Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Sticky Thumbstick Durability Concerns

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Sticky Thumbstick Durability Concerns

    Key Takeaway

    – The left thumbstick base ring can accumulate gummy debris, causing sticky, resistant movement over time.
    – Cleaning helps temporarily, but a permanent fix requires replacing the problematic base ring.
    – Self-service is difficult; contacting Nintendo Support is often necessary, especially after warranty expires.

    Many gamers consider the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller an essential accessory. Unfortunately, it may be more prone to wear and tear than expected. A Japanese content creator documented his struggles to repair his controller, which suffered from sticky analog sticks.

    Overview of the issue

    Nintendo Patents Watch alerted fans about the video posted on Akihito’s Game Channel. The gamer began noticing that the left thumbstick no longer moved smoothly. After 350 gameplay hours, small flakes had accumulated around its shaft.

    Technical concerns

    Critics had worried about the part’s durability once they learned that it lacked TMR or Hall effect technology. However, the YouTuber confirmed it wasn’t a typical case of stick drift. While disassembling the Switch 2 Pro Controller, he realized that the base ring underneath was the culprit.

    Root cause and mechanism

    During use, the thumbstick’s umbrella grinds against this circular component. Gummy, shredded material builds up over time, causing the sticky sensation. Nintendo Patents Watch notes that filings for the device reference a more resilient material. Perhaps to reduce noise levels, the manufacturer opted for a less durable option.

    Repair and implications

    After cleaning the flakes, the situation improved, but the gamer still encountered some resistance. The only permanent solution is to replace the problematic base ring. Since the peripheral is not easy to self-service, gamers may need to contact Nintendo Support.

    Warranty and support

    The company has set up a support page that provides guidance for the issue. Even so, calibration on the console and other common fixes aren’t likely to address its root cause. Once the 1-year warranty expires, buyers could face an expensive service request.

    Market reception

    Reddit and social media posts complaining about malfunctioning Switch 2 Pro controllers are rare. Still, it’s only been on the market since the handheld’s June 2025 release date. Hopefully, the accessory will fare better than the original Joy-Cons, which were plagued by stick drift.

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  • PlayStation: Single-Player PS5 Exclusives Won’t Port to PC

    PlayStation: Single-Player PS5 Exclusives Won’t Port to PC

    Key Takeaway

    – Sony may keep some narrative single-player PS5 titles locked to consoles, reducing cross-platform PC releases.
    – Live-service multiplayer games are expected to remain multi-platform, while single-player experiences could stay exclusive.
    – The shift could be tied to strategic timing for future hardware cycles (e.g., PS6) or to drive PS5/console upgrades and sales.

    In March, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier revealed that Sony would reduce the number of PC ports. Since then, the company has refused to clarify its stance on PS5 exclusive games. However, PlayStation Studios CEO Hermen Hulst has now confirmed that some titles will remain locked on consoles.

    H2 style commentary shifts the spotlight to a different vibe, and the text keeps a long sense of news while still sounding urgent. The report notes that according to a Bluesky post by Schreier, Hulst addressed the topic during a town hall with staff on May 18th, and that the executive explained that “narrative single-player games” will no longer see cross-platform releases. That could include future projects like Marvel’s Wolverine, and possibly more recent arrivals like Saros.

    Paragraphs change tone and keep a steady cadence

    With a practical tilt, the piece continues by highlighting that since rumors of a shift in exclusivity surfaced, fans have been anticipating an official response from Sony. The town hall comments may foreshadow an announcement on social media or at a future State of Play. Alternatively, the company could focus on the PS5 when debuting games, leaving PC users in the dark.

    Shifting yet again, a more opinionated voice suggests it’s expected that live-service multiplayer games will be exceptions. Given that some of these PlayStation Studios titles have struggled, it would be unwise to limit their audiences.

    Closing remarks with a cautious outlook

    In a more reflective register, gamers are still left wondering why Sony is reversing course on PS5 exclusives. One popular theory is that it’s looking ahead to the PS6 release date. Unique software could entice buyers to upgrade to the new system, or improve sales of the higher priced PS5.

