Category: Gaming

February 4, 2025

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Available in Alienware Area-51 Desktop

Dell has begun offering the Area-51 gaming desktop through its Alienware brand. To summarize, the company brought back the Area-51 last month, unveiling it alongside its laptop versions at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Additionally, Dell provided information about a successor to the Alienware AW2725DF, which is currently priced at $749.99 on Amazon; we have discussed those details in a separate article.

Specifications Overview

As anticipated, the Alienware Area-51 gaming desktop currently features an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU. The latter is expected to be replaced by the GeForce RTX 5090 models later this year, but the exact timing is unclear. For context, availability of the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 graphics cards might not improve until late February or possibly next month at the earliest.

Pricing and Options

The new Area-51 starts at a price of $4,449.99, which includes 2 TB of storage, 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, and a Windows 11 Home license. Alternatively, customers can choose a configuration with a 4 TB SSD and 64 GB of RAM, which comes with an extra cost of $600. At launch, there are limited customization options available, even though it was hinted that there would be options for up to 8 TB of storage and more affordable processor choices during CES 2025.

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Tags: Alienware Area-51, Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080
February 4, 2025

Anbernic RG34XX Handheld Refresh Leaks Amid RG34XX SP Rumors

Anbernic has not brought out any new gaming handhelds this year, after previously releasing at least one new model each month in 2024. This time, the company has chosen to refresh the RG34XX by offering a Glacier color option (currently priced at $89.99 on Amazon), which is different from the color of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) that shares the same name.

Exciting Rumors Surrounding RG34XX SP

Recently, there have been whispers about Anbernic potentially expanding their RG34XX lineup with a new model called the RG34XX SP. This device might be one of several new clamshell gaming handhelds set to launch this year, alongside others like the Miyoo Flip V2 and the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. It’s possible that Anbernic will revisit the RG34XX before they introduce a completely new device to the market.

New Color Options in the Works

YouTuber Retro Gaming With Deadfred has shared that Anbernic is working on a new range of translucent colors for its Game Boy Advance-inspired handheld. Retro Handhelds has pointed out that one of these new colors looks similar to Nintendo’s Fuschia version of the GBA, which came out in April 2001. On the other hand, the turquoise option does not mimic any official Nintendo design; it seems to take cues from a glow-in-the-dark customized shell. However, there’s no indication that Anbernic’s version will glow in the dark as well.

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Tags: Anbernic RG34XX, Game Boy Advance, retro gaming
February 3, 2025

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 PC: 90 FPS at 1080p with RTX 4060 DLSS 4

After a lengthy wait, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has finally launched on PC. However, this release has been met with a lot of complaints regarding frame rate drops, crashes, and other glitches. On the bright side, the game has relatively low system requirements and performs reasonably well on older systems at lower settings. RandomGamingHD looked into how much DLSS 4 could improve the gameplay experience, and their findings are mostly encouraging.

Performance with DLSS 4

When DLSS 4 was set to “maximum performance” and the base resolution set to 360p, upscaled to 1080p, the Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU (currently priced at $305 on Amazon) paired with an Intel i7 12700F achieved impressive results, hitting over 90 FPS at maximum settings, excluding ray tracing, of course. However, enabling ray tracing caused the average FPS to drop into the low 50s, which is not ideal, yet not unplayable either. Nevertheless, the 1% low of 27 FPS raised some eyebrows and was a bit concerning.

Visual Quality Concerns

Now, let’s talk about the critical aspect—image quality. Generally, the visuals were mostly acceptable, but there were some minor artifacts and occasional graphical glitches that popped up now and then. Overall, the gaming experience with DLSS 4 was quite enjoyable given the 360p base resolution, or at least that’s what RandomGamingHD suggested. It’s worth mentioning that the RTX 4060 comes with just 8 GB of VRAM, and users with AMD GPUs that have similar VRAM may face a significantly worse experience due to the different ways AMD and Nvidia handle VRAM.

