Category: Gaming

  • RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 GPU Launch Delayed Again

    RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 GPU Launch Delayed Again

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 5060 Ti is expected to be unveiled in mid-April, with the RTX 5060 following in May.
    2. The delays are likely due to Nvidia’s inventory challenges and the need for additional validation.
    3. Nvidia’s Blackwell launch is not going as planned, affecting the release of the RTX 5060 series.
    4. AMD may benefit from the delays, allowing them time to launch their Radeon RX 9060 XT series.
    5. The RTX 5050, initially set for an April release, may also experience a delay of about a month.

    A previous rumor suggested that Nvidia was set to unveil the RTX 5060 Ti in the near future. However, its laptop versions were not expected until May. A fresh update from Board Channels now indicates that both the desktop RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti have also been postponed to around that same time.

    New Unveiling Dates

    The RTX 5060 Ti is now anticipated to be revealed in mid-April, while the RTX 5060 will follow a month later. Although the specific reasons for the delay have not been disclosed, it seems quite likely that Nvidia is still facing challenges with inventory. In contrast to the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, which target a small group of high-end computer builders, the xx60 series cards are more in demand from a wider audience with limited budgets.

    Launch Issues

    Additionally, it seems Nvidia’s Blackwell launch is not proceeding as expected. The postponement of the RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 might be partly due to extra validation efforts to ensure every SKU is equipped with all of its ROPs. Considering their place in Nvidia’s lineup and their low TDP, burnt power connectors shouldn’t be a major worry. However, there have been whispers about potential software problems affecting their laptop counterparts during the manufacturing process.

    Impact on Competitors

    The delay of the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti will offer AMD additional time to roll out its matching Radeon RX 9060 XT series, which is reportedly set to be available in both 8 and 16 GB options. This situation leaves us with the RTX 5050, the sole SKU in this lineup utilizing GDDR6. Initially planned for release at the end of April, it too might face a month-long delay.

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  • New Epic Games Store Free Game Giveaway Leaked Early

    New Epic Games Store Free Game Giveaway Leaked Early

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Epic Games Store recently offered Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic and its sequel for free on mobile platforms.
    2. A new free game, Super Meat Boy Forever Mobile, is set to replace KOTOR titles, as revealed by a Reddit user.
    3. Super Meat Boy Forever Mobile is currently priced at $0.99 but has rare physical versions selling for over $40.
    4. Free game downloads from the Epic Games Store are currently limited to users in the EU and the UK.
    5. The Epic Games Store app is not available on the App Store or Google Play; users must follow specific instructions to install it on mobile devices.

    The Epic Games Store has been offering Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) along with its sequel, KOTOR II: The Sith Lords, on Android and iOS since last month. Today, these titles are likely to be swapped out for a fresh giveaway, in line with the company’s goal to expand its mobile free game initiative this year.

    Upcoming Game Announcement

    Usually, the store reveals its next free game ahead of schedule. While this is the case for its PC platform, mobile users don’t get the same heads-up. However, Reddit user u/MeguminShiro has jumped the gun by disclosing what will take the place of KOTOR and KOTOR II starting at 15:00 UTC today.

    As per u/MeguminShiro’s information, the store is set to provide Super Meat Boy Forever Mobile at no cost, which is currently priced at $0.99 on both Android and iOS. If this information holds true, it would mark Epic Games’ least valuable mobile giveaway so far. However, physical versions of Super Meat Boy Forever are quite rare and are priced above $40 on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 (currently $43.54 on Amazon).

    Restrictions on Free Games

    Keep in mind that there are still limitations when it comes to redeeming free Epic Games Store titles on iOS and iPadOS. At this moment, only individuals located in the European Union and the UK are able to download the free mobile games from the Epic Games Store. Additionally, the Epic Games Store app cannot be directly obtained from the App Store or Google Play Store. For guidance on how to install its mobile app on Android and iOS, please refer to Epic Games’ support pages.

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  • Speedrunners Win Trip to Sweden for Secret Challenge in Split Fiction

    Speedrunners Win Trip to Sweden for Secret Challenge in Split Fiction

    Key Takeaways

    1. Speedrunners “sharkOvO” and “E1uM4y” became the first team to complete the challenging “Laser Hell” in the game Split Fiction, a feat even the developers struggled with.

    2. Studio founder Josef Fares praised the achievement, highlighting its difficulty and expressing amazement at the players’ skill.

