Category: Gaming

  • 8BitDo Xbox Rare 40th Anniversary Controller Leaked on Amazon

    8BitDo Xbox Rare 40th Anniversary Controller Leaked on Amazon

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo’s first wireless Xbox controller is a special edition honoring Rare’s 40th anniversary.
    2. The controller is priced at $90 and includes features like professional back buttons, a gold D-pad, and a charging dock.
    3. It is compatible with Xbox, Windows, Android, and Apple devices via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth.
    4. The design is similar to the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and was teased on the brand’s official X account.
    5. Community reactions are mixed, with some excited about the collectible and others criticizing the timing due to Rare’s project struggles.

    8BitDo’s first wireless Xbox controller has been leaked online ahead of its official launch, presenting a special edition model that honors the 40th anniversary of Rare, the famous studio known for games like Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, and Battletoads.

    Pricing and Features

    The listing was found on Amazon US by a Reddit user named u/CyraxxFavoriteStylus in the r/xbox subreddit, and it shows the controller priced at $90. This device comes with professional back buttons, a gold D-pad made of zinc alloy, profile switching features, and a charging dock that reconnects automatically. It is compatible with Xbox, Windows, Android, and Apple devices through 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. The hardware also includes Hall effect joysticks and impulse triggers in the Xbox style.

    Design and Confirmation

    Previously, 8BitDo had teased the controller in a post on its official X account. The teaser video showcased a design reminiscent of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, featuring a magnetic charging dock, a lit Xbox button, and connectivity through 2.4 GHz.

    Community Reactions

    The response to the new partnership between Xbox and Rare has been mixed. Over on r/GamingLeaksAndRumours, some users were excited about the collectible, but a lot of others criticized the timing, pointing out that celebrating Rare’s 40th anniversary with this controller feels odd, especially since projects like Everwild and the Perfect Dark reboot have been scrapped. Many fans expressed frustration, noting the irony of commemorating Rare’s milestone with hardware while the studio’s upcoming projects are still in limbo.

    8BitDo hasn’t officially announced when the controller will be available, but it was initially planned to be revealed on August 4, 2025, according to the teaser shared on the brand’s X account.

    8BitDo Xbox Rare 40th Anniversary Controller Leaked on Amazon

     

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  • Dimensity 9500 GPU Promises Major Ray Tracing Performance Boost

    Dimensity 9500 GPU Promises Major Ray Tracing Performance Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Dimensity 9500 features a new Arm Cortex-X930 core, promising a 49% boost in single-core performance.
    2. The Drage GPU is 40% more power-efficient than the Immortalis-G925 and shows a 40% improvement in ray tracing performance.
    3. The Dimensity 9500 will include an Arm Mali-G1-Ultra MC12 GPU with 12 cores, maintaining the same core count as its predecessor.
    4. It competes with Qualcomm’s Adreno 840 and Samsung’s Xclipse 960, with early benchmarks indicating potential challenges for the latter.
    5. Current game titles utilizing the GPU’s ray tracing technology include Diablo Immortal, War Thunder, Honour of Kings, and Arena Blackout.

    Previous leaks have thoroughly examined the CPU capabilities of the Dimensity 9500, which features a new Arm Cortex-X930 core, suggesting a remarkable 49% boost in single-core performance. If we believe a recent leak by Ice Universe, the GPU, known as Drage, is also expected to perform well. Although its past Geekbench results were not impressive, this is typical for hardware still in the production phase.

    Improved Efficiency and Performance

    According to Ice, this GPU is 40% more power-efficient than the Immortalis-G925. Furthermore, it boasts a 40% enhancement in ray tracing performance and is said to achieve over 100 FPS in certain unspecified games. Currently, only a few titles such as Diablo Immortal, War Thunder, Honour of Kings, and Arena Blackout utilize this technology.

    GPU Specifications

    The previously mentioned Geekbench report revealed that the Dimensity 9500 will come equipped with an Arm Mali-G1-Ultra MC12 GPU. This is part of Arm’s wider effort to rebrand its mobile intellectual properties, which includes changing the names of Cortex CPU cores to Lumex. This GPU maintains 12 cores or 24 pipelines, similar to its predecessor.

