Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo Vows to Ensure No Switch 2 Launch Shortage

    Nintendo Vows to Ensure No Switch 2 Launch Shortage

    Nintendo is preparing for the exciting arrival of its next console, the Switch 2, which is expected to launch in 2025. In a recent earnings Q&A, President Shuntaro Furukawa mentioned that the company is making significant production gambles to fulfill what it anticipates will be high demand.

    Production Risks

    “We are taking risks in production in order to meet as much demand as possible,” said Furukawa. This strategy comes after the original Nintendo Switch’s successful debut in 2017, which faced some production hurdles. The first launch had supply issues that made it difficult for all fans to get the console right away—something Nintendo hopes to avoid with the Switch 2.

    Details about the Switch 2’s production won’t be shared until Nintendo releases its business plan for the next financial year in April. However, Furukawa mentioned that they will evaluate consumer interest after a Nintendo Direct focused on Switch 2 is set for April 2.

    Software Strategy

    Furukawa also discussed the new console’s software strategy during the Q&A. He emphasized the need for “dedicated software” at launch, hinting that Nintendo may not roll out a plethora of new games at once for both the original Switch and the Switch 2. The backward compatibility with existing Switch titles could help smooth the transition for players. So far, the only confirmed game for the Switch 2 is a new version of Mario Kart, but it’s still uncertain if it will be available on the current Switch as well.

    The pricing for the Switch 2 will be disclosed during the upcoming Switch 2 Direct event. Furthermore, there are currently no plans to change the price of the original Switch “at this time.” Even though there has been a general decline in mobile apps recently, Nintendo is still working on new game apps and looking for creative ways to blend smartphones with its gaming platform.

    Major Milestone

    While the excitement builds around the new console, Nintendo also marked a significant achievement during its earnings call. The original Nintendo Switch has now sold over 150 million units, getting closer to outpacing the iconic Nintendo DS in total sales.

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  • CheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta Info

    CheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta Info

    Capcom recently released a lot of new footage for Monster Hunter Wilds after the Capcom Spotlight event. The showcase featured some pretty gruesome new creatures and gave a glimpse of a fresh location, making it an exciting reveal for fans.

    Exciting New Developments

    At the beginning of the presentation, longtime series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto welcomed players, emphasizing that February has finally arrived, bringing the highly anticipated release of Wilds at the end of the month. He then unveiled a new trailer filled with suspenseful music. A strange glow appears in a camp, prompting questions from the team about its nature. The trailer then introduces a brand-new monster: The Hirabami.

    These millipede-like beings are capable of freezing hunters in ice and appear to move in groups. The video depicts an intense scene where the hunter is surrounded by three of these monsters in an ambush. (Honestly, they give me the shivers!)

    Terrifying Return of Nerscylla

    In other news, every arachnophobe’s nightmare returns with Nerscylla. This monster is downright frightening, even among the usual foes you encounter on quests. Nerscylla can swing from its webs, dig beneath the ground to poison hunters with a sting, and trap them in its sticky threads. First introduced in Monster Hunter 4, Capcom has brought this chilling creature back with no reservations. The trailer even shows it ensnaring another monster in a turf war, which is quite a sight!

    After a quieter moment of hunters chatting by a campfire, more of the story unfolds. We get a glimpse of a possible village, where a young boy named Nata expresses confusion about why the Arkveld launched an attack, suggesting that the monster might have been provoked instead of just being aggressive.

    High-Stakes Battles Ahead

    The trailer then showcases cinematic gameplay of the hunter battling the Arkveld in various settings. This leads to an epic turf war between the Arkveld and a Rey Dau, escalating the tension. Just as the battle reaches a climax, Nata observes that the Arkveld seems to be absorbing energy. The group flees as red lightning and what looks like dragon energy envelops the Arkveld. The trailer wraps up with the game’s title, but not before revealing a final scene of four tired hunters wielding Lances, only to be ambushed by the returning Gore Magala.

    Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto appears again, briefly discussing the new location before diving into details about the beta tests. The first beta runs from February 6th to 9th, and the second from February 13th to 16th. Both betas will feature the same content, including character creation, a story trial, and a hunt for Doshaguma. However, players will also encounter the flagship monster Arkveld and the previously mentioned Gypceros, which offers a challenging hunt for those brave enough to take it on.

    Unfortunately, no progress from the beta will carry over except for character creation. While the developers have considered feedback from the prior beta, they mentioned that updates won’t be reflected until the full game launches. Nevertheless, I am eager for the thrilling new hunt against Arkveld.

    If you happened to miss the Capcom Spotlight, you can check out our article covering it here or read another one linked below.

