Category: Gaming

  • RTX 5060 Ti 16GB Price Leak: $499 Expected Release Cost

    RTX 5060 Ti 16GB Price Leak: $499 Expected Release Cost

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia is expected to unveil the RTX 5060 Ti around mid-April, but details on the launch schedule are unclear.
    2. The RTX 5060 Ti will have two versions: 8 GB priced at $399 and 16 GB priced at $499, with custom models potentially costing more.
    3. The 16 GB version may outperform the RTX 5070 in VRAM-heavy games, similar to the RTX 3060 12 GB’s performance.
    4. The standard RTX 5060 is anticipated to launch in May at a price of $299, while the RTX 5050 is expected to return at $199.
    5. Pricing rumors are subject to change due to market instability and external factors like tariffs.

    Nvidia is expected to unveil the RTX 5060 Ti around mid-April. However, we won’t have a definitive answer until the actual day since Nvidia has not been very open about its launch schedules lately. Regardless, a recent leak has provided insights into the potential pricing of this mid-range desktop graphics card.

    Pricing Details

    The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is anticipated to be released in two different versions: 8 GB and 16 GB. The price for the 8 GB model is expected to be $399, while the 16 GB version may go for $499. It’s important to note that these prices are just the suggested retail price, and custom versions could be priced higher, sometimes even exceeding the cost of an RTX 5070.

    Performance Expectations

    This might not be a negative aspect, as the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB could actually surpass the performance of the RTX 5070 in games that rely heavily on VRAM, such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. A similar situation occurred in the past with the RTX 3060 12 GB, so it is likely that the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB will also demonstrate its capabilities beyond what one might expect.

    Other Models

    We also have the standard RTX 5060 to consider. If the aforementioned prices hold true, a price of $299 seems reasonable for this model. However, its release is not scheduled until May. Lastly, the RTX 5050 is expected to return this generation, and a price of $199 would be perfect to help Nvidia regain its position in the entry-level GPU market.

    As always, rumors about pricing can be unreliable and are subject to last-minute changes. This is particularly relevant right now due to the market’s instability related to tariffs and other issues.

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  • Aokzoe A1X Launching Soon to Compete with Asus ROG Ally X

    Aokzoe A1X Launching Soon to Compete with Asus ROG Ally X

    Key Takeaways

    1. Aokzoe plans to fund the A1X gaming handheld through Kickstarter.
    2. Competitors like Ayaneo, GPD, and OneXPlayer have recently launched similar products.
    3. The A1X will feature passthrough charging to reduce battery wear during gameplay.
    4. Users can limit the maximum charge of the A1X to 50% for better battery management.
    5. The price of the A1X remains unknown, but it aims to offer longer battery life compared to competitors.

    Months have gone by since Aokzoe last talked about its A1X gaming handheld, which was also called the A1 X in the past. During this time, competitors such as Ayaneo, GPD, and OneXPlayer have launched their own products, including the Ayaneo 3, GPD Win Mini 2025, and the OneXFly F1 Pro (currently $1,439 on Amazon), among others.

    Aokzoe’s New Plans

    Not discouraged by the competition, Aokzoe has announced its plan to fund the A1X through Kickstarter. A preview of the campaign page is now available, but the company has only stated that the handheld will be launched ‘soon’. Additionally, Aokzoe has confirmed that the A1X will come with the following specifications:

    Charging Features

    The A1X will also feature passthrough charging, which helps reduce battery wear when playing games and charging at the same time. Beyond that, the device will allow users to limit the maximum charge to as low as 50%. Given how efficient the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 has shown to be in gaming compared to the Ryzen 7 8840U and Ryzen Z1 Extreme, we think the Aokzoe A1X could provide longer battery life than competitors like the ROG Ally X and other handhelds with larger batteries. Unfortunately, the price of Aokzoe’s new gaming handheld is still a mystery for now.

