Category: Gaming

  • Iqunix EZ80 TKL Hall-Effect Gaming Keyboard: 8kHz Polling Rate

    Iqunix EZ80 TKL Hall-Effect Gaming Keyboard: 8kHz Polling Rate

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Iqunix EZ80 will offer two color options and a choice of two types of switches, including the custom X Magnetic Switch and Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches.

    2. Priced around $100 higher than the Iqunix EZ63, the EZ80 starts at $269, making it a more expensive option for gamers.

    3. The EZ80 features a standard TKL layout, gasket mount, aluminum plate, and CNC-milled aluminum casing, along with new color options like the EZ80 Dark Side RS.

    4. The Iqunix X Magnetic switches have a total travel of 3.5 mm and are designed to minimize stem wobble, although they may feel scratchier than standard switches.

    5. The EZ80 competes with the Wooting 80HE in the HE gaming keyboard market, but Wooting currently leads in software capabilities, while Keychron offers close performance but with a lower polling rate.

    We recently shared news about the upcoming release of the Iqunix EZ80, which aims to compete with the much-anticipated Wooting 80HE. Iqunix has now disclosed additional information about the EZ80, stating that this new TKL HE keyboard will come in two distinct color options and offer a choice between two types of switches. Notably, the EZ80 is priced around $100 higher than the Iqunix EZ63 we reviewed earlier this year, which could make it a challenging option for many gamers.

    Design and Features

    The Iqunix EZ80, as shown in earlier previews, has a standard TKL layout along with a gasket mount, an aluminum plate, and a CNC-milled aluminum casing. At the time of launch, Iqunix mentioned that the EZ80 would be offered with the custom X Magnetic Switch and the well-known Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches, which we highlighted as the top Hall-effect switches for sound and feel in our recent review of the EZ63. The EZ80 will also come in black, white, and blue color combinations featuring non-shine-through double-shot PBT keycaps, similar to the EZ63. Additionally, there’s a new color option at launch called the EZ80 Dark Side RS, which sports a blacked-out case with translucent black keycaps that have side-printed legends.

    Pricing Options

    The pricing for the EZ80 varies depending on the selected switch and color, with the most affordable model being the black-and-blue colorway featuring Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches (currently $57.99 on Amazon), starting at $269. Choosing the X Magnetic switch raises the cost by $20 to $289, while opting for the Dark Side RS colorway adds an extra $10.

    The Iqunix X Magnetic switches are designed with a box stem that offers similar key travel and actuation force to the Jade Pro switches, featuring a total travel of 3.5 mm, a 36 gf initial force, and a 48 gf end force. The box stem aims to minimize stem wobble, although they may feel a bit scratchier compared to standard designs. Iqunix claims to have fine-tuned the X Magnetic switches and the sensors in the EZ80, achieving sensitivity levels as low as 0.005 mm.

    Competitive Landscape

    Right now, Wooting is the leading brand in the HE gaming keyboard market, and the 80HE competes directly with the EZ80 in terms of claimed latency rates. Wooting also excels in software and gaming capabilities, although Keychron, as noted in our K4 HE review, comes close to matching Wooting’s software performance, even providing macro support, which both Wooting and Iqunix currently do not offer. However, Keychron restricts all its HE keyboards to a 1,000 Hz polling rate, which theoretically increases latency, though we didn’t notice any significant difference in our HE keyboard tests.

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    Iqunix EZ80 TKL Hall-Effect Gaming Keyboard: 8kHz Polling RateIqunix EZ80 TKL Hall-Effect Gaming Keyboard: 8kHz Polling RateIqunix EZ80 TKL Hall-Effect Gaming Keyboard: 8kHz Polling Rate

     

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  • Ubisoft Major Games Delayed: Far Cry 7 and More After Losses

    Ubisoft Major Games Delayed: Far Cry 7 and More After Losses

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft reported a net loss of $178 million and a revenue decrease of 17.5% for 2024-25.
    2. The company plans to delay major game releases, including Far Cry 7, potentially until late 2026.
    3. Ubisoft aims to use the successful strategy of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for future titles.
    4. Upcoming projects include a rumored multiplayer game called Invictus and a possible remake of Black Flag, but timelines are uncertain.
    5. Ubisoft hopes a remake of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time and Anno 117: Pax Romana will stabilize finances, with profit expectations for 2026-27 and 2027-28.

