Latest News - Page 31

In addition to creating acclaimed cinematic action games, Remedy is also known for pushing the boundaries of graphics technology, and the upcoming Control Resonant is set to be no different. With all of the summer game conferences wrapping up, we got a new story-focused trailer for the game during Sony's recent State of Play event, which confirmed a release date of September 24 for PC and consoles.

And for the PC version of the game, NVIDIA has confirmed it has once again partnered with Remedy, and that the game will launch with native DLSS 4.5 support and ship with full ray-tracing or path-tracing mode on day one. And when it comes to the game's ray tracing, as seen in the trailer above, the game will leverage NVIDIA's new RTX Mega Geometry technology to improve fidelity, as well as DLSS Ray Reconstruction, which is getting its own DLSS 4.5 version in August.

As a sequel to the popular Control, this new entry is different in that players control Dylan Faden, brother of the first game's protagonist Jesse Faden, as the action moves from the Oldest House to a corrupted Manhattan overrun by the "chaotic Hiss" and other paranormal threats. And instead of wielding firearms, the combat here is primarily melee-based.

NZXT showcased a selection of new product offerings at Computex 2026, and launching alongside new cases are two types of RGB fans.

At the NZXT suite in Taipei, Taiwan, the company showcased its new products and explained that it is moving forward with a new design language. The RGB fans will be available in a range of sizes, including the F120 RGB, F140 RGB, F360 RGB, and F420 RGB, with Reverse options for the F360 RGB and F420 RGB. Additionally, the Ultra RGB fan series was on display, and those will be available in a selection of sizes, including F120U, F140U, F360U, and F420U.

NZXT explained that its new fans feature a fluid dynamic bearing and multi-zone lighting, paired with NZXT's software that enables users to individually change the color of specific LED zones. NZXT showed me its software while at the suite, and the level of customization available to users was quite impressive. As for cases, NZXT showcased the H6, a new case featuring a beautiful glass wraparound design paired with slick NZXT branding near the rear.

NVIDIA has issued GeForce Hotfix Display Driver version 610.52 in response to its latest official Game Ready Driver release (610.47), which added day-one support for 007 First Light and over 40 new G-SYNC-compatible displays. This new Hotfix Display Driver doesn't seem to be in response to a single major issue, but rather to a number of smaller ones.

It includes fixing frame pacing issues on GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics cards when G-SYNC is enabled, improving gaming stability in multi-monitor setups with DLSS Frame Generation, and fixing an issue where some monitors would not wake when exiting sleep mode. There's even a game-specific fix for World of Warcraft, where it seems that the game's performance and stability were affected by the most recent driver release. So, if you're a WoW player, you might want to install it.

These Hotfix drivers are considered Beta, so they're only recommended for those experiencing any of the issues outlined in the release notes, as the QA process is "abbreviated" compared to regular driver updates and releases. Here are the full GeForce Hotfix Display Driver version 610.52 release notes.

With NVIDIA's new RTX Spark chip for laptops pairing an Arm-based 'Grace' processor with RTX Blackwell graphics, the first wave of ultra-thin, premium laptops sporting the chip is expected to debut later this year. At Computex 2026, we got to go hands-on with a number of them and even see games like Alan Wake 2, Fortnite, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Pragmata, and more running and looking good.

And based on our discussions with both NVIDIA and Microsoft representatives at the show, these new Windows on Arm devices powered by RTX Spark are set to usher in a new era for the specialized version of Windows, with more native app support and better-optimized emulation. And with that, we'll probably start to hear a lot more about Windows on Arm updates and support in the lead-up to the RTX Spark launch.

Case in point, today we've got word from UL Solutions, the makers of the popular 3DMark benchmark suite for measuring PC gaming performance. The company has confirmed that it's updating more of its synthetic benchmarks with native Windows on Arm versions.

With no GeForce RTX 50 SUPER Series refresh this year, and the next-gen GeForce RTX 60 Series coming at some point in 2027 or even 2028, Computex 2026 was a little light when it comes to brand-new GPUs built for PC gaming. The good news, however, is that, as we all know, it's simply a matter of time; MSI showcased some of the brand-new cooling technology it will introduce with its next-gen graphics cards.

Basically, the company is set to level up the thermal performance on its more premium GPU offerings with a number of innovations, new technologies, and new features. Starting with the fans, MSI notes that it's going to transition the fan blades on its cards to 0.8mm ultra-thin, durable metal. This will not only improve airflow but also efficiency when spinning at high speeds.

