Category: Gaming

  • Roguelike Space Shooter on Steam: 95% Off, Under $1!

    Roguelike Space Shooter on Steam: 95% Off, Under $1!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Everspace combines space combat with roguelike elements, featuring procedurally generated landscapes and permadeath mechanics for unique playthroughs.
    2. Players can choose from three distinct ships, each offering different strengths: Interceptor (balanced), Scout (fast), and Gunship (powerful).
    3. Dying in the game allows players to earn credits for permanent upgrades, enhancing future missions and introducing new strategies.
    4. The game received a favorable reception, scoring 80/100 from GameStar, praised for graphics and gameplay but criticized for shallow narrative and chaotic combat.
    5. Everspace is currently heavily discounted on Steam, priced under $1 due to a 95% sale, marking the lowest price ever seen for the game.


    In the game Everspace, players get to pilot a space fighter, engaging in battles across dangerous sectors, collecting resources, and slowly revealing the secrets of their enigmatic past. This space shooter combines procedurally generated landscapes with thrilling dogfights, a cleverly crafted upgrade system, and traditional permadeath mechanics—ensuring that every playthrough is unique and that a single mistake can lead to defeat. The game features stunning atmospheric visuals and fully voiced cutscenes that enhance the overall experience.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Everspace offers a gameplay experience that feels like a combination of FTL and Freelancer, mixing strategic suspense with high-energy space combat. The randomly generated environments, finite resources, and constant dangers keep the gameplay lively and full of surprises. Players have the option to select from three unique ships, each with its own advantages: the Interceptor balances firepower and agility, making it perfect for beginners; the Scout is all about speed and maneuverability; and the Gunship provides brute force with its heavy artillery.

    Progression and Upgrades

    Staying true to its roguelike nature, dying in Everspace doesn’t mean the game is over; instead, it is an opportunity to become stronger. After each attempt, players can utilize the credits they’ve earned to purchase permanent upgrades such as improved weapon damage, tougher shields, or an expanded sensor range. These enhancements not only make future missions easier but also introduce new strategies. During gameplay, players can also stumble upon temporary equipment like more powerful weapons, better shields, and special gadgets, but these upgrades disappear if the ship is destroyed, which keeps the tension high each time you take off.

    Reception and Pricing

    Everspace was developed by ROCKFISH Games and released in May 2017. Upon its launch, the game received attention from German gaming magazine GameStar, which commended its impressive graphics, responsive controls, and engaging roguelike elements. The challenge of limited resources and continuous threats makes every playthrough intense, while the upgrade system provides motivation for long-term play. However, the review also noted some significant drawbacks: the narrative was considered shallow, resource management was overly complicated, and combat often felt chaotic. GameStar remarked that the gameplay leans more towards arcade-style action rather than classic space simulation, with few instances that truly replicate the essence of a traditional dogfight.

    GameStar awarded Everspace a respectable score of 80 out of 100, indicating an overall favorable reception. Other reviews echo this sentiment: on Metacritic, the game has a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 7.5. On Steam, over 9,000 users have reviewed the game, with 77% of those reviews being positive.

    Current Pricing

    Typically priced around $20 on Steam, Everspace is currently on sale for under $1 due to a 95% discount that lasts until May 19. SteamDB indicates that this isn’t the first time the game has been offered at this significant discount; a similar deal was available in March. However, the price has never been lower than this.

    Source:
    Link

  • Nintendo Switch 2: Lock Your Console Like a Smartphone

    Nintendo Switch 2: Lock Your Console Like a Smartphone

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch worldwide on June 5.
    2. It will include a new PIN-based locking feature for enhanced security.
    3. Users will need to enter a PIN code to wake the console from sleep mode.
    4. The original Nintendo Switch had a simple button tapping method for security.
    5. Additional improvements include a Mouse Mode for easier navigation.


    Nintendo has shared exciting news about the soon-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2. This new console will finally include a PIN-based locking feature, which many users have wanted for better security.

    Launch Date and Features

    As mentioned before, the Switch 2 is scheduled to be launched worldwide on June 5. Besides the new security feature, the handheld device will come with several other enhancements. Users will now have to enter a PIN code when waking the console up from sleep mode, just like how it works on smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

    Previous Security Limitations

    In contrast, the original Nintendo Switch used a simple method that required players to tap the same button three times. There was no real password or PIN system in place, unless one opted for Parental Controls, which were mainly aimed at supervising children and were quite limiting.

