Great news for PC gamers on a budget! After weeks of leaks and rumors, AMD has officially confirmed the Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics card. This new GPU, based on the RDNA 4 architecture, is designed to be AMD’s most affordable RDNA 4 offering to date, aiming to deliver strong 1440p gaming performance.
Here’s what we know:
Official Unveiling: The RX 9060 XT was unveiled at Computex 2025.
Launch Date: It is set to be available worldwide starting June 5, 2025.
Pricing:
8GB VRAM version: $299 USD
16GB VRAM version: $349 USD
Key Specifications:
GPU: Navi 44 (built on a 4nm process node)
Compute Units (CUs): 32 (equating to 2,048 stream processors)
Boost Clock: Up to 3.13 GHz
VRAM: 8GB or 16GB GDDR6 (128-bit memory bus)
Infinity Cache: 32MB
Total Board Power (TBP): 150W (8GB) / 160W (16GB)
PCIe Interface: PCIe 5.0 x16
Display Connectivity: DisplayPort 2.1a and HDMI 2.1b
AI Accelerators: 64, providing up to 821 peak AI TOPS (INT4)
Ray Tracing Accelerators: 32, doubling throughput compared to the previous generation.
Performance Claims: AMD claims the 16GB RX 9060 XT will offer greater performance than Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, specifically stating it’s about 6% faster on average across 40 games at 1440p with “ultra” graphics settings. They also highlight a 15% performance-per-dollar advantage.
Features: The card fully supports AMD’s latest technologies, including FSR 4 ML-enhanced upscaling, HYPR-RX, and Fluid Motion Frames.
Availability: There will be no AMD first-party (reference) designs. Instead, the RX 9060 XT will be available through various board partners, including Acer, ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, PowerColor, Sapphire, Vastarmor, XFX, and Yeston.
This aggressive pricing and 16GB VRAM option positions the RX 9060 XT as a strong contender in the lower-mid-range GPU market, particularly against Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti.
Here’s what the trailer and related information indicate:
Release Date: The “Mandalorian Rising” update itself launches into Fortnite on May 22, 2025. The trailer was released a day prior, on May 21, 2025.
Part of a Larger Event: “Mandalorian Rising” is Part 3 of a five-part “Galactic Battle” Star Wars-themed event in Fortnite Chapter 6, Season 3. The overall “Galactic Battle” season began on May 2, 2025.
Key Features Highlighted:
Mandalorian Recruits: Players will be able to recruit different types of Mandalorian AI squad members to their team: Heavy, Scout, Supply, or Medic.
Unvaulted Mandalorian Jetpack: The popular Mandalorian Jetpack is returning to the game, allowing for increased mobility.
New/Returning Weapons: The trailer showcases signature Mandalorian weapons, including the Amban Sniper Rifle and the new dual-wield WESTAR-34 Blaster Pistols.
Customizable Mandalorian Skin: A new, highly customizable Mandalorian Warrior skin bundle will be available in the Item Shop, allowing players to personalize armor, color, and even signets. This skin will be available for 1,800 V-Bucks, or as part of a 2,500 V-Bucks “Champions of Mandalore” bundle that includes emotes, a back bling, and a pickaxe.
Gameplay Focus: The trailer emphasizes the “Galactic Battle” aspect, suggesting that players will be joining a larger fight within the Fortnite island’s Star Wars-themed environment. It showcases the new mechanics and items in action.
This update deepens Fortnite’s ongoing collaboration with Star Wars, bringing beloved Mandalorian elements and tactical advantages to the battle royale experience.
San Francisco, CA – May 21, 2025 – The digital storm has finally settled. After a nearly five-year absence, Epic Games’ global phenomenon, Fortnite, has officially made its triumphant return to the Apple App Store in the United States. The highly anticipated reinstatement, confirmed by Epic Games on Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga between the tech giants and a significant win for Epic.
