Category: Gaming

  • Halo Studios Announces Big Reveal at October Championship Event

    Halo Studios Announces Big Reveal at October Championship Event

    Key Takeaways

    1. Halo Studios, formerly known as 343 Industries, will reveal new information at the Halo World Championship (HWC) in October 2025.
    2. The studio recently transitioned to Unreal Engine 5 and is developing multiple Halo projects.
    3. Speculations about potential new games include Halo 7, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, and an expansion of the Master Chief Collection to other platforms.
    4. The HWC 2025 event is highly anticipated by fans seeking solid updates after years of speculation.
    5. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for an exciting showcase of Halo’s future developments.

    Halo Studios, the newly named developer previously recognized as 343 Industries, has announced it will unveil fresh information about its future Halo endeavors during the Halo World Championship (HWC), which is scheduled for October in Seattle.

    “While guessing can be exciting, if you want the real deal on what Halo Studios has been up to, you won’t want to miss this year’s Halo World Championship,” the studio mentioned in a recent Halo Waypoint blog update.

    Exciting Updates Ahead

    This represents the next major update since the studio declared its transition to Unreal Engine 5 and its new vision for the franchise at last year’s event. To provide some background, at HWC 2024, Halo Studios also changed its name from 343 Industries and disclosed that it was developing several Halo projects.

    In the same blog post, the studio expressed, “For us, ‘A New Dawn’ was just the start. At this year’s HaloWC, we are eager to keep the chat going.”

    Speculations and Anticipations

    Since the event in 2024, there have been many rumors about what Halo Studios might be working on. Some of the most discussed theories online include Halo 7, a possible remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, or an expansion of the Master Chief Collection to Nintendo and PlayStation platforms. However, so far, there have been no official confirmations regarding these speculations.

    For Halo enthusiasts who have been waiting for solid updates after years of guessing, the upcoming HWC 2025 event in October is highly anticipated. Whether it’s a continuation, a remake, or a completely new concept, it’s evident that Halo Studios aims to make this year’s World Championship just as memorable as the last, if not even more.

    Stay Tuned for More

    With this build-up, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting showcase of the future of Halo.

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  • Steam Introduces New Metrics for In-Game Performance Overlay

    Steam Introduces New Metrics for In-Game Performance Overlay

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam has introduced a new real-time FPS graph for monitoring game performance.
    2. Users can view detailed stats on CPU usage, GPU usage, and RAM usage.
    3. The feature allows comparison of FPS with DLSS turned on and off.
    4. Access the feature in the ‘In Game’ tab under ‘Overlay Performance Monitor’ in Steam settings.
    5. Currently, the feature is only fully available for Windows users, and some older GPUs may not provide accurate data.

    Steam has introduced a new and useful feature to its client, building on the native photo and video capture tool that was launched last year. Users can now check detailed stats about their game’s performance via a real-time FPS graph, alongside information on CPU usage, GPU usage, and RAM usage. You can even see an FPS comparison with DLSS turned on and off.

    Understanding Your Game’s Performance

    This new addition is perfect for figuring out how many ‘fake’ frames your GPU is generating. If you prefer a simpler view with less information, that option is also available. To start using this feature, go to the ‘In Game’ tab in your Steam settings and find the ‘Overlay Performance Monitor’ section. It’s important to note that this feature is accessible to all Steam users. Valve has released a blog that details how each metric functions.

    A Shift from Third-Party Tools

    Previously, players had to depend on third-party software for such insights, but you will still need those apps to gather data that Steam’s overlay doesn’t cover. Keep in mind, though, that the complete range of data is currently only available for Windows users, and some older or ‘non-standard’ GPUs may not provide precise information. However, this feature is a wonderful enhancement to Steam’s already extensive array of user-friendly tools.

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    Steam Introduces New Metrics for In-Game Performance OverlaySteam Introduces New Metrics for In-Game Performance Overlay

     

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  • Nvidia Ends Driver Support for GTX 700, 900, and 10 Series GPUs

    Nvidia Ends Driver Support for GTX 700, 900, and 10 Series GPUs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release 580 will be the final Nvidia driver to support older GPU architectures: Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta.
    2. Affected product lines include GeForce GTX 700, GTX 900, GTX 10 series, and Titan V.
    3. The end-of-life (EOL) status for these GPUs will also apply to Windows, not just UNIX systems.
    4. Nvidia will continue to support the newer Turing-based GeForce GTX 16 series GPUs.
    5. After driver version 580, future updates, performance enhancements, and security fixes will no longer be available for the affected GPUs.

