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Posts published in “Gaming”

Sony to close the PlayStation Store for the PS3 and PS Vita

July 2, 2026
Sony to close the PlayStation Store for the PS3 and PS Vita

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced the final closure of the PlayStation Store for the PS3 and PS Vita, officially bringing an end to digital commerce for the legacy platforms. The Sony Playstation 3 was release in November 2006, while PS Vita in December 2011.

The shutdown follows a staggered, regional rollout. The storefront will close first on the PS3 in August 2026 across Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed by additional Latin American and Middle Eastern markets later in the year. The final, global shutdown of the digital marketplace for both the PS3 and PS Vita will take place in July 2027.

Sony explained that the aging hardware can no longer support modern commerce systems or strict payment processing standards. While new digital purchases will completely cease after the respective cutoff dates, Sony assured users that they will still be able to redownload their previously purchased games and media for the foreseeable future.

Sony Stopping Physical Discs for New PlayStation Releases by January 2028

July 2, 2026
Sony Stopping Physical Discs for New PlayStation Releases by January 2028

Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced that it will permanently discontinue physical disc production for all new PlayStation games starting in January 2028. Moving forward, all new releases will be exclusively available in digital formats through the PlayStation Store or as digital download codes via traditional retailers.

The company stated that the transition is a natural evolution to align with modern entertainment trends, noting that consumer preference for digital media now significantly outpaces physical sales. The mandate will not affect games released prior to the January 2028 cutoff date.

While Sony frames this as a necessary modernization, the decision has sparked immediate backlash from gaming communities and collectors. Critics argue that a digital-only marketplace erodes consumer ownership rights, eliminates the used game economy, and gives platform holders absolute control over game pricing. The move signals a major turning point for console gaming, pushing the industry closer to an entirely disc-free future.

Microsoft to increase price for Xbox Console

June 27, 2026
Microsoft to increase price for Xbox Console

Xbox Wire;

Effective August 1, 2026, we will be updating prices worldwide. The price of XBOX consoles will increase by US$100 for 512 GB models and US$150 for 1 TB models. We will also be sunsetting our 2 TB model.

Here the new official US pricing tier for Xbox;

  • Xbox Series S (512GB): $499.99 (Up $100 from $399.99)
  • Xbox Series S (1TB): $599.99 (Up $150 from $449.99)
  • Xbox Series X (1TB Digital): $749.99 (Up $150 from $599.99)
  • Xbox Series X (1TB with Disc Drive): $799.99 (Up $150 from $649.99)
  • Xbox Series X (2TB): Discontinued

Microsoft attributed the hikes to an ongoing global “components crisis,” specifically highlighting that the market costs for console storage and memory (DRAM and NAND) have spiked by over 2.5x, largely driven by supply strains from the massive growth in AI data center infrastructure.

GTA 6 Launches November 19, 2026: Preorders and Pricing Revealed

June 25, 2026

Rockstar Games has officially announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

The game was originally targeted for a late 2025 release but faced two internal delays—first to May 2026, and finally to November—as Rockstar focused on final polishing.

To see just how long this game has been delayed, check out this trailer from two years ago.

Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.

The official preorder period begins today, June 25, 2026. The standard edition is priced at $79.99, and digital preloading will open a week ahead of launch on November 12.

Pricing;

  • Grand Theft Auto VI – $79.99
  • Grand Theft Auto VI: Ultimate Edition – $99.99
  • Grand Theft Auto VI: Ultimate Edition Upgrade – $20.00

Acer Announces Predator Atlas 8 Handheld Gaming PC

May 30, 2026
Acer Announces Predator Atlas 8 Handheld Gaming PC

Acer has officially entered the premium handheld market with the announcement of the Predator Atlas 8. Broadening its portable gaming footprint, Acer’s new Windows 11 flagship transitions the company’s handheld ambitions into its elite Predator tier.

The standout feature of the Predator Atlas 8 is its silicon, leveraging up to the brand-new Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor paired with Arc B390 graphics. Built on Intel’s innovative Xe3 architecture, the device relies on AI-powered XeSS 3 upscaling to deliver desktop-grade performance and high frame rates directly to a portable form factor.

Designed for heavy gaming sessions, the console sports an 8-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) touchscreen display boasting a smooth 120Hz variable refresh rate and a bright 500-nit panel. Thermals are managed by a custom Predator AeroBlade cooling setup, which introduces the industry’s first 0.1mm-thin dual metal fans inside a handheld chassis to maximize airflow. Backed by up to a robust 80 Wh battery, 24GB of memory, and dual Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the Predator Atlas 8 aims to challenge the dominant competition in the portable PC space.

