Category: Gaming

  • Slim GamerCard: Raspberry Pi Handheld with Multiple Ports

    Slim GamerCard: Raspberry Pi Handheld with Multiple Ports

    Key Takeaways

    1. Slim and Lightweight Design: The GamerCard is only 6.5mm thick and weighs 100 grams, resembling a gift card for easy portability.

    2. Impressive Display and Performance: It features a 4.0-inch IPS display with 60fps, powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W with a 64-bit quad-core processor.

    3. Control and Connectivity Options: The device includes multiple control pads, various ports (HDMI, USB, Qwiic), and Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi connectivity.

    4. Built-in Storage and Game Features: It has 128GB of built-in storage (no MicroSD slot) and comes with two pre-installed games optimized for the device, plus the ability to emulate classic games.

    5. Affordable Pricing: The GamerCard is priced at £125 (around $171), making it an accessible option for gamers.

    There are many handheld gaming devices out there, each with unique designs and sizes. While several fit nicely into your pocket, like the Retroid Pocket Mini V2, which you can find on Amazon for $269, they tend to be a bit bulky. However, the GamerCard stands out as a sleek option. This device is powered by Raspberry Pi and created by Grant Sinclair, who happens to be the nephew of Sir Clive Sinclair, the inventor of the ZX Spectrum computer that debuted in 1982.

    Slim and Light Design

    The GamerCard measures just 6.5mm in thickness, making it one of the thinnest handhelds around. It weighs only 100 grams, which adds to its appeal. Beyond its dimensions, the design itself is quite special. The GamerCard resembles a gift card, complete with a slot at the top that allows it to be hung on store hooks. A promotional video even shows it displayed in a supermarket alongside typical gift cards, but unfortunately, you won’t find the GamerCard in physical retail locations.

    Impressive Specifications

    In terms of technical specs, the GamerCard features a 4.0-inch square IPS display that runs at 60fps, boasting a pixel density of 254 PPI and protected by sapphire glass. The device operates on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, which is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core processor utilizing Cortex-A53 cores running at 1GHz, along with 512MB of SDRAM. It comes with 128GB of built-in storage, but it lacks a MicroSD card slot.

    The front sports two large silicone control pads, while the back has two smaller silicone pads that function as shoulder buttons. Additionally, there are two buttons on the upper right side for Select and Start, and a power button located on the upper left side. The GamerCard is also packed with various ports: on the right side, you’ll find an HDMI port, a Qwiic port, and USB ports for connecting peripherals if you want to use it as a Raspberry Pi-powered computer. At the bottom, there’s a USB-C port for charging the 1,600mAh battery.

    Additional Features and Pricing

    According to the product details, all control pads are coated with anti-bacterial material. Moreover, it includes an ultra-slim passive heat sink that rests on the processor. Other notable features consist of stereo front-facing mini speakers, micro LEDs to indicate battery charging status, as well as Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi connectivity.

    You can purchase the GamerCard right now for £125, which is about $171 or €145, directly from the manufacturer’s website. It comes with two pre-installed games that were originally made for the Nintendo Switch but have been optimized for the GamerCard. Plus, users will have the ability to emulate thousands of classic games on this device.

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  • Super Smash Bros. Likely Coming to Nintendo Switch Online Next

    Super Smash Bros. Likely Coming to Nintendo Switch Online Next

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fans are eager for Super Smash Bros. (N64) to be added to Nintendo’s streaming classics on Nintendo Switch Online.
    2. A recent video hinting at Nintendo Classics features includes a potentially revealing background image resembling the original Super Smash Bros. box art.
    3. Some gamers speculate that the image could also represent other N64 titles, leading to doubts about the leak’s validity.
    4. Nintendo has a history of teasing retro games in promotional videos, but the release of the N64 game may be delayed to protect Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s sales.
    5. The introduction of the GameCube controller for the Switch 2 excites competitive players, but Super Smash Bros. (N64) remains unconfirmed for inclusion.

