Category: Gaming

  • Aoostar Launches XG76 eGPU Docks with USB4 and OCuLink

    Aoostar Launches XG76 eGPU Docks with USB4 and OCuLink

    Aoostar has recently entered the market alongside companies like Ayaneo, GPD, and One-Netbook by launching two complete eGPU options that utilize AMD’s RDNA 3 technology. Customers can choose between the Radeon RX 7600M and the Radeon RX 7600M XT, marketed as the XG76 and XG76XT, respectively.

    Performance Comparison

    In our tests, the Radeon RX 7600M and RX 7600M XT show a performance difference of about 20%. This gap is largely due to the RX 7600M XT having four extra Compute Units (CUs). Additionally, it benefits from quicker VRAM and a higher boost clock speed. However, both graphics cards are robust enough to run most modern AAA games at 1080p with medium to high settings.

    Connectivity Options

    The Aoostar XG76 and XG76XT models come with OCuLink and USB4 support, which is a significant advantage. Moreover, the XG76XT can provide up to 100 W of power to any connected device. They also feature two DisplayPort 2.0 ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, and an extra USB Type-C port for accessories.

    Limitations and Pricing

    Sadly, Aoostar’s initial eGPU models do not include USB Type-A ports or M.2 SSD expansion slots. Reportedly, they stay below 50 dB even under maximum load, which is better than some competing products. Nonetheless, the XG76XT’s performance is comparable to existing products like the GPD G1 (currently priced at $699.95 on Amazon). Aoostar is set to release the XG76 and XG76XT worldwide on November 21, with prices of $499 and $619, respectively.

    Source: Link,Link,Link,Link

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags:
  • What Sets the ROG Phone 9 Series Apart from Others?

    What Sets the ROG Phone 9 Series Apart from Others?

    The Asus ROG Phone 9 series represents a significant advancement in the world of gaming smartphones, combining state-of-the-art tech with a design tailored for gamers. This results in an outstanding mobile gaming experience. With powerful hardware, innovative cooling solutions, and one-of-a-kind display options, both the ROG Phone 9 and the ROG Phone 9 Pro are built to satisfy the needs of dedicated gamers. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these devices stand out.

    Stunning Visuals and Aesthetic

    The ROG Phone 9 series features a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR screen that offers a variable refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, which can even reach 185 Hz through Game Genie for specific games. This versatility makes it one of the leading high-refresh-rate displays available, ideal for intense gaming sessions and everyday use alike. It has a maximum brightness of 2500 nits and covers 107.37% of the DCI-P3 color space, guaranteeing bright, lifelike colors in any lighting situation.

    Innovative Design with Interactivity

    In terms of design, the series integrates an auxiliary display on the back known as AniMe Vision, where the ROG Phone 9 Pro includes 648 programmable mini-LEDs. This feature allows users to personalize their device with unique animations and enhances the gaming experience by interacting with game environments. This year, Asus has improved this element by increasing the LED count and adding retro games that can be played directly on the AniMe Vision display, merging nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.

    Tags: , ,
  • Sony PlayStation Portal Update Improves Features and Performance

    Sony PlayStation Portal Update Improves Features and Performance

    The PlayStation Portal (PS Portal) has been available for over a year now. However, many would say that Sony’s comeback in the handheld gaming market lacked essential features when it first launched. For example, the company didn’t offer the ability to connect the PS Portal (currently $199 on Amazon) to public Wi-Fi networks requiring web browser authentication until mid-June.

    Significant Update for Users

    Recently, Sony introduced what might be the most important update for the device so far. This isn’t just our perspective; even Sony has acknowledged that this is a change "that many fans have been asking for." Specifically, the new update finally brings support for cloud streaming in 1080p at 60 FPS, a feature that has been surprisingly absent since the Portal was first released.

    Subscription Requirement

    However, there are some things to keep in mind. Cloud streaming necessitates a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, which costs $159.99 per year. Nevertheless, this new feature allows users to stream PlayStation 5 games without the need of having a dedicated console. It’s worth noting that Sony is currently only offering this as a beta version for now.

    Additional Changes

    Along with this update, the Portal’s minimum volume has been decreased. Additionally, users can now adjust PlayStation Link device settings directly from the Portal. For further information, check out Sony’s latest post on the PlayStation Blog.

    Source: Link,Link,Link,Link

    Image 1
    Tags: ,
  • Valve’s Steam Controller 2: New Leak Confirms Upcoming Release

    Valve’s Steam Controller 2: New Leak Confirms Upcoming Release

    A recent leak has indicated that Valve is working on a new version of the Steam Controller, which was originally launched in 2015. The new gamepad, known as the Steam Controller 2, is said to be getting ready for large-scale production.

