The Life is Strange series is an excellent franchise helping to keep the choice-based adventure genre alive with interesting stories full of heart, relatable characters and a nostalgic vibe. Following on from 2024’s Double Exposure, Square Enix has now confirmed that they will be unveiling the 6th entry in the series next week.

Taking to YouTube, the official Life is Strange channel has teased that the franchise is set to return this year, posting an upcoming livestream set to go live on the 20th of January.

While there is very little to go on so far, the description for the livestream reads as follows: “Separate the real from the rumor… Join us for the exclusive reveal of the next Life is Strange game.”

While this could be a hint towards the game itself, the description is likely in reference to a recent leak by the PEGI ratings board for a game called Life is Strange: Reunion.

Curiously, the description for the title was eerily similar to that of the very first LiS entry – and so this comment by Square could be them trying to hint that there’s more to the game than the leaked description let on.

Either way, we won’t have to wait long to find out, with the Life is Strange livestream set to go live on the 20th of January at 5:30PM UK time.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for more Life is Strange? What did you think of the leaked description? Could it be legit, or is there more going on than it seems? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post New Life is Strange game to be revealed next week first appeared on KitGuru.

Years on from its initial release on PlayStation and PC, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is finally set to land on the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox next week. In the lead-up to its launch, the team at Square Enix have confirmed that the PS5 and PC versions of the game will receive an update at the same time – bringing a number of welcome quality-of-life improvements.

Taking to Twitter to make the announcement, the official Final Fantasy VII page wrote: “To celebrate Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade launch day on Nintendo Switch 2 & Xbox, a patch for the PS5 and PC versions will launch next Thursday.”

Exact details on the extent of the patch have not been shared, however we did get an overview, with the update set to introduce:

• Streamlined Progression
• The ability to keep HP and MP topped up
• Option to always hit for 9,999 damage

While these features will also be available on the Switch and Xbox versions, having the ability to bypass battles will be especially useful for PC and PS5 players who are simply wanting to re-experience the story ahead of part 3’s release at some point in the future.

Though not recommended for a first time playthrough, having these options available is welcome to see. It’ll be interesting to learn whether the patch introduces any other changes/additions.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to the update? Should more JRPGs offer similar options? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Final Fantasy VII Remake update to introduce a bunch of QoL improvements first appeared on KitGuru.

Since the game’s launch, the teams at Treyarch/Activision have kept Black Ops 7 feeling fresh thanks to a consistent string of updates both on a weekly and Seasonal basis. In celebration of COD Zombies’ 115 Day (15th of January), Treyarch have teased a ton of Zombies content coming with Season 2 and beyond.

Releasing a blog post to celebrate 115 Day (named after the classic COD Zombies element 115), Treyarch offered a look at what fans can expect going into Black Ops 7 Season 2 and beyond.

Though previously rumoured to be the case, Treyarch have officially confirmed that BO7 will see 5 major zombies maps released through the game’s post-launch Season. So far, we’ve gotten Ashes of the Damned at launch and Astra Malorum during Season 1, meaning there are still 4 main DLC maps to be released.

Of course, BO7 also features a bunch of Survival maps, with the team confirming that the launch of Season 2 will bring with it its 4th survival map: Mars from Astra Malorum. More exciting however is the fact that the well-received Cursed Mode (which brings back many classic Zombies elements) will be coming to survival maps at the start of Season 2.

Another highly-requested feature coming is the addition of a ‘starting room’ mode – harkening back to one of the most popular COD Zombies challenges from back in the day.

Though we only got a brief teaser, the team did confirm that the next big map won’t be arriving until Season 2 Reloaded – but with the addition of Mars and Cursed Survival, there should be plenty for Zombies fans to enjoy in the meantime. The full blog post, including more ancillary changes and additions coming with future updates can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What did you think of this year’s 115 Day? What announcement excited you the most? Let us know down below.

The post Black Ops 7 celebrates 115 Day with early Season 2 details first appeared on KitGuru.

This is a big week for Amazon Prime, with the streaming service having given updates on a number of their upcoming projects. Alongside confirmation that Ryan Hurst is set to play Kratos in the live-action God of War show, Amazon have now released their first promotional image of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft – showing off a look which harkens back to the early days of Tomb Raider.

Taking to Twitter to make the announcement, the official Amazon Prime Video page offered fans a first look at Sophie Turner as Lara Croft for the upcoming live-action series – writing: “Get your artifacts out. Lara's on her way… #TombRaider #WardrobeTest”

Based on the costume, it’s clear that Amazon is going for a look which matches more closely to Croft's earlier entries as compared to the reboot trilogy’s aesthetic; featuring her blue tank top, shorts, fingerless gloves and glasses.

So far, relatively little is known about the plot for the show, however a number of other roles were recently confirmed, with Jason Isaacs playing Lara’s uncle Atlas and Sigourney Weaver taking on the role of original character Evelyn Wallis.

With an interesting cast of characters and a look which is clearly inspired by Lara’s early exploits, it will be curious to see whether the show will follow the plot of any previous games, or if it will be doing its own thing. We will have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the promo image released? Is Sophie Turner convincing as Lara Croft? Do you prefer the classic or rebooted design? Let us know down below.

The post Amazon shares first look at Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in upcoming Tomb Raider series first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in 2022, it was reported that Sony had entered into talks with Amazon to develop a live-action adaptation of the console maker’s highly-popular God of War franchise. While production was off to a slow start, work on the project appears to now be progressing smoothly, with the actor set to take on the role of Kratos having now been officially announced.

