Category: Gaming

  • Retroid Pocket 6: New Design, Upgraded Chip, Bigger Battery $229

    Retroid Pocket 6: New Design, Upgraded Chip, Bigger Battery $229

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid announced a permanent price drop for some devices, generating excitement for new product launches.
    2. The Retroid Pocket 6 features design improvements, including rounder edges and a new button layout, available in six colors.
    3. Performance enhancements include a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
    4. The device offers options for 8GB or 12GB RAM, with storage capacities of 128GB and 256GB, and a larger 6,000mAh battery with fast charging.
    5. Pricing starts at $229 for the base model, with pre-order discounts available, but the start date for pre-orders has not been announced.

    When Retroid made an announcement about a permanent price drop for some of its handheld devices, like the Retroid Pocket 5, earlier this month, many started to wonder if they were going to unveil new products. Those rumors were confirmed with the reveal of a launch event set for October 27. That day has come, and Retroid has introduced not just one, but two new handheld devices, one of which is the Retroid Pocket 6.

    Design Changes

    The Retroid Pocket 6 comes out just a little more than a year after the Retroid Pocket 5 was launched, and it brings a bunch of improvements. But before going into the tech specs, it’s important to mention some design tweaks. Offered in six vibrant colors, the Retroid Pocket 6 features rounder edges than its predecessor, resembling the AYN Odin 2 Mini in some ways.

    Another significant alteration is the array of buttons located under the screen, with speakers on both sides. It includes a fresh D-Pad, and like the ABXY buttons, it is encircled. The placement of the thumbsticks, however, remains symmetrical, which has led to mixed feelings among users—some are disappointed that Retroid chose to keep this layout, while others appreciate the consistency in the left joystick’s position.

    Performance Specifications

    The Retroid Pocket 6 sports a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, similar to the Retroid Pocket 5. Nevertheless, the new model boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, a step up from the previous 60Hz. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is a notable improvement over the Pocket 5’s Snapdragon 865. There are options for 8GB RAM and 12GB RAM (LPDDR5x), with storage capacities of 128GB and 256GB of UFS 3.1, respectively.

    Beneath its exterior, the device houses a larger 6,000mAh battery that supports 27W fast charging via wired connection. The Retroid Pocket 6 is equipped with a USB 3.1 Type-C port that supports DisplayPort (4K at 60fps). Additionally, it includes an audio jack, a MicroSD card slot, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3. Like its predecessor, which is available on Amazon for $259, it operates on Android 13 right out of the box.

    Pricing and Pre-orders

    The base model of the Retroid Pocket 6, equipped with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, is priced at $229, while the 12GB RAM with 256GB storage version will retail for $279. However, those who pre-order will have the chance to snag the base model for just $209 and the higher-spec version for $259. Unfortunately, Retroid has yet to announce when the pre-order period will start for this new Android-powered handheld.

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  • ByteDance Launches New Global Game Platform to Compete with Steam

    ByteDance Launches New Global Game Platform to Compete with Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. ByteDance is developing a global game distribution platform called GameTop to compete with Steam, focusing on user-generated content and social features.

    2. The company is actively recruiting talent for GameTop, emphasizing user growth strategies and collaboration across teams to enhance user engagement.

    3. There is confusion with an existing app named GameTop on the Google Play Store, developed by Pylon Games, which is unrelated to ByteDance’s initiative.

    4. ByteDance’s gaming division has undergone restructuring, shifting to a more practical approach that emphasizes efficient product creation and high-quality games.

    5. ByteDance is working on multiple new games across various genres, incorporating AI innovations and maintaining a strong presence in the Chinese market with successful titles.

    ByteDance is said to be working on a new global game distribution platform called GameTop, which aims to rival major players like Steam. This initiative represents a major strategic growth for the TikTok parent company’s gaming sector, expanding beyond China and emphasizing user-generated content, social elements, and tools for developers.

    New Talent Recruitment

    As reported by the Chinese tech news site Tech Planet, ByteDance has begun to seek new talent for GameTop. The platform is being described as an international game distribution service that will provide tailored gaming experiences, tools for user-generated content (UGC), and a social hub for players to engage with each other.

