Category Archives: PC

Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Valve Denies Rumors of Returning to Gaming Console Market with New Steam Machines

Valve, the renowned developer behind the Steam platform, has officially denied rumors suggesting it is planning to re-enter the gaming console market with a new line of Steam Machines. The speculation arose from a leak by well-known industry insider eXtas1s, who claimed that Valve was working on a new console to rival the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Original video:

According to eXtas1s, Valve is collaborating with AMD to utilize their upcoming RDNA 4 technology for this new console.

The rumor suggested that Valve’s new console would be a significant step up from the Steam Deck, aiming to offer a more powerful gaming experience. However, Valve has firmly denied these claims via a clarification that the changes on a Mesa patch change is about the Vulkan support within the Open Source RADV Radeon Driver for RDNA4 and nothing much else:

This initial support should be good enough but it’s missing two features (cooperative matrix and video decode/encode) compared to GFX11 (RDNA3) because lack of time.

DCC is still under active development but it might be possible to finish it during the RC period.

Valve’s previous attempt to enter the console market with Steam Machines in 2015 was met with limited success. The concept behind Steam Machines was to provide small PCs, either made by Valve or other manufacturers, running SteamOS (with the option to boot Windows). Despite the innovative idea, the Steam Machines did not achieve the expected success due to various factors, including limited game compatibility and high prices.

In recent years, Valve has focused on the success of the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device that has gained popularity among gamers. The company has sold “multiple millions” of the device since its release, although exact sales figures have not been disclosed. The Steam Deck’s success has been attributed to its portability, performance, and the extensive library of games available on Steam.

Games, Gaming, News, PC

The Sims Legacy Collection 1 & 2 is yet another blast from the gaming past

The Sims and The Sims 2 have officially made their return, much to the delight of fans worldwide. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved life simulation series, EA has re-released both games in special Legacy Collections on platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the EA app.

The The Sims Legacy Collection includes the original The Sims game along with several expansion packs and stuff packs. Here’s what you can expect:

  • The Sims: The base game that started it all.
  • Livin’ Large: Adds new objects, characters, and gameplay elements.
  • House Party: Introduces party-related items and activities.
  • Hot Date: Focuses on romantic interactions and new locations.
  • Vacation: Adds vacation destinations and related items.
  • Unleashed: Brings pets into the game.
  • Superstar: Adds fame and celebrity elements.
  • Makin’ Magic: Introduces magic and spellcasting.
  • Throwback Fit Kit: A bonus pack from The Sims 4, adding retro-themed clothing.

The The Sims 2 Legacy Collection includes the sequel The Sims 2 along with its numerous expansions and stuff packs. Here’s what’s included:

  • The Sims 2: The base game that expanded on the original’s success.
  • University: Adds a university campus and related gameplay elements.
  • Nightlife: Focuses on nightlife and social interactions.
  • Open for Business: Introduces business and commerce elements.
  • Pets: Adds pets and pet-related gameplay.
  • Bon Voyage: Adds vacation destinations.
  • Seasons: Introduces weather and seasonal changes.
  • FreeTime: Adds hobbies and leisure activities.
  • Apartment Life: Adds apartment buildings and related gameplay.
  • Holiday Party Pack: Adds holiday-themed items.
  • Family Fun Stuff: Adds family-related items.
  • Glamour Life Stuff: Adds glamorous items.
  • Happy Holiday Stuff: Adds holiday-themed items.
  • Celebration! Stuff: Adds celebration-themed items.
  • H&M Fashion Stuff: Adds fashion items from H&M.
  • Teen Style Stuff: Adds teen fashion items.
  • Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff: Adds kitchen and bathroom items.
  • Mansion & Garden Stuff: Adds mansion and garden items.
  • Grunge Revival Kit: A bonus pack from The Sims 4, adding grunge-themed clothing.
    (For those who remembers, IKEA expansion is absent as probably either EA could not get into an licensing agreement for decoration designs or maybe is not interested on sharing profits to IKEA)

The The Sims Legacy Collection is priced at $20, while the The Sims 2 Legacy Collection is priced at $30. For those who want both, there’s a 25th Birthday Bundle available for $40, saving you $8. These collections are available on Windows 10 and 11, and you can transfer old save files and mods from the original games.

