Category: Gaming

March 11, 2025
Mythological Open-World RPG Sale: Now Only $4 (Was $40)
Key Takeaways
1. Players control Fenyx, a demigod, battling Typhon and legendary beasts in a chaotic world inspired by Greek mythology.
2. The game features a vibrant open world with a cartoonish art style and allows players to use Daedalus’ wings for flying and exploration.
3. Engaging combat mechanics and inventive puzzles enhance gameplay, though some character and enemy designs are seen as repetitive.
4. Immortals Fenyx Rising received a positive reception, with 71% of 3,366 reviews on Steam being favorable and a Metascore of 79 on Metacritic.
5. The game is currently available at significant discounts on Steam, with the standard edition priced at $3.99 and the Gold Edition at $8.99 during the Ubisoft Publisher Sale.
In Immortals Fenyx Rising, gamers take on the character of Fenyx, a demigod from the realm of Greek mythology. On the Golden Isle, they encounter Typhon, the formidable Titan who has usurped the gods and thrown the world into disorder. To bring back harmony, players must engage in combat against legendary beasts like Cyclopes and Minotaurs, utilizing a combination of melee and ranged weapons alongside divine powers. A notable ability is Daedalus’ wings, which allow Fenyx to fly and evade foes, making battles more dynamic. This engaging combat system has received positive feedback from the gaming community.
A Colorful Adventure
Immortals Fenyx Rising features a lively open world with a cartoonish art style that brings to mind Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Players have the ability to tame and summon mythical mounts, which greatly enhances their exploration experience. With Daedalus’ wings, Fenyx can jump from towering heights and glide gracefully across the terrain. The game is also notable for its inventive puzzles that promote exploration and reward players for their cleverness.
Reception and Availability
Produced by Ubisoft Quebec, Immortals Fenyx Rising was released on Steam in December 2022. The game has since received 3,366 reviews, with a positive rating from 71% of players. On Metacritic, it has a Metascore of 79 and a user rating of 7.5. In a review by the German gaming site GameStar, the enjoyable combat mechanics and immersive game world are highlighted. However, it points out the repetitive nature of character and enemy designs, along with a lackluster story. While the game world is creatively constructed, the typical Ubisoft open-world formula is still quite visible.
The game is currently being sold on Steam at a great discount during the Ubisoft Publisher Sale, which runs until March 13. The standard edition is marked down by 90%, reducing the price from $39.99 to $3.99. The Gold Edition, which includes all released downloadable content, is available at 85% off, dropping the cost from $59.99 to $8.99.
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Tags: Immortals Fenyx Rising, Steam, Ubisoft
March 11, 2025
Nintendo and Pokémon Company Marketing Tensions Revealed in Podcast
Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo is one part of The Pokémon Company, alongside Game Freak and Creatures Inc., leading to internal disagreements.
2. Conflicts often arise over marketing strategies rather than game development, highlighted by recent discussions on the Kit & Krysta Podcast.
3. Minor disputes, like pronunciation and details in promotional materials, can become significant issues for dedicated Pokémon fans.
4. Historical tensions may stem from previous employment relationships, causing lingering conflicts within The Pokémon Company.
5. Upcoming Pokémon titles, like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Champions, are expected to bring further marketing challenges and potential tensions.
Gamers often find it hard to understand Nintendo’s connection with the Pokémon franchise. Nintendo is just one part of the trio that makes up The Pokémon Company. Game Freak is in charge of developing Pokémon games, while Creatures Inc. takes care of trading cards. This setup has caused various disagreements. A recent episode of the Kit & Krysta Podcast highlighted a clash between Nintendo of America and The Pokémon Company regarding marketing strategies for the beloved Pokémon.
Insights from Former Employees
Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang spent over ten years working at Nintendo of America, where they witnessed firsthand the conflicts between the different parties. Most of the disagreements arose with the U.S. branch of The Pokémon Company. Many issues started to surface around the time of the 2016 Pokémon Day celebration. However, the disputes were more about marketing strategies than the actual development of Pokémon games.
Notable Disputes
Some of the conflicts that Kit and Krysta discuss might seem trivial to casual gamers. For example, The Pokémon Company had a problem with Reggie Fils-Aimé’s way of saying “Pokémon” in a promotional video. Another disagreement involved the size of a Pokémon’s toenail in an ice sculpture. While most people might not notice these minor details, dedicated Pokémon fans tend to have a keen eye for specifics.
