At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Microsoft cancelled the first-party Xbox handheld due to AMD demanding 10 million sales.
The Steam Deck has only managed 5 million sales despite being 3 years since its release.
This would’ve been a bad deal for the company, so it ultimately cancelled the device.
Xbox recently launched its handheld device in collaboration with Asus ROG. Earlier, there were rumors that the company would launch its own first-party device; however, there was a complication due to which it couldn’t become a reality.
According to a reliable source, Microsoft gave up on the first-party Xbox handheld after AMD demanded over 10 million sales to match its investment in the custom SoC it was supposed to develop for the device.
Why it matters: With the general Xbox sales being quite underwhelming, there was hardly any chance that the handheld would break past the said units sold, so Microsoft made the right call to cancel it altogether.
AMD demanded 10 million sales to develop an SoC for the Xbox handheld
As per KeplerL2, a reliable name in the industry, AMD demanded that if Microsoft can promise that the first-party Xbox handheld will sell 10 million units, only then will they help them make the device.
However, it would’ve been a really bad investment because handhelds aren’t as popular as regular consoles. For context, the most popular handheld is the Steam Deck, and despite coming out 3 years ago, it has sold just 5 million units.
Xbox ultimately partnered with ROG for the handheld
The other popular ones, like the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, are still at just 1-2 million units sold. So, in the end, Microsoft made the right call and partnered with ROG for the handheld instead of making its own.
Despite this, the handheld space will still be quite relevant in the years to come. Sony is also reportedly working on a PS6 handheld, but it is a safer bet for them because of the exclusives and more PlayStation users overall.
What are your thoughts on Microsoft cancelling the first-party handheld? Do you think it was the right call? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
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Gamers often replace working peripherals for newer models due to marketing, even when their current gear is not outdated.
Passing on used equipment to new or budget-conscious gamers is a practical way to give it a second life.
Many peripherals that seem broken can be repaired with simple fixes, like replacing a keyboard switch or cable.
We’ve all felt it: a new gaming mouse drops, or a mechanical keyboard promises “next-gen” performance, and suddenly our current setup feels outdated. Brighter RGB, higher DPI, more macros – it’s easy to get caught up in the hype.
I used to chase every new release, thinking it would give me a slight edge, until I realized I was leaving behind gear that still worked perfectly fine.
The truth is, most gaming peripherals don’t really die; we just replace them. A few scratches, worn keycaps, or faded ear pads don’t change how they perform.
My old Logitech G Pro mouse still hits shots as smoothly as day one. It just doesn’t look as shiny in photos.
Unlike GPUs or CPUs, peripherals age differently. A five-year-old graphics card might struggle with modern titles like Silent Hill f or Stalker 2, but a five-year-old mouse? Still perfectly capable of headshots in Counter-Strike 2.
Passing the Gear On
Keychron Mini V2.
I used to keep old gear just in case (pun intended), such as keyboards in boxes, headsets stuffed in drawers – until a friend new to PC gaming needed a setup. I gave him my old Razer BlackWidow, which was clean and ready.
Seeing him play Apex Legends with that keyboard felt great, like passing down something that still had plenty of wins left in it.
There’s this odd idea that “used” gaming gear isn’t worth it, but it absolutely is. A good headset or mouse can last longer than several GPU upgrades. For beginners or anyone building on a budget, second-hand gear is a game-changer.
Some even take it further, such as buying refurbished or modded gear, swapping keycaps, replacing pads, or customizing parts, and end up with something that feels brand new for a fraction of the cost.
And honestly, there’s something rewarding about knowing your old gear might help someone else clutch a round or land that perfect parry in Elden Ring.
When it’s finally time to let go of old gear, most of us do the same thing: hit Google and type pawn shop near me. It’s the classic move, but the truth is that pawn shops usually don’t appreciate the true value of gaming peripherals.
To them, a gaming mouse is just a mouse. If you want your setup to go to someone who’ll actually appreciate it or if you’re hoping to get a fair deal, tech-focused stores or online resale spots are a much better bet.
They understand what makes a mechanical keyboard or a high-DPI sensor special, and that difference can mean your old gear finds a proper second life instead of gathering dust in a display case.
Old Gear Still Has Game
Razer Thresher Ultimate Headset.
If you’ve ever fixed a keyboard switch or replaced a mouse cable, you know how simple it can be to bring old gear back to life. Most “dead” peripherals just need a bit of care. Lubing switches, adding new keycaps, or swapping a cable can make them feel completely different.
