Some folks act as if Intel and AMD have killed off the "high-end desktop" or HEDT market, but that's never really been the case. Instead, what happened is that mainstream desktops went from a maximum of four cores to 16 - 24 cores basically overnight, propelling HEDT systems out of reach for most enthusiasts. If you want a processor with
The Saturn was Sega's fifth generation fully-3D console, launched in 1994 to compete with the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64—and all these years later, homebrew developer XL2 has managed to create a functioning ray tracing demo on the hardware. The first video of the demo is a single room without any static lighting sources and all ray tracing
Notepad++ reported that its built-in auto-update feature had been hijacked by Chinese state-sponsored hackers from June to September of 2025, and the credentials gathered by the bas actors enabled further exploits until December 2nd, 2025. In an effort to thwart similar issues moving forward, Notepad++ has moved to a hosting provider "with
The Raspberry Pi has been one of the most affordable ways to jump into single-board computing, but even these devices haven’t been able to avoid price increases due to the current DRAM shortage. A mere two months after announcing an initial price hike, the organization is having to raise prices yet again because of an “unprecedented rise in
Apple has reportedly been exploring new designs to invigorate sales of its ubiquitous iPhone. Even though sales of the sleek iPhone Air didn't set any records, Apple doesn't seem to be changing course and still plans to release totally new designs. It has long been rumored that a foldable iPhone, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, is on
Sony has filed a new patent in the US that describes a departure from traditional gamepad design, envisioning a controller in which a large touchscreen replaces a significant portion of its front. This proposed interface would, in theory, allow users to reposition, resize, and entirely reconfigure digital versions of the D-pad, thumbsticks, and face buttons to suit their specific ergonomic or accessibility requirements.
According to the patent description (via VGC), the current static nature of inputs is a drawback for modern gaming peripherals, as a one-size-fits-all approach inevitably leaves some users struggling with reach or placement. This patent tries to solve that by allowing the input buttons to be dynamically allocated and configured.
Image credit: Sony
By utilising displays, the controller could change its layout based on the game's genre and even resize its buttons, adapting to the user's needs. The patent also mentions temperature and pressure sensors for these displays, which might allow users to have different outputs based on pressure or create a dead zone to ignore inputs.
While the prospect of a screen-based DualSense successor with dynamic layouts might interest some, it is important to remember that companies often patent experimental technology that never reaches mass production. Assuming Sony does move forward with this concept, it would likely result in a premium optional accessory rather than a standard controller for a future console.
KitGuru says: Sony's patent filings are often a window into its R&D lab rather than an indication of an upcoming product. While a fully customisable surface would be exceptional for accessibility, the idea of playing a high-intensity action game on a flat touchscreen doesn't seem all that exciting.
The post Sony patent points to new PlayStation controller with passive buttons and gesture controls first appeared on KitGuru.Xiaomi has expanded its display roster with the global release of the G Pro 27Qi (2026). While its predecessor was already a sought-after entry in the budget Mini LED segment, the 2026 refresh increases luminance and colour coverage.
Already available at a few retailers and appearing on Xiaomi's global site, the G Pro 27Qi (2026) (via NotebookCheck) maintains the sweet spot 1440p resolution and 180Hz refresh rate but pushes the hardware envelope in ways rarely seen at its price point. The standout feature of this new revision is the Mini LED backlight, which features 1,152 local dimming zones, nearly double the count of many competitors in its class. This dense array allows the monitor to hit a claimed peak brightness of 2000 nits, earning it a VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification.
Xiaomi has included a “custom engine” that utilises AI scene recognition and a proprietary local dimming algorithm to minimise blooming and preserve shadow detail down to a claimed 0.0001 nits. The G Pro 27Qi (2026) covers 99% of the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB gamuts, with a factory calibration ensuring Delta-E values below 1. Connectivity is varied enough, with two DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports. A nice touch is the flip-out headphone holder integrated into the top corner, paired with a fully ergonomic stand and a subtle RGB ring on the rear.
On the official website, the monitor is listed at $475 (£347). However, at this retailer, the same monitor is much cheaper at just €285 (£247), suggesting there might be a launch promo.
