Category: Gaming

  • Pico-Pal: Retro Game Boy Color Style Handheld Coming Soon

    Pico-Pal: Retro Game Boy Color Style Handheld Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pico-Pal has a design similar to the Game Boy Color, common among retro gaming handhelds.
    2. It uses a simpler chip design with a Raspberry Pi RP2350B microcontroller and an Espressif ESP32 for connectivity.
    3. The handheld features a 2.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels.
    4. It includes a 1,500 mAh Li-Po battery with USB Type-C charging support.
    5. The Pico-Pal is set to launch soon on Crowd Supply, with more information to be provided there.

    The Pico-Pal resembles the classic Game Boy Color at first look, which is a common trait among many retro gaming handheld devices. Similarly, Funnyplaying has offered an FPGA-based product for some time, while ModRetro has its own version called the Chromatic.

    Simpler Chip Design

    Unlike the FPGA chipset used in those other devices, the Pico-Pal uses a more straightforward chip. It combines a Raspberry Pi RP2350B microcontroller (currently priced at $12.47 on Amazon) with an Espressif ESP32, which includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 4 MB of flash memory. Additionally, the handheld features a 2.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels and a 1:1 aspect ratio.

    Battery and Charging Features

    Developer Peter Khouly mentions that the device is equipped with a 1,500 mAh Li-Po battery that supports 5 V/1.45 A charging through the Pico-Pal’s USB Type-C port. As shown in the video below, the primary focus of the Pico-Pal is to emulate Game Boy Color games. At this time, it is not clear when the Pico-Pal will be available for purchase. However, the project is anticipated to be ‘launching soon’ on Crowd Supply, where additional information and images of the device can be found. Alternatively, Khouly has outlined the handheld’s development on a specific WordPress page.

    More Information Available

    For those interested, Crowd Supply will provide further insights into the Pico-Pal. Keep an eye on this project, as details are expected to unfold shortly.

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  • E5 Ultra: Retro Gaming Handheld with PS2 & GameCube Emulation

    E5 Ultra: Retro Gaming Handheld with PS2 & GameCube Emulation

    Key Takeaways

    1. GameMT has launched the E5 Ultra gaming handheld, which resembles the E5 Plus but includes significant upgrades.
    2. The device features the new Unisoc T620 chipset, improving performance for emulating systems like Nintendo Gamecube and PlayStation.
    3. The E5 Ultra includes an extra Hall effect joystick, 6 GB of RAM, and a 5,000 mAh battery.
    4. It runs on Android 14 and is priced between $113 and $140 on AliExpress and Banggood.
    5. The E5 Ultra is available in black, grey, and white color options.

    GameMT has launched a brand new gaming handheld after images of the gadget surfaced earlier this year. As anticipated, the device is called the E5 Ultra, which bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, the E5 Plus. However, as Retro Gaming with Deadfred points out in the video below, the E5 Ultra makes significant enhancements in several key areas.

    Upgraded Performance

    For example, GameMT has replaced the Rockchip RK3566 with the Unisoc T620. This new chipset is much more powerful, featuring two ARM Cortex-A75 CPU cores, six Cortex-A55 CPU cores, and a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. This enables the device to emulate gaming systems up to the Nintendo Gamecube and PlayStation on its 5-inch, 720p display.

    Enhanced Features

    Additionally, the E5 Ultra comes with an extra Hall effect joystick, 6 GB of RAM, and a robust 5,000 mAh battery. It also runs on Android 14 right out of the box, similar to the Kinhank K56, which is currently priced at $179.99 on Amazon. At present, you can find the GameMT E5 Ultra for sale on platforms like AliExpress and Banggood, with prices ranging from $113 to about $140, depending on the seller, not including any discount codes. As of now, the E5 Ultra is available in black, grey, and white color options.

