Category: Gaming

  • New 27-Inch 520Hz OLED Gaming Monitors Coming to CES 2025

    New 27-Inch 520Hz OLED Gaming Monitors Coming to CES 2025

    Just yesterday, Asus gave a sneak peek at a new gaming monitor that has caught some attention. The ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM was highlighted, and its name indicates it has a 27-inch 4K OLED display. However, it’s still uncertain if Asus chose a QD-OLED panel like the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM or a WOLED version similar to the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDP, which is currently priced at $1,299 on Amazon.

    Upcoming Release at CES 2025

    According to the teaser Asus shared, we can expect to see the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM debut at CES 2025 in Las Vegas next month. Additionally, ComputerBase has revealed early details about another 27-inch OLED panel that will also be featured at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show. There are rumors suggesting that Samsung Display is working on a 27-inch QD-OLED panel that boasts a 1440p resolution and an impressive refresh rate of 500 Hz.

    Speculations on New Technology

    This new panel seems to be the next generation of the 1440p and 360 Hz QD-OLED technology that many 27-inch gaming monitors are using this year. However, ComputerBase has mentioned that there is also a 520 Hz 1440p OLED panel that measures 27 inches. Unfortunately, they have not yet confirmed if this model is QD-OLED or WOLED.

    In an interesting twist, it has been said that ViewSonic will be presenting a gaming monitor that utilizes this new panel. Furthermore, there are plans for a new 4K OLED option that comes with a dual refresh rate mode. It would be surprising if ViewSonic was the only company doing this. Based on CES 2024, we can expect other competitors like Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI to showcase their own offerings too.

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  • CheckMag: Play Moida Manson – Free Virtual Adventure Game

    CheckMag: Play Moida Manson – Free Virtual Adventure Game

    Moida Manson is the newest free-to-play browser game by developer Lucas Pope, showcasing the distinctive style and casual gameplay that players have come to love in his works. This game presents a convincingly realistic retro interface featuring a 1-bit LCD and delightful ASMR sound effects. Players will enter the world of Moida Manson, where they must help their friends from “The Adventure Club” escape before they become prey to a menacing shadow figure called “The Monsta.” Before diving into the adventure, Pope has included a 12-page retro instruction booklet to guide players through the game.

    Simple Gameplay Mechanics

    The gameplay is pretty straightforward, allowing players to move around the mansion using onscreen controls or the arrow and enter keys on a keyboard. The keyboard controls tend to be more user-friendly and make it easier for players to dodge the Monsta. As players explore the mansion, they will receive audio hints when they come across objects that contain their friends. They can cycle through the items in the room using the enter key to select what they suspect. There are three friends to rescue, but this ain’t a walk in the park! Players will have to avoid the Monsta and locate keys for locked rooms, while also solving various puzzles. Observant players might even stumble upon a hidden item.

    Replay Value and Nostalgia

    Overall, Moida Manson is a fun choice for a quick gaming session, boasting great replay value since each playthrough features randomly generated new rooms and puzzles. Additionally, the game’s striking visuals and straightforward gameplay pay homage to classic handheld games from yesteryears. Players can dive into the experience for free at the link provided below.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket S Handheld Gaming Console Launches New Colors

    Ayaneo Pocket S Handheld Gaming Console Launches New Colors

    Ayaneo introduced the Pocket S back in April this year, positioning it as a top-tier Android gaming handheld featuring the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2. Recently, the company has updated the device by unveiling two new limited-edition colors. These are named Sakura Pink and Retro Power.

    New Color Options

    These new color options give the Android gaming handheld a fresh look, but Ayaneo has not yet made these limited-edition versions available on its official website. It’s still uncertain if these new colors will be priced higher than the regular ones. For reference, the standard Pocket S starts at $589.

    Specifications Remain the Same

    Aside from the appealing new designs, the limited-edition Pocket S models maintain the same internal specifications as the standard version. They are also powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, which is known to outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

    This system-on-chip (SoC) is combined with 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. With an active cooling system and a special Turbo mode, the Pocket S is designed to provide smooth retro gaming and native Android experiences. The device boasts a 6-inch display with a maximum resolution of 1440p, a peak brightness of 400 nits, and covers 120% of the sRGB spectrum.

