Category: Gaming

  • Dan Houser on Why Gamers Are Excited for GTA 6

    Dan Houser on Why Gamers Are Excited for GTA 6

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Anticipation: GTA 6 is one of the most awaited games worldwide, fueled by fan theories and excitement about the story.

    2. Rockstar’s Unique Approach: The irregular release schedule of the Grand Theft Auto series builds anticipation, with long gaps between game releases.

    3. Long Wait: Nearly thirteen years will have passed between GTA V and GTA 6, increasing interest and excitement among fans.

    4. Innovations in Gameplay: Each installment of the series features continuous enhancements in storytelling and gameplay mechanics, raising expectations for GTA 6.

    5. Potential Success: Despite a possible delay in the launch, GTA 6 is expected to achieve tremendous success upon its release in 2026.

    There is no question that GTA 6 is one of the most highly anticipated games globally, and we might think it’s due to its engaging story or impressive graphics. However, Dan Houser shared in a recent podcast with Lex Fridman the reasons behind the immense excitement for this game.

    Fans and Theories

    It’s important to acknowledge that this game captivates thousands of fans, many of whom eagerly share various theories, especially about how the story will unfold. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon.

    Rockstar’s Unique Approach

    Dan Houser emphasizes that Rockstar Games operates differently than other game studios. The Grand Theft Auto series is known for its irregular release schedule, which heightens player anticipation.

    For instance, GTA IV came out in 2008 and GTA V in 2013. However, between the release of GTA V and GTA 6, almost thirteen years will have gone by, underscoring this point. Additionally, this long gap allows trailers and official announcements to create considerable buzz.

    Innovations and Expectations

    According to Dan Houser, another element that contributes to its popularity with gamers is the continuous enhancements and innovations seen in each installment, both in storytelling and gameplay mechanics.

    Thus, it is clear that GTA 6 is poised for tremendous success upon its release in 2026. Even though the launch date could potentially be postponed, the excitement remains palpable.

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  • PlayStation Store Offers Rare Refunds for Mortal Kombat Legacy Issues

    PlayStation Store Offers Rare Refunds for Mortal Kombat Legacy Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony usually does not offer refunds for played games, but exceptions have been made for the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, allowing some players to receive credits after contacting support.

    2. Latency issues are significant, particularly on PS5, with input lag measured at over 108 milliseconds, while the PC version shows much faster latency at 22.05 milliseconds.

    3. The collection uses a mix of custom emulators, contributing to latency problems, along with reports of audio glitches and multiplayer issues leading to mixed reviews.

    4. New PlayStation Store policies allow customers to request automated refunds within 14 days of purchase, even if the game is downloaded, making the situation for the Legacy Kollection unique.

    5. Developer Stephen Frost from Digital Eclipse is actively updating the community on patch developments, with fixes aimed at improving button response times expected by November 4th.

    Sony usually doesn’t give refunds for games that have been played, but the PlayStation Store has made a special case for the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection. A number of players have successfully gotten credits after reaching out to PS Store support. High latency is a major complaint, especially for users on the PS5.

    Game Versions and Latency Issues

    The Digital Eclipse edition features multiple versions of the original Mortal Kombat games. Yet, the shift from arcade to home consoles and PCs has not been without its issues. Latency remains a big problem in fighting games, where quick reactions can determine the outcome of a match.

    Input lag expert Nigel Woodall tested the latency on different platforms including PC, Switch 2, Xbox, PS4, and PS5. The results showed PlayStation systems lagging behind, with a delay of over 108 milliseconds. In contrast, the PC version is the fastest, with a latency of just 22.05 milliseconds. Woodall remarked that he didn’t see much difference in latency across the various titles in the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection.

    Emulation and Other Issues

    The collection uses a mix of custom emulators and existing software, which might add to the latency problems. However, it remains unclear why the PS4 and PS5 versions have notably higher lag. Input delays are not the only challenges that fans of these classic fighters are dealing with. There are also reports of audio glitches and basic multiplayer features, which have led to mixed reviews on Steam.

