Category: Gaming

  • Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld for DS/3DS Games

    Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld for DS/3DS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has officially announced the RG DS, its first dual-screen gaming handheld.
    2. The RG DS is capable of playing Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS titles, including Shovel Knight and Pokémon Black Version 2.
    3. It supports stylus inputs on the lower screen, allowing gameplay for stylus-based games like Kirby: Canvas Curse and Nintendogs.
    4. The expected launch price for the RG DS is under $100, with speculation about the use of the Unisoc T620 chipset for better performance.
    5. A release date for the RG DS is yet to be confirmed.

    Anbernic has recently revealed new details about the RG DS, which is its very first dual-screen gaming handheld. Just to summarize, the company officially recognized that this device exists about a week ago. Still, there were whispers about the RG DS even when Anbernic was gearing up to launch the RG476H (currently priced at $189.99 on Amazon).

    RG DS Gameplay Highlights

    A week after its initial announcement, Anbernic has demonstrated the RG DS playing several titles from Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS, including Shovel Knight and Pokémon Black Version 2. The company also confirmed that the RG DS can utilize stylus inputs on its lower screen, similar to what was seen in the Nintendo DS series. To illustrate this feature, Anbernic pointed out the RG DS’s compatibility with stylus-based games such as Kirby: Canvas Curse, Nintendogs, and even Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, which can be played in a vertical setup.

    Chipset Speculation

    At this moment, Anbernic is keeping fans guessing about the chipset that powers the RG DS. Considering the handheld’s expected launch price of under $100, it seems unlikely that Anbernic will opt for the Unisoc T820 or the Dimensity 8300, which have been used in their latest Android devices. According to recent speculations, Anbernic might go for the Unisoc T620, which offers better performance than the Unisoc T618 found in the RG405M and RG405V. However, a release date is still up in the air for now.

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  • Gregg Mayles Departs Rare After 36 Years, Announces on X

    Gregg Mayles Departs Rare After 36 Years, Announces on X

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gregg Mayles has left Rare after 36 years, reflecting on his journey through a poetic farewell titled “A Rather Resplendent Rewarding Rare Ramble.”

    2. Mayles contributed to 30 games, including iconic titles like Banjo-Kazooie, Battletoads, and Sea of Thieves, playing a significant role in Rare’s success during the Nintendo 64 era.

    3. His departure comes at a challenging time for Rare, especially following Microsoft’s acquisition in 2002 and the recent cancellation of the ambitious project Everwild.

    4. Sea of Thieves, directed by Mayles, remains Rare’s biggest success, with over 40 million players, despite the studio facing difficulties with other titles and projects.

    5. Reports suggest that the troubled development and cancellation of Everwild may have influenced Mayles’ decision to leave, although he did not comment on this in his farewell message.

    Gregg Mayles, the creative mind behind Banjo-Kazooie, has said goodbye to Rare after an impressive 36 years with the renowned British game studio.

    Having joined Rare in 1989 right after finishing high school, Mayles shared his departure on X in an artistic manner, calling it “A Rather Resplendent Rewarding Rare Ramble.” This title cleverly nods to the playful rhymes that made Banjo-Kazooie memorable.

    Reflecting on His Journey

    The poem reflects on his experiences, starting from ignoring a banking career to dive into game design. He highlights his work on popular titles like Battletoads, Donkey Kong Country, Diddy Kong Racing, Grabbed by the Ghoulies, Viva Piñata, and Sea of Thieves, while also expressing his appreciation for fans and coworkers.

    He concluded his message with a heartfelt farewell: “Now time to start new tales to tell, Farewell to Rare, he waves, farewell!”

    A Legacy at Rare

    Throughout his career, Mayles contributed to 30 games, playing a key role in Rare’s prime era during the Nintendo 64 days. He was part of classics like the 1998 platformer Banjo-Kazooie, which sold over 3.6 million copies globally and led to sequels such as Banjo-Tooie in 2000.