    Nvidia has announced that its upcoming major driver release, known as Release 580, will be the final version to support older GPU architectures like Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta. This decision effectively ends the long run of well-known product lines, including the GeForce GTX 700, GTX 900, GTX 10 series, and Titan V. The current driver version is 576.80, suggesting that the transition could happen in the next few months.

    Deprecation Schedule

    As per a revised UNIX graphics driver deprecation schedule, Nvidia has stated:

    The Release 580 series will be the last to support GPUs based on the Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta architectures.

    Even though the update is specifically aimed at UNIX systems, Nvidia’s driver structure is mostly consistent across different platforms. This means that the end-of-life (EOL) status will also apply to Windows. Therefore, future Game Ready drivers will not be available for these older GPUs once the 580 series is rolled out.

    Affected Products

    The products impacted include:

    However, Nvidia will keep supporting the more recent Turing-based GeForce GTX 16 series GPUs, which are not affected by this update.

    The Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta architectures have powered Nvidia GPUs for a period of eight to eleven years, which is quite a long time in the rapidly evolving GPU market. While this news might disappoint users of older systems, the company has arguably provided support that goes beyond the usual hardware lifecycle.

    Future Considerations

    Users with GPUs that are impacted can continue using their current drivers, but future Game Ready driver updates, performance enhancements, and security fixes will stop after the release of driver version 580. Nvidia has yet to announce a specific launch date for this update, allowing users some time to consider potential upgrades.

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  • Subnautica 2 Biomes List Revealed: Fan-Favorite Returns

    Subnautica 2 Biomes List Revealed: Fan-Favorite Returns

    Key Takeaways

    1. Subnautica 2 is in development, with early access expected later this year.
    2. Developers have shared insights through Q&A videos and development vlogs, but many details remain a mystery.
    3. A fan discovered potential biomes for Subnautica 2 through file names in a developer vlog.
    4. Identified biomes include the returning Kelp Forest and new ones like Overgrown Ruins, World Tree, and Void.
    5. The final game may feature additional biomes and different names than those currently speculated.

    Subnautica 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to the beloved underwater survival title Subnautica, is currently in development, with early access expected to be available later this year. Although the developers have shared some insights about the sequel through Q&A videos and development vlogs, many intriguing aspects concerning the storyline, map, and characters are still a mystery.

    A Peek into the Underwater World

    Thanks to an observant fan of the series, we may have caught a glimpse of what the aquatic environment in Subnautica 2 might look like. Recently, the developers released a vlog detailing how they created the game’s setting. A user on Reddit noticed several file names in the background that hinted at the biomes featured in Subnautica 2. They compiled a list of these biomes and even shared screenshots to support their findings.

    Biomes Spotted by Fans

    The biomes that the Reddit user identified and shared include:

    The community responded enthusiastically to the post, with many expressing their excitement about the Kelp Forest returning in Subnautica 2. “I need a big and foresty kelp forest. Thank you,” one user wrote.

    Meanwhile, other users were keen on different biomes. “Overgrown Ruins is intriguing. Ruins of what? The precursors’ stuff? Old human stuff? Something else?” one comment asked. Additionally, commenters showed interest in the World Tree and Void biomes.

    More Surprises Await

    It’s important to note that this list of biomes is not exhaustive, and the final version of the game could feature more biomes. Furthermore, these names might not be the final ones, so it wouldn’t be surprising if some do not appear in the released game.

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  • Death Stranding 2 Map Bug Causes PS5 Overheating Issues

    Death Stranding 2 Map Bug Causes PS5 Overheating Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Favorable Reception: “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” launched on June 26 with a Metacritic score of 90 and positive reviews from critics.

    2. Overheating Concerns: Some PS5 consoles are experiencing overheating warnings, particularly when accessing the map screen during gameplay.

    3. User Reports: Several players have reported similar overheating issues, with fans running at maximum speed when on the map, while regular gameplay remains unaffected.

    4. Affected Consoles: The overheating issue mainly impacts the standard PS5 model, with PS5 Pro users reporting increased fan noise but no overheating warnings.

    5. Patch Status: A recent game patch (version 1.04) was released, but it does not address the overheating problem; players are advised to wait for a future update from Kojima Productions.

    Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (currently priced at $69 on Amazon) has received mostly favorable feedback since its launch on June 26. This PlayStation 5-exclusive title boasts an impressive Metacritic score of 90, and its creator, Hideo Kojima, has shared his delight over the reviews from critics.

