Category: All News

  • LEGO Pokémon Paper Bags Revealed: Fans Love Them, But Not the Poké Balls

    Key Takeaway

    – LEGO Pokémon Paper Bags sets are small, affordable display models without SMART Play features.
    – Fans have a positive reaction to the sets, jokingly calling them “Premier Cube” and “Pokébox” due to their angular design.
    – The blockier look may be intentional to match the design language of the SMART Play range.
    – The Ditto as Squirtle: Movie Night set (185 pieces) is a free promotional gift in the US with $130+ Pokémon SMART Play purchases.
    – It is listed in the European LEGO Store but not yet available, with unclear future availability as a promo or separate purchase.


    New LEGO Pokémon Sets Arriving Soon

    With the new LEGO Pokémon sets launching on August 1, 2026, one of the biggest collaborations in the world of construction toys is about to begin. After LEGO unveiled the first official SMART Play sets in early June – products that place a much stronger emphasis on play features than regular LEGO sets – the first two accompanying LEGO Pokémon Paper Bags have now surfaced as well. There are also new details about the promotional set Ditto as Squirtle: Movie Night.

    Paper Bag Details and Pricing

    LEGO has not officially announced the Paper Bags yet, but the most important details have already appeared on retailer websites. The Premier Ball (30729) consists of 46 pieces and is designed as a small display model. The Trainer Supplies (30730) set includes 56 pieces, including a miniature Premier Ball, a Poké Ball, target markers and Pokémon snacks. So far, there are no signs of SMART Play features or Smart Tags in either set.

    Fan Reactions to the Design

    The idea of small, affordable Pokémon sets is being well received by fans on Reddit. Users jokingly refer to the models as the “Premier Cube” and “Pokébox,” as they look much more angular than their counterparts from the games and anime. Some suspect that LEGO deliberately chose this blockier look so the Paper Bags fit better with the overall design language of the SMART Play range.

    New Information on Ditto Promotional Set

    The new details about the 185-piece set Ditto as Squirtle: Movie Night are also interesting. The set is listed in the European LEGO Store, but is currently not available. In the US, it is being offered through the Pokémon Center as a free gift with purchases of Pokémon SMART Play sets worth at least $130. It remains unclear whether the Ditto set will be sold separately in Europe or later become available as a promotional giveaway there as well.

    Sources
  • Deal: Baseus X1 Pro Security Camera Hits All-Time Low

    Key Takeaway

    – Lowest price ever: Baseus X1 Pro security camera now $130 on Amazon with code X1PROPRNO1 (down from $280 MSRP).
    – No subscription needed; one-time investment for home security.
    – Dual-camera system with 3K resolution and 300-degree coverage.
    – Includes 3W solar panel; 20 minutes of sunlight provides 24 hours of power.
    – Supports up to 512 GB SD card storage and motion-triggered 20-second clips.


    Big Save on Security Camera Deal Currently

    Baseus is doing a promotion on its X1 Pro security camera, witch has brought it down to its lowest price ever. With the X1 Pro, no subscription is needed, so its a one-time investment for home security. It features 300-degree coverage with a dual-camera system and 3K resolution.

    Mounting Options and Solar Charging Details

    The X1 Pro can be used in a variety of mounting locations and offers quite a lot of adjustmment. There is a 3W solar panel included in the package that keeps the camera charged. Baseus says 20 minutes of sunlight can keep the cameras running for 24 hours. As mentioned earlier, there are two cameras that can either show separate or stitched footage, with 3K resolution for each camera. This can provide up to 300-degree pan coverage.

    Key Features and Storage Capabilities

    All the major features that you would expect from a high-end security camera are present here, and you can read about them in detail in our review. The X1 Pro supports up to 512 GB of SD card storage and can store 20-second clips when motion is detected.

    Promotional Price and Available Bundles

    Baseus is offering a significant discount on the X1 Pro till June 14, with a possibility of extension. The typical MSRP is $280, but with the promotion and the additional discount code – X1PROPRNO1 – the price comes down to $130 on Amazon. This is for the non-SD card bundle. You can also get the SD card bundles from the website, where they are priced at $150 after discount.

