Category: Gaming

March 17, 2025
Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro: 30W Cooling & Wireless Charging
Key Takeaways
1. Cooling Efficiency: The Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro can lower device temperatures by up to 41 degrees Celsius and reach a minimum cooling temperature of -16 degrees Celsius.
2. Modular Design: It features a versatile modular system with magnetic and clip-on attachments, making it compatible with various devices.
3. Advanced Cooling Technology: Equipped with a 30W cooling system, a large 4.7mm thermoelectric cooling plate, and a seven-blade fan, it enhances cooling efficiency while maintaining low noise levels at 35dB.
4. Smart Temperature Control: The cooler includes an NTC sensor for real-time temperature monitoring and offers three cooling modes for customizable performance.
5. Multiple Charging Options: It supports both wireless and wired charging, includes various modular attachments, and features dual Type-C ports for fast charging.
As anticipated, Nubia has introduced the Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro, a top-tier gaming accessory crafted to avoid overheating. The basic version is available for 239 yuan ($33), while a package that includes a wireless charging cooling plate is priced at 369 yuan ($51). This product comes in a sleek Silver White color.
Features of the Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro
The Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro boasts a cutting-edge modular design, enabling users to attach it using a 14N magnetic module for compatible devices or a clip-on module for phones that lack magnetic capability. It is equipped with a robust 30W cooling system that provides quick heat dissipation. In ideal circumstances, it can lower device temperatures by as much as 41 degrees Celsius, with the lowest cooling temperature reaching -16 degrees Celsius.
The cooler has a 4.7mm-thick high-density thermoelectric cooling (TEC) plate, which is 34% larger than standard TEC plates, increasing cooling efficiency by 17%. Its aluminum heat sink, infused with graphene, enhances thermal conductivity by 54%, while a dual-layer composite thermal silicone pad improves heat transfer and ensures a scratch-free attachment.
Enhanced Performance and Functionality
The device includes a 40x15mm seven-blade fan that boosts airflow by 20% and enhances cooling efficiency by 15%. Its aerodynamic 3D air duct design reduces noise levels and improves airflow without causing discomfort. Even with its powerful performance, it operates at a quiet 35dB, making it ideal for an engrossing gaming session.
To avoid condensation and overheating, the cooler is fitted with an NTC sensor that tracks real-time temperatures and adjusts the fan speed and power output on-the-fly. It offers three cooling modes: smart temperature control, overclocking mode, and manual adjustment, allowing users to tailor their cooling experience according to their preferences.
Versatile Charging Options
The cooler is compatible with both wireless and wired charging modules. It comes with several modular attachments, including a magnetic cooling clip, a clamp-style attachment, a live-streaming cooling module, a wireless charging module, and a portable power bank. Each attachment serves a unique purpose and can be purchased separately.
The Cooler 6 Pro includes dual Type-C ports with PD fast charging, and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It also features RGB lighting effects, app-based controls, and a compact and lightweight design for convenient portability.
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Tags: gaming accessory, Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro, Red Magic
March 17, 2025
Silent Hill f Gets ESRB Rating; Release Date Still Unknown
Key Takeaways
1. Silent Hill f relies on tension from expected violent confrontations rather than constant bloodshed, enhancing horror through anticipation.
2. The game is set in a 1960s Japanese mountain town, introducing a new environment that heightens tension for long-time series fans.
3. Silent Hill f has received a Mature rating from the ESRB, indicating intense melee combat with monsters but no firearms mentioned.
4. There is no confirmed release date for Silent Hill f, despite the game likely nearing completion after receiving its ESRB rating.
5. Players should expect unsettling occurrences, and it may be wise to wait for the game’s official launch on PS5, Xbox, and PC for full details.
Much of the fear in Silent Hill games comes from the tension of expecting violent confrontations rather than constant bloodshed. However, as characters make their way through towns shrouded in fog, horrifying scenes eventually appear. The latest trailer for Silent Hill f, which is the first game in the series set in Japan, showcases some terrifying visuals. Konami’s game has now earned a Mature rating from the ESRB, along with a few spoilers. Dissatisfied fans are still left without a definite release date for Silent Hill f.
