General fixes touch display, audio, and desktop mode

Beyond the larger platform changes, the general changelog includes a series of smaller corrections. Valve fixed the Disable Frame Limiter toggle when VRR is enabled and repaired frame limits that caused lower than intended FPS on certain external displays. Audio issues on hotplug of certain monitors in multi-monitor setups were fixed, and a bug that could prevent switching to Desktop Mode after changing the timezone no longer requires a reboot. The update also fixed a problem where firmware updates could occasionally fail to apply on Steam Machine, plus a loss of input if a launcher window was accidentally dragged around in Game Mode. Valve also worked around a firmware issue on some ASUS devices that caused excessive fan speed upon waking from sleep.

WiFi backend switch prioritizes router compatibility

Valve switched the WiFi backend to wpa_supplicant by default and enhanced it with fast reconnect on resume from sleep, a feature previously limited to the iwd backend. wpa_supplicant is the older and more broadly deployed Linux wireless daemon, so making it the default prioritizes compatibility across the long tail of routers, access points, and hidden networks over iwd’s newer design. Hidden WiFi networks should see fewer first-attempt connection failures, and reconnects after the device wakes from sleep are quicker.

Hibernation is staged but not exposed

Valve added preliminary support for hibernation in the kernel, but the SteamOS 3.9.5 notes state that hibernation is not yet exposed in Game Mode UI. On Steam Deck, hibernation remains disabled because of an outstanding driver bug. The release also enhanced Linux kernel hibernation support to enable interrupting hibernate requests and fixed various driver issues, but the Steam Deck-specific bug remains the blocker. Valve typically lands kernel and driver groundwork before exposing a user-facing toggle, and the Steam Deck driver bug keeps the feature behind that line. For now, players will see no change to the existing suspend and resume workflow. The notes do not give a date for when hibernation might appear in Game Mode.

Linux 7.2 rebase turns scattered bugs into a single update

The Linux kernel rebase to version 7.2 is the enabling change behind several per-game and per-device fixes in this release. Games like ELDEN RING and DARK SOULS III were failing to run on recent Panther Lake Intel CPUs, and systems with RDNA1 or RDNA2 dedicated GPUs had suspend and resume problems. A kernel rebase updates core subsystems that games and drivers depend on, so the visible result is a long list of fixes across different titles and hardware. One SteamOS update therefore resolves scattered compatibility problems across Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and third-party handhelds. Changes at this layer also affect Steam Deck performance on Linux, since the kernel controls power management, graphics scheduling, and suspend behavior.

SteamOS now ships as a multi-device operating system

The 3.9.5 notes name Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Legion Go 2 in the same changelog. That scope explains why a single point release touches wireless behavior, display frame limiting, VR streaming, and third-party handheld brightness control. Valve fixed Steam Remote Play on Steam Machine when booting with no external display connected and corrected a frame limiter issue that affected VR titles streamed from Steam Machine to Steam Frame. Valve also improved support for the Steam Frame wireless adapter. On Legion Go 2, Valve fixed a system crash when launching Forza Horizon 6 and added preliminary brightness control. The update also fixed boot screen corruption on Intel PTL+ devices. STAR WARS: Galactic Racer no longer shows performance issues on resume from suspend on Steam Machine, and The Crew Motorfest had a potential GPU error resolved. This cross-device maintenance means SteamOS updates are no longer written only for Valve’s own handheld.

Developer-side changes include renames and VM guest support

The developer notes also list a set of lower-level updates. Various scripts and packages were renamed from steamos- to holo- with aliases to the former names where appropriate. Valve improved support for running SteamOS as a VM guest with accelerated graphics through virtio-gpu and venus, updated the included renderdoc version, and reintroduced support for Android binder IPC. The bootloader was updated to improve compatibility with certain motherboards. Desktop Mode’s lockscreen can now be explicitly enabled in settings, though it remains off by default, and RDP login with system users was fixed when enabled.

What Valve did not disclose

Valve did not disclose a percentage figure or a battery runtime estimate for the idle power consumption improvement on Steam Deck when no audio is playing. The notes do not provide a date for exposing hibernation in Game Mode UI, and they do not give a separate per-device rollout schedule. The release also includes security and stability updates and revoked compromised eMudhra CA certificates.