    Competitive Landscape

    The Dimensity 9500 is up against tough rivals like Qualcomm’s Adreno 840 and Samsung’s Xclipse 960. While we don’t have much information on the Adreno 840, the Xclipse 960 has shown promising results in early benchmark leaks. However, as we often see with Xclipse GPUs, it may face limitations from a CPU that struggles to keep pace, as well as thermal issues due to the Samsung Foundry’s SF2 node.

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    Dimensity 9500 GPU Promises Major Ray Tracing Performance Boost

     

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  • Three Xbox Game Pass Titles Leaving Soon, Including Popular JRPG

    Three Xbox Game Pass Titles Leaving Soon, Including Popular JRPG

    Key Takeaways

    1. Three games, including Persona 3 Reload, Farming Simulator 22, and Anthem, will be removed from Xbox Game Pass on August 15th.
    2. The removal of Persona 3 Reload may disappoint JRPG fans, especially with its upcoming launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
    3. Farming Simulator 22’s departure is timed with the release of Farming Simulator 25, which offers improved graphics and AI, but progress from the previous game cannot be transferred.
    4. Anthem will leave Game Pass ahead of the shutdown of its servers in January 2026, following underwhelming sales and ongoing technical issues.
    5. Players can purchase games at a discounted price to retain access, while new titles launching soon may keep subscribers engaged with Xbox Game Pass.

    One downside of Xbox Game Pass is that not all games can be downloaded forever. Microsoft has shared which three games will be removed from all subscription tiers on August 15th. Some Xbox Game Pass titles continue to get support, which might let down their fans. Players will look for other ways to access Persona 3 Reload, Farming Simulator 22, and Anthem.

    Impact on JRPG Fans

    The exit of Persona 3 Reload will hit hard for those who love JRPGs. Being a remake of the 2006 original, many gamers think it brings the old game up to date while still keeping a strong story. The improved gameplay also makes its turn-based combat even more enjoyable.

    Switch 2 Launch Connections

    With Persona 3 Reload launching on Nintendo’s new handheld on October 23, 2025, its removal from Xbox Game Pass might not be a coincidence. While this could help the Switch 2 game’s sales, Microsoft’s Xbox and PC users will be left without any Persona games available in the service.

    The Shift in Farming Simulator

    Farming Simulator 22 will also depart on August 15th, aiming to grow the player base for its sequel. On August 1st, Farming Simulator 25 became available on Game Pass. Players can look forward to enhanced graphics, which include the new ground deformation feature. The AI for workers has been improved too, making solo farming less tedious. Even though a new game is taking its place, users won’t be able to transfer their progress from Farming Simulator 22, and not every mod may still work.

    Anthem’s Inevitable Departure

    BioWare’s Anthem servers are set to close in January 2026, making its exit from Game Pass unavoidable. The action-RPG, which is set in a futuristic world, didn’t reach its sales targets or attract as many players as EA anticipated. Critics of the game, which will soon be removed, argue that it never bounced back from initial content issues and technical problems at launch.

    For those who don’t want to lose access to their Xbox Game Pass titles, they can buy them at a lower price. But with new games like Grounded 2 or Mafia: The Old Country launching on August 8th, subscribers might find enough reasons to stick with the service.

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    Three Xbox Game Pass Titles Leaving Soon, Including Popular JRPGThree Xbox Game Pass Titles Leaving Soon, Including Popular JRPGThree Xbox Game Pass Titles Leaving Soon, Including Popular JRPG

     

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  • BioShock 4 Major Overhaul After 2K Games Review Highlights Issues

    BioShock 4 Major Overhaul After 2K Games Review Highlights Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. BioShock 4 is facing significant development challenges, with an internal review at 2K Games highlighting major problems and leading to revisions and leadership changes.

    2. The game’s story is a major concern, as the BioShock series is known for its immersive narratives.

    3. Leadership changes have occurred, including the removal of Cloud Chamber Studio Head Kelley Gilmore and a shift in creative director Hogarth De La Plante’s role.

    4. There are rumors of potential layoffs at Cloud Chamber, raising concerns about job security for employees amid calls for increased efficiency.

    5. The release timeline for BioShock 4 is uncertain, with speculation suggesting it may not be ready until after 2028, and original creator Ken Levine is not involved in this project.