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  • Miyoo Mini Flip: Compact Clamshell Handheld Gaming in 4 Colors

    Miyoo Mini Flip: Compact Clamshell Handheld Gaming in 4 Colors

    Key Takeaways

    1. The release of clamshell retro gaming handhelds has slowed down after a flurry of launches earlier this year.
    2. New products like the AYN Thor and Ayaneo Pocket DS are shifting focus towards pricier options compared to earlier models.
    3. The Miyoo Mini Flip is a smaller version of the Miyoo Flip, featuring a 2.8-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.
    4. The Mini Flip will use the same ARM Cortex-A7 dual-core processor and has 128 MB of RAM.
    5. Miyoo is planning a global release for the Mini Flip, offering four color options, but no confirmed release date or pricing details are available yet.

    The flow of clamshell retro gaming handhelds that we saw earlier this year has slowed down. To summarize, the Anbernic RG34XX SP, Miyoo Flip, and Powkiddy V90S (currently priced at $59.99 on Amazon) all debuted within a short span. Since then, companies have shifted towards pricier products like the AYN Thor, Ayaneo Pocket DS, and a less expensive variant of the Retroid Pocket Flip 2.

    Updates on the Mini Flip

    A recent report indicates that Miyoo has not lost sight of its Mini Flip. Initially revealed in the spring, the Mini Flip is significantly smaller than its predecessor, the Miyoo Flip. It’s said that Miyoo has used the 2.8-inch IPS screen from the Miyoo Mini V4, which has a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. In contrast, the standard Flip has a 0.7-inch bigger screen that measures 3.5 inches diagonally, but it keeps the same 480p and 4:3 ratio.

    Specs and Expectations

    Additionally, the Mini Flip is believed to use the same ARM Cortex-A7 based dual-core processor, along with just 128 MB of RAM available. Reports suggest that Miyoo is nearing a global release for the Mini Flip. According to a recent post on Reddit, there will be four colour options available for the Mini Flip, as shown below. Sadly, there are no confirmed details regarding the exact release date or the pricing at launch.

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    Miyoo Mini Flip: Compact Clamshell Handheld Gaming in 4 Colors

     

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  • New Fortnite Skin Leak: Peacemaker Season 2 with John Cena

    New Fortnite Skin Leak: Peacemaker Season 2 with John Cena

    Key Takeaways

    1. Peacemaker, played by John Cena, is confirmed to be added to Fortnite, as revealed by data miners HYPEX and Shiina.
    2. The Peacemaker bundle includes his outfit, three helmets, a helmetless version, a back bling featuring Eagly, and emotes like Peaceful Hips and Eat Peace.
    3. Pricing for the bundle is speculated to be between 1,800 and 2,200 V-Bucks, with individual items priced separately.
    4. The Peacemaker skin is expected to be released after the current Power Rangers event and Beavis and Butt-Head crossover, potentially around September 16.
    5. Fan reactions are mixed, with some praising the design while others criticize it, but the addition is anticipated to boost sales in the Item Shop.

    James Gunn’s version of DC’s antihero, played by John Cena, is set to make his way into Fortnite. This was disclosed through a recent data mine that found the character skin in the game’s files. Fortnite leakers HYPEX and Shiina were the ones who decrypted the Peacemaker skin earlier this week, showing that Peacemaker is now on Epic’s game servers.

    New Bundle Details

    The reveal of the Fortnite Peacemaker skin comes at a time when Peacemaker Season 2 is currently airing, which started on HBO Max on August 21, 2025, and has eight episodes in total.

    As per the leaks, the Peacemaker bundle has his outfit along with three different helmets and a version of the skin without a helmet. The bundle also features a back bling showcasing Peacemaker’s sidekick, Eagly, as a cute plush toy. Furthermore, the skin is likely to include emotes such as the Peaceful Hips, inspired by the intro dance from Peacemaker Season 2, as well as the track ‘Oh Lord’ by Foxy Shazam, plus the Eat Peace Emote.

    Pricing Speculations

    Additional items in this bundle are Peacemaker’s shield as a melee weapon and the Clearly Peaceful Weapon skin. Even though Epic Games hasn’t officially announced the Peacemaker skin yet, leaks suggest that the bundle might be priced between 1,800 and 2,200 V-Bucks, while single items could be priced separately: the skin for 1,800, the back bling for 300, and the emotes and weapon wrap for 500 V-Bucks each.

