Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo Switch 2: Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Costs $80

    Nintendo Switch 2: Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Costs $80

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Game Pricing: Nintendo Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World will cost $79.99 for physical copies and $69.99 for digital versions.

    2. Older Game Pricing: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will also be priced at $79.99, while Breath of the Wild is $10 less than that, maintaining a higher price than its original Switch 1 version.

    3. Upgrade Option: Players who own Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for $10, which includes improved graphics and smartphone app integration.

    4. Variable Pricing Strategy: Not all new games will have a $79.99 price tag; pricing will vary based on what Nintendo believes is appropriate for each title.

    5. Example of Lower Pricing: Donkey Kong Bonanza is priced lower at $59.99 for digital and $69.99 for physical, showing that Nintendo has flexibility in game pricing.


    Just a few days ago, Nintendo made an announcement about prices for certain Nintendo Switch 2 games. For instance, Mario Kart World will be available for $79.99 if you buy the physical game cartridge. The digital version, on the other hand, will cost $69.99. Interestingly, this new pricing strategy also affects older games. Nintendo confirmed that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in its physical form for the Nintendo Switch 2 will be priced at $79.99 or €89.99 in Europe.

    Pricing Details

    In comparison, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is priced $10 less, making it still $10 more than the original price for the Switch 1. Other titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree will also see a price tag of $79.99 for the Nintendo Switch 2. For gamers who already possess The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, there’s an option to get an upgrade pack for $10. This upgrade gives access to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which features improved graphics and better integration with the Nintendo Switch smartphone app.

    Upgrade Fees and Game Pricing

    It’s still a bit unclear if the same upgrade cost will apply to games that have new gameplay features, such as Kirby. Nevertheless, Nintendo points out that not every new game will carry a price of $79.99. Instead, the cost of each title will be individually determined based on what Nintendo thinks is suitable. This pricing method is already shown with Donkey Kong Bonanza, which has a price of $59.99 for the digital version and $69.99 for the physical one, making it $10 cheaper than Mario Kart World.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order on eBay: Prices Rising Before Release

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order on eBay: Prices Rising Before Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo has implemented rules to prevent scalpers from reselling the Switch 2, requiring a year-long Nintendo Switch Online subscription for purchases on their website.
    2. In the UK, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are being sold at inflated prices on eBay, exceeding the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
    3. Retail sales for the Switch 2 are ongoing in the UK, while U.S. sales are delayed due to new tariffs, creating complications for buyers.
    4. eBay listings for the Switch 2 must comply with specific guidelines, including a promise to ship within 40 business days, raising concerns about the authenticity of many listings.
    5. Many eBay listings have been removed for rule violations, but compliance may improve as the official release date of June 5th approaches.


    Nintendo has introduced rules to stop scalpers from reselling the Switch 2. To buy one, gamers need to have had a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for at least a year, along with other requirements. However, these rules only apply to purchases made through Nintendo’s own website. Meanwhile, buyers in the UK and other areas are already reserving consoles from retailers, and eBay sellers are making a profit. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are selling for much more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

    High Prices on eBay

    Some of the top sales on eBay UK include the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle. For instance, one bundle sold for over 600 British pounds, which is around 773 US dollars. With an MSRP of £429.99 and $499.99, these sales don’t represent record-breaking profits for scalpers on new consoles. Still, with criticism about Nintendo’s pricing, it’s clear that some buyers are willing to pay a premium.

    Retailer Sales and Complications in the US

    Various UK retailers like Argos and Amazon have started their sales or sent out invitations. In contrast, the situation for Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the United States is more complex. Following news of new tariffs under Trump, the company has delayed sales there. This might mean that eBay could be the only option for sellers who manage to get their hands on the console.

