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PlayStation Sends Out Survey Regarding Switch 2 Amid Rumors of New Handheld

Story Highlight
  • PlayStation is asking its users about the Nintendo Switch 2.
  • The gaming giant hopes to gather feedback based on pricing, hardware capabilities, and more.
  • Rumors suggest a dedicated PlayStation handheld is in the works, and this survey provides evidence that this is indeed the case.

Although the Nintendo Switch 2 has captured the handheld market’s attention, both PlayStation and Xbox are also rumored to be working on a similar gaming console.

In fact, it seems that the recent Nintendo Switch 2 announcements have PlayStation asking users for feedback. In a new survey, the gaming giant is directly asking fans about the Nintendo Switch 2, potentially to measure interest in this segment of the market.

Why it matters: PlayStation has not been an active competitor in the handheld market for over a decade, and things have changed drastically since then.

PlayStation Survey Regarding Nintendo Switch 2
PlayStation Survey Regarding Nintendo Switch 2 via Twitter

The Nintendo Switch 2 was fully revealed earlier this week, and PlayStation’s survey appears to focus on key subjects like pricing and availability.

PlayStation asks gamers how they feel about buying the new hardware when considering the current price. It also inquires about the primary reason for gamers wanting to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, giving them choices between new features, upgraded hardware, and more.

Finally, the survey discusses Nintendo’s approach to pre-orders, with the gaming giant hoping to combat scalping. Such feedback could prove invaluable to PlayStation in the future if it hopes to avoid the launch debacle it faced during the PS5’s release.

These questions provide additional evidence that PlayStation is indeed working on a new handheld since it would be odd for the gaming giant to be so specific in its questions if this was not the case.

PlayStation Live Service Games
PlayStation Could Bring Many of Its Biggest Games To The Nintendo Switch 2

The gaming giant’s latest experience with handheld gaming is limited to the PlayStation Portal, a dedicated streaming device. Therefore, feedback from users of Nintendo’s ecosystem could give Sony additional insight into a different segment of the market.

What are your thoughts on these questions? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

New Resident Evil 1 Remake Teased By RE3 Remake’s Jill Voice Actor

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  • The highly rumored Resident Evil 1 remake has now also been teased by RE3 Remake’s Jill voice actor in real life. 
  • When asked whether she would return to play Jill for the new RE1 remake, the voice actor winked at the fan.  
  • Previously, multiple credible insiders have teased that a new remake for the original Resident Evil is in the works.

Capcom has been on a spree to remake many of its classic Resident Evil entries over the years, so fans have long been hyping up a new remake for the original Resident Evil. Recently, multiple insiders have stepped in to clarify that such a project is in the works.

Now, even the Resident Evil 3 remake’s voice actor for Jill, Nicole Tompkins, has joined the rumor mill and teased that a new Resident Evil 1 remake is indeed in development. 

Why it matters: Jill’s voice actor from the RE3 remake teasing the new Resident Evil 1 remake adds further fuel to the rumor mill after multiple notable insiders claimed the same.

I met the real life "Jill Sandwhich" who winked when I asked "Will you play Jill again for RE1 re remake" 😉
byu/1ceC0n inresidentevil

Jill’s voice actor winked at a fan in response to a query about whether she would play Jill for the Resident Evil 1 remake instead of denying her role. Her response quickly spread in the Resident Evil community, with fans now further fanning the flames for an RE1 remake.

Previously, the notable insider Daniel RPK corroborated a report from another source that the Resident Evil 1 remake is indeed a real project and is supposed to launch in 2026. For those not in the know, the next year marks Resident Evil’s thirtieth anniversary.

Additionally, a trademark filed in 2022 also hinted at the Resident Evil 1 remake, so fans are excited to see whether Capcom will reveal official details for the game this year.

Resident Evil 9
Resident Evil 9 is also in development, and Leon is rumored to return as its lead.

At the moment, Capcom is also rumored to be working on multiple other remakes for the Resident Evil franchise after seeing staggering success with the Resident Evil 4 remake two years ago.