Fortnite was famously removed from the App Store in August 2020 after Epic Games implemented its own in-app payment system, designed to bypass Apple’s standard 30% commission on digital purchases. This move ignited a prolonged and bitter legal battle, with Epic accusing Apple of operating an illegal monopoly through its App Store.
Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads… and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U! It’ll show up in Search soon!
While the legal fight has spanned years and continents, and Fortnite saw a return to iOS devices in the European Union earlier this year due to regulatory pressures like the Digital Markets Act, the U.S. App Store remained a stronghold for Apple – until now.
The resolution comes on the heels of a recent U.S. federal court ruling on April 30, 2025, which found Apple in breach of a 2021 order requiring it to allow greater competition for downloads and payments within its App Store. This ruling, which even saw the judge refer the case for a potential criminal contempt probe into Apple’s conduct, seemingly pushed for a resolution.
Following this development, Epic swiftly resubmitted Fortnite for App Store review. Despite initial reports of delays, a joint filing between Epic and Apple on Thursday, May 15, indicated that issues preventing Fortnite’s return had been resolved.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the decision, posting “We back fam” on X (formerly Twitter), encapsulating the long-fought victory for the developer. Players can now once again download the battle royale sensation directly from the U.S. App Store on their iPhones and iPads.
The return of Fortnite to a massive user base it once commanded on iOS is a significant development. While analysts debate whether the win comes too late for Fortnite to fully rebound its past popularity, with the battle royale genre seeing increased competition, it undoubtedly sets a precedent for broader changes in app store regulations and developer freedoms across the industry.
For millions of U.S. iPhone and iPad users, the wait is over. The battle bus is ready to drop once more.
CD PROJEKT RED is celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which originally launched on May 19, 2015. The celebrations mark a decade since the critically acclaimed open-world RPG, where players control Geralt of Rivia in search of Ciri, began its legacy. The game has sold over 50 million copies, contributing to the Witcher series’ total of over 75 million copies sold.
The anniversary festivities have officially kicked off with several key elements:
Anniversary Trailer: A special trailer for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has been released, offering a nostalgic journey through the game’s story and expressing gratitude to the dedicated community.
REDstreams Anniversary Episode: Geralt’s voice actor, Doug Cockle, joined English Adaptation Director Borys Pugacz-Muraszkiewicz for an anniversary episode of REDstreams. Cockle reflected on his experience voicing the White Wolf and the impact the role has had on him.
“The Witcher in Concert” Tour Launch: The immersive live concert experience, featuring an orchestra, visuals, and gameplay, is beginning its anniversary celebrations. Initial concerts are scheduled for Boston on May 31 and Poznań on June 15. This precedes the official tour kickoff at Gamescom in Cologne on August 20. Tickets for the European leg of the tour are already available.
New Artworks: A series of 10 specially commissioned artworks from notable Witcher artists, including Przemysław “TRUST” Trusciński (who designed Geralt’s original look) and Grzegorz Przybyś (who created artwork for The Witcher 3‘s opening), will be released. These artworks will be available on Displate’s metal canvases and as merchandise.
Immerse Gamepack Collaboration: A partnership with Embody brings personalized spatial audio to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt players. Owners of the Cyberpunk 2077 Gamepack from Embody will receive a free unlock of this new product.
“The Little Witcher” Comic Release: A new, lighthearted comic collection titled The Little Witcher, written by the creative minds behind the game, is now available from Random House Worlds in hardcover and ebook formats. It depicts Geralt raising a young Ciri at Kaer Morhen.
Already Underway / Recent Events:
Anniversary REDstreams Episode: A special anniversary edition of REDstreams, featuring Doug Cockle (the voice of Geralt of Rivia) and English Adaptation Director Borys Pugacz-Muraszkiewicz, aired on May 19th. They reminisced about the game and Geralt’s journey.
10th Anniversary Trailer: A new trailer for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has been released, celebrating the game’s story and thanking the community for a decade of support.
