Microsoft is reportedly planning yet another restructuring of its Xbox Game Pass tiers, aiming to simplify a lineup that has become increasingly complex (and expensive) for the average gamer. According to recent reports, the company is exploring merging the PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Premium tiers.

The current Game Pass subscription landscape is a bit of a maze. Following the October 2025 overhaul, the Game Pass began to start at £6.99/$9.99 for the Essential tier. PC Game Pass saw a nearly 40% jump to £13.49/$16.49 per month, largely to justify the inclusion of day-one blockbusters like Call of Duty. Meanwhile, the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier (which replaced the old “Standard” plan) costs £10.99/$14.99 per month but lacks the day-one access that PC and Ultimate subscribers enjoy. At the top of the pyramid is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which now commands an eye-watering £22.99/$29.99 per month.

Based on Tom Warren's report for The Verge (via Windows Central), this may change again soon, as Microsoft is reportedly planning to merge the Premium and PC Game Passes. By merging the PC and Premium tiers, Microsoft could potentially offer a unified “mid-tier” that works across all devices. However, it remains to be seen if PC players will lose their day-one perks in the transition or if the price will see another “adjustment”.

To help soften the blow of the Ultimate price tag, Microsoft is reportedly doubling down on third-party integrations. As of late 2025, Ultimate already includes EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and a Fortnite Crew subscription. As 2026 progresses, sources suggest Microsoft is in talks to add even more services to ensure the monthly cost feels like a one-stop shop for digital entertainment. Whether this includes streaming services or further gaming perks from partners remains unknown.

This software shift appears to be laying the groundwork for the rumoured 2027 next-generation Xbox. Leaks regarding the new Xbox suggest Microsoft is abandoning the traditional console OS in favour of a Windows 11 hybrid environment. This would theoretically enable native support for the Steam and Epic Games Store, effectively turning the Xbox into a first-party gaming rig for the living room. If hardware and software merge into a single Windows-based ecosystem, a fragmented subscription service divided into “PC” and “Console” designations no longer makes sense.

KitGuru says: Are you subscribed to any Game Pass tier? Would you like to see a merge of Premium and PC tiers, assuming PC gamers would still have access to day-1 releases?

The post Microsoft may soon merge PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Premium first appeared on KitGuru.

The G.Skill Annual OC World Cup returns at Computex 2026 with a $40,000 prize pool up for grabs. The top nine overclockers from the qualifying rounds will go head-to-head and we may see some records broken along the way.

G.SKILL has been hosting the OC World Cup at Computex for many years at this point and it is often a highlight of the event. As always, there will be qualifying rounds in the months before Computex, with the top nine contestants then being invited to join G.Skill at Computex to compete in one final showdown for a share of a $40,000 prize pool.

The OC World Cup champion will get $10,000, with the rest of the prize pool broken up between the remaining placements. Here is the prize pool breakdown:

• OC Champion: $10,000 USD
• 2nd Place: $6,500 USD
• 3rd Place: $5,000 USD
• 4th Place: $4,200 USD
• 5th Place: $3,400 USD
• 6th Place: $3,000 USD
• 7th Place: $2,800 USD
• 8th Place: $2,600 USD
• 9th Place: $2,500 USD

To sweeten the deal, each of these top-nine overclockers will also receive a DDR5-8000 32GB memory kit. Two runner-ups who completed the online qualifier trials will also be randomly selected to get a DDR5-7200 32GB kit.

KitGuru Says: Computex 2026 is running from June 2nd to June 5th – as always, we will have coverage of the show during that week.

The post The G.Skill OC World Cup returns for 2026 with $40,000 prize pool first appeared on KitGuru.

Sharkoon has launched the Skiller SGK55W, a 75% gaming keyboard that combines premium features with an aggressive price point. The SGK55W aims to bridge the gap between mass-market gaming peripherals and the “custom keyboard” scene. Featuring a gasket-mount design, this keyboard uses a polycarbonate positioning plate, silicone layering, and double-layer foam damping to produce a deeper, more “thocky” acoustic profile and a flexible typing experience that reduces fatigue during long sessions.

The keyboard features Sharkoon's pre-lubed linear switches, designed for smooth, resistance-free actuation in both fast-paced gaming and typing. Enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of a hot-swap PCB, allowing tool-free switch replacements and full VIA compatibility, enabling key and macro remapping without proprietary software. The physical build is rounded out by double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile, with crisp legends and a texture that resists the “shine” typical of cheaper ABS plastics.

On the technical front, the SGK55W features dual-mode connectivity, offering both a reliable 1.8 m wired USB connection and a 2.4 GHz wireless mode. Powering the wireless side is a 4,000 mAh battery, providing extended playtimes even with the dynamic, south-facing ARGB lighting active. The compact 75% layout, a favourite for saving desk space without sacrificing function keys, is topped off with a tactile rotary knob for quick volume adjustments.

The Skiller SGK55W is available now in black for €74.90. A white version is scheduled to hit retail shelves in April 2026 at the same price point.

