Category: Gaming

  • M-Con: Compact MagSafe Gaming Controller for Smartphones Unveiled

    M-Con: Compact MagSafe Gaming Controller for Smartphones Unveiled

    Almost six months have gone by since we first talked about the M-Con smartphone controller. In that time, several other options have come out, like the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller, which is currently priced at $49.99 on Amazon. Yet, none of these alternatives quite match what the M-Con offers, especially with its unique MagSafe design that gives it a look similar to the PlayStation Portable (PSP).

    Upcoming Release Details

    M-Con Innovations has not provided a specific launch date yet, but they’ve hinted that their first product will be ready as early as next month on Kickstarter. They are planning to reveal the final design of the M-Con at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, which will take place from January 7 to January 10.

    Design Improvements

    It’s important to mention that M-Con Innovations has made some notable design adjustments from the V1 model that was presented in July. As shown in the video below, the new version of the M-Con features a special button that lets users open it with ease. Additionally, it now comes with Hall effect joysticks to prevent drifting issues and fold-out handles for better comfort during use.

    Focus on Customization

    Moreover, M-Con Innovations has crafted its controller with both customization and ease of repair in mind. This means that anyone should be able to take it apart using only Torx screwdrivers. For further details, check out the video below.

    Source: Link

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  • Titan Army 24″ 540Hz 1080P Monitor: 96% DCI-P3, 500 Nits Brightness

    Titan Army 24″ 540Hz 1080P Monitor: 96% DCI-P3, 500 Nits Brightness

    Titan Army has launched a new gaming monitor in China, featuring a remarkable 540Hz refresh rate. The model is named P25M2L and is priced at 5,499 yuan ($754), now available for purchase on JD.com. Let’s explore its main features.

    Detailed Specs of Titan Army P25M2L

    The Titan Army P25M2L is designed specifically for gaming fans, showcasing a 24.1-inch flat panel. It provides an FHD resolution of 1920×1080 and has a 16:9 aspect ratio, along with a wide viewing angle of 178°, which ensures that visuals are sharp from nearly any viewpoint.

    This monitor stands out with its superb 540Hz refresh rate, offering ultra-smooth motion clarity ideal for fast-paced games. With an impressive 0.5ms GTG response time and 0.2ms MPRT 2.0 technology, it minimizes motion blur and enhances dynamic clarity, which can give gamers an advantage over their competitors.

    Color and Brightness Features

    When it comes to color performance, the P25M2L excels by supporting a broad color spectrum, achieving 96% DCI-P3, 99% Adobe RGB, and 153% sRGB coverage for vivid and precise colors. It’s factory-calibrated to reach a Delta E<2 color accuracy for trustworthy color representation.

    With HDR500 certification, the monitor offers a peak brightness of 500 nits, providing improved contrast and lifelike visuals, making it suitable for gaming as well as professional tasks like editing photos or videos.

    Enhanced Gaming Experience

    The monitor utilizes Adaptive-Sync technology, which aligns the refresh rate with the GPU to prevent screen tearing and stuttering, creating a fluid gaming experience. Additionally, it comes equipped with Game+ tools such as adjustable crosshairs, refresh rate tracking, and game-specific modes, further boosting its gaming features.

    It also incorporates low blue light and flicker-free technology, which helps minimize eye strain during long hours of use. For multitasking, it supports PIP (Picture-in-Picture) and PBP (Picture-by-Picture) modes, allowing users to view multiple video sources at once.

    Connectivity and Stand Features

    For connectivity, the P25M2L offers dual HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and an audio-out jack, making it compatible with various devices. It also features a fully adjustable stand that allows for height adjustments, tilt, swivel, pivot, and portrait orientation. Its modular design supports desk clamp or through-hole installation, catering to different user configurations.

    In other news, BenQ has revealed a new 31.5-inch 4K IPS programming monitor that includes 98% DCI-P3 color gamut and KVM support. Meanwhile, AOC has launched a 34-inch ultrawide monitor featuring a 180Hz refresh rate, VA panel, and a 1500R curvature.