Do you think the RE3 remake’s Jill voice actor has confirmed that the new Resident Evil 1 remake is in development, or was the wink just a tease and nothing more? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Nintendo Switch 2 Can Produce Results Similar To Mid-Tier PC, Says Dev

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  • The Nintendo Switch 2 has impressed various third-party studios.
  • Civilization VII developers believe the hardware is comparable to a mid-tier PC.
  • Other studios have also found the new console capable of reducing loading times, delivering higher-resolution assets, and more.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is said to be 10 times more powerful than its predecessor, but Nintendo has yet to say much about its actual hardware. Meanwhile, various games for the console have been announced, and developers are already getting a taste of what the new system can do.

Discussing this hardware, third-party developers have given fans a small taste of what to expect from the Nintendo Switch 2. As per recent interviews, most are fairly impressed with the hybrid console’s capabilities.

Why it matters: The Nintendo Switch was always considered underpowered, with third-party support being a problem. It seems that Nintendo has corrected this problem with its latest offering.

Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 Will Boast Greater Third-Party Support Than Its Predecessor

Speaking to GameFile, developers of games like Civilization VII praised what Nintendo has packed into a compact form factor.

In particular, the Civilization VII graphics team has been quite impressed with what the Nintendo Switch 2 can do. Dennis Shirk, the series’ executive producer, stated that the team has compared this hybrid console to a mid-tier PC.

This is a major step up for Nintendo, considering its last console could not even compete with the PS4 and Xbox One. 

We were able to make this (Nintendo Switch 2) look like a mid-tier PC, because it’s got enough power.

-Dennis Shirk

Civilization VII is one of the many third-party games heading to the console on day one. However, this game’s developers are far from the only ones to have praised Nintendo’s latest hardware.

Avalanche Software, the team behind the massively popular Hogwarts Legacy, shared similar thoughts about the Nintendo Switch 2. They discussed how the new hardware has allowed the team to eliminate various loading sections from the game.

Moreover, Avalanche Software has been able to upgrade the overall asset quality in this version of the game.

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
Various Older Titles Will Be Upgraded For The New Hardware

All in all, Nintendo’s more capable hybrid console is lending itself nicely to third-party development. 

What are your thoughts on the developer’s comments? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Marathon Alpha Playtests Have Already Potentially Started As Rumors Of A Major Announcement Loom Over

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  • Gamers on social media have spotted that secretive Marathon alpha playtests might have already started over on Discord.
  • New channels were made for alpha feedback, general alpha discussion, bug reporting, and more, implying that playtests are underway.
  • Content creators and insiders have also been said to have played the game and given feedback under NDAs. 

Bungie’s upcoming Marathon was rumored to be in development troubles, but the latest updates imply that things are finally looking bright. While speculations of detailed playtests for the game have floated for a while, new findings have now confirmed their existence.

Marathon’s public social media presence has not been very active in the past few months, so fans were concerned about its fate. Now, the latest updates over on the game’s Discord have affirmed that alpha playtests might already be underway.

Why it matters: Rumors surrounding Bungie’s Marathon have been rampant recently, and now these alpha playtests potentially being underway further suggest that a major announcement is imminent later this month.

Marathon
Marathon playtests have potentially already begun on Discord, as suggested by new channels | Source: Reddit.

As spotted by hawk-eyed Reddit users, new channels have been created over on the Marathon’s Discord server that relate to the game’s alpha playtests. These channels range from alpha announcements, general discussions, player feedback, bug reporting, and the like. 

Social media users have also claimed that content creators, insiders, and a select few individuals have already been playtesting the game over the last few months under NDAs. Geoff Keighley has also recently confirmed that he spent playtesting Marathon today.

All these happenings have further fueled the ongoing rumor mill that Bungie is preparing to fully reveal Marathon—or a major announcement is on the back burner for—later this month.

For those not in the know, Bungie’s Marathon is a reboot of the Marathon game from 1994, with the twist of a fun extraction shooter sprinkled in. However, it’s best to be cautiously optimistic about the entry until Bungie reveals more details. 