Franchise Sale: The entire Witcher franchise is currently available at significant discounts across various platforms, with some titles up to 90% off. This is a great opportunity for new players or those looking to complete their collection.
“The Little Witcher” Comic: A new comic series titled “The Little Witcher” has been released, offering a lighthearted take on Geralt raising a young Ciri at Kaer Morhen.
Immerse Gamepack: A collaboration with Embody on the Immerse Gamepack, which provides personalized spatial audio for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt players.
Upcoming / Ongoing Celebrations:
“The Witcher in Concert” Tour: This is a major highlight! It’s an immersive live concert experience that combines cutting-edge visuals and gameplay from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with live orchestral performances of the game’s iconic soundtrack.
Early Anniversary Concerts: There were planned concerts in Boston on May 31 and Poznań on June 15.
Official Tour Kickoff: The global tour officially kicks off at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, on August 20, 2025.
European Dates (November 2025): The tour will then continue through November 2025 with stops in various European cities, including London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. Many of these dates are already sold out.
Future Announcements: More tour dates and locations, including stops in North America and additional dates in Poland, are expected to be announced soon. Newsletter subscribers for “The Witcher in Concert” will get access to pre-sales for these new dates.
New Artworks: A series of 10 new artworks from long-time Witcher artists will be released throughout the celebration period.
Sweepstakes: Dark Horse Direct and Dark Horse Comics are running a sweepstakes with The Witcher 3-themed prizes.
CD PROJEKT RED has confirmed that more surprises and announcements are yet to come as the celebrations continue. Fans are encouraged to follow The Witcher on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky) and its official website for the latest updates.
The wait is finally over! Rockstar Games has unleashed the highly anticipated second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, giving fans a much deeper look at the sun-soaked streets of Vice City and hinting at the sprawling world that lies beyond. The trailer, released earlier today, has sent the internet into a frenzy, showcasing stunning visuals and teasing the intertwined stories of protagonists Jason and Lucia.
Following the first trailer’s confirmation of the Vice City setting and the introduction of Lucia, Trailer 2 dives deeper into the narrative and the relationship between the two main characters. Set to The Pointer Sisters’ classic track “Hot Together,” the trailer paints a picture of a duo navigating the criminal underbelly of Leonida, the state where Vice City is located.
“Explore Vice City and Beyond,” Rockstar’s accompanying message to the trailer reads, suggesting a map that could potentially extend beyond the familiar neon-lit avenues of Vice City. The trailer offers glimpses of diverse environments, from the iconic beaches and bustling downtown areas to seemingly more rural and swampy regions, hinting at a significantly larger and more detailed open world than previous entries.
A Bonnie and Clyde for the Modern Age?
The trailer heavily suggests a Bonnie and Clyde-esque dynamic between Jason and Lucia. We see moments of intimacy interspersed with high-octane action sequences, including bank robberies, car chases, and confrontations with law enforcement. The official synopsis further reinforces this: “Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America, in the middle of a criminal conspiracy stretching across the state of Leonida — forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.”
Stunning Visuals Captured on PS5:
Adding to the excitement, the end of the trailer explicitly states that all footage was captured on PlayStation 5. This has left many fans in awe of the level of detail and graphical fidelity on display, fueling anticipation for the game’s visual presentation on next-generation consoles.
More Than Just a Pretty Picture:
Beyond the impressive graphics, Trailer 2 offers glimpses of the world’s inhabitants and activities. We see crowded beaches, bustling nightlife, interactions with eccentric locals, and hints at the satirical humor that the Grand Theft Auto series is known for. The level of environmental detail and character animation appears to be a significant step up from Grand Theft Auto V.
The Long Wait Continues:
While the trailer has undoubtedly reignited the hype, the wait for Grand Theft Auto VI continues. The game is currently slated for release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. However, this new look at Vice City and its inhabitants will surely keep fans theorizing and eagerly anticipating their return to this iconic location.
What are your thoughts on the GTA 6 Trailer 2? What details caught your eye? Head to the comments below and share your reactions!
