Category: Gaming

  • Japannext 180Hz Gaming Monitor Blends Retro Design with Modern Tech

    Japannext 180Hz Gaming Monitor Blends Retro Design with Modern Tech

    Japannext has unveiled the JN-V236G180F-RETRO, a 23.6-inch gaming monitor that merges a nostalgic style with up-to-date specifications. Its Full HD display draws inspiration from the bulky televisions of the 1960s and 1970s, yet it offers the performance gamers expect today, featuring a 180 Hz refresh rate and FreeSync compatibility.

    Unique Design Features

    The monitor stands out with its unique design elements. It includes two dials on the wide right bezel that evoke a vintage TV feel. The upper dial allows users to control brightness and select a crosshair, while the lower dial adjusts the volume. Additional settings can be managed through a conventional OSD menu accessible via buttons located at the back.

    Modern Gaming Capabilities

    Even with its retro appearance, this monitor is designed for contemporary gaming. It utilizes a VA panel that delivers an impressive 3000:1 contrast ratio and a swift 1ms response time (GTG/MPRT). It also supports AMD FreeSync and is compatible with PlayStation 5 at 120 Hz. For connectivity, it features HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, both capable of supporting the smooth 180 Hz refresh rate.

    Extra Features and Availability

    The JN-V236G180F-RETRO is equipped with built-in 5W stereo speakers, VESA mounting (100x100mm), and multiple gaming modes tailored for various game types. For those late-night gaming sessions, there’s a low blue light mode, and the flicker-free design reduces eye strain. In terms of color coverage, it achieves 90 percent of sRGB and 80 percent of DCI-P3, with a peak brightness of 300 nits.

    Japannext is set to launch the JN-V236G180F-RETRO this Friday at a price of approximately JPY30,000 (around $200). While it might be challenging to find in the U.S., it will be accessible in several European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

    Source: Link

  • Ubisoft Reveals New Combat Mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    Ubisoft Reveals New Combat Mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been pushed back, with the new launch date set for February 14, 2025. While this news is disappointing for fans eager to dive into the latest installment, there is a silver lining: the developers are actively keeping the community informed.

    New Gameplay Mechanics

    Ubisoft previously shared details about the stealth mechanics, highlighting various innovative features designed to elevate the stealth aspect of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Recently, they provided insights into the combat gameplay, which also brings fresh mechanics into the mix.

    Character Combat Styles

    In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can select between two characters, Naoe and Yasuke. According to Ubisoft’s latest insights, each character has a unique combat approach. Naoe specializes in evasion for defense, while Yasuke leans more towards blocking incoming attacks.

    Tactical Combat Layers

    The game introduces new mechanics that allow players to perform charge attacks, which inflict significant damage, and Posture Attacks that can break enemy defenses. This adds a strategic dimension to the combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

    Additionally, players can put enemies into a vulnerable state, similar to mechanics seen in Ghost of Tsushima. This state is triggered by fulfilling specific conditions, like executing a perfect dodge. Once in this state, players can unleash powerful counterattacks, encouraging them to refine their timing and defensive skills.

    In a recent blog post, Ubisoft detailed various attacks that players should keep in mind while navigating Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Reading through this can provide valuable insights into the game’s dynamic combat systems.

    Source: Link

  • 8BitDo Launches 2C Bluetooth Controller with Hall Effect Joysticks

    8BitDo Launches 2C Bluetooth Controller with Hall Effect Joysticks

    This year has seen a lot of activity from 8BitDo. For example, last month alone, the company announced four new products, one of which was to mark the 30th anniversary of the Sega Saturn. Nevertheless, 8BitDo is not done introducing new gadgets in 2024.

    A New Take on the Ultimate 2C

    The company has opted to refresh the Ultimate 2C, which was first revealed in June and features Bluetooth along with 2.4 GHz connection. Interestingly, 8BitDo also launched Black Myth: Wukong variants just a few months later. Now, they have rolled out the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth, which they claim is specifically tailored for the Nintendo Switch.

    Compatibility and Features

    In reality, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth should work with any device that accepts Bluetooth or wired USB controllers. Regardless, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth comes equipped with Hall effect joysticks, 6-axis motion control, rumble features, and a 480 mAh battery that offers up to 15 hours of gameplay. Additionally, the controller allows for button remapping and has an additional pair of shoulder buttons.