Do you think Bungie’s Marathon will prove to be an extraction shooter that will shake the genre and win over fans, or will it be forgotten soon after launch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Miyazaki Admits He’s Not A PvP Fan, And The Duskbloods Was Made to Reflect That

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  • Hidekata Miyazaki says he doesn’t like PvP games.
  • The Duskbloods is developed to reflect that and features certain objectives that require players to defeat AI enemies. 
  • Moreover, the game offers a dynamic playstyle that keeps things refreshing for players.

FromSoftware’s latest title disappointed many, as The Duskbloods was revealed to be a multiplayer-only Switch 2 exclusive. While much wasn’t known about the game, director Hidekata Miyazaki recently sat down in an interview to discuss more about it and how it plays out.

Despite its multiplayer-only tag, there’s a deeper level to the game. The Duskbloods also emphasises PvE elements because Miyazaki does not like PvP games.

Why it matters: FromSoftware fans had a divided reception towards the developers’ multiplayer approach. However, The Duskbloods’ approach towards multiplayer mode will surely be pleasing for fans. 

The Duskbloods Looks Awfully Similar To Bloodborne

Talking to Nintendo, as a part of their Creator’s Voice Blog, Miyazaki stated his general dislike of PvP games and how he designed The Duskbloods to make it satisfying for players like him.

I personally am not much of a PvP person, and I wanted to make something that’s satisfying even for players like me.

For those unfamiliar, The Duskbloods features 8 PvPvE elements in a gothic-style world that seems to be inspired by Bloodborne. Miyazaki described more about the game’s style, saying that it wouldn’t always require players to defeat other players and that some victory conditions differ.

Some victory conditions center around defeating a boss enemy

The Duskbloods revolves around victory points; obtaining such a score is entirely up to the players, whether through direct combat with other players or AI enemies or by engaging in opportunistic behavior.

Overall, the game offers a much more dynamic playstyle suited to every type of player.

Elden Ring
With FromSoftware Announcing Elden Ring Nighreign, The Duskbloods Is The Second Consecutive Multiplayer Title By The Developers

Additionally, there are personal objectives for every player in the game, each providing a separate reward and promising a much more refreshing gameplay experience overall.

Still, if players aren’t on Switch 2 or dislike multiplayer games, Miyazaki has confirmed that FromSoftware isn’t shifting its focus and will continue to work on single-player titles.

Will you play The Duskbloods when it releases next year on the Switch 2? Let us know in the comments below or head towards the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

PS5 Has Nearly 10x Fewer Exclusives Than PS3, And 5x Fewer Than PS4

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  • The PS5 has considerably fewer number of exclusives than the PS3 and PS4.
  • The PS3 generation had around 177, the PS4 had around 60 exclusives, compared to the PS5’s 13. 
  • This is due to the prolonged times in game development and massive budgets these days. 

The current console generation is in a very weird spot right now. While we’ve undoubtedly seen more great releases since its advent, it doesn’t even come close in comparison to the older generation, especially the ones that leave a legacy. 

Notably, we’ve even had considerably fewer exclusives for the PS5, compared to last generations, and the difference in the numbers is quite massive. 

Why it matters: The major reason for the decrease in the number of exclusives is based on the fact that game development now takes a very long time and budgets have gotten out of hand.

PlayStation Layoffs
PS5 has the least number of exclusives compared to all previous console generations

For context, the PlayStation 3 had around 177 exclusive games. It also introduced fan favorite franchises like Uncharted, The Last of Us, Infamous, and more. The PS4 had fewer, although a respectable number of around 60 exclusives. 

It also brought the likes of Horizon and Marvel’s Spider-Man franchises to life. Sony has released many of these titles on PC now, but initially all of them were exclusives to the console. For the PS5, the numbers are quite underwhelming. 

Sony PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3 had around 10x times more exclusives than PS5

We’ve just had about 13 exclusive releases for the PS5, this compared to PS4 is around 5x times fewer, and a whopping 10x compared to PS3. Most of them aren’t even new IPs, and are sequels or remasters of the older games. 

