Category: Gaming

  • TrimUI Smart Brick: Miyoo Mini Plus Clone Launches at $79.99

    TrimUI Smart Brick: Miyoo Mini Plus Clone Launches at $79.99

    TrimUI has launched its new gaming handheld, building on the previous year’s Smart Pro, which is currently priced at $94.99 on Amazon. While the Smart Pro takes cues from the PSP Vita, the Smart Brick unmistakably resembles a Game Boy. This design also brings to mind the Miyoo Mini Plus, though they differ slightly in size.

    Size and Display

    To give some perspective, the Miyoo Mini Plus measures 108 x 78.5 x 22.3 mm, allowing it to host a 3.5-inch screen. In contrast, the Smart Brick has dimensions of 109.9 x 73.2 x 19.9 mm, which limits the display size. Consequently, the Smart Brick comes with a smaller 3.2-inch IPS display that provides a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels. It is powered by an Allwinner A133P chipset and includes 1 GB of LPDDR4x RAM.

    Features and Pricing

    The Smart Brick is equipped with 8 GB of eMMC flash storage, a 3,000 mAh battery, and offers Bluetooth 2.1 and Wi-Fi connectivity. It is now available for order at GoGameGeek and Mech DIY for $79.99, not including any introductory discounts. Additionally, TrimUI is offering options to include 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB MicroSD cards at a slight extra cost, with initial shipments expected to start in late October.

    GoGameGeek via & Mech DIY via @JoeysRetroHH & Retro Dodo

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  • Get a Free Indie Game from Epic Games for a Limited Time!

    Get a Free Indie Game from Epic Games for a Limited Time!

    The Epic Games Store has just started its latest free game giveaway, but it has already shared what to expect for the following week. Currently, this week’s free game is available for download, and we have provided those details separately.

    Upcoming Free Game

    From October 3 to October 10, players will be able to grab Bear and Breakfast at no cost. This game was launched by Armor Games Studios a little over two years ago. Notably, Armor Games Studios is also the publisher for this week’s free offering. The publisher describes Bear and Breakfast as follows:

    It is a relaxed management adventure game where you take on the role of a friendly bear trying to run a bed and breakfast in the woods. Hank and his friends discover an empty cabin and, using their youthful creativity, transform it into a profitable bed-and-breakfast for unwary visitors.

    As your operation grows, so do the secrets of the forest, and Hank soon becomes involved in a mystery that goes beyond the wilderness itself.

    Pricing and Requirements

    For reference, Bear and Breakfast is usually priced at $19.99 for PC and PlayStation. Alternatively, you can find it in physical format for the Nintendo Switch, currently priced at $24.99 on Amazon. It’s important to note that the upcoming giveaway will only apply to the PC version of the game. Additionally, the game requires certain hardware specifications to run on Windows.

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  • Lenovo Unveils Legion Tablet’s Performance in 3D and RPG Games

    Lenovo Unveils Legion Tablet’s Performance in 3D and RPG Games

    Lenovo is set to introduce its new gaming tablet, the Legion Y700, in China on September 29th. We already knew it would be equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, but Lenovo has now revealed some initial performance results for the Legion Y700 (2024) to build excitement.

    Performance Insights for Gamers

    As per Lenovo’s post on Weibo, the Y700 achieves an average of 59.8 FPS in 3D turn-based mobile games at a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. This performance is commendable, especially with a low power consumption of only 8.8W.

    RPG enthusiasts will find this even more intriguing. Lenovo reports an average of 59.9 FPS in open-world RPGs, with a rendering resolution of 1728×1080 pixels, consuming 9.5W of power. The promotional image features a scene from Genshin Impact, a well-known resource-intensive title on Android. Although specific games were not listed, this indicates that the Y700 can manage demanding games with ease.

    Impressive Benchmark Figures

    For combat mobile games, the tablet maintains an average of 59.9 FPS at a resolution of 2304×1440 pixels. While no specific titles are mentioned, the high resolution is certainly encouraging. These performance figures are commendable, but it’s important to consider the recently released RedMagic Nova, which also utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 but with the “Leading Version” variant that may offer slightly improved performance. However, we will need to wait for detailed reviews to make a fair comparison.

