Category: Gaming

  • New Co-op Shooter on Steam: 2,100 Reviews in 2 Days, Mixed Feedback

    New Co-op Shooter on Steam: 2,100 Reviews in 2 Days, Mixed Feedback

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mixed Reception: Terminull Brigade launched as a free-to-play shooter on July 30, receiving over 2,100 player reviews that reflect a mixed overall reception.

    2. Development Background: Developed by indie group Dead Unicorn over two years, the game was released without an early access or significant beta testing phase.

    3. Gameplay Issues: Players have reported various issues, including lag, matchmaking problems, balance concerns, and a monetization model that allows spending real money to bypass gear progression.

    4. Updates and Future Content: Dead Unicorn has issued two updates to fix bugs and adjust difficulty, while also outlining a roadmap for future content, including new factions and a PvP mode.

    5. Potential and Challenges: The game features promising concepts and design, but without quick developer action on player feedback, its longevity may be in jeopardy.

    Terminull Brigade launched on Steam on July 30 as a free-to-play third-person shooter, quickly making waves—though not all of them are positive. Since its release, over 2,100 players have shared their thoughts, and the overall reception is, to put it mildly, mixed.

    Development Background

    This game hails from Dead Unicorn, an indie group that has been quietly toiling away on it for the past two years. There wasn’t any early access period or significant beta testing beforehand. Instead, it went live right on July 30 with complete online co-op and progression systems already in place. Gamers join forces as cybernetic enforcers to combat rogue AI factions in a besieged futuristic metropolis. It’s kind of like Helldivers mixed with Warframe and Overwatch, but a bit rougher and more basic.

    Gameplay Issues

    However, there are some problems with the game, and that’s an understatement. Players have mentioned lag issues, matchmaking glitches, and balance concerns. Some equipment seems weak, certain foes appear unfair, and the monetization model—which allows players to bypass gear progression by spending real money—has not been well received by the player base. While it doesn’t seem entirely pay-to-win, the grindwall has caused some players to lose interest early on.

    Updates and Future Content

    Dead Unicorn has already released two updates to address initial bugs and to tweak difficulty spikes, particularly in solo play. They’ve also laid out a rough content roadmap that hints at new factions, additional mission types, and a PvP mode, though there aren’t any set dates for these additions yet. Terminull Brigade also provides partial controller support on PC; you can use an Xbox controller (currently priced at $62 on Amazon) for basic gameplay.

    In conclusion, calling Terminull Brigade a letdown may be premature, but recommending it isn’t straightforward either. It features promising concepts and an appealing design, but if the developers don’t act swiftly, this title might not have a long shelf life.

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    New Co-op Shooter on Steam: 2,100 Reviews in 2 Days, Mixed FeedbackNew Co-op Shooter on Steam: 2,100 Reviews in 2 Days, Mixed Feedback

     

  • 8BitDo Unveils First Wireless Controller for Xbox Consoles

    8BitDo Unveils First Wireless Controller for Xbox Consoles

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo has announced its first wireless controller for Xbox, aiming to compete with official Xbox controllers.
    2. Most 8BitDo controllers for Xbox connect via wired links, with a few exceptions that use a 2.4GHz signal.
    3. The teaser video hints at a design similar to the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Pro 3, featuring a charging dock and an Xbox button with a ring light.
    4. The new controller is expected to connect using a 2.4GHz adapter and may have the ability to wake the Xbox from sleep.
    5. The planned launch date for the new controller is August 4th, although the actual release might be delayed.

    8BitDo has a selection of controllers specially licensed to work with Xbox consoles. But, almost all of these controllers can only connect via a wired link to a compatible Xbox console, with the exception of the 8BitDo Lite SE, Arcade Controller for Xbox, and the Arcade Stick for Xbox, which can connect using a 2.4GHz signal through an adapter that comes with it.

    New Wireless Controller Announcement

    Recently, 8BitDo revealed its intention to introduce its very first wireless controller for Xbox. This news was shared on 8BitDo’s X account, where they also included a teaser video and announced a launch date for this new gaming accessory. This new controller is expected to be a good alternative to the official Xbox Wireless Controller and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series.

