Category: Gaming

  • Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 388H iGPU Gaming Power Test

    Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 388H iGPU Gaming Power Test

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s Panther Lake is a versatile mobile processor platform designed for ultrabooks, gaming laptops, and future handheld devices.
    2. The reference model featured a Core Ultra X9 388H processor with 16 cores, 16 threads, and 64 GB of LPDDR5X memory.
    3. Initial gaming tests showed impressive performance, with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 running above 70 FPS at high settings at 1200p resolution.
    4. Shadow of the Tomb Raider averaged 74 FPS at 1200p with high settings, and Doom: The Dark Ages achieved about 87 FPS at medium settings.
    5. Power consumption during gaming was around 55.7 W, indicating efficient performance management during intensive tasks.

    Intel’s Panther Lake is the company’s upcoming mobile processor platform, built to adapt from slim ultrabooks to more powerful gaming and creator laptops. The design is also expected to influence future handheld gaming devices, as Intel has confirmed that several OEMs are working together to create a wider Panther Lake-based handheld ecosystem.

    Early Performance Insights

    Recently, we got a first glimpse at the gaming capabilities of Panther Lake laptops through a hands-on video shared by ETA Prime. The footage displays the Intel Panther Lake processors inside a Lenovo reference laptop that was used for testing purposes. The YouTuber mentions that the system shown isn’t a finalized retail model, but the processor setup illustrated should be found in many upcoming laptops.

    Specifications and Testing

    The reference model had the Core Ultra X9 388H, which is a 16-core, 16-thread processor combined with 64 GB of LPDDR5X memory operating at 9,600 MT/s. The graphics workload was managed by Intel’s Arc B390 integrated GPU. While benchmarks focused on CPU performance weren’t allowed at this time, ETA Prime indicates they were free to evaluate gaming workloads.

    Several AAA PC games were tested at a 1200p resolution using a combination of medium and high settings. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was demonstrated running at high settings with XeSS set to Quality, without frame generation turned on, managing frame rates above 70 FPS after switching to balanced mode.

    Game Performance Results

    ETA Prime also evaluated Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which achieved an average of 74 FPS at 1200p with high settings using the built-in benchmark, without any upscaling features enabled. Another title tested was Doom: The Dark Ages, which averaged about 87 FPS at medium settings and around 72 FPS at high settings with XeSS activated. The video mentions that the large memory allocation allows the iGPU to dynamically reserve enough VRAM, which can be adjusted manually through Intel’s graphics control panel if necessary.

    The YouTuber limited the gameplay to 60 FPS while testing Cyberpunk 2077 at ultra settings with XeSS Balanced, also without frame generation. This was performed to measure how much power the CPU was consuming during gameplay. Since running HWiNFO was not an option, ETA Prime tracked power usage with a watt meter, revealing that the setup consumed around 55.7 W.

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  • MSI Launching New AMD & Intel Gaming Laptops with RTX 5080/5090

    MSI Launching New AMD & Intel Gaming Laptops with RTX 5080/5090

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Raider Max 16 HX is one of MSI’s most powerful gaming laptops, outperforming the Raider 16 HX AI A2XW and Raider 18 HX AI A2XW.
    2. MSI plans to launch two more budget-friendly 16-inch Raider gaming laptops in 2026.
    3. The Raider 16 HX B2W will offer options up to a GeForce RTX 5080 and Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors, without the RTX 5090 GPU.
    4. The Raider A16 HX B9W will feature AMD hardware, including options for a GeForce RTX 5090 and Ryzen 9 9955HX processor.
    5. Pricing and availability details for both the Raider 16 HX B2W and Raider A16 HX B9W are not yet announced.

    The Raider Max 16 HX stands out as one of the most powerful gaming laptops that MSI has launched so far. As mentioned in our previous coverage, this model outperforms the Raider 16 HX AI A2XW due to its significantly higher power limit, even exceeding that of the larger Raider 18 HX AI A2XW, which is currently priced at $2,387 on Amazon. Additionally, MSI has announced plans to create two potentially more budget-friendly 16-inch Raider gaming laptops for 2026.

