Category Archives: Hardware/Console

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Level Up Your Gaming: All the Highlights from the Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal!

The gaming world has just witnessed a monumental moment—the official unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2! With cutting-edge features, a sleek design, and a lineup of games that promise to redefine the gaming experience, Nintendo has once again proven why it remains a titan in the industry. From the revolutionary new Joy-Cons to the jaw-dropping visuals showcased during the event, the Switch 2 is set to elevate gaming to unprecedented heights.

If you missed the live presentation, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Dive into all the exciting details, from hardware specs to exclusive game previews, and discover why the Switch 2 is the talk of the town.

Ready to explore the future of gaming?

Nintendo has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s safe to say the gaming world is buzzing with excitement. From its sleek design to groundbreaking features and an impressive lineup of games, the Switch 2 promises to redefine the gaming experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything announced.

Release Date and Hardware Highlights

Mark your calendars! The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025. The console retains the hybrid nature of its predecessor, allowing gamers to play at home or on the go. However, it boasts significant upgrades:

  • Larger Display: A 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution, HDR support, and up to 120fps.
  • Enhanced Storage: 256GB of internal storage, a massive leap from the original Switch.
  • Magnetic Joy-Con Controllers: These detachable controllers now feature larger buttons and can double as wireless mice.
  • 4K Docking: The dock supports 4K resolution and HDR for compatible games.
  • C Button and Built-in Microphone: A new “C button” enables seamless voice and video chat, a first for Nintendo.
  • MSRP: $449 for the console only, +$50 for the Mario Kart World bundle (digital copy only).

Game Announcements

Mario Kart World

The ninth installment in the Mario Kart series, titled Mario Kart World, takes the franchise to new heights. For the first time, players will race in an open-world environment featuring diverse terrains like mountains, oceans, and deserts. With up to 24 racers, new vehicles, and customizable costumes, this game is set to be a launch-day blockbuster.

Donkey Kong Returns

A new Donkey Kong game was also announced, bringing back the beloved ape in a visually stunning platformer. While details are scarce, the teaser hinted at cooperative gameplay and expansive jungle environments.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

In a surprising twist, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be a launch title for the Switch 2. This version has been optimized for the console, featuring enhanced graphics and all previously released DLCs. It’s a bold move that showcases the Switch 2’s ability to handle demanding AAA titles.

FromSoftware’s New Game

Another jaw-dropping announcement was that FromSoftware, the studio behind Elden Ring and Dark Souls, is developing an exclusive title for the Switch 2. While details are scarce, the teaser hinted at a dark fantasy setting with intricate world-building and challenging gameplay, hallmarks of the studio’s work.

Other confirmed games includes:

  1. Super Mario Party Jamboree: Updated with Switch 2 features like camera integration and mouse functionality, this game offers new notes and graphical enhancements.
  2. New Pokémon Game: A graphical update for the Pokémon series was announced, showcasing the Switch 2’s capabilities.
  3. Wheelchair Basketball Game: A unique sports title utilizing the Switch 2 controllers’ mouse feature.

The C Button: A Game-Changer for Content Creators

One of the most talked-about features is the new C button, which activates GameChat. This feature is more than just a communication tool; it’s a revolution for content creators. Here’s why:

  • Voice and Video Chat: The built-in microphone and camera allow players to communicate effortlessly during gameplay, making it easier to strategize or simply chat with friends.
  • Screen Sharing: Players can share their game screens in real-time, even if they’re playing different games. This opens up new possibilities for collaborative streaming and interactive content.
  • Integrated Streaming: The C button simplifies the process of recording and streaming gameplay. With just a press, creators can broadcast their sessions to platforms like Twitch and YouTube without needing additional hardware or software.

This feature positions the Switch 2 as not just a gaming console but a versatile tool for gamers and creators alike. It’s a bold step that could redefine how we think about gaming and content creation.

Nintendo GameCube makes its return!