This is concerning as we are over halfway through the life cycle of the PS5. Luckily, while PlayStation fans won’t be getting too many releases from Sony, Xbox is launching its titles for the consoles, extending its role as a publisher in the industry. 

What are your thoughts on PS5 having considerably fewer exclusives than the PS3 and PS4? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

Arkane Studio Founder Is Open To Making Dishonored 3

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  • Arkane studio head says he could see himself working on a Dishonored 3.
  • There are currently three pitches for the game.
  • However, the pitches being further developed is highly improbable since Arkane Austin shut down.

Arkane’s lineup is impressive, and it is known for developing major titles like Prey, Deathloop, and, most notably, Dishonored. The first-person stealth franchise is hailed as one of the best in its genre, and despite such critical acclaim and success, Arkane hasn’t revisited Dishonored in almost a decade.

However, Arkane studio’s head and co-founder for Dishonored, Raphaël Colantonio, discussed the possibility of a new title, implying he’s open to making a threequel.

Why it matters: Following the release of Redfall, Arkane needs to redeem itself. A Dishonored 3 could possibly do wonders for Arkane and Xbox.

In a new podcast, Colantonio was asked if he’d be interested in working on a potential Prey sequel. He expressed disinterest in such an idea as Humanhead studio owns the IP and is different from Arkane’s version of Prey.

The studio founder said if they’re talking hypothetically, he’d rather see himself working on a Dishonored threequel instead.

I could see myself working on Dishonored 3 right now because it’s been so long that, you know, why not?

However, Colantonio also added that he likes to create new content rather than work on an existing IP and never envisioned making a Dishonored sequel in the first place.

After Dishonored 1, the last thing I wanted to do for the next four years of my life was Dishonored 2. In general I like to create new stuff.

The studio founder also mentioned that Dishonored 2 director Harvey Smith, Arkane Lyon head Dinga Bakaba, and himself have their ideas for a threequel. However, the chances of these pitches seeing the light of day are almost “science fiction” at this point.

Dishonored 3
Dishonored 3 Was Spotted In Microsoft’s Leaked Roadmap

Moreover, a Dishonored 3 seems unlikely at this point, considering Arkane Austin has been shut down following Redfall’s failure. Arkane Lyon also has their hands full with the upcoming Marvel’s Blade and an unannounced sci-fi FPS.

Additionally, Harvey Smith and Raphaël Colantonio are no longer at Arkane, further reducing any chance for a Dishonored 3.

Do you want Dishonored 3? Let us know in the comments below, or visit the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Devil May Cry 6 Teased By Dante Voice Actor

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  • Dante’s voice actor has hinted at Capcom working on Devil May Cry 6.
  • The franchise has not received a new entry since 2019.
  • Capcom recently released a Netflix adaptation, setting the stage for future announcements while capitalizing on the current excitement for the series.

Devil May Cry has received a burst of new excitement following Netflix’s adaptation of the series. Set before the events of Devil May Cry 3, the new show has both existing fans and newcomers excited for what comes next.

Following the sixth anniversary of Devil May Cry 5 and Hideaki Itsuno’s exit from Capcom, there are plenty of questions about the series’ future. Amid the confusion, Dante’s voice actor seems to have offered a small teaser, potentially hinting at Devil May Cry 6.

Why it matters: Things are looking better than ever for the action games genre, and Devil May Cry’s inevitable revival would be the icing on the cake in this situation.

Reuben Langdon, the voice of Dante, recently discussed Capcom’s failed attempt at rebooting Devil May Cry in 2013. For context, Reuben Langdon has voiced the character since Devil May Cry 3 and has reprised his role in projects like the 2007 anime adaptation and Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

While discussing the subject, Reuben Langdon seemingly slipped up and mentioned Devil May Cry 6. This would not be the first time a voice actor has accidentally revealed the existence of a game, making the implications of the slip-up quite exciting.

They returned and came back with Devil May Cry 6.

Reuben Langdon quickly brushed the subject aside, but fans believe there is more to him mentioning Devil May Cry 6 than meets the eye.

Although it is entirely possible that the statement is nothing more than a mistake, it would make sense for Capcom to make a new game for the series after investing in a big Netflix adaptation.

