Hardware
Ongoing coverage on Hardware.
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BioShock creator: Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Machine prove graphics have reached “diminishing returns”
BioShock creator Ken Levine believes that graphics have reached a point of diminishing returns, citing the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and Steam Machine as evidence that current hardware is sufficient. He suggests that stylistic visuals age better than hyper-realism and that players increasingly prefer accessible hardware over raw graphical power.
It's the most powerful gaming CPU money can buy, but you really shouldn't.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition offers marginal gaming performance gains over the 9950X3D for a significantly higher price, making it an impractical choice for most PC gamers. While it shows some benefits in specific scenarios due to its dual 3D V-Cache design and symmetrical clock speeds, its high cost, power consumption, and thermal output do not justify the expense for its limited advantages.
Your Steam Controller screams when you drop it
Valve's Steam Controller emits a Wilhelm scream sound effect when dropped, provided the device is in Steam Big Picture mode. This hidden feature was discovered by a Reddit user and confirmed by PCGamesN staff. The article also notes Valve's new reservation system for the controller due to high demand.
Yes, Valve's new Steam Controller screams if you drop it from a great enough height
Valve's new Steam Controller features a Wilhelm scream Easter egg that triggers if the device is dropped from a sufficient height. This feature appears to activate when the controller is in Steam's Big Picture mode. The company is also working to restock the popular controller after its initial supply sold out quickly.
New Steam Controller does a Wilhelm scream if you drop it
Valve's new Steam Controller features an unexpected Easter egg: it emits the Wilhelm scream sound effect when dropped. This is achieved through the controller's haptic motors, as it lacks a built-in speaker. The article also touches on delays for the Steam Machine and VR headset due to a memory crisis.
PSA: The Steam Controller Wilhelm Screams at you if you drop it
The Steam Controller features an easter egg where it plays the Wilhelm Scream sound effect when dropped, likely as a humorous reaction to being thrown or dropped. This feature is enabled when the gyro is active in the controller's desktop profile settings. The article also mentions the potential for Valve to allow custom sound effects in future software updates.
Valve snuck a Wilhelm scream easter egg into the new Steam Controller
Valve has included a Wilhelm scream easter egg in the new Steam Controller. When dropped, the gamepad will occasionally emit the iconic sound effect, a feature that appears to be triggered by haptics and gyros. This secret feature was discovered by a Reddit user and confirmed by PC Gamer staff.
This New PS5 Controller May Solve DualSense's Stick Drift Issues, But It Comes with a $220 Cost
Scuf has released the Omega controller for PlayStation 5, featuring hall effect analog sticks designed to prevent stick drift, a common issue with the standard DualSense. The premium controller also includes customizable inputs and mechanical switches but lacks rumble functionality. It is priced at $219.99.
Cheaper AMD Radeon RX 9050 GPUs are seemingly inbound, and it's almost better than the RX 9060
Reports suggest AMD is preparing to release the Radeon RX 9050 graphics card, which may feature a higher core count than the RX 9060. This new GPU is rumored to use the Navi 44 GPU with 2,048 Stream Processors and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, potentially making it a strong option for small form-factor PCs and rivaling upcoming devices like the Steam Machine.
AMD reportedly planning a new budget graphics card with a surprising number of cores
AMD is reportedly planning a new budget graphics card, the Radeon RX 9050, which may feature the same core count as the RX 9060 XT but with lower clock speeds. This move could be a strategy to utilize surplus Navi 44 chips or fill a gap in the low-end market. The card is expected to have 8 GB of GDDR6 memory and a 128-bit memory bus.
Valve fix Steam Controller double inputs with the Puck - Steam Deck gets configurable Track Pad Locking
Valve has released a new Steam Client Beta for PC and Steam Deck that addresses an issue causing double inputs on the Steam Controller when charging on the Puck. The update also introduces configurable trackpad locking behavior for the Steam Deck, allowing users to disable it when using the joysticks.
The Steam Machine has a new reference in Steam's database, and it means we could be seeing it arrive very soon
Valve's Steam Machine appears to be nearing release, with four package references recently discovered in Steam's database within a reservation system code. This suggests multiple models are prepared for launch and that a release date and pricing announcement, along with pre-orders, could be imminent. Similar database entries preceded the launch of the Steam Controller, which also faced scalping issues leading to a reservation system.
Rumor Mill
A recent Steam update suggests the potential for four distinct Steam Machine models and the implementation of a reservation system. This news comes from a report by PC Gamer, indicating possible future hardware developments for Valve's gaming platform.
Hardware Reviews
This article features reviews of various hardware components, including the MSI MAG CORELIQUID A15 360 Liquid CPU Cooler from ThinkComputers.org and an honest review of the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones from Mashable.
New Steam update hints at four separate Steam Machine models and a reservation system
A recent Steam update suggests Valve is preparing to launch four distinct models of the Steam Machine, potentially implementing a reservation system similar to the Steam Controller. While a specific release date and price remain unconfirmed, Valve has stated the device will launch this year, with a reservation system being a positive indicator of upcoming announcements.
Nintendo explains how it achieved Switch 2 sales that “far exceeded” its expectations
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stated that the Nintendo Switch 2's first-year sales of nearly 20 million units significantly surpassed the company's expectations. He attributed the success to strong pre-launch interest, robust production, and a smooth transition for existing Nintendo Switch owners due to backward compatibility.
Valve's Steam Machine reservation page code points towards four package flavors, and two could ditch the controller
Code found on Valve's Steam Machine reservation page suggests four package configurations will be available, including options with and without the new Steam Controller. The article speculates on potential storage sizes and pricing, noting that a smaller SSD could make the device more affordable for indie gaming or as a secondary console alongside platforms like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
Breaking Technology, Metaverse and Hardware News, Leaks And Guides
Stealth Optional, part of Gfinity Digital Media, provides coverage on technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming. The publication emphasizes expert analysis and adherence to high editorial standards, ensuring unbiased content and integrity.
Breaking Technology, Metaverse and Hardware News, Leaks And Guides
Stealth Optional, part of Gfinity Digital Media, provides coverage on technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming. The publication emphasizes expert analysis and adherence to high editorial standards, ensuring unbiased content and integrity.
Breaking Technology, Metaverse and Hardware News, Leaks And Guides
Stealth Optional, part of Gfinity Digital Media, provides coverage on technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming. The publication emphasizes expert analysis and adherence to high editorial standards, ensuring unbiased content and integrity.