Category: Gaming

  • AOC Launches 4K Mini LED Gaming Monitor with 330Hz Refresh Rate

    AOC Launches 4K Mini LED Gaming Monitor with 330Hz Refresh Rate

    Key Takeaways

    1. AOC has launched the Agon AG275UXM2, a new 27-inch Mini LED gaming monitor with enhanced features.
    2. The monitor boasts 2,304 local dimming zones, achieving 1,600 nits peak brightness in HDR mode and 600 nits in SDR mode.
    3. It offers a 4K native resolution with a refresh rate of 160 Hz and can reach 330 Hz at 1080p, with response times as low as 0.3 ms.
    4. Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB Type-C, and a KVM switch.
    5. The Agon AG275UXM2 is priced at CNY 3,999 (approximately $475) in China, with no global availability announced yet.

    AOC has introduced a fresh Mini LED gaming monitor in its home country. Just to remind you, the company unveiled the Q27G4SMN a little over two months ago. Alongside this, it globally launched the Agon U27G4XM, which has similar features, including 1,152 Mini LED backlight zones, aiming to compete with existing models like the Q27G3XMN (currently priced at $279.99 on Amazon).

    New Monitor Features

    Now, they have begun offering the Agon AG275UXM2 to take the place of the older Agon AG275UXM. This new 27-inch gaming monitor from AOC now offers 2,304 local dimming zones, thanks to its QD Mini LED backlight technology. As a result, the Agon AG275UXM2 is claimed to provide 1,600 nits peak brightness in HDR mode and 600 nits in SDR mode.

    Specifications Breakdown

    Additionally, the Agon AG275UXM2 features a 4K native resolution and a refresh rate of 160 Hz, with 0.5 ms MPRT response times. It can also adjust to a 330 Hz refresh rate by lowering its resolution to 1080p, which reportedly brings down the MPRT response times to 0.3 ms as well.

    Connectivity and Pricing

    In terms of connectivity, the Agon AG275UXM2 includes DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 1, and USB Type-C (65 W) ports, plus a KVM switch and an ergonomic stand. The retail price for the Agon AG275UXM2 is CNY 3,999 (around $475) in China. However, there hasn’t been any announcement about its availability in other countries yet.

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  • Asus to Launch New 4K OLED Gaming Monitor This Year

    Asus to Launch New 4K OLED Gaming Monitor This Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus launched the ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS, returning to Samsung Display’s panel technology after using Gen 3 QD-OLED in earlier models.
    2. The monitor features a 32-inch display with 4K resolution, a 240 Hz refresh rate, and a pixel density of 140 PPI.
    3. It offers a maximum brightness of 250 nits in SDR mode and up to 1,000 nits in HDR mode (APL 3%).
    4. The ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS has a 0.03 ms GtG response time and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync technologies.
    5. The monitor includes an ergonomic stand, three display outputs, a three-port USB hub, and is expected to ship in Europe by the end of March 2026.

    Asus has launched a variety of Gen 3 QD-OLED gaming monitors since they started using this panel technology in early 2024, beginning with the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM (currently priced at $1,239 on Amazon). However, the brand has chosen to go back to Samsung Display’s well-known panel technology with the introduction of the ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS.

    Impressive Specs and Performance

    The ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS features a stunning 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 240 Hz on its 32-inch display, which has a pixel density of 140 PPI and a maximum brightness of 250 nits in SDR mode. When HDR mode is activated, this new monitor can reach up to 1,000 nits in small areas (APL 3%). The ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS also boasts an ultra-fast 0.03 ms GtG response time, and it supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro as well as Nvidia G-Sync technologies to help prevent image tearing during high refresh rate gaming.

    Additional Features and Availability

    In addition, Asus has designed an ergonomic stand for comfort and convenience, included three display outputs, and equipped a three-port USB hub for easy connectivity. While the monitor does not come with built-in speakers, it does provide a 3.5 mm audio jack for connecting headphones or external audio devices. Asus expects that the ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS will start shipping to various parts of Europe by the end of March 2026 at the latest. As for pricing and availability in other regions, that information is still not known at this time.

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  • Windows 11 KB5074109 Update Hurts Nvidia Gaming Performance

    Windows 11 KB5074109 Update Hurts Nvidia Gaming Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Issues: KB5074109 is causing significant FPS drops (15–20) and game instability for some PC gamers using Nvidia GeForce GPUs on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.

    2. Reported Problems: Users are experiencing increased microstuttering, short black-screen freezes, and occasional driver crashes during heavy gaming loads.

