Category: Gaming

  • XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues

    XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The XMG Neo 16 features a split motherboard and offers high-end Intel and AMD processors for superior performance.
    2. Its advanced cooling system allows it to maximize Nvidia’s new Blackwell GPUs, reducing noise and emissions under heavy loads.
    3. The optional mini LED display provides outstanding visual quality with a 300 Hz refresh rate and full P3 color space coverage.
    4. Critiques include the lack of Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 5, and Advanced Optimus graphics switching, which raises concerns given its high price.
    5. Despite some flaws, the Neo 16 E25 is considered one of the fastest gaming laptops available, appealing to both gamers and content creators.

    The XMG Neo 16 is a premium gaming laptop that has received multiple enhancements for 2025. It boasts a revamped internal architecture featuring a split motherboard. In addition to housing the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 2775HX, the Neo 16 is also offered with AMD’s high-end Ryzen 9 9955HX and 9955HX3D processors. Furthermore, it includes a PCIe 5.0 slot for top-tier SSDs.

    Performance and Cooling System

    With its advanced cooling setup, the Neo 16 can take full advantage of Nvidia’s new Blackwell GPUs, making it one of the quickest laptops in our synthetic tests, even without the use of external water cooling. This effectively lowers emissions and fan noise while providing the processor with extra breathing room, especially under heavy CPU and GPU loads. Nevertheless, the raw GPU capabilities remain the same, as the Neo 16 consumes the entire 175 watts of TGP, even when in standard fan mode. An additional perk is that the Ryzen CPUs can be paired with the fastest graphics cards, which is often not possible with other brands. We expect to receive a Neo 16 featuring the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and the RTX 5090 laptop GPU soon, which should enhance gaming performance even further.

    Display Features

    A significant upgrade is the optional mini LED display, which excels in almost every area. The subjective visual quality of the matte panel is outstanding: it is remarkably bright, and the smooth playback is supported by a 300 Hz refresh rate. Local dimming can be turned off, which is beneficial for image editing tasks. The P3 color space is completely covered, and pre-calibrated color profiles for sRGB and P3 are available, although the two P3 profiles do have minor color discrepancies. Nonetheless, we managed to significantly enhance these profiles through our own calibration (the respective color profiles can be downloaded for free in our Neo 16 review).

    Critiques and Considerations

    However, the XMG Neo 16 does have its flaws. It is missing Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5. The absence of Advanced Optimus graphics switching and G-Sync support for the internal display is concerning, particularly given the high price tag. Although a MUX switch is present, turning off the iGPU necessitates a system restart. XMG is currently collaborating with Nvidia to address this issue, and their transparent communication is commendable, as they provide extensive updates about the problem on their website. However, there is no assurance that these two features will be integrated in the future.

    In conclusion, the Neo 16 E25 remains one of the top and fastest gaming laptops on the market today. With the new mini-LED display, it has also become appealing to content creators, adding to its versatility.

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    XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues
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  • Use Your Steam Deck as a Wii U GamePad Replacement Now

    Use Your Steam Deck as a Wii U GamePad Replacement Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Wii U has become a collectible item despite poor sales and issues with the GamePad.
    2. The limited game compatibility means most games require a functioning GamePad, with no official replacements available.
    3. An open-source project called Vanilla aims to replicate the GamePad’s functionality for various devices.
    4. Vanilla supports devices like Raspberry Pi and Steam Deck but currently has limitations with certain wireless adapters.
    5. The reverse engineering of the GamePad protocol helps extend the Wii U’s lifespan and provides alternatives for users with broken GamePads.

    The Wii U may not have done well in sales, but it has turned into a collectible item, even if that wasn’t the original plan. One major issue with the Wii U is a malfunctioning GamePad, and when it breaks, the console becomes nearly useless.

    Limited Game Compatibility

    Although few games can be played without the GamePad, this selection is quite limited, and there has never been a way to buy a replacement from either Nintendo or third parties. This leaves only the second-hand market as an option for those needing a replacement.

    Exciting New Alternatives

    Fortunately, if you own a Wii U with a broken GamePad—or if your GamePad is still working and you want to maintain it—there is now an open-source alternative available.

    Vanilla is an ongoing project that aims to replicate the Wii U GamePad’s functionality for various devices like the Raspberry Pi, Steam Deck, and Android. It relies heavily on low-level access to Wi-Fi hardware and has a long list of devices that it supports or does not. Currently, the ROG Ally and Ally X (which you can find on Amazon) are not supported due to their MediaTek MT7922 wireless adapters, but there is hope for a resolution soon.

