Gaming

Steam launches first portable console, the Steam Deck

Shipping in December

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The Nintendo Switch is still the current champion of handheld gaming. The hybrid console allows gamers to take their favorite games wherever they go. Unfortunately, amid the convenience, the Switch still has a limited game library comprised mostly of Nintendo titles. However, a new contender is rising to upend the Switch’s dominance in the industry. Steam is launching its own portable console, the Steam Deck.

Much like the Switch, the Steam Deck has a sizeable screen bookended by two controllers on either side. The 7-inch screen plays games on 1280  x 800 resolution. The console sports an AMD APU with a quadcore Zen 2 CPU and 16GB of RAM. Though it’s compatible with microSD expansion, the console will come in three storage variants: 64GB eMMC, 256GB NVMe SSD, and 512GB NVME SSD. It can also connect to a TV for a larger gaming experience.

For controlling, the Steam Deck has a few more gadgets and gizmos. Besides the two joysticks, it also has a few trackpads to increase accuracy. It also has a gyroscope and microphones built in. However, unlike the Switch, the Steam Deck does not have detachable controllers.

Finally, it will have a 40W battery. Valve promises that the console can provide several hours of gameplay — and even more with lighter, 2D games.

Inside, the Steam Deck comes with a new variant of SteamOS, an operating system based on Linux. With the system, gamers can play their entire Steam library.

Interested buyers can start preordering on July 16 for US$ 5, as long as their accounts has purchases before June 2021. The console will start shipping out in December. The 64GB variant sells for US$ 399; the 256GB variant sells for US$ 529; and, the 512GB variant sells for US$ 649. The console will only start selling in certain territories like the United States.

SEE ALSO: How to use the DualSense controller with PC, Mac

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

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Tides of Annihilation

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

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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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