Category: Gaming

  • Keychron K8 HE: Hall-Effect Gaming Keyboard with Flexible Layout

    Keychron K8 HE: Hall-Effect Gaming Keyboard with Flexible Layout

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Keychron K8 HE features Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches for excellent stability and minimal wobble.
    2. It adopts a traditional TKL layout, making it familiar for gamers, with customizable function rows and a dedicated navigation cluster.
    3. The keyboard supports deep software customization through the Keychron Launcher web app, allowing for macros.
    4. It offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C), with a 1,000 Hz polling rate for optimal gaming performance.
    5. The K8 HE is priced at $129.99 for the Standard Edition and $139.99 for the Special Edition, currently available on the Keychron website.


    We took a look at the Keychron K4 HE, a wireless Hall-effect gaming keyboard, and we loved its beautiful Cherry wood details, great customizability, and comfy typing experience. Now, Keychron has introduced the K8 HE, which brings all those same great features to the popular TKL (tenkeyless) design.

    Impressive Features

    Similar to the Keychron K4 HE (currently priced at $144.99 on Amazon), the K8 HE is equipped with Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches, providing excellent stability for the keycaps with nearly no wobble. Moreover, the K8 HE Special Edition showcases the same OSA-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, while the Standard Edition has shine-through Cherry-profile keycaps that let the north-facing RGB backlighting glow brightly.

    Traditional Layout

    Unlike the K4 HE, the K8 HE adopts a more classic TKL layout that many gamers will recognize. The navigation cluster is positioned above the arrow keys, just to the right of the main alpha keys, and the function row is divided into groups of four keys. The K8 HE also includes the same aluminum plate material and allows deep software customization through the Keychron Launcher web app, making it one of the few Hall-effect gaming keyboards that can support macros, unlike the Wooting 80HE and Iqunix EZ63.

    Connectivity Options

    The K8 HE offers tri-mode connectivity, which includes Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C wired options, and the 2.4 GHz mode comes with a quick 1,000 Hz polling rate for optimal gaming performance. Additionally, the K8 HE has a dedicated macOS mode, featuring a hardware switch to toggle between operating systems, and it includes extra macOS keycaps in the package to ensure a seamless experience.

    Currently, the Keychron K8 HE is only available on the Keychron website, priced at $129.99 for the Standard Edition or $139.99 for the Special Edition, but it is expected to be listed on Amazon in the future.

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  • Tim Sweeney: Epic Games Launcher Clunky but Offers Unique Benefits

    Tim Sweeney: Epic Games Launcher Clunky but Offers Unique Benefits

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games launcher struggles with navigation and speed compared to Steam, affecting user experience.
    2. Content delivery network location impacts loading times and resource usage for Epic Games Store.
    3. Sweeney is optimistic about cross-platform functionalities as a future advantage for Epic Games.
    4. Epic engages users with free AAA games and attracts new developers with better revenue shares.
    5. Despite improvements, slow performance remains a challenge for users exploring new titles.


    The Epic Games launcher has had a hard time keeping up with Valve’s Steam marketplace in terms of popularity. While Steam offers an unrivaled variety of games, many users find the Epic option somewhat annoying. In a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, CEO Tim Sweeney made some unexpected remarks about this situation. He acknowledged that, despite the company’s attempts, the Epic launcher is not as smooth to navigate as its competitors. Still, he highlighted the software’s benefits across multiple platforms and is hopeful for its future development.

    Navigation Challenges

    Sweeney pointed out that one major problem affecting the launcher is the location of content delivery networks. If users are situated far from the nearest server, it takes longer to load store pages and download content. Even when the launcher is accessed from an ideal spot, it seems to use more system resources compared to Steam. The design of the Epic Games Store is more modern, featuring bigger graphics that can strain lower-end computers.

    Future Outlook

    Despite these issues, Sweeney remains optimistic about the future of the marketplace. He pointed out that while Steam’s user base is predominantly on PCs, Epic Games has rolled out cross-platform functionalities. Games like Fortnite and Rocket League enable users to carry over their progress and purchases to Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices. Sweeney thinks this will become a major advantage in the coming years. Additionally, Microsoft is also making efforts to merge platform boundaries, which could help both Epic and Steam thrive with a new Windows-based Xbox console that expands access to their games.

