Category: Gaming

  • EA Sports College Football 26 Cover Leak: Coaches and Mascots Features

    EA Sports College Football 26 Cover Leak: Coaches and Mascots Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. EA Sports College Football 25 has been well-received as the first game in the series since 2013, but developers face pressure for continuous improvements.
    2. A leaked cover for EA Sports College Football 26 has generated mixed reactions, with some calling the artwork rough, indicating it may be an early draft.
    3. College Football 25 missed the popular Mascot Mode, which allowed players to engage with school spirit and mascot characters.
    4. The leaked cover features real-life coaches like Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart, raising expectations for their inclusion in the next game.
    5. Players are requesting features like in-game team building and improved cross-play options, with more details expected closer to the summer release.


    As the first game in the series since 2013, EA Sports College Football 25 has been a huge hit. Yet, with a yearly release schedule, developers are under pressure to continuously enhance the game. If a recent cover leak is any sign, players could be anticipating a lot of exciting new features in EA Sports College Football 26.

    New Cover and Reactions

    On March 12, images of a Deluxe Edition cover surfaced on social media. The Athletic reported that the images came from a photo shoot that included notable NCAA football players, coaches, and mascots. The feedback has been mixed, with some gamers describing the artwork as rough and aimless. Nevertheless, it’s probably just an early draft without the typical effects and polishing seen in previous covers.

    Features and Omissions

    Although College Football 25 gave gamers many modes to enjoy, it did miss one key feature. Earlier versions enabled players to take part as mascots. School spirit, often represented by fans in those iconic costumes, is a significant part of the college experience. Unfortunately, Mascot Mode was absent in last year’s edition.

    Coaches and Gameplay Expectations

    The leaked cover also highlights the sidelines by showcasing well-known coaches such as Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart. While College Football 25 accurately depicted real-life stadiums, the coaches in the game were not real. Fans of the franchise would likely appreciate EA Sports College Football 26 including features that honor these distinctive figures.

    Of course, a cover image can reveal only so much about what to look forward to in EA’s next college football adventure. Other frequent requests from players include having team building directly in the game instead of through an app and more flexible cross-play options. It’s expected that the publisher will keep many updates under wraps until the anticipated summer release of EA Sports College Football 26.

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  • Microsoft Copilot: Your New Gaming Skills Assistant

    Microsoft Copilot: Your New Gaming Skills Assistant

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is previewing Copilot for Gaming, an AI assistant for Xbox Insiders on mobile devices.
    2. The assistant helps players find new games, return to paused titles, and connects them with similar gaming communities.
    3. It offers tailored, situation-specific tips and playful interactions to enhance gameplay and improve skills.
    4. Players have full control over their interaction with the assistant, which also helps with game updates and downloads.
    5. The preview will launch on mobile devices first, with plans for future availability on other platforms.


    Microsoft has revealed an early look at Copilot for Gaming, aimed at Xbox Insiders on mobile devices. This preview, which is set to launch soon, will give testers a chance to experience a new AI coach meant to “help you save time” while gaming.

    A New Gaming Companion

    The assistant is designed to help you find new games and make it easier to return to titles you may have paused for a while. This “sidekick” acts as a “personalized gaming companion,” offering guidance on games you might be struggling with or helping you link up with other players in similar communities.

    Fatima Kardar, the Corporate Vice President of Gaming AI at Xbox, shared, “Gaming is the only form of entertainment where you can get stuck.” The Copilot for Gaming aims to “assist you in getting past that.”

    Tailored Assistance

    This assistant can provide “situation-specific” tips during different gameplay scenarios, helping players hone their skills. Additionally, it can engage in some playful “trash talk” if that’s your thing. It observes your gaming style and recommends ways to improve. Moreover, it can notify you when your friends are online and help set up gaming sessions together.

    Microsoft has made it clear that “the player remains in control,” deciding when and how to interact with the assistant. It also aids players in downloading and updating their games.

    Future Availability

    Although Microsoft did not specify an exact launch date, they indicated that the preview will first be accessible on mobile devices before gradually rolling out to additional platforms. You can sign up for the Xbox Insider Program here.