    Job ads indicate that the user operations team for GameTop will focus on increasing user growth, activation, retention, and re-engagement. The company intends to implement player segmentation, level systems, rewards, and badges to enhance user activity and involvement. Collaboration across teams dealing with content, product, and monetization will be essential for the platform’s growth.

    Existing App Confusion

    There is already an app named GameTop available on the Google Play Store, which features over 200 offline mini-games and some basic social features. However, this app is developed by a different entity, Pylon Games, and its relation to ByteDance’s initiative remains uncertain.

    The development of GameTop comes at a time when ByteDance’s gaming business is undergoing substantial changes. Following a major restructuring in April 2024 and the appointment of Zhang Yunfan, a former executive from Perfect World, to head the gaming division, ByteDance has shifted from a “high-investment, high-profile” strategy to a more practical “big publishing, small in-house development” approach. Under Zhang’s guidance, the company has streamlined its internal resources, merging teams from Moonton, Nuverse, and UGC-focused segments while emphasizing efficient product creation, high product quality, and refined operations.

    Upcoming Releases

    Currently, ByteDance’s studios are working on multiple new games, spanning genres such as shooters, card games, and action titles. Internal studios like Jiangnan and Zero36 are also exploring AI-driven innovations, integrating generative technology with gameplay mechanics. In China, the company continues to have a strong presence through local titles. Nuverse’s release of Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! has shown steady performance, while Codename: Atom, a social-first platform developed by Jiangnan Studio and aimed at competing with games like Party Animals or Eggy Party, is now in cautious testing.

    If executed, GameTop would represent ByteDance’s most ambitious effort to date in the global game distribution arena—combining game publishing, UGC, and social infrastructure in a model that clearly takes inspiration from Steam while incorporating the mobile-first and creator-focused essence that ByteDance is recognized for.

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  • No Rest for the Wicked Rejects Xbox Exclusivity to Keep PS5, Switch Sales

    No Rest for the Wicked Rejects Xbox Exclusivity to Keep PS5, Switch Sales

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is moving away from platform exclusivity, welcoming first-party PS5 games on other platforms.
    2. Moon Studios, known for the Ori series, has decided to self-publish their new game, No Rest for the Wicked, during its early access phase.
    3. The studio’s director, Thomas Mahler, rejected Microsoft’s proposal for exclusivity, citing the importance of reaching PS5 and Switch audiences for sales.
    4. Rising development costs make multi-platform releases more financially viable for studios, as opposed to traditional exclusives.
    5. The future may see a decline in exclusivity, particularly from PlayStation, while Nintendo is likely to maintain its exclusives for the upcoming Switch 2.

    In a recent chat, Sarah Bond shared that Microsoft does not believe in platform exclusivity for the future. The Xbox President has welcomed a shift where first-party PS5 games are also available on other platforms. Interestingly, some game studios had already foreseen this change years back. An action RPG called No Rest for the Wicked might have been exclusive to Xbox, but its director decided against what he called a “dumb business decision.”

    Popular Titles and Publishing Choices

    Moon Studios is known for creating beloved games like Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. These metroidvania-style games were initially published by Microsoft and were exclusive to PC and Xbox consoles. In the case of their new game, No Rest for the Wicked, the studio will self-publish during its Steam early access phase, although Microsoft did try to keep it under their umbrella.

    The Decision Behind Multi-Platform Support

    Thomas Mahler, co-founder and director of the studio, explained the reasoning for bringing No Rest for the Wicked to PS5 and Switch. He mentioned that Microsoft had made a proposal for his new project to again be an Xbox exclusive. At that time, Microsoft still hadn’t given up on their strategy for platform-specific games. However, Mahler could not justify missing out on sales from PS5 and Switch.

    On social media, Mahler pointed out the financial struggles that many studios are currently facing. The costs of development have skyrocketed since the days of exclusive Xbox and PlayStation titles. Despite the technological improvements, creating models and animations is still a tedious process. Because of this, firms can’t afford to miss out on more lucrative multi-platform opportunities.