    Competitive Landscape

    Generally, Steam still boasts a much larger user base compared to the Epic Games launcher. However, Epic keeps users engaged by offering free games, often including AAA titles, which dissuades them from uninstalling the application. Furthermore, the marketplace is becoming more attractive to new developers, especially after recent updates. These game creators will now benefit from a larger share of the revenue generated by the Epic Games Store. Nevertheless, the slow performance continues to be a hurdle for gamers eager to explore new titles.

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  • Kaiju No. 8 Game Reaches 100K Pre-Registrations Before Launch

    Kaiju No. 8 Game Reaches 100K Pre-Registrations Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kaiju No. 8: The Game has surpassed 100,000 pre-registrations worldwide following the release of its second official trailer on April 25, 2025.

    2. The game is a turn-based RPG featuring cinematic monster battles, a unique storyline, and full voice acting from the original cast.

    3. Main characters Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro will be voiced by Masaya Fukunishi and Asami Seto, respectively, who return from the anime and manga series.

    4. Players who pre-register will receive bonus Credits at launch, with additional rewards based on the number of sign-ups.

    5. The game is set to launch around August 31, 2025, coinciding with the second season of the anime in July 2025, and will support cross-platform play and multiple languages.


    Kaiju No. 8: The Game has reached over 100,000 pre-registrations worldwide, as reported by Anime Corner on May 1, 2025. This achievement comes after the game’s second official trailer was released on April 25.

    Trailer Insights

    The trailer, which is in Japanese and lacks English subtitles, gives a clear visual presentation of the gameplay. For those interested in translated news and trailers, they can follow the English Twitter account @kj8_TheGame_EN.

    Game Features

    This new title is a turn-based RPG with confirmed cross-platform capabilities for iOS, Android, and PC through Steam, as noted by Gematsu. Drawing from the well-known anime and manga series, it includes cinematic monster battles, a unique storyline, and full voice acting by the original cast. Players will step into the shoes of the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, engaging in exciting anime-style battles while utilizing high-quality 3D models and animated cutscenes, as seen in the official trailer.

    Voice Cast and Updates

    Masaya Fukunishi and Asami Seto return as Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro, the main characters of the series, in this game version. Their participation was confirmed in a thorough report by Anime Corner. Teaser videos and updates are frequently shared through @KaijuNo8_O and the English-language game account @kj8_TheGame_EN.

    Players who pre-register will receive bonus Credits when the game launches, with more rewards becoming available as more people sign up. While an official release date hasn’t been announced yet, the App Store lists August 31, 2025, as a tentative launch date.

    Release Timing

    The launch of the game is set to coincide with the anime’s second season, which is slated to debut in July 2025, according to Hypebeast.

    Kaiju No. 8: The Game supports cross-platform play on iOS, Android, and PC via Steam, and it will also feature multi-language support, including English, French, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese, aiming for a wide international audience.

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  • Konami’s Suikoden Live: STAR LEAP and Switch 2 Release News

    Konami’s Suikoden Live: STAR LEAP and Switch 2 Release News

    Key Takeaways

    1. Suikoden Live broadcast returns on May 15, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. ET / 23:00 JST.
    2. Fans can watch the stream on Konami’s official YouTube channel.
    3. The broadcast will feature a remastered collection of Suikoden I and II.
    4. Suikoden I focuses on a young hero fighting against imperial oppression.
    5. Suikoden II explores themes of friendship and betrayal during a war.


    Konami has revealed that its Suikoden Live broadcast will be returning on May 15, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. ET / 23:00 JST. Fans of the series can watch the stream on Konami’s official YouTube channel, where the company is set to unveil new content aimed at both longtime fans and those new to the Suikoden series.

