Engadget

NVIDIA projects mobile SoC GPU performance to surpass Xbox 360 by 2014

Zachary Lutz — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:04:00 EST

Granted, we hope to see a new Xbox before 2014, but if NVIDIA has its way, mobile devices will have enough graphical prowess to surpass the current generation of gaming consoles by that time. The company brought the smackdown today with a chart that combines both historical and projected data, and while we don't recall NVIDIA exiting the desktop market in 2010, it reinforces the idea that smartphones and tablets of the future may stand as thoroughly enviable gaming devices -- provided that developers are willing to create enough visuals to make these things sing.

NVIDIA projects mobile SoC GPU performance to surpass Xbox 360 by 2014 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMD's 'sweet spot' Radeon HD 7870 and 7850 graphics cards get reviewed, recommended

Sharif Sakr — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:29:00 EST

AMD's Radeon HD 7000-series onslaught continues, with still no 28nm retort from NVIDIA. The latest offerings are the 7870 priced at $349, and the 7850 priced at $249. Both are based on the Pitcairn GPU and hog the mainstream gamer spot below the Tahiti-based 79xx cards and far above the 77xx options. In terms of competition, these cards go head-to-head with the older NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570 and GTX 560Ti, which currently retail for between $20 and $50 less. However, most reviewers found plenty of reasons to side with AMD despite the extra outlay, as you'll discover at the links below.

HotHardware -- hailed the performance, low power consumption, noise levels and features of both cards, but noted that they're "not much faster than previous gen counterparts." For example, 3DMark 11 benchmarks generally beat NVIDIA's rivals by around two or three percent, while the Radeon HD 7850 barely scored any higher than its predecessor, the 6850, in that test.

AnandTech -- found the 7870 to be "faster, cooler and quieter" than the GTX 570, with a roughly nine percent performance advantage that puts AMD "in the clear for the time being." As for the 7850, it was regarded as less of a steal, trailing the cheaper GTX 560Ti in some games -- including an eight percent lag in Battlefield 3.

TheTechReport -- reckoned both the 7870 and 7850 are "better options than comparable GeForces," because they deliver more FPS-per-dollar when Arkham City, Battlefield 3, Crysis 2 and Skyrim performances are averaged out.

PC Perspective -- concluded that the Radeon HD 7870 "more or less matches" the GTX 570 in the six games it compared, with two wins, two losses and two draws for the AMD card, but is still "pretty impressive" for the price. The HD 7850, meanwhile, "completely dominates the performance metrics" while using "56 fewer watts!"

TechSpot -- gave the Radeon HD 7850 slightly higher marks for being the "best mainstream card to buy at $250," while also praising the HD 7870 delivering "excellent performance and overclocking" and "almost reaching the level of the more expensive HD 7900 boards."

Continue reading AMD's 'sweet spot' Radeon HD 7870 and 7850 graphics cards get reviewed, recommended

AMD's 'sweet spot' Radeon HD 7870 and 7850 graphics cards get reviewed, recommended originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Origin PC launches new 3D gaming laptop: two graphics cards for three dimensions

Mat Smith — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST

Hot on the heels of its dimensionally-average predecessor, Origin's revealed a second, 3D-capable, desktop-replacing laptop; stereoscopic gamers, rejoice. This EON17-X3D utilizes a pair of overclocked GPUs, with 3D panoramas provided by a pair of NVIDIA's 3D Vision 2 wireless glasses -- although you'll have to buy them extra. Hardware-wise, it's a similar story to the EON17-X, with a back-lit keyboard and the same-size 17.3-inch display -- the 3D function is actually a customization choice for the original model. Build options for this chunky gaming beast also include up to 32GB of quad channel memory and two NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M GPUs in SLI on the priciest custom build. The basic model will set you back around $3,030, but an eye-catching paint job? That's going to cost a little extra.

Continue reading Origin PC launches new 3D gaming laptop: two graphics cards for three dimensions

Origin PC launches new 3D gaming laptop: two graphics cards for three dimensions originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Origin PC's EON17-X laptop assures gaming glory, regular chiropractor visits

Zachary Lutz — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:51:00 EST

For all you hardcore gamers who refuse to sacrifice performance but demand quasi-portability, prepare your eyes for the EON17-X from Origin PC. The laptop is based on Intel's X79 platform and delivers a significant bump from the original EON17. Insane customization options include the Core i7-3960X Extreme CPU and two overclocked 2GB GeForce GTX 580M GPUs in an SLI bridge -- just for note, this particular configuration requires two 300 watt power adapters. It'll also accommodate up to four hard drives and 32GB of memory. If that's not enough to impress, the beastly creation also features a backlit keyboard with two lighting zones and seven customizable colors, along with a 17.3-inch 1080p display. Of course, all this power doesn't come without sacrifice. The EON17-X starts at $2,818, weighs over 12 pounds and measures over two inches thick. Those undeterred can place an order for Origin PC's latest gaming rig today. You'll find a few more tidbits in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Origin PC's EON17-X laptop assures gaming glory, regular chiropractor visits

