Category: Gaming

  • Turtle Beach Unveils Colorful Nintendo Switch Controllers and Headsets

    Turtle Beach Unveils Colorful Nintendo Switch Controllers and Headsets

    Key Takeaways

    1. Turtle Beach will release new headsets and controllers for the Nintendo Switch on May 18th, including the wired Recon 70 headset and Mario-themed Rematch wireless controllers.
    2. Many Switch accessories will be compatible with the upcoming Switch 2, which will have headset jacks for wired headsets like the Recon 70.
    3. The Airlite Fit corded headset, designed for comfort and noise blocking, will be available in three colors and is officially endorsed by Nintendo.
    4. The Rematch wireless controller offers a 40-hour battery life, customizable back buttons, and motion controls, priced at $59.99.
    5. New Turtle Beach products will be available for pre-order on their website and at select retailers starting May 18th.


    The June 5th release date for the Switch 2 is coming up quickly, and new accessories for the current handheld are continuing to pop up. This spring, Turtle Beach will introduce a range of headsets and controllers for the Switch. Notable items include the official wired Turtle Beach Recon 70 headset. Additionally, they are launching Mario-themed Rematch wireless Switch controllers. Pre-orders are now open, and these new products are set to release on May 18th.

    Compatibility with the Upcoming Console

    Many of the Switch accessories will work, at least partly, with the new console. Fortunately, the Switch 2 handheld and the Switch 2 Pro Controller will have headset jacks. This means that a wired Turtle Beach headset, such as the $39.99 Recon 70 in a basic white color, could be a good option. The budget-friendly accessory weighs in at just 232 grams and features soft ear cushions, but it does lack deep bass from its 40mm drivers, which makes explosions feel less powerful. Still, the sound quality of the Recon 70 is sufficient for playing most Switch games.

    New Additions to the Turtle Beach Lineup

    After acquiring PDP, Turtle Beach is giving the Airlite Fit corded headset a new look. As the name suggests, the $27.99 Airlite Fit is a lightweight headset, weighing just 228 grams. It aims to block out more noise than many other budget options. However, its jersey-knit covered earpads focus more on comfort. Now officially endorsed by Nintendo, the Airlite Fit will be available in three color options, including a classic neon red and blue.

    Alternatives to the Pro Controller

    The Nintendo Switch Pro controller often runs out of stock, causing players to seek other options. The Rematch wireless controller competes with the official one, boasting a 40-hour battery life. It also has two customizable back buttons and motion controls. Priced at $59.99, this controller does not feature Hall effect analog sticks to prevent stick drift. Nevertheless, the new Invincible Mario and Super Mario Star glow-in-the-dark designs pay homage to the beloved character.

    The latest headsets and controllers from Turtle Beach will be available on their website and at select retailers starting on May 18th.

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  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Performs Well on RX 580 and GTX 1060

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Performs Well on RX 580 and GTX 1060

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Success: Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is a strong contender for “Game of the Year” with high praise for its graphics, turn-based battles, and storyline, reflected in a Metacritic score of 92 and a user rating of 9.7.

    2. GPU Requirements: The game has high system requirements, needing at least a GTX 1060 or RX 5600 XT for minimum performance, and an RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6800 XT for recommended performance.

    3. Performance on Budget GPUs: Testing shows that budget GPUs like the RX 580 and GTX 1060 struggle to maintain 30 FPS at 1080p on medium settings, suggesting that lowering settings could improve performance.

    4. Lack of Performance Features: The game does not support FSR, which limits performance improvements for users with compatible GPUs like the RX 580, leading to disappointment among those players.

    5. Upgrade Recommendation: For a better gaming experience, it is suggested to invest in a GPU like the RX 6600, priced around $220, to achieve smoother gameplay at higher settings.


    Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 has definitely made waves in the gaming community. Created by a small group at Sandfall Interactive, the title is already being discussed as a contender for “Game of the Year,” and for good reasons. With stunning graphics, engaging turn-based battles, and an interesting storyline, it has been successful in many areas. It’s no surprise that the game boasts an impressive score of 92 on Metacritic and a user rating of 9.7.

    Graphics Card Woes

    However, due to the current challenges in the PC hardware market, especially concerning desktop GPUs, many eager gamers might not possess the “Recommended” specifications needed to run the game smoothly. The system requirements for Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 mention that a GTX 1060 6 GB or RX 5600 XT 6 GB is necessary for “Minimum” performance, while the “Recommended” performance calls for an RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6800 XT. Sadly, acquiring modern GPUs like the RX 6800 XT or RTX 5070 at their official prices is nearly impossible.

