Category: Gaming

  • Free-to-Play Dino Survival Shooter Now Available for Public Playtest

    Free-to-Play Dino Survival Shooter Now Available for Public Playtest

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Setting: FEROCIOUS offers a vibrant island environment filled with dinosaurs, differing from typical post-apocalyptic themes in similar games.

    2. Gameplay Mechanics: The game combines quick gun battles with survival elements, including crafting weapons and controlling dinosaurs for strategic advantages.

    3. Mixed Community Feedback: Initial playtest reviews are mostly negative, citing technical glitches and user interface issues, but some players appreciate the visuals and unique gameplay.

    4. Performance: The game runs surprisingly well on less powerful computers, which is seen as a positive feature by players.

    5. Ongoing Development: FEROCIOUS is still in development with no release date yet, but open playtests are available, allowing more players to participate in testing.

    FEROCIOUS is a thrilling new journey for those who love first-person shooters and survival games. Rather than a typical post-apocalyptic setting, it takes players to a vibrant island inhabited by dinosaurs. After a shipwreck, you must navigate a strange land filled with dangerous creatures, unfriendly mercenaries, and ancient structures, combining the action of Far Cry with the feel of Jurassic Park.

    Gameplay Experience

    The gameplay resembles that of a traditional open-world shooter, mixing quick gun battles with fierce confrontations against lethal dinosaurs, mechs, and other dangers. Players can collect materials to create weapons and equipment, adding a survival aspect to the game. An exciting element of FEROCIOUS is the chance to control dinosaurs in specific scenarios, which can lead to new paths or give you a significant advantage in fights.

    Community Feedback

    Initial feedback from the ongoing FEROCIOUS playtest on Reddit has been varied, leaning more towards the negative side. Although the environment, visuals, and shooting mechanics get some recognition, most feedback highlights various issues. Users mention technical glitches, clumsy user interface, rough animations, and incomplete systems that contribute to an unrefined feel – even for a testing version. Yet, some players recognize potential in its unique setting and the dinosaur interactions. The game’s surprisingly good performance on less powerful computers is also regarded as a positive aspect.

    Future Developments

    A release date for FEROCIOUS has not yet been revealed, with developer OMYOG stating that the dinosaur survival shooter remains in the works. After several closed testing phases, the first open playtest has begun. Players can request access via the game’s Steam page, and this time, it’s expected that everyone interested will have the opportunity to join. As the length of the test is still unknown, those curious should sign up quickly.

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  • New Sandbox MMO with Shapeshifting World Enters Early Access

    New Sandbox MMO with Shapeshifting World Enters Early Access

    Key Takeaways

    1. BitCraft Online is a sandbox MMO focused on world-building and terraforming, allowing players to change landscapes and build cities.
    2. A free gameplay preview is available on Steam until June 16, 2025, with official Early Access set for June 20, 2025.
    3. Community feedback has been largely negative, citing technical issues, disconnections, and slow gameplay pacing.
    4. Players have expressed dissatisfaction with point-and-click controls, preferring traditional WASD movement.
    5. The developers aim to use player feedback to improve performance, controls, and pacing before the Early Access launch.

    BitCraft Online is a sandbox MMO that allows players to shape a vast open world using a sophisticated terraforming system. We first shared news about this exciting MMORPG back in March. Unlike other games that focus on PvP battles or endless grinding, BitCraft Online emphasizes world-building. Players can change the course of rivers, flatten hills, and build entire cities. There are also twelve professions with in-depth progression, survival aspects like foraging, weather impacts, and a player-driven economy. All of this happens in one single, ongoing world without splits into different servers.

    New Phase for the Game

    The ambitious MMO is now entering an important stage. A free gameplay preview has been available on Steam since May 29, giving players a sneak peek of BitCraft Online. This trial aims to gather player feedback and refine the game ahead of its official Early Access release on June 20, 2025. The developers, Clockwork Labs, are using this time to improve core systems and address any concerns raised by the community before the full launch.

