Category: Gaming

  • Cyberpunk Trading Card Game: Join Night City & Get Exclusive Rewards

    Cyberpunk Trading Card Game: Join Night City & Get Exclusive Rewards

    Key Takeaways

    1. The card game features characters and stories from Cyberpunk 2077 and Edgerunners, allowing fans to create their own edgerunner teams.
    2. A Kickstarter campaign will launch in 2026, offering backers exclusive rewards like a special Lucy card.
    3. Gameplay will blend strategic complexity with thematic elements, potentially incorporating mechanics inspired by Netrunner and Magic: The Gathering.
    4. There is potential for a digital version of the game, enhancing the experience with rich visuals and soundscapes.
    5. The game aims to introduce a fresh tactical dimension to the trading card game genre, leveraging the Cyberpunk universe’s creative lore.

    Featuring characters and stories from Cyberpunk 2077 and Edgerunners, this officially licensed card game will let fans create their own edgerunner teams in a completely new way. The journey begins with a Kickstarter campaign in 2026, offering backers the chance to obtain an exclusive Lucy card and get involved early in the action.

    Gameplay Expectations

    Though specific gameplay information is still a secret, players can look forward to a blend of strategic complexity and thematic elements, provided the other Cyberpunk properties influence the TCG. Picture characters using Netrunner-like powers or cards that reference control mechanics similar to those found in Magic: The Gathering, or fast-slicing ‘Mantis Arm’ decks that bring to life the franchise’s well-known cyberware. The Cyberpunk setting could be the perfect way to introduce a fresh tactical dimension to the TCG genre, drawing from the myriad of creative avenues within the lore. And just look at that stunning card art!

    Digital Dreams

    While we’re kicking things off with a physical release, I can’t help but think about how incredible a digital version could be, battling other chooms on the move while establishing our reputations throughout Night City. If the same artistic detail applied to the cards is reflected in the user interface, themed boards, and scenes, along with a full Cyberpunk soundscape, it would create an absolutely phenomenal experience. If WeirdCo plays their cards wisely, we might just have a true classic on (and in) our hands. As a fan of trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and the recent Cyberpunk releases, I’m super thrilled to see the Cyberpunk 2077 and Edgerunner universe get its very own TCG.

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Player Count Surpasses Battlefield 6

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Player Count Surpasses Battlefield 6

    Key Takeaways

    1. There is growing negative feedback about the Call of Duty series, prompting Activision to change its release schedule for Black Ops and Modern Warfare.
    2. Black Ops 7 has fewer active players compared to Black Ops 6 at launch but is still believed to have better engagement than Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders.
    3. Call of Duty games rank second in player engagement behind Fortnite, according to U.S. statistics, despite lacking detailed data from Game Pass.
    4. PC gamers are struggling to accept that Arc Raiders is outperforming Black Ops 7 and Battlefield 6 in player counts on Steam.
    5. Despite Battlefield 6 leading in sales, the variety of Call of Duty titles may help it maintain a larger player base, but future games need to perform better under the new release strategy.

    There has been an increase in negative feedback regarding the Call of Duty series. Recently, Activision made the decision to alter its yearly release schedule for both Black Ops and Modern Warfare. However, the situation surrounding Black Ops 7 may not be as bad as the player counts on Steam would indicate. Frequent informant CharlieIntel disclosed that this shooter enjoys better support across multiple platforms compared to Battlefield 6 or Arc Raiders.

    Player Engagement Trends

    According to the source, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 had a lower number of active players when compared to Black Ops 6 right after their launch days. In contrast, Modern Warfare 3 experienced a stronger initial player base. Nonetheless, CharlieIntel is convinced that more gamers are engaging with Black Ops 7 than its rivals.

    Cross-Platform Popularity

    Gamers currently lack a full understanding of the popularity of cross-platform games on the PS5 and Xbox. Game Pass, which includes COD, doesn’t frequently release in-depth data regarding its most played titles. Nevertheless, there are statistics from the U.S. that support the assertions made in the social media posts.

    As of the week ending November 29th, Call of Duty games claimed the second spot on Circana’s player engagement charts. On both PlayStation and Xbox, the Activision series ranked just behind Fortnite. In comparison, Battlefield 6 came in at sixth, while Arc Raiders was lower on the chart. It’s crucial to recognize that Call of Duty HQ includes multiple different releases.