Origin PC's EON17-X laptop assures gaming glory, regular chiropractor visits originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Origin PC boosts Genesis factory clock to 5.7GHz, reveals new EON gaming laptop design

Sharif Sakr — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Origin PC has been spitting out 5.2GHz Genesis desktops for a few months already, but apparently some people wanted more. Thanks to a new 'Phase Change' cooling system that'll be available from late Q1, they're about it get it: a Core i7 2700K system factory clocked to 5.7GHz. Cooling controls and temperature displays will help you to establish the proper balance of power and pollution, while lifetime technical support (which now applies to all Origin PCs in the US) is just a phone call away in case you need to share the rush. There's even an X79 mobo inside, offering scope for a Sandy Bridge E upgrade, plus NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 580 in four-way SLI. Origin has a little something for portable gamers too: a refreshed A-panel on the EON17-S and EON15-S laptops to help you strike the right note of grinning malice in front of your LAN victims. It's not yet clear how these updates will affect pricing, but there are plenty of clips on YouTube that'll show you how to smear thermal paste on your credit cards. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Origin PC boosts Genesis factory clock to 5.7GHz, reveals new EON gaming laptop design

Origin PC boosts Genesis factory clock to 5.7GHz, reveals new EON gaming laptop design originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reveling in darkness, iBuyPower unveils Erebus GT at CES

Zachary Lutz — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:56:00 EST

Fresh for the crowds of gadget worshipers in Las Vegas is the Erebus GT from iBuyPower. While in all reality, it's just another box of gaming glory, this one is named for the Greek god of darkness. Built specifically for overclockers and those who insist on maximum cooling capabilities, the Erebus GT features better airflow, larger 140mm radiators and removable hard drive cages. Even with these additions, the company has managed to make the GT smaller than its predecessor. In all, three radiators now pump 4.5 gallons of cooling liquid through the system every minute, which allows the company to confidently overclock the Erebus GT by up to 30 percent. Perhaps iBuyPower could have named this after a god of wind, or speed, or even radiator fluid... but darkness? Really? Full PR follows the break.

Gallery: iBuyPower Erebus GT at CES 2012

Continue reading Reveling in darkness, iBuyPower unveils Erebus GT at CES

Reveling in darkness, iBuyPower unveils Erebus GT at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plantronics GameCom 780 7.1 surround sound gaming headset hands-on

Sean Buckley — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:14:00 EST

Leaked slideshows don't lie -- Plantronics is stepping up its PC gaming headset offerings. In addition to the GameCom 780, the Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound cans we saw yesterday, the outfit is also marching out the GameCom 380 -- a lower end twin that lacks the 780's Dolby chops. Plantronics is bringing both headsets to CES, but gave us a shot at trying on a pair of 780s a few days early -- read on to see how they fit.

Gallery: Plantronics GameCom 780 7.1 surround sound gaming headset -- hands on

Continue reading Plantronics GameCom 780 7.1 surround sound gaming headset hands-on

Plantronics GameCom 780 7.1 surround sound gaming headset hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plantronics accidentally outs GameCom 780 7.1 surround sound headset

Zachary Lutz — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:17:00 EST

If you insist on quality equipment to feed your fragging frenzy, then take note -- it looks as if the folks at Plantronics are about to unveil a serious piece of audio kit for pro gamers. A leaked slideshow has outed the GameCom 780, an over-the-ear headset that features virtual 7.1 surround sound with Dolby Headphone and Pro Logic IIx technology. Each can features a sizable 40mm driver and swivels to lay flat for transportation. Plantronics also touts the reinforced wiring and joints of this setup -- useful for rambunctious LAN parties -- which features a 6.5 foot (2 meter) USB cable. Naturally, there's also a requisite noise-canceling microphone, along with an on-ear volume wheel and mute switch. There's even a button to activate the surround sound function, although this goodie will only be useful to PC gamers -- the necessary Dolby software is Windows-only. As if any dedicated gamer would be caught dead with any other rig.

[Thanks, John]

Plantronics accidentally outs GameCom 780 7.1 surround sound headset originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo introduces paid DLC, lets you complete the games you completed

James Trew — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:25:00 EST

Did you get a Nintendo shaped bundle of joy for Christmas? Completed the games already? Fear not, as from March Kyoto's gaming veterans will be launching paid downloadable game content for its 3D handheld. The first title to get the goodies will be Fire Emblem, and as yet, there's no clues about what treats you'll get for the reported "several hundred yen" you'll be asked to stump up. Nintendo, however, is understandably keen to stimulate interest in its 3D titles, and more importantly, claw back some of that mobile gaming market-share. With hints of downloadable add-ons coming to the Wii-U also, and Mr. Iwata's previous commitment to deliver the goods, it clearly thinks this is the way to go -- let's just hope all the kinks have been ironed out come release day.