    Overheating Issues

    While the game is flying off the shelves on PS5, a Reddit user named u/mudman2018 has raised concerns about some PS5 consoles overheating when running the game. According to the Reddit post,

    “As soon as I pause the game and the map screen comes up, the fan suddenly goes into overdrive and I get an overheat warning.”

    The user adds that everything else runs just fine, even during extended gaming sessions. However, when the map is accessed and a route is planned, the fan goes wild and triggers an overheating alert.

    User Experiences

    Other users have also shared similar issues, with one even posting a video showing how the fans spin up to maximum speed when on the map screen. This problem seems to only occur when accessing the map, as the fans usually function normally during regular gameplay. Some players have mentioned that if they linger too long on the map screen, they too receive overheating warnings.

    The exact reason this issue arises only on the map screen is still unknown. Possible explanations might include an uncapped framerate or a memory leak that occurs while navigating the map.

    Affected Consoles

    The issue appears to mainly impact the standard PS5 model. Users with the PS5 Pro have not reported overheating warnings but have noticed increased fan noise and higher temperatures while playing.

    A recent patch, version 1.04, was released without any accompanying changelog and does not seem to address this overheating issue. If you find yourself affected by this bug, your best bet is to wait for Kojima Productions to recognize the issue and issue a new patch.

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  • Cooler Master NR200P V3 ITX Case Showcases GeForce RTX 5090

    Cooler Master NR200P V3 ITX Case Showcases GeForce RTX 5090

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Cooler Master NR200P has been updated to better accommodate Nvidia GeForce RTX 5000-series graphics cards with a new cutout design.
    2. The case can fit graphics cards up to 14.2 inches long, 6.3 inches high, and 3.1 inches thick, including many variants of the RTX 5090.
    3. An optional mesh panel can cover the GPU, providing dust protection while allowing airflow, and panels attach magnetically for easy access.
    4. The NR200P V3 measures 14.9 x 7.3 x 11.5 inches and supports an SFX power supply, a CPU cooler up to 7cm tall, and various fan and radiator configurations.
    5. Pricing and release date for the NR200P V3 are not yet announced, but the previous model is priced at $115 on Amazon.

    Cooler Master is updating the NR200P by making improvements to the compact ITX case for the new Nvidia GeForce RTX 5000-series graphics cards. In the past, this model had either a clear window or mesh on the entire left side, but the latest version now includes a specific cutout designed for the graphics card.

    Unique Design

    This modification gives the case a distinct appearance while optimizing space for the graphics card. The updated Cooler Master case can fit graphics cards that are up to 14.2 inches long, 6.3 inches high, and 3.1 inches thick, making it suitable for many variants of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090. Users can choose to cover the GPU with an optional mesh panel that keeps out dust while allowing sufficient airflow. Plus, the panels attach magnetically, so the gaming PC case can be opened easily, without needing any tools.

    Dimensions and Features

    The case itself measures 14.9 x 7.3 x 11.5 inches and has a total volume of 18.6 liters. It comes with a PCIe 5.0 x16 riser cable for those who wish to mount their graphics cards vertically. On the top side of the case, there are two USB-A ports and one USB-C port (20 Gbps). As per Cooler Master’s specifications, the NR200P V3 is designed to house an SFX power supply, a CPU cooler that is up to 7cm tall, two 140mm fans or a 280mm radiator at the top, and two thin 120mm fans at the bottom.

    Pricing and Availability

    As of now, Cooler Master has not disclosed the price or the exact release date for the NR200P V3 ITX case. For comparison, the previous NR200P V2 is priced at $115 on Amazon. More information can be located on the official product page of this new case, which is ideal for gaming PCs that are using an RTX 5090 or other high-end GPUs.

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    Cooler Master NR200P V3 ITX Case Showcases GeForce RTX 5090Cooler Master NR200P V3 ITX Case Showcases GeForce RTX 5090

     

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  • Battlefield 6 Could Feature New Player Movement Like Call of Duty

    Battlefield 6 Could Feature New Player Movement Like Call of Duty

    Key Takeaways

    1. Leaks from Battlefield Labs playtests reveal new player movement mechanics, including elements inspired by Call of Duty.
    2. A recent video shows players able to aim down sights (ADS) while sliding, with the scope tilting during the movement.
    3. The movement mechanics resemble Call of Duty’s omnimovement but are less aggressive, leading to mixed reactions from the community.
    4. Many players are concerned about the realism of maintaining accurate ADS while performing dynamic movements like jumping and sliding.
    5. The new movement system is still in testing, and final changes may occur before the game’s official release.

