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Samsung Display fires back at LG with “V-Stripe” 360Hz QD-OLED ultrawide

2 janvier 2026 à 17:00

Samsung Display has officially announced the mass production of its next-generation 34-inch QD-OLED panel. Aimed directly at the long-standing complaints regarding text fringing, the new panel introduces a “V-Stripe” pixel structure that abandons the traditional triangular sub-pixel arrangement of previous generations.

By aligning the red, green, and blue sub-pixels vertically, Samsung is promising a true RGB-stripe experience that finally brings OLED text rendering into parity with standard LCD monitors. This move follows closely behind LG Display's own announcement of a 27-inch RGB-stripe WOLED panel, signalling a broader industry-wide push to make OLED technology viable for serious productivity work like coding and document editing.

Image credit: Samsung

The technical specifications of this new panel are a significant leap forward for the ultrawide category. Operating at a native 360 Hz refresh rate, the display offers a substantial upgrade in motion clarity over previous 240 Hz models, while maintaining the cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio and a subtle 1800R curve. Samsung has also pushed the luminance envelope, citing a peak HDR brightness of 1,300 nits and VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certification. To achieve these figures on a high-refresh ultrawide, Samsung used a new top-emission structure and improved organic materials under its EL 3.0 implementation to maximise efficiency and longevity.

While the announcement comes from the panel manufacturer, the hardware is already in the hands of major partners. Samsung Display confirmed that it has been supplying these V-Stripe panels to seven global brands, including Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte. With CES 2026 set to kick off in Las Vegas on January 6th, both Asus and MSI are expected to unveil the first retail monitors using this technology.

KitGuru says: With both LG and Samsung now preparing RGB-stripe panels, OLED/QD-OLED panels could become the go-to solution for gaming and working on a single display.

The post Samsung Display fires back at LG with “V-Stripe” 360Hz QD-OLED ultrawide first appeared on KitGuru.

Thermalright unveils slim new 140mm case fans

2 janvier 2026 à 16:00

Thermalright is expanding its already vast cooling catalogue with a rare entry into the slim 140mm fan market. The newly unveiled TL-B14015 series targets the growing niche of Small Form Factor (SFF) enthusiasts who require the surface area of a 140 mm fan but lack the clearance for standard 25-mm-thick fans. Measuring just 15 mm thick, these fans are designed to slide into tight gaps behind front panels or beneath bottom-mounted radiators where traditional blowers won't fit.

Currently available in a stealthy black finish, the standard TL-B14015 (via CowCotland) operates at a modest 1600 RPM, delivering 62.8 CFM of airflow and 1.0 mmH2O of static pressure while keeping noise levels very respectable at 24.6 dBA.

For those who prioritise raw performance over acoustic stealth, Thermalright has also introduced the TL-B14015 Extrem. This “Extrem” variant is distinguished by a structural gold ring connecting the blade tips. Moving away from standard plastics, the Extrem model utilises Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) blades. The performance jump is significant, with the Extrem pushing up to 2600 RPM, doubling the static pressure of the base model to 2.01 mmH2O and increasing airflow to 92.3 CFM. However, as one might expect from a slim fan spinning at such high velocities, the noise level climbs to 34.2 dBA.

Both versions of the TL-B14015 use a dual-row ball bearing system, which generally offers a longer lifespan than sleeve or fluid-dynamic bearings. Thermalright also includes a fairly robust accessory bundle for a standalone fan, including a protective metal grille with a colour-matched centre, mounting screws, and a PWM splitter for dual-fan configurations. This launch effectively positions Thermalright as a direct competitor to the few premium slim 140mm options on the market, likely at a price point that makes it the default choice for budget-conscious SFF builders.

KitGuru says: Thermalright continues to be a menace to the high-priced cooling establishment. Bringing LCP blades and a 2600 RPM ceiling to a 15mm-thick 140mm fan is an impressive technical feat, provided you don't mind the turbine-like acoustics at full power.

The post Thermalright unveils slim new 140mm case fans first appeared on KitGuru.

LG enters a new era of ultra-portability with ‘Aerominum’ laptops

2 janvier 2026 à 15:00

LG is raising the bar for ultra-light computing ahead of CES 2026, unveiling a refreshed laptop lineup that aims to solve the age-old compromise between weight and structural integrity. The 2026 collection is defined by the debut of “Aerominum”, a proprietary magnesium-aluminium alloy inspired by aerospace engineering.

The new Aerominum chassis is achieved by fusing the low density of magnesium with the rigidity of aluminium. LG claims to have reduced the weight of the latest models while increasing scratch resistance. The result is a premium metallic finish that is more durable without the “flimsy” feel sometimes associated with ultra-light devices.

On the performance side, LG is leading with the US-exclusive Gram Pro 17 (17Z90UR), which the company is touting as the world's lightest 17-inch RTX laptop. Designed for creators who need a lightweight workstation, it squeezes an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 (8 GB GDDR7) into a frame roughly the size of a traditional 16-inch laptop. This model features a 17-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS panel.

As the lightest 16-inch laptop in its class with both on-device and cloud-based AI, the LG Gram Pro 16 (16Z90U) establishes a new benchmark. For both professional and creative tasks, the 16-inch WQXGA+ (2,880 x 1,800) OLED display provides a high-end, immersive visual experience with high PPI. For graphics, it seems the laptop will depend on the iGPU of the Intel Core Ultra series CPUs powering it.

