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Just Cause Dev Avalanche Was Working On A Crimson Desert-Like RPG Before Publisher Pulled Out

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  • Just Cause studio Avalanche was developing a Crimson Desert-like RPG before it had to be canceled.
  • The publisher’s new CEO at the time parted ways as he wanted to drop support for darker franchises.
  • The game would have had all the elements of Crimson Desert, but with the region liberation gameplay loop of Just Cause.

Avalanche is best known for Just Cause, but the studio has seen the cancellation of multiple titles, like Contraband, across several publishers over the years. One of these games, AionGuard, aimed to be an RPG exactly like Crimson Desert in the late 2000s.

Unfortunately, Avalanche co-founder and ex-CEO Christofer Sundberg reveals that the famous publisher backing the dark fantasy game at the time pulled out. The funding dropped abruptly since the publisher wanted to focus on existing IPs instead of new ones. 

Why it matters: Avalanche’s AionGuard could have set a standard in the RPG genre long ago with its Crimson Desert-like mechanics, especially with the Just Cause formula.

Contraband Xbox And Avalanche Studios
Avalanche Studios has seen multiple of its projects being canned over the decades.

Speaking to PC Gamer, Chris says AionGuard mixed Crimson Desert with the conquest-focused gameplay loop of Just Cause, where you had to free multiple regions. The protagonist was a sorcerer-knight tasked with reclaiming the land from evil by conquering strongholds.

You could either recruit local tribes or cut supply lines with airborne strikes using dragons. You could also turn into a 60-foot golem, freeze and shatter giants, and much more in this RPG.

I haven’t played Crimson Desert enough, but we had everything that I’ve seen from Crimson Desert in the plans for that game.

-Avalanche Co-founder, Christofer Sundberg.

While Chris doesn’t name the publisher, an old interview reveals that Disney was funding AionGuard. Bob Iger, the new CEO at the time, began dropping support for darker franchises, which also put the RPG under fire.

Avalanche was unable to secure another publisher despite advertising the game in Edge Magazine in the January 2009 issue. 

crimson desert
Crimson Desert has become one of the most popular RPGs to launch over the years.

AionGuard was in development for at least two years. The team involved with the project moved on to Arcadia Rising, another game that was later shelved by THQ.

Latest Updates

Do you think a Crimson Desert-like RPG with the region liberation gameplay loop of Just Cause would have proved to be popular, or was the idea just too ambitious? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Stellar Blade 2 Production Is Moving Slowly But According To Plan, Says Shift Up CEO

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  • Stellar Blade 2’s development is moving slowly, but that is exactly how Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim wants it to be.
  • The director stated that the project will only be revealed when it’s in good shape.
  • According to reports, the developer wants to improve the game’s story in the sequel.

Stellar Blade was arguably the most surprising success story from this PlayStation generation. The title has managed to sell over 6 million copies across PC and PS5, helping developer Shift Up generate record profits thanks to its commercial triumph.

The action-adventure title also became the best-performing PC port of a PlayStation game. Hence, there is no surprise that a sequel is already in development for Stellar Blade, but fans might have to wait a little if Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim is telling the truth about the production speed.

Why it matters: The gaming industry is plagued by longer development periods in between sequels, but that is still better than releasing a half-baked title.

Stellar Blade Eve
Stellar Blade has sold over 6 million copies.

While talking to 4Gamer, the Stellar Blade director revealed that the studio is working hard on the sequel, even though the production is moving slowly. 

development is something that’s done slowly and carefully, so there are always times when it looks like nothing is happening from the outside. But we are working very hard on production, and we want to show it to you when it’s finished in a good form.

Hyung-Tae Kim stated that he thinks development should be done slowly and carefully, even if it feels like there is nothing happening from the outside. The Shift UP CEO also said that Stellar Blade 2 will only be shown to the fans when it is in a “good form.”

Rather than announcing the sequel before it’s ready, like how Bethesda did with Elder Scrolls 6, Hyung-Tae Kim wants to reveal the game when it’s somewhat decent. 

Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade 2 started development in 2025.

The Stellar Blade sequel had begun development in 2025, with Shift Up planning to expand the IP beyond just games. But, considering how the Korean publisher also acquired Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami’s studio, Hyung-Tae Kim has a lot on his plate, so Stellar Blade 2 could take a while.