    Pricing and Availability

    It’s worth mentioning that the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth does not include 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. However, its price remains the same as that of the standard Ultimate 2C. Currently, you can find the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth on Amazon for $29.99, available in Blue and Pink color choices. There should also be a darker blue variant released at a later time.

    Source: Link


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  • Intel Arc B580 vs Nvidia RTX 3080 & AMD RX 7700 XT: Benchmark Leak

    Intel Arc B580 vs Nvidia RTX 3080 & AMD RX 7700 XT: Benchmark Leak

    At the launch event, Intel asserted that the Arc B580 can compete with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti but comes at a much lower price. A recent listing on Geekbench indicated that the Arc B580 delivers a notable performance improvement compared to the previous-generation Arc A580 and even the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT. A user from Chiphell, sharing insights via HXL on X, has now disclosed how the graphics card performs in the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark.

    Benchmarking Performance

    In the benchmark test, the Intel Arc B580 achieved a score of 15,551 points. The individual scores for graphics and CPU stood at 14,719 and 22,881, respectively. The tests were conducted with an Intel Core i9-14900KF, which helped to eliminate any potential CPU-related bottlenecks. Next, let’s compare how it stacks up against other competitors in the market.

    Competitive Comparison

    When comparing it to the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, which scored 13,872, the Arc B580 is roughly 12% faster. If we look back to the previous generation with the GeForce RTX 3080, which scored 16,134, the B580 is a mere 3% slower. The performance comparison is quite similar with the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT, which scored 16,454. Finally, the Arc B580 outperforms the older Arc A770, which scored 14,047, by about 10%.

    Overall Impressions

    These results are indeed quite remarkable. However, Intel’s Alchemist launch reminded us that while the company excelled in synthetic benchmarks, it struggled to translate that success into actual gaming performance. Thankfully, Intel has had ample time to refine its drivers, so we shouldn’t face the same issues this time around. It will be fascinating to watch if the Arc B580 can maintain its advantage in gaming, which is where it really counts.

    Source: Link


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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ Handheld: 20% Faster Than ROG Ally X

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Handheld: 20% Faster Than ROG Ally X

    In the tough world of gaming handhelds, MSI discovered that some risks don’t pay off. Their last handheld, the Claw, received harsh criticism and struggled to compete against devices like the ROG Ally. However, with the new Lunar Lake-powered Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, things seem to be looking up for the company.

    Promising Performance

    As per the official slides from ETA Prime, the outlook for MSI is bright. The Claw 8 reportedly outperforms the ROG Ally X, which runs on the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, by about 20% at 17 watts with lower graphics settings and XeSS/FSR activated. This result is no surprise since the Arc 140V integrated GPU is indeed much quicker than the old Radeon 780M in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Nevertheless, with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme expected to debut at CES 2025, MSI’s edge might be temporary, especially since the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ won’t hit the market until the end of this month.

    Upgraded Features

    The Claw 8 AI+ comes with several impressive upgrades compared to the ROG Ally X, such as a bigger 8-inch 1080p display, faster Wi-Fi 7, and up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory, plus dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. The price for the Core Ultra 7 258V model stands at $899, which is $100 higher than the Ally X. Now, everyone’s waiting to see if Asus will step up with a refreshed version of the ROG Ally X, and with CES 2025 just around the corner, the answer will be revealed soon.

    Source: Link


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  • OneXFly F1 Pro: First OLED AMD Zen 5 Gaming Handheld with Warranty

    OneXFly F1 Pro: First OLED AMD Zen 5 Gaming Handheld with Warranty

    The OneXFly F1 Pro has been around for just over a month now. Initially, it was only sold through One-Netbook’s OneXPlayer online store. While this store is trustworthy, the return merchandise authorization (RMA) process can take a long time, even if the device is faulty.

    New Ordering Options

    Now, you can buy it from Droix, a name known in the gaming handheld world for its excellent customer service compared to other retailers. For example, Droix sends orders from warehouses in the UK and US. This means you won’t need to make a costly trip across the ocean or deal with a slow customs process for returns. Plus, Droix follows UK or US consumer laws.

