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I Found Three Budget-Friendly Gaming PCs That Are Perfect For Holidays

Earlier this month, we saw some great tech deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, if you couldn’t get your hands on a gaming PC deal during the sales season, no worries. I have gone through Amazon, Newegg, and other online retailers to round up the top three gaming PCs that offer the most value and performance for the money.

The graphics card was my main priority since it’s the key to the most framerates in pretty much any game, especially on a budget build, where you can cut down on extra bells and whistles like looks and RGB. To keep things straightforward, I focused on three price points: $800, $800, and $1,000. For each budget, I went through all the available deals, cross-checked their performance, and identified the PC that offers the best value, so you can find the perfect fit without breaking the bank.

Under $1000: iBUYPOWER Scale Orange – RTX 4060 Ti with Ryzen 5 7600

My first recommendation for anyone with a $1000 budget is this prebuilt PC from iBUYPOWER. It features an RTX 4060 Ti paired with the Ryzen 5 7600 processor. The 4060 Ti is a great choice for 1080p to 1440p gaming. In addition to that, if you turn on DLSS, you may get playable framerates at 4K on some titles as well. However, I would recommend it for its 1080p to 1440p performance, it can easily run competitive games at high FPS without any issues.

The Ryzen 7600 is also a solid option for both gaming and productivity. It has 6 cores, 12 threads, and a boost clock speed of up to 5.1 GHz, so you can even put some CPU-bounded workloads on it. The PC also packs 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, so you’re getting the latest memory, plus a 1TB NVMe SSD that delivers super-fast boot and game load times.

Under $800: ViprTech Ghost – RTX 3060 with Ryzen 5 5600G

For a $800 budget, you’ll get the most value out of your money by going with last-gen components. Now, this doesn’t mean that this is a bad configuration; in fact, an RTX 3060 paired with the 5600G makes it a great choice for high frame rates at 1080p. And, since this is a 12GB VRAM graphics card, you may even get decent FPS at 1440p in some games out of it. We recently saw that the RTX 3060 actually outperforms its predecessor, the RTX 4060, in Indiana Jones, meaning you can easily run all the latest games on it.

As for the 5600G, it is a good mid-range choice that can handle both gaming and productivity workloads. The “G” in its name means it also has integrated graphics (Vega 7). This makes it easier to troubleshoot in case you ever run into display problems in the future. This PC also has 16GB RAM, but you only get a 512GB SSD. If you play lots of games, this may not be enough, and you might want to look into getting a separate hard drive for extra storage. 

Under $500: STGAubron Gaming – RX 5600 XT with Core i5

Honestly, I would not recommend buying a prebuilt gaming PC under a $500 budget. Instead, you should look into the Facebook marketplace and score a second-hand motherboard, PC case, processor, and other components to get a better deal; this will give you more value for your money. However, if getting a prebuilt gaming PC is your only choice, I would recommend STGAubron’s RX 5600 XT with an Intel Core i5 processor.

It comes with an RX 5600 XT, a two-generation older graphics card. However, it is still good enough for casual 1080p gaming. If you’re into competitive FPS games like CS:2, Valorant, and Apex Legends, this card can handle it all. The PC also comes with a 512GB SSD and 16 GB of RAM, so the configuration is decent. It’s pretty much the most you can get from a prebuilt that costs less than $500.

Wind Waker: The Underrated Gem Of The Zelda Franchise

Story Highlights

  • The Wind Waker was initially criticized for its cartoonish art style but later gained appreciation.
  • Its immersive world, sailing mechanics, and sense of wonder made it stand out over time.
  • The game’s emotional depth and bold design have left a lasting influence on the Zelda series.

When I think about The Legend of Zelda series, the names that typically dominate the conversation are Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom. However, one title that doesn’t always get the love it deserves is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

To me, The Wind Waker stands out as an underrated gem, a masterpiece that challenged the conventions of its times. Over the years, it has come to be appreciated for its charm, art direction, and bold gameplay choices.

Yet, despite the deep love many of us have for it today, it had a rocky start. Released in 2002 on the GameCube, it was divisive. According to the player’s discussion, those who were used to the darker, more realistic visuals of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask were initially put off by its cel-shaded, cartoonish art style.

A Bold Aesthetic Choice That Paid Off

The most immediate point of contention was, of course, the art style. Back in the early 2000s, video games were striving for realism. It was an era defined by games like Halo and Metal Gear Solid. Each of these titles pushed the boundaries of what video games could look like.

Against this backdrop, Wind Waker’s vibrant, colorful, and “cartoonish” visuals felt like a departure from the norm. People argued that it made the game look childish, dismissing it before even giving it a proper chance.

Windfall Island’s Colorful & Cartoonish Visuals – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

Looking back, Wind Waker’s cel-shaded art has aged far better than most of its contemporaries. Its timeless aesthetic, vibrant colors, and fluid animations still feel fresh. The game’s liveliness is something many modern titles can’t match.

And it’s not just the visual appeal that’s timeless. The world of Wind Waker itself feels alive. As Link sails the Great Sea, the way the wind catches the sails, the way the ocean sways and ripples, it all feels so immersive.

Sailing in Wind Waker is a meditative experience. Although it was criticized back in the day for being slow, many players loved the sailing aspect. The deliberate pace allows you to soak in the adventure.

A World Of Wonder And Whimsy

One of the things that I believe makes Wind Waker so special is its sense of wonder. The open seas, dotted with mysterious islands and strange creatures, give the game an exploratory feel that, in many ways, was ahead of its time.

Long before Breath of the Wild offered an open-world Zelda experience, Wind Waker encouraged players to sail into the unknown. Along the way, they could discover hidden treasures, strange dungeons, and quirky characters.

The Wind Waker
Helmaroc King, Servant Of Ganondorf – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

For example, Dragon Roost Island, with its towering volcano and Rito inhabitants, or the haunting Forest Haven, home to the Koroks. Each feels distinct with its own culture and challenges.

Even the dungeons, while fewer in number compared to other entries in the series are memorable for their creativity. Whether it’s swinging across lava pits in the Dragon Roost Cavern or manipulating the wind itself in the Wind Temple, Wind Waker continually finds new ways to surprise the player.

A Journey Of Emotion And Legacy

What elevates Wind Waker is its emotional depth. The story begins with Link rescuing his sister Aryll but quickly grows into a narrative about destiny, the end of the world, and past echoes. Moreover, Ganondorf is portrayed as a tragic figure longing for a lost world, adding emotional richness to the game.