  • Free $30 Multiplayer Dungeon Crawler Leaked for Epic Games Holiday Giveaway

    Free $30 Multiplayer Dungeon Crawler Leaked for Epic Games Holiday Giveaway

    We’ve seen a lot of information about the Epic Games Store’s Holiday Sale giveaway this year, and much of it has been correct. You can find our reports on past daily giveaway leaks below (except for The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria), along with their official announcements:

    New Clue Emerges

    A fresh hint has come to light, thanks to a trusted leaker known for accurately guessing the titles mentioned earlier using emojis. You can check out the new clue (as well as previous ones) for yourself:

    Based on the abbreviation and the emojis in the hint, it looks like the next free game is Dark and Darker – Legendary Status. We came to this conclusion from the abbreviation “D.D. – L.S.” and the emojis shared by the leaker. The emojis feature swords, bows, torches, bags of gold, and flags—each suggesting Dark and Darker – Legendary Status, which is a dungeon-crawling roguelike with PvPvE elements. The clue also includes stock emojis that go up and down, which clearly points to the in-game marketplace where players can buy and sell items found in dungeons (since there are no set vendor prices). This fits with the leaker’s track record of correct predictions and the game’s themes of treasure hunting and survival in dark places.

    Game Features and Development

    Developed by Ironmace, Dark and Darker gives players a distinctive multiplayer experience where teams venture into perilous dungeons filled with traps, monsters, and other adventurers. The game follows a free-to-play model, enhanced by the Legendary Status DLC (which further supports the leaker’s hint), adding features like high-level dungeons, extra character slots, and trading options.

    To play Dark and Darker without issues, you’ll need at least a 3.0 GHz Quad-Core CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1060 (3GB) or Radeon RX 580 (4GB) GPU. For the best performance, it’s recommended to have a 3.6 GHz Quad-Core CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX series card or Radeon RX 5600. The game also requires 15 GB of space on your storage.

    Anticipation for the Upcoming Release

    Considering the leaker’s reliable predictions, it’s very probable that Dark and Darker will be the next free game announced in the Epic Games Store’s Holiday Sale giveaway on December 23. Fans of atmospheric dungeon crawlers and roguelikes should definitely watch for this official announcement.

    Source: Link

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  • Microsoft May Drop Exclusives as Xbox Supports Windows and Game Stores

    Microsoft May Drop Exclusives as Xbox Supports Windows and Game Stores

    Spec sheets aside, the availability of a good number of exclusive games is key in shaping the success of a console generation.

    Even with major acquisitions like ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard King (ABK), Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S hasn’t really outperformed the PlayStation 5 when it comes to exclusive titles. However, both Sony and Microsoft believe that games shouldn’t be limited to their own platforms. Microsoft has started to release several first-party games for the PlayStation, and similarly, Sony has been transferring many of its exclusive games to PC, such as Bloodborne (let’s not forget that).

    A Shift in Strategy

    In the upcoming months and years, Xbox might adopt a completely new approach, possibly positioning the console as less of a focus. According to market research firm DFC Intelligence, the gaming industry could see significant growth in 2025, spurred by the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and GTA 6. However, the market might only support one major non-Nintendo console. “There isn’t room for more than two major console systems,” the firm notes. They believe Microsoft has better prospects in software, while Sony can continue to thrive with the PlayStation and its exclusive titles.

    Microsoft appears to be integrating Windows and Xbox more closely than ever. We’ve been hearing about this for a while. The introduction of the UWP framework on Windows 10 aimed to create a unified codebase that would work across console, PC, mobile, and mixed reality.

