Category: Gaming

  • Xbox 360 Jailbreak Simplified: Bad Update 1.2 Boosts Success to 80%

    Xbox 360 Jailbreak Simplified: Bad Update 1.2 Boosts Success to 80%

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bad Update is a non-soldering jailbreak method for Xbox 360, requiring only a USB flash drive and Rock Band Blitz to activate the exploit.
    2. The new Bad Update 1.2 significantly increased the success rate of the exploit to 80%, improving reliability and speed.
    3. The exploit process consists of three stages, with Stage 3 being crucial for running homebrew applications.
    4. Version 1.2 pre-calculates encryption values, reducing the time taken for Stage 3 and enhancing overall performance.
    5. YouTube channels like MrMario2011 and Modern Vintage Gamer demonstrate the effectiveness and speed of the new jailbreak method in live testing videos.

    Bad Update is a jailbreak method for the Xbox 360 that doesn’t require soldering, enabling users to run homebrew applications without disassembling the console. All you need is a USB flash drive and a specific game, namely Rock Band Blitz, to activate the exploit.

    Improvements in Bad Update 1.2

    Previously, running this exploit was quite troublesome. The process includes three stages, with Stage 3, known as the “final unlock,” historically having a low success rate. However, the newly released Bad Update 1.2 has increased the success rate to an impressive 80%.

    Numerous experts on YouTube have shared comprehensive videos demonstrating that this latest version of Bad Update is both more reliable and faster. The channel MrMario2011 showed that the Xbox 360 exploit worked successfully 9 out of 10 times, with Stage 3 completion times varying from as quick as 9 seconds to as long as 9 minutes and 30 seconds. They even performed the exploit live in their video, finishing Stage 3 in just 7.04 seconds, according to their claims.

    How the Exploit Functions

    The exploit operates in the same manner as before. You need to prepare a USB stick with the Bad Update files and start a trigger game like Rock Band Blitz on an unmodified Xbox 360. The process unfolds in three stages, with Stage 3 taking over to allow homebrew applications to run.

    The Xbox 360 employs encryption to safeguard certain sections of its system from alterations. A whitening value is a number that gets incorporated into the encryption, similar to a key or seed, to make the output appear random and difficult to guess. In earlier versions of Bad Update, Stage 3 had to determine this value dynamically through trial and error each time the exploit was executed, which was slow and unreliable due to the numerous potential whitening values. Guessing the appropriate one could take seconds, minutes, or even hours.

    In version 1.2, KMX 360, the exploit’s developer, calculated these values in advance, significantly improving the success rate to around 80% and greatly shortening run times. Once Stage 3 is successful, your selected payload is activated, enabling the use of custom dashboards, emulators, and backups without needing to solder or open the console.

    Real-Time Testing Results

    MVG, known as Modern Vintage Gamer on YouTube, also tested the exploit live. In two of their trials, the exploit finished in roughly 33 seconds for one attempt and about 44 seconds for another. You can check out both videos linked below to see how the new version operates.

    All in all, this represents a major advancement in simplifying the non-soldering jailbreak process. Consequently, it allows more users to maximize the potential of an older console they already possess.

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    Xbox 360 Jailbreak Simplified: Bad Update 1.2 Boosts Success to 80%

     

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  • Fallout 3 Remastered Release Expected Next Year, Insider Claims

    Fallout 3 Remastered Release Expected Next Year, Insider Claims

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fallout remains a popular franchise due to its engaging gameplay and unique setting.
    2. Leaks from Microsoft’s documents hinted at a potential remaster of Fallout 3, exciting fans.
    3. Information about the remaster has been limited since the initial leak, causing anticipation among fans.
    4. Detective Seeds suggested a possible release for the remaster in April 2026, following a similar pattern to The Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion Remastered.
    5. Fans should remain cautiously optimistic, as there have been no official updates from Bethesda yet.

    Fallout remains a beloved franchise among gamers globally due to its engaging gameplay and unique post-apocalyptic setting. In light of its enduring popularity, there are whispers of a remaster for Fallout 3 in the works, with a potential release date hinted at by an insider.

