Category: Gaming

  • Ayaneo Flip 1S Teased: Dual Display Clamshell Redefined

    Ayaneo Flip 1S Teased: Dual Display Clamshell Redefined

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo is set to release the Flip 1S, a new handheld Windows gaming device.
    2. The company is focusing on updating the Flip DS model, not replacing both the Flip DS and Flip KB.
    3. The Flip 1S DS will feature a ‘CNC full metal A-side’ for a premium design upgrade.
    4. Specific details about the Flip 1S are limited, but it is expected to provide a better experience than previous models.
    5. The Flip 1S DS may have a higher price tag compared to earlier Flip series devices, which started at $699.


    Ayaneo has recently revealed exciting information about the Flip 1S, which looks like it will be the next handheld device for Windows gaming from the company. Recently, Ayaneo has been concentrating on its Android gaming handhelds, releasing devices such as the Pocket Ace, Pocket Micro Classic, and Pocket S2. Alongside these, they launched the Ayaneo 3, featuring the optional AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a chip that is also used in competing gaming handhelds such as the OneXFly F1 Pro (currently priced at $1,439.95 on Amazon).

    New Developments in the Flip Line

    Just last week, Ayaneo hinted that the Flip 1S is on its way, presenting a revamped version of the model they reviewed the previous year. At first, it wasn’t clear if Ayaneo intended to replace both the Flip DS and Flip KB or just one of them. However, the company has indicated that only the Flip DS is being updated, as they have not mentioned a new KB model in their recent teasers.

    Features of the Flip 1S

    Instead, Ayaneo has indicated that they are developing the Flip 1S DS, where ‘DS’ stands for ‘dual screen’. Although specific details are limited at this time, the company has shared that the device will feature a ‘CNC full metal A-side’, a noticeable upgrade from the all-plastic design of the Flip DS and Flip KB. The wording in the teasers below suggests that the Flip 1S DS will offer a more premium experience than earlier models. Consequently, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Flip 1S DS comes with a higher price tag compared to the Flip series, which was priced starting at $699 on Indiegogo last year.

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  • Razer Blade 16 Launches with New GPU Options Available Now

    Razer Blade 16 Launches with New GPU Options Available Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. Razer Blade 16 now offers budget-friendly GPU options: RTX 5070 and RTX 5060.
    2. Starting price for the new configurations is $2,399, featuring a Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and 16 GB RAM.
    3. RTX 5060 specs include 8 GB of VRAM and a Total Graphics Power of 115 Watts.
    4. The top-tier Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU is only available with the RTX 5090, priced at $4,499.
    5. Other specs remain unchanged, including a 16-inch QHD+ OLED display and various connectivity options.


    Originally unveiled at CES 2025, the Razer Blade 16 was initially available only with the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090. However, these graphics cards came with high price points that were often not justifiable, as the performance improvements were not always proportional to the costs. Razer has now introduced more budget-friendly GPU choices for its 16-inch gaming laptop.

    New GPU Options

    You can now equip the Razer Blade 16 with either an RTX 5070 or RTX 5060. These can be combined with a Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, 16 GB of LPDDR5x-8000 (soldered) RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, starting at a price of $2,399. The RTX 5060 features 8 GB of VRAM and a Total Graphics Power (TGP) of 115 Watts (100 base plus 15 boost). Unfortunately, if you want the top-of-the-line Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, it can only be paired with an RTX 5090, which will cost you $4,499.

    Consistent Specs

    The other specifications of the laptop have not changed, including a 16-inch QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) 240 Hz OLED display, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two Thunderbolt ports, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a micro SD card reader, a 1080p Windows Hello webcam, and a 90 Wh battery that can charge at up to 200 Watts.

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  • Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box eGPU: Water-Cooled & Thunderbolt 5

    Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box eGPU: Water-Cooled & Thunderbolt 5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Thunderbolt 5 is expected to become mainstream in 2025, with products like the Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box enhancing laptop performance.
    2. The Aorus RTX 5090 offers a bandwidth of 80Gbit/s, delivering gaming performance that is three times greater than its predecessor with Thunderbolt 3.
    3. The graphics card features water cooling for improved performance, but this makes GPU swaps more complicated.
    4. The eGPU enclosure includes an extra Thunderbolt 5 port, allowing connections to monitors, docking stations, and other peripherals, as well as charging capabilities via USB-C Power Delivery 3.0.
    5. Gigabyte has not announced the pricing or release date for the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box.