    Another measured note argues that sales estimates also hint that, following early success, solo-oriented PS5 PC ports haven’t met goals. On the other hand, the multiplayer Helldivers 2 has enjoyed tremendous support on Valve’s Steam marketplace. Some analysts have suggested that after delayed launches for some ports, buyers lost interest.

    Industry context and reflections

    The news calls into question the role of the Nixxes support studio. After Sony purchased the Dutch company in 2021, it has worked to transition exclusives to the PC. Ironically, in April, the PlayStation Studios website updated the studio’s description but still emphasized a cross-platform focus.

     


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  • Subnautica 2 Dev Responds to Pirates Bragging on Discord

    Subnautica 2 Dev Responds to Pirates Bragging on Discord

    Key Takeaway

    – Developers acknowledge piracy but prefer consumers buy the game, try it briefly, and use refunds if dissatisfied.
    – Public stance emphasizes frustration with pirates who flaunt illegal access in official spaces.
    – The situation highlights ongoing development challenges and industry tensions, including legal disputes and community reactions.

    Subnautica 2’s developers, including the creative development lead for the early-access underwater survival-exploration title, know that many gamers will pirate the game. Still, they hope many users will instead buy the game, play it for an hour, and, if they don’t like it, simply refund Subnautica 2. In a world where digital goods go fast, they argue that a try-and-refund approach could still help build interest without forcing bad behavior, even if the reality isn’t that simple for everyone.

    Context around release and reactions

    For context, some players pirated Subnautica 2 just before its early-access release on May 14, 2026. This wasn’t a problem for Gallegos, but what really got under his skin was the fact that some pirates were bragging about it in Subnautica 2’s official Discord server. He isn’t losing sleep over it, but it bothered him enough to make a statement. The moment highlighted how communities react to leaks and how developers feel when their work is shared before official channels sign off on it, mixing pride with frustration in equal measure.

    Public response and viral moment

    When Subnautica 2 launched in early access on May 14, Gallegos shared a straightforward message (in Subnautica 2’s official Discord server) with gamers and pirates alike, which went viral on the r/subnautica subreddit. He said he gets it. He understands why piracy happens, especially when money is tight in this economy. However, flaunting it when others paid for the game and were waiting for release was crossing the line. It felt childish. The post became a talking point about ethics and empathy in fan communities, stirring mixed reactions about empathy versus enforcement in digital spaces, and underscoring the tension between fan enthusiasm and the realities of monetized development.

    Key quotes and stance

    Anthony Gallegos wrote:

    Just to be clear, pirates are gonna do their thing. We were all kids once. Money and the economy are very hard right now. I get it. It wasn’t the piracy that bothered me; it was the people who flagrantly walked in here and wagged it in the faces of people who were waiting to play it legitimately. That was the part that aggravated me.

    Continued message and intent

    Gallegos continued, “I cannot condone piracy, but I get why people do it. I would much rather people buy the game, try it for an hour, and return it than go play it illegally.” The sentiment focused on a preference for legitimate purchases while acknowledging the harsh realities for some players who feel price pressures or distrust toward launch models, a common theme in indie and larger studio dynamics alike, prompting discussions about demos, trials, and refund policies as softer approaches to combating piracy.

    Aftermath and broader implications

    Gallegos also noted that one gamer who pirated Subnautica 2 before its early-access launch was asking for help with the incomplete leaked build. He remarked, “You gotta be a true idiot to come into an official Discord server and ask for help. Thanks for pirating a game that I’ve spent years working on. I’m disappointed that you’d do that when it’s kind of how we make our living. I hope you rethink your life choices.” The stark language reflected a mix of frustration and protective sentiment toward the team’s labor, illustrating how tensions can flare in public forums when leaks collide with ongoing development and support commitments.

    Development hell and legal turbulence

    While Gallegos’ message might be a little emotional toward the end, it’s true that the game went through development hell due to an incredibly chaotic corporate war, with back-and-forth lawsuits between Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton. The episode underscored how licensing disputes, publisher-studio dynamics, and legal entanglements can ripple into fan communities and influence how projects are perceived, discussed, and funded during early access, shaping expectations for future titles in similar spaces.

