Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo’s Secret Playtest Program Sparks Growing Speculation

    Nintendo’s Secret Playtest Program Sparks Growing Speculation

    Since October 10 at 3 pm (UTC), holders of Nintendo Swich Online accounts have had the chance to sign up for the enigmatic Playtest program. The search for 10,000 testers was wrapped up swiftly, meaning that applications are no longer being accepted. It’s important to note that only those with an active Expansion Pack membership were allowed to apply in the first place.

    Testing Details

    The testing period is set to run from October 24 to November 6, 2024. Participants will receive a 2.2 GB program, which is advised to be used in TV mode with a LAN connection for the best experience. Nintendo has chosen not to disclose any details about the content of the playtest. In fact, participants are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that forbids them from sharing any information.

    Speculations and Theories

    One common theory is that this playtest might be related to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as there are already some render images and additional info circulating. Alternatively, it could be a feature linked to the Alarmo clock, which was announced on October 9 and showcases beloved Nintendo characters such as Mario, Link, and Pikmin to tell the time on a round screen.

    Online Rumors

    The chatter on Reddit has taken things even further. Some users speculate that it might involve a game streaming service, while others think it could be a feature that allows users to download large games in stages.

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  • Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs 7800X3D: Major Gaming Boost with Zen 5 X3D

    Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs 7800X3D: Major Gaming Boost with Zen 5 X3D

    We’ve seen a lot of leaks about the Ryzen 9000X3D lately. There are talks of possible lower prices and increased V-Cache for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The upcoming Zen 5 Ryzen 9000X3D processors are expected to strengthen AMD’s gaming advantage over Intel even more. This is particularly relevant now since the new Intel Core Ultra 200K “Arrow Lake” CPUs likely won’t provide any gaming performance improvements compared to the 14th generation chips.

    New Specifications

    As for the specs of the Ryzen 9000X3D, rumors suggest that these chips will have faster clock speeds than the Zen 4 models. A recent video on bilibili has shown the Ryzen 7 9800X3D working at a significantly higher all-core boost clock compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

    The video from bilibili claims that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D features a base clock of 4.7 GHz, with the ability to boost all cores to 5.2 GHz during what seems to be Cinebench 2024. While we don’t have the benchmark data, the 5.2 GHz all-core clock speed is quite thrilling for several reasons.

    Performance Improvements

    Firstly, if the Ryzen 7 9800X3D really hits an all-core frequency of 5.2 GHz, it would mark a notable 400 MHz rise over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which peaks at 4.8 GHz across all 8 cores. Interestingly, the 400 MHz increase matches the bump we saw from the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (4.8 GHz) to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.35 GHz).

    Moreover, hitting a 5.2 GHz all-core boost clock could indicate a single-core boost reaching between 5.4 and 5.5 GHz. Just for reference, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has a single-core boost speed of 5 GHz. Since many games benefit from higher single-threaded frequencies, this means greater gaming performance in most cases.

    Conclusion

    Also, when we factor in the IPC improvements from the new Zen 5 architecture, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D appears to be a solid upgrade compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. This should please AMD enthusiasts who were let down by the underwhelming gains of standard Zen 5 processors.

    Before we conclude, just remember to take this information lightly, as we currently lack official confirmation regarding the specs of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

    bilibili via HXL on X, Teaser image: AMD, Joshua Sortino on Unsplash, edited

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  • Anbernic Launches RG CubeXX Classic with New Wireless Controllers

    Anbernic Launches RG CubeXX Classic with New Wireless Controllers

    Anbernic has had a pretty subdued beginning to this month, at least when we look at their usual pace. To summarize, their most recent launch was the RG406V, which is currently priced at $234.98 on Amazon and came out in the middle of September. Since then, there have been numerous whispers about new products from Anbernic, including new wireless controllers, the RG408, RG406P, or even a variation of the RG Cube.

    Exciting Announcements

    Now, at least two of these products have become official. Anbernic has recently introduced a new version of the RG Cube and a new set of wireless controllers. It’s important to note that, for the time being, they have only provided information on the RG Cube. The wireless controllers can be seen around 3:30 in the video shared below, and they closely resemble the 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2C, aligning with recent leaks.