    Additionally, he worked on many cherished games, including the 1994 beat ’em up Battletoads, the Donkey Kong franchise starting with Donkey Kong Country in 1994, the 2003 Xbox horror-comedy Grabbed by the Ghoulies, the life simulation game Viva Piñata in 2006, and most recently, he directed the popular multiplayer pirate adventure, Sea of Thieves, which came out in 2018 and has gathered more than 40 million players across all platforms.

    Challenges for Rare

    This news arrives during a challenging time for Rare, especially after Microsoft’s acquisition of the studio in 2002 for $375 million, which led to a shift from Nintendo to Xbox. While Sea of Thieves is Rare’s biggest success, the studio has encountered various difficulties over the years, including the 2013 release of Kinect Sports.

    Notably, the ambitious open-world adventure Everwild was under Mayles’ supervision. Announced in 2019, it had been in the works for more than five years.

    Unfortunately, Microsoft canceled Everwild in July 2025 amid significant layoffs that impacted around 9,000 employees across the company. This also included budget cuts at Rare and the cancellation of The Initiative’s Perfect Dark reboot, which was linked to Rare’s heritage.

    Reports indicate that the cancellation of Everwild, after nearly ten years of troubled development and various overhauls, may have played a role in Mayles’ choice to depart from Rare. However, he didn’t elaborate on this in his post on X.

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  • Sega’s Sonic Rumble Set for Global Release in November 2025

    Sega’s Sonic Rumble Set for Global Release in November 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date and Platforms: Sonic Rumble is set to launch globally in November 2025 on PC via Steam, as well as on iOS and Android, but a specific date has not been disclosed.

    2. Development Delays: The game, initially known as Sonic Toys Party, faced multiple delays, moving from a planned winter 2024 release to November 2025 due to quality issues and gameplay mechanics revisions.

    3. Early Testing and Feedback: A soft launch occurred in select countries, where early players rated the game 4.8 stars on the App Store, indicating positive reception and prompting adjustments based on feedback.

    4. Gameplay Mechanics: Sonic Rumble will feature a battle royale format with 32 players in a toy box arena, involving multiple rounds and a final survival challenge for the last eight players.

    5. Collaboration and Features: The game is a collaboration between Sonic Team and Rovio Entertainment, including special content like a Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie pack with extra skins and cosmetics.

    After a number of postponements that extended its development by almost a year, Sega’s much-anticipated multiplayer battle royale, Sonic Rumble, is set to launch globally in November 2025 on PC through Steam, as well as on iOS and Android. Yet, a precise date within November has not been revealed.

    Early Hints and Delays

    Initially known as Sonic Toys Party, Sonic Rumble was hinted at in leaks around the middle of 2024 and was supposed to come out in winter 2024 as a free-to-play game. This project is a collaboration between Sonic Team and Rovio Entertainment, following Sega’s acquisition of the creator of Angry Birds in 2023.

    The game faced its first delay to spring 2025, only to have a specific release date of May 8, 2025, announced, which was later abandoned just eight days prior to launch due to emerging quality issues.

    Impact of Delay on Key Regions

    The third delay left several important markets, such as the US, UK, and Japan, waiting. Meanwhile, Sonic Rumble had a soft launch in certain countries like Uruguay, Belgium, and Australia starting in August 2024. These delays were largely a result of the need to revamp key gameplay mechanics that were identified during closed beta tests, including a playtest that took place from May 24 to 26, 2024, along with ongoing regional testing.

    Players who got in early have praised the game, giving it a 4.8-star rating on the App Store. Sega has mentioned talks with Rovio to ensure the game’s mechanics are balanced and to avoid pay-to-win scenarios, a sentiment echoed by Sonic co-creator Takashi Iizuka in an interview from October 2024, where he emphasized the aim for a “long-lasting” experience instead of a rushed release.

    Latest Updates and Features

    On October 15, 2025, Sega unveiled the newest release window trailer for Sonic Rumble, paired with an official blog post that called the game the “ultimate arcade royale.” The battle royale game will feature 32 players in a chaotic arena styled like a toy box, allowing players to control miniature versions of characters like Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, Cream, and Dr. Eggman.