    Super Smash Bros. for the N64 is a game that many fans wish to see added to Nintendo’s streaming classics. Recent posts on Reddit and Famiboards have uncovered hints that this title could soon be available on Nintendo Switch Online. This possible leak comes from a video showcasing Nintendo Classics features that was released on June 5th. Although it’s not definitive, a background image in the video looks very similar to the box art of the original Super Smash Bros. from 1999.

    Clues in the Video

    At around 40 seconds into the video, viewers can spot a blurry mix of colors in the lower right section of the screen. At this moment, Nintendo is highlighting the CRT filter that’s now on the Switch 2. When comparing the visuals in the clip to the Super Smash Bros. cover, you can see some matching colors in the logos and characters, including Mario. However, some doubtful gamers think the image could also resemble other N64 titles, such as Banjo-Kazooie and Mischief Makers.

    Past Teases and Future Possibilities

    Historically, promotional videos have hinted at Nintendo Classics that never came to light. Nonetheless, Nintendo has been focusing more on bringing retro games to both the Switch and Switch 2. There are some players who speculate the company might be holding back on releasing the N64 game to avoid hurting Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s sales. But it’s been seven years since the original game launched for the Switch. It’s likely that series creator Masahiro Sakurai will work on another game, though right now, he seems to be concentrating on Kirby Air Riders for the Switch 2.

    Exciting Developments for Competitive Players

    The introduction of the GameCube controller for the Switch 2 thrilled fans of competitive Super Smash Bros. Melee. Sadly, even though this console is part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, the game itself isn’t included. If the latest leak about the box art is accurate, then it appears that the original Super Smash Bros. could be the most probable title to make a comeback.

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  • Bungie and NetEase Reveal Destiny: Rising Release Date

    Bungie and NetEase Reveal Destiny: Rising Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date: Destiny: Rising will be released on August 28, 2025, for iOS and Android devices.

    2. Gameplay Features: The game features a similar gameplay style to Destiny 2, including a third-person view option and customizable loadouts.

    3. Game Modes: Players can enjoy familiar modes like six-player PvE missions, 3v3 PvP co-op, and a roguelike solo mode, along with open-world tasks.

    4. New Timeline and Characters: Set in an alternate timeline after the Dark Age, players will create a customizable character called the Wolf, alongside iconic characters like Iron Lord Jolder and Vanguard Ikora Rey.

    5. Pre-Registration Bonuses: The game is currently offering pre-registration rewards, with over five million players signed up, indicating a potentially massive launch.

    A fresh trailer for Destiny: Rising has disclosed the launch date for the eagerly awaited mobile sci-fi RPG shooter. NetEase, recognized for games such as Marvel Rivals and Once Human, has partnered with Bungie to create this mobile extension of Bungie’s successful franchise. The game is set to debut on both iOS and Android on August 28, 2025.

    Gameplay Features

    The trailer highlights gameplay that closely mirrors what players have experienced in Destiny 2, now with the additional feature of switching to a third-person view when not using Super abilities. Players can modify their loadouts while actively playing. They are able to equip a “Primary” weapon along with a “Power” weapon to combat various foes.

    Game Modes for Everyone

    Longtime fans of the series will find comfort in familiar game modes, including strike maps that offer six-player PvE missions, as well as a 3v3 PvP co-op mode for those looking for a competitive edge. The game also brings in a roguelike solo mode. Additionally, players can participate in numerous open-world tasks, similar to those in Destiny 2.

    New Timeline and Characters

    Destiny: Rising unfolds in an alternate timeline following the Dark Age, boasting new characters, abilities, and a rich narrative. Players will embody a new character known as the Wolf, a completely customizable Lightbearer. Plus, they have the option to select from iconic characters such as Iron Lord Jolder and Vanguard Ikora Rey.

    The mobile game was first announced back in October 2024. Since then, NetEase has carried out a closed alpha for iOS and an exclusive closed beta test for Android users in Canada and North America.