    Broadcast Highlights

    According to the official announcement, the broadcast will feature three primary segments. The remastered collection will look back at two highly praised titles. Suikoden I tells the story of a young hero standing up against imperial oppression. On the other hand, Suikoden II delves into themes of friendship and betrayal set against the backdrop of war between the Highland Kingdom and the City-States of Jowstown.

    What to Expect

    The broadcast on May 15 is anticipated to be a significant event in the ongoing journey of Suikoden. As previously noted, fans can join in by visiting the official YouTube channel at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET / 23:00 JST to catch all the latest announcements.

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  • Anbernic RG34XX SP Design Leak: GBA SP Inspired Lookalike

    Anbernic RG34XX SP Design Leak: GBA SP Inspired Lookalike

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic is launching the RG34XX SP handheld gaming device soon, following the RG557 release.
    2. The RG34XX SP’s design is compared to the Miyoo Flip or Flip V2 instead of the RG35XX SP.
    3. The device will use the Allwinner H700 chipset, not the anticipated new chipset between RK3566 and T618.
    4. The RG34XX SP is expected to deliver a gaming experience similar to the RG35XX SP with 2 GB of RAM.
    5. Initial plans for a joystick-less design for the RG34XX SP seem to have been abandoned, leading to thicker bezels in the retail version.


    Anbernic is set to begin selling its RG34XX SP later this week. This new clamshell gaming handheld comes less than a month after the RG557. Its design is often compared to the Miyoo Flip or Flip V2, rather than the RG35XX SP, which is currently priced at $76.99 on Amazon.

    Chipset Expectations

    There were early indications that the RG34XX SP would be the first device to feature a new chipset from Anbernic, intended to perform between the Rockchip RK3566 and Unisoc Tiger T618. However, those expectations didn’t materialize, as Anbernic opted to stick with the Allwinner H700 chipset once again.

    Gaming Experience

    With the Allwinner H700 chipset and 2 GB of RAM, the RG34XX SP is expected to provide a gaming experience similar to that of the RG35XX SP. It appears that Anbernic may have had plans to create the RG34XX SP with a design more akin to the RG35XX SP initially.

    If the design leak shown below is correct, Anbernic was thinking of releasing the RG34XX SP without joysticks. This design would likely have made the device shorter, which could also explain the unusually thick bezels seen on the retail versions of the RG34XX SP. Sadly, it appears that the joystick-less RG34XX SP will probably never be released, even with the RG35XX SP’s popularity.

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  • Best Buy Announces Late-Night Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Sales

    Best Buy Announces Late-Night Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Sales

    Key Takeaways

    1. Best Buy will sell the Switch 2 starting June 5th at midnight EST, but supplies will be limited.
    2. Pre-order sales began on April 24th but faced issues with website crashes and missed sales times, frustrating many gamers.
    3. Nintendo has reportedly sent a large shipment of handhelds made in Vietnam to the US, possibly increasing stock availability.
    4. Concerns exist about chaos on release day, with Best Buy managing queues for pickups and new purchases, but the collectible item promise is uncertain.
    5. Other retailers like Walmart may also have limited stock available on June 5th, along with games and accessories.


    Gamers who were let down by the pre-order chances for the Switch 2 now have a fresh glimmer of optimism. After mixed messages just a day prior, Best Buy has reconfirmed that consoles will be up for grabs on June 5th. The stores in the US will start selling them around midnight EST, but there will only be a small number of these handheld devices. Additionally, those who buy a console on the release date will receive a free collectible item.

    Pre-order Sales and Frustrations

    Following a slight delay due to tariff announcements, the pre-order sales for the Switch 2 kicked off on April 24th. Many gamers faced frustration as websites crashed under the heavy traffic. Best Buy also missed the scheduled time for sales, leaving buyers stuck in digital waiting rooms only to find out the items were sold out. Since that time, other retailers like Walmart have occasionally restocked the console, but supplies are still tight, leading to eBay scalpers putting the system up for sale at much higher prices.