    Fortnite has a long history of collaborations with DC, including skins for Superman, Batman, Harley Quinn, and even John Cena in his WWE character. The Peacemaker skin might be released sometime after the conclusion of Fortnite’s Power Rangers event and the ongoing Beavis and Butt-Head crossover, leading fans to anticipate Peacemaker’s arrival in Fortnite during Chapter 6 Season 4.

    Fan Reactions

    Dataminers think that the skin could appear in the Item Shop as soon as next week, around September 16. However, Epic Games has not made a formal announcement yet.

    The gaming community’s reactions have varied, with some fans commending the skin’s attention to detail, while others criticized it as a “budget John Cena superhero.” Epic Games continues to take advantage of pop culture and comic book collaborations more than any other live service game, and it’s clear that Peacemaker’s addition will likely boost sales in the Item Shop and increase the number of players when the bundle finally drops.

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  • Super Mario Bros. Movie Sequel Leaks Before Nintendo Direct

    Super Mario Bros. Movie Sequel Leaks Before Nintendo Direct

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo Direct on September 12th may showcase Mario games and potentially the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, set for release on April 3rd, 2026.
    2. Speculation surrounds the title of the sequel, with hints of it being called Super Mario World or Super Mario Galaxy based on recent domain registrations.
    3. A trademark renewal for Super Mario Galaxy suggests the possibility of a third film rather than just the sequel.
    4. Super Mario Galaxy, released in 2007, is highly regarded and could influence future gaming releases, especially with the upcoming Switch 2.
    5. Fans are eager for announcements related to new Mario games and possible remastered collections, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.

    Many fans are curious about which Mario games Nintendo will showcase during the Nintendo Direct on September 12th. There’s also a chance that the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which is set to premiere on April 3rd, 2026, will be part of the presentation. Previous rumors hinted that the film might be titled Super Mario World, but recent domain registrations indicate that Super Mario Galaxy could also be a contender.

    New Hints and Speculations

    Kurakasis mentioned the Super Mario Galaxy title on social media too. The excitement has grown as Reddit users found registered domains, like supermariogalaxy-lefilm.com and supermariogalaxy-lapelicula.com, which link back to Universal Pictures, the company behind the sequel.

    Another leaker, necrolipe, recently discovered a trademark renewal filing for Super Mario Galaxy. This raises the possibility that these domains could relate to a third film instead of just the sequel. Nevertheless, with the Nintendo Direct coming up soon, it’s odd timing. Nintendo might have delayed domain registrations to prevent leaks from getting out.

    The Legacy of Super Mario Galaxy

    Super Mario Galaxy, which was remastered later, was launched in 2007 on the Wii and is often regarded as one of Nintendo’s top Mario games. Its 3D platforming gameplay is famous for its unique space settings. While the storyline for The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel remains unclear, fans are now hopeful that Mario will venture into a completely new world.

    In past Nintendo Direct events, we’ve seen trailers for the 2023 film. Given that it’s the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., it wouldn’t be shocking if Nintendo decided to reveal a preview of the upcoming film.

    Future Gaming Possibilities

    Gamers are now pondering what the rumored movie title could mean for a game on the Switch 2, set for release in 2026. Even if the upcoming 3D Mario title isn’t directly linked, there’s speculation that Nintendo could put out a collection that features a classic Super Mario Galaxy title.

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    Super Mario Bros. Movie Sequel Leaks Before Nintendo Direct

     

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  • Cute Base Building Game from Kurzgesagt Launches on Steam with Discount

    Cute Base Building Game from Kurzgesagt Launches on Steam with Discount

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Kurzgesagt launched “Star Birds” in early access on Steam, offering a cozy base-building and resource management game with charming animations and a relaxing experience.

    2. Gameplay Focus: Players guide space-traveling birds in a non-competitive environment, focusing on expanding territories, collecting resources, and automating processes without intense adversarial challenges.

