PS4 controller, making it a win-win situation.

However, many gamers have complained about the PS5 controller’s rapid battery drain despite its large battery capacity.

The DualSense controller on the PS5 has a longer battery life than the DualShock 4 on the PS4. And yet, it is still possible for your controller to die in the middle of a game, so just remember to back up your PS5 save data in case this happens during the middle of the game using our guide.

How Long Is the Battery Life of the PS5 Controller?

Sony gave fans an indication of how long the PS5 DualSense controller battery will last before launching it late last year. The PS5 DualSense controller was formally unveiled in November 2020, and Sony revealed that it will significantly improve from the DualShock 4’s design and have many new features.

Hideaki Nishino, the senior vice president of platform planning and management at Sony, wrote on the PlayStation Blog, “thoughtful consideration into ways to maintain a strong battery life for DualSense’s rechargeable battery.”

Though Nishino’s statements do not explicitly state how long the controller’s battery will last. The word “maintain” seems to imply that it will be equivalent to the DualShock 4 controller’s battery life.

In tests, the DualShock 4 controller lasted between four and eight hours on a single charge. Still, several players say that their battery life is closer to four to five hours.

Fans could have wished for longer battery life on the PS5 controller. Still, Sony may make things simpler by providing a longer charging cable or selling a controller charging dock.

Let us introduce you to eight simple ways to extend the PS5 controller’s battery life.

8 Battery Saving Tips & Tricks for PS5 Controller

With all of the preliminary information about the PS5 DualSense – having dozens of cool features and, more significantly, being expensive – you’ll want to extend the DualSense’s lifespan as long as possible. Follow these tips and tricks to get that.

1. Set Your PS5 Controller To Turn Off Automatically When It’s Not in Use

If you leave your PS5 on for some excuse and thus leave your controller on for hours, your battery life will quickly deplete. To avoid this, set a timer on your DualSense so that it switches off when you are not using it.

Go to Settings > System > Power Saving on your PS5’s main menu. Select ‘Time Before Controllers Turn Off’, and you can choose from After 10 Minutes, 30 Minutes, 60 Minutes, or Off.

There is no need to leave your controller on for extended periods when you are not using it. When you enable this option, you’ll save battery life when you’re not watching TV.

2. Switch the Dualsense Controller off Manually

When you know you won’t be using your PS5 controller for a while, it is a good idea to turn it off right away rather than waiting for the auto-off timer to run out. It is helpful when you use your PS5 to watch Netflix or sit through a long cutscene in a video.

To switch off your PS5 controller, press the PS Button to pull up the short menu on the controller. Click the Accessories button on the right, which appears as a controller icon with your existing battery life. Choose your Wireless Controller from the resulting menu, then Turn Off.

It will switch off your controller before the PS Button is pressed to turn it back on. You can also switch off your PS5 controller by pressing the PS Button for 10 seconds if you do not want to fiddle with the menu.

3. PS5 DualSense Speaker (Lower Volume)

As you play games, the PS5 Controller has its built-in speaker and microphone, which adds slight sound effects, but the main sound comes from the TV or Stereo set’s external speaker. Here’s how to disable it if you are willing to sacrifice a few sound effects to save the PS5 controller’s battery.

• Open the Settings on PS5 Console.
• Select Accessories.
• Choose Controllers.
• Select Volume Control.
• From here, reduce the speaker volume of the controller.

4. Reduce the Brightness of Controller Indicators and the Intensity of Vibrations

Although the PS5 controller does not have a light bar like the PS4 controller, the brightness of the indicators can be reduced to conserve power. Similarly, reducing the vibration will also have an effect on the battery.

While it will not have a huge impact on the PS5 controller’s battery life, but it is recommended if you want to get the most out of the battery.

• On PS5, go to the Settings menu.
• Pick your Accessories.
• Choose your Controllers.
• The controller’s brightness can be adjusted, as well as the Vibration Intensity.

5. Reduce the Intensity of the PS5 Dualsense Trigger Effect

In response to your gameplay, the DualSense Trigger Effect Intensity function allows you to experience varying stress levels and resistance from the L2 and R2 buttons. It only works for games that have it.

To access the controllers, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers. Set the Trigger Effect Intensity to Medium or Weak, or Off if you don’t need the Trigger Effect to function. It will save you the maximum amount of battery life if you turn it off.

6. Purchase a Charging Cable with a Longer Length

If all of the above tips don’t keep your controller running as long as you would like, you may want to consider investing in a longer USB-C cable.