Nintendo has announced that the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will include a Nintendo GameCube Classics Collection, exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2. This exciting addition will launch alongside the console on June 5, 2025, giving players access to a curated library of beloved GameCube titles.

Confirmed GameCube Titles

Here are some of the games that will be part of the collection:

  • The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
  • Soulcalibur II
  • F-Zero GX
  • Super Mario Sunshine
  • Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
  • Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
  • Super Mario Strikers
  • Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure!
  • Luigi’s Mansion
  • Pokémon Colosseum

Enhanced Features

Some of these titles will include additional functionality, such as online multiplayer for games that originally supported local play. This enhancement is a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to modernizing classic experiences while preserving their nostalgic charm.

GameCube Controller Revival

To complement the GameCube Classics Collection, Nintendo is releasing a new GameCube-style controller. This wireless controller retains the iconic design of the original but includes the Switch 2’s innovative C button for live chat and content creation. It’s the perfect accessory for reliving GameCube-era memories in style.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a revolutionary console that caters to casual gamers, hardcore fans, and content creators. With its June release date just around the corner, the countdown has officially begun. Whether you’re excited about Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong, the arrival of Cyberpunk 2077, or FromSoftware’s mysterious new game, one thing is clear: Nintendo is ready to take gaming to the next level.

Featured, Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

Evercade’s Neo Geo Super Pocket: A Retro Gaming Revolution

Retro gaming enthusiasts, rejoice! Evercade has unveiled its latest hardware, the Neo Geo Super Pocket, a handheld console designed to bring classic SNK arcade titles to modern audiences. This new device is part of Evercade’s expanding lineup of retro gaming hardware, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans of Neo Geo classics.

A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse

The Neo Geo Super Pocket is a compact handheld console that comes preloaded with 14 legendary SNK games, including Metal Slug X, Fatal Fury Special, Samurai Shodown II, and Blazing Star. The device is available in two versions: a Limited Edition with a red color scheme inspired by original Neo Geo arcade cabinets, and a Standard Edition in sleek black.

Features and Compatibility

Evercade has ensured that the Neo Geo Super Pocket is not just a standalone device but a versatile gaming system. It is compatible with all Evercade cartridge collections, allowing players to expand their library beyond the pre-installed games. The handheld also boasts multicolored buttons, a high-resolution screen, and a durable build, making it a perfect companion for retro gaming on the go.

Pricing and Availability

The Limited Edition Neo Geo Super Pocket is priced at £69.99, with only 3,000 individually numbered units available. The Standard Edition is more affordable at £49.99, offering the same games but in a different aesthetic. Both versions are set to launch on June 26, 2025, with pre-orders already open.

The Neo Geo Arcade 1 Cartridge

In addition to the handheld, Evercade is releasing the Neo Geo Arcade 1 cartridge, featuring six classic SNK arcade games, including Metal Slug, The King of Fighters 2000, and Shock Troopers. This cartridge is compatible with all Evercade systems and will be available for £19.99/$24.99/€24.99, launching in July 2025.

A Celebration of Neo Geo’s Legacy

Evercade’s latest offerings celebrate 35 years of Neo Geo, bringing beloved arcade experiences to a new generation of gamers. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to SNK’s legendary titles, the Neo Geo Super Pocket and Neo Geo Arcade 1 cartridge promise hours of nostalgic fun.

Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Here is the new CEO of Intel

Intel has recently appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO, marking a pivotal moment for the company and the tech industry at large. Tan, a seasoned veteran in the semiconductor world, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as CEO of Cadence Design Systems and his involvement with numerous tech companies. His leadership is expected to steer Intel through its current challenges and reshape its future. But what does this mean for PC gaming, a domain where Intel has long been a key player?

