It appears that Z-Pocket Game (ZPG) might be working on another retro gaming handheld device. Recently, the company showcased eight color choices for their new product, the Bubble. To provide some context, the ZPG Bubble is a horizontal gaming handheld that is expected to be capable of emulating games up to the level of PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64.
Possible New Device: ZPG Mini
In a recent update, NITTRX has suggested the existence of what they are calling the ZPG Mini. While the image shared below has not been verified yet, NITTRX has a track record of revealing details about upcoming retro gaming handhelds before others do. Therefore, we should not dismiss the possibility of the ZPG Mini being real.
Design and Features
The ZPG Mini seems to be similar in design to the GKD Pixel and Anbernic RG Nano (currently priced at $59.99 on Amazon), both of which were launched last year. This leads us to believe that the Mini will be more compact than ZPG’s current A1 Unicorn. However, ZPG has managed to incorporate what looks like a sizable d-pad, ABXY buttons, and two sets of shoulder buttons into the design. Additionally, the ZPG Mini appears to have a rear-mounted dial, but its purpose is still unclear at this time.
I Am Your Beast was created by Strange Scaffold and launched on September 10, in partnership with Frosty Pop. This thrilling first-person shooter places players in the shoes of Alphonse Harding, a former secret agent who is called back for one last mission after six years of retirement. When Harding turns down the request, it ignites a guerrilla conflict with a military group called the Covert Operations Initiative (COI). The action takes place in the rugged wilderness of North America.
Gameplay and Strategy
As a speedrun shooter, I Am Your Beast immerses players in a variety of sandbox environments. The goal is to discover the quickest way to defeat all enemies and finish the level in the least amount of time possible. This demands a strategic mindset. Players can utilize concealed tunnel systems or other forms of cover to evade foes or lead them into traps. Repeating levels is a key aspect of the gameplay, focusing on refining routes and tactics for optimal performance.
Community Reception and Availability
The latest shooter from Strange Scaffold and Frosty Pop has been met with enthusiasm from gamers. On Steam, the game has garnered over 500 reviews, with 99 percent being positive. Until September 24, I Am Your Beast is offered on GOG with a 10% discount, priced at $19.22 instead of $21.36. Currently, it is available exclusively for PC. GOG indicates that the main story can be completed in around 1.5 hours, but fully finishing the game may take up to 6 hours.
Prices may vary. The promotion was valid at the time of this article’s release, but could be subject to limitations in time or availability.
For those who may not know about Voxon’s volumetric holograms, a volumetric hologram is a three-dimensional display made from a grid of LED lights that rotate in a cylinder and flash in a specific order to create the appearance of a 3D image. In the case of the Voxon VX2, this means it has a matrix with a resolution of 8 million voxels per volume and a refresh rate of 30 volumes per second. The company highlights its "VLED" technology, which further enhances the viewing experience. Voxon states that VLED technology forms the backbone of the imaging processes that control the LED matrix, allowing for advanced control over the matrix. Moreover, VLED enables the creation of products that can differ in size and resolution without altering the fundamental design.
Display Specifications
The Voxon VX2 is capable of generating a cylindrical image measuring 256 mm in diameter and 256 mm in height, utilizing the entire internal space for displaying 3D visuals. Users need to employ Voxon’s Unity workflow to upload their 3D files to the display, as it supports standard 3D file formats. Interaction with the VX2 is facilitated by a D6OF (six degrees of freedom) controller included with the device, which allows users to manipulate the 3D objects on display. Additionally, Voxon’s software expands the display’s compatibility with various hardware, enabling more input options like motion sensors, game controllers, and custom devices.
Unique Use Cases
Given the specialized nature of this display technology, the potential applications are expected to be equally distinctive. Voxon sees the VX2 as ideal for public displays, exhibitions, trade shows, and similar retail environments. However, the price tag of $6,800 may be a considerable investment for many. To help those interested in experiencing the display, Voxon provides a VX2 simulator on its website, allowing users to get a feel for how it works.
Dell has launched its latest 27-inch 2K gaming monitor, the G2725D, in China. Customers can now purchase this monitor on JD.com for 1099 yuan ($154). Here’s an overview of its main features.
Dell G2725D Monitor Features
This monitor is equipped with an IPS panel that enhances color quality and viewing angles. It boasts a resolution of 2560×1440, offering crisp visuals, and a refresh rate of 180Hz with a 1ms GtG (Gray-to-Gray) response time, ideal for fast-action gaming.
