We were all shocked to see the director behind Marvel Rivals let go by NetEase weeks after the game's incredibly successful launch. Now, it turns out that the game was almost cancelled, as NetEase bosses were unhappy with the idea of paying licensing fees to use the Marvel characters. 

According to sources speaking with Bloomberg, NetEase CEO, William Ding, was against the idea of paying Disney a cut of the game's revenue. In an effort to avoid doing so, he had a team or artists swap in original hero designs to the game, with the idea of pivoting Marvel Rivals into a wholly original IP. That effort ended up costing the company millions of dollars and ultimately led to nothing.

Naturally, this kind of news could sour the relationship between Disney/Marvel and NetEase, so it should come as no surprise that a spokesperson for the company told Bloomberg that it has “enjoyed a close partnership with Marvel since 2017” and denied that the game was being considered for cancellation.

Ultimately, Marvel Rivals did release and by all accounts, has been a huge success, accruing around 40 million players since launch in December. Currently, it is one of the most popular multiplayer games on Steam, regularly appearing in the top ten most-played titles.

KitGuru Says: Given the post-launch success of Marvel Rivals, hearing that the game was almost canned is almost unbelievable to me. There is no doubt in my mind that the game would have turned out like Concord had it pivoted to ‘original hero' characters, rather than utilising the brand power of the Marvel IP. 

The post NetEase almost scrapped Marvel Rivals to avoid paying Disney license fees first appeared on KitGuru.

Obsidian's latest game, Avowed, has finally launched to positive reception, but the game we ended up with is far from what the studio had originally envisioned. In the early days of Avowed, it was supposed to feature a much larger Skyrim-style world, with multiplayer being the hook.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Avowed director, Carrie Patel, revealed plenty of details about the development of the game. Prior to Patel taking over, Avowed had already been in the works for a couple of years and was even used by Obsidian to pitch itself to potential buyers, like Microsoft. Back then, Avowed was set to be a much larger scale game and was internally referred to as ‘multiplayer Skyrim'.

Obsidian eventually realised that creating Avowed in its originally envisioned form would require far more manpower than they felt comfortable assigning to one project, hampering the studio's small-team, multi-project approach to development that has allowed them to release titles like The Outer Worlds, Grounded, Avowed and soon, The Outer Worlds 2, all in quick succession.

When the game went back to the drawing board in 2021, Patel faced a few challenges stepping into the director role. For a start, she needed new creative leadership and beyond that, she had to create a new vertical slice for the game with a much larger team of 80 developers. Typically, when developing a vertical slice, you would have a much smaller pre-production team, but Patel had to get the ball rolling on the new version of Avowed fast. From there, the open-world and multiplayer elements were scrapped in favour of smaller open-zones, akin to what we saw in The Outer Worlds:

“Normally if you’re stepping back and reevaluating your creative direction, putting together a new vertical slice and revised production plans, you would do that with a very small team”, Patel told Bloomberg. “A lot of lessons we learned as we were building this game, ideally we would’ve learned on a small scale with a true preproduction.”

Now that Avowed is out in the world and new players are experiencing The Living Lands for the first time, Patel is moving on to the idea of expansions and sequels, carrying forward the Pillars of Eternity legacy for a new audience.

KitGuru Says: Have you had the chance to play Avowed yet? What do you make of the game? Would you like to have seen ‘multiplayer Skyrim' realised by Obsidian, or do you like the studio's current approach to smaller, more manageable single-player RPGs?

The post Avowed was originally going to be ‘multiplayer Skyrim’, Obsidian director confirms first appeared on KitGuru.

We are still a month away from Assassin's Creed Shadows' intended launch date, but it seems that copies are landing in the hands of gamers well ahead of time. A number of physical copies of the game have seemingly been stolen and sold online, leading to a number of leaks. 

On social media, user @DannyStevens_ posted photos of the game's case, install screen and images of the game running, which have since been taken down. The account has also gone private since making the post. The early copy of the game was found on Facebook Marketplace in the US and it wasn't the only early copy being put up for sale a month ahead of launch.

On Reddit, another person with early access to the game shared a number of details. For starters, the version of the game currently on the disc is a very old build, and since we are still a few weeks away from launch, there is no day-one patch available. With that in mind, any early gameplay footage that does the rounds will likely include bugs that won't be seen in the day-one version of the game.

Based on this early version of the game, players will begin as Yasuke, a character that has been at the centre of controversy. After nearly 10 hours of gameplay, it is claimed that the person with this early copy of the game had yet to meet the game's second playable character. Whether or not Ubisoft has changed this to allow players to pick their preferred character from the start of the game still remains to be seen.

Ubisoft is aware that early copies of the game are circulating and is already issuing DMCAs to get marketplace listings and gameplay footage taken down. Assassin's Creed Shadows will officially release on the 20th of March for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

KitGuru Says: Situations like this do occur from time to time. Anyone who was following Kingdom Hearts 3 in the lead-up to launch will remember that copies of the game were similarly stolen and sold online weeks before launch. This time around though, it looks like Ubisoft became aware of the problem before gameplay footage and streams began circulating. 

The post Assassin’s Creed Shadows being sold online weeks before launch first appeared on KitGuru.

Montech is debuting its quietest AIO cooler yet – the new HyperFlow Silent. This new AIO cooler is designed to deliver peak performance without compromise, all wrapped up in a minimalist aesthetic that does away with ARGB lighting to focus on a clean and professional look.

The HyperFlow Silent aimed to redefine quiet computing by minimising noise to unheard of levels. The pump in this AIO operates at a low 28 dBA, even at high speeds of 3100RPM. Minimising pump noise wasn't the only focus though, Montech has also gone ahead and combined the cooler with new Metal PRO 12 Silent fans, which reduce noise by 23 percent compared to the previous version, all while keeping the durable structure in-tact.

The HyperFlow Silent is designed to handle high-performance CPUs with ease thanks to its advanced 27mm fin stack and high-density thermal channels. The durable structure and dedicated ring tech ensure consistent temperatures during intense gaming or creative tasks. As you have likely noticed from the images above, this cooler also does away with ARGB lighting, instead opting for a swirl pattern on the metal pump interior and a timeless black or white colour variant for a more professional aesthetic. If you ever have an issue with the cooler, it is backed by a six-year warranty, so you can buy with peace of mind that any issues will be covered.

The Montech HyperFlow Silent will be available starting today, priced at $69.99 for the 240mm version and $79.99 for the 360mm version.

KitGuru Says: Are you in the market for a new AIO cooler? Will you be considering the Montech HyperFlow Silent?

The post Montech launches its quietest AIO cooler yet – the HyperFlow Silent first appeared on KitGuru.

Following on from our preview at CES, DeepCool is now launching its new daisy-chainable FL12 series case fans. The new fans combine aesthetically pleasing ARGB lighting effects with high performance airflow at low noise output.

Using an 8-pin cable, the F12 fans can be easily daisy-chained to reduce wire clutter and provide simpler installation for a cleaner and more organised build. The ‘cross' on the backside of most case fans has been removed for the F12R, so you can get uninterrupted ARGB effects whether you are using the fans for intake or exhaust. Each fan is also packed with 36 ARGB LEDs, leading to very smooth transitions and very bright colours.

Below you can find the specifications for each of the FL12 series fans:

FL12 120mm Specifications:

• Fan Speed: 500~2150 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow: 55 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 2.82 mmAq
• Fan Noise: ≤32 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing

FL12 WH 120mm Specifications:

• Fan Speed: 500~2150 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow: 55 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 2.82 mmAq
• Fan Noise: ≤32 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing

FL12R 120mm Specifications:

• Fan Speed: 500~2150 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow: 55 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 2.59 mmAq
• Fan Noise: ≤33.9 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing

FL12R WH 120mm Specifications:

• Fan Speed: 500~2150 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow: 55 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 2.59 mmAq
• Fan Noise: ≤33.9 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing

Prices for these fans start at €21.99 or the FL12 & FL12 WH, going up to €29.99 for the Reverse fan models (FL12R and FL12R WH). The fans are also available in packs of three, priced at €62.99 for the standard FL12, going up to €79.99 for the Reverse fan 3-pack.

KitGuru Says: Are you looking to pick up some new case fans to improve aesthetics and performance? The new FL12 series are worth looking out for.

The post DeepCool launches FL12 Daisy Chain fans packed with 36 ARGB LEDs first appeared on KitGuru.

Intel has launched a dedicated webpage showcasing its Intel 18A (1.8nm-class) fabrication process. While launching a website solely for a manufacturing process might seem unusual, especially since it primarily reiterates previously announced milestones, it's a strategic move for a company facing intense scrutiny from many sources, including investors, industry observers, customers, competitors, and even governments.

