Author - Jerry Paxton

Kingston FURY Releases High Performance PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD

Kingston FURY, the high-performance division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, announces its PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD, Kingston FURY Renegade G5 for gaming and high-power users seeking maximum performance.

Kingston FURY™ Renegade G5 allows users to unleash the full capability of their system by leveraging the latest PCIe Gen5 x 4 controller and 3D TLC NAND to reach extreme speeds up to 14,800/14,000MB/s read/write1 and over 2M IOPS. Kingston FURY Renegade G5 is optimized for performance PC and workstations to eliminate storage bottlenecks and significantly reduce load times, making it the ideal drive for when you’re deep in high-intensity gaming, editing, or a data-heavy workflow.

With such incredible power, Kingston FURY Renegade G5 was engineered to ensure smooth operation for demanding applications while preserving efficiency, thanks to Silicon Motion SM2508 controller based on 6nm lithography and low-power DDR4 DRAM cache, reducing heat and energy consumption. Whether for high-end applications, content creation, or productivity, this storage solution delivers everything needed to elevate your gaming and professional experience.

“We’re eager to announce this addition to the Kingston FURY family of high-performance solutions,” said Keith Schimmenti, SSD business manager, Kingston. “Between the power of Kingston FURY Renegade G5 SSD and Kingston FURY memory, high-power users and hardware enthusiasts can create their ultimate system.”

Kingston FURY Renegade G5 is available in 1024GB, 2048GB and 4096GB full capacities2 and is backed by a limited five-year warranty5, free technical support, and legendary Kingston reliability. For more information visit kingston.com.

Kingston FURY Renegade G5 PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD Features & Specifications

  • Extreme PCIe Gen5 Speeds: Take control with cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 x4 speeds up to 14,800/14,000MB/s1 read/write and up to 2,200,000/2,200,000 IOPS1 performance.
  • Advanced Thermal Design: Designed with the Silicon Motion SM2508 controller based on 6nm lithography which allows for better thermal management, low-power DDR4 DRAM cache providing less power consumption, independent Buck IC for consistent power draw, and a 12-layer PCB for enhanced signal quality and superior data integrity.
  • Seamless Integration: Compact M.2 2280 form factor easily slots into most motherboards and is backward compatible with Gen3 and Gen4 systems.
  • Maximized Capacity: Full capacities up to 4096GB2 to store your favorite games and media.
  • Form Factor: M.2 2280
  • Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe
  • Capacities2: 1024GB, 2048GB, 4096GB
  • Controller: Silicon Motion SM2508
  • NAND: 3D TLC
  • DRAM Cache: Yes
  • DirectStorage Supported: Yes
  • Sequential Read/Write1:
    • 1024GB – up to 14,200/11,000MB/s
    • 2048GB – up to 14,700/14,000MB/s
    • 4096GB – up to 14,800/14,000MB/s
  • Random 4k Read/Write1:
    • 1024GB – up to 2,200,200/2,150,000 IOPS
    • 2048GB – 4096GB – up to 2,200,000/2,200,000 IOPS
  • Endurance
    (TBW/DWPD)3:

    • 1024GB – 1.0PB
    • 2048GB – 2.0PB
    • 4096GB – 4.0PB
  • Power Consumption4:
    • 1024GB – 0.27W Avg / 6.6W @ 14.2G / 6.6W (MAX)
    • 2048GB – 0.27W Avg / 7.0W @ 14.7G / 7.0W (MAX)
    • 4096GB – 0.27W Avg / 7.1W @ 14.8G / 9.5W (MAX)
  • Storage Temperature: -40°C~85°C
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C
  • Dimensions: 80mm x 22mm x 2.3mm
  • Weight:
    • 1024GB – 7.3g
    • 2048GB-4096GB – 7.7g
  • Vibration Operating: 2.17G Peak (7-800Hz)
  • Vibration Non-operating: 20G Peak (20-1000Hz)
  • MTBF: 2,000,000 hours
  • Warranty/support5Limited 5-year warranty with free technical support

Dagger Directive Release Date Trailer

Publisher MicroProse is excited to announce that Dagger Directive, a tactical first-person shooter that blends modern mechanics with a nostalgic visual flair, will launch into Early Access on Steam on June 3, 2025.

