Author: GizNews

  • Galaxy Watch9 Leak: No Charging Speed Upgrade Over Watch8

    Galaxy Watch9 Leak: No Charging Speed Upgrade Over Watch8

    Key Takeaway

    – Samsung’s next Galaxy Watch launch is rumored for July 22, alongside new folding phones.
    – Two new models (likely Watch9 and Watch9 Ultra) have leaked via 3C certification with 10W charging.
    – The new Samsung Health app will feature a redesigned five-section UI and new analytical tools.
    – New health metrics include a Vitals bio-signal tracker, Heart Health Score, and Daily Cardio Load.

    Galaxy Watch Lineup Leak Points to July Event

    Samsung is said to be unveiling its next Galaxy Watches with new folding phones in a rumored event on July 22. The company hasn’t revealed the exact number of smartwatch models it’s going to launch, but the charging speeds of two devices have been leaked via 3C certification. The certification comes from China’s regulatory body, which lists model codes SM-L3550 and SM-L7150, respectively, with support for 10W charging. The model number SM-L3550 could be the Galaxy Watch9, and the SM-L7150 might launch as the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

    Charging Speeds Remain Unchanged

    Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer to see that the Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Ultra had identical charging speeds. The new models are also limited to 10W, which feels like a missed opportunity for faster top-ups. Battery life could be better, though, on the Watch9 and Watch9 Ultra, hopefully Samsung has optimised the power management software to compensate for the same old charging rate. Users have been asking for faster charging for years, so this stagnation is disappointing.

    Full hardware specs are still unconfirmed, but the new wearables will ship with the recently updated Samsung Health app. The new app divides the user interface into five sections: Sleep, Activity, Nutrition, Mindfulness, and Vitals. This reorganization makes it easier to navigate, especially for those who track multiple aspects of their health daily. Each section now contains more detailed insights than previous versions, giving users a clearer picture of their overall wellness.

    New Analytical Tools Added

    The update also adds a few new analytical tools. A new Vitals metric tracks overnight bio-signals like heart rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen to detect variations away from a user’s resting baseline. This feature is designed to alert users to potential health issues before they become serious, by monitoring subtle changes that might indicate illness or overtraining. The data is presented in an easy to understand graph within the app.

    Heart and Hearing Features

    The app now also includes a Heart Health Score based on body composition data, a Daily Cardio Load feature to measure your cardiovascular strain during workouts, and a Hearing Health feature to track ambient noise exposure. These additions bring the Galaxy Watch lineup closer to dedicated fitness trackers, offering metrics that were previously only available on premium devices. The Daily Cardio Load function is particularly useful for athletes managing training intensity, while Hearing Health helps protect users from long term noise damage.

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  • Control Resonant: Remedy started sequel work after Control

    Control Resonant: Remedy started sequel work after Control

    Key Takeaway

    – Control: Resonant is Remedy’s first melee-focused game, with protagonist Dylan Faden using no firearms.
    – The game is set in a warped, open-world version of Manhattan with anomalies like gravity shifts and time fractures.
    – Development followed a two-to-three-year production timeline after extensive early prototyping and engine tweaking.
    – “Vision propagation” workshops with cross-disciplinary leads bridged the gap between concept and full production.
    – Kasurinen emphasizes that team cohesion and honest reassessment are critical to avoid losing design harmony.

    New Sequel to Control Announced

    Creating a game with otherworldly mechanics in a bizarre setting has been a focus for Remedy over the past few years, with notable examples such as Alan Wake 2, Control, and the upcoming Control: Resonant. This new sequel to the 2019 original will expand upon Control and Remedy’s interconnected Universe with a new protagonist, Dylan Faden, who relies entirely on melee combat instead of firearms this time around. The game will be set in a bizarre, warped version of Manhattan, featuring anomalies such as gravity shifts, time fractures, and unpredictable enemies and events. Typically, development teams taking on such ambitious, over-the-top projects risk unintentionally losing design harmony.