    It’s still uncertain whether any of the eBay transactions will go through without getting canceled. Per the guidelines on eBay UK, “Presale listings must promise that the item will be shipped within 40 business days after purchase.” Sellers must also make it clear that they are listing a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order that will be shipped within that time frame. This policy is also valid for eBay in the US and Australia. Given that the console is set to officially launch on June 5th, many of these sales don’t seem to be genuine. However, the “40 business days” requirement could push the shipping date closer to the launch.

    Missing Listings and Future Sales

    A lot of the eBay listings have recently disappeared due to rule violations. Nonetheless, as the release date for the Switch 2 nears, it should become easier for sellers to comply with eBay’s requirements.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons Won’t Feature Hall Effect Sticks

    Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons Won’t Feature Hall Effect Sticks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 has notable improvements but comes with a high price of $450, which many consider excessive.
    2. There are concerns about the durability of Joy-Cons, with a likelihood of needing replacements over time.
    3. New Joy-Con 2 sticks do not utilize Hall Effect technology but are designed to enhance user experience.
    4. Speculation exists about potential issues with joystick drift in the upcoming Switch 2 Pro controller.
    5. Third-party manufacturers may offer better joystick options at lower prices for docked gamers.


    While the Nintendo Switch 2 brings some clear improvements compared to the original Switch, many people believe that the $450 price tag is too high. Additionally, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll end up replacing several Joy-Cons during the life of the console due to their tendency to wear out.

    Joy-Con Concerns

    This small yet crucial piece of information was shared by Nate Bihldorff, a high-ranking official at Nintendo of America. In a conversation with Nintendo Life, Nate explicitly mentioned that the new Joy-Con 2 sticks do not use Hall Effect technology. However, they are reportedly designed “from the ground up” to provide the “best possible experience.”

    Future Controller Speculation

    Although it wasn’t directly stated, this likely refers to the Switch 2 Pro controller too. Since the Nintendo Switch 2 won’t be released for another two months, it may be premature to make any judgments. Still, it’s only a matter of time before potentiometer-based joysticks start to drift from continuous use. One can only wish that the Joy-Con 2s perform better than their previous generation, which were well-known for being fragile.

    If you mostly game while docked, there are many third-party manufacturers that provide Hall Effect sticks at reasonable prices. We should have more information on these options once the Switch 2 has been available for a few weeks.

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  • RTX 5090 Power Connector Burns, Damages PSU Cable

    RTX 5090 Power Connector Burns, Damages PSU Cable

    Key Takeaways

    1. Another case of a burnt power connector on an MSI RTX 5090 GPU has been reported, adding to existing incidents in the RTX 50 Series.
    2. The damage includes burnt and melted connection points on the GPU’s power connector and the PSU cable, with visible deterioration at the PSU end.
    3. The affected GPU was used for about a month at stock settings without any overclocking.
    4. The PSU cable was a stock 12VHPWR cable from a Corsair SF1000L, chosen due to concerns over custom cables.
    5. The 12VHPWR connector is rated for 600W, matching the RTX 5090’s power draw, raising concerns about inadequate load balancing in the GPU series.


    There has been another incident involving a burnt power connector on an RTX 50 series GPU, according to reports. A Reddit post highlights the burnt power connector on an MSI RTX 5090, along with damage to the cable at the PSU end. This case adds to the list of burnt connector problems documented in the RTX 50 Series 12VHPWR Megathread, bringing the confirmed total to five. The GPU was bought around a month ago and was functioning without any overclocking.

    Details of the Incident

    In the post by user ‘Roachard’, the damage to their MSI 5090 GAMING TRIO OC’s power connector is clearly visible, with several burnt and melted connection points, plus burnt pins on the PSU cable. Notably, the cable also shows damage at the PSU end. The user mentioned that it was a stock PSU 12VHPWR cable that came with the Corsair SF1000L, chosen specifically due to other reports of melting issues with custom cables.

    Examination of the Damage

    The plastic connector on the PSU side has a noticeable bulge, and the cable appears to have burnt white. It remains uncertain if that specific port on the PSU is now dysfunctional or if the PSU itself has sustained damage. Roachard noted that the GPU was acquired approximately a month ago and was being operated at stock settings.