The change removes the Professional license requirement for commercial distribution on new GMRT projects. GameMaker framed it as a move toward making indie development easier to enter, promising developers “more flexibility in how they work with GameMaker and a simplified commercial model for their new projects.”

GameMaker is widely used for 2D indie games. The engine, owned by Opera, has long positioned itself as the accessible on-ramp for solo developers and small teams, and its commercial licensing has been the main friction point between hobby projects and shipped games.

What becomes free

Under the new model, a developer can build a game on GMRT and release it for sale without buying a Professional license first. The free path covers four targets: desktop, mobile, web, and GX Games, the browser-based games platform tied to the same Opera ecosystem.

A web or GX Games build reaches players through a browser link with no store page or approval step, which makes those two targets the cheapest places to ship. Mobile gains the most from dropping the license fee, since a hobby project that would otherwise stay off phones can now publish there, and desktop keeps shipping the way it always has.

Source access now spans every tier, which GameMaker says lets the community “explore GameMaker’s technology, tailor it to their specific project needs, and even potentially contribute to it.” That follows the direction the engine took earlier this year, when it first opened GMRT source access to developers. A team can now read the runtime code behind a bug, adapt the engine to a project’s needs, and send fixes back upstream instead of waiting for the vendor.

Source access also matters for how long a shipped game stays playable. A game built on a closed runtime depends on the vendor’s support window, but a team with the GMRT source can keep a released game running even if official patches stop.

GMRT is GameMaker’s next-generation runtime, the successor to the current GameMaker Studio 2 (GMS2) runtime. It has been rolling out in beta across platforms through 2026, so the licensing change lands while GMRT is still in beta. The tier structure stays in place, but what each tier unlocks shifts: the free tier now includes commercial GMRT releases and source access, the Professional tier becomes the home for legacy GMS2 distribution, and the Enterprise tier keeps console export as its exclusive territory.

What still costs money

The free tier applies to GMRT, not to the older GMS2 runtime. Developers who want to keep selling games built on GMS2 still need a Professional license, though those license holders gain GMS2 runtime source access as part of the change.

Second, consoles are untouched. On either runtime, exporting to a console still requires an Enterprise license and approved-developer status. GameMaker also confirmed that existing tier pricing will not change.

Console approval comes from the platform holders. A developer needs Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo to accept them as a licensed developer before any engine license matters.

What it means for new developers

For a solo developer starting a new project after January, a GMRT build can go from prototype to a paid release on desktop, mobile, or the web without a Professional license.

Free only applies to GMRT, which is still in beta. A project already built on GMS2 does not automatically unlock; the developer either migrates to GMRT or keeps paying for Professional. Teams that want the licensing advantage now are also signing up to work on a runtime that is not yet feature-complete everywhere.

An existing GMS2 developer’s current project stays on the paid Professional track, and the GMS2 runtime source access those license holders now receive lets them keep shipping a legacy game while deciding whether to rebuild the next one on GMRT.

A competitive repositioning

GameMaker operates in an indie-engine market that is already crowded with free options: Godot is open source at no cost, and Unity’s pricing controversies in recent years sent smaller teams shopping for alternatives. Making the next-generation runtime free for commercial use gives GameMaker a clean “no upfront cost” answer for new projects while keeping a paid path for legacy GMS2 work and console ports.

If a developer is choosing an engine today and expects to sell the result, a free commercial tier removes the upfront license cost that new projects otherwise absorb. By tying the free tier to GMRT, Opera also steers new adopters onto the forward-looking runtime, which concentrates future feature requests and community contributions on the GMRT codebase.

Giving away the runtime while it is still in beta carries a trade-off. A commercial release built on an unfinished runtime can fail in the field, and the developer absorbs that failure. Opera’s payoff is adoption, since every GMRT game shipped in 2027 promotes the runtime and a larger install base feeds the source-access community the company is trying to build.

The GX Games target points to why Opera can afford the free tier. Opera owns both GameMaker and the GX browser, so a free commercial runtime that steers developers toward web and GX Games builds the browser’s games catalogue.

RPG Maker U2U recently landed on Steam with 2.5D creation that does not require Unity. For the indie developers that platforms keep courting, both tools now offer a free entry point and reserve their paid tiers for specialized needs.

The company’s view

Russell Kay, Head of GameMaker, tied the change back to the engine’s original mission. “From the very beginning, GameMaker has been committed to making game development more accessible and flexible for every creator out there,” he said. “As GMRT continues to roll out in beta across platforms, we are widening the scope of what we provide to developers.”