    Pre-Registration Bonuses

    Currently, Destiny: Rising is hosting a pre-registration event, where players can earn exclusive rewards at launch based on the total number of sign-ups. So far, over five million players have registered for Destiny: Rising, suggesting that this upcoming mobile title is on track to become one of the largest mobile launches ever seen.

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  • Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Season 2 Officially Announced

    Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Season 2 Officially Announced

    Key Takeaways

    1. CD Projekt RED and studio TRIGGER announced a second season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners at the 2025 Anime Expo, reversing earlier statements about a sequel being unlikely.
    2. The new season, titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, will have ten episodes set in Night City, with Bartosz Sztybor as showrunner and Kanno Ichigo as character designer.
    3. Season 2 will feature a darker and more intense narrative, with new characters and storylines, as the original protagonist, David, is confirmed dead.
    4. The first season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners received critical acclaim, achieving a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and reigniting interest in the game Cyberpunk 2077.
    5. Following the anime’s release, Cyberpunk 2077 saw a significant increase in player count, reaching up to 136,000 players, aided by the Edgerunners update introducing new content.

    CD Projekt RED alongside studio TRIGGER have made a big announcement: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is getting a second season. This exciting news was revealed at the 2025 Anime Expo in Los Angeles, marking a significant shift from CD Projekt RED’s earlier position, which suggested that a sequel was not likely.

    Creative Team Behind the New Season

    The team behind this new installment is making sure to bring their A-game. Showrunner Bartosz Sztybor is leading the charge, with Kanno Ichigo, the main character designer, and Masahiko Otsuka, who previously worked on the visually stunning sci-fi film Promare. The upcoming season, named Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, will consist of ten episodes set in the colorful and chaotic Night City. It will stream on Netflix, though we don’t have a release date yet.

    What to Expect in Season 2

    During the announcement, Sztybor shared some hints about what fans can look forward to, stating that the second season will be “sadder, but it will also be darker, more bloody, and more raw.” According to the official Cyberpunk website, “David is dead but Night City lives on,” indicating that the narrative will shift away from the original Edgerunners crew, introducing fresh characters and plotlines from the depths of Night City.

    Cyberpunk Edgerunners first appeared in September 2022 and was met with enthusiastic reviews from both anime and gaming fans. This adaptation achieved a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

    Impact on Cyberpunk 2077

    The series reignited interest in Cyberpunk 2077, attracting both new players and those returning to the game. The studio also rolled out Cyberpunk 2077 Patch 1.6, known as the Edgerunners update, which brought in new side missions, weapons, and Easter eggs from the anime.

    As a result, the player count for Cyberpunk 2077 saw a significant boom, which had previously been on the decline. Data from SteamDB indicated that players surged to 85,000 in September 2022, peaking at 136,000 by the end of that month.

    Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has rejuvenated CD Projekt RED’s intellectual property, bringing player numbers back to levels not seen since the initial launch of the game. With this new season announcement, fans can look forward to diving back into the captivating stories set amidst the flickering neon lights of Night City.

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  • Romero Games Shuts Down After Microsoft Cuts AAA Game Funding

    Romero Games Shuts Down After Microsoft Cuts AAA Game Funding

    Key Takeaways

    1. Romero Games has shut down due to funding withdrawal from Microsoft amid widespread layoffs.
    2. The entire team at Romero Games was laid off, with employees expressing heartbreak over the sudden closure.
    3. Brenda Romero stated that the decision to cut funding was made at a higher level within Microsoft and was beyond the studio’s control.
    4. The studio was founded in 2015 and had grown to 100 employees, previously working on projects like Sigil and Empire of Sin.
    5. The future of Romero Games is uncertain, with staff actively seeking new job opportunities.

    Romero Games, the studio created by video game pioneer and the original DOOM level designer John Romero, has reportedly shut down amid a wave of layoffs at Microsoft. It was initially announced that Microsoft had withdrawn funding for a forthcoming title. This information became public when former employees started discussing it on LinkedIn.