    Teaser Video Insights

    The teaser video is clever, as it doesn’t give away too much information, but it still provides enough hints to get an idea of what to expect. The controller appears to have a design similar to the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 (which you can find on Amazon for $59.99) or the 8BitDo Pro 3, since it comes with a charging dock. It also features an Xbox button with a ring light, which is not surprising at all.

    Connectivity Features

    Additionally, the video indicates that this controller will connect to a compatible Xbox console using a 2.4GHz adapter and might even have the ability to wake the Xbox from sleep. Although it’s not confirmed, there’s a chance that this controller could also work with other devices, as this is a typical feature for 8BitDo products.

    The launch of this controller is set for August 4th, but it’s worth noting that the actual release might happen later than that.

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  • New Half-Life 3 Leaks Suggest Upcoming Release and Bright Future

    New Half-Life 3 Leaks Suggest Upcoming Release and Bright Future

    Key Takeaways

    1. Half-Life 3 remains a topic of speculation, with new rumors suggesting an official announcement may be coming from Valve soon.
    2. Dataminers have found evidence that the game will feature realistic physics, thermodynamic mechanics, and a dynamic wind system, impacting gameplay and narrative.
    3. Weapon mechanics may differ from traditional hitscans, with gravity affecting certain projectiles, and AI improvements are expected.
    4. Familiar enemies like Thumpers and Antlions might return, and mod support is anticipated upon release.
    5. Parts of the game are reportedly complete and playable, but caution is advised as Valve’s announcement timeline may differ from typical gaming studios.

    Although not officially confirmed by its developers, Half-Life 3 remains a hot topic among gamers. Recently, some new details have surfaced, suggesting a potentially exciting future for this still unannounced game.

    Exciting Rumors

    For a while now, speculation about the game has been rampant, leaving fans caught between optimism and disillusionment. However, the situation seems to have shifted, as reports indicate that Valve, the game’s publisher, may soon make an official announcement regarding the new title.

    Investigative Insights

    To find out more, we look at GabeFollower and Tyler McVicker, two dataminers who took a closer look at the recent updates related to Counter-Strike 2 and Deadlock. They carefully analyzed the code associated with Valve’s proprietary engine.

    According to their findings, Half-Life 3 will incorporate realistic physics, suggesting that the gameplay will be “heavy.” They also highlighted the inclusion of thermodynamic mechanics, vehicle handling that mimics real-life, and a dynamic wind system, all of which could greatly influence gameplay and narrative development.

    Weapon Mechanics and AI Improvements

    Additionally, based on the codes they examined, some weapons in the game might not use hitscans. This means that gravity could affect them in certain game areas. Furthermore, the AI is set to be enhanced to align with modern gaming standards. Lastly, familiar foes like Thumpers and Antlions might return, and mod support is expected to be available upon the game’s release.

    Potential Release Timeline

    Another intriguing tidbit for fans is the possibility of an upcoming release. GabeFollower claims that parts of the game are already complete and playable, although they might need some visual tweaks. On the other hand, Tyler McVicker advises cautious optimism regarding this news. He emphasizes that Valve operates differently from other studios, and until something is made official, it’s wise to approach this information with some skepticism.

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  • Mastercard Reacts to Steam Games Ban Over Adult Content Issues

    Mastercard Reacts to Steam Games Ban Over Adult Content Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam and Itch.io removed thousands of games with adult themes to comply with payment processor guidelines.
    2. Mastercard clarified that it did not mandate game restrictions but emphasized the need to prevent unlawful purchases.
    3. Gamers reacted negatively to the bans, leading to significant backlash and a petition on Change.org.
    4. Collective Shout, an advocacy group, lobbied payment processors to pressure vendors against adult content, causing further controversy.
    5. Itch.io is exploring alternative payment processors while reinstating free adult-oriented games, distancing itself from Mastercard’s policies.

    Recently, the large-scale removal of Steam games that feature adult themes has caused a stir in the gaming industry. Itch.io soon followed suit, taking down more than 20,000 independent titles that contained NSFW material. Both companies mentioned that they were adhering to the guidelines set by payment processors such as Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe. In response to backlash, including a petition on Change.org, Mastercard released a statement to clarify its involvement in the bans.