With support for AMD FreeSync technology, the G2725D aims to prevent screen tearing and stuttering by aligning the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s frame rate. Additionally, it has a brightness level of 400 nits, ensuring that the display remains visible even in bright conditions, and it covers 99% of the sRGB color space for precise color accuracy.
Eye Comfort and Connectivity
The monitor comes TÜV Rheinland certified for reduced blue light emission, helping to lessen eye fatigue. Its stand permits a tilt from -5° to 21° to provide a comfortable viewing position. Connectivity options include a DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, making it easy to connect to gaming consoles or PCs.
Dell provides after-sales support with a 3-year on-site warranty, including replacement of original parts. In case of a major component failure, Dell will replace the entire monitor to minimize any inconvenience.
Compliance and Testing
The G2725D adheres to Dell’s S+ professional standards, ensuring comprehensive testing of its display for contrast, brightness uniformity, and color accuracy.
Acer has introduced a new gaming laptop to the Indian market, the Acer Aspire 7. This device is designed for budget-conscious gamers, offering impressive specifications without breaking the bank. Noteworthy features include a high refresh rate screen, an Intel Core processor, and a Nvidia GPU. Below are the detailed technical specifications.
Acer Aspire 7 Specifications and Features
The Acer Aspire 7 is equipped with a 15.6-inch display featuring an FHD+ resolution. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience. The laptop includes a full-sized backlit keyboard complete with a dedicated number pad. It also features dual stereo speakers and a 1MP webcam. The device is lightweight at just 1.99 kg.
Inside, the Acer Aspire 7 is powered by a 13th generation Intel Core i5 processor. Users can choose between an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU with 4GB VRAM or a GeForce RTX 3050 with 6GB VRAM. The laptop is equipped with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. It is powered by a 54Wh battery that reportedly lasts up to 7 hours on a single charge. The laptop runs on Windows 11 OS.
Connectivity and Pricing
The Aspire 7 offers a range of connectivity options, including WiFi-6, USB 3.2 Type-C, Type-A port, HDMI, Ethernet, and Bluetooth.
The version of the Acer Aspire 7 with the RTX 2050 GPU is priced at Rs 61,990, while the RTX 3050 model costs Rs 67,990. The laptop is available for purchase from Acer’s online store and Flipkart starting today, and it comes in a Steel Gray color.
Sony has officially rolled out the eagerly awaited PlayStation 5 Pro, marking a significant update to the original PS5. As Sony’s latest gaming console, it boasts cutting-edge components and innovative technology. Here’s a detailed overview of its features.
Enhanced Performance for Gamers
The PS5 Pro is designed for gamers and content creators who demand higher performance levels. Sony’s goal is to deliver smoother frame rates while maintaining high graphical quality. This means challenging games can run at 60FPS with enhanced graphics, due to an upgraded GPU. The PS5 Pro offers 67% more Compute Units and 28% faster memory than its predecessor, enabling up to 45% quicker rendering for fluid gameplay.
Ray tracing capabilities have also been improved, with the PS5 Pro achieving double or even triple the ray cast speeds of the base model. Utilizing AI, Sony enhances image clarity through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution and machine learning. The console aims to eliminate the need for gamers to choose between performance and quality, as highlighted by PlayStation lead architect Mark Cerny.
Additional titles are anticipated to receive enhanced versions to leverage the PS5 Pro’s superior performance.
Pricing and Release Information
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, through major retailers and Sony’s official website. Pre-orders can be placed from September 26, 2024. The console is priced at 699.99 USD and comes with a DualSense wireless controller, 2TB SSD storage, and Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. A disc-less version is also available, with an optional Disc Drive sold separately.
LUMINKEY has introduced its newest gaming keyboard, the Magger 68 HE, which exemplifies a blend of style and practicality. This small yet powerful keyboard is crafted to improve both work and gaming experiences, making it a standout piece on any desk. Let’s delve into what makes the Magger 68 HE a noteworthy option for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Design and Build
The LUMINKEY Magger 68 HE boasts a sleek, minimalist design that seamlessly fits into modern desk configurations. With its 68% ANSI layout, the keyboard provides an ideal mix of compactness and functionality. The 68 well-spaced keys ensure all the functionalities of a bigger keyboard while saving space. A 7° typing angle is specifically designed to offer ergonomic comfort during long typing sessions, reducing wrist stress and boosting overall typing efficiency.