The Wind Waker
Story Begins With Rescuing Aryll – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

And let’s not forget about the King of Red Lions, Link’s talking boat is more than transportation, he’s a character with a tragic past. By the end, their relationship feels bittersweet and meaningful.

Though not fully embraced at first, Wind Waker’s bright, colorful art style has influenced later Zelda games like A Link Between Worlds, solidifying its place in the franchise. The game broke away from expectations and paved the way for more experimental Zelda titles.

In the end, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker was initially underrated, but it took time for the gaming community to fully appreciate it. If you haven’t revisited it lately, it’s a journey worth taking. With its boldness, quirks, and charm, Wind Waker is a timeless classic deserving its place among the best Zelda games.

Black Myth Studio CEO Criticizes TGA; Says He Doesn’t Get The Criteria

Story Highlight

  • Game Science CEO has spoken against TGA for its award-winning criteria. 
  • He says he prepared his speech 2 years ago as he was very confident in the title. 
  • Feng said he’s proud of all the nominations and awards they won.

Black Myth: Wukong was undoubtedly the star of the show for 2024. Released by Game Science, a Chinese studio, it took the gaming world by storm. However, its lack of a Game of the Year award win at TGA 24 has the studio CEO questioning the criteria. 

Why it matters: Having come fresh from an Ultimate GOTY award at the Golden Joystick Awards, Black Myth was nicely poised to win the accolade at the TGA as well, but Astro Bot was crowned as the winner. 

Black Myth Wukong Featured
Black Myth failed to win the GOTY award at TGA.

Game Science CEO Feng Ji took to Chinese Social Media Weibo to criticize TGA’s award criteria. He said he’s proud of the four nominations that they bagged and especially proud of winning the Player’s Voice award. 

I still can’t figure out what the criteria were for Game of the Year. I feel like I came all the way here for nothing!

– Feng Ji

Black Myth: Wukong
Game Science’ title won the ultimate GOTY at Golden Joystick

Furthermore, he praised the games nominated for the GOTY this year but said that he can’t figure out the ultimate criteria for winning. Feng said he came all the way to TGA for nothing.

The speech for the annual game was written two years ago, but it was not used.

He revealed that he wrote this GOTY accepting speech two years ago because he was so confident in his game, only to never get a chance to deliver it all. 

Nonetheless, Black Myth managed to win several awards, including Best Action Game and Player’s Voice. Game Science should keep its head up, as it has done some brilliant work this year and put the Chinese studios on the gaming map. 

Do you think Black Myth not winning GOTY at the TGA was wrong? Did the game deserve the accolade? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

Is PlayStation Hinting At An Uncharted Reboot?

Story Highlights

  • Hints from a PS5 ad and Astro’s Playroom suggest that PlayStation might be teasing a new Uncharted game.
  • A scene in PlayStation’s “Live From PS5” ad fueled speculation about the franchise’s return.
  • While Naughty Dog is unlikely to lead a new Uncharted game, another studio could take over, but nothing has been officially confirmed.

For fans of the Uncharted series, recent developments suggest that PlayStation might be teasing the return of this franchise. The series is known for its cinematic storytelling and Nathan Drake’s thrilling adventures. However, the series has remained dormant since Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End was released in 2016.

However, a few recent hints, including a new Astro Bot game and a PS5 ad, have sparked speculation that a reboot might be coming. Let’s break down the clues.

The Astro Bot Connection

One of the most exciting hints came from Astro’s Playroom, a creative platformer from Team Asobi that comes pre-installed on the PlayStation 5. Astro’s Playroom is packed with nostalgic cameos from PlayStation’s most iconic franchises, including Ape Escape, God of War, Horizon, LocoRoco, and Uncharted.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (PC)
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy Raised The Bar For Visuals In 2017 – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

In fact, Uncharted isn’t just featured as a small cameo. It has an entire level dedicated to Nathan Drake’s adventures, allowing players to relive the treasure-hunting thrill of the series.

For a game to prominently feature Uncharted in this way, especially since the franchise has been on hiatus for several years, feels significant. It’s almost as if Sony is subtly reminding players of the importance of Uncharted within its legacy.

While Uncharted is one of PlayStation’s biggest franchises, it hasn’t had a new mainline entry since 2016, and Nathan Drake hasn’t been the face of PlayStation as he once was. The series remains a fan favoriteand even though Uncharted has been dormant, it’s hard to ignore how much love there is for the franchise.

The PS5 Ad Tease

Another major clue surfaced in PlayStation’s recent “Live From PS5” ad, which presented live-action sequences from several key franchises. A brief moment had Uncharted fans buzzing among scenes from Spider-Man, God of War, and Horizon.

The scene shows a young girl holding a torch approaching a shiny treasure on a pedestal in a dark cave. Fans quickly speculated that this could be Cassie Drake, Nathan Drake’s daughter, introduced at the end of Uncharted 4.

PlayStation is reportedly working on a new Uncharted game, and Cassie Drake will likely be the protagonist. Nathan Drake’s story was neatly wrapped up in Uncharted 4. However, the game’s epilogue introduced us to his daughter Cassie. This hints that she might one day follow in her father’s footsteps.

While Sony hasn’t confirmed anything, this clip immediately fueled speculation. A new Uncharted game, possibly starring Cassie Drake, could be in the works. It wouldn’t be the first time Sony has teased an upcoming release in such a subtle manner.

In 2021, PlayStation featured a symbol from Resident Evil 4 in one of its ads months before officially announcing the remake. This could be a similar tactic for teasing a new Uncharted instalment.

Can The Series Succeed Without Naughty Dog?

A potential Uncharted reboot raises the question of who would develop it, as Naughty Dog has expressed they are “done” with Nathan Drake’s story. The Naughty Dog’s co-president, Neil Druckmann, mentioned they are open to another studio continuing the series, provided it stays true to its core.

Uncharted 2 Opening Scene
Uncharted 2 Opening Scene – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

If a reboot does happen, it might be developed by another studio. One candidate is Bend Studio, known for Uncharted: Golden Abyss on the PlayStation Vita. Bend Studio has experience with the franchise, making it a natural fit to take over the reins.

Uncharted isn’t just about thrilling action sequences or puzzle-solving. The challenge, of course, is ensuring that the new game captures what made the original series so special.

What’s Next For Uncharted?

