Gaming Hardware
Microsoft details Project Helix next-gen Xbox at GDC 2026, with dev kits arriving in 2027
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Microsoft detailed its next-generation Xbox console, Project Helix, at the 2026 Game Developers Conference, highlighting a custom AMD SoC for Xbox and PC games, advanced ray tracing, AI upscaling, and alpha developer kits shipping in 2027. The announcements include platform convergence, game preservation efforts, and follow recent leadership changes.
Nintendo is reducing production of its Switch 2 console by a third this quarter, from six million to four million units, following disappointing holiday sales in the United States. The move comes despite a strong launch, with sales now lagging behind expectations amid a thin software lineup. Shares in the company fell 6.3 percent in Tokyo after the news broke.
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Following its February announcement of delays, Valve made a public plea for RAM suppliers at the 2026 Game Developers Conference, highlighting persistent global shortages impacting Steam Machine production and other devices. A spokesperson directly asked attendees for leads on purchases amid the crisis dubbed 'RAMaggedon.'
Sony's PlayStation Portal Remote Player, a device for streaming PS5 games over Wi-Fi, is now available at a discounted price of $179 on Amazon, down from its usual $200. The 10% reduction applies to both white and black models but ends at midnight today. Potential buyers should note that shipping will occur after Christmas, making it less suitable for immediate gifting.
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The Nex Playground console has surged in popularity, capturing third place in November sales and 14% of Black Friday console market share. CEO David Lee attributes this success to a subscription model that avoids the pitfalls of the Nintendo Wii's individual game sales approach. Lee praises Nintendo while emphasizing the need for ongoing innovation to retain expanded audiences.
Lenovo has introduced the ThinkPad T16g Gen 3, a business-oriented laptop that incorporates high-end gaming hardware. The device features Intel's fastest mobile CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 for enhanced performance. This launch blends professional design with capabilities appealing to gamers and AI-driven computing.