    Interview with the Director

    Game Developer had a brief interview with Mikael Kasurinen, the director of Control Resonant, at Gamescom LATAM, where they discussed Control Resonant’s development and design process as Remedy’s first melee-focused game. He stated, “Control was always a franchise that’s not about a single character. It’s about a world that has its own story, one that’s wide and complicated. It’s also the biggest game Remedy has ever made.” Kasurinen explained that as soon as Control came out, he promptly began work on Control Resonant and simply referred to it as the sequel to Control. The team went through numerous prototype stages and tweaked the game’s engine to accommodate the open-world concept of Control Resonant.

    Development Timeline and Process

    According to Kasurinen, early experimentation and testing allowed the official production timeline to fall between two and three years. In the interview, he explained, “The early portion was more about concepting and thinking through what we were going to do and how we would do it. In the meantime, we were building processes, we were building our technology, we were creating tools, and basically preparing to go into pre-production and then full production with the game in the last two to three years.” Kasurinen described a process of “vision propagation” between the two phases, bridging the gap between production cycles. This was accomplished through brainstorming workshops with a group of leads from different disciplines who were envisioning the game’s fundamentals and high-level concepts.

    Team Communication and Challenges

    Kasurinen continued, “Once we’re done with the early phases… they are committed.” After that, the leads return to their respective teams, gradually instructing them, communicating the game’s milestones, and adjusting their workload and tasks as needed. Kasurinen concluded: “If a team faces a wall and I can see the issues, I need to be able to step back and say, ‘Yep, it doesn’t work.’ We can let it go and find another way. But that thinking, that commitment, that investment, needs to work within the team, vertically all the way to the top. If it doesn’t, the team will start to fall apart and lose their sense of what’s true and what’s false.”

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  • Gears of War: E-Day PS5 Pre-Order Leak Rumors Hit

    Gears of War: E-Day PS5 Pre-Order Leak Rumors Hit

    Key Takeaway

    – Gears of War: E-Day may launch as a multi-platform title, including PS5, based on a now-deleted Walmart listing.
    – The standalone Gears of War: E-Day Direct airs on June 7th, promising gameplay, release date, and pre-order details.
    – Microsoft has not officially confirmed platforms, but first-party titles like Halo: Campaign Evolved are also heading to PS5.
    – Fan backlash over promoting competing consoles is causing Microsoft to reconsider its multi-platform strategy.

    Walmart Leak Hints at Big Change for Gears

    A Walmart leak might have just confirmed that Gears of War: E-Day will be a multi-platform title, which is huge news. The now-deleted pre-order listing showed a Standard Edition PS5 version, before the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 ever even happened. Supporters have been increasingly lobbying Microsoft to reintroduce Xbox exclusive games to other consoles, and this seems like a direct response.

    Price and Specs From The Listing

    The $99.99 price for the tactical third-person shooter is likely just a placeholder, its not a final price. Its possible that the entire page is an error, but the store has previously posted correct information prematurely, so its not a sure thing. Viewers should see a comprehensive overview, including actual gameplay, during a standalone June 7th Direct event. Buyers may also finally learn the Gears of War: E-Day release date and pre-order details at that time.

    Microsoft hasn’t clarified which platforms the latest effort from The Coalition studio will launch on, wich is frustrating for fans. Still, with other first-party titles like Halo: Campaign Evolved heading to the PS5, most players expect E-Day to follow that path. The Walmart listing already being live also suggests a day-one launch on multiple systems, meaning no timed exclusivity.

    Debate Over Xbox Exclusives Continues

    The Games Showcase reignited a debate about the importance of Xbox exclusive games, and it got heated. Many fans complained when they realized the event would again promote competing consoles like the PS5. CEO Asha Sharma previously said that the company is reconsidering its multi-platform strategy, which is a shift. Responding to the outcry, it may limit the use of rival logos in future broadcasts to appease the angry fans.

    Comparing to PlayStation’s Strategy

    Some analysts anticipate that the publisher could imitate PlayStation’s approach in some ways. While Sony has ported single-player titles to PC, it has resisted doing the same on Xbox consoles, keeping them exclusive. Now, leaks indicate they will confine all but live-service multiplayer candidates to the PS5, which is a different strategy. This might be the smartest move for them.

    On its release date, Gears of War: E-Day should offer multiplayer options for sure. Otherwise, players can prepare for a narrative-driven solo experience that focuses on the story. It may have been a candidate for exclusivity, but Microsoft also has to factor in slowing hardware adoption rates. Recently, there have been signs that amid a “return to Xbox” initiative, sales have improved somewhat.