You can plug in your PS5 controller to charge it and continue playing when the battery runs out. With a long cord, you won’t have to move your chair closer to the TV as you would with a short one.

7. Consider Using a Wired Controller With the PS5 DualSense

Although the PS5 DualSense is a Bluetooth controller, you do not have to use it when playing the game. The controller can be used the old-fashioned way – wired! It will not only save DualSense battery life, but it will also reduce game input lag.

Connect both the PS5 console and the DualSense controller with the USB cable, then go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers. Set the Communication Method to Use USB.

8. Ensure That Your Dualsense Is Completely Charged

You now know how to extend the life of your DualSense battery during long gaming sessions. These are your best choices for extending battery life unless you purchase a second controller and change it out regularly.

Bonus Tip: Remember that you can play PlayStation 4 games on your PS5 with PS4 controllers. Another way to save DualSense battery life.

Conclusion

These tips and tricks are handy for the long-term health and performance of your PS5 controller’s battery. Gamers who are on a budget and cannot buy a new controller every once in a while are highly recommended to follow these tips.

The steps are easy to apply and have a massive impact in prolonging the life of your PS5 DualSense Controller.

The Switch is arguably the best portable console for playing home console-quality games. The critical issue with the console has always been the same: the battery duration.

The vast processing power of the Switch can chew through the battery in two to six hours, depending on the game. Many players are dissatisfied with how much time they could play on a single charge, as the Switch will not be able to keep its charge for long flights. Let us see what we can do about it with this Nintendo Switch battery life guide!

How to Improve the Life of Your Nintendo Switch Battery

To extend and improve the life of your Nintendo Switch battery, follow these tips:

Adjust the Display’s Brightness

It is possibly the most obvious tip in this article, but it is still beneficial! Like most modern devices, the display consumes a lot of power in the battery.

The simplest way to get more playtime and increase the Nintendo Switch battery life is to lower the light brightness. In portable hand-held and tabletop mode, this can be a lifesaver. The brightness slider is easily accessible in the Quick Settings menu.

The screen on the Switch is easily one of the most power-hungry elements. The good news is that you can save a little power by turning down the light. To do so, press and hold the Home Button while bringing up the Quick settings menu and sliding the brightness slider to the left.

Auto-Brightness is to be switched off for you to make your adjustments. That way, your adjustments will remain the same and will not be affected by the amount of light available.

Lowering the screen’s brightness will make it more challenging to see in direct sunlight, but it will save you a lot of battery. The exact amount would depend on the game but going this route might easily add another 30 minutes to your playtime.

You can make the same modifications in System Settings as well. Go to System Settings and make the above adjustments to the Screen Brightness option.

Use Airplane Mode

The Nintendo Switch’s Wi-Fi chip consumes a lot of power. The Switch continues to look for a Wi-Fi system to connect to even if there is no Wi-Fi link in range. In this phase, a lot of battery is consumed. Check out some of the best Wi-Fi routers if you are someone that likes to play online on the Switch.

Switch to the Airplane Mode if you are not playing a game that needs an active internet connection, e.g., an online multiplayer game. It increases battery life by preventing the Switch from looking for new Wi-Fi connections. To apply this:

• Select System Settings from the Home Screen.
• Go to the segment titled Airplane Mode.
• Toggle the Airplane Mode switch on.

After allowing Airplane Mode on the tabletop, you might not be able to use your Joy-Cons or any other wireless controller. Select the Controller Connection (Bluetooth) option from the drop-down menu. After that, you will continue to play with your preferred wireless controller.

You can also turn on NFC from the menu below if you want to use your Amiibo.

Keep in mind that you can enable Airplane Mode from the Quick Settings by pressing and holding the home button. However, as previously stated, you must always return to System Settings to allow wireless controller input and NFC. And you will have to do it every time you turn on Airplane Mode.

Don’t Rely on Sleep Mode

Most of you love sleep mode and use it all the time, but if you try to save battery life, make sure to turn off the Switch entirely.

Even in sleep mode, the Nintendo Switch’s battery life is steadily depleted. The better use of Sleep mode is for a 10-minute break or less. For anything more protracted, consider turning off or docking the console if you are at home.

You can also change the settings so that the Switch enters Sleep Mode at the time you specify, in case you forget to turn off your console after you are done playing.

• Return to the System Settings by following the steps outlined before in the article.
• Scroll down to the segment titled “Sleep Mode.”
• Set the option for Auto-Sleep (Playing on Console Screen).

