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Abdul Hannan

I’ve been the Journalist & Editorial Writer at Tech4Gamers since July 2022. I spearhead our hardware coverage, including overclocking GPUs, benchmarking CPUs, reviewing peripherals, and fine-tuning custom PC builds for every budget. Daily, I report on breaking gaming news, from major launches and studio updates to the latest industry trends, ensuring our community stays informed. Beyond news briefs, I write in-depth feature articles on gaming culture and emerging technologies. And by collaborating closely with the editorial team on content planning, SEO strategy, and our publishing calendar, I help us consistently hit our traffic and engagement targets.

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This limited edition trend is nothing new and has been around for so long now. I have seen countless collaborations that result in limited edition peripherals, and to be honest, most of the time, those limited edition peripherals look so tempting. 

The artwork on these and some special features that they offer do appear impressive. However, I always prefer to avoid them and pick their standard editions instead. 

What are These Limited Edition Peripherals 

The limited edition peripherals are basically the same, just with some extra work done on them in collaboration or without collaboration with another company. Two entirely different companies collaborate with each other to bring out limited editions of their products.

These limited edition units are usually made in limited quantities and have custom artwork done onto them, as well as some distinct features the standard edition units don’t come with. From mice, keyboards, and headsets, to consoles, every peripheral and hardware has a limited edition available in the current time.

The Limited Edition Crosshair 16 HX Laptop from MSI is a great example of such a product, as it’s made in collaboration with Capcom. 

Reasons Why I Avoid Picking One 

Although these aren’t universal facts but rather my personal take, it’s fine if you disagree with my reasoning and prefer to do otherwise. 

Far from Being Pocket-Friendly

The first thing I don’t like is the higher price tag these limited edition peripherals come with. Sure, they have some eye-pleasing artwork or some extra features, however, they do not play a significant role in day-to-day use cases. Here’s a graph with a few examples of price differences between standard and limited-edition peripherals.

The price difference depends on the kind of peripheral it is and what it is offering in exchange for the extra premium we are being charged. For instance, the standard edition of SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Prebuilt keyboard costs around $219.99 while its White Gold limited edition comes at around $379.99.

The disparity in price becomes even more evident when two parties are involved, like the HYTE x Hololive Mori Calliope Y40 Bundle. This chassis bundle has an MSRP of $350, while its standard edition is only $130. The extra aesthetics do not excite me enough, and I would spend it on something else that is actually worth it.

Replacement Parts aren’t An Easy Find

Another reason that stops me from picking limited edition peripherals is the replacement parts that they might need in the future if I end up breaking something or it stops working itself.

Since these limited editions aren’t widely available, so finding their exact replacement parts can be a bit of a stretch. Sure, we can use the parts of standard edition peripherals, but it will ruin the entire look alongside its worth. 

Reselling Becomes a Hassle

I’m pretty sure there are many people out there who love to upgrade their setup after a short while, and I’m one of them, too. So, I always prefer something that can be sold easily later on and gives back a decent chunk of money. 

This is a problem with limited edition stuff, they depreciate quite a bit in most instances. This means, for someone like me, it’s not worth it as the amount I will get after selling isn’t going to be decent. Moreover, finding the right buyer is a challenge in itself, too, because buying and collecting limited edition stuff is a niche thing.

I Just Don’t Prefer the Hassle and Added Risk

A lot of folks will surely agree with my points, and many will disagree too. However, that’s fine, because to some these things don’t matter much due to numerous factors. But to me personally, it does, as I don’t like to lose a lot of money on my peripherals and other hardware when I plan to sell it. Similarly, the added risk and hassle just isn’t my cup of tea.  

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Moiz Banoori

At Tech4Gamers, he is recognized for his insightful features and opinion pieces, where he blends his passion for gaming with a keen understanding of technological trends. His work, marked by depth and accessibility, makes him a respected voice in the tech and gaming community.

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Chromebooks, although not very good in their early days, are one of the most talked-about and chosen computers for so many people. And yes, that includes me too. I’ve recently gotten the chance to try ChromeOS, which is the primary OS on these Chromebooks instead of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

What’s A Chromebook Anyway

For those uninitiated, a Chromebook is essentially a laptop like any other. But what makes it different is its operating system. Chromebooks do not use Windows or macOS; instead, they use Google’s very own ChromeOS, which is built using Linux. The OS is so light that it doesn’t require too much hardware for its operation. 