    Layoffs and Closure

    Former employees of Romero Games have indicated that the entire team has been laid off following Microsoft’s decision to cut funding for their unreleased first-person shooter. One staff member expressed on LinkedIn, “Today, I found out our whole studio is being let go because of the layoffs at Microsoft.”

    Employee Reactions

    In the wake of this news, another employee took to LinkedIn to share their heartbreak, stating, “It breaks my heart to state that Romero Games fell victim to the 9,100 Microsoft layoffs today. The best team I’ve ever worked with, and my dream job, gone just like that. It really was a great project and it’s hard to process that it’s over. It’s nothing less than tragic.”

    Statement from Brenda Romero

    Brenda Romero, in a public statement on the social media platform X, revealed that the decision to stop funding was made at a higher level within Microsoft and was outside the studio’s control. She noted that the team had met all their deadlines and received praise for their hard work. The abrupt cancellation was shocking, with Brenda Romero stating, “We deeply wish there had been something, anything we could have done to prevent this outcome.”

    Romero Games was founded in 2015 in Galway, Ireland, and had grown to have 100 employees before its shutdown. Their recent works included Sigil and Sigil 2, along with the strategy game Empire of Sin. In 2022, the studio announced they were developing an ambitious AAA first-person shooter utilizing Unreal Engine 5, supported by Microsoft through its subsidiary, Bethesda.

    Future Uncertain

    Now that Romero Games has ceased operations, its staff is actively looking for new job opportunities. Currently, the future of the studio is unclear as they are “currently evaluating next steps and working quickly to support” their team.

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  • Silent Hill F Gameplay Footage Leaked at Anime Expo 2025

    Silent Hill F Gameplay Footage Leaked at Anime Expo 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Leaked Gameplay Footage: A trailer for Silent Hill f was leaked by an attendee at Anime Expo 2025, showcasing an early part of the game despite filming restrictions.

    2. Main Character and Setting: Players will control Shimizu Hinako, a teenager facing humanoid forms of her fears in a secluded Japanese town called Ebisugaoka, set in the 1960s.

    3. Limited Gameplay Details: The leaked footage primarily featured an in-engine cinematic with minimal gameplay, showing Hinako approaching a shrine and interacting with a boy from her childhood.

    4. Unique Combat System: Producer Motoi Okamoto revealed that the game will have a unique combat system focused on melee combat and dynamic encounters.

    5. Release Date and Platforms: Silent Hill f is scheduled for release on September 25, 2025, and will be available on Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, and PC.

    Konami has shared new material for their upcoming horror game, Silent Hill f, during Anime Expo 2025. However, the company hasn’t officially put this footage online yet. Instead, it was leaked by an attendee who managed to record the trailer despite the event’s filming restrictions.

    Sneak Peek at Gameplay

    The leaked content was uploaded by CGMagazine on YouTube, giving fans a glimpse into an early part of the game. While the gameplay seemed to be an in-engine cinematic, it offered little actual gameplay details. In the footage, players see the main character, Shimizu Hinako, walking a path and getting close to a shrine, with a prompt appearing for her to pray.

    Insights from the Event

    On Reddit, a user named SOGxTheKing mentioned in r/GamingLeaksAndRumors that the event included discussions from the game’s director, composer, and writer about the development of Silent Hill f. They added:

    “I was there at the event, and no one was supposed to take pictures or video, which is why there’s not much out there. The only gameplay shown was a quick 30-second clip of Hinako walking down a path towards a shrine, where a pray prompt appeared, then she walked away, and that was about it. After that, there was a cutscene of Hinako talking to a boy about their childhood, but when she turned around, he vanished.”

    Details About the Game

    Though specific gameplay features like exploration or puzzles are still unclear, it is known that Silent Hill f takes place in the 1960s in a secluded Japanese town called Ebisugaoka. Players will take on the role of teenager Shimizu Hinako, who faces humanoid forms of her hidden fears. Currently, four characters are confirmed: Hinako, Iwai Shu, Nishida Rinko, and Igarashi Sakuko.

