At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Battlefield 6’s multiplayer reveal featured immense destruction, surprising the fandom.
Dice’s lead producer has revealed that this type of destruction won’t be possible on UE5.
He thinks that Unreal Engine 5 is generic, so it is better for them to stick to Frostbite.
The game’s destruction so far looks pretty good, and there is still plenty of time for the developer to polish it further. It would be fair to say destruction is its main thing. However, according to the Dice Lead Producer, the destruction that Battlefield 6 features wouldn’t have been possible on a generic engine like UE5.
Why it matters: Not every game needs to be developed by Unreal Engine 5, and that’s fine. In-house engines can exceed expectations, as proven by Rage, Decima, and Frostbite.
Battlefield 6 Unique Destruction May Not Have Been Possible In UE5
The Lead Producer of Dice, David Sirland, revealed in a recent interview with 3djuegos that Battlefield 6 features some unique destruction, which is only possible to create using the in-house Frostbite engine.
This kind of destruction, what we do, isn’t possible in a generic engine [UE5]. Frostbite is tailor-made for this, and we’re tailoring the game for the engine.
-David Sirland
A lot of developers are currently following the trend of making games using Unreal Engine 5. It is a solid platform to develop games on, but the graphical fidelity comes with a cost, stutters, a lot of stutters, sometimes.
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.
Story Highlight
PS6 performance is equivalent to the RX 9070 XT, while the next-gen Xbox is comparable to the RTX 5080.
Both consoles will be built on the RDNA 5, which has more features than Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture.
Xbox and PlayStation will take different approaches in the next generation.
Despite hardware progressing slowly over the past few years, fans have high expectations from the next-gen consoles in terms of power. A proper next-gen experience may be challenging to deliver in these times, especially considering the rising costs of hardware and inflation.
Still, Sony and Microsoft may manage to deliver a proper upgrade over the current consoles. As per a reliable leaker, the PS6 will deliver a performance equivalent to AMD’s current flagship GPU, RX 9070xt, while the next-gen Xbox is a bit stronger, matching the capabilities of an RTX 5080.
Why it matters: The RX 9070xt and RTX 5080 are certainly capable GPUs and the best from their respective lineups. The next-gen consoles will certainly promise decent capabilities.
PS6 Will Be A Result Of Sony And AMD’s Collaborative Project ‘Amethyst’
As per KeplerL2, both PS6 and next-gen Xbox are being powered by AMD’s next RDNA 5 (UDNA) architecture. The same architecture is also said to be AMD’s biggest overhaul since the GCN (Graphics Core Next) era that debuted in 2012 with the HD 7000 series.
As such, RDNA 5 is expected to bring massive changes and is more feature-loaded in contrast to Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture. The insider also linked several patents to prove his claim.
Earlier leaks have also suggested that PS6 would use around 24 GB of unified memory, sporting a Zen 6 CPU. Reports also indicate that Sony aims to release a handheld PlayStation console side-by-side, which will be capable enough to run PS5 games natively.
Next-Gen Xbox Still A Console With No Steam Integration Planned
On the next-gen Xbox, the console will utilize AMD’s Magnus APU, featuring 11 core counts and the biggest SoC die in a console so far. Xbox will be competing against pre-built PCs rather than PS6, and this unorthodox SoC configuration will help them deliver upgrades faster than a traditional console cycle.
What are your thoughts on this report? Do you think the next-gen consoles could cram all these specs without raising costs? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Ubisoft’s value has plummeted by almost 90% in the past five years.
This happened mainly because of its recent failures, like Star Wars Outlaws and Skull and Bones.
The company was on track for bankruptcy this year, but its deal with Tencent saved it.
Ubisoft, which used to be a favorite gaming company of many fans, is now the most despised one in the industry. There are many reasons why it is just a shadow of its former self now, with the main one being not listening to its fandom’s feedback and demands.
