Last week in an effort to improve player sentiment around the game's launch, the team behind Highguard rushed out a 5v5 mode, a highly requested feature amongst players who felt that the game's launch map was simply too large for 3v3 matches. Initially, this was only going to be a limited-time game mode, but it is now being turned into a permanent addition to the game.

When Highguard launched last week with its 3v3 PvP mode, many players were quick to complain that the map feels like it was designed for larger-scale battles. Now the team at Wildlight has addressed this with the permanent addition of the 5v5 raid mode.

Interestingly over the weekend, Wildlight said it saw a “fairly even split” between those queuing for 3v3 matches and 5v5 matches. However, many players have expressed that the 5v5 mode feels like the way Highguard is supposed to be played, so those numbers might skew now that the mode is a permanent fixture of the game.

Highguard initially launched on the 26th of January, peaking at over 100,000 concurrent players, all drawn in from the game's announcement at The Game Awards, followed by several weeks of silence while the devs prepared for launch. The game's player numbers have since dipped, but it is still pulling in over 10,000 players each day.

Last week, Wildlight also revealed a huge roadmap for Highguard, with plans for monthly updates through the rest of the year.

KitGuru Says: Are you glad to see 5v5 becoming a permanent mode in Highguard?

The post Highguard’s 5v5 mode is here to stay first appeared on KitGuru.

Samsung has overhauled its display strategy for 2026, officially bringing Nvidia G-Sync Compatibility to its entire flagship OLED TV range and the latest Odyssey gaming monitors. This move appears designed to bridge the gap for GeForce users who have previously looked toward competitors for guaranteed variable refresh rate support. The updated list of compatible hardware includes the S95H, S90H, and S85H television models, as well as the Odyssey G6 series.

On the television side, the 2026 OLED lineup has seen a notable increase in gaming-centric specifications. The flagship S95H and the mid-tier S90H now support refresh rates up to 165Hz, a jump from the 144Hz standard seen in previous years. The entry-level S85H remains at a respectable 120Hz. These displays also debut what Samsung calls HDR10+ ADVANCED, a format that reportedly uses AI-driven algorithms to manage brightness and motion accuracy frame by frame. Additionally, the premium S95H and S90H models are expected to feature a proprietary Glare Free coating that suppresses ambient reflections without the typical haziness associated with matte screens.

Additionally, Samsung is also launching the 27-inch Odyssey G6 G60H, one of the first consumer displays to reach 1,040Hz. This is achieved through a Dual Mode feature that allows the screen to operate at its peak frequency in HD resolution while still offering a substantial 600Hz at its native QHD resolution. For those prioritising panel technology over raw frequency, the Odyssey G6 G61SH variant utilises a QD-OLED panel with a more balanced 240Hz refresh rate at QHD, paired with the near-instant 0.03ms G2G response times and deep contrast levels typical of QD-OLEDs.

KitGuru says: Are you thinking of picking up a Samsung gaming monitor or TV this year? 

The post Samsung announces new G-Sync compatible OLED TVs and monitors first appeared on KitGuru.

The first wave of Game Pass titles for February 2026 has now been announced. Starting today, games like Final Fantasy 2 and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are available across all Game Pass platforms, but there is much more to come later in the month, including the day-one release of High on Life 2.

High on Life 2 is the sequel Squanch Games' debut action title, blending over the top humour with a shootout against aliens. The sequel will offer larger and more open environments, a stronger narrative focus with reactive dialogue and branching conversations, as well as improved combat with additional enemy archetypes and a bigger roster of weapons.

Here is the full list of titles coming to Game Pass over the next two weeks along with platforms and dates:

• Final Fantasy II (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – February 3
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC) – February 3
• Madden NFL 26 (Cloud, Console, PC) – February 5
• Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC) – February 5
• Relooted (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – February 10
• BlazBlue Entropy Effect X (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – February 12
• Roadside Research [Game Preview] (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – February 12
• Starsand Island (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – February 12
• High on Life 2 (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – February 13

There will be a second wave of games announced in the second half of February.

KitGuru Says: Will you be installing any of this month's new Game Pass titles? 

The post High on Life 2 headlines February’s Game Pass update first appeared on KitGuru.

After its CES 2026 reveal, InWin has officially announced the W31. This mid-tower chassis aims to balance a compact footprint with the high-end “panoramic” aesthetic currently dominating the market.

The W31 (via Cowcotland) features a seamless curved tempered glass panel that wraps around the front and side, secured by a single thumbscrew for tool-less access. Despite its relatively modest dimensions of 460 x 285 x 400mm, the chassis is claimed to support full ATX motherboards, including the increasingly popular back-connector designs like Asus BTF and MSI Project Zero.

The internal layout features a dual-chamber design to isolate the PSU and storage drives behind the motherboard tray, maximising airflow to the primary components. Cooling appears to be a major focus, as the W31 is supposed to support up to ten 120mm fans. Out of the box, it ships with four pre-installed fans: a single 120mm exhaust at the rear and three reverse-blade 120mm fans along the side intake. While liquid-cooling enthusiasts can mount a 360mm radiator at the top or bottom, potential builders should note that side-mounted radiator support is limited to 240/280mm due to height constraints.

Hardware compatibility remains generous for a case of this size. It can accommodate graphics cards up to 410mm long, power supplies up to 240mm long, and CPU air coolers up to 160mm tall. Connectivity is handled by a top-mounted I/O panel featuring a 20Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and dedicated controls for the integrated ARGB lighting hub.