    Battery and Features

    The internal components are powered by a 6,000 mAh battery that supports PD fast charging (Anker Nano 65 W currently priced at $39.99 on Amazon). Additional features of this gaming handheld include Hall effect joysticks, linear Hall triggers, an all-metal midframe, and a design that prioritizes comfort. For more details on the Ayaneo Pocket S, refer to the spec sheet and video provided below.

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  • Garena Free City: GTA 5-Inspired Mobile Game Soft Launch News

    Garena Free City: GTA 5-Inspired Mobile Game Soft Launch News

    While Garena is mainly recognized for its popular battle royale game, Free Fire, which goes head-to-head with PUBG Mobile, the Singapore-based developer has rolled out several other games. A recent entry into their lineup is Free City, a title that mixes features from Rockstar’s GTA Online and GTA 5.

    Soft Launch and Availability

    The game has just entered its soft launch phase and is now available on the Google Play Store. However, Garena Free City is currently limited to players in Argentina. The initial gameplay footage that has surfaced showcases controls and mechanics reminiscent of mobile games like Gameloft’s Gangstar series.

    Gameplay Features

    Garena first hinted at this game back in August, branding it as an “incredible adventure” that lets mobile players take part in various activities. Players can explore a reasonably-sized map, plan intricate heists, engage in both PvE and PvP multiplayer action, buy properties, and more. All these features make Free City seem quite similar to GTA Online.

    In contrast to GTA Online, Garena Free City seeks to provide a rich narrative experience that includes stealth and assassination quests. The game also incorporates undercover missions, lending it a more organized feel akin to Grand Theft Auto 5. Moreover, the description on the Play Store hints at extensive customization options for both cars and characters.

    Future Availability

    At this time, there’s no information regarding when Free City will be accessible in other regions. However, it seems likely that it will make a significant global launch soon, as Garena typically doesn’t have many games restricted by region. To get more insights into the game, check out the video linked below.

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  • NYXI Launches Flexi Game Controller with Customizable Stick Positions

    NYXI Launches Flexi Game Controller with Customizable Stick Positions

    NXYI has launched the Flexi Game Controller, which allows users to personalize the button layout to their preferences. The NYXI Flexi Game Controller is priced at $59. You can order the Flexi from the NYXI website, and it will soon be available on the NYXI store on Amazon US.

    Customization for Gamers

    Different gamers have different preferences when it comes to analog stick placements. Some like them aligned like on a Playstation controller, while others favor the offset style seen in Xbox controllers. The Flexi offers the flexibility to change where the D-Pad and Left Analog Stick are positioned to fit individual tastes. Additionally, the ABXY buttons can be rearranged to accommodate regional differences, such as the placement of the X and O buttons in Japan compared to the US.

    High Performance Features

    The NYXI Flexi is equipped with precise hall effect joysticks and analog triggers, ensuring minimal drift and quick response times. It transmits data at 1,000 Hz via USB-C and Wi-Fi, and 100 Hz through Bluetooth connections, compatible with devices running Android OS 8.0+, Android TV, Apple iOS 17+, Apple MacOS, Steam Deck, Tesla, and Windows 7+.

    Stylish and Functional Design

    The grips feature a transparent hexagonal design, allowing players to see the RGB lighting underneath, which shines in various colors. This controller includes four mappable back buttons, an adjustable turbo function, and a built-in vibration motor. Gamers on the Nintendo Switch can pilot aircraft and move characters using the integrated 6-axis gyroscope.

    With an internal battery that lasts for eight hours and takes 2.5 hours to recharge using a USB-C power supply, the Flexi weighs 9.2 oz. (260 g) and has dimensions of 6.3 x 4.3 x 3.0 in. (160 x 110 x 76 mm).

    For Mobile Gamers

    For smartphone gamers who dislike the hassle of recharging their controllers, the Abxylute S9 USB-C game controller is available on Amazon.

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  • Ayaneo Flip KB Handheld Console: Great Functionality & Performance

    Ayaneo Flip KB Handheld Console: Great Functionality & Performance

    While the Steam Deck console and its clones feature a sleek design that merges a screen with game controllers on either side, they can appear rather bulky, particularly with models boasting screens larger than 7 inches. To address this issue, manufacturers have looked back to the Nintendo DS clamshell style, which allows users to open and adjust the screen. Although this design isn’t as trendy as the Steam Deck’s right now, more console creators are beginning to embrace it. Ayaneo has recently introduced its version with the new Flip KB / DS model.