    Mastercard’s Position

    The credit card company asserts that it did not “evaluate any game or mandate restrictions on activities on game creator sites and platforms.” However, Mastercard reiterates that it is essential for merchants to prevent “unlawful purchases, including illegal adult content.” This particular aspect of the statement has incited significant outrage among gamers. While it’s true that some Steam games may have encouraged illegal activities, other games appear to be targeted merely because they contain adult themes.

    Gamers’ Reactions

    After receiving numerous angry calls and emails from gamers, Mastercard likely felt it needed to address the situation. The company maintains that it doesn’t play a direct role in determining which games marketplaces are allowed to sell. Nonetheless, the advocacy group Collective Shout asserts that it lobbied payment processors to exert pressure on these vendors. This Australian organization stands against the objectification of women and the sexualization of girls. Despite this, critics argue that the group campaigns against all mature content based on moral or political reasons.

    Itch.io’s Approach

    Regarding Itch.io, Mastercard can more easily distance itself from the ongoing debate. The gaming platform primarily uses Stripe and PayPal for transactions rather than Mastercard or Visa. Stripe is more transparent about its policy of not permitting retailers to sell any mature-themed games, videos, or art. Itch.io is currently seeking out alternative payment processors while reinstating free adult-oriented games.

    On Reddit and various forums, the feedback to Mastercard’s explanation has been far from supportive. Major credit card companies will likely continue to face backlash from consumers who feel that games are being unfairly censored.

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    Mastercard Reacts to Steam Games Ban Over Adult Content Issues

     

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  • Affordable Gaming Handheld with IPS Display and Joysticks

    Affordable Gaming Handheld with IPS Display and Joysticks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The gaming handheld market is divided into two types: high-performance devices for modern games and budget-friendly retro emulators like the L35.
    2. The L35, priced under €30, is designed for emulating older games but struggles with more demanding titles like those from the Sony PSP.
    3. It features an RK3326 SoC with four Cortex-A35 cores, which can reach speeds of up to 1.5GHz, but has performance limitations.
    4. The L35 includes two joysticks, a D-pad, action buttons, four shoulder buttons, and a 3.5-inch IPS display.
    5. Additional features of the L35 are a 3,000mAh battery, USB-C charging, an SD card slot, a built-in speaker, and support for ArkOS and EmuELEC operating systems.

    The gaming handheld market is quite extensive and can be split into two main types. One type includes handheld devices that can run modern video games fairly well. An example of this is the Asus ROG Ally X, which we have previously reviewed. The other type is the L35, a retro gaming handheld that you can now find for less than €30 on Aliexpress. While it can’t handle current game releases, it is made to emulate games from various older platforms.

    Performance Considerations

    However, emulating games demands a system on chip (SoC) that offers a specific level of performance. The RK3326, featuring four Cortex-A35 cores that can reach speeds of up to 1.5GHz, does have some limitations in this area. While older systems like different Game Boy versions should run without problems, emulating games from the Sony PSP may present challenges, depending on the game title in question.

    Features and Specifications

    Regardless, this wallet-friendly handheld is equipped with two joysticks, a D-pad, action buttons, and four shoulder buttons in total. The back of the device has a textured finish, and it sports a 3.5-inch IPS display. As is standard, there’s an SD card slot, and it supports both ArkOS and EmuELEC operating systems. A built-in 1-watt speaker is included, along with a battery capacity of 3,000mAh. Finally, the L35 charges via USB-C and also includes a USB OTG port and a standard headphone jack.

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    Affordable Gaming Handheld with IPS Display and Joysticks

     

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  • R36 Ultra Gaming Handheld: Fun for Under $40

    R36 Ultra Gaming Handheld: Fun for Under $40

    Key Takeaways

    1. The R36 Ultra is a budget-friendly gaming handheld priced under $60 on Amazon and as low as $37 on Aliexpress.
    2. The design features standard controls, including two joysticks, four action buttons, a D-pad, and four shoulder buttons.
    3. It runs on an RK3326 chip with four Cortex-A35 cores and includes a memory card slot for game storage.
    4. The device can emulate various gaming platforms like Nintendo 64, PlayStation One, and NES.
    5. It has a 4-inch IPS display (720 x 720 pixels), a 3,000mAh battery, and built-in WiFi for multiplayer gaming.