    Additional Compatibility

    There is also a version designed for the Nintendo Switch, though it requires a Broadcom firmware patch or an external Wi-Fi adapter, likely needing a modified Switch as well. It should work on a variety of Linux-based laptops (with Windows support on the way), as long as the Wi-Fi hardware is compatible.

    The achievement of reverse engineering the protocol, especially given Nintendo’s closed-source hardware, is significant. It not only helps extend the lifespan of the Wii U for those with faulty GamePads but also offers the broader community options to keep the Wii U operational, despite Nintendo’s attempts to phase it out.

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  • Asus Launches Affordable ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptops

    Asus Launches Affordable ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptops

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus launched an updated ROG Zephyrus G14 with options for Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 or RTX 5070 GPUs.
    2. The new model features a Ryzen 9 270 CPU, replacing the previous Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.
    3. The GA403UM is priced starting at $1,799, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the nearly $2,500 original model.
    4. A variant with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and GeForce RTX 5060 is currently only available in China.
    5. Key features include a 3K/120 Hz OLED display and a 73 Wh battery, similar to more expensive G14 models.

    Asus has unveiled a variety of new devices at Computex 2025 this year. Among these is an updated version of the ROG Zephyrus G14, which comes out less than six months after the release of the ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 models featuring up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU.

    New Configurations

    In contrast to its predecessors, the latest model can be configured with either Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5060 or GeForce RTX 5070 GPUs. It remains part of the GA403 generation, similar to other ROG Zephyrus G14 models launched this year. The GA403UM replaces the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with the Ryzen 9 270, which is basically a rebranded Ryzen 9 8945HS. As a result, the new ROG Zephyrus G14 may offer lower CPU and integrated GPU performance compared to Asus’ more affordable gaming laptops like the TUF Gaming A14 FA401, which is currently priced at $1,599.99 on Amazon.

    Pricing and Availability

    However, the GA403UM is expected to be a more budget-friendly entry point for the ROG Zephyrus G14, which is currently selling for nearly $2,500 in the US. In comparison, the GA403UM will launch next month starting at $1,799, including 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Asus will also provide the same CPU and GPU setup with 32 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD for $2,099.

    Additional Variants

    Interestingly, Asus has also developed a variant of the ROG Zephyrus G14 with a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and GeForce RTX 5060. Unfortunately, this version has only been made available in retail in China as of now. From what we can see, the other hardware features remain the same as those found in Asus’ pricier ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403) models, including a 3K/120 Hz OLED display and a 73 Wh battery. For more details, please visit Asus’ official website.

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  • Ayaneo Flip 1S: Premium Gaming Handheld with OLED Display Coming Soon

    Ayaneo Flip 1S: Premium Gaming Handheld with OLED Display Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo is developing the Flip 1S with a CNC metal casing for durability.
    2. The Flip 1S will initially be available only in a dual-screen (DS) version.
    3. The main display will feature an OLED upgrade for better color and responsiveness.
    4. Specifications for the secondary display remain uncertain, but an OLED option may be considered.
    5. More details about the Flip 1S DS are expected to be shared by the end of the month.

    Ayaneo has been slowly sharing details about the Flip 1S, letting us know that it has opted for a CNC metal casing for its upcoming gaming handheld. The company also suggested that the Flip 1S will initially only be available in a dual-screen (DS) version.

    Display Enhancements

    Despite the lack of a complete reveal on Ayaneo’s social media, the company has confirmed a significant display upgrade from the Flip DS to the Flip 1S DS. They’ve chosen to feature an OLED display, promising a more “vibrant…lifelike…responsive…[and] immersive gaming experience.” So far, it appears that the Flip 1S DS keeps the relatively thick bezels seen in the earlier model.

    Uncertain Specifications

    It remains uncertain if the OLED technology will be applied to the smaller secondary display of the handheld. However, the 1.15:1 and 3.92-inch OLED panel from the Pocket DMG (currently priced at $511 on Amazon) might be a good fit for the Flip 1S DS’s secondary display. Ayaneo has yet to disclose the specifications for the main display. That said, we think it will likely feature the same OLED panel found in the Ayaneo 3, which supports 1080p resolution at a 144 Hz refresh rate, offers 110% DCI-P3 color space coverage, and has a peak brightness of 800 nits. We expect Ayaneo to share more information about the Flip 1S DS by the end of this month.

