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Acer Nitro Handheld Gaming: The New Gaming Devices Set to Launch in Q2 2025
This year it’s time to take your gaming journey to the next level with a blazing hot Acer handheld gaming device, the Acer Nitro Blaze. A solid desktop setup with all the bells and whistles certainly has its place in every gamer’s arsenal, as does a slimline gaming laptop. But sometimes we just need the extreme portability and fun-factor of a gaming handheld!
We’ve got some good news: there’s a new player in the game, three Acer Nitro Blaze models are ready to be released in Q2, 2025. These brand new, ultra-portable gaming devices are your ticket to high performance, uninterrupted and top quality gameplay wherever life takes you.
AI infused from top to tail, these handheld beasts are packed with the pure processing power of AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processors, delivering up to 39 TOPs. Every AAA title you can get your hands on will look and feel its best with the AMD Radeon 780M GPU featuring Radeon Super Resolution(RSR) and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). If these tasty tidbits about the Acer Nitro Blaze sound appealing, then read on to find out why you need a gaming handheld in your life, and then we’ll check out the Acer Nitro Blaze 7, 8, and 11 to help you choose the model that’s best for you!
What is a gaming handheld?
As the name suggests, gaming handhelds are portable devices designed with one thing in mind: playing video games on-the-go. From the early portable gaming consoles to modern day maestros like the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, gaming handhelds feature compact design, built in controls and impressive performance. In recent years hi-res screens and access to extensive game catalogs have increased the fun-factor in gaming handhelds. Many portable gaming consoles feature versatile connectivity options for both docked play and gaming while you’re on the move.
If you’re a gamer, or aspiring gamer who requires true flexibility of where and when you play, then a gaming handheld like the Acer Nitro Blaze is a no brainer. Lose the shackles of your PC or gaming console, and embrace the freedom of lightweight portability in a device that can also assist with multitasking as well as gaming.
Acer Nitro Blaze: essentials
There are currently three models in the Acer Nitro Blaze family: the 7, 8, and 11. Before we get into the nitty gritty tech specs of each of these models, let’s cover a few of their shared features. Firstly, blazing performance in the form of lightning fast, smooth as silk gameplay comes as standard with these handheld gaming devices, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors with up to 39 total AI TOPS.
Secondly, the GPU: the Nitro Blaze leverages AMD Radeon 780M graphics, while Radeon Super Resolution delivers real-time graphical upscaling and lag-free gaming experiences. Whether you’re gaming or doing a bit of cheeky multitasking, the Nitro Blaze has room for all your files, media, games, and more with up to 2 TB of storage, and 16 GB LPDDR5x memory at 7500 MT/s for higher data transfer rates and bandwidth. While the three models have different screen styles and sizes, they all feature 500 nits brightness for vibrant colors, and in-game graphics that jump off the screen with clarity and fluidity!
Customizable
Sounds good so far? Well how about we throw in Acer’s very own Game Space app? To navigate with ease through the Windows 11 powered Nitro Blaze, simply hit the hotkey and you’ll be seamlessly transported to your game library. Inside Acer Game Space you can easily access all of your favorite gaming platforms and integrate your various accounts into one convenient hub.
Before we move on to the outstanding features of each of the devices in the Acer Nitro Blaze handheld family, take note: once you get your hands on one, there are literally hundreds of your favorite top-quality PC games available, and every new device comes with three months of PC Game Pass, including EA Play.
Acer Nitro Blaze 7
* Processors: AMD Ryzen™ 7 8840HS (8-Core, 16-threads, 24 MB cache, up to 5.1 GHz max boost) AMD Ryzen AI, Supports up to total 39 AI TOPS
* GPU: AMD Radeon™ 780M (Up to 2.7 GHz, AMD RDNA™ 3 12 CUs)
* Memory: 16GB LPDDR5x SDRAM, 7500 MT/s (onboard)
* Storage: Up to 2 TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 x4 Gen 4 SSD
* Display: 7" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display, 144 Hz, 500 nits, 10-point touch panel, 7 ms response time, 100% sRGB, AMD FreeSync™ Premium
* I/O Ports: 2 x USB4® (Type-C 40 Gbps), Micro SD Card (SD 4.0)
* Dimensions: 25.6 (W) x 11.35 (D) x 2.25 (H) cm
* Weight: 670g
The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is Acer’s first handheld gaming device: a portable, high performance beast that combines cutting-edge tech and a compact design. Featuring a 7-inch FHD touchscreen IPS display with an insanely fast 144 Hz refresh rate, as well as 100% sRGB coverage, and AMD FreeSync™ Premium, you can expect totally immersive, beyond smooth scenes and tear-free gameplay. Weighing in at a mere 670g, the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 can easily fit in any backpack, or even a deep pocket. This sleek device with touch interface and intuitive, responsive controls allows players to engage in games more naturally, wherever they go.
Acer Nitro Blaze 8
* Processors: AMD Ryzen™ 7 8840HS (8-Core, 16-threads, 24 MB cache, up to 5.1 GHz max boost) AMD Ryzen AI, Supports up to total 39 AI TOPS
* GPU: AMD Radeon™ 780M (Up to 2.7 GHz, AMD RDNA™ 3 12 CUs)
* Memory: 16GB LPDDR5x SDRAM, 7500 MT/s (onboard)
* Storage: Up to 2 TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 x4 Gen 4 SSD
* Display: 8.8" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS Display, 144 Hz, 500 nits, 10-point touch panel, 97% DCI-P3 Color Gamut
* I/O Ports: 1 x USB4® Type-C (40 Gbps), 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-A ,Micro SD Card (SDHC)
* Dimensions: 30.5 (W) x 13.4 (D) x 2.2 (H) cm
* Weight: 720 g
With slightly more screen real estate than the Nitro Blaze 7, Acer’s Nitro Blaze 8 features an 8.8-inch WQXGA touchscreen, for an even more immersive on-the-go gaming experience. A mere 720g, the compact and perfectly balanced design of the Nitro Blaze 8 incorporates a double fan and heat pipe cooling system to keep things chilled when the action gets intense. Hall effect sticks and triggers guarantee ultimate control of this compact, powerful gaming device, while multiple port and rapid connectivity options will ensure you stay ahead of the competition, whatever games they might be playing!
Acer Nitro Blaze 11
* Processors: AMD Ryzen™ 7 8840HS (8-Core, 16-threads, 24 MB cache, up to 5.1 GHz max boost) AMD Ryzen AI, Supports up to total 39 AI TOPS
* GPU: AMD Radeon™ 780M (Up to 2.7 GHz, AMD RDNA™ 3 12 CUs)
* Memory: 16GB LPDDR5x SDRAM, 7500 MT/s (onboard)
* Storage: Up to 2 TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 x4 Gen 4 SSD
* Display: 10.95" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS Display, 120 Hz, 500 nits, 10-point touch panel, 98% DCI-P3 Color Gamut
* I/O Ports: 1 x USB4® Type-C (40 Gbps), 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-A, Micro SD Card (SDHC)
* Dimensions: 36.4 (W) x 17.1 (D) x 1.59 (H) cm
* Weight: 1050 g
The big bad boy of the Blaze family, Acer Nitro Blaze 11 is a portable all-rounder that can seamlessly transition between gaming,streaming, and browsing. The Nitro Blaze 11 is a true chameleon, featuring Hall Effect sticks, a sturdy built-in stand, as well as detachable controllers, offering flexibility for solo or connected play with the included connector. On top of this, a front camera facilitates video calls and streaming, so wherever the adventure takes you, you’ll remain connected and respected. Lifelike gaming experiences are no longer the reserve of desktops and monitors, thanks to the 10.95-inch WQXGA touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. While not quite as light as the other Nitro Blaze models, the Blaze 11 still only weighs slightly more than a bag of sugar, which is a small burden to carry for relentless portable gaming and connectivity.
Blaze your own trail
We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about the world of handheld gaming devices today. As you can see, The Acer Nitro Blaze family are all AI-enhanced portable gaming fortresses, ready to take you to the next level of your on-the-go gaming journey. For raw, customizable power and screen real estate, the Nitro Blaze 11 can’t be beaten. If you’re looking for the middle ground in terms of portability and screen size, then the Nitro Blaze 8 may be your cup of tea. For ultimate portability and sleek design, the Nitro Blaze 7 can fit into any pocket to accompany you on your travels. Go check them out today, and see which one fits you best.
