Category: Gaming

  • Playable Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch ROM Leaks Expected

    Playable Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch ROM Leaks Expected

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Leaks and ROM Circulation: Retail versions of Pokémon Legends: Z-A have leaked, revealing screenshots and details ahead of the official release on October 16th.

    2. Legal Actions Against ROM Distributors: Nintendo is actively pursuing legal action against those distributing Switch ROMs, highlighting that downloading these copies is illegal.

    3. Impact of Spoilers on Fan Excitement: Early leaks, particularly about Mega Evolutions, have affected some fans’ excitement for the game before its launch.

    4. Datamining Risks: Dataminers have accessed a wealth of information about moves and items in the game, leading to potential spoilers for players wishing to avoid them.

    5. Nintendo’s Anti-Piracy Efforts: Nintendo remains vigilant against piracy, with the Switch 2 reportedly secure from similar leaks, as they continue to ban modded consoles.

    Ahead of the release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, several gamers have managed to get their hands on retail versions of the Nintendo Switch game. This has led to a wave of leaks, revealing screenshots, videos, and details about Mega Evolutions. With a Switch ROM now circulating, many aspects of this first-party Nintendo title may be uncovered by October 16th.

    Legal Actions Against ROM Distributors

    Nintendo has taken legal action against those who sell or distribute these Switch ROMs. Downloading such game copies is illegal and counts as copyright infringement. Despite this, the files continue to be easily accessible. Since they can be played using emulators or through the MIG Flash cartridge, players now have unrestricted access to the upcoming Pokémon game.

    Spoilers Before Launch

    Even before the game was available for download, leaks about Pokémon Legends: Z-A had already dampened some fans’ excitement. Mega Evolutions are significant in the game, granting trainers’ creatures temporary enhanced abilities. Fans are eager to see which transformations from previous games return and what exciting new powers might be introduced.

    Datamining and Streaming Risks

    With pre-loading for the Switch version now possible, dataminers quickly gathered a list of available moves and items. Nintendo Everything shared an extensive list of these details, which players looking to avoid spoilers should definitely avoid.

    The occurrence of ROMs and early copies for highly awaited Nintendo games isn’t uncommon. Streamers are taking a gamble by playing Pokémon Legends: Z-A on major platforms. Previously, Nintendo sued Jesse “EveryGameGuru” Keighin for showcasing gameplay from unreleased Switch titles.

    Hope for Switch 2 Security

    Nintendo can find some comfort in the fact that the Switch 2 has not yet been compromised. The company has been proactive in its efforts to combat piracy, even going so far as to ban consoles that utilize modding tools. These players will need to be patient until the Pokémon Legends: Z-A release date to see the enhanced graphics.

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  • PS5 Digital with Less Storage Hits US for $499; 1TB Still $499 on Amazon

    PS5 Digital with Less Storage Hits US for $499; 1TB Still $499 on Amazon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony has launched a new PS5 Digital Edition with 825GB storage, available in additional regions like the US and UK, at the same price of $499 and £429.99.
    2. The new PS5 Digital Edition features design updates, including a complete matte finish and a lighter build compared to the previous 1TB model.
    3. Four different PS5 models are available, including the PS5 Pro (2TB), PS5 with disc drive, and a certified refurbished option, with various pricing.
    4. The PlayStation store offers bundles that include digital game downloads, such as limited edition versions and promotional offers.
    5. A limited-time promotion allows customers to receive three months of PlayStation Plus Premium with the purchase and activation of a PS5 or PS5 Pro from October 10 to October 21.

    A few weeks after launching a new version of the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition with less storage in Europe, Sony has now discreetly made the console available in additional regions, including the US and the UK.

    Console Options

    As per information on the PlayStation Direct US site, customers can select from four different PlayStation 5 consoles. Among these is the PS5 Digital Edition, model number CFI-2100, which now features 825GB of storage instead of the previous 1TB. The price remains the same at $499 in the US and £429.99 in the UK. Fortunately, platforms like Amazon still offer the original PS5 Digital Edition with 1TB of storage for $499 or £425 for UK customers.

