Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo DS Emulator Developers Launch New Android Project

    Nintendo DS Emulator Developers Launch New Android Project

    Citra, a popular emulator for Nintendo 3DS on Android, was discontinued earlier this year along with Yuzu. However, several forks of Citra managed to evade Nintendo’s attention. Now, both Lime3DS and PabloMK are also closing down, but this time it appears that Nintendo’s legal team is not involved in the decision.

    New Collaboration in Development

    In a recent post on X from PabloMK7 and an announcement on the Lime3DS Discord, both emulator projects will no longer be developed. The developers are joining forces to create a brand-new 3DS emulator for Android. At this moment, they haven’t named the new emulator, but the Lime3DS developer has promised more news about it soon.

    Exciting News Ahead

    "I have some thrilling updates to share regarding the future of the project. You might have noticed on Twitter that PabloMK7 mentioned discontinuing his Citra fork for a new venture. I’m excited to say that this new project will be a team effort, bringing together both Lime3DS and PabloMK7’s fork into one unified emulator. This means no more division in development; instead, everything will progress under a single, coordinated initiative.

    Consequently, Lime3DS will also stop development, and after the 2119 update is released, all focus will shift towards launching this new emulator. When it debuts, it will include features from both previous forks, so all the hard work won’t go to waste.

    We’ll share more details about this new project in the upcoming weeks, and we hope everyone is as excited as we are."

    Smooth Transition for Users

    Interestingly, the development team has confirmed that the new project will take over the community and Google Play Store page from Lime3DS. Users currently using Lime3DS will be able to upgrade to the new emulator without any hassle through a Play Store update. However, it remains uncertain how save files and other in-game data will transfer. Still, niche emulation communities typically have the expertise to handle such migrations. So far, the community appears quite enthusiastic about the possibility of a new emulator from this developer duo, especially since both previous projects were well-received in the emulation scene.

    @Pablomf6 on X, Lime3DS on Discord

  • Get Your Free First Person Shooter on Steam – Today Only!

    Get Your Free First Person Shooter on Steam – Today Only!

    Unloved is a creation by Paul Schneider, a solo developer from Germany, who goes by "BlueEagle." This game, which draws inspiration from the classic Doom 2 mod that shares its name, was launched as an independent title back in 2016. It mixes elements of dungeon crawling with a tough first-person shooter gameplay, providing a distinct retro-style experience.

    Gameplay Experience

    Players will find themselves traversing through dark, maze-like environments that are randomly generated, meaning each playthrough is different. The core objective is pretty straightforward: gather weapons, ammo, and health supplies to survive and escape. However, this isn’t a walk in the park, as various monsters are lurking at every turn, just waiting to attack. You can tackle these challenges solo or join forces with up to three friends in co-op mode.

    Reception and Feedback

    On Steam, Unloved has received mainly positive feedback, boasting a 76 percent approval rating from about 1,300 reviews. However, the user score on Metacritic is a bit lower at 6.0, mainly due to several minor complaints. Some players have pointed out issues like the slow item pick-up, a user interface that can be hard to read, and the absence of a save feature. Despite these critiques, enthusiasts of retro shooters are likely to find enjoyment in Unloved, especially since it’s available for free on Steam until November 1 at 6 p.m. (CET), down from its original price of $4.

    Important Note on Pricing

    Please be aware that prices might change. This offer was valid at the time of writing, but it could be time-limited or restricted in quantity. All details are provided without guarantee.

  • Epic Games Store Announces Next Free Game Giveaway Early

    Epic Games Store Announces Next Free Game Giveaway Early

    Epic Games is running a Halloween special right now, giving away two free games. This week, they switched it up by offering a triple-A title. This offer will be available until next week, but they have already announced what’s coming on November 7.

    One Game Next Week

    Next week, the store will only give away one free game. Specifically, they will be offering Deceive Inc. for $0.00, a game that normally sells for $19.99. It’s interesting to note that Epic Games has a sale on Deceive Inc. right now, lowering the price from its usual $19.99 to just $7.99.

    About Deceive Inc.

    Deceive Inc., released last year, is a multiplayer spy-themed game that revolves around team deathmatch gameplay and features various character classes. The game has a Metacritic score of 75/100 for its PC release and has received ‘Very Positive’ feedback from over 4,000 users on Steam. But Deceive Inc. isn’t the only freebie available next week.