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PCIe Gen 4.0 vs 5.0: Is the Upgrade Worth It for the Latest 50-Series Graphics Cards?
As technology evolves, the demands for faster, more efficient, and scalable components in computing systems continue to grow. One of the most critical advancements in this domain is the development of PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), a standard that dictates how components like GPUs, SSDs, and network cards communicate with the motherboard. The latest iterations of PCIe, namely Gen 4 and Gen 5, have brought significant performance improvements, but many are left wondering which version is better suited for their needs. This article delves into the differences between PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5, their pros and cons, and how they impact the performance of the latest NVIDIA 50 series GPUs.
What is PCIe?
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed interface standard that connects various components in a computer to the motherboard, facilitating their communication. It acts like a data highway, allowing critical components such as graphics cards (GPUs), storage drives (SSDs), and network adapters to exchange data quickly and efficiently. Introduced in 2003, PCIe replaced older standards like PCI and AGP by offering a scalable, high-speed serial communication protocol. It uses lanes to transfer data, with configurations like x1, x4, x8, and x16 allowing for varying levels of data transfer capacity. Each PCIe generation doubles the data transfer rate of its predecessor, making it the backbone of modern computing for tasks ranging from everyday operations to high-performance gaming and professional workloads. Additionally, PCIe’s backward compatibility ensures that older devices can still function in newer systems, providing flexibility and ease of upgrades.
What is PCIe Gen 4?
PCIe Gen 4 is the fourth generation of the PCIe standard, introduced in 2017. It doubles the data transfer rate of its predecessor, PCIe Gen 3, providing a speed of 16 GT/s (gigatransfers per second) per lane. This increased bandwidth makes PCIe Gen 4 ideal for modern high-performance applications like gaming, 3D rendering, and data-intensive workloads.
Key Features of PCIe Gen 4:
* Increased Bandwidth: Provides up to 32 GB/s bandwidth in a x16 configuration, enabling faster communication between components.
* Widespread Adoption: Supported by many modern motherboards, GPUs, and SSDs, making it a popular choice for both gamers and professionals.
* Backward Compatibility: Works with PCIe Gen 3 devices, though at Gen 3 speeds.
Benefits of PCIe Gen 4:
* Faster load times and improved performance for NVMe SSDs.
* Supports high-end GPUs with ample bandwidth for gaming and professional tasks.
* Lower latency for data-intensive applications.
Limitations of PCIe Gen 4:
* As newer generations emerge, it may become less future-proof.
* Marginal benefits for some workloads compared to PCIe Gen 3, depending on the hardware.
What is PCIe Gen 5?
PCIe Gen 5, introduced in 2019, represents the fifth generation of PCIe technology. It doubles the data transfer rate of Gen 4, achieving an impressive speed of 32 GT/s per lane. This upgrade addresses the growing demands of cutting-edge hardware, such as AI accelerators, next-gen GPUs, and ultra-fast SSDs.
Key Features of PCIe Gen 5:
* Higher Bandwidth: PCIe Gen 5 supports up to 64 GB/s in a x16 configuration, doubling the bandwidth of Gen 4. This upgrade significantly benefits hardware like high-end GPUs and ultra-fast storage solutions.
* Future-Proofing: Designed to support emerging technologies like 8K gaming, advanced AI workloads, and high-speed networking.
* Enhanced Efficiency: Optimized for faster data transfers with lower latency and improved power efficiency.
Benefits of PCIe Gen 5:
* Unlocks the full potential of high-performance GPUs and NVMe SSDs.
* Prepares systems for future advancements in gaming, AI, and professional workloads.
* Reduces data bottlenecks in large-scale computing environments.
Limitations of PCIe Gen 5:
* Limited availability of Gen 5-compatible devices and motherboards at present.
* Higher cost compared to Gen 4 hardware.
* Most applications and hardware do not yet fully utilize the bandwidth of Gen 5.
PCIe Gen 4 vs. Gen 5 for NVIDIA RTX 50 Series GPUs
Announced on Jan 6th at CES 2025, The NVIDIA RTX 50 series GPUs,based on the Blackwell architecture, are compatible with PCIe Gen 5, which offers increased bandwidth and data transfer speeds compared to PCIe Gen 4. The key improvements include:
* Enhanced Bandwidth: PCIe Gen 5 doubles the bandwidth of Gen 4, supporting up to 64 GB/s in a 16-lane configuration. This additional bandwidth is particularly beneficial for high-performance GPUs like the RTX 5090, which boasts advanced capabilities like DLSS 4, neural rendering, and high-resolution ray tracing.
* Memory and Latency Optimization: The RTX 50 series uses ultra-fast GDDR7 memory with up to 30 Gbps speeds. Combined with the faster data handling of PCIe Gen 5, this allows for smoother frame pacing and reduced latency, as highlighted by the RTX 5090’s ability to achieve up to 4K 240Hz gaming with full ray tracing.
* Forward Compatibility: The RTX 50 series is designed to leverage PCIe Gen 5 for future-proofing. As applications, games, and workloads demand higher data throughput, PCIe Gen 5 ensures the GPU is not bottlenecked by the interface.
* AI and Compute Workloads: PCIe Gen 5 improves data transfer efficiency for AI-driven applications, which is central to the RTX 50 series. The new FP4 precision models on Blackwell GPUs process data more effectively, further benefiting from the bandwidth improvements of PCIe Gen 5.
If you're using a PCIe Gen 4 motherboard, the RTX 50 series GPUs will still deliver exceptional performance due to backward compatibility and their internal architectural optimizations. However, PCIe Gen 5 allows the GPUs to operate at their full potential, especially for data-intensive tasks like:
* High-resolution ray tracing at maximum settings.
* Generative AI workloads and FP4 model processing.
* Streaming large textures or datasets for creative workflows.
PCIe Gen 4 vs Gen 5 Verdict
While PCIe Gen 4 provides excellent performance, upgrading to PCIe Gen 5 ensures the RTX 50 series GPUs can fully leverage their capabilities, particularly in high-bandwidth scenarios or as applications evolve to take advantage of the increased throughput.
For those wondering how NVIDIA's 40 series GPUs fare with PCIe Gen 5: while they are optimized for PCIe Gen 4, they do not significantly benefit from PCIe Gen 5 as their bandwidth needs are fully met by Gen 4. For users primarily running 40 series GPUs, PCIe Gen 4 remains a sufficient option. However, for future-proofing or leveraging the full potential of the RTX 50 series GPUs, PCIe Gen 5 is the clear choice. For users building new systems or upgrading their motherboards, PCIe Gen 5 is strongly recommended to maximize the performance of NVIDIA's latest GPUs.
To help prospective buyers make informed decisions, NVIDIA has announced the availability and pricing details for its RTX 50 series GPUs. The flagship GeForce RTX 5090 GPU, featuring 3,352 AI TOPS, will be available starting January 30 at $1,999. The GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, with 1,801 AI TOPS, will launch on the same date at $999. Following these, the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, equipped with 1,406 AI TOPS, and the GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, with 988 AI TOPS, will be available starting in February at $749 and $549, respectively.
Gamers and creators should also look forward to the latest Acer gaming products featuring the RTX 50 series GPUs, set to release later this year. For updates on these products and other exciting announcements, consider signing up for Acer Corner Email Digest.
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Best Strategists (Support) in Marvel Rivals Season 1
Marvel Rivals Season 1, the Eternal Night Falls has arrived, bringing exciting new updates, including the addition of Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, and plenty of balance changes to shake up the meta. Among the game’s pivotal roles, Strategists (healers) play a vital part in keeping teams alive and controlling the flow of battle. In this article, we’ll break down the five best Strategists in Season 1, highlighting what makes them the top picks for competitive play.
1. Invisible Woman
Invisible Woman, the latest addition to the Strategist roaster, is already making waves in top-tier lobbies. Her primary healing ability, a boomerang-style projectile, excels at sustaining teams when positioned correctly, passing through both teammates and enemies to maximize its value. Her Guardian Shield provides bonus healing in an area while also slowing enemies, making it particularly effective against divers like Black Panther or Wolverine. Invisible Woman’s ultimate makes her team invisible, provides strong healing, and slows enemies, enabling both defensive and offensive plays. With utility-packed abilities like Psionic Vortex for area control and Force Physics to push or pull enemies, she’s a powerful counter to dive-heavy compositions.
