Category: Gaming

  • BenQ EX271U 27″ 165Hz 4K Gaming Monitor Now Available in China

    BenQ EX271U 27″ 165Hz 4K Gaming Monitor Now Available in China

    BenQ has unveiled the Mobiuz EX271U, a new 27-inch gaming monitor aimed at the Chinese market. The monitor is priced at 4,499 yuan ($631) and can be purchased on JD.com. Let’s take a look at its important specifications.

    Key Specifications of the BenQ Mobiuz EX271U

    The BenQ EX271U boasts a 27-inch 4K IPS display with a resolution of 3840×2160, along with a swift 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, providing a seamless gaming experience. It showcases a 10-bit color depth, a contrast ratio of 1200:1, and a peak brightness of 400 nits, all contributing to bright visuals and clear images in well-lit environments.

    Enhanced Color and Visuals

    This monitor covers an impressive 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, ensuring accurate colors for gaming and content creation alike. It employs BenQ’s PixSoul image processing technology and DisplayHDR 400, which improves detail and color gradients, especially in darker scenes. Additionally, it features low blue light technology and holds a TÜV Rheinland certification for eye safety, promoting comfort during long gaming sessions.

    Audio and Connectivity Features

    The BenQ EX271U supports eARC functionality, which allows for the separation and transfer of audio signals from devices like the PS5 or PCs to eARC-compatible sound systems via the HDMI 2.1 interface. This offers an enhanced audio experience, delivering home-theater-quality sound. Moreover, the monitor includes a 3.5mm audio jack with an ESS DAC decoder that minimizes signal interference for clearer sound production.

    For a rich audio experience, the EX271U supports up to 7.1 channel lossless audio output, making it suitable for gamers who use headphones, speakers, or home theater setups. This ensures smooth audio performance whether you are gaming on a console or PC.

    The monitor is equipped with three HDMI 2.1 ports, one DP 1.4 port, and three USB-C ports, with one USB-C port offering 65W power delivery, thus facilitating the charging of compatible devices.

    Ergonomic Design and Usability

    Additionally, the monitor provides three USB-A 3.2 ports for peripheral connections. Its ergonomic stand enables users to modify the monitor’s tilt, height, and swivel, allowing for comfortable viewing positions. It also features a KVM device-sharing option, enabling users to manage multiple screens with a single set of peripherals and making transitioning between platforms hassle-free.

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  • Benefits of Choosing a Gaming Motorola Phone for Gamers

    Benefits of Choosing a Gaming Motorola Phone for Gamers

    Motorola has a strong history of providing top-notch smartphones, known for their impressive displays and durable hardware. However, it hasn’t really made a significant impact in the gaming smartphone sector yet.

    The Potential for Mobile Gaming

    With mobile gaming becoming more and more popular, a gaming-focused phone from Motorola could really shake things up, especially if it pays attention to a few essential features. In this piece, we will explore what would make a gaming phone from Motorola stand out in the crowded market.

    Features of an Impressive Gaming Phone

    Motorola is well-regarded for its vibrant and clear displays, especially in its Edge series. These devices are known for their exceptional color accuracy, brightness, and refresh rates. For a phone designed for gaming, it’s vital to have a high refresh rate, ideally reaching 165Hz, like the LTPO AMOLED screen on the ROG Phone 8. Motorola currently features 144Hz displays in several of its models, so upgrading to 165Hz would be a logical step forward.

    Yet, simply increasing the refresh rate doesn’t automatically mean better gaming, as it also relies on how well games work with these settings. Thankfully, many popular games now accommodate 120Hz, and some even go up to 144Hz. By adding a higher refresh rate, the gaming experience would not only be improved but also make the phone more adaptable to upcoming games.

    Enhancing the Visual Experience

    Moreover, support for HDR, a high touch sampling rate, coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and peak brightness are all important for a richer visual experience. These features ensure that players can see clear details and enjoy smooth transitions during intense gameplay. Motorola should consider using a flat display instead of a curved one to cater to gamers’ preferences.

