Category: Gaming

  • Resident Evil Movie Director Confirms Leon S. Kennedy’s Absence

    Resident Evil Movie Director Confirms Leon S. Kennedy’s Absence

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Resident Evil film has a completely original storyline and will not feature Leon S. Kennedy.
    2. Director Zach Cregger aims to respect the Resident Evil franchise while telling a new story within its universe.
    3. The plot focuses on an unlucky courier, played by Austin Abrams, who becomes involved in the early T-Virus outbreak.
    4. Cregger emphasizes his passion for original ideas while creating an adaptation based on existing intellectual property.
    5. This film marks the third major film project inspired by Resident Evil, following previous adaptations that received mixed reviews.

    The new film adaptation of Capcom’s Resident Evil franchise is being helmed by Zach Cregger, who recently discussed some intriguing aspects of the project in a chat with Entertainment Weekly.

    Original Storyline

    Cregger mentioned that this upcoming movie will have a completely original storyline, and sadly, it won’t include the beloved character Leon S. Kennedy. He explained, “It’s an entirely original story. When you watch it, you’ll be like, ‘This is very Zach.’ It’s just that it takes place in the Resident Evil world. I don’t think fans of the games are gonna be bummed. I’m not gonna steal Leon and put him in an original story. I think that would be presumptuous.”

    Respecting the Franchise

    He continued, “But I respect the games enough where I’m gonna like tell a Resident Evil story in the Resident Evil canon that still leaves everything they love intact from the games, you know what I mean?” Cregger has teamed up with Shay Hatten to co-write the screenplay for Resident Evil. The plot is said to focus on an unlucky courier, presumably played by Austin Abrams, who is sent to deliver a mysterious package to a secluded hospital, only to become embroiled in the terrifying beginnings of the T-Virus outbreak.

    Cregger’s Vision

    Cregger added, “I think that when you see it, you’ll understand how I can be obsessed with original ideas and still make a movie that is an IP-based thing. I know that doesn’t make a lot of sense now, but I hope it will later.” This adaptation marks the third major film project inspired by the franchise, following a mixed history of previous adaptations.

    The original series included six films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson from 2002 to 2016, featuring Milla Jovovich as Alice. In 2021, Johannes Roberts’ Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City aimed to provide a more faithful reboot, drawing from the first two games and starring actors such as Kaya Scodelario and Robbie Amell.

    However, it didn’t quite live up to fan expectations, grossing only $36 million against its $40 million budget. Now, Sony Pictures, which has been behind all the past films, is set to unveil Cregger’s theatrical interpretation of Resident Evil on September 18, 2026.

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  • AYN Thor Shines in New Demo Videos and Live Photos

    AYN Thor Shines in New Demo Videos and Live Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. AYN Thor is set to start shipping in mid-October, with live photos and demo videos being shared in the meantime.
    2. Demo videos show the AYN Thor playing Nintendo 3DS games, utilizing both screens and touch controls.
    3. The device will be available in four color options, including a Clear Purple version that reveals internal components.
    4. Pre-orders for the AYN Thor start at $249 for the Lite version, with various models priced up to $429 for the Max version.
    5. AYN offers a range of accessories for the handheld, with individual prices and a bundle option for savings.

    The AYN Thor is expected to begin shipping in the middle of October if everything goes as planned. While customers wait for their orders to arrive, AYN has been releasing live photos and demo videos showcasing the handheld device. Recently, they shared a video that highlights the custom software created for this dual-screen gaming handheld. They also released some live images of one of the four available color options. Now, they’ve added two new demo videos and additional live photos displaying all the colors offered.

    Demo Videos of AYN Thor

    In one of the recent demo videos, the AYN Thor is seen playing several Nintendo 3DS games, including Mario Golf World Tour, Rayman Origins, and Super Mario 3D Land. All three titles utilize both screens on the AYN Thor, showing either a map, progress bar, or instructions. The demo also illustrates that players can use touch controls for compatible games, and switch between the main screen and the secondary one.