KitGuru says: The InWin W31 seems to be a well-considered addition to the panoramic case market, particularly for those who want the “fishtank” look without sacrificing desk space.

The post InWin expands W-series with dual-chamber W31 fishtank case first appeared on KitGuru.

2025 ended up being an absolutely huge year for Obsidian Entertainment. The studio has shipped more games than any other first-party Xbox studio, with three arriving last year alone, including Avowed, Grounded 2 and The Outer Worlds 2. Unfortunately, two of these games did ‘fall below expectations' and while Obsidian already has plans for future Avowed titles, the same can't be said for its Sci-Fi series. 

In a massive article posted by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier this week, we get a breakdown of Obsidian's view of its big year, as well as what to expect in the future. While Obsidian did succeed in shipping three titles through last year, it turns out that both Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 suffered from ‘inflated' production costs due to their lengthy 6-year development timelines. This unfortunately meant that sales expectations were also higher, but neither game managed to meet those targets.

Of course, there is still time for that to change. The Outer Worlds 2 has only been out for a few months and still has expansions on the way. Avowed on the other hand has remained an Xbox console exclusive since launch. Avowed's PS5 release this month should bring a sales boost along with it.

In the article, Obsidian leaders like CEO, Feargus Urquhart described some ways that both of its major 2025 titles could have been improved. The Outer Worlds 2 could have used stronger companions, while Avowed could have improved player agency by allowing them to steal and potentially draw the ire of town and city guards, a staple in many fantasy RPGs.

Moving forward, there are plans to continue making games in the Avowed and Pillars of Eternity universe. However, there are currently no plans for an Outer Worlds 3. That could change after the second game's DLCs have all wrapped up but for now, it sounds like Obsidian's Sci-Fi series may be put on ice.

KitGuru Says: I really enjoyed both Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, but I was definitely let down by the latest Outer Worlds in a few ways. The companions weren't as memorable as the original game and ultimately, I think the game lacked playstyle variety, with very few options to speech check your way through situations throughout the story and somewhat limited stealth opportunities. 

The post Obsidian says there will be more Avowed, but no plans for Outer Worlds 3 yet first appeared on KitGuru.

For a couple of years now, the Nintendo Switch has slowly been catching up to the Nintendo DS in lifetime sales. Now as of the end of 2025, the Switch has officially surpassed Nintendo's three-generations old handheld, becoming the highest-selling Nintendo console of all time. The Switch 2 is also gaining ground as the fastest-selling Nintendo system ever. 

In its most recent financial report (via VGC), Nintendo notes that as of the 31st of December 2025, the Nintendo Switch console has sold a total of 155.37 million units, officially surpassing the Nintendo DS, which sold just over 154 million units during its lifetime. Nintendo also expects to sell another 750,000 original Switch consoles during this year, although Switch 2 sales are swiftly picking up steam.

The Nintendo Switch 2, which officially launched in June last year, has now sold 17 million units. This means that Nintendo's strategy of doubling down on consumer supply to avoid issues with scalpers has paid off, even if it meant that early on, game developers were struggling to obtain the hardware. Since the launch, Nintendo has solved its Switch 2 development kit issues and now, most major studios have access to Nintendo's latest hardware.

We are expecting to see a new wave of game ports announced for the Switch 2 as early as this week, as it has been claimed that a Nintendo Direct showcase will be taking place, focused on third-party titles.

KitGuru Says: The Nintendo Switch deserves its spot at the top of Nintendo's all-time list. While the console may have lacked power compared to other home consoles, it still managed to put out an insane library of titles and we saw more than a few miracle ports for the system, including the likes of The Witcher 3 and DOOM. 

The post The original Switch is now Nintendo’s highest-selling console of all time first appeared on KitGuru.

The specialist system integrator Puget Systems has released its detailed annual reliability report for 2025, offering a transparent look at which hardware brands passed its rigorous internal testing and customer use. While these results are intended to reflect the company's specific internal standards and may not mirror the broader industry, the data provides a valuable snapshot of the hardware landscape.

In the enterprise sector, Intel appears to have reclaimed the reliability crown from AMD's Threadripper lineup, with the Xeon W-2500 and W-3500 series reportedly achieving a flawless 0% failure rate throughout the year, based on Puget Systems data. The battle for consumer CPU dominance was much closer, with the Ryzen 9000 and Intel Core 200 series showing nearly identical failure rates of 2.52% and 2.49%, respectively. Within those families, however, certain models stood out as supposedly more resilient, such as the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, which reportedly saw failures in only 0.77% of units. On AMD's side, the Ryzen X3D series maintained a respectable 1.5% failure rate. It is noted that the vast majority of these issues were identified during burn-in before systems ever left the company.

Nvidia's professional-grade hardware also performed well, with the RTX Ada Generation and RTX Pro Blackwell GPUs exhibiting extremely low failure rates. Excluding the high-wattage RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell Workstation Edition, the report mentions only a handful of failures across the entire Blackwell and Ada stacks. In the consumer segment, with a mere 0.25% failure rate, Nvidia's Founders Edition models were the most dependable GeForce RTX cards. They were followed closely by Asus (0.40%) and PNY (0.45%).