Making the official announcement, the Amazon Prime page confirmed that Ryan Hurst is set to play Kratos in the upcoming God of War Amazon show.

For the uninitiated, Hurst is best known for his role as Opie in Sons of Anarchy. That said, in an interesting twist of fate, Hurst actually voiced Thor in 2022’s God of War Ragnarok.

Speaking on this announcement, the team at Sony Santa Monica wrote: “Congratulations to Ryan Hurst who will be stepping into the role of Kratos for the upcoming God of War live action series! We're excited to see his take on Kratos as he joins the legendary ranks of T.C. Carson and Christopher Judge who have each shaped this character in unforgettable ways.”

While details on the project remain relatively light, Amazon’s God of War show will reportedly consist of at least two Seasons, with the first being 10 episodes long. Filming for the project is set to begin in March, and so hopefully we will get to see some promotional images of Hurst as Kratos sooner rather than later.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to the God of War show? What do you think of this casting announcement? Who were you expecting to take on the role of Kratos? Let us know down below.

The post Ryan Hurst confirmed to play Kratos in live-action God of War adaptation first appeared on KitGuru.

Moon Studios has officially announced that No Rest for the Wicked has reached the milestone of one million copies sold in its PC Early Access version. This achievement was reached on Steam just days before the launch of the “Together” update, scheduled for January 22nd.

In an official statement, the developer thanked the community for believing in the project from the start, emphasising that player support was instrumental in shaping the action RPG into its current form. The studio, famously known for the Ori franchise, reinforced that the world of Wicked will become significantly larger and more shared with the arrival of new social features next week.

The “Together” update promises to redefine the gameplay experience by introducing a cooperative system for up to four players in persistent Realms. Unlike other titles in the genre, players can share a world without a host being online, enabling independent progression. Combat has also received significant adjustments, featuring improved AI that allows enemies to react naturally and desperately when cornered or outnumbered and friendly fire in online mode.

Beyond battles, users can collaborate on housing construction, craft items through the Scribe Table and explore the new Compendium. Originally released in April 2024, the game continues to expand steadily, with full versions planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: With the long-awaited co-op mode arriving next week, the game is finally getting the social features many fans have been asking for since its debut.

The post No Rest for the Wicked hits 1 million sales ahead of ‘Together’ update first appeared on KitGuru.

Intel's desktop and high-performance laptop CPU update may be closer than expected, with fresh chatter around the Arrow Lake Refresh suggesting a launch window of March or April 2026. This positioning places the update only just after Intel's major January push for Core Ultra Series 3 Panther Lake series.

The claims come from Golden Pig Upgrade (via Tom's Hardware), who wrote and posted alongside a screenshot of the Geekbench entries we've covered. These entries show the top-tier refresh models, specifically the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus for desktops and the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus for flagship-class notebooks.

This March/April launch window suggests a carefully staged rollout for Intel's 2026 lineup. With Panther Lake-H systems hitting global availability later this month, a spring refresh for Arrow Lake could allow Intel to maintain momentum in its current product stack without overshadowing the debut of its 18A-based mobile architecture. This strategy creates a bridge to Nova Lake, the next major architectural shift currently slated for late 2026. Nova Lake is expected to introduce a new LGA 1954 socket and up to 52 cores, making the 200 Plus series the final push for the LGA-1851 ecosystem.

The Arrow Lake Refresh appears to be an exercise in refinement rather than revolution. The update focuses on incremental tuning, such as modest clock adjustments, improved binning, and enhanced support for higher memory frequencies, such as DDR5-7200 and beyond. With these refinements, these CPUs can offer a performance bump with minor changes, reserving the major architectural breakthroughs for Nova Lake when it launches. Whether these improvements are enough to sway buyers will likely depend on the final retail pricing and how the refreshed parts compete against AMD's recently launched Ryzen 9000 series, especially the X3D models.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Even if it won't revolutionise the CPU consumer market, this refresh will make Intel maintain some relevance in its segments until Nova Lake arrives.

The post Intel’s Arrow Lake Refresh reportedly launches this spring first appeared on KitGuru.

Gamemax has officially introduced the Nex C53 panoramic case, a compact yet capable case designed to provide a seamless visual showcase for your hardware. The primary draw is its panoramic view layout, with borderless tempered glass that offers an unobstructed view of the internal components. It also supports hidden-connector (BTF) motherboards, which should allow for cable-free interior that maximises airflow and aesthetics.

The internal structure of the Nex C53 (via TechPowerUP) has been designed to accommodate almost anything, including graphics cards up to 410 mm in length and CPU air coolers up to 175 mm tall. Space efficiency is achieved through a front-mounted PSU layout that optimises space while providing enough room for a 360 mm top-mounted radiator. Cooling is handled by up to seven 120 mm or five 140 mm fans, with four ARGB fans pre-installed. This includes three 120 mm reverse-blade fans at the bottom to draw in fresh air and one rear-mounted exhaust fan.

The chassis also features a dual-layer top panel that replaces exposed dust filters and an adjustable multi-angle fan bracket that allows builders to direct airflow where it is needed most. To ensure long-term stability, an integrated GPU support bracket is included to prevent card sag and protect the motherboard’s PCIe slots. Connectivity options in the front I/O panel include a USB Type-C Gen 2×2 port and two USB 3.0 ports. The Gamemax Nex C53 is launching in black and white variants, with the black version priced at $64.99 and the white version at $69.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Gamemax is making a strong play for the entry-level market by offering full BTF motherboard compatibility and a front-mounted PSU design at a very aggressive price point. Would you consider the Nex C53 for a budget build?

