Tag Archives: Gaming

Playtron SuiPlay 0x1 gaming handheld unifies multiple game stores into an open platform

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The handheld gaming market is currently dominated by the likes of Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. Playtron wants to shake up this marketplace with its unique take on a gaming handheld device that unifies different game studios under one umbrella. Developed in collaboration with Mytsen Labs (one of Playtron’s seed investors), the Web3 capable gaming handheld dubbed SuiPlay 0x1 will be available in 2025 for a rumored $500.

The gaming titles compatible with the handheld will be available for purchase via the blockchain and tie some titles to Mysten’s Sui cryptocurrency. Mysten is also promising crypto-incentives and rewards as long as you keep playing and buying more games.

Designer: Playtron and Mysten

For now, the handheld renders look too sleek to be true. The D-pad is even flatter than the one on the Game Boy Advance SP, which was super-flat by necessity due to the console’s clamshell design. The startup is aspiring to create an Android of PC gaming, something that Steam Deck did. If the Web3 games on the PlaytronOS won’t do well, then the Steam and Epic Games Store availability on the platform will come to the rescue.

All said and done, the company is still to reveal any specs details. All they leaked was the promise of the handheld to be based on Advanced Micro Devices technology and currently, there are system-on-chip vendors interested in this unique offering. According to Playtrom CEO, Kirt McMaster, they are looking for manufacturing partners and a follow-up announcement will come in three months. You can look forward to the pre-order window once the specs are cleared up.

The open gaming handheld will offer multiple game stores, right from Sui Web3 games to the popular Epic Games Store. Every single game available will appear in a single launcher and work with a single operating system. The good news for developers is that the Playtron software will integrate stores with a program called Playtrom Select, so that small publishers can also launch their games directly on the launcher.

 

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This LEGO version of the Portal 2 Gun won’t help you teleport, but it looks stunningly real

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Arguably one of the best games from the last decade, Portal 2 still holds its own against games today. Sure, it isn’t open-world, doesn’t have NPCs, and the graphics aren’t bleeding-edge, but the game is a brilliant combination of storytelling, premise, and clever gameplay. For the uninitiated, Portal 2 is a game that has you escape from a dystopian prison using nothing but a teleportation gun. You can create portals that allow you to ‘tunnel’ through reality, and the game relies on your understanding of physics and geometry to help you navigate this futuristic labyrinth filled with occasional surprises and enemies. The portal gun is all you have, and it’s arguably the only thing you need.

Now sure, such a gun clearly doesn’t exist in real life, but this LEGO recreation from Hooded-Blaze sure has captured our fancy! Styled to be a perfect replica of the cyberpunk quantum gadget from the game, the Portal 2 Quantum Tunneling Device is made entirely out of LEGO bricks, and comes with its own stand, as well as the ability to alternate between shooting blue or orange tunnels, just like in the game!

Designer: Hooded-Blaze

Although Hooded-Blaze doesn’t specify how many bricks are used to build this MOC (My Own Creation), chances are the portal gun is just a smidge tinier than the real deal. With its cyberpunk stylings, the gun boasts a uniquely blobject-ish form, looking almost like a stormtrooper ant, with three pincers right in front of the repulsor. The repulsor feeds off a cell that sits in the middle of the gun, and altering the cell allows you to switch between blue and orange portals.

“This would be no doubt a fantastic LEGO set because of how large the Portal community is. Since its release, over 40 million players have played Portal 2 worldwide,” says LEGO builder Hooded-Blaze. This isn’t the first time they’ve submitted the portal gun to the LEGO Ideas forum. The previous fan-made submission crossed the coveted 10,000 vote mark on the LEGO Ideas website with overwhelming support from the communituy, but was rejected by LEGO’s internal team. “Since the last time this LEGO Ideas project was released, it has been redesigned to be stronger internally and externally and more aesthetically pleasing, with some key components staying the same,” Hooded-Blaze mentions. “I have built a physical prototype of the Portal Gun from what LEGO I had. I have learnt a lot from the mistakes I made on the previous version, and it has been significantly improved since.”

With over 7,000 votes, the LEGO Ideas Portal 2 Quantum Tunneling Device is well on its way to crossing the 10,000 vote mark yet again. You can vote for the entry on the LEGO Ideas website too. Maybe this time the LEGO gods will listen to us and turn this into a box-set that we all can buy and secretly ‘pew-pew’ with when we’re bored!