Motherboards remained a more volatile category, though the Asus TUF B850M-Plus WIFI was highlighted for its near-perfect record. Meanwhile, Kingston and Micron emerged as the most reliable memory partners. As for storage, the Samsung 870 QVO 8TB SATA SSD was particularly noteworthy, finishing the year with no reported failures. Power supplies rounded out the report, with Super Flower's Leadex units and the Corsair SF1000 Platinum proving the most dependable options for the integrator's builds.

KitGuru says: These figures are always interesting to see. For the most part, failure rates are quite low across the board, although some chips manage better than others. 

The post Puget Systems reveals annual reliability data for Ryzen 9000 and Intel Core 200 first appeared on KitGuru.

While consoles are of course first and foremost used to play video games, their utility as an all-round media player is not to be dismissed, starting with support for DVDs, then Blu Rays and streaming services. With the console now over 20 years old, Netflix has announced they are officially dropping support for the PS3 next month.

As discovered by one ResetEra user, in going to the Netflix app on PS3 subscribers are now met with the message “Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after March 2, 2026.”

While not too much of a surprise given the age of the console, many users have expressed disappointment with the announcement, especially as the PS3 version allowed for native 4:3 content support (and did not feature any ads).

Still, while unfortunate to see, it was only a matter of time. Given the continued popularity of the PS4, it will be interesting to see how many more years of support it will receive.

KitGuru says: Did you stream Netflix on your PS3 back in the day? How many people do you reckon were still using the console in 2026? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Netflix on PS3 is finally shutting down next month first appeared on KitGuru.

MindsEye was easily one of 2025’s biggest fumbles, with the ambitious title from ex-Rockstar president Leslie Benzies and studio Build A Rocket Boy receiving less-than-stellar reviews upon its initial launch last year. Being the first title released via IO Interactive’s publishing division, MindsEye was not the greatest of starts for this partnership – with studio Build a Rocket Boy now reportedly set to cut ties with its publisher.

As reported by known leaker Tom Henderson via Insider-Gaming, Build a Rocket Boy “are planning to announce soon that they have decided to part ways with their publisher, IO Interactive.”

According to the report, this decision is being made in order to “bring its publishing in-house and gain more control over its future. That includes faster decision-making, simpler communication, and greater control over the player experience.”

As per the report, the choice to part ways was supposedly made by Build a Rocket Boy and not IOI. That said, back in September of last year IO Interactive revealed that they would be backing away from publishing other studios’ titles – and so Build a Rocket Boy’s desire to part ways likely came as a relief to IOI.

Regardless, with the MindsEye x HITMAN crossover said to no longer be happening, it will be interesting to see what Build a Rocket Boy has planned for the game – and whether it can ever become more than what it currently is.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this decision? Is it for the best? Can MindsEye ever become a game worth playing? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Build a Rocket Boy to end partnership with IO Interactive according to insiders first appeared on KitGuru.

For a while, Microsoft was pushing its Xbox PC app quite heavily, with the promise of Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere giving users a reason to purchase their PC titles through Xbox as opposed to other storefronts. With Steam continuing to dominate the space however, it appears as though Microsoft might be conceding to the platform – with insiders claiming that more PC titles are set to make their way over to Steam.

As reported by known Xbox insider Jez Corden (via Windows Central), Microsoft “wants to bring more of its experiences to Windows and Steam alike” claiming to have “heard some heavy-hitting Xbox first-party experiences, presently not on Steam, will show up there in the coming months.”

No further details were provided, but given the fact that most of the first-party Xbox games from the past generation launched day-and-date on Valve's platform, Corden is likely referring to older releases.

With Microsoft owning the likes of Zenimax and Activision, there are dozens of games no longer available on Steam – either due to them never appearing on the platform in the first place, or were eventually delisted for whatever reason.

Of course, there have been various leaks and rumours claiming that older Transformers titles published under Activision back in the day could make a return. Similarly, older Wolfenstein and Prey titles were delisted from Steam years ago.

By far the biggest deal however would be if Microsoft were to bring Minecraft and World of Warcraft to Steam – though this is little more than speculation.

Regardless, having more titles available on as many platforms would be welcome to see, for the sake of preservation if nothing else.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this rumour? What titles do you think Corden is referring to? What older/delisted Xbox games would you like to see brought over? Let us know down below.

The post Microsoft reportedly planning to bring more Windows games to Steam first appeared on KitGuru.

2025 was a great year for kart racers, with the latest entry in the Mario Kart series launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, and SEGA’s Sonic Racing series returning in all its glory after some less-than-stellar entries. Following the announcement that Sonic Racing Crossworlds had sold 1 million copies in its first month, SEGA has now offered updated sales data.

As part of the company’s latest Fiscal earnings report, SEGA’s Koichi Fukazawa spoke on the ongoing performance of their latest Sonic game: Sonic Racing Crossworlds, stating:

“We recently announced that worldwide cumulative sales have surpassed 1 million units. However, initial performance did not meet our expectations, and we are aiming to sell approximately another 1 million units within this fiscal year.”

Fukazawa continued, “We aim to sustain long-term sales by encouraging players to enjoy the game over time through the continued support of the title including ongoing release of additional downloadable content.”

It is interesting to see that the 1 million figure has not been to SEGA’s satisfaction, especially as Crossworlds represents the most expensive Sonic game yet – retailing initially for $70. Of course, unlike Nintendo’s Mario Kart, Crossworlds has already had multiple sales and so it will likely continue to slowly but surely push more units.