    Testing the Flip KB Model

    We had the chance to try out the Flip KB version, which swaps out the lower screen for a mini keyboard. The clamshell design is not only stylish but also more compact than typical Steam Deck clones, even if it does have a bit more thickness. It runs on AMD’s Ryzen 7 8840U, housing eight Zen 4 cores and sixteen threads alongside the Radeon 780M integrated GPU. This console impresses with solid functionality and respectable graphics performance, all while keeping its thermal design power (TDP) capped at 30 W.

    Display and Features

    On the bright side, the console boasts a 7-inch IPS display with a glossy finish and an average peak brightness of 720 nits. Since the reviewed model was a pre-mass-production version, the resolution was limited to 1080p, so we couldn’t test lower resolutions that could use less power. Other advantages of this model include top-notch game controllers, future-ready connectivity through USB4 and OCuLink ports, a speedy microSD card reader, and the AYASpace 2.0 control center.

    Downsides to Consider

    However, there are certain downsides as well. The CPU performance lags a bit behind other chips like the Z1 Extreme or the older R7 7840U that aren’t restricted by a 30 W limit. Additionally, the overall power efficiency doesn’t quite match the TDP limit. Under full load, the fan noise is noticeably higher than average, even though the cooling system employs a vapor chamber. Battery life is also impacted by the smaller 45 Wh capacity and the previously mentioned locked resolution.

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  • Anbernic RG34XX: Game Boy Advance Clone with N64 and PS1 Emulation

    Anbernic RG34XX: Game Boy Advance Clone with N64 and PS1 Emulation

    Anbernic has kept up its tradition of releasing a new gaming handheld almost every month this year. Just under three weeks ago, they launched the RG406H, which features a 4-inch screen, a Unisoc T820 processor, and 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, similar to the older RG406V model.

    New Device on the Horizon

    It is not really surprising that Anbernic is ready to unveil another gaming handheld before the year concludes. The company has confirmed the RG34XX’s existence after images of the device appeared online. In fact, this new handheld seems to closely mimic the design of the Game Boy Advance, even more so than the RG35XX SP, which is currently priced at $76.99 on Amazon.

    Color Options and Design Features

    The RG34XX will be available in several colors, including Indigo, Transparent Green, Transparent Red, and Black. It also has angled Start and Select buttons along with a front-firing speaker that is cleverly hidden behind four angled cut-outs in its compact design. Additionally, there is a power LED and a d-pad included.

    Additional Specifications

    Anbernic has introduced a second row of action buttons along with a second set of triggers. From the specifications released so far, including a 3.4-inch display and a 3,500 mAh battery, it appears that the RG34XX might utilize Anbernic’s preferred Allwinner H700 chipset. While the full specifications and release date are still unknown, we expect Anbernic to share more information in the coming days.

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  • Steam Deck 2: Valve Fremont Promises Enhanced Performance

    Steam Deck 2: Valve Fremont Promises Enhanced Performance

    In recent days, there are signs that SteamOS might officially be coming to Windows gaming handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally (curr. $422.95 on Amazon). Moreover, there have been new reports of a Steam Controller 2, along with other controllers that Valve could launch with its much-anticipated Deckard VR headset.

    Speculation on New Hardware

    New information has come to light suggesting that Brad Lynch and others think there is new SteamOS hardware on the way. In particular, a device with the codename ‘Fremont’ has been detected in a recent update to the Steam Deck kernel. Initial analyses indicate that Valve Fremont uses the AMD Lilac platform, which seems to be associated with a version of AMD’s Ryzen 5 8540U APU. Regardless, one can reasonably conclude that Valve is working on something that involves Zen 4 CPU cores and AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, especially since the Steam Deck’s custom APU employs Zen 2 and RDNA 2.

    Performance Expectations

    Even though AMD has progressed to Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5, the AMD Lilac performs at GPU OpenCL scores comparable to the AMD Radeon RX 6600S. Therefore, it should provide a significant performance enhancement for an upcoming Valve hardware launch. However, there’s no guarantee that Valve will use a standard APU design this time.

