MSI has introduced a new tool for managing RGB lighting, dubbed Portal X. This web-based platform eliminates the need for a locally installed software suite, such as MSI Center. The company is positioning this as a fast and straightforward solution for users who want to configure their lighting without having to install additional software. 

Unlike the Mystic Light utility, Portal X runs in a browser (Chrome or Edge) and requires a one-time installation of the launcher from the Microsoft Store. After that, the interface is accessed online, meaning it never requires manual updates. The trade-off for this low overhead is a more focused feature set. At launch, Portal X supports lighting control for MSI's new Intel and AMD 800 Series motherboards, as well as Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards. Interestingly, it also claims compatibility with “most memory modules” on the market.

Users can control effects, brightness, and speed, and an “All Sync” function is included for simplicity. If a user also has MSI Center and Mystic Light installed, Portal X will reportedly request to take over lighting control to prevent any software conflicts. This clearly positions Portal X as an alternative, not a replacement, for Mystic Light, which is still required for fine-tuning, third-party device support, and software sync with apps like Ambient Link and Voicemod.

It's also worth noting the current limitations. The platform requires an active internet connection to function. While fans and AIO coolers connected to the motherboard's ARGB headers will sync with the motherboard's lighting, Portal X does not offer any control for fan speeds or AIO display screens. MSI has stated there are no current plans to add this, though it may be considered if user demand is high enough.

KitGuru says: Do you use MSI Mystic Light for managing the RGB lighting of your system? Will you keep using or change to Portal X?

The post MSI launches Portal X, a web-based RGB control tool first appeared on KitGuru.

Sharkoon has revealed its latest chassis, the Elite Shark CM100, a micro-ATX case designed to showcase high-end hardware. The case's main feature is its display-oriented design, which utilizes continuous glass panels on both the front and sides, providing a 270-degree view of the interior components.

Despite the large glass surfaces, Sharkoon is focusing on cooling performance. The Elite Shark CM100 features a side-panel air intake and comes with four 120mm ARGB fans pre-installed: two in the front, one at the rear, and another at the bottom. However, there's space for an additional three 120mm or two 140mm fans on top and another 120mm fan at the bottom. For more complex builds, the chassis has enough room to support up to two radiators simultaneously. The case also includes an integrated five-port ARGB controller and a five-port PWM fan hub.

The Elite Shark CM100 also supports modern BTF-style micro-ATX mainboards, allowing builders to use motherboards with rear-mounted connectors for better cable management. Even with its compact mATX form factor, the case offers substantial component clearance, supporting graphics cards up to 400mm in length, CPU coolers up to 173mm in height, and power supply units up to 183mm long. The Sharkoon Elite Shark CM100 is now available for €129.90.

KitGuru says: In summary, the Elite Shark CM100 is the smaller sibling of the CA500 we showed recently. Of these two, which one would you go for?

The post Sharkoon unveils the Elite Shark CM100 mATX case first appeared on KitGuru.

Fractal Design has launched its new Ion 3 Gold power supplies. These new units are built to the ATX12V 3.1 standard, ensuring compliance with modern power excursion demands and native support for the latest graphics cards.

The new Ion 3 Gold series is fully modular and comes equipped with a 16-pin PCIe Gen 5 (12V-2×6) cable, featuring the updated shortened sensing pins for a more reliable connection. The cables themselves use Fractal's flexible UltraFlex design, which was created to simplify routing and cable management.

To cool the unit, Fractal is using its Momentum 14 fan, a 140 mm unit that features LCP (liquid-crystal polymer) blades and a fluid-dynamic bearing. This is paired with an optional Zero-RPM mode, which the user can enable to keep the fan from spinning under light loads.

Internally, the 80 Plus Gold-rated units are built with 105°C Japanese capacitors and are backed by a 10-year warranty. The Ion 3 Gold PSUs are now available in 750W, 850W, and 1000W models priced at £104.99, £114.99, and £144.99, respectively. The 750W and 850W units are available in black, while the 1000W model is offered in both black and white.

KitGuru says: Have you ever owned a Fractal Ion PSU? Were you satisfied with your choice? Would you consider an Ion 3 Gold PSU for a future build or an upgrade to your current one?

The post Fractal Design launches Ion 3 Gold ATX 3.1 PSU first appeared on KitGuru.