KitGuru says: Do you think the G Pro 27Qi has what it takes to stand out from its competitors?
The post Xiaomi launches G Pro 27Qi monitor with Mini LED backpanel with 1,152 dimming zones first appeared on KitGuru.When Highguard launched last week with its 3v3 PvP mode, many players were quick to complain that the map feels like it was designed for larger-scale battles. Now just days later, the developers have put out an experimental 5v5 mode.
Highguard now has a 5v5 mode, allowing larger teams to better cover the game's large map. The new mode was well received, and the growing sentiment seems to be that this should have been the launch mode. Unfortunately, it won't last for long.
While 5v5 is available for now, it is listed as a limited-time mode, so it is just a matter of time before it goes away again. The developers have also not yet addressed complaints around the loot-farming phase of matches, which many players say is a trivial and boring part of the game.
It is unclear if 5v5 will end up becoming a permanent mode in Highguard, or if the developers will just introduce smaller maps in the future, but it seems quite clear that 5v5 is a mode that players want to stick around.
KitGuru Says: Have you tried Highguard's 5v5 mode?
The post Highguard gets requested 5v5 mode, but only for a limited time first appeared on KitGuru.Nikita Buyanov, the creator of Escape from Tarkov, has further fuelled speculation regarding his next project, Cor3, with a teaser trailer that seemingly confirms a leap into the sci-fi genre. Following a month of cryptic social media teases and an interactive terminal set in the year 2251, the latest video, titled ‘PRJRPNT_BLUEMARS_FO', gives us the clearest look yet at what could well be “Tarkov in space”.
The trailer begins with a familiar sight for Battlestate fans, with a first-person perspective of a PMC-like operative holding a futuristic ‘Kalash Corp' rifle. The video also includes various other references to Escape from Tarkov, namely a patch for the “Bogatyr.bs First Navy Squad”, suggesting a connection to the BEAR special squads in Escape from Tarkov. The setting, however, is far from what you would expect from the streets of Tarkov. Instead, it shows a destroyed city (apparently named Mariner) on a planet that doesn't look like Earth.
You can find some lore of the game in the Cor3.gg interactive site, but besides that, not much more is known about the game. As expected from a teaser trailer, it's light on concrete gameplay details, leaving fans to wonder if this will be a hardcore extraction shooter like EFT or something else entirely.
Battlestate Games has been notably quiet about this game, leading some to wonder whether Cor3 will be a single-player title or something more familiar to Tarkov's studio. The heavy emphasis on first-person military hardware alongside space-bound “Navy Squads” suggests a connection to Tarkov, but it isn't enough to be sure it's yet another extraction shooter.
KitGuru says: What do you think Cor3 will be like? Will it be more of the same in space or a game completely different from Tarkov?
The post Escape from Tarkov studio unveils trailer for new sci-fi project first appeared on KitGuru.
Puget Systems has released its 2025 Hardware Reliability Report: if you're familiar with the company's annual reports, they offer an invaluable look at which components in your build actually survive the rigors of professional use.
Around since the 2000s, Puget Systems' annual reports have been a cornerstone for workstation professionals
Will Drake Maye lead the New England Patriots to another Super Bowl victory against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, or will the Seahawks atone for the abysmal decision to pass the ball on the 1-yard line 11 years ago, which led to a game-sealing interception? I'm originally from Boston so I'm hoping for the former, but even if you're just
Console gamers love new tech, but there are ones that we hope never ever make it to production. Case in point: Sony has patented a controller that ditches physical buttons entirely in favor of a giant, customizable touchscreen. Heresy!
Sony's patent for a fully customizable, button-less controller
The patent, titled Devices and Methods
The peripherals market is absolutely flush with gaming headsets of all kinds, so how do you make a splash in a sprawling sea of options? You team up with HiFiMAN, which specializes in planar-magnetic headphones, to develop a headset built for gamers and purportedly discerning enough for audiophiles, and price it at $299. That's exactly whatNioh 3 is about to come out and just like its predecessors, the game will be a PS5 console exclusive. While neither Nioh or Nioh 2 have ever made it over to a non-PlayStation console, that might change with this entry.
