Category: Gaming

  • Donkey Kong Bananza Devs Discuss Switch 2 Specs & Game Screenshot

    Donkey Kong Bananza Devs Discuss Switch 2 Specs & Game Screenshot

    Key Takeaways

    1. Development Shift: Donkey Kong Bananza started on the original Switch, but development shifted to the new Switch 2 in 2021.
    2. Enhanced Visuals: The Switch 2 allows for improved graphics, enabling more objects in the environment and enhanced interaction, including destructible elements.
    3. Voxel Graphics: The game uses voxel technology for graphics, which requires the increased memory capacity of the Switch 2 to manage complex objects effectively.
    4. Performance Goals: The new console aims for 60fps, supported by its powerful Nvidia chip, despite potential frame rate drops noted by the team.
    5. Release Date: Donkey Kong Bananza is set to be released on July 17th, with players set to evaluate its overall performance upon launch.

    Recently, it was revealed to gamers that the creation of Donkey Kong Bananza started on the original Switch. A new interview from Nintendo titled “Ask the Developer” indicates that the shift to the new console began in 2021. Kenta Motokura, Daisuke Watanabe, and Wataru Tanaka also explained how the specs of the Switch 2 enhance the 3D platforming experience.

    Screenshots and Visuals

    With the release date of Donkey Kong Bananza set for July 17th, the team has shared the first screenshot showing what the game will look like on the Switch. The small comparison images make it hard to see differences in visual quality. However, many improvements become evident when players interact with the game world.

    Art Director Watanabe stated, “One of the most noticeable enhancements was that we could add many more objects in the environment than we could before.” A key attraction of the Switch 2 version is the ability for players to destroy nearly everything around and beneath Donkey Kong.

    Technical Details

    The graphics in Donkey Kong Bananza utilize voxels, which are like 3D pixels. As objects grow in size and complexity, they can quickly drain a console’s resources. Only the improved specs of the Switch 2, which feature extra memory capacity, make it possible for these objects to be destroyed in a believable way.

    In the interview, Game Director Tanaka highlighted that the processing power of the new handheld was also crucial. There’s no proof that the Switch 2 game employs DLSS, but the Nvidia chip in the system has shown to be capable. This allows developers to aim for 60fps even with intricate maps and realistic explosions.

    Performance Considerations

    Although the team has praised the Switch 2, Kazuya Takahashi earlier acknowledged some frame rate drops. He assures, however, that the retail version will provide a smooth gaming experience overall. Players will ultimately assess how serious these performance issues are following the release of Donkey Kong Bananza.

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    Donkey Kong Bananza Devs Discuss Switch 2 Specs & Game Screenshot

     

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  • Stop Killing Games: EU Official Supports Player Ownership Rights

    Stop Killing Games: EU Official Supports Player Ownership Rights

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Stop Killing Games movement has surpassed 1.3 million signatures for its EU Citizen’s Initiative petition, exceeding the 1 million target needed for review by the EU Parliament.
    2. Nicolae Ștefănuță, Vice President of the EU Parliament, publicly supports the movement and encourages EU citizens to sign the petition.
    3. The movement aims to advocate for consumer rights in gaming, focusing on ensuring game publishers maintain playable states for games after support ends.
    4. Ross Scott, the movement’s leader, believes that addressing video game rights could be an easy win for politicians, appealing to the gaming community.
    5. Support from a prominent politician like Ștefănuță is seen as a positive step, potentially increasing momentum for the initiative in the EU Parliament.

    The Stop Killing Games movement is on a roll, having recently exceeded the crucial 1-million-signature threshold necessary for the EU Citizen’s Initiative petition to be reviewed by the EU parliament. Nicolae Ștefănuță, the Vice President of the EU Parliament and MEP from Romania representing the Greens/EFA group, has publicly shown his support for this cause. In a post on his Instagram, he expressed:

    “I stand with the people who started this citizen initiative. I signed and will continue to help them. A game, once sold, belongs to the customer, not the company.” – Nicolae Ștefănuță via Stop Killing Games Official on X (translated)

    Encouraging Participation

    The politician emphasized his commitment by signing the petition and urged other EU citizens to join in. So far, the petition has garnered an impressive total of 1,358,605 signatures, surpassing the 1 million signature target by 35% before the approaching July 31 deadline.