    Specifications and Features

    To give you an idea, the OneXFly F1 Pro offers a selection of AMD Ryzen 7 8840U, Ryzen AI 9 365, and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APUs. One-Netbook also provides options for 32 GB or 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM along with storage choices of 1 TB, 2 TB, or 4 TB. Additionally, every version includes a 48.5 Wh battery and a 7-inch OLED screen that supports 1080p resolution, 800 nits brightness, and a refresh rate of 144 Hz.

    Pricing and Availability

    At the moment, the OneXFly F1 Pro starts at £1,080.95/$1,010.95 when purchased from Droix with the Ryzen 7 8840U, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. Be aware that prices can escalate quickly when you choose higher-performing parts like the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. For instance, this APU, paired with 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 4 TB SSD, costs £1,980.95 in the UK and $1,840.95 in the US, taxes included. Interestingly, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is also available in a mini-PC version for $999, which allows for dual M.2 SSD expansion.

    Source: Link


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  • Anbernic RG34XX: Specs, Price, and Release Date Before Launch

    Anbernic RG34XX: Specs, Price, and Release Date Before Launch

    Less than a week ago, Anbernic revealed the RG34XX. Unlike many companies that take a long time from showing a product to actually putting it on sale, Anbernic aims to launch a new gaming handheld every month in 2024. The company hasn’t officially announced when the RG34XX will hit the market.

    Release Information

    Retro Game Corps has shared some details about this launch. The well-known YouTube channel claims that Anbernic plans to start selling the RG34XX on December 16 at 10:00 UTC. The device is expected to be priced at $70 plus shipping. However, for a limited time from December 16 to December 19, the price might go down to $64.

    Specifications Confirmed

    On another note, Anbernic has now verified all of the important specifications of the device. It features an Allwinner H700 chipset and offers 1 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. This means the RG34XX should perform similarly to the latest RG35XX models, such as the RG35XX SP, which is currently priced at $89.99 on Amazon. Furthermore, the RG34XX includes a 3,500 mAh battery, a 3.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720 x 480 pixels, and a modem that supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity.

    Conclusion

    With these details in hand, it looks like Anbernic is moving quickly to bring the RG34XX to gamers. Keep an eye out for the launch date and pricing changes, as it could be an exciting addition to the handheld gaming world!

    Source: Link

  • ASRock PGO27QFV 27-Inch 360Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor Launch

    ASRock PGO27QFV 27-Inch 360Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor Launch

    Taiwan’s ASRock has introduced the Phantom Gaming PGO27QFV, which is a 26.5-inch QD-OLED monitor designed specifically for gamers who prioritize clear visuals and fast refresh rates. This display offers a Quad HD resolution of 2560×1440 pixels, along with a 16:9 aspect ratio and an impressive refresh rate of 360Hz, ensuring exceptionally smooth gameplay. Moreover, it boasts a lightning-fast response time of just 0.03ms.

    Panel and Color Performance

    The PGO27QFV utilizes Samsung’s QD-OLED technology to provide 138% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage, which enhances the overall image quality. It supports HDR standards, including DisplayHDR 400 True Black and HDR10, which will deliver remarkable contrast and deep blacks, alongside a static contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1. The monitor can reach peak brightness levels of up to 1000 nits.

    Ergonomic Design Features

    In terms of design, ergonomics are essential, featuring height adjustments of up to 100mm, options to tilt forward and backward, and swivel capabilities of 20 degrees. To enhance comfort during extended use, the screen has an anti-glare matte coating, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. It also supports VESA mounting (100x100mm) for attaching to walls or arms.

    Connectivity and Comfort

    For connectivity, the monitor includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB Type-C upstream port that supports 15W power delivery. Additionally, it features a headphone jack and an integrated Wi-Fi antenna cable, which is a rarity among monitors. TÜV Rheinland-certified flicker-free technology and low blue light settings are designed to minimize eye strain during long gaming sessions.

    Weighing just 5.4kg and finished in black, the ASRock PGO27QFV appears to cater well to the gaming audience. However, the company has yet to announce the pricing or availability of this gaming monitor, leaving us in suspense about when it will be available for purchase.

