Sometimes all we need is some space. For my PlayStation 5, specifically, I wanted 2TB more space. There were plenty of brands to consider, but ultimately I landed on the Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB with Heatsink. We’ll just call it Firecuda530 from here on out for brevity.
Seagate is a brand that’s trusted when it comes to expanding storage. And the Firecuda530 meets all the requirements that PlayStation laid out for compatible m.2 solid state drive (SSD) options.
In case you were wondering, these are the requirements:
- Interface — PCI-Express Gen4x4 supported M.2 NVMe SSD (Key M)
- Storage — 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB* *(4TB available upon pre-order)
- Supported Sizes — 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110
- Size including heat-dissipation mechanism — Width: up to 25 mm / Length: 30/40/6080/110 mm / Thickness: up to 11.25 mm (up to 8.0 mm
- from above the board, up to 2.45 mm from below the board)
- Sequential read speed — 5500 MB/s or faster is recommended
- Socket Type — Socket 3 (Key M)
Seagate’s offering even exceeds this as it promises up to 7,300mb/s of speed and performance. They also claim to have transfer rates that are two times faster than PCIeGen3 NVMe SSDs.
Rescue Data
On top of that, you also get Rescue Data Recovery Services for the ultimate peace of mind on your precious files. Personally, I think this is one of the biggest value adds from Seagate. I have encountered my fair share of hardware data getting corrupted with only a small fraction of them recovered.
With this, Seagate offers the services of world-class data recovery experts with an industry-leading 95% success rate for in-house SSD and HDD data recovery. You get one in-lab data recovery attempt. And your recovered data will be stored in an encrypted storage device.
Alright, enough of that, let’s put this thing inside the PS5.
Installing the FireCuda 530 2TB with Heatsink
First we have to take off the faceplate. Make sure the side with the PS5 logo is the one that’s faced down. You want to remove the plate that’s on the other side.
To remove it, you have to pull up from the top side and then slide down from the bottom.
Once removed, you’ll see a plate covering the storage expansion slot. Unscrew and then remove the plate. Don’t lose the screw!
Inside, there are multiple screw slots, with the safety screw placed up top at the 110 slot. Remove it, and then place it loosely on the 80 slot.
Now, take the Firecuda530 and slide it into the slot diagonally. You’ll know it’s in when you hear a click.
Afterwards, screw it in place and put back the protective plate.
I also took this opportunity to replace the faceplates to black and added some personal touch.

TWICE chibi stickers c/o @arts423
Formatting and testing
After installation, the next time you fire up your PS5, you’ll be asked to format the expansion drive. Do it by simply following the prompts. It should take less than 10 minutes.
After that, you can proceed to transferring your files to the Firecuda530. Transfer rates will vary depending on the file size.
The first time I did it, I transferred nearly 100GB and it took only around three minutes.
Before I transferred, I recorded how long it’ll take for me to load a few games. I did this for when they were on the main drive and when they were transferred.
Here are the results:
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (PS4 Game)
- PS5 Storage: 31.47 seconds
- M.2 Storage: 27.77seconds
Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS5 Game)
- PS5 Storage: 3.67 seconds
- M.2 Storage: 2.49 seconds
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5 Game)
- PS5 Storage: 2.61 seconds
- M.2 Storage: 2.17 seconds
These are insane results as the Firecuda530 loaded the games faster than the PS5’s internal storage. Safe to say, the promised transfer speed and performance delivered as advertised.
Just playing
In the week since I moved most of my library to the Firecuda530, I’ve spent most of my time trophy hunting on the same games I mentioned earlier. So far, everything has been running great.
In terms of load times, there’s no discernable difference between the PS5’s internal storage and the expansion storage. I didn’t bother timing them anymore so this is just based on my natural internal timer. Native PS5 games load blazingly fast and PS4 games installed on the PS5 load just about as fast as one can expect.
Same thing is true during actual gameplay. The expansion storage simply matches, if not exceeds, the performance of the built-in one, you wouldn’t know the difference unless you have your timer out to really see the milliseconds or sometimes even seconds of difference.
The biggest benefit, of course, is I’m now able to increase the number of my installed games from a measly eight all the way up to 20. And that’s with plenty of room to spare. That is simply incredible and extremely convenient.
Price and availability
The specific version I installed, as mentioned earlier, has a 2TB capacity. It has an SRP of PhP 25,895. The FireCuda 530 Heatsink also comes in 1TB and 4TB. The SRP is PhP 13,760 and 56,789 respectively. You can purchase these on Shopee, Lazada, or any of their authorized sellers. Find out more about Firecuda here.
This feature is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and Seagate.
Gaming setups don’t have to look like dedicated gaming rooms. IKEA and Xbox are making that easier with their new YXSTABY collection.
The nine-piece collection combines IKEA’s furniture design expertise with Xbox’s understanding of gaming. It brings together functional furniture and playful accessories inspired by Xbox controllers.
IKEA launched the collection in the Philippines on November 4 at its Pasay showroom. The event featured interactive room setups that demonstrated how the furniture fits into everyday homes.
The launch also included a cosplay runway inspired by IKEA’s iconic blue and yellow FRAKTA bag. Guests explored immersive gaming stations and experienced the collection firsthand.
Gaming furniture designed for everyday homes
YXSTABY addresses the challenges of fitting gaming setups into shared living spaces. Its furniture supports different gaming positions while keeping accessories organized.
The gaming lounge chair accommodates both forward-leaning gameplay and relaxed reclining positions. A rolling side table keeps gaming accessories within reach.
The collection also includes flexible storage for cables and accessories. Its felt inserts protect stored items, while its foldable design doubles as a laptop stand.
Families can also move their gaming setups between rooms. A TV stand with castors makes it easier to relocate equipment without dedicating an entire room to gaming.
Xbox controller-inspired accessories
Xbox’s influence extends beyond the collection’s gaming furniture. Several accessories take inspiration from familiar controller elements.
The Gaming D-pad cushion recreates the controller’s distinctive directional button. A stainless steel platter also borrows its design from the D-pad.
Another standout is the tilting thumbstick stool, which takes inspiration from an Xbox controller’s analog stick. A mirrored display box gives collectors a dedicated space for controllers and other gaming memorabilia.
Bringing gaming into Filipino homes
IKEA Philippines Sales Leader May Castillo highlighted the collection’s relevance to local households.
She pointed to the Philippines’ strong gaming culture and the country’s high engagement with video games across different devices.
IKEA Philippines Selling Manager Sarah Cox said the collection draws inspiration from Xbox controllers and how gamers actually play. It also incorporates IKEA’s playful approach to furniture design.
The collaboration brings together two brands with different strengths. IKEA understands how people use their living spaces, while Xbox understands what players need from their gaming setups.
The result is furniture that makes gaming more convenient without making the rest of the home feel like a gaming room.
Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.
Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.
The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.
Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.
Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.
SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now
Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.
After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.
To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.
Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins
The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.
The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.
The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.
The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.
The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.
Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds
Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.
One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.
Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.
The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.
Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.
Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.
Jungle changes reward efficient farming
Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.
The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.
Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.
These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.
Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.
Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.
Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.
Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster
Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.
Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.
Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.
Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.
These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.
Ranked play and game modes get updates
Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.
The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.
Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.
Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.
Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift
With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.
K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.
Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.
K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.
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