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These Edible Gummy Dungeons and Dragons Characters raised over $300,000 on Kickstarter

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They say you shouldn’t play with your food… but that’s precisely what the Gummyquest was designed for. These mouthwateringly mythical treats were designed to make your game nights fulfilling as well as filling! Meet Gummyquest, an all-encompassing kit of more than 150 characters straight out of a fantasy roleplaying tabletop game. You’ve got dragons, goblins, heroes, dice, potions, everything needed for a rewarding game… but the best part? All the characters are edible! Made out of a chewy gummy gel (like your gummy bears or worms), every character or element in the Gummyquest is edible, with each individual piece having its own distinct flavor. Play your turn, kill a character, use a potion, and destroy the evidence by eating it. It’s a fun new twist on your favorite game with 25 different flavors to keep every single round uniquely tongue-tinglingly fun!

Designer: Jay

Click Here to Buy Now: $42 $60 (30%) off. Hurry! Limited availability! Raised over $310,000.

Stories make everything fun, especially food. Whether it’s your parents turning a spoon of veggies into a plane that flies into your mouth, or whether it’s a Michelin-star restaurant weaving stories through their intricate dishes, where there’s a story, there’s a memorable experience. That’s sort of what the Gummyquest series builds on, with its set of 151 characters and items (with more being added to the collection every day) that make for a perfect tabletop gaming day with friends, colleagues, or family.

The collection encompasses practically every element of a roleplaying game like DND – you’ve got heroes and villains, orcs, goblins, dragons, knights, wizards, paladins, and even Dune-style sandworms. Along with players are potions and polyhedral dice to make the game even more interesting. All these elements encompass 25 rather mouth-watering flavors, from specific berries and fruits to more vaguely tropical flavor profiles, to even marshmallow-flavored items. “Some of our favorite fantasy flavors include Orcish Creamsicle, Paladin Piña Colada, Owlberry, and Death”, says creator Jay. Each box is packed with 151 gummies including 76 monsters, 15 heroes, 25 potions, and 35 dice.

The edible set is truly a work of art. Each single gummy was designed and sculpted by a meticulous team of people who fill shelves in every game store in America with miniatures from Dungeons & Dragons, Reaper Bones, and Warp Miniatures. The gummies were designed as a part of a broader story and theme, and were crafted to perfection, with details that would make you want to never eat a boring gummy bear or worm ever again.

Tragically, the set only lasts one or two, or maybe three games. Once the gummies run out, you’ll either have to revert back to playing with non-edible characters, or buy another set. Luckily, the Gummyquest box sets are on discount, priced at $42 for a set of 151 pieces. As the crowdfunding campaign gains speed (they’ve raised over $300k), the kit will include even more characters and items like gryphons, slime monsters, warrior princesses, and even a Kraken! Grab your Gummyquest while you can… I’m pretty sure they don’t expire, but don’t quote me.

Click Here to Buy Now: $42 $60 (30%) off. Hurry! Limited availability! Raised over $310,000.

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RedMagic VC Cooler 5 Pro attaches to any phone using magnets or clips

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As smartphones become more powerful, the need to keep them from overheating becomes even more critical. Relying on simple heat dissipation is no longer enough, and sometimes even the more advanced passive cooling solutions, like vapor cooling chambers, are unable to compensate as well. This is especially true for phones used to play games, whether they’re formal gaming phones or just high-end models that have enough muscle but not the right cooling systems. RedMagic, nubia’s gaming sub-brand, believes that the answer lies in an external accessory, and it is now sharing that technology with others so that they, too, can benefit from it, even if they don’t have a nubia or RedMagic phone.

Designer: RedMagic

Smartphones generate a lot of heat when pushing their capabilities to the limit, and this causes not only discomfort but also degradation in performance, not to mention potential safety hazards due to the volatile battery powering the device. Unlike laptops and especially desktops, you can’t fit a reasonable cooling system inside a very thin phone, especially if it involves fans or more liquid. Delegating that to an external accessory is certainly possible, but the effort to attach and detach that gadget might be too much of a hassle.

The RedMagic VC Cooler 5 Pro remedies that by utilizing a feature that’s becoming more common among smartphones these days: magnetic wireless charging. This small squarish block can attach to any smartphone that supports this feature, which of course includes Apple’s MagSafe. What’s interesting is that RedMagic isn’t making it exclusive to these phones only, thanks to an optional back clip that can attach to any smartphone, making the VC Cooler 5 Pro almost universally compatible with all models.

But why would you want to stick or clip a small box onto the back of your phone? The RedMagic VC Cooler 5 Pro includes a 7-blade fan 3,060 sq. mm. vapor chamber liquid cooling plate that helps further pull the heat away from the phone and, consequently, away from your fingers. RedMagic claims it can drop the phone’s temperature by as much as 1­°C, though your mileage may vary.

