While the Pokémon series remains the highest grossing media franchise of all time, sentiment surrounding the franchise has fallen over the years, in particular when it comes to Game Freaks’ releases. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A officially available to purchase and play, we’ve gotten our first look at early sales data – revealing the title to have failed to surpass its predecessor.

As reported by TheGameBusiness’ Christopher Dring via Twitter, sales for the latest Pokémon Legends: Z-A in the UK have failed to match that of 2022’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus, writing:

“Pokémon Legends: Z-A is comfortably No.1 in the UK physical charts. Launch sales are 40% lower than Pokémon Legends: Arceus. 51% of sales were for the Switch 2 edition.”

Despite this, the game is clearly already a success, with Dring adding that “It’s the second biggest Switch 2 game of the year behind Mario Kart World,” meaning it managed to beat out the likes of Donkey Kong Bananza despite the latter being a Switch 2 exclusive.

Of course, we will have to wait for official figures from Nintendo before coming to conclusions, especially as the data above pertains only to physical sales in a single region. That said (as with most places in the world), Pokémon is a pretty big deal in the UK, and so it is interesting to see Z-A failing to hit the launch highs of Arceus, despite having a larger potential total player base.

Of course, Pokémon is still Pokémon, and so Z-A will likely wind up selling 10s of millions of copies when all is said and done. Still, a 40% drop compared to the last game in the ‘Legends’ series is worthy of note. It will be interesting to see how many units have sold globally and whether the recent budget leaks impacted its overall performance.

KitGuru says: Did you pick up Pokémon Legends: Z-A? If not, why not? Let us know down below.

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The Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy is an ambitious reimagining of one of the most iconic JRPGs of all time, one which Square Enix has so far managed to do justice to. With the final chapter in the trilogy well into development now, FFVII’s director has confirmed that Rebirth was originally planned to get DLC – though they ultimately decided against it.

In an interview with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s director (conducted by the publication WCCFTech), Naoki Hamaguchi was asked about whether the second part of the trilogy would receive any more content, similar to that seen with FFVII Remake’s ‘Intergrade’ DLC. According to the director:

“There were definitely some ideas to create a Rebirth DLC and that was the plan at a certain point in time, but when we revisited this topic and we thought about what our priorities should be and what the fans are looking forward to the most. We figured that what fans want the most is to bring the third installment as soon as possible. That would take priority over the Rebirth DLC, so we decided to take that approach.”

That said, it appears as though DLC for the final entry in the trilogy could happen, with Hamaguchi adding “once we release the third installment, there is the possibility of having a DLC for that third installment. With the conclusion of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, there's probably going to be a much wider audience for Final Fantasy as a whole. Whether we bring another new DLC or a full title, that's something we are actively considering.”

Of course, Final Fantasy VII’s story is about more than just Cloud, with the title having received plenty of spin-offs, side stories and more over the years. As such, it will be interesting to see what Square Enix does with the final FFVII remake – and what their plans are after-the-fact.

KitGuru says: Were you hoping Rebirth would get DLC? Do you agree with the team’s decision in the end? What do you think is next after the trilogy concludes? Let us know down below.

The post Final Fantasy VII Rebirth won’t be getting DLC – but Part 3 might first appeared on KitGuru.

Ever since the disappointing launch of Halo: Infinite, Microsoft and 343 Industries (now Halo Studios) have been laying somewhat dormant, with the biggest news arriving during last year’s Halo World Championships in the form of the UE5-developed ‘Project Foundry’. Ahead of this year’s championships, a Halo insider has claimed that two projects are currently in the works to be released next year.

Ahead of the upcoming Halo World Championships (where the team will officially reveal “what we’ve been working on”) Halo leaker Rebs Gaming released a video claiming that sources “informed me there is a separate new Halo multiplayer game” in the works alongside the previously-leaked Halo CE remake.