    Earlier, producer Motoi Okamoto mentioned in an interview that Silent Hill f’s combat system will be “unique,” focusing more on melee combat and dynamic encounters.

    Release Information

    Silent Hill f is set to launch on September 25, 2025, and will be accessible on Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, and PC. Since the leaks contradict Konami’s guidelines from the panel, it is likely the company will soon remove the footage.

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  • Mangmi Air X: Affordable Gaming Handheld with Hall Effect Triggers

    Mangmi Air X: Affordable Gaming Handheld with Hall Effect Triggers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Budget-Friendly Pricing: The Mangmi Air X is priced at approximately $70, making it significantly cheaper than competitors like the Anberic RG557.

    2. Decent Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 662 and Adreno 610 GPU, the device can handle retro and less intensive mobile games effectively.

    3. High-Quality Display: Features a 5.5-inch IPS display with 1080p resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 110% sRGB color gamut coverage for vibrant visuals.

    4. Strong Battery Life: Equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery that supports 15 W charging, ensuring prolonged gaming sessions.

    5. Ergonomic and Feature-Rich Design: Includes Hall effect triggers, joysticks, a 6-axis gyroscope, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, WiFi 5, and a cooling system for an enhanced gaming experience.

    Mangmi has introduced the Air X, a budget-friendly gaming handheld that operates on Android. It is powered by the Snapdragon 662, which is not the most powerful system on chip (SoC). However, the Adreno 610 GPU included can manage retro gaming and less intensive mobile games without much trouble.

    Affordable Yet Feature-Rich

    Although the SoC isn’t the standout feature of this Android gaming device, it is priced significantly lower than devices like the Anberic RG557 (currently $339.99 on Amazon). Despite its low price, Mangmi has packed in several high-end features.

    Some of these include Hall effect triggers and joysticks, along with a 6-axis gyroscope. These elements are likely to enhance the gaming experience. On the front side, the Air X is equipped with a 5.5-inch IPS display that boasts a 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The manufacturer claims that the display covers 110% of the sRGB color gamut, and its brightness can reach up to 450 nits.

    Impressive Battery Life

    Another key feature of the Mangmi Air X is its 5,000 mAh battery that supports 15 W charging. The company also highlights that the design focuses on ergonomics, and the retro color choices make the device seem more premium compared to other options in the same price bracket. Other notable features include 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, 64 GB of eMMC storage, WiFi 5, a cooling system, and a lightweight design.

    The Air X was launched in China with an initial price of CNY 499, which is approximately $70. No information has been provided about its global release yet, and it’s important to mention that Mangmi is a newcomer in the handheld gaming market.

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    Mangmi Air X: Affordable Gaming Handheld with Hall Effect TriggersMangmi Air X: Affordable Gaming Handheld with Hall Effect Triggers
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  • Arkane Studios Founder Links Xbox Game Pass to Microsoft Job Losses

    Arkane Studios Founder Links Xbox Game Pass to Microsoft Job Losses

    Key Takeaways

    1. Raphael Colantonio criticizes Xbox Game Pass as an unsustainable model harming the gaming industry.
    2. Despite claims of profitability, many studios creating games for Game Pass are struggling, with notable closures like Arkane Studios and The Initiative.
    3. Phil Spencer acknowledges slowing growth in Game Pass subscriptions, raising questions about its long-term viability.
    4. Opinions among gamers are divided; some blame Game Pass for layoffs, while others point to poor management and spending issues.
    5. Game Pass subscribers are canceling memberships in protest, suggesting a need for better curation of titles added to the service.

    Following the layoff of 9,000 workers at Microsoft, which has greatly affected Xbox Game Studios, the search for someone to blame has begun. Many developers from studios that Microsoft has shut down have voiced their concerns. Raphael Colantonio, who founded Arkane Studios but left in 2017 before its closure in 2024, took to social media to argue that Xbox Game Pass has played a role in causing instability within the gaming industry.