    Leaks and Excitement

    Initially, details about the remaster surfaced online, thanks to official documents from Microsoft during their legal battle with the FTC over the acquisition of Activision and Blizzard. This revelation sparked great excitement among fans everywhere.

    The Long Wait

    However, since that initial leak, information has been scarce, leaving fans in an agonizing state of anticipation. Additionally, The Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion Remastered was launched in April 2025 to tremendous acclaim from players. This has led some to speculate that the Fallout 3 remaster might be shelved, which is not likely.

    A Glimmer of Hope

    In fact, Detective Seeds recently shared some promising news on X, suggesting, “Would not be surprised to see Fallout 3 Remastered launch next April after the conclusion of the ESO event.” This implies a possible release timeframe, hinting that the remaster could be revealed to everyone in April 2026.

    It’s important to note the reasoning behind this prediction. The Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion Remastered also debuted in April following a similar event, so it wouldn’t be shocking if Bethesda chose to follow the same pattern next year.

    Cautious Optimism

    While this news sounds encouraging and might offer Fallout fans a chance to revisit the third installment from 2008, it remains just a mere forecast. Without any official updates from Bethesda, it’s wise to refrain from making assumptions and to stay tuned to their official channels for any announcements regarding this matter.

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  • Affordable RX 9060 Outperforms RTX 5050, Matches RTX 5060

    Affordable RX 9060 Outperforms RTX 5050, Matches RTX 5060

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AMD RX 9060 non-XT is a toned-down version of the RX 9060 XT, designed primarily for system integrators.
    2. Performance tests show the RX 9060 is nearly on par with the RTX 5060 and about 6% slower than the RX 9060 XT at 1080p with high settings.
    3. The RX 9060 is approximately 20% faster than the underperforming RTX 5050, making it a better choice for budget gamers.
    4. Benchmark scores indicate the RX 9060 is 38% and 25% faster than the RTX 5050 in 3DMark Time Spy and Fire Strike, respectively.
    5. For 1080p gaming in 2025, investing in a GPU with 16 GB VRAM, like the RX 9060 XT, is recommended over the RX 9060.

    Last week, AMD unveiled the RX 9060 non-XT. This graphics card seems to be made exclusively for system integrators and is a toned-down version of the RX 9060 XT 8 GB. As a result, the RX 9060 lacks some power compared to the RX 9060 XT. Thanks to some performance evaluations conducted by a South Korean website, we now have a clear understanding of how much less performance the RX 9060 delivers when placed next to the RX 9060 XT.

    Performance Testing Insights

    Technosaurus put the RX 9060 through its paces against the RTX 5050, RTX 5060, and RX 9060 XT 8 GB. The GPUs were tested with both a budget Ryzen 5 7500F and the top-performing gaming CPU, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The results showed that the RX 9060 held its ground.

    In games like God of War 2018, Cyberpunk 2077, and Warhammer 4000: Space Marine 2, the RX 9060’s performance is nearly on par with the RTX 5060, with the latter being just 2% quicker than the RX 9060. In contrast, the RX 9060 XT manages to be about 6% faster than the RX 9060 non-XT. These performance metrics were captured at 1080p with the highest settings applied.

    Competitive Edge

    When compared to the $249 RTX 5050, the RX 9060 looks quite impressive. Reports suggest that the RX 9060 is roughly 20% faster than the RTX 5050. The RTX 5050 has received poor reviews, as it provides just enough performance for 1080p gaming but is considered a letdown from Nvidia in 2025. The RX 9060, while not the fastest option available, seems to overshadow the RTX 5050. The only advantage for the RTX 5050 is its wide availability, while the RX 9060 might only be released in limited quantities for pre-built gaming rigs.

