Category: Gaming

  • New Xbox Game Pass Games Launching This Week: Don’t Miss Out!

    New Xbox Game Pass Games Launching This Week: Don’t Miss Out!

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new AAA game priced at $70 has been added to Game Pass as of October 21.
    2. PowerWash Simulator 2 features realistic cleaning gameplay and will be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass starting October 23.
    3. Bounty Star is a third-person shooter with survival elements set in a post-apocalyptic desert, but subscription details for Game Pass are unclear.
    4. Super Fantasy Kingdom is a roguelite city-building game with tower defense mechanics, joining Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass on October 24.
    5. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is currently priced at approximately $600 on Amazon.

    A new AAA game, priced at $70, has just made its way to Game Pass as of October 21. This week, three additional titles are set to join Microsoft’s gaming subscription as Day One releases. Let’s look at a brief summary:

    PowerWash Simulator 2

    In PowerWash Simulator 2, players return as part of a pro cleaning team, using high-pressure washers to clean various items, from cars to buildings. The gameplay emphasizes realistic physics, aiming to provide a relaxing experience rather than a competitive one – there are no timers or adversaries, just the enjoyable act of washing away grime. Achieving success relies on choosing the appropriate nozzles, detergents, and tools for each job. New features include expanded campaigns, six-player co-op options, and vertical missions that bring in ladders, ropes, and lifts. This game will be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass starting October 23.

    Bounty Star

    Bounty Star is a third-person shooter that incorporates survival elements with a distinct western vibe. Players become Clementine “Clem” McKinney, a former soldier turned bounty hunter, as she traverses the harsh, post-apocalyptic desert called the Red Expanse. Living in the wasteland is tough – while establishing a base, growing crops, and securing water and power, Clem must protect herself from ongoing threats posed by bandits and wild animals. To endure, she pilots the advanced Desert Raptor MKII mech, which can be enhanced with various weapons and gear. The latest Game Pass announcement doesn’t clarify which subscription tiers will feature this game.

    Super Fantasy Kingdom

    Super Fantasy Kingdom is a roguelite city-building game that combines tower defense elements with an adorable pixel art aesthetic. As the leader of a fallen kingdom, players are tasked with rebuilding from scratch while defending against ceaseless waves of monsters. During daylight, you’ll construct structures, gather resources, and fortify your defenses. When night falls, your strategically positioned units and fortifications will face the test of battle. Staying true to the roguelike genre, every defeat provides experience and upgrades that ease future attempts. This title will be joining Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass on October 24.

    Tags: ,
  • GKD Pixel 2 Launches Limited Edition Pink Color Variant

    GKD Pixel 2 Launches Limited Edition Pink Color Variant

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Kiddy (GKD) has released a new Pink version of the Pixel 2 handheld, bringing the total color options to seven.
    2. The Pink variant is a limited edition with a unique aluminum chassis and off-white buttons, similar to the gold version.
    3. The GKD Pixel 2 features a 2.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 and is powered by the RockChip RK3326S with 1GB of RAM.
    4. Customers can choose storage options of 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB MicroSD cards for the device.
    5. The Pink GKD Pixel 2 is priced starting at $81.99, making it more expensive than most other colors, excluding the sold-out golden version.

    Back in January, Game Kiddy (GKD) unveiled the Pixel 2 portable vertical handheld, which initially came in four colors: Green, Grey, Purple, and Red. They later added a Blue variant and a limited-edition Golden one. Recently, they have introduced a Pink version, bringing the total color options to seven.

    Limited Inventory Announcement

    The newly released Pink color is being promoted as a special edition with limited stock, but it’s still available for purchase at the moment. Like the TrimUI Brick Hammer, which costs $109.99 on Amazon, the Pink variant features an aluminum chassis. Its buttons are off-white and match the shoulder buttons, setting it apart from the other colors, except for the gold version, which also has black buttons. Other than the color, the specifications remain unchanged.

