Gaming

NieR: Automata (Switch) review: A smooth(er) operator

Experience 2B in handheld

Published

November 4, 2022

Luigi Leonardo

Five years ago, Nintendo launched the Switch. The handheld console ushered Nintendo fans into a new generation of gaming. However, despite the promise of a fresh start for Nintendo, the Switch never looked like a proper contender against the beefy graphics of a PC or a PlayStation.

Around the same time, a new sci-fi game, called NieR: Automata, quietly made waves. Though it wasn’t an instant hit from the first day, the title eventually made its way into the annals of gaming history as an enthralling experience for sci-fi fans. That said, as a notable title released in 2017, it still wasn’t anything you’d expect on the Nintendo Switch. Shows how little we knew back then.

Now, the Switch is home to a surprising variety of capable ports such as Apex Legends, DOOM, and The Witcher 3. Impressively, each title works surprisingly well on the handheld console. If you haven’t had enough of big titles on the console, make way for — you guessed it — NieR: Automata.

Just like old times

The title’s port is action-packed from the get-go. Instead of just the base game, players will enjoy The End of YoRHA Edition which includes all additional downloadable content. It’s a great deal for the price you’re paying for.

Now, whether you’re playing docked or handheld, NieR: Automata plays as it was back then. The port does not cut content. If you’ve played the game before, it’s the same game. However, if it’s your first time playing the title, you’ll enjoy the game as if you bought it back in 2017.

Regardless of where you find yourself, here’s a refresher for the game’s plot: Almost ten thousand years into the future, the world has been taken over by a race of anthropomorphic robots. Aided by 9S (an android modeled after a boy), 2B is on a mission to take the planet back and fight the robots.

Rather than a straightforward RPG shooter, NieR: Automata mixes and mashes different mechanics into a wonderful postapocalyptic package. From an open-world exploration stage, players can find themselves thrust into 2D platformers and bullet hells in a single chapter. Not one stage feels out of place or overstays its welcome.

A compromise for graphics

As you might expect, the Switch port does compromise on a few technical aspects to get the game running on the console. However, it’s a good compromise.

From the first chapter, you’ll notice a difference in display quality compared to more robust consoles. However, it’s not just a matter of the hardware being unable to run the game. There are some downgrades. For example, texture quality is considerably lower compared to the original games. Rocks look chunkier, and foliage is sparser. At the very least, you won’t see it as much if you’re playing in handheld mode.

To compensate for the drop in texture quality, the Switch port has more antialiasing. Despite the less organic textures, edges are smoother. It’s a welcome addition to the Switch, which often does terribly with tearing for games with larger resolutions.

Additionally, NieR: Automata handles framerates a lot better than the original versions. Years ago, the title, amid all the fanfare, did not come off as the most polished game due to framerate stutters happening throughout the entire game. Now, the Switch port feels right. Though the port is locked at 30fps, the lack of any substantial framerate drops makes for a more immersive experience compared to one that tries and fails at pushing things to 60fps.

All in all, porting NieR: Automata is an impressive feat. For a title over five years old, the Switch port still feels fresh and right at home with the rest of the console’s library of games.

NieR: Automata The End of YoRHA Edition is now available for the Nintendo Switch, selling at US$ 39.99 through the Switch store.

Computers

AMD to bring FSR Upscaling 4.1 to RDNA 3 GPUs this July

Better visuals for players on PC, consoles soon

Published

May 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

AMD has announced through Senior Vice President and General Manager Jack Huynh that FSR 4.1 upscaling technology is coming to RDNA 3 GPUs this July.

Huynh confirmed that Radeon RX 7000 series graphics cards, among other older graphics architectures, will receive the update in July. Older RDNA 2 cards will also benefit in early 2027.

The decision directly benefits budget-conscious PC gamers and handheld console users who have opted out of expensive hardware upgrades. Instead of having to purchase new GPUs, they will simply have to download the software driver.

FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) 4.1 marks a major shift for AMD. It introduces a machine learning-powered algorithm that replaces traditional analytical upscaling.

By updating their software drivers, users can access cleaner image reconstruction, reduced motion ghosting, and better performance with FSR Upscaling 4.1 across more than 300 supported gaming titles on their RDNA 3 graphics.

Beyond desktop players, the rollout carries significant implications for the wider gaming ecosystem.

Devices like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go run on RDNA 3 integrated graphics. This means handheld gamers will see immediate frame rate and visual fidelity improvements this summer.

Furthermore, current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as Valve’s Steam Deck, rely on RDNA 2 architecture. This means AMD’s early 2027 roadmap lays the groundwork for massive visual optimization across the entire console market.

Gaming

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang partners with global fast food giant

Jollibee GameJoy x MLBB combos launched for in-game rewards, collectibles

Published

May 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has leveled up its partnership with the Philippines’ leading fast food chain, Jollibee.

MLBB players may have already secured the Jollibee emote on the popular 5-on-5 MOBA title.

And this time, the campaign is rolling out the GameJoy x MLBB Combos, available nationwide at Jollibee stores until August 19.

This seeks to sustain player engagement through a mix of physical hero card collectibles and exclusive in-game rewards available with every GameJoy combo purchase.

The combos are available in five variants, all priced at PhP 169:

Yumburger
Jolly Hotdog
Special Cheesy Yumburger
Crunchy Chicken Sandwich
Original Cheesy Yumburger

Each combo comes with fries, a drink, and the Peach Mango Pie.

Customers who avail of these combos will then get a GameJoy x MLBB pack, which includes one physical collectible card and a PIN which can be used to redeem mystery rewards within the title.

Players can expect skins, emotes, fragments, avatar borders, and the sought-after MLBB all-skin unlock.

For Jollibee, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang collaboration is a follow-up to its GameJoy x Unipin partnership last year, targeting audiences who are into mobile gaming while offering their affordable menu items.

MLBB is the most-played mobile game in the country, so the promo is expecting a warm reception.

Gaming

Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales set for physical SEA launch

Pre-orders now open

Published

May 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is set for a Southeast Asia physical edition launch on June 18.

Bandai Namco and Square Enix announced the developed. In addition, digital editions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Microsoft Store are now available for pre-order.

Those who place pre-orders will receive Elliot’s Departure Pack, which includes various items that can give the protagonist an edge.

There’s the Departure Brooch accessory, which increases the amount of currency and magicite fragments dropped by enemies. On the other hand, there’s also the Attack Up sword Magicite.

In addition to the standard digital edition, the Digital Deluxe Edition is also available for pre-order, and includes these perks:

Fairy Bangle accessory
Cherry Blossom Anklet accessory
Roselle Ring accessory

Meanwhile, the physical Collector’s Edition comes with the base game, original soundtrack, and desk clock statue featuring Faie.

In The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, the duo of Elliot and Faie traverse a vast world across four ages.

This world is teeming with enemy hordes, hidden caves, and ancient ruins. Elliot can wield seven weapon types, from close-quarters swords to versatile chains and sickles.

Each weapon is customizable through magicite, allowing players to tailor their combat style. On the other hand, Faie’s powerful Magic is formidable in and out of battle.

The title will also feature several new and improved features, based on feedback from the Debut Demo.

This includes faster movement speed, refinements to the weapon shortcut menu, and additional difficulty options.