No Devil May Cry game would be complete without Dante, so it would also be quite fitting for Reuben Langdon to be the one to break the news.

devil may cry 5
The Franchise Has Yet To Receive A New Game Since 2019

Elsewhere, rumors suggest that the team is working on a remake of an older game, so fans should stay tuned for official details in the coming months. Perhaps a new Devil May Cry title will be revealed before the end of 2025.

What are your thoughts on Capcom potentially working on a new Devil May Cry game? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

All Games From Sony’s ‘Only On PlayStation’ Ad Are Now Out On PC

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  • Sony has now released all of its exclusives from its famous PS4 ad on PC. 
  • The Last of Us Part 2’s release on PC marked the final title standing on the list. 
  • This is a move to be more sustainable amid massively increasing development budgets.

PlayStation was once very steadfast on keeping its titles exclusive. It famously released an ad with its most popular exclusives with an ‘Only on PlayStation’ tag. However, that has now been negated with the launch of The Last of Us Part 2 on PC. 

Why it matters: The sequel to Naughty Dog’s critically acclaimed survival IP was the last standing title that hadn’t yet seen a release on PC, as all of them have a PC port now. 

Sony PlayStation
Most of PlayStation’s exclusives are now available on PC

Sony released the much-anticipated The Last of Us Part 2 on PC yesterday. The port has taken a lot of time, as it was initially launched on the PlayStation 4 in 2020. For context, others like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 released a lot sooner. 

The ad featured the likes of Days Gone, Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, Horizon, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man, all of which are now officially available on PC, as part of PlayStation’s push towards extending its games to the platform. 

Naughty Dog New IP
The Last of Us part on PC was the final title to receive a port from the famous ad

Sony has turned towards a multiplatform strategy, keeping in mind the gargantuan budgets involved with development these days. However, unlike Xbox, which is releasing titles on PlayStation as well, it is just sticking to PC for the time being

Nonetheless, Sony hasn’t found too much success with its recent ports. The Last of Us Part 2 opened to only 23K concurrent players. This also has to do with the games being unavailable in certain regions despite the lifting of PSN requirements. 

What are your thoughts on all PlayStation exclusives now available on PC? Is this the right move by Sony? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

 

Marvel’s Wolverine PS5 Development Ongoing, But Don’t Expect Any News From Insomniac

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  • Marvel’s Wolverine has been in development for quite a few years.
  • Despite that, there hasn’t been any information about the title’s launch.
  • The developers tweeted that fans shouldn’t expect news anytime soon as the studio will only do it when they feel ready.

Marvel’s Wolverine was announced nearly half a decade ago, but there is still no information regarding the title’s release date.

The developers went through a rough phase in 2023 when the studio hit one of the biggest leaks in the industry, including the gameplay of Wolverine. Since then, the developers have been quiet about the title’s development.

Many fans still worry about its development and have asked Insomniac for updates. While the studio has reassured fans that development for Wolverine is ongoing, it has also stated that fans do not expect any news from them anytime soon.

Why it matters: While the title was planned to launch in 2025, the developers’ recent behavior suggests it will likely miss its expected release window.

Wolverine Updates
Wolverine Development Is Ongoing – Source: Twitter

Just recently, one of the fans made a sarcastic tweet that Insomniac Games has such a great team that they have been ignoring everyone and not sharing any news about Wolverine. 

In reply, the official Twitter account of Insomniac Games stated that the team is actively working on developing Marvel’s Wolverine for PS5. However, the team is not ready to share any updates.

We’ll share news about the game when *we* are ready to share it. That will always be our answer.

The tweet further states that sharing news with fans requires many things, and it can’t be done only because it has been requested. 

We can’t act on everything requested when things take time, resources, and the greenlight to share them.

Marvel's Wolverine SAG-AFTRA
Wolverine Was Announced Nearly Half A Decade Ago.

While the developers have been quiet about Wolverine’s development, recent reports suggest that the title is being developed smoothly. Therefore, it’s best to trust Insomniac Games and let them cook.