The 2026 lineup also marks the debut of LG's Advanced Dual AI strategy. By combining Microsoft Copilot+ capabilities with LG's Gram Chat On-Device AI, these laptops can perform complex tasks such as document summarisation, search, and translation without an internet connection. This is powered by the upgraded Exaone 3.5 small LLM, ensuring user data stays private on the local hardware. A new “Time Travel” feature even allows users to revisit and restore past workflows or deleted data through an intuitive AI-driven timeline. Connectivity-wise, the new laptops are getting Gram Link, which now supports seamless file sharing and screen mirroring across Android, iOS, and even webOS-based LG devices like TVs and smart monitors.

KitGuru says: LG Gram laptops have always been exceptionally light, but there still seems to be room to make them lighter. Is the weight of a laptop a critical factor to you?

The post LG enters a new era of ultra-portability with ‘Aerominum’ laptops first appeared on KitGuru.

BootRom keys for PS5 leak, enabling custom firmware, emulation and piracy

2 janvier 2026 à 14:00

The new year brought about some unfortunate news for Sony's security team. The BootRom key for PS5 consoles has leaked, enabling a new wave of jailbreaking, along with the ability to allow homebrew software to run. 

The BootRom is crucial to the security of consoles. With the key, modders will be able to decrypt the bootloader and from there, it will become possible to run unlicensed software and install custom firmware, which could lead to a new wave of piracy-enabled ‘hacked' PS5 consoles.

PlayStation 5 UK

As pointed out by HotHardware, this could also enable emulator developers to get PS5 emulation up and running, as they will be able to simulate the PS5 booting process and decrypt game loaders.

Unfortunately, there is no magic way for Sony to put the genie back in the bottle here. However, Sony can always take legal action against attempts to share these keys online, as well as attempts to ship emulators. As Nintendo managed to get Switch emulators shut down a few years ago, Sony may also have success stamping out publicly available emulators for PS5 initially as well.

KitGuru Says: It was possible to ‘hack' a PS5 before this but the addition of BootROM keys will open up additional possibilities. Due to the high risk of legal action though, we would expect anyone in possession of the keys to keep it private for the foreseeable future. 

The post BootRom keys for PS5 leak, enabling custom firmware, emulation and piracy first appeared on KitGuru.

Dispatch has officially sold over 3 million copies ahead of Switch launch later this month

2 janvier 2026 à 12:00

One of 2025’s biggest indie hits was Dispatch – an episodic superhero adventure title from developers who previously worked at Telltale Games and Night School Studio. Released in chunks, the game saw its final episode arrive in November; receiving high praise across the board and helping to push the game past 2 million copies sold. Since then, interest has not yet slowed down, with the title having now officially sold over 3 million copies in total.

Taking to BlueSky to release their ‘2025 Dispatch Wrapped’ the team at AdHoc Studio shared a bunch of different player statistics, including but not limited to the total number of shifts completed; the amount of calls answered and players’ overall romance choices.

Dispatch Million

By far the most interesting stat however was the confirmation that Dispatch has sold 3 million copies – a little over a month since its last major milestone.

Currently, Dispatch is only available on PlayStation 5 and PC. With the game confirmed to be landing on both the Switch and Switch 2 later this month however, it is likely that Dispatch will only continue to grow in popularity. It will be interesting to see how big the game winds up being on Switch.

KitGuru says: Have you played through the game? What did you think? How well will the game sell throughout 2026? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Dispatch has officially sold over 3 million copies ahead of Switch launch later this month first appeared on KitGuru.

Bloober Team teases mysterious project with new website and countdown

2 janvier 2026 à 11:00

Over the past few years Bloober Team have made a name for themselves in the horror space. While their earlier projects were far from masterpieces, the team have proven themselves with time – culminating in the successful release of Silent Hill 2 Remake. With multiple projects currently in the works at the studio, Bloober Team have started to tease something mysterious.

Taking to Twitter, Bloober Team shared a curious URL alongside the message “Dare to peek into the darkness…”

In going to the link, users are met with what appears to be a random string of letters, then leading to a countdown timer which will last for 44 days – seemingly ending on the 14th of February 2026.

The letters in question are as follows: RemosdNeulSerorehsoOvamCeyerd; though what this means exactly is currently unknown.

For the uninitiated, Bloober Team are currently developing a number of different projects. Alongside their ongoing work on the Silent Hill 1 Remake, Bloober also previously announced Project M – an exclusive being developed for the Nintendo Switch / Switch 2.

Considering the fact that Nintendo has hosted various Directs during the month of February in previous years, it is quite possible that Bloober Team are teasing their Switch exclusive. We won’t have to wait too long to find out.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this teaser? Could it be related to project M? What do you think the message spells out? Let us know down below.

The post Bloober Team teases mysterious project with new website and countdown first appeared on KitGuru.

MSI introduces DarkArmor and Uniform Luminance Reshape for new QD-OLED displays

2 janvier 2026 à 10:49

MSI has expanded its 32‑inch 4K QD‑OLED gaming monitor lineup with two new models, the MPG 322UR QD‑OLED X24 and MAG 321UP QD‑OLED X24. Both displays use MSI’s latest 5‑layer Tandem OLED architecture with EL Gen 3 technology, designed to improve luminous efficiency and extend panel lifespan across the company’s 32‑inch 4K range.

The monitors introduce several upgraded display technologies aimed at delivering stronger visual performance and durability. MSI’s new DarkArmor Film enhances light absorption to eliminate the purple or red tint often seen on standard QD‑OLED panels under ambient lighting. It increases perceived black depth by up to 40% and raises surface hardness from 2H to 3H, offering significantly better scratch resistance for everyday use.

Uniform Luminance is another key addition, addressing the inconsistent brightness shifts common in HDR content. The feature allows users to fine‑tune the HDR brightness curve by mapping brightness levels to different window sizes, ensuring smoother and more stable luminance across varied scenarios.