    3. Fares offered a personal reward, stating he would fly the first person to prove their completion of the challenge to Sweden for an exclusive preview of the studio’s next game.

    4. Split Fiction, the latest release from Hazelight, sold two million copies in its first week and received an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam.

    5. The game has been well-received by both critics and players, building on Hazelight’s reputation from previous successful co-op titles.

    Chinese Split Fiction speedrunners “sharkOvO” and “E1uM4y” have made history by being the first team to conquer a secret challenge in the game that was considered too difficult by its creators.

    The Challenge

    The challenge, known as “Laser Hell,” is a platforming test where players must skillfully dodge and navigate through deadly lasers. It was so challenging that even the game’s developers struggled to complete it.

    In a special message that appears in-game after the challenge is cleared, studio founder Josef Fares says, “there are barely people on our team that can make it. It took us a lot of time to finish it, and I’m telling you that this is a crazy, crazy achievement you have done.”

    A Personal Touch

    Fares also expressed how “super amazed” he is by those who have seen the achievement video, adding, “If you meet me in real life, somewhere, and you can prove to me that you actually did this challenge, I can promise you, the first one to do that, I’m going to fly you to Sweden and show you footage of our next game.”

    After the speedrunners likely provided proof of their accomplishment, Fares took to X to congratulate them and mentioned that he would invite both to Sweden “for an early look” at the studio’s upcoming game.

    About Split Fiction

    Split Fiction is the newest release from Hazelight, the creators of popular co-op games like A Way Out and It Takes Two. The game achieved remarkable success by selling two million copies in its first week and has garnered praise from both critics and players. Currently, on Steam, it boasts an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating based on over 30,000 reviews.

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  • HP Victus 16 Gaming Laptop Sale: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS & RTX 4070 $899

    HP Victus 16 Gaming Laptop Sale: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS & RTX 4070 $899

    Key Takeaways

    1. The HP Victus 16 is now available at Best Buy for $899, offering a $600 discount.
    2. It features an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and GeForce RTX 4070 graphics.
    3. The laptop includes 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD, with options for upgrades.
    4. It has a 16.1-inch FHD display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and Wi-Fi 6 support.
    5. Previous models showed solid performance but had issues with Wi-Fi speed and thermal management.

    While AMD has increased its influence in the market with Strix and Krackan Point, finding last-gen Hawk Point (Ryzen 8000) laptops is still quite difficult. However, there’s a great opportunity to snag one at a bargain price from Best Buy. The HP Victus 16 is now available for just $899. Although this price isn’t the absolute lowest, it does mean a massive $600 off for a fantastic gaming machine.

    Specifications

    This HP Victus 16 features an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and is equipped with a GeForce RTX 4070. It also includes 16 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. You can upgrade both the RAM and storage, as it has a second NVMe slot for adding another drive. Additional features comprise a 16.1-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS LCD display running at 144 Hz with a maximum brightness of 300 nits, Wi-Fi 6 support, and an 83 Wh battery.

    Performance Insights

    Over the years, we’ve evaluated various HP Victus 16 models. Unfortunately, the specific configuration mentioned earlier wasn’t part of our tests. However, we did assess a version with a Core i7-13700H and RTX 4070, which we found to deliver solid performance and good battery life. On the downside, we noted its mediocre Wi-Fi speed and unsatisfactory thermal management under heavy use. Nevertheless, the Hawk Point CPU referenced previously should outperform the Raptor Lake variant, according to our benchmark records.

    Important Note

    Please keep in mind that Notebookcheck cannot be held accountable for any price alterations made by retailers. The reduced price or offer mentioned in this article was accurate when written and may be affected by time limitations or limited stock availability.

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    HP Victus 16 Gaming Laptop Sale: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS & RTX 4070 $899
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  • Lenovo SteamOS Gaming Handheld Now Available for Preorder at Best Buy

    Lenovo SteamOS Gaming Handheld Now Available for Preorder at Best Buy

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Legion Go S handheld, running on SteamOS, is available for preorder at Best Buy, with a release date of May 25, 2025.

    2. The premium model is priced at $749.99, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD storage.

    3. The base model costs $549.99, equipped with a Ryzen Z2 Go chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage.

    4. Both models have an 8-inch 120Hz IPS LCD touchscreen and improved connectivity options, including USB 4 and PCIe Gen 4 support.

