Category: Gaming

January 28, 2025
Maxis and EA Set to Re-release The Sims 1 and 2 Soon
One of the most loved PC games ever, along with its sequel, might be making a grand comeback this week.
In a recent video from EA and Maxis Games that celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Sims series, there was a hint about the potential re-release of the first two games. The official X page for The Sims shared a timeline of events for the celebration, featuring a week named “Nostalgia Now,” which is set to run from January 27th to 31st.
Exciting News from Kotaku
This aligns with a report from Kotaku, where a source who knows about the situation mentioned that both The Sims and The Sims 2 could be re-released by the end of this month. The insider also mentioned that the re-releases would come with all the various expansion packs for these titles.
A sneak peek video for the event showcases the famous green diamond icon representing the active Sim from the first game, surrounded by the action choice wheel from The Sims 2.
The Challenge of Playing Older Titles
Although The Sims 4 has been thriving for over a decade, getting access to the older games in the series is tough, if not impossible, these days. The Sims was only ever available on physical discs, and The Sims 2 was taken offline in 2014. Moreover, both games need some technical adjustments to work well on today’s computers.
Just remember, this re-release is just a rumor for now. While it looks quite probable that the original games will come out (or at least show up in some way next week), it’s wise to take this news lightly.
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Tags: EA, Maxis Games, The Sims
January 28, 2025
Hogwarts Legacy Modding Made Easy with Official WB Games Support
Since its launch in February 2023, many players of Hogwarts Legacy have expressed disappointment over the absence of significant downloadable content or expansions. However, Warner Bros. Games and Avalanche Software are set to empower gamers to create their own content. The game’s official YouTube channel has revealed that modding support will be introduced with an update on January 30th. While some creative players have already crafted mods for PC, the new tools will simplify the process of making and sharing them.
Modding Tools Provided by CurseForge
Warner Bros. has made a smart move by collaborating with CurseForge, a platform known for hosting mods for popular games such as Minecraft. With the Hogwarts Legacy Creator Kit, players will have access to all necessary tools to create cosmetic items or skins. More importantly for the game’s future, players are also encouraged to invent new quests, dungeons, and characters. Once players finalize their mods, they can easily upload them to the game. These mods will then be available for download in menus that all PC players can access.
Partnerships and Account Linking
Avalanche Software has already teamed up with some modders to ensure that a selection of options will be ready by January 30th. Players using Hogwarts Legacy on Steam and Epic Games will need to link their accounts to a WB Games account to test the mods. Some users might have wished for support from Steam Workshop instead. Currently, there is no information about modding for consoles, but the same in-game system might be adapted for other gaming platforms in the future.
Goblet of Mods Contest
On January 30th, CurseForge will host a Goblet of Mods Contest to inspire modders’ creativity. This competition could prove to be rewarding, as a prize pool of $100,000 is available for participants. Hogwarts Legacy 2 is already being developed, but the addition of user-generated content will make the wait for the sequel a bit less painful.
Warner Bros. Games has Announced the Official PC Modding Support for Hogwarts Legacy, with Creator Kit and Downloadable Mods Launching on January 30th.
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Tags: CurseForge, Hogwarts Legacy, modding support
January 27, 2025
Nvidia Ends Driver Support for GTX 1080 Ti and Older GPUs
With the launch of CUDA 12.8, Nvidia is stopping any further development on driver features for the widely used GTX 1080 Ti and other GeForce GTX 1000 series cards. Although Nvidia’s latest CUDA drivers still provide official support for the Pascal architecture, which underpins the entire GTX 1000 series, there will be no additional enhancements or new features introduced moving forward.
Legacy Status for Older Architectures
The Maxwell and Volta architectures, which are the direct predecessors to the RTX 2000 series, have also been marked as “legacy.” Nvidia has categorized these architectures as “deprecated” in the release notes for CUDA 12.8. While the GTX 1000 series remains compatible with CUDA 12.8, this move clearly shows that Nvidia is shifting its attention to more recent generations of graphics cards.
