Category: Gaming

  • PlayStation Plus Boosts AAA Horror Games for Halloween 2023

    PlayStation Plus Boosts AAA Horror Games for Halloween 2023

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony is adding 16 new games to PlayStation Plus for Halloween.
    2. Silent Hill 2, a praised remake of the PS2 classic, leads the lineup.
    3. Until Dawn, a horror slasher game, is included and has received high ratings.
    4. Alan Wake 2, known for its storytelling and direction, is part of the offerings.
    5. The lineup also features titles like V Rising, Days Gone, and several Resident Evil classics.

    If you have a PlayStation (you can find it on Amazon), Sony has announced 16 games that will be added to PlayStation Plus just in time for Halloween.

    Highlighted Titles

    Leading the list is Silent Hill 2, the praised remake of the beloved PlayStation 2 game. Although Silent Hill F might be the newest entry in the franchise, Silent Hill 2 has been showered with positive feedback for revamping a PS2 classic with contemporary graphics and gameplay, all while keeping the elements that made the original so engaging.

    More Horror Games

    Moreover, PlayStation Plus members will also get to enjoy Until Dawn. This horror slasher game follows eight clichéd teens as they try to survive in a secluded mountain lodge after being invited back to mark the disappearance of a sibling. Originally released for the PS4, it has received much higher ratings than the 2025 film adaptation that shares its name.

    Alan Wake 2 is also included, which is another top-tier title that has received excellent reviews and numerous awards, including recognition for best narrative and best game direction.

    Additional Offerings

    Other games making the list are V Rising, the classic PS4 title Days Gone, Dead by Daylight, Outlast 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2, Killer Frequency, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan, Hello Neighbor, Siren, and Crow Country.

    There are even a few Resident Evil games included for fans, such as Resident Evil: Director’s Cut, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Games Likely to Use Game-Key Cards Instead of Cheap Cartridges

    Nintendo Switch 2 Games Likely to Use Game-Key Cards Instead of Cheap Cartridges

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Costs of Game Cards: Game publishers are avoiding traditional Game Cards for the Switch 2 due to high production costs, which are around $16 for 64GB sizes.

    2. Future Outlook: Despite setbacks in research and development at Macronix, there is a more positive forecast for the ROM business by 2026.

    3. Current Challenges: Production of Switch 2 games is affected by rising costs of NAND flash media, leading to a possible shift towards more digital games and Game-Key Cards.

    4. Performance Limitations: Physical media may have performance drawbacks; internal storage and microSD Express cards in the console offer better performance than cartridges.

    5. Concerns for Collectors: Collectors face challenges as most game data is stored online, requiring internet access and downloads, raising concerns about game preservation.

    For certain consumers, the reliance on internet-based Switch 2 Game-Key cards makes the handheld less appealing. Back in August, there was hope that new developments in flash storage technology might increase the availability of physical games. Sadly, Macronix, the company responsible for making Switch cartridges, has recently shared some discouraging news.

    High Costs of Game Cards

    Many believe that game publishers are shying away from traditional Game Cards for the Switch 2 because they are expensive. Some sources claim that the media costs around $16 and are limited to 64GB sizes. Macronix seemed to have a potential fix by merging MLC NAND and 3D NAND technologies, which could lead to cheaper manufacturing and allow for both smaller and larger cartridge options.

    Future Outlook

    A recent financial report, discussed by Nintendo Patents Watch on Bluesky, highlighted some setbacks for the Taiwanese firm. The chairman of Macronix mentioned that delays in research and development have affected their plans for the Switch 2. Nonetheless, there is a more positive forecast for the “ROM business” in 2026.

    Current Challenges

    According to Patents Watch, media production for Switch 2 games is being handled by Rohm and another unspecified entity. There was an expectation that Macronix would move to support the new Nintendo console. However, the social media community suspects that the company is also facing challenges due to soaring costs of NAND flash media.

    The limitations in speed with Switch 2 cartridges may force a shift toward more digital games and Game-Key Cards. Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, pointed out that physical media could lead to performance drawbacks. In fact, the internal storage and microSD Express cards of the console perform better than the cartridges. Furthermore, Square Enix has found it impossible to fit the entire game onto the standard Game Cards.

    Concerns for Collectors

    The current landscape for physical collectors of the Switch 2 appears quite grim. While these enthusiasts can gather a collection of Game-Key Cards and their cases, the majority of game data is stored on Nintendo’s servers. To access and play these titles, an internet connection and a significant download are necessary. From a game preservation standpoint, this situation raises many concerns.