    Storage and Pricing Details

    The PS5 Digital Edition with 825GB storage is one option among four available in the store. The other models include the PS5 Pro priced at $749/£699.99, featuring 2TB of storage; the PS5 with disc drive at $549/£479.99; and the $399/£389 certified refurbished PS5 (fat model with disc drive) equipped with 825GB of storage. UK shoppers can also find the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition bundle for £469.99.

    Design Changes

    This new PS5 Digital Edition not only comes with reduced storage but also features some significant design updates. The console now sports a complete matte finish, encompassing the black strip, and is lighter than the earlier 1TB model. A recent teardown indicated that the steel plate over the motherboard is thinner, and while the motherboard has fewer Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs), it includes more NAND modules.

    Bundles and Offers

    Beyond the main consoles, the PlayStation store has various PS5 bundles that come with digital game downloads, such as the $599/£519.99 PlayStation 5 Ghost of Yotei Limited Edition and the $549/£479.99 PlayStation 5 NBA 2k6 Bundle. Both of these options come with a disc drive and 1TB of storage.

    Moreover, Sony is currently running a limited-time promotion. From October 10 to October 21, customers who purchase and activate a PS5 or PS5 Pro can receive three months of PlayStation Plus Premium. This offer was communicated on the PlayStation website, and we believe that any new PS5 activated during this period should qualify for this promotion.

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  • Avatar Legends Fighting Game Announced for Summer 2026 Release

    Avatar Legends Fighting Game Announced for Summer 2026 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Reveal: “Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game” was announced at New York Comic Con with a trailer showcasing characters and skills.

    2. Elemental Combat: The game focuses on elemental battles and bending, inspired by traditional fighting games with new movement and combat concepts.

    3. Playable Characters: It will launch with 12 playable characters, with more to be added through seasonal updates, plus support characters for enhanced gameplay.

    4. Single-Player Mode: The game will feature a single-player story mode offering a new narrative, alongside cross-play capabilities for online multiplayer across platforms.

    5. Release Details: The title is a working name with no fixed release date, but it is expected to launch in summer 2026 on multiple platforms including PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

    Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra are in for a treat, as a new game titled Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game was revealed during the New York Comic Con. The reveal came with a trailer, providing a sneak peek at the characters and their special skills.

    Elemental Combat and Bending Mastery

    As per the official Steam page, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game emphasizes elemental battles and the art of bending. The creators mentioned that they drew inspiration from traditional fighting games, while also introducing fresh concepts, particularly regarding movement and how combat is expressed.

    Playable Characters and Support Options

    Upon release, the game will feature 12 characters that players can control, with plans to add more through a seasonal update model. Additionally, players can select support characters to assist in fights by providing bonus moves or altering their playstyle.

    Single-Player Mode and Cross-Play Features

    What makes this game even more exciting is its inclusion of a single-player story mode that offers an entirely new narrative. Plus, with cross-play functionality, gamers on various platforms will have the opportunity to team up online.

    Currently, the title is just a working name, and the developers have noted that the final name might change in the future. There’s also no fixed release date available yet, though the trailer indicates that the game is expected to launch in the summer of 2026 for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

    Avatar Fighters via X

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  • Funcom Restructures, Closes Studio Behind Metal: Hellsinger

    Funcom Restructures, Closes Studio Behind Metal: Hellsinger

    Key Takeaways

    1. Funcom has closed its studio, The Outsiders, known for the rhythm shooter Metal: Hellsinger, affecting the entire team.
    2. The closure is part of layoffs due to Funcom’s shift in focus towards live operations for Dune: Awakening, which has had early commercial success.
    3. Funcom announced restructuring of its projects and studios, preparing for a major console release set for 2026.
    4. David Goldfarb, the founder of The Outsiders, reflected on the studio’s journey and the success of Metal: Hellsinger despite previous challenges.
    5. Funcom, owned by Tencent since 2020, has left the future of The Outsiders and its titles uncertain amid ongoing industry challenges.

