Today's Gaming Pulse
Valve hikes Steam Deck OLED prices amid component cost surge
Valve announced a price increase for its Steam Deck OLED handheld, pushing the 512 GB model to $789 and the 1 TB version to $949. The company cited rising memory and storage component costs and broader supply‑chain challenges as the reason for the hike.
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By the numbers: Goldenpeak invests majority stake in Ampere Analysis
Pretend You Own an Undelayed Steam Machine with This Fine Steam Deck Dock, Now 33% Off in the Amazon Spring...
The Ugreen 9‑in‑1 docking station for the Steam Deck is on sale for $40 on Amazon US, down from $60, and offers a comparable discount in the UK where prices hover between $46 and $64. The dock provides HDMI, USB‑C, Ethernet, audio and other ports, turning the handheld into a full‑size desktop PC or a makeshift Steam Machine. It is notably cheaper than Valve’s proprietary dock while delivering a richer port selection. Reviewers highlight its utility for gaming, productivity, and Linux PC conversion.
How to Beat Black Bears' Captain (In Ashes) in Crimson Desert
The "In Ashes" main quest in Crimson Desert tasks players with infiltrating the Black Bears' base and defeating the Black Bear Captain, a mini‑boss guarding captured soldiers. Players should first clear enemy pockets around the entrance, restock at a nearby...
Nintendo to Patch Pokémon XD Crashes on Switch 2
Nintendo tells Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness players that its investigating the game crashing on Nintendo Switch 2, and a fix is planned for the near future. https://t.co/jnWcwM8sAK
New Co-Op Game on Steam Is a Blend of Peak, RV There Yet, and Chained Together
Dangerous Mountain Together, an indie co‑op title slated for an April 3 launch on Steam, merges the core concepts of recent hits Peak, RV There Yet, and Chained Together. The game pits 2‑4 players in physics‑driven cars tethered together as they...
‘I’ve Been Emotionally Preparing Myself for This for a While’: A Top Horizon Worlds Creator Reacts to the Platform’s VR...
Meta announced the imminent shutdown of Horizon Worlds' VR experience, leaving the platform’s future uncertain. Top creator Eugene “Emorgul” Morgulis, whose Element Battling games have drawn roughly 50 million visits, says he has been emotionally preparing for the loss. Creators are...
SEGA Football Club Champions 2026 World Premiership (WPS) Contest: Event Details, Bonuses, Rewards, and More
SEGA Football Club Champions 2026 launches the World Premiership (WPS) Contest, running from March 25 to March 30, 2026. Players compete in daily matches, earn points, and climb rankings to claim rewards such as Game Bucks, training items, and up...
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection Switch 2, Boost Mode, Switch 1, and Steam Deck Full Game Impressions
Capcom’s Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection launches March 27, 2026 across major consoles and PC, bundling the DS-era titles with quality‑of‑life options. Early hands‑on impressions show the collection runs smoothly on Switch 2, especially with the new handheld boost mode delivering native 1080p...
Square Enix Was Metacritic’s No. 1 Ranked Publisher Last Year, Thanks to 9 ‘Good’ Games
Metacritic named Square Enix the top game publisher for 2025, the first time the Japanese studio has claimed the spot. The ranking is based on a points system that weighs average Metascore, proportion of good reviews, low‑score avoidance, and number of...
Tactical Spell-Casting Puzzle Almost Out of Mana Lands on Android
Almost Out of Mana, a tactical spell‑casting puzzle from indie developer Tepes Ovidiu, has launched on Android for $2.99. Players guide a wizard on a humorous quest to reclaim his lucky pants, managing a severely limited mana pool to defeat...
Call of Duty Teases Another Black Ops 2 Remastered Map For Black Ops 7 Season 3
Activision’s Treyarch has confirmed that the iconic Plaza map from Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 will be remastered for Black Ops 7 Season 3, slated to launch next month. The teaser shows an updated Luna Nightclub with the original Skrillex track, signaling...
Portal Writer Erik Wolpaw Is "Not Worried About AI Taking over Creative Writing," But It Could Be the Straight-Faced Foil...
Valve veteran writer Erik Wolpaw shared his hands‑on experiments with generative‑AI tools, emphasizing their promise for real‑time reactive dialogue rather than full script generation. He envisions AI acting as the "straight man" to the chaotic player actions typical of games...