    Colantonio’s New Role

    Currently, Colantonio is the President and Creative Director at the independent Wolfeye Studios. He expanded on his earlier remarks by stating, “I think Gamepass is an unsustainable model that has increasingly been damaging the industry for a decade, funded by MS’s ‘infinite money’, but at some point, reality has to hit. I don’t believe GP can exist along with other models; they’ll either eliminate everyone else or back down.”

    Questions About Sustainability

    In 2022, Phil Spencer mentioned that Xbox Game Pass is making money, but there have been indications of slowing growth in subscriptions. Colantonio doubts the sustainability of this model compared to traditional methods, such as charging full prices for games.

    Even though there are profits, many studios that create games for Xbox Game Pass are not doing well. Arkane Studios is a case in point; its game Redfall launched on Game Pass right on its release day. Additionally, Hi-Fi Rush, despite its positive reception, did not save Tango Gameworks from being shut down by Microsoft. More recent closures include The Initiative, before it could launch Perfect Dark on Game Pass.

    Diverse Opinions Among Gamers

    However, not all players agree with Colantonio’s view that Game Pass is a significant reason behind Microsoft’s job cuts. Some observers attribute these layoffs to reckless spending and inadequate management of quickly acquired studios. Another consideration is Microsoft’s growing dependence on AI; analysts suspect the company might already be using AI tools to replace essential employees in game development.

    In the meantime, some Game Pass subscribers are canceling their memberships in protest. For certain members, the overall harm to the industry might outweigh the convenience offered by access to AAA titles on their release day. Other gamers are urging Microsoft to be more discerning about what gets added to the service, as not every Xbox Game Pass game is suited for a monthly subscription. Colantonio suggested that classics and older titles should continue to be a mainstay in its offerings.

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    Arkane Studios Founder Links Xbox Game Pass to Microsoft Job Losses

     

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  • Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro Leaked Images Show Design and Features

    Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro Leaked Images Show Design and Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Razer is expected to release the Deathadder V4 Pro, an updated version of the Deathadder V3 Pro, priced at $159.99.
    2. The V4 Pro features a slightly more pronounced curve for improved ergonomics and grip, while maintaining a similar shape to the V3 Pro.
    3. New side buttons on the V4 Pro are smaller, rounder, and have more spacing compared to the V3 Pro’s buttons.
    4. The updated 2.4 GHz receiver has a new design with three indicator lights and potential docking capabilities.
    5. The mouse skates on the V4 Pro appear to be the same as those on the V3 Pro, suggesting consistency in performance.

    It looks like Razer might soon unveil an updated version of its Deathadder V3 Pro gaming mouse, which is currently priced at $159.99 on Amazon. Recent images of the Deathadder V4 Pro have emerged, shared by @hitoshi_1107 on X. Judging by these leaks, the upcoming Deathadder V4 Pro resembles the existing V3 Pro, although there have been updates to the 2.4 GHz receiver.

    Design Comparisons

    By layering the leaked top-down view of the Deathadder V4 Pro over the V3 Pro using the mouse wheel as a marker, we can see that while both gaming mice appear quite similar at first, the new V4 Pro features a slightly more pronounced curve. This change may seem minor, but it is likely to have a significant impact on ergonomics and grip. Additionally, the side buttons on the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro have been modified, alongside some adjustments to the overall shell.

    Button Adjustments

    The new side buttons are reportedly smaller than those on the V3 Pro, taking on a slightly rounder form with more spacing in between them. The side profile of the Deathadder V4 Pro maintains the same shape as the V3, which could be seen as a positive or negative aspect, depending on individual preferences.

    Receiver Changes

    The leaked images display a 2.4 GHz receiver that is quite different from the current trapezoidal design, featuring three indicator lights on its front—potentially for battery life or signal strength. There are rumors that this new receiver might incorporate some docking capabilities. The mouse skates on the Deathadder V4 Pro seem to be functionally the same as those of the previous model.

    After catching up on the latest gaming mouse updates, don’t forget to explore our selections for the top mechanical keyboards.