    Funcom has closed its studio, The Outsiders, located in Stockholm. This studio is well-known for the rhythm shooter, Metal: Hellsinger. The closure comes as part of layoffs announced earlier this month. David Goldfarb, the founder and creative director of The Outsiders, confirmed this on October 6.

    Impact on the Team

    The closure has affected the entire team of the 10-year-old studio, which Funcom bought in 2021 for an undisclosed amount just before the reveal of Metal: Hellsinger. Goldfarb shared the news on BlueSky, saying:

    “I have not had much time to process the news, but all of us at The Outsiders and Funcom Stockholm have been affected by the layoffs at Funcom, and our 10-year-old studio will be closing.”

    Shift in Priorities

    Reportedly, the layoffs were due to Funcom’s change in focus with live operations for Dune: Awakening, which launched in June 2025. The game sold over one million copies within its first two weeks, making it Funcom’s fastest-selling title and the biggest release in its 32-year history. Dune: Awakening reached a peak of 189,333 concurrent players on Steam by June 15 but has since dropped to an average of around 20,000 daily players. Despite its early success, Funcom announced on October 1 that it would undergo restructuring across its projects and studios, preparing for a significant console release set for 2026.

    Funcom stated, “Unfortunately, this also means having to say goodbye to cherished colleagues.” However, they did not disclose how many employees were affected by these changes.

    Reflections on the Journey

    In his post, Goldfarb reflected on the studio’s journey, mentioning how they rose from the ashes after the cancellation of an earlier project called Darkborn. Goldfarb expressed:

    “Many of us had survived a near-death studio experience years back when Darkborn was cancelled, and because of this team’s loyalty and refusal to quit, Metal: Hellsinger was born. It will forever be a high point for me personally, and I will be forever grateful we got to make it and for the wonderful team and partnerships that made it happen.”

    Metal: Hellsinger received critical acclaim for its engaging heavy metal soundtracks, featuring vocalists from bands like Arch Enemy, Lamb of God, and Trivium. The game reached one million players across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox by December 2022, and exceeded 3.3 million players across all platforms by October 2024.

    Funcom has been owned by Tencent since 2020 and is also known for other intellectual properties like Conan Exiles. The company has not provided any comments regarding the studio’s future or beloved titles like Metal: Hellsinger, essentially leaving its legacy uncertain amid ongoing challenges in the gaming industry.

    David Goldfarb – BlueSky

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  • Halo Art Director Departs After 17 Years, Hints at Untold Story

    Halo Art Director Departs After 17 Years, Hints at Untold Story

    Key Takeaways

    1. Glenn Israel, a long-time art director for the Halo franchise, has left Halo Studios after 17 years, marking a significant change in the franchise’s development team.
    2. Israel joined Bungie in 2008 and contributed to major titles including Halo 3: ODST, Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite.
    3. His departure coincided with layoffs and restructuring at Halo Studios, affecting multiple employees within the Xbox division.
    4. In his farewell, Israel expressed unresolved issues related to his exit and emphasized the importance of personal health, dignity, and values in the industry.
    5. Halo Studios is reportedly working on several unannounced projects using Unreal Engine 5, with potential reveals set for the upcoming Halo World Championship event in October 2025.

    Longtime art director for the Halo franchise, Glenn Israel, has left Halo Studios after a remarkable 17 years, marking the end of his influential role in defining Xbox’s most celebrated universe.

    Early Contributions

    Israel began his journey with Bungie in 2008 during the time they were managing Halo. He contributed as an artist on Halo 3: ODST and followed the franchise to 343 Industries in 2010, which eventually became known as Halo Studios in 2024.