    Benchmark Results

    In addition, Technosaurus ran 3DMark Time Spy and Fire Strike tests on the RX 9060. The card achieved a score of 14,132 in Time Spy and 35,511 in Fire Strike. This indicates that the RX 9060 is about 38% and 25% quicker than the RTX 5050 in these benchmarks, respectively. However, it does fall short against the RTX 5060, which outperforms the RX 9060 by around 4% and 3% in Time Spy and Fire Strike, respectively.

    To sum up, if the pre-built gaming PCs with the RX 9060 are priced reasonably, or if AMD opts to price the card competitively compared to the RTX 5050, it could be a solid GPU for certain users. Nonetheless, investing in an 8 GB VRAM GPU in 2025 isn’t advisable. Therefore, if budget allows, 16 GB options like the RX 9060 XT should remain your go-to for 1080p gaming.

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    Affordable RX 9060 Outperforms RTX 5050, Matches RTX 5060Affordable RX 9060 Outperforms RTX 5050, Matches RTX 5060Affordable RX 9060 Outperforms RTX 5050, Matches RTX 5060

     

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  • DIY Handheld PC with RTX 4090: 120 FPS AAA Games at 72°C

    DIY Handheld PC with RTX 4090: 120 FPS AAA Games at 72°C

    Key Takeaways

    1. A DIY handheld device powered by an RTX 4090 can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K 60 FPS.
    2. The handheld features a 12.5-inch 4K IPS touchscreen, Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, 64 GB of RAM, and a 2 TB SSD.
    3. The device’s GPU operates at a TGP of 174 W, similar to a gaming laptop, and is powered by a standard gaming laptop charger.
    4. In addition to Cyberpunk 2077, it can run God of War (2016) at 110-120 FPS with smooth gameplay.
    5. The system maintains impressive thermal performance, with the CPU and GPU temperatures staying around 67°C and 72°C, respectively.

    I never imagined that gaming in 4K on a portable device would become a possibility, but then I came across a video from the YouTube channel ‘NITTRX.’ In this clip, the creator demonstrated a handheld device powered by an RTX 4090, playing Cyberpunk 2077 at an impressive 4K 60 FPS.

    Impressive Showcase

    The video is fairly brief, yet it highlights the DIY RTX 4090 handheld remarkably well. The YouTuber has used the mobile version of the RTX 4090 chip, equipped with 16 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, which is shown when the specifications are revealed at the video’s start. During gameplay, it’s clear that the GPU operates at a TGP of 174 W, similar to the laptop version of the RTX 4090. A regular gaming laptop charger can also be spotted in the video, supplying power to the DIY handheld.

    Specifications Unveiled

    In terms of specifications, this RTX 4090 handheld boasts a 4K IPS touchscreen display measuring 12.5 inches, the same kind previously found in a Dell Latitude 12 E7275. Additionally, it features an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, 64 GB of RAM operating in quad-channel mode, and a 2 TB SSD. Essentially, it’s like a full gaming laptop packed into a compact 12.5-inch frame.

    When we look at gaming performance, the DIY handheld was able to run Cyberpunk 2077 at approximately 4K resolution with high or maximum graphical settings. I’m not entirely sure of these specifics because the creator doesn’t clearly display them in the video. Nevertheless, with the Steam performance overlay showing about 8.3 GB of VRAM in use, it’s reasonable to think that the game is indeed running at high graphics and resolution. The frame rate was around 60–70 FPS.

    Gaming Performance Analysis

    The YouTuber then played 2016’s God of War, achieving between 110 and 120 FPS with smooth gameplay. A particularly interesting aspect was the thermal performance: the 14900HX was sitting at about 67 degrees Celsius, while the RTX 4090 reached 72 degrees Celsius. Fitting such high-performance components in a tiny chassis is already quite amazing, but managing to keep them cool is an even more impressive achievement.

    The YouTuber continues to explore more gaming features throughout the rest of the video, which is linked below. I highly recommend watching it, as a DIY RTX 4090-powered handheld is definitely something everyone should witness to believe.

