EA SPORTS UFC 5 Kicks-Off Fight Week with UFC 304 in Manchester, England

EA SPORTS UFC 5 is kicking off Fight Week in celebration of the highly anticipated UFC 304 event in Manchester, England, by featuring four new Alter Egos (Michael Bisping, Darren Till, Alexander Gustafsson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov).

The following Four new rostered fighters will also be added to UFC 5 alongside new Fight Week challenges, Pick Ems, and vanity content, which is now live:

UFC 304 Fight Week starts in UFC 5. Through the Fight Pick’ems option, players can select who they think will win each of the Main Card fights. Choosing the winner and method for each fight will unlock in-game prizes. Completing the in-game Punch Card will reward players with in-game unlockables, including one of the newly featured Alter Egos (Alexander Gustafsson from UFC 165).

UFC 304 takes place at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England on Saturday, July 27, and will feature a welterweight title bout between Leon Edwards (C WW) and Belal Muhammad (#2 WW). With their first match ending controversially, this is a rematch over two years in the making. There will also be the Heavyweight Interim title clash between Tom Aspinall (#1 HW) and Curtis Blaydes (#4 HW) and a marquee main card match-up between Paddy Pimblett and King Green (#15 LW). There are four fan-favourite fighters from England on this weekend’s main card in Manchester. Full card details can be found here.

There is a new Community Vote feature that is in-game from today, the start of UFC 304 Fight Week. The first in-game Community Vote will allow players to vote for up to four Alter Egos from a list of ten fighters chosen by our community. The four Alter Egos with the highest total votes will be chosen with the aim of incorporating them in a future 2024 game update. Check out the details and get updates on the Community Vote feature here.

Also dropped new gameplay updates and adjustments in a recent patch. More information on the content updates can be found here.

EA SPORTS UFC 5 is available now worldwide for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. To download UFC 5 assets for UFC 304, visit here or go to EAPressPortal.com. For more details on UFC 5, visit http://x.ea.com/ufc5/home. 

SteelSeries – Amazon Prime Day Deals

Amazon Prime Day is back again! Listed below is some of the featured items that SteelSeries will be offering big savings on during the July 16-17 event.
Upgrade your gaming experience with a selection of multi-award-winning items like the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Content creators looking to sound like a pro while podcasting or streaming their favorite games should pounce on the discount on the Alias and Alias Pro microphones. Find all the deals at the SteelSeries storefront on Amazon during Prime Day.
Here are the main featured deals for Amazon Prime Day in the UK.
Product Name
MSRP
Prime Day Price
% Off
£179.99
£148.75
17% (£31.24 saving)
£319.99
£259.99
19% (£60.00 saving)
£59.99
£34.99
42% (£25.00 saving)
£129.99
£79.99
39% (£50.00 saving)
£69.99
£49.99
29% (£20.00 saving)
£169.99
£ 128.99
24% (£41.00 saving)
£59.99
£44.99
25% (£15.00 saving)
£329.99
£264.99
20% (£65.00 saving)
£29.99
£24.95
17% (£5.04 saving)
£54.99
£37.99
31% (£17.00 saving)

First Look – Skullcandy SLYR Pro gaming headphones

The all new Skullcandy SLYR pro have dropped in for review, if you are a gamer these are the latest product on offer from the brand and after checking out the Street fighter Edition PLYR earlier this year and still love and use today we look forward to seeing what these have to offer.

SLYR Pro takes your game to the next level with advanced features you just can’t get in other wireless headsets. Skullcandy Supreme Sound delivers full, rich audio and our advanced Clear Voice Smart Mic uses A.I. to isolate your voice for ultra-clear communication.

Game/chat mix, custom EQs and sidetone can be accessed through the Skull-HQ App. The icing on the cake is our exclusive Enhanced Sound Perception feature, which utilizes a hearing test in the app to optimize the sound to your unique hearing.

Any questions feel free to ask as always and stay tuned for more soon.