The MPG 322UR QD‑OLED X24 serves as the flagship option, adding MSI’s AI Care Sensor for automated panel protection. Powered by an NPU‑based IC, the system uses real‑time human‑detection algorithms to manage power states and trigger protective measures based on user presence. This allows the monitor to safeguard the panel without interrupting gameplay or requiring manual intervention.

With these updates, MSI aims to deliver higher durability, improved HDR consistency, and smarter long‑term protection for players seeking premium 4K QD‑OLED performance. We'll get a closer and more detailed look at all of this next week as CES gets underway.

KitGuru Says: Are you looking forward to the next generation of QD-OLED panels? We've been getting steady improvements over the past few years and prices have been coming down too.

The post MSI introduces DarkArmor and Uniform Luminance Reshape for new QD-OLED displays first appeared on KitGuru.

Epomaker TH108 Pro Keyboard Review

2 janvier 2026 à 10:11

In a sea of small form-factor keyboards, it’s sometimes easy to forget that full-size boards still exist. The Epomaker TH108 Pro is exactly that – a full-size, gasket mounted mechanical keyboard which features a TFT screen and rotary dial for added functionality. With a chassis made from ABS plastic and a price tag of roughly £75, is the TH108 Pro any good?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:51 Pricing and key details
01:25 Design and appearance
02:27 TFT display + dial
03:20 RGB lighting and other details
04:32 Build quality
05:42 Typing feel + acoustics
06:35 Soundtest
06:57 Day to day use
08:24 Battery life
08:53 Web software
09:37 Mat’s closing thoughts

Specifications

  • Brand – EPOMAKER
  • Model – TH108 PRO mechanical gaming keyboard
  • LAYOUT – 100% full sized gaming keyboard
  • Number of Keys – 104 Keys
  • Battery – 10000mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Connectivity – 2.4Ghz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB Cable
  • Compatibility – Mac/WIN/Android
  • Keyboard Height (Spacebar Side) – 28mm (including keycaps), 20mm (without keycaps)
  • Keyboard Height (ESC Side) – 42mm (including keycaps), 34mm (without keycaps)
  • Kickstand – Yes, TH108 PRO features a 2-stage adjustable kickstand and offers three typing angles.
  • Typing Angle – 6, 8 and 10.5 degree
  • Case Material – Thick ABS Plastic
  • Plate Material – PC Plastic
  • Flex-Cut – Yes, the TH108 PRO has a flex-cut plate in PC and a flex-cut PCB board in FR4.
  • Stabilizers – TH108 PRO has finely tuned plate-mounted stabilizers and is not compatible with PCB or screw-in stabilizers.
  • Mounting Structure – Gasket-Mounted
  • Sound Dampening – 5 Layers of sound dampening, including PORON sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, Sound-Enhancement PET, EPDM switch socket foam, and bottom silicone.
  • Keycaps Profile – Cherry Profile
  • Keycaps Material – PBT Plastic
  • Keycaps Manufacturing Technique – Double-Shot
  • Switch – Factory Lubed Mechanical Switch
  • Hot swappable – Yes, TH108 PRO has a hot-swappable PCB and is compatible with 5-pin mechanical switches.
  • RGB – South-Facing, Per-Key LEDs
  • Polling Rate – 1000Hz in USB and 2.4GHz mode, and 125Hz in Bluetooth mode.
  • Latency – 2ms (USB), 5ms (2.4Ghz Wireless), 11ms (Bluetooth)
  • Anti-Ghosting – Yes, TH108 PRO supports N-key rollover and is anti-ghosting
  • Keyboard Dimensions – 445 x 140 x 42 mm
  • Keyboard Weight – 1.12kg

You can buy the TH108 Pro keyboard directly from Epomaker, starting at £74.76 HERE.

Pros:

  • Very comfortable typing feel thanks to gasket mount.
  • Smooth stock switches (Creamy Jade).
  • Good connectivity options (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth).
  • Clean, universal design.
  • Strong battery life for wireless use.
  • Decent RGB with smooth transitions.

Cons:

  • ABS case has some flex.
  • Dial wobbles when being rotated.
  • TFT screen has poor viewing angles and limited usefulness.
  • Web customisation is dated and very basic.

KitGuru says: What the TH108 Pro lacks in build quality, it makes up for with a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. 

The post Epomaker TH108 Pro Keyboard Review first appeared on KitGuru.

ASRock to debut new AIO coolers, monitors and more at CES 2026

2 janvier 2026 à 10:08

ASRock is set to showcase a wide range of new hardware at CES 2026, expanding its portfolio across cooling, motherboards, monitors, graphics cards, power supplies, and compact systems.

The company will debut a full lineup of next‑generation AIO liquid coolers featuring a new pump architecture, improved flow design, optional full‑color LCD displays, and premium components such as LCP fan blades and dual‑ball‑bearing motors.

ASRock is also introducing the new Rock Series motherboards, including B850 and B860 models in both ATX and mATX formats. The Challenger Series expands with additional AMD X870E, X870, and B850 options, plus Intel B860 variants, now available in both ATX and compact mATX designs.

Sticking to components, this year will also see ASRock launching its very first white graphics card – the RX 9070 XT Taichi White, featuring an LCD display, ARGB lighting and a white PCB. ASRock will also have new Phantom Gaming SFX and Steel Legend Platinum power supplies hitting the market this year.

Rounding out the components side of things, ASRock is also going to be introducing its new DeskSlim mini PCs during CES this month, promising powerful 120W CPUs in a small 4.9-liter design.