    New Models on the Horizon

    Currently, the Raider 16 HX B2W isn’t listed on MSI’s official website. This model keeps the same overall design and hardware as the Max version but omits the option for the GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU. Instead, users will have the choice of up to a GeForce RTX 5080, along with Intel Core Ultra 200HX processors, a 90 Wh battery, and either 2.5K IPS or OLED displays. These screens promise a 240 Hz refresh rate and full 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage.

    AMD’s Competitive Offering

    On the other hand, the Raider A16 HX B9W serves as MSI’s AMD option, complementing the Raider 16 HX B2W and Raider Max 16 HX. It maintains the same dimensions of 363 x 269.7 x 21.95~28.85 mm and weighs 2.6 kg, just like its Intel counterparts. The Raider A16 HX B9W can be customized with up to a GeForce RTX 5090 and a Ryzen 9 9955HX, which competes closely with the Core Ultra 9 285HX based on our testing results.

    Pricing and Availability

    Nonetheless, MSI will limit the Raider A16 HX B9W to an IPS display, offering no OLED version. As for the prices and release dates for the Raider 16 HX B2W and Raider A16 HX B9W, those details are still under wraps. MSI has also yet to release any images of the Raider A16 HX B9W, leaving potential buyers eagerly waiting for more information.

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  • Protecting Online RPG Economies: Insights from Path of Exile Co-Creator

    Protecting Online RPG Economies: Insights from Path of Exile Co-Creator

    Key Takeaways

    1. Economic Integrity: Developers should prioritize a fair game economy where players earn rewards through gameplay, avoiding shortcuts like cheating or buying advantages.

    2. Skill-Based Progression: In seasonal resets, player progression should depend on skill rather than exploits, purchases, or manipulation of game systems.

    3. Strict Measures Against Cheating: Developers should not only ban cheaters but also delete their accounts or items to maintain fairness in the game.

    4. Cosmetic Rewards for Rollbacks: When addressing major economic disruptions, offering cosmetic rewards instead of buffs can help maintain game balance.

    5. Caution with Monetization: While pay-to-win elements may generate quick revenue, they can harm the long-term sustainability of online games.

    Path of Exile’s co-creator and Grinding Gear Games’ co-founder, Chris Wilson, has a lot of important advice for developers interested in crafting online RPGs with unique economies. He shared his thoughts in a recent YouTube video titled “Protecting Your Online RPG’s Economic Integrity.”

    New Beginnings

    Having left GGG toward the end of 2023, Wilson is now at the helm of a small independent studio named Light Pattern. In his video, he emphasized that making sure the game’s economy is fair for all players should be the main goal, even if it means missing out on quick profits.

    He introduced the concept of “economic integrity.” According to him, players should earn loot and level up through gameplay, maintaining a balanced environment where no one gains an unfair advantage through cheating, exploits, or purchasing their way to success.

    Fair Play Matters

    This principle is particularly crucial in online games that reset after each season, as every reset creates temporary economies where players strive to establish themselves on leaderboards. Wilson pointed out that progression should rely more on skill rather than being “purchased, botted, exploited, or obtained through manipulation of support services.”

    To maintain fairness in online RPGs, Wilson offered his views on handling cheaters and exploiters. His stance is quite tough, suggesting developers should go further than just banning accounts and actually delete the accounts or items of those who cheat. He explained:

    Taking the time to clean up every account, even those you believe are permanently banned, is worth it.

    Addressing Major Issues

    For larger issues that could disrupt a game’s economy, Wilson advised that developers should consider rollbacks, but instead of providing buffs or stat-enhancing items as compensation, they should offer cosmetic rewards instead.

