Category: Gaming

  • Actor Suggests Sequel Could Benefit Batman: Arkham Shadow

    Actor Suggests Sequel Could Benefit Batman: Arkham Shadow

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mark Rolston is working on a new game in the Arkham series, a sequel to Batman: Arkham Shadow.
    2. The upcoming game will be exclusively available in virtual reality.
    3. Batman: Arkham Shadow was successful, receiving an 85 score on Metacritic and winning Best AR/VR Game at the Games Awards in 2024.
    4. Other Batman-related games are in development, including LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, releasing in 2026.
    5. A free HD texture pack mod for Batman: Arkham Knight is available on Nexus Mods.

    It’s a thrilling update for Batman fans everywhere! Mark Rolston, recognized for voicing Norman Osborn in Marvel’s Spider-Man and Jim Gordon in Batman: Arkham Shadow, shared in an interview with Culture Combine during Fan Expo Chicago 2025 that he is actively working on a new game in the Arkham series.

    Exciting Sequel Details

    This upcoming game is set to be a direct sequel to Batman: Arkham Shadow, which might come as a surprise to some. However, it’s worth mentioning that it will be exclusively available in virtual reality, potentially disappointing some players who prefer traditional formats.

    Previous Success

    Looking back at the last installment, it achieved remarkable success upon its launch in 2024, boasting a score of 85 on Metacritic. Additionally, it clinched the title of Best AR/VR Game at the Games Awards that year. With this in mind, there’s a good chance that the new game will mirror its predecessor’s success, despite some players being let down by the VR-only format.

    Other Upcoming Titles

    In the meantime, let’s not forget that several other Batman-related games are on the horizon. One notable title is LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, which was announced at Gamescom 2025 and is set for release in 2026 on platforms such as Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Plus, for those who wish to experience Batman: Arkham Knight anew, there’s a free HD texture pack mod available on Nexus Mods.

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  • Nintendo Adds Forsaken 64 to Classics Mature App

    Nintendo Adds Forsaken 64 to Classics Mature App

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Count: Forsaken 64 is the 40th Nintendo 64 game added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack collection as of September 4, 2025.

    2. Mature Content: Forsaken 64 is rated for mature audiences and is available only through the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics: Mature 17+ app, restricting access for younger players.

    3. Game Reception: Originally released in 1998, Forsaken received positive feedback for its gameplay and is noted for its unique and striking box art.

    4. Gameplay Modes: The game features both single-player and multiplayer options, allowing players to choose between different vehicles with unique stats.

    5. Subscription Requirement: Accessing Forsaken 64 requires a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which costs $49.99 annually, while standard membership options are also available at lower prices.

    Nintendo has added to its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack collection by bringing in Forsaken 64, a first-person shooter from Acclaim Entertainment originally launched in 1998. This addition marks the 40th Nintendo 64 game to be available as of September 4, 2025.

    Game Count and Availability

    With the arrival of Forsaken 64, the total number of games available globally hits 40. However, two other titles, Custom Robo and Custom Robo V2, are still only available to players in Japan.

    Mature Content Restriction

    Forsaken 64 is not like most Nintendo 64 classics that can be found in the regular app. It is part of a special group of Nintendo 64 games under the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics: Mature 17+ app, which means younger players can’t access this particular game.

    Game Reception and Design

    This game marks the fifth entry rated for mature audiences in the lineup, joining the ranks of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, Shadow Man, and Perfect Dark. Initially released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, Forsaken received a good amount of praise for its action-packed gameplay but also became somewhat infamous for its unique box art.

    Originally, Forsaken was developed for Windows and PlayStation before making its way to the Nintendo 64. The North American version features a striking cover with a woman shedding tears and adorned with a Forsaken tattoo, while the European PAL versions opted for a more straightforward design.

    Gameplay and Multiplayer Options

    Set in a bleak, dystopian future, players navigate through complex levels filled with robots and competing bounty hunters. The game allows for both single-player and multiplayer modes, giving players the option to choose between a bike or a pinocycle, each with different stats before diving into the action.

    Subscription Details

    To play Forsaken 64, players must have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which costs $49.99 per year. This subscription provides access to games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis.

    On the other hand, the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership includes NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color games, starting at $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, and $19.99 for a full year.

    Recent Releases

    Nintendo has been quite active lately, consistently releasing retro games one after another. Not long ago, they introduced titles like Chibi-Robo! to the GameCube library, as well as Super Mario Strikers and Mario Paint.