While these collections aren’t remasters, they offer a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s with all the expansions and stuff packs included. The games have been updated to run on modern systems, but don’t expect major visual or gameplay improvements. It’s all about reliving the magic and simplicity of the original games.

Gaming, News, PC

Intel closed the year with a deep dive

Intel Corporation recently released its Q4 2024 earnings report, providing insights into its financial performance and future outlook. Here’s a detailed analysis of the key points from the report:

Intel reported $14.3 billion in revenue for Q4 2024, a 7% decrease year-over-year. The company’s gross margin was 39.2%, down from 45.7% in Q4 2023. Despite the decline, Intel managed to achieve adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.13, slightly above Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $0.12.

Full-Year Results

For the full year 2024, Intel reported $53.1 billion in revenue, a 2% decrease compared to 2023. The company’s full-year gross margin was 32.7%, down from 40.0% in 2023. Intel’s full-year EPS was a loss of $4.38, compared to a loss of $0.13 on a non-GAAP basis.

Understandably, Intel provided a cautious outlook for Q1 2025, forecasting revenue between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion. The company expects first-quarter EPS to be a loss of $0.27 on a GAAP basis and $0.00 on a non-GAAP basis. This outlook reflects seasonal weakness, macroeconomic uncertainties, and competitive dynamics1.

Intel’s interim co-CEOs, David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, highlighted the company’s renewed focus on strengthening and simplifying its product portfolio and progress on its process roadmap. They emphasized the importance of cost reduction and efficiency to enhance Intel’s competitive position and create shareholder value.

Market Reaction

Following the earnings report, Intel’s stock experienced volatility. Investors were disappointed by the softer-than-expected revenue forecast for Q1 2025, and there was no update on the search for a permanent CEO2. The company’s stock price fluctuated as analysts and investors weighed the implications of the report.

Intel’s Q4 2024 earnings report reflects a challenging period for the company, marked by declining revenue and margins. However, the company’s focus on cost reduction and efficiency, along with its strategic initiatives, provides a foundation for future growth. Investors will be closely watching Intel’s progress in the coming quarters to see if the company can navigate the current challenges and return to profitability.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, PC

Dino Crisis 1 and 2 are back thanks to gaming preservation efforts of GOG

Exciting news for survival horror fans! Capcom’s beloved Dino Crisis series has made a triumphant return to PC via GOG. Both Dino Crisis 1 and Dino Crisis 2 are now available DRM-free, meaning no activation or online connection is required to play. This is a dream come true for fans who have been eagerly waiting for these classics to be revived.

The new versions of Dino Crisis 1 and 2 come with several enhancements to ensure they run smoothly on modern systems. These include:

  • Increased resolution support, with the first game offering near 4K resolution.
  • Modern control support, making it easier to play with contemporary controllers.
  • Improved rendering and sound, providing a more immersive experience.
  • Fixes for common issues, ensuring a more stable gameplay.
  • Localization options, allowing players to enjoy the game in their preferred language.

GOG Preservation Program

The release of Dino Crisis 1 and 2 is part of GOG’s Preservation Program, an initiative aimed at keeping older games accessible and playable on modern hardware. This program involves updating and enhancing classic games to ensure they remain compatible with new PC systems. By providing DRM-free versions, GOG ensures that these games can be played without the need for an online connection, addressing a common complaint among gamers.

Game preservation is becoming increasingly important as the industry moves forward. According to GOG, 87% of games released prior to 2010 are no longer available, making initiatives like the Preservation Program crucial for keeping gaming history alive. By bringing back games like Dino Crisis, GOG not only honors the legacy of these titles but also provides new generations of gamers the opportunity to experience them.

Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 will have an introductory price of $9.99 each, but as in the case of Resident Evil first 3 games collection, a bundle that includes both games will be available for $16.99.

Games, Gaming, News, PC

Electronic Arts will officially sunset Origin PC launcher

While it shouldn’t be a surprise for those following up this topic, Electronic Arts has announced the end of its 14-year-old Origin PC Launcher. The decision to sunset Origin comes as a response to the decline in 32-bit software support, with Windows 11 no longer supporting 32-bit applications. This move marks a significant shift for EA, as it transitions users to its newer EA app.

