Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo Switch 2: Scalpers Exploit High Demand and Low Supply

    Nintendo Switch 2: Scalpers Exploit High Demand and Low Supply

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 launched successfully, selling over 3 million units in a few days, causing high demand and low retail availability.
    2. Scalpers are reselling Switch 2 units at inflated prices, with listings on eBay starting around $537, much higher than the retail price.
    3. Game bundles for the Switch 2, like the Mario Kart World bundle, are also being sold for significantly higher prices, around $600.
    4. Nintendo is expected to continue producing more Switch 2 units, which may lead to restocks and better availability.
    5. To find a Switch 2, consumers should sign up for alerts, check local retailers, and use websites like Stock Informer for stock updates.

    The Switch 2 debuted earlier this month and received a fantastic reaction, with Nintendo selling over 3 million units in just a few days. Given this level of excitement, it’s not surprising that finding the console at its retail price is quite difficult during its launch month in the US.

    Scalpers Take Advantage

    The past few years have shown us the GPU and PS5/Xbox Series shortages, and now scalpers are taking the chance to grab Switch 2 units at MSRP, only to resell them at much higher prices.

    For example, the least expensive “Buy it now” option for a Switch 2 on eBay is about $537 as of now. There are other similar listings, but many of the sellers are based outside the US. The lowest price from a US seller is $600 and includes an option for local pickup.

    Game Bundles Are Pricier

    Pricing for game bundles is even more staggering. The Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle, which has a suggested retail price of $499.99, is currently listed on eBay for over $600. Interestingly, many buyers seem willing to pay these inflated amounts for the Nintendo Switch 2.

    It’s worth noting that we don’t suggest buying the Switch 2 from scalpers. Unlike the recent Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series launch, Nintendo had a good amount of Switch 2 stock ready for sale. This gives us hope that they will continue to produce more units, leading to regular restocks.

    Finding the Switch 2

    Since the Switch 2 has only been available for around two weeks, retailers like Best Buy and GameStop are having a tough time meeting the initial demand. Therefore, a good plan is to sign up for alerts wherever possible, check in at your local GameStop, Best Buy, or Walmart, and frequently visit their online stores.

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    Nintendo Switch 2: Scalpers Exploit High Demand and Low Supply
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  • Old Switch Games Performance on Switch 2: Updated Community List

    Old Switch Games Performance on Switch 2: Updated Community List

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Switch 2 has sold out quickly, becoming Nintendo’s fastest-selling console ever.
    2. Many original Switch users are excited to play older games on the Switch 2 with better graphics and performance.
    3. Nintendo offers free and paid updates for popular games like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario.
    4. A dedicated Reddit thread discusses the performance of original Switch games on the Switch 2, with regular updates from the community.
    5. Nintendo provides compatibility lists for games, which are supplemented by community contributions on Reddit.

    The Switch 2 has been available for just under two weeks and has quickly sold out at many stores, with the company declaring it the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever. The Switch 2 user community has rapidly figured out which games from the original Switch 1 perform better on the new system, which perform worse, or even which ones don’t work at all.

    Old Switch Owners React

    Many former Switch 1 users haven’t touched their devices for a while. When it became apparent that a lot of the older games would also work on the new Switch 2, it sparked excitement about experiencing beloved titles on bigger screens, with better resolutions and enhanced frame rates. Nintendo offers both free and paid updates for certain games, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Enchanted Land, and Super Mario Jamboree.

    Community Discussions on Compatibility

    The topic of backwards compatibility has become a hot discussion point on a dedicated Reddit thread focused on the performance of Switch 1 games. Gamers who have tried out older titles on the Switch 2 are welcome to share their thoughts on how those games perform. The thread’s creator, wtfimdoingwithmylife, commits to regularly updating the list, which is a valuable resource for gamers. In addition, Nintendo has also provided compatibility lists:

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  • BOE Unveils 31.5-Inch 8K 120Hz Monitor, Mass Production by 2025

    BOE Unveils 31.5-Inch 8K 120Hz Monitor, Mass Production by 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited Adoption of 8K TVs: High production costs and lack of true 8K content hinder widespread adoption of 8K televisions.