Rather than just offering a simple fan and cooling plate, RedMagic is unsurprisingly advertising the use of some AI to automatically adjust the VC Cooler 5 Pro’s speed. This feature, along with the customary RGB lighting controls, is available through RedMagic’s “Goper” app. Unfortunately, this is only available on Android, so while iPhone owners can still use the cooling add-on, they won’t be able to take advantage of AI-powered dynamic settings as well as custom RGB lights. The RedMagic VC Cooler 5 Pro launches on April 15th at 59 EUR ($64) for the magnetic version and 64 EUR ($69) with the optional back clip.

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Eye-popping Pagani Huayra R racing simulator matches the real thing in every little detail

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Sim racing is the best way to showcase your racing or gaming skills if you didn’t make the cut to the big league. Serious gamers always want to invest in a racing simulator that takes them one step closer to intense wheel-to-wheel action. Depending on what’s the final budget, these rigs can be anything from a desk-mounted setup costing $300, a chassis for a few thousand, or a full-blown motion simulator costing $50,000 upwards.

If you’ve got a stack of money to spare you can go to another level though, with a sim rig that professional racers opt for. Along the same lines, Pagani has unveiled their Huayra R Driving Simulator which is designed in collaboration with Racing Unleashed, who are known for building some of the best high-end racing simulators out there.

Designer: Pagani and Racing Unleashed

Attention to detail is the key in this racing sim as it took more than a year to finalize the creation process. This racing simulator crafted at Pagani’s facilities is made out of a single piece of aluminum and adorns carbon fiber used in the original Huayra R supercar. The car’s dynamics right from aerodynamics and handling to the sound of the naturally aspirated V12 engine are replicated to millimeter precision. The seat belts, pedals, seats and steering wheel are identical to the ones on the real car.  Wait there’s more… it also has air vents to release the brake and engine heat, making it one hell of a racing sim!

According to Franco Morsino, Vehicle Dynamics Lead at Pagani, “Our goal was to transcend the traditional boundaries of virtual driving, offering an unparalleled level of realism and immersion. This simulator is not just about the experience but also serves as a piece of art, reflecting the unique essence of Pagani’s design philosophy.” Pagini will only offer this racing sim to Pagani owners to test and compete with their powerful machines on FIA tracks in virtual reality. Taking realism to the next level, the sim can also be run in conjunction with a VR headset. Otherwise, the racer/gamer can opt to race on the single curved ultra-wide Samsung G9 monitor. Apart from the Huayra R, the simulator also gets the custom physics-focused version of the Assetto Corsa.

Pagani has not revealed any details about the pricing but given its level of realism and design uniqueness, it should very well run into a $100,000 (or more) price tag. On the hind side that’s way less than the track-only Pagani Huayra R costing $3 million.

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Razer Cthulhu gaming chair is something you might wish wasn’t just a joke

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Forget about those invisible and impersonal AIs that are supposed to help you at work by composing e-mails, generating images, or even drafting a whole document for you. What you really need is an AI that will take care of your bodily needs while using the computer, whether it’s for crunch time in the office or, more likely, grinding experience points in games. At least that’s the foundation of Razer’s latest genius gaming accessory, a chair that knows your needs and literally gives you a hand, or a claw rather, so you don’t have to stand up for a bite or a drink or even a shave. Yes, this mythical chair is obviously an April Fool’s joke, but it’s an idea that could very well foreshadow the future that is both exciting and terrifying as its name suggests.

Designer: Razer

Named after the eldritch god but looking more like a Doctor Octopus arsenal, the Razer Cthulhu is a gaming chair that literally has a mind of its own, in addition to its six flexible tentacle-like arms each with a three-finger claw for the hand. The idea is pretty simple, really, and is exactly what it looks like. Just like the robotic appendages of the comic book villain, these arms act as an extension of the user’s own arms, performing extra work that frees up the person to do what they enjoy and do best: play a game.

What this “work” entails really depends on what the chair’s AI would learn from your habits and needs. It could be as simple as holding your drink or assisting you with eating, or it could be as complicated as giving you a massage or even shaving your facial hair. At some point, it could even start playing your game for you, allowing you to play a second game on a different device, like a phone or handheld console, without missing a beat.

Of course, it’s literally impossible to accomplish all these today even with the most advanced AI, especially actions that require precision and dexterity. You could even say it’s a tongue-in-cheek commentary on how we’re becoming too dependent on AI, putting our eggs, and our livelihood, all in one basket. That’s not to say it’s not a tempting idea for the future, at least within moderation. With human life and work becoming more complex, it’s not surprising that people will start wanting to offload some of the more mundane tasks to robots and AI.

Computer chairs are becoming more sophisticated, offering features that span ergonomics and convenience from different angles. There are even some that are like a whole encapsulated space for gaming and entertainment, so a chair with AI features won’t be that far from reality. We can only hope that designs will be more on the conservative and reasonable side rather than outfitting the chair with everything, including a kitchen sink, that would make use feel less human and more like cogs in a machine instead.

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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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