KitGuru says: Sharkoon is hitting the sweet spot of the market with the SGK55W. By offering a gasket-mount, VIA-compatible board at this price, they are undercutting many boutique brands. While the Sharkoon-branded switches will need to prove their durability against industry titans like Gateron or Cherry, the inclusion of a hot-swap PCB means users can always upgrade later. If you've been looking for a “gateway” into custom keyboards without breaking the bank, this 75% board looks like a very strong contender.

The post Sharkoon unveils Skiller SGK55W, a gasket-mounted 75% keyboard with VIA support first appeared on KitGuru.

With Sony set to host another State of Play showcase this week, there have been many fans wondering if we'll get a new look at Insomniac's next major game, Marvel's Wolverine. Unfortunately, it sounds like Logan is off of the menu for this week's stream. 

Don't tune into the State of Play this week expecting a new Wolverine trailer. In response to a fan question on Twitter / X, Insomniac confirmed that it won't be sharing more information about the game until ‘Spring 2026'.

This does make some sense, as Wolverine isn't going to be releasing until the second half of the year. In the meantime, Sony does have other first-party titles to focus on, including Bungie's new shooter, Marathon, as well as the next game from Housemarque Studios – Saros.

The State of Play showcase will go live tomorrow, February 12th at 10PM GMT.

KitGuru Says: Spider-Man 2 felt a bit rushed and ultimately let me down in a few ways, but I am hoping Insomniac has brought its A-game for Wolverine. So far, the game looks great, and in a few months' time, we should have a better look at gameplay. 

The post Insomniac confirms Wolverine will be skipping this week’s State of Play showcase first appeared on KitGuru.

While Sony has yet to announce the next round of games for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers this month, a new leak points to at least one major title joining the library – Insomniac's Spider-Man 2. 

According to Dealabs, a very reliable source for PlayStation Plus leaks with an impeccable track record, Insomniac's Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will be the next big first-party PS5 title to join the library. Once it arrives on February 17th, subscribers will be able to freely download and play through the whole game.

Two other titles have also been listed as arriving later this month, including Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and Neva. It is unclear if Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered and Miles Morales will remain in the library once Spider-Man 2 drops in, as Sony sometimes likes to keep its big games on a limited-time cycle.

Sony is due to make a slew of PS5 game announcements later this week as part of a State of Play showcase. It is likely that the next round of PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium games will be announced in a blog post a little bit before the stream goes live.

KitGuru Says: PlayStation Plus Extra has been a surprisingly good deal over the past couple of years and at this point, it does give Game Pass a run for its money. 

The post Spider-Man 2 is coming to PlayStation Plus Extra this month first appeared on KitGuru.

Ever since Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, there have been rumours of a StarCraft revival, moving beyond the previous RTS titles and into the shooter genre. A new rumour claims that Blizzard now has two new StarCraft projects in the works, with one of them being made in collaboration with Nexon, who recently funded and published Arc Raiders. 

The news comes from the South Korean outlet, dnews. The rumour coming from South Korea makes sense, as StarCraft was massively popular in the country and is still widely played to this day. The report cites ‘industry sources' that say that Nexon signed a contract with Blizzard last year to produce a game, and they are now in the process of ramping up the development team for it.

According to Jason Schreier, who claimed that Blizzard was also working on its own StarCraft shooter in-house in his latest book last year, this new Nexon project is unrelated to the shooter that he previously reported. That means that Blizzard has its own in-house game on the way, perhaps with a stronger focus on a single-player campaign, while Nexon is developing its own game, which could more likely be a large-scale multiplayer.

Unfortunately, there is still no word on when we might see either StarCraft shooter come to fruition. Game development takes a long time and Blizzard's previous attempt, StarCraft Ghost, was ultimately cancelled.

KitGuru Says: StarCraft is a fantastic IP and is one that would suit the shooter genre tremendously well. Hopefully we'll be able to get our hands on at least one of these games over the next few years. 

The post There are reportedly two StarCraft shooters now in development first appeared on KitGuru.

For years, fans have been wondering if Capcom will continue its Resident Evil Remake series with the fourth and sixth mainline games. Now, it appears we have an answer, as Resident Evil 5 Remake has been spotted via the ESRB database. 

The ESRB is the US organisation in charge of assigning age and content ratings to video games. While typically the ESRB does not leak games it is aware of, every now and then, something does slip through. In this instance, as spotted by Kotaku, Resident Evil 5 Remake has made an appearance on the website.

The page was very barebones while it was still live and doesn't necessarily confirm a full-scale remake, but the game was listed for Xbox Series X/S consoles, indicating that something new is happening with the 2009 shooter.

Resident Evil 5 is already part of the Xbox backwards compatibility programme, so it is unlikely to be related to the original game.

Capcom has not yet made any official announcements regarding a Resident Evil 5 Remake, but there have been a few leaks indicating that it is happening. With the ESRB now potentially being aware of the game, we could see the remake announced within months. Sony is holding a State of Play stream later this week, so it could potentially be revealed there.

KitGuru Says: Would you like to see Capcom continue with its Resident Evil Remake series?

The post ESRB listing hints at Resident Evil 5 Remake first appeared on KitGuru.

GameMax has officially announced the launch of the Nex C51 and Nex C31, two new additions to its chassis lineup that bring the popular “panoramic” aesthetic to a more accessible price point. These cases aim to offer the pillar-free, dual-tempered glass look typically reserved for premium enthusiast frames, at a starting price of just $49.99.