    3. Uninstall Solutions: Many gamers have resolved performance issues by uninstalling the update or restoring to a previous system image, with no official fix from Microsoft currently available.

    4. Nvidia’s Response: Nvidia has released a new Game Ready/hotfix driver that may help, but the most common user solution remains uninstalling the update.

    5. Lack of Acknowledgment: Microsoft has not officially recognized any gaming performance issues related to KB5074109, leaving gamers in a difficult position between security updates and maintaining gaming performance.

    Microsoft’s January 2026 Windows 11 KB5074109 security update seems to be causing troubles for some PC gamers, particularly those using Nvidia GeForce GPUs. This update brings 114 security fixes and various enhancements, but independent reports and discussions on forums are linking it to significant FPS drops and game instability on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.

    Performance Issues Reported

    Users are saying they’ve experienced FPS drops of 15–20 in certain games after applying KB5074109. Additionally, they are facing issues like increased microstuttering, short black-screen freezes, and even occasional driver crashes when under heavy load. In many situations, the gaming experience only returns to normal after uninstalling the update or restoring a previous system image. Many sources, including MundoWin, Daily Game, and discussions in Nvidia GeForce Windows threads, highlight the same issue: while the update installs without a hitch, games that used to run smoothly now feel sluggish or less responsive on GeForce hardware.

    No Official Acknowledgment

    At this moment, Microsoft’s official documentation for KB5074109 does not mention any gaming performance issues, nor is there a specific hotfix targeting GeForce users. Nvidia has released a new Game Ready/hotfix driver that some gamers report is helpful, but the most common solution reported by users is to uninstall KB5074109 or revert to a previous restore point. After doing so, it is advised to pause Windows Update until a corrected build is made available by Microsoft. This situation leaves gamers with affected systems stuck between applying January’s security updates and regaining their full gaming performance.

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  • Xbox Games Canceled Due to Slow Console Sales and Few Exclusives

    Xbox Games Canceled Due to Slow Console Sales and Few Exclusives

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Series X|S has seen a decline in focus from publishers, with fewer titles being developed for the platform.
    2. The release of 1348 Ex Voto has been cancelled for Xbox, with the publisher focusing on PC and PlayStation for the best experience.
    3. Nickelodeon Splat Pack will only be available on Steam, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, disappointing retro gaming fans.
    4. Xbox console sales have significantly dropped, with a 70% decline in the U.S. and a 39% decline in the U.K. in November 2025.
    5. Microsoft is shifting focus from hardware to software, emphasizing PC and cloud gaming, leading to fewer incentives for developers to support Xbox consoles.

    Despite a drop in console sales, numerous publishers for multiple platforms still support Microsoft’s gaming systems. However, it seems like the Xbox Series X|S has become less of a focus lately. Titles like 1348 Ex Voto and Nickelodeon Splat Pack, while not major AAA releases, will only be available on PC, PS5, or Switch.

    1348 Ex Voto Release Details

    Set in medieval Italy, 1348 Ex Voto is a third-person action-adventure game. As reported by Gematsu, Dear Villagers has set a release date of March 12th for this cinematic-driven title. Unfortunately, the planned Xbox version for Series X|S has been cancelled. The publisher stated that the decision was made “to concentrate the studio’s efforts on providing the best experience possible for PC and PlayStation.”

    Nickelodeon Splat Pack Update

    Retro gaming enthusiasts stuck in the 1990s also received disappointing news. Nickelodeon Splat Pack features games like Rocko’s Modern Life: Spunky’s Dangerous Day, Nickelodeon G.U.T.S, and Aaahh!!! Real Monsters. This collection will now only release on Steam, PS5, and Nintendo Switch on January 30th. Neither Limited Run Games, the publisher, nor Mighty Rabbit Studios, the developer, offered any explanation for this change.

    The cancellation of the Splat Pack is frustrating since confirmation appeared just days before the release date. However, with the shifting landscape of consoles, it may not be surprising that fewer companies are committing resources to these ports.

    The Struggles of Xbox Sales

    Circana U.S. data indicates that November 2025 was an exceptionally bad month for Xbox systems. Typically a profitable period for console sales, the Series X|S saw a staggering 70% decline compared to the previous year. The situation was similarly bleak in the U.K., where Christopher Dring from The Game Business reported a 39% drop in Series X|S sales in 2025.

    Microsoft is no longer focusing on the hardware that was intended to rival the PS5. Instead, the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative is now centered around PCs, Windows handhelds, and cloud gaming devices. The next Xbox console is also expected to depend on its well-known operating system.