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  • Rockstar Skips GTA 6 Review Copies to Prevent Leaks

    Rockstar Skips GTA 6 Review Copies to Prevent Leaks

    Key Takeaway

    – Pre-orders for GTA 6 are unlikely to go live anytime soon; insiders suggest delays into July or August, with no concrete date yet.
    – Claims of no previews or review copies have circulated, with discussions of controlled, in-person demo events rather than broad reviewer access.
    – The circulating email about May 18–21 pre-orders may be outdated marketing or a mistaken leak, not a current plan.

    The gaming community was in uproar earlier this week when a Best Buy affiliate email began circulating online. It stated that pre-orders for the physical edition of Grand Theft Auto VI would start on Monday, May 18, 2026, and run through May 21. There is a lot of chatter about whether this information is accurate, and people are weighing the implications for fans and retailers alike.

    Rumors and sources mix in this tale

    During the latest episode of the Insider Gaming Weekly podcast, a claim came from YouTuber Nukov, who was quoted as saying, “There will be no previews of GTA 6. No review copies will be sent out. There will be nothing.” The remark spread quickly, fueling speculation about how Rockstar might handle previews, reviews, and overall communications ahead of the game’s launch. The source adds a layer of intrigue to the conversation about official disclosure practices.

    Independent voices weigh in on early access plans

    This rumor aligns with another claim from Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe Lippe, who said that Rockstar might not send out review keys or early copies to journalists or reviewers at all. Reportedly, these ideas have sparked discussions about how studios manage early access while trying to control leaks and preserve surprise around big bets like GTA 6. The conversation stretches across social platforms and news outlets, stirring debate about transparency versus hype management.

    Speaking to news outlet Portal Viciados (which uploaded the clip to X), he said, “Nobody is getting a key for this game. It looks like there will be some kind of review event. Journalists will be sent there and will spend a few days there so there are no leaks. Everyone will play in a closed room.” These words add a narrative of curated experiences intended to protect sensitive details, but also raise questions about inclusivity and media access for major releases.

    Industry anticipation and protective measures

    It makes sense to fly out and supervise reviewers and journalists for hands-on demos of Grand Theft Auto VI, considering it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest releases in video game history. Given that Forza Horizon 6 was allegedly leaked by a reviewer and pirated nine days before its May 19 release, Rockstar Games will surely take extra steps to ensure no GTA 6 leaks happen. The balancing act between excitement and secrecy becomes a central theme for those tracking the game’s progress.

    Dates and statements from insiders

    With GTA 6’s release date locked for November 19, 2026, many of us were ready to pre-order the game, but according to insiders, pre-orders will not go live on May 18 or anytime soon, for that matter. In the same podcast, reputable insider Tom Henderson explained the situation in full. He said the pre-order email was legitimate, but added that pre-orders won’t go live for months. He said, “Yeah, we’ve said this for the longest time, right? I think we’ve all said that we believe we’re not going to get anything tangible until July or August—especially August, when their next earnings call is going to be.”

    Uncertain origins and possible mistakes

    Further speculation suggests that the email may have been based on older marketing and release plans for GTA 6 and reportedly slipped out by mistake. Still, nobody is sure about the whole situation. Tom Henderson said: “That email was legitimate. Now, does that mean that they planned to have the trailer, then it got pushed back, and that email still got sent out anyway? Was this a mistake? We simply don’t know.” The discussion continues as fans parse the threads of rumors and official communications, highlighting how timing and messaging can swing perceptions in the gaming landscape.

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  • 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox Lavender Edition with Force Rings

    8BitDo Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox Lavender Edition with Force Rings

    Key Takeaway

    – Lavender Edition features a gradient purple Rococo-inspired design and supports Xbox, Windows, Android, and Apple devices (via Bluetooth).
    – Includes 2.4GHz wireless or wired USB-C connectivity, 1000Hz polling (PC-only), and a 1000mAh battery with up to 20 hours of use plus a wireless charging dock.
    – Pro-grade inputs: TMR joysticks with force rings, Disc D-pad, Hall-Effect triggers with trigger stops, two extra remappable bumpers (R4/L4), and two back buttons; 6-axis motion only works in 2.4GHz wireless mode on PC.
    – Advanced internals: 12-bit ADC sampling, 216MHz processor for precision and responsiveness.
    – Availability and pricing: $99.99, pre-orders now on 8BitDo eshop and Amazon; official release on August 31.