In its latest trailer for the game on the PlayStation YouTube channel, Sony confirms that it has a six-month exclusivity agreement in place for the game. That means that Nioh 3 could potentially appear on other consoles, like the Nintendo Switch 2 or Xbox Series X/S, before the end of the year.
PC players don't have to worry about the console exclusivity agreement at all, as the game will be available on PC from day-one. This is pretty typical for PS5 console exclusives, as Sony has begun allowing more and more games to ship on PC alongside the PS5 launch date. Sony itself has also been ramping up the number of its exclusives that come to PC, with the likes of Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West, Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, as well as the most recent God of War titles all making their way over to Steam.
Nioh 3 will launch on PC and PS5 on the 6th of February.
KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up Nioh 3 later this week, or are you going to be waiting for it to land on another console platform?
The post Nioh 3 will be a PS5 console exclusive for 6 months first appeared on KitGuru.Last week, Google rolled out an experimental AI program called Project Genie, which could generate new playable game worlds through text prompts. While most of the core gaming crowd wasn't impressed by this, it seems investors were, as many pulled money out of several gaming companies.
With Project Genie, users can generate new explorable worlds and create a playable character, with options to specify movement properties, or camera placement – such as first-person or third-person. Shortly after the unveiling, VGC notes that a number of game publishers, like Nintendo, CD Projekt, Take-Two and more saw drops in stock value.
The move seems to indicate that a number of investors view Google's new tech as a direct threat to current game publishers. However, Project Genie itself does have a number of limitations. As Unity CEO, Matther Bromberg puts it, the need for prompts currently “limits the level of determinism and precision required for production-grade game mechanics”. Unity itself is currently building its own agentic AI to prepare the engine for future generative tools like Google's Genie.
Most of the companies that saw dips last week have started to rebound on the stock market but none of them have reached their pre-dip levels just yet.
KitGuru Says: Did you see the Project Genie announcement last week?
The post Video game companies see stocks dip following Google AI reveal first appeared on KitGuru.Today we’re taking a look at the Fractal Design Pop 2 Air, a mid-tower case focused on airflow and simplicity. It uses a full mesh front and ventilated top panel, comes with three 120mm fans pre-installed, and includes a GPU air guide designed to improve graphics card cooling. Support covers motherboards ranging from ATX down to Mini-ITX, large air coolers, long GPUs, and up to 360mm radiators. In this review, we’ll be checking build quality, layout, and thermal performance to see how it stacks up.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:44 Key specs and pricing
02:11 Starting the teardown
03:52 GPU air guide + included fans
05:38 Other features, sizings and compatibility
06:50 Rear of the case / mobo tray
08:01 RGB hub
08:38 Storage support
09:34 Underside
10:09 Included accessories
10:47 Thermal performance + noise
12:04 Performance summary and James’ thoughts
13:34 Closing thoughts
Fractal Pop 2 Air Features:
Specifications:
Thermal Performance Testing
To simulate thermal demand, we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.
Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.
All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature, giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represent the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO, and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 19-20⁰C.
Test System Specification:
Thermal Performance Overview
We tested the case thermals with a 360mm AIO as the exhaust at the top and in several different configurations. The default configuration shown in the charts is with the 360mm AIO at the top, 3 x 120mm Front intake fans and with all panels installed.
CPU temperatures are close across all test configurations, ranging from 59°C to 62°C over ambient. Removing the side panel produces the lowest CPU temperature at 59 °C, while the default layout and added rear exhaust both sit 1-3 degrees °C higher, indicating the stock airflow path is already optimised. GPU temperatures show minor variation, with the default configuration achieving the lowest result at 64 °C. Removing the GPU air guide results in the highest GPU temperature at 66 °C, showing its effectiveness in directing airflow toward the graphics card with minimal impact on CPU cooling.