    Conclusion

    With its new funding approach and promising features, Aokzoe is looking to make a strong entry into the gaming handheld market. As gamers await more details, the anticipation builds for the A1X’s eventual release on Kickstarter.

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    Aokzoe A1X Launching Soon to Compete with Asus ROG Ally X

     

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  • GTA V Enhanced Launching on Xbox Game Pass Soon

    GTA V Enhanced Launching on Xbox Game Pass Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced will be available on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass starting April 15, 2025.
    2. The Enhanced edition features ray-tracing, improved visuals, and exclusive PC upgrades like ray-traced ambient occlusion and global illumination.
    3. Minimum system requirements include an Intel Core i7 4770 or AMD FX 9590 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a compatible GPU.
    4. Steam reviews for the PC version are “mixed,” with issues related to account transfers and unresolved bugs from the original version.
    5. Players cannot revert to the legacy version after migrating their accounts, and GTA Online still faces cheating problems.

    After some whispers online about the arrival of Grand Theft Auto V on Game Pass, the tech company from Redmond has now confirmed it. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced will launch on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass on April 15, 2025. This Enhanced edition brings various quality-of-life updates and visual upgrades compared to the original 2015 PC version of the game.

    Features of Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced

    This Enhanced edition introduces ray-tracing features, including ray-traced shadows and reflections. Additionally, it provides improved visual details, exclusive PC features like ray-traced ambient occlusion, and global illumination for superior lighting. It also supports Nvidia’s DLSS 3 along with AMD’s FSR 1 and FSR 3 technologies.

    System Requirements and Performance

    The port ensures quicker loading times thanks to an SSD with DirectStorage. It is compatible with Sony’s DualSense controllers and delivers enhanced audio experiences with Dolby Atmos support. For minimum requirements, it needs an Intel Core i7 4770 or AMD FX 9590 CPU, 8GB of RAM, an SSD, and at least a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1630 or AMD Radeon RX 6400 GPU.

    The suggested specifications include an Intel Core i5 9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, 16GB of Dual Channel RAM, a DirectStorage compatible SSD, and either a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT GPU. Additionally, you will require a minimum of 105GB of free disk space for installation.

    Steam Reviews and User Feedback

    On Steam, the reviews for the PC version are described as “mixed,” with players expressing frustration regarding problems transferring their Rockstar accounts from the older version to the Enhanced edition. Many of the negative comments highlight that the port has not resolved numerous bugs present in the legacy version of the game.

    This issue is compounded by the inability to revert to the legacy version once the account has been migrated. Furthermore, GTA Online has not seen any fixes, and cheating remains a persistent problem.

    Xbox Wire | r/gtaonline on Reddit | Steam

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  • Korean MMO Hits Big: Coming to Western Players Soon

    Korean MMO Hits Big: Coming to Western Players Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Expansive Open World: The game features a continuous map with no loading times, exploring mythic lands like Midgard and Alfheim.

    2. Iconic Characters and Enemies: Players encounter legendary figures such as Odin and Loki, battling gods, giants, and undead foes.

    3. Diverse Gameplay Elements: Traditional MMO features include boss raids, extensive PvP, and the 30v30 “Battle of Valhalla” mode, with plans for guild wars and future updates.

    4. Character Classes and Combat: Players can choose from four classes (warrior, wizard, priest, rogue) and enjoy a semi-automatic combat system that blends autoplay with manual controls.

    5. Global Launch and Pre-registration: The game will be globally released on April 29, 2025, with pre-registration offering in-game rewards valued over $170.

    Odin: Valhalla Rising brings gamers into a large open world based on Norse legends. The game has a continuous map with no loading times, leading players through mythic lands like Midgard, Jotunheim, Alfheim, and Nidavellir. Throughout their adventures, players will meet iconic figures such as Odin, Loki, and Fenrir, while engaging in battles against gods, giants, and the undead. Additionally, it includes traditional MMO elements, such as boss raids and extensive PvP, featuring the 30v30 “Battle of Valhalla” mode. There are already plans for guild wars and future updates.