    2025 is looking like the year when Thunderbolt 5 will finally hit the mainstream market. Following laptops such as the Alienware Area-51 and a range of docking stations, Gigabyte has stepped up with an external graphics card that connects to laptops using Thunderbolt 5. This connection offers a bandwidth of 80Gbit/s, allowing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 to perform at just 14% lower than what you’d expect with PCIe 5.0 x16.

    Boosted Gaming Performance

    When we compare it to its predecessor, which was based on the GeForce RTX 4090 and utilized Thunderbolt 3, the gaming performance is anticipated to be three times greater under optimal conditions. It’s worth noting that Gigabyte likely implemented DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation to achieve such an impressive performance enhancement. The graphics card housed in the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box features water cooling to optimize performance, but this also complicates the process of swapping out the GPU once it’s been purchased.

    Connectivity and Features

    Gigabyte’s latest eGPU enclosure is equipped with an additional Thunderbolt 5 port, which can be utilized to connect a monitor, docking station, high-speed Thunderbolt SSD, or other peripherals. The laptops connected through this enclosure can be charged using USB-C Power Delivery 3.0. Additionally, the RTX 5090 eGPU contains two USB-A ports, another USB-C port, an Ethernet connection, and a total of four monitor ports, which includes three DisplayPort 2.1b and one HDMI 2.1b.

    Gigabyte has not yet revealed any information regarding the pricing or the official release date for the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box.

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  • Powkiddy V90S: Pre-orders Now Open Under $40 for Retro Handheld

    Powkiddy V90S: Pre-orders Now Open Under $40 for Retro Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Powkiddy V90S features a 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, an upgrade from the original V90’s 3-inch display (320 x 240 pixels).
    2. The V90S has a larger 3,000 mAh battery, compared to the 1,040 mAh battery in the V90, enhancing battery life.
    3. It includes 1 GB of LPDDR3 RAM but lacks built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; users must use USB adapters for wireless connectivity.
    4. The device has two microSD card slots and a new ‘double hinge’ design for improved usability.
    5. The V90S measures 89 x 85 x 26 mm and is priced at $44.99, or $39.99 with a promotional code, making it more affordable than the Anbernic RG35XX SP at $78.99.


    Anbernic has recently launched the RG34XX SP. In response, Powkiddy has made a comeback with the V90S, nearly five years after the original V90 was released. With such a long time between these devices, it’s no surprise that Powkiddy has made several improvements throughout.

    Display and Battery Upgrades

    For instance, the previous 3-inch display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels has been upgraded to a larger panel of 3.5 inches and a better resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Additionally, the Powkiddy V90S now features a 3,000 mAh battery (5V/2A), a significant increase from the 1,040 mAh battery found in the V90. On another note, Powkiddy has replaced the older Allwinner F1C100S chip with the newer A133P, which is already seen in the Powkiddy V20.

    Memory and Connectivity

    The V90S comes with 1 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, matching the V20; however, it does not include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi features. Powkiddy recommends users to utilize USB adapters like RTL8723BU, 8812AU, or 8821CU to gain Wi-Fi access for this new handheld device. Moreover, the V90S is equipped with two microSD card slots, a small vibration motor, and what Powkiddy calls a ‘double hinge’ design.

    Dimensions and Pricing Details

    As a point of reference, the V90S measures 89 x 85 x 26 mm, making it nearly the same size as the Anbernic RG35XX SP, which is currently priced at $78.99 on Amazon. The V90S can be ordered worldwide for $44.99, or just $39.99 if you use the code V90SGOOD. For further information, make sure to check out Powkiddy’s official website.

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  • New Tomb Raider Game Development in Final Stages, Job Posting Reveals

    New Tomb Raider Game Development in Final Stages, Job Posting Reveals

    Key Takeaways

    1. Recent remastered editions of the first six Tomb Raider games have been released, but the last main entry, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, came out in 2018.
    2. Crystal Dynamics announced a new Tomb Raider project in 2022, with little information since then, but signs suggest it may be nearing completion.
    3. A job listing for a Senior Level Designer indicates focus on puzzle design for a new Tomb Raider title, hinting at development progress.
    4. Strike teams, which handle late-stage development issues, are being formed, suggesting the game is in its final development phases.
    5. Rumors suggest the new Tomb Raider could be unveiled in 2026, coinciding with the franchise’s 30th anniversary, with a possible reveal at the Summer Game Fest.