Going by all the leaks and silence from the developers, are you still excited about Marvel’s Wolverine? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or join Tech4Gamers forums. 

I Used The Benks Kevlar Cases For 3 Months: Are They Worth It?

Welcome to the fancy world of mobile phone protection. From a simple mobile phone case, we have come a long way with plenty of customization around these cases including the material, make, build style, and whatnot. Sometimes it is simply a matter of the in-hand feel of the phone with the case on it but other times it is all about form and function.

When it comes to mobile phone cases, we have got Spigen, Mous, CASETiFY, SupCase, and many other well-established and well-known brands providing mobile phone users with different styles and build cases. I, myself have been an avid user of Spigen until I heard of Benks and got my hands on some of their cases for my Samsung Galaxy S24.

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These cases have taken a new leap with the introduction of Kevlar material in the manufacturing of these cases. The Armor series from Benks is all about Kevlar-based build and customization. In this review, I will be taking a look at Montage ArmorPro, Montage ArmorAir, and Lucent Pro cases from Benks.

Here is the pricing:

  • The MagClap Phone Grip & Stand is listed at USD 19.99.
  • The Montage ArmorPro is listed at USD 39.99 after a discount.
  • The Montage ArmorAir is listed at USD 39.99 after a discount.
  • The Lucent Pro is listed at USD 9.99.

As for the specifications of the cases, there is not much data except the material used and the thickness.

  Benks ArmorPro Benks ArmorAir Benks Lucent Pro
Thickness 1.4mm 1.2mm 1.8mm
Material 600D and 1500D Kevlar Fiber, TPU, PC, Magnet, Aluminum Alloy 600D and 1500D Kevlar Fiber TPU, PC, Magnet, Aluminum Allo
[toc]

Packaging

Benks Cases Packaging
Packaging

The Magnetic ring holder or stand comes in a shipping box made of paperboard material. The cases are shipped in a hard board box with a transparent cover on top so that the user can see the cases. One thing I noticed about the Armor series cases is that there is no model printed on the top distinguishing which one is which model.

Design

It is time to take a look at these cases. I will combine the Armor series cases under a single category. Let’s start with the Lucent Pro case first.

Lucent Pro Case

Lucent Pro Case Main Design

The Lucent Pro stands out from the Crystal Case in terms of the materials. While both cases use PC (Polycarbonate) materials, the Lucent Pro incorporates PC back with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) frame. This provides better clarity while additional shock absorption is ensured.

One thing with clear cases is that they turn yellow over time. The Lucent Pro addresses this by using PC and TPU. The TPU provides an additional layer of protection in case of accidental falls. However, no matter what, the yellowish is hard to escape with and this is where Benks covers you for good by offering a replacement with a new case.

While the lip is not sleek, it is not the point here anyway. Clarity and ruggedness are the two main objectives of this case.

This case is 1.8mm thick. It fits perfectly with the Samsung Galaxy S24 in terms of hole spacing and button coverage. It covers the volume and power buttons adding more to the protection level. It leaves enough space around the key areas like speakers, USB C port, etc so that users can access these areas conveniently.

Lucent Pro with Magnet accessory
Lucent Pro with Magnet accessory

Benks uses LevitaMag technology in which the magnets are encapsulated inside the case’s backplate (white color ring on the backside). This way the magnets are not exposed hence reducing the risk of detachment, scratching, or even accumulating dust on the back side.=

ArmorPro/ArmorAir Cases

It is time to take a look at the main center of attraction here which is the Armor series case. These cases utilize the DuPont Kevlar fiber among the building material providing the next level of ultimate protection for your mobile.

ArmorPro/ArmorAir Cases
ArmorPro/ArmorAir Cases

Both cases feature DuPont 600D and 1500D Kevlar fiber materials. The Pro version also uses the PC and TPU materials providing extra in terms of overall ruggedness and durability. This raises the bar for the ultimate protection should you experience a phone’s accidental fall. Both cases come equipped with a magnetic connection so that you can attach magnetic accessories. The magnetic backplate is hidden.