    Testing on Budget GPUs

    This brings us to a crucial question: If you can’t afford a new GPU, how does Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 perform on the “Minimum” GPUs? Thankfully, AMD APU Gaming conducted tests on a budget-friendly gaming PC featuring an RX 580 and a GTX 1060 6 GB.

    AMD APU Gaming tried Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 on a PC with:

    The tested graphics cards were the XFX AMD Radeon RX 580 8 GB and the Palit GTX 1060 6 GB Storm X.

    Both GPUs, as expected, had trouble maintaining 30 FPS at a 1080p resolution with medium settings. This suggests that lowering the quality settings to low could likely boost the frame rate above 30 FPS, potentially reaching a stable 40 FPS. The frame time graph was also not smooth, which is typical for GPUs that are nearly ten years old.

    Missing Performance Features

    It’s worth mentioning that the game lacks support for any form of FSR. While the GTX 1060 cannot utilize DLSS, the RX 580 does support FSR but lacks Frame Generation capabilities. Independent tests have shown that enabling FSR on the RX 580 can lead to a significant performance increase. Thus, the absence of FSR in Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is disappointing for RX 580 users, who number over 960,000 according to the Steam Hardware Survey.

    In conclusion, if you have either a GTX 1060 or RX 580, you can still enjoy Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 at over 30 FPS at 1080p. However, it would be wise to invest around $220 in a GPU like the RX 6600 to guarantee a more fluid and visually appealing gaming experience.

    AMD APU Gaming shared their findings on YouTube, along with a teaser image from Sandfall Interactive.

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  • Evil Bastard of Doom and Borderlands – FPS Steam Sale $3

    Evil Bastard of Doom and Borderlands – FPS Steam Sale $3

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dynamic Combat System: Shadow Warrior 2 features fast-paced shooting and a robust melee combat system, allowing players to switch between various firearms and bladed weapons for a dynamic gameplay experience.

    2. Procedural Level Design: The game includes procedurally generated levels with semi-open mission areas, providing changing layouts and diverse loot, enhancing replay value.

    3. Extensive Customization and RPG Elements: Players can collect and modify over 70 different weapons, with RPG elements such as experience points, skill upgrades, and weapon bonuses adding depth to gameplay.

    4. Cooperative Multiplayer Mode: Shadow Warrior 2 offers a cooperative mode for up to four players, although gameplay can feel unbalanced, with only the host able to perform quest-related actions.

    5. Mixed Critiques: While the game received high praise for its action and design, it faced criticism for a confusing story conclusion, inconsistent hit feedback, and some technical issues.


    Shadow Warrior 2 is a first-person shooter that focuses on the thrilling pursuit of demons. Taking place five years after the first installment, it showcases the journey of the anti-hero, Lo Wang, who has become a mercenary battling monsters, yakuza, and various foes for hire. During what seems like a regular job, he accidentally uncovers a scheme involving a corrupt corporation and an ancient demonic power. With assistance from spirits and familiar allies, Lo Wang fights through chaotic missions, always equipped with his sharp wit and a penchant for extreme violence.

    Combat Mechanics

    In addition to its fast-paced shooting gameplay, Shadow Warrior 2 features a robust melee combat system. Players can easily switch between a variety of firearms and traditional bladed weapons, including pistols, shotguns, katanas, chainsaws, and enchanted swords. The combat feels incredibly dynamic, with agility being crucial – double jumps, dodges, and dash attacks allow players to evade incoming hits and quickly adjust the distance to their enemies.

    Level Design and Customization

    A significant upgrade from its predecessor is the addition of procedurally generated levels, which include semi-open mission areas that have changing layouts and diverse loot. Shadow Warrior 2 also boasts an extensive weapon customization system, featuring over 70 different weapons to collect and modify. RPG elements such as experience points, skill upgrades, and weapon bonuses enhance the game’s long-term appeal. Players can explore a vast single-player campaign or join forces with up to three other players in cooperative multiplayer mode.

    In a review by the German gaming magazine GameStar, they rated Shadow Warrior 2 highly, describing it as “the evil offspring of Doom and Borderlands.” The team commended the game’s fast-paced action, satisfying melee combat, and strong weapon feedback. Varied level designs, the clever anti-hero Lo Wang, and a fitting soundtrack contribute to hours of engaging gameplay. Thanks to a rewarding loot system, a wide variety of enemies, and procedurally generated levels, the game provides excellent replay value. GameStar noted that it runs smoothly even on older systems.

