Category: Gaming

  • ASUS ROG Phone 9 Unboxing Video Leaked After Release Date Reveal

    ASUS ROG Phone 9 Unboxing Video Leaked After Release Date Reveal

    ASUS has announced when it will launch the ROG Phone 9 series, and we’ve covered all the details in a separate article. The company plans to take about a month before it fully unveils its upcoming gaming smartphones. However, they’ve already given a glimpse of at least one model’s appearance.

    Sneak Peek of the ROG Phone 9

    Additionally, some sources have shared videos showing the ROG Phone 9 in action, which we’ve included below. K-Tai Watch Impress Japan captured the device during Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit. Interestingly, the chipset maker also introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite at the same event yesterday. This new chip will be the heart of ASUS’ ROG Phone 8 successor, which is currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon.

    A Closer Look at the Device

    On the other hand, YouTuber GadgetsBoy seems to have obtained a retail version of the ROG Phone 9. Even though they didn’t directly mention it in their brief video, the retail packaging is clearly visible. In general, the ROG Phone 9 looks to have a more upscale design compared to its earlier version. Nevertheless, it’s still unclear what practical improvements ASUS has implemented between the two generations, aside from the upgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

    GadgetsBoy and K-Tai Watch Impress Japan have both contributed to revealing more about this exciting new device.

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  • Analogue 3D Pre-Orders Open: 8BitDo Shares Release Date Insights

    Analogue 3D Pre-Orders Open: 8BitDo Shares Release Date Insights

    Analogue has started taking pre-orders for its new field-programmable gate array (FPGA) gaming console. It’s worth noting that the company usually sells out fast once the listings are live. However, this isn’t entirely the case with the Analogue 3D.

    Availability of Colors

    Interestingly, although the white version of the console has sold out, you can still pre-order the black version more than 24 hours after orders opened. On the other hand, the controller that goes with the Analogue 3D, the 8BitDo 64, is only available in white right now, and it costs $39.99 on Amazon.

    Pricing and Inclusions

    When you buy the Analogue 3D, it comes at a price of $249.99. This includes a 16 GB SD card that’s already installed, along with an HDMI cable, a USB cable, and a GaN power supply that delivers up to 30 W with JPN/US plug type. Notably, a controller is not included in the package, which is a departure from the original Nintendo 64 that the Analogue 3D is inspired by. Analogue has mentioned that the shipping for the 3D is expected to start in Q1 2025, possibly around March 19, especially if the release date of the 8BitDo 64 is any indication.

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  • Anbernic RG50XX: New Switch Lite Knock-off Released

    Anbernic RG50XX: New Switch Lite Knock-off Released

    Anbernic has recently launched the RG CubeXX, but this is probably not the last product we will see from them this year. In fact, there’s a good chance the company will stick to its routine of releasing something new each month.

    Upcoming Releases

    Already, Anbernic has announced that the RG P01 wireless controller will be hitting shelves soon. Furthermore, rumors suggest that the RG406P and RG408 are also in the pipeline. Recently, NITTRX pointed out an interesting find: a product that seems to be an Anbernic imitation named the RG50XX.

    Product Details

    Though the RG50XX follows Anbernic’s usual naming style, it seems to be a generic product instead of one from a well-known brand. From what we could gather, it is presently available exclusively on Amazon, with a price range of $73.99 to $79.99.