Historical Context of Tensions
The roots of these disagreements seem to connect to the history of staff at the American branch of The Pokémon Company. Some employees had previously been part of Nintendo of America before they left the company. Eventually, these same individuals ended up working with Nintendo again to help promote Pokémon. Any lingering bitterness over lost jobs may have fostered internal conflicts within The Pokémon Company.
Looking Ahead
Some gamers might have wanted updates on how Game Freak and Nintendo are handling performance issues in various games. Nevertheless, fans can now anticipate Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Champions. With new Pokémon titles ready to be promoted, there will likely be no shortage of opportunities for further tensions within The Pokémon Company.
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Tags: Kit & Krysta Podcast, Nintendo, Pokémon Company
March 11, 2025
Dolphin Emulator Update Enhances Wii and GameCube Performance
Key Takeaways
1. RetroAchievements now unlock even with certain cheats activated, improving accessibility in gameplay.
2. The update introduces hundreds of new cheats available across all platforms, but RetroAchievements is exclusive to the PC version.
3. Support for individual graphical settings per game has been added, making it easier to customize graphics directly in the game properties tab on PC.
4. The emulator includes an automatic feature to track and display hours spent in games.
5. A redesigned user interface enhances the overall user experience of the Dolphin Emulator.
One of the well-known emulators for Wii and Gamecube, Dolphin, just got an update to Release 2503. This latest update, like some other significant upgrades before it, introduces several important enhancements. A key change is how RetroAchievements now works when cheats are activated.
Changes to RetroAchievements
In the past, the Dolphin emulator would only unlock RetroAchievements if games were played in “hardcore” mode with all cheats turned off. However, the new version approaches cheats in a different way. Tweaks like widescreen hacks, fixes for game-breaking glitches, and anti-invert stick codes won’t stop achievements from unlocking anymore. These modifications are seen as tools for improving accessibility rather than cheats.
New Cheats and Graphical Settings
Along with the adjustments to RetroAchievements, the updated Dolphin Emulator has introduced hundreds of new cheats. These are accessible across all platforms, but RetroAchievements remains exclusive to the PC version. Additionally, the Gamecube and Wii emulator has rolled out support for individual graphical settings per game. This feature existed in earlier versions via a text editor, but the new update simplifies the process.
The Release 2503 for desktop includes new settings like anti-aliasing and resolution options directly in the game properties tab. It’s important to mention that game-by-game graphical settings were already present on Android, so this change primarily impacts the PC version of the emulator.
Other Enhancements
There are a few more updates, including an automatic feature that tracks and shows the hours spent in games. The Dolphin Emulator also sports a redesigned user interface. For more details on the changes, you can visit the official changelog. If you’re interested in downloading Release 2503, it can be found on the official website.
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Tags: Dolphin Emulator, Release 2503, RetroAchievements
March 11, 2025
Top Steam Deck Action Games Up to 90% Off for Limited Time
Key Takeaways
1. Several highly-rated action games on Steam are currently on temporary discount.
2. Discounts end on March 13, after which original prices will return.
3. The highlighted games work well with the Steam Deck and other gaming handhelds, PCs, and laptops.
4. Price accuracy may change, and Notebookcheck is not responsible for retailer price alterations.
5. The RTX 4060-equipped ROG Zephyrus G14 is an example of a compatible gaming laptop priced at $1,199.99 at Best Buy.
There are plenty of highly-rated games on Steam that are currently on a temporary discount. We’ve highlighted a selection of titles that gamers should definitely check out, especially those who prefer action games that are confirmed to work with the Steam Deck.
Important Discount Dates
It’s important to remember that most of these discounts will end on March 13, after which the original prices will be reinstated until the next sale comes around. Also, aside from the Steam Deck, these games should perform well on many gaming handhelds, PCs, and laptops that have decent specifications, like the RTX 4060-equipped ROG Zephyrus G14, which is priced at $1,199.99 at Best Buy.
Price Changes and Availability
Please note: Notebookcheck cannot be held accountable for any price alterations made by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned here was accurate at the time of writing and could be subject to time limits and/or limited stock availability.