CUDA’s Importance in Computing
CUDA serves as Nvidia’s platform and programming model for parallel computing. It empowers developers to harness the capabilities of graphics cards for general computing tasks, including machine learning, scientific calculations, and video editing. Since no new features will come for these older architectures, users of these GeForce GPUs might miss out on future enhancements or optimizations when using CUDA-based applications.
Continued Popularity Among Gamers
Even though they are quite old, graphics cards based on the Pascal architecture are still very much in demand among gamers, as highlighted by Steam’s hardware and software statistics. Several models from the GTX 1000 series are among the top 20, and collectively, these cards represent over 7% of the market. Unfortunately, this leaves owners of these GPUs facing an uncertain future regarding official driver support.
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Tags: CUDA 12.8, GTX 1080 Ti, NVIDIA
January 27, 2025
RTX 5080 Time Spy Score: Beats RX 7900 XTX, Up 15% vs RTX 4080
After recent reviews of the RTX 5090 surfaced, attention has now shifted to the next GPU in the RTX 50 series, the RTX 5080. Set to launch on January 30, it comes with a starting price of $999. Early leaks regarding the RTX 5080’s performance indicate a modest improvement over the RTX 4080, but not a groundbreaking one.
Performance Insights
For example, previous reports indicated that the RTX 5080 was merely 10% and 3% faster than the RTX 4080 in Blender and OpenCL benchmarks, respectively.
Recently, a new result from the 3DMark Time Spy test for the RTX 5080 has been shared online, revealing a more favorable performance compared to earlier leaks involving OpenCL and Blender.
Leaked Benchmarks
According to findings posted on Baidu (via Olrak29 on X), the RTX 5080 scored 32,701 in the Time Spy Graphics test. Our records show that the RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super average around 27,605 and 28,344 points in the same test. This means the leaked RTX 5080 is ahead by 18.5% and 15%, respectively, compared to the RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super.
However, gamers hoping the RTX 5080 would surpass or equal the RTX 4090 might feel let down, as the RTX 5080’s score is still 10% lower than that of the RTX 4090 based on our evaluations.
AMD’s Position
Currently, AMD doesn’t have a direct rival for the RTX 5080 in its RDNA 4 series, but it may not need one if the 3DMark scores are any clue. The RX 7900 XTX, for instance, averages around 31,540 points in the Time Spy Graphics test—just 4% behind the anticipated RTX 5080 score.
With the RX 7900 XTX available for under $950 on platforms like Amazon and Newegg, many gamers might find it hard to justify the RTX 5080’s price. This situation is further complicated by reports of limited initial supply for the RTX 5080, which could drive prices even higher than the $999 MSRP.
Final Thoughts
Nevertheless, the landscape could shift in favor of the RTX 5080 when considering features like DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation, which some may view as essential.
Ultimately, only time will reveal the true performance of the RTX 5080 and its availability at launch. Until then, it’s wise to approach all leaks and speculations with caution.
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Tags: 3DMark Time Spy, NVIDIA, RTX 5080
January 27, 2025
A1 X: New Details on 8-Inch Gaming Handheld Revealed
Aokzoe recently shared more information regarding the A1 X, shortly after displaying the gaming handheld on social media. Just to remind you, the company had earlier confirmed that the A1 X would feature an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU. This is similar to what is found in devices like the Ayaneo 3 and OneXFly F1 Pro (currently priced at $1,569 on Amazon), among other contemporary Windows gaming handhelds.
Charging Features
In a few follow-up posts, Aokzoe stated that the A1 X will come with bypass charging. This means it can get power directly from a wall outlet without putting extra strain on the battery. This feature is expected to help prolong the battery life, which will have an advertised capacity of 72.7 Wh when it ships.