The keyboard’s construction is enhanced by a split top and bottom case sandwich structure, adding stability and texture. This design, secured with screws, creates a closed space that reduces internal component movement and vibration, thus prolonging the keyboard’s lifespan. The aluminum plate inside adds to the stability and durability, leading to a crisper typing sound.
Premium Materials and Keycaps
The Magger 68 HE uses high-quality PBT keycaps, developed in collaboration with the renowned ALOHAKB custom team. PBT is celebrated for its excellent wear resistance and reduced oil shine compared to standard ABS keycaps. The thicker PBT material offers a more substantial feel and retains its texture and look over time, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, typical magnetic switch keyboards often use lower-quality materials, resulting in poor thickness and feel. These materials wear out faster and degrade in quality over time, affecting the keyboard’s usability and user experience. The Magger 68 HE’s keycaps reflect LUMINKEY’s dedication to providing a premium product.
Switch Performance
The Magger 68 HE is equipped with the exclusive GATERON custom dual-track Magnetic Pro switch, delivering sensitive and stable performance. This switch is optimized for higher trigger accuracy and quicker response times, making it perfect for demanding gamers and high-efficiency office users. The magnetic activation assures outstanding performance with instant and precise activation, catering to those who require top-tier responsiveness.
Human reaction time, from brain command to finger action, is generally about 20ms under optimal conditions. The Magger 68 HE, however, offers an average response time of just 0.2ms. As you prepare for your next move, the Magger 68 HE is always ready to respond immediately, giving you a competitive edge in both gaming and high-intensity tasks.
Key Features
Number of Keys: The Magger 68 HE features a 68-key layout that strikes a balance between functionality and space efficiency, making it suitable for both work and gaming.
Typing Angle: The 7° typing angle promotes a natural and comfortable typing posture, reducing typing fatigue and enhancing overall ergonomics.
Layout: The 68% ANSI layout is streamlined without sacrificing essential keys, offering versatility for diverse typing needs.
EZ-Assemble Structure: LUMINKEY’s EZ-Assemble Structure simplifies setup, allowing for quick and easy assembly with minimal effort.
RGB Backlight: Full RGB backlighting with North Facing RGB adds a customizable aesthetic touch to your setup. The backlight options can be tailored to suit personal preferences or ambient lighting conditions.
Mounting and Stabilizers: The sandwich mount design enhances durability and typing stability. Plate mount stabilizers ensure a consistent and responsive keystroke experience, contributing to overall typing satisfaction.
Latency and Connectivity: With a latency of less than 0.5ms and wired connectivity featuring an 8000Hz polling rate, the Magger 68 HE provides exceptional responsiveness, making it ideal for both gaming and intensive work tasks.
Dynamic Keystrokes: The keyboard supports 4-in-1 action keys, allowing users to execute multiple commands with a single keystroke, adding convenience and efficiency.
Compatibility: The Magger 68 HE is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, ensuring versatility across different operating environments.
Price and Availability
The LUMINKEY Magger 68 HE is priced at $119.00, with a special price of $99 from September 20 to October 20. This positions it as a premium option for users looking for a high-end, customizable keyboard that excels in both aesthetics and functionality. Its price reflects its advanced features and superior build quality.
LUMINKEY’s Magger 68 HE sets a new standard in keyboard design by merging modern aesthetics with practical features. Its minimalist layout, ergonomic design, and advanced functionality make it a worthy addition to any workspace or gaming setup. Whether you’re a professional seeking elegance and efficiency or a gamer in need of top-tier performance, the Magger 68 HE is engineered to surpass expectations.
Acer has made its debut in the handheld gaming sector with the Nitro Blaze 7, marking its first entry into portable gaming consoles. This device is tailored for on-the-go, high-performance gaming and is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor alongside Radeon 780 M graphics. It stands as a competitor to devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and Lenovo Legion Go.
Display and Performance
Featuring a 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, the Nitro Blaze 7 offers a 144Hz refresh rate for seamless gameplay. The display also reaches a peak brightness of 500 nits, ensuring visibility under various lighting conditions. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which minimizes screen tearing and stuttering, enhancing the gaming experience.
The powerhouse behind the Nitro Blaze 7 is the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, boasting 8 cores and 16 threads with clock speeds reaching up to 5.1 GHz, which ensures robust performance for intensive games. The Radeon 780M graphics, featuring clock speeds up to 2.7 GHz and 12 compute units, are capable of handling modern games effectively on the compact screen of the Nitro Blaze 7.
