Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo May Lose $50 Per Switch 2 Sale with Rising Memory Costs

    Nintendo May Lose $50 Per Switch 2 Sale with Rising Memory Costs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sales of the Switch 2 have reached 17.4 million units, but rising memory costs could threaten Nintendo’s profits.
    2. Nintendo’s net income from April to December 2025 increased by 51.3% compared to the previous year, despite rising component costs impacting profit margins.
    3. Analysts predict that if DDR5 memory prices rise significantly, Nintendo could face losses of $35 to $50 per console sold by the end of 2026.
    4. Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, is considering price increases for the Switch 2 to counteract rising manufacturing costs but has not made any decisions yet.
    5. Investors are looking forward to upcoming game releases, with expectations for a Nintendo Direct event to showcase new titles, especially a new 3D Mario or Zelda game.

    Sales for the Switch 2 have been quite impressive, hitting a total of 17.4 million units recently. However, the increasing costs of memory could pose a threat to Nintendo’s strong earnings. One analyst estimates that if these prices stay the same, the company might face a loss of up to $50 for every console sold by the end of 2026.

    Financial Report Insights

    As highlighted by Nintendo Patents Watch, various Japanese outlets have reported on the most recent financial results. Nikkei Shimbun disclosed that the company’s net income from April to December 2025 has surged by 51.3% compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, the rising costs of components might soon reduce the profit margin on their new handheld device.

    Profitability Challenges

    Sources referenced in the article indicate that tariffs have already started to impact profits to a certain extent. With a lower price for the Switch 2 in Japan also contributing, the console is seen as “profitable by a deficit.” Despite this, an analyst from USB Securities believes the system currently maintains a gross profit margin of $23 for each unit sold. If the price of DDR5 memory continues to climb, that could change quickly.

    USB Securities predicts that the cost of the memory modules for the handheld will increase from $46 to $120. Should this happen before 2026 wraps up, it could lead to losses of $35 to $50 on every unit sold.

    Management’s Response

    Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, addressed worries related to the additional manufacturing costs. Increasing the price of the Switch 2 is one possible solution to mitigate these losses. Furukawa mentioned he is keeping a close eye on “sales trends and profitability,” yet “Nothing is being decided at the moment.”

    The executive implied that the company is prepared to accept a “temporary deficit.” He expressed hope that the shortage of memory supplies will improve sooner than anticipated, even though forecasts suggest it might persist until 2028. Hideki Yasuda from Toyo Securities also believes that long-term agreements with suppliers like SK Hynix will protect Nintendo in the upcoming fiscal period.

    Upcoming Game Releases

    Naturally, the Japanese gaming powerhouse does not solely rely on hardware for revenue. Worried investors are eagerly anticipating the next lineup of Switch 2 games. A rumored Nintendo Direct in early February is expected to highlight third-party games. However, only a new 3D Mario or Zelda title might silence the criticism regarding the current lack of standout exclusives.

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  • ARC Raiders Sales Exceed 15 Million Copies, Revenue Tops $500M

    ARC Raiders Sales Exceed 15 Million Copies, Revenue Tops $500M

    Key Takeaways

    1. ARC Raiders has sold over 15 million copies across all platforms since its launch.
    2. The game has generated over $500 million in total revenue.
    3. In January, ARC Raiders was the best-selling game on Steam, with 1.5 million copies sold.
    4. The game sold over 1.7 million copies on Xbox and PlayStation in January.
    5. ARC Raiders reached 10 million monthly active users in January, showing an 8% increase from December.

    ARC Raiders has made waves since its launch just a few months ago, becoming one of the most notable multiplayer success stories in recent times. The game quickly captured the attention of players, achieving impressive numbers on both PC and consoles. As of last month, ARC Raiders had sold 12 million copies, and that number seems to have risen even quicker than anticipated.

    Sales Milestone

    Recent insights from Alinea Analytics reveal that ARC Raiders has now exceeded 15 million copies sold across all gaming platforms. Additionally, the game has amassed over $500 million in total revenue to date. This positions it as one of the most triumphant multiplayer launches in recent history, especially given its brief time available on the market.

    Performance Highlights

    January proved to be a significant month for the game, as it sold about 1.5 million copies on Steam alone. This achievement translated to close to $50 million in revenue, making it the best-selling game on Steam for that month. The game’s performance on consoles was also robust, with over 1.7 million copies sold on Xbox and PlayStation during the same timeframe. These impressive sales have helped push the lifetime total past the 15 million mark.