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  • New Xbox Handheld Details Leaked Ahead of 2025 Release

    New Xbox Handheld Details Leaked Ahead of 2025 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Despite the Steam Deck’s popularity, competitors like Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go have not surpassed its sales, with Valve selling fewer than five million units in three years.

    2. Microsoft is set to release its first Xbox-branded handheld, called Project Kennan, in collaboration with Asus, expected later this year.

    3. Project Kennan is anticipated to be priced between $499 and $599 and will feature an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU, which reportedly offers a weaker gaming experience than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme.

    4. The device will primarily function as a Windows PC, meaning that most Xbox games will not be playable on it, which may disappoint potential users.

    5. Overall, Project Kennan appears to be just another Windows gaming handheld with performance comparable to existing devices, raising doubts about its market impact given Microsoft’s history with product launches.


    An increasing number of companies are trying to take advantage of the Steam Deck’s popularity, even though Valve has sold less than five million units in three years. The Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go (currently $549.99 – refurbished on Amazon) are among the most notable competitors, but their sales still haven’t outdone those of the Steam Deck.

    Microsoft’s New Venture

    Now, Microsoft is anticipated to release its first Xbox-branded handheld gaming device later this year. Reports from various sources indicate that Microsoft is collaborating with Asus on the development of this device, which Windows Central has confirmed is called Project Kennan, not Project Keenan as previously thought.

    Pricing and Performance Insights

    According to a fresh report, Xbox Project Kennan is expected to be priced between $499 and $599, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU. When we looked at the Legion Go S, we found out that the Ryzen Z2 Go does not offer a robust gaming experience. In fact, it performs significantly worse than the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, despite being two years younger.

    Windows Central also mentions that there will be an additional SKU for Xbox Project Kennan. However, there’s uncertainty whether this pricier option will come with a stronger chipset or just extra memory. Importantly, the website highlights that the device will be “a proof of concept of sorts,” carrying a crucial caveat:

    For those expecting Kennan to play Xbox games, it’s disappointing to note that it is fundamentally a Windows PC. This means that most of your Xbox games will not be available on the device.

    The Bottom Line

    In essence, Xbox Project Kennan is just another Windows gaming handheld, similar to the Legion Go, ROG Ally, and others that have come before it. Alarmingly, it seems that its performance benchmarks are only on par with current-generation handhelds or even less impressive, lacking the power of a Strix Halo APU. Given Microsoft’s history of launching products late and its many failed ventures, it’s hard to see how Xbox Project Kennan will make a significant impact when it debuts later this year.

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  • Helldivers 2 Announced: Surprising Features and Changes Revealed

    Helldivers 2 Announced: Surprising Features and Changes Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Helldivers 2 is being adapted into a board game by Steamforged Games and Arrowhead Game Studios.
    2. The board game will offer a cooperative tactical experience for 1-4 players, focusing on missions against alien foes.
    3. Community reactions are mixed, with doubts about Steamforged’s reputation for balancing gameplay versus miniatures.
    4. Some players hope the board game will emphasize strategic gameplay rather than just showcasing miniatures.
    5. A crowdfunding campaign for the game will launch on April 8 on Gamefound, with more details to be announced soon.


    The fight for Super Earth is ongoing, but it’s not what many would think. On March 13, a fun post on X shared that the cooperative action of the popular shooter Helldivers 2 is transitioning to a board game format.

    Exciting Development

    This tabletop version is being created by Steamforged Games in collaboration with Arrowhead Game Studios, the minds behind Helldivers. Steamforged is a recognized name in the board game industry, having adapted popular video game series like Monster Hunter and Devil May Cry for tabletop play. Helldivers 2: The Board Game will offer a cooperative tactical experience for 1-4 players, where an elite Helldivers squad confronts alien foes and undertakes missions. The goal is to capture the thrilling action of the original game, translating its dynamic gameplay into a different medium.