Implications for Future Consoles

Interestingly, as highlighted by Wccftech, this information paints a hopeful future for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This console is expected to be far from a powerhouse, but DLSS could significantly enhance the overall experience. Additionally, concerns about image quality should mostly vanish given the Switch 2’s smaller screen, although the experience when docked might be up for debate. The anticipated Tegra T239, which is set to power the Switch 2, features an Ampere GPU with a modest 3.1 TFLOPS of performance, so any assistance in upscaling will certainly be beneficial.

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Tags: DLSS 4, RTX 4060, Spider-Man 2
February 3, 2025

“Realistic Sand Physics Mining Game Tops Steam’s Trending Free List”

Sandustry brings to life delightful 2.5D pixel art and allows players to create a sand-processing factory that transforms into an intricate, automated production facility. The journey begins with basic tools for mining sand and other materials. The environment is fully destructible, giving players the freedom to mold the world to their liking. Thanks to dynamic physics, sand obeys gravity and must be carefully managed through thoughtful strategies.

The Importance of Automation

At the core of this game, automation plays a crucial role. As players advance, they can incorporate conveyor belts, pumps, and various machines to optimize production and increase efficiency. An efficiently designed network is essential, and insufficient planning can greatly hinder progress.

Discovering Hidden Treasures

Sandustry offers more than merely constructing factories. As players excavate deeper, they stumble upon ancient ruins and artifacts from a forgotten civilization. These treasures contain secrets, precious resources, and unique technologies waiting to be unlocked. But venturing into the depths also brings risks, including hostile creatures, fierce boss encounters, and tricky puzzles to solve.

Lantto Games is the developer behind Sandustry. The demo has been available on Steam since January 31 and boasts a 96% positive rating, albeit from just 26 reviews. It provides an initial glimpse into the game’s sand physics and automation, allowing players to experiment with basic processing functions on a limited map and tackle early puzzles. Consequently, the demo has reached the pinnacle of Steam’s “Trending Free” charts. There’s no announcement yet regarding the full release date.

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February 3, 2025

RedMagic Dao 150W GaN Charger: Limited Edition Now Available

A special edition of the Nubia RedMagic Dao 150W GaN Charger with Three Kingdoms 8 branding has been released in China. The original charger was introduced in various countries, including the US, through a crowdfunding effort in 2023.

Charger Features

This exclusive RedMagic Dao 150W GaN Charger showcases designs associated with the well-known game, but it remains the same as the standard version. It serves as a desktop charging hub with four ports: one 30W USB-A and two 140W USB-C. The highest power output of 150W is available through the DC port, which the manufacturer claims could power a gaming laptop. Additionally, it supports numerous charging protocols, such as PD 3.1, PPS, and QC4+.

Display and Customization

You can see real-time charging details on the built-in LCD screen located next to the ports. The display provides information on input and outdoor power, along with other metrics, and can be customized through a smartphone app. The device measures 101 x 71 x 35 mm (about 4.0 x 2.8 x 1.4 inches) and includes RGB lighting that can also be adjusted.

Pricing and Availability

The Nubia RedMagic x Three Kingdoms 8 Dao 150W GaN Charger is currently priced at 999 yuan (around $140) in China. It remains uncertain if or when this special edition will be available in other regions, such as the US, where the original charger can be purchased for $199 (or $189.99 from a third-party seller on Amazon).

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Tags: Limited Edition, Three Kingdoms 8
February 3, 2025

Nvidia Leads Steam Hardware Survey’s Most Popular GPUs List

Steam has just released its hardware and software survey results for January 2025, and when it comes to GPUs, things haven’t really changed much. Nvidia continues to lead the pack, with the RTX 3060 desktop being the favorite among gamers. Following this is the RTX 4060 Laptop GPU.

AMD’s Limited Presence

Similar to previous surveys, AMD Radeon GPUs are not very prominent on the list. In fact, only three discrete GPUs—Radeon RX 6600, RX 580, and RX 6700XT—have managed to secure spots in the top 40. While there are several AMD integrated GPUs listed, the survey does not specify which models those are.