The fighting game community shows this perfectly. Many players treat their arcade sticks like collectibles, constantly repairing and upgrading them over the years.
They understand that a good controller isn’t something to throw away. It’s personal.
That hands-on approach is what makes gaming hardware exciting again. Modding your gear doesn’t just save money; it makes your setup unique.
A custom-painted mouse, a paracord cable, or even new stabilizers can make you appreciate the gear you already have in a whole new way.
Why It Hits Different
Every worn keycap and scratched button has its own story. My old headset’s peeling ear pads remind me of long Discord calls and failed raids that ended in laughter.
My first mechanical keyboard has a shiny “W” key from years of CS:GO. Throwing that away feels like losing part of my gaming memories.
There’s something special about giving old gear another chance. Whether you fix it, customize it, or pass it to someone else, it helps keep gaming’s history alive. These are the tools of the trade that got us through our best wins and toughest losses.
So before you grab that new RGB keyboard, take a look at the one you already have. A little care might be all it needs to keep playing strong. Besides, you can use the money to purchase upgrades for PC parts instead.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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A recent update to the Silent Hill 2 Remake web page hints at Xbox and Switch ports.
The title’s exclusivity ends in a couple of days, so the announcement seems very likely.
Recent rumors also point to the DLC Born From A Wish being in the works.
The Silent Hill 2 Remake was released last year as a timed exclusive for the PS5 and PC. It received excellent reviews, with many calling it better than the original. With the exclusivity period coming to an end, it may soon be available on more platforms.
According to a Silent Hill 2 web page update, the title will likely be available for two additional platforms down the line. This hints at probable ports for the Remake on Xbox and Nintendo Switch.
Why it matters: The game’s exclusivity was supposed to last for a year, which will be over on October 8th, so we can join the dots and take the hint that we might see the announcement of new ports soon.
1 of 2
The web page update now displays two additional slots when inspected using the browser. These slots are located in the areas where the platforms are listed, as shown in the image above, hinting at imminent releases.
It was only a matter of time before the ports would have arrived due to timed exclusivity. While we could’ve guessed the Xbox one, the Switch wasn’t expected, but considering we have the Switch 2 now, it makes sense.
Silent Hill 2 Remake was a massive success, receiving acclaim from the audience and critics
Recent rumors also suggested that Konami might announce the ‘Born From A Wish‘ DLC soon. With the end of the exclusivity period, this could be the ideal time to announce the expansion, along with the ports.
Silent Hill 2 Remake was a massive success, selling over 2 million copies. It even led to Konami’s profits skyrocketing last year. They would want to capitalize on the success of the Xbox and Switch ports.
What are your thoughts on Silent Hill 2 releasing on Xbox and Switch? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Resident Evil Requiem will be closer in tone to Resident Evil 2 than Resident Evil 4.
The game aims to revive the tense, classic survival horror aesthetic that the second game pioneered.
Players will have limited resources, allowing the sequel to recapture the essence of classic horror.
Resident Evil Requiem is one of the most anticipated titles of 2026, with Capco looking to bring back classic survival horror to the franchise in addition to a brand new protagonist in the form of Grace. The upcoming title is already receiving positive previews, with many comparing it to PT.
One of the most enticing aspects of the project is the darker and helpless tone Capcom is trying to implement, which will put more emphasis on IQ than gunplay and resources. If the new information is correct, Resident Evil Requiem will attempt to channel the classic horror tone of the franchise in its purest form.
Why it matters: Capcom’s decision to go the tense horror route is a good one, as the franchise is closely associated with that brand of horror.
Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be a terrifying experience.
According to insider Extas1s, Resident Evil Requiem is expected to have a tone similar to that of Resident Evil 2. The leaker states that the game aims to capture the essence of horror that the franchise itself introduced to the gaming medium.
And, to achieve that, Resident Evil Requiem will try to follow the formula developed by the second game in the series instead of going the action-horror route of Resident Evil 4.
Extas1s also reveals that the 2026 Capcom title will put more emphasis on a tense and dark atmosphere. In addition, Resident Evil Requiem won’t give you too many resources, trying to instill fear through a lack of bullets and too many monsters.
Resident Evil Requiem will feature bosses that require IQ to kill.
Suppose an extremely tense atmosphere is putting you off the upcoming horror game. In that case, the developers have added a third-person mode in Resident Evil Requiem to give fans an option to switch if the experience is too harrowing.
Do you think Resident Evil Requiem will fulfill the lofty expectations it has set? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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New report reveals that Microsoft tried to make its own Uncharted in Xbox One era.