    He also talked about monetization, mentioning that while pay-to-win elements may yield quick revenue, they can damage the sustainability of online games over time. He refrained from directly naming specific titles in the video, although it’s clear he was referring to Path of Exile 2, as players have been discussing the game’s economy and recent exploits.

    Additionally, Wilson reflected on a personal error when approving an expansion for Path of Exile four years ago. When the expansion launched, a large number of players faced long login queues, including paid streamers.

    In a rush, he allowed these streamers to bypass the queue, which disadvantaged other players who had been waiting since the expansion went live. Wilson noted:

    I failed to consider the economic edge this granted to those streamers, allowing them to get ahead due to a real-world privilege, which created unfairness. We were justifiably criticized, and I quickly recognized the error I had made.

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  • Free Teddy Knight Roguelike Launches with 92% Positive Ratings

    Free Teddy Knight Roguelike Launches with 92% Positive Ratings

    Key Takeaways

    1. Teddy Knight features a unique protagonist: a teddy bear knight battling the witch Baba Yaga and her toy minions.
    2. The game is set in a dark toy box with dynamically changing levels and physics-based combat mechanics.
    3. Players gather upgrades throughout playthroughs, altering gameplay styles typical of the roguelike genre.
    4. Teddy Knight has received positive reception, with 92% of 13 reviews on Steam being favorable.
    5. The game has low system requirements (2 GB file size), though it may lack some technical polish and has uncertain compatibility with the Steam Deck.

    Roguelike games like Hades and Enter the Gungeon have captured the interest of gamers for many years. The concept is straightforward – strive to progress as far as you can, then restart after every loss. This genre is perfect for players who prefer quick, enjoyable gaming sessions without dedicating too much time. In one of the newest releases, the protagonist is not a legendary hero or a demigod – it’s a teddy bear.

    A Unique Adventure

    In Teddy Knight, you assume the role of a teddy bear knight summoned to battle the wicked witch Baba Yaga and her army of toy minions. Instead of the usual fantasy landscape, the action unfolds in a dark toy box. Amidst building blocks and broken toys, this lovable hero fights through dynamically changing levels that are recreated with each attempt. The combat is viewed from a top-down perspective and relies greatly on physics-based mechanics. Enemies can be vanquished not just with a sword; they can also be hurled or knocked off edges. As is typical in the roguelike genre, you gather upgrades throughout each playthrough that can drastically alter your gameplay style.

    Positive Reception

    So far, Teddy Knight has been well-received by gamers. Out of the 13 reviews on Steam available at the moment, 92% are favorable. Players appreciate the enjoyable gameplay, reliable controller support, and delightful design that offers a new twist to the genre. The game also has the advantage of low system requirements, featuring a compact file size of merely 2 GB. However, it still lacks some polish technically. Its compatibility with the Steam Deck, currently priced at $480 on Amazon, remains uncertain.

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  • Fallout 3 and New Vegas Remasters Confirmed Amid TV Show Buzz

    Fallout 3 and New Vegas Remasters Confirmed Amid TV Show Buzz

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fallout Day disappointed fans with no new AAA game announcements, despite showcasing Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition.
    2. Insiders confirmed that remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are currently in development.
    3. Rumors about a Fallout 3 remaster have been linked to leaked documents, suggesting a possible 2024 launch.
    4. The Amazon Prime series may influence announcements, with its second season connecting to Fallout: New Vegas.
    5. Fallout 5 is in development, expected to release after The Elder Scrolls VI, with upcoming events hinting at future titles.

    The recent Fallout Day in October left many devoted fans of the Bethesda franchise feeling disappointed. Although the event showcased the Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, it failed to deliver any exciting new AAA game announcements. Fans were particularly let down, especially since the TV show has enjoyed considerable success. However, there is some good news: an insider has confirmed that remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are currently in the works.

    Future Fallout Games

    Jez Corden from Windows Central shared insights about what Xbox might reveal in 2026. Before diving into upcoming Fallout titles, he mentioned a mystery surrounding a countdown clock. A website related to the show has a timer that could be linked to the season 2 finale. Still, some gamers were hoping for surprise announcements instead.

