Category: Gaming

  • AMD Delays RX 9070/XT Reveal Despite GPUs Stocked at Retailers

    AMD Delays RX 9070/XT Reveal Despite GPUs Stocked at Retailers

    As AMD shared initial details about the RDNA 4 GPUs at CES 2025, many fans were eager for a thorough announcement and impending launch. There were also rumors circulating that AMD would introduce the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT around mid-January, aiming for a release on January 23. Unfortunately, these rumors turned out to be inaccurate, as Team Red announced yesterday that the RDNA 4 graphics cards will actually launch in March.

    The Uncertainty of Leaks

    This situation raises the question: Were the rumors about AMD releasing the RX 9000 series in January 2025 always incorrect, or did AMD alter their schedule at the last moment? It looks like it might be the second scenario since Moore’s Law is Dead has reported that Micro Center already possesses RX 9000 GPUs in stock. The source indicates that Micro Center has “shelves of RX 9000 GPUs” stored in one of its backrooms. It seems Team Red has left Micro Center “holding the bag,” without sharing any pricing details.

    Retail Supply and Strategy

    Moreover, if a leading retailer has a supply of RX 9000 cards, it’s fair to assume that other stores might also have RDNA 4 graphics cards on hand. Thus, it seems AMD has opted to wait and observe the ultimate pricing, performance, and public reception of the RTX 5070/RX 5070 Ti, which is set to launch in February 2025. Given that AMD lacks a direct rival to the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 this time, it’s crucial for the company to successfully launch the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT regarding price and performance. Pushing back the RX 9070/XT release to March allows AMD the ideal chance to achieve that.

    Waiting for the Launch

    Now, all we can do is wait and see if the expected pricing and performance of the RX 9070/XT align with reality. Regarding the performance metrics, leaks suggest that both the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT will exceed the rasterization capabilities of the RX 7900 XT and RX 7800 XT, respectively. The ray tracing performance is rumored to see a significant boost, with the RX 9070 XT anticipated to surpass the RX 7900 XTX in this area.

    In terms of pricing, the RX 9070 XT might be positioned between $479 and $550, while the RX 9070 is expected to be under $500. That said, GPU pricing can be quite unpredictable, and last-minute changes are always a possibility. Therefore, it’s wise to approach this information with caution.

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    AMD Delays RX 9070/XT Reveal Despite GPUs Stocked at Retailers
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  • Sjgam M20 Pro: Retro Gaming Handheld with 7-Inch Display and Dock

    Sjgam M20 Pro: Retro Gaming Handheld with 7-Inch Display and Dock

    Handheld gaming consoles have become increasingly popular recently, with many new devices entering the market. Retro Handhelds has now introduced the Sjgam M20 Pro. This device boasts a sizeable 7-inch display, detachable controllers, and the ability to run over 30 emulators. However, it raises concerns about whether it can truly stand out in such a competitive arena, particularly given its design closely resembles that of Nintendo’s iconic handheld, the Switch—whose sequel has just been officially announced. This isn’t the first instance of Sjgam using a design that lacks originality; last year’s M21 had similar issues.

    Display and Performance Details

    The console is equipped with a 7-inch IPS display that offers a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. While the screen size is quite impressive for a handheld gadget, the resolution seems a bit outdated when compared to current options. It runs on the Rockchip RK3566, which is a cost-effective quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor, along with a Mali-G52 GPU. This setup should adequately handle older games, but performance may decline with more resource-intensive emulators like PSP and N64.

    Memory and Operating System

    The M20 Pro comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM and allows for expandable storage of up to 128GB through a TF card slot. However, the base model is limited to just 8GB of internal storage. Operating on the Linux-based EmuELEC 4.3 system, this device is compatible with more than 30 emulators, including popular systems like PS1, PSP, and N64.

    Design and Accessories

    As previously mentioned, the M20 Pro looks very similar to the Nintendo Switch, featuring detachable controllers and a dock that allows for TV output via HDMI. The package also includes light guns and extra gamepads that closely resemble Sony’s PS5 DualSense controller. However, the build quality and durability of these accessories may raise concerns, and their effectiveness could vary based on personal preferences. Additionally, the handheld is powered by a 4000mAh battery.

    In conclusion, while the M20 Pro provides acceptable emulator support and accessory options, its outdated hardware and lack of unique features might restrict its attractiveness. For retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget, it could be a practical option, but overall, it may find it challenging to stand out in a market that is becoming increasingly crowded.