Maybe I’m reading too much into this. Maybe Sony thought a girl with a torch in a cave looked cool, and there’s no Uncharted reboot coming. But honestly? I don’t think that’s the case. While nothing is confirmed yet, the signs are there. 

Uncharted Lost Legacy's Gameplay
The Stunning World Of Lost Legacy – Image Credit (PlayStation)

As a longtime fan of the series, I can’t help but feel like we’re on the cusp of something big. Whether it’s a reboot featuring Cassie Drake or a spin-off, the clues are adding up.

Well, I’m happy because the prospect of returning to the Uncharted universe is just too exciting to ignore. I hope we get some answers soon. If Sony is listening, consider this my formal plea for more Uncharted.

Is An Until Dawn Sequel Finally On The Horizon?

Story Highlights

  • Until Dawn became a cult hit for its blend of cinematic horror and player choice since its 2015 release.
  • Supermassive Games chose unconventional expansions like VR spin-offs and The Dark Pictures Anthology over a direct sequel.
  • The recent PS5 remake has renewed hopes for a sequel, hinting at a potential return to the franchise.

The horror game Until Dawn is a unique entry in the genre. It blends cinematic tension, branching storylines, and player choice in a way that captivated audiences upon its release in 2015.

Though it wasn’t an immediate blockbuster, Until Dawn gained a cult following over time. This was especially true among players’ reviews and YouTube creators, who elevated the game through reaction videos and showcased its story’s replayability.

Despite its success, Supermassive Games, the studio behind Until Dawn, has avoided creating a straightforward sequel, leaving fans wondering if it will ever happen. However, recent developments have hinted that a true sequel might finally be within reach.

The Shift From Until Dawn To VR Spin-Offs

Released as a PS4 exclusive, Until Dawn became a sleeper hit, earning a dedicated fanbase through its unique horror and interactive storytelling blend. Allowing players to influence the story’s outcome offered a cinematic experience akin to horror movies while adding the twist of player agency.

Until Dawn’s interactive narrative structure captured fans’ attention and left them hoping for more. Yet, despite this anticipation, Supermassive Games took a somewhat unconventional approach to expanding the Until Dawn universe.

Until Dawn
Face Your Fears In Until Dawn – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

In 2016, the developer released Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, a VR spin-off set in the same universe. However, it was an on-rails shooter rather than a narrative-driven horror experience. This significantly departed from the main game’s focus on decision-making and horror.

Then came The Inpatient in 2018, another VR set in the Until Dawn universe, but this time as a prequel. Though it returned to Blackwood Mountain, the setting of Until Dawn, it offered only a two-hour first-person survival experience. This strayed far from the branching narratives that Until Dawn fans loved.

Following The Inpatient, Supermassive’s focus remained on VR with games like Bravo Team and Shattered State, which barely resonated with the horror fans who had championed the original game.

Shifting Focus: From Spin-offs To Possible Sequel

After several VR spin-offs and experimental projects, Supermassive shifted to The Dark Pictures Anthology, a series of stand-alone horror games. Each entry explored a different facet of horror, with choices and narratives influenced by player decisions, a nod to what made Until Dawn famous.

A Fresh Take On Horror: The Dark Pictures Anthology – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

While The Dark Pictures Anthology seemed to echo Until Dawn’s formula, fans noted several differences. The stories were shorter, lacked the depth of the original game, and offered an anthology format instead of a continuous storyline.

In 2022, Supermassive released The Quarry, widely regarded as a spiritual successor to Until Dawn. The game featured similar mechanics and atmosphere but was not directly connected to Until Dawn’s story or characters. While familiar, The Quarry failed to captivate fans as much as Until Dawn did.

This year, Until Dawn was re-released on PS5 with updated graphics and gameplay, bringing the horror classic to a new generation. The remake hints at a possible direct sequel.

It’s worth noting that Ballistic Moon developed this remake. This raises speculation that another studio could potentially handle a sequel, freeing up Supermassive’s resources while expanding on the original’s universe.

Will Until Dawn 2 Ever Happen?

Supermassive Games often surprises fans with unexpected choices. While developing Little Nightmares 3, which is delayed to 2025, the studio is experimenting with various horror formats. However, the success of Until Dawn still looms large, and its loyal fanbase continues to call for a sequel.

The Until Dawn Remake Misses The Mark For Fans – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

The timing of the Until Dawn remake might spark renewed interest in the universe, possibly with a new team. However, Sony should have focused on developing a sequel instead of this unnecessary remake. 

Though no official announcement has been made, a true Until Dawn sequel may be on the horizon, aiming to bring back the beloved elements of tension, choice, and character-driven horror.

If it happens, fans could finally get the long-awaited follow-up. For now, it remains a cult classic, a unique achievement in the genre with the potential for an exciting revival.

Why We Need More Multiplayer Games Like Space Marine 2

Story Highlights

  • Space Marine 2 brings back the fun of classic multiplayer without repetitive challenges or constant updates.
  • Other games, like Concord, rely too heavily on battle passes and microtransactions and fail to maintain our interest.
  • Players want games that respect their time, offering full content upfront without relying on microtransactions.

Many developers say live service game models are unsustainable in today’s world, which has been dominated by such games over recent years. Games like Assassin’s Creed Infinity heavily focus on microtransactions, exemplify this trend.

In contrast, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offers a refreshing throwback. It is confirmed that the game will not feature microtransactions, focusing instead on delivering a full gaming experience without in-game purchases.

This approach is a welcome change. Space Marine 2 effectively rekindles the joy of multiplayer gaming. After immersing myself in it, I can confidently say we need more games like this that remind us why we love multiplayer.

What Makes Space Marine 2 So Refreshing?

For those who haven’t yet dived into Space Marine 2, it’s a sci-fi shooter set in the rich Warhammer 40K universe, designed to evoke the spirit of old-school gaming. You step into the role of a Space Marine, clad in heavy power armor, battling through hordes of Tyranids in the campaign.

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2
The Campaign Delivers An Impressive Sense Of Scale – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

However, what really makes the game shine is its multiplayer modes: the competitive Eternal War and cooperative Operations. These modes bring back a style of multiplayer gaming that feels nostalgic yet incredibly engaging.

It takes me back to when you’d buy a game and feel like you had everything you needed from the get-go. You didn’t have to worry about battle passes, DLCs, or whether you’d miss out if you didn’t log in every day.