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    DIY Handheld PC with RTX 4090: 120 FPS AAA Games at 72°CDIY Handheld PC with RTX 4090: 120 FPS AAA Games at 72°C

     

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  • AMD Halts Ryzen 7 5700X3D Shipments, Ending AM4 Gaming Upgrades

    AMD Halts Ryzen 7 5700X3D Shipments, Ending AM4 Gaming Upgrades

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s AM4 platform, including the Ryzen 5 5500X3D, is being phased out, especially in the gaming sector.
    2. The Ryzen 7 5700X3D, launched in January 2024 at $249.99, experienced significant price fluctuations, dropping to $187.83 before stabilizing.
    3. Current availability of the Ryzen 5700X3D is limited, with sources indicating no future restocks and existing stock running out on Amazon.
    4. AMD has already phased out the Ryzen 5 5600X3D and Ryzen 7 5800X3D, shifting focus to newer Zen 4 and Zen 5 architectures.
    5. Gamers needing a similar core count to the Ryzen 7 5700X3D must now consider the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, priced at $376.16.

    AMD’s AM4 platform has built a strong reputation over the years, with its latest update arriving as recently as June 2025, specifically the Ryzen 5 5500X3D. However, it seems that the company is finally ready to let this older platform phase out. This is particularly true in the gaming sector, as a new report from Tweakers indicates that AMD intends to move the popular Ryzen 7 5700X3D to an end-of-life status.

    Launch and Pricing History

    The Ryzen 5700X3D made its debut at CES 2024 in January of that year, offering a good value for gamers since its release. Interestingly, the launch price for the 5700X3D was set at $249.99, but it quickly saw a price drop later in the same year, hitting a record low of $187.83 on Amazon. In the time that followed, prices surged, exceeding the $249 MSRP in May 2025, before finally stabilizing back to that original MSRP.

    Current Availability

    While AMD has not officially announced the status of the 5700X3D, sources from Tweakers suggest that the CPU will not be restocked in the future. This implies that only the remaining stock is available, which seems to have already run out on Amazon. Currently, searches yield no results for this processor, and when you do come across the product page, the prices are excessively high.

    Transition to Newer Models

    This decision comes after AMD phased out both the Ryzen 5 5600X3D and Ryzen 7 5800X3D late last year, with new Zen 4 and Zen 5 architectures stepping in as replacements for what is now clearly outdated technology. To achieve the same core count in a more current AMD CPU, gamers will need to look towards the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which is available for $376.16 on Amazon.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Affects AAA Sales, PlayStation Gamers Stay Loyal

    Xbox Game Pass Affects AAA Sales, PlayStation Gamers Stay Loyal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass aims to engage players, but users are not spending as much time on the service as expected.
    2. Gamers quickly sample games on Game Pass, limiting their overall playtime and commitment to titles.
    3. Game Pass subscriptions negatively impact traditional game sales, with fewer purchases of popular titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
    4. Xbox’s lack of exclusive titles on its platform leads to decreased loyalty, as players access these games on competing systems like PlayStation.
    5. The Newzoo study indicates that Game Pass is cannibalizing sales and failing to maintain player loyalty to Xbox consoles and services.

    One objective of Xbox Game Pass is to keep players engaged within the Microsoft Gaming environment. However, a Newzoo study, which was brought up during a Game Wise podcast, suggests that subscribers are not spending as much time on the service as anticipated. Gamers tend to sample games on Xbox Game Pass but then quickly move on, which also limits possible sales.

    Gaming Habits of Users

    The conversation highlighted the differences in gaming habits between Xbox and PlayStation users. Even though Game Pass offers a greater number of titles for a monthly fee, subscribers are restricting their playtime. Players often browse through the catalog at a fast pace until they find something interesting. Without a significant commitment, gamers are less inclined to overlook any flaws they notice early in the gameplay.

    Impact on Game Sales

    Newzoo also examined how Game Pass subscriptions influence traditional game sales. Taking Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as an example, Xbox fans purchased fewer copies of the game compared to earlier titles in the franchise. Conversely, indie and AA games might not be as impacted. Many gamers would likely miss out on these releases without the exposure provided by Microsoft’s service.