    Unfortunately, the Editor-in-Chief clarified that there is no gaming-related meaning behind the clock. Nevertheless, Corden’s sources have indicated that a Fallout 3 remaster is on its way. While he describes the project as a remake, it is expected to adopt a similar approach to Oblivion Remastered.

    Leaks and Expectations

    Rumors about Bethesda revisiting the third mainline game emerged from leaked Microsoft court documents in 2020. Those records hinted at a 2024 launch date, but other insiders, such as NateTheHate2, have recently asserted that the project is indeed real.

    Another aspect that could be significant for the Amazon Prime series is a remaster for Fallout: New Vegas. The show takes place approximately fifteen years after the events of the 2010 game. Its upcoming second season will showcase the familiar and desolate Mojave Wasteland that players have loved in the Bethesda title. This connection has sparked hopes that the company might leverage the show’s popularity for more announcements.

    Looking Ahead

    Regrettably, the publisher may not be prepared to reveal the new title just yet. Still, Corden remains optimistic about the future of the Fallout franchise, suggesting that several games could soon materialize. Additionally, Fallout 5 is also in development, likely to release after The Elder Scrolls VI. Microsoft is planning various events throughout the next year that may provide hints about future titles, including the Xbox Developer Direct in January.

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  • Asus TUF Gaming A14: Affordable Gaming Laptop with Ryzen AI 9 465

    Asus TUF Gaming A14: Affordable Gaming Laptop with Ryzen AI 9 465

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus launched the TUF Gaming A14 (2026) with AMD’s Strix Halo platform, offering a more affordable option than the ROG Zephyrus 14.
    2. The Strix Halo variant features a Ryzen AI 7 350 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, priced at approximately $1,749.
    3. A second variant, the TUF Gaming A14 (2026) FA401GM, includes a Ryzen AI 9 465, up to 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage.
    4. The FA401GM variant has upgraded RAM speed (8,533 MT/s) compared to the FA401EA (7,500 MT/s).
    5. The TUF Gaming A14 (2026) maintains a familiar design with a 2.5K 165 Hz IPS display and a 73 Wh battery, though its availability is still uncertain.

    Asus has recently annouced that it has introduced AMD’s Strix Halo platform to its TUF Gaming A14. This model serves as a more affordable option compared to the ROG Zephyrus 14. Customers can currently choose configurations that include a Ryzen AI 7 350 and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU, with a price of around $1,749 on Amazon. While Asus hinted at having two versions of the TUF Gaming A14 (2026), only the details of the Strix Halo variant were shared prior to yesterday’s launch event.

    New Model Release

    Now that the CES 2026 event is over, Asus has made its second TUF Gaming A14 (2026) laptop available on its global website. This new version features AMD’s Gorgon Point architecture alongside the familiar Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU. It can be identified by its model number FA401GM, which sets it apart from the Strix Halo variant (FA401EA). This second TUF Gaming A14 (2026) variant is equipped with a Ryzen AI 9 465, offering up to 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

    Key Differences

    The primary distinction between the Ryzen AI 9 365 and the Ryzen AI 9 465 is the transition to 8,533 MT/s RAM instead of 7,500 MT/s. In addition, the TUF Gaming A14 (2026) FA401GM maintains a recognizable design, featuring a 73 Wh battery, a 2.5K 165 Hz IPS display, and dual M.2 2280 slots. At this moment, the availability of this model is still unclear. However, Asus is likely to market the FA401GM as a more budget-friendly option compared to the FA401EA, similar to the previous models FA401UH and FA401KM.

