Category: Gaming

  • SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview: New Handheld Support & Desktop Experience

    SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview: New Handheld Support & Desktop Experience

    Key Takeaways

    1. SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, called “Pi Day,” introduces support for third-party gaming handhelds beyond the Steam Deck.
    2. The update upgrades the Arc Linux base and moves the Linux Kernel to version 6.11 for improved performance.
    3. Transition from Plasma 5.7 to 6.2.5 aims to enhance the desktop experience for Linux users.
    4. The update addresses bugs, updates the Mesa graphics driver, and improves controller/input functionality.
    5. A general-purpose version of SteamOS may be released soon, potentially competing with Windows.

    The SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview is officially here, marking a significant update from Valve. Known as “Pi Day,” this update introduces several improvements, with one of the most notable being the support for gaming handhelds that are not Steam Deck.

    Uncertain Support for Handhelds

    However, it remains unclear which third-party handheld gaming devices will receive full support with this SteamOS Preview update. Although this is just the initial step, Valve has kept its word about broadening support. Of course, there are more exciting features in the update. The 3.7.0 Preview also includes new functionalities, numerous enhancements, and various updates to improve user experience.

    Key Upgrades in the Update

    As per the release notes, the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview upgrades the Arc Linux base and moves the Linux Kernel to version 6.11. These changes promise to offer better software accessibility and performance improvements. Additionally, the update shifts from Plasma 5.7 to 6.2.5, which aims to provide a more desktop-like experience for Linux users.

    Moreover, the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview addresses multiple known bugs, updates the Mesa graphics driver, and resolves controller and input problems. The new version also enhances the transition between game and desktop modes, boosts surround sound support, and increases compatibility with various displays.

    Looking Ahead

    While the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview broadens the OS’s compatibility with third-party gaming handhelds like the 512 GB Legion Go currently priced at $602 on Amazon, we are still waiting for Valve to unveil a general-purpose version of the OS. However, reports suggest that this could happen soon, making it interesting to see how it will stack up against Windows when that time comes.

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  • Free Nintendo 3DS Emulator Launches with 50% Performance Boost

    Free Nintendo 3DS Emulator Launches with 50% Performance Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. Azahar is a new Nintendo 3DS emulator developed from Lime3DS source code after the shutdown of Yuzu and Citra due to legal issues with Nintendo.

    2. The first release candidate of Azahar is available for testing on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with plans for a stable release if no major issues are found in the first week.

    3. A notable feature of Azahar is the “Disable Right Eye Rendering” hack, which improves performance by displaying graphics in monoscopic mode, beneficial for lower-powered devices.

    4. To avoid legal problems, Azahar requires users to own a Nintendo 3DS to extract game files, using a tool called Artic, and does not support loading encrypted games.

    5. Azahar developers emphasize legal use, encouraging users to back up their own original games and providing information on this in their blog.

    Back when Yuzu, a well-known Nintendo 3DS emulator, shut its doors, Citra didn’t take long to follow suit, seemingly due to the legal actions Nintendo announced against the emulator’s creator. Shortly after, Azahar was introduced as a new Nintendo emulator that uses the source code from Lime3DS, which itself is based on Citra. Today, the developers of Azahar have shared the first release candidate for this new 3DS emulator.

    New Release Candidate

    The initial release candidate is a software version that the developers claim will lay the groundwork for future features. It’s being made available on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows for testing purposes. If no major problems are uncovered within the first week of testing, it is likely to transition into the first stable release. You can grab it from the Azahar GitHub repository.

    Great Hardware Choice

    For 3DS emulation, something like the Lenovo Legion Go (currently $602.99 at Amazon) is a fantastic choice, especially when held vertically with the controllers disconnected.

    The release candidate comes with a variety of intriguing features, one of which is a hack called “Disable Right Eye Rendering.” This forces the emulator to display graphics in monoscopic mode—meaning it only uses one eye—potentially giving a 50% performance increase. This will probably only be needed on lower-powered Android devices, but it’s a handy tool to have. Azahar also enables users to download games directly from the Nintendo eShop if they have the 3DS system files.

    Avoiding Legal Issues

    To prevent facing the same issues as Citra and Yuzu, Azahar mandates that users must have an actual Nintendo 3DS to extract game files, using a new tool called Artic. There’s no method to load encrypted games, meaning game files must be decrypted first before they can be used in the system. One reason encrypted game support was removed is that bypassing TPM and security protocols was a crucial part of the arguments in lawsuits against Yuzu and Citra.