    Specifications and Features

    The GKD Pixel 2 is equipped with a 2.4-inch IPS recessed display that has a resolution of 640 x 480. The device runs on the RockChip RK3326S and comes with 1GB of RAM. Customers can choose between a 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB MicroSD card. The handheld includes ABXY buttons in Nintendo’s layout, start and select buttons, a cross-style D-pad, as well as L1 + R1 and L2 + R2 shoulder buttons. Additionally, it has a USB-C port and an audio jack.

    Pricing Information

    The Pink GKD Pixel 2 can be ordered from Keep Retro starting at $81.99 for the model that includes a 64GB MicroSD card. This price is higher than the other colors, except for the golden version, which is no longer in stock and began at $76.99.

     

    Tags:
  • Escape From Duckov Sells 1 Million Copies in 5 Days

    Escape From Duckov Sells 1 Million Copies in 5 Days

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Concept: Escape From Duckov is a PVE indie survival RPG where players control a duck in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring crafting and dynamic weather.

    2. Impressive Sales: The game sold 200,000 copies in the first 24 hours and reached one million copies sold within five days of its release.

    3. Community Appreciation: Producer Jeff Chen expressed gratitude to the players, highlighting the importance of community feedback and support in the game’s success.

    4. High Engagement: Escape From Duckov has become one of the most played titles on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

    5. Future Prospects: The game is expected to continue growing, with the potential to reach the next million in sales soon.

    Released on Steam on October 16, Escape From Duckov has seen remarkable success and keeps achieving impressive results. With its unique and humorous concept, this game created by Team Soda has just hit a significant milestone.

    A Unique Gameplay Experience

    If you haven’t heard of this sensation yet, it’s a PVE indie survival RPG where you take on the role of a duck. Thrust into a post-apocalyptic setting, you’ll encounter various enemies outside your shelter.

    To survive, you’ll have a range of weapons available, and you can also craft your own using materials you gather while exploring. The main objective is to escape this world, and there are five maps to choose from, each with dynamic weather that can change how the game unfolds.

    Rapid Sales Growth

    Even though it was already a major hit upon release, selling 200,000 copies within the first 24 hours, it recently achieved a notable milestone. In just five days, this game sold one million copies and has become one of the most played titles on both Steam and the Epic Games Store.

    To show appreciation to its players, Jeff Chen, the producer of Escape From Duckov, shared this in a statement:

    “Over 1,000,000 ducklings have now waddled into the world of Duckov, and we couldn’t be more excited (and honered). This is 1,000,000 reasons to celebrate YOU, our amazing community, our testers, our supporters, and our fellow ducklings. At this unbelievable achievement, we’re floating (okay, maybe spinning) in disbelief, but mostly, we’re deeply, sincerely grateful. THANK YOU to every single duckling who’s plaved, supported, and believed in Duckov. We couldn’t have done it without you. Your passion, your feedback, your laughs, they’re what makes this game, and this journey, so special.”

    Looking Ahead

    As the game continues to add new features, its future looks bright. There’s a good chance that the second million will be reached soon.

    Tags: ,
  • EA Threatens Ban Over Battlefield 6 Map Inspired by Call of Duty

    EA Threatens Ban Over Battlefield 6 Map Inspired by Call of Duty

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fans of Call of Duty are considering a switch to Battlefield 6, with creative players merging elements from both games.
    2. A user created a map called “Shipment first test” in Battlefield Portal, inspired by a popular Call of Duty location, but was warned by EA for referencing a competitor.
    3. EA’s warning highlights the constraints of creating content in Battlefield Portal, even if the map does not directly mention Call of Duty.
    4. EA is closely monitoring the competition, especially with the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
    5. Some players believe that Battlefield 6’s smaller maps may resemble those in Call of Duty, sparking nostalgic feelings for earlier strategic gameplay.

    With the exciting buzz around the Battlefield 6 launch, a lot of fans from Call of Duty have been thinking about making a switch. Meanwhile, some inventive gamers have discovered ways to merge elements from both military shooters into a single experience. Utilizing Battlefield Portal, one user crafted a map inspired by a beloved setting from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Unfortunately, EA has cautioned this individual against making any more references to its competitor.

