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Tryx launches new Panorama SE AIO liquid coolers

Tryx has expanded the Panorama AIO liquid cooler series by introducing the Panorama SE, a new model designed to bring its signature AMOLED curved screen experience to a broader audience. Building upon the success of the original Panorama, the Panorama SE leverages the newly developed Asetek Adela cooling system, promising reliable and consistent performance, all while maintaining a more accessible price point.

The Panorama SE aims to make the premium Panorama experience more accessible. It features a 6.5-inch 2K, 60Hz AMOLED display, which allows PC enthusiasts on a tighter budget to enjoy the 3D visual capabilities that have become synonymous with the Tryx brand.

A key feature of the Panorama SE is its fully customisable display orientation. The rotating display module can be adjusted for horizontal or vertical mounting, ensuring that users can fully appreciate the AMOLED display regardless of their PC's orientation. This flexibility enhances the visual appeal of any system, allowing for seamless integration into diverse setups.

Installation is streamlined with pre-installed Rota fans, simplifying the mounting process. Furthermore, the Panorama SE incorporates the next generation of Asetek's water cooling technology, featuring the Adela pump. This pump is optimised for demanding CPU workloads, such as rendering, content creation, AI tasks, and gaming, providing a dynamic thermal power capacity ranging from 280W to 300W.

Another of the Panorama SE's most compelling aspects is its independent computer. Equipped with a 4-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of ROM, the cooler handles video playback directly from its onboard PCB. This offloads processing tasks from the main CPU, freeing up resources for gaming and other demanding applications. The new Panorama SE is now available at OverclockersUK in black and white in 240-mm (£229.99) and 360-mm (£249.99) formats.

KitGuru says: To further reduce the cost, do you think Tryx should launch a Panorama AIO liquid cooler without a built-in system?

The post Tryx launches new Panorama SE AIO liquid coolers first appeared on KitGuru.
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Silicon Power rolls out Endura SSD with TLC NAND flash memory

Silicon Power has launched its new Endura series of SSDs, a comprehensive lineup designed to cater to diverse storage needs. The series comprises four models: the E55, E60, ED90, and ES75. All models are built using 3D TLC NAND technology, offering a balanced combination of performance and reliability.

The E55 targets mainstream users and system integrators seeking affordable and reliable storage. It uses a SATA III 6Gb/s interface and is available in capacities ranging from 512GB to 2TB. With read and write speeds of up to 500 MB/s and 450 MB/s, respectively, the E55 provides a significant performance boost over traditional hard drives, offering a solid storage solution.

For users seeking to go beyond the limitations of SATA, the E60 offers a PCIe Gen 3×4 interface, delivering faster data transfer rates in up to 2 TB drives. This SSD balances performance and longevity, boasting read and write speeds of up to 2,200 MB/s and 1,600 MB/s. NVMe 1.3 compatibility and LDPC and ECC support make the E60 suited for multitasking, casual gaming, and demanding applications.

The ED90 is designed for both personal and professional users requiring high-performance storage. It features PCIe 4.0 and NVMe 1.4 compatibility and is available in capacities up to 4 TB. The ED90 is designed to handle creative workloads, data archiving, and storage-intensive tasks. Read and write speeds reach up to 5,000 MB/s and 4,800 MB/s, respectively. LDPC and RAID support enhance data integrity and reliability.

At the pinnacle of the Endura series, the ES75 delivers exceptional speed and endurance for professionals. Leveraging PCIe 4.0, it achieves read and write speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s, respectively. This makes the ES75 ideal for multimedia creators, hardcore gamers, and anyone requiring high-speed, professional-grade storage. NVMe 2.0 compatibility and LDPC and RAID support ensure outstanding durability and dependability.

KitGuru says: Interested in any of Silicon Power's new Endura SSDs?

The post Silicon Power rolls out Endura SSD with TLC NAND flash memory first appeared on KitGuru.
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Ubisoft bosses mulling over company split and spin-off

As Ubisoft struggles to improve its share price, the company has been quietly evaluating all options behind the scenes, from selling off IP to a potential full company buyout. According to the latest reports, the current idea being floated behind the scenes is a spin-off move that will see Ubisoft split up into a new holding group. 

According to sources speaking with Bloomberg, Ubisoft is considering forming a new entity, one that would serve as the new home for major Ubisoft IP like Assassin's Creed. Ubisoft has apparently contacted suitors to bid for a minority stake in the new company, including Tencent, which already has a sizable stake in Ubisoft.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

According to the report, Ubisoft is looking to have a selection of bids to look through by the end of the month. However, no final decisions have been made at this stage, so plans could change or be scrapped entirely. We also recently learned that Ubisoft has held discussions with companies like Microsoft and EA regarding potential IP acquisitions.

Ubisoft is likely waiting to see how Assassin's Creed Shadows performs at launch before making any final decisions on its future.

KitGuru Says: It seems that at this stage, unless Assassin's Creed Shadows is able to break revenue records, there are going to be major changes at Ubisoft this year and those changes will likely involve more job losses, project cancellations and studio closures. 

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Antec unveils silent Flux SE chassis

Antec has expanded its Flux series by releasing the new Flux SE ATX mid-tower, a chassis prioritising silent operation alongside Flux's renowned high-airflow design.

Building upon the success of the Flux and Flux Pro models, the Flux SE is based on Antec's F-Lux Platform, a structural design engineered for optimal airflow. This platform features strategically placed air intakes at the bottom, PSU shroud, and lower sides, complemented by top vents and a large-area mesh front panel to create a dedicated airflow channel.

 

The Flux SE has four P12 120-mm PWM fans, three of which are pre-installed in the front, and one is a reverse blade fan positioned atop the PSU shroud to direct airflow towards the GPU (there's space for another one). Additionally, a P14 140-mm PWM fan at the rear expels hot air to complete the airflow cycle. There's also space for up to 3x 120-mm fans or 2x 140-mm fans on the top. Radiator support is also decent, with space for 360/420 models on the front, 360/280 on the top, and 120/140 on the rear. Moreover, you can mount GPUs up to 408 mm long, CPU towers up to 180 mm long, and PSUs up to 235 mm long.

Aesthetically, the Flux SE distinguishes itself with a front panel that combines metal mesh and walnut wood, giving it a look that allows it to integrate into modern home environments. Furthermore, both side panels are lined with sound-dampening foam, significantly reducing noise levels and enhancing the overall user experience. The Antec Flux SE is available now and costs around €115/£99.

KitGuru says: If you were to get an Antec Flux case, which one would you go for?

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Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 gets official mod support alongside huge patch

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has already made a strong case for itself as one of the best games of 2025, but the team at Warhorse Studios is far from finished with the game. This week, a massive patch for the game began rolling out across all platforms, bringing the first free DLC, over 1000 fixes and improvements, and official modding support. 

With Patch 1.2, players can now visit the barber in Zhelejov or Kuttenberg to make changes to Henry's appearance. This update also brings official modding support to the game via Steamworks, so you can easily browse and add mods to your game through the Steam Workshop.

While those are some of the headlining features of this patch, the primary focus is delivering improvements to the game. Patch 1.2 includes over 1000 new fixes, ironing out a long list of bugs. You can find the full patch notes, HERE.

On the 20th of March, Warhorse Studios will go live with a developer stream to give more updates on what's coming to Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 in the months ahead.