    Aiming for Consumer Rights

    Ross Scott, the leading figure of the Stop Killing Games movement and the mind behind the Accursed Farms YouTube channel, has pointed out that one key reason for their lobbying efforts in the EU is the bloc’s strong history of enacting laws that favor consumers. He believes that addressing video game rights could be a “simple win” for politicians. The idea is that while politicians often deal with weighty issues, supporting this initiative could gain them favor among the gaming community.

    The Stop Killing Games Movement primarily seeks to ensure that game publishers and developers maintain games in a playable state when they can no longer support them. This may include designing multiplayer games to permit privately hosted servers, for instance.

    A Positive Sign for the Future

    Support from the Vice President of the EU Parliament is just the beginning of the movement’s efforts within the EU framework. Having a well-known politician acknowledge their cause is a promising development for the movement’s success. It is expected that this recognition will help the initiative gain momentum in the EU Parliament when the petition is reviewed by other European Union lawmakers.

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  • John Wick Hex to Depart All Digital Stores Soon

    John Wick Hex to Depart All Digital Stores Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited Game Releases: John Wick Hex is the only officially licensed video game in the popular John Wick franchise, released in 2020.

    2. Removal from Digital Stores: The game will be removed from all digital platforms on July 17 due to potential licensing issues.

    3. Access for Existing Owners: Players who have already purchased John Wick Hex will retain access to the game in their libraries after its removal.

    4. No Discounts Before Removal: Unlike typical practices, there are no last-minute discounts on John Wick Hex, which is currently priced at $20.

    5. Mixed Gameplay Reception: The game features a top-down view and has a distinct visual style, but player feedback is mixed, with some finding it repetitive and lacking excitement.

    Despite being a hugely popular film franchise, John Wick has only seen one officially licensed video game on PC and console. John Wick Hex was revealed in 2019 and made its debut in 2020. For those wanting to try out the game, time is running out, as it will be taken off all digital stores (Steam, Epic Games, PSN, and Xbox) on July 17.

    Announcement of Removal

    Bithell Games, the developer behind John Wick Hex, shared the news of its removal on the Steam page. While they didn’t go into detail, it’s reasonable to think that licensing issues might be at play here. The good news is that players who have already purchased the game will still have access to it in their libraries, in contrast to the soon-to-be-closed Anthem.

    No Last-Minute Discounts

    Usually, when games are set to leave digital platforms, they might offer a discount to encourage final sales, but it appears John Wick Hex is not following that trend. The game is priced at $20, which is not too steep, but a reduction would have been helpful for attracting last-minute buyers. Given its number of reviews on Steam, it seems the game might not have sold very well.

    Gameplay Experience

    In John Wick Hex, you can take on the role of the legendary character in a top-down view. Its visual style is reminiscent of The Ascent, yet the gameplay experience is quite distinct. While some players find enjoyment in it, many others think it lacks excitement, feels repetitive, and depends heavily on one particular style of play.

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  • Life is Strange Collection Release Date Announced for PS5

    Life is Strange Collection Release Date Announced for PS5

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new Life is Strange Collection featuring five games is set to be released on October 2, 2025.
    2. Pre-orders for the collection are now open at a price of $59.99 on the Square Enix website.
    3. The collection includes Life is Strange, Life is Strange: Before the Storm, Life is Strange 2, Life is Strange: True Colors, and Life is Strange: Double Exposure.
    4. Only Life is Strange: True Colors and Life is Strange: Double Exposure will be available on CD; the first three titles require a download code.
    5. The collection includes all downloadable content (DLC) from the games, but Xbox and Nintendo Switch players will not have access to it.

    Fans of the Life is Strange series will be thrilled to learn that a collection featuring five games from the franchise is set to be released. Additionally, Square Enix has confirmed the release date and that pre-orders are now open.

    Exciting Developments for Fans

    This is fantastic news for the loyal fans, especially since the most recent installment, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, didn’t perform well with players, earning a score of just 4.4 on Metacritic. Consequently, the studio opted to create a new offering, aptly named the Life is Strange Collection.

    A Trend in the Gaming Industry

    It’s worth mentioning that bundling games is not a new concept in the gaming industry; many studios have previously packaged their fan-favorite titles while enhancing graphics and gameplay. However, this marks a first for the Life is Strange series.

    What’s Included in the Collection

    The collection includes Life is Strange, Life is Strange: Before the Storm, along with Life is Strange 2, Life is Strange: True Colors, and Life is Strange: Double Exposure. However, collectors may find themselves slightly disappointed.