    Future of Xbox

    Recent news hints that Xbox vNext might essentially be running a form of Windows. This change would enable gamers to access alternative stores such as Epic, GOG, and even Steam, which has been a vision of Xbox chief Phil Spencer for a significant time. Jason Ronald, newly appointed as VP of Next Gen Xbox, along with Roanne Sones from Windows OEM, joining the Xbox leadership team suggests what Windows Central’s Jez Corden calls the “Windowsification of Xbox.”

    Interestingly, Ronald is set to appear at the CES 2025 launch for a Lenovo Legion handheld that will run Valve’s Steam OS. This strategy may be a smart move considering the stagnation in console hardware sales. Additionally, Microsoft might consider allowing this new Xbox-Windows OS platform for handheld device makers, who currently have no choice but to utilize the full version of Windows 11.

    Changing Exclusivity

    This essentially means more Xbox experiences on non-Xbox devices. However, this hinges on Microsoft creating a version of Windows without older legacy issues and ensuring that Xbox backward compatibility functions correctly on Windows. This shift implies that Xbox will stop pursuing exclusives, allowing all first-party games to eventually reach competing platforms. Microsoft seems to be transitioning the Xbox brand into a broader gaming ecosystem rather than restricting itself to console hardware only.

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is shaping up to be one of Xbox’s best exclusives in recent memory, but the aforementioned changes indicate that Xbox fans may need to abandon their hopes for exclusivity. According to Corden on X, Xbox is unlikely to have exclusives moving forward, and if there are any, they will likely be timed at best. “If some games are exclusive it’s gonna be incidental at best,” he stated, emphasizing a shift towards multiplatform releases.

    Recently, Microsoft began promoting the “This is an Xbox” concept to market Game Pass. Essentially, any device that runs the Xbox app with Game Pass is considered an Xbox game streaming console. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even mentioned that being an Xbox fan involves enjoying Xbox games on “all your devices.”

    Back in February, Microsoft announced that titles like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded would also be accessible on the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Doom: The Dark Ages will also launch on PS5 alongside Xbox consoles and PC, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is expected to arrive on PS5 in Spring 2025.

    Even the highly awaited Fable reboot in 2025 is likely to expand to other platforms after its initial limited-time exclusivity on Xbox. Given Microsoft’s tendency to limit devices that are on the verge of greatness (remember Windows Phone?), fans may justifiably feel concerned about the potential irrelevance of the console itself.

    Nothing is finalized, and plans may shift, but it’s clear that Microsoft is adjusting its strategy in response to evolving trends in the console market in the years to come.

    Source: Link

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  • AMD Radeon RX 8800 XT Reference Design Leaked in Ad

    AMD Radeon RX 8800 XT Reference Design Leaked in Ad

    AMD has announced plans to unveil its RDNA 3.5 and RDNA 4 Radeon RX 8000 and 9000 GPU series in early 2025, coinciding with CES. This event will also see the launch of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5000 series, which we recently discussed. Although some details about AMD’s upcoming GPUs have been leaked, it seems that they have been hiding in plain sight for a while.

    New Graphics Card Discovery

    A sharp-eyed redditor on the r/AMD subreddit noticed that AMD has featured a never-before-seen graphics card in an official advertisement on Reddit for the past couple of months. The ad showcases an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU box alongside a triple-fan AMD Radeon graphics card.

    This particular design is different and has not been seen before from AMD. It looks like a first-party design since there’s no branding from any third-party AIB makers on the shroud. All these hints imply that this could be a new RX 8000 series GPU design, although it is still uncertain which exact model it is. The tri-fan structure suggests it’s aimed at a high-end GPU, and it wouldn’t make sense for AMD to show its top-tier Ryzen 9 CPU with a lower-end GPU in the advertisement. Thus, this likely represents the reference design for the upcoming Radeon RX 8800 XT, or whatever AMD may choose to call it. However, it could also correspond to the recently leaked RDNA 4-based AMD Radeon RX 9070.