    Playable Classes and Combat System

    Valhalla Rising offers four character classes: warrior, wizard, priest, and rogue. The game incorporates a semi-automatic combat system that fuses autoplay with manual gameplay. You can let regular battles play out on their own if you want, but you’ll have to be more active during boss fights and PvP encounters. One highlight of the game is its complete cross-play capability across PC, Android, and iOS, allowing gamers to join in from any device. Even as a mobile MMO, the graphics powered by Unreal Engine 4 are unexpectedly stunning.

    Development and Launch Success

    Created by Lionheart Studios and published by Kakao Games, Odin: Valhalla Rising made waves when it debuted in South Korea in June 2021. GamePress reported that it dominated the South Korean Google Play charts for 17 weeks, drawing in around 17 million players from across Asia. This success has likely fueled the decision for a worldwide release, which is just around the corner.

    Odin: Valhalla Rising will officially be launched globally on April 29. Pre-registration has begun on the official site and will continue until April 21, 2025. Players who register through both the website and the app stores will earn in-game rewards valued at over $170, which includes avatar and mount summon tickets, boonstones, and other items that provide a solid advantage right at launch.

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  • Free-to-Play Steam Game with 100% Positive Reviews

    Free-to-Play Steam Game with 100% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Comic Inspiration: Awkward Valley is based on the popular webcomic The Awkward Yeti, featuring the character Lars and his internal organs.

    2. Unique Gameplay: The game offers a quirky daily planning experience using a micro-deck-building mechanic to create varied daily routines.

    3. Focus on Choices: There is no set goal; the game emphasizes exploring the effects of player choices and discovering new events through different task combinations.

    4. Positive Reception: Since its release on April 1, Awkward Valley has received positive reviews on Steam, praised for its mechanics and relatable depiction of everyday challenges.

    5. Minor Critiques: Some players find the game lacks clear explanations of its mechanics, and a few humorously note its realistic portrayal of daily life.

    Awkward Valley draws inspiration from the popular webcomic series The Awkward Yeti created by Nick Seluk. This comic features the clumsy blue yeti named Lars along with his talkative internal organs, including his heart, brain, and gallbladder. Fans enjoy the comics for their mix of everyday chaos, silly humor, and self-aware charm, which is exactly what Awkward Valley delivers.

    Quirky Daily Planning Simulator

    The game, which is based on the comic, offers a quirky daily planning experience where players step into Lars’ shoes as he faces his biggest challenge: the calendar. Using a unique micro-deck-building mechanic, players assemble each day from a notebook filled with unusual activities, including strange workout plans, surprising therapy sessions, and snack machine choices that test your moral values.

    After selecting activities from the notebook, they get added to the diary, and players can see how their day unfolds. Awkward Valley doesn’t have a set goal. Instead, it focuses on exploring the impact of your choices and how varying routines can produce different results. By experimenting with new combinations of tasks and schedules, players can discover new events and unexpected reactions during the game.

    Positive Reception and Community Feedback

    Awkward Valley was developed by Gallbladder and launched on April 1 by the Rue Valley Time Management Department. Since its release, the game has received 59 reviews on Steam, all of which are positive. Gamers appreciate the game’s distinctive mechanics and how it represents everyday challenges in a relatable manner. The art style has also resonated well with the community. Each in-game day lasts only a few minutes, making it an ideal pick-up-and-play game for short breaks.

    Minor Critiques

    There’s not much to critique about the game. A few players have pointed out that Awkward Valley doesn’t thoroughly explain its mechanics, which means it might take a second playthrough to fully understand everything. Some players humorously note that the game feels a bit too realistic. If you’re interested in trying it out, good news! Awkward Valley is entirely free to play on Steam.

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  • Bloodbath in Paradise: Action Classic for Just $2!

    Bloodbath in Paradise: Action Classic for Just $2!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Direct Continuation: Dead Island: Riptide picks up right after the first game, moving the story from the island of Banoi to the jungle-filled Palanai.