    Xbox Loyalty Issues

    The availability of many previously exclusive Xbox titles on the PS5 doesn’t promote loyalty to Xbox. This situation led Michael Pachter, who had earlier predicted robust growth for Game Pass, to adjust his estimates. Gamers are accessing titles from various studios that Microsoft has acquired, but they frequently do so on the competing PlayStation system.

    Unfortunately, some of the developers under Microsoft’s control have recently closed down. Raphael Colantonio, the founder of Arkane Studios, cited day-one Xbox Game Pass games as a factor in job losses. Without having a period of exclusivity before arriving on the service, consumers have less incentive to pay the full price for a game.

    Conclusions of the Study

    In truth, the findings from the Newzoo study didn’t reveal many unexpected insights. Despite claims from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer to the contrary, Game Pass is somewhat cannibalizing sales. Even more concerning for the company, it isn’t maintaining player loyalty to Xbox consoles or services.

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  • Battlefield 6 Javelin Anti-Cheat Makes Players Delete Valorant

    Battlefield 6 Javelin Anti-Cheat Makes Players Delete Valorant

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anti-Cheat Conflict: The anti-cheat system Javelin in Battlefield 6 conflicts with Valorant’s Vanguard, preventing some players from launching the game.

    2. Uninstalling Valorant: To resolve the launch issues, players were advised to uninstall Valorant due to the software incompatibility.

    3. Secure Boot Requirement: Players needed to enable Secure Boot in their BIOS to play the Open Beta, which many found difficult to access.

    4. Cheating Reports: EA’s Javelin anti-cheat blocked over 330,000 cheaters during the beta, though some players still found ways to cheat.

    5. Riot Games Clarification: Riot Games stated that Vanguard is compatible with Javelin, and a complete uninstall of Valorant isn’t necessary, but both anti-cheats cannot run simultaneously.

    Some PC gamers who attempted to play the Open Beta of Battlefield 6 from August 9 to 10 faced an unexpected problem with the game’s anti-cheat system, known as Javelin. This anti-cheat seems to be conflicting with the Vanguard anti-cheat software from Valorant, causing players to be unable to launch the game. To resolve this, users were advised to uninstall Valorant in order to play Battlefield 6 smoothly.

    Players Report Issues

    Many reports regarding this matter have popped up on the r/Battlefield subreddit and various social media platforms, where gamers posted screenshots of a pop-up showing a “Security Violation.” This message indicated that Battlefield 6 could not start due to “general software incompatibility” with Valorant, urging users to “uninstall the conflicting software or change its settings.”

    As a result of this conflict, numerous Valorant players were locked out from participating in the Open Beta. Both games utilize kernel-level anti-cheat, which creates problems with Secure Boot, a requirement for both titles.

    Secure Boot Requirements

    For the Open Beta, players using PC needed to enable Secure Boot through their system’s BIOS. EA provided some basic guidance on how to do this. However, many average users found it challenging to access parts of their PC they usually don’t deal with.

    Although some players have claimed they can’t get the game to start, EA reported that its Javelin anti-cheat has blocked over 330,000 cheaters during the beta, with players submitting around 44,000 reports of cheating. Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped some determined cheaters from getting into Battlefield 6’s open beta.

    Cheating Tools Available

    Several websites have outlined various cheats that allow players to gain different advantages, such as aimbots, wall hacks, enhanced speed, enemy health and weapon details, plus control over bullet recoil and spread. Additionally, these aimbots are designed to trick the game or other players into thinking a human is controlling them, by making the aimbot lock onto enemies in a more “natural” manner.

    EA stated that Secure Boot is not a “silver bullet” solution for eliminating cheaters. Instead, it serves as “another barrier that makes it harder for cheat developers to create cheat programs and simplifies detection when they do.”

    Clarifications from Riot Games

    Riot Games’ head of anti-cheat, Phillip Koskinas, pointed out that Vanguard is actually compatible with Javelin and that a clean uninstall isn’t required. Battlefield 6 prevents Valorant and Vanguard from running simultaneously in the background since Javelin and Vanguard anti-cheats compete to secure the same memory areas during operation.