We previously reported that the company’s stock was down by 80% in five years, which is absurd. However, now it is down by almost 90%, marking a potential new all-time low for the company, surpassing the realm of absurdity.
Why it matters: A company that has lost its way won’t ever recover unless it accepts the main problem. Ubisoft may be able to recover if it listens to its fandom’s demand.
Ubisoft Stock Is Down By Almost 87.30 Percent in 5 Years
The image above shows that the company has lost almost 90% value in the past five years. That is because it has failed to launch a game that managed to excite its fandom. Skull and Bones, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Star Wars Outlaws, all three games, failed.
We also reported last year that the company’s financial position isn’t strong, which may cause a bankruptcy this year. However, Ubisoft made a deal with Tencent, which saved it. Ubisoft’s CEO’s son is at the helm of the new subsidiary, which has sparked concerns of nepotism, further indulging the company in controversy.
I’ve been the Journalist & Editorial Writer at Tech4Gamers since July 2022. I spearhead our hardware coverage, including overclocking GPUs, benchmarking CPUs, reviewing peripherals, and fine-tuning custom PC builds for every budget. Daily, I report on breaking gaming news, from major launches and studio updates to the latest industry trends, ensuring our community stays informed. Beyond news briefs, I write in-depth feature articles on gaming culture and emerging technologies. And by collaborating closely with the editorial team on content planning, SEO strategy, and our publishing calendar, I help us consistently hit our traffic and engagement targets.
Not every piece of gaming peripheral needs to be super serious or all about raw specs. Sometimes, it just needs to look cool and make you smile, and that’s precisely what the Razer x Pokémon does. With the new collaboration, Pokémon and Razer have once again joined hands. The two companies have previously collaborated on gaming peripherals that included certain iconic pocket monsters.
Notably, Razer has a history of working with other companies on developing branded products. After recently teasing the Pokémon collection, Razer has now shown the new peripheral designs and listed them for sale. In my opinion, the Razer BlackWidow V4 X Pokémon Edition is the centrepiece of attraction in the collaboration.
Pikachu and the original Red and Blue starters, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander, can be seen throughout its adorable design. Additionally, the Razer Kraken V4 X Pokémon Edition, which is a more affordable and simplified version of the beloved Razer Kraken V4 Pro, is also included in the bundle. It features an identical design pattern on its headband as the keyboard, along with vibrant yellow Pikachu colors.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 X Pokémon Edition (Image Credits – Razer)
Furthermore, it also includes the Razer Cobra Pokémon Edition, a lightweight, well-liked RGB mouse that you can customize by adding your beloved Generation 1 starters and Pikachu. Lastly, to accompany this mouse, Razer also offers the Razer Gigantus V2 M Pokémon Edition Mousepad with a similar Pokémon design pattern.
Visual-Only? That’s Okay
Now, I know some of you might argue that this collab is just a bunch of Gen 1 starters and Pikachu slapped onto peripherals Razer already had, and you’re not wrong. This kind of criticism is valid. It doesn’t bring new peripherals to the table, and the changes are primarily visual. However, not every collaboration needs to reinvent the wheel to be worth it.
The Razer Kraken V4 X Pokémon Edition (Image Credits – Razer)
Sometimes, just adding a thoughtful, nostalgic design to a well-loved product is enough to make it feel special. If you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan like me, that little touch of personality is more than enough to justify spending a bit extra. They are not only offering you peripherals, but something that feels personal to you. Sure, it would have been amazing if Razer had launched brand-new peripherals designed just for this collab.
However, then it would also come with potential drawbacks. For instance, new products might not perform as well, or they might take a while to earn our trust. With this release, Razer’s renowned peripherals, which have already been used by many users worldwide, are known for their quality. Therefore, I’m only paying a little premium for the Pokémon personalization, and I’m cool with that.