The same release also puts FSR 4.1 on Ryzen AI Max laptops, on Ryzen AI 9 and Ryzen Z2-powered handhelds, and it confirms the technology is coming to Xbox Series X|S consoles soon. It is the first time FSR 4.1 has reached RX 6000 cards, the generation that has been waiting on the feature since it first appeared in 2025.

From RX 9000 to RX 6000 in three steps

FSR 4 launched in 2025 as a Radeon RX 9000 exclusive, built around the dedicated AI hardware in those RDNA 4 GPUs. In July 2026 AMD brought FSR 4.1 to RX 7000 Series cards, and the 26.10.1 driver now extends it to RX 6000. Each move has required AMD to rework the model for weaker silicon, and the RX 6000 port is the most demanding of the three.

RX 6000 cards run RDNA 2, an architecture that predates the dedicated AI accelerators in AMD’s newer Radeons, so AMD had to rework the model itself for this port. Its approach is an optimized INT8 version of the model first built for RX 7000, tuned to run on cards that lack specialized matrix hardware. In exchange, RX 6000 owners get image quality well above FSR 3.1 from a model that does not lean on silicon those cards never had.

Handhelds and laptops get a smaller model

On portable hardware AMD is shipping a different version. Ryzen AI Max systems become the first mobile APUs to run FSR 4.1 officially, covering high-end laptops and mini-PCs such as ASUS’s ROG Flow Z13 and TUF A14. For Ryzen AI 9 laptops and the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, Ryzen Z2 Extreme, and Ryzen Z2 A chips inside gaming handhelds, AMD built a smaller model purpose-made for that class of device, where battery and thermals matter as much as frame rate.

The practical result is what AMD describes as a clear fidelity improvement even on a handheld’s small screen, without the power cost of running the full desktop model. Devices like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, which uses the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, are the target. AMD cautions that feature availability and timing vary by device and defers to each handheld maker’s own schedule, so a supported chip does not guarantee every device gets the update at once.

Xbox is next, with no date attached

For console players this is a confirmation with no launch date attached. Xbox CTO Scott Van Vliet appears in AMD’s announcement video to confirm FSR 4.1 is coming to Xbox Series X|S, but neither company has put a date on it. The Series X|S share the same RDNA 2 lineage as the RX 6000 cards AMD just added, so the console work became possible once the RX 6000 model existed.

AMD has not said when the Xbox update will ship. Desktop RX 6000 cards get FSR 4.1 today through the driver, while console owners wait on a future Xbox system update with no stated window. Sony already shipped its own answer to the same problem, the PS5’s Quick Spectral Super Resolution AI upscaler, earlier this month.

What the driver changes

Beyond the upscaler, Adrenalin 26.10.1 adds day-one support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and Final Fantasy Resonance, and it fixes stuttering in Modern Warfare 4 on RX 6000 Series cards and above. The driver also adds FSR 4 Vulkan support and frame-pacing improvements for FSR Frame Generation, which targets the uneven frame delivery that frame generation can introduce.

FSR 4.1 reconstructs a high-resolution frame from a lower internal resolution and rebuilds it with an ML model trained for that job, which is why it resolves more detail and holds up better in motion than the hand-tuned FSR 3.1. The result is the same class of AI rendering that games like The Witcher 3’s remaster lean on for its path tracing, now available to a far older set of AMD cards.

Enabling it is either a game-menu toggle or a driver-side swap. Games with native FSR integration expose the setting in their options, where the menu may still label it FSR 4, while titles that shipped with FSR 3.1 or higher can be upgraded through AMD Software by swapping the DLLs. RX 6000 cards get upscaling only, so FSR frame generation stays off the table on that hardware.

Who gets what, and what is still unanswered

The driver is free and available on AMD.com. It covers RX 6000 desktop cards from the RX 6400 up to the RX 6950 XT, plus Ryzen AI Max and Ryzen AI 9 laptops and the Ryzen Z2 handheld chips. One device is missing from the list. Steam Deck runs a custom AMD APU on the same RDNA 2 architecture, but Valve controls the SteamOS software stack and has not said whether the Deck will receive FSR 4.1, so support there remains unconfirmed.