    The R36 Ultra is a recently launched gaming handheld that you can find on Amazon for just under $60. If you’re looking for a better deal, it’s also sold for as low as $37 on Aliexpress. However, keep in mind that these orders come directly from China and could incur extra fees and import taxes, depending on your location.

    Design and Layout

    Despite its affordability, the R36 Ultra doesn’t really change the game when it comes to handheld consoles. Its design is quite standard, with controls situated right beneath the screen. You’ll find two joysticks, four action buttons, and a D-pad. Right in between the D-pad and action buttons are the start and select buttons, plus a fn button. On the rear side, there are four shoulder buttons in total.

    Technical Specifications

    In terms of specs, the handheld runs on an RK3326 chip, which is an ARM SoC boasting four Cortex-A35 cores. It also includes a memory card slot, which allows for easy game storage and running from a microSD card. The manufacturer claims that it can emulate several gaming platforms, including titles for Nintendo 64, PlayStation One, PlayStation Portable, and even classic systems like the NES. Additionally, the device sports a 4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels, a 3,000mAh battery, and built-in WiFi, making it great for multiplayer gaming.

    Whether you purchase from Amazon or AliExpress, the R36 Ultra is designed to provide an enjoyable gaming experience without breaking the bank.

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    R36 Ultra Gaming Handheld: Fun for Under $40R36 Ultra Gaming Handheld: Fun for Under $40

     

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  • PS6 Handheld Specs Leak: Release Date & Xbox Ally Performance

    PS6 Handheld Specs Leak: Release Date & Xbox Ally Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upcoming PS6 handheld aims to address the shortcomings of the PS Vita, which struggled in the market.
    2. It will feature the “Canis” AMD APU with advanced specs, including four Zen 6c CPU cores and an RDNA 5 integrated GPU.
    3. Performance expectations indicate it may have half the rasterization power of the PS5 but improved ray tracing capabilities and full backwards compatibility with PS4 and PS5 games.
    4. The handheld will support video output via a Type-C port, allowing it to be used with TVs or monitors.
    5. The PS6 portable is expected to launch in Fall 2027 or early 2028, with mass production starting mid-2027.

    For over ten years, it appeared that Sony had abandoned the idea of portable PlayStation consoles after the PS Vita did not perform well in the market. On a technical level, the PS Vita was a great upgrade from the PSP. Sadly, it was costly to purchase and play games on, and Sony didn’t launch many major titles for it. The upcoming PS6 handheld seems poised to correct many of the PS Vita’s issues.

    New Specs Unveiled

    Moore’s Law Is Dead has shared a wealth of information about the PS6 handheld, including the specifications and capabilities of the “Canis” AMD APU that is expected to drive the portable console.

    As per MLID, the PS6 handheld will utilize the “Canis” APU, which boasts four Zen 6c CPU cores, an RDNA 5 integrated GPU with 12-20 RDNA 5 Compute Units, and boost clocks ranging from 1.6 to 2 GHz. It will also feature a 128-bit memory bus. The internal memory is rumored to be of the LPDDRX-7500+ variety.

    Performance Expectations

    Built on a 3 nm process, similar to the PS6 console’s “Orion” and the next-gen Xbox’s “Magnus” APU, the Canis APU inside the PS6 handheld is said to achieve about half the rasterization performance of the standard PlayStation 5 (Available on Amazon). However, the ray tracing capabilities of the PS6 portable are expected to be significantly superior to those of the PS5.

    Essentially, MLID indicates that the PS6 handheld should surpass the performance of the ROG Xbox Ally X. This is exciting news if it turns out to be true, especially since the PS6 portable is rumored to offer full backwards compatibility with both PS5 and PS4 games. Therefore, it should be capable of running all PS4 titles at 60 FPS without any hitches.