    The Future of Exclusivity

    With the decrease in Xbox console adoption, Moon Studios’ strategy seems to be paying off. The director of No Rest for the Wicked also predicts that PlayStation will let go of more exclusives in the future. On the other hand, Nintendo is determined to keep its first-party games for the upcoming Switch 2 exclusive to its handheld. Addressing potential comparisons, the director of No Rest for the Wicked shared his insights.

    Mahler believes that Nintendo’s “business model is completely different.” Gamers often associate Nintendo consoles closely with first-party intellectual properties in a way that has never been the case for PlayStation and Xbox.

    Even though there were rumors, No Rest for the Wicked is still expected to arrive on Series X|S. However, if the next Xbox console operates on Windows, it could deal a significant blow to the concept of exclusivity.

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  • GTA IV Remastered Look with RTX Remix Mod

    GTA IV Remastered Look with RTX Remix Mod

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA IV is a beloved title known for Niko Bellic’s story and the expansive Liberty City.
    2. The original game, launched in 2008, has dated graphics that are being updated through the RTX Remix mod.
    3. The mod features real-time path tracing, enhancing lighting effects and overall visual quality.
    4. A demonstration of the mod is available on YouTube, showcasing improved reflections and textures.
    5. The mod is still under construction and will be free, but no specific release date has been announced.

    GTA IV remains one of the most beloved titles in its series, largely due to Niko Bellic’s compelling story and the vast locations to explore in Liberty City. While enthusiasts eagerly anticipate news of a remastered edition, they can currently check out the RTX Remix mod as an alternative.

    Old Graphics Get a Fresh Update

    It’s worth mentioning that GTA IV originally launched in 2008, which means its graphics are notably dated. To address this, modder xoxor4d has taken initiative to revamp the game’s visuals with some impressive enhancements.

    New Visual Features

    The mod introduces real-time path tracing, providing lighting effects that resemble those found in modern games, making the graphics feel more lifelike. Additionally, the textures of buildings and the quality of reflections have seen significant improvements, resulting in a more contemporary and visually appealing experience.

    A Sneak Peek on YouTube

    Furthermore, xoxor4d shared a demonstration of this mod through a video on YouTube. In the clip, viewers can watch Niko Bellic as he drives, showcasing the shiny reflections on his vehicle and strolling through the streets.

    However, if this sparks your interest in revisiting GTA IV, it’s important to remember that the mod is still under construction. Although it will be available for free, a specific release date has not been provided yet. Therefore, you may need to wait a bit longer to fully experience these upgrades.

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  • PS5 Power Saver Mode Tests Show Enhanced Performance for PS6 Handheld

    PS5 Power Saver Mode Tests Show Enhanced Performance for PS6 Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Power saver mode on PS5 may hint at features for the upcoming PS6 handheld.
    2. Demon’s Souls runs at 1440p/30 fps in power saver mode, with occasional drops in performance.
    3. Significant power consumption reduction noted, from 200 watts to 100 watts on PS5, and similar results for PS5 Pro.
    4. Days Gone Remastered shows varied performance, with frame rates dropping to 45 fps in demanding scenarios.
    5. The PS6 handheld is expected to have lower power consumption and may implement adjustments for better performance.

    Many players think the power saver mode on the PS5 is a look at what’s to come. While it might not be that exciting for current consoles, this feature could be crucial for the expected PS6 handheld. Digital Foundry conducted thorough tests on two PS5 games that utilize this new mode. Their findings show that developers are using various strategies to achieve better performance efficiency.

    Demon’s Souls Efficiency

    In the case of Demon’s Souls, saving energy was achieved through simple adjustments. The PS5 game typically runs in either a 4K/30 fps cinematic mode or a 1440p/60 fps option. But in power saver mode, this becomes the only setting available, even for the PS5 Pro. The YouTube video shows that, apart from a few occasional drops, players generally see graphics maintain a resolution of about 1440p/30 fps.