    Much like Fall Guys, the gameplay will consist of multiple rounds, starting with thirty-two players, then narrowing down to sixteen, and finally eight finalists who will compete in a survival challenge.

    Additionally, the game will include a specific Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie pack featuring extra skins, stages, and cosmetics like Excalibur Sonic from Sonic and the Black Knight, as well as Wave from Sonic Riders.

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  • KinHank Super Console X3 Pro: Play 60,000+ Games for $108

    KinHank Super Console X3 Pro: Play 60,000+ Games for $108

    Key Takeaways

    1. The KinHank Super Console X3 Pro is a stationary gaming console designed for connecting to a television, featuring a vast library of over 60,000 pre-installed games.
    2. The console raises copyright concerns due to its large game library, primarily consisting of retro games from various systems, including Nintendo Game Boy generations.
    3. It is powered by the Amlogic S905X3 chip with four Cortex-A55 cores and 4GB of RAM, supporting performance for classic games but may struggle with newer titles.
    4. The device runs on EmuELEC or Android 9, functioning as a media player for older TVs and offering connectivity options like WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and multiple USB ports.
    5. Priced at $108 (excluding shipping and import taxes), the console has limited warranty and customer support options, which potential buyers should consider.

    We often talk about budget-friendly gaming handhelds, which usually offer lower performance when compared to modern gaming PCs or even smartphones. These devices are mainly made to play classic retro games and usually come with a huge library of games pre-installed. However, this practice raises some serious questions about copyright issues. The KinHank Super Console X3 Pro is a similar product, but it’s a stationary console meant to connect to a television.

    Storage and Game Library

    When it comes to copyright concerns, the manufacturer seems to take things to a whole new level. The 500GB storage reportedly comes packed with over 60,000 games straight out of the box. For example, the console is capable of emulating games from different Nintendo Game Boy generations, which should work pretty well. That being said, playing games from newer systems might lead to some performance hiccups along the way.

    Specifications and Features

    The KinHank Super Console X3 Pro is driven by the Amlogic S905X3 chip, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores and 4GB of RAM. This cost-effective gaming device operates on either EmuELEC or Android 9, allowing it to serve as a media player for older televisions that lack smart capabilities or an app store.

    You can connect to wireless networks using WiFi 6, while accessories can be paired through Bluetooth 5.0, two USB 3.0 ports, or a single USB 2.0 port. There’s also an optical audio output for connecting soundbars, as well as HDMI, an AV port, and Ethernet for wired connections. The retro console measures 5.63 x 3.54 x 1.30 inches and is available for order through import on Aliexpress for $108, not including shipping or import taxes. Lastly, it’s important for potential buyers to note the virtually non-existent warranty and customer support.

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    KinHank Super Console X3 Pro: Play 60,000+ Games for $108KinHank Super Console X3 Pro: Play 60,000+ Games for $108

     

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  • Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: YouTuber Installs Bazzite Linux for SteamOS

    Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: YouTuber Installs Bazzite Linux for SteamOS

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X features a gaming-optimized version of Windows 11, marking a significant upgrade from the previous model.
    2. SteamOS’s growing popularity has prompted Microsoft to enhance Windows 11 for better gaming performance, as seen with the launch of similar devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S.
    3. Initial attempts to install the Linux distribution Bazzite on the Ally X faced technical issues, including BitLocker encryption preventing SSD formatting.
    4. While Bazzite improved responsiveness and navigation, some hardware features and controls were unresponsive, indicating the need for further optimization.
    5. Performance tests showed that while Linux provided a smoother interface, it did not significantly outperform Windows 11 in raw gaming performance.

    We just got our hands on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X for a review, and it clearly looks like a big step up from the previous model, the ROG Ally X. This latest handheld, which is Xbox-branded, comes with Windows 11 already installed—more specifically, a version that’s tweaked for gaming. However, some users still lean towards Linux-based systems like SteamOS for a smoother, more console-like feel.

    A Shift in Focus

    You could say that SteamOS has jolted Microsoft into action. It might even explain why Windows 11 got such a gaming-centric update, especially since SteamOS is gaining popularity among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For example, Lenovo recently teamed up with Valve to launch the Lenovo Legion Go S, which comes equipped with SteamOS.