Additionally, Crossworlds still has plenty of previously-announced post-launch content to drop, which should further bring in more players as and when they are released.

Even so, despite being far superior to its last entry, Crossworlds still has quite a ways to go in order to surpass the sales of 2019’s Team Sonic Racing.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Sonic Racing Crossworlds? How does it compare to Mario Kart? Is it the best Sonic Kart racer yet? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post SEGA offers updated sales stats for Sonic Racing Crossworlds first appeared on KitGuru.

Today we are taking a look at some budget 120mm fans with reversible blades. The Gamdias Notus M1-1201 ARGB fans take the pain out of selecting forward and reverse blade fans for your build, with both forward and reverse blades included in the kit that can be quickly swapped out to suit fan placement in your case. We’ll test noise, CPU/GPU temperature and case thermals in this review to see if they represent good value or just another noisy budget fan.

Features:

• Clean ARGB implementation – Notus M1-1201 ARGB is equipped with addressable RGB lighting that connects directly to a standard 3-pin 5V headers, allowing simple synchronisation with motherboard software.
• Optimal cooling performance – Featuring a speed range of 400–1600 RPM, maximum airflow of 57.56 CFM and 1.75 mmH₂O max static pressure, making it suitable for both case ventilation and use on radiators and heat sinks.
• Refined acoustics and operation – A hydraulic bearing and narrow blade-tip clearance help keep noise levels under control, to provide a sensible balance between airflow and acoustics rather than prioritising one over the expense of the other.
• Useful design choices – Anti-vibration pads and the inclusion of interchangeable forward and reverse blades adds flexibility for different airflow setups without overcomplicating installation.

Specifications:

• Model: Notus M1-1201 ARGB
• Package contents: Fan x1, Reverse fan blade x1, Lubricant x1
• Fan size: 120 mm
• Dimensions: 120 × 120 × 25 mm
• Lighting effect: Addressable RGB (ARGB)
• LED count: 8 LEDs
• Bearing type: Hydraulic bearing
• Connectors: 4-pin PWM fan connector, 3-pin ARGB connector
• Fan speed: 400–1600 RPM (±10%)
• Maximum airflow: 57.56 CFM
• Static pressure: 1.75 mmH₂O
• Rated voltage: 12 V (fan) / 5 V (LED)
• PWM support: Yes

Gamdias Notus M1 fans come in two different pack sizes, either single or 3 packs, branded 1201 or 1203, respectively. They are essentially the same fans, just the quantities inside the boxes determine the model name.

We are looking at the single pack, so 1201 branding, which comes with a single fan packed in a cardboard box. On the front of the box are several images of the fans and some key features listed. On the rear are the specifications and performance charts. Inside is the fan, an extra reverse blade, a user manual, mounting screws and some bearing lube.

The fan frames are built from PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) material, which is widely used in electronic equipment due to its strength and durability. There are rubber anti-vibration pads fitted to the mounting points and the fan blades are opaque in colour to display and diffuse the RGB lighting.

The rear frame of the fan has strengthening bars to mount the motor, there's anti-vibration rubber pads on the rear of the mounting points, as well as a label showing some brief information and the Gamdias branding.

All wiring uses standard headers. There's a 4-pin PWM cable that has a daisy-chainable tail so users can interconnect fans and use a single motherboard header to connect multiple units. RGB lighting can also be interconnected and uses a 3-pin 5V connection that can be connected to the motherboard or an ARGB hub. Interestingly, the PWM cable has a warranty void sticker on it, which seems like an odd thing to attach to a cable.

A key feature of the fans is the option to change the fan blade. Forward and reverse blades are included in the pack, and it’s a simple case of pushing one blade off and clipping the replacement blade in place. When the blade is removed, you can see the motor windings, the PCB and LEDs for the ARGB lighting, too.

The post Gamdias Notus M1-1201 ARGB Fan Review first appeared on KitGuru.

During a recent pre-briefing, we learned about the new Intel Xeon 600 series processors. The new generation of workstation-grade chips will be launching very soon, with ‘budget' options around the $500 mark, moving all the way up to massively powerful $7,699 versions.

The new Xeon chips are based on Intel's new Granite Rapids architecture and is designed to replace the previous Xeon W-2500 and W-3500 series, which were divided up into two distinct tiers. The new line-up offers a single, scalable line-up, simplifying things for those looking to go with Intel for their next workstation upgrade.

You can see the full specifications for each new Intel Xeon 600 series SKU in the table below:

SKU	P Cores	Turbo Boost Max (GHz)	All-Core Turbo (GHz)	Base Frequency (GHz)	L3 Cache (MB)	Base TDP (W)	Unlocked	Memory Channels	MRDIMM Speed	PCIe 5.0 Lanes	RCP Price
698X	86	4.8	3.0	2.0	336	350	Yes	8	8000	128	$7699
696X	64	4.8	3.5	2.4	336	350	Yes	8	8000	128	$5599
678X	48	4.9	3.8	2.4	192	300	Yes	8	8000	128	$3749
676X	32	4.9	4.3	2.8	144	275	Yes	8	8000	128	$2499
674X	28	4.9	4.3	3.0	144	260	Yes	8	8000	128	$2199
658X	24	4.9	4.3	3.0	144	250	Yes	8	—	128	$1699
656	20	4.8	4.5	2.9	72	210	No	4	—	128	$1399
654	18	4.8	4.5	3.1	72	200	No	4	—	128	$1199
638	16	4.8	4.5	3.2	72	180	No	4	—	80	$899
636	12	4.7	4.5	3.5	48	170	No	4	—	80	$639
634	12	4.6	3.9	2.7	48	150	No	4	—	80	$499

While not noted in the table, every single chip in the line-up supports DDR5 memory speeds of 6400MT/s and supports Intel vPro Technology. Only a handful of these CPUs will be offered in boxed form as well, including the Xeon 696X, 678X, 676X, 658X and the Xeon 654. As always, the chips listed as ‘unlocked' are overclockable for those with the necessary cooling to squeeze out the extra performance.

