Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo on Easy Mode in Repair Video

    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.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 Release Date Leaked: April 17

    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.

    Source:
    Link

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 Release Date Leaked: April 17Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 Release Date Leaked: April 17
    Tags: , ,
  • New Leak Reveals Additional Radeon RX 9060 XT Specs

    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.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • GameMT E5 Ultra Leak: New Retro Handheld Console Revealed

    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.

    Source:
    Link

    GameMT E5 Ultra Leak: New Retro Handheld Console Revealed
  • Sony Confirms PS5 Pro Upscaling Improvements with FSR 4

    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.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Top MAR10 Day Deals: Nintendo Switch Mario Games & Accessories

    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.

    Source:
    Link

    Top MAR10 Day Deals: Nintendo Switch Mario Games & AccessoriesTop MAR10 Day Deals: Nintendo Switch Mario Games & AccessoriesTop MAR10 Day Deals: Nintendo Switch Mario Games & Accessories
    Tags: ,
  • Death Stranding 2 Release Date and Collector’s Edition Revealed

    Death Stranding 2 Release Date and Collector’s Edition Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date: Death Stranding 2 is set to launch on June 26, 2025.
    2. Pre-Order Information: Pre-orders start on March 17, with a collector’s edition featuring a Magellan Man statue and 48 hours of early access.
    3. Standard Edition Bonuses: The Standard Edition will include rewards like skeletons, a machine gun, and patches, though pricing is not yet disclosed.
    4. Returning Characters: Norman Reedus and Troy Baker will reprise their roles from the original game, as shown in a new cinematic trailer.
    5. Crossover Tease: The trailer hints at a potential crossover with a character resembling Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series, generating additional excitement.

    Some players have voiced their frustrations with Death Stranding, pointing out the tedious exploration and lack of fast-paced action. However, dedicated fans have become deeply engaged in uncovering its numerous secrets. Now, fans of Hideo Kojima’s creation have exciting new challenges on the horizon. During a SXSW 2025 event, a trailer revealed that the release date for Death Stranding 2 will be June 26.

    Pre-Order Details

    Starting March 17, players can pre-order Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. There’s also talk of a collector’s edition that includes physical items such as a Magellan Man statue. Those who choose this edition will benefit from 48 hours of early access before the official launch of Death Stranding 2. For PS5 users, there’s the choice of a standard edition, which can be purchased as a physical disc or a digital download. Additionally, a digital deluxe edition is available, featuring a rich variety of exclusive in-game content.

    Standard Edition Bonuses

    Even if players go for the Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Standard Edition, they will receive rewards like skeletons, a machine gun, patches, and more. Pricing is yet to be revealed, but it seems the game is exclusive to PS5. Those hoping to see Death Stranding 2 on Xbox, PC, or other systems might have to be patient.

    At SXSW, Kojima was accompanied by Norman Reedus and Troy Baker, who will return to their roles from the original game. The presentation also introduced a fresh trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which is rich in cinematic moments. In it, Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, is depicted transporting cargo across various barren terrains. Audiences also get a glimpse of multiple vehicles navigating the landscapes, along with a significant amount of combat.

    Exciting Cross-Over Tease

    One particularly surprising scene from the trailer appeared towards the end. A character reminiscent of Solid Snake from Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear series made an unexpected entrance. While information about a possible crossover remains unclear, it certainly elevates the excitement surrounding Death Stranding 2.

    Source:
    Link

    Death Stranding 2 Release Date and Collector's Edition RevealedDeath Stranding 2 Release Date and Collector's Edition Revealed
    Tags: , ,
  • The Alters: New Trailer for This War of Mine’s Spiritual Successor

    The Alters: New Trailer for This War of Mine’s Spiritual Successor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Premise: Players control Jan, who is stranded on a planet and must create alternate versions of himself called Alters to survive.

    2. Alters Concept: Alters are formed through Jan’s past choices, leading to different life outcomes and providing unique skills to aid in the journey.

    3. Emotional Management: Players must address the emotional health and individual needs of each Alter to progress in the game.

    4. Resource Collection: Similar to This War of Mine, players need to gather resources to escape from the planet before its destruction.

    5. Platform and Release: The Alters will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC, with an anticipated release later this year.

    The Alters is a new game coming from 11 bit Studios, known for their successful 2014 title, This War of Mine. Before the game’s release, a new trailer has been shared, showcasing additional details on how it draws inspiration from This War of Mine.

    Game Overview

    In the latest video, the publisher outlines the game’s premise, which features players stepping into the shoes of a character named Jan who finds himself stranded on an unfamiliar planet. To stay alive, players must create a team of alternate versions of Jan, known as Alters.

    The Concept of Alters

    These Alters emerge when players explore Jan’s past, making impactful choices that lead to different outcomes in his life. For instance, Jan might choose to attend college and become either a doctor or a botanist. Imagine it like Marvel’s Kang managing his multiversal counterparts, but here, these Jan variants originate from the same universe yet exist in different realities.

    Each Alter possesses unique skills that can assist Prime Jan in his journey. However, players must also address the individual needs of these Alters, including their emotional health, to ensure the mission advances. Similar to This War of Mine, players will need to collect resources to facilitate their escape from the planet, which faces destruction within a limited timeframe.