Nintendo introduces paid DLC, lets you complete the games you completed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Federal judge dismisses class-action suit against Sony, 'Other OS' feature remains dormant

Amar Toor — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:57:00 EST

Last year, a group of disgruntled gamers filed a class-action lawsuit against Sony over its decision to remove the "Install Other OS" feature from its PS3 firmware. Last week, though, their case was dismissed by US District Judge Richard Seeborg, on the grounds that the plaintiffs failed to actually state a claim. In a ruling issued Thursday, Seeborg said he sympathized with the gamers' gripes, but ultimately determined that they had failed to demonstrate any legal entitlement to the feature, thereby neutering their arguments. "The dismay and frustration at least some PS3 owners likely experienced when Sony made the decision to limit access to the PSN service to those who were [un]willing to disable the Other OS feature on their machines was no doubt genuine and understandable," Seeborg wrote. "As a matter of providing customer satisfaction and building loyalty, it may have been questionable." He went on, however, to point out that the users "have failed to allege facts or articulate a theory on which Sony may be held liable" post-PS3 purchase, effectively ending the litigation.

Federal judge dismisses class-action suit against Sony, 'Other OS' feature remains dormant originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell unveils Alienware Aurora gaming rig, will serenade you for $2,200

Amar Toor — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:11:00 EST

Dell has just taken the wraps off a brand new addition to the Alienware family, hailing it, rather poetically, as "a serenade to raw gaming power." It's called the Alienware Aurora, and it's staring at you with a Cylon-like grin in the image above. Beneath its menacing veneer lurks Intel's six-core, 3000 series Core i7 CPU, an X79 Express chipset and quad-channel DDR3 memory, all of which are kept in check by Dell's liquid cooling and active venting technologies. The gaming rig also supports both multi-display and 3D configurations, with GDDR5 memory-laced graphics cards. In case you're not satisfied, you can always get under the hood and tinker with it yourself, without even busting out your tool belt. The Alienware Aurora is available now for prices starting at $2,200, so hit up the source link for more details.

Dell unveils Alienware Aurora gaming rig, will serenade you for $2,200 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revamped Xbox 360 dashboard to launch on December 6th, Microsoft confirms

Amar Toor — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:24:00 EST

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that its Xbox 360 dashboard would be getting an upgrade "in the coming days." Today, the company has clarified that statement, declaring that the revamped interface will launch on December 6th. As we've previously noted, the update promises to bring deeper Kinect integration (including sharper voice recognition capabilities), Facebook sharing mechanisms, and a cleaner interface. Redmond also says that the fall cleanup will introduce "a wealth of new content," including live TV, music and movies, available for streaming. For now, the dashboard is still in beta, though it certainly won't be long before the masses get their hands on it.

Update: Read Microsoft's e-mailed announcement in full, after the break.

Continue reading Revamped Xbox 360 dashboard to launch on December 6th, Microsoft confirms

Revamped Xbox 360 dashboard to launch on December 6th, Microsoft confirms originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony PS Vita First Edition Bundle up for pre-order, lets North American buyers snag it one week early

Joe Pollicino — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:31:00 EST

The United States may not be getting the PS Vita at first, but that doesn't mean you can't be the first kid on your block to own one. Sony took to its US PlayStation Blog today, unveiling its First Edition bundle of the portable gaming powerhouse, which is up for pre-order now at "select retailers." US buyers will receive a 3G + WiFi Vita with a limited edition case, a 4GB memory card and a copy of Little Deviants for $350, while Canadian buyers will get the WiFi-only variant for $299 -- better yet, it'll arrive at your doorstep one week prior to the 02/22/2012 release date for North America. Sure, it may not have wishful goodies like pro bono AT&T 3G, but if you've just gotta have it, well, them's the breaks, y'all. You'll find more info at the source link below, or at Amazon where we've already spotted it.

Sony PS Vita First Edition Bundle up for pre-order, lets North American buyers snag it one week early originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Vita is coming February 22nd, start saving now

Billy Steele — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:32:00 EST

Well folks, the wait is over. Sony has announced that the PlayStation Vita will be hitting shelves February 22nd at retailers in the US, Canada, Latin America and Europe. In addition to all your favorite gaming titles and a pocket filled with 512MB of RAM, you'll be able to chat it up with your fellow assassins cross-game or via Facebook, Foursquare, Skype and Twitter. If that's not enough, the 5-inch OLED display, dual analog sticks, dual cameras, and front and rear touch panel should be enough get you amped for a Call of Duty campaign on the handheld device. Keep in mind: this bad boy will sport 3G from AT&T for $299 or you can snag the WiFi-only model for $249. If you're looking for more details, hit that source link below.

PlayStation Vita is coming February 22nd, start saving now originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMD FX processor brings eight cores to battle, we go eyes-on (video)

Sharif Sakr — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:01:00 EST

AMD fans have endured a long wait for this, while being reduced to spectators as Intel spews out an ever-increasing horde of Sandy Bridge variants and builds up the hype around its next-gen Ivy Bridge architecture. But the new FX series of processors is finally here and will be available to buy in the next few days, with the top-end FX-8150 priced at $245 in exchange for eight cores, a 3.6GHz base clock speed and easy over-clocking to 4.8GHz using the packaged Overdrive software. Your AM3+ motherboard is crying out for the upgrade, but don't succumb until you've clicked past the break -- we've got details of the full range and pricing, our initial impressions and an eyes-on video that includes a detailed chat with the guys from AMD.