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  • Helldivers 2 Heart of Democracy Update: Fight for Your Home

    Helldivers 2 Heart of Democracy Update: Fight for Your Home

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ‘Heart of Democracy’ update transforms Helldivers 2 into urban warfare, where players protect cities from the Illuminate.
    2. Players must safeguard civilians during missions, introducing penalties for friendly fire against non-combatants.
    3. AI-controlled SEAF troops are now part of the gameplay, enhancing strategy and teamwork.
    4. The update has led to a surge in player engagement, with a peak of 134,527 players on Steam within 24 hours.
    5. Weapon customization has been enhanced, allowing players to unlock attachments to battle new enemies like the Crescent Overseer and Fleshmob.

    Arrowhead Game Studios has released its most daring update for Helldivers 2 yet. The ‘Heart of Democracy’ update brings the battle directly to the streets of Super Earth, turning the conflict into a gritty struggle for survival. Launched on May 20, this update marks a significant change in both the setting and gameplay, requiring players to fend off the Illuminate in urban landscapes.

    Urban Warfare

    In this fresh chapter, players are tasked with protecting cities that have been taken over by the squid-like Illuminate. Moreover, players must safeguard civilians who now find themselves in the midst of active combat zones. This introduces penalties for friendly fire against non-combatants, adding a layer of complexity to the missions. Players are also required to activate Planetary Defense Cannons to repel the enemy fleet.

    AI Allies Join the Fight

    A crucial addition in this update is the introduction of AI-controlled SEAF troops, who can operate on their own or accompany players to provide assistance during missions. This feature brings a new dimension of strategy to the gameplay, which already relies heavily on precision and teamwork.

    As a result of this update, Helldivers 2 is seeing a surge in player engagement. At the moment, the game is trending on Steam DB, achieving a peak of 134,527 players within 24 hours of the update’s launch.

    Weapon Customization Enhancements

    The Heart of Democracy update also expands on last week’s introduction of primary weapon customization, allowing players to unlock various attachments as they progress in levels. These enhancements are essential for battling new Illuminate foes such as the Crescent Overseer and the gigantic Fleshmob.

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  • Switch 2 Units Available In-Store at Target; Online Orders June 6

    Switch 2 Units Available In-Store at Target; Online Orders June 6

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Switch 2 will launch in just over two weeks, with pre-orders sold out but some retailers will have units available on launch day.
    2. Best Buy and GameStop will have extra stock of the Switch 2 available on June 5, with Target expected to have 40-60 units in-store only.
    3. Customers can pay for their Switch 2 at GameStop on June 4 and pick it up on June 5, while Best Buy will open at 12:01 AM ET for late-night shopping.
    4. Nintendo projects to sell 15 million units of the Switch 2 in the fiscal year, but analysts expect sales to be closer to 20 million.
    5. The Switch 2 is anticipated to be one of the biggest console launches in history.

    The Switch 2 is set to hit the market in just over two weeks, and the excitement surrounding the console is off the charts. Pre-orders have sold out everywhere, even though they were delayed in the US and Canada. If you missed the chance to pre-order, there’s still hope! Retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, and possibly Target will have units available on launch day.

    Availability on Launch Day

    Both Best Buy and GameStop have announced that they will have extra stock of the Switch 2 available on June 5, the day it launches. This is fantastic news for anyone who wanted to secure a pre-order but couldn’t due to the rush. YouTuber Jake Randall has mentioned that Target will have between 40 and 60 units of the Switch 2, with the stock divided between bundles and standalone consoles. However, these will only be available in stores, as online orders won’t begin until June 6.

    Purchasing Options

    In addition to the stock at Best Buy and GameStop, Randall confirmed that customers can visit GameStop locations on June 4 starting at 3 PM to pay for their Switch 2 and pick it up the following day. Best Buy, on the other hand, will open its doors at 12:01 AM ET on June 5 for late-night shopping. The retailer’s website states, “In addition to fulfilling pre-orders, most stores will have limited inventory of systems, games and accessories for in-store purchase.”

    Sales Projections

    Nintendo is projecting to sell 15 million units of the Switch 2 during the fiscal year, but many analysts think this figure is too low and expect sales to be closer to 20 million. Given that the console is launching partway through the fiscal year, it is anticipated to be one of the biggest console launches in history.

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  • Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Battles Enhanced on Switch 2

    Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Battles Enhanced on Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upcoming Game: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, set to launch in Winter 2025.

    2. Narrative Focus: The game centers around the Imprisoning War against Ganondorf, featuring characters like Princess Zelda and King Rauru.

    3. Improved Performance: The enhanced specifications of the Switch 2 aim to resolve frame rate issues experienced in Age of Calamity, allowing for larger battles without performance problems.

