Category: Gaming

  • Battlefield 6 Battle Royale Fails to Impress; Steam Reviews Drop

    Battlefield 6 Battle Royale Fails to Impress; Steam Reviews Drop

    Key Takeaways

    1. Battlefield 6 RedSec launched on October 28, introducing a free-to-play battle royale mode that received a ‘Mostly Negative’ rating on Steam after just one day.
    2. Players expressed frustration over the lack of a solo mode, with only duo and quad options available, leading to disappointment for solo players.
    3. Many reviews criticized the requirement to complete battle royale challenges to earn rewards, which can’t be rerolled, forcing players into modes they don’t enjoy.
    4. Gameplay issues were noted, including very short elimination times, making it difficult for players to react to opponents.
    5. Despite the negative feedback, developers are responding to player concerns, and future reviews may improve as adjustments are made.


    Battlefield 6 RedSec was launched on October 28, and it introduced a free-to-play battle royale mode that many fans were eagerly looking forward to. However, after only a single day of being available, the game has received a lot of criticism, resulting in a ‘Mostly Negative’ rating on Steam. It’s important to note that these opinions come solely from PC players.

    Players’ Frustrations

    Players of RedSec have flooded the review section on Steam with their grievances regarding the challenges and the absence of a solo mode. Currently, there are around 1,500 reviews, leading to the game’s ‘Mostly Negative’ standing. Many players who prefer to play alone are disappointed, as the only available modes are duo and quad, with no way to turn off autofill.

    Challenges and Gameplay Issues

    Moreover, several users have expressed their dissatisfaction with being required to complete battle royale challenges when they simply want to enjoy the base game. The challenges can’t be rerolled, which means players have to engage in the battle royale mode to earn rewards. One reviewer pointed out that the time it takes to eliminate opponents is very brief, even with armor plates, giving little chance to react if someone approaches unexpectedly.

    Future Outlook

    Even so, it’s worth noting that it’s just the first day since the mode’s release, and the developers have been relatively quick to respond to player feedback so far. These early reviews could evolve in the coming weeks. As it stands, the launch for RedSec hasn’t been very promising. It remains uncertain whether this will deter players from purchasing the base game or enjoying the traditional multiplayer modes and campaign.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Battlefield 6 Outshines Call of Duty in Console Player Numbers

    Battlefield 6 Outshines Call of Duty in Console Player Numbers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Battlefield 6 has broken sales records and surpassed Call of Duty in simultaneous players on Steam.
    2. Call of Duty HQ remains a strong advantage for Activision, despite player frustrations with its interface and downloads.
    3. Call of Duty continues to dominate in player engagement on consoles, ranking second only to Fortnite, while Battlefield 6 ranks lower.
    4. The upcoming free-to-play Battlefield RedSec may intensify competition with Warzone and strengthen Battlefield’s presence in PC gaming.
    5. Despite Battlefield’s success, it lacks the robust ecosystem that Call of Duty has built over the years.


    All indications suggest that Battlefield might finally surpass its military shooter competitor. Battlefield 6 has broken sales records and achieved a higher number of simultaneous players on Steam than any title in the Call of Duty series. However, even with the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Activision’s franchise still enjoys greater support among console gamers.

    Player Engagement Insights

    Mat Piscatella shared data from Circana on Bluesky, highlighting player engagement on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms. This data covers the week ending October 18th, which includes the initial days following the Battlefield 6 launch. In terms of total active users in the U.S., Call of Duty HQ holds the second position, right behind Fortnite. In contrast, Dice’s new shooter ranks seventh on PlayStation and sixth on Xbox.

    The Call of Duty HQ Advantage

    It’s crucial to note that Call of Duty HQ acts as a launcher for various titles. Even though the publisher has recently taken down Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops 6 and Warzone remain accessible on the app. The new Black Ops 7 is poised to take center stage on November 14th.