    Testing the Waters

    To check if the ROG Xbox Ally X could match that experience, YouTuber Dawid Does Tech Stuff tried installing Bazzite, a Linux distribution inspired by Fedora and closely resembling SteamOS. Their aim was to see if Asus’s new handheld could provide a smoother interface and better performance without depending on Windows.

    They grabbed the Bazzite image for the Ally series from the official site and used Rufus to create a bootable USB. The first installation attempt hit a snag with an “unknown error.” After some investigation, they realized that BitLocker encryption was stopping the SSD from being formatted. After turning off the encryption and dividing the SSD into two partitions for dual-booting, they moved on to install Bazzite.

    Initial Challenges

    When the ROG Xbox Ally X first booted into Bazzite, none of the controller inputs worked. After a few moments, the system started recognizing them, although several buttons, including the menu keys, remained unresponsive. They manually reassigned inputs through Steam’s interface, which gave them partial control back.

    Even with these troubles, the YouTuber quickly noticed a major boost in responsiveness. “It almost feels like I’ve decalcified its brain,” they remarked, explaining how menus opened instantly, inputs felt quick, and navigation was way smoother than on Windows 11. Still, some essential hardware features—like RGB lighting around the thumbsticks, power mode controls, and Armoury Crate integration—completely stopped working.

    Performance Testing

    Dawid conducted performance tests in Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of Mordor. In Cyberpunk, he struggled to get the performance overlay to show up until he installed MangoHUD, later switching to Steam’s tool. Initially, the game displayed a blank resolution field, but he figured it was running at 1080p. Overall, gameplay felt smoother, with slightly better frame rates and lower input lag compared to Windows 11.

    Shadow of Mordor acted as a more dependable benchmark, accurately detecting the display resolution. Frame rates were almost identical on both operating systems, indicating that while Linux enhanced interface fluidity, it didn’t provide a considerable edge in raw performance.

    After switching back to Windows and rebooting into Bazzite again, Dawid discovered that the controls had stopped working once again, only to miraculously function normally the next day, with RGB lighting oddly back on.

    Conclusion

    At this point, based on the YouTuber’s experience, installing a Linux gaming distro like Bazzite on the ROG Xbox Ally X doesn’t seem like a wise move. The video clearly shows that Bazzite still requires a lot of optimization for the latest Xbox-branded handheld to work well. If you’re considering trying it out yourself, it’s probably best to hold off for a bit, given that these new handheld devices have only just been released.

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  • Red Dead Redemption 2: Experience RTX 5090 in Stunning 8K

    Red Dead Redemption 2: Experience RTX 5090 in Stunning 8K

    Key Takeaways

    1. Red Dead Redemption 2’s visuals remain impressive even after seven years, enhanced further by high-end hardware like the RTX 5090 in 8K resolution.
    2. Digital Dreams showcased remarkable visual enhancements, including lifelike lighting, vibrant nature, and realistic water effects.
    3. Some issues exist, such as disappearing shadows in certain areas due to mods, which can affect the gaming experience.
    4. The enhanced version of the game requires a powerful setup, featuring over 100 mods, including a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and 64 GB of RAM.
    5. There are alternative mods available for Red Dead Redemption 2 that can improve graphics on less powerful systems, making enhancements accessible to more players.

    Released over seven years ago, Red Dead Redemption 2 still amazes players with its stunning visuals, thanks to the efforts of Rockstar Games on textures and NPC animations. However, when played with an RTX 5090 and in 8K resolution, the game truly reaches a whole new level.

    Impressive Visuals

    Digital Dreams, known for enhancing Skyrim in the past, has put out a video showcasing these features in Red Dead Redemption 2. The outcome is nothing short of remarkable.

    The game displays lifelike lighting effects, and nature appears vibrant from various viewpoints. The water’s aesthetics are also noteworthy, with waves crashing against rocks and generating sea foam, along with realistic sunlight reflections on the surface. Cities are reimagined, showcasing more intricate buildings and an astonishing ambiance.