    Power Consumption Analysis

    Regarding power usage, Digital Foundry noted an approximate 50 percent drop in wattage. The consumption decreased from around 200 watts to 100 watts on the PS5, with the PS5 Pro being slightly more efficient.

    Days Gone Remastered shows another method for developers to save power. Unlike Demon’s Souls, players can still select between a 1440p/60 fps performance mode or a 4K/30 fps quality mode. However, testers found that the graphics often didn’t reach those resolutions. Occasionally, checkerboard rendering was visible. In performance mode, when many objects appeared on screen, frame rates dipped to as low as 45 fps, resulting in a pixelated scene.

    Overall Performance Insights

    The open-world survival game was more demanding than Demon’s Souls in the new PS5 power saver mode. Digital Foundry recorded a decrease from 235 watts to 115 watts, reflecting a similar percentage drop.

    Overall, these findings correspond with some leaked specs for the PS6 handheld. According to Moore’s Law is Dead, the device will limit CPU usage to 8 threads and reduce the clock speed of its GDDR6 memory by 50%. Nevertheless, the Canis will require additional adjustments to deliver satisfactory performance. A resolution lower than 1440p when undocked could be beneficial. Improvements in upscaling and other RDNA 5 features might also yield considerable advantages.

    The portable PS6 is expected to have a significantly lower power consumption than the tested PS5 games. Yet, as a promising initial step, visuals remained acceptable in many scenarios while using half the power.

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  • Ex-PlayStation Chief Critiques Sony’s Live Service as Repetitive

    Ex-PlayStation Chief Critiques Sony’s Live Service as Repetitive

    Key Takeaways

    1. Shawn Layden criticizes Sony’s focus on live-service games, viewing them as mere devices for repetitive actions rather than true games.
    2. He defines genuine games as requiring a narrative, character, and universe, unlike live-service games that depend on repetitive actions and social interaction.
    3. Layden warns that Sony’s obsession with live-service titles is misleading and may lead to unsatisfactory results, similar to chasing a mirage.
    4. Sony aimed to release 12 new live-service games by 2026, but has scrapped eight projects, including major titles like The Last of Us Online and a live-service God of War game.
    5. While many live-service ventures have failed, Helldivers 2 is highlighted as a success, selling over 19 million copies and remaining popular on multiple platforms.

    Shawn Layden, who was once the Chairman and President of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, recently talked with The Ringer and shared some harsh opinions about Sony’s current focus on live-service games. He remarked, “To me, a live-service game isn’t truly a game. It’s more like a device for repetitive action engagement.”

    His Tenure and Success

    During the latter part of his time as the head of PlayStation Studios, Layden approved Helldivers 2 in 2019, which became a huge success on both PlayStation and PC. Nonetheless, he didn’t hold back when criticizing Sony’s move toward live-service games.

    In the interview, he mentioned that genuine games require “three things.” These essentials are a narrative, a character, and a universe. He contrasted this by stating that live-service games only need “a repetitive action that most people can understand, a means to interact within that world with others who think alike, and the eagerness to repeat it over and over.”

    Concerns About Live-Service Focus

    Layden elaborated that Sony’s obsession with live-service titles is akin to a “siren’s call” that has “captivated” executives for many years. He described it as “like a mirage atop a sand dune. You chase it. You can’t really reach it. Or when you do, what you brought is something no one wants to engage with.”

    These comments come as PlayStation is pushing further into the live-service arena, a strategy that was heavily promoted by former CEO Jim Ryan.

    In 2022, Jim Ryan declared that Sony aimed to release 12 new live-service games by 2026. However, Sony has scrapped eight of those projects. Among the canceled titles were some of Sony’s most ambitious live-service endeavors, including The Last of Us Online, a live-service God of War game, a Horizon MMO, Twisted Metal, and several unannounced projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games.

    Notable Failures and Successes

    One significant live-service game that faced a lot of backlash was Concord from PlayStation and Firewalk Studios, which had a development cost of $400 million and only saw a peak of about 697 players online at the same time on Steam, ultimately leading to its shutdown just two weeks after launch.

