Category: Gaming

  • Pokémon TCG Pocket Paradox Drive Is Here

    Pokémon TCG Pocket Paradox Drive Is Here

    Key Takeaway

    – Introduction of Ancient and Future subcategories with new deck archetypes centered on their bonuses
    – Headlining ex Pokémon: Koraidon ex (Ancient) and Miraidon ex (Future) anchoring the set
    – Key Supporter pair: Professor Sada enabling ancient energy acceleration and Professor Turo enabling future energy recycling/defense
    – Notable rares: Flutter Mane ex (Ancient Misdreavus) and Iron Bundle ex (Future Delibird) with additional one-star and one-diamond cards rounding the lineup
    – Paradox Drive events calendar: Emblem Event, Community Week trading rewards, Ceruledge ex Drop Event, and Wonder Pick promos mid-June

    Paradox Drive: A Themed Booster Pack for Pokémon TCG Pocket

    Paradox Drive, the latest themed booster pack for Pokémon TCG Pocket, goes live today at 6:00 PM PDT. The pack draws from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet’s roster of Paradox Pokémon and introduces Ancient and Future as playable card subcategories in the game for the first time.

    Headlining Legendaries and New Archetypes

    Koraidon ex and Miraidon ex lead the set as the headline four-diamond Legendary cards. Koraidon is the Ancient Paradox Legendary from Pokémon Scarlet, Miraidon is the future counterpart from Pokemon Violet. Both are expected to anchor new deck archetypes built around the subcategory bonuses.

    Ex-Level Power and New Mechanics

    Flutter Mane ex and Iron Bundle ex bring ex-level stats to each side of the mechanic. Flutter Mane is the Ancient Paradox version of Misdreavus; Iron Bundle is the Future variant of Delibird. Raging Bolt and Iron Boulder join as one-star illustration rares, with Iron Hands, Farigiraf, and Scream Tail filling out the one-diamond tier.

    Supporters and Archetype Identity

    Professor Sada and Professor Turo are the Supporter cards that define the competitive identity of each archetype. Sada lets you attach three different energy cards from your discard pile to one of your ancient Pokémon, giving ancient decks a direct acceleration path that bypasses the standard one-energy-per-turn rule. Turo takes the opposite approach, shuffling one of your future Pokémon in play back into your deck as a protection and recycling tool that keeps high-value units out of the knockout zone.

    Event Schedule and Availability

    The Paradox Drive Emblem Event opens in the final days of May and runs into early June, offering emblems, shinedust, and additional items through ranked battles. Community Week follows in early June with a trading focus: trade hourglasses and cosmetic accessories are the primary rewards. A Ceruledge ex Drop Event and a Wonder Pick event featuring Sableye and Floragato promos are both scheduled for mid-June. Paradox Drive is the B3a-themed booster pack in the Pokémon TCG Pocket’s current series. The game is available on Android and iOS.

     

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  • Intel Arc G3 Extreme and Arc G3 Release Ahead of Schedule

    Intel Arc G3 Extreme and Arc G3 Release Ahead of Schedule

    Key Takeaway

    – Arc G3 and Arc G3 Extreme debut on May 28, with early showings anticipated before Computex 2026; handheld devices from MSI and Acer expected to accompany the launch.
    – Both models use a 14-core CPU (2 P-cores, 8 E-cores, 4 LPE-cores); Extreme variant boosts to 4.7 GHz and pairs with a faster Arc B390 GPU (12 Xe cores) versus Arc B370 in the standard G3 (10 Xe cores).
    – Initial simulated benchmarks place Arc G3 Extreme ahead of AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, with Panther Lake positioned as power-efficient for handheld gaming where thermal/power limits matter.

    Intel Panther Lake handheld chips tease and rumors collide

    when intel showed off panther lake at ces 2026, it teased two unnamed handheld chips without divulging any specifics. initially thought to be the core g3 and core g3 extreme, subsequent leaks confirmed they’d launch as the arc g3 and arc g3 extreme. now, videocardz learned that intel could show both chips off earlier than their rumoured computex 2026 (june 2-5) release window.

    Arc G3 and Arc G3 Extreme launching date and devices

    intel will unveil the arc g3 and arc g3 extreme on may 28. msi is expected to show off a new 8-inch handheld console powered by the chips, likely a revision of the claw series. even acer is expected to join in on the fun with the predator atlas 8. one can only hope it actually launches, unlike the nitro blaze that never saw the light of day after a rather pompous reveal.

