Gaming

Acer Predator Helios 500 can overclock its Core i9 and GTX 1070 chips

Predator Helios 300 Special Edition gets launched as well

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Acer is well known for unleashing some of the most unreal gaming notebooks we’ve ever seen. And while it’s difficult to top the Predator Triton 700 and 21 X, the company is certainly continuing to turn heads with its newest Helios lineup.

First up is the Predator Helios 500, which is a follow-up to the Helios 300 we saw launched around this time last year. Acer is calling this new model “exceptionally powerful” and I can’t argue with that.

Both its Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 chips are overclockable. They’re already fast on stock speeds, so being able to go past their limits is something mobile gamers will wholeheartedly enjoy. On top of that, the Helios 500 can be fitted with Intel’s Optane memory, providing users with the shortest of load times. If that’s not enough, up to 64GB of RAM can be installed, too.

To make the most of the high-end components, the 17.3-inch IPS LCD (available in UHD or Full HD) can manage a 144Hz refresh rate along with NVIDIA’s G-Sync tech to prevent annoying instances of stuttering and tearing during intense gameplay. And so that things stay cool, the brand’s signature AeroBlade 3D metal fans are once again employed.

Since this is a gaming machine, you get the usual gamer essentials, including a backlit RGB keyboard and host of ports such as Thunderbolt 3 and HDMI 2.0.

Interested? The Helios 500 will go for US$ 1,999 in North America starting June, EUR 1,999 in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) beginning this month, and CNY 15,999 in China in June. Specific configurations depend per region.

Going back to the Helios 300 mentioned earlier, there’s now a Special Edition of the year-old gaming laptop. What’s different this time is the all-white aluminum chassis with gold trim — quite a unique design choice that stands out in the sea of black gaming notebooks.

It also comes with updated specs, namely an 8th-generation Core i7 processor coupled with up to 16GB of RAM (which you could still push to 32GB), 512GB SSD, Intel Optane memory, and a GTX 1060. The display is slightly smaller than its larger counterpart at 15.6 inches, but the Full HD IPS panel can handle a refresh rate of 144Hz, as well. Two AeroBlade fans are inside to keep everything in order.

The Helios 300’s regional pricing and availability will be disclosed soon.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

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Yasmine | Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

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Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

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Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

  • Philippines: Manila Brigade
  • Indonesia: War Kanda
  • Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
  • Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone:

  • 5 million players: 100 Diamonds
  • 10 million players: 200 Diamonds
  • 20 million players: Vehicle Upgrade Vouchers x5
  • 30 million players: Full Tilt Vehicle Pack

All Global Vault Heist and Faction rewards can be claimed via the in-game mail system on August 20.

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Gaming

Genshin Impact opens Snezhnaya in Version 7.0 this August 12

Explore Teyvat’s frozen north

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Global interactive entertainment brand HoYoverse has announced that Genshin Impact Version 7.0, titled “Everwinter Without Mercy,” launches on August 12, finally opening the long-awaited nation of Snezhnaya for players.

The update marks the arrival of Teyvat’s seventh nation, bringing a new Archon Quest, fresh exploration mechanics, two playable characters, and a new elemental reaction.

Players can watch the Version 7.0 trailer:

Explore the frozen nation of Snezhnaya

Located in Teyvat’s far north, Snezhnaya is a snowbound nation powered by Kresnik energy. Its settlements are linked by an extensive railway network, allowing players to travel between the bustling capital of Snezhnograd and remote frozen regions filled with ancient creatures, isolated villages, and hidden settlements.

The new Archon Quest explores a devastating blizzard and the nation’s ongoing energy crisis while revealing more about the Fatui and the factions shaping Snezhnaya. Completing the quest rewards players with up to 560 Primogems.

Players will also receive the Eye of Graeae, a new exploration tool that protects against the harsh climate while enabling train travel, puzzle-solving, and interactions with other players.

New combat systems and playable characters

Version 7.0 introduces Goggles, unlocking a new third-person shooter mode. Players can use three new firearms and customize them with weapon attachments found throughout Snezhnaya.

The update also adds Stellar Swirl, a new Stellar Glimmer reaction triggered by combining Anemo and Cryo. Travelers who resonate with Snezhnaya’s Statues of the Seven will gain Cryo powers, allowing access to all Stellar Glimmer reactions.

Joining the roster are two new playable characters:

  • Odette is a 5-star Cryo Sword user and Fatui operative known as both a deadly assassin and a celebrated ballerina. She enhances Stellar Glimmer reactions while dealing powerful Cryo damage.
  • Alyosha is a 4-star Electro Polearm wielder who fights alongside his canine companion, Tugarin. He boosts Stellar-Conduct damage and provides healing for nearby teammates. Players can obtain him for free by progressing through the new Archon Quest.

The first phase of Event Wishes features Odette, Alyosha, and the returning Arlecchino, while the second phase brings back Flins and Ineffa.

New events and rewards

Version 7.0 also introduces several limited-time activities, including train races, target shooting challenges, Domains, and quests involving the Jack Frosts. Completing event objectives rewards players with various items, including the chance to recruit Diona for free.

Another seasonal event set in Miliastra Wonderland adds spooky summer-themed adventures and rewards players with a new head accessory.

Genshin Impact Version 7.0: “Everwinter Without Mercy” launches on August 12 across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Android, and iOS with cross-progression and co-op support.

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