Image: Acer Predator Atlas 8 via acer.com

Key Specifications of Acer unveils Predator Atlas 8;

Name

Predator Atlas 8

Model

PA08-I51

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

Processors

Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor

Intel Arc G3 processor

Graphics

Intel Arc B390 graphics

Intel Arc B370 graphics

Display

8-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200), 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS-level, sRGB: 100%, Adobe: 77.68%, Gorilla® Glass Victus™, Gorilla® Glass DXC, 10-point multi-touch, 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 Nits brightness, supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)

Memory

Up to 24 GB LPDDR5x (7467MT/s)

Storage

Up to 1 TB via one PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD slot (2280)

Cooling

Two fans (one Predator AeroBlade metal fan and one plastic fan), Vortex Flow

I/O Ports

Two Thunderbolt 4, UHS-II micro SD card reader, up to SD 4.0 (support for SD, SDXC, SDHC, SDUC), 3.5 mm audio jack (combo)

Control and Input

A B X Y buttons, D-Pad, L/R full-size analog joysticks (Carbon Film), XBOX Game Bar Widget button, PredatorSense button, L/R bumpers, View button, Menu button, Power button with fingerprint sensor, Volume button(+/-), L2/R2 Hall-effect analog triggers, L/R Macro buttons, L/R Adjustable Trigger switches

Audio

Two 2 W speakers, Realtek ALC712, two onboard mics, DTS:X® Ultra and Hi-Res Audio, Acer PurifiedVoice

Battery

Up to 80 Wh, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion

Power Supply

Option 1 Wall Mount: AC Power Adapter, 65W Type-C Power Cord

Option 2 Brick: AC Power Adapter, 65W

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1775s, Bluetooth® 5.4

Software

PredatorSense, XBOX Game Pass Premium[6] (2 months), PC Game Pass[7] (3 months)

Dimensions

299 x 127.4 x 28.5/58.37 mm

Weight

Under 810 g with 80 Wh battery

Under 770 g with 60 Wh battery

The Predator Atlas 8 arrives in North America, EMEA, and Australia starting October 2026. Regional pricing, configurations, and precise release dates will be shared closer to launch.

Roblox Partners with DICT and CICC to Launch New Child Safety Features in the Philippines

April 15, 2026

Following a high-level meeting with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Roblox has announced a major safety initiative tailored for Filipino users.

The platform is introducing two new account types—Roblox Kids and Roblox Select—designed to bolster online protection for children through age-appropriate content and verified security measures.

Key safety measures include:

  • Automatic Placement: Users are sorted into accounts based on verified age.
  • Restricted Communication: Chat is disabled for those under 9, while older children have access to filtered chat limited to peers and “Trusted Friends.”
  • Enhanced Parental Controls: Filipino parents can now block specific games and manage chat settings.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and CICC Usec. Aboy Paraiso highlighted a new “green lane” agreement, allowing parents to report grievances or harmful content directly via Hotline 1326. While the government commends Roblox’s commitment to “Digital Bayanihan,” officials emphasized that online safety remains a shared responsibility. They urged parents to remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s digital activities to ensure a secure and positive environment for their development.

You can read the full statement at Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Roblox Introduces New Age-Based Accounts and Expanded Parental Controls for Users Under 16  

April 15, 2026

By David Baszucki, Founder and CEO of Roblox;

We’re introducing two new age-based accounts for younger users on Roblox: Roblox Kids for users ages 5 to 8 and Roblox Select for users ages 9 to 15*. When they roll out in early June, these accounts will more closely align content access, communication settings, and parental controls with a user’s age. We’re also establishing an ongoing selection process for games available to users under 16.

This update will bring age checks, account-level defaults, content ratings, ongoing moderation, and expanded parental controls together into a unified framework for younger users. Based on our selection criteria, we believe age-checked users under 16 will have access to the vast majority of their favorite games at launch. Age-checked users 16 and older will not see any change to their Roblox experience.

With these two new age-based accounts for younger users, Roblox is putting social media giants to shame, specially if those social media networks are basically “sweeping this social-media-is-addicting-to-kids topic under the rug.”

With these two new age-based accounts for younger users, Roblox is putting social media giants to shame—especially those that continue to “sweep the issue of social media addiction under the rug.”

As a father of children who play Roblox, I find this to be an essential safeguard alongside our existing parental controls. It provides much-needed peace of mind, particularly as they explore the wide variety of games the platform offers.

ICYMI: Microsoft and Asus intros ROG Xbox Ally series

June 15, 2025

Microsoft and Asus recently unveiled the new ROG Xbox Ally series: ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Design-wise, both handhelds will look identical; the difference between the two will be what’s “under the hood.”