The Nex C51 serves as the full-sized ATX offering, designed for builds that require substantial internal volume. Despite its budget-friendly positioning, it supports flagship hardware, including graphics cards up to 410 mm in length and CPU air coolers up to 180 mm tall. Cooling support is equally robust, with the ability to house a 360 mm radiator on the top panel. Connectivity on the front I/O is surprisingly modern for this price bracket, featuring a 20 Gbps USB Type-C Gen 2×2 port to ensure compatibility with high-speed external storage. Additionally, the case includes three 120 mm ARGB fans, but there's space for a total of nine 120 mm fans.

For those looking for a more compact setup, the Nex C31 mirrors its larger sibling's design philosophy in a microATX form factor. It retains the pillar-free glass design and support for 360 mm top radiators, 180 mm tall CPU towers, and 410 mm long GPUs. Like the C51, it comes equipped with three pre-installed 120 mm ARGB fans (supporting up to nine), offering immediate out-of-the-box cooling and lighting without additional purchases.

The Nex C51 starts at $54.99 for the black version, while the white carries a $5 premium. The Nex C31 comes slightly cheaper at $49.99 but also carries the same $5 premium for its white variant.

KitGuru says: Offering a pillar-free, 270-degree view chassis with three ARGB fans and 20 Gbps USB-C for under $50 is mighty impressive. 

The post GameMax unveils new Nex C51 and C31 panoramic-view cases first appeared on KitGuru.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is one of the most interesting releases planned for 2026, with the 4v4 PlayStation-published fighter slowly-but-surely sharing more on what to expect from the Arc System Works-developed collaboration. As we inch closer towards the game’s theoretical launch, Marvel Tokon’s Steam page has been updated with a ton of new details.

In going to the official Steam page for Marvel Tokon, fans can find a bunch of new details pertaining to the upcoming 4v4 tag team fighter. While we’ve already seen a number of the planned heroes and villains coming to the game, it has now been confirmed that Tokon will launch with a total of 20 characters (with more arriving post-launch of course).

Beyond this, Tokon will include a single player ‘Episode Mode’ with multiplayer said to feature up to 64-player lobbies.

Of course, being an online-focused title, Marvel Tokon will require you to register for a PlayStation account, even on Steam.

Regardless, with the recently-released 2XKO launching to lower-than-expected interest, here’s to hoping that PlayStation and Arc System Works are able to successfully launch Marvel Tokon at some point this year.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for Tokon? What do you think of the roster so far? Which characters are you hoping will be included in the launch line-up? Let us know down below.

The post Marvel Tokon store page updated with new details first appeared on KitGuru.

Riot Games’ 2XKO had been a long time coming, with the 2v2 fighter being announced all the way back in 2019 as Project L. In the years since, the game saw a plethora of closed tests in order to ensure a strong foundation. Despite only officially launching properly late last month, a slow start has led to Riot Games culling 2XKO’s dev team.

Making the surprise announcement on their blog, Riot Games’ Tom Canon wrote: “I wanted to take a moment to share an important update on 2XKO. This is a difficult update to share, but we want to be clear about what’s changing and why. After a lot of discussion and reflection, we are reducing the size of the 2XKO team.”

Explaining this shock decision, Cannon continued, “As we expanded from PC to console, we saw consistent trends in how players were engaging with 2XKO. The game has resonated with a passionate core audience, but overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term.”

Of course, this was pitched as being somewhat of a positive, claiming that “with a smaller, focused team, we’re going to dig in and make key improvements to the game, including some of the things we’ve already heard you asking for. We’ll share some of our plans soon.”

The full statement can be found HERE, and includes various specifics including how this will impact the competitive scene. Regardless, given just how recently the game landed on consoles, having a major long-awaited title such as this get downsized so soon is very much a worrying sign.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this announcement? Have you tried 2XKO? Was it your style of fighting game? Let us know down below.

The post 2XKO team sees major downsizing following softer-than-expected launch first appeared on KitGuru.

Remedy Entertainment is in a bit of an interesting spot, with the studio’s quality-to-sales ratio being off balance. Still, the cream can rise to the top, with Remedy revealing that 2019’s excellent CONTROL has sold over 5 million copies, while amassing over 20 million total players.

As part of the company’s latest fiscal earnings report, Remedy Entertainment revealed that 2019’s excellent 3rd-person metroidvania-esque shooter Control has now officially sold over 5 million copies (1 million of which was pushed in 2025 alone.)

According to the studio, part of the recent rise in sales can be attributed to the announcement of Control Resonant – a sequel set to arrive some time this year.

Outside of sales, the game has also seen a great deal of interest from those subscribed to various services, with Control said to have amassed over 20 million players in total.

Control was a highly unique title which offered fun gameplay, interesting exploration and a mysterious narrative deserving of its 5+ million copies sold. With over 20 million fans of the first entry however, here’s to hoping that Control Resonant manages to resonate with many during its initial launch period.

KitGuru says: What did you think of Control? Is it Remedy’s best work yet, or did you prefer Alan Wake 2? Let us know down below.

The post Control hits new sales milestone first appeared on KitGuru.

