Category: Gaming

April 23, 2025

Sony Announces Ghost of Yotei Release Date and Pre-Order Bonuses

Key Takeaways

1. Release Date: Ghost of Yotei will launch globally on October 2.
2. Price: The game will be priced at $69.99/£69.99/€79.99.
3. Platform Exclusivity: It is a PlayStation 5 exclusive, with no PS4 version available.
4. Editions Available: Three editions will be offered: Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Edition, each with different bonuses.
5. Pre-orders: Pre-orders start on May 2 through the PlayStation Store, and a new trailer has been released.

Sony, not wanting to fall behind after seeing Bethesda unveil The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remake, has announced the release date for what could be considered one of the most awaited PS5 titles of the year: Ghost of Yotei.

Release Details

Ghost of Yotei is set to launch globally on October 2. Following the trend of many contemporary AAA games, its price will be $69.99/£69.99/€79.99. Furthermore, it will be a PlayStation 5 exclusive, so there’s no version for PS4 this time around. Sucker Punch is also providing three editions of the game: Standard, Deluxe, and Collectors.

Editions and Bonuses

The Standard and Deluxe editions of Ghost of Yotei feature different levels of in-game cosmetics. Both editions include pre-order bonuses, however, the Deluxe edition offers an extra set of armor, armor dye, a sword kit, and horse armor. On the other hand, the Collector’s Edition includes a blank CD case with a game code, a sash, a pouch, and a Zeni Hajiki game.

Pre-orders for Ghost of Yotei will begin on May 2 through the PlayStation Store for those interested in a digital purchase. Sony has also released a new trailer for the game, which, sadly, does not reveal much gameplay footage. Nevertheless, fans can anticipate experiencing the same breathtaking environments as seen in the original game.

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Tags: Ghost of Yotei, PlayStation 5, Sucker Punch
April 23, 2025

Nintendo Lawsuit Against Streamer Promoting Switch Emulator Update

Key Takeaways

1. Nintendo has ramped up legal actions against piracy and copyright violations, including a lawsuit against streamer Jesse Keighin for streaming unreleased games using a Switch emulator.
2. The lawsuit against Keighin alleges copyright infringement on ten titles, with a focus on Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, which he leaked before its release.
3. Nintendo has reduced its claims during the lawsuit, settling on a $10,000 fine for the Paper Mario leak and total damages of $17,500.
4. Keighin’s noncompliance with court hearings has led Nintendo to seek a default judgment against him, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
5. The outcome of this case serves as a potential warning to other streamers about the risks of leaking and streaming unreleased games.

Recently, Nintendo has intensified its legal actions against piracy and violations of copyright. Following a subpoena aimed at uncovering the identity of the Pokémon Teraleaker, another case has emerged. Back in November, Nintendo initiated a lawsuit seeking damages from a streamer who was streaming unreleased games. This streamer, known as Jesse Keighin or EveryGameGuru, utilized a Switch emulator to play several titles. Due to his absence from court hearings, Nintendo is now pursuing a default judgment against Keighin.

Legal Actions Against the Streamer

The initial complaint against Keighin was lodged in a federal court in Colorado. Nintendo accused him of infringing on the copyrights of ten different titles. Occasionally, ROMs for unreleased games compatible with Switch emulators like Yuzu pop up. Over the past two years, Keighin presented these games to his audience without any permission from Nintendo. Additionally, he encouraged his followers to download both emulators and ROMs.

Shifting Demands from Nintendo

As the lawsuit has progressed, Nintendo has reduced its claims. Keighin streamed games like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Super Mario Party Jamboree. Nevertheless, Nintendo is particularly concentrating on Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The streamer leaked this RPG title just before its planned release in May 2024. Some instances of piracy were notably harmful and disrupted Nintendo’s marketing strategies. The company has settled on a $10,000 fine for the copyright infringement related to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, alongside total damages amounting to $17,500.

Potential Consequences for Keighin

With multiple violations, Keighin could have faced potential fines reaching up to $1.5 million. It’s curious that Nintendo would show some leniency, especially given the streamer’s noncompliance with the lawsuit. Not only has he failed to appear in court, but he has also mocked Nintendo while remaining elusive.