Intel's 18A process is a milestone for the company. It's their first commercial process to utilise gate-all-around RibbonFET transistors and a backside power delivery network called PowerVia. These features might help it stand out from its closest competitor, TSMC's N2 node. Moreover, 18A marks Intel's first leading-edge process to embrace industry-standard EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools and third-party IPs, making it accessible to external customers through Intel Foundry Services. The company has high hopes for this process, viewing it as a testament to its ability to deliver cutting-edge manufacturing technology.

The Intel 18A website emphasises the collaborative nature of the process, highlighting its compatibility with industry-standardised tools, IP developers, chip designers and cloud-based design providers. Intel also underscores the process's strategic importance by highlighting its selection by the US military and government for various applications. However, with Intel's first 18A product (Panther Lake processors) not expected until mid-2025 and the first tape-ins of third-party 18A designs slated for even later, it's still too soon to know specifics on third-party adoption.

This proactive approach to communication marks a shift from Intel's past practices. In the days when Intel's manufacturing prowess was unchallenged, information about next-generation processes was typically revealed alongside actual product releases. While those announcements, which included deep dives into new materials and transistor architectures, were exciting for tech enthusiasts, the current landscape demands a different strategy. Whether it will work out or not, we should find out later this year.

KitGuru says: With many doubting Intel's ability to reclaim its process technology lead from TSMC, the company aims to dispel scepticism and rebuild confidence. The 18A website is a platform to showcase their technological advancements and attract potential foundry customers, showing them they're back at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing.

The post Intel 18A process node detailed first appeared on KitGuru.

Over two decades after its initial release, Neverwinter Nights has received a new expansion named Doom of Icewind Dale. This unexpected addition breathes new life into the classic BioWare title, offering fans a chance to revisit the world of Neverwinter.

Initially launched in 2002, Neverwinter Nights garnered critical acclaim and spawned two expansions and a sequel, Neverwinter Nights 2, which Obsidian Entertainment developed. Both games are considered landmark titles in the realm of Dungeons & Dragons video game adaptations, with the original often cited as one of BioWare's finest creations.

Doom of Icewind Dale picks up where the original campaign left off, offering players a 10-15+ hour journey through the frigid landscapes of Icewind Dale. The expansion introduces 14 new areas to explore, five new companions to recruit, 14 new monsters to battle, and a host of new music to enhance the atmosphere. It's a welcome return to a beloved world, offering nostalgia and fresh content for veteran players and newcomers alike.

Developed by Neverwinter Nights community founder Luke “Alazander” Scull, Doom of Icewind Dale is a passion project that captures the essence of the original Dungeons & Dragons experience. Priced at $9.99 (with a 10% launch discount on Steam until February 28th), it's a worthy investment for fans of the original game. Scull has even hinted at future instalments, with Doom of Icewind Dale serving as the first chapter in a new campaign called The Blades of Netheril. The following DLCs, however, don't have a release date yet.

KitGuru says: The release of Baldur's Gate 3 has reignited interest in D&D video game adaptations, and rumours of an Enhanced Edition of 2006's Neverwinter Nights 2 have further fuelled anticipation. Whether those rumours materialise remains to be seen. Still, one thing is certain: the world of D&D is experiencing a renaissance in the digital realm, offering a wealth of adventures for new and veteran players.

The post Neverwinter Nights gets a new expansion 23 years after release first appeared on KitGuru.

With the release of the 5000 series graphics cards from Nvidia, comes the release of new prebuilt gaming desktops, and today we assess the Cortex Pro from PCSpecialist. It features an RTX 5080 graphics card alongside a Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, 32GB of Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 memory running at 6000MT/s, and a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro M.2 SSD – a spec list that puts it on the cutting edge of gaming technology. With a price tag of £2699 though, it raises the question, is it worth it? That’s the question we're aiming to answer today.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:59 Overview
01:28 Mat's current PC (compare system)
01:54 PCS system Specs / Price
02:26 ASUS RTX5080 Tuf OC Edition
03:25 Memory / Storage / Mobo
05:15 PSU / Cooler / Fans / Case
07:01 Build quality / cable management
07:44 The 2 system test comparisons
07:58 Counter Strike 2 (1440p)
08:26 Hogwarts Legacy (1440p)
08:57 Sniper Elite Resistance (1440p)
09:34 Forza Horizon 5 (4k)
10:20 A Plague Tale Requiem (4k)
11:10 Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (4k)
11:55 Cyberpunk 2077 (DLSS / FSR / Frame Gen / RT)
13:12 Hellblade 2 (4k)
13:51 Gaming Performance thoughts
14:32 Synthetic benchmarks
14:58 Cinebench R23 Multi Core
15:13 Cinebench R23 Single Core
15:28 3DMark Timespy
15:45 Total System Power
16:14 System Noise
16:43 Thermal Imaging
18:35 Closing Thoughts

Specifications:

• Case – PCS LUMIN ARGB MID TOWER CASE (PWM)
• Processor (CPU) – AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Eight Core CPU (Up to 5.2GHz/104MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
• Motherboard – ASUS® TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI (AM5, DDR5, M.2 PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 7)
• Memory (RAM) – 32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
• Graphics Card – 16GB ASUS TUF GEFORCE RTX 5080 OC – 2 x HDMI, 3 x DP
• Storage – 2TB SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2, PCIe 4.0 NVMe (up to 7450MB/R, 6900MB/W)
• Power Supply – CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES – MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
• Processor Cooling – PCS FrostFlow 360 Series ARGB High Performance Liquid Cooler

The core specs are confirmed in the following CPUZ and GPUZ screenshots

Gaming performance is impressive on the Cortex Pro desktop. The combination of RTX 5080 GPU and 9800X3D CPU enable smooth and fast gameplay in all titles tested. For full details and comparison to a Ryzen 7 7800X3D and AMD Radeon 7900XTX based system, head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full review.

Screenshots from Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, A Plague Tale: Requiem, Cyberpunk 2077, Senua's Saga: Hellblade and Hogwarts Legacy are below.

Synthetic testing resulted in the Cortex Pro comfortably beating that comparison Ryzen 7 7800X3D and AMD Radeon 7900XTX based system, as we would expect to see. Total system power draw was a particular highlight and showcases the efficiency of the newer technology found in the Cortex Pro.

Click to enlarge

You can buy the Cortex Pro Desktop from PCSpecialist for £2699 HERE.

Pros:

• RTX 5080 excels in ray tracing compared to the 7900 XTX.
• Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the gaming CPU on the market.
• Great build aesthetics and component design choice.
• Fast and large SSD.
• Good cable management.
• Prebuilt machines could be a good way to get access to the latest generation Nvidia graphics cards if stock is an issue elsewhere.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• RAM latency (at CL36) could be better.

KitGuru says: The Cortex Pro is undoubtedly a very powerful gaming machine featuring one of the latest graphics cards from Nvidia. The high price tag will certainly put it out of reach for many, but if you can afford it, it's a well built gaming powerhouse.

 

The post PCSpecialist Cortex Pro Prebuilt Desktop Review first appeared on KitGuru.

The plot thickens regarding the GeForce RTX 50 series ROP issue. While Nvidia initially confirmed that a limited number of RTX 5090 and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs were affected by a production defect resulting in fewer active ROPs (Render Output Units), new evidence suggests the problem might be more widespread.

A Reddit user named gingeraffe90 has reported that their RTX 5080 Founders Edition card also exhibits this issue, showing only 104 ROPs instead of the expected 112, according to GPU-Z, the same diagnostic tool that initially brought the problem to light. This raises concerns about the extent of the defect and the number of cards potentially affected.

To confirm the validity of the Reddit user's findings, VideoCardz contacted the poster for GPU-Z validation. The validation confirms that the reported ROP count is accurate, even after the user has reinstalled drivers. This leaves little doubt that the RTX 5080 is indeed affected by the same ROP defect. The issue now appears to extend beyond the initially reported RTX 5090 and 5070 Ti models, raising questions about the scope of the problem.

In related news, another Reddit user (Der_Zeitgeist) posted a GPU-Z screenshot of its newly acquired MSI RTX 5070Ti Gaming Trio OC card. Instead of the advertised 96 ROPs, this particular card had only 88. The user ran several benchmarks to assess the performance impact, comparing their results to reference values. According to the data shared on the ComputerBase forum, the affected 5070 Ti showed a performance deficit of 12% in 3DMark Time Spy, 3% in Steel Nomad, and 9% in Speed Way compared to a card with the correct number of ROPs. While these are synthetic benchmarks, and real-world gaming performance may vary, they demonstrate the impact of the missing ROPs.

So far, Nvidia's response has been less than ideal for those impacted. Nvidia has asked affected customers to seek replacements from the board partner that produced their graphics card. However, supply of these graphics cards aren't exactly in abundance, which can lead to difficulties in getting a replacement in a timely manner. With that in mind, a more proactive approach from Nvidia, like a recall of the impacted GPUs, might be more appropriate.