    Key Projects and Departure

    He played significant roles in major titles like Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite. Glenn Israel made his departure known on October 10 through a post on LinkedIn, coinciding with a series of changes happening at the studio.

    Recent reports indicate that nearly five employees were laid off from Halo Studios as part of broader cuts impacting the Xbox division back in July, amidst ongoing restructuring efforts.

    Reflections on Tenure

    In his farewell statement, Israel shared thoughts on his extensive time at Halo Studios, hinting at some unresolved issues surrounding his exit. He stated:

    “After seventeen long years, I am officially no longer contributing to the Halo universe. There is little more I can say for the moment, though I intend to share this particular story in its entirety when it’s absolutely safe to do so next year.”

    He continued with a message for all those who might need it, saying that while the industry seems tough, it’s important to remember that you have the freedom to choose. He emphasized that no false sense of security or promise of fame is worth sacrificing your health, dignity, ethics, or values—no one can compel you to do so.

    Internal Challenges

    Israel’s remarks hint at some internal strife at Halo Studios, with sources from prominent Halo leaker Rebs Gaming confirming ongoing leadership challenges within the studio.

    However, Israel isn’t the only notable figure to exit; Melissa Boone, the former Chief of Staff, also left quietly, leaving just one of the original nine art team members on Infinite, Donnie Taylor, remaining.

    Future Projects

    Despite the turbulent environment, Halo Studios is actively developing several unannounced projects using Unreal Engine 5. The studio is expected to provide a detailed look at its future projects during the upcoming Halo World Championship event set for October 24-25, 2025, in Seattle, where speculation suggests a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved will be revealed.

    Glenn Israel – LinkedIn

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  • Game Director of Fallout: New Vegas Talks Job Security Issues

    Game Director of Fallout: New Vegas Talks Job Security Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Job insecurity remains a significant issue in the game development industry, even for experienced professionals like Josh Sawyer.
    2. The gaming sector is currently facing challenges, including layoffs and the cancellation of long-term projects.
    3. Positive changes in diversity and remote work have expanded the talent pool and improved productivity among developers.
    4. The disconnect between large profits from blockbuster games and the unstable job conditions for developers raises concerns about industry sustainability.
    5. The gaming landscape is evolving, with increasing budgets and ambitious projects aimed at a global audience.

    Josh Sawyer, who is the Design Director and Game Director for Fallout: New Vegas and the Pillars of Eternity series, shared his thoughts on the ongoing job insecurity in the game development field during a keynote at the Games Connect Asia Pacific conference held in Melbourne. With 26 years of experience in the video game industry, he provided valuable insights into the challenges developers face.

    Early Career Insights

    Sawyer kicked off his professional journey in 1999 with Black Isle Studios, focusing on role-playing games that stemmed from his passion for tabletop gaming. Over the years, he has led projects that include the well-received Fallout: New Vegas launched in 2010 and the Pillars of Eternity series released in 2015 and 2018.

    Despite his accomplishments, including his position at Obsidian, which is owned by Microsoft, he admitted to the audience that he has never truly felt secure in his job. He remarked, “In 26 years, I’ve never really felt secure in a job. Even now. Less so now, actually. That’s pretty messed up.”

    Industry Challenges

    Sawyer’s remarks come amid a turbulent time for the gaming sector, which is experiencing significant layoffs, including job cuts at studios like Cloud Chamber and ZeniMax Media, as well as the halting of several long-term projects.

    Nevertheless, he pointed out some positive changes, especially regarding diversity, as remote work options have expanded the talent pool beyond traditional locations. He noted that during his initial five years in the industry, there were no female developers on his teams and very little international representation. He further shared, “I didn’t work with any women developers for my first five years,” highlighting the contrast with today, where 75% of developers report increased productivity in flexible work environments that draw in underrepresented voices.

    The Future of Gaming

    Sawyer’s keynote illustrates how even seasoned veterans in the gaming field wrestle with their stability. The gaming landscape is broadening, with increasing budgets and ambitious project scopes aimed at reaching millions of players globally.