Expanding on this, Rebs described the project as a “live-service long-term updating multiplayer game” – with specific comparisons being made to Fortnite with regards to its “live service component”. That said, it is unknown whether the game will be a battle royale or not currently.

Alongside this, Rebs claimed that two separate Halo games are planned to arrive next year. Though not confirmed, these are likely to be the aforementioned CE remake and this leaked live-service title – though we will have to wait until the Halo World Championships later this week to find out officially.

Of course, while a live-service multiplayer Halo game could be great, the ill-fated Infinite was initially designed to be a 10-year experience, and so we will have to wait and see whether the team can handle a long-term live-service experience.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to Halo WC? Which of the two leaked projects are you most excited for? Let us know down below.

The post Insider claims two Halo games will be released next year first appeared on KitGuru.

PC Demand is down, JEDEC specs are UP, Apple has got a new M5, and Intel Core Ulta 300 lineup is confirmed.  Windows 10 -> 11 issues, are satellite communications encrypted, PIxnapping…

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The majority of NAS devices use a low cost and lower performing CPU but not the Minisforum N5 Pro. Inside is a AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 370, Zen5 based with…

There is often a definite benefit to living on the west coast of NA, often by the time your day starts other techs have already experienced whatever fresh hell our providers are…

2025 has been a killer year for ninjas. Not only have we seen the resurgence of Shinobi developed by the folks at Lizardcube but another Ninja Gaiden title also dropped over the summer from The Game Kitchen. Now, mere days after the untimely passing of the man behind the series reboot on the original Xbox, it’s time for the first new numbered title in the Ninja Gaiden franchise in fourteen years and the first of the modern series to not feature super ninja Ryu Hayabusa front and center. Can PlatinumGames prove they’ve got a mastery of ninjutsu, or is this […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/ninja-gaiden-4-bathed-in-blood/

The DDR5 memory segment has been seeing a lot of action as it gets standardized across all PC platforms. With memory prices dropping and the latest platforms becoming affordable, memory makers are offering new solutions constantly. Some focus on high-end specifications, while others focus on strengthening their gaming product portfolios. While higher speeds are the main focus of every manufacturer, there are some that go out of their way to innovate on other fronts. V-Color is one of those manufacturers that has been saying on top of the new DDR5 era with some of the fastest memory modules that we […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/v-color-manta-oled-xfinity-64-gb-ddr5-8000-cl40-memory-review-worlds-first-dimm-with-oled-display/

Fancy all-in-one (AIO) CPU liquid coolers with integrated displays are a favorite of PC builders looking to add a bit of flair to their rigs. Most opt for the utilitarian route and use it as way to keep tabs on CPU temperatures or other system statistics, while others deploy memes or anime clips. Then there’s those who take things to the next

We have reviewed several mini-PCs extensively in the past, ranging from vendors like ACEMAGIC and Geekcom, but BOSGAME is a new addition to our portfolio, and the first product that they have sent us is an impressive device, which we'll discuss extensively in the review. The BOSGAME M4 mini-PC is a platform that comes with versatile features and connectivity options, from USB4 to OCuLink ports onboard, and this is what makes the device an optimal choice for users looking to have a mini-PC that doesn't compromise on anything. More importantly, the price tag on the M4 makes it one of […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/bosgame-m4-ryzen-7-8745hs-mini-pc-review/

Up until Grand Theft Auto V, the 'GTA' series had one main producer: a man named Leslie Benzies. He was renowned for his work directing the development and marketing of the flagship AAA open world series, but left Rockstar in 2016, demanding royalties for the success of GTA V as he left to assemble Build a Rocket Boy. A new game development

A team of Columbia University engineers may have stumbled on a key to cooling the AI industry's energy fever. While trying to boost the power of chips for LiDAR—laser-based sensing used most notably in self-driving cars—the researchers noticed something strange. "As we sent more and more power through the chip, we noticed that it was creating