In displays, ASRock will present its latest 27‑inch OLED gaming monitors across the Taichi and Phantom Gaming lines. Taichi models offer WOLED and QD‑OLED panels with 2K or 4K resolution, refresh rates up to 540Hz, Dual Mode switching, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black certification. Phantom Gaming models deliver 2K 240Hz QD‑OLED performance with ergonomic stands and USB‑C connectivity.

CES 2026 begins on the 6th of January.

KitGuru Says: Are you looking forward to new tech announcements at CES next week?

The post ASRock to debut new AIO coolers, monitors and more at CES 2026 first appeared on KitGuru.

Total War and Wildgate are both free on the Epic Games Store

2 janvier 2026 à 10:00

As they have done for many years now, the Epic Games Store gave away a different title for free every 24 hours during the final weeks of 2025. With 2026 now officially here, Epic’s Christmas game giveaway is coming to an end – with both Total War: Three Kingdoms and Wildgate available to claim right now.

Available to add to your library from now until the 8th of January, the Epic Games Store is giving away two titles in total, namely:

  • Wildgate 
  • Total War: Three Kingdoms

Wildgate is a PvPvE multiplayer shooter developed by Moonshot Games and published by Dreamhaven. Released back in July of 2025, the game offers a unique take on the genre due to its mix of both first-person shooting and ship-to-ship combat set in space.

Described by many as ‘Sea of Thieves in space’, Wildgate is worth checking out, especially for free – but don’t expect it to be your next live-service shooter.

Total War: Three Kingdoms meanwhile is the latest entry in the long running RTS series. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA, Three Kingdoms received solid reviews across the board from both critics and fans alike. Though not for everybody, those who enjoy the genre will have plenty to enjoy.

Both Wildgate and Total War: Three Kingdoms are available to add to your library from now until the 8th of January – at which point they will be replaced by the classic tower defence Bloons TD6.

KitGuru says: What did you think of Epic’s final 2025 giveaways? How many free games do you have in your library at this point? Let us know down below.

The post Total War and Wildgate are both free on the Epic Games Store first appeared on KitGuru.

ATLUS to kick-off Persona’s 30th anniversary celebrations next week

1 janvier 2026 à 14:00

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Persona franchise – a sub-series of the popular Shin Megami Tensei games which ended up far surpassing its progenitor in sales, critical reception and public consciousness. With the franchise going stronger than ever 3 decades on, ATLUS appears to have big plans for 2026, starting with their first wave of announcements next week.

Publishing a new website dedicated to the series’ 30th anniversary, ATLUS have teased that the first drop of information relating to Persona’s 2026 plans will arrive on the 8th of January – though it is unknown what exactly will be revealed.

As mentioned, the Persona series has gone from strength-to-strength, with the latest entry – Persona 5 – surpassing 10 million copies and the expanded P5 Royal being publisher SEGA’s highest-selling game of the 2020s.

30th ATLUS

With Person 5 now being over 9 years old at this point, it is high time that we begin to hear about the inevitable Persona 6. That said, with SEGA claiming previously that they hope to turn Persona into an annual franchise, it’s just as likely they'll unveil yet another P5 spin-off.

Of course, there’s also the previously announced Persona 4 Remake which is also in the works and could very well be shown off. We won’t have to wait long to find out.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for 2026? Will this be the year we finally learn about Persona 6? What else do you think they have planned for its 30th anniversary? Let us know down below.

The post ATLUS to kick-off Persona’s 30th anniversary celebrations next week first appeared on KitGuru.

January 2026’s PlayStation Plus line-up announced

1 janvier 2026 à 13:00

Each month, Sony offers 3 titles for ‘free’ as part of the console maker’s PlayStation Plus Essential subscription service. Kicking off 2026 with a decent selection of games, January’s PS Plus titles include the fun and highly stylised open-world street racer Need For Speed Unbound.

Making the announcement via the PlayStation Blog, Sony confirmed the full list of titles being given away in January to all those with a PS Plus Essential (or above) subscription. Despite stating previously that they would be deprioritising PS4 titles beginning in 2026, two of the three offerings for this month are in fact available on last-gen (albeit with PS5 versions also).

With that said, your PS Plus Essential offerings for this month – available from the 6th of January – are as follows:

  • Need For Speed Unbound [PS5]
  • Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed [PS4|PS5]
  • Core Keeper [PS4|PS5]

Need For Speed Unbound is the latest entry in the long-running and iconic street racing series. Released back in 2022, Unbound set itself apart from the other entries with its heavy focus on offering stylised graffiti-esque visuals, particularly when it came to various smoke and particle effects.

Though not for everyone (and can be mostly turned off), NFS Unbound’s aesthetic choices help to add to the overall sense of speed, momentum and impact. While many deem it to be a weaker entry in comparison to series highs, NFS Unbound is still a fun open-world racer worth giving a spin.

Epic Mickey: Refurbished meanwhile is a remake of the 2010 3D platformer released for the Nintendo Wii during the Disney Interactive Studios era (prior to the publisher’s closure in 2016). Though far from the peak of 3D platforming, the remake took steps to improve the overall package, adding a bunch of new content alongside additional gameplay mechanics such as dashing and ground pounding.

As mentioned, all three titles will be available to claim from the 7th of January, and will remain so until 2nd of February. Additional details on these games can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of January’s offerings? Is it a good way to kick off 2026 or were you expecting more? Let us know down below.

The post January 2026’s PlayStation Plus line-up announced first appeared on KitGuru.

Chivalry II is free on the Epic Games Store as two titles are teased for later today

1 janvier 2026 à 12:00

As they have done for a few years now, the final weeks of 2025 saw Epic Games give away a different title for free every single day as part of its end-of-year promotions. While the hectic multiplayer first-person slasher Chivalry II is available to claim right now, Epic has revealed that they are concluding this year’s edition of the program with two free games.