Lip-Bu Tan’s Vision for Intel

Tan’s appointment comes at a time when Intel is facing significant hurdles, including financial losses and stiff competition in the semiconductor market. In his initial statements, Tan emphasized a focus on engineering excellence, customer-centric innovation, and calculated risks to regain Intel’s competitive edge. His track record suggests a commitment to long-term strategies rather than short-term gains, which could bode well for Intel’s gaming-related ventures.

The Impact on PC Gaming

Intel has been a cornerstone of PC gaming, providing processors that power millions of gaming rigs worldwide. However, the company has faced criticism for lagging behind competitors like AMD in recent years. Tan’s leadership could bring a renewed focus on innovation in gaming hardware. Here are some potential implications:

  1. Enhanced CPU Performance: With Tan’s engineering-focused approach, Intel might double down on developing CPUs that cater specifically to gamers, offering better performance and efficiency.
  2. Integrated Graphics Advancements: Intel’s foray into integrated GPUs could see significant improvements, potentially reducing the need for discrete graphics cards in mid-range gaming setups.
  3. Revitalization of Discrete GPUs: Intel’s Arc series of discrete GPUs has struggled to gain traction. Under Tan’s leadership, we might see a more aggressive push to compete with NVIDIA and AMD in this space.
  4. Collaborations and Ecosystem Building: Tan’s extensive network in the tech industry could lead to strategic partnerships that benefit the gaming ecosystem, such as collaborations with game developers for optimized performance.
  5. Focus on Emerging Technologies: With gaming increasingly moving towards technologies like ray tracing and AI-driven graphics, Intel could invest in these areas to stay ahead of the curve.

While the prospects are exciting, challenges remain. Intel’s competitors are not standing still, and the gaming market is highly dynamic. Tan will need to address Intel’s manufacturing inefficiencies and ensure that its gaming products are not only innovative but also competitively priced.

Lip-Bu Tan’s appointment as Intel’s CEO is a significant development with far-reaching implications. For PC gaming, his leadership could usher in a new era of innovation and competition, benefiting gamers and the industry as a whole. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and only time will tell how effectively Tan can navigate them.

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, Xbox

A two side of the story behind the short-term of the future of Xbox

As we edge closer to 2026 and 2027, the gaming world is abuzz with speculation about the next generation of Xbox consoles. Two prominent sources, Windows Central and The Verge, have painted intriguing yet distinct pictures of what lies ahead for Microsoft’s gaming division. Let’s dive into their visions, compare their insights, and explore the possibilities if both are right—or wrong.

Windows Central’s Vision: A Handheld Revolution and Premium Consoles

Windows Central suggests that Microsoft’s gaming future is multifaceted. They report that Microsoft is working on an Xbox-branded gaming handheld, codenamed “Keenan,” slated for release as early as 2025. This device is expected to run full Windows, integrating PC Game Pass and Steam, and serving as a research platform for Microsoft’s broader gaming ambitions.

Looking further ahead, Windows Central claims that the next-generation Xbox consoles are already in production, with a targeted release in 2027. These consoles are described as premium successors to the Xbox Series X, promising the largest technological leap in Xbox history. The report also hints at new controller designs and a continued focus on backward compatibility.

The Verge’s Perspective: A Cloud-Driven Future

The Verge, on the other hand, emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to cloud gaming and hybrid technology. They speculate that the next Xbox could leverage the combined power of local hardware and cloud computing to deliver unprecedented gaming experiences. This aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of making gaming accessible across devices, from consoles to PCs and mobile platforms.

The Verge also highlights the potential for a more integrated ecosystem, where Xbox hardware seamlessly interacts with other Microsoft services like Azure and Windows. This could pave the way for innovative features, such as real-time game streaming with minimal latency and enhanced AI-driven game mechanics.

Comparing the Visions: Where They Align and Diverge

Both sources agree that Microsoft is aiming for a significant technological leap in its next-generation consoles. However, their focus areas differ. Windows Central leans towards hardware innovation, emphasizing the handheld device and premium consoles. The Verge, meanwhile, prioritizes the integration of cloud technology and ecosystem synergy.