Chromebook offers minimal and basic stuff to work with, like the Chrome browser. Which is like the main portal to everything for Chromebook users. Everything you want to use is accessible through it (their web versions, to be specific). Whether it’s work-related software or entertainment sites like YouTube, Netflix, and plenty more. 

Moreover, Google has also added Play Store support to its Chromebooks, which is great, but this feature is still a work in progress, and not all the Android apps work perfectly on it yet. 

Not to mention, Chromebooks aren’t all about having the best hardware inside of them because they don’t need one either. The cheapest Chromebooks, which are between $150 and $200 MSRP, boast something like 4/8 GB of memory with 32 to 64 GB of eMMC-type storage and an Intel Celeron or Pentium processor.

Since they have evolved a lot, now they do come in the premium category as well. Chromebooks in this category use around 16 GB of memory with up to 256 GB or more for the SSD storage side of things and an Intel Core i7 as their processor unit. While all of that sounds fancy, their prices also go as high as $800–$900.

Great As A Daily Driver

A Chromebook offers everything one requires daily, whether it is for work or entertainment. Chromebook has full Google Workspace support as well as support for the Android versions of the Microsoft Office suite, which includes MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. You can also enjoy social media, movies, and TV shows without having to invest in a more expensive Windows laptop. Every basic task you need to do daily can be done using just your Chromebook. 

Besides this, you can also do a little more on these, and by a little extra, I mean 3D modeling and coding. For coding, you can use Replit, which is a cloud-based coding platform. Furthermore, as far as 3D modeling is concerned, you can easily enable the Linux environment in the settings and install Blender through a Linux-based app store. These were some additional perks that I wanted to highlight, as I personally tested them and found them impressive.

It Lasts Way Longer

Another great thing about Chromebooks is their excellent battery backup. It’s a well-known feature of these laptops. A Chromebook usually lasts 6–8 hours and is used mostly by Google Workspace applications, social media, and OTT platforms. Whereas a Windows laptop would last 3–4 hours maximum if you’re lucky enough. All thanks to the power-hungry Windows OS and hardware. 

Next-Level Portability 

Chromebooks are typically more portable than laptops as well. This is due to the fact that they do not have much hardware in them and a lightweight OS, which helps them get trimmed down more than a traditional Windows laptop. Chromebooks also come in a 2-in-1 form factor, meaning you can use them as a tablet or a laptop, depending on personal preferences. 

Perfect Fit For Casuals

Having limited functionality to offer, Chromebooks are quite straightforward to use. This makes them a perfect fit for casuals who do not possess tech knowledge, like school kids, teens, and even old folks. All of them can use a Chromebook quite conveniently. Also, if they’re into games, that is possible via cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, as they are now supported on Chromebooks. 

They Are Very Much Worth It

Keeping all the advancements and efforts put in to make the Chromebooks what they are today. I would say it was all worth it, as we got another rivalry alongside the Windows laptops and MacBooks in the basic daily driver space. A sub $400 to $500 Chromebook like Acer Chromebook Plus 515 or HP Chromebook Plus x360 is pretty much everything you need in 2024 to get your everyday work done on the go and without breaking the bank. 

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Abdullah Waseem

At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered. 

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Quite often, I’m stuck at a point in a game, and I can’t figure out for the life of me what to do next. The obvious solution to this problem is watching a walkthrough, which is usually to the detriment of my gaming experience. Keep reading to find out why!

How Walkthroughs Help

From their humble beginnings from being magazines filled with tips, tricks, and secrets, game guides and walkthroughs have taken a much different approach these days, though to achieve the same purpose still.

Walkthroughs generally tell you exactly what to do in a game, how, and in what order. This can be very helpful when it isn’t obvious what to do next. In addition, they also help you with challenging sequences like tricky platforming and bosses by telling you techniques that these walls fall to.

Even though they don’t have all the possible ways to find a solution, they usually have one that works. Pulling up a walkthrough is worth it if you find yourself at a section of a game that you just want to get through as fast as possible because you don’t like it too much.

What Can Go Wrong

These days, video walkthroughs are becoming shorter and shorter, with fewer and fewer views on the more long-form videos on a certain game. The following sections will explain why we think gamers don’t get a good gaming experience after watching walkthroughs.