    PC Player Perspectives

    It might be a challenge for PC gamers to accept that Embark’s extraction shooter isn’t surpassing Battlefield 6 or Black Ops 7. More than five weeks post-launch, the player count for Arc Raiders on Steam is still considerably higher. Recently, it has peaked at over 250,000 players, after reaching a high of more than 480,000. Meanwhile, EA’s military shooter has struggled to maintain numbers above 200,000, and Call of Duty has fallen below 80,000.

    From various reports, it appears that Battlefield 6 is leading in sales. Nonetheless, the variety of Call of Duty titles might be sufficient to retain a larger player base. Yet, with Activision moving to a less frequent release schedule, it will require improved performance from upcoming games.

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  • Ayaneo Starts Shipping Pocket Air Mini After Delay

    Ayaneo Starts Shipping Pocket Air Mini After Delay

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini pre-orders began in October, with initial shipping delayed to December, and orders started shipping on December 10.
    2. The company plans to ship around 500 units on December 11 and is increasing production to fulfill remaining orders within a week.
    3. Indiegogo pre-orders will be fulfilled before direct website orders, and new orders can only be placed through their website as Indiegogo pledges are closed.
    4. The pre-sale price for the base model is $69.99, with higher prices after the pre-sale period; specifications include a 4.2-inch display, MediaTek processor, and 4,500mAh battery.
    5. Features include RGB-lit thumbsticks, Hall Effect triggers, x-input vibration feedback, a cooling fan, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, and Android 11 with a custom interface.

    The Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini has been up for pre-order on Indiegogo since October, with initial shipping set for late November. However, this date was delayed to December due to what the company said were platform policy requirements. True to their word, Ayaneo has started shipping orders on December 10.

    Shipping Updates

    As per the latest news on their Indiegogo page, Ayaneo plans to send out around 500 units tomorrow, December 11. The company is also increasing production to ensure that they can ship the rest of the orders within the next week. If you want to see if your order is included in the first batch, you can check here.

    Pre-Order Details

    In earlier updates, Ayaneo mentioned that they would fulfill Indiegogo pre-orders before those made directly on their website. If you want to receive your order sooner, it’s suggested to place an order through their site since they are no longer taking pledges on Indiegogo.

    Pricing and Specifications

    Currently, the Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini is still available at its pre-sale price of $69.99 for the base model, which includes 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The model with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage is listed at $79.99. After the pre-sale period is over, prices will rise to $89.99 and $99.99, respectively.

    The device comes with a 4.2-inch 1280 x 960 60Hz LCD display that has a 4:3 aspect ratio and can reach brightness levels of up to 500 nits. It runs on MediaTek’s Helio G90T processor and has a battery capacity of 4,500mAh, supporting 18W charging. Additionally, it includes a MicroSD slot for extra storage, an audio jack, and a USB-C port.

    Features of the Pocket Air Mini

    The Pocket Air Mini is equipped with Hall Effect thumbsticks that glow with RGB lights, Hall Effect triggers, x-input vibration feedback, a cooling fan, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. It operates on Android 11 right out of the box, featuring the AyaHome custom interface layered on top.

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  • Microsoft Launches New Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox Controllers Worldwide

    Microsoft Launches New Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox Controllers Worldwide

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has released new Fallout-themed controllers for the Xbox, including the standard Xbox Wireless Controller and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.
    2. The controllers feature designs inspired by the Fallout universe, particularly the Pip-Boy device, with iconic green colors and HUD elements.
    3. Enhanced comfort is offered with a textured back casing and improved grips on the bumpers and triggers.
    4. Pre-orders for the standard Pip-Boy controller are available on Amazon and from Microsoft for a limited time.
    5. The standard Pip-Boy controller starts at $82.97, while the Elite Series 2 can cost up to $164.58, with personalization options available through the Xbox Design Lab.

    Microsoft has broadened its collection of themed controllers by introducing new special edition versions of the regular Xbox Wireless Controller and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, currently priced at $129.99 on Amazon. The visuals clearly show that the latest offerings are inspired by the Fallout universe.

    Fallout-Inspired Designs

    Both controllers are marketed as the Pip-Boy Edition and showcase designs that are directly influenced by the Fallout franchise. For instance, they feature the iconic green colors of Fallout, along with HUD elements taken from the Pip-Boy device. Additionally, Microsoft has added a textured back casing to enhance comfort, which is further supported by improved grips on the bumpers and triggers.