    Yet, there appears to be a disconnect between the enormous profits from blockbuster games and the precarious situation many developers find themselves in, which raises questions about the sustainability of practices within the industry. While the video game sector has become a significant player in the market, its business operations have not evolved accordingly.

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  • MindsEye Developers Criticize Build a Rocket Boy Leadership

    MindsEye Developers Criticize Build a Rocket Boy Leadership

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ninety-three developers from Build A Rocket Boy accuse leadership of disrespect, mistreatment, and issues like mandatory overtime.
    2. The open letter, released by the Independent Workers’ Union, demands accountability for a culture of burnout and job insecurity.
    3. Employees claim management failures, including a poorly handled redundancy process, contributed to the game’s troubled launch and staff distress.
    4. Developers request a public apology, fair compensation for layoffs, and improved working conditions, including union recognition.
    5. The letter criticizes the disconnect between the company’s claims of treating employees like family and their actual treatment.

    Ninety-three current and past developers from Build A Rocket Boy, the studio responsible for MindsEye, have signed an open letter accusing the company’s leadership of persistent disrespect and mistreatment. This includes issues like mandatory overtime and a poorly handled redundancy process that has caused distress among staff.

    Open Letter Release

    The letter was made public on October 10 by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain Game Workers’ branch. It directly addressed co-founders Leslie Benzies, who was formerly the president of Rockstar North, co-CEO Mark Gerhard, and ex-CEO of Jagex.

    Demands for Change

    In the letter, employees demand accountability for what they describe as a culture filled with burnout and job insecurity, worsened by the problematic launch of the game in June. The letter states:

    “We believe you have mishandled the redundancy process, leading to confusion and distress for all staff. Employees have gotten misinformation, received dismissal notices with incorrect notice periods, and have been placed in the wrong teams, resulting in their performance being evaluated by the wrong people. These and other mistakes may have led to the wrongful termination of many staff members.”

    Claims of Management Failures

    The open letter connects the failure of MindsEye directly to decisions made by management. It claims that a mandatory overtime policy enforced during the four months leading up to the launch contributed to burnout, health problems, and a lack of transparency, which ultimately harmed the game’s quality and reception.

    After the launch, the studio began laying off staff on June 23, impacting around 250 to 300 employees—about half of the total workforce of around 500. This raised concerns about additional cuts as resources were redirected to salvage MindsEye and work on their next project, Everywhere.

    Gerhard had previously suggested that the backlash was due to a “concerted effort” against the studio, including paid negative coverage. This assertion was echoed in internal communications but was later dismissed by publisher IO Interactive, who stated that their future in publishing “remains to be seen” following the issues.

    Specific Requests from Developers

    In response to these concerns, the 93 signatories have laid out four clear requests:

    1. A public apology for the mistreatment of employees and fair compensation for those laid off.
    2. The choice for employees on redundancy notice to either finish their notice period or take Payment in Lieu of Notice.
    3. A genuine, documented effort to enhance conditions and procedures within the company, including recognizing the IWGB as a trade union.
    4. A commitment to engage official external partners to manage any future redundancies and prevent unfair treatment.

    The letter concluded with a somewhat blunt remark that may reflect the general indifference towards how developers are treated in the industry overall: “You often call your employees a ‘family,’ but we ask you to think, is this really how you treat your own?”

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  • Win a Custom DOOM RTX 5090 Gaming PC from MSI Worth $10,000

    Win a Custom DOOM RTX 5090 Gaming PC from MSI Worth $10,000

    Key Takeaways

    1. Grand Prizes: MSI is giving away a custom-built DOOM: The Dark Ages gaming PC and a custom MSI Ultimate gaming PC valued at $6,000.

    2. Entry Requirements: Participants must submit two build lists on PCPartPicker—one under $1,500 and another under $2,700. For the second prize, a single build list up to $6,000 is required.