    The 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox announced earlier this year was the first model of the third-generation Ultimate series. While it is still yet to be available to buy, 8BitDo has expanded the series with a new model, and a special edition one at that. The new controller is called the 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox – Lavender Edition, and unlike the Ultimate 3E, it has a price and a launch date.

    Lavender Edition design and color strategy

    The 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox – Lavender Edition has a gradient purple design which 8BitDo says is inspired by Rococo pastels. While this color might not appeal to a lot of people, we expect the Ultimate 3 controller will be released in other colors in the future.

    Connectivity and device compatibility

    With respect to features, the 8BitDo is a wireless controller that connects to Xbox consoles and Windows PC via an included USB-C 2.4GHz wireless or wired USB. It is also compatible with Android and Apple devices but connects via Bluetooth.

    Inputs and internal tech

    The controller has TMR joysticks, each with its own force ring that can be used to adjust the tension. 8BitDo also claims it has a 12-bit ADC sampling chip and a 216MHz high-performance processor for better joystick precision and faster response. The Ultimate 3 controller also features a Disc D-pad, and it has been designed to make diagonal movements easier.

    Triggers, back buttons, and sensors

    There are Hall-Effect triggers with trigger stops, two additional remappable bumpers (R4 and L4), and two pro-level back buttons. The controller has a 1000Hz polling rate, but it is limited to PC only (wired and wireless). The 6-axis motion control is also limited to PC and works only in 2.4GHz wireless mode. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack.

    Battery life and software

    Like the Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox – Lavender Edition has a 1000mAh battery that should provide up to 20 hours of use. It comes with a wireless charging dock with zero contact points, overload protection, and foreign object detection. The controller is compatible with the 8BitDo Ultimate Software X and Ultimate Software V2 Mobile which can be used to remap buttons, adjust trigger range and vibration intensity, and update the firmware.

    Availability and pricing

    The 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox – Lavender Edition is available to pre-order now on the 8BitDo eshop and on Amazon for $99.99. It will be released on August 31.

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  • Gamers sue Sony after PS5 price rise Supreme Court tariffs rejected

    Gamers sue Sony after PS5 price rise Supreme Court tariffs rejected

    Key Takeaway

    – Plaintiffs allege Sony overcharged PS5 buyers post-August 1, 2025, seeking reimbursement if IEEPA tariffs were illegal, potentially making consumers eligible for monetary relief.
    – Lawsuit argues Sony could be unjustly recovering tariff payments twice: via higher consumer prices and via government tariff refunds with interest.
    – Court hearing set for August 3rd in a California federal court; concerns exist that claims may be premature, but plaintiffs seek restitution for price increases tied to tariffs and other costs.

    Following the U.S. Supreme Court striking down IEEPA tariffs, some gamers are seeking compensation.

    In this article, the news about a class-action suit against Sony is presented with careful attention to the timing and the claims made by the plaintiffs. The text preserves the core facts about the IEEPA tariff ruling and the subsequent legal actions, while weaving in a varied narrative voice across sections. The aim is to reflect how different readers might perceive the development, from frustrated fans to cautious observers, as the situation unfolds.

    Latest suit targets Sony over PS5 price increases

    The newest legal filing is in a California federal court and was summarized by Law360. Plaintiffs Amorey Walker and Bryce Foster-Quarles allege Sony would end up paying double: via higher consumer prices and again through tariff refunds from the federal government, with interest. If this claim holds, any consumer who bought a PlayStation console after August 1, 2025, could be eligible for monetary relief, pending court action and rulings. The language is precise, but the emotional weight of the charge is palpable for gamers watching prices rise.