    User Engagement Growth

    Alinea Analytics noted that ARC Raiders reached 10 million monthly active users in January, which is an 8 percent increase from December. This growth occurred despite the typical slowdown that follows the holiday season. Currently, the game shows no signs of slowing down, and it likely won’t be too long before it achieves the milestone of 20 million copies sold.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Sells 17.37M in 7 Months; Top Games Revealed

    Nintendo Switch 2 Sells 17.37M in 7 Months; Top Games Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo Switch 2 has sold 17.37 million units since its June launch.
    2. Nintendo increased its sales forecast by 25%, expecting 19 million total units sold by March 31.
    3. Nintendo’s revenue rose by 99.3% to ¥1.9 trillion (around US$12.2 billion) in the first three quarters.
    4. The original Switch sold 3.25 million units, a 66% decline from the previous year.
    5. Top-selling games include Mario Kart World with 14.03 million copies and Pokémon Legends: Z-A with 12.3 million copies sold.

    Nintendo has recently shared its financial results for the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, which spans from April 1 to December 31, 2025. The report highlights a significant achievement: the Nintendo Switch 2 (approximately $449 on Amazon) has seen remarkable success, selling 17.37 million units since its launch in June until the end of December.

    Increased Sales Forecast

    Due to this success, Nintendo has increased its sales expectations by 25%, now anticipating a total of 19 million units sold by the end of the fiscal year on March 31. The strong sales of the hybrid console have contributed to a staggering 99.3% increase in Nintendo’s revenue, reaching ¥1.9 trillion (around US$12.2 billion) in the first three quarters. Additionally, profits have surged by 51.3%, amounting to ¥358.8 billion (approximately US$2.3 billion).

    Original Switch Performance

    Even though it’s an older generation console, the original Switch still managed to sell 3.25 million units, which marks a 66% decline compared to the same period last year. Overall, Nintendo sold 146.9 million games during this timeframe, with 37.93 million of those being specifically optimized for the new Switch 2.

    Top-Selling Titles

    Mario Kart World was the top-selling game, with 14.03 million copies sold, closely followed by Pokémon Legends: Z-A at 12.3 million. Both games likely gained from being included in official console bundles. Interestingly, despite having some technical challenges (which are discussed in the Digital Foundry video linked below), the original Switch version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A accounted for 8.41 million units of its total sales.

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  • 31 Steps to Complete GTA: San Andreas in Under 60 Minutes

    31 Steps to Complete GTA: San Andreas in Under 60 Minutes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Speedrunning requires significant dedication to find glitches and game mechanics for faster completion times.
    2. A new speedrun strategy for GTA: San Andreas involves a complex 31-step process using two simultaneous storylines.
    3. The exploit takes advantage of game confusion by manipulating negative money values and skipping cutscenes.
    4. The fastest recorded run using this new method is 53 minutes and 46 seconds by speedrunner creezyful.
    5. This innovative method works on the original PC version without external tools, unlike previous strategies requiring an FPS limiter.

    Speedrunning is a unique art form all on its own. Committed gamers invest immense time and effort to find glitches and hidden game mechanics to finish games in the shortest time possible. Usually, there comes a moment when all the significant shortcuts are found, and any further enhancements are merely about cutting milliseconds. It seemed like GTA: San Andreas had hit that point – until a fresh strategy appeared on Reddit, completely reshaping the speedrunning community.

    A New Approach

    This novel speedrun tactic doesn’t hinge on one glitch but instead involves a complicated series of 31 steps. The initial phases are fairly easy to grasp, but things progress rapidly. In this method, two versions of the main storyline operate simultaneously, with two CJs receiving the same inputs. At this juncture, the game loses sight of which mission is currently active – and that confusion is where the exploit thrives. By manipulating negative money values, skipping cutscenes, and keeping menus open, runners can gradually influence the game’s coding until it leaps straight to the final mission. However, this setup is quite delicate – just one incorrect input can ruin the entire run.

    Record-Breaking Performance

    The quickest run utilizing the new technique thus far was executed by speedrunner creezyful, who finished the final mission of GTA: San Andreas in a remarkable 53 minutes and 46 seconds. Prior to this discovery, the AJS method, which stands for Arbitrary Jump in Script, was seen as the go-to strategy for setting records. While sub-50-minute runs were feasible using AJS, they required an external FPS limiter, placing them in a different category altogether. The innovative method, however, functions on the original PC version without any outside tools – and the community believes it can be improved even more.

