Category: Gaming

August 26, 2025

Hideo Kojima Reveals Death Stranding 3 Concept, Focuses on OD, Physint

Key Takeaways

1. Hideo Kojima has already planned and written the initial concept for Death Stranding 3 but will not direct it currently.
2. Death Stranding 2, released in June 2025, is recognized as one of the best games of the year, continuing Sam Porter Bridges’ story.
3. Kojima is focusing on developing a horror game called OD with Xbox Game Studios, expected to release in 2026 or 2027.
4. He is also working on an action-espionage title called Physint for PlayStation, which serves as a farewell to his Metal Gear Solid journey.
5. Physint is in early development and is expected to launch on PlayStation 6 towards the end of the decade.

Even though Death Stranding 2 just came out (June 2025) on the Sony PlayStation 5, Hideo Kojima has shared that he has already mapped out and written the initial plans for Death Stranding 3. However, he has made it clear that he won’t be directing the third game, at least “not right now.”

Kojima’s Insights at World Strand Tour

Kojima disclosed this information during a commentary segment of the World Strand Tour, a worldwide promotion for Death Stranding 2. While in Saudi Arabia, he interacted with fans, and an interviewer asked the audience about their excitement for Death Stranding 3.

To everyone’s astonishment, Kojima revealed, through a translator, “I am not planning to do Death Stranding 3 at the moment, because the ending of Death Stranding 2 was my finale of 1 and 2. But I already wrote the concept of Death Stranding 3. So I have the data.” He added, “I hope that someone will create it for me.”

The Success of Death Stranding 2

Death Stranding 2 was launched in June 2025 on the PlayStation 5 and is hailed as one of the top video games of 2025. The game continues the journey of Sam Porter Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, immersing players in a broken world filled with otherworldly dangers.

Kojima might pass the responsibility of Death Stranding 3 to someone else as he focuses on his horror game, OD, which is being developed with Xbox Game Studios. This title was first revealed in December 2023 with a brief teaser during The Game Awards 2023. The game is still in development and is anticipated to be released in sometime in 2026 or 2027, although no fixed release date has been announced yet.

Other Projects in the Works

In addition, Kojima is also working on another game for PlayStation, titled Physint, which aims to be an action-espionage title and serves as a spiritual farewell to his gaming journey, particularly the Metal Gear Solid series.

The concept for Physint came to Kojima in 2020 after he faced a severe health challenge. At present, the game is in the early stages of development, and Kojima is working on Physint “all by himself.” The game is expected to launch on the PlayStation 6 towards the end of the decade.

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Tags: Death Stranding 2, Hideo Kojima, PlayStation 5
August 26, 2025

PayPal Freezes £80,000 from Adult Steam Game Amid Crackdown

Key Takeaways

1. Payment processors are pressuring gaming platforms to remove adult-themed content, impacting developers financially.
2. A programmer is facing financial difficulties after PayPal withheld £80,000 due to the game’s mature content.
3. PayPal’s policies prohibit transactions related to adult content, but the funds in question are for reimbursement, not game sales.
4. The programmer has significant debts to HMRC and is advised to seek legal representation regarding the frozen funds.
5. Activism against adult games is influencing payment provider policies, while new regulations may complicate purchases for legal-age gamers.

Recently, payment processors have been compelling gaming platforms to remove titles that contain adult-themed content. This has left some developers of these Steam games in serious financial difficulties. One programmer is in urgent need of assistance after PayPal started holding back £80,000 of their earnings.

Seeking Help

According to TheGamer, Fit-Commercial-5681 reached out to users on the Legal Advice UK subreddit for advice. After noticing that the funds were frozen, the programmer contacted PayPal for clarification. During this exchange, the payment processor requested a link to the relevant Steam game. Once they confirmed that the game included mature content, they decided not to release the funds.

Payment Policy Issues

PayPal’s service terms explicitly prohibit transactions related to products containing adult content. Nonetheless, Fit-Commercial-5681 contends that the withheld funds don’t come directly from game sales. Instead, PayPal is being utilized by the developer’s company to reimburse the programmer. The poster insists that the game complies with UK laws and centers around “cheating in relationships.”

