Notebookcheck Logo

DIY

    settings restrict
additional restrictions: DIY
Switch games now playable natively on apple silicon chips capcom

Nintendo Switch games are now playable natively on Apple's silicon

A new open-source project lets Nintendo Switch games run natively on Apple Silicon chips without emulation. Reports indicate that Monster Hunter Rise can reach as much as an impressive 60 FPS on an M1 chip.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 30 Oct 2026 17:04
Elegoo M1 Ultra 3D scanner features three blue laser scanning modes.

Elegoo M1 Ultra all-in-one 3D scanner launched with 0.02 mm accuracy, 3-inch touchscreen

Elegoo is stepping into a new category with its all-in-one 3D scanner. The M1 Ultra is a high-precision scanner with four scanning modes and a 3-inch touchscreen that shows real-time data.
Vineet Washington, 29 Oct 2026 08:00
The Metro ESP32-P4 Hydra is a compact development board

Adafruit Metro ESP32-P4 Hydra: Affordable development board features smart home compatibility

Offering broad versatility, relatively high processing power, and a compact footprint, Adafruit's latest development board supports both display output and camera connections. The Metro ESP32-P4 Hydra is also competitively priced at under $40.
Silvio Werner, 27 Oct 2026 15:19
Cover art for Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread has been unofficially ported to PC

Metroid Dread has received an unofficial PC port through an AI-assisted recompilation project, adding higher frame rates, widescreen support, and expanded graphics options. Available free on GitHub, the work-in-progress port requires players’ own game files updated to version 2.1.0, with the developer warning of potential crashes and glitches.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 26 Oct 2026 18:14
Home Assistant live USB installer showing installation progress beneath the Home Assistant logo.

Home Assistant adds new USB installer that could make setting up mini PCs easier

Home Assistant has released a new alpha version of its installer, introducing a live USB installation option for generic x86-64 computers. The update could make setting up Home Assistant OS on mini PCs and older hardware more straightforward, although the new functionality remains experimental.
Louise Burke, 25 Oct 2026 15:12
G.Skill Trident Z5 Royal NeoX DDR5. PC RAM is turning “golden” as AI demand squeezes supply and drives prices up.

PC RAM could get even pricier — and harder to find — in 2027

PC RAM supplies could shrink in 2027 as suppliers prioritize memory for AI systems, potentially pushing consumer prices higher. Large PC makers have secured supplies through long-term contracts, potentially leaving DIY builders and upgraders facing a tighter retail market.
Andrew Sozinov, 21 Oct 2026 22:53
Formlabs Studio 1

Formlabs launches $699 resin 3D printer for home creators

Formlabs is bringing professional resin 3D printing to home workshops with its $699 Studio 1. Automatic resin dispensing, faster printing, and support for third-party materials make it more accessible. Your wallet might appreciate the upgrade, even if your workbench gets a little messier.
Aurelian Nedelcu, 16 Oct 2026 07:28
The ToolDance X1 was already on display at IFA

New CNC mill promises titanium machining at an affordable price – I've already seen it in action

A new consumer-grade CNC machine promises to make machining demanding materials relatively easy. The ToolDance X1 is also comparatively affordable.
Silvio Werner, 15 Oct 2026 09:35
Official Xbox Labs imagery, edited for clarity.

Microsoft launches Xbox Labs to support recomp projects

Recognizing the efforts of the decompilation/recompilation community (and its acceleration by AI to enable unique cross-game modding possibilities,) Microsoft announces the Xbox Labs initiative to support development efforts.
Christopher Harper, 14 Oct 2026 06:03
The WT32P4C5-43S can be used to control a smart home, for example

$32 Smart Home display: ESP32-P4 meets LVGL on the WT32P4C5-43S

Affordable and versatile: A new smart display with extensive configuration options can be put to good use as a smart home control panel. The WT32P4C5-43S features a touchscreen display and supports wireless networking.
Silvio Werner, 12 Oct 2026 15:24
The printer made its public debut at IFA Berlin in September with a CFS Nano feeder fitted as standard.