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    Nintendo Switch 2 Games Likely to Use Game-Key Cards Instead of Cheap CartridgesNintendo Switch 2 Games Likely to Use Game-Key Cards Instead of Cheap Cartridges

     

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  • Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Backbone One Controller Release

    Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Backbone One Controller Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Backbone released a limited-edition Death Stranding 2 controller in collaboration with Kojima Productions.
    2. The controller features PlayStation buttons (triangle, circle, cross, square) and is compatible with Android and iPhones with USB-C ports.
    3. It has a unique design with a blue translucent faceplate and a yellow translucent clamp displaying logos.
    4. Only 1,350 units will be made, each with a collector’s tag and rugged collectible case.
    5. The controller is priced at $159.99 and will be available for purchase starting November 5, 2023.

    Last year, Backbone introduced a special Death Stranding edition of its Backbone One mobile controller. This limited-edition controller was created in collaboration with Kojima Productions to celebrate the video game’s launch on the Apple App Store. Now, over a year later, they have teamed up again with the game developer (and PlayStation) to bring out a unique edition based on the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

    Features and Compatibility

    The Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition is modeled after the Backbone One PlayStation Edition, which can be found on Amazon for $99. Instead of the usual ABXY action buttons, this version features triangle, circle, cross, and square buttons. Like both the standard version and the Xbox Edition, this special controller works with Android smartphones and iPhones that have a USB-C port.

    Design Details

    This new controller showcases a blue translucent faceplate. It also comes with a blue aluminum D-pad, action buttons, shoulder buttons, and triggers. The back of the controller is blue too, but it isn’t translucent and has a different hue. Additionally, there’s a yellow translucent clamp that displays the logos of Backbone and Drawbridge on the front, while the game’s title is printed on the back.

    Limited Availability

    Only 1,350 units of the Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition will be made, and each one includes a commemorative collector’s tag and a numbered rugged collectible case. Apart from its unique colors and the included extras, this controller is functionally the same as the standard edition.

    The Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition works well with PlayStation Remote Play and various cloud gaming services like GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Apple Arcade. Priced at $159.99, it is somewhat expensive, especially since it doesn’t come with a free copy of the game like last year’s edition did. The controller will be available for purchase starting November 5 at 9 AM PDT from Backbone, the Kojima Productions Store, and Best Buy Drops.

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  • Epic Games Store November 2025 Giveaway: Games Worth $100+

    Epic Games Store November 2025 Giveaway: Games Worth $100+

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is giving away two free horror games for Halloween 2025, available until November 06, 2025, at 15:00 UTC.
    2. A new giveaway featuring the puzzle adventure game “Felix the Reaper” and in-game items worth over $100 will follow the Halloween giveaway.
    3. “Felix the Reaper” has a unique art style and dark humor, valued at $9.99, with an 81% positive rating on Steam.
    4. The game features shadow-based puzzles, though some players find them repetitive and lacking controller support.
    5. The upcoming freebies include items for “Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms,” a strategy game recognized for its character storylines and strategic gameplay.

    Epic Games Store is having a Halloween 2025 celebration by giving away two free horror games, which have a combined value of about $40. This is the final giveaway for October 2025, and it will remain available for a few days into November 2025. Specifically, these free games will no longer be available after November 06, 2025, at 15:00 UTC.

    New Game Giveaway Coming Soon

    Once this giveaway ends, Epic Games Store has announced a new game giveaway that will be worth more than $100. This includes one free game along with several in-game items. The free game is Felix the Reaper, a 2019 puzzle adventure title that has been generally well-received by gamers.

    Felix’s Unique Charm

    One of the standout aspects of Felix the Reaper is its main character, Felix. Players have enjoyed the game’s dark humor and unique art style. The gameplay features shadow-based puzzles as a main mechanic. However, some players find the puzzles can get a bit boring and repetitive, plus there’s no solid support for controllers (the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core is currently priced at $149 on Amazon).

    Felix the Reaper is valued at $9.99, and it boasts an 81% positive rating on Steam from over 200 reviews. The in-game items are for an existing free game, Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, which is a strategy game released in 2020 featuring well-known D&D heroes.

    Strategy and Gameplay Insights

    Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is recognized for its strategic gameplay and how it incorporates character storylines. Yet, the main gameplay can sometimes feel repetitive. The freebies include Nixie’s Renown Pack, which has a value of over $100. You can find out more about these upcoming freebies at the Epic Games Store by checking out the videos below.