Space Marine 2 is not a game designed to keep you coming back for daily challenges or seasonal content drops. Instead, it offers a well-rounded multiplayer, immediately engaging experience, allowing you to jump in, have fun, and get out when you’re done. It’s a format I’ve missed, and I’m not alone.

Why Other Games Like Concord Felt Like A Letdown

Let’s compare this to Concord, an excellent example of what many modern multiplayer games get wrong. When Concord was announced, it promised new ideas and engaging gameplay but ended up being another derivative live service game.

In contrast to Space Marine 2’s diverse multiplayer modes and solid campaign, Concord focused entirely on the live service model. It lacked meaningful content and variety, relying instead on frequent updates and microtransactions to keep players hooked.

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2
Space Marine 2 Is A Nostalgic Revival Done Right – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

The problem is that in today’s saturated market, that formula alone just isn’t enough. We all want something more, something complete and satisfying right from the start. 

However, I appreciate a well-executed live service game. As the director of Hell Divers 2 notes, these games can thrive when done right because it’s hard to get excited about a game that’s essentially a remix of elements we’ve seen countless times before.

However, I’ve noticed that many players today are frustrated with multiplayer games due to live service models and unfinished products. There’s a real desire to return to the classic multiplayer experiences of the early 2000s, where games came complete and didn’t rely on constant online updates or grind-heavy systems.

Games Deserve To Be More Than Live Services

When I think of Space Marine 2, I think of games like Titanfall 2, a well-loved Steam title. It features a robust multiplayer experience with classic mechanics and no microtransactions. That simplicity and fun are why I still enjoy it today.

I’m not against live service games; I’ve had great experiences with No Man’s Sky and Fortnite. However, not every game should follow that path, as everyone tries to replicate these games. There’s a growing hunger for games that offer a complete package right from the start, without the need for constant updates or seasons.

I want more games like Space Marine 2 that are a throwback to a simpler gaming era. The focus should be on gameplay, not endless battle passes or microtransactions. Space Marine 2 gets this right, and I hope it’s a sign of more to come.

Chasing Graphics: Is Halo Studios Missing The Mark?

Story Highlights

  • Halo prioritizes atmosphere, story, and gameplay over cutting-edge graphics, often overlooked in recent critiques.
  • Developing recent Halo games for older consoles like the Xbox One limits next-gen visuals but doesn’t diminish the core experience.
  • While ultra-realistic graphics are often praised in the gaming industry, Iconic designs and immersive worlds define Halo.

Over the years, I’ve seen countless franchises compete for the title of “best graphics.” The gaming community often fixates on this, and it’s easy to understand why. Every new console, like the PS5 Pro, promises groundbreaking visuals, aiming to redefine gaming experiences.

Yet, when I think about Halo, something always stands out; it’s never been about the graphics. Sure, stunning visuals can be nice, but as a long-time player, I’ve always been drawn to something much more profound.

Halo 3
Halo Game Visuals – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

Halo Infinite, in particular, has become a point of contention among fans due to its graphics. But in my experience, the core appeal of Halo has never been about how realistic the Brutes look or how detailed the environments are. It’s always been about the atmosphere, the story, and the gameplay.

Craig The Brute And The Cross-Gen Dilemma

Remember Craig the Brute? When Halo Infinite gameplay footage was revealed, Craig became an instant meme. His blank expression while getting battered by Master Chief was hilarious, but there’s more to that story.

Craig became a symbol for criticism of the game’s graphics. Yet, I think this criticism misses the point. Halo Infinite deserves more recognition for effectively blending classic and modern elements of the franchise. Built to run on the Xbox One since 2013, it doesn’t make sense to expect graphics on par with newer titles.

Microsoft has a strategy, albeit a confusing one, to keep its current audience happy. Halo Infinite isn’t only being developed for the Xbox Series X; it’s also designed to work on the base Xbox One from 2013. This means that the game’s graphics aren’t as groundbreaking as some fans might expect. 

XBOX Cloud Gaming: Halo Infinite Adventure
Halo Infinite Adventure – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

And honestly, has Halo ever needed groundbreaking visuals? Even when I played Halo 3 in 2007, I wasn’t comparing it to the visual powerhouses of the time like Uncharted. Instead, I was immersed in the gripping space opera story, the tense firefights, and the epic set pieces. The graphics were secondary.

Halo’s Unique Character Designs

One thing that’s always stood out to me about Halo is its character designs. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of Halo’s alien enemies. The Hunters’ massive neck braces and organic, worm-like composition are an incredible visual.

Even now, I find myself pondering the alien lifeforms inside that shell. Jackals, with their quick, reptilian movements, still feel distinct and exciting. These are designs that transcend the need for hyper-realistic graphics. They’re imaginative, and they foster an atmosphere that sticks with you.

Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite Gameplay In Action – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

I recently played through the original Bungie quadrilogy and never thought, “These games need better graphics”. In fact, when I tried to play Halo: Combat Evolved with 343’s “Anniversary” enhanced graphics, it felt wrong.

It ruined the old-school atmosphere with unnecessary visual additions that distracted me from the original vision. For me, the simpler, more minimalist design captured the essence of Halo.

Graphics Vs. Gameplay: What Matters?

And that’s where I think things went astray. Since Bungie left the series in 2010, 343 Industries has been chasing fidelity with games like Halo 5: Guardians. However, that focus on ultra-detailed visuals came at the cost of what made Halo special. Many fans loved Bungie’s playful design philosophy, which has gradually faded.

That’s why, despite its flaws, Halo Infinite felt like a step in the right direction. It wasn’t trying to outshine Call of Duty or Battlefield in the graphics department. Instead, it leaned into what makes Halo great: its distinctive look, exciting gameplay, and immersive world.

When I watched the Halo Infinite demo after replaying Halo 2, it felt like opening a box of childhood toys. It was nostalgic and comforting. The models might not have been the most detailed, but they brought back that familiar charm of action figures to life.

I’m here for that. Graphics are nice, but for me, Halo will always be about the magic that happens when you’re immersed in its world, not just how it looks in 4K.

Why Fans Are Outraged By Black Myth: Wukong’s GOTY Snub

Story Highlights

  • Despite impressive sales, Black Myth: Wukong has been overlooked for GOTY nominations, leading to fan frustration.
  • Sales figures indicate popularity but don’t guarantee critical acclaim, especially in a competitive year filled with solid titles.
  • The game’s exclusion has ignited cultural debates about representation in gaming, yet its impact is significant regardless of awards.