KitGuru says: Your chance of finding one of these GPUs in stock is already low, but now a portion of the few that managed to get one are finding that their GPUs are defective, leading to a messy situation we rarely see around GPU launches nowadays. 

The post First Nvidia RTX 5080 card with missing ROPs found first appeared on KitGuru.

Prior to the official unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 last month, I postulated on the strategies and movements which I believed the company should utilise in order to ensure their upcoming sequel console is just as if not even more successful than the 150+ million seller OG Switch from back in 2017. One of the most pivotal points in my opinion was the necessity for the Switch 2 to feature some sort of weird gimmick. Sure enough, cut to Nintendo’s – admittedly short – reveal trailer and we got our first taste for what the company is cooking. While not outwardly stated, the teaser showed off what many believed to be a sort of hybrid mouse mode, taking the previous Switch’s split Joy-Con mode and reinventing it further into what I believe could be one of the most transformative ‘gimmicks’ the company has come up with over the decades. Whether it will resonate with 10s of millions is yet to be seen, but in my opinion, this new mouse mode might just be exactly what I’ve dreamed of for many years now.

Growing up as a console player, I of course spent years completing all my games using a dedicated controller – be it a 3rd-person action-adventure title; a strategy puzzler or a first-person shooter. Using controllers just felt more natural to me. And so, when I switched over to PC gaming, my muscle memory from years of gamepad usage left me struggling with a majority of titles.

Can I play games using a mouse and keyboard? Of course, but it is far from my preferred method of control. While there is no denying that using a mouse and keyboard does have its own unique set of benefits, it also comes with a great deal of downsides. Unlike a traditional gamepad/controller, mouse and keyboard as a method of input is highly unoptimal.

First, on the keyboard front, having 100+ keys laid out in these equally-spaced and homogenised rows is far from utilitarian, with one needing to look no further than the WASD keys’ to identify the fact that keyboards were created and formatted for writing and navigation – with games then having to work around this in order to try and find a comfortable layout of usable keys.

Forget RSI from continuous use of a mouse, my entire left hand needs to be contorted and stretched in unnatural positions for possibly hours at a time in order to perform movements as simple as sprinting or sliding. Keyboards were not designed for this type of continuous multi-finger hyper-tapping. The invention of sticky keys and the doubling up of CTRL/Shift/Alt keys on both sides of the keyboard serve enough proof of this fact.

That’s not to say that over the decades PC games haven’t adapted to this system, with a majority of titles using similar layouts in order to make the overall experience more familiar from game-to-game – but to say that keyboards are a better designed product for playing video games is objectively false.

Of course, for some, a controller can feel like holding an alien remote, and I would never besmirch you for your personal proclivities when it comes to your preferred input method. However, for me, using a keyboard for gaming just doesn’t sit right with me.

The humble mouse on the other hand offers a much more compelling argument for its use when compared to controllers – leading me on a years long search for the perfect hybrid between the two types of peripherals.

This search sent me down a long and arduous path which ultimately ended in disappointment. One of the first methods I attempted was to hold a controller in my left hand and a mouse in my right. While this could be the best of both worlds in theory, the uneven weight of the full controller in my left hand did not make for a comfortable experience in the long-term.

Even if it did, only a handful of titles offer the ability to dynamically switch between the two peripherals – with even fewer allowing for simultaneous usage – and so I had to keep looking.

Next, I tried more gaming-focused keyboards such as the Razer Tartarus: a gamepad which purported to offer the control of a mouse and keyboard while removing all the dozens of unnecessary keys. While certainly an improvement, the keypad’s attempt at an analogue stick for movement left plenty to be desired, functioning more so as a multi-directional d-pad with a couple bonus inputs.

While I respect the peripheral and what it is attempting to do, for my purposes it fell just a bit short. Then came the Nintendo Switch.

Thanks to its hybrid nature and the invention of Joy-Cons, the OG switch in TV mode allowed for one of the first instances of split controller usage, letting you freely use one Joy-Con in each hand. While primarily a function of comfort, the potential for such a feature was notable, and while Nintendo themselves did little with it, I was hoping to see its implementation spread to other manufacturers.

Sure, we did get some controllers which could be split into two, but the concept wasn’t taken any further than this.

Cut to 2025 and the Switch 2 was officially announced. During the brief hardware tease, Nintendo showed off the refreshed Joy-Cons racing around a flat surface on their side.

Shortly thereafter, patents published by Nintendo were discovered, confirming the Switch 2’s new mouse mode – allowing you to control a character’s movement and more in the traditional way, while simultaneously turning the right Joy-Con into an optical mouse for added precision when aiming.

This alone would solve the issue I’ve been struggling with, however according to the patents, this new feature can go even further with the R1/R2 buttons serving as left and right mouse clicks while still giving you the option to use the right analogue whenever you wish; similar to using both a thumbstick and gyro aiming at the same time but with even greater precision.

Assuming this works as intended (and is as seamless as the last-gen split Joy-Con mode), Nintendo might very well have created the exact control method which I’ve been searching for. It’s just a shame that such a control scheme will be limited to the Switch 2 itself.

Until now I’ve failed to mention one of my biggest grievances with mouse and keyboard controls – that being the lack of any haptic feedback. While in no way necessary (and somewhat alleviated by a good set of headphones) the added tactility and response felt by tight haptic feedback when shooting, jumping or performing any other action – especially on the likes of the PS5’s DualSense controller – makes for an infinitely more satisfying experience in moment-to-moment gameplay.

Now I understand why you wouldn’t want to have your keyboard and mouse buzzing about with each button press (and peripherals which have tried to approximate this have struggled in the past), but with what will presumably be an upgraded form of their HD-Rumble included with these new Joy-Cons, I once again may be able to have the best of both worlds in this regard; offering tight yet prevalent haptics while still offering the many benefits of using a mouse.

You never know, the likely success of the Switch 2 could see PC accessory manufacturers revisit the concept, now that more game studios are likely to be conscious of implementing support for simultaneous multi-connectivity (and the fact that advanced haptics are more – well advanced – and cheaper to boot).

As mentioned, I previously wrote a KitGuru Games piece ahead of the official unveiling of the Switch 2, in which I discussed – among other things – what weird gimmick I would like to see Nintendo try out for the upcoming console. The two main off-the-dome ideas which I proposed was to see the return of glasses-free 3D screens / pressure sensitive screens.

I knew neither of these were going to happen (especially as they would only work with the Switch 2 in handheld mode), and while I would still totally love to see Nintendo give its 3DS gimmick another go at some point, I can’t deny that this mouse mode has me extremely intrigued and enticed.

Why did the console maker opt for this as their primary new gimmick? I honestly don’t know. It seems a bit too niche when compared to the company’s other grand swings which they’ve taken with previous systems. That being said, I could see a couple first-party Nintendo titles (such as Metroid 4) make use of this in a similar way to that of motion aiming – not for everyone, but a nice optional quality-of-life addition which will be welcomed by some.

So, while I don’t think this mouse mode will revolutionise the way games are designed, I do hope it sets a precedent for more developers to add dynamic controller support – and in tow see more hardware makers create hybrid controllers; ultimately creating a new loop of invention and reinvention which could very well eventually evolve the way we physically play games.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to Nintendo Switch 2’s new mouse mode? Could it be revolutionary if widely adopted? What’s your favourite new Switch 2 feature? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post KitGuru Games: Switch 2’s Mouse Mode could Revolutionise Game Control first appeared on KitGuru.

2017’s NieR: Automata was a beautiful, evocative and highly fun game which introduced millions to the unique and bleak world of NieR. 8 years following its release (and 15 years since the first game), Square Enix has announced that they will be hosting an anniversary livestream this April.

Well in advance of its actual stream date, an upcoming livestream celebrating NieR’s 15th anniversary has been penned for the 19th of April, with the team writing (as translated by ResetEra user ‘Super’):

“This is a live broadcast of the ‘NieR’ series, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary in April 2025. We will deliver the latest information on events and merchandise planned to be held in commemoration of the 15th anniversary, along with talks from developers. We also plan to have a mini live performance during the program. We hope you enjoy it. The program is scheduled to last about 2 hours and 30 minutes.”

Despite first arriving 15 years ago, the series has so far only seen two mainline entries – those being the original NieR Replicant/Gestalt and the aforementioned Automata (as well as the mobile-only ‘Re[in]carnation'). That said, Automata in particular was huge for the series, alone having sold over 9 million copies.

Considering the fact that we’ve seen neither hide nor hair regarding a sequel, do not go into this livestream expecting an official announcement. More likely the stream will focus on interviews, panel discussions, answering questions and the like – with some new merch announcements or something on top.

That said, with Automata selling almost 10 million units pretty much as its own new IP (with very little carryover from the original NieR), it would make sense now more than ever for Square Enix and director Yoko Taro to finally announce a new title. We will have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to the livestream? What do you expect to be announced? Will we ever get a NieR 3? Let us know down below.