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  • IO Interactive’s 007 First Light Set for March 2026 Release

    IO Interactive’s 007 First Light Set for March 2026 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date and Platforms: 007 First Light will launch on March 27, 2026, available on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.

    2. Gameplay Style: The game features a gameplay style similar to IO Interactive’s Hitman series, allowing players to choose between stealth, aggression, or creative problem-solving.

    3. Pricing and Editions: The base game will be available alongside a premium $300 Legacy Edition, which includes exclusive items and a physical replica of the golden gun.

    4. Storyline: The game tells an original origin story of a young James Bond, a reckless MI6 recruit, featuring characters like Greenway, Moneypenny, and Miss Roth.

    5. Development Team: 007 First Light is developed by IO Interactive in partnership with Amazon and MGM Studios, emphasizing a unique Bond experience with a blend of espionage, action, and immersive design.

    IO Interactive has officially revealed that 007 First Light, a fresh interpretation of James Bond, is set to release on March 27, 2026. It will be available on various platforms, such as PC through Steam and Epic Games Store, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, and even the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

    Game Reveal and Gameplay Insights

    This announcement came at the conclusion of a PlayStation State of Play event, where the gameplay of 007 First Light was showcased. The presentation began with a raw, commentary-free playthrough of an early level, giving fans a glimpse into what they can expect from the game.

    Gameplay Style and Features

    The game resembles IO Interactive’s work on the Hitman series, allowing players to choose different paths to achieve their goals. They can opt for stealth, take a more aggressive approach, or solve problems creatively.

    Pricing and Pre-Orders

    Before the announcement, there were many leaks that hinted at the game’s details, including its pricing. The base game will be available, along with a premium $300 collector’s edition named the Legacy Edition, stirring up excitement about the reveal.

    Pre-orders have already begun, with all editions including an upgrade to the Deluxe Edition, which features exclusive in-game items. The Legacy Edition comes with a physical copy of the game, Deluxe Edition extras, a golden gun weapon skin, and a detailed replica of the golden gun with a stand, secret compartment, magnetic steel case, and an authenticity certificate, all to enhance that luxurious 007 experience.

    Storyline and Development Team

    007 First Light is designed to be an original origin tale for a young, reckless MI6 recruit named James Bond. It is being created by IO Interactive in partnership with Amazon and MGM Studios. Patrick Gibson, known for his role as Dexter in Dexter: Original Sin, will portray the young Bond, supported by characters like Greenway, Moneypenny, and Miss Roth.

    Hakan Abrak, the CEO of IO Interactive, expressed in a press release:

    “With 007 First Light, we are constructing a completely unique James Bond experience from scratch, merging the intense tension of espionage with the extravagant flair the franchise is famous for. The gameplay is founded on our signature immersive design, blending stealth, action, and creativity in a way that feels distinctively suited for Bond.”

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  • Activision and Paramount Announce Official Call of Duty Movie

    Activision and Paramount Announce Official Call of Duty Movie

    Key Takeaways

    1. Activision and Paramount announced a live-action Call of Duty movie, with Paramount handling development, production, and distribution.
    2. The film’s storyline is currently unspecified, with possibilities including a World War II setting, a retelling of the Modern Warfare series, or a focus on Black Ops.
    3. The agreement could lead to future adaptations, including potential TV series based on the Call of Duty universe.
    4. Paramount’s CEO David Ellison, a longtime fan of the franchise, promises a disciplined approach to ensure high-quality storytelling similar to Top Gun: Maverick.
    5. Activision’s Rob Kostich highlights the partnership with Paramount as a means to deliver intense action and respect the franchise’s legacy.

    Activision and Paramount have revealed that the Call of Duty franchise is set to hit theaters. This first-person shooter (FPS) has sold over 500 million copies around the world and has made over $30 billion in revenue as of October 2024.

    Movie Development Details

    The agreement, confirmed on September 2, 2025, states that Paramount will be in charge of developing, producing, and distributing a live-action feature film based in the Call of Duty universe. However, it’s not yet clear if the film will take place during World War II, be a retelling of the Modern Warfare series, or focus on Black Ops. There’s also a chance that different universes might crossover, or Paramount could opt for an entirely new story.