Storage and Control
The Aokzoe A1 X will also come equipped with a MicroSD 4.0 card reader, delivering transfer speeds of up to 300 MB/s, which is competitive with its peers. Additionally, it will feature ‘capacitive-grade’ joysticks that Aokzoe claims will offer ‘ultra-smooth control’ for an ‘unblemished’ gaming experience. As always, it’s wise to wait for independent reviews before forming an opinion. Sadly, it is still uncertain when Aokzoe intends to launch its new 8-inch gaming handheld.
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Tags: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX, Aokzoe A1 X, gaming handheld
January 27, 2025
Skyworth 31.5″ OLED Gaming Monitor: 4K 240Hz & FHD 480Hz
Skyworth has introduced a brand new gaming monitor named the F32G80U Ultra, which features a 31.5-inch display and is now available in the Chinese market. This monitor is priced at 8,999 Yuan ($1,242) and can be purchased on JD.com. Let’s take a look at its primary specifications.
Skyworth F32G80U Ultra Features
The F32G80U Ultra is fitted with a 31.5-inch OLED screen that boasts a stunning 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160, ensuring bright colors and sharp details. It utilizes an LG WOLED panel that employs self-emissive technology, which allows for precise pixel-level dimming, resulting in deeper blacks and improved contrast.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
This monitor offers two refresh rate modes, allowing users to select between 4K at 240Hz or Full HD at 480Hz, giving a choice between crystal-clear visuals and quick responsiveness. It has an impressive 0.03ms GTG response time, which significantly reduces motion blur and provides an advantage in fast-paced gaming situations.
In addition, the monitor includes advanced FreeSync technology, which guarantees a tear-free and incredibly smooth visual experience by synchronizing the refresh rate with the frame output from the GPU dynamically.
Color Accuracy and Connectivity
The display achieves an exceptional color gamut, boasting 98.4% DCI-P3 coverage, 100% sRGB, and 100% Rec.709, along with factory calibration that achieves DeltaE < 1 for professional-grade color accuracy. It supports HDR True Black 400 and can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, offering impressive highlights and shadow details.
For connectivity options, the G80U comes with dual HDMI 2.1 ports, a DP 2.1 port, and a 90W USB Type-C port, in addition to USB-A 3.0, USB-B ports, and an audio jack. It features an ergonomic design with adjustable height, tilt, swivel, and a 90° rotation, including a VESA-compatible mount (75×75mm) for versatile setups.
Audio and Eye Comfort Features
The G80U is also equipped with dual 5W speakers for a more immersive audio experience and incorporates innovative light-sensing technology, which adjusts brightness and color temperature according to the surrounding light. Furthermore, it includes hardware-level low-blue light technology to prioritize eye comfort during prolonged use.
Tags: 31.5-inch OLED gaming monitor, 4K 240Hz, Skyworth F32G80U Ultra
January 27, 2025
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED Monitor Now Available in China
Dell’s gaming brand Alienware has just introduced its newest monitor, the Alienware AW2725Q, in China, available for purchase on JD.com. This model was revealed to the global market earlier this month.
Specifications of the AW2725Q
The AW2725Q is a 26.5-inch monitor featuring QD-OLED technology, offering a stunning 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 240Hz. It provides 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut and has a color accuracy of Delta E<2. With an infinite contrast ratio, paired with Dolby Vision HDR and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certifications, it promises fantastic HDR performance, making it ideal for both gamers and content creators.
Features for Gamers and Creators
This monitor comes with a Creator Mode, allowing users to toggle between DCI-P3 and sRGB color spaces and modify gamma settings for greater flexibility. The standard brightness is 250 nits, but in HDR mode, it can peak at 1000 nits, which enhances highlights under different lighting conditions. Engineered for smooth gameplay, the AW2725Q supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync, and VESA Adaptive-Sync Display 240 standards, which helps to eliminate any screen tearing and ensures smooth motion.