    Many players wish for the elimination of Call of Duty HQ. Gamers often voice their frustrations about the large downloads and the somewhat awkward interface. Despite this, it still highlights an edge that Activision maintains over the Battlefield franchise. Even with the triumph of Battlefield 6, numerous Call of Duty games stand in its way. There are whispers that the series might shift to an annual release cycle to keep players engaged.

    Upcoming Challenges for Battlefield

    The new free-to-play Battlefield RedSec also creates rivalry for Warzone. With this launch, Dice could continue its stronghold in PC gaming. While Call of Duty leads on consoles, the player numbers for Battlefield 6 have pushed it to the top of Circana’s Steam charts in both the U.S. and Canada.

    Black Ops 7 is seeing lower pre-order numbers and significantly reduced open beta participation, leading to lower expectations. Nonetheless, Battlefield has yet to develop the same powerful ecosystem that Call of Duty possesses.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • TrimUI Smart Pro S Launch Plans and Upgrades for Gamers Revealed

    TrimUI Smart Pro S Launch Plans and Upgrades for Gamers Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. TrimUI has introduced the Brick Hammer, a refreshed version of the previous TrimUI Brick priced at $72.99 on Amazon.
    2. The Smart Pro platform, initially launched in late 2023, features an Allwinner A133P chipset, a 4.96-inch 720p IPS display, and a 5,000 mAh battery.
    3. A new version called the Smart Pro S is expected to launch in November, featuring a faster chipset, built-in cooling fan, and improved design.
    4. The Smart Pro S aims to enhance emulation for Dreamcast, PlayStation 1, and PlayStation Portable games compared to the original Smart Pro.
    5. More details about the Smart Pro S are awaited as the release date approaches, with fans hoping for significant performance improvements.


    A few months have gone by since TrimUI introduced the Brick Hammer to the world. However, this new Brick Hammer was merely a refreshed version of the previous TrimUI Brick (currently priced at $72.99 on Amazon) that was launched last year. New information has now surfaced suggesting that the company is preparing to reintroduce the beloved Smart Pro platform.

    Overview of the Smart Pro

    To summarize, the Smart Pro was first seen in late 2023, featuring an Allwinner A133P chipset similar to many releases from MagicX. Moreover, the Smart Pro comes equipped with a 4.96-inch display that boasts a 720p IPS resolution and a substantial 5,000 mAh battery. As per Retro Dodo, they have heard from distributor Mech DIY that TrimUI is getting ready to unveil a refreshed version of the Smart Pro, referred to as the Smart Pro S.

    Anticipated Launch Details

    Expected to hit the market in November, the Smart Pro S is rumored to build on the foundation of the original model by incorporating a faster chipset, a built-in cooling fan, and a more polished design. It seems that the Smart Pro S might actually be the final name for what was previously known as the Smart Pro Mini that surfaced during the summer months. It appears that the new model will offer improved emulation for Dreamcast, PlayStation 1, and PlayStation Portable games compared to the Smart Pro, all of which present difficulties on the Allwinner A133P chipset. Sadly, further information regarding the TrimUI Smart Pro S is still not available at this time.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, with the upcoming Smart Pro S, TrimUI seems to be taking steps to enhance its gaming platform. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details as the release date approaches, and many are hoping for significant improvements in performance and usability.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • November 2025 PlayStation Plus Free Games Announced

    November 2025 PlayStation Plus Free Games Announced

    Key Takeaways

    1. Free Games Announcement: Sony revealed the free PlayStation Plus games for November 2025, available from November 4 for Deluxe, Extra, and Essential subscribers.

    2. Return of Stray: Stray, a third-person adventure game where players control a stray cat in a futuristic city, is making a comeback after being removed from PS Plus.

    3. EA Sports WRC 24: This new rally racing game allows players to drive official cars from the 2024 season and features modes like Career and Cross-platform multiplayer, exclusive to PS5.

    4. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator: TABS is a physics-based strategy game where players create armies and engage in battles, offering both custom units and a campaign mode.