    2. Gaming Challenges: Achieving high frame rates and graphic quality in AAA games at 8K resolution remains difficult, with technologies like super resolution still in development.

    3. Upcoming Products: BOE is set to launch its first 8K 120 Hz gaming monitor by late 2025, indicating a push towards more accessible 8K gaming options.

    4. Performance Benefits: 8K displays can reduce jagged edges on lower screen sizes, but the need for anti-aliasing and super resolution upscaling remains.

    5. Innovative Technologies: BOE showcased advanced technologies, including miniLED panels and a 3D monitor with 16K resolution, highlighting ongoing advancements in display technology.

    Demand for 8K screens isn’t really a big deal, and even by 2025, it might not change, despite Samsung trying hard to make this technology more common. There are several reasons why 8K TVs aren’t widely adopted yet. The high costs of producing large TVs over 77 inches that can actually take advantage of the higher pixel count are a big factor. Also, there isn’t much content available that is filmed in true 8K. On top of that, playing AAA games on the highest settings using Unreal Engine 5 is still a far-off goal without some fancy tricks like super resolution and multi-frame generation. These could potentially increase frame rates to over 60 fps, but they still wouldn’t reach the now-common 120 Hz refresh rate. Yet, these limitations won’t hinder the natural growth of technology, which was proudly displayed at SID Display Week, where BOE, the world’s leading panel maker, showcased its first 31.5-inch 8K 120 Hz gaming monitor.

    The Future of Gaming Monitors

    Some might argue that 8K makes no sense for screens smaller than 55 inches, but BOE is at least showing it’s ready to mass produce gaming monitors. The first commercial models are expected to launch by late 2025. While 8K might seem excessive for most computers, the new BOE monitors can effortlessly switch to 4K at 240 Hz. Games displayed in 8K would have noticeably fewer jagged edges even on a 32-inch display, which would lessen the need for anti-aliasing methods. However, turning off anti-aliasing won’t give a significant increase in frame rates, so using super resolution upscaling will still be necessary.

    Pricing and Technology Insights

    BOE hasn’t revealed what type of LCD technology is behind this 8K monitor, and the pricing is still unknown. However, from a few clips we stumbled upon online, it appears that this monitor utilizes a miniLED panel with a shiny finish.

    In addition, the company presented TV panels featuring next-gen miniLED technology known as UB Cell 4.0 ADS Pro, which claims to rival OLED panels in terms of contrast. Another fascinating technology showcased was a 3D monitor boasting 16K resolution and eye-tracking that uses vertical parallax to create a more immersive depth experience.

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  • HKC Launches World’s First 800Hz Gaming Monitor

    HKC Launches World’s First 800Hz Gaming Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. HKC has launched the first-ever gaming monitor with a native 800Hz refresh rate, surpassing its previous 750Hz model.
    2. The 24.5-inch Full HD monitor features HKC’s proprietary FSA VA panel, high-frequency technology, Mini LED backlighting, and quantum dot enhancement for superior motion clarity and color performance.
    3. Key specifications include a 0.5ms GtG response time, peak brightness of 1200 nits, a contrast ratio of 4000:1, and extensive color coverage (95% DCI-P3, 99% Adobe RGB).
    4. The monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certified and supports Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for adaptive refresh rates, making it ideal for esports gaming.
    5. HKC’s new monitor aims to provide both speed and image quality, positioning the company ahead of competitors like Samsung, MSI, and AOC in the high-refresh-rate display market.

    HKC has unveiled what it says is the first-ever gaming monitor with a native 800Hz refresh rate. Previously, the company showcased a 750Hz prototype called Koorui G7 at CES 2025, but the new 800Hz model seems to be a distinct or advanced version. HKC has yet to clarify if this final product will have the same model number or branding.