Let’s first talk about the specs that both the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X share. Both will be running a custom version of Windows 11, which Microsoft said “has been optimized for the ROG Xbox Ally.” Both will have a 7” FHD display with 1080p resolution, 500 nits, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC Anti-Reflection. Both will also have similar I/O Ports, Network and Communication, and dimensions. You can check out the specs comparison table below.

As for the specs that separate the two, first we have the processor. On the Ally, it will be using the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, while on the Ally X, it will be using the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor. The RAM and Storage will also be different: the Ally will have 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB for storage, while the Ally X will have 24 GB for RAM and 1TB for storage. The Ally X will also have a bigger 80Wh battery, while the ROG Ally will be using a 60Wh battery.

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Specs

ROG Xbox Ally ROG Xbox Ally X
Operating System Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home
 Comfort & input   Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort. ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control.  ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU
Processor AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor
Memory 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
Storage 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade
Display 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9
120Hz refresh rate
FreeSync Premium
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection		 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9
120Hz refresh rate
FreeSync Premium
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection
I/O Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0 1x USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible
1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC) 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0
1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode)
1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Network and Communication Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions 290.8*121.5*50.7mm 290.8*121.5*50.7mm
670g 715g
Battery 60Wh 80Wh
Included ROG Xbox Ally  65W charger  Stand ROG Xbox Ally X  65W charger  Stand

The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are now available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with availability to follow for other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold.

The ROG Xbox Ally X will retail in Saudi Arabia for SAR 3,499.00, while the price for the 2024 ROG Xbox Ally is yet to be announced.

Nissan Launches Retro Formula E Game for FIA Formula E World Championship in Tokyo

May 8, 2025

To commemorate the arrival of FIA Formula E World Championship in Tokyo, the Nissan Formula E Team has launched its first video game, ‘NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo’. This retro-inspired arcade game, created with Japanese illustrator Kentaro Yoshida, embodies Tokyo’s electric streets and gaming culture in an 8-bit style reminiscent of 90s classics.

Players can control a stylized Nissan Formula E car through a Tokyo cityscape on PC or mobile, simulating high-speed racing at 322kph. The game is available at www.NismoElectricRacer.com and is accompanied by a 90s-inspired advert. Drivers Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato will post their high scores, inviting fans to compete on the leaderboard.

Yoshida, known for his unique pastel style, also designed a special edition livery for the Tokyo E-Prix, reimagining the team’s Sakura theme. This design will be unveiled on May 14th. Tommaso Volpe, Nissan Formula E Team principal, expressed excitement for their home race and the game’s ability to capture their track energy while celebrating Japan’s gaming heritage.

Nintendo Switch 2 now available for Pre-order in Saudi Arabia

April 11, 2025

Good news for those who are in Saudi Arabia, the recently announce Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for pre-order.

Here are the pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Kingdom.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 with Joy-Con 2 Controller – SAR 1,999.00
  • Nintendo Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart World – SAR 2,199.00

As for the accessories;

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – SAR 279.00
  • Nintendo Joy-Con 2 (L)/(R) Controller – SAR 399.00
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – SAR 359.00

Pre-order period will until June 5th with shipping and collection is expected to start between June 2nd to June 10th, 2025.

To pre-order, you can to Jarir.

Nintendo officially launches the new Switch 2

April 4, 2025

Nintendo has officially launch the new Switch 2, the company also provided more information about their new handheld gaming system. In a 1-hour presentation, Nintendo provided the specs, availability and price of the new Nintendo Switch 2.

The new Switch 2 will now have 256 GB of storage compare to the 32 GB of the original Switch, its processor will be a custom processor made by NVIDIA. The display will be larger than the original Switch at 7.9-inch Capacitive LCD touch screen with double the resolution at 1920×1080 pixels. It will also have a larger 5220mAh lithium-ion battery

Nintendo also made significant upgrade to the Joy-Con™ 2 Controllers now has a built-in microphone that allows gamer to chat with friends like in Discord and it will connect magnetically instead of sliding-on and can be use as a mouse.

You can checkout the full specs of the Switch 2 here.

The new Nintendo Switch 2 launches globally on June 5, 2025. U.S. pricing is $449.99 for the console, and $499.99 with Mario Kart World. Pre-orders start April 9th.

Nintendo has officially announce the Switch 2

January 18, 2025

Nintendo has officially announced the Switch 2, the company’s next generation handheld gaming system. Because of the all the leaks, an official announced is all but official.