    Technical Insights

    The setup included an Asus Strix B650E-I motherboard paired with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU. Comments on the post suggest that the issue might stem from inadequate load balancing on the RTX 40 and 50 series GPUs. Additionally, the 12VHPWR is rated for a maximum power delivery of 600W, which matches the power draw of the RTX 5090 under load, leaving little to no headroom for safety.

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  • MSI Launches Polar Tempest Edition of Claw 8 AI+ Just Months After Release

    MSI Launches Polar Tempest Edition of Claw 8 AI+ Just Months After Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI launched the Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition with new white panels and increased storage from 1 TB to 2 TB, priced at $999 before taxes.
    2. The Polar Tempest Edition features an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and 32 GB of RAM, promising better performance than competitors like the ROG Ally X.
    3. The new model is expected to lag behind more powerful alternatives powered by the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.
    4. Currently, the Polar Tempest Edition is limited to the US market, with no confirmed plans for release in other regions.
    5. The shipping for the Polar Tempest Edition is set to begin on July 15.


    The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has been available for several months now, having first appeared late last year with the smaller Claw 7 AI+. However, MSI only started to ship the 8-inch gaming handheld in various markets, such as Europe and the UK, by mid-February.

    New Variant Launched

    In a recent move, MSI has introduced a refreshed version of the Claw 8 AI+, named the Polar Tempest Edition. This new model, which will start shipping on July 15, features white panels instead of the retro-style ones found on the original version. Additionally, MSI has increased the storage capacity from 1 TB to 2 TB, adding a $100 extra charge, bringing the total price to $999 before taxes.

    Performance Specs

    The Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor and 32 GB of RAM. This means the device is expected to outperform competing handhelds like the ROG Ally X, which use the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. Nonetheless, it will still lag behind alternatives powered by the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, such as the GPD Pocket 4 and OneXFly F1 Pro, which is currently priced at $1,439 on Amazon.

    Availability Concerns

    Currently, it appears that MSI has limited the Polar Tempest Edition’s availability to the US. The company has not provided any updates on whether this model will be launched in other regions in the future. Given the release timeline for the original Claw 8 AI+, it may take several months before the Polar Tempest Edition is released globally.

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  • Battlefield 6 Leak: EA’s Controversial ‘Battlefield Pro’ Subscription

    Battlefield 6 Leak: EA’s Controversial ‘Battlefield Pro’ Subscription

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dataminers suggest a new monetization strategy called Battlefield Pro may be introduced for Battlefield 6, resembling subscription models like Fortnite Crew.
    2. EA has a history of implementing similar monetization strategies, such as Battlefield Premium and FIFA’s Ultimate Team, indicating a trend in their approach.
    3. The rumored Battlefield Pro subscription lacks official confirmation, leading to skepticism about its validity.
    4. Community reactions on Reddit are predominantly negative, with gamers expressing concerns over EA’s past monetization practices and potential pay-to-win scenarios.
    5. Players worry that exclusive content from a subscription model could disrupt game balance and prioritize profits over player experience.


    Following the recent excitement about game prices stirred up by highly anticipated games like GTA 6 and Mario Kart World, EA might soon be in the spotlight – not because of pricing, but due to the aggressive monetization of Battlefield 6. Dataminers suggest that a new monetization strategy called Battlefield Pro could be on the way for the next shooter in the franchise.

    Datamined Information

    As reported by MP1st, this leak is based on data mined straight from Battlefield Labs. However, the lack of reliable sources or any kind of official confirmation raises questions about its validity. Despite this, well-known publications like Insider Gaming and the German magazine GameStar have taken notice of the story, indicating that it might have some significance. From the information gathered, Battlefield Pro seems to adopt a model similar to subscription services like Fortnite Crew or the R6 Membership in Rainbow Six Siege. Subscribers are likely to enjoy the following perks:

    EA’s History with Monetization

    A premium subscription for Battlefield would fit nicely with EA’s past monetization strategies. The company has previously rolled out similar models, such as Battlefield Premium, which provided early access and cosmetic items, as well as the often criticized Ultimate Team system in FIFA (now EA Sports FC). Although EA has not made an official statement yet, the idea of a Battlefield Pro subscription doesn’t appear too far-fetched in this situation. Nonetheless, whether this model will actually come to fruition remains uncertain.