    Source of Information

    This news comes from Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley), who shared details on X about the new controller. He mentioned that the Steam Controller 2 is being developed under the codename Ibex, and it’s distinct from another controller, which is codenamed Roy. The controller named Roy is intended for Valve’s upcoming standalone VR headset, referred to as Deckard.

    Production Status

    According to Brad’s post on X, both Ibex and Roy are currently in the tooling phase, aiming for mass production. There’s no information yet regarding the appearance or features of the Steam Controller 2, but more information is expected to emerge in the weeks or months leading up to its launch.

    VR Headset Controller Details

    In a different post, Brad provided some insights into the VR headset’s controller. The controller is expected to include a D-pad, bumpers, triggers, grip buttons, ABXY buttons, a system button, and a strap. This information was gathered through datamining and from sources that wish to stay unnamed. Since both controllers are close to mass production, it’s likely that they will be announced together.

    Pricing Speculations

    While there’s no specific info on pricing at this time, the original Steam Controller launched at a price of $49.99, and it was later sold for just $5 during a fire sale before its discontinuation. The Steam Controller 2 might be priced similarly or could be a bit more expensive.

    Competition Ahead

    When the Steam Controller 2 is released, it will face tough competition from several other controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller, DualSense Wireless Controller, as well as options from brands like 8BitDo, GameSir, and CRKD.

    Source: Link,Link

    Image 1
    Tags: ,
  • Asus ROG Phone 9: Fast Display, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 1TB Storage

    Asus ROG Phone 9: Fast Display, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 1TB Storage

    Asus has revealed its latest high-end gaming smartphone: the ROG Phone 9. Similar to last year, it has a ‘Pro’ version that doesn’t feature any specification enhancements. Instead, the ROG Phone 9 Pro comes with customizable LEDs on the back, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. The top-tier ROG Phone 9 Pro model boasts up to 1 TB of storage and 24 GB of RAM, as earlier leaks suggested. Plus, purchasers will receive a complimentary AeroActive X cooler.

    Powerful Performance

    Inside, the Asus ROG Phone 9 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. The base model includes 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which maxes out at 512 GB, but without an increase in RAM. It’s equipped with Asus’ proprietary ROG GameCool 9 cooling system, adaptive triggers, and compatibility with a variety of gaming accessories from Asus.

    Color Options and AI Features

    The ROG Phone 9 is available in two colors: Phantom Black and Storm White. However, only the Pro version comes in Storm White. It features a matte finish with a ‘crystallized nano structure’ designed to resist fingerprints. Additionally, it includes AI-driven functionalities like X Sense 3, which “utilizes AI image recognition to streamline gaming activities such as identifying key events and automatically gathering items.” It can even enhance skills on your behalf, though this will likely depend on developer support and may only work with select games.

    Advanced Recording and Display

    There’s also X Capture 2.0, which leverages AI to detect significant events and automatically record highlights, team fights, and similar moments. Furthermore, the ROG Phone 9 includes AI-enabled text recognition and noise cancellation features. Asus has significantly raised the bar with the ROG Phone 9, which features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display boasting a refresh rate of 185 Hz and a peak brightness of 2,500 nits. However, the dynamic refresh rate operates only between 1 and 120 Hz. In reality, most games likely won’t achieve 185 Hz on a mobile processor, but a few might manage it through AI-enhanced upscaling and frame generation technology.

    Battery and Camera Specs

    The Asus ROG Phone 9 is equipped with a 5,800 mAh battery that supports 65 W fast charging via cable and 15 W wirelessly. On the rear, you’ll find a 50 MP wide-angle camera with OIS, a 13 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 32 MP telephoto lens (OIS, 3x optical zoom), along with a 32 MP front-facing camera. Additional specifications include two USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 7, 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, an under-display fingerprint scanner, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.

    Availability and Pricing

    You can now pre-order the Asus ROG Phone 9 through major online retailers, but it won’t be available until January 2. However, orders made on Asus’ official site will arrive before Christmas. The pricing starts at $1,099 for the ROG Phone 9, $1,299 for the ROG Phone 9 Pro, and $1,499 for the Pro variant with 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • RTX 40 GPUs Going Out of Stock as Nvidia Prepares for RTX 50

    RTX 40 GPUs Going Out of Stock as Nvidia Prepares for RTX 50

    Reports about Nvidia reducing the supply of high-end RTX 40 GPUs by up to 50% began in August. At that time, we guessed this cut might be to ready the market for the upcoming RTX 50 “Blackwell” release.