Nintendo did not provide any details on the specs and the pricing but they did release a “first look” trailer (below) that give more or less an idea on what the Switch 2 will look like.

Here’s what Nintendo said about the new Switch 2;

Nintendo Switch 2 plays both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date.

**Nintendo Switch Online members can continue using the service on Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch Online is not supported in your region.

The company is schedule to officially launch the Switch 2 on April 2, 2025, which I expect the company to provide more details about the new gaming device.

Sony Playstation 5 Pro now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia

September 30, 2024

More than 2 weeks since being announced, the Sony Playstation 5 Pro is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia.

This is what’s included in the box.

PS5® Pro Console Box Contents

  • PS5® Pro console
  • 1x DualSense® wireless controller
  • 2TB SSD built-in storage
  • 2 Horizontal Stand Feet
  • HDMI® cable
  • AC power cord
  • printed materials
  • ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)

From Sony World, the official Sony distributor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said that the PlayStation 5 Pro will be available in store by 7th November 2024 and with a retail price of SAR 3,399.00 or around ₱50,717.15 with the current exchange rate. If the release of the PS 5Pro will be similar to its predecessor, then expect a shortage of the gaming console once it become available, specially this holiday season.

NagaTech announces NAGATECH LAKAN, the company’s first gaming laptop  

September 17, 2024

Cristina Joy Valerio, writing for Yugatech;

The NagaTech LAKAN features a 15.3-inch QHD+ IPS display with 240Hz refresh rate and 2560 x 1440 resolution. It comes with either a Ryzen 7 8845HS or a Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with two GPU options: either the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or the RTX 4070.

For storage, it has either a 16GB or 32GB RAM that is configurable up to 64GB while having a 512GB SSD storage that can be upgradable. Windows 11 Home or Pro comes in the laptop.
The NagaTech LAKAN has a starting price of PHP 69,995.

This is the official announcement as posted on NagaTech’s official Facebook page;

Introducing: The NAGATECH LAKAN.
Our first step towards gaming and high performance laptops.
Quick Specs:
QHD+ 2560x1440p 240hz 15.3″ IPS Display
Ryzen 7 8845HS / Ryzen 9 8945HS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB / RTX 4070 8GB
512GB SSD / Upgradable
16 / 32GB DDR5 5600mhz RAM / Up to 64GB
1080p IR Camera + Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard
Windows 11 Home / Pro
1-Year full coverage local warranty (parts + labor) + 7 day returns
Starting price: PHP 69,995 (4060/Ryzen7/512/16)

NagaTech, is a Philippine-based laptop maker. The company said that units for their laptops “are arriving end of Sept/start of Oct for local techies to give in-depth reviews.” and they plan to sell “online (directly through our Website) and Shopee this December.”

Last August, the company announced NAGA SIPAG, a high-performance productivity laptop with the following specs;

Intel Core Ultra 5
512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
16GB DDR5 RAM
14” 2880x1800p 120hz 100% sRGB Display
100w PD Charger + 1080p Webcam

Specs of PlayStation 5 Pro  

September 11, 2024

Scott Stein, writing for CNET;

PS5 Pro specs

  • Upgraded GPU with support for advanced ray tracing and AI-driven upscaling
  • USB-C (x2, front), USB-A (x2, rear), HDMI 2.1 output, Ethernet
  • 2TB SSD for storage
  • Wi-Fi 7

What’s included in the PS5 Pro box (and what isn’t)

  • PS5 Pro console
  • DualSense controller
  • HDMI, USB-C and power cables
  • Horizontal stand feet
  • Sold separately: Vertical stand ($30), Disc drive ($80)

Sony announces PlayStation 5 Pro  

September 11, 2024

Hideaki Nishino, CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment;

We developed PS5 Pro with deeply engaged players and game creators in mind – as many have asked for a console that runs even higher fidelity graphics with smoother frame rates at 60FPS. We achieved this on PS5 Pro with several key performance features.

  • Upgraded GPU: With PS5 Pro, we are upgrading to a GPU that has 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5 console and 28% faster memory. Overall, this enables up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay, making the experience much smoother.
  • Advanced Ray Tracing: We’ve added even more powerful ray tracing that provides more dynamic reflection and refraction of light. This allows the rays to be cast at double, and at times triple, the speeds of the current PS5 console.
  • AI-Driven Upscaling: We’re also introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-driven upscaling that uses a machine learning-based technology to provide super sharp image clarity by adding an extraordinary amount of detail.

PS5 Pro provides gamers with amazing graphics at high frame rates. You can hear Mark Cerny, lead architect for PS5 Pro, discuss the key innovations from PS5 Pro in the following video presentation. This presentation provides a deep dive into the key performance features that make PS5 Pro truly special.

