Category: Gaming

  • Anbernic Reveals New Details on RG406H Retro Gaming Handheld

    Anbernic Reveals New Details on RG406H Retro Gaming Handheld

    Barely any time has gone by since Anbernic launched the RG406H. Still, the company has quickly moved on by sharing more details about its upcoming gaming handheld.

    Similarities with RG406V

    The RG406H is yet another version of the hardware seen in the recent RG406V (currently $229.99 on Amazon). Although Anbernic didn’t share much info at first, their new teaser highlights that the RG406H shares many features with the RG406V.

    Key Specifications

    Anbernic has now confirmed that the RG406H is powered by the Unisoc T820, which is also found in the RG Cube and RG556. Additionally, the Unisoc T820 is paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, 128 GB of UFS flash storage, and a robust 5,500 mAh battery.

    Enhanced Gaming Experience

    The RG406H comes with Hall effect joysticks, which are surrounded by RGB lighting rings. Notably, Anbernic emphasized that the RG406H ‘provides 360° precise movement’ and ‘rapid input response.’ This seems to address earlier complaints regarding certain recent handhelds that experienced issues with snapping. While a specific release date is still not known, we believe the RG406H will launch before December begins.

    Source: Link,Link,Link

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  • Unreal and Unreal Tournament Now Free to Play: FPS Classics

    Unreal and Unreal Tournament Now Free to Play: FPS Classics

    Epic Games, the minds behind Unreal, have granted the fan site OldUnreal the rights to host and share free versions of the classic games Unreal from 1998 and Unreal Tournament from 1999 on The Internet Archive.

    The Impact of Unreal

    Unreal, which debuted in 1998, was not just a game, but the first showcase of the Unreal engine. It was revolutionary at the time, with its stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and smart enemy AI that provides a real challenge, especially at higher difficulty levels. This game, along with Half-Life—also released that year—set the standard for First Person Shooters (FPS) for many years to come.

    The Rise of Unreal Tournament

    Following that success, Epic Games launched Unreal Tournament in 1999. This multiplayer arena shooter quickly became a classic and is known for its fierce competition with iD Software’s Quake 3 Arena, even winning the title of Game of the Year. However, Epic Games has since removed both titles from digital sales platforms.

    The news was initially shared on the ResetEra forums, which included a post from OldUnreal’s Discord channel. The fan site has developed convenient installers that automatically fetch the necessary files and apply fan-made patches, allowing players to enjoy the game on modern systems. You can download the installers for Unreal Gold Edition and Unreal Tournament: Game of the Year Edition directly from OldUnreal.

    Credits to the Community

    The news originates from ResetEra and OldUnreal, reflecting a strong community effort to keep these classic games alive and accessible.

    Source: Link,Link,Link

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  • Get Two Free Games on Epic Games Store This Week Only!

    Get Two Free Games on Epic Games Store This Week Only!

    The Epic Games Store is continuing to offer Deceive Inc. for free until later today. In addition to that, the store is also launching a new unlock bundle for Apex Legends. After 16:00 UTC, a new giveaway will begin, with early information shared last week.

    Castlevania Discount

    To summarize, Epic Games announced that it will be offering the Castlevania Anniversary Collection at a price of $0.00. This collection includes these titles:

    This means that the Castlevania Anniversary Collection covers the series from 1986 until 1994. However, it is important to note that not all games from that era are included in this bundle. As expected, the system requirements for the Castlevania Anniversary Collection are quite modest.

    Pricing Information

    For context, the Castlevania Anniversary Collection usually sells for $19.99. Additionally, Epic Games has added Snakebird Complete to this week’s giveaway, bringing the total value to nearly $35. Snakebird Complete received fantastic reviews when it was released last year and offers more than 120 puzzles, working on both macOS and Windows platforms. For more information, please check the Epic Games Store listings linked below.

    Source: Link,Link

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  • GOG Launches Game Preservation Program for Abandoned Titles

    GOG Launches Game Preservation Program for Abandoned Titles

    GOG has revealed a new initiative aimed at preserving games that are no longer supported by their original developers. At the moment, the program features a total of 62 titles, which include beloved classics such as Diablo, Dragon Age: Origins, Resident Evil, Warcraft (1 and 2), and System Shock. This collection is expected to expand over time as more games meet GOG’s standards for quality.

    Focus on Windows

    Currently, the GOG Preservation Program is available exclusively for Windows. There are plans to potentially include Linux and macOS support in the future, but that may take some time since there are numerous Windows games that need to be preserved. Only those games that are not actively maintained by their original creators can be included. However, some titles might not make it due to various licensing and intellectual property issues.

    Keeping the Classics Alive

    GOG aims to maintain the games in their original forms as much as possible. If needed, it will implement enhancements for user experience, such as compatibility with modern controllers, localization, and cloud saving features. At present, GOG is also offering significant discounts on select older games. Just like all games bought on the platform, these titles are free from DRM and include an offline installer.