Latest Updates

Do you think Stellar Blader will improve upon the original’s weak storyline while keeping its impressive combat? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

Over 70% of Players Vote Against Using DLSS 5 in Games

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  • DLSS 5 wasn’t really well-received when it was showcased last month in March. 
  • Now, a major poll has revealed that 71% people aren’t in favor of using it in games. 
  • The remainder are either convinced or state they’ll use it in some cases. 

DLSS 5 has been hugely controversial ever since it was announced. People labelled it as AI slop, considering it pastes a filter over the visuals, completely altering the art style. The dislike is even more apparent from a new poll conducted recently. 

In a major poll, over 70% of the players voted that they’ll never use DLSS 5 in gaming, regardless of how good or bad it is. While a portion of people voted that they will use it, but only when they think it fits the usage. 

Why it matters: DLSS has come a very long way since its introduction, and most people have had really good things to say about its current versions, but the upcoming version seems more AI-infested than just upscaling. 

DLSS 5 voting
71% of people vote against using DLSS 5 in games

PCGamer conducted a poll asking about people’s thoughts on DLSS 5. 37% and 34% of people voted that they won’t use the tech, no matter if the end image is good or bad. This makes a total of 71% boycotting the tech. 

Additionally, just 10% people voted that they are already convinced based on just the initial showcase, others voted they’d use it in certain case scenarios and only if it was a bit better, but the wider sentiment remains negative. 

Nvidia DLSS 5
The tech basically adds an AI filter over the visuals

DLSS 5 wasn’t really convincing at all based on the initial preview. The current and older versions just upscaled the visuals, which puts a weird AI filter, which, as expected, isn’t sitting too well with the wide majority of players. 

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on over 70% of people voting against the use of DLSS 5 in games? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Gets $100 Price Cut, Now Cheaper Than Steam Deck

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  • The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is currently available for a $100 discount on Amazon.
  • The handheld is retailing for $500, half as expensive as the more advanced variant, Xbox Ally X.
  • The handheld recently got a price increase in Japan, being hiked up by $200.

Console prices going down these days is not very common. The PlayStation 5 just saw a massive price hike around the globe, and many analysts think that Nintendo and Xbox will follow Sony in raising hardware prices.

The ROG Xbox Ally X, a handheld from ASUS in collaboration with Xbox, already started at a hefty price of $1000 before seeing a cost hike in certain regions. Now, the cheaper version of the console is available for a discounted price for the first time in a while.

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally – 7” 1080p 120Hz Touchscreen Gaming Handheld, 3-month Xbox Game Pass Premium included, AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, White
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally – 7” 1080p 120Hz Touchscreen Gaming Handheld, 3-month Xbox Game Pass Premium included, AMD Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, White
  • XBOX EXPERIENCE BROUGHT TO LIFE BY ROG The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware...
Buy on Amazon

Why it matters: Discounted consoles feel like an ancient trend in the current gaming industry, so seeing an innovative device like the Xbox Ally retailing for just $500 is a good surprise.

ASUS ROG Xbox ally sale
Source: Amazon

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is currently retailing for the discounted cost of $499.99, a $100 decrease from its original price tag. This version of the handheld has 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz Touchscreen.

Moreover, this package also includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium, which is a steal when you consider the $500 price tag.

The ROG Xbox Ally X, the more expensive variant of the handheld, recently got a massive price increase of $200 in Japan. Hence, this could be the perfect time to grab the cheaper edition, as no one knows when the next price hike will take effect.

Rog Xbox Ally X
The handheld recently got a massive price hike in Japan.

The ROG Xbox Ally series has been a success for ASUS and Microsoft so far, continuing to sell well while getting positive reviews from critics for being the perfect PC handheld with the capabilities of a console.

With PlayStation first-party titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man also playable on the handheld with quality akin to the PS5, ROG Xbox Ally is a good deal at $500.

Latest Updates

Would you buy the handheld for $500 or is the more expensive variant a better deal at $1000? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

Starfield Fails To Debut In The Top 10 Of PS5 Best-Sellers Chart

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  • Starfield debuted at no.16 on the PS5 best-sellers chart on its launch day.
  • The game’s underperformance was due to a discount on some major hitters like GTA 5, Arc Raiders, NBA 2K26, and Call of Duty.
  • Furthermore, newer titles like Crimson Desert also stole the spotlight from the Bethesda RPG.

