Tag Archives: Gaming

This Teenage Engineering handled gaming console derives inspiration from Sony PSP

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Teenage Engineering as a niche electronics brand has always offered something new and exciting to the audio-loving community. We certainly love all their creations and are always looking forward to the next creation from the Swedish wiz. It’s been just a few weeks since we saw the refreshing TE concept handheld gaming console designed by an independent creator, and now another one with an eerily similar vibe has landed on Behance.

On first look both these handheld gaming consoles seemed similar but on closer inspection they are indeed different. No surprise, this concept is fan-made, and in no way does Teenage Engineering endorse the concept. That said, the handheld is impressive enough to someday become the inspiration for a real gaming console by TE.

Designer: Vishesh Jaiswal

The curves normally identified with the Apple smartphone become an inspiration on the Gaming Console XP-I and the curvature follows down to the bottom surface. The portable gaming machine designed for casual gamers emerges from the teardown of the nostalgic 2006 Sony PSP, and finally evolves to take the form of a handheld that is an amalgam of inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. The prototype dummy model is created by intricately shaping the styrofoam that still looks roughened up and unconvincing.

On the other hand, digital renders look more refined and TE-worthy with an extended rear section that acts as a sidekick to place it on the surface. These also act as the trigger buttons for massive tactile input as they move a full 90 degrees. This should be engaging and fun while playing the newly released COD Warzone Mobile or CarX Street. The joystick buttons are more prominent for gamers who like the more retro-styled console with big chunky input buttons.

The rear bottom of the handheld has leather padding for comfortable holding during long gaming sessions. The body shell is done in a titanium grey finish contrasted with the signature Teenage Engineering color scheme in orange, black and white. I personally like this one better compared to the earlier concept. Which one do you fancy more to one day join the TE line-up?

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Sony PS5 Pro Leaks Indicate 3X More Powerful Performance with Super-Resolution Rendering

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There’s never a dull moment in the gaming world. Microsoft and Activision’s merger caused enough excitement, while a random rumor also indicated that the company was giving up on Xbox amid mass layoffs. GTA 6 may see a new trailer drop in May but its launch has been pushed to 2026 amid development delays. Meanwhile, the world is gearing up for the next Nintendo Switch to drop and now it seems like credible leaks indicate that there’s a Sony PlayStation 5 Pro in the horizon.

Designer: Sony

The sources behind these leaks inspire a degree of confidence. Respected outlets like IGN and industry insider Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming have lent their credibility to the rumors. Additionally, Sony’s own investigative response to the leaks suggests they might hold some weight. It’s not every day we get such a comprehensive glimpse into the potential future of console gaming.

So, what advancements can we expect from the PS5 Pro? The leaks paint a picture of a console designed to push the boundaries of graphical fidelity and performance. While the CPU clock speed is rumored to see a modest 10% increase, the real game-changer lies in the GPU. This powerhouse component boasts a staggering 3.25 times the processing power of its predecessor in the PS5, translating to a potential 45% jump in rendering performance. Imagine buttery smooth gameplay with visuals that leave you speechless – that’s the promise the PS5 Pro seems to hold.

For gamers who crave hyper-realistic visuals, the news gets even better. Ray tracing, the technology that simulates real-world lighting effects for unparalleled immersion, is set for a significant boost. Leaks suggest a two to four times improvement in ray tracing performance, which, when combined with the rumored AI accelerator and custom machine learning architecture, hints at Sony’s ambitious plans to integrate AI more deeply into the gaming experience. Imagine enemies that adapt to your tactics, environments that react to your actions, and a level of detail that blurs the lines between reality and the virtual world.

The PS5 Pro might retain the 16GB of memory found in the PS5, but it’s poised to make significant strides in data transfer speeds with a rumored 28% increase in bandwidth. This translates to potentially shorter loading times, a welcome change for any gamer who’s grown weary of staring at progress bars.

One particularly intriguing feature is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). This Sony-developed technology aims to rival AMD’s FSR 2 by offering superior game rendering. With support for up to 4K resolution at a blistering 120fps and even 8K at 60fps, PSSR has the potential to set a new benchmark for visual quality in console gaming. Imagine experiencing your favorite games in stunning detail, running at silky smooth frame rates. It’s a future that promises to redefine how we perceive console graphics.