Mature Rating Expectations
It’s not surprising that Silent Hill f carries a Mature label, as earlier games in the series have also been rated the same. However, as graphics become more advanced, the portrayal of blood and violence can appear more lifelike. The ESRB website highlights intense melee combat featuring monsters, mutants, and mythical beings. Interestingly, there is no mention of ranged weapons or firearms, which are often present in many Silent Hill installments.
A New Setting
Silent Hill f is set in a Japanese mountain town from the 1960s, breaking away from the usual American Maine backdrop. The trailer does not provide a clear storyline or delve into various gameplay elements. Still, gamers will need to navigate a female student through streets stained with blood and surrounded by corpses, as noted by the ESRB description. The unfamiliar environment for long-time Silent Hill enthusiasts should heighten the tension.
Uncertain Timeline
There is no established timeline for when a game is released after receiving an ESRB rating. Typically, a game is almost finished, and players can anticipate its launch soon. Additionally, the multi-platform game has its PC specifications listed on Steam. While the release of Silent Hill f may only be a few months away, it remains unclear why Konami has not provided more details.
The ESRB summary hints at even more unsettling occurrences. To keep surprises intact, it might be wise to wait until Silent Hill f is launched on the PS5, Xbox, and PC.
The reveal trailer and ESRB rating page offer a glimpse into the chilling world of Silent Hill f.
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Tags: ESRB Mature, PS5, Silent Hill f
March 17, 2025
AMD Achieves Record GPU Market Share in Japan with RX 9070 Series
Key Takeaways
1. AMD has launched the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, gaining attention for their strong price-to-performance ratio and better availability than RTX 50 GPUs.
2. AMD Radeon sales in Japan have reached a record-high share of 45%, but ASRock aims for a 70% share, indicating room for growth.
3. AIB partners are facing production challenges due to a shortage of GPUs, affecting the supply of Radeon cards.
4. The RX 9070 and 9070 XT are performing well globally, ranking among the top sellers in markets like the UK, Germany, and the US.
5. AMD is currently successful in the GPU market but will face competition from Nvidia as they prepare to launch the RX 9600 and RTX 5060 series.
AMD has successfully launched the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, which have gained a lot of attention. Their great price-to-performance ratio and a larger availability compared to the limited supply of the RTX 50 GPUs have led to strong sales for AMD Radeon cards. This surge in sales is likely to positively impact Team Red’s market share, helping it to close the gap with Nvidia, who has been the market leader in recent times.
Sales Success in Japan
During a Team AMD Roundtable event in Japan, Yoshiaki Sato, the Marketing Manager for AMD Japan, shared that “Radeon’s sales share in Japan has reached 45%.” This is said to be a record-high figure. Nevertheless, ASRock’s representative, Mr. Haraguchi, expressed a wish for a 70% share, noting that Team Red is still “below the majority.”
Supply Challenges
AIB partners at the event raised concerns about their inability to produce as many Radeon cards as needed due to a shortage of GPUs. In simpler terms, the supply for Radeon GPUs like the Navi 48, which is used in the RX 9070 and 9070 XT, is insufficient, leading to a decrease in card production by AIBs.
If AMD can resolve this supply issue, it could lead to better stock levels, which may lower prices and boost sales, further increasing AMD’s market share.
Global Performance
The RX 9070 and 9070 XT aren’t just doing well in Japan; previous reports have indicated that Team Red’s newest cards are also selling effectively in the UK and Germany. In the US, they are among the top sellers on Newegg, with two RX 9070 XT AIB models ranking 4th and 5th, nestled between other AMD models like the RX 6600 and RX 7900 XTX (Available on Amazon). For comparison, the RTX 5080 is the sole RTX 50 card listed in Newegg’s top ten best-sellers, coming in at 9th place.
Currently, AMD is riding high in this GPU generation. It will be interesting to see if they can maintain their edge over Nvidia as we approach the entry-level and lower-midrange segments with the upcoming RX 9600 and RTX 5060 series.
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Tags: AMD RX 9070, GPU Market Share, Newegg Best Sellers
March 17, 2025
CS: Legacy Announced – Counter-Strike 1.6 Remake on Source Engine
Key Takeaways
1. Counter-Strike 2 has set a record with 1.8 million concurrent players.
2. A new project called CS: Legacy recreates Counter-Strike 1.6 using Valve’s Source Engine.
3. CS: Legacy aims to maintain the classic feel of Counter-Strike 1.6 while offering modern updates.
4. The game will enter early access in 2025, with a full version expected to take longer.
5. Players can follow CS: Legacy’s development on social media and support it through Patreon.
Counter-Strike 2, with its highs and lows, has managed to set a new record for concurrent players, reaching a peak of 1.8 million. Fans of the classic Counter-Strike series will be excited to learn that a skilled group of modders has recreated the iconic Counter-Strike 1.6 from the ground up. This ambitious project is named CS: Legacy, and it comes from the same developers who created CSPromod.
