Category: All News

April 18, 2025
New Free Games Added to Steam: Check Out the Latest Releases
Key Takeaways
1. Steam regularly introduces new games, including a large selection of free titles.
2. In early April 2025, many $0 games were highlighted by the account @SteamGamesPC.
3. The free games available cater to a wide range of genres, from action to puzzles.
4. The library of free games on Steam is continuously expanding, making it accessible for all players.
5. Gamers are encouraged to follow @SteamGamesPC on X for updates on new free game discoveries.
Steam continuously introduces fresh releases, and in addition to featuring AAA games and popular titles, the platform is recognized for providing a vast array of free games. In the early weeks of April 2025, many $0 games have been noticed, with the X account @SteamGamesPC highlighting even more options. Some of the recently discovered games include:
Exciting New Freebies
There are plenty of great choices available for gamers looking to enjoy without spending any money. From action-packed adventures to engaging puzzles, these free games cater to a variety of tastes. Thanks to the keen eye of @SteamGamesPC, gamers can easily find new titles to explore.
A Growing Library
The list of free games keeps growing, making it easier than ever for players to dive into new experiences. With the popularity of free-to-play models, Steam is ensuring that its library remains vibrant and accessible. So, whether you’re an experienced gamer or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.
Be sure to check the latest updates from @SteamGamesPC on X for even more exciting finds in the world of free gaming!
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Tags: @SteamGamesPC, Free Games, Steam
April 18, 2025
Casio G-Shock G-5600BG-5 Eco-Friendly Watch Now in the US
Key Takeaways
1. Casio launches the G-Shock G-5600BG-5 made from recycled materials, utilizing leftover resin scraps from production.
2. The watch features a unique marbled design due to the blending of waste resin, making each piece distinct.
3. It retains the classic G-Shock design with Tough Solar technology for energy efficiency and reduced battery replacements.
4. The G-5600BG-5 offers strong durability, with shock resistance and 200 meters of water resistance.
5. Priced at $150, the eco-friendly watch is available on Casio.com and authorized retailers in the U.S.
After introducing the eco-conscious G-Shock GA010CE-2A and GD010CE-5 in February, Casio is set to launch another durable watch made from recycled materials in the United States. The newly released G-Shock G-5600BG-5 showcases a distinctive design made from leftover resin scraps from Casio’s production processes.
Innovative Recycling Process
What’s really interesting is how Casio is using leftover materials from other watches. Instead of discarding waste resin in shades of white and olive green, they grind it down and blend it into the beige resin for the G-5600BG’s bezel and band. This creates a subtle marbled effect on the watch’s surface. Since the mixing process leads to random designs, Casio emphasizes that each watch will have its own unique appearance.
Reliable Features
Beneath its one-of-a-kind recycled exterior, this watch still retains the dependable essence of G-Shock, built on the traditional square G-5600 design. It is equipped with Casio’s Tough Solar technology, which allows the watch to gather energy from both natural and artificial light, significantly minimizing the need for battery replacements. Additionally, true to G-Shock’s reputation, this model boasts impressive durability, providing strong shock resistance against impacts and 200 meters of water resistance. It also features a bright Super Illuminator LED backlight, world time for 48 cities, five daily alarms, and a complete auto-calendar.
Eco-Friendly Appeal
If you appreciate the combination of classic G-Shock style and a distinctive eco-friendly approach, the G-5600BG presents an attractive option for $150. It is currently available for purchase on Casio.com and through authorized G-Shock retailers across the United States.
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Tags: eco-friendly watch, G-Shock G-5600BG-5, Tough Solar technology
April 18, 2025
Last Epoch Player Count Surges After Tomb of the Erased Update
Key Takeaways
1. The new season “Tombs of the Erased” for Last Epoch enhances endgame content and introduces new mechanics, leading to increased player activity on Steam.
2. The peak number of players reached 150,198, which is significantly lower than its all-time high but still impressive for an action RPG competing with major titles.
3. Last Epoch features a simplified skill and passive tree system, making it more accessible compared to its competitors.
4. The game includes unique elements such as time travel in its narrative and runs smoothly on Steam Deck, with offline play available.
5. Community response to competitor Path of Exile’s latest season has been mixed, while Diablo IV’s upcoming season may not significantly impact player interest.