    5. Preorders come with bonuses, including a 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a 60-day Crunchyroll Mega Fan trial for new subscribers.

    In January, Lenovo revealed the Legion Go S, a new handheld that runs on SteamOS and follows the original Legion Go. Now, you can preorder this device at Best Buy before it officially drops on May 25, 2025. However, it does come with a $50 price jump from what was expected earlier.

    Pricing and Specs of the High-End Model

    The premium version, Legion Go S, is priced at $749.99. It boasts an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, along with 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB SSD storage. The device features an 8-inch 120Hz IPS LCD touchscreen, which is actually smaller than the older version, and includes two USB-C ports. With the increase to 32GB of RAM, this is a significant upgrade over the earlier Legion Go that maxed out at 16GB, making multitasking smoother and enhancing performance for high-demand games.

    Details on the Base Model

    The standard model can be yours for $549.99, equipped with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB SSD storage. Like the higher-end version, this also has an 8-inch 120Hz IPS LCD touchscreen. In comparison to its predecessor, this model swaps out the Ryzen Z1 series for the newer AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip. Built on AMD’s Zen 3+ architecture, it features four Zen 3+ cores that can reach speeds up to 4.3GHz, along with 12 RDNA 2 GPU cores. It also supports USB 4 (40Gbps), PCIe Gen 4, and LPDDR5-6400 RAM, which means better connectivity and bandwidth than older AMD handheld chips.

    Preorder Information and Offers

    Originally, the Legion Go S was anticipated to launch at a lower price of $499.99. However, the confirmed $50 increase is now reflected on Best Buy’s listing. This SteamOS version will directly compete with the Steam Deck, both offering a Linux-based gaming experience.

    Both versions are set to be released on May 25, 2025, and preorders are currently available. When compared to the original Legion Go, these models offer a more energy-efficient design, larger RAM options, and native SteamOS support. Additionally, with every preorder at Best Buy, customers will receive a complimentary 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a 60-day Crunchyroll Mega Fan trial for new subscribers.

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    Lenovo SteamOS Gaming Handheld Now Available for Preorder at Best Buy

     

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  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game Armors

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game Armors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Twitch drops reward viewers but can exclude gamers not on streaming sites; Warhorse addresses this by embedding items in the game.
    2. Players can earn rewards by accessing the DLCs & Extras section and linking their account using a QR code or URL.
    3. Rewards are unlocked by completing specific in-game challenges, with items appearing in the shared stash after the “Laboratores” mission.
    4. Players can earn two complete armor sets and additional items like the Alluring Wreath and Lords of Skalitz caparison through gameplay.
    5. Warhorse Studios ensures fair access to rewards for all players, regardless of previous event participation.

    Twitch drops are a popular method for game developers to reward viewers for watching live streams, but they can often leave some gamers behind, particularly those who don’t frequent streaming sites. Warhorse is addressing this concern by embedding these special items directly into the game, enabling players to earn them via conventional gameplay.

    How to Begin

    To start earning rewards, players should go to the DLCs & Extras section within the game and choose the PROS option. This will give them a QR code or a URL to link their account. After everything is set up, players can unlock rewards by finishing specific in-game challenges. The items won’t show up in the shared stash until after completing the mission “Laboratores,” although it might take as long as 24 hours for the progress of unlocking items to reflect in the game.

    What You Can Earn

    The newly available rewards feature two complete armor sets:

    Moreover, players can gain the Alluring Wreath by impressing three times in-game, and simply linking their PROS account will earn them the Lords of Skalitz caparison.

    By making these unique rewards accessible through gameplay, Warhorse Studios is making sure every player has a fair chance to earn them, regardless of their participation in previous events.

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    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game ArmorsKingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game ArmorsKingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game Armors
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  • Horror Game: Monster Watches You Through Webcam

    Horror Game: Monster Watches You Through Webcam

    Key Takeaways

    1. The game emphasizes exploration and discovery in a creepy, immersive world.
    2. Webcam data is processed locally, ensuring player privacy, with the option to disable the feature.
    3. Players must physically interact with their environment to evade a chasing entity.
    4. The game offers a unique blend of real-world movements and in-game actions, redefining horror gaming.
    5. No VR hardware is needed, making it accessible while paving the way for innovative gameplay.