    New Security Feature Details

    Nintendo unveiled this new feature through a recent video on the Nintendo Today! app, along with various other improvements like Mouse Mode. This mode allows players to use a cursor for easier navigation through the user interface.

    Source:
    Link

  • Zotac Zone 2: OLED Gaming Handheld with New Manjaro Linux OS

    Zotac Zone 2: OLED Gaming Handheld with New Manjaro Linux OS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zotac entered the gaming handheld market later than competitors, releasing the Zone model in September 2024, 18 months after the ROG Ally.
    2. Zotac is still in the prototyping stage for the Zone 2, with no clear release date announced.
    3. The upcoming Zone 2 will feature the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU and a new Manjaro Linux-based operating system.
    4. More details about the new Zotac Zone are expected to be revealed at Computex 2025 from May 20 to May 23.
    5. The new model will maintain a design similar to the original while incorporating an OLED display.


    The Zotac Zone entered the gaming handheld market quite late, especially when it comes to devices powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U. To give you a bit of background, this latest model was released in September 2024, which is around eighteen months after Asus began taking pre-orders for the ROG Ally, currently priced at $499 for a renewed unit on Amazon. Sadly, it appears that the same delay might be in store for the Zone 2, which Zotac first hinted at in December and then showed off a prototype in January during the CES 2025 event.

    Ongoing Prototyping

    Fast forward four months, and it looks like Zotac is still in the prototyping stage for their next gaming handheld. At this point, there’s no clear indication of when the Zone 2 will hit the market. Instead, they’ve included some information in a press release about Computex 2025, which states:

    The ZOTAC GAMING ZONE Handheld is coming back with an upgraded prototype, featuring the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 APU, and it will run on a new Manjaro Linux-based operating system specifically made for Handheld PCs.

    Anticipated Details

    We are expecting to see more about the new Zotac Zone next week, from May 20 to May 23, in Taipei. It would be great if Zotac could provide more insights into their transition from Windows to Linux and elaborate on what this ‘all-new Manjaro Linux-based OS’ actually entails. Meanwhile, the Computex 2025 microsite from the company highlights that the Zone will pair AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU with an OLED display, maintaining a design similar to the original model.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Nintendo’s Higher Switch 2 Price May Impact Early Adoption

    Nintendo’s Higher Switch 2 Price May Impact Early Adoption

    Key Takeaways

    – Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 will cost $450, significantly higher than the original Switch’s $300 price.
    – The company anticipates selling 15 million units in FY25, but higher prices may hinder early sales.
    – Bundling software and hardware is a strategy to encourage early sales as the Switch 2 is compatible with original Switch games.
    – Pre-orders for the Switch 2 have been overwhelmingly positive, with millions of requests in Japan and quick sales in the US.
    – Nintendo is addressing pricing concerns and consumer demand while preparing for the console’s release on June 5.


    Nintendo revealed the cost of the Switch 2 on April 2, surprising both fans and the gaming industry. The new console will be priced at $450, which is a big jump from the original Switch’s launch price of $300. This increase in price has left some fans feeling let down, and Nintendo itself acknowledges that the higher cost could hinder early adoption. Despite this concern, the company aims to make the new system a global hit as soon as possible.

    Earnings Call Insights

    During a recent earnings call for FY25, president Shuntaro Furukawa addressed queries about forecasts, tariffs, and other important details. The company anticipates selling 15 million units of the Switch 2 within the fiscal year, but Furukawa noted that the higher price might complicate early sales. Hence, they’ve taken a cautious approach in their forecasts. He pointed out that while there is strong excitement surrounding the launch, sustaining that excitement may prove to be difficult.

    Strategies for Success

    However, Furukawa believes that bundling software and hardware will encourage early sales, especially since the Switch 2 is compatible with original Switch games.

    In the US and Canada, Nintendo briefly halted pre-orders to review the tariff situation. Initially, it was thought that the console prices would increase, but they returned with the same pricing for both the console and bundle. On the other hand, the prices for accessories have increased.

    The Switch 2 is set to hit the shelves on June 5, and the response to pre-orders has been overwhelming. In Japan, the pre-order lottery attracted 2.2 million requests, while in the US, pre-orders were snatched up almost instantly.

    Conclusion

    Overall, Nintendo is navigating a challenging landscape with the Switch 2, balancing pricing concerns with consumer demand.