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Tags: ROG Zephyrus G14, Steam, Steam Deck
March 11, 2025
Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo on Easy Mode in Repair Video
Key Takeaways
1. Alarmo features an alarm sequence inspired by Mario games and allows users to switch to themes from other Nintendo titles, like The Legend of Zelda.
2. The clock includes a 24GHz mmWave radar for wireless functionality and gesture control, with easy access to internal components using tri-wing screwdrivers.
3. There is ample space between components, making it easier to replace parts like the 2.4-inch LCD screen and Hall sensor.
4. The removable CMOS battery (CR2032) is designed for clock memory and settings, making it easy to identify for replacement.
5. Silicone cases and screen protectors for the Alarmo are available on Amazon at reasonable prices.
Today is March 10, 2025, often referred to as MAR.10, or simply Mario Day. In celebration of this special occasion, iFixit has chosen to dissect a unique alarm clock that features one of Nintendo’s beloved characters on its display.
Alarmo’s Features
The Sound Clock: Alarmo offers a fun way to wake up, using an alarm sequence inspired by Mario games. Users can also switch it up with themes from other popular titles, like those from the Legend of Zelda series. The challenge is to get out of bed before a character like Bowser appears on its round screen.
Technical Specifications
This alarm clock is equipped with a 24GHz mmWave radar, which allows for wireless functionality and gesture control. Accessing the internal components is surprisingly straightforward, especially if you have the special tri-wing screwdrivers that Nintendo favors.
There’s a notable amount of space between the components inside the Alarmo, which could make it easier to replace parts like its 2.4-inch LCD screen and the Hall sensor located on the large dial at the top.
Battery and Longevity
An important feature of the Alarmo is its removable CMOS battery, which is used for clock memory and storing settings. This battery is labeled as a CR2032 in its holder, making it simple to identify when it needs replacement.
Overall, the Sound Clock: Alarmo appears to be quite “Princess Peach-worthy” for long-term use.
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Tags: Alarmo, iFixit, Nintendo
March 11, 2025
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 Release Date Leaked: April 17
Key Takeaways
1. Release Date: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to launch on PS5 on April 17, following its ESRB rating.
2. Pre-order Options: Pre-orders begin on March 25 with a Standard Edition at $69.99 and a Premium Edition at $99.99, offering two-day early access.
3. Physical Copies: Both editions will be available on physical discs, ensuring retail availability for the PS5 version.
4. Community Trust: Leaker billbil-kun has a reliable track record, adding credibility to the April 17 release date, which aligns with earlier suggestions.
5. Cross-Platform Strategy: Following Indiana Jones, Forza Horizon 5 will also release on PS5 on April 29, highlighting Microsoft’s push for cross-platform gaming.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to be the newest Xbox exclusive making its way to Sony consoles this Spring. After the PS5 version got its ESRB rating, players were eager for more updates. Well-known leaker billbil-kun is now revealing that the PS5 release date for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is April 17. The article on Dealabs also goes into detail about pre-order options, with the Premium Edition allowing two-day early access.
Pre-order Details
As per billbil-kun’s insights, pre-orders will start on March 25. Players will have the choice between a Standard Edition priced at $69.99 and a Premium Edition for $99.99. Both options will be available on physical discs, which means the PS5 version will be sold in retail stores. An Xbox Collector’s Edition for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle featured a SteelBook and additional physical bonuses. Sadly, there’s no information yet about a similar package for PS5 buyers.
Community Reactions
While gamers should hold off for official announcements, billbil-kun has a good track record, having accurately predicted the release date for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The April 17 date also makes sense, given that The Verge had previously suggested an April launch for the PS5 version. Bethesda initially promised a 2025 release, but it looks like the latest Indiana Jones game is coming out sooner than some players expected.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released for Xbox consoles and PCs on December 9, 2024. Its player counts on Steam are modest, but the title from MachineGames has recently surpassed four million players. Thanks to Game Pass and positive reviews, this action-adventure game has been successful on the Series X and Series S. The PS5 port will only attract more fans from a larger console community.
Future Releases
With Microsoft’s new strategy for cross-platform gaming, Forza Horizon 5 will also be launching on the PS5 shortly after, on April 29. However, not all Sony players are thrilled about needing a Microsoft account to play. Let’s hope that the release date for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 comes without any unpleasant surprises.