    Only the last two titles will be distributed on CD, while the first three require a download code to access. Additionally, it’s notable that all downloadable content (DLC) will be included, similar to what is offered in Life is Strange: Double Exposure, which features alternative outfits for Max Caulfield and a side quest involving a lost cat.

    Availability and Pricing

    The collection is set to hit stores for PS5 on October 2, 2025, but fans can pre-order it for $59.99 through the Square Enix website. Unfortunately, Xbox players and those who own a Nintendo Switch will not have the chance to enjoy this collection.

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  • SteamOS Beta Expands Support for Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld

    SteamOS Beta Expands Support for Lenovo Legion Go S Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion Go S is a strong competitor to the Valve Steam Deck due to its SteamOS compatibility.
    2. SteamOS beta update allows direct customization of joystick RGB settings through the Steam client.
    3. The update includes bug fixes for the system file browser and high contrast mode.
    4. Recent enhancements support third-party handhelds, including improved compatibility for the Asus ROG Ally X display and controllers.
    5. The Lenovo Legion Go S is available for $649.99 on Amazon (Windows version) and $599.99 at Best Buy (SteamOS version).

    The Lenovo Legion Go S has shown to be a remarkable gaming handheld in our latest device review, with its SteamOS compatibility making it a strong rival against the Valve Steam Deck. Windows users typically rely on Lenovo Legion Space to customize features such as the joystick RGB settings, whereas Linux users had to depend on unusual methods involving Decky Loader plugins and terminal commands.

    New Features in SteamOS

    In the latest SteamOS beta update (you can find the patch notes here), Valve has introduced the option to modify the RGB LEDs on the joysticks of the Legion Go S directly through the Steam client. You can access these new settings by navigating to Settings→Customisation. The update also includes various bug fixes addressing issues with the system file browser and high contrast mode.

    Enhancements for Gaming Devices

    The inclusion of RGB controls may appear to be a simple enhancement for SteamOS, but it emphasizes the growing compatibility for devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S and other gaming handhelds from third parties. Previous improvements to the third-party handheld experience featured enhanced support for the Asus ROG Ally X display and its controllers, as well as frame-rate caps for VRR displays. Additional updates for the Legion Go S included features such as charge rate limits, a SteamOS compatibility indicator, built-in firmware updates for controllers, and a repair tool for both the Legion Go S and Steam Deck.

    Where to Buy

    You can find the Windows-based Lenovo Legion Go S on Amazon for the current price of $649.99 or the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S at Best Buy for a current price of $599.99.

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  • AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Leaks on Geekbench with MSI Claw Handheld

    AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Leaks on Geekbench with MSI Claw Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU is built on the Strix Point architecture and features two CPU clusters: three Zen 5 cores and five Zen 5c cores.
    2. In Geekbench 6.4, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme achieved single-core and multi-core scores of 2,748 and 12,182, respectively, outperforming the previous Ryzen Z1 Extreme.
    3. The APU’s boost clock is capped at 4.3 GHz, lower than the promised 5.0 GHz.
    4. It has 16 GB of DDR5 memory running at a relatively slow 1,944 MT/s.
    5. The integrated Radeon 890M GPU shows significant performance improvements, scoring 45,064 in Vulkan and 37,970 in OpenCL tests, making it up to 52% faster than the Radeon 780M.

    AMD has been, and continues to be, quite secretive about the details of its upcoming Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU designed for handheld gaming devices. Earlier speculations suggested that this APU would be built on Team Red’s latest Strix Point architecture. A recent listing on Geekbench supports this theory by showing two separate CPU clusters: one featuring three cores (likely Zen 5) and another with five Zen 5c cores. This chip is set to power MSI’s new AMD-based Claw 8, which has already been tested with the same processor.

    Performance Scores

    In Geekbench 6.4, it achieved scores of 2,748 for single-core and 12,182 for multi-core performance. In comparison, the previous Ryzen Z1 Extreme managed scores of 2,534 and 11,358 in the same test. A quick look at its Geekbench listing suggests that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme is not operating at its promised boost clock of around 5.0 GHz, as this sample is capped at 4.3 GHz.

    Memory Specifications

    The Geekbench listing also indicates that the 16 GB of memory runs at 1,944 MT/s, which is considered quite slow for DDR5 memory. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme includes AMD’s RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 890M integrated GPU. It scored 45,064 and 37,970 points in Geekbench’s Vulkan and OpenCL tests, respectively, making it potentially up to 52% faster than the previous generation Radeon 780M. Overall, this chip appears to be a strong contender, and it will be fascinating to see how it performs at lower power levels.