    Community Reactions

    However, the response from the Reddit community has been mostly doubtful regarding this news, primarily due to Steamforged Games’ uneven reputation. Critics claim that the company tends to emphasize miniatures over balancing gameplay, raising questions about the overall quality of the board game. On the flip side, some Reddit users express cautious hope that the board game will emphasize tactical strategies from the video game instead of merely serving as a display for miniatures.

    Upcoming Crowdfunding

    The crowdfunding effort is set to begin on April 8 on Gamefound, allowing interested players to keep track of and support the initiative. Details about pricing, stretch goals, and what the game will include are still under wraps, but Steamforged Games has assured that further information will be shared soon.

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  • OneXPlayer OneXSugar: New Nintendo DS Style Handheld Coming Soon

    OneXPlayer OneXSugar: New Nintendo DS Style Handheld Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. One-Netbook has been very active recently, launching multiple devices under the OneXPlayer brand while competitors like Anbernic have been quieter.
    2. The OneXFly F1 Pro was released at $1,149.99, just before Ayaneo’s similar product, the Ayaneo 3.
    3. Other new releases include the OneXPlayer X1 Pro and OneXPlayer G1, both featuring unique designs.
    4. One-Netbook teased a new device called the OneXSugar, which has a ‘transformable’ design for different gaming setups.
    5. The OneXSugar will be officially announced at a ‘Tasting Experience’ event in China, with a similar event in Los Angeles for fan feedback and a chance to win the device.


    One-Netbook has been quite active in recent months, especially when compared to its competitors. While Anbernic, known for its busy schedule, hasn’t released any new products for some time, One-Netbook has launched multiple devices under the OneXPlayer brand.

    New Products

    A notable release is the OneXFly F1 Pro, currently priced at $1,149.99 on Amazon, which was launched just before Ayaneo could respond with the similar Ayaneo 3. Following this, One-Netbook also launched the OneXPlayer X1 Pro and the OneXPlayer G1, both of which have distinct designs.

    Exciting Tease

    Amid these product launches, One-Netbook has teased an interesting new device named the OneXSugar. This gadget, created in partnership with Sugar Cubes, is said to have a ‘transformable’ design. An early prototype of this device can be seen in the video above. Essentially, the OneXSugar appears to allow for both horizontal gaming handheld use and a Nintendo DS-like dual-screen setup, made possible through a series of hinges.

    One-Netbook and Sugar Cubes haven’t fully revealed the device yet or provided any details about its availability. Instead, One-Netbook has mentioned that the OneXSugar will be officially announced during a ‘Tasting Experience’ event in China next week. Additionally, there will be a similar event in Los Angeles, where the company is looking for feedback from fans. There’s also a chance to win a OneXSugar! For more details, check out the LA Gaming Tournament Google Form.

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  • $2 Steam Shooter with 160K+ Positive Reviews on Sale

    $2 Steam Shooter with 160K+ Positive Reviews on Sale

    Key Takeaways

    1. Multiplayer Focus: Battlefield 1 emphasizes multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to 64 players to engage in team-based battles with various combat vehicles and Behemoths that can influence battle outcomes.

    2. Diverse Soldier Classes: Players can choose from four soldier classes (scout, medic, assault, support) and upgrade them to unlock new weapons and equipment, enhancing the gameplay experience.

    3. Single-Player Mode: The game features a single-player mode called War Stories, which includes standalone missions set in different locations of the First World War, though it is less emphasized compared to multiplayer.

    4. Critical Reception: Since its release in October 2016, Battlefield 1 has received positive reviews, with an 86% approval rating on Steam and a Metascore of 88, praised for its visuals and multiplayer options but criticized for historical inaccuracies and short single-player missions.

    5. Affordable Pricing: The game is generally priced around $40 on Steam but is available at a significant discount during sales, making it appealing to new players and maintaining a strong player community.


    Battlefield 1 plunges gamers into high-stakes multiplayer conflicts set during the First World War. Staying true to the franchise’s roots, combat showcases a wide array of weapons, as well as tanks, aircraft, and even horses. Players have the opportunity to control enormous Behemoths like zeppelins, armored trains, and battleships, which can dramatically shift the outcome of battles, even when the odds are stacked against them. The four different soldier classes—scout, medic, assault, and support—can be individually upgraded to unlock new weaponry and equipment, ensuring an exciting and evolving gameplay experience.