Another key difference here is the varying textures in both cases. While they appear similar, there are subtle differences in the texture pattern of both. The main area on the lower right has a slippery sort of texture compared to the resistive texture on the top right and bottom left. Together they provide soft, comfy, but a good grip to the mobile. At first, it will appear as slipping through your hands but after some time, you will start to feel the good grip of the case. So, give it some time.

Another design aspect is the raised or elevated camera lip on both cases. This raised lip encapsulates the lens on the mobile phone providing utmost protection.

 

One thing that you would observe is the sleek lip on the ArmorPro case, unlike the ArmorAir case. It stands out clearly. The placement of covers and cutouts is perfect for your mobile phone. It has a 1:1 button protector. Some of the differences between both cases include:

  • ArmorPro is 1.4mm thick whereas ArmorAir is 1.2mm thick
  • ArmorPro covers the power and volume buttons unlike ArmorAir
  • ArmorPro provides a sleek lip unlike the textured on ArmorAir
  • ArmorPro appears more rugged compared to ArmorAir
ArmorPro with magnet accessory
ArmorPro with magnet accessory

Both cases come equipped with a magnetic connection much like the Lucent Pro case. This makes these cases a perfect buy for your phone as you can easily attach magnetic accessories to your mobile phone with convenient handling.

MagClap Phone Grip and Stand

Phone grip & stand is a handy accessory when employed with the Benks cases. This is made of PC, PET, and Magnet materials. It has a diameter of 60mm and a thickness of 3.9mm only with a weight of 22 grams ensuring that you don’t experience fatigue from extra weight while providing extra carry grip to your phone.

This stand has a nice textured surface providing a rough feel. It comes equipped with N52 magnets providing a powerful connection with the cases. It has a sleek and hidden pivot plate that runs 360° which can be rotated to 180° after opening the plate.

Fitment And User Experience

The reason why this content is delayed stems from the fact that I have been using these cases for a few months to get the real experience and feel so that I can describe my real-world user experience. Let’s start with the Lucent Pro case.

The Lucent Pro case is an easy snap-on and take-off design. In case you are wondering how to remove these cases, just place your fingers on the corner facing the lens. Place a thumb over the lower edge of the lens lip and pull the corner of the case with your fingers. It will come loose and you can easily remove the rest of the case.

The Lucent Pro covers all the ports with 1:1 fitment over the buttons. Since this case has a 1.8mm thickness, you will feed extra weight. The grip is good and it is not a slippery feel. Whether you like it or not is totally up to the user’s requirements. I did not experience any issue with this case except that it may feel a bit bulky.

The lip guarding the camera lens is wide enough and provides an extra layer of protection. It just does not sit in line with the lens but it has a protruded design raising the lip over the lens. I would rate this case 8 out of 10.

When it comes to the Montage ArmorPro case, I am having a superb experience with this case. It provides ultimate protection with DuPont D600 and D1500 Kevlar fiber. Its sleek lip and 1:1 button coverage with a raised lip over the camera lens take the game to the next level.

In terms of the feel and grip of this case, I was skeptical at first since it was a bit slippery but then I started to get a good grip as my hand synchronized with it. Its 1.4mm thickness does not add more to the weight and you will still feel the same light weight of the S24 as without this case. I am rating this case 9.5 out of 10.

The Montage ArmorAir case has the same feel and grip as on the ArmorPro but it somehow lacks that confidence feeling that comes from the ArmorPro. This is partially coming from its thin body and no button coverage.

It is light weight hence it will not contribute more to the overall weight of the mobile with the case. It has the same lens protection as the ArmorPro. The cutouts provide good clearance on the ports for convenient access. I am rating this case 8 out of 10.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If

✅You are looking for ultimate protection: The Montage Armor series cases feature DuPont D600 and D1500 Kevlar Fiber material providing the ultimate level of protection to your phone.

✅Visuals are your thing: The Montage Armor series case features form and function. The ArmorPro features a multi-texture pattern on the back with a raised lip for lens protection.

✅You need a magnetic connection: Android phones typically lack the Magnetic backplate but thanks to Benks MagClap concept, you can have a magnetic connection feature on your Android with powerful N52 magnets.

