Latest news with #gamers
CNET
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
Elden Ring: Nightreign Tweaks Might Finally Make Solo Runs Fair
Elden Ring Nightreign officially launched on Friday, and a lot of players are having a rough time with the game. As a team-based game, players are having trouble finding a good party to take down the Nightlord. While solo play is possible, it's currently too difficult -- although that appears to be changing soon. Developer FromSoftware sent a tweet on Friday via the official Elden Ring account about the upcoming changes in patch 1.02. The update includes two big changes that will help solo runs immensely: automatic revival and more runes. In Elden Ring Nightreign, players are dropped on the island of Limveld to survive for three in-game days to take on the Nightlord. The task is tough enough for a team, but the difficulty ramps up when playing solo, as the bosses are designed to be beaten by three players. Automatic revival is a one-time revive for solo players to take down the bosses, and it will help tremendously. Boss battles are tough solo, so being able to revive yourself will make the fights more manageable. Gaining more runes will also be a big help. Runes act both as the currency and experience points in Elden Ring Nightreign. The more you have, the higher level you can obtain, and players need to be the right level to properly defeat a boss, otherwise, they're too weak to do any damage and not survive any hits. Read more: Elden Ring Nightreign Beginner's Guide: How to Not Get Wrecked in the First 5 Minutes Patch 1.02 for Elden Ring Nightreign will come out sometime next week. It will also add some other fixes to the game, along with improving solo play. Patch 1.01 went into effect on Thursday, right before the game's early access launch. FromSoftware didn't provide many details about the changes made in that update, but some players did say they noticed solo runs were slightly easier. Elden Ring Nightreign is available now for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Series S and Xbox One consoles for $40. Owning the original Elden Ring is not required to play this game. Read more: How to Unlock the Secret Nightfarer Characters in Elden Ring Nightreign
Khaleej Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 SSD Review: Ultra-fast, durable, and portable storage solution
In a world increasingly dominated by cloud computing, one might assume that external hard disks and flash drives are relics of the past. But the truth is, these physical storage devices still play a vital role in our digital lives — often in ways the cloud simply can't replicate. Imagine you're working on a critical project in a remote location with no internet access. Your cloud storage is unreachable, but your trusty external hard drive is right there, ready to deliver. That's the beauty of offline storage. Then there's the matter of speed. Uploading gigabytes of 4K video or massive software builds to the cloud can be painfully slow, even with a decent connection. External drives, especially those using USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt, offer blazing-fast transfer speeds that make them indispensable for creatives, gamers, and professionals dealing with large files. Security is another key factor. While cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity, no system is completely immune to breaches. For those handling sensitive or confidential data, keeping a copy on an encrypted external drive offers peace of mind that no hacker can touch. And let's not forget cost. Cloud storage often comes with monthly or annual fees, especially if you need terabytes of space. In contrast, an external drive is a one-time purchase that can last for years, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term storage. So while the cloud has transformed how we store and access data, external hard disks remain relevant — quietly dependable, always accessible, and often the unsung heroes of our digital workflows. On this note, Sandisk, a leader in flash memory storage solutions and now a subsidiary of Western Digital, has recently released two products that will resonate with customers seeking offline storage. SanDisk has stepped up its game with the Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, offering blazing-fast speeds and rugged durability. Designed for professionals handling large files, such as 4K/8K video editing, gaming, and real-time media access, this SSD promises top-tier performance with USB4 Gen 3×2 connectivity. Performance With read speeds up to 3,800MB/s and write speeds up to 3,700MB/s, this SSD competes with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 drives while maintaining broader compatibility. However, to achieve peak performance, users need a fully compliant USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port—otherwise, speeds default to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or lower. Design and build The Extreme PRO USB4 maintains SanDisk's signature rugged design, featuring IP65-rated water and dust resistance and drop protection up to 2 metres. While it's slightly larger than previous models, its textured silicone grip ensures a secure hold. The 5.51″ x 2.70″ x 0.47″ dimensions make it portable, though not the most compact option. Compatibility This SSD works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, making it a versatile choice for console gaming storage and cross-platform media use. However, some users have reported connection issues, where the drive occasionally defaults to 10Gbps or 5Gbps speeds instead of the expected 40Gbps. Pricing & Warranty The 2TB model is priced at Dh1,349. SanDisk backs this SSD with a 5-year warranty. Pros Blazing-fast speeds (when connected to USB4) Rugged, durable design Broad compatibility across devices 5-year warranty Cons Larger than previous models Premium price tag Occasional connection issues Final verdict The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is a powerful, high-speed SSD that caters to professionals and gamers alike. While its performance is impressive, users should ensure they have USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports to unlock its full potential. If you need fast, reliable, and rugged storage, this SSD is a solid investment—but be mindful of its size and occasional connectivity quirks.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Major UK retailer CANCELS pre-orders for new Nintendo Switch 2 console as angry gamers slam ‘shameful' service