Origin was launched in 2011 as EA’s answer to Valve’s Steam platform. The goal was to create a dedicated storefront and launcher for EA’s games, allowing the company to retain more revenue by bypassing third-party platforms.

However, Origin faced criticism and unpopularity among users due to its lack of features compared to Steam and its controversial decision to pull titles like Crysis 2 from Steam.

Despite these challenges, Origin remained a staple for EA gamers, especially for older titles that were not available on other platforms. Over the years, EA attempted to migrate users to its newer EA app, which launched in 2022 with a more modern interface and improved features.

Transition to the EA App

Starting April 17, 2025, the Origin PC Launcher will cease to function, and users will be directed to install the EA app. EA has assured users that their local and cloud saves, as well as their friend lists, will sync seamlessly between Origin and the EA app.

Additionally, users can merge their Origin friend lists with those on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.

However, there are some caveats. Mods may not transfer to the EA app, and users will need to check with mod creators to see if their content can be transferred. For those switching to a new device, redownloading games and manually transferring data will be necessary.

To use the EA app, PC users will need a 64-bit version of Windows 11 or Windows 10, while Mac users will need macOS Catalina 10.15.5 or later. This requirement aligns with the broader industry shift away from 32-bit software support1.

The sunsetting of Origin marks the end of an era for EA gamers. While the transition to the EA app may come with its challenges, it also represents a step towards a more unified and modern gaming experience.

As EA continues to evolve its platform, it remains to be seen how the gaming community will respond to these changes.

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

What to expect of Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 2

Activision has officially revealed the highly anticipated updates for Season 2 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone, set to launch on January 28, 2025. This season promises to bring a host of new content, gameplay improvements, and significant anti-cheat updates to enhance the overall player experience.

I guess it is fair to say that the long blog post needed to be filtered in a more summarized and understandable list and here goes:

Key Updates for Season 2

  1. Console-Only Crossplay for Ranked Play: Responding to community feedback, Activision will enable the ability to disable cross-play for consoles in Ranked Play modes. This aims to reduce cheating and provide a fairer competitive environment.
  2. New Zombies Content: Season 2 will introduce a brand-new Zombies map, along with new weapons, modes, and other exciting content to refresh the Zombies experience.
  3. Anti-Cheat Enhancements: The Ricochet Anti-Cheat team has been hard at work, implementing new detection models and server updates to combat aim-botting and other cheating behaviors. Over 136,000 Ranked Play account bans have already been issued since the modes launched.
  4. Server Improvements: Activision has addressed server issues, including rubber-banding, packet loss, and server disconnects, especially in Ranked Play and certain regions. New improvements have been made to Call of Duty’s server infrastructure to reduce malicious activities and enhance stability.
  5. Samurai Theme: The leaked key art for Season 2 hints at a Samurai theme, featuring a character holding a tanto (a short Japanese blade) and dressed in traditional Samurai attire. This theme is expected to bring a fresh and immersive experience to the game.
  6. Charity Support: Activision has donated $1 million to LA wildfire relief efforts and released a new cosmetic bundle in the in-game store, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting charities connected to wildfire relief.

Release Details

Season 2 will go live on January 28, 2025, at 10 AM PT, across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC (Steam and Battle.net), and Xbox Series X/S. Players will need to download update files for the Call of Duty app to access the latest content additions and enhancements.

About Ranked Mode in both Black Ops 6 & Warzone

Also, Activision said it was disabling crossplay between consoles and PC in Ranked Mode for both Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone in response to player feedback and in the spirit of improving the gameplay experience.


We’ve heard the feedback from players about wanting the choice to toggle cross-play in Ranked Play since its launch earlier this season, and in the spirit of improving the gameplay experience, we’re returning to the way we’ve traditionally handled cross-play. In Season 02, we are enabling the ability to disable cross-play for console players who want to compete only against other console players.

  • This is currently in testing and is planned to go live for both Black Ops 6 Ranked Play and Warzone Ranked Play during S02. We’ll be monitoring closely and will consider further changes to prioritize the integrity of the ecosystem, and we’ll have more details to share as we get closer to the launch of this feature.

The Vote to Forfeit feature is coming at Season 02 launch, which allows players to vote with their team to end a match early if the team is getting blown out, or you’ve lost a teammate. Forfeited matches count as a standard loss and do not result in SR penalties or suspensions.