    Consumers and smaller publishers are discovering fewer incentives to back Microsoft’s consoles. Rising prices and a scarcity of Xbox exclusive titles are pushing more people away from the systems. Thankfully, major anticipated projects like GTA 6 are unlikely to face the same cancellations.

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  • New Free Game Giveaway on Epic Games Store Leaked!

    New Free Game Giveaway on Epic Games Store Leaked!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games is offering free game giveaways for both PC and mobile users.
    2. PC players can download Rustler, a sandbox game inspired by Grand Theft Auto.
    3. Mobile users can add The Forest Quartet to their Epic Games libraries.
    4. Faily Brakes 2 will be available for free from January 29 to February 5.
    5. Faily Brakes 2 has high ratings (4.4/5 on Apple App Store and 4.6/5 on Google Play Store) and is expected to be ad-free during the giveaway.

    Epic Games is running different game giveaways for PC and mobile users. PC players can now grab Rustler, a game inspired by Grand Theft Auto that offers a sandbox experience. Meanwhile, mobile users have the chance to get The Forest Quartet added to their Epic Games libraries.

    Upcoming PC Giveaway

    The Epic Games Store has also shared information about its next giveaway for PC gamers, which we have detailed in another article. In contrast, the company usually keeps its mobile giveaways under wraps until the day they are released. However, a Reddit user named u/MeguminShiro has leaked information on what game will be offered next for mobile players.

    Details on Faily Brakes 2

    According to the video provided, u/MeguminShiro claims that Epic Games will provide Faily Brakes 2 for free from January 29 to February 5. This game is known for its car crash mechanics, challenging players to survive as long as they can without destroying their vehicle. Currently, it holds ratings of 4.4/5 on the Apple App Store and 4.6/5 on Google Play Store, despite including ads. Based on previous mobile giveaways, it’s expected that Faily Brakes 2 will be offered without any advertisements active.

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  • WWE 2K26 Release Date Leaked: What You Need to Know

    WWE 2K26 Release Date Leaked: What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. WWE 2K26 is set to release on Friday, March 13.
    2. The game will have physical versions for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2, with Switch 2 being a code-in-a-box release.
    3. Digital versions are expected for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2, but availability for PS4 and Xbox One is uncertain.
    4. Pre-orders are anticipated to open on January 30, coinciding with a full announcement from developers.
    5. Triple H may be featured as the cover star for the Standard Edition, though this is not confirmed.

    Billbil-kun, a well-respected leaker known for accurately disclosing release dates and details for various games in the past, has just revealed some thrilling news for WWE 2K enthusiasts. His report indicates that WWE 2K26 is set to debut on Friday, March 13, aligning with the franchise’s typical early-year launch schedule.

    Platforms and Editions Revealed

    The leak provides initial information about the game’s platforms and editions. A physical version is reportedly in the works for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 version is likely to follow the same pattern as WWE 2K25, which means it will be a code-in-a-box release rather than a physical cartridge. While players will still receive a box, they will need to download the game digitally.

    Digital Launch Expectations

    On the digital front, WWE 2K26 is anticipated to be released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2. What remains uncertain at this point is whether it will also be available for PS4 and Xbox One. According to the leak, there is no metadata linking WWE 2K26 to last-generation consoles, which might imply that this year’s version could finally leave older hardware behind. Nevertheless, there has been no official confirmation regarding this matter.

    Pre-Order and Cover Star Information

    Pre-orders are expected to become available this Friday, January 30, coinciding with the day the developers are set to unveil a full announcement. The leak also suggests that Triple H may be featured as the cover star for the Standard Edition, though this detail has not been verified yet.

    Billbil-kun via X

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  • UK Tribunal Dismisses £656M Valve Class-Action Over Steam Fees

    UK Tribunal Dismisses £656M Valve Class-Action Over Steam Fees

    Key Takeaways

    1. A class-action lawsuit against Valve regarding Steam’s pricing and commission structure has been approved to advance, totaling £656 million.
    2. The lawsuit, initiated by Vicki Shotbolt, represents around 14 million UK Steam users and examines whether Steam’s business strategies have led to inflated prices for gamers.
    3. Central to the case is Steam’s 30% commission fee, which the lawsuit claims is excessively high and contributes to elevated consumer prices due to Valve’s dominant market position.
    4. The lawsuit also addresses how Steam restricts access to additional content, forcing users to purchase DLC exclusively through its platform, limiting competition.
    5. If successful, UK Steam users who bought games or DLC since 2018 may receive compensation, with projected payouts ranging from £22 to £44 per individual.