In the slides above, you can get a closer look at all of the new features Intel announced.

Each new Xeon 600 CPU is built using the new Intel 3 manufacturing process, as well as Redwood Cove cores. Intel says this has led to improved power efficiency versus the previous generation Sapphire Rapids Xeon processors. Compared to the 60-core Xeon W-3595X, Intel reports up to 9% higher single-thread performance and up to 61% higher multi-thread performance, depending on workload.

Intel is also introducing MRDIMM (Multiplexed Rank DIMM) support with this new line-up, enabling memory speeds of up to 8000MT/s on select SKUs. While MRDIMMs trade maximum capacity for bandwidth, Intel says they deliver meaningful gains for memory-bound workloads such as simulations and data analytics.

Alongside the new Xeon 600 series CPUs is the W890 chipset, which adds new features like WiFi 7, faster USB, PCIe Gen 4 expansion and more.

Systems based on Xeon 600 processors are expected to become available from major OEMs and system integrators starting in March 2026.

KitGuru Says: What do you think of Intel's new Xeon line-up? 

The post Intel unveils new Xeon 600 series processors with up to 86 P-Cores first appeared on KitGuru.

Sony has filed a new patent in the US that describes a departure from traditional gamepad design, envisioning a controller in which a large touchscreen replaces a significant portion of its front. This proposed interface would, in theory, allow users to reposition, resize, and entirely reconfigure digital versions of the D-pad, thumbsticks, and face buttons to suit their specific ergonomic or accessibility requirements.

According to the patent description (via VGC), the current static nature of inputs is a drawback for modern gaming peripherals, as a one-size-fits-all approach inevitably leaves some users struggling with reach or placement. This patent tries to solve that by allowing the input buttons to be dynamically allocated and configured.

Image credit: Sony

By utilising displays, the controller could change its layout based on the game's genre and even resize its buttons, adapting to the user's needs. The patent also mentions temperature and pressure sensors for these displays, which might allow users to have different outputs based on pressure or create a dead zone to ignore inputs.

While the prospect of a screen-based DualSense successor with dynamic layouts might interest some, it is important to remember that companies often patent experimental technology that never reaches mass production. Assuming Sony does move forward with this concept, it would likely result in a premium optional accessory rather than a standard controller for a future console.

KitGuru says: Sony's patent filings are often a window into its R&D lab rather than an indication of an upcoming product. While a fully customisable surface would be exceptional for accessibility, the idea of playing a high-intensity action game on a flat touchscreen doesn't seem all that exciting.

The post Sony patent points to new PlayStation controller with passive buttons and gesture controls first appeared on KitGuru.

Xiaomi has expanded its display roster with the global release of the G Pro 27Qi (2026). While its predecessor was already a sought-after entry in the budget Mini LED segment, the 2026 refresh increases luminance and colour coverage.

Already available at a few retailers and appearing on Xiaomi's global site, the G Pro 27Qi (2026) (via NotebookCheck) maintains the sweet spot 1440p resolution and 180Hz refresh rate but pushes the hardware envelope in ways rarely seen at its price point. The standout feature of this new revision is the Mini LED backlight, which features 1,152 local dimming zones, nearly double the count of many competitors in its class. This dense array allows the monitor to hit a claimed peak brightness of 2000 nits, earning it a VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification.

Xiaomi has included a “custom engine” that utilises AI scene recognition and a proprietary local dimming algorithm to minimise blooming and preserve shadow detail down to a claimed 0.0001 nits. The G Pro 27Qi (2026) covers 99% of the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB gamuts, with a factory calibration ensuring Delta-E values below 1. Connectivity is varied enough, with two DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports. A nice touch is the flip-out headphone holder integrated into the top corner, paired with a fully ergonomic stand and a subtle RGB ring on the rear.

On the official website, the monitor is listed at $475 (£347). However, at this retailer, the same monitor is much cheaper at just €285 (£247), suggesting there might be a launch promo.

KitGuru says: Do you think the G Pro 27Qi has what it takes to stand out from its competitors?

The post Xiaomi launches G Pro 27Qi monitor with Mini LED backpanel with 1,152 dimming zones first appeared on KitGuru.

When Highguard launched last week with its 3v3 PvP mode, many players were quick to complain that the map feels like it was designed for larger-scale battles. Now just days later, the developers have put out an experimental 5v5 mode. 

Highguard now has a 5v5 mode, allowing larger teams to better cover the game's large map. The new mode was well received, and the growing sentiment seems to be that this should have been the launch mode. Unfortunately, it won't last for long.