The post Gamemax introduces Nex C53, an affordable panoramic chassis with BTF support first appeared on KitGuru.

Ecco the Dolphin is one of SEGAs more underrated franchises from back when the publisher made its own console hardware. Following years of silence, the publisher confirmed back in May of last year that not only is Ecco the Dolphin returning, but that multiple projects are planned. Now SEGA seems to be gearing up for a proper unveiling – officially launching a brand new teaser site.

Following the announcement last year that Ecco the Dolphin would be returning with remasters and new projects, studio A&R Atelier (headed by the creator of the franchise) have now published a new website. Available HERE, little has been officially shared in the way of concrete details, however the team wrote:

“We're dedicated to expanding the Ecco the Dolphin IP to the level it has always deserved. We're currently working on new Ecco games and products that honor the spirit of the original while bringing fresh experiences to both longtime fans and new players discovering Ecco's epic world for the first time.”

Alongside this, the website itself features a timer in the bottom left which appears to be counting down to the 22nd of April 2026. Perhaps we will learn more then?

Regardless, the Ecco the Dolphin series was highly unique and so it is exciting to see the franchise coming back.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you a fan of Ecco the Dolphin? What was your favourite SEGA exclusive back in the day (other than Sonic)? Let us know down below.

The post Ecco the Dolphin website launched, teasing upcoming projects first appeared on KitGuru.

Over the past decade Josef Fares has made a name for himself in the video games industry not only due to his unique personality, but thanks to the creator’s constant push towards innovating in the co-op space, with each successive project receiving higher praise than the last. While Fares and Hazelight Studios’ latest release Split Fiction continues to find a growing audience, the team’s previous project – It Takes Two – is nearing another massive sales milestone.

In an interview conducted by Christopher Dring of TheGameBusiness, Hazelight Studios CEO Josef Fares spoke on a wide range of topics including 2025’s GOTY winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33; the state of the industry, generative AI and more.

In discussing Hazelight’s last game prior to Split Fiction – It Takes Two – Fares revealed that the 2021 game of the year winner is continuing to sell millions of copies, confirming that the co-op title is now closing in on hitting 27 million copies sold.

While an incredible achievement in its own right, as with many of Hazelight’s games, It Takes Two included a friends pass allowing you to play through the whole game online with a friend without them needing to own a copy. This means that at this point over 50 million people have experienced the game.

Considering the fact that the game is set to receive an adaptation of some kind at some point (though we have heard little from the project since its initial announcement), It Takes Two will likely continue to sell well for many more years.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What did you think of It Takes Two? How does it compare to the rest of Josef Fares’ output? Will Split Fiction manage to reach similar heights? Let us know down below.

The post It Takes Two closes in on 27 million copies sold first appeared on KitGuru.

Following its official announcement back during Tokyo Game Show 2025, Microsoft confirmed that we would be learning more about Forza Horizon 6 during the console maker’s upcoming Xbox Developer Direct. Set to go live on the 22nd of January, users have reported receiving a pop-up inside Forza Horizon 5 which seems to have leaked the release date for its sequel.

As shared by Twitter user XboxF10, an in-game pop-up within Forza Horizon 5 appears to have offered full details on the upcoming Forza Horizon 6, including its release date, Premium Edition content and more.

Though unable to be directly replicated by others so far, the pop-up claims that Forza Horizon 6 will officially launch on the 19th of May – with Premium Edition owners gaining 4 days of advanced access (starting on the 14th).

Beyond this, the message includes the full list of Premium Edition content, namely:

• VIP Membership
• Welcome Pack
• Car Pass
• Time Attack Car Pack
• Italian Passion Car Pack (post-launch)
• 2 Premium Expansions (post-launch)

Last but not least, all those who pre-order the game are said to receive “a pre-tuned and exclusive Ferrari J50”. Of course, this should all be taken with a pinch of salt for now, but with the Xbox Developer Direct set to go live in one week’s time, we likely won’t have to wait long to learn all about Forza Horizon 6 in an official capacity.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to the developer direct? Which of the three announced titles are you most excited to learn more about? Does Xbox’s advanced access strategy bother you or not? Let us know down below.

The post Forza Horizon 6 release date seemingly leaked thanks to in-game pop-up first appeared on KitGuru.

Each month, Sony updates its PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium tiers with a selection of titles, from old games to new games, and classics on occasion. For the first month of 2026, PS Plus subscribers can look forward to playing a number of high profile releases, including the latest Resident Evil Village, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and more.

Making the announcement via the PlayStation Blog, Sony officially listed the full line-up of titles set to join PS Plus Extra/Premium, with the following arriving on the service next Tuesday, the 20th of January:

• Resident Evil Village | PS5, PS4 
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | PS5, PS4 
• Expeditions: A MudRunner Game | PS5, PS4 
• A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead | PS5
• Darkest Dungeon II | PS5, PS4 
• The Exit 8 | PS5, PS4
• Art of Rally | PS5, PS4 
• A Little to the Left | PS5, PS4 
• Ridge Racer | PS5, PS4 (PS Plus Premium)

The headliners for the month are of course Resident Evil Village and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, with the former being the latest mainline entry in the RE series – arriving just in time for a playthrough ahead of Resident Evil 9: Requiem’s launch in February.

Infinite Wealth meanwhile is one of the most content-rich entries in the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series, offering a compelling story alongside countless side activities, missions and mini games – making for an experience which you likely won’t want to end.

As mentioned, January’s PS Plus Extra / Premium line-up will be available to play from Tuesday the 20th. In case you missed it, PS Plus’s Essential line-up went live earlier this month, the details of which can be found HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of January’s line-up? Is this a good start to the year? Let us know down below.