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  • Soulslike Demo Hits 300 Reviews in 2 Days with 98% Positive Rate

    Soulslike Demo Hits 300 Reviews in 2 Days with 98% Positive Rate

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Concept: DinoBlade features dinosaurs wielding swords in a prehistoric action RPG setting affected by a mysterious disaster.

    2. Character Role: Players control a young Spinosaurus armed with a greatsword, fighting against other predators for survival.

    3. Gameplay Style: The game incorporates traditional Soulslike mechanics, requiring strategic observation, precise dodging, and blocking instead of button mashing.

    4. Demo Reception: The demo received a 98% positive rating on Steam, praised for smooth combat and stunning animations, though some technical issues were noted.

    5. Release Information: The demo offers about an hour of gameplay, with the full game expected in 2026, and compatibility with Steam Deck is currently unknown.

    In DinoBlade, the title really tells you what it’s about – huge dinosaurs brandishing enormous swords engage in fierce combat. This game is the debut solo project from Jean Nguyen, a senior animator at Sucker Punch Productions, who has previously contributed to blockbuster games like Call of Duty: Vanguard. The demo was launched on October 28, marking a key moment for DinoBlade.

    Setting the Stage

    According to its Steam page, DinoBlade is an action RPG set in a prehistoric environment that has been rocked by an enigmatic disaster – one that has altered how dinosaurs survive. Rather than relying on their teeth and claws, they now battle with swords held in their mouths. Players step into the shoes of a young Spinosaurus, who wields a massive greatsword and fights to endure against other terrifying predators in this harsh new world.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    DinoBlade draws heavily from traditional Soulslike gameplay. Button mashing won’t take you far – you’ll need to observe enemy movements, time your dodges correctly, and block accurately. When you defeat enemies, they drop souls that you can use to improve your character with skill points. Players have given high marks to the demo for its smooth combat, stunning animations, and distinctive setting, achieving a 98% positive rating on Steam. However, some feedback has pointed out technical problems like stuttering and frame drops, as well as a leveling and skill system that still seems to be in need of development.

    The demo provides players with a chance to try the first chapter of DinoBlade for free, featuring around an hour of gameplay that includes multiple mini-boss battles and a main boss confrontation. The full game is set to be released in 2026, but no pricing or exact launch details have been revealed yet. Compatibility with the Steam Deck (which is priced at $440 on Amazon) is currently marked as “Unknown.”

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    Soulslike Demo Hits 300 Reviews in 2 Days with 98% Positive RateSoulslike Demo Hits 300 Reviews in 2 Days with 98% Positive Rate

     

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  • Free-to-Play Game Merges Vampire Survivors and Halo, 91% Positive Reviews

    Free-to-Play Game Merges Vampire Survivors and Halo, 91% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gameplay Inspiration: Spartan Survivors draws clear inspiration from Vampire Survivors, blending roguelite and bullet heaven genres within the Halo universe.

    2. Character and Customization: Players can choose from eight unique characters, each with distinct weapons, and enjoy extensive customization options with 21 weapons, 14 perks, and 56 upgrades.

    3. Positive Reception: The game launched on October 28 and received a strong positive response, with 91% of 71 user reviews on Steam rating it favorably.

    4. Technical Critiques: Community feedback highlights technical issues, including missing features like full-screen options and character balance problems, along with some repetitive level design.

    5. Fan-Made Title: Although inspired by Halo, Spartan Survivors is a fan-made game developed independently under Microsoft’s guidelines, not an official Microsoft product.

    Spartan Survivors draws clear inspiration from the popular indie game, Vampire Survivors, while adding its own twist to the roguelite and bullet heaven genres, all wrapped up in the unique aesthetic of the Halo universe. Players step into the shoes of beloved characters like Master Chief or the Arbiter, fighting off endless waves of Covenant foes. As they battle, participants gather upgrades, enhance their abilities, and strive to outlast the relentless enemy onslaught. Every playthrough presents fresh weapon combinations, perks, and skills, ensuring the gameplay remains quick and endlessly replayable.

    Gameplay and Features

    The game offers ten different levels, eight unique characters equipped with distinct weapons, and five varying difficulty settings. Players have the choice of 21 different weapons, 14 perks, and a whopping 56 upgrades which leads to innumerable build options. Additionally, a customizable “Custom Game” mode unlocks, allowing players to tweak the gameplay experience to match their preferences.