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  • Subnautica: Below Zero Launches on Android and iOS with Discount

    Subnautica: Below Zero Launches on Android and iOS with Discount

    Key Takeaways

    1. Subnautica: Below Zero launches on Android and iOS on March 10, 2026, marking its first availability on mobile devices.
    2. The mobile versions feature a new interface for touch controls and MFi support for mobile game controllers.
    3. Save data will be stored locally and synced to the cloud, allowing seamless progress across different devices.
    4. The game is priced at $10, with a 10% preorder discount available.
    5. Subnautica: Below Zero offers an open-world exploration experience with base building and crafting mechanics, and has a 91% rating on OpenCritic for PC and console versions.

    Following the debut of its prequel on mobile devices last year, Subnautica: Below Zero will be launching on Android and iOS on 10 March 2026. This marks the first time the game will be available on smartphones and tablets. The mobile versions come with various modifications, including a new interface tailored for touch controls. However, the developer has also confirmed that MFi support will be available, allowing players to opt for mobile game controllers. Save data will be stored locally and synced to the cloud, enabling players to access their progress on different devices without needing to transfer game saves by hand. For instance, they can begin their journey on a tablet at home and seamlessly continue on their smartphone while on the go. The game is also said to have optimizations specifically for the iPhone 15 series.

    Open-World Exploration

    Subnautica: Below Zero is an open-world survival adventure set on the frigid planet 4546B. Players can not only progress the main storyline but also unleash their creativity through activities like base building. The game has a comprehensive crafting system that necessitates players to gather a wide range of materials. Subnautica: Below Zero will be sold on iOS and Android for a reasonable price of $10. Additionally, those who choose to preorder the game can enjoy a 10% discount. Generally, completing the game takes around 20 to 30 hours, and it has received a 91% rating on OpenCritic based on critic reviews, although this score is reflective of the current PC and console versions.

    Pricing and Discounts

    Playdigious is the developer behind this exciting mobile adaptation. The game not only offers an expansive world to explore but also allows players to engage in various creative activities. With the preorder discount and reasonable pricing, it presents a great opportunity for fans of the franchise to dive back into the underwater adventure. The mobile version aims to provide a similar experience to the PC and console editions, complete with the engaging mechanics and beautiful visuals that players have come to love.

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  • Pocket Max: Mangmi Announces $199 Gaming Handheld Release Details

    Pocket Max: Mangmi Announces $199 Gaming Handheld Release Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date and Pricing: The Pocket Max will launch on February 6 at 02:00 UTC, starting at $199.99, with a price increase to $239.99 on February 12.

    2. Enhanced Performance: The device features a Snapdragon 865 processor, making it more than twice as powerful as the Air X.

    3. Larger Battery: The Pocket Max has a 60% larger battery with an 8,000 mAh capacity compared to the Air X.

    4. High-Quality Display: It includes a 7-inch OLED screen with 1080p resolution, 144 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 800 nits.

    5. Competitive Positioning: The Pocket Max competes with premium Android gaming handhelds like the Ayaneo Pocket Evo and Ayn Odin2 Portal.

    Mangmi has finally shared the launch date and pricing for its much-anticipated Pocket Max handheld. First hinted at nearly two months ago, the Pocket Max aims to outperform the current Air X in various aspects.

    Powerful Specifications

    For example, the Pocket Max replaces the Snapdragon 662 used in the Air X with a Snapdragon 865. Our tests indicate that the Snapdragon 865 could make the Pocket Max more than twice as powerful compared to the Air X. Furthermore, the Pocket Max boasts a battery that is 60% larger than the Air X, promising an impressive 8,000 mAh typical capacity right out of the box.

    Impressive Display

    In addition, the Pocket Max comes equipped with a 7-inch OLED screen that offers a 1080p resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, along with a 144 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 800 nits. This places the Pocket Max in direct competition with other premium Android gaming handhelds, such as the Ayaneo Pocket Evo and the Ayn Odin2 Portal (currently priced at $459 on Amazon).

    Affordable Launch Price

    Nonetheless, the Pocket Max will be available starting at just $199.99. This price includes 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, and the device will officially go on sale at 02:00 UTC on February 6. It’s important to note that prices will increase to $239.99 on February 12. For more information, please visit Mangmi’s website.

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  • Anbernic Launches 2 New PS Vita-Inspired Handhelds: RG Vita

    Anbernic Launches 2 New PS Vita-Inspired Handhelds: RG Vita

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has not announced a release date for the RG G01 wireless controller, which is a more expensive option than the current RG P01.
    2. The company is hinting at two new gaming handhelds for 2026: the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro, inspired by Sony’s PlayStation Vita.
    3. The RG Vita and RG Vita Pro feature smooth shapes, glass fronts, and a similar button arrangement to the PS Vita.
    4. Both new handhelds from Anbernic will have 5,000 mAh batteries, similar to the Ayn Odin2 Mini.
    5. The RG Vita and RG Vita Pro will replace the TPU anti-slap mats of the Odin2 Mini with two rear buttons, but their technical specifications are currently unknown.