    3. Visual Style: The game features Kurzgesagt’s signature bubbly, vector-style art with whimsical designs, ensuring each asteroid is unique due to procedural generation.

    4. Positive Reception: “Star Birds” has received an 85% positive review score from 185 reviews shortly after launch, highlighting its enjoyable art style and accessibility.

    5. Accessibility and Compatibility: The game is user-friendly with minimal system requirements and is compatible with devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S running SteamOS, currently available at a launch discount of $17.99.

    Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, the well-known YouTube channel recognized for its charming animations of adorable birds that break down complex subjects, has launched Star Birds in early access on Steam. This new game immerses players into the delightful universe seen in their videos, blending cozy gameplay with base-building elements, resource management, and automation simulation, even though it wasn’t intended to be a detailed or precise simulation.

    A New Relaxing Experience

    According to the team at Kurzgesagt, the aim of Star Birds was to design a “calm asteroid base-building and resource management game” that would attract both seasoned players and newcomers in the genre. It’s still in the early access phase, but feedback suggests that Kurzgesagt, along with Toukana Interactive — the developers of Dorfromantik — have succeeded, achieving an 85% positive review score so far.

    Gameplay Dynamics

    The mechanics of Star Birds combine classic base-building and resource management features. You guide a team of space-traveling birds on a quest for survival throughout the galaxy. Rather than the intense struggle against adversaries found in FPS survival games like Astrometica, Star Birds opts for a more comfortable and satisfying experience. Players find joy in expanding their territories, collecting resources, crafting new items, and automating their production and harvesting processes as they progress. There are no major boss fights, allowing players to enjoy the game at a relaxed pace.

    Visuals and Compatibility

    In line with its gameplay, the visuals are distinctly cozy, showcasing Kurzgesagt’s signature bubbly, vector-style art and whimsical character and environment designs. Players will spend a lot of time observing some quite unusual asteroids, making the mining areas resemble a 360-degree camera view in “tiny world” mode. While the overall aesthetic remains consistent, each asteroid has unique traits, and procedural generation ensures every playthrough feels new. With a spacious user interface, minimal system requirements, and a Platinum score on ProtonDB, Star Birds is also compatible with devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S (currently priced at $649.99 on Amazon) running SteamOS.

    Star Birds has garnered an 85% positive rating from 185 reviews, an impressive feat considering these were accumulated within just a day. Although there are some complaints regarding UI scaling and a few bugs — which are typical for a day-one early access release — the majority of reviews commend Star Birds for its enjoyable art style, easy accessibility, and relaxed gameplay experience. It appears to be a perfect game for playing with children or for anyone new to base-building and resource management genres, and with a 10% launch discount, it’s available for $17.99.

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  • Stunning Live Photos of the AYN Thor You Can’t Miss

    Stunning Live Photos of the AYN Thor You Can’t Miss

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AYN Thor is a new handheld gaming device with dual screens, available for pre-order in four colors and configurations, launching mid-October.
    2. The design features a vintage look with a light off-white body, colored ABXY buttons, and gray thumbsticks and D-Pad.
    3. The device includes ventilation for cooling and a planned grip case for improved comfort during use.
    4. Its software interface allows users to access system information and settings on the smaller screen without leaving the main game.
    5. Specifications include a dual-screen setup, Snapdragon processors, up to 16GB RAM, 1TB expandable storage, and a price range of $249 to $459.

    The AYN Thor is a new handheld gaming device with two screens, which was revealed last month. It comes in four different colors and configurations, and you can pre-order it ahead of its launch in the middle of October. While customers wait for their devices to arrive, AYN has released live images that give us a clearer view of this exciting gadget.

    A Closer Look at the Design

    The images showcase the Rainbow color version, which actually features a light off-white or alabaster tone, giving it a vintage feel. For this variant, AYN has opted for colored ABXY buttons, which enhance the overall look of the device. The handheld is equipped with gray thumbsticks and a D-Pad that match, while all other buttons, including shoulder and trigger buttons, share the same alabaster shade as the body.