    Critiques

    However, despite its many strengths, Shadow Warrior 2 has its shortcomings. The story concludes in a somewhat confusing way, hit feedback can seem inconsistent at times, and some menus are cluttered and hard to navigate. In co-op mode, gameplay can feel unbalanced since only the host can carry out quest-related actions. There are also sporadic technical issues, and the human character models, in particular, did not impress testers. Nonetheless, the game earned a notable score of 90 out of 100 points in the GameStar review. It also holds a solid reputation on Steam, with 87% positive reviews from approximately 23,000 players. On Metacritic, critics gave it a Metascore of 78, while users rated it a 7.8.

    Shadow Warrior 2 was developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital in October 2016. Typically priced around $30 on Steam, this first-person shooter is currently offered for just below $3 due to a 90% discount, which is valid until May 3. For those who miss this offer, there’s no need to fret – according to SteamDB, the game is often on sale at significant discounts, most recently during Steam’s Spring Sale in early March.

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  • Free-to-Play RPG Tops Steam Charts, Revolutionizes Open-World Gaming

    Free-to-Play RPG Tops Steam Charts, Revolutionizes Open-World Gaming

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Wuthering Waves is a free-to-play open-world RPG by Kuro Games, released in May 2024, featuring a post-apocalyptic setting where players explore as an amnesiac character called the “Rover.”

    2. Gameplay Features: The game emphasizes open-world exploration and fast-paced combat, with unique vertical movement mechanics allowing players to traverse environments freely.

    3. Combat System: Players control a trio of characters, enabling instant switching for combo attacks and utilizing a special “Echoes” system for strategic abilities during battles.

    4. Comparative Analysis: Wuthering Waves is similar to Genshin Impact in its open-world design and character switching but offers a more complex combat system requiring skill and timing.

    5. Critique and Reception: While praised for its combat and exploration, the game faces criticism for its weak narrative and confusing introduction. It received a 7/10 from IGN and holds a strong positive reception on Steam.


    Wuthering Waves is a free-to-play open-world RPG developed by Kuro Games, a Chinese studio known for the action game Punishing: Gray Raven. It was released in May 2024 on the Epic Games Store, Google Play, and the App Store, and it saw a successful launch on Steam on April 28, 2025.

    The Setting and Gameplay

    Set after a devastating event called the “Lament” that nearly destroyed civilization, players assume the role of the “Rover,” an amnesiac character seeking to uncover the secrets of a changed world. Wuthering Waves combines open-world exploration with energetic, action-focused combat. A key highlight is its unrestricted vertical movement, enabling players to climb mountains, towers, and buildings with impressive freedom. The game features a semi-realistic anime art style that enhances its immersive atmosphere.

    Combat Mechanics

    In Wuthering Waves, battles center around a trio of characters, allowing players to switch between them instantly to create combos and execute powerful ultimate moves. The action is quick and responsive, emphasizing dodging and parrying in every fight. A distinctive aspect of the game is the “Echoes” system, which includes special abilities dropped by defeated foes that players can gather and use strategically during combat.

    Comparison to Other Games

    Wuthering Waves shares strong similarities with the popular mobile RPG Genshin Impact, especially with its open world and fluid character switching. However, it differs by offering a much more intricate combat system that demands timing and precision instead of merely rewarding simple button mashing.

    IGN evaluated Wuthering Waves on various platforms, including a high-end gaming laptop, a Lenovo Legion Go, and an iPhone 12 Pro. The RPG was particularly praised for its quick and fluid combat, which felt engaging and satisfying due to a range of combos and seamless transitions. The strategic depth is enhanced by character swapping and careful party setup. Exploration is also impressive, with parkour-like movement adding a dynamic aspect to navigating the open world. Technically, the game runs quite stable, although some minor bugs and lag spikes were observed.

    Areas for Improvement

    Despite its strengths, Wuthering Waves has noticeable weaknesses. The narrative lacks impact, often using vague language and disappointing dialogue, with flat voice acting that does not convey emotional moments well. Towards the endgame, combat may become repetitive, as players frequently need to farm the same enemies. Reviewers also pointed out that the introduction can be confusing, with many terms and mechanics presented without sufficient explanation, making the early gameplay feel overwhelming or disorienting.