    Ubisoft recently shared its financial outcomes for 2024-25, which will influence its strategies for popular franchises. Gamers may not see new major Ubisoft titles soon. Instead, the company is looking at the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows as a model. That game achieved impressive sales even with several delays. Ubisoft plans to use this same method for other awaited games, such as Far Cry 7.

    Financial Struggles

    The French company reported a significant net loss of $178 million, with a revenue decrease of 17.5 percent compared to last year. Ubisoft has already set modest expectations for the fiscal year 2025-26. Still, it holds hope that a remake of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time and Anno 117: Pax Romana will help keep them stable. The company expects profits to rise with the next installments of its major franchises in 2026-27 and 2027-28.

    Release Delays

    According to Insider Gaming, Ubisoft’s new strategy may delay the release of Far Cry 7. Normally, this action-adventure/shooter series has regular releases, but the next game might not launch until late 2026. The darker-themed Assassin’s Creed Hexe is also likely not to be released until at least 2027.

    Future Projects

    However, fans of Assassin’s Creed might not have to wait too long for a new title. There are rumors about a multiplayer game inspired by Fall Guys called Invictus being developed. A remake of Black Flag could also be happening, but the timeline for these projects is still unclear.

    Ubisoft seems focused on staying afloat until its upcoming games are ready for launch. Nevertheless, this strategy carries risks. Warner Bros. Games recently experienced the consequences of a sparse release schedule, with a 48% drop in revenue for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024. Luckily for Ubisoft, the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows alone may keep it going for the next few months.

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    Ubisoft Major Games Delayed: Far Cry 7 and More After LossesUbisoft Major Games Delayed: Far Cry 7 and More After Losses
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  • GTA 6 Release Delay Possible: What It Means for Gamers

    GTA 6 Release Delay Possible: What It Means for Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The launch of GTA 6 has been postponed from fall 2025 to May 2026 to maintain high-quality standards.
    2. A report suggests that another delay for GTA 6 could be possible, creating uncertainty around the release date.
    3. Other game developers are adjusting their release schedules to avoid conflicts with GTA 6, but may face further disruptions if delays occur.
    4. The gaming industry is closely monitoring Rockstar’s plans due to the potential impact on multiple game launches.
    5. Rockstar has released a second trailer for GTA 6 to help ease the wait for fans.

    Much to the dismay of fans, the launch of GTA 6 has been postponed from fall 2025 to May 2026. Rockstar pointed to its commitment to high-quality standards and the goal of providing the best gaming experience as reasons for this delay. Just as many fans were accepting the new release date, a recent report by Jason Schreier (Paywall), a well-known journalist at Bloomberg, has raised new worries. His findings suggest that Rockstar might be considering yet another delay for the eagerly awaited open-world game.

    Developer Insights

    Schreier’s report, released on May 9, relies on information from insiders close to Rockstar and feedback from various game development studios. He emphasizes that “There’s no guarantee that May 2026 is a sure thing.” This suggests that another delay could happen, and the ongoing uncertainty is already creating real-world impacts.

    Impact on Other Games

    As per Schreier, one studio working on a major multiplayer game has already pushed its launch from fall 2025 to spring 2026 to avoid clashing with GTA 6. Now, that studio is once again dealing with uncertainty. “The companies are caught in a vice,” Schreier notes, highlighting the difficult situation many developers are facing. Should GTA 6 be delayed again to fall, other games that have already been rescheduled may face further disruptions. Insider Gaming shares this concern, indicating that numerous studios are monitoring Rockstar’s release plans with increasing doubt – particularly considering the company’s past delays with titles like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2. If May 2026 ends up being delayed, the already crowded fall release schedule could become even messier.