As mentioned, from now until 4PM UK time, the fun and frantic multiplayer FPS (first-person slasher) Chivalry II is available to claim for free via the Epic Games Store and will remain in your library forever once added.

Epic Games Chivalry

The game has you take part in massive 64 player battles in which you are little more than a pawn on a battlefield, trying to take down as many enemies as you can before you fall. With its unique gameplay and medieval setting, Chivalry II is certainly worth picking up – especially for free.

Come 4PM however, Chivalry will be replaced by two as-of-yet-unknown ‘mystery’ games, ending Epic’s two weeks of free games promotions. In case you missed it, this year’s program kicked off (sort of) with the addition of Hogwarts Legacy, a pretty major and relatively recent AAA title, and so here’s to hoping that Epic will end 2025 in an equally as big way.

KitGuru says: What did you think of 2025’s free Epic Games Store giveaways? How many titles did you claim? How many games do you have in your Epic library at this point? Let us know down below.

The post Chivalry II is free on the Epic Games Store as two titles are teased for later today first appeared on KitGuru.

Thermalright unveils Levita Vision AIO with massive 6.67-inch AMOLED screen

31 décembre 2025 à 18:29

Thermalright continues its relentless pace of launches with the unveiling of the Levita Vision AIO series, a liquid cooling lineup that seemingly wants to turn your CPU socket into a tablet.

Looking at the new Levita Vision AIO series, what stands out the most is undoubtedly the massive 6.67-inch curved AMOLED display mounted atop the water block, boasting a 2400 x 1080 resolution. While we have seen plenty of LCD-equipped coolers recently, Thermalright is pushing the boundary by offering a screen size and clarity that outclass most of the premium competition. This display is magnetically attached for ease of installation and can be fully customised with real-time monitoring data, custom images, or video playback via the company's dedicated software.

Builders should take note of the physical presence this unit requires, as the inclusion of such a display results in a water block height of 113.9 mm. This makes it one of the tallest blocks on the market, which will certainly present compatibility challenges for those trying to squeeze it into compact SFF chassis or cases with limited top-mount clearance. Under the hood, the cooling is driven by a high-efficiency pump rated at 3000 RPM. Available in black and white, the series is launching in two distinct variants: the Levita Vision UB and the Levita Vision Classic.

The primary difference between these models lies in the fan configuration. The UB variant uses the TL-UB36, a single-frame 360mm fan unit designed to minimise cable clutter and simplify the mounting process. These fans operate at up to 2150 RPM, delivering 69.0 CFM of airflow and 2.87 mmH2O of static pressure at a rated noise level of 27.0 dBA. For those who prefer traditional individual fans, the standard version uses the TL-M12Q, which spins at 2000 RPM, with a rated noise of 28.2 dBA and a static pressure of 2.21 mmH2O. Compatibility is extensive, covering everything from Intel LGA 115x and 20xx sockets to LGA 1851 and AMD's AM5 platforms.

KitGuru says: Thermalright is making a serious play for the high-end market while likely maintaining its reputation for aggressive pricing. The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen is quite impressive, though you will need a fairly spacious case to accommodate it.

The post Thermalright unveils Levita Vision AIO with massive 6.67-inch AMOLED screen first appeared on KitGuru.

Sony quietly refreshes PlayStation 5 Pro with more efficient ‘CFI-7100’ revision

31 décembre 2025 à 18:00

Sony has begun rolling out a new hardware revision for the PlayStation 5 Pro, moving from the launch-day CFI-7000 series to the new CFI-7100B01 chassis. While the external aesthetics remain identical to the original Pro model, there are some internal changes to improve power efficiency, thermal management, and acoustic profile. This refresh follows Sony's long-standing tradition of iterating on hardware to reduce manufacturing costs and improve long-term reliability without altering the baseline performance metrics.

The most important change in the CFI-7100B01 revision (via Guru3D) lies in a new stepping for the AMD-designed APU. By refining the silicon, Sony has shaved approximately 4% off the total system power draw during intensive gaming. While a 4% reduction might sound marginal, the lower power consumption directly translates into less heat. To complement this, the internal cooling solution has been redesigned with a more efficient heatsink and a revised fan curve. These modifications result in a measurable 2dB drop in fan noise.

PS5 CFO

Perhaps the most important improvement for the end-user comes packaged with the console rather than inside it. The revised DualSense V2 (CFI-ZCT2W) controller, now shipping with these new bundles, features a revamped internal circuit board and an optimised battery configuration. Early teardowns and user reports suggest a roughly 50% increase in battery life, pushing the controller's runtime closer to 12–15 hours. This improvement is achieved partly through hardware optimisation and the removal of the secondary noise-cancelling microphone, a trade-off that most gamers will likely find acceptable in exchange for significantly fewer trips to the charging cable.

Despite these internal advancements and the inclusion of the revised controller, Sony is maintaining the console's price tag. For those looking to identify the new version in the wild, the model number CFI-7100 on the packaging is the key indicator of the refreshed internal hardware.

KitGuru says: While existing PS5 Pro owners certainly don't need to rush out for an upgrade, the combination of a quieter fan and a DualSense that actually lasts through a long Sunday session makes the CFI-7100 the best version of the console for new adopters.

The post Sony quietly refreshes PlayStation 5 Pro with more efficient ‘CFI-7100’ revision first appeared on KitGuru.

