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Team Cherry May Skip TGA 2025 As They Already Know Expedition 33 Will Be The Winner

Story Highlight
  • Team Cherry says it’ll likely skip TGA 2025, as they’re busy and safe from a GOTY win.
  • They praise Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and hail it as the winner of the big award.
  • The studio is currently developing Silksong DLC and planning for its next title.

Hollow Knight: Silksong was perhaps the most anticipated indie release in a very long time. Truly landing on expectations, the title blew everyone away at launch, crashing multiple storefronts; however, the team has a favorite GOTY title for 2025. 

Team Cherry was asked whether they’d be attending The Game Awards 2025, given that Silksong has been nominated for the Game of the Year award. They replied that they might not, as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be the winner. 

Why it matters: Silksong is coming fresh from an Indie GOTY at the Golden Joystick Awards, but Expedition 33 took the ultimate honor, and the latter could be crowned with the GOTY award at the upcoming TGA as well. 

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Ultimate Game of the Year
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 recently won the Ultimate Game of the Year award.

In a recent Bloomberg interview, Team Cherry co-founders stated that they might not attend TGA, as they are busy and feel safe from winning the GOTY award, as Expedition 33 is exceptional and palatable. 

I think Expedition 33 – it’s exceptional and broadly palatable. Whereas we’re on that knife’s edge, where it appeals to some and infuriates others.

– Team Cherry

This isn’t the first time another studio has hailed the title as the winner. Sandfall Interactive’s RPG has garnered praise from the entire industry as a truly magical masterpiece that will be remembered forever. 

silksong boss fan tribute
Silksong was also awarded the Indie GOTY award.

Despite the TGA still being weeks away, it’s safe to say that Expedition 33 is the likely winner already. Even at the Golden Joystick Awards, it won Ultimate GOTY by a double-digit margin. 

As for Team Cherry, the studio is currently focused on a Hollow Knight: Silksong DLC. It has also been revealed that there are currently no plans for Hollow Knight 3; instead, they might venture towards a new game. 

What are your thoughts on Team Cherry hailing Expedition 33 as the GOTY winner? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

A New Dead Rising Game Is Reportedly In Development

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  • A report reveals that a new Dead Rising game has been in development since 2023 under the codename Rec. 
  • The project is reportedly set in Hollywood, mainly within a large, enclosed movie studio lot.
  • Frank West is making a return as the protagonist, suggesting the project is a sequel to the IP’s first game.

Dead Rising is one of the most beloved zombie action-adventure franchises that Capcom has had shelved away for many years. The last mainline title came out in 2016, but the first game’s remaster was still a huge success last year.

Now, it appears that Capcom also noticed the fans’ growing demand for a new game, as it is seemingly developing a new project under the codename Rec. As clarified in a new report, the unannounced title has been in development for at least two years.

Why it matters: A new Dead Rising game could be a stellar hit with modern visuals and gameplay mechanics, if it preserves the series’ classic undertones and dark humor, that is.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
Fans have been wanting more after the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster.

MP1st reports that the game is set in Hollywood, mainly within a massive enclosed studio filled to the brim with zombies, as you’d expect.

The new Dead Rising game will also see the return of Frank West, the series’ beloved protagonist. Therefore, the entry is expected to be a direct sequel to the first game since the series shifted focus to Chuck Greene in Dead Rising 2.

Capcom is keeping the series’ witty humor, as the game’s main villain is an eccentric movie director. He will apparently force Frank West and other survivors into various trials in an attempt to capture the best footage for his film. 

Dead Rising
Fans have been demanding more Dead Rising games for years.

The developers will introduce familiar mechanics, such as Frank’s camera and the time limit feature. Additionally, the rescuing survivors mechanic might also make a return since some of the series’ known characters, like Isabela Keyes, will also return.

The game is expected to be a ‘considerable distance’ away, so we may not hear much about it for a while.

Capcom is also considering a hypothetical Dead Rising 2 remake, as indicated by a survey last year. So the future of the franchise looks brighter than ever.

Do you think the next Dead Rising game will live up to the inflated expectations of fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

EA Says 96.3% of Cheat Sellers Failed To Hack Battlefield 6 Thanks To Javelin

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  • EA says it has blocked 183 out of 190 cheat sellers trying to hack Battlefield 6.
  • Over 98% of the games are now cheater-free with MIR of less than 2%.
  • As cheaters get more advanced, EA’s Javelin will evolve too, says the studio.

