Gaming

Open Beta shows glimpse of Modern Warfare II’s multiplayer features

Innovative improvements

Published

September 19, 2022

GadgetMatch

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II’s massive Open Beta testing provided a comprehensive first look into the innovative multiplayer features of the upcoming multiplayer FPS game from Infinity Ward.

Here’s a deep dive into the improvements. These surely will get players well acquainted ahead of the launch on October 28, 2022.

Swimming and Aquatic Combat

One of the most significant improvements in Modern Warfare II is how the water-based combat has received technological advancements.

Action now happens above, on, and in water. The water physics captures the currents and rapids in rivers and large waves in oceans; the water conditions may vary from clean, murky, to even polluted with debris. As for vehicles, they can be driven into or on top of water.

These updates allow players to work around the water and use them as an escape or include them in their strategy.

Mantle and Ledge Hang Movements

Modern Warfare II is building on the introduction of Tactical Sprint and Mounting from Modern Warfare three years ago.

Now, characters can Slide or Dive to the floor, depending on running speed. The new Dive occurs from a Tactical Sprint into a Crouch.

The Ledge Hang aids in vertical maneuvering as a natural progression from Climb or Mantle. Developers are also exploring the possibility of being able to pull up a pistol from a Ledge Hang.

For now, you can now Ledge Hang and Mantle out of a parachute descent.

Vehicle Interactivity and Destructibility

For this aspect, Infinity Ward focused on more dynamic destruction and action-oriented maneuvers, particularly on the new vehicles.

Among new moves that one can be capable of executing are:

Leaning out of vehicle windows and shooting (both driver and passenger)
Mantling onto vehicle roof
Destroying vehicle sections (bumpers, doors using RPG or high-powered rifle)
Blowing out tires to slow down vehicles
Employ multiple ground, air, and water vehicles, depending on the game mode and map

The roster of all-new vehicles includes nine land-based ones, such as hatchback cars, SUVs, cargo trucks, and heavy tanks. Players may also take the Light Helo and Heavy Chopper airborne, or the Rigid Inflatable Boat and Armored Patrol Boat in the waters.

Tacticals, Lethals, Field Upgrades, Perks

More unique options have also been introduced to Tactical Equipment and Field Upgrades:

Tactical Camera (field upgrade): Can be thrown at a surface to activate a small camera and tripod to monitor the area, to be accessible by anyone on your team
Shock Stick (equipment): Depending on its environment, the Shock Stick sends out a burst of electricity that can harm opponents and destroy equipment or vehicles
Drill Charge (equipment): An even more lethal piece that can be thrown, the Drill Charge bores a hole and then launches a grenade for splash damage when lobbed towards a building
DDoS (field upgrade): This attack lets you know if there are equipment or vehicles in the periphery for you to deactivate them and disrupt enemy sensors
Inflatable Decoy (field upgrade): A dummy that rapidly inflates after throwing that doesn’t only fool enemies but also acts as a proximity mine

Aside from these, Perk Packages which consist of two base plus a Bonus and Ultimate which are earned during a multiplayer match at the 4- and 8- minute marks in non-round based modes may be utilized.

Gunsmith: Weapons Platforms

With Modern Warfare II, Gunsmith weapon customization also receives enhancements. Unlike in the preceding Modern Warfare where every weapon is a separate family within Gunsmith, weapons are now grouped into “Platforms” for more control over the weaponry brought into matches.

Here’s how it works:

Rank up to receive base Weapons Platform
First weapon unlocked on a Platform is known by its Receiver, a core of the weapon that determines its primary use and strengths
Unlock more Receivers as you progress to access additional weapons within a Platform
Change a receiver and alter a weapon. It’s considered a “new” weapon when building a loadout but still stays within the same Platform

For example, the Open Beta Weapons Platform for the M4 unlocks the base M4 AR, as well as four Receivers. The additional M4 receivers will be unlocked later on. These are the M16, 556 Icarus LMG, FTac Racon Battle Rifle, and FSS Hurricane SMG.

Change the Receiver and you’ll build a weapon with different capabilities, like an AR, LMG, Battle Rifle, or SMG.

Players can also augment weapons via two pools of attachments, the Weapons Platform Attachments and Universal Attachments.

In the Vault Edition of the game, the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault which is free to use is an entirely unlocked Weapons Platform – with every attachment unlocked and ready to use. This is the Ultimate Weapon Blueprint which allows for immediate customization.

New Maps, Modes, Third-Person Perspective

Lastly, a more refined design across MP maps and modes could also be seen particularly in the Battle Maps (up to 32v32) and Core Maps (6v6).

There are three new modes: Knockout Mode, Prisoner Rescue, and Invasion (Ground War).

Knockout Mode takes elements from the 2v2 Gunfight and the final circle action within Warzone. Here, players eliminate opposing forces or hold the package to win – without respawns.

In Prisoner Rescue, players will have to locate hostages and get them out alive while defending them. All Players may also switch to a third-person perspective across the multiplayer and specific modes.

Meanwhile, the chaotic Invasion mode is a mayhem deathmatch. It’s a mix of players and AI fighting alongside and against each other. It can be condensed to as simple as eliminate or be eliminated.

Additionally, Special Ops has been brought back, giving players even more exciting things to look forward to.

Players who pre-order the Modern Warfare II through the PlayStation store will receive an exclusive operator at launch: Hiro “Oni” Watanabe, who will be playable in both Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.

Gaming

Nintendo retires the original Switch in Europe

The original Switch will no longer be sold in Europe after early 2027.

