Category: Gaming

  • RTX 5070 Ti Price Manipulation and Pre-Release Review Guidelines

    RTX 5070 Ti Price Manipulation and Pre-Release Review Guidelines

    Key Takeaways

    1. RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs are being sold significantly above their MSRP.
    2. Buyers accuse companies like Asus of price manipulation related to Nvidia’s review embargo.
    3. The official launch of the RTX 5070 Ti is on February 20th, but reviews will be available a day earlier.
    4. Limited availability of RTX 5070 Ti at MSRP, with only a single model near the price in the U.S.
    5. Nvidia faces backlash over high prices and limited supply, affecting consumer options and market dynamics.

    It’s well-known that stores are offering RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs at prices significantly higher than their suggested retail prices (MSRP). Buyers of the RTX 5070 Ti are now accusing companies like Asus of manipulating prices to align with Nvidia’s review embargo rules. The official launch date for the RTX 5070 Ti is February 20th, but reviews for the $749 MSRP cards are set to be released on February 19th. Despite the anticipation, few GPUs are available at this price point.

    Review Embargoes and Price Manipulation

    The embargo on reviews for the more expensive RTX 5070 Ti cards will lift on February 20th. This might not sound like much, but the initial reviews tend to capture the most attention. VideoCardz.com pointed out that similar price tactics helped draw attention to other RTX 50 series cards. For instance, Asus first listed the RTX 5080 Prime at $999 with standard clock speeds. This pricing allowed the graphics card to be featured in early reviews. Just one week later, though, the price rose to $1265 in Asus’ own store.

    Limited Availability and High Prices

    Currently, there’s no guaranteed option at the MSRP for the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti unless buyers seek out the Founders Edition. Nvidia has suggested a starting price of $749 for these cards. When customers in the U.S. check listings at Micro Center and Best Buy, the only RTX 5070 Ti that is near that price is a single PNY model. The situation is just as bleak in Europe, where retailers are advertising shockingly high prices for the RTX 5070 Ti.

    The Blame Game Continues

    The ongoing debate over RTX 5070 Ti prices sees Nvidia facing a lot of the backlash. It’s been reported that one reason EVGA left the GPU market is due to Nvidia making it hard to earn profits on custom cards. A limited supply greatly contributes to the issue, while tariffs compel manufacturers to reconsider their pricing strategies. As always, it’s the consumers who bear the brunt of these challenges.

    The initial benchmarks for the RTX 5070 Ti show that its performance is surprisingly close to that of the RTX 5080. Sadly, the idea of paying $250 less for this GPU is becoming increasingly unlikely.

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  • PlayStation Plus Users Ineligible for $10 Days Gone Remaster Upgrade

    PlayStation Plus Users Ineligible for $10 Days Gone Remaster Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. Days Gone has received a remaster for current-gen consoles, available for $10 for existing players.
    2. The remaster offer does not apply to PlayStation Plus subscribers, raising concerns among the community.
    3. Historically, Sony removes remastered games from the PlayStation Plus lineup, as seen with Horizon Zero Dawn.
    4. Players can find Days Gone at a low price on platforms like Amazon or buy a second-hand disk before the remaster’s release on April 25.
    5. PC gamers have more options, as the game frequently goes on sale and was once free on the Epic Games Store.

    Of late, every State of Play event has showcased its fair share of remakes and remasters. This time, Bend Studio’s Days Gone received the upgrade for current-gen consoles. Players who already have the game can switch to the remastered edition for only $10. However, this offer does not extend to those subscribed to PlayStation Plus.

    Hidden Details Uncovered

    A Reddit user from r/PlayStationPlus discovered a sneaky detail in the fine print. Days Gone has been available for free to subscribers for some time, raising questions about why Sony is leaving out a large part of its user community. Typically, when Sony remasters a game, they remove it from the PlayStation Plus lineup, as seen with Horizon Zero Dawn.

    Alternatives for Players

    On the flip side, you can find Days Gone at a low price on Amazon, or even pick up a second-hand disk to save some cash. Just be sure to grab it before the remaster is released on April 25; after that, the original version may no longer be available. PC gamers have it easier, as the game frequently goes on sale, and it was even free on the Epic Games Store at one point. Overall, you shouldn’t need to fork out the full price of $50 unless you’ve been completely out of the loop.