    Specs in brief and what differs

    specs-wise, both the arc g3 and arc g3 extreme come with a 14-core cpu with 2 p-cores, 8 e-cores and 4 lpe-cores. the ‘extreme’ variant has a slightly faster boost clock (4.7 ghz vs 4.6 ghz) and a faster arc b390 gpu with a 12-core gpu. the arc b370 used on the regular arc g3 comes with 10 xe cores. on paper, the spec differences are marginal, and it’ll be interesting to see how they fare against each other in the real world.

    Early benchmarks and power considerations

    initial benchmarks on simulated hardware show promising results, with the arc g3 extreme handily outperforming amd’s flagship ryzen z2 extreme. panther lake is a fairly power-efficient architecture, so it has the potential to shine in power-restricted environments—something that is a must in handheld gaming consoles.

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  • Xiaomi 240Hz Gaming Monitor Launches Globally

    Xiaomi 240Hz Gaming Monitor Launches Globally

    Key Takeaway

    – 240 Hz native refresh rate with 1 ms GTG and FreeSync Premium, aimed at esports/competitive gaming.
    – 24.5″ Fast IPS panel, 1080p (1920×1080), brightness ~400 nits, contrast ~1000:1; limited feature set with only tilt stand (no height/swivel).
    – Ports are limited to HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.4 plus audio out; no advanced ergonomic adjustments.
    – Price in Europe around €180 (listed by some retailers), but availability locally is uncertain.
    – Additional features: crosshair display and a night-vision/gradation color tuning capability.

    Xiaomi G25i 2026 gaming monitor: Europe launch details

    the Xiaomi G25i 2026 gaming monitor is coming to Europe. this is confirmed not only by a listing on Xiaomi’s global website, but the EU version of the monitor is also already listed by at least one distributor and a Finnish retailer. There, the Xiaomi Gaming Monitor G25i 2026 is listed at a price of €180, although this price should still be treated with caution for now. The monitor is not yet available through local retailers. Xiaomi also advertises the Xiaomi Gaming Monitor G25i 2026 as suitable for esports, which naturally primarily refers to the higher refresh rate and low response time. The native refresh rate is listed at 240Hz, and the gray-to-gray response time is specified at one millisecond. FreeSync Premium is supported.

    Display specs and panel details

    the Fast IPS panel measures 24.5 inches diagonally, while the resolution is listed as 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is not necessarily standard anymore. Higher-resolution and similarly fast displays are now also available at very mainstream prices, including on Amazon. The Xiaomi Gaming Monitor G25i 2026 is, to put it positively, pragmatically equipped, with just one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, and the obligatory audio output. The limited feature set is not restricted to the ports, as ergonomic adjustment options are also missing. Only tilt adjustment is possible, not swivel or height adjustment. The typical contrast ratio is listed at 1,000:1, while typical brightness is specified at 400 nits. A crosshair can be displayed, and there is also said to be a kind of night vision feature. We suspect that some kind of sharp gradation or color curve is applied.

     


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  • Wuthering Waves Cyberpunk Collab Lands in June

    Wuthering Waves Cyberpunk Collab Lands in June

    Key Takeaway

    – Lucy (Lucyna Kushinada) debuts as Phase 1’s limited paid banner, a Spectro Pistol main DPS specializing in mid-range monowire hacking mechanics, with Rebecca acting as a free-to-claim burst-support/sub-DPS pairing to enhance Lucy’s hacks.
    – Rebecca, a free-to-claim Havoc/Electro Pistol character, supports Lucy’s hacking with direct combat synergy, featuring heavy shotgun/rifle animations true to Edgerunners.
    – Lucilla, a non-collab Glacio Rectifier, joins in Phase 2 as a standalone limited unit, while David Martinez appears in the trailer but playable status remains unconfirmed; the crossover uses dedicated collaboration systems rather than new open-world maps.

    Kuro Games has confirmed that Wuthering Waves is getting its first major cross-IP collaboration in Version 3.4, launching June 10 on PC, mobile, and PS5. Lucy and Rebecca from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners are both joining the roster as limited 5-star Resonators, with Rebecca available for free… one of the more generous collab rollouts the gacha genre has seen.

    Overview of the crossover details

    The official trailer “Good Morning, Solaris!” dropped on May 7 via the Wuthering Waves X account, showing Lucy and Rebecca inside the world of Solaris-3 alongside Rover and the new character Lucilla. Lucy, full name Lucyna Kushinada, is a spectro-element pistol user whose combat style leans on her monowire for mid-range attacks and hacking mechanics. She headlines Phase 1 of Version 3.4 as a limited paid banner character and is expected to be the game’s first true Spectro Pistol main DPS.