KitGuru Says: Are you still playing Kingdom Come Deliverance 2? Will you be playing around with mods now that Steam Workshop support has been added? 

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Final Fantasy franchise surpasses 200 million sales

After first releasing on PC and mobile platforms, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection has now spread to all platforms, including Nintendo and PlayStation consoles. With the games being more widely available, sales have picked up too, surpassing the five million milestone. 

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection has surpassed five million copies sold worldwide, Square Enix has revealed. This boost puts the entire Final Fantasy franchise at over 200 million units sold.

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection includes the original six games, before the series made the switch to 3D graphics. These titles offer the classic Final Fantasy experience, from the original soundtracks and pixel graphics to the old-school turn-based gameplay.

Square Enix has not yet provided updates on the sales of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Final Fantasy 16, both of which were expected to see significant boosts upon launching on PC via Steam.

KitGuru Says: Do you prefer the original turn-based Final Fantasy games, or the more modern titles? 

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Nintendo Switch 2 expected to launch in June at $399

We're still waiting for Nintendo to share more details about its launch plans for the Switch 2. However, analysts are already laying the groundwork for what to expect. Based on the latest reports, the Switch 2 will be landing this summer, with a price tag in the $400 range. 

According to industry analysts speaking with IGN and Bloomberg, the Switch 2 is expected to launch with a $399 price tag. This estimate is based on supply chain costs, combined with current market conditions.

Assuming the price does end up being $399, gamers would need to spend extra accruing some new titles. Nintendo has not yet revealed the launch line-up of games, but we expect to see a number of hits from the original Switch console getting graphics/performance updates to take advantage of the more powerful Switch 2 hardware.

In terms of new games, a new Mario Kart game is anticipated, alongside a new 3D Mario game, Pokémon Legends Z-A, Metroid Prime 4 and perhaps a new RPG from Monolith.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up a Switch 2 when the console launches later this year? 

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Ubisoft reportedly held talks to sell IP to Microsoft and EA

Minority Ubisoft stakeholder, AJ Investments, has made headlines a few times over the past few years due to their willingness to protest the decisions of Ubisoft management., Most recently, the investment firm once again lambasted current leadership and went as far as to claim that Ubisoft has been hiding important development from investors, such as recent negotiations around IP acquisition. 

As reported by IGN, AJ Investments is called out Ubisoft once again, stating that the company is “horribly mismanaged by current management” and calling for “a clear roadmap for recovery”.

The most interesting part of the statement has the firm pointing to a paywalled article on MergerMarket, which claims that Ubisoft had discussions with rivals like Microsoft and EA over potentially selling off IP. Investors were not informed of these discussions, and those discussions likely didn't go very far, as this is the first time any of this is being made public.

Currently, Ubisoft is considering a number of changes to stay afloat. A few teams have already been dissolved and several projects have been cancelled. Now we know that Ubisoft has been actively testing its IP valuations on the market, and there have reportedly been discussions between the Guillemot family and Tencent regarding a company buyout, while keeping the Guillemot family in charge.

KitGuru Says: There has been a lot of doom and gloom surrounding Ubisoft recently but if Assassin's Creed Shadows can exceed expectations, then we should start to see much more positive discussions about the company's future. 

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Categories announced for the EHA Awards 2025 in Taipei

On 19 May 2025, the prestigious European Hardware Awards will once again – to honour the best hardware available in the market. The event takes place on the eve of Computex in Taipei, at the Courtyard by Marriott, Nangang hotel. As well as the awards themselves, brand new research about the market will also be presented for the first time, giving a much clearer insight into how the market is likely to change over the next 12-18 months.

KitGuru is a proud member of the European Hardware Association (EHA), the organisation behind the EHA Awards – the largest of their kind in the world.

Alongside KitGuru, the association includes Geeknetic (Spain), Hardware Upgrade (Italy), Cowcotland (France), Hardwareluxx (Germany), ioTech (Finland), TechnologyInsider (Netherlands), Lab501 (Romania), and PurePC (Poland).

Right now, all of the publications are working on their own list of nominees for this year's awards. Those nominations are based on thousands of tests performed by each publication over the last year. Once the nomination process has completed, the real voting will begin and the finalists will be published. Ahead of that announcement, here is an overview of the categories that are being considered.

Processing

  1. Best Desktop CPU
  2. Best Laptop CPU
  3. Best Smartphone SoC
  4. Best AMD ATX / Micro-ATX Motherboard
  5. Best Intel ATX / Micro-ATX Motherboard
  6. Best AMD Mini-ITX Motherboard
  7. Best Intel Mini-ITX Motherboard
  8. Best System Memory Series

Visual

  1. Best Desktop GPU
  2. Best Laptop GPU
  3. Best AMD-Based Graphics Card
  4. Best NVIDIA-Based Graphics Card
  5. Best Gaming Monitor
  6. Best Professional Monitor

Cooling

  1. Best CPU Cooler (Air)
  2. Best CPU Cooler (Water)
  3. Best Custom Cooling Solution
  4. Best Thermal Paste
  5. Best Fan Series

Storage

  1. Best Hard Drive
  2. Best SSD
  3. Best NAS Device
  4. Best External Storage

Case & PSU

  1. Best ATX Case
  2. Best Micro-ATX / ITX Case
  3. Best PSU Series

Peripherals

  1. Best Gaming Mouse
  2. Best Gaming Keyboard
  3. Best Router
  4. Best Gaming Chair
  5. Best Streaming Equipment

Audio

  1. Best Gaming Headset
  2. Best Headphones
  3. Best Earphones
  4. Best Speakers

Systems

  1. Best Mini-PC
  2. Best Gaming Desktop System
  3. Best Notebook (Non-Gaming)
  4. Best 2-in-1 Device
  5. Best Gaming Notebook
  6. Best Creator Laptop
  7. Best Console

Mobile / Smart Living

  1. Best Smartphone
  2. Best Wearable
  3. Best Smart Home Product

Best Value Categories

  1. Best Value CPU
  2. Best Value GPU
  3. Best Value Component (Non-CPU, Non-GPU)
  4. Best Value Peripheral
  5. Best Value Laptop
  6. Best Value Desktop System
  7. Best Value Smartphone

Best AI Hardware Categories

  1. Best AI CPU
  2. Best AI GPU
  3. Best AI Laptop
  4. Best AI Smartphone

Overall

  1. Best Gaming Product
  2. Best Overclocking Product
  3. Best AI Hardware Solution (Consumer)
  4. Best New Technology
  5. Product of the Year

KitGuru Says: We'll be back closer to Computex to announce the winners for each category. 

The post Categories announced for the EHA Awards 2025 in Taipei first appeared on KitGuru.
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Disco Elysium is getting a pseudo-reimagining for Android

Disco Elysium was revered upon its release back in 2019 with the choice-based RPG being praised for its writing, atmosphere and freedom. In an interesting move, the game is now being adapted for Android – with quite a different take on the original game’s formula.

Making the announcement, the team at ZA/UM officially detailed this remake/reimagining of the Disco Elysium story but in a different medium, with them explaining:

“The world of Disco Elysium comes to you with new incredible handpainted art. The city of Revachol is yours to inspect one beautiful scene at a time. Seek out the details among the brushstrokes that will illuminate the truth.”