    3. Extra Entry Tasks: Additional chances to win can be earned by completing tasks such as following MSI and PCMR on social media and watching related videos.

    4. Eligibility: The main prizes are limited to U.S. residents, but 50 $100 Amazon gift cards are available to participants globally.

    5. Deadline: The entry period ends on October 15, with winners announced shortly after, and their names shared on social media and Reddit.

    MSI has partnered with the PC Master Race (PCMR) community for an exciting giveaway, offering some really cool prizes.

    Unique Gaming PC Prize

    The top prize is a unique custom-built DOOM: The Dark Ages gaming PC, crafted by Blue Horse Studios. This machine is powered by Nvidia’s leading RTX 5090 GPU. It also features a Ryzen 9 9950X processor, 64GB of RGB DDR5 RAM, 4TB of storage, and the MAG Coreliquid I360 cooler. All of these impressive parts are mounted on the MEG X870E Godlike motherboard.

    How to Enter

    To participate in this giveaway, you must submit two build lists on PCPartPicker via Gleam. One list should be within a budget of $1,500, and the other should not exceed $2,700.

    The second prize is just as incredible, with another fortunate winner receiving a custom MSI Ultimate gaming PC valued at $6,000. To enter for this prize, participants need to create and submit one PCPartPicker build list worth up to $6,000 through Gleam. If chosen, MSI will construct the exact PC design that the winner submitted.

    Extra Entry Opportunities

    You can also boost your chances of winning by completing extra tasks, like following msiUSA and OfficialPCMR on X, watching the video on how Blue Horse Studios created the DOOM: The Dark Ages PC Mod, and more.

    It’s important to mention that these grand prizes are limited to residents of the United States. Nevertheless, MSI will also be giving away 50 Amazon gift cards, each worth $100, which are available to participants globally.

    Be mindful that the entry period will close on October 15, and the winners will be announced soon after. MSI will reach out to the winners directly, and their names will be posted on social media and shared in this Reddit thread as well.

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  • USB4 v2 Boosts Gaming Performance vs. 40 Gbps USB4 in Tests

    USB4 v2 Boosts Gaming Performance vs. 40 Gbps USB4 in Tests

    Key Takeaways

    1. USB4 v2 and Thunderbolt 5 are compatible, showing significant performance improvements over Thunderbolt 4.
    2. USB4 v2 maintains a bandwidth of around 5.4 GB/s (43 Gbps), while USB4 v1 drops to 3.8 GB/s (30.4 Gbps).
    3. Gaming performance with USB4 v2 shows a 25% increase, with Cyberpunk 2077 achieving 74 FPS compared to 59 FPS on USB4 v1.
    4. Further tests on other games like Borderlands 4 indicate strong performance, though direct comparisons were not provided.
    5. The Thunderbolt 5 eGPU was tested with DOOM: The Dark Ages at 1440p, achieving an average of 72 FPS.

    While USB4 v2 was revealed in 2022, products that utilize this new port have only recently begun to become available. One of the first mini PCs to feature this upgraded technology is the Minisforum MS-S1 Max, and the OneXPlayer OneXGPU Lite ranks among the initial accessories that are compatible with it.

    Compatibility and Performance

    It’s important to highlight that USB4 v2 and Thunderbolt 5 work together, indicating that this test also illustrates the leap in performance from Thunderbolt 4 to Thunderbolt 5. In fact, ETA Prime was the first to verify the TGP of the eGPU, discovering that the Radeon 7600M XT operates at 120 W.

    To assess the bandwidth, the YouTuber conducted the PCIe feature test using 3DMark. The results showed that with USB4 v2, the bandwidth stays around 5.4 GB/s, which is roughly 43 Gbps. However, when switching to the USB4 v1 of the OneXGPU Lite, the bandwidth decreases to 3.8 GB/s, equating to about 30.4 Gbps.