    Character roles and mechanics

    Rebecca takes an entirely different route into the game. Current data points to her being a Havoc or Electro Pistol character built around a burst-support and sub-DPS role, designed to feed directly into Lucy’s hack mechanics during combat. Her weapon slot is Pistol for gearing purposes, but her combat animations stay true to the anime… expect the signature heavy shotgun and rifle work that made her one of Edgerunners’ most memorable fighters. Kuro Games has confirmed she is free to claim, with community leaks pointing to an event-reward distribution tied to milestone tokens or an event shop during the collab window rather than a standard daily login calendar.

    Lucilla and other crossover specifics

    Lucilla, an original Kuro character and Glacio Rectifier, also debuts in 3.4 as the non-collab limited unit, with Phase 2 of the patch as her expected window. David Martinez, the protagonist of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, appears in the trailer wearing his iconic yellow jacket, though Kuro Games has not confirmed whether he will be playable beyond a story role.

    Gameplay integration

    Rather than adding new open-world map areas, Version 3.4 integrates the Edgerunners crossover via dedicated gameplay systems centered on the collab characters. Leaked data points to a Tune Hack combat mechanic built specifically around Lucy and Rebecca’s kits and an Adam Smasher boss challenge that doubles as a usable one-piece Echo set effect… a direct nod to the chrome-plated antagonist of both the anime and Cyberpunk 2077. The Yaiba Muramasa motorbike, heavily rumored since the collab was first teased, is expected to arrive as an Expedition vehicle skin rather than a standalone map feature.

    Background and context

    Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a 10-episode anime co-produced by CD Projekt Red and Studio TRIGGER, released on Netflix in September 2022. Set in Night City, the show revived the game’s player base at launch and pushed its Steam concurrent player count past 1 million. For Wuthering Waves, the announcement marks the game’s first external IP collaboration, and Kuro’s choice of Edgerunners as the debut partner puts it in direct competition with Honkai: Star Rail’s ongoing Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works crossover.

    Banner timing and expectations

    The collab banner is expected to run separately from the standard rotation for the full patch cycle. Based on how Kuro Games has handled collaboration units in Punishing: Gray Raven, reruns are unlikely, making both Lucy and the free Rebecca among the highest-priority targets the game has offered. The Version 3.4 Preview Special Broadcast, which will confirm character kits and full event details, airs May 29, 2026, at 19:00 UTC+8 on the official Wuthering Waves Twitch and YouTube channels.

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  • Amazon Luna gains three new games in update

    Amazon Luna gains three new games in update

    Key Takeaway

    – Space Grunts (GOG) is a fast-paced roguelike with space-themed missions and varied character classes.
    – Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room (GOG) is a sci-fi puzzle game focused on exploration, memory uncovering, and logic-based challenges.
    – Hot Brass (GOG) is a tactical SWAT action title offering solo and 4-player co-op with strategic breaching and environmental interactions.

    At the start of May, Luna added new games

    At the start of May, Amazon Luna added 11 new games to Luna (formerly Prime Gaming), and later followed that up with three more titles. Now, another batch of three games has officially joined Luna, bringing the total number of new additions in May to 17 games so far.

    First new addition: Space Grunts

    The first new addition is Space Grunts (GOG). This is a fast-paced turn-based roguelike set in the year 2476. Players take control of elite “Space Grunts” sent to investigate a moon base that suddenly stopped responding after sending a distress signal. Players can choose between different character classes, including the Leader, Enforcer, and Tech Junky, each offering unique playstyles and abilities. Throughout the mission, you’ll fight aliens, robots, drones, and other threats while exploring deeper parts of the moon base.

    Second new addition: Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room

    The second game joining Luna is Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room (GOG), a sci-fi puzzle title focused on exploration and mystery. The game begins with players waking up alone inside a spaceship with no memory of who they are or how they got there. The main focus here is solving logic-based puzzles while investigating different rooms throughout the ship. Players must search for hidden clues, decode passwords, interact with objects, and slowly uncover the story behind the mysterious situation.

    Final new addition: Hot Brass

    The final new addition is Hot Brass (GOG), a tactical SWAT-focused action game that supports both solo play and co-op for up to four players. In the game, players step into the role of elite SWAT operators handling dangerous missions such as hostage rescues, bomb threats, gang arrests, and robberies. The gameplay focuses heavily on strategy and quick decision-making. Players can use different tools and equipment, breach buildings through multiple entry points, and even destroy parts of the environment to gain an advantage.