The Pulse is the standard model of a two-headset lineup, with the step-up Pulse Edge wireless headset following in early 2027. Pulse Elite introduced planar magnetic drivers to Sony’s console headset line in 2024, and the new Pulse moves that driver technology into the entry tier of the refreshed range.

Four magnets per planar driver in the standard model

The two headsets share the same driver family but different hardware underneath. The Pulse uses custom planar magnetic drivers with four magnets per driver, while the Pulse Edge steps up to eight. Sony says the Pulse still delivers “fuller, deeper bass, while keeping the clean sounds players have enjoyed from Pulse Elite,” and it credits the drivers’ sound separation and spatial accuracy with helping players pick out directional cues like footsteps and reloads in competitive shooters.

The driver count is the clearest hardware difference between the models. Pulse Edge adds active noise cancellation, a hidden or detachable boom mic, a built-in game audio and chat balance control for PS5, a carrying case, and an audio/microphone jack. The standard Pulse keeps a simpler kit: an integrated mic with AI noise rejection and built-in volume control, with the same USB Type-C PlayStation Link adapter included in the box.

The feature split is a before-and-after of the whole line. The 2024 Pulse Elite bundled planar drivers and PlayStation Link into one premium headset; the new range splits those strengths across two price points, with the Pulse carrying the core audio tech and the Pulse Edge reserving noise cancellation, the boom mic, and chat balancing for the higher tier. For a player who only wants the driver upgrade and does not care about active noise cancellation, the $99.99 model is the cheaper route into planar sound.

PlayStation Link extends the headset beyond the console

PlayStation Link support gives the Pulse lossless, ultra-low latency audio and lets it switch between devices on the same standard, including PS5 consoles, the PlayStation Portal remote player, PC, and Mac. The headset can hold a Bluetooth connection at the same time, so console game audio does not block a call or music from another device. A USB Type-C PlayStation Link adapter ships in the box with both headsets.

That reach makes the Pulse a multi-device headset rather than a PS5-only accessory. Sony has been extending its platform in the same direction: the PS5 recently gained Quick Spectral Super Resolution AI upscaling, and the accessory line expanded with the Pulse Elevate speakers and a FlexStrike fight stick. The Pulse lands at the audio end of that push, one headset that follows a player between console, remote play, and PC.

Pricing in four currencies

Sony lists the recommended retail price at $99.99 in the U.S., £89.99 in the U.K., €99.99 in supported European markets, and ¥15,980 in Japan. Pulse Edge pricing arrives separately next year, so the full cost of the two-tier lineup is not final yet. White and Midnight Black carry the same price and feature set, and the updated form factor uses rotating earcups so the headset lays flat for travel.

Pre-orders split by region and channel

Pre-orders open October 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. local time direct from PlayStation where available and at participating retailers. Buyers in the United States start earlier, at 7:00 a.m. PT, through direct.playstation.com. Buyers in the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg order through playstation.com/store/hardware.

The November 19 launch covers 24 regions: the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the U.K. Sony will announce the release date for additional countries later. The date lands three weeks after pre-orders open and inside the holiday window Sony signaled in September, when it described the Pulse as launching in select markets starting this holiday season.

The regional split is the detail most likely to trip a buyer. Players in a listed country can pre-order through a PlayStation storefront or a participating retailer, but the channel differs between the United States and Europe, and U.S. pre-orders open earlier in the morning. Anyone outside the 24 launch regions is waiting on a date Sony has not announced.

A 4:3 screen is not unusual in a retro handheld. It is the sensible shape for libraries that mostly predate widescreen, and plenty of small devices use one. What is less common is the size and the sharpness. Pocket AIS, the new handheld from AISLPC, runs a 4.5-inch 4:3 IPS panel at 1024 by 768, where the familiar budget class tends to sit around 3.5 inches and 640 by 480.

For a collection that sits in the eras before widescreen, that combination is the main draw. The picture fills the glass instead of sitting between black bars, and there is noticeably more resolution to work with than the category’s usual 640 by 480.

What It Runs

Pocket AIS runs on Ais OS, which AISLPC describes as its own operating system built on Rocknix, the open-source firmware used on many retro handhelds, with a new interface on top. The company pitches it as ready to use out of the box, and says a community version of Rocknix is also available for owners who want more room to customise.