Eleventh Hour Games has just released a brand new season for its action RPG, Last Epoch. Called Tombs of the Erased, this update introduces a ton of new mechanics and enhances the previously lacking endgame content. As a result, there has been a significant increase in player activity on Steam.
Player Numbers on Steam
According to SteamDB, the peak number of players in the last 24 hours reached 150,198. Although this is less than half of the all-time high of 264,708 players at its initial launch, it’s still impressive for an ARPG that faces tough competition from giants like Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2. It’s likely that these numbers will decrease as the excitement fades, but the increase is notable.
Unique Features of Last Epoch
While Last Epoch may not be as packed with features as its major rivals, it offers some unique elements that differentiate it. For instance, it simplifies the complex skill and passive trees found in other games, allowing players to choose individual skills to develop rather than wade through a maze of options.
If you’re a fan of ARPGs looking for something new, Last Epoch is certainly a game to consider. The narrative, though not fully complete, strays from common themes and introduces time travel. Additionally, the game runs smoothly on a Steam Deck, and the cherry on top is that you can enjoy it entirely offline.
Competition and Community Response
Path of Exile’s Season 2 did not receive the best feedback due to numerous changes that made the game even more challenging. Despite Grinding Gear Games making some adjustments, there are still mixed feelings within the community regarding the latest season. Meanwhile, Diablo IV’s upcoming season is scheduled for April 29, and it’s unlikely that Season 8 will significantly impact player interest.
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Tags: ARPG, Last Epoch, Steam
April 18, 2025
RTX 5060 Ti 8GB vs 16GB: 30% Lower 1% Lows & 18% Slower Frames
Key Takeaways
1. Insufficient VRAM: The RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB is criticized for having only 8 GB of VRAM, making it difficult to justify its price over $300 in 2025.
2. Lack of Reviews: There are few reviews available for the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB, with major tech reviewers also not covering it extensively.
3. Performance Discrepancies: Tests show that the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB performs significantly worse than its 16 GB counterpart, especially in demanding games and scenarios.
4. Frame Generation Limitations: The RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB struggles with 4x Frame Generation, leading to lower performance compared to the 16 GB version, particularly in VRAM-intensive scenarios.
5. Suitable for Less Demanding Games: While it may perform adequately in less demanding games, the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB falls short in newer titles that require more VRAM, mirroring trends from previous generations.
The RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB is found lacking in various ways. It’s hard to justify a GPU priced over $300 with only 8 GB of VRAM in 2025. Additionally, there’s a lack of reviews for the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB, not just from us but also from well-known tech reviewers like Linus Tech Tips and Hardware Unboxed.
Lack of Coverage
It appears that Nvidia might not want the media to talk about the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB. What could be the reason behind this? Perhaps it’s related to how the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB performs compared to its 16 GB counterpart.
According to some tests shared by a Chinese reviewer on bilibili, the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB doesn’t only have half the VRAM of the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB; it’s also shown to be slower in key situations.
Performance Comparisons
In a DLSS 4 performance test in Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB and the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB recorded around 18.5 and 9.1 FPS, respectively, at 2K resolution with ray tracing and other settings maxed out. The DLSS was set to “Quality” with no Frame Generation applied.
When 2x Frame Generation is used, it supposedly removes this huge 200% performance gap, with the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB and RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB hitting 61 and 62 FPS, respectively. However, the situation shifts significantly when 4x Frame Generation is introduced.
With 4x Frame Generation, the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB outperforms the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB by 22%, achieving frame rates of 113 compared to 92.4. This makes sense since generating three more frames for each “real” frame demands that the GPU processes more data in its VRAM.
VRAM Limitations
This means that the 4X Frame Generation, which Nvidia has been promoting heavily, seems to underperform when the VRAM is restricted to 8 GB. This raises further questions about the necessity of the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB.
Moreover, the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB struggles in games that require more VRAM. For instance, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered (HZD Remastered) has official system requirements suggesting it ideally needs 16 GB of VRAM.
Given this, it’s not surprising that the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB is about 29% faster in average FPS at 1080p and 16% faster at 1440p. What’s notable is that the 1% lows at 1080p for the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB are 30% lower. Thus, HZD Remastered should run more smoothly on the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB.
Suitable for Less Demanding Games
On the bright side, the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB is likely fine for games that don’t need more than 8 GB of VRAM. For example, in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, it performs nearly the same as the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB. For 1080p/60 FPS, Ubisoft recommends the RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB in the official system requirements, so it’s no surprise that the game runs just as well on both the 8 GB and 16 GB versions of the RTX 5060 Ti.