✅You want a transparent case: The Lucent Pro is a transparent cover that not only has almost all of the Armor series features except Kevlar but it is also 1.8mm thick providing extra protection.

✅You like good value: Benks is giving a better value by providing more features in an attractive price bracket compared to the likes of Spigen MagFit cases that start over USD 54.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You already have a good case: The only real reason to skip these cases is if you already have a nice case for your phone that you’re comfortable with. Otherwise, these are simply great!

Conclusion

I have got a chance to experience Benks Kevlar cases for Samsung Galaxy S24. These cases are Montage ArmorPro and Montage ArmorAir. Both feature DuPont D600 and D1500 Kevlar fiber providing the ultimate level of protection to your phone. The Pro version also utilizes the PC, TPU, Magnet, and Aluminum Alloy materials.

Both cases provide a multi-textured grip on the back and both come equipped with magnetic backplates using an N52 magnet. These cases support a range of magnetic accessories be it wireless charging, a stand, or external storage. The Pro version features a sleek lip all around the phone’s frame and an elevated lens lip for an extra level of protection for your camera lens.

The difference between both is that the Pro is 0.4mm thicker than the Air version. Pro has a complete all-round sleek lop with 1:1 button coverage unlike the textured boundary on the Air and large cutouts exposing the phone’s buttons. However, the feel and grip of both cases is almost identical from the back.

There is also a Lucent Pro which is a transparent case made of PC and TPU materials. Combined, these two materials provide extra ruggedness and a somewhat long life before it starts turning yellow. If that happens, Benks will provide a replacement with a new Lucent Pro case. This case is 1.8mm thick and it also covers the buttons on the mobile.

The MagClap phone grip & stand is a handy accessory utilizing the magnetic connection on Benks cases and serves two purposes; it acts as a stand with 180° rotation on the hidden pivot table. It also has a cover that can be lifted off to provide extra grip to the phone and it can rotate 360° in this manner.

All cases serve different purposes but for me, my pick is ArmorPro hands down. This is coming from a hardcore Spigen user.

 

FromSoftware To Continue Developing Single-Player Games After Duskbloods, Confirms CEO

Story Highlight
  • FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki says that the studio is not giving up on the single-player genre moving forward.
  • The team intends to continue actively developing its traditional entries after it is done with The Duskbloods.
  • FromSoftware has not shifted to a multiplayer-focused direction despite The Duskbloods and Nightreign being online multiplayer games.

The latest Nintendo Direct was full of surprises and controversies for the upcoming Switch 2 handheld because of the new detail reveals. However, FromSoftware also stole some of the spotlight by announcing a new Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods.

Many fans were disgruntled to learn that it is another online title like the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign. This made a lot of gamers doubt the future direction of FromSoftware as a whole. The studio CEO, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has now directly addressed these concerns. 

Why it matters: FromSoftware’s reassurance to focus on single-player games in the future is a sigh of relief for many gamers who were disappointed to learn that The Duskbloods was yet another online project.

duskbloods featured
The Duskbloods’ reveal has been met with varying opinions in the gaming scene.

The Souls-like genre creator clarified in a new interview with Nintendo that FromSoftware is not departing from the single-player genre moving forward despite the online focus in its recent games.

[The Duskbloods] is an online multiplayer title at its core, but this doesn’t mean that we as a company have decided to shift to a more multiplayer-focused direction with titles going forward.

He explained that FromSoftware still plans to actively pursue its critically acclaimed traditional style, which has dominated the gaming scene for a long time.

We still intend to actively develop single player focused games such as this that embrace our more traditional style.

On a similar note, Hidetaka revealed that The Duskbloods was in development for the original Switch before the plans changed.

The game maps for The Duskbloods feature heavy Gothic and Victorian-style aesthetics. 

As per Miyazaki, The Duskbloods’ gameplay loop is based around online matches that support up to 8 players who can choose and customize their characters to finish objectives for rewards. There can be several victory conditions, one being ‘the last man standing.’

Do you think FromSoftware will develop more games in the genres it has dominated thus far, or will the studio continue to experiment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.