Features 

  • Headset Type: Wired/Wireless Over-ear

  • Connection Type: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth®, USB-A, 3.5mm Aux

  • Impedance: 32Ω

  • Driver Diameter: 50mm

  • THD: <2% at 1KHz

  • Sound Pressure Level: 95 ± 3dB

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz

  • Weight: 274g

BUY 

Unboxing

Tech Review – Special Edition G7 SE Controller from GameSir and Eneba

Looking for a new controller well the new Special Edition G7 SE Controller from GameSir and Eneba might just be the one for you to check out, I am a gamer but nothing like I was years ago but still have the latest consoles and play them from time to time when I get a chance which is some weekends and the odd day during the week I would love to take it up full time like I did in the Streetfighter/Castlevania and Super Probotector days when I was never of my consoles and still have some old ones today I kept which I sometimes post on social when reminiscing in the past but time is an issue but I feel like I might just make time soon.

I do like a good controller and gaming peripherals though and have reviewed some in the past and this one caught my eye as I have a thing for things that catch your and this controller does exactly that.

Having tested this out for several weeks and having friends and family give it a go we all conclude the same result and it is one of the best controllers used here at techbuzz headquarters and given my time with it I certainly agree with how it feels in the hand and how your gaming can advance with the amount of customization that can be put into it here and not only that is looks great and again all that tried it said the same.

Check out the video for much more and see what you get for your hard earned cash.

Special Edition G7 SE Controller from GameSir and Eneba – techbuzzireland

Features

  • Play on almost anything: The G7 SE works with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S, or Windows 10 and up on PC (including Steam).
  • Super precise control: Hall Effect joysticks and triggers use magnets for smooth, accurate movements that don’t wear out over time. It’s the control and precision that competitive gamers dream of.
  • Customize your way of play: Two additional buttons on the back can be programmed for fast actions. The back quick-latch can disable the rear buttons and prevent unintended input with a simple push. With the GameSir Nexus software, you can also create different profiles with unique button layouts.
  • Swappable faceplate: Utilizing magnetic technology, gamers can easily personalize the G7 SE by changing its faceplate with bare hands.
  • Toggleable trigger mode: Hair-trigger mode is perfect for fast-paced games, while analog trigger mode provides realistic feedback akin to an accelerator. Trigger sensitivity can be adjusted in the software too.
  • Comfy grip, long sessions: The G7 SE feels good in your hands thanks to the textured back grip.
  • Feel the rumble: Dual symmetric vibration motors bring your games to the next level with immersive feedback.
  • Plug in your headphones: The audio jack lets you connect your headset directly to the controller for easy chat and clear audio.
  • Lights to keep you informed: An LED indicator that shows your connection status.
  • Built to last: The braided 3-meter detachable USB-C cable is super durable, so you don’t have to worry about it fraying or breaking.

The controller is available globally through GameSir, Amazon, and retailers at 65.99 USD / 71.95 EUR, and comes with an Eneba Gift Card to stock up on our marketplace. Eneba is the ultimate source of digital entertainment with over 10M registered users and over 40,000 unique digital products to pick from.

Buy from GameSir 

Check out Eneba

Video Review

Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion to Receive a Limited Run Physical Edition

Limited Run Games, in collaboration with Nightdive Studios and Universal Products & Experiences, is excited to complete the Turok remaster trilogy with the physical release of Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Starting June 7, 2024, fans can pre-order the game from limitedrungames.com.
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion is a faithful remaster of the classic first-person shooter originally released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, upgraded through Nightdive Studios’ proprietary KEX Engine for play on modern gaming devices with up to a 4K resolution at 120FPS. The title features upgraded gameplay, high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting and rendering, and support for gamepads.
In addition to standalone releases, Limited Run will release Classic Editions of Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion to match its previous Turok remastered releases. These will include a metal replica retro cartridge, an official game soundtrack on CD, and a reversible poster—all in a foil, embossed throwback box.
Limited Run is also giving Xbox players the chance to own the entire remastered trilogy with new Xbox One physical editions for Turok and Turok 2: Seeds of Evil. They will be available alongside Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion to pre-order throughout the entire sale period. Fans looking to upgrade their collection, no matter the platform, can also pick up a slipcase to store all three titles.
With this physical release of Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion, Limited Run is proud to be able to complete the journey they began in 2019 to bring this classic Nintendo 64 trilogy back to collector’s shelves.
About the Physical Editions:
Standard Editions ($29.99):
●     Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
○     Full-color booklet included
Classic Editions ($59.99):
●     Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
○     Full-color booklet included
●     Embossed, foil retro box
●     Reversible poster
●     CD game soundtrack
●     Metal retro cartridge replica
 