    Future Possibilities

    As reported by Variety, the current deal is centered on just one film, but it may lead to Paramount creating adaptations of the Call of Duty universe in the future, possibly teasing a TV series as well. This partnership with Activision and the announcement of the Call of Duty movie is part of Paramount’s larger vision following its recent $8 billion merger with Skydance, which is led by CEO David Ellison. He is pushing the studio toward high-profile adaptations and investments in gaming intellectual properties.

    A Fan’s Perspective

    In an interview with Variety, David Ellison shared, “Being a lifelong fan of Call of Duty, this is genuinely a dream come true. From the original ‘Call of Duty’ Allied campaigns to ‘Modern Warfare’ and ‘Black Ops,’ I’ve spent endless hours enjoying this franchise that I cherish so much. Being given the chance by Activision and players around the globe to bring this amazing storytelling universe to cinema is both a privilege and a duty we take very seriously.”

    Ellison emphasized that they will adopt a disciplined approach from the beginning, adding, “We’re tackling this film with the same strict, unwavering dedication to quality that shaped our work on Top Gun: Maverick, ensuring it meets the extraordinarily high standards that this franchise and its fans expect.”

    Collaborative Efforts

    Rob Kostich from Activision also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “With Paramount, we have found an incredible partner who will help us bring that intense, stunning action to the big screen in a memorable cinematic experience. The film will respect and build upon what has made this franchise remarkable from the start, and we are excited to begin this journey.”

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  • Hideaki Itsuno Dreams of Creating Capcom vs SNK 3 Game

    Hideaki Itsuno Dreams of Creating Capcom vs SNK 3 Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hideaki Itsuno, former Capcom director, wants to create Capcom vs SNK 3 after leaving Capcom in 2024.
    2. The Capcom vs SNK series has been inactive for over two decades, with its last title released in 2003.
    3. Itsuno was involved in the development of Capcom vs SNK 2, which expanded the series’ roster of fighters.
    4. Collaborations between Capcom and SNK continue, with characters from both franchises appearing in recent games.
    5. Itsuno is now leading Tencent’s LightSpeed Japan studio and is developing a new AAA title.

    Veteran Capcom director Hideaki Itsuno, who left Capcom earlier in 2024, expressed his desire to create Capcom vs SNK 3, a crossover fighting game he was involved with more than twenty years ago.

    In a conversation with VGC, Itsuno openly shared, “I do want to make a fighting game like Capcom vs SNK, but now I’m neither Capcom nor SNK. If they license it to me, though, I want to make Capcom vs SNK 3. I want to make a fighting game, and it’s at the top of my list of games I want to make.”

    A Long-Dormant Series

    The Capcom vs SNK series has been inactive for over two decades, originating from a partnership between Capcom, known for Street Fighter, and SNK, the creator of King of Fighters, around the year 2000.

    This partnership produced four crossover games, showcasing characters from both companies’ fighting worlds. The inaugural title, SNK vs Capcom, was launched in 1999, developed by SNK for the Neo Geo Pocket Color handheld.

    The game saw an enhanced arcade version in 2000, featuring 16 fighters from each franchise. Itsuno became involved in the development of Capcom vs SNK 2 in 2001, which expanded the roster of fighters significantly.

    The Final Chapter

    The series concluded with its last title in 2003, an arcade fighter called SNK vs Capcom: SVC Chaos. Although there were plans for a fifth game, Capcom vs SNK 3 was put on hold because of SNK’s bankruptcy in 2001. Subsequently, Capcom used some elements from this project for another cancelled title named Capcom Fighting All-Stars.

    Last year, both Capcom-developed fighting games were re-released in Capcom Fighting Collection 2, which also included more titles developed by Itsuno, such as Power Stone 1 and 2, and Project Justice.

    Continuing Collaborations

    It has been 24 years since the release of Capcom vs SNK 2, yet collaborations haven’t stopped. SNK’s Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui from the Fatal Fury franchise were added as DLC characters in Capcom’s Street Fighter 6. Moreover, SNK’s upcoming game, Fatal Fury: City of Wolves, will see DLC appearances from Street Fighter characters Ken Masters and Chun-Li.

    As for Itsuno, the previous Capcom developer now heads Tencent’s LightSpeed Japan studio, which has recently inaugurated a new office in Osaka and is currently developing a new AAA title.