Creality launches new 3D printer that swaps between four nozzles in five seconds

Creality has opened pre-sales in China for the K3, a four-nozzle multicolor 3D printer. The company says nozzle swaps take roughly five seconds, cutting print times by 80% and filament waste by about 85% against single-nozzle multicolor machines.
Antony Muchiri, 11 Oct 2026 07:49
Bambu Lab R1 review: Powerful, plug-and-play laser cutting

Bambu Lab R1 review: Powerful, plug-and-play laser cutting

Cutting-edge. The Bambu Lab R1 impresses in our review as a 55-watt CO₂ laser cutter with easy setup and precise cutting and engraving. Our review shows how well camera alignment and contour detection work in everyday use and what limitations come with this $2,499 laser cutter.
Silvio Werner, 10 Oct 2026 16:14
Nvidia GeForce RTX chip

New driver brings Nvidia GeForce RTX to Hackintosh

Nvidia has never released a macOS driver for GeForce cards from the Turing generation onward. A developer named NullMoth has now provided a custom Metal driver for Hackintosh PCs running macOS 15, tested on an RTX 5060. It is not yet ready for everyday use.
Jan Gruber, 09 Oct 2026 18:25
Googlebook gets bootloader unlocking followed by Magisk root support 9

Googlebook gets unlocked: Bootloader unlocking paves the way for Magisk root

Googlebooks have only just reached stores, but plans for rooting them are already taking shape. Google has officially documented bootloader unlocking support, while John Wu Magisk has confirmed that Magisk support is also being prepared, bringing root access and customisation to Googlebook.
Yuval Goel, 05 Oct 2026 20:03
A native port of Super Mario Bros Wonder running on PC

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is now playable on PC without emulation thanks to a native port

Developer Belmante has demonstrated a native Windows port of Super Mario Bros. Wonder running at roughly 60 FPS on an RTX 3050 laptop without emulation, though minor graphical glitches and occasional frame-rate drops remain. The project uses recompiled C++ code and an NVN-to-Vulkan translation layer, with further optimization, integrated GPU testing and a public release of the currently private repository planned.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 05 Oct 2026 19:42
3D scanners are up to 40% off.

Revopoint Fall Sale 2026: 3D Scanners for Metrology, 3D Printing & More Are Up to 40% Off

Fall is here, and while your wardrobe might be getting a seasonal refresh, why should your 3D scanning setup miss out? Revopoint’s Fall into 3D Sale 2026 is now live, with limited-time deals on selected 3D scanners and savings of up to 40% off.
Adve‎rtorial, 05 Oct 2026 18:00
The mini PC

DIY engineer makes a mini PC from a scrap smartphone

DIY enthusiast and YouTuber GameRig has shared one of his latest builds on his channel. In the latest video, he shared how he turned a scrap smartphone into a homemade mini PC.
Chibuike Okpara, 01 Oct 2026 01:44
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro features a custom touch-sensitive display.

Framework lowers Laptop 13 Pro price for everyone but there is some bad news too

Framework has announced good news for people looking to buy a Framework Laptop 13 Pro, as the company has managed to source LPCAMM2 RAM and Core Ultra X9 CPUs at lower prices. However, the Framework Laptop 13 and the Framework Laptop 16 have gotten more expensive.
Fawad Murtaza, 30 Sep 2026 12:26
Promotional artwork for the cancelled Kid Kirby game

A canceled SNES Kirby game has finally been made playable and is free to download

Three decades after Nintendo pulled the plug, a fan just finished the job DMA Design never got to. The game is playable on PC and free to download.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 26 Sep 2026 18:02
HTX Studio’s DIY AirPower-inspired charging desk showing its internal hardware and transparent display.