In Dagger Directive, players step into the boots of an international special forces operator in Task Force Dagger, facing off against terrorist factions, criminal syndicates, and rogue nationalists across a globe-spanning campaign. Missions are nonlinear, equipment is highly customizable, and each decision—from time of day to approach vector—shapes the outcome.

“With Dagger Directive, we wanted to create a shooter where planning and precision matter just as much as reflexes,” said Daniel Fowler, lead developer at Arcane Alpacas LLC “Every mission offers tactical freedom. You can go loud, go silent, or go somewhere in between. That flexibility, paired with grounded simulation and co-op multiplayer, sets the tone for what’s to come.”

Knott’s Berry Farm Announces Its Summer Season Events for 2025

The fun never ends at Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City this summer with new food, new thrills, and new fun as “Ghost Town Alive!” and “Knott’s Summer Nights” kick off on June 13 and run through Sept. 1. Across the street, Knott’s Soak City is ready to make a splash on select dates from May 17 through Sept. 7.

The beloved town of Calico transports guests to the Wild West where visitors become the stars of an all-new, action-packed storyline in the interactive Ghost Town Alive!”. The honorary citizens of Calico hold the key to unlocking secret missions alongside captivating characters while solving mind-bending puzzles in this immersive experience.

When the sun sets, the excitement doesn’t stop. “Knott’s Summer Nights transforms Calico Park into a vibrant nighttime neighborhood party, extending the celebration into the evening. Guests will groove to live bands from the local music scene on two lively stages, soak in the relaxing atmosphere and capture Instagram-worthy moments around every corner. Family-friendly games round out this festive experience, ensuring something for everyone as they enjoy the summer vibes.

And what’s a summer party without delicious food? Knott’s culinary team is planning mouthwatering twists on classic summer favorites offering new savory items such as kimchi crab tots or the grilled pineapple beef burger. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy dessert items such as apple fritter bread or mango soft serve and tajin funnel cake.

Guests can beat the heat at Knott’s Soak City, opening May 17! The park invites water lovers of all ages to dive into 15 acres of splashes, slides and sun-kissed fun. Thrill-seekers will love the more than 20 exhilarating speed, tube and body slides, or catch a wave at Tidal Wave Bay, where waves crest over four feet high. For those in the mood for relaxation, Sunset River is one of the longest lazy rivers in the country. Little swimmers can enjoy Gremmie Lagoon, an interactive playground perfect for splashing all day. Knott’s Soak City will be open on select dates from May 17 through Sept. 7.

After an exciting day, guests are invited to unwind at the freshly renovated Knott’s Hotel, which is steps away from the parks. Make it a stay to remember with the Ultimate Package, which offers the perfect summer adventure: cozy overnight accommodations, two days of unlimited fun at either Knott’s Berry Farm or Knott’s Soak City, a delicious daily breakfast buffet and convenient hotel parking. Guests can book at knottshotel.com.

The best way to enjoy all the fun throughout Knott’s Summertime and all Seasons of Fun is with a 2025 Season Pass. The pass offers unlimited visits to Knott’s Berry Farm, food, merchandise discounts and more! A Gold Season Pass includes admission to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. Additional pricing and information on passes can be found at knotts.com.

Gearbox Shares New Details for Borderlands 4 and Risk of Rain 2 During PAX East Panel

Gearbox just wrapped up the Gearbox Main Theater Show at PAX East 2025 where members of the Risk of Rain 2 and Borderlands 4 development teams thrilled with new announcements and a deep dive into game systems.