They continue: “Move your phone around in new 360-degree scenes that put you right in the middle of the investigation. New captivating audio helps you sink further into the world by appealing to your senses while full voiceover brings every character to life in your ears.”

Disco Elysium is set to come to Android sometime during the Summer of this year. Upon launch, players will be able to play the first two chapters for free, at which point you can then pay a single fee to unlock the remainder of the game.

While this adaptation for mobile does seem like an interesting concept, the legal and ethical controversies surrounding ZA/UM does put a bit of a damper on the announcement. Regardless, hopefully they managed to translate the experience to mobile well.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the trailer? Are you surprised by the approach they’re taking? Let us know down below.

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Powerwash Simulator 2 gets surprise announcement; coming later this year

Ever since its 1.0 launch back in Summer 2022, PowerWash Simulator has been able to keep fans captivated not only through its satisfying gameplay loop, but also thanks to a number of free and paid DLCs. With the team seemingly having achieved everything they could, FuturLab have now announced a sequel coming later this year.

Releasing a brief trailer onto YouTube, the developers of Powerwash Simulator (FuturLab) officially announced and unveiled Powerwash Simulator 2. While a brief teaser, the game’s Steam page is live, offering a bunch of additional details.

Alongside expected improvements to the power washing system itself, the sequel is set to take players outside of Muckingham as part of a larger expansion of the world.

In addition, players will now be able to “Kick back and relax in your home-base after a hard-days-cleaning. Put down your roots and make the place yours by collecting furniture and trinkets to spruce it up along the way, then invite your power wash pals over to check out your pad.”

Last but certainly not least, Powerwash Simulator 2 will include a bunch of enhancements to co-op, including full campaign progression and more surprisingly full local split-screen support.

Unlike the first game, Powerwash Simulator 2 is being self-published by FuturLab. As such, it will be interesting to see whether the team does anything differently this time round.

That said, with the first game selling millions of copies, perhaps keeping things exactly the same wouldn’t be too bad. We’ll have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: Were you surprised by the announcement? Is a sequel necessary or could they have just expanded the original game? Which of the new additions are you most looking forward to? Let us know down below.

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Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction has sold 2 million copies in its first week

Earlier this week, the team at Hazelight Studios celebrated the launch of their latest title Split Fiction – revealing that the game had sold over 1 million copies in its first 48 hours. In the days following, momentum for the title has continued, having now surpassed 2 million copies.

Making the announcement on BlueSky, the team at Hazelight Studios wrote: “SPLIT FICTION has sold 2 MILLION copies in 1 WEEK!! Holy crap, we’re blown away! Simply amazing…Thank you to all of our new and old fans – we love how excited you are for our game!”

Split Fiction has received nothing but praise across the board since release, currently sitting as the highest rated game of 2025 so far.

Split Fiction Hazelight

For the uninitiated, Hazelight Studios is known for their work on co-op focused narrative experiences, with their two prior titles – A Way Out and It Takes Two – selling 11 and 23 million copies respectively.

As with the team’s prior titles, Split Fiction requires just one copy of the game to play, letting you buddy up with any of your friends no matter their system of choice, making the milestone even more impressive.

Both A Way Out and It Takes Two had long legs, selling millions of copies years after release. If Split Fiction winds up going down the same road, then Hazelight will have another monumental hit on their hands.

KitGuru says: Are you one of the 2 (4) million who’ve played Split Fiction? Is it Hazelight’s best work yet? How long will it take to hit 5 million copies sold? Let us know down below.

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Mortal Shell is free on the Epic Games Store

Every week, the Epic Games Store gives away a title or two for free to all those with an EGS account. Available to claim right now, Epic is offering the action Souls-like Mortal Shell alongside bonus content for World of Warships.

Available to add to your library from now until the 20th of March at 3PM UK time, Mortal Shell is a Souls-like action title from developer Cold Symmetry in which you “Explore a deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Your adversaries spare no mercy, with survival demanding superior awareness, precision, and instincts.”

Released back in 2020, the game received decent reviews from critics – though slightly less so from players. That said, the team did update the game quite substantially following its launch, including both paid and free content.

Mortal Shell Epic

Though not included with the free package, players can get their hands on the Virtuous Cycle DLC for just £3.99 which offers “an entirely new roguelike mode that brings random and repeatable savagery to Fallgrim” as well as the Rotten Autumn update – adding unique Shell shades; a new mini-quest; a new photo mode; and an alternative boss fight soundtrack.

Mortal Shell is available to add to your library for free from now until the 20th of March at which point it will be replaced by the management sim ‘Jurassic World Evolution 2’.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this week’s offerings? Have you given Mortal Shell a fair shake? What’s your favourite management sim series? Let us know down below.

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Thermaltake adds four new colour options to CT EX ARGB Sync fan lineup

Thermaltake has expanded its CT EX ARGB Sync PC cooling fan series with new colour options, allowing PC enthusiasts to inject a personal touch into their builds. Dark green, pastel brown, yellow, and pink join the existing colour palette, offering new options to complement any system aesthetic.

Thermaltake's commitment to blending design and technology is evident in this expansion, providing customers with bold and unique colour options. The CT EX ARGB Sync fan series now boasts eight distinct colours: black, white, pastel green, pastel blue, dark green, pastel brown, yellow, and pink. Furthermore, the series offers 120mm and 140mm sizes in standard and reverse blade configurations, providing PC builders with all the flexibility they need to create personalised systems.

The CT EX ARGB Sync fans feature Thermaltake's newly enhanced MagForce 2.0, a magnetic connection system designed for effortless installation. This innovative design minimises cable clutter, resulting in improved cable management and a cleaner interior. Performance remains a key focus, with the CT120 EX delivering up to 68 CFM airflow and a 2.95 mm-H₂O maximum static pressure, while the CT140 EX offers up to 90.3 CFM airflow and a 3.07 mm-H₂O maximum static pressure.

Designed for chassis and radiator applications, the CT EX fans feature anti-vibration rubber pads to minimise noise. Nine addressable LEDs provide 16.8 million colours, all of which can be controlled via most motherboard lighting software. The Thermaltake CT EX ARGB Sync fans can be acquired as a single unit or in a 3-fan pack.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Of all the colour options available for the CT EX ARGB Sync fans, which one do you prefer?

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Microsoft has reportedly teamed up with Asus for first ‘Xbox handheld’

Earlier this week, we learned more about Microsoft's plans for an Xbox handheld. Rather than building a bespoke device itself, Microsoft is partnering up with an OEM to produce an Xbox-licensed handheld. While initially we didn't know which OEM Microsoft has teamed up with, that has now changed.

According to The Verge, Microsoft has opted to team up with ASUS for its Xbox-themed handheld. With that in mind, the device is expected to be similar to the currently available (and expensive) Asus ROG Ally. Microsoft previously revealed that it had been working with handheld makers like Lenovo and Asus to put together a version of Windows 11 more fit for gaming.

While we will see Xbox-licensed products like the upcoming Xbox handheld from Asus, Microsoft is still expected to be working on its own custom handheld in-house. Whether or not that product sees the light of day remains to be seen. Microsoft has cancelled multiple Xbox hardware projects in recent years, including the Xbox Keystone, a streaming device intended to turn any TV into an Xbox, with full access to Game Pass via Cloud Gaming.