YouTuber builds a desk-sized Apple AirPower that finds your phone and charges it automatically

HTX Studio has built a desk-sized version of Apple’s cancelled AirPower idea. A camera spots where a phone is placed, then a motorized charging coil moves underneath it. The desk also adds a transparent display, a Mac mini, standing-desk controls and a Focus Mode.
Anmol Dubey, 24 Sep 2026 20:14
Creality Sermoon P1S comes with a 6-inch HD display.

Sermoon P1S: Creality launches cheaper version of its all-in-one 3D scanner

Creality continues to expand its 3D scanning portfolio, this time with a cheaper alternative to its flagship Sermoon P1, the Sermoon P1S. It comes with some compromises as well as some upgrades, but at a significantly lower price.
Vineet Washington, 23 Sep 2026 19:50
With the R1, Bambu Lab is also targeting end customers

Bambu Lab R1 unveiled: Powerful 55-watt CO₂ laser cutter targets consumer market

Bambu Lab is expanding its product portfolio into a new category with the launch of a standalone laser cutter. Operating at up to 55 watts, the machine is designed for ease of use—even for beginners—and can process a wide variety of materials.
Silvio Werner, 22 Sep 2026 16:00
Creality Sparkx i8 comes with QuarTeks system for zero filament waste.

Creality Sparkx i8 uses clever QuarTeks system for zero waste, live now on Indiegogo

Creality has expanded its Sparkx lineup of bed-slinger 3D printers. It features the company’s new QuarTeks system that claims zero waste and 500% faster multicolor printing.
Vineet Washington, 21 Sep 2026 21:13
Framework Laptop 13 Pro has outstanding battery life.

Framework claims impressive battery life for Laptop 13 Pro in real life test

One of the biggest upgrades of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro is the battery life. Framework knows this, as the company is marketing the impressive battery life of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro every chance it gets. This time, Framework has shared an impressive "real life" battery life test result.
Fawad Murtaza, 21 Sep 2026 13:44
You can now apply an old Steam-style theme to RPCS3.

RPCS3 announces super cool and nostalgic customization option for PS3 emulator

RPCS3 allows users to create their own custom Qt stylesheets to alter the look of the RPCS3 UI. User FlexBy has now created a theme inspired by the old Steam UI, which you can apply from inside RPCS3.
Fawad Murtaza, 15 Sep 2026 13:21
A microcontroller connecting a GBA to a Nintendo Switch 2 allowing it to transfer Pokemon between the two

Modder bridges the Game Boy Advance and Switch 2 to transfer Pokémon

A modder has built a custom microcontroller-based adapter that transfers Pokémon between an original Game Boy Advance and a Nintendo Switch 2, bridging nearly 24 years of Nintendo hardware. The experimental, unreleased device arrives as Pokémon Bank prepares to shut down on February 25, 2027, threatening a key migration route for Pokémon stored on older systems.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 10 Sep 2026 05:25
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro uses a custom touch-sensitive IPS panel.

Framework shares good news about RAM, CPU for Framework Laptop 13 Pro users

Framework has shared good news regarding the availability and pricing of the LPCAMM2 RAM modules for the Framework Laptop 13 Pro users. The company has also provided an update on the availability of the Intel Core Ultra X9 CPU option for the Framework Laptop 13 Pro.
Fawad Murtaza, 09 Sep 2026 11:06
There will be quite a few CNC machines on display at IFA 2026

IFA 2026: Desktop CNC takes the DIY market by storm; Creality debuts a toolchanger

At IFA 2026, a clear trend is emerging: following the rise of 3D printers, laser cutters, and plotters, desktop CNC machines are finally having their breakthrough. Manufacturers are increasingly targeting makers and consumers, with several distinct hardware concepts competing for their attention.
Silvio Werner, 07 Sep 2026 15:28
OrcSDR in action

OrcSDR: Why folks no longer need a $650 SDR

SDR dongles like the popular RTL-SDR Blog V4 offer robust listening versatility at a budget price point. However, their portability often comes at the cost of a bulky laptop to supply power, process signals, and display results. The open-source OrcSDR project solves this by turning an off-the-shelf dev tablet into a dedicated, grab-and-go radio.
Stephen Pereyra, 06 Sep 2026 23:14
The 8,000 mAh Nintendo Switch 2 internals

Nintendo Switch 2 gets 8,000 mAh battery mod from Chinese modder

A Guangzhou seller on Xianyu is offering a third-party mod that swaps the Nintendo Switch 2's stock 5,220 mAh battery for an 8,000 mAh cell, a roughly 53% capacity boost, though the procedure is invasive.
Bùi Giang, 06 Sep 2026 21:59
Is this the next step for mini PCs?