    Single-Player Experience

    There’s also a single-player mode known as War Stories, where players traverse various locations from the First World War through multiple standalone missions. Nevertheless, the primary emphasis is on multiplayer gameplay, where as many as 64 players can participate in team-oriented skirmishes. The game features shifting weather, destructible environments, and a grand musical score that creates a cinematic feel, garnering much acclaim from reviewers. The diverse battlefields span from the devastated terrains of France and Italy to the frigid fronts of Russia and the arid deserts of Egypt, providing a rich and engaging experience.

    Release and Reception

    Created by DICE in collaboration with Electronic Arts, Battlefield 1 launched in October 2016. Since its release, it has gathered close to 160,000 reviews on Steam, with an impressive 86% of them being favorable. On Metacritic, it boasts a Metascore of 88 and a user score of 7.4. The German publication GameStar commended the game for its stunning visuals and extensive multiplayer options. However, they pointed out the brevity of the single-player missions and the historical inaccuracies present in the game. With numerous automatic weapons and rapid gameplay, many feel it resembles a Second World War shooter more than a First World War one.

    The standard price for the game is approximately $40 on Steam. Nevertheless, during the Steam Spring Sale, the Battlefield 1 Revolution package is discounted by 95%, bringing the price down to about $2 until March 20. This edition contains the base game along with all released downloadable content. Despite being a few years old, Battlefield 1 still retains a large community of players, making this discounted offer particularly appealing for fans of shooters. As reported by SteamDB, the game reached a peak of 13,908 concurrent players within a 24-hour period during the time of this research.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Rumored Price: $400 or More at Launch

    Nintendo Switch 2 Rumored Price: $400 or More at Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 two months ago, with more details expected at the April 2 Nintendo Direct event.
    2. Analysts believe the Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s biggest launch, with the company stockpiling up to eight million units.
    3. Initial sales figures for the Switch and PlayStation 5 were 2.7 million and 4.5 million, respectively, which may have been affected by stock shortages.
    4. Price predictions for the Switch 2 vary, with estimates ranging from $399 to $499, influenced by Nvidia’s pricing for components.
    5. Overall expectations for the Switch 2’s launch are high, with significant stockpiling and uncertainty around pricing.


    Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 around two months ago, but there was little information shared about the new console. Since then, the company has remained silent regarding any updates. They are anticipated to reveal more details during their upcoming Nintendo Direct event, which is set for April 2.

    Anticipations for the Launch

    As reported by Takashi Mochizuki from Bloomberg, many analysts are optimistic that the Switch 2 will be Nintendo’s most significant launch to date. To prepare for this, the company is reportedly stockpiling up to eight million units, which would exceed the initial sales of both the Switch and PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $499 on Amazon). For context, the sales figures for these consoles were 2.7 million and 4.5 million, respectively, but those numbers might have been impacted by early stock shortages.

    Uncertainty Around Pricing

    However, there seems to be less consensus among analysts regarding the launch price of the Switch 2. Some speculate that Nintendo might price the new console at $399, aligning with earlier rumors. On the other hand, Mochizuki notes that others predict a price closer to $449 or even as much as $499, primarily because Nvidia is charging Nintendo between $130 and $150 for each Tegra SoC. Consequently, the Bloomberg editor suggests that the Switch 2 might “cost $400 or more,” indicating that it could surpass that $400 mark.

    Conclusion

    In summary, while details about the Switch 2 remain sparse, expectations are high for its launch. With significant stockpiling and varying price predictions, it will be interesting to see how Nintendo approaches this new console in the coming weeks.