The audio processing unit is rumored to receive a 35% speed boost, promising a richer and more immersive auditory experience. When you factor in the anticipated PlayStation Link for lossless audio and a generous 1TB of internal storage, the PS5 Pro appears dedicated to delivering a complete sensory experience that complements the visual feast for your eyes.

The question of whether to upgrade to the PS5 Pro hinges on your individual needs and preferences. While the rumored specifications paint a picture of a console with a significant performance leap, it’s important to remember that it might take some time for game developers to fully leverage its capabilities. Additionally, the price tag, rumored to be in the $600-$650 range, may create a bit of an uproar. After all, there’s nothing more dangerous than a scorned gamer.

Images via ZONEofTECH

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LEGO unveils 3,745-brick Dungeons & Dragons Set for the game’s 50th Anniversary

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If you personally asked me, LEGO and Dungeons & Dragons are a match made in heaven – both have existed for decades, are infinitely customizable, and have a highly loyal and dedicated user base that’s constantly helping the artform evolve and expand. It took nearly half a century, but the two have finally come together in a glorious collaboration, marking DND’s 50th anniversary. The LEGO® Ideas 21348 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Red Dragon’s Tale is a stunning 3,745-piece playable box-set, designed by LEGO-builder Lucas Bolt and submitted to LEGO’s Ideas forum, where it was picked up by LEGO’s internal team and realized into a box-set. It features a bustling tavern, a mysterious dungeon, and a towering wizard’s tower – all begging to be explored. But the real star of the show is the gigantic Cinderhowl, a fearsome red dragon that builders can pose and wrap around the tower, recreating countless heart-pounding encounters.

Designer: Lucas Bolt for LEGO

“LEGO bricks and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS have been used by fans to generate stories and build adventures for so long that bringing these two creative brands together during our 50th Anniversary felt like a no-brainer,” said Dan Rawson, Global Play Lead on DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and RPGs.

This set captures the essence of the Dungeons & Dragons experience marvelously. Included are six minifigures – a brave party of adventurers ready to face any challenge. From the stoic Dwarf Cleric to the nimble Orc Rogue, each character embodies the diverse and fantastical world of D&D. To add to the atmosphere, the set also features iconic monsters like the mind-flaying Beholder and the ferocious Owlbear, making every build a thrilling adventure.

The LEGO Ideas team also partnered with Wizards of the Coast (a Hasbro subsidiary specializing in building role-playing, trading card, and digital games for all genres of players) to create a custom Dungeons & Dragons adventure specifically designed for the Red Dragon’s Tale set. This unique story adds a whole new layer of play, allowing fans to weave their own tales and relive epic D&D campaigns brick by brick.

“The DUNGEONS & DRAGONS theme combined with my love of history, fantasy, and making games, inspired me to create a playable layout with different challenges and routes to explore. I had so much fun designing this piece, and it is a real privilege seeing my design developed into a detailed LEGO set to celebrate 50 years of the iconic game”, said Lucas, referencing his combined love for DND and LEGO bricks.

Whether you’re a seasoned Dungeons & Dragons player or simply a LEGO aficionado, the Red Dragon’s Tale set celebrates creativity and a collaborative spirit. Build the game together with your friends before spending the next couple of hours playing the game. It’s an experience that’s highly rewarding, and while most LEGO sets are designed to be assembled and then just preserved as is, this particular set actually encourages constant tinkering, rebuilding, expanding, and hands-on gameplay! So gather your party, sharpen your axe, and get ready to embark on a legendary quest! And if you’re in Amsterdam or Milan on the 6th or 12th of April respectively, LEGO is also hosting a meet-and-greet where you can get your copy of the Red Dragon’s Tale signed by designer Lucas Bolt himself!

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ASUS ROG NUC mini PC offers a small gaming box with a big catch

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Handheld gaming PCs might be the buzzword in the industry, but they’re not the only small-form gaming-oriented computers around. In fact, it’s probably thanks to the relative success of the likes of the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion GO, and ASUS ROG Ally that the formula for compact gaming computers has been tested and proven. It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that gaming desktops in mini PC form would be popping up more frequently, like this latest entry from ASUS’ ROG brand that carries in its compact body some pretty big specs, a big legacy, and, unfortunately, an equally big price tag.

