Launched back in 2022, GTA+ is an interesting subscription service which primarily functions as a way to get your hands on a number of GTA Online-related goodies. Despite this fact, the service itself did not include access to GTA Online, instead only offering a couple older Rockstar games. Finally however, GTA+ is expanding, with Grand Theft Auto Online now available as part of the paid subscription.

Making the announcement on their blog, the team at Rockstar Games confirmed that: “Now anyone can play GTA Online on current generation consoles with a GTA+ Membership.”

As mentioned, GTA+ is primarily focused on offering existing GTA Online members additional benefits, from a set amount of monthly in-game money to free vehicles, heist bonuses and more.

That said, GTA Online itself was not included in the subscription, instead only featuring the likes of GTA Vice City; Red Dead Redemption; Bully and LA Noire – among other older Rockstar titles.

Given that GTA V has sold well over 200 million copies, it is unlikely that many console / PC owners don’t already have GTA Online in their account. Still, for a service which is pretty much all about GTA Online, it makes sense for Rockstar Games to include the game itself as part of the subscription.

KitGuru says: What do you think of GTA+? Is it a waste of money? What do speculate Rockstar is planning for GTA VI Online? Let us know down below.

Thinking back to 2015 when I started to seriously get into sim racing, I would not have thought that the industry would move forward as it eventually would. Back then direct drive…

Just when we thought the Zen 5 X3D line-up was settled, a new entry has appeared in the PassMark database for a Ryzen 7 9700X3D. The appearance of this chip isn't entirely unexpected, but given that AMD skipped a 7700X3D last generation, we were far from certain. 

This new Ryzen 7 9700X3D (via Wccftech) would be the second 8-core Zen 5 X3D option, slotting in below the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. However, the performance data from this single sample is questionable. The benchmark entry shows the chip scoring marginally higher than the 9800X3D (40,438 vs. 39,983 in multithread and 4,687 vs. 4,428 in single-thread), which is not what we would expect from a lower-tiered SKU.

The likely culprit for this discrepancy is the reported clock speed, which PassMark lists at a frankly bizarre 5.79 GHz. This is almost certainly an overclocked result, or the data is simply inaccurate. Given that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D has a max boost of 5.2 GHz, a 5.8 GHz speed on a lower-tier part seems highly improbable.

This leak does add fuel to the fire that AMD is preparing to flesh out its X3D stack. Rumours have been circulating for a while about a faster 8-core model, the 9850X3D, and a dual-X3D chiplet design. If this 9700X3D is also real, AMD would be offering three distinct 8-core X3D SKUs, significantly bolstering its options in the higher half of the gaming CPU market.

KitGuru says: Would you like to see more X3D CPUs join the Ryzen 9000 lineup?

A new AMD APU has been spotted in the PassMark database, the Ryzen AI Max+ 388. Moreover, mentions of a Ryzen AI Max+ 392 have also been brought up. These SKUs are pretty interesting, as they appear to fill a gap in the “Strix Halo” lineup, offering 40-CU integrated graphics in lower CPU core count configurations.

Currently, the Zen5-based Strix Halo lineup is split into two segments. The Ryzen AI Max 385 and 390 feature 8 and 12 CPU cores, respectively, but have their graphics reduced to 32 RDNA 3.5 CUs (Radeon 8050S). To get the full 40 CU GPU (the Radeon 8060S), users must jump to the 16-core flagship Ryzen AI Max+ 395.

Image credit: SixUnited (via VideoCardz)

However, it appears that AMD is working on two SKUs to address this issue. While a PassMark entry (via @realVictor_M) is not an official confirmation, the database is generally more reliable for unreleased SKUs than other benchmarks. A Ryzen AI Max+ 388 APU was spotted running in a device named the “SU AXP77”, which appears to be a 14-inch tablet from SixUnited. The same company shared an image of the Strix Halo lineup, which includes the unannounced Ryzen AI Max+ 388 and the Ryzen AI Max+ 392.

The initial Strix Halo market has been dominated by “AI-focused” mini-PCs, some of which are configured with obscene amounts of RAM. While the Ryzen AI Max+ 388 appears to be a powerful APU for gaming systems, the market is still awaiting its appearance in more accessible, lower-cost devices.

KitGuru says: Do you think these two new SKUs will be used in handheld gaming systems?