Aside from upcoming handhelds, Microsoft is also currently working on its next-gen home console. The next Xbox is expected to arrive in 2027 and will be more ‘PC-like' and could end up featuring a SteamOS style setup with a gaming UI set as the default boot screen, with access to an advanced desktop view hidden away in the options somewhere.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If the Asus Xbox handheld is indeed real, then I don't expect it to compete with the Steam Deck on price and at that point, I'm not sure there's much of a market left.

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Assassin’s Creed Shadows will now support Steam Deck at launch

Prior to its delays, Assassin's Creed Shadows wasn't going to be available on Steam at launch and the game was not going to be verified for the Steam Deck. Fortunately, the developers have put the last few months to good use. The game is now coming to Steam on day-one and today, we also learned that the game has been submitted for Steam Deck verification. 

Previously, Ubisoft had ruled out Steam Deck verification for Assassin's Creed Shadows, as the game's minimum PC requirements were higher than what the Steam Deck offers. However, after diving into the files and tinkering around, Ubisoft has now announced that the game will support Steam Deck at launch.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

As is the case with many modern AAA titles with realistic graphics, we don't expect Assassin's Creed Shadows to look particularly, and it will no doubt require FSR upscaling to achieve a playable 30FPS even with the lowest settings. FSR doesn't add much in the way of visuals when trying to upscale to 720p from sub-HD resolutions.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is launching worldwide on the 20th of March.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up Assassin's Creed Shadows later this month? 

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Steelseries unveils new Qck Performance mousepads

SteelSeries has unveiled its new QcK Performance mousepad series, a line of premium mousepads designed to cater to the nuanced preferences of individual gamers. Recognising that every player's style is unique, SteelSeries has focused on providing three different surfaces, allowing users to choose the one that best matches their needs.

The QcK Performance Series departs from “one-surface-fits-all” mousepads, allowing players to choose between three distinct textures: speed, balance, and control. This granular approach allows gamers to select the ideal surface to complement their gameplay, whether prioritising rapid mouse movements, precise control, or a blend of both.

The series is built with a focus on consistency and durability. It features high-quality neoprene foam that provides a stable and reliable base for high-speed mouse movements, minimising sensor skipping. This ensures a smooth and consistent experience, which is crucial for competitive gaming.

Developed in collaboration with esports athletes, the QcK Performance Series aims to elevate gameplay by providing surfaces tailored to specific playstyles. Available in L (490×420 mm) and XL (900×400 mm) formats, all variants of the QcK Performance series have a 3.5 mm thick base for extra consistency and comfort and stitched edges to improve durability. The L models cost €44.99 while the XL costs €54.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Which format and variant of the QcK Performance mousepad series would you go for?

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The Oblivion Remake is reportedly releasing as soon as next month

Over the last couple of years, a recurring rumour has claimed that a remake of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is on the way. More has come to light on this remake in recent months, with sources claiming that the game has been completely rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. Now, it seems that a surprise release is just around the corner. 

According to two outlets, Nate the Hate and Video Games Chronicle, the Oblivion remake will be announced within weeks and will release well before the Summer. In fact, it is claimed that the game could release as early as April, so we could be looking at a very short wait between the reveal and eventual release date.

The Oblivion remake is reportedly being developed by Virtuos, a company that has primarily taken on support studio duties for the AAA games industry. Some notable franchises Virtuos has worked on include Call of Duty, Dark Souls, Bioshock, Uncharted, Tomb Raider and more. Virtuos is also working on the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 3 remake.

With this being a remake of Oblivion in an entirely different engine, some areas of the game have seen extensive changes. According to MP1st, stamina, HUD elements and combat have all seen notable reworks, so expect something closer to Souls-like melee combat.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If gameplay has changed too much then my excitement for an Oblivion remake drastically reduces. Still, nothing has been announced yet so don't put too much stock into any early details. 

The post The Oblivion Remake is reportedly releasing as soon as next month first appeared on KitGuru.
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Intel names Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO

Intel has appointed Lip-Bu Tan, former Cadence CEO and Intel board member, to lead the company as it navigates increasing losses within its foundry division.

This appointment follows Pat Gelsinger's recent departure as CEO, leaving a temporary leadership void filled by co-CEOs Michelle Johnston Holthaus and David Zinsner. Tan is expected to assume his new role on March 18th.

A prominent figure in the semiconductor industry, Tan brings a wealth of experience to Intel. He founded venture capital firm Walden Capital and has served on the boards of numerous technology companies, including SMIC, Flextronics, Mindtree, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ambarella, Schneider Electric, Inphi, Nuvia, and Softbank.

Tan's relationship with Intel is multifaceted. He served on the company's board of directors from 2022 until his resignation in 2024, shortly after Intel announced significant workforce reductions and cost-cutting measures. However, his resignation was officially attributed to personal reasons.

Tan is known for his successful leadership at Cadence Systems, where he oversaw a remarkable 3,200 percent increase in the company's share price during his decade-long tenure as CEO. Wall Street appears optimistic that he can replicate this success at Intel, as evidenced by a surge in the company's share price following the announcement. This positive reaction came after Intel's stock lost more than half its value the preceding year.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Intel spent a lot of money setting up its Foundry Services business. Recent reports indicate that Intel 18A, the first Intel node to be offered to outside customers, is just around the corner. 

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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review – AMD’s Brilliant All-Rounder

AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D uses their 2nd Gen V-Cache technology to give the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X an overhaul that transforms its behaviour. Against all the odds it is excellent at gaming and also at productivity tasks. Our benchmark charts in this review will likely bring despair to Intel.

Time stamps

00:00 Start
01:04 Technical data
01:58 3D V-Cache / Chipset Drivers
02:32 Hardware
03:20 BIOS / Latency heatmap
03:47 Cinebench 2024 Multi Core
03:59 Cinebench 2024 Single Core
04:14 Geekbench 6 Multi Core
04:25 Geekbench 6 Single Core
04:31 Cinebench Multi Core Per £ of cost
05:15 CPU Power Consumption
05:28 Cinebench 2024 Multi Core Per Watt
05:59 7Zip v24 Benchmark
06:05 AIDA 64 Memory Bandwidth
06:27 3DMark Time Spy
06:45 Far Cry 6 (1080p)
07:02 Far Cry 6 (1440p)
07:10 Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (1080p)
07:29 Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (1440p)
07:48 Assassins Creed Mirage (1080p)
07:59 Assassins Creed Mirage (1440p)
08:16 Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p)
08:33 Cyberpunk 20277 (1440p)
08:45 Total War Pharaoh (1080p)
09:02 Total War Pharaoh (1440p)
09:16 Closing Thoughts

Alongside this Ryzen 9 9950X3D, AMD is also releasing the 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X3D that we have reviewed HERE.

If you check out that review you will have the background information you require to understand why moving from two 6-core CCDs in the 9900X3D to 8-core CCDs in this 9950X3D is a much bigger deal than it sounds..

The post AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review – AMD’s Brilliant All-Rounder first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Indie studio revives long-dead MMO ‘Defiance’

There weren't a lot of MMOs trying to compete with WoW throughout the 2010s and the ones that did try ultimately ended up shutting down. One MMO that falls into this category is Defiance, an ambitious project that was supposed to share cross-promotional elements with a TV series by the same name. Ultimately, the show was cancelled and the MMO servers went offline, but a comeback appears to be just around the corner. 