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  • ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090: 32GB GDDR7 Card Weight Explained

    ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090: 32GB GDDR7 Card Weight Explained

    It’s evident from various videos and images of the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 OC Edition that it is a formidable piece of hardware. The official dimensions are listed as 357.6 x 149.3 x 76 mm, or 14.1 x 5.9 x 3 inches, which is significantly larger than Nvidia’s RTX 5090 FE, measured at 304 x 137 x 48 mm, or 11.9 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches. Recently, a video surfaced on Bilibili, shared by @harukaze5719, showcasing the impressive size of the upcoming Astral GeForce RTX 5090.

    Weight and Considerations

    The video shows that the card weighs in at an astonishing 3.042 kg, eventually stabilizing at 3.040 kg, translating to about 6.7 pounds. For context, the World Health Organization states that the average weight for a female newborn is 3.2 kg (7 lbs.), while a male averages around 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs.). PC builders might want to really consider the implications of incorporating an Astral GeForce RTX 5090 into their systems since its considerable weight adds to various factors, such as its overall size and hefty power needs (Asus suggests a 1,000-W PSU to adequately support this demanding component).

    Pricing Speculation

    As for the cost, the exact price for this custom GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card hasn’t been disclosed yet. However, there are suggestions that the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 could retail for approximately $2,500 or perhaps even more. For comparison, the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 is currently listed for $2,899 on Amazon. Nvidia’s FE variant starts at $1,999, so it’s reasonable to expect that the additional premium features will add several hundred dollars to the price tag. The 3.8-slot Astral GeForce RTX 5090 boasts an impressive memory speed of 28 Gbps and features a quad-fan setup, a phase change GPU thermal pad, and a patented vapor chamber to effectively manage its high operating temperatures.

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    ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090: 32GB GDDR7 Card Weight Explained
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  • Xiaomi WinPlay Engine Enables Local Windows Games on Android

    Xiaomi WinPlay Engine Enables Local Windows Games on Android

    Xiaomi has unveiled its new WinPlay Engine. According to their announcement, this tool features a three-layer virtualization system that enables Windows games to be played directly on compatible Android devices. Although the company has not provided many specifics, it appears to be a more straightforward option compared to Winlator.

    Powered by Xiaomi’s Technology

    The WinPlay Engine operates using the Xiaomi HyperCore kernel and is currently in the internal beta stage. Right now, it only works with the Pad 6S Pro, which is the only Android device confirmed to support it. This tablet is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a chip recognized for its ability to handle Windows games through Winlator effectively.

    Future Compatibility and Performance

    Xiaomi hints that support for other flagship devices may be on the horizon. Regarding performance, the company claims the loss in GPU efficiency is just 2.9%, a figure that’s quite minor. While there was no demonstration of how well WinPlay Engine runs Windows games, Digital Chat Station shared a preview video that offers some insight.

    The shared video illustrates the easy process of starting Windows games on the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro (which can be found on Amazon). Even though the gameplay footage lacked FPS indicators, it clearly shows the Android tablet running titles like Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2012 and Tomb Raider 2013 quite smoothly.

    Potential and User Experience

    In their official communication, Xiaomi also noted that Steam can be installed on WinPlay Engine. However, it remains uncertain if users will have a straightforward way to install Windows games through it. Nonetheless, this move is a positive step for gamers, and it will be fascinating to observe what features the final version will include.

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  • Xbox’s Journey: From Shutdown Rumors to Growth Challenges

    Xbox’s Journey: From Shutdown Rumors to Growth Challenges

    A recent article from The Information has ignited discussions about the future of Microsoft’s Xbox division. The report claims that in 2021, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella contemplated the idea of shutting down the gaming division. At a crucial moment, Nadella weighed the option of exiting the gaming industry or significantly expanding it, a decision that resulted in the purchases of key gaming companies Bethesda for $7.5 billion and Activision Blizzard for $75.4 billion.

    Performance Concerns

    Microsoft has rejected these allegations, but the report brings up significant issues regarding the division’s success and what lies ahead. Xbox hardware sales have notably dropped, with a reported decrease of 29% compared to the previous year. In light of this, Microsoft is increasingly prioritizing its Game Pass subscription service.

    Revenue Goals

    Even with this change in focus, the Xbox division fell short of its revenue growth targets in 2023, missing the 11% goal that was tied to CEO Satya Nadella’s bonuses. Interestingly, Microsoft has stopped linking Nadella’s pay to the growth of Game Pass, possibly indicating a decline in confidence regarding this model. The company aims to have over 100 million subscribers by 2030, a significant jump from the 34 million reported in February 2024. Achieving this target would necessitate tripling the subscriber count over five years, requiring an annual growth of 40%.