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  • Free-to-Play RPG Rises on Steam Trending Charts Before Release

    Free-to-Play RPG Rises on Steam Trending Charts Before Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Soulframe has gained popularity in Steam’s “Trending Upcoming” charts despite not having a release date, showing that player interest drives visibility.
    2. The game is undergoing Preludes pre-alpha tests, leading to increased wishlists and followers through regular updates and early access for select players.
    3. Soulframe features unique gameplay dynamics, emphasizing large-scale action, intense melee combat, and a strong narrative, rather than quick arena-style battles.
    4. The game’s world design focuses on themes of nature, decay, and restoration, with efforts to enhance visibility through Twitch streams and developer updates.
    5. Soulframe’s trending status reflects consistent interest and an established fanbase but does not indicate an imminent release, as it remains a long-term development project.

    Soulframe has yet to announce a release date, but this hasn’t stopped it from rising in Steam’s “Trending Upcoming” charts. The fantasy RPG from Digital Extremes is still tagged as “Coming soon,” but recent activity from players has clearly increased its visibility. This serves as a reminder that Steam’s trending lists are influenced by player attention rather than how close a launch is.

    Ongoing Tests and Rising Interest

    The game has been conducting ongoing Preludes pre-alpha tests, which give select players and Founders early access to builds. These testing phases, combined with regular updates from the developers, have led to significant increases in wishlists and followers. The recent surge in interest is what puts Soulframe next to games that have closer release dates, even though it may still have a long journey ahead before its full launch.

    Unique Gameplay Dynamics

    Unlike many smaller online RPGs that focus on instanced content, Soulframe is designed as a large-scale action RPG with expansive environments, intense melee combat, and a strong narrative. The combat showcased so far features heavy weapons, magical abilities, and large-scale enemy encounters, rather than quick arena-style battles. The pacing appears to be more methodical, resembling cinematic action RPGs rather than traditional MMOs.

    A Rich World to Explore

    World design seems to be a critical aspect of this upcoming RPG. Soulframe’s setting is centered on themes of nature, decay, and restoration, with environments and enemies closely tied to this concept. The studio has also made efforts to enhance the game’s visibility. Official Twitch streams, developer updates, and Twitch Drops have ensured the game remains active on social media and streaming platforms. Each test wave or showcase likely brings players back to the Steam page, which directly contributes to the activity metrics tracked by SteamDB. According to SteamDB data, Soulframe is operating on a much larger scale than most upcoming RPGs. It currently holds the #67 spot in top wishlists and #95 in wishlist activity, with over 30,000 followers on Steam.

    Understanding the Trends

    Why is this important? Soulframe’s presence on the trending lists doesn’t indicate that a release is just around the corner, nor does it guarantee a launch in 2025 or 2026. Instead, it illustrates a consistent level of interest, bolstered by Digital Extremes’ established fanbase and a continual flow of playable updates. It remains a long-term project that is very much in the process of development.

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  • New Free-to-Play RPG with Online PvP and PvE Launching on Steam

    New Free-to-Play RPG with Online PvP and PvE Launching on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Details: Dreadmyst, an indie RPG, will release on Steam on January 9, 2026, with a compact size of around 600 MB and no paid content.

    2. Class System: Players can select from four classes (Paladin, Mage, Ranger, Cleric) and customize their characters through stat allocation and ability trees for hybrid builds.

    3. Combat and Dungeons: The game features tab-target combat with responsive controls, offering cooperative dungeons for teams and solo players, along with a risk/reward system in higher difficulty levels.

    4. PvP Elements: Arena battles focus on 1v1 and 2v2 matches, emphasizing fast-paced gameplay with strategic ability use and cooldown management.

    5. Community Interest: Dreadmyst is gaining traction on Steam, ranking #1535 on wishlists and #326 for activity, but key questions about its free model and server performance remain to be answered at launch.

    Dreadmyst is a unique indie role-playing game set to launch on Steam on January 9, 2026 (January 10 for those in eastern regions). This game offers isometric, tab-target combat along with light MMO elements, including four distinct classes, dungeon explorations, and competitive arena battles. The game is compact, taking up around 600 MB on Steam, and the developers are promoting it as a “truly free” experience, meaning there will be no paid content involved.