Since its launch, EA has been very adamant about keeping Battlefield 6 away from cheaters. It has utilized its Javelin anti-cheat, along with secure boot, to achieve this, and has been quite successful, as the numbers demonstrate. 

EA has confirmed that 96.3% of cheat sellers failed to hack Battlefield 6 thanks to Javelin. Out of 190, 183 of these sellers announced feature failures, detection notices, or even their cheats going totally offline when trying to hack. 

Why it matters: Cheaters have always been a huge problem in multiplayer competitive games, but EA’s tech seems really well-equipped to tackle them. Also, more players adopting secure boot also helped a lot. 

Battlefield 6 Cheaters
EA’s anti-cheat program has been very effective against cheaters

EA says that you will come across cheat sellers promoting stuff claiming they’re still undetected, but by the time you see it, they’d have already been banned. In fact, 98% of games in Battlefield 6 are now fair. 

That means that we you jump into a game in more cases than not, you won’t come across any cheaters and will be given a level playing field. The current match infection rate is now less than 2%, and it’ll come down even more. 

battlefield 6 campaign FT
The studio says over 98% of the matches are now fair 

In total, Javelin has blocked a ludicrous 2.39 million cheat attempts. The company further says that as cheats become more advanced, their anti-cheat will also evolve, so players shouldn’t be concerned about any hacking attempts. 

What are your thoughts on EA Javelin blocking 96.3% of cheat sellers in Battlefield 6? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

Steam Machine Likely To Cost $700 At Release, Concludes Analysis

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  • An analysis recently used a comparable PC build to estimate the price of the Steam Machine.
  • With parts like the Ryzen 5 8400F and RX 6600, the build could be made for around $800 in today’s market.
  • It is believed that Valve could bring the price down to $700 through cost-cutting and its custom design.

Valve’s recently announced Steam Machine has been a huge deal for the entire industry. The prospect of a new competitor to PlayStation and Xbox aside, much has been said about the price of the actual hardware.

While Valve has remained quiet on the subject, it has hinted that the Steam Machine will not be as cheap as a console. This statement raised many eyebrows, but an analysis shows that the Steam Machine will likely cost around $700.

Why it matters: Following recent discussions, many were concerned that the new Valve hardware would be priced as high as $1000, but it seems this will not be the case.

The latest analysis comes from Linus Tech Tips, a popular tech YouTuber who has been following the Steam Machine and its discussions closely.

In his latest video, Linus assembled a PC roughly matching the specifications of Valve’s upcoming console-PC hybrid. This build made use of a Ryzen 5 8400F, ASROCK B650M-H2, and 16GB of DDR5-5600 CL46 RAM.

To roughly match what Valve has shared of the Steam Machine’s hardware, the Ryzen 5 8400F was limited to a 30W TDP and boosted to speeds of 4.8GHz. The RX 6600 was used as the graphics card powering the system, matching the 28CUs and nearly 2.5GHz clock speed of the Steam Machine’s GPU closely.

It should be noted that Valve is set to use a custom RDNA 3 GPU for its hardware, while the RX 6600 is based on the RDNA 2 architecture. Anyhow, the complete build is estimated to cost around $813 when considering deals and adding the cost of a case, power supply, and controller.

The YouTuber estimates that Valve can secure similar components for even cheaper. He also admits that the team overspent on multiple components, concluding that the Steam Machine will likely cost $700.

I think it means 699.99 if there’s no major changes in the market.

Steam Machine
Steam Machine Comparable PC Price

Of course, ongoing memory and NAND pricing make the situation more unpredictable than Valve would like. Still, Linus believes that the $700 price point would allow Valve to make a profit on the hardware while keeping the potential for future margin improvements intact.

This type of price would also allow the Steam Machine to be competitive with consoles while offering a PC experience.

What do you think about the Steam Machine being priced at $700? Share your ideal price for the hardware in the comments below or discuss on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Battlefield 6 Free Trial Is Active, But Player Count Barely Budges

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  • EA announced it was holding a free week-long trial for Battlefield 6 amid competition.
  • The trial is currently live and hasn’t provided any boost to the game’s player count.
  • The player base has been gradually shrinking for the last few weeks.