    Anbernic has yet to launch its RG G01 wireless controller. Actually, the company hasn’t provided any hints about when it might add a pricier option to the current RG P01 (currently priced at $24.98 on Amazon). However, they have started to hint at two exciting new gaming handhelds.

    New Handhelds on the Horizon

    The first devices from Anbernic for 2026, the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro, clearly take inspiration from Sony’s PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). The names alone show that the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro embrace the aesthetic of the PS Vita, featuring smooth shapes and completely glass fronts. Additionally, these models mimic the button arrangement of the PS Vita, along with its flat rear panel.

    Similarities with Ayn Odin2 Mini

    In this way, the RG Vita and RG Vita Pro look quite similar to the Ayn Odin2 Mini. Both of Anbernic’s new handhelds come equipped with 5,000 mAh batteries, matching what Ayn offers. Nevertheless, it appears that Anbernic has replaced the TPU anti-slap mats found on the Odin2 Mini with two rear buttons. The technical specifications for the Anbernic RG Vita and RG Vita Pro are still a mystery at this time. More pictures of these Android gaming handhelds are available below.

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  • New Sci-Fi Extraction Shooter COR3 Set on Mars Unveiled by Tarkov Creator

    New Sci-Fi Extraction Shooter COR3 Set on Mars Unveiled by Tarkov Creator

    Key Takeaways

    1. Escape from Tarkov is a team-based extraction shooter that features PVPVE gameplay, allowing players to collect valuable loot from raids.
    2. Players can find various items, including weapons and gear, and must extract through specific points after gathering sufficient loot.
    3. Battlestate Games announced a new game called COR3, a sci-fi shooter set on Mars, featuring a post-apocalyptic environment.
    4. The teaser trailer for COR3 hints at a rich backstory involving humanity’s survival after a catastrophic event and the role of an organization called the Core.
    5. Future updates for Escape from Tarkov will include new maps, mechanics like shooting locks off doors, and a collaboration with the creators of the parody game Escape from Duckov.

    Escape from Tarkov is a team-based extraction first-person shooter made by Battlestate Games. In this game, players participate in raids, engaging in PVPVE (player versus player versus environment) battles aimed at collecting valuable items from the raid location, which is set against a backdrop of conflict among various factions.

    Looting and Extraction

    Raiders can discover an assortment of goods, such as guns, protective gear, food, water, and other treasures, by exploring the map or taking them from other players.

    When players have accumulated sufficient loot, they can leave the raid through specific extraction points. Escape from Tarkov had its full launch in 2025 and is now available on the Steam store, where it holds a Mixed rating with more than 20,000 favorable reviews.

    New Game Announcement

    On February 1st, Nikita Buyanov, the original creator of Tarkov and studio head at Battlestate, excited fans with a teaser for their upcoming game, COR3. This futuristic sci-fi shooter is set on Mars, and the trailer features a solitary survivor navigating through the remnants of a small city. The camera pulls back to reveal several of these ruined towns linked by a destroyed highway, and it then gives viewers a view of the red planet, which seems to be healing from a catastrophic event.

    The planet is encircled by a massive space station and numerous satellites. As the camera continues to zoom out, it showcases a debris field surrounding Mars, resembling the aftermath of a colossal space conflict. The trailer wraps up with a shot of a deceased cosmonaut in a space suit, clutching a gun and a cheeky message directed at whoever, or whatever, caused his demise.

    Community Reactions

    At this point, we’ve only seen a brief teaser trailer that doesn’t reveal much in terms of gameplay, but fans who enjoy extraction shooters will likely find the game’s environment familiar, and speculation has already started among the community.

    The game’s website provides additional context about its storyline, detailing that 200 years ago during Humanity’s last fight, they managed to survive a complete mutual annihilation. Rescued by an organization known as the Core, they gathered the remnants of humanity to “turn back the tide of destruction” by bringing together the world’s governments.

    Interestingly, the announcement of the new game coincided with Battlestate Games revealing their plans for the future of Escape from Tarkov. This includes new maps, new mechanics like shooting locks off doors, and a collaboration with the developers of the Tarkov parody game, Escape from Duckov.