    Possibilities for Fremont

    There have been mentions of HDMI CEC support, leading many to believe that Valve Fremont could be a type of desktop machine. This brings to mind the unsuccessful Steam Machine project, and Valve Fremont might still be in the early development phases. Consequently, some, like The Phawx, have suggested that AMD Lilac could be the chipset for the long-discussed Steam Deck 2, which would support a more powerful docked mode similar to the Nintendo Switch, rather than shifting towards a console-like device. More details regarding Fremont’s specifications and how Valve plans to market it are likely still some time away from being disclosed.

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  • Asus Launches 320Hz ROG Strix XG32UCG and 6K ProArt Monitor

    Asus Launches 320Hz ROG Strix XG32UCG and 6K ProArt Monitor

    Asus has recently launched a range of new monitors aimed at a diverse group of users, catering to everyone from avid gamers seeking thrilling action to professionals who require pixel-perfect precision, and even casual users who enjoy smart features at home. Among these products, there are a few that stand out as particularly noteworthy. Currently, there are no details regarding pricing or when they will be available, but more information is expected to emerge at CES 2025.

    Gaming Monitor Innovations

    The ROG Strix XG32UCG is a 31.5-inch gaming monitor equipped with a 4K panel that features dual-mode technology. This means that users have the option to switch the display between 1080p at an impressive 360 Hz for fast-paced e-sports, and 4K at 160 Hz for games that offer stunning visuals, thus providing the ultimate experience. Additionally, the monitor includes ‘AI enhancements’ such as Dynamic Crosshair and Dynamic Shadow Boost.

    As anticipated from a premium gaming display, this monitor supports both G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium, along with various connectivity options including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port with 15 W power delivery. While Asus hasn’t specified the color accuracy of the screen, it’s reasonable to conclude that achieving studio-level fidelity isn’t the main focus for this device.

    Targeting Creative Professionals

    Following that, Asus presents a monitor aimed at a completely different audience – creative professionals. The Asus ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV features a 32-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 6016 x 3384 pixels, delivering a pixel density of 216 that rivals retina displays. Asus proudly states that the ProArt 6K offers solid color accuracy, boasting a 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, along with Display HDR 600 certification. The monitor is factory-calibrated and Calman-verified, ensuring quality.

    The ProArt Display 6K also incorporates Asus’ LuxPixel technology, which is designed to maintain sharpness and color richness while minimizing reflections and glare. It has a variety of connectivity options such as dual Thunderbolt 4 ports with 96 W power delivery, a USB hub, DisplayPort 1.4 (with DSC), and HDMI 2.1. A valuable feature included is the integrated KVM switch, which is sure to simplify tasks for many users.

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  • Modretro Chromatic: Sapphire Test for Game Boy Color Screen

    Modretro Chromatic: Sapphire Test for Game Boy Color Screen

    The Modretro Chromatic is now being marketed as the “ultimate retro cartridge gaming console” because it can play all the Game Boy and Game Boy Color games you might still have lying around.

    Screen Quality and Durability

    Its screen matches the size and resolution of the original Nintendo handheld, but Modretro suggests that their version is less prone to scratches thanks to its “sapphire” display. JerryRigEverything’s Zach Nelson took a break from his usual smartphone testing to check that the screen scratches at level 8, which is higher than the typical level 7 or lower (though he didn’t use the gem-tester this time).

    Build and Design

    The Chromatic passed the bend test due to its “magnesium alloy” body. It is designed to be the same size and shape as the original Game Boy Color, and it even features the original tri-wing screws to keep it assembled.

    The new retro gaming console appears to replicate everything the original device offered (except for the translucent purple color, which the Anbernic RG35XX available on Amazon does offer). However, it still requires AA batteries, as Modretro has yet to launch its promised USB-C rechargeable option.

    Drawbacks

    Other issues include that the internal coin battery needed for saving games requires soldering skills to change, and the bright, vibrant display is not easy to repair on its own since it’s affixed to the sapphire cover with glue.

    The Chromatic can be purchased directly from Modretro for $199/€190.95 as of now.

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