If both are correct, we could see a future where Xbox offers a diverse range of gaming experiences, from high-performance consoles to versatile handhelds and cutting-edge cloud gaming. This would position Microsoft as a leader in both hardware and software innovation.

What If They’re Wrong?

If these predictions don’t materialize, Microsoft’s gaming strategy could face challenges. A lack of compelling hardware updates might alienate core gamers, while insufficient cloud infrastructure could hinder the adoption of next-gen features. In such a scenario, Microsoft would need to double down on its existing strengths, such as Game Pass and exclusive titles, to maintain its competitive edge.

The future of Xbox is undoubtedly exciting, with both Windows Central and The Verge offering compelling yet distinct visions. Whether it’s through groundbreaking hardware, innovative cloud technology, or a combination of both, Microsoft’s next steps will shape the gaming landscape for years to come. As gamers, all we can do is wait—and speculate

Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT are officially (re)announced

AMD has officially unveiled its latest graphics card, the Radeon RX 9070 XT, alongside its sibling, the RX 9070. These GPUs are built on AMD’s cutting-edge RDNA 4 architecture, promising a blend of high performance, efficiency, and affordability. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting release.

Price and Availability

The Radeon RX 9070 XT is priced at $599, while the RX 9070 starts at $549. Both models are set to hit the market globally on March 6, 2025. This aggressive pricing strategy positions AMD as a strong competitor to NVIDIA, particularly against the RTX 5070 Ti, which is priced at $749.

The RX 9070 XT boasts impressive performance metrics:

  • Up to 51% faster than its predecessor, the RX 6900 XT, in 4K gaming.
  • Enhanced ray tracing capabilities with third-generation ray accelerators.
  • Improved AI-driven upscaling, thanks to second-generation AI accelerators.

AMD claims that the RX 9070 XT delivers comparable performance to NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 Ti but at a significantly lower price point. This makes it an attractive option for gamers seeking high-end performance without breaking the bank.

Key Features

  1. RDNA 4 Architecture: The new architecture introduces dynamic register allocation for better resource utilization and enhanced compute units for improved parallel processing.
  2. Memory Management: Optimized memory bandwidth usage ensures faster data processing and reduced latency.
  3. FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4): The latest iteration of AMD’s upscaling technology offers sharper visuals and higher frame rates, making it ideal for demanding gaming scenarios.

AMD’s pricing strategy and technological advancements send a clear message to the GPU market: high-performance gaming doesn’t have to come at a premium price. By undercutting NVIDIA’s pricing while delivering comparable or superior performance, AMD is poised to dominate the mid-to-high-end GPU segment in 2025.

Fidelity Super Resolution 4 is an RDNA4 exclusive

AMD has also re-confirmed that FSR 4 utilizes FP8 capabilities of RDNA 4’s 2nd gen AI accelerators, which means older generation will have to resort in the possibility of backporting FSR 4 or its subsets to older cards, but the alternative is currently unknown if AMD is doing the effort.

What is official is that FSR 4 promises to offer up to a 3.7x fps boost at 4K with ray tracing enabled. Essentially, Hypr-RX enables all aforementioned features for a game with a single click in the Adrenalin driver.

RDNA 4 cards will ship with Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1 that offers a few nifty AI-powered features while largely retaining the familiar interface.

The latest Adrenalin offers Radeon Image Sharpening 2 that offers system-wide image sharpening without reliance on any third-party API. There’s support for up to 8K 75 fps video codec acceleration and hardware flip metering, leveraging the changes to the media engine in RDNA 4.

AMD is also bundling a few utilities with Adrenalin 25.3.1 including AMD Chat, Image Inspector, and AI Apps Manager.

Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Gaming still at the back seat of Nvidia Q4 2024 performance

Nvidia, the AI chip giant, recently released its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report, which has garnered significant attention from investors and tech enthusiasts alike. The company reported a record quarterly revenue of $39.3 billion, up 12% from the previous quarter and 78% from a year ago. This impressive growth is largely attributed to the booming demand for AI and data center products.