    Gameplay Dynamics

    With the planet’s looming destruction, the needs of the Alters, and the consequences of your choices, The Alters promises to offer an engaging experience. It is set to launch on PlayStation 5 (priced at $499 on Amazon), Xbox Series S/Series X, and PC via Epic, Steam, and GOG. Although the game doesn’t have a specific release date yet, it is anticipated to be available later this year.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Streamline Game Development with Amazon GameLift Streams

    Streamline Game Development with Amazon GameLift Streams

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon has launched GameLift Streams to help game developers combat piracy and reduce large game installation issues.
    2. Game streaming enables players to enjoy high-demand games on low-spec devices without long download times.
    3. Developers can upload various game types to GameLift, allowing for easy global streaming without code changes.
    4. GameLift Streams supports up to 1080p at 60 fps and operates on NVIDIA T4 or A10G Tensor GPUs, with cost based on usage hours.
    5. The service is available in specific AWS Regions, with lower latency for players closer to the data centers.

    Amazon has introduced its new GameLift Streams game streaming service aimed at game developers. This service helps to combat piracy, removes the difficulties associated with large game installations, and allows players to enjoy high-demand games on low-spec devices.

    Challenges with Game Downloads

    Many gamers have to endure long waits for big downloads before they can start playing modern titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which is over 100 GB in size. The increasing system requirements mean that players often have to invest in costly, high-performance graphics cards.

    The Advantages of Game Streaming

    Game streaming addresses these issues by transferring the demands to the cloud hosting provider, meaning gamers only need a basic computer or a smart TV to play. Notable cloud gaming services include Valve Steam, Nvidia GeForce Now, PlayStation Now, and Xbox Game Pass.

    Developer Benefits with GameLift

    Developers can now upload Windows games, Windows games configured for Proton (Valve Steam), and Linux titles to GameLift servers. After completing the basic server setup, these games can be streamed globally to players using any WebRTC-compatible web browser, supporting resolutions up to 1080p at 60 fps, without the need for code changes, making it easier for developers.

    The games operate on NVIDIA T4 or A10G Tensor GPUs. Developers are billed based on usage hours and total storage utilized. According to Amazon’s estimates, hosting around 2,000 users playing a lightweight game for half an hour daily could result in a monthly cost of about $20k.

    Availability of GameLift Streams

    GameLift Streams is currently available in AWS Regions such as US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), Asia Pacific (Tokyo), and Europe (Frankfurt). Players located closer to these data centers will see reduced latency, while those farther away may experience higher latency that could be considered unacceptable.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,
  • RTX 5050 Specs Leak: Bigger Bus & Higher TDP vs RTX 4050

    RTX 5050 Specs Leak: Bigger Bus & Higher TDP vs RTX 4050

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 3050 was the last x50 class GPU for desktops, with Nvidia now limiting the RTX 4050 to laptops.
    2. The upcoming RTX 5050 will be a budget-friendly GPU priced under $300, confirmed through an ECC filing.
    3. The RTX 5050 features a GB207-300 GPU with 2,560 CUDA cores, 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and a 128-bit bus.
    4. It has a TDP of 130 W, identical to the RTX 3050 and slightly higher than the RTX 4060.
    5. Performance of the RTX 5050 is expected to be better than the mobile RTX 4050, potentially approaching RTX 4060 levels, but without an increase in CUDA cores, significant gains may be limited.

    The RTX 3050 was the last GPU in the x50 class to be released for desktops, as Nvidia decided to limit the RTX 4050 to laptops only. This decision was quite strange, especially since there wasn’t a desktop RTX 40 model priced under $300, with the RTX 4060 launching at $299. Consequently, those looking for budget-friendly options had no choice but to look for older models like the RTX 30 or RX 6000 series.

    Introduction of the RTX 5050

    In a change of pace, Nvidia is set to offer gamers a budget-friendly option with the RTX 5050, which will be priced under $300. The confirmation of this GPU’s existence came from an ECC filing. Additionally, some specifications and pricing details have also been revealed. Thanks to leaker kopite7kimi on X, we now have some important information regarding the RTX 5050’s specs.

    Specifications Overview

    From the very beginning, it’s evident that the RTX 5050 is aimed at budget-conscious gamers, so there’s not much in the way of pleasant surprises. The card is expected to feature a GB207-300 GPU that includes 2,560 CUDA cores. This setup is matched with a 128-bit bus and 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM. Unfortunately, the leaker did not provide any details about clock speeds.

    The RTX 5050 is said to have a TDP of 130 W, which is the same as the desktop RTX 3050 and 15 W higher than the RTX 4060 (which is available on Amazon). Interestingly, this TDP is actually 5 W lower than the figure recently reported by Wccftech.

    Performance Expectations

    Since there is no desktop RTX 4050 for comparison, we’ll have to look at the mobile version of the RTX 4050 to make some educated guesses about performance.

    Initially, both GPUs share the same CUDA core count, but the RTX 5050 has a wider memory bus (128-bit compared to 96-bit). Furthermore, the RTX 5050 is likely to have a maximum TDP that is 15 W higher. While the number of CUDA cores may be identical, Nvidia can leverage this extra power to enhance the clock speeds of the RTX 5050 significantly compared to the RTX 4050’s boost clock, which can reach 2,370 MHz.

    In light of this information, we can anticipate that the RTX 5050 will offer a noticeable, though not extraordinary, performance improvement over the RTX 4050 mobile GPU. In the best-case scenario, it may even get close to the RTX 4060, which is about 25% faster than the RTX 4050 laptop in our tests. Nonetheless, without an increase in CUDA cores, such an outcome seems improbable.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,