    Based on the latest news, the main development team for Bioshock 4 is facing serious challenges after an internal review at 2K Games highlighted major problems, leading to a significant revision of the project and changes in leadership.

    Development Challenges

    As reported by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, BioShock 4 has been in a state of developmental delay for more than ten years, with the last game in the series, BioShock Infinite, launching back in 2013. The internal assessment by Take-Two Interactive’s division, 2K Games, pointed out that the game’s story is a crucial area of concern for the upcoming title. The BioShock series is known for its immersive narrative experiences, highlighted by the original game’s underwater city of Rapture and the airborne Columbia of Infinite.

    Leadership Changes

    This franchise has set a high standard for storytelling. Amidst the stalled development, 2K Games removed Cloud Chamber Studio Head Kelley Gilmore, who had a history with Civilization and XCOM. Additionally, they shifted creative director Hogarth De La Plante, known for his work on BioShock 2, to a different role focused on publishing.

    In an official statement to Bloomberg, 2K Games expressed:

    “We are working hard to set BioShock up for the best possible future. Right now, we have a good game, but we are committed to delivering a great one. We are working closely with the leadership at the studio to define this path.”

    Future Speculations

    After the leadership changes, 2K held a meeting for all Cloud Chamber employees, urging them to become “more agile and efficient.” This message has raised concerns about potential layoffs at the studio, creating doubt about job security for its staff. Cloud Chamber, located in California and Montreal, was specifically created in 2019 to work on BioShock 4. The team includes seasoned professionals such as art director Scott Sinclair and design director Jonathan Pelling.

    Despite their extensive experience, BioShock 4 has seen numerous resets. There are rumors that development began as early as 2015 with the studio Certain Affinity. Previous job postings hinted that BioShock 4 might introduce an open-world format, departing from the linear designs of Rapture and Columbia.

    Reports dating back to 2019 suggested the game would take place in a 1960s Antarctic city called Borealis, an idea that was also supported by Colin Moriarty in 2021, who mentioned that the project was codenamed Parkside.

    Release Timeline Uncertain

    There are speculations that Bioshock 4 might not be ready until after the rumored launch window of 2028. Furthermore, Ken Levine, the original creator of BioShock and the lead writer behind BioShock: Infinite and its Burial at Sea DLC, is not part of this project and is currently focused on a different standalone game named Judas.

    With Ken Levine considering BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea as his final chapter, combined with the ongoing narrative difficulties in BioShock 4 and no clear timeline for release, it remains unclear if we will see the title by late 2028. For now, 2K Games appears dedicated to upholding the high storytelling expectations set by the BioShock franchise, which has been critically acclaimed, but the patience of fans might be tested in the challenging landscape of game development in 2025.

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  • Battlefield 6 Server Browser Return: DICE Seeks Fan Feedback

    Battlefield 6 Server Browser Return: DICE Seeks Fan Feedback

    Key Takeaways

    1. DICE is reintroducing the server browser feature in Battlefield 6, allowing players to choose servers based on latency, location, maps, and game modes.
    2. There are rumors of dedicated servers being established in multiple regions, which could help with issues of empty lobbies in Battlefield 2042.
    3. DICE producer Alexia Christofi is seeking community input on the importance of the server browser to improve user experience.
    4. An Open Beta for Battlefield 6 is scheduled, with early access for select players from August 7 to August 8, and the first Open Beta weekend from August 9 to August 10.
    5. Players are hopeful for an intuitive navigation experience and global server support to regain trust after the previous game’s rocky launch.

    Battlefield 6 enthusiasts are excited to learn that the developers are reintroducing a beloved feature that seemed lost in 2042’s Portal mode. As reported by MP1st, during a recent multiplayer event, DICE is incorporating server browser options directly into the game’s main menu.

    A Long-Awaited Return

    This update comes after many years of requests from the community, as server browsing has been a crucial aspect of the series. It allows players to choose servers based on factors like latency, locations, maps, and game modes. Although the event build did not display the final user interface, players are hopeful for an intuitive navigation experience when Battlefield 6 is released on October 6.

    More Exciting Developments

    In addition to this, there are rumors that DICE intends to establish dedicated servers in various regions, which include North, South, and Central America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Asia.