Key Highlights from the Earnings Report

  1. Revenue and Earnings: Nvidia’s revenue for the fourth quarter was $39.3 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $38.05 billion. The company’s net income rose to $22.09 billion, or 89 cents per diluted share, compared to $12.29 billion, or 49 cents per share, in the same period last year.
  2. AI Demand: The demand for AI inference and new AI models has significantly benefited Nvidia. CEO Jensen Huang highlighted that the company’s leadership in advanced AI chips has enabled them to unlock new use-cases and drive strong demand.
  3. Blackwell AI Chips: Nvidia’s next-generation AI chip, Blackwell, has seen a significant ramp-up in sales, contributing to the company’s strong performance. CFO Colette Kress mentioned that the company expects gross margins to reach the mid-70s later this year once Blackwell production has fully ramped up.
  4. Market Reaction: Despite the impressive earnings report, Nvidia’s stock experienced a slight decline in after-hours trading. Analysts suggest that the market’s tame response may indicate that all the good news has already been priced into the stock.

The RTX 50 series, powered by Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture, has been a game-changer for gamers and creators. The series includes the RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, and 5070, each offering significant performance improvements over their predecessors.

  1. Performance Uplift: The RTX 5090 demonstrates a 33% performance increase over the RTX 4090 in games like Resident Evil 4 and Horizon Forbidden West. Similarly, the RTX 5080 shows a 15% improvement, while the RTX 5070 Ti and 5070 are approximately 20% faster than their Ada Lovelace predecessors.
  2. AI and Ray Tracing: The RTX 50 series leverages AI and ray tracing technologies to deliver superior graphics fidelity and performance. The inclusion of DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and enhanced Ray Reconstruction has further boosted the performance of these GPUs.
  3. Market Reception: The RTX 50 series has received positive feedback from both gamers and creators. The GPUs’ ability to handle demanding tasks and deliver high-quality visuals has made them a popular choice among users.

Management’s Reaction to Recent RTX 50 News

Nvidia’s management has been actively addressing the recent issues and controversies surrounding the RTX 50 series. The company has acknowledged the concerns raised by users and is working diligently to resolve them.

  1. ROP Controversy: Nvidia’s global PR director, Ben Berraondo, confirmed that the missing Render Output Pipelines (ROPs) issue affects only about 0.5% of all GeForce RTX 5090/5090D and RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards. The company is investigating the matter and has assured users that they are committed to providing a solution.
  2. BSOD and Black Screen Troubles: Nvidia has confirmed that it is investigating the blue screen of death (BSOD) and black screen issues reported by users of the RTX 50 series. The company is working on identifying the root cause and determining whether the fix will come through a driver update or a VBIOS update.
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The greatest challenge of Nvidia with RTX GeForce 5090 yet

The Nvidia RTX GeForce 5090, part of Nvidia’s latest lineup of graphics cards, has been making headlines for both its impressive performance and some unexpected issues. While the card boasts cutting-edge technology and significant improvements over its predecessors, it has also encountered a few notable problems that have left some users frustrated.

Underperformance and Missing ROPs

One of the most significant issues reported with the RTX 5090 is underperformance due to missing ROPs (Raster Operations Pipelines). ROPs are crucial components in a GPU that handle tasks such as anti-aliasing, Z and color compression, and writing pixels to the output buffer. Essentially, they play a vital role in rendering graphics in PC games.

Nvidia confirmed that a small percentage of RTX 5090 and 5070 Ti GPUs were shipped with one fewer ROP than specified, leading to a performance drop of around 4%. This issue affects less than 0.5% of the units, but it has caused noticeable performance degradation in affected cards. Users have reported that their GPUs are underperforming compared to Nvidia’s Founders Edition and other custom designs.