Risk of Rain 2 developers announced the newest DLC, Alloyed Collective, and Borderlands 4 developers provided deeper insights into the recent Gameplay Reveal.

More in-depth information on the announcements and discussions at the panel.

Risk of Rain 2

Developers provided a look back at the past six years of Risk of Rain 2, the beloved co-op and solo 3rd-person roguelike shooter in which survivors battle across alien planets, collect items and uncover secrets. To date, fans have enjoyed two major DLC updates, Survivors of the Void and Seekers of the Storm.

Today, the third major DLC expansion, Alloyed Collective, was officially announced.

Alloyed Collective plunges players deeper into the Solus-controlled wilds of Petrichor V. Only one player is required to own Alloyed Collective to enable the monsters, Stages, and Items to appear in-game for the whole lobby.

Key features include:

  • Explore 6 All-New Stages: From cliffside scrapyards to machinery-choked fortresses and buried caverns, each biome pushes deeper into Solus territory with dynamic layouts and environmental threats;
  • Master 2 Survivors: One returns. One debuts. Both are built to survive the escalating storm;
  • Command 7 Drones: New Drone types let you augment your playstyle with some wild abilities. With the help of a new station, you can even modify your Drones to suit your needs;
  • Fight 7 Enemies: The Solus have been gathering — and building — as they perfect their plan. Now their creations are hunting you;
  • Challenge Massive Bosses: Face a brutal new Teleporter encounter — and a final boss that reshapes the endgame;
  • Loot 15 New Items: Expand your arsenal with a new haul of mislaid UES property.

Borderlands 4

Borderlands 4 developers, including Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford, participated in a round-table conversation, answering common community questions and providing deeper insights following the recent action-packed gameplay deep dive showcased during a dedicated PlayStation’s State of Play.

You can find a link to the round-table conversation here.

ZHIYUN Launches CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E Mainstream Smartphone Gimbal

ZHIYUN, your cinema partner in video creation, today announced the launch of its latest mainstream smartphone camera gimbal, the CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E. Designed to elevate smartphone videography, the SMOOTH 5E eliminates shaky, blurry footage, enhancing the overall visual polish. With a high-quality build and performance backed by extensive professional expertise, it empowers users to execute smooth transitions effortlessly replacing static, monotonous styles with dynamic, engaging content that stands out.

ZHIYUN products are known for their innovation, professional features, and exceptional craftsmanship—often reflected in their premium pricing. SMOOTH 5E, from the new CINEPEER series by ZHIYUN, retains the brand’s core performance and quality while offering a streamlined and affordable option for everyday creators. This makes high-quality video creation more accessible, helping aspiring creators enhance their skills and produce better results.

True 3-Axis Design

The CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E delivers stable camera movement with an orthogonal 3-axis structure, offering a broader range of motion compared to most competing products with limited capabilities. The gimbal features five professional shooting modes: Follow, Pan Follow, Lock, Vortex, and Point of View, which are based on widely used videography techniques.

Low-Angle Shots and Wide-View Selfies Made Easy

In any mode, users can tilt the gimbal downward to capture low-angle shots with ease. Thanks to its responsive roll-axis motor, the SMOOTH 5E also supports both standard and wide-angle selfies without obstruction, ensuring natural, stable footage from any angle.

Intuitive One-Thumb Control

All primary controls are ergonomically placed for one-thumb operation, and advanced AI algorithms enable intuitive, professional-grade shooting with minimal effort, which is ideal for rapid content creation.

Integrated Scene-Filling Lighting

An integrated high-CRI fill light provides up to 680 lux of brightness. Users can magnetically attach two additional lights to achieve up to 2040 lux, offering unmatched scene illumination.

Effortless AI-Powered Tracking

An optional magnetic AI tracker enables fast, accurate subject tracking, complete with gesture control—ideal for solo creators.

Seamless Remote Control

SMOOTH 5E supports integration with the Apple ecosystem, allowing users to track, zoom, and monitor the shot with their Apple Watch as a remote shooting assistant.