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    CheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta InfoCheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta InfoCheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta InfoCheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta InfoCheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta InfoCheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta InfoCheckMag: Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases New Monsters & Beta Info
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  • EA Releases Patch for Sims 1 and 2 Issues in Re-Releases

    EA Releases Patch for Sims 1 and 2 Issues in Re-Releases

    No amount of nostalgia can ease the rough beginning of the re-releases for The Sims 1 and The Sims 2, but a fresh patch unveiled yesterday might help alleviate some frustrations.

    Nostalgic Adventures

    Last week, the beloved PC life simulators made their comeback to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original game. Although excited fans eagerly bought and downloaded the titles, many were left disappointed due to numerous bugs and crashes that plagued the experience.

    Fixing the Issues

    The patch released yesterday aims to resolve some odd glitches, including game crashes when players use key combinations like Alt+Tab or Alt+Enter. Additionally, it tackles other issues such as The Sims 2 sometimes starting in a resolution of 800×600 with a poorly scaled interface, Sims vanishing when moving to different neighborhoods, and some players encountering endless loading screens.

    EA and Maxis mentioned that this patch does not resolve all the concerns raised by players, but the Sims Team continues to work diligently on fixing bugs and addressing other problems. More updates are expected soon, hopefully in the not-too-distant future.

    Mixed Reactions

    Both The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 hold “Mixed” review scores on Steam, mainly because of performance troubles, odd bugs, and overall dissatisfaction from certain players regarding the quality of the re-releases.

    The re-releases are titled The Sims 1 Legacy Collection and The Sims 2 Legacy Collection, and can be found on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the EA app.

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  • AOC Launches Affordable Gaming Monitors with Fast Refresh Rates

    AOC Launches Affordable Gaming Monitors with Fast Refresh Rates

    AOC has expanded its gaming monitor lineup with the introduction of the Gaming G42 series, available in three different sizes. Just to summarize, the company has recently launched several G4 series gaming displays, including the Gaming CQ27G4X, which is currently priced at $295 on Amazon. In the UK, the previous G4 series models started at £189.99 (around $238), while the new G42 monitors are priced between £114.99 (approximately $144) and £129.99 (about $163).

    Monitor Sizes and Features

    As their names indicate, the Gaming 24G2E, 25G2E, and 27G2E come with 24-inch, 25-inch, and 27-inch screens, respectively. AOC has yet to provide pricing information for other regions, including Europe and the US. Essentially, these three monitors utilize IPS technology with a fast 1 ms GtG response time, which AOC refers to as ‘Fast IPS’.

    Performance Specifications

    These monitors also offer impressive 180 Hz refresh rates, although they operate at 1080p resolution. Each model features more than 90% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and a peak brightness of 300 nits. The Gaming G42 series includes adjustable stands and 100 x 100 mm VESA mount compatibility, as well as connections for DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5 mm audio port. For further information, please refer to the table below.

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    AOC Launches Affordable Gaming Monitors with Fast Refresh Rates

     

  • Sims 4 Motherlode Season Roadmap: Business Expansion Pack Details

    Sims 4 Motherlode Season Roadmap: Business Expansion Pack Details

    Sims enthusiasts have been actively marking the 25th anniversary of the beloved game. Even though there have been numerous complimentary items released, a segment of players remains unsatisfied and is eager for what’s next. Today, EA revealed a timeline for the much-anticipated Motherlode season. This update might not promote the notorious The Sims 4 money cheat, but it will certainly give players fresh opportunities to accumulate simoleons in a legitimate way. Players can look forward to a sneak peek of the Business & Hobbies expansion pack on February 6th, with its official launch scheduled for March 6th.

    Upcoming Dates to Remember

    EA shared five important dates on its The Sims 4 X account, starting with the preview on February 6th. After that, fans will have to be patient until February 18th for an in-depth look at the new content. February 25th is still a mystery, indicated only by a couple of googly eyes on the calendar. Following the release of Business & Hobbies on March 6th, EA plans to roll out three kits in early May. One of these, the Restoration Workshop, could be especially useful for skilled Sims looking to revive antiques. The other two kits, Golden Years and Kitchen Clutter, will also be part of the offerings during this Motherlode season.

    Career Choices and Opportunities

    The Sims 4 already hosts a wide array of jobs and career paths. Sadly, many of these roles necessitate the purchase of specific downloadable content (DLC). The upcoming Business & Hobbies expansion pack is expected to introduce a greater variety of options since the Get to Work DLC was released in 2015.

    Details about job titles are likely on the way, but EA has already dropped a hint through a recent video on X. The clip, which is surprisingly suggestive, features a shirtless man at what seems to be a tattoo parlor. Although he doesn’t seem to be enjoying his experience, players might profit from his discomfort by starting their very own shop in The Sims 4.