Legal Concerns

Compounding the issue, Fit-Commercial-5681 has significant debts owed to HMRC, the UK’s tax authority. Several members from the legal advice forum indicated that PayPal likely cannot hold onto the £80,000 forever. However, they strongly advised the programmer to seek legal representation without delay.

Although PayPal may seem like a questionable choice, the programmer had explored all other possibilities. Very few payment processors are willing to work with anyone linked to adult-themed games, films, or artworks. This is a challenge Valve is currently facing as Steam users in most countries are now unable to utilize PayPal.

Activism and Regulation

A number of gamers have pointed fingers at the Australian organization Collective Shout for pressuring payment providers. This group campaigns against games that portray the mistreatment of women and girls. Critics, however, argue that adult games are being banned based on the moral standards of one group rather than for any actual glorification of criminal acts.

In the UK, developers and publishers are now confronted with an additional hurdle due to the new Online Safety Act. While its goal is to protect minors, it may cause gamers of legal age to feel hesitant about providing personal information when making purchases.

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Tags: Online Safety Act, PayPal, Steam
August 26, 2025

Free Steam Download: 5v5 CTF Action with Funky 70s Style

Key Takeaways

1. The Steam TPS Fest offers discounts on popular third-person shooters and new game demos, including a free download of Last Flag.

2. Last Flag is a 5v5 team shooter with a unique twist on capture the flag gameplay, set in a quirky 1970s-inspired world.

3. Players experience a 60-second hiding phase to conceal their flag, adding strategic depth to the traditional CTF mechanics.

4. The game features radar tower control for flag location, a redeployment system for eliminated players, and a vibrant 1970s-inspired soundtrack.

5. The demo for Last Flag is available until September 1, 2025, with a full release planned for 2026.

The Steam TPS Fest is currently underway, and during this event, players can grab several highly-rated third-person shooters at lower prices. In addition to the discounts on these titles, the fest has rolled out new demos, and the free download for Last Flag looks like a great option to check out.

A Unique Gameplay Experience

Last Flag is described as a fun-forward 5v5 third-person team shooter that promises to deliver a fresh take on the classic capture the flag (CTF) gameplay. Set in a quirky world inspired by the 1970s, players take on the role of contestants in a game show. The main objective is to locate and capture the opposing team’s flag.

As matches kick off, each team enters a 60-second hiding phase, where they must conceal their flag within their half of the map. This free-to-play game on Steam incorporates traditional CTF mechanics, but it also adds some strategic twists.

Strategic Elements and Dynamic Action

For instance, players have the ability to control radar towers around the map, which can assist in pinpointing the enemy’s flag. Last Flag keeps the gameplay fast-paced and engaging with a unique redeployment system, allowing eliminated players to rejoin the match after being sent to a “green room” backstage.

Another exciting feature of this free game on Steam is its original soundtrack, which brings back the vibes of the 1970s. The visuals are bright and colorful, making the experience even more enjoyable. The demo for Last Flag will be available until September 1, 2025, with the full release slated for 2026. Be sure to watch the videos below for more insights into this “fun-first” capture the flag adventure.

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August 26, 2025

MagicStardew: Complete Magic System for Stardew Valley Guide

Key Takeaways

1. Comprehensive Magic System: MagicStardew introduces a complete magic system to Stardew Valley, allowing players to use spells like healing and teleportation.

2. Mana Mechanics: Players have a mana bar that replenishes automatically and expands as they progress, with a spellbook provided by a wizard after completing community center bundles.

3. Variety of Spells: The mod features 13 spells, including powerful abilities like a fire cyclone and an earthquake, with a leveling system that enhances spellcasting rewards.

4. Positive Reception: Released on August 12, 2025, MagicStardew has received over 2,700 downloads and positive feedback, with players appreciating its contributions to the game.

5. Beta Challenges: As the mod is still in beta, players may encounter glitches and balancing issues, but the developer is open to feedback for future improvements.