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  • Apple Launches New Gaming Hub App for iOS Users

    Apple Launches New Gaming Hub App for iOS Users

    Thanks to popular games like Genshin Impact, The Elder Scrolls: Castles, and Clash Royale, smartphones have now become the main gaming device for lots of players. Apple appears ready to push this trend even further with the iPhone. A report by Filipe Espósito on 9to5Mac mentions that the company is working on a new app that will serve as a central hub for gamers using iOS devices.

    Features of the New App

    As reported by Espósito, the app will include a variety of features. Users can expect to find news and suggestions for games in a "Play Now" section. They will also be able to view an overview of their gaming library and keep track of their friends’ activities and achievements. To boost social connections among gamers, leaderboards, achievements, and challenges are in development.

    Game Access and Subscription Info

    Games will be available from both the App Store and the subscription service Apple Arcade, which costs $6.99 a month. Apple is also looking to roll out developer tools in iOS 18 and macOS 15, which could make it easier to port games. A recent initiative that is somewhat similar is the Xbox App Store, where Microsoft is trying to create a unified platform for mobile gaming.

    Espósito’s insights come from an anonymous but trustworthy source. However, it is still unclear whether the app will be free or when it might be released. Since Apple has not made any official announcements yet, the launch of this gaming app on iOS is still just a guess for now.

    9to5mac

    Image source: Apple

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  • Nvidia GeForce Driver Update: Optimizations for 7 Top Games

    Nvidia GeForce Driver Update: Optimizations for 7 Top Games

    Yesterday, Nvidia released a fresh driver update for its GeForce product line, and this time, version 566.03 is quite significant. Previously, it was common for the GeForce Game Ready Driver updates to only come with tweaks for a couple of games and perhaps add a few new G-Sync Compatible monitors and some preset settings. However, this update covers no fewer than seven games, 32 monitors, and three game profiles.

    Games and Optimizations

    Let’s take a look at the seven games that are noteworthy, along with their release dates and the enhancements each has received. This update marks a bigger step forward compared to earlier releases.

    One-Click Optimal Settings

    In addition, we have to mention the three games that now offer one-click optimal settings presets: Silent Hill 2, NBA 2K5, and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. The impressive list of 32 displays that have joined the G-Sync Compatible ranks features products from brands like Samsung, Philips, Panasonic, LG, Dell, Funai, and I-O Data.

    How to Download

    As always, users can download the new driver through the GeForce Experience and Nvidia applications or directly from Nvidia’s official website. For those interested in an upgrade, the Asus Dual GeForce RTX 4070 Super EVO OC Edition with 12GB GDDR6X is currently priced at $599.99 on Amazon, which includes free shipping and returns. This could be a great option for anyone looking to enhance their gaming experience.

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  • AYN Odin2 Portal: New OLED Gaming Handheld with 120Hz Display

    AYN Odin2 Portal: New OLED Gaming Handheld with 120Hz Display

    AYN Technologies has launched the Odin2 Portal, which is now available for backing on Indiegogo. This new device marks the third entry in the Odin2 lineup, following the original Odin2 (currently priced at $449 on Amazon) and the Odin2 Mini. Essentially, the Odin2 Portal is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor found in its predecessors.

    Enhanced Performance Features

    One notable upgrade with the Odin2 Portal is its ability to run at a higher 27 W TDP. Additionally, this latest gaming handheld is fitted with an 8,000 mAh battery, similar to the Odin2, unlike the smaller 5,000 mAh battery seen in the Odin2 Mini. Alongside this, AYN has chosen to include a stunning 7-inch OLED screen that delivers a resolution of 1080p at 120 Hz, boasting a peak brightness of 800 nits.

    Pricing and Storage Options

    At present, the Odin2 Portal is offered starting at $299 for the model with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. There are also options to upgrade to 12 GB of RAM with 512 GB of storage for $379, or 16 GB of RAM and a massive 1 TB of storage for $479. It’s important to keep in mind that prices will eventually increase by $20 to $30 after the Super Early Bird offer ends. All orders placed on Indiegogo are expected to begin shipping in December 2024.

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  • AOC AG276QKD 27″ QHD OLED Monitor: 480Hz, 1300 Nits, 0.03ms

    AOC AG276QKD 27″ QHD OLED Monitor: 480Hz, 1300 Nits, 0.03ms

    As the market for OLED displays grows rapidly, AOC is making sure it stays relevant. Their recent introduction on their Chinese site — the AG276QKD — indicates this. This new monitor is a 26.5-inch OLED QHD gaming display, designed for those who want top-notch refresh rates and peak visual performance just from looking at the specifications.

