Category: Gaming

September 29, 2024
Lenovo Legion G7 Launches: New Gaming Controller for Mobile Devices
Lenovo has officially launched the highly anticipated 2024 Legion Y700 tablet. In addition to this new device, the company has also unveiled the Legion G7, a gaming controller designed to accommodate both smartphones and tablets. Notably, the G7 appears to be a rebranding of the GameSir G8 Galileo, based on its design and features.
Features of the Legion G7
Similar to the GameSir G8, the Legion G7 includes a built-in USB-C plug. Lenovo claims this direct connection guarantees zero latency, which is essential for competitive gaming. The plug is adjustable, facilitating easier alignment of the smartphone or tablet during gameplay.
One of the standout features of the Legion G7 is the incorporation of Hall effect joysticks. These joysticks offer a longer lifespan and enhanced accuracy compared to traditional mechanical versions, and they are less susceptible to stick drift. Additionally, the joystick caps can be interchanged, with the mobile gaming controller providing three different sets.
Customization and Design
The faceplate of the controller is also interchangeable, attaching magnetically for easy replacement when it shows signs of wear. The gamepad includes ABXY buttons, which can be swapped using the included software, allowing for broader game compatibility.
Lenovo emphasizes that the design of the Legion G7 aims to provide a handheld gaming experience comparable to dedicated gaming devices. It features Hall effect analog triggers that enhance the experience when playing PC and console games through streaming platforms. The controller also includes two back buttons that can be customized.
Pricing and Availability
Both the tablet and the gaming controller come equipped with a built-in USB-C port for passthrough charging, alongside a 3.5 mm audio jack. The Legion G7 is set to be available for pre-order in China at a price of CNY 499, which equates to approximately $71. There’s currently no information on international availability, although the GameSir G8 Galileo is already being sold globally for around $79.99 on Amazon.
Lenovo shared these updates on Weibo (translated from Chinese).
Tags: Lenovo Legion Y700
September 28, 2024
Nintendo Switch 2 Leak: Joy-Con Upgrades, Price Rise, Launch Date
Nintendo’s Switch 2 has sparked a flurry of speculation among fans. Recent leaks from the supply chain have unveiled various details about the highly anticipated console. An exclusive report from Vandal, a Spanish magazine, has provided more insights, thanks to Ruben Mercado, the CEO of Blade, an accessory manufacturer that has gained early access to the device.
Development Status
Ruben revealed that the development of the Nintendo Switch 2 appears to be finished, as his company has already received the final version of the console. This is not unusual, as accessory manufacturers often gain access to completed hardware ahead of its public release. This practice ensures that they can produce compatible cases and other accessories that will be ready shortly after the console launches.
Release Timeline and Pricing
The CEO mentioned that the Switch 2 could be revealed in March or April of 2025, depending on Nintendo’s chosen financial quarter for the announcement. The anticipated price for the console is expected to fall between $440 and $550. This pricing would make it pricier than the existing Switch model, yet still more economical than other consoles currently on the market.
Features and Specifications
While Ruben did not disclose specific technical details about the new console, he did highlight that the Joy-Cons for the upcoming Switch 2 will include magnetic connectors. This feature will facilitate easier attachment and detachment of the controllers, adding credibility to earlier rumors. Additionally, he indicated that the analog sticks have likely been redesigned, suggesting that protective covers for the original Nintendo Switch will not fit the new model.
Earlier leaks have indicated that the Nintendo Switch 2 may be equipped with an Nvidia Tegra SoC, up to 12 GB of RAM, and a larger OLED display, which would represent a significant upgrade from the original Switch.
Tags: Nintendo Switch 2
September 28, 2024
Price of 7-Year-Old Sony Game Doubles Unexpectedly
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to launch with a starting price of $700. If you want the complete package, which includes the drive and stand, the cost can rise to $850. While Sony describes the console as a "complete package for dedicated gamers," many fans consider the price to be too high. This has led to a perception that the company is making another mistake.