Battlefield 6 has been one of the most successful releases of the year. EA recently stated that it is the ‘best-selling shooter game of the year’, surpassing Black Ops 7 and ARC Raiders; however, the player base has seen a little decline. 

At launch, Battlefield 6 peaked at over 700K concurrent players, but in recent weeks, the numbers have gradually declined, and even the ongoing week-long free trial hasn’t been able to budge the player count at all.

Why it matters: In an attempt to attract more players, EA announced that its shooter game would be going free for a week, but the attempt hasn’t seemed to work the way the company might’ve expected. 

Battlefield 6 trial
Battlefield 6 trial hasn’t been able to boost the player count

A few weeks ago, Battlefield 6 was averaging at least 400K players daily, which has now fallen to about 200K, which is still a respectable number, but the trial hasn’t helped increase the player base at all. 

In fact, its current 24-hour peak is substantially lower than ARC Raiders, which had around 367K players, highlighting a decline in player interest. This is notable, especially as PC is its main platform, unlike Call of Duty. 

Arc Raiders
ARC Raiders currently has a higher peak player count than EA’ shooter on Steam

Another thing not helping the cause is that Battlefield 6 is now the 2nd worst rated entry in the franchise despite the initial boom. The franchise has made a major comeback, but it still has a lot to fix. 

Its demos were so good that many skipped Call of Duty for Battlefield 6. However, the former remains a bigger title on consoles, and its sales are hard to track considering it’s also available on Game Pass. 

What are your thoughts on Battlefield 6’s free trial not boosting the player count at all? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed Is Reportedly Set In Ancient Rome, Features Emperor Nero

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  • Netflix’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed series is reportedly set in ancient Rome, according to a new report.
  • It takes place between 54 and 68 AD during Emperor Nero’s reign and also features his mentor, Seneca.
  • Actor Toby Wallace will be part of an ensemble cast, and the show will feature multiple other younger characters.

As Ubisoft shifts its strategy to focus on core IPs, the publisher is working hard to expand the AC franchise beyond the games onto the big screen. The 2016 live-action Assassin’s Creed film did not perform well, receiving negative reviews from both critics and the audience. 

However, a second live-action adaptation was greenlit earlier this year at Netflix, and the latest scoop suggests that Ubisoft is finally exploring one of the most requested settings. As per a new leak, Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed series is reportedly set in ancient Rome.

Why it matters: The new report has fans quite excited for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed live-action adaptation, yet many are also worried, considering Ubisoft’s past track record with the AC live-action film.

Assassin's Creed Mirage
The AC franchise has explored various settings in the past, including Baghdad and Saudi Arabia with Mirage.

The report by Nexus Point News claims that the show is expected to take place between 54 and 68 AD since Emperor Nero will make an appearance. The emperor’s mentor, Seneca the Younger, will also be a part of the show. 

Additionally, famous actor Toby Wallace is one of the leading figures in the ensemble cast, so we will also see multiple other younger characters appear in the spotlight. Although details regarding Toby Wallace’s role are being kept under wraps for now.

The show will explore characters across multiple pivotal historical events. Halo and Sons of Anarchy series showrunners David Wiener and Robert Patino are serving as co-leads and executive producers for the series. 

Assassin's Creed Shadows
Ubisoft’s latest Assassin’s Creed Shadows has failed to live up to many fans’ expectations.

On the flip side, Ubisoft and Netflix are apparently working on multiple other AC shows, but no details about them have yet been revealed.

Nexus Point News has a good track record of leaking multiple game adaptations, such as Elden Ring, in the past. However, Ubisoft and Netflix have yet to comment on the scoop, so we suggest taking it with a grain of salt.

Do you think the upcoming Netflix Assassin’s Creed series will perform better than Ubisoft’s last attempt? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Hollow Knight: Silksong Expansion Being Worked On By Team Cherry

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  • Team Cherry has announced that they have started working on new content for Hollow Knight: Silksong. 
  • The studio isn’t sure about the scale of the project yet or the launch window.
  • In addition, the studio also expressed interest in working on a new IP.

Due to the massive success of the original, fans had a lot of expectations riding on Hollow Knight Silksong. But the game turned out even better than anyone could imagine, garnering universal acclaim and also taking home awards like the Indie GOTY at the Golden Joystick.

