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An Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 on a desk with its retail packaging
Gaming Gear

Rumored Nvidia RTX 5080 Super specs disappoint some gamers, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about with this GPU

by admin May 23, 2025



  • A leak has detailed the claimed specs of Nvidia’s RTX 5080 Super
  • Some gamers might see this refreshed GPU as underwhelming – it doesn’t add any extra cores into the mix, notably
  • However, there are robust upgrades elsewhere with the video memory and also clock speeds

Another rumor about Nvidia’s RTX 5080 Super has been aired and we’ve got a look at what are supposedly the full specs of this GPU.

As VideoCardz pointed out, leaker Kopite7kimi has posted the claimed specs for the rumored graphics card on X, and that may mean Nvidia has just provided said details to its graphics card making partners (and they leaked from there). Or, it might mean precisely nothing, because as ever, rumors, much like demons, need considerable salting.

GeForce RTX 5080 SuperPG147-SKU35GB203-450-A110752FP32256-bit GDDR7 24G 32Gbps400+WMay 20, 2025

The key parts of the specifications are that the RTX 5080 Super will supposedly use the same GPU as the RTX 5080, which is the GB203 chip. As the RTX 5080 has already maxed out the cores on that chip, the core count will be the same with the Super version of this graphics card – there’s no room to maneuver to increase it.


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The big upgrade comes from the leap from 16GB to 24GB of video RAM (VRAM), and as well as that 50% uplift, the leaker believes Nvidia is going to use faster memory modules here (32Gbps rather than 30Gbps).

We’re also told that the TDP of the RTX 5080 Super is going to sit at 400W, or it might use even more power than that.

Analysis: Crunching the specs and not forgetting about clocks

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Looking at those specs, you might think: how is the RTX 5080 Super going to be a tempting upgrade on the vanilla version of the GPU? It has the same CUDA core count, and somewhat faster video memory, but only around 7% more VRAM bandwidth than the RTX 5080. So, what gives?

Well, don’t forget that added to that VRAM boost, the RTX 5080 Super is expected to have considerably faster clock speeds. Pushing those clocks faster is why this incoming GPU is going to chug more than 400W (perhaps a fair bit more) compared to 360W for the plain RTX 5080.

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So, if you’re worried that the RTX 5080 Super may represent an underwhelming prospect in terms of an upgrade over the RTX 5080, don’t be. (Although you may have concerns about your PC’s power supply instead). All this is in line with previous speculation that we’ll see something like a 10% performance boost with the RTX 5080 Super versus the basic version of the GPU, or maybe even slightly more (up towards 15%, even).

Plus that much bigger allocation of 24GB of VRAM is going to make a difference in some scenarios where 4K gaming coupled with very high graphics settings gets more demanding with certain games. (A situation that’s only going to get worse as time rolls on, if you’re thinking about future-proofing, which should always be something of a consideration).

On top of this is the fact that Nvidia is falling out of favor in the consumer GPU world, with AMD’s RDNA 4 graphics cards making a seriously positive impact on Team Red’s chances – and sales. The latest RX 9060 XT reveal has pretty much gone down a treat, too, so I don’t think Nvidia can risk damaging its standing with PC gamers any further, frankly, by pushing out subpar Super refreshes.

Speaking of refreshes – with the emphasis on the plural – previous rumors have also theorized an RTX 5070 Super graphics card with 18GB of VRAM is on the boil, but that’s notably absent from Kopite7kimi’s post here. That doesn’t mean it isn’t happening, but it could be read as a sign that the RTX 5080 Super is going to arrive first.

Again, previous spinning from the rumor mill indicates a very broad 2025 release timeframe for the RTX 5080 Super, but if the specs really are decided on at this stage – and it’s a huge if – that suggests Nvidia intends to deploy this GPU sooner, rather than later, this year.

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May 23, 2025 0 comments
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Early test footage of Jake Sully in Avatar.
Esports

Is Avatar: The Way of Water returning to cinemas? Re-release explained

by admin May 23, 2025



Avatar 3 is due to hit cinemas later this year, and if you’ve been craving Pandora’s return to the big screen, we have good news about Avatar: The Way of Water.

James Cameron is the self-declared king of the world for good reason: he directed three out of the top five highest-grossing movies of all time (Titanic, The Way of Water, and the first Avatar).

And, yet, people continue to doubt Avatar, even though the sequel – released a whopping 13 years after the original film – made over $2 billion, and (at least) three more entries are in the works, including this year’s Avatar: Fire and Ash.

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The threequel is expected to release in theaters in December, but there’s still no trailer. Don’t worry, though, because 20th Century Studios has just the thing to put your mind at ease.

Avatar: The Way of Water re-release dates

Avatar: The Way of Water will return to cinemas on Friday, October 3 for a “one-week limited engagement.”

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This is expected to be a global rollout, echoing the re-release of Avatar in 2022 (which made over $76 million worldwide, taking the first film’s total haul to $2.9 billion).