Additional Collection Offerings:
●     Turok on Xbox One physical media
○     Full-color booklet included
●     Turok 2: Seeds of Evil on Xbox One physical media
○     Full-color booklet included
●     Rigid slipcover sized for Nintendo Switch or PS4/Xbox One cases

CRKD Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Hellboy: Announcing Special-Edition Collectible Controllers

CRKD, the premium collectible brand behind the award-winning Nitro™ Deck, NEO S™ and recently announced Nitro™ Deck+, announced today a creative collaboration with Dark Horse Comics®, bringing the beloved Hellboy™ series of comics to life via a stunning range of themed Nitro Deck and NEO S themed controllers.
Overseen by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, the special-edition range has been meticulously crafted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hellboy with artwork sourced from the comic book Omnibus Volume 1, Seed of Destruction, by Mike Mignola and John Byrne, immortalizing key moments from the Great Beast’s history.
A tribute to the timeless legacy of the eponymous half-demon, the Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition for Nintendo® Switch™ and OLED Switch™ reimagines handheld gaming, eliminating stick drift forever, while enhancing accuracy, responsiveness, and precision. Elevating the Switch aesthetic via jaw-dropping artwork, the Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition is sure to be adored by any Hellboy fan.
The ideal companion to the Nitro Deck, the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition for Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile & Smart TV Gaming, uses the entire footprint of the NEO S to display the intricately detailed artwork of the iconic comic series. Included in pack, the Hellboy themed Charging Dock proves that the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition is no mere controller, serving as both a statement piece of gaming hardware and true work of art.
Both the Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition and the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition have been designed to fully integrate with the CRKD ‘True Collection System’ a free mobile App for iOS™ and Android® which will register the product number and rarity ranking of your hardware into your personal secure collection, adding to your bragging rights and giving instant oversight to all your CRKD gaming gear.
Commenting on the creative collaboration, Greg Baverstock, VP of Global Business Development for CRKD said, “Hellboy is an enduring legend in entertainment, loved by millions of fans worldwide. A testament to the talent and imagination of creator Mike Mignola, we’re elated to be partnering with a true icon in the first of a planned series of creative collaborations around our range of premium collectible gaming gear. Working in tandem with Dark Horse Comics and Mike Mignola, we believe we’re doing justice to the 30th anniversary of Hellboy and elevating our controllers to even greater heights.”
To further celebrate this landmark anniversary, CRKD is teaming up with Dark Horse Comics to give away a Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition and a NEO S Hellboy Special Edition, each signed by creator Mike Mignola. Running for eight weeks only, fans wishing to enter to win can visit: https://go.crkd.gg/hbsweepstakes.
The full list of features for the Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition and the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition can be found here: https://go.crkd.gg/hellboy.
The Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition and the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition are available today for pre-order, with both products retailing for: $59.99 / €69.99 / £59.99. Both collectible controllers are expected to begin shipping from June 2024.
Pre-order the Hellboy Special Edition Nitro Deck or NEO S Hellboy Special Edition  at: https://go.crkd.gg/hellboy
For more information about the Special Edition Hellboy Range and all CRKD controllers, please visit: https://crkd.gg

ViewSonic Launches into OLED Gaming with the XG272-2K-OLED Monitor

ViewSonic Corp a leading global provider of visual solutions, introduces its first OLED gaming monitor, the XG272-2K-OLED. Engineered for gamers seeking ultimate immersion, this 27-inch monitor’s OLED panel delivers exceptionally vivid colors and stark contrasts. With its Blur Busters Verified certification, the monitor combines a rapid 240Hz refresh rate and an up to 0.01ms pixel response time to ensure crisp visuals and ultra-responsive gameplay in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The monitor’s sleek, ergonomic design elevates the aesthetics of any gaming setup with its white finish and smooth contours.

“ViewSonic recognizes gamers’ surging interest for OLED displays, driven by their superior color performance and faster response time,” said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. “With the launch of the XG272-2K-OLED, we’re bringing gamers impeccable visuals and speed, thanks to OLED technology, and ensuring exceptional clarity with the Blur Busters Verified certification. We are committed to delivering innovative and high-quality products that exceed the expectations of our gaming community.”