  • Chuwi Unveils New Gaming Laptop with 300Hz Display and RTX 5070 Ti

    Chuwi Unveils New Gaming Laptop with 300Hz Display and RTX 5070 Ti

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chuwi has launched the MiniBook X, featuring an Intel Processor N150, priced at $345.99 on Amazon.
    2. The company is entering the gaming laptop market with the new GameBook, equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX APU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU.
    3. The GameBook supports up to 32 GB DDR5-5600 RAM and has two M.2 2280 slots for storage expansion.
    4. It features a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2.5K, 300 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits peak brightness, and full sRGB color coverage.
    5. Pricing and launch date for the GameBook have not yet been revealed.


    Chuwi has recently launched several new devices, one of which is the MiniBook X featuring an Intel Processor N150, currently priced at $345.99 on Amazon. The company is now venturing into the gaming laptop market with its new product, the GameBook, which was showcased on its international website.

    Specifications and Features

    The GameBook is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX APU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, according to the manufacturer. It includes two SO-DIMM slots that support a maximum of 32 GB DDR5-5600 RAM, and it has two M.2 2280 slots for expansion—one for a PCIe 5.0 SSD and another for a PCIe 4.0 SSD. Additionally, the Chuwi GameBook features a 77.77 Wh battery capable of being charged at rates of up to 250 W through a DC input, or 140 W via a USB Type-C port located at the back.

    Display and Design

    Furthermore, Chuwi mentions that the GameBook utilizes a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2.5K (2,560 x 1,600), offering a refresh rate of 300 Hz, full coverage of the sRGB color space, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. It seems that the GameBook shares similarities in design and features with the XMG Neo 16 2025, though it lacks the Mini LED display found in the latter. As of now, Chuwi hasn’t revealed the pricing for the GameBook, nor has it provided a launch date. For more detailed information about the hardware, you can check the company’s website.

    Source:
    Link


  • Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Delayed to 2026 for Better Story

    Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Delayed to 2026 for Better Story

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Delay: Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is now set for early 2026, delayed from the initial holiday 2025 release.

    2. Focus on Quality: Skydance New Media is taking additional time to enhance the game, aiming to meet player expectations and artistic goals.

    3. Cinematic Experience: The game, directed by Amy Hennig, will provide a narrative-driven journey through World War II featuring characters like a young Steve Rogers and Black Panther Azzuri.

    4. Project History: Announced in 2022 and in development since 2021, this is Skydance’s first project in the gaming industry.

    5. Impact on Release Schedule: The delay adds Marvel 1943 to a list of major game titles moving from 2025 to 2026, including GTA 6.


    Skydance New Media has shared news about a delay for the game Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, now set to be released in early 2026. Initially, the game was expected to come out during the holiday season of 2025. The studio explained that they required additional time to enhance the game and ensure it meets both player expectations and their artistic ambitions.

    Statement from the Team

    In a message on social media, the team stated, “Taking this additional time will allow us to add more polish, and make sure we give you the best possible experience, and one that lives up to our vision.” Currently, no specific time frame for the 2026 release has been shared.

    Impact of the Delay

    This postponement affects one of Marvel’s most awaited narrative-driven games. With direction from Uncharted creator Amy Hennig, the game is set to offer a cinematic journey during World War II, featuring a young Steve Rogers and Black Panther Azzuri amidst Nazi-occupied Paris.

    The project was first announced in 2022 and has been in development since 2021, marking Skydance’s first venture into gaming. This delay also adds Marvel 1943 to the growing list of major titles that are now moving from 2025 to 2026, including GTA 6.

    Looking Ahead

    While fans may feel let down by the news of a holiday launch being pushed back, Skydance stressed that the added time will contribute to a more polished and refined experience. More announcements are anticipated as the studio approaches the new release date.

    Source:
    Link

  • PS5 Overheating and Controller Issues Impact Evo Japan Tournament

    PS5 Overheating and Controller Issues Impact Evo Japan Tournament

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PS5 faced criticism for overheating during the Evo Japan tournament, interrupting the grand finals.
    2. Player RedDitto experienced controller malfunctions linked to the PS5’s overheating, affecting gameplay.
    3. Reports of PS5 USB ports melting raised concerns about damage to equipment during the tournament.
    4. Player Punk criticized the PS5’s cooling system, suggesting he may not participate in future competitions if issues persist.
    5. Some are calling for tournament officials to replace PS5 consoles more often or switch to Xbox or PC, but changes seem unlikely due to Sony’s ownership of the event.