GMKtec has been making Mini PCs for years now. They are based out of the technology hub of Shenzen, China, and have maintained strategic partnerships with AMD, Intel & Microsoft, and currently offer a wide array of solutions, all the way from entry-level to enthusiast-grade designs based on mobility chips from AMD & Intel. While we have looked at several of GMKtec Mini PC options in the past, ranging from AMD & Intel CPUs, the company has introduced a new AMD model recently, the NuxBox M6 Ultra, which features an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS CPU, covering a mainstream price of […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/gmktec-m6-ultra-amd-ryzen-5-7640hs-mini-pc-review-mainstream-coverage-under-400/

Gigabyte is doubling down on display versatility, announcing two new 27-inch gaming monitors that feature dual mode technology. The new Gigabyte G27U and G27UP are both built around SuperSpeed IPS panels and allow users to switch between a 4K resolution at 160 Hz and a FullHD resolution at 320 Hz, offering the best of both worlds for different scenarios.

Both monitors share a core set of high-performance features aimed squarely at gamers. The 27-inch SuperSpeed IPS panels deliver a 1 ms GTG response time for the G27U and the G27UP, with the latter also rated at 0.5 ms MPRT. The two monitors have good colour reproduction, covering 95% of the DCI-P3 gamut, and support variable refresh rate technologies, ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay. Moreover, they carry an official FreeSync Premium certification and are also listed as G-Sync Compatible.

Gigabyte has equipped these models with its suite of gaming enhancements. The Tactical Switch 2.0 feature allows for instant switching between the 4K/160 Hz and 1080p/320 Hz modes with a single click. Gamers also get tools like Black Equalizer 2.0 and Night Vision for improved visibility in dark scenes, Aim Stabilizer Sync to reduce motion blur without disabling VRR, and customisable Game Assist overlays. Both monitors sit on fully ergonomic stands offering height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments.

While the core display and gaming features are identical, the key difference between the two models lies in connectivity and productivity features. The G27UP appears to be the more feature-rich option, boasting a built-in KVM switch, a USB-C port with 15W Power Delivery and DP Alt Mode, and a full USB hub (1x Type-B upstream, 2x Type-A downstream). The standard G27U seems to forgo these hub features, offering a more streamlined I/O focused purely on display inputs (HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4) and a headphone jack.

KitGuru says: How much more would you be willing to spend for the extra features of the G27UP?

The post Gigabyte unleashes two new dual mode monitors first appeared on KitGuru.

Atari is turning its attention away from its own back catalogue and is instead recreating one of its fiercest competitors from the golden age of gaming. The company has just announced the Intellivision Sprint, a modern remake of Mattel's classic 1979 console, the Intellivision.

Celebrating the original system's 45th anniversary, Atari's Intellivision Sprint aims to capture the look and feel of the original hardware, complete with its signature wood trim and gold top plates. However, it's packed with modern conveniences. The iconic disc controllers are back, but they are now wireless and feature internal rechargeable batteries that charge automatically when docked into the console itself.

The console connects to modern TVs via HDMI and comes with 45 built-in classic Intellivision games. To replicate the original experience, Atari is including 48 double-sided controller overlays in the box, corresponding to the built-in titles. In a neat touch for purists, the console also features USB-A ports, allowing owners to connect their original wired Intellivision controllers via an adapter (sold separately).

The Intellivision Sprint is available for pre-order now directly from Atari's website for $149.99, with shipping expected by December 2025 – just in time for the holidays.

KitGuru says: Atari has recently focused on recreating its own hardware like the 2600+ and 400 Mini, but reviving a competitor's console is new for the company. Retro enthusiasts looking for an easy way to revisit the Intellivision library will likely be pleased with the new console.

The post Atari is recreating the Intellivision retro console in time for Christmas first appeared on KitGuru.

Earlier this month in an effort to stomp out rumours that next-generation console hardware had been cancelled, Microsoft publicly reaffirmed its commitment to first-party Xbox hardware. Now, Xbox president, Sarah Bond, has confirmed that a traditional next-generation Xbox console will be released, and an official Xbox handheld is also still on the table 

In an interview with Variety, Bond stated that next-generation Xbox hardware is already in development, adding that Microsoft's continued partnership with AMD remains strong, with plans for more devices in the future.