Thermaltake brings back square CPU blocks with new TH V3 AIO liquid cooler

31 décembre 2025 à 17:00

Thermaltake is updating its mainstream TH series with the new redesigned V3 family. The most immediate change is a departure from the circular “porthole” aesthetic of the previous generation in favour of a cleaner, more industrial square pump head. The series continues the trend of offering two distinct versions: one featuring an LCD segment for real-time monitoring and another utilising an infinity mirror.

The “Ultra” equivalent in this new lineup is the TH-S V3 ARGB Sync, which features a 3.95-inch LCD that displays data such as CPU temperature, clock speed, and power consumption. It is powered by the new TT Segment Code software, which allows for quick setup without the heavy resource overhead of more complex suites. For those who prefer a non-display aesthetic, the standard TH V3 utilises a multi-layered infinity mirror with a central TT logo.

A nice touch added to the new V3 family is the magnetic detachable top cover. This allows users to physically rotate the pump cap to ensure the display or logo is oriented correctly, regardless of which way the tubes are facing. Thermaltake is also leaning heavily into cable management with the TH V3, shipping both the 240 mm and 360 mm models with fans integrated into a single-frame unit. While it mimics the look of separate 120 mm fans, it is a single structural piece that significantly reduces the number of PWM and ARGB cables required.

These fans seem quite capable, reaching speeds of 2500 RPM and pushing a massive 85.29 CFM of airflow with 3.86 mmH2O of static pressure. At full power, the fans are rated at 37.8 dBA.

KitGuru says: Do you think it was a good idea to switch from individual fans to a single-frame set in the new V3 series?

The post Thermaltake brings back square CPU blocks with new TH V3 AIO liquid cooler first appeared on KitGuru.

Rainbow Six Siege is now back online while Ubisoft continues investigating hack

31 décembre 2025 à 16:45

Last week, Ubisoft was forced to take Rainbow Six Siege offline after a hacker breached systems to doll out bans, unbans, game-wide system messages and even free premium skins. Now after several days of downtime, Siege if back online. 

Ubisoft has confirmed this week that after conducting some live tests, Rainbow Six Siege is now back online for all players. At this stage, services are fully ramped up again, so players should have no more issues connecting to the game.

This update also means that the rollback to December 27th's market conditions is complete. No players will be banned for spending the free credits that were gifted by hackers but with this update now complete, your balance and inventory will also be reverted to whatever it was on December 27th before the hack.

We still don't know much about the attack or how it occurred. Ubisoft is still going through its investigation although the specific outcomes of that investigation may not be made public.

KitGuru Says: Have you jumped back on Rainbow Six Siege since the attack? Have you faced any issues? 

The post Rainbow Six Siege is now back online while Ubisoft continues investigating hack first appeared on KitGuru.

New leaks indicate Monster Hunter Wilds on Switch 2 will support local multiplayer

31 décembre 2025 à 16:00

As part of the latest update for Monster Hunter Wilds, dataminers discovered code relating to a potential Nintendo Switch 2 version being in the works currently. While neither Capcom nor Nintendo have officially commented on the matter, further datamining has uncovered even more details pertaining to a Switch 2 release for MH: Wilds.

Following on from yesterday’s leak which indicated that Capcom is working on a Switch 2 version of Monster Hunter Wilds, dataminers have now uncovered further evidence of its existence, including some of the compromises being made for the port.

According to the latest infodump, the Switch 2 version of Monster Hunter Wilds will feature its own bespoke DLSS preset similar to that of other Nintendo Switch 2 releases.

Wilds Nintendo

Though of course subject to change, the port also appears to cull its NPCs at a much more aggressive rate when compared to other versions.

That said, by far the most interesting revelation is the fact that MH: Wilds on the Switch 2 looks set to support local multiplayer. It’s worth noting that this does not mean split-screen multiplayer, but using two Switches on a local network.

Still, it will be interesting to see whether these cutbacks are enough to get the game running competently on the Switch 2. We will have to wait for an official announcement to find out.

KitGuru says: Have you been waiting for Wilds to come to Switch 2? How do you think the port will perform? Are you pleased with the current state of the PC version? Let us know down below.

The post New leaks indicate Monster Hunter Wilds on Switch 2 will support local multiplayer first appeared on KitGuru.

Switch 2’s dev kits supply issues have “largely been resolved” according to insider

31 décembre 2025 à 15:00

While a select few developers were able to get their hands on Nintendo Switch 2 dev kits far in advance of the console’s release, many others were left waiting for Nintendo to make additional units available. With the Switch 2 now over 6 months into its life however, it appears as though the console maker has managed to stabilise its production and release of Switch 2 dev kits.

In the months following the Switch 2’s launch, many developers revealed that they would love to bring their games over to Nintendo’s latest and greatest, however a lack of development kits were causing delays.

Fortunately, it appears as though the backlog has now been cleared, with known industry insider NateTheHate taking to the ‘famiboards’ forum to claim that “the [Switch 2] devkit delivery situation has largely been resolved.”

Dev kits Nintendo

This response was made in reference to recent rumours which stated that Call of Duty could be coming to Switch 2 in the coming months, with Nate noting: “In the case of COD… it doesn't mean they got a devkit super late, either. Just late enough that they couldn't get the work done to launch the game sooner.”

Regardless, it is encouraging to see that more 3rd party developers are now able to properly start working on Switch 2 ports of their previous (or upcoming) releases. It will be interesting to see how long exactly we’ll have to wait for COD to get announced for Switch 2.

KitGuru says: Have you been disappointed by the relative lack of 3rd party support so far? What games do you hope are being worked on right now? Let us know down below.

The post Switch 2’s dev kits supply issues have “largely been resolved” according to insider first appeared on KitGuru.