Defiance first launched back in 2013 and featured some of the same characters that appeared in the show. However, outside of a few familiar faces, there was very little tying the two projects together. As a result, when the Defiance TV series was cancelled in 2015, the game was not put in jeopardy. Instead, it rebranded as Defiance 2050 and continued operating through to 2021, when the servers were finally taken offline.

Now, the independent studio and publisher, Fawkes, has acquired the rights to both Defiance (2013) and Defiance 2050, with plans to bring the MMO back online, starting in April this year.

Fawkes identified a passionate community around Defiance as its core reasoning for bringing the game back. Many fans still discuss this game in forum threads and YouTube videos about the game are still popular now, even years after the game going offline.

As Fawkes looks to revive Defiance, it has set up a Discord channel for gathering feedback on future game updates. If you are a Defiance fan, be sure to join the Discord to find groups to play with once the game returns, and to share ideas on what changes could be made to bring the game up to 2025 standards.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Did you play Defiance at all back when it first came out? Would you be interested in seeing the MMO return for good? 

The post Indie studio revives long-dead MMO ‘Defiance’ first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Half-Life 2 RTX demo comes to Steam next week

Hot on the heels of the successful launch of Portal RTX, Nvidia announced plans for an RTX reimagining of Half-Life 2. The mod, known as Half-Life 2 RTX, has been in development for years but we'll finally have the opportunity to play it for ourselves later this month. 

On the 18th of March, the Half-Life 2 RTX demo will be made freely available on Steam. The demo includes the first two levels of the game, complete with reworked textures and materials to fully take advantage of ray-traced lighting effects. Like Quake RTX and Portal RTX, Half-Life 2 RTX will give players access to a full suite of Path Tracing tools, so you can adjust away to really see what is possible with RT once pushed to the limits.

The demo will be available starting on the 18th of March and the full final game will be made available for free to all Half-Life 2 owners. Unfortunately, we don't have a final date for the full game, but it is also worth having patience, as the game is essentially being developed as a volunteer project by the folks at Orbifold Studios, exclusively using the RTX Remix tool set.

Alongside the release of the HL2 RTX demo, Nvidia is also releasing RTX Remix in full this month. The latest version of the software includes support for RTX Neural Rendering and DLSS 4, so we expect to see many more classic games ‘remade' with RTX Remix in the years ahead.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Will you be downloading the Half-Life 2 RTX demo when it drops next week?

The post Half-Life 2 RTX demo comes to Steam next week first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Nvidia claims it has shipped twice as many RTX 50 GPUs at launch compared to RTX 40

GDC is kicking off and as is the case every year, Nvidia has more than a few announcements ready to go. The big news this year? RTX Remix is officially launching, complete with support for DLSS 4 and RTX Neural Shaders, enabling developers to bring ray-traced effects to classic DX8 and DX9 based games. 

At this point, Nvidia's research shows that 90% of RTX GPU users utilise features like DLSS, ray-traced graphics and Nvidia Reflex. At this point, over 100 games and apps support the latest version of DLSS, DLSS 4, which brings Multi Frame Generation to the table, while hundreds of other titles support DLSS 3 or older versions. Support for frame generation and super resolution technologies has seen an uptick across the games industry, with some modern titles even factoring in ‘Frame Generation' capabilities when putting together minimum and recommended hardware requirements for new PC games.

We are unlikely to see support for DLSS drop off amongst game developers anytime soon, as Nvidia also claims it has shipped more RTX 50 series GPUs in the last few months than it did when RTX 40 series GPUs first launched back in 2022.

Here are some of the rapid-fire announcements from Nvidia at GDC:

  • RTX Kit now available for Unreal Engine 5, bringing RTX Mega Geometry and RTX Hair to UE5 titles.
  • RTX Remix is now officially available to all aspiring modders looking to freshen up old titles. The first major showcase of this tookit is Half-Life 2 RTX, with a free demo launching on Steam next week.
  • Nvidia ACE AI-powered NPCs are now being used in the real world. The feature debuts in InZOI and Naraka: Bladepoint Mobile PC version this month, with more titles set to use Nvidia's ‘Smart NPCs' in the future.
  • Nvidia ACE plugins now updated for Maya and Unreal Engine to further enhance game development with AI tools.

Interestingly, while the demo for Half-Life 2 RTX is being made available this month, complete with the first two levels of the game, a date for the full release has not yet been shared.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Nvidia's AI game development tools are gaining traction. It will be interesting to see if ACE-powered NPCs in a game like Naraka: Bladepoint can be easily differentiated from a typical NPC. For me though, Half-Life 2 RTX is the big announcement here and after years of teasing, I'm looking forward to finally diving in. 

The post Nvidia claims it has shipped twice as many RTX 50 GPUs at launch compared to RTX 40 first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 trailer passes 150 million views in 72 hours

HBO’s The Last of Us was a huge hit when it released back in early 2023, amassing 10s of millions of viewers and winning a ton of awards. With the show’s second season set to premiere in almost exactly a month, HBO/MAX have released the first official full-length trailer – with it raking in over 150 million views in just 72 hours.

As reported by TheWrap, the recently-released ‘official trailer’ for HBO’s The Last of Us season 2 has garnered a ton of interest across the board.

According to the publication, in the first 3 days since its release the trailer has managed to surpass 158 million views across all the various social media platforms.

Not only does this make it the most-viewed trailer for any HBO/MAX show, but also represents a 160%  growth over Season 1’s trailers.

Given the fact that Season 1 ended up seeing an average of 32 million viewers per episode in the US alone, it’s safe to say that Season 2 is set to be huge for both Sony and HBO.

KitGuru says: Did you watch the trailer? Are you ready for The Last of Us Season 2? Will episode 1 break viewership records? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 trailer passes 150 million views in 72 hours first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

SKATE adds microtransactions despite still being in closed alpha

Back in 2022, EA officially announced that they were reviving the long-dormant Skate franchise. With the game planned to launch some time this year, the team have been hosting a bunch of closed alpha tests. In a not-so-surprising move, despite being in an alpha state, EA has now added microtransactions into Skate.

As reported by Insider-Gaming, EA recently sent a message to all the early alpha testers in which they announced the introduction of microtransactions into Skate – with it reading as follows:

Skate Alpha

“To ensure we achieve these goals at Early Access we have enabled the option to purchase and use virtual currency (San Van Bucks) in our ongoing Closed Alpha playtest. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated in providing a great experience at Early Access launch.”

To be somewhat fair to EA, Skate is planned to be a free-to-play title upon its full release, and so it would expectantly include microtransactions.

That said, even if this is being used to test the stability of the service, it is somewhat of a bad look to feature such monetisation during Skate’s pre-released state.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this latest move by EA? Is it anything to be worried about? Could a free-to-play format work well? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post SKATE adds microtransactions despite still being in closed alpha first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update XIX is now live

Since its release back in 2020, Microsoft’s Flight Simulator has seen a great number of updates on a consistent basis. Marking the 19th major world update, Microsoft Flight Simulator (and its 2024 sequel) are revamping a number of regions including Brazil, Guyana and more.

Making the announcement on their blog, the team at Asobo Studios officially unveiled World Update XIX, writing, “This long awaited and oft-requested Microsoft Flight Simulator: World Update XIX is filled with excitement and beauty that enhances over half the land mass of South America with its coverage of Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.”