    Live Photos and Color Options

    The other video also showcases various Nintendo 3DS and DS games, but this time it features the Clear Purple version of the AYN Thor instead of the black variant shown previously. The live photos reveal all four color options, offering a closer look at the purple model that has a see-through shell, allowing visibility of the internal components of the device.

    Pre-Order and Pricing Details

    Customers can pre-order the AYN Thor from the AYN website, starting at $249 for the Lite version, which is equipped with a Snapdragon 865 processor, 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The price increases to $299 for the Base model, which boasts the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor while retaining the same RAM and storage as the Lite version, although upgraded to LPDDR5x and UFS 4.0.

    The Pro and Max models also feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. However, the Pro model has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at $349, while the Max model offers 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, costing $429. Additionally, AYN is offering accessories for the handheld, including a $12 carrying case, a $15 TPU grip case, a $15 TPU transparent shell, a $10 pack of two screen protectors, a $5 soft pouch, and a lanyard for $3. Customers can buy these items individually or save $10 by choosing the accessory pack for $50 instead.

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  • GameSir G7 Pro Xbox Controller Leak: Zenless Zone Zero Collab

    GameSir G7 Pro Xbox Controller Leak: Zenless Zone Zero Collab

    Key Takeaways

    1. GameSir is collaborating with miHoYo to create a new gaming controller inspired by Zenless Zone Zero, using the G7 Pro Xbox wireless controller.
    2. The ZZZ-themed G7 Pro will be available in black and white variants, with the white model featuring designs based on game characters Wise and Belle.
    3. The controllers will include various icons and symbols from Zenless Zone Zero, enhancing the gaming experience.
    4. A compatible charging station will be available alongside the controllers, as shown in leaked images.
    5. The white version may include a magnetic faceplate, suggesting potential for additional ZZZ-themed faceplates as separate purchases.

    It seems that GameSir is collaborating with miHoYo on a new gaming controller inspired by Zenless Zone Zero, this time using its G7 Pro Xbox wireless controller (currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon). Previously, they launched a ZZZ-themed X5 Lite mobile gamepad in China, and now, leaked images shared on X and Reddit indicate that the upcoming controller will have a design that’s somewhat similar.

    Color Options and Design

    Photos shared by @Zenlessnewz on X reveal that the ZZZ-themed G7 Pro will come in both black and white variants. The white model is based on Wise and Belle, echoing the design of the X5 Lite, and features various icons and symbols from the game, including the name of the video rental store. On the other hand, the black version has a more subdued appearance but still showcases the Zenless Zone Zero branding, complemented by orange and silver highlights.

    Additional Features

    In another image posted on Reddit by u/arcsay, which is said to have been located on AliExpress, the controllers are seen next to a compatible charging station. More intriguingly, the image also seems to show a magnetic faceplate for the white variant. This might indicate that GameSir intends to offer ZZZ-themed faceplates as separate purchases, which would be a fantastic option for gamers who have already purchased the controller.

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  • Dragon Ball Sparking ZERO: Goku SSJ4, Vegeta SSJ3 & More DLC

    Dragon Ball Sparking ZERO: Goku SSJ4, Vegeta SSJ3 & More DLC

    Key Takeaways

    1. DAIMA Character Pack 2 DLC will be released on September 24, 2025, introducing six new fighters to Sparking! ZERO.
    2. Early access for players who purchased the Season Pass, Deluxe, and Ultimate Edition starts on September 21.
    3. New characters include Super Saiyan 4 Goku, Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta, and Majin Duu.
    4. Every player will receive a free stage called “First Demon World” along with balance tweaks and gameplay enhancements.
    5. The DLC features fan-favorite transformations and villains, encouraging players to engage with Sparking! ZERO this autumn.