    To enhance user satisfaction, the PlayStation Store has rolled out new policies. Customers can now ask for automated refunds via the PlayStation site or app within 14 days of purchase. Usually, if a game is downloaded, the refund request is no longer valid, making the situation surrounding the Legacy Kollection quite unusual. Many users, such as Natural_Parsnip_5291, have shared their success stories on Reddit.

    Developer Updates

    Stephen Frost from Digital Eclipse has been keeping the gaming community updated on patch developments through social media. His latest message indicates that new fixes might be available as soon as November 4th. One of the main focuses for the developers is to address the slow response times to button presses.

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  • Fortnite x The Simpsons: Explore Springfield Island in New Miniseries

    Fortnite x The Simpsons: Explore Springfield Island in New Miniseries

    Key Takeaways

    1. Springfield Island Map: The Fortnite event features a new map called “Springfield Island” with iconic locations from The Simpsons, including the Nuclear Power Plant and Kamp Krusty.

    2. Nostalgic Content: The event includes throwback jokes, Easter eggs, and a Simpsons-themed Battle Pass with character outfits for Homer, Marge, and others.

    3. Weekly Updates & Storyline: The event has a weekly update schedule with episodic storylines, starting with “Apocalypse D’oh” and culminating in “The Incredible Bulk.”

    4. Victory Cup Tournaments: Players can participate in Springfield-hosted tournaments for cash rewards and earn freebies by linking Disney and Epic accounts.

    5. Engagement through Twitch: Players can earn the “Siiimpsooooons” wrap by watching Fortnite streams on Twitch for a specified time during the event.

    While fans of the GTA-like game, The Simpsons: Hit and Run, have not seen a sequel and have only had a few revivals from modders like the Donut Team, the new Fortnite Simpsons Crossover event, which started on November 1, 2025, seems to fill that gap.

    Springfield Island Takes Center Stage

    This event brings the familiar Fortnite Battle Royale map to life as “Springfield Island,” featuring many well-known spots from the beloved series. Players are dropped into Homer Simpson’s hometown alongside 80 other competitors. Exciting events occur, such as donuts falling from the sky and irate clones roaming the streets. The island is small but has plenty of action, with nine points of interest (POIs) including Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, Cletus’ Corn Hole, Kamp Krusty, Burns Manor, Springfield Town Square, Mayor’s Munchies, Donut District, Evergreen Terrace, and Springfield Slurpworks.

    A Nostalgic Experience Awaits

    Each location is packed with throwback jokes and Easter eggs from The Simpsons, like the classic Couch gag featured in the Simpson’s home. In addition, Fortnite has introduced a Simpsons-themed Battle Pass, which includes outfits for characters like Homer, Marge, Flanders, Blinky Fishstick, and Springfieldler Peely for players who work hard to earn XP. Plus, on November 7, Fortnite will release Sidekicks and Peels, which allow players to have customizable companions.

    Weekly Updates and Tournaments

    The Simpsons event will follow a weekly update schedule with episodic entries and tie-in animations. The full lineup includes the currently active “Apocalypse D’oh,” followed by “Sugar High” on November 10, “Multiplidiocy” on November 17, and finally, “The Incredible Bulk” on November 24. The storyline involves Homer discovering the Zero Point Shard, leading to a blend of realities, with Homer using it in a careless manner.

    Moreover, the event features Springfield-hosted Victory Cup tournaments, where players can earn cash rewards for each Victory Royale achieved from Round 2 onward. Players can also snag some freebies, like the Kang and Kodos Glider, by linking their Disney and Epic accounts by November 15.

    Additionally, players can get the “Siiimpsooooons” wrap through Twitch drops by watching Fortnite streams for half an hour on Twitch from November 1 until November 2 at 11:59 PM ET.

    It’s a refreshing twist for Fortnite to roll out a month-long, content-filled update featuring The Simpsons, as previous crossovers have mainly focused on skins, emotes, and cosmetic items, with only slight adjustments to the main Battle Royale map.

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  • Arc Raiders Hits 350,000 Players on Steam Amid Server Issues

    Arc Raiders Hits 350,000 Players on Steam Amid Server Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Record Player Count: Arc Raiders achieved a peak of 354,836 concurrent users on Steam shortly after its release, marking it as a top extraction shooter.

