Category: Gaming

  • Retroid Urges US Customers to Update Retroid Pocket Classic Orders

    Retroid Urges US Customers to Update Retroid Pocket Classic Orders

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retroid Pocket Classic launched for purchase last month, with pre-orders starting in mid-April.
    2. Shipping for US customers ordering specific colors (Teal, Kiwi, Berry) will be delayed due to a shipping cutoff on April 25th.
    3. Affected customers are advised to contact customer support to change their color selection to receive their orders promptly.
    4. The Retroid Pocket Classic is a handheld gaming console inspired by the Nintendo Game Boy Color, starting at $119.
    5. Key features include a Qualcomm Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chip, 3.92-inch 1080p AMOLED screen, 5,000mAh battery, and Android 14.


    The Retroid Pocket Classic launched for purchase last month, with pre-orders kicking off in mid-April. Now, GoRetroid has announced that shipping has started, but customers in the US who ordered specific colors will need to make a switch to receive their items.

    Shipping Changes for US Customers

    As per a message shared on X by the official Retroid Pocket account, Chinese shipping services will cease accepting shipments to the US starting April 25th. This change will impact customers who ordered the Retroid Pocket Classic in colors like Teal, Kiwi, and Berry, as those orders won’t begin shipping until April 28th, which is after the cutoff date for US shipments.

    Suggestions for Affected Buyers

    To ensure that US customers can still receive their Retroid Pocket Classic, GoRetroid has recommended that those who ordered the mentioned colors reach out to customer support to modify their orders to one of the other available colors. The announcement included an apology to the impacted customers but reassured that buyers from other nations aren’t affected by these shipping limitations.

    Product Details

    The Retroid Pocket Classic is a handheld gaming console that runs on Android and takes inspiration from the Nintendo Game Boy Color. The starting price is $119 for the basic version that comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at $129. It operates on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 chip, features a 3.92-inch 1080p AMOLED screen, boasts a 5,000mAh battery with 27W fast charging, and runs on Android 14.

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  • Bungie Reveals Marathon Closed Alpha Test Details and NDA Lift

    Bungie Reveals Marathon Closed Alpha Test Details and NDA Lift

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bungie faces backlash over Marathon’s art style and its decision not to adopt a free-to-play model.
    2. The NDA for the closed alpha test will be lifted on April 23rd, allowing players to share feedback and content.
    3. Marathon is set to launch on September 23rd, limiting the time for major changes but allowing adjustments to gameplay elements.
    4. The closed alpha will provide a limited preview of the game, with no ranked play available and plans for improved UI and animations in the final version.
    5. Bungie aims to gather player feedback and engage with content creators to enhance the game before its official release.


    Bungie has encountered a lot of backlash after revealing its new extraction shooter, Marathon. Some people think the game’s distinctive art style is too off-putting. Plus, opting not to use a free-to-play model might reduce interest in a genre that’s already facing challenges. Nevertheless, the publisher has committed to listening to player feedback and is willing to showcase the game with its imperfections. Bungie has announced that it will remove the NDA from the closed alpha test of Marathon starting April 23rd.

    Avoiding Leaks

    By lifting the NDA, Bungie hopes to prevent the leaks that have troubled games like Battlefield 6. Gamers and streamers in North America will be able to share their thoughts freely as well as post screenshots and videos. Some players who signed up on the official Marathon Discord server are already starting to get their codes for the closed alpha testing phase.

    Release Date and Expectations

    The launch date for Marathon on PCs and consoles is set for September 23rd. The short time frame means Bungie has limited opportunities to make major changes. However, the company is willing to modify important aspects such as targeting and early-game progression. The extraction shooter will emphasize PvP action, making server stress-testing crucial. Bungie is eager to engage with content creators and plans to hold Q&A sessions as the closed alpha test kicks off.

    Glimpses of the Future

    The upcoming play test will provide just a sneak peek at the full Marathon experience. Players can look forward to a more developed UI and updates to animations and lighting in the final version, but ranked play won’t be available during the closed alpha. Bungie hopes that strong storytelling throughout different seasons will keep skeptics hooked. Sadly, gamers will have to wait until September to learn how the story develops.

    Despite Marathon being cross-platform, there’s concern it might meet a quick demise like Concord. Sony purchased the developers of Halo and Destiny back in 2022. With Marathon, Bungie will have a wealth of feedback to consider before the official release date.

