Category: Gaming

  • Asus ROG Phone 9 Reveals Exciting New Dot-Matrix Display Feature

    Asus ROG Phone 9 Reveals Exciting New Dot-Matrix Display Feature

    The ROG Phone 9 series is set to be unveiled in less than two weeks. Following the trend of many tech companies, Asus has been sharing teasers showcasing features of these new devices. A recent teaser highlights the AniMe VISION mini-LED display located on the back of the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro, suggesting it has gained an exciting new capability since its introduction on the ROG Phone 8 Pro.

    New Features of AniMe VISION

    This dot matrix display is capable of presenting various animations, custom messages, and important information including call alerts, battery percentage, time, a timer, and weather updates. Interestingly, it will also feature distinct animations when users tap their phones together. All these functionalities were also present in the ROG Phone 8 Pro (currently listed on Amazon for $929), which allowed users to upload their own animations.

    Mini Games on the Display

    However, a noteworthy addition seems to be the ability to play mini games. Two promotional videos shared on Weibo by the official ROG Gaming Phone account demonstrate the AniMe Vision display showcasing games like PacMan and Dino Run. One of the clips even features gameplay of a Space Invaders-style game using the pressure-sensitive triggers located on the side of the phone. Both of these videos are accessible through the source links given below.

    Launch Date and Specifications

    It’s fascinating to see a secondary display gain more functionalities. Nonetheless, it is still unclear whether both the standard and pro models will include this display. Last year, the standard ROG Phone 8 (currently available on Amazon for $779.99) did not have this feature, instead offering an RGB Aura logo with LED lights.

    The ROG Phone 9 series is expected to launch on November 19, and it has been confirmed that it will utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Numerous leaks have surfaced so far, including an unboxing of the ROG Phone 9.

    Asus ROG Gaming Phone on Weibo

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  • Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Delay Indefinitely in India

    Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Delay Indefinitely in India

    Sony has postponed the release of the PlayStation 5 Pro in India due to the unavailability of the telecom spectrum for Wi-Fi 7 in the country. This gaming console operates on the 6GHz frequency band necessary for its IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) certified network radios.

    Official Confirmation

    In a statement sent to High Chaos Run, Sony stated that the "PS5 Pro will not be offered in certain countries (including India at this time) where the 6GHz wireless band used in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) is not permitted yet."

    Regulatory Delays

    As per a report from Business Standard, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has delayed its decision regarding this spectrum allocation and has until 2027 to make a final decision.

    Future Spectrum Use

    Sources quoted by the Financial Express have mentioned that India plans to designate the upper segment of the band (6425-7125 MHz) for telecommunications companies for their 5G and 6G services. Moreover, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) utilizes this network for satellite communications and has raised concerns about potential interference if the band is allocated for telecom purposes.

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  • Red Magic 10 Pro+ Tops AnTuTu with 3.1M Score, 24GB RAM, 144Hz Display

    Red Magic 10 Pro+ Tops AnTuTu with 3.1M Score, 24GB RAM, 144Hz Display

    Nubia’s Red Magic 10 Pro series is set to redefine mobile gaming capabilities. A recent leak, coming from an AnTuTu benchmark, has disclosed important information regarding the anticipated Red Magic 10 Pro+.

    Benchmarking Breakthrough

    The smartphone, known as NX789J, has broken previous records with an astonishing score of 3,116,126 points. This remarkable achievement is due to its robust specifications: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Additionally, it will sport a 144Hz refresh rate display and operate on the newest Android 15 OS.

    Features for Gamers

    In addition to its immense power, the Red Magic 10 Pro series is expected to include unique features designed specifically for gamers. One notable feature is the "ICE X Magic Cooling System," which incorporates a composite liquid metal with a layered alloy structure based on indium, reducing core temperatures by as much as 21 degrees for enhanced performance. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip will be complemented by Red Magic’s R3 gaming chip to further boost gaming experiences.

    Display and Battery Enhancements

    The device is rumored to boast a high-resolution display of 2688 x 1216 pixels with a refresh rate of 144Hz, peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and an under-display fingerprint sensor along with a selfie camera. Furthermore, the battery is set to be upgraded, now featuring a 7050mAh capacity to support extended gaming sessions.