    2. Login Wait Times: Many players experienced long login queues, with average wait times of 5-10 minutes and some waiting up to 30 minutes.

    3. Matchmaking Problems: Players faced disconnections during matches and issues with being placed in unintended groups, even when selecting solo play.

    4. Server Stabilization Efforts: The game’s servers stabilized to accommodate 223,286 concurrent players, though complaints about lengthy queues persisted.

    5. Community Frustration: Players expressed their frustrations on platforms like Discord and Reddit, leading to the introduction of a cooldown to manage the situation.

    Arc Raiders has swiftly established itself as the top extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios. Just a few days after its release on October 30, 2025, across platforms like Steam, Epic, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X, the game hit a new milestone with 354,836 concurrent users on Steam as of November 2. Unfortunately, this surge in players has overloaded the game’s servers.

    Long Login Waits

    With so many players eager to dive into the loot and shoot action in the “clanker”-filled world of Speranza, a vast number are finding themselves stuck in lengthy login queues. Many have reported staring blankly at matchmaking screens for an average of 5-10 minutes, and some have even waited as long as 30 minutes.

    Matchmaking Issues

    Additional reports reveal players being disconnected during matches or being placed in groups they didn’t choose, even when selecting a solo extraction. According to data from SteamDB, Arc Raiders hit a peak of 354,836 concurrent players on November 2 at 20:00 UTC, but then dropped sharply to 133,384 players by November 3 at 9:00 UTC.

    Server Stabilization

    Currently, the game’s servers have somewhat stabilized, accommodating 223,286 concurrent players. It’s important to note that this figure doesn’t include users on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X. Despite its record-breaking popularity, Arc Raiders has now taken the third spot in the Steam Charts, trailing behind Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2, while overtaking Battlefield 6. However, many players in the community are frustrated with the sudden influx, as seen in the numerous complaints across the Arc Raiders subreddit about “Infinite In-Queue” screens lacking timers.

    Discord Chaos

    The chaos also spilled over to the Arc Raiders Discord server, where many players voiced their frustration over one-hour waits, leading to humorous comments referring to the game as a “queue simulator.” This uproar prompted moderators to introduce a 15-minute cooldown to help manage the situation.

    Embark Studios was quick to respond to these issues via Discord. Community managers acknowledged the problems with “server, voice chat, and party system issues” and assured players that fixes would be implemented “as soon as possible.” The update also explained:

    The team has put in place a login queue as a temporary solution to alleviate problems related to party formation and voice channels, which may extend your matchmaking time.

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  • Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection: Input Lag and Audio Problems

    Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection: Input Lag and Audio Problems

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection launched on PC and consoles for $50 but has received mixed reviews, with a Steam user score of 45%.

    2. Players have reported significant input lag affecting online and offline play, with the PS5 version experiencing the highest lag at 108ms.

    3. The collection has been criticized for poor netcode and audio issues, including missing tracks and low-quality cutscenes.

    4. Digital Eclipse is actively addressing player feedback, having released a hotfix for PC that improved audio and stability but plans to focus next on console issues.

    5. Despite initial challenges, the collection aims to preserve classic titles and may improve over time under Digital Eclipse’s guidance.

    Developed by Digital Eclipse and released by Atari, the Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection has at long last made its way to PC through Steam, along with Xbox Series S|X and Nintendo Switch. The collection is priced at $50, but sadly, it has received mixed reviews on Steam, with a user score of 45% from 550 reviews since its launch.

    Issues with Reception

    One major factor contributing to the negative feedback is the ongoing input lag that players experience during online, offline, and even in menu navigation. Additionally, the online multiplayer aspect has faced criticism due to its quick-play-only matchmaking system, which limits players to a single match at a time.

    Problems with Gameplay

    Moreover, the Legacy Collection has been slammed for its poor netcode, with users likening AI behavior to “social distancing and keeping 6 feet apart.” There are also audio issues present, such as missing tracks in the Sega 32X version of Mortal Kombat II and low-quality ending cutscenes.