    IGN rated Wuthering Waves a solid 7 out of 10, recognizing its positive aspects while also noting its shortcomings. Metacritic reviews reflect a similar sentiment, showing a Metascore of 69 and a User Score of 7.0. However, the response on Steam has been even more enthusiastic, as around 87% of approximately 1,400 user reviews are positive. The game currently holds the top spot in the “Trending Free” category on Steam, indicating a robust launch and considerable player interest.

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  • Star Wars Day Sale on Steam: Up to 75% Off Classic Games

    Star Wars Day Sale on Steam: Up to 75% Off Classic Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lucasfilm Games is hosting a week-long event with significant discounts on classic Star Wars games, excluding EA titles and recent releases.
    2. Star Wars Outlaws is currently 50% off, priced at $34.99, but has received mixed reviews due to bugs and a predictable gameplay experience.
    3. Classic games Star Wars Battlefront (2004) and Battlefront II (2005) are available for 75% off, priced at $4.98 for both, and still offer enjoyable online play.
    4. Knights of the Old Republic I and II are both 75% off, each priced at $2.49, recognized as top RPGs with rich storytelling and character development.
    5. Additional discounted titles include Star Wars Shadow of the Empire for $1.49, and the Rebel Assault I + II bundle for $2.49, among other classic games.


    In honor of the upcoming Star Wars Day, Lucasfilm Games is hosting a special event that lasts for a week, featuring huge price cuts on classic Star Wars games.

    Notably, the EA-developed Star Wars titles are not included in this sale, nor are more recent releases such as the Dark Forces remaster or the Star Wars Lego games. However, there’s still a good amount of time left in the event, so we might see some of these titles added later on.

    Star Wars Outlaws

    Star Wars Outlaws has faced its share of controversies, from the pre-release tactics and its price to criticisms after launch about numerous bugs and technical problems. It has now settled at a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam.

    Despite some of the bugs being resolved, the game remains a predictable Ubisoft open-world adventure with an average story and standard action combat. During the sale, it is currently 50% off, now costing $34.99 (€34.99 or £29.99), which is the lowest price recorded for it.

    Steam

    The classic multiplayer shooters Star Wars Battlefront (Classic, 2004) and Battlefront II (Classic, 2005) are still available for online play and maintain their fun factor. While their community is smaller than that of newer titles, this isn’t surprising, as they are classics for a reason.

    Battlefront II has aged more gracefully, featuring better controls and more responsive shooting. On the other hand, the first game has some unique maps to offer. If you choose to purchase them, steer clear of the Battlefront Classic Collection, which is poorly received and adds little to the originals while being largely deserted online.

    Both Battlefront I and Battlefront II are currently 75% off, and you can grab them together for just $4.98 (€4.86 or £4.24).

    Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic I and II

    Considered some of Bioware’s finest work, Knights of the Old Republic I stands out as a classic RPG filled with unique characters, creatures, and planets. You’ll have the chance to learn over 40 Force powers and even create your own lightsaber.

    The sequel, Knights of the Old Republic II, developed by Obsidian, expands on this foundation. Set five years after the first title, you play as a solitary Jedi, the only hope for the Old Republic as it hangs by a thread.

    Knights of the Old Republic I is now 75% off, priced at $2.49 (€2.43 or £2.12), while Knights of the Old Republic II is also 75% off, available for the same price of $2.49 (€2.43 or £2.12).

    In addition to these titles, you can snag Star Wars Shadow of the Empire for $1.49 (€1.47 or £1.24) at a 75% discount, or the Star Wars: Rebel Assault I + II bundle for $2.49 (€2.43 or £2.12), also at 75% off. You can also find the classic 1995 version of Star Wars Dark Forces for $1.49 (€1.47 or £1.24) and Star Wars Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast for $2.49 (€2.43 or £2.12), among many others.

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  • Windows Game Emulation on Android Stalls as Winlator Dev Pauses

    Windows Game Emulation on Android Stalls as Winlator Dev Pauses

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game emulation on mobile devices, particularly Android, is growing in popularity with advanced emulators like Winlator for Windows games.
    2. Winlator has received multiple updates since its June 2023 launch and is stable enough to support various AAA games, though a powerful smartphone and a physical controller are recommended for the best experience.
    3. Development of Winlator has been temporarily halted by its creator, BrunoSX, due to user allegations of including viruses in the emulator.
    4. Previous instances of emulator development being halted due to user complaints and accusations have occurred, such as with AetherSX2, which faced severe backlash and threats.
    5. Concerns about the legitimacy of Winlator’s safety persist, as some users claim it may contain viruses, raising doubts about the transparency of the developer’s announcements.