The post Square Enix announces 15th anniversary NieR livestream first appeared on KitGuru.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is one of the biggest Microsoft-published games set to release in 2025, with the id Software developed FPS once again seemingly reinventing what it means to be a DOOM game. Ahead of its 15th of May debut, the team have shared a ton of new details on what separates The Dark Ages from its predecessors.

In an interview conducted by EDGE Magazine (and collated by ResetEra user Rychu), the team at id Software offered a bunch of new details on DOOM: The Dark Ages’ many mechanics.

Regarding the new shield, the team confirmed that it can be thrown “in the style of Captain America” as well as functioning as a block of course. Beyond this, in a nice bit of attention to detail, when thrown, the shield will react differently depending on the surface – or enemy – it hits. Lastly, taking inspiration from God of War’s Leviathan Axe, the Shield in DOOM will be used for puzzles and exploration.

In terms of melee options, players will have 3 different weapons to choose from: The Gauntlet; Flail and Mace – all of which function differently and have their own benefits/drawbacks.

When it comes to level design, id Software have gone big with The Dark Ages, claiming it to feature the largest spaces in the franchise, serving more as sandboxes as opposed to linear paths. Interestingly, we actually got a description for how long each level will be, with these sandbox levels taking around 1 hour to complete if taking the main path (which can of course be lengthened through further exploration).

That said, the levels aren’t just giant squares, with the team confirming that they will be split into acts – with some starting off more linear only to then open up later on.

Further details on many of DOOM: The Dark Ages’ mechanics and features can be found HERE. Given the overwhelming success of 2016’s DOOM, it is both interesting and somewhat refreshing to see the team at id Software continue to evolve and add on to the DOOM formula in new and interesting ways. Hopefully the game resonates with long-time fans.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to DOOM: The Dark Ages? Which of the most recent titles had the best gameplay loop? Has the DOOM series innovated too much when it comes to this recent trilogy? Let us know down below.

The post A ton of new DOOM: The Dark Ages details have been revealed first appeared on KitGuru.

2025 is a busy year for Obsidian Entertainment, with the Microsoft-owned studio having just released their fantasy RPG Avowed – and The Outer Worlds 2 coming up later this year. Despite having quite a lot on their plate, the creative director for Avowed is hoping to support the series for years to come with expansions or even a sequel.

In an interview conducted by Bloomberg (paywalled), creative director ‘Carrie Patel’ spoke on the future of this series, saying:

“Now that we've built this wonderful world, and also built this team strength and muscle memory around the content and gameplay in this world, I'd love to see us do more with it.”

Avowed has seen a pretty positive reception from both critics and fans alike, with some of the main complaints being the world’s relative lack of reactivity in particular when it comes to the NPCs and some of its writing.

Both of these issues could easily be overcome with a sequel or even expansions, and so with Avowed having a solid core, it would make sense for Obsidian Entertainment to build upon it – assuming Microsoft are happy with the game’s sales/performance of course.

KitGuru says: Have you been playing Avowed? What do you think so far? Would you want to see an expansion/sequel released at some point? Let us know down below.

The post Avowed creative director hopes to work on a sequel/expansion next first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in late 2022, it was officially announced that a film adaptation based on the popular indie fighter/brawler SIFU was in development, being headed by the creator of the John Wick franchise. While we’ve heard little in the way of new information since, a new report has confirmed that SIFU will be distributed by Netflix – alongside additional details.

As reported by Deadline, Netflix has joined the film production of SIFU, serving as the funding machine/distributor for the adaptation. Interestingly, the set-up for its production has changed slightly since the initial announcement, with Derek Kolstad no longer helming the script – instead seeing T.S. Nowlin take charge of the writing.

For the uninitiated, Kolstad is the creator of the John Wick franchise and served as the writer for all 3 entries in the franchise. Nowlin on the other hand has a slightly less reputable past, having written the screenplays for the Maze Runner series as well as Pacific Rim Uprising.

That said, much of the team behind John Wick remains involved in SIFU, with series director Chad Stahelski and his company 87Eleven joining Story Kitchen as producers.

SIFU is known for its impactful and flashy combat, and so to have someone familiar with the genre working on the adaptation is encouraging (even if it is no longer Kolstad himself). It will be interesting to see whether SIFU’s more mystical elements (such as the game’s aging mechanic) will make it into the film. If nothing else, at least the action will hopefully look cool.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the recent updates for SIFU’s film adaptation? Are you disappointed by the change in writer? What is the most important aspect of this adaptation in your eyes? Let us know down below.

The post SIFU film adaptation is no longer being written by the John Wick creator first appeared on KitGuru.

G.Skill is raising the bar for server and workstation performance with its latest release: an enhanced version of DDR5 R-DIMM memory sticks. Built to the recently announced JEDEC specifications, these new memory sticks will feature a 16-layer PCB for improved signal integrity and incorporate robust voltage protection for enhanced reliability and stability.

A key upgrade in these new DDR5 R-DIMM modules is the implementation of a 16-layer PCB, a significant advancement over previous 8- or 10-layer designs. This increased layer count enhances signal integrity, resulting in more reliable and stable data transfer, even under demanding high-performance or overclocked conditions. This makes G.Skill's new DDR5 R-DIMM an ideal solution for high-performance computing applications in server and workstation environments.

Moreover, each module incorporates two bidirectional transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes and a fuse to improve reliability, providing dual-layer protection against unexpected power fluctuations. This design safeguards the memory from voltage spikes, ensuring maximum stability and dependability for mission-critical workloads and next-generation high-performance computing systems.

These new DDR5 R-DIMM memory kits are expected to be available starting in mid-2025.

KitGuru says: If you plan on building a new server or workstation later this year, will you consider using G.Skill's upcoming enhanced R-DIMMs?

The post G.Skill will soon launch new R-DIMM memory with 16-layer PCB and voltage protection first appeared on KitGuru.

In recent weeks, a few RTX 50 graphics card buyers have encountered some issues. This time, we aren't talking about burning connectors, but a different kind of fault. It turns out, a small number of RTX 5090 and RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards were shipped with GPUs featuring fewer ROPs than advertised on the official spec sheet. 

According to Nvidia, the problem stems from a factory defect affecting a small number of GPUs, including the RTX 5090, RTX 5090D, and the recently released RTX 5070 Ti. These defective GPUs were shipped to board partners, meaning cards from various manufacturers could be affected. The defect, which results in a reduced number of ROPs (Render Output Units) being enabled, can lead to a performance decrease of up to 4%, as confirmed by TechPowerUp's investigation.

Nvidia's statement was the following:

“We have identified a rare issue affecting less than 0.5% (half a percent) of GeForce RTX 5090 / 5090D and 5070 Ti GPUs which have one fewer ROP than specified. The average graphical performance impact is 4%, with no impact on AI and Compute workloads. Affected consumers can contact the board manufacturer for a replacement. The production anomaly has been corrected.”

While Nvidia claims that only 0.5% of GPUs are affected, this still translates to many potentially defective cards already in consumers' hands. What's particularly concerning is that Nvidia seemingly knew about this issue for some time but failed to disclose it before the launch of the affected cards.

The company's statement offers little guidance for affected customers, simply advising them to seek a replacement from their board partner. However, securing a replacement could be tough given the ongoing supply challenges, particularly for the high-end 5090 series. A prompt recall of the affected cards would be a more appropriate course of action.

KitGuru says: This statement casts a further shadow over the RTX 50 series launch, which has been marred by underwhelming performance gains, inflated pricing, and now, production defects.

The post Nvidia admits that a small batch of RTX 5090(D) and RTX 5070 Ti were shipped with fewer ROPs first appeared on KitGuru.

We were expecting to learn all about AMD's upcoming RX 9070 GPUs at CES in January but a last minute change of plans has led to weeks of speculation. Now, just ahead of the planned late-February reveal, details about these GPUs, the reference designs and more have surfaces. 

Hardware leaker Hoang Anh Phu (via VideoCardz) initially shared details confirming clock speeds and total board power (TBP) values, although the post was quickly deleted. According to the deleted post, the Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to boast a boost clock of 2,970MHz and a TBP of 304W, while the non-XT RX 9070 will feature a boost clock of 2,520MHz and a TBP of 220W. The leaks also confirm support for PCIe 5.0 x16, meaning the GeForce RTX 50 series will no longer be the only consumer GPUs supporting this PCIe standard.

Adding to the excitement, a leaked 3DMark benchmark (via @GawroskiT) has surfaced, showcasing the RX 9070 XT's potential performance. While there's some speculation about the benchmark's authenticity, with suggestions that pre-release drivers might be masked as a Radeon RX 7800 XT, the results are impressive nonetheless. The leaked benchmark shows the RX 9070 XT achieving a score of 7979, putting it on par with the RX 7900 XTX, surpassing both the 7900 XT and 7900 GRE, and exceeding the 7800 XT by over 50%.