In recent times, Stardew Valley has sparked a wave of mods, featuring everything from fresh dialogues and relationships to extended farms and helpful quality-of-life improvements. Although spells and magical objects have been introduced in the past, MagicStardew appears to be the first mod that integrates a comprehensive magic system into the cherished farming simulator.

Magic System Overview

Players acquire a mana bar that replenishes automatically and expands in size as they progress. A spellbook is provided by a secretive wizard who shows up once all community center bundles are completed. Alternatively, players can unlock it right away using the console command “spellbook_give.”

Spells and Abilities

Currently, MagicStardew includes 13 different spells, which range from healing and teleporting to magical enhancements, a fire cyclone, and even an earthquake that clears nearby rocks. Players unlock abilities gradually as they engage in gameplay and exploration, and a leveling system rewards frequent spell casting by lowering mana costs and increasing maximum mana capacity.

The fan-created mod by developer Zexu2K was released on August 12, 2025, on NexusMods and is still in beta. With over 2,700 downloads and more than 200 comments, it has garnered considerable attention, and the initial feedback has been largely positive. Many players have called it the best magic expansion for Stardew Valley, enhancing the original game significantly without feeling overwhelming.

Beta Phase and Issues

Since MagicStardew is in its beta stage, players might face some glitches and balancing problems. Some reports indicate that spells can activate on their own or that the fire cyclone makes the mines excessively easy. However, the modder is receptive to feedback, which raises optimism that these issues will be addressed in upcoming updates.

For installation, players will need the frameworks SMAPI, Content Patcher, and Generic Mod Config Menu. The mod works well with others like Starblue Valley UI, Weather Wonders, or Wear More Rings.

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Tags: Stardew Valley
August 26, 2025

Herdling Launches to 95% Positive Rating: Cute, Cozy, and Stunning

Key Takeaways

1. Positive Reception: Herdling has a 95% positive rating on Steam, with over 170 reviews, highlighting its popularity among gamers.

2. Unique Gameplay: Players control Via, who helps a lost creature called a calicorn navigate various terrains while building an emotional bond.

3. Emotional Storytelling: The game effectively conveys strong emotions and themes of belonging without using any dialogue.

4. Accessible Experience: Herdling runs well on the Steam Deck and has modest system requirements, making it suitable for users with older systems.

5. Launch Discount: There is a 20% discount available until the 28th of this month, encouraging players to try the game soon.

Okomotive has a reputation for creating games that resonate deeply with players. Their latest release, Herdling, launched on Steam less than a week ago, continues this trend. This game is set in a visually captivating universe, featuring a heartfelt soundtrack and a plot that stirs strong emotions without using any dialogue.

Positive Reception

Currently, Herdling has achieved a remarkable 95% positive rating on Steam, based on over 170 reviews, showcasing how much gamers are enjoying it. Many reviewers have shared their thoughts about this charming title, with Mark Delaney from GameSpot awarding it a noteworthy 9 out of 10 in his heartfelt critique.

Gameplay and Story

In Herdling, players take on the role of Via, the main character. Via encounters a creature known as a calicorn, which is quite unlike any other animal. It resembles a prehistoric buffalo, like an Auroch, with its thick fur and beautifully curled horns. The calicorn has gotten lost in the city, and it’s up to the young protagonist, Via, to lead it back home.

Players can build a lasting connection with the calicorn through petting, and once it’s tamed, it can be herded like other domestic creatures. During the adventure, Via will encounter additional calicorns, each with its own distinctive traits. The herd must navigate various terrains, such as forests, valleys, and mountains, while also protecting the animals from threats. Some calicorns might even die if not cared for properly, which adds emotional layers to the game.

Who Will Enjoy It

Those who appreciate slow-paced yet challenging games with significant emotional resonance are sure to find this title delightful. The philosophical themes of feeling out of place and the quest for belonging are also central to Herdling’s narrative. The game runs reasonably well on the Steam Deck (currently priced at $665 on Amazon) and has modest system requirements, making it accessible for gamers with older systems. There’s also a 20% launch discount available until the 28th of this month, so interested players should take action promptly.