    According to gameplay statistics from the brand, Honkai Impact 3 can be played for 60 minutes on this device, achieving an average frame rate of 60.1 fps with a slight fluctuation of only 0.2 fps. It also supports gaming resolutions reaching up to 2K at 120fps.

    The Red Magic 10 Pro series is expected to be launched in China on November 13th, 2024.

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  • Sony Reports PlayStation Network Growth Amid PS5 Sales Decline

    Sony Reports PlayStation Network Growth Amid PS5 Sales Decline

    Sony has recently begun to sell the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) openly, after showcasing the console in mid-September. To put it simply, the PS5 Pro is no longer facing the stock problems that affected the PS5 during its early years. Nevertheless, the rise in availability of consoles like the PS5 Slim (curr. $449.99 on Amazon) has not led to better sales numbers.

    Sales Fluctuations

    In fact, Sony has announced a notable decline in PS5 hardware sales when compared year-on-year. As per Tom Warren from The Verge, hardware sales reached 4.9 million in the second quarter of Sony’s prior financial year. Following that, it managed to sell 8.2 million units in the third quarter before falling back to 4.5 million units in Q4.

    Recent Performance

    In stark contrast, Sony reported that it sold 2.4 million PS5 units in the first quarter of FY24, indicating a 27% decrease from the previous year. Although the company has shown better performance in Q2, its hardware sales remain 22% below the figures from 2023. Overall, expectations are that Q3 will be a stronger quarter, especially with the addition of PS5 Pro sales.

    Game Sales Growth

    On the other hand, game sales have surged by 28% during the same timeframe. Additionally, the number of active PlayStation Network users has climbed by over 8%, increasing from 107 million to 116 million. However, it’s important to note that this number is still below the 123 million monthly active users that Sony reported in Q3 FY2023.

    Sony via Tom Warren, Tamara Bitter (Unsplash) – Image credits

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  • OneXFly F1 Pro 10W TDP: Play Red Dead Redemption 80+ FPS

    OneXFly F1 Pro 10W TDP: Play Red Dead Redemption 80+ FPS

    The OneXFly F1 Pro is a groundbreaking gaming handheld that features the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, making it capable of running nearly any AAA game you can think of. It also includes the Radeon 890M integrated GPU, which allows it to perform exceptionally well. Recently, the company revealed how the F1 Pro can run Red Dead Redemption while maintaining a low thermal design power (TDP).

    Impressive Performance in Gaming

    In a recent teaser video, One-Netbook showcased the OneXFly F1 Pro achieving over 80 frames per second in Red Dead Redemption at a mere 10W TDP. The game was played at a 1080p resolution, and although the graphics were set to low, it’s quite remarkable to see the Radeon 890M delivering such strong performance at such a low power consumption level.

    Benchmark Scores Reveal Potential

    Additionally, One-Netbook highlighted the performance of the Ryzen AI 365 version of the gaming handheld. According to the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, the Radeon 880M in the OneXFly F1 Pro scored 2,084 at 10W, 2,967 at 15W, and 3,346 at 25W. For context, the score of 3,346 at 25W surpasses the performance of the Asus ROG Ally X, which scored lower at 30W in our tests. This indicates that even the more affordable version of the OneXFly F1 Pro outperforms many last-gen handhelds.

    Pricing and Future Expectations

    However, the OneXFly F1 Pro comes with a higher price tag compared to older models. With the current pre-order discount, the starting price is set at $1,099. This price point is somewhat expected, especially since even the Strix Point mini PCs are more expensive than their Hawk Point counterparts. Looking ahead, there’s hope that the next generation of gaming handhelds featuring the Ryzen Z2 series may lower prices somewhat (for instance, the Legion Go with Z1 Extreme is currently priced at $659.99 on Amazon).

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  • Ayaneo 3 Gaming Handheld: Official Specs Revealed

    Ayaneo 3 Gaming Handheld: Official Specs Revealed

    One-Netbook has recently launched the OneXFly F1 Pro featuring AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365 and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APUs. In light of this, Ayaneo has disclosed additional information regarding their third-generation flagship handheld device. As expected, Ayaneo has chosen to equip the Ayaneo 3 with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 as well.