    Legal nuance and potential refunds

    According to the filing, unless the court blocks it, Sony might recover tariff payments twice—first from consumers through higher prices, and again from the federal government through refunds, including interest. Law360 notes the procedural and substantive questions, including whether Sony has already pursued any refunds. The plaintiffs seek assurances and remedies that would return money to buyers who felt the economic squeeze caused by these shifts, presenting a straightforward yet contentious demand in a complex statutory framework.

    IEEPA ruling and its aftermath

    In 2025, the U.S. government began charging foreign manufacturers additional fees for selling products domestically. After legal challenges, the Supreme Court in February 2026 found tariffs under IEEPA to be illegal, creating a potential pathway for refunds. The legality of Sony’s actions remains contested, and it isn’t clear whether the company has taken steps to pursue refunds or to adjust pricing in light of the ruling. The article notes these elements to illustrate the legal backdrop against which the case is advancing.

    Price dynamics: more than just tariffs

    Not all PS5 price increases have been tied to duties on imported goods; Sony has cited difficult economic conditions and rising manufacturing costs for the initial August 2025 adjustment. While the IEEPA tariffs were part of the broader discussion, analysts largely suspect other factors—such as component costs and supply chain pressures—played a significant role. The narrative therefore blends tariff issues with market realities that affect pricing strategies across the gaming hardware sector, including other major players.

    Industry context and other players

    With record-high storage and memory prices, companies like Microsoft and Nintendo reportedly raised console prices as well. Nintendo, in particular, has pursued refunds from the U.S. government more aggressively, though incidents of consumer complaints against Nintendo persisted, echoing the Sony case in seeking restitution for pricier hardware and accessories. The piece situates Sony’s action within a broader industry trend where fiscal policy, supply limitations, and component costs intersect with consumer pricing and legal redress.

    Procedural posture and anticipated next steps

    The California federal court has set an initial procedural hearing for August 3, though questions remain about the timeliness and viability of the plaintiffs’ claims. Despite concerns that suits may be premature, investors and gamers alike watch closely for a potential class-wide impact. The plaintiffs, Walker and Foster-Quarles, express optimism about achieving a remedy for budget-challenged players, while defendants prepare defenses grounded in statutory interpretation and market conditions.

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  • New Action-Adventure Lets Players Forge Their Own Swords

    New Action-Adventure Lets Players Forge Their Own Swords

    Key Takeaway

    – Satisfying, Soulslike-inspired combat tightly integrated with a crafting-forging system that drives weapon variety and strategy.
    – Innovative forging mechanics and weapon durability influence both combat outcomes and equipment progression, encouraging experimentation with different weapon types and steels.
    – Polished presentation and potential overshadowed by QoL issues, including map/navigation problems, limited enemy variety, and repetitive NPC voice lines.

    Blades of Fire feels like one of those games that can easily slip under the radar, with no flashy presentation or major marketing campaign behind it. Players should also not be put off by the rather average 82% positive rating on Steam. The game comes from MercurySteam, the studio behind Metroid Dread, and according to Eurogamer’s review, Blades of Fire is genuinely impressive. Deputy editor-in-chief Alexander Bohn-Elias compares it to old PlayStation-era games that “came out of nowhere and ended up being much better than anyone dared expect.”

    Overview and Setting

    Released on May 14, 2026, the action-adventure takes place in a dark fantasy world ruled by an evil queen who has turned almost all metal in the realm into stone. Players step into the role of Aran, who possesses one of seven divine hammers capable of turning stone back into steel. The core loop is easy to grasp: fight through majestic castles, ruined villages and foul-smelling swamps, gather resources and forge increasingly powerful weapons – all with the ultimate goal of slaying the queen. According to Eurogamer, the game’s biggest strength is the combination of satisfying combat and innovative forging mechanics.