Ais OS has an Applications section with a store for apps made by third-party developers. Games do not come from Ais OS directly. According to AISLPC, you install a supported game app from the store first, then download compatible games through it. These online features need an internet connection.

AISLPC lists support for PSP, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, NES, Neo Geo, MAME, CPS1, CPS2, CPS3, Mega Drive and NAOMI, among others.

The engine room is a Rockchip RK3562 with 2GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. That is four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0GHz with a Mali-G52 MP2, a 22nm part Rockchip introduced in 2023. It suits the eras the supported list covers, which run up to around the Dreamcast.

The spec sheet and the silicon are well matched, which is a sensible way to set expectations. Buyers know going in which eras they are getting.

AISLPC also says Pocket AIS can run some PS2 games, depending on the game. We would treat that as a bonus rather than a reason to buy. PS2 emulation is demanding, and other handhelds on this class of chip are generally sold on their PSP and Dreamcast performance.

The Rest of the Hardware

There are two 3D analog sticks, which matters for the N64 and PSP ends of the library, each ringed with RGB lighting, and the device carries RGB ambient lighting more generally. A 4000mAh battery sits behind an active cooling fan with automatic five-level speed control. The device monitors its own temperature and steps the fan up with the workload, going to full speed once the system passes 70°C, so there is nothing to set by hand.

Connectivity is Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with online multiplayer supported. Storage expands by TF or microSD card up to 512GB, which is where a library will actually live. The dual speakers are independently moulded and sit in their own acoustic chambers, which is more attention than this class usually gives to audio, though we have not heard them. The rest is a vibration motor, USB-C with OTG and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

It measures roughly 168.3 by 82 by 20.4mm and comes in Black or Green.

Price and Availability

Pocket AIS is 169.99 US dollars and goes on sale through the AISLPC website on 24 October 2026.

At that price the screen is the argument. A 4:3 panel is easy to find cheaper, but not at this size and not at this resolution, and for a collection that sits in the eras Pocket AIS covers that is where the money goes.

Disclosure. AISLPC provided the specifications and images in this article ahead of release and supplied a referral link included above. Gamer Headlines has not tested the hardware.

Full Specifications

USB streaming is not enabled by the SteamVR update alone. Valve says it requires the new Steam Client Beta. The same Steam Link section adds Contrast Adaptive Sharpening before encoding, improves streaming on slow connections, fixes NVIDIA stuttering, and addresses a recurring dropped-frame problem.

The release also expands compatibility. SteamVR can now set up a 32-bit OpenXR runtime beside the existing 64-bit runtime, while Linux receives better wired-headset support, improved error logging, and several streaming fixes.

Steam Link gains USB streaming and sharper output

SteamVR 2.17 introduces initial support for streaming over USB through Steam Link. Valve explicitly ties the feature to the new Steam Client Beta, so users who want to test it need both the SteamVR release and the updated client.

The streaming changes extend beyond the new transport option. Valve says the release improves VR streaming on slow connections, fixes stutters on NVIDIA graphics cards, and corrects an issue that dropped one frame every few seconds. It also includes latency improvements and fixes several cases that could corrupt video on NVIDIA hardware.

Contrast Adaptive Sharpening, or CAS, can now be applied before video encoding. Valve places the control under SteamVR Settings, then Steam Link, as “Sharpen image before encoding.” That gives users a direct way to adjust pre-encoding sharpness instead of relying on a fixed processing path.

The VR Dashboard picks up more Steam controls

Achievements, community guides, and notes are now accessible in VR. The Dashboard bar also gains a Quick Access Menu modeled on the interface familiar to Steam Deck users, combining notifications, volume, brightness, and battery information.

Valve added shortcuts for common tasks when users hover over the Dashboard bar, plus controls for environmental and camera brightness. Overlay apps can be closed directly from the Dashboard, and battery information now covers additional VR devices.

Several smaller changes target day-to-day reliability. SteamVR 2.17 fixes cases where the Dashboard bar disappeared, repairs missing icons for non-Steam VR apps, and corrects a screenshot crash. It also changes how room view pauses app input and improves Dashboard placement and motion.

OpenXR and Linux support receive targeted fixes

The OpenXR changes add support for 32-bit applications. After the beta is installed, SteamVR prompts users to set it as the default OpenXR runtime; accepting that prompt installs the 32-bit runtime alongside the 64-bit version.