Turning Into A To-Do List

If you decide to play a game or a level of a game after watching a video on how it is supposed to be played, the charm of the experience gets ruined. Games get turned into a to-do list instead of a meaningful and challenging experience.

Making shorter walkthroughs showing how a certain item is acquired or how a certain platform is cleared, pushes people to explore the rest of the experience for themselves. This is what a lot of gamers want to do; to get the most enjoyability out of their games.

Ruins The Surprise

Walkthroughs take the exploration out of games out of the players. When you’ve seen a video with where a cool moment is and what the cool moment is, you don’t get the feeling of awe you’d get with a vanilla play-through.

Of course, nowadays, almost no one buys a game without some awareness of the content within, through trailers, short-form content, and the like. The problem lies when you know everything surrounding that moment, when you’ll get to it, what leads up to it, and what happens thereafter.

Walkthroughs show this information blatantly, and even if you just want to watch until how you get there, it is very hard to restrain yourself from seeing the whole fight which degrades the spectacle in your playthrough.

Walkthroughs Aren’t Evil

I recently got hooked on From Software games, starting with Dark Souls Remastered. I initially watched walkthroughs to gauge the challenge, but it spoiled the surprises. Determined to finish Dark Souls 3 without help, I hit a roadblock at Farron Keep and watched a walkthrough, which spoiled a key boss fight for me.

After finishing the Souls series (excluding Dark Souls 2, for good reason), I began Elden Ring and occasionally used walkthroughs. When the DLC came out, I decided to rely only on brief guides to preserve the surprises.

My point is that while walkthroughs can be helpful, they detract from the experience. I recommend using short, specific guides or articles instead (The latter part being out of goodwill, not to get more of you guys here, but keep visiting; we love your company!). Keep the surprises intact for a more enjoyable experience!

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Shahmeer Sarfaraz

I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.

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When I think of Hollow Knight, one place stands out: the majestic City of Tears. It’s a place where the game’s atmosphere, story, and emotions come together remarkably.

As I eagerly await Hollow Knight: Silksong, I wonder how this new game will match or surpass the impact of the original’s iconic location, the City of Tears.

Elevating Metroidvania With Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight has set a high standard in the Metroidvania genre with its intricate gameplay mechanics, richly detailed world, and deep narrative. The game offers a meticulously designed 2D side-scrolling experience, where players control the Knight while exploring the vast underground kingdom of Hallownest.

The depth of Hollow Knight’s world-building is a standout feature, further enhanced by expansions like The Grimm Troupe and Godmaster, which introduce additional challenges and storylines, enriching the overall experience.

Therefore, Hollow Knight’s acclaim goes far beyond its boss fights. Its environmental storytelling, unique atmosphere for each location, and stunning environments make each area in the game distinctive, with the City of Tears standing out as one of the most breathtaking central locations.

The Legacy Of The City Of Tears

Originally introduced in the first Hollow Knight game, the City of Tears captivated me with its melancholic beauty and layered storytelling. It is a pivotal location in Hollow Knight, serving as one of the central hubs of the game’s sprawling world, Hallownest. 

The City of Tears stands out for its stunning architecture, creating one of the game’s most iconic and immersive moments. Beyond its beauty, the city is crucial to the game’s lore. It represents a pivotal point where Hallownest fully opens to the player, a design element that Hollow Knight: Silksong must replicate.

It also connects to multiple key areas, including the Royal Waterways and the Resting Grounds. Its design, with its towering structures and echoing ambience, creates a memorable and immersive experience, making it a standout location within the game.

Crafting A New Iconic Locale In Silksong

As the highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight, Silksong faces the challenge of surpassing its predecessor’s legacy. Central to this task is creating a location that matches or exceeds the emotional and atmospheric impact of the beloved City of Tears.

This new locale should enrich gameplay and deepen the narrative, helping Silksong secure its place as a masterpiece in the Metroidvania genre.

However, Team Cherry has revealed that Silksong will be significantly larger than its predecessor. It will feature at least 165 new enemies and over 100 checkpoints (“benches”) throughout the game world, compared to 41 in Hollow Knight. Silksong will be available at launch for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Nintendo Switch.

Anticipation Amidst Controversy

Silksong remains eagerly awaited in 2024 despite its prolonged development and lack of a firm release date. The game has been in development for about five years, as it was first announced on 14 February 2019, but fans have lacked updates since 2019. According to Leth’s comment, Silksong’s PR director, the game is still under development.