Nintendo might just be tired of playing this ongoing game of cat-and-mouse. Although the $17,500 penalty is not as high as the one imposed on Gary Bowser, it could still serve as a warning to other streamers regarding similar leaks.

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Tags: EveryGameGuru, Nintendo
April 23, 2025

8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse: NES-Inspired Edition Launches

Key Takeaways

1. 8BitDo has released the Retro R8 Mouse – N Edition, inspired by the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), alongside its previous Xbox Edition.
2. The mouse features a color palette similar to the NES, with gray sides, bright red buttons, and an off-white shell.
3. It includes a multifunctional charging dock, two programmable buttons on each side, and a PAW 3395 sensor with customizable DPI and polling rates.
4. The mouse supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired connections, catering to both left and right-handed users.
5. The Retro R8 Mouse – N Edition is available for pre-order at $49.99, with shipping starting on May 22nd, 2025.

8BitDo is well-recognized for its gaming accessories, but they also produce PC tools like keyboards and mice. Last year, the company introduced the 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse – Xbox Edition, which features a see-through green casing reminiscent of the original Xbox console. They’ve now launched a version of this mouse that honors the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

The NES-Inspired Design

This new mouse is officially named the 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse – N Edition, and it works exactly the same as the Xbox Edition. It sports a color palette that mirrors the NES, similar to the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard – N Edition (currently listed on Amazon for $89.99). The scroll wheel and sides are colored gray, the side buttons are bright red, and the main shell and click buttons are an off-white shade.

Features and Functionality

Inside the packaging, users will find a multifunctional charging dock, which not only charges the mouse but also holds the adapter and boosts the signal. The mouse features two programmable buttons on each side, along with a PAW 3395 sensor that lets users modify DPI levels from 50 to 26,000, and polling rates from 125Hz to 8,000Hz.

This mouse is designed for both left and right-handed gamers and can connect through Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired mode. The 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse – N Edition includes a 450mAh rechargeable battery, which is said to last up to 100 hours in Bluetooth mode and between 26 to 105 hours in 2.4GHz mode. Charging fully takes about 2.5 hours.

Availability and Price

The 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse – N Edition is currently available for pre-order on Amazon and on 8BitDo’s official eShop for $49.99. Shipping is set to start on May 22nd, 2025.

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April 23, 2025

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Coming to Nintendo Switch 2

Key Takeaways

1. Bethesda surprise-launched The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, leaving Nintendo players feeling excluded from the excitement.
2. A leaker suggests that Bethesda may bring the remaster to the Nintendo Switch 2, which has improved specs for handling demanding games.
3. Caution is advised regarding the leaker’s credibility, as their history is not perfect, but Bethesda’s past support for Nintendo consoles is promising.
4. The Steam Deck is currently the best portable option for playing Oblivion Remastered, but performance is mixed, with framerates often dropping below 30 fps.
5. Early performance insights for demanding games on Switch 2 show better stability compared to Steam Deck, raising hopes for Oblivion Remastered’s performance on the new console.

There was a lot of buzz when Bethesda surprise-launched The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered across various platforms. Yet, many Nintendo players feel excluded from all the excitement. With the improved specs of the Switch 2, it’s possible that demanding games could run well on this console. A leaker known as eXtas1stv has hinted that Bethesda is looking to bring the remaster of this beloved action RPG to the handheld device.

Caution is Key

Gamers should be careful since eXtas1stv doesn’t have a perfect history. Nevertheless, it would be shocking if Bethesda chose not to develop for the Switch 2. After all, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released on the original Switch within its first year. With not many launch titles for Nintendo, the company is relying on third-party Switch 2 games to help increase sales.

Steam Deck Experience

At this moment, the Steam Deck is the most favored way to enjoy The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on the go. Currently, reviews about how well it performs on the Valve handheld are mixed. Even though the game is verified for Steam Deck, players often notice framerates dipping below 30 fps in open-world scenarios while in performance mode. This situation has led some Nintendo fans to question how the game will operate with the enhanced specs of the Switch 2.

Performance Insights

Looking at the footage from Cyberpunk 2077, it seems that demanding games on the Switch 2 can run quite well. In certain modes, players have reported achieving a stable 40 fps, especially with the DLSS upscaling option. These results appear to be a bit better compared to what many Steam Deck users are experiencing. However, the open-world title Star Wars Outlaws could need additional optimization before its release on September 4th.

