Category: Gaming

October 31, 2024
Ryzen 7 9800X3D Beats 7800X3D by 25% in Blender Benchmarks
AMD is all set to launch its new Ryzen 7 9800X3D on November 7, expanding the Granite Ridge lineup. There have been a number of benchmarks surfacing online, with the latest focusing on how well this CPU performs in Blender.
Performance Insights
According to HXL, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D achieved approximately 325 points in the Blender benchmark, showing a significant 25% increase compared to the 7800X3D, which scored around 276 points in the same test. That’s quite impressive for a new generation. Additionally, when stacked up against the Ryzen 7 9700X, the 9800X3D appears to be about 10% faster, adding to its appeal.
Comparison with Intel
However, when it comes to competition with Intel’s latest processors, the results are less encouraging. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is just slightly quicker than the newly released Core Ultra 5 245 ‘Arrow Lake-S’ CPU. In contrast, it lags behind the Core Ultra 7 265K, which scored an admirable 422 points. This isn’t surprising, given that the Intel chip has the same number of performance cores but comes with an extra 12 efficiency-focused ‘Skymont’ cores.
Gaming Potential
It’s important to note that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is geared towards gaming, and it should shine in that area, especially when considering the perceived lackluster gaming performance of Arrow Lake. For those who may have overlooked the recently leaked specifications, here’s a brief summary: it features a single CCD with 8 Zen 5 cores, a 120 W TDP, and operates at 4.7 GHz base with a boost of 5.2 GHz.
Tags: amd, Blender Benchmark, Ryzen 7 9800X3D
October 31, 2024
Sony Closes Two Game Studios, Including Concord Developer
Sony has had a pretty eventful year with its PlayStation branch. One of the big moments was the introduction of the PS5 Pro, which you can pre-order on Amazon for $699 and will hit the shelves next month. Additionally, they released Astro Bot, a first-party title for the PS5. On the downside, not everything has gone smoothly; the major letdown was Concord, a PvP first-person shooter that received poor reviews and was taken offline just weeks after its release.
Drastic Measures Taken
Now, in a surprising turn of events, Sony has made the tough choice to shut down Firewalk Studios, the team behind Concord. They have also decided to permanently end the game after careful thought on the matter.
Concord marked Firewalk’s first foray into gaming, and it’s truly unfortunate that people have lost their jobs due to the game’s lack of success, without even being given a second chance. Although Sony didn’t specifically state it, the decision to close the studio might have been influenced by the considerable amount of money said to have been spent on developing the game.
Closure of Another Studio
Furthermore, Sony has also revealed that it is closing down Neon Koi, which was previously known as Savage Game Studios, a studio it bought back in August 2022. Neon Koi was working on a AAA mobile live service action game for Sony, but it has now been shut down before it could launch its first project. This means that the mobile action game will also never see the light of day.
Despite these closures, Sony mentioned in its press release that mobile gaming still remains a key area for growth. However, they believe that the path to success lies in focusing on titles that align with PlayStation Studio’s standards and can reach a wider audience across the globe.
In the aftermath of this announcement, more information is likely to emerge in the following weeks regarding what truly happened with Concord, Firewalk, and Neon Koi.
Tags: Concord, Firewalk Studios, PS5 Pro
October 30, 2024
Run Pokémon Legends: Arceus Natively on PC Without Emulators
A recent post on Reddit claims that Pokémon can be played on PC without the need for emulators.
A screenshot shared today shows what looks like Pokémon Legends: Arceus running directly on Windows. This suggests that the game is functioning as an executable program, as opposed to being a ROM file that requires an emulator to operate.
User Reactions
The user capitalggamer1 shared the image with the caption, "This is so epic I hope it happens to more nintendo games" [sic]. The game is shown running in something called the "Nintendo NX Application," which might be a development tool for creating Nintendo Switch games on Windows or possibly a custom program for running these games directly in the operating system.
Technical Details
According to discussions in the thread, this isn’t merely a port of Pokémon Legends: Arceus; it’s an application made from the game’s original source code designed to work on x64 systems. The source code for this title, along with various other Pokémon games, was part of the significant Game Freak data leak that occurred earlier this month.
While the screenshot is intriguing, there isn’t much information available regarding this version of the game, so it’s best to approach this news cautiously. It’s possible that the game can be compiled using the leaked source code, but there are no accessible links to the source code or the compiled game files due to obvious reasons. Given the current state of Switch emulation and Nintendo’s strict enforcement actions, it seems unlikely that this compiled version of the game—or any other Switch game—will ever be publicly available.
