Tag Archives: Hardware

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Nintendo Switch 2: A Much-Needed Evolution That Feels Like a Pro Version

After eight years since the launch of the original Nintendo Switch, we finally have its long-awaited successor: the Nintendo Switch 2. The original console showed clear signs of aging in its final years, struggling to deliver decent performance in demanding titles. The most obvious case was the latest Pokémon game, where the performance was disappointing. Thankfully, the new console arrives to fix many of those issues and offer a more modern gaming experience.

One of the most notable improvements is the ability to play in 4K resolution when connected to a TV, and even reach 120 frames per second in select games. In handheld mode, the Switch 2 features an 8-inch screen with a new LCD technology that closely mimics the colors of an OLED display. Thanks to its upgraded power, the console can now run much more demanding titles, bringing it closer to the level of its competitors, though not in a one-to-one comparison. Games that previously suffered from technical or visual issues now run the way they were meant to. Pokémon Violet, for example, feels like a completely different game, and Zelda titles no longer suffer from frame drops. The environmental colors now appear vibrant and alive. In terms of build quality, the device feels more premium—less like a toy—and its larger size gives it a more visually appealing presence.

The Joy-Con controllers have also been redesigned. They now use a magnetic attachment system that provides a firmer grip and reduces wear on the locking mechanism. There’s even a new feature that allows them to function like a computer mouse, though it remains unclear how widely this feature will be used in the future. That said, not everything is perfect. The battery life remains a weak point, offering only 2 to 4 hours of regular gameplay. At launch, the system only came with one game designed to showcase its capabilities, and as of now, there’s no clear information on upcoming Nintendo exclusives. There’s also some confusion regarding how physical cartridges work, which might make the transition a bit unclear for some users.

In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor many fans have been waiting for. Its improved performance, visual quality, and refined design make it a more capable and modern console. However, due to the lack of a strong game library and its focus on fixing past issues, it currently feels more like a Pro version of the original Switch than a true next-gen leap. It has potential, but at this stage, it’s still hard to fully recommend as a must-buy.

Final Score: 3/5

Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Nvidia announced the GeForce RTX 5050 as new midrange alternative

When budget meets ambition, magic happens. Enter NVIDIA’s new GeForce RTX 5050—a card that brings the full Blackwell treatment (AI, ray tracing, DLSS 4) to anyone upgrading from a GTX 16-series or aging first-gen RTX. At just $249, it punches well above its weight, letting you game, stream and experiment with on-GPU AI without mortgaging your next build.

Built on Blackwell, the RTX 5050 packs 2,560 CUDA cores, 5th-gen Tensor cores (421 TOPS AI throughput) and 4th-gen RT cores. That means you get:

  • DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation (real frames, not just pixels).
  • NVIDIA Reflex 2 with Frame Warp for sub-flicker latency.
  • Neural Rendering tools for digital humans and on-the-fly AI assistants in games.

These features turn 1080p AAA gaming into a buttery, future-proof experience—and give streamers and YouTubers hardware-accelerated denoising plus studio-grade encoders.

Power, Thermals & Real-World Performance
Clocked at 2.31 GHz base and 2.57 GHz boost, the RTX 5050 stays within a 130 W TGP envelope. A quality 550 W PSU in a mid-tower is all you need. According to NVIDIA’s in-house tests, you’ll see roughly:

  • +60% raster performance vs. RTX 3050
  • Parity with RTX 4060 in many titles

Expect stable 60 fps on high settings in the latest AAA at 1080p and 144 Hz+ headroom for esports favorites.

Specs at a Glance
• 8 GB GDDR6 on a 128-bit bus (320 GB/s bandwidth)
• 3× DisplayPort 2.1b, 1× HDMI 2.1b
• 9th-gen NVENC / 6th-gen NVDEC for streaming/video work
• No Founders Edition—partners (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.) will ship custom-cooled, overclocked models

Who Should Upgrade?

  • 1080p gamers tired of frame dips and wanting DLSS 4’s next-gen boost.
  • Budget content creators craving real-time AI denoising & hardware encoding.
  • AI hobbyists keen on on-card inference for experimental mods, shaders or digital characters.