    Event Dates and Broadcast Times

    The Xbox Games Showcase begins on June 7th at 1PM/7PM CEST, so mark your calenders. The Direct for the Gears of War prequel airs immediately after the livestream ends. Walmart Gears of War: E-Day PS5 leak(deleted) will be a major talking point until then.

    • Standard Edition PS5 listing was posted
    • Price is set at $99.99
    • Game is a tactical third-person shooter
    • June 7th Direct will show gameplay


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  • New Racing Game Bundle: 7 Top Titles for $10

    New Racing Game Bundle: 7 Top Titles for $10

    Key Takeaway

    – Seven racing games included in the Redline Racing Bundle
    – Most games are Steam Deck-compatible
    – Deal expires on June 27
    – Two tiers: $5 for three games, $10 for all seven

    Humble Bundle’s latest package — Redline Racing Bundle — has arrived with seven racing games in tow. Aside from the sixth game on the list, all the games in this bundle are Steam Deck-compatible. This deal will expire on June 27.

    Bundle Tiers and Pricing

    This bundle is divided into two tiers: the first tier costs $5 and contains three games, while the second tier contains all seven games and costs $10. Here is exactly what the bundle offers:

    Important Disclaimer

    Discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability. Humble Bundle is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers.

    • First tier ($5) includes three Steam Deck-compatible racing games
    • Second tier ($10) includes all seven games in the collection
    • All games except the sixth one support Steam Deck
    • Deal expires on June 27

    This bundle offers a fantastic oppurtunity for racing fans to expand there library with multiple titles at a significently discounted price. The two-tier structure allows customers to choose between a budget-friendly option or go all-in for the complete collection.

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  • Generative AI in Stellar Blade Trailer May Alienate Chinese Players

    Generative AI in Stellar Blade Trailer May Alienate Chinese Players

    Key Takeaway

    – Garbled AI-generated text in *Stellar Blade: Blood Rain* key art and trailer suggests genAI tool use has drawn criticism.
    – Analyst Daniel Camilo warns that garbled Chinese characters could hurt sales in China, which accounted for over 60% of the original game’s PC audience.
    – Shift Up CEO Kim Hyung-tae supports genAI as a productivity tool for smaller Korean studios, but its final role in the sequel remains unclear.
    – Beyond AI concerns, the sequel faces backlash over its youthful protagonist, Evie, adding further controversy.

    Generative AI has become an increasingly common resource in game development. Regardless, that hasn’t stopped the scrutiny of studios that rely on the technology. Most recently, there have been concerns about the Stellar Blade: Blood Rain trailer that premiered at Summer Game Fest 2026.

    Suspicious Details in the Trailer and Key Art

    The video has several telltale signs that genAI tools influenced its production. Even in the key art used by Shift Up to promote the Stellar Blade sequel, windows on buildings resemble AI slop. Daniel Camilo, on social media, focused on Chinese characters that don’t translate to anything coherent.

    Persistent Flaw of Garbled Text

    While machine learning now produces more convincing images and videos, garbled text remains an issue. It’s possible that the suspicious artwork is a placeholder ahead of the Stellar Blade: Blood Rain release date. Nevertheless, Camilo thinks that it could hurt sales from one of the largest customer bases.

    Formerly a PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade debuted on Steam in June 2025. The PC port’s success surprised many analysts, with one Asian country significantly boosting sales. Gamalytic revealed that over 60% of the audience of the stylish hack-and-slash RPG hailed from China.

    Multi-Platform Launch and Familiar Setting

    The follow-up will likely launch on multiple platforms, with many of the same buyers anxious for the sequel. Its setting could also attract players who find the scenery familiar. Some fans believe that the city of Chongqing inspired the Cyberpunk-themed trailer.

    Shift Up CEO’s View on Generative AI

    How much of a role generative AI will have in the final build is unclear. However, Shift Up CEO Kim Hyung-tae is a strong supporter of the technology. He previously explained that smaller Korean companies need the tools to compete with larger western and Chinese studios. Still, the executive says it should increase productivity rather than create assets.

    Even if the Chinese characters are overlooked, Blood Rain will not escape controversy. Other critics argue that its youthful protagonist, Evie, is a questionable choice for the sequel.