    In a time where many classic games risk being forgotten, GOG’s effort stands out as a refreshing change. The gaming industry could benefit from more initiatives like this, particularly for different platforms. However, challenges arise with companies that have strict regulations, such as Nintendo, which complicate efforts with their anti-emulation stance.

    Source: Link

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  • New Budget Gaming Handheld with Nintendo 64 & PS1 Emulation

    New Budget Gaming Handheld with Nintendo 64 & PS1 Emulation

    The D008 is one of the three portable gaming devices released by SZDiiER in China. The other two devices are the D-28S and D50 Plus, which are marketed under the new Diium brand. For more information on SZDiiER’s other gaming handhelds, you can check out our articles on the D-28S and D50 Plus.

    Design and Specs

    In terms of appearance, the D008 is quite similar to well-known models like Anbernic’s RG35XX series and the Miyoo Mini Plus (currently priced at $63.99 on Amazon). It features a 3.5-inch screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, but it only packs a 2,500 mAh battery to keep it running. Additionally, SZDiiER states that the device uses a 32-bit chipset derived from ARM Cortex-A7, but they haven’t disclosed the specific name of the chipset.

    Performance and Features

    Thus, the D008 might offer performance close to that of the Miyoo Mini Plus, which has shown to effectively emulate numerous Nintendo 64, PlayStation 1, and even some Nintendo DS titles. Furthermore, SZDiiER includes 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi support, allows for MicroSD card expansion of up to 256 GB, and provides all the standard gamepad buttons. At the moment, the D008 is available starting at CNY 160 (approximately $23) in black, white, or purple color choices. It is still unclear when SZDiiER will make this device available internationally, or which ODMs will be involved.

    Availability

    One can find more about it on platforms like 1688, RetroHandhelds, and NITTRX.

    Source: Link,Link,Link

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  • D50 Plus Gaming Handheld: Three Metallic Finishes Available

    D50 Plus Gaming Handheld: Three Metallic Finishes Available

    The D50 Plus is the biggest of the three gaming handhelds released by SZDiiER in China under its new Diium brand. The other two models are the D-28S and D008, which have been discussed in separate articles. Unlike those two, which are designed for vertical use, the D50 Plus features a horizontal design and boasts a larger 5.5-inch screen.

    Design Comparison

    Interestingly, the D50 Plus resembles the GPD XP Plus and Anbernic’s older RG552, which is currently priced at $158.99 on Amazon. Some suggest that SZDiiER may have taken inspiration from the design of the Pimax Portal, as noted by RetroHandhelds. However, it seems that the D50 Plus does not come with detachable controllers and is unlikely to use the same AMD Ryzen 7 6800U chipset found in the Pimax Portal.

    Pricing and Features

    While SZDiiER has yet to disclose the exact chipset for the D50 Plus, its launch price of CNY 425 (approximately $59) indicates that it is positioned as a budget-friendly option. The D50 Plus features a 720p display and includes two MicroSD card slots. Additionally, it has the capability to run either Android or Linux operating systems. There is also the possibility of external video output via one of its USB Type-C ports. However, the global release date and many hardware specifications are still unknown at this time.

    Source: Link,Link,Link

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  • Final Fantasy IV Joins Apple Arcade: Exciting New Games Ahead

    Final Fantasy IV Joins Apple Arcade: Exciting New Games Ahead

    Apple Arcade is about to introduce some exciting new adventures.

    Today, Apple shared news about the upcoming games for Apple Arcade, with Square Enix leading the charge this time. The renowned Japanese developer will be adding several of its fan-favorite titles to the platform, including the 3D remake of Final Fantasy IV and a version of Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster.

    More Square Enix Titles

    In addition to those, other Square Enix games heading to Apple Arcade are FF IV: The After Years+ and Trials of Mana+. While these titles are already available on other systems, the versions for Apple Arcade come with special features to enhance accessibility for all players. These improvements include faster gameplay, increased experience points, and more gold earned from defeating enemies. Apple also mentioned that these games have improved graphics, ensuring they look great on devices like the iPad Mini with A17 Pro, which can be found on Amazon for $499, as well as on iPhones.

    Additional Games on the Way

    Other titles set to join Apple Arcade are Boggle: Arcade Edition, PAC-MAN 256+, Hot Wheels: Race Off+, and Barbie Color Creations+, all of which will launch on December 5. The 3D Remake of Final Fantasy IV and FF IV: The After Years+ are scheduled for December 9. Finally, on January 9, 2025, a wave of games including Skate City: New York, Three Kingdoms HEROES, Final Fantasy+, Trials of Mana+, Rodeo Stampede+, and It’s Literally Just Mowing+ will be available on the platform.

    Apple’s latest game offerings are sure to be a treat for gamers everywhere.

    Source: Link

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  • D-28S: Compact 2.8-Inch Retro Gaming Handheld Device

    D-28S: Compact 2.8-Inch Retro Gaming Handheld Device

    SZDiiER has recently introduced several new handheld gaming devices, like the D008 with a 3.5-inch screen and the larger D50 Plus, which has a 5.5-inch display. Moreover, they are stepping into the growing trend of 2.8-inch gaming handhelds with their new Diium D-28S, as suggested by its name.