    Supply Cuts on RTX 40 Models

    New information has come from Chinese Board Channels about the discontinuation of several RTX 40 models. The latest details suggest Nvidia is planning to decrease production of the RTX 4070 and higher in the next few months, with current stock likely to run out before the new RTX 50 GPUs arrive.

    According to Chinese Board Channels, the availability of the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Super is expected to be limited in Q4’24. Fresh shipments of the new RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Super models will reportedly continue until December. After that, it is forecasted that the stock of these models at AIBs will be depleted by January, while retail shelves will clear out a bit later.

    Diminishing Availability Ahead

    In simpler terms, the last two months of 2024 are likely to see very limited stock of the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Super, and this trend is expected to worsen in the following months.

    Just like the RTX 4070/Super, the RTX 4070 Ti Super and RTX 4080 Super are also being phased out. Information from Board Channels suggests that the existing supply of these GPUs will be gone by November. As a result, consumers might find it extremely difficult to purchase an RTX 4070 Ti Super or an RTX 4080 Super (Available on Amazon) in December.

    Furthermore, rumors state that since the RTX 5080 is anticipated to launch in January, there won’t be any new 80-class GeForce GPUs available for more than a month. This scenario is particularly concerning since the RTX 5080 is likely to cost more than the RTX 4080.

    Focus Shifting to RTX 5090

    Chinese Board Channels report that AIBs currently have no new RTX 4090D cards, which is the China-specific version of the RTX 4090, to offer. This may indicate that Nvidia has ceased production of new RTX 4090 GPUs and is concentrating on the RTX 5090, expected to launch in January with a significant price hike.

    The supply reduction of the RTX 4090 appears to be affecting the US market too, as there are no RTX 4090 cards listed for under $2,000 on Amazon and Newegg at this moment. For example, the MSI Gaming Trio RTX 4090, which was priced at $1,930 in September, is currently selling for $2,130 on Amazon.

    In conclusion, if you were hoping for holiday discounts on upper-midrange and high-end RTX 40 GPUs, it would be wise to start shopping now, as the chance to buy a new RTX 40 card at its original price may vanish in a month.

    Link,Link

    Image 1
    Tags: ,
  • Anbernic RG 406H: Android Handheld with 4″ Display & 8GB RAM

    Anbernic RG 406H: Android Handheld with 4″ Display & 8GB RAM

    Anbernic has introduced its newest Android gaming handheld named RG 406H. This device is now available in both the Chinese and international markets. Let’s dive into its main specifications.

    Key Features of Anbernic RG 406H

    The RG 406H boasts a 4-inch IPS touchscreen, enhanced with OCA full lamination, providing a resolution of 960×720 and multi-touch features for a more engaging gaming experience. It is offered in three color choices: Black, White, and Transparent Purple, appealing to various style preferences.

    Technical Specifications

    At its core, the RG 406H is powered by a robust Unisoc T820 processor, which is a 6nm EUV 5G SOC chip. It includes 8 cores and a quad-core Mali-G57 GPU that operates at 850MHz, ensuring smooth gaming performance. The device also includes 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage, providing both efficient multitasking and plenty of room for games and applications.

    Running on Android 13, this device grants access to a broad selection of apps and games, and it includes FOTA wireless updates to keep everything current. It supports more than 30 types of simulators and allows users to download games in formats that are compatible.

    Audio and Battery Life

    The RG406H is equipped with high-quality stereo speakers to enhance audio enjoyment, along with a 5000mAh polymer lithium battery that allows for about 7 hours of gaming on a single charge. Fast charging is supported through a 5V/2A USB Type-C port, which takes around 3 hours for a full charge.

    Additionally, it includes a six-axis gyroscope sensor for accurate motion control and employs advanced active cooling with a high-speed fan and heat pipe to manage heat effectively. It’s designed with a large-angle 3D Hall joystick and Hall triggers to provide precise control and comfort for long gaming sessions.

    Connectivity Options

    In terms of connectivity, the device supports both 2.4/5G Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. The handheld allows for wireless projection, online multiplayer gaming, and features a USB Type-C 1080p Display Port output. Furthermore, it has customizable RGB lighting with 16 million colors, a vibration motor, and a 3.5mm stereo earphone jack.

    This gaming handheld accommodates TF card expansion up to 2TB, making it a flexible option for gamers who require more storage. The design includes an ergonomic grip for comfort during extended play.