While her synergy with Mister Fantastic offers extra sustain and healing, he isn’t a top pick in ranked matches, so this combination is rarely utilized. However, with The Thing and Human Torch joining the roster later this season, Fantasti-Force team-up abilities synergies may become a legit meta strategy in the future.
2. Luna Snow
Luna Snow is a high-impact Strategist in Marvel Rivals Season 1, renowned for her unparalleled healing capabilities and exceptional utility. Her passive ability, ice skating, provides unmatched mobility, allowing her to reposition quickly or escape danger. Luna’s healing is at the core of her playstyle, with her main attack offering consistent team-wide support when aimed strategically. Her E ability shines when placed on diving allies like Venom or Spider-Man, ensuring sustained healing even when they’re out of her line of sight.
Her ultimate is a game-changer, offering team-wide healing while cycling between damage boosts and health regeneration for maximum value in team fights. Luna also pairs excellently with Namor, a frequent pick in competitive play, through the Chilling Charisma team-up, empowering him with icy turrets that slow and damage enemies. With her powerful kit and synergy with top-tier allies, Luna Snow is a must-pick if you want to climb the ladder fast.
3. Cloak & Dagger
Cloak & Dagger is an S-tier healer, thanks to their unique dual-role design and versatility, amplified by key mechanics and strategic potential. Dagger operates as a long-range healer, with her basic attacks providing targeted healing and splash healing within an 8-meter radius, while Cloak focuses on close-range damage, dealing 75 damage per second within 20 meters. Both forms have unique abilities: Dagger's Veil of Light Force heals and enhances healing received, while Cloak's Terror Cape damages, blinds, and increases damage taken by enemies. Their Dark Teleportation and Dagger Storm provide essential mobility and AOE healing, respectively. Season 1's buff to their ultimate, Eternal Bond, added a fourth dash, allowing the duo to leave larger trails of light and dark residue that heal allies at 220 HP per second and damage enemies for 30 HP per second, significantly improving area control.
Despite their steep learning curve, Cloak & Dagger excel in maps with choke points or cart objectives, where their hybrid kit thrives in both supporting teammates and disrupting enemies. Effective play demands precise switching between modes to utilize separate cooldowns and adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions. Their strong synergy, battlefield impact, and skill ceiling make them a standout choice for players seeking a character capable of healing, damage, and tactical versatility at the highest level.
4. Mantis
Mantis is a versatile and top-tier Strategist, known for her adaptability and ability to support her team in diverse scenarios. She operates with four regenerative “Leaves,” which fuel her healing, buffs, and utility moves. By landing critical hits on enemies, Mantis can quickly recharge her Leaves, making her a constant presence in the fight. Her sleep ability is a powerful tool, allowing her to disable enemy tanks or back line divers, creating crucial openings for her team.
Although not the strongest pure healer, Mantis shines as an all-around support hero, seamlessly balancing healing, buffing, and dealing damage. Her ability to buff teammates boosts their damage output significantly, especially in high-pressure moments. For instance, using her stuns strategically to halt tanks or disrupt flanking Duelists showcases her impactful utility. Mantis players need to focus on situational awareness, maintaining line-of-sight with teammates, and deciding when to heal, buff, or engage enemies to maximize her effectiveness.
Mantis thrives in high-level play, where her adaptability can counter diverse enemy strategies. While healing is crucial, her ability to enhance her team’s offense or take out key targets elevates her to a critical role in any competitive match. Her potential to tilt the battlefield in her team’s favor makes her a mainstay pick, especially when paired with coordinated teams.
5. Loki
Loki is a high-skill, high-reward healer whose kit thrives on deception and calculated positioning. His clones are at the heart of his gameplay, tripling his healing and damage output while confusing enemies. The clones mimic his actions, and skilled Loki players can seamlessly blend into their illusions to avoid being targeted. For best results, avoid being the middle clone, as it’s often the first one enemies attack. Loki’s ability to teleport to his clones adds another layer of survivability, letting him escape dangerous situations or reposition strategically.
Loki’s Rune of Regeneration creates an invincibility zone that heals allies and negates some ultimates, such as Punisher’s. This ability makes him invaluable during payload pushes or critical defensive moments. He also excels at providing consistent splash damage that heals allies while damaging multiple enemies, making precise positioning key. To maximize effectiveness, Loki players should aim at enemies’ feet to ensure splash damage hits even when direct shots miss.
His ultimate allows him to copy another character’s ultimate ability. While tempting to replicate high-damage options like Iron Man’s or Moon Knight’s, the best choices are often healing-based ultimates, such as Invisible Women’s or Cloak & Daggers’s, as they let Loki maintain his support role while boosting his team’s survivability. When used wisely, this flexibility can turn the tide of a match. As an added bonus, Loki synergizes exceptionally well with Hela, a regularly picked champion in ranked, through the Ragnarok Rebirth team-up ability.
Loki also brings utility to the battlefield by destroying environmental objects to open up strategies and choke points. Positioning his clones low rather than high can prevent snipers like Hawkeye from easily picking them off, and keeping his illusions slightly ahead of him can protect Loki while he heals and supports from the backline. Loki’s unique playstyle rewards those who master his kit, making him a disruptive and indispensable force in competitive play.
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Best Vanguards (Tank) in Marvel Rivals in Season 1
In Marvel Rivals Season 1, Vanguards, also known as Tanks, is crucial for controlling the battlefield, protecting teammates, and turning the tide of intense fights. With their incredible durability and crowd-control abilities, these champions are the backbone of any successful team composition. This guide will highlight the S-tier Tanks dominating Season 1 and how they can carry you and your team up the elo ladder.
1. Hulk
Hulk is a high-skill tank in Marvel Rivals known for diving into battles, disrupting enemies, and drawing attention. He starts in Bruce Banner form, using his energy gun to charge his ultimate and deploying the Gamma Bomb for mobility or crowd control. After transforming into Hulk, he delivers heavy damage with Heavy Blow and Gamma Clap while using Radioactive Lockdown to stun enemies, interrupt ultimates, or isolate key targets. Indestructible Guard shields allies and provides CC immunity, making it a vital tool against high-damage abilities. His ultimate, Monster Hulk, transforms him into a larger, stronger version with knockback attacks and the powerful/iconic "Loki slam," ideal for neutralizing healers of dps champs and extending his transformation.
Hulk’s Super Jump gives him unmatched mobility, allowing for quick dives, retreats, and control over vertical spaces. Success with Hulk relies on timing—disrupting enemies, shielding teammates, and escaping before taking too much damage. His Gamma Boost team-up ability amplifies Iron Man and Doctor Strange’s effectiveness, making it a common pick in competitive play. The Fastball Special with Wolverine adds situational utility and fun. If defeated, Hulk reverts to Bruce Banner, where survival and rebuilding his ultimate become critical. Mastering Hulk requires balancing aggression, mobility, and disruption to maintain constant battlefield presence.
2. Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is a tank with a unique mix of battlefield control, damage reduction, and support abilities. His Arcane Bolts provide steady ranged damage, while skilled players combine attacks with melee strikes or his Sanctuary Shield. This shield not only protects allies but also helps him keep up the pressure. By switching between attacking and shielding, players can reduce damage and stay in the fight longer—especially against popular picks like Hela and Hawkeye. His Teleportation Spell adds mobility, letting him reposition quickly or help teammates during intense moments.
Doctor Strange’s Time Warp ultimate is a game-changer. It resets the health and position of allies, often shifting the outcome of key battles. Top players use it with team ultimates or to reset during tough situations. His Cloak of Levitation offers excellent vertical mobility, allowing him to avoid Groot’s walls or counter aerial moves. His Maelstrom of Madness delivers burst AOE damage, working well with his ultimate for maximum impact. His Portals add strategic options, like setting up sneak attacks with Iron Man or controlling chokepoints. The Gamma Charge Team-Up with Hulk enhances his Gamma Maelstrom, boosting its damage and removing the Anti-Heal debuff at full charge. With both Hulk and Doctor Strange being S-tier picks, this synergy is a common and powerful choice in competitive play.
3. Thor
Thor, the God of Thunder, is a bruiser tank, excelling at close-range combat, disruption, and battlefield control. Central to his playstyle is Thorforce, a passive resource granting bonus health and powering his abilities. Managing Thorforce effectively is key to maintaining Thor’s durability and offensive potential.