Its footage was shown at E3 2013, but was shelved due to some creative differences.
It was being developed by The Coalition, who later developed Gears of War 5.
Uncharted is one of the most prominent PlayStation franchises of all time. The series practically dominated the mid-to-late 2000s with brilliant releases one after another. Microsoft even tried to capitalize on according to a new report.
An insider claims that Microsoft tried to create its own version of Uncharted back in the 2010s. Black Tusk Studios, now known as The Coalition, was the studio behind the game, but it was unfortunately cancelled.
Why it matters: Back in that era, the action-adventure genre was booming, led by games like Uncharted, which became a blueprint for future games in the same genre, and Microsoft wanted to release its take on it.
Video game researcher, Liam Robertson from Did You Know Gaming? stated that he talked to some former members of Microsoft who revealed that during the Xbox One development, the company wanted its own Uncharted.
The Coalition was then developing a Kinect version of Halo, but was approached to make Project Ranger. The game would be a mix of Uncharted‘s action gameplay and espionage elements, similar to those found in Mission Impossible.
If things had gone right, Xbox might’ve had its own version of Uncharted
Even the game’s footage was shown at an E3 Xbox Showcase, but it couldn’t materialize into a full game. The protagonist, Cole, would’ve been played by Liam McIntyre, who is now playing Logan in Marvel’s Wolverine.
The project was cancelled due to creative differences, and the studio was handed Gears 5. From the brief clip we see, it looks like it held promise; unfortunately, it couldn’t see the light of day.
What are your thoughts on Microsoft trying to create its own Uncharted? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Xbox has backtracked on its day-one games promise with Game Pass.
The service is no longer an affordable option for those on a tight budget.
More price hikes are expected in the future, which would ruin the subscription’s image further.
I’ve never been a huge fan of subscriptions in the gaming industry. Until a few years ago, my only real exposure to these services was with Xbox Live Gold and PS Plus, two mandatory services unlocking access to online gameplay.
Needless to say, I was never fond of Xbox and PlayStation locking online gameplay behind a paywall. It rubbed me the wrong way that something so basic required paying monthly or yearly, but at least the free games added more value beyond the online gameplay access.
Fast forward to 2018, and Microsoft completely revolutionized the gaming subscription with Xbox Game Pass. For a measly cost of $10 each month, gamers could access big AAA titles day and date, unlock a slew of new possibilities.
Unfortunately, Game Pass today is a mere shadow of its former self. Following a series of price hikes, the service is more expensive than ever, and I think it has officially lost its entire appeal to me after the latest overhaul.
Why it matters: Microsoft invested billions of dollars into the service and attempted to place it at the forefront of the Xbox brand itself. Unfortunately, the gaming giant seems to have abandoned the core values of this subscription.
The Day-One Promise
Day-One Offerings Are No Longer Central To Game Pass
Unlike other gaming subscriptions, Game Pass was sold on a very simple promise. Sure, it unlocked access to a slew of classic titles, Xbox Live Gold, and even EA Play, depending on the tier, but the main appeal was always built on the promise of day-one titles.
Between Doom: The Dark Ages, Starfield, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Forza Horizon 5, the gaming giant has more than lived up to this promise over the last few years. I sure loved the fact that I could play Doom: The Dark Ages and Black Ops 6 for less than a quarter of their launch price, but it seems this deal was always too good to be true.
Following Microsoft’s latest revision, day-one games are limited to just Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. In my opinion, this decision goes against the core philosophy of Microsoft’s subscription platform.
It would be one thing if Microsoft raised prices across the board, but it simply removed day-one access to first-party games from everything but the Ultimate tier. I don’t think I can trust this service the same moving forward.
It should also be noted that this isn’t the first time Microsoft has walked back on its day-one promise. The gaming giant previously introduced Game Pass Core, a tier that belonged to the service in name only.
Now that PC Game Pass is also being hidden and day-one games are no longer the main part of this service, I can even see a future where Microsoft completely does away with this practice altogether.
Sources have already confirmed that Xbox has lost money on games like Black Ops 6 due to the day-one practice, and it’s only a matter of time before these losses grow out of hand and force Microsoft to pivot again.
No Longer Affordable To The Masses
Game Pass Ultimate Was Priced At Just $16.99 In 2023
One reason Game Pass succeeded out of the gate was its affordability. Microsoft allowed gamers to make use of a $1 trial period to access big games for a limited time of 14 days initially.
This trial aside, the standard price of $10.99/month or $9.99/month in PC Game Pass’ case was never too hard on the average gamer’s wallet, especially considering the value provided by the service.