    Notable Issues

    Nevertheless, there are some issues to mention, especially concerning shadows in certain areas of the map. As one player observed, these shadows can entirely vanish because of the mods, which can detract from the overall experience.

    Accessibility for Players

    It’s important to note that not everyone can enjoy such a stunning version of the game. Digital Dreams has incorporated over 100 mods into their setup. Furthermore, the configuration is quite impressive, featuring a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, an RTX 5090, 64 GB of RAM, and running at 8K resolution.

    Luckily, there are other mods for Red Dead Redemption 2 that can work with less powerful setups. While the original version of the game is already beautiful, these modifications could breathe new life into it.

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  • Ninja Gaiden 4 Directors Discuss Balancing Challenge and Fairness

    Ninja Gaiden 4 Directors Discuss Balancing Challenge and Fairness

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fairness is crucial in challenging gameplay to maintain fun and reduce frustration.
    2. Player deaths should feel like a result of player choices, promoting a trial-and-error mindset.
    3. The game aims to provide rewarding experiences, triggering a sense of achievement against tough challenges.
    4. The collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames focuses on fast-paced gameplay with responsive controls.
    5. Ninja Gaiden 4 will offer customizable difficulty settings while retaining the series’ signature intensity.

    In a recent chat with Automaton, the directors of the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4, Yuji Nakao from PlatinumGames and Masakazu Hirayama from Team Ninja, shared their thoughts on the crucial role of fairness in crafting tough games.

    Importance of Fairness

    The duo claimed that fairness is essential to keeping challenging gameplay fun rather than frustrating, especially regarding how player deaths are managed. Hirayama pointed out, “fairness between the player and enemy is crucial. Whether or not a death feels like it was your fault is a huge part of maintaining that sense of fairness.” He elaborated that if a player dies in an unfair way, it’s difficult for them to think about what they might have done differently. In contrast, if a death is due to a poor decision among a few choices, it leads to a trial-and-error mindset, making players think, “Okay, let’s try this instead.”

    Development Insights

    Nakao added that while creating Ninja Gaiden 4, the focus was not just on making gameplay fulfilling, but also on giving players a rewarding feeling when they succeed against tough challenges, which can trigger those dopamine hits. He mentioned that in the Ninja Gaiden series, enemies have always been on the same level as the player, as they can defend themselves and use their own attacks, a balance that Ninja Gaiden 4 aims to keep.

    Though the directors admitted that difficulty is subjective, they emphasized that the “right” kind of difficulty is based on fairness, which allows players to learn and improve through a balanced mix of offense and defense. Hirayama added that the cycle of trial and error is something that Team Ninja has talked about a lot and is highly valued in the series.

    Collaboration and Direction

    The partnership between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames marks a positive shift for the franchise. Nakao described it as a collaborative effort rather than just one studio passing the game to another. The game seeks to challenge the trend where Soulslikes dominate the market, by emphasizing fast-paced, action-packed gameplay with highly responsive controls and mechanics.

    Nakao emphasized, however, that Ninja Gaiden 4 won’t be easy. While it will offer accessibility through customizable difficulty settings, it will still hold on to the intense experience the series is famous for. Ninja Gaiden 4 is scheduled to launch on October 21, 2025, for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC via Steam, and it will be available on day one for Xbox Game Pass.

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  • Halo: Combat Evolved Remake Hints from Master Chief Voice Actor

    Halo: Combat Evolved Remake Hints from Master Chief Voice Actor

    Key Takeaways

    – Steve Downes, the voice of Master Chief, hinted at “big news” for the Halo franchise before the Halo World Championship.
    – The Halo World Championship 2025 is set for October 24-26 in Seattle, featuring 16 elite teams competing for over $1 million.
    – Halo Studios will reveal what they’ve been working on during the event, raising fan excitement.
    – There are rumors of a full remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, potentially for multiple platforms including PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
    – Leaks suggest the remake may have new mechanics and use a hybrid engine combining Unreal Engine 5 and the Blam engine.