Microsoft has backed Starfield’s launch on PS5 with a decent marketing campaign and a massive update that adds another layer to the RPG. The Bethesda title started really well on the PlayStation Store, topping the pre-order charts ahead of the upcoming PS5 exclusive Saros.

After its rather underwhelming original release a few years back, Microsoft is hoping that this port will rejuvenate Starfield. However, on its sales debut, the game didn’t even manage to crack the top 10 of the sales chart.

Why it matters: Despite a humongous update, new story content, and a new port, Bethesda has once again failed to put fresh life into Starfield despite trying its hardest.

Starfield
Source: X

According to Derek Strickland, Starfield was the 16th best-selling title on the PlayStation Store on its launch day of April 7, 2026. The game didn’t make the top 15 of the best-sellers chart, although 5 free games did rank ahead of the RPG.

A big reason for this underperformance is the discounted titles on the PSN outselling Starfield due to price cuts. NBA 2K26, Call of Duty Black Ops 7, EA Sports FC 26, GTA 5, Arc Raiders, and EA Sports Madden NFL 26 are all on sale and are ahead of the Bethesda title in the sales charts resultantly.

Furthermore, competition from newer titles is also hurting Starfield’s sales, with both Crimson Desert and MLB The Show 26 stealing the spotlight from the RPG’s release on the PlayStation 5.

Starfield bethesda
Starfield shot to the top of the PSN pre-orders chart before launch.

Regardless, Microsoft would have expected the game to perform better, considering that it’s launching with a new story DLC and fresh content.

Forza Horizon 5 still remains the best-selling title published by Xbox on PS5, and if Starfield doesn’t pick up pace, the racing simulator will hold the record for the foreseeable future.

Latest Updates

Do you think Starfield has underperformed on PS5 so far? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

Ever Wanted To Be In A Video Game? PlayStation Is Making It Happen

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  • PlayStation has introduced the PlayerBase initiative that will allow players to appear in first-party titles.
  • The first game in this community program is Gran Turismo 7, and the chosen fan will be a character portrait in the title.
  • The lucky winner will also get to design a vehicle, and PlayStation will expand this program as time goes on.

PlayStation’s fan service has been very hit or miss in the last few years. The gaming giant has been trying to get back in the good graces of its player base, reportedly cancelling PC releases and keeping first-party titles exclusive to the platform.

However, it’s going to take some time before fans can forget the live-service misdirection of the PS5 era, and one way Sony is trying to earn back player trust is by putting them in the company’s exclusive games.

Why it matters: A community program like this one isn’t the worst way Sony can get back in touch with its massive PlayStation user base.

PlayStation Playerbase
Source: PlayStation Blog

In a blog post, PlayStation announced that it is going to give fans an opportunity to appear in first-party blockbusters through The Playerbase initiative. The first title to include the chosen fans will be Gran Turismo 7, with more games to be announced in the future.

Players from selected countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and South Africa will be allowed to submit an application for this community program. The submission will require you to answer a few questions and also log in with your PlayStation ID.

Afterwards, the gaming giant will select one lucky participant after a series of interviews to feature in Gran Turismo 7 as an in-game portrait. Furthermore, the chosen player will also get to design vehicle livery that will become an essential part of the racing title.

Gran Turismo 7 PC
The winner of the program will also get to create a special vehicle livery.

A visual arts studio in Los Angeles will be used to scan the likeness of the chosen fan, who will get to spend a day collaborating with designers at the studio. PlayStation also stated that it will include more games and other first-party studios in this initiative as time goes on.

Latest Updates

Do you think this is a good way to thank players who have been supporting the PlayStation ecosystem for years? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Could Be Announced Next Week With A Summer Release

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  • Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is expected to be next week, in mid-April. 
  • A reliable insider says that it could be set for a summer release after its initial delay. 
  • The game has been a part of rumors and reports for the longest time. 

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag is arguably one of the best games in the franchise. It was genre-defining at the time and still holds up. However, it’s been confirmed that Ubisoft has been working on a remake. 