    A Tribute to Classic Warfare

    The map in question, known as “Shipment first test”, honors a location from the 2007 Modern Warfare game. The “Shipment” map gained a dedicated following and has been featured in various Call of Duty titles since its debut. Set in a shipping yard in Chernobyl, it offers intense combat scenarios thanks to its compact design, which fans truly enjoy.

    In a message acquired by Insider Gaming, EA warned the map’s creator about making “inappropriate reference- third party products”. They stated that if the user commits the same violation again, they might face a ban from “EA games & services”.

    The Delicate Balance of Creativity

    Interestingly, the Battlefield 6 map did not directly mention Call of Duty in its title or its description. However, EA caught wind of the creation, likely through a report from another user. Although Battlefield Portal allows for the creation of detailed battlefields, it does have some constraints. Still, players have pointed out that maps closely resembling other popular shooters manage to stay online without issues.

    With Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 set to launch on November 14th, EA seems to be monitoring its rival closely. The Activision series has consistently outperformed Battlefield, but recent Steam player statistics suggest that this trend might shift. Some fans believe that Treyarch may have intentionally extended the Black Ops 7 open beta to just one day before the Battlefield 6 release.

    The Essence of Competition

    Ironically, players might not even need the custom Shipment map to get their Call of Duty fix. Some analysts argue that the smaller environments in Battlefield 6 bear a striking resemblance to those found in its competitor. These gamers often reminisce about the expansive spaces of earlier titles in the series that promoted more strategic gameplay.

    Tags: ,
  • Microsoft’s New Xbox Full-Screen Experience Fails to Boost Performance

    Microsoft’s New Xbox Full-Screen Experience Fails to Boost Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Windows 11 on handheld devices can be frustrating due to touchscreen limitations, often requiring external monitors for better usability.
    2. Microsoft and Asus have collaborated to create a new Xbox full-screen experience for handhelds, optimizing controls for easier access to games.
    3. The Xbox full-screen mode enhances usability but does not significantly improve performance compared to existing Windows features.
    4. Future improvements are needed for the Xbox full-screen experience to provide better gaming performance and usability without relying heavily on Windows.
    5. There is a notable performance difference between Windows and SteamOS versions on handhelds, with SteamOS offering better optimization for gaming.

    Gaming handhelds are becoming increasingly popular, but they also highlight the challenges of using Windows 11 with touchscreens. Setting up a new Windows handheld can be quite frustrating on such a small display, often leaving users feeling irritated before they even begin to play games. The best workaround up to now has been connecting the handheld to an external monitor using a USB-C power supply and additional input devices, allowing for a setup similar to a regular PC without relying on the touchscreen.

    Microsoft’s Collaboration with Asus

    Microsoft has recognized this problem and worked closely with Asus to introduce the new Xbox full-screen experience, which we examined in our review of the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld. Upon startup, the handheld will automatically open the Xbox app (or Asus’ Armoury Crate SE, if preferred), and it has been optimized for handheld controls. Users can now also install other game launchers, such as Steam, Ubisoft, EA, GoG, Epic, etc., directly from the Xbox full-screen mode. The games will appear in the Xbox app and can be launched from there.

    Enhancements and Limitations

    Overall, the new Xbox full-screen mode is a positive change and enhances usability, but it remains “just” a new mode layered over the existing Windows operating system. While unnecessary background services have been turned off, this was already a feature of the well-known Game Mode. We did not observe any significant performance improvements with the new Xbox full-screen mode.

    Future Improvements Needed

    The Xbox full-screen experience is certainly a move in a better direction. It is also useful to switch to desktop mode to access all Windows features. However, we are uncertain how many users will actually take advantage of this. Looking ahead, we hope for further optimizations to the Xbox full-screen mode so that it isn’t merely an additional layer over Windows. Restarting the device to switch to full desktop mode wouldn’t be a problem, for instance.

    This could also enhance gaming performance, which should be the primary concern. In our review of the Lenovo Legion Go S, we observed a notable performance gap between the Windows and SteamOS versions. SteamOS was able to extract significantly more from the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (between 30-35%), showcasing a considerable difference. You can certainly install SteamOS (available for the Ally X) or Bazzite as alternatives, but this would limit the selection of games.