    Deadlines to claim

    All three games also have a deadline and must be claimed before it expires. Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room will remain available to claim until June 20, while Hot Brass’ deadline will expire on June 24. Space Grunts, on the other hand, will remain available until August 19.

     

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  • MSI MAG 346CQDF E20: 400Hz Dual-Mode Budget Ultrawide Monitor

    MSI MAG 346CQDF E20: 400Hz Dual-Mode Budget Ultrawide Monitor

    Key Takeaway

    – Dual-mode 3440×1440 at 200Hz or 1720×720 at 400Hz with DisplayPort required for the 200Hz mode
    – 1500R curved Rapid VA panel with 95% DCI-P3 and 85% Adobe RGB; HDR Ready at ~300 nits
    – Console-ready (PS5/Xbox Series X) and 0.5 ms GtG response; HDMI/DP, but 200Hz only via DisplayPort
    – Budget ultrawide positioning with Newegg price around $289.99; official pricing/availability TBD

    MSI gears up for a new ultrawide model in the US

    MSI is gearing up to launch a new dual-mode ultrawide monitor in the US, the MAG 346CQDF E20. Ahead of its release, the company has detailed the full specifications, and the monitor appears to be positioned as a more affordable option on account of its panel and overall feature set. Specifically, it uses a Rapid VA panel like many ultrawides already on the market, but its dual-mode functionality could help it stand out.

    Display specs and fast mode details

    The MAG 346CQDF E20 has a 3440 x 1440 resolution across 34 inches and a native 200Hz refresh rate. However, dropping the resolution to 1720 x 720 doubles the refresh rate to 400Hz, which could give gamers an added edge in competitive shooters and racing games. In addition, the monitor is listed with a 0.5 ms (GtG) response time and a console mode for the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

    Color, curvature, and HDR notes

    Elsewhere, the monitor features a 1500R curvature alongside 95% DCI-P3 and 85% Adobe RGB color gamut coverage. It is also listed as HDR Ready, although with only 300 nits brightness, HDR performance likely will not match what OLED gaming monitors can deliver. That said, the monitor has both HDMI and DisplayPort, but only the DisplayPort supports the maximum 200Hz refresh rate.

    Availability and price

    The MSI MAG 346CQDF E20 is currently listed on MSI’s website, although there is still no official word on pricing and availability. However, Newegg has the monitor listed for $289.99, which puts it well within budget ultrawide territory.

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  • Warhammer Strategy Game Deal: 70% Love It, Drops Under $10

    Warhammer Strategy Game Deal: 70% Love It, Drops Under $10

    Key Takeaway

    – Total War: Warhammer III blends turn-based campaigns with real-time battles, expanding with new races (Kislev, Cathay) and Chaos pantheon, plus the Immortal Empires sandbox mode.
    – The game emphasizes large-scale sieges, dynamic weather, and diverse units/heroes, supported by ongoing post-launch DLCs and updates.
    – It received mixed initial reviews but maintains a strong player base and ongoing content updates, with a current 70% positive Steam rating and regular price discounts (notably an 85% off sale).

    Overview

    Total War: Warhammer III is a turn-based strategy game with real-time battles developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Released on February 17, 2022, for PC, the title serves as the conclusion to the Total War: Warhammer trilogy set in the Warhammer fantasy universe.

    Gameplay and Campaign

    Here, players command fantasy armies on a grand campaign map while fighting large-scale battles in real time. The game introduces the races of Kislev and Cathay, alongside the Chaos gods Khorne, Nurgle, Slaanesh, and Tzeentch. The flagship Realm of Chaos campaign follows a narrative involving the imprisoned god Ursun and portals to the Realm of Chaos. The free Immortal Empires mode combines the maps of all three games into one massive sandbox experience, allowing players to use nearly every faction and Legendary Lord from the trilogy.

    Content and Features

    The game features hundreds of unique units, monsters, and heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. Siege battles, dynamic weather, and large-scale unit interactions are central to gameplay. Post-launch support has been extensive, with numerous DLCs adding new races, characters, and mechanics.

    Reception and Community

    Total War: Warhammer III had mixed reviews in its first few months but currently holds a 70% positive rating on Steam from over 140,000 reviews. The player base remains strong, with typical concurrent numbers between 11,000 and 35,000. The game continues to receive regular updates and new content nearly four and a half years after release.

