Performance
Ongoing coverage on Performance.
Latest coverage
Crimson Desert can perform well on PC, but you’ll need to win its crash lottery first
Crimson Desert offers a visually impressive experience on PC with good support for upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR. However, the game suffers from significant instability and inconsistency, including crashes and glitches, which can hinder the overall player experience. Optimal settings involve a blend of presets and careful adjustment of graphics options to balance performance and visual fidelity.
One Simple Question About FPS Reveals Gaming’s Performance Crisis
A simple Reddit question about frame rates highlights a persistent performance crisis in PC gaming, where maintaining smooth frame rates is a daily concern for millions. Despite advancements in visual fidelity, even mid-range systems struggle with demanding titles, leading to player anxiety and a growing appeal of consoles' consistent performance.
Nintendo Switch 2 handheld boost mode is great but it does impact battery life
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 'handheld boost' mode that improves resolution and framerate for original Nintendo Switch games, similar to docked mode. However, this feature significantly impacts battery life, reducing playtime by over an hour in some cases, as demonstrated by a user playing Doom. Players must manually enable this mode in settings.
Crimson Desert PC Graphics Analysis – An Ambitious Open World Tech Showcase
Crimson Desert's PC version is a visually ambitious open-world title that showcases impressive graphics and technology, though it requires careful performance tuning. The game features a vast, detailed world with dynamic lighting and realistic water physics, but suffers from occasional stuttering and long loading times. While not quite reaching the benchmark set by titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 in world reactivity, Crimson Desert offers a compelling and visually stunning experience.
Crimson Desert Studio Seemngly Won’t Showcase Xbox Series X/S Gameplay Before Launch
Pearl Abyss has not showcased gameplay for Crimson Desert on Xbox Series X/S, unlike the PlayStation 5 version. The developer referred IGN to the official console specifications when asked about the lack of footage. While reviewers may provide their own gameplay, official developer showcases for Xbox are not expected before the March 19th launch.
Don't Expect Crimson Desert Xbox Series X or S Gameplay Footage Before Launch - IGN
Pearl Abyss will not release gameplay footage for the Xbox Series X and S versions of Crimson Desert before its March 19 launch. While PC and PlayStation 5 footage has been shown, the Xbox versions' absence has raised concerns. The developer has provided performance specifications for all consoles, detailing resolution, frame rate targets, and raytracing options.
New video shows Switch games running on Nintendo Switch 2 with boost mode on
Nintendo has introduced a handheld boost mode for the Nintendo Switch 2, allowing original Nintendo Switch games to run with improved resolution and framerates in handheld mode, similar to docked performance. A video showcases this feature with games like Dragon Quest XI S, and it can be enabled via the system's settings.
Dell XPS 16 (2026) review: Return of the king
The Dell XPS 16 (2026) marks a successful return for the premium laptop line, featuring a redesigned, lighter chassis, improved performance, and an excellent OLED display option. While it boasts strong battery life and a sleek build, minor keyboard issues and the lack of an SD card reader are noted drawbacks. Despite a high price point, Dell's commitment to the XPS brand is evident, with potential for a future model with discrete graphics.
Sony's updated PSSR upscaling tech is finally available for even more PS5 Pro games, including Crimson Desert, Silent Hill f, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and more
Sony has released a new PlayStation 5 software patch that enhances its PSSR upscaling technology for a wide range of PS5 Pro games. The update aims to improve image stability, clarity, and performance, with more titles like Crimson Desert and Assassin’s Creed Shadows set to receive it soon. Developers from Konami, BioWare, and Remedy Entertainment have praised the improvements for their respective games.
We’ve Finally Seen Crimson Desert Running on Base PS5 - IGN
A new gameplay video showcases Crimson Desert running on a base PlayStation 5, addressing concerns about its performance on standard hardware. While the YouTube encoding limits resolution and frame rate, the footage suggests smooth gameplay without significant hitches. The reveal comes shortly before the game's March 19 launch, with questions still lingering about its performance on Xbox consoles, particularly the Series S.
PSSR på PS5 Pro uppgraderat – spel som Crimson Desert, Silent Hill f, Cyberpunk 2077 stöds nu eller snart
The PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling technology on the PlayStation 5 Pro has received an upgrade, promising improved stability, sharper details, and more consistent performance. Several games, including Crimson Desert, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill f, and Cyberpunk 2077, are now supported or will be soon, with titles like Control, Alan Wake 2, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth already patched.
POCO X8 Pro Series: Defining the New Generation of Performance Flagships for Gaming and Beyond
POCO has launched its new X8 series, positioning the POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max as performance flagships for mobile gaming. The Pro Max model features the Dimensity 9500s chip and an 8500mAh battery, while the Pro model includes the Dimensity 8500-Ultra and a 6500mAh battery. Both devices emphasize high-performance capabilities, advanced cooling, and fast charging, with the series officially releasing on March 17th.
'A Transformed Game': Silent Hill F the Highlight of PS5 Pro's Upgrade
The PlayStation 5 Pro's new PSSR upgrade significantly improves the graphical fidelity of Silent Hill F, transforming it from a demonstration of the feature's flaws into a showcase. Other games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Monster Hunter Wilds also see improvements in areas such as anti-aliasing, foliage rendering, and texture detail with the firmware update.
Upgraded PS5 Pro PSSR support 'justifies the existence' of Sony's console
Sony is rolling out an updated PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology to a growing list of PlayStation 5 Pro titles, promising enhanced visual stability and clarity. This AI-driven upscaler, now supported by games like Silent Hill 2, Control, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, is considered by some to be a significant improvement that justifies the console's existence.
Upgraded PSSR rolling out to Silent Hill f, MH Wilds, FF VII Rebirth, Crimson Desert, and more
An upgraded PSSR (PlayStation 5 Pro Rendering) feature is rolling out to upcoming games including Silent Hill f, Monster Hunter Wilds, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Crimson Desert. This performance enhancement can also be enabled for existing supported titles through an optional system setting on the PlayStation 5.
BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominations revealed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads in 12 categories
Sandfall Interactive's RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received 12 nominations for the BAFTA Game Awards 2026, including for Best Game and Best Performance. The nominations highlight the game's critical reception and the performance of its actors.
CONTROL Ultimate Edition and Alan Wake 2 will support new PSSR
Control Ultimate Edition and Alan Wake 2 will feature support for the new Performance Super Resolution (PSSR) technology on the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro. This advanced version of PSSR aims to enhance image stability and motion clarity for players exploring these titles.
The 1TB PNY microSD Express Card loaded up Pokemon Pokopia faster than the Switch 2, and now it's my go-to SD card
The 1TB PNY microSD Express card offers a compelling storage solution for the Nintendo Switch, boasting speeds that rival or even surpass the console's internal storage for game loading and transfers. While its $199.99 price point is significant, it is more affordable than comparable 1TB models from other brands and provides a substantial boost for players who keep their entire digital library installed.
MacBook Air M5 review: Same but faster
The latest MacBook Air, powered by the M5 chip, offers a performance upgrade over previous models without significant design changes. While the price has increased to $1,099, it remains a top choice for most users due to its strong performance, excellent build quality, and impressive battery life, even handling demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.
BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominations revealed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads in nine categories
The nominations for the 2026 BAFTA Game Awards have been revealed, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leading with 12 nominations, including Best Game. Other notable nominees for Best Game include Dispatch and Ghost of Yōtei. The awards ceremony will take place on April 17, 2026, in London.