    However, Azahar does offer cryptographic keys to users, claiming that this is necessary for compatibility, and that these keys aren’t “creative enough to be protected by copyright law.” This simplifies things for users, as they won’t need to extract keys from their consoles.

    Emphasis on Legal Use

    The developers of Azahar maintain that their goal is not to promote piracy, and much of their communication stresses that users should only use the emulator to back up their own original games. More details on this are available in a recent blog post from Azahar regarding game loading.

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  • Steam Spring Sale: Save Up to 90% on Adventure Games for Steam Deck

    Steam Spring Sale: Save Up to 90% on Adventure Games for Steam Deck

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Steam Spring Sale ends on March 20, offering limited-time discounts.
    2. Adventure games compatible with the Steam Deck are highlighted as great options.
    3. Many popular titles are available at significant price drops during the sale.
    4. Prices and deals may change due to limited time offers or stock availability.
    5. Notebookcheck is not responsible for any price changes by retailers.

    The Steam Spring Sale is nearing its end on March 20, giving gamers just a few more days to snag discounts on popular titles. If you’re into adventure games that work well with the Steam Deck, here are some options you might want to look into:

    Discounts Ending Soon

    Keep in mind that all these great deals are part of the Steam Spring Sale, so the discounts will expire on March 20. In addition to these, there are a lot of other well-known games that are also seeing significant price drops, and you can check them out through this link.

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  • RTX 5090 Price Gouging: Gaming PC Maker Shocked by $3,000+ GPU

    RTX 5090 Price Gouging: Gaming PC Maker Shocked by $3,000+ GPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 5090 is the top-performing GPU in the RTX 50 series, but it has very low availability, making it hard to find at a fair price even 1.5 months post-launch.
    2. Price gouging is a major issue, with distributors quoting prices between $3,050 and $3,100 for basic RTX 5090 cards, affecting system builders like PowerGPU.
    3. There is significantly more availability of RDNA 4 RX 9000 GPUs compared to the RTX 50 series, highlighting a disparity in stock levels.
    4. The struggles of companies like PowerGPU to obtain RTX 5090s at reasonable prices raise concerns about scalping and price inflation for consumers.
    5. Nvidia needs to take action to address the availability and pricing issues surrounding the RTX 5090.

    Much has been discussed regarding the poor debut of the RTX 50 series. Interestingly, the top-performing GPU in this series, the RTX 5090, has the least availability. Even after 1.5 months since it was released, finding the RTX 5090 at a fair price is nearly impossible.

    Price Gouging Issues

    The situation is so bad that even system builders are affected by RTX 5090 price hikes. A recent video from PowerGPU’s CEO on X highlights the challenges in obtaining RTX 5090s from distributors post-launch. More troubling is that a company like PowerGPU is unable to acquire these GPUs at a reasonable cost. The CEO mentioned that distributors are quoting prices between $3,050 and $3,100 for even the most basic RTX 5090 AIB cards. He conveyed that the PowerGPU team feels “gross” and “disgusted” about this whole scenario.

    Comparison with RX 9000 GPUs

    The founder of PowerGPU also claims there is significantly more availability of the RDNA 4 RX 9000 GPUs compared to the RTX 50 series. Previously, we covered how PowerGPU highlighted a striking contrast in stock between the RX 9070 XT and the RTX 5090.

    This predicament for PowerGPU sheds light on the extent of scalping and price inflation. If businesses that have contracts and connections with distributors are struggling to obtain RTX 5090s without facing outrageous prices, it raises questions about what ordinary consumers can do. We can only wish for Nvidia to take quick actions to rectify this situation.

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  • Strix Halo Mini PC Review: Radeon 8060S iGPU Delivers Strong Gaming

    Strix Halo Mini PC Review: Radeon 8060S iGPU Delivers Strong Gaming

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s Strix Halo series was revealed at CES 2025, but devices are not yet available to the public.
    2. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU features the Radeon 8060S integrated GPU, offering strong gaming performance with 40 compute units.
    3. Initial gaming tests show impressive FPS results at 1440p, including Cyberpunk 2077 (58 FPS on Ultra) and GTA 5 Enhanced Edition (over 90 FPS on Very High).
    4. Additional games tested include Marvel Rivals (65 FPS on High) and Spider-Man 2 (90 FPS on High with FSR), indicating strong performance across various titles.
    5. Upcoming mini PCs with Strix Halo APUs, such as the HP Zbook Mini PC and models from GMKtec and Framework, are expected to be great gaming options.