    Community Reactions

    The overall sentiment on Reddit regarding a possible Battlefield Pro subscription is largely negative. Many gamers are reminded of EA’s previous monetization blunders and openly voice their disapproval of the rumored structure. A common sentiment is that the publisher is once again prioritizing profits over player input, with comments like “EA hasn’t learned a thing” and “they’ve messed it up again” showcasing that viewpoint. The major worry revolves around the potential for exclusive content, such as weapons, that could provide gameplay advantages, which might lead to pay-to-win scenarios and disrupt the overall balance of the game.

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  • Horror Action-Adventure Game Now Just $1.39 on Steam – 90% Off

    Horror Action-Adventure Game Now Just $1.39 on Steam – 90% Off

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Concept: Dap is a horror adventure game where players control a forest spirit guiding delicate beings through a deteriorating universe, facing puzzles and dangers.

    2. Visual and Sound Design: The game features haunting pixel-art visuals and an unsettling sound design that enhances the horror atmosphere without relying on jump scares.

    3. Positive Reviews: Players have praised the game for its creativity and unique approach to horror, drawing comparisons to older horror games that build unease.

    4. Current Sale: Dap is currently available at its lowest price ever on Steam, making it an attractive option for fans of quirky indie horror.

    5. Price Disclaimer: The article includes a note that price changes are not the responsibility of the publisher and may vary over time.


    The game has been both created and released by Melting Parrot. Dap is a horror adventure with pixel-art that’s somewhat difficult to define. In this game, you assume the role of a forest spirit who guides a collection of delicate beings – also known as Daps – through an odd and deteriorating universe. Your mission is to safeguard them, ensure their survival, and lead them to safety, but the game presents numerous challenges. Puzzles, dangers, and a spreading infection that taints your allies all contribute to the mounting tension.

    A Unique Visual Experience

    Dap embraces haunting pixel-art settings that can shift between beauty and terror with just a few strokes of the brush. It’s one of those titles where the sound design plays a crucial role, and several players on Steam have noted how the atmosphere becomes increasingly unsettling as events take a turn for the worse. Instead of relying on traditional jump scares, it employs a slow-building horror that sneaks up on you.

    Positive Reception

    Reviews have been largely favorable, with many people praising its creativity. One player described it as “strange but in the best way,” while another commented on how Dap evoked memories of older horror games by creating unease without depending on contemporary clichés.

    This ongoing sale has brought Dap down to its lowest ever price on Steam, and based on the price history, it rarely drops this low. If you enjoy quirky indie horror or are just looking for something a little unusual to engage with this week, this game is likely worth trying. You can watch the gameplay trailer below, and find the game here.

    Important Note

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck does not hold responsibility for price changes made by vendors. The discounted price or offer mentioned in this piece was accurate at the time of writing and could be subject to time restrictions and/or limited stock availability.

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  • Tactical RPG 93% Off on Steam – Just $1.80 for Hardcore Fans

    Tactical RPG 93% Off on Steam – Just $1.80 for Hardcore Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tactical Real-Time Combat: The game features a unique combat system that combines real-time action with tactical elements like pause and slow-motion, rewarding strategic gameplay.

    2. Diverse Hero Classes: Players can choose from seven distinct hero classes, allowing for varied party compositions and combat styles, including ranged experts and support mages.

    3. Engaging but Secondary Storyline: While the plot explores a forgotten society and mysterious powers, the game prioritizes combat over story, especially at higher difficulty levels.