    The listings indicate that this device boasts a 5-inch screen within dimensions of 190 x 23 x 92 mm, and it has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Interestingly, the RG50XX has a unique 5:3 aspect ratio. Additionally, it is reported to utilize the less common Rockchip RK3128 processor, and it includes a USB Type-A port along with a single pair of shoulder buttons. In terms of appearance, the RG50XX looks similar to a Switch Lite, which currently retails for $170 on Amazon. However, it remains uncertain how effectively this new device will emulate popular gaming systems like the N64 and PS1, as indicated in its Amazon listings.

    via NITTRX

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  • EA Denies Battlefield 1 Steam Deck Compatibility Due to Anti-Cheat

    EA Denies Battlefield 1 Steam Deck Compatibility Due to Anti-Cheat

    It’s been known for a while now that EA would be rolling out EA Anti-cheat to Battlefield 1, but D-Day has finally arrived for Linux gaming on Battlefield 1, making it just the latest title to lose its Steam Deck compatibility. Many Steam Deck owners and Linux gamers are being greeted by a compatibility error message upon trying to open Battlefield 1 today due to the EA anti-cheat update.

    EA’s Approach to Anti-cheat

    The incompatibility in the case of Battlefield 1 stems from EA’s proprietary anti-cheat implementation relying on kernel-level hardware access to prevent cheating. Generally speaking, it’s impossible to make anti-cheat that operates in kernel mode compatible with Linux, since Linux and the Steam Deck rely on translation layers like Proton and WINE for Windows game compatibility, but some anti-cheat software, like Easy Anti-cheat and BattleEye, have Linux compatibility baked in.

    A Familiar Situation

    A similar story played out just last month when Rockstar Games added BattleEye anti-cheat to GTA Online but neglected to enable Linux support, immediately earning the distrust of many Linux and Steam Deck gamers and likely pouring cold water over much of the GTA VI hype. As a result of that instance, Valve pulled GTA V and GTA Online from its Steam Deck Top Played Games list and started issuing refunds to upset GTA V buyers who suddenly couldn’t access their games.

    Valve’s Silence on Battlefield 1

    Valve has not reacted in any way to Battlefield 1’s Steam Deck compatibility loss, but it seems unlikely that the same refund policy will be followed, since GTA V was advertised much more aggressively as a Steam Deck game than Battlefield 1 was. Needless to say, however, the addition of kernel anti-cheat has resulted in a sudden spike in negative Steam user reviews.

    Reddit, Steam, EA’s forums are buzzing with complaints from frustrated players, making it clear that the anti-cheat decision has not gone over well.

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  • Lenovo Legion Go Handhelds Unveiled with AMD Strix Point Variant

    Lenovo Legion Go Handhelds Unveiled with AMD Strix Point Variant

    The Legion Go has been on the market for over a year now, having been officially unveiled in early September 2023, with its release about a month later. In the time since, competitors like ASUS, MSI, Valve, and Zotac have launched their own newer offerings. Furthermore, AYANEO has begun to promote the AYANEO 3, branding it as a ‘new era of handheld devices’.

    Lenovo’s Continuing Innovations

    Despite the competition, Lenovo appears to be moving forward. Last month, NITTRX presented what they called the highly anticipated Legion Go Lite, which was quickly followed by the emergence of this device along with a Legion Go Gen Two in official marketing materials. Recently, ITHome has discovered that Lenovo is seeking certification for three new Legion Go models from the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) in Russia.

    New Model Numbers

    For reference, the existing Legion Go is identified by the model number ‘8APU1’. Thus, the new identifiers—8ARP1, 8ASP2, and 8AHP2—seem to indicate fresh devices. It’s important to keep in mind that simply having an EEC certification is not a guarantee that a product will actually be released; however, it usually indicates that a company is planning to bring these items to Europe and other regions.

    Speculations on New Devices

    The introduction of the Legion Go S aligns with rumors that came up during the summer, but it’s likely the same gadget as the Legion Go Lite that was shown off last month. At this point, not much is known about the Legion Go 8ASP2 or the Legion Go 8AHP2. The model numbers might hold some hints, if ‘8APU1’ can be deciphered in a certain way:

    If this interpretation holds, then 8ASP2 might indicate a second-generation device featuring around an 8-inch screen paired with an AMD Strix Point APU. On the other hand, ‘8AHP2’ could refer to an 8-inch, second-gen device that uses AMD Hawk Point APUs instead. Given earlier speculations regarding the Legion Go Lite or Legion Go S, it seems this would be a first-generation product that runs on the same Phoenix APU as the current Legion Go (currently priced at $676.84 on Amazon). Meanwhile, the model number ‘8ARP1’ hints that the Legion Go S could be using AMD Rembrandt APUs, which are a bit older at this stage.