    5. Game Removals: Players should remember to download Alan Wake 2, Cocoon, and Goat Simulator 3 before they leave the PS Plus library on November 3.


    Sony has announced the free PlayStation Plus games for November 2025. Beginning on November 4, members with Deluxe, Extra, and Essential subscriptions will gain access to three new titles: Stray, EA Sports WRC 24, and Totally Accurate Battle Simulator.

    Stray Returns

    Leading the trio this month is Stray, which had already been hinted at prior to the official reveal. In this third-person adventure, players take on the role of a stray cat navigating a futuristic city populated by robots. The game combines exploration, puzzles, and narrative, delivering an enjoyable experience. Notably, Stray was originally included in PS Plus when it debuted in July 2022 but was taken off after a year. Now, it’s back for those who missed it the first time around.

    EA Sports WRC 24 Unveiled

    Following that is EA Sports WRC 24, a rally racing game crafted by the developers of the DiRT Rally franchise. Players can drive the official WRC, WRC2, and Junior WRC cars from the 2024 season or customize their own in Builder Mode. The game boasts several modes, such as Career, Championship, and Cross-platform multiplayer, and is exclusively available for the PS5.

    Totally Accurate Battle Simulator

    The last title in this lineup is Totally Accurate Battle Simulator (TABS). This is a physics-based strategy game that lets players create armies of red or blue “wobblers” from various eras and fantastic realms. You can design custom units and pit them against each other in wild battles, or embark on a campaign filled with challenges.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Anker Unveils Special Edition Prime Power Bank in the US

    Anker Unveils Special Edition Prime Power Bank in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anker x Black Myth: Wukong Edition Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) features a unique black and gold design inspired by brush stroke art and the video game imagery.
    2. It has charging capabilities of up to 300W, with two USB-C ports delivering 140W each and an additional USB-A port providing 22.5W.
    3. The power bank has a battery capacity of 26,250 mAh and can be recharged at speeds of up to 250W via dual USB-C inputs.
    4. Users can monitor battery levels and charging data through an integrated display or the Anker smartphone app using Bluetooth connectivity.
    5. The power bank is priced at $199.99, but this may be lower than its suggested retail price of $229.99, with availability in Europe still uncertain.


    The Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W), a special edition called the Anker x Black Myth: Wukong Edition, is set to hit the US market soon. This updated accessory follows the original version that debuted in September 2025. It will be accompanied by another unique accessory, the Anker x Black Myth: Wukong Edition Anker Prime Docking Station (14-in-1, Triple Display, DisplayLink), which was made available earlier in October.

    Unique Design Features

    The design of Anker’s Black Myth: Wukong Edition Prime Power Bank showcases a striking black and gold color scheme, featuring various embossed details that mimic brush stroke art. Even the built-in display incorporates imagery and icons inspired by the video game, while the Anker x Black Myth: Wukong logo is prominently displayed on the front. Other than its aesthetic elements, this power bank is the same as the standard dark metallic gray model.

    Charging Capabilities

    The Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) comes equipped with two USB-C ports that can deliver up to 140W each, along with an additional USB-A port that provides up to 22.5W. At a charging speed of 140W, it can recharge a MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) to 50% in just 27 minutes. The maximum output of this accessory reaches 300W, allowing you to charge two devices at 140W and a third at 20W all at once.

    Battery and Connectivity

    With a powerful battery capacity of 26,250 mAh (99.8 Wh), the power bank can be recharged at speeds of up to 250W via dual USB-C inputs. It’s also compatible with Anker’s upcoming Prime recharging base. Users can monitor the remaining battery level and other charging data on the integrated display or through the Anker smartphone app, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. The product measures 6.3 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches (159.9 x 38 x 62.7 mm) and weighs 1.32 pounds (600 g).

    The Anker x Black Myth: Wukong Edition Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) is reported to be “coming soon” in the US with a listed price of $199.99. However, this price may not be accurate as it is lower than the suggested retail price of $229.99. It remains unclear when or if it will be available in Europe.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Free Horror Game Welcome to the Dark Place Launches on Steam

    Free Horror Game Welcome to the Dark Place Launches on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Title and Release: “Welcome To The Dark Place,” developed by Zeekerss, was released for free on Steam on October 25, 2023.