A MAJOR UK retailer has been slammed by gamers after cancelling pre-orders for new Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Several hopeful gamers have reported receiving out of the blue emails from the retailer cancelling their pre-orders. 3 Game has since confirmed that they have cancelled an unspecified number of Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders. No reason for the cancelled orders has been given by the retailer leaving hopeful customers in the dark. Game took to social media to offer an apology to disappointed customers following a wave of online anger. Successor to one of the best selling consoles in history the Switch 2 has been hotly anticipated for years. The new model will be released to the public on June 5 with eager gamers pre-ordering the console. Several gamers who placed their pre-order through Game however will be sorely disappointed on release day. Game said in a statement on social media: "We sincerely apologise for the recent cancellation of some Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders. "We understand how disappointing this is, especially for those who have been eagerly awaiting their order. "We're currently working hard to reinstate as many cancelled orders as possible. "If your order was impacted please know that we are doing everything we can and will be in touch with further updates and next steps." The retailer sent out a slew of emails in recent days to notify hopeful customers of their cancelled orders. A wave of fury against the retailer was launched online as upset gamers flocked to social media to complain. Game went on to say: "Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this. We truly appreciate your support." Several retailers have had problems with Switch 2 pre-orders, in the US Walmart, Target and GameStop have all cancelled some pre-orders. Further disappointment was reported when it was revealed that most retailers are no longer able to take on fresh pre-orders so close to launch day. Smyths Toys in has stepped up amid the controversy and said that it will have a "limited" number of consoles ready for sale in store on release day. Customers who have had their pre-orders cancelled were left outraged. One took to social media to say: "This is why I didn't pre-order from GAME. "They have disappointed me countless times over the last 2 years. Smyth's all the way." Game has been contacted for comment. 3
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
‘You were among your people': Nintendo Switch 2 launch revives the midnight release
There was a time when certain shops would resemble nightclubs at about midnight: a long queue of excitable people, some of them perhaps too young to be out that late, discussing the excitement that awaits inside. The sight of throngs of gamers looking to get their hands on the latest hardware when the clock strikes 12 is growing increasingly rare. But if you happen to walk by a Smyths toy shop at midnight on 4 June, you may encounter a blast from the past: excitable people, most in their teens or 20s, possibly discussing Mario Kart. They will be waiting to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, the first major games console launch since 2020 and potentially the biggest of all time. What's particularly notable about this launch isn't the queues but just how few there will be. About 10 years ago, the midnight launch fad started to fade away. More and more players were buying digital copies of games, which meant they could download and start playing them straight away without leaving their homes. It means that this time around, Smyths is the only UK chain taking part. Even in the States, the home of frenzied launch-day consumerism, only Best Buy and Nintendo's own stores in San Francisco and New York have confirmed midnight openings. This is a stark contrast to the noughties and early 2010s. Back then, thanks to the vast global success of the PlayStation, Wii and Xbox consoles, video game launch events for titles such as Call of Duty, Halo and Grand Theft Auto were supported by thousands of stores around the world, and the biggest were extravagantly stage-managed. Microsoft's Halo 3 launch events in the US were accompanied by dozens of actors dressed as space marines; Bill Gates himself showed up at the Seattle branch of Best Buy. In the UK, the Call of Duty Ghosts event at the Westfield in Stratford hired a drill sergeant to yell at customers. 'My favourite was Skyrim,' says Greg Weller, who was then the UK marketing manager for Bethesda Softworks. 