    Hobbies Take Center Stage

    The title of the new expansion pack suggests that hobbies will play a crucial role in the Motherlode season. Whether a player is enjoying retirement or simply passing the time, there are countless activities that currently aren’t included in the game. This upcoming season could provide an exciting chance to explore new pastimes and enhance the overall gameplay experience.

    The Sims X account has been buzzing with excitement for these updates, and players are eager to see what’s in store!

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    Sims 4 Motherlode Season Roadmap: Business Expansion Pack Details
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Steam Deck Unplayable, ROG Ally Works

    Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Steam Deck Unplayable, ROG Ally Works

    Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has made its debut on PC, but the launch has been anything but smooth. Many players have reported issues like game crashes, frustrating frame drops, and some odd graphical hiccups. On a brighter note, the game has fairly modest system requirements, which could lead to a decent experience on various gaming handhelds. Nonetheless, an in-depth review from TechPowerUp reveals that the reality is a bit more complex than it seems.

    Handheld Performance Test

    TechPowerUp ran tests on two well-known gaming handhelds while playing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: the Valve Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally, both utilizing AMD APUs. The Steam Deck operates with the AMD Van Gogh APU featuring a Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, while the Asus ROG Ally comes equipped with the much stronger Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. The latter has an 8-core CPU and a 12-CU integrated GPU, delivering an impressive 8.6 TFLOPS of performance. Now, let’s dive into how these devices performed during the tests.

    Frame Rates and Settings

    At a resolution of 720p with “very low” settings, the ROG Ally, powered by the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, achieved a playable 51.3 frames per second (FPS) at 25 watts, with a minimum of 17.8 FPS. When it dropped to 15 watts, the performance fell to 38.9 FPS, with a minimum of 13.1 FPS. In contrast, the Steam Deck struggled, managing just 26 FPS under the same conditions, with a minimum of 12.8 FPS. When set to the slightly more appealing “low” preset, the ROG Ally performed well with 46.1 FPS, while the Steam Deck was left behind at 21.1 FPS.

    Issues and Future Updates

    Notably, the game crashed on the Windows-based ROG Ally, a problem that didn’t occur on the Steam Deck. According to TechPowerUp’s findings, the Steam Deck maintained more stable frame rates, although still teetering on the edge of being unplayable, even with upscaling. The ROG Ally, on the other hand, showed much better results and is expected to improve even further with an update that introduces the new Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which comes with four extra CUs. Currently, the Steam Deck is priced at $470 on Amazon, but unfortunately, a successor isn’t anticipated anytime soon. However, Lenovo has already released SteamOS handhelds featuring Ryzen Z2-series APUs.

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  • RTX 5080 Pre-Built PCs Now Available on Amazon Amid GPU Shortage

    RTX 5080 Pre-Built PCs Now Available on Amazon Amid GPU Shortage

    If you’ve been watching the PC market, you might have noticed that getting your hands on Nvidia’s newest GeForce RTX 5080 GPUs is nearly impossible. Even major system builders are saying it could take weeks or even months to get stock. However, at the moment, there’s at least one pre-built PC brand, Skytech, that has RTX 5080 systems for sale on Amazon.

    Current Offers on Skytech Azure

    Right now, there are two models of the Skytech Azure gaming PC with the RTX 5080 available on Amazon: the first one costs $2,799.99 and comes with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, while the second one is priced at $2,899.99, featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D alongside the RTX 5080.

    Alternatives and Pricing

    Another company, Continuum, also lists RTX 5080 systems on Amazon, but their prices are significantly higher than those of the Skytech configurations.

    All of the systems mentioned above are currently marked as in stock on Amazon, and they come equipped with AIO liquid cooling, which helps maintain optimal CPU temperatures. In contrast, the Skytech Azure is more affordable while offering similar specs, and its case appears less congested than the one used in the Continuum Micro. This design could result in better cooling for the RTX 5080, which is a plus.

    Recommendation Concerns

    It’s worth mentioning that it has become tricky to recommend Intel Core CPUs from the 13th and 14th generations due to worries about silicon degradation and potential instability.

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  • AMD Outsells Intel at Mindfactory: 11.7 Ryzen CPUs per Intel Chip

    AMD Outsells Intel at Mindfactory: 11.7 Ryzen CPUs per Intel Chip

    In January, Mindfactory, a well-known German retailer, saw an astounding sales ratio of 11.7 AMD CPUs for every Intel CPU sold. This huge difference isn’t shocking to those who follow tech news closely. Intel clearly fell short with its Arrow Lake-S desktop CPU release, which provided subpar gaming performance compared to AMD’s Ryzen chips, and even the previous-generation Raptor Lake-S processors.

    Sales Breakdown

    AMD’s dominance is evident, as their CPUs made up a significant 92.16% of total sales, leaving Intel with a mere 7.84% share. The best-selling CPU was undoubtedly the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is no surprise since it reigns as the top gaming CPU available today. In contrast, Intel’s new Core Ultra 200 series only managed to sell about 185 units, equating to roughly 0.72% of the total 25,625 CPUs sold by Mindfactory.