Borderlands 4 has been out for a while now, but we've yet to hear much about sales. That changed this week, with Take Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick, admitting that the game's sales had been ‘softer' than expected. Still, the publisher expects the game to do well in the long-term.

In an interview with TheGameBusiness following the announcement of GTA 6's delay, Zelnick briefly touched upon the performance of Borderlands 4, the latest game from Gearbox Studios, which joined Take Two last year after a brief stint as an Embracer Group Studio. In the interview, Zelnick confirms that the game's sales were ‘softer' than expected, adding that the game's performance struggles on PC at launch were a contributing factor:

“The critical acclaim was superb, and we’re really happy with the release. Equally, as you know, there were some challenges with the Steam release. Gearbox has been addressing those challenges and will continue to do so. So, in terms of units sold out of the gate, the numbers were a little softer than we would have liked.”

Zelnick added that “in the fullness of time” Take Two thinks Borderlands 4 will “do great”. Interestingly, the game's last-minute delay on Nintendo Switch 2 was not mentioned here. If the game had released on October 2nd as planned, it will have undoubtedly helped with early sales, particularly as the Switch 2 is still fairly starved of AAA game support at this point in time.

Borderlands 4 has been keeping players up to date with weekly loot refreshes and endgame challenges. In the coming months, the game should also start to get its first pieces of DLC.

KitGuru Says: Did you buy Borderlands 4 at launch, or have you been holding off to get it on sale at a later date?

The post Borderlands 4 sales ‘softer’ than expected due to PC performance issues first appeared on KitGuru.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, the new game from former Uncharted director, Amy Hennig, and Skydance Games, has been delayed again. The game was supposed to be releasing in early 2026. Now, it looks like the game won't be out until much later in the year.

In a statement shared online last night, Skydance Games said: “Our goal is to deliver unforgettable, premium games that honor the characters and worlds we're fortunate to work with. MARVEL 1943: Rise of Hydra is an ambitious project, and we’re excited to continue sharing more about the story that our team, players, and fans expect.”

The statement goes on to add that in order to “fully realise” this vision, the game will be delayed from its previously announced release window of early 2026.

The delay came at the same time as Rockstar Games announced that it was pushing the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 from May 2026 to November 2026.

At this point in time, it is unclear exactly what Skydance means by ‘beyond early 2026'. The game has no new release window, so it could end up slipping into 2027 if there is further reason for delay, but my personal hope is that the game will be ready sometime over the summer.

So far, we've seen very little of Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra officially. However, we do know that the game will focus on dual protagonists – Captain America and Black Panther, as the pair do their best to keep people safe during the peak of World War 2.

KitGuru Says: Hopefully we actually get to see some substantial gameplay from this title in the coming year. So far, it has been nothing but quiet delays, while giving fans little to actually get excited about.

The post Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra delayed with no new release date first appeared on KitGuru.

The resurgence in video game adaptations over the past few years has resulted in a variety of distributors greenlighting projects across the entire scope of the video games space, from films and shows based on the biggest AAA franchises as well as notable indies. In an interesting announcement, Netflix and A24 have partnered up to create a competitive reality show based on the indie hit Overcooked.

As reported by Deadline, the known indie film production company A24 has partnered up with Netflix to develop a reality show competition based on the co-op focused indie game series Overcooked.

Little else is known about the show currently, with the adaptation said to be “in early stages of development” – although it has been confirmed that Overcooked studio Ghost Town Games is directly involved with Phil Duncan serving as one of the executive producers.

For the uninitiated, Overcooked is a chaotic co-op cooking game in which you and your friends must navigate a kitchen and complete orders in time; all the while the restaurant itself is being split into two, tilting on its side – among other wacky happenings.

While an argument can be made that far too many video game adaptations have been greenlit in recent years, the concept of a reality show in which contestants must navigate an ever-changing kitchen could be great entertainment.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this announcement? Could it be a fun watch? What other games could be turned into a reality show? Let us know down below.

The post Netflix to develop a reality show based on Overcooked franchise first appeared on KitGuru.

Game developers looking to ship their titles around mid 2026 can all breathe a collective sigh of relief, as Rockstar has just announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed again. 

Initially planned for 2025, GTA 6 was eventually delayed to May 26th 2026, Rockstar has now confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed again. The game will now be releasing on November 19th 2026, assuming there are no further issues that would warrant another delay.