    EEC via ITHome

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  • Silent Hill 2 Remake Patch Introduces Game Breaking Bug

    Silent Hill 2 Remake Patch Introduces Game Breaking Bug

    Eurogamer has shared news that the newest update (1.04) for the Silent Hill 2 remake has caused a significant problem that stops players from finishing the game. This patch has messed up a puzzle within the labyrinth area, where gamers are required to adjust a cube to unlock paths. Since the update, certain sections have become inaccessible, leaving players unable to progress.

    Developer’s Response

    The game’s developer, Bloober Team, has acknowledged the problem and announced in a post on Steam that they will provide a fix shortly. The issue occurs when players "load a save data from the Labyrinth level (after Toluca Prison) made before applying the 1.04 patch."

    Workaround Suggestions

    For those who find themselves stuck in the labyrinth, Bloober Team recommends loading a save file created prior to entering that area. Reports indicate that the bug affects players on both PlayStation 5 and PC platforms. For PS5 users who have the physical disc and a save file saved before accessing the labyrinth, there’s an option to uninstall the game, take the console offline, and then reinstall it using the disc without the update.

    Eurogamer, Konami, Steam.

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  • Anbernic RG CubeXX: Compact Handheld for Dreamcast, N64, PS1 Emulation

    Anbernic RG CubeXX: Compact Handheld for Dreamcast, N64, PS1 Emulation

    Anbernic has begun offering the RG CubeXX as a more affordable option compared to the RG Cube, which is currently priced at $196.99 on Amazon and was released in the late spring. True to form, Anbernic has made the new gaming handheld available in three color choices, known as Black, Grey, and White. Additionally, these options can be customized with one of four memory configurations.

    Performance Comparison

    In essence, the RG CubeXX is significantly less powerful than its predecessor, the RG Cube. Anbernic has fitted the RG CubeXX with the same Allwinner H700 chipset used in various devices from the RG35XX series. Moreover, it comes with 1 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which is a standard feature in this price range.

    Gaming Capabilities

    Due to these specifications, the RG CubeXX is expected to handle games from platforms like Dreamcast, N64, and PS1, with some PSP games also playable. However, it remains uncertain whether the device’s 720p screen will impact emulation performance when compared to the 480p display found in RG35XX series devices. For context, the RG CubeXX includes a 3.95-inch IPS display that maintains a 1:1 aspect ratio.

    Pricing and Options

    At present, the starting price for Anbernic’s newest gaming handheld is $59.99, which includes a 32 GB MicroSD card in any of the three color options. It’s important to note that this price will increase to $66.99 on October 25. Furthermore, customers can opt for larger MicroSD cards of 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB at prices of $67.99, $74.99, and $89.99, respectively.

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  • Netflix Closes Southern California Game Studio

    Netflix Closes Southern California Game Studio

    Netflix’s plans to enter the AAA gaming market have apparently faced some challenges. The streaming giant has reportedly closed its Southern California studio, which was developing an action RPG for PC.

    Studio Closures and Key Departures

    The company had brought in Chacko Sonny, a former Overwatch executive producer, to lead the studio, attracting industry heavyweights like Joe Staten (known for his work on Halo and Destiny) and Rafael Grassetti (who was the art director at Sony Santa Monica studio). However, according to a report by Game File, Netflix has now shut down the studio, and the three prominent hires have left the company.

    Leadership Changes

    As per The Verge, Netflix appointed Alain Tascan as the new head of its gaming division in July, while former leader Mike Verdu transitioned to a different role. Tascan was previously the VP of game development at Epic Games.