    Features and Build Quality

    One of the images allows us to see the back of the device up close, where you can spot ventilation for cooling and an engraving of the brand’s name. The rear of the Thor is nearly flat, which is why AYN plans to offer a grip case to ensure better comfort during use.

    Software and User Interface

    We also got a sneak peek at the software interface on this dual-screen device. In one of the photos, the main screen displays the home interface while the smaller screen shows key system information like FPS, device temperature, fan speed, plus CPU, GPU, and RAM stats.

    Moreover, the lower screen includes quick access to apps and settings, allowing users to adjust things without leaving their game or application on the main screen. It would be great if AYN could share more information in a way similar to what Ayaneo did with the Pocket DS, or even better, produce a video showing how everything functions.

    Specifications and Pricing

    The AYN Thor features a dual-screen setup with a 6-inch FHD AMOLED display at 120Hz and a 3.92-inch secondary screen at 60Hz. Depending on the model, users can choose between a Snapdragon 865 processor or the more robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, combined with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage. The device is also equipped with a 6,000mAh battery that supports 27W fast charging, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3.

    You can pre-order the AYN Thor from their official website, starting at a price of $249 for the basic model, which can go up to $459 for the highest-end configuration.

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  • Battlefield 6 Skin Leak Raises Concerns Over Unrealistic Cosmetics

    Battlefield 6 Skin Leak Raises Concerns Over Unrealistic Cosmetics

    Key Takeaways

    1. Battlefield 6 developers aimed for a military-themed aesthetic, but a leaked skin has raised concerns about diverging from this direction.
    2. Reddit users have mixed feelings about the neon green striped skin, viewing it as mild yet a departure from realistic military attire.
    3. Battlefield 2042 featured quirky skins, contrasting with Call of Duty’s bold designs, which often include celebrity-inspired outfits.
    4. Developers must balance premium cosmetic items to keep games engaging while avoiding alienation of players who value realism.
    5. The limited availability of genuine military-themed skins could lead to a resurgence of unconventional cosmetics, worrying dedicated Battlefield fans.

    Developers had earlier indicated that the skins in Battlefield 6 would stick closely to a military theme. This gave fans hope that they wouldn’t see the wild cosmetics often found in other first-person shooters. However, a recently leaked skin has left some gamers feeling a bit less hopeful about this direction.

    Reddit Reactions

    According to Game Rant, a user named SpiritualBacon shared a Reddit post that has sparked quite a bit of discussion regarding the skin in question. The consensus among most readers is that the neon green striped outfit is relatively mild. Yet, it’s still different enough from real military attire to raise some eyebrows. Some players are concerned that developers might become too lenient with the content once Battlefield 6 is fully released.

    Comparisons with Other Franchises

    Battlefield 2042 had its fair share of quirky soldier skins, including one that honored Santa Claus. In contrast, the Call of Duty franchise is known for taking bolder chances with its designs, often drawing inspiration from celebrities.

    Facing backlash from their community, Treyarch decided not to allow skins from Black Ops 6 to carry over to Black Ops 7. Nevertheless, they have since reversed that decision. Some premium Zombie-themed outfits will be featured in the new first-person shooter.

    Balancing Act for Developers

    The ongoing debate between Battlefield and Call of Duty highlights the tricky balancing act that developers must manage when it comes to cosmetic items. Premium character skins can help keep a game alive long after it has launched. Additionally, themed gear inspired by movies or TV shows might attract new players to the often intimidating world of shooter games.

    However, there’s a risk that companies could alienate dedicated players who value realism. The challenge for developers lies in the limited number of genuine operator, vehicle, and weapon skins available for inspiration. Fans of Battlefield worry that when creativity runs dry, they might see a return of unconventional cosmetics.