Team Cherry’s metroidvania reached 5 million players in just 3 days and sold so much that online stores crashed after the game’s launch. Hence, it will come as no surprise that the studio is working on new content for Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Why it matters: Team Cherry is one of the most talented and passionate developers in the industry, so new content for Hollow Knight: Silksong is only good news.

Hollow Knight Silksong
Silksong is set to come back as Team Cherry is working on new content.

While talking to Bloomberg, Team Cherry announced that it is developing an expansion for Hollow Knight: Silksong. The studio did not reveal any details in the interview, but hinted that news about new content is forthcoming.

 We’re not thinking about the size. We just started making new stuff and working on bits and pieces. 

The Hollow Knight: Silksong developer also refrained from giving a timeframe for this expansion, stating it isn’t certain about the size of this project as of now. William Pellen, Team Cherry’s co-founder, explained that they are just making new stuff in the world of the game and are still figuring out how to represent it.

Studio head Ari Gibson also acknowledged that fans love a massive expansion like Godmaster for the first Hollow Knight, but that part of the equation is undetermined.

Hollow Knight
Team Cherry co-founders may forsake Hollow Knight to work on new ideas.

Elsewhere, Team Cherry shed some light on its future projects after Hollow Knight: Silksong, saying that it wants to explore new ideas and worlds outside the metroidvania.

According to Pellen, the developer’s next title could be a new IP, as they can only make a limited number of games in their lifetime.

Do you think Team Cherry should follow up Hollow Knight: Silksong with a sequel or a new IP? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

What the New Steam Controller Gets Right

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  • Valve’s new Steam Controller has fans excited despite its older version being a flop.
  • It improves on all of Valve’s prior mistakes and takes after the Steam Deck’s layout.
  • The new Steam Controller has multiple touchpads, dual joysticks, and rechargeable batteries.

Steam came out with an unexpected announcement earlier this month, revealing a new era of Steam Hardware to accompany the Steam Deck. While the biggest story of these was the Steam Machine, the other reveals weren’t any less amazing.

The Steam Controller, one of the reveals, is the new and updated version of Steam’s previous try at creating one. Despite the first Steam Controller being hated by the gaming community, the new one has had an excellent reception. From more space to joystick improvements, these are the things Valve’s Steam Controller does right.

More Space For Controls

Topview shot of the new Steam Controller
The Controller Is Blockier Than Most (Image Credits – Valve)

A lot goes into designing every controller. A controller made for general use should have a d-pad, four action buttons, triggers, two joysticks, and additional buttons for non-gaming features.

This is doable for the most part, but wanting to add a trackpad means you either have to increase the size of the controller or replace an existing feature. 

Unlike the older version, which removed a joystick to fit the trackpad, the new Steam Controller simply increases its size. This lets Valve fit everything in and use the extra space for two trackpads, something they’ve tested with great results in the Steam Deck.

The Steam Controller now has enough space for all its controls and still doesn’t feel too big, already being smaller than any handheld.

Two Joysticks This Time, Fortunately

Elongated topview of the Steam Controller
The Controller Works With Everything, Not Just Shooters (Image Credits – Valve)

Partially due to the space restraints, Valve opted to replace the right joystick with its trackpad in the old Steam Controller. This was supposed to be an improvement, with the trackpad being a better alternative and letting you have more control over your aim, like a mouse.

Even if this had worked in FPS games, which it didn’t, shooters are not all that you’d want to play. Trackpads in general give a significantly worse feeling if you’re playing a platformer or a puzzle game, and Steam’s trackpad wasn’t even a good one.

The new Steam Controller has both of its joysticks and two touchpads, letting you use whichever controls you like better. This makes the Steam Controller good for all kinds of games, not just shooters.

Improved Trackpad

prototype steam controller
Valve Worked On Many Prototypes In The Past (Image Credits – Valve)

The main selling point of the original Steam Controller was the trackpad. The intent was to provide an experience simulating how it feels to use a mouse and keyboard, specifically when playing FPS games that require precise control.

As I already mentioned above, this didn’t work as intended. The space given to the trackpad wasn’t enough, despite it taking up a majority of the controller, due to unoptimized control.

Another issue caused by this was configurability and symmetry. If you wanted to use the left side of the controller for aiming, you couldn’t make use of the touchpad. Similarly, if you wanted to use an analog on the right side, there was no way to do so.