Durability and Design
The AW2725Q integrates AI-driven burn-in prevention technology and an anti-burn-in graphite layer to enhance the durability of the OLED display. Alienware backs it up with a three-year warranty for burn-in issues, highlighting its reliability. The sleek design includes enhanced cable management and a compact base to save desk space. Users can adjust the monitor’s position easily, with vertical rotation from -90° to 90°, horizontal rotation from -20° to 20°, height adjustment from 0 to 110 mm, and tilt angles between -5° to 21°. It also features a user-friendly On-Screen Display and works with Alienware Command Center 6.6 for customized settings.
Pricing and Availability
The Alienware AW2725Q is available for 6,999 yuan ($966), down from its initial price of 7,499 yuan ($1,035), on JD.com. In the United States, it is priced at $900, and in Canada, it is CAD 1,230. The monitor is set to launch in Asia-Pacific regions in March and in EMEA areas come April.
Tags: Alienware AW2725Q, Gaming Display, QD-OLED Monitor
January 27, 2025
RTX 5080 and GeForce 50 Series AIB Prices Explained
History may soon repeat itself with Nvidia’s upcoming GeForce 50 series. The RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 are set to launch on January 30, while the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti are expected to arrive on February 20, according to leaks. Given the current state of affairs, it seems likely that we will witness stock shortages, price hikes, and scalping, leading many unhappy PC users to vent their frustrations on forums about Nvidia and its AIB partners. A recent post on the Chiphell forum, shared by @harukaze5719, suggests that this scenario is very much on the horizon.
Pricing Strategies Under Scrutiny
The post highlights that Nvidia is to blame for forcing custom board partners to resort to aggressive pricing measures to maintain profits. If you’ve ever wondered why Asus charges $800 above MSRP for its Astral RTX 5090 or even $900 more for the Astral RTX 5080, the reason could be that Nvidia has “left the manufacturers with a very, very low gross profit.” It’s suggested that creating a basic version according to MSRP is like doing charity work. Although it’s tough to feel bad for these companies since profit is profit, it seems Nvidia’s business approach is causing this predicament.
Anticipated Stock Shortages
Additionally, there are worries about stock shortages similar to those seen during the GeForce 30 series launch, which was significantly impacted by the cryptomining boom. Thus, even if Nvidia advertises the GeForce RTX 5080 FE at $999, the likelihood of purchasing one at that price appears very low. Gamers and PC builders will likely have to deal with the tricky landscape of third-party sellers exploiting the current market conditions, where demand surpasses supply. Unfortunately, some may end up buying from scalpers. In contrast, the previous generation cards have a much better availability, like the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC, which starts at $299.99 on Amazon.
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Tags: NVIDIA, RTX 5080, stock shortages
January 27, 2025
Titan Army 24.5″ Fast IPS 200Hz Gaming Monitor Only $76
Titan Army has introduced a new gaming monitor measuring 24.5 inches, known as the P2510G2, specifically for the Chinese market. With a competitive price of 549 yuan ($76), it is currently available for purchase on JD.com. Let’s take a look at its main features.
Key Features of Titan Army P2510G2
The Titan Army P2510G2 boasts a Fast IPS display that is 24.5 inches and has a resolution of 1920×1080 FHD, providing sharp and clear images. It offers an impressive refresh rate of 200Hz and a rapid 1ms GTG (Grey-to-Grey) response time, which effectively reduces motion blur, making it ideal for gamers who are into competitive play.
Visual Performance
This monitor excels in color accuracy and provides wide viewing angles of 178° in both horizontal and vertical directions, resulting in vibrant visuals. It covers 99% of the sRGB color spectrum and supports an 8-bit color depth, which ensures a rich and realistic color display, enhancing the immersive viewing experience.
Moreover, it has HDR400 certification, allowing for a peak brightness of 400 nits in HDR mode and 350 nits in SDR mode, which improves contrast and reveals intricate details in both bright and dark scenes.