The ability to rejoin Ranked Play matches is also planned for later in Season 02, which should help to ensure fuller teams in matches if players experience a disconnect.

New S02 Ranked Play Rewards will include:

  • Large Decal for 100 wins
  • Camos for Gold Rank and up
  • Jackal PDW Blueprint for 10 wins

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation, Xbox

LUNAR Remastered Collection for nostalgia & new fans

GungHo Online Entertainment America has just announced the release of the LUNAR Remastered Collection, bringing two beloved JRPG classics back to life for a new generation of gamers. The collection, featuring LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete, will be available both physically and digitally on April 18, 2025.

Originally developed by GAME ARTS for the original Playstation, these games have captivated fans with their romantic storytelling and breathtaking soundtrack. The remastered edition not only preserves the heart of the original games but also introduces modern enhancements such as wide-screen support, high-definition pixel and animated art, and quality-of-life updates like customizable battle and strategy setting.

The collection will be available on PlayStation 4 (compatible with PlayStation 5), Xbox One (compatible with Xbox Series X|S), Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Digital editions are priced at $49.99 USD / €49.99 EUR, while physical editions will be available for $54.99 USD in North America and €54.99 EUR in Europe. The physical editions will feature reversible covers with new key arts illustrated by Toshiyuki Kubooka.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the LUNAR saga, this remastered collection promises to captivate you with its timeless charm and enhanced features. Dive back into the enchanting worlds of LUNAR and experience the magic all over again!

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, PC

SMITE 2 will go Free-to-Play this year

Hi-Rez Studios has announced that SMITE 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular third-person MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game, will transition to a free-to-play model starting January 14, 2025. This move marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as it opens up the game to a broader audience.

The Backstory of SMITE

SMITE first launched in 2014, introducing players to a unique third-person perspective that set it apart from traditional top-down MOBAs. Players could choose from a variety of gods and goddesses from different mythologies, each with unique abilities. Over the years, Hi-Rez Studios has consistently updated the game, introducing new gods, maps, and game modes to keep the experience fresh and engaging.

The franchise has also made a name for itself in the competitive gaming scene, with the launch of the SMITE World Championship in 2015. This annual event showcases the best teams from around the world and has helped solidify SMITE’s place in the esports community.

What’s New in SMITE 2?

With the transition to a free-to-play model, SMITE 2 will introduce several new features and improvements. Players can look forward to:

  • 45 Gods: Including new additions like Aladdin, who brings a fresh playstyle inspired by the Disney movie.
  • New Game Modes: Joust and Duel modes, with an alpha version of Assault mode also being tested.
  • Enhanced Graphics and Mechanics: Improved visuals and smoother gameplay mechanics.
  • Community Engagement: Hi-Rez Studios continues to seek player feedback and foster a sense of community through events and updates.

As SMITE 2 enters its open beta phase, the future looks bright for this beloved franchise. The transition to free-to-play is expected to attract both veteran players and newcomers, ensuring that the game remains a staple in the world of MOBAs.

CES 2025, Events, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Lenovo will keep grinding with Lenovo Go S & Go 2

Beside the proper offering in base of the recent announcements of both AMD and Nvidia, Lenovo did wanted to also use CS 2025 as a platform to announce what is next in their effort for portable PC Gaming with its Lenovo Go brand and we got not one, but two devices.

First, Lenovo confirmed the Lenovo Go S, a entry-level variant of the Lenovo Go original and will have the exclusive Go variant of the recently announced AMD Ryzen Z2 as part of your consideration.

The Lenovo Go S’ specs goes as follows:

  • Display: 8-inch WUXGA 16:10 PureSight touch display with 120Hz refresh rate.
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme processors.
  • RAM: Up to 32GB of 7500Mhz LPDDR5X RAM.
  • Battery: 55.5Whr battery.
  • Operating System: Runs Windows 11.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e support, two USB 4 ports, microSD card reader.

Despite not being a powerhouse in comparison with the original Legion Go, the Lenovo Legion Go S will actually be one of the few handhelds on the market to offer a 120Hz variable refresh rate screen, physically possible due the screen being with a 1920 x 1200 resolution.