    Pricing and Where to Buy

    The starting price for the Anbernic RG 406H is 998 yuan in China. It is available in three versions both globally and domestically: the basic version without an SD card at $157.99, a 128GB model loaded with over 4,000 games at $172.99, and the 256GB version with more than 9,000 games priced at $187.99. You can buy the device from Anbernic’s official store.

    In other news, you might want to check out the top Xbox Black Friday game deals, which include titles like Star Wars Outlaws, Red Dead Redemption 2, and more. Also, don’t miss the best PlayStation Black Friday game deals, featuring popular games like Tekken 8, Resident Evil 4, among others.

    Tags: ,
  • Corsair Launches K65 Plus Keyboard and M75 Mouse for Mac

    Corsair Launches K65 Plus Keyboard and M75 Mouse for Mac

    Apple’s new Macs are great at running Windows games, with even the basic M4 Mac mini managing many PC games with ease. Still, there aren’t many gaming accessories made for macOS. To fill this need, Corsair is releasing updated versions of its well-known K65 Plus and M75, which were first launched for Windows earlier this year.

    Features of the K65 Plus

    The K65 Plus wireless gaming keyboard for Mac keeps the compact 75% layout found in the original. It’s equipped with pre-lubed MLX Red v2 switches, which provide a linear feel and operate quieter than lots of other mechanical switches due to built-in dampers.

    What makes this version unique is the special features designed for macOS, including command and option keys that fit the macOS layout. A complete row of function keys matches Apple’s keyboard style, but if customization is what you’re after, Corsair’s iCUE software provides a wide range of key remapping choices.

    M75 Wireless Gaming Mouse

    On the other hand, the M75 wireless gaming mouse doesn‘t differ much from its Windows version. Its ambidextrous shape makes it comfortable for both left-handed and right-handed gamers. This mouse boasts a high-precision 26K DPI Marksman optical sensor for precise tracking and optical switches that deliver quick click response.

    In terms of connectivity, the gaming keyboard can connect to Mac and other Apple devices (the base M4 MacBook Pro is currently priced at $1,399 on Amazon) using Bluetooth, a 2.4 GHz dongle, or a USB cable. Corsair states that it can provide up to 266 hours of battery life, although that number is probably for 2.4 GHz mode. The wireless mouse connects through Bluetooth or Corsair’s own Slipstream technology, and it has a battery life rated at up to 105 hours.

    Stylish Design and Pricing

    Both peripherals are now available in Mac-exclusive colors, giving them a stylish look. The K65 Plus is priced at $179.95, while the M75 is set at $129.95. They can be found at both Apple’s retail and online shops.

    Corsair’s efforts to cater to Mac users with these gaming accessories marks a positive move toward bridging the gap in the gaming peripheral market for Apple devices.

    Source: Link

    Image 1
    Tags:
  • Asus ROG Phone 9 Launches: 6.78″ AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite

    Asus ROG Phone 9 Launches: 6.78″ AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite

    Asus has officially launched the ROG Phone 9 series, which includes the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro. These smartphones are designed for gamers, offering advanced hardware and unique features to enhance gameplay. Let’s dive into the specifications and prices.

    Specifications of the ROG Phone 9 Series

    The ROG Phone 9 series is equipped with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR LTPO display that can refresh at up to 165Hz, providing smooth visuals while gaming, and can reach 185Hz in certain games. It boasts a peak brightness of 2500 nits, a DCI-P3 color gamut of 107%, and a protective layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for extra strength.

    Inside, the smartphones are driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which offers a 45% boost in CPU performance and a 40% enhancement in GPU performance from the last generation. With options for LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the series can support configurations of up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, achieving an impressive AnTuTu score of 3,121,390.

    Cooling System and Additional Features

    Asus has made significant strides in cooling technology with a 360° SoC Cooling System Gen 3, featuring a graphite sheet 57% larger than before, alongside a revamped AeroActive Cooler X Pro. This cooler has 12.5% larger fan blades and better thermal materials. It also incorporates a subwoofer for 2.1 stereo sound and adds hardware shoulder buttons to elevate the gaming experience.

    Moreover, the series includes the ROG Chill Case, which uses Composite Vapor Chamber (CVC) technology to decrease temperatures by up to 17%, ensuring that performance remains peak even when playing demanding AAA titles.

    Camera and Battery Specs

    Running on Android 15 with ROG UI, these smartphones provide a customized gaming interface and the latest Android features. Asus promises two significant OS updates and four years of security updates.