    Nintendo’s Supply Strategy

    In anticipation of tariffs, it’s said that Nintendo sent a large shipment of handhelds made in Vietnam to the US earlier in the year. Now, it appears that either those units are still available or Nintendo has increased their stock. Customers at Best Buy can line up before the doors open on June 5th to try and get their hands on the sought-after handheld. Gamers who have already placed their orders can collect them at the same time.

    Concerns About the Release Day

    Some buyers have expressed worries about the potential chaos on the Switch 2’s release day. Best Buy is expected to manage queues to distinguish between pickups and new purchases. However, it remains uncertain whether all customers will get the promised collectible. A previous rumor hinted that the collectible might be a gold coin.

    For those who are willing to face the crowds, there will also be a variety of Switch 2 games and accessories available. As of now, other retailers have not disclosed their plans, but Walmart could potentially have some consoles in stock on June 5th.

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  • F1 25 Requires RTX 5080 for 1080p Path Tracing with Upscaling

    F1 25 Requires RTX 5080 for 1080p Path Tracing with Upscaling

    Key Takeaways

    1. F1 25 will release on May 30, featuring advanced graphical technologies like path tracing, requiring a powerful gaming setup for optimal performance.

    2. A Core i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 2600X with an RTX 2070 or RX 6600 XT can run the game at full-HD 60 FPS on ‘High’ settings without ray tracing.

    3. For 1440p gameplay without ray tracing, gamers need an RTX 5070 Ti or RX 6800 XT paired with a compatible CPU.

    4. Path tracing requires a 12600K or Ryzen 5 7600X with an RTX 5080 or RX 7900 XTX, limited to 1080p at 60 FPS with Quality upscaling.

    5. F1 25 will offer two editions: the Iconic Edition on May 27 for $100 and the Standard Edition on May 30 for $80, with pre-orders available.


    The next iteration of EA Sports’ Formula 1 series, F1 25, is set to release on May 30, and it looks to be quite a challenging game. It will utilize advanced graphical technologies like path tracing, meaning players who want to enjoy the game to its fullest will need a powerful gaming setup. The detailed PC specifications for F1 25 have been revealed, and while a 12th gen Core i5 can manage, to achieve top-notch visual quality, a GPU like the RTX 5080 or RX 7900 XTX is essential.

    Playing at a Lower Preset

    For gamers aiming to play F1 25 without ray tracing and just using the ‘High’ settings, a modest build will do. You can run the game with a Core i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 2600X, along with an RTX 2070, RTX 5060, or a Radeon RX 6600 XT, and still enjoy a full-HD 60 FPS experience, thanks to native upscaling without frame generation. However, for those who wish to elevate their gameplay to 1440p, you’ll need an RTX 5070 Ti or RX 6800 XT—again, without ray tracing.

    Path Tracing Requirements

    Interestingly, if you want to experience the path tracing feature that F1 25 offers, you’ll need a 12600K or Ryzen 5 7600X paired up with an RTX 5080 or RX 7900 XTX. This setup will only allow the game to run at 1080p with 60 FPS, and you will still need to have the upscaler set to Quality. Even at the highest in-game preset, you’ll be limited to 1080p resolution.

    VR and 8K Specs

    The game also has requirements for VR and 8K gameplay. For a VR experience that renders 2K per eye at 90 FPS with the ‘High’ preset, you’ll require a Ryzen 5 2600X along with either an RTX 5080, RTX 3080 Ti, or RTX 7900 XT—this is without ray tracing and native upscaling. On the other hand, for the small group of gamers looking to play F1 25 at 8K, they will need either a 12600K or 7600X along with an RTX 5090 or RTX 4090, as an AMD GPU won’t be enough. Even with these high-end Nvidia GPUs, upscaling and frame generation will be necessary.

    F1 25 will come in two versions: the Iconic Edition and the Standard Edition. The Iconic Edition will be available earlier on May 27, while the Standard Edition will launch on May 30 in most regions. Pre-orders are available, with the Standard Edition priced at $80 and the Iconic Edition at $100.