As always, these refreshed regions are accompanied by a bunch of further additional content, with Update XIX bringing:

  • 75 points of interest
  • 4 TIN Cities
  • 7 Airports
  • 3 Discovery flights
  • 3 landing challenges
  • 3 bush trips (MSFS)

Alongside the above (which is available right now), 2024’s Microsoft Flight Simulator in particular is set to get a couple unique additions on the 17th of March, namely:

  • New helicopter landing challenge
  • New Rally Race
  • New low-altitude challenge

Given the scope of Microsoft Flight Simulator it is understandably frustrating to have to wait potentially years to see your country properly represented in the game. That said, it is nice to see the team continue to build upon MSFS – making it as accurate a representation of the full world as we are likely to have for many years.

KitGuru says: Will you be hopping back into Flight Simulator? What regions are you still waiting to get updated? Let us know down below.

The post Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update XIX is now live first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Armored Core, Prince of Persia and more coming to PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium

Each month, Sony updates its PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium libraries with a line-up of current and classic titles. For March, Sony is adding a solid dozen titles including the OG Armored Core trilogy.

Set to join PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium on the 18th of March, this month’s line-up is as follows:

  • UFC 5 | PS5
  • Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown | PS4, PS5
  • Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions | PS4
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation Code Fairy | PS4, PS5
  • Arcade Paradise | PS4, PS5
  • Bang-On Balls: Chronicles | PS4, PS5
  • You Suck at Parking | PS4, PS5
  • Syberia – The World Before | PS4, PS5

Armored Core PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus Premium:

  • Arcade Paradise VR | PS VR2
  • Armored Core | PS4, PS5
  • Armored Core: Project Phantasma | PS4, PS5
  • Armored Core: Master of Arena | PS4, PS5

While the Extra tier sees a bunch of welcome additions including the underrated Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and the nostalgia-filled Arcade Paradise, the Armored Core trilogy is easily this month’s biggest draw.

Announced back in February, these additions mark the first time in a long time that FromSoftware’s original mecha games have been made available.

While PlayStation’s PS1/2 emulation leaves quite a bit to be desired, these inclusions are more than welcome nonetheless.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this month’s additions? Which games will you be hopping into? Did you check Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown out back when it first released? Let us know down below.

The post Armored Core, Prince of Persia and more coming to PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Avowed director confirms Microsoft ‘happy’ with game’s player numbers

Avowed marks the biggest first-party Xbox game for 2025 so far, with the Obsidian Entertainment-developed RPG arriving on Microsoft’s console (and PC) just under a month ago. Being Microsoft, the company rarely shares sales figures for its games. That being said, according to the game’s director, the higher-ups at Xbox are “happy” with Avowed’s player numbers.

In an interview with Eurogamer, Avowed’s Creative Director Carrie Patel spoke on a wide range of topics from the game itself to the studio’s culture and more.

When asked about the performance of the game in the weeks following Avowed’s launch, Patel unsurprisingly offered no concrete data.

Avowed Microsoft

That said, according to the director, “I've certainly been very happy, and all the folks I've talked to, both at the studio level and at the Xbox and Microsoft level, have been very happy with the reception to our game – to the number of people playing it, the amount of time they're spending in it.”

While this in and of itself is welcome to hear, Microsoft’s history of celebrating a game’s success only to then close down the studio does put a damper on any metrics they choose to share.

For the sake of Obsidian Entertainment, hopefully the suits at Microsoft are indeed pleased with the results so far.

KitGuru says: Have you been playing Avowed? What do you think of it? Let us know down below.

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  •  

Corsair expands its Custom Lab to European customers

Corsair is bringing its popular Custom Lab service to Europe, allowing gamers to create personalised peripherals that reflect their style. Corsair Custom Lab offers a one-stop shop for creating custom gear, allowing users to express themselves through mice, keyboards, and mousepads, with plans to expand the product offerings.

Corsair Custom Lab allows customers to personalise the appearance of gaming peripherals, enabling them to curate a workspace aesthetic that is uniquely their own. Users can select from various colours and themes, ranging from retro gaming designs to futuristic graphics, giving them a canvas for self-expression.

The K65 Plus Wireless gaming keyboard, the M75 Wireless gaming mouse, and the MM300 mousepad are the first products available through Custom Lab in Europe, but expect more to come. Corsair Custom Lab will be accessible through all EU Corsair webstores, with keyboard layouts for North America, the UK, Germany, and France available at launch.

The Corsair Custom Lab platform is now live on Corsair websites in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Poland. Artist series selections currently available on the US website will be offered to EU customers at a later date.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Corsair's Custom Lab is a nice option for users who want to avoid the hassle of customising keyboards or searching for specific parts in various stores. However, that comes at a price, literally.

The post Corsair expands its Custom Lab to European customers first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Survey claims AMD RX 9070 series is outselling Nvidia RTX 50

With both Nvidia and AMD having launched new-generation graphics cards this year, it is now time to take a look at the state of the market. Nvidia's RTX 50 series GPUs have been available since the end of January and as of last week, the AMD RX 9070 series GPUs are also available. Early stats indicate that AMD is currently outselling by volume.

The team at ComputerBase (via 3DCenter) has revealed the results of its latest survey, finding that around 60 percent of 4,200 readers surveyed have bought an RX 90000 series graphics card over an RTX 50 unit. Of those surveyed, around 25 percent opted for a current-gen Nvidia GPU, while a further 20 percent opted to pick up an older generation graphics card instead.

These results confirm something industry onlookers had already suspected – RTX 50 stock is in extremely low supply and AMD did a much better job building up stock for its RX 9070 launch compared to Nvidia's RTX 5090, 5080 and 5070 launches.

As the stock situation fluctuates, we expect these results to eventually change. As Nvidia provides multiple higher-end options compared to AMD, we would expect Nvidia to still accrue more money from GPU sales, even if it doesn't shift as much overall volume over the coming months.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Have you attempted to pick up a new-gen graphics card in recent weeks? Were you successful or have you struggled to find stock?

The post Survey claims AMD RX 9070 series is outselling Nvidia RTX 50 first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Blizzcon targets 2026 return

BlizzCon is coming back in 2026! The ultimate celebration of Blizzard's games and the vibrant community that unites players will again grace the Anaheim Convention Center on September 12th and 13th, 2026.

BlizzCon is a cherished tradition for Blizzard and its fans. For many, it goes beyond simply showcasing games. It's where fans celebrate their shared passion for Blizzard's universes. Since its inaugural event in 2005, BlizzCon has been a staple for fans of its work. Now, nearly 20 years later, Blizzard aims to elevate this iconic event to new heights.

After skipping 2024 and 2025 (Blizzard confirmed we wouldn't get one this year), BlizzCon is returning in 2026. Blizzard plans to deliver an exceptional experience for all attendees, building upon BlizzCon traditions such as the Opening Ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, friendly competition, and hands-on gameplay.

Expect to learn more details between now and the event's date. Users can always subscribe to BlizzCon's newsletter to be notified when tickets go on sale and receive access to BlizzCon news, special offers, and announcements.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you ever gone to a BlizzCon? Would you like to?

The post Blizzcon targets 2026 return first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Ori series surpasses 15 million copies sold

Moon Studios' critically acclaimed Ori series has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 15 million copies sold across Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps.

Thomas Mahler, the series' director, celebrated this achievement on social media, noting that it's “not too shabby” for a genre that many considered dead when development of the first game started. Funny enough, Steam now receives new metroidvania games every week or so, and in part, that could be explained by how Ori revitalised the genre.