    2. Positive Reception: The game has received significant positive feedback, attributed to its engaging storyline and thoughtful development choices.

    3. Unique Horror Experience: Unlike traditional horror games, it relies on text and sound to create an immersive experience, engaging players’ imaginations rather than using typical jump scares.

    4. Gameplay Mechanics: Players navigate through a nightmare, making crucial decisions that can lead to serious consequences, emphasizing the importance of choices.

    5. Target Audience: The game appeals primarily to fans of text-based experiences, with an impressive 89% positive rating on Steam, but may not suit those who prefer more conventional gameplay.


    Lethal Company was a major hit after its release in 2023. Recently, the developer revealed a new spooky game for free on Steam, making it a great choice for the Halloween season.

    Welcome To The Dark Place

    This game, titled Welcome To The Dark Place, was developed by Zeekerss and launched on October 25. It has quickly garnered a significant number of positive feedback. The success can be attributed to both its engaging storyline and the development choices made.

    It’s worth mentioning that this developer has previously established a reputation on Roblox by creating several horror games before moving on to this latest endeavor. Development for this game started in 2017, switched hands in 2019, and finally saw its release this year.

    A Unique Experience

    Don’t expect the traditional monsters and jump scares found in many horror games. Welcome To The Dark Place primarily relies on text and sound, which stimulates the players’ imagination instead.

    Players take on the role of a character who finds themselves ensnared in a nightmare. They must navigate through various stages while making crucial decisions under pressure. Careful, though—each mistake can lead to serious consequences.

    A Blend of Simplicity and Fear

    The gameplay is straightforward, echoing many games of its kind. By tapping into players’ imaginations, it enhances the feeling of fear effectively.

    Despite its high rating on Steam, boasting over 89% positive reviews, it caters to fans of text-based games. If that’s not your style, you may not enjoy the experience. Additionally, be aware that some glitches might arise, which could hinder your progression in the game.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Enter NZXT’s Giveaway to Win an RTX 5060 Gaming PC – Hurry!

    Enter NZXT’s Giveaway to Win an RTX 5060 Gaming PC – Hurry!

    Key Takeaways

    1. NZXT is giving away an Intel gaming PC powered by the RTX 5060, with entries open until October 31 at 11:59 PM PDT.
    2. To enter, participants must sign up for the NZXT x Intel Club and complete various quests to earn Pucci Points.
    3. Completing quests increases the number of entries for the grand prize.
    4. The gaming PC includes an Intel Core i5-14400F processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD.
    5. In addition to the main prize, there are 10 NZXT x Intel t-shirts and five plush toys also being given away.


    NZXT is launching an exciting new giveaway, offering a chance to win an Intel gaming PC powered by the RTX 5060. Time is of the essence, as the entry deadline is set for October 31 at 11:59 PM PDT. The great news is that this giveaway is available to participants from all around the globe, so anyone can enter no matter where they are located.

    How to Enter

    To enter, you must first sign up as a member of the NZXT x Intel Club. This can be done effortlessly through the official NZXT website. After joining, you’ll get to participate in special activities called “quests.” These quests involve tasks like joining the NZXT x Intel Club, sharing the giveaway post on X, and a few others.

    Earn Your Entries

    By completing these quests, you can earn Pucci Points. The more quests you accomplish, the more Pucci Points you’ll collect, which allows you to redeem additional entries for the chance to win the grand prize.

    Prize Details

    The grand prize is an Intel gaming PC that features the RTX 5060, which is considered a budget-friendly card in the RTX 50-series range. In addition, it comes with an Intel Core i5-14400F processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD for storage. For the casing, it’s built in the NZXT H5 Flow.