Gamers could access day one titles like Forza Motorsport and Starfield for as little as $120/year in 2023, and many were even happy staying subscribed to support Microsoft throughout the year.
Now that the same day-one access costs a whopping $360/year on both PC and consoles, costs have basically tripled in just two years. However you put it, this is simply an obscene price hike for a service struggling to gain new customers.
PC Game Pass still exists for $16.49/month, but the way Microsoft is trying to hide its existence tells me it’s only a matter of time before this tier is permanently left behind.
Game Pass Members Are Leaving The Service En Masse
It doesn’t help that Microsoft’s regional pricing isn’t the best either, making this price hike incredibly challenging to deal with for gamers in regions other than the US. Looking at the bigger picture, Xbox Game Pass is no longer an affordable option to access AAA titles and other perks at a monthly cost.
As it stands, I think most gamers would be better off purchasing games upfront and waiting for sales on their most anticipated releases.
The Future?
Black Ops 7 Will Join The Service Soon
Looking at the situation, it’s hard to say whether Xbox Game Pass will truly recover from the situation. On one hand, the promise of 75 day-one games in a year is certainly enticing, but the cost hardly justifies a full year’s subscription.
Will Microsoft backtrack and introduce a potential new tier to find a middle ground between the value and cost of this service? Or will the gaming giant simply tough it out and move forward with the new structure?
What the future holds for Xbox Game Pass is anybody’s guess, but I can say one thing for sure: Microsoft just lost a huge Xbox Game Pass advocate in me, and I have no doubt the same is the case for many other Xbox fans.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Black Ops 7 pre-order numbers are expected to be worse than those of Black Ops 6.
A prominent insider says this is likely why Xbox has raised Game Pass pricing so significantly.
Activision has also introduced an SBMM-free playlist in the beta as it attempts to appeal to as many players as possible.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 became the first entry in the franchise to launch on Game Pass last year. At the same time, the game boasted record-breaking figures across all platforms, signalling a major success for Xbox and Activision.
Unfortunately, the reception to its successor has been much worse so far. In fact, it seems Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 pre-orders are down by quite a lot compared to last year’s entry.
Why it matters: Call of Duty almost never performs poorly, so a decline in pre-order numbers indicates major red flags for the upcoming entry.
Speaking to Xbox Era, The Verge’s Tom Warren explained that Microsoft would not have raised Xbox Game Pass prices so much without a significant decline in Call of Duty pre-orders.
He stated that PlayStation contributed the most to actual game sales last year, and pre-orders across the board are likely down this year. Tom Warren even reckons that there is a correlation between how much worse Black Ops 7 is doing and the figure by which Xbox raised Game Pass prices.
They must be down. I’m fairly sure that Call of Duty pre-orders are down.
-Tom Warren
In the worst-case scenario, although unlikely, Black Ops 7 pre-orders could be close to 50% behind last year’s entry. Still, it’s not hard to believe that Call of Duty isn’t doing as great this year.
The franchise has left behind various brand promotions and crossover opportunities in an attempt to appeal to longtime fans. Call of Duty has even offered a new playlist with very loose skill-based matchmaking in the beta, something the community has been asking for since 2019.
BF6 May Have Caused COD’s Downfall This Year
These changes would not have happened without good reason, so Tom Warren’s statement does hold a lot of weight.
Ultimately, it seems Xbox Game Pass has handicapped Call of Duty, and it doesn’t help that Black Ops 7’s general perception is much worse than that of Black Ops 6. Also, the competition from Battlefield 6 is particularly intense this year.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Insider says to brace for massive layoffs at Xbox in Q1 2026.
This reduction in the workforce will be just as massive as the last one.
This will be the 5th time Xbox will lay off staff in just 2 years.
Microsoft’s gaming division has been on a downward trajectory for almost two decades now, and 2025 marked its lowest point. However, the gaming giant is expected to fall even deeper into the pit hole with more dark days expected soon.
New reports suggest that Xbox is soon to be hit with another massive wave of layoffs going into Q1 2026. To give a hint, this round of workforce reduction will be just as substantial as the most recent one during the summer.
Why it matters: The gaming industry has been hit with layoffs after layoffs, with millions of dollars worth of projects cancelled, studios shut down, and worse things happening.
Xbox Business Hasn’t Been Profitable Since The 360 Era, Says Leaker
One reliable industry insider, by the name of SneakersSO, claims that Xbox will soon downsize its company, marking the gaming giant’s fifth round of layoffs in just two years.