Rich Colors Meets Rapid Response

Leveraging OLED panel technology, the XG272-2K-OLED delivers exceptional color accuracy, enhanced brightness, and a superior contrast ratio, bringing video games to life with vivid visuals and wide viewing angles. The adoption of OLED display not only enriches the visual experience but also achieves an up to 0.01ms pixel response time, enabling users to react in an instant and gain a competitive edge.

Sustaining a rapid 240Hz refresh rate, the XG272-2K-OLED is Blur Busters Verified and features AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible support. These combine to effectively minimize image blurring, ghosting, tearing, and stuttering. The blend of high-speed performance with superior visuals ensures smooth, clear, and low-latency gameplay, enabling swift reflexes in fast-paced games, resulting in deeply immersive gaming experiences where each frame is rendered with precision and clarity.

Striking Design with Convenient Remote

The XG272-2K-OLED monitor blends style, functionality, and versatility in its design. The radiant white finish of the monitor is complemented by the customizable RGB lighting, creating a captivating ambiance perfect for gaming. Ergonomics are central to the monitor’s design, with its height-adjustable stand and the ability to tilt, swivel, and pivot the screen for a comfortable and personalized gaming experience.

Additionally, the monitor comes with a wireless remote controller, conveniently nestled in the stand base, which ensures seamless play through effortless menu navigation and game mode selection. Coupled with extensive connectivity options—including dual HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with 15w charging, and various USB-A and USB-B ports—that guarantee broad compatibility with PCs and consoles, it facilitates smooth switching between gaming devices.

The product will be available in Europe from the end of April, with specific timing and pricing varying by country. For the most current information, please visit the ViewSonic website.

Tech Review – Edifier Hecate GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS gaming earbuds

The Edifier Hecate GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS gaming earbuds are a product that looks like you would find in a sci-fri film and that is not a bad thing either so for the looks alone they get a ten out of ten there in my book but what else do these have and who are they for exactly.

Ok so out of the box these look great in every respect, the look and feel is screaming premium here and that includes the package in a nice solid hard case with a nice lock thrown in, inside you get your cables tips dust caps and a nice carry pouch to store it all in so another win here.

As described up top the case is one to behold with a weighty feel and a nice solid click everytime you turn it this is a piece of art and one of if not the best cases I have seen to date. Also on the underside of the case is a MFB to control the RGB lights which gives a nice effect, these is also lights on the earbuds which can be turned on/off.

The earbuds themselves are also slightly different with their shape but fit well in the ears and look good there is a decent seal and there extra tips provided in the box there is no ANC here or access to the connect app which is disappointing however these are not aimed at music and I get it but still would of been nice so I will let them away with it this time.

The earbuds as mentioned are for gamers with dual connectivity via BT or the dongle provided in the box went with the dongle route and tested on Xbox PS5 and of course my phone, I am not one to spend hours gaming but when I do I like to have good quality tech to do so and these do well in that respect but also in fairness not so bad on listening to music in general.

You have some controls of course but missing some features again these are features more so related to music you can manage call on them you can also manage the lights the modes, play and pause and skip and reverse tracks which is fine. There is no voice assistant or volume control on them.

On the gaming from they set out what they aim to do putting you right in the game you are playing not missing a beat, you will find it hard to get zero latency on earbuds but we are getting there and these are a step in the right direction.

Sound is great powered by Hi-Res Audio with 10mm drivers on board under the Hecate name which is Edifiers professional audio brand for gamers and a new one to me too, on the music from highs lows and mids all came across fine and some bass in there there was no latency on audio on listening to my usual test tracks the audio was crisp and clear and you do have modes to change the audio like gaming and music mode, On a gaming front as mentioned it is excellent putting you in the centre not missing footsteps directional sound and so on making it an enjoyable experience overall.

Features 

·         Dual Wireless Convenience. Simultaneously connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless dual-mode for gaming and calls, enhancing multitasking comfort.

·         15ms Ultra-Low Latency. 2.4GHz technology offers 15ms ultra-low latency for wireless and seamless gaming immersion.

·         Hi-Res Audio Excellency. 10mm dynamic driver with LHDC 5.0 HD decoding delivers detailed Hi-Res audio for competitive gaming.