The RTX 5050 marks NVIDIA’s pledge that cutting-edge AI/graphics won’t stay confined to flagship cards. In the coming months, we’ll see:

  • Broader DLSS 4 adoption across indie and AAA titles.
  • Community-built AI modding tools (texture upscaling, procedural asset creation).
  • GeForce Now integrations tapping 50-series features in the cloud.

Ready to plan your next build? Pair the RTX 5050 with an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X for a balanced 1080p powerhouse, or push into 1440p with an Intel Core i5-13600K. Either way, you’re stepping into the Blackwell era without breaking the bank—let’s talk motherboard, RAM and PSU choices next!

Featured, Games, Gaming, News, PC, Xbox

Xbox trying new frontiers this summer along with Meta

In a week already brimming with gaming news, Xbox has dropped two announcements that signal its evolving strategy in both digital storefronts and immersive gaming. Whether you’re a preservationist watching the digital tide with cautious optimism or a tech enthusiast eager for the next frontier, there’s something here worth unpacking.

A New Era for Xbox on PC?

Xbox has quietly begun testing a dedicated PC store experience, a move that could reshape how players interact with the Xbox ecosystem outside of consoles. While details remain sparse, early testers report a streamlined interface, faster downloads, and a more curated approach to game discovery. This isn’t just a UI refresh—it’s a signal that Microsoft is taking the PC storefront war seriously, potentially positioning itself as a more direct competitor to Steam and Epic Games.

For those of us who’ve watched the slow erosion of physical media, this raises important questions. Will this new store offer better ownership models? Will it respect the archival needs of players who want to preserve their libraries long-term? If Xbox can strike a balance between convenience and consumer respect, it could set a new standard for digital storefronts.

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: A Collector’s Delight or Cloud Gaming Trojan Horse?

Meanwhile, in a more visually striking reveal, Xbox and Meta have teamed up to launch the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition—a limited-edition VR headset that blends Xbox’s iconic black-and-green aesthetic with Meta’s latest mixed reality tech.

At $399.99 USD, the bundle includes:

  • A custom 128GB Meta Quest 3S in Carbon Black with Velocity Green accents
  • Matching Touch Plus controllers
  • A limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller
  • Meta Quest Elite Strap
  • 3 months of Meta Horizon+
  • 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

While the hardware itself mirrors the standard Quest 3S, the real draw is its seamless integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming. Players can stream titles like Avowed or Oblivion Remastered on a massive virtual screen, with cross-progression ensuring your saves follow you across devices.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t a VR headset for Xbox console gaming. It’s a cloud-first device, and that distinction matters. For collectors, the limited-edition design is undeniably slick. For skeptics, it’s another step toward a future where physical ownership is replaced by streaming licenses and subscription cycles.

These two announcements—one about infrastructure, the other about hardware—paint a picture of Xbox’s ambitions. They’re not just building a console brand anymore; they’re building a platform that spans screens, devices, and realities. Whether that future respects the legacy of physical media or accelerates its obsolescence remains to be seen.

But one thing’s for sure: Xbox is playing the long game. And for those of us who care about how games are played, preserved, and passed down, it’s a game worth watching.

Business, Featured, Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, Xbox

Xbox & AMD celebrates 20 years of partnership looking to the future of gaming

Twenty years ago, Microsoft and AMD embarked on a journey that would redefine console gaming. From the GPU breakthroughs in the Xbox 360 era to the semi-custom chips powering Xbox Series X|S, their partnership has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and efficiency. Today, as they mark two decades of collaboration, both companies are laying out a roadmap for an even broader ecosystem—one that spans living-room consoles, portable handhelds, Windows PCs, and the cloud.

Lisa Su, AMD’s Chair and CEO, captured the spirit of their relationship: “Building on two decades of partnership, innovation, and trust, we will extend our console work to design a full roadmap of gaming-optimized chips combining the power of Ryzen and Radeon for consoles, handhelds, PCs, and cloud.”[1] That lineage began in the mid-2000s, when AMD (then including ATI) first supplied graphics silicon for Xbox platforms, and has blossomed across three console generations.