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  • Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM 27-Inch 4K OLED Monitor 240Hz Launch

    Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM 27-Inch 4K OLED Monitor 240Hz Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM is priced at $1,099 and features a 27-inch 4K OLED display with a high pixel density of 166 PPI.
    2. The monitor offers full-screen brightness of 250 nits and peak HDR brightness of 1,000 nits, displaying 145% of the sRGB color spectrum.
    3. It has a refresh rate of 240Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync, targeting gamers with a response time of 0.03 milliseconds.
    4. Connectivity options include DisplayPort 2.1a, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a USB-C port for charging laptops at up to 90 watts.
    5. The monitor features an automatic standby mode sensor to conserve energy and reduce the risk of burn-in.

    The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM made its debut at CES 2025 in January, but at that time, Asus hadn’t revealed any pricing information or a specific launch date. Now, this 27-inch gaming monitor has been listed by several prominent US retailers. Online stores such as Newegg and Microcenter are expected to start taking orders in the coming days or weeks.

    Pricing and Specifications

    Currently, the new Asus gaming monitor is priced at $1,099, putting it close to the larger, older ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, which is available for $1,199 on Amazon. This new model is among the first 27-inch OLED monitors that offer 4K resolution with a high pixel density of 166 PPI. Thanks to its fourth-generation QD-OLED panel, text clarity should be exceptional.

    Performance Features

    The 4K OLED display boasts a full-screen brightness of 250 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1,000 nits, while it can show 145% of the sRGB color spectrum. With a refresh rate of 240Hz, along with support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync, this monitor is clearly aimed at gaming fans. Asus claims that it has an impressively quick response time of just 0.03 milliseconds.

    Connectivity Options

    This monitor also features DisplayPort 2.1a with an 80 Gbit/s bandwidth. In addition, it includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and a USB-C port, which can charge laptops at up to 90 watts and connect to a USB-A hub that has three ports. Finally, it has a sensor that can automatically switch the 4K OLED gaming monitor to standby mode when the user is away, helping to conserve energy and reduce the risk of burn-in.

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  • Free Retro Game Boy Simulator for Handheld Gaming Fans

    Free Retro Game Boy Simulator for Handheld Gaming Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retro Handheld Simulator is a free game available on Itch.io, with an option for donations to support the developer.
    2. The game is a parody of the retro handheld gaming community, inspired by classic RPGs but with simpler gameplay.
    3. Players control the game using the D-pad and the A button for interactions, with a daily resetting game world.
    4. Returning players can turn off the story by pressing the select button for a quicker experience.
    5. The game was created using GB Studio, which is free to download for multiple operating systems, and the developers have released other games for the Nintendo Game Boy.

    The Retro Handheld Simulator is an exciting new game for the Game Boy that just launched on Itch.io. Players can download it for free, but there’s an option for kind gamers to support the developer through donations. The game comes in two formats: a .gb file compatible with most retro handheld devices and a .pocket version tailored for the Analogue Pocket.

    A Fun Parody

    This small 35-kilobyte title pokes fun at the current retro handheld gaming community, featuring many nods to actual handheld consoles and the broader gaming scene. Its gameplay draws inspiration from classic RPGs, such as Pokémon or Golden Sun, but it’s simpler than those titles.

    Easy Controls

    To control the character, players use the D-pad, while the A button allows interaction with various objects. The developer mentions that the game world resets daily, so players might want to engage with certain items more than once for the best experience.

    Features for Returning Players

    Players can turn off the story by pressing the select button, which is mainly for those who have played the game previously. This free handheld game was made using GB Studio, a user-friendly software that simplifies the creation of retro-style games.

    GB Studio is also available for free download on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a version optimized for ARM-based Macs. Madsox Games, the creators of the Retro Handheld Simulator, have also developed a series of games for the Nintendo Game Boy: Death Row 1, Death Row 2, and Death Row Brawl, all of which can be found on Itch.io.

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  • This Week’s New Xbox Game Pass Release: Major RPG Launch

    This Week’s New Xbox Game Pass Release: Major RPG Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Only one new game announced for Xbox Game Pass this week, with more titles expected mid-month.
    2. “Avowed,” an action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, is set to release on February 18 on Xbox Game Pass.
    3. The game has received positive early reviews, with 81% favorable ratings on Steam and a Metascore of 80 on Metacritic.
    4. Avowed features a versatile combat system that includes traditional weapons and elemental magic.
    5. Players can experience the game in both first-person and third-person views, though it emphasizes first-person gameplay.

