Category: Gaming

October 2, 2024
Is the Nintendo Switch Lite a Good Buy in 2024?
When Nintendo introduced the Switch Lite, many fans were let down by the lack of a true sequel to the original Switch. Instead, the company presented a more affordable, stripped-down version. However, since its launch, many gamers have come to appreciate it. So, is it a good buy in 2024? Let’s explore.
Nintendo Switch Lite: Unique Features
One of the main attractions of the Nintendo Switch Lite is its price. Unlike its larger counterpart, it is currently available for under 200 US Dollars. The standard Nintendo Switch is already a more budget-friendly option compared to PlayStation and Xbox, making the Lite model an excellent choice for those looking to dive into Nintendo’s game collection.
While the Switch series has been critiqued for using somewhat outdated hardware compared to other handheld devices, the appeal of the Switch Lite lies in its iconic game franchises. With titles like Mario and The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo offers a strong lineup that is exclusive to its platform.
Downsides of the Switch Lite
The Switch Lite comes at a lower price point, but some features have been compromised. Fortunately, it provides similar performance to the original Switch, as both models use the Nvidia Tegra X1 processor. However, the differences in design are noticeable. The Switch Lite has a smaller 5.5-inch LCD display, while the base model features a larger 6.2-inch HD LCD screen.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can choose the Switch OLED. Another key difference is the lack of detachable controllers on the Lite. This means you miss out on some fun aspects of certain games and the local multiplayer experience. Additionally, the storage is limited to 32GB, which is half the capacity of the standard Switch.
Should You Buy the Switch Lite in 2024?
Although it is a scaled-back version of the Nintendo Switch, the Switch Lite remains a compelling choice for newcomers to gaming. It is particularly suitable for those seeking an economical handheld console. Casual gamers wanting to explore classic titles like Mario can find an affordable entry into the Nintendo ecosystem with the Switch Lite.
Even without removable Joy-Cons, the Switch Lite is over 100 grams lighter, making it easy to hold and carry. Buyers will also enjoy support for both digital and physical games, expandable storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and access to Nintendo Switch online—all features also available on the pricier Switch. To sum up, opt for the Switch Lite if you want to explore the Nintendo game library, which is among the best in the market. Alternatively, consider the Switch OLED if your budget allows. If you’re a dedicated Nintendo fan, you might want to wait for the anticipated Switch 2, which is expected to bring significant hardware upgrades.
Tags: handheld console, Nintendo Switch Lite
October 2, 2024
GeForce Game Ready: RTX HDR & Multi-Monitor Support Update
Yesterday, Nvidia announced two important updates for users of its GPUs on Windows platforms. The Nvidia app is nearing its first stable version and has introduced a new beta update that includes G-Sync controls, support for RTX HDR on multiple monitors, and the ability to roll back drivers. The 565.90 driver package also supports the new titles Throne and Liberty, MechWarrior 5: Clans, and Starship Troopers: Extermination.
Game Optimizations and Releases
All three games mentioned will benefit from DLSS 3 enhancements, while the first two will also feature Reflex support. Throne and Liberty was released yesterday, while MechWarrior 5: Clans is scheduled for launch on October 17th. Starship Troopers: Extermination will be available on October 11th. The new driver also includes optimal settings presets for Frostpunk 2, God of War Ragnarok, and EA Sports FC 25.
Fixed Issues
The update addresses several issues, including the corruption in Streamlink streaming when MSAA is enabled globally, crashes of Dying Light 2 Stay Human on startup, texture flickering in Final Fantasy XV, and the sub-60 FPS flickering that affected desktop use, streaming, and gaming scenarios.
Special Offers
For those interested in spending more, the Throne and Liberty Celebration Pack: Gold (PC code) is available on Amazon for $99.99. This package includes a digital game license, 6,000 Lucent, the Amarian Ferthur Flight Morph, and the Traveler of the Brilliant Night Outfit and Helm.