The next evolutionary step for mini PCs? YouTuber packs entire PC into a mouse

YouTuber Gadget Industry has transformed a computer mouse into a functional mini PC by repurposing components from a broken Samsung smartphone. The inventive build retains normal mouse functionality while supporting 4K video and Minecraft, highlighting the potential of ultra-compact, community-driven computing.
Jacob Fisher, 06 Sep 2026 20:38
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro can be bought as a DIY or a prebuilt machine.

27-hour battery life: Framework Laptop 13 Pro beats Apple MacBook Pro 14

Framework markets the Framework Laptop 13 Pro as a direct competitor to the Apple MacBook Pro. This comparison feels quite apt, at least in terms of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 Pro reportedly beats the MacBook Pro 14 in battery life.
Fawad Murtaza, 02 Sep 2026 18:56
Hoymiles HiFlow Pro micro inverter system in a balcony solar setup

Hoymiles launches HiFlow Pro plug-in micro-inverter for low-cost home solar installations

Hoymiles has launched the HiFlow Pro plug-in solar micro-inverter, designed to reduce the friction of renewable adoption by offering a plug-and-play solution that's both convenient and UL3700-certified.
Adver‎ticle, 27 Aug 2026 17:00
A complete cyberdeck made by Raspberry Pi.

Raspberry Pi shows how to build a computer in a briefcase

Raspberry Pi has published a free guide to building a portable cyberdeck using a Raspberry Pi 5, rugged case, touchscreen and other off-the-shelf components. The company also offers plenty of ideas for customizing the DIY mini-PC for different tasks.
Andrew Sozinov, 25 Aug 2026 12:33
The T-Display K230 is a new mobile system—more suited for hobbyists

LilyGo K230: Versatile RISC-V mini system launches with keyboard option and LoRa

Featuring an optional keyboard and LoRa support for off-grid communication without Wi-Fi or cellular networks, LilyGo's K230 Kit is a mobile RISC-V handheld platform designed for fast text entry.
Silvio Werner, 23 Aug 2026 16:33
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro can be outfitted with up to a Core Ultra X7 358H CPU.

Most Framework Laptop 13 Pro Linux users apparently never switch to Windows

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is the company's most powerful notebook. The machine can be had with either Windows or Ubuntu out of the box. Framework has revealed that most people who choose Ubuntu for the Laptop 13 Pro tend to stick to the OS.
Fawad Murtaza, 19 Aug 2026 13:41
The new Framework Laptop 12 is available with both Linux and Windows.

Framework announces new Framework Laptop 12 with Linux massively outselling Windows SKU

Framework recently launched the new Framework Laptop 12 with the latest Intel Wildcat Lake Core Series 3 CPUs, a fingerprint reader, and more. Framework has announced that the new Linux-based Laptop 12 is massively outselling the Windows variant.
Fawad Murtaza, 19 Aug 2026 11:13
The modular Fairphone 6

Fairphone 6 turns into a Linux phone running Fedora 44 with working cameras

A developer has managed to boot Fedora 44 on the Fairphone 6, bringing a desktop-oriented Linux distribution to a smartphone already available with Android-based /e/OS. The latest demonstration confirms all three cameras are fully operational.
Yuval Goel, 18 Aug 2026 23:14
Pre-order of the new Framework Laptop 12 are now live.