Thor’s toolkit includes Mjolnir Bash, a melee attack that restores Thorforce, and Hammer Throw, a ranged attack dealing damage both outward and on return. Storm Surge provides mobility, letting Thor dive into backlines or peel for his team by knocking enemies away. Lightning Realm creates a damaging field that slows enemies and restores Thorforce, while Awakening Rune transforms his attacks into ranged bursts, adding bonus health and area damage for five seconds. Thor’s ultimate, God of Thunder, is a devastating AOE attack ideal for disrupting formations or winning team fights.
By himself, Thor is actually an okayish tank. His real strengths lie in his synergies with other champs like Hela and Storm, which elevate him to S-tier status in competitive play. With Ragnarok Rebirth, Hela’s kills grant Odinson Reborn, providing Thor bonus health or instant respawns, enhancing his durability in prolonged engagements. Hela’s S-tier standing ensures frequent appearances in high-level matches, making this team-up a staple in competitive play. Simultaneously, the Voltaic Union with Storm boosts her powerful offensive abilities, while granting Thor an edge with increased battlefield control. Since both Hela and Storm are S-tier duelists, Thor players can reliably expect to benefit from at least one of these synergies in high-ELO matches. Having both active simultaneously is an ideal scenario, maximizing Thor’s effectiveness and team utility.
To excel with Thor, focus on managing Thorforce, targeting squishy backline enemies, and disrupting opponents’ positioning. His ability to bully enemies, synergize with frequently picked S-tier champions, and maintain constant pressure solidifies his position as a dominant force in competitive play.
4. Magneto
Magneto is a defensive-style tank, combining shielding, crowd control, and high-damage potential to dominate objective-based gameplay. His primary ability, Iron Volley, fires projectiles that explode on impact or at their maximum distance, creating a damaging spell field for zoning and mid-range pressure. Meanwhile, Mag-Cannon, which converts absorbed damage into a powerful projectile, allows him to counter enemy aggression with devastating force. Magneto’s shields, Metal Bulwark and Iron Bulwark, absorb up to 300 damage while fueling his Mag-Cannon, making him a reliable protector for his team. His Metallic Curtain projects a shield to block incoming projectiles, even countering ultimates like Hela’s and Iron Man’s, further solidifying his role as a defensive specialist.
Magneto’s ultimate, Meteor M, is both a powerful offensive and defensive tool. While charging a massive meteor to strike a large area, Magneto absorbs enemy projectiles, amplifying its damage significantly. This mechanic makes him an excellent counter to ultimates such as Star-Lord’s Galactic Barrage, allowing him to turn the tide of battle in his team’s favor. For mobility and positioning, Magnetic Descent slows his fall, giving him an edge in vertical engagements and enabling strategic repositioning.
In competitive play, Magneto thrives as a disruptor and protector, excelling in controlling enemy movement and holding key objectives. Success with Magneto relies on mastering his shields and timing, using Metal Bulwark and Iron Bulwark to absorb damage and fuel Mag-Cannon while employing Meteor M to counter enemy pushes or ultimates. His versatile kit makes him a critical pick for teams looking to dominate defensive and objective-based scenarios, offering both robust protection and significant offensive threat.
5. Groot
Groot excels as a defensive bruiser in Marvel Rivals, offering unparalleled battlefield control and area denial. His Vine Strike, a mid-range projectile attack, provides reliable damage, while Spore Bomb delivers high burst potential by splitting into six explosive spores upon impact. Groot’s Furious Flora melee combo adds knockback on every second strike, making it effective for disrupting enemies and creating space.
The core of Groot’s utility lies in his ability to build wooden walls with Ironwood Wall and Thornlash Wall, enabling him to block enemy fire, deny line-of-sight, and protect allies. Ironwood Walls are highly durable and provide healing when awakened, while Thornlash Walls deal consistent damage to nearby enemies attacked by Groot or his teammates. Groot’s passive, Flora Colossus, enhances these walls when he is nearby, adding a tactical edge to their placement. His ultimate, Strangling Prison, immobilizes enemies in its radius while dealing damage-over-time, making it an excellent tool for locking down threats or disrupting formations.
Groot requires careful positioning and timing to maximize his impact, as poorly placed walls can obstruct allies and limit team effectiveness. His lack of mobility and large hitbox make him an easy target when caught out of position, and he is most vulnerable when his walls are destroyed or on cooldown. However, for players who can master wall placement and time his abilities strategically, Groot becomes an invaluable asset in controlling objectives and shaping engagements.
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Why Windows 11 is More Secure than Windows 10
From protecting your personal data to avoiding phishing scams, the operating system you use plays a critical role in keeping you safe. Windows 11 has been designed with security at its core, offering a significant upgrade over Windows 10. With the end of support for Windows 10 approaching in October 2025, now is the perfect time to explore why upgrading to Windows 11 is the smart choice for staying secure.
Key Security Features in Windows 11
1. Built-In Security with TPM 2.0
Windows 11 mandates the use of TPM 2.0, a specialized hardware chip that significantly enhances security by encrypting sensitive information like passwords, encryption keys, and user credentials. This means that even if a malicious actor gains physical access to your computer, they won’t be able to retrieve this encrypted data. TPM also works in tandem with other Windows 11 features to ensure secure boot processes and trustworthy encryption. For instance, when using online banking or accessing sensitive files, TPM 2.0 acts as an invisible shield, securing your data from potential malware attacks or unauthorized access.
2. Safer Startup with Secure Boot
Secure Boot ensures that only verified and trusted software runs when your PC starts up. By blocking untrusted programs from loading during the boot process, Secure Boot mitigates the risks posed by advanced malware and rootkits that aim to compromise your system even before it launches. For example, if malicious software like a rootkit tries to gain control of your PC during startup, Secure Boot prevents it from executing, ensuring that your system begins each session in a clean and secure state.
This feature comes standard on Windows 11, delivering a more robust security framework, and ensuring devices adhere to modern security standards right from the boot process.
3. Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) uses hardware virtualization to create isolated memory regions that protect key system processes from malware. This prevents malicious code from accessing critical parts of the operating system, even if other areas are compromised. Consider the case of ransomware attacks like WannaCry: VBS helps contain such threats, isolating them from sensitive system components and preventing them from spreading or encrypting your critical data. VBS comes standard on Windows 11, ensuring a higher baseline of security and enhancing the operating system’s resilience against modern cyber threats.
4. Smarter Antivirus with Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender, integrated directly into Windows 11, provides advanced, always-on protection against viruses, spyware, and phishing attempts. It includes features like real-time threat detection and SmartScreen technology to identify malicious websites and downloads. Imagine visiting a website that appears to be your bank but is actually a cleverly disguised phishing page; Microsoft Defender can detect this and alert you, protecting your credentials before any harm is done.
5. Easier and Safer Logins with Windows Hello
Windows Hello enhances security by replacing traditional passwords with biometric authentication like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. This method is faster, more user-friendly, and significantly more secure, as biometrics cannot be easily stolen or guessed. For example, unlike a password that can be written down or shared, your unique facial or fingerprint data ensures that only you can access your device, providing a seamless yet secure login experience.
If you’re looking to upgrade to a laptop that supports Windows Hello facial recognition, the Acer Swift 14 AI is an excellent option.
6. Enhanced Privacy Controls
Windows 11 offers a robust privacy dashboard that allows you to control what data apps can access, such as your camera, microphone, or location. This gives you greater transparency and control over your personal information. Suppose you’re concerned about an app tracking your location unnecessarily; with Windows 11, you can easily disable location tracking for that app or review its access history, ensuring that only trusted programs have the permissions they need.
Windows 10 End of Life: Why This Matters
Windows 10 will reach its end of support in October 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop providing security updates and technical support for the operating system. This makes staying on Windows 10 a major risk for users.
What Does End of Life Mean?
When an operating system is no longer supported, it becomes vulnerable to new threats, as no updates will be released to fix security flaws. Cybercriminals often target unsupported systems, knowing they’re easier to exploit. For example, if a new ransomware attack emerges after October 2025, Windows 10 users won’t receive the patches needed to protect against it, leaving their data and systems at risk.
Why Upgrade to Windows 11 Now?
Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you stay protected with the latest security features and updates. It also means you won’t face disruptions when Windows 10 stops receiving support.