    The winner will be revealed soon after the giveaway concludes, and NZXT will reach out to them via email. If the winner doesn’t reply within a week, NZXT will choose a new winner. Besides the main prize of the RTX 5060 gaming PC, NZXT is also giving away 10 NZXT x Intel t-shirts and five NZXT x Intel plush toys.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Xiaomi Launches Updated PC Game Emulation for Local Steam Play

    Xiaomi Launches Updated PC Game Emulation for Local Steam Play

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has launched its own game emulation feature in the updated Game Center app, allowing users to play Windows games on their devices.
    2. The new update supports popular Steam titles like Hollow Knight, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Stardew Valley.
    3. The app includes an achievement system and cloud save synchronization for seamless gameplay across devices.
    4. Controller support has been improved, including compatibility with various controllers and new on-screen controls.
    5. Local play support for Steam games is still experimental, with potential bugs being addressed by the development team.


    PC game emulation on Android is making significant strides. Although tools like GameHub and Winlator are well-known within the gaming community, Xiaomi has introduced their own alternative. This feature for emulating Windows games can be found in the updated Game Center app by Xiaomi.

    Update Highlights

    According to Sun Cun, who is the Product Manager at Redmi, the standout improvement in this update is the capability to play games from Steam. The new version now lets users enjoy three fairly popular titles directly on their Xiaomi devices. Sun Cun points out that there’s robust support for games like Hollow Knight, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Stardew Valley.

    It’s not entirely clear if the Xiaomi Game Center app can run other Steam games natively, but as previously demonstrated by the company, their WinPlay Engine allows for the local play of any PC game. Additionally, this update brings the achievement system to life and ensures that cloud save synchronization works properly, so players can continue their games on another device without losing their progress.

    Controller Support and Options

    Sun Cun also emphasizes that the app now supports various controllers, such as the GameSir X5s, which is currently priced at $44.99 on Amazon. The updated Xiaomi Game Center app has introduced new on-screen controls as well. This virtual controller is designed to respond to both long and short presses that certain games necessitate.

    One key point to keep in mind is that Sun Cun mentioned the local play support for Steam games is still in an experimental stage. Therefore, users might encounter bugs and other issues, but the silver lining is that the Redmi Product Manager reassures that the team is actively addressing reported problems.

    Final Thoughts

    Sun Cun shared this information on Weibo (translated from Chinese). This update showcases Xiaomi’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience on their devices, even if there are a few bumps along the way.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • RX 9070 XT vs RTX 5070: Speed and Value of RDNA 4 GPU

    RX 9070 XT vs RTX 5070: Speed and Value of RDNA 4 GPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RX 9070 XT is 24% faster than the RTX 5070 at 1440p, making it a strong option for gamers.
    2. AMD’s drivers have improved performance for the RX 9070 XT since its launch, enhancing its value.
    3. The RX 9070 is priced around $549, making it a better budget option compared to the RX 9070 XT.
    4. The RX 9070 XT is currently priced at $650, which is above its MSRP and less appealing due to limited performance gain over the RX 9070.
    5. The RX 9070 offers better value for those looking to spend the least, while the RX 9070 XT needs to drop in price to compete effectively.


    Last week, Hardware Unboxed (HU) shared a comparison of gaming performance between the Radeon RX 9070 and the GeForce RTX 5070, utilizing the newest drivers and FSR 4/DLSS 4. This comparison revealed that thanks to updates in drivers and games, the RX 9070 has become even more powerful since its launch, making it tough to justify the investment in the RTX 5070.

    New Addition to the Test

    Now, HU has incorporated the RX 9070 XT into the evaluation to check the current performance and value provided by the top RDNA 4 GPU. This addition is logical as the RX 9070 XT, priced at $599, is designed to be about $50 pricier than both the RX 9070 and the RTX 5070.

    As a quick reminder, the RX 9070 XT was shown to be 12% faster than the RX 9070 in games during our original review. The performance gap compared to the RTX 5070 is roughly 19%.