In a statement, Rockstar explained the delay, saying: “We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”

Rockstar's exact plans for the GTA 6 launch were unclear even before this delay. At this point in time, we still don't know when to expect a PC version of the game, and we also don't know if the game's online multiplayer component will be available on launch day alongside the single-player campaign. With GTA V, Rockstar released GTA Online several weeks after the initial launch day. The PC version of Grand Theft Auto V also didn't arrive until around 18 months after the launch on Xbox 360 and PS3.

KitGuru Says: The clock has reset and now we have just over a year to wait for GTA 6. 

The post Grand Theft Auto 6 delayed again first appeared on KitGuru.

Ahead of its release back in September, SEGA announced that their highly-anticipated Kart racer Sonic Racing Crossworlds would be coming to the Switch 2 at a later date when compared to all other systems. Promised to be launching some time in Holiday 2025, the Switch 2 version of Sonic Racing Crossworlds has now gotten an official release date.

Making the announcement via a new trailer, SEGA has officially confirmed that the highly-praised Sonic Racing Crossworlds will make it to the current-gen Switch before the year’s end, stating: “Sonic Racing: Crossworlds Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches digitally on Dec 4!”

As previously revealed, those wanting to get their hands on a physical Switch 2 version will have to wait until “Early 2026”. Fortunately, the wait should be worth it, with SEGA confirming that the full game will be available on the cartridge – as opposed to being a Game-Key Card.

Those who do go the digital route however can choose to purchase the currently-available Switch 1 version and then upgrade to the Switch 2 SKU come its release. This upgrade typically costs $10, however is on offer for 50% off at the moment.

Last but not least, the Werehog Pack DLC will be included for free for all those who get their hands on the Switch 2 Edition of Sonic Racing Crossworlds within its first two weeks of release.

While Sonic Racing Crossworlds may be a bit of a tough ask at its full RRP, there is no denying that the game offers plenty of quality fun – and so is definitely worth picking up at some point. Luckily, unlike first-party Nintendo titles, SEGA hosts regular game sales.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for Sonic Racing Crossworlds on Switch 2? Should the upgrade from Switch 1 be free? Let us know down below.

The post Sonic Racing Crossworlds Switch 2 Edition arrives this December first appeared on KitGuru.

Following the success of The Super Mario Bros Movie, Nintendo has been quick to bring more adaptations based on its IPs to the big screen, having already announced a sequel to the Mario Movie alongside confirmation that a live-action The Legend of Zelda film is in the works. Initially announced in late 2023, the project has now officially started filming.

As published by the Film and Television Industry Alliance, the previously-announced live-action Legend of Zelda adaptation has officially begun filming; currently taking place in Wellington, New Zealand.

According to the listing, filming for the movie is taking place between the 4th of November 2025 and the 7th of April 2026 – a rather lengthy amount of time for just the filming stage (though there are of course likely many different factors at play).

Interestingly, alongside confirmation of its filming timeline, the listing also includes a project summary for the movie, which reads as follows:

“A live-action adaptation of the video game franchise. ‘The Legend of Zelda’ follows Link, a young warrior destined to protect the magical kingdom of Hyrule from the forces of darkness. The land is under threat from Ganon, a ruthless warlord who seeks the Triforce—an ancient relic said to grant limitless power. To stop him, Link must embark on a perilous journey, battling monstrous creatures, exploring treacherous dungeons, and solving intricate puzzles to uncover sacred artifacts that can aid him in his quest.”

While a relatively generic description which could apply to pretty much any of the many Legend of Zelda games, it does appear as though the film is choosing to stay faithful to the core of this iconic franchise. Hopefully we get an official look at the production soon enough.

KitGuru says: What do you think of a live-action Legend of Zelda film? Does the concept have legs? Who are you hoping will play the roles of Link and Zelda? Let us know down below.

The post Filming for the live-action Legend of Zelda film has officially begun first appeared on KitGuru.

Launched at the same time as the MP700 Micro, Corsair's M.2 2280 MP700 Pro XT is the company's latest Gen 5 flagship. Utilising Phison's latest flagship Gen 5 controller, the PS5028-E28, the 2TB MP700 Pro XT hits the market at £260 here in the UK.