Continue reading AMD FX processor brings eight cores to battle, we go eyes-on (video)

AMD FX processor brings eight cores to battle, we go eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Digital video game distribution finds brick and mortar camping, moves in for win

Zachary Lutz — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:32:00 EST

Blame it on the economy, or simply chalk it up to a better way of earning revenue, but physical distributors of new video games are beginning to feel some major heat from the scrappy competition. While this mainstay segment still comprises the bulk of sales with $1.44 billion earned in the previous quarter, the combination of digital purchases, subscriptions, downloadable content, social network and mobile games -- along with help from rentals and used purchases -- now tops $1.74 billion dollars. This news comes from the NPD Group, and while we're still scratching our heads at the logic of combining second-hand purchases with electronic distribution, it provides a strong indicator of consumers' changing tastes and preferences (along with their willingness to spend). Does this industry titan simply need a new console or another Call of Duty to maintain supremacy? Perhaps a modest uptick in GDP? Or does this signal the changing of the guard for our favorite electronic pastime? There's a full PR after the break, where you're welcome to fire one off in the comments and let us know your take.

[Image courtesy bradleyolin / flickr]

Continue reading Digital video game distribution finds brick and mortar camping, moves in for win

Digital video game distribution finds brick and mortar camping, moves in for win originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SteelSeries Sensei gaming mouse goes up for pre-order, obeys your macro come October

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:42:00 EST

Competitive gaming scored itself a new peripheral vying for the top spot back in August, when SteelSeries unveiled its ambidextrous Sensei mouse. If you'll recall, the Sensei tracks up to 150-inches per second with its 10.8 megapixel sensor, and uses a 32-bit ARM processor to calculate it all without bogging down your rig. Making things sweeter, a trio of illuminated sections can be set to differing hues befitting your mood, and an LCD planted on the Sensei's underside will let you change some settings without a computer. If you've been dying to get your FPS-loving mitts on this $90 input device, it's now officially up for pre-order from the company's website and due to hit doorsteps during the first week of October. As usual, the full PR is located just past the break.

Continue reading SteelSeries Sensei gaming mouse goes up for pre-order, obeys your macro come October

SteelSeries Sensei gaming mouse goes up for pre-order, obeys your macro come October originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shogun Bros. updates Chameleon X-1 mouse / gamepad, tosses it up for pre-order

Amar Toor — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:19:00 EST

Perfection is an undeniably lofty goal, but that's exactly what Shogun Bros. is striving for, with a freshly announced update to its Chameleon X-1 gaming mouse. Available in three different colors, the company's "Perfect Version" of its gamepad / mouse boasts an enhanced rubberized coating for better grip, a new layout for remote control operation and, perhaps best of all, extended battery life. Other than that, it's essentially the same device we saw way back in December, with a 5-stage adjustable 1600dpi optical sensor, a full slate of 16 buttons and force feedback support. Shogun Bros. won't be releasing this perfected peripheral until October 1st, but you can pre-order one now at Amazon, for $60. Hit up the source link to make the purchase, or slice past the break for a very succinct press release.

Continue reading Shogun Bros. updates Chameleon X-1 mouse / gamepad, tosses it up for pre-order

Shogun Bros. updates Chameleon X-1 mouse / gamepad, tosses it up for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switchblade Adroit controller for gamers with disabilities

Lydia Leavitt — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:44:00 EST

The Razer-sharp "Switchblade" was first pulled on us at CES, and since then we've been prodded by a new product under the same sharp name from Evil Controllers and AbleGamers. Released as part of the "Adroit" line for gamers with disabilities, the 19-port controller comes standard with two joysticks and allows for personal positioning of sticks, buttons and rumble packs dependent on individual need. Originally designed for Xbox 360, it can be adapted for playing on PCs and PS3s, as well. Although there's no official launch date or price, Thrifty Nerd says the device will set you back "a few hundred dollars" -- probably a value compared to calling Hack-King Ben Heck.

Switchblade Adroit controller for gamers with disabilities originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS Vita to pack 512MB of RAM, support cross-game voice chat

Amar Toor — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:31:00 EST

What's the difference between Sony's PlayStation Vita and the PS3? About 256MB of RAM, apparently. In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida confirmed that the forthcoming handheld will boast a full 512MB of RAM (compared to the PS3's 256MB), allowing the Vita to support cross-game voice chat via its Party feature. Yoshida's confirmation effectively debunks earlier rumors that Sony would be halving the Vita's RAM, in order to compete with the 3DS' lower price, though the console does feature comparatively less V-RAM (just 128MB, versus the PS3's 256MB). According to the executive, however, that disparity won't make too much of a difference on the gaming experience, due to changes in the Vita's display resolution. "The resolution on the PS Vita screen is much lower," Yoshida said. "Even though it's four times the resolution of PSP, compared to the console, the amount of data you have to push is much smaller." The proof, of course, is in the pudding, but unfortunately, we probably won't be tasting it for a while.