    Input lag varies significantly between different platforms. Tests on Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 reveal that the PS5 version experiences the highest lag at around 108ms, while the PC version only has 22ms, and the Xbox Series S|X registers 51ms. The Nintendo Switch comes in at 73ms. Digital Eclipse has suggested that using wired controllers may help alleviate these lag problems.

    Digital Eclipse Responds

    In response to the various concerns, Digital Eclipse shared a message on X:

    “We are grateful for all the #MKLK feedback we’ve gotten, including issues with audio and lag. We are working on a hotfix that will resolve multiple problems, while some will take more time. We’ll share more details next week, but please know we are aware and actively addressing these issues. Thank You!”

    To tackle some of the mentioned problems, Digital Eclipse released a hotfix on Steam, which improved audio buffering, fixed the 32X MKII audio, and boosted stability for MK4 and the Sega Genesis ports. However, this update only applies to PC. They are planning to next focus on console issues, matchmaking lobbies, and fixing rewind bugs on the Switch.

    Looking Ahead

    Despite the rocky start, the Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection is making strides in preserving classic titles, such as bringing back the WaveNet Edition of UMK3, which hasn’t been prominent since 1997.

    Digital Eclipse has a strong history in the gaming industry, and in due time, it’s likely that the studio could refine the collection into a “Flawless Victory.”

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  • Dan Houser on Why Rockstar’s Canceled Spy Game Agent Failed

    Dan Houser on Why Rockstar’s Canceled Spy Game Agent Failed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dan Houser discussed the challenges faced in developing Rockstar’s abandoned spy game, Agent, which had around five different versions but never came together successfully.

    2. The game’s initial concept was revealed at E3 2009 as a PlayStation exclusive set in the 1970s Cold War, focusing on espionage and counter-intelligence missions.

    3. Project stagnation occurred after the internal demo phase, with the team eventually shifted to work on Grand Theft Auto V due to a lack of direction for Agent.

    4. Houser highlighted the difficulty of merging the fast-paced nature of spy films with the open-world format of video games, leading to a dilemma in gameplay structure.

    5. Rockstar never formally canceled Agent but removed it from their upcoming titles list in 2021 to focus on other projects, like Red Dead Redemption 2.

    During a recent chat on the Lex Fridman Podcast episode 484, Dan Houser, a former co-founder and writer of Rockstar, shared details about the studio’s abandoned spy game called Agent, which was never released despite having five versions.

    Candid Remarks

    In the podcast, Houser openly acknowledged the main issue, stating, “We put a lot of effort into several versions of an open-world spy game, but it just never came together.” Although he didn’t explicitly name it, he was alluding to Agent from Rockstar Games.

    He went on to say, “There were around five different versions. I don’t think it was ever going to work, I’ve come to that conclusion—and I often reflect on it, sometimes while lying in bed—what makes them excellent as films doesn’t translate well into video games. We need to find a new approach to make it work as a game.”

    The Initial Reveal

    For those who may not know, Rockstar teased Agent during Sony’s E3 2009 press conference. The game was intended to be a PlayStation exclusive, set in the Cold War of the 1970s, allowing players to engage in counter-intelligence missions, espionage, killings, and travel through exciting locations, resembling a James Bond-style adventure.

    However, the 1970s backdrop was merely one prototype among many that Houser referenced, with other versions considering more modern contexts. He also stated, “I’m not sure what it could have been since we never progressed enough to develop a solid story. We were in the early phases of building the world, but it never really took shape in either version. I think I understand why.”

    Project Stagnation

    The game transformed into an internal demo shortly after Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas launched in 2004, but sadly, it hit a standstill. Leaks regarding Agent popped up from 2009 until 2010, and then again in 2011 and 2015. Without clear direction, the team was redirected to work on Grand Theft Auto V around 2015.

    The key issue appeared to be how Rockstar could blend the strict structure of the spy genre with an open-world format. Houser elaborated, “Films in that genre are very fast-paced and have a clear sequence of events. You need to hurry here to save the world, then rush there to prevent someone from being killed, and then save the world again.”

    In contrast, an open-world game has moments where the story aligns. However, there are many times when it feels less urgent, and players just explore and do as they please.