    Connectivity and Release Date

    Moreover, MLID confirms that the PS6 portable console will have the capability to output video via its Type-C port. This means you can potentially use the console as your primary gaming device by hooking it up to a TV or monitor along with a controller.

    MLID predicts that the PS6 portable will likely release in Fall 2027 or in early 2028, with mass production expected to commence in mid-2027. This timeline aligns with the information MLID provided regarding the standard PS6 console.

    As with MLID’s previous leak about the PS6 console, the details shared here are reportedly sourced from an AMD presentation to Sony that took place in 2023. Therefore, it’s possible that some of this information might already be outdated.

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    PS6 Handheld Specs Leak: Release Date & Xbox Ally Performance
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  • NVIDIA GeForce 580.88 Driver Adds DLSS4 and Extends Windows 10 Support

    NVIDIA GeForce 580.88 Driver Adds DLSS4 and Extends Windows 10 Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia launched the GeForce Game Ready Driver (version 580.88 WHQL) on July 31, 2025, optimized for upcoming and older games, including Mafia: The Old Country.
    2. The driver enhances gaming experience with DLSS4 support, featuring Multi-Frame Generation, DLSS Super Resolution, and Nvidia Reflex for RTX 40 and 50 series users.
    3. It introduces compatibility for 62 new G-Sync displays from various brands, ensuring a smooth, tear-free gaming experience.
    4. Nvidia will continue to support Game Ready Drivers for GeForce RTX GPUs on Windows 10 until October 6, 2026, even after Microsoft’s support ends.
    5. The update also includes fixes for various game-related bugs, providing a better overall gaming experience.

    Nvidia has launched its new GeForce Game Ready Driver (version 580.88 WHQL) on July 31, 2025. This driver comes with enhancements for both older games and those eagerly awaited by gamers. It has been specifically optimized for 2K Games’ Mafia: The Old Country, which is set to debut on August 8, 2025.

    Enhanced Gaming Experience

    Titles like Claire Obscur: Expedition 33, along with Mafia: The Old Country, will benefit from DLSS4 support. This includes features like Multi-Frame Generation, DLSS Super Resolution, and Nvidia Reflex, ensuring that users with RTX 40 and 50 series graphics cards will experience major increases in frame rates while keeping input delay to a minimum.

    Support for New Monitors

    In a market where gamers are looking for new monitors, this driver also introduces compatibility for 62 additional G-Sync displays. This list includes brands such as Acer, AOC, ASUS, Gigabyte, LG, Philips, Samsung, ViewSonic, and MSI, allowing for a smooth, tear-free gaming experience.

    Meanwhile, Nvidia has made a notable announcement regarding support for Windows 10 users. Even though Microsoft is planning to cease support for this aging operating system on October 14, 2025, Nvidia will continue to offer Game Ready Driver support for all GeForce RTX GPUs until October 6, 2026. This is a full year after Windows 10’s support ends, highlighting that over a third of PC gamers still utilize Windows 10, according to Steam statistics.

    Lifeline for Windows 10 Users

    Microsoft has been encouraging users to transition to its latest operating system for some time, making Nvidia’s decision a significant relief for those who are hesitant to upgrade to Microsoft’s latest software version.

    On the other hand, for users with older hardware, Nvidia has outlined a plan for GPUs like the GTX 1060. GPUs built on the Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta architectures will receive their last Game Ready Driver in October 2025, after which support in terms of optimizations will be discontinued.

    Following that, these GPUs will still receive security updates every quarter until October 2028, offering support that exceeds standard industry practices. However, CUDA support will be terminated with the next CUDA Toolkit update, which means users will miss out on optimizations for compute-heavy applications.

    Fixes Included in the Update

    For those keen on resolving issues within their game libraries, the 580.88 driver update also provides solutions for various game-related bugs.