    Ryzen’s Strong Performance

    Additionally, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at $587 on Amazon, represented an impressive 87% of all Zen 5 CPU sales, showing that the other Ryzen 9000 models didn’t perform as well. Among all CPUs on the AM5 platform, which includes Zen 4 processors, the 9800X3D captured 47% of sales. AMD has disclosed that they won’t be standardizing 3D V-Cache technology, arguing that it doesn’t benefit many workloads outside of gaming and incurs higher production costs. Nevertheless, it seems clear that gamers have a strong preference for the X3D chips, which have consistently been a top choice for gaming enthusiasts.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the CPU market in January clearly favored AMD, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D leading the charge. Intel’s latest offerings have not resonated well with consumers, resulting in a stark contrast in sales figures. As the gaming community continues to evolve, AMD appears well positioned to maintain their edge in the CPU market for the foreseeable future.

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  • Sci-Fi MMORPG Kickstarter: Fund Now to Own a Planet!

    Sci-Fi MMORPG Kickstarter: Fund Now to Own a Planet!

    Stars Reach is a new sci-fi sandbox MMORPG that offers a tactical and dynamic combat system along with various gameplay options. Players can choose their paths, whether they want to be a cartographer creating and selling maps of planets, a miner gathering raw resources, or a governor overseeing their own planet. The goal of Stars Reach is to change the MMORPG genre, similar to how World of Warcraft transformed fantasy MMORPGs. You can check out the video below for a sneak peek:

    Ambitions Behind the Game

    The development team at Playable Worlds has ambitious plans for Stars Reach, and they seem quite possible. The project is led by Raph Koster, who has a strong background with classics like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies. Development began five years ago and has already attracted $38 million in funding from investors. However, since the game is still in its pre-alpha stage, this funding alone is not sufficient. The studio has now turned to Kickstarter to gather the necessary resources for the next phase.

    Exciting Kickstarter Rewards

    Playable Worlds hasn’t disclosed their specific financial goals or expectations for the Kickstarter campaign yet. Nevertheless, they have shared some information regarding the rewards for backers. Supporters can pick from several tiers, with some offering unique benefits, but none of these will disturb the game balance. The perks include:

    Every higher-tier reward also includes all the perks from the lower ones, and early contributors can enjoy limited-time discounts. The pricing details for the various tiers are yet to be announced. Those interested in supporting can already follow Stars Reach on Kickstarter, with the campaign scheduled to begin on February 10. Early access is anticipated for late 2025.

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  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Developer Reacts to Bad Review

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Developer Reacts to Bad Review

    In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), gamers once again take on the role of Henry, steering his journey through the medieval landscape of Bohemia. This RPG is a vast, engaging sandbox that is packed with realistic features—Henry needs to eat, sleep, and keep his equipment in good shape, among other tasks. Enhancing the strengths from its 2018 predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, this sequel continues to enchant its loyal fanbase. The standard edition can be found on Steam for $59.99, while the Gold Edition is available for $79.99.

    Impressive Reception

    Just one day post-launch, KCD2 has received 4,790 reviews on Steam, with an impressive 92% of them being favorable. On Metacritic, the game boasts a Metascore of 88, although a user score wasn’t available at the time of this writing.

    A Step Forward

    When compared to its earlier version, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, which currently has a Metascore of 76, KCD2 marks a notable improvement. However, lead developer Daniel Vávra expresses some discontent. Out of 53 Metacritic reviews, four are labeled as “Mixed,” meaning they scored below 60. One review that particularly annoys Vávra is from GamesHub’s Jam Walker, who rated the game 50 out of 100, explaining:

    “Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a game that bluntly requires you to engage with it on its own terms, which I do find somewhat commendable. Yet, I found it to be a tedious grind to interact with, where everything felt excessively exaggerated. There’s a captivating sandbox hidden within, but excavating through the layers of annoyance was just too much for me most of the time.”

    Commitment to Realism

    The adverse review likely arises from KCD2’s dedication to realism—a key feature that many fans love but that also requires significant effort. Activities such as weapon forging or alchemy must be conducted manually, which can take a lot of time but also deepens the player’s immersion.

    Metacritic holds a significant place in the gaming world, with a game’s Metascore often viewed as a benchmark of its quality, and negative reviews can sway potential buyers. Nevertheless, the GamesHub critique is unlikely to greatly affect KCD2’s success, given that the majority of reviews are in the 80 to 100 range.

    Developer’s Disappointment

    Vávra’s frustration stems from KCD2 not reaching the esteemed 90-point threshold—a level typically reserved for elite games. He conveyed his disappointment in a post on X:

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