    Specifications and Features

    In addition to its powerful Snapdragon processor, the Y700 (2024) includes a smooth 165Hz refresh rate display. It also features a vapor chamber cooling system designed to manage heat effectively. This cooling system is notably large, measuring 10,004 mm², which Lenovo claims is comparable to the size of a mobile screen.

    We won’t have to wait long to see the real-world performance of this device. The Legion Y700 will be launched in just two days, and reviews are expected to appear shortly after. In the meantime, you can check out our review of last year’s model linked below.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Release in Early 2025 with Magnetic Joy-Cons

    Nintendo Switch 2 Release in Early 2025 with Magnetic Joy-Cons

    New insights about Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, were shared in a recent episode of Vandal Radio. Rubén Mercado, the CEO of Blade, a company that creates accessories for the console, mentioned that the Switch 2 is nearing completion and is anticipated to launch in March or April of the upcoming year.

    Features of the Switch 2

    Mercado confirmed that the new console will include magnetic joy-cons equipped with a locking mechanism to ensure a reliable connection. While the specific design of the joy-cons has not been officially revealed, they are expected to differ from earlier versions to support the new analog stick design.

    Recently leaked images of the Nintendo Switch 2, which are believed to be genuine, indicate potential changes such as the magnetic Joy-Cons and the addition of two USB-C ports. Nintendo is reportedly considering different designs for the analog sticks, including flat sticks or trackpads, to minimize dust intrusion and enhance durability.

    Specifications and Compatibility

    The new model is projected to feature an 8-inch display and will be somewhat larger than the original Switch. Furthermore, recent findings in the Switch 18.0.0 firmware hint that the Nintendo Switch 2 might offer backward compatibility. A newly identified mount point labeled “compat” could facilitate cross-generation game support and safeguard files against piracy.

    While the pricing for the Switch 2 has not been confirmed, estimates suggest it might range between €400 and €500. This would place it at a higher price point than the original Switch but lower than the latest generation consoles.

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  • Lenovo Legion Y700 Gaming Tablet Hands-On Video Highlights

    Lenovo Legion Y700 Gaming Tablet Hands-On Video Highlights

    Lenovo seems poised to make a significant impact in the gaming tablet market with the much-anticipated 2024 update of the popular Legion Y700 gaming tablet. The company has teased the device multiple times on its official Weibo account, with the latest teasers revealing more details about its features.

    Enhanced Design and Cooling

    The new Legion Y700 will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which is said to have a ‘restructured’ internal layout. This design positions the SoC near the upper middle of the tablet, aiming to lower temperatures in crucial areas where users typically hold the device while gaming in landscape mode. This innovative placement could reduce temperatures by as much as 4.3 degrees Celsius, enhancing the gaming experience.

    Impressive Display and Performance

    The gaming tablet was prominently featured in Lenovo’s recent promotional video, showcasing its gaming capabilities. As anticipated, the Legion Y700 sports an 8.8-inch display that many gamers appreciate for its compact size. The video highlights the tablet in a sleek matte black finish, demonstrating its versatility for both gaming and other media consumption while on the move.

    The specifications of the Legion Y700 are noteworthy, including a 165 Hz IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, DCI-P3 color coverage, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. It’s expected that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC will be paired with up to 12 GB of RAM, as suggested by a recent Geekbench leak.

    Anticipation for Launch

    With the official launch date for the Legion Y700 gaming tablet approaching, fans won’t have to wait much longer. However, those residing in the US and other regions may experience a slight delay, but a global launch is likely to follow soon after.

    Lenovo via Weibo

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  • PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition Faces High Scalper Prices

    PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition Faces High Scalper Prices

    The pre-sale event for the PlayStation 5 Pro and the exclusive 30th Anniversary Edition began at 10 a.m. on September 26, 2024, but it seems to have caused a lot of frustration among fans. Many eager buyers rushed to Sony’s PlayStation Direct site to grab one of the initial consoles. Unfortunately, the high demand quickly resulted in overloaded servers and extensive waiting times. Shortly after, both the PS5 Pro and the anniversary edition sold out completely.