    Innovative Features

    The monitor boasts a 24.5-inch Full HD display and merges several cutting-edge technologies. It incorporates HKC’s proprietary FSA VA panel, which is driven by a-Si HyperSilicon high-frequency technology. Additionally, it features 1152-zone Mini LED backlighting and a cadmium-free QDEF quantum dot enhancement film. This setup enables the monitor to provide exceptional motion clarity while maintaining impressive color performance.

    Specifications Breakdown

    As for its specifications, it includes a native 800Hz refresh rate with a variable refresh rate (VRR) range between 48Hz and 800Hz, a 0.5ms GtG response time, peak brightness of 1200 nits, and a contrast ratio of 4000:1. The panel also offers extensive color coverage, achieving 95% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB, with a ΔE < 1.5 color accuracy, native 10-bit color depth, and support for rendering up to 12 bits.

    Gaming Performance

    This monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certified and supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for adaptive refresh rates. It comes with a dynamic power-saving feature that reduces the refresh rate during static content to save energy. HKC markets the 800Hz monitor as a professional-grade esports tool for gamers who require utmost clarity and responsiveness in fast-action games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. Unlike the previous 750Hz Koorui G7, which utilized a TN panel, this new model features a VA panel for enhanced contrast and broader color coverage, striving to provide both speed and superior image quality.

    In any case, this announcement places HKC ahead in the competition for high-refresh-rate displays, with competitors like Samsung, MSI, and AOC also striving to exceed 500Hz in their product offerings.

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    HKC Launches World's First 800Hz Gaming Monitor

     

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  • Last Game of Legendary Franchise May Return on PS5 and PS4

    Last Game of Legendary Franchise May Return on PS5 and PS4

    Key Takeaways

    1. Return of Legacy of Kain: Defiance – The game is likely making a comeback on PlayStation 4 and 5, as indicated by a classification from Taiwan.

    2. PlayStation Plus Premium Inclusion – The fifth installment of the vampire-themed series is expected to join the PlayStation Plus Premium lineup soon.

    3. Development by Crystal Dynamics – The game is being developed by Crystal Dynamics under the guidance of Amy Hennig, focusing on the conclusion of the Nosgoth narrative.

    4. Franchise Challenges – The series has faced difficulties, including poor sales and the departure of key personnel like Amy Hennig.

    5. Opportunity for New Gamers – Its addition to PlayStation Plus Premium could introduce a new generation to the iconic Legacy of Kain series.

    Fans of the beloved video game series might be thrilled to hear that this distinctive game is set to make a comeback on next-gen consoles. A classification from Taiwan indicates that Legacy of Kain: Defiance could be on its way to PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 soon.

    Exciting News for Gamers

    As reported by Gematsu, the fifth and final installment of this vampire-themed story, which was originally released on PlayStation 2 back in 2003, is expected to join the PlayStation Plus Premium lineup shortly. Seeing it in this classification typically signals a likely release from Sony.

    Development Insights

    Crystal Dynamics is working on Legacy of Kain: Defiance, guided by the talented Amy Hennig. In terms of its position within the franchise’s timeline, it represents the conclusion of the narrative that began with Soul Reaver. Players will have the chance to control both Kain and Raziel, with the storyline unraveling essential details about the entire Nosgoth universe.

    Challenges Ahead

    Even though this news might excite dedicated fans, it’s vital to recognize that the franchise has faced challenges. The last several years have been tough for Crystal Dynamics, especially after Amy Hennig’s departure from the studio not long after the game’s launch, as she moved to Naughty Dog to contribute to the Uncharted series.

    Sales Struggles

    Moreover, the sales of Legacy of Kain: Defiance did not reach the heights achieved by Eidos, which led the studio to take a step back. The gameplay was often viewed as repetitive, despite the overall positive reviews it received, holding a score of 75/100 on Metacritic.