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    AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Leaks on Geekbench with MSI Claw HandheldAMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Leaks on Geekbench with MSI Claw HandheldAMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Leaks on Geekbench with MSI Claw Handheld
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  • MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Now Available

    MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MSI Claw A8 has not yet received an official global release date, but it has launched in China.
    2. The Claw A8 is priced at CNY 6,999 in China and is now available for pre-order in Taiwan at TWD 27,900 (approximately $950).
    3. The Claw A8 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, allowing early users to compare it with Intel-based models.
    4. The pricing of the Claw A8 is lower than the Claw 8 AI+, which is listed at $999, despite its enhanced storage capabilities.
    5. The Claw A8 may be priced between the Claw 7 AI+ ($899) and Claw 8 AI+ ($999) when it eventually reaches North America and other markets.

    The latest MSI Claw still hasn’t been given an official release date for the global market. However, VideoCardz has spotted the device popping up in another country, marking its first step into international waters.

    Recent Launch in China

    To give some background, the Claw A8 made its debut in China earlier this month, priced at CNY 6,999. Shortly after that, MSI’s first gaming handheld powered by AMD began shipping, providing early users an opportunity to compare the Claw A8 with its Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU against other options, such as the Intel Lunar Lake-based Claw 8 AI+ (currently listed at $999 on Amazon).

    Pre-Orders in Taiwan

    Currently, the Claw A8 is available for pre-order in Taiwan at TWD 27,900, which roughly translates to about $950. Notably, this pre-order price is lower than that of the Claw 8 AI+ in both its Sandstorm and Polar Tempest versions, with MSI pricing the latter differently due to its enhanced storage capabilities.

    Comparison with Other Models

    In comparison, the new MSI Claw comes at a much higher price than the original 7-inch model and its Lunar Lake-based successor, which are only available in select regions. It seems that when the Claw A8 finally reaches North America and other markets, it will likely be priced between MSI’s two Lunar Lake gaming handhelds. To provide some context, MSI charges $899 for the Claw 7 AI+ and $999 for the Claw 8 AI+ in the US. Sadly, there is no clear indication of when the Claw A8 will leave Asia for other locations.

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    MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Now AvailableMSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Now Available
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  • 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox Now Available on Amazon

    8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox Now Available on Amazon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox is now available on Amazon after a month of pre-orders in the UK and Europe.
    2. The controller features a larger 3,000 mAh battery, offering up to 40 hours of playtime, but only 20 hours with RGB lighting enabled.
    3. It includes twelve large, low-profile mechanical switches and sixteen Kailh Wizard switches that can be replaced via a hot-swappable PCB.
    4. The controller supports 2.4 GHz connectivity and has a low wired latency of just 4 ms.
    5. The retail price for the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is $99.99, with pre-orders set to ship starting July 25.

    8BitDo has revealed that its latest Xbox licensed Arcade Controller is now officially available on Amazon, following a month of pre-orders in the UK and Europe. To summarize, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox was launched in May, alongside the standard version, featuring benefits such as a larger battery and RGB lighting.

    Enhanced Battery Life

    The Xbox version of the 8BitDo controller boasts a battery that is three times larger, coming in at 3,000 mAh, allowing for up to 40 hours of playtime. In contrast, the standard model provides 20 hours of gameplay with its 1,000 mAh battery. It’s important to mention that when RGB lighting is turned on for the Xbox version, the battery life estimate drops to 20 hours, even though it has a much bigger battery.

    Unique Features

    This reduction in battery life is partly due to the RGB lighting that illuminates twelve large, low-profile mechanical switches. Additionally, 8BitDo has integrated sixteen Kailh Wizard switches, all connected to a hot-swappable PCB, permitting users to replace the switches when needed. For your information, while the controller supports 2.4 GHz connectivity, the wired latency is impressively low at just 4 ms when in wired mode.

    Pricing and Availability

    Right now, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox can be purchased on Amazon for $99.99. At the time of writing, 8BitDo is set to start shipping pre-orders as soon as July 25. For more information, check out 8BitDo’s Amazon store link.