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  • Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i 15 Costs Over $2600: New Normal?

    Key Takeaway

    – The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i 15 Aura Edition is experiencing price increases due to the ongoing memory and SSD crisis.
    – The review configuration (Core Ultra 9 386H, RTX 5060, 32GB RAM) is discounted to $2,619 but remains very expensive.
    – The Yoga Pro 7i has no direct competitor with its unique 15.3-inch display, but is comparable in features to the larger Yoga Pro 9i.
    – A better value alternative exists, such as the Lenovo Legion 5i, which offers a faster CPU and GPU (RTX 5070) for under $1,600.
    – Despite its premium features (OLED 165Hz panel, great sound, keyboard), the high price makes it hard to recommend.

    Pricing and Configuration Changes

    After prices for memory and SSDs are rising since last year, new laptop models for 2026 are now getting more expensive as well. Lenovo’s new multimedia laptop Yoga Pro 7i 15 Aura Edition is also affected by this, even though our review SKU with the GeForce RTX 5060 and 32 GB RAM is currently already discontinued at Lenovo’s US shop and at $2619, it is actually a bit cheaper than the slower RTX 5050 model. This is still a steep price, so is it really just a result of the memory crisis or is the Yoga simply too expensive?

    Unique Positioning in the Lineup

    Looking at Lenovo’s lineup, the Yoga Pro 7i is not the flagship series, which would be the Yoga Pro 9 (available with 14-inch or 16-inch screens). The Yoga Pro 7i with its 15.3-inch display is rather unique and there is no direct competitor either, because other manufacturers only offer 14- or 16-inch models in this performance class right now. In terms of features and options, however, there is not much difference between the Yoga Pro 7i 15 and the Yoga Pro 9i 16, for example, because they are pretty much comparable in every respect (including features like Advanced Optimus, the excellent sound system or the excellent keyboard). This is also the case for the great OLED panel with 165 Hz, which does not have any issues with a grainy image on brighter contents despite the touchscreen.

    Value Proposition and Alternatives

    As mentioned before, Lenovo US currently offers a discount on our review configuration with the Core Ultra 9 386H (Panther Lake), Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5060 as well as 32 GB RAM. This is still a lot of money for this amount of performance and we are still having a hard time recommending it when you can still bet devices like the Lenovo Legion 5i with a faster HX-CPU from Intel, a similar 165 Hz OLED panel and the even faster GeForce RTX 5070 for less than $1600 right now on Amazon, for example. For more information about the new Yoga Pro 7i 15 Aura Edition, please see our comprehensive review.

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    • Deal: 50% Off Real-Time Strategy Game Loved by 90% on Steam

      Deal: 50% Off Real-Time Strategy Game Loved by 90% on Steam

      Key Takeaway

      – Remaster of the 2002 RTS featuring Greek, Norse, and Egyptian gods
      – 50-mission campaign plus Arena of the Gods mode
      – “Very Positive” on Steam (90% of 22,540+ reviews) and strong Metacritic scores
      – 50% off at $14.99 on Steam until June 16, 2026 (regular $29.99)
      – Some DLCs may affect balance; occasional bugs reported

      Welcome to the Godly Battlefield

      Age of Mythology: Retold is the remastered version of Age of Mythology released back in 2002. It was developed by World’s Edge and published on Steam by Xbox Game Studios on September 4, 2024, this real-time strategy game immerses you in a world where gods from different cultures are at war. Its a classic that got a fresh coat of paint.

      Picking Your Pantheon and Campaign

      As a player, you can choose from different gods, such as the Greek, Norse, or Egyptian gods. Their is 50 missions available in the main campaign, allowing you to explore different worlds. Indeed, you can attack the city of Troy and also face the giants of Midgard. The variety keeps things fresh for sure.

      Combat and Resource Management

      To defeat the other gods and dominate this world, you can use unique skills and summon monsters inspired by various mythologies. But dont forget to manage your resources and assign your villagers to different tasks to gain an advantage over your opponents. Its a balancing act between offense and economy.

      Multiplayer and Arena Mode

      Finally, you can play in multiplayer or against the AI on randomly generated maps. In addition, a new mode called Arena of the Gods allows you to embody a legendary hero and face many enemies. This adds replayability for those who want a challenge with friends or solo.