    While AMD has revealed the Strix Halo series at CES 2025, devices with the new Zen 5 APUs aren’t available to the public yet. However, ETA Prime has gotten their hands on a prototype equipped with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which is the highest-end model in the series.

    Promising Gaming Performance

    The initial tests by the YouTuber highlight impressive gaming capabilities, thanks to the Radeon 8060S integrated GPU. To give you some context, this GPU has 40 compute units (CUs), whereas the Radeon 890M, the leading iGPU from the Strix Point series, has just 16 CUs. Therefore, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is an excellent choice for gaming systems that do not use dedicated graphics cards.

    Early Insights on Mini PC Performance

    Regarding the Strix Point APU’s performance in a mini PC, ETA Prime provided a sneak peek. While the YouTuber did not mention the specific brand of the system, they did test several games on it. The first game they ran was Cyberpunk 2077, which performed at 1440p on Ultra settings, averaging about 58 FPS. When switched to High settings, the FPS exceeded 60.

    The next game tested was Marvel Rivals at 1440p on High settings, yielding an average of around 65 FPS. The newly released GTA 5 Enhanced Edition was also tried on this Strix Halo mini PC, and the Radeon 8060S managed to deliver over 90 FPS in most cases at 1440p on Very High settings.

    Additional Game Tests

    Another game included in the tests was Spider-Man 2, played at 1440p on High settings with FSR set to Quality. This prototype mini PC achieved an average of about 90 FPS. Among other significant titles tested was God of War Ragnarök, where at 1440p on High settings without FSR, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 mini PC managed over 70 FPS.

    These evaluations suggest that mini PCs featuring the Strix Halo APUs will be excellent options for gaming, particularly those with the Radeon 8060S iGPU. A few models are anticipated to launch soon, including the HP Zbook Mini PC, a model from GMKtec, and a compact desktop from Framework. Watch the video linked below to discover more about this early testing phase.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket S2 Aims to Transform Android Gaming Handhelds

    Ayaneo Pocket S2 Aims to Transform Android Gaming Handhelds

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo is expanding its Pocket series with new models, including the Pocket Micro Classic, Pocket Ace, and upcoming Pocket S2.
    2. The Pocket S2 will maintain a similar design to the Pocket S, featuring a slim profile and Xbox-style control layout with extra shoulder buttons.
    3. The device is expected to include a new ‘flagship’ Qualcomm chipset, likely a version of the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2.
    4. Performance comparisons indicate that the Pocket S may lag behind competitors like the Ayn Odin2, despite using a powerful chipset.
    5. The official announcement for the Pocket S2 is scheduled for March 17, 2025, during the Game Developers Conference (GDC 2025) in San Francisco.

    Ayaneo is quickly expanding its Pocket series with multiple new models. At the start of the month, the company launched the Pocket Micro Classic, which is a more affordable alternative to the Pocket Micro. Soon after, they introduced the Pocket Ace, a brand new device that promises ‘top-tier performance.’ Now, they have teased the upcoming Pocket S2, which will be fully announced in just a few days.

    Design Similarities

    The Pocket S2 is set to be the successor to last year’s Pocket S and appears to keep the same design as its forerunner. For instance, the Pocket S2 seems to have a slim profile and an Xbox-style control layout, including an additional set of shoulder buttons. While Ayaneo has yet to disclose any specific details, they have hinted that the Pocket S2 will feature a new ‘flagship’ chipset made by Qualcomm.

    Expected Performance

    This suggests that the Pocket S2 will likely utilize a newer version of the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, which currently powers the Pocket S. There are no specifics available about this upcoming chipset yet. Nevertheless, the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 is already strong enough to manage intensive tasks like Nintendo Switch emulation. In the end, it has been driver optimization, rather than sheer power, that has limited the performance of the Pocket S and Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 until now.

    Competition and Release Date

    Because of this, the Pocket S often performs comparably or even worse than the Ayn Odin2 (currently priced at $449 on Amazon), even though the latter uses the technically less capable Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The Ayaneo Pocket S2 is set to make its official appearance on March 17 during the Game Developers Conference 2025 (GDC 2025) in San Francisco, which will continue until March 21.

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    Ayaneo Pocket S2 Aims to Transform Android Gaming HandheldsAyaneo Pocket S2 Aims to Transform Android Gaming Handhelds
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  • Retroid Pocket Classic to Launch with New Snapdragon Chipset

    Retroid Pocket Classic to Launch with New Snapdragon Chipset

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retroid Pocket Classic will be available for purchase on Monday, alongside the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, and its chipset details are currently undisclosed due to an embargo from Qualcomm.