The post RE: Village, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and more to join PS Plus this month first appeared on KitGuru.

With 2025 behind us, many services have already released their annual recaps, with the likes of PlayStation going live with its own wrap-up back in December. Though slightly later than others, Nintendo’s annual year-in-review is now available to view – including data stretching as far back as the Switch 1’s launch.

With 2025 marking the year that Nintendo finally released the Switch 2, the console maker’s annual recap this time round includes much more than just data on your past 12 months of gaming.

Though you can of course read about your most played games, player milestones, monthly breakdowns and more from the past year, 2025’s recap also allows you to go all the way back to 2017 when the Switch first launched to see a breakdown of whichever year you please.

Annual wrap-ups are always a fun time, which is why it is disappointing that Microsoft opted not to create their own Xbox wrapped this time round. Next year perhaps.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What did your Switch activity in 2025 look like? What was your most played game? Between 2017 and now, which year did you play Nintendo games the most? Let us know down below.

The post Nintendo Switch 2025 year-in-review recap available now first appeared on KitGuru.

The PlayStation 5 Pro arrived in November 2024 with the promise of being the definitive way to play console games, but its first year has been somewhat muted. While it is technically the most powerful console on the market, some still feel that its specialised hardware remains underutilised. A particular sticking point has been the initial iteration of PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), which, in many titles, has been prone to visual glitches and shimmering rather than providing a consistent “next-gen” leap in image clarity.

That narrative may be about to change. According to @Gust_FAN (via PC Guide), a reliable Japanese insider with a proven track record for accurately leaking the PS5 Slim and the Hyperpop collection, the PS5 Pro is scheduled to receive a major system overhaul this quarter. This update would include “PSSR 2.0”, which has been reportedly designed to fix existing image quality issues while also improving performance across the board.

Supposedly, PSSR 2.0 will have features similar to AMD's FSR 4, which makes a lot of sense considering the strategic partnership in place between AMD and Sony. This shift in upscaling logic aims to deliver a “double win” of higher image fidelity and improved frame rates. For some, the most exciting prospect is probably the push to 120 FPS, as titles that currently sit in the 70–80 FPS range on the Pro are expected to receive a boost to hit that mark.

The update also appears to focus heavily on legacy content. The leak suggests that PSSR 2.0 will provide a high-resolution boost for “traditional low-resolution games”, implying that backwards-compatible titles and classic games available through PlayStation Plus could see a visual upgrade at the system level. If successful, this feature could make the more expensive PlayStation Plus tiers slightly more attractive.

To ensure developers can make the most of this transition, Sony is reportedly preparing a suite of new debugging tools too. These resources are intended to help studios iron out issues and ensure that PSSR 2.0 doesn't have the artifacting problems of its predecessor.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: The first year of the PS5 Pro has felt lacklustre for many. PSSR 1.0 was bold, but the visual “ghosting” did it no favours. If PSSR 2.0 can truly deliver FSR 4-level quality and a system-wide boost in resolution for classic games, the Pro might finally have the software backbone to justify its price tag.

The post PlayStation 5 Pro PSSR 2.0 is reportedly launching in Q1 2026 first appeared on KitGuru.

Throughout 2025 we saw an increasing number of leaks and rumours surrounding Ubisoft’s long-awaited Prince of Persia The Sands of Time Remake, with recent reports claiming that the title is scheduled to launch as early as this month. While Ubisoft have yet to officially let the cat out of the bag, the ESRB has now published a rating for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake – indicating an imminent unveiling.

Ahead of the leaked launch date for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake (which is purportedly planned to arrive some time this month), the Entertainment Software Ratings Board [ESRB] has published an official listing for the long-awaited remake.

With a T for Teen rating, the Sands of Time Remake is said to include “Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, and Violence”. While we did not get too much in the way of gameplay details, the summary does feature a section which confirms that the game will include 2D side-scrolling elements – to some degree at least.

Though wholly expected, the remake is also confirmed to include puzzles, platforming challenges and a plethora of traps (including spike pits, wall-mounted blades and saws).

Despite being announced all the way back in 2020, we know very little about the Sands of Time Remake – especially in the wake of its development reboot. As such, it will be interesting to officially learn all about the project, likely in the coming days.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake? How different do you think it will look compared to the initial reveal? Will the wait have been worth it? Let us know your thoughts / hopes down below.

The post Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake has been rated by the ESRB first appeared on KitGuru.

Cybenetics Labs has unveiled a prototype ‘anti-melt' cable designed to address the infamous reliability issues of the 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 standard. This integrates proactive monitoring directly into the cable itself, aiming to provide a fail-safe for enthusiasts who want to avoid any potential melting or burning risk associated with flagship cards like the RTX 5090.

According to ComputerBase, the prototype is a native 12V-2×6-to-12V-2×6 cable with a small, low-profile inline box. This box contains the monitoring electronics and a status LED, avoiding the added bulk of screens or fans that can cause compatibility issues with large air coolers or tight cases. Because it is a flexible cable, it fits almost all Founders Edition and custom AIB layouts without obstructing the shroud or requiring awkward mounting angles.

Image credit: ComputerBase

Technically, the cable operates as an active circuit breaker. It monitors current and temperatures at both the GPU and PSU ends. While it features a USB-C port, this is strictly for data logging and configuration. The safety features, including a high-pitched buzzer and an emergency power-cut function, are fully autonomous. Once thresholds are configured via the software, the USB can be disconnected, and the cable will maintain its protection profile independently.