    Valve is facing a significant legal hurdle in the UK, as a class-action lawsuit regarding Steam’s pricing and commission structure, amounting to £656 million, has been approved to advance. This case examines the operational methods of Steam as a digital marketplace and whether its business strategies have led UK gamers to pay inflated prices.

    Lawsuit Background

    The lawsuit was initiated in June 2024 by Vicki Shotbolt, who represents about 14 million Steam users in the UK. Recently, the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London determined that the lawsuit can move forward to a complete trial. Valve attempted to halt the proceedings at an earlier stage, but the tribunal denied that request.

    Commission Fees at Issue

    At the heart of the matter is Steam’s commission fee of 30%, which Valve collects from sales of games, downloadable content (DLC), and in-game transactions. The lawsuit claims that this fee is excessively high, resulting in elevated prices for consumers. It argues that Valve’s dominant position in the PC gaming industry allows it to maintain this commission without significant competition that might lower prices.

    Handling of Additional Content

    Another important aspect of the lawsuit concerns how Steam manages additional content. When a player purchases a game on Steam, any DLC or add-ons must also be acquired through the same platform. The lawsuit contends that this effectively confines players to Valve’s ecosystem, even when they may wish to explore other options for better pricing or offers.

    The lawsuit also addresses Steam’s policies affecting developers and publishers. Shotbolt claims that Valve coerces developers into maintaining uniform prices across all platforms. This practice prevents a game from being offered at a lower price or being released earlier on competing platforms, thereby limiting competition and choices available to both developers and gamers.

    Potential Impacts

    Due to these practices, the lawsuit asserts that UK gamers have been overcharged over the years. If the lawsuit is successful, Steam users in the UK who purchased games or DLC since 2018 could be eligible for compensation. Initial projections suggest that payouts may vary from £22 to £44 per individual, depending on their expenditure. In total, damages could amount to £656 million.

    Valve earlier contended that the lawsuit failed to adequately clarify how users would be identified or how claims would be accurately calculated. The company also raised concerns about the funding of the case, even though Shotbolt has obtained over £18 million to support the legal fight. The tribunal ruled that these concerns were not substantial enough to impede the progression of the case.

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  • GTA 6 Release Could Be Digital Only, No Physical Copy Available

    GTA 6 Release Could Be Digital Only, No Physical Copy Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rumors suggest GTA 6 may not have a physical launch initially, focusing instead on digital distribution to reduce leaks.
    2. Rockstar has faced significant leak issues in the past, leading to early releases of game content and trailers.
    3. The absence of a physical copy could disappoint collectors and create challenges for gamers with slow internet connections.
    4. GTA 6 is expected to be a large download, around 200 gigabytes, making it difficult for some players to access the game.
    5. Fans have mixed reactions, with some accusing Rockstar of a revenue-maximizing strategy, while others understand the motivation behind controlling game release information.

    Game collectors might want to prepare themselves, as recent rumors indicate that GTA 6 could skip a physical launch – at least for the time being. This information comes from Polish insider “Graczdari” and has been further supported by Insider Gaming. While Rockstar and Take-Two haven’t made any official statements yet, the idea of not having a physical edition at launch seems plausible. Instead of ignoring collectors, this decision likely aims to minimize the chances of leaks.

    Rockstar’s History with Leaks

    Rockstar has dealt with various leak problems before. In 2022, a lot of development footage for GTA 6 appeared online. More recently, the first trailer for the game was launched earlier than planned following another leak. In both instances, Rockstar lost control over when and how they revealed important information. It makes sense that the company wants to prevent similar situations in the future. Physical copies can be risky since retailers have a history of selling games too soon or unintentionally sharing details through other means.

    Collector Concerns and Download Issues

    The lack of a physical copy would not only disappoint collectors, who might have to purchase the game twice or miss out on playing it at launch, but it could also create a significant problem for gamers with slow internet speeds. With GTA 6 likely to be around 200 gigabytes in size, downloading the game could be quite challenging. Many fans on Reddit have expressed their frustration, accusing Rockstar of adopting a “triple dip” strategy aimed at maximizing revenue – first launching the game digitally, then following up with a physical edition, and eventually a more advanced PC version. However, some users have taken a more understanding stance, suggesting that this choice is likely motivated by the desire to keep control over what could be the most significant game release in years.