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    Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro Leaked Images Show Design and FeaturesRazer DeathAdder V4 Pro Leaked Images Show Design and Features
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  • Rog Ally Z1 Extreme Gets 80Wh Battery Upgrade for Longer Life

    Rog Ally Z1 Extreme Gets 80Wh Battery Upgrade for Longer Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ASUS ROG Ally is a popular and affordable handheld gaming device, but it has a limited battery life of about 2 hours during gameplay due to a 10W consumption.

    2. Users have explored battery modifications, such as upgrading from a 40Wh to an 80Wh battery, to enhance the device’s longevity, with significant improvements reported.

    3. A user reported that after upgrading to an 80Wh battery and using SteamOS, standby time increased to around 8 hours, with over 6 hours of playtime at lower power settings.

    4. Comparisons show that while the modified ROG Ally performs well on SteamOS, the ROG Ally X with a similar battery offers different performance metrics, indicating potential efficiency differences between the operating systems and hardware.

    5. iFixit provides a detailed DIY guide for upgrading the ROG Ally’s battery, requiring basic tools and careful handling, with the project estimated to take 2–3 hours.

    The ASUS ROG Ally stands out as one of the most sought-after and budget-friendly handheld gaming devices on the market today, serving as a straightforward entry point for both PC and handheld gaming enthusiasts. Nevertheless, a notable drawback of the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is its limited battery life. With a consumption of about 10W, users can expect roughly 2 hours of gameplay.

    Battery Mods for Improved Longevity

    Over time, numerous ROG Ally users and creators have explored battery modifications to extend the life of their handheld gaming machines, addressing the single significant concern with this otherwise impressive gadget. Recently, a mod was shared on Reddit by user u/BetweenInkandPaper, who upgraded their ROG Ally Z1 Extreme’s battery from 40Wh to 80Wh, using a battery sourced from AliExpress. It’s important to note that the modified ROG Ally in question is equipped with SteamOS rather than Windows 11, which inherently provides a notable boost in energy efficiency.

    Enhanced Performance After Upgrade

    After the upgrade to an 80Wh battery, u/BetweenInkandPaper reported significant enhancements in battery performance. While using SteamOS, the standby duration has increased to about 8 hours. The user noted that with DeckyTDP capped at 30W, the APU is restricted to 30 watts, but the overall system consumes around 40W due to other components like the display and fans, yielding roughly 2 hours of active playtime. When operating at a lower 15W TDP, with a total power draw of about 11W, they claim the Ally can last over 6 hours.

    Comparing Battery Efficiency

    These figures are quite remarkable, maybe even a bit too good to be true. In a thorough comparison by The Phawx, the ROG Ally X, which features a similarly sized 80Wh battery and a more efficient APU, as shown in the YouTuber’s analysis, offers around 4–5 hours of standby time, 6 hours at 15W TDP, and 3 hours at 30W TDP when running Windows 11. Conversely, the Redditor asserts that their modified OG Ally on SteamOS achieves approximately 8 hours of standby, exceeding 6 hours at 15W, and about 2 hours at 30W.

    The discrepancies, particularly in standby and light usage scenarios, don’t quite align. This could stem from SteamOS being considerably lighter and more power-efficient compared to Windows. Furthermore, The Phawx points out that the Ally X consumes less total system power at the same TDP, suggesting better efficiency at the hardware level. Whether the differences are due to the operating system, adjustments, or optimizations in hardware is hard to determine, but it’s a fascinating observation worth noting.

    DIY Battery Upgrade Instructions

    For those interested in enhancing their ROG Ally’s battery from 40Wh to 80Wh, iFixit has released a comprehensive step-by-step guide for a DIY battery modification. This procedure entails replacing the original battery with an Asus A42N1403 laptop battery and fitting a custom 3D-printed backplate to accommodate the larger battery size. The project is of moderate difficulty, estimated to take around 2–3 hours, and requires basic tools and careful handling during disassembly. You can find the complete guide on iFixit for further details.

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