    Additional Offer

    Moreover, Epic Games is also including an Ash Free Unlock Bundle for Apex Legends, which features Ash and the ‘Burning Chrome’ Epic skin. Just so you know, both Deceive Inc. and the Apex Legends Ash Free Unlock Bundle will be up for grabs starting November 7 at 15:00 UTC. For more specifics, check out the Epic Games store listings linked below.

    Purchase the 8BitDo Ultimate on Amazon

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck cannot be held accountable for any price fluctuations made by retailers. The discounted price or deal discussed in this article was accurate at the time it was written and may have time limits or limited availability.

  • Xiaomi Launches Magnetic Cooling Clip with RGB, PID Control & App

    Xiaomi Launches Magnetic Cooling Clip with RGB, PID Control & App

    Xiaomi has introduced the Magnetic Cooling Clip, a powerful accessory for smartphones designed to control heat during demanding tasks like gaming and streaming. With a price tag of 199 Yuan ($28), it’s currently available for purchase on JD.com. Let’s dive into its main features.

    Key Features of the Xiaomi Magnetic Cooling Clip

    The Magnetic Cooling Clip from Xiaomi is equipped with a 30W semiconductor cooler that has aluminum alloy fins designed for directed airflow, which helps optimize cooling efficiency. It boasts a fast seven-blade fan that rotates at 6,300 RPM, using a turbine-style airflow to improve air circulation over the heat-dissipation fins. Impressively, this clip can bring down device temperatures to 0°C in just 25 seconds and can achieve a chilling -10°C under perfect conditions. However, cooling performance can differ based on the surrounding environment.

    Advanced Cooling Technology

    This device employs a cold-side PID and hot-side tracking algorithm, featuring an Auto mode for automatic temperature regulation to enhance cooling. It also has an Extreme Cold mode that increases power for achieving lower temperatures. Additionally, the NTC over-temperature protection provides real-time monitoring, which helps extend the lifespan of your device.

    The clip comes with four RGB lighting modes: Rainbow, Breathing, Flowing, and Bright, allowing users to change the visual effects to suit their tastes. For user-friendliness, these settings and temperature tracking can be accessed through the Mi Home app, making it easy to adjust the device from afar.

    Design and Compatibility

    In line with Xiaomi’s “Alive” design concept, the clip has a stylish Silver and Black finish. It magnetically attaches to MagSafe-compatible smartphones and also comes with clamp arms for non-magnetic devices, ensuring compatibility with both phones and tablets without blocking any buttons or ports. The detachable design allows for flexible positioning, especially for larger devices.

    Moreover, this clip features several safety measures such as over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-temperature protection, along with fan stall protection. It works effectively within a temperature range of 5°C to 35°C and supports QC3.0 and Xiaomi PD 20W charging for consistent performance.

    Recently, Xiaomi also unveiled the Xiaomi 15 series, which includes the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, alongside the new Pad 7 series.


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  • Snapdragon 8 Elite Achieves Over 160 FPS in Red Dead Redemption

    Snapdragon 8 Elite Achieves Over 160 FPS in Red Dead Redemption

    Rockstar has just released Red Dead Redemption for PC, and since the game isn’t very new, it doesn’t demand as much from hardware compared to the latest AAA games. This might have made it easier to emulate, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite reportedly capable of running the game at over 160 FPS.

    Impressive Performance

    A tweet from @4k_isn on X shared a screenshot claiming to show a Snapdragon 8 Elite phone running Red Dead Redemption at 161.7 FPS. This image was taken from BiliBili, a Chinese video-sharing site like YouTube. Although the tweet doesn’t specify the visual settings used, it’s likely that the phone is using the lowest settings possible.

    Resolution and Quality

    According to @4k_isn, the resolution might be 720p, and if the image seems pixelated, that could be because of the compression from BiliBili. The exact model of the Snapdragon 8 Elite phone isn’t mentioned either. Lots of smartphones equipped with the next-gen Qualcomm chip have been revealed in China, but this Red Dead Redemption screenshot could possibly come from the Realme GT 7 Pro.

    Gaming Capabilities

    This phone had previously been seen running Assassin’s Creed Black Flag at nearly 60 FPS. Again, it’s uncertain what visual settings were used. However, it’s important to mention that the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Adreno 840 is said to deliver 40% better performance compared to the Adreno 750 in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

    In fact, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is quite competent at emulating PC games. As shown by ETA Prime, it can run games like Fallout 4 close to 60 FPS with low settings at a 720p resolution. Therefore, if the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s GPU is indeed 40% more powerful, the latest flagship phones could be fantastic for emulating PC games. Naturally, software support is also crucial.