    Gameplay and Combat

    Combat takes place in real time and is said to feel highly satisfying. The system clearly draws on Soulslike elements, requiring tactics and precise timing, but Eurogamer notes that it is nowhere near as punishing as Elden Ring. Weapon durability also plays a key role, linking combat and forging closely together. Instead of sticking with one favorite weapon, players are constantly encouraged to experiment with different weapon types. Alongside swords, there are axes, war hammers and spears. Different types of steel affect stats such as damage, armor penetration, durability, weight and parry windows. As a result, even weapons from the same category can feel completely different – from fast and lightweight to slow but devastatingly powerful.

    Critique and Value

    The Steam reviews fall short of being overwhelmingly positive mainly because of quality-of-life issues. Players frequently report problems with the map and navigation, and there is no easy way to compare forged weapons at a glance. Other points of criticism include the limited enemy variety and repetitive NPC voice lines. Those who can overlook these flaws and enjoy dark fantasy games should still find plenty to like in Blades of Fire. The title normally costs around $40 on Steam, but is available until May 21 with a 25% discount for roughly $30. A demo version is also available. Steam Deck compatibility is listed as “Playable”.


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  • GTA 6 Pre-Orders Won’t Start Today at Best Buy (Leak)

    GTA 6 Pre-Orders Won’t Start Today at Best Buy (Leak)

    Key Takeaway

    – No official confirmation yet from Rockstar Games or Best Buy about GTA 6 pre-orders launching today.
    – A leaked Best Buy-affiliate email suggested May 18, but internal emails reportedly indicate pre-orders may not start today.
    – Fans should lower expectations and await an official update rather than rely on leaks or rumors.

    GTA 6 Pre-Order Update: What We Know So Far

    GTA 6 fans have been closely watching for any updates regarding pre-orders over the past few days. A recent leaked Best Buy affiliate email suggested that pre-orders would officially begin on May 18, which is today. Since then, many fans have been expecting Rockstar Games to finally open pre-orders alongside a possible new trailer. However, it seems like pre-orders might not be going live today after all.

    Questionable Sources and Cautious Hopes

    According to GTA Forums user Graczdari_91, some internal company emails reportedly suggest that Best Buy may have gotten the information wrong, and that pre-orders are currently not expected to launch today. The user did mention that things “might change last minute,” but they also advised fans to keep their expectations low for now.

    Private Email Verification Sparks Debate

    The internal emails were not publicly shared online. Instead, the user sent them privately to Spider-Vice, one of the administrators of GTA Forums. Spider-Vice verified the emails, adding that the company email address matched the same one the forum member previously used during registration. According to Spider-Vice, the member had already mentioned in the past that they were using their work email on the forum.

    Official Confirmation Still Pending

    At the moment, neither Rockstar Games nor Best Buy has released an official statement confirming whether GTA 6 pre-orders are happening today or not. Because of this, fans are currently stuck waiting for an official update instead of relying entirely on leaks and rumors.

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  • GTA 6 Walmart Backend Page Revealed Beyond Search Results

    GTA 6 Walmart Backend Page Revealed Beyond Search Results

    Key Takeaway

    – Multiple independent retail signals (Walmart backend entry, Best Buy affiliate hint, and Showgame listing) suggest GTA 6 pre-orders are imminent, even if official word is quiet.
    – The evidence points to a staged pre-order pipeline launching soon, with May 18 timing and May 21 window aligning to earnings events.
    – Industry insiders (e.g., Tom Henderson) push back the May timeline, noting trailer 3 could slip to July, creating potential mismatch between retailer activity and official announcements.

    Rumors swirl around the May 18 pre-order window for GTA 6, and yet Rockstar remains tight-lipped as of this moment, though that could shift later today. The chatter isn’t empty, as fresh breadcrumbs are stacking up in surprising places, including Walmart’s own backend that seemingly holds a “Grand Theft Auto VI” category entry complete with a structured database ID (2636_7899038_6635346_3810518) and a browse URL that looks real enough to raise eyebrows. The page 404s if clicked, but the point isn’t the live page so much as the existence of a formal catalog record, not merely a casual indexing by Walmart or Google, which retailers craft as part of a pre-order pipeline long before any public reveal.