PS Vita to pack 512MB of RAM, support cross-game voice chat originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SteelSeries Sensei mouse points at the moon, we concentrate on its finger

Amar Toor — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:20:00 EST

It's been more than two years since SteelSeries unveiled its Xai and Kinzu gaming mice, but the peripheral maker has now returned with a brand new sword in hand -- the sleek and presumably sage Sensei. The device, unveiled yesterday, is powered by a 32-bit ARM processor that can digest images at up to 12,000 frames per second and rocks up to 5,700 CPI, with a Double CPI option that extends to 11,400 DCPI, for users gaming across multiple screens. The ambidextrous controller also comes outfitted in a metal coating that won't slip from your hands and connects to computers via a gold-plated USB. Best of all, PC gamers can use SteelSeries' Engine software to customize their experience even further, with pre-set configurations and user profiles. The Sensei is slated for release next month, when it will retail for $90 (or €90). Click past the break for more details in the full press release.

Continue reading SteelSeries Sensei mouse points at the moon, we concentrate on its finger

SteelSeries Sensei mouse points at the moon, we concentrate on its finger originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo to release Flame Red 3DS console next month, sunglasses not included

Amar Toor — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:21:00 EST

Better dust off your finest pair of shades, because this Flame Red Nintendo 3DS is on its way to the States. The console, which launched earlier this summer in Japan as the Red Flare, will hit stores next month (alongside the new Star Fox 64 3D game), joining a 3DS lineup that already features Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue. The company will also be releasing two new games this winter -- Super Mario 3D Land in November and Mario Kart 7 in December -- in the hopes of rectifying its disappointing Q2 earnings report with a strong holiday campaign. Only time will tell whether or not it has any effect on Nintendo's bottom line, but if you're interested in adding a touch of Santa-like cheer to your yuletide gaming season, you can grab a Flame Red console on September 9th, for $170. Find more information in the full PR, after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo to release Flame Red 3DS console next month, sunglasses not included

Nintendo to release Flame Red 3DS console next month, sunglasses not included originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shocker! Gamer behavior is actually quite predictable

Sharif Sakr — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:47:00 EST

Isn't it curious how you always crack open a beer before settling in for some GTA? Or how you tend to put an anxious hand over your wallet when logging onto PSN? No soldier, it is not curious. Not at all. But this is: Researchers at North Carolina State University claim they've found a way to predict your in-game behavior with "up to 80 percent accuracy." After analyzing the decision-making of 14,000 World of Warcraft players, they noticed that different players prefer different types of achievements. These preferred achievements clump together into statistically significant groups, known as "cliques", even if they have nothing obvious in common. So a WoW player who likes to improve their unarmed combat skills also, for some psychological reason, tends to want points for world travel. What's more, the researchers believe that clique-spotting can be exploited outside the rather specific world of WoW, in which case their method could prove lucrative to game designers, online retailers and pretty much anyone with an interest in predicting your next move. Want to know more? Then we predict you'll click the PR after the break.

Continue reading Shocker! Gamer behavior is actually quite predictable

Shocker! Gamer behavior is actually quite predictable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMD resurrects its 'FX' brand for speed freaks, lexicon lovers

Sharif Sakr — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:23:00 EST

We saw AMD's old "FX" moniker repeated on a leaked price sheet recently, but we couldn't be sure of its significance. Now AMD has confirmed that it is indeed bringing back the FX brand to denote hardware aimed at gamers and graphics enthusiasts. In keeping with its penchant for complicated taxonomy, the chipmaker will use the resurrected badge not on individual products, but rather on desktop platforms that combine top-of-the-range components -- including the forthcoming Scorpius platform that will consist of a 9-series chipset, HD 6000 Series discrete graphics and an unlocked eight-core Zambezi CPU. This is all part of AMD's efforts to square up to Intel and present itself as the PC gamers' choice, and to that end the company also revealed it is partnering with more games developers to encourage use of its HD3D, Eyefinity and Dual Graphics technologies. Full PR (excessive nomenclature and all) is after the break.

Continue reading AMD resurrects its 'FX' brand for speed freaks, lexicon lovers

AMD resurrects its 'FX' brand for speed freaks, lexicon lovers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI gets a SteelSeries keyboard, builds the GX780 gaming notebook around it

Brian Heater — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:44:00 EST

The worst part about buying a fancy new gaming keyboard? It's hard to show the thing off if it never leaves your basement apartment. MSI's newly announced GX780 notebook combines a colorful backlit 102-key SteelSeries-designed keyboard with the (relative) portability of an 8.6 pound gaming laptop. The keyboard features 1,000 different color combinations, five lighting modes, 10 key simultaneous input, and a layout the company calls "The Golden Triangle" -- trademark pending, we're sure. The 17.3 inch notebook has some solid non-keyboard specs as well, including GeForce GT555M graphics, a second gen Intel Core i7 processor, and an impressive maximum 16GB of DDR3. No word on pricing or availability, but hopefully the MSRP isn't as colorful as that keyboard. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading MSI gets a SteelSeries keyboard, builds the GX780 gaming notebook around it