Storage and Controls
In terms of storage, the Nitro Blaze 7 offers up to 2 TB of M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x 4 Gen 4 SSD, granting ample space for games and applications. Additionally, it comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x SDRAM, facilitating smooth multitasking and rapid load times.
The design includes physical joystick-style buttons, a D-pad, bumpers, triggers, and shoulder buttons, providing a familiar interface for gamers accustomed to traditional console controllers.
Additional Features
Beyond hardware, the Nitro Blaze 7 includes software enhancements for gaming, such as the Acer Game Space app. This app integrates popular gaming platforms and provides features like game recording, streaming, and performance optimization. The device also comes with a 3-month subscription to PC Game Pass, offering access to a vast array of games.
In other developments, Bitmo Lab has unveiled the GameBaby, a versatile iPhone accessory that doubles as both a protective case and a retro gaming controller. The GameBaby attaches directly to the iPhone, providing physical buttons for playing classic games through the Delta emulator, all without requiring a power source. Early pre-orders are priced at $20, with a future retail price of $39.99, and shipments set to begin in October. The case is compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Bitmo Lab has introduced the GameBaby, a novel mobile accessory designed specifically for iPhones, catering to fans of retro gaming. This inventive product serves a dual purpose: it acts as both a protective case and a gaming controller, featuring physical buttons for enjoying classic emulator games.
iPhone Case Transforms into a Gaming Controller
Contrary to other mobile controllers that must be attached separately, the GameBaby integrates seamlessly as a phone case. This design offers convenience for users who wish to alternate between normal phone use and gaming, eliminating the need for additional accessories.
The case is composed of two segments. During gameplay, the bottom segment is positioned on the front of the iPhone, partially covering the screen and providing physical directional buttons and keys that replicate the experience of handheld consoles such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and NES. When not in use for gaming, this segment can be repositioned to the back of the phone, converting it into a regular protective case.
Key Features and Compatibility
A distinctive aspect of the GameBaby is its operation without any power source or connection to the phone itself. It utilizes capacitive touch control to function. Bitmo Lab has engineered this accessory to be compatible with the Delta emulator, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max, allowing it to accommodate various handheld console designs.
Pricing for the GameBaby begins at $20 for the first 1,000 pre-orders, following which the price will rise to $25. Shipments are slated to commence in October. After the pre-order phase, the standard price of the GameBaby will be set at $39.99.
Bitmo Lab’s Continued Innovation
Bitmo Lab, recognized for its collaboration with JSAUX on Steam Deck accessories, has crafted the GameBaby as their second iPhone case, with a dedicated focus on retro gaming fans.
Lenovo’s gaming division, known as Lenovo Legion Savior, has teamed up with the action role-playing game “Black Myth: Wukong” to launch a special edition gallium nitride (GaN) charger.
This collaborative product, the C170 adapter, is currently open for pre-order on JD.com in China. It will officially go on sale on September 30th at 10:00 AM CST, priced at 299 yuan (approximately $43 USD). Let’s delve into its specifics below.
Specifications of the Lenovo x Black Myth: Wukong GaN Charger
Aesthetically, the C170 breaks away from the standard minimalist look of GaN chargers. It boasts a distinctive design highlighted by a prominent, laser-etched golden “Y” logo, a hallmark of the Lenovo Legion brand. The charger’s exterior is also embellished with a “mural texture,” which seems to nod to the mythical universe of Black Myth: Wukong.
With dimensions of 71 x 71 x 31 mm and a weight of about 245 grams, the C170 is both compact and convenient for travel. It includes one USB-C port and is packaged with a USB-C to Lenovo C-Slim square port “superpower cable.” This cable delivers up to 170W of power to compatible Lenovo Savior gadgets.
Versatile Charging Capabilities
The C170 isn’t limited to just Lenovo products. It supports multiple fast-charging protocols like PD 3.0, QC 3.0, and PPS, making it adaptable for various devices from other brands that align with these standards.
Overall, the Lenovo Savior x Black Myth: Wukong joint charger is an intriguing choice for gaming enthusiasts and anyone in need of a robust, portable GaN charger for their compatible tech. However, it’s important to remember that this charger is presently available for reservation only in China, with no details yet on international release plans.