    Retail signals are mounting, and the pattern isn’t random

    In the broader context, this marks the third separate backend hint in a short span, hinting at a coordinated push rather than a solitary glitch. In March, GTA 6 title IDs surfaced quietly within the PlayStation Store database. Earlier this month, a Best Buy affiliate email— independently verified by Insider Gaming and traced to the Impact marketplace—named May 18 as the kickoff for a physical pre-order campaign. The affiliate window even stretches to May 21, the same day Take-Two’s earnings call is scheduled, which could be a sign of timing alignment across channels.

    Italy jumps the gun with live pre-orders

    Meanwhile, Italian retailer Showgame went live with GTA 6 pre-orders today for both PS5 (curr. $599 on Amazon) and Xbox Series X at €69.90. Major storefronts like the PlayStation Store haven’t followed suit yet, and it’s possible Showgame acted ahead of an official start, yet the listing is active and taking orders right now. You can read about it in detail here.

    Industry voices weigh in on scheduling

    Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming has suggested pushing back the May timeline, noting that trailer 3 may not appear until July, a nuance worth keeping in mind so expectations aren’t inflated. Still, the Walmart entry isn’t mere conjecture; it represents backend infrastructure and now fits a growing pattern that’s hard to dismiss, especially when paired with Showgame’s listing. Rockstar and Take-Two have not issued public commentary as this piece goes to publish.

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  • Linux Gains Nvidia Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag on Any GPU

    Linux Gains Nvidia Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag on Any GPU

    Key Takeaway

    – Nvidia Reflex 2 and AMD Anti-Lag 2 are now hardware-agnostic via Korthos Software’s low_latency_layer, allowing use on GPUs from different vendors (including Intel).
    – Benchmarks suggest these Linux implementations can outperform native Windows versions in some cases.
    – Setup requires basic Linux terminal know-how (installing packages and creating a build directory), with instructions on Korthos’ GitHub to guide users.
    – The project is led by Nicolas James, highlighting a notable Fedora of FOSS gaming and potential compatibility with SteamOS/Steam Deck through manual installation.

    Big news for Linux gamers, especially eSports players: Nvidia Reflex 2 and AMD Anti-Lag 2 can now be used in a hardware-agnostic manner, meaning that these proprietary technologies can now be used on GPUs from opposing vendors, including Intel GPUs, thanks to Korthos Software’s low_latency_layer. Even better, some benchmarks reflect these technologies actually working better than the native Windows versions, taking a pain point of Linux gaming and turning it into a genuine strength. Setting it up does require some basic knowledge of how to use a Linux terminal, including installing packages and making a build directory, but the instructions on Korthos’ GitHub page for the project should make that process a simple matter.

    Background and developer

    It’s a truly impressive feat from Korthos Software—or specifically, Nicolas James, the only known developer of low_latency_layer. In a statement made to Phoronix, Nicolas James stated that the project was started earlier this year “because I was frustrated with the state of Anti-Lag 2 on Linux. If you’re not aware, the Mesa AL2 implementation had some issues with stability and was disabled by default. On top of this, I tested the latency improvement of the Mesa implementation and found that it wasn’t doing as much as the proprietary version on Windows. I like my FPS games and my AMD machine but I love Linux, and it seemed like they weren’t compatible.”

    Developer insights

    He continues, “After AL2 was working, I noticed there was nothing stopping a similar implementation of the Nvidia equivalent […] They are just device extensions that any Vulkan layer can intercept. […] My testing was done using a 540 Hz monitor which has Nvidia Reflex Analyzer. It involved me clicking a button and writing down the values I get into a spreadsheet, which can get pretty tedious. I have tested The Finals, Counter-Strike 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil Requiem, Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2.”

    Implications and reach

    All told, it’s a pretty genius solution from Nicolas James, and a truly admirable achievement for FOSS gaming at large. This also means, of course, that Steam Machine and Steam Deck should be able to utilize low_latency_layer if users manually install it, making it possible to use an improved AMD Anti-Lag 2 or Nvidia Reflex on any supported game under SteamOS.

    What to expect next

    • Availability across more hardware and platforms as integration matures.
    • Potential changes in benchmarking results compared to native Windows implementations.
    • User community contributions and longer-term maintenance for compatibility.
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