Designer: ASUS ROG

Gamers, especially those on the PC side of the fence, might already be familiar with the Republic of Gamers brand, but “NUC” might sound alien to them. The name, which stands for “Next Unit of Computing,” actually came from Intel and was used for the chipmaker’s line of mini PCs. After a decade of existence, Intel decided the product line really bore no fruit, definitely not in terms of profit, and decided to shutter the hardware and license the name to ASUS. Thus, the ASUS ROG NUC is pretty much the merger of two DNAs, one from Intel’s somewhat proof-of-concept mini PCs and the other from ASUS’s gaming house.

Unlike Intel’s NUCs, which were pretty much barebone general-purpose budget computers in a small box, the ROG NUC has the beating heart of a gaming laptop, just crammed in a small box that’s just around two inches thick. That includes an Intel Core Ultra processor, the kind that boasts upgraded AI chops, and an integrated NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070, depending on the configuration. There are plenty of ports for connection, as well as options for expanded storage that you can easily access thanks to its tool-less chassis.

While those might sound like juicy features for a gaming mini PC, the starting price of $1,629 makes it look less palatable, or $2,199 for the next step up in specs. For that price, you can already get a respectable gaming laptop with nearly the same or even better specs, and you won’t need to hook it up to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. And unlike a desktop PC, you can’t upgrade anything other than memory and storage, so performance is pretty much a fixed value.

These raise the question of who the ASUS ROG NUC will be for, and the answer is quite a niche market. It will be for PC gamers who don’t exactly need mobility but do have limited desk space for a tower. It might even be for users who already have a more powerful gaming desktop and just need a secondary computer for their office. Either way, these scenarios make that high price tag even less appealing unless ASUS holds a sale immediately after launching the product.

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Retro Wired Controller for the Xbox is a legitimate Blast from the Past

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Remember the classic feel of your favorite retro console controllers? The chunky buttons, the responsive D-pad, the sheer simplicity of the design? The 8BitDo M30 Wired Controller for Xbox brings back that sense of nostalgia while offering features fit for modern gaming.

This officially licensed Xbox controller boasts a familiar 6-button layout, a hallmark of classic gaming experiences. But unlike its predecessors, the M30 boasts “updated” functionality for today’s titles. Exactly what these updates are remains to be seen in reviews, but it suggests the controller can handle the complexities of modern games while retaining the feel of a retro favorite.

Designer: 8bitdo

Beyond aesthetics, the M30 offers a wired USB-C connection for virtually lag-free gameplay. This is a major benefit for competitive gamers who rely on split-second reaction times. The controller is also built with precision engineering, featuring a smooth D-pad and calibrated buttons for optimal control.

Gamers who crave customization will appreciate the M30’s ability to remap buttons and adjust sensitivity. This allows for a personalized experience tailored to each player’s preferences. The controller also boasts additional bumpers and triggers for a more immersive gaming experience, particularly in genres like racing or shooters.

For fighting game enthusiasts, the M30 includes a dedicated mode button that lets them switch between regular and professional layouts. This is a thoughtful feature that caters to the specific needs of the fighting game community.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer yearning for a simpler time or a newcomer curious about retro experiences, the 8BitDo M30 Wired Controller for Xbox offers an intriguing option. It blends classic design with modern functionality, creating a potentially compelling controller for a variety of gamers.

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This Mechanical Controller Brings Glorious Desktop-style Clicky Keycaps to your PlayStation

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You’ve used a gaming controller to play on the PC but how about the other way around? Meet the Hitbox, a console controller that sort of flips the status quo, giving you a comfortably tactile desktop-style gaming controller for your other consoles. The Hitbox sports 12 hot-swappable keycaps with backlights (and an additional 6 programmable buttons) looking like a mechanical marvel for PC gamers… however, the Hitbox isn’t designed to just work with a PC. It’ll work with the Nintendo Switch, PS3, and PS4 too, thanks to a USB-C port that lets you hook the controller to your console for beautifully clicky computer-style gaming on pretty much any device. (You’ll need a Brook converter to run it with the PS5 because Sony only allows licensed controllers to work with their latest console)

Designer: Drop

The Hitbox eschews the traditional joystick in favor of a layout of buttons, mirroring the design of arcade fight pads. This layout, while potentially unfamiliar to newcomers, is prized by fighting game veterans for its precision and ability to execute complex combos and special moves with greater ease.