At launch, the MP700 Pro XT line-up consists of three models: 1TB, 2TB (the model we are reviewing) and a flagship 4TB model. The new drive is built around Phison's latest Gen5 8-channel controller, the PS5028-E28. Designed to replace the Phison PS5026-E26 (which powers previous MP700 models), the new controller delivers improved performance but, perhaps more importantly, better thermals and lower power consumption. For the MP700 Pro XT, Corsair has matched the memory with BiCS8 218-layer 3D TLC NAND, along with a 2GB SK hynix DRAM cache IC.

Corsair quotes sequential read performance figures of 14,900MB/s across the range. Sequential writes are up to 14,200MB/s for the 1TB drive, 14,500MB/s for the 2TB drive and up to 14,400MB/s for the 4TB drive.

Random read performance is listed as up to 1,500,000 IOPS for the 1TB model, while the 2TB and 4TB drives get up to 2,700,000 IOPS. Random writes are quoted as up to 3,300,000 IOPS across the range.

Corsair gives power consumption figures for the 2TB MP700 Pro XT as up to 6.5W average for both active reads and writes, with Dev Spl power less than 5mW.

Endurance for the 2TB drive is quoted as 1,400TBW. The 1TB drive gets 700TBW, and the 4TB drive, 2,800TBW. Corsair backs the drive with a 5-year warranty.

Physical Specifications:

• Usable Capacities: 2TB.
• NAND Components: BiCS8 218-layer 3D TLC NAND.
• NAND Controller: Phison PS5028-E28.
• Cache: 2GB LPDDR4.
• Interface: PCIe Gen 5 x4, NVMe 2.0.
• Form Factor: M.2 2280.
• Dimensions: 22 x 80 x 2.4mm.
• Drive Weight: 7g.

Firmware Version: ESFM10.1

The post Corsair MP700 Pro XT 2TB SSD Review first appeared on KitGuru.

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.

The post GTA+ subscription service adds GTA Online to its library of available games first appeared on KitGuru.

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.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

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

The post AMD Ryzen 7 9700X3D surfaces in PassMark first appeared on KitGuru.

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.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

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

The post Ryzen AI Max+ 388 and 392 may feature full 40-CU Strix Halo integrated GPU first appeared on KitGuru.

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.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

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.

The post LANCOOL 217 INF adds RGB Infinity design to LIAN LI’s Case Lineup first appeared on KitGuru.

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:

Name	CPU Cores	Boost Clock Speed	GPU	TDP
Core Ultra X9 388H	16C (4P+8E+4LP)	5.1 GHz	Arc B390 (12-core)	25W/65-80W
Core Ultra X9 386H	16C (4P+8E+4LP)	4.9 GHz	Arc B390 (12-core)	25W/65-80W
Core Ultra X7 368H	16C (4P+8E+4LP)	5.0 GHz	Arc B390 (12-core)	25W/65-80W
Core Ultra X7 366H	16C (4P+8E+4LP)	4.8 GHz	Arc B390 (12-core)	25W/65-80W
Core Ultra X7 358H	16C (4P+8E+4LP)	4.8 GHz	Arc B390 (12-core)	25W/65-80W
Core Ultra X7 356H	16C (4P+8E+4LP)	4.7 GHz	Arc B390 (12-core)	25W/65-80W
Core Ultra 5 338H	12C (4P+4E+4LP)	4.7 GHz	Arc B370 (10-core)	25W/65-80W
Core Ultra 5 336H	12C (4P+4E+4LP)	4.6 GHz	4-core Xe3 iGPU	25W/65-80W
Core Ultra 7 365	8C (4P+0E+4LP)	4.8 GHz	4-core Xe3 iGPU	25W/55W
Core Ultra 7 355	8C (4P+0E+4LP)	4.7 GHz	4-core Xe3 iGPU	25W/55W
Core Ultra 5 335	8C (4P+0E+4LP)	4.6 GHz	4-core Xe3 iGPU	25W/55W
Core Ultra 5 325	8C (4P+0E+4LP)	4.5 GHz	4-core Xe3 iGPU	25W/55W
Core Ultra 5 332	6C (2P+0E+4LP)	4.4 GHz	2-core Xe3 iGPU	25W/55W
Core Ultra 3 322	6C (2P+0E+4LP)	4.4 GHz	2-core Xe3 iGPU	25W/55W

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

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

The post Intel Panther Lake leak shows up to 80W TDP and up to 5.1 GHz clock speeds first appeared on KitGuru.