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the fourteenth major installment in the acclaimed franchise, finally transports players to the long-awaited and beautifully realized setting of feudal Japan. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, this action-adventure RPG allows players to step into the shoes of two distinct protagonists: Naoe, a skilled Iga shinobi on a path of revenge, and Yasuke, the legendary African samurai serving Oda Nobunaga. Released on March 20th, 2025, for macOS, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, with an iPadOS version to follow, does Shadows live up to the hype and deliver a truly immersive shinobi and samurai experience?
A Tale of Two Paths:
The narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a compelling and bloody affair set against the turbulent late Sengoku period in 1581 Japan. The intertwining stories of Naoe and Yasuke, both seeking retribution against a common group of twelve masked individuals, offer a fresh perspective on the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula. While some reviewers found the overarching plot somewhat predictable and the Templar/Assassin conflict relegated to the final hours, the personal journeys of the two protagonists are generally praised. Naoe’s sharp wit and stealth-focused gameplay contrast well with Yasuke’s charismatic strength and brutal combat prowess.
Gameplay – The Way of the Shinobi and the Samurai:
Shadows truly shines in its gameplay, offering distinct experiences based on which protagonist you choose to play.
Naoe: Embracing the “Shadows” in the title, Naoe’s gameplay emphasizes stealth, agility, and utilizing the environment to her advantage. Players can expect classic Assassin’s Creed stealth mechanics refined with new additions like a grappling hook for enhanced parkour and infiltration. Utilizing noise, light, and shadows is crucial for survival as enemies react dynamically to their surroundings. Her arsenal includes kunai, shuriken, and smoke bombs for distraction and elimination.
Yasuke: As a powerful samurai, Yasuke’s approach is direct and combat-oriented. His gameplay revolves around brutal, precise attacks, blocking, and parrying. Players can master a vast array of traditional Japanese weaponry, including katana, kanabo, bows, and naginata, to overcome their foes. The combat system, while rewarding, is noted to be more punishing than previous entries, demanding careful attention to enemy actions.
The ability to switch between the two protagonists for most objectives offers a refreshing layer of strategic choice. While some reviewers noted that certain missions feel better suited for one character over the other (with Naoe often being the preferred choice for exploration due to Yasuke’s inability to stealth or parkour), the game impressively caters to both playstyles.
A Feast for the Senses – World and Visuals:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows presents a breathtaking and meticulously detailed rendition of feudal Japan. From sprawling castle towns and bustling ports to serene shrines and picturesque landscapes, the open world is a visual treat. Dynamic weather and changing seasons further enhance the immersion. On PlayStation 5 Pro, the game is consistently stunning, particularly the way light filters through the dense foliage. While exploration might feel slightly more linear than its RPG predecessors due to the mountainous terrain, the world is rich with hidden shrines, villages, and secrets to discover.
Refinements and Familiarity:
While set in a new era, Shadows doesn’t completely reinvent the core Assassin’s Creed experience. Players will still climb viewpoints, take down targets, and engage with historical figures. However, the game introduces welcome refinements to established systems, such as less cluttered maps and more focused skill trees. Elements from 2023’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage, like tougher combat, are also expanded upon. The homestead customization and the network of spies for gathering intel add new layers of engagement.
Potential Drawbacks:
Despite its strengths, some reviewers pointed out areas where Shadows falls slightly short. The overarching narrative, while featuring compelling character arcs, can feel thin and predictable at times. The late introduction of the Templar/Assassin conflict left some long-time fans wanting more of that core series element. Additionally, some technical aspects, like animation quality, were noted as inconsistent.
Conclusion:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a strong and visually stunning entry in the franchise, offering a compelling blend of stealth and action within the captivating setting of feudal Japan. The dual protagonists with their distinct gameplay styles provide a refreshing dynamic, and the world is a genuine joy to explore. While the overarching story and some familiar Ubisoft open-world tropes might not be revolutionary, the core gameplay loop, particularly the refined stealth and challenging combat, makes Assassin’s Creed Shadows a worthwhile journey for both long-time fans and newcomers eager to experience the way of the shinobi and the samurai. It stands as one of the more focused and rewarding entries in the modern Assassin’s Creed era.