The cable is designed to distinguish between harmless transient spikes and dangerous sustained thermal runaway. Moreover, it allows users to configure thresholds for settings such as “Over Current Trigger” (default 8-12 A) and “Over Temperature Trigger” (default 80-95°C). The cable also has a dual-stage warning that, when a limit is breached, activates the buzzer for 10 seconds (default but configurable). If the condition persists, the cable cuts power to the GPU. Lastly, when connected via USB, the software provides updates every 100 ms, allowing users to export thermal and current data to Excel for long-term stability testing.

Although it looks useful, actual availability is currently uncertain. Cybenetics has not yet secured a mass-market distribution partner. It has been stated that there is a desire to sell the cable “close to cost” to improve the safety of the PC ecosystem rather than for profit. Currently, the cable also requires a native 12V-2×6 output on the PSU side, though a dual 8-pin version for older power supplies could be technically feasible if the project reaches production.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: It is a sad indictment of modern hardware standards that we need a “smart cable” just to ensure our flagship graphics card doesn't catch fire. However, the Cybenetics solution is arguably the most elegant we've seen so far. We hope a production partner steps up soon.

The post Cybenetics’ prototype ‘anti-melt’ cable offers proactive GPU protection first appeared on KitGuru.

Today we’re comparing three mid to high-end CPU air coolers: DeepCool’s AK700 Digital, CPS PCCooler’s RZ700D, and the Sudokoo SK620V. All three target performance-focused systems, but take slightly different approaches in design and features. We’ll be testing thermals, noise, build quality, and installation on Ryzen 9800X3D-based system to see which comes out on top.

Timestamps:

00:00 Start
00:54 DeepCool AK700 Digital
05:20 Accessories
06:12 PC Cooler RZ700D
09:40 Accessories
10:32 Sudokoo SK620V
16:16 Accessories
17:19 Installation of the 3 coolers
18:30 LCD screens and software
19:02 Thermal And Noise Output – testing
22:54 James Closing Thoughts

DeepCool AK700 Digital WH: Available late February 2026 – £54.99 MSRP

• AI-Driven Cooling Control: Uses DeepCool's DeepCreative software AI algorithm to automatically adjust the fan speed curve based on real-time CPU load for balanced cooling and quiet operation.
• Quad-Segmented Digital Display: It features a High-end display that shows CPU temperature, usage, wattage, and frequency in real time, controllable via DeepCool software and connected through a USB 2.0 motherboard header.
• Advanced Thermal Design: AK700 Digital WH is equipped with seven copper heat pipes, a dense single-tower heatsink, and Core Touch Technology (CTT 2.0) for enhanced heat transfer and cooling performance.
• Quiet & Reliable Operation: Newly designed silent fan with hydraulic bearings, 0-RPM startup/stop, and Activate Clearing Tech (ACT) for automatic dust clearing, delivering smooth airflow with minimal noise.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X, AMD AM5/AM4
• Product Dimensions: 126 × 98 × 157 mm (L × W × H)
• Heatsink Dimensions: 124 × 76 × 151 mm (L × W × H)
• Net Weight: 1252 g
• Heat pipes: Ø6 mm × 7 pcs
• Fan Dimensions: 120 × 120 × 25 mm (L × W × H)
• Fan Speed: Up to 2700 ±10% RPM
• Fan Airflow: 77.23 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 5.13 mmAq
• Fan Noise: 0 / 28.8 / 36.0 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Bearing Type: Hydro Bearing
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: 0.35 A
• Fan Power Consumption: 4.2 W
• Display Module Rated Voltage: 5 VDC
• Display Module Rated Current: 0.13 A ±10%
• Display Module Power Consumption: 0.65 W
• Display Area: 29 × 39 mm

CPS PCCooler RZ700D: UK availability expected February 2026 – £59.99 MSRP

• 7-heatpipe thick single-tower design: Featuring next-generation Ø6 mm × 7 heatpipes and a 60 mm thick single tower fin stack for enhanced heat dissipation.
• Dual-fan configuration: Designed with speed-offset noise reduction, using a standard curved-blade fan and a mirrored reverse-blade fan to reduce high-frequency noise and resonance.
• High-performance Fans: With dual-ball bearing design delivering up to 79.8 CFM airflow and up to 4.4 mmH₂O static pressure for strong cooling efficiency.
• User-friendly and compatible design: RZ700D is equipped with a magnetic top cover, tidy no-buckle fin layout, copper-plated nickel reflow soldered base, and no RAM interference.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851, AMD AM4 / AM5
• Product Dimensions: 122 × 111 × 159.5 mm (L × W × H)
• Heat pipes: Φ6 mm × 7 pcs
• Fans Included: 2 pcs
• Fan Dimensions: 120 × 120 × 25 mm
• Fan Bearing Type: Ball Bearing
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Fan Speed: 500 ~ 2400 ±10% RPM (Normal Blade), 500 ~ 2250 ±10% RPM (Reverse Blade)
• Fan Airflow: 79.8 CFM (Normal Blade), 69.9 CFM (Reverse Blade)
• Fan Air Pressure: 4.4 mmH₂O (Normal Blade), 3.9 mmH₂O (Reverse Blade)
• Fan Noise: 15 ~ 35.9 dB(A) (Normal Blade), 15 ~ 33.7 dB(A) (Reverse Blade)
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: 0.15 A (Normal Blade), 0.12 A (Reverse Blade)
• Fan Power Consumption: 1.8 W (Normal Blade),1.44 W (Reverse Blade)

Sudokoo SK620V: Available now from Amazon UK, priced at £86.99 HERE.