    2. The device is expected to be priced under $150, suggesting it may not feature the latest Qualcomm flagship chipset like the Ayaneo Pocket S2.

    3. Speculation indicates the Pocket Classic might use a chipset similar to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, potentially a slightly overclocked version.

    4. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 features two ARM Cortex-A78 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, with performance better than some competing devices like the Anbernic RG406V.

    5. The Pocket Classic will need significant performance improvements to compete effectively against gaming handhelds powered by MediaTek Helio G99.

    The Retroid Pocket Classic is going to be available for purchase on Monday, right along with the pricier Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Up to now, we know almost everything about this new device that resembles the Game Boy Color, except for its chipset, which the company has been hinting at as a ‘4 nm Qualcomm’ SoC.

    Chipset Mystery

    Normally, Retroid would have disclosed this crucial hardware information by this time. Nevertheless, they have indicated being under an embargo from Qualcomm, which will be lifted on March 17 in the United States. Essentially, the Pocket Classic will utilize a new Qualcomm chipset instead of older components like it has in previous models.

    Price Point Insights

    At present, Retroid hasn’t revealed any additional information regarding the Pocket Classic, although its price being under $150 makes it unlikely that it will feature the same ‘latest Qualcomm flagship chipset’ that the upcoming Ayaneo Pocket S2 will have. A Discord user named Atheonyirh has shared some thoughts, suggesting that the Pocket Classic might be using a chipset ‘similar to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2,’ which could be a ‘slightly overclocked’ version of it.

    Performance Expectations

    This leads to speculation that it could be the Snapdragon 4 Gen 3, which has been rumored for a while. To provide some context, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a 4 nm chipset that has two ARM Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and 6 Cortex-A55 cores capped at 2 GHz. While we don’t know the exact performance enhancements yet, even the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is better than alternatives like the Anbernic RG406V (currently priced at $209.99 on Amazon), which uses the Unisoc Tiger T820 and a Mali-G57 MP4 GPU. That said, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 would need a significant upgrade to allow the Pocket Classic to surpass gaming handhelds powered by MediaTek Helio G99, of which there are already several like the KT-R1 and the ZPG A1 Unicorn.

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    Retroid Pocket Classic to Launch with New Snapdragon Chipset
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  • Zotac Unveils Compact Solid Core RTX 5080 and 5070 Ti GPUs

    Zotac Unveils Compact Solid Core RTX 5080 and 5070 Ti GPUs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zotac’s Solid Core series features four models: RTX 5080 Solid Core OC, RTX 5080 Solid Core, RTX 5070 Ti Solid Core OC, and RTX 5070 Ti Solid Core, all using Nvidia’s Blackwell series GPUs.

    2. The graphics cards have a slimmer cooling design, utilizing only 2.5 expansion slots, making them suitable for tighter PC builds compared to standard models that require 3.5 slots.

    3. The RTX 5080 Solid Core OC has 10,752 CUDA cores and a factory-overclocked speed of 2640 MHz, while the RTX 5070 Ti models feature 8,960 CUDA cores with speeds up to 2482 MHz.

    4. All models share key specifications, including a 12V-2×6 power connector, PCI Express 5.0 x16 interface, three DisplayPort 2.1b ports, and one HDMI port, while maintaining the same dimensions.

    5. Availability of the Solid Core graphics cards is uncertain, with expectations of limited supply similar to other GeForce RTX 50 models.

    Zotac has launched its latest Solid Core series of graphics cards, which come equipped with Nvidia’s Blackwell series GPUs. The new lineup includes four different models: the RTX 5080 Solid Core OC, RTX 5080 Solid Core, RTX 5070 Ti Solid Core OC, and RTX 5070 Ti Solid Core.

    Slimmer Cooling Design

    These graphics cards are notable for their slim cooling systems. While the standard Solid series models use IceStorm 3.0 coolers that take up 3.5 expansion slots, the Solid Core versions have a more compact cooling setup that only uses 2.5 slots. This is a significant feature since many high-end graphics cards require three slots or more. The slimmer profile makes these graphics cards ideal for various PC builds where space might be tight. Zotac has stated that the Solid Core series includes a vapor chamber, LED indicators to confirm proper cable connections to the 12V-2×6 power connector, along with all the features found in the original Solid models.

    Performance Specs

    The RTX 5080 Solid Core OC boasts 10,752 CUDA cores and comes with a factory-overclocked GPU clock speed of 2640 MHz, while the standard model runs at 2617 MHz. Both versions are equipped with 16GB of GDDR7 memory operating at a speed of 30 Gbps on a 256-bit memory bus. The power consumption rating for these models is set at 360W, and they require an 850W power supply to operate efficiently.