A Modern Take on a Classic
CS: Legacy has been constructed entirely on Valve’s Source Engine, featuring unique assets and game code. This essentially transforms it into a contemporary version of Counter-Strike 1.6. Players can only wish that the developers retain some of the beloved quirks of Counter-Strike 1.6 to preserve the authentic feel. The trailer showcases two key maps: de_nuke and fy_pool_day. Additionally, it’s expected that fan-favorite maps like cs_untitled and cs_untitled2 will also be included, which would be great.
Waiting for the Release
Sadly, CS: Legacy won’t be available for play right away. The game is set to enter early access at some point in 2025, and the full version might take even longer to arrive. To stay updated and get more information, you can follow the development team on various social media or join their official Discord channel. If you’re interested in supporting the developers financially, there’s a Patreon page specifically for that purpose.
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Tags: Counter-Strike 2, CS: Legacy, Valve’s Source Engine
March 16, 2025
Steam Adds New Free Games in March 2025 Collection Expansion
Key Takeaways
1. Steam’s yearly Spring Sale features significant discounts on popular games, with some prices at their lowest ever.
2. Numerous free games are available during the sale in March 2025.
3. Prices and deals are subject to change, and may be limited by time or availability.
4. Gamers should check back regularly for new deals and updates throughout the sale.
5. Notebookcheck is not responsible for any price changes made by retailers.
Steam is having its yearly Spring Sale, slashing prices on several popular games to their lowest ever. But that’s not all that the platform has to offer in March 2025. In addition to the big discounts, there are also numerous free games available. Below are some key points:
Important Notice
Please note that Notebookcheck is not liable for any changes in prices made by retailers. The deals or prices shared in this article were accurate at the time it was written, but they could be limited by time or availability.
Exciting Offers
With this sale, gamers can grab fantastic titles at reduced prices. Be sure to check back regularly as the sale progresses since new deals may appear and some may disappear.
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Tags: discounted games, Free Games, Steam Spring Sale
March 16, 2025
Metroid Prime 4: Exciting Details Revealed at April Nintendo Direct
Key Takeaways
1. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, developed by Retro Studios since 2019, is set to release in 2025, with a trailer revealed in June 2024.
2. Insider Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly suggests the game will be a major focus at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event in April, but cautions that plans may change.
3. The new game is expected to push technological boundaries, similar to past Metroid titles that maximized Nintendo’s hardware capabilities.
4. Speculations about the Switch 2 include a larger screen and improved hardware, which could enhance the gaming experience for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
5. Nintendo may be holding back other game releases until the Switch 2 arrives, with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond potentially being featured alongside titles like Pokémon Legends Z-A and a new Mario Kart.
Since the announcement in 2017, gamers have been eagerly awaiting the release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. When Retro Studios took charge of development in 2019, not many details came to light. Finally, in June 2024, Nintendo revealed a trailer and confirmed that the new Metroid Prime would be released the following year. An insider associated with Retro Studios now believes that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be a key focus during the Nintendo Switch 2 direct event in April.
Confirmation and Caution
Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly shared the news about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on X but noted that Nintendo’s plans might still change. The original game, released in 2002, took a bold step by changing from 2D side-scrolling to a first-person perspective. While earlier Metroid games were primarily side-scrollers, the Prime series often pushed Nintendo’s hardware to its limits. Kiwi Talkz suggests that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will again achieve a significant technological advancement at the upcoming Switch 2 Direct.
Speculation on Hardware
In January, Nintendo’s reveal video supported rumors about the Switch 2, showcasing a bigger screen and magnetic joy-cons. However, the specifics regarding the handheld’s internal components remain uncertain. An upgraded processor and support for DLSS frame generation would greatly enhance the experience in a demanding game like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Another lingering question is if the new Metroid Prime was designed for Nintendo’s next console. Given the lengthy development time, it might not have always been destined to launch with the Switch 2. Thanks to backward compatibility, games from the current generation will work on the new system. Nevertheless, it would be unexpected if the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct didn’t highlight some impressive upgrades.
