Nitro Concepts wants to make your racing sim experience as immersive as possible. To that end they've released the Immersion Metahaptics Kit, a USB controlled seat cushion kit which plugs into a…
The root certificates used for Microsoft's Secure Boot, to ensure only signed and trusted bootloaders are allowed to launch on UEFI devices expire in June. This is for any and all devices…
Discord has committed to a global rollout of "teen-by-default" settings. That means users who change some specific settings or attempt to access age-restricted content on the platform, may be prompted to verify their age. Discord age verification currently uses facial age estimation or a scanned government ID, but the company says more options 
Sapphire has announced a special Nitro+ Radeon RX 9070 XT Crimson Desert Edition, and it's very clearly meant to be more than just a sticker-swap SKU. This is a full-on collaboration card tied to developer Pearl Abyss's upcoming single-player action RPG Crimson Desert, but it's also a waving a flag to signal where AMD wants its high-end PC 
Researchers at the security firm iVerify have discovered a new piece of malware dubbed ZeroDayRAT, which can be used to compromise both Android and iOS devices. The company describes it as a “complete mobile compromise toolkit” typically associated with well-resourced attackers, such as nation-state backed hackers, but is available to anyone 
Black Myth: Wukong drew high critical acclaim for its top-notch production values and well-adapted Souls-like gameplay, and now its sequel Black Myth: Zhong Kui is being shown off ahead of its eventual release. The new Black Myth: Zhong Kui trailer that just hit the web isn't typical, though. While it is using the engine and presumably at The update brings 25 new cards, a new card type, new legendary cards for each faction, fully revitalized card artwork, and more.
Cards & Tankards, a free-to-play VR social game where players hang out and battle each other in collectible card games and other traditional board games, will receive a massive update in March. The coming update ushers in Season 3, and brings several significant additions to the game as well as new mechanics and features including:
The forthcoming update follows on from last year's major update, which added a new social area, chess and checkers boards, new physical shops to peruse, taverns in which to chill, and hidden corners tucked amongst a bustling town center.
The developer team has spent the period between updates rolling out several major quality of life and progression adjustments, including:
The team has also recently rebuilt the card visuals, giving all the cards a fresh and modern look.
Cards & Tankards is available on Quest and Steam, and the update is coming in March.
One of Meta Quest's top-selling VR brawlers will make the leap to PC VR headsets in spring.
Haymaker is a physics-first VR combat brawler focused on authentic body mechanics and replayability. You'll grab, grapple, block, kick, and strike adaptive AI enemies across a variety of environments specifically built for mayhem such as a skyscraper rooftop, a seedy billiard parlor, and more.
Console Studios has just announced both a content update for its physics-based VR brawler Haymaker, and that it intends to bring the title to PC VR via Steam in just a few months' time. The updated Steam release will also benefit from enhanced graphics and dynamic lighting.
In addition to the Steam port, Haymaker will receive noteworthy updates on Quest, where the game has been available in Early Access since November. Coming updates include an expanded sandbox mode with deeper character customization and fresh designs to diversify the game's brutal street fights, a new MMA-style Octagon arena, and a tournament mode.
When the Steam port launches, it will do so with content parity with the Quest version.
Haymaker is available in Early Access on Quest headsets, priced at $14.99. It's currently on Meta's top-seller list, and has a strong 4.7/5 user rating.
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.
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:
The Antec Vortex View 360 will be available starting today, priced around £244.99.
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.
KitGuru says: Are you thinking of making the jump to a new OLED monitor this year?
The post Asus unveils ROG Strix OLED XG27UQDMS with 240Hz 4K QD-OLED panel first appeared on KitGuru.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.
Intel's current Core Ultra 200-series processors offer excellent productivity performance, competent gaming performance, and solid power efficiency. A lot of fans are banking on the company's next-generation Nova Lake parts to be its true return to form, though, and the first generation to provide a credible challenge to AMD's X3D-powered Soul Retreat is a new Quest 3 & 3S app that uses real-world location captures to take users on a relaxing virtual getaway.
The new VR meditation app from Soul Retreat Labs takes users to photorealistic landscapes inspired by real locations like Scotland's Glen Coe and Spain's La Besurta.
These soothing locales have been recreated through a system the developer calls GroundedPresence, an advanced photogrammetry stack. The result is a realistic experience that replicates the feeling of relaxing on a sunny beach or hiking through breezy hills.
A voiceover guides you through their meditation, talking you through breathing exercises or telling short stories to distract you from whatever stress you have in the day, and you can shift the time from day to night with a simple gesture or voice command. This narrator adapts with each session, with the studio promising a personalized experience.
Soul Retreat is currently available to download for free on Meta Quest 3 and 3S, with an optional Soul Retreat Plus subscription service costing either $6.99 a month, $34.99 a year, or a $69.99 lifetime payment.
The free option gives you access to two environments with a third being rotated weekly, while the paid option lets you explore all 10 current retreats. More will be added as Soul Retreat continues its development, the studio promises.
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.
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:
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:
Cons:
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.
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.
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.
Connexion