    On the other hand, Helldivers 2 stands out as a success in PlayStation’s lineup, remaining one of the top-played games on PC and Xbox, with over 19 million copies sold across all platforms.

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  • Halo Community Director Wears PlayStation Shirt for PS5 Announcement

    Halo Community Director Wears PlayStation Shirt for PS5 Announcement

    Key Takeaways

    1. Multiplatform Expansion: Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available on PlayStation 5 in 2026, marking the end of Halo’s exclusivity and expanding its reach to more players.

    2. Full Remake with Enhancements: The game is a full remake of Halo: Combat Evolved using Unreal Engine 5, featuring improved visuals, gameplay enhancements, and 4-player cross-platform co-op.

    3. Community Excitement: Community director Brian Jarrard expressed enthusiasm for welcoming new players to the Halo franchise, highlighting a new era for the series.

    4. Milestone for Xbox: This move aligns with Xbox’s shift towards multiplatform games, which started in early 2024, allowing various Xbox titles to be available on PlayStation.

    5. 25th Anniversary Celebration: The release of Halo: Campaign Evolved coincides with the franchise’s 25th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for all fans.

    During the Community Stage of the Halo World Championship 2025, Halo Studios introduced Halo: Campaign Evolved. Community director Brian Jarrard, wearing a bold PlayStation t-shirt, shared the exciting news that the series is set to expand its multiplatform reach. The highly anticipated Halo: Campaign Evolved is slated for a day-one release on PlayStation 5 in 2026.

    A Big Step Forward

    At the event, Jarrard expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s a huge deal. It’s a long time coming. We’re just super excited to be able to welcome even more players now into the franchise we love, to fall in love with Halo the same way we all did 24 years ago.” This marks a significant milestone for the franchise.

    What’s New in Halo: Campaign Evolved

    Halo: Campaign Evolved is a full remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved from 2001, crafted using Unreal Engine 5. It features 4-player cross-platform co-op, enabling gamers on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation to enjoy improved visuals and gameplay enhancements like smoother controls, better movement mechanics, including sprinting, and an upgraded sound design.

    The long-standing exclusivity of Halo has come to an end, marking a pivotal moment in the console wars.

    A New Era for Halo

    Jarrard added, “As a community guy, I know the Halo community is super excited to welcome in their friends as well. It’s just going to mean more Halo for everyone. It’s really a new era. Halo is on PlayStation going forward, starting with Halo: Campaign Evolved.” This sentiment captures the excitement swirling around the franchise’s new direction.

    Echoing this sentiment, Halo Studios Executive Producer Damon Conn referred to the PS5 launch as an “incredible” chance. He emphasized, “What we want is for as many fans and players to be able to play the game as possible. To be on the Xbox Series X and S, PC, Steam, and PlayStation all at one time is a heck of a way to kick off the 25th anniversary.”

    The Shift to Multiplatform

    The move towards multiplatform games by Xbox began in early 2024. Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s gaming CEO, revealed that “just four games” from its first-party lineup would be available on PlayStation, including Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, and Grounded.

    Fast-forward to 2025, and a plethora of Xbox exclusives have made their way to PlayStation, such as Helldivers 2, which has sold more than 19 million copies, Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl, Gears of War: Reloaded as a day-one PS5 title, and Forza Horizon 5. Additionally, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is expected to launch on the rival console on December 8, 2025.

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  • Twitch CEO Apologizes for Emiru Assault Incident at TwitchCon 2025

    Twitch CEO Apologizes for Emiru Assault Incident at TwitchCon 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy took accountability for the security incident during Emiru’s Meet and Greet, acknowledging mismanagement and inadequate communication.
    2. The assault occurred on October 19, when a male attendee bypassed security to grab Emiru’s face and attempt an unwanted kiss, leading to public outrage.
    3. Twitch’s initial response condemned the assailant’s actions but was criticized for allowing him to leave without immediate detention; Emiru had to push for action.
    4. Emiru is pursuing criminal charges against the assailant, who has a history of harassment on Twitch.
    5. Clancy faced backlash for his comments during a video interview, which many perceived as tone-deaf and victim-blaming, highlighting a reactive approach to security issues.