Street Fighter 6 Players Report Performance Issues After Alex Update, but There Appears to Be a Simple Solution
Capcom's latest Street Fighter 6 update, introducing the Alex character and a balance patch, has triggered performance problems for PC players, including noticeable frame drops. The issue appears linked to the Input Delay Reduction setting, which, when disabled, restores smoother frame...
New TUF A14 Laptop Transformed Into a Giant Steam Deck with Powerful iGPU
Asus unveiled the TUF A14 laptop, powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 392 processor and Radeon 8060S iGPU, and configured for dual‑boot Windows 11 and Steam OS 3.9. The device can allocate 16 GB of its 32 GB unified memory to VRAM, delivering strong frame rates...
25 Hours In Mario Wonder: Fun Despite Mixed Multiplayer
I spent 25 hours stomping on Koopas and Goombas in Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Switch 2, and although its multiplayer minigames left me conflicted, I still had a wonderful time. https://t.co/EwEINQMoGg
![[Event News] Game Dev Heroes Expands Internationally with Launch of Game Dev Heroes Benelux 2026](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://mcvuk.com/wp-content/uploads/gdh_bnl_2026_web_header-b.png)
[Event News] Game Dev Heroes Expands Internationally with Launch of Game Dev Heroes Benelux 2026
Game Dev Heroes, the UK‑origin awards celebrating behind‑the‑scenes talent, is launching its first Benelux edition. The ceremony will be held in Rotterdam on 2 June 2026 alongside INDIGO 2026, with nominations open until 24 April 2026. The event is co‑delivered with Control Magazine, giving the...
Mario’s Return to Switch 2 Has Made Me Fall in Love with Nintendo’s Console All over Again
Super Mario Bros Wonder, originally released on the Switch in 2023, has been refreshed for the upcoming Switch 2 console. The reissued version features upgraded visuals, a badge-based ability system, and new Wonder Seed transformations that keep gameplay fresh. Multiplayer now...
Assassin's Creed Unity Update Fixes Pesky Xbox Series X|S Lighting Issue
Ubisoft has released a 0.44 GB hotfix for Assassin's Creed Unity on Xbox Series X|S, correcting the washed‑out lighting introduced by the earlier 60 FPS patch. The update restores proper visual fidelity and eliminates overexposed VFX, allowing players to enjoy the game...
Epic Games Cuts over 1,000 Jobs as Fortnite Engagement Slumps
Epic Games said it will lay off over 1,000 employees and target $500 million in cost savings after a sharp decline in Fortnite activity. CEO Tim Sweeney warned the cuts are needed to align spending with earnings, marking the company's second...
Nintendo Trims Switch 2 Output by 33% After Holiday Sales Slump
Nintendo announced a 33% cut to Switch 2 production after the console failed to meet holiday sales targets in the United States. The move highlights pricing pressures, a thin game lineup and lingering tariff costs that could reshape the handheld market.
As a Thomas Superfan, Thomas and Friends Wonders of Sodor Would Have Blown My Four-Year-Old Mind
Thomas and Friends: Wonders of Sodor is a nostalgic simulation game that lets players drive Thomas, attach carriages, and explore the island of Sodor. While the tone and voice acting capture the beloved children’s series, the graphics are dated and...
Xbox Gets New CEO Asha Sharma, Eyes Cheaper Game Pass and Netflix Bundle
Microsoft has installed Asha Sharma as the new head of Xbox, replacing longtime leader Phil Spencer. Sharma’s first moves include scrubbing the controversial "This Is An Xbox" campaign and exploring lower‑priced Game Pass tiers and a potential Netflix bundle, signaling...
Epic Games Cuts 20% of Workforce, Laying Off 82 Seattle Staff Amid Fortnite Slump
Epic Games is slashing 20% of its global workforce, including 82 positions in its Seattle office, after a prolonged decline in Fortnite engagement. CEO Tim Sweeney said the cuts, combined with $500 million in operational savings, are meant to stabilize the...
MotoGP 26 Gameplay Trailer Revealed: 15 Minutes of Action
Milestone and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group unveiled a 15‑minute gameplay trailer for MotoGP 26, slated for release on April 29 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam, Microsoft and Epic stores. The footage showcases iconic circuits such as the...