MSI gets a SteelSeries keyboard, builds the GX780 gaming notebook around it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect rumored to have PC support in waiting

Darren Murph — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:56:00 EST

There's been no shortage whatsoever of PC control schemes using Kinect, but up until now, every bit of it has been without Microsoft's official blessing. Of course, the company eventually caved to the massive amount of hacking going on and confessed that it didn't have any hard feelings for those giving it a whirl, but is it really fixing to take things one step further with bona fide PC support? That's the talk emanating from South Korea, where game developer GamePrix has reported that at least one of its titles (Divine Soul, if you must know) is "scheduled to support Kinect." Continuing on about the game, the company's Jason Lim was quoted as saying that "Kinect will soon be available as a new PC controller," but naturally, we've our doubts. For starters, why wouldn't Microsoft be working with a more major developer if honest-to-goodness PC-Kinect interactions were planned? Secondly, there's a definite possibility that GamePrix could really be referring to unofficial support, which would make everything seem a lot more sensible. Either way, we'll definitely be keeping an ear to the ground for more, and with GDC under three months away, we ought to know the truth sooner rather than later.

[Thanks, Rashad]

Kinect rumored to have PC support in waiting originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Social gaming numbers on the rise, Farmville likely to go down in history

Darren Murph — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:53:00 EST

We've seen console gaming numbers as a whole dip somewhat over the past few months, but gaming numbers on the social networking side have been anything but down. A new report on the matter from the NPD Group asserts that a full 20 percent (that's 1 in 5, if you're counting) of Americans ages 6 and older have played a social networking game of some sort, and we're guessing that number would be far higher if people weren't embarrassed to admit the truth. Unfortunately, the report doesn't dig deep into what exactly they were playing (our Monopoly bucks are on Farmville), but we are told that "10 percent of social network gamers have spent real money playing these games and 11 percent indicate that they are likely to make a future purchase." Curiously enough, the gender split is just about even, with 47 percent of social networking gamers being female, 53 being male and 2.4 percent being unidentified beings from District 9. You heard it here first, folks: the console is dead.

Continue reading Social gaming numbers on the rise, Farmville likely to go down in history

Social gaming numbers on the rise, Farmville likely to go down in history originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mad Catz Cyborg Rat: a guided tour (video)

Ross Miller — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST

We've talked up Mad Catz's Cyborg Rat before -- and even given it the hands-on treatment -- but even still, we thought it'd best to show you with the power of moving pictures all the crazy functions of this Franken-mouse (that's pronounced "Fronk-in-mouse," thank you very much). Check out the guided tour of the Rat 7 from the CeBIT show floor, and an explanation of the differences in each series iteration - after the break, care of global PR manager Alex Verrey.

Gallery: Mad Catz Cyborg Rat at CeBIT 2010

Continue reading Mad Catz Cyborg Rat: a guided tour (video)

Mad Catz Cyborg Rat: a guided tour (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SteelSeries NP+ mousepad not made of steel, water resistant nonetheless

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:10:00 EST

Here's one for those gamers who insist on angry looking peripherals with names like "Frag" and "Sentinel" and "Head$hot" (oh, dear). The SteelSeries NP+ medium to rough glide mousepad offers higher level of mouse-to-surface friction -- the perfect thing for enabling your wish fulfillment / blood lust in the form of first person shooters. Works well with either your optical or laser mouse, apparently, and sports a generous 17.7 x 15.7-inch surface. Best of all, it's Mountain Dew-resistant! Available in March for $25.

Continue reading SteelSeries NP+ mousepad not made of steel, water resistant nonetheless

SteelSeries NP+ mousepad not made of steel, water resistant nonetheless originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maingear's Axess HD Gamer PC looks to blow your mind, empty your wallet

Ross Miller — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:44:00 EST

Make no bones about, Maingear's new Axess HD Gamer (and by merit of its namesake, HTPC, too) is nothing if not a powerhouse for those wanting to pay an arm and a leg for a souped up gaming experience. You want specs? At its best, we're looking at an Intel Core i7 on a X58 chipset, dual NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT in SLI, up to 12GB of DDR3 RAM, Blu-ray, Windows Vista / Media Center, and two 3.5-inch storage bays supporting 320GB SSD or 2TB HDD. If you need more nerd cred, ghost of vaporware past Phantom Lapboard serves as one of the bundled input devices, as does the NVIDIA GeForce 3D vision kit and a 22-inch Samsung LCD. Starting price is $1,799, but if you wanna go for broke -- and whether not you can, you probably want to -- top configurations can run you well over $5,000.

Filed under: Media PCs

Maingear's Axess HD Gamer PC looks to blow your mind, empty your wallet originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maingear's Axess HD Gamer PC looks to blow your mind, empty your wallet

Ross Miller — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:44:00 EST

Filed under: Desktops, Gaming, Home Entertainment

Maingear's Axess HD Gamer PC looks to blow your mind, empty your wallet originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: What's the best 40- to 50-inch HDTV with PC inputs?