    Recent remastered editions of Tomb Raider have brought back the first six games for players. However, the latest main entry, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, was released back in 2018. In 2022, Crystal Dynamics announced a new project, but there have only been whispers about its development since then. Yet, despite the lack of updates, it seems the new Tomb Raider installment might be nearing completion more quickly than expected. A new job listing has surfaced that refers to a strike team, which typically deals with issues that arise during the later stages of development.

    Job Posting Insights

    A user on Reddit found the job ad and shared thoughts on its meaning within the Tomb Raider community. Crystal Dynamics is looking for a Senior Level Designer to lead these strike teams. The job listing highlights “puzzle design, ideally with third-person action-adventure games.” Given what the developers are currently working on, this suggests that the focus is indeed on a new Tomb Raider title.

    Development Cycle Dynamics

    Strike teams usually come into action in the final six months or sometimes even earlier before a game is launched. They tend to tackle technical challenges that other teams might be facing. Tasks involve fixing bugs or enhancing the performance of game engines. The efficiency of these teams can significantly influence the timeline for a game’s release.

    Crystal Dynamics hasn’t shared much information about its upcoming Tomb Raider game. However, it’s known that it will utilize Unreal Engine 5 and will be published by Amazon Games. Some rumors suggest that this game will continue the story of Lara Croft in an open-world environment, featuring motorcycles as a mode of transport.

    Anticipation for Release

    There are rumors floating around that the next Tomb Raider could be unveiled in 2026, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the franchise. Notable leaker NateTheHate2 hinted that the game might be revealed during the June 6th Summer Game Fest. The call for a strike team only heightens the excitement and impatience among fans for official announcements regarding the game.

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  • MSI Claw A8 vs Asus ROG Ally 2: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Power

    MSI Claw A8 vs Asus ROG Ally 2: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Power

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI has launched the Claw A8 BZ2EM, its first AMD Ryzen-powered gaming handheld, at Computex 2025.
    2. The Claw A8 BZ2EM features AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, making it one of the first devices with this technology.
    3. The design of the Claw A8 has been updated to resemble the Asus ROG Ally.
    4. The Claw A8 BZ2EM will be available in two color choices.
    5. No pricing or availability details have been announced yet for the Claw A8 BZ2EM.


    Only a few days after MSI brought back the Polar Tempest Edition of the Claw 8 AI+, which followed the original Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ (currently priced at $949 on Amazon), the company has now introduced its first AMD Ryzen-powered variant during its Computex 2025 event.

    Background on the Launch

    Since January, there have been whispers about this development. Recent clues indicated that MSI was gearing up to release a new 7-inch model after its Intel Lunar Lake offerings. However, instead of that, MSI revealed the Claw A8 BZ2EM, showcased alongside the Polar Tempest Edition.

    New Features of the Claw A8 BZ2EM

    The Claw A8 BZ2EM is expected to be available in two color choices and is among the initial gaming handhelds to feature AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, following Lenovo’s Legion Go 2 prototype introduced at CES 2025 in January. MSI has also updated the design of the Claw A8, giving it a resemblance to the Asus ROG Ally more than its previous iterations.

    Despite this, MSI has outpaced Asus in launching a device powered by the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Though there are no specifics yet about pricing or when it will be available, additional details on the Claw A8 BZ2EM’s specifications can be found in the table below.

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  • Steam Sale: Top 2 Beloved Platformers at 90% Off

    Steam Sale: Top 2 Beloved Platformers at 90% Off

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Limbo and Inside are indie platformers developed by Playdead, featuring simple controls, immersive soundscapes, and unique storytelling through visuals and ambiance.

    2. Gameplay Mechanics: Both games involve navigating through challenging environments, solving physics-based puzzles, and avoiding dangers, with an emphasis on experimentation and learning from failure.

    3. Critical Reception: Limbo received an average rating of 92% on Steam and a Metascore of 88, while Inside boasts a 97% positive rating and a Metascore of 87, showcasing their acclaim among players and critics.

    4. Current Discounts: Both games are currently available at a 90% discount, with Limbo priced at $1 and Inside at $2, offering an excellent opportunity for new players to experience them.

    5. Themes and Atmosphere: Limbo explores themes of loss in a shadowy world, while Inside delves into dystopian elements, both creating gripping atmospheres that leave players with lingering questions and experiences.