In summary, the situation mirrors last generation’s trends: Games that require more VRAM will perform significantly worse on the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB compared to the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB. The performance gap is also present with 4x Frame Generation. It’s puzzling that mid-range cards with only 8 GB of VRAM still exist in 2025, especially since the newest AAA titles are very demanding and upcoming games are expected to follow suit.
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Tags: Gaming Performance, NVIDIA, RTX 5060 Ti
April 18, 2025
Playdate Now in Matching Yellow; Refurbished Units Available
Key Takeaways
1. Panic offers a new vibrant Yellow option for the Playdate Cover, complementing the device’s color, alongside existing colors: Purple, Aqua, and a Pizza design.
2. The Playdate Cover is made from synthetic leather and features magnets to securely attach to the device, while protecting the screen and back.
3. The cover’s design includes indentations that fit the D-pad and A and B buttons, leaving the sides of the Playdate open.
4. The yellow Playdate Cover is priced at $34, the same as other color variants, with a bundle option available for $249 that includes the Playdate and cover.
5. Panic has certified refurbished Playdate units available for $179, which includes all 24 games from season 1, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a 6-month limited warranty.
Panic offers several accessories for the Playdate that allow users to customize their handheld devices, one of which is the Playdate Cover. This is a magnetic flip case designed to safeguard the Playdate while it’s tucked away in your pocket or bag. Initially released in three colors, the cover now comes in a new fourth option.
New Color Option
The latest addition is a vibrant Yellow that complements the Playdate’s own color. Previously, the Playdate Cover could be purchased in Purple, Aqua, and even a Pizza design. This yellow cover is the third accessory released by Panic that matches the handheld’s coloration. Last year, they introduced a 10W AC adapter for the Playdate, along with a USB-C to USB-A cable in the same cheerful yellow shade.
Design and Features
Constructed from synthetic leather (polyurethane), the Playdate Cover features magnets that ensure it stays attached to the handheld device. While the case does leave the sides of the Playdate open, it effectively shields the screen and back from potential damage. Notably, the underside of the cover has indentations that fit the D-pad and A and B buttons perfectly.
Pricing Details
You can purchase the yellow Playdate Cover now for $34, which is the same cost as the other color variants. However, if you’re looking to save some cash, you might consider the Playdate Cover bundle that includes both the Playdate and the case for $249, a savings from the total of $263 if bought separately.
In other news, Panic has certified refurbished units of the Playdate still available for sale. They started offering these last month after announcing a price hike for the device. There is limited stock, so it’s great to see they are still on the shelves nearly a month later. A refurbished unit is priced at $179, which is a notable reduction from the $229 for a new one. This refurbished Playdate comes complete with all 24 games from season 1, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a 6-month limited warranty.
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Tags: Panic, Playdate Cover, refurbished Playdate
April 18, 2025
CMF Phone 2 Pro Set to Launch with Exciting Camera Upgrades
Key Takeaways
1. The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro SoC, which is 10% faster than the standard version.
2. The camera setup includes a 50 MP wide-angle lens, a 50 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
3. The camera upgrade from the CMF Phone 1 includes significant improvements over the previous 2 MP depth sensor.
4. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is positioned in a different market segment, suggesting a higher price point than its predecessor.
5. The enhanced camera components justify the increased cost of the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Nothing has been gradually revealing more details about the CMF Phone 2 Pro ahead of its release. Previous teasers from the brand indicated that it would feature a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro SoC, which is said to be 10% quicker than the standard non-Pro version. Now, we are getting a sneak peek at the most exciting aspects, which are the cameras.
Camera Features Unveiled
The Flipkart page for the CMF Phone 2 Pro and a company representative have disclosed that it will be equipped with a 50 MP 1/57″ wide-angle lens, a 50 MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom, and an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This is a significant upgrade compared to the CMF Phone 1, which featured a 50 MP wide-angle lens alongside a 2 MP depth sensor. This enhancement alone should validate the “Pro” designation for the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
A New Segment
Although the telephoto camera on the CMF Phone 2 Pro may not be as remarkable as that on the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, CMF operates in a completely different market. Consequently, this means the CMF Phone 2 Pro will likely have a higher price than its predecessor. However, this is acceptable as it comes with superior camera components that are well worth the extra cost.