Another problem plaguing the RTX 5090 is frequent crashing during gameplay. Users have reported that their games crash to the desktop, often accompanied by error messages related to the GPU. This issue has been linked to driver problems, with some users experiencing black screens, freezes, and system reboots. Nvidia has been working on driver updates to address these issues, but the problem persists for some users.

What are ROPs?

ROPs, or Raster Operations Pipelines, are an essential part of a GPU’s architecture. They are responsible for several critical tasks in the rendering process, including:

  • Anti-Aliasing: ROPs help smooth out jagged edges in images, making them appear more realistic.
  • Z and Color Compression: They handle the compression of depth (Z) and color data, which helps improve performance and reduce memory usage.
  • Pixel Output: ROPs write the final pixel data to the output buffer, which is then displayed on the screen.

In modern GPUs, the number of ROPs can significantly impact performance, especially in graphically intensive applications. A higher number of ROPs generally means better performance, as the GPU can handle more rendering tasks simultaneously.

While the Nvidia RTX GeForce 5090 is a powerful and advanced graphics card, it has faced some challenges since its release. Issues such as underperformance due to missing ROPs and frequent crashing have affected a small percentage of users. Nvidia has acknowledged these problems and is working on solutions, including driver updates and replacements for affected units.

Despite these setbacks, the RTX 5090 remains a top choice for gamers and professionals seeking high-performance graphics capabilities.

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC, Technology

Is Microsoft’s Quantum Leap the Future of Gaming?

Microsoft recently unveiled its groundbreaking quantum processor, Majorana 1, which is set to transform the computing world. This innovative chip leverages topological qubits, a new state of matter called topoconductors, to achieve unprecedented stability and scalability. But what does this mean for the future of computing, and how will it impact PC gaming?

Majorana 1 is powered by Majorana zero modes (MZMs), quasiparticles that were theorized in 1937 but only recently harnessed. Unlike traditional qubits, which are prone to environmental interference, topological qubits encode information in the parity of electrons split across nanowires, making them inherently resistant to noise. This hardware-level error protection could reduce the overhead of quantum error correction by tenfold.

The introduction of Majorana 1 marks a paradigm shift in quantum computing. Microsoft’s architecture promises a path to one million qubits on a single chip the size of a desktop CPU. This density avoids the “airplane hangar” footprint required by other approaches, enabling integration into Azure data centers. The potential applications are vast, from designing catalysts to break down microplastics to inventing self-healing materials for construction and healthcare.

Impact on PC Gaming

Quantum computing holds immense potential for revolutionizing PC gaming. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Enhanced AI: Quantum-powered AI could provide truly dynamic and unpredictable non-playable characters (NPCs), making games more engaging and challenging.
  2. Immersive Virtual Reality (VR): Quantum computers, with their immense processing power, could solve hardware limitations, resulting in VR experiences that are indistinguishable from reality.
  3. Cloud-based Gaming: Enhanced processing power could redefine cloud-based gaming, offering a seamless experience even for those without high-end gaming PCs.
  4. Randomization and Procedural Generation: Quantum computers could improve procedural generation, creating more complex and interesting game environments.

Microsoft’s Majorana 1 is a significant leap toward practical quantum computing. Its potential to revolutionize various industries, including PC gaming, is immense. As we move closer to realizing the full potential of quantum computing, the future of gaming looks more exciting than ever.

Gaming, Hardware/Console, PC

Nvidia Ends PhysX Support with RTX 50 Series

Nvidia has officially retired 32-bit PhysX support on its latest RTX 50 series GPUs, marking the end of an era for the once heavily marketed physics simulation technology. This move comes as Nvidia deprecates 32-bit CUDA applications starting with the RTX 50 series.

PhysX, originally developed by Ageia in 2004 and later acquired by Nvidia, was a proprietary physics simulation SDK capable of processing ragdolls, cloth simulation, particles, volumetric fluid simulation, and other physics-focused graphical effects. It was integrated into several notable AAA games, including the Batman Arkham trilogy, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 2, Metro: Last Light, Metro: Exodus, Metro 2033, Mirror’s Edge, The Witcher 3, and some older Assassin’s Creed titles.