Earlier this year, on July 2nd, Microsoft laid off 9,000 employees across all departments, with an estimated 2,000 people from Xbox affected. The result was the closure of The Initiative studio, and multiple projects were cancelled.
Xbox has a vast portfolio of IPs, especially following recent acquisitions; however, for the future, they will shift their focus to their core ones. Furthermore, recent reports also suggest they’re ready to abandon the hardware department overall.
As such, the next round of layoffs may affect the core Xbox team, since there will be no hardware to manufacture. The future of Xbox appears to be uncertain and concerning, and even on the publisher route, doubts have started to arise.
The Game Pass price hike saw a surge of users rushing to the website to cancel their subscriptions, and the loss has already been incurred. CoD suffered $300 million in sales due to the same service.
For the future, expect Cloud Gaming to keep Xbox’s brand alive, as the OEM’s plans are also likely dead, since nobody would want to collaborate with Team Green after this rough patch.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Microsoft is rethinking the next-gen Xbox console, says insider.
Instead, they’re expected to embrace the publisher route fully.
More retailers will soon stop selling Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Update: A new report from Windows Central by Jez Corden has debunked this rumor. Microsoft remains firm in its plans for the next-generation Xbox console(s).
Ever since Xbox adopted the publisher route, doubts have been circulating about whether the gaming giant will abandon its console strategy, as exclusivity is no longer on the table, and there’s no reason to buy an Xbox device.
However, Microsoft reiterated that it is actively developing the next-gen hardware in collaboration with AMD. Those plans may falter soon, as insider expects Microsoft to backtrack on their decision following the recent developments in their gaming division.
Why it matters: With Xbox leaving the console market, there will be no competition, leaving PlayStation as the sole manufacturer. Zero competition will prove to be quite unhealthy for gaming as a whole.
Game Pass Ultimate Now Costs $360 A Year
According to SneakersSO, a reliable industry insider, plans for next-gen Xbox hardware have shifted from being ‘definitive’ to ‘up in the air.’ It appears that Microsoft is questioning whether it’ll be able to succeed with its new first-party Xbox hardware.
Well, rightfully so, since Xbox Series X|S users have stagnated, and recent price hikes have made buying these consoles even harder. Furthermore, major retail stores like Costco have pulled these consoles back from their shelves due to the same reason.
SneakersSO further states that more retailers will soon stop selling the Series X|S consoles, indicating that the current gen of Xbox hardware will end sooner than expected.
Microsoft is expected to take a publisher route akin to SEGA and will focus on core IPs such as CoD, Forza Horizon, and more. With billions of dollars in acquisitions, Xbox has still been performing mediocre as a gaming brand. In the publisher route, they would finally make some money for this investment.
Aside from that, the insider also expects the Xbox brand to continue through OEMs. However, with recent dirt up the gaming giant’s name, he doubts if any manufacturer will want to attach Team Green’s name to them.
In any case, this is the reason why they’ve been doubling down on Cloud Gaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming has finally left beta and now has a dedicated tier, which may become the brand’s future.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy has been nominated for the most wanted award.
It is up against some massive titles like The Witcher 4, GTA 6, 007, and more.
The nomination shows that the series still has a massive fan base, as recent titles have been hits.
A Plague Tale series is one of the most underrated games of all time. They take you on a journey filled with a rollercoaster of emotions, a great environment, and decent gameplay. It also has another entry coming in the franchise.
Asobo Studio last year revealed Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, which serves more as a spin-off than a sequel. Nonetheless, the title has now been nominated for the ‘Most Wanted’ award at the Golden Joystick Awards 2025.
Why it matters: While the title has flown under many people’s radar, it will surely be one of the best releases next year, as Asobo Studios has yet to fail to hit the mark with the A Plague Tale franchise.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy gets a ‘Most Wanted’ award nomination.
The Golden Joystick Awards recently revealed nominees for various categories, including the Most Wanted game. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy has also received a nomination, indicating it has a significant fan following.
However, it seems that a nomination is where its journey will end, as it is up against the likes of GTA 6, The Witcher 4, OD, Marvel’s Wolverine, and more, which are all much bigger names than the former.
Resonance takes you for a ride with the character of Sophia, who plays a key role in the sequel. There hasn’t been any gameplay trailer so far, but it seems that the title will skip on rats this time and have a different focus.
You can vote for the title or any other option here, as voting is now live. To no one’s surprise, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the most nominated game at the awards. The awards are set to air on November 20th.