    Impressive Specifications

    The monitor features a remarkable 480Hz refresh rate and an incredibly quick 0.03ms grayscale response time. It has a native resolution of 2560×1440 and includes OLED technology that provides more than 10 million self-luminous pixels, resulting in vibrant colors and deeper blacks. The brightness reaches 275 nits at 100% APL (full white screen) and 450 nits at 25% APL. For HDR content, it can peak at 1300 nits brightness at 1.5% APL.

    Exceptional Contrast and Color Accuracy

    One key highlight is the static contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1, which helps maintain sharp details in both bright and dark scenes. The monitor covers 98.5% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and its factory calibration ensures a color accuracy of ΔE<2 for accurate color representation. With hardware-based low blue light technology, it minimizes harmful blue light emissions, while the TÜV Rheinland Flicker-Free certification makes it comfortable for long viewing sessions.

    Connectivity and Design Features

    The AG276QKD is certified with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, providing a broad dynamic range. Its AGLR anti-glare and low-reflection technology enhance viewing comfort in different lighting conditions. Additionally, the monitor features OLED Care tech designed to help prevent burn-in, a frequent problem with OLED displays.

    For connectivity, this monitor is equipped with several ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It also facilitates Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) options for dual-screen usage. The AG276QKD allows for height adjustment, tilt, and rotation to ensure comfort during prolonged use. Its stylish asymmetrical polygon base and ultra-slim bezels highlight its aesthetics.

    With customizable RGB lighting and a quick-release bracket, this monitor appears to be ideal for high-end gaming and professional applications. Although pricing details have not been released yet, it’s anticipated that AOC will update the product page with this information shortly.

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  • AMD Ryzen Z2 Gaming Handhelds Likely to Miss Radeon 890M

    AMD Ryzen Z2 Gaming Handhelds Likely to Miss Radeon 890M

    The AMD Strix Point has unveiled two new RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics processing units (iGPUs). One of these is the Radeon 890M, which comes equipped with 16 compute units (CUs). This makes the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and AI 9 HX 375 quite strong APUs for gaming. In our performance tests, the new iGPU delivered roughly 18% improved results compared to the earlier 780M.

    Upcoming Gaming Handhelds

    Although AMD has not announced any gaming handhelds using the new Strix Point APUs yet, the company has confirmed plans for the Ryzen Z2 series. In a conversation with Digital Trends, they mentioned an "early 2025" launch date. This new lineup is anticipated to introduce Zen 5 chips for handheld devices, although the Radeon 890M will likely not be part of this series.

    Details on Ryzen Z2 Series

    Renowned leaker Golden Pig Upgrade revealed on Bilibili that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme will include an RDNA 3.5 iGPU with 12 CUs, effectively the Radeon 880M. This iGPU is also found in the Ryzen AI 9 365, and during testing in a gaming handheld environment, it showed about 13% better performance than the Radeon 780M.

    Golden Pig Upgrade also indicated that the standard Ryzen Z2 will be equipped with an RDNA 3 iGPU with 12 CUs. This suggests it may use the same Radeon 780M as seen in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Interestingly, the tipster mentioned a third APU in the new lineup, which they refer to as the Ryzen Z2G.

    What’s the G for?

    The meaning of the "G" remains uncertain, but according to Golden Pig Upgrade, it will come with an RDNA 2 iGPU with 12 CUs. This APU might just be an update to the Rembrandt series with the Radeon 680M, which could enable manufacturers to create more budget-friendly gaming handhelds.

    Even though the AMD Z2 series might not include the powerful Radeon 890M, there is a chance that Chinese manufacturers will incorporate it into gaming handhelds powered by the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. GPD has already included this APU in its 2024 Pocket 4. While it’s more of a compact laptop than a true gaming handheld, it demonstrates the potential of this chipset to run portable devices within thermal design power (TDP) limits.