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  • $1,000 AMD Strix Halo Laptop: 72 FPS Cyberpunk 2077 iGPU

    $1,000 AMD Strix Halo Laptop: 72 FPS Cyberpunk 2077 iGPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AIM Max+ gaming laptop features AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU with 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads, aiming for high performance under $1,000.
    2. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 demonstrates impressive efficiency with a Time Spy score of 8845 at a 65 W TDP, outperforming similar laptops with higher TDPs.
    3. Real-world performance testing shows strong results in Geekbench and Cinebench, although it is slightly outperformed by the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D in both benchmarks.
    4. The laptop has a 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS display with 120 Hz VRR, 32 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and supports dual M.2 SSDs for up to 4 TB storage.
    5. Gaming performance is solid, with titles like Cyberpunk 2077 averaging 72 FPS at 1600p, and the device remains cool during heavy usage, although pricing and availability remain uncertain until retail launch.

    YouTuber ETA PRIME has given us an early glimpse of the AIM Max+, a fresh gaming laptop powered by AMD’s top-notch Strix Halo APU, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395. Even though AIM is still a newer name in the market, they aim to provide a high-performance laptop for a price below $1,000, taking on the competition from other products using this chip.

    Specifications of the Ryzen AI Max+ 395

    The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 comes with 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads, coupled with the Radeon 8060S, which ETA PRIME praises as the “strongest iGPU available.” Early tests show that the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 scored a Time Spy result of 8845 while operating at a reasonable 65 W TDP.

    ETA PRIME made comparisons to a laptop with an RTX 4060 and powered by the Ryzen 9 7940HS, which had a Time Spy score of 11,238 but needed a total TDP of 170 W, highlighting the efficiency of the Max+ 395. To put it in perspective, according to Notebookcheck’s benchmarks for the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 laptops, the average 3DMark Time Spy score sits around 10,250.

    Real-World Performance Testing

    In the video, the YouTuber explains that they tested the chip at its stock settings to showcase genuine performance right out of the box. In Geekbench 6 and Cinebench R24, both CPUs running at 65 W showed impressive results for the Ryzen AI Max+ 395.

    For Geekbench 6, it scored 2,849 in single-core and 17,463 in multi-core, while the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D achieved 3,110 in single-core and 18,858 in multi-core. In Cinebench R24, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 got 84 in single-core and 1,798 in multi-core, whereas the 9955HX3D reached 106 and 1,882, respectively. The X3D chip outperformed in both tests.

    Performance Scaling and Design

    ETA PRIME mentioned that there’s potential for better performance with increased TDP, especially in tasks that require heavy CPU usage. They also emphasized that AIM aims for the laptop to focus on performance rather than luxury features.

    The AIM Max+ shown in the video has a 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS display with 120 Hz VRR and brightness of up to 600 nits, possibly referring to HDR brightness, although it wasn’t explicitly confirmed. The laptop features a chiclet-style backlit keyboard and a standard trackpad without a glass finish, all wrapped in an aluminum casing.

    The reviewed model comes with 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM running at 8,000 MHz, dual M.2 2280 SSD support with a total capacity of up to 4 TB, an 80 Wh battery, and USB4 fast charging at 140 W PD. Although the device comes with a 230 W adapter, ETA PRIME noted that USB-C charging at 140 or 165 W should operate without any performance issues.

    Gaming Performance Insights

    In gaming tests at native 1600p resolution, Cyberpunk 2077 managed an average of 72 FPS on High settings with FSR set to Balanced. Elden Ring maintained a solid 60 FPS on High settings, while Forza Horizon 5 topped 90 FPS on Ultra settings. Fortnite and Spider-Man 2 were also tested, but Spider-Man 2 experienced some occasional stuttering related to shaders.

    Regarding thermal performance, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 stayed cool, averaging 68°C during gaming and hitting a peak of 86°C during Cinebench R24. ETA PRIME pointed out that users could unlock higher performance by increasing the TDP using tools such as Universal x86 Tuning Utility.

    AIM plans to launch in October 2025, but ETA PRIME cautioned that the promise of a sub-$1,000 price remains unverified until the retail models are available at that price. You can check out the full video linked below for a detailed overview of the AIM Max+ gaming laptop.