The remake titled Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is reportedly set to be announced next week in mid-April, with a release expected sometime in the summer, according to a reliable insider, hinting that the release is edging closer.

Why it matters: The remake has been rumored for quite a while. It was initially expected to be released in the first quarter of this year, but based on the conditions and layoffs at Ubisoft, it was reportedly pushed. 

According to Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, Ubisoft is planning to announce Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced in mid-April, with a release planned for the summer of this year. So, it could be closer than expected. 

From what I understand, it’s going to be announced in mid-April and then released in the summer.

Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag Remake
The remake could be released as soon as the summer of this year

The previous rumors suggested that the game could be delayed beyond this year, but it seems that it won’t be happening now. Interestingly, despite the game being in all sorts of reports, it was only announced in March.

Anyhow, Black Flag Resynced will take a few pages from modern Ubisoft games. Its open-world is expected to be closer to Assassin’s Creed Shadows than the original, and will take other elements from newer games as well. 

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced being announced next week? Are you looking forward to it? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

Nvidia GTX 10-Series Turns 10: 7 Pascal GPUs Still Dominate Steam Charts

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  • The GTX 10-Series GPUs based on the Pascal architecture were announced 10 years ago today.
  • 7 GPUs from the lineup are still listed in the Steam Hardware Survey for March 2026.
  • Unfortunately, Nvidia may never be able to match the quality of these GPUs.

A decade ago today, Nvidia released what’s considered to be its best GPU lineup to date. The GTX 10-Series, based on the Pascal architecture, provided a bang for their buck with massive power that is still considered sufficient in some games today, all for minimal costs.

In fact, the decade-old GPUs were so ahead of their time that 7 models from the lineup still appear on the Steam Hardware Survey list.

Why it matters: The GTX 10-series is synonymous with gamers of all kinds, whether they play on consoles or desktops. It raised the ceiling so high for Nvidia that it may not be able to achieve the same performance-to-price ratio ever again.

GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
It’s Unlikely That Nvidia Will Ever Come Up With A Card Like The GTX 1080

The Pascal desktop GPUs were announced a decade ago and hit the shelves in the following weeks of May. Now, there isn’t a single GPU in the entire lineup that seems weaker than the others.

Anywhere from the cheaper GTX 1050 to the GTX 1080, the latter of which is considered the greatest GPU ever, capable of holding its own in 1080p gaming today without the need for features like DLSS.

If you look at the Steam Hardware Survey for March 2026, 7 GPUs from the GTX 10-Series appear, including the Titanum releases, even though they were released in 2027. 

NVIDIA Jensen Huang
50+ Million Gamers Still Using x50 And x60 GPUs From Pascal, Turing, And Ampere Generations

Even the recently released Crimson Desert listed the GTX 1060 as part of the minimum system requirements. Right now, the GPU sells for less than a $100. On the other hand, the GTX 1050 was the king of budget GPUs for at least half a decade.

In contrast, Nvidia’s recent releases seem stale. The Blackwell series was a massive disappointment, and the tech giant has now become a shell of its former self. 2026 will be the first year in a while that Team Green will go without a new GPU release as they gear up for the RTX 60-Series, scheduled for 2027.

Latest Updates

Are you rocking any GPU from the GTX 10-Series? Let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Why Splatoon Still Competes With Smash Bros. as Nintendo’s Best Competitive Game

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  • Simple basics make Splatoon easier for beginners to enter than Smash.
  • Success relies on controlling the map and positioning rather than just winning individual fights.
  • Regular developer updates and structured leagues provide Splatoon with more official stability than the community-led Smash scene.

There’s always been a quiet debate in the Nintendo crowd: is Splatoon 3 actually a better competitive game than Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Smash has the legacy, the iconic roster, and years of tournament history. But Splatoon keeps hanging around in that same conversation and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

Smash can be brutal for new players. You’re dealing with frame data, matchup knowledge, and mechanics that take months just to feel comfortable.

Splatoon flips that. The basics are simple. Shoot ink, cover turf, move smart. You can jump in and have fun immediately. But once you start climbing ranks, the game changes completely. Positioning, timing, and map control become everything.

That balance is a big reason it works competitively. It welcomes new players but still rewards the ones who grind.

Map Control > Raw Skill

Success in Splatoon relies more on managing the map and team coordination.