In addition, AMD has confirmed (on X) that the dual-slot reference design it previously showcased in marketing materials will not be available for purchase. This departs from AMD's usual practice of offering reference cards alongside partner models. While some might be disappointed by the lack of a reference design, this could benefit consumers. In the past, AMD has prioritised the production of its reference cards, often limiting the availability of GPUs for AIB partners at launch. This time, AIBs will be solely responsible for the RX 9070 series launch, potentially leading to greater variety and availability of custom designs.

KitGuru says: What kind of performance do you expect from the Radeon RX 9070 series? 

The post AMD Radeon RX 9070 details leak ahead of full reveal first appeared on KitGuru.

Philips is strongly committed to sustainability with the launch of its latest business monitor, the Philips 34B2U3600C. This 34-inch curved VA display is the company's first to be TCO Certified, generation 10, a globally recognised sustainability certification for IT products. This certification underscores Philips' focus on minimising environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle, from manufacturing to end-of-life disposal, addressing the growing demand for eco-conscious electronics.

Beyond its green credentials, the 34B2U3600C has impressive features designed to enhance productivity and user comfort. The curved display provides an immersive viewing experience, while the WQHD resolution 3440×1440 VA panel delivers vibrant visuals with 1.07 billion colours and a 3500:1 contrast ratio. Integrated 5W speakers offer convenient audio for video conferencing and multimedia consumption. The 120Hz refresh rate is also pretty decent for gaming and such.

Connectivity is served with a versatile USB-C port that supports 90W power delivery and an RJ45 port. Eye comfort is prioritised with TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe certification and SoftBlue Technology, which reduces harmful blue light emissions. The ergonomic stand allows for height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, ensuring the user is comfortable during extended use.

Productivity-enhancing features include SmartKVM, which enables seamless switching between multiple sources with a simple keyboard shortcut, and MultiView, which allows for simultaneous dual connection and viewing. Philips is backing the 34B2U3600C with an extended 5-year warranty, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and product longevity. The Philips 34B2U3600C is now available for €439.00.

KitGuru says: Even if it's clearly a productivity-oriented monitor, the 120Hz refresh rate suggests it should also do its job for gaming. So, if you're looking for a new ultrawide monitor that you can use for work and play, the new 34B2U3600C could be worth checking out.

The post Philips launches eco-friendly 34B2U3600C ultrawide monitor first appeared on KitGuru.

Among Us became widely popular in its original 2D form but the development team at InnerSloth is looking to change things up soon with the release of Among Us 3D. As the name suggests, this is the same social deduction game we all know and love, but in a 3D environment instead. 

Among Us 3D isn't an entirely new game. InnerSloth already had the game running in a 3D environment in Among Us VR. However, with the majority of gamers having no access to a VR headset, creating a new version of the game to run on ‘pancake displays' was imperative for improving reach and accessibility.

As Among Us 3D is based on Among Us VR, the two versions of the game do have crossplay. As you would expect though, the 3D version is not compatible with the original 2D version, so there will be no crossplay with those who own the original version of the game.

There is unfortunately no release date yet for Among Us 3D, and we do not know if this version of the game will release on consoles. For now, it is just a PC release, but we'd be surprised if it didn't pop up on Xbox, PlayStation and Switch next year. For now though, PC gamers can get an early look at the game when the demo drops during Steam Next Fest.

KitGuru Says: Will you be picking up Among Us 3D once it arrives? 

The post Among Us 3D announced with free PC demo for Steam Next Fest first appeared on KitGuru.

After three years of additional development, CD Projekt Red managed to transform Cyberpunk 2077 from a widely disappointing release into one of the best action RPGs on the market. One of the big focuses for improving the game was enhancing NPC AI, particularly for crowds and police chases. Now as development for Cyberpunk 2 gets underway, CD Projekt Red is looking to enhance its simulation systems to untold heights. 

CD Projekt Red is hiring, seeking developers to help craft “the most realistic crowds ever seen in a video game”. This is an ambitious starting point for the sequel, and it gives us an idea of where CDPR's priorities are for the sequel.

The specific job listing in question here is for a lead encounter designer, who will “work in close collaboration with the systems design team to create the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date”. That is certainly an ambitious goal to set, particularly with Grand Theft Auto 6 set to release later this year, which will no doubt have some of the most intricate open-world systems seen to date.

After years of extra development, Cyberpunk 2077 became far more immersive. Based on what we're seeing from job listings for Cyberpunk 2, immersion is going to be a big point of focus for the sequel, hopefully to the point where we can class it as a true ‘immersive sim', like Deus Ex, Prey etc.

KitGuru Says: Immersive Sim RPGs are amongst my favourite and Cyberpunk 2077 definitely got pretty close to earning that moniker. Would you like to see CD Projekt Red lean further into this direction with Cyberpunk 2? 

The post Cyberpunk 2 aims to have ‘the most realistic and reactive crowds’ ever seen in a video game first appeared on KitGuru.

We've known for quite some time that EA's new studio, Cliffhanger, is hard at work on a Black Panther game. Since the initial announcement in 2023, there has been very little news but now, after an extended period of development, we are finally starting to get some details. 

According to GhostOfHope, a leaker primarily known in the Call of Duty scene, Cliffhanger's Black Panther game will allow players to choose their protagonist at the start of the game. If handled well, this could open up the game to multiple playthroughs, something that can greatly extend the playtime for a single-player title without having to bloat it out Ubisoft-style.

For those who aren't caught up on Marvel lore, Black Panther isn't just one character. The Black Panther is the leader and protector of Wakanda, a fictional country in the African continent. As a result, there have been a number of Black Panthers over the years, as the moniker is passed down through the generations, or claimed through combat.

Some of the variants planned for Cliffhanger's Black Panther game supposedly include T'Challa, M'Baku, Azari, Shuri and Killmonger, and there could be more beyond that. Each will have their own unique weapons, armour and gadgets, offering a different playstyle. Gameplay-wise, we are expecting a third-person view with an over-the-shoulder camera angle, a reactive story with multiple outcomes based on key decision moments, and combat inspired by authentic African Martial Arts.

KitGuru Says: We still don't know when Cliffhanger's Black Panther will come out but it seems that the developers have a direction in mind. Hopefully that means we'll see the game in action within the next couple of years. 

The post EA’s upcoming Black Panther game to feature multiple protagonists first appeared on KitGuru.

Cougar is championing eco-conscious design with its latest PC case, the Airface Eco RGB. This mid-tower case prioritises sustainability without compromising cooling performance, offering a compelling solution for environmentally conscious builders.

At the heart of the Airface Eco RGB lies a ventilation system designed to maximise cooling efficiency while minimising energy consumption. Its unique coned vents feature a wider opening that tapers inwards and channels cool air more effectively towards internal components. This design reduces the reliance on active cooling, resulting in lower energy usage and a quieter operating environment. Two pre-installed 180 mm PWM fans enhance airflow, promising to provide enough cooling for demanding hardware. These fans come connected to the built-in RGB Hub Sync.

Fan support is quite good, allowing up to 2x 140 mm or 3x 120 mm fans on top, a 120/140 mm fan at the rear, and up to 3x 120 mm or 2x 140/180 mm fans at the front. As for radiators, there's space for up to 280/360 models at the front and top and a 120/140 model at the rear. Moreover, there's also space for up to E-ATX boards, 390-mm-long GPUs, 190-mm-long CPU coolers, and 200-mm-long PSUs. Lastly, users can add up to 2x 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SSDs.

Dust management is also a key focus. Filters on the front, top, and bottom prevent dust buildup and protect internal components. Maintenance is simplified with a quick-slide front dust filter and a removable top panel. Moreover, a modular front I/O with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a 4-pole headphone jack, and an RGB button allows versatile placement.

The Airface Eco RGB exemplifies Cougar's commitment to performance and sustainability. It offers a compelling option for gamers and PC builders who seek to minimise their environmental impact without compromising functionality or aesthetics. The Airface Eco RGB is now available in the US in black or white for $109.99, and it's coming soon to the UK for £109.99. The rest of Europe will have to wait for April to get this case for €124.99.

KitGuru says: Do you like the Arface Eco RGB aesthetics? Which model would you prefer?

The post Cougar goes all-in on airflow with ‘Airface Eco’ RGB case first appeared on KitGuru.

Scuf Gaming has launched the Valor Pro wired performance controller for Xbox and PC. This controller represents the culmination of nearly a decade of collaboration with esports professionals and content creators, packing a suite of features designed to increase the user's gaming performance.

The Valor Pro wired is engineered to deliver a high level of speed and control, giving Xbox and PC gamers a competitive edge. Every aspect of the controller reflects Scuf's dedication to excellence, from its remappable paddles and high-speed wired connection (boasting a 1000Hz polling rate on PC) to its compact, ergonomic design and signature features like anti-drift Hall Effect thumbsticks.