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Tags: 50 MP Camera, CMF Phone 2 Pro, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
April 18, 2025
Top U-Boat Survival RPG Free to Play on Steam Now
Key Takeaways
1. Setting and Theme: Barotrauma is set in the ocean beneath Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, blending survival horror with role-playing elements.
2. Gameplay Mechanics: Players manage complex systems on their submarine while facing threats like hostile creatures and equipment failures, emphasizing teamwork and quick decision-making.
3. Game Modes: The game can be played solo with AI crew or in co-op mode, offering different experiences; solo play focuses on strategy, while co-op emphasizes teamwork.
4. Community Feedback: The game has been well-received on Steam, praised for its atmosphere and depth, but some players criticize the single-player mode and steep learning curve.
5. Availability and Pricing: Barotrauma typically costs $35, with a limited-time offer to play for free and a half-price sale available until April 26.
Barotrauma is a 2D co-op submarine simulator that mixes survival horror with role-playing elements. Created by the Finnish developers FakeFish and Undertow Games, it was published by Daedalic Entertainment and spent multiple years in Early Access before fully launching in March 2023. The game is set in the distant future on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, where players explore an ocean hidden beneath a thick layer of ice, full of dangers and mysteries.
Gameplay Experience
In Barotrauma, players become crew members of a submarine, navigating the treacherous waters of Europa’s ocean. The missions range from exploring unknown areas to transporting cargo and collecting alien artifacts. To ensure survival, players need to manage complex systems such as power distribution, oxygen flow, navigation, and armament. The deep ocean is rife with threats, including hostile creatures, equipment failures, and sudden crises like leaks or fires that require quick teamwork. The game features procedurally generated maps and strong modding support, making every playthrough unique and highly replayable.
Playing Modes
You can enjoy Barotrauma solo or in a co-op setting. In single-player mode, you lead an AI crew, giving commands for tasks like repairs, medical aid, or piloting the submarine. Meanwhile, multiplayer allows each player to take on a specific role within the crew. Both modes contain the same missions and threats, but they provide different gameplay experiences: solo play focuses more on strategy and planning, while co-op emphasizes teamwork, quick thinking, and the occasional chaotic moment.
Community Reception
Barotrauma has been positively received by the Steam community, with players praising its tense and immersive atmosphere. The eerie sound design and claustrophobic underwater environment create a constant feeling of dread. Co-op mode is known for its unpredictable and often funny moments, while the gameplay features a wide variety of experiences. Although the learning curve may be steep initially, many players appreciate the game’s depth and complexity – from its in-depth medical system to its detailed wiring mechanics and realistic pressure physics.
Despite the acclaim, some players find the single-player mode lacking, mainly due to AI that can be frustratingly underdeveloped. The learning process can also be tough, as tutorials may not cover all systems thoroughly, and the interface can be confusing. Additionally, public servers sometimes deal with trolls, although this is easier to manage on private or whitelisted ones. Nevertheless, the game has a solid reputation, holding a 94% positive rating from over 50,000 reviews on Steam. On Metacritic, the reception is a bit more cautious, with a Metascore of 81 and a user score of 7.9.
Barotrauma typically retails for about $35 on Steam, but from April 18 to 20, players can experience it for free. If you enjoy the game, you can purchase it at half price, just $17.50, until April 26.
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Tags: Barotrauma, co-op multiplayer, survival horror
April 18, 2025
Vivo X200 Ultra: A 35mm Flagship DSLR Alternative in Teasers
Key Takeaways
1. Vivo is launching the Vivo X200 Ultra next week after a strong teaser campaign on Chinese social media.
2. The company has revealed over six images of the X200 Ultra, showcasing its three color options and unique textured back panels.
3. The camera module on the X200 Ultra is significantly larger than competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
4. Vivo shared new camera samples and a video, promoting the X200 Ultra’s capabilities for capturing portrait images at various focal lengths.
5. The promotional material positions the X200 Ultra as a potential alternative to traditional DSLR cameras.
Vivo is set to launch the Vivo X200 Ultra next week after an extensive teaser campaign on Chinese social platforms. Just earlier this week, the company revealed numerous camera samples while highlighting the main camera features a few days ago. However, Vivo is still keeping the excitement alive with more teasers.