In the lead-up to the official announcement, leaks about The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered were constant. Most of the rumors turned out to be true, and now buyers of the Switch 2 are hopeful that eXtas1stv will keep up this pattern.

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Tags: Bethesda, Elder Scrolls IV, Switch 2
April 23, 2025

Honor GT Pro: New Details Revealed for Upcoming Gaming Smartphone

Key Takeaways

1. Honor is set to launch its new gaming smartphone, the GT Pro, tomorrow alongside the Pad GT.
2. The GT Pro features a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a large 7,200 mAh battery, but lacks wireless charging.
3. The smartphone has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 6,000 nits.
4. Key features include a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and dual 50 MP rear cameras, with an IP69 rating for water and dust resistance.
5. It is currently unclear if the GT Pro will be available globally upon release.

Honor has ramped up its promotional efforts for its upcoming gaming smartphone. Set to launch tomorrow alongside the Pad GT, the GT Pro marks Honor’s second gaming smartphone introduction this week, following the release of the X60 GT earlier today.

Device Specifications Revealed

After showcasing the phone’s design last week, Honor has shifted to unveil its specifications ahead of the launch event. As shown in the images below, Honor intends to replace the current GT smartphone with a new model powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This new device comes with an impressive 7,200 mAh battery, aiming to compete with the RedMagic 10 Pro, which is currently priced at $636 on Amazon. However, it appears that the GT Pro will not feature wireless charging, despite its substantial battery capacity being complemented by 90W wired charging.

Display and Features

In terms of display, Honor has incorporated a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen that boasts a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a touch sampling rate of 2,700 Hz. The large display is also capable of reaching a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, similar to many of the latest flagship smartphones. Additionally, the GT Pro includes a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, dual 50 MP cameras on the back, and comes with an IP69 rating for water and dust resistance. At this moment, it remains uncertain if Honor will make its new gaming smartphone available on a global scale.

Honor’s efforts to build anticipation are clear, and fans are eager to see what the GT Pro will deliver.

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Tags: Gaming Smartphone, Honor GT Pro, Snapdragon 8 Elite
April 22, 2025

Madden NFL 26 Release Date Leaked; Nintendo Switch 2 Status Unclear

Key Takeaways

1. Madden NFL 26 is set to be revealed by April 25th and will release on August 14th, with a Deluxe Edition offering three days of early access.
2. The game is expected to be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with no current plans for PS4 or Xbox One versions, indicating a shift to current-generation consoles.
3. EA has confirmed a Madden game for the upcoming Switch 2, but it is unclear if Madden NFL 26 will launch on that platform in August.
4. EA Sports has previously provided lesser versions of games for the Nintendo Switch, leading to hopes for improved performance on the Switch 2.
5. Fans are eager for more information regarding the Switch version of Madden NFL 26, as EA typically aims for simultaneous releases of its sports games each year.

The arrival of a new Madden football game is a yearly event for EA Sports. Trusted leaker billbil-kun has mentioned that the company is set to reveal the new installment by April 25th at the latest. The release date for Madden NFL 26 is slated for August 14th, and players who opt for the Deluxe Edition will get three days of early access. While EA has confirmed that there will be a Madden game for the Switch 2, it remains unclear if Madden NFL 26 will be available on that platform in August.

Platform Expectations

According to billbil-kun, the latest Madden game is expected to be released on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. There’s no information about a PS4 or Xbox One version, suggesting that Madden NFL 26 might be exclusive to current-generation consoles. This is a shift from Madden 25, especially since EA College Football 25 will only be available in 2024 for newer systems. Interestingly, the F1 25 racing simulation is also focusing on current platforms for the first time, indicating that EA may be moving away from older Microsoft and Sony consoles.

Switch Developments

Madden has been noticeably missing from the Nintendo Switch lineup. Previously, EA provided lesser versions of its sports games for the Switch with reduced graphics and absent features. While EA Sports FC 25 managed to retain many elements, the limitations of the Switch were clear. Gamers are hoping for improved performance when both games launch on the Switch 2. Initial footage suggests that the new Nintendo console could at least rival the Steam Deck. However, many EA Sports games are not compatible with Valve’s handheld, and anti-cheat measures prevent EA Sports FC 25 from running on it.

