Category: Gaming

  • FSR 4 vs FSR 3 vs DLSS: FSR 4 Outperforms FSR 3 in Quality

    FSR 4 vs FSR 3 vs DLSS: FSR 4 Outperforms FSR 3 in Quality

    Key Takeaways

    1. Major Improvements in FSR 4: AMD has significantly improved FSR 4 compared to FSR 3, resolving many previous issues and enhancing overall image quality.

    2. Enhanced Visual Effects: FSR 4 addresses ghosting and improves transparency effects, offering sharper images and richer textures in games like Horizon Forbidden West.

    3. Motion Stability Advancements: FSR 4 shows better motion stability and rectifies pixelation and anti-aliasing issues, outperforming FSR 3 and the previous DLSS CNN model.

    4. Competitive Landscape: Despite improvements, Nvidia’s DLSS “Transformer” model still offers superior image quality and anti-aliasing compared to FSR 4, particularly in extreme motion scenarios.

    5. Performance Trade-off: While FSR 4 shows significant advancements, it comes with a performance cost, running slower than both FSR 3 and DLSS CNN in certain scenarios.


    Ever since the introduction of FidelityFx Super Resolution (FSR), AMD has been trailing behind Nvidia in the realm of image reconstruction. The gap in quality has been significant, but with the launch of FSR 4, AMD is determined to bridge this divide. The new FSR 4 has adopted a machine-learning approach similar to Nvidia’s DLSS and Intel’s XeSS, indicating that FSR 4 could finally match the latest version of DLSS.

    Major Improvements Noted

    Digital Foundry conducted an analysis that shows AMD has significantly enhanced FSR 4 when compared to its predecessor, FSR 3. Their testing reveals that FSR 4 has resolved many of the problems that were evident in FSR 3, and in some cases, completely eliminated them.

    Enhanced Visual Effects

    For example, FSR 4 has addressed the ghosting issues seen in particle effects that were problematic in FSR 3. DF observed a clear enhancement in particle effects in games like Horizon Forbidden West and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Moreover, the transparency effects on materials such as glass and water have also made notable progress.

    Furthermore, FSR 4 delivers a much higher quality of images with richer textures and surface details. In DF’s tests, the visuals generated by FSR 4 in Horizon Forbidden West appear sharper and significantly cleaner.

    Motion Stability Improvements

    When it comes to motion image stability, FSR 4 again shows a significant advancement over FSR 3. DF highlights that FSR 4 rectifies pixelation and anti-aliasing issues, which is very clear in Horizon Forbidden West. While FSR 3 struggles to maintain a stable image during movement, FSR 4 offers a vastly improved performance without visible artifacts.

    According to DF, FSR 4 outperforms the previous DLSS Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) model in terms of image quality. AMD’s transition to machine learning has enabled FSR 4 to produce superior visuals compared to DLSS CNN. For instance, FSR 4 retains more details and a steadier image in Horizon Forbidden West than its DLSS counterpart.

    A Competitive Landscape

    That said, the new DLSS “Transformer” model is still said to be a step ahead of FSR 4. Nvidia’s latest DLSS technology yields images with greater detail and superior anti-aliasing compared to FSR 4, resulting in a clear difference in image quality between FSR 4 and the DLSS Transformer.

    This trend continues when all three image reconstruction techniques are tested under conditions of extreme motion. In Horizon Forbidden West, for example, FSR 4 does not keep up with the DLSS Transformer regarding motion stability.

    While it is clear that FSR 4 represents a substantial improvement over FSR 3.1 and is also superior to the DLSS CNN model, the new machine-learning technology does come with a performance trade-off. DF shows that the RX 9070 XT runs Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart at 4K with FSR 4 performance significantly slower compared to both FSR 3 and DLSS CNN. However, it’s worth noting that the DLSS Transformer also has a higher cost than DLSS CNN.

    In summary, the new image reconstruction technologies from both Nvidia and AMD have advanced beyond their predecessors, but they do incur performance costs.

    To sum things up, FSR 4 is a considerable leap forward from FSR 3. AMD has made substantial improvements and resolved nearly all issues that plagued earlier versions of FSR. Thus, owners of RDNA 4 cards can finally enjoy a much better image reconstruction solution.

