these work just like they do in Powder Game. Speed x1 x2 x4 and x8: i believe this cuts out frames to make the particles move faster Dark display mode: You cant see particles unless it is illuminated by particles that give off light
Speed isn't happening, Powder Toy does so much calculating that the speed it shows at is actually about as fast as it can go, and frame skipping would be pointless for 99% of users. The time spent rendering particles is peanuts compared to the time spent calculating particle movement, interactions, and pressure/velocity interaction in conjunction. Not to mention heat.
Dark display is hopeful. It'd be like using negative glow on the whole screen. o_o