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  • FS10 Series Cockpit Panel: Ideal for Flight Simulator Fans

    FS10 Series Cockpit Panel: Ideal for Flight Simulator Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new device is a hardware module for flight simulators that emulates a cockpit instrument panel with dual HD screens.
    2. It features customizable magnetic front panels for various aircraft layouts and a mount for the Elgato Stream Deck Mini.
    3. The project has a DIY aspect, stemming from a 3D printing background, and may face challenges in mass production.
    4. Early supporters can back the project for about $330, with shipping expected in June 2026, but delivery is not guaranteed.
    5. Caution is advised when investing in crowdfunding projects, as specifications and delivery may change.

    Kickstarter serves as a well-known platform for supporting new projects. This also leads to unique products appearing on the site from time to time, like a robot vacuum that can be controlled by a gamepad or a smartwatch equipped with headphones. Recently, a developer from France is seeking funds for their new creation: a hardware module intended for flight simulators that aims to emulate a cockpit instrument panel directly on your desk.

    Device Features

    This gadget features two built-in 11.6-inch HD screens (LCD, 1920 x 1080) that display flight instruments such as the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi Function Display (MFD). The developer highlights the magnetic front panels, which can replicate the layouts of various aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. Additionally, it includes a mount for the Elgato Stream Deck Mini. This aspect sets it apart from well-known competitors like Saitek/Logitech, which typically have rigid designs, lower resolution displays, and offer limited customization for different aircraft models.

    DIY Nature

    However, the FS10 Series appears to resemble a DIY project. The creator hails from the 3D printing community, and moving to mass production (like injection molding) can often be challenging. Another downside is that what’s being offered is basically just monitors in a visually appealing frame, lacking any rotary knobs or switches.

    Early supporters can secure a C-Panel through a super early bird deal for about $330, plus shipping and possible import fees, depending on where the buyer is located. The anticipated shipping date is set for June 2026. As with typical Kickstarter projects, it’s wise to exercise caution before making an investment. Since this is a crowdfunding initiative, backers aren’t officially purchasing the product, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. Finally, the technical specifications of the final item might vary from what is currently shown.

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  • Sony Patent Suggests Generative AI for Custom PS5 Gaming Podcasts

    Sony Patent Suggests Generative AI for Custom PS5 Gaming Podcasts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is enhancing gaming with generative AI tools like Gaming Copilot for real-time assistance.
    2. Sony’s new patent outlines AI-generated personalized podcasts featuring video game characters for player updates and tips.
    3. The podcasts will use animated characters and LLMs to create engaging voice-overs, extending beyond PlayStation to other platforms.
    4. There are concerns about privacy as the AI may analyze player profiles and friend activities for content recommendations.
    5. Legal complexities arise regarding the use of video game characters and voices in the podcasts, especially for non-owned intellectual properties.

    Microsoft is making strides with generative AI tools like Gaming Copilot to provide real-time gameplay assistance. Other companies are also looking into this technology to keep gamers engaged with their titles and equipment. A recent patent from Sony, discovered by Tech4Gamers, outlines a method for creating personalized podcasts using AI. These podcasts could feature beloved video game characters delivering news and tips.

    Patent Details

    The patent, titled “LLM-Based Generative Podcasts for Gamers,” is set to be published on January 22, 2026. When gamers encounter difficulties, a console or gaming device could come to the rescue with on-the-spot advice. Additionally, players might receive updates about their favorite PS5 games without needing to search through other devices.

    Interactive Experience

    Instead of relying on plain text or monotone voices, these podcasts would showcase animated characters. Many of these figures would be drawn from well-known games. Large language models (LLMs) will generate funny voice-overs based on previously recorded dialogue.

    Sony aims to target gaming consoles with this technology, but it isn’t limited to just their PlayStation systems. The patent also mentions Microsoft and Nintendo, as well as VR headsets, smart TVs, PCs, and smartphones.

    Addressing Gamer Needs

    As the company notes, “video game platforms currently lack the ability to provide unique and targeted content to gamers to update the gamers about things that are happening on the platform.” Gamers often turn to platforms like YouTube or social media for information, but they rarely use console applications for this purpose.

    While the idea could save time and entertain players, it does bring up some worries. The generative AI tool would look at a player’s profile to identify which new or existing games might catch their interest. It would also consider the activities of the player’s friends, which could lead to privacy concerns even if there are opt-in options.

    Legal Considerations

    It remains uncertain what permissions would be necessary to use characters and their voices in the podcasts. This is particularly complicated for intellectual properties that are not owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

    Despite these challenges, the company intends to take advantage of the growing AI trend. Another recently discovered Sony patent suggests adding ghost characters during gameplay to assist players who are having a tough time.

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