Steam Deck
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Deck.
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Inspired by the classic DOOM RPG, the Dungeons of DUSK demo is out now
The demo for Dungeons of DUSK, a retro dungeon crawler inspired by the classic DOOM RPG and a spin-off of the FPS Dusk, is now available. Developed by New Blood Interactive, the game features a sprawling skill tree, moody atmosphere, and a 30-level campaign. It also includes Native Linux support and is Steam Deck Verified.
AMD Reportedly Pauses Ryzen Z1 Drivers — Bad News for Gaming Handhelds
AMD has reportedly halted driver development for its Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme chipsets, impacting gaming handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. This decision leaves owners of these devices with outdated software, potentially leading to performance issues and a lack of support for new games. The move raises concerns about planned obsolescence in the burgeoning Windows handheld market.
How a surge in memory prices will affect the game industry
A surge in demand for DRAM and NAND memory, driven by AI infrastructure expansion, is significantly increasing prices for components used in gaming hardware and development. This trend is expected to squeeze hardware margins for consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, potentially leading to price adjustments for subscriptions and peripherals. PC gamers may delay upgrades, while developers face rising server costs, necessitating smarter infrastructure strategies.
As AI threatens to make everything more expensive, are you happy if it takes longer for the next console generation to begin?
The increasing cost of AI technology may lead to higher prices for gaming hardware and potentially delay the next console generation. This article discusses whether a delayed start to new consoles, like the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox, would be beneficial given the current generation's perceived untapped potential and the rising cost of living. It also explores the possibility of a renaissance in retro gaming as a more affordable alternative.
As Mewgenics rolls out its latest patch, the creators have been "mapping out DLC 1" and they're "getting a little bit excited about it"
The developers of the roguelike Mewgenics are actively planning its first downloadable content, with creators Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel expressing excitement about the upcoming expansion. The game recently achieved a record for concurrent players on Steam, and the developers are also addressing player feedback and bug fixes in recent patches.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 gaming headset review: good listener, bad talker
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 gaming headset boasts excellent build quality, comfortable wear, and impressive audio for games and music. However, its retractable microphone produces poor sound quality by default, requiring a data-grabbing account to access presets for improvement. The earcups can become tight over time, and the high price point is a significant drawback, especially when compared to cheaper alternatives with better microphones.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless gaming headset review: sweet sounds for PC and handhelds
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless headset offers impressive sound quality and a comfortable design for PC and handheld gaming, despite its mid-range price point. It provides clear highs, agreeable bass, and accurate positional audio, with a surprisingly clear boom mic. Battery life exceeds the advertised 30 hours, making it a strong contender for device jugglers.
US Supreme Court strike down majority of Trump's tariffs, so hopefully that's one less hardware buying headache to worry about
The US Supreme Court has struck down the majority of tariffs imposed by President Trump, potentially easing hardware costs for consumers. This ruling could alleviate issues faced by PC hardware companies and impact products like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck. The article also briefly touches on the ongoing RAM shortage exacerbated by AI companies.
A decade of gaming hardware stagnation? That might not be a bad thing | Opinion
Component shortages driven by AI data center demand are impacting gaming hardware, potentially leading to stagnation in console and PC upgrades for years. While frustrating, this pause might be welcome for consumers experiencing diminishing returns on hardware advancements and facing price hikes. The industry faces a future with potentially unchanged mainstream gaming hardware specifications by the end of the decade, with consumers likely less bothered by a lack of upgrades than by increased prices.
The best SSDs for the Steam Deck
This guide reviews and recommends the best M.2 2230 SSDs for the Steam Deck, evaluating performance, thermals, and value. It highlights top picks like the Corsair MP600 Mini for overall performance and the Crucial P310 for exceptional value, while also discussing compatibility and installation.
Why Do Game Console Prices Keep Going Up?
The ongoing global chip shortage, exacerbated by the massive demand for AI data centers, is driving up prices for gaming consoles and PC components. This situation is leading to longer console generations, potential consolidation in the PC building market, and a shift towards cloud gaming as a more accessible option for consumers. While the shortage presents challenges, it could also lead to developers focusing more on optimizing games for existing hardware, potentially resulting in better-designed and more accessible gaming experiences in the long run.
"Creativity is the key": how PC hardware's smaller manufacturers are navigating the RAM shortage disaster
Smaller PC hardware manufacturers are navigating the current RAM shortage by using less memory in their products or leveraging their unique market position. Companies like Commodore International with the C64 Ultimate and Panic with the Playdate are less affected due to lower RAM requirements, while Framework utilizes a modular approach and direct supplier contact to manage component sourcing. Despite these strategies, some firms like the Pi Foundation have had to increase prices, and the overall outlook suggests the shortage, driven by AI demand, could persist for several more years.
You can run PC games like Cyberpunk 2077 on Android now, and it’s not streaming
Cyberpunk 2077 is now playable on Android devices through PC emulation layers like GameHub and WinLater, without requiring cloud streaming. Using a high-end Red Magic 11 Pro with active cooling, the game achieved playable frame rates, reaching the mid-to-high 40s with FSR frame generation enabled at 720p on low settings.
The Best Steam Deck Games To Play In 2026
This guide highlights the best games available for the Steam Deck, catering to a wide range of genres from AAA titles to indie gems. It focuses on games that are 'Deck Verified' by Valve and offer an excellent portable experience, with regular updates to reflect the growing library of compatible titles.
New Video Game Releases in Week 6 of February 9, 2026
The second week of February 2026, starting February 9th, will see numerous new video game releases across various platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Notable titles include Mario Tennis Fever, High on Life 2, Mewgenics, and Yakuza Kiwami 3. The article also details free game offerings for PC, Mobile, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscribers throughout February.
New Video Game Releases in Week 6 of February 9, 2026
The second week of February 2026, starting February 9th, will see numerous new video game releases across various platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Notable titles include Mario Tennis Fever, High on Life 2, Mewgenics, and Yakuza Kiwami 3. The article also details free game offerings for PC, Mobile, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscribers throughout February.
New Video Game Releases in Week 6 of February 9, 2026
The second week of February 2026, starting February 9th, will see numerous new video game releases across various platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Notable titles include Mario Tennis Fever, High on Life 2, Mewgenics, and Yakuza Kiwami 3. The article also details free game offerings for PC, Mobile, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscribers throughout February.
Starsand Island is a life and farming sim that isn't gacha, and it's out next week
Starsand Island, a life and farming simulation game from Seed Sparkle Lab, will launch into Early Access on February 11 for PC and Xbox. The developer anticipates a short Early Access period, with a full release planned for summer 2024, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch versions, along with Steam Deck support and multiplayer. The game features storybook, anime-inspired aesthetics and includes farming, mining, social interactions, and combat.
New Video Game Releases in Week 5 of February 2, 2026
The first week of February 2026 will see the release of several new video games, including Nioh 3, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, My Hero Academia: All’s Justice, PGA Tour 2K25, Super Bomberman Collection, and Carmageddon: Rogue Shift across various platforms. A demo for Pragmata is also expected on the Switch 2. The article also lists free games available through Epic Games Store, Amazon Prime Gaming, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Plus for February 2026.
15 Funniest Games to Play in 2026: From Scripted Wit to Physics Chaos
This article explores the funniest games available in 2026, categorizing them by their comedic approach, from scripted wit to physics-based chaos. It highlights titles like Aperture Desk Job for its Valve-style humor, Helldivers 2 for emergent multiplayer comedy, and West of Loathing for its exceptionally funny writing. The piece also touches on the importance of mindful gaming habits to prevent burnout.