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  • Linux Adoption Challenges and Mid-Range GPUs in August 2025 Steam Survey

    Linux Adoption Challenges and Mid-Range GPUs in August 2025 Steam Survey

    Key Takeaways

    1. Linux’s desktop adoption remains low, with a decline to 2.64% among Steam users, despite initial growth trends.
    2. The Steam Deck leads Linux distribution usage, comprising 27.65% of Linux users on Steam, while macOS and Linux distributions like CachyOS and Bazzite see minor changes.
    3. Windows continues to dominate with 95.59% of Steam users, showing a slight increase in its share.
    4. Mid-range GPUs, particularly the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, are the most popular among gamers, but many gamers are still using 8 GB of VRAM, raising concerns about developers’ awareness of actual hardware capabilities.
    5. Intel’s CPU market share has dropped to 59%, while AMD’s has increased to 41.03%, indicating a shift in preferences among PC users.

    Despite the apparent rise in Linux’s popularity within the PC gaming world, with distributions such as CachyOS and Bazzite offering Windows-like polish along with Linux’s promised performance and customization benefits, it appears that 2025 might not be the year Linux finally takes over the desktop.

    Growing Divide in Hardware Expectations

    Simultaneously, there are signs of a widening gap between what game developers expect in terms of hardware and the actual specifications of gaming PCs owned by players.

    One notable point from the recent Steam Survey is that while Linux adoption was showing an upward trend, it has slipped again, declining by 0.25% to a total of 2.64% among sampled Steam users. Although this decrease may appear minor, it actually represents a 10% shift when compared to the previous survey. Earlier growth in Linux user numbers indicated a healthy trend, which could have encouraged developers to consider offering official Linux support for games, software, and gaming hardware. Many Linux enthusiasts remain optimistic that initiatives like SteamOS and the Steam Deck will continue to bolster Linux’s market presence, but the pace seems to be easing somewhat.

    Popularity Among Linux Distributions

    Within the Linux community, the Steam Deck (currently priced at $467.90 on Amazon) still dominates, accounting for 27.65% of Steam’s Linux users. Meanwhile, CachyOS has gained a slight increase, and Bazzite has attracted 2.21% of the Linux user base on Steam.

    In contrast, macOS has also experienced a downturn in its share of Steam users, which has dropped to just 1.77%. On the other hand, Windows has seen a gain of 0.36%, bringing its total to 95.59% of Steam users belonging to Microsoft.

    Mid-range GPUs and Developer Disconnect

    On the hardware side, mid-range GPUs continue to drive the majority of gaming experiences, with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 now surpassing the RTX 3060 as the most favored gaming GPU. Despite ongoing discussions about 8 GB of VRAM being inadequate for gaming in 2025, it remains the most prevalent VRAM size reported, rising by 1.37% to just over 35% of sampled Steam users still utilizing that specification. Although 16 GB VRAM is often touted as the ideal for gaming in 2025, only 6.80% of Steam users have that amount of video memory available to them.

    This reliance on mid-range hardware has led to debates online about whether game developers are disconnected from the actual hardware that regular gamers possess. This concern is heightened as some AAA titles are now requiring minimum specifications that include GPUs like the RTX 2070 or even more powerful options.

    Interestingly, when comparing the current year to last year, Intel’s CPU market share has dropped by 9%, falling from 68% in August 2024 to 59% in August 2025. Conversely, AMD now powers 41.03% of PCs this August, which is an increase from 31.9% in August 2024.

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    Linux Adoption Challenges and Mid-Range GPUs in August 2025 Steam SurveyLinux Adoption Challenges and Mid-Range GPUs in August 2025 Steam SurveyLinux Adoption Challenges and Mid-Range GPUs in August 2025 Steam Survey

     

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  • Xbox Game Pass September Update: 6 New Games Including Hollow Knight

    Xbox Game Pass September Update: 6 New Games Including Hollow Knight

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Game Releases: Hollow Knight: Silksong and Cataclismo will launch on September 4, with Paw Patrol World on September 10, and RoadCraft on September 16.

    2. Game Pass Availability: Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available on day one for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, along with other new titles across all Game Pass tiers.

    3. DLC Content: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s The Order of the Giants DLC will be available on September 4, requiring separate purchase, while an Unlock Bundle for Skate 3 will be offered for Game Pass Ultimate members.

    4. Early Access for Skate: The new Skate game will enter Early Access as a free-to-play title on September 16, featuring four unique neighborhoods and ongoing updates until its full release in 2026.

    5. Games Leaving Game Pass: On September 15, titles including All You Need, Wargroove 2, and We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie will be removed from the subscription.