Gaming Features
The P2510G2 is equipped with Game+ picture enhancement technology that includes Adaptive-Sync, allowing the monitor’s refresh rate to align with the GPU’s frame rate, thus minimizing screen tearing and stuttering. It also provides 10 levels of color enhancement, contrast enhancement, and modes for game dark enhancement, enabling players to fine-tune their visual settings for optimal performance based on different gaming situations.
The monitor features a dynamic OD (Overdrive) function, which adjusts overdrive settings according to the refresh rate, ensuring the best compromise between response time and image quality.
User-Friendly Design
In terms of usability, the monitor includes a customizable OSD menu with 10 preset modes for various scenarios, such as FPS, MOBA, RTS/RPG, and more, catering to both gaming and general use. It also incorporates hardware low-blue light technology and flicker-free backlighting, minimizing eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
Regarding its design, the monitor offers a fully adjustable stand that allows for tilt adjustments from -5° to +20° and is compatible with VESA 100x100mm wall mounting.
Connectivity and Warranty
For connectivity, the monitor is equipped with one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a 3.5mm audio output. It comes with a 3-year warranty, providing users with reliability and peace of mind.
In related news, LG has recently released its UltraGear GX7, a QHD OLED gaming monitor featuring a 480Hz refresh rate, now available in China. Additionally, Thunderobot has launched a new 24.5-inch gaming monitor with a 400Hz refresh rate, 1ms GTG response time, and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage, aimed at competitive gamers.
Tags: 200Hz refresh rate, Gaming Monitor, Titan Army P2510G2
January 27, 2025
KTC Unveils 24.5″ 1080p 200Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor for $69
KTC has introduced its latest H25T7 monitor in China, marking the arrival of its second generation. This model boasts a 1080p display paired with a 200Hz refresh rate. Priced at a reduced rate of 499 yuan (approximately $69), this monitor stands out as an affordable option among 200Hz displays. Let’s dive into some of its main features.
KTC H25T7-2 Features
The KTC H25T7-2 is equipped with a 24.5-inch Fast IPS panel and offers a 200Hz refresh rate, making it a great choice for gamers who play competitively. With a 1ms response time, this monitor guarantees incredibly smooth gameplay and minimizes motion blur, which is essential for fast-action gaming scenarios.
Moreover, the monitor supports HDR400, which enhances contrast and brightness, resulting in more vibrant and realistic visuals. It also boasts impressive color accuracy, covering 99% of the sRGB spectrum and 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it an excellent option for both professional tasks and multimedia use.
Comfort and Technology
This monitor includes hardware-level low blue light technology that filters out harmful blue light while keeping color accuracy intact, providing comfort for your eyes during long gaming sessions. Additionally, it supports AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync technologies, which eliminate screen tearing and stuttering for a fluid gaming experience. The H25T7-2 also incorporates MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) technology, which helps reduce motion blur, allowing gamers to follow fast-moving objects easily.
The H25T7-2 comes with an ergonomic stand that allows for height, tilt, swivel, and rotation adjustments, enabling users to adjust their viewing angles for maximum comfort. Furthermore, it features a dynamic OD (OverDrive) option, which optimizes the monitor’s response times according to the game’s frame rate, ensuring clear and smooth visuals.
Connectivity and Warranty
For gamers who need to see details in dark scenes, this monitor has dark balance enhancement, which brightens shadowy areas without making highlights too bright, thus giving players an advantage in visually complex games. In terms of connectivity, the monitor is fitted with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it easy to connect to various devices. It also features a user-friendly 5-way joystick control for navigating the on-screen display menu. The monitor is supported by a 3-year warranty, ensuring its reliability over the long haul.
Earlier today, Titan Army also unveiled a 200Hz gaming monitor, showcasing a 24.5-inch Fast IPS display with a 1080p resolution and a 1ms GTG response time, all for a remarkable price of only $76.
Tags: 200Hz Monitor, Gaming Display, KTC H25T7-2