Noise Output
Under load, the Pop 2 Air shows very consistent noise output across configurations, measuring 42 dBA with the side panel removed, in the default layout, and with an added rear exhaust fan. Removing the GPU air guide results in a minor increase to 43 dBA, suggesting it provides a small benefit in controlling airflow under load with slightly lower fan speed. At idle, all configurations sit at 35 dBA, indicating stable fan behaviour and no additional noise coming from airflow changes.
In some key areas, the Fractal Pop 2 Air shows a shift in direction compared to the original Pop series. Some of the more distinct features that made it popular are gone, like the 5.25-inch drive bay and the bold and bright internal colour options that gave the earlier models a bit of personality. In their place, Fractal has moved more towards mainstream airflow-focused design, which will likely appeal to cooling enthusiasts wanting to squeeze all the performance from their hardware, even if it means losing some of that original charm.
On the positive side, the updates applied in the Pop 2 Air make sense for modern high-performance gaming systems. Support for up to a 360mm top-mounted radiator is a welcome addition, and the included GPU air guide proves to be more than a gimmick, offering a small benefit to graphics card temperatures in our testing. Cooling performance overall is solid, and the default fan configuration does a good job, and quietly.
That said, there are some notable omissions at this price point. There are no removable radiator or fan brackets to help with installation, no built-in GPU anti-sag support, and the included fans are non-PWM, which limits fine speed control and adjustment. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are features that competitors often include at this price range, and their absence will be noticed by more advanced and experienced enthusiast system builders.
Build quality is, for the most part what we’ve come to expect from Fractal Design – generally good, except for the top panel which is quite weak and flexible without any fans or radiator mounted.
Taken as a whole, the Fractal Pop 2 Air is a competent, airflow-focused mid-tower that prioritises cooling and compatibility over the fun and functional extras seen in its predecessor. It’s not the most feature-rich case in its class, but if you value straightforward design and solid thermal performance, it may appeal to you as it is reasonably priced too at under £90 with fans, glass and RGB included.
The Fractal Pop 2 Air is available to purchase now from Scan in either black or white, priced from £79.99 HERE.
Pros:
Cons:
KitGuru says: We miss some of the features of the original Pop in this new version, but if your focus is solid cooling and high-end hardware support at a low cost, then the Pop 2 Air might be ideal for you.
Back in 2022, it was reported that Sony had entered into talks with Amazon to develop a live-action adaptation of the console maker’s highly-popular God of War franchise. While production was off to a slow start, work on the project appears to be progressing smoothly – with a majority of the cast now being officially announced.
Back in January, Amazon started to promote their upcoming God of War show, confirming early casting details including the role of Kratos (being played by Ryan Hurst). Since then, we’ve gotten additional casting details including some familiar voices reprising their roles.
As reported by Deadline, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (known for Severance and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) is officially set to play the role of Thor in the show. Joining him (as per Variety) are Max Parker as Heimdall; Mandy Patinkin as Odin – and Danny Woodburn / Jeff Gulka playing Brok / Sindri respectively.
Perhaps the most surprising casting choice however is Alastair Duncan as Mimir, who actually played the character in the games (and whose voice would be highly familiar to those who experienced the duology). Serving as one of the primary narrators for 2018’s God of War and Ragnarok, Alastair Duncan reprising his role is a welcome surprise.
While it is still too early to glean much regarding Amazon’s God of War adaptation, the casting choices so far are certainly encouraging.
KitGuru says: What do you think of the casting choices so far? Are you glad to see Alastair Duncan return? Who do you think they’ll get to play Atreus? Let us know down below.
The post Alastair Duncan to reprise his role as Mimir in live-action God of War first appeared on KitGuru.
Apple is taking a partial page from bulk OEM system builders and boutique PC outfits by now offering a similar part-by-part configuration process, rather than the old way of serving up a selection of preconfigured models. The component options haven't changed, but the way you go about piecing together a Mac feels a little more personal andShortly following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, EA / Respawn Entertainment updated their popular Battle Royale ‘Apex Legends’ with a Switch 2 edition – letting Nintendo owners finally compete on a more equal footing at 60fps. As expected however, the OG Switch version of Apex Legends will now soon be discontinued, officially shutting down at the end of Season 29.