Released just under a year ago, Monster Hunter Wilds has not had the smoothest of rides, with the long-awaited title launching to explosive popularity, only to quickly be turned on as a result of plenty of performance issues. With a year’s worth of patches behind us, Capcom is gearing up to begin showing off Wilds’ expansion.

Alongside the full breakdown of Monster Hunter Wilds’ upcoming 18th of February update, the team at Capcom confirmed that they will be shifting their focus over to the game’s expected expansion, stating as part of their ‘1st anniversary message’:

“Thank you to all hunters for your support of Monster Hunter Wilds! While this marks the end of major content updates, the team is currently hard at work on a large scale expansion to Monster Hunter Wilds. We look forward to sharing the first reveal of the expansion this Summer.”

Both Monster Hunter World and Rise saw the eventual release of paid expansions which managed to sell nearly as many millions of copies as the base games themselves. That said, with faith in Monster Hunter Wilds having been shaken as a result of its launch woes, it will be interesting to see how fans react to the unveiling of a paid expansion.

Additionally, the use of the phrase “end of major content updates” seems to suggest that the game will be going mostly quiet for the foreseeable months. However, we will hopefully at the very least continue to receive bug and performance fixes in the meantime.

KitGuru says: Is Monster Hunter Wilds in a stable state by now? Is it too soon to start thinking about an expansion? What do you think sales will look like for the DLC upon launch? Let us know down below.

The post Capcom will reveal Monster Hunter Wilds expansion this Summer first appeared on KitGuru.

As Intel prepares for the late 2026 debut of its Core Ultra Series “Nova Lake-S” processors, new leaks have revealed the details for the accompanying 900-series “Nova Point” chipset family. This generation marks a significant shift in platform architecture, introducing the LGA 1954 socket and a more granular approach to chipset segmentation.

According to Jaykihn (via VideoCardz), the lineup will include five distinct PCH variants: Z990, Z970, W980, Q970, and B960. Most notably, Intel is reportedly skipping the “H970” tier entirely due to consistently low demand, instead focusing on two enthusiast-grade options. Starting with the flagship Z990, it will be the only consumer chipset to offer both multiplier and base clock (BCLK) overclocking, alongside a massive I/O boost. It reportedly features 48 PCIe lanes in total, including 12 PCIe 5.0 lanes directly from the chipset.

Image credit: Jaykhin

A new entry to the lineup is the Z970, which sits just below the flagship and targets the enthusiast-mainstream crowd. While it retains support for multiplier-unlocked “K” series processors and memory overclocking, it reportedly lacks BCLK tuning. Moreover, it does not provide any PCIe 5.0 lanes from the chipset itself, sticking to a 14-lane PCIe 4.0 configuration. This model reportedly shares a smaller physical PCH die with the B960, which acts as the high-volume mainstream choice. The B960 maintains memory overclocking support but strips away CPU frequency adjustments entirely.

The “Nova Point” platform is claimed to significantly widen the communication pipe between the CPU and the motherboard. While the Z990, W980, and Q970 are claimed to use a DMI Gen 5 x4 link (delivering roughly 128 Gbps of bandwidth), the more affordable Z970 and B960 use a narrower DMI Gen 5 x2 link. This segmentation suggests that high-end Z990 boards will be significantly better equipped for systems running multiple Gen 5 NVMe drives and high-bandwidth USB4 peripherals simultaneously without hitting a data bottleneck.

From the processor side, Nova Lake-S is rumoured to provide up to 32 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. This is a massive jump from the 20 lanes found on Arrow Lake, theoretically allowing a full x16 Gen 5 graphics card to run alongside two or even three Gen 5 x4 SSDs connected directly to the CPU. The processor's direct connectivity is also getting a decent boost, with the high-end chipsets supporting two 40 Gbps USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports routed through the processor.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Intel's decision to split the Z-series into Z990 and Z970 could lower the entry price for overclocking-ready motherboards. By using smaller, more efficient silicon for the Z970 and B960, manufacturers can likely produce cheaper boards that still satisfy the core “K-series” audience, which only cares about multiplier tuning. However, for those looking to build “god-tier” workstations with quadruple Gen 5 SSDs and dual Thunderbolt ports, the Z990 seems to be the only path forward.

The post Intel “Nova Point” chipset details reportedly leak first appeared on KitGuru.

Antec has announced the Vortex View 360, a 360mm all‑in‑one liquid cooler that combines the company’s first integrated LCD pump‑top display with Asetek’s latest 9th‑generation cooling platform.

The cooler features a full‑colour LCD panel on the pump head, allowing users to show system stats, custom graphics, or animations. It’s paired with a redesigned Asetek pump and impeller rated for up to 400W TDP, delivering improved thermal efficiency and reduced vibration. Antec says the pump operates up to 30% quieter than previous designs, reaching sub‑14 dBA at 2800 RPM.

The Vortex View 360 uses a high‑efficiency 360mm radiator and high‑airflow fans aimed at sustained cooling for modern high‑core CPUs. It ships with elastic high‑density tubing, pre‑applied thermal paste, and broad socket support, including Intel LGA115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851 and AMD AM4 / AM5.