    New Trailer Released

    At least Rockstar has tried to make the long wait a bit easier by releasing a second trailer on May 6. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, here it is:

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  • Steam Deal: Only $2 for Top-Rated First-Person Shooter Game

    Steam Deal: Only $2 for Top-Rated First-Person Shooter Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Content: The Anniversary Edition features a new fifth episode and introduces new enemies and weapons, including the Incinerator flamethrower.

    2. Enhanced Audio and Visuals: The game has improved audio with new music and voice lines, and its visuals have been upgraded from 2.5D to real 3D, maintaining the original charm.

    3. Thrilling Storyline: Players follow Duke Nukem as he fights aliens invading Los Angeles, with fast-paced action and open-level design, while modernized controls enhance gameplay.

    4. Positive Reception: The game has received praise for its fun gameplay, level design, and humor, with a good score of 72 on Metacritic and positive reviews on Steam.

    5. Points of Improvement: Critics noted flaws like a less refined new episode, simplistic enemy AI, and the absence of local split-screen play, affecting some fans’ satisfaction.

    To mark its 20th anniversary, one of the most memorable first-person shooters from the 90s made a return in 2016 – Duke Nukem 3D. The Anniversary Edition is more than just a trip down memory lane; it introduces a variety of new content that should excite both old fans and newcomers. At its heart is a completely new fifth episode, designed by the original creators Allen Blum III and Richard “Levelord” Gray. Players will also encounter new foes, including the annoying Fireflies, and a powerful weapon: the Incinerator, a flamethrower that delivers a heavy blow.

    Enhanced Audio and Visuals

    The sound experience has been improved as well: composer Lee Jackson is back with fresh tunes, and Jon St. John, the iconic voice of Duke, offers new one-liners. Visually, the game has received a significant upgrade – its classic “2.5D” style has been transformed into real 3D, keeping the charm of the original engine intact. Modern features enhance the experience, including Steam achievements, trading cards, Workshop support, and full compatibility with the Steam Deck.

    The Thrilling Storyline

    The plot is simple yet effective: aliens have invaded Los Angeles, and their favorite hobby appears to be abducting women. Duke Nukem, a tough lone wolf with sunglasses and a massive ego, is not going to let this happen – he’s ready to unleash everything that shoots, burns, or explodes. In the new fifth episode of the Anniversary Edition, Duke embarks on a worldwide rampage, from Amsterdam to Egypt, always on the lookout for the next alien to eliminate. The gameplay remains faithful to the original: fast-paced action, open level design, and a vast array of weapons provide classic run-and-gun excitement. The controls have been slightly modernized for today’s players while still keeping that retro vibe. Fans of multiplayer can join online matches with up to eight players for some wild fun.

    Positive Reception and Criticism

    In their review, 4Players highlighted that Duke Nukem 3D continues to offer a high level of fun, even many years after its debut. They praised the game’s varied level design, filled with hidden spots and interactive features, along with its crude humor and numerous pop culture references. The testers were also impressed by the eclectic mix of quirky weapons and gadgets. Optional developer commentaries were well-received too, providing interesting insights into the level design process. The gaming magazine WayTooManyGames took it a step further, calling Duke Nukem 3D “one of the most enjoyable and well-crafted first-person shooters in history.”

    Points of Improvement

    Though the game was lauded for its entertainment value, reviewers pointed out a few flaws. The new episode was seen as less refined than the original chapters and somewhat lacking in depth. The simplistic enemy AI and a lack of tactical challenge were also considered drawbacks. Furthermore, some fans were unhappy about missing content found in previous versions like the Megaton Edition, and the absence of local split-screen play was another disappointment. 4Players rated the game a commendable 7 out of 10. On Metacritic, critics awarded it a score of 72, while users rated it at 7.2. On Steam, the Anniversary Edition has garnered about 4,600 reviews, with 85% being positive.

    Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour typically retails for about $20 on Steam, but until May 26, it is being offered at a huge 90% discount, reducing the price to just $2. As per SteamDB, the game has fallen to this price multiple times before – most recently in early April – but has never been available at a better discount.