Risks of Staying on Windows 10 After 2025:
* Increased vulnerability to hackers and malware.
* Loss of compatibility with modern apps and tools.
* No technical support from Microsoft for problems.
Conclusion
Windows 11 offers a wide range of security enhancements that make it the safest Windows operating system yet. From hardware-backed protection with TPM 2.0 to smarter login options with Windows Hello, the upgrade is designed to keep your data and devices secure. With Windows 10’s end of life just around the corner, upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for anyone who values security and peace of mind.
If you’re considering making the leap, it’s worth exploring Acer’s range of Windows 11-compatible devices. Whether you need a powerful gaming laptop like the Acer Predator series or a versatile device for productivity like the Acer Aspire line, Acer has a solution tailored to your needs. Visit the Acer Store to find the perfect device and elevate your computing experience. Don’t wait until it’s too late; upgrade your hardware and operating system today to enjoy a safer, smarter, and more efficient digital world.
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10 Best Educational PC Games for Kids to Play and Learn (2025)
Parents, teachers and pupils, listen up! Traditionally, gaming and classrooms may have been kept separate, but for modern learners there’s room for educational computer games both in, and out of the classroom. Research increasingly points to the benefits that gaming offers young learners. Believe it or not, video gaming may be associated with improved cognitive performance in children, according to a recent NIH study.
Today we’re focusing on children’s educational PC games, and how they can help kids learn. So read on to discover what pc learning games are, and we’ll also steer you towards ten of the most popular and fun computer games for kids.
What are educational PC games?
While PC and video games often get lumped together as a solely recreational activity, educational PC games, and regular video games are not the same kettle of fish. Educational games for the computer are specifically designed to teach skills, concepts, and knowledge in a fun, entertaining way. Educational PC games cover many subjects, including language learning, math, science, geography, and history.
How do they help kids learn?
Have you ever been in a class where you just couldn’t stay focused, maybe you even fell asleep? Well, think of educational PC games as the opposite of that! Gamification techniques such as rewards and challenges make learning fun by engaging learners and making difficult and complex topics accessible to all. Choose the right PC educational game, and students can play in the classroom, at home and on-the-go. Now let’s take a look at ten of the most popular educational games for kids, and the subjects they cover.
1. Kerbal Space Program
Take charge of the space program for the alien Kerbal race! This galaxy-crossing adventure has three gameplay modes: Unlock new tech and advance the knowledge of the Kerbals in Science Mode, or try Career Mode to run the entire operation, from strategy to construction. Aspiring designers can try Sandbox and build any spacecraft imaginable and see how well it flies when subject to realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.
2. Minecraft Education
Game-based STEM learning has never been so fun. Minecraft Education also fosters creativity in its 600 pre-built lessons. Not limited to one subject, Minecraft Education features coursework including 21st century skills, coding, STEM, language arts, and history. Minecraft Education promises to drive meaningful learning that prepares today’s learners for the digital future, while fostering social-emotional skills. Designed for teaching, Minecraft Education is stacked with features crafted for learning environments, supporting collaboration, coding, and much more.
3. Roblox
There’s an estimated 40 million+ games hosted by Roblox. Where to start? Thankfully, Roblox Educational Experiences is home to their educational offerings. Designed by curriculum experts, subjects covered include chemistry, coding, and even robotics. Roblox Educational is a collaborative platform for learning, where students can forge their own collaborative digital citizenship skills through an immersive learning experience.
4. Scribblenauts Unlimited
For young learners aged 10+ this top-selling, accolade-winning puzzle game is back! Scribblenauts Unlimited requires players to harness the power of their imaginations to help the protagonist, Maxwell solve tricky puzzles by summoning any object that you can imagine. Users can also create their own unique objects, give them properties and share them via Steam Workshop. Explore the open universe of the unbound world and see where your imagination and ingenuity can take you.
5. Reach for the Sun
Aspiring botanists, aim high and Reach for the Sun, where you can grow plants, flowers and fruit and help them to flourish and reproduce before winter comes. This cute simulation teaches plant anatomy and function: players make strategic choices from a limited amount of resources to help their plant grow. Bees have been added to the latest addition of Reach for the Sun, so flowers with nectar can spawn bees to pollinate flowers. Check out the game and create up to four different types of plants today.
6. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
Learn all about geography, history and global cultures in Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? World-famous thief Carmen Sandiego has stolen an irreplaceable book, and it is your job to help Acme agents Hawkins and Jules track her down. The path to justice takes you all over the world, where you can learn fun facts about the countries you visit. To encourage studying, the more you learn the closer you get to catching the thief. Multiple puzzles and mind teasers from all around the world will keep learners from 8-12 busy learning for hours, while also having a blast.
7. Nanotale - Typing Chronicles
The importance of typing skills cannot be understated! Thankfully there’s games like Nanotale - Typing Chronicles to help learners young and old with spelling, vocab learning and typing on a keyboard. Successor to the highly acclaimed Epistory, in Nanotale you play Rosalind, a young archivist traveling in a dying world to catalog its mysteries and discover what’s really going on. As you travel through the land, type words to activate spells and eliminate enemies, and use your magic on the environment to make it resonate with your creativity.
8. Ludwig
Students with a passion for Physics should join Ludwig, the research robot on his unplanned trip to planet earth in the year 2098. Learn about human technologies on earth, from outdated fossil fuel energy production to sophisticated forms of renewable energy. Explore the four themeworlds based on combustion, water power, wind energy, solar energy, and play minigames to test your core knowledge of each themeworld.
9. Counting Kingdom
This tactical math puzzler promises to make math fun again. In Counting Kingdom, you’re a wizard’s apprentice, tasked with protecting the Kingdom from a horde of angry monsters. Strategic tower defense has never been so fun, and your math power is the only thing that can save the tower. Each invading monster has a number: add them together to cast your spells, and get points with powerful combos and potions. Counting Kingdom encourages excitement about math for all the family.
10. Sokobond
Last but not least in our 10 best educational PC games for kids to play and learn in 2025, meet Sokobond. This is not a glue, but a logical, minimalist, and elegantly designed chemistry puzzle game that teaches the beauty of chemistry to learners of all levels. Featuring over 100 levels of molecule making mind-benders, this smarter than smart puzzle game is both fun and educational.
Game on!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed today’s foray into educational computer games. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or all of the above, take the time to find the educational game that suits your needs, and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. As you can see from the ten games introduced in this article, there’s a game for every subject, and a game for every student. Wherever you are in your learning journey, gaming can help to keep the spark of learning alive, so play a game, and see where it takes you!
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Microsoft Monetize Now: What It Is and How to Start Earning Today
Bloggers, YouTubers, and other content creators commonly monetize content to generate income from their audience. This could be through promoting a third-party product, known as affiliate marketing, or selling content like fitness plans or online courses. Monetizing a website is also possible by offering advertising space, and generating income per click. Although monetization is not a new concept per se, it is evolving due to the possibilities provided by social media.
What is Microsoft Monetize Now?
Microsoft Monetize Now is a program and platform designed by Microsoft that lets app developers earn money from their applications and games. It supports developers in generating revenue by utilizing monetization strategies via tools and resources. However, potential earners should note that Microsoft Monetize Now is currently only available in the United States.
Here are some key features of Microsoft Monetize Now:
1. In-app purchases and subscriptions
In-app purchases let creators make money by selling virtual goods and services within applications. Moreover, creators can also offer different subscription tiers for their applications or services, allowing them to earn recurring income.
2. Advertising
Similar to website monetization, Microsoft Monetize Now allows creators to integrate advertisements into their applications. These strategically placed ads help generate revenue through ad impressions and clicks.
3. Analytics and insights
Understanding a target audience is crucial to optimizing an application or service and, in turn, optimizing monetization strategies. These valuable nuggets of information allow developers and creators to track engagement and revenue performance, supporting them to make better business decisions. Cross-platform support is also available, helping developers monetize their applications across different markets.
Why use Microsoft Monetize Now?
Microsoft Monetize Now is great for small publishers or blogs looking to build a larger audience and make their platform profitable through ads. Their content could be focused on hot topics like travel, entertainment, sports, food, or finance, and have up to five million page views each month.
With Microsoft Monetize Now, creators can select ads that match their website aesthetic without sticking out or looking awkward while controlling where they show on the page. Creators can also block ads that do not resonate with their audience so they can focus on attracting the right viewers for their content style. Microsoft Monetize Now is quick and easy to set up and provides instructions on embedding ads into a website.