    Performance Expectations

    Currently, all signs point towards the RX 8000 series being built on AMD’s RDNA 3.5 architecture. This seems to be a slight refresh of the RDNA 3 architecture that was utilized for the RX 7000 series GPUs. While this news may not be alarming for gamers on a budget or those looking for mid-range GPU options, it implies that AMD may struggle to compete in the high-end GPU market.

    Source: Link

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  • Terraria x Starforge: Limited-Edition Lian Li O11D Evo Case

    Terraria x Starforge: Limited-Edition Lian Li O11D Evo Case

    Starforge Systems, a company that designs pre-built PCs owned by streamers, has just unveiled their newest custom PC case design in partnership with Terraria. This new case, called the Terraria case, is based on the Lian Li O11D Evo RGB model and features custom graphics from the Terraria game on the top, front, left, and right panels. In addition, Starforge has introduced a matching Terraria Platelight that can be placed inside the case, priced at an extra $39.99, which really brings the whole look together.

    New Accessories for Gamers

    Alongside the Terraria case, there’s an acrylic Terraria wall art panel and a 900 × 400 mm Terraria desk mat available. The complete bundle, which includes the case, wall art, and desk mat, is offered at a total of $399.99. While it might seem a bit expensive, the Lian Li O11D Evo RGB itself isn’t cheap, with its standard price sitting at $181.99 on Amazon. Buyers can choose to get the Terraria bundle as a barebones kit or included in a limited-edition pre-built PC package.

    Powerful Limited-Edition Build

    The limited-edition Terraria PC bundle contains a fully assembled system featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X processor, XFX AMD Radeon RX7800 XT graphics card, and 32 GB of DDR5-6000 RAM, all housed in the Terraria case. Starforge hasn’t disclosed the exact number of these special edition PCs that will be made, but the pre-built bundle, which comes with the same desk mat and acrylic wall art, is priced at $2,049.99 and can be purchased directly from Starforge Systems.

    Source: Link

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  • 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Xbox Controller for Smaller Hands Released

    8BitDo Ultimate Mini Xbox Controller for Smaller Hands Released

    8bitdo has introduced a new wired controller called the Ultimate Mini, specifically made for Xbox. This accessory is made for gamers who have smaller hands. It’s pretty small and light, measuring just 135.2 mm (about 5.3 inches) and weighing 189.6 g (around 0.42 lbs). To give you an idea, the Xbox Series X/S controller is larger, measuring 152.9 mm (approximately 6.02 inches) and weighing 280 g (nearly 0.62 lbs).

    Features and Design

    The Ultimate Mini controller comes with Hall-Effect Triggers and Joysticks that are surrounded by RGB lights. Players can choose from three different lighting modes: Fire Ring, Light-tracking, and Rainbow Ring. Along with these features, there are bumpers, impulse triggers, action buttons, and a D-pad. 8bitdo asserts that this controller has better grip and high-definition vibrations to enhance your gaming sessions. Additionally, it includes a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting headphones.

    Compatibility and Colors

    According to 8bitdo, this wired USB controller works with various devices, such as the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 systems. It’s available in three colors: Translucent Green, Translucent White, and Translucent Pink. You can purchase the 8BitDo Ultimate Mini Wired Controller for Xbox on Amazon US for $34.99. For customers outside the US, the product can be ordered directly from the brand’s online shop.

    8bitdo’s latest offer is sure to appeal to those looking for a compact and functional gaming controller!

    Source: Link

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  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Leak: January 2025 Launch & RTX 5090 Soon

    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Leak: January 2025 Launch & RTX 5090 Soon

    We’ve been aware for a bit that Nvidia is gearing up to present its GeForce RTX 5000 series “Blackwell” GPUs at CES 2025, with the RTX 5090, 5080, and 5070 models leading the charge. Yet, it seems like Nvidia might be changing its typical launch approach, especially regarding when the products will be available in stores.