Darren Murph — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:30:00 EST

While we've already seen one particular Engadget HD reader reach out for assistance with finding a niche HDTV, this particular question just screams mainstream. Today's gamer is likely looking for a set that's multifaceted, and Sir Matthew here is no different:

"I'm considering purchasing a 1080p HDTV in the 40- to 50-inch range for use with console gaming and possibly as a PC monitor. I've got about $2,500 to spend, but would prefer to keep it well under that if possible. I'm partial to LCD HDTVs, and whatever set I get must have a couple of HDMI ports and VGA / PC audio inputs."

Picking a TV that plays nice with PC resolutions (or PowerStrip) is crucial, so we'll go ahead and assume this fellow thinks overscan is simply unacceptable. If this here question reminded you of your own quandary, send over an email to ask at engadget dawt com with your inquiry enclosed -- if the robotic overlords manning our email systems deem it worthy, it'll show up in this space in due time.

Filed under: Displays, Gaming, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Ask Engadget: What's the best 40- to 50-inch HDTV with PC inputs? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vigor's Force Recon SP and Force Recon BT will dismember your brain

Joshua Topolsky — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:52:00 EST

Vigor, a PC-maker not known for its subtlety or underpowered systems, has just launched two new desktop powerhouses destined to shake you to your very core. The Force Recon SP and Force Recon BT will undoubtedly leave you in existence-questioning bafflement as you experience the sheer neck-breaking speed of their CPUs and accompanying graphics chipsets. The former tears enemies asunder with AMD's Phenom quad-core processors coupled with dual ATI Radeon HD3870 graphics -- capable of driving XHD displays at 2560 x 1600. The latter sports Intel's quad-core mind-destroyer, the QX9650 Core 2 Extreme (which trots along at 3.0GHz), utilizes the new SSE4 instructions, and supports a slew of options which blend into what Vigor refers to as the "juiced" configuration. Both models are available now, with the SP starting at $2,319, and the BT clocking in at $2,869 -- though both of those numbers can escalate quickly.

[Via Yahoo!]

Filed under: Desktops

Vigor's Force Recon SP and Force Recon BT will dismember your brain originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Is your console connected to an HDTV?

Darren Murph — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST

We know what Nielsen found, but now we're interested in doing a little super-scientific research of our own. For all the gamers out there, what kind of television is your console(s) connected to? Still rockin' the RCA tube set circa 1991? Just upgraded to a snazzy new flat-panel? Check out the options below and toss in your vote, or if you don't see anything you like, sound off in comments, capiche?

View Poll

Filed under: Polls, Displays, Other hardware, Others, Sony

Poll: Is your console connected to an HDTV? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Voodoo launches the ENVY M:152 Core 2 Extreme laptop

Joshua Topolsky — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:26:00 EST

Love to be beaten to a bloody pulp by your overpowered laptop? Looking for performance that would make even the strongest bodybuilder collapse in fear? Have you been feeling let down by game speeds which don't actually rip open a hole in the space-time continuum? Well, luckily for you, Voodoo exists... and its made a new laptop. Check into the ENVY M:152, the company's latest entry into the gamer-centric laptop world, which showcases a Core 2 Extreme X7800 CPU, Intel's murderous Santa Rosa chipset, a 15.4-inch, WSXGA+, 1680 x 1050 display, the NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT video card, up to 4GB of RAM, a wide array of hard drive options, plus Bluetooth, a built-in webcam, and style to spare (or so we hear). No word on pricing or street date, but you can expect the systems soon.

Filed under: Laptops

Voodoo launches the ENVY M:152 Core 2 Extreme laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team Xtender's XFPS 360 in action

Darren Murph — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 18:55:00 EST

While product announcements are certainly thrilling at times, there's really nothing better than getting some live action video to spy before you buy. We've seen Wowwee's FlyTech Dragonfly buzzing around T3's headquarters, and we've witnessed Doom being played on an OLPC XO, but now we've got several videos showing Team Xtender's XFPS 360 doing its thang. The handy converter box allows gamers who dig the Xbox 360's high definition visuals -- but prefer to input commands via Sony's dual-shock controller or the tried and true keyboard / mouse tandem -- to have their wildest wishes granted. Moreover, it reportedly plays nice with the PS2 light gun, racing wheel, dance mat, and guitar (huzzah!). So if you're still fence-bound trying to decide whether or not this thing's worth your $79.99 come the first week of January, be sure to click on for a YouTube demonstration, and hit the read link for some more in-depth coverage.