    Scalpers Take Advantage

    While numerous genuine fans walked away empty-handed, some scalpers managed to purchase the limited 30th Anniversary Edition of the PS5 Pro. These individuals aim to profit from the artificial scarcity by reselling the consoles at inflated prices. Reports suggest that scalpers are targeting profits in the high four-digit range for the 30th Anniversary Edition. Originally priced at $999 by Sony, this special edition was already appearing on eBay with outrageous listings reaching up to $35,000. Although the average price at that time hovered around $3,000, some listings went as high as $5,000.

    Standard PS5 Pro Pricing

    The regular version of the PS5 Pro is also being resold at higher prices, but the markup from its original price of $699 remains in the triple-digit range. Current listings on eBay for this console were approximately $1,000 at the time of the research.

    Upcoming Opportunities

    For those still hoping to secure a 30th Anniversary Edition, there is a silver lining: the pre-sale for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition in the anniversary design will commence on October 10. Fans will have another chance to acquire a PS5 in the nostalgic gray design without succumbing to the scalpers’ inflated prices.

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  • Blizzard Working on New StarCraft Shooter, Release Uncertain

    Blizzard Working on New StarCraft Shooter, Release Uncertain

    Since the last expansion for StarCraft II in 2016 and the debut of StarCraft: Remastered in 2017, Blizzard’s famous StarCraft series has not seen any new content. However, prominent journalist and author Jason Schreier suggests that this might change soon. In a conversation on the Unlocked podcast, Schreier revealed that Blizzard is reportedly developing a StarCraft shooter again, this time under the guidance of Dan Hay, a former executive director from Far Cry with extensive experience in shooter game development.

    Skepticism Among Fans

    There is a significant amount of skepticism among fans regarding the game’s potential release. Blizzard has previously initiated two StarCraft shooter projects but did not complete them. One of the most notable examples is StarCraft: Ghost, a third-person shooter announced in 2002. Despite high hopes and numerous changes in development teams over twelve years, the project was officially canceled in 2014. Another initiative, codenamed Ares, aimed to create a first-person shooter reminiscent of Battlefield, but it too was scrapped in 2019.

    Renewed Hopes and Speculation

    While the origin of Schreier’s information remains uncertain, it has sparked renewed interest in the possibility of a StarCraft shooter. Discussions are already vibrant on Reddit regarding potential gameplay elements. Speculations cover a variety of scenarios, from gameplay similar to Left 4 Dead featuring Zerg adversaries to real-time battles inspired by Planetside.

    Upcoming Book Release

    Additionally, Jason Schreier’s latest book, "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment," is set to be published on October 8. The hardback edition of the book is available for pre-order on Amazon for approximately $27.

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  • Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2 Gaming Handheld Introduced in Brochure

    Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2 Gaming Handheld Introduced in Brochure

    Only a few days after leaks confirmed the arrival of Lenovo’s upcoming Legion Go Lite handheld, fresh news has emerged for fans of the original Lenovo Legion Go. A recent report from VideoCardz indicates that the compatibility brochure for the newly launched Legion Go Dock reveals it will support three different handheld devices. Two of these are already known: the Legion Go, which is currently priced at $589 on Amazon and debuted in October 2023, and the recently leaked Legion Go Lite. The brochure also mentions a third device, the Lenovo Legion Go Gen Two handheld, which was previously hinted at during the Lenovo Innovate 24 event.

    Speculation on the Gen Two Handheld

    Interestingly, the second product brochure link on the Lenovo Legion Go USB-C Dock product page does not reference the Gen Two handheld or the Go Lite. Despite this omission, it is anticipated that the second-generation console, expected to feature several enhancements, will be officially announced soon. While no additional leaks have emerged yet, given that the first Legion Go was based on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture, the successor may incorporate the latest Zen 5 processors, known as Strix Point. The Ryzen 9 AI HX 370, a potential candidate for the Gen Two, has demonstrated impressive performance in Cinebench R23 benchmarks, achieving a peak of 23,786 points in multi-core tests and 354 points per watt in power efficiency. This chip competes well against other mobile processors like Apple’s M3 Max and Intel’s Core Ultra series, showcasing a balanced blend of performance and power efficiency—both essential for gaming on handheld devices.