LIAN LI has introduced the LANCOOL 217 INF, a new tower chassis that builds on the company’s existing LANCOOL 217 line with an RGB Infinity design. The case features a tempered glass front panel with an integrated infinity mirror and airflow cutouts, combining a distinctive look with practical cooling. It comes with two 170mm fans at the front and a 140mm fan at the rear, all pre-installed, giving users a ready-made setup for airflow and lighting.

The chassis measures 482mm deep, 238mm wide and 503mm tall, providing space for large components. Graphics cards up to 380mm in length and CPU coolers up to 180mm in height are supported, while power supplies can be mounted in either a standard orientation up to 220mm or rotated up to 180mm. This flexibility is aimed at helping builders manage cables and airflow more effectively.

Compatibility is broad, with support for motherboards ranging from Mini-ITX to SSI-EEB, including back-connect ATX and Micro-ATX designs. Storage options include multiple SSD and HDD mounting points behind the motherboard tray, on the PSU cover, and in dual drive cages. Seven expansion slots allow for further upgrades, making the case suitable for gaming systems or workstation builds.

Lighting and fan control can be managed directly through buttons on the case or via LIAN LI’s L-Connect 3 software, thanks to a built-in wireless receiver. This enables users to adjust fan speeds and synchronize RGB effects across devices. The LANCOOL 217 INF will be available starting this week, priced at $124.99 for the black version and $129.99 for the white model.

KitGuru Says: We will have a review of this case coming soon, so stay tuned for our in-depth analysis on the PC building experience.

New details on Intel's upcoming Panther Lake mobile processors have surfaced, appearing to walk back some of the higher clock speed expectations. According to a comprehensive SKU list from a leaker, the flagship chip will top out at a 5.1 GHz boost.

The list of SKUs shared by Jaykihn (via VideoCardz) suggests the lineup will be led by the Core Ultra X9 388H, featuring a 16-core configuration (4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 4 LP-Cores) and a 5.1 GHz maximum boost clock speed. The high-end Core Ultra X9, as well as the X7 chips, will also be equipped with the full Arc B390 integrated graphics, which features 12 Xe3 cores. The leak also mentions a Core Ultra 5 338H with a cut-down 10-core Arc B370 iGPU, while lower-end models will get 4x or even 2x Xe3 cores.

Perhaps most significant are the new power specifications. According to the leaker, the high-end models will have a 25W default TDP, but OEMs can configure them with a maximum TDP of either 65W or 80W. The 8-core and 6-core models will also have a 25W default TDP, but will be limited to a maximum of 55W. Intel is also reportedly introducing a new measure called “Experience Based PL1”, which the leaker said we can expect to hear more about in the future.

The table below details the Core Ultra 300 series lineup based on what's known so far:

KitGuru says: Of all the SKUs listed, is there any that is that is particularly interesting to you?

In recent years, we've reviewed many Sharkoon products and while we have come away with positive impressions each time, there has been one issue – product availability has been hit or miss in the UK. That is finally changing this year, with Sharkoon products now becoming widely available in the UK through one of the biggest tech etailers on our shores – SCAN.

Sharkoon has been a brand we've followed closely for years due to their excellent bang-for-buck offerings. If you are a PC builder in the UK, now you can grab many of their best products through SCAN, from the Sharkoon S80 and S90 AIO liquid coolers, all the way to their new enthusiast-grade mechanical keyboards with stylish wood casings.

In our review of the Sharkoon SGK50 S3 Wood PBT Keyboard earlier this year, we praised it for its build quality, overall design and satisfying typing feel. The S2, S3 and S4 versions of this keyboard are all now available through Scan, with prices starting at £119.99.

On the PC case side, products like the Sharkoon VS9 offer a basic mid-tower design for £39.99 but if you want a dash of colour in your system, then you can find something like the Sharkoon RGB Slider for £49.99, or you can opt for the more modern Sharkoon MK7, with its aquarium-style layout for £68.98, perfect for building a showstopping rig.

On the cooling side, the Sharkoon S80 starts with a £59.99 price tag for the 240mm model, complete with dual RGB fans, in both black and white colour options, or you can opt for the larger S90 360mm version at £79.99. If an air cooler is preferred, you can find a range of single-tower and dual-tower coolers, with prices starting at just £20.

You can find the full range of Sharkoon gear now readily available in the UK, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you currently pricing up parts for a new build? Sharkoon has some very attractive prices, so it is certainly worth a look, especially if you are in need of a new case or cooler. 

While the system has in some ways failed to become the standard, Microsoft continues to support and push its Xbox Play Anywhere cross-buy feature between consoles and PC. Based on a new discovery from data miners, it appears as though Sony / PlayStation may be investigating going down a similar route.