• Dual-tower cooling power: The SK620V uses a dense dual-tower heatsink with six heat pipes, purpose-built for AM5 CPUs to deliver strong thermal performance for high-load and overclocked systems.
• Built-in digital screen: A quad-segmented display shows real-time CPU temperature, usage, wattage, and frequency connected via USB 2.0 and controlled through Sudokoo’s MasterCraft software for clean, cable-light monitoring.
• Quiet, efficient airflow: Dual 120 mm fans with advanced 3-phase FOC motor control provide strong airflow while keeping noise low, topping out at ≤29.9 dB(A) under load.
• Smart compatibility design: Adjustable glide fan mounting improves RAM clearance, while the AM5 anti-bending corrector and sturdy mounting system ensure even pressure and easy installation.

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 145 × 144 × 164 mm (L × W × H)
• Heatsink Dimensions: 125 × 115 × 153 mm (L × W × H)
• Net Weight: 1645 g
• Heatpipes: Ø6 mm × 6 pcs
• Fan Dimensions: 120 × 120 × 25 mm (L × W × H)
• Fan Speed: Up to 2000 ±10% RPM
• Fan Airflow: 56.46 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure: 2.93 mmAq
• Fan Noise: ≤29.9 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: 0.22 A
• Fan Power Consumption: 2.64 W
• Display Module Rated Voltage: 5 VDC
• Display Module Rated Current: 0.09 A ±10%
• Display Module Power Consumption: 0.45 W
• Display Area: 70.7  × 27.8 mm

Test System Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard: ASRock X870E Taichi Lite
• Memory: 32GB (2 x 16GB Modules) Kingston Fury DDR5-6000
• Graphics card: Gigabyte RTX 4070 Gaming OC
• Storage: 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIe Gen4x4 NVME M.2 SSD
• Power Supply: Seasonic Prime TX-1600
• Chassis: Open Test Bench
• Thermal Compound: Arctic MX-6
• O/S: Windows 11 Version 24H2

Testing Methodology:

We are primarily focusing on the performance of each cooler at 100% fan speed and also when locked to 40dBA noise output. We will focus on cooling performance using a manual overclock with all-core frequency and VCORE locked to 5.2GHz/1.3v (AMD) and 5.5GHz/1.3v (Intel) and Precision Boost Overdrive performance.

• The test data is logged using HWINFO and the final 10 minutes of the data is calculated to find the average CPU temperature and CPU clock multiplier (AMD PBO Test) and then plotted in the charts.
• For testing, we use a 30-minute looped run of Cinebench R23 and record the steady-state CPU temperature at the end of the test. This ensures that the CPU has had ample time to warm up and reach a steady state under all of the coolers.
• The ambient is maintained at 19-21 degrees Celsius. Where there is variation beyond this temperature range, we add extra repeated tests to ensure consistency. However, this is well controlled now with A/C.
• We also test each cooler with at least two fresh installs (typically three) to mitigate the likelihood of poor mounting spoiling results.
• Ambient temperature and humidity are controlled via a mini split air conditioning system inside the test room. Ambient temperature is maintained between 22-23°C, Temperature delta figures are shown in the charts (ambient temperature is deducted from the measured component temperature).

Test Results:

Acoustics

Looking at noise output first, it's immediately clear there are some big differences between the coolers. The Sudokoo SK620V is the quietest at 43dBA max, making it clearly audible under load but still well behaved and unlikely to draw unwanted attention in a closed chassis. DeepCool’s AK700 Digital WH pushes things a touch more at 45dBA, where fan noise will be more noticeable during sustained workloads, though it remains within what most users would consider acceptable for a high-performance air cooler.

Unfortunately though, the CPS PCCooler RZ700D stands out for the wrong reasons, registering a much higher 53dBA – it's hard to ignore even at a reasonable distance.

Thermal Performance: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

With the fans running at full speed, the thermal results are quite tightly spread, especially between the two single-tower 7 heat pipe coolers. The Sudokoo SK620V leads the group at 59°C over ambient, delivering the strongest raw cooling performance when allowed to run at 100% PWM, thanks to its dual cooling tower design. The CPS PCCooler RZ700D follows at 61°C, putting it in the middle of the pack.

DeepCool’s AK700 Digital WH comes in just behind at 62°C, which is still fine but does trail the other two units on test today.

Looking at thermal performance with the fans noise-normalised to 40 decibels, the Sudokoo SK620V stays top, hitting 61°C over ambient,making it the most efficient of the three. The CPS PCCooler RZ700D falls back to 66°C over ambient, showing a significant thermal hit when the fans are throttled to maintain acceptable noise levels.

The DeepCool AK700 Digital WH lands in the middle at 64°C, which is fine but it can't match the efficiency of the SK620V.

AMD PBO workloads push CPUs to sustained maximum all-core boosts, so the differences between these three coolers do become more apparent. The Sudokoo SK620V delivers a delta of 60°C while maintaining an average CPU multiplier of 51.5x, higher than the other two coolers, so it's able to dissipate heat more efficiently and maintain higher clock speeds even under heavy multi-core loads. The DeepCool AK700 Digital WH follows closely at 61°C and a 51.4x multiplier, which is still solid but shows slightly higher temperatures likely due to its smaller single-tower design.

The CPS PCCooler RZ700D hit 64 °C with a 51.2x multiplier, the lower performance likely as a result of its single-tower layout. It's perhaps not a surprise but the size and designs clearly make a difference, given the SK620V’s dual-tower layout puts it towards the top of the chart, whereas the other two single-tower coolers come in below.