Future Releases
With a sparse release schedule, it seems Nintendo has been holding off on releasing several new titles until the Switch 2 arrives. News about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could headline the next month’s event alongside Pokémon Legends Z-A and a new Mario Kart title. It’s worth noting that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched with the Switch but was also available on the Wii U at the same time. Similarly, it’s likely that many of these upcoming games will be playable on both systems.
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Tags: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Nintendo Switch 2, Retro Studios
March 16, 2025
SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview: New Handheld Support & Desktop Experience
Key Takeaways
1. SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, called “Pi Day,” introduces support for third-party gaming handhelds beyond the Steam Deck.
2. The update upgrades the Arc Linux base and moves the Linux Kernel to version 6.11 for improved performance.
3. Transition from Plasma 5.7 to 6.2.5 aims to enhance the desktop experience for Linux users.
4. The update addresses bugs, updates the Mesa graphics driver, and improves controller/input functionality.
5. A general-purpose version of SteamOS may be released soon, potentially competing with Windows.
The SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview is officially here, marking a significant update from Valve. Known as “Pi Day,” this update introduces several improvements, with one of the most notable being the support for gaming handhelds that are not Steam Deck.
Uncertain Support for Handhelds
However, it remains unclear which third-party handheld gaming devices will receive full support with this SteamOS Preview update. Although this is just the initial step, Valve has kept its word about broadening support. Of course, there are more exciting features in the update. The 3.7.0 Preview also includes new functionalities, numerous enhancements, and various updates to improve user experience.
Key Upgrades in the Update
As per the release notes, the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview upgrades the Arc Linux base and moves the Linux Kernel to version 6.11. These changes promise to offer better software accessibility and performance improvements. Additionally, the update shifts from Plasma 5.7 to 6.2.5, which aims to provide a more desktop-like experience for Linux users.
Moreover, the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview addresses multiple known bugs, updates the Mesa graphics driver, and resolves controller and input problems. The new version also enhances the transition between game and desktop modes, boosts surround sound support, and increases compatibility with various displays.
Looking Ahead
While the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview broadens the OS’s compatibility with third-party gaming handhelds like the 512 GB Legion Go currently priced at $602 on Amazon, we are still waiting for Valve to unveil a general-purpose version of the OS. However, reports suggest that this could happen soon, making it interesting to see how it will stack up against Windows when that time comes.
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Tags: Legion Go, SteamOS 3.7.0, Valve
March 16, 2025
Free Nintendo 3DS Emulator Launches with 50% Performance Boost
Key Takeaways
1. Azahar is a new Nintendo 3DS emulator developed from Lime3DS source code after the shutdown of Yuzu and Citra due to legal issues with Nintendo.
2. The first release candidate of Azahar is available for testing on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with plans for a stable release if no major issues are found in the first week.
3. A notable feature of Azahar is the “Disable Right Eye Rendering” hack, which improves performance by displaying graphics in monoscopic mode, beneficial for lower-powered devices.
4. To avoid legal problems, Azahar requires users to own a Nintendo 3DS to extract game files, using a tool called Artic, and does not support loading encrypted games.
5. Azahar developers emphasize legal use, encouraging users to back up their own original games and providing information on this in their blog.
Back when Yuzu, a well-known Nintendo 3DS emulator, shut its doors, Citra didn’t take long to follow suit, seemingly due to the legal actions Nintendo announced against the emulator’s creator. Shortly after, Azahar was introduced as a new Nintendo emulator that uses the source code from Lime3DS, which itself is based on Citra. Today, the developers of Azahar have shared the first release candidate for this new 3DS emulator.
New Release Candidate
The initial release candidate is a software version that the developers claim will lay the groundwork for future features. It’s being made available on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows for testing purposes. If no major problems are uncovered within the first week of testing, it is likely to transition into the first stable release. You can grab it from the Azahar GitHub repository.
Great Hardware Choice
For 3DS emulation, something like the Lenovo Legion Go (currently $602.99 at Amazon) is a fantastic choice, especially when held vertically with the controllers disconnected.