Powering the Next Generation

On June 19, 2025, Xbox President Sarah Bond unveiled a strategic, multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across an entire portfolio of devices:

  • Home consoles (the yet-to-be-named next-gen Xbox)
  • Handhelds (Xbox-branded portable systems)
  • Windows gaming PCs (ensuring Windows remains “the number one platform for gaming”)
  • Cloud infrastructure (Azure-hosted Xbox streaming services)
  • Accessories (controllers, headsets, and more)
    “Together with AMD, we are advancing the state of the art in gaming silicon,” Bond said, “delivering deeper visual quality and immersive gameplay—enhanced with the power of AI—while maintaining compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games.”

A Portfolio Approach to Xbox

Rather than viewing Xbox as a single box under the TV, Microsoft is embracing an ecosystem model. In a video presentation, Bond highlighted:

  • Console in the living room
  • Portable gaming via upcoming handhelds
  • PC gaming experiences optimized for Xbox technologies
  • Cloud-only experiences (“This is also an Xbox, by itself.”)

Backwards compatibility remains central: every new device will play your existing Xbox library, whether it’s a decade-old classic or this year’s blockbuster.

According to reporting by Tom’s Hardware, this renewed pact covers multiple future console generations and portable devices:

  • Semi-custom SoCs combining AMD’s latest Zen CPU cores and RDNA GPU architectures
  • Maintained x86-based CPU design to ensure seamless backward compatibility
  • Enhanced AI features baked into silicon for smarter NPCs, dynamic physics, and real-time upscaling
  • Expected launch cadence mirroring past cycles—if Xbox Next follows the Scarlett timeline, look for a holiday 2026 release[2]

Bond’s promise: higher performance “while maintaining compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games” alludes to a transition that gamers can make without leaving their collections behind.

The surprise of the announcement wasn’t just a new box under the TV, but Xbox-branded handhelds co-engineered with AMD. Although ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have already previewed the concept, Microsoft’s direct involvement signals a full-throttle push into portable gaming, leveraging AMD’s low-power RDNA designs and custom Ryzen cores to rival—and surpass—the Steam Deck and its imitators.

With this agreement, Xbox and AMD have set the stage for:

  • Unified development (one SDK for console, PC, handheld, and cloud)
  • Seamless cross-device saves and achievements
  • AI-accelerated graphics features (DLSS-style upscaling, real-time lighting, smarter world simulation)
  • Expanded Game Pass integration on Windows and portable hardware

As we approach the 20th anniversary, expect more deep dives from both companies—technical previews of the new silicon, developer showcases at Xbox Developer_Direct events, and early hardware teardowns that reveal the next leap in gamer-centric silicon design.

Business, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo Switch 2 Is Already Re-Writing The Record Books—Here’s Exactly How

Forget “solid launch.” Switch 2 is dropping numbers that belong in Olympic track meets, not console sales ledgers. Let’s dissect the frenzy, the tech, and the ripple effects—then peek at what could come next.

Nintendo confirmed 3.5 million consoles sold worldwide in the first four days after its 5 June release, officially crowning Switch 2 the fastest-selling Nintendo system in history. Crunch that:

  • 875 000 systems per day
  • ≈ 36 458 per hour
  • ~600 Switch 2s leaving stores every minute

For perspective, PlayStation 4’s once-vaunted “best day ever” record (1 million day-one units) has been obliterated; Switch 2 reportedly flirted with three million sales on day one alone.

• Spain: 108 000 units opening weekend—double the previous PSP record
• UK: 160 000+ in week one—biggest Nintendo launch ever
• France: 200 000 day-one—fastest-selling gaming device in French history

These pockets of demand signal universal appetite, not a single territory spike.

Let’s recall:

Spec / FeatureSwitch (2017)Switch 2 (2025)
Display6.2″ 720 p LCD @60 Hz7.9″ 1080 p OLED @120 Hz
Docked Output1080 p4K
CPU/GPUTegra X1Custom NVIDIA “NVN 3” chip (DLSS-style upscaling)
ControllersSlide-on Joy-Con (drift-plagued)Magnetic Joy-Con 2 + Hall-effect sticks
Online CommsPhone-app kludgeGameChat 2 built-in voice/video

The original Switch promised console-quality gaming anywhere; Switch 2 finally supplies the horsepower to keep that promise in 2025’s 4K, 120 Hz world.

With that being said…Day-one exclusives are modest—Mario Kart World, Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and a slew of upgraded ports—but the install base ballooned anyway. Why?