This time, though, the controls have full customizability. Additionally, you’re no longer forced to use it; the Steam Controller functions perfectly even without the trackpads.

Rechargeable Batteries

While not at the forefront of reasons the controller failed, the original Steam Controller also used AA batteries. This meant that you weren’t able to recharge them, forcing you into buying new ones whenever they ran out.

The intention behind this was to increase the controller’s longevity. Another reason was to make it more affordable, since making each controller rechargeable would be more expensive per unit.

The batteries did last a few months, on average, as Valve advertised, but I’d still take anything that I can charge over temporary batteries.

The new Steam Controller has a unique magnetic “Puck” that works both as a cable and a charger. This fixes the battery issue while being even smoother than other controllers, not requiring you to plug a cable into a slot.

Is The Steam Controller Better Than Other Controllers?

Star-Ring RGB Lights
If You’ve Spent Your Entire Life Using A PlayStation Controller, You Might Not Enjoy It As Much (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)

The Steam Controller has a lot of features that give it an edge in certain areas. Whether or not it’s better is different for everyone, though. Sometimes, holding a controller you’re used to can feel better than anything else.

For me, I’ll be using it for most games. It doesn’t feel all that different from any other controller, and it saves me the trouble of switching between a controller for platformers and a mouse for shooters.

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite Launched At Up To 32% Discount

[Press Release] Blackview continues to shine in the rugged smartphone market, presenting one impressive option after another.

The Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite promises to keep users connected at all times through satellite voice, text, and precision coordinates, eliminating the fear of disconnection.

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite
The Xplore 2 Promises Uninterrupted Communication

Blackview proudly advertises the Xplore 2 Satellite as the world’s first rugged smartphone with satellite voice messaging. Leveraging GEO two-way satellite communications in collaboration with Skylo, the Xplore 2 keeps going where other communication networks fail.

Thanks to a 120-degree ultra-wide satellite alignment angle and a smart satellite-finding assistant, signal capture efficiency goes up by 100%, eliminating alignment delays.

Messages also cost 67% less than competitors, with Blackview offering pay-as-you-go plans for added convenience. A total of 36 countries are covered, and an SOS rescue function is part of the package as well.

Top-Tier Rugged Protection

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite
IP68/69K Certification Ensure Outstanding Protection

To nobody’s surprise, the Xplore 2 Satellite comes with IP68/69K certification and sports a dual waterproof USB port.

It can even survive in 2m of water for over 30 minutes and withstand drops from as high as 6m. Elsewhere, the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and aluminum-titanium alloy frame enhance durability by up to 400%.

Best-in-Class Display

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite
The AMOLED Screen Makes Content A Joy To Watch

Blackview ships the phone with a 6.73-inch 3.2K HDR AMOLED screen with 2600 nits of brightness.

The DCI-P3 wide color gamut ensures every detail is presented vividly on the Xplore 2 Satellite, while the 1-120Hz LTPO display allows for adaptive refresh rate and long-lasting battery life.

Blackview also includes an always-on display for quick access to all kinds of notifications and updates.

Professional-Level Camera

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite
The Camera Setup Produces Excellent Images

Thanks to a dual 50MP Samsung camera setup and a 20MP Sony night vision lens, Blackview’s latest smartphone is no slouch in the camera department.

It offers ultra-HDR photography, OIS+EIS stabilization, and 4K60FPS video recording with HDR10+ support. Overall, the camera setup does not disappoint in any way and impresses through and through.

Powerful Specs And Impressive Performance

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite
Xplore 2 Relies On The Dimensity 8300 Chipset

Blackview powers the phone with a Dimensity 8300 chipset, resulting in a 1.33 million AnTuTu score. The Xplore 2 Satellite also supports up to 48GB of memory (16GB physical + 32GB dynamic), in addition to up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage.

This storage can be further expanded up to 3TB. Also included is Wi-Fi 6E support.

Largest Rugged Phone Battery

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite
The Phone Packs A Huge Battery

The Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite ships with a massive 20,000mAh battery, promising 36 hours of heavy use and 75 days of standby.

The 120W fast charging capabilities also ensure the phone can be topped up to 50% of the battery’s capacity in just 39 minutes. Moreover, Blackview includes 10W reverse charging for further convenience.