    Game emulation on mobile devices has gained significant popularity since developers began creating advanced and refined emulators for Android. One noteworthy example is Winlator, which allows users to emulate Windows games using Wine and Box86/Box64.

    Recent Updates and Stability

    Winlator was launched in June 2023, and since its release, it has undergone numerous updates. Currently, it is stable enough to support a variety of AAA games. To achieve the optimal gaming experience, it is often necessary to use a smartphone with a powerful SoC and a physical controller, such as the Razer Kishi Ultra, priced at $99.99 on Amazon.

    Development Halted

    Recently, BrunoSX, the developer behind Winlator, announced on the emulator’s GitHub page that development has been temporarily suspended. This decision comes in response to allegations and attacks directed at the developer over the last few days.

    BrunoSX stated that users have accused him of including viruses in Winlator, a claim he has firmly denied. He assured users that every release is thoroughly scanned for viruses. The developer also emphasized his commitment to providing a clean and high-quality application.

    Previous Instances of Development Issues

    This isn’t the first time an Android gaming emulator has experienced a sudden halt in development due to user accusations. For instance, in 2023, the creator of AetherSX2 decided to stop work on the PS2 emulator for Android, mainly due to relentless demands, impersonations, and complaints. This developer even received death threats.

    Fortunately, AetherSX2 has been succeeded by NetherSX2, a project led by the community. In the case of Winlator, some users on a Reddit thread claim that the emulator is indeed infected with viruses. It raises the question of whether BrunoSX was entirely honest in his recent announcement. There is also a chance that this project may face a dead end since it is not a completely open-source initiative.

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  • Missing GTA 6 Trailer 2 Sparks Hype Before Release, Ex-Rockstar Says

    Missing GTA 6 Trailer 2 Sparks Hype Before Release, Ex-Rockstar Says

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rockstar Games is using a strategy of limited communication to build excitement for GTA 6, following the release of the first trailer in December 2023.
    2. Former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij suggests this approach is intentional, as the fame of the GTA series keeps fans engaged despite the lack of updates.
    3. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick supports the idea of letting anticipation grow, indicating that a second trailer may not come until closer to the game’s launch date.
    4. Reactions from fans about the waiting game are mixed, with some appreciating the suspense while others want more clarity for planning purposes.
    5. Upcoming events, such as Take-Two’s earnings call on May 15th, may lead to new updates about GTA 6, including potential marketing efforts and online features.


    Publishers use various methods to promote eagerly awaited game launches. Since the first GTA 6 trailer dropped in December 2023, Rockstar Games has kept mostly quiet. Fans are turning to often untrustworthy leaks for hints while they wait for a second trailer. Former Rockstar Games developer Obbe Vermeij mentioned on X that the company might not share another video before the GTA 6 launch date.

    Insights from a Former Developer

    Vermeij, who was the technical director at Rockstar Games until after the 2008 release of GTA 4, believes the lack of news about GTA 6 is by design. He suggests that instead of giving regular updates, the strategy is to create excitement among fans. While this tactic might not work for smaller game publishers with lesser-known titles, the fame of GTA 5 and the GTA series ensures that players will remain focused on the upcoming sequel.

    Take-Two’s Marketing Strategy

    In a March interview with Bloomberg TV, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick shared a similar marketing approach. When asked about when to expect a GTA 6 release date announcement, Zelnick implied that Take-Two is satisfied with letting excitement grow around the game. It’s possible that players won’t see the second GTA 6 trailer until the release date draws nearer.

    The reactions to Vermeij’s post on social media are mixed. Some gamers think it’s smart to keep fans waiting for official GTA 6 updates. Others, however, are eager to plan their finances and schedules for the future release. Competing game developers are likely feeling the pressure as well, worrying about launching their games when Rockstar’s title finally appears.

    Potential for New Updates

    There are indications that the second GTA 6 trailer could be on the horizon. Take-Two Interactive is set to hold an earnings call on May 15th. Insider Tom Henderson has hinted that the company might soon increase its marketing efforts, promising an update on the game’s online features.