    Important Note on Pricing

    Notebookcheck 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.

    Baseus, Amazon

    • Promotion: Baseus X1 Pro lowest price ever
    • No subscription required
    • 300-degree coverage and 3K resolution
    • 3W solar panel included
    • 20 minutes sunlight = 24 hours power
    • Up to 512 GB SD card storage
    • Price: $130 after code X1PROPRNO1 (non-SD bundle)
    • SD bundle: $150 after discount
    • Offer ends June 14
    Sources
  • Deal: Wacky Pirate RPG Cheaper Than Ever on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Modern pirate setting in present day, with Goro Majima as an amnesiac captain
    – Combines beat-’em-up combat, RPG progression, and real-time naval battles
    – Currently at an all-time low price of $14.99 (75% off) on Steam until June 18
    – 88% positive user reviews on Steam, but mixed critical scores (e.g., 7/10 from PC Games)
    – Best for players who enjoy wacky, chaotic gameplay rather than serious pirate sims


    Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: A Modern Pirate Tale

    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is cleary a pirate game, but it takes a rather unusual aproach: the title is set in the present day. Players take on the role of Goro Majima, who has lost his memory and reinvents himself at sea as a modern pirate captain. There, he is searching not only for his memories, but for a legendary treasure also. The action RPG from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is discounted by 75% on Steam until June 18 and is available for $14.99 instead of $59.99. According to SteamDB, previous discounts had usually topped out at 70%, making the current deal a new all-time low.

    Gameplay and Feautres

    In terms of gameplay, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii combines classic third-person action with beat-’em-up combat, RPG progression and naval battles. On land, Majima fights his way thru groups of enemies using different combat styles, swords, pistols, grappling hooks and special moves. At sea, the Goromaru takes center stage: players can upgrade their own ship, equip it with new weapons and deploy it in real-time battles against enemy crews. Crew recruitment, bounty hunts, treasure hunts, karaoke, cooking and other typical Yakuza side activities are also included.

    Community and Critical Reception

    The unusual approach seems to have struck a chord with the Steam community in particular: 88% of more than 9,400 user reviews are positive. German gaming magazine PC Games was somewhat more reserved, awarding 7 out of 10 points. The editorial team praised the entertaining setting, the well-crafted story and the enjoyable naval battles, but criticized the weak AI, the lack of tactical depth and the absence of a true “open sea” feeling, as the sea consists of separate map sections rather than an open, freely explorable world. On Metacritic, the action RPG has a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 7.9.

    Who Should Play This?

    The sometimes widely divergent ratings are hardly surprising. Anyone looking for a serious pirate game is clearly in the wrong place with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Players who enjoy wacky characters, a crazy setting and plenty of chaos, however, should find alot to like here. That also applies to handheld gamers: on the Steam Deck, the title is classified as “Verified” and should therefore run smoothly.


    Sources

  • The most atmospheric 4X strategy game under $10 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – 75% discount on Steam until June 17, priced at $9.99 (matches all-time low)
    – Turn-based 4X strategy with automatic real-time space battles prepared through ship design and tactics
    – Focus on long-term empire management balancing population, resources, research, and defense
    – Highly rated: 82/100 from GameStar, 83% positive Steam reviews, Metascore of 80
    – Steam Deck “Playable” but controls designed for mouse and keyboard


    Building Your Own Space Empire in Endless Space 2

    In ENDLESS Space 2, players build there own intergalactic empire. As the leader of a civilization, they must make decissions about research, the economy, politcs, diplomacy and the military, with the goal of outpacing rival factions and achieving one of many victory conditions. The game is set in a mysterious sci-fi universe which is shaped by the traces of the ancient Endless. AMPLITUDE Studios’ 4X strategy game is discounted by 75% on Steam until June 17 and costs $9.99 instead of $39.99. According to SteamDB, the current deal matches the game’s all-time low, last reached during mid-April.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Turn-Based Strategy

    When it comes to gameplay, ENDLESS Space 2 offers classic 4X strategy, but unlike its major rival Stellaris, it uses a turn-based structure. Space battles play out as automatic real-time engagments, but are prepared beforehand via ship design, modules, fleet composition and tactical battle plans. The real challenge comes less from individual battles than from the long-term management of a functioning empire, where population, resources, research and defense must be constantly balanced against each other.