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    8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox Now Available on Amazon8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox Now Available on Amazon

     

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  • Cyberpunk 2077 Launches Thursday on macOS with FSR and Path Tracing

    Cyberpunk 2077 Launches Thursday on macOS with FSR and Path Tracing

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date and Edition: Cyberpunk 2077 will launch for macOS on July 17, 2025, with the Ultimate Edition including the Phantom Liberty expansion available on the Mac App Store.

    2. Purchase Options: Players can buy the Mac version of the game through multiple platforms, including Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

    3. System Requirements: Macs must have at least an Apple M1 chip and 16 GB of RAM to run the game, with tailored graphics presets for each Apple M-series chip.

    4. Enhanced Features: The macOS version will support HDR, Spatial Audio, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, frame generation, and Apple’s MetalFX upscaling technology.

    5. Full Feature Set: The game is expected to include all features from the PC version, including built-in benchmarking tools, enhanced photo mode, and possibly real-time ray tracing on powerful Apple chips.

    Cyberpunk 2077 is set to launch for macOS on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The Ultimate Edition, which comes with the Phantom Liberty expansion, will be available on the Mac App Store at the time of release. Additionally, players can buy the Mac version through Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. CD Projekt Red has highlighted that this version is natively designed for macOS, featuring various technical improvements.

    System Requirements

    To run the game, Macs need to have at least an Apple M1 chip and 16 GB of RAM. CD Projekt Red has included a graphics preset for each Apple M-series chip, allowing gamers to quickly set the best graphics options without hassle. However, it remains uncertain what resolution, frame rate, and graphics quality can be achieved with older models. Cyberpunk 2077 on macOS will also support HDR, Spatial Audio, and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, along with frame generation. There is also support for Apple’s MetalFX upscaling technology.

    Features and Improvements

    The game is anticipated to include all the features available in the PC version, such as built-in benchmarking tools and the enhanced photo mode that was added with patch 2.3. Real-time ray tracing is also likely to be available on Apple’s most powerful chips. A video showcasing the Mac version is embedded below. Originally released in December 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 received significant acclaim from critics, achieving a Metascore of 86 out of 100.

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  • Avowed Update: Steam Deck Verified, New Weapons & Abilities

    Avowed Update: Steam Deck Verified, New Weapons & Abilities

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new patch for Avowed upgrades the software from version 1.4 to 1.5 and introduces new features, weapons, and abilities.
    2. Avowed has achieved Steam Deck Verified status, ensuring smooth performance on the handheld device without setup.
    3. New gameplay features include additional weapons like a two-handed hammer and unique abilities for Ranger and Fighter classes.
    4. Performance improvements include an FPS cap option, expanded language support, and resolved GPU crash issues.
    5. Avowed is available for purchase on Steam and Xbox for $69.99, and can also be accessed via Xbox Game Pass.

    A new patch has been launched for Avowed (check out our review), the action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, which was released earlier this year and is published by Xbox Game Studios. This patch introduces a variety of new features, including additional weapons and abilities, enhancements for both software and hardware, along with numerous fixes for bugs.

    Update Details

    This latest update comes two months after the previous one, upgrading the software from version 1.4 to 1.5. According to the changelog shared on the official Obsidian Forums, a significant highlight of this update is that Avowed has now achieved Steam Deck Verified status. This indicates that the game has been evaluated and is capable of running smoothly on Valve’s handheld device right away, without requiring any setup, and it supports full controller functionality. With this verification, players can expect it to also perform seamlessly on other handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go S, which can be found on Amazon for $649.99.

    New Gameplay Features

    The changelog notes the addition of new weapons across various locations, including a two-handed hammer, a distinctive mace, and robes in Dawnshore and Emerald Stair. Additionally, Shatterscarp features a new unique two-handed axe. New abilities and passive skills for both Ranger and Fighter classes have also been introduced. Furthermore, players will encounter upgraded foes as some enemies are now capable of utilizing player abilities like Blizzard, Returning Storm, and can create either physical or magical barriers.

    Performance Improvements

    Obsidian has included a feature that allows players to set the FPS cap to 40FPS and introduced ‘Native AA’ as an option in the FSR Quality settings. Language support has expanded, now including Japanese and Korean. The changelog also indicates that problems that could potentially lead to GPU crashes have been resolved, and quest objectives are now visible on all maps, regardless of the player’s current location.

    Avowed can be purchased on Steam and the Xbox store (via Xbox Play Anywhere) for $69.99. Additionally, it’s available on Xbox Game Pass if you have a subscription.Avowed on X, Obsidian Forums

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