Keep Your Joy-Cons Disconnected

First, we’ll look at the controllers. The Nintendo console might be super easy to carry when connected to the Switch, but did you know that they also charge up through the console? When you detach them, they’ll work on their batteries, which should last about 12 hours.

If you need more juice, the Nintendo Switch Charging Grip, which charges via USB-C, is a good option. If you prefer a more conventional game controller, it is a good pick as it also offers a more secure grip.

You can then bring the screen section into kickstand mode and play with a more conventional controller configuration during flights.
How much of a difference will this make in terms of battery life?

You’ll probably only get an additional 15-30 minutes of use. Still, when you’re working with such a short battery life (~3 hours), every little bit helps—anything to extend the life of your Nintendo Switch’s battery.

Reduce the Volume

Turning down the volume of the Switch’s two front-firing speakers helps to extend battery life if you don’t use headphones. The VOLUME + and – buttons on the top of the Switch can change it. In Quick Settings, you can also adjust the volume slider.

Play Different Games

Nothing matters more than the games you enjoy when it comes to Nintendo Switch battery life. More high-end graphics games deplete the battery faster, e.g., Crysis Remastered.

A less extensive game with low graphics, on the other hand, provides much more playtime, e.g., Super Mario Maker 2. You will get a lot more battery life out of your Nintendo Switch if you play less demanding games in portable hand-held mode.

Enable the Dark Theme

We all enjoy playing games on a TV. Both the Switch and the Switch Lite have LCDs. As a result, this modification does not significantly alter the battery life, but it will have a tiny impact. Many players also prefer it to the Basic White theme because it is easier on the eyes. To enable Dark Theme:

• Return to the System Settings to change the theme.
• To get started, go to the Themes section.
• Select Basic Black from the drop-down menu, and your theme should change right away.

Keep an External Power Bank on Hand

Always keep a power bank on hand. Power banks have advanced to the point that they can charge your battery several times. They are also becoming more lightweight, allowing them to fit comfortably into a bag or even your pocket, handy for traveling.

While a power bank won’t extend the Switch’s battery life, it’s always a good idea to have one on hand. Any battery bank that is USB PD (Power Delivery) compliant should work perfectly.

Even if it is more expensive, we suggest having a Nintendo-certified one. Despite Nintendo’s claims, the Switch does not draw power under USB PD enforcement. As a result, there have been several cases of Switch devices being bricked due to using a third-party charger.

Having a Spare Charger on Hand Is a Good Idea

Nowadays, almost every place (library, restaurants, etc.) has a power outlet. If you have a charger with you, you can recharge your Switch at any site while traveling. We suggest that you only use a Nintendo-made charger to be on the safe side for the Switch.

When you plug your Switch into the wall while playing a high-end game, the battery drains faster than the Switch charges. So, you can have a little more fun and charge before embarking on your trip.

Conclusion

You should be able to extend the battery life of your Switch by using the methods mentioned above. Depending on your Switch edition, it should give you an additional 30-40 minutes of playtime.

The Switch’s launch model is the one with the most battery life problems. As a result, users of that variant should benefit the most from this detailed guide.

While the PS5 is a great console, it is possible for you to run into problems when using the console. An obvious solution to these problems in the past has often required a PS5 factory reset to original settings, resulting in data loss.

Initially, the PlayStation 5 did not support the moving and copying of saved data onto external storage devices like USB flash drives. Its only option was moving to keep data files to a PS5 from another PS5 or using Sony’s cloud storage for backing up saved data files. The latter too only worked with a PlayStation Plus subscription.

This was quite different from a PlayStation 4. PS4 users could quickly back up save data files to a USB flash drive and cloud storage. Thankfully, the option to back up your PS5 files to a USB flash drive was quickly made available after release.

It is possible that your PS5 data could be lost at any moment. Whether it is due to a physical problem such as theft of console or an error during a firmware update, you are at risk of losing your saved data and all the stored files. If you have PlayStation Plus, then you do not need to worry about saved game data. If you don’t, then you can follow this guide to backup your data to a flash drive.

Some Useful Information

You should know some helpful information before learning how to backup your data on a flash drive.