New Framework Laptop 12 launches with many updates like better battery life

Framework has updated the Laptop 12 2-in-1 convertible laptop with the new Intel Core Series 3 Wildcat Lake processors. The Framework Laptop 12 retains the chassis, 12.2-inch display, and speakers of the original Laptop 12, but brings some notable improvements.
Fawad Murtaza, 18 Aug 2026 18:37
Pi-Ener-lite: UPS for the Raspberry Pi Zero

Pi-Ener-lite: Compact UPS solution for the Raspberry Pi uses an 18650 battery

Compact, affordable, and compatible with standard rechargeable cells, the Pi-Ener-lite expansion board temporarily frees the Raspberry Pi Zero from wall power. This makes it a compelling option for power-critical DIY projects.
Silvio Werner, 18 Aug 2026 06:10
A custom-built compact game console featuring a mini PC, exposed cooling vents, USB ports and orange power buttons on a desk.

This DIY Halo console runs games from physical cartridges — but there's a catch

A YouTuber has built a compact gaming console with a working cartridge slot and spring-loaded eject button around a Geekom IT13 MAX mini PC. The 3D-printed cartridges hold no games, only NFC tags that an ESP32 reads over USB serial to launch the matching title from Steam.
Anmol Dubey, 17 Aug 2026 12:42
Steam Machine has an RX 7600M-adjacent GPU.

Steam Machine GPU mod supercharges console's gaming performance

YouTuber ETA Prime managed to considerably increase the performance of the Valve Steam Machine by connecting a desktop AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT to the console. The result of the mod was that the Steam Machine could play AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K.
Fawad Murtaza, 13 Aug 2026 14:01
The ESPHome Starter Kit promises an easy introduction to smart homes

Apollo Automation’s ESPHome starter kit offers flexible local smart home control

A new starter kit offers an accessible entry point into custom home automation, combining modular flexibility with freedom from vendor lock-in.
Silvio Werner, 13 Aug 2026 08:52
InfiMaker K1: New CNC Machine Designed to Machine Titanium Alloys as Well

Even for home users: This 5-axis CNC machine mills wood, aluminum, and titanium

Designed for demanding materials while remaining beginner-friendly: A relatively compact CNC system engineered to machine hard materials is currently available at a significant crowdfunding discount. The InfiMaker K1 also integrates AI-assisted features to streamline operation.
Silvio Werner, 12 Aug 2026 17:55
Upgrade Your Back-to-School Gear: Save Up to 20% on Selected Revopoint 3D Scanners

Upgrade Your Back-to-School Gear: Save Up to 20% on Selected Revopoint 3D Scanners

Revopoint’s Back-to-School Sale bringing limited-time discounts on selected 3D scanners - the perfect opportunity to save up to 20 percent.
Advert‌ising, 12 Aug 2026 16:00
Steam Machine modded with water cooling components.

Steam Machine watercooled: Valve’s modded console reminds us of Bane from the comics

A modder in the PcBuild Reddit community has successfully watercooled a Steam Machine. It was only a matter of time till someone attempted this, and the creation resembles Bane from the comics with all the tubes sticking out.
Vineet Washington, 10 Aug 2026 18:54
Four print heads, less waste: Creator 5 Pro tested

Four print heads, less waste: Creator 5 Pro tested

A team of four. Featuring four modular print heads, the Flashforge Creator 5 Pro promises fast and precise multi-color and multi-material 3D printing. Our review examines how well its tool-changing system performs in practice, highlights its practical limitations, and reveals who this printer is best suited for.
Silvio Werner, 10 Aug 2026 18:18
ThinkNode M9: Mobile System with LoRa

Elecrow ThinkNode M9: Mobile messenger with GPS and keyboard enables off-grid communication

Resembling a classic feature phone, the Elecrow ThinkNode M9 enables long-range messaging without requiring a cellular network. However, the budget-friendly device cannot be used for traditional voice calls.
Silvio Werner, 10 Aug 2026 17:37
The T-Echo Card also supports LoRa