I have closely followed Black Myth: Wukong since its first trailer dropped. Like many others, I was blown away by the stunning visuals, epic boss fights, and unique approach to the Journey to the West mythos.

Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong Stunning Visuals – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

When the game finally launched, it made an impressive debut, attracting millions of players in days. But despite all this success, the game has been missing from major GOTY nominations, including the Golden Joystick Awards and Polygon, and fans are not taking it well.

Even though the game secured the GOTY award at the 2024 Thailand Game Awards, it will face even stiffer competition at The Game Awards in December, where it’s up against other top titles for the ultimate prize.

Sales Aren’t Everything: Wukong Faces Stiff Competition

One argument I’ve come across on Reddit is that Wukong sold well, so it deserves a GOTY nod. But the truth is, sales figures alone don’t guarantee a game’s spot among the best.

Let’s be honest: even though movies like Avengers: Infinity War made a lot of money, they didn’t win the top Oscar. This shows that being popular doesn’t always mean winning awards. It’s the same in gaming. Wukong is a massive hit, but does that automatically mean it’s GOTY material? Not necessarily.

Black Myth: Wukong 3 Best-Rated Games on Steam
Black Myth: Wukong Ranks Among Top 3 Steam Games This Year – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

This is where fans often get frustrated. They see the game’s success as undeniable proof of its greatness. But I’ve seen plenty of examples where critically acclaimed games didn’t sell nearly as well. So, the reality is that it’s not just about numbers.

If we zoom out, 2024 has been an incredibly competitive game year. We’ve had titles like Silent Hill 2 Remake, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth hit the shelves, each with its fervent fanbase and critical acclaim.

With Wukong entering an already crowded field, it’s easy to see how it might get overshadowed. This year is packed with incredible titles, and even fantastic indie games struggle for recognition amid tough competition. While Wukong deserves its moment, it’s up against some serious heavyweights.

The Culture War And Growing Outrage Around Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong has become more than just a game; it’s a symbol in a more significant cultural battle. Embraced by a vocal gaming community, mainly due to its appeal to a largely untapped Chinese demographic, the game became a lightning rod for online culture wars.

The controversy around streamers being asked to avoid discussing topics like “feminist propaganda” added fuel to the fire. For many, Wukong’s GOTY snub proves that gaming media is out of touch with what “real gamers” want.

Black Myth: Wukong Streaming Rules: No Politics, No Feminist Propaganda

Discussion in the forums is getting intense. Some argue the game’s mechanics aren’t as refined, while others insist it deserves recognition for being a groundbreaking Chinese title in a Western-dominated industry. It’s clear this is about more than just the game; it’s about validating fans’ tastes and interests.

Why Wukong’s Impact Matters

Black Myth: Wukong is a solid GOTY contender but also polarizing. I understand why its fans are upset; seeing something you love get passed over is always tough.

But I think it’s important to remember that GOTY nominations aren’t the be-all and end-all. Whether or not Wukong gets its time in the spotlight, the fact remains that it made a significant impact on the gaming landscape this year. Sometimes, that’s worth more than any trophy.

Black Myth: Wukong
A Strong Contender, Black Myth: Wukong Deserves GOTY – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

And hey, if Wukong doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, its fans will find other ways to celebrate its success, whether through online communities, fan art, or just by continuing to play and enjoy the game.

After all, a true fan doesn’t need an award to validate their love for a game. But if Wukong gets that nomination, it’ll be a sweet victory for everyone cheering it on since day one.

Why Nvidia’s Ray Reconstruction Deserves More Attention

Story Highlights

  • Ray Reconstruction enhances ray-traced images by reducing noise and improving visual quality, but only a few games support it.
  • The feature is often overlooked because it doesn’t directly impact gameplay performance like other enhancements, such as DLSS.
  • With gaming placing increasing emphasis on graphical fidelity, Ray Reconstruction could become a standard feature in future titles.

Over the years, Nvidia has introduced many groundbreaking features that significantly elevate gaming quality. One example is Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). Moreover, Nvidia CEO shared that future DLSS 4 will enable AI-generated textures and objects within games, enhancing both performance and visual quality.

However, one feature I feel hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves: Nvidia’s Ray Reconstruction. Despite its potential to revolutionize visual fidelity, Ray Reconstruction remains underutilized and underappreciated in the gaming community, yet it deserves much more recognition and wider adoption.

What Is Ray Reconstruction

In simple terms, Ray Reconstruction is an AI-powered denoiser designed to clean up the “noisy” images produced by ray tracing or path tracing in games. For those unfamiliar, ray tracing simulates the behavior of light, creating incredibly realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.

However, ray tracing is computationally expensive, even for top-tier graphics cards, and the resulting images can be noisy or grainy because only a limited number of light rays are sampled for each pixel. Ray Reconstruction reduces this noise and improves overall image quality.

Nvidia's Ray Reconstruction
Denoisers Sample Rays To Fill In Missing Pixels – Image Credit (Nvidia)

The problem is, while Nvidia has made Ray Reconstruction available, it’s only been implemented in a handful of games. As of today, fewer than five titles support this feature, which is baffling, given how transformative it can be.

One reason for its lack of widespread adoption could be that it isn’t as “flashy” as some of Nvidia’s other features, like DLSS 3 Frame Generation. These features directly impact frame rates, a metric that gamers often prioritize.

But just because it doesn’t boost performance numbers doesn’t mean it isn’t making a significant contribution. In fact, Ray Reconstruction can subtly but meaningfully enhance visual realism in ways that can elevate the entire gaming experience.

How Ray Reconstruction Transforms Gaming Graphics

Recently, I played Black Myth: Wukong, a game Nvidia promotes for its advanced graphics, such as full ray tracing or “path tracing.” While the visuals were impressive, I noticed something was lacking compared to games like Alan Wake 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, both fully supporting Ray Reconstruction.

Despite using path tracing in Black Myth: Wukong, the visual fidelity didn’t justify the significant performance drop, and path tracing is very noisy, as per user review. This wasn’t the case in the other two games, where Ray Reconstruction played a critical role.

In Alan Wake 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, Ray Reconstruction made a huge difference in visual quality. Ray Reconstruction smoothed rough, grainy edges in these games, adding depth and clarity. The overall visual quality felt almost magical, providing an immersive experience, something absent in Black Myth: Wukong.

That’s why I firmly believe that Ray Reconstruction is essential for any game that relies on ray tracing. Without it, the noise from ray tracing can leave the image looking worse than traditional rasterization.