Adding to this accomplishment, Mahler revealed that these sales figures do not include players who experienced the games through Xbox Game Pass. As such, the game has likely been played by well over the 15 million players who've bought it.

In other news, Moon Studios has announced its independence following months of negotiations with what remains of Private Division. The studio is now focusing on its action RPG, No Rest for the Wicked, which is currently in early access. The announcement was made during a recent Wicked Inside Showcase, where the studio revealed what's coming to its latest game.

The studio unveiled the game's upcoming update, “The Breach,” scheduled for release on April 30th, 2025. This update will introduce new content, including new regions like the Lowland Meadows and Marin Woods, weapon archetypes such as Gauntlets and Wands, and various cosmetic and performance enhancements. The update also focuses on replayability, implementing QoL improvements like direct teleportation to your house, an enhanced storage system, and a Hardcore mode.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you ever played an Ori game?

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  •  

Palit RTX 5090 GameRock Review

Ever since the release of Palit's RTX 4090 GameRock, I've been waiting to see what the company would do next, and today we finally get our answer. That's because we're reviewing the RTX 5090 GameRock, featuring a bold, eye-catching design and a fat – effectively quad-slot – cooler. Concerns around pricing and availability remain just as pressing as they did when the RTX 5090 first launched, but what can this partner card bring to the table?

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:44 5090 pricing/availability – no pre-orders at all
01:21 GameRock design impressions
03:10 PCB and heatsink analysis
04:25 Test setup
04:52 Thermals and noise
06:05 Game benchmarks
06:51 Power – 12VHPWR is a huge concern
10:07 Overclocking
10:50 Closing thoughts

I remember the first time I opened the box of the last-gen Palit RTX 4090 GameRock and couldn't quite believe my eyes. The shroud was almost entirely covered in a crystal-like plastic, and once the system turned on, the RGB lighting was like nothing I'd ever seen before.

Following up something like that can often be tricky, but Palit has gone for what it describes as a ‘chameleon' aesthetic with the RTX 5090 GameRock. It's still incredibly eye-catching, but we take a closer look at the design on the next page.

It's also worth pointing out that I was sent the regular GameRock, rather than the GameRock OC, so my sample ships without a factory overclock – i.e. at reference spec.

RTX 5090 RTX 5080 RTX 4090 RTX 4080 Super RTX 4080
Process TSMC N4 TSMC N4 TSMC N4 TSMC N4 TSMC N4
SMs 170 84 128 80 76
CUDA Cores 21760 10752 16384 10240 9728
Tensor Cores 680 336 512 320 304
RT Cores 170 84 128 80 76
Texture Units 680 336 512 320 304
ROPs 176 112 176 112 112
GPU Boost Clock 2407 MHz 2617 MHz 2520 MHz 2550 MHz 2505 MHz
Memory Data Rate 28 Gbps 30 Gbps 21 Gbps 23 Gbps 22.4 Gbps
L2 Cache 98304 KB 65536 KB 73729 KB 65536 KB 65536 KB
Total Video Memory 32GB GDDR7 16GB GDDR7 24GB GDDR6X 16GB GDDR6X 16GB GDDR6X
Memory Interface 512-bit 256-bit 384-bit 256-bit 256-bit
Memory Bandwidth 1792 GB/Sec 960 GB/Sec 1008 GB/Sec 736 GB/Sec 716.8 GB/Sec
TGP 575W 360W 450W 320W 320W

First, a quick spec recap. The RTX 5090 is built on the new GB202 die, measuring 750mm2, though it's not quite a full implementation of the silicon. Instead we find a total of 11 Graphics Processing Clusters (GPCs), each holding up to eight Texture Processing Clusters (TPCs), for a total of 85. Each TPC is home to two Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs), giving us 170, and each SM still holds 128 CUDA Cores, meaning the RTX 5090 has an eye-watering total of 21760 shaders. We also find 170 RT cores, 680 Tensor cores, 680 Texture Units, and 176 ROPs.

This time around, however, there's no node-shrink, and GB202 remains fabricated on TSMC's N4 node, as per the RTX 40-series. As such, rated clock speed is not increased this generation and is actually touted slightly below that of the RTX 4090, with the RTX 5090 delivering a rated 2407MHz boost clock, compared to its predecessor's 2520MHz boost.

The memory configuration has seen significant upgrades, though. The RTX 5090 now comes equipped with a super-wide 512-bit memory interface, paired with 32GB GDDR7 memory running at 28Gbps, and that puts total memory bandwidth at a staggering 1792 GB/s. L2 cache is also increased to 98MB, up from the 74MB of the RTX 4090.

Considering the large increases to die size and core count, but with no node shrink, it's perhaps unsurprising to see power draw has increased, this time boasting a 575W TGP. This is something we focus on closely in this review, using our enhanced GPU power testing methodology, so read on for our most detailed power and efficiency testing yet.

The post Palit RTX 5090 GameRock Review first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

LEGO is “building up” internal game dev studios

For well over a decade LEGO has had a strong relationship with TT Games, letting the studio use its IP to craft co-op focused LEGO titles across a range of franchises. Despite this, the company has now announced that it’s gearing up to build its own internal game dev studios.

As reported by the Financial Times (paywalled), LEGO looks set to take a further step into the video games industry, with the company’s CEO ‘Niels Christiansen’ telling the publication:

“We can definitely say as long as we're under the Lego brand we can cover experiences for kids of all ages, digital or physical. [Games development in-house] is something we're building up.”

LEGO Dev

This comes in the wake of a number of major moves made by the company in recent years across the video games space.

Alongside a reduction in the number of TT Games developed LEGO titles, the company has partnered with Epic for a Fortnite spin-off as well as Sony for LEGO Horizon Adventures.

Given the success they have seen with such partnerships, it is interesting to hear that the company plans to get into video game development directly. Hopefully this doesn’t end with studio closures and mass lay-offs. We will simply have to wait and see.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this announcement? Should the company stick to partnering with others? What would you want to see done differently for these internal titles? Let us know down below.

The post LEGO is “building up” internal game dev studios first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Apple Arcade to add 6 new titles including Katamari and Space Invaders

Apple Arcade was created with the intention to bring wider awareness to the many great video games available on mobile platforms. With a monthly subscription, iOS users can get their hands on a range of interesting and unique games, all of which are free from microtransactions. Following the last major update, the service is set to get 6 new titles next month, including a new Katamari.

Making the announcement on their blog, the Arcade team at Apple wrote: “Six fun games and exciting updates for Apple Arcade are launching over the next month.”

Set to go go live on the 3rd of April, the full line-up of new titles is as follows:

Arcade Katamari

Easily the biggest upcoming addition is that of Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE. The first new entry in almost a decade, this Apple Arcade exclusive takes the classic Katamari format and adds a twist, having players:

“energize the king’s ‘live stream’ by rolling their Katamari to create stars. As users advance, comments from in-game fans appear, and the longer they play, the larger their audience grows. By completing the king’s challenges and boosting their subscriber count, players can unlock dynamic new stages.”

Fortunately for fans of the series, you might not need to purchase an Apple device in order to get a new taste of the King of all Cosmos, as Bandai Namco recently trademarked the name ‘Once Upon a KATAMARI’ – suggesting more games are in the works. Regardless, it is exciting to see the series finally rise from its slumber.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the line-up? Will you check out Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE? What Apple Arcade exclusive has been your favourite so far? Let us know down below.