Sudokoo SK620V

Pros:

• Quick installation and AMD mount uses an integrated CPU hold-down frame.
• Sliding fans are easy to install/remove and adjust.
• Very good build quality.
• Low noise even at max fan speed.

Cons

• LCD screen has little customisation.
• Quite expensive for a mid-range dual tower.
• LCD only works with software installed.

DeepCool AK700 Digital WH

Pros:

• Quick installation.
• Cool Screen implementation on wood effect panel.
• Decent thermal performance.

Cons:

• Removing the screen for installation can damage the cable.
• The screen can be difficult to see in bright light or at an angle.

CPS PCCooler RZ700D

Pros:

• Easy install.
• Clip-on fans.
• Dual Fans included.

Cons:

• Quite loud.
• Fans make a resonating noise at low speed.
• Thermal performance drops off when noise is normalised.

KitGuru says: If you're looking for premium features, unique looks or no frills CPU cooling, one of these three should suit your requirements.

The post CPU Air Cooler Multi Review: DeepCool, CPS PCCooler and Sudokoo! first appeared on KitGuru.

Thermalright has kicked off 2026 by introducing the new Frost Tower 140. The newly unveiled CPU cooler is a dual-stack giant designed to match the thermal dissipation of entry-level AIOs, featuring a unique asymmetrical fan configuration and a seven-heatpipe array to tame the latest high-TDP chips from Intel and AMD.

Standing 158 mm tall, the Frost Tower 140 (via Vortez) is one of the largest air coolers in Thermalright's current lineup. The cooler utilises 7x 6-mm-thick heatpipes branching out from a nickel-plated copper base. The cooling performance is driven by a specialised “push-pull” fan duo, with a TL-N12W-R9 (120 mm) fan at the front and a TL-N14DW-R7 (140 mm) fan at the centre. This smaller intake fan ensures better RAM clearance while spinning at up to 2,400 RPM and providing up to a claimed 85.35 CFM with a 2.95 mmH₂O static pressure. As for the 140 mm fan at the centre, it reportedly pushes up to 120 CFM at 1,850 RPM with a static pressure of 2.40 mmH₂O.

According to Thermalright, both fans are built for the long haul, featuring dual ball bearings and impellers made from Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP). Thermalright has also integrated silicone mounts and noise-dampening rings to keep the acoustics of such high-RPM fans in check.

The Frost Tower 140 is launching in three distinct aesthetics: standard, all-black, and all-white, with the latter two featuring colour-matched fins and heatpipes. Installation is handled by the SS2 all-metal mounting system, ensuring a secure fit across AM5, AM4, and LGA1851/1700 sockets.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Although pricing isn't known, Thermalright has historically underpriced the competition. With the Frost Tower 140, this trend will likely continue, even tho it uses LCP fans and a seven-heatpipe configuration.

The post Thermalright unveils Frost Tower 140 with asymmetrical fan config first appeared on KitGuru.

Back when the VR space was beginning to see a renewed rise, Facebook (now Meta) went all-in on the technology, dedicating Billions to the production of VR hardware and software. While the Quest platform has succeeded in many aspects, the platform has failed to make the company mountains of cash and so unfortunately two of the most notable VR studios under their wing (Twisted Pixel and Sanzaru Games) have now been seemingly shut down.

Taking to Twitter, a former designer at the studio Twisted Pixel wrote: “I've just been laid off. It appears the entire @twisted_pixel games studio has been shut down. @SanzaruGames too.”

For the uninitiated, Twisted Pixel is the studio behind last year’s well-received Deadpool VR. Designed as a Quest exclusive, the project released just a few months ago on the 18th of November and went on to be nominated for Best VR game at the TGAs. Twisted Pixel Games were acquired by Meta back in 2022.

Sanzaru Games meanwhile were acquired by Meta all the way back in 2020 as part of the company's early VR efforts. The studio was known best for creating Asgard’s Wrath, generally agreed to be one of the best VR titles around.

Both Sanzaru Games and Twisted Pixel were great studios which still had plenty more to offer in the VR space. It’s a shame to see Meta ending these studios before they are able to achieve their full potential.

KitGuru says: What did you think of these two studios? Is Meta completely abandoning VR? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Meta have reportedly shut down studios behind Deadpool VR and Asgard’s Wrath first appeared on KitGuru.

It's been over a decade now since the release of Bloodborne and despite continuous cries from fans to see more from this world – or even a basic 60fps patch – the game remains locked to the specs of the OG PS4’s hardware. While it appears as though more Bloodborne isn’t coming any time soon, the game’s creator Hidetaka Miyazaki has offered updated thoughts on this modern classic, calling it “perhaps the strongest reflection of my type of flavouring of a game that one can experience.”

In an interview with the publication Game Informer (paywalled), FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki reflected on his time working on 2015’s PS4 exclusive Bloodborne, claiming it to be “a special game for me” in part due to the fact that “it was probably the most challenging development cycle we've had from a studio perspective.”

The other main reason it remains special is that Miyazaki “imparted a lot of my own ideas into this game,  whether it be the story, the world-building component, or even the game mechanics and the game systems that are in place” – ultimately calling Bloodborne “perhaps the strongest reflection of my type of flavouring of a game that one can experience.”

Given the reverence that Miyazaki has for Bloodborne, here’s to hoping that another project set in this highly-interesting world does come to fruition at some point or another in the near or distant future.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Miyazaki’s comments? Is Bloodborne your favourite FromSoftware game? What would you like to see from the series in the future? Let us know down below.