    Microsoft has announced the new Xbox Game Pass games for September 2025, featuring the much-awaited indie sequel Hollow Knight: Silksong, which will be available from day one on both Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

    Current Lineup

    The first half of the month presents six games, as mentioned in an Xbox Blog update. One of these is I Am Your Beast, a fast-paced shooter that has been released across all Game Pass tiers. Following this, players can enjoy the action-platformer Nine Sols, also accessible through Game Pass Standard.

    Release Dates

    On September 4, gamers can finally dive into Hollow Knight: Silksong, alongside Cataclismo, a strategy builder. Younger audiences will be happy to see Paw Patrol World launching on September 10, available on all Game Pass subscription plans.

    The lineup concludes with RoadCraft, a multiplayer crafting and survival game that will launch on September 16. In this game, players will focus on building and maintaining roads in a post-apocalyptic setting.

    More Content

    In addition to these new games, Microsoft reminded Game Pass users about additional content for existing games. Notably, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s The Order of the Giants DLC is set to release on September 4. While the main game is included in Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, users will need to buy The Order of the Giants DLC separately.

    For Game Pass Ultimate members, there’s also an Unlock Bundle for the classic Skate 3, which includes $21 worth of DLC packs for the Xbox 360 game ahead of the launch of Skate.

    Upcoming Skate Game

    The fourth installment, simply titled “Skate,” will be available in Early Access as a free-to-play game on September 16. Players will get to explore, skate, and create new skate lines in the open world of San Vansterdam, which consists of four unique neighborhoods. Full-Circle plans to release patches based on player feedback and will keep providing seasonal content updates until the game fully launches in 2026.

    As usual, three titles will be leaving Game Pass to make way for the new arrivals. On September 15, All You Need, the turn-based strategy game Wargroove 2, and We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie will be removed from the subscription.

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  • Lego 260-Piece Sega Genesis Controller Now Available for €19.99

    Lego 260-Piece Sega Genesis Controller Now Available for €19.99

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Lego set is named the Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Sega Genesis Controller and includes 260 pieces.
    2. It serves as a tribute to the iconic Sega Genesis controller and features a miniature Green Hill Zone from Sonic games.
    3. The set can be displayed in two orientations and includes a stand and regional stickers for customization.
    4. It is compatible with the Lego Builder app for building instructions and 3D model viewing.
    5. Priced at €19.99 (~$23.29), it is currently marked as “Not currently available” on the product page.

    Following a recent announcement that Lego intends to launch a SEGA Genesis Controller, the controller has now been listed on the Lego France website. This new Lego set is a tribute to the iconic game controller and even features a reference to Sega’s beloved character, Sonic the Hedgehog.

    A Nostalgic Tribute

    Officially named the Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Sega Genesis Controller, this set comprises 260 pieces and serves as a perfect gift for any gamer enthusiast. Not only does it pay homage to the retro controller, but it also doubles as a stylish room decoration. The Lego Sega Genesis Controller can be showcased in two different orientations. Besides the front of the controller, the back showcases a miniature rendition of the Green Hill Zone from the Sonic video games.

    Customization and Compatibility

    Included in the package are a stand and regional stickers for personalization. Additionally, the set is compatible with the Lego Builder app, which enables users to access building instructions, view and rotate models in 3D, and keep track of their progress. Once assembled, the set measures 15 × 10 × 3 cm (5.5 × 3.5 × 1 in.).

    Pricing Details

    The Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Sega Genesis Controller is priced at €19.99 (~$23.29), making it a bit less expensive than the 8BitDo M30 Bluetooth controller, which can be found on Amazon for $24.99 and is based on Sega’s 6-button controller. Regrettably, the Lego set is currently marked as “Not currently available” on the product page.

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  • Arch-based Xray_OS Gaming Distro Receives Major Update

    Arch-based Xray_OS Gaming Distro Receives Major Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xray_OS is an Arch-based Linux distribution designed for a personalized and optimized gaming environment, currently in early development by a single creator.

    2. The latest release features KDE Plasma as the default desktop, systemd as the init system, and includes various updated packages like gcc 15.2.1 and the 6.16.4 kernel.

    3. Unique tools such as Tolito, an AUR helper, enable easier package management, and the Tolitica welcome app allows users to switch shells and manage gaming packages.

    4. Xray_OS is free to download and has manageable system requirements, including a 64-bit processor, at least 2 GB of RAM, and 20 GB of drive space.