    The Freedom Dilemma

    “I want the freedom to go here and do what I want, and I also want to go over there and do as I choose,” he said. “This is why it works well as a criminal, because there are no strict orders dictating your actions.”

    This created a dilemma for Rockstar: they aimed to develop an open-world game that offered extensive freedom, which Agent struggled to embody due to its potential linear nature. Houser noted, “We attempt to create external pressures through characters, nudging you into the narrative at times. But as a spy, that concept doesn’t fit well since you’re always racing against the clock. This leads me to wonder if a good open-world spy game is even possible.”

    Rockstar never formally announced the cancellation of Agent until they took it off their list of upcoming titles in 2021, allowing developers to focus on Red Dead Redemption 2.

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  • Xbox Cloud Gaming Demo: 1440p/60fps without GeForce Now Limits

    Xbox Cloud Gaming Demo: 1440p/60fps without GeForce Now Limits

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass prices have increased, leading to criticism, but improved streaming quality may retain subscribers.
    2. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access enhanced 1440p graphics, while Essential and Premium plans offer lower quality and longer wait times.
    3. The Xbox Cloud Gaming experience has significantly improved, with games like The Witcher 3 showing better resolutions and frame rates.
    4. Currently, only a limited selection of games are optimized for the new streaming quality, and there’s no clear indication of which games have received upgrades.
    5. GeForce Now remains a stronger option for cloud gaming, offering better value and a larger game library compared to the new Xbox Game Pass pricing.

    Microsoft is facing criticism over the recent increase in Xbox Game Pass prices. Nevertheless, the enhanced streaming quality might make gamers think twice before they decide to cancel their subscriptions. Now that the beta phase for Xbox Cloud Gaming has ended, some games are displaying better resolutions and frame rates. Jez Corden from Windows Central showed how Xcloud could be a strong alternative to Nvidia GeForce Now.

    Subscription Details

    With the new subscription tiers, users must have Game Pass Ultimate to access 1440p graphics. The Essential and Premium plans also allow cloud gaming, but at lower quality levels and with longer waiting periods. For gamers who are willing to spend $29.99 each month on the top tier, they may find the advancements in streaming performance quite surprising.

    Impressive Performance

    In a video on Windows Central, Corden tried out various Xbox Cloud Gaming titles on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld. The Witcher 3 stood out with its 2560 x 1440 resolution and consistent 60 frames per second. Corden noted that there is a “night and day” difference compared to earlier streaming experiences, and any latency was nearly imperceptible.

    Limited Game Selection

    Sadly, only a few games are currently taking full advantage of the enhanced performance. Fallout 4 and Cyberpunk 2077 are two other titles that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can try out. It is quite annoying that there isn’t a clear label to indicate which games have received these upgrades yet.

    When it comes to streaming quality, GeForce Now is usually the go-to choice for many gamers. With its Performance tier streaming at 1440p, it still outperforms Microsoft due to a more extensive library of compatible games. The Ultimate plan boosts the streaming quality up to 4K and beyond. However, players must deal with session limits and a cap of 100 hours per month.

    Value Comparison

    For those who focus on cloud gaming, GeForce Now offers a better deal. After the price hike of Xbox Game Pass, the Ultimate plan costs three times more than Nvidia’s 1440p tier. If gamers aren’t interested in day-one releases and additional benefits, they might prefer a standalone streaming service. There are whispers of a free ad-supported plan coming soon, but it likely won’t deliver the highest quality streaming experience.

     

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  • $1,000 Gaming Handheld with Windows 11 and Xbox Mode Boosts FPS

    $1,000 Gaming Handheld with Windows 11 and Xbox Mode Boosts FPS

    Key Takeaways

    1. The handheld gaming market is rapidly evolving, with strong competition between Windows and Linux devices, highlighted by the GPD Win 5’s performance running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra.

    2. A performance comparison was conducted among handheld devices with AMD and Intel processors to gauge where a new Xbox-branded model may rank.

    3. Microsoft has introduced a full-screen handheld mode for the MSI Claw series, enhancing the Xbox gaming experience on Windows devices without needing unofficial modifications.