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Tags: Herdling, Steam Deck
August 26, 2025

R39 Max: Affordable Gaming Handheld Now Under $50

Key Takeaways

1. MagicX launched the Zero 40 for emulating Nintendo DS games, priced at $94.99 on Amazon.
2. The R39 Max is a new gaming handheld that uses the motherboard from the R36S Plus and resembles the V40 Max.
3. The R39 Max features Rockchip’s RK3326 chipset, 1 GB of RAM, a 3,500 mAh battery, and a 4-inch 720p IPS display.
4. The R39 Max runs on EmuELEC, which is based on Linux, and is available in various colors for about $40.
5. These gaming handhelds can be purchased on platforms like AliExpress, Alibaba, and Banggood.

The market for gaming handhelds is filled with many devices that cater to specific interests. Recently, MagicX launched the Zero 40, which focuses on emulating Nintendo DS games and is currently priced at $94.99 on Amazon. Interestingly, the company has also revealed a new gadget designed for playing Nintendo 3DS games, and we have shared more information about that separately.

Various Options Available

In addition, there are many similar products out there, such as the R36S, R36S Plus, V40 Max, and the X35S. The new R39 Max is now part of this group, featuring a design that resembles the V40 Max, which was introduced earlier this month. As noted in the video from Retro Gaming With Deadfred, the R39 Max actually uses the motherboard from the R36S Plus.

Key Features of R39 Max

As a result, the R39 Max utilizes Rockchip’s RK3326 chipset, which has four ARM Cortex-A35 GPU cores, 1 GB of RAM, and a 3,500 mAh battery. Furthermore, it comes with a 4-inch IPS display that has a resolution of 720p and a 1:1 aspect ratio. It also runs EmuELEC, which is based on Linux. At present, you can buy the R39 Max in various colors for about $40. For a more detailed review, check out the Retro Gaming With Deadfred video that covers the latest R36S Plus rebranding.

Buying Options

You can find these devices on platforms like AliExpress, Alibaba, and Banggood.

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Tags: EmuELEC, MagicX Zero 40
August 26, 2025

Capcom Replaces Artwork After Street Fighter 6 AI Contest Controversy

Key Takeaways

1. Concerns arose over AI use in the Street Fighter 6 Art Contest, leading to the disqualification of a contest winner due to evidence of non-original artwork.
2. Capcom hosted the contest to allow fans to vote on unique challenger screens for 26 characters, but issues with artwork quality were noted.
3. The disqualified winner, known as lilthascends, was found to have traced other art and created their account shortly before the contest began.
4. In response to the controversy, Capcom provided a new artwork for Kimberly, created by one of their own developers, to avoid further disputes.
5. The rise of generative AI tools poses ongoing challenges for future art contests in gaming, making it harder to differentiate between original and AI-generated art.

The role of AI in the gaming world is a debated topic, often putting developers under the spotlight. In the instance of Street Fighter 6, players raised concerns that a contest winner might have utilized this technology. As a result, Capcom disqualified the artwork in question, which opened up a spot for another winner. The new image featuring the Street Fighter 6 character Kimberly has been revealed, but not all fans are happy with the decision.

Contest Details

Back in June, Capcom hosted the 2nd Street Fighter Art Contest, giving fans the chance to vote on unique challenger screens for 26 characters. These special artworks are showcased before each match in Street Fighter 6. Sadly, as reported by Automaton, players noticed odd details in a popular entry featuring Kimberly. Random lines and strange shapes are often clear indicators of generative AI use.

Investigating the Winner

When fans began to look into the winner, known as lilthascends, they discovered evidence that the individual had traced other pieces of art. Furthermore, the person’s X account was created just before the contest kicked off. Capcom stepped in and disqualified the contestant, referencing rules which mandate that all game art must be original. Following the accusations, it was no surprise that lilthascends vanished from the scene.

Capcom’s Response

Capcom promised to provide a new drawing for Kimberly and shared it on social media. However, instead of risking further controversy, the company opted for an image created by one of their own Street Fighter developers. Fans are pleased to see more challenger screens available, but some supporters feel disappointed that the event ended this way, as it was meant to be a celebration of the community.