Available in a range of stylish colors, including grey, black, and white, to name a few, the Valor Pro wired is packed with features to enhance performance and comfort. Four seamlessly integrated back paddles are positioned for effortless access, eliminating the need to adjust your grip. These paddles offer hardware remapping across three profiles, and the inner paddles can be removed or left blank. For those who prefer a traditional controller layout, all paddles can be disabled.

The inclusion of anti-drift Hall Effect thumbsticks ensures responsiveness. These advanced thumbsticks utilize magnets to detect movement, significantly reducing the risk of drift. Scuf has carefully tuned them to provide a feel that closely mimics traditional analogue sticks. Scuf has leveraged its extensive ergonomic expertise to refine the classic Xbox form factor with a more compact and comfortable design. The shape has been optimised to accommodate the paddles naturally, and contoured bumpers allow for faster and more efficient switching between triggers and bumpers.

The wired connection guarantees a consistently fast and reliable connection, eliminating concerns about wireless interference or latency. An upcoming PC update will further enhance responsiveness with a 1000Hz polling rate. Individual audio scroll wheels provide quick access to headset volume, game/chat balance, and microphone muting. The Valor Pro wired is now available starting at £99.99/$99.99/€109.99.

KitGuru says: Although it may look expensive for a wired controller, it packs all the high-end features you expect from a flagship controller, except it's not wireless. 

The post Scuf Gaming introduces new Valor Pro controller for PC and Xbox first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in 2022, Funcom officially announced Dune: Awakening – an ambitious survival MMO set in the world created by Frank Herbert. Said to be coming some time in 2025, the team have now officially announced that Dune: Awakening is launching on PC on the 20th of May.

Making the announcement, the team at Funcom officially unveiled the release date for Dune: Awakening, saying “Your journey begins on May 20, 2025 on PC.”

Alongside this, players can also download a joint character creator / benchmarking tool right now to get their PCs ready for this Unreal Engine 5 developed open world – receiving a free Frameblade knife skin as a bonus.

While the game’s console release has yet to be determined, PC players will soon be able to pre-order Dune: Awakening for $49.99 (and will receive a pre-order bonus in the form of a free terrarium for your base).

Dune: Awakening looks like it has a great deal of potential, and so hopefully the game manages to be all that it is promised and more when it officially arrives on the 20th of March. We’ll have to wait and see whether the console release isn’t too far behind.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for the game? What are your grand plans for Arrakis? Let us know down below.

The post Dune: Awakening release date officially announced first appeared on KitGuru.

After months of continued success, NetEase made the odd decision to fire many of the developers working on Marvel Rivals, including the director for one of the game’s primary support studios. Following this, the publisher has now bragged that Marvel Rivals has reached a new milestone of over 40 million players.

As reported by industry analyst Daniel Ahmad, during the company’s most recent fiscal earnings report NetEase revealed that “Marvel Rivals has achieved 40 million players to date” – double that of the previously-announced user base.

While 40 million players would be something worth celebrating, this announcement comes at an unfortunate time with Marvel Rivals Director Thaddeus Sasser, level designer Jack Burrows and more confirming that they have been laid off.

Unwarranted firings aside, while 40 million players is a massive achievement for such a short amount of time (2 and a half months), it is far from the fastest-growing free-to-play title, with EA’s Apex Legends amassing over 50 million players in its first month.

It’s a shame to see what was a promising new free-to-play live-service title have its reputation stained by actions from those at the top of the corporate podium.

That said, it isn’t too surprising. Hopefully NetEase won’t reward its developers with another round of layoffs.

KitGuru says: Are you one of the 40 million players? Has the recent firings impacted your opinion on the game? Will NetEase address the layoffs? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Following layoffs, Marvel Rivals announces new record player count first appeared on KitGuru.

CyberPower has packed the latest and greatest gaming hardware in their Ultra 5090 Custom Gaming PC. At the centre we have a mighty MSI GeForce RTX 5090 32G Suprim SOC which is supported by an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on an MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi motherboard. Add in 64GB of fast DDR5 Kingston memory with 4TB of Gen 5 Corsair SSD and the result is bonkers gaming performance along with the expected hefty price tag that creeps past £5k.

Time stamps
00:00 Intro
00:55 RTX 5090 – power / thermals analysis
04:13 Specs / pricing
06:31 BIOS settings / power
08:41 Cinebench 2024 Single
09:00 Cinebench 2024 Multi Core
09:07 Geekbench 6 Multi Core
09:16 AIDA 64 Memory bandwidth
09:28 3DMark Time Spy
09:42 Far Cry 6
10:46 Avatar Frontiers of Pandora
11:00 Assassins Creed Mirage
11:13 Total War Pharaoh
11:34 Leo’s thoughts
12:45 CyberPower USA GN concerns
13:59 Closing Thoughts

Specification:

• Graphics card: MSI GeForce RTX 5090 32G Suprim SOC – 32GB GDDR7 – HDMI, DP – Nvidia DLSS 4 and Reflex 2
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D – 8-Core 4.70GHz, 5.20GHz Turbo – 96MB L3 Cache Processor, Pro OC Compatible w/ Radeon Graphics
• CPU Cooler: Be Quiet Dark Rock Pro 5 Air Cooler
• Cooling Upgrade: Thermal Grizzly Premium Thermal Paste and Thermal Grizzly AM5 contact frame fitted as default.
• Memory: 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5/6400MT/sec Kingston Fury Renegade RGB Black/Silver Memory
• Motherboard: MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi: ATX w/ PCIe 5.0, WiFi 6E, USB 3.2, 4x M.2
• M.2 SSD: 4TB Corsair MP700 Pro M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD – 12,400MB/s Read & 11,800MB/s Write [+344]
• Case: Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800FX Gaming Case – Black – (features 4x ARGB 140mm fans)
• Power Supply: MSI MAG A1250GL PCIe5 1250W 80+ Gold ATX 3.0 Fully Modular Gaming Power Supply (OEM is CWT)
• Sound: On-board HD Audio
• Software: Norton 360 VPN & Security for Gamers (Full 1 Year License)
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Warranty: 5 Years Labour, 2 Years Parts, 12 Months Collect and Return plus Life-Time Technical Support

The post CyberPowerPC Ultra 5090 Custom Gaming PC Review first appeared on KitGuru.

The Rogue Prince of Persia is a slick action-platformer rogue-like from one of the teams behind the equally as fun Dead Cells. Following its early access launch in May last year, the game received a bunch of updates with much more promised for 2025. Sure enough, the team have now released the latest major patch for The Rogue Prince of Persia, adding dozens of new skins, a full rework of progression and much more.

Making the announcement, the team at Evil Empire officially released the ‘Forgotten Skins’ update for The Rogue Prince of Persia, writing: “The team’s been cooking as always and is still on it. So let’s take a look!”

The full list of changes and additions can be found HERE, but some of the more notable patches include:

• 35 new skins (12 recolor, 14 new models, 1 old model and 8 from the Community Skin Contest)
• Overhauled XP system
• Reworked all skill trees
• New quests
• 2 new weapons and 1 new tool
• Refined level design
• Dozens of various fixes

Even at its initial Early Access launch, The Rogue Prince of Persia was a highly fun and replayable game, and so it is exciting to see the team continue to improve and refine the overall experience.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this update? Have you checked out The Rogue Prince of Persia? Will you be rocking the classic purple Prince skin? Let us know down below.

The post The Rogue Prince of Persia update brings new skins, progression overhaul and more first appeared on KitGuru.

Over the past few days, we have heard an increasing number of reports claiming that the iconic Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series is set to return with the revival of the previously-cancelled THPS 3+4. In the wake of these leaks, Activision seems to have confirmed as much, teasing an upcoming Tony Hawk announcement as part of the latest update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Season 2 Reloaded for Black Ops 6 is now live, bringing a bunch of new content including weapons; game modes; multiplayer maps and more. One of the biggest additions is the return of the fan-favourite map Grind from Black Ops 2.

Set in a skate park, eagle-eyed fans have discovered a cool easter egg in the map which seems to hint at an upcoming showcase – with a sign reading “03.04.25” underneath the recognisable THPS logo.

For the uninitiated, we first heard word of a new Pro Skater game a couple days ago, when skater Tyshawn Jones claimed via a podcast that he’s going to be in the next Tony Hawk game which is set to release soon.

Following this, well known leaker eXtas1s corroborated these comments, revealing that the game in question is a remake of Pro Skater 3+4 and is planned to arrive this June.

Based on all this, it now seems clear that Activision/Microsoft is gearing up for an official announcement in March, followed by its launch just a couple months later in June.

While the surprise was somewhat spoiled, it is always cool to see such announcements being teased in other games ahead of time – adding to the overall hype and excitement. Hopefully Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 winds up being as good as the first remake.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to this new entry in the series? What’s your favourite THPS game? Was this teaser always planned, or was it added as a result of the leaks? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Black Ops 6 update teases Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater first appeared on KitGuru.