    The game focuses on exploration and the thrill of discovery, encouraging players to explore a mysterious world filled with creepy elements. As you move through this chilling landscape, the cutting-edge webcam feature makes sure that your real-life actions directly affect your survival in the game, which creates a deeply immersive experience that raises tension and keeps players engaged.

    Privacy Assurance

    For those who prioritize privacy, the steam page includes a disclaimer that all webcam data is processed locally on users’ devices. There’s no collection or transmission of any images, videos, or other data. Players can also turn off the webcam feature anytime in the settings. The trailer reveals moments when players must scan their faces to open doors, forcing them to balance making progress with the risk of being spotted by the sinister entity that is chasing them. To evade this entity, players must physically duck out of their webcam’s view.

    A New Take on Horror

    Eyes Never Wake uniquely combines real-world movements with in-game actions, presenting a fresh viewpoint on horror gaming. It challenges players to engage with their surroundings in new and exciting ways. This distinctive mechanic not only amplifies the horror experience but also highlights the possibilities for groundbreaking gameplay that goes beyond typical controller use or virtual reality. This innovative mixed reality experience does not require VR applications or expensive hardware, potentially setting the stage for more creative games in this genre. Eyes Never Wake is marked as ‘coming soon’ and can be added to wish lists or monitored on Steam.

    Additional Info

    Steam

    Youtube

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    Horror Game: Monster Watches You Through Webcam
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  • Xbox Plays Former PlayStation Exclusives Like God of War via Boosteroid

    Xbox Plays Former PlayStation Exclusives Like God of War via Boosteroid

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox now allows streaming of some PlayStation-only games through the Boosteroid cloud gaming service via the Edge browser.
    2. Players must own a PC version of the PS4 or PS5 game to use Boosteroid, which requires a subscription fee of $7 to $10 monthly.
    3. Popular PlayStation titles like God of War Ragnarok and Last of Us Part 1 are available on PC platforms, but Sony is working to prevent their streaming on Xbox.
    4. While Boosteroid offers high-quality gameplay, critics argue that the costs and limited game library may not provide significant savings or appeal.
    5. The Xbox Series X|S is becoming more flexible in gaming options, despite potential restrictions from services like Nvidia GeForce Now.

    Microsoft fans might feel let down as more Xbox games are now playable on the PS5. Yet, some players are finding satisfaction by enjoying previous PlayStation-only games on their Xbox consoles. The Boosteroid cloud gaming service makes it possible to stream certain PlayStation titles through the Edge browser. However, there are some important points to note: you must own a PC version of any PS4 or PS5 game.

    Cross-Platform Expansion

    As Xbox Gaming has embraced cross-platform play, Sony has also expanded its offerings on PC. Popular titles such as God of War Ragnarok, Last of Us Part 1, and Helldivers 2 are now available on platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store. However, Sony is working hard to stop any cloud gaming services from allowing these games to be streamed on Xbox consoles. Although Nvidia GeForce Now has an app for Xbox, it does not provide access to PlayStation exclusives.

    Accessing Games Through Boosteroid

    Rather than using an app, Boosteroid takes advantage of the Edge browser, which can be accessed on Xbox consoles. To use this service, gamers need to subscribe for a fee ranging from $7 to $10 monthly, in addition to owning the PlayStation game on Steam or a compatible platform. With a strong enough internet connection, players can experience games like God of War Ragnarok at 4K resolution and up to 120 frames per second. Many users have shared positive experiences on Reddit, mentioning low latency and smooth gameplay.

    Criticism and Limitations

    Some critics might say that playing Boosteroid on an Xbox isn’t very appealing. Players have to spend money on a PC version of a PlayStation exclusive and pay for a subscription, so they don’t save much. Plus, the library of compatible games lacks console-only titles such as Gran Turismo 7. Nonetheless, for those who support cloud gaming, this option eliminates the necessity of owning a high-end gaming PC.

    With the restrictions on GeForce Now, this workaround might not be effective for long. Until then, the Xbox Series X|S has surprisingly become more adaptable than expected.

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    Xbox Plays Former PlayStation Exclusives Like God of War via Boosteroid

     

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  • Playdate Price Increase: Save on Refurbished Units Now

    Playdate Price Increase: Save on Refurbished Units Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Playdate’s price will increase from $199 to $229 starting March 25 due to higher production costs from a new manufacturing facility.
    2. Accessories for the Playdate will not see a price increase at this time.
    3. Refurbished Playdate units will be available on March 25 for $179, but stock will be limited.
    4. Refurbished units will be fully restored or have minor cosmetic flaws and come with a six-month limited warranty.
    5. There is a sale on games ending March 20, making it a good time to purchase before the price increase.