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Tags: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, PS5, Xbox
March 11, 2025
New Leak Reveals Additional Radeon RX 9060 XT Specs
Key Takeaways
1. AMD plans to release the Radeon RX 9060 XT in two versions: 8 GB VRAM and 16 GB VRAM.
2. The expected launch date for the RX 9060 XT is Q2 2025, alongside its non-XT version.
3. The RX 9060 XT may utilize a Navi 44 GPU, with a possibility of a Navi 48 GPU for the XT version.
4. Both versions will feature 20 Gbps GDDR6 VRAM on a 128-bit bus.
5. The RX 9060 XT is expected to require a 500 Watt PSU and will include two DP2.1a ports and one HDMI 2.1 port for connectivity.
An earlier leak indicated that AMD plans to follow Nvidia’s model by introducing the Radeon RX 9060 XT in two versions: one featuring 8 GB VRAM and another with 16 GB. Recently, Videocardz has validated this information through its sources and provided more details about what AMD’s future mid-range cards are expected to offer. The launch of this graphics card is anticipated for Q2 2025, likely alongside its non-XT version.
Possible GPU Specifications
Although not officially confirmed, it’s reasonable to think that the RX 9060 XT will utilize a Navi 44 GPU. There’s even a leak suggesting it could be equipped with a Navi 48 GPU, with Navi 44 being reserved for the non-XT model and lower versions. Regardless of the exact GPU, both versions are set to feature 20 Gbps GDDR6 VRAM on a 128-bit bus; the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 will have half that capacity.
Power and Connectivity
Considering its rather modest specifications, the RX 9060 XT is not going to require a lot of power. It seems that a 500 Watt PSU should be sufficent to power it using a single 8-pin connector. For connectivity options, there will be two DP2.1a ports and one HDMI 2.1 port. Nonetheless, the crucial aspect that will influence its performance—the compute unit (CU) count—remains uncertain. Ideally, it would be 48, but if it indeed uses a Navi 44 GPU, that number might be lower.
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Tags: amd, Navi 44, Radeon RX 9060 XT
March 11, 2025
GameMT E5 Ultra Leak: New Retro Handheld Console Revealed
Key Takeaways
1. GameMT announced the E6 Max, powered by the Allwinner A527 chipset, similar to the Helegaly gaming handheld.
2. GameMT is developing the E5 Ultra, which will replace the Rockchip RK3566 with the Unisoc Tiger T620 chipset.
3. The E5 Ultra is expected to feature 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, a major upgrade from the E5 Plus.
4. The E5 Ultra will retain the 5-inch, 720p display and the same controller layout as the E5 Plus but with a traditional Xbox-style design.
5. The launch timeline for the E5 Ultra is uncertain, but it will likely be released in China first before other regions.
Little over a month ago, GameMT made the announcement of the E6 Max. To summarize, the E6 Max is powered by the Allwinner A527 chipset, similar to the recently released Helegaly gaming handheld that takes a lot of inspiration from the design of the Powkiddy X35H (curr. $86.99 on Amazon). Although the E6 Max hasn’t been launched yet, some information about a new gaming device has surfaced online.
New Developments in GameMT Handhelds
According to sources from Nittrx, GameMT is currently developing the E5 Ultra, which replaces the Rockchip RK3566 found in the E5 Plus with the Unisoc Tiger T620. Interestingly, this chipset is the same one used in the Retroid Pocket 2S. The E5 Ultra is expected to come with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, a significant upgrade from the E5 Plus, which only has a paltry 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage.
Features and Design
It appears that the E5 Ultra will keep the 5-inch, 720p, 16:9 display that was featured in the E5 Plus. Additionally, it will include the same stacked shoulder buttons and a built-in kickstand. However, GameMT has opted for a more traditional Xbox-style controller layout, complete with dual joysticks, while maintaining the ABXY button format. As for when the E5 Ultra will be launched, details are still unclear, but it’s believed that it will first be released in China before becoming available in other regions.