    2. Brutal Melee Combat: The game emphasizes intense melee action with customizable weapons and targeted attacks, while firearms are rare.

    3. Co-op Gameplay: Players can team up with up to four friends in co-op mode, making teamwork essential for survival against zombies.

    4. Mixed Reception: The Definitive Edition received praise for its engaging combat and game world, but criticism for outdated graphics and lack of new features, earning a score of 73/100.

    5. Affordable Pricing: The game is generally priced around $20 but is currently available for just $2 on Fanatical, marking a significant discount.

    Dead Island: Riptide continues the thrilling zombie saga, directly following the events of the first game. The original adventure took players to Banoi, a fictional island famed for its beautiful sandy beaches, lavish resorts, and throngs of tourists. Sadly, these tourists have transformed into ravenous zombies. Riptide starts on the rescue ship ES Meridian, designed to transport survivors to safety. However, the ship crashes near Palanai, another island in the Banoi chain. Unlike the sunny main island, Palanai is shrouded in thick jungle, submerged villages, and decaying military outposts. As before, the undead lurk around every corner. Players can choose from five characters, each with unique fighting styles. For instance, Sam B excels with blunt objects like hammers and bats, while Xian Mei, a former secret agent, opts for swift and precise attacks using sharp weapons.

    Intense Melee Action

    The essence of Dead Island: Riptide lies in its brutal melee combat. Players battle the undead using makeshift weapons like baseball bats, axes, machetes, and pipes, many of which can be enhanced with found materials. For instance, adding nails to a bat not only increases damage but also creates an enjoyable splatter effect. The game allows for targeted attacks; smashing a zombie’s knees makes it hard for them to pursue you, while a solid hit to the head can end a fight swiftly. While firearms are available on Palanai, they are scarce, and ammunition is always in short supply. This leads players to engage in raw, close-quarters combat against the undead. A standout feature is the co-op mode, which enables up to four players to explore the island together and combat the zombie menace as a united front. This mode is a favorite among players, as teamwork and careful resource management can be the key to survival or a gory demise.

    Development and Reception

    Techland developed Dead Island: Riptide, which was released in collaboration with publisher Deep Silver in April 2013. The current deal refers to the Definitive Edition, which launched in May 2016. This updated version includes all previously released DLCs and technical improvements like sharper textures and better lighting. The German website gamecritics.de reviewed the PS4 version of Dead Island: Riptide – Definitive Edition, praising its engaging combat system and the varied, well-crafted game world. However, they also noted that the graphics still seem outdated despite the upgrades, and the game lacks new features when compared to the first installment. Nevertheless, gamecritics.de awarded it a respectable score of 73 out of 100, appreciating the fun experience even with its technical flaws.

    User Feedback and Pricing

    Since its launch, Dead Island: Riptide – Definitive Edition has received close to 6,000 user reviews on Steam, with 76% of those being positive. The feedback on Metacritic is quite similar, showing a Metascore of 7.0 and a user score of 7.5.

    Currently, Dead Island: Riptide – Definitive Edition is usually priced around $20, but Fanatical is offering a significant 90% discount, reducing the price to just $2 until April 14. According to SteamDB, the game frequently goes on sale with large discounts, typically falling to about $3. This makes Fanatical’s offer the lowest price to date. As an authorized reseller, Fanatical provides a game key that can be activated on Steam.

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  • Nintendo Explains Switch 2’s LCD Choice Over OLED Display

    Nintendo Explains Switch 2’s LCD Choice Over OLED Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 features significant enhancements, including increased power, improved Joy-Con functionality, a larger and faster display, and a bigger battery.
    2. The decision to use an LCD screen instead of an OLED was made to enable HDR support, reflecting advancements in display technology.
    3. The new console has a 7.9-inch LCD display with 1920×1080 resolution, HDR10 support, and variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz, offering a more immersive gaming experience.
    4. Additional upgrades include 256 GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, and the ability to output 4K resolution at 60 FPS.
    5. The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available on June 5, with pre-orders starting on April 9, priced at $450, and a bundle option available for $500.