2XKO console release date accidentally confirmed via new trailer

31 décembre 2025 à 14:00

Initially announced under the title Project L, Riot Games officially unveiled 2XKO back in early 2024 as their next big spin-off based on the ever popular world of League of Legends. Previously said to be launching on consoles in January 2026, a new trailer was prematurely published confirming the fighting game’s full release date.

As discovered by ResetEra user Neoxon, Riot Games temporarily published a trailer early which confirmed that the recently-released fighter 2XKO will indeed be hitting its January 2026 target for a console release – with the game said to be launching on the 20th.

This means that Season 1 of 2XKO should also arrive on the same day, as the team previously claimed that its console launch will coincide with the game's first Season.

2XKO Riot

For the uninitiated, 2XKO is a free-to-play 2v2 fighter set in the world of League of Legends. Officially released back in September on PC, the game currently features a total of 11 playable characters, with more coming during the aforementioned Season 1.

Developing a fighting game is no easy task, and so it will be interesting to see what console players think of 2XKO when it arrives in just a couple weeks’ time – especially with Marvel Tokon also on the way.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to the console release? Have you tried it on PC yet? Which characters do you hope are added early on in its post-launch life? Let us know down below.

The post 2XKO console release date accidentally confirmed via new trailer first appeared on KitGuru.

Valve reveals the highest-selling Steam games of 2025

31 décembre 2025 à 13:00

With 2025 almost at an end, Valve has now published its list of the highest grossing games of the year. Featuring a mix of both old and new releases, some of this year’s best-sellers include known quantities such as Call of Duty alongside indie hits like Schedule 1.

Available to view on their website, Valve has shared its official list of the best-performing games of 2025 across a number of categories. Though not offered in any particular order, the 12 highest-grossing games of the year by revenue were as follows:

  • TES IV: Oblivion Remastered
  • Civilization VII
  • Borderlands 4
  • Battlefield 6
  • Arc Raiders
  • Monster Hunter Wilds
  • EA Sports FC26
  • Elden Ring Nightreign
  • Dune Awakening
  • Hollow Knight Silksong
  • Schedule 1
  • Kingdom Come Deliverance II

Valve 2025

As mentioned, while these are the top 12 for 2025, the games listed above were not given specific rankings within themselves and so it is unknown which exact game took the number 1 spot.

Alongside new releases, Valve also shared a list of the highest grossing games of 2025 irrespective of their launch year. While many of the top 12 remain the same, Marvel Rivals; DOTA 2; Apex Legends; PUBG; CS2; Call of Duty and R.E.P.O managed to kick Oblivion; Civ; FC26; Nightreign; Dune; Silksong and KCDII out of ‘platinum’ status.

The full breakdown for Steam’s 2025 can be found HERE and includes additional rankings for game demos; titles played on Steam Deck; VR and more.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Steam’s top games of 2025? Did your favourite make the list? Which of the top 12 do you think sold the highest number of copies? Let us know down below.

The post Valve reveals the highest-selling Steam games of 2025 first appeared on KitGuru.

KitGuru Advent Calendar Day 31: Win one of THREE NZXT hardware bundles! (Closed)

31 décembre 2025 à 12:00

Update: This competition is now CLOSED. Our final winners for this giveaway are Francois Feuillard, James Riddiford and Kieran Williams! 

The KitGuru Advent Calendar is now officially over but watch this space, we will have some giveaways sprinkled throughout the new year, alongside our usual news coverage and in-depth reviews. 

For the final day of the KitGuru Advent Calendar, we have teamed up with NZXT to offer up THREE prize bundles. Two winners today will each get a brand-new set of gaming peripherals, while a third winner will get a new case and AIO liquid cooler, creating a perfect starting point for your next build.

The Gaming Gear bundle includes four products – an NZXT Function Elite keyboard, an NZXT Lift Elite wireless mouse, an extra large mouse mat to go with it, as well as an NZXT Capsule Elite microphone to upgrade your in-game comms and give you the audio boost needed to get into something like livestreaming. One winner will receive an all-white set of these peripherals while another winner will receive a black set.

The second bundle in our prize list today includes the NZXT H9 Flow RGB+ chassis, a dual-chamber PC case designed to show off your hardware, with included RGB lighting and lots of airflow to keep components cool. The winner will also get an NZXT Kraken Core 360mm AIO liquid cooler, which is powerful enough for the latest high-end CPUs from AMD and Intel. The winner of this set will get to choose between black or white colour options.

How to Enter:

To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is head over to our competition announcement post on Facebook, HERE. In the comments, leave an answer to the following question – What game are you most looking forward to in 2026? 

This competition is in the UK and EU. 

The winner will be picked randomly shortly after 11AM GMT January 1st. As this is the last day of the Advent Calendar, there will not be another giveaway tomorrow. The chosen winner has 48 hours to respond, if we do not hear from them, a new winner will be picked.

Terms and ConditionsThis competition is open UK and EU starting at 11AM GMT on December 31sr and ending at 10:59AM GMT on January 1st 2026. Due to the busy Christmas season, prize deliveries could take longer than usual, and some prizes may not ship until January. In compliance with GDPR, we will not collect or store any personal information as part of this competition. Once the winner has been contacted and their prize received, personal details will be deleted from our email servers. Your details will not be shared, we respect your privacy.

KitGuru Says: This is the last giveaway of the 2025 KitGuru Advent Calendar so get your entries in! We'll be back tomorrow to announce the winners. 

The post KitGuru Advent Calendar Day 31: Win one of THREE NZXT hardware bundles! (Closed) first appeared on KitGuru.