Valve also fixed two extension-level issues: one involving width and height values returned through XR_EXT_view_configurations_changed, and another involving an unset session parameter for XR_EXT_user_presence. Integrations between camera-equipped headsets and chaperone were improved as well.

On Linux, wired-headset support receives additional work in areas that previously required third-party add-on layers. Valve also improved stability and error-state logging, fixed a Steam Link crash caused by invalid textures from games, and improved recovery when a stream fails.

Who should update

The release is most consequential for Steam Link users, developers supporting 32-bit OpenXR software, and Linux players using wired or streamed headsets. Anyone testing USB streaming should note the Steam Client Beta requirement before troubleshooting the feature.

SteamVR platform support has shifted in the past—Valve ended SteamVR support for macOS in 2020—but version 2.17 moves in the opposite direction for Linux by expanding wired-headset handling and fixing several platform-specific failures.

Valve asks users who encounter regressions to post a SteamVR System Report in the dedicated bug-report forum. That is especially relevant for a release touching streaming, Dashboard behavior, OpenXR runtimes, and multiple operating-system paths at once.

The surge is driven primarily by AI infrastructure demand, which continues to strain memory supply chains. The impact is already spilling into gaming hardware, with Xbox acknowledging that memory costs will affect the pricing and availability of its next-generation Project Helix console. With no immediate relief in sight, PC builders and gamers are facing increasingly expensive upgrades.

3DCenter Index Shows Steady Climb

3DCenter’s August 2026 survey, based on German retail pricing, shows the DDR5 price index at 486% of its July 2025 baseline. This follows a pattern of consistent increases: the index reached 419% in June and 445% in July 2026, indicating the latest record is not due to a single unusually expensive kit but reflects broad market conditions.

One stark example from the survey: a tracked 2x32GB DDR5-6400 CL32 kit configuration that cost €181 at the July 2025 baseline is now listed at €1,093 in August 2026—a 503% increase. 3DCenter notes that its figures are based on German retail pricing, so the index should not be treated as a measurement of worldwide RAM prices.

South Korean DRAM Exports Highlight Global Pressure

Beyond retail, the wholesale market shows similar strain. Citing Korea Trade Statistics Promotion Institute figures, ChosunBiz reports that the export unit value of South Korean DRAM chips, excluding DRAM modules, averaged $92,183 per kilogram between August 1 and August 20. That was up 401% year over year, while the total value of relevant DRAM exports jumped approximately 505% to $9.81 billion.

ChosunBiz calculated that one kilogram of South Korean DRAM at the August export valuation was worth approximately as much as 620 grams of 24-karat gold. Notably, the $92,183 figure was not a new sequential record: the comparable July 1-20 export value was higher at $100,198 per kilogram.

Industry Outlook: Shortage Could Persist Through 2030

Industry leaders see no quick resolution. TrendForce said in July that DRAM contract prices had hit records and forecast another 13% to 18% quarter-over-quarter increase in Q3 2026. SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung recently said the shortage could potentially persist through 2030.

For gamers, the immediate consequence is higher costs for new builds and upgrades. Xbox’s acknowledgment that memory costs will affect Project Helix pricing and availability underscores how the shortage is reshaping hardware economics. As AI infrastructure continues to absorb memory supply, DDR5 prices are unlikely to return to earlier levels anytime soon.

The GX1 is currently available at a 20% discount on Amazon, bringing the price down to as little as $42.49 for a limited time. This makes it an even more attractive option for gamers seeking an affordable open-back experience. The review highlights that it’s the most low-cost open-back headset the author has tested, positioning it as a potential entry point into a niche usually dominated by pricier models.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the GX1 promises a lightweight build at 320g and features pastel rainbow lighting that peeks through open-back grills on each earcup. While the bass may be lacking, the natural audio profile opens up game soundscapes, according to the review. We break down the key details below.

Design and Build: Y2K Aesthetics Meet Modern Comfort

The standout feature of the Epomaker GX1 is its design. The white model features metallic baby blue yokes that immediately recall the Y2K era, a nostalgic nod that sets it apart from typical gamer headsets. The pastel rainbow lighting adds a modern touch, visible through the open-back grills on the exterior of each earcup. For those who prefer a more subdued look, Epomaker also offers a pink and black model.