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  • Battlefield 6 Reddit Video Uncovers Controversial Weapon Attachment

    Battlefield 6 Reddit Video Uncovers Controversial Weapon Attachment

    Key Takeaways

    1. Thermal sights provide a significant advantage by making enemies visible as glowing figures, reducing the effectiveness of camouflage.
    2. There is ongoing debate among gamers about how to balance thermal optics in Battlefield 6 for fair play.
    3. Suggested balancing methods include reducing aim-down-sight speed and decreasing effectiveness in smoke or explosions.
    4. Players may need to sacrifice other perks to use thermal sights, making it a tactical decision rather than a guaranteed advantage.
    5. The community expresses mixed feelings about thermal sights, praising gameplay visuals but fearing they may overpower the game.

    In a video posted by Reddit user u/5GhostKW, viewers can see both an assault rifle and a sniper rifle with thermal sights being used. The scopes make enemies visible as glowing figures against a grey backdrop, making them easier to identify from a distance and largely reducing the effectiveness of camouflage. This gives Recon players a distinct advantage, enabling them to mark and take down foes with less hassle, thus providing a significant tactical benefit to their squad.

    The Double-Edged Sword of Thermal Sights

    Thermal sights have long been a contentious feature in shooting games. While they are a common element in modern military-style titles, enhancing players’ ability to assess situations, they can quickly become too strong if not balanced correctly. This has led to a vibrant discussion on Reddit, where gamers are debating how DICE should manage thermal optics in Battlefield 6 to ensure fair play.

    Suggestions for Balancing Thermal Optics

    Some balancing ideas discussed include a noticeable decrease in aim-down-sight speed and a drop in effectiveness when facing smoke or explosions. Another potential method is based on loadouts: in Battlefield 6, players can allocate up to 100 points for weapon attachments, with powerful add-ons like suppressors requiring more points. It is likely that thermal sights will operate under the same principle, meaning players might have to give up other perks to use them, turning the optic into a tactical decision rather than an automatic advantage. A few users also referenced Battlefield 4, where thermal scopes could be countered by flashlights or lasers, suggesting that similar tactics could be reintroduced to maintain fairness in gameplay.

    In general, the sentiment in the Reddit conversation is quite varied. While many fans commend the fluid gameplay and visual aesthetics showcased in the leak, there are worries that thermal sights might overpower the game. Whether DICE can find the right balance will soon be known, as Battlefield 6 is officially set to release on October 10.

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  • Dambuster Studios Reveals Dead Island 3 Tease and New Location

    Dambuster Studios Reveals Dead Island 3 Tease and New Location

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dambuster Studios has teased Dead Island 3, following the success of Dead Island 2 with over 20 million players.
    2. A new location for Dead Island 3 has been hinted at, promising intriguing surprises.
    3. A reference to the classic film “Dawn of the Dead” was made in a recent post, adding to the game’s thematic elements.
    4. Fans should be prepared for a potentially long wait for Dead Island 3, similar to the delays experienced with Dead Island 2.
    5. Further details about Dead Island 3 will be shared in the future, so fans should stay tuned for updates.

    More than two years after the launch of Dead Island 2, Dambuster Studios has offered a glimpse of the upcoming installment, Dead Island 3, on X. But that’s not all; a fresh location has been hinted at, which might come with some intriguing surprises.

    Exciting Developments

    In a recent post on X, Dambuster Studios mentioned that over 20 million gamers have enjoyed Dead Island 2 since its debut. Following that, more updates regarding the next game have been shared.

    The tweet features a message that says, “When there’s no more room in Hell-A,” referencing the classic 1978 film, Dawn of the Dead. Additionally, there’s an image of Jacob, who is seen walking down a road with a suitcase in tow. Although Dead Island 3 has been teased, fans will need to stay tuned for further details, especially concerning the new location.

    Anticipating Delays

    It’s worth noting that there may be a considerable wait for this new title. Dead Island 2 was originally expected to come out in 2015, but due to its troubled development, the release was pushed back to April 2023. This frustrating situation has left many fans of the series feeling annoyed. It’s likely that we might see a similar pattern with the development of Dead Island 3, so we should prepare ourselves for a longer wait before we can dive into the game.

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