    Panic’s Playdate stands out in a crowded market of handheld gaming devices from brands like Nintendo, Anbernic, Retroid, Lenovo, and Asus. This yellow handheld, which features a quirky crank, was launched in 2022 at a price of $199, and it has maintained that price since. However, a price increase is coming soon.

    Price Increase Announcement

    Panic has confirmed that the Playdate’s price will rise from $199 to $229, effective March 25. The company stated that this price hike is due to a shift to a new manufacturing facility, which has informed them that it will be more expensive to produce the Playdate compared to the previous factory. This is the reason behind the adjustment in pricing.

    Accessories Pricing

    While the main device will see a price increase, there hasn’t been any news regarding a rise in the prices for accessories like cases, USB cables, or the official charger that was released late last year. There are still a few days left before the new price takes effect, making it an ideal time to purchase the device if you were thinking about it.

    Refurbished Units Available

    On March 25, Panic will also introduce refurbished Playdate units, which will be priced at $179 each. However, stock will be quite limited. According to Panic, these refurbished units will include those that have been fully restored at the factory and others with minor cosmetic flaws. They are fully functional and come with a six-month limited warranty.

    If you decide to buy a new unit now or wait for a refurbished one, don’t forget to grab some games that are on sale. The sale ends today, March 20, so you’ll need to act quickly.

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  • Free Steam MMO: Join Intense Pirate Ship Battles in Limited Playtest

    Free Steam MMO: Join Intense Pirate Ship Battles in Limited Playtest

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crosswind is a free-to-play pirate MMO set to launch on Steam, aiming to improve upon the feedback received by Skull and Bones.
    2. The game features smooth transitions between land and sea gameplay, allowing players to enhance ships and manage bases on land.
    3. Currently in development, Crosswind offers a 30–40 hour storyline, three ship types, ground and naval combat, and crafting mechanics across three biomes.
    4. Players can experience both PvP and PvE gameplay, with a central narrative involving supernatural elements and unique boss abilities.
    5. The second alpha playtest is currently live on Steam, with no official release date yet, and it has relatively high minimum system requirements for optimal performance.

    Crosswind is a recently announced pirate MMO that will be free-to-play and is coming to Steam. To steer clear of the underwhelming feedback that Skull and Bones received, Crosswind is taking a different route in its piracy gameplay. Developed by Crosswind Crew, they seem to have a bold vision for the mechanics involved in the game.

    A Fresh Take on Piracy

    Rather than concentrating solely on adventurous sword fights and sea battles like Sea of Thieves and Skull and Bones, Crosswind is encouraging players to embark on both land and sea journeys. As per the information found on the Steam Store page and different teasers shared on the Crosswind subreddit, transitioning between sea and land gameplay will be smooth. Players will have the ability to enhance their ships and establish and manage bases on land.

    Features and Content

    Though it is still in development, the current iteration of Crosswind offers an engaging 30–40 hour storyline, three different ship types, and one class of merchant ship. The game includes both ground and naval combat, three distinct biomes that each host their own enemies, bosses, and resources, as well as crafting and survival mechanics on land. The early version also features the famous Tortuga island, which will act as a social hub. The developers are actively working on adding more content, such as ship customization, enhanced character options, more weaponry, three additional ships, two new biomes, a crew for the ships, interiors for boarding actions, and a new merchant ship for players to loot.

    Engaging Gameplay and Future Updates

    In line with typical survival games, a significant part of the challenge in Crosswind revolves around gathering and managing resources. Players can engage in both PvP and PvE experiences. One of Crosswind Crew’s ambitious aspirations for the game involves a central narrative that touches on mysterious supernatural entities, suggesting that future updates might introduce some strange elements. The various bosses found in the open-world biomes already possess their own eerie supernatural abilities to enhance the boss fights.

    Currently, there is no official release date for Crosswind, but the second alpha playtest is live on Steam. The game’s minimum system requirements are relatively high, with an AMD RX 6800 or Nvidia GeForce RTX 1080 Ti considered the lowest acceptable specs. Thus, monitoring those Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 deals on Amazon could be a smart move for players.

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