Graphing calculators serve well in complex math tasks. But did you know they can double as game consoles? This guide will walk you through the process of downloading games onto your Texas Instruments or Casio graphing calculator.
Steps
For Texas Instruments Calculator Users

Download and Install TI-Connect Software. TI-Connect is the essential tool for transferring programs to a Texas Instruments graphing calculator. You can get TI-Connect from https://education.ti.com/en/products/computer-software/ti-connect-sw. If you own a TI-84 CE model, opt for TI-Connect CE from https://education.ti.com/en/products/computer-software/ti-connect-ce-sw. Follow these steps to download and install TI-Connect:
- Visit the appropriate download page for your calculator model.
- Click Download.
- Select the download link corresponding to your language and operating system.
- Double-click the installation file in your web browser or 'Downloads' folder.
- Proceed with the on-screen prompts to complete the installation of TI-Connect.

Get MirageOS (Compatible with TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus only). MirageOS serves as an operating system enabling Basic-written games installation on your graphing calculator. This OS functions solely for TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus, and TI-84 Plus CE models. Obtain MirageOS from https://www.ticalc.org/archives/files/fileinfo/139/13949.html. Click Download to retrieve the MirageOS program in a zip file.

Fetch the game you intend to transfer to your calculator. Utilize Google or your preferred search engine to hunt for games compatible with your calculator model (e.g., search 'TI-84 Plus Games'). Confirm compatibility of downloaded games with your calculator model. Some reliable websites for game downloads include:

Link your calculator to your PC. Utilize the USB cable provided with your calculator. Most TI graphing calculators employ a USB silver cable. TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus models utilize a USB A to USB mini-B cable.
- You may be prompted to install new hardware. If prompted, insert the CD that came with your calculator into your CD/DVD-ROM and follow the on-screen instructions.

Launch the TI Connect or TI Connect CE application. It features a blue and yellow icon with two arrows. TI Connect CE boasts a blue and green icon with two arrows. To open TI Connect, click the icon in the Windows Start menu or the Applications folder on Mac.

Click TI DeviceExplorer or the stack of papers icon (TI Connect CE). It's the primary option in TI Connect. The icon depicts two calculators and a magnifying glass. For TI Connect CE, select the stack of papers icon from the left-side bar. This will showcase your calculator software in a separate window.
- Ensure your graphing calculator is powered on.
- Allow a few minutes for the connection process. If it fails initially, disconnect and reconnect the cable.

Install the MirageOS file (Exclusive to TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus). Follow these steps to install MirageOS on your TI-83 Plus or TI-84:
- Extract the MirageOS.zip file using WinRAR, WinZip, or 7-Zip.
- Right-click the MIRAGEOS.8xk file.
- Click Send to.
- Click Send to TI-83/84 or drag and drop the file into the TI-Connect window.

Access the zip file for the downloaded game. Utilize an archive program like WinRAR, WinZip, or 7-Zip to open the zip file containing the downloaded game file.

View the Readme or instructions file. Many games and programs include a text file with installation instructions. These instructions specify which file(s) to transfer to your calculator.

Right-click the file for transfer to your calculator. The required file for transfer is detailed in the Readme or instruction file included within the zip file for the downloaded game.

Click Send to [graphing calculator model]. This action sends the file to your graphing calculator and initiates installation.
- Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file into the TI-Connect window.

Detach your calculator from the computer and close TI Connect. Once the transfer finishes, unplug the USB cable from your calculator.

Press the APPS button on your calculator. This action brings up a list of installed programs on your calculator.

Choose a game. This opens the selected game on your graphing calculator.
- If you're using MirageOS on a TI-83/84, select MirageOS from the apps menu, then choose the desired game.
Using a Casio Calculator

Download and Install Casio FA-124. Casio FA-124 is a program enabling you to transfer programs from your Windows PC to your Casio graphing calculator. Follow these steps to download and install Casio FA-124:
- Visit https://edu.casio.com/forteachers/er/software/ in your web browser on a Windows PC.
- Check the box confirming 'I have read and agree to the terms and conditions' at the top.
- Scroll down and click Download Version 2.01 (for Windows) under 'Program Link Software'.
- Extract the FA-124 program from the zip file in your Downloads folder or web browser.
- Double-click the 'Casio FA 124.exe' file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Download games to your PC. To transfer games to your calculator, you must first download them to your computer. Search for 'Graphing calculator games for Casio' using Google or your preferred search engine. Here are some websites where you can find graphing calculator games for Casio calculators:

Launch Casio FA-124. It features an icon resembling a calculator with blue and red arrows. Click the icon in the Windows Start menu to open Casio FA-124.

Import your games into Casio FA-124. Follow these steps to import your games into FA-124:
- Right-click Default in the panel below 'FA-124' to the right.
- Click Import.
- Browse and click on a game you downloaded (you can only import one at a time).
- Click Open.

Connect your Casio calculator to your PC. Use the USB port at the top of the calculator to connect a USB-A cable to your calculator. Then, connect the other end of the USB cable to a free USB port on your computer.

Power on your Casio calculator and press ≣ Menu. It's located next to the directional buttons on the calculator. This action displays the menu.

Find and choose Link. Use the calculator's directional buttons to locate and highlight 'Link'. Then, press EXE to open the Link menu.

Press the corresponding 'F' button for 'RECV.' Check the tabs at the screen's bottom. Press the F button (likely F2) associated with 'RECV.' This activates the calculator's receive mode.

Click the 'Connect' icon in FA-124. It's the icon resembling a calculator linked to a computer, located in the upper-left corner.

Click User1 followed by Default. First, select User1 in the 'Calculator' panel on the left to designate the destination for program transfer. Then, choose Default in the 'FA-124' panel on the right to specify the source for program transfer.

Click the 'Transfer' icon. This icon, resembling a red arrow, is located above the 'FA-124' panel on the right. This action transfers your games and programs to your Casio graphing calculator.

Press AC/On on your calculator. Locate it on the right side of your calculator above. This action returns your calculator to its normal functioning mode. Now, you can access your games under the 'Menu' on your calculator.
Insights
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Ensure that your calculator is turned ON when connecting it to your computer.
Cautions
- Verify the legitimacy of the downloaded game to avoid viruses; download only from the official TI website!
- Avoid disconnecting or powering off your calculator during the transfer process!
- Exercise responsibility by refraining from playing games during class or work hours!
Essentials
- A Texas Instruments graphing calculator
- A firewire-to-USB cable (included with the calculator)
- The CD bundled with your calculator
- A computer with at least one available USB port
- An internet connection