  1. Back-compat: 130 million-strong Switch library boots natively.
  2. Handheld horsepower: Cyberpunk 2077 legitimately playable on a train without melting frames.
  3. eSports/Speedrun buzz: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet runs are already 25-minute faster on the new silicon.

Nintendo has basically sold potential: buyers know Zelda, Pokémon, and Smash will turn up later, and they want to be ready.

Despite pre-launch production ramp-ups and even shipping “Out of Stock” signage to stores, inventory vanished instantly at GameStop, Walmart, and Target. Online restocks have been measured in seconds, not hours. Expect:

  • Rolling “micro-drops” every Wednesday-to-Friday as shipments clear customs.
  • A calmer channel in late July once Donkey Kong Bananza ships and Nintendo’s second manufacturing wave lands.

The $449.99 base / $499.99 Mario Kart bundle × 3.5 million equals roughly $1.57 billion in weekend hardware revenue alone. Software attach rates (Mario Kart bundle, digital upgrades) push the haul even higher—before accessories.

Looking at the competetion, Sony and Microsoft suddenly face a portable 4K-capable rival with first-party IP that historically converts casuals. Switch 2’s blitz may:

  • Accelerate a PS5 “Slim Portable” rumor cycle.
  • Force Xbox to double-down on cloud/hybrid handheld concepts.
  • Pressure Valve to price-cut or fast-track a Steam Deck OLED 2.

What Could Slow Momentum?

  1. AAA drought: If December arrives without Zelda or a genuine new Mario 3D, momentum could wobble.
  2. Supply chain hiccups: Another chipset shortage would rerun 2020-era frustration.
  3. Price sensitivity: $449 isn’t pocket change; a global recession could pinch second-wave buyers.

And will al this, there are some that are giving som predictions, including 15 million units by March 2026 (based on Nintendo’s own forecast) feels conservative; at current velocity, 18-20 million is feasible, all with a first-party blockbuster will arrive by fiscal Q3 to keep attach rates high and it is suggested that we are talking about Metroid Prime 4.

Also, Nintendo will launch an “XL Dock” with integrated NVMe storage and Wi-Fi 7 to entice 4K-TV owners and finally, some predicts that by 2027, Nintendo Switch 2 could flirt with the DS’s 154 million lifetime crown if momentum endures.

Switch 2 isn’t merely repeating the Switch playbook; it’s hitting numbers that redraw the entire launch-era curve. Hybrid gaming is no longer a quirky niche—it’s the growth vector, and Nintendo currently owns the lane.

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

SteamOS 3.7.8 just in time for newcomers portable Gaming PC

Valve has rolled out SteamOS 3.7.8, bringing a host of improvements and new features to the Steam Deck. This update marks the first stable release of SteamOS 3.7, introducing significant upgrades to the system’s core components and enhancing the overall user experience.

Major System Upgrades

SteamOS 3.7.8 comes with a fresh Arch Linux base, ensuring better compatibility and performance. Additionally, the Linux kernel has been updated to version 6.11, providing improved hardware support and security enhancements.

For gamers who demand the best visuals, this update includes an upgraded Mesa graphics driver base, ensuring better rendering and performance across various games. Moreover, Plasma 6.2.5 is now the default desktop mode, offering a more refined and responsive interface.

One of the standout features is the support for frame limiting with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) displays, both internal and external. This addition helps maintain smoother gameplay and reduces screen tearing, making the Steam Deck even more versatile.

A much-requested feature has finally arrived—Battery Charge Limit control. Users can now set a maximum charge percentage in Settings → Power, helping to prolong battery lifespan and optimize power usage.

SteamOS 3.7.8: Go Country

This is the first release of SteamOS 3.7 to the Stable channel. The below notes are for changes since SteamOS 3.6.24. For changes relative to previous 3.7 beta builds see here.