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Tags: E5 Ultra, E6 Max, GameMT
March 11, 2025
Sony Confirms PS5 Pro Upscaling Improvements with FSR 4
Key Takeaways
1. FSR 4 is currently available only on AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards.
2. FSR 4 shows significant improvements in image clarity, especially in complex scenes compared to FSR 3.
3. Sony is collaborating with AMD to enhance FSR 4 for the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro.
4. The upgraded PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) based on FSR 4 is expected in certain games starting in 2026.
5. Integrating FSR 4 into the PlayStation 5 Pro presents challenges due to its reliance on older GPU architecture without dedicated Tensor cores.
As of now, FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) is only accessible on AMD’s newest graphics cards, specifically the Radeon RX 9070 and Radeon RX 9070 XT. This innovative upscaling technology has shown remarkable advancements in image clarity, particularly in intricate scenes and items like waterfalls or surfaces that are somewhat see-through, which appear far superior compared to their appearance in FSR 3. You can check out a comparison video from Digital Foundry below that highlights these enhancements.
Sony’s Plans for FSR 4
Mark Cerny, who serves as the primary system architect for the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, has confirmed that Sony is in the process of enhancing FSR 4 for its newest console. The development of this upscaler is a joint effort between Sony and AMD. Consequently, gamers on PlayStation can expect a new iteration of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) that is founded on FSR 4, which should be released in certain games beginning in 2026.
Challenges for Console Owners
Console users will have to be patient for the arrival of the updated PSSR version, as integrating FSR 4 into the PlayStation 5 Pro (starting at $699 on Amazon) is no small feat. The gaming console continues to rely on AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, which lacks dedicated Tensor cores and instead employs unique algorithms to operate the upscaler on its older GPU. Lastly, Mark Cerny mentions that Sony and AMD aim to maintain their partnership in the future, meaning PlayStation gamers could enjoy additional enhancements to FidelityFX Super Resolution.
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Tags: AMD Radeon RX 9070, FidelityFX Super Resolution 4, PlayStation 5 Pro
March 11, 2025
Top MAR10 Day Deals: Nintendo Switch Mario Games & Accessories
Key Takeaways
1. Mario Day, or MAR10 Day, has been celebrated since 2015 on March 10, highlighting Nintendo’s iconic franchise with special deals and promotions.
2. Affordable gaming options include “Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle,” a tactical RPG that offers a unique twist on the classic Mario gameplay.
3. New releases like “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” are featured in MAR10 Day offers, showcasing interactive 2D levels.
4. Special promotions include discounts on “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” and a challenge for players to complete one million laps for rewards.
5. The LEGO Mario Standard Kart Set is a new product for Mario Day, aimed at adult builders and available for pre-order.
Nintendo first acknowledged Mario Day, also known as MAR10 Day, back in 2015. Every year on March 10, fans and stores come together to honor Nintendo’s iconic franchise. Even older titles and accessories for the Switch tend to keep their prices, making the day a highly awaited event. The standout deals for MAR10 Day 2025 include beloved Mario games, controllers, LEGO sets, and more.
Affordable Gaming Options
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a budget-friendly option for Switch players wanting to enjoy adventures with Mario and his friends. This turn-based tactical RPG gives a fresh twist to the usual platforming experience.
Exciting New Releases
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is among the latest titles featured in this year’s top MAR10 Day offers. While it appears to be a classic 2D Mario game, it brings in cleverly crafted levels filled with interactive elements.
Special Promotions
No Mario Day celebration would be complete without a discount on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo is also running a challenge where virtual kart racers who complete one million laps before March 17 will earn 310 Nintendo Rewards Platinum Points.
Sadly, there aren’t many deals on the Nintendo Switch console itself. Even with the upcoming Switch 2 Direct, the price of the system remains unchanged. Nevertheless, Nintendo has recently released the Switch OLED Super Mario Bros. Wonder Bundle, which includes a digital game code and a three-month Switch Online membership.
Shoppers can also find a variety of Mario-themed wired and wireless controllers on sale. When joy-cons become annoying, these accessories can turn the Switch into a fully operational console.
New Releases on the Horizon
As is tradition, Nintendo often reveals a new product for Mario Day. The LEGO Mario Standard Kart Set is aimed at adult builders, featuring 1972 pieces to put together. This set is currently available for pre-order, with shipments expected to start on May 15th.
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Tags: Mario Day, Nintendo Switch OLED, Super Mario Bros. Wonder