    That said, this decision has not been confirmed yet; if it goes through, it could resolve the issue of empty lobbies in Battlefield 2042, which has been linked to region-locked matchmaking. Players from areas like South Asia and Oceania have faced difficulties in locating active servers, often being directed to the less user-friendly Portal mode.

    Seeking Community Input

    To enhance the server browsing experience in Battlefield 6, DICE producer Alexia Christofi reached out on X to ask fans why this feature is significant. In her own words:

    “I’m gonna talk about our server browser later today, but first, I wanna understand everyone’s reasons for wanting a server browser so I can make sure I explain what we’re doing effectively. What is it about a server browser that’s important to you a lot?”

    This comment generated a lot of responses from fans. Battlefield content creators like TacticalBrit pointed out that server browsing enables players and communities to create custom lobbies. Another creator, Crash, mentioned that players wouldn’t have to deal with SBMM, and latency issues would be minimized.

    Anticipation for the Open Beta

    With an Open Beta scheduled for this weekend, starting August 9, fans are eager to see if DICE can meet community expectations, provide global server support, and regain trust after the rocky launch of Battlefield 2042.

    The Open Beta for Battlefield 6 will include an Early Access phase for a select group, occurring from August 7 to August 8. This early access is limited to those fans who watched content creators during the multiplayer reveal event or signed up for Battlefield Labs before July 31. Players who qualify may have already received an Early Access Open Beta Code.

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  • SEGA Game Gear Upgraded with HD IPS Screen and USB-C Charging

    SEGA Game Gear Upgraded with HD IPS Screen and USB-C Charging

    Key Takeaways

    1. Revamped Hardware: Macho Nacho Productions transformed the classic SEGA Game Gear by upgrading it with USB-C charging, an HD display, and a custom audio board with stereo speakers.

    2. Sourcing Parts: Tito Perez salvaged components from a Game Gear motherboard and used a custom SYF motherboard due to the original’s poor condition with leaking capacitors.

    3. Enhanced Display: The device now features a 640 x 480 IPS LCD display with scan lines and HDMI output, significantly improving visual quality compared to the original’s low-resolution screen.

    4. Improved Audio and Battery: The audio system was upgraded to dual speakers and a custom audio board, while the battery life was enhanced with two lithium-ion batteries, allowing for USB-C charging.

    5. Aesthetic Upgrades: The final design includes a custom matte gray shell and unique features like an orange start button, merging retro aesthetics with modern functionality.

    A SEGA Game Gear has undergone a major transformation, thanks to YouTuber Macho Nacho Productions. They decided to revamp the classic ’90s handheld, turning it into a contemporary retro device that includes USB-C charging, an HD display, and a specialized audio board from SYF, complete with stereo speakers.

    Sourcing and Salvaging

    Tito Perez, part of Macho Nacho Productions, found a Game Gear motherboard on eBay and used a de-soldering gun to reclaim parts like the CPU or ASIC chip, link port, and cartridge reader.

    He carefully soldered these parts onto a custom motherboard created by the European modding collective, SYF. The original motherboard had low-quality, leaking capacitors, which made it nearly impossible to restore. The new SYF board also includes a region toggle switch that allows switching between North American and Japanese settings.

    Display and Compatibility

    Tito enhanced the device with a BennVenn GGHD (rev 3) LCD kit sourced from High Score Tech Supply. This upgrade features a 640 x 480 IPS LCD display, complete with scan lines and various scaling modes, as well as HDMI output. However, it is important to note that this upgrade only works with VA0 and VA1 Game Gear motherboards.

    To give some context, the original Game Gear came equipped with an 8-bit, 3.2-inch backlit LCD that offered a resolution of 160 x 144 pixels and could show 32 colors, but it also suffered from poor contrast issues.

    Audio and Power Enhancements

    One of the standout improvements was in the audio and battery systems. Tito replaced the original mono Texas Instruments SN76489 chip with SYF’s custom audio board and added dual aftermarket speakers.

    The original Game Gear was powered by six AA batteries, which lasted a mere 3-5 hours due to the fluorescent backlight used in its display. Tito opted for two 2,000 mAh lithium-ion batteries that can be charged via USB-C, along with LED indicators to show their charging status.

    Aesthetic Upgrades

    To complete the look, Tito fitted all the components inside a shell from Retro Gear Customs, finished in matte gray and featuring a custom orange start button and Japanese Kanji at the bottom.