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.

Discuss on our Facebook page, 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. 

The post Sharkoon expands UK product availability via SCAN first appeared on KitGuru.

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.

The post Data miner uncovers potential cross-buy feature coming to PlayStation games first appeared on KitGuru.

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.

The post PlayStation Portal gets cloud streaming improvements, new UI and more in major update first appeared on KitGuru.

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.

The post “Primary development focus” has shifted to Switch 2 according to Nintendo first appeared on KitGuru.

LC-Power has only been making gaming monitors since 2019 and the company launched its first OLED offerings earlier this year. Today we're assessing the 27in model, utilising the same 4K/240Hz Samsung QD-OLED panel as MSI's 272URX and AOC's AG276UZD. It promises up to 1000 nits peak brightness, infinite contrast and near-instant response times, all at the attractive price of just £669 here in the UK. Let's find out if it's worth buying.

On the topic of pricing and availability, so far I've only found the LC-Power M27UO listed on Amazon, but the £669 asking price makes it £30 cheaper than both the AOC AG276UZD and MSI 272URX, though the latter appears to be a temporary deal and the £999 MSRP is significantly more expensive. Still, it goes to show just how competitive the OLED market has become, so let's take a look and see what the M27UO can bring to the party.

Specification:

• Display size: 26.5″ / 67.31 cm
• Resolution: 4K Ultra HD / 3840×2160 pixels
• Screen refresh rate: 240 Hz
• Panel type: QD-OLED / anti-reflective (AR)
• Picture format: 16:9
• Brightness:
  • APL 100%: 250 nits
  • APL 10%: 450 nits
  • APL 3%: 1000 nits
• Contrast ratio: 1,500,000:1
• Dynamic contrast ratio: 1,500,000:1
• Screen colors: 1.07 B / 10 bit
• Viewing angle: H: 178° / V: 178°
• Pixel pitch: 589.97 (H) x 332.93 (V)
• Response time: 0.03 ms OD
• Video/USB ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DP 1.4, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C (Video/Data/PD)
• Speakers: 2x 5 W (integrated)
• Audio out: 1x 3.5mm jack
• Included items: Monitor, stand, DP cable, manual, mains adapter, mounting material
• Features: Adaptive Sync, Game Plus, Low Blue, PiP/PbP, FPS/RTS, Flicker-Free, KVM switch, HDR400, VESA-compatible, height-adjustable stand
• Rear: black/anthracite with LED lighting
• Stand: anthracite
• Dimensions:
  • Without stand: 611 x 352 x 65 mm
  • With stand: 611 x 567 x 311 mm
• Packaging: 810 x 476 x 184 mm
• Tilt angle: -5° ~ 20°
• Swivel range: ±20°
• Pivot: ±90°
• Height adjustment: 120 mm
• VESA suspension: 75 x 75 mm
• Product / Total: 5.55 / 7.9 kg
• Warranty: 3 years

The post LC-Power M27UO Review (4K/240Hz QD-OLED) first appeared on KitGuru.

Since its launch in 2022, the Steam Deck has only improved with time, receiving countless new features and quality of life improvements through relatively consistent updates. As part of the Steam Deck’s beta branch, users will finally be able to download titles while the screen is off in an update which has been a long time coming.

Though it may seem like a relatively minor feature given that it has existed on the likes of smartphones for over a decade, being able to download games/updates while the Steam Deck’s screen is off has been a long-requested yet doubtful hope from owners of the handheld.

In a welcome announcement however, Valve has now unveiled their new low-power download mode – “enabling [Steam Deck] to complete all active downloads in a new display-off low-power mode, before going to sleep.”

This new functionality will be enabled by default while on charge, and can be set to work on battery power as well. Interestingly, it appears to be a different system entirely compared to the Deck’s typical sleep mode, with Valve explaining that “when this feature is active on battery power, Steam Deck will automatically go to full sleep mode if the battery level falls below 20%.”

Ever since the Steam Deck first arrived years ago, the lack of a screen-off download option has been frustrating. As such, this feature is highly welcome to see. Hopefully the update makes its way to the stable channels soon enough.

KitGuru says: Are you glad to see this feature implemented? Has the lack of a screen-off download option bothered you? Let us know down below.

The post Steam Deck beta update brings major improvements to game downloads first appeared on KitGuru.

