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Razer Blade 14 (2025): A Compact Powerhouse Unveiled at Computex

Computex 2025 has brought a wave of exciting announcements, and among them, Razer has officially unveiled the Razer Blade 14 (2025)—a gaming laptop that blends cutting-edge AI capabilities with a sleek, lightweight design. This latest iteration of Razer’s smallest gaming laptop is more than just a spec bump; it’s a complete overhaul that takes inspiration from the redesigned Blade 16 while introducing new features tailored for gamers and creators alike.

A Redesigned Chassis for Maximum Portability

Razer has adapted the Blade 16’s redesigned chassis to fit the Blade 14, making it thinner (15.7mm) and lighter (1.63kg) than ever before. The laptop retains Razer’s signature CNC-milled aluminum body, now available in black and silver, though a pink variant has yet to be announced. Despite its compact size, Razer has managed to integrate six speakers for an immersive audio experience and a microSD card slot, catering to content creators.

At the heart of the Blade 14 is AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, a 10-core powerhouse designed to handle gaming, productivity, and AI-driven tasks with ease. Paired with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5060 or 5070 GPUs, this laptop is built for high-performance gaming while maintaining efficiency. The AI enhancements extend beyond raw power—this Blade 14 is a full Copilot+ PC, meaning it supports the latest AI-driven features in Windows 11.

A Stunning OLED Display

One of the most significant upgrades is the 2.8K OLED display, replacing last year’s QHD+ 240Hz IPS LCD panel. While the refresh rate has been reduced to 120Hz, the OLED technology offers a faster response time (0.2ms), deeper blacks, and richer colors, making it a compelling choice for both gamers and creatives.

Razer has opted for soldered RAM, meaning users won’t be able to upgrade memory post-purchase. However, the DDR5-8000 RAM ensures blazing-fast performance, with configurations available up to 64GB. Storage remains upgradeable, with options reaching 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.

The Blade 14 retains its 72Whr battery, with Razer claiming an additional hour of usage thanks to the more efficient hardware. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two USB 4.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Availability and Pricing

The Razer Blade 14 (2025) is available exclusively through Razer’s store, starting at $2,299.99 for the RTX 5060 variant. While some configurations are already live, availability may vary by region

Razer’s latest Blade 14 is a testament to how compact gaming laptops can continue evolving without sacrificing power. With AI-driven enhancements, a stunning OLED display, and a refined chassis, this laptop is poised to be a favorite among gamers and professionals alike. While the lack of upgradeable RAM may be a downside for some, the overall package makes it one of the most exciting gaming laptops announced at Computex 2025.

The Razer Blade 14 got the AI laptop treatment with less weight, more ports and speakers, and two colors
The Razer Blade 14 (2025) has been announced, bringing a redesign with AMD Ryzen AI, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series, less weight and thickness, and more features.
Source/Via
Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Intel presents the Arc Pro B-Series for more Itel Arc GPUs offering

Intel has unveiled its latest Arc Pro B-Series graphics cards at Computex 2025, introducing the Arc Pro B60 and Arc Pro B50 GPUs, designed for workstation applications and AI inference. These new GPUs are built on Intel’s Xe2 Battlemage architecture, featuring Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (XMX) AI cores and hardware-accelerated ray tracing units.

Key Features of Arc Pro B-Series GPUs

  • Arc Pro B60:
    • 24GB GDDR6 memory
    • 197 TOPS of AI performance
    • PCIe 5.0 x8 interface
    • Multi-GPU scalability for AI workloads
    • Targeted for demanding tasks like generative design, 3D simulation, and video editing.
  • Arc Pro B50:
    • 16GB GDDR6 memory
    • 170 TOPS of AI performance
    • Compact dual-slot design
    • Priced at $299, making it an affordable option for professionals.

Intel has also expanded its Gaudi 3 AI accelerator lineup, offering PCIe add-in cards and rack-scale server modules to support large-scale AI inferencing. The Project Battlematrix platform enables multi-GPU configurations, allowing up to eight B60 cards to work together, providing 192GB of video memory for AI models with up to 150 billion parameters.