Making the announcement via their blog, the team at Respawn Entertainment wrote: “Hey legends, we want to share an important update about Apex Legends on the Nintendo Switch. Season 29 will be the final update for Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch. Future seasons of Apex Legends will continue to be available on Nintendo Switch 2.”
For the uninitiated, Season 29 ends on the 3rd of August, and so there is still plenty of time to play the game between now and then (even if the OG Switch version is arguably the worst). Regardless, as all your progress is tied to your EA account, those who wind up picking Apex back up on Switch 2 will be able to continue right where they left off.
Even back when it released in 2021, the Switch 1 version of Apex Legends was far from the optimal way to experience a competitive multiplayer shooter and so it’s not surprising to see it being discontinued. It will be interesting to see how much longer the last-gen PS4 and Xbox One versions persist for.
KitGuru says: Did you ever try the game on Switch 1? How was it? When do you think the other last-gen versions will be discontinued? Let us know down below.
The post Switch 1 version of Apex Legends to shut down later this year first appeared on KitGuru.SEGA and RGG Studio have been pretty good with supporting Nintendo platforms in recent years, with the Switch 1 receiving plenty of ports over its lifetime. The Yakuza series in particular has seen strong representation with 0, 1, 2 and (soon) 3 available on the platform. According to the studio, even more entries could be coming “if fans tell us more.”
Releasing a promotional video to YouTube for the upcoming Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Tides, the team at RGG Studio spoke on their support for the Nintendo Switch platform in particular, with Masayoshi Yokoyama stating:
“We've had Yakuza 0, 1, 2 and now 3. So, on Switch 2 with Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, we're releasing everything that we can at the moment. From here on, the number may increase if fans tell us more.”
Yokoyama continued, “I've always thought that being able to play anywhere is really important for Switch 2, and I think it's a great piece of hardware that will make the dreams of people who wanted to play games in the past but were restricted by location to come true. When the Switch 2 came out, the game actually worked because the performance has also improved, so I decided from the beginning that I wanted to port the game (Yakuza Kiwami 3) over no matter what.”
As mentioned, RGG Studio have brought over quite a few Yakuza games to Nintendo at this point, with the original Kiwami reportedly “selling like hotcakes” on the OG Switch. That said, there are still plenty of entries not available on the platform, and so it will be interesting to see if and when the remainder of the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series find their way over to the Switch 2.
KitGuru says: What do you think of the earlier Yakuza games? Would you like to see Like a Dragon also come to the platform? Do you prefer the turn-based or real-time entries? Let us know down below.
The post RGG Studio hope to bring even more Yakuza games to Switch 2 first appeared on KitGuru.HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us helped spearhead the surge in quality adaptations of video game properties, amassing record-breaking views and winning a ton of awards. Like with the games themselves however, Season 2 of the show proved to be somewhat more contentious than the first. While a 3rd Season was greenlit even before the second season came out, it appears as though the next chapter of HBO’s TLOU might be its last.
Though it was never explicitly stated, prior to the launch of series 2 for HBO’s The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin alluded to the fact that there could be up to 4 Seasons required to tell the story of the two games.
Whether these plans were ever more than a vague idea or not, it seems as though HBO’s The Last of Us will most likely conclude with its next Season, with HBO chief Casey Bloys responding to the question of whether S3 will be its last by stating: “It certainly seems that way, but on decisions like that, we will defer to the showrunners. So you can ask them.”
Based on the wording, it appears as though the decision to go with 3 seasons instead of 4 has come from the creative side of the company, and less so the management (especially as Bloys spoke on the matter back in July stating “Craig is still working it out whether it will be two more seasons or one more long season. It hasn't been decided yet, and I'm following Craig's lead on that”).
This should hopefully mean that when it does eventually release, series 3 will encapsulate the remainder of Part II’s story in a satisfactory (and not rushed) manner. We will have to wait and see however.
KitGuru says: What do you think of HBO’s The Last of Us? Was series 2 a disappointment to you? What were your opinions on the games? Let us know down below.
The post HBO’s The Last of Us Season 3 might be its final first appeared on KitGuru.
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