    Dragon Ball enthusiasts won’t have to wait much longer for an exciting change to the character lineup. Bandai Namco is set to release the DAIMA Character Pack 2 DLC on September 24, 2025, which will introduce six new fighters to Sparking! ZERO. This includes beloved characters like Super Saiyan 4 Goku, Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta, and Majin Duu.

    Early Access for Some Players

    Players who purchased the Season Pass, Deluxe, and Ultimate Edition will have the chance to dive in early, starting September 21.

    New Additions and Features

    In addition to the new characters, every player will receive a complimentary stage named “First Demon World,” along with various balance tweaks and gameplay enhancements.

    While the DAIMA Character Pack 2 may not be the largest DLC, it certainly packs a punch with fan-favorite transformations and fresh villains. The inclusion of a free stage and the early access offer gives players yet another great reason to jump back into Sparking! ZERO this autumn.

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    Dragon Ball Sparking ZERO: Goku SSJ4, Vegeta SSJ3 & More DLCDragon Ball Sparking ZERO: Goku SSJ4, Vegeta SSJ3 & More DLC

     

  • Pokémon-Inspired RPG on Steam: 91% Approval, Under $1!

    Pokémon-Inspired RPG on Steam: 91% Approval, Under $1!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Title and Price: Nexomon: Extinction is currently available for under $1 on Steam, making it an affordable option for gamers.

    2. Gameplay Features: Players can capture and train 381 monsters across nine elemental types while facing various enemies, requiring strategic tactics.

    3. Exploration and Challenges: The game features diverse regions to explore, each presenting unique challenges, along with side quests and unique characters.

    4. Dynamic Difficulty: Nexomon: Extinction includes a dynamic difficulty system that increases enemy strength as players level up, making battles progressively tougher.

    5. Player Reception: The game has a 91% positive rating on Steam from over 3,428 reviews, although some players criticize its mobile game resemblance and challenging controls.

    Steam frequently presents numerous fantastic offers for all users on the platform, letting them reap various advantages. Currently, a Pokémon-inspired RPG can be snagged for under $1.

    Game Overview

    This title is Nexomon: Extinction, created by VEWO Interactive Inc. In this game, players must capture and train 381 monsters across nine elemental types while taking on the tyrannical Nexomon. Throughout the journey, players will encounter a mix of foes, some easy and others quite challenging, requiring different tactics to reach their objectives.

    Explore Diverse Regions

    The game boasts many regions to explore, letting players navigate through tundras, dry deserts, lush forests, and deep valleys. However, each of these environments comes with its own set of challenges, so players need to be on their toes.

    Moreover, there are various side quests that players can undertake to earn rewards. Players will also meet a host of unique characters along the way. Importantly, Nexomon: Extinction includes a dynamic difficulty system, meaning as players level up, so do their enemies, making battles progressively tougher.

    Player Feedback

    Nexomon: Extinction has gained significant popularity among players, as evidenced by its 91% positive rating on Steam, based on over 3,428 reviews. Nevertheless, it’s not without its flaws.

    Some users mention that it resembles a mobile game, while others complain about the challenging controls, which can render the game almost unplayable. Additionally, the inability to adjust these controls in the settings could pose an issue for many.

    If Nexomon: Extinction piques your interest, it is currently priced at $0.99 on Steam. You only have a few days to capitalize on this deal, as it expires on September 29, 2025.

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck holds no responsibility for any price alterations made by retailers. The discounted price or deal referenced in this article was accurate at the time of writing and may be subject to time limitations and/or limited stock availability.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini Software Demo Unveiled

    Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini Software Demo Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Operating System and Customization: The Pocket Air Mini runs on Android 11 with a customizable launcher (AYAHome) allowing icon resizing and folder creation for apps and games.

    2. Quick Settings and Interface: Features a Quick Settings menu for adjusting screen brightness, volume, WiFi, and RGB lighting, along with a console-style interface (AYASpace) for mapping controls and performance settings.

    3. Benchmarking: The device’s GPU (Mali-G76 MP4) performance was compared to Snapdragon processors, showing competitive capabilities.