    The SEGA Game Gear first hit the market in Japan on October 6, 1990. In its first two days, SEGA sold 40,000 units, and by March 1996, global sales reached 10.62 million units.

    However, issues with capacitors and battery life hampered its market performance compared to the Nintendo Game Boy, which sold 300,000 units in Japan in just the first two weeks.

    By 1997, the Game Gear had sold nearly 11 million units worldwide but still lagged behind Nintendo’s significant market share. SEGA ultimately ceased production of the Game Gear at the end of 1997.

    Nostalgia Meets Modern Technology

    Collectors like Tito are passionate about reviving old hardware, breathing life into outdated consoles while merging nostalgia with modern technology.

    One can’t help but ponder whether this project serves as a ‘what if’ scenario for a potential Game Gear revival from SEGA that could have kept it relevant in today’s gaming industry.

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  • Linux Gaming on $1,000 AMD Strix Halo: 74 FPS in Spider-Man 2

    Linux Gaming on $1,000 AMD Strix Halo: 74 FPS in Spider-Man 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Linux Gaming Performance: The AIM MAX+ laptop showcases strong gaming performance with the Bazzite Linux distribution, achieving impressive frame rates in titles like Spider-Man 2 and The Witcher 3.

    2. Hardware Compatibility: There are compatibility challenges with SteamOS on the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, leading to the choice of Bazzite for better performance and stability.

    3. Game Testing Insights: The laptop performs well across various games, with notable frame rates: 74 FPS in Spider-Man 2, 80-100 FPS in Borderlands 3, and over 80 FPS in The Witcher 3 at 1440p settings.

    4. Launch and Pricing: The AIM MAX+ laptop is set to launch in early October 2025, priced under $1000, specifically targeting $999.99.

    5. Community Feedback: There is a mix of excitement and suggestions from the community, with some users wanting a cheaper model and others appreciating the current offering’s capabilities and Linux flexibility.

    Last time we discussed the AIM MAX+ laptop, we covered its specs, features, and performance in gaming with Windows 11, the default operating system that the upcoming AMD Strix Halo laptop will have, priced below $1000. In a recent video, YouTuber ETA PRIME took a different approach by installing one of the most well-liked Linux gaming distributions on the AIM MAX+ laptop powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, showcasing gameplay from titles like The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

    Hardware Compatibility Issues

    ETA PRIME pointed out that there are some hardware compatibility challenges with SteamOS on this chipset, leading them to opt for Bazzite instead. They customized it using Decky and CSS Loader, checked hardware features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and TDP control, and confirmed that the operating system runs effectively on the laptop. Interestingly, the YouTuber recently managed to install SteamOS on an older iMac from 2019 and was able to play a few games on it.

    Performance Tests with Bazzite

    Focusing back on the AIM MAX+ running Bazzite, the YouTuber began testing with Spider-Man 2, noting that this game typically has difficulty on lower-end integrated GPUs. However, the Radeon 8060S iGPU in the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 handled it impressively, achieving around 74 FPS at high settings with FSR set to Quality at the laptop’s native 1600p resolution.

    In a previous video, ETA PRIME also tested Spider-Man 2 on the same laptop but with Windows 11. In that case, the game suffered from stuttering, which was attributed to a shader cache issue. They ran the game at the same 1600p high settings but had FSR Frame Generation enabled.

    More Game Performance Insights

    Following that, the YouTuber tried out Borderlands 3, adjusting the resolution to 1440p for their external capture setup. They started with the highest graphics preset but encountered noticeable stuttering, so they reverted to the Ultra preset. Keeping the resolution scaling at 100%, the game ran much more smoothly, averaging between 80-100 FPS, though it occasionally dropped to around 70 FPS during intense action.

    The third title tested was The Witcher 3, which ran at 1440p Ultra settings, achieving an average of over 80 FPS, and it performed well overall. For the fourth game, Japanese Drift Master also ran smoothly at 1440p High settings, averaging 80-95 FPS. Shadow of the Tomb Raider followed suit, averaging 83 FPS at the 1440p Highest setting.