And that's just the beginning, as MSI is set to update its heat pipes to a new, advanced spiral-groove heat pipe. Under a microscope, this shifts the pattern toward a more diagonal orientation rather than horizontal, increasing the contact area and improving heat transfer. And on that note, MSI is also switching to a diamond-composite thermal pad for memory, and a diamond-copper composite baseplate for the GPU and heatsink. MSI notes that this new approach will significantly improve conductivity, and yes, it includes diamond particles.

Starting in 2026, Xbox will start to form new and innovative business models the likes of which we haven't seen before...and they could include free ad-supported streaming.

Xbox isn't in a great place right now. Following the departure of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, Xbox brought in a new CEO, Asha Sharma, to effectively reboot the business. We've already seen Sharma make big changes to Xbox, including reducing Game Pass' price and reversing course on Xbox exclusive games, but more shifts are coming.

At a recent Fortune Magazine event, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said that "radically new business models" will start to become future money-making strategies for Xbox. The firm is rumored to offer a free, ad-supported version of its xCloud game streaming service later this year, and this could be what Sharma is referring to.

GEEKOM, a brand best known for its ultra-compact mini PCs, has launched its first high-performance business laptop. The GeekBook M16 is priced at $899 with a $100 pre-order discount, bringing it to $799, and it comes with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and a battery capacity that puts many premium laptops to shame.

On the hardware side, the Core Ultra 9 branding is front and center in GEEKOM's marketing, though the actual chip is the Core Ultra 9 185H, a Series 1 Meteor Lake processor rather than the newer Arrow Lake or Panther Lake architectures. That is not a dealbreaker, as the 185H remains a capable chip with 16 cores, 22 threads, boost clocks up to 5.1GHz, and sustained power of up to 55W through GEEKOM's Dynamic Tuning Technology.

However, this does make the M16 a step back from the GeekBook X14 Pro and X16 Pro that GEEKOM showed last year. Those models were listed with Intel Core Ultra 200H "Arrow Lake-H" processors, including the Core Ultra 9 285H. The M16 features a 99.9Wh battery, which GEEKOM claims can provide up to 24 hours of Wi-Fi browsing and around 20 hours of local video playback. It also supports 100W fast charging via USB-C.

If you have been holding off on a PC upgrade, hoping DDR5 prices would come down soon, AMD has some bad news. David McAfee, AMD's VP and GM of Client Channel Business, told 4Gamers during Computex 2026 that DDR5 memory prices are not expected to return to normal levels for around two years, putting any meaningful recovery around 2028.

In the interview, David pointed to the AI boom that has shifted supply away from consumer DDR5 and toward HBM for AI data centers. DDR4 production capacity has also been declining over the past year or two as manufacturers shifted investment heavily toward DDR5. This has left users on older platforms squeezed from both directions.

To give you an idea of the impact, a 32GB Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 kit that cost around $100 in late 2025 is now selling for around $440. McAfee expects prices to recover gradually as new capacity comes online. Samsung, Micron, and China's CXMT are expanding their DDR5 production capacity. The problem is that building new memory manufacturing facilities takes years, meaning the relief is real but slow.

SEGA Is reviving classic Dreamcast-era franchise Crazy Taxi with a brand new game set for a 2027 release, but the company is facing backlash over the project's use of generative AI.

In an effort to revitalize sales and spark cultural interest, SEGA is reviving core legacy franchises as part of its so-called Next Level marketing campaign. A new Crazy Taxi is among these revamped titles and the new game was revealed at Summer Game Fest as Crazy Taxi World Tour, modernizing the retro gameplay for new platforms.

The news was welcomed by fans--Crazy Taxi is back, complete with the signature rip-roaring chaotic driving, explosively bombastic colors, and of course, Offspring belting out punk guitar riffs on the soundtrack. There's just one fly in the ointment: the new Crazy Taxi's Steam page confirms that SEGA used generative AI to make the game.

Halo Studios may have innovated a new business model that could help the industry revitalize dormant brands.

One of Xbox's oldest franchises might be the source for an interesting new type of content model. The new Halo remake has been updated with a clustered trio of missions that are effectively like mini-DLC for the campaign. Set under the name Operation Meteorite, this designation could open the door to more operation missions further down the line, giving Halo Studios a way to continue expanding Halo lore in a sellable package.

The new Campaign Remix feature looks to be the most innovative addition to the remake, and if it works as Halo Studios describes it, the mode could open up a new way for players to experience old games.

It's officially happening: the old-school 90s classic is getting reborn on the Switch 2.

Nintendo today announced an official remake of The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time for its upgraded Switch 2 console. The game was revealed at today's Nintendo Direct and is planned for a launch in 2026, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the franchise.