    4. Positive Reception and Content: Tower of Time has received favorable reviews, with an 83% positive rating on Steam and a Metascore of 77, offering extensive gameplay with multiple quests and challenges.

    5. Complex Mechanics and Challenges: The game’s depth may overwhelm casual players, with intricate gear customization and character progression, alongside navigation issues due to a fixed camera and clunky mouse controls.


    If you’ve gone through Dragon Age: Origins and similar games multiple times and still want strategic fighting, Tower of Time could be exactly what you need. Instead of roaming around an open world, you will venture into a gigantic, inverted tower, where each level becomes more complex, not only in layout but also in gameplay mechanics. You can have up to four active heroes in your party, chosen from seven unique classes – which include ranged experts with area control, melee defenders with shield walls, support mages, and tech users that set up turrets. The combat system is truly impressive: you can stack or mix abilities, enabling you to take out entire enemy squads with a well-timed combination of control and damage.

    Engaging Storyline

    The plot revolves around a forgotten advanced society, lost technology, and a mysterious power lurking deep inside the tower. Nevertheless, Tower of Time places more emphasis on the battles than on the story, which can be especially tough at higher difficulty levels. Rather than employing turn-based methods or mindless brawling, the game features a tactical real-time combat system that is enhanced by features such as pause and slow-motion. This system rewards careful strategy while punishing hasty actions. Central to this is the Arrow Time feature, allowing you to slow or stop time with a single button press. This gives you the opportunity to unleash abilities accurately, reposition your team, or react to sudden enemy reinforcements. Combat is also unpredictable – foes often attack in groups, flank your party, or unleash area attacks that require you to remain alert.

    Positive Reception

    Developed by Event Horizon and released in 2018, Tower of Time has garnered a good reception overall. With over 2,000 user reviews and an 83% positive rating, the tactical RPG currently boasts a “Very Positive” designation on Steam. It achieved a Metascore of 77 and a User Score of 7.9 on Metacritic. The German magazine GameStar praised the challenging combat, noting the clever use of slow-motion and pause mechanics. The character system is deep and the gameplay is varied, featuring unique abilities and creative mission goals, which also received favorable comments. With a lengthy playtime, numerous quests, and optional challenges, Tower of Time provides plenty of content. According to HowLongToBeat, players may invest up to 55 hours into the game on higher difficulty levels.

    Challenges to Consider

    However, the multitude of mechanics can sometimes feel daunting. Extensive customization of gear and character progression isn’t just a feature – it’s crucial. While this might deter more casual gamers, dedicated RPG enthusiasts are likely to enjoy the complexity. Still, the game has its drawbacks. The fixed camera can create problems, especially in cramped combat scenarios, making navigation difficult. GameStar pointed out that the mouse controls can be a bit clunky, complicating things during intense fights. The narrative also left a mixed impression, seeming somewhat arbitrary and emotionally detached.

    Tower of Time typically retails for about $25 on Steam. However, until April 15, it is on sale with a 93% discount, reducing the price to merely around $1.80. As per SteamDB, the game frequently goes on sale, but it has never been this inexpensive previously.

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  • Sony Nintendo Switch 2 Survey Sparks Interest in New PlayStation Handheld

    Sony Nintendo Switch 2 Survey Sparks Interest in New PlayStation Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony’s survey aims to gauge consumer interest in the Nintendo Switch 2 and its pre-order methods, potentially influencing PlayStation’s future handheld development.
    2. The survey includes questions on features of the Switch 2 that may attract gamers from PlayStation, highlighting competitive concerns in the handheld market.
    3. Scalping issues have prompted Sony to explore strategies similar to Nintendo’s for handling pre-orders and customer prioritization.
    4. The gaming handheld market is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies like Microsoft and Asus also venturing into new devices.
    5. Although a new PlayStation handheld may be years away, insights from the survey could help Sony avoid past mistakes in console launches.