Published

July 7, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been almost a decade since the original Nintendo Switch. As with every technology reaching a certain age, it’s natural to expect its impending doom. But despite its age, the Nintendo Switch still feels like it’s too young to go off into the sunset. Europe, however, has other plans. The original console will no longer be sold after early 2027.

As always, Europe is a bastion for consumer-friendly devices. The European Union has no qualms about forcing corporations to adopt better practices for consumers. Part of those efforts is to force Nintendo to sell devices with replaceable batteries.

Starting February 2027, Nintendo will start replacing its current with models carrying replaceable batteries. The new lineup is headlined by a new Switch 2. It’s virtually identical to the old model but with a replaceable battery.

The official list of new devices conspicuously lacks the entirety of the original Switch generation, including the Lite and the OLED. That’s because Nintendo has decided to skip these models for the update. If you live in Europe after February 2027, the original console is effectively dead.

That’s not to say that the original consoles will just shut down. Existing consoles sold before February 2027 will continue to work. Likewise, you can still get the old ones in countries that don’t have an updated policy regarding device batteries.

Alongside the Switch, Nintendo has also skipped the NES Controller, Pokémon GO Plus +, SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad, SNES Controller, and the Switch Pro Controller.

Gaming

PlayStation declares AI as “foundational piece” in future

The brand, however, sees it more as a tool than a cost-cutting measure.

Published

July 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Being the gaming company that they are, Sony has embarked on a speedrun of its own: to deliver as much eyebrow-raising decisions as it can in a short span of time. Last week, PlayStation announced that the company will stop producing physical copies of its games in 2028. Now, the brand has confirmed that it will rely on AI for future game development.

In an interview with CEO Hideaki Nishino, via TweakTown, PlayStation has stated that AI will be a “foundational piece” in the company’s future game development. It is, however, some consolation that Nishino is adamant that it’s only a tool, rather than a cost-cutting measure.

Nishino says that AI usage can cut out repetitive tasks which frees developers up for more critical tasks. Interestingly, he also confirms that it will be used for asset placeholders and synthetic voices.

AI in game development isn’t completely new. In fact, some developers already use the technology just as how PlayStation describes it. However, it’s relatively uncommon for companies to essentially push AI to the forefront of development. Also, to be fair to Nishino, AI isn’t as maligned in Japan as it is in the Western world.

That said, it’s still an interesting decision to make, especially coming after Sony’s decision to cut off physical copies in 2028. PlayStation’s upcoming AI usage will surely raise some eyebrows.

Accessories

UGREEN x Honkai: Star Rail is a complete charging kit

More than just a collab

Published

July 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

Most brand collaborations usually lean on one thing: aesthetics.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re already a fan of the franchise, seeing your favorite character on something you use every day is reason enough to pick it up.

The UGREEN x Honkai: Star Rail collection certainly delivers on that front. Inspired by Yao Guang, each accessory gets a distinct look without sacrificing the clean, minimalist design UGREEN is known for.

After spending some time with the collection, however, another idea stood out.

Rather than treating each accessory as a standalone product, the lineup makes the most sense as a complete charging kit.

Built around everyday carry

Inside the limited-edition gift box are four of UGREEN’s everyday essentials: the MagFlow Air Magnetic Power Bank, Nexode Air 65W Charger, Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable, and FineTrack Mini 2 tracker. The package also comes with exclusive Yao Guang collectibles, including an acrylic stand, badge, holographic ticket, and a matching pouch.

UGREEN also sent over the Nexode Pro Power Bank Honkai: Star Rail Edition. While it isn’t included in the collector’s gift box, it naturally rounds out the entire collection. Its built-in USB-C cable, compact size, and smart display make it feel like it belongs alongside the rest of the lineup.

Looking at everything together, the collection already covers most everyday charging needs.

There’s a compact GaN wall charger for laptops and tablets. Two power banks for different situations. A retractable USB-C cable that cuts down on cable clutter. And a tracker for bags, keys, or anything else you don’t want to misplace.

It’s a practical combination before the collaboration artwork even enters the conversation.

Familiar products with fresh personalities

That familiarity is also part of what makes this collaboration work.

We’ve already spent time with the standard versions of both the Nexode Air Charger 65W and the MagFlow Air Power Bank. Their biggest strengths weren’t flashy gimmicks. They were reliable accessories that earned a place in an everyday carry setup.

That doesn’t change here.

The Nexode Air remains a compact 65W GaN charger that’s easy to slip into a backpack or travel pouch. Meanwhile, the MagFlow Air continues to offer the flexibility of wired and wireless charging in a compact package.

Instead of reinventing the hardware, UGREEN simply gave the products a little more personality.

For Honkai: Star Rail fans, that’s probably exactly what they’re looking for.

The little things make a difference

Another pleasant surprise is how cohesive everything feels.

The included pouch makes it easy to keep most of the essentials together, whether they’re headed into a backpack, messenger bag, or carry-on luggage.

Even the color ended up being more practical than expected.

Most chargers, cables, and power banks tend to disappear into a sea of black accessories inside a bag. The light blue finish used throughout this collection makes each item surprisingly easy to spot at a glance.

They’re small details.

But they’re the kinds of conveniences that make these accessories feel like they’re meant to be used every day instead of staying inside the collector’s box.

More than a collector’s item

There’s no question that Honkai: Star Rail fans are the primary audience here.

The artwork alone gives the collection plenty of appeal.

What makes it interesting, though, is that the collaboration doesn’t rely on aesthetics alone.

Instead of creating a single themed accessory, UGREEN assembled products that naturally complement one another. Whether it’s charging a laptop, topping up a phone during the day, carrying a single cable, or keeping track of everyday essentials, each product has a clear role within the lineup.