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Here’s the best bit: it’ll be re-released in IMAX and 3D screens, so you can see it the way it was intended (if you’re unsure, read more about the best way to watch Avatar 2 with our guide). This comes after Michael, a biopic about Michael Jackson, was delayed to 2026, freeing up an IMAX slot.

Fans are delighted, obviously, but they have one question: why isn’t there a teaser trailer for Avatar 3 yet? “At this point, I don’t believe Avatar is out this year unless they drop the trailer,” one user speculated.

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To be clear, that seems highly unlikely. 20th Century Studios wouldn’t green-light a re-release of Fire and Ash’s predecessor unless it was on track for its December release date. Looking ahead, Disney’s next major release is Elio on June 20 – there’s a good chance the first teaser for Avatar 3 will be attached to it in cinemas, or perhaps even Fantastic Four: First Steps in July.

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“WHERE THE HELL IS THE TRAILER FOR AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH?!?? When Way of Water came out, the trailer dropped in theaters along Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness?? So, WHERE IS IT??” another fan pointed out.

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“Shouldn’t we be getting an Avatar 3 teaser trailer in front of Lilo & Stitch or something???” a third asked.

In the meantime, find out why Fire and Ash’s title is a big tease for Avatar 4 and 5, our breakdown of the Avatar 2 cast, and our list of the best sci-fi movies.



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May 23, 2025 0 comments
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GameFi Guides

Trump’s Meme Coin Dinner Draws Protests Calling For End to ‘Crypto Corruption’

by admin May 23, 2025



In brief

  • Protesters carried signs like “Grift Gala” and “America is not for sale” as Trump dined with $TRUMP token holders.
  • The protest event was organized by Americans for Tax Fairness, Public Citizen, and Our Revolution.
  • Ahead of the dinner, democrats introduced a bill banning presidents from crypto ownership while serving their terms.

More than a hundred protestors gathered Thursday outside Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, as President Donald Trump hosted a controversial private dinner for top holders of his meme cryptocurrency, $TRUMP.

Demonstrators waved placards reading “Stop Crypto Corruption” and chanted “Shame!” as the president arrived.

One group hoisted a giant golden coin bearing Trump’s scowling face, drawing attention to what they labeled a “Grift Gala”.

The protest was coordinated by advocacy groups, including Americans for Tax Fairness, Public Citizen, and Our Revolution, which denounced the event as political influence for sale.

“Trump is openly selling influence through his meme coins while selling out Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for his rich donors. It’s beyond corrupt,” said Our Revolution in a statement on X.

The White House press office has been contacted for comment.

The backlash adds to mounting scrutiny over Trump’s embrace of digital assets, which critics say blurs ethical lines between public office and personal gain. 

The dinner was held for the top 220 investors in the $TRUMP token, a meme coin launched by the president in January. According to organizers, the top 25 holders will also attend a cocktail reception Friday evening.

The complete guest list has not been disclosed. Confirmed attendees include crypto mogul Justin Sun, who was previously under U.S. investigation for his crypto dealings. 

Lamar Odom, the former NBA star and ex-husband of Khloé Kardashian, was also spotted entering the event.

Press access to the event was denied, and White House officials declined to release the attendee list as the president is “attending it in his personal time.”

As Trump and his family’s crypto ventures mount, legislators are seeking to temper his ability to profit from crypto hype he is in part driving himself. 

Ahead of the gala, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) introduced the “Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act of 2025,” barring sitting presidents and close relatives from owning or profiting from cryptocurrencies.

“Enough is enough,” Waters previously said in a statement shared with Decrypt. “Congress can no longer ignore the biggest scam and abuse of power in American history.”

Criticism has also emerged from within the crypto community. Some developers and investors warned that Trump’s direct entanglement in meme coins damages legitimacy and invites regulatory blowback.

Edited by Sebastian Sinclair

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Elden Ring live-action movie now confirmed to be on the way from A24 and director Alex Garland, so now we wait to find out which boss gets the Chicken Jockey treatment
Game Updates

Elden Ring live-action movie now confirmed to be on the way from A24 and director Alex Garland, so now we wait to find out which boss gets the Chicken Jockey treatment

by admin May 23, 2025


The long-rumoured Elden Ring live-action movie has now been officially confirmed, with production house A24 and director Alex Garland at the helm. Yep, watch out Super Mario Bros and Minecraft, FromSoft is sending a legion of souls-loving nerds after your box office records.

It’s taken a while for the chatter about this kovie possibly being a thing to cyrystalise into something 100% solid, but at least now we won’t have to deal with George R.R Martin being all coy about it, with the author having been brought on as a producer.


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“We’re thrilled to announce that Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc and A24 are teaming up with writer and director Alex Garland to bring FromSoftware Inc’s world-renowned video game ELDEN RING to life as a live-action film,” Bandai Namco tweeted.

“We’re truly excited to bring the world of ELDEN RING to fans in a new form, outside the game. Stay tuned. The path ahead is only beginning.”

We’re thrilled to announce that Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and A24 are teaming up with writer and director Alex Garland to bring FromSoftware Inc.’s world-renowned video game ELDEN RING to life as a live-action film.