Intel aims to challenge NVIDIA and AMD in the workstation segment by offering high memory capacities at competitive prices. The Arc Pro B50 and B60 GPUs will be available in Q3 2025, with full feature enablement scheduled for Q4 2025. Intel is collaborating with ASRock, Gunnir, Maxsun, Sparkle, and other partners to bring these GPUs to market.

These new GPUs mark a significant step forward for Intel in the professional graphics and AI computing space, reinforcing its commitment to open architectures and scalable AI solutions.

Computex: Intel Unveils New GPUs for AI and Workstations
Company extends the Intel Arc Pro GPU lineup to prosumers and AI developers, and announces Intel Gaudi 3 AI accelerator availability via rack scale and PCIe deployments.
Source/Via
Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

Microsoft’s Xbox Price Hike: Market Pressures, Earnings, and Nintendo’s Influence

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase across its Xbox product line, affecting consoles, controllers, headsets, and even future first-party games. The decision, which takes effect immediately, comes amid rising development costs and shifting market conditions.

The price hikes impact various Xbox models and accessories, with some seeing increases of up to 27%. Here are some of the key adjustments:

  • Xbox Series S 512GB – $379.99 (was $299.99)
  • Xbox Series S 1TB – $429.99 (was $349.99)
  • Xbox Series X Digital – $549.99 (was $449.99)
  • Xbox Series X – $599.99 (was $499.99)
  • Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition $729.99 (was $599.99)
  • Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) – $64.99 (no increase)
  • Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) – $69.99 (no increase)
  • Xbox Wireless Controller – Special Edition – $79.99 (no increase)
  • Xbox Wireless Controller – Limited Edition – $89.99 (was $79.99)
  • Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) – $149.99 (was $139.99)
  • Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) – $199.99 (was $179.99)
  • Xbox Stereo Headset -$64.99 (no increase)
  • Xbox Wireless Headset – $119.99 (was $109.99)

Additionally, Microsoft confirmed that new first-party Xbox games will be priced at $79.99 starting this holiday season.

Microsoft’s latest earnings report highlighted strong performance in its gaming division, but also pointed to increasing costs in game development and hardware production. The company cited global economic pressures, including tariffs and supply chain disruptions, as key factors behind the price adjustments.

Despite these challenges, Microsoft remains committed to expanding its gaming ecosystem, emphasizing cloud gaming and cross-platform accessibility. The company’s statement reassured players that it is focused on delivering value while adapting to market realities.

Overall Financial Performance

  • Total Revenue: $64.7 billion (+15% YoY)
  • Operating Income: $27.9 billion (+15%)
  • Net Income: $22.0 billion (+10%)
  • Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS): $2.95 (+10%)
  • Microsoft Cloud Revenue: $36.8 billion (+21%)

Gaming Revenue Breakdown

The Xbox sector experienced significant growth in Q4, powered by acquisitions and game content sales:

  • Total Gaming Revenue: $6.4 billion (+61% YoY)
  • Xbox Content & Services: $5.2 billion (+68%), primarily driven by Activision Blizzard revenue
  • Xbox Hardware Revenue: $1.2 billion (+42%), following price adjustments and strong console sales

Key Drivers Behind Gaming Growth

  1. Activision Blizzard Impact
    • Microsoft completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, leading to increased gaming revenue.
    • Titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Diablo IV contributed significantly to Xbox content sales.
  2. Game Pass Expansion
    • Subscribers exceeded 33 million, signaling continued engagement in Microsoft’s subscription model.
    • First-party titles gained momentum, with Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and Minecraft Legends driving engagement.
  3. Hardware Price Adjustments
    • The Xbox Series X/S saw sales growth despite the announced price increases.
    • Premium editions and bundles performed better than anticipated.

Microsoft’s revenue growth in gaming aligns with broader industry trends. While competing with Sony’s PlayStation and Nintendo’s Switch, Microsoft’s investment in cloud gaming, Game Pass, and major acquisitions has positioned Xbox favorably for future expansion.