The PS5 Pro console will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $699.99 USD, £699.99 GBP, €799.99 EUR, and ¥119,980 JPY (includes tax). It will include a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed in every PS5 Pro purchase. PS5 Pro is available as a disc-less console, with the option to purchase the currently available Disc Drive for PS5 separately.

PlayStation 5 Pro will be available for pre-orders on September 26th, 2024, at direct.playstation.com and at participating retailers in territories where direct.playstation.com isn’t available. On October 10, 2024, pre-orders will be available at all other participating retailers.

Asus ROG Ally X now in the Philippines

August 25, 2024
Asus ROG Ally X now in the Philippines

Asus has finally launch the ROG Ally X in the country. Asus ROG Ally X is the company’s (2nd) entry to the handheld gaming PC market.

The Asus ROG Ally X is a handheld gaming console with a 7-inch, 1920×1080 120Hz IPS LCD touchscreen, powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and AMD Radeon RDNA 3 graphics. Its 7-inch display features a 120Hz refresh rate, 7ms response time, and 500 nits brightness. The console also has a 1TB M.2 SSD (2280), 24GB of RAM (LPDDR5) and a 80Wh (4-cell Li-ion) battery.

The Asus ROG Ally X comes with a controller and a power brick, and is pre-installed with Windows 11. The ROG Ally X also has a Zero Gravity thermal system and dual fans to keep it cool and quiet while gaming. You can checkout the full specs of the ROG Ally X here.

The Asus ROG Ally X will retail for ₱56,995 and available in all ROG official store partners nationwide.

Esports World Cup Draws Large Crowds

July 31, 2024
Esports World Cup Draws Large Crowds
Image: @EsportsWorldCup

Esports World Cup is still on going and will not conclude until 25th August, so the numbers are still under wraps but as of today, the Saudi Press Agency is reporting that Esports World Cup, which is currently being hosted in Riyadh Boulevard City, saw a large number of “guests and visitors from Gulf and other countries.”

There are a total of 500 clubs from different countries and more than 1,500 players participating in the Esports World Cup, the largest event in the history of the gaming and esports sector.

via SPA;

Amer Al-Marri, a visitor from Qatar, expressed his fondness for the distinguished and global organization of the tournament, indicating that coming from Doha along with a group of friends was specifically to attend this global event. He praised the professional level of competitions thanks to the participation of skilled players and qualified teams around the world. The visitor also expressed his admiration for the atmosphere in the Boulevard Riyadh City, through various entertainment activities and events that fit everyone’s taste.

Mohammed bin Mubarak, a visitor from Bahrain, explained that he came with his brothers and other relatives to attend the Esports World Cup. He hailed the great efforts of the Kingdom in receiving the participants and the professional and wonderful organization of the tournament, noting that Riyadh has become a global destination for tourism, entertainment, and sports.

Aside from the usual spots in Boulevard Riyadh City, tourists also explored historical and tourist sites in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia to host the first Olympic Esports Games

July 14, 2024
Saudi Arabia to host the first Olympic Esports Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Saudi Arabia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) have announced a 12-year partnership to host the Olympic Esports Games.

The Esports Games will be held regularly, but details like specific timing, game titles, qualification process, and venue selection are still under discussion by the IOC Session.

Saudi Arabia is currenting hosting the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh Boulevard City. The Esports World Cup will be 8 week event the started last July 10th.

You can read the full text of IOC press announcement here.

Netflix refreshes iconic classic game Minesweeper

July 3, 2024
Netflix refreshes iconic classic game Minesweeper

Netflix is adding one of the icons of Windows computing and bringing a modern spin to the classic Minesweeper. You can now play the game through the Netflix’s app.

Netflix’s take on the Minesweeper will feature an international setting and giving player the goal to clear underwater mines with rewards. Game still have that usual interface of numbers and flags over vibrant pictures of waterways from around the world.

Since Netflix Games is included with your Netflix membership, as the trailer below promises: “No ads. No extra fees. No in-app purchases.”

Minesweeper can be downloaded and played on mobile devices – Android devices and iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Youtube announces Playables

May 30, 2024
Youtube announces Playables

Youtube has announced the release of Playables — a collection of free games you can play directly on the platform, which you can find in the Explore menu of the main YouTube Home page, either on desktop (web) or the iOS and Android app. Youtube’s Playables have been available in select users for testing before becoming available to YouTube Premium subscribers last year.

There are more than 75 games now available to play directly on YouTube Playables – lightweight, entertaining games like Angry Birds Showdown, Words of Wonders, Cut the Rope, Tomb of the Mask, and Trivia Crack.