Why It Still Works, Even If It’s Not Perfect
The Razer Cobra Pokémon Edition (Image Credits – Razer)
For someone like me, who’s always looking for ways to sneak a bit of Pokémon into everyday life, this is wholesome. Having a complete set of themed peripherals on my desk doesn’t just look great, it tells my loved ones exactly where my heart is. It taps into that warm nostalgia a lot of us grew up with, while still being wrapped around solid and reliable Razer hardware.
What Was Missing?
That said, the collab doesn’t fully satisfy my inner Poké-maniac. I was kinda hoping for more. Like, how cool would a custom Pokémon gaming chair have been? Especially since Razer made for their Kuromi and Genshin collaborations. So, why not something similar for this one? And don’t even get me started on the missed opportunity with merch. Their Keith Haring and Sonic collabs came with hoodies, T-shirts, and even a cap.
The Razer Gigantus V2 M Pokémon Edition (Image Credits – Razer)
Unfortunately, in this, there are no wearable ways to show off. Lastly, if they had thrown in a customized controller, as they did for Captain America: Brave New World, it would’ve been the cherry on top. Suppose I had to nitpick, even after everything they’ve done with this collaboration. I’m still not fully satisfied since there were so many missed opportunities and markets they could’ve tapped into.
Still, I’m Glad It Exists
It honestly feels like they only scratched the surface of what this collaboration could’ve been. But at the same time, I get it and love it. I already trust the performance of these peripherals, and this collaboration adds just enough Pokémon flavor to make it fun. It lets me show a little more of myself in my setup. And if you’re anything like me, that’s more than enough reason to smile when you start up your system.
Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited to see who Razer decides to collaborate with next. These kinds of collabs give fandoms a way to express themselves through their setups. If more brands followed Razer’s lead and did it with the same balance of quality and fan passion, gaming spaces would start to feel a lot more personal. So here’s hoping I see more of this enthusiasm in future collabs.
I intitally started by writing CPU comparisons and since then have written articles of all kinds, from Wikis and How-Tos to dedicated CPU reviews. Currently, I test and review CPUs, motherboards, and sometimes, RAM.
While building a gaming PC, you may wonder: Do you need an expensive motherboard for the best performance? It’s not that simple. Unlike CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and storage, there’s no central performance metric for a motherboard. Furthermore, there are different chipsets, and even motherboards of the same chipset can vary in price. The problem is that “cheap” is often confused with “bad,” which leads to consumers overpaying for features they don’t need.
Here’s why you probably don’t need an expensive motherboard.
Key Takeaways
Expensive motherboards are overkill for most users, as budget boards fulfil most or all of the average user’s needs.
Features like high-end VRMs, RGB, debug code LED panel, BIOS flashback, and high-speed RAM support are extras that most people won’t utilize.
It’s best to evaluate your needs and then pick a motherboard that fits them.
Budget Boards Tick Most Of The Boxes
Believe it or not, most budget boards are adequate for the average user. When we begin to move toward beefier motherboards, we’re looking at features that are more specific, that not every user needs. Think extras like RGB, BIOS flashback, debug code LED panel, an extensive VRM setup, and reinforced PCIe slots.
The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi is one of our favorite budget boards! (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Meanwhile, even basic entry-level motherboards offer plenty of USB ports and more than one M.2 slot. Likewise, room for high-speed RAM and a single powerful graphics card is available on every board.
High-End VRMs May Not Be Necessary
As long as you pick the right chipset, you don’t need to pick a motherboard loaded with VRM phases and high-current stages if overclocking is not a need. For instance, a budget Z790 motherboard can handle a stock Core i9-14900K no problem. In the same way, a cheap H610 motherboard is plenty for an entry-level Core i5 like the Core i5-13400F. A good rule of thumb is 4-6 phases for low-power CPUs, 6-8 phases for mid-range ones, and 8-16 phases for high-end CPUs.
Only pick a motherboard with beefy VRMs if overclocking is a requirement; otherwise, you’re essentially paying for something you won’t use.