    The excitement surrounding a new Halo game is growing rapidly within the gaming community. Steve Downes, the legendary voice of Master Chief since 2001, has hinted at some “big news for the franchise,” just days before the Halo World Championship event taking place from October 24 to October 26.

    Teasing the Future

    Recently, Downes shared an intriguing post on X on October 15, 2025, right before the Halo World Championship 2025. He uploaded a picture of himself at the Collect-A-Con event in Chicago, wearing an “I Love Cortana” t-shirt. He also expressed his excitement about meeting Jen Taylor, the voice of Cortana, at the upcoming Halo World Championship in Seattle.

    He mentioned, “Jen and I can’t wait to see you guys at the Halo World Championship in Seattle, October 24 and 25! PS: BIG NEWS A’COMIN!!” This hint has led to increased speculation about what Microsoft and Halo Studios might announce during the tournament, where the studio is set to discuss future projects.

    Upcoming Events and Announcements

    This hint comes after Halo Studios confirmed in September 2025 that they would unveil “what we’ve been working on” at the event. Fans are eager for the main stage appearance and a “deep dive” panel that promises not to be missed.

    The Halo World Championship, which takes place from October 24 to October 26 at the Seattle Convention Center in Washington, will feature 16 elite teams competing in Halo Infinite for a prize pool surpassing $1 million. This year is expected to be the largest gathering in Halo’s history, showcasing many exciting reveals from Halo Studios.

    What’s Brewing in Development?

    Microsoft has already stated that several Halo projects are currently being developed, but there isn’t much information available yet. The company hasn’t clarified whether the upcoming announcements will be about games, expansions, or new media tie-ins.

    Yet, fans are focused on a persistent rumor. One of the projects is believed to be a full remake of the original 2001 Halo: Combat Evolved, which might be released not only for Xbox and PC but also for PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Speculations and Leaks

    Leaks indicate that this remake might be developed in collaboration with Halo Studios, Abstraction, and Virtuos, and would introduce newer mechanics like sprinting to meet modern gaming standards. Additional leaks suggest that the game will utilize a hybrid engine, enhancing visuals with Unreal Engine 5 while using the Blam engine for core gameplay.

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  • 8BitDo Launches NES 40th Anniversary Ultimate 2 Controller & More

    8BitDo Launches NES 40th Anniversary Ultimate 2 Controller & More

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo launched the NES40 Collection to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Nintendo Entertainment System, featuring limited editions of existing products and two new items.
    2. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth – NES 40th Limited Edition controller has a unique design with only 1,985 units available, and includes a NES Retro Receiver and custom accessories for a pre-order price of $79.99.
    3. The Retro 68 Keyboard – NES 40th Limited Edition is 8BitDo’s first 68-key keyboard, featuring Kailh switches, RGB lighting, and exclusive wireless Super Buttons, available for pre-order at $499.99.
    4. The Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition introduces Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, along with a longer battery life of up to 30 hours, and is priced at $49.99 for pre-order.
    5. Shipping for the various products in the NES40 Collection is scheduled for January 2026 for the keyboard and December 12, 2025, for the speaker.

    8BitDo has launched a new line of products that celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This line features special editions of existing items as well as two new ones. These products are collectively known as the NES40 Collection, which includes the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth – NES 40th Limited Edition, Retro 68 Keyboard – NES 40th Limited Edition, and the Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition.

    Unique Controller Design

    The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth – NES 40th Limited Edition is designed based on the original Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller, which comes in Yellow, White, and Black. There are only 1,985 of these special edition controllers available. It works with both Windows and the Nintendo Switch/Switch 2, and it also comes with a NES Retro Receiver for NES compatibility. The front of the controller is black, featuring important dates in 8BitDo’s and Nintendo’s history, while the ABXY buttons are a vibrant red, with grey bumpers and triggers. The charging dock matches with grey text reading “NES40th Anniversary Edition” in red.

    Along with the transparent NES Retro Receiver, the package includes four custom joystick caps and an 8BitBot keychain. The pre-order price for the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth – NES 40th Limited Edition is $79.99. When considering the additional items and the receiver, this price is quite reasonable compared to the standard version, which is priced at $69.99 on Amazon.