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  • RTX 50 Series GPUs: Benchmark Boost but Gaming Performance Drops

    RTX 50 Series GPUs: Benchmark Boost but Gaming Performance Drops

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia’s 576.02 driver update improves performance for RTX 50 series GPUs, with gains of 3% to 8% reported in synthetic benchmarks.
    2. The update addresses various gaming and bug issues, including black screen problems for some RTX 50 series users.
    3. Users have observed a reduction in power consumption by up to 7W while idle.
    4. Some gamers report instability with the new drivers, including frame rate fluctuations and thermal sensor issues.
    5. Users experiencing black screen issues should consider updating, while others may want to avoid the new drivers due to performance concerns.


    Nvidia has rolled out the 576.02 driver update together with the RTX 5060 Ti GPUs on April 16. This update is accessible for all RTX GPUs, but it appears to give a performance increase especially to the 50 series cards, at least according to synthetic benchmarks. Many users have noted that their GPUs are performing significantly better, with increases ranging from 3% to 8%. Conversely, some individuals are reporting problems in games, pointing to issues with thermal sensors that have arisen due to the latest drivers.

    Performance Improvements and Fixes

    The recent Nvidia driver update comes with a specific PDF containing the release notes, which outline various fixes related to gaming and general bugs, including the black screen problems encountered by some RTX 50 series users. Notably, certain users have observed enhanced performance in synthetic benchmarks, with some gains reported to be as high as 6%.

    German digital outlet Computer Base conducted a 3D Mark test on all RTX 50 series GPUs, including the RTX 5060 Ti. They discovered that the RTX 5070 and higher models exhibited performance improvements between 6% and 8% with the new drivers when compared to the original launch drivers.

    Power Consumption Observations

    Additionally, some users have reported a reduction in power consumption of up to 7W, as the clock speed dropped to just 22 MHz while the card was idle. Videocardz tested an RTX 4090 in 3D Mark Steel Nomad but only saw a mere 1 FPS gain, indicating that the boost in synthetic benchmark performance is mainly impacting the RTX 50 series cards.

    Gaming Performance Concerns

    However, when it comes to gaming performance, the situation is quite different. Numerous Reddit users have noted performance instability with the updated drivers. One user mentioned that their GPU displayed “odd clock behavior” with frame rate fluctuations causing stutters, while others reported higher clock speeds accompanied by increased temperatures. It seems there is a glitch with the thermal sensors due to the new drivers, which is causing clocks to exceed normal levels and hindering thermal monitoring software from providing accurate readings.

    Given these reported instability concerns, it may be wise to refrain from updating to the latest drivers, particularly for RTX 50 series users. Nevertheless, those facing black screen issues should either update to the new drivers or revert to a previously stable version.

  • Microsoft Gives Away Free Xbox Gift Card Codes in Spring Sale 2025

    Microsoft Gives Away Free Xbox Gift Card Codes in Spring Sale 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xbox Spring Sale for 2025 offers discounts on over 1000 games until April 30th, with significant deals like Red Dead Redemption 2 at 80% off.

    2. Microsoft is giving away free gift card codes worth $5 or $10, but these are distributed randomly and may surprise inactive account holders.

    3. Players are encouraged to check their Xbox PC app or console messages for potential gift card promotions, as they might not be received by all users.

    4. The free gift card codes do not seem to reward customer loyalty, leading to dissatisfaction among regular players who feel overlooked.

    5. Earning points through the Microsoft Rewards system has become more difficult, especially after recent price hikes for Game Pass subscriptions.


    The Xbox Spring Sale for 2025 is currently happening, offering big discounts on more than 1000 games. However, this might not attract every gamer. To appeal to budget-conscious players, Microsoft is giving away free gift card codes valued at $5 or $10. Unfortunately, based on what users are saying on Reddit, these offers seem to come randomly. It’s a good idea for gamers to check their messages on the Xbox PC app or their console to see if they’ve received this promotion.

    Inactive Accounts Surprised

    Interestingly, even accounts that haven’t been active for a long time might get the Xbox gift card codes. Some gamers were taken aback to discover messages from Microsoft in accounts they hadn’t used in years. On the other hand, regular Xbox users who frequently buy and play games feel somewhat neglected in this situation.

    Sale Details and Discounts

    The current Xbox Spring Sale runs until April 30th, which means that the free codes could still appear. Microsoft has cut prices on games available for the Xbox console and Play Anywhere titles that can be played on PCs. Among the most attractive discounts is Red Dead Redemption 2, which is now 80% off at $14.99. Additionally, after fans expressed their discontent over the $49.99 Khaos Reigns expansion, fighting game lovers can get Mortal Kombat 1 with the DLC for just $29.69. The gift card codes from Microsoft can help lower these prices even further.

