Gaming
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 looks like the holy grail of competitive gaming
A gamer’s own version of a super weapon
Professional gamers love to take their skills to the next level. In order for them to do that, they need the type of hardware that could keep up with their aspirations. For ASUS ROG, they have something that just might provide everything they need. Along with their refreshed Spring 2020 collection, they’ve also announced the arrival of the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17.
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 brings all the powerful hardware you can imagine for the pro player. For starters, this gaming laptop comes with the 10th generation Intel Core i9-10980HK octacore processor. With this, you can expect massive power doing practically anything and everything — especially for non-stop, hardcore gaming. This is coupled with the NVIDIA RTX 2080 SUPER that ASUS ROG claims to provide triple-digit frame rates.
Along with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 becomes the battle-ready device for any competitive gamer out there. With this device, multitasking will naturally be a breeze and most heavy duty tasks are accounted for. We’re talking playing games while editing and rendering gameplay without breaking a sweat!
Perhaps one of the bigger additions to the hardware is the 17.3-inch, 300Hz refresh rate display. At a response rate of 3ms with the RTX 2080 SUPER, you can expect insane response times during intense moments. Also, you can expect clearer images with less motion blur in play, providing clear cut details for a smoother gaming experience.
Of course with all that power inside, this device finds a way to remain cool and collected. The device makes use of liquid metal compounds on the CPU and GPU that allows better heat transfer to its four heatsinks. Furthermore, ASUS ROG came up with a CoolZone design that alleviates some of the heat from spreading to the keyboard, particularly towards the WASD keys. The ROG Armoury Crate also comes with more optimized cooling modes to aid in heat exhaustion.
All in all, the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 looks to provide the professional gamer with the opportunity to be better. As for pricing and availability, these have yet to be announced.
Gaming
Switch 2 finally gets a Choose Your Game bundle
Choose from Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia.
When the console launched, Nintendo fans had only two options when buying a new Switch 2: the console by itself or packaged with Mario Kart World. Since then, Nintendo has very occasionally released more bundles for more games. Finally, a new bundle will let you pick your bundled game from three hard-hitting options.
The best way to buy a new console is through a bundle. It allows you to save a few dollars on a game you’re probably buying anyway and lets you play right as you unbox your new purchase.
Today, Nintendo announced a new bundle that adds more options for gamers. These options include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokémon Pokopia. The bundle lets you pick one.
As someone who’s played all three games, this selection isn’t too shabby at all. In fact, they’re the best first-party games you can currently get for the console.
It’s also a cost-efficient purchase that gives you more savings before the price of a new Switch 2 goes up in September. It’s likely that Nintendo introduced the option to soften the blow of the upcoming price hike.
The bundle will cost US 499.99. Being the most expensive game of the bundle, selecting Mario Kart World will save you US$ 29.99. Meanwhile, both Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Pokopia will save you US$ 19.99.
The Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle will come out in early June and will be available until supplies last. If you’re still craving for a Switch 2, this might be the perfect time to grab one.
Gaming
SEGA/ATLUS, animate launch year-long collaboration featuring popular IPs
Fairs, live music events, more to be held, featuring globally-renowned SEGA group franchises
SEGA/ATLUS and animate have officially announced a massive, year-long global partnership. This shall bring the gaming giant’s most iconic franchises to over 140 retail locations worldwide.
Marking the first cross-regional collaboration of its scale for both companies, the project is set to feature a rotating lineup of eight major IPs from the SEGA Group.
This includes titles from group companies like ATLUS and Rovio Entertainment. The featured franchises will be rolled out in phases.
The initiative kicks off in June 2026 with Sonic the Hedgehog taking center stage. Then, it will be followed by PUYOPUYO, HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!, the Persona series, and the highly anticipated Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Moreover, the schedule continues through early 2027 with spotlight events for Yakuza / Like a Dragon, Angry Birds, and the classic Sakura Wars.
The project includes animate stores both in Japan and overseas (including locations in China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.).
Fans visiting will experience a mix of limited-time exhibitions, exclusive merchandise, hands-on gameplay sessions, and “Cafe Gratte” collaborations.
The massive partnership is part of SEGA’s “Transmedia Strategy” which aims to expand its IPs beyond the digital screen and into the daily lives of fans.
Leveraging animate’s extensive retail network definitely creates an immersive experience for fans of different franchises under SEGA.
The festivities begin June 6, 2026, with the Sonic “Only Shop” and Fair. Fans are encouraged to check local animate listings for specific event dates and regional availability.
For the full schedule, including dates, locations, and activities involved, visit this microsite.
Gone are the days when consoles get cheaper as time goes by. These days, especially because of the RAM crisis, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. Joining this worrying trend, the Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike.
Even upon launch, the Switch 2 was already pricier than its original counterpart. Currently, without the incoming price hikes, the console retails for US$ 449.99. It’s a lot but not completely out of reach.
Last week, Nintendo announced a price hike that might push the console to less than attainable levels. Starting May 25, the Switch 2 will cost JPY 59,980 (up from JPY 49,980) in Japan. The original generation is also getting a hike: JPY 47,980 for the Switch OLED, JPY 43,980 for the base Switch, and JPY 29,980 for the Switch Lite.
Abroad, you can expect price hikes on September 1. The Switch 2 will jump to US$ 499.99, CAN 679.99, or EUR 499.99, depending on where you live. These are the only official hikes announced right now, but Nintendo has confirmed that price revisions will be implemented in other regions, too.
As you might expect, the price increases are due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Though the console is an undeniable hit, the Switch 2 can’t hide behind its popularity against the price shortage dealt by unnecessary data centers. At the very least, users worldwide have time to grab the console in its original pricing before the hikes.
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