    Limbo and Inside, which are two highly praised indie platformers from recent years, are now being offered at a significant discount. These games were created and released by the Danish studio Playdead, with Limbo launching in July 2010 and Inside following in June 2016. Both games are known for their simple controls and immersive soundscapes. You can check out both games below.

    A Journey Through Shadows

    In Limbo, players take on the role of a nameless boy who goes on a strange adventure in a shadowy world, searching for his lost sister. The narrative is revealed solely through visuals, ambiance, and subtle clues, without any spoken dialogue. The gameplay mixes precise jumping and running with smart physics puzzles. The boy can run, leap, scale surfaces, and interact with objects to dodge deadly traps, menacing creatures, and other dangers. Experimentation is key: deaths can be abrupt and harsh, but they never result in permanent loss.

    Reviews and Reception

    German gaming magazine GameStar gave Limbo a score of 81 out of 100 in their review. They commended its rich atmosphere, cleverly designed physics puzzles, varied level layouts, and hints of dark humor. However, they also pointed out that the brief gameplay duration and intentionally ambiguous story might not suit everyone – although that vagueness contributes to the game’s appeal. On Steam, Limbo has about 36,000 reviews, with an impressive average rating of 92%. It holds a Metascore of 88 and a User Score of 8.0 on Metacritic. Typically priced at $10, it’s currently on Steam for about $1 until May 23, thanks to a 90% discount. SteamDB indicates this price has been seen before.

    Inside’s Dystopian Adventure

    Similar to Limbo, Inside lets players control a silent boy in a grim 2.5D environment – this time set in a dystopian world that leaves many questions unanswered. The gameplay enhances the minimalist platforming and environmental puzzles from Limbo while adding new mechanics like mind control, underwater segments, and an increasingly intense atmosphere fostered by well-designed scripted moments.

    Critical Acclaim for Inside

    Inside also received high praise from GameStar, earning 86 out of 100 points in their review. The magazine emphasized its gripping atmosphere and well-paced gameplay, especially applauding the mysterious ending. Some critiques were directed at the short length and occasional repetitiveness of the puzzle mechanics. On Steam, the game has over 61,000 reviews, boasting an impressive 97% positive rating. It has a Metascore of 87 and a User Score of 8.5 on Metacritic. Typically listed at around $20, Inside is currently just $2 with a 90% discount until May 23. SteamDB notes that while this discount level is not unusual, it has never been priced lower.

    Important Note

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not liable for any price changes made by retailers. The discounted prices or deals mentioned were accurate at the time of writing and may have time limits or limited availability.

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  • Nvidia Launches RTX 5060 for $300 Amid Testing Driver Concerns

    Nvidia Launches RTX 5060 for $300 Amid Testing Driver Concerns

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia is launching the RTX 5060 Blackwell GPU for entry-level desktops and laptops, featuring the same GB206 GPU as the RTX 5060 Ti but with fewer CUDA cores and 8 GB of GDDR7 VRAM.

    2. The desktop version has 3,840 CUDA cores and a boost clock of 2,497 MHz, priced starting at $299, while the laptop version has 3,328 CUDA cores and a maximum boost of 1,455 MHz, with configurations ranging from 45 W to 100 W TGP.

    3. The RTX 5060 can deliver over 100 fps at 1080p max settings, particularly with DLSS 4 and multi-frame generation in modern AAA games.

    4. Eight new laptops featuring the RTX 5060 Laptop GPU are introduced, starting at $1,099, including models from brands like Acer, Asus, and Alienware.

    5. Many media outlets couldn’t provide day 0 reviews of the RTX 5060 desktop GPU due to Nvidia’s decision to release press drivers simultaneously with the public, causing frustration among reviewers.


    At Computex 2025, Nvidia is set to launch the RTX 5060 Blackwell GPU aimed at entry-level desktops and laptops. Both the desktop and laptop versions of the RTX 5060 utilize the same GB206 GPU found in the RTX 5060 Ti, though they feature fewer CUDA cores and come equipped with 8 GB of 128-bit GDDR7 VRAM.

    Desktop Specifications

    The desktop version of the RTX 5060 boasts 3,840 CUDA cores, 120 texture mapping units (TMUs), 120 tensor cores, 48 raster operations pipelines (ROPs), and 30 ray tracing (RT) cores. It has a default boost clock of 2,497 MHz and a memory clock of 1,750 MHz (28 Gbps effective). Nvidia’s add-in board partners will sell the RTX 5060 starting at a price of $299.