Nintendo’s Indirect Role

Interestingly, Microsoft’s price hike follows a similar move by Nintendo, which recently raised the price of select games to $79.99. While Nintendo has not increased console prices, its decision to adjust accessory costs due to market conditions may have influenced Microsoft’s strategy.

Nintendo’s pricing shift set a precedent, signaling that higher game prices could become the industry standard. Microsoft’s move aligns with this trend, ensuring its pricing remains competitive while addressing rising production costs.

Microsoft’s decision to raise Xbox prices reflects broader industry trends and economic pressures. While the increases may frustrate some gamers, they underscore the evolving landscape of console gaming, where companies must balance affordability with sustainability.

With Nintendo’s pricing adjustments setting the stage, Microsoft’s move suggests that higher costs may become the norm across the gaming industry. Whether other companies follow suit remains to be seen, but for now, Xbox players will need to prepare for a more expensive gaming experience.

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

Reactions didn’t wait for the Nintendo Switch Firmware Update 20.0.0

Nintendo has rolled out firmware update 20.0.0 for the Nintendo Switch, and while it introduces some exciting new features, it has also sparked controversy among fans. This update is particularly significant as it lays the groundwork for Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility, but not all changes have been well received.

Key Features of Firmware Update 20.0.0

Nintendo’s latest update introduces several new functionalities aimed at improving the gaming experience and preparing for the transition to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2:

  • Virtual Game Cards: Digital purchases, including games and DLC, are now stored as virtual game cards, allowing users to load and eject them between two Switch systems.
  • GameShare: This feature enables Nintendo Switch 2 owners to share compatible games with other nearby systems via local wireless.
  • System Transfer to Switch 2: Players can now transfer their data from Nintendo Switch 1 to Switch 2 using local communication or a dedicated server.
  • User-Verification Settings: A new security feature lets users restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu with a PIN or Nintendo Account sign-in.
  • Online License Settings: Players can now play downloaded software or DLC while connected to the internet, even if they don’t have the virtual game card loaded.
  • Updated UI Elements: The Nintendo eShop and News icons have received a color update.
  • Improved Save Data Transfers: Users can now transfer multiple save data files at once.

While some players are excited about the new features, others are frustrated by certain changes. Here’s what the community is saying:

The Good

  • Many fans appreciate the Virtual Game Card system, which makes managing digital purchases more convenient.
  • The GameShare feature is seen as a welcome addition, allowing players to share games locally without needing multiple copies.
  • The system transfer option is praised for making the transition to Nintendo Switch 2 smoother.

The Bad

  • Game-sharing restrictions: Previously, players could share digital games across multiple accounts and play simultaneously. However, update 20.0.0 removes this ability, forcing users to rely on the new Virtual Game Card system.
  • Donkey Kong’s profile icon change: Nintendo replaced the classic Donkey Kong icon with a new design from the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza game. Some fans are upset, fearing this will be DK’s permanent look moving forward.
  • Multiplayer limitations: Players who used the old method to play the same game on different systems/accounts are frustrated that they can no longer do so.

What This Means for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2

This update signals a shift in how Nintendo handles digital purchases and game-sharing. While Nintendo Switch 1 users may feel restricted by the new policies, Nintendo Switch 2 owners will benefit from GameShare and improved system transfer options. The Virtual Game Card system suggests Nintendo is moving toward a more controlled digital ecosystem, possibly to combat piracy and unauthorized game-sharing.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 launch approaches, it will be interesting to see how Nintendo addresses fan concerns and whether future updates will refine these features.

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, Nintendo

More expectations that you should consider for the Nintendo Switch 2

I has been a kind of a roller coaster week for the Nintendo segment of gaming fans since the announcement and presentation for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the almost immediate unrelated news about Trump Administration imposing new tariffs to Vietnam has prompted Nintendo on delaying preorders (not release date [yet]) to assess on how it will impact if Nintendo can have the price set or needs adjustments.