    Only one new game has been announced for Xbox Game Pass this week. Nevertheless, Microsoft often shares new additions to the subscription service in the middle of the month, which means more titles could be on the way. Regardless, subscribers have something to look forward to – Avowed, a fresh action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, the team known for Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds.

    Early Reviews and Availability

    The first review of Avowed was leaked even before the official review period ended. On February 15, the game became available in Early Access, allowing those who purchased the $90 Deluxe Edition to jump in ahead of its full launch. Since then, this action RPG has gathered over 1,800 reviews on Steam, with 81% being favorable. On Metacritic, it boasts a respectable Metascore of 80, while the user score is yet to be determined. For genre enthusiasts, this is a fantastic addition to Microsoft’s gaming subscription. Beginning February 18, Avowed will be accessible on Xbox Game Pass.

    Gameplay Experience

    Avowed transports players to the “Land of the Living,” a vibrant yet troubled world plagued by an unknown illness. As a representative of Aedyr, your goal is to discover the source of the affliction. The combat system is quite versatile, allowing players to use traditional weapons such as swords and bows, while also enhancing their strikes with elemental magic. Various attack styles make combat more exciting and immersive. The game offers both first-person and third-person views, but it is clear that the experience leans heavily towards first-person gameplay.

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  • AAA Shooter Game 90% Off – Now Only $6 for a Limited Time

    AAA Shooter Game 90% Off – Now Only $6 for a Limited Time

    Key Takeaways

    1. Definition of Looter Shooter: Borderlands was pivotal in creating the looter shooter genre, combining first-person shooting with a focus on loot collection, inspired by action RPGs like Diablo.

    2. Borderlands 3 Availability: Borderlands 3 is currently offered at a 90% discount on Steam, priced at $6 instead of $60.

    3. Borderlands 4 Announcement: Borderlands 4 has been announced with a release date of September 23, following a recent State of Play event by Sony.

    4. Gameplay Features: Borderlands 3 features fast-paced action, extensive weapon variety, and an upgraded skill system that enhances player customization.

    5. Mixed Reception: While Borderlands 3 received a decent Metascore of 81, user reviews were mixed at 5.6, with criticisms regarding its narrative and humor compared to previous games in the series.

    Released in 2009, Borderlands was instrumental in defining the looter shooter category. These types of games blend classic first-person shooter elements with a major emphasis on loot collection. Weapons and gear are generated randomly, which keeps gamers persistently searching for superior items. Drawing inspiration from action RPGs such as Diablo, this approach offers players ongoing motivation. The newest game in the series, Borderlands 3, is available on Steam now at a whopping 90% discount, reducing the price from $60 down to only $6.

    Exciting News Ahead

    Oh, and just to let you know, Borderlands 4 is on its way and has finally been given a release date! This was revealed during Sony’s recent State of Play event, and the game is set to launch on September 23. That said, the first gameplay trailer has sparked mixed feelings among fans.

    The Storyline

    Borderlands 3 unfolds several years after the previous game, taking players on an adventure across various planets. The main antagonists are the Calypso twins, who lead a group called the Children of the Vault, aiming to seize control of the universe’s hidden chambers. Players can choose from four new Vault Hunters – FL4K, Moze, Amara, or Zane – as they embark on a quest to thwart the twins’ plans.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    The gameplay remains faithful to the franchise’s iconic style: fast-paced action, extravagant weapons, and an endless supply of loot. A significant upgrade is the improved skill system, which allows for enhanced customization options. Each class features three active skills, giving players more versatility in battles. With over a billion unique weapons, all generated at random, each gaming session brings something fresh.

    Since its launch, Borderlands 3 – created by Gearbox Software and published by 2K in 2020 – has garnered an impressive number of reviews on Steam. As of the last check, it boasted over 110,000 reviews, with 85% rated positively.

    Reception

    On Metacritic, the looter shooter received decent feedback from critics, achieving a Metascore of 81. However, user reviews were not as kind, leading to a mixed score of 5.6. A significant complaint was that the narrative and humor fell short compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, the game encountered technical issues upon release and was an Epic Games Store exclusive for its first six months, which frustrated many players.