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  • New Epic Games Store Free Game Giveaway for March Available Now

    New Epic Games Store Free Game Giveaway for March Available Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mages of Mystralia was available for free on the Epic Games Store until today at 16:00 UTC.
    2. Them’s Fightin’ Herds, a fighting game by Mane6, will replace Mages of Mystralia and will be free to download until March 13 at 15:59 UTC.
    3. The Epic Games Store only offers the standard version of Them’s Fightin’ Herds, not the Deluxe Edition.
    4. The Windows version of Them’s Fightin’ Herds requires low system specs: 8 GB RAM, 750 MB VRAM, and a dual-core CPU with 2 GHz.
    5. Reviews highlight the game’s friendly tutorial system for players but note a limited character selection as a drawback.


    The Epic Games Store has been offering Mages of Mystralia for free since last week. This promotion will end today at 16:00 UTC, after which the store will introduce Them’s Fightin’ Herds, a fighting game created by Mane6. This game is available on Linux, macOS, Windows, and the latest consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, which is currently priced at $299 on Amazon.

    Game Edition Details

    It’s important to understand that the latest offer from Epic Games only applies to the standard game and does not include the Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition comes with a Season 1 Pass that provides extra content. Additionally, Epic Games only offers the Windows version of this game, while Steam provides ports for both Linux and macOS. For those interested, the Windows version is designed to work on most systems, requiring low specs like 8 GB of RAM, a GPU with 750 MB of VRAM, and a dual-core CPU with a minimum base clock speed of 2 GHz.

    Gameplay and Reviews

    According to a review video that can be seen below, Them’s Fightin’ Herds is friendly for both new and experienced players due to its thorough tutorial system. Other reviewers have also given it fair feedback, however, the small number of characters is often mentioned as a drawback. The game will be available for free download from the Epic Games Store starting at 16:00 UTC today and lasting until 15:59 UTC on March 13.

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  • Retroid Pocket Classic Design Unveiled: Sega Saturn 6-Button Option

    Retroid Pocket Classic Design Unveiled: Sega Saturn 6-Button Option

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid is currently focusing on the Pocket Classic instead of the delayed Pocket Flip 2.
    2. The Pocket Classic will have a unique six-button layout inspired by the Sega Saturn Controller.
    3. The Pocket Flip will be available in multiple color options and will feature two sets of shoulder buttons.
    4. The Pocket Classic’s design includes a gently curved back for improved user comfort.
    5. The launch dates for the Pocket Classic and Pocket Flip 2 are still unclear, but pre-orders are expected to start simultaneously.


    Retroid has yet to launch the Pocket Flip 2. Instead, the focus has shifted to the Pocket Classic, which the company first hinted at nearly a month ago at the same time as the Pocket Flip 2. Just yesterday, the brand revealed the Pocket Classic’s front design in various colors.

    Color Variants and Features

    The company has confirmed the Pocket Flip will be available in the following colors:

    All of the options listed above will come with two sets of shoulder buttons, designed similarly to the latest Anbernic vertical gaming handhelds, including the RG40XX V (currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon). However, Retroid has mentioned that the Classic 6 will replace the standard ABXY button layout with a unique six-button configuration. Those who pay close attention will recognize this design from the Sega Saturn Controller, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Europe and North America this year.

    Design and Ergonomics

    The Pocket Classic features a gently curved back, which should enhance user comfort. While a component that looks like a battery cover is present, it appears to be just for show. It’s still unclear when Retroid plans to launch the Pocket Classic or Pocket Flip 2. Historically, it seems likely that pre-orders for both devices will begin at the same time.

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  • Stardew Valley Switch Update Fixes Crashes and Bugs

    Stardew Valley Switch Update Fixes Crashes and Bugs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The November 1.6 update for Stardew Valley introduced new gameplay features but also increased bugs, particularly on the Nintendo Switch.
    2. Players reported issues such as text errors and crashes linked to artifact troves, prompting an apology from the game’s creator, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone.
    3. Barone is the sole developer and is committed to addressing player complaints and fixing bugs quickly.
    4. Stardew Valley has a large player community, with a peak of 236,000 players on Steam in March 2024, despite limitations for Switch players.
    5. Barone’s ongoing updates for Stardew Valley may have delayed the release of his next project, Haunted Chocolatier, but fans are content with the current game’s new content.