    Critical Reception and User Reviews

    German gaming publication GameStar awarded ENDLESS Space 2 82 out of 100 points at its launch in May 2017. The magazine particularly praised its successful 4X gameplay, the interesting factions and its complex research system. The steep learning curve, the rather superficial political mechanics and the lack of genuine innovation were not recieved as well. 4Players even called it “the most atmospheric and complex 4X strategy game in recent years.” The Steam community reaches a similar verdict: 83% of more than 22,000 user reviews are positive. According to Metacritic, the title has a Metascore of 80 and a User Score of 7.8.

    Steam Deck Compatibility and Pricing Details

    Although ENDLESS Space 2 is clasified as “Playable” on the Steam Deck, the controls are clearly designed for mouse and keyboard and are therefore likely to feel quite fiddly on the handheld device. The game is currently avalible for $9.99 instead of its regular price of $39.99, representing a 75% discount. This special offer on Steam ends on June 17th and matches the games all-time low price point which was last seen in mid-April of this year.


    Sources

  • GTA 6 Trailer Theory Based on Rockstar Parking Lot Mocked

    Key Takeaway

    – Fans are resorting to extreme and unusual methods (e.g., drone surveillance, audio equipment, tracking cars) to guess GTA 6 news.
    – One Reddit user is monitoring Rockstar’s parking lot traffic, believing luxury car clustering signals major internal meetings.
    – The user claims a June 3 spike in expensive vehicles (e.g., Ferrari, Rolls-Royce) hints at an imminent trailer.
    – The wider community largely dismisses the theory, with most reacting with skepticism or amusement.


    Unusual Fan Theories Emerge

    The long wait for GTA 6 continues to produce increasingly unusual fan theories. Rockstar Games’ offices have reportedly even been watched with drones in an attempt to catch glimpses through the windows. Another extreme example comes from Reddit user u/Then-Pomgranate-625, who claims he first placed audio equipment near Rockstar North’s Edinburgh studio to measure noise levels around a meeting room. When he returned later, however, the equipment was gone.

    Fan Changes Tactics After Equipment Theft

    Rather then dropping the idea, the fan changed tactics and began tracking traffic in and out of the parking lot. He records the time, number and estimated value of the vehicles, hoping to determine when more executives than usual mite be inside the building. His theory: if an unusual number of expensive cars appear around Rockstar’s offices late in the day, it could point to internal meetings or preparations for a major announcement.

    Specific Observation on June 3rd

    On June 3, he claimed to have noticed exactly that. Between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., he documented unusually heavy traffic in the parking lot, including three luxury cars: a Porsche Cayman S, a Ferrari 296 GTB and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. To him, this suggests that trailer 3 for the successor to GTA 5 (PS5 version currently available for around $25 on Amazon) could be drawing closer. The wider community is far less convinced.

    Community Reactions Range Widely

    Most reactions range from amusement to disbelief, with the top comment in the thread reading: “I hope this is satire.” Very few users see the observations as credible evidence of an imminent trailer reveal. The skepticism is widespread across forums, with many pointing out that expensive cars could belong to anyone. The fan’s dedication is impressive but ultimately seen as misguided by most observers. Reddit discussions continue to debate the validity of his methods and conclusions.

    Sources
  • OnePlus Reveals New Phone in Orange Finish

    OnePlus Reveals New Phone in Orange Finish

    Key Takeaway

    – OnePlus officially confirmed the Turbo 6X and Turbo 6X Pro, priced around CNY 1,500 (~$221).
    – The Turbo 6X Pro features a large 8,000mAh battery and a Samsung 1.5K display.
    – It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Super chipset with up to 12GB/256GB storage.
    – The device boasts high durability with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K water/dust resistance ratings.
    – Pre-orders are now open in China, with full specifications still pending.