    The ROG Phone 9 features a triple camera system with a primary 50MP Sony LYTIA 700 sensor, which provides 6-axis gimbal stabilization for better video stability. It also has a 13MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro sensor. The ROG Phone 9 Pro swaps out the macro camera for a 32MP 3x telephoto lens with OIS for sharper zoomed images, while both models are equipped with a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls.

    Both devices come with a 5800mAh battery that supports 65W fast charging through HyperCharge technology. They also feature 15W Qi wireless charging and are compatible with Quick Charge 5.0 and Power Delivery standards.

    Connectivity and Design

    The smartphones support dual SIM, 5G SA/NSA connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. They maintain the popular 3.5mm audio jack and include dual stereo speakers. Additionally, both devices have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, making them sturdy and dependable under various conditions.

    The back of the ROG Phone 9 series showcases the AniMe Vision display, featuring 85 programmable mini-LEDs on the standard model and 648 on the Pro for enhanced customization and eye-catching visuals for gamers.

    Pricing and Where to Buy

    The ROG Phone 9 starts at $999.99 or €1,099 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage option, with the 12GB + 512GB variant priced at €1,149. It is available in Storm White and Phantom Black colors.

    On the other hand, the ROG Phone 9 Pro, which comes only in Phantom Black, is priced at $1,199.99 or €1,300 for the 16GB + 512GB model.

    For those interested, the premium ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition, which includes 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage along with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro, is priced at $1,499.99 or €1,500.

    Pre-orders for the phones are open now, with shipping starting tomorrow in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, European shipments expected in December, and a US release set for January 2025. There is currently no information available regarding the launch in India.

    In similar news, Nubia has recently introduced the Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+, which are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, featuring a 144Hz OLED display and a 7050mAh battery.

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Apple M4 Max MacBook Pro Performs Great in Cyberpunk 2077 & More

    Apple M4 Max MacBook Pro Performs Great in Cyberpunk 2077 & More

    Apple’s latest M4 Max chip proves to be an impressive upgrade from the M3 Max. The entire M4 series showcases significant performance enhancements, especially within the built-in GPUs, which have seen the most substantial generational boost so far.

    Gaming Limitations on Mac

    Despite these advancements, gaming continues to be a weak spot for Macs. While Apple is actively trying to improve this situation, in 2024, many popular AAA games are still missing from the platform. Nevertheless, tools like CodeWeavers’ Crossover and Apple’s GPT have made some titles accessible on the Mac, although the performance is notably limited. Andrew Tsai’s recent video explores the gaming capabilities of the M4 Max, highlighting both native and non-native games.

    Impressive Performance in Native Games

    One standout title for the Mac, Resident Evil 4 Remake, reveals the M4 Max’s potential in a native setting. This game operates smoothly at 48–60 frames per second on the 4K high graphics preset, maintaining a steady frame rate even in challenging situations. When MetalFX upscaling is activated in Quality mode, players can achieve frame rates between 60 and 70 FPS for those seeking enhanced performance over visual quality. This seamless gameplay illustrates the M4 Max’s proficiency with demanding Mac-native titles.

    Racing Games and Their Performance

    GRID Legends is among the few native racing games that truly leverage the M4 Max’s capabilities. It impressively hits 100 FPS at 4K resolution with all settings maxed out. The M4 Max boasts a 52% performance increase compared to the M3 Max, averaging 96 FPS instead of the M3 Max’s 63 FPS. This clear progress underscores the advancements Apple has achieved, particularly regarding GPU performance.

    Cyberpunk 2077’s Compatibility

    While Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t natively available for macOS yet, it surprisingly performs well on the M4 Max through the Crossover compatibility tool. With DirectX 12 converted to Metal, the M4 Max achieves frame rates that are 55% higher than its predecessor, making the game playable even with ray tracing enabled. Although frame timing and consistency could be polished, the chip’s capability to run such a demanding Windows title is quite impressive. Cyberpunk is expected to debut on Apple Silicon early next year, raising our hopes.

    Black Myth: Wukong Tested

    Another challenging title for the M4 Max is Black Myth: Wukong, which is perhaps one of the most graphically intense games in testing. With FSR 3 upscaling set at 65%, the game operates at 45–55 frames per second at 1440p medium settings while using Crossover. Performance dips during intense combat, but fine-tuning the upscaling settings might enhance the experience. The smooth running of this DirectX 12 game on Mac demonstrates the tremendous processing power of Apple Silicon and the effectiveness of the translation layers. However, the performance doesn’t match what a native port would offer, which isn’t surprising.

    Source: Link

    Tags: , ,