     

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  • Doom Now Playable on Earbuds: Gaming on the Go

    Doom Now Playable on Earbuds: Gaming on the Go

    Key Takeaways

    1. Doom has been successfully run on various unusual devices, including earbuds, in a project called Doombuds.
    2. The game operates on the PineBuds Pro earbuds using an overclocked ARM Cortex M4F chip and optimized firmware.
    3. Video output is managed through a serial UART connection, converting frames to JPEG format for streaming.
    4. The setup achieves around 18 frames per second at Doom’s original resolution of 320 × 200 pixels.
    5. Users can join a waiting list to play Doom through the earbuds, which are priced at $69.99.

    The iconic game Doom has a reputation for functioning on almost any device. Over time, enthusiasts have successfully gotten the 1993 first-person shooter to work on various gadgets, including calculators, ATMs, and even digital pregnancy tests. Now, it has made its way onto earbuds. This innovative project, known as Doombuds, is built on the PineBuds Pro and was developed by Arin Sarkisian, a web developer from Australia.

    Technical Details

    The game operates solely on the headphones’ internal processor, thanks to the open-source firmware of the PineBuds Pro and several technical tweaks. The ARM Cortex M4F chip was overclocked from 100 MHz to 300 MHz, power-saving settings were turned off, and extra RAM was accessed by disabling a co-processor. Furthermore, the game itself underwent significant optimization—constant variables were relocated to flash storage, internal caching was removed, and a simplified version of the game known as “Squashware,” which is just 1.7 MB in size, replaced the standard shareware file.

    Display and Performance

    Since the earbuds do not have a screen, video output is managed through a serial UART connection. Each frame is converted to JPEG format and streamed to a browser as an MJPEG feed. At Doom’s original resolution of 320 × 200 pixels, the setup achieves approximately 18 frames per second. While it could theoretically reach up to 27 FPS, the actual performance is constrained by the CPU’s capacity to process real-time JPEG encoding.

    Users can access the project’s website to join a waiting list and play Doom directly through the headphones, which are presently priced at $69.99 on the manufacturer’s site. Despite offering no real-world advantages, this experiment contributes cleverly to the ongoing “Can it run Doom?” phenomenon, proving the game can even function on devices that lack a display.

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  • Windows 11 Beats Windows 10 in Gaming Speed After 25H2 Update

    Windows 11 Beats Windows 10 in Gaming Speed After 25H2 Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Many gamers criticize Windows 11 for not performing as well as Windows 10, leading some to stick with Windows 10 or consider switching to Linux.

    2. Hardware Unboxed’s tests show that the latest Windows 11 25H2 update improves gaming performance, outperforming Windows 10 in both 1080p and 1440p/4K resolutions.

    3. Comparisons between operating systems can be complex due to varying hardware and game selections, affecting performance results.

    4. With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, upgrading to Windows 11 may be a wise choice for gamers.

    5. Future comparisons between Windows 11 25H2 and Linux/SteamOS will be important, as some devices already perform better with SteamOS.

    Windows 11 faces a lot of criticism from gamers on the internet. A quick look on subreddits like r/pcmasterrace shows that many gamers were not happy with Windows 11 because they felt it didn’t perform as well as Windows 10. So much so, that a lot of users are still sticking with Windows 10 and even thinking about switching to Linux for their systems. However, there is some positive news from Hardware Unboxed’s recent tests on gaming performance with Windows 11.

    Performance Improvements

    According to Hardware Unboxed, after the most recent 25H2 update, Windows 11 tends to be quicker than Windows 10 when it comes to gaming. When paired with an RTX 5090, the 25H2 version of Windows 11 outperforms Windows 10 22H2 at both 1080p and 1440p/4K resolutions, showing an average performance increase of 1.2% and 5%, respectively. The tests included a range of both new and older AAA titles, including games like Battlefield 6, Spider-Man 2, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Mafia: The Old Country, and more.

    Testing Challenges

    This is a change from Hardware Unboxed’s 2024 tests, where Windows 10 was found to be faster than Windows 11 22H2. It’s important to note that comparing the performance of one operating system to another can be quite complicated. The results can vary based on the hardware used. Additionally, the games selected for testing can also influence the outcome. Using a different set of games than the 14 titles tested by HU could lead to different performance results.

    In light of this, Windows 11 25H2 seems to be a promising update for gamers. With the official end of support for Windows 10 set for October 2025, now might be a good time to upgrade to Windows 11 since there won’t be any new features or security updates for Windows 10 after that date.

    Future Comparisons

    It will be intriguing to see how Windows 11 25H2 stacks up against Linux/SteamOS. We already know that devices like the Lenovo Legion Go run better with SteamOS than with Windows. Thus, it will be interesting to find out whether the latest Windows 11 update has made any improvements in that area.

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