The Rise of the Radeon 780M

Among the top contenders, the Radeon 780M is likely the most prominent, found in various gaming handhelds like the Legion Go, which is currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon. Looking ahead, we may see more discrete AMD options once the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT are launched. These new models will be part of the RDNA 4 series and are expected to compete with Nvidia’s RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Super.

Future Expectations

On another note, Nvidia has introduced the first batch of its RTX 50 series, and more Blackwell GPUs are set to be launched later in February. If these new models can attract a similar number of gamers as the RTX 40 series, we might see a significant shift in the Steam hardware survey results by the end of the year.

As far as CPUs go, Intel remains at the forefront in the latest Steam hardware survey. In terms of software, Windows 11 commands a 53.46% market share, while Windows 10 still holds a significant presence among gamers, with a 42.87% share according to the most recent survey.

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Tags: RTX 3060, Windows 11
February 3, 2025

Nvidia Driver Update Adds Support for GeForce RTX 5090, 5080

The latest GeForce Game Ready Driver, identified by the version number 572.16, has been released, providing support for the newly launched GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card. This software update enhances the gaming experience by incorporating DLSS 4 optimizations across more than 75 games and applications. By leveraging AI enhancements, DLSS 4 boosts image quality while also lowering video memory usage. Generally, this leads to a noticeable improvement in performance.

Games Taking Advantage

Among the games that gain from this updated driver are Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws, along with other popular titles such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Hogwarts Legacy, and Alan Wake 2. A standout feature is DLSS Multi Frame Generation, paired with RTX Video Super Resolution (VSR), which now requires less GPU power and can upscale HDR movies, making it more suitable for RTX GPUs.

New Display Support

Beyond DLSS 4, the Game Ready Driver package 572.16 supports 19 new G-Sync Compatible monitors from manufacturers like AOC, MSI, Alienware, and LG. Six games that now benefit from one-click optimal settings presets include Marvel Rivals, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Path of Exile 2, and Supervive.

Along with the recent Nvidia app update, this driver introduces new AI features for Nvidia Broadcast and various behind-the-scenes adjustments and fixes. The SFF-ready Asus Prime GeForce RTX 5080 is currently still listed on Amazon, priced at a whopping $2,599.99, which is almost three times the initial launch price of $999 for the standard version.

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Tags: Cyberpunk 2077, DLSS 4, GeForce RTX 5090
February 3, 2025

Lenovo’s Affordable Curved Gaming Monitor: 1440p, 180Hz, 1ms GtG

Lenovo has released the Legion R34w-30, a new ultra-wide gaming monitor in China. This monitor boasts a WQHD resolution and a refresh rate of 180Hz, and it can be purchased on JD.com for 1,999 yuan ($278). The monitor was first revealed at CES just last month.

Specs of the Legion R34w-30

The R34w-30 features a 34-inch ultrawide display with a resolution of 3440×1440 WQHD, providing crisp visuals at 110 PPI. With a 1500R curvature for better immersion and a 21:9 aspect ratio, it’s perfect for both gaming and work tasks.

The monitor’s native refresh rate is 180Hz, which guarantees smooth gameplay with little motion blur. It also includes AdaptiveSync and AMD FreeSync technologies to minimize screen tearing and stuttering. The response time can be adjusted from 1ms to 5ms GTG, while an esports mode allows for 0.5ms MPRT to reduce motion blur during fast games.

Color Performance and Eye Comfort

For great color performance, the Legion R34w-30 uses a VA panel that covers 99% of the sRGB and 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamuts. This means vibrant and realistic colors, making it not just good for gaming but also for creating content and watching media. It supports HDR10 and reaches a peak brightness of 350 nits, improving contrast and brightness for a richer visual experience.

This monitor also includes TÜV Rheinland-certified blue light reduction and Eyesafe Display 2.0 certification, which helps lessen eye strain during long usage periods. The flicker-free panel adds to comfort during extended gaming or working hours. Additionally, it has the ClearMR 8000 certification, ensuring high motion clarity without any artificial enhancements.