While 5v5 is available for now, it is listed as a limited-time mode, so it is just a matter of time before it goes away again. The developers have also not yet addressed complaints around the loot-farming phase of matches, which many players say is a trivial and boring part of the game.

It is unclear if 5v5 will end up becoming a permanent mode in Highguard, or if the developers will just introduce smaller maps in the future, but it seems quite clear that 5v5 is a mode that players want to stick around.

KitGuru Says: Have you tried Highguard's 5v5 mode? 

The post Highguard gets requested 5v5 mode, but only for a limited time first appeared on KitGuru.

Nikita Buyanov, the creator of Escape from Tarkov, has further fuelled speculation regarding his next project, Cor3, with a teaser trailer that seemingly confirms a leap into the sci-fi genre. Following a month of cryptic social media teases and an interactive terminal set in the year 2251, the latest video, titled ‘PRJRPNT_BLUEMARS_FO', gives us the clearest look yet at what could well be “Tarkov in space”.

The trailer begins with a familiar sight for Battlestate fans, with a first-person perspective of a PMC-like operative holding a futuristic ‘Kalash Corp' rifle. The video also includes various other references to Escape from Tarkov, namely a patch for the “Bogatyr.bs First Navy Squad”, suggesting a connection to the BEAR special squads in Escape from Tarkov. The setting, however, is far from what you would expect from the streets of Tarkov. Instead, it shows a destroyed city (apparently named Mariner) on a planet that doesn't look like Earth.

You can find some lore of the game in the Cor3.gg interactive site, but besides that, not much more is known about the game. As expected from a teaser trailer, it's light on concrete gameplay details, leaving fans to wonder if this will be a hardcore extraction shooter like EFT or something else entirely.

Battlestate Games has been notably quiet about this game, leading some to wonder whether Cor3 will be a single-player title or something more familiar to Tarkov's studio. The heavy emphasis on first-person military hardware alongside space-bound “Navy Squads” suggests a connection to Tarkov, but it isn't enough to be sure it's yet another extraction shooter.

KitGuru says: What do you think Cor3 will be like? Will it be more of the same in space or a game completely different from Tarkov?

The post Escape from Tarkov studio unveils trailer for new sci-fi project first appeared on KitGuru.

Nioh 3 is about to come out and just like its predecessors, the game will be a PS5 console exclusive. While neither Nioh or Nioh 2 have ever made it over to a non-PlayStation console, that might change with this entry. 

In its latest trailer for the game on the PlayStation YouTube channel, Sony confirms that it has a six-month exclusivity agreement in place for the game. That means that Nioh 3 could potentially appear on other consoles, like the Nintendo Switch 2 or Xbox Series X/S, before the end of the year.

PC players don't have to worry about the console exclusivity agreement at all, as the game will be available on PC from day-one. This is pretty typical for PS5 console exclusives, as Sony has begun allowing more and more games to ship on PC alongside the PS5 launch date. Sony itself has also been ramping up the number of its exclusives that come to PC, with the likes of Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West, Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, as well as the most recent God of War titles all making their way over to Steam.

Nioh 3 will launch on PC and PS5 on the 6th of February.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up Nioh 3 later this week, or are you going to be waiting for it to land on another console platform? 

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Last week, Google rolled out an experimental AI program called Project Genie, which could generate new playable game worlds through text prompts. While most of the core gaming crowd wasn't impressed by this, it seems investors were, as many pulled money out of several gaming companies. 

With Project Genie, users can generate new explorable worlds and create a playable character, with options to specify movement properties, or camera placement – such as first-person or third-person. Shortly after the unveiling, VGC notes that a number of game publishers, like Nintendo, CD Projekt, Take-Two and more saw drops in stock value.

The move seems to indicate that a number of investors view Google's new tech as a direct threat to current game publishers. However, Project Genie itself does have a number of limitations. As Unity CEO, Matther Bromberg puts it, the need for prompts currently “limits the level of determinism and precision required for production-grade game mechanics”. Unity itself is currently building its own agentic AI to prepare the engine for future generative tools like Google's Genie.

Most of the companies that saw dips last week have started to rebound on the stock market but none of them have reached their pre-dip levels just yet.

KitGuru Says: Did you see the Project Genie announcement last week? 

The post Video game companies see stocks dip following Google AI reveal first appeared on KitGuru.

Today we’re taking a look at the Fractal Design Pop 2 Air, a mid-tower case focused on airflow and simplicity. It uses a full mesh front and ventilated top panel, comes with three 120mm fans pre-installed, and includes a GPU air guide designed to improve graphics card cooling. Support covers motherboards ranging from ATX down to Mini-ITX, large air coolers, long GPUs, and up to 360mm radiators. In this review, we’ll be checking build quality, layout, and thermal performance to see how it stacks up.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:44 Key specs and pricing
02:11 Starting the teardown
03:52 GPU air guide + included fans
05:38 Other features, sizings and compatibility
06:50 Rear of the case / mobo tray
08:01 RGB hub
08:38 Storage support
09:34 Underside
10:09 Included accessories
10:47 Thermal performance + noise
12:04 Performance summary and James’ thoughts
13:34 Closing thoughts

Fractal Pop 2 Air Features:

• Airflow-focused design: Pop 2 Air features a fine cubic-pattern mesh front and a ventilated top panel with three included Aspect 12X RGB fans.
• Component compatibility: It supports graphics cards up to 416 mm long, CPU coolers up to 170 mm tall and top-mounted radiators up to 360 mm.
• Integrated GPU air guide: Pop 2 is equipped with a front air guide to direct airflow specifically toward the graphics card area, to help improve GPU cooling performance.