As shared by data miner Amethxst via Twitter, new symbols have appeared in the PSN’s backend, revealing what appears to be a cross-buy system between the PlayStation 5 and PC.

Seemingly coming to both the website and PlayStation app, games on the PS Store may soon include symbols/tags showing (likely first-party) games which are also available on PC alongside PS5.

Though an odd inclusion in and of itself, this appears to be coming in alignment with a new cross-buy system. How this will function is currently unknown as in the case of Xbox Play Anywhere, users are given a PC copy of the game via the Xbox store on PC.

Seeing as how Sony’s PC titles have been published through the likes of Steam and the Epic Games Store, it will be interesting to see whether Sony is planning to set up some sort of PlayStation launcher on PC.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this leak? Do you believe it? How do you think Sony would implement something like cross-buy? Let us know down below.

It's been three years since the AMD AM5 motherboard platform and the 600-series motherboards launched. Since its launch, the platform has seen the launch of several CPUs in the Ryzen 7000, Ryzen 8000, and Ryzen 9000 families. While the 600-series motherboards provide great features & compatibility with newer Zen 5 CPUs, motherboard makers are always looking to enhance user experiences through the latest technologies, so AMD has introduced a new chipset line called the 800-series. Now, AMD has introduced both X870 and B850 series chipsets for high-end and mainstream AM5 motherboards. Both of these chips provide brand-new designs and brand-new […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/asrock-x870e-taichi-ocf-motherboard-review-first-oc-formula-for-the-am5-platform-brings-top-notch-oc-features/

Last week, we reported on a discovery by some fans which seemed to suggest that Sony’s remote play PlayStation Portal handheld could receive extended functionality via an upcoming and impending firmware update. Sure enough, Sony has now officially announced library cloud streaming; a new UI and much more.

Making the announcement on the PlayStation Blog, the Senior Manager for Product Management ‘Takuro Fushimi’ wrote:

“Today, we’re excited to share that PS Portal is receiving one of its biggest updates yet. Starting on November 6 at 2am GMT, Cloud Streaming for PS5 Games officially launches on PS Portal for PlayStation Plus Premium members, along with a variety of new features that enhance how you can play.”

The full blog post can be found HERE, but the most notable addition is of course the aforementioned cloud streaming. Prior to this update, Cloud streaming on the Portal was limited to titles available through PlayStation Plus. Now, Portal owners will be able to stream their own library of games through the cloud instead of relying on it being on PS Plus Extra/Premium. The full list of supported titles can be found HERE.

Beyond this however, the Portal has also received a bunch of other ancillary improvements/additions, including:

• Redesigned UI featuring:
  • Remote Play home screen
  • Cloud Streaming home screen
  • Search screen
• 3D Audio Support
• Passcode Lock
• Network Status Screen
• In-Game Store to view / purchase games
• New accessibility options
• Game Invitations

While the Portal may still be far from the PSP 3 which many have been hoping for, it is encouraging at the very least to see Sony continue to support the PS Portal in a pretty major way.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this firmware update? Are any of these features game-changers? Do you believe that Sony is working on a dedicated local handheld? Let us know down below.

During the early launch months for the Switch 2, Nintendo made sure to treat the last-gen Switch as a contemporary console, continuing to support the nearly 9 year old hardware with new first-party titles. While this may still be the case, Nintendo has now confirmed that they “will shift our primary development focus to Nintendo Switch 2.”

As part of Nintendo’s most recent fiscal earnings report, the Switch maker not only revealed updated sales stats for their consoles and first-party titles, but also spoke on their development plans moving forward.

In a section of the presentation describing the Switch 2 as “the new standard for Nintendo Switch” the console maker revealed how they are now going all-in on Switch 2 software, writing:

“Going forward, we will shift our primary development focus to Nintendo Switch 2 and expand our business around this new platform.”

Given that the Switch 2 is Nintendo’s latest console, you would expect this to be the case. That said, earlier this year in April, the then-president for Nintendo of America ‘Doug Bowser‘ claimed that the Switch 1 was still a core part of their ecosystem. In addition, there are still a few first-party Switch 1 titles to be released, including the upcoming Metroid Prime 4.

It will be interesting to see whether any more NEW Nintendo titles get announced for the last-gen machine, or if they truly are moving on

.KitGuru says: What do you think of this latest claim? Have the true Switch 2 exclusives been good enough to satisfy? Let us know down below.