    Specifications and Features

    According to Anbernic’s description linked to the same video, it appears that the RG CubeXX Classic might actually share more features with the latest RG35XX series than its predecessor. While this has not been officially confirmed, the indication that the RG CubeXX Classic will be capable of emulating Dreamcast, N64, and PS1 games suggests that it will utilize the same Allwinner H700 chipset as the RG35XX SP. In contrast, Anbernic has chosen to include a 3.95-inch square display with a 720p resolution and a 1:1 aspect ratio. Additionally, the RG CubeXX Classic will feature 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, RGB lighting around its joysticks, and HDMI output. Although Anbernic has yet to disclose pricing or when it will be available, we believe more information will be shared later this month.

    Anbernic via forthenext.

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  • Bluetooth Controller Adapter for NES Expansion Port Now Available

    Bluetooth Controller Adapter for NES Expansion Port Now Available

    RetroTime has introduced the NES Hub, claiming it to be ‘a Bluetooth receiver unlike any other’. Earlier this year, RetroTime revealed their plans for the NES Hub with four main goals. Primarily, this device allows for Bluetooth controller support on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), expanding beyond just the traditional NES controller (curr. $26.57 – renewed on Amazon).

    Alternative to Old Accessories

    The NES Hub also acts as a substitute for the official NES Four Score, which is now over 30 years old and can be hard to find. Additionally, it utilizes the 15-pin expansion port found on the bottom of the NES. It’s important to highlight that the NES Hub is designed specifically for the NES-001 model and won’t work with any later revisions of the NES.

    Enhanced Audio and Future Expandability

    Furthermore, the NES Hub is compatible with Expansion Audio, a feature created by Nintendo that allows games to access additional audio channels for a better sound experience. The accessory also includes three ports meant for future add-ons to enhance the CPU and controller interaction, as well as other potential functions. Currently, you can purchase the NES Hub from 8BitMods for $57.28, or for $83.30 if you opt for the SNES controller add-on. As of now, RetroTime is aiming to start shipping the NES Hub in December.

    8BitMods via Liliputing

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  • Dell G15 (5535) RTX 4060 165Hz Display Sale – Great Price!

    Dell G15 (5535) RTX 4060 165Hz Display Sale – Great Price!

    We shared information late last month regarding the Dell G15 5530, which features an RTX 4060 and a Core i7-13650HX, available for just $899.99 at Dell’s official site. We mentioned that this was a great offer because, along with the powerful RTX 4060 GPU and the Core i7-13650HX CPU, customers would also receive a quick 360 Hz 15.6-inch IPS display.

    New AMD Variant on Sale

    If you missed out on that previous offer, there’s good news! The AMD version of this laptop, the Dell G15 5535, is currently priced at only $849.99. This marks a significant $250 reduction from its usual price of $1,100.

    In typical Dell fashion, you can further reduce the price by using a 10% coupon code, which is available for those who sign up for their email list.

    Specifications Overview

    On the specs side, the AMD Ryzen-based Dell G15 5535 comes equipped with a Ryzen 7 7840HS Zen 4 CPU, an RTX 4060 laptop GPU, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and a 15.6-inch IPS display. The display offers a solid 165 Hz refresh rate and features FHD resolution, full 100% sRGB gamut coverage, and a response time of just 3 ms.

    Our review of the Dell G15 5530, which is very similar to the G15 5535, shows that Dell has successfully built a robust machine that meets essential gaming needs.

    Gaming Performance

    Firstly, the Dell G15 is specifically designed for 1080p gaming, and it does just that. Our review unit, which had a Core i7-13650HX and an RTX 4050, could run games like F1 22 at over 170 FPS with FHD/high settings. Since the RTX 4060 is more powerful than the RTX 4050, you can expect most modern AAA games to run at 60 FPS without issues.

    The 15.6-inch screen backs up Dell’s claims of 100% sRGB and a 3 ms response time, as we recorded 98% sRGB coverage and a Gray-to-Gray response time of 3.39 ms. Moreover, the screen has a decent contrast ratio of 1,524:1 and a pleasing brightness level of 320 nits.

    Final Thoughts

    While the Dell G15 5535’s display is suitable for gamers, don’t forget to download our free ICC profile from the review page to enhance the color accuracy of the screen.

    Also noteworthy, for such a large gaming laptop, the Dell G15 boasts a solid battery life of 6.5 hours in our WLAN test.

    In summary, if you can overlook the hefty size of the Dell G15, this laptop offers great value and is an excellent purchase at the current discounted price.