    Reception and Critique

    Spartan Survivors is a project from solo developer Bathrobe, having launched on Steam on October 28. After its release, the game accumulated 71 user reviews, with a striking 91% of players giving it a thumbs up. One of the most notable aspects is the clever fusion of the nostalgic Halo ambiance—complete with original sound effects—and the compelling gameplay loop reminiscent of Vampire Survivors. A Steam user, Tenoshii, aptly summarized it in their review: “The Halo-themed survivor-like we didn’t know we needed.”

    Community Feedback

    Most of the community’s critiques revolve around technical issues. Some essential features such as a full-screen option or an exit button in the menu are missing, alongside some character balance problems that can lead to annoyance. Moreover, level design tends to feel somewhat repetitive, and the meta-progression aspect typical in roguelites is less fleshed out than what many players anticipated. As for Steam Deck compatibility (which retails for about $440 on Amazon), it’s currently marked as “Unknown,” yet due to the game’s minimal system requirements, it should function smoothly on most handheld devices. Regardless, it’s definitely worth a look—Spartan Survivors is completely free to download on Steam.

    Important Note

    It’s worth mentioning that even though Spartan Survivors is heavily inspired by Halo, it is not an official Microsoft game. This fan-made title was developed under Microsoft’s “Game Content Usage Rules,” meaning it’s legally allowed but operates independently from Xbox Game Studios.

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    Free-to-Play Game Merges Vampire Survivors and Halo, 91% Positive ReviewsFree-to-Play Game Merges Vampire Survivors and Halo, 91% Positive Reviews

     

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  • Moza Unveils Affordable Flight Sim Gear: 6 Nm Base & HOTAS

    Moza Unveils Affordable Flight Sim Gear: 6 Nm Base & HOTAS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Moza has launched new racing equipment, including premium wheelbases like the AB9 and mid-range AB6, as well as flight simulation gear that is more affordable.
    2. The AB6 base offers 6 Nm of direct-drive torque and features precise vibrations, while the MHB Flightstick includes customizable buttons, throttle sliders, and a two-stage trigger.
    3. The MTQ Throttle Quadrant features 10 programmable buttons, three rotary knobs, toggle switches, and a modular design for different aircraft types.
    4. Pricing for the complete Moza AB6 Flight Simulator is $399, with the MHG Flightstick at $99 and the MTQ Throttle Quadrant at $199; additional MTQ modules cost $39 each.
    5. The new products are available for purchase from Moza’s official website starting October 30 and will soon be available at select retailers.

    Moza has been active in both the racing and flight simulation areas for quite some time. Recently, the company introduced new racing equipment, featuring two wheelbases that are part of their premium line. Meanwhile, the flight simulation offerings are expanding with a more affordable option that includes a force feedback flight base, a flightstick, and a throttle quadrant.

    New Equipment Launch

    In addition to the high-end AB9 FFB base and MH16 Flightstick, Moza has also introduced the mid-range AB6 base and MHB Flightstick. The AB6 base provides 6 Nm of direct-drive torque, which is less than the 12 Nm produced by the AB9. This base is designed to deliver precise vibrations and feedback to the flightstick. The MHB Flightstick includes eight customizable buttons and two throttle sliders, along with a Hall-effect Z-axis rudder and over 25 mappable inputs. To enhance control, it also features a two-stage trigger.

    Throttle Quadrant Features

    Looking at the MTQ Throttle Quadrant, it offers 10 programmable buttons, three rotary knobs, three toggle switches, and a specific landing gear lever. This throttle quadrant has a modular design that lets users change the throttle to suit different types of aircraft, though these modules must be bought separately. As a standard, it comes with the TQF Fighter lever setup.

    Pricing and Availability

    The complete Moza AB6 Flight Simulator, which includes both the base and the flight stick, is available for $399. The MHG Flightstick is sold separately for $99, while the MTQ Throttle Quadrant is priced at $199. Each module for the MTQ costs $39. All of these new products can be bought starting today, October 30, from the official website and will soon be available at select retailers.

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  • Retroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch Issues

    Retroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retroid Pocket 6 was announced and went on sale, but pre-orders were halted for a redesign based on community feedback.
    2. The redesigned Pocket 6 will have two configurations: one with the left joystick on top and another with the original layout.
    3. M1 and M2 buttons have been moved to the back for easier access, while speakers and Android buttons have been relocated to the side.
    4. The redesigned device retains the same core hardware as the original version, ensuring similar performance.
    5. The Pocket 6 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, comparable to other devices like the Ayn Odin 2.