What are your thoughts on Resonance: A Plague Tale being nominated for the most wanted game? Are you looking forward to it? Let us know in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Borderlands 4 has shown slow opening sales figures despite a strong initial start.
The performance issues are what’s causing many players to stay away from it.
More people are expected to purchase the title once it goes on sale.
Borderlands 4 was a bizarre scenario. On the one hand, it is one of the best entries in the series; on the other hand, it is plagued by performance issues that hinder the experience. Despite substantial numbers, it hasn’t had a better opening than earlier entries.
According to a new report, despite a strong opening, Borderlands 4 failed to beat the opening sales of its predecessors. Although it wasn’t among the top 3 best-selling games last month, it is expected to gain traction when it goes on sale.
Why it matters: While the general outlook regarding Borderlands 4 is primarily positive, with fans loving the looter-shooter and its art style, they are hindered by mediocre optimization, which may’ve hurt sales.
Borderlands 4 has recorded a slower opening than its previous entries.
According to Alinea Analytics, Borderlands 4 wasn’t among the first three best-sellers but managed a top 5 spot with 3.1 million downloads across all platforms. To put this into perspective, Borderlands 3 sold over 5 million copies within the first five days of its launch.
However, the Steam and console platforms of Borderlands 4 are strong, indicating a promising long-term outlook.
The report reveals that many people still have the game in their wishlists and they don’t want to jump the gun, so they are waiting for price cuts. That will indeed boost sales quite a lot and even provide a better finished version.
The title is expected to have a slow but steady growth.
For other titles, Skate 4 occupied the top spot, while FC26 and Hollow Knight: Silksong were second and third, respectively. The latter is doing exceptionally well as it is beating the original Hollow Knight’s sales in the same time frame.
Borderlands 4 has shown a lot of promise, and if it weren’t for the performance issues, it might’ve outsold the earlier games. Nonetheless, it seems that Gearbox has long-term plans for the title with slow but steady sales.
What are your thoughts on Borderlands 4 opening sales being lower than previous entries? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
As a Senior Hardware Reviewer at Tech4Gamers with over a decade of hands-on experience, I dive deep into benchmarking GPUs, CPU coolers, and motherboards, pushing hardware to its limits. Passionate about overclocking and fine-tuning performance.
Update: There is a discount on the ORICO Raceline Neon 32GB DDR5. The kit is 12% off on Amazon with code URRVA5IH (valid until October 31, 2025) and 15% off on ORICO Global with the same code (valid until December 31, 2025).
ORICO is a Chinese tech company founded in 2019 that manufactures computer accessories, peripherals, and storage solutions. This brand has expanded a lot in recent years and is known for its competitive prices. Earlier, we reviewed their IG740 Pro 2TB NVMe SSD, which got a respectable rating mainly due to its performance and value. Today, we will be looking at their recently launched high-speed DDR5 memory, Raceline Neon 32GB (16×2), which has a transfer speed of 7200MT/s at the CL34. The RAM also supports RGB, and it’s Hynix-based DRAM. It also supports Intel XMP 3.0 and EXPO. We’ll be comparing this RAM to the best-performing RAMs available in the market. Let’s see how it does!
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Usman Sheikh is one of our most senior and experienced hardware reviewers. He loves spending hours (sometimes days) in his lab testing and comparing different GPUs, CPUs, coolers, and more.
70+ RAM tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
200+ hours spent testing different RAM kits for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
The Raceline Neon line-up comes in different speeds and colors, notably black and silver. It also comes in three different frequencies, which are 6000/6400/7200 MT/s with a capacity of 32GB (16×2). One thing we have noticed in all these RAMs is that they feature decent timings, such as CL30/32/34. In our review, we will be looking at their 7200MT/s CL34 variant.
What Makes This ORICO Raceline Neon Kit Different?
Orico Raceline Neon is designed for creators/gamers/enthusiasts who chase the highest performance possible, as this is the high-speed kit with a frequency of 7200 MT/s and CL34, which looks really good on paper. The ram features a 10-layer thickened PCB for enhanced signal integrity and incorporates 8 ARGB LEDs and supports 10+ light effects. This RAM also uses a thick 5mm solid aluminum heatsink, which increases the cooling efficiency by 20% according to ORICO. We’ll see how it performs!
The outer box features a sleek black matte design. Its front prominently displays a rendered image of a module glowing with RGB effects, alongside the series name ”Raceline Neon” is also observed in gold bold lettering, followed by the key specifications like 32GB (16×2) and 7200MHz can also be noticed. The RGB compatibility badges are also highlighted on the box.