Youtube is not the only company to add games in their service, Netflix in 2021 introduced Netflix games in their platform.

Riot Games and Moonton Games have settled their Intellectual Property Dispute

April 2, 2024
Riot Games and Moonton Games have settled their Intellectual Property Dispute

Riot Games finally withdrew all lawsuits against Moonton for alleged copyright infringement.

History

The first time Riot Games filed a lawsuit against Mobile Legends was in 2017, for the supposed copyright infringement of their assets, in addition to stylistic similarities. Prior to this, Riot Games had reached out to Google to remove Mobile Legends from the Play Store. However, Moonton relaunched as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang before Google could take action. The court dismissed the copyright infringement lawsuit in 2017. Tencent, which is currently the parent company for Riot Games, again filed a case against Moonton CEO Xu Zhenhua for allegedly violating the non-compete clause in his contract. The lawsuit settled for $2.7 million. Despite Tencent’s win against Moonton, the case details never revealed if Xu Zhenhua did in fact infringe on copyright. Riot Games still filed lawsuits against Moonton in the following years for a variety of reasons, including title card similarities – the Mobile Legends Bang Bang title card was updated the following year as League of Legends released its new logo in 2019.

Comparison of Art Styles

Stylized metallic gold logo "League of Legends" against black bacground
League of Legends new logo in 2019
Stylized metallic gold logo "Mobile Legends Bang Bang" on black background
Mobile Legends Bang Bang most recent logo receives ire for allegedly copying Riot Games

Moonton’s 515 Unite isn’t an exception to the similarities between the two franchises. It shares visual aesthetics with some sections of K/DA’s POP/STARS, and a closer examination reveals definite similarities in both the music and artistic style.

League of Legends’ virtual Kpop Group K/DA

Moonton’s 515 Unite

Just more recently, Moonton has released a new hero that closely resembles Riot Games’ Arcane character Vi. The new Mobile Legends hero Julian has been criticized by League fans as an amalgamation of League’s Sylas and Arcane’s Vi.

New Mobile Legends: Bang Bang hero Julian from Moonton
League’s Sylas official skin splash art from leagueoflegends.com
Vi from Riot’s Arcane

Moonton’s Guinevere Psion of Tomorrow skin also sparked comparisons, with its design having a striking resemblance to League of Legends’ K/DA Ahri skin.

K/DA Ahri’s official skin splash art from League of Legends
Guinevere from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang featuring Psion of Tomorrow skin with fox tails

Following ongoing legal disputes, Riot Games and Moonton Games have settled their differences under undisclosed terms.

MSI Claw Gaming Console now for Preorder in Saudi Arabia

March 15, 2024
MSI Claw Gaming Console now for Preorder in Saudi Arabia

The MSI Claw Gaming Console is now in Saudi Arabia, their entry to the growing popularity of handheld gaming console category. The MSI Claw Gaming Console was first revealed in CES 2024 earlier this year, the MSI Claw is now available for preorder in Saudi Arabia. The MSI Claw Gaming Console will be competing with Asus, Lenovo and Steam.

The MSI Claw Gaming Console is said to be the world’s first gaming handheld powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor, Intel’s newest flagship CPU optimized for premium thin and powerful laptops (and handheld), that features 3D performance hybrid architecture, advanced AI capabilities, and available with built-in Intel Arc GPU. The Claw will be running Windows 11 Home right out of the box which can also be upgraded Windows 11 Pro and it features an Intel Arc Graphics card on a 7-inch touchscreen display with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It two 2W Hi-Res speakers, a 6 cell (53Whr) Li-Ion battery, a Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI port, a microSD slot, and features a fingerprint scanner built in to the power button for added security.

There will be 3 available variants of MSI Claw Gaming Console which is differentiated by the their CPU, CPU Speed and storage size but all other components will remain the same. You can head to specs page of the MSI Claw Gaming Console for more details.

In Saudi Arabia, the based model MSI Claw Handheld Gaming Console with Intel Core Ultra 5 135H and 512 GB storage is priced at SR 3,299, which is around Php 48,944.50, while a more powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and 512 GB variant will be available at SR 3,799, that’s Php 56,362.58.

The availability of the MSI Claw Gaming Console in the Philippine market is yet to be announced.

Sony PlayStation 5 and Games on Sales in the Philippines starting this 18th until 31st December 2023

December 18, 2023
Sony PlayStation 5 and Games on Sales in the Philippines starting this 18th until 31st December 2023

Sony Playstation are currently on Sales in the Philippines for a limited time, they offer discounted price for PS5 Console, Peripherals and Game Titles. The offer will be available at participating retailers, which you can find by going to https://www.playstation.com/en-ph/local/retailers/.