    Accessory for Gamers

    Source: @4k_isn on X (tweet embedded above) via: Wccftech

  • EA Cancels Apex Legends Linux Version Over Anti-Cheat Issues

    EA Cancels Apex Legends Linux Version Over Anti-Cheat Issues

    EA has decided to end support for the Linux version of Apex Legends. This means that Steam Deck users will need to install Windows if they want to enjoy the game, a situation that also impacts the rising number of Linux gamers. The company claims this move is aimed at combating cheaters, who they say tend to favor Linux distros rather than Windows. EA shared this information in a post on X:

    Cheating Issues on Linux

    The Linux operating systems’ open nature makes it appealing for cheaters and those who develop cheats. It is true that cheats on Linux are more difficult to detect, and the data indicates a growing trend that demands significant attention from EA’s team, especially considering the relatively small size of the Linux platform. There are even instances where cheats designed for Windows are being used on Linux to make detection more challenging.

    Easy Anti Cheat and Its Implications

    Apex Legends employs Easy Anti Cheat (EAC), which is a service running at the kernel level that identifies unauthorized modifications to the game’s files. Although it might be simpler to bypass this system on Linux, restricting access to an entire platform seems a bit too harsh and almost inept. EA claims that only a limited number of players will be affected, but those individuals are losing access to a game they enjoy along with any in-game skins they previously acquired. It would be best if EA considered providing refunds to those impacted, but there has been no announcement regarding that so far.

    The Future for Apex Legends Players

    With this decision, the future for Linux users who want to play Apex Legends looks bleak. Many gamers feel frustrated that they have to jump through hoops to continue playing a game they love. The community is left hoping for a resolution or at least some compensation for their losses. For now, it seems like the situation is still developing, and players will have to wait to see how EA addresses their concerns.

  • Sony PS5 Pro Faceplates: Dbrand’s Take on Design Choices

    Sony PS5 Pro Faceplates: Dbrand’s Take on Design Choices

    Sony’s PS5 has had a rocky past when it comes to customization, and it seems the situation is becoming more controversial with the new PS5 Pro release. Initially, Sony took a strong stance against Dbrand, a company that created Darkplates as a different option for customization, threatening them with legal action. Now, it turns out that even Sony’s own Console Covers will require modifications to fit the sleek PlayStation 5 Pro. This implies that people who own the PS5 Slim will have to spend additional money if they wish to personalize their new PS5 Pros.

    Legal Threats and Customization

    The ongoing saga of Sony’s PS5 customization is full of twists. Dbrand, known for its unique design elements, faced legal pressure from Sony when they released their Darkplates. It was a bold move by Dbrand to offer an alternative, but Sony clearly wanted to maintain control over the look and feel of their consoles. Now, with the PS5 Pro stepping into the spotlight, it seems Sony’s proprietary accessories are also falling short, requiring updates to keep up with the new model.

    What This Means for PS5 Slim Owners

    For those who have invested in a PS5 Slim, this news might feel like a double whammy. Not only do they face the prospect of needing new accessories, but they also have to consider the extra costs that come with customizing their system. If they wish to enjoy the latest features of the PS5 Pro, they will need to fork out more cash for the new Console Covers. This is yet another layer of complexity in a landscape already filled with confusion and frustration for gamers looking to personalize their consoles.

    The Ongoing Customization Debate

    Overall, the conversation surrounding PS5 customization continues to stir strong feelings among gamers. As Sony pushes forward with the PS5 Pro launch and updates its accessories, players are left to navigate a maze of choices and prices. The need for new Console Covers means additional spending, which can be a tough pill to swallow for many. The situation raises questions about how much control companies should have over customization and whether consumers will accept these ongoing changes.

  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 QA Staff Strike for Better Conditions

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 QA Staff Strike for Better Conditions

    More than 300 workers at Activision’s Eden Prairie office in Minnesota have initiated a strike in response to the company’s return-to-work policy. The employees argue that Microsoft is enforcing a rigid return-to-office rule "even though they have been successfully working from home or in a hybrid model for over two years."

    Concerns Over Treatment

    This team is involved with the Call of Duty series, which includes the newly launched Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Many team members feel that the company’s refusal to meet their demands is an attempt to push them to leave. They claim that Activision does not accommodate workers with ADA-certified medical conditions.

    Statement from Employees

    In a post by ABK (Activision Blizzard King) Workers Alliance on X, the group expressed that they were "made to come into the office full-time under an unfair policy" starting in January. They mention that the company has ignored their inquiries about the necessity of in-office work, directing them instead to the "Bargaining Committee."