The launch also debuts iUnity 2.0, Antec’s updated control software for fan and pump curves, per‑zone RGB lighting, and LCD customization. The platform integrates with the cooler’s ARGB backlighting for coordinated effects. The cooler features a clean, modern design intended to fit both minimalist and RGB‑heavy builds, with subtle lighting around the pump to complement the display.

Key specs include:

• LCD pump‑top display with customizable content
• 360mm radiator with high‑airflow fans
• Asetek 9th‑gen pump rated up to 400W TDP
• Sub‑14 dBA pump acoustics
• ARGB lighting and iUnity 2.0 software support
• Intel LGA115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851 and AMD AM4 / AM5 compatibility
• Pre‑applied thermal paste and streamlined installation hardware

The Antec Vortex View 360 will be available starting today, priced around £244.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Antec's new flagship AIO has arrived, complete with its impressive display – we will have a full review coming up soon so stay tuned for our in-depth testing. 

The post The Antec Vortex View 360 AIO officially launches today first appeared on KitGuru.

Asus has expanded its flagship gaming monitor lineup with the ROG Strix OLED XG27UQDMS, bringing high-refresh 4K gaming to a smaller display size. This model is built around a third-generation QD-OLED panel designed to balance the motion clarity required for competitive games with the image quality that users want for their favourite AAA titles.

While its 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) provides a high pixel density for sharp text and imagery, the XG27UQDMS's (via NotebookCheck) headline feature is the 240 Hz native refresh rate, delivering fluid visuals previously limited to lower-resolution panels. The display has a 0.03 ms GTG response time, eliminating motion blur even in fast-paced competitive shooters. For HDR enthusiasts, the XG27UQDMS carries a VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification, hitting a peak luminance of 1000 nits (at 3% APL) and a static contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1. The panel covers 99% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut with native 10-bit colour depth, ensuring colour accuracy that meets professional creative standards out of the box.

To safeguard the longevity of the organic pixels, Asus has integrated its ROG OLED Care Pro suite, which includes a Neo Proximity Sensor that automatically dims or blacks out the screen when the user is not detected. Connectivity is geared toward the modern enthusiast, featuring two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth and a DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC). Asus also includes a versatile stand with a small footprint, a mobile device groove, and a built-in tripod socket for streamers.

For gaming-specific optimisation, the monitor utilises ROG Gaming AI features, such as Dynamic Shadow Boost and Dynamic Crosshair, as well as offering support for FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility. The display is now available to pre-order in some retailers starting at around £740.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you thinking of making the jump to a new OLED monitor this year?

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Akko has announced the launch of the Dash, a gaming mouse that follows the increasingly common strategy of offering a single shell across multiple internal configurations.

Positioned to compete in the ultra-lightweight segment, the Dash (via Cowcotland) features an ambidextrous chassis with an open bottom design, achieving remarkably low weights of 40 grams for the black variant and 41 grams for the white variant. The dimensions are supposedly tailored for smaller to medium hands, measuring 175.6 x 90.9 x 37.1 mm, which allows for a variety of grip styles, including claw and fingertip.

The lineup is divided into three distinct versions, starting with the Dash Max, the entry-level offering. This model features the PixArt PAW3395 sensor paired with a Realtek 8762 controller. While it is limited to a standard 1000 Hz polling rate, it supposedly makes up for this with impressive battery life, claiming up to 86 days of use via Bluetooth thanks to its 300 mAh internal cell. This version is equipped with Akko’s proprietary optical switches and a TTC Gold scroll wheel encoder and retails for £34.95/$45.99/€39.55 (VAT not included).

For enthusiasts seeking a higher-end alternative, the Dash Ultra comes with the PAW3950 sensor and a Nordic 54L15 controller. This hardware combination is claimed to support polling rates up to 8000 Hz in wired mode. Interestingly, Akko has supposedly released two variants of the Ultra: one utilising the standard Akko optical switches and a second version featuring Omron optical switches. The Omron-equipped model is claimed to offer a slight boost in maximum sensitivity, reaching 42,000 DPI, compared to the 30,000 DPI of the standard Ultra and Max models. Pricing for the Ultra tier ranges from £45.59/$59.99/€51.59 to £53.19/$69.99/€60.19 (VAT not included).

While the hardware specifications are competitive, some might find the software approach a bit dated. Unlike some of its competitors, which are transitioning to web-based, driverless configuration tools, Akko still requires a traditional Windows-only driver for customisation. This could be a minor hurdle for those who frequently switch between different operating systems or machines. Moreover, the inclusion of multiple sets of skates is a nice touch.

KitGuru says: While the reliance on a traditional software driver is a slight step back in an era of web-based utilities, the aggressive pricing of the Dash Ultra makes it a very tempting alternative.

The post Akko enters the 40g weight class with new Dash mouse lineup first appeared on KitGuru.

Intel looks to be entering the final stages of preparation for its Arrow Lake Refresh (Core Ultra Series 2 Plus) desktop launch, with new benchmarks for the mid-range Core Ultra 5 250K Plus surfacing on Geekbench. The “16th Gen” is expected to act as the final performance push for the LGA-1851 socket before the much-anticipated transition to Nova Lake later this year.

The leaked benchmark (via Benchleaks) provides our first real look at how the upcoming CPU handles the increased core counts and tuned clock speeds planned for the refresh. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus scored 3,113 points in the single-core test and 15,251 points in the multi-core test in a system equipped with an Asus Prime Z890-P WIFI motherboard with 32 GB of RAM.