    4. Gameplay Mechanics: Players will experience hack-and-slash combat against hordes of enemies, with potential for smoother gameplay and strategic elements in character selection and item use.

    5. Graphics and Performance Options: Teaser clips suggest the possibility of performance and quality mode choices, providing players with a more fluid gameplay experience.

    Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity introduced the iconic large-scale battles to the Switch. However, the high number of enemies and intricate details often caused frame rate issues. In a recent Nintendo Creator’s Voice video, the Koei Tecmo GM and a producer talked about the upcoming Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. With the enhanced specifications of the Switch 2, gamers can expect even bigger battles without the performance problems.

    New Adventures Await

    Unveiled during the Nintendo Direct on June 5th, Age of Imprisonment serves as a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The narrative revolves around the Imprisoning War against the dark sorcerer Ganondorf. Players will get to meet familiar faces like Princess Zelda, King Rauru, alongside other playable characters from the Zelda series. Additionally, the four masked sages from the latest Zelda title will make an appearance in Hyrule. Although many specifics are still under wraps, the game is set to launch in Winter 2025.

    Engaging Gameplay Mechanics

    The Hyrule Warriors series shares combat mechanics with the hack-and-slash Dynasty Warriors franchise. Players face ceaseless hordes of foes as they carve their way to challenging bosses. In Age of Calamity, the fast-paced action occasionally slowed down when frame rates dipped below 30 fps. Producer Ryota Matsushita and AAA Games Studio Head Yosuke Hayashi have indicated that the upgraded specs of the Switch 2 could fix these issues. The updated handheld is equipped with a more robust Nvidia T239 chip, which features enhanced capacity and quicker RAM.

    Some teaser clips shown during the video appeared to be locked at 30 fps, while others displayed a more fluid experience. This hints at the potential for performance and quality mode choices based on player preferences. Besides smoother gameplay, Koei Tecmo emphasized the strategic elements present in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Gamers can mix items and choose which Zelda characters to team up with for a better chance of success.

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  • Rainbow Six Siege X System Requirements: RTX 4070 Ti Super Needed

    Rainbow Six Siege X System Requirements: RTX 4070 Ti Super Needed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft’s major update for Rainbow Six Siege, called Siege X, will launch on June 10 for multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Amazon Luna, and PC.

    2. The update features significant graphical improvements and introduces a new 6v6 multiplayer mode named Dual Front, allowing new players to join for free.

    3. Revised PC requirements for Siege X are higher, with a minimum requirement of a basic CPU, GPU, and 8GB of RAM, and an Ultra texture pack increasing installation size to 110GB.

    4. Siege X is a free upgrade for existing players and is included in Ubisoft+ Premium and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

    5. New players can access the game for free with optional purchases available for battle passes and ranked matches.

    Ubisoft has revealed a major update for Rainbow Six Siege, called Siege X, which will be available on June 10 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Amazon Luna, and PC through Ubisoft Connect and Steam. This complimentary update brings significant graphical improvements, modified PC requirements, and a new 6v6 multiplayer experience known as Dual Front, allowing new players to join for free.

    Updated PC Requirements

    In a recent blog post, Ubisoft disclosed the revised system requirements for PC gamers, and they appear to be quite high. The new requirements for Rainbow Six Siege X are as follows –

    At the minimum level, a basic CPU, GPU, and 8GB of RAM should suffice to run the game. Nevertheless, those looking to enjoy higher resolutions or competitive gameplay will need to enhance their systems. Additionally, Ubisoft’s Ultra texture pack increases the installation size to 110GB, meaning players might also have to expand their storage space.

    Console Performance Targets

    Alongside the PC specifications, Ubisoft has also shared performance expectations for console players –

    Siege X will be a free upgrade for existing Siege players and is included in the Ubisoft+ Premium and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. New gamers can dive into the action through Free Access, with optional purchases available for battle passes and ranked matches.

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  • New Free Games Available on Steam – Latest Releases You Can’t Miss

    New Free Games Available on Steam – Latest Releases You Can’t Miss

    Key Takeaways

    1. The selection of free games on Steam has increased recently.
    2. Several new free games were launched in early May 2025.
    3. The X account @SteamGamesPC is highlighting new free game titles.
    4. Price changes by retailers are not the responsibility of Notebookcheck.
    5. Users are encouraged to stay updated on new additions to enhance their gaming experience.

    The free game selection on Steam has grown once more. Reflecting on the past, several newly launched free games appeared during the initial weeks of May 2025. Recently, additional free titles have been highlighted by the X account @SteamGamesPC. Here’s further info about a few of them:

    Important Note

    Please note that Notebookcheck holds no responsibility for any price alterations made by retailers. The sale price or promotional offer mentioned here was valid at the time this was written and may have time limits and/or limited stock.