    Class Selection and Progression

    Players can choose from four main classes: Paladin, Mage, Ranger, and Cleric. Each class comes with its own unique set of weapons and roles. Progression in the game will involve allocating stat points to attributes (Strength, Agility, Willpower, Intelligence, and Courage) and leveling up various ability trees, allowing players to mix and match skills to form hybrid builds. The design encourages flexibility, letting players adjust their stats and abilities to shape their characters for both PvE and PvP scenarios.

    Combat Mechanics and Dungeons

    Dreadmyst features a tab-target combat system instead of action aiming. The developers have focused on providing “crisp, responsive controls” and abilities that offer significant feedback. This level of mechanical refinement is important for arena battles and challenging dungeon scenarios. Expect classic ARPG elements like loot drops, rare materials, and various difficulty levels in dungeons; players will need to manage cooldowns and crowd control effectively for successful encounters.

    Dungeons can be played in two different modes: one designed for teams of four (with roles for tank, healer, and two DPS) that require cooperation to defeat bosses, and another for solo players who can face elite enemies and mini-bosses alone. Higher difficulty levels yield better equipment, creating a clear risk/reward system for those who enjoy group play or prefer grinding solo. PvP matches are concentrated on smaller arenas, specifically 1v1 and 2v2 formats. These matches are intended to be fast-paced, emphasizing ability timing, chaining crowd control moves, and minimizing cooldown errors.

    Growing Interest and Future Questions

    Currently, Dreadmyst ranks around #1535 on Steam’s top wishlists and holds a higher position at #326 for wishlist activity, indicating a recent surge in interest. The game has more than 1,200 followers on Steam, a modest number for a free indie RPG without major marketing efforts.

    Nevertheless, there are still some unanswered questions that will only be clarified upon launch. Can we trust the “truly free” claim? How well will the servers perform under actual load? Will there be a post-launch support roadmap from the developers? These factors will be crucial in determining whether Dreadmyst evolves into a niche RPG or a sustainable community-driven MMO. The launch on January 9 will serve as the first significant evaluation for the game.

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  • NBC NFL Broadcast Confuses Viewers with Banjo-Kazooie Music

    NBC NFL Broadcast Confuses Viewers with Banjo-Kazooie Music

    Key Takeaways

    1. The NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens featured unexpected music from the 1998 game Banjo-Kazooie during a highlight reel.
    2. Color commentator Chris Collinsworth humorously compared Steelers player Cam Heyward’s stance to a frog while the nostalgic music played.
    3. Social media buzzed with reactions, as fans expressed confusion and excitement over the choice of music during the broadcast.
    4. Grant Kirkhope, the original composer of the Banjo-Kazooie soundtrack, reacted to the moment on social media, expressing surprise and gratitude for the attention.
    5. Speculation arose about how the retro video game music made it into the NFL game, with some believing it was a creative decision by a production team member.

    The last match of the NFL regular season turned into a surprising throwback. On Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Baltimore Ravens. Fans watching the NFL showdown were eager but did not expect to hear a nostalgic Nintendo 64 tune from Banjo-Kazooie, that’s for sure.

    A Unique Presentation

    During the second half of the third quarter, the broadcast switched to a visual comparison of Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward’s starting position, likening it to a frog, while the Bubblegloop Swamp theme from the 1998 game Banjo-Kazooie played in the background.

    Color commentator Chris Collinsworth excitedly remarked, “That’s right, he’s got a frog stance!” The silly music from the bear and bird duo’s fourth world took many viewers by surprise. Millennials who grew up playing on the N64 instantly recognized the tune.

    Social Media Buzz

    Clips of this moment quickly spread across social media as fans shared their thoughts. One user on X exclaimed, “No f*ing idea why this happened, but they just played Banjo-Kazooie music during a highlight reel on Sunday Night Football.” Another user said, “They straight up just played Bubblegloop Swamp music from Banjo-Kazooie on Sunday Night Football. I think we’re living in a simulation.” The chatter on X about the Banjo-Kazooie music during the NFL game quickly caught the attention of the game’s original composer, Grant Kirkhope.