      Critical Reception and Player Feedback

      Loved by 90% of players based on over 22,540 reviews, Age of Mythology: Retold is rated “Very Positive” on Steam. On Metacritic, it has a Metascore of 83 and a user score of 7.8. Thus, it has several strengths, such as its storyline, its universe, its various units, and its features. However, several DLCs are available, and according to players, some of them can affect game balance. In addition, some bugs have also been reported by the comunity.

      Pricing and Discount Details

      Despite this, the game is available at its lowest price of $14.99. Indeed, it is 50% off on Steam until June 16, 2026, after which it will return to $29.99, according to SteamDB. This is a great deal for anyone who missed the original or wants to revisit it. The price is quite attractive right now.

      Final Note on Availability

      This article is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability. Enjoy the game while the offer lasts!


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    • Samsung Galaxy A27 Leak Reveals New Color Option

      Samsung Galaxy A27 Leak Reveals New Color Option

      Key Takeaway

      – New “Awesome Mint” color added to Galaxy A27 lineup (alongside Black, Blue, Light Pink)
      – Expected launch in H2 2026 with Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, up to 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage
      – Features include 6.7″ FHD+ display, 50MP main camera, and 5,000 mAh battery
      – Will run Android 16-based One UI 8.5 out of the box
      – Possible US release following the launch of Galaxy A37 and A57

      Last month, we wrote about a major leak that gave us a sneak peek at the colors of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy A27. At the time, the Galaxy A27 was rumored to come in three colors, Black, Blue, and Light Pink.

      New Color and Timeline

      But a new leak from tipster Mohammed Khatr now suggests that Samsung will add an additional Awesome Mint color, which looks like a pale green, as seen below. Samsung hasn’t announced the launch date for the Galaxy A27, but the phone might be official in H2 2026. Samsung has not disclosed any specifications or features of the Galaxy A27 as well.

      Core Specifications Leak

      However, a recent leak suggests that the Galaxy A27 will be equiped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 SoC, up to 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, and run Android 16-based One UI 8.5 out of the box. The Samsung Galaxy A27 will also have a 6.7” FHD+ display, a 50MP primary camera, and a 5,000 mAh battery. Samsung could also launch the Galaxy A27 in the US, given that the Galaxy A37 and A57 were already launched in the country.

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    • Resident Evil Code Veronica May Be Semi-Open World

      Resident Evil Code Veronica May Be Semi-Open World

      Key Takeaway

      – Capcom officially announced a Resident Evil Code: Veronica remake at Summer Game Fest 2026.
      – The remake is rumored to feature a semi-open world with a rideable motorcycle for exploration.
      – Dusk Golem claims Claire Redfield will have a repaired motorcycle to navigate Rockfort Island freely.
      – Skeptics warn that open-world freedom could reduce survival horror tension and resource management.
      – The game is expected in 2027 on PS5, Xbox, and PC, with a third-person perspective.

      Capcom confirmed rumours by announcing Resident Evil Veronica at Summer Game Fest 2026. AestheticGamer, aka Dusk Golem, who revealed the project’s existence in 2024, is now providing details not seen in the trailer. A Steam tag may also support his theory that the Code Veronica remake will feature a semi-open world area.

      Insider Shares Steam Tag Discovery

      The insider shared a social media post from Eden about tags visible on Valve’s site. These labels help buyers find titles that interest them on the marketplace. One of the more curious discoveries is “Motorbike”, suggesting there will be a rideable motorcycle in the survival horror game. Users can add these tags, but in this case, developers registered many of them.

      Dusk Golem Connects Leak to Rockfort Island

      Dusk Golem took an interest in the finding because of an earlier Rockfort Island leak. In the original Resident Evil game, Claire Redfield is sent to a military prison on the island. Only traveling on foot was an option. However, in the modernized version, the insider says she will have more latitude to explore the area on a repaired motorcycle.

      Mixed Track Record on Open-World Claims

      While Dusk Golem has a solid track record, he has missed on some occasions. Most relevant to the Resident Evil Veronica open-world claim, he made a similar statement about Resident Evil Requiem. Prior to its release date, Golem hinted that it would offer less restricted exploration. Capcom denied the report, but a preliminary build apparently did have these characteristics.