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  • Hisense C2 Ultra: Best 4K Mini Laser Projector for Xbox Gamers

    Hisense C2 Ultra: Best 4K Mini Laser Projector for Xbox Gamers

    Hisense has launched its latest tri-color laser projector, the 4K Laser Smart Mini Projector C2 Ultra, which is aimed at Xbox enthusiasts. This new device offers a captivating experience with a massive display size that varies from 65 to 300 inches, making it ideal for both gaming sessions and movie nights.

    Hisense Mini Projector C2 Ultra

    The C2 Ultra features Auto-Low Latency Mode, MEMC technology, and an optimized Game mode that guarantees smooth gameplay without any lag or interruptions. It can handle refresh rates as high as 240 frames per second, providing clear visuals that make games feel alive.

    Outstanding Picture Quality

    In terms of picture quality, the C2 Ultra stands out with a 110% BT.2020 color range, 3000 ANSI lumens brightness, and certifications such as IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Vision. This ensures a cinematic experience with bright images and vibrant colors, all while avoiding harmful blue light exposure. It’s crafted to deliver an impressive home theater experience, even in rooms with plenty of light.

    Easy Installation and Gaming Features

    Setting up the projector is simple. Whether you choose to mount it on a wall, ceiling, or place it on the floor, the projector’s gimbal design and optical zoom offer flexible installation options. Additionally, it supports split-screen gaming, transforming any space into a great area for multiplayer gaming fun.

    Impressive Audio Experience

    On the audio front, the C2 Ultra impresses as well. It comes with a built-in subwoofer and a 2.1-channel JBL sound system, providing deep bass and immersive 3D surround sound thanks to DTS Virtualtechnology.

    Set to launch worldwide on October 10th, the C2 Ultra promises exceptional audio and visual quality, making it an appealing choice for both gamers and movie enthusiasts.

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  • SteamOS Enhances Third-Party Handhelds with Asus ROG Ally VRR

    SteamOS Enhances Third-Party Handhelds with Asus ROG Ally VRR

    Valve has long said it would make the SteamOS ISO available for anyone who wants to put it on any PC or handheld gaming console they prefer. Recently, they reaffirmed this promise and even added support for the extra buttons on the Asus ROG Ally in SteamOS. Now, Gamescope, which is Valve’s gaming micro-compositor, has made more progress in making SteamOS work with the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X.

    Recent Developments in Gamescope

    A contributor to the Gamescope project recently shared that they added a configuration for the Asus ROG Ally display during a recent merge. This configuration has been tested and confirmed to work with both the Asus ROG Ally X and the original Ally. The tests showed that the ROG Ally display configuration is compatible with various games and includes features like VRR and the ability to adjust the SteamOS refresh rate in the game overlay.

    Ongoing Improvements

    There’s probably still a significant amount of work needed before the Asus ROG Ally functions perfectly with SteamOS. However, it seems that much of the essential proprietary work is being completed first, such as customizing button mappings and screen configurations. Valve has mentioned before that they are steadily making headway in adding support and features for other gaming systems and handhelds, but they have not provided a specific timeline for release.

    The Asus ROG Ally X is currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy and offers a notable performance boost compared to its earlier model.

    Alternatives to SteamOS

    If you are searching for a SteamOS-like experience with Gamescope, there are several alternatives available, such as Bazzite and ChimeraOS. Both options support a range of system configurations, largely due to their Linux base, which leads to speculation that Valve is working to optimize hardware and configuration support for these third-party devices. Valve has also stated multiple times that they do not view these handhelds as competition for the Steam Deck. This viewpoint is logical when you consider that it benefits Valve to have as many devices running SteamOS as possible, especially since they have historically sold the lower-end Steam Deck at a loss.

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  • AMD Supports Retail Price Cuts on RX 7000 GPUs

    AMD Supports Retail Price Cuts on RX 7000 GPUs

    Over the last few days, we’ve noticed a decrease in prices for RNDA 3 GPUs. Ranging from the RX 7700 XT to the RX 7900 XTX, nearly all mid-range and high-end RX 7000 GPUs have seen their prices drop, with the RX 7800 XT and RX 7900 XTX hitting record-low prices. In our coverage of these price reductions, we suggested that while AMD hasn’t officially declared any discounts, these offers might act as unofficial price changes by the company.