    Microsoft's New Xbox Full-Screen Experience Fails to Boost PerformanceMicrosoft's New Xbox Full-Screen Experience Fails to Boost Performance

     

    Tags:
  • Chizha Mount Ling Dock: 3-Inch Touchscreen Dock for Steam Deck

    Chizha Mount Ling Dock: 3-Inch Touchscreen Dock for Steam Deck

    Key Takeaways

    1. The crowdfunding project for the Chizha Mount Ling Dock is live on Kickstarter, with a backing requirement of at least $109 and an expected delivery in January 2026.
    2. The dock is designed primarily for the Steam Deck but is compatible with other gaming handhelds due to its standard USB connection.
    3. It features a 3-inch touchscreen display that shows video output information and manages a quiet 40mm fan for improved cooling.
    4. The docking station includes an HDMI 2.0 port for 4K output at 60Hz, a built-in Ethernet port, and the option to install a full-sized M.2 2280 SSD for additional storage.
    5. Dockcase offers USB PD with up to 100 watts of power, two USB Type-A ports, and optical audio output, setting it apart from other similar products lacking these features.

    A new crowdfunding project for a docking solution aimed at gaming handhelds is currently live on Kickstarter. People who back the project with at least $109 will receive a unit. The expected delivery time is set for January 2026. As with any crowdfunding effort, there are typical financial risks involved, and potential buyers should carefully review the shipping details before contributing.

    Designed for Multiple Devices

    The latest accessory from Dockcase is tailored for the Steam Deck, but its standard USB connection means it should work with other gaming handhelds too. The Chizha Mount Ling Dock features a 3-inch touchscreen that has a resolution of 170 x 560 pixels. This display can show information about the video output and manage the active fan, which is designed to enhance cooling efficiency. The 40mm fan operates quietly at 28dBA.

    Impressive Functionality

    This new docking station for the Steam Deck includes an HDMI 2.0 port capable of outputting 4K at 60Hz. It also comes with a built-in Ethernet port for connecting to wired networks. Additionally, users can install a full-sized M.2 2280 SSD for extra storage.

    Moreover, Dockcase provides USB PD that can deliver up to 100 watts of power. There are two USB Type-A ports, with one supporting a bandwidth of 10Gbps. You can connect peripherals like a mouse or keyboard using USB 2.0, and optical audio output is also included. While there are similar docking stations available on Amazon, many lack both a display and a fan.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Win 5 Monster Hunter Wilds Radeon RX 9070XT GPUs in AMD Giveaway

    Win 5 Monster Hunter Wilds Radeon RX 9070XT GPUs in AMD Giveaway

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD is hosting the ‘AMD x Monster Hunter Wilds Sweepstakes’ giveaway, offering a chance to win one of 5 limited edition ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT GPUs.
    2. The giveaway is open to participants from multiple countries, including North America, Europe, and Asia, and has about 14 days remaining.
    3. The RX 9070 XT GPU features 16GB of GDDR6 RAM and competes well against Nvidia’s RTX 5070 and RTX 5070Ti.
    4. Participants can earn up to 1200 entries by following AMD, ASRock, and Monster Hunter on social media.
    5. Winners will be contacted within 7 days and must claim their prizes within 5 days, with any import taxes being the winner’s responsibility.

    Gamers who want to get a new GPU without spending a fortune, especially when it comes to the mid to high-range options, might find a glimmer of hope with the latest giveaway from AMD.

    AMD’s Exciting Giveaway

    The giveaway, named ‘AMD x Monster Hunter Wilds Sweepstakes’, is available in multiple countries. It’s open to people living in North America, Europe, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Indonesia. Participants have a chance to win one of 5 limited edition ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Monster Hunter Wilds Edition 16GB GPUs.

    Previous Promotions

    This isn’t the first time AMD has done something related to Monster Hunter: World. Earlier this year, the Santa Clara-based chip maker offered a free copy of the game with certain CPUs, GPUs, and AMD laptops.

    The RX 9070 XT GPU from AMD is often seen as a great value in the graphics card market. It stands out with its 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, impressive performance, and a design that only requires 2 8-pin power connectors.