    New Launch Strategy

    Recent leaks from Wccftech concerning the Nvidia Blackwell series have shown that the top-end RTX 5090 32 GB won’t be the first card to hit the retail market after the CES 2025 reveal. Instead, the RTX 5080 16 GB is set to debut first, around mid-January. This suggests that the card will be available right after or soon after the CES announcement, with the RTX 5090 32 GB coming out shortly thereafter.

    Uncertain Release Timing

    As for the RTX 5070, it remains unclear where it fits into this launch plan. It could be released either after the 5090 or simultaneously with it, positioning it alongside the RTX 5080. Additionally, gamers who prefer mobile setups will likely get some GPU updates at the same time as Nvidia’s desktop reveal. However, the leaks do not provide clear confirmations about the recent Asus laptop Blackwell specs we discussed earlier this week.

    Caution About Leaks

    It’s important to keep in mind that these leaks may not be entirely reliable, as Wccftech hasn’t offered any firm proof to back up its assertions, merely indicating that they have “received some information” regarding the retail launches.

    Source: Link

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  • Asus Boosts FPS on ROG Ally Handhelds with AFMF 2 Support

    Asus Boosts FPS on ROG Ally Handhelds with AFMF 2 Support

    AMD introduced the AFMF 2 in October, and while it was previously possible to get it running on ROG Ally handhelds, Asus has now confirmed official support. This new frame generation technology from AMD promises an impressive boost of up to 2.5x in frames per second (FPS). As mentioned before, many games see a significant enhancement in the overall gaming experience.

    Asus’s Promises

    Asus claims that enabling AFMF 2 can provide a 2x or even greater increase in FPS. During their official live stream, the company demonstrated how to implement this tech across various games, including those lacking direct support. Although the stream did not delve deeply into benchmark comparisons, YouTuber Quick Expert Reviews has provided insights on this matter.

    Performance Testing

    Quick Expert Reviews conducted tests on the Asus ROG Ally X, and a similar performance increase is anticipated for the Z1 Extreme-equipped non-X ROG Ally, currently priced at $499.99 on Best Buy. In their benchmark tests, Helldivers 2 was shown to run at approximately 40 FPS without the technology activated, but this figure soared to around 70 FPS with AFMF 2 engaged.

    The frame times were also quite decent, staying around 15 ms. Another title evaluated on the ROG Ally X was Fallout 76. Without AFMF 2, it operated at roughly 40 FPS, but once it was turned on, the FPS jumped to about 100, offering more than a 2x improvement. Cyberpunk 2077 also performed well, increasing from about 30 FPS to over 50 FPS, but it should be noted that the frame time reached around 25 ms. This means that in certain games, there might be some input lag. To find out more, be sure to check out the linked videos below.

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  • Asus Teases Upcoming ROG Devices Ahead of CES 2025

    Asus Teases Upcoming ROG Devices Ahead of CES 2025

    Asus has openly confirmed that it is working on new laptops. Recently, the company announced that it will be hosting two events at CES 2025 in Las Vegas next month. While specific details were not shared, it was clear that a new series of gaming laptops is in the pipeline.

    Upcoming Laptop Releases

    Recent leaks indicate that Asus plans to launch updated versions of the ROG Strix 16 and ROG Strix Scar 18, along with a refreshed ROG Flow Z13, which currently retails for $1,599.99 on Amazon. Asus has also hinted at these updates across its social media platforms, like Weibo and X (which used to be Twitter). According to VideoCardz, the first of two videos seems to highlight the ROG Flow Z13, which is expected to feature AMD Strix Halo APUs.

    Specifications and Features

    According to the latest leaks, the 13-inch convertible will come with options for 12 and 16-core CPUs, as well as a robust Radeon 8060S iGPU. The second video showcases new Strix laptops, which are anticipated to align with Intel’s newly launched Arrow Lake architecture and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series graphics. Additionally, it looks like Asus will also introduce new models in the Vivobook and Zenbook lines during CES 2025, which runs from January 7 to January 10.

    Source: Link

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