CD Projekt co-founder acquires GOG

30 décembre 2025 à 17:57

In a move that marks the end of an era for the CD Projekt Group, the company has officially offloaded its digital distribution platform, GOG.com. The buyer is Michał Kiciński, a co-founder and major stakeholder in CD Projekt, who has purchased 100% of the storefront's shares for 90.7 million Polish Zloty (approximately £19 million).

Launched in 2008 as “Good Old Games”, GOG was initially envisioned as a DRM-free sanctuary for classic PC titles and as a direct alternative to Steam. Over the last few years, it has evolved into a major player in the preservation space, though its financial footprint has remained a fraction of its competitors'. In a blog post, the two parties explain that the decision to divest GOG follows a broader strategic shift at CD Projekt, as the Polish company seeks to funnel its resources almost entirely into game development.

Despite the change in ownership, the transition appears to be a “returning to its roots” moment rather than a corporate restructuring. Kiciński, who helped build the platform's original philosophy, has confirmed that GOG will remain a staunchly independent entity. The platform's core tenets, which include DRM-free installers, the optional GOG Galaxy client, and the recently expanded Game Preservation Program, are set to remain the central pillars of the business.

For the average gamer, very little is expected to change at the checkout. An ongoing distribution agreement ensures that titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 will remain available on the platform without DRM. Furthermore, future releases from CD Projekt Red are still slated to land on the storefront, albeit under the same independent publishing terms offered to other developers. This move may actually benefit GOG's relations with third-party publishers, as it removes the perceived “conflict of interest” of being owned by a rival game studio.

KitGuru says: This is likely the best possible outcome for GOG fans. By moving into the private hands of its original co-founder, the platform is shielded from the pressure of CD Projekt's public shareholders, who might have prioritised higher margins over the “DRM-free” mission. As long as Kiciński is willing to tolerate the thin profits for the sake of preservation, GOG remains the most ethical corner of the digital game market.

The post CD Projekt co-founder acquires GOG first appeared on KitGuru.

KitGuru Games: Most Anticipated Games for 2026

30 décembre 2025 à 17:43

Across consoles and PC, 2026 is shaping up to deliver a wave of high‑profile releases that span genres, budgets, and audiences. Established franchises are returning with new entries, while several studios are preparing to debut original projects that have been in development for years. It’s a year that promises both scale and variety, making it one of the most closely watched release calendars in recent memory.

Naturally, any ‘most anticipated' list for 2026 would have to start with what is likely to be the biggest game of the current console generation – Grand Theft Auto 6. After multiple delays, Rockstar will finally launch its next-generation GTA title in November, promising an all-new GTA Online experience, as well as a massive, open-world campaign starring dual-protagonists on the run from the law. Unfortunately, the game is only announced for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 consoles at this time, so PC players will likely be waiting until 2027 or potentially even 2028 to get their hands on the game. Considering Grand Theft Auto V went on to become the best-selling console game of all time, there are extremely high expectations for this sequel.

The Winters saga began with Resident Evil 7 back in 2017 and continued with Resident Evil Village in 2021. Resident Evil 9 will be the grand finale to this modern trilogy of Resident Evil titles, starring what is likely to be multiple protagonists, a departure from the previous two games, where players filled the shoes of Ethan Winters. Aside from closing out the current saga, we also expect Resident Evil 9 to introduce new plot threads to set up future mainline games, even if future titles focus on different characters and horrors.

007: First Light is the first non-Hitman game from IO Interactive in more than a decade. If you've played Hitman 2016, or the other newer entries, then you'll know that IO Interactive is perhaps the perfect studio to tackle an original James Bond game. The newer Hitman games have elements of investigation and subterfuge built into the gameplay loop and prior to that, IO Interactive had a very good handle on action-oriented gameplay in titles like Hitman Absolution. If we can get a good combination of those two styles with exciting levels across the campaign, then 007: First Light should be a great success when it releases in May.

After numerous delays and a lengthy 8-year development cycle, the Fable reboot should launch within the next 12 months. This will be a major turning point for Playground Games, as the studio has never made an RPG before, and the studio is also working on new Forza Horizon games alongside Fable. If the game turns out to be bad, fans will lose further trust in Microsoft, who have been suffering from bad PR throughout 2025 thanks to game cancellations, studio closures and price hikes. If it turns out to be good, then the Xbox brand may finally have its first GOTY contender.

As someone who spent many formative years sat in front of an Xbox 360, the Gears of War games have been a longtime favourite of mine. Gears E-Day is not a sequel to Gears 5, but rather a prequel to the very first game in the series, putting Marcus Fenix on the front lines of the initial swarm invasion. I'm not expecting this game to sit in GOTY territory, but I'm always happy to mow down some aliens with Fenix and Co.

Control: Resonant was just announced. It is a direct sequel to Control, which was my favourite game of 2019 and I still consider it to be Remedy Entertainment's best work to date. In this sequel, rather than playing as Jesse Faden searching for her brother, the roles are reversed, and we will be playing as Liam Faden, searching for Jesse after she has taken on her new role as Director of the FBC. Remedy is aiming to release this one in 2026 but out of all the games on this list – this is the title I'm most expecting to see delayed.

I'll end off this list with another game that may also be delayed out of 2026. Blood of Dawnwalker is a new game from Rebel Wolves, a studio founded by former Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 developers. This is a new Dark Gothic RPG, featuring blood magic, supernatural factions and more. Considering Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 failed to live up to expectations, this new game would be one to watch for fans of that series, even if it isn't connected.

KitGuru Says: What games are you most looking forward to in 2026?

The post KitGuru Games: Most Anticipated Games for 2026 first appeared on KitGuru.
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