    This situation might encourage some PC players to consider buying console versions of Battlefield 6 after the beta to avoid these platform-specific challenges. Meanwhile, many players feel that using kernel-level anti-cheats is generally intrusive. As the second phase of Battlefield 6’s open beta is set for August 14 to 17, EA is looking into this issue and may provide a solution to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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  • Forza Motorsport and Horizon 5 Support Continues After Turn 10 Layoffs

    Forza Motorsport and Horizon 5 Support Continues After Turn 10 Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft reassured the Forza community that Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 will continue to receive updates and support despite recent layoffs.
    2. Turn 10 Studios, the developer of Forza Motorsport, experienced significant staff reductions, with reports indicating nearly half of its workforce was let go.
    3. The reassurances came after players expressed concerns about the future of the Forza series due to a lack of communication from the official account.
    4. Major layoffs at Microsoft’s gaming divisions affected around 9,000 employees, impacting various studios including Raven Software and Sledgehammer Games.
    5. Remaining team members at Turn 10 Studios will focus on collaborating with Playground Games for the development of Forza Horizon 6, expected to launch in 2026.

    Microsoft has reassured the Forza community that its popular racing games, Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5, will keep getting updates and support. This comes amid worries about job cuts at Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios, including Turn 10 Studios, which is the developer for Forza Motorsport.

    Community Reassurance

    The company reached out to Forza players through a post on X from the official Forza Motorsport account:
    “Dear Forza Community, we know that many of you have questions about what’s next for the Forza franchise, and we appreciate the support of our incredible community. We want to assure players that Turn 10 and Playground Games will continue to support Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5.”

    It’s important to highlight that this message was shared after players began expressing worries regarding the future of the Forza series, especially since the official Forza Motorsport account had not posted since June 30. Additionally, there were reports indicating that nearly half of the staff at Turn 10 Studios, which handles Forza Motorsport games, were let go.

    Major Layoffs

    These reassurances come after a tumultuous period in July 2025 for Microsoft’s gaming divisions, where significant layoffs impacted several studios and around 9,000 employees worldwide as part of a larger restructuring initiative. Jason Schreier from Bloomberg reported that Raven Software, which supports the Call of Duty franchise, also faced cuts, alongside 50% of Turn 10’s workforce being affected.

    Other teams experienced similar outcomes, including Sledgehammer Games, High Moon Studios, and King’s mobile division, which saw about 200 employees being let go.

    Shift in Focus

    Turn 10 Studios gained more attention on July 3, the day of the layoffs, when ex-content coordinator Fred Russell took to Facebook to say that the Forza Motorsport team was “no more” and that the studio had “shuttered the Forza Motorsport space.” He described it as “a very sad day for one of the best car racing video games.”

    Russell also mentioned that the remaining team members at Turn 10 would now focus on working with Playground Games for the development of Forza Horizon 6, which is anticipated to launch in 2026.

    In reaction to Russell’s comments, former designer from Turn 10 Studios, Chris Harding, said that “120 people” were laid off from the Forza Motorsport team. However, it should be noted that this number hasn’t been confirmed by Microsoft.

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  • Asus ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 Extreme Black Friday Deal with Free Gifts

    Asus ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 Extreme Black Friday Deal with Free Gifts

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Ally is priced at $499.99, making it more affordable than competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go and Steam Deck OLED.
    2. It features impressive performance with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, capable of handling demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3.
    3. The device offers versatile connectivity with the Asus XG Mobile port, allowing for a hybrid setup with high-performance graphics options.
    4. The display is a standout feature, boasting a 120 Hz, 7-inch, 1080p IPS LCD with AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay.
    5. Battery life is limited to just under an hour of AAA gaming, but upgrade options are available to extend capacity to 74 Wh.