    Community Reactions

    The responses from the Reddit community have been mostly negative regarding the current preview of BitCraft Online. While some players appreciate the main idea and find its slower pace appealing—especially casual gamers—most of the feedback revolves around technical problems. Common issues include frequent disconnections, crashes, and subpar performance, even for those on high-end machines.

    Many players have expressed annoyance with the point-and-click controls, questioning the decision not to implement the more traditional WASD movement that is common in the genre. Furthermore, some feel the game’s pacing is too slow, with many in-game actions taking several minutes to finish, which can make the gameplay feel tedious and sluggish.

    Looking Ahead

    The primary aim of this preview is to collect gameplay feedback and spot bugs. Given this goal, it’s likely the developers will heed the community’s feedback and concentrate on enhancing performance, improving controls, and speeding up the game’s pacing in the weeks leading to the Early Access launch.

    Players can continue to experience BitCraft Online for free until June 16, 2025. While the game will be free-to-play at its full launch, Early Access will require a one-time fee of about $30. During the current preview, players can level their characters up to 10, but any progress made will not carry over—once the test is over, all data will be erased.

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  • Redditor Calls MSI Thin 15 Purchase a Major Mistake

    Redditor Calls MSI Thin 15 Purchase a Major Mistake

    Key Takeaways

    1. User Dissatisfaction: A Reddit user expressed deep frustration with the MSI Thin 15, calling it the “worst decision” and feeling ridiculed by friends.

    2. Performance Issues: The laptop experiences significant thermal throttling, with temperatures reaching the 90s, limiting its performance despite having decent specifications like the Intel Core i5-12450H and Nvidia RTX 3050.

    3. Community Feedback: Many users echoed the original poster’s concerns, highlighting issues like inconsistent performance and weak chassis durability, particularly due to the single fan cooling system.

    4. Historical Problems: MSI has faced criticism before for thermal issues in its budget gaming laptops, with previous models like the GF63 Thin exhibiting similar performance compromises.

    5. Mixed Reviews: While some defended the Thin 15 as a decent budget option with suggestions for improvement, reviews indicated it is better suited for casual use rather than high-performance gaming.

    A Reddit user named u/Ok_Mortgage_8452 has sparked quite a conversation in the r/GamingLaptops community after they shared their strong dissatisfaction with the MSI Thin 15. Known for giving solid laptop advice, the user confessed that selecting the Thin 15 was “the worst decision I’ve made,” stating that they’ve become the “laughing stock” among their friends.

    Model and Specifications

    While the specific model isn’t mentioned, the details shared suggest that the user likely has the MSI Thin 15 B12UC-1439 or something similar. They confirmed using a laptop equipped with an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. They remarked: “Temps are in the 90s and stays above 88 during boost mode. But it throttles. I tried turning off the boost, but the i5’s base clock is 2 GHz.”

    Community Reactions

    The post sparked a flurry of replies, with many users expressing similar frustrations. Issues discussed included thermal throttling, inconsistent performance, and weak chassis durability. A number of users pointed out that the RTX 3050 in this model operates with a limited 45W TGP, using a single fan for cooling, which can lead to performance issues during gaming or creative tasks.

    Previous Issues with MSI

    This isn’t the first time MSI’s budget gaming laptops have been criticized for thermal issues. An earlier post on Reddit noted that the GF63 Thin started throttling after just 15-20 minutes of gaming, leading the user to adjust power settings to stabilize performance.

    Similarities Between Models

    Although the GF63 Thin belongs to an older generation, it shares characteristics with the newer Thin 15, such as lightweight design, single-fan cooling, and low-wattage GPUs like the RTX 3050. While they aren’t exactly the same, both models are aimed at budget-conscious consumers and seem to exhibit comparable thermal and performance compromises.

    Defenses and Workarounds

    In spite of the negative feedback, some users defended the Thin 15 as a reasonable budget option. Suggestions for improvement included undervolting, repasting thermal paste, and utilizing laptop cooling pads. Others pointed out the lightweight design as a notable advantage in this price range.