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  • Ayaneo Flip 1S Gaming Handheld Unveiled with Major Redesign

    Ayaneo Flip 1S Gaming Handheld Unveiled with Major Redesign

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo has launched the Pocket Ace and plans to release the Pocket S2 as an upgrade to the Pocket S later this month.
    2. A new Windows-based handheld device is teased to be launched by the end of the year, expanding Ayaneo’s lineup.
    3. The upcoming Flip 1S device is expected to differ significantly from previous models, Flip DS and Flip KB, indicating a major upgrade.
    4. Ayaneo’s ‘1S’ versions typically feature minor hardware updates, but the Flip 1S may represent a “true leap forward.”
    5. Ayaneo is likely to collaborate with AMD for the Flip 1S, potentially using an advanced APU like the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.

    Ayaneo has just released the Pocket Ace after launching the Ayaneo 3 and Pocket Micro Classic earlier this year. Additionally, the company has shared that the Pocket S2 is expected to come out later this month, serving as a direct upgrade to the already impressive Ayaneo Pocket S (currently priced at $589.99 on Amazon).

    New Device Teased

    Recently, there has been a hint about the upcoming launch of another new device, which should be available by year’s end. While Ayaneo has been concentrating on broadening its Android lineup lately, this new teaser suggests that a fresh Windows-based handheld is on the horizon from the company.

    Flip 1S Details

    The image below indicates that the device being referred to is the Flip 1S, which has surfaced a few months after some confusion arose regarding the pending orders for Flip DS and Flip KB. At present, Ayaneo has not shared any detailed information on how the Flip 1S will be different from the previous models, Flip DS and Flip KB.

    Generally, Ayaneo’s ‘1S’ versions involve slight hardware updates, like the AM01S, Air 1S, or Geek 1S. However, the Flip 1S might break this pattern, as Ayaneo has suggested that this new model will represent a ‘true leap forward’ instead of merely being a return to its clamshell design. It is likely that Ayaneo will partner with AMD once again for an APU, such as the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, no matter what changes and improvements they are planning for the next Flip model.

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    Ayaneo Flip 1S Gaming Handheld Unveiled with Major Redesign
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  • RTX 5090 Laptop GPU vs RTX 4090: 25-Game Benchmark Results

    RTX 5090 Laptop GPU vs RTX 4090: 25-Game Benchmark Results

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 5090 laptop GPU shows a 20% performance advantage over the RTX 4090 in synthetic tests but doesn’t translate to significant gaming performance gains.

    2. In a broader gaming context, both the RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 perform similarly, with only slight advantages in some cases.

    3. At lower resolutions like 1080p, CPU performance impacts GPU performance analysis, complicating comparisons between models.

    4. The performance gap at 1440p and 4K is minimal, with the RTX 5090 only showing a 0.6% and 3% increase over the RTX 4090, respectively.

    5. Key advantages of the RTX 5090 include 24 GB VRAM, improved efficiency, and DLSS Multi-Frame Generation, but the RTX 4090 may be a better investment for most users.

    We did an analysis of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 laptop GPUs, and it shows these boards offer a solid performance advantage over their previous generation models in synthetic tests. For example, the RTX 5090 laptop outperformed the RTX 4090 laptop by as much as 20% in the 3DMark test suite. Nevertheless, this synthetic performance does not effectively translate into gaming performance, especially for the RTX 5090.

    Performance in Gaming

    Although the RTX 5090 laptop was 20% quicker than the RTX 4090 laptop for some individual games like Cyberpunk 2077 2.2 Phantom Liberty during our tests, it appears that the new GPU does not hold any edge over the RTX 4090 when evaluated in a broader context. The 25-game benchmark from Jarrod’sTech indicates that the RTX 5090 laptop and the RTX 4090 laptop perform largely on par.

    Importance of Resolution

    Before diving into the actual performance details, it’s worth noting that we have not considered the 1080p results. At lower resolutions, such as 1080p, CPU performance plays a bigger role, which complicates the process of determining the precise GPU performance.