    The Nintendo Switch 2 was officially revealed on April 2, showcasing notable enhancements compared to the original Switch. It boasts increased power, improved functionality with the Joy-Cons, a larger and quicker display, and a bigger battery. However, fans were a bit taken aback by the decision to use an LCD screen instead of an OLED one. This choice was made to enable HDR support.

    Insight from Nintendo’s Management

    During a hardware-centered discussion that included IGN and other media outlets, Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager of the Technology Development Division and Senior Director of the Technology Development Department at Nintendo, shared that there were many factors to weigh when deciding between LCD and OLED for the Switch 2. Ultimately, the team opted for LCD due to significant advancements in display technology, which allowed the new console to support HDR—something the Nintendo Switch OLED lacked.

    Display and Performance Upgrades

    The Nintendo Switch 2 is equipped with a 7.9-inch LCD display featuring a resolution of 1920×1080, HDR10 support, and variable refresh rate (VRR) up to 120 Hz. In comparison, the Switch OLED has a 7.0-inch OLED screen with 1280×720 resolution. This increase in size, resolution, and overall picture quality is expected to provide a more immersive gaming experience on the Switch 2. Additional enhancements include 256 GB (UFS) of storage, Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, and a maximum output resolution of 3840×2160 (4K) at 60 FPS. The Joy-Cons now magnetically attach to the console and feature a mouse mode, alongside larger SL and SR buttons.

    Availability and Pricing

    The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit stores on June 5, with pre-orders beginning on April 9. The console is priced at $450, and there’s also a Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle available for $500.

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  • Epic Games Store Free Games Next Week: Full List Revealed

    Epic Games Store Free Games Next Week: Full List Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Epic Games Store is currently offering Doodle Kingdom: Medieval and Cat Quest II for free on mobile and PC platforms.
    2. The store has resumed its Mystery Game teasers, featuring cat-related imagery that has sparked online speculation.
    3. Next week’s free game offer includes three titles: Arcadegeddon, Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, and River City Girls.
    4. Arcadegeddon and Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms are free-to-play games, while River City Girls is priced at $29.99.
    5. The giveaway for the upcoming titles starts on April 10 at 16:00 UTC.

    The Epic Games Store has recently begun offering one game for free on both its mobile and PC platforms. Currently, users can grab Doodle Kingdom: Medieval and Cat Quest II, which is priced at $35 on Amazon.

    Mystery Game Teasers

    In the last few weeks, the store has gone back to its Mystery Game teasers, revealing only the general theme of upcoming titles. For example, the teasers from the past fortnight featured a lot of cat-related imagery, leading to a lot of online chatter and theories.

    Next Week’s Offer

    Now, Epic Games is back to announcing which games will be free for users to add to their Epic Games library in advance. Next week’s offer is set to be quite substantial, with three titles available. Typically, the store gives away one or two games at most, except during the holiday period.

    The titles included are Arcadegeddon, Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, and River City Girls. However, it’s worth noting that the first two are free-to-play games, meaning they don’t really count as traditional giveaways. On the other hand, River City Girls is priced at $29.99 as of now. The giveaway will officially start at 16:00 UTC on April 10. Check out the video below to see what’s coming with Epic Games’ next PC game giveaway.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Hall Effect Sensors Uncertainty

    Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Hall Effect Sensors Uncertainty

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo revealed key details about the Switch 2, including screen size, price, and release date.
    2. The new Joy-Cons for the Switch 2 attach magnetically and may include a mouse mode.
    3. Hall effect sensors are being considered to solve the stick drift issue from the original Switch controllers.
    4. There are ongoing uncertainties about the new Joy-Con technology, with no confirmation of Hall effect sensors.
    5. Future events are planned for gamers to experience the Switch 2 firsthand, with more information expected soon.