    Pre-Order Details

    You can pre-order the standard Pip-Boy controller on Amazon and directly from Microsoft, but this offer is only available for a short period. Similar to other recent Xbox controller launches, the Pip-Boy Edition can be personalized with various Fallout-themed designs through the Xbox Design Lab. In contrast, the Elite Series 2 can only be acquired from Microsoft via the Xbox Design Lab. The pricing begins at $82.97 for the standard model and can go up to $164.58 for the Elite version. For more information, check out the Xbox website.

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  • UK Government Investigates Rockstar Games for Union Busting Claims

    UK Government Investigates Rockstar Games for Union Busting Claims

    Key Takeaways

    1. Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games are under investigation by the UK government for potential union-busting practices.
    2. Approximately 40 employees were laid off for allegedly discussing confidential information, which they dispute as union-related discussions.
    3. The UK Prime Minister supports workers’ rights to join trade unions and promises an investigation into the claims made by local MP Chris Murray.
    4. The release date for GTA VI has been delayed to November 19, 2026, with potential further delays depending on the investigation’s outcome.
    5. Ongoing employee controversies may impact future game releases and company operations.

    Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games are facing ongoing trouble with their employees, and things could be getting even worse. The UK government is stepping in to investigate claims of union-busting. Local MP Chris Murray (H/T IGN) raised this issue in a recent UK Parliament session. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented:

    “Every worker has the right to join a trade union, and we’re committed to enhancing workers’ rights and ensuring they don’t suffer unfair penalties for being part of a union. Our ministers will investigate the specific case that he [Murray] mentioned and will keep him posted.”

    Employee Layoffs and Controversy

    To recap, Rockstar dismissed approximately 40 employees for supposedly “distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum,” a claim that employees and independent reports strongly dispute. People Make Games reported that these employees were talking about union issues in a private Discord chat.

    Game Delays and Future Implications

    The company asserts that the layoffs are unrelated to the second delay of GTA VI, which has now been pushed back to November 19, 2026. However, depending on the actions taken by the UK Government, we could see further delays, possibly extending the game’s release to 2027.

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  • 8BitDo Launches Colorful Bluetooth Controllers with Two Drawbacks

    8BitDo Launches Colorful Bluetooth Controllers with Two Drawbacks

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo has launched the updated wireless controller, 8BitDo 64 Classic Grey, priced at $44.99.
    2. The Classic Grey model will not ship until at least January 30, 2026, with other models shipping in February 2026.
    3. 8BitDo has not provided specific shipping dates for their new products, unlike competitors.
    4. The new controllers are compatible with Android, Windows, Switch, and Switch 2.
    5. 8BitDo offers limited quantities of the 8BitDo 64 Funtastic Limited Edition controllers in various colors, with all except Gold being translucent.

    8BitDo has started selling its newly updated wireless controller. Just to remind you, the company recently listed the 8BitDo 64 Classic Grey on Amazon. This Classic Grey model is priced at $44.99, but it won’t be shipping until at least January 30, 2026. Sadly, the other new products from the company will take even longer to reach customers.

    New Refresh Details

    Specifically, the latest batch of 8BitDo 64 refresh models won’t be leaving the warehouses until February 2026. Moreover, 8BitDo hasn’t shared any exact shipping dates yet, unlike Analogue, which seems to have guaranteed deliveries by Christmas for its Funtastic Limited Edition versions of the Analogue 3D. For your reference, the new controllers from 8BitDo work with Android, Windows, Switch, and Switch 2, not just the Analogue 3D.

    Availability and Colors

    Although these consoles are already out of stock, 8BitDo still has all the 8BitDo 64 Funtastic Limited Edition controllers available. So, you can still choose from the 8BitDo 64 in Clear, Jungle, Watermelon, Smoke, Ice, Fire, Gold, and Grape colors. Interestingly, every color except for Gold has a translucent finish. 8BitDo states that all colors are available in “highly limited quantities,” but they haven’t given any more details about this. You can visit the company’s website for further information.

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  • Sony Reveals Free Triple-A Games for PlayStation Plus Extra in Dec 2025

    Sony Reveals Free Triple-A Games for PlayStation Plus Extra in Dec 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Eight new games will be added to the PlayStation Plus catalog on December 16 for PS4 and PS5 subscribers.
    2. Key titles include Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Cat Quest III, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.
    3. Planet Coaster 2 will be available exclusively for PS5, while Soulcalibur III will be accessible on both PS4 and PS5.
    4. A PlayStation Plus Premium subscription is required to play the enhanced version of Soulcalibur III.
    5. A promo for a Sony Pictures Core Movie credit is available for those who purchase a 12-month PS Plus membership between December 11 and January 12.