    Subscription Growth

    Microsoft has reported a 36% increase in subscriptions since 2022, although this number hasn’t been confirmed by an outside source. The company has applauded recent achievements, such as record Game Pass subscriptions following the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, yet there are still worries about the sustainability of this growth.

    Views on the future of Game Pass are mixed among experts and industry watchers. Michael Pachter, a prominent analyst, believes there’s promise in the model and remarked, “Seventy billion dollars is a big investment. Short-term losses are fine if Game Pass proves to be a reliable source of recurring revenue over time.” Conversely, Gus Zinn from the Macquarie Science and Technology Fund has voiced skepticism about the widespread acceptance of the Game Pass model. Developers also share these apprehensions, with estimates suggesting that premium game sales on Xbox consoles could fall by as much as 80% when those games are accessible through Game Pass.

    Commitment to Xbox

    In response to these debates, Microsoft has reiterated its dedication to the Xbox brand. A company representative stated that Microsoft is focused on gaming and underscored Satya Nadella’s “all-in” strategy.

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    Xbox's Journey: From Shutdown Rumors to Growth Challenges
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  • AMD Delays Launch of Radeon 9000 Series Desktop Graphics Cards

    AMD Delays Launch of Radeon 9000 Series Desktop Graphics Cards

    AMD has finally spoke up about their new desktop graphics cards. David McAfee, who is the CM of AMD’s Radeon division, shared on X that these cards will be available for purchase in March 2025. Before that, there will be a launch event where they will reveal detailed specifications and features. However, he didn’t mention an exact date for either the launch or the event, so you might be waiting for up to two months to get the high-end Radeon RX 9070 XT.

    Speculations on Launch Details

    It remains uncertain how many different models AMD plans to introduce at that time. For sure, the Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 are confirmed, but AMD has been completely tight-lipped about the less powerful Navi 44 models. A lot of people are thinking that a March release might be too late since Nvidia’s Blackwell-based GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 will already be available.

    Clarifying Rumors

    Still, this information puts to bed the rumors of RDNA 4 making its debut on January 23. The Radeon RX 9070 XT is expected to be priced between $479 and $550 when it launches. If the latest leaks regarding its performance are true, it will fall somewhere between the GeForce RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super, depending on the game. On paper, the RX 9070 XT might compete with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 in rasterization but could fall short because of AI enhancements like DLSS 4.0 and multi-frame generation.

    Final Thoughts from David McAfee

    David McAfee addressed these points on X, confirming the upcoming plans for the Radeon series. As the exact specs and features remain undisclosed for now, enthusiasts will have to keep their eyes peeled for more updates.

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  • Nvidia DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation Might Reach Beyond RTX 50

    Nvidia DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation Might Reach Beyond RTX 50

    Nvidia is banking on the allure of DLSS 4 multi frame generation to persuade customers to move up to the RTX 50 series. This technology is unique to the new graphics cards, with the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 scheduled for release on January 30th. In a recent chat with Digital Foundry, Nvidia’s Bryan Catanzaro offered a glimmer of hope to gamers, suggesting that the standout feature of DLSS 4 might eventually be available for the RTX 30 or RTX 40 series.

    Advantages Beyond Multi Frame Generation

    While multi frame generation is the star of the show, it’s not the only benefit of Nvidia’s DLSS 4. Other features, such as Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction, will be improved for the RTX 30 and 40 series as well. However, the enhanced frame generation is expected to deliver significant performance boosts in the upcoming graphics cards. These improvements mainly come from smarter AI, which enhances speed and efficiency. Since multi frame generation relies less on the hardware, it faces fewer obstacles regarding backward compatibility.

    Optimistic Outlook for Older Cards

    During the discussion with Digital Foundry, Bryan Catanzaro acknowledged that multi frame generation might make its way to older Nvidia graphics cards. Although the company is concentrating on the RTX 50 series, this focus might shift with proper optimization. Nevertheless, gamers should temper their expectations. Early performance tests indicate that the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 significantly depend on the new DLSS 4 feature to achieve the claimed performance improvements. If multi frame generation becomes available for older GPUs, the incentive to upgrade could diminish.

    Currently, owners of the RTX 30 series are limited to using FSR 3, AMD’s version of frame generation. The actual performance of DLSS 4 multi frame generation in practical situations will be more evident soon. Review embargoes lift on January 24th for the RTX 5090 and on January 30th for the RTX 5080.