    OnePlus Officially Confirms New Turbo 6X Series

    Recent leaks had suggested that OnePlus would be launching the Turbo 6X series in China. Now, the company has officially confirmed the OnePlus Turbo 6X and the OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro. The new smartphones will be positioned around the CNY 1,500 price point, which roughly translates to $221. It’s a pretty affordable device for the spec sheet theyre offering.

    Design and Display Details of the Pro Model

    The Turbo 6X Pro is shown in two colorways: black and orange. The design language of the device appears to be similar to that of the OnePlus 15 (curr. $899 on Amazon), with a square rear camera housing. One of the main highlights of the Turbo 6X Pro is its large 8,000mAh battery. The company has also confirmed that the device features a Samsung-supplied display with a “1.5K” resolution.

    Performance and Memory Configurations

    The Turbo 6X Pro is powered by the mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Super chipset. The phone comes in three memory configurations: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, and 12GB/256GB. This should provide enough options for most users who are looking for a balance between price and performance. Notably, it features IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance ratings.

    Pre-Order Availability

    Detailed specifications of the device are yet to be revealed. The Turbo 6X Pro is now available for pre-order in China. The source of this information is 李杰Louis on Weibo. It remains to be seen how these devices will compete in the crowded midrange market segment.


    Sources

  • AMD Ryzen 5800X3D Relaunch Required Extensive Engineering Work

    AMD Ryzen 5800X3D Relaunch Required Extensive Engineering Work

    Key Takeaway

    – AMD re-announced the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at Computex 2026 as a re-release, set for June 25 at $350.
    – The chip highlights AM4 platform longevity, allowing gamers to keep using DDR4 memory and existing motherboards.
    – Re-engineering was required because TSMC’s original 3D V-Cache stacking process was no longer available.
    – Engineers had to re-qualify, fabricate, test, and validate the chip using the new stacking approach to meet quality standards.


    Comptex Re-Intros the 5800X3D Chip

    After numerous leaks and rumors, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D has been formally re announced by Team Red at Computex 2026. The tenth anniversary of the 5800X3D just goes to show the longevity of the AM4 platform, even as the company continues to produce Zen 4 and Zen 5 chips. This means gamers can stick to reliable, relatively inexpensive DDR4 memory without haveing to upgrade their motherboards, while still getting a bump in CPU and gaming performance.

    Return of the King at $350

    In press briefings at Computex, AMD framed the Ryzen 7 5800X3D as the “Return of the King,” evoking the chip’s status in 2022 as the first Ryzen gaming processor to introduce 96MB of 3D V-Cache. Even today, it remains one of the best go-to options, with the re-release set for June 25, 2026, at a retail price of $350.

    McAfee Addresses Gamers

    At Computex, David McAfee, the corporate VP and GM of AMD’s Client Channel and Graphics Business, addressed gamers while announcing the processor. Stating “We’re commited to giving gamers high-performance technologies with the flexibility to upgrade their systems over time. Ultimately, our goal is to deliver unmatched ownership experiences for players around the world.” The road to re-releasing the Ryzen 7 5800X3D was not as straightforward though as simply refabricating the chips, because AMD says a lot of engineering effort went into adapting to the current chip manufacturing landscape.

    Engineering Behind the Return

    Bringing back the 5800X3D wasn’t just a matter of dusting off the old design and pressing “go” on the production line. McAfee stated that “a whole body of engineering work” went into reproducing the original bonding process TSMC used for the 5800X3D. This is because, as AMD moved forward to second-generation 3D V-Cache designs, the original process was no longer available. So engineers had to re-qualify the design for the new stacking approach, fabricate and validate new sample chips, and run extensive reliability tests to ensure the re-released chip would meet quality control requirements and gamers’ standards.

    Process Changes Explained

    McAfee explained: “It’s not as simple as bringing back the 5800X3D. The original stacking process that was used at TSMC changed when we went from first-gen to second-gen cache, so we had to re-engineer that product, and there actually went a fair amount of development work into bringing back the 5800X3D.” AMD had to put a whole lot of work into re-validating the chip for modern fabrication.

    • 96MB of 3D V-Cache
    • Re-release date: June 25, 2026
    • Retail price: $350
    • AM4 platform compatibility
    • DDR4 memory support
    Sources
  • Seiko Prospex Collab: $750 Limited Edition Watch, Budget Movement?