General

  • Updated to a newer Arch Linux base
  • Updated the Linux kernel to 6.11
  • Updated the Mesa graphics driver base
  • Desktop mode now ships with Plasma 6.2.5
  • Added support for frame limiting with VRR displays (internal and external)
  • Added Battery Charge Limit control to Settings->Power
    • This option allows you to set a maximum charge limit for your Steam Deck.
    • Limiting the charge limit to 80% can be beneficial for long term battery health. This can be useful if your Steam Deck is constantly being charged (e.g. docked), or very rarely has its battery depleted.
  • Fixed a crash when no displays are connected
  • Added official support for the Lenovo Legion Go S
  • Improved support for other AMD powered handhelds (like the ROG Ally and original Legion Go)
  • Updated the SteamOS recovery image for repairing SteamOS on Steam Deck and Legion Go S. If you would like to test SteamOS on your own AMD powered handheld, you can use this SteamOS recovery image and follow the instructions here.

Controllers and Input

  • Add support for the Proteus Byowave controller
  • Fixed an issue where Switch Pro Controller gyros might not work on first connection
  • Fixed an issue with stuck/hanging controller inputs when exiting Steam

Bluetooth

  • Fixed Bluetooth devices still being able to wake the Steam Deck from suspend, even when Bluetooth was disabled from Desktop mode
  • Enable HFP/HSP profiles, to allow using the integrated microphone from headsets and earbuds
    • Currently only available to select in Desktop mode
  • Added battery level display for supported Bluetooth devices
  • Include a bugfix for the Airpods when using the AAC codec
  • Bluetooth controllers can now wake LCD units from sleep, previously only available on OLED models
    • Known issue: Bluetooth LE based controllers are not currently compatible with bluetooth wake on LCD models

Steam Deck Dock

  • Made compatibility improvements for certain displays including TCL FireTV models and Dell VRR capable monitors

Graphics and Performance

  • Enabled AMD P-State CPU frequency control
  • Fixed a performance regression for No Rest for the Wicked

Desktop

  • Updated to Plasma 6.2.5 (previously 5.27.10) – see the big changes in Plasma 6 here
  • Surround sound now works correctly
    • Enabling the setting is currently only available via Desktop mode
  • KDE Filelight is now installed by default for disk usage visualization and low disk space notifications
  • Speed and robustness improvements when switching between desktop and game mode
    • Fixed a common cause of hangs when switching to desktop mode
    • Fixed some cases where Steam could take up to ninety seconds to exit on shutdown or switch to desktop
  • Added ‘gocryptfs’ support to desktop session to enable use of the Plasma Vaults feature

Misc

  • Fixed some cases where “filter-chain” or other virtual sound devices would erroneously appear in the UI
  • Fixed cases where applying system updates could fail if certain configuration files were corrupted or malformed
  • Various enhancements to System Report functionality for support and troubleshooting
  • Fixed compatibility issue with certain DNS servers causing very slow domain lookups
  • Improved responsiveness of system when running into out-of-memory crash situations
  • Enabled IPv6 Privacy Extensions by default
  • Fixed a bootloader crash on certain non-Steam Deck devices, including qemu-based virtual machines

Known Issues

  • Super NES controllers can erroneously show up as connected when they are not

Developer

  • Updated to a 6.11 based kernel
  • Added debuginfod URLs for SteamOS
  • Added systemd .socket units to the default list of /etc files preserved across updates
  • When running in a VM, system will now default to the desktop session
  • Swap file setup now uses standard ‘mkswap’ functionality instead of shipping an ad-hoc ‘mkswapfile’ script
  • The steamos-readonly command now warns that the status might not be accurate when sysexts are loaded
  • Fixed a case that could introduce duplicate boot entries for devices manually setup to dual-boot
  • The pacman cache is now cleaned after applying a SteamOS update
    • Fixes stale cache errors working with pacman after switching branches

SteamOS 3.7.8 is a substantial update that enhances the Steam Deck experience across multiple fronts. Whether it’s improved graphics, better power management, or a more stable Linux foundation, Valve continues to refine its handheld gaming powerhouse.

Steam Deck – SteamOS 3.7.8: Go Country – Steam News
This is the first release of SteamOS 3.7 to the Stable channel. The below notes are for changes since SteamOS 3.6.24. For changes relative to previous 3.7 beta builds see here.GeneralUpdated to a newer Arch Linux baseUpdated the Linux kernel to 6.11Updated the Mesa graphics driver baseDesktop mode now ships with Plasma 6.2.5Added support for frame limiting with VRR displays (internal and external)Added Battery Charge Limit control to Settings->PowerThis option allows you to set a maximum charge…
Source/Via

Events, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

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.