Latest News - Page 1551

Xbox management hints Bethesda's future games might stay exclusive to the Xbox platform (PC, Xbox consoles) and skip PlayStation.

Microsoft just bought Bethesda parent company ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion, roughly 3x what it paid for Minecraft, aka the best-selling video game of all time. It's only natural for Microsoft to want to recoup that cost over time. The main reason Microsoft bought Bethesda was to secure long-term content for its digital service-driven ecosystem. This model hinges on a certain level of exclusivity that offers options up to a point: You're free to play Xbox games on Xbox consoles, PCs, and mobiles...just not on competing hardware like the PS5 where Game Pass isn't available.

This level of exclusion boosts the value of the Xbox ecosystem and makes Game Pass more attractive. This is by design. Now Xbox's Phil Spencer asserts that Microsoft doesn't actually need to bring Bethesda games to PS5 or other platforms to "make the deal work for us."

The new $199 Analogue Duo aims to preserve the early days of CD-ROM and HuCards with a custom universal console that reads all NEC games.

The Analogue Duo is the optimum all-in-one system for old-school NEC console games. The Duo supports nearly every NEC game across all systems, including TurboGrafx 16, SuperGrafx CD, PC Engine, PC Engine CD, and Super Arcade titles. The Duo plays games on all media including HuCards, TurboChips and of course CDs.

The big upside is that the games aren't just preserved and playable, but upgraded to 1080p over HDMI. The Duo also supports built-in Bluetooth so you can connect wireless 8BitDo controllers, but also sports a single wired controller port for authentic legacy peripherals. There's also 2x USB ports for other devices too.

After years of development, planning, and optimizations for next-gen consoles, Ubisoft's new Viking-themed Assassin's Creed is now finished and ready to ship.

Today Ubisoft announced Assassin's Creed Valhalla has gone gold. The devs have put the finishing touches on the massive, conquest-driven action RPG and the game is now ready to meet its November 10 release on all platforms including PS5 and Series X. Valhalla represents a new frontier for Ubisoft that combines Origins' and Odyssey's RNG loot systems with more dynamism, exploration opportunities, and a robust settlement system that's designed to keep you playing as long as possible.

Valhalla offers more unique opportunities to meld history with folklore. Gamers will jump right into Norse and native English mythology and tackle fearsome beasts like Fenrir and the World Serpent, culminating in epic fantasy battles. Other sequences are more somber, grim, and historically accurate, such as having to build alliances with 873 AD kingdoms after conquering certain areas.

If you happened to miss the news, Minecraft's Steve has made his way to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Nintendo has teamed up with Microsoft to bring one of the most iconic characters in gaming history over to the extensive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster. Now, Steve has arrived in a patch released this past Tuesday, and players have found something quite peculiar about him, or more accurately, about his victory pose at the end of a the game.

Above you will see a video of the whole victory pose, and inherently the pose itself is completely harmless, but some people online see things a little differently. In the victory pose Steve chows down on some meat, and then places it down in quite a questionable location. The same goes for Alex, which is a skin variant of Steve. Nintendo has yet to say if they will be changing the new characters victory pose since people have taken the victory pose to the gutter.

Sony has just peeled back the veil on the future, with its new Spatial Reality Display to hit shelves in November for $5000. Check it out:

The new Spatial Reality Display renders 3D objects that react to the tilt you would normally do with your head in-person, with the 15.6-inch 4K LCD that was teased as the "Eye-Sensing Light Field Display". But now this official Sony Spatial Reality Display has a high-speed vision sensor that tracks your eye movement, and your position as you are moving your head -- or your body, around the display.

Sony's new Spatial Reality Display divides the screen for both your left and right eyes, creating the stereoscopic image in the end. The new Spatial Reality Display requires a decent PC to run it, with Sony recommending an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER graphics card.

Ubisoft has announced the Assassin's Creed Valhalla PC requirements, where you will need 8GB of RAM and 50GB of storage at a bare minimum.

The game requires DX12, has an uncapped frame rate, support for multi-monitor and widescreen monitors, in-depth customization options and most importantly (for benchmarkers and GPU reviewers like myself) a built-in benchmark to test out Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

At a minimum for 1080p 30FPS on the Low preset you're going to require an AMD Ryzen 3 1300 or Intel Core i5-4460 processor, 8GB of RAM and an AMD Radeon R9 380 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 graphics card. If you want to hit 1080p 60FPS with the High preset you're going to need a higher-end Ryzen 7 1700 or Core i7-6700 and an Radeon RX Vega 64 or GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card.

Basemark just announced that it will be updating GPUScore with a brand new ray tracing benchmark, which is a world-first coming later this year.

The new Basemark GPUScore benchmark will introduce what the company describes as a "hyper realistic, true gaming type of content in three different workloads: Relic of Life, Sacret Path and Expedition".