    When tested at 1440p, the RTX 5090 laptop GPU only manages to be a slight 0.6% faster than the RTX 4090 laptop GPU. This includes the notably poor performance of the RTX 5090 laptop in Red Dead Redemption 2. Even if we ignore the Red Dead Redemption 2 score, the RTX 5090 laptop shows a meager 1.6% lead over the RTX 4090 laptop GPU.

    4K Performance Insights

    The gap in gaming performance between the RTX 5090 laptop and the RTX 4090 laptop isn’t significantly better at 4K. Both GPUs perform quite similarly, with JT’s testing revealing only a 3% increase in performance for the RTX 5090 laptop GPU. This is with the Red Dead Redemption 2 results included. However, removing Red Dead Redemption 2 from the equation doesn’t improve things for the RTX 5090 laptop.

    When looking at frame rates, the RTX 5090 laptop GPU averages 66 FPS across the 25 games tested at 4K, while the RTX 4090 laptop is nearly the same at 64.5 FPS. The results at 1440p also reflect this trend, with the RTX 5090 laptop GPU and the RTX 4090 laptop GPU averaging 107 and 106 FPS, respectively.

    Final Thoughts

    Ultimately, the RTX 5090 laptop GPU’s advantages are limited to its 24 GB VRAM, improved efficiency, and DLSS Multi-Frame Generation (MFG). However, it’s doubtful that anyone spending over $3,000 or $4,000 on a premium gaming laptop will prioritize efficiency. Buyers of high-end gaming laptops expect top-tier performance.

    Thus, if you don’t plan to use MFG and have no need for 24 GB of VRAM, the previous generation RTX 4090 gaming laptops are evidently a better investment.

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    RTX 5090 Laptop GPU vs RTX 4090: 25-Game Benchmark ResultsRTX 5090 Laptop GPU vs RTX 4090: 25-Game Benchmark ResultsRTX 5090 Laptop GPU vs RTX 4090: 25-Game Benchmark Results
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  • Anbernic Gaming Handheld Rumored to Have Xperia Play Features

    Anbernic Gaming Handheld Rumored to Have Xperia Play Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic will launch the RG34XX SP soon, following the RG557, which is priced at $339.99 on Amazon.
    2. The company plans to release more than a dozen gaming handhelds this year, showing strong commitment to the market.
    3. A prototype for a new unnamed handheld has leaked, featuring a sliding mechanism to conceal controls.
    4. The unnamed device may include a 5-inch display and a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, similar to the RG557.
    5. It is uncertain if the unnamed prototype will go into mass production, but there is interest in the concept.

    Anbernic is set to introduce the RG34XX SP later this week, following the recent launch of the RG557 (currently priced at $339.99 on Amazon). While many of its competitors might take a break after releasing two new devices in quick succession, Anbernic appears determined to roll out more than a dozen gaming handhelds this year.

    New Prototype Surfaces

    An image of a prototype for the RG34XX SP leaked yesterday, and now rumors have emerged about a completely new handheld. This device, which is still unnamed, features a sliding mechanism that conceals its controls when they are not in use. In a way, this design recalls the Xperia Play while also incorporating a control layout similar to that of the MCon.

    Production Plans Uncertain

    At this moment, it’s not clear if Anbernic intends to mass-produce this design. However, sources like Retro Handhelds suggest that the concept is under consideration. The prototype is believed to include a 5-inch display and a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, which Anbernic has already utilized in the RG557. Therefore, it is likely that this unnamed device will be priced higher within Anbernic’s lineup compared to the upcoming RG34XX SP.

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    Anbernic Gaming Handheld Rumored to Have Xperia Play Features

     

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  • Space Shooter RPG Hits All-Time Low Price on Steam

    Space Shooter RPG Hits All-Time Low Price on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Single-Player Narrative and Exploration: Everspace 2 features a continuous single-player story with over 100 locations across seven star systems, moving away from the roguelike elements of its predecessor.

    2. Endgame Challenges: After the 30-hour main campaign, players face new challenges in the endgame, including the “Ancient Rifts” that offer legendary gear as rewards.