Game Freak wrapped up the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet generation back in 2023 with the release of two expansions. Since then, we've been waiting on the next major Pokémon title to hit Nintendo consoles, and it looks like we'll get some much-needed details later this week. 

As is the case every February, The Pokémon Company will be hosting its own showcase stream. On the 27th of February at 2PM UK time, Pokemon Presents will go live once again, giving us a new look at the upcoming Pokemon Legends ZA, the next big open-world game that takes us back to an ancient version of the Pokemon region from the X & Y titles.

It is also worth noting that this year also marks the anniversary of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. It is unclear if The Pokémon Company plans to do anything special to celebrate this, but given how beloved those original games are, I expect we'll get something. Perhaps some of those classic Pokémon games will finally become available on Nintendo Switch, something that fans have been asking for since the system first launched in 2017.

KitGuru Says: We'll no doubt be back next week reporting on the news as its announced, so stay tuned for that. 

The post Pokémon Presents stream returns just in time for Pokémon Red anniversary first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in 2022, Rockstar released Grand Theft Auto V: Expanded and Enhanced for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 consoles. The main addition? New graphical features like Ray Tracing. Now years later, and just ahead of the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, those graphical enhancements are finally coming to the PC version of GTA 5. 

Rockstar confirmed plans to release a GTA 5 PC graphics update in late 2024. Now, the update is ready and is freely available to all PC players. The update brings the game up to the same level as the newer Xbox Series X/S and PS5 versions of the game.

Below you can see some of the key highlights of the update:

• Ray tracing features only available on PC such as ambient occlusion and global illumination — plus ray traced shadows and reflections first debuted on consoles
• Support for AMD FSR1 and FSR3, and NVIDIA DLSS 3
• Faster loading times using SSD and DirectStorage on supported devices and configurations
• Enhanced support for higher resolutions, higher aspect ratios, and higher framerates
• DualSense® controller support, with adaptive triggers
• Enhanced audio with support for Dolby Atmos and improved fidelity of speech, cinematics, and music

Due to the new graphical enhancements, the recommended PC system requirements for GTA 5 have been updated – a rare sight for a decade-old game. To utilise the new features, you will want a system with at least an Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB of RAM and an RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT graphics card.

This change also brings a whole bunch of new vehicles to the game, as well as access to GTA+, Rockstar's subscription service that grants monthly bonuses for GTA Online, as well as free access to classic games, like the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy, Bully and more.

KitGuru Says: Do you still play GTA Online regularly? Has it improved since Rockstar added anti-cheat? 

The post Rockstar brings major graphics upgrade to GTA 5 on PC first appeared on KitGuru.

Valve has been putting a lot of its development resources into new projects in recent years. From Artifact and Dota Underworlds, to more successful releases like Half-Life Alyx and Counter-Strike 2. This has essentially meant that Team Fortress 2 has been left behind. Now, Valve has handed the keys to TF2 to the community.

Team Fortress 2 is now open source. The Team Fortress 2 Source SDK is now available. With this tool now available, people can essentially re-write Team Fortress 2, enabling game overhaul mods, new modes, new multiplayer experiences and more.

“Unlike the Steam Workshop or local content mods, this SDK gives mod makers the ability to change, extend or rewrite TF2, making anything from small tweaks to complete conversions possible”, Valve explains. “The SDK is licensed to users on a non-commercial basis, meaning that any mod created using the SDK must be free, and any content in those mods must be free. TF2 mods may be published on the Steam Store, and after publication will appear as new games in the Steam game list.”

Using TF2 as a base, developers could also create new game listings for the Steam Store. We've seen this happen with Half-Life projects in the past, like Black Mesa, a complete remake of the original Half-Life.

There is just one stipulation Valve has in place. As Workshop modders were responsible for a lot of in-game content for TF2 in the form of custom hats and other cosmetics, Valve does not want any developers to take those workshop items and then reutilise them for profit. It is unknown if Valve would make an exception for a developer willing to share a revenue split with the original workshop item creators.

KitGuru Says: With this move, I think we can safely say that there will be no more major content updates for Team Fortress 2. Now fans have to wonder – is Valve considering a Team Fortress 3?

The post Valve releases Team Fortress 2 source code, opening the door for game overhaul mods first appeared on KitGuru.

It seems the wait for AMD's Ryzen 9 9000 series with 3D V-Cache might be over soon. Both the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X3D have just surfaced on Geekbench with single-core and multi-core benchmark scores.

The leaked Geekbench results shared by @Olrak29_(1, 2) show both CPUs tested on Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AXE motherboards with 32 GB of DDR5-4800 memory. The 9900X3D achieved 3,274 and 19,227 points in the single-core and multi-core tests, respectively, while the 9950X3D scored 3,363 and 20,465.

Comparing these leaked results to the previous generation 7000X3D series reveals some interesting trends. The 9950X3D shows a roughly 15% improvement in single-core performance and a 4% gain in multi-core performance compared to the 7950X3D. The 9900X3D boasts a 14.5% increase in single-core and a 9.3% increase in multi-core performance relative to the 7900X3D.

While AMD officially announced these CPUs for release this quarter, they haven't provided specific launch dates. Rumours suggest that the 9950X3D and 9900X3D could launch alongside the RDNA4 GPUs, which makes sense strategically, especially if the RX 9070 XT proves to be AMD's flagship offering this generation. Pairing it with top-tier CPUs would create a compelling combination for customers.

KitGuru says: Were you expecting a bigger performance uplift on the new X3D processors, or do these values match your expectations?

The post AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D leak shows decent single-thread performance improvement first appeared on KitGuru.

EK has unveiled its next-generation EK-Quantum Velocity³ CPU water blocks. Designed for compatibility with AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1851 sockets, the Velocity³ offers a high level of customisation, allowing users to fine-tune their cooling setup for optimal performance and aesthetics.

One of the key innovations of the Velocity³ is its flexible design, enabling easy switching between Intel and AMD platforms with minimal adjustments. Users can reposition the jet plate alignment, cold plate, and mounting bracket to accommodate their chosen socket type. This adaptability ensures that the Velocity³ remains a viable cooling solution even if you decide to switch platforms in the future.

The customisation goes beyond mere socket compatibility. The Velocity³ allows for the rotation of internal components, adjustment of the heat spreader, and repositioning the ports, giving enthusiasts control over their liquid cooling setup. This level of flexibility caters to those who demand both performance and aesthetics, ensuring the Velocity³ integrates into any build.

Available in Plexi, Acetal (black), and White finishes, the Velocity³ features a sleek, modern design crafted from high-quality materials. Its optimised cooling engine delivers exceptional performance, boasting up to a 2°C improvement over previous EK water blocks. The EK-Quantum Velocity³ 1700/1851/AM5 is available for purchase now for €109.90 (all variants).

KitGuru says: Are you planning on building a new custom loop? Would you take a thorough look at the new EK-Quantum Velocity³ water blocks, or do you already have something else in mind?

The post EK launches new EK-Quantum Velocity³ water block for LGA1700/1851 and AM5 sockets first appeared on KitGuru.

Apple has officially unveiled its much-anticipated “budget-friendly” iPhone, the iPhone 16e. While rumours previously suggested it might be named “iPhone SE 4,” Apple has opted for a new moniker for its entry-level offering.

The iPhone 16e features an A18 SoC with four GPU cores (instead of five), likely paired with 8 GB of RAM, ensuring compatibility with Apple Intelligence features. As predicted, the design takes cues from the iPhone 13 era, with a 6.1-inch OLED display boasting a 460 ppi pixel density and a 12 MP TrueDepth camera with Face ID support. The mute toggle switch has been replaced with the new action button, and the phone incorporates Apple's first in-house 5G modem, the C1, promising significant efficiency gains.

The iconic notch remains, and on the back, there's a single 48 MP camera. Other notable features include a USB-C port (albeit with USB 2.0 speeds), an impressive 26 hours of video playback (up from 22 hours on the iPhone 16), an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and emergency SOS via satellite.

The iPhone 16e starting price is $599 for the 128GB model and will be available on February 28th. While this represents a price increase compared to the now-discontinued iPhone SE 3, which started at $429 for the 64 GB model, the iPhone 16e's array of new features and increased base storage arguably justify the premium.

KitGuru says: Were you waiting for Apple to launch a new “entry-level” smartphone? Are you planning on upgrading your current smartphone, or do you think Apple is asking too much for an “entry-level” device?

The post Apple launches Iphone 16e powered by A18 SoC first appeared on KitGuru.

Following on from pre-release reviews yesterday, today the RTX 5070 Ti graphics card is launching to the masses globally. As we've seen with the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, stock may be hard to come by. If you are looking to pick up an RTX 5070 Ti as soon as possible in the UK, we've compiled a range of listings for you to choose from, with a particular light shown on GPUs that actually get close to the MSRP price tag. 