Horizon: Zero Dawn’s Price Increase
Horizon: Zero Dawn is an open-world action role-playing game where players take on the role of Aloy, a hunter navigating a post-apocalyptic world filled with machine creatures. Originally released for the PlayStation 4 in 2017, it later joined the "PlayStation Hit" list, which features popular titles at a lower price of $20. However, the price has now been raised to $40 without any prior announcement. The increase seems to coincide with the upcoming release of the Horizon: Zero Dawn Remaster.
Starting October 31, 2024, anyone who already owns the game can upgrade to the remastered version for just $10. By raising the price now, Sony appears to be trying to deter players from buying the less expensive version and then upgrading later. With the current game priced at $40 and the upgrade costing $10, the total comes to $50, which is the same as the price for the remastered version. This means that early buyers will not benefit from any cost savings.
Mixed Reactions on Reddit
On Reddit, opinions about this pricing strategy are mixed. Some users express understanding, suggesting that Sony’s approach is reasonable:
[…] Anyone could buy the game for $20, get the upgrade for $10, and end up with a PS5 version. They would essentially lose $20 to anyone with basic brain cells. EVERY company would do that, so why is anyone surprised?
It’s important to note that Sony offered the game for free during the pandemic as part of the "Play at Home" initiative, which means many players may already have it on their consoles. However, critics argue that Sony is engaging in price gouging and unnecessary remastering, especially considering the game is only seven years old and still runs well on current systems.
Tags: Horizon Zero Dawn, PlayStation 5 Pro, Price Increase
September 28, 2024
Benchmarking Mini PC with AMD Radeon 890M in AAA Games
AMD’s Strix Point has launched with laptops, and now mini PC makers are rolling out their Zen 5 models. Among the first to be revealed is the Beelink SER9, which marks its global introduction. This system is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the highest option in the series.
Performance of the APU
The APU includes the Radeon 890M, which is approximately 18% quicker than the previous generation’s Radeon 780M. ETA Prime has evaluated the SER9 to assess the performance of the new RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU in a mini PC setup, and the results were quite promising.

Game Benchmarks
The first title tested by ETA Prime was Horizon Forbidden West. This demanding AAA game was played at 1080p with low graphics settings and frame generation enabled. The Radeon 890M achieved an average of about 70 FPS, whereas without frame generation, it dropped to around 47 FPS.
Forza Horizon 5 was next, also at 1080p but with medium settings and no frame generation. Here, the Radeon 890M recorded an impressive average of 109 FPS, a noticeable upgrade from the 89 FPS average of the Radeon 780M under similar conditions.
Another game, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, was tested at 1080p with medium settings and without scaling. The RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU delivered an average of 56 FPS. Call of Duty MW3 was also benchmarked, achieving an average of 141 FPS while using a balanced preset and frame generation in balanced mode.
Additional Game Tests
Starfield was tested at 1080p with low settings, FSR, and frame generation enabled, where the Radeon 890M averaged 87 FPS. Lastly, Cyberpunk 2077 was played at 1080p with low settings and FSR set to auto, yielding an average of 90 FPS for the mini PC.
In summary, the Strix Point mini PCs equipped with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 appear to be excellent for gaming. Additionally, it’s important to mention that during testing, the Beelink SER9 reached a maximum of 54W TDP. However, the mini PC is capable of going up to 65W, which might have enhanced the iGPU’s performance slightly.
Tags: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Beelink SER9, Radeon 890M
September 28, 2024
TrimUI Smart Brick: Miyoo Mini Plus Clone Launches at $79.99
TrimUI has launched its new gaming handheld, building on the previous year’s Smart Pro, which is currently priced at $94.99 on Amazon. While the Smart Pro takes cues from the PSP Vita, the Smart Brick unmistakably resembles a Game Boy. This design also brings to mind the Miyoo Mini Plus, though they differ slightly in size.
Size and Display
To give some perspective, the Miyoo Mini Plus measures 108 x 78.5 x 22.3 mm, allowing it to host a 3.5-inch screen. In contrast, the Smart Brick has dimensions of 109.9 x 73.2 x 19.9 mm, which limits the display size. Consequently, the Smart Brick comes with a smaller 3.2-inch IPS display that provides a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels. It is powered by an Allwinner A133P chipset and includes 1 GB of LPDDR4x RAM.