Nvidia's Ray Reconstruction
Ray Reconstruction Better Lighting Rffects – Image Credit (Nvidia)

Ray Reconstruction makes a dramatic difference in games, turning dull, flat scenes into vibrant, immersive environments. These improvements don’t just make the game look better. They also make the world more immersive, drawing me deeper into the experience.

Why Aren’t More Games Using Ray Reconstruction?

So, if Ray Reconstruction is so effective, why isn’t it used more often? Part of the issue may be awareness. Additionally, it’s possible that developers simply haven’t prioritized implementing Ray Reconstruction because it doesn’t have as immediate an impact on gameplay performance as those features.

Another potential reason is that Nvidia states Ray Reconstruction is most effective in games that use ray tracing extensively. That’s why developers should design games with ray tracing as a core feature; it makes Ray Reconstruction less practical for games where ray tracing is less prominent.

However, Nvidia states that Black Myth: Wukong, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT, Portal with RTX, and Star Wars Outlaws will be upgraded with Full Ray Tracing, enhanced by NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 with Ray Reconstruction on GeForce RTX PCs, offering GeForce gamers the ultimate visual experience in this highly anticipated game.

Still, as more developers push the boundaries of graphical fidelity with ray tracing, I believe there’s a strong case for Ray Reconstruction to become a more standard feature.

Passwords Out, Passkeys In: The New Era of Secure Logins

Story Highlights

  • Passskeys are based on public key cryptography principles that make the private key unique to each user.
  • You can use PIN, facial recognition, fingerprint scans or your phone’s screen lock to log in to an app or site.
  • Cloud servers and websites cannot encrypt the user’s private key, making it a safer choice.

I cannot stress enough the importance of passwords. Emails, bank accounts, social media profiles, and even personal devices must be locked with a strong password to keep your information safe. All these years, passwords have done the job just right, so what are passkeys, and why are they becoming increasingly common?


What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys are more straightforward, quicker alternatives to passwords. They can be based on a simple PIN, facial recognition, fingerprint, or simply the same as the phone’s screen lock. Once you establish a passkey for an app on your device, you can log in using your selected method, like a fingerprint or face scan, instead of typing in your full username and password.

Passkeys work on the principle of public key cryptography. When we set up a passkey, two things are generated: a public key stored on the server and a private key stored on the device.

The website uses the public key to verify if the device has the private key by confirming our identity via biometrics or a PIN without ever seeing the private key. This way, the website or app never accesses the private key, which remains securely on your device.

Automatic Verification Using Passkey
Automatic Verification Using Passkey (Image By Tech4Gamers)


Why Ditch Passwords For Passkeys?

Passkeys’ most obvious advantage over traditional passwords is that they take much less time. With passkeys, the phone can quickly scan our face or fingerprint to grant access, allowing us to proceed instantly.

Moreover, it adds an extra layer of security to our apps, containing critical information about our finances and personal lives. The passkey is uniquely ours and resistant to phishing attacks (George, 2024). Hackers can’t access our accounts because the private key is stored locally and inaccessible to cloud servers.

The three tech giants, Microsoft, Apple, and Google, came together in 2022 to commit to secure logins. They announced they would expand support for a new sign-in standard put forward by the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance.

Securing Financial Apps With Facial Passkey
Securing Financial Apps With Facial Passkey (Image By Tech4Gamers)

It eliminates the hassle of remembering complex passwords with capital letters, special characters, and numbers – seriously, who can keep track of all that? In addition, we are expected to remember answers to follow-up security questions, such as the names of our pets or high school.

Personally, I write them down somewhere. However, it’s a hassle to dig out my notebook and flip through the pages to find the correct password. With passkeys, this inconvenience is out of the way!


Are Passkeys The Future Of Logins?

Christiaan Brand, a Google Security Expert, was asked if passkeys will completely replace passwords. “Yes, passkeys will replace passwords. It’s even broader than that. I’d say our vision for passkeys is to not only get rid of passwords but also eliminate all the Band-Aids the industry has designed to make up for the fact that passwords are so vulnerable,” he answered.

An independent study by the FIDO alliance found that 53% of users in the US and UK have shifted to passkey on at least one of their accounts. 

Using a passkey for apps on my phone and laptop has made logins much more effortless. For instance, I use facial recognition for my financial apps. So, when I have to make a transaction or log in to my profile, it verifies me using the passkey. This eliminates the need to enter the password and use Google Authenticator/OTPs for additional verification. 

Using Face ID As My Passkey
Using Face ID As My Passkey (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Although this innovation is quickly paving its space in the tech world, it takes time to build trust among the users whenever such new features arrive. However, I expect widespread usage of passkeys in the coming days.


Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless Review: Premium Price, Premium Feel?

The tech zeitgeist has slowly shifted from name-brand peripherals to more niche options offering better value or a genuine competitive advantage. People still buy the mainstream stuff, but those companies must innovate or be left behind. A primary example is Corsair.

Corsair is back with two new TKL keyboards, both bearing the K70 name, but one is hall-effect, and the other is wireless; yes, those two are somehow mutually exclusive. In this review, we’ll examine the K70 Core TKL Wireless to see if it’s worth the $150 price tag the company is asking for. I’ve also reviewed the K70 Pro TKL with hall-effect switches. 

Why Trust Tech4Gamers

  • Huzaifa Haroon is our keyboard expert with years of experience in building and testing custom keyboards.
  • 130+ peripherals tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 500+ hours spent testing different peripherals for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test peripherals).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.

We have also tested and reviewed the Corsair K70 Core RGB and the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2; check them out if you’re interested. 


Key Takeaways

  • The Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless is a decent gaming keyboard with performance-oriented specs that make it stand out.
  • Buy the K70 Core TKL if you want stealthy aesthetics mixed with solid features backed up by an extensive warranty.
  • Avoid the K70 Core TKL if the value is what you’re after; you can get a similar package for much less.

Feature Details
Switch Type Corsair MLX Red v2 (pre-lubed, linear)
Keyboard Layout Tenkeyless (87 Keys)
RGB Lighting Per-key customizable RGB with ultra-bright Fresnel lenses
Polling Rate 1,000Hz
Key Rollover Full (NKRO) with 100% Anti-Ghosting
Onboard Profiles 5
Memory 8MB
Build Aluminum top plate with dual-layer sound dampening
Keycaps ABS double-shot
Connectivity Wired (USB 3.0 or 3.1 Type-A, tangle-free rubber cable)
Compatibility PC, Mac, and Xbox One (Windows 10/macOS 10.15+ required for iCUE software)
Media Controls Multi-function rotary dial, FN shortcut for media and volume
Height Adjustment Yes
Weight 0.973 kg
Warranty 2 years

[toc]

What Makes the Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless Different?

The Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless may feel like an ordinary gaming keyboard, especially compared to its hall-effect brother, but it has one ace up its sleeve-FlashTap. Despite using standard mechanical switches, this board has SOCD clearing, which allows you to gain a significant competitive advantage in games that allow it.

You’ll be able to strafe and counter-strafe perfectly to avoid enemy fire while keeping the reticule locked on them to get the kill. Corsair also brings years of experience with them, so even though the board is a bit more expensive, you are getting their warranty, which extends to even third-world regions.

Unboxing Experience

The Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless (wow, that’s a mouthful) comes in a pretty by-the-books Corsair box with a black and yellow theme. You see the keyboard graphic up front, along with some details like what switch is inside. Once you break the seal, there are tabs to get inside.

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless Box
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless Box (Image by T4G)

The internal layout is two-storied, with the keyboard stacked on top of the wrist rest. The USB dongle is nicely tucked away in a cutout on the left, next to the braided USB cable. Everything is wrapped in paper.

Here’s everything you get in the box:

  • 1x Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless
  • 1x Wrist rest
  • 1x Wireless USB receiver
  • 1x USB-C Cable
  • 2x Manuals

Everything you get with the Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless
Everything you get with the Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless (Image by T4G)

Build & Design

Much like the hall-effect K70 Pro TKL, the K70 Core shares the exact same design with only two differences. There is one more indicator LED, and the buttons in the corner are not fully translucent but rather shine through like the rest of the keycaps. You still have the same knob in the corner next to the two buttons.

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless buttons and knob
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless buttons and knob (Image by T4G)

From the front, the K70 Core has a generic gaming keyboard that looks down to the exposed switches. The board employs a floating-switch design, which means that there are no walls around the perimeter, only a bottom piece with a plate that acts as the top. Corsair neatly curves both these layers without any noticeable seams.

The construction here is plastic, at least for the body, as the surface is made out of aluminum with a brushed look and smooth texture. The plastic is gritty but doesn’t feel rough to the touch. There is no weird creaking, and the entire package feels very solid. About as high-end as a gaming keyboard can get without switching to metal.

Toward the back, we see very aggressive lines running from the Corsair logo in the center. I would have liked to see these do double-duty as cable channels (at least in the wired hall-effect model), but they only serve an aesthetic purpose. The logo in the center is a bit raised and shines when the light hits it at an angle.

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless back
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless back (Image by T4G)

The outer edges are curved inwards, so it looks very slim from the sides. The typing angle is only 2 degrees, so it feels borderline low-profile, and it makes sense Corsair includes the wrist rest. The board is about 18mm tall from the front. If you use the flip-out feet at the back to elevate it, it becomes less comfortable, in my opinion.

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless side profile
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless side profile (Image by T4G)

Layout & Features

Corsair has done an excellent job naming this thing because it already tells you all the specs. The K70 Core TKL Wireless is a wireless keyboard with a tenkeyless layout (shocker), and it comes in only black. You get both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz radio connections and a USB-C port for plugging it in. 

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless RGB
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless RGB (Image by T4G)

Toward the top corner, you see two buttons that can be customized. By default, the button with the iCUE logo will play/pause media, and the button with the speedometer will toggle Game Mode. The “control dial” next to these handles volume, but you can set it to adjust brightness, zoom in and out, and even use vertical or horizontal scroll.

The board is not a hot-swap but uses standard switches, stabilizers, and keycaps. The PCB is 1.6mm thick with no flex cuts, similar to the plate. You do get two layers of dampening material inside in the form of silicone. Two thick sheets of silicone act as the plate foam and the bottom case foam.

Every layer inside the K70 Core TKL Wireless
Every layer inside the K70 Core TKL Wireless | Corsair

The Fundamentals

The K70 Core is not off to the best of starts with its durable build quality but compromises on customization. Can it win me back when it comes to the innards?

Switches

The K70 Core TKL is using the company’s custom MLX Red switches. These are factory-lubed linears with a 45g actuation force and a total travel distance of 4mm, so pretty run-of-the-mill stuff. They have a slightly shorter actuation distance than most at 1.9mm and Corsair says that helps make it faster, but it’s really very negligible.

These switches are different from the soldered linear switches in the K70 Pro TKL; those were MLX Plasma but had very similar specs. Unfortunately, the K70 Core is not hot-swap, so you can’t take these out and replace them with something else.

The MLX Plasma switches inside the Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless
The MLX Plasma switches inside the Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless (Image by T4G)

As far as quality goes, these are good but nothing special. There is a noticeable stem wobble at play here, only exacerbated by the loose stems of the keycaps. They have a somewhat low-pitched sound but nothing that can be classified as thock. If anything, they sound slightly creamy while lacking the depth to be truly satisfying.

They feel nice to type on, though. The lubing job is excellent and consistent throughout. I didn’t hear any spring crunch. The stabilizer keys, especially, sound genuinely full, like they have a certain weight to them. From generic big-brand gaming keyboard standards, this is about as good as it can get.

Keycaps

Corsair is using double shot shine-through keycaps made out of ABS on the K70 Core TKL. If you buy a non-NA layout, you’ll get dye-sub keycaps instead with a more aggressive font. Our unit is North American, so it has a different font, similar to Razer’s Huntsman boards. It’s a little gamer-y but still tastefully done.

The legends are sharp but a little thinner than I’d like; I’ve yet to see a backlit keycap set that matches the non-backlit ones, so it’s fine. There are some secondary functions printed in the function row, which is a nice touch, but all the modifier keys only get symbols except the Caps Lock.

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless keycaps
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless keycaps (Image by T4G)

These keycaps feel smooth to the touch with just a little bit of texture, but they will develop a shine over time because of their material. The stems on the back don’t have the tightest fit, so there’s some wobble present. Regardless, they feel high quality and are about as thick as any other aftermarket set.

Lastly, the spacebar key actually has foam glued onto the plate itself to reduce hollowness. This is in stark contrast to the K70 Pro TKL that had this foam inside the spacebar keycap itself.