“We are 100% looking at making things in the future. We have our next-gen hardware in development. We’ve been looking at prototyping, designing. We have a partnership we’ve announced with AMD around it, so that is coming. What we saw here was an opportunity to innovate in a new way and to bring gamers another choice, in addition to our next-gen hardware. We are always listening to what players and creators want. When there is demand for innovation, we’re going to build it.”

From the sounds of it, Microsoft's most recent AMD partnership announcement could be for handheld chips, not just the next-generation Xbox console, which will reportedly use an APU codenamed ‘Magnus‘, combining high-end Zen 6 CPU cores with RDNA 5 graphics.

KitGuru Says: Microsoft appears keen to let everyone know that there will be another generation of Xbox consoles. Based on current rumours, we should be getting that next-gen system in 2027, although it may be more of a PC in disguise than a traditional console, if certain rumours are accurate. 

The post Xbox president confirms next-gen console in development first appeared on KitGuru.

Capcom has had great success with its Resident Evil remakes over the past handful of years. The publisher has no plans to stop anytime soon either, with new evidence pointing to a remake of Resident Evil 0. 

Resident Evil 0 first released back in 2002. The story follows two main characters, Rebecca Chambers, a S.T.A.R.S. medic who also appeared in Resident Evil 1, as well as Billy Coen, a former marine. The two characters are forced into an uneasy alliance after witnessing an infection outbreak.

According to MP1st, one of the lead actors for the game, Jon McLaren, recently updated their CV with ‘Project Chamber', which is believed to be the codename for Resident Evil 0. Through investigation, the site also learned that Beyond Capture Studios is producing the motion capture for the game, after previously working on Resident Evil 4 Remake and Street Fighter 6.

DuskGolem, a prominent Resident Evil leaker, has previously claimed that remakes for both Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil Code Veronica were in the works. The latter is expected to release first, so it could be another couple of years before the RE 0 Remake becomes available.

KitGuru Says: Did you play Resident Evil 0 back in the day? Or will this upcoming remake be your first time experiencing the game? 

The post Resident Evil 0 Remake seemingly confirmed by actor first appeared on KitGuru.

It has been almost a decade since we last had a critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings video game, but that wait may finally end soon. According to reports this week, a new AAA Lord of the Rings game is going to be developed, with the goal of ‘competing with Hogwarts Legacy'. 

According to Insider Gaming, multiple sources have confirmed that the Abu Dhabi Investment Office has agreed to a $100M deal to fund the creation of a new Lord of the Rings video game. The deal has apparently been in the works since last year, but was only recently signed after many rounds of negotiations.

It is claimed that the game will be created with the goal of competing with Hogwarts Legacy. For those who don't know, Hogwarts Legacy was the best-selling game of 2023 in the US, and other parts of the world.

It is unclear exactly what ‘compete with Hogwarts Legacy' means, but I would assume it would mean we are getting a LOTR-based third-person open-world game with customisable characters and light RPG elements.

Embracer Group is the current owner of the Lord of the Rings IP. In recent years, rather than developing a new game in-house, Embracer has opted to license out the IP, leading to projects like The Lord of the Rings: Gollum and Return to Moria.

KitGuru Says: Hogwarts Legacy was created by a small, relatively unknown studio and ended up being a massive hit. I do not doubt that something similar could happen with The Lord of the Rings, but with the deal only just being signed, it will be years before we see this game officially available. 

The post A new AAA Lord of the Rings game is reportedly in development first appeared on KitGuru.

Earlier this year, a rumour began doing the rounds claiming that Microsoft was working on an official Xbox emulator for Windows devices. At the time, doubt was cast on the rumour but now months later, it has resurfaced.