Doke AI Smart Assistant And DokeOS 4.2

Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite
DOKE AI 2.0 Brings A Variety of Useful Features

Doke AI 2.0 enables voice-activated common commands, in addition to features like Hi Doki for Q&A, ImageX for image editing, VidGen for video creation, and Soundle for music generation.

On the other hand, DokeOS 4.2 promises a more efficient user experience. Features like Focus Mode, Cold Room, and EasyShare also enhance utility for Blackview’s customers.

If all of this sounds appealing, the Blackview Xplore 2 Satellite can be had for just $499.99 following an ongoing early-bird discount on the original price of $729.99. However, this offer only lasts till December 12.

Using the code FHAE3Z71W7M7 can also lead to savings of $50, so it’s best to waste no time for those interested in the rugged smartphone.

5 Games I Enjoy Playing On My Browser

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  • Browser games are currently on the rise.
  • The likes of Stickman Hook and Duck Life 4 offer enjoyable experiences without requiring powerful hardware.
  • These games are popular because they allow audiences to jump in and out quickly.

Because games today prioritize ray-tracing and new technologies like Unreal Engine 5, it can sometimes be problematic to run the latest AAA titles, especially when using older hardware.

Fortunately, this isn’t the end of the world. When I find myself in a similar position, I typically enjoy a few rounds of browser games that are easily playable on laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

A number of such titles can be found on Poki, a browser-based website that has helped me discover a ton of indie projects and creative games. Here’s a list of five games I recommend you check out on Poki.

Why it matters: AAA games still have a lot of appeal, but they aren’t the most creative in today’s era. Therefore, exploring smaller titles can often be a breath of fresh air.

Stickman Hook

Stickman Hook
Stickman Hook Promises Quick Bursts of Enjoyment

Stickman Hook is all about quick and short gaming sessions, presenting a distinct sense of velocity and timing.

The game also allows you to quickly jump back into the action, making it perfect for those with busy schedules and little time to game. In many ways, Stickman Hook is the perfect game to play for modern gamers with little time to spare.

Duck Life 4

Duck Life 4 is all about training your duck to clear running, flying, and climbing challenges. This makes it more in-depth than Stickman Hook while still keeping the experience quite accessible.

The elements of progression and character-building are my favorite parts about Duck Life 4, and it’s no surprise that it ended up so high on the list.

Who Is?

This is another game suited to scenarios when you want to relax with something that doesn’t take up too much of your time.

Effectively, Who Is presents small puzzles with two scenarios. Players must determine who is lying, with the scenarios often presenting both a comedic and mysterious element for added player enjoyment.

MineFun

In my opinion, MineFun.io is best described as Minecraft played in a browser. This should be enough to sell the game, with the fact that it does not require a processor, installation, or other components, making MineFun.io all the more appealing.

It features all the creativity and freedom of Minecraft without the hardware requirements.

Google Feud

Everyone knows about the famous game Family Feud, but Google Feud is equally entertaining.

It presents a blend of unpredictable and humorous challenges, with players guessing what millions of people typically search for. Best played with friends, Google Feud can make for some truly memorable moments.

Whichever option you pick, I believe there’s no going wrong with browser games. Their simplicity and charm are often taken for granted, but browser games, much like those on other platforms, have come a long way over the years.

Netgear Wins First Place: Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems for Smart Gamers

Story Highlight
  • Standard routers struggle to handle modern homes filled with smart devices and 4K streaming, leading to lag that ruins online gaming.
  • A good system needs to maintain speed under heavy load, reach every corner of the house, and keep the connection stable during matches.
  • Switching to a mesh system effectively kills dead zones and lag spikes.

I’ve hit that point in my gaming life where lag spikes aren’t just annoying, they’re straight-up rage-inducing. When you’re mid-fight in Apex or lining up that clutch in CS2, and your Wi-Fi decides to roll a nat-1 on stability, it’s enough to make you question your life choices.

And with everyone at home streaming 4K shows, syncing smart lights, and running more gadgets than a cyberpunk apartment, regular routers just can’t keep up anymore.

That’s when mesh Wi-Fi becomes the real MVP. I’ve been testing different systems over the past year, and some of them seriously changed how smoothly my games run.

If you’ve got a busy home, a big space, or you just want the fastest setup possible, these are the mesh systems that stood out for me.

What Actually Makes a Mesh System “Good for Gamers”?