    The pixel art style of Stardew Valley might give the impression that the game is simple. Yet, the RPG has a surprising amount of depth, especially since the November 1.6 update introduced new gameplay features. Sadly, this added complexity has led to increased bugs. The recent update for the Switch has caused some crashes, leading the creator to extend an apology. A new fix has been released to tackle issues that came with the 1.16.15.1 patch.

    New Features and Bugs

    The last update for Stardew Valley brought new features, including the ability to recover lost items. Although it faced delays due to complaints from other platforms, certain bugs managed to affect the Nintendo Switch. Players reported issues like occasional text errors and more significant crashes linked to artifact troves. However, aside from these hiccups, players could still enjoy farming and building relationships without much trouble.

    Developer Response

    Gamers often aren’t very forgiving when they come across serious bugs in games. In Stardew Valley’s case, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone is the sole developer behind the project. Since its launch in 2016, Barone has continuously added new content. When issues pop up, he is quick to address player complaints and deploy fixes.

    Player Community and Future Projects

    Thanks to its less intensive graphics, Stardew Valley has gained a large player community on both PCs and consoles. The game reached a record peak of 236,000 players on Steam in March 2024. However, Switch players face some limitations, including a straightforward method for installing mods. Nonetheless, Barone ensures all versions remain up-to-date, with new features rolling out across platforms.

    Barone’s dedication to maintaining Stardew Valley might have delayed the release of his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. Regardless, the steady influx of new content keeps most Stardew Valley fans content to wait for what’s next.

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  • GeForce RTX 5070 Benchmark vs RTX 4090: Surprising Results

    GeForce RTX 5070 Benchmark vs RTX 4090: Surprising Results

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 samples showed lower performance than expected, with an average G3D Mark of 27,105, placing it just below the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU in benchmarks.

    2. Nvidia’s claim that the RTX 5070 would perform like the RTX 4090 for $549 is considered exaggerated, as the card struggles to match the performance of previous models like the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti.

    3. The introduction of Multi Frame Generation (MFG) allows the RTX 5070 to reach near RTX 4090 performance in some scenarios, but overall comparisons show it lagging behind in most tests.

    4. The desktop RTX 4090 outperforms the RTX 5070 by an average of 41.4%, raising questions about the ethical implications of Nvidia’s marketing claims.

    5. The upcoming AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT may challenge Nvidia’s position in the GPU market, offering competitive performance and pricing.


    Three Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 samples have shown up on the PassMark benchmark platform, and their performance is lower than what was anticipated. There have been reports that the benchmark faced problems with Blackwell cards due to the discontinuation of 32-bit framework support; however, a patch is now available. It remains uncertain if the RTX 5070 samples benefited from this update or if they are still unintentionally limited. The samples achieved an average G3D Mark of 27,105 during the testing, which included runs in DirectX 9-12 and a GPU Compute benchmark. This score places the GeForce RTX 5070 just beneath the GeForce RTX 4090 in the overall ranking, but it’s essential to note that this refers to the mobile version of the chip (RTX 4090 Laptop GPU) and not the stronger desktop variant.

    Nvidia’s Promises

    When Nvidia introduced the GeForce RTX 5070, they stated that the desktop graphics card would deliver RTX 4090 performance for only $549. Clearly, this was an exaggeration from Jensen Huang, as the RTX 5070 would need to match the RTX 4090 in a single synthetic or gaming benchmark to justify such a claim. Thanks to Multi Frame Generation (MFG) helping out and ignoring potential latency issues, the Blackwell card has shown it can reach RTX 4090 performance levels. In our detailed review of the RTX 5070, we found that with MFG x4, the newer card could achieve 87 FPS in Star Wars Outlaws (at 4K, with ultra settings and ray tracing). In comparison, the older Ada Lovelace card performed around 90 FPS in our tests with regular frame generation and ray reconstruction. Therefore, Nvidia’s statement holds some weight, albeit it’s quite flimsy.