Windows Central's Jez Corden has now claimed to have heard that Microsoft is working on an emulator to allow certain console-exclusive titles to be played on systems like the ROG Xbox Ally, which also utilises a new ‘gaming' version of Windows 11.

This rumour first appeared earlier in the year, when eXtas1s, a leaker with a reliable track-record when it comes to Xbox, claimed that Microsoft had hired contributors to the Xenia emulator project to aid in the creation of an official emulation tool for Windows.

If such a project is indeed in the works, it would bolster the Game Pass offering on PC, enabling crucial back-catalogue exclusives to be played. As for third-party published titles, Corden notes that Microsoft would have to work out rights and licensing agreements on a game-by-game basis, just as it did with the Backward Compatibility program on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

KitGuru Says: If Microsoft were to release an official emulator on PC, it would likely be heavily locked down to avoid issues with piracy, along with licensing issues that could crop up if players are able to boot games not officially sanctioned.

The post Microsoft might be working on an official Xbox emulator for PC first appeared on KitGuru.

After announcing a new 27-inch dual mode monitor, Agon by AOC is back with a bigger, brighter option for those wanting more screen real estate. The new AOC Agon Pro AG327UXM is a 31.5-inch powerhouse featuring a stunning Mini LED backlight with DisplayHDR 1400 certification and the same dual mode technology.

As reported by DisplaySpecifications, the AG327UXM features a 31.5-inch Fast IPS panel with a native 4K resolution running at 160 Hz. Like its smaller sibling, it offers the flexibility to instantly switch to an FullHD resolution running at 320 Hz for competitive gaming scenarios. Response times remain quick at 1 ms GtG (0.5 ms MPRT), and the monitor supports Adaptive-Sync via AMD FreeSync.

The real star of the show, however, is the Mini LED backlight. The AG327UXM boasts a high-density backlight with 2304 local dimming zones. This allows for incredible HDR performance, hitting a typical SDR brightness of 600 nits, a sustained HDR brightness of 1200 nits, and a peak HDR brightness of 1650 nits, earning it the top-tier VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification. Combined with Quantum Dot technology, the 10-bit panel also delivers excellent colour, covering 97% of the DCI-P3 gamut with a factory calibration targeting Delta E < 1.

Connectivity is robust, featuring two full 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 input with DSC support, making it ready for high-end PCs and current-gen consoles. A built-in USB 3.2 hub is also included for peripheral management. The monitor sits on a fully adjustable ergonomic stand and includes gamer-focused features like Shadow Control and a Low Input Lag mode accessible via AOC's G-Menu software.

KitGuru says: Mini LED 4K monitors with over 2K dimming zones are not that common yet, so a model like this new AOC Agon Pro display is one of the few people can consider.

The post AOC goes big with Agon Pro AG327UXM, a 32-inch Mini-LED with dual mode and HDR 1400 first appeared on KitGuru.

The highly anticipated ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X (see our review full of benchmarks and analysis), which is the first Windows handheld to officially implement the Xbox experience, is finally out in the wild. The launch of the device has sparked several discussions in the gaming community, including about its price point. Now, we have more context

The next step in personal health tracking has arrived, and it’s a tiny bit, well, gutsy. Plumbing giant Kohler has officially launched Dekoda (decoder, get it?), a slim, clip-on device that attaches discreetly to your existing toilet bowl and deploys a small camera and sensors to analyze your number ones and twos. Yes, dear reader, the Dekoda

Fall is a perfect to go Apple picking, especially with Amazon serving up lots of great deals on a variety of hardware. Need a new set of earbuds with active noise cancellation? How about a tablet or a laptop? Whatever the case, if it's an Apple product, there's a good chance it's on sale right now, with juicy discounts as high as 32% off the

A massive outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s largest cloud computing provider, crippled major websites, apps, and corporate services across the globe this morning. Thankfully, Amazon has been on the case (having dealt with biggies like this in the past) and most key services are already back online. The disruption began shortly