    Nintendo revealed a lot of details on April 2nd about the Switch 2, answering plenty of questions that gamers had. Now, players are aware of the console’s screen size, its price, and the exact date when it will be released. Additionally, the new Joy-Cons for the Switch 2 attach magnetically, and there is an optional mouse mode. However, it still isn’t known if the analog sticks will also use magnets. To tackle the stick drift issue that plagued the original Switch controllers, Hall effect sensors are being considered.

    Criticisms of Joy-Cons

    Similar to Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo has received criticism for issues with their Joy-Cons. The first Switch’s analog sticks often became unreliable over time. After some usage, players might experience inaccurate movements in games or even random inputs. Hall effect technology addresses this challenge by using magnetic sensors to recognize inputs. This design prevents physical components from colliding, which can extend the lifespan of the analog sticks. Despite gamers requesting it, Nintendo and its competitors have not adopted Hall effect technology in their official controllers.

    Ongoing Uncertainties

    While some journalists have had a chance to try out the Switch 2, many questions remain unanswered. Hopes were raised when the NY Times Wirecutter mentioned Hall effect sensors during its preview, but the writer later explained that this statement was based on speculation. In an Ask the Developer interview, Kouichi Kawamoto from Nintendo only mentioned that the new Joy-Con sticks are more durable and operate more smoothly. Tetsuya Sasaki, the General Manager of the Technology Development Division, reiterated that the controllers have been completely redesigned.

    Leaks and Future Expectations

    In the lead-up to the Nintendo Direct, there were leaks suggesting that stick drift issues were being addressed. Back in January, NextHandheld, known for its reliable information, found Hall effect sensors in a teardown of the Switch 2.

    Unfortunately, the specifications for the Switch 2 Pro Controller do not mention Hall effect sensors. It seems like it’s only a matter of time before gamers receive more information. Journalists anticipate more opportunities to interact with the console in the next few weeks. Moreover, Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events are being organized to give attendees hands-on time with the new system.

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    Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Hall Effect Sensors Uncertainty

     

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  • Razer Closes Downtown San Francisco Store After 9 Years of Decline

    Razer Closes Downtown San Francisco Store After 9 Years of Decline

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Razer Store in San Francisco aimed to create a community experience for gamers, focusing on interaction rather than just sales.
    2. The store closed on March 31 due to decreased foot traffic and various economic factors affecting retail in the area.
    3. The store had fewer than ten visitors per day, indicating a significant decline in customer interest.
    4. Pre-pandemic trends showed a drop in foot traffic, signaling trouble for the store long before its closure.
    5. Other Razer locations in cities like London and Las Vegas are thriving, featuring more modern and inviting designs.

    When the Razer Store opened at the Westfield San Francisco mall in 2016, it was meant to be a place for gamers to come together, participate in tournaments, and experience Razer products up close—something that isn’t easily done online or in larger retail chains. This concept was more about creating a memorable experience than just focusing on sales figures. Sadly, the store closed its doors for the last time on March 31, and it seems the rest of the mall will likely follow suit by the end of April.

    Reasons for Closure

    This closing is just one of many retail spaces in the city shutting down due to various factors like remote work trends, uncertainty in the tech market, and the rough conditions around downtown, all leading to fewer people shopping. When a brick-and-mortar store relies on foot traffic and attention from passersby, having no shoppers in the vicinity is definitely a warning sign.

    Low Visitor Count

    As reported by the San Francisco Examiner, the Razer store saw less than ten visitors each day. Given that this store is right by one of the mall’s entrances, it’s likely that the number of people visiting the store is close to the overall count of those entering the mall daily.

    Local Observations

    Having lived in San Francisco and visiting the Westfield mall every few weeks, it was clear that the Razer store was in trouble even before the pandemic hit. Foot traffic had already been dropping, and it seemed like the Razer store was often deserted throughout the week.

    Meanwhile, other Razer locations, including those in London, Santa Clara, and Las Vegas, are still doing well. These shops are more recent than the one in San Francisco and feature brighter, more inviting designs.

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