    A New Era

    The likely addition of this game to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 comes at a time of revival for the series, following Crystal Dynamics’ acquisition by Embracer Group in 2022. The new owners have expressed their enthusiasm for sequels, remasters, and remakes of the series.

    A Chance for New Players

    Should this title find its way into the PlayStation Plus Premium catalog, it might allow a new generation of gamers to discover this iconic series. Additionally, this installment is poised to achieve the success it truly deserves.

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  • Nintendo Reveals Donkey Kong Bananza Direct This Wednesday

    Nintendo Reveals Donkey Kong Bananza Direct This Wednesday

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo will host a special Direct focused on Donkey Kong Bonanza, similar to the recent Mario Kart World Direct.
    2. The event is scheduled for June 18 at 6 AM PT, 9 AM ET, 2 PM BST, and 3 PM CEST, available on Nintendo’s YouTube channel.
    3. Viewers can expect about 15 minutes of insights regarding Donkey Kong Bonanza during the stream.
    4. Shigeru Miyamoto discussed the game’s development, highlighting a collaboration with the 3D Mario team and advancements in design.
    5. Donkey Kong Bonanza is set to be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.

    Nintendo has recently revealed a new Direct, but it’s not a typical one. Instead, this will be a stream focused solely on Donkey Kong Bonanza, similar to the Mario Kart World Direct that took place a month ago. The announcement was made through Nintendo Today and shared on the company’s social media platforms. The event is scheduled for June 18, starting at 6 AM PT, 9 AM ET, 2 PM BST, and 3 PM CEST, and can be viewed on Nintendo’s YouTube channel.

    Stream Details

    During the stream, viewers can expect around 15 minutes of insights regarding Donkey Kong Bonanza. Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto shared some thoughts about the game:

    “When we were discussing how to create new versions and develop Donkey Kong, we came up with a game called Jungle Beat. We collaborated with the team behind 3D Mario. Thanks to the technology we had at that time, we succeeded in making Donkey Kong more expressive. Looking back at the design that Rare introduced, we took a moment to consider how we could enhance that design to make it even more expressive. And in relation to the movie, we chose to advance with this new generation Donkey Kong design.”

    Release Information

    Donkey Kong Bonanza is expected to be launched on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Price Surprises Ex-PlayStation Executive

    Nintendo Switch 2 Price Surprises Ex-PlayStation Executive

    Key Takeaways

    1. Shuhei Yoshida expressed surprise at Nintendo’s pricing choices for the Switch 2, particularly its lower price in Japan compared to the U.S.
    2. The price of the Switch 2 is $450 in the U.S. but only 49,980 yen (about $345) in Japan, with a higher international price of $483.
    3. Factors influencing the Switch 2’s pricing include the weaker Yen, deterrence of resellers, and possible higher profit margins for Japanese retailers.
    4. Yoshida noted that Nintendo takes risks to maintain its market position in Japan, even at the cost of lower hardware profits.
    5. Sony views Nintendo as a competitor primarily in Japan, while focusing on Xbox in other regions, indicating different strategies are needed for various markets.

    Since Shuhei Yoshida departed from PlayStation earlier this year, he has shared his thoughts on how the company perceives its competitors. The former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment recently joined the Kit & Krysta podcast. In the interview, he expressed surprise at some of the choices Nintendo made. One notable point was the unexpectedly low price of the Switch 2 in Japan.

    Pricing Differences

    In the U.S., gamers are paying $450 for the standard version of the Switch 2. In contrast, the price for the region-specific console in Japan is only 49,980 yen, which is about $345. However, for the international version, the price is set at $483. Japanese consumers need this more expensive version to connect foreign Nintendo Switch Online accounts. Still, Yoshida implied that PlayStation would have chosen a different pricing strategy for a handheld device with Switch 2 specifications.