    Source: Link


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  • MSI MPG 321URX: New White OLED Gaming Monitor Launched

    MSI MPG 321URX: New White OLED Gaming Monitor Launched

    MSI has introduced a new gaming monitor to the world, highlighting its ‘stunning silver-white design’. In the accompanying press release, the company elaborates on the monitor in an interesting way:

    Designed for Gamers

    This 32-inch display is perfect for gamers who appreciate both top-notch performance and stylish aesthetics. It blends power with elegance, making it a great match for high-end white custom PCs or the PS5. This monitor sets a new standard for luxury gaming setups, and it’s truly a work of art that showcases advanced technology alongside beautiful design.

    Previous Launch

    Although MSI doesn’t mention it in their press release, the MPG 321URXW actually made its first appearance last month in China. It’s essentially an update to the MPG 321URX (currently priced at $924.99 on Amazon) that has been available throughout this year. Thus, the MPG 321URXW features a 31.5-inch QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display, which offers a 4K resolution paired with a 240 Hz refresh rate.

    Technical Specs

    However, achieving both 4K and 240 Hz requires the use of Display Stream Compression (DSC), unlike the MPG 322URX that MSI displayed in China earlier this month. Currently, no consumer graphics card supports DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20, meaning that the MPG 322URX also needs DSC for 4K/240 Hz content, similar to the MPG 321URXW.

    Additionally, the MPG 321URXW provides impressive specs like 0.03 ms GtG response times, 250 nits SDR, and peak brightness of 1,000 nits HDR, along with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to minimize image tearing. In essence, the only distinguishing factor between the MPG 321URXW and the MPG 321URX is the white casing. Nevertheless, MSI has priced the MPG 321URXW at $1,099, which is $150 more than the MSRP of the MPG 321URX.

    Source: Link


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  • Intel Arc B580 GPU Beats RX 7600 XT and Arc A580 in Benchmarks

    Intel Arc B580 GPU Beats RX 7600 XT and Arc A580 in Benchmarks

    After a long wait filled with rumors, Intel has finally launched its next-generation Arc Battlemage GPUs, namely the Arc B580 and Arc B570, just last week. The more robust Arc B580 will be available for purchase starting December 13, with a price tag of only $249. Meanwhile, the Arc B570 is expected to be released sometime in 2025.

    Affordable Choice for Gamers

    At just $249, the Arc B580 is likely to attract gamers who are budget-conscious, as Intel asserts that this GPU outperforms the previous Arc A750 and the RTX 4060. In addition, the Arc B580 comes with 12 GB of RAM, which is becoming increasingly important for gamers since 8 GB VRAM is no longer sufficient for demanding AAA games.

    Performance Claims Under Scrutiny

    Even though Intel’s performance claims for the Arc B580 seem promising, we cannot fully trust what the company says. Luckily, as we approach the release date for the Arc B580, we can expect to see benchmark results that will showcase the GPU’s performance. A recent leak has given us a preliminary insight into the synthetic performance of the Arc B580.

    The Intel Arc B580 achieved OpenCL and Vulkan scores of 98,343 and 103,445, respectively. According to Geekbench’s database, these scores indicate that the Intel Arc B580 is approximately 9% faster than the Arc A580 in OpenCL tests and a significant 30% faster in Vulkan tests.

    Competing Well Against Rivals

    The benchmarks for the Arc B580 also show competitive results against the RX 7600 and RX 7600 XT (which can be found on Amazon). In the OpenCL benchmark, the Arc B580 is 20% faster than the RX 7600 and 17% quicker than the RX 7600 XT. In Vulkan benchmarks, the Arc Battlemage GPU leads by about 18.5% against the RX 7600 XT and 14% against the RX 7600.

    In conclusion, the Arc B580 is slightly behind the RTX 4060 in OpenCL performance by about 3%. However, it appears to be 6.5% faster than the RTX 4060 in the Vulkan benchmark.

    All things considered, the Intel Arc B580 looks to be a significant improvement over the Arc A580. But remember, synthetic benchmarks don’t provide the entire picture. We will need to wait for the retail samples of the Arc B580 to be reviewed, with those reviews expected to arrive this week.

    Source: Link


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