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    Nvidia DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation Might Reach Beyond RTX 50
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  • Sony PlayStation 6 Launching in 2027 with AMD UDNAGPU

    Sony PlayStation 6 Launching in 2027 with AMD UDNAGPU

    Right now, a big number of console gamers are really looking forward to the Nintendo Switch 2. However, the rumor wheel doesn’t stop turning, and it seems like we’ve got some exciting news about what could be the next major thing for console players: Sony’s PlayStation 6.

    Exciting Developments

    This scoop comes from Wccftech, who found a thread on NeoGAF. In this thread, a well-known industry insider named KeplerL2 claimed that the SoC for the PlayStation 6, or PS6, has its design all wrapped up and is now in the pre-silicon validation phase, with tapeout expected by the end of this year. To put it simply, the chip’s design is nearly done and is currently being tested to ensure it works as intended. If everything goes smoothly, production will kick off once the tapeout steps are completed.

    Graphics Processing Power

    Additionally, KeplerL2 mentioned that the GPU for the SoC will be a variation of Gfx13, which essentially refers to AMD RDNA 5, now known as UDNA, probably using a 3nm process and supporting GDDR7 memory. The exact size of the GPU was not disclosed, but it’s reasonable to think it will be a mid-range UDNA chip, following the usual pattern. Earlier rumors suggested that the Sony PS5’s CPU would feature 3D V-Cache, which is expected to provide a significant boost in gaming performance.

    Anticipated Release Date

    If KeplerL2’s claims about the Sony PlayStation 6’s SoC being design complete hold true, we might see the PlayStation 6 launch around 2027, which is about two years from now. The PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $699 on Amazon) was released roughly 7 years after the PlayStation 4, so this timeline seems logical. Of course, as with all rumors, it’s wise to take this info with a pinch of salt.

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  • Switch 2 Build Issues Raise Concerns Among Fans

    Switch 2 Build Issues Raise Concerns Among Fans

    On January 16, 2025, a teaser video unveiled the Switch 2, displaying its fresh design that has received much praise from gamers. This new model follows the original Switch, which is currently priced at $295 on Amazon. The Switch 2 boasts a bigger screen, a better kickstand, and Joy-Con controllers that attach with magnets. Nonetheless, fans are worried about the new Joy-Con system, especially the connectors.

    Concerns About New Connectors

    In the teaser, the connectors seem delicate and may be vulnerable to damage. Many users on Reddit have shared their worries that even a small amount of pressure could potentially harm these connections.

    The validity of these worries will depend on the materials Nintendo selects for the connectors. If they use hard plastic, it might lead to higher breakage risks, but softer plastic could enhance durability and lessen damage.

    Joy-Con Durability

    The original Switch’s rigid Joy-Con attachment was seen as a significant flaw, often mentioned as a frequent cause for repairs. However, some hopeful fans think that Nintendo has taken these issues into account and crafted the Switch 2’s Joy-Con to last longer. The next Nintendo Direct event on April 2 might shed light on these concerns.

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    Switch 2 Build Issues Raise Concerns Among Fans
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  • Roguelike Game Inspired by Crunchy 90’s PS1 Graphics

    Roguelike Game Inspired by Crunchy 90’s PS1 Graphics

    Tyrant’s Realm, developed by Skystone Games, is a thrilling action roguelike that blends elements from Soulsborne games with the nostalgic look of a 90s PS1 title. It’s currently available with a 15% discount on Steam as part of a special launch promotion.

    Retro Aesthetics

    Players can expect a pixelated, crunchy style that recalls the early 90s PS1 graphics, featuring character models that wobble to mimic the low-poly visuals of that time. For those who prefer a sleeker appearance, there’s an option to disable these retro effects for a more polished view.

    Engaging Gameplay Mechanics

    While the nostalgic visuals are appealing, it’s the gameplay that truly captivates. The combat system draws heavily from the Soulsborne genre, combined with the exhilarating feeling of acquiring new upgrades and equipment in dark fantasy settings that are procedurally generated.

    Your character has that classic heavy dodge and block mechanic that consumes stamina, but there are unique twists that distinguish it from other games. Achieving a perfect parry allows you to eliminate foes with special finishers, as long as your execution meter is charged, which fills up as you defeat opponents.

    Roguelike Features

    The roguelike aspects are what you would typically anticipate. Every run through the different biomes is randomly created and features hidden skull altars that grant new gear. To unlock these rewards, you’ll need to use the currency earned from vanquishing enemies. Additionally, foes drop weapon blueprints that can be taken to a merchant for crafting, but a fee is required.

    As of now, Tyrant’s Realm holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with 89% of the reviews leaning towards positive feedback. There’s also a demo available that showcases its mechanics and gives a glimpse of what players can look forward to in the complete game.

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