While the single-core result shows a healthy lead over many standard Core Ultra 5 245K runs (which typically land under 3,000), the multi-core score is curiously lower than the 17,000-18,000 range often seen from the current 245K. This discrepancy is likely due to the early nature of the testing and may be resolved as BIOS optimisations and final retail silicon reach the market.

Technically, the 250K Plus offers a notable jump in core density for the Ultra 5 tier. It is claimed to be an 18-core processor featuring a 6P+12E configuration, up from the 14-core (6P+8E) layout of the 245K. The chip reportedly features a 5.3 GHz P-core boost and natively supports DDR5-7200 memory. Despite the extra efficiency cores, the processor is expected to maintain its 125W base and 159W maximum turbo power ratings.

KitGuru says: The Arrow Lake Refresh is shaping up to be an interesting, albeit short-lived, chapter for Intel. With the high-end Core Ultra 9 290K Plus reportedly cancelled to avoid product overlap, the weight of this generation rests on the 270K and 250K Plus models. Based on the leaked benchmarks of these two chips, do you think they'll have a place in the current market?

The post Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus appears on Geekbench first appeared on KitGuru.

Alongside the announcement of the new Sapphire Radeon RX 9070 XT Crimson Desert Edition graphics card, AMD has also launched its latest game bundle. For the next couple of months, anyone buying an eligible Ryzen processor or Radeon graphics card, or an eligible AMD-powered laptop, will be eligible for a free copy of Pearl Abyss's new single-player action game.

In Crimson Desert, fans will play as Kliff, a member of the Greymanes who survives a deadly ambush from a rival clan, the Black Bears. Over the course of the game, you will travel a large world to reunite your fallen group and fight back against deadly bosses. While the game shares a similar name, it is not connected to Pearl Abyss's previous title – Black Desert.

You can see the full list of eligible products in the table below:

AMD Ryzen CPUs	AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
AMD Radeon GPUs	AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT AMD Radeon RX 9070
Supported Laptops (AMD Ryzen processors)	ASUS TUF Gaming A14 ASUS ROG Strix G16 ASUS ROG Strix G18 ASUS ROG Flow Z13 HP OMEN MAX 16 HP OMEN 16 Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Lenovo Legion Pro 7 Lenovo Legion 5 MSI Raider A16 MSI Raider A18 MSI Crosshair A18 Gigabyte Aero X16 Razer Blade 16 Razer Blade 14
AMD Ryzen AI Series	AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series AMD Ryzen AI 9 300 Series AMD Ryzen AI 7 300 Series AMD Ryzen AI Max Series AMD Ryzen 9000HX / 9000X3D Series AMD Ryzen 8000HX Series AMD Ryzen 7000HX / 7000X3D Series

You can see the full list of eligible products and participating retailers, along with the terms and conditions for claiming your copy of the game, HERE. The bundle will end in late April, so you have plenty of time to get your upgrade in.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you think of AMD's latest game bundle? Will you be taking advantage of it while it lasts? 

The post AMD launches new Ryzen and Radeon game bundle with Crimson Desert first appeared on KitGuru.

The Corsair Makr Pro 75 attempts to bridge the gap between high-end custom mechanical keyboards and the gaming market. With a £219.99 price tag, a CNC aluminium case, and Hall Effect switches, it looks like a heavyweight contender on paper. But does this hybrid design offer the best of both worlds, or does it compromise too much on both fronts?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:10 Carlos Thoughts
01:40 Highlight Specs / Battery
02:38 Is this too much?
04:32 Gasket mounted design?
05:35 Metal poles
06:12 Keycap quality
06:50 Stabilisers and switches
08:40 RGB implementation
09:17 Ghost key presses and calibration
10:56 Gaming experience after calibration
11:47 8000Hz?
12:25 Good value?
13:35 Sound tests

Specifications:

• Media and volume controls: Yes
• Keyboard report rate: Up to 8,000 Hz with AXON
• On-board memory: 8 MB
• Onboard profiles: 5
• Keyboard product family: N/A
• Adjustable height: Yes
• Wired connectivity: USB Type-A
• Keyboard connectivity: Wired
• Keyboard cable material: Braided
• Win lock: FN shortcut
• Key rollover: Full key (NKRO) with 100% anti-ghosting
• Key switches: CORSAIR MGX V2
• Keyboard layout: UK (UK)
• Keyboard warranty: 2 years
• Keyboard compatibility: PC, Mac®; Windows® 10 or macOS® 10.15; internet connection required for iCUE software download; CORSAIR Web Hub
• Weight: 1.282 kg

Closing Thoughts

The Corsair Makr Pro 75 is a keyboard with a split personality. From a build perspective, the full aluminum chassis has undeniable quality, and the exterior design lines are sleek and inviting. However, Corsair's decision to pack the case with over 200g of foam and silicone results in a “dead” sound profile that removes all character from the sound. Furthermore, while it technically uses a gasket mount, the tightly packed interior and 14 standoff screws result in a stiff typing feel that lacks the bounce I personally tend to prefer. It doesn't have to be a trampoline, but some space for movement helps you feel like you are not typing against a hard surface.