    Competing in the Market

    Competing directly with Nvidia’s RTX 5070 and RTX 5070Ti, the AMD RX 9070 XT sits nicely in the middle, outperforming the former while matching the latter in VRAM. It is also the fastest RDNA 4 GPU from AMD available at this moment. AMD hasn’t launched a direct competitor to Nvidia’s RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 GPUs with an RDNA 4 solution yet.

    The giveaway has about 14 days remaining as of now and is expected to reach 1.5 million entries. Users can earn up to 1200 entries by following AMD, ASRock, and Monster Hunter on social media.

    Important Details for Winners

    Winners will be contacted within 7 days and must claim their prizes within 5 days. AMD has mentioned that any VAT/GST/Import tax will be the winner’s responsibility, which could be an issue for those in the US due to the ongoing trade tensions with China.

    Tags: ,
  • Battlefield 6 Engineers Create Art with Repair Tool

    Battlefield 6 Engineers Create Art with Repair Tool

    Key Takeaways

    1. Players are using the Engineer class’s Repair Tool in Battlefield 6 to create art, leaving behind burn marks on various surfaces.
    2. The trend of artistic expression is gaining popularity on Reddit, with players sharing creations like smiley faces and pop-culture figures.
    3. Many players engage in humorous discussions about this trend, with mixed reactions regarding the Engineers’ focus on art instead of repairs.
    4. The game’s detailed Frostbite engine supports emergent gameplay, allowing spontaneous events like “torch art” to occur.
    5. The “torch art” phenomenon adds a light-hearted element to Battlefield 6, showcasing creativity amidst the game’s intense action.

    Battlefield 6 focuses on expansive warfare, but many players are seeing it as a canvas for their creativity. Since its release, the Engineer class, which usually fixes tanks and aircraft, has been using its blowtorch-like Repair Tool to create art on walls, vehicles, and even the ground.

    Creative Expressions

    The Repair Tool leaves behind noticeable burn marks wherever it’s applied, a feature that seasoned fans of the series will recognize from earlier games. However, with the return of destructible settings and more responsive materials in Battlefield 6, these markings have become even more pronounced. This unique blend has sparked a surge of artistic expression among players.

    Trending on Reddit

    Various clips and images have circulated on Reddit’s r/Battlefield6, depicting Engineers crafting smiley faces, logos, and even pop-culture figures like Hatsune Miku or Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z. Some players have utilized the tool to “write” little messages, arrows, and even create spontaneous games of tic-tac-toe for nearby squads to discover.

    Users on Reddit engage in discussions about this trend with a mixture of humor and praise. Some users commend the inventiveness, while others humorously lament that many Engineers are too preoccupied with drawing rather than fixing. Several threads have pointed out that the marks from the Repair Tool disappear after a short period, which means that most of these artworks are basically temporary battlefield graffiti.

    Embracing Emergent Gameplay

    While the trend may seem silly, it also emphasizes one of Battlefield 6’s key features: emergent gameplay. The detailed Frostbite engine from DICE allows for spontaneous events like these to happen organically, from crumbling buildings to soldiers decorating walls with plasma tools. EA has not commented on this artistic trend yet, but community managers have previously reacted positively to similar fan creativity in earlier versions.

    Whether considered playful fun or a misuse of valuable Engineer resources, the “torch art” phenomenon is one of the most amusing side stories in Battlefield 6 thus far. In a game centered around explosive action, perhaps a few smiles and sketches between conflicts aren’t too bad after all.

    Tags:
  • PS5 Sales Surge in September Despite Price Hike, Outpaces PS3

    PS5 Sales Surge in September Despite Price Hike, Outpaces PS3

    Key Takeaways

    1. PS5 sales increased by 10% in September despite price hikes in August.
    2. Sony raised the prices of PS5 models, with the Digital Edition now at $499.99 and the disc version at $549.99.
    3. The gaming market grew overall, with consumers spending 10% more on hardware and games in September compared to 2024.
    4. Popular new PS5 releases, like NBA 2K26, boosted console sales.
    5. The number of active PS5 users has surpassed that of the PS3, with over 80 million PS5 units sold since 2020.