Alternatives to Play
If you’re eager to play Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can always purchase a Nintendo Switch from Amazon for $279.99 and enjoy the game in a legitimate manner.
Reddit (r/PiratedGames)
Tags: Game Freak, Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Legends: Arceus
October 30, 2024
Warframe 1999 Update Release Date Announced; Soulframe 2025
Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe and Soulframe, has built a name for itself by delivering exceptional games and extensive content updates, even if they often arrive later than expected. However, with the upcoming launch of Warframe 1999, the team has adopted a more reserved approach, finally announcing a definitive release date for this Cyberpunk-inspired expansion. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Soulframe.
Launch Date and Content
In the recent Warframe Devstream (check the video below or skim through the highlights), it was confirmed that Warframe 1999 is set to launch in December 2024. This expansion will present a wealth of new content for the live-service PvE looter. So far, Digital Extremes has revealed that Warframe 1999 will feature the following new content:
The new realm, Höllvania, will stick to the familiar tile-based procedural generation style that many of Warframe’s regions use. This marks a shift from the more recent updates that have focused on broadening open-world adventures and survival gameplay. That said, the new tileset promises to include various seasons, each offering distinct experiences. This hints at the possibility of different enemy types, buffs, effects, or even loot drops varying with the seasons, although Digital Extremes is being intentionally vague about the details of the new tileset.
Soulframe’s Development Journey
Similarly to Warframe 1999, Soulframe has been under development for a considerable time, though Digital Extremes has been quite transparent about the fact that a full release is still far off. Even though there’s a closed, live version of Soulframe already being tested by a select group of players, during a Soulframe Devstream (watch below), the team indicated that the fantasy RPG will probably only reach pre-alpha status sometime in 2025.
Even though Digital Extremes initially planned to launch Soulframe in 2024, it seems likely that the game will debut in the first half of the year. However, the development team has not yet committed to a specific release timeline. Presently, the game is what they refer to as a "pre-pre-alpha."
Inspirations from Warframe
While Soulframe presents a stark contrast to Warframe, leaning more heavily on fantasy rather than sci-fi, the development team has mentioned during the stream that they will incorporate lessons learned from Warframe into Soulframe’s design. For example, Digital Extremes plans to utilize Warframe’s Focus Schools as a fundamental element for the Fighting Arts progression system in Soulframe. Observing the in-game visuals, including the particle effects, lighting, and character design and movement, it is clear that the influence of Warframe is significant.
Digital Extremes
Tags: Lenovo Legion Go, Soulframe, Warframe 1999
October 30, 2024
Free New 1v1 Shooter on Steam Gets High Ratings
On October 24, 2024, the free first-person shooter Straftat, created by the Lemaitre brothers, Sirius and Leonard, was launched on Steam. This game is rated for ages 18 and up, concentrating solely on 1v1 battles. With more than 70 distinct maps that change every few rounds, Straftat offers a refreshing gameplay experience, showcasing a different set of weapons on each map. This diversity injects excitement and depth, making it appealing for those who enjoy 1v1 matches similar to classic games like Quake or Unreal Tournament.
Expansion Content and Pricing
Straftat represents the debut of the Lemaitre Bros on Steam, with the only additional content being a DLC that greatly enhances the game – introducing 70 new maps, 10 extra weapons, along with a selection of hats for character personalization. Normally, this expansion is priced at $5, but until October 31, it can be purchased for $4.50 with a 10% discount.
Visuals and System Requirements
When it comes to visuals, Straftat doesn’t exactly stand out, but that’s common for free games. Its style leans more towards functionality than flashiness, carrying a retro feel that brings to mind Quake, where details are minimal yet effective. A key benefit is its small storage space and low graphic needs, allowing it to run on various systems. Currently, Steam is evaluating how well this 1v1 shooter works on the Steam Deck, which is priced at $389 on Amazon.
Player Reception
On Steam, Straftat has been met with very positive feedback. An impressive 98 percent of over 700 players have rated this first-person shooter favorably. Besides the vintage graphics, there are few minor critiques, like the somewhat traditional weapon handling and limited crosshair customization options. Ratings from Metacritic are still awaited. You can check out first impressions of the game in its official trailer.
Tags: First-Person Shooter, Steam Deck, Straftat
October 30, 2024
Anbernic RG P01: Affordable Wireless Controller with Hall Effect Joysticks
Typically, Anbernic puts out a new gadget each month. But this October, they’re doing things a bit differently. Just a week ago, they launched the RG CubeXX (currently priced at $119.99 on Amazon) worldwide.