    4. The new full-screen experience on the Claw 8 AI+ reduces background memory usage, allowing for better game performance and resource allocation.

    5. Despite improvements, the Xbox-style launcher still lacks customization options and requires separate launches for some applications, indicating room for further refinements.

    Over the last few months, the handheld gaming market has been changing rapidly, with devices running on both Windows and Linux competing fiercely with one another. The GPD Win 5, equipped with the AMD Strix Halo, has shown off its ability to run Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra on SteamOS 3.8, delivering some impressive results.

    Performance Comparisons

    In addition, there was a comprehensive comparison of handheld devices featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, Z2 Extreme, and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V. This was done to predict where the new Xbox-branded model might fall in terms of performance, considering it also includes the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU.

    Enthusiast Tweaks

    On another note, a test with Bazzite, a well-known Linux fork, on the ROG Xbox Ally X demonstrated how dedicated fans are to maximizing performance from these handheld devices by installing a new operating system on an Xbox-branded machine.

    Now, Microsoft is raising the bar by launching its full-screen handheld mode for the MSI Claw series via the Windows 11 Insider Dev and Beta channels (build 7051). This effectively extends the Xbox full-screen experience beyond just Asus’ ROG Ally devices. It’s an important milestone that acknowledges Windows handhelds as a significant category and eliminates the need for unofficial modifications to access the gaming-optimized interface.

    New User Experience

    YouTuber ETA Prime recently highlighted in a video how this update allows MSI Claw devices, such as the Intel-powered Claw 8 AI+, to enjoy the full-screen experience natively. Users can now boot straight into the new Xbox-like interface, navigate using the device’s buttons, and log in without a keyboard. Although this mode still needs an Insider build, Microsoft has stated that more OEMs will be supported in the upcoming months.

    The interface works well with the Claw’s built-in tools, like MSI Center M, enabling users to adjust TDP and performance settings via the Xbox Game Bar. This creates a more unified experience similar to what SteamOS provides on Valve’s handhelds but is entirely built within Windows.

    Memory Optimization and Performance

    Testing conducted by ETA Prime on the Claw 8 AI+ indicates that switching from the old desktop mode to the new full-screen experience decreases background memory usage from around 7.3 GB to 6.2 GB, closely aligning with Microsoft’s claim of a 2 GB reduction. This optimization could be especially beneficial for 16 GB models, allowing for more available memory for games or VRAM allocation.

    In terms of performance, games like Cyberpunk 2077 displayed modest yet steady improvements:

    Other titles, such as Forza Horizon 5 and Black Myth: Wukong, also experienced slight boosts, while battery life stayed the same.

    Room for Improvement

    Despite the functional enhancements, ETA Prime points out that the interface still lacks some refinement. The Xbox-style launcher provides limited customization options and only automatically detects game launchers rather than all installed applications. Users who depend on monitoring tools or mod managers will still have to start them separately or through Steam’s non-Steam shortcut feature.

    Nevertheless, ETA Prime emphasizes that this update marks a significant change in Microsoft’s approach to handheld gaming PCs, a sector that has been mainly dominated by Linux-based systems. With broader OEM support on the horizon, handheld gamers can anticipate improved compatibility and similar performance across devices like the MSI Claw, ROG Ally, and others.

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    $1,000 Gaming Handheld with Windows 11 and Xbox Mode Boosts FPS$1,000 Gaming Handheld with Windows 11 and Xbox Mode Boosts FPS

     

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  • The Outer Worlds 2: PS5 Pro PSSR Disabled, Xbox Series X Smoother

    The Outer Worlds 2: PS5 Pro PSSR Disabled, Xbox Series X Smoother

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gamers are experiencing frame rate drops and lighting issues in The Outer Worlds 2 on the PS5 Pro, linked to PSSR upscaling.
    2. Developers are replacing PSSR with TSR to address these graphics problems, as TSR is easier to implement despite lacking some advanced features.
    3. Recent dissatisfaction among players has grown due to inadequate PS5 Pro support and performance issues in games like Borderlands 4.
    4. Digital Foundry reports that the Xbox Series X performs better than both PS5 consoles, with fewer graphics and stuttering issues.
    5. There is hope that future improvements to PSSR upscaling through Sony’s partnership with AMD will enhance performance by 2026.