Tags: DLSS 3, NVIDIA
October 2, 2024
First Impressive Gaming Results for Native HarmonyOS NEXT Game
With the public beta of HarmonyOS NEXT set to launch on October 8th, Huawei device gamers have exciting news ahead. Tencent, a leading name in the gaming industry, has introduced native versions of its well-known games—PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings—specifically for HarmonyOS NEXT. While these titles are still in closed beta, a Weibo user named Jerroid_Tech has shared insights on the performance of the native version of Honor of Kings.
Impressive Performance on HarmonyOS NEXT
The testing primarily examined how the game handles intense gameplay. Jerroid_Tech played as Sima Yi, a character known for having a broad field of view, during a challenging 15-minute 5v5 ranked match filled with team battles. The game was set to HD graphics and 1080p resolution, running on a Pura 70 Pro+ with the Kirin 9010 processor.
Remarkably, even under these demanding conditions, the HarmonyOS NEXT version of Honor of Kings achieved a smooth average frame rate of 120.73. Jerroid_Tech noted that the game included water surface reflection effects, which typically require significant GPU resources, yet the performance remained impressive.
Thermal and Power Consumption Insights
In terms of temperature, the highest recorded was 48.07°C on the phone’s back, while the front reached 43.2°C. During gameplay, the game used 4.9W of power and 2.45GB of RAM. There were no indications of frame rate drops or stuttering during the test, suggesting that the phone can provide a fluid gaming experience. While a direct comparison with Android devices hasn’t been made yet, these results appear to rival flagship phones that use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. It’s worth noting that this is merely a preview version and not the final public release.
Should You Be Excited?
From this preliminary test, it seems that native HarmonyOS NEXT games are poised to deliver a gameplay experience comparable to high-end Android devices, even when faced with demanding tasks. This development is encouraging for the new operating system, particularly for mobile gamers using Huawei devices. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is just one test of a closed beta version.
We will have to wait for the full rollout to assess how Honor of Kings and additional games perform on HarmonyOS NEXT across a broader spectrum of devices in real-world situations.
Tags: HarmonyOS Next
October 1, 2024
KFC’s Colonel Sanders Joins Tekken: A Fried Dream Come True
Katsuhiro Harada, the director of the Tekken series, once seriously considered introducing Colonel Sanders into the famous fighting game. In an interview with TheGamer, Harada shared that he proposed this idea to KFC Japan, aiming to include the fast-food icon as a guest fighter. Sadly, the concept did not advance beyond initial discussions, as both KFC and even Harada’s superiors were not receptive to the proposal.
KFC’s Stance on the Collaboration
Game designer Michael Murray elaborated that KFC was not interested in having Colonel Sanders trade his chicken bucket for a fighting move. He suggested that the primary concern was that Tekken is fundamentally a fighting game. While KFC has allowed Sanders to participate in other unconventional projects, such as the quirky dating simulator I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator, a brawler seemed to be too extreme for their brand.
Impact on Future Collaborations
Harada mentioned that this rejection also dampens any hopes fans might have for other unusual requests, like the popular demand for a Waffle House stage. He explained that establishing these kinds of partnerships involves navigating complex corporate discussions. For the time being, fans will have to make do with the actual character lineup in Tekken 8, which includes the return of Heihachi Mishima.
Tags: KFC, Tekken
October 1, 2024
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delay Explained: Game Wasn’t Ready
The first look at gameplay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a title that fans have eagerly anticipated for years, was finally revealed in June 2024. However, this initial showcase sparked significant controversy, particularly within the Japanese gaming community. Many Japanese fans expressed their anger regarding Yasuke, one of the two main characters in AC Shadows, and pointed out various historical and cultural inaccuracies attributed to Ubisoft.
Release Delayed for Improvements
In response to the backlash, Ubisoft decided to postpone the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to February 2025. According to Insider Gaming, this decision was not made hastily; developers had been advocating for a delay for some time. Following the lukewarm reception of Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft was cautious about launching another title that could fall short of sales expectations. The new release date aims to provide developers with additional time to resolve bugs and enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Addressing Cultural Concerns
Insider Gaming reports that Ubisoft is also committed to tackling the cultural and historical concerns raised by fans after the game’s first reveal. These issues reportedly stemmed from a tight development timeline that led to cost-cutting measures. Moreover, the studio did not enlist experts in a timely manner to ensure the historical, cultural, and architectural fidelity of the game.