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  • Popular RPG Shooter Now 90% Off – Under $1 Steam Deal

    Popular RPG Shooter Now 90% Off – Under $1 Steam Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Character and Story: Players assume the role of JC Denton, a cybernetically enhanced agent navigating a complex cyberpunk world filled with conspiracies and secret societies.

    2. Gameplay Freedom: The game offers players multiple approaches to missions, allowing for stealth, direct confrontation, or hacking, catering to different play styles.

    3. Timeless Classic: Released in 2000, Deus Ex remains highly regarded, with a 94% positive rating on Steam and a Metascore of 90 on Metacritic, demonstrating its lasting appeal.

    4. Modding Community: Fans can enhance their experience through various mods that improve graphics and controls, keeping the game fresh for new and returning players.

    5. Affordability: Currently priced at $7 on Steam, Deus Ex is available for under $1 during a limited-time sale, making it an accessible option for gamers.

    In Deus Ex, players take on the character of JC Denton, an agent with cybernetic enhancements navigating a dark, cyberpunk universe rife with conspiracies and influential secret societies. Starting his journey with the UN-supported organization UNATCO, JC quickly realizes that there are greater powers driving the global issues. The choices players make have a significant impact on the narrative, determining who to trust and how the story unfolds.

    Gameplay Freedom

    Played from a first-person view, Deus Ex is known for its remarkable freedom. Players who prefer stealth can disable security cameras, slip through air ducts, or opt for non-lethal arms, while those who enjoy more aggressive tactics can choose from pistols, rifles, and explosive devices. Each mission can be approached in various ways, whether through direct confrontation, silent eliminations, or smart hacking strategies.

    A Timeless Classic

    Released by Ion Storm and published by Eidos Interactive in 2000, Deus Ex is nearing its 25th anniversary. Although the graphics and gameplay have aged, it remains a beloved classic. Fans can find a variety of mods that improve graphics and controls, making the gameplay feel new. On Steam, the game has received a 94% positive rating from over 12,000 reviews. Critics and players alike have praised it, resulting in a Metascore of 90 and a user score of 9.0 on Metacritic.

    Currently, Deus Ex is listed at $7 on Steam, but it’s on sale for less than $1, enjoying an 86% discount until February 24. The Game of the Year Edition features upgrades, extra content, and an enhanced software development kit for modding purposes.

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  • Exciting New Sci-Fi Shooter Blends Cyberpunk and Doom Combat

    Exciting New Sci-Fi Shooter Blends Cyberpunk and Doom Combat

    Key Takeaways

    1. Reikon Games is set to release Metal Eden on May 6, featuring the combat android HYPER UNIT ASKA in a dystopian cyberpunk world.
    2. The game offers high-speed gameplay with features like wall runs, jetpacks, and grappling hooks, along with a unique combat system that includes special moves like “Core Ripper” and “Armored Ramball.”
    3. Community reception has been largely positive, praising the graphics and cyberpunk atmosphere, with comparisons made to Doom Eternal and hopes for a Titanfall 2 successor.
    4. There are concerns about Metal Eden’s ability to stand out among other major titles, especially with its release close to Doom: The Dark Ages.
    5. Deep Silver is backing the game, providing strong support for its launch.

    Reikon Games established itself strongly in 2017 with the release of Ruiner. Now, nearly eight years later, the Polish studio is returning with its follow-up project. Metal Eden is scheduled to be released on May 6, allowing players to take on the role of HYPER UNIT ASKA, an advanced combat android. ASKA’s mission is to save the Cores of the citizens from Moebius while navigating a dystopian cyberpunk universe and confronting the mecha forces of the Internal Defense Corps. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. For those curious, the first trailer provides a sneak peek of the gameplay.

    Unique Gameplay Features

    Metal Eden is remarkable for its high-speed, action-oriented gameplay. Players can swiftly traverse levels using wall runs, jetpacks, and grappling hooks, effortlessly dodging foes. The combat system combines both firearms and melee strikes, featuring special moves such as the “Core Ripper,” which enables ASKA to rip the core from foes for an immediate kill and strategic advantage. Another ability, the “Armored Ramball,” lets players roll into a fortified sphere and plunge into the battle, reminiscent of Metroid.