    Loyalty and Rewards Issues

    With the current Xbox sale, it seems that the free gift card codes are not based on customer loyalty. Instead, the Microsoft Rewards system lets players earn and use points on games or subscriptions. Sadly, it has become harder to earn these points. Many players felt let down when the automatic redemption for Game Pass became more expensive last April. These price hikes were a result of increased monthly subscription fees seen during the Summer of 2024.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Start April 24 in US and Canada

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Start April 24 in US and Canada

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24 in the US and Canada.
    2. The base model of the Switch 2 is priced at $450, and the bundle with Mario Kart World is $500 in the US; Canadian prices are $630 and $700, respectively.
    3. Accessory prices in the US will be adjusted due to market changes, with new pricing released for both countries.
    4. Initial pre-order dates were delayed to assess tariff impacts, but the launch date remains unchanged on June 5.
    5. Speculation about earlier pre-order dates in Canada and the US was proven incorrect, with the official date now confirmed.


    After much anticipation, Nintendo has finally announced that pre-orders for the Switch 2 will kick off on April 24 in both the US and Canada. There was some worry that the console’s price might rise due to the ongoing tariff conflicts, but it appears that’s not going to happen for the console itself. The Switch 2 was revealed on April 2, and initially, the pre-order date was set for April 9.

    Pricing Details

    With the confirmed pre-order date of April 24, Nintendo has also stated that the pricing for the console and its bundle will stay the same as previously disclosed. The base model of the Switch 2 will be priced at $450, while the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will retail for $500. In Canada, the pricing is set at $630 for the standard Switch 2 and $700 for the bundle.

    Accessories Update

    However, due to changing market dynamics, prices for accessories in the US will be adjusted, and Nintendo has released an updated price list. Canadian accessory pricing has also been revealed recently.

    For context, the Nintendo Switch 2 was initially going to be available for pre-order starting on April 9 in both the US and Canada. But on April 4, the company announced a delay in pre-orders to “evaluate the potential effects of tariffs and changing market conditions.” The same message was issued for Canada pre-orders on April 8, with no new dates provided. Throughout this period, Nintendo has consistently stated that the launch date of June 5 will not be affected.

    Speculations and Expectations

    There was speculation that Canadian pre-orders would begin on April 23, with US pre-orders potentially starting on either April 21 or April 30. Because of the tariff situation, it was anticipated that the prices for the Switch 2 could rise when the official pre-order date was released.

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  • GameSir X5 Lite: Affordable Mobile Gaming Controller, Highly Compatible

    GameSir X5 Lite: Affordable Mobile Gaming Controller, Highly Compatible

    Key Takeaways

    1. The GameSir X5 Lite is available for preorder at approximately $35, with shipping starting on April 23 and delivery estimated at four to six business days.
    2. The controller features a telescopic design that supports phones up to 213 mm (8.39 in) and includes silicone pads for secure placement.
    3. It connects to smartphones using a swivelable USB-C connector, which is not compatible with older iPhones.
    4. The X5 Lite includes advanced features like Hall effect analogue sticks to reduce stick drift, membrane hair triggers, and customizable key combinations via the GameSir app.
    5. The USB-C port allows users to charge their phones while playing games with the controller.


    The GameSir X5 Lite is now available for preorder straight from the manufacturer, with shipping anticipated to start on April 23. The price for the controller is approximately $35, and delivery may take around four to six business days. Buyers should check the shipping terms and any possible import taxes and duties before finalizing their purchase. Other GameSir models can also be found at retailers such as Amazon.

    Comfortable Design

    The X5 Lite boasts a telescopic design, making it suitable for phones measuring up to 213 mm (8.39 in) in length. It connects to a smartphone using a swivelable USB-C connector, which means it won’t work with older iPhones. The package includes a variety of silicone pads to secure the phone in place, even those with larger camera bumps. Weighing in at just 135.4 g (4.8 oz), the X5 Lite is lighter than many smartphones.

    Advanced Features

    For more demanding games, the controller is equipped with two Hall effect analogue sticks, which nearly eliminates the chances of stick drift. Alongside the joysticks, the X5 Lite comes with membrane hair triggers, a D-pad, four action buttons, and buttons for system and menu navigation. Users can also use predefined key combinations to execute certain functions, like activating the built-in turbo mode or capturing screenshots. The GameSir app also offers further customization choices. The USB-C port on the GameSir X5 Lite enables users to keep playing while charging their phone.

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  • New Free Games Added to Steam: Check Out the Latest Releases

    New Free Games Added to Steam: Check Out the Latest Releases

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam regularly introduces new games, including a large selection of free titles.
    2. In early April 2025, many $0 games were highlighted by the account @SteamGamesPC.
    3. The free games available cater to a wide range of genres, from action to puzzles.
    4. The library of free games on Steam is continuously expanding, making it accessible for all players.
    5. Gamers are encouraged to follow @SteamGamesPC on X for updates on new free game discoveries.