How to sign up for Microsoft Monetize Now
US-based publishers can sign up for Microsoft Monetize Now through the Microsoft website and will be prompted to enter profile details in the Account tab. This will then be sent for review, which takes up to seven business days. Once this process is complete, creators can connect their website and create ads using the templates provided, following the instructions on which code to embed. The website will undergo an internal review, which can take a further seven business days, and adverts should begin to generate revenue upon completion.
Those based outside of the US can register to join the waitlist and will be contacted by Microsoft if their location becomes available in the future.
Conclusion
Monetization is a lucrative way to turn content like blogs and applications into an online advertising platform. Microsoft Monetize Now lets creators embed tailored advertisements into their website, which allows them to generate income from user clicks. Please note that Microsoft Monetize Now is currently only available in the United States, but you can register your interest if you wish to apply from another location.
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10 Best Co-op Games for Couples (2025)
Playing video games together is a fun and exciting way to spend time with your partner. Co-op games let you work as a team, solve puzzles, or take on challenges together, making for some great bonding moments. In 2025, there are plenty of amazing games for couples to try. From lighthearted indie adventures to big action-packed titles, this list of the 10 Best Co-op Games for Couples has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for video games to play with your girlfriend or just want to try co-op games for couples, these picks are perfect for your next gaming night.
1. Bread & Fred
Bread & Fred is a charming but brutally challenging co-op platformer that will test the strength of your coordination—and your relationship. Players take on the roles of two penguins tethered by a rope, working together to ascend a mountain filled with unforgiving obstacles. Success demands precise timing and constant communication, making it a perfect pick for couples seeking a unique, teamwork-focused challenge. The game also includes a single-player mode featuring Greg the penguin and his rock companion, Jeff, for those brave enough to go it alone. While its difficulty might deter casual players, the game’s delightful pixel art, clever mechanics, and assist options make it an unforgettable, albeit sometimes infuriating, experience. Bread & Fred is a top choice for adventurous pairs looking to tackle one of the most difficult co-op games for couples.
2. Inkbound
Inkbound brings a creative twist to co-op roguelikes, blending tactical turn-based combat with the replayability of procedurally generated runs. Players assume the role of Needless, battling Villains in a magical library to save the stories of the world from destruction. With five unique classes—including the tank-like Magma Miner, the thread-weaving Weaver, and the teleporting Obelisk—gameplay is rich with customization. Abilities evolve throughout each run, turning your characters into strategic powerhouses. While solo mode allows for thoughtful, chess-like gameplay, the co-op experience introduces chaotic energy as up to four players act simultaneously, making coordination essential. Though its story lacks depth and battles can feel visually overwhelming, Inkbound delivers satisfying challenges and an addictive “one more run” vibe. For couples seeking a dynamic co-op game for couples, it offers a mix of strategy, creativity, and the joy of shared triumphs.
3. Lethal Company
Lethal Company delivers a thrilling mix of horror and hilarity, perfect for couples who enjoy heart-pounding co-op experiences. Set in a dystopian world, players work for The Company, scavenging scrap from monster-infested moons to meet increasingly challenging quotas. The proximity voice chat and environmental effects create a deeply immersive atmosphere, balancing jump scares with laugh-out-loud moments as you hear your partner’s screams echo from the depths of abandoned facilities. With roles like the "terminal person" offering strategic support for less horror-inclined players, Lethal Company ensures accessibility without compromising the fun. Though still in early access, the game’s blend of terrifying encounters, lo-fi visuals, and chaotic teamwork makes it a standout choice for couples seeking a unique co-op video game.
4. Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 has come a long way since its initial release, offering an action-packed cooperative experience that’s both thrilling and strategic, making it a great choice for couples who enjoy teamwork under pressure. In this sci-fi shooter, players act as intergalactic soldiers tasked with spreading “managed democracy” across the galaxy, battling against swarms of Automatons, Terminids, and now the newly introduced Illuminate enemies, featured in the Omens of Tyranny free DLC. Past and recent updates have addressed many of the game’s early issues, improving stability, balancing, and adding exciting new content like exosuits and expanded mission types. The gameplay blends intense combat, resource management, and hilarious mishaps, keeping every session dynamic and engaging. With its blend of satire, variety, and high-octane cooperative gameplay, Helldivers 2 has cemented itself as a standout co-op video game for couples who love to tackle challenges together.
5. It Takes Two
It Takes Two is an award-winning co-op masterpiece that redefines what it means to play together. This inventive platformer follows May and Cody, a bickering couple turned pint-sized adventurers, as they navigate a whimsical world filled with imaginative challenges and constantly shifting gameplay mechanics. From piloting planes through treetops to battling squirrel militias, the game blends stunning visuals with creative puzzles that require synchronized teamwork. Each chapter introduces unique abilities and scenarios, ensuring the experience remains fresh and exhilarating throughout its 10-hour journey. Winner of Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021, It Takes Two is a must-play for couples, offering endless fun and unforgettable moments as you work together to overcome obstacles and rediscover love.
6. Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 takes cooperative gameplay to new heights, offering an immersive, story-driven RPG experience that thrives in multiplayer mode. Set in the sprawling world of Faerûn, players form a party of custom characters and navigate an amazing fantasy-inspired story filled with tough decisions, intricate romances, and epic battles that embody the essence of the most thrilling D&D adventures. Co-op introduces a dynamic layer of unpredictability as each player’s choices influence the story, often leading to hilarious or chaotic outcomes. While coordination in combat and narrative decisions can test friendships, the shared triumphs and memorable hijinks make every session worth it. Crowned Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023, Baldur's Gate 3 is a testament to its excellence. With Patch 8 set to release in early 2025—introducing 12 new subclasses and a photo mode—the game continues to evolve. Whether it’s outsmarting powerful foes or navigating complex love triangles, Baldur's Gate 3 proves that adventuring with friends adds a whole new dimension to one of 2023’s best games. A must-play for couples and friends alike, it’s a perfect co-op video game for those looking to bond through tactical gameplay and storytelling.
7. Content Warning
Content Warning redefines co-op horror by blending genuine scares with an unexpectedly wholesome twist. Players team up to create viral horror videos, navigating eerie underground caverns filled with bizarre creatures and surreal environments. Unlike traditional survival games, the focus here isn’t just on escaping danger but on working together to craft a memorable (and often hilarious) film. With charmingly scrappy visuals and mechanics that encourage camaraderie and creativity, the game transforms horror into a shared, laugh-out-loud experience. Whether you’re dodging spiders or filming your partner’s' mishaps, Content Warning is perfect for couples or groups seeking a fresh and delightful spin on co-op horror games.
8. Palworld
Palworld stands out as this year’s most unique Pokémon-inspired game, blending creature collection, survival mechanics, and versatile gameplay that can be enjoyed solo or cooperatively. Players can explore its vast open world, tackle raid bosses, and build resourceful bases while capturing quirky Pals like monkeys with machine guns or pandas with rocket launchers. The developers are constantly adding new features to keep the game fresh and exciting for couples to enjoy together. The recent Feybreak update introduces Feybreak Island, a glowing new area with 24 additional Pals, powerful bosses like Bjorn & Bastigor, and fresh resources like Chromalite and Hexolite for crafting. From battling boss Pals to building bases or exploring new content, Palworld offers an ever-evolving and dynamic adventure that’s perfect for couples seeking fun and engaging co-op experiences.
9. Portal 2
Portal 2 is a timeless masterpiece, seamlessly blending first-person physics-based puzzles with sharp writing and unforgettable humor. Building on the original’s success, the game expands its world with a deeper story, larger environments, and brilliantly designed puzzles that challenge both your wits and reflexes. The co-op mode is a standout, offering one of the best multiplayer experiences in gaming. Playing as two charming robotic characters, couples must strategize and communicate to navigate intricate puzzles that require the use of four portals. With tools to streamline coordination and hilarious commentary from GLaDOS, the cooperative gameplay is both engaging and deeply rewarding. Whether tackling its single-player story or solving puzzles together, Portal 2 remains a must-play for couples seeking a clever, fun, and unforgettable co-op adventure.
10. Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be an exciting evolution of the iconic looter-shooter series, set to release sometime in 2025. Moving beyond the familiar landscapes of Pandora, the game introduces a brand-new planet to explore, filled with dangerous enemies, alien treasures, and chaotic action. Players will take on the roles of four new Vault Hunters, each designed with unique archetypes like ‘soldier’ and ‘mage,’ offering fresh playstyles while sticking to the series’ tradition of diverse and dynamic characters. Gearbox Software promises to expand the RPG elements while keeping gameplay accessible and engaging, with new abilities and weapons to master. The cinematic trailers tease a fractured world under siege, platforming sequences, and intense battles that push the boundaries of the franchise. From exploring the massive open world to diving into co-op missions, Borderlands 4 is set to deliver an explosive adventure, making it an excellent pick for couples eager to loot, shoot, and strategize together.
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Top 10 Must-Watch Esports Tournaments in 2025
2025 promises a packed schedule of esports competitions across a variety of titles, each bringing its own unique flavor and stakes. From the long-standing legacy of Dota 2 at The International to emerging global circuits like the Mid Season Cup for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, fans can expect updated formats, new host cities, and esports feuds. In this article, we take a straightforward look at 10 standout tournaments—covering prize pools, locations, and potential highlights for the coming year. Whether you’re a dedicated follower or casually curious, these events offer plenty to keep an eye on in the dynamic world of esports.
1. The International 2025
* Game: Dota 2
* Date: Expected in Fall 2025
* Prize Pool: Likely to exceed $15 million USD (based on previous years, exact figure TBD)
* Location: Not announced yet
The International remains the pinnacle of Dota 2 esports, synonymous with epic gameplay, intense rivalries, and unmatched prestige. The 2024 edition, held in Copenhagen, showcased the best of the scene as Team Liquid secured their second championship in a commanding 3:0 victory over Gaimin Gladiators. The tournament drew over 1.5 million peak viewers during the grand finals and amassed 55.1 million Hours Watched, further solidifying its legacy. However, the competition is heating up, with events like the Riyadh Masters offering even larger prize pools and steadily climbing in viewership rankings. Despite this, The International continues to dominate the Dota 2 calendar, revered for its history, global reach, and ability to create unforgettable moments.
Whether it’s the iconic plays, the legacy-defining matches, or the celebration of Dota’s vibrant community, The International remains a must-watch event and the undisputed king of Dota 2 esports. Fans can only imagine what 2025 will bring as this legendary tournament continues to evolve.
2. Mid Season Cup 2025
* Game: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
* Date: Rumored to take place between July 1 and August 1, 2025
* Prize Pool: $3,000,000 USD
* Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
While the M-Series World Championship is Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s biggest and most prestigious tournament, the next M7 Championship is scheduled for 2026, leaving the spotlight in 2025 to the Mid Season Cup (MSC). The MSC 2025, set in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is poised to deliver thrilling international competition and intense gameplay.
Rebranded in 2024 from a Southeast Asia-centric tournament to a global mid-season showcase, MSC now features a wildcard stage that ensures participation from both established and emerging regions. The 2024 edition, which introduced the largest prize pool in the game’s history at $3 million, was highlighted by Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants defeating the Philippines’ Falcons AP Bren in a gripping 4–3 series, marking Malaysia’s first international title.
With the absence of the M-Series Championship this year, MSC 2025 takes center stage, promising to highlight the best of Mobile Legends esports. Fans can look forward to top-tier competition, fresh rivalries, and a celebration of the game’s global community.
3. Honor of Kings International Championship 2025
* Game: Honor of Kings
* Date: Expected in December 2025
* Prize Pool: Not announced yet (2024 prize pool was $10 million, likely similar or higher)
* Location: Not announced yet
The Honor of Kings International Championship (formerly known as the World Champion Cup) is the pinnacle of Honor of Kings esports, run by Level Infinite and TiMi Studios. This global event brings together the best teams from around the world to compete for supremacy, and the 2025 edition will conclude the game’s packed esports calendar in December.
With Tencent’s announcement of an ambitious 2025 schedule, Honor of Kings esports is set to captivate fans year-round. The calendar begins with grassroots competitions like the Honor of Kings Open Series Split 3 in January and includes notable midyear events such as the Honor of Kings x Esports World Cup (HoK x EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These events, alongside regional leagues, serve as pathways for amateur and professional teams to prove their mettle on the international stage.
The 2025 Honor of Kings International Championship will be the crowning achievement of the season, showcasing the very best teams who emerge from this rigorous competition structure. With its global appeal, innovative league systems, and thrilling high-stakes gameplay, this tournament is a must-watch for fans of Honor of Kings.
4. Valorant Championships 2025
* Game: Valorant
* Date: September 12–October 6, 2025
* Prize Pool: $2,250,000 USD
* Location: Paris, France
The Valorant Championships in Paris 2025 will mark the culmination of the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2025, Riot Games' fifth official competitive circuit for Valorant. The year-long tour kicks off in January 2025, spanning four key regions: China, EMEA, Americas, and the Pacific. Teams will compete in regional leagues and major international events like Masters Bangkok and Masters Toronto to secure Championship Points and qualify for this grand finale.
Set in Paris, France, from September 12 to October 6, the Valorant Championships will bring together the world’s best teams to compete for a $2.25 million prize pool. This flagship event promises thrilling matches, strategic brilliance, and the crowning of Valorant’s next global champion.
5. Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) 2025
* Game: Fortnite
* Date: Starts late January 2025 and continues throughout the year
* Prize Pool: $8,000,000 USD across all regions and events
* Location: North America (more details to come)
The Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) 2025 is set to bring another thrilling year of competition, featuring the return of the Trios format. With Chapter 6 launching in 2025, the FNCS will be divided across multiple regions, including the return of the North America West and Central splits to ensure better scheduling and competitive balance. Players will battle for a share of the $8 million prize pool and the coveted Blade of Champions, a new symbolic reward replacing the Axe of Champions.
Each FNCS season will crown a new champion trio, passing the Blade of Champions to the victors. Global Champions Peterbot and Pollo will wield the blade from November 2024 until the conclusion of Major 1 in early 2025, when the battle for the Blade begins anew. Alongside the FNCS, special events like the Champion Drake FNCS Community Cup will offer players of all skill levels a chance to earn exclusive cosmetic rewards, including sprays, back bling, and bundles.
With its engaging seasonal structure, high-stakes competition, and new cosmetic rewards, FNCS 2025 promises to captivate Fortnite fans around the globe. Whether you're aiming to compete or simply watching the action unfold, FNCS 2025 is not to be missed.
6. Evolution (Evo) Championship Series 2025
* Game: Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear Strive, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves (More details to come)
* Date: Evo Japan: May 9–11, 2025, Evo Las Vegas: August 1–3, 2025, Evo France: October 10–12, 2025
* Prize Pool: Not announced yet
* Location: Evo Japan: Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Japan, Evo Las Vegas: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Evo France: Nice, France
The Evolution Championship Series (Evo) is set for a groundbreaking year in 2025 with three major tournaments spanning Japan, the United States, and Europe. Evo remains the definitive platform for competitive fighting games, showcasing a blend of classic titles and new releases.
Evo France is particularly exciting as the first Evo event to be held in Europe, featuring a stellar lineup of games, including the newly released Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. The event will also highlight popular titles like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, both expected to draw the largest number of entrants.
In addition to these tournaments, Evo will kick off 2025 with its inaugural Evo Awards in Los Angeles in February, celebrating the legends of the Fighting Game Community (FGC). With its diverse locations, competitive gameplay, and global fanfare, Evo 2025 is shaping up to be a historic year for the FGC.
7. PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2025
* Game: PUBG Mobile
* Date: October 2025 (specific dates TBD)
* Prize Pool: Estimated at $3,000,000 USD
* Location: Grand Finals in Thailand
The PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) 2025 is set to bring the world’s best PUBG Mobile teams together for another thrilling year of competition. Following the success of the 2024 edition, which saw South Korea's DPlus KIA claim their second world title in London, the 2025 tournament will culminate with the Grand Finals in Thailand.
With a massive investment of over $10 million into PUBG Mobile esports in 2025, the circuit will include 20+ regional tournaments across SEA, EU, MEA, CSA, and the Americas. These regional events will serve as a pathway for amateur players to compete alongside established pros in high-stakes global tournaments like the PUBG Mobile Super League (PMSL) and the PUBG Mobile Global Open (PMGO), scheduled for Spring 2025 in Uzbekistan.