    The RTX 5070 Ti Solid Core models feature 8,960 CUDA cores, with the OC version clocked at 2482 MHz, compared to the standard model’s 2452 MHz. These cards also come with 16GB of GDDR7 memory running at 28 Gbps. In terms of power usage, the RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards have a lower rating of 300W, requiring a 750W power supply for optimal performance.

    Shared Features

    All models in the Solid Core series, including the RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti, share several key specifications. Each card includes a 12V-2×6 power connector, a PCI Express 5.0 x16 interface, three DisplayPort 2.1b ports, and one HDMI port. All models maintain the same physical dimensions, measuring 303.5 mm × 115.8 mm × 55.7 mm (11.9″ × 4.6″ × 2.2″).

    For those who need an even smaller solution, Zotac is also providing the RTX 5070 Solid model, which has a height of just two expansion slots.

    Availability Concerns

    The availability of the Solid Core graphics cards remains uncertain. It is expected that, similar to other GeForce RTX 50 models, these new offerings may be in limited supply.

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  • 9 Top-Rated Steam Games Now at Their Lowest Prices Ever

    9 Top-Rated Steam Games Now at Their Lowest Prices Ever

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam’s Spring Sale features amazing discounts on popular games.
    2. Many titles are at their lowest prices ever, according to SteamDB.
    3. The sale lasts for five days, offering a limited-time opportunity.
    4. Key titles to check out include Half-Life: Alyx, Car Mechanic Simulator, and Milk outside a bag of milk outside a bag of milk.
    5. Don’t miss out on these unbeatable prices!

    Steam’s Spring Sale has started, and we’ve talked about some amazing bargains on titles like Doom. This article will highlight even more fantastic discounts on well-reviewed games, with numerous titles reaching their lowest prices ever, as shown by SteamDB information.

    Don’t Miss Out on These Deals

    These games will stay at these all-time low prices for the next five days, making it a perfect opportunity to snag some top-rated titles at unbeatable prices. Be sure to watch the trailers for Half-Life: Alyx, Car Mechanic Simulator, and Milk outside a bag of milk outside a bag of milk listed below.

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  • Sony Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Free God of War Ragnarok Collection

    Sony Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Free God of War Ragnarok Collection

    Key Takeaways

    1. God of War celebrates its 20th anniversary on March 20th, with 9 major entries in the series.
    2. Sony is offering free rewards, including the God of War Ragnarok Odyssey Collection, to players on PC and PlayStation.
    3. The collection features new in-game cosmetics for Kratos, Freya, and Atreus, including Dark Odyssey costumes and updated armor.
    4. Kratos’ new appearance is inspired by a God of War 2 coating, showcasing a black and gold theme for weapons and shields.
    5. The update for rewards is free and accessible through “Lost Items” chests, with automatic rewards for Valhalla DLC owners.

    With the debut of the first God of War in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, Sony Santa Monica initiated a legendary series. The game will celebrate its 20th anniversary on March 20th. This is a significant event for the company, since God of War is one of the most prominent PlayStation exclusives, boasting 9 major entries. To celebrate this milestone, Sony is offering fans free rewards for God of War Ragnarok.

    Free Rewards Available

    Starting on March 20th, Sony will provide the God of War Ragnarok Odyssey Collection at no cost to anyone who has the game on PC or PlayStation. This update will be accessible for both the standard version and Valhalla.

    The God of War Ragnarok Dark Odyssey Collection includes complimentary in-game cosmetics for Kratos, Freya, and Atreus. While Freya and Atreus will get new Dark Odyssey costumes, Kratos will receive a fresh Dark Odyssey look along with updated armor and weapon coatings.

    Nostalgic Design

    Interestingly, Kratos’ new Odyssey appearance takes cues from a God of War 2 coating that players received for completing the game on “God Mode” difficulty. This time, the black and gold theme is featured on everything from weapons like the Blades of Chaos to a variety of shields.

    Players will also have the option to personalize weapon appearances with the new Dark Odyssey weapon attachments.

    Easy Access to Updates

    Sony is set to release an update for God of War Ragnarok on both PC and PlayStation, completely free regardless of which version of the game you own. If you have the base game, you can claim your rewards from any “Lost Items” chest. Players with the Valhalla DLC will automatically receive the rewards.

    To find out the complete list of God of War Ragnarok Dark Odyssey Collection rewards and get more information on other events for God of War’s 20-year anniversary, visit the PlayStation Blog.

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