    Laptop Features

    In contrast, the RTX 5060 Laptop GPU has even lower specifications to meet the needs of notebooks. This version comes with 3,328 CUDA cores, 104 TMUs and tensor cores, 32 ROPs, and 26 RT cores. OEMs can configure the GPU with a total graphics power (TGP) ranging from 45 W to 100 W, with maximum boosts reaching up to 1,455 MHz.

    Nvidia claims that the RTX 5060 can achieve over 100 fps at 1080p max settings, especially when using DLSS 4 and multi-frame generation in numerous modern AAA games.

    New Laptop Designs

    Moreover, Nvidia has introduced eight new laptops featuring the RTX 5060 Laptop GPU, which includes models like the Acer Predator Triton 14 AI, Asus TUF Gaming A14, Alienware 16X Aurora, Gigabyte A16 Pro, HP Omen Transcend 14, Lenovo Legion 9i, MSI VenturePro A14 AI+, and Razer Blade 14. These laptops support Blackwell Max-Q and will start at a price of $1,099.

    Nvidia also compared the RTX 5060 Laptop’s performance against the RTX 4060 Laptop and the RTX 3060 Laptop. The results, however, seem exaggerated since they used a 100 W TGP variant and enabled multi-frame generation, a feature not available in older GPUs.

    Review Access Issues

    Regrettably, many media outlets, including ours, couldn’t provide day 0 reviews of the RTX 5060 desktop GPU because Nvidia decided not to supply press drivers under embargo, which is standard procedure. This means that reviewers will receive RTX 5060 drivers at the same time as the public, which is later today.

    Day 0 reviews are crucial for helping potential buyers make informed choices, so many reviewers expressed their frustration regarding Nvidia’s decision to not allow embargoed reviews for the RTX 5060. During a recent pre-brief call at Computex 2025, Nvidia explained that it wanted to ensure the best experience for users on the availability date but did not elaborate further.

    Some early review sites like GameStar Tech and Ascii.jp managed to get access but only under Nvidia’s strict conditions. These conditions included comparisons of the RTX 5060 solely with the RTX 3060 and the RTX 2060 Super, and limiting game performance reviews to only select titles like Avowed, Doom: The Dark Ages, Marvel Rivals, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy, with features like DLSS or FSR frame generation enabled.


  • New Sim Games Launching This Week on Xbox Game Pass

    New Sim Games Launching This Week on Xbox Game Pass

    Key Takeaways

    1. Realistic Firefighting Experience: Firefighting Simulator: The Squad emphasizes realistic firefighting tactics, including saving lives and preventing property loss through various missions.

    2. Teamwork-Oriented Gameplay: Players can collaborate with friends or AI to complete missions in Firefighting Simulator, utilizing teamwork to tackle challenges effectively.

    3. Dynamic Career System: Police Simulator: Patrol Officers features a non-linear career progression, allowing players to unlock new areas and advance by successfully completing patrols.

    4. Varied Patrol Responsibilities: Tasks in Police Simulator range from traffic management to crime scene investigations, requiring players to follow proper procedures to avoid penalties.

    5. Cooperative Mode: Both games offer cooperative gameplay, enhancing the experience by allowing players to team up for missions and share responsibilities.


    This week, publisher astragon Entertainment is introducing new excitement to the Xbox Game Pass collection with two unique simulation games. Here’s a brief overview of what gamers can look forward to:

    Firefighting Simulator: The Squad

    Firefighting Simulator: The Squad offers a realistic approach to firefighting, letting players lead a crew responsible for safeguarding a major American city from raging fires. It’s not merely about extinguishing flames; saving lives and preventing property loss are equally critical. While the game lacks a conventional narrative, it presents a variety of missions, including residential fires, dangerous car incidents, and large-scale industrial blazes. Each mission showcases dynamic fire behavior and realistic physics, creating an intense and immersive experience.

    Teamwork and Control

    In Firefighting Simulator: The Squad, gameplay revolves around collaboration—either online with up to four friends or solo with AI teammates. Working together is crucial as the team breaks down doors, rescues injured individuals, and combats fires as a unit. Players can select from various fire trucks, deploy hoses, use extinguishing foam, and give commands through a simple yet effective control scheme.