According to claims from Insider Gaming, Assassin’s Creed Shadows "is currently not at the stage it needs to be for release," a sentiment echoed by PH Brazil. The leaker indicates that the game is currently plagued with bugs, which influenced Ubisoft’s decision to delay the launch, as they wanted to avoid releasing a flawed AC title.
Sales Expectations and Future Outlook
On the sales front, PH Brazil also claims that Ubisoft has set an internal target of 10 million units for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The company believes it can achieve this goal if the game is launched in a stable condition with minimal bugs, as they are reportedly pleased with the overall quality of the game.
In summary, it seems that Ubisoft’s decision to push back the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has provided developers with much-needed time to improve the game. Fans hope this extra time leads to a polished experience, unlike the one offered by Star Wars Outlaws.
Insider Gaming, PH Brazil on YouTube (Portuguese) via r/GamingLeaksAndRumors
Tags: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, game delay, Ubisoft
October 1, 2024
Star Wars Outlaws Sales Disappoint as Ubisoft Reveals Update Plan
Ubisoft’s unveiling of the gameplay for Star Wars Outlaws in June 2023 sparked considerable excitement among fans. With stunning graphics, famous Star Wars settings, a vast open world, and the promise of an engaging adventure, the game appeared to have it all. However, disappointment set in when the final product did not live up to Ubisoft’s initial claims.
Mixed Reviews and Sales
The game faced numerous challenges, including bugs, poor enemy AI, and average combat mechanics, resulting in a MetaScore of 76 and a user score of 5.4 out of 10. While it hasn’t been deemed a complete failure, both critics and players have expressed lukewarm feelings about it. This sentiment is reflected in the game’s sales numbers, which have reportedly been underwhelming.
As reported by Insider Gaming, Star Wars Outlaws has sold only 1 million copies a month after its release, falling short of Ubisoft’s projections. In comparison, Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi: Survivor quickly dominated the US sales charts just two days post-launch in April 2023, reportedly selling millions of copies within the first 11 days, marking a stark contrast to the sales figures for Star Wars Outlaws.
Upcoming Updates and Improvements
Despite the initial setbacks, Ubisoft appears committed to rectifying the game’s shortcomings and has shared a roadmap for updates.
The first update, focusing on “bug fixes and improvements,” is scheduled for October 3. This will be succeeded by a second update on October 24, aimed at providing “quality of life improvements.” A month later, on November 21, Ubisoft plans to release a significant update that will address the game’s combat and stealth mechanics, which have been major points of concern for fans. This update will also introduce new contracts for players to explore.
Additionally, the November 21 update will include the inaugural story expansion titled “Wild Card,” marking the first of two anticipated post-launch DLCs for the game.
Ultimately, only time will reveal the impact of Ubisoft’s planned fixes and additional content on the game’s long-term success and reception.
Insider Gaming, Ubisoft
Tags: PlayStation 5, Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft
October 1, 2024
Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung Over App Store Manipulation
Epic Games has a long history of being involved in legal battles, often finding itself in more lawsuits than many other companies. While it has had some victories, it has also faced defeats. One of the most significant cases was Epic Games v. Apple in 2020, where Epic challenged Apple’s App Store rules, arguing they were anti-competitive. The court determined that Apple was not a monopolist under federal or state antitrust laws, but it did conclude that Apple’s anti-steering rules were in violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, giving Epic a partial win. Despite this, Epic lost the majority of its claims in that case.
New Allegations Against Google and Samsung
Now, Epic is targeting two major tech companies—Google and Samsung—accusing them of working together to hinder competition in app distribution on Samsung devices. The crux of the lawsuit revolves around Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature, launched in 2023, which by default stops users from installing apps from third-party sources. To bypass this restriction, users must go through a complex 21-step process.
Epic argues that the Auto Blocker was designed to protect Google’s monopoly on app distribution, contravening a prior court ruling against Google. According to the lawsuit, this feature reinforces Google’s dominance by making the Play Store the only easily accessible source for app downloads on Samsung devices, thereby suppressing competition.