ZY Cami & StaCam Apps – Essential Assistants

ZHIYUN offers two dedicated apps—ZY Cami and StaCam—to meet the diverse needs of video creators. ZY Cami provides intelligent features such as subject tracking, gesture control, SMART mode, and one-tap editing for effortless content creation. StaCam delivers features like LUTs, focus peaking, and monochrome display, transforming smartphones into professional filmmaking tools.

Price and Availability

Recommended pricing (MSRP)

ZHIYUN CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E Standard $149

ZHIYUN CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E COMBO (with AI Tracker, Fill Light) $199

*A 20% discount will be provided for purchases from May 13-June 13

Available online from the ZHIYUN store and ZHIYUN Amazon store.

ZHIYUN Store: https://geni.us/ZYPR-Smooth5E

Amazon: https://geni.us/AMZ-5E-PR

The Last Gas Station is Coming Soon to Steam

Alawar Entertainment is proud to announce The Last Gas Station, a cozy yet eerie gas station simulator with a twist of mystery and unease, coming soon to PC via Steam. Set in a charming pixel art world where electric vehicles reign supreme, players inherit a long-forgotten gas station nestled deep in the wilderness—along with the lingering mystery of the previous owner’s disappearance. Your job? Bring it back to life—and try not to vanish like the previous owner.

In The Last Gas Station, you are the new caretaker of a crumbling roadside relic and the small store beside it. Sweep away the dust of the past, restock the shelves, modernize your services, and attract customers who still cling to combustion engines. Manage fuel levels, serve snacks, and upgrade your equipment—but always keep an eye on the shadows. This place has secrets, and not all of them want to stay buried.

But one rule must never be broken: do not go out at night. That’s when the wilderness watches back.

Wishlist The Last Gas Station on Steam today and stay tuned for upcoming developer updates.

Razer Iskur V2 X Review: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Price and Posture

I’ve been a Razer user for years – I appreciate their build quality, even if the price tag can sometimes feel steep. However, my previous experience with their Enki X gaming chair (adorned in Kuromi theme) was fantastic!  Looking for another gaming chair in the house, I initially eyed the Iskur V2 line, but the flagship V2’s price gave me pause. The Razer Iskur V2 X, positioned as the “essential” ergonomic offering at a much more palatable $300, seemed like a potential sweet spot, especially with an incredible warranty to back it up.

Unboxing and assembly were refreshingly straightforward. Razer seems to have this part down pat. The instructions were clear, all the tools were included (even a surprisingly decent Allen key and thoughtful extras like gloves to keep your gear smudge free), and I had the chair put together solo in about 20 minutes. I have heard that some people have even managed it in 10, but I like to take my time. It felt sturdy right away, thanks largely to the steel frame and base – a noticeable step up from the plastic bases common on cheaper chairs.

Sitting down, I noticed two things. First, the chair supported my mass as if I weighed 10 lbs. It is built to last and carried me effortlessly. The second thing I noticed was the fabric upholstery. Available in a simple Black/Green or a new Light Gray color scheme, it feels soft, smooth, and, crucially, breathable. This was a major draw for me, remembering how warm PU leather can get during long sessions, and having heard about some leather gaming chairs showing wear over time. This multi-layered fabric feels like it will hold up better, and it definitely keeps things cooler. The aesthetic is typical Razer – a racing seat silhouette, but perhaps a bit slimmer in the back than the premium V2. It looks sharp without being overly aggressive, professional enough for my home office setup.

Comfort-wise, the Razer Iskur V2 X makes a strong case for itself, especially considering the price. The high-density foam cushions feel firm yet supportive, molding nicely without that sinking feeling. They seem like a definite improvement over the original Iskur X cushioning. The seat base is noticeably wider than my previous Iskur, which I really appreciate. It allows for more flexibility in how I sit – even sitting cross-legged feels less cramped, and I tend to do this a lot. The 152-degree recline is generous and operates smoothly, offering plenty of range from focused work to leaning back for a break.