Specifications:

• Case Type: Mid-Tower
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 481 × 215 × 462 mm
• Materials: Steel, Tempered Glass, Plastic
• Motherboard Support: ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
• Back-connect motherboard support: No
• Expansion Slots: 7
• Storage bays: 1 × 3.5″/2.5″ combo mount, 2 × dedicated 2.5″ mounts (3 total)
• Max GPU Length: 416mm
• Max CPU Cooler Height: 170mm
• PSU Type: ATX up to 180mm
• Pre-installed Fans: 3 x 120mm Aspect 12X RGB non-PWM (Front)
• Fan Support: 3 x 120mm (Front), 3 x 120mm (Top), 1 x 120mm (Rear)
• Radiator Support: Up To 360mm (Top)
• Dust Filters: Top (Steel) PSU (Nylon)
• Font I/O: 1 × USB Type-C (5 Gbps), 1 × USB Type-A (5 Gbps), 1 × Audio/Mic combo jack
• LCD Screen: N/A

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand, we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature, giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represent the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO, and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 19-20⁰C.

Test System Specification:

• CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard – MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi
• Graphics Card – ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi
• Memory – 32GB (2 x 16GB Modules) G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000
• Storage – 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIE Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• CPU Cooler – Montech HyperFlow Digital 360
• Power Supply – Fractal ION 3 Gold 1000W
• Case fans – Stock
• Chassis – Fractal Pop 2 Air
• Operating System – Windows 11 24H2

Thermal Performance Overview

We tested the case thermals with a 360mm AIO as the exhaust at the top and in several different configurations. The default configuration shown in the charts is with the 360mm AIO at the top, 3 x 120mm Front intake fans and with all panels installed.

CPU temperatures are close across all test configurations, ranging from 59°C to 62°C over ambient. Removing the side panel produces the lowest CPU temperature at 59 °C, while the default layout and added rear exhaust both sit 1-3 degrees °C higher, indicating the stock airflow path is already optimised. GPU temperatures show minor variation, with the default configuration achieving the lowest result at 64 °C. Removing the GPU air guide results in the highest GPU temperature at 66 °C, showing its effectiveness in directing airflow toward the graphics card with minimal impact on CPU cooling.

Noise Output

Under load, the Pop 2 Air shows very consistent noise output across configurations, measuring 42 dBA with the side panel removed, in the default layout, and with an added rear exhaust fan. Removing the GPU air guide results in a minor increase to 43 dBA, suggesting it provides a small benefit in controlling airflow under load with slightly lower fan speed. At idle, all configurations sit at 35 dBA, indicating stable fan behaviour and no additional noise coming from airflow changes.

Closing Thoughts

In some key areas, the Fractal Pop 2 Air shows a shift in direction compared to the original Pop series. Some of the more distinct features that made it popular are gone, like the 5.25-inch drive bay and the bold and bright internal colour options that gave the earlier models a bit of personality. In their place, Fractal has moved more towards mainstream airflow-focused design, which will likely appeal to cooling enthusiasts wanting to squeeze all the performance from their hardware, even if it means losing some of that original charm.

On the positive side, the updates applied in the Pop 2 Air make sense for modern high-performance gaming systems. Support for up to a 360mm top-mounted radiator is a welcome addition, and the included GPU air guide proves to be more than a gimmick, offering a small benefit to graphics card temperatures in our testing. Cooling performance overall is solid, and the default fan configuration does a good job, and quietly.

That said, there are some notable omissions at this price point. There are no removable radiator or fan brackets to help with installation, no built-in GPU anti-sag support, and the included fans are non-PWM, which limits fine speed control and adjustment. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are features that competitors often include at this price range, and their absence will be noticed by more advanced and experienced enthusiast system builders.

Build quality is, for the most part what we’ve come to expect from Fractal Design – generally good, except for the top panel which is quite weak and flexible without any fans or radiator mounted.

Taken as a whole, the Fractal Pop 2 Air is a competent, airflow-focused mid-tower that prioritises cooling and compatibility over the fun and functional extras seen in its predecessor. It’s not the most feature-rich case in its class, but if you value straightforward design and solid thermal performance, it may appeal to you as it is reasonably priced too at under £90 with fans, glass and RGB included.

The Fractal Pop 2 Air is available to purchase now from Scan in either black or white, priced from £79.99 HERE.

Pros: 

• Good thermal performance.
• Improved radiator support over the original Pop.
• Good build quality.

Cons:

• The distinctive Pop colours have gone.
• Lost 5.25-inch drive support.
• No back-connect motherboard support.
• Included fans are not PWM.
• Very basic in some areas, with no fan hub, modular parts or GPU support brackets etc.

KitGuru says: We miss some of the features of the original Pop in this new version, but if your focus is solid cooling and high-end hardware support at a low cost, then the Pop 2 Air might be ideal for you.

The post Fractal Pop 2 Air PC Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in 2022, it was reported that Sony had entered into talks with Amazon to develop a live-action adaptation of the console maker’s highly-popular God of War franchise. While production was off to a slow start, work on the project appears to be progressing smoothly – with a majority of the cast now being officially announced.