PS5 Consoles Original SRP  Promotion SRP 
PlayStation®5 Console PHP 30,790 PHP 23,990
PlayStation®5 Console – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle PHP 33,890 PHP 27,090
PlayStation®5 Console – Two DualSense™ Wireless Controllers Bundle PHP 33,990 PHP 27,190
PlayStation®5 Console – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Limited Edition Bundle PHP 36,290 PHP 29,490
Peripherals Original SRP (Local Currency) Promotion SRP (Local Currency)
PULSE 3D™ Wireless Headset PHP 5,590 PHP 4,990
PULSE 3D™ Midnight Black Wireless Headset PHP 5,590 PHP 4,990
PULSE 3D™ Gray Camouflage Wireless Headset PHP 5,590 PHP 4,990
DualSense® wireless controller PHP 3,990 PHP 3,190
DualSense® wireless controller – Midnight Black PHP 3,990 PHP 3,190
DualSense® wireless controller – Cosmic Red PHP 4,290 PHP 3,190
DualSense® wireless controller – Nova Pink PHP 4,290 PHP 3,190
DualSense® wireless controller – Galactic Purple PHP 4,290 PHP 3,190
DualSense® wireless controller – Starlight Blue PHP 4,290 PHP 3,190
DualSense® wireless controller – Gray Camouflage PHP 4,290 PHP 3,190
DualSense® wireless controller – Metallic Red PHP 4,290 PHP 3,190
DualSense® wireless controller – Metallic Blue PHP 4,290 PHP 3,190
Game Title Original SRP (Local Currency) Promotion SRP (Local Currency)
PS5 PlayStation®5 Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut PHP 3,490 PHP 1,990
PS5 PlayStation®5 God of War™ Ragnarök PHP 3,490 PHP 1,990
PS5 PlayStation®5 The Last of Us Part I PHP 3,490 PHP 2,490
PS5 PlayStation®5 Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales PHP 2,490 PHP 1,490
PS5 PlayStation®5 Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition PHP 2,990 PHP 1,990
PS4 PlayStation®4 Horizon Zero Dawn PlayStation Hits PHP 1,099 PHP 550

Sony PlayStation also have deals available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. If you’re from these country, check out the source link to know the

Source: playstation.com

Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player now available for Pre-order in Saudi Arabia

December 12, 2023
Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player now available for Pre-order in Saudi Arabia

Here’s something for the gamers, the Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia.

First announced last August, The Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player is more of an accessories to the PS5, since you can use the device to stream and play PS5 games from your console to the PlayStation Portal. The Portal connects to the PS5 via Wi-Fi and supports all PS5 games that are compatible with Remote Play. This includes both first-party and third-party games, as well as VR games. The Portal also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.

You can pre-order your Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player from Extra and Sony World, for SAR 949 or around ₱14,000.00. Customers who will pre-order the Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player will receive their devices by February 2024.

Twitch to shut down business in Korea

December 6, 2023
Twitch to shut down business in Korea

In a surprising announcement, Amazon-owned streaming platform Twitch has announced that it will shut down operations in South Korea effective February 27, 2024. The company cited a “prohibitively expensive” operating costs and network fees as the primary reasons for this decision.

Twitch has been operating in Korea for several years, but it has faced ongoing challenges due to the country’s high network usage fees. These fees, which are significantly higher than in other countries, have made it difficult for Twitch to operate profitably in the country.

In an effort to reduce costs, the company experimented with peer-to-peer streaming and also limiting stream quality to 720p, but Twitch’s financial burden of operating in Korea is still 10 times more expensive than in most other countries.

This decision is a significant blow to the Korean gaming community, which has relied on Twitch as a platform for streaming and watching esports competitions. Twitch has also been a valuable source of income for many Korean streamers, who will now need to find alternative platforms to broadcast their content.

The shutdown of Twitch in Korea is a reminder of the challenges faced by global technology companies operating in countries with high network usage fees. It also highlights the importance of Korea’s internet service providers in ensuring that the country remains an attractive destination for technology companies.

The closure of Twitch in Korea is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s gaming community. Twitch has been a popular platform for Korean gamers to stream their gameplay and watch esports competitions. With Twitch gone, Korean gamers will need to find alternative platforms to watch and participate in the gaming community.

There are several alternative streaming platforms exist for Korean gamers, including YouTube Gaming, AfreecaTV, and Kakao TV. However, these platforms do not have the same global reach as Twitch, and they may not be as popular among Korean gamers.