    There have been numerous leaks regarding the upcoming Battlefield title, primarily from the Battlefield Labs playtests, and we’ve witnessed extensive gameplay videos emerge on the internet. The trend continues with the latest leak providing insights into player movement mechanics and the modifications in progress. It appears that Battlefield is adopting elements from Call of Duty, introducing a more dynamic movement system, which has led to mixed reactions from the community.

    Details from the Leak

    According to MP1st, the leak initially came from the BF1 Telegram channel but was later shared on the Battlefield subreddit by a user named Old_Doubt5886. The short clip, lasting under a minute, showcases a player in the shooting range executing slides, aiming, and shooting, as well as diving to assume a prone position. Based on the footage, players will have the ability to aim down sights (ADS) while sliding, but the scope will tilt at an angle during the slide and realign when the player stops.

    Movement Mechanics Compared

    The movement mechanics seem to echo what Call of Duty refers to as omnimovement, although the version seen in Battlefield appears less aggressive. Omnimovement stirred controversy as it enabled players to dive and traverse significant distances while maintaining the ability to aim and shoot in any direction. Many players voiced concerns that being able to ADS while performing jumps and slides felt unrealistic.

    Similar sentiments are surfacing in response to the Battlefield leak, with some fans supporting the feature while others express doubt. Realistically, players should not be able to maintain accurate ADS while sprinting, sliding, or jumping, which is exactly what omnimovement permits. Introducing this mechanic in Battlefield could split the player base, as some may find it frustrating and abandon the game, while others might view it as an additional skill to perfect.

    Final Thoughts

    Nonetheless, it’s important to highlight that this new movement system might not be part of the final version of the game. The developers are currently experimenting with these mechanics and assessing public response, but changes can still happen as the release date approaches.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket S2 Shines in Early Videos for PS2, Wii U, Switch

    Ayaneo Pocket S2 Shines in Early Videos for PS2, Wii U, Switch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Cooling System: The Ayaneo Pocket S2 features a revamped cooling system that addresses issues from the original Pocket S, improving thermal management during gameplay.

    2. Improved Performance: Equipped with the new Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset, the Pocket S2 delivers significantly higher performance, capable of emulating sixth-generation consoles like the PlayStation 2 at 1440p.

    3. Emulation Capabilities: The device can handle Wii U emulation with varying resolutions and successfully runs games like Super Mario Odyssey, though it requires Max performance mode for optimal play.

    4. Game Streaming Quality: The Pocket S2 offers very good game streaming quality, enhancing the overall gaming experience for users.

    5. Performance Limitations: Activating Gaming mode may lead to a performance cap of 30 FPS after some time, regardless of the device’s cooling state.

    The Ayaneo Pocket S2 was launched on Indiegogo a few weeks ago as an upgrade to the Pocket S, featuring multiple hardware improvements. Although pre-orders are not scheduled to start shipping until next month, reviewers from ETA Prime, Retro Game Corps, and TechDweeb have already tested their units.

    Enhanced Cooling System

    Ayaneo has stated that it revamped the cooling system for the Pocket S2, which was a common complaint in reviews of the original Pocket S. The previous cooling system struggled to keep up with the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1. However, Russ from Retro Game Corps reports that he hasn’t faced any such problems with the Pocket S2.

    Improved Performance

    The new Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset allows the handheld to achieve significantly higher performance compared to the Pocket S and other powerful Android gaming devices such as the Retroid Pocket 5 (currently priced at $259 on Amazon). The Pocket S2 can emulate sixth-generation consoles like the PlayStation 2 at 1440p, all while running in its Balanced performance mode with the fan mostly turned off.

    Emulation Capabilities

    Wii U emulation varies based on the selected game, with resolutions ranging from 720p to 1080p. Moreover, the Pocket S2 can even run Super Mario Odyssey, though this requires enabling Max performance mode. Game streaming quality is reportedly very good as well. Nonetheless, Ayaneo’s new Android handheld does come with some problems at this point. Reportedly, activating Gaming mode could restrict games to 30 FPS after a little while, no matter how cool the device is. For more information, check out the videos linked above and below.

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  • Nintendo Adjusts Switch Pricing in Canada, Switch 2 Unaffected

    Nintendo Adjusts Switch Pricing in Canada, Switch 2 Unaffected

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo will announce changes to Switch pricing on August 1st, affecting consoles, games, accessories, and Nintendo Switch Online services.
    2. The upcoming pricing changes will not impact the new Switch 2 generation.
    3. Canadian and American consumers have avoided a price hike for the Switch 2 despite ongoing trade tensions.
    4. There is uncertainty about potential price increases for older Switch consoles and games, with speculation about a $50 hike for older models.
    5. Nintendo Switch Online service pricing may change, currently at $4.99 per month, excluding the Expansion Pack.