    Reviews and Performance

    Reviews from websites like Tech Critter and Laptop Media reflect these mixed opinions. The chassis is described as having moderate rigidity, with aluminum on the lid and upper base giving it a somewhat more premium feel than expected at this price point. During tests, keyboard temperatures and fan noise were reported to be within acceptable limits, indicating decent thermal and acoustic performance for everyday tasks.

    The RTX 3050 GPU maintained a consistent 45W power draw during extended gaming, suggesting reliable performance within the laptop’s thermal limits. However, as highlighted in the reviews, this system is not designed for high-performance use and is better suited for casual tasks and light to moderate gaming instead of prolonged, intensive sessions.

    Conclusion

    The thread concludes with the user pondering about the discrepancy between their expectations and reality. Some responses offered solutions, while others shared their own disappointments. Posts like these may not offer definitive conclusions but often influence how others make purchasing decisions in the future.

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  • Starlink V3: Boeing 737-Sized Satellite for 10x Faster Internet

    Starlink V3: Boeing 737-Sized Satellite for 10x Faster Internet

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX will launch advanced Starlink V3 satellites, expected to enter a lower Earth orbit by early 2026.
    2. Each V3 satellite is nearly the size of a Boeing 737 and will be deployed using the new Mars-capable Starship 3 rocket.
    3. The satellites will be positioned at 350 km altitude, reducing latency to below 20 milliseconds, with potential for as low as 5 ms.
    4. V3 satellites will provide download speeds of 1 Tbps and upload speeds of 160 Gbps, significantly faster than current models.
    5. New Starlink satellite Internet equipment will be released, initially targeting enterprise customers for the enhanced gigabit speeds.

    SpaceX is set to begin the launch of its advanced Starlink V3 satellites, which are expected to enter a lower Earth orbit this year or by early 2026.

    Size and Design

    Elon Musk revealed during his keynote “Road to Making Life Multiplanetary” that each Starlink V3 satellite is nearing the dimensions of a Boeing 737. These substantial satellites will be deployed into orbit using the new, Mars-capable Starship 3 rocket, which is anticipated to be operational by the year’s end.

    Improved Performance

    The new satellites will be positioned at a lower altitude of 350 km, a reduction from the current orbit of 550 km. This adjustment will allow Starlink V3 to provide significantly lower latency, dipping below 20 milliseconds, which is ideal for gaming. Musk even hinted at playing Diablo while airborne, noting that the latency could potentially reach as low as 5 ms.

    In addition to the lower orbit benefits, the Starlink V3 satellites promise faster Internet connections and reduced latency. This is due to the laser beams transmitting data packets, which move 40% quicker than fiber optics in a vacuum.

    Enhanced Speed

    The V3 satellites, once fully deployed, will achieve download speeds of 1 Tbps, which is over ten times faster than the current V2 models. For uploads, the enhancements are even more impressive, offering speeds that are 24 times faster, reaching 160 Gbps.

    Furthermore, the new Starship 3 rockets, comparable in size to a 747, will enable SpaceX to launch twice the number of V3 satellites into orbit with each mission, despite each satellite weighing nearly two tons. This capability leads to projections of SpaceX potentially sending 5,000 Starlink satellites into orbit per year.

    Musk mentioned that the V3 satellites, which offer enhanced Internet speeds, reduced latency, and increased subscriber capacity, are set for launch within the next six to nine months, promising significant improvements in Starlink satellite Internet coverage by next year.

    Upcoming Equipment

    Additionally, SpaceX is gearing up to release new Starlink satellite Internet equipment designed to utilize these groundbreaking gigabit speeds, although these kits are likely to be available primarily for enterprise customers at first.

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    Starlink V3: Boeing 737-Sized Satellite for 10x Faster Internet
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  • Steam to End in May 2025: Discover New Free Games Now

    Steam to End in May 2025: Discover New Free Games Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. The free game library on Steam continues to grow with new titles added regularly.
    2. Several new free games were highlighted by @SteamGamesPC on X in May 2025.
    3. Many of the newly released titles may have gone unnoticed by players.
    4. Pricing information is subject to change and may not be accurate over time.
    5. It’s a great opportunity to discover and enjoy new free games without spending money.