In a surprising turn of events, Windows 11 has officially surpassed Windows 10 as the most popular operating system among Steam users. This marks a significant milestone for Microsoft’s latest OS, which has been steadily gaining ground in the gaming community since its release.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves:
According to Steam’s latest hardware survey, Windows 11 now holds a 41.5% share of the platform’s user base. This surpasses Windows 10, which sits at 38.3%. The remaining percentage is divided among various other operating systems, including macOS and Linux.
Factors Driving the Shift:
Several factors have contributed to Windows 11’s growing popularity in the gaming world:
Performance Improvements: Windows 11 offers several performance optimizations, including DirectStorage, which can significantly reduce load times in games.
Game Pass Integration: The deep integration of Xbox Game Pass with Windows 11 has made it easier for gamers to access a vast library of titles.
New Features: Windows 11 introduced several new features, such as Auto HDR and DirectX 12 Ultimate, that enhance the gaming experience.
Time Factor: As more time passes since the release of Windows 11, more users are upgrading their systems to take advantage of its features.
Implications for Gamers:
This shift has significant implications for both gamers and game developers. For gamers, it means that Windows 11 is becoming the de facto platform for enjoying the latest titles. For developers, it means that optimizing their games for Windows 11 is more important than ever.
The Future of PC Gaming:
The rise of Windows 11 as the dominant gaming platform is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to providing a great experience for gamers. As the operating system continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advancements and optimizations that will benefit PC gamers in the years to come.
Join the Conversation:
What are your thoughts on Windows 11 as a gaming platform?
Have you upgraded to Windows 11 from Windows 10?
What features do you find most appealing in Windows 11 for gaming?
Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below! Let’s discuss the future of PC gaming and the impact of Windows 11 on the gaming community.
XDefiant Blazes Onto the Scene: 1 Million Players Strong in Just 2.5 Hours
Ubisoft’s free-to-play shooter, XDefiant, has taken the gaming world by storm! In a remarkable feat, the title garnered over 1 million unique players within a staggering 2.5 hours of its official launch on Tuesday, May 21st. This achievement marks a new record for the fastest Ubisoft game to reach this impressive player milestone.
A Meteoric Rise:
The initial surge in players demonstrates the immense interest surrounding XDefiant. Its blend of fast-paced action, diverse character classes, and a free-to-play model has clearly resonated with a large audience. While the long-term success of the game hinges on factors like content updates, balance, and player engagement, this initial burst is a strong indicator of XDefiant’s potential.
Server Strain and Solutions:
However, the overwhelming player influx wasn’t without its challenges. The massive surge caused server strain at launch, leading to some players encountering wait times or login issues. Thankfully, Ubisoft swiftly addressed these problems. Reports suggest that within 8-10 hours, server stability was restored, allowing players to jump into the action seamlessly.
Beyond the Numbers:
While the 1 million player milestone is impressive, it’s important to look beyond the numbers. XDefiant offers several unique features that set it apart:
Factional Warfare: Choose your allegiance from distinct factions, each with its own playstyle and abilities.
Customization Galore: Personalize your character with a vast array of cosmetic options and weapon attachments.
Free-to-Play Model: Experience the core gameplay and progression systems without spending a dime.
The Road Ahead:
With a strong launch and a dedicated development team, XDefiant has a promising future. However, it will face competition from other established free-to-play shooters. Maintaining player engagement through consistent content updates, addressing player feedback, and fostering a healthy community will be crucial for XDefiant’s long-term success.
Join the Discussion:
Did you participate in XDefiant’s launch?
What are your first impressions of the game?
What features are you most excited about?