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  • Powkiddy V90S Launches to Compete with Anbernic and Miyoo

    Powkiddy V90S Launches to Compete with Anbernic and Miyoo

    Key Takeaways

    1. Powkiddy is preparing to re-enter the clamshell gaming handheld market with a new model called the V90S.
    2. Competitors like Miyoo and Anbernic have recently launched new models, including the Flip V2 and RG34XX SP.
    3. The V90S will feature a dual hinge design for increased sturdiness and an improved internal layout to manage battery heat.
    4. The new handheld aims to eliminate screen tearing issues seen in the original V90 and will use a 4:3 screen with the Allwinner A133P processor.
    5. Additional features include two USB Type-C ports, small shoulder buttons, and a MicroSD card slot, with an official announcement expected soon.


    It looks like Powkiddy is getting ready to come back into the clamshell gaming handheld market, just as Anbernic is launching the RG34XX SP. It’s been a few years since Powkiddy released the V90, but there were signs in late March that a potential successor was in the works.

    New Releases and Competitors

    Not long after, Miyoo updated their Flip with a Flip V2, and soon after, Anbernic revealed the RG34XX SP, which is a smaller version of the popular RG35XX SP (currently priced at $76.99 on Amazon). Interestingly, a recent leak indicates that the RG34XX SP prototypes were even tinier than the retail versions.

    Teasers and Features

    Now, both Takin Udon and Powkiddy have posted teasers online about what was once called the Powkiddy V90 V2 or V2.0. It seems this model is now named the V90S, and it is expected to differ from its predecessor and similar devices in several significant ways.

    One notable change is that Powkiddy has introduced a dual hinge design, which should provide more sturdiness compared to the one in the Miyoo Flip. Udon mentions that Powkiddy has also restructured its internal layout to stop the battery from acting like an unwanted heatsink. However, the new Powkiddy V90 still has a battery compartment accessible to users, setting it apart from other current models.

    Performance and Specifications

    Udon claims that his models show no screen tearing, a common issue with the original V90. While details about the display are still unclear, it appears that Powkiddy has chosen a 4:3 screen instead of a 3:2 option. Regardless, this will run on the Allwinner A133P, which is already used in the V20, as well as by MagicX and TrimUI in other handhelds for retro gaming.

    At this point, additional features include two rear-mounted USB Type-C ports, pairs of small shoulder buttons, and the location of the MicroSD card slot on the left side of the device. A specific release date and price are still unknown. With Udon suggesting he has received retail units, it seems likely that Powkiddy will officially announce the V90S soon.

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  • Doom Dark Ages Benchmark: RX 9700 XT vs RTX 5080 Performance

    Doom Dark Ages Benchmark: RX 9700 XT vs RTX 5080 Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date: Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15th, requiring hardware that supports ray tracing for optimal gameplay.

    2. Performance Comparison: Early assessments show varying performance on different gaming laptops, with the RX 9070 XT performing comparably to the RTX 5080 at 1080p.

    3. AMD vs. Nvidia: AMD’s RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT outperform similar Nvidia GPUs at 1080p, with the RX 9070 XT matching the RTX 5080 and the RX 9070 competing with the RTX 5070 Ti.

    4. Resolution Challenges: At 1440p, performance gaps remain, with the RX 9070 achieving 81.1 FPS compared to the RTX 5070’s 68.3 FPS, while the RTX 5060 Ti struggles to reach 60 FPS.

    5. 4K Performance: Doom: The Dark Ages is demanding at 4K, with even high-end GPUs like the RTX 4090 barely surpassing 60 FPS, emphasizing the need for mid-range or high-end hardware for smoother gameplay at lower resolutions.


    The newest addition to the iconic Doom FPS franchise, Doom: The Dark Ages, is scheduled for release on May 15th. Our review is already live, and overall, Doom: The Dark Ages meets expectations. This time, however, ID Software requires hardware that supports ray tracing for optimal gameplay, raising questions about how well the game will perform.

    Performance on Various Laptops

    In our assessment, we examined the game’s performance on various gaming laptops, such as the Asus ROG Strix G16 equipped with the RTX 5080 laptop GPU. We’re still finalizing our comparison with desktop GPUs. Meanwhile, TechPowerUp has been testing Doom: The Dark Ages across a range of GPUs, both newer and older.