On the performance side, the Hall Effect implementation is a mixed bag. Once properly set up, the gaming experience is fantastic. The Rapid Trigger implementation is responsive, and for competitive titles, the difference is night and day compared to traditional mechanical switches. However, the out-of-the-box experience was marked by calibration issues where keys would ghost-press themselves, requiring a tedious manual calibration process to fix. The 8000Hz polling rate exists, though we're still not sure about any real-world performance benefits compared to 1000Hz.

Ultimately, at £219.99, the Makr Pro 75 sits in an interesting spot. It offers premium materials that gaming brands usually lack, but falls short of the typing feel found in custom boards of similar price. It is still a solid choice for a gamer who wants a metal board without the hassle of sourcing parts, making it worth buying overall, but for the pure enthusiast or the budget-conscious gamer, it won't be a top choice.

You can buy the Corsair Makr Pro 75 for £219.99 HERE.

Pros:

• Excellent gaming performance and Rapid Trigger implementation (post manual calibration).
• Premium CNC aluminum case with easy internal access for customization.
• Smooth out of the box switches.
• Hot-swappable with other Hall Effect switches

Cons:

• High price compared to specialized competitors.
• Over-dampened sound profile lacks character.
• Out-of-box calibration bugs (ghost inputs).
• Stiff typing feel despite gasket mounting.

KitGuru says: The Makr Pro 75 delivers on raw gaming performance and build materials, but it is let down by some software bugs and an only “OK” typing experience.

The post Corsair Makr Pro 75 Keyboard Review (Hall Effect + Aluminium Case) first appeared on KitGuru.

AGON by AOC has added the 23.8‑inch 24G4ZR and 27‑inch 27G4ZR to its G4 lineup, combining 260Hz overclocked performance and sub‑millisecond response times with entry‑level pricing. Tilt‑only versions, the 24G4ZRE and 27G4ZRE, will follow for buyers who want the same panel performance at even lower cost.

Both monitors use Fast IPS panels with a native 240Hz refresh rate, 0.3ms MPRT, and Adaptive‑Sync with official NVIDIA G‑SYNC compatibility. MBR Sync allows backlight strobing and variable refresh rates across a 48Hz–260Hz range, keeping motion sharp without tearing or stutter. Overclocking to 260Hz is enabled through the OSD or AOC’s G‑Menu software. Colour performance remains strong, with the 27‑inch models rated at 121.5% sRGB and 92.3% DCI‑P3, and the 23.8‑inch versions at 111.7% sRGB and 87.7% DCI‑P3. All models offer 300 nits brightness and 178° viewing angles.

The 24G4ZR and 27G4ZR include full ergonomic stands with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment, plus a compact esports‑style base and a three‑sided frameless design suited to multi‑monitor setups. Connectivity includes 2× HDMI 2.0 and 1× DisplayPort 1.4, while flicker‑free operation and hardware low‑blue‑light modes aim to reduce eye strain. The ZRE variants retain the same panel and specs but use a tilt‑only stand.

AGON positions the 23.8‑inch models for players who prefer a compact competitive layout, while the 27‑inch versions offer a larger view without sacrificing speed. All four monitors share identical refresh rates and response times, letting buyers choose purely on size and ergonomics.

The AOC GAMING 24G4ZR, 27G4ZR, 24G4ZRE, and 27G4ZRE launch in February 2026 at £129, £149, £109, and £129 respectively.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: At these prices, the latest AOC Agon monitors look to be an absolute bargain. 

The post AOC’s latest Agon G4 monitors push 260Hz speeds into budget territory first appeared on KitGuru.

AMD announced a new graphics card game bundle earlier today and now, Nvidia is also throwing its hat into the ring. The latest GeForce RTX 50 game bundle will grant anyone upgrading soon with a free copy of Capcom's latest survival horror game, Resident Evil Requiem.

The Resident Evil Requiem bundle is now available at participating retailers, counting for anyone who buys an RTX 5070 or better. RTX 50-powered laptops are also included, also applying to RTX 5070 laptop models or better.

Aside from the new game bundle, today Nvidia is also announcing the next round of DLSS-supported titles, including the likes of Yakuza Kiwami 3, High on Life 2, and Reanimal, all of which are launching in the coming days.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you think of the latest RTX GPU game bundle?

The post Nvidia rolls out new GPU game bundle with Resident Evil Requiem first appeared on KitGuru.

Sapphire is back with another collaborative, limited edition graphics card. This time, Sapphire is teaming up with Pearl Abyss, producing a limited edition RX 9070 XT with a fresh coat of paint to match the upcoming game, Crimson Desert.

Crimson Desert is an open‑world, single‑player action‑adventure game from Pearl Abyss set in the harsh, war‑torn continent of Pywel. You play as Kliff, a member of the Greymanes, who sets out to reunite his scattered comrades after a devastating ambush. The game blends fast, visceral combat with exploration, horseback travel, large‑scale boss encounters, and a wide range of side activities such as crafting, hunting, and cooking.

The new limited-edition graphics card features iconic game artwork on the Quick Connect MagniPlate. The ARGB light strip can be customised to match the game’s atmosphere with your preferred colour aesthetic, and remains completely unobstructed thanks to the STEALTH Hidden Power Cable, which seamlessly conceals external power cables.