    Seiko Prospex Collab: $750 Limited Edition Watch, Budget Movement?

    Key Takeaway

    – The Seiko HBB002 is a visually stunning limited-edition diver’s watch with a great brand story (PADI 60th anniversary, ocean conservation).
    – At $750, it uses the entry-level Caliber 4R36 movement, which is also found in Seiko 5 Sports watches costing under $400.
    – The price places it above the Prospex Sumo (which has the superior 6R35 movement) and near the Marinemaster, making the movement choice feel like a cost-saving measure.
    – While the watch has excellent specs (ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal, 200m WR), the movement disparity is a major talking point for watch enthusiasts.


    A New Dive Watch from a Famous Team Up

    Seiko and PADI have a genuinely good storey to tell with there new launch. Ten years of partnership, five years of ocean conservation support through the PADI Aware Foundation, and now a handsome limited-edition diver’s watch to celebrate six decades of the world’s largest diving organization. The HBB002 earns its looks, no doubt. It has a deep blue ceramic bezel, a globe-motif dial from PADI’s 60th anniversary logo, red accents at six o’clock, and Seiko’s classic diver silhouette with the crown at four. It ships with both a stainless-steel bracelet and a silicone strap printed with PADI’s full name. Presentation-wise, Seiko has done the collab justice.

    The Movement Inside Is Letting It Down

    Then you flip it over. Inside the HBB002 is the Caliber 4R36 — the same movement Seiko has been fitting into its entry-level Seiko 5 Sports watches since 2011. It runs at 21,600 vph with a 41-hour power reserve and a rated accuracy of ±45 seconds per day. That tolerance is, to put it diplomatically, generous. Real-world results are often better than the spec suggests, and the movement is reliable and easy to service — but that’s not really the point. The 4R36 is the movement Seiko puts in a near-$300 Seiko 5 Sports watch, like the SRPD65 – curr. $316. The HBB002 costs $750.

    Comparason to Other Seiko Watches Shows a Problem

    For context, Seiko’s own Prospex Sumo — a non-limited diver starting in the $600-$650 range (current prices, not retail) — already gets the 6R35, which brings a 70-hour power reserve and much better finishing. The 6R35 is what Seiko itself describes as a powerhouse movement, with enough torque to drive high-intensity diver’s models while still slim enough for dress watch applications. Go a little further up the range and the it gets harder to justify: the Marinemaster (MM200), Seiko’s flagship professional diver, starts at around $900 and comes with some serious specs. The HBB002 comes in at $750 — above Sumo, below Marinemaster — but gets the movement from a watch that costs nearly a third of the price.

    A Cost Cutting Choice That Is Hard to Ignore

    Seiko has also fitted the 6R35 into several of its own limited edition Prospex releases at comparable or even lower price points, which making the choice of the 4R36 here feel like a cost-saving measure. Sure, Seiko is slowly bumping pricing up across some of it catalog, but at $750 here, your choices are either a sick-looking limited-edition watch, or a better watch. None of this makes the HBB002 a bad watch. The ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal, 200-meter water resistance, and Lumibrite application are all exactly where they should be (for the price, at least). The story behind it is great.

    What Buyers Need to Know About This Release

    But watch aficionados — who will make up a big chunk of those 8,000 buyers — will notice the movement, and they’ll definitely talk about it. The HBB002 arrives at select US retailers in July 2026, priced at $750. Seiko has produced a limited quantity of 8,000 peices worldwide. Its a watch that looks fantastic but makes you wonder about the value proposition when better movements are available from the same brand at similiar costs.

    Sources
  • Monopoly GO Simpsons Crossover Brings Springfield to Board

    Monopoly GO Simpsons Crossover Brings Springfield to Board

    Key Takeaway

    – The Simpsons Monopoly GO! crossover features original narrative segments and voice work by the TV show’s cast.
    – Core gameplay mechanics (Free Parking, Jail) are re-engineered with character-driven mini-games and risk-based choices.
    – Limited-time episode sticker sets create urgency by vanishing after two weeks, driving daily engagement and purchases.
    – High-profile licensing deals like this highlight the massive spending required for mobile games to stay competitive.