    5. Users can choose between two ISO files for installation: one with Calamares and another with a custom installer.

    Xray_OS is currently in its early stages; it started as a personal venture aimed at giving its creator a quick and reliable gaming environment. Still a solo effort, this Arch-based distribution is said to be more than just another Linux variant. The official site claims that Xray_OS is “the Linux you never expected,” thanks to its collection of unique tools built from the ground up, personalized wallpapers, and a user experience that is tailored for optimization.

    Latest Release Features

    The most recent version was launched yesterday, showcasing KDE Plasma and systemd as the default desktop and init systems. It also includes a variety of updated packages such as bind 9.20.12, gcc 15.2.1, flatpak 1.16.1, grub 2.12, gtk 4.18.6, the 6.16.4 kernel, Python 3.13.7, vim 9.1, and many others. Currently, the GPU driver detection feature still requires some tweaks, so users should proceed with caution while using it.

    Custom Tools and Features

    This distribution comes with Tolito, a unique AUR helper that simplifies the process of building and downloading packages from well-selected PKGBUILDs, while also allowing for automatic fallback to the regular AUR. Notable features include the seamless installation of DaVinci Resolve and compatibility with Pacman syntax.

    The Tolitica custom welcome application enables users to easily switch between shells (bash, fish, and zsh are offered), manage gaming packages, toggle Snapd and Flatpak, and access shortcuts for system configuration. Users can also manage their drives effortlessly.

    Accessibility and Requirements

    Xray_OS is available for free download and use. The system requirements are quite manageable: a 64-bit processor, at least 2 GB of system memory (4 GB is recommended), 20 GB of drive space, and support for UEFI or Legacy BIOS. There are two ISO files that can be downloaded: one includes Calamares and the other comes with a custom installer.

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  • Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: Digital Foundry Warns of Poor Performance

    Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: Digital Foundry Warns of Poor Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming devices will be released on October 16th.
    2. Digital Foundry’s performance tests revealed that the ROG Xbox Ally X is still a work in progress and may not meet all gamers’ expectations.
    3. Doom: The Dark Ages ran at around 50 FPS at 540p upscaled to 1080p, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 performed poorly at 27-30 FPS at 1080p.
    4. Digital Foundry recommends managing expectations, as the ROG Xbox Ally X is a portable device with limited thermal design power, not a home console equivalent.
    5. The performance of the ROG Xbox Ally X may improve by the release date, but current evaluations are based on pre-release software.

    The first Xbox-branded handheld gaming devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, are set to be released on October 16th. At Gamescom, various media outlets had their first experience with these portable consoles, showcasing what the new Xbox gaming experience looks like on Windows handheld devices.

    Performance Insights from Digital Foundry

    Digital Foundry took some time to evaluate the ROG Xbox Ally X. Their investigation into the console’s software suggested that it is still a work in progress. Known for their performance testing of games on both PC and console setups, they ran titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Clair Obscur Expedition 33 on the ROG Xbox Ally X. The findings, shared in the latest DF Direct, might not meet the expectations of some gamers.

    Game Testing Results

    DF tested Doom: The Dark Ages on the ROG Xbox Ally X at a resolution of 540p upscaled to 1080p, using low settings along with DRS and FSR 3 “Performance.” Under these conditions, the ROG Xbox Ally X was hitting around 50 FPS, which is commendable for a handheld gaming console with a limited thermal design power (TDP). The outlet pointed out that aiming for a 1080p resolution seems a tad excessive for a portable device. Aiming for a resolution of 720p would likely be more appropriate given the small 7-inch screen size.

    On the other hand, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 did not perform as well as Doom: The Dark Ages. Running at 1080p with low settings and utilizing Unreal Engine 5’s Temporal Super Resolution, the ROG Xbox Ally X managed only about 27-30 FPS in the game’s initial level.

    Managing Expectations

    Based on this performance, DF cautioned that gamers anticipating the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X to deliver a home console experience with consistent frame rates in AAA titles “should temper their hopes.” Even with a robust Z2 Extreme APU featuring Zen 5 CPU cores and an RDNA 3.5 iGPU, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X remains a portable gaming device with a constrained power budget.

    That being said, the ROG Xbox Ally X units that DF evaluated were likely operating on pre-release software. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if the performance improves a little by the time the ROG Xbox Ally X is officially released. Nonetheless, this remains speculation, and we’ll need to get our hands on the console before making any final assessments.

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