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless spacebar
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless spacebar (Image by T4G)

Stabilizers

We see standard plate-mount stabs in the K70 Core TKL and they’re pre-lubed from the factory. You can easily replace them if you want to, but there’s no need to do so as the stock performance is great. These are easily better than what you get on the hall-effect equivalent of this board.

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless stabilizers
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless stabilizers (Image by T4G)

There is almost no ticking or rattling, and I was genuinely surprised by the spacebar, which was perfect. The bottom out is satisfying, the sound is deep and full, and the lube job is consistent throughout. These are not as good as some other stock stabs like those in the Lucky65 or Aula boards, but they’re up there.

Performance & Connectivity

The Corsair K70 Core TKL is a wireless keyboard with both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connections. It uses a proprietary system called “SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS v1.5“, which is supposed to have 25% better wireless performance than the previous version, at the cost of losing multi-point support (connecting multiple devices at the same time).

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless USB port and mode switcher
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless USB port and mode switcher (Image by T4G)

Unfortunately, I did experience some issues with my wired usage. In particular, there were a lot of random misinputs where the spacebar would register a keypress or two after intended, leading to disjointed words. This did not happen on Bluetooth, however, so part of me suspects this could be a system issue on my end.

On the other hand, the wireless performance with the dongle was near flawless — I still faced a few double-presses. Unless you face an opponent with a similar skill level and a hall-effect keyboard, you’re bound to be the better performer. Even then, there’s a trick up this board’s sleeve you’ll see in the next heading.

Corsair doesn’t specify the size of the battery, but they say it can last up to 890 hours with the RGB off on a single charge. I used this board for a week with RGB on, and it did not die on me once. Safe to say you won’t need to charge this one as often as other custom or prebuilt keyboards.

Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless USB dongle storage
Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless USB dongle storage (Image by T4G)

FlashTap

The K70 Core TKL Wireless also has Corsair’s SOCD clearing feature, “FlashTap“, built in. I’m not quite sure how they’re achieving this with standard mechanical switches, but all you have to do is hit Fn+Right Shift to turn it on, and it works like a charm. This puts it ahead of any traditional mechanical keyboard.

To be clear, SOCD clearing is not a new thing hall-effect keyboards invented, it’s been around for a decade in the form of scripts. You can run scripts in the background while playing something like CS:GO to get similar functionality, but it’s illegal and unethical. The hardware implementation is also, therefore, banned.

Typing Experience

As you can hear in the video, the K70 Core TKL has a nice, full sound without any hollowness. The stabilizers are impressive, and the keycaps produce a satisfying impact. The RGB also looks beautiful. But once again, as I mentioned earlier, the typing experience is somewhat marred by ghost typing for me.

The Software

To no one’s surprise, the software of choice for the K70 Core TKL Wireless is iCUE. I don’t have any animosity toward this tool, but it’s just not slick enough for what it’s accompanying. First of all, I wasn’t able to open it without running it as administrator, ever. Even then, I had to manually click on the icon in my tray.

The software itself looks sleek, it’s fast and it gets the job done on all fronts. You have your standard affair of features such as keymapping, macros, advanced lighting controls, and of course the volume knob settings. Everything is laid out in tabs on the side, but every customization is still hidden behind a few clicks that are not super simple to figure out.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If:

✅ You care about performance and want to buy the best gaming keyboard that’s still using standard mechanical switches.

✅ You love RGB as the K70 Core has very vibrant lighting that’s made better with extensive software support and high-quality backlit keycaps.

✅ You’re in a developing country and every bit of support is crucial when it comes to warranty. Corsair will be able to back you up better than niche brands.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You want the best value as the Corsair K70 Core TKL is much more expensive than its competition while offering barely anything unique.

❌ You want the best gaming keyboard. You will only see a worthwhile difference by going with a hall-effect option.                         

❌ You’d like to mod your keyboard because the K70 Core is not a hot-swap and not meant to be opened.

The Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless in all its glory
The Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless in all its glory (Image by T4G)

My Thoughts

The Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless should be on your list if you want a high-performance keyboard but are still on the fence about hall-effect switches. However, the price and lack of customization options make any positives really quite redundant. The only positive here remains that Corsair warranty can support you anywhere in the world.

At $150 and with no hot-swap capability, you can find keyboards at half the price that offer better sound, feel and looks. You can even build an aluminum kit. On the other hand, there are boards like the Keychron K2 HE, which will provide you with more of a competitive advantage, including the SOCD clearing features.

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Silent Hill 2 Remake Failed To Win Any Award At TGA 2024

Story Highlight

  • Silent Hill 2 Remake has returned without any wins at The Game Awards 2024.
  • The title was nominated in categories related to audio, game design, and voice acting performance.
  • Fans believe the title deserved to win in at least one or two of these categories.

Silent Hill 2 Remake secured multiple nominations at The Game Awards 2024. After two long weeks, the results are finally in, and Astro Bot has taken home the ultimate prize.

While various games have won in the other categories, Silent Hill 2 is not one of them. Unfortunately, Konami’s critically acclaimed remake from 2023 failed to take home a single award at this event.

Why it matters: Despite initial skepticism, fans were quite happy with Silent Hill 2 Remake. The industry was also quick to praise the game’s many strengths, making this outcome surprising, to say the least.

For context, Silent Hill 2 Remake was nominated in a total of five categories:

  • Best Narrative
  • Best Action/Adventure Game
  • Best Score/Music
  • Best Audio Design
  • Best Performance

Games like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth took home the awards for Best Narrative and Score/Music, respectively. On the other hand, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 was awarded for Best Audio Design and Performance.

According to fans, the remake had a strong chance of winning the last two categories. Some have been visibly upset by the results, but others are happy that the game was nominated to begin with.

Silent Hill 2 Remake FT
Konami’s Latest AAA Offering Sold More Than A Million Units Within Three Days

Interestingly, another major AAA release went through a similar scenario last year. PlayStation’s Spider-Man 2 was nominated for a total of seven awards but failed to win a single one in 2023.

Konami may be disappointed with the results, but the studio can always try next year. Its next major remake, Metal Gear Solid 3, is set to arrive in 2025 and should end up being nominated for multiple awards if the recent previews are anything to go by.

Whether it ends up winning any awards, however, is anybody’s guess for now. What are your thoughts on Silent Hill 2 Remake’s performance at The Game Awards 2024? Let us know in the comments, and follow this link to the Tech4Gamers Forums for further discussions.