You Probably Don’t Need High-Speed LAN
Another major selling point of high-end motherboards is the inclusion of 2.5G, 5G, and 10G LAN ports. Just about every mid-range motherboard has a 2.5G LAN port as of 2025. However, as nice as an Ethernet connection is, you likely don’t need anything beyond 1G (which is the minimum found in any modern motherboard). Heck, even 1G is overkill considering the average download speed in the US was 214 Mbps in 2024.
Similarly, if you prefer a wireless connection over a wired one, then you won’t need a LAN port at all.
You Don’t Need All Those USB Ports
Expensive motherboards tend to have more USB ports (especially USB 2.0 and 5G ones) than cheaper ones. However, even entry-level boards often have more ports than most users need. My motherboard, for instance, has 10 rear USB ports, of which I only use four (for my keyboard, mouse, headset, and WiFi adapter).
It’s a good idea to evaluate how many USB ports (especially high-speed ones) you’ll need to use. I’m sure your requirements could differ from mine (with devices like external drives or a microphone).
With the launch of the AMD 800-series chipset motherboards, memory support of 8000 MT/s has been standard. More expensive motherboards tend to offer support even beyond that. This is mostly a marketing gimmick, considering that DDR5-6000 is the sweetspot for AM5. If you want to push beyond these speeds, you’ll have to aim upwards of DDR5-8000 to see performance gains. Not to mention that higher-end memory kits will be costlier.
This is not to say that more expensive motherboards aren’t better equipped to handle overclocking. If you want to overclock your RAM, a high-end motherboard will do it better than a budget board.
Evaluate Your Needs!
Picking a motherboard can be simple with a little bit of research. If you don’t understand motherboards or chipsets so well, our motherboard buying guides and explainer can help. A rule of thumb you can use is to pair budget chipsets (Intel H810, AMD B840) with budget CPUs, mid-range chipsets (Intel B860/Q870, AMD B850) with mid-range processors, and so on.
When you’re picking a motherboard, ask yourself: Do you need an expensive motherboard, or are you paying for features you won’t use? For example, do you need premiums like dual GPU slots, 5G/10G LAN, or high-end VRMs for overclocking? If so, pick a motherboard that ticks these boxes. Bottom line is, don’t pay for something you’ll never utilize. (though this isn’t always possible, in the case of USB and SATA ports for example!)
As Tech4Gamers’ Wiki Editor, I dissect gaming products, offering detailed perspectives on a variety of PCMR hardware ranging from the Best Motherboards and CPUs to the Best GPUs, RAM, and PSUs.
Story Highlight
Mechanical keyboards used to be the first no-brainer purchase for any gamer or typist looking to up the ante, but that’s changed with the arrival of magnetic, aka Hall Effect, keyboards.
The primary selling points for mechanical keyboards include their wide degree of customizability and personalization, along with the assortment of price ranges they’re sold at, varying from as little as $30 to over $250 for an enthusiast-grade offering.
However, magnetic keyboards have a huge speed advantage over their mechanical rivals in addition to a slew of headline-grabbing SOCD features like Snap Tap, Rapid Trigger, and dynamically adjustable actuation points that instantly elevate any gamer’s performance.
Let’s face it: the mechanical keyboard revolution that dominated the last decade is quietly being dethroned.And no, it’s not because membrane keyboards made a miraculous comeback—it’s because magnetic (Hall Effect) keyboards are just better.
For years, mechanical keyboards were the undisputed kings of customization, feel, and performance.
Gamers swore by them. Typists adored them. Enthusiasts built entire communities around them. But now? Magnetic keyboards are doing everything mechanical keyboards did—just faster, smoother, and with way more tech.
And unless mechanical switches pull off some insane innovation soon, they might just fade into nostalgia.
The Golden Age Of Mechanical Keyboards
There was a time when mechanical keyboards were revolutionary.