    AMD vs. Nvidia Performance

    Interestingly, findings from TechPowerUp indicate that the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT have a distinct advantage over their Nvidia equivalents. At 1080p with the “Ultra Nightmare” graphics settings, the performance is as follows:

    The RX 9070 XT performs on par with the RTX 5080, while the RX 9070 matches the RTX 5070 Ti, marking a significant success for Team Red, as these Radeon GPUs are priced lower. In contrast, Nvidia’s new RTX 5060 Ti 16 and 8 GB versions only achieve 76 FPS.

    Increased Resolution Challenges

    When increasing the resolution to 1440p, it’s expected that the game becomes more challenging to run. Here, the RX 9070 XT and the RTX 5080 again compare closely, with frame rates of 91.8 and 96.2 FPS, respectively. The RTX 5070 Ti is now more competitive with the RX 9070 XT, registering 86.7 FPS.

    Despite this, a significant performance gap remains—about 19%—between the RX 9070, which achieves 81.1 FPS, and the RTX 5070 at 68.3 FPS. This means the RX 9070 is closer in performance to the RTX 5070 Ti than to its intended competitor, the RTX 5070. Sadly, the RTX 5060 Ti models struggle to reach 60 FPS at 1440p on max settings, which is disappointing for GPUs in the $400+ range.

    4K Performance Insights

    Doom: The Dark Ages proves to be quite demanding at 4K resolution, as even the RTX 4090 barely surpasses 60 FPS. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RX 9070 XT all fall below 60 FPS while playing.

    The RX 9070 XT now matches the RTX 5070 Ti with a frame rate of 49 FPS, but the RX 9070 and RTX 5070 still show a clear performance difference. The RX 9070 reaches 42.9 FPS, while the RTX 5070 lags behind at 37.6 FPS.

    In conclusion, Doom: The Dark Ages presents a significant challenge at 4K. However, if you possess modern mid-range or high-end hardware, you should enjoy smooth gameplay at 1440p and excellent performance at 1080p.

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  • Sony PS5 Pro to Support More 8K and 4K/120 FPS Games

    Sony PS5 Pro to Support More 8K and 4K/120 FPS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PlayStation 5 Pro aims to run more games at 4K/120 fps and possibly 8K/60 fps in the future.
    2. Sony is developing a new version of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to enhance visual quality while reducing performance loss through AI.
    3. The current minimum render resolution for the PS5 Pro is 1,536 x 864, with potential plans to lower it to improve performance, similar to Nvidia’s DLSS 4.
    4. Sony may introduce a 1440p mode to maintain 120 fps if the console struggles at 4K.
    5. There is no confirmed release date for games supporting PSSR2, and it’s uncertain how Sony will promote this technology.


    The Sony PlayStation 5 Pro (around $699 on Amazon) is probably going to be able to run more games at 4K/120 fps or even 8K/60 fps in the future. Recent updates from the YouTube channel Moore’s Law is Dead suggest that Sony is working on a new version of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which aims to enhance visual quality while reducing performance loss through a new AI model.

    New Tech Developments

    In addition to the updated machine learning model, it’s expected that Sony will lower the render resolution to meet its ambitious goals. Right now, the PlayStation 5 Pro has a minimum render resolution of 1,536 x 864 when it upscales games to the 4K resolution that’s common on many smart TVs. For comparison, Nvidia’s DLSS 4 uses a lower render resolution of 1,280 x 720. If the console has trouble keeping a steady 120 fps at 4K, even with PSSR2, Sony is said to be considering a 1440p mode that would maintain 120 fps.

    Uncertain Future

    As of now, there is no set release date for the first game that will support PSSR2. It’s also unclear if Sony will promote this improved upscaling technology or just roll out games that provide higher resolution outputs and frame rates. Regardless, Sony’s intention to provide a 120 fps mode might be in response to the Nintendo Switch 2, which is expected to run some games at 120 fps – but at a much lower resolution.

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