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  • Radeon RX 9070 Price Hike Linked to MSRP Drop and AMD Rebate

    Radeon RX 9070 Price Hike Linked to MSRP Drop and AMD Rebate

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s initial pricing for the Radeon RX 9070 was lower than expected, leading to elevated retail prices due to stock hoarding by retailers.
    2. AMD introduced a rebate program for RX 9070 GPUs, focusing on those at base clock speeds, but not uniformly applied across all retailers.
    3. There is a significant price disparity between premium RDNA 4 GPUs and lower-end models due to lack of price reductions from AMD.
    4. Supply issues have contributed to high prices, with AMD claiming that more shipments will eventually lead to better pricing at MSRP.
    5. Consumers may face inflated prices due to limited alternatives in the GPU market, as Nvidia has been criticized for stopping production of older models too soon.


    A recent video from Hardware Unboxed sheds light on the reasons behind the elevated prices of the Radeon RX 9070. One reason is that AMD set prices that were lower than what retailers had anticipated. To help bridge this gap, a rebate program has been introduced, but it specifically targets RX 9070 series GPUs that operate at base clock speeds.

    Production Timeline and Pricing Surprises

    The manufacturing of RDNA 4 graphics cards kicked off in late 2024, several months prior to AMD’s official introduction of the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. Retailers began hoarding stock, while AMD had initially suggested a higher price of over $549 and $599. Many gamers found the pricing to be surprising, making the RX 9070 XT appear to be a great deal when compared to the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti.

    Rebate Dynamics and Market Manipulation

    In order to maintain profit margins, AMD has rolled out rebates for retailers, but these adjustments are not being applied uniformly across all stores. There’s a hint of greed involved as well. While most rebates focus on MSRP models, both manufacturers and retailers profit more from overclocked versions that come with RGB lighting. Without AMD reducing prices on the more premium RDNA 4 GPUs, a significant price disparity exists between these and the lower-end models.

    Supply Challenges and Market Response

    Another factor contributing to the unexpectedly high prices for the Radeon RX 9070 is supply issues. David McAfee, AMD’s Corporate Vice President and General Manager, addressed claims of inflated pricing. He asserts that as shipments increase, partners will be able to offer more GPUs at MSRP. Although there was a substantial influx of RDNA 4 cards upon release, inventory has since diminished.

    Hardware Unboxed also touched on problems related to RTX 50-series supply and how they impact the broader market. Nvidia has been criticized for ceasing production of previous models too soon. Because of the lack of alternatives, consumers ended up paying inflated prices for graphics cards even before the Blackwell models were released.

    While AMD and Nvidia provide assurances, it’s understandable for buyers to feel doubtful. Looking back at previous GPU launches, gamers should be prepared for a lengthy wait for more stock at MSRP prices.

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  • Steam Spring Sale: 10 Discounted Souls-like Games for Challenges

    Steam Spring Sale: 10 Discounted Souls-like Games for Challenges

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nioh Series Discounts: Nioh (80% off) and Nioh 2 (50% off) offer challenging gameplay with high replay value, ideal for fans of tough action games.

    2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order: This title combines Souls-like mechanics with a Star Wars theme, currently available at a 90% discount, while its sequel is 50% off but has performance issues.

    3. Remnant Series: Remnant: From the Ashes (75% off) and Remnant II (50% off) provide a gun-focused take on the Souls-like genre, featuring co-op gameplay and a unique experience.

    4. Another Crab’s Treasure: This lighthearted game inspired by FromSoftware titles offers challenging gameplay and is currently 40% off, making it a great entry point.

    5. Lies of P: A standout title blending elements from Bloodborne and Sekiro, Lies of P is a must-play at any price, with upcoming DLC enhancing its appeal.


    The Steam Spring Sale has arrived, bringing massive discounts on hundreds of thousands of games. There’s truly something for everyone. If you’re a fan of Souls-like games, there are several titles that may catch your eye. This selection features both classic and recent games, many of which offer great replay value.

    Nioh Series Offers Big Savings

    Nioh (80% off) and Nioh 2 (50% off) unlock new challenges after you complete your first run. Developed by Team Ninja, who many believe helped create the “git gud” genre with Ninja Gaiden, these games are incredibly tough. Players will encounter tricky traps and relentless foes throughout the game world. With determination, you can easily invest hundreds of hours into both titles.