It is unclear what will be the future of Twitch in Korea. The company has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Korea in the future, but it is unclear when or if this will happen.

In the meantime, Korean gamers will need to adapt to a new streaming landscape without Twitch. It is possible that the closure of Twitch could lead to increased popularity for other streaming platforms in Korea. However, it is also possible that Korean gamers will simply watch and participate in the gaming community less often.

Rockstar Games release trailer of GTA VI

December 6, 2023
Rockstar Games release trailer of GTA VI

Song: Love Is A Long Road
Artist: Tom Petty
Written by Thomas Earl Petty and Michael W. Campbell
Published by Universal Music Works on behalf of Wild Gator Music (GMR) and Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. as agent for Gone Gator Music (ASCAP) and NotoriousJBPSongs (ASCAP)
Courtesy of Universal Music Enterprises, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

The trailer confirmed a number of rumors surrounding the game, first is that it confirmed the first female protagonist ala Bonnie and Clyde, then the release of the game which will be in 2025 and that the game will be available in both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

The GTA VI is the eighth main Grand Theft Auto game, following Grand Theft Auto V, and the sixteenth entry overall. The game have been in development for 10 years.

Ayaneo Slide Handheld Gaming PC announced

November 21, 2023
Ayaneo Slide Handheld Gaming PC announced

Ayaneo has officially launched their latest handheld gaming PC – the Ayaneo Slide, the first handheld gaming PC from Ayaneo to feature a full keyboard.

The Ayaneo Slide is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U cpu. with 6-inch 1080p IPS display, It also has a full QWERTY (RGB) keyboard, a QWERTY physical RGB keyboard will appear when you sliding the display up, similar to the Sidekick. The Ayaneo Slide also features a touchpad, and a hall-sensing joystick with up to 64 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD for storage.

Here are the notable specs of the Ayaneo Slide;

  • 6” FHD IPS display, 1080p resolution, 368ppi, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, 85% DCI-P3
  • AMD Ryzen 7 7840U
  • QWERTY physical RGB keyboard
  • 28W maximum TDP
  • “3+2” Triple Copper Tube Cooling System
  • RAM: up to 64GB LPDDR5x
  • Storage: Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • 2x full function USB Type-C
  • Power button fingerprint sensor
  • OS: Windows 11 Home with AYASpace 2 Software Manager
  • Dimension: 226 x 90 x 28.5mm (37.5mm at controller)
  • Weight: 650g
  • Battery: 46.2Wh battery
  • Colors: Sunrise White, Bright Black

The Ayaneo Slide will allow you to access and download games from various game platforms, including but not limited to Steam, Xbox, Origin, Epic, and Ubisoft Connect. The Ayaneo Slide is available for pre-order now on Indiegogo. The starting price is US$899 for the 16GB + 512GGB model and US$1,5999 for the 64GG + 4TB variants. A special discount will available to those who will preorder the Ayaneo Slide.

Valve announces Steam Deck OLED with bigger display and better battery life

November 11, 2023
Valve announces Steam Deck OLED with bigger display and better battery life

Valve just announced the new Steam Deck OLED, a update to the 2 year old Steam Deck. Like what the name suggest, the new Steam Deck OLED will feature a 7.4” HDR OLED Touch screen and up to 1,000 nits in brightness.

Spec-wise the new Steam Deck OLED will feature a 7.4-inch OLED Display with 1280 x 800 x RGB resolution with 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR) and up to 90Hz; a new 6 nm APU,
16 GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (6400 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and a 50Wh battery that will last for 12 hours of gameplay. You can checkout the full specs of the new Steam Deck OLED here.

The new Steam Deck OLED will be available this Nov. 16th with a $549.00 price for the 512GB model and $649.00 for the 1TB variant.

Nintendo developing a live action adaption of The Legend of Zelda

November 9, 2023
Nintendo developing a live action adaption of The Legend of Zelda
Image: Nintendo

Nintendo has announced that they are developing a live action adaption of The Legend of Zelda.

The film will be produced by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, who co-created The Legend of Zelda and Avi Arad, former head and CEO of Marvel Studios, now the Chairman of Arad Productions Inc., who has produced many mega hit films like ‘Iron Man (2008),’ that started the MCU; ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ as well as ‘Venom’ and its sequel, just to name a few.

Nintendo also announced that Wes Ball, will be the director of the film. Ball is known for directing all three Maze Runner film and the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

The film will be co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., with more than 50% financed by Nintendo. The theatrical distribution of the film will be done worldwide by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

With the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it’s not surprising that Nintendo will be looking at their other IP and developing them into film franchise.