    Police Simulator: Patrol Officers

    Police Simulator: Patrol Officers transports players to the imaginary US city of Brighton, where they start their journey as newly minted officers. Rather than a fixed storyline, the game features a dynamic career system – players unlock new areas and advance through the ranks by completing successful patrols. Set against a lively urban backdrop with realistically simulated traffic and pedestrian behavior, the game offers an authentic and diverse police experience. From issuing parking tickets to tackling drug offenses, the game encapsulates the full range of patrol responsibilities, which is where it truly excels.

    Varied Patrol Duties

    Depending on the designated district, the tasks in Police Simulator: Patrol Officers vary greatly—ranging from giving parking tickets and documenting accidents to managing traffic, interrogating suspicious persons, and responding to emergency situations. Adhering to proper procedures is vital; excessive force or unwarranted penalties can result in point reductions or even suspension. In cooperative mode, players can join forces to secure crime scenes or perform controlled arrests, adding a realistic and engaging aspect to the overall experience.

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  • Hold Off on RTX 5060: Hardware Unboxed Critiques Nvidia’s Control

    Hold Off on RTX 5060: Hardware Unboxed Critiques Nvidia’s Control

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia faced backlash for controlling the coverage and comparisons of the RTX 5060, allowing limited access to select media outlets.
    2. Previews were restricted to comparing the RTX 5060 only with the RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 Super, using specific games and settings to showcase its performance.
    3. The performance metrics presented may be misleading, as the RTX 5060’s impressive FPS figures were achieved under conditions that older models do not support.
    4. Hardware Unboxed warned gamers against rushing to purchase the RTX 5060, highlighting the lack of diverse and independent reviews due to Nvidia’s control.
    5. Gamers are advised to wait for more comprehensive reviews or consider alternative GPUs like the RX 9070 or older Nvidia models for better value.


    Nvidia’s efforts to manage the coverage of the RTX 5060 have led to intense backlash online. The company allowed certain media outlets to access the GPU ahead of its launch for performance previews, but with strict limitations. Responding to what it considers manipulation of the story, Hardware Unboxed has openly criticized Nvidia’s approach and is urging gamers to hold off on purchasing the RTX 5060 at its release.

    Controlled Comparisons

    For example, GameStar Tech, a German publication, noted in its preview that Nvidia required the RTX 5060 to be compared solely with the RTX 3060 and the RTX 2060 Super. Additionally, Nvidia instructed the site to limit tests to just five games.

    Nvidia even went so far as to mandate that the previews only feature 1080p resolution, showcasing performance metrics that included DLSS, Ray tracing, Ray Reconstruction, and Multi Frame Generation 4X (MFG). By insisting on the inclusion of MFG 4X, Nvidia allowed the RTX 5060 to achieve impressive triple-digit FPS, unlike the older RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 Super that do not support this technology.

    Misleading Performance Metrics

    For instance, in Game Rant’s testing, the RTX 5060 achieved approximately 223 FPS in Doom: The Dark Ages using the specified graphics settings. In contrast, the RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 Super could only reach around 63 and 52 average FPS, respectively, as per GameStar’s findings.

    The mandated settings clearly make the RTX 5060 appear to be a significant advancement in performance. Gamers who might not be very knowledgeable about technology could be tempted to buy the RTX 5060 based on these impressive figures.

    Warning Against Hasty Purchases

    To caution gamers against making a hasty decision, Hardware Unboxed produced a 32-minute video exposé that discusses Nvidia’s previous attempts to influence and manage its coverage. In this video, HU questions the reliability of the RTX 5060 previews due to their strict control by Nvidia.

    It appears that Nvidia only provided review units of the RTX 5060 to those publications that agreed to publish the previews. This tactic seems to reward compliant sites while sidelining those that did not comply. HU was among the latter, as they managed to obtain the RTX 5060 weeks early but were unable to release their reviews on launch day due to Nvidia not supplying them with press drivers.

    For the typical gamer looking to get the best GPU for their budget, the pre-launch previews of the RTX 5060 could be quite misleading. The absence of reviews from respected sources like HU and Gamers Nexus suggests that Nvidia may not want consumers to make informed choices based on a variety of reputable reviews.

    Consider Other Options

    Thus, if you’re a gamer on a tight budget searching for the best value GPU, it’s advisable to wait for a range of RTX 5060 reviews to be released. If you can’t hold off, a wise alternative might be to consider the RX 9070 or older Nvidia models like the RTX 4060 Ti, if they’re available.

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