FC Mobile 26 UEFA Dreamchasers Event Guide and Tips
FC Mobile 26 launches the UEFA Dreamchasers event on March 26, 2026, running for four weeks across two chapters. Players earn Dreamchasers Tokens by completing matches, skill games, and challenges, which unlock Live OVR players whose ratings rise with real‑world Champions League results....
April’s Main PlayStation Plus ‘Free’ Essential Monthly Game Has Been Leaked
A PlayStation Plus Essential leak reveals that the April free game will be the 2023 reboot *Lords of the Fallen*. The action‑RPG launched in October 2023 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, earning Metacritic scores between 70 and 77. It sold one million...
How Valve Finally Solved the Worst Part of PC Gaming on a TV
Valve’s Steam Machine re‑imagines PC gaming for the living‑room by marrying console‑style plug‑and‑play with the flexibility of a Windows‑based PC. The device uses Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) to power the TV, sound system and console together, while HDR support delivers...
Quixant IQON 3 and Air 3 AMD Ryzen Embedded 8000 Systems Target Casino and Arcade Gaming
Quixant unveiled two new industrial PCs, the IQON 3 and IQON Air 3, built on AMD’s Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 PRO R8000 embedded processors. Designed for casino, sports‑betting and arcade machines, they can drive four 4K displays and include game‑specific hardware such as battery‑free MRAM,...
![OverDrive: "Chopper Needed Two Years to Become a Good Captain, I Think This Is [How] It's Going to Work...](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://img-cdn.hltv.org/gallerypicture/F8Un-6nXoPd_F7Lvgvimns.jpg?auto=compress&ixlib=java-2.1.0&m=%2Fm.png&mw=107&mx=20&my=473&q=75&w=800&s=222f5df7662ae74f3ac8635a5450405f)
OverDrive: "Chopper Needed Two Years to Become a Good Captain, I Think This Is [How] It's Going to Work...
Spirit’s CS:GO roster stumbled at BLAST Open Rotterdam, exiting before the arena stage after a quarter‑final loss to Astralis at the ESL Pro League. The team’s new in‑game leader, Boris “magixx” Vorobiev, is still finding his footing, prompting talent scout...
How To Play The Mimic On Roblox
The Mimic is a survival‑horror experience on Roblox that pits players against relentless monsters in abandoned Japanese settings. Players must explore levels, collect keys to open doors, and rely on sound cues to evade threats. The game supports solo or...
How to Get the Nether-Swept Drake in WoW Midnight
World of Warcraft: Midnight adds the Nether‑Swept Drake, unlocked by the rare Nether‑Warped Egg. The egg can only be obtained through fishing, with a roughly one‑percent chance when pulling a Patient Treasure. Players can boost fishing success using gear such...
Pacific Drive Is an Excellent Driving Sim with Horror Vibes, and You Can Get the Full Experience Cheaper than Ever
Pacific Drive combines a post‑apocalyptic driving simulator with horror‑style survival mechanics, set in the Olympic Exclusion Zone. The game’s recent "Whispers in the Woods" expansion deepens occult themes and intensifies chase‑scene tension. After extensive updates, the title is now offered...
Xbox Partner Preview Livestream Thursday Reveals New Games
Xbox will host its Partner Preview news event livestream on Thursday, with new game announcements and updates on titles such as Sega's Stranger Than Heaven. https://t.co/ylMPqFSzSr
Mobile Legends Continental Championships (MCC) Season 7 to Kick Off in April 2026
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will launch its Continental Championships (MCC) Season 7 on April 10, 2026, running through June 7. The tournament features eight teams—six returning and two qualifiers—and offers a $40,000 prize pool, with the champion earning $12,000 and a direct slot...
Why Is Gaming Not a Media Channel?
The Campaign Gaming Summit argued that gaming should be viewed as an ecosystem rather than a conventional media channel. Speakers highlighted a global player base of roughly 3.5 billion active users, underscoring the scale of opportunity. Brands often approach games as...
Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition Rating Spotted
Sega has filed a rating request with Korea's Game Rating and Administration Committee for a Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition, signaling a forthcoming re‑release of the 2022 open‑zone Sonic title. The new edition is expected to bundle all post‑launch updates and...
GeForce RTX 6090 and DLSS 5: Has Nvidia Brought Forward Its True Next-Gen Feature?
Nvidia announced DLSS 5 at GTC 2026, promising real‑time 3D‑guided neural rendering and a fall 2026 launch. The new system leaps beyond DLSS 4.5 by integrating AI directly into the rendering pipeline rather than merely upscaling. Analysts note the unusually short gap between DLSS 4.5...