Features and Pricing
The Smart Brick is equipped with 8 GB of eMMC flash storage, a 3,000 mAh battery, and offers Bluetooth 2.1 and Wi-Fi connectivity. It is now available for order at GoGameGeek and Mech DIY for $79.99, not including any introductory discounts. Additionally, TrimUI is offering options to include 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB MicroSD cards at a slight extra cost, with initial shipments expected to start in late October.
GoGameGeek via & Mech DIY via @JoeysRetroHH & Retro Dodo
Tags: gaming handheld, Miyoo Mini Plus
September 28, 2024
Get a Free Indie Game from Epic Games for a Limited Time!
The Epic Games Store has just started its latest free game giveaway, but it has already shared what to expect for the following week. Currently, this week’s free game is available for download, and we have provided those details separately.
Upcoming Free Game
From October 3 to October 10, players will be able to grab Bear and Breakfast at no cost. This game was launched by Armor Games Studios a little over two years ago. Notably, Armor Games Studios is also the publisher for this week’s free offering. The publisher describes Bear and Breakfast as follows:
It is a relaxed management adventure game where you take on the role of a friendly bear trying to run a bed and breakfast in the woods. Hank and his friends discover an empty cabin and, using their youthful creativity, transform it into a profitable bed-and-breakfast for unwary visitors.
As your operation grows, so do the secrets of the forest, and Hank soon becomes involved in a mystery that goes beyond the wilderness itself.
Pricing and Requirements
For reference, Bear and Breakfast is usually priced at $19.99 for PC and PlayStation. Alternatively, you can find it in physical format for the Nintendo Switch, currently priced at $24.99 on Amazon. It’s important to note that the upcoming giveaway will only apply to the PC version of the game. Additionally, the game requires certain hardware specifications to run on Windows.
Tags: Bear and Breakfast, Epic Games Store
September 28, 2024
Nintendo Switch 2 Release in Early 2025 with Magnetic Joy-Cons
New insights about Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, were shared in a recent episode of Vandal Radio. Rubén Mercado, the CEO of Blade, a company that creates accessories for the console, mentioned that the Switch 2 is nearing completion and is anticipated to launch in March or April of the upcoming year.
Features of the Switch 2
Mercado confirmed that the new console will include magnetic joy-cons equipped with a locking mechanism to ensure a reliable connection. While the specific design of the joy-cons has not been officially revealed, they are expected to differ from earlier versions to support the new analog stick design.
Recently leaked images of the Nintendo Switch 2, which are believed to be genuine, indicate potential changes such as the magnetic Joy-Cons and the addition of two USB-C ports. Nintendo is reportedly considering different designs for the analog sticks, including flat sticks or trackpads, to minimize dust intrusion and enhance durability.
Specifications and Compatibility
The new model is projected to feature an 8-inch display and will be somewhat larger than the original Switch. Furthermore, recent findings in the Switch 18.0.0 firmware hint that the Nintendo Switch 2 might offer backward compatibility. A newly identified mount point labeled “compat” could facilitate cross-generation game support and safeguard files against piracy.
While the pricing for the Switch 2 has not been confirmed, estimates suggest it might range between €400 and €500. This would place it at a higher price point than the original Switch but lower than the latest generation consoles.
Tags: backward compatibility, Nintendo Switch 2
September 28, 2024
Lenovo Unveils Legion Tablet’s Performance in 3D and RPG Games
Lenovo is set to introduce its new gaming tablet, the Legion Y700, in China on September 29th. We already knew it would be equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, but Lenovo has now revealed some initial performance results for the Legion Y700 (2024) to build excitement.
Performance Insights for Gamers
As per Lenovo’s post on Weibo, the Y700 achieves an average of 59.8 FPS in 3D turn-based mobile games at a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. This performance is commendable, especially with a low power consumption of only 8.8W.
RPG enthusiasts will find this even more intriguing. Lenovo reports an average of 59.9 FPS in open-world RPGs, with a rendering resolution of 1728×1080 pixels, consuming 9.5W of power. The promotional image features a scene from Genshin Impact, a well-known resource-intensive title on Android. Although specific games were not listed, this indicates that the Y700 can manage demanding games with ease.