The post Miyazaki calls Bloodborne “the strongest reflection of my type of flavouring of a game that one can experience” first appeared on KitGuru.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice released back in 2017 to a ton of praise owing to the game’s narrative, music, and transformative binaural audio design. After years of anticipation, its sequel – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 launched to a more tepid reception, with a core complaint being the game’s relative lack of interactivity. It appears as though Ninja Theory are planning to right their wrongs, with a 3rd Hellblade game reportedly in development with an increased focus on gameplay.

As part of a recent episode of the Xbox Two podcast, known Microsoft leaker Jez Corden offered an update on Ninja Theory and their next project, stating:

“Ninja Theory, from what I understand, the next game is Hellblade 3, and it’s going to be a bit more interactive than Hellblade 1 and 2.”

Corden later clarified that the game in question may not be Hellblade 3 exactly, but it will be “in the Hellblade universe,” adding that “it does sound like they want to make it more of a game.”

Hellblade 1 was already a unique title which offered a memorable experience despite its relative lack of interactivity. That said, its sequel unfortunately doubled down on this aspect a bit too much, leading to it feeling like little more than a tech showpiece.

While there is no expectation for the next Hellblade to turn into a character-action title, having a bit more to do gameplay-wise would be welcome – as long as it doesn’t compromise on the game’s vision.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of these early Hellblade 3 claims? What did you think of Senua’s Saga? Was it lacking in the gameplay department? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post A new Hellblade game is reportedly in development with a greater focus on interactivity first appeared on KitGuru.

Helldivers 2 has easily been one of PlayStation’s most successful live-service projects, with the co-op focused shooter selling well over 10 million copies and continuing to see a dedicated player base thanks to strong communication and consistent updates – including one which reduced the game’s file size on PC by 85%. Coming next week, the team at Arrowhead have now announced Helldivers II’s latest update, with the Redacted Regiment Warbond launching on the 20th of January.

Making the announcement via the PlayStation Blog, Arrowhead Game Studios community manager Katherine Baskin unveiled and detailed the Redacted Regiment Warbond.

Available from the 20th of January, this Premium Warbond (which can be obtained through gameplay as well) offers a wide variety of new equipment focused equally on stealth and destruction including:

• R-72 Censor (precision rifle with integrated suppressor)
• AR-59 Suppressor (fully automatic assault rifle with integrated suppressor)
• P-35 Re-Educator (dart-firing secondary pistol which shoots chemicals)
• ‘B/MD C4 Pack’ stratagem
• TM-01 Lure Mine
• ‘RS-89 Shadow Paragon’ light armour
• ‘RS–67 Null Cipher’ medium armour
• ‘Concealed Insertion’ booster
• Additional Capes, poses, and other cosmetics

With Battlefield 6 Season 2 being delayed from its planned 20th of January release date, now is as good a time as any to hop back into Helldivers II.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the latest Warbond? What’s your go-to tactic in Helldivers II? Let us know down below.

The post New Helldivers II Warbond brings stealth armour, C4 explosives and more first appeared on KitGuru.

Following on from its official announcement at CES 2026 last week, today Nvidia's new DLSS 4.5 technology is going live to all RTX gamers via an update to the Nvidia App.

If you missed our initial coverage last week, Nvidia announced DLSS 4.5 at CES 2026, introducing what the company calls a ‘2nd generation transformer model' for DLSS Super Resolution. This follows on from the 1st generation transformer model that arrived with DLSS 4 and the launch of the RTX 50-series.

Despite some eagle-eyed comments suggesting the official update had been delayed, DLSS 4.5 is rolling out to everyone with an update to the Nvidia App, available now. The technology is backwards compatible with older DLSS versions, so users can adjust the DLSS Override setting within the Nvidia App to make use of 2nd gen transformer upscaling with Presets L and M.

It's worth clarifying that while the DLSS 4.5 suite includes both the Super Resolution update and a new MFG 6X mode, along with Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, the latter two features aren't arriving just yet, and are slated for release in the Spring.

You can read more about DLSS 4.5 on Nvidia's official blog. The Nvidia App should automatically update when you next open it, or you can manually access the latest version on Nvidia's website HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you tried out DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution already – what do you think?

The post DLSS 4.5 officially released with the latest Nvidia App update first appeared on KitGuru.

There’s no denying that Battlefield 6 has been a huge success, with EA’s latest FPS entry selling in excess of 10 million copies and going on to dethrone Call of Duty for the first time possibly ever. That said, since its launch, sentiment surrounding the game has cooled down somewhat. As a result, EA have now announced that they will be delaying Season 2 in order to “keep our promise” to the community.

Making the official announcement via a blog post, the team at Battlefield Studios confirmed that BF6’s second Season has been delayed from its original release date – that being the 20th of January.

While we did not get any specifics, the team stated that “During our ongoing development, we've continued to review community feedback and, in order to keep our promise, determined that our best path forward is to extend Season 1 and give ourselves extra time to further polish and refine Season 2.”

Season 2 of Battlefield 6 is now scheduled to go live on the 17th of February. That said, in order to make up for this delay, BF6 will receive a Season 1 Extension Update on the 20th of January; introducing “new weekly challenges, a Bonus Path, and a continuation of the Season 1 Battle Pass until the start date of Season 2.”

With this delay, Season 1 of Battlefield 6 will now last nearly 4 months, and given that Season 1 was already relatively content-light it will be interesting to see how player numbers will evolve over the next 4 weeks. The full blog post including recent patch notes can be found HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Battlefield 6’s post-launch support so far? Are you waiting for Season 2? Can BF6’s player numbers recover? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Season 2 of Battlefield 6 delayed until mid-February first appeared on KitGuru.