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  • Next-Gen PS and Xbox Consoles Coming in 2027, Says Cancelled Game

    Next-Gen PS and Xbox Consoles Coming in 2027, Says Cancelled Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony and AMD are reportedly collaborating on a chip for the PlayStation 6, with the design phase completed.
    2. Both the PlayStation 6 and the new Xbox are expected to launch in 2027, although this has not been officially confirmed.
    3. Supermassive Games was developing a Blade Runner game intended for next-gen consoles, further indicating the upcoming hardware’s timeline.
    4. The Blade Runner game was meant to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the new “Gen 10” systems.
    5. The gaming industry follows a seven-year cycle, suggesting that the new consoles will arrive as the PS4 and Xbox One cycle concludes in 2027.


    There have been rumors that Sony and AMD are collaborating on the chip for the PlayStation 6, and it appears that the design phase is done. Meanwhile, Microsoft is also making strides on its upcoming Xbox. It looks like both of these new consoles are set to hit the market in 2027. Although neither company has officially confirmed this, a game studio’s scrapped unannounced project seems to have let the cat out of the bag.

    Game Development Insights

    Supermassive Games was reportedly developing a Blade Runner game, called Blade Runner: Time to Live, which was intended to be a narrative-driven action-adventure title. As per a report from Insider Gaming last week, the game started its pre-production phase in September of last year, with plans to wrap up by March of this year and a launch aimed for September 2027. Sadly, the game was quietly cancelled, but it’s noteworthy what platforms it was meant for.

    Next-Gen Console Release

    According to the report, the Blade Runner title was scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the new “Gen 10” Xbox and PlayStation systems. This indicates that the upcoming Xbox and PlayStation 6 are likely to debut in 2027, potentially in November. Given that both Sony and Microsoft are advancing their next-gen consoles, this 2027 timeline appears to be plausible.

    Industry Trends and Cycles

    Looking back, the PS4 and Xbox One were launched in 2013, followed by the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles seven years later in 2020. This indicates that the seven-year cycle will conclude in 2027, heralding the arrival of the next generation. Reports suggest that both Sony and Microsoft might also introduce handheld versions along with their full-size consoles.

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  • AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE: Affordable RDNA 4 GPU Coming in May

    AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE: Affordable RDNA 4 GPU Coming in May

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD officially announced the Radeon RX 9070 GRE in China, featuring a simplified Navi 48 GPU and 12 GB of VRAM.
    2. Pre-orders for the RX 9070 GRE started on JD.com, with shipments expected to begin on May 8th.
    3. AMD will not produce a reference design for the RX 9070 GRE; it will only be available through AIB partners like Asus, starting at approximately $450.
    4. The RX 9070 GRE boasts peak computing performance of 68.6 TFLOPs (half-precision) and 34.3 TFLOPs (single-precision) and is reportedly 6% faster than the RX 7900 GRE at 1440p.
    5. Global availability for the RX 9070 GRE is anticipated to follow a few months after its Chinese launch, similar to the RX 7900 GRE.


    Following the recent leaks about the Radeon RX 9070 GRE, AMD has now officially announced the GPU in China. This graphics card includes a simplified version of the Navi 48 GPU, which is also used in the RX 9070 and 9070 XT, and comes with 12 GB of VRAM.

    Pre-Order Listings

    A significant Chinese retailer, JD.com, has already put various RX 9070 GRE AIB models up for pre-order, with shipments expected to start on May 8th. There was a rumor suggesting that AMD postponed the RX 9070 GRE launch to Q4 2025, but this has been proven incorrect, raising doubts about the previously leaked RX 9060 XT release timeline.

    No Reference Design

    Similar to other RDNA 4 graphics cards, AMD has chosen not to produce a “Reference Design” for the RX 9070 GRE. Therefore, it will only be available through AIBs like Asus, starting at a price of 4,199 RMB, which is about $450. Currently, there is no information on when it will be available globally. Nevertheless, we can anticipate that the card will launch globally a few months after its release in China, following the same approach AMD took with the RX 7900 GRE.

    Performance Expectations

    The Radeon RX 9070 GRE utilizes the Navi 48 GPU, and

    AMD states that the RX 9070 GRE achieves a “Peak” half and single-precision computing performance of 68.6 TFLOPs and 34.3 TFLOPs, respectively.

    According to AMD, the RX 9070 GRE is on average 6% faster than the RX 7900 GRE at 1440p with the highest settings across 30 games. However, consider being cautious about this performance claim, as numbers from the manufacturer are often not entirely precise.