Only a short glimpse of prologue cinematic footage was shown, but we did get our first look at Link, and the visuals are just incredible compared to the original game--there's even light reflecting in Link's hair. No exact details or information has been revealed so far and Nintendo plans to unveil more in the coming months.

ID Cooling showcased a long line of new products at Computex 2026, with many of the new cases falling within the aesthetically pleasing design language seen across a few of ID Cooling's product categories.

For example, the Flow 500 Wood White features an eye-catching wooden front panel that adds a level of sophistication and premium feel to the chassis. ID Cooling explained how the new case is paired with the company's latest fans. Additionally, the Flow 500 series is available in both wood and non-wood options, features a high-speed front USB-C port, supports a 360mm radiator, and has a detachable front grill.

To go with this wooden design aesthetic, ID Cooling debuted the DX360 Wood, which features wooden accents on the waterblock. ID Cooling also has wooden fans to match the waterblock, enabling a user to really lean into the wooden design flair in their new build. These wood-infused products really showcase a nice blend of natural materials within modern tech products, and I can imagine will be quite popular if their prices are competitive.

Formula V Line made its debut at Computex 2026, and to celebrate its entry into the PC hardware space, it showcased some interesting cases and particularly visually appealing cooling solutions.

What immediately caught my eye at the Formula V Line booth was the beautifully designed Ice Nova Pro 3, a new dual-tower air cooler featuring six heatpipes, two 120mm fans, and color options such as black, white, and gold. While the design is generally quite nice, I was particularly impressed with the "gold" variant, which looks much closer to brass than it does gold in person. I love the color of this unit, and I can see modders using the cooler as the foundation for an entire brass-themed, retro, perhaps even steampunk build.

Next is the Crystal U7, a new case from Formula V Line that supports ATX, MATX, and ITX. Additionally, the Crystal U7 features 1x USB-C port, 2x USB 3.0 ports, and 1x headphone jack. As for other connectivity options, the Crystal U7 supports 2x 3.5 "HDDs or 2x 2.5" SSDs. Cooling: Formula V Line has equipped the Crystal U7 with multiple fan mounting locations, enabling users to customize the U7 to their preferred cooling setup.

Computex 2026 has officially wrapped up, and amongst the thousands of new PC hardware we saw on the showroom floor, SAMA unveiled a selection of items that may be worth adding to your shortlist for potential PC upgrades.

Kicking things off, we have the S70, a particularly eye-catching case with its curved glass design that enables easy viewing of your juicy components within. Additionally, the S70 comes with BTF support for super minimalist design pursuits, along with a 60W GaN USB-C charger. SAMA informed me that the S70 comes with a bottom-mounted dust filter, paired with a really subtle, diffused, ambient floating light that projects onto the surface below the S70.

Next is the Q40 AIO liquid cooler, which has a particularly interesting design as the blades located around the CPU block infinitely rotate 360 degrees in an outer ring. There is also ARGB lighting, along with a thick 20mm integrated radiator. SAMA has the same thick radiator on its more premium model called the Q80, which differentiates itself with its dual swappable screens and large interactive 4-inch IPS display. The secondary pump-head display is included within the box, along with freeze thermal paste.

The upcoming Halo Campaign Evolved remake will have exclusive new missions where Master Chief basically crashes the Covenant's good time aboard a research/recreation ship.

Halo Campaign Evolved brings new missions to the classic Halo universe in a three-part story called Operation Meteorite. These prequel missions were co-written by sci-fi author Troy Denning, and one of them has a surprisingly humorous setup.

According to Halo Studios, the Operation Meteorite prequel missions center around Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson infiltrating a very specific Covenant ship--one we haven't actually seen in a Halo video game yet. According to games journalist Mr. Rebs, the ship is an agricultural research vessel that also acts as a kind of vacation ship for the alien invaders. It's a support ship that's not explicitly made for war, but instead a mix of business and pleasure, all while sinister things are going on underground.

At Computex 2026, MSI celebrated its 40th anniversary and, to commemorate the milestone, set up an interactive exhibition at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City. A free public event, we had the chance to visit the spot during our week at the show and were immediately impressed by how MSI presented its long history in a way that was still fun and surprising.

Basically, the walkthrough exhibition was broken down into themed areas, from one that took a look back at the company's beginnings as a motherboard maker, through to deep dives into its manufacturing and design process, various partnerships, and a mock-up esports arena created to showcase the company's various PC gaming products and milestones.