    Steam continuously introduces fresh releases, and in addition to featuring AAA games and popular titles, the platform is recognized for providing a vast array of free games. In the early weeks of April 2025, many $0 games have been noticed, with the X account @SteamGamesPC highlighting even more options. Some of the recently discovered games include:

    Exciting New Freebies

    There are plenty of great choices available for gamers looking to enjoy without spending any money. From action-packed adventures to engaging puzzles, these free games cater to a variety of tastes. Thanks to the keen eye of @SteamGamesPC, gamers can easily find new titles to explore.

    A Growing Library

    The list of free games keeps growing, making it easier than ever for players to dive into new experiences. With the popularity of free-to-play models, Steam is ensuring that its library remains vibrant and accessible. So, whether you’re an experienced gamer or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.

    Be sure to check the latest updates from @SteamGamesPC on X for even more exciting finds in the world of free gaming!

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  • Last Epoch Player Count Surges After Tomb of the Erased Update

    Last Epoch Player Count Surges After Tomb of the Erased Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new season “Tombs of the Erased” for Last Epoch enhances endgame content and introduces new mechanics, leading to increased player activity on Steam.
    2. The peak number of players reached 150,198, which is significantly lower than its all-time high but still impressive for an action RPG competing with major titles.
    3. Last Epoch features a simplified skill and passive tree system, making it more accessible compared to its competitors.
    4. The game includes unique elements such as time travel in its narrative and runs smoothly on Steam Deck, with offline play available.
    5. Community response to competitor Path of Exile’s latest season has been mixed, while Diablo IV’s upcoming season may not significantly impact player interest.


    Eleventh Hour Games has just released a brand new season for its action RPG, Last Epoch. Called Tombs of the Erased, this update introduces a ton of new mechanics and enhances the previously lacking endgame content. As a result, there has been a significant increase in player activity on Steam.

    Player Numbers on Steam

    According to SteamDB, the peak number of players in the last 24 hours reached 150,198. Although this is less than half of the all-time high of 264,708 players at its initial launch, it’s still impressive for an ARPG that faces tough competition from giants like Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2. It’s likely that these numbers will decrease as the excitement fades, but the increase is notable.

    Unique Features of Last Epoch

    While Last Epoch may not be as packed with features as its major rivals, it offers some unique elements that differentiate it. For instance, it simplifies the complex skill and passive trees found in other games, allowing players to choose individual skills to develop rather than wade through a maze of options.

    If you’re a fan of ARPGs looking for something new, Last Epoch is certainly a game to consider. The narrative, though not fully complete, strays from common themes and introduces time travel. Additionally, the game runs smoothly on a Steam Deck, and the cherry on top is that you can enjoy it entirely offline.

    Competition and Community Response

    Path of Exile’s Season 2 did not receive the best feedback due to numerous changes that made the game even more challenging. Despite Grinding Gear Games making some adjustments, there are still mixed feelings within the community regarding the latest season. Meanwhile, Diablo IV’s upcoming season is scheduled for April 29, and it’s unlikely that Season 8 will significantly impact player interest.

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  • RTX 5060 Ti 8GB vs 16GB: 30% Lower 1% Lows & 18% Slower Frames

    RTX 5060 Ti 8GB vs 16GB: 30% Lower 1% Lows & 18% Slower Frames

    Key Takeaways

    1. Insufficient VRAM: The RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB is criticized for having only 8 GB of VRAM, making it difficult to justify its price over $300 in 2025.

    2. Lack of Reviews: There are few reviews available for the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB, with major tech reviewers also not covering it extensively.

    3. Performance Discrepancies: Tests show that the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB performs significantly worse than its 16 GB counterpart, especially in demanding games and scenarios.

    4. Frame Generation Limitations: The RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB struggles with 4x Frame Generation, leading to lower performance compared to the 16 GB version, particularly in VRAM-intensive scenarios.

    5. Suitable for Less Demanding Games: While it may perform adequately in less demanding games, the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB falls short in newer titles that require more VRAM, mirroring trends from previous generations.


    The RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB is found lacking in various ways. It’s hard to justify a GPU priced over $300 with only 8 GB of VRAM in 2025. Additionally, there’s a lack of reviews for the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB, not just from us but also from well-known tech reviewers like Linus Tech Tips and Hardware Unboxed.

    Lack of Coverage

    It appears that Nvidia might not want the media to talk about the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB. What could be the reason behind this? Perhaps it’s related to how the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB performs compared to its 16 GB counterpart.