Opening the box reveals the neat and organized setup. The rams are housed in a transparent plastic tray. There’s also a foam padding shielding the tray, and the user manual is also included in the packaging. The unboxing was precise and straightforward.
Closer Examination & Build Quality
Taking a closer look at the sticks.
Front & Back – ORICO Raceline Neon
The heatsinks are constructed from 1.5mm aluminum alloy in a black matte finish. A white translucent diffuser runs along the top edge, housing 8 RGB LEDs. In the middle of the heatsink, you can see the ORICO logo displayed in white.
Back – ORICO Raceline Neon
On the back side, at the center bottom, there is also a sticker that reveals the specifications of this RAM. However, I want to point out that this RAM is not compact and might not be suitable for small form factor builds; the dimensions are 137 x 45 x 18 mm in total.
Design – ORICO Raceline Neon
Design – ORICO Raceline Neon
The design provides an aggressive look, thanks to the V-shaped ridges carved on the aluminum heatsink, which could enhance the heat dissipation due to the surface area. Under the hood, Orico uses a 10-layer PCB structure, almost every high-end DDR5 uses that amount of layers to strengthen the signal integrity as compared to the DDR4, which used the 8-layer. It ensures smooth operations at high frequencies, such as this memory. Orico also mentions that they have used industrial-grade thermal silicone for efficient heat transfer.
RAM Timings and Further Details
It’s time to take a closer look at timings.
EXPO Profile
Tuned Timings
This RAM features a decent baseline low latency of CL34 at a transfer speed of 7200MT/s, which translates to 9.44ns, already within a reasonable range. I don’t see anything unusual in the overall timings, including the secondary ones; however, they can still be further optimized for improved performance. The voltage also appears typical for this setup, with DRAM VDD/VDDQ at 1.4V. We have seen this voltage commonly used in RAMs above 6200MT/s or 6000MT/s at CL28.
However, if you’re looking to purchase this memory or have already bought it, you can easily perform basic tuning and even increase the transfer speeds on your system with this RAM, as our findings suggest. If you don’t want to go extreme, you can set it to 7400MT/s and lower the tRFC, TFAW, and increase the tREFI. I wouldn’t suggest touching the primary timings, as this would require increasing the DRAM voltage. We have already optimized the RAM and demonstrated its performance in benchmarks. Keep in mind, every kit is different. It is not promised that you will achieve the same level of tuning.
Furthermore, each module is composed of 2GB x 8 memory ICs and was manufactured in early 2025. The DRAM part number is H5CG48AEBDX018, which confirms it’s a Hynix A die. The PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) is from Richtek, carrying the part number RTQ5132GQWF. This primarily handles power regulation for DDR5 modules.
RAM Timings Tuned
We have successfully tuned the memory further and applied a decent overclock to the transfer speeds from 7200MT/s to 7800MT/s. Keep in mind that we are not pushing the memory to the extreme due to the time issue, as this would take hours or days to find the optimal setting. We haven’t touched the primary timings as they already seem decent enough. However, we have adjusted a few secondary timings to achieve respectable performance. First, we have set the frequency of 7800MT/s and applied 1.45V for stability. However, there is a chance that the RAM could run at the EXPO VDD/VDDQ voltages, but we haven’t tried it yet. We then started scouting the timings that can be tuned without breaking the PC. We further tuned the tRFC, tREFI, and tWR and ran a stability test in the Y-Cruncher and called it a day.
Here is the structured table of what we have tuned.
Category
Original EXPO
Tuned
Transfer Speed
7200 MT/s
7800 MT/s
tFAW
36
32
tWR
96
78
tRFC
1062
960
tREFI
14038
50000
DRAM VDD/VDDQ
1.4v
1.45v
RGB Lighting
Let’s take a look at the RGB.
RGB Showcase
1 of 3
Red - ORICO Raceline Neon
Green - ORICO Raceline Neon
Blue - ORICO Raceline Neon
The RGB looks bold and striking; the LEDs are quite vivid and diffuse, and I don’t see any visible hotspots. The light bars span most of the RAM height, ensuring they don’t appear cut off from any angle. This RAM would fit in most aesthetic RGB builds.
Testing Methodology
How Do We Test Rams:
We test the RAMs in various workloads, including synthetic, gaming, and real-world productivity tests, as memory bandwidth alone is not sufficient. Rams can be complicated at times, as faster speeds do not always translate into better performance. Therefore, we have tested various software to evaluate the performance of the RAMs.