    Star Wars Takes a Souls-like Turn

    In a surprising move, EA and Respawn Entertainment blended Souls-like features into Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order back in 2019. The game includes many classic elements of Souls games, like respawning enemies, bonfires, parrying, and interconnected maps, but it’s less punishing with the stamina system. It’s currently available for a 90% discount on Steam, though you will need an EA account to play. Its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is also discounted by 50%, but the PC performance is somewhat lacking.

    Remnant Series: Gun-toting Souls Experience

    The best way to explain Remnant: From the Ashes (75% off) and Remnant II (50% off) is to call them Dark Souls with firearms. While this is a simple description, both games offer much more complexity. Some hardcore Souls fans claim they are a bit easier, but your experience may differ. Plus, they feature a built-in co-op mode, making them perfect for playing with friends.

    A Nautical Twist on Challenges

    Another Crab’s Treasure from Aggro Crab Games pays homage to FromSoftware titles, with areas like The Sands Between. Despite its lighthearted theme filled with sea-related puns, it provides quite the challenge. This game had a low starting price and now comes with a 40% discount, making it a good time to dive in.

    Anime Dark Souls

    Code Vein, humorously nicknamed anime Dark Souls, is Bandai Namco’s spin on the genre. It’s designed for co-op gameplay with friends or AI companions, although skilled players can tackle it solo. While it may not boast the polish of a FromSoftware game, you’ll find plenty of Dark Souls influences, including a boss battle reminiscent of Ornstein and Smough. You can snag it on Steam with an 85% discount.

    Unique Mechanics in The Surge Series

    The Surge (87% off) and The Surge II (85% off) take the classic Souls gameplay and add fresh twists. Each game introduces unique mechanics, like targeting and severing enemy limbs for upgrades. The first game is set in a massive factory that loops back on itself, while the sequel features multiple distinct areas.

    Lies of P: A Must-Play Title

    No list of Souls-like games would be complete without Lies of P. Although it has been on sale for a while, this is one game you should definitely check out, even at full price. It merges the finest elements of Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, sometimes outshining even FromSoftware’s works. The developer, NeoWiz, announced new DLC will be released later this year, making now the perfect time to grab it and sharpen your skills.

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  • Radeon 860M Outperformed by Radeon 760M in Initial Benchmarks

    Radeon 860M Outperformed by Radeon 760M in Initial Benchmarks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Radeon 890M GPU is AMD’s top-tier integrated graphics option, known for its high performance.
    2. The Radeon 860M GPU underperformed significantly, lagging 40-45% behind the Radeon 780M and 25-30% behind the Radeon 760M.
    3. The 860M is essentially a rebranded version of the 760M but does not perform as expected.
    4. The Asus Vivobook 16 M1606K, which features the 860M, may have performance issues due to being a low-cost model that could be underclocked.
    5. More testing is needed to fully understand the performance of the Radeon 860M, and casual gamers should be cautious when considering it.


    AMD often promotes its top-tier Radeon 890M GPU, and for good reason—it’s among the fastest integrated graphics options on the market. However, the Radeon 860M, a lesser model, doesn’t get much attention in their marketing efforts. It’s easy to understand why AMD might want to downplay this particular GPU after testing our first laptop equipped with the 860M.

    Performance Comparison

    During our experience with the Asus Vivobook 16 M1606K, which features the integrated Radeon 860M, we found the GPU to be underperforming compared to the Radeon 780M, lagging behind by about 40 to 45 percent. Moreover, it was roughly 25 to 30 percent slower than the Radeon 760M, which it is meant to replace, as per our benchmark findings detailed below. While this is just a single instance of the 760M, this initial performance is quite disappointing for what should be a midrange iGPU from AMD’s new Ryzen AI CPU series.

    Concerns About Specs

    It’s puzzling that the 860M underperforms compared to many 760M laptops, especially since it is basically a rebranded iGPU that shares the same number of unified pipelines and RT cores as the 760M. Our specific model of the Vivobook 16 could potentially have been underclocked, given that it is a low-cost budget option. More testing with additional samples is certainly necessary for a clearer understanding. Until more data is available, casual gamers looking for solid performance from the Radeon 760M should proceed with caution.