·         Universal Compatibility, Plug-N-Play The GX05 comes with a USB-C adapter and USB converter and works with Mobile Phones, PCs, Switch, iPad, PS5, and VR, starting instantly upon plug-in.

·         Full-Soundstage Position Identification Mode. Under the game mode, players may accurately grasp sound details such as footsteps and gunfire in the game to identify the enemy position easily keeping you ultra-focused on the game.

·         Crystal-Clear Communication. The built-in dual MIC noise cancellation ensures clear calls and in-game communication.

·         Fast Charging for Extended Play. 16-hour battery life to last you throughout most of the day. Rapid QC2.0 and USB-C charging ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions.

·         Dynamic RGB Lighting Effect. 11 unique RGB effects illuminate the GX05 and take you into a fantasy in light and shadow, adding vibrancy and enhancing the gaming experience.

 

BUY

Video review

PayPal study shows a quarter (25%) of gamers in Ireland earned money through gaming in 2023

Ireland has emerged as a strong contender in the global gaming industry, drawing the attention of enthusiasts and game developers. To dig deeper, PayPal commissioned a study conducted by Censuswide in November 2023 that polled 1,000 consumers who play online games to unveil latest behaviour and trends. PayPal’s gaming insights revealed that a quarter (25%) of gamers surveyed in Ireland started or continued earning money via gaming in 2023, with a further 22 per cent of those who will spend more money on games in 2024 considering it as an additional way to generate income.

Turning play into pay

The most popular ways of making money through gaming for respondents who started/ continued to earn money via gaming in the past 12 months were revealed as taking surveys (38%), ads (26%), and time playing or Mistplay (24%).

Going forward, some 31 per cent of gamers plan to increase their spend on games over the next 12 months – with the expected average spend expected to be €451 for respondents who spend money on online games. Using gaming to generate additional income through streaming was a driving factor for increased budgets among 22 per cent of respondents.

 Gaming can form connections

As an industry, gaming has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, and has become a leading form of entertainment in Ireland especially those in the age group of 25-34 years of age. Entertainment was the top motivation cited by 53 per cent of respondents followed by stress relief (47%) and escaping reality (37%).

A significant proportion of respondents who will spend more on games in 2024 revealed that gaming is their favourite hobby (37%) and a way for them to make friends (28%) and are some of the reasons why they plan to spend more on gaming in 2024. Over half (56%) of gamers in Ireland say playing games brings them closer to other people.

PayPal infographic

Gaming can also be beneficial for mental wellbeing with 34 per cent of those who will spend more on games in 2024 identifying it as their source of motivation. Twenty-one per cent turned to gaming to alleviate loneliness, while 25 per cent use games to socialise and connect with others. More than a quarter of gamers who will spend more on games in 2024 (28%) have fostered online friendships through gaming, and 27 per cent view it as a means to connect with friends and family.

Speaking about the findings, Jonas Breding, General Manager for PayPal Northern Europe, commented: “Our research highlights that there is a dynamic gaming community in Ireland, where gaming means more than just entertainment. For some, it serves as a tool for relieving stress and making connections. For others, they are transforming their passion for gaming into an income stream. We understand that safety is always a concern and provide gamers a more secure way to pay with PayPal for games and accessories.”

 Cost and safety concerns

The research found that certain factors would stop respondents gaming or spending money on it. More than two thirds (69%) identified high living costs and inflation as a potential deterrent, while concerns about fraud (34%) and the unavailability of payment options (29%) were also noted as being game-changers in this regard. PayPal was the most popular payment method used by 35 per cent of   gamers surveyed in Ireland who spend money on online games.

Safety is a priority for 64 per cent when buying or playing games. Furthermore, 67 per cent per cent are giving more consideration to safety when it comes to choosing a gaming platform and a similar proportion (69%) said safety increases their loyalty towards a game.

This is understandable given that 30 per cent of gamers have encountered safety concerns while gaming during the past year and more than a third (36%) have previously felt unsafe when completing a game purchase.

The most prominent safety concerns respondents have encountered while gaming in the last 12 months were revealed as abuse on gaming platforms (31%), loss of money or gaming funds (29%), bullying (28%), hacked gaming accounts (26%), and falling victim to fraud (22%).

Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) of respondents say that their loyalty towards a game increases when they experience safety. This is also the case for selecting a gaming platform.