    Gamers are still facing issues with performance on Sony’s top console. The Outer Worlds 2 is the newest PS5 Pro Enhanced Game to experience problems with frame rate drops and distracting lighting. A lot of these issues seem to be connected to PSSR upscaling, which has also affected Silent Hill games. To tackle these complaints, the developers have temporarily swapped this feature for TSR.

    Familiar Issues with Graphics

    The review of The Outer Worlds 2 by Digital Foundry highlighted some recurring problems with PS5 Pro games. With the use of ray tracing and basic lighting effects, objects often appear noisy and less clear. There are noticeable frame rate drops, no matter what performance settings are chosen.

    Patch Notes and Improvements

    In the 1.0.4.1 patch notes, the developers aim to “fix blurry grass on Paradise Island and unexpected lighting noise throughout the game.” To enhance the situation, they are looking to TSR, a method that is more widely used. This option can be found through Unreal Engine 5 on various platforms. Even though TSR doesn’t have the machine-learning features of the PS5 Pro-specific PSSR, it has been simpler to put into action.

    Growing Frustration Among Players

    Recently, the dissatisfaction with the inadequate PS5 Pro support has been on the rise. Borderlands 4 launched without any enhanced features, leading some players to favor the PS5 version. However, the performance issues with this looter shooter aren’t just a problem for PlayStation consoles. In contrast, The Outer Worlds 2 does not show the same issues on Xbox systems.

    Digital Foundry found that the Xbox Series X offers advantages over both Sony consoles. The lighting does not compromise image quality, and stuttering happens less frequently. The site suggests that during development, Obsidian might have had to change their approach to support Microsoft’s cross-platform initiatives. As a result, PlayStation users are left with less optimized versions of the game.

    Looking to the Future

    To be fair to the developers, even some titles designed for the PS5 Pro from the beginning have not lived up to expectations. Hopefully, Sony’s partnership with AMD to enhance PSSR upscaling will bring positive results by 2026.

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  • MSI Launches New Gaming Desktop with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070

    MSI Launches New Gaming Desktop with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI launched the MPG Trident AS AI 2nd gaming desktop to compete with Asus ROG NUC 2025.
    2. It features Intel’s Arrow Lake processors and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50 series graphics cards.
    3. Two processor options are available: Core Ultra 5 225 and Core Ultra 7 265F, with the latter offering 20 CPU cores.
    4. The desktop includes a 500 W power supply, air cooling, and multiple storage options with numerous ports.
    5. Availability is confirmed in Australia, Taiwan, and the Eurozone, with unclear pricing and availability in other regions.

    MSI has launched its new gaming desktop, the MPG Trident AS AI 2nd, after showcasing it in April. This desktop is designed to compete with the well-known Asus ROG NUC 2025, a mini-PC aimed at gamers. The MPG Trident AS AI 2nd incorporates the latest desktop versions of Intel’s Arrow Lake processors alongside Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50 series graphics cards.

    Processor Options

    Currently, MSI offers two processor choices for the MPG Trident AS AI 2nd: the Core Ultra 5 225 and the Core Ultra 7 265F, with the latter priced at $293 on Amazon. The Core Ultra 7 265F is the stronger option, featuring 20 CPU cores that include 8 Performance cores and 12 Efficient cores. Both processors are manufactured using TSMC’s N3B process and fit into a compact case measuring 397 x 137 x 410 mm, which is approximately a 10.36-litre size.

    Power Supply and Cooling

    The desktop is equipped with a 500 W 80 Plus Bronze certified power supply (PSU) that supports either a GeForce RTX 5060 or a GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. Additionally, the MPG Trident AS AI 2nd has an air cooling system, offers four storage options that are evenly divided between 2.5-inch and M.2 2280 slots, and includes nearly a dozen ports, as shown in the image below. MSI is currently selling the MPG Trident AS AI 2nd in four different configurations in Australia, Taiwan, and the Eurozone. Sadly, information regarding pricing and availability in other regions is still not clear.

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    MSI Launches New Gaming Desktop with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070

     

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