New Arrival: RG P01
Now, it’s time for the RG P01, which will have a special starting price until November 12. This date also marks the start of shipping for pre-sale orders. The controller will be priced at no more than $17.99, yet it has a lot of features that many similar devices don’t offer.
Connectivity and Features
The RG P01 supports various connectivity options, including 2.4 GHz wireless, wired, and Bluetooth through the Bluetooth 5.3 standard. For clarity, these options provide polling rates of 200 Hz, 400 Hz, and 150 Hz, respectively. Moreover, Anbernic has incorporated Hall effect joysticks and triggers, RGB lighting, plus two macro buttons located at the back.
Battery Life and Design
Additionally, the RG P01 comes with a 600 mAh battery that can last for 8 hours during gameplay, whether on X-input, Android, or Switch modes. Anbernic has chosen conductive rubber for the controller’s d-pad, ABXY buttons, and shoulder buttons. Right now, the RG P01 is offered in three colors: Black, Beige White, and Radiant Purple. For more in-depth information, check out the review by Retro Game Corps linked below.
Anbernic’s
Tags: Anbernic, RG CubeXX, RG P01
October 30, 2024
Ayaneo 3 Teased as New Flagship Handheld Console Concept
Ayaneo has been quite active this month, though not as much as Anbernic. To give you some background, the company started October by hinting at a new flagship gaming handheld for the first time. After that, they updated their AM01 and AM02 mini-PCs, and they finally released the much-anticipated AG01 Starship Graphics Dock.
Focus on the Ayaneo 3
Now, Ayaneo is back in the spotlight with the Ayaneo 3, which they stylize as the AYANEO 3 and tout as their first ‘Code: REVO’ item. Sadly, there isn’t much information available about this device yet. However, the company has shared some design features through a brief video on both YouTube and X (previously known as Twitter).
Design and Features
The Ayaneo 3 seems to have a layout similar to other well-known gaming handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally (currently priced at $399.99 on Amazon). So, it looks like Ayaneo’s upcoming ‘flagship’ device will include an Xbox control setup, along with what seems to be a couple of rear-mounted macro buttons. At this point, it’s unclear whether Ayaneo will choose AMD Strix Point or Intel Lunar Lake processors. Given the frequency of their teasers this month, we can expect Ayaneo to share more details about the Ayaneo 3 soon.
Tags: AG01 Starship, Asus ROG Ally, AYANEO 3
October 30, 2024
Overclocked Nintendo Switch Shows Better Performance in Tests
The Nintendo Switch has been around for more than seven years, and the company has not yet made an official announcement about its successor. Although a new version of the gaming handheld is expected to be revealed within this fiscal year, early speculations suggest that it may not be particularly powerful.
Comparing Generations
The original Switch’s hardware now feels quite outdated, especially when put next to modern gaming handhelds such as the ROG Ally and Legion Go, currently priced at $499 on Amazon. Nevertheless, the Nvidia Tegra X1 chip inside it still has the capacity to deliver a better experience. In previous tests where it was overclocked, YouTuber Naga demonstrated that the SoC could enhance gaming performance with just a little extra effort.
Overclocking Results
Naga has recently conducted another round of tests with the highly overclocked Nintendo Switch. In the complete overclocked setup, the YouTuber increased the CPU clock speed to 2,805 MHz, the GPU to 1,420 MHz, and memory to 3,200 MHz. By comparison, the stock configurations run at 2,397 MHz for the CPU, 1,228 MHz for the GPU, and 2,133 MHz for memory.
It’s also important to mention that Naga upgraded the RAM from 4 GB to 8 GB. Furthermore, the tests were performed on the OLED version of the console, but similar results would be expected from a non-OLED Switch as both share the same internal hardware.
Performance Metrics
When it comes to performance gains, the stock version of the gaming handheld scored 374 in single-core and 1,098 in multi-core benchmarks on Geekbench 6. With the overclocked settings, the scores increased to 446 and 1,409, respectively. In Glmark2, the stock version achieved 3,115 points, while the fully overclocked version reached 4,723 points.
Additionally, Naga tested GravityMark, obtaining a score of 5,170 for the overclocked Switch, compared to 3,770 for the stock model. The overclocking also resulted in significantly higher scores in Cuda95 and Membench relative to the stock configuration.
Emulation Performance
An intriguing detail shared in the video is the overclocked Switch’s ability to emulate GameCube games using the Dolphin emulator. Naga focused on testing Mario Kart, where the stock model runs at around 30 FPS. However, with the overclocking, the handheld can maintain around 60 FPS. For more information, you can check out the video linked below.