    Canadian Nintendo enthusiasts have gotten some news that might not be very pleasing. The Japanese gaming company sent out a press release stating it will reveal changes to the Switch pricing on August 1st. Players should prepare for different manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRPs) for consoles, games, accessories, and Nintendo Switch Online services. Importantly, these changes won’t affect the new Switch 2 generation. The company hasn’t specified if prices will rise or fall, but many gamers are worried about possible increases.

    Market Conditions and Concerns

    With Nintendo hinting at shifts in market conditions, a lot of buyers are bracing for the worst. Canadian and American consumers managed to avoid a price hike for the Switch 2 amidst ongoing tensions regarding U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. Nevertheless, trade issues between the two nations persist, as Canada has announced it will resume negotiations. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has already impacted the pricing and availability of electronics made in China, although Nintendo has relocated some of its production to Vietnam.

    Global Pricing Changes Ahead?

    There’s also a chance that Nintendo might soon disclose pricing updates for other countries. Gamers are curious about how much the cost of the original Switch can increase now that the new handheld is on the market. In Canada, the Switch OLED is priced at $450, while the standalone Switch 2 is available for $630 CAD. Even the older Switch model with an LCD screen still has a price tag of $400. If the older consoles see a price hike of $50, it may not make sense to stick with them instead of opting for the Switch 2.

    Game Prices and Subscription Services

    The prices of Switch games are still high, so players likely won’t be excited about the possibility of paying more for older titles. However, thanks to backward compatibility and upgrade packs, these games are gaining new life on the Switch 2. Many accessories for the Switch also retain some functionality with the latest handheld, adding value for gamers.

    One significant change that could impact all Switch owners in Canada is related to Nintendo Switch Online. Right now, the service is only $4.99 per month, not including the Expansion Pack.

    PR Newswire Canada, Wario64 account, Nintendo of Canada

    Nintendo Switch Pricing Update
    Nintendo Switch (CNW Group/Nintendo of Canada Ltd.)

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  • Next Ghost Recon Game Set for Alpha Release This Year

    Next Ghost Recon Game Set for Alpha Release This Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. Development of the next Ghost Recon game, referred to as Ovr, is ongoing and set to enter internal alpha phase later this year.
    2. The game is categorized as a tactical shooter and may take about 12 months from alpha to final launch, potentially releasing by Fall 2026.
    3. It will focus on a first-person military simulation set against a fictional conflict called the ‘Naiman war,’ likely in a modern backdrop.
    4. Ubisoft has announced delays for major releases until 2026 and may not reveal details about the new Ghost Recon game in the coming year.
    5. Other anticipated Ubisoft releases include the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake and potential mobile games like Rainbow Six Mobile and the Division spin-off Resurgence.

    One of the key franchises that Ubisoft is famous for is the Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon series. The most recent title in this series was Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, which launched in 2019. Since then, there hasn’t been any official news regarding the next game. However, some leaks and rumors have surfaced, with the latest suggesting that development is ongoing and moving forward.

    Development Updates

    The upcoming game is referred to as Ovr and is reportedly set to enter its internal alpha phase later this year. This information comes from Insider Gaming, which claims to possess footage of the game. The report categorizes it as a tactical shooter, drawing parallels with titles like Ready or Not and the Modern Warfare series. When it comes to the release timeline, sources indicate that it may take roughly 12 months from the internal alpha stage to the final launch, meaning the next Ghost Recon title could be available by Fall 2026.

    Game Setting and Themes

    Previously, it was indicated that the game would focus on a first-person military simulation (mil-sim) centered around a fictional conflict known as the ‘Naiman war.’ At this juncture, the game’s setting remains largely unknown, but based on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint and its predecessors, it is likely that the next installment will feature a modern backdrop similar to those games.

    Future Ubisoft Releases

    With Ubisoft having already announced delays for its major releases until 2026 and later, citing the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, next year could be significant for fans of Ubisoft. The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake is anticipated to launch before April of next year. While it seems improbable that Ubisoft will reveal any details about the new Ghost Recon game within the next year, there are still several releases and DLCs in the pipeline, including the potential announcement of mobile games like Rainbow Six Mobile and the Division spin-off Resurgence this year.

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