    The free game library on Steam keeps getting bigger. In May 2025, several new titles were noted by @SteamGamesPC on X. Yet, many of these titles went unnoticed, and some have just been found. Here’s what you need to know about these newly identified games that are completely free:

    Important Note on Pricing

    Notebookcheck cannot be held accountable for any changes in pricing made by retailers. The sale price or promotion mentioned in this article was accurate at the time of writing, but it might be subject to time limits or limited stock availability.

    Discovering New Titles

    The excitement around free games on Steam is palpable, with new additions frequently making their way into the collection. Recently, @SteamGamesPC on X brought several of these fresh titles to light, even though many slipped under the radar initially. This is an excellent time to explore what’s available without spending any money!

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  • New Multiplayer Farming Sim Launches on Steam with 3,000+ Positive Reviews

    New Multiplayer Farming Sim Launches on Steam with 3,000+ Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Official Launch: Farm Together 2 has launched on Steam for $23.39, with a 10% discount until June 6, 2024, after its early access phase.
    2. New Features: The game introduces terraforming, town building, enhanced automation, and improved farm customization options.
    3. Community Reception: It holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam with over 3,100 reviews, praised for its relaxing gameplay and visuals, but criticized for reduced NPC interactions and less dynamic elements compared to the original.
    4. Future Updates: Milkstone Studios plans to continue development with free content updates, seasonal expansions, and console versions expected by the end of 2025.
    5. Gameplay Style: Offers both solo and multiplayer co-op gameplay, focusing on a stress-free, progression-oriented farming simulation.

    Farm Together 2, the sequel to Milkstone Studios’ relaxing farming simulation game, has officially launched after its early access phase. It’s now available on Steam for $23.39, which includes a 10% discount until June 6. Initially released in May 2024 as an early access title, this sequel aimed to improve and expand on the elements from the original 2018 game, which gained a loyal following due to its easy-going, cooperative gameplay.

    New Features and Improvements

    Throughout the past year, the developers have steadily introduced updates that brought new features such as terraforming, town building, enhanced automation through a tractor system, and better options for farm customization. A significant new feature is the customizable “Town” area, which serves as a central hub for managing various farms, quests, and seasonal events. Players now have greater control over their farm layouts thanks to the new terraforming and decoration tools available.

    Community Feedback

    Currently, Farm Together 2 holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, backed by over 3,100 user reviews. Many players commend the game’s soothing pace, the joy of watching their farms grow over time, and its impressive graphics. However, not all critiques are favorable. Some returning gamers feel that the sequel has reduced certain aspects, like NPC interactions and animal behaviors, making it seem less “alive” compared to the original, even with the quality-of-life enhancements. There are also complaints about the absence of random events that made the first game feel more dynamic.

    Future Developments

    In response to player feedback, Milkstone Studios has assured the community that they will continue development with plans for free content updates and seasonal expansions. Additionally, console versions are planned, with releases for PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $499 on Amazon), Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch expected by the end of 2025.

    Farm Together 2 offers both solo and multiplayer co-op gameplay, making it perfect for those seeking a tranquil, progression-oriented simulation without the stress of strict time limits or complex mechanics. You can explore the game here.

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  • Koei Tecmo: Switch 2 Can’t Run Nobunaga’s Ambition in 4K/60fps

    Koei Tecmo: Switch 2 Can’t Run Nobunaga’s Ambition in 4K/60fps

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition launches on June 5th, alongside the Switch 2, featuring new content and improved graphics.
    2. Koei Tecmo’s team faced challenges achieving 4K resolution and 60 fps, settling for 1080p at 30 fps due to the Switch 2’s limitations.
    3. The new Switch 2 offers enhanced visuals, making gaming experiences more immersive, but some games may not meet player expectations.
    4. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening does not use DLSS upscaling, which is disappointing given the console’s support for Nvidia’s technology.
    5. The game supports Joy-Con mouse mode and wired USB mice, allowing for a more PC-like experience for mobile strategy gamers.