The PMGC 2025 promises intense competition, captivating storylines, and a celebratory finale in Thailand, solidifying its position as one of the premier battle royale esports events of the year.
8. Counter-Strike 2 Major Championships
* Game: Counter-Strike 2
* Date: June 9–22, 2025
* Prize Pool: $1,250,000 USD
* Location: Austin, Texas, USA
The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 kicks off as the first Counter-Strike 2 Major of the year, set to showcase the world’s top teams competing for glory and a $1.25 million prize pool. Held in Austin, Texas, this tournament will be a proving ground for tactical brilliance, teamwork, and high-stakes clutch plays, offering fans a thrilling start to the year’s competitive CS2 calendar.
Adding to the excitement, CS2 will feature a second Major in December 2025. While details remain under wraps, rumors suggest this highly anticipated event will take place in Europe, with speculation pointing to legendary esports hubs like Cologne or Copenhagen. With two Majors promising world-class competition on both sides of the Atlantic, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for Counter-Strike 2 fans worldwide.
9. Six Invitational 2025
* Game: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
* Date: February 3–16, 2025
* Prize Pool: $3,000,000 USD
* Location: MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
The Six Invitational 2025 will make history as the first iteration of the tournament to be hosted in the United States. Set in Boston, Massachusetts, this prestigious event will gather 20 of the world’s best Rainbow Six Siege teams to compete for a massive $3 million prize pool. Acting as an informal "World Cup," the Six Invitational not only marks the conclusion of the previous competitive year but also sets the tone for the upcoming season.
Held at the iconic MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park, the 2025 edition promises an electric atmosphere and thrilling gameplay as teams vie for the coveted title of world champion. With Rainbow Six Siege fans eagerly anticipating this landmark event, the Six Invitational 2025 is poised to be one of the most exciting tournaments in the game’s history.
10. League of Legends World Championship 2025
* Game: League of Legends
* Date: Fall 2025 (specific dates TBD)
* Prize Pool: Not announced yet
* Location: Chengdu, China (Finals)
The League of Legends World Championship 2025 marks the 15th iteration of Riot Games’ premier esports event. Returning to China for the third time, this year’s tournament promises to be historic, as it will operate under Riot’s newly introduced split structure and competitive calendar. Chengdu will host the finals, a city renowned for its passionate esports fans and vibrant culture.
Seventeen teams will qualify for Worlds, with slots awarded based on regional league placements and performance at the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). This year also introduces two newly formed leagues: the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) and the League of Legends Championship of the Americas (LTA), representing the Asia-Pacific and the Americas regions, respectively.
As defending two-time champions, T1 from Korea’s LCK will enter Worlds 2025 aiming for an unprecedented three-peat. With a mix of storied organizations, emerging contenders, and a highly competitive qualification process, the League of Legends World Championship 2025 is set to be a monumental showdown in esports history.
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6 Easy Ways to Format a Hard Drive or SSD in Windows 11
Formatting a hard drive or SSD is a vital task when setting up a new storage device or preparing an old one for reuse. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about formatting in Windows 11, including six easy methods to get the job done. Before diving into the steps, let's first understand what formatting means and the precautions to take before proceeding.
What is formatting?
Formatting a hard drive or SSD involves preparing the storage device for use by creating a file system. This process organizes the data into a readable structure that the operating system can interact with, such as NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT. Essentially, formatting:
* Deletes existing data on the drive (unless you choose a non-destructive format).
* Sets up a new file system, making the drive usable for storing files.
* Allows compatibility with different devices and operating systems when specific formats are chosen.
There are two main types of formatting:
* Quick Format: Deletes the file structure but doesn’t erase data completely, making it faster but less secure.
* Full Format: Erases all data and scans the drive for bad sectors, ensuring better security and reliability.
Understanding the purpose of formatting will help you choose the right method for your needs.
What to do before formatting a Hard Drive or SSD
Formatting a storage device is irreversible, so it’s crucial to take these steps before proceeding:
* Back Up Your Data: Formatting deletes all data on the drive. Use external storage, cloud services, or another drive to back up important files.
* Check the Drive’s Purpose: Determine how the drive will be used. For example, an NTFS format is ideal for Windows users, while exFAT works well for compatibility across devices.
* Verify the Drive's Condition: Ensure the drive is functioning correctly. Use tools like Windows’ built-in error-checking feature or third-party diagnostic software to detect and fix any issues.
* Disconnect Other Drives: To avoid accidentally formatting the wrong drive, disconnect any non-essential drives from your system.
* Double-Check Important Files: Revisit the drive to ensure you haven’t missed any critical files during the backup process.
By following these precautions, you can avoid potential data loss and ensure a smooth formatting process.
Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll dive into six easy ways to format your hard drive or SSD in Windows 11.
Important Note: You cannot format the drive where your version of Windows is currently installed while the operating system is running. To format the Windows drive, you must use a bootable USB drive or recovery media. Alternatively, remove the SSD and connect it to another system as an external drive for formatting. Attempting to format the active Windows drive directly will disrupt the operating system and is not possible.
6 Ways to format a Hard Drive or SSD in Windows 11
Here are six easy methods to format a hard drive or SSD in Windows 11. Each method offers different levels of simplicity and control, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
1. Format Using Disk Management
Disk Management is a built-in Windows tool designed for managing drives and partitions. Here's how to use it to format a drive:
* Press Win + X and select Disk Management from the menu.
* Locate the drive you want to format from the list of disks.
* Right-click on the drive or partition and select Format.
* Choose a file system (e.g., NTFS, FAT32) and assign a volume label.
* Check the Perform a quick format box if desired.
* Click OK to initiate the formatting process.
2. Format Using File Explorer
File Explorer provides a straightforward way to format drives. Follow these steps:
* Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E.
* Navigate to This PC to view your connected drives.
* Right-click on the drive you want to format and select Format.
* In the format window, choose the desired file system and allocation unit size.
* Optionally, enter a volume label for the drive.
* Click Start to begin formatting.
3. Format Using Command Prompt
For users comfortable with command-line tools, Command Prompt offers a powerful way to format drives. Here's how:
* Press Win + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
* Type diskpart and press Enter to launch the Disk Partition tool.
* Use the list disk command to display all connected drives.
* Identify the drive to format and select it with select disk X (replace X with the disk number).
* Type clean to remove all partitions and data.
* Create a new partition using create partition primary.
* Format the drive with format fs=ntfs quick (replace ntfs with your desired file system).
* Assign a drive letter using assign.
4. Format Using PowerShell
PowerShell is another advanced method for formatting drives. Follow these steps:
* Press Win + S, type PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
* Use the Get-Disk command to list all connected drives.
* Select the drive to format with Get-Disk -Number X | Initialize-Disk (replace X with the disk number).
* Create a new partition using New-Partition -DiskNumber X -UseMaximumSize -AssignDriveLetter.
* Format the partition with Format-Volume -DriveLetter X -FileSystem NTFS -NewFileSystemLabel "YourLabel" (replace X with the drive letter).
5. Format Using the Settings App
The Settings app provides a simple way to format external drives. Here's how:
* Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
* Navigate to System > Storage.
* Scroll down and select Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes.
* Select the drive to format and click Properties.
* Click Format and choose your desired settings.
* Confirm your choices and click OK to format the drive.
6. Format Using Third-Party Software
Third-party software tools offer additional features and flexibility for formatting drives. Popular options include:
* MiniTool Partition Wizard
* EaseUS Partition Master
* AOMEI Partition Assistant
To use these tools:
* Download and install the software of your choice.
* Launch the program and locate your drive.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to format the drive, selecting the file system and other settings as needed.
These tools often provide advanced options like partition recovery, file system conversion, and in-depth error checking, making them ideal for more complex tasks.
Format away!
Formatting a hard drive or SSD in Windows 11 is a straightforward process when you choose the right method. Whether you prefer built-in tools like Disk Management or advanced options like PowerShell, this guide has you covered. Remember to back up your data and choose the file system that best suits your needs. With these six methods, you can efficiently format any drive and get it ready for use.
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Heyo! I picked up one refurbished from newegg as a good deal, but I get this nasty tearing on the screen. Plugged into the lower hdmi port, tried multiple HDMI cords. Factory resetting now because it had me stuck in a booting start up loop where auto repair couldnt fix it. But I assume that wont fix the visual noise - is this a gpu issue? 