Wired connection
Switch to a wired connection (Image By Tech4Gamers)

When I judge whether a mesh system is actually good for gaming, it mostly comes down to three simple things: the overall speed under pressure, the coverage in corners where normal routers give up, and how stable the connection feels during competitive games.

Some mesh systems focus on raw performance, others lean more into smart-home compatibility, and a few try to balance everything so regular families get fast Wi-Fi without needing to mess with settings. Here’s how the strongest options performed for me in real-world gaming use.

Netgear Orbi 970

The Netgear Orbi 970 was the standout powerhouse. It’s a Wi-Fi 7 system with speeds that go up to 27 Gbps, and it handles 10-gig connections without breaking a sweat.

It covers pretty much an entire home with stable, high-speed Wi-Fi and includes strong built-in security features along with an incredibly stable backhaul. The downsides are the price, which is definitely premium, and the size of the units, which are not exactly subtle.

Still, the performance made it clear why it deserves the top spot. It delivered some of the smoothest gaming sessions I’ve ever had on Wi-Fi, even while everyone else in the house was streaming or downloading.

ASUS ROG Rapture GT6

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT6 is the mesh system that screams “I’m made for gamers” right out of the box. It runs on Wi-Fi 6 with tri-band performance and dual 5GHz channels for serious stability.

The range is impressive thanks to its internal antennas, and it includes tools that prioritize gaming traffic, which noticeably lowered my latency during peak hours. It supports LAN aggregation and has that classic ROG style that fits right into a gaming setup.

The only real drawbacks are the bulky design and a more complex interface, which might overwhelm someone who just wants to plug in and play. But if you enjoy tweaking settings and squeezing every bit of performance out of your network, the GT6 nails that vibe.

Netgear Orbi 770

The Netgear Orbi 770 is basically the more sensible sibling of the 970. It’s still fast, still future-ready, and still built on Wi-Fi 7 with speeds up to 11 Gbps. The coverage is strong, and every unit has 2.5Gb ports, which makes it feel premium without the top-tier price.

It doesn’t have quite as many ports as the 970, and it’s still not cheap, but it strikes a good balance between performance and value. If you want high-end Wi-Fi without going overboard, this is the one that makes the most sense.

Amazon Eero 6 Plus

The Amazon Eero 6 Plus is the easiest mesh system I’ve ever set up. It’s Wi-Fi 6, offers up to 1 Gbps, and fits perfectly into smaller homes or apartments. It works with Alexa, Thread, and Zigbee, and the units are tiny enough to blend in anywhere.

It automatically updates, stays secure, and gets the job done without requiring a learning curve. The limitations are that it doesn’t support multi-gig speeds and has very basic customization options, but honestly, that’s part of the charm.

If you just want Wi-Fi that works with zero stress, this is a great entry-level pick.

TP-Link Deco BE63

The TP-Link Deco BE63 was a pleasant surprise. It’s a Wi-Fi 7 system with speeds up to 10 Gbps, and every unit includes several 2.5Gb ports, which is rare at this price point. It uses smart mesh optimization to keep everything stable, includes its HomeShield security suite, and it’s able to handle over 200 devices without choking.

The only downsides are the missing multi-gig WAN port and limited advanced settings, but it still offers a lot of power for the price. For mid-sized homes filled with smart gadgets, it hits a very comfortable middle ground.

Which Is the Best Wi-Fi Router to Buy?

Router Internet Connection
Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize raw speed, low latency, or ease of use.

So, which one would I actually buy? Honestly, it depends on your home and how you use your network. If you’ve got a big house and a fast internet plan, the Orbi 970 is the closest thing to flawless Wi-Fi I’ve ever tried. Fellow reviewers like Cyber News share the same thoughts.

If you’re a competitive gamer who wants low latency above everything else, the ROG GT6 feels built for people like us. If you want fast, future-ready Wi-Fi without paying top-level prices, the Orbi 770 is a great balance.

For smaller spaces or simple setups, the Eero 6 Plus keeps things smooth without overcomplicating anything. And if you’ve got a gadget-filled home or a busy household, the Deco BE63 gives you fast Wi-Fi without drama.

Upgrading to a mesh system genuinely changed how consistent my gaming sessions felt. No dead zones, no weird lag spikes, no yelling at my router mid-match. Just smooth gaming, even with the whole house online at once.