    Performance Comparison

    The benchmark results for the GeForce RTX 5070 on PassMark highlight the card’s struggle to outperform earlier desktop models like the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti. However, during our tests, the Blackwell card generally performed slightly better than the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti. The desktop version of the RTX 4090 is significantly ahead, boasting an average performance advantage of +41.4% over the RTX 5070. While GPU enthusiasts might have sensed that Team Green’s assertion was highly subjective, one can question the ethical nature of claiming that the RTX 5070 provides RTX 4090 performance concerning the average consumer’s understanding. Ultimately, it may not matter much for the RTX 5070, as the launch of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, with their attractive prices, solid performances, and fewer availability concerns, could give Team Red a head start in the GPU market.

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  • Bloodborne and Sekiro Inspired Souls-like Game 40% Off on Steam

    Bloodborne and Sekiro Inspired Souls-like Game 40% Off on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Neither Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice nor Bloodborne will have sequels soon, if ever.
    2. Lies of P is a blend of elements from both games and is currently 40% off on Steam.
    3. The game features a health-regain mechanic after blocking attacks, requiring precise timing for effective defense.
    4. Players can break enemy weapons, and the game has a linear map design for exploration and quest completion.
    5. Lies of P offers multiple endings, a 30-hour playtime, a New Game Plus mode, and an upcoming story-driven DLC titled Overture.


    Neither Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice nor Bloodborne will be receiving a sequel in the near future, or possibly ever. If you’re looking for a combination of the two games all wrapped up in a single package, then Lies of P could be the perfect fit for you. Right now, it’s been marked down by 40% on Steam. The game boasts over 45,000 positive reviews on the platform and has also received favorable feedback from critics.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Lies of P incorporates a mechanic similar to Bloodborne, allowing players to regain health after successfully blocking an attack. However, this can only be achieved during a short time frame, which discourages players from simply playing defensively. While this defensive strategy can be effective, it becomes less useful as the game progresses. Eventually, players must master the timing of perfect deflections against enemies, much like in Sekiro.

    Exploration and Combat

    With enough practice, players can even break their foes’ weapons, which significantly lowers the damage they deal. Lies of P features a clear, linear map design, enabling players to return to earlier areas to complete any missed quests. Technically, the game doesn’t have traditional ‘classes’; instead, it allows you to select from three different weapon types.

    Replayability and Future Content

    Based on your choices during gameplay, Lies of P provides the option for multiple endings. Completing the game once, including all side content, should take around 30 hours. Additionally, there’s a New Game Plus mode that allows you to carry over your progress while unlocking new content, dialogue, and interactions.

    Furthermore, Lies of P is set to receive a story-driven DLC expansion later in the year. Titled Overture, it was announced last month and will reveal the backstory leading up to the events of the main game. This promotion is available until March 11, giving you time to check out some reviews before deciding whether to make a purchase on Steam.

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  • Sega Tops Metacritic While Nintendo and EA Miss Top 20 List

    Sega Tops Metacritic While Nintendo and EA Miss Top 20 List

    Key Takeaways

    1. Metacritic’s rankings for 2024 evaluate game publishers based solely on critic scores, excluding retail sales and user reviews.
    2. Fulqrum Publishing ranked 37th with 219.1 points, while Electronic Arts and Nintendo fell to 23rd and 22nd, respectively, after strong performances in previous years.
    3. Nintendo’s major titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, scored lower than usual, potentially due to a strategic wait for the upcoming Switch 2.
    4. Ubisoft improved its ranking from 23rd to 18th, and Take-Two Interactive rose significantly from 25th to 12th.
    5. The top five publishers for 2024 are Focus Entertainment, Sony, Aksys Games, Capcom, and Sega, with Sega achieving its third top ranking, aided by successful titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio.


    Metacritic has released its list showcasing the leading game publishers for titles launched in 2024. The platform applied a unique points system to evaluate the publishers, relying solely on scores from critics’ reviews. Games that were rated as “great” (scoring 90 or above with at least seven reviews) received an extra five points. Notably, retail sales and user reviews were not part of this specific ranking. The list encompasses various hardware platforms, but mobile games were left out. This marks Metacritic’s 15th annual review, featuring major players like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, who have been recognized in previous years.