But I believe we are in another wave of ups and downs, depending on your perspective on some revealed expectations and that are new outside that Nintendo Switch 2 games will be distributed physically as Switch 1 games which generated of course, a interesting debate regarding people’s expectations on the technical capacities of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Now for the new things…

Nintendo Switch 2 will not have a favored anti-drifting detail

Nintendo Life confirmed that Nintendo acknowledged that the Joy-Con 2 devices of Nintendo Switch 2 will not have the Hall Effect design.

Hall Effect, named after US physicist Edwin Hall, is when you use magnets and electrical conductors to measure the position of the stick which makes them in theory and practice immune to drifting, one of the most hated “Achilles’ heel” of the original Nintendo Switch.

Nate Bihldorff answer Nintendo Life’s inquiry with this:

Let’s jump off the sensitivity stuff then and talk about the stick of the Switch 2 Joy-Con because it feels so different to the original Switch’s analog stick. So is it a Hall Effect stick? Were you inspired by the Hall Effect stick?

Well, the Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been designed from the ground up. They’re not Hall Effect sticks, but they feel really good. Did you experience both the Joy-Con and the Pro Controller?

Both!

So, I like both, but that Pro Controller, for some reason the first time I grabbed it, I was like, “this feels like a GameCube controller.” I was a GameCube guy. Something about it felt so familiar, but the stick on that especially. I tried to spend a lot of time making sure that it was quiet. I don’t know if you tried really whacking the stick around but it really is [quiet]. I’m thinking back to my Smash Brothers days, where you just whack it. [The Switch 2 Pro Controller] is one of the quietest controllers I’ve ever played.

Let’s hope that time treats this particular topic well.

If your only desire for the Nintendo Switch 2 is Achievements hunting, bad news!

Polygon brought the question if the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to support Achievements to proper make an appeal like Playstation does with its Trophies system or Xbox with their own Achievement Platform to Nintendo’s vice president of player and product experience, Bill Trinen.

Unfortunately, Trinen confirmed with a “nope”, that this will not be the case.

The confusion might arise because The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will both get Switch 2 editions, as well as a new app, Zelda Notes, which will be part of the Nintendo App.

And ironically, that app will have its own Achievements list, so in this perspective, I can assume that game developers can have their own Achievement within their game’s ecosystem.

Nintendo basically is already done with Nintendo eShop Music

Also via an inquiry by Polygon, Nintendo via Nintendo Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto, that eShop Music is not part and will not be part of Nintendo Switch 2 offerings.

Unlike back then, the eShop now has lots of videos that are showcasing the games. We didn’t want to intrude on that, so we don’t have music there.

Of course, it was acknowledge that Nintendo is focusing on improving the eShop experience ahead of the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Originally Nintendo Switch is not being phased out (as expected and for now)

This time and via The Washington Post, Nintendo of America president Bowser was asked about the original Nintendo Switch following the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and while it is disingenuous to think that Nintendo will maintain a legacy platform (history speaks for itself), it will be remain to be supported while the transition period is in course.

What I would say is that we’ll continue to observe consumers and how they engage and enter into the platform at various levels to try to really understand what the future may look like.

Here’s the other point. We have an install base [for the Switch] of 150 million plus units. We’ll probably announce more on May 8, when we have our next earnings call. We want to keep those players engaged. Not all of them may be ready to jump to Switch 2.

In average, Nintendo has historically maintained support for its previous consoles for a few years after launching a new system and the average goes between 2 to 3 years, by just looking at past transitions:

  • Nintendo 64 → GameCube (2001): Nintendo 64 saw a gradual decline in support, with its last first-party game released in 2002.
  • GameCube → Wii (2006): GameCube support continued for a few years, with some late releases like “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” in 2006.
  • Wii → Wii U (2012): The Wii remained relevant for a while, especially with its strong casual audience, but first-party support slowed down significantly after 2013.
  • Wii U → Switch (2017): The Wii U had a short lifespan, and support faded quickly after the Switch’s success.

Now, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launching on June 5, 2025, Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 1 will continue to receive support as long as there is demand. This suggests that:

  • 2025-2026: Nintendo will likely continue releasing some new titles for Switch 1, similar to how it supported the 3DS after the Switch launched.
  • 2027-2028: Support may gradually decline, with fewer first-party releases.
  • Beyond 2028: The Switch 1 could still receive third-party games, but official support will likely phase out.