Back in January, Amazon started to promote their upcoming God of War show, confirming early casting details including the role of Kratos (being played by Ryan Hurst). Since then, we’ve gotten additional casting details including some familiar voices reprising their roles.

As reported by Deadline, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (known for Severance and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) is officially set to play the role of Thor in the show. Joining him (as per Variety) are Max Parker as Heimdall; Mandy Patinkin as Odin – and Danny Woodburn / Jeff Gulka playing Brok / Sindri respectively.

Perhaps the most surprising casting choice however is Alastair Duncan as Mimir, who actually played the character in the games (and whose voice would be highly familiar to those who experienced the duology). Serving as one of the primary narrators for 2018’s God of War and Ragnarok, Alastair Duncan reprising his role is a welcome surprise.

While it is still too early to glean much regarding Amazon’s God of War adaptation, the casting choices so far are certainly encouraging.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the casting choices so far? Are you glad to see Alastair Duncan return? Who do you think they’ll get to play Atreus? Let us know down below.

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Shortly following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, EA / Respawn Entertainment updated their popular Battle Royale ‘Apex Legends’ with a Switch 2 edition – letting Nintendo owners finally compete on a more equal footing at 60fps. As expected however, the OG Switch version of Apex Legends will now soon be discontinued, officially shutting down at the end of Season 29.

Making the announcement via their blog, the team at Respawn Entertainment wrote: “Hey legends, we want to share an important update about Apex Legends on the Nintendo Switch. Season 29 will be the final update for Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch. Future seasons of Apex Legends will continue to be available on Nintendo Switch 2.”

For the uninitiated, Season 29 ends on the 3rd of August, and so there is still plenty of time to play the game between now and then (even if the OG Switch version is arguably the worst). Regardless, as all your progress is tied to your EA account, those who wind up picking Apex back up on Switch 2 will be able to continue right where they left off.

Even back when it released in 2021, the Switch 1 version of Apex Legends was far from the optimal way to experience a competitive multiplayer shooter and so it’s not surprising to see it being discontinued. It will be interesting to see how much longer the last-gen PS4 and Xbox One versions persist for.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Did you ever try the game on Switch 1? How was it? When do you think the other last-gen versions will be discontinued? Let us know down below.

The post Switch 1 version of Apex Legends to shut down later this year first appeared on KitGuru.

SEGA and RGG Studio have been pretty good with supporting Nintendo platforms in recent years, with the Switch 1 receiving plenty of ports over its lifetime. The Yakuza series in particular has seen strong representation with 0, 1, 2 and (soon) 3 available on the platform. According to the studio, even more entries could be coming “if fans tell us more.”

Releasing a promotional video to YouTube for the upcoming Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Tides, the team at RGG Studio spoke on their support for the Nintendo Switch platform in particular, with Masayoshi Yokoyama stating:

“We've had Yakuza 0, 1, 2 and now 3. So, on Switch 2 with Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, we're releasing everything that we can at the moment. From here on, the number may increase if fans tell us more.”

Yokoyama continued, “I've always thought that being able to play anywhere is really important for Switch 2, and I think it's a great piece of hardware that will make the dreams of people who wanted to play games in the past but were restricted by location to come true. When the Switch 2 came out, the game actually worked because the performance has also improved, so I decided from the beginning that I wanted to port the game (Yakuza Kiwami 3) over no matter what.”

As mentioned, RGG Studio have brought over quite a few Yakuza games to Nintendo at this point, with the original Kiwami reportedly “selling like hotcakes” on the OG Switch. That said, there are still plenty of entries not available on the platform, and so it will be interesting to see if and when the remainder of the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series find their way over to the Switch 2.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the earlier Yakuza games? Would you like to see Like a Dragon also come to the platform? Do you prefer the turn-based or real-time entries? Let us know down below.

The post RGG Studio hope to bring even more Yakuza games to Switch 2 first appeared on KitGuru.

HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us helped spearhead the surge in quality adaptations of video game properties, amassing record-breaking views and winning a ton of awards. Like with the games themselves however, Season 2 of the show proved to be somewhat more contentious than the first. While a 3rd Season was greenlit even before the second season came out, it appears as though the next chapter of HBO’s TLOU might be its last.

Though it was never explicitly stated, prior to the launch of series 2 for HBO’s The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin alluded to the fact that there could be up to 4 Seasons required to tell the story of the two games.

Whether these plans were ever more than a vague idea or not, it seems as though HBO’s The Last of Us will most likely conclude with its next Season, with HBO chief Casey Bloys responding to the question of whether S3 will be its last by stating: “It certainly seems that way, but on decisions like that, we will defer to the showrunners. So you can ask them.”

Based on the wording, it appears as though the decision to go with 3 seasons instead of 4 has come from the creative side of the company, and less so the management (especially as Bloys spoke on the matter back in July stating “Craig is still working it out whether it will be two more seasons or one more long season. It hasn't been decided yet, and I'm following Craig's lead on that”).

This should hopefully mean that when it does eventually release, series 3 will encapsulate the remainder of Part II’s story in a satisfactory (and not rushed) manner. We will have to wait and see however.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of HBO’s The Last of Us? Was series 2 a disappointment to you? What were your opinions on the games? Let us know down below.

The post HBO’s The Last of Us Season 3 might be its final first appeared on KitGuru.