Now, the lumbar support. This is the Razer Iskur V2 X’s most defining – and potentially divisive – feature. It’s a fixed, built-in curve, not the fancy adjustable system like the one found on the $650 Iskur V2. My initial reaction was mixed. It felt pronounced, definitely offering more support than my previous chair, but I wasn’t immediately sure if I liked it. It took some time to adjust. For my posture, it works reasonably well, encouraging a more neutral spine alignment. I can sit for long hours, sometimes up to 12 hours between work and gaming, without the significant pressure points or backaches I’ve experienced in lesser chairs. However, because it’s not adjustable, its effectiveness is entirely dependent on individual body shape and preference. I can easily see how this fixed curve might not be right for everyone, potentially feeling intrusive or simply not hitting the right spot. This is where Razer’s 14-day return policy, if you buy direct, becomes quite valuable. It takes commitment for a company to offer such a return policy and I commend Razer for supporting their customers.

The armrests are functional, albeit basic. They adjust for height and rotate inwards/outwards (that’s the “2D” part), and the padding is pleasantly soft. One point to note is that the arm rest rotation doesn’t lock. You can accidentally knock them out of position if you put weight on them just right, which can be challenging. While a clear step down from the 4D armrests on the more premium Razer Iskur V2, it is a very understandable cost-saving measure. Another point is the lack of an included headrest. While not essential for everyone, I found myself wanting one for better neck support during reclined moments or longer sessions, so factor in the extra cost if you think you’ll need one.

So, after spending considerable time with the Razer Iskur V2 X, how does it stack up? For $300, it feels like a solid investment and a significant upgrade from generic budget chairs. The build quality feels reliable, the fabric is a practical and comfortable choice, and the core comfort elements – the foam, the wide seat, the recline – are well-executed. It successfully delivers on the promise of “core ergonomics” without the premium price tag. The major caveat remains the fixed lumbar support. It worked out for me after a brief adjustment period, but it’s the biggest gamble for potential buyers. Compared to its predecessor, the Razer Iskur X, the V2 X seems to offer tangible improvements in seat design, cushioning, and material longevity. Against the flagship Iskur V2, you’re trading significant adjustability (lumbar, armrests) and material options for a massive price saving. The Razer Iskur V2 retails for $649.99, more than double the price of the V2 X.

Ultimately, the Razer Iskur V2 X feels like a smart, value-oriented choice for gamers or home office users who want a reputable brand, good fundamental support, and excellent breathability, but don’t need or want to pay for highly granular adjustments. It occupies a compelling middle ground, offering more than the basics without breaking the bank. The Razer Iskur V2 X is available now for $299.99 and comes in two colorways.


Overall Rating 4 out of 5

Pros:

  • Excellent value for the $299 price point.
  • Solid build quality with steel frame and base.
  • Comfortable, firm high-density foam cushioning.
  • Breathable and durable multi-layered fabric upholstery.
  • Wider seat base accommodates various sitting positions.
  • Easy and quick assembly process.
  • Generous 152-degree recline.

Cons:

  • Fixed, non-adjustable lumbar support is subjective and may not suit everyone.
  • Basic 2D armrests lack locking rotation.
  • No headrest cushion included (sold separately).
  • Limited color and upholstery options (fabric only).

TEKKEN 8 Teams Up with KARATE KID: LEGENDS Content

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today announced that its legendary fighting game, TEKKEN™ 8, has teamed-up with Sony Pictures’ upcoming motion picture Karate Kid: Legends for an in-game global collaboration. A first-ever film collaboration for TEKKEN 8, players are invited to “Unleash Your Inner Warrior” through exclusive in-game content that celebrates the spirit and legacy of Karate Kid: Legends. The new content will appear in the game version 2.02 update coming on June 2, 2025. TEKKEN 8 is available now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®. For more information, please visit https://tekken.com/.