    Competitor analysis forms a crucial part of any sales plan. This is equally true for gaming consoles, and a recent survey by PlayStation has been directed at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The well-known leaker, eXtas1s, posted a copy of the survey on X. Sony’s inquiry seeks to understand which specifications of the Switch 2 excite consumers and whether they support Nintendo’s pre-order methods. This has led to speculation that the feedback might influence the development of a new handheld device from PlayStation.

    Survey Insights

    Some of Sony’s survey questions aim to measure the general enthusiasm for Nintendo’s upcoming handheld. Others are geared towards identifying which new features of the Switch 2 could attract gamers away from PlayStation’s competition. Additionally, the survey addresses the conditions for pre-ordering a Nintendo system. Customers need to sign up on Nintendo’s store site, with priority granted to long-time Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. Scalping has posed challenges for console makers, so Sony might be considering a similar strategy for their next release.

    Market Competition

    The market for gaming handhelds has become more cutthroat. Microsoft has changed direction to focus on being a cross-platform publisher but hasn’t abandoned its hardware roots. Recently, Asus hinted at Project Kennan, a Windows-based handheld that could feature an Xbox user interface. Meanwhile, Sony’s PlayStation Portal is mainly centered on streaming games from the PS5 and utilizing cloud gaming. Some gamers speculate that the survey reinforces the rumors regarding a new PlayStation handheld device.

    If Sony follows its previous launch patterns, the PS6 could potentially debut by 2027. Nevertheless, most experts think this console won’t be portable. However, in November 2024, Bloomberg disclosed that Sony was working on a handheld device concurrently. This new machine aims to deliver a gaming experience similar to the PS5 but in a more compact size.

    Future Prospects

    While any new PlayStation handheld may still be years away, Nintendo and Microsoft might hold an edge by that time. The recent survey regarding the Switch 2, however, might aid Sony in steering clear of the mistakes made during previous console rollouts.

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  • MSI 275QPF X30: 27-Inch Gaming Monitor with 300Hz Refresh Rate

    MSI 275QPF X30: 27-Inch Gaming Monitor with 300Hz Refresh Rate

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MSI MAG 275QPF X30 is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 1440p resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 300 Hz for smooth gameplay.
    2. It features a Rapid IPS panel with a static contrast ratio of 1000:1 and an SDR brightness of 400 cd/m², achieving DisplayHDR 400 certification.
    3. The monitor covers 89% of the Adobe RGB color space but may not be ideal for graphic design purposes.
    4. Connectivity options include HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, and a standard audio jack, but it lacks additional features like a USB hub or KVM switch.
    5. The adjustable stand allows for height modification, but pricing and availability details are currently unknown.


    The MSI MAG 275QPF X30 is a newly released 27-inch gaming monitor that features a 1440p resolution. While this resolution is quite common for gaming displays, monitors aimed at productivity and multitasking typically benefit from a higher 4K resolution. The MAG 275QPF X30 offers an impressive maximum refresh rate of 300 Hz, which guarantees a super smooth viewing experience. According to MSI, the grey-to-grey response time is only 0.5 ms. This monitor also provides Adaptive Sync, which helps to align its refresh rate with the frame rate of the graphics card.

    Display Performance

    Utilizing a Rapid IPS panel, the MAG 275QPF X30 presents a slightly diminished contrast ratio and peak brightness compared to OLED or mini LED displays. It has a static contrast ratio of 1000:1 and an SDR brightness level of 400 cd/m², sufficient for achieving DisplayHDR 400 certification. MSI claims the monitor covers 89% of the Adobe RGB color space, though it might not be the best choice for those involved in graphic design.

    Connectivity Options

    The monitor is equipped with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs, along with a standard audio jack. However, it does not include extra I/O features like a USB hub or a KVM switch. The included stand allows users to modify the monitor’s position, including its height. As of now, there is no information regarding pricing and availability. If you’re looking for alternatives, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR (available here on Amazon) could be a good consideration.

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