    With casual gaming, consoles typically stay cool. But when it comes to esports, these systems endure hours of intense use. Recently, the PS5 has faced criticism for overheating at the Evo Japan fighting tournament. This situation caused interruptions during the grand finals as organizers paused the event to address the overheating issues. Now, several players are beginning to question if Sony’s console should be used in future tournaments.

    Malfunctioning Controllers

    American player RedDitto was notably impacted by the suspected overheating of the PS5. During his matches in Guilty Gear Strive, there were moments when his controllers malfunctioned, causing characters to only move backward and other commands to stop functioning entirely. Additionally, some viewers observed drops in frame rates during key moments of the matches. RedDitto managed to reach the finals but ultimately lost to his opponent from Korea, Daru_I-No.

    Damage to Equipment

    At the 2023 Evo Japan, reports surfaced of PS5 USB ports melting, leading to visible damage on controller cables and adapters. The rear ports of the console are particularly at risk due to the warm air being expelled through the vents. It seemed like a similar situation unfolded at the latest tournament. However, some organizers might point fingers at the adapters being used for third-party controllers as a possible cause.

    Calls for Change

    Well-known Street Fighter 6 player Punk voiced strong criticism regarding the PS5’s performance. Following his match loss, he remarked that the cooling system of the console is insufficient for a full day of competitive gameplay. Punk even mentioned that he might consider not participating in future competitions if these issues continue.

    Some people are suggesting that tournament officials should replace PS5 consoles more frequently during Evo Japan. Others have proposed switching to an Xbox console, which is believed to have better cooling capabilities, or even using a PC. But since Sony purchased the Evolution Championship Series in 2021, these changes seem unlikely.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Nvidia RTX 5050 Mobile GPU with 8GB VRAM Found in Lenovo Leak

    Nvidia RTX 5050 Mobile GPU with 8GB VRAM Found in Lenovo Leak

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia’s RTX 5050 mobile GPU is expected to launch soon, with Lenovo providing specs and pricing for upcoming laptops.
    2. The official release of the RTX 5050 may coincide with the availability of the desktop RTX 5060, but Nvidia has not confirmed this yet.
    3. Pricing for the RTX 5050 laptops in the UK includes import taxes, with the LOQ model at £1,150 (~$1,430) and the Legion 5 at £1,350 (~$1,680).
    4. In the US, RTX 5050 laptops are expected to retail for around $1,100 or less, based on current RTX 5060 prices.
    5. The RTX 5050 will feature 8 GB of VRAM, an increase from the 6 GB found in RTX 4050 models, and is likely based on the GB207 model with 20 Streaming Multiprocessors.


    With the ongoing delays and issues around the availability of Nvidia’s RTX 5000 mobile series, the debut of the entry-level RTX 5050 dGPU has remained somewhat unclear since its unofficial announcement at CES 2025 earlier this year. Reports from Laptops Direct, as noted by Videocardz, hint that laptops featuring the RTX 5050 might be launching soon, as Lenovo has already shared specifications and pricing for the LOQ and Legion 5 models, which are expected to begin shipping in about three weeks.

    Potential Launch Timing

    Videocardz indicates that the official release of the RTX 5050 could happen around the same time the desktop RTX 5060 cards become available. However, Nvidia has yet to confirm the existence of this SKU. In the meantime, the UK retailer has taken down the two models from its search results.

    Pricing Details

    The listings from Laptops Direct show UK pricing that likely includes European import taxes, so these figures might not directly translate to the US market. The LOQ model, which also features an Intel i5-13450HX CPU, is priced at £1,150 (~$1,430), while the Legion 5 with an i7-13650HX can be pre-ordered for £1,350 (~$1,680). In the US, it’s expected that retailers will offer the RTX 5050 laptops for around $1,100 or less, especially since the RTX 5060 laptops currently retail for no more than $1,300.

    Specifications Overview

    According to the specifications shared by Lenovo, the RTX 5050 is confirmed to come with 8 GB of VRAM, which is an increase of 2 GB compared to the earlier RTX 4050 models. While no additional specifications have been confirmed at this time, Videocardz suggests that this SKU is likely based on the GB207 model, featuring 20 Streaming Multiprocessors, and it might be limited to GDDR6 128-bit memory.