    Community Reception

    The unveiling of Metal Eden received mostly favorable feedback from gamers. On Reddit, users highlighted its stunning graphics and engaging cyberpunk atmosphere. The game’s rapid and intense action has led to comparisons with Doom Eternal, while the acrobatic movement and wall-running have raised hopes for a spiritual successor to Titanfall 2. Nevertheless, there are concerns that the game may have difficulty distinguishing itself among other major titles, echoing Titanfall 2’s challenges back in 2016. With its release occurring just a week prior to Doom: The Dark Ages, some are apprehensive. Yet, with Deep Silver backing it, the game has solid support, which might assist in ensuring a strong launch.

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  • Powkiddy V20: Pre-order Now for Under $55 – Budget Retro Handheld

    Powkiddy V20: Pre-order Now for Under $55 – Budget Retro Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Powkiddy is now accepting pre-orders for the V20, following the V10’s design but resembling the RGB20S.
    2. The V20 is powered by the Allwinner A133P chipset, unlike its predecessors that used the RK3326 chipset.
    3. It has 1 GB of DDR3 RAM, enabling it to emulate games from systems like the PSP and Nintendo 64.
    4. The device features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and a 5,000 mAh battery.
    5. The V20 is priced at $54.99, includes a 64 GB microSD card, and offers color options of black transparent, white, and yellow.

    Powkiddy has begun accepting pre-orders for the V20, just a few weeks after information about the device appeared online. True to its name, the V20 follows the format of last year’s V10, but its design is more similar to the older RGB20S (currently priced at $66.89 on Amazon).

    Specs and Performance

    Unlike the RGB20S and V10, which use Rockchip’s RK3326 chipset, the V20 is powered by the Allwinner A133P. This chipset is also found in other retro gaming handhelds such as the MagicX Mini Zero 28, TrimUI Brick, and TrimUI Smart Pro. The device is equipped with 1 GB of DDR3 RAM. Because of this setup, the V20 should be capable of emulating games from systems like the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo 64, although some games may require frame skipping.

    Display and Battery Life

    The V20 features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, along with a 5,000 mAh battery and a 1 W speaker. Right now, Powkiddy is offering the V20 at a price of $54.99, which includes a 64 GB microSD card. It comes in black transparent, white, and yellow options. For those who want more storage, a version with a 128 GB microSD card is available for an additional $10, and users can also utilize a second microSD card to store more games.

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    Powkiddy V20: Pre-order Now for Under $55 - Budget Retro Handheld
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  • AI Confidential Demo Launches on Steam: Welcome to the Future

    AI Confidential Demo Launches on Steam: Welcome to the Future

    Key Takeaways

    1. AI Confidential is a first-person narrative game using emojis for dialogue instead of traditional text.
    2. The game is not designed for workplace settings due to adult themes and mature language.
    3. Players take on the role of Makenzy Turner, a RoboTechnician at Indelligent Solutions, addressing both mechanical and emotional challenges.
    4. Key features include classic inventory puzzles, a solarpunk setting, and diverse patient interactions.
    5. Minimum system requirements for Windows and Linux include a 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and specific graphics cards.

    Although the creators make it clear that AI Confidential is not intended for workplace settings due to its adult themes and mature language, this upcoming game seems interesting and may not be as explicit as one might think. After around seven months of dedicated work by a team of four, the recently launched AI Confidential demo focuses on delivering a first-person narrative experience where the dialogue is conveyed through emojis rather than traditional text, which can occasionally come off as silly, a common occurrence in other games.

    First Entry on Steam

    AI Confidential marks the debut of Critical Wit on Steam. While the full game’s release date is still unknown, the demo page provides essential information regarding system requirements, confirming that players on both Windows and Linux platforms can step into the role of “Makenzy Turner, a likable RoboTechnician working for the AI giant, Indelligent Solutions.” Makenzy faces the dual challenges of handling mechanical issues as well as emotional ones in a world filled with AI. With the help of his assistant ARI, players will utilize advanced tech tools alongside “good old-fashioned empathy” to tackle their tasks.

    Features and Requirements

    The game boasts several appealing features, such as classic inventory puzzles, an eco-friendly solarpunk setting to explore, the unique emoji-based dialog system, and a diverse set of patients to interact with while managing various responsibilities, which include fixing hardware and eliminating viruses. For players using Windows or Linux, the minimum requirements consist of a 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, 5 GB of available storage, and either a GeForce GTX 1080 or Radeon RX 5700 graphics card. Additionally, a 64-bit operating system is necessary for both platforms.

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