    3. Tactical Combat and Ship Variety: The game emphasizes quick, tactical dogfights with nine unique ship classes, allowing players to choose ships that align with their preferred playstyle.

    4. Robust Loot System: Everspace 2 includes a deep loot system with diverse gear options, encouraging players to experiment with builds as they progress through the game.

    5. Positive Reception and Discounts: The game received an 8 out of 10 from PCGames, with positive user scores on Metacritic and Steam, and is currently available at a significant discount.

    In Everspace 2, players take on the role of clone pilot Adam, who is trying to survive after a catastrophe in the demilitarized Cluster 34. His goal is straightforward: escape the DMZ, gather a crew, and pursue a long-held aspiration. Unlike the first game – which is currently 95% discounted – the sequel removes roguelike elements for a consistent progression, an ongoing single-player narrative, and a meticulously crafted universe. Players have the chance to explore over 100 locations across seven star systems, which include shipwrecks, space stations, and various planetary surfaces.

    Engaging Endgame Content

    After finishing the main campaign, which lasts about 30 hours, Everspace 2 transitions into an expansive endgame filled with fresh challenges and rewards. Central to this are the “Ancient Rifts” – unstable fractures in space-time where players encounter increasingly tough waves of foes. Those who succeed can obtain legendary gear with unique and powerful abilities.

    Tactical Dogfights and Ship Choices

    Everspace 2 focuses on quick, tactical dogfights where effective use of boosts, dodging, and a diverse array of weapons often determines the result of a confrontation. Players can select from nine unique ship classes, such as the agile Vanguard, the heavily equipped Gunship, and the offensive Striker. Similar to character classes in RPGs, your choice of ship influences your playstyle and opens up different tactical paths.

    Deep Loot System and Evolving Builds

    To enhance these combat features, Everspace 2 includes a robust loot system that adds a strong RPG element and keeps players invested over time. Weapons, shields, and engines possess varying stats, effects, and rarity levels, motivating players to search for gear that suits their preferred playstyle. Whether you’re looking for high critical damage or missile-centric setups, there’s plenty of room for experimentation and improvement. A level-scaling system ensures that foes become tougher and loot improves as you advance, allowing for continuous evolution of your build throughout the game.

    Everspace 2 was created by ROCKFISH Games and released in April 2023. Upon release, the German gaming magazine PCGames reviewed the title and commended its captivating loot system, handcrafted environments, and impressive scope. They noted that the main campaign takes around 30 hours, but completionists might spend over 90 hours uncovering all the game has to offer. However, they pointed out the cliché storyline, a soundtrack that lacks depth, and gameplay that heavily favors arcade-style action as downfalls.

    Overall Impressions

    In general, PCGames concluded that the positives of Everspace 2 significantly surpass its drawbacks, grading it a solid 8 out of 10. On Metacritic, the game holds a Metascore of 81 and a User Score of 7.6. Steam users have been even more appreciative, with 86% of over 10,000 reviews being positive.

    Everspace 2 is usually priced at approximately $50 on Steam, but it is available at a 70% discount until May 19, reducing the cost to about $15. As per SteamDB, the game frequently goes on sale, with the latest being in early April at a 65% discount, yet this is the lowest price it has ever seen.

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  • Sony May Raise PS5 Prices in US Due to Tariffs and Manufacturing Shift

    Sony May Raise PS5 Prices in US Due to Tariffs and Manufacturing Shift

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony may raise prices for the PS5 and other hardware/software in the US to offset expected tariff losses.
    2. The company anticipates a loss of around 100 billion yen (approximately $680 million) in the upcoming fiscal year.
    3. CEO Hiroki Totoki mentioned the possibility of relocating PS5 manufacturing to the US to avoid tariffs on imports.
    4. Despite challenges, Sony projects an 8% increase in operating income to 1.38 trillion yen (roughly $9.4 billion).
    5. PS5 shipments for FY24 are estimated at 18.5 million, showing a decline from 20.8 million units shipped in FY23.