    Factors Influencing Pricing

    The weaker Yen against the U.S. dollar likely played a role in the Switch 2’s pricing. Additionally, Nintendo seems to have aimed to deter resellers from importing the console from other regions. Lastly, there was a rumor suggesting that the company granted more profit margins to Japanese retailers on console sales, although this remains unconfirmed.

    During the podcast, Yoshida suggested that Nintendo is willing to take risks to keep its leading position in Japan. Even if it means lower hardware profits, maintaining a strong presence in the gaming market is seen as beneficial in the long run.

    Rivalry in Different Markets

    Yoshida pointed out that Sony does not view Nintendo as a competitor outside of Japan. In other regions, the company competes primarily with Xbox in the high-tech console arena. However, in Japan, the competition is more intense, as Microsoft has struggled to gain traction. Both companies understand that they must adopt different strategies to thrive in these varied markets.

    There have been increasing leaks about a new PlayStation handheld device, which may support PS5 games natively. If the current leaders at Sony share Yoshida’s mindset, the console could be priced much higher for Japanese consumers than the Switch 2.

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  • Gamesir X5s Controller: Ditch Nintendo Switch 2’s Drift-Prone Joy-Cons

    Gamesir X5s Controller: Ditch Nintendo Switch 2’s Drift-Prone Joy-Cons

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Gamesir X5s is a new telescopic mobile controller compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, and primarily promoted for the Nintendo Switch 2.
    2. It connects via Bluetooth 5.3 or 2.4GHz wireless, featuring a built-in battery, unlike the Gamesir X5 Lite which connects via USB-C and draws power from the device.
    3. The controller supports devices between 110mm to 213mm in length and includes adjustable Hall Effect triggers, thumbsticks, a six-axis gyroscope, and ALPS linear motors for HD rumble effects.
    4. The button layout is Xbox-style (‘ABXY’) but can be switched to match the Nintendo Switch’s layout.
    5. The Gamesir X5s is priced at CNY 269 (approximately $37/€32) in China, with a potential increase in price for other regions.

    Just a little while after the launch of the Gamesir X5 Lite telescopic controller, Gamesir has quietly released a new version named the Gamesir X5s. This controller works with Windows, Android, and iOS devices, but Gamesir mainly promotes it for the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Connection Features

    The Gamesir X5s, similar to the Gamesir X5 Lite, is a telescopic mobile controller. Nonetheless, a major distinction between these two models is how they connect. The new Gamesir X5s can connect through Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.3) or 2.4GHz wireless to a device. This functionality means it includes a built-in battery. In contrast, the Gamesir X5 Lite, which can be found on Amazon for $34.99, connects via a USB-C port to the device. While this connection method results in lower latency, it also means that the controller relies on the power from the connected device.

    Compatibility and Features

    The X5s mobile controller is designed to work with devices that are between 110mm to 213mm in length, such as the Vivo X200, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Lenovo Legion Y700 tablet, and the Nintendo Switch 2. It features adjustable Hall Effect triggers, Hall Effect thumbsticks, a six-axis gyroscope, and ALPS linear motors, similar to those found in the Switch for HD rumble effects.

    The Gamesir X5s has an Xbox-style button layout labeled ‘ABXY,’ but these buttons can be swapped to match the Nintendo Switch’s layout. GameSir claims that it has an 840mAh battery, but they did not specify how many hours of gameplay one charge will last.

    Pricing Information

    As reported by ITHome, the Gamesir X5s is available at a price of CNY 269 (approximately $37/€32) in China. However, it is likely to be priced higher once it reaches other regions.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket S2 Gaming Handheld Launch Announcement

    Ayaneo Pocket S2 Gaming Handheld Launch Announcement

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ayaneo Pocket S2 will be released on June 18, 2025, featuring the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 SoC.
    2. The new SoC offers a 28% boost in GPU performance and a 30% increase in CPU performance compared to the previous model.
    3. The device has a 6.3-inch IPS display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and a peak brightness of 600 nits, along with an upgraded 8,000 mAh battery.
    4. Enhanced cooling systems and UFS 4.0 storage in higher-end versions, with LPDDR5X-8533 RAM for better performance.
    5. The Pocket S2 will have features like electromagnetic joysticks, a CNC metal mid-frame, and is expected to start at around $600.