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    $1,000 AMD Strix Halo Laptop: 72 FPS Cyberpunk 2077 iGPU
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  • Sony PS6 Specs, Performance, and Release Date: 3x Faster than PS5

    Sony PS6 Specs, Performance, and Release Date: 3x Faster than PS5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Specifications: The PS6 will feature the “Orion” APU, potentially a chiplet-based design with a 6-core CPU and RDNA 5 GPU architecture, boasting 40-48 Compute Units and a boost clock over 3 GHz.

    2. Memory and Performance: Expected to have a memory bus of 160 or 192 bits, the PS6 may include 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM, providing three times the rasterization performance of the PS5, with full backward compatibility for PS4 and PS5 games.

    3. Cost and Efficiency: Sony is emphasizing cost constraints and power efficiency, with the PS6’s TDP at 160 W, lower than the PS5’s 180 W, indicating potential for a lower retail price.

    4. Release Timeline: Serial production for the PS6 is projected for mid-2027, with an official launch planned for Fall 2027 or early 2028.

    5. Source of Information: The details primarily come from Moore’s Law Is Dead, believed to be based on an AMD presentation to Sony in 2023, suggesting that the final design may evolve before the official release.

    There has been quite a bit of buzz surrounding the anticipated specifications for the Sony PlayStation 6 and the upcoming Xbox. The latest technical information about these next-gen consoles has primarily come from Moore’s Law Is Dead. This source not only disclosed the existence of the AMD Magnus APU, which may drive the next-gen Xbox, but also shared the codenames for the AMD APUs that will power both the PS6 and its handheld version.

    Details About the PS6

    Moore’s Law Is Dead has provided extensive information about the Sony PS6 and the PS6 handheld console. This includes specifications of the APUs for these consoles, the expected release dates, and performance projections. We will focus on the specifications of the PS6 in this article, while the PS6 portable will be discussed in a future piece.

    Specifications Overview

    To begin with, the Sony PlayStation 6 is said to be powered by the “Orion” APU, which is reportedly chiplet-based and likely manufactured using 3 nm technology, similar to the AMD Magnus APU. The CPU chiplet is rumored to contain 6 cores, potentially based on Zen 6 or later. As for the integrated GPU, it is said to be based on the RDNA 5 architecture, featuring 40-48 Compute Units and a boost clock exceeding 3 GHz.

    According to MLID, the PS6 is expected to have a memory bus that is either 160 or 192 bits wide, coupled with 32 GT/s of GDDR7 VRAM. Previous leaks suggested that the PS6 might include 24 GB of RAM, marking a 50% increase from the PS5’s 16 GB of GDDR6 memory.

    Emphasis on Cost and Efficiency

    Moreover, MLID indicates that Sony is focusing heavily on “cost constraints” and power consumption for the PS6. This could mean that the PS6 will consume less power than the PlayStation 5 and might be priced significantly lower than the PS5 Pro (available on Amazon).

    Additionally, MLID states that the Orion APU has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 160 W. This is lower than the base PS5, as per TechpowerUp, which noted that the Oberon GPU in the PS5 has a TDP of 180 W, while the entire console typically requires over 200 W when gaming.

    Performance Expectations

    Even though the PS6’s Orion APU is reported to have a lower TDP than the base PS5, MLID claims that the PS6 is expected to deliver three times the rasterization performance of the original PS5. The ray tracing capabilities are projected to see even greater enhancements. This means that the PS6 should be able to run PS5 and PS4 games at 4K/120 FPS, as it is supposedly fully backward compatible with titles from both the PS5 and PS4.

    Anticipated Release Date

    Regarding the release timeline, MLID has reported that serial production for the PS6 is set for mid-2027, with an official launch likely slated for Fall 2027 or early 2028.

    In conclusion, it’s important to mention that the information from MLID regarding the PS6 is believed to have originated from an AMD presentation to Sony in 2023. Thus, the design of the console may have changed considerably since then. For example, AMD could have persuaded Sony to utilize desktop RDNA 5 chips like AT3 or AT2, which could lead to more than 48 CUs.

    In short, treat the information provided here as very early, not final, and likely missing some details.

    Check out the Sony PS5 Slim on Amazon.

    Follow Moore’s Law Is Dead on YouTube.

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    Sony PS6 Specs, Performance, and Release Date: 3x Faster than PS5
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