You can see the full specs for the graphics card in the table below:

Model	SAPPHIRE NITRO+ AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Crimson Desert Edition GPU
GPU Architecture	AMD RDNA 4 Architecture
Stream Processors	4096
Boost Clock	Up to 3060 MHz
Game Clock	Up to 2520 MHz
Ray Accelerators	64
AMD Infinity Cache	64MB
Compute Units	64 CUs (3rd Gen RT + 2nd Gen AI Accelerators)
Memory Size/Bus	16GB / 256‑bit GDDR6
Memory Clock	Up to 20 Gbps
Displays	Maximum 4 Displays
Resolution	HDMI® 2.1b: 7680×4320 DisplayPort 2.1a: 7680×4320
Interface	PCI‑Express 5.0 x16
Output	2x HDMI® 2.1b 2x DisplayPort 2.1a
BIOS Support	UEFI
Game Index	4K
NITRO+ Features	Crimson Desert Edition Quick Connect MagniPlate STEALTH Hidden Power Cable 12V‑2×6(H++) External Power Connector (3×8‑pin power adapter included) Honeywell PTM7950 Thermal Interface Material (TIM) AeroCurve Fan Blade Free Flow FrameDefense Integrated Cooling Module Cold Rolled Steel Frame Tri‑X Cooling Technology High TG Copper PCB Optimized Composite Heatpipes Metal Backplate ARGB Light Bar Fan Quick Connect Two‑Ball Bearing Fans Premium 16‑Phase Digital Power Design Fuse Protection Intelligent Fan Control Precision Fan Control TriXX Supported Performance vs. Efficiency Quicksets Glow! Fan Check TriXX Boost External RGB LED MB Synchronization
Accessories Bundled	L‑Shape Support Bracket 3‑pin 5V ARGB Cable Crimson Desert Edition Magnetic Backplate 12V‑2×6(H++) to PCI Express 3×8‑pin power adapter

Naturally, this graphics card is also part of the latest AMD game bundle, so if you buy the graphics card when it hits shelves this month, you'll also get to redeem a free copy of the game. Full details on that can be found HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you think of Sapphire's latest limited-edition GPU? What game would you like to see them collaborate with next?

The post Sapphire is launching a new limited edition Crimson Desert RX 9070 XT first appeared on KitGuru.

Known best for their work on anime-related games, CyberConnect2 has amassed a repertoire of adaptations, from titles based on Demon Slayer; JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure; Naruto and Dragon Ball – to name a few. In celebration of the studio’s 30th anniversary, CyberConnect2 have teased that they will announce their most ambitious project yet next week.

Taking to Twitter to make the announcement (and translated by the publication Gematsu), studio CyberConnect2 confirmed that they will be hosting a special anniversary stream on the 16th of February at 8:09PM JST (11:09 AM UK time).

According to the studio, this new project is said to be a “completely new game title” which will act as the “culmination of the technology, strength, and courage [CyberConnect2] has cultivated thus far.”

What this means exactly is unknown, especially with CyberConnect’s titles being relatively small in scope typically. That said, the team is certainly talented and so it will be interesting to see what this announcement winds up being.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you have any expectations for this announcement? What IP do you think it’ll be based on? Let us know down below.

The post CyberConnect2 celebrates 30th anniversary with upcoming game announcement first appeared on KitGuru.

be quiet! have already been quite active in 2026 and today we check out another one of their power supplies – the Pure Power 13 M. be quiet! are releasing six models in this series across various capacities, and we have the flagship 1200W model on our test bench. These power supplies are fully modular and both 80 Plus and Cybenetics Gold rated.

These new Pure Power 13 M power units are ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compatible and offer semi-passive cooling. be quiet! are offering a 10-year warranty and while they aren't made in Germany, they claim ‘product conception, design and quality control in Germany'. I doubt they mean they are checking every unit made in China in their offices in Germany later, but it's a point be quiet! want to push. Make of it what you will.

Overall pricing certainly seems quite competitive based on the chart we were sent above.

Product Features (from be quiet!'s marketing materials):

Compatibility and Convenience

• ATX 3.1 form factor with up to 5 PCIe connectors for current- and next-gen GPUs.
• Full PCIe 5.1 and PCIe 6+2 compatibility with both cables in scope of delivery.
• Handles massive power excursions.

Exceptionally Quiet Operation

• Pure Power 13 M is a semi-passive PSU, only cooled actively when necessary, for a quieter operation.
• Exceptionally silent 120mm be quiet! fan is temperature-controlled to strike the best balance between effective cooling and quietness.
• Airflow-optimized fan blades reduce turbulence, allowing for best-of-class quiet functioning with excellent airflow.

Engineering and Efficiency

• 80 PLUS® Gold certification means very high operating efficiency for its class of up to 94.4%.
• Advanced stability and voltage regulation thanks to LLC technology.
• Up to 1200 Watts of continuous power.
• Modular cable management for maximum flexibility.

Outstanding Service and Support

• 10-year manufacturer's warranty.
• Product conception, design and quality control in Germany.

The post be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 1200W Review (2026) first appeared on KitGuru.