In Smash, it often comes down to who outplays who in a direct fight. Splatoon is different. You can win without dominating every duel.

Control the map, control the game. Every push, every retreat, every special use matters. Even something small like holding a choke point during Rainmaker can decide the entire match.

That kind of layered decision-making gives Splatoon a strong team-based identity that Smash just doesn’t aim for.

Consistency Is Everything

This is where Splatoon really separates itself. High-level matches aren’t just about flashy plays. They’re about staying consistent under pressure.

If your aim falls apart or your rhythm breaks, the whole team feels it. That’s why players focus so much on building steady mechanics. Some even look outside the game for that edge. Things like real-world practice tools, including paintball hoppers, can actually help develop timing and trigger discipline in a weirdly similar way.

It sounds unconventional, but the idea is simple. Build muscle memory, keep your output steady, and avoid those moments where everything falls apart mid-fight.

One area where Splatoon has improved a lot is support. Nintendo has been way more active with updates recently.

The March 2026 patch for Splatoon 3 tweaked weapon balance, improved matchmaking in X Rank, and made some kits more viable. These aren’t huge changes individually, but together they keep the meta from getting stale.

And then there’s the return of organized competition. The 2026 North American League brought structured play back into focus with weekly matches and playoffs. That kind of consistency matters if a game wants to stay relevant competitively.

Smash still has a massive scene, but a lot of it runs on community effort. Splatoon feels like it’s getting more direct support right now.

Team Play Changes Everything

Splatoon 3 Gameplay
Splatoon competes by offering a fast-paced, team-based alternative that fills gaps in the traditional fighting game model.

Smash is mostly about individual performance. Even in doubles, it’s still heavily player-focused.

Splatoon is all about teamwork. You’re constantly syncing with teammates, coordinating specials, and covering for each other. One bad push can throw everything off, but one smart play can swing the entire match.

That makes it more unpredictable and, honestly, more exciting to watch when both teams are locked in.

Smash Bros. is still the bigger name. That’s not changing anytime soon. But Splatoon doesn’t need to replace it to compete with it.

It offers something different. Faster matches, team-based strategy, constant updates, and a skill curve that feels rewarding without being overwhelming early on.

Latest Updates

That’s why it keeps showing up in the same conversation. Not because it copies Smash, but because it fills a space Smash doesn’t.

And as long as Nintendo keeps supporting it the way it has been, Splatoon isn’t going anywhere.

Crimson Desert Players Are Logging 22 Hours a Week — Basically a Part-Time Job

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  • Crimson Desert players have been spending up to 22 hours in the game weekly.
  • It was the most-played Xbox game in the week it launched, while the second-most-played on PlayStation.
  • It takes around 300 hours to platinum the game.

Crimson Desert had found a way with RPG players despite the rough launch with tons of balance and game issues, but fortunately, Pearl Abyss was quick to fix that. Following these patches, players are finally getting to experience the vast Crimson Desert world, comparable to Red Dead Redemption 2.

In fact, there’s so much addictive content in the game that players are spending up to 22 hours in Crimson Desert, basically the equivalent of a part-time job.

Why it matters: There hasn’t been a big RPG like Crimson Desert in quite some time. In fact, it dispels players’ concerns about modern AAA games by offering variety and a creative gameplay system.

For the week ending Mar 28, Crimson Desert ranked 1st on Xbox in weekly hours per US active user (20 hours per active user) and 2nd on PlayStation (22) behind only Path of Exile.Crimson Desert also moved into the top 20 in US total weekly active users across both console platforms. Great momentum.

— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2026-04-06T15:35:14.858Z

According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, PS5 players in the US spent an average of 22 hours playing Crimson Desert in the first week of its launch, which is 2 hours more than the average 20 hours Xbox players spent.

This makes Crimson Desert the most played Xbox game in the counted week. For PlayStation, however, it ranked second, right behind Path of Exile 2, despite averaging 22 hours per player.

In any case, the gameplay hours for Crimson Desert would only have increased in the following weeks. Just to get a gist of how vast the game is, it takes nearly 300 hours to platinum the game.

Crimson Desert
It Would Take 6 Hours To Traverse The Game’s Map On Foot

The open world isn’t just barren, but is filled with unique content. That’s what one would expect from a title that initially started out as an MMO. It is also why the narrative may seem lacking in comparison.