    The Retroid Pocket 6 has been through quite a bit lately. It was announced on Monday and went on sale the next day, alongside the more affordable Pocket G2. However, shortly after its launch, the company decided to halt Pocket 6 pre-orders for a redesign based on community feedback.

    Redesigned Features

    Now, Retroid has unveiled the results of this redesign just before the Pocket 6’s re-launch. Although the company has not yet set new pre-order dates, it hints that the Pocket 6 will be back soon. For now, it’s confirmed that the device will come in two configurations: one with the left joystick positioned on top and another with the original layout.

    Button and Speaker Adjustments

    Moreover, Retroid has relocated the M1 and M2 buttons to the back of the handheld, making them easier to reach with the forefingers. Similarly, the speakers and Android buttons have been moved to the side, which may or may not be an improvement. It appears that the redesigned Pocket 6 keeps the same core hardware as the first version. This means it should have similar performance to the Ayn Odin 2 or Odin2 Portal (currently priced at $359 on Amazon), boosted by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. For additional hardware specifics, please refer to our original launch piece.

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    Retroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch IssuesRetroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch IssuesRetroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch IssuesRetroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch IssuesRetroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch IssuesRetroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch IssuesRetroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch IssuesRetroid Pocket 6 Handheld: New Designs After Launch Issues

     

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  • Strix Halo Handheld: Cyberpunk 2077 on SteamOS vs. Windows 11

    Strix Halo Handheld: Cyberpunk 2077 on SteamOS vs. Windows 11

    Key Takeaways

    1. The GPD Win 5 runs SteamOS 3.8 natively, allowing full support for controllers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
    2. Power management in SteamOS on the GPD Win 5 requires additional tools, as TDP controls are not available in the native menu.
    3. Gaming performance on SteamOS is competitive, with titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 achieving 70-74 FPS at 1080p.
    4. Windows 11 outperforms SteamOS in some games, such as Borderlands 4, suggesting better driver optimization for demanding titles.
    5. Battery life for AAA games is similar on both operating systems, approximately two hours at 25 W.

    The GPD Win 5 is said to perform nicely with Windows 11, which it comes pre-installed with, and it can run a range of indie and AAA games. This brings up the question of how well the new AMD Strix Halo-powered handheld would do with a lightweight, gaming-oriented Linux system like SteamOS.

    Exploring SteamOS on GPD Win 5

    This is what YouTuber ETA PRIME aimed to discover in their recent video. They started by loading the official SteamOS Hollow 3.8 main branch build onto the GPD Win 5, marking the first version that boots completely on AMD’s latest Strix Halo and Strix Point APUs.

    ETA PRIME explained that this particular release was selected because it fixes the long-standing boot issue that had stopped SteamOS from working on these processors. With the improved boot chain in version 3.8, the GPD Win 5 now runs SteamOS natively, providing full controller support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and system-level features similar to those of the Steam Deck.

    Hardware Specifications

    The test unit features AMD’s Ryzen AI Max 385 APU working alongside a 30-CU Radeon 8050S iGPU. It’s loaded with 32 GB of RAM, which ETA PRIME set up to divide 16 GB for system use and 16 GB for the iGPU. SteamOS correctly identifies the platform under System settings as “Hollow 3.8” and lists the APU as model 385.

    Despite this progress, one limitation of SteamOS on non-Deck devices is the TDP control from the standard performance overlay. As shown by ETA PRIME, power limits do not show up in the native menu on the Win 5, leading them to install Decky Loader with the SimpleDeckyTDP plugin. With this configuration, the handheld can be adjusted anywhere from a low 4 W up to a reported 120 W slider range.

    Gaming Performance

    In practical terms, ETA PRIME keeps the power usage between 20 and 45 W for gaming on the go, noting that the Windows 11 “Performance” mode on the GPD Win 5 typically sits around 45 W and can peak to 65 W while on battery. For SteamOS, the YouTuber generally kept AAA games between 25 and 45 W.

    During their tests, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was the first game they tried. At 1080p, Medium settings, FSR Balanced, and a 25 W TDP, the game averaged about 71 FPS without frame generation. Switching to the “High” preset could yield similar performance by raising power to around 35 W, the YouTuber noted.