    Earlier today, a leaker known as billbil_kun shared information about Sony’s upcoming update for the PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) catalog. At first, the leaker suggested that there would be three major games available for subscribers. However, Sony’s official statement provides more details than what billbil_kun originally mentioned.

    Recap of New Additions

    To summarize, earlier this month, the PS Plus catalog welcomed Red Dead Redemption, Skate Story, and Lego Horizon Adventures (currently priced at $19 on Amazon). Now, Sony has announced that eight new games will be accessible to players without additional fees later this month, though there are a few conditions. Specifically, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Cat Quest III, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty will be included starting December 16 for both PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5). Additionally, Paw Patrol: Grand Prix and Paw Patrol World will also be part of this offering.

    Details on Game Availability

    On a different note, Planet Coaster 2 will also be available from that same date, but exclusively for the PS5. In contrast, Soulcalibur III will be open to both PS4 and PS5 users. To enjoy this enhanced version of the classic PS2 game, one needs to have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. Interestingly, if you buy a 12-month PS Plus membership on the PS5 between December 11 and January 12, you’ll also receive a promo for a Sony Pictures Core Movie credit. For more information, check out the PlayStation Blog.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the lineup for the upcoming PS Plus update has exciting titles and some special offers for subscribers. Take note of the dates and requirements to make the most out of these gaming opportunities!

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  • Why You Should Stop Retrobrighting Your Sega Dreamcast Console

    Why You Should Stop Retrobrighting Your Sega Dreamcast Console

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retrobrighting, a popular method for restoring yellowing consoles, can accelerate deterioration over time.
    2. Shelby Jueden’s 10-year investigation revealed that restored consoles showed more yellowing than untouched ones.
    3. The yellowing of consoles is caused by multiple factors, including heat, oxygen, and certain plastics used in the 1980s and 1990s.
    4. Hydrogen peroxide in retrobrighting only reverses color but does not prevent plastic breakdown, potentially causing more damage.
    5. Collectors are now exploring gentler restoration methods, such as vinyl dyes and sanding, as alternatives to retrobrighting.

    A 10-year investigation into the restoration of yellowing retro video game consoles has come to a conclusion: using Retrobrighting on vintage consoles actually speeds up their deterioration over time, making this method a bit risky.

    This insight comes from Shelby Jueden, a retro tech YouTuber known as Tech Tangents. In a recent video, he shared that he began treating consoles like the Sega Dreamcast with hydrogen peroxide and sun exposure back in 2015.

    Shelby aimed to bring the Dreamcast back to its original cream color. However, he discovered that these restoration efforts led to increased yellowing, which became more noticeable compared to consoles that were left untouched after a decade.

    The Process Explained

    In his video titled “Retrobright Damages Plastic – 10 Year Test,” he explained how he took apart the Sega Dreamcast and utilized the classic retrobrighting method. He applied hydrogen peroxide to the top and bottom sections of the console, excluding the lid, and then exposed these parts to UV light.

    While the retrobrighting process did lighten the discoloration of the Dreamcast, which seemed like a quick success, Shelby later found that the lid remained in perfect condition, contrasting sharply with the retro-brightened parts of the console.

    Shelby remarked in the video, “Retrobrighting degraded the plastic more and caused more yellowing than if it had just been left alone.”

    Factors in Yellowing

    He elaborated that yellowing is not just caused by UV light but is the result of several elements, including heat, oxygen, and brominated flame retardants used in ABS plastic from the 1980s and 1990s.

    To clarify, hydrogen peroxide only reverses photo-oxidation by breaking down chromophores; it doesn’t prevent polymer breakdown, which could make the restoration process more damaging to the console over time.

    Shelby’s findings aren’t just a fluke. Although some retro collectors praise this technique for its immediate effects, it isn’t reliable, as the whitening tends to be uneven. Jueden summed it up by saying, “The answer is retrobrighting doesn’t work. The plastic still yellows, and you can end up with it looking worse than if you just left it alone. Entropy wins sadly.”

    New Approaches to Restoration

    Many retro collectors have started to use gentler methods instead of retrobrighting, such as vinyl dyes and hydrocarbon-based solvents, which help reduce yellowing without creating peroxides, or even sanding down the consoles. Ultimately, yellowing in consoles is unavoidable, and the passage of time must be acknowledged.