    Pricing and Availability

    At $8.99, the title is currently on sale at its lowest price ever. This limited-time 85% discount will end on May 28, 2026. The base game includes full access to Immortal Empires for owners of previous titles in the series, while most DLCs remain available as separate purchases.

    Note on Promotions

    The deal cited here was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability. Some items referenced previously might have varied pricing or availability over time.

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  • Best Management Game 87% Positive Reviews, 75% Off on Steam

    Best Management Game 87% Positive Reviews, 75% Off on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Jurassic World Evolution released in 2018; features career and sandbox modes with park building, dinosaur care, and safety considerations.
    – Steam sale: 75% off, price $11.24 (down from $44.99) through June 4, 2026.
    – Reception: Very Positive overall (87% positive from 55k+ reviews), but some players report bugs and repetitive gameplay.

    Since the release of Jurassic Park in 1993, dinosaurs have continued to fascinate many people around the world. But if you want to create your own dinosaur park, Jurassic World Evolution is currently 75% off on Steam, available for $11.24 instead of $44.99 through June 4, 2026.

    Pricing and release details

    Developed and published by Frontier Developments, the game was released on Steam on June 12, 2018, and features several gameplay modes. Indeed, in career mode, you can build and develop several parks on the islands of the Muertes Archipelago and complete various contracts to earn experience and rewards.

    Gameplay modes overview

    A sandbox mode is also available, allowing you to build your park freely. However, you’ll have to meet the needs of the dinosaurs as well as those of the visitors. Safety is also a very important factor, and you’ll have to deal with dangerous situations. In addition, you’ll be able to customize your park with buildings and decorative objects.

    Reception and price history

    On Steam, Jurassic World Evolution is rated “Very Positive” with 87% positive reviews out of more than 55,000 reviews. Many players enjoy the gameplay and the game’s numerous features. Indeed, the game is immersive, and you can interact with your dinosaurs in different ways. However, some players did not enjoy their experience and have reported numerous bugs, as well as repetitive gameplay. Finally, according to SteamDB, its lowest price was $4.49 on December 14, 2020, during a 90% discount.

     


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  • HP unveils 15-inch compact gaming laptop with 180 Hz display

    HP unveils 15-inch compact gaming laptop with 180 Hz display

    Key Takeaway

    – Omen 15 launch is limited to North America with three SKUs and shippingStarting July 3 for Core Ultra 7 356H/Ryzen 7 8745HX; Core Ultra 9 386H stock expected May 27–June 1.
    – Configurations center on RTX 5070 (8 GB) GPU, 15.3″ 2.5K 1600p IPS 16:10 display, 70 Wh battery; OLED 2.8K option at 120 Hz with higher brightness.
    – CPU options include Ryzen 7 8745HX (Zen 4) and Core Ultra 7 356H; Core Ultra 9 386H expected later but currently unclear beyond initial claim.

    HP’s New 15-Inch Gaming Laptop Has Arrived In Limited Markets

    HP has finally started selling its latest 15-inch gaming laptop in some capacity. To recap, the company announced the HyperX Omen 15 over four months ago during CES 2026 in Las Vegas. A smaller alternative to the Omen 16 (curr. $1,679 on Amazon), the Omen 15 appears to be exclusive to North America for now.

    Processor Options And Clarifications

    In January, HP claimed that the Omen 15 would be available with the Core Ultra 9 386H alongside other ‘next-gen’ AMD Ryzen and Intel processors. Now, the company has clarified that these are the Ryzen 7 8745HX with Zen 4 cores and the Core Ultra 7 356H featuring Cougar Cove and Darkmont cores. According to our benchmarks, the Ryzen 7 8745HX sits at the bottom of the pile. Whether newer AMD options will be available remains to be seen at this stage.

    Display, Battery, And Graphics Details

    Setting that aside, the Omen 15 currently features a GeForce RTX 5070 (8 GB) laptop GPU and a 70 Wh battery. Also, includes a 15.3-inch IPS display that outputs at 1600p (2.5K) with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 500 nits peak brightness and a 180 Hz refresh rate. However, a 1800p (2.8K) OLED alternative will be available with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits SDR/1,100 nits HDR peak brightness.

    Launch Timeline And Availability

    HyperX Omen 15 orders with the Core Ultra 7 356H and Ryzen 7 8745HX should start shipping on July 3. Meanwhile, HP anticipates having stock of Core Ultra 9 386H variants between May 27 and June 1. Please see the company’s website and our launch article for more details.


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