Relic of Life is a new benchmark to stress test high-end graphics cards, with fancy new real-time ray traced reflections. The biggest deal here is that Basemark's new ray tracing benchmark will work on both Windows 10 and the DirectX 12 API, as well as on Linux and on the Vulkan API.

The news has been rocketing upwards reporting on someone flying around LAX in a jetpack, something that was confirmed by a China Airlines pilot to air traffic controllers.

It's not the first time, either -- with the unidentified jetpack-wearing person spotted at around 1:45PM local time in LA, explains the US Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA. 6 weeks ago the rocket man (or woman, or alien, or robot, or Qanon) was spotted flying around in their jetpack around LAX.

The FAA told CNN: "A China Airlines crew reported seeing what appeared to be someone in a jetpack at an approximate altitude of 6,000 feet, about seven miles northwest of Los Angeles International Airport".

AMD is about to launch its new RDNA 2-based Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards, with news breaking from MyDrivers that the Chinese XFX branch has sold "almost all" of its Radeon RX 500 and Radeon RX 5000 series graphics cards to crypto mining farms.

There's no confirmation of this news, but a machine translated excerpt from MyDrivers explains: "According to the information received, throughout September, XFX did not give agents several graphics cards in China. Almost all mainstream models on the market such as RX 580 8GB, RX 590 8GB, RX 5600 XT, RX 5700 XT, etc are out of stock. As for the reason, it is said that after XFX received these chips from AMD, they directly sold them to the miners , completely becoming "mining cards", causing the agents to not get the goods at all".

MyDrivers also notes that Navi 10-based graphics cards (Radeon RX 5600 and RX 5700 series) and AMD's older Polaris-based Radeon RX 500 series are very popular -- even with the release of NVIDIA's new Ampere-based GeForce RTX 30 series, when it comes to mining.

FitXR, formerly known as BoxVR, is finally making changes to the core game to pair with its recent name change. The game will soon get dance routines as an alternative workout choice.

FitXR is one of the top fitness games for Oculus Quest. It started life as BoxVR, which was a workout game based on boxing moves. The game works like Beat Saber, with floating markers coming at you synchronized to a soundtrack. But unlike Beat Saber, where you don a pair or lightsabers and chop boxes to the beat, you use your fist to punch the beat. Recently, the developer changed the name of the game to FitXR to expand into new workout types.

Today, FitXR revealed the first new workout type that's in the works. Soon, the game will offer dance routines as an alternative to get those calories burned. The developer didn't reveal many details, but a short trailer clip shows that these new workouts will require more space. The boxing workouts don't do much for your legs other than a few squats, but it looks like the dancing routines will get those legs moving.

3dRudder today announced that it has begun shipping the latest iteration of the 3dRudder locomotion controller. The new 3dRudder Pro Wireless is the first version of the controller compatible with standalone VR devices.

3dRudder makes a VR accessory meant to solve one of the more significant problems with VR simulations: long-distance movement. The 3dRudder controller is a foot-based input device that allows you to move around a 3D environment without moving physically and without the use of unnatural mechanics, such as teleporting.

3dRudder says the device is simple to use and easier to learn than some virtual movement mechanics. The controller tracks four axes of movement, which allow you to move forward, back, left, and right by tilting the controller with your feet. It also supports rotation in both directions by twisting your ankles. And finally, it supports vertical elevation by moving your feet in opposing directions.

EVGA has just released a new "XOC 450W BIOS" for its GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra graphics card, which allows up to 450W flow through the card.

The GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra has a stock 400W limit out of the box, with +5% offered with power limit increases -- but the new XOC 450W BIOS allows up to 450W of power flowing through the card, a larger +18% increase.

EVGA is now at the same level as the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition -- which I reviewed right here -- in terms of power limit. We should see near identical performance between the two, at least in stock form -- not taking into considering tearing it apart and putting each of the cards under LN2 cooling.

ASUS has kinda accidentally revealed its new ROG Strix PG32UQX gaming monitor, which has appeared on a listing on Chinese Taobao.

The new ROG Strix PG32UQX gaming monitor has a large 32-inch Mini-LED panel, with 10-bit color, 1000:1 contrast ratio and 4ms gray-to-gray response time. The 32-inch Mini-LED panel has a native 4K resolution and super-fast 144Hz refresh rate.

One of the key parts of the new monitor is that it rocks HDMI 2.1 connectivity, which you would use over the DisplayPort 1.4 connector. It also means the new ROG Strix PG32UQX gaming monitor can be used with the next-gen Microsoft Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, as well as Sony's new PlayStation 5.

CD Projekt RED just revealed a ton about Cyberpunk 2077's vehicles, confirming tons of customization and a very GTA-style mechanic.