    New Keyboard Features

    The Retro 68 Keyboard – NES 40th Limited Edition is not just a commemorative product; it’s also 8BitDo’s first 68-key keyboard. Unlike its other keyboards, such as the 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard – Mecha Break Edition (retailing for $89.99 on Amazon), this one features Kailh switches, an aluminum plate, aluminum alloy keycaps, hot-swappable PCB, and N-key rollover. The all-metal keyboard with RGB lighting includes a custom gasket mount, featuring six precision-engineered dampeners for a smooth typing feel.

    This keyboard also introduces wireless Super Buttons, setting it apart from other models that use wired buttons. According to 8BitDo, these Super Buttons are exclusive to the Retro 68 Keyboard. It supports Windows and Android, with options for 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB connections. The keyboard has a battery life of 6,500mAh, offering up to 300 hours of usage on a single charge, which takes about 9 hours to fully recharge.

    Pre-orders for the Retro 68 Keyboard – NES 40th Limited Edition are available at the price of $499.99, making it the most expensive keyboard in 8BitDo’s lineup. Shipping is set to start in January 2026.

    Updated Speaker Model

    The Retro Cube Speaker made its debut in 2016, and it has taken 9 years for 8BitDo to unveil its successor. The Retro Cube 2 Speaker – N Edition keeps some features from the original, like D-Pad controls, but now offers Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB-C connections. However, the 3.5mm AUX port has been removed.

    This new speaker comes with a wireless charging dock that includes a compartment for the 2.4G USB-C adapter, taking 3 to 5 hours to fully charge the 2,000mAh battery. A full charge provides up to 30 hours of usage, which is a big improvement over the 8 hours offered by the previous model.

    Additionally, the speaker includes a microphone for making calls, has a gaming mode, and allows users to pair two speakers together for stereo sound. The 8BitDo Retro Cube 2 Speaker is available for pre-order at a price of $49.99, with shipping beginning on December 12, 2025.

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  • Atari Remakes Mattel’s Intellivision Console – Pre-Order for $149.99

    Atari Remakes Mattel’s Intellivision Console – Pre-Order for $149.99

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Intellivision Sprint is a new retro gaming console celebrating the 45th anniversary of the original Intellivision from 1979.
    2. The console features a vintage design with modern updates, including a wooden trim and gold plates.
    3. It includes wireless, rechargeable disc controllers that charge automatically when placed in the console dock.
    4. The Intellivision Sprint supports HDMI connectivity and has USB-A ports for connecting original Intellivision controllers.
    5. Pre-orders are available for $149.99, with shipping expected by December 2025, including two controllers, 48 overlays, a USB power adapter, and an HDMI cable.

    Atari has revealed a new retro gaming console that holds a special place in gaming history, as it was created to compete with the Atari 2600. This console is called the Intellivision Sprint, and it serves as a contemporary version of the 1979 Intellivision made by Mattel Electronics.

    Celebrating 45 Years

    The introduction of the Intellivision Sprint aligns with the 45th anniversary of the original device. While the new console will keep many design elements from the past, it incorporates updated features. Notably, it will showcase a wooden trim on the front and gold plates adorning the top.

    Modern Features

    The console will come equipped with receiver-style disc controllers, but unlike their predecessors, these will be wireless and run on rechargeable batteries. When placed in the console dock, the controllers will begin to charge automatically. Atari plans to include 48 double-sided overlays to accompany the 45 pre-installed games.

    Connectivity Options

    Atari has stated that the Intellivision Sprint will support an HDMI port for easy connection to TVs or monitors. Additionally, there will be USB-A ports that will allow users to connect original Intellivision I and II controllers through an adapter.

    The Intellivision Sprint can be pre-ordered now for $149.99, with shipping expected to start by December 2025. The package will include the console, two controllers, 48 overlays, a USB power adapter, and an HDMI cable. For now, pre-orders are exclusively available through Atari’s website, in contrast to the Atari GameStation Go, which can be ordered on Amazon for $179.99 ahead of its October 31 release.

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