With generative AI becoming more accessible, upcoming contests might encounter similar challenges. As these tools grow in sophistication, distinguishing between original art and AI-generated pieces will get harder. In the meantime, players remain vigilant for any developers who might take shortcuts in creating their in-game assets.

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Tags: Capcom, Street Fighter 6
August 26, 2025

New FF6-Inspired RPG Launching on Steam with 8-Hour Campaign

Key Takeaways

1. Launch Date and Platforms: Quartet, a new retro-style JRPG, launches on Steam for PC on August 26 and will also be available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with future releases planned for GOG and the Epic Games Store.

2. Campaign Structure: The game features four chapters that players can complete in any order, leading to a unified storyline with eight playable characters, balancing player choice and overarching plot.

3. Combat System: Quartet utilizes a menu-based, turn-based combat system with visible turn order, encouraging players to rotate party members and manage resources through mechanics like immediate turn swaps and passive ability point regeneration.

4. Engaging Narrative: The game includes intriguing story elements such as train heists and airship battles, all tied to a broader narrative about magic and historical turmoil, reminiscent of 16-bit era storytelling.

5. Future Console Releases: Console versions for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch are expected later this year.

A new retro-style JRPG is making its debut for PC gamers today: Quartet, a fresh turn-based game from Something Classic Games, is set to launch on Steam on August 26. The game brings together a nostalgic look with a modern flow.

Campaign Structure

The campaign in Quartet is organized into four initial chapters that players can tackle in any sequence before they merge into a unified storyline featuring a total of eight playable characters. This design aims to provide a balance between player choice and an overarching plot. The release is aimed at Windows, macOS, and Linux on PC, with plans for additional versions to appear on GOG and the Epic Games Store.

Combat System

The combat is primarily menu-based and turn-based, showcasing a visible turn order, with four active party members and four in reserve. Key mechanics include an immediate turn swap system and passive ability point regeneration for characters not currently in play. This setup should motivate players to rotate their party members and plan resources across different challenges.

Engaging Narrative

In terms of storytelling, Quartet offers compelling scenarios, including train heists tied to a larger conspiracy, airship battles in a disputed area, and the awakening of magical powers. All these elements are woven into a broader narrative about the destiny of magic and ongoing historical turmoil. The structure of the game seems to honor the storytelling style of the 16-bit era, which is always a delightful touch. Screenshots from the game evoke a strong resemblance to Stardew Valley, particularly in the art design.

Demo Experience

Before the launch, a publicly accessible demo presented the core gameplay loop to eager players. This demo featured timeline-based tactics, equipment progression, and exploration through diverse environments. The full version will expand on this framework, introducing all eight protagonists and the integrated narrative journey.

Future Console Releases

Console versions for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch are expected later this year, as the developers mentioned in a Reddit discussion. You can also view the Quartet release day trailer below.

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Tags: 8BitDo Ultimate 2C
August 26, 2025

Keychron Lemokey P2 HE: Wireless Gaming Keyboard with Mod-Friendly Case

Key Takeaways

1. Compact Layout: The Lemokey P2 HE features a 65% compact design with a customizable volume knob and improved spacing between keys for easier use.

2. High-Quality Keycaps: It includes Cherry profile keycaps made from double-shot PBT, available in black and white color options with shine-through keycaps for RGB backlighting.

3. Tool-less Disassembly: The keyboard allows for rapid disassembly, enabling users to easily change internal components like foams and gaskets for personalized feel and performance.

4. Silicone Bean Gaskets: Unlike typical foam gaskets, the P2 HE uses silicone bean gaskets, providing a firmer and bouncier typing experience.

5. QMK Firmware Compatibility: The keyboard supports QMK firmware, enhancing customization and compatibility with Keychron Launcher for advanced user functionality.

The Lemokey P1 HE has shown itself to be a remarkable wireless gaming keyboard, featuring Hall effect switches, dependable wireless connection, and extensive customization software that we adored in our review of the Keychron K4 HE, all packed into a budget-friendly full aluminum frame. Now, Keychron has refreshed their Lemokey Hall effect gaming keyboard series with the Lemokey P2 HE, which takes the unique traits of the P1 HE and adapts them to a more compact design with some enthusiast-oriented enhancements.