    Recent Layoffs

    Business Insider noted that Tascan made layoffs in the gaming division just last week, with sources indicating that fewer than 35 jobs were eliminated during this process.

    Even with the studio’s closure and the likely end of the AAA project, Netflix is still dedicated to its gaming segment. The company continues to release mobile games based on popular series like “Too Hot To Handle” and “Squid Game,” among others.

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  • AMD Chipset Driver Confirms Ryzen AI Max 300 for Strix Halo

    AMD Chipset Driver Confirms Ryzen AI Max 300 for Strix Halo

    The Strix Point series from AMD has made its debut with two Zen 5 APUs, both categorized under the Ryzen AI 300 series. Recently, AMD introduced the AI Pro 300 series aimed at business customers, and now they have revealed the naming conventions for the upcoming Strix Halo series.

    Naming Confirmation

    As earlier speculated, Strix Halo APUs will be part of the Ryzen AI Max 300 series. This was confirmed through the latest AMD chipset driver (V6.10.02.1849). Although AMD has yet to provide more details, recent leaks indicate that the new series will launch with three APUs.

    Top-of-the-Line Specs

    The premier model in this lineup is expected to be the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, boasting 16 Zen 5 CPU cores and an RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics processor (iGPU) with 40 compute units (CUs). In comparison, the higher-end Radeon 890M found in the existing Strix Point series has 16 CUs and can run most games smoothly at 1080p with medium to high settings.

    With its 40 CUs, the upcoming RDNA 3.5 iGPU in the Strix Halo could deliver an even superior gaming experience. It may even rival the performance of dedicated GPUs found in upper mid-range gaming laptops, like the Alienware m16 R2, currently priced at $1,451.99 on Best Buy.

    Additional Models

    In addition to the AI Max+ 395, the Ryzen AI Max 300 series is believed to include two other APUs. One of these is the AI Max 390, which is said to have 12 Zen 5 cores and the same iGPU as the flagship model. The entry-level option is rumored to be the AI Max 385, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 32 CUs iGPU, which doubles the GPU cores compared to the Radeon 890M.

    AMD has not officially confirmed these specifications, nor have they provided a launch timeline. However, earlier reports suggest that the Strix Point series might officially launch at CES 2025.

    HXL on X via: Wccftech

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  • Intel Arc 140T Graphics Offers 60% Performance Boost Over Lunar Lake

    Intel Arc 140T Graphics Offers 60% Performance Boost Over Lunar Lake

    A new Intel Arc graphics chip has surfaced on GFXBench, demonstrating notable performance improvements compared to its Lunar Lake version. This GPU, known as the Arc 140T, delivered frame rates that exceed those of the current Arc 140V integrated graphics by over 60 percent.

    Benchmark Results

    According to benchmark results shared by Michael (@miktdt) on X, the Arc 140T achieved a score of 11,056 frames at 178.3 FPS in GFXBench’s OpenGL test. In contrast, the Arc 140V models with 16GB and 8GB of memory only managed 110.3 FPS (6,839 frames) and 106.7 FPS (6,613 frames), respectively.

    Performance Differences

    Despite both the 140T and 140V featuring the same eight Xe Cores, there is a clear performance gap—likely stemming from differences in design or implementation. Based on the specifications and naming conventions, it appears that the 140T is more geared towards integrated graphics rather than functioning as a standalone GPU.

    Future Prospects

    It’s possible that the 140T is designed for Intel’s forthcoming Arrow Lake-H/HX mobile chips. This aligns with Intel’s approach: Arrow Lake is centered on boosting performance, while Lunar Lake emphasizes energy efficiency. The variation in performance between the two could be linked to the types of transistors used, with the 140T probably utilizing higher-performance transistors compared to the power-efficiency-oriented ones in the 140V from Lunar Lake.

    If everything proceeds as expected, the Arc 140T could debut in Arrow Lake mobile chips around early 2025. As of now, Intel has not officially verified these specifications or performance figures.

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