How do you think XDefiant will fare in the competitive free-to-play shooter market?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! XDefiant has made a bold entrance, and the future of this free-to-play shooter looks bright. Let’s see if it can maintain its momentum and carve a niche for itself in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.
Hold on to your DualShocks, gamers! A recent interview with Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann caused a stir, with claims that their next game could “redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming.” However, there’s been a twist: Druckmann himself has clarified his remarks.
The Original Statement:
News outlets reported that Druckmann, in an interview with Sony, expressed his belief that Naughty Dog’s next project could be a genre-defining experience. Headlines blared with phrases like “redefine mainstream gaming” and “the most exciting yet.” This naturally sent the gaming community into a frenzy of speculation.
Setting the Record Straight:
Here’s the catch: Druckmann took to X/Twitter to clarify his comments. He acknowledged discussing Naughty Dog’s excitement for their current project and its potential to resonate with audiences, but he emphasized that his words were “not quite what [he] said.” Apparently, the editing process for the interview resulted in a slight misrepresentation of his original statement.
Druckmann’s Actual Words:
According to Druckmann, his original response focused on the team’s enthusiasm for the project and its potential to captivate players, especially following the success of The Last of Us Part II. He did mention the broader potential of gaming to reach new audiences, but the claim of “redefining” the entire industry wasn’t his primary message.
What This Means:
So, what does this mean for Naughty Dog’s next game? While the project undoubtedly holds a special place within the studio, it’s likely not a revolutionary title poised to rewrite the rulebook of gaming. We can still expect a high-quality, narrative-driven experience from the creators of Uncharted and The Last of Us, but the focus seems to be more on delivering a captivating story within the established gaming landscape.
The Hype Continues:
Despite the clarification, the hype surrounding Naughty Dog’s next game remains strong. The studio’s proven track record ensures gamers are eagerly awaiting more information. While we don’t have a confirmed title or genre yet, Druckmann’s passion for the project is certainly contagious.
In editing my rambling answers in my recent interview with SONY, some of my words, context, and intent were unfortunately lost. Well, here's the full long rambling answer for the final question about our future game… pic.twitter.com/tVuxX3LYJF
Calling all battle royale veterans and FPS enthusiasts! Buckle up, because PUBG Studio, the minds behind the iconic PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, is developing a brand new shooter. While details remain under wraps, the ambition is clear: pushing the boundaries of the genre and setting a new standard for multiplayer action.
Beyond Battle Royale:
This announcement marks a significant step for PUBG Studio. While they’ve achieved immense success with PUBG and its various iterations, venturing into a new shooter genre demonstrates their desire to innovate and diversify their portfolio. Could this project offer a completely fresh experience, or will it build upon the core strengths of PUBG and its tactical gameplay?
Pushing the Boundaries:
The studio’s bold claim to “push the shooter genre forward” raises several exciting possibilities. Could we see groundbreaking advancements in game design, cutting-edge technology implementation, or innovative narrative integration? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is palpable.
Questions Abound:
While speculation runs wild, key questions remain unanswered:
What specific genre will the game fall under? Will it remain in the battle royale realm, venture into tactical shooters, or explore something entirely new?
What platforms will it be available on? Will it target PC, consoles, or both?
What unique features will set it apart from existing shooters? What mechanics or innovations will push the genre forward?
A Studio with Proven Excellence:
Despite the lack of concrete details, one thing is certain: PUBG Studio boasts a proven track record of success. Their expertise in creating engaging and competitive multiplayer experiences inspires confidence in their ability to deliver something truly special.
The Future of the FPS Landscape:
This announcement has the potential to significantly impact the FPS landscape. With a renowned studio aiming to revolutionize the genre, this project could set a new benchmark for future shooters. Will it inspire healthy competition and push other developers to innovate? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future of shooter games just got a whole lot more exciting.
Join the Speculation:
What features or innovations would you like to see in PUBG Studio’s new shooter?
What impact do you think this project will have on the wider FPS genre?
What other studios or franchises do you think this new game will compete with?