Continue reading Team Xtender's XFPS 360 in action

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Team Xtender's XFPS 360 in action originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shuttle XPC goes 1337 with custom-painted SDXi gaming rig

Darren Murph — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:07:00 EST

Flame jobs on a PC most certainly aren't new, but we fear it's a fad that will always burn on in some regard, and its companies like Shuttle that keep on fanning it. While the rectangular-shaped box has made its way into a many of homes, gamers looking for some serious horsepower in a mobile rig can find a quite a potent system in the firm's forthcoming 1337 SDXi series desktops. While all the specifics aren't nailed down quite yet, the machine will boast an Intel X8600 or QX6700 quad-core processor, liquid-cooling system, unmistakable custom-paint job on the case, keyboard, and mouse, ATIs X1950 Pro CrossFire graphics cards, support for up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM, gigabit Ethernet, and a hint of that early 90s vibe to boot. Unfortunately, such a flashy rig sports an equally stunning pricetag, as these bad boys will be "starting" at $4,999 when they land later this month.

[Thanks, Marshall W.]

Filed under: Desktops

Shuttle XPC goes 1337 with custom-painted SDXi gaming rig originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DosPara offers up mid-range Prime Note Chronos laptop, with or without OS

Darren Murph — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 22:15:00 EST

If you're interested in picking a svelte new Merom-powered lappie, but just aren't down with the traditional Windows XP approach that essentially every manufacturer in the world forces upon you, DosPara feels your pain. Hot on the heels of its 13-inch NW2 and 15.4-inch Prime Note Chronos NR2, the forthcoming (and yet-to-be-named) successor sports a typical black / silver enclosure and gives you the choice of having an operating system pre-installed or not. Beneath the hood lies a 1.66GHz Intel T5500 Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 100GB SATA hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 256MB graphics card, dual-layer DVD burner, built-in 802.11a/b/g, and a 4-in-1 flash card reader. Additionally, the unit boasts a WSXGA+ widescreen LCD and a bevy of ports including PCMCIA, 4-pin FireWire, VGA / S-Video output, Ethernet, 56k modem, audio in / out, and four USB 2.0 ports to boot. The 6.4-pound machine will reportedly only last "three hours" on a single charge, but it's not like we expected a gaming-centric laptop to carry you through the workday anyway. Nevertheless, the impending Chronos should be available soon for around €1,000 ($1,282).

DosPara offers up mid-range Prime Note Chronos laptop, with or without OS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WidowPC offers up Core 2 Duo-powered Sting 517D gaming laptop

Darren Murph — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 05:38:00 EST

As we count our blessings today, we can't help but give thanks for something gadget heads couldn't do without: old fashioned competition. Calling out Dell's XPS M1710 (and similar) as overpriced and packaged with subpar technical support (aw snap), WidowPC is giving hardcore mobile gamers a choice in their purchasing decisions by offering up the Sting 517D. Touting a nearly limitless list of component selections, this 17-inch beast houses your choice of Intel's 1.66GHz to 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo processor, NVIDIA's GeForce Go 7950 512MB graphics card, up to 200GB of SATA goodness, a WUXGA display, dual-layer DVD burner, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, built-in WiFi / Bluetooth, TV tuner, 4-in-1 flash card reader, "$400 in free software," and a lifetime's worth of free, American-based phone support. The fleshed-out machine also boasts an army of ports, including 4-pin FireWire, IrDA, serial, ExpressCard slot, DVI / S-Video outputs, S-Video input, audio in / out, 56k modem, gigabit Ethernet, and four USB 2.0 connectors. Thankfully, WidowPC found a way to shave three full pounds from its 917X2, bringing the LAN-ready machine in at a fairly respectable 8.3 pounds. While pricing for the Sting 517D starts at just under $2,200, upping the innards to 1337 status could put your credit limit in serious turmoil, but the wicked spider logo across the lid definitely makes it worthwhile.

WidowPC offers up Core 2 Duo-powered Sting 517D gaming laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Asus officially unveils its G1 and G2 gaming notebooks

Darren Murph — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:34:00 EST

If you've been holding off on picking up a mobile gaming machine, Asus has officially launched two gamer-focused designs that should pack the power those FPS freaks ~~want~~ need. The 15.4-inch G1 and 17-inch G2 sport common innards and unique styling cues, as the G1 rocks green outer LEDs while the G2 is complimented in red. Beneath the hood of these beasts is your choice of Intel's T7600/T7400/T7200/T5600/T5500 Core 2 Duo processor, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, up to 160GB SATA hard drive, LightScribe-compatible dual-layer DVD burner, built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam, Bluetooth, and 802.11a/b/g. The G1 sports WXGA / WSXGA Color Shine LCD options and a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce Go7700 graphics set, while the G2 gets a WXGA display and the 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1700 card. You'll also find a fair assortment of ports, including video output, an ExpressCard slot, a flash card reader, and a few USB 2.0 ports to boot; additionally, the outer casing is built to withstand the less-than-gentle travels a mobile LAN machine is bound to endure, and the customizable "OLED instant display" can presumably showcase battery life, performance statistics, or available updates on the fly. While concrete pricing hasn't quite been nailed down yet, both notebooks will supposedly come with the pictured backpack and mouse combination, but we're sure this fairly well-loaded laptop will demand a hefty premium when it hits the market.

[Via Electronista, thanks Jonathan]

Filed under: Laptops

Asus officially unveils its G1 and G2 gaming notebooks originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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