Cooler Master has unveiled the Qube 540, a new 40L compact case with a heavy focus on builder flexibility. Following the geometric design of the Qube series, this new model is designed to be built in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, giving builders more choice when piecing together their rig. 

Despite its smaller footprint, the Qube 540 is built to handle high-performance hardware. The chassis supports motherboards from ITX up to E-ATX (as wide as 280mm) and has clearance for flagship graphics cards up to 415mm in length. For cooling, the case accommodates 360mm liquid-cooling radiators and supports CPU cooling towers up to 172mm in height.

The interior is modular, allowing builders to adjust the layout for components and airflow, and the I/O panel and handles can be repositioned. Available in dark grey and light grey, the case features one pre-installed 120mm fan at the rear and can accommodate a 3.5-inch drive, as well as up to three 2.5-inch drives. Additionally, it features dust filters on the top, bottom, and front.

Another interesting thing about the Qube 540 is its emphasis on 3D-printed customization. Cooler Master is providing official and community-developed open-source 3D files for owners to print their own accessories. To support this, the company is collaborating with 3D-printing firm Prusa to make these add-ons more accessible to builders.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE

KitGuru says: The Qube 540 looks like an improvement over the previous Qube cases. Would you be interested in building with one of these?

The post Cooler Master launches modular Qube 540 chassis first appeared on KitGuru.

While Contraband was announced in 2021 with a planned 2022 release date, the game continued to face delays and as a result, Microsoft ultimately pulled the publishing deal for the title. It is still unclear whether or not Avalanche will be able to revive the project, but in the meantime, newly leaked screenshots have given us a good look at what could have been. 

Contraband was going to be an open-world co-op shooter set in a fictional Southeast Asia inspired country, with a mix of 1970s flavour. The game would have seen players teaming up to smuggle contraband across borders, engage in black market trading and go on heists. The game was described officially as a “smuggler's paradise”.

In the gallery above, you can see some of the screenshots discovered by MP1st. These screenshots are primarily concept art, rather than a look at the final product, but it shows some of the UI menus and character portraits. Notably though, the character portraits in particular were not final and were merely in place for prototyping purposes.

It is unclear what Avalanche Studios will move on to next. Contraband is seemingly not coming out and recently, it came to light that the studio doesn't have full control over the Just Cause IP, and with the previous instalment not achieving high commercial success, along with the fact that many of the Just Cause creators are no longer with Avalanche, it is unlikely that we'll see Just Cause 5 instead.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Due to the Just Cause 2 multiplayer mod, Avalanche spent a lot of effort transforming into a multiplayer-first studio. Unfortunately, projects like Generation Zero failed to catch on and without some extra backing, Contraband may never see the light of day. 

The post Concept art leaks for cancelled Avalanche game ‘Contraband’ first appeared on KitGuru.

Recently, the Japanese patent office rejected Nintendo's application for a patent what would cover monster capturing and throwing mechanics, something that could serve quite the blow to the company's ongoing lawsuit against the creators of Palworld. Now, the US version of this patent, which Nintendo was granted earlier this year, is also in trouble, as the USPTO is now re-examining the patent's validity. 

Nintendo filed for patents covering monster catching, throwing and battle mechanics earlier this year in an effort to leverage those patents against PocketPair, the studio behind Palworld. While Palworld does take some inspiration from Pokémon, it is by and large a very different game to anything GameFreak has ever made. When the patent filings were initially reported, many came out to state that they should not be validated, as the vague language could impact hundreds of games, both new and old, not just Palworld.

As spotted by Gamesfray, the director of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), John Squires, has now ordered that Nintendo's recently granted patent be re-examined, as conflict has been found with a previous patent from Konami, who also seemingly has a claim over automatic and manual sub-character summoning and battle mechanics.

This doesn't mean that the patent will automatically be revoked, but in a sensible world, it would be. The patent is worded in such a way that could impact all kinds of games, from Ark: Survival Evolved, to Monster Hunter and many, many more.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While Palworld may have some Pokémon flavour in the form of its monster designs, Nintendo isn't suing over that. Instead, it is suing over mechanics that have existed in many different games for decades. If this is allowed to go ahead, it will hamper a lot of potential future innovation. 

The post US Patent Office to ‘re-examine’ crucial Nintendo patent at centre of Palworld lawsuit first appeared on KitGuru.