Compact and Customizable Design

The Lemokey P2 HE sports a 65% compact layout, including a customizable volume knob. There is a bit of space between the bottom row’s modifier keys and the arrow keys, making it likely easier to adjust to compared to the truly compact layout we found challenging in our Lofree Flow Lite review. Another standout feature of the P2 HE is that it includes well-known Cherry profile keycaps crafted from double-shot PBT. Lemokey provides the P2 HE in black and white color options, both of which come with the choice of shine-through keycaps that complement the north-facing per-key RGB backlighting very nicely.

Exciting Features for Enthusiasts

One of the most thrilling features of the P2 HE is its rapid disassembly capability. This tool-less disassembly approach is found in many modern enthusiast mechanical keyboards and some pre-built models, like the Monsgeek M1 V5 TMR (currently priced at $139.99 on Amazon). This means that users can easily take apart the keyboard to change internal foams and gaskets, allowing them to test different configurations and discover what feels best for them. Unlike the Poron foam gaskets commonly used in many Keychron keyboards, the Lemokey P2 HE employs silicone bean gaskets, giving the keyboard a slightly firmer and bouncier sensation.

Customization and Compatibility

When it comes to customization, the Lemokey P2 HE also employs QMK firmware, meaning it works seamlessly with Keychron Launcher. This has been a significant advantage for us in previous reviews of Keychron products, including the Q13 Max and the M6 8K wireless ergonomic mouse.

You can purchase the Lemokey P2 HE directly from Lemokey at a price of $169.99. This is $30 more than the $139.99 Keychron K4 HE, although the K4 HE features a rigid tray mount and a plastic casing.

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Tags: Keychron K4 HE, wireless gaming keyboard
August 26, 2025

AYN Thor: New Ayaneo Pocket DS Competitor Launches at $249

Key Takeaways

1. The AYN Thor is available for purchase, starting at $249 for the AYN Thor Lite model.
2. The Thor Lite features two 1080p AMOLED screens but uses the older Snapdragon 865 chipset and has a 6,000 mAh battery.
3. Higher-end Thor models (Base, Pro, Max) utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which offers better GPU support for emulation.
4. Prices for the Thor range from $249 to $429, with potential retail pricing reaching $459.
5. AYN Technologies offers various official accessories, available individually or in a pack for $50.

The AYN Thor is now ready for purchase after a brief teaser marketing. As discussed earlier, AYN Technologies aims to compete against Ayaneo and the Pocket DS. For background, Ayaneo began crowdfunding for the Pocket DS on August 18, starting at $399. This price includes a Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chipset, 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 128 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, an 8,000 mAh battery, a main 7-inch OLED display, and a secondary 5-inch IPS display.

Differences in Pricing and Specs

In comparison, the AYN Thor starts at a lower price of $249 for the AYN Thor Lite, which has the same memory setup. Additionally, AYN Technologies has incorporated two 1080p AMOLED screens, measuring 6 inches and 3.92 inches diagonally. However, the battery capacity in the AYN Thor is less, coming in at 6,000 mAh. The Thor Lite is also equipped with the older Snapdragon 865, which finds it hard to perform beyond PlayStation 2 emulation in the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, currently priced at $269 on Amazon.

Performance Variants

On another note, the Thor’s Base, Pro, and Max models are powered by the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a chipset that AYN Technologies also uses in the Odin2 series. In theory, this chipset might seem to put these models at a disadvantage when compared to the Pocket DS. However, in practical terms, the two chipsets show little difference in synthetic tests. Moreover, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has better third-party GPU driver support which can provide an advantage in Nintendo Switch emulation.

Currently, the Thor is priced between $249 and $429, with the higher price point including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It’s important to note that AYN Technologies plans to set Retail Pricing that could raise the Thor’s price to $459. Additionally, the company offers a range of official accessories available for individual purchase or in an Accessories Pack for $50. For further details, see the images below and visit AYN Technologies’ website.

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Tags: Ayaneo Pocket DS, AYN Thor, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2