But the Hitbox isn’t simply a retro throwback. It boasts several features that cater to the modern gamer. One of the most compelling aspects is the hot-swappable key functionality. Similar to mechanical keyboards, the Hitbox features 12 individual key slots that can be easily customized with your favorite mechanical keyboard switches. This allows players to tailor the feel and responsiveness of the controller to their specific preferences, a significant advantage for competitive players seeking that perfect edge in terms of speed and actuation.

Beyond the core buttons, the Hitbox offers six programmable buttons. Using the included PC driver software, players can assign intricate in-game macros to these buttons. This allows for effortless execution of complex combos and special moves, freeing up mental resources and allowing players to focus on strategy and execution during intense matches. The Hitbox also offers compatibility in the form of plug-and-play functionality with the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and even the PS3, broadening its appeal to a wider audience of fighting game enthusiasts across various platforms.

The build quality of the Megalodon Hitbox is as impressive as its functionality. The sleek design combines a high-quality aluminum alloy base with a durable acrylic top, ensuring the controller can withstand the rigors of competitive play. This marriage of materials makes it a reliable companion for countless battles to come.

The Hitbox also boasts a small but useful technological feature: a built-in 0.96-inch screen. This allows players to monitor their macros and navigate menus with ease. Additionally, the Hitbox runs on GP2040-CE firmware, opening the door for further customization for tech-savvy gamers who want to tinker with the controller’s functionalities.

While the Hitbox offers a compelling package, it’s important to consider its target audience. The controller caters to fighting game enthusiasts who prioritize peak performance and extensive customization options. If you’re new to fighting games or simply prefer the feel of a traditional controller, the Hitbox might not be the best choice. However, for those seeking an arcade-style experience with the added benefits of modern technology, the Hitbox is a serious contender.

Currently available for pre-order in four color options (yellow, white, soy, and black), the Megalodon Hitbox Controller offers a unique blend of classic design and cutting-edge functionality. With its focus on customization, performance, and durability, the Hitbox is a compelling option for fighting game aficionados looking to elevate their skills and dominate the competition. Just remember, pre-orders come with an estimated ship date of June 14, 2024, so a little patience is required.

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Modular gaming console concept embraces all types of playing styles

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Handheld gaming devices are becoming more popular these days, though due to their portable and handheld nature, most of them cater to only one style of playing. These devices pretty much have game controllers split into two halves that flank a big display. Not all games are best played that way, though, but it’s almost impossible to support all kinds of input methods in a single device. That’s what made the modular design of the Nintendo Switch quite popular, but it still revolved around the same controller design. This concept for a modular gaming handheld tries to push the envelope a bit further, allowing different input methods and playing styles by simply swapping out buttons, joysticks, and knobs.

Designer: Bukvity Lorisz

There once were only two ways to play video games, one with a keyboard and mouse and another with gamepads. With the arrival of smartphones, a third, gesture-based style was added to the mix. It’s almost impossible for a single device to support all those, at least not without attaching external peripherals, but some designs try their best to do so. GPD and AYA, for example, have a few designs that add a mini keyboard to the device, but that’s more for sending brief messages rather than playing with a keyboard and mouse.

The LUMI DREAMSTATION-02 concept puts a different spin on the idea of a flexible gaming device that can embrace different playing styles instead of sticking to a single one. Yes, it doesn’t have a QWERTY keyboard, but it’s not impossible to add something like it after the fact. That’s because the biggest pull of this design is a flexible modular system that lets you mix and match different controls as the need arises.

The LUMI DS-02 is admittedly a weird-looking device compared to any gaming handheld. It has a large square screen, which means it won’t match any existing game aspect ratio, and right below it sits the controller section with two square areas for the modular controls. One side looks like a D-Pad with four separate buttons arranged in a cross while the other side has buttons and knobs. It’s not hard to imagine that many games aren’t going to be easily controlled with a knob or dial, but you can swap those out with a joystick, a regular D-Pad, another set of buttons, and more. The idea is that you can change the controls to suit the game, not the other way around.

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The controller section itself can be detached and the screen propped up on a table, similar to the design of Nintendo Switch. This opens the console to even more use cases, like two players using the same console with different controllers. As interesting as this design might seem, it will still depend on how comfortable those controls will be and how easy it will be to swap them around. Regardless, it’s definitely a notable idea, one that tries to be more inclusive, especially if you can substitute more accessible controls for those with physical disabilities.

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