    Cyberpunk 2077 was examined at 1440p High with FSR 2.1 Quality, producing around 66 FPS, with the potential to exceed 70 FPS on balanced FSR, according to the YouTuber. Lastly, Doom: The Dark Ages experienced a crash at the menu, being the only game that failed to operate under Bazzite during this testing.

    Launch Plans and Community Reactions

    The AIM MAX+ laptop is set to launch in early October 2025, aiming for a price under $1000, which, according to both ETA PRIME and my insight, typically lands at $999.99. In the comments, the YouTuber’s followers displayed excitement about the laptop.

    While some viewers think the laptop is a great deal at $999, others expressed a preference for a cheaper model with fewer cores if one becomes available. ETA PRIME mentioned that AIM intends to offer just a single 32GB RAM version of the laptop, with no details about other chip configurations at this time.

    The combination of an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo chip, equipped with one of the strongest integrated GPUs available, in a laptop operating a gaming-oriented Linux distro like Bazzite, appears to be exactly what many users desire in a daily use device. Not only does the laptop run efficiently, requiring only 65W for smooth operation, but it also offers something arguably even more appealing: the freedom of Linux.

    Linux Gaming on $1,000 AMD Strix Halo: 74 FPS in Spider-Man 2

     

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  • 8BitDo Reveals Compatible Controllers for Nintendo Switch 2

    8BitDo Reveals Compatible Controllers for Nintendo Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 has been available for a few months, with various accessories and controllers now on the market.
    2. 8BitDo has updated several of its controllers to ensure compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2.
    3. A complete list of compatible 8BitDo controllers has been shared publicly.
    4. The list includes Bluetooth controllers, wired controllers, mod kits, and adapters.
    5. Users must update controller firmware and switch to S-mode on certain models before pairing with the Switch 2.

    The Nintendo Switch 2 has been on the market for a few months now, and there are plenty of accessories, including controllers, for gamers to choose from. Some companies have launched entirely new products, while others have simply refreshed their existing offerings to work with the new Nintendo console. 8BitDo is among those that have chosen the latter approach, and they recently shared a complete list of controllers that can be used with the Switch 2.

    Compatibility Updates

    In the last few weeks, 8BitDo has been actively rolling out updates to make several of its controllers compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2. An announcement made on X confirmed that the compatibility updates are now finished for all the controllers listed. Following this, a comprehensive list was made public, detailing all the controllers that are confirmed to work with the new console.

    Controller Options

    The list features a variety of devices, including Bluetooth controllers, wired controllers, mod kits, and adapters.

    The announcement also emphasizes that users should make sure to update the firmware on their controllers before using them with the Nintendo Switch 2. Furthermore, for those who own controllers that have a mode switch, like the 8BitDo Pro 2 (currently priced at $46.99 on Amazon), it’s essential to switch them to Switch mode (S-mode) prior to pairing with the Switch 2.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket Ace Mod Reduces Button Noise and Boosts G3X Gen 2

    Ayaneo Pocket Ace Mod Reduces Button Noise and Boosts G3X Gen 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ayaneo Pocket Ace features sound modifications that reduced button noise by 24%, from 44 dB to 39-40 dB, using custom TPU rings and electrical tape.
    2. Thermal modifications, including new thermal paste and pads, did not improve performance, resulting in a lower 3DMark score of 3,600 compared to 3,700 with stock settings.
    3. Previous thermal modifications on the Pocket Evo were successful, achieving a steady score of 4,500, highlighting limitations of the Pocket Ace’s smaller cooling system.
    4. Undervolting improved performance significantly, allowing the Pocket Ace to reach around 4,500 points in 3DMark with 90% stability after customization.
    5. While noise-dampening and undervolting are recommended upgrades, thermal modifications may not be effective, and the repair process is moderately challenging due to complex design.

    Tech YouTuber What Obie Plays recently took a closer look at the Ayaneo Pocket Ace, highlighting both sound and heat performance modifications for the handheld powered by the Snapdragon G3X Gen 2. For those who don’t know, the Pocket Ace is a handheld Android gaming device that features a 3:2 display ratio. The modifications included custom TPU rings and electrical tape adjustments that reduced ABXY and shoulder button noise from about 44 dB to 39-40 dB, marking a 24% drop in perceived noise levels.