    Next on the list was Cyberpunk 2077. Running at 1080p, Steam Deck preset, and a 25 W TDP, it averaged approximately 74 FPS. When set to 1080p, Ultra preset, FSR Quality, and a 45 W TDP, the game performed at roughly 71 FPS on average. The Ryzen Max chips were seen to scale effectively with power, with 45 W comfortably supporting 1080p Ultra gameplay. However, after 45 W, the Strix Halo chip’s performance begins to stabilize.

    Borderlands 4 at 1080p, Medium settings, FSR Balanced, and a 45 W TDP sometimes dipped below 60 FPS. In comparison, the same game runs about 13 FPS faster on Windows 11 with similar settings, indicating it might not be fully optimized for SteamOS just yet.

    Lastly, Hollow Knight: Silksong, a 2D indie game, was tested at a 6 W TDP with a frame rate capped at 60 FPS. The total system draw was around 10.5 W, suggesting nearly eight hours of gameplay.

    The YouTuber also checked out games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Elden Ring, and Doom: The Dark Ages in their video, which is linked below.

    Conclusion

    When looking at gaming performance between SteamOS and Windows 11 on the GPD Win 5, the results present a mixed picture. In Borderlands 4, Windows 11 has a clear advantage, averaging about 13 FPS higher at identical 1080p Medium settings and a 45 W TDP, implying better driver optimization on Windows’ part.

    Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 shows almost equal results between the two systems, with both holding around 70–74 FPS at Medium settings in the 25–28 W power range, though the Windows 11 test did not clarify whether FSR was set to Balanced.

    Battery life also remains roughly the same, offering about two hours of gameplay for AAA titles at 25 W on either operating system. Overall, while SteamOS 3.8 shows competitive performance in most cases, Windows 11 still holds a slight edge in more demanding games due to its well-developed drivers and broader game optimization.

    This indicates that although SteamOS and various Linux distributions are becoming more popular, there is still some work needed from developers to reach the same level of performance as Windows 11 in gaming.

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    Strix Halo Handheld: Cyberpunk 2077 on SteamOS vs. Windows 11Strix Halo Handheld: Cyberpunk 2077 on SteamOS vs. Windows 11

     

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  • Xbox Hardware Sales Drop 29% Ahead of Console Price Hikes

    Xbox Hardware Sales Drop 29% Ahead of Console Price Hikes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft aims for a 30% profit margin, but gaming revenue declined by 2%, resulting in a loss of $113 million.
    2. Xbox hardware sales dropped by 29%, with the popularity of the Xbox Series X and S declining.
    3. Game Pass showed a slight increase in content and services revenue by 1% compared to the same quarter last year.
    4. Xbox console sales are expected to continue slowing, with recent price hikes making the Series X cost $649.99.
    5. Microsoft is shifting focus from hardware to digital services and cross-platform publishing, with new first-party hardware not expected until at least 2027.

    With Xbox aiming for a 30% profit margin, the latest Microsoft earnings report has drawn increased focus. The outcomes for the gaming sector are quite mixed. In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026, hardware sales took a hit, dropping by 29%, as the popularity of the Xbox Series X and S continues to decline. However, thanks to Game Pass, there was a slight uptick of 1% in content and services compared to the same quarter last year.

    Overall Revenue Trends

    In total, Microsoft’s gaming revenue experienced a decline of 2%, which translates to a loss of $113 million. This dip isn’t exactly shocking, considering that the Xbox is currently in a transitional phase. The company is shifting its focus from first-party hardware to supporting OEM devices, like the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. They are also prioritizing cross-platform publishing and digital services, particularly Xbox Game Pass.

    Earnings Report Insights

    The earnings report from Microsoft covers the period from July to September 2025. Therefore, it’s still too early for gamers to understand the effects of the recent Xbox price hikes that took place on October 3rd. Changes to the U.S. Game Pass are also a relatively new occurrence.

    Future Sales Projections

    It’s probable that sales of Xbox consoles will continue to slow, especially since retailers such as Costco have ceased carrying the system. The MSRP for the Series X has increased by an additional $50, now costing a shocking $649.99 for the disc-based version. Other gaming variants, including the Series S, have seen similar price increases. This recent drop came after a 22% fall in hardware sales in the previous quarter.

    With new first-party hardware not expected until at least 2027, Microsoft will have to depend on alternate revenue sources. However, the rising costs of Xbox Game Pass are testing the resolve of many subscribers. Some gamers require the Ultimate tier to play new Xbox titles on the release day, but this now costs $29.99 a month.

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