Let’s hope that I am wrong and Nintendo Switch transition to Switch 2 means more years of support for a previous generation and this is good news for gamers at all!

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

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.

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.

Breaking, Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

How gaming hardware performed in the past months?

The video game industry experienced a turbulent year in 2024, witnessing a significant decline in hardware sales. According to data from Circana, video game hardware sales in the U.S. dropped by 29% compared to the previous year. This blog post delves into the intricate details of this decline, examining the factors that contributed to this downward trend and what it might mean for the future of the gaming industry.

December 2024 U.S. Video Game Market Highlights from Circana – December 2024 projected U.S. consumer spending on video game hardware, content and accessories declined 8.9% when compared to a year ago, to $7.5B. Spending during the 2024 year fell 1.1% compared to 2023, to $58.7B.

— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-01-23T14:03:20.587Z

A Year of Decline

In 2024, video game hardware sales fell from $1.55 billion in 2023 to $1.11 billion, marking a steep 29% decrease. Several factors contributed to this decline, most notably the lifecycle stage of current gaming consoles and consumer anticipation for upcoming innovations.

The Impact of PlayStation 5 Pro

November 2024 brought a glimmer of hope with the release of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) Pro. This release temporarily boosted hardware sales; however, the surge was short-lived. By December, hardware sales had plummeted again, reflecting a 25% year-over-year decrease. The initial excitement around the PS5 Pro was not enough to sustain sales momentum through the holiday season.

Platform-Specific Sales Trends

Each major gaming console experienced its own unique challenges and declines in 2024:

  • Nintendo Switch: As the Nintendo Switch approached the end of its lifecycle, its sales dropped by a staggering 38% in December 2024. The console, which enjoyed immense popularity since its release, now faced the inevitable slowdown as consumers anticipated a new generation of Nintendo consoles.
  • Xbox Series Consoles: Microsoft’s Xbox Series consoles also faced a significant decline, with a 38% decrease in year-over-year sales for December 2024. Despite price cuts and holiday promotions, the platform could not escape the overall downturn in the market.
  • PlayStation 5: The regular PS5 saw an 18% drop in sales year-over-year. Even though the PS5 Pro’s release provided a temporary boost, it was not enough to offset the decline in sales of the standard model.

The Best-Selling Console of 2024

Despite the overall decline in hardware sales, the PlayStation 5 emerged as the best-selling console for 2024 in terms of both hardware spending and unit sales. Sony’s efforts to revitalize its offering with the PS5 Pro contributed to this achievement, albeit the gains were not as substantial as hoped.

Accessory Sales Remain Steady

While hardware sales took a hit, accessory sales remained robust. Accessory sales in December 2024 mirrored those of the previous year, showing no significant year-over-year change. Overall, accessory sales in 2024 saw a 6% increase compared to 2023. The PlayStation Portal topped the charts as the best-selling accessory, while the DualSense Midnight Black controller recorded the highest unit sales.

Total Revenue Overview

December 2024’s total revenue for video game hardware and accessories was $4.85 billion, significantly lower than December 2023’s $6.45 billion. This drop further highlights the extensive impact of the decline in hardware sales on the gaming market.

The Insider Gaming article encourages readers to discuss these findings in their forums, providing a platform for gamers, analysts, and industry insiders to share their perspectives and insights. The discussions could offer a deeper understanding of the market dynamics and factors influencing these trends.

The steep decline in video game hardware sales in 2024 signifies a notable shift in the market. This trend may be driven by the lifecycle of current consoles, consumer fatigue, and anticipation for future technologies. Console manufacturers will likely need to adjust their strategies, possibly accelerating the development and release of next-generation systems to rekindle consumer interest and drive future sales.

The decline in video game hardware sales in 2024 poses significant challenges but also opens up opportunities for innovation and growth in the gaming industry. As we move forward, it will be crucial for manufacturers and developers to understand and adapt to these evolving market dynamics, ensuring that they stay ahead of consumer trends and technological advancements.