Comfort is addressed with oval earcups and a total weight of 320g. While the review notes it doesn’t quite out-rival the white Corsair HS35 V3 as one of the lightest headsets tested, the GX1 remains a lightweight option for extended gaming sessions. The open-back design is a deliberate choice, prioritizing a wider soundstage over noise isolation.

Audio Performance: Open-Back Soundstage, But Bass Is Lacking

In terms of audio, the GX1 delivers a natural sound profile that excels at opening up game soundscapes. The review specifically notes that while the bass is lacking, the open-back nature of the headset allows for a more immersive and airy audio experience. This makes it particularly well-suited for games where environmental audio and directional cues are important.

The author tested the GX1 over a weekend, using it to play Marvel Rivals on PS5 and Final Fantasy 14 on Switch 2. This cross-platform testing suggests the headset is versatile, though the review does not specify whether it connects via 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or a wired connection. The focus remains on its performance in real-world gaming scenarios.

Price and Availability: A Budget Open-Back Option

At $49.99, the GX1 is positioned as an affordable entry into open-back gaming headsets. The current 20% discount on Amazon reduces the price to as little as $42.49, making it an even more compelling purchase for budget-conscious gamers. This pricing, combined with its unique design, could make it a popular choice for those looking to experiment with open-back audio without a significant investment.

As Epomaker’s first foray into gaming audio, the GX1 sets a distinctive tone. It may not satisfy bass enthusiasts, but for gamers who prioritize soundstage and style, it offers a rare combination at this price point. The limited-time discount adds urgency, but the headset’s overall value proposition remains strong even at full price.

The review highlights the keyboard’s plug-and-play simplicity, its gasket-mounted structure with sound-dampening layers, and a vibrant Dynamic LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting system that rivals the Logitech G713. However, the typing feel—described as more “thunky” than Logitech’s claimed “thocky”—and a few design quirks hold it back. Here’s a closer look at what the review found.

Design and Features: Compact, Customizable, but Quirky

The G316 X 98 adopts a 98% form factor, which trims desk space while retaining the full function row and arrow keys. It ships with either Tactile or Linear switches, both hot-swappable, and features customizable PBT keycaps. The keyboard’s frame uses a gasket-mounted structure with sound-dampening layers, which Logitech says produces a “thocky” sound profile—a term popular in the mechanical keyboard community for a deep, satisfying keystroke sound.

Visually, the keyboard stands out with a prominent LED display and a specially colored, Logitech-branded Esc keycap. It’s available in black or white, and the default Dynamic LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting is vibrant, with no dead zones—every key appears evenly lit, matching the visual appeal of the G713.

However, the review notes some design missteps. There are no kickstand lifters on the back; instead, two rubber pieces must be awkwardly plucked out to adjust the angle. Additionally, the USB-C port is located only on the left side, which may inconvenience users who prefer routing the cable from the right. The included 5.91 ft (1.8 m) USB-A to USB-C cable is standard, but the lack of a palm rest—something the G713 includes—was felt during extended use.

Performance and Gaming: High Polling Rate, Heavy Keys

The G316 X 98 supports an 8,000 Hz polling rate, a feature aimed at competitive gamers seeking minimal input lag. The reviewer tested the keyboard in VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Counter-Strike 2, but found the WASD keys “a bit too heavy” for their liking. This heaviness contributed to noticeable hand fatigue during longer sessions—fatigue that set in faster than with their previous keyboard. The reviewer suggests that a palm rest, similar to the white one bundled with the G713, could mitigate this issue.

While the 8,000 Hz polling rate is a headline feature, the reviewer notes that higher polling rates require more processing power, which can lower frame rates in CPU-intensive games. In practice, they preferred sticking with 4,000 Hz for a balance of performance and system load. The LCD screen, despite being a standout visual feature, wasn’t compelling enough to outweigh the keyboard’s practical feel.

Verdict: A Novelty, Not a Daily Driver

CGMagazine’s final assessment is that the Logitech G316 X 98 wired keyboard is a “solid novelty keyboard” but not one that can confidently be used for competitive gaming or long typing spurts. The 6/10 score reflects a product with strong visual appeal and modern features, yet undermined by ergonomic and performance issues that may deter serious users.

For $119.99, buyers get a hot-swappable, RGB-lit compact keyboard with a high polling rate, but they’ll need to accept the heavy key feel and quirky design choices. If you’re a casual user who values aesthetics and customization, the G316 X 98 might fit the bill. But if you’re a competitive gamer or a heavy typist, you may want to look elsewhere—or wait for a potential revision that addresses these concerns.