    He expressed his surprise on X, stating, “So this just happened. Thanks to everyone for pinging me… Unbelievable!” Within the same conversation, one of his fans asked if his career as a composer was finally paying off, considering his music made it to an NFL game. Kirkhope simply replied, “I wish.”

    The Mystery of the Music

    Some fans humorously suggested that someone should have reached out to him before it aired during the game, to which Kirkhope responded, “Ha.”

    Yet, the question still lingers. How did a 1998 soundtrack from Banjo-Kazooie end up in the NFL matchup between the Steelers and the Ravens? Many believe it was just a production team member in their 30s who decided to throw in some nostalgic retro game music on a whim.

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  • SuperStation One FPGA Console Ships After Taki Udon’s Stressful Year

    SuperStation One FPGA Console Ships After Taki Udon’s Stressful Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. The SuperStation One is an FPGA console designed by Taki Udon, bridging classic PlayStation gaming and modern technology, allowing emulation of multiple platforms with high accuracy.
    2. It supports original PS1 controllers, memory cards, and physical game discs, making it a unique choice for retro gamers.
    3. The console’s development faced significant challenges, including burnout for Taki Udon, but it was launched successfully just before Christmas 2025.
    4. Positive reviews are being shared by early buyers, with two batches already shipped and a third batch available for pre-order in 2026.
    5. For immediate retro gaming options, the Sony PlayStation Classic is currently available on Amazon.

    Not many endeavors in the retro gaming world have gained as much notice as the SuperStation One, a fresh FPGA console made by YouTuber and tech enthusiast Taki Udon.

    Bridging Gaming Eras

    Taki Udon aimed to bridge the divide between classic PlayStation gaming, retro gaming, and modern FPGA technology by designing a device that emulates various gaming platforms via MiSTer cores. This allows retro gaming fans to enjoy everything from PS1 classics to Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64 games with almost perfect cycle accuracy.

    Unique Features

    The SuperStation One stands out because it works with original PS1 controllers, memory cards, and even physical game discs, thanks to an optional dock for Sega CD and Sega Saturn games. The pricing is also very reasonable, making it one of the top FPGA consoles for retro gamers and enthusiasts.

    After several years of development, the SuperStation One finally began arriving at customers’ homes just before the end of 2025, marking a significant achievement for Taki Udon and his crew at Retro Remake.

    Challenges Faced

    Nevertheless, the journey to create the SuperStation One was filled with challenges, as Taki Udon shared in a recent video on X. He described 2025 as a tumultuous year that tested his limits. While he was thrilled to add the finishing touches to the SuperStation One, he also experienced intense burnout. He noted:

    “Many people have been requesting me to do post-mortems on various projects. I just want to quickly touch on 2025 as a whole. It was the most taxing year I’ve faced in my life.

    There were numerous high points, but also many low points, and several moments where I felt burnt out, then got back to work, only to face burnout again, mainly driven by the goal to finally launch this project that had been on my mind for years.

    And we managed to do that just in time, a few days before Christmas. A lot of care went into this device, and I hope the struggles I faced are outweighed by the joy it brings to those who enjoy this labor of love I spent so much time on.

    I’m genuinely proud of everything we achieved this year, and I’m really glad many of you watching this video right now decide to buy this product. But I must say, I hope that 2026 is way less stressful than 2025.”

    Current Availability

    Currently, the first two batches of the SuperStation One have been shipped, and buyers are sharing positive reviews. For anyone eager to join the SuperStation retro gaming community, Batch 3 can be pre-ordered in 2026, with deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2026 or possibly sooner.

    For those who want a nostalgic PS1 experience without waiting for a preorder, the Sony PlayStation Classic is available on Amazon right now.

    Taki Udon – X

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