Naturally, for those of us who have been in the industry for several years, it was cool to see motherboards, graphics cards, and other gear from the past. And with that, let's take a look at some of the old and new stuff from the exhibition, starting with these old motherboards from 1999, which include the K7 PRO. A motherboard designed for a now ancient AMD chipset.

Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch on July 28, 2026, for XBOX Series X|S, PS5, and PC, and it's a full remake of the original game's campaign rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. It's also set to expand on the story with three new campaign missions focusing on Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson, with all three given a spotlight at the recent XBOX Games Showcase.

From a visual perspective, it's a massive upgrade over the 2001 original, with more detailed characters, environments, and special effects. Microsoft's official store page for the game also mentions ray tracing; however, there's no word on whether this is limited to, say, shadows or will be all-encompassing and include an RTGI solution. Either way, with the release around the corner, we've now also got Halo: Campaign Evolved's PC requirements for playing the game at 1080p, 1440, and 4K with a smooth 60 FPS presentation.

Based on what we see, the game should scale well across a wide range of hardware, but Halo: Campaign Evolved will be demanding, as the Minimum spec calls for either a GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER or a Radeon RX 6600 graphics card. Interestingly, the specs list 4K 60 FPS with High settings as the Recommended spec, and for that you'll need a fairly powerful GPU, such as a GeForce RTX 3080 Ti or Radeon RX 9070.

The new HP Limited Edition Scuderia Ferrari AI PC is not your everyday laptop; it's the result of a multi-year collaboration between the Ferrari Design Studio and HP's own design team. Based on the specs and its stylish red finish, the HP Limited Edition Scuderia Ferrari AI PC is certainly a luxury item, with a bottom surface made of a carbon fiber-glass mix to showcase the hardware.

There are several impressive design touches, from a full glass palm rest to a haptic touchpad that lights up on contact. The CNC precision-milled chassis features a zirconium bead-blasted surface finished in Ferrari's Rosso Magma deep red to evoke the feel of molten lava and metallic particles. The laptop also ships with a custom Poltrona Frau leather sleeve, made from the same Italian leather used in Ferrari interiors.

Even the cooling includes airflow and a vent design that leans into Ferrari's expertise when it comes to heat management. As for the hardware, you've got an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor with integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics and a premium 3K Tandem OLED+ touch display.

If we didn't have the current memory crisis and storage crunch brought on by the AI boom and the age of data centers becoming AI factories, the mid-generation GeForce RTX 50 SUPER Series would have released earlier this year. Based on credible leaks we've received about what the SUPER Series would bring to the table, the big thing would be more VRAM, thanks to newer 3GB GDDR7 modules.

Now, it's worth noting that the GeForce RTX 50 SUPER Series was never formally announced, so the delay and scrapped launch are still technically rumor. And with that, there's a new report over on Benchlife (via VideoCardz) that says the GeForce RTX 50 SUPER Series is back on the menu, so to speak, with NVIDIA planning on announcing the lineup at CES 2027, with the launch to happen soon after.

As for the lineup, previous reports have pointed to a GeForce RTX 5070 SUPER with 18GB of memory, alongside a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti SUPER and a GeForce RTX 5080 SUPER with 24GB of memory. The good news is that with 3GB chips the memory interface won't have to change, so it should be a fairly easy upgrade for NVIDIA's partners. Interestingly, with this new report, there's also a fresh bit of information/rumor with the lineup set to include a GeForce RTX 5060 SUPER 12GB.

COLORFUL unveiled a pair of new flagship gaming laptops at Computex 2026: the iGame M15 and M16 Origo. However, at first glance, the physical design of these devices definitely falls into the sleek and lifestyle category thanks to the slim 19.9mm profile and subtle use of lighting. The naming scheme covers two variants: one with a 15-inch display and one with a 16-inch display; however, both are powered by the fully unlocked 115W GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU.

In either size, both are 2.5K 16:10 displays with a 300 Hz refresh rate, 500-nit brightness, and 100% sRGB color accuracy. Outside of the display, the iGame M15 Origo is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, while the iGame M16 Origo is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor. The latter is a 16-core processor from Intel's new Panther Lake family, featuring 16 cores, a 4-core Intel Xe3 integrated GPU, and an NPU for local AI.

Among Windows-based gaming laptops, one of the more interesting features of the iGame M15 and M16 Origo laptops we saw was their integration with the new COLORFUL Netsite app for Android. Basically, if you install this on your smartphone, you can set it up so the laptop automatically unlocks and locks when you're close. It's a small but nice little security feature that extends to AI-powered voice commands, remote access, and multi-device management.