Seeking Change in App Distribution
Through this legal action, Epic aims to compel Samsung to disable Auto Blocker as the default setting, ensuring that the court’s earlier decision in Epic v. Google is honored, which should curtail further anti-competitive behaviors. Epic has previously won a case against Google in a U.S. court regarding the Play Store’s billing practices; it remains to be seen whether they can achieve success once more.
For further details, including the complete statement from Epic Games and the 21 steps to install Flow on Samsung devices, you can find the full exhibit available online.
Tags: Epic Games, google, Samsung
October 1, 2024
World of Warships 13.9 Red October: Soviet Rewards and More
Available since mid-September 2015 for Microsoft Windows, World of Warships has expanded to include versions for consoles (WoWS Legends) as well as iOS and Android devices (WoWS Blitz). While a macOS version existed for some time, it has since been discontinued. Tomorrow, the Windows version will introduce the 13.9 "Red October" update, which promises a variety of new events along with the typical adjustments and fixes.
Highlights of the Update
Players can look forward to several exciting features in World of Warships 13.9 "Red October." Both seasoned and new captains will find plenty to enjoy with this update. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Pan-American battleships are still in the Early Access phase. Players interested in obtaining these ships can do so by collecting tokens, which can be earned through battles or purchased with Doubloons. Developers, volunteers, and Community Contributors are currently testing a few new ships, including the tier X Japanese cruiser Yari and the tier V European destroyer Kalmar, among others.
October 1, 2024
Aluminum Back Plate Boosts Steam Deck Performance Effectively
Recently, a user named cheater00 shared their experience of installing an aluminum alloy back plate on their LCD Steam Deck. They clarified that the test was conducted without making any other changes to the device, such as reapplying thermal paste, updating the BIOS, or altering settings. The user ran the game The Outer Worlds for three hours without any input on the Steam Deck. The initial test used the plastic back plate, while the second test involved the aluminum plate. Here’s how both performed in comparison:
Performance Comparison
The findings seem to favor the aluminum back plate, but there are some issues to consider. The user noted that the plate did not fit well on the back of the Steam Deck, causing the L1 and R1 triggers to stick. To fix this, the user had to loosen the screws that were near the inputs. Furthermore, some comments on the post raised concerns that the extra ventilation holes in the aluminum panel could hinder the Steam Deck’s ability to effectively use forced airflow for cooling internal components, like the charging IC.
Pricing and Availability
Additionally, the cost of the aluminum back plate is on the higher side for Steam Deck modifications. It is primarily sold by vendors on Aliexpress, with prices starting at over $120 and some listings going as high as $227, excluding shipping fees. Given this steep price, it might take some time before more Steam Deck users decide to try out this modification.
Tags: Steam Deck
September 30, 2024
PlayStation Boosts AI Use to Speed Up Game Development and Cut Costs
In the latest Corporate Report 2024, released on September 13, 2024, Sony outlines its vision for an entertainment company that aligns with societal changes and advancements in technology. The report highlights the significant roles that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play, particularly in the gaming industry.
Advancements in Game Development
Sony aims to incorporate technologies like real-time 3D processing and sensor technology into its game development processes. The objective is to accelerate production times and lower expenses while maintaining high standards of quality. An example mentioned in the report is the making of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, where speech recognition software was utilized to automatically sync subtitles with character dialogues. This innovation considerably shortens the time required for development.
Innovative Capture Techniques
Additionally, Sony is investing in the Volumetric Capture Studio, which is designed to collect 3D data of people and settings to create images and 3D assets. This captured data will be utilized throughout the company and may also be offered for sale externally. In partnership with Epic Games, Sony is exploring the Unreal Engine to repurpose 3D elements from music video production for use in video games.
Ethical Considerations in AI Use
The application of AI in game development presents significant possibilities but also raises important ethical discussions. A major concern includes the potential displacement of jobs, along with worries that AI might hinder the creative process for developers. Proponents argue that AI can help eliminate monotonous tasks, giving developers more time to concentrate on creative projects. A conversation about Sony’s increased reliance on AI has already begun on Reddit.
Image source: PlayStation, Frank_Reppold / Pixabay
Tags: AI in gaming, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, sony