    Rankings Overview

    At the forefront of the rankings (refer to the table below), Fulqrum Publishing sits in 37th place with 219.1 points. Atari is positioned at 31st, while Bandai Namco takes the 27th spot, and Konami follows in 25th place. However, two big names fell short this year. Electronic Arts landed in 23rd, and Nintendo, which had a strong performance in the past and ranked sixth last year, now finds itself in 22nd. Electronic Arts’ top-rated game this year was The Sims 4: Life & Death (PC, scored 86), but Madden NFL 25 (PS5, 70) and NHL 25 (PS5, 66) didn’t receive as much praise, with user ratings of just 3.1 and 3.0, respectively.

    Surprising Performance

    It wasn’t only Electronic Arts facing a disappointing outcome in 2024; Nintendo also experienced unexpected stagnation. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch) performed decently with a score of 88, but The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Switch) “only” reached 85. Typically, most Zelda titles score above 90, with Ocarina of Time (N64, 1988) achieving an impressive 99 (3DS version available on Amazon). This could be attributed to Nintendo taking a more gradual approach in 2024. The anticipated release of the Switch 2, along with its major titles this year, is expected to elevate Nintendo’s position in the next year’s rankings.

    Other Notable Changes

    Ubisoft has shown improvement, moving up from 23rd to 18th place, while former two-time champions Take-Two Interactive made significant strides from 25th to 12th. The top five publishers, ranked from lowest to highest, are Focus Entertainment, Sony, Aksys Games, Capcom, and Sega. Sega, which was ninth in the previous rankings, owes its rise to titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5, 94), Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (PS5, 87), and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PS5, 89). Sega has previously won in 2016 and 2021, making it the first publisher to top the rankings three times, as noted by the site.

    Metacritic

    Teaser image (edited): Metacritic & Sega

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  • Trump Tariffs Could Raise Game Costs and Reduce Disc Production

    Trump Tariffs Could Raise Game Costs and Reduce Disc Production

    Key Takeaways

    1. Analysts warn that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration may lead to a decline in the production of physical game discs, pushing publishers towards digital-only models.
    2. A 25% tariff on imports from Mexico is expected to reduce the availability of physical game discs in the US and potentially raise prices for both physical and digital versions.
    3. The production of game discs is heavily reliant on Mexico, with significant implications for the gaming industry due to the tariffs.
    4. A 20% tariff on consoles imported from China may lead to rising prices, although current inventory may keep prices stable for now.
    5. Spending on physical video game software in the US has been declining since 2021, adding to the challenges faced by physical game production.


    Analysts have raised concerns that the tariffs recently imposed by the Trump administration may negatively affect the production of physical game discs. This change might lead publishers and developers to abandon physical copies altogether. The tariffs, which took effect on March 4, target Canada, Mexico, and China, with Mexico being highlighted as the primary producer of these game discs.

    Impact on Game Production

    Circana analyst Mat Piscatella mentioned on the social media platform Bluesky that while video games represent a tiny fraction of the overall turmoil caused by the Trump tariffs, it wouldn’t be surprising if physical games “just don’t get made” anymore. He suggested that many publishers may lean towards a digital-only model and stop offering physical versions of their games altogether.

    Decline in Discs and Rising Prices

    In January, Piscatella pointed out that a significant portion of physical game disc production takes place in Mexico. With the introduction of a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico to the US, a decrease in the number of disc-based games entering the US market is anticipated. For those games that still offer discs, prices are expected to rise, even for digital editions, to keep price equality. Additionally, while production could shift to the US, it would necessitate considerable investment. However, spending on physical video game software in the US has been declining since 2021.

    Hardware Consequences

    A similar situation is expected for hardware, as around 75% of all consoles sold in the US are imported from China. With a 20% tariff now in place, prices may rise in the future. For now, PC hardware and consoles will likely keep their current prices until the existing inventory from before the tariffs is sold out. Interestingly, in February, Newegg reportedly cited the tariffs as a reason for the increase in prices of Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs in a post on X, although those posts have since been removed.