Naga on YouTube (video embedded above) via: Wccftech

Tags: Nintendo Switch, Nvidia Tegra X1, Overclocking
October 30, 2024
New Super Mario Bros. Demake for Game Boy Color with Yoshi
A familiar classic returns.
A developer known as Mico27 has recently introduced a port or "demake" of the classic Super Mario Bros. designed for the Game Boy Color. It’s important to highlight that this project is quite distinct from Nintendo’s own version, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe, which hit the shelves in 1999. In contrast to Nintendo’s adaptation, Mico27’s creation showcases smaller graphics tailored for the Game Boy Color’s screen and is packed with additional content.
Super Mario Bros. Mini Unveiled
The project is named Super Mario Bros. Mini. It includes the complete original game from 1985, resized to suit the smaller display of the Game Boy Color. All eight worlds are included, along with every enemy, block, coin, and all the other familiar elements players would anticipate.
New Features and Additions
Moreover, Super Mario Bros. Mini introduces several new features. A standout addition is the level select option, allowing players to choose which world and level they wish to begin at. This can be activated by pressing the B button on the title screen. As players browse through the available levels, they’ll discover an extra 8 worlds to explore, totaling 16 in all. Furthermore, there are new bosses from Super Mario Land (the first Super Mario game for the Game Boy) and a fresh power-up: Yoshi.
Yoshi, Mario’s ancient companion, acts similarly to a short-range fire flower. Although the dinosaur cannot eat enemies in this version, its tongue can be quite deadly.
Unique Aspects of the Game
There are several unique aspects to this title. For instance, only one projectile (be it a fireball or Bullet Bill) can be displayed on the screen at a time. The controls seem a bit more rigid compared to the original NES game, and the music tends to cut off frequently to accommodate sound effects. Nevertheless, Super Mario Bros. Mini is a fascinating and true-to-form port that feels well-suited for the Game Boy Color.
The ROM file size is a substantial 2048 KB, which is comparable to other Game Boy Color hits like Pokemon Crystal and Wario Land 3. You can obtain a ROM to play on original hardware from here.
Consider purchasing a renewed Atomic Purple Game Boy Color from Amazon.
You can find Mico27’s work on itch.io.
Tags: Game Boy Color, Mico27, Super Mario Bros. Mini
October 30, 2024
Realme GT 7 Pro Teased: Thermal Management & Gaming Features Before Launch
Realme is set to unveil its new flagship gaming smartphone, the GT 7 Pro, on November 4th, 2024. Before the launch, the company has shared some of its exciting features, including an advanced cooling system, AI Assistant Master 2.0, and the Sky Communication System 2.0.
Performance and Cooling Features
The GT 7 Pro is powered by the impressive Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This high-performance processor delivers smooth and quick responses, making it capable of handling intense gaming and multitasking seamlessly. To support this powerful processor, Realme has added a strong 11,480mm² tempered double VC heat dissipation unit. This sophisticated cooling system effectively manages heat, avoiding thermal throttling and keeping performance levels high, even during long gaming periods.
Enhancements for Gaming Experience
Realme has introduced various innovative features, such as AI Assistant Master 2.0, which provides smart assistance by offering real-time strategy tips, lane skills, and winning predictions. This AI assistant can guide gamers in making better choices and enhancing their overall gameplay experience.
The Sky Communication System 2.0 boosts network connectivity, ensuring smooth gaming even in tough situations. This system improves network performance by up to 32.6% in subways, 22.7% in high-speed trains, and 16.2% in basements. Furthermore, the device maintains a stable connection even in extremely weak signal conditions, minimizing game interruptions and ensuring fluid gameplay.
Additional Features
The GT 7 Pro boasts a 6.78-inch Samsung Eco² AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, reaching 2000 nits peak brightness and a color depth of 1073.74 million colors, providing stunning visuals for gaming and multimedia. For photography enthusiasts, it features a triple camera arrangement, including a 50MP IMX906 main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP IMX882 periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. There’s a 16MP front camera for selfies as well.
With a massive 6500mAh battery and 120W wired fast charging, the GT 7 Pro ensures quick recharges. It will also have an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure access and an IP68/69 rating for dust and water resistance. The phone comes in three stylish colors—Mars Exploration Edition (Orange), Star Trace Titanium (Black/Dark Gray), and Light Domain White, merging elegance with durability.
In other news, a recent leak indicates the starting price of the Realme GT 7 Pro will be around 3,999 yuan (about $560), potentially positioning it as one of the most budget-friendly smartphones featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
Tags: Gaming Smartphone, GT 7 Pro, Realme