      Motorcycle Gameplay Differs from RE9

      In RE9, Leon Kennedy hops onto a motorbike, but players don’t actually steer the vehicle. That’s typical of these sequences in the series, where movements are usually scripted. In the Code Veronica remake, gamers would control their direction of travel.

      Tension Concerns Among Fans

      Some fans may not celebrate driving through an open world in a Resident Evil game. In survival horror titles, greater freedom to avoid enemies could reduce the tension. It may also become too easy to stockpile ammo and critical resources.

      Release Details and Third-Person Perspective

      Among other predictions, Dusk Golem anticipates a third-person point of view in the new remake. Following its Summer Game Fest trailer, Resident Evil Veronica has a 2027 release date on PS5, Xbox, and PC.

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    • MSI Cubi AI+ 3MG: 60% Faster, But Could Be Better

      Key Takeaway

      – Core Ultra 9 386H is over 60% faster in multi-thread performance than last-gen Lunar Lake.
      – Power consumption only increases by ~8% for a significant performance-per-watt gain.
      – Turbo boost lasts only ~20 seconds before throttling due to the small form factor.
      – The same CPU runs 20-25% faster in larger laptops like the Razer Blade 16.
      – The new Cubi NUC is a major improvement but doesn’t fully utilize the CPU’s potential.

      MSI’s New 2026 Cubi NUC: A Panther Lake Powerhouse in a Tiny Box

      The latest 2026 Cubi NUC from MSI ships with an H-series Panther Lake CPU to replace the Lunar Lake CPU on last year’s model. Panther Lake can run substantially faster than last generation Lunar Lake options as the same CPU in the 2026 Cubi NUC can also be found on gaming laptops like the Razer Blade 16. On the MSI mini PC, however, some compromises have been made for the smaller form factor.

      Raw Performance vs. Last Year: A Massive Leap Forward

      As shown by the comparison graphs below, the Core Ultra 9 386H CPU in the Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG is over 60 percent faster than the Core Ultra 7 258V in the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG in terms of raw multi-thread performance. Power consumption would be just a few watts more as well and so the significant performance advantage requires just a small 8 percent uptick in power requirements for superior performance-per-watt.

      • CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 386H (Panther Lake, 6P+8E+2LPE, up to 5.0 GHz)
      • Graphics: Intel Arc integrated (up to 8 Xe cores)
      • Memory: Dual-channel DDR5-6400 (soldered, up to 64 GB)
      • Storage: 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x M.2 2230
      • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 3.5mm audio jack
      • Dimensions: 0.88 x 4.6 x 4.4 inches (22.4 x 117 x 112 mm)
      • Base Power: 35W (configurable up to 65W)
      • Pricing: Starting at $879 (barebone), $1,149 (16GB/512GB config)

      Thermal Throttling: The Small Form Factor’s Achilles’ Heel

      The issue arises when comparing the new MSI mini PC to laptops sporting the same Core Ultra 9 386H CPU. The Razer Blade 16, for example, runs 20 to 25 percent faster than the MSI due to its much larger form factor and more capable cooling solution. Meanwhile, the same CPU in the MSI can only sustain Turbo Boost clock rates for about 20 seconds before needing to throttle as exemplified below by the initial spikes in CineBench R15 xT scores and power consumption when running Prime95.

      Performance Ceiling: What Could Have Been

      The 2026 Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG is indubitably a huge improvement over its predecessor, but it could have been even faster given what the Core Ultra 9 386H is capable of on other machines. While the mini PC delivers exceptional single-threaded speed and outpaces any previous Lunar Lake competitor by a wide margain, its sustained multithreaded performance is hamstrung by the chassis’s thermal constraints. For bursty workloads or everyday productivity, the Cubi NUC is a dream; for extended rendering or encoding tasks, you’ll see performance drop off after the first few seconds.

      Owners should also note that the soldered memory means no upgrades later, so choose your configuration wisely from the start. The fan noise under load is moderate but noticable, hovering around 35 dB at head height. Overall, this is a impressive step forward for the Cubi line, but enthusiatsts waiting for a true desktop-class experience in a NUC might still be left wanting a little more ceiling.

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