The first Madden game for the Switch 2 might not share the same release period as Madden NFL 26. Nevertheless, EA generally aims for its sports games to be released at the same time each year. Fans are eager for more information regarding a Switch version when the Madden NFL 26 release date is officially announced.

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Tags: EA Sports, Madden NFL 26, Nintendo Switch 2
April 22, 2025

Windows 3.1 Now Available on Nintendo Game Boy: Play Today!

Key Takeaways

1. Developer Rubenretro has ported Windows 3.1 to the Nintendo Game Boy DMG-001, creating a unique retro gaming experience.
2. The project, called GBS Windows, quickly sold out its initial release and subsequent batches due to high demand.
3. GBS Windows was developed using GB Studio, a drag-and-drop tool for creating games on the Game Boy.
4. The software includes rebranded versions of classic applications like GBSweeper (Minesweeper) and GBSPaint, along with a music player that supports multitasking.
5. GBS Windows was initially sold on Etsy through Cajas Retro but is currently out of stock.

A developer named Rubenretro has taken a new spin on retro gaming by porting Windows 3.1 to the classic Nintendo Game Boy DMG-001. This unique version of Windows, while significantly altered, brings back some of the iconic elements from Microsoft’s early operating system, featuring several tools and games.

Project Launch and Availability

Earlier this year, Rubenretro kicked off a project called GBS Windows, and just last month, he began offering physical copies for sale. The initial release sold out in no time, prompting the Game Boy developer to roll out a second batch the following week, which also quickly vanished. A third batch is expected to be available soon, as informed by @CajasRetro, the organization handling the sales and distribution.

Development Details

GBS Windows was crafted using GB Studio, a user-friendly drag-and-drop development tool designed for the DMG-001, which is the original black-and-green Game Boy, and the CGB-001, also referred to as the Game Boy Color (currently available refurbished on Amazon for $112.87).

This version of Windows, inspired by Windows 3.1, features Minesweeper, rebranded as GBSweeper, a variant of MS Paint known as GBSPaint, and a media player that includes some catchy chip tunes. Notably, the media player can play music in the background while other applications are running, allowing for basic multitasking. Furthermore, the Game Boy Printer accessory can be used with GBSPaint to print out users’ pixel art creations.

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April 22, 2025

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Steam Deck Verified with High Requirements

Key Takeaways

1. Bethesda has remastered The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion using Unreal Engine 5, featuring demanding system requirements.
2. The game is verified for use on the Steam Deck, despite not being explicitly mentioned on the official Steam page.
3. Minimum requirements include an AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K CPU, Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 1070 Ti graphics card, and 16 GB of RAM.
4. Playable frame rates of around 30 FPS can be achieved on the Steam Deck with adjustments.
5. The game requires 120 GB of SSD storage, potentially necessitating the uninstallation of other games for space.

Bethesda has finally unveiled the remastered version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which is powered by Unreal Engine 5. As with all games utilizing this engine, the system requirements are noticeably demanding. However, Bethesda managed to get the game operational on a Steam Deck. Although the official Steam page doesn’t clearly mention this, accessing the game on a Steam Deck reveals a green check mark, signifying that it is verified.

Minimum Requirements

A quick look at the minimum specifications shows that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion requires at least an AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or an Intel Core i7-6800K CPU, as well as a Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 1070 Ti graphics card. Additionally, 16 GB of RAM is also necessary. This is a bit more powerful than what the Steam Deck offers, but with some adjustments, you could achieve a playable 30 FPS.

Performance Potential

That frame rate could likely be improved with the help of FSR and third-party applications like Decky Frame Gen or Lossless Scaling. However, a significant concern is the game’s 120 GB SSD storage requirement, which means you may need to uninstall some games to make space for Oblivion. Regardless, the achievement of getting it running on the Steam Deck is quite remarkable, and it will be fascinating to observe its actual performance.