    4. Pricing and Pre-orders: Pre-orders start in October at $69.99 for 2GB RAM/32GB storage and $79.99 for 3GB RAM/64GB storage, with higher final retail prices.

    5. Future Updates: Ayaneo plans to provide more updates and information through YouTube broadcasts.

    Just a few days ago, Ayaneo shared the complete details of the Pocket Air Mini, its new budget gaming handheld. They also provided pricing information for China and globally. Following that, they held another livestream focused on the software features of the Pocket Air Mini.

    Operating System and Customization

    The Pocket Air Mini will come with Android 11 pre-installed, featuring a custom launcher named AYAHome, which is very flexible. Users can resize icons, not only those on the home screen but also those found in the app drawer. During one part of the live demonstration, the app drawer icons were shown being adjusted to a card-like size. Additionally, users can create folders for both apps and games, toggle performance modes, and change the button layout between Xbox and Nintendo styles.

    Quick Settings and Interface

    The livestream showcased a Quick Settings menu that allows users to modify screen brightness and volume, enable WiFi or Airplane mode, and adjust the RGB lighting for the thumbsticks.

    Alongside the custom launcher, the Pocket Air Mini will include a console-style interface called AYASpace. This feature enables users to map on-screen controls to the device’s physical buttons for Android games that do not support controllers. AYASpace also offers more detailed control over performance and RGB settings.

    Benchmarking and Pricing

    Ayaneo also presented an Antutu benchmark result that highlights the performance of the GPU (Mali-G76 MP4) from the Helio G90T processor in comparison to other processors like the Snapdragon 662 and Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, which power the Mangmi Air X and Retroid Pocket Classic (listed at $149 on Amazon), respectively.

    The Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini will begin pre-orders in October, with a starting price of $69.99 for the base version featuring 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. The price rises to $79.99 for the model with 3GB RAM and 64GB storage. These are the super early bird prices, while the final retail prices will be $89.99 and $99.99, correspondingly.

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  • Fast-Paced Free Multiplayer Game Trends After Steam Launch

    Fast-Paced Free Multiplayer Game Trends After Steam Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Launch and Popularity: The Spike Cross launched on September 19, 2025, quickly reaching second place on Steam’s “New & Trending” list.

    2. Positive Reception: The game has over 150 reviews with an overall positive rating of 83%.

    3. Gameplay Features: It is a fast-paced 3v3 volleyball game that supports online multiplayer and cooperative play, featuring a dynamic gameplay experience.

    4. Storyline: The narrative follows Siwoo, a character aiming to become a top middle blocker by competing in various tournaments.

    5. Optimization Issues: While enjoyable, some players note that the PC version is not fully optimized, and competitive matches can be complicated for former mobile players.

    Every week, Steam adds a few free games to its vast collection. While not all of these games are great, many of them turn out to be quite enjoyable, and one such title is The Spike Cross. This game launched on September 19, 2025, and quickly climbed to a spot on Steam’s “New & Trending” list.

    Current Standings

    At the moment, this new free game is sitting at the second position on the chart, boasting over 150 reviews from players, with an overall positive rating of 83%. According to SteamDB, it reached a peak of 821 players on its first day. The Spike Cross is primarily a fast-paced 3v3 volleyball game that supports online multiplayer and cooperative play. Developed by Suncyan, it is said to include an “engaging” storyline.

    Game Plot

    The narrative follows Siwoo, who aspires to be the top middle blocker. To achieve this goal, he must face off against various challengers and participate in multiple tournaments.

    Players who have experienced the game describe its gameplay as dynamic, requiring the execution of various volleyball strategies to outsmart opponents. The controls are smooth, and it supports controllers well (like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, currently priced at $52.99 on Amazon).

    Reception and Optimization

    Though this free title is celebrated for providing an enjoyable sports experience, some players have mentioned that the PC version isn’t completely optimized yet. Former mobile players have also indicated that the competitive matches in the story mode can get overly complicated. To find out more about The Spike Cross, check out the video below.