• Do not switch off your PS5 console during a backup or a restore. The main reason is that you may lose the data by doing so, and it can damage your PS5 console or corrupt the external storage device.
• Your PS5 console will erase all the saved data while restoring data. It cannot be stopped once the restore operation is started, and even canceling will not help. So be mindful of what you are deleting, as erased data will not be restored.
• You cannot include trophies in the backup data. If you want to keep them, update the game status before starting the backing up process: Go to Trophies> Press the Options button> Select Sync with PlayStation Network.
• New users can restore saved data to only the original PS5 console they backed up.

Data You Can Back Up On PS5

You are allowed to back up the following files on your PS5:

• Your Games
• Your Apps
• Your Settings
• Your Saved data
• Your Screenshots
• You Video clips

The backup data includes all the user data saved on your PS5 console apart from trophies. If you restore your backup data on your PS5 console, it resets and erases all the existing saved data.

And if you are looking to store your data and then return it to your console (without restoring it), two options are available to store the data in a separate space. One is the PS5 cloud storage, and the other is extended storage like a USB flash drive.

Here we will look at how to back up and restore all the data on your PS5 console using an external storage device like a USB flash drive. Remember that the method is the same for other external drives as well e.g., an external hard drive.

How to Back up and Restore PS5 Save Data

As mentioned above, we will go with a USB flash drive to perform this easy-to-follow process. It remains essential to ensure that the USB flash drive used for the backup has sufficient space to back up all the data you want to back up.

First, we will look at how to back up PS5 Data to an external storage device like a USB flash drive. We will then follow that with how to restore PS5 Data from a USB flash drive.

How to Back up PS5 Data to a USB Flash Drive

1. The first step is to connect the USB flash drive to your PS5 console on the rear side of the console.
2. Go to the home screen. You have to select Settings > System.
3. Go to System Software and select Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5 console. If multiple USB flash drives are connected, select the USB flash drive you want to use.
4. Select the Type of data (discussed in the article earlier) you want to back up, and then select Next. Type the file name of backup data if necessary. It will be easier to find later on.
5. After that, select Back Up. Your PS5 console will restart, and the backup process will begin.
6. A dialog box displaying backup is complete will appear, and the PS5 console will restart. Press OK. The PS5 console will restart again.

How to Back up PS5 Data from a USB Flash Drive

It is essential to know that when you are restoring a PS5 from a backup device, it must have the same or newer version of the system software on the PS5 console like it had when the backup was made. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Connect the USB flash drive to your PS5 console.
2. Go to Settings > System.
3. Select System Software > Back Up and Restore > Restore PS5.
4. Choose the Type of data you want to restore on it. And in case of multiple USB flash drives connected to the PS5 console, select the one you want to use.
5. Press the Restore button and select Yes. The PS5 console will restart and restore begins. After the restoration is complete, the PS5 console will restart for the last time.

Conclusion

It is pretty straightforward to backup and restore PS5 save data as long as you follow these steps. And if you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you can always use your PS5 cloud storage to back up your saved data.

Helpful Tip: In the process of restoring your PS5 console, two options, Console Sharing and Offline Play, are automatically switched off. You have to turn these back on in the options menu if you wish to use them.

The ever-changing technology plays an integral part in getting the best user experience. Still, there are some games we want to enjoy on a bigger screen.

Setting up PC games on a TV was not that simple if we go a few years back, but you can play your PC games on a TV now thanks to technological advancements.

You can buy some of the best 4K TVs like Android TVs and Samsung TVs now for playing PC games on TV and relaxing on a couch after a long day at work.

There are two main options for this, Steam Link and Remote Play. The first option lets you stream PC games from the PC to other devices, including a smart TV. And the second option is Remote Play, which enables you to play PC games remotely on different devices, on various networks.

We will go over how to play PC games on TV wirelessly and by using a wired connection and set it up in an easy-to-apply manner.

Important Things to Consider Before Starting

It would help if you had both your primary PC and your TV connected to the internet via an ethernet cable for best performance. And if that does not work, you can consider a HomePlug adapter, which will provide a more stable connection than Wi-Fi. Let us discuss essential considerations before delving into the topic.

Input Devices and Steam Controllers

The Steam Link supports several input devices, both USB-based and wireless.

All the USB devices are elementary, you have to plug them in, and they will work right away. And for a Steam Controller, follow these simple steps:

• First, switch on the Steam Link
• Hold steady the X button on the Controller, and press the Steam button.
• It will go into Discovery and Pairing mode and should work from there.

Wired vs. Wireless Connection

Gamers look for a faster connection, and streaming games with high resolution and 60 frames per second (fps) is not a straightforward task for any network. And since most of these games are being played in a team with a set strategy, you could end up struggling with a poor connection.