    Source:
    Link


  • Free Black Ops 6 Upgrade for PS Plus and Game Pass Users Today

    Free Black Ops 6 Upgrade for PS Plus and Game Pass Users Today

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony is offering a limited-time free bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, available only for PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass members until May 12 at 11:59 PM BST.
    2. The Black Ops 6 Ultimate Pack includes cosmetic items that enhance the gaming experience without affecting gameplay balance, usable in both Black Ops 6 and Warzone.
    3. The promotion is widely discussed on forums like HotUKDeals, and it is directly provided by platform holders, not third-party sellers.
    4. Black Ops 6 features a new omnidirectional movement system, allowing players to move in any direction without turning their character first.
    5. Eligibility for the bundle may vary by location, and players must own Black Ops 6 to use the pack; it will not be available again after the promotion ends.


    Sony has launched a limited-time free bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, available exclusively for PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass members. This offer will end tonight at 11:59 PM BST on May 12.

    What’s Included in the Bundle

    The Black Ops 6 Ultimate Pack features various items that are strictly cosmetic or meant to enhance the gaming experience, without disturbing the balance of gameplay. Players can use this bundle in both Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone. You can claim it through official platforms like the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Battle.net.

    Community Awareness

    The promotion has been prominently discussed on user forums like HotUKDeals, where players have posted links to the official offer pages. It’s worth noting that this deal is provided by the platform holders, not by any third-party sellers.

    This special giveaway arrives several months after the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which launched on October 25, 2024. It marks the latest entry in the series and is Treyarch’s first major project since Black Ops Cold War (2020). Black Ops 6 carries on the franchise’s beloved blend of fast-paced multiplayer action and thrilling single-player storylines, along with the return of the fan-favorite Zombies mode.

    New Features in the Game

    One of the most exciting new features in the game is the omnidirectional movement system, allowing players to sprint, dive, and slide in any direction—even backwards or sideways—without needing to turn their character first. This feature is accessible in campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes.

    As of now, Sony hasn’t confirmed if this upgrade bundle will be available again in the future, meaning that current PlayStation Plus and Game Pass members might have just one chance to grab it. Keep in mind that the pack doesn’t give you access to the full game; you need to already own Black Ops 6 to utilize its contents.

    Regional Availability

    Eligibility for this bundle may differ based on location, so players should verify their local storefronts. The bundle will vanish at midnight BST, and after that, it won’t be possible to redeem it on any platform.

    Source:
    Link

  • Pimax Dream Air SE: Affordable Lightweight VR Headset with Eye Tracking

    Pimax Dream Air SE: Affordable Lightweight VR Headset with Eye Tracking

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pimax Dream Air SE is a lightweight and comfortable VR headset, weighing only 7.1 oz with an adjustable head strap.
    2. It features micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 2560 x 2560 pixels per eye, pancake lenses, and eye tracking for foveated rendering.
    3. The headset includes integrated audio with a microphone and speakers, and supports hand tracking and optional Lighthouse base stations for enhanced tracking.
    4. Connectivity requires a PC via DisplayPort, as it does not have local rendering capabilities like some other VR headsets.
    5. The Dream Air SE is available for pre-order at prices between $899 and $1,199, with shipping expected in the third quarter of 2025.


    We’ve previously talked about the Pimax Dream Air, and now the company has launched a budget-friendly version of this VR headset named the Dream Air SE. Users can expect a lightweight design and great comfort, as the headset weighs only 7.1 oz and features an automatically adjustable head strap.

    Display and Optics

    The device utilizes micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 2560 x 2560 pixels for each eye, which indicates that the standard Dream Air (not the SE) has a higher resolution. It incorporates pancake lenses, allows for eye tracking, and automatically adjusts to the user’s pupillary distance. Additionally, eye tracking is utilized for foveated rendering, which ensures that only the regions users are looking at are displayed in full detail.

    Audio and Compatibility

    Integrated into the Pimax Dream Air SE are a microphone and speakers. The headset comes in a SLAM version and includes controllers. It’s also compatible with optional Lighthouse base stations, supporting 6DoF and inside-out tracking, making setup relatively straightforward. Pimax promotes hand tracking as well, which can be handy for various VR applications like gaming.

    Connectivity and Pricing

    When it comes to gaming, the Pimax Dream Air SE must connect to a PC via DisplayPort. This means it lacks a powerful SoC and cannot locally render VR games, unlike other offerings such as the Meta Quest 3S (starting at $299 on Amazon). Nevertheless, the new VR device is now available for pre-order at prices between $899 and $1,199. These prices reflect a discount for pre-orders, with shipping anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2025.

    Source:
    Link