Gaming Performance
We have three popular games in our suite, and we’re intentionally running them at slightly more CPU-bound scenarios to see how much their performance scales with memory. Most of the time, the average FPS won’t scale as you’d like, but minimum frames, such as 1% lows and 5% lows, can significantly impact the gaming experience. The faster rams with the lower timings can generally smooth out the frame time graphs.
Preparing System:
We test the RAMs at the EXPO or DOCP at the stock voltages and timings.
We use the stock BIOS configuration, so memory context restore (MCR) / latency killer are enabled by default on the AM5 platform.
The CPU and GPU are operating at the stock configuration.
PCMark 10 benchmarks overall system performance in real-world workloads, such as browsing, video conferencing, and Application start-up. Also, it tests Microsoft Office workloads, including Excel and PowerPoint. Faster RAMs can have an impact on productivity performance.
When you talk about RAMs, most people would only think of bandwidth and latency, as AIDA64 shows. Faster RAMs may yield better scores, such as higher bandwidth, but can those bandwidth scores translate into real-world performance? That’s where compute tests come in to see how fast the CPU can access the data in the memory.
Cinebench 2024
Based on Maxon’s Cinema 4D Rendering Engine, this tool measures how fast your CPU can render a complex scene. However, faster RAM can make a slight difference in the scores.
Y-Cruncher can push the CPU and memory to their limits. This tool is very effective as it demonstrates how the system performs in extreme scientific/computational workloads. Y-Cruncher’s primary function is to calculate mathematical constants to a vast number of digits, which can simultaneously stress the CPU and memory. It’s an excellent tool for testing memory stability.
Y Cruncher – ORICO Raceline Neon 32GB (16×2) 7200MT/s CL34
3D Mark CPU Profile
3DMark CPU Profile is an excellent tool for testing CPU Cores and Threads. However, faster RAMs can improve scores as the processor needs to access more data from memory in a multi-threaded workload, but the difference won’t be massive.
✅ You Want Top Tier Performance: This RAM utilizes a top-tier bin with a tight latency of (CL34) at the transfer speed of 7200MT/s.
✅ If You Want To Overclock: This RAM incorporates Hynix IC, which has good overclocking potential. We have tuned the RAM, and we were impressed by its performance.
✅ You Care About Aesthetics: This RAM supports RGB, which provides the premium aesthetics.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You Have A Mid/Entry Platform: This RAM not will run at its advertised speeds unless your CPU and motherboard are officially compatible with it. Ensure that you check your QVL RAM support list on your motherboard manufacturer’s page.
❌Your Workload Doesn’t Benefit From The Extra Bandwidth: You should not buy this RAM if you primarily use your PC for office work, browsing, or just posting memes.
❌If You’re Budget Constrained: High-frequency RAMs are usually more expensive; it’s better to invest in a better CPU or GPU.
Final Thoughts
The Orico Raceline Neon ticks all the boxes if you’re an enthusiast, as it features decent timings at 7200MT/s. This RAM would be fit for users who are in productivity or run tasks that require a lot of bandwidth. On EXPO Speeds, the RAM was on par with the other high-end kits and performed decently in gaming. However, higher frequency RAMs are not always beneficial, as they tend to be more expensive and do not provide significantly more performance gains compared to good 6000/6200 MT/s kits.
This memory has a good base latency of tCL 34, which falls in the premium RAM category. We have overclocked the memory further, increased transfer speeds, and adjusted some timings to extract more performance in games. Especially in CS2 and Cyberpunk 2077, the performance jump was observable. We have no objections to the timings, as they are already good. However, since this RAM utilizes Hynix IC, which is a top-tier IC, it may be advantageous for overclocking. We successfully overclocked the RAM to 7,800MT/s. We could have achieved 8000/8200 with some relaxed timings and additional VDD/VDDQ voltages, but due to time issues, we’ll leave it for another day.
This RAM might not fit in SFF Builds, though, as it’s 45mm tall, which could interfere with the large air coolers. Aesthetically, this ram has an aggressive tone. On the heatspreader, there are V-shaped ridges carved; this improves the thermal design of the RAM, also providing a sporty look at the same time. It is called ”Raceline” for a reason, though. This RAM is available in different speeds, including 6000/6400/7200 MT/s, and all kits utilize high-end ICs. Overall, we’re impressed by the build quality. As each side of the module features 1.5mm of strong aluminum, this also ensures better durability.
Currently, the ORICO Raceline Neon DDR5 RGB RAM 32GB (2x16GB) 7200MHz CL34 is listed for $129.99, which is a reasonable price for this product.