    Sony, similar to many other firms, is bracing for a significant effect on its projections for the upcoming financial year due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs. Reports suggest that the company might raise the prices for the PS5 and other hardware and software in the US to offset anticipated losses. There are also talks about relocating manufacturing to the US, as the consoles “can be produced locally.”

    Price Adjustments Ahead

    As stated in a press release from The Verge, Sony might transfer the costs of tariffs onto consumers, indicating that prices for hardware and software in the US could rise. The company expects a loss of around 100 billion yen (approximately $680 million) in the fiscal year. Although the PS5 wasn’t mentioned directly in discussions about price increases, it remains a possibility, especially since prices have already gone up in the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.

    Manufacturing Changes Considered

    Regarding production, CEO Hiroki Totoki has reportedly said that the PS5 “can be produced locally,” referring to the US as a way to dodge tariffs on imports from China and Vietnam. Totoki emphasized that this strategy is a practical approach worth considering for the future.

    Financial Outlook

    Despite facing tariffs, Sony projects its operating income to rise to 1.38 trillion yen (roughly $9.4 billion), representing an 8% increase from the previous year. Additionally, in its recent fiscal report, the company revealed that PS5 shipments reached 18.5 million for FY24, bringing the total to 77.8 million units worldwide as of March 31, 2025. In contrast, Sony shipped 20.8 million units in FY23, indicating a decline in sales for FY24 and hinting at a slowdown in momentum. However, Sony’s Game & Network Services (G&NS) segment has displayed strong results in software, services, and digital content.

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  • Zotac Unveils AMD Strix Halo Mini-PC with RTX 5060 Ti & 5070 Ti

    Zotac Unveils AMD Strix Halo Mini-PC with RTX 5060 Ti & 5070 Ti

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zotac is set to unveil more products at Computex 2025, including a second-generation Zone gaming handheld and three mini-PCs for gamers.
    2. The Magnus One is the flagship model, featuring a current-generation Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU.
    3. The Magnus EN, while larger at 8.48 liters, includes a desktop RTX 50 series graphics card, specifically a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti.
    4. The Magnus EA is equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max APUs, offering strong performance for gaming and AI modeling tasks.
    5. The Magnus EA supports up to 128 GB of RAM, making it a competitive option against other mini-PCs like the GMKtec EVO-X2.

    Zotac has announced that it has more exciting plans for Computex 2025 later this month, beyond just a second-generation Zone gaming handheld. As shown in the images below, the company has also shared some early insights into three mini-PCs that are specifically designed for gamers.

    Magnus One: The Flagship Model

    Among these devices, the Magnus One stands out as the top model, utilizing a current-generation desktop Intel Core Ultra 7 processor along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU. In contrast, the Magnus EN may not fit the mini-PC category due to its larger 8.48-litre case. Nevertheless, this bigger casing allows Zotac to include a desktop version of Nvidia’s Blackwell-based GPU.

    The Power of Magnus EN

    Furthermore, the Magnus EN features a desktop RTX 50 series graphics card. Although it uses a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, the Magnus One is more compact, shrinking down to a 2.65-litre size by switching to a mobile Intel Core Ultra 7 processor. Interestingly, the Magnus EN (EN75060TC) is claimed to be the world’s smallest PC with a desktop GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, though it appears to share its casing with the similarly named Magnus EA.

    Magnus EA: A New Contender

    On another note, the Magnus EA introduces AMD’s Ryzen AI Max APUs, aiming to compete against mini-PCs like the GMKtec EVO-X2 (currently priced at $1,999.99 on Amazon). This likely means that the Magnus EA will come equipped with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which has also been reviewed in the latest Asus ROG Flow Z13. The combination of a Radeon 8060S iGPU and support for up to 128 GB of RAM should make the Magnus EA a great choice for gaming or AI modeling tasks.

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    Zotac Unveils AMD Strix Halo Mini-PC with RTX 5060 Ti & 5070 TiZotac Unveils AMD Strix Halo Mini-PC with RTX 5060 Ti & 5070 Ti
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