The Legion Go S is expected to launch this month at a $499 price that includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage and with $100 more, you get 32GB RAM.

But wait… there’s more with SteamOS

A surprising note is that Lenovo and Valve are in a partnership which will bring a “Powered by SteamOs” variant of the Lenovo Go S with Valve adding:

With Lenovo’s announcement at CES 2025 of the Lenovo Legion Go S, we are pleased to share that their “Powered by SteamOS” model is the first handheld officially licensed to ship with Valve’s SteamOS. We built this operating system to provide a seamless user experience optimized for gaming, while retaining access to the power and flexibility of a PC. SteamOS is the same operating system we run on Steam Deck, and the team is making updates to ensure it fully supports the Lenovo Legion Go S and provides the same seamless experience customers expect.

In addition, the same work that we are doing to support the Lenovo Legion Go S will improve compatibility with other handhelds. Ahead of Legion Go S shipping, we will be shipping a beta of SteamOS which should improve the experience on other handhelds, and users can download and test this themselves. And of course we’ll continue adding support and improving the experience with future releases.

Despite sharing the same tech spec, the SteamOs variant of the Lenovo Go S will not lauch along the regular Windows 11 based device, but will do so by May at a $499 cost for a model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

About the Legion Go 2

Lenovo of course showed the Legion Go S as a proper “follow-up” for the Legion Go, but the true successor is officially in development and slated to be launch this very 2025.

Also, the company said that we should expect its specs to include the Ryzen Z2 Extreme with a 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED screen with VRR ready, and a big 74Wh battery.

CES 2025, Events, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC, Technology

Summary of all things Razer announced at CES 2025

Known to be one of the original gaming peripherals and PC gaming accessories even before PC gaming became a big thing it is today, Razer hasn’t been shy to use events like CES 2025 to not only announced official products and their follow-ups, but also concepts that might or not end being official products and this year wasn’t the exception.

The announcement about an official product is the Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop, which is thinner than ever at just 0.59 inches.

This model features AMD Ryzen AI processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPUs, along with a 240Hz display and needless to say that the Razer he Blade 16 is designed for gamers who demand high performance in a sleek, portable form factor.

Other announcement for an official product is the new Razer Aether Standing Light Bars feature Chroma RGB lighting and can be used to light up both the player and the surroundings. These lights are smart-home compatible and offer reversible front-and-back dual lighting.

And if you are considering the Aether, I guess it won’t hurt you consider the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma and have Aether to complement it, as it provides additional desk space and includes RGB lighting and multiple USB ports. It is designed to help gamers create a more ergonomic and organized workspace.

Finally, the Handheld Dock Chroma is a “6-in-1” docking station that transforms phones, tablets, or handheld gaming devices “into powerful gaming consoles” with 100W power passthrough support for charging.

The Handheld Dock Chroma uses a USB-C cable to connect supported devices, including Android phones and tablets, iPads and iPhones with USB-C ports, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and Razer’s own Edge Android gaming handheld.

The 2025 Razer Blade 16 is due out in the first quarter of this year, while the Razer Aether Standing Light Bars is scheduled to be launch on Q1 2025 at a $99 MSRP, the Monitor Stand Chrome will be priced at $199 but no release date was chares and finally, the Handheld Dock Chroma will be the earliest product to be launch with a January 30th release date, targeting the S79.99 price.

And now… the concepts that are labeled as “Projects”

Project Arielle

Razer introduced Project Arielle, the world’s first mesh gaming chair with integrated heating and cooling using bladeless fan technology and Razer used its other chair, the Fujin Pro, as a base for the designing of Arielle.

One of the features of the chair is that it can reduce the perceived temperature by 2°C to 5°C and provide up to 30°C of warm air. This innovative chair aims to enhance comfort for gamers in various climates.

Project Ava

And finally, Razer showcased Project Ava, an AI-powered tech that serves as an esports coach. Ava provides real-time feedback and coaching to help players improve their skills and optimize their gaming setups for better performance.

This AI coach can also ensure that players are always up-to-date with hardware, software, and firmware updates.

While again, conceptual products showcased on CES 2025 by Razer might or not being launched as official products, this wasn’t the exception that Razer didn’t make promises and it is around from Spring to Summer that concepts evolving to future products are announced, so if you are interested, stay tuned!