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  • Cities: Skylines 2 Console Release Update and Asset Editor Issues

    Cities: Skylines 2 Console Release Update and Asset Editor Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cities: Skylines 2 has not met fan expectations due to poor performance and gameplay issues.
    2. Console versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X are delayed until summer 2024, following problems with the PC release.
    3. Porting complex games like Cities: Skylines 2 to consoles poses significant challenges, affecting performance and controls.
    4. The asset editor for Cities: Skylines 2 is still in development and has been detached from the Unity Engine for better performance.
    5. Many players prefer the original Cities: Skylines, which offers a more complete experience and better performance on multiple platforms.


    Long after it launched in October 2023, Cities: Skylines 2 has not met the expectations of many fans of the city-building series. Issues like poor performance, lackluster gameplay, and absent features have left numerous players still favoring the original game. Today, Paradox Interactive shared another disappointing update on their official forums. Players on PS5 and Xbox Series X should not anticipate a console version before summer. Additionally, creators are still uncertain about when an asset editor will be available.

    Console Release Delays

    The initial plan was to see the console version of Cities: Skylines 2 released in October 2024. However, after the PC version faced a rough welcome, Paradox turned its attention toward fixing these problems. Even with some enhancements, the city-building experience continues to be a strain on even high-end gaming PCs. The developers have had difficulties optimizing the game enough for it to run well on the PS5 or Xbox Series X.

    Challenges of Porting Games

    Bringing complex strategy and simulation games to consoles can be quite tough. These types of games tend to use up a lot of resources, and the controls and interfaces that work well on PCs don’t always translate to consoles. A recent example is Civilization 7, which has had a user interface that fails to satisfy both PC and console gamers. With the slow advancement of Cities: Skylines 2, some players are beginning to doubt that it will ever reach consoles.

    Asset Editor Woes

    Another letdown for Cities: Skylines 2 involves its long-awaited asset editor. Paradox is currently detaching it from the Unity Engine to ensure better performance of the tool. While mods for Cities: Skylines 2 do exist, unique buildings and objects may face compatibility issues once the official editor is finally ready.

    In many regards, the original Cities: Skylines offers a more rounded experience and boasts an equal or even higher player count on Steam compared to its sequel. Moreover, it has several console versions that provide a solid simulation experience. Paradox’s latest update on Cities: Skylines 2 is unlikely to motivate many players to make the switch.

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  • Switch 2 May Feature Second Display for Nintendo DS Games

    Switch 2 May Feature Second Display for Nintendo DS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new version of the Nintendo Switch, referred to as Nintendo Switch 2, is expected to be released soon, with more details coming by early April.
    2. A new accessory patent has been discovered, featuring a smartphone holder with a rotatable magnetic arm for different orientations.
    3. The smartphone could be used as an additional display, potentially expanding the library to include Nintendo DS and Wii U games.
    4. Other possible uses for the smartphone include voice chatting, accessing manuals, or companion applications for games.
    5. There is no guarantee that the described smartphone holder accessory will be produced for the Nintendo Switch 2 or future consoles.


    The new version of the Nintendo Switch (starting at $299 on Amazon) is likely to be released in the coming months. This follows an official announcement trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 that Nintendo shared back in January. However, more information about the technical specs, games, and the launch date of the console is anticipated to be revealed by early April.

    Exciting New Accessory

    In the meantime, GameRant has uncovered a recent patent where Nintendo talks about a cool accessory for its next-gen hybrid console: a smartphone holder. This device features a rotatable magnetic arm that can hold a smartphone, allowing it to be used in either portrait or landscape orientation. However, the patent doesn’t clarify how this smartphone will interact with the main screen of the Nintendo Switch 2.

    New Gameplay Opportunities

    Using a smartphone as an additional display could create some fascinating new opportunities, like showing Nintendo DS games. This could help Nintendo broaden the Virtual Console to include games from the beloved handheld device released in 2004. Additionally, Wii U games that depended on a controller with a built-in display could be played in this manner.

    Potential Uses and Limitations

    Alternatively, the smartphone might just serve the purpose of voice chatting, accessing manuals, or working with game companion applications. The patent also outlines the possibility of using the smartphone holder as a stand for the console itself. As always, there’s no assurance that this accessory described in the patent will actually be produced for the Switch 2 or any future Nintendo console.

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