The initiative marks the first film collaboration for TEKKEN 8. Once the content is live in the game, players can unlock a limited-time Karate Kid: Legends Hoodie that will be available for free in the TEKKEN™ Shop. This wearable item channels the classic determination and grit of the iconic Karate Kid martial arts franchise, giving fighters a bold new way to represent their warrior spirit. In addition, the Urban Square stage in TEKKEN 8 will be updated to feature Karate Kid: Legends movie billboards, and the TEKKEN Fight Lounge will also receive a thematic update, with signage and an in-game trailer to spotlight the upcoming film. Karate Kid: Legends is slated to debut in US/Canadian theatres on May 30, 2025, and will open in international markets starting May 8.

For more information about the TEKKEN 8 and Karate Kid: Legends collaboration, please visit https://tekken.com/karate-kid-legends-collaboration/

Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., TEKKEN 8 is the critically acclaimed sequel bringing the legendary fighting game franchise to current platforms. The title harnesses Unreal® Engine 5 to bring new weight and atmosphere to the game’s battles, with every character remodelled in stunning detail and new dynamic and destructible environments.

PAX East 2026 Dates Revealed

Show organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade revealed today at the conclusion of PAX East, the East Coast’s most-attended gaming event, that the 2026 edition of the show returns to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center from Thursday, March 26, through Sunday, March 29, 2026.

PAX East 2025 welcomed more than a hundred thousand attendees from all over the world, with even more fans coming together digitally to participate in the festivities hosted across Twitch, Steam, and other online platforms. Highlights from the jam-packed weekend include a storytime keynote with Greg Miller, a glimpse at ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN from Bandai Namco; and a return to the planet Arrakis in Dune: Awakening from developer Funcom.

The show also featured a massive expo hall with games industry titans, indie developers, tabletop freeplay areas, and intense gaming tournaments in the PAX Arena including the likes of Capcom and Tekken 8. Off the show floor attendees enjoyed thoughtful panel discussions, live concerts, elaborate cosplays, and community meetups. Relive the annual celebration of gaming and pop culture, or catch it for the first time with uploads of all the recorded content on the official PAX YouTube channel.

“I’m ready to do another PAX East next weekend,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX, Penny Arcade, and Child’s Play Charity. “But they said it had to be next year, or whatever.”

For the fans who can’t wait until PAX East next year, PAX West takes place in Seattle from Friday, Aug. 29, to Monday, Sept. 1, 2025; PAX Aus in Melbourne, Australia from Thursday, Oct. 9, to Saturday, Oct 11, 2025; and PAX Unplugged in Philadelphia from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. Badges for PAX West go on sale Thursday, May 22, 2025 with 4-day badges priced at $255, Saturday badges at $70, Friday, Sunday, and Monday badges at $68.50, and BYOC at $50.

For travel info on future PAX events, follow PAX on Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and Twitter.

Nordhold Receives First Major Update

HypeTrain Digital and StunForge are proud to reveal that their “Very Positive” rated tower defense & city builder Nordhold has received its first major content update since it launched in late March. In that time it’s sold over 130,000 copies and currently holds a “very positive” average user ranking across over 1,700 reviews!

This update adds a new Banner System that rewards versatility, a fresh Season with a leaderboard reset, major game-wide rebalancing, tweaks to Endless mode – especially for the spells, as well as performance improvements and quality of life enhancements.

More about Nordhold:
Nordhold is a tower defense game for strategy enthusiasts who crave high replayability through endless combinations. Build and manage a cozy medieval Nordic village while enjoying deep tactical gameplay that doesn’t require extensive learning.

Enemies are coming! Every decision matters: build your city, grow the economy, and prepare for enemy waves. Strengthen your defenses, adapt your strategy, and unleash your hero’s full potential. This unique Tower Defense will test your skills – are you worthy to claim a place at Valhalla?