The Unspoken Downside of Ultra-Thin Laptops for Gamers

Story Highlights
  • Ultra-thin gaming laptops often experience heating issues due to their slim designs, which limit cooling capacity.
  • Smaller batteries and more powerful components drastically reduce battery life.
  • A thinner chassis often means compromising durability or useful ports.
  • Slightly thicker gaming laptops offer better performance, reliability, and value.

For many years, the gaming industry has been chasing thinner devices as if it were the ultimate sign of innovation. Feather-weight probability and sleeker designs have now become a standard. However, as more gaming laptop manufacturers adopt this philosophy, a harsh reality has become clear. 

Slim laptops may look fancy and premium, but they often come with hidden compromises that buyers discover only after making the purchase.

Beneath the aluminium body and minimalist curves lies a design philosophy that frequently goes against high-performance gaming. Let’s dive right into the details.

The Cooling Problem

Cooling is the biggest issue with these laptops. You see, traditional gaming laptops rely on large heat pipes, chunky heat sinks, and high-airflow fans to help dissipate heat through the device. In ultra-thin gaming laptops, these components may be drastically downsized.

Manufacturers try to compensate with high-quality materials, vapour chambers, and precision airflow management, but ultimately, physics and the laws of thermodynamics win.

ASUS ROG
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Ultra-thin Gaming Laptop – Image Credits (ASUS)

This leads to one of the issues that gamers dislike the most: “throttling“. When the CPU and GPU reach their thermal limit, the system automatically detects this and reduces performance to protect itself.

This leads to the system stuttering and a drop in frame rates. On paper, these thin laptops often boast heavy-duty hardware, but in practice, they can rarely keep up. When the chassis becomes smaller and has limited ventilation, heat accumulates faster than it can be expelled.

As a result, fans run faster and more aggressively. Moreover, as time passes, the already narrow heat dissipation chambers become even smaller due to dust accumulating in the system, further decreasing cooling capability.

After a few months, the once sleek gaming device becomes a roaring, hot, noisy, throttling machine that can’t function without a laptop cooler

Battery Trade-offs

Gamers are already aware that high-performance gaming can quickly drain battery life. This situation becomes even more apparent in ultra-thin gaming laptops, which often house smaller batteries.

Manufacturers prioritise slimness and weight, resulting in a sacrifice of battery capacity. When gaming, the battery can drop very fast from full to zero in as little as an hour.

Legion
Legion Gaming Laptop – Image Credits (PC Gamer)

This becomes a significant issue for gamers seeking prolonged gaming sessions. As a result of this issue, gamers are forced to keep the charging plugged in at all times during gaming, which can damage the battery.

Even outside gaming, high refresh rate screens, bright panels, powerful CPUs, and GPUs can quickly drain battery life. These machines are marketed as portable gaming machines, yet ironically remain tethered to electrical outlets most of the time.

Durability and Port Issue

Shrinking a gaming laptop to ultrabook levels has its adverse effects on durability and often requires design compromises that extend beyond cooling. Thinner bodies mean there is less room for reinforcement.

This becomes apparent after a few months of use in the form of fragile hinges and increased susceptibility to overheating. Keyboards in ultra-thin models also have less travel and are less clicky. 

Razer Gaming Laptop
Razer Gaming Laptop Ports – Image Credits (Pinterest)

On these models, ports are also sacrificed. In the quest for slimness, manufacturers reduce the number of USB ports and Ethernet jacks, which makes these devices reliant on dongles. This is an inconvenience for those gamers who use wired peripherals or those who need a stable internet connection.

Poor Performance

Ultra-thin laptops often advertise impressive specs such as high-core-count CPUs, mobile GPUs, and high refresh rate screens. These components are forced to work at low wattages when placed inside a thin constricting chassis.

What gamers actually get is gaming devices that can deliver peak performance, but for only brief moments. Due to this reason, thicker gaming laptops often beat and outcompete these slim models in long-session benchmarks despite having similar specifications.

Final Thoughts

Ultra-thin gaming laptops are beautiful, convenient, and portable, but when it comes to long-term gaming, they are flawed. All the issues mentioned above point to the same conclusion that high-performance gaming and slimness simply cannot coexist.

A thicker gaming laptop may not fit into your backpack as nicely and may be heavy to carry, but the tradeoff is worth it for those who want actual gaming performance.