    Many games are likely to take advantage of the improved specs of the Switch 2. However, a developer from Koei Tecmo working on Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening mentioned that some games might not live up to what players expect. In an interview with Wccftech, Michi Ryu shared that their team struggled to maintain smooth gameplay at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. They had to significantly reduce the graphical settings, and the game does not use DLSS upscaling.

    Release Details

    Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition is set to launch on June 5th, coinciding with the Switch 2 release. This grand strategy game from Japan changed the gaming landscape since its debut in 1983, focusing on history and RPG elements. The game was first released in 2022 for PC, PS4, and Switch, and the Complete Edition will introduce new scenarios, downloadable content, and better graphics.

    Console Advancements

    Michi Ryu, producer and director at Koei Tecmo, mentioned that Nintendo’s new console has become a more powerful handheld device. He noted that the visuals of “the sea, sky, and ground feel much more realistic, making the gaming experience more immersive.” Despite this, he hoped to offer a mode that could showcase 4K resolution at 60 fps. Sadly, the specs of the Switch 2 fell short for rendering intricate 3D maps at those settings. Ultimately, the team decided on a more attainable goal of 1080p at 30 fps.

    Technology Limitations

    It’s a letdown that Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening won’t utilize DLSS, which is worth mentioning. The Tegra T239 processor in the console is somewhat outdated but does support Nvidia’s upscaling technology. Games like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on Switch 2 benefit from DLSS in various handheld and docked modes. Consequently, some demos of this title have impressed players, sometimes outperforming the usual Steam Deck results.

    Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition takes full advantage of the Joy-Con mouse mode available on the Switch 2. With wired USB mice also an option, mobile strategy gamers can enjoy similar benefits to those playing on a PC.

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    Koei Tecmo: Switch 2 Can't Run Nobunaga's Ambition in 4K/60fpsKoei Tecmo: Switch 2 Can't Run Nobunaga's Ambition in 4K/60fps

     

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Games Could Feature Custom Music After WWE 2K25 Data Mine

    Nintendo Switch 2 Games Could Feature Custom Music After WWE 2K25 Data Mine

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 may offer more game customization options than previously thought, including the ability to use custom music in WWE 2K25.
    2. A data miner discovered code suggesting that players can use music stored on the Switch 2 for wrestler entrance soundtracks.
    3. Unlike Xbox and PlayStation, only PC users have had mod capabilities for custom music, making the Switch 2’s potential feature notable.
    4. The upgraded specs of the Switch 2 could reduce limitations, allowing more titles to include features found in other consoles.
    5. There are mixed signals regarding music playback on the Switch 2, with restrictions on eShop browsing but some background music during setup.

    PC gamers usually have the edge when it comes to tailoring their gaming experiences. Yet, the Nintendo Switch 2’s games might offer more customization than many think. A modder working on WWE 2K25 discovered updated code in the Windows version that hints at a port for the Switch. While there’s no official release date for this version, the data miner uncovered references that indicate the handheld may allow for custom music options.

    A Notable Discovery

    The most intriguing finding was a specific line regarding the console. It stated, “If you have music stored on your Nintendo Switch 2 console, you can use these tracks for the entry soundtrack.” PC players of WWE 2K25 have enjoyed the ability to modify their favorite wrestlers’ entrance music. Regrettably, Xbox and PlayStation users are missing out on such mod capabilities.

    Future Possibilities

    It would be quite unexpected if Nintendo’s handheld was the first to bring back custom entrance music in a WWE 2K game. Nevertheless, it’s likely that more titles on the Switch 2 will reflect features found in other console versions, unlike what’s seen in the current generation. Changing music might not need a lot of power, but the upgraded specs of the Switch 2 should lead to less limitations.

    Mixed Signals for Music Lovers

    For fans of music, the Switch 2 presents a bit of a puzzle with its audio features. Gamers found out that the new console won’t allow music to play while users browse through the Nintendo eShop. Conversely, some unboxing videos leaked from the Switch 2 show a background tune playing during the setup process.