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  • Glorious Model O3 Gaming Mouse Leaks: Swappable Battery & RGB

    Glorious Model O3 Gaming Mouse Leaks: Swappable Battery & RGB

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Glorious Model O3 features a unique InfinitePlay swappable battery system, allowing for longer gaming sessions without the need to recharge.
    2. The mouse has a distinct design with frosted RGB areas and different “island” contact surfaces, differentiating it from similar models.
    3. It includes two batteries and a charging dock, enabling easy battery swaps during gameplay and showing charge levels for both the mouse and the extra battery.
    4. The Model O3 weighs 66 g, making it heavier than some competitors but still lighter than other Glorious models.
    5. It supports Bluetooth connectivity and boasts an 8 kHz polling rate for high responsiveness during gaming.

    It looks like mouse makers are struggling to keep their upcoming products under wraps, as both Corsair and Logitech have recently had leaks before their official release. This time, instead of the lightweight features seen in the recently teased Pulsar gaming mouse, the Glorious Model O3, spotted at Best Buy, is focusing on a new swappable battery system. This system will allow players to enjoy longer gaming sessions without needing to recharge the mouse itself.

    Design and Features

    The Glorious Model O3, first noticed by @therightclicks on X, seems to share a design style with the Orbital Pathfinder. Its contact surfaces are arranged into different “islands,” but it likely won’t have the same modular qualities. Beneath the smooth surfaces of the mouse’s top shell lies a frosted RGB area, setting it apart from similar gaming mice, such as the all-black Keychron M7 8K that we reviewed recently.

    Swappable Battery System

    What makes the Glorious Model O3 unique is its InfinitePlay swappable battery system. This feature allows users to change batteries without needing to connect the mouse to a charger when it runs low on power. The battery is located at the back, making it easy to handle for anyone used to gaming mice with built-in batteries.

    The packaging states that the swappable battery packs can keep the mouse running for 71 hours on 2.4 GHz and 130 hours using Bluetooth. Interestingly, the Model O3 will also include a small internal battery to help with battery swaps during gameplay, which is said to offer 14 hours of gaming time. For those worried about weight, it’s possible to make the Model O3 lighter by using just the internal battery and charging more often or by removing the internal battery altogether for some weight savings.

    Additional Accessories

    The mouse will come with two batteries and a separate charging dock, known as the InfinitePlay Battery Base. This base serves as a 2.4 GHz receiver and has controls for DPI and polling rate. It also shows the charge levels for both the mouse and the extra battery, adding user-friendly features. The idea is to keep a spare battery handy while gaming wirelessly, allowing players to swap them easily, perhaps even between rounds.

    In a bit of a letdown for lightweight mouse fans, the Glorious Model O3 will reportedly weigh 66 g, which is 30 g heavier than the recently leaked Corsair Sabre V2 Pro. While the 66 g Glorious Model O3 is still lighter than the wireless Glorious Model O2 at 68 g (current price $79.99 on Amazon), it is 6 g heavier than the well-regarded Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 (current price $129.99 on Amazon). Other notable specs for the Glorious Model O3 include Bluetooth connectivity and an 8 kHz polling rate, ensuring the mouse operates with high responsiveness.

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 DLC Details and Modern Warfare 4 Upgrade

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 DLC Details and Modern Warfare 4 Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty DLC is crucial for Activision’s revenue, with Black Ops 6 receiving mixed reviews on content quality.
    2. Black Ops 7 aims to improve player satisfaction by offering a wider variety of maps and skins.
    3. TheGhostOfHope predicts a strong focus on Seasons 1-4 after Black Ops 7’s launch on November 14th, though download rates may slow before Modern Warfare 4 arrives.
    4. Some unreleased content from Black Ops 6 is expected to return in Black Ops 7, potentially limiting new and realistic skins.
    5. Modern Warfare 4, set for a 2026 release, will likely use a new engine and drop support for older consoles, enhancing graphics for current-gen systems.