You can connect the Ethernet cable using the port in the physical connections area.

On the other hand, we have seen vast improvements in Wireless connections. However, they are still not reliable enough in most cases. You can encounter a Wi-Fi dead spot as well as interference from other nearby devices and networks.

How to Set Up Your PC

To answer how to play PC games on TV, you first have to set up your PC for playing PC games on TV. There are multiple steps involved; we will go through them one by one.

• First, enable Remote Play on your PC from which you want to stream games. Access Steam on the PC in use, and click on Steam> Settings> Remote Play. Check the Enable Remote Play option in the dialog box.
• Add non-steam games by clicking Add a Game. Pick the games you want to play on your TV, and then click Add Selected Programs.
• Now, download the Steam Link app on your TV. The app for Android TV is available on the Play Store, and for Samsung TV, it is available on Samsung Smart Hub.

Now it is ready to go for the next step. Just make sure it’s connected with a stable local network connection and running Steam.

Set Up the Steam Link on Your Smart TV

Now it’s time to set up the Stream Link to your Smart TV. This part is explained next in an easy-to-apply and straightforward method. The Steam Link device will require three things in order to perform best: a power cable, an Ethernet network cable, and an HDMI cable.

Plugging these cables correctly to the required places is essential. The power cable is plugged into the wall, the HDMI cable into your Smart TV, and the ethernet cable into your router.

After plugging in these cables, the Steam Link will begin to function. The next step is to configure it, which is explained in the next part.
The Ethernet connection will automatically download the update. It will then ask you to select a language you want to use. Select the language and press apply.

Set Up the Display and Resolution

Now you have to configure the Display and Resolution settings. It can be done by accessing the Steam Link, which will run you through two screens.

Start by adjusting the screen scaling. You can also use your gaming controller to do that on the other screen, tune-up settings such as scaling, CEC, and the resolutions.

Make sure to pick and select the refresh rate according to your TV. In most cases, the default settings cover up almost everything. CEC is an important feature that allows the management of connected devices with your TV through a single controller/gaming pad.

It remains essential to use CEC only when needed. Otherwise, there is no need to use this option.

Pick and Connect Your Host PC

Next, the Steam Link will now try to detect available devices nearby that are currently running Steam automatically.

If you have set up everything, as mentioned before, on your PC, it will appear on the menu, and you have to press A-button on your Controller to proceed. And in case it is not listed, search for it.

The search option will prompt you for information that will help the Steam Link find your PC. It will have a specified PC name or an IP address.

After selecting the host name or an IP address, the Steam Link will show a four-digit PIN that you need to enter on the host PC to confirm the connection. Just look at your host PC, and you should see that a prompt has appeared asking for the code. Type the code to gain access. From here, it will take you to the main menu and you are set for PC gaming on your Smart TV.

Conclusion

Playing PC games on TV is quite straightforward. The critical considerations discussed before setting your TV for PC games remain essential. You just have to enable Remote Play and connect a controllerr. Having some of the best gaming computers is also helpful.

You can access the Steam Link app on your smart TV, both for Android TV and Samsung TVs, and play your PC games on it.

Sometimes you will struggle with the lack of quality and some connection issues. Try to improve the quality by lowering the Quality settings from High to more Balanced or Fast in the Steam Link app on your Smart TV or try upgrading your connection.

In real life, the influence of enabled “Gaming mode” is rather limited, especially if you are dedicated only to gaming, in which case you will end up with very little or no additional help.

However, if you are prone to multitasking and not just playing Fortnite or Overwatch all-day long, you will get a much more beneficial experience.

In other words, “Gaming mode” will give you a certain boost of performance; however, it won’t be a large one.

According to Microsoft plans, this feature should improve with time and future updates, when it should be much more efficient, but for now, its impact is pretty restricted. Nevertheless, if you are after the first-hand experience and want to try it yourself, here are the steps you need to go through to enable it.

How to Enable Game Mode in Windows 10

1. As you already know, getting to Windows 10 setting can be managed in numerous ways. However, the fastest way is just typing “settings” in the search bar.



2. When “Settings” show up, click on them.



3. Now you will see “Windows Setting” window in front of you. Find the “Gaming” section and enter it.



4. Select “Game Mode” on the left side of the newly opened window and there you go.



5. Now you will be able to turn “Gaming mode” on or off with a simple toggle and enjoy in your new settings.