    Many gamers were curious about how the PS5 price hikes in August would impact console sales. Early indicators suggest that Sony’s gaming consoles have not been adversely affected by the increased prices. New data from Circana for U.S. retail in September reveals that PS5 sales actually increased by 10% compared to the month before. In another achievement for PlayStation, the number of PS5 units in use has now surpassed that of the PS3.

    Sales Insights from Matt Piscatella

    Matt Piscatella shared updates through several posts on Bluesky. He pointed out that in comparison to August, the “average selling price for PS5 saw a rise in the high single-digit percentage.” Even with the increased MSRPs, unit sales surged by more than 10% in September.

    Price Adjustments Amid Economic Challenges

    Due to tough economic conditions, Sony raised PS5 prices, changing the Digital Edition from $449.99 to $499.99 in August. The disc drive version and the PS5 Pro also experienced $50 price hikes, bringing their prices to $549.99 and $749.99, respectively. Nevertheless, there’s no sign that consumers have reconsidered buying PlayStation consoles.

    Gaming Industry Growth

    One reason could be that the gaming market as a whole flourished in September. Even with inflation putting pressure on budgets, consumers spent 10% more on hardware, accessories, and games compared to the same time in 2024. A number of popular new PS5 releases also motivated gamers to buy systems.

    Borderlands 4 dominated both physical and digital sales across all platforms. However, NBA 2K26 took the top spot for PS5 specifically, with Gearbox’s looter shooter coming in third, behind Ghost of Yotei. The highly anticipated open-world RPG didn’t launch until October 2nd. Consistent third-party sports titles like EA Sports FC 26 and Madden NFL 26 also contributed to hardware sales.

    Xbox Series Sales Surprise

    Unexpectedly, the pricier Xbox Series X and S also experienced slight increases in sales during September. Still, with Microsoft’s consoles facing challenges, Sony appears more focused on surpassing its own sales records. In August, Sony reported over 80 million PS5 units sold since 2020. It is estimated that over 87 million PS3 units were sold during its entire lifecycle. Yet, in the U.S., the PS5 already has a larger number of active users.

    PS5 Sales Surge in September Despite Price Hike, Outpaces PS3PS5 Sales Surge in September Despite Price Hike, Outpaces PS3

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Free Mod Combines The Witcher 3 with Monster Hunter Gameplay

    Free Mod Combines The Witcher 3 with Monster Hunter Gameplay

    Key Takeaways

    1. A mod called Wild Monster Hunt allows players to hunt monsters in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, similar to Monster Hunter.
    2. The mod features a new expansive map with diverse landscapes and biomes comparable to Toussaint.
    3. Players can upgrade a camp by gathering resources needed for monster hunting.
    4. Various quests are designed to offer rewards, rare items, and currency for missions.
    5. A new forge enables players to create fresh gear and unique weapons, enhancing gameplay.

    Since its launch, a vibrant community of modders has emerged around The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, adding numerous new features for players. Thanks to a specific mod, players can now hunt monsters similarly to the way it’s done in Monster Hunter, all while remaining within the Witcher universe.

    New Adventures Await

    This mod, titled Wild Monster Hunt, was developed by Aeltoth, a creator who has successfully completed multiple projects. It introduces a variety of fresh features, including a new map that is as expansive as Toussaint, showcasing diverse landscapes and different biomes.

    You’ll also gain access to a camp that can be upgraded as you gather resources necessary for monster hunting. Regarding gameplay, you have the freedom to leave your base anytime and venture out in search of enigmatic creatures.

    Exciting Rewards and Crafting

    Moreover, to improve the reward system, various quests are available for you to complete at your convenience, enabling you to earn rare items and currency that will aid you in your missions. Additionally, a new forge has been added, allowing players to create fresh gear and unique weapons.

    In conclusion, this mod for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, accessible on Nexus Mods, lets you dive into the realm of Capcom games while providing enjoyable and extended gameplay. However, it’s essential to follow the installation instructions carefully to prevent any compatibility problems.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,