    Social Media Update

    The X account @SteamGamesPC has shared some exciting news about the latest free games available. Keep an eye out for these new additions to the platform, which continue to enhance the gaming experience for users.

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  • Nvidia RTX 5000 Laptop GPUs Launch: Ongoing Issues and Confusion

    Nvidia RTX 5000 Laptop GPUs Launch: Ongoing Issues and Confusion

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited Availability of Test Samples: There are ongoing issues with the availability of laptops featuring the new RTX 5000 series GPUs, significantly impacting the review process.

    2. Focus on Upscaling Technologies: Nvidia emphasizes upscaling features like DLSS4, but high-end users expect better performance improvements without relying on these technologies.

    3. Marginal Performance Gains: The RTX 5090 Laptop and RTX 5080 Laptop offer only slight performance improvements over older models, making upgrades less compelling for users.

    4. Driver Problems and Stability Issues: Frequent driver updates from Nvidia have led to new problems, including increased power consumption and crashes in games, causing frustration for gamers and reviewers alike.

    5. Lack of Competition in the Mobile GPU Market: Nvidia faces little competition, limiting choices for manufacturers and consumers, which raises concerns about innovation and performance in the mobile GPU space.

    Expectations were sky-high when Nvidia finally introduced its new generation of mobile GPUs after a two-year wait. The review embargo for the flagship RTX 5090 Laptop was only lifted at the end of March, following some delays. Initially, reviews were limited to the Razer Blade 16, which wasn’t even using the top-tier version of the RTX 5090 Laptop. Thus, it wasn’t the best choice to showcase this new high-end GPU. The situation improved in April and May regarding the availability of laptops with the RTX 5090 Laptop and RTX 5080 Laptop, but not all manufacturers have been able to produce these devices yet.

    Test Sample Availability Issues

    A major hurdle continues to be the availability of test samples. For the RTX 5070 Ti Laptop review embargo, there were simply no devices available, while the situation was a bit better for the standard RTX 5070 Laptop. Furthermore, the newly announced RTX 5060 Laptop at Computex appears to be a paper launch, and we do not expect to see review units until June at the earliest.

    Upscaling Technology Focus

    Nvidia’s main focus for the RTX 5000 Laptop series is on upscaling technologies like DLSS4 and the new multi-frame generation. While this is certainly beneficial for lower-end graphics cards like the RTX 5060 Laptop, those investing a significant sum in high-end models expect substantial performance improvements without relying on upscaling. Unfortunately, both the RTX 5090 Laptop and RTX 5080 Laptop only deliver marginal performance gains, making it hard to justify an upgrade from older models such as the RTX 4090 Laptop and RTX 4080 Laptop.

    Driver Problems and Stability Issues

    The new RTX 5070 Ti with 12 GB VRAM stands out as a positive exception and should have replaced the older RTX 4070 Laptop. However, the RTX 5070 Laptop is only a bit faster than the 4070 but remains limited to 8 GB VRAM. This is a letdown for many gamers who play casually. We are still waiting to see how the RTX 5060 Laptop performs, but the RTX 5070 Laptop doesn’t inspire much confidence.

    Another significant problem is the situation with drivers. Nvidia tends to release new driver updates every week, yet some have introduced new issues. For instance, starting with version 567.02, GPUs were reported to consume power even when inactive, according to Nvidia’s software and other monitoring tools. This affects various measurements, including power consumption and temperatures.

    Some driver updates have caused crashes in current games, leading to noticeable performance variances not limited to minor improvements. Overall, this is quite frustrating and presents challenges for reviewers who must stay vigilant for new issues. It’s unclear when normalcy will return, but the latest two versions, 576.28 and 576.40, appear to have resolved some stability concerns. As we were wrapping up this article, Nvidia released another update (576.52), which also comes in a studio version that has been stuck at 576.02 until now.

    In conclusion, the launch of Nvidia’s new laptop GPUs has turned out to be quite chaotic. We did not anticipate such problems regarding the limited availability of test samples or the ongoing driver issues. The significant concern is Nvidia’s lack of competition in the mobile market. This situation likely won’t change since manufacturers have no real alternatives and are forced to use Nvidia GPUs in their latest laptops.

    Mobile gamers can only wish that AMD will not exclusively focus on speedy iGPU solutions like Strix Halo in the future (even though availability remains poor) but will also provide high-end GPUs to finally challenge Nvidia in this space.

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