As we've already seen in the US, many RTX 5070 Ti models are already being marked up above MSRP pricing. While Nvidia's MSRP for this GPU is $750, there is no Founders Edition card for board partners to compete with, leading to a slew of $900 to $1000 versions of the RTX 5070 Ti. If you are seriously considering spending that kind of money on a new graphics card, be sure to check out a range of reviews first – here's our RTX 5070 Ti launch day review. So far, the general consensus seems to be that the RTX 5070 Ti is not worth its marked up price, but that could change from individual to individual based on when you last upgraded your graphics card. The jump is likely far more worth it to someone coming from an RTX 20 or a lower-tier RTX 30 GPU, compared to an RTX 40 graphics card.

The Asus Prime RTX 5070 Ti was supplied to reviewers in the US as an example of an MSRP-level card. Here in the UK, this graphics card is launching at £739 for the OC Edition. Pricing varies between Scan, eBuyer, OCUK and CLL, with Scan being the cheapest at the time of publishing.

On the MSI front, there are several listings for the RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X model, priced at £729.99. For Gigabyte, your best bet for a reasonable price is the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Ti Eagle model, which is coming in at £899.

Unfortunately, there are not many options available at launch for those wanting to only pay the MSRP price. PNY, Zotac and Gainward each have options available that come pretty close, with MSI being the cheapest with an MSRP-level £729.99 card.

Speaking of Scan, if you are looking to pick up an RTX 50 GPU, they have set up a very handy RTX 50 notification page with daily stock updates, as well as updates to currency conversion rates so customers know when to expect prices to rise or fall slightly.

Do note that all prices here are correct as of 2PM GMT on February 20th. Prices are subject to change due to a myriad of factors, chief of which is supply and demand, followed by currency conversion fluctuations.

KitGuru Says: What do you think of the RTX 5070 Ti launch? Will you be upgrading or avoiding this current generation until prices settle down? 

 

The post RTX 5070 Ti prices start at £729 in the UK first appeared on KitGuru.

There have been many disappointed enthusiasts who have been unable to get hold of an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 graphics card since launch last month. In an effort to avoid scalpers buying up Founders Edition graphics cards, Nvidia has now set up a Verified Priority Access program. 

In a statement shared on the Nvidia forums today, Nvidia confirmed plans for the Verified Priority Access program, saying that it will give “a limited number of verified GeForce gamers and creators” an opportunity to buy one RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card from the Nvidia Marketplace.

To be eligible, you have to A) be in the US. B) have a registered Nvidia account from before January 30th. You can sign-up to be considered for it by filling out a form where you simply select which graphics card you are looking to buy and then tick a box to say that you agree to Nvidia verifying participation “based on region, configuration, games and app usage”. From the sounds of it, Nvidia will be targeting power users who have spent time engaging with Nvidia's services.

There is no word on whether or not this program will roll out worldwide, or if Nvidia will have plans to put something like this in place for future Founders Edition launches. It certainly would have helped a lot of enthusiasts avoid the stress of retail queues and scalpers driving prices up.

KitGuru Says: Do you think something like this should be in place for enthusiasts looking to upgrade moving forward? Do you want to see this program open up in Europe and other regions?

The post Nvidia fights scalpers with ‘Verified Priority Access’ program for RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 first appeared on KitGuru.

As they have done for years now, each week a new game or two are given away for free via the Epic Games Store for all those with an EGS account. From today, users can get their hands on the cute indie RGP Garden Story as well as Saber Interactive’s World War Z: Aftermath.

Available to add to your library from today until the 27th of February at 4pm, this week’s free titles are being headlined by World War Z: Aftermath. While this has been given away on the Epic Store in the past, in case you missed it back then, this Saber Interactive-developed co-op shooter functions similarly to that of the iconic Left4Dead series but with a 3rd-person perspective.

As expected, the game throws massive swarms of zombies all clumped together at you with intent to kill. Featuring a number of different and unique classes, you and three other friends can buddy up and take on its co-op story driven campaigns which take you all across the world.

World War Z: Aftermath is the complete version of the game, and so if you aren’t one of the 15 million who've already experienced this title, now is as good a time as any.

Garden Story meanwhile is a cute indie RPG in which you must “unify a broken community as the newly-appointed Guardian of The Grove”. Think of it kind of like Stardew Valley except you play as a grape.

Both World War Z: Aftermath and Garden Story are available to claim from today at 4PM UK time.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this week’s offerings? Have you tried World War Z: Aftermath in the past? What’s your favourite fruit? Let us know down below.

The post World War Z: Aftermath is free on the Epic Games Store first appeared on KitGuru.

Just yesterday, we reported on the possibility of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series returning, thanks to one professional skater who let slip that he is in an upcoming ‘remaster’ of the series. It seems as though this will indeed be the case, as following his claims leakers have now revealed that THPS 3+4 is set to be officially announced this June.

As reported by known industry insider eXtas1s, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is planned to be shadow dropped by Microsoft during the company’s Xbox Games Showcase in June. According to the insider, this release will launch simultaneously on PC, Xbox and PlayStation 5 – marking another first-party Xbox title headed to PlayStation.

For the uninitiated, following the success of 2020’s Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 (which went on to become the fastest-selling entry in the franchise), studio Vicarious Visions were working on a similar remake for the 3rd and 4th entries…until it was cancelled by Activision.

Given the fact that Vicarious Visions has since been absorbed and renamed to Blizzard Albany, it is unknown which studio has been tasked with this remake – though hopefully the Albany team were involved in some way.

As mentioned, just yesterday professional skater Tyshawn Jones revealed that “I’m in a Tony Hawk coming out, that’s cool. They got a new one they remastering so that’s about to come out, I was in the last one”. With collaborators and now leakers reporting on this remaster, it seems as though we might finally be getting the previously-ill-fated Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for the return of THPS? Which game in the series is your all-time favourite? Which studio do you think is working on the remake? Let us know down below.

The post Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 reportedly launching this June first appeared on KitGuru.

Each month, Sony updates its PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium libraries with a new line-up of titles. Similarly, every month a number of games are also removed from the service. With February’s line-up now available to claim, the console maker has revealed that 10 titles are set to leave the service in a month’s time.

In going to the PlayStation Plus tab on your PS5, you’ll find a list of 10 titles under the ‘Last Chance to Play’ section. Leaving the service at some point in March (likely around the 18th) are the following:

• Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 6
• Resident Evil 3 Remake
• DBZ Kakarot
• Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
• Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
• Life is Strange True Colors
• Life is Strange 2 Complete Season
• Final Fantasy Type-O HD
• Street Fighter 5 Champion Edition
• Mortal Kombat 11

Fighting game fans might be disappointed to see 3 major titles leaving PS Plus, with Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R stinging particularly hard. In addition, it is interesting to see two Life is Strange titles being removed given the fact that the brand new Lost Records: Bloom and Rage has been added as a day-one release onto the service.

If you have not yet caught up with the Life is Strange series, you might want to give the two departing titles a go before they’re removed. Fortunately, both entries are relatively short affairs, and so you should have plenty of time to complete them.

In case you missed it, February’s PS Plus Extra/Premium titles are now available on the service, including the likes of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor; TopSpin 2K25 and Patapon 3. The full list can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of February’s PS Plus additions? What about the games set to leave? Will you try to finish any of these games before they’re gone? Let us know down below.

The post 10 titles are leaving PlayStation Plus in March first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in May of last year, the team at Supergiant Games surprise-dropped the early access launch of Hades II. Since then, the game has seen one major content update alongside a bunch of smaller patches. Finally, Supergiant Games are back with Hades II’s 2nd major update – bringing new levels, gods, boons, revamped menus and a whole lot more.

Making the announcement, the team at Supergiant Games officially released and detailed their latest ‘Warsong Update’ writing:

“Our second Major Update has arrived, featuring the final confrontation of the surface route, one last Olympian and all his Boons, a new Animal Familiar to bond with, streamlined resource gathering, plenty of new music and artwork, and more! We're excited to know what you think, and will be monitoring feedback in the coming weeks to ensure these latest additions are working properly.”

The full list of patch notes can be found HERE, but some of the more interesting/notable changes include:

• More than 2,000 new voice lines and new events
• New final confrontation
• New Olymian (Ares) plus boons
• Revamped boons
• Revamped Altar of Ashes
• New and reworked keepsakes
• New enemies
• Revamped special encounters
• Much much more

In case you haven’t been keeping up with Hades II’s early access release, each major update has been huge for the game, not only in terms of new content, but how the currently available content is dished out and used.

Weapons and boons in particular have seen a great deal of changes over the months, and so it will be interesting to see how the Warsong Update switches up the gameplay formula. If you have yet to give Hades II a chance, now might be the best time to do so ahead of its full 1.0 release.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this update? Will you be heading back into Hades II? What’s been your favourite weapon to use thus far? Let us know down below.

The post Hades II gets second major patch with ‘Warsong Update’ first appeared on KitGuru.