The Play X is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD available in 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities. Lexar advertises sequential read and write speeds of 7,400 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s respectively, a significant jump over the company’s older Play 2230 drive, which topped out at 5,500 MB/s reads and 4,700 MB/s writes. In real-world testing, the drive nearly matched those figures, averaging 7,074.43 MB/s reads and 6,551.29 MB/s writes in CrystalDiskMark—actually exceeding the write spec slightly.

However, the review notes that the Play X is not yet released in the US, which immediately limits its appeal for many potential buyers. The 1 TB model reviewed is priced at £241.99 on Amazon UK, a premium that puts it in direct competition with cheaper alternatives like the Samsung 990 Pro.

Performance and Thermal Behavior

GamesRadar’s testing involved both synthetic benchmarks and real game loading scenarios. In CrystalDiskMark, the drive consistently delivered read speeds around 7,060–7,087 MB/s across four runs, with write speeds ranging from 6,533 to 6,583 MB/s. The average results—7,074.43 MB/s read and 6,551.29 MB/s write—show the drive performing close to its rated speeds, with the write speed actually coming in slightly above the advertised 6,500 MB/s.

In game loading tests, the Play X was compared against the on-board storage of the test rig, a PNY CS1030 drive. The Play X loaded Marvel Rivals in 41.18 seconds versus 39.5 seconds for the built-in drive, Counter-Strike 2 in 25.61 seconds versus 22.99 seconds, and Dispatch in 16.40 seconds versus 15.21 seconds. While the Play X was consistently slower, the differences were modest—1.68 seconds for Marvel Rivals, 2.62 seconds for Counter-Strike 2, and 1.19 seconds for Dispatch—suggesting the drive’s real-world impact is minimal for most gaming scenarios.

Thermals were also a positive point. The review notes that the drive maintained a temperature around 40% (presumably of its thermal limit) for the majority of testing, only peaking at 48% during extended Marvel Rivals sessions. This suggests the drive runs cool even under load, which is a plus for compact builds where airflow is limited.

Design and Included Accessories

The Play X’s key differentiator is its hybrid form factor. Lexar packages a 2230 drive alongside a 2280 bracket, allowing users to install it in either slot type. This flexibility is particularly useful for those who might upgrade from a handheld PC (which typically uses 2230) to a desktop or laptop (which often supports 2280). The review praises this approach, noting it gives buyers the best of both worlds.

Beyond the adapter, the drive comes with a set of two stickers with a slight holographic sheen. While a minor addition, the review notes it’s a nice touch for labeling or personalization, even if the stickers are unlikely to be seen once the drive is installed.

The drive also carries a 5-year warranty, backed by an endurance rating of 1,200 TBW for the 2 TB model. This suggests long-term reliability, though the review notes that the warranty may be unnecessary given the high endurance rating.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The 1 TB Play X is priced at £241.99 on Amazon UK, which the review points out is significantly higher than many competing 1 TB drives. For context, the Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB reached as high as £229.99 on Amazon in May earlier this year, and can drop below £200 without a heatsink. This price gap makes the Play X a harder sell for budget-conscious buyers.

However, the review suggests that the Play X’s hybrid form factor and performance could justify the premium for those who specifically need a 2230/2280 combo drive. The review ultimately recommends the Play X as a valid option for those wanting a hybrid drive with fast speeds, but steers budget-focused buyers toward the Samsung 990 Pro instead.

The lack of US availability is a significant caveat. As the review states, “The Lexar Play X has yet to be released in the US, so the question of whether any of you across the pond should buy it can be answered pretty quickly.” This means US gamers will need to wait for a potential release or consider importing, which would add to the cost.

What It Means for Gamers

The Play X represents a niche but practical solution for gamers who want flexibility in their storage setup. The performance is solid, with near-advertised speeds and cool operation, and the hybrid form factor is a thoughtful design choice. However, the premium pricing and lack of US availability limit its immediate appeal.

For those in the UK or other markets where the drive is available, the Play X is worth considering if the hybrid form factor is a priority. But for most buyers, the Samsung 990 Pro remains the more sensible choice, offering comparable performance at a lower price. As the review concludes, the Play X is a good option for a specific need, but not a universal recommendation.