    Testing and Results

    In both cases, the full rated bandwidth was not reached, something that another YouTuber, Try Some Tech, has recently examined. The positive aspect is that the performance upgrade in gaming makes USB4 v2 a significant improvement.

    ETA Prime ran Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p without FSR and on Ultra settings. Using the USB4 v1 connection, the eGPU delivered an average of 59 FPS, while with the USB4 v2 port, it achieved an average of approximately 74 FPS. This indicates about a 25% increase in performance during this eGPU test.

    The YouTuber also evaluated additional games with the OneXGPU Lite (which is on Amazon), but didn’t provide a direct comparison. Thus, it’s likely that these later tests were conducted with the eGPU linked to a USB4 v2 port. For instance, Borderlands 4 was assessed at 1080p resolution with Medium visuals, achieving an average of around 71 FPS.

    Additional Game Tests

    Subsequently, ETA Prime tested DOOM: The Dark Ages at a resolution of 1440p, with FSR set to balanced and Medium visual settings. The Thunderbolt 5 eGPU was able to run this game with an average of about 72 FPS. You can check out the video below to see the external GPU in operation.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini Campaign on Indiegogo Launches October 14

    Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini Campaign on Indiegogo Launches October 14

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo’s Pocket Air Mini, a retro gaming device, is now available for international pre-order through Indiegogo starting October 14, 2025.
    2. The device features a 4.2-inch display, MediaTek Helio G90T processor, and two configurations: 2GB RAM/32GB storage and 3GB RAM/64GB storage.
    3. Connectivity options include a Type-C port, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a MicroSD card slot.
    4. The starting price for the base model is $69.99, with limited-time offers before reaching retail prices of $89.99 for the 2GB variant and $99.99 for the 3GB variant.
    5. Subscribers to the product page will receive a free screen protector upon pre-ordering.

    It’s been several weeks since Ayaneo revealed the Pocket Air Mini, which is its latest affordable Android-based retro gaming device. While it has been available for pre-order in China, international customers have not had that opportunity until now.

    Changes in Pre-Order Plans

    Initially, Ayaneo had stated that pre-orders for the Pocket Air Mini would begin in mid-October for customers outside of China. However, the plan has shifted. Instead of using a crowdfunding platform, the handheld will be available for pre-order directly on its website. Recently, Ayaneo updated its strategy and announced that the Pocket Air Mini will now be offered through Indiegogo.

    In an announcement made on their Discord channel, Ayaneo confirmed that the Indiegogo campaign for the Pocket Air Mini will start at 8:00 AM EST on October 14, 2025. It was also mentioned that subscribers to the Pocket Air Mini page will be gifted a free screen protector. To subscribe, users need to go to the official product page and enter their email address in the designated field.

    Specifications and Features

    As previously mentioned, the Pocket Air Mini is set to feature a 4.2-inch display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, resolution of 1280 x 960, and brightness reaching 500 nits. It will be powered by MediaTek’s Helio G90T processor and will come in two configurations: one with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and another with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The device will be available in three colors: Aurora Black, Retro White, and Retro Power.

    For connectivity, Ayaneo includes a Type-C port, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. The Pocket Air Mini will also feature a MicroSD card slot, an audio jack, and a battery with a capacity of 4500mAh. Additionally, it boasts Hall Effect joysticks with RGB lighting, triggers, a cooling fan, and buttons arranged in Nintendo’s ABXY layout. Ayaneo plans to ship the device with a custom interface layered on top of Android 11, which they demoed a few weeks back.

    Pricing Information

    The starting price for the base model of the Pocket Air Mini is set at $69.99 for a limited time. After that, it will increase to $74.99 as the early bird price, before reaching a retail price of $89.99. For the 3GB RAM variant, the limited-time offer price will be $79.99, followed by an early bird price of $84.99, before arriving at a retail price of $99.99. Even at its retail price, the Pocket Air Mini remains the most affordable handheld from Ayaneo ever.

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