Fortunately, future expansions will address this issue, and a multiplayer co-op mode for the game is also coming soon.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on Crimson Desert so far? How many hours have you invested in the game so far? Let us know in the comments section or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums to stay up to date with the latest gaming developments.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Reportedly Delayed to 2027

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  • A new rumor states that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis has been delayed to 2027. 
  • The remake was announced back at the Game Awards and was initially set for 2026. 
  • Crystal Dynamics has been going through a tough time, which could be the reason. 

Tomb Raider is one of the most prominent franchises in gaming, with Lara Croft being the most iconic female protagonist. So, when a couple of new games were announced at The Game Awards 2025, people were really excited. 

However, while Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original, was slated for a 2026 release, it has now been reportedly delayed to 2027, and while it isn’t clear why, it could be due to the troubles at Crystal Dynamics. 

Why it matters: This seems legitimate enough, considering that the studio faced 4th round of layoffs in just a year. Many were scared about the Tomb Raider games, but fortunately, they’ve made it out. 

Tomb Raider Delayed
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis has reportedly been delayed to 2027

Society of Raiders, the account that previously leaked the existence of the remake, has revealed that Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis will release in February 2027. Crystal Dynamics initially announced it for this year. 

This also puts a question mark on the future of the other new game announced at TGA, Tomb Raider Catalyst, which will be a brand new story. Considering the remake was delayed, we won’t be surprised if the new title faces the same.

The game was initially poised for a 2026 release

However, for now, strictly take this with a grain of salt. While based on the conditions at the studio, this seems likely, but this is a rumor for now until the developers officially come out and confirm the delayed release window. 

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis being delayed to 2027? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition Spotted With €1,000 Price Tag

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  • Retailers in Canada and the UK have listed the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition at prices near €1,000, which is roughly 40% higher than the current flagship.
  • This new 16-core chip features a massive 192 MB of L3 cache, though it operates at slightly lower clock speeds than the standard 9950X3D.
  • The increased cache forces the power draw up to 200W.

Early listings of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition have been spotted in Canadian and UK stores, and they defy your expectations of having a reasonable price. We’re talking about €1,000, which is a significant leap from the €685 you’d already be spending on the current flagship, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. The question is whether it is worth the €1,000 price tag.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition was priced in Canada by a popular Canadian retailer, PC-Canada.com, between $1,373.99 and $1,375 Canadian dollars. This equals to around €856, or $985 including VAT. Meanwhile, in the UK, it was priced at £905.82, which equates to €1,040 or $1,200 plus tax. While this does not confirm the exact pricing, both retailers believe it will be approximately €1,000.

The suggested retail price will be revealed on April 22nd, the day of release. According to speculation, the suggested retail price for this CPU will be $799, which is roughly €950 to €1,000 in Europe.

This would make it approximately 40% more expensive than the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Its predecessor, the 9950X3D, was released with a suggested retail price of $699 or €769 in Europe. However, it is currently on sale for approximately €685.

It’s worth remembering that processor prices have been rising as both AMD and Intel prioritize CPU manufacturing for servers and AI data centers. These processors are far more profitable because they can be sold at much higher prices in an industry willing to pay them.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition price

About the specifications of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition, it remains a 16-core, 32-thread CPU built on the AMD Zen 5 architecture. It has a base clock speed of 4.30 GHz and a turbo clock rate of 5.60 GHz. This means it is 100 MHz slower than its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.

The key difference from its smaller sibling is the inclusion of 192 MB of L3 cache, as opposed to 128 MB in the 9950X3D. However, this increased cache memory comes at a price: it raises the base TDP from 170W to 200W. This has already led EK Water Blocks to recommend a high-end water-cooling system or a custom liquid-cooling configuration.

Latest Updates

The marketing for this CPU isn’t really convincing, as it only promises an average performance improvement of 7%, with up to 13% in AI. This shows that increasing the cache RAM has not resulted in significant gains in gaming performance. A technology previously pushed only to gamers will now be pitched as an upgrade for workstations.

Regardless of all this information, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition’s performance under continuous loads remains to be seen. This is because it will be highly reliant on cooling, and this CPU is likely to be the hottest in the company’s portfolio.

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