New Photos Released
This time around, they have released more than six images of the X200 Ultra itself. The images showcase the device in its three colors at launch, each featuring unique textured back panels. The pictures also highlight the impressive size of the camera module on the X200 Ultra, which easily surpasses competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,054.99 on Amazon).
Camera Samples and Video
Vivo has also shared a plethora of new camera samples, accompanied by another promotional video. After previously posting a similar number of landscape images, the company now asserts that the X200 Ultra is perfect for capturing portrait images, no matter the focal length used.
To back this claim, Vivo released photographs taken at 35 mm, 50 mm, and 85 mm equivalent focal lengths. Additionally, another set of images suggests that Vivo sees the X200 Ultra as a viable alternative to traditional DSLR cameras. The latest promotional video reinforces this message, which we have included below.
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Tags: Photography, smartphone camera, Vivo X200 Ultra
April 18, 2025
Garmin Instinct 3 Beta Update: Workout Bug Fixes Released
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has released beta version 9.09 for Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches.
2. Beta version 9.07 introduced a Passcode feature and support for Garmin Connect+ subscription.
3. The previous update also fixed issues with activity power mode and the Jump Rope activity’s “Target Finished” alert.
4. Minor bug fixes and enhancements are included in the new update, but specific details are not provided.
5. Users can update to beta version 9.09 wirelessly via Bluetooth, Garmin Connect Mobile, or Garmin Express.
Garmin has released another update for the Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches, labeled as beta version 9.09. This marks the second rollout in the initial beta testing phase, coming just days after the previous beta version 9.07. The earlier update introduced features such as a Passcode and support for the Garmin Connect+ subscription.
Update Details
Beta version 9.07 was a minor update for these latest Instinct devices. The change log indicates it addresses an issue with the activity power mode setting in Garmin Connect Mobile. Additionally, there was a fix related to the Jump Rope activity; the problem with the “Target Finished” alert has been corrected. However, this fix only applies to the Instinct 3 AMOLED and Instinct 3 Solar smartwatches (50mm Charcoal version currently priced at $449.99 on Amazon).
Minor Improvements
Moreover, there are reportedly several minor bug fixes and enhancements, although Garmin has not shared any extra details on these improvements. As of now, users haven’t reported any new bugs with the beta version 9.09. The Instinct 3 and Instinct E smartwatches are receiving beta version 9.09 wirelessly (OTA) via Bluetooth and Garmin Connect Mobile, or through Garmin Express. If you’re interested in joining the Garmin Beta Program, more information can be found on the company’s support website.
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Tags: beta version 9.09, Garmin, Instinct 3
April 18, 2025
Next Week on Xbox Game Pass: Highly Anticipated AAA RPG Launches
Key Takeaways
1. Fantasy Realm Influence: The game is set in a dark and beautiful fantasy world inspired by the Belle Époque cultural period.
2. Key Character – The Paintress: Players follow the “Paintress,” whose cursed art leads to the annual disappearance of individuals based on a decremented number inscribed on a monolith.
3. Combat Mechanics: The game features a blend of turn-based and real-time combat, requiring players to evade, counter, and exploit enemy weaknesses for powerful combos.
4. Linear Storyline: While exploring enigmatic locations like islands and ancient battlefields, the game maintains a linear narrative focus rather than being an open-world title.
5. Release Date and Availability: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released on April 24 and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on the same day.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 takes players on a journey to a fantasy realm influenced by the Belle Époque, a cultural period from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. The atmosphere is dark, sad, and incredibly beautiful. The key character is the “Paintress,” an enigmatic individual whose art brings about death. Every year, she rises to inscribe a cursed number on a monolith, leading to the disappearance of every person of that age. As the number decreases yearly, the fatalities increase. Players become part of Expedition 33, a group on a mission to break this deadly cycle.
Engaging Combat Mechanics
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the battle system combines traditional turn-based elements with real-time action. Players must evade attacks, counter with perfect timing, and aim for enemy weak points. Executing well-timed actions lets you create powerful combos, adding a musical quality to the combat. When you’re not fighting, you’ll discover enigmatic islands, abandoned cities, and ancient battlefields. Although the game has a vast feel, Clair Obscur is not an open-world title; it maintains a linear storyline that emphasizes narrative and visual storytelling.
Release Information
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to be released on April 24 and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on the same day. This is thrilling news for many subscribers, particularly since the RPG is currently positioned 25th on Steam’s most-wanted games list.
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Tags: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, RPG, Xbox Game Pass