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Tags: Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Steam Deck, Unreal Engine 5
April 22, 2025

Oblivion Remastered Surprise Release: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

1. Todd Howard reflects on the significance of the original game and its impact over the past two decades.
2. The remastered version of Oblivion features upgraded visuals and a more dynamic combat system.
3. The remaster includes all original add-ons, such as ‘Knight’s of the Nine’ and ‘Shivering Isles’.
4. The project was executed with a commitment to do justice to the original game.
5. Oblivion Remastered is available on multiple platforms including Xbox Series X | S, Steam, PS5, and Xbox Game Pass.

Here we are, two decades down the line. Todd Howard opens the livestream with a nostalgic look back. Before diving into the details, the team spent some time reflecting on how significant the original game was when it launched. Soon enough, the opening scene from the original game flashes on the screen, followed by a comparison with the remastered version.

Reliving The Epic Moments

“It doesn’t matter if you’re revisiting these memories or seeing them for the first time. The Oblivion Remastered world instantly looks and feels amazing. When we chose to remaster Oblivion, we were quite selective about picking the right partner. From the start of this project, we had one main rule: We wouldn’t proceed unless we could do it justice,” shares Tom Mustaine, who is the external projects and studio director.

All-Inclusive Content

This remaster includes every add-on from the original game, featuring both ‘Knight’s of the Nine’ and ‘Shivering Isles’, which means that everyone who purchases the game gets access to all of Oblivion’s features.

There are numerous updates from the original game to the remaster. Virtuos specifically highlights both the upgraded visuals that have been rebuilt from scratch and the enhanced combat system, which is now more dynamic and contemporary compared to the initial release.

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Tags: Oblivion Remastered, PS5, Xbox Series X
April 22, 2025

Compact Radeon RX 6500 with Navi 24 GPU: No External Power Needed

Key Takeaways

1. The RX 6500 XT faced harsh criticism upon its release in January 2022 for poor performance and high pricing, with some calling it the worst GPU release ever.
2. The RX 6500 XT is priced at $200, features 4 GB of RAM, and operates on a 64-bit bus, making it unsuitable for contemporary AAA games.
3. A new version, the RX 6500 non-XT, has been released with similar specifications but lower memory speeds, resulting in reduced memory bandwidth.
4. The RX 6500’s low 55 W TDP allows it to draw power through the PCIe interface, making it suitable for compact PC builds.
5. The RX 6500 is not currently available in Western markets, leading buyers to consider alternatives like the RX 6500 XT, RX 6600, and RX 7600.

When AMD introduced the RX 6500 XT in January 2022 during the GPU crisis fueled by cryptocurrency mining, many critics condemned the card as a terrible product that should have never been created. For example, TechSpot’s Steven Walton referred to the RX 6500 XT as “the worst GPU release” he had ever seen. The backlash against the RX 6500 XT stemmed from its performance and its pricing.

Pricing and Specifications

Priced at $200 with only 4 GB of RAM on a 64-bit bus, the RX 6500 XT was seen as a poor choice for playing contemporary AAA games at that time. Fast forward three years, the standard Radeon RX 6500 has appeared, also sporting limited specifications.

A Chinese AIB known as Zephyr has recently launched the “4G Dual ITX” RX 6500 non-XT, which shares the same memory and core setup as the RX 6500 XT. This card features a Navi 24 GPU, equipped with 1,024 Stream Processors, a boost clock of 2,066 MHz, 4 GB of 16 Gbps GDDR6 VRAM, a 64-bit bus, and a TDP of just 55 W. As the RX 6500 seems to have lower memory speeds compared to the RX 6500 XT, its memory bandwidth will be even less than the already modest 144 GB/s.

What Makes It Unique?

While the RX 6500 may not inspire much excitement, some users could find its low 55 W TDP appealing. This design allows the RX 6500 to draw power entirely through the PCIe interface. With a minimal power draw and without needing extra power cables, enthusiasts of compact PC builds can utilize the RX 6500 to create very small systems.

So, if you need a simple display adapter for a PC monitor or a GPU to run lighter AAA or indie games, the RX 6500 might be a good fit.

Availability Concerns

Nonetheless, there is no news about the RX 6500 being available in Western markets. Therefore, those looking for budget-friendly GPUs should consider alternatives like the RX 6500 XT, RX 6600, and RX 7600, which are all purchasable from Amazon.

Source: ITHome via @realVictor_M on X and VideoCardz, Teaser image: Zephyr, BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash, edited.

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Tags: amd