    The Simpsons Invades Monopoly GO! Launch Event

    Scopely just launched a massive eight-week campaign bringing The Simpsons to Monopoly GO! through July 29. The crossover marks the first time the animated family has had a dedicated mobile presence in over a decade. Rather than just swapping textures or adding basic character skins, the update re-engineers core board events around the show’s classic lore. The expansions centers around bi-weekly narrative segments written by the television production crew, an original animated short introduces the rollout tracking an old corporate rivalry between Mr. Burns and Mr. Monopoly. Will Ferrell and Harry Shearer voice the respective billionaires to anchor the voice cast.

    Core Gameplay Changes to Free Parking Zone

    The update alters standard map progression by completely changing how players interact with the free parking zone. Landing on the space shifts the camera into a character-driven mini-experience called The Simpsons run. Players roll specialized dice to push across a separate hazardous path for large payouts before dropping back onto the main loop. Go to jail spaces introduce a risk assessment mechanic involving Chief Wiggum, instead of rolling for standard doubles players can choose to fund a bribe for immediate release and rolling multipliers. Pushing your luck too far breaks the deal immediately forcing an instant arrest penalty and regular bail costs.

    New Episode Sticker Sets

    The update introduces separate episode sticker sets that run right alongside the main seasonal album. These mini collections only stay live for two weeks before vanishing for good. It is an aggressive setup that relies on pure player urgency to drive daily check-ins and fast purchases before the clock runs out. Even standard bank heists and shutdowns get a themed remodel swapping out the usual animations for runaway monorail crashes. This level of detail shows exactly how much cash it takes to secure a massive television property today, high-profile licensing deals like this underscore the heavy spending required to stay relevant in a crowded marketplace.

    Mobile Industry Consolidation Patterns

    This type of expensive crossover fits right into the broader consolidation pattern hitting mobile studios. Major publishers are pooling massive resources to acquire big entertainment brands just to protect their market share. Watching how these corporate properties merge tells you everything about where the mobile industry is heading. The Simpsons expansion demonstrates how existing game economies can support narrative-driven content without completely rebuilding the base code, though it remains unclear if players will embrace the aggressive time-limited structure or reject it as overly predatory.

    Sources
    • Hot Wheels Infinite Rush: New Trailer Drops 2 Months Before GTA 6

      Hot Wheels Infinite Rush: New Trailer Drops 2 Months Before GTA 6

      Key Takeaway

      – September 24 release date for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam
      – Classic arcade racing with die-cast cars on iconic orange tracks in real-world environments
      – Track hazards include a mechanical shark, dinosaur fossils, and a gorilla
      – Unconfirmed $49.99 retail price; Nintendo Switch 2 port rumored
      – Launches in a crowded fall window, just before GTA 6


      Official Reveal for Hot Wheels Infinite Rush

      The official announcement trailer for Hot Wheels Infinite Rush is now live on EB Games Australia Trailers’ YouTube channel, and it confirms a September 24 release date for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam. Where this 90-second video establishes the launch timing, other leaks hinted at a $49.99 retail price. The publisher still hasn’t officially verified this pricing; please take it with a grain of salt.

      Gameplay Features Shown in Footage

      Gameplay footage shows classic arcade racing mechanisms. Players drive die-cast vehicles across the brand’s iconic orange tracks, which are set up onto everyday environments like beaches and urban streets. The vehicle roster seems to have traditional sports cars and some “fun” designs, including a yellow rubber duck.

      Track Hazards and Platform Details

      Some track layouts have massive environmental hazards as well. The Hot Wheels trailer has glimpses of a mechanical shark, dinosaur fossils, and a gorilla obstructing the course. As per past rumors, a Nintendo Switch 2 port is also in development, though the current footage only covers current-generation hardware.

      Launch Timing and Competition

      A late September launch will mean that Infinite Rush is launching into a pretty demanding release window. It will land shortly before Grand Theft Auto 6, and the it will compete for player attention during a very crowded autumn. We’ll see if the game is able to maintain a stable player count against larger studio releases.

      Sources