Who Are the Best Players to Include in Your FC Account?
EA FC 24 offers a massive pool of talent, and the article curates the highest‑rated players for each position, covering both men’s and women’s squads. Goalkeepers such as Marc‑André ter Stegen and Alisson sit at 89, while midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne tops the...
Fire Emblem Heroes "Hidden Mask" Season Pass Launches March 27th, 2026
The Hidden Mask Season Pass for Fire Emblem Shadows launches on March 27, 2026, introducing the new hero Yunaka: Hidden Mask along with exclusive rewards. The game blends real‑time strategy with social‑deduction, where one of three allies is a hidden...
Shadowverse to End Service on June 30
Cygames announced that the original Shadowverse free‑to‑play digital card game will cease operations on June 30, 2026 at 7 p.m. PT, with its direct successor, Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond, remaining active. Over its ten‑year run the title released more than 5,000 cards across 32 sets,...
EFootball 2026 Show Time Türkiye (Yıldız, Güler, Demiral) Pack Review: Not Just for the Turkey Fans
Konami’s eFootball 2026 released a Show Time Türkiye pack featuring Kerem Yıldız, Arda Güler and Merih Demiral. Yıldız shines with a Hole Player style and high dribbling, while Güler adds Phenomenal Pass and Low Screamer to his classic No. 10 role. Demiral...
Pearl Abyss Shares Surge 28% After 3M Sales
Now, investors are having a "Whoopsie" moment and are currently sending the Pearl Abyss stock +27.76% up. The studio yesterday announced 3M Crimson Desert copies sold. Happens in Asian markets all the time with game stocks. (It's 11:30am Wed in Korea, trading continues)...
Solo Player Demands Space to Climb 2000 ELO
Im 2,000 ELO away completely solo queue. EVERYONE LEAVE ME ALONE UNTIL I AM DONE.
Sony’s PS5 Pro Upscaling Leverages AMD’s FSR Redstone Core, Frame Generation on the Horizon
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) update for the PS5 Pro runs on the same core algorithm as AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) Redstone. Lead architect Mark Cerny also said an AI‑driven frame‑generation library, co‑engineered...
Players Want Shield Removal for Guts & Ryu Roleplay
hey @CrimsonDesert_ since you’re taking feedback: please let us unequip the shields so we can roleplay as Guts or Ryu https://t.co/29bo6EMHfe
Pokémon Champions Launches April 8 on Switch, Free Update Boosts Switch 2 Graphics
The Pokémon Company and Nintendo confirmed that Pokémon Champions will debut on April 8, 2026 for both Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2, using a free‑to‑start model and a complimentary graphics upgrade for Switch 2 owners. The launch includes a Starter...
Nintendo Slashes Switch 2 Production by One‑Third After Holiday Sales Miss
Nintendo announced it will cut Switch 2 manufacturing by roughly 33% following weaker-than‑expected holiday sales. The move comes amid lingering tariff costs, price hikes on accessories and a competitive market, putting pressure on the company’s 2026 console strategy.
PlayStation Shuts Dark Outlaw Games, Cuts 50 Staff Amid Studio Closure Spree
Sony Interactive Entertainment has closed Dark Outlaw Games, a first‑party studio founded by Call of Duty veteran Jason Blundell, and laid off roughly 50 employees. The move comes just weeks after the February shutdown of Bluepoint Games, underscoring a broader...
Epic Games Cuts 1,000+ Jobs as Fortnite Engagement Slumps
Epic Games said it is eliminating more than 1,000 positions after a prolonged drop in Fortnite activity that began in 2025. The cuts, paired with $500 million in identified savings, aim to stabilize the company’s finances.
Good Games Trigger Constant Nightmare Creatures Nostalgia
every time i play a good game i think about how great nightmare creatures was. i think about nightmare creatures all the time.
Top Japanese Players Collaborate to Create Alex Match up Chart in Street Fighter 6 that Signals Lots of Uphill Battles...
Top Japanese pros KEI.B, Dogura, Nemo, Pugera, and Hotdog released a comprehensive Alex match‑up chart for Street Fighter 6. The chart places Alex in a largely disadvantageous tier, with only E. Honda and C. Viper offering genuine advantages. Even match‑ups include Elena, Cammy,...