Impressive Benchmark Figures
For combat mobile games, the tablet maintains an average of 59.9 FPS at a resolution of 2304×1440 pixels. While no specific titles are mentioned, the high resolution is certainly encouraging. These performance figures are commendable, but it’s important to consider the recently released RedMagic Nova, which also utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 but with the “Leading Version” variant that may offer slightly improved performance. However, we will need to wait for detailed reviews to make a fair comparison.
Specifications and Features
In addition to its powerful Snapdragon processor, the Y700 (2024) includes a smooth 165Hz refresh rate display. It also features a vapor chamber cooling system designed to manage heat effectively. This cooling system is notably large, measuring 10,004 mm², which Lenovo claims is comparable to the size of a mobile screen.
We won’t have to wait long to see the real-world performance of this device. The Legion Y700 will be launched in just two days, and reviews are expected to appear shortly after. In the meantime, you can check out our review of last year’s model linked below.
Tags: Legion Y700, Lenovo, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
September 28, 2024
Lenovo Legion Y700 Gaming Tablet Hands-On Video Highlights
Lenovo seems poised to make a significant impact in the gaming tablet market with the much-anticipated 2024 update of the popular Legion Y700 gaming tablet. The company has teased the device multiple times on its official Weibo account, with the latest teasers revealing more details about its features.
Enhanced Design and Cooling
The new Legion Y700 will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which is said to have a ‘restructured’ internal layout. This design positions the SoC near the upper middle of the tablet, aiming to lower temperatures in crucial areas where users typically hold the device while gaming in landscape mode. This innovative placement could reduce temperatures by as much as 4.3 degrees Celsius, enhancing the gaming experience.
Impressive Display and Performance
The gaming tablet was prominently featured in Lenovo’s recent promotional video, showcasing its gaming capabilities. As anticipated, the Legion Y700 sports an 8.8-inch display that many gamers appreciate for its compact size. The video highlights the tablet in a sleek matte black finish, demonstrating its versatility for both gaming and other media consumption while on the move.
The specifications of the Legion Y700 are noteworthy, including a 165 Hz IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, DCI-P3 color coverage, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. It’s expected that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC will be paired with up to 12 GB of RAM, as suggested by a recent Geekbench leak.
Anticipation for Launch
With the official launch date for the Legion Y700 gaming tablet approaching, fans won’t have to wait much longer. However, those residing in the US and other regions may experience a slight delay, but a global launch is likely to follow soon after.
Lenovo via Weibo
Tags: Gaming Tablet, Legion Y700, Lenovo
September 28, 2024
PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition Faces High Scalper Prices
The pre-sale event for the PlayStation 5 Pro and the exclusive 30th Anniversary Edition began at 10 a.m. on September 26, 2024, but it seems to have caused a lot of frustration among fans. Many eager buyers rushed to Sony’s PlayStation Direct site to grab one of the initial consoles. Unfortunately, the high demand quickly resulted in overloaded servers and extensive waiting times. Shortly after, both the PS5 Pro and the anniversary edition sold out completely.
Scalpers Take Advantage
While numerous genuine fans walked away empty-handed, some scalpers managed to purchase the limited 30th Anniversary Edition of the PS5 Pro. These individuals aim to profit from the artificial scarcity by reselling the consoles at inflated prices. Reports suggest that scalpers are targeting profits in the high four-digit range for the 30th Anniversary Edition. Originally priced at $999 by Sony, this special edition was already appearing on eBay with outrageous listings reaching up to $35,000. Although the average price at that time hovered around $3,000, some listings went as high as $5,000.
Standard PS5 Pro Pricing
The regular version of the PS5 Pro is also being resold at higher prices, but the markup from its original price of $699 remains in the triple-digit range. Current listings on eBay for this console were approximately $1,000 at the time of the research.
Upcoming Opportunities
For those still hoping to secure a 30th Anniversary Edition, there is a silver lining: the pre-sale for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition in the anniversary design will commence on October 10. Fans will have another chance to acquire a PS5 in the nostalgic gray design without succumbing to the scalpers’ inflated prices.
Tags: 30th Anniversary Edition, PlayStation 5 Pro, scalpers