    Golden Pig Upgrade on Bilibili via: Tom’s Hardware

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  • Affordable Sony PSP Clone Launches with Power Bank Feature

    Affordable Sony PSP Clone Launches with Power Bank Feature

    Data Frog has launched a new gaming handheld that draws inspiration from more established models. Last year, the company released the SF2000, which closely resembled the Super NES controller. Following that, they introduced the R36S, which had a striking similarity to the older Powkiddy RGB20S, currently priced at $85.99 on Amazon.

    Design Features

    This time, Data Frog seems to have taken cues from Sony’s portable gaming division, similar to what TrimUI did previously with the Smart Pro. The Data Frog SF3000 clearly resembles the PlayStation Portable, featuring see-through L and R buttons. Nevertheless, the button arrangement is somewhat peculiar, as the right joystick is positioned above the ABXY buttons on the device.

    Technical Specifications

    According to an AliExpress listing by the company, the SF3000 is equipped with a ‘dual-core’ CPU running at 1.2 GHz and has 2 GB of DDR3 RAM. It powers a 4.5-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. Additionally, the handheld includes a 3,000 mAh battery, which is said to last between 5 to 7 hours and can also function as a power bank. Furthermore, the SF3000 features a 3.5 mm audio jack, a MicroSD card slot, a USB Type-C port, and rear-mounted L2/R2 buttons.

    Performance Expectations

    The SF3000 is said to be capable of emulating consoles from the sixth generation, such as the Dreamcast, N64, and PS1. However, we advise holding off on any conclusions until independent reviews are available. At present, Data Frog offers the SF3000 for $25.83, which includes a 64 GB MicroSD card. Alternatively, the handheld can be purchased with one wireless controller for $42.22 or with two wireless controllers for $45.97.

    AliExpress via RetroHandhelds

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  • ASUS ROG Phone 9 Unboxing Video Leaked After Release Date Reveal

    ASUS ROG Phone 9 Unboxing Video Leaked After Release Date Reveal

    ASUS has announced when it will launch the ROG Phone 9 series, and we’ve covered all the details in a separate article. The company plans to take about a month before it fully unveils its upcoming gaming smartphones. However, they’ve already given a glimpse of at least one model’s appearance.

    Sneak Peek of the ROG Phone 9

    Additionally, some sources have shared videos showing the ROG Phone 9 in action, which we’ve included below. K-Tai Watch Impress Japan captured the device during Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit. Interestingly, the chipset maker also introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite at the same event yesterday. This new chip will be the heart of ASUS’ ROG Phone 8 successor, which is currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon.

    A Closer Look at the Device

    On the other hand, YouTuber GadgetsBoy seems to have obtained a retail version of the ROG Phone 9. Even though they didn’t directly mention it in their brief video, the retail packaging is clearly visible. In general, the ROG Phone 9 looks to have a more upscale design compared to its earlier version. Nevertheless, it’s still unclear what practical improvements ASUS has implemented between the two generations, aside from the upgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

    GadgetsBoy and K-Tai Watch Impress Japan have both contributed to revealing more about this exciting new device.

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  • Analogue 3D Pre-Orders Open: 8BitDo Shares Release Date Insights

    Analogue 3D Pre-Orders Open: 8BitDo Shares Release Date Insights

    Analogue has started taking pre-orders for its new field-programmable gate array (FPGA) gaming console. It’s worth noting that the company usually sells out fast once the listings are live. However, this isn’t entirely the case with the Analogue 3D.

    Availability of Colors

    Interestingly, although the white version of the console has sold out, you can still pre-order the black version more than 24 hours after orders opened. On the other hand, the controller that goes with the Analogue 3D, the 8BitDo 64, is only available in white right now, and it costs $39.99 on Amazon.

    Pricing and Inclusions

    When you buy the Analogue 3D, it comes at a price of $249.99. This includes a 16 GB SD card that’s already installed, along with an HDMI cable, a USB cable, and a GaN power supply that delivers up to 30 W with JPN/US plug type. Notably, a controller is not included in the package, which is a departure from the original Nintendo 64 that the Analogue 3D is inspired by. Analogue has mentioned that the shipping for the 3D is expected to start in Q1 2025, possibly around March 19, especially if the release date of the 8BitDo 64 is any indication.

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