The post Apple Arcade to add 6 new titles including Katamari and Space Invaders first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

HITMAN World of Assassination comes to PSVR2 later this month

During Sony’s State of Play last September, the console manufacturer announced that the highly successful HITMAN World of Assassination Trilogy would be coming to PlayStation VR2 in December 2024. Following a slight delay, the game is finally ready for deployment, with the game set to come to PSVR2 later this month.

Announced during the VR Games Showcase, IO Interactive offered fans another look at HITMAN World of Assassination running on PSVR2. Set to launch on the 27th of March, this PSVR2 port won’t be free, however will be relatively cheap at just £8.99 for current owners of the flat-screen version.

Fans of this trilogy might remember the previous VR port made for the OG PSVR / PS4. Given its rather rudimentary hardware, the experience was far from perfect. Fortunately, this new release looks to be significantly more comprehensive, featuring “dual-wielding, full ambidexterity, room-scale implementation, as well as general improved VR experience through new intuitive controls and gameplay mechanics.”

Beyond this, the port also adds “the possibility of performing actions with both controllers at the same time, active reloading, on-body weapon holstering, aiming through the sniper’s scope, and manual interactions to take disguises,” alongside “spatial interactions to touch, grab, and position, integration of the PlayStation VR2 controllers’ adaptative triggers, and many more.”

This marks the 3rd attempt at a VR port for HITMAN, following the aforementioned PSVR1 version and the more recent Meta Quest release. That said, hopefully IOI have managed to hit the nail on its head this time. 3rd time lucky and all that.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to this PSVR2 port? Have you tried any of the other VR Hitman experiences? Could this be a system seller if done right? Let us know down below.

The post HITMAN World of Assassination comes to PSVR2 later this month first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Capcom files new trademark for Dino Crisis in Japan

Dino Crisis is a beloved series from Capcom which has unfortunately seen little to no activity in decades. Following surveys conducted by the publisher asking whether they’d be interested in more Dino Crisis, Capcom has now registered a trademark for the game franchise in Japan.

As reported by Gematsu, Capcom recently published a trademark listing for Dino Crisis just a week ago as it pertains to video games.

While in and of itself perhaps not a big deal, as explained by Dino Crisis Community Rep Jawmuncher on BlueSky: “The [trademark] system doesn't work like it does in the US, so such a trademark means they must be planning to do SOMETHING with the IP.”

Capcom Dino Crisis

Lending further credence to this, it’s been well under 10 years since the IP was last re-trademarked, indicating that this could be more than just a case of maintaining the property rights.

As mentioned, Capcom has surveyed fans on a number of occasions asking which dormant IPs they would like to see return. With the likes of Onimusha finally getting the attention it deserves once again, perhaps Dino Crisis could be next in line? We can hope.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you think this recent filing means anything? Would you want a new entry or a remake first? Let us know down below.

The post Capcom files new trademark for Dino Crisis in Japan first appeared on KitGuru.
  •  

Dutch etailer sends out long-awaited RTX 5090 after fake recall claim

Last week, a dutch etailer caused quite a stir after telling RTX 5090 pre-order customers that they would have to wait longer for their graphics cards to arrive. Despite having units in stock, the store claimed that Nvidia had issued a recall of RTX 50 GPUs. We were quickly able to establish that no such recall is or was taking place, and now, customers who have been kept waiting for over a month are starting to get their graphics cards.

One of our YouTube channel subscribers, Ben, got in touch with us about the situation last week, producing proof of purchase for the RTX 5090 at uwgamespecialist.nl, as well as the email from their customer service stating that Nvidia had recalled a number of graphics cards. Ben had purchased the RTX 5090 for 3399 euros in January but despite the card showing as in stock on the retailer's website, he could not get an update on when the card would ship. This eventually led to the now infamous ‘recall' claim. The CEO for uwgamespecialist.nl later admitted in email to KitGuru that there was no recall and promised to get Ben the unit he ordered.

In an email this morning, Ben confirmed to us that he did indeed receive his MSI RTX 5090 Suprim graphics card from uwgamespecialist.nl on Monday. We know of at least one other customer who bought the same graphics card at a similar price, on the same day as Ben, who is also awaiting their unit. It is our hope that they also get their unit in the coming days.

To catch up on the whole story surrounding this situation, be sure to check out the editorial from our Editor-in-Chief, Allan Campbell, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If you are buying an in-demand item like the RTX 5090, be sure to keep an eye on the store you ordered from for any stock updates and raise the alarm if you notice something suspicious, like a dubious recall claim. You'll always be able to tell if a legitimate recall has been issued or not, as product recalls always require a public announcement from the original product manufacturer.  

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Nvidia RTX 5060 reportedly packs 25% more CUDA cores than its predecessor

Following yesterday's leak detailing the RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5050 specifications, the missing piece of the puzzle has finally fallen into place: the RTX 5060. The same leaker has now provided the full specifications of the upcoming GPU.

According to kopite7kimi (via videocardz), all three cards will use the same PG152 board design, which apparently supports two distinct GPUs (GB206 and GB207) and two memory types (GDDR6 and GDDR7). This suggests a unified platform, potentially streamlining production and reducing costs.

As predicted, the RTX 5060 non-Ti appears to be a slightly less powerful variant of the 5060 Ti. It features 3,840 CUDA cores, approximately 25% more than the RTX 4060, a higher 150W TGP, 35W more than its predecessor, and 8 GB of GDDR7 memory across a 128-bit memory bus. While clock speeds remain undisclosed, the core count increase, faster VRAM, and TGP difference suggest a decent performance uplift, at least more than the rest of the RTX 50 series brought compared to its RTX 40 series counterparts.

Nvidia is reportedly planning to announce the RTX 5060 alongside the RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5050 next week. These cards are expected to become available starting in April, but we're unsure if they'll all be released simultaneously.

KitGuru says: Of all three reportedly upcoming Nvidia RTX 50 series cards, which one looks the most interesting to you?

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Microsoft reportedly set to unveil Xbox handheld this year

Microsoft has been rumoured to be working on a gaming handheld for decades. Even back during the days of the Xbox 360, there were rumours of an Xbox-style PSP or GameBoy style system. With handhelds now able to offer enough power to run even current-generation games, Microsoft finally looks to be jumping on the bandwagon. 

According to WindowsCentral, Microsoft is working on an Xbox companion handheld device to cap off the Xbox Series X/S generation. In collaboration with an unnamed OEM partner, this Xbox handheld is being developed under the codename ‘Keenan' and it should launch before the end of this year.

The handheld will run Windows 11, like several other handhelds already on the market, but with new ‘device aware' features that allow the OS to shift UI formats based on whether you're using a handheld, laptop or desktop. Think of it similarly to how the Steam Deck launches with the Big Picture UI, but you can opt to switch to desktop mode for more advanced tasks.

The handheld would be the last major hardware release of the Xbox Series X/S generation, as Microsoft is also reportedly moving ahead with plans to ship a new-gen Xbox console in 2027.

KitGuru Says: The issue I have with this strategy if that going via the OEM route almost always leads to increased costs. If the handheld can't compete with the Steam Deck on price, then I don't see any chance for widespread success. 

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