    The Asus ROG Ally hit the market soon after the Valve Steam Deck, which marked a new era for handheld gaming. It quickly gained attention as a faster, although pricier, choice for Windows gamers compared to the Linux-based Steam Deck. However, thanks to a fresh deal from Best Buy, the Asus ROG Ally is now priced at just $499.99. This is lower than the Lenovo Legion Go, which is $749.99, and the Steam Deck OLED, priced at $549. It also matches a previous Black Friday offer on Amazon for the same price. Plus, Best Buy adds extra value by including a free official Asus ROG Ally Travel Case and a month of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost.

    Impressive Performance

    When we first examined the Asus ROG Ally at its launch, the performance and efficiency of the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme really stood out. This 7-inch gaming device can handle complex and demanding 3D titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, with impressively high frame rates, despite having a somewhat weaker integrated graphics unit.

    Versatile Connectivity

    The CPU performance is comparable to that of similar gaming laptops, and the addition of Asus’s XG Mobile port makes it an excellent choice for a hybrid setup using a docking station at your desk. We tested it with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 in an Asus XG Mobile and found it to perform admirably, often outperforming many gaming laptops equipped with the same 4090 graphics card at higher resolutions.

    Display Quality

    The display is another highlight, featuring a 120 Hz, 7-inch, 1080p IPS LCD that provides sharp images, good colors, and minimal response times. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync is especially beneficial since you may find yourself playing games at slightly lower frame rates at times, making the ability to prevent screen tearing essential.

    While the battery on the original Asus ROG Ally, rated at 40 Wh, is somewhat limited, offering just under an hour of AAA gaming on battery power, there are upgrade options available on Amazon for $49.99 that can increase the battery capacity to a robust 74 Wh.

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck does not take responsibility for any price changes made by retailers. The discounted price or offer discussed in this article was accurate at the time of writing and could be subject to time limitations and/or restricted availability of units.

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  • Xanite Offers Xbox Gaming on Android but Falls Short

    Xanite Offers Xbox Gaming on Android but Falls Short

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xanite aims to enable classic Xbox and Xbox 360 gaming on mobile devices but currently lacks real emulation functionality.
    2. The app includes features for optimizing performance on low-end devices, but users find it to be insufficient and merely a themed interface.
    3. The initial APK version (V0.1) is unsigned, leading to installation issues on most devices, especially those running Android 14 or 15.
    4. Legal concerns exist regarding the inclusion of copyright-protected materials, such as the Xbox BIOS, in the emulator app.
    5. Xemu is recommended as a better alternative for Android gamers, as it is a more established emulator that can run games effectively.

    The Android game emulation scene is making some progress, with emulators like Winlator and PCSX-UI-Android stepping up the game. Recently, Xanite has been introduced, claiming to bring native Xbox gaming to mobile devices, with developers labeling it as a “next-gen” emulator for smartphones.

    Promises of Xbox and Xbox 360 Games

    This app seeks to enable users to play classic Xbox and Xbox 360 titles on their phones. The Android emulator is said to have the ability to automatically recognize the device’s hardware and optimize settings for the best emulation performance (AYN Odin 2 curr. $379.04 on Amazon).

    Features for Low-End Devices

    For those with lower-end phones, there’s an alleged performance scaling feature that allows users to reduce resolution and other settings manually. However, while these features sound appealing, users who have explored the app find it to be an empty shell. Essentially, there’s no actual emulation code, just a themed interface resembling Xbox, lacking any real functionality.

    Installation Issues and Legal Concerns

    It’s important to mention that the initial APK released, V0.1, is unsigned. As a result, the Xbox emulator for Android won’t install on most devices without modifications. Additionally, users on Reddit who managed to install it reported that it fails to work on devices running Android 15 or Android 14.

    There’s also a concern about the presence of copyright-protected materials, such as the Xbox BIOS. Including such components in an emulator app often creates legal issues and risks.

    Better Alternatives for Gamers

    At this point, Android gamers might be better off using Xemu, a more established Xbox emulator for Windows, through Winlator. While performance may not reach expectations, it’s still capable of running games, which is something Xanite currently struggles to achieve.

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