    According to some tests shared by a Chinese reviewer on bilibili, the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB doesn’t only have half the VRAM of the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB; it’s also shown to be slower in key situations.

    Performance Comparisons

    In a DLSS 4 performance test in Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB and the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB recorded around 18.5 and 9.1 FPS, respectively, at 2K resolution with ray tracing and other settings maxed out. The DLSS was set to “Quality” with no Frame Generation applied.

    When 2x Frame Generation is used, it supposedly removes this huge 200% performance gap, with the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB and RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB hitting 61 and 62 FPS, respectively. However, the situation shifts significantly when 4x Frame Generation is introduced.

    With 4x Frame Generation, the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB outperforms the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB by 22%, achieving frame rates of 113 compared to 92.4. This makes sense since generating three more frames for each “real” frame demands that the GPU processes more data in its VRAM.

    VRAM Limitations

    This means that the 4X Frame Generation, which Nvidia has been promoting heavily, seems to underperform when the VRAM is restricted to 8 GB. This raises further questions about the necessity of the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB.

    Moreover, the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB struggles in games that require more VRAM. For instance, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered (HZD Remastered) has official system requirements suggesting it ideally needs 16 GB of VRAM.

    Given this, it’s not surprising that the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB is about 29% faster in average FPS at 1080p and 16% faster at 1440p. What’s notable is that the 1% lows at 1080p for the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB are 30% lower. Thus, HZD Remastered should run more smoothly on the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB.

    Suitable for Less Demanding Games

    On the bright side, the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB is likely fine for games that don’t need more than 8 GB of VRAM. For example, in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, it performs nearly the same as the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB. For 1080p/60 FPS, Ubisoft recommends the RTX 3060 Ti 8 GB in the official system requirements, so it’s no surprise that the game runs just as well on both the 8 GB and 16 GB versions of the RTX 5060 Ti.

    In summary, the situation mirrors last generation’s trends: Games that require more VRAM will perform significantly worse on the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB compared to the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB. The performance gap is also present with 4x Frame Generation. It’s puzzling that mid-range cards with only 8 GB of VRAM still exist in 2025, especially since the newest AAA titles are very demanding and upcoming games are expected to follow suit.

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  • Playdate Now in Matching Yellow; Refurbished Units Available

    Playdate Now in Matching Yellow; Refurbished Units Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Panic offers a new vibrant Yellow option for the Playdate Cover, complementing the device’s color, alongside existing colors: Purple, Aqua, and a Pizza design.
    2. The Playdate Cover is made from synthetic leather and features magnets to securely attach to the device, while protecting the screen and back.
    3. The cover’s design includes indentations that fit the D-pad and A and B buttons, leaving the sides of the Playdate open.
    4. The yellow Playdate Cover is priced at $34, the same as other color variants, with a bundle option available for $249 that includes the Playdate and cover.
    5. Panic has certified refurbished Playdate units available for $179, which includes all 24 games from season 1, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a 6-month limited warranty.


    Panic offers several accessories for the Playdate that allow users to customize their handheld devices, one of which is the Playdate Cover. This is a magnetic flip case designed to safeguard the Playdate while it’s tucked away in your pocket or bag. Initially released in three colors, the cover now comes in a new fourth option.

    New Color Option

    The latest addition is a vibrant Yellow that complements the Playdate’s own color. Previously, the Playdate Cover could be purchased in Purple, Aqua, and even a Pizza design. This yellow cover is the third accessory released by Panic that matches the handheld’s coloration. Last year, they introduced a 10W AC adapter for the Playdate, along with a USB-C to USB-A cable in the same cheerful yellow shade.

    Design and Features

    Constructed from synthetic leather (polyurethane), the Playdate Cover features magnets that ensure it stays attached to the handheld device. While the case does leave the sides of the Playdate open, it effectively shields the screen and back from potential damage. Notably, the underside of the cover has indentations that fit the D-pad and A and B buttons perfectly.

    Pricing Details

    You can purchase the yellow Playdate Cover now for $34, which is the same cost as the other color variants. However, if you’re looking to save some cash, you might consider the Playdate Cover bundle that includes both the Playdate and the case for $249, a savings from the total of $263 if bought separately.

    In other news, Panic has certified refurbished units of the Playdate still available for sale. They started offering these last month after announcing a price hike for the device. There is limited stock, so it’s great to see they are still on the shelves nearly a month later. A refurbished unit is priced at $179, which is a notable reduction from the $229 for a new one. This refurbished Playdate comes complete with all 24 games from season 1, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a 6-month limited warranty.

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