T-Echo Card: Compact LoRa gadget features GNSS, sensors, and solar panel—no LTE or 5G required

A new development board enables free long-range communication independent of LTE or 5G networks. The T-Echo Card also features GNSS capabilities and an integrated display.
Silvio Werner, 09 Aug 2026 09:34
The eBay listing of the modified-for-AI Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Turbo 22GB GDDR6

The RTX 2080 Ti refuses to die as modded 22GB "turbo" cards appear on eBay for around $500

A Hong Kong-based eBay seller is offering modified Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti graphics cards with 22GB of GDDR6 memory for about $500, targeting AI users seeking high VRAM capacity at a lower price.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 07 Aug 2026 17:41

Tags

3D Printing (307) 5G (5738) 6G (4) Accessory (10575) AI (3003) Alder Lake (1085) AMD (6784) Android (30712) Anime / Manga (196) Apple (6741) Arc (287) ARM (9070) Arrow Lake (406) Astronomy / Space (651) Audio (3307) Benchmark (689) Biotech (353) Blackwell RTX 5000 (397) Business (12564) Camera (2276) CES 2026 (231) Cezanne (Zen 3) (268) Charts (884) Chromebook (536) Climate (20) Comics (24) Computex (150) Concept / Prototype (292) Console (5712) Convertible / 2-in-1 (2290) CPU (417) Crowdfunding   Cryptocurrency (406) Cyberlaw (832) Deal (7631) Desktop (8677) DIY (620) Drawing (24) Drone (245) E-Ink (279) E-Mobility (4446) Education (86) Exclusive (42) Fail (2348) Feature Phone (1) FemTech (24) Foldable (2213) Gadget (6014) Galaxy A (250) Galaxy M (13) Galaxy S (2955) Galaxy Tab (686) Game Releases (1553) Gamecheck (252) Gamescom (75) Gaming (25778) Garmin (343) Gator Range (1) Geforce (5033) Google Pixel (1801) GPU (2523) Hack / Data Breach (146) Handheld (2544) Health (152) Home Theater (1375) How To (186) Humor (39) IFA (208) Intel (3169) Intel Evo (396) Internet of Things (IoT) (1163) iOS (1568) iPad (380) iPad Pro (708) iPhone (3290) Jasper Lake (60) Laptop (15348) Launch (14992) Leaks / Rumors (19573) Linux / Unix (1223) List (490) Lucienne (Zen 2) (52) Lunar Lake (315) MacBook (1331) macOS (237) Medusa Point   Meteor Lake (394) Microsoft (753) Mini PC (2170) Monitor (2772) Moon Lake   Movies / TV-Shows (334) MS Surface (118) MSI (562) MWC (69) NAS (131) Network (102) Nova Lake (21) Nvidia (1153) Open Source (459) Opinion (494) Panther Lake (510) Public Transport (39) Radeon (618) Raptor Lake (752) Renewable (509) Renoir (379) Retro (434) Review Snippet (2328) RISC-V (65) Robot / Robotics (256) Robot Vacuum (136) Rollable (3) RTX Spark (24) Rugged (240) Ryzen (Zen) (2276) Samsung (1369) Science (1337) Security (1906) Server/Datacenter (209) SFF (22) Single-Board Computer (SBC) (686) Smart Home (4078) Smartphone (29980) Smartwatch (5304) Snapdragon X Series (236) Social Media (588) Software (11384) Sports / e-Sports (179) Storage (2808) Streaming (40) Tablet (6315) ThinkPad (1824) Thunderbolt (1536) Touchscreen (8455) Ultrabook (2754) Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) (1102) Watch (1097) Wearable (7150) Wi-Fi 7 (559) Wi-Fi 8 (2) Wildcat Lake (128) Windows (8828) Workstation (1471) XPS (455) Zen 3 (Vermeer) (360) Zen 4 (621) Zen 5 (752) Zen 6 (28)
Redaktion, 2013-05- 8 (Update: 2013-09-27)