    Performance Insights

    According to HU’s average performance across 23 games at 1440p, the RX 9070 XT is now approximately 24% faster than the RTX 5070 and 10% faster than the RX 9070. Although the performance difference between the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 remains the same as at launch, the RTX 5070 has lagged even further behind. This trend holds true even when the RTX 5070 uses DLSS 4.

    While using FSR 4 in Quality, Balanced, and Performance modes, the RX 9070 XT appears to be 22%, 21%, and 19% faster than the RTX 5070, respectively, with the matching DLSS 4 profiles. The performance gap between the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 with FSR 4 active is 8% (Quality), 7% (Balanced), and 6% (Performance).

    AMD’s Driver Reputation

    It seems that AMD drivers are indeed living up to their image of improving over time, as the RX 9070 XT now shows clear performance upgrades since its initial launch. Nevertheless, the GPU is still not available at its official price of $599.

    In the United States, the availability of RDNA 4 cards has significantly improved in recent months. Prices for the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT have also decreased. For example, you can find the RX 9070 for around $549 or close to its MSRP. However, the RX 9070 XT is still selling above its $599 MSRP, which makes the card less attractive.

    Pricing Comparison

    HU mentions that the RX 9070 XT, which is currently priced at $650 on Newegg, provides 24% better performance than the RTX 5070 for just 18% more cost. With an additional 4 GB of VRAM, the 18% price increase might be justified for some gamers. However, the value of the $650 RX 9070 XT doesn’t measure up well against the RX 9070, as the former only delivers a 10% performance increase for 18% more money. Both GPUs have the same 16 GB VRAM capacity.

    In simpler terms, if you want to spend the least amount possible, the RX 9070 is definitely the superior option right now. We hope the RX 9070 XT drops to its official MSRP, making it a much better choice compared to the RX 9070 and the RTX 5070 (which can be found on Amazon).

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Asus Launches ROG GR70 Mini-PC: AMD Ryzen vs. ROG NUC 2025

    Asus Launches ROG GR70 Mini-PC: AMD Ryzen vs. ROG NUC 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has launched a new gaming mini-PC called the ROG GR70, powered by AMD, distinct from its Intel versions.
    2. The ROG GR70 shares a similar design and dimensions with the ROG NUC 2025, measuring approximately 280 x 180 x 60 mm.
    3. It features Wi-Fi 7, two SODIMM slots, and two M.2 2280 slots, with one slot supporting PCIe 5.0 and the other limited to PCIe 4.0 speeds.
    4. The mini-PC is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU, promising improved CPU performance.
    5. While global pricing and availability are not yet confirmed, the ROG GR70 is currently available in China for approximately $2,113.


    Earlier this month, Asus refreshed its series of gaming mini-PCs with a new model powered by AMD. At first, we thought this model would be added to the Intel versions that Asus already offers (currently priced at $2,399.99 on Amazon). But Asus has since made it clear that this isn’t the case.

    The ROG GR70 Launch

    Instead, the company has globally launched its new mini-PC, called the ROG GR70. In terms of looks, the ROG GR70 and the ROG NUC 2025 are virtually the same, sharing the same design, front ports, and dimensions. According to the video below, the ROG GR70 measures around 280 x 180 x 60 mm, which fits within a 3 litre case. This new mini-PC includes several ports:

    Specifications and Features

    Moreover, the ROG GR70 is similar to the ROG NUC 2025, featuring Wi-Fi 7, two SODIMM slots, and a couple of M.2 2280 slots. It’s important to note that it only accommodates PCIe 5.0 SSDs. In contrast, Asus limits the second M.2 2280 slot to PCIe 4.0 speeds.

    As of now, Asus has confirmed that the ROG GR70 will come with an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU. In summary, this new model is expected to deliver slightly better CPU performance compared to Asus’ previous Core Ultra 9 275HX models. While global pricing and availability have not been revealed yet, Asus is already retailing this gaming mini-PC in China for CNY 14,999 (approximately $2,113). For more information, check out the video below.

    Source:
    Link