    Caution on Credibility

    Ultimately, these insights are speculative, grounded in current industry trends and hardware leaks. Additionally, there is always the possibility that Lenovo made an error in the noted Dock Compatibility brochure, so it’s wise to approach this leak with caution. More definitive details should surface once Lenovo officially launches the new handheld, which is likely to occur next year unless further leaks arise beforehand.

    In the meantime, you can check out our magazine article discussing four key issues we hope the upcoming Legion Go Gen Two will address upon its release.

    Lenovo Legion Go USB-C Dock website and brochures (1) (2) via VideoCardz.

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  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Specs Leak: Huge VRAM Boost vs RTX 5080

    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Specs Leak: Huge VRAM Boost vs RTX 5080

    Prolific leaker Kopite7kimi has disclosed the specifications for Nvidia’s upcoming GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards. The RTX 5090 will finally receive a significant increase in VRAM, while the RTX 5080 will not see this upgrade. Additionally, the RTX 5090 is expected to consume even more power than its predecessors. The exact launch date remains uncertain, but CES 2025 is anticipated to showcase this flagship product.

    GeForce RTX 5090 Specifications

    The Blackwell flagship GeForce RTX 5090 (PG144/145-SKU30, GB202-300-A1 GPU) will feature 21,760 CUDA cores. The total number of Streaming Multiprocessors (SM) is still unknown, as it depends on how many CUDA cores each SM will include. Other significant specifications consist of 32 GB of 28 Gbps GDDR7 VRAM on a 512-bit bus, offering an impressive total memory bandwidth of approximately 1.5 TB/s. The graphics card is expected to have a Total Graphics Power (TGP) of 600 Watts, likely necessitating two 12VHPWR cables to avoid overheating issues associated with high wattage through a single connector.

    GeForce RTX 5080 Specifications

    Kopite7kimi previously mentioned that the GeForce RTX 5080 (PG144/147-SKU45, GB203-400-A1 GPU) would be half of the AD202 architecture, and this holds true. It will include 10,752 CUDA cores and 16 GB of 28 Gbps VRAM on a 256-bit bus, resulting in a total memory bandwidth of around 750 GB/s. The TGP for this card is set at 400 Watts, which is significantly higher than the RTX 4080’s 320 Watts.

    Performance Expectations

    Given these specifications, the GeForce RTX 5090 is expected to be a powerhouse. In contrast, the RTX 5080 seems more like a mid-cycle refresh rather than an exciting new entry. This trend may extend to lower-tier models, suggesting that we can expect more xx70 and xx60 class cards with 8 GB of VRAM in the near future.

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  • Epic Games Store Offers Free Indie Game This Week

    Epic Games Store Offers Free Indie Game This Week

    Epic Games has refreshed its weekly game giveaway, revealing details last week. Recently, the platform has been offering multiple titles each week in its giveaway program. However, it has shifted back to featuring just one game, which will be free to download later today.

    Free Game Details

    The Epic Games Store is making The Spirit and the Mouse available at no cost, reducing the price from $19.99 to $0.00 starting at 15:00 UTC. This giveaway will be available until October 3 at 14:59 UTC. It’s important to mention that while The Spirit and the Mouse can be played on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Windows, the free offer is only for the Windows version of the game.

    System Requirements

    The game has fairly low system requirements, even for its more demanding settings. Theoretically, The Spirit and the Mouse can operate on a Windows 10 machine with just 4 GB of RAM, an AMD A8-3850 or Intel Core i7-8550U processor, and an AMD Radeon R7 250 or Intel HD Graphics 620 GPU. However, the developers suggest having at least 8 GB of RAM and a stronger CPU, such as the AMD FX-4300 or an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 GPU. For more specifics, please check the Epic Games store listing.

    Important Note

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not liable for any price changes made by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned here was accurate at the time of writing and may be subject to time limits and/or limited stock availability.

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