    In light of the unfortunate and sudden assault on Twitch partner and streamer Emiru during last week’s Twitch Con 2025, Twitch’s CEO, Dan Clancy, took to X to express his regrets regarding inadequate security measures and vowed to enhance safety protocols for upcoming events.

    Accountability for the Incident

    In his apology, Clancy made it clear:

    “First, I wanna be upfront and take accountability for the security incident that occurred during Emiru’s Meet and Greet. It shouldn’t have happened, and we take that very seriously.”

    He continued by acknowledging the failures in both allowing the incident to happen and in their response afterward. Clancy admitted, “We mismanaged our communications about the incident, and that includes the comments I made. I apologize to Emiru for all that took place.”

    Details of the Assault

    The disturbing incident transpired on October 19 at the San Diego Convention Center during Emiru’s Meet and Greet. A male attendee managed to bypass security and multiple barriers to grab Emiru’s face and try to kiss her without her consent.

    This was all recorded in a video that quickly went viral on social media. The footage showed TwitchCon security and onlookers failing to step in, leading to widespread anger among fans and creators alike.

    Twitch’s Reaction and Emiru’s Response

    On October 20, Twitch’s initial response emphasized that the safety of all TwitchCon attendees is their top priority, labeling the assailant’s actions as “completely unacceptable and deeply upsetting.”

    However, Emiru revealed that the assailant was not detained by security and was allowed to leave, a claim supported by video evidence of the suspect exiting the venue. She later shared that the assailant was only apprehended after her manager had to pressure TwitchCon staff for action. Emiru confirmed she is pursuing criminal charges against the 22-year-old assailant, who has been identified by authorities as a Texas resident with prior Twitch bans for harassment.

    Clancy’s Controversial Remarks

    Adding to the backlash, Clancy faced criticism for remarks he made in a video interview during the event, where he described assault as a “challenge in today’s society.”

    He commented, “Now, what happened yesterday, obviously, was something that we care deeply about securing this environment. We’re looking very closely at everything that happened there, and I care deeply about Emi. She’s a friend of mine, and so I want to see how we can support her. This is something we have to keep working on.”

    Nonetheless, Clancy’s initial remarks received substantial backlash, as many fans and streamers deemed his comments “tone-deaf” and “victim-blaming.” Consequently, Twitch was seen as adopting a “reactive rather than proactive approach.”

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  • Xbox President: TikTok, Movies Now Compete with Halo on PS5

    Xbox President: TikTok, Movies Now Compete with Halo on PS5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox is shifting focus to multiplatform gaming, aiming to connect with players across various platforms beyond consoles.
    2. Recent layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees are acknowledged as part of business management challenges.
    3. Former Xbox exclusives, including Grounded and Sea of Thieves, are now available on PlayStation, highlighting the multiplatform strategy.
    4. Upcoming releases include Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025 and Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved.
    5. Xbox’s shift to multiplatform gaming is linked to ambitious revenue targets, leading to layoffs, project cancellations, and increased Game Pass prices.

    Xbox’s president of Game Content and Studios, Matt Booty, recently had a chat with The New York Times, discussing Microsoft’s growing push into multiplatform gaming. This comes right after the announcement that the Halo Studio’s remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, now titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, will be available on PlayStation 5.

    Shifting Focus in Gaming

    During the interview, Booty noted how players today are less tied to specific consoles or platforms compared to past generations, when gamers typically identified with Xbox, PlayStation, or PC. He emphasized, “We are all trying to connect with people where they are. Our main competition isn’t just other consoles… We are increasingly competing with everything from TikTok to movies.”

    Challenges and Changes

    When the subject of recent layoffs, which have affected over 9,000 employees, came up, Booty offered a concise reply, saying, “Layoffs are tough. It’s a part of managing our business.”