Further, the anticipation has been heightened by a controversy in 2023 regarding the Unity engine. Unity Technologies announced a controversial “Runtime” fee, charging developers per game install starting January 1, 2024, causing significant backlash, especially from indie developers.

Fans are concerned that Team Cherry might struggle to cover these potential expenses, which could lead to further delays or complications for the game’s release.

Despite these issues, Team Cherry has reassured fans that the game is still in the works. The excitement for Silksong remains high as it continues to rank among the most anticipated games of the year.

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Dayan Shahid

At Tech4Gamers, I’m a Tech Detective and Guides Writer, unravelling PC hardware complexities. With experience, I bridge the gap between novices and tech aficionados with informative content.

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On June 4, 2024, the Center map returned to Ark: Survival Ascended, a remake of Ark: Survival Evolved. The Center includes a giant floating island, the Lava Biome, and the Underground World, with unique resources and perils.

The Survival Ascended update introduces three new creatures: Ceratosaurus, Xiphactinus, and Gigantoraptor, each with unique abilities. However, The Center in Survival Ascended has faced criticism from players for high PC requirements and a possibly pay-to-win creature that could be a worrying sign for Ark’s future.

First Standalone Paid Creature

The Pyromane in Ark Survival Ascended is a versatile first standalone paid creature with several unique abilities:

• Flame Trail: Leaves a blazing path, creating obstacles for enemies and providing advantages in PvP encounters.
• Flame Leap: Allows the Pyromane to perform agile leaps while hurling fireballs, inflicting significant damage.
• Flame Boost: Enhances its attacks by consuming surrounding flames, increasing damage output, and providing tactical flexibility.
• Flame Absorb: Lets the Pyromane absorb fire from external sources, storing fiery energy for activating the Flame Boost or other maneuvers.

The Pyromane is also breedable, allowing players to cultivate and deploy multiple creatures strategically.

In Ark: Survival Ascended, Studio Wildcard has introduced a controversial monetization approach with the release of Pyromane. This move has sparked dissatisfaction among the community concerned about potential future implications for Ark 2.

The introduction of Pyromane at $5, inaccessible for taming without purchase, has raised fears that future creatures in the Fantastic Tames DLC may follow suit, departing from the traditional model where DLC packs include all content for a single purchase.

The Controversy Surrounding Standalone Paid Creature

Since The Center is accessible to all users for free, my concern arises over the unfair advantage that purchasers of the Pyromane may gain during PvP sessions. Another prevalent issue is the fragmented content release, contrasting with previous DLC packs available for a single price.

Many players argue that microtransactions in games like Ark should only be for cosmetic items or major additions that benefit everyone. Many other games favour this approach because it avoids making the game pay-to-win, where spending money gives players an unfair advantage.

Studio Wildcard claims the money from buying Pyromane supports their development efforts and allows them to focus most of their efforts and resources on developing Ark 2, the next major installment in the series.

However, I worry this could lead to higher prices for future DLCs. Whether Pyromane becomes a problem in PvP games is uncertain, but its introduction could signal a shift to a new business model that might push away players who don’t want to spend more on minor updates.

Concerns And Criticisms Surrounding Microtransaction Creatures

PvP (Player vs Player) servers are a big draw for many players in Ark. Introducing microtransactions that strengthen someone in these PvP scenarios can quickly turn players away from the game. I also wonder why these new creatures couldn’t just be part of a larger DLC that players could buy simultaneously.

Another issue is game balance. I think Pyromane isn’t strong enough to cause problems, but not all future creatures may be like that. Further, it could make the game feel unfair if you have to buy stronger creatures to keep getting added. It might feel like we can’t compete if we don’t buy these creatures.

There’s also a concern about private servers in Ark 2. If they start disabling or banning these new creatures, it could split the player community. This could make it harder for people to find servers to play on.

My Thoughts

Whether real or made up, new creatures in Ark can be good if done right. But how they’re added into the game matters. Even if the cost isn’t too high, this approach of selling creatures separately is causing a lot of debate and criticism.

It’s unclear if this outcry will lead to any changes, but one idea is to turn off these new creatures on PvP servers. We’ll have to wait and see how this practice in Ark: Survival Ascended continues and how it might affect the future of Ark 2.