    If the Radeon RX 9070 GRE performs as AMD asserts, it should offer good value at approximately $450. Like other recent GPU launches, the ultimate value will rely significantly on whether gamers can find the RX 9070 GRE at its suggested retail price.

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  • AMD RX 9070 GRE Outperforms RX 7900 GRE by 6% in 1440p vs RTX 5070

    AMD RX 9070 GRE Outperforms RX 7900 GRE by 6% in 1440p vs RTX 5070

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Radeon RX 9070 GRE features a simplified Navi 48 GPU with 12 GB of VRAM and is set to launch on May 8th in China, currently available for preorder.

    2. AMD claims the RX 9070 GRE outperforms the RX 7900 GRE by about 6% at 1440p/Ultra settings, although independent benchmarks suggest the RX 7900 GRE may still perform competitively.

    3. The RX 7900 GRE has a 33.3% higher memory bandwidth, which could give it an advantage in 4K gaming scenarios over the RX 9070 GRE.

    4. The RX 9070 GRE is expected to be approximately 8% slower than the RX 9070, but the difference in performance is not significant.

    5. Priced around $450 in China, the RX 9070 GRE could offer a better price-to-performance ratio compared to the RTX 5070, which is about 10% faster than the RX 7900 GRE at 1440p.


    AMD has introduced the all-new Radeon RX 9070 GRE in China. This graphics card is currently available for preorder and is scheduled to officially launch on May 8th. In terms of specifications, it features a simplified Navi 48 GPU with 12 GB of VRAM. According to AMD, the RX 9070 GRE outperforms the RX 7900 GRE by about 6% at 1440p/Ultra settings across 30 games that were tested.

    Pricing and Performance

    The performance claims made by AMD for the RX 9070 GRE are quite appealing, especially considering its competitive pricing in China. If the RX 9070 GRE genuinely offers a 6% boost over the RX 7900 GRE, it could prove to be a fantastic choice for gamers who play at 1080p or 1440p resolutions.

    Despite the lack of extensive benchmarks to support these assertions, AMD insists that the RX 9070 GRE performs well. Based on the performance data of the RX 7900 GRE, the GPU runs Resident Evil 4 Remake at 105 FPS, which aligns closely with AMD’s performance predictions for the RX 9070 GRE. However, benchmarks from sources like zWormzGaming and JegsTV indicate that the RX 7900 GRE can achieve an average FPS of up to 99 at 1440p/Ultra, suggesting that the RX 9070 GRE could be as much as 41% faster. Thus, AMD’s assertion of a 6% edge across many games for the RX 9070 GRE might hold some truth.

    Memory Bandwidth Considerations

    On a different note, it’s essential to highlight that the RX 7900 GRE boasts a memory bandwidth that is 33.3% higher. In 4K gaming scenarios, this increased bandwidth may allow the RX 7900 GRE to surpass the RX 9070 GRE or at least keep pace with it.

    When we compare the RX 9070 GRE to the RX 9070, our database indicates that the RX 9070 is approximately 8% faster than the RX 7900 GRE in synthetic tests. However, according to TechPowerUp’s 1440p gaming evaluations, the RX 9070 outpaces the RX 7900 GRE by around 15%.

    This means that the RX 9070 GRE will not be as fast as the RX 9070, but the difference won’t be significant.

    Competing with the RTX 5070

    An interesting comparison can also be drawn between the RX 9070 GRE and the RTX 5070. TechPowerUp’s analysis shows that the RTX 5070 is around 10% faster than the RX 7900 GRE at 1440p. This implies that the RX 9070 GRE is very close to the RTX 5070 if we consider AMD’s performance figures.

    In terms of specifications, the RX 9070 GRE matches the RTX 5070 with its 12 GB of VRAM and has a lower TDP by 30 W. Starting at about $450 in China, the RX 9070 GRE is priced $100 lower, which could make it a more attractive option in terms of price-to-performance ratio if similar pricing is seen in the US.

    Before concluding, it’s worth noting that all performance metrics and expectations shared here are based on AMD’s statements regarding the RX 9070 GRE. Results from independent testing could vary, which may change the overall conclusions drawn here.

    Buy the PowerColor Reaper Radeon RX 9070 on Amazon.

    Sources: AMD China, zWormzGaming on YouTube, TechPowerUP, JegsTv.

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