Remember the hype? The CLICK-CLACK sound signature of Cherry MX Blues, the buttery smoothness of Reds, the subtle bump of Browns—each switch type had its own cult following.
Cherry MX Blues – The typist’s dream (and the office worker’s nightmare).
Gateron Yellows – Budget-friendly, but shockingly smooth.
Kailh Box Jades – The clickiest switches known to mankind.
These are just a few examples of what were some of the most hyped-up mechanical switches built with different purposes in mind, ranging from a typist-focused switch like the Blues to the Browns for the casual gamers, whereas the Reds and Yellows were reserved for typists and gamers who prioritised speed above all else, with varying degrees of actuation force.
Redragon Scarab A130 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Oh. And let’s not forget the customization boom. Hot-swappable PCBs meant you could mix and match switches, tactile for WASD, linear for the rest, and silent for the spacebar.
Furthermore, RGB lighting exploded because of mechanical keyboards, turning desks into neon battlegrounds.
Moving on, what about pricing? Well, it’s safe to say gamers used to be spoiled for choice:
$25-$100 – Decent entry-level boards (Redragon, Royal Kludge, Epomaker).
For years, this was as good as it got.Then, magnetic keyboards showed up and flipped the script.
Magnetic Keyboards: The Silent Assassins
Magnetic (Hall Effect) keyboards aren’t new, but they’ve only recently hit mainstream appeal.And once you try one? It’s hard to go back.
Why Are They Better?
Speed & Silence – No physical contact means no switch wobble, no scratchiness, and near-instant actuation. Perfect for gamers who need zero lag.
Durability – 100 million keystrokes on average vs. mechanical’s 50–80 million. These things last.
Adjustable Actuation – Change how deeply a key needs to be pressed before registering. Want a hair-trigger for gaming? Done. Prefer a deeper press for typing? Easy.
Game-Changing Features
Rapid Trigger – Resets the key the moment you lift it slightly, not when it fully rebounds. Faster than any mechanical switch.
Snap Tap – Detects quick, successive taps without fully releasing the key. Perfect for rapid inputs in shooters.
Dynamic Actuation Points – Set different depths for different keys. WASD at 0.5mm, spacebar at 2mm? No problem.
Magnetic vs. Mechanical Switches. (Image Credits – NuPhy)
These features are so powerful that some eSports tournaments ban them, because they give players an unfair advantage.
Imagine a fighting game where your opponent’s inputs are literally faster than yours.
That’s the power of HE keyboards.
The Only Thing Holding Magnetic Keyboards Back: Price
Right now, HE keyboards are expensive.
While a decent mechanical board costs $80-$120, magnetic equivalents start at $150–$300.
Brands like Wooting, Corsair, Keychron, and Akko dominate the lists of the Best Magnetic Keyboards, but they’re premium products.
Unboxing the contents of the Wooting 60HE+ during our in-house review. (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)
But here’s the thing—mechanical keyboards were expensive once, too.Remember when $200 for a keyboard seemed insane? Now, it’s normal.As HE tech becomes mainstream, prices will drop.
The Verdict: Mechanical Keyboards Had A Good Run
I’m not saying mechanical keyboards are dead.
They’ll always have a place for purists who love the tactile feel, audible feedback, and the endless extent to which one can personalize their keyboard with an unimaginable variety of switches, keycaps, and casing.
But for competitive gamers, blitz typists, and performance junkies? Magnetic keyboards are the future.
Faster. More durable. More customizable. The only question is—how long before everyone makes the switch?
Final Thought: Will Mechanical Keyboards Become Vintage?
While mechanical keyboards are slowly being phased out of fashion, they’ll never become truly extinct, not for a couple of decades at the very least.
That being said, the PCMR members have cast their votes, and the outlook is crystal clear—Hall Effect switches have pulled ahead of their mechanical counterparts.
Mechanical keyboards are no longer reigning supreme.
So, if you’re still clinging to your clicky Blues or thocky Holy Pandas, enjoy them while they last.