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  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Reveal: Hidden Video Surfaces

    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Reveal: Hidden Video Surfaces

    Key Takeaways

    1. Speculation is rising that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 may be announced at The Game Awards due to activity on the Square Enix YouTube channel.
    2. Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi has indicated that development on Part 3 is progressing quickly, with revamped gameplay nearly complete.
    3. The Game Awards is viewed as a prime venue for major announcements, especially since past installments of the trilogy have received significant exposure there.
    4. There is speculation about a hidden video on the Square Enix YouTube channel, but it could be related to Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade rather than Part 3.
    5. While fans are hopeful for a Final Fantasy 9 remake, current focus is more on the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, especially after reports of potential delays for other projects.

    Final Fantasy enthusiasts are eagerly looking for any indication that the beloved series will make an appearance at The Game Awards. The excitement has grown after an observant gamer noticed some activity on the Square Enix YouTube channel. This has led to speculation that a hidden video could be unveiling Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3. Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi has hinted that the finale of the trilogy is making swift progress.

    YouTube Playlist Insights

    The YouTube playlist features trailers that highlight major updates to the popular RPG franchise. The most recent addition was a video for the Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail expansion, which was uploaded in 2024. It is common for publishers to prepare content beforehand and keep it unlisted until the official announcements. However, gamers have previously encountered similar private entries from Rockstar that did not lead to a new GTA 6 trailer.

    Anticipation for Part 3

    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 is likely the most anticipated project from Square Enix to be showcased at The Game Awards. In an interview with YouTuber Julien Chièze in October, Hamaguchi shared encouraging news. He mentioned that the revamped gameplay is nearly finished, stating that the “new experience the game will offer is almost complete.” Though development is still happening, the director is optimistic about sharing more details “soon,” which could also reveal the game’s title.

    Comments on The Game Awards

    During the interview, Hamaguchi also discussed Geoff Keighley’s event. He acknowledged that The Game Awards has become the leading event since the discontinuation of E3. Regarding Part 3, the Square Enix veteran noted, “It would be a good place for this kind of announcement, yes…”

    Past entries of the trilogy have had significant exposure during the event. In 2023, a new trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth premiered before the title won the Most Anticipated Game award.

    Speculation on Hidden Videos

    Some fans might think that the hidden video could be promoting Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. Players on Switch 2 and PC will be able to enjoy the game starting January 22, 2026. However, the Square Enix YouTube playlist does not show any previously announced ports.

    Even though hope is dwindling, fans are still keenly wishing for a Final Fantasy 9 remake. Yet, after NateTheHate2 mentioned in October that the project might be stalled, a trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 appears to be more plausible.

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  • Anbernic RG477V Retro Gaming Handheld Launching Soon Worldwide

    Anbernic RG477V Retro Gaming Handheld Launching Soon Worldwide

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RG477V is expected to have delayed shipping, likely not before 2026, despite possible pre-orders later this month.
    2. It features a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset and a 4.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1,280 x 960 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
    3. The device includes a 5,500 mAh battery that supports 27 W fast charging and a microSD card slot for up to 2 TB storage.
    4. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E, along with dual Hall effect joysticks for enhanced gaming experience.
    5. The RG477V will come in two RAM/storage configurations (8 GB/128 GB and 12 GB/256 GB) and will be pre-installed with Android 14.

    Anbernic is slowly sharing more information about the RG477V as we get closer to Christmas. Right now, it’s still uncertain when people will be able to order the device. However, it looks pretty unlikely that RG477V units will start shipping before 2026, even if pre-orders open later this month.

    Specifications Revealed

    In the meantime, Anbernic has confirmed all key specs of the RG477V. The details were revealed at the end of a new teaser video, and the hardware features components already seen in the recent RG477M (currently priced at $299 on Amazon). For example, the RG477V is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset and boasts a 4.7-inch IPS display. This display has a resolution of 1,280 x 960 pixels, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and can reach a peak brightness of 500 nits.

    Gaming Experience

    Even though 120 Hz is higher than what many retro games require, this refresh rate allows for Black Frame Insertion (BFI) which helps to lessen motion blur while keeping a smooth 60 Hz gaming experience. Additionally, the RG477V comes with a 5,500 mAh battery that supports 27 W fast charging, along with a microSD card slot that can accommodate cards up to 2 TB.

    Connectivity and Variants

    Moreover, Anbernic has added dual Hall effect joysticks and a modem that provides Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E connectivity. The RG477V will be offered in two color choices, with configurations of 8 GB RAM/128 GB storage or 12 GB RAM/256 GB storage. All versions will come pre-installed with Android 14, but there’s no guarantee that Android 15, 16, or any future major OS updates will be provided. For more information, please check the video above.

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