'We got the specs of Game's flagship store on Oxford Street and covered the whole front with Elder Scrolls artwork. We put a snow machine on the roof, so we made it snow in November on Oxford Street. We had press there, we had a cosplay competition, there was a humongous queue, and so many people were dressed up – they wanted to be part of the story, part of the community.' Console launches were a major phenomenon on a par with any movie premiere. For the launch of the Xbox One in 2013, Microsoft took over Leicester Square, building a vast Xbox-branded globe in the centre where the musicians Plan B and Katy B performed. A fortnight earlier, Sony took over the Standard High Line hotel in New York and turned it into a giant video game arcade with developers showing off their wares to thousands of gamers. For the stores and game publishers, these lavish launch events increased footfall and generated word of mouth and press coverage. For the fans, they were a way to feel part of something. 'Growing up as a gamer in the 90s, we were quite ostracised for the hobby,' says Rich Thompson, now a developer and founder of Black Rose Studio in Hull. 'But then having shops opening at midnight, it was mind-blowing. When Fallout 4 came out, our local Game store hired a DJ; it was a party atmosphere, there were hundreds of us there. I vividly remember people swapping contact details in the queue – you were among your people.' It wasn't all fun and games, however. Midnight launches sometimes descended into chaos. 'The problem was, you'd have one shop open in a city centre that's full of people coming out of the pub,' says Thompson. 'Drunk people would come into these launches, cause a scene and refuse to leave. I remember a huge fight breaking out at one Fifa launch night. Getting thrown out of a midnight game launch became a badge of honour.' Sign up to Pushing Buttons Keza MacDonald's weekly look at the world of gaming after newsletter promotion In 2006, a man was shot by masked thieves while queueing to pick up his new PlayStation 3 at an event at a Walmart in Putnam, Connecticut. (He later told a local newspaper that, though seriously injured, he still staggered into the store to pick up his console.) In London, the Metropolitan police were so concerned about violence that they banned PlayStation 3 midnight launch events at all shops throughout the city apart from the Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street. The transition to digital media, stiff competition from online firms such as Amazon and the disaster of the Covid lockdowns meant specialist high street chains began to close. Game once had more than 600 shops in the UK; now it has about 240. According to data from the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association, UK physical game sales dropped by 35% last year. Will the Nintendo Switch 2 launch turn things around? As we've seen with the vinyl revival and the unexpected incline of Blu-ray sales (due in part to consumer frustration with ad-riddled streaming sites), physical media is gaining popularity once more. There does seem to be a growing revival of interest in physical games. Boutique publishers such as Strictly Limited and Limited Run are producing beautifully packaged editions of modern and classic titles, while game cafes and retro arcades are on the rise. And, after all, the experiential nature of the launch event, the buzz, the social pleasures, is not something that can be replicated by an online purchase. 'I got my dad to drive me to a store at midnight for the Xbox launch,' recalls Thompson. 'He'd just finished a 12-hour shift. He thought it was just going to be us, but there was a huge queue. The staff were handing out drinks, Limp Bizkit were playing on a stereo system – for 13-year-old me it was just the coolest thing I could imagine. I looked up at my dad and he wasn't a gamer but he was excited too – there was an energy. All these people just turning up at midnight for a party in a shop.'
Digital Trends
2 days ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
PS5 gamers, this PlayStation VR2 bundle is on sale for $349
If you're looking for ways to get even more out of your PlayStation 5, you may want to use the console for virtual reality gaming by buying this PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle from Amazon. From its original price of $400, it's down to just $349 following a 13% discount. That's $51 in savings that you'll be able to put towards more games for the VR headset, but you're going to have to be quick with your purchase if you want to take advantage of this limited-time offer. Why you should buy the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle The PlayStation VR2 is a huge technical upgrade to the PlayStation VR, beginning with the change into a one-wire system from a setup that required a processing unit and multiple cables. You just need to plug the PSVR2 into the PlayStation 5's USB-C port, and you're ready to go. The VR headset is extremely comfortable to wear so you can play for hours without having to take a break, and the PSVR2 Sense controllers that come with it are accurate and enjoyable to use. The bundle comes with a digital copy of Horizon Call of the Mountain, which was the big launch title for the PSVR2 but is still included in our list of the best PSVR2 games. The game showcases the capabilities of the VR headset by giving you a great look at gorgeous landscapes while you battle massive machines. It's a visual masterpiece that provides an excellent sense of scale, and using the bow and arrow is just so fun. Gamers know that PlayStation deals for the console and its accessories rarely last long, which means you need to act fast if you don't want to miss out on this chance to buy the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle at 13% off from Amazon. Instead of its sticker price of $400, you'll only have to pay $349 for a $51 discount. It may be back to its regular price as soon as tomorrow though, so we highly recommend completing this transaction for the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle as soon as you can.