Because of the next generation of keyboards? They don’t just feel different—they play differently. And that’s a game-changer.
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.
Story Highlight
A new Sony patent talks about a dust-proof design for gaming consoles.
The design, likely planned for PS6, wants to prevent dust from entering and settling on its internal components.
The design allows air to flow, but a dustproof wall stops any dirt from entering.
Gaming consoles have grown more powerful with each generation, but durability remains a concern. A new Sony patent may be aiming to address this issue.
We have found a new Sony patent that discusses a dustproof design for electronic devices, specifically gaming consoles. All the tidbits in the patent imply that Sony is working on this design for PS6 to improve its lifespan over the current PS5.
Sony proposes a vent design for the PS6 that boosts cooling while blocking dust entry. It wants to achieve this by introducing a dustproof wall inside the console.
A dustproof wall is formed between the ventilation region of the part and the vent hole and stands uprightly in a second direction intersecting the first direction. With this electronic device, dust and so forth that adhere to the ventilation region of the part can be reduced.
Why it matters: The new patent clearly seems to hint towards a dustproof design for PlayStation 6 since it refers to a game device.
The image shows the top plan view depicting parts arranged in the housing of an example device.
The Sony patent called ‘ELECTRONIC DEVICE’ wants to stop the accumulation of dust on the heat sink and power supply unit of the PS6. Sony recognizes that these airflow zones can be blocked, which can cause the console to overheat and potentially fail altogether.
Therefore, the new design aims to ensure that the ventilation part of PlayStation 6 can continue to function without accumulating dust.
Even when an electronic device is not in use, dust, dirt, or the like sometimes enters its housing through a vent hole.
The image view shows the parts when the example device is in a vertical posture.
It’s worth noting that the images used to describe the dustproof design depict a PS5 as an example of a gaming device. However, since dust can still clog its vents and cause overheating, Sony is likely aiming to improve the design of the next-gen console with this patent.
Sony has also published many other unique patents in the past, including one that aims to reduce the overall size of AAA games by changing the way textures are handled and another for a 3D grid-shaped controller that physically deforms to provide immersive gameplay.
Do you think the new design likely proposed for PlayStation 6 will help it have even better durability than the current generation of consoles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
Battlefield 6 is shaping up to be the most anticipated release of the year.
The producer talked about Battlefield 2042, admitting that the title had flaws in destruction elements.
However, he confirmed that Battlefield 6 has taken great inspiration from Bad Company 2, which is the excellence of the franchise’s legacy.
Battlefield 6 appears to be a promising release from the developer. Following the recent multiplayer trailer, the title has already become the best-selling title on Steam.
While the recent entry in the franchise failed to meet fans’ expectations, the developers have recently admitted that Battlefield 2042 was missing destructive elements, stating that the latest entry will address this.
Why it matters: Since the Battlefield franchise has been well known for its realistic destruction in games, the developers are drawing inspiration from old titles for the next entry.
Battlefield 6 Is Just Two Months Away From Its Release.
During a recent interview with PC Gamer, Battlefield 6 producer Jeremy Chubb talked about multiple things, including how Battlefield 6 is taking huge inspiration from Bad Company 2.
He further stated that when you talk about the franchise’s legacy, Bad Company 2 delivered excellence.
When you look for excellence in our legacy, [Bad Company 2] is where you find it.
-Jeremy Chubb
He further talked about how Bad Company 2 offered a realistic, destructive experience, which was missing from the last game in the franchise. However, he confirms that the next entry in the franchise has taken great inspiration from the title and won’t be repeating old mistakes.
We know that was kind of missing from our last game, and we really wanted to go back to that.
Not too long ago, the developers also confirmed that the next entry in the franchise is the spiritual successor of Battlefield 3 and 4, and aims to deliver the best work from the developers yet.
It appears to be a solid time for the franchise’s fans as the team has taken inspiration from the best titles of the franchise, and is looking to deliver even a better experience than before.