    Thermal Performance Issues

    Despite the success in sound modifications, Daniel’s efforts to enhance thermal stability by swapping out the stock thermal paste and pads didn’t meet expectations. Even though he applied XPC thermal pads along with Thermal Grizzly Cryonaut Extreme thermal paste, the device achieved a lower average score of 3,600 points in 3DMark Wildlife Extreme, in contrast to the 3,700 score it had with stock settings. This suggests that the device actually lost some performance due to the thermal modifications.

    Comparison with Pocket Evo

    This result is quite different from the YouTuber’s previous modifications on the Pocket Evo, where similar thermal changes led to a steady 4,500 score with over 99% stability. Daniel noted that the smaller cooling fan and heatsink size of the Pocket Ace might be limiting factors in this situation.

    Undervolting, however, showed much better results. After rooting the device and utilizing KonaBess to set a customized voltage profile, the Ayaneo Pocket Ace managed to reach around 4,500 points in 3DMark with about 90% stability. This was a significant improvement over the stock performance, although it still didn’t quite reach the thermal consistency of the Pocket Evo, which has a larger fan and heatsink.

    Final Thoughts on Modifications

    In conclusion, Daniel mentions that while thermal modifications might not be very effective, undervolting and noise-dampening upgrades are beneficial for any Pocket Ace owner willing to open up the device. He describes the overall repair process as moderately challenging, primarily because the battery has to be removed to access the left controls, which he considers an unnecessarily complex design choice.

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  • AMD CPUs Surpass 40% in Steam Survey, Intel Falls Below 60%

    AMD CPUs Surpass 40% in Steam Survey, Intel Falls Below 60%

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD CPUs now account for over 40% of PCs on Steam, marking a significant rise as Intel’s share drops below 60%.
    2. Nvidia’s RTX 5070 leads the new 50-series graphics cards with a market share of 1.32%, while AMD’s Radeon 9000 series has not yet appeared in the report.
    3. 16 GB of system RAM remains the most common configuration, but the share of PCs with 32 GB has risen to 35.15%.
    4. Windows 11 (64-bit) powers 59.9% of surveyed systems, while Windows 10’s share declines to 35.19% ahead of its support ending in October 2025.
    5. Linux usage has increased to 2.89%, reaching its highest level in years.

    The July 2025 report from Steam’s hardware and software survey marks a significant change for processors on the platform. For the first time, AMD CPUs are found in just over 40 percent of all participating PCs, while Intel’s share has dropped below 60 percent. This is a stark difference from the approximately 77 percent market share Intel had five years ago. The rise of AMD can mainly be linked to the success of its 3D V-Cache processors like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which offers strong gaming performance at competitive prices, thus taking away from Intel’s dominance.

    Graphics Card Trends

    The trends in graphics card adoption are also quite dynamic. Nvidia’s mid-range Blackwell series is gaining traction quickly, with the RTX 5070 now leading the new 50-series, capturing a 1.32 percent market share, which is an increase of 0.33 percentage points in just one month. The RTX 5060 follows with a share of 0.60 percent. Overall, Nvidia still holds a strong position, with 73.94 percent of all discrete GPUs in the survey branded by them. On the other hand, AMD’s latest Radeon 9000 series based on RDNA 4 is not yet visible in Valve’s report; neither the RX 9070 nor the RX 9060 has reached the reporting threshold, possibly due to supply issues or slow adoption rates.

    Memory Configurations

    Memory setups are changing too. While 16 GB of system RAM remains the most common choice at around 42 percent of PCs, the percentage of machines with 32 GB has climbed to 35.15 percent, thanks to a monthly increase of 0.78 percent. On the graphics front, 8 GB of VRAM remains the standard (33.66 percent), but cards offering 12 GB have surged to 19.22 percent of the total, making it the fastest-growing category last month.

    Operating System Shifts

    Operating system data continues to favor Microsoft’s latest version. Windows 11 (64-bit) is now powering 59.9 percent of the surveyed systems, which is a slight rise of 0.06 percent in July. Meanwhile, Windows 10 has seen a decline to 35.19 percent as its support will end in October 2025. Linux usage has also seen an uptick, reaching 2.89 percent, its highest level in years.

    In summary, the July data illustrates that Steam’s user base is steadily moving toward newer hardware and software, although the pace may not be overly fast or dramatic.

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