Connectivity Features

Regarding connectivity, the monitor is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 TMDS ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3, and a 3.5mm audio output jack, making it compatible with PCs, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. It supports VESA mounting with a 100x100mm pattern, and the ergonomic stand allows for height adjustments up to 135mm, tilting from -5° to 22°, and swiveling from -30° to 30°. Built-in dual 3W speakers also provide basic audio needs, so there’s no need for external speakers.

In other news, AOC has launched a new 27-inch 2K gaming monitor featuring a 180Hz Fast IPS display, a 1ms GTG response time, and HDR10 support. Meanwhile, Koorui has revealed its own 27-inch 2K monitor with a 170Hz Fast IPS panel, also boasting a 1ms GTG response time and 400-nit brightness.

Tags: Gaming Monitor, Lenovo Legion R34w-30, ultra-wide display
February 3, 2025

No Man’s Sky Launches Huge Update and Steam Sale

From a rough start to a viral video essay that has racked up almost 25 million views discussing its “Engoodening,” No Man’s Sky has seen its share of criticism and praise since its troubled debut in 2016. With the arrival of the Worlds Part II update, it seems like the initial launch is mostly a thing of the past.

A Vast New Universe Awaits

This latest update brings billions of fresh solar systems and planets for players to discover, featuring a wealth of biomes, landscapes, and creatures. Nearly every part of the game’s plants and animals has seen enhancements—oceans have depths reaching several kilometers, there’s a wider range of mountain types, and the lighting system has been entirely revamped to create a more immersive experience with better contrasts between light and dark. Additionally, oceans now accurately reflect clouds and other environments, among other improvements.

Perfect Time to Rejoin

If you were disappointed by the original launch but have been following updates, now is a great moment to dive back in. To attract new gamers, Hello Games is offering a limited-time 60% discount on Steam until February 10, making the game more accessible.

The current player feedback shows a “Very Positive” rating, with an average of over 20,000 players online simultaneously on Steam. You can grab the game for just $23.99 (€23.59 or £19.99) during this sale period.

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Tags: Hello Games, No Man’s Sky, Steam Sale
February 3, 2025

Switch 2 Joy-Con Controller Simplifies Inputs with Smart Features

Leading up to the expected launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has submitted many patents. Although many of the technologies outlined in these filings do not come to fruition, some recent patents have seemingly influenced the design of the new joy-con controllers, as seen in the reveal video. The latest documents released on January 23rd showcase plans to enhance the detachable peripherals further. Eventually, these new joy-cons may be capable of anticipating user inputs based on finger movements and button presses.

Monitoring Gameplay Patterns

Upon examining the most recent Nintendo Switch patent, it seems that the software would keep tabs on a player’s actions. Over time, the Switch 2 could learn a user’s habits and improve the speed of the joy-con button responses. While this could raise privacy concerns, players might have the choice to turn off this tracking feature if they wish.

Competitive Edge in Gaming

Many Switch players turn to pro-style controllers for games that need more intricate controls. Nintendo’s new patent could help players gain an edge in fighting games with joy-cons. By predicting inputs, it might help users navigate combo sequences better. Though the Switch isn’t traditionally seen as the go-to console for esports, this development could be viewed as an unfair benefit by competitors. On the other hand, using the patent for smoother navigation in menus is less likely to spark debate.

Potential Release and Innovations

There’s a chance that the smarter joy-con controllers will be available at the time of the console’s release, or they might be introduced later through system updates. There’s a good basis for thinking this tech goes beyond just ideas. A previous leak about the Switch 2 suggested that the new controllers would connect magnetically to the console’s sides. In the reveal video for Switch 2, viewers can see a joy-con easily detaching rather than sliding off its tracks.

In another patent from 2023, Nintendo hinted that future joy-cons could integrate Hall effect mechanisms to prevent stick drift. However, Nintendo has yet to confirm if these controllers will feature this improvement. Nevertheless, if combined with the ability to predict inputs, the new Switch 2 joy-con might convince reluctant players to consider an upgrade.

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Tags: Joy Con controllers, Nintendo Switch 2