Nonetheless, what do you think about this? Are you excited for the next entry in the Battlefield franchise? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or join the 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.
Story Highlight
Third-party Nintendo Switch 2 ports are already looking concerning.
Analysts believe the console is best suited to PS4 ports.
The original Nintendo Switch went through a similar situation since it worked best with games from the PS3 generation.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to receive multiple current-gen ports in the coming years. Among others, Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Shadows are heading to the console over the next few years, but analysts have begun to warn fans.
The Star Wars Outlaws footage from Nintendo’s latest Direct has largely disappointed, and analysts believe PS5 ports may be just too ambitious for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Why it matters: More and more publishers plan to release Nintendo Switch 2 ports, so future games could be designed with the console’s limitations in mind from the beginning.
During the latest DF Weekly episode, Digital Foundry discussed Star Wars Outlaws’ Nintendo Switch 2 port, and John Linneman pointed out an interesting pattern.
He believes the Nintendo Switch 2 is following a similar trend to its predecessor. While the console is perfect for last-gen ports and translations, current-gen games are a completely different story.
I feel like we’re right back in that same place the Switch 1 was. When you think about Switch 2, PS4-class visuals but running with a good frame rate is more suitable for Switch 2.
This is interesting since the Nintendo Switch was able to easily handle PS3 ports like the older Assassin’s Creed titles.
On the other hand, PS4 games like Batman Arkham Knight proved to be a much taller order for the Nintendo Switch. Exceptions like The Witcher 3 and Doom still existed on the original Nintendo Switch, but even these games were heavily cut back.
Fortunately, Nintendo is in luck here since the PS4 and Xbox One were still being actively supported until 2022. This should mean that the library of potential ports for this console is much bigger.
As such, fans should expect to see the likes of GTA 5, Red Dead Redemption 2, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and more on the Nintendo Switch 2.
RDR 2 Is Expected To Show Up On The Switch 2 Soon
With enough optimization, more ambitious titles like Doom: The Dark Ages could also make their way to Nintendo’s latest console, but games like GTA 6 may be practically impossible. Anyhow, publishers are going all in on third-party support for Nintendo’s current generation after seeing the success of the previous generation.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Star Wars Outlaws is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 next month.
Analysis of the latest trailer shows the game dropping as low as 21FPS during intense moments.
Despite the many visual cutbacks, Star Wars Outlaws seems to run poorly on the platform.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has proven to be a worthy successor to the company’s last-generation hybrid console. In addition to retaining many of the original’s strengths, it provides a 10x boost in raw power, making it capable of running games like Cyberpunk 2077.
Ubisoft also announced Star Wars Outlaws for the Nintendo Switch 2, marking yet another highly ambitious third-party port. However, new reports reveal that this game may be a bit too much to handle for the tiny hybrid console.
Why it matters: The Nintendo Switch 2 was expected to do a great job running ports of the more powerful home consoles, but it seems this will not be the case. Previously, experts had already warned of potential performance problems down the line.
According to Digital Foundry’s analysis, the game has gone through a significant downgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2.
It also seems to run poorly, with frame counting revealing frame rates in the low 20s range. This appears to be very noticeable during cutscenes in particular since the game exhibits instances of running as low as 20FPS during these moments.
The frame rate is better during gameplay, but it can still dip well below the 30FPS target during moments like the space combat. Ultimately, the analysts have been left disappointed by the game on the Nintendo Switch 2.
It is important to note that Star Wars Outlaws’ performance is still being worked on. However, the title is just over a month away, so the performance at launch may not be drastically different compared to the trailer footage from the Nintendo Direct.
Star Wars Outlaws Was Dubbed A Disappointment By Ubisoft
Star Wars Outlaws was generally well-optimized when it launched for PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC last year. The game also made heavy use of technologies like ray-tracing, making it all the more impressive on high-end PCs.