    Possible Official Price Cuts

    A recent leak from Moore’s Law Is Dead has revealed that AMD is “finally thinking about officially lowering RDNA 3 pricing.” Therefore, Team Red may soon unveil new MSRPs for their RX 7000 GPUs.

    Moreover, MLID’s source from a “Major Retailer” confirmed that AMD “appears to be enabling” undisclosed price adjustments for the RDNA 3 graphics cards. This action could explain the RX 7000 series discounts we’ve been observing.

    Why the Price Reductions?

    You might wonder: What’s the reason behind AMD’s sudden GPU price cuts? One potential explanation is the upcoming launch of RDNA 4 cards anticipated in early 2025. Logically, AMD must stimulate demand for new GPUs, and a smart tactic to achieve this is by clearing out RDNA 3 inventory.

    Another factor could be an oversupply of RDNA 3 GPUs. MLID reports that Navi 31-based models like the RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT are not performing well in sales. If this is accurate, AMD would be keen to sell off the surplus stock by reducing the prices to more attractive levels.

    Positive News for Gamers

    No matter the reasons driving these price reductions, it’s a positive turn of events for gamers who have felt let down by a rather underwhelming generation of GPUs.

    Moore’s Law Is Dead on YouTube, Teaser image: Notebookcheck, Briana Graham on Unsplash, edited.

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  • GameSir X3 Pro Launches: Hall Effect Joysticks Rival Backbone One

    GameSir X3 Pro Launches: Hall Effect Joysticks Rival Backbone One

    GameSir has been busy with the launch of new game controllers, introducing the G7 HE in August, the T7 in September, and the Tarantula Pro just a few days ago. Now, RetroHandhelds has found out that a new telescopic controller is out and can be purchased on Amazon US.

    Overview of the X3 Pro

    Earlier this summer, GameSir unveiled the X3 Pro in China. From what we can see, this controller has not changed for its international release. It includes Hall effect joysticks, which GameSir claims can last for up to five million cycles. Additionally, the X3 Pro features a custom d-pad that uses magnets and micro switches. These are designed to give users an "e-sports feel" with satisfying clicks and quick responses, making for a "professional gaming experience."

    Features and Specs

    The controller is equipped with Turbo functionality for those intense gaming sessions. Also, GameSir has added a six-axis gyroscope, dual rumble motors, and another USB Type-C port that allows you to charge your phone while you’re gaming. Furthermore, there is a cooling plate measuring 900 mm², which GameSir asserts can provide up to 12 W of cooling capacity when under heavy use.

    Comfort and Pricing

    In addition to these features, the X3 Pro comes with removable grips that enhance comfort during long gaming sessions. At present, this telescopic controller can be found on Amazon priced at $63.99 as a "Prime Exclusive Deal." If you do not have an Amazon Prime account, you can still get the GameSir X3 Pro for $79.99.

    Amazon via RetroHandhelds

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Expected to Support Unreal Engine 5 Features

    Nintendo Switch 2 Expected to Support Unreal Engine 5 Features

    Nintendo’s new Switch 2 console has been at the center of many leaks and speculations in recent weeks. New information suggests that the console will feature significant upgrades, and it is anticipated to launch at the end of this fiscal year, likely in March or April of 2025.

    Podcast Insights

    In a recent episode of Digital Foundry’s podcast, the hosts answered viewer questions, including whether they think the Switch 2 will support features from Unreal Engine 5. They confidently answered that it will, indeed, support these features.

    They emphasize, rightly so, that a big part of the Switch’s success comes from the support of third-party developers. This statement holds a lot of weight since the Switch is a beloved gaming platform for many. The situation is clear: as the gaming world embraces Unreal Engine 5, Nintendo can’t afford to fall behind, and it is expected to include almost all UE5 features, such as Nanite, Lumen, and possibly even MegaLights, albeit with some adjustments.

    Performance Concerns

    However, there are some caveats to consider. The experts were careful to manage expectations, pointing out that hardware constraints will likely come into play. It all comes down to performance goals and how much developers are willing to optimize to get the best out of the console. In another discussion about performance, the hosts were questioned about how the Steam Deck might influence the Switch platform, and their answer was clear: even though the Steam Deck has stronger hardware, it doesn’t have the games that make the Switch so appealing, and it’s generally more cumbersome to use.

    Digital Foundry via YouTube

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