    As Xbox continues its multiplatform strategy, former exclusives like Grounded and Sea of Thieves are now playable on PlayStation. In addition, other Xbox exclusives such as Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl, Forza Horizon 5, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have made their way to PlayStation 5 after previously launching on Xbox and PC.

    What’s Next for Xbox?

    Looking ahead, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025 is set to release on December 8, 2025, along with the highly anticipated Halo: Campaign Evolved, the remake of the classic Halo game from 2001 using Unreal Engine.

    The Halo franchise has been a significant driver for Xbox sales across four console generations, reportedly bringing in over $10 billion in revenue and selling more than 81 million units worldwide. Halo 3 remains the best-selling game in the series, with nearly 14.5 million copies sold on Xbox 360.

    However, there are whispers that Xbox’s aggressive shift to multiplatform gaming is aimed at meeting its ambitious revenue targets. A prior Bloomberg report indicated that Microsoft asked its Xbox division for “30% accountability margins,” exceeding the industry average of 17% to 22%. These elevated revenue goals have reportedly contributed to the laying off of thousands of workers, the cancellation of many major projects across various studios, and increased prices for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service.

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  • Affordable Strix Halo GPD Win 5 Handheld Shines in Game Tests

    Affordable Strix Halo GPD Win 5 Handheld Shines in Game Tests

    Key Takeaways

    1. The GPD Win 5 will start shipping to Indiegogo supporters in November 2025, featuring a more budget-friendly Ryzen AI Max 385 model.
    2. The Ryzen AI Max 385 model showed good performance, maintaining 60 FPS in Street Fighter 6 at 1080p with Medium settings and a TDP of 18 W.
    3. In Spider-Man 2, the Win 5 averaged 74 FPS at 1080p with Medium settings and a TDP of 28 W, capable of reaching around 130 FPS with frame generation.
    4. Forza Horizon 5 exceeded 100 FPS at 1080p with Medium settings and a TDP of 17 W; Cyberpunk 2077 averaged 91 FPS at 1080p with High settings and a TDP of 45 W.
    5. The device provided a solid gaming experience across multiple titles, including Red Dead Redemption 2, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Borderlands 4.

    The GPD Win 5 is set to begin shipping to Indiegogo supporters in November 2025. Before the Strix Halo gaming handheld arrives in users’ hands, ETA Prime has released a video demonstrating the features of the more budget-friendly version.

    Testing the Ryzen AI Max 385

    In the video, the YouTuber evaluates the Ryzen AI Max 385 model of the gaming handheld, which is less expensive than the AI Max+ 395 version. The former features a slightly less powerful APU, which includes the Radeon 8050S iGPU with 32 compute units (CU).

    Despite not being the top model available from GPD, the gaming handheld showed decent performance during the gaming evaluations. Initially, ETA tested Street Fighter 6 at a resolution of 1080p, using Medium visual settings and a thermal design power (TDP) of 18 W. During this session, the Ryzen AI Max 385 Win 5 managed to maintain a consistent 60 FPS.

    Performance with Popular Games

    Following that, the YouTuber played Spider-Man 2 on the handheld at 1080p with Medium settings, but this time with a TDP of 28 W. Although this game typically struggles on integrated graphics processors, the Win 5’s more affordable setup achieved an average of 74 FPS. ETA mentioned that utilizing frame generation, the handheld could reach around 130 FPS while running the game.

    Next up was Forza Horizon 5, tested at a TDP of 17 W and 1080p resolution. With the Medium visual settings, the gaming device exceeded 100 FPS. Cyberpunk 2077 was also put to the test at 1080p with High settings and FSR set to quality. With a TDP of 45 W, it averaged around 91 FPS, while at 25 W TDP, the frame rate hovered close to 60 FPS.

    Additional Games and Overall Experience

    ETA Prime also benchmarked Red Dead Redemption 2 (currently priced at $14.99 on Humble Bundle) without FSR, set at 1080p resolution. At 45 W TDP, the Win 5 could run the game at about 75 FPS. Additionally, ETA tested titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Borderlands 4, finding that the device provided a solid overall gaming experience. For more insights, be sure to check out the video linked below.

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