Unfortunately, it seems the Nintendo Switch 2 is not well suited to such ports, even when developers make heavy cuts to the games themselves.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
The excitement for Battlefield 6 is through the roof currently.
Fans are revisiting Battlefield 4 to prepare for the game, leading to the title hitting an all-time peak of over 7K players in the past three years.
Battlefield 6 has also hit 10K players on Steam already before the beta.
Battlefield 4 has long been considered the series’ best entry. DICE and EA are aware of the fandom’s love for this particular entry, making it the perfect inspiration for the upcoming Battlefield 6.
Battlefield’s latest outing seems to capture everything great about Battlefield 4 perfectly, and the excitement has led to Battlefield 6 shooting up the Steam top sellers list. Battlefield 4 has also seen a major resurgence over the last few days.
Why it matters: Battlefield 4 is still a solid first-person shooter all these years later, making it a great game for those looking to prepare for a modern Battlefield experience.
Battlefield 4 Player Count on Steam | Image via SteamDB
Over on Steam, Battlefield 4 hit an impressive player count of 6,265 players over the last 24 hours. However, the game alsomanaged to reach 7,465 concurrent players immediately after the Battlefield 6 multiplayer reveal event.
This player count marks an impressive resurgence since the game’s all-time player count is just a bit higher at under 13,000 players. Making the current player counts even more interesting, Battlefield 4 is currently the second most popular entry in the franchise on Steam behind Battlefield 2042.
One key reason for the current interest in the game has to do with its price. EA has discounted the first-person shooter by 90% on Steam, leaving it at a small price of $3.99.
This, combined with the current interest in a modern entry of the franchise, makes Battlefield 4 the perfect game to prepare for the series’ future.
BF6 Seems Like A Love Letter To The Series
EA has also discounted other titles like Battlefield 3 to capitalize on the current excitement around the franchise. Moreover, the Battlefield 6 open beta goes live later this weekend for everyone, ensuring fans continue to stay pumped for the series until the end of this year.
On the subject of the beta, early access owners were able to pre-load the beta yesterday, and it has since reached 10K players on Steam.
Are you excited about Battlefield 6? Have you revisited any of the older titles to prepare for the game? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
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.
Story Highlight
Silent Hill f will focus heavily on action sequences as this change will appeal to the game to newer audiences, as per Konami.
Boss fights have drawn Soulslike comparisons and proven to be quite challenging so far.
Such an approach may be risky for Konami with soulslike fatigue settling within gamers.
The horror genre has experienced a massive resurgence in the past few years thanks to Resident Evil. Konami has finally also joined the momentum with the decades-old franchise, Silent Hill, marking a return.
Coming off the success of Silent Hill 2’s Remake, Konami is poised to try something new with the franchise. As such, Silent Hill f is a new beginning for the series and is leaning towards combat since Konami believes that’s what’ll make the series resonate with newer audiences.
Why it matters: Silent Hill isn’t a franchise known for action and combat-focused gameplay. Konami is taking a step forward in the series by bringing this innovation.
Talking to Game*Spark in a new interview, the producer and director discussed Silent Hill f’s approach towards action and why they emphasized combat as a key part of the game.
Challenging action games are popular among younger players — so adding those elements felt right to engage newcomers.
The developers’ primary intent was to open the series’ door to new players. Being the first new mainline entry in the series after 13 years, surely they had to bring in a massive change.
However, this change may not pay well for Konami. Silent Hill f has been drawing soulslike comparisons from its early previews, which isn’t a good thing.
Earlier previews have shown boss fights in the game to be quite brutal. With a stamina bar and tough combat, some players took over an hour to beat the boss.
Aside from the combat, Silent Hill f is looking to be a near-perfect game thanks to its environment, horror elements, and the narrative. Soulslike gameplay has been generating fatigue among gamers, and it may become a cause of concern for many looking to buy the game.
Do you think Silent Hill f will benefit from a big focus on combat sequences? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.