Night City is basically a high-tech crime haven, so it makes sense that cars can be stolen in Cyberpunk 2077. Gamers can yank drivers out of their cars just like in Grand Theft Auto and make away with their ride. The rides themselves have five basic classes with three main bases (or at least that's what was shown) but there's tons of variation and customization options.

"Every single vehicle you buy, every single player vehicle, is absolutely unique in every way. It's got a unique interior, unique exterior, paint job, it'll sound different and it'll also handle different," said Paul Dalessi, senior vehicle artist at CD Projekt RED.

The rumors around the Xbox Series X's blazing hot temps have been disproven, and the console actually runs pretty cool under specific performance demands.

Like the PlayStation 5, the Series X has a mighty cooling solution that combines a 120mm fan, a massive copper-plated vapor chamber heat sink, and a split motherboard design to ensure optimum temps. This design is working well. Various Series X previews have compiled operating temps for the Series X, and the results are pretty good.

According to Venture Beat's Jeff Grubb, the Xbox Series X maxed out at roughly 50C while playing Hitman 2, a backwards compatible game that hasn't been significantly optimized for the hardware. Tweakers.net has more comprehensive FLIR temp readings that show a substantial 27% decrease in overall heat output on the Series X. The test was conducted over 15 minutes of playing Red Dead Redemption 2 on both an Xbox One X and Xbox Series X.

Destiny 2 will run at "true" 4K 60FPS on both PS5 and Xbox Series X, Bungie today confirmed.

Destiny 2's massive Beyond Light expansion will bring next-gen performance alongside a swath of new content. The game's free next-gen optimizations include native 4K 60FPS gameplay on both the PS5 and Series X consoles (1080p 60FPS on Series S), and also sports custom FOV sliders straight from the PC version. This is a pretty big deal that effectively widens your range of vision and it's never been offered in Destiny 2 on consoles before.

Bungie also confirms cross-generation play is supported--PS5 gamers can play with PS4 owners, and Series X/S owners can play with Xbox One players) but full-on cross-play between consoles, PC, and Stadia isn't available yet.

The newly revealed PS5 UI has familiar features found in the Xbox One's old scrapped Snap Mode, including picture-in-picture playback.

The PS5's user interface is filled with all kinds of nifty new tricks. Each game now has an in-depth hub with an Activities section that's integrated with new features like challenges that track your in-game progress. The section lets gamers track their trophy progress in real-time, check out customized challenges that rotate on a timed basis, check out screenshots and shared videos, and get announcements and updates right from the developers.

One of the biggest advancements is how communication and interaction works on the PS5. The console lets you join up with friends and watch their shared streams as you play, complete with a picture-in-picture overlay similar to the Xbox One's Snap Mode. The UI is segmented into "cards" that can be pinned to your screen. Cards include the real-time Game Help section, a new feature that gives you tips on a game as you play, and new party chat systems.

The PS5 has a built-in hint and tutorial system that shows you tips as you play, but there's a big catch.

Sony is adding lots of value to PS Plus. First there's the PS Plus Collection on PS5, and now subscribers get access to a new in-game help system that effectively shows you how to beat certain segments of the game with real-time videos, screenshots, and tips. It's called Game Help, and it's a big part of the PS5's new Activities section.

The new Game Help feature is exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers so that means you have to pay to used it. The idea is simple: Gamers can access an on-screen menu and get real-time hints on how to beat certain areas of a game. It's a move that could wipe out walkthrough websites and videos in one swoop.

Cybershoes today announced that it would soon offer a wireless version of its VR locomotion peripheral compatible with Quest and Quest 2. The company plans to launch a Kickstarter later this year to fund the first production run.

Cybershoes is a VR locomotion peripheral that allows you to walk in VR. The system includes a stool to sit on, a carpet for traction, and a pair of mechanical slippers that fit over your shoes. Each Cybershoe features a roller that tracks how fast you move your feet.

"Movement and locomotion has been a consistent issue in VR gaming. The main movement mechanics available today - smooth Movement via joystick or teleportation - can be jarring and lead to motion sickness," said Michael Bieglmayer, CEO of Cybershoes. "By translating natural movement to in-game motion, Cybershoes addresses motion sickness while increasing immersion, activity, and enjoyment."

Aeon Matrix has recently launched its new Yardian Pro, the latest in its smart sprinkler range that lets you take full control of your backyard. Aeon Matrix is continuing to deliver on its mission of bringing smart technology to improve the quality of life and world sustainability with its new Yardian Pro.

The new Yardian Pro has improved Wi-Fi that will provide much-improved signal coverage, and if the newly-boosted Wi-Fi coverage isn't up to your standards, Aeon Matrix have added an RJ45 ethernet port to the new Yardian Pro smart sprinkler system.

The company has added in some control buttons that let you control your Yardian Pro smart sprinkler system, providing users with the choice of up to 12 minutes watering duration.