    Ayaneo has finally revealed when the Pocket S2 will be released. This gaming handheld, which features the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 SoC, is set to launch on June 18, 2025. However, the company has not yet disclosed the price range for the device. Previously, the Pocket S2 was showcased at the Game Developers Conference 2025 (GDC 2025), where several upgrades were highlighted.

    Performance Enhancements

    One of the major upgrades is the SoC; the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 is claimed to deliver a significant performance boost compared to the G3X Gen 2 that powered the original Pocket S. More specifically, Qualcomm mentioned a 28% enhancement in GPU performance and a 30% increase in CPU performance.

    Screen and Battery Improvements

    In addition to the SoC, the Pocket S2 features a slightly larger display than its predecessor. It boasts a 6.3-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, and the panel is rated for a peak brightness of 600 nits. The battery has also been upgraded, increasing from 6,000 mAh to 8,000 mAh (24K Anker 737 power bank curr. $109.99 on Amazon).

    Cooling and Storage Features

    A significant aspect of the Pocket S2 is its enhanced cooling system, designed to optimize the SoC’s performance under heavy loads. Ayaneo has also emphasized that the handheld includes UFS 4.0 storage in its higher-end configurations, and for RAM, it uses LPDDR5X-8533.

    Other exciting features include electromagnetic joysticks, a CNC metal mid-frame, and the device will be available in two color options. While the price has not been officially announced, it is anticipated to start at approximately $600. For more insights, check out the video linked below to learn more about the Ayaneo Pocket S2.

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  • GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU Geekbench Specs Revealed

    GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU Geekbench Specs Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 laptop GPU has fewer CUDA cores (2,560) than the RTX 5060.
    2. It may have a maximum TGP of 100 Watts and could debut with either GDDR7 or GDDR6 memory.
    3. The GPU scores 88,727 in Geekbench’s OpenCL benchmark, an 11% improvement over the RTX 4050.
    4. The RTX 5050 has a boost clock of 2.5 GHz, similar to the RTX 4050.
    5. Performance gains will likely come from AI features like DLSS and Multi Frame Generation rather than hardware improvements.

    A recent listing on Geekbench has uncovered the specifications for Nvidia’s forthcoming GeForce RTX 5050 laptop GPU. As anticipated, it will have a lower number of CUDA cores compared to the RTX 5060. If the information from Acer is correct, this GPU may feature a maximum TGP of 100 Watts. One source suggests it will debut with GDDR7 memory, while another claims it could stick to GDDR6 like its desktop variant.

    Performance Benchmarks

    The RTX 5050 laptop GPU achieves a score of 88,727 in Geekbench’s OpenCL benchmark. This marks an 11% performance boost over the RTX 4050, which scored 79,601. Naturally, these results might differ based on the power consumption of the RTX 5050. Regarding its specifications, Geekbench verifies that it has 8 GB of dedicated VRAM. Additionally, the RTX 5050 sample examined here contains 20 SMs or 2,560 CUDA cores, which is roughly 500 fewer than the RTX 5060.

    Clock Speed and Comparisons

    With a boost clock of 2.5 GHz, it’s worth noting that this CUDA core count matches that of the RTX 4050, as does the boost clock itself. In summary, the RTX 5050 is not expected to provide a significant increase in raw performance purely from its hardware. Its potential GDDR7 memory might offer some advantage, but the primary gains in computational power will likely stem from AI-enhanced features such as DLSS and Multi Frame Generation.

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    GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU Geekbench Specs RevealedGeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU Geekbench Specs Revealed

     

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