The release candidate comes with a variety of intriguing features, one of which is a hack called “Disable Right Eye Rendering.” This forces the emulator to display graphics in monoscopic mode—meaning it only uses one eye—potentially giving a 50% performance increase. This will probably only be needed on lower-powered Android devices, but it’s a handy tool to have. Azahar also enables users to download games directly from the Nintendo eShop if they have the 3DS system files.
Avoiding Legal Issues
To prevent facing the same issues as Citra and Yuzu, Azahar mandates that users must have an actual Nintendo 3DS to extract game files, using a new tool called Artic. There’s no method to load encrypted games, meaning game files must be decrypted first before they can be used in the system. One reason encrypted game support was removed is that bypassing TPM and security protocols was a crucial part of the arguments in lawsuits against Yuzu and Citra.
However, Azahar does offer cryptographic keys to users, claiming that this is necessary for compatibility, and that these keys aren’t “creative enough to be protected by copyright law.” This simplifies things for users, as they won’t need to extract keys from their consoles.
Emphasis on Legal Use
The developers of Azahar maintain that their goal is not to promote piracy, and much of their communication stresses that users should only use the emulator to back up their own original games. More details on this are available in a recent blog post from Azahar regarding game loading.
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Tags: Azahar, Lenovo Legion Go, Nintendo 3DS
March 15, 2025
Steam Spring Sale: Save Up to 90% on Adventure Games for Steam Deck
Key Takeaways
1. The Steam Spring Sale ends on March 20, offering limited-time discounts.
2. Adventure games compatible with the Steam Deck are highlighted as great options.
3. Many popular titles are available at significant price drops during the sale.
4. Prices and deals may change due to limited time offers or stock availability.
5. Notebookcheck is not responsible for any price changes by retailers.
The Steam Spring Sale is nearing its end on March 20, giving gamers just a few more days to snag discounts on popular titles. If you’re into adventure games that work well with the Steam Deck, here are some options you might want to look into:
Discounts Ending Soon
Keep in mind that all these great deals are part of the Steam Spring Sale, so the discounts will expire on March 20. In addition to these, there are a lot of other well-known games that are also seeing significant price drops, and you can check them out through this link.
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Tags: adventure games, Steam Deck, Steam Spring Sale
March 15, 2025
RTX 5090 Price Gouging: Gaming PC Maker Shocked by $3,000+ GPU
Key Takeaways
1. The RTX 5090 is the top-performing GPU in the RTX 50 series, but it has very low availability, making it hard to find at a fair price even 1.5 months post-launch.
2. Price gouging is a major issue, with distributors quoting prices between $3,050 and $3,100 for basic RTX 5090 cards, affecting system builders like PowerGPU.
3. There is significantly more availability of RDNA 4 RX 9000 GPUs compared to the RTX 50 series, highlighting a disparity in stock levels.
4. The struggles of companies like PowerGPU to obtain RTX 5090s at reasonable prices raise concerns about scalping and price inflation for consumers.
5. Nvidia needs to take action to address the availability and pricing issues surrounding the RTX 5090.
Much has been discussed regarding the poor debut of the RTX 50 series. Interestingly, the top-performing GPU in this series, the RTX 5090, has the least availability. Even after 1.5 months since it was released, finding the RTX 5090 at a fair price is nearly impossible.
Price Gouging Issues
The situation is so bad that even system builders are affected by RTX 5090 price hikes. A recent video from PowerGPU’s CEO on X highlights the challenges in obtaining RTX 5090s from distributors post-launch. More troubling is that a company like PowerGPU is unable to acquire these GPUs at a reasonable cost. The CEO mentioned that distributors are quoting prices between $3,050 and $3,100 for even the most basic RTX 5090 AIB cards. He conveyed that the PowerGPU team feels “gross” and “disgusted” about this whole scenario.
Comparison with RX 9000 GPUs
The founder of PowerGPU also claims there is significantly more availability of the RDNA 4 RX 9000 GPUs compared to the RTX 50 series. Previously, we covered how PowerGPU highlighted a striking contrast in stock between the RX 9070 XT and the RTX 5090.
This predicament for PowerGPU sheds light on the extent of scalping and price inflation. If businesses that have contracts and connections with distributors are struggling to obtain RTX 5090s without facing outrageous prices, it raises questions about what ordinary consumers can do. We can only wish for Nvidia to take quick actions to rectify this situation.
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Tags: PowerGPU, price gouging, RTX 5090