    Call of Duty DLC has become an important way for Activision to keep making money. Not every player was satisfied with the content quality of Black Ops 6. With the arrival of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Treyarch might try to win over critics by offering a wider range of maps and skins. Well-known leaker TheGhostOfHope has hinted at some big changes for Modern Warfare 4.

    New Focus on Seasons

    TheGhostOfHope forecasts that the developers will center their efforts on Seasons 1-4 after the release date for Black Ops 7, which is set for November 14th. Compared to Modern Warfare 3, players can look forward to a broader selection of DLC. However, the rate at which downloads happen could slow down significantly by the time Modern Warfare 4 launches.

    Nostalgic Content Returns

    Fans wanting new and original content in the upcoming Treyarch game might find themselves disappointed. The leak suggests that some unreleased content from Black Ops 6 will make a return. This might make it harder to create more realistic skins for Black Ops 7. Activision has also stated that any content bought won’t carry over to the new game, but this probably won’t apply to every item.

    New Designs Ahead

    Infinity Ward might have to create new designs for the Modern Warfare 4 DLC. Scheduled for a 2026 release, TheGhostOfHope believes that this installment will use a different engine. Because of this, items from previous games may not work with the new version.

    Modern Warfare 4 is expected to drop support for PS4 and Xbox One, making it a current-gen exclusive. This change should improve graphics on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Otherwise, reports indicate that the game might be set in South and North Korea and feature a new user interface.

    Players may get a preview of the basic cosmetic options during the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 open beta, which kicks off on October 2nd.

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  • Free Multiplayer Shooter: Perfect for Quick Casual Games with Friends

    Free Multiplayer Shooter: Perfect for Quick Casual Games with Friends

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fast-Paced Gameplay: X-MODE offers quick matches that last just a few minutes, making it ideal for casual gaming sessions.

    2. Simple Mechanics: The game features easy-to-understand controls and basic rules, welcoming newcomers without a steep learning curve.

    3. Multiplayer Modes: Players can choose from various modes like Free For All, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag, with a mix of ranged and melee weapons.

    4. Visual Style: The game uses a simplistic pixel art aesthetic, similar to BattleBit, and has received mostly positive reviews.

    5. Free to Play: X-MODE is free to play, making it easy for players to try without any financial commitment, despite some concerns about limited maps and matchmaking.

    For gamers who want a change from intense tactical shooters like Rainbow Six Siege or Escape from Tarkov, the arena shooter X-MODE could be the perfect option. Launched on Steam on September 19, this free-to-play game swaps lengthy preparation and intricate rounds for quick matches, simple rules, and immediate action. As the developers say, it’s “ideal for fast, casual games with pals.”

    Fast-Paced Matches

    In X-MODE, the matches are brief, often clocking in at just a few minutes. The pace is quick, the controls are easy to understand, making it feel welcoming for newcomers right from the get-go. The small maps, obvious objectives, and a basic selection of weapons help maintain a constant flow of action without requiring a steep learning curve. Players can dive into various multiplayer modes such as Free For All, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Infection, Elimination, and Point Hold. There’s a mix of ranged and melee weapons, along with options for character and gear customization. Progress is tracked on global leaderboards.

    Visual Style and Reception

    X-MODE showcases a simplistic pixel art aesthetic, reminiscent of BattleBit, which gained significant attention in 2023. The feedback has been largely favorable, with all 13 reviews available being positive at the time of writing. However, some gamers have pointed out the limited and underdeveloped map selection as a downside. Matchmaking could also be a bit tricky at the moment, since SteamDB recorded a peak of only 28 concurrent players. Nonetheless, giving it a try is risk-free since X-MODE is entirely free to play. Current Steam Deck compatibility is marked as “Unknown,” with the device listed on Amazon for $600.

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