    AMD’s Cutting-Edge Technology

    The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is designed to demonstrate AMD’s latest Zen 5 CPU cores, along with the RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 890M iGPU. Interestingly, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is currently available in mini-PC versions like the Beelink SER9, which retails for $999 on Amazon. Nevertheless, Ayaneo is also relying on the well-established Ryzen 7 8840U, a processor that has become quite popular in the gaming handheld market lately.

    Display Choices and Features

    Additionally, Ayaneo has announced that the Ayaneo 3 will come with options for both LCD and OLED screens. It appears that only the OLED variant will support HDR technology. Furthermore, Ayaneo has shared some insights into the device’s control scheme, hinting at a new arrangement of rear-mounted buttons and what they refer to as trigger lock keys. While there is no confirmed release date for the Ayaneo 3 just yet, the company has certainly added some substance to its earlier announcements.

    Looking Ahead

    Ayaneo’s latest updates provide a clearer picture of what gamers can expect from the upcoming Ayaneo 3. The combination of powerful hardware and innovative features could make it a strong competitor in the handheld gaming market. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see how the Ayaneo 3 will stack up against its rivals like the OneXFly F1 Pro.

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  • Nvidia Introduces Hourly Caps for GeForce Now, Users Displeased

    Nvidia Introduces Hourly Caps for GeForce Now, Users Displeased

    Nvidia has revealed that it will limit the monthly gameplay on its game streaming platform, GeForce Now. The Priority membership plan has been rebranded to Performance, which offers 1440p streaming at a cost of $9.99 (€9.26 or £7.71) each month. The Ultimate plan enables streaming up to 4K resolution for $19.99 (€18.53 or £15.42) monthly.

    New Limitations on Playtime

    The most drastic change is the implementation of monthly playtime limits. Users on the Performance plan will have a maximum of 6 hours per session, while those on the Ultimate plan will be allowed 8 hours. No matter which plan you choose, there is a total cap of 100 hours of usage per month.

    Nvidia has decided that users can roll over up to 15 unused hours to the next month, but session caps will still apply. If you surpass the maximum time allowed in a session, you will need to purchase additional hours to keep playing. For the Performance plan, 15 hours of extra playtime costs $2.99 (€2.78 or £2.31), while Ultimate plan subscribers will pay $5.99 (€5.56 or £4.62) for the same amount.

    A Small Comfort for Members

    On a brighter note, anyone who is an active paid member as of December 31, 2024, will receive unlimited playtime for one full year until January 2026. Additionally, Nvidia Founders subscriptions will continue to offer unlimited playtime for life, provided that there is no gap in their membership.

    Nvidia stated, "This ample limit comfortably accommodates 94% of members, who typically enjoy the service well within this timeframe."

    User Reactions and Gaming Habits

    As anticipated, the response from users has been largely negative, with many expressing their dissatisfaction on platforms like Reddit and X. Numerous players are urging Nvidia to rethink this decision and are willing to pay more to keep unlimited playtime available.

    A survey conducted by Statista, which questioned 10,106 individuals in the U.S., revealed that 28% reported spending about 1 to 5 hours daily on gaming, 17% said they spend between 6 to 10 hours, and 10% claimed to play for 11 to 15 hours.

    Game Lengths and Playtime Concerns

    From howlongtobeat.com, the campaign length for the newly launched Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is approximately eight hours, extending to eleven hours for those aiming to complete everything. Multiplayer modes can further increase this time.

    Silent Hill 2 requires about fifteen and a half hours to complete, while Baldur’s Gate 3 can take up to sixty-eight hours just for the main storyline. Elden Ring may take sixty hours or more to finish.

    Even disregarding the average gameplay durations, the notion of having to limit playtime per session is not appealing for any gaming service. Players should be able to immerse themselves in the game, not constantly checking the clock to monitor their remaining time.