    Competing Models

    To provide some context, several devices such as the Anbernic RG28XX, MagicX XU Mini, and Miyoo A30 (currently priced at $64.99 on Amazon) have launched this year featuring 2.8-inch screens. These models typically have a horizontal design, each with unique features to set them apart. In contrast, the D-28S has a more distinctive vertical design, which is rare for this type of screen size.

    Specs and Features

    SZDiiER’s product details indicate that the D-28S has a compact display resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, similar to the larger D008 model. Additionally, the D-28S is expected to be powered by an RK3326 chipset from Rockchip, the same as what’s used in the Anbernic RG351 series and Powkiddy RGB10Max 2. Essentially, this means that its emulation performance will likely be best suited for PlayStation 1 games, as noted by RetroHandhelds. For comparison, SZDiiER lists the price of the D-28S at CNY 185 (around $26) in China, but it’s still uncertain what the price will be in other regions at this point.

    Availability and Pricing

    It was noted via 1688 and RetroHandhelds that the device might have varying prices internationally. Since the launch is still fresh, potential buyers will have to wait for more information regarding its availability outside of China. This will help in understanding whether the D-28S can compete effectively against its contemporaries in the handheld gaming market.

    Source: Link,Link,Link

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  • Phil Spencer: Microsoft Not Rushing to Create Handheld Console

    Phil Spencer: Microsoft Not Rushing to Create Handheld Console

    Rumors about Microsoft’s handheld gaming device have been circulating for quite some time now. However, a report from the previous year indicated that it may not be released until 2026. In a recent chat with Bloomberg, Xbox leader Phil Spencer essentially confirmed that the company isn’t in a hurry to launch a handheld, mentioning it is, “a few years out.”

    Focus on Existing Platforms

    Currently, the company’s priority is to enhance its Xbox app for current handheld devices. In recent months, they have rolled out various quality-of-life improvements, including the option to save multiple Wi-Fi networks and a more streamlined user interface.

    Plans for an App Store

    On the mobile side, Microsoft aims to introduce its own app store, similar to the recent efforts by Epic Games. However, this plan faces obstacles from Google and Apple, who aren’t exactly happy about others avoiding their 30% platform fee.

    Phil also noted that Microsoft is considering releasing Xbox exclusive games on different platforms, following Sony’s recent strategy. This could be a positive development, as it would allow PlayStation users to enjoy beloved series like Gears of War and Halo.

    Long-Term Strategy

    Microsoft’s choice to hold off on an Xbox handheld might ultimately benefit them in the future. Currently, the market has a surplus of Windows-based handhelds that feature relatively underpowered chips. It may take one or two generations for low-power platforms like Lunar Lake, Strix Point, or Snapdragon X Elite to fully develop. Also, adapting Xbox’s console OS to function on a handheld will need further adjustments.

    Even Valve isn’t rushing to unveil the Steam Deck 2. Microsoft could take the opportunity to shake things up with its first Xbox handheld. There’s even talk of Sony jumping into the fray, but this time with a real console instead of just a fancy Remote Play device.

    Source: Link

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  • AOC Launches High-Refresh-Rate Gaming Monitor

    AOC Launches High-Refresh-Rate Gaming Monitor

    AOC has once again added to its Agon Pro series, just a few weeks after the launch of the AG346UCD, currently priced at $599.99 on Amazon. The Agon Pro AG346UCD is a curved QD-OLED gaming monitor that delivers 1440p resolution at 175 Hz, but the latest model, the Agon Pro AG276FK, takes a different approach altogether.

    New Features and Design

    The AOC’s new 27-inch monitor features an IPS panel, providing a resolution of 1080p with a pixel density of 81.6 PPI. While this might not appear very impressive at first glance, the Agon Pro AG276FK has the capability to dynamically adjust its framerate from 48 Hz to a striking 520 Hz when required. It’s important to mention that the maximum framerate can only be reached via its DisplayPort 1.4 connection. Conversely, the HDMI 2.0 port restricts it to 240 Hz when using HDMI.

    Performance and Specifications

    The Agon Pro AG276FK also offers an impressive 0.5 ms GtG response time, which justifies its classification as a ‘Fast IPS’ panel. Additionally, this 27-inch display covers 94.3% of the Adobe RGB color space, features a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, and peaks at a brightness of 400 nits. Furthermore, AOC has included a 5 Gbit/s USB hub, an adjustable stand, and RGB lighting at the back of the monitor.

    Pricing and Availability

    AOC has announced that the Agon Pro AG276FK will be available in the Eurozone later this month, with a price tag of €659 (approximately $700) and £499.99 (around $530) in the UK. Unfortunately, the pricing for the US market hasn’t been revealed yet. For more information, you can check AOC’s official website.

    Source: Link

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