PhysX was designed to run physics calculations on the GPU rather than the CPU, allowing for significantly greater rendering performance for physics-related graphical effects. This resulted in higher frame rates and improved quality of physics effects compared to what could be achieved on a CPU.

Despite its initial success, PhysX’s adoption slowed significantly by the late 2010s as developers moved towards more flexible, cross-platform physics engines. The biggest drawback of PhysX was its strict requirement for an Nvidia GPU, preventing it from being used on competing GPUs, consoles, and smartphones. Nvidia also gradually removed support for some PhysX features, contributing to its decline.

The End of PhysX on RTX 50 Series

With no known 64-bit games using PhysX, Nvidia has decided to end support for 32-bit PhysX on the RTX 50 series GPUs. This means that games from the 2000s and early 2010s that relied on PhysX for particle and clothing effects will no longer benefit from the technology on the latest Nvidia GPUs.

For those who still want to use PhysX, the only solution is to install an older RTX 40 series or earlier graphics card and dedicate it to PhysX processing in the Nvidia control panel.

The retirement of PhysX on the RTX 50 series marks the end of an almost lifelike era in gaming physics. While it was a groundbreaking technology in its prime, the shift towards more versatile and cross-platform solutions has rendered it obsolete. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see what new innovations Nvidia brings to the table.

Business, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

AMD closes the year 2024 in green and with official release of RDNA4

AMD reported record revenue of $7.7 billion for Q4 2024, which was a 24% increase year-over-year. The company also achieved a gross margin of 51% and a non-GAAP gross margin of 54%. For the full year 2024, AMD reported record revenue of $25.8 billion, a 14% increase from the previous year. The company’s operating income for the year was $1.9 billion, and net income was $1.6 billion.

AMD’s CEO, Dr. Lisa Su, highlighted that 2024 was a transformative year for the company, with significant growth in their Data Center segment and strong earnings expansion.

The company also saw record revenue from its AMD Instinct accelerator products.

Of course RDNA4 and the Radeon RX 9070 XT family topic could not be avoided on the conference call with AMD’s inverstor.

And with this, Lisa Su confirmed the launch of their next-generation RDNA 4 architecture and the Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card. Scheduled for release on March 6, 2025, these GPUs are set to revolutionize the mainstream and mid-range gaming market.

A review of all that is currently public knowledge…

RDNA 4 marks a significant leap forward for AMD, focusing on improved ray tracing performance and AI-powered upscaling technology. The architecture will utilize a 4nm TSMC process node, enhancing density and efficiency3. Key features include:

  • Optimized Compute Units (CUs): RDNA 4 introduces optimized CUs for better performance.
  • Supercharged AI Compute: Enhanced AI capabilities for advanced upscaling and image stabilization.
  • Improved Ray Tracing: Significantly better ray tracing performance compared to previous generations.
  • Better Media Encoding: Enhanced media encoding quality for a smoother gaming experience.

Radeon RX 9070 XT: Specifications and Performance

The Radeon RX 9070 XT is AMD’s flagship offering in the RDNA 4 lineup. Here are the key specifications:

  • Stream Processors: 4,096 SPs
  • Compute Units: 64 CUs
  • Memory: 16GB GDDR6 with a 256-bit memory bus
  • Memory Speed: 20 Gbps
  • Bandwidth: 640 GB/s
  • Base / Boost Clocks: 2.40 GHz / 2.97 GHz
  • PCIe Support: PCIe 5.0

The RX 9070 XT is designed to compete with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, offering top-tier performance at a more affordable price. AMD’s focus on mainstream gaming means the RX 9070 XT aims to provide high-quality 4K gaming experiences with improved ray tracing and AI-powered upscaling.