    Nvidia, Reddit, Statista, howlongtobeat.com

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  • Behind Buckshot Roulette: Mike Klubnika’s Creative Journey

    Behind Buckshot Roulette: Mike Klubnika’s Creative Journey

    For those new to Buckshot Roulette, this game features a mysterious main character who faces off in a lethal version of Russian roulette against a masked figure called "The Dealer." Accompanying the intense gameplay is a pounding industrial techno soundtrack that sets a thrilling atmosphere. Players utilize power-ups like pills, adrenaline shots, and special phone calls to gain an edge, engaging in a fierce struggle against The Dealer over three challenging rounds. Those who successfully survive this high-stakes encounter are rewarded generously.

    Visual Influence

    When Buckshot Roulette was launched, many players quickly noticed its visual similarities to the indie game Inscryption. Klubnika, the creator, acknowledged that Daniel Mullins, the mind behind Inscryption, heavily inspired the visual style of Buckshot Roulette. However, in response to a question from user Life-Image-6068, Klubnika, under the name dustycassettes, elaborated that the influences extend beyond just Inscryption to include several other notable games.

    The Soundtrack Experience

    One standout feature of the game is undoubtedly its unique soundtrack. The music is crafted to amplify feelings of tension, victory, and chaos that permeate the gameplay. User kkzz23 inquires about the time taken to produce the OST and how much music experience Klubnika possesses.

    Future Developments

    For many gamers, conversing with a prominent developer presents a great opportunity to dive into the technical side of creating a successful indie game. User Capable-Medicine-454 asks whether Klubnika plans to keep making games and if he intends to stick with the same game engine. While well-known engines like Unity and Unreal dominate the industry, Klubnika shares his support for a rising open-source alternative, despite some ongoing debates about its use.

    Buckshot Roulette on Reddit r/Games

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  • Epic Games Store Reveals Upcoming Free Game Giveaway

    Epic Games Store Reveals Upcoming Free Game Giveaway

    The Epic Games Store is now offering another game for free as part of its promotional service. Unlike previous offers, this time the store has chosen not to provide a high-profile triple-A game. Keep in mind that this latest promotion will be available until 15:59 UTC on November 14, after which it will change to the game listed below.

    Single Game Offer

    Similar to last week, Epic Games is only giving away one game this time. The Castlevania Anniversary Collection is priced at $19.99, the same as Deceive Inc. However, at the moment, you can’t buy the former from the Epic Games Store. It is still up for grabs on Steam, where it has earned ‘very positive’ feedback from over 1,300 users.

    High Ratings and Requirements

    The collection also has impressive ratings on Metacritic, including its version for Nintendo Switch, which currently costs $49.97 on Amazon. To play the Castlevania Anniversary Collection, your computer must have at least a 64-bit version of Windows 10 and 4 GB of RAM. Moreover, Konami suggests using a graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM for the best experience. The video below showcases what the Castlevania Anniversary Collection offers:

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  • PlayStation 5 Pro Now Available: No Stock Shortages

    PlayStation 5 Pro Now Available: No Stock Shortages

    Sony has begun sending out PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) units to customers who pre-ordered. Just to remind you, the company started taking orders on September 26, which was a little over two weeks after the console’s official announcement. Good news is, you can still order the PS5 Pro worldwide, even as of now.

    Stock Situation

    This indicates that Sony’s new console isn’t facing the stock problems that plagued the original PS5. For example, it was quite challenging to find the PS5 for most of the time until about this period last year. The same issue has been seen with the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition, which some scalpers tried to sell for more than $35,000.

    Pricing and Availability

    On the other hand, the PS5 Pro is available for purchase from Amazon, Best Buy, Sony, and several other retailers in the US for $699, and it has relatively short waiting times. However, it’s important to note that Sony currently limits orders to one console per customer. Strangely, the same can’t be said for the PS5 Pro’s disc drive, which is expected to sell for $79. Sadly, it’s not clear when this accessory will be available for order again.

    Retailers Offering the Console

    Amazon, Best Buy, and Sony are just some of the places where you can find the PS5 Pro. The excitement around this new console seems to be much more stable compared to its predecessor, making it easier for gamers to get their hands on it.

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