    Disrespect and Irony

    Reports suggest that the company showed a lack of respect for its employees by sending an email for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which included an image of a person with a disability working from home. Meanwhile, employees are not permitted to use "this vital resource for equal access." They also criticize the company for "promoting DE&I while they consistently failing them."

    CWA 7250, @ABetterABK on X

    Image Source: Call of Duty

  • Free Halloween Games: Ghostwire Tokyo & Witch It on Epic Games

    Free Halloween Games: Ghostwire Tokyo & Witch It on Epic Games

    The Epic Games Store is ending October with two thrilling titles: Witch It and Ghostwire: Tokyo. These games will be free from October 31 to November 7.

    Witch It Overview

    Witch It is an exciting multiplayer game where players can take on the role of either a hunter or a witch in a colorful, magical setting. Hunters need to find witches that are hiding as common objects throughout various maps, while witches use spells to blend in and avoid being found. There are various modes to enjoy, such as Hide and Seek, Mobification, and Hunt a Hag. Players have the ability to customize their characters, earn rewards, and create items. The coolest feature? Witch It allows online multiplayer, making it perfect for friends to enjoy together this Halloween.

    System Requirements

    MINIMUM:

    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit Operating System Required)
    • Processor: Intel Core i3, 2.4GHz
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 380
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Network: Broadband Internet connection
    • Storage: 7 GB available space

    RECOMMENDED:

    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit Operating System Required)
    • Processor: Intel Core i5, 2.8GHz
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / AMD VEGA 56
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Network: Broadband Internet connection
    • Storage: 7 GB available space

    Witch It Epic Games Store Link

    Ghostwire: Tokyo Overview

    Ghostwire: Tokyo is a supernatural action-adventure game that transports players to a stunningly eerie Tokyo, now devoid of people and swarming with lethal supernatural entities unleashed by a sinister cultist. Teaming up with a ghostly companion, players must harness potent elemental powers to learn the truth behind the city’s disappearance and rescue Tokyo. The game showcases famous Tokyo landmarks, with rich details and a blend of both traditional and contemporary scenery shaped by supernatural elements.

    System Requirements

    MINIMUM:

    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: 64-bit Windows10 (version 1909 or higher)
    • Processor: Core i7 4770K @3.5GHz / Ryzen 5 2600
    • Memory: 12 GB RAM
    • Graphics: GTX1060 / RX5500XT / Arc A380* (VRAM 6GB or higher)
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 26 GB available space

    RECOMMENDED:

    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: 64-bit Windows10 (version 1909 or higher)
    • Processor: Core i7 6700 @3.4GHz / Ryzen 5 2600
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: GTX1080 / RX5600XT / Arc A750* (VRAM 6GB or higher)
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 26 GB available space

    Ghostwire: Tokyo Epic Games Store Link


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  • Red Magic 10 Ultra Leaked Images Reveal New Design Features

    Red Magic 10 Ultra Leaked Images Reveal New Design Features

    Red Magic, known for its focus on gaming smartphones, is preparing to launch its new flagship series, the Red Magic 10. A recent leak from tipster Digital Chat Station has provided insights into the top model, the Red Magic 10 Ultra, revealing a notable redesign and impressive specs.

    Design and Features

    The leaked image shows a sleeker back panel for the Red Magic 10 Ultra, which includes a slightly raised camera module with two sensors. The Red Magic logo is prominently displayed at the bottom, and the number “10” is found on the side opposite the camera array.

    Display and Camera

    As per earlier leaks, the 10 Ultra is expected to come with a large 7-inch flat display featuring a 1.5K resolution. A standout feature is the under-display camera technology, which has been developed with BOE, promising a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.

    Performance and Battery

    Beneath its exterior, the device is likely to be equipped with Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, alongside a dedicated gaming chip to amplify gaming performance. To manage heat during high-intensity gaming, the 10 Ultra is anticipated to include a powerful cooling system that features a dedicated fan.

    In the battery department, it’s just as impressive, boasting a dual-cell arrangement with a total capacity exceeding 7,000mAh. Coupled with 100W fast charging, this ensures extended battery life and rapid recharging.

    Memory and Storage

    With the 10 Ultra, Red Magic is setting the bar high, offering up to 24GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of storage. This blend of robust hardware and cutting-edge features positions this device as a genuine gaming powerhouse.

    The official launch of the Red Magic 10 series is set for November 5th in China. Keep an eye out for more updates and the official reveal of the Red Magic 10 Ultra.