    The Nintendo Music app gives Nintendo Switch Online members access to popular game soundtracks. It’s still unclear if the customization options in WWE 2K25 are linked to this app or if they’re tied to a different streaming service. Ideally, wrestling enthusiasts will have the chance to upload their own tracks to the console, making for a more personalized experience.

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    Nintendo Switch 2 Games Could Feature Custom Music After WWE 2K25 Data Mine
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  • Anbernic RG35XX Pro: Affordable Price and Release Date Revealed

    Anbernic RG35XX Pro: Affordable Price and Release Date Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RG35XX Pro will launch on June 10 at 10:00 UTC.
    2. The introductory price is $44.99, valid until June 13, after which it will increase to $49.99.
    3. The RG35XX Pro is priced lower than the RG34XX SP and RG34XX models.
    4. Key features include a 3.5-inch IPS screen, Allwinner H700 processor, and 1 GB of LPDDR4 RAM.
    5. The device will come with a 64 GB microSD card included in the initial purchase.

    Anbernic has been busy teasing the RG35XX Pro, and they’re not wasting any time! The company first showed off the device on Monday and shared its complete specs just a day later. Now, they have also announced the launch date and the pricing for this exciting new gaming handheld.

    Pricing Details

    In a surprising twist, the RG35XX Pro will be priced lower than the RG34XX SP, which was released last month at $59.99 after a $6 launch discount. Similarly, the RG35XX Pro will also be less expensive than the RG34XX, currently listed at $84.98 on Amazon, as well as the RG35XX SP, which uses several of the same components. As indicated in the screenshot below, the RG35XX Pro will feature Anbernic’s popular 3.5-inch IPS screen, an Allwinner H700 processor, 1 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, but it will only come with a 3,200 mAh battery.

    Availability Date

    According to RetroHandhelds, the RG35XX Pro will be available starting at 10:00 UTC on June 10. Initially, the device will be priced at $44.99 and will include a 64 GB microSD card; it is likely that Anbernic will offer different microSD card choices as well. This introductory price will be valid until June 13 at 10:00 UTC, after which the price of the RG35XX Pro will increase to $49.99. You can check the screenshot below for more details on the specifications.

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    Anbernic RG35XX Pro: Affordable Price and Release Date Revealed
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  • Powkiddy V90S: Pocket Gaming Handheld Launches After Pre-Sale

    Powkiddy V90S: Pocket Gaming Handheld Launches After Pre-Sale

    Key Takeaways

    1. Powkiddy has launched the V90S, their latest clamshell retro gaming handheld, to compete with newer devices.
    2. The V90S features an Allwinner A133P chipset, 1 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 3,000 mAh battery with USB Type-C charging.
    3. It has a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.
    4. The V90S is available for purchase on Powkiddy’s retail site and AliExpress, with a higher price on AliExpress.
    5. The current price for the V90S is $52.99, which includes a 64 GB microSD card when using a coupon code.

    It took Powkiddy some time, but they have finally responded to the wave of clamshell retro gaming handhelds that have appeared in the last year or so. To refresh your memory, the Powkiddy V90 was launched almost five years back. While it has been a favorite for certain retro gaming fans, the V90 has been overtaken by the Miyoo Flip, RG34XX SP, and RG35XX SP (currently priced at $78.99 on Amazon).

    New Release: V90S

    Recently, Powkiddy introduced the V90S, which started shipping earlier this month. The V90S is powered by an Allwinner A133P chipset, backed by 1 GB of DDR3 RAM, and has a 3,000 mAh battery that supports 5V/2A USB Type-C charging. It also boasts a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, similar to many other devices in its category.

    Purchase Options

    Initially, the V90S was available only through Powkiddy’s own retail site. However, if that doesn’t suit your needs, Powkiddy has also made the device available through its official AliExpress store in its original grey, red, and yellow colors. Unfortunately, the price of the V90S is a bit higher when bought via AliExpress. As of now, you can snag the Powkiddy V90S for $52.99 along with a 64 GB microSD card by using the coupon code USCD07. For more information, check out Powkiddy’s website and their official listings on AliExpress.

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    Powkiddy V90S: Pocket Gaming Handheld Launches After Pre-Sale

     

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