We’re truly excited to bring the world of ELDEN RING to… pic.twitter.com/E3SJaRX1Jc

— Bandai Namco US (@BandaiNamcoUS) May 22, 2025

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Ex Machina and Civil War director Alex Garland will write and direct this ER film, with R. R. Martin, Peter Rice, Vince Gerardis, as well as DNA Films duo Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich, attatched as producers (thanks, Deadline). There doesn’t look to be any word yet as to how involved Hidetaka Miyazaki or any other FromSoftware devs will be in the project.

There are also no plot details right now, so for all we know Radahn’s tiny horse is the main character. Maybe it’s a musical in which he’s followed around by an Albinauric chorus with voices that’d make Pavarotti blush. Whatever happens, if Malenia pops up on screen, I’d wager we’ll get clips of cinemas erupting into chaos like we did with the Minecraft movie’s Chicken Jockey.

What are you hoping to see from this Elden Ring movie and has it being confirmed got you even more keen to jump into Elden Ring Nightreign on May 30? Let us know below!





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May 23, 2025 0 comments
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The best projector for 2025
Product Reviews

The best projector for 2025

by admin May 23, 2025


If you’re hunting for the best projector, there’s never been a better time to dive in. Projectors aren’t just for movie buffs anymore — they’ve become a great way to upgrade your living room setup, build a cozy home theater or even host an epic outdoor movie night under the stars. Whether you want something ultra-portable or a full-on 4K home cinema experience, there’s a projector out there to fit just about every space and budget.

The cool thing about the projectors you can get today is how versatile they are. Some models are built for gaming, some are designed for streaming your favorite shows and others are tough enough to take camping or on the road. Plus, newer projectors pack in smart features, better brightness and sharper image quality than ever before, making them a real alternative to a traditional TV. No matter what you’re aiming for, we’ll help you find the right projector to upgrade your setup.

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Best projectors for 2025

Some projectors are for serious cinephiles, projecting sharp 4K video with HDR brightness and hyper realistic colors to a large screen. Others are bright enough to replace your TV for sports or gaming, and some low-cost portable models can be set up for camping or outdoor fun. That’s why we’ve divided this guide into several categories to help you find the right one.

BenQ

Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160) | Brightness: 2,200 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, USB-A, USB-C, audio out, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast, AirPlay | Weight: 7.9lbs (3.6 kg) | Contrast ratio: 600,000:1

Mainstream projectors need to be jacks-of-all-trades: bright, sharp, colorful and fast, while not costing a fortune. BenQ’s X500i projector fits the bill perfectly thanks to the 4K resolution and high 3,200 ANSI lumen brightness, along with BenQ-’s HDR-PRO technology that delivers accurate colors, high contrast and high detail in shadows for shows like Game of Thrones. At the same time, it includes lens shift and has Android TV built in. As with any DLP projector, however, beware if you’re sensitive to rainbow color artifacts.

$1,949 at Amazon

Epson

Native resolution: 1080p (1920 × 1080) | Brightness: 3,400 lumens | Connectivity: 2× HDMI, USB-A, composite video, audio out | Weight: 6.17 lbs (2.8 kg) | Contrast ratio: 16,000:1

For a bright and sharp projector on a budget, Epson’s Home Cinema 1080 LCD projector is our pick. It’s rated for 3,400 lumens at the brightest settings, enough for use in ambient light. At the same time, the three-chip system delivers 1080p video that’s sharp enough for movies, sports and gaming. Another plus is its light 5.7 pound weight, which makes installation easy and allows you to take it down for the odd outdoor film festival. As is typical in this price range, though, it lacks HDR and contrast is mediocre.

$600 at Adorama

Epson

Native resolution: 4K PRO-UHD (3840 × 2160) | Brightness: 2,500 lumens | Connectivity: 2× HDMI 2.1, USB, Ethernet | Weight: 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | Contrast ratio: Up to 1,200,000:1

Cinephiles looking for a sharp, bright and color accurate long-throw projector should consider Epson’s LS11000. This LCD laser projector offers features you’d normally find on much more expensive projectors, like 4K resolution (via quad pixel-shift technology), motorized lens zoom and shift capabilities and HDR10+ with a wide color gamut. It’s also great for gamers, thanks to the high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs, 120Hz refresh rate and <20ms input lag. The laser light source is rated at 20,000 hours and delivers up to 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. However, as with other LCD projectors, it’s not quite as sharp as comparable DLP models.

$3,899 at Amazon

Hisense

Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | Brightness: 3,000 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: 3× HDMI (including HDMI 2.1), USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Weight: 19.8 lbs (9 kg) | Contrast ratio: 3,000:1

Hisense is a leader in ultra short throw projectors and the triple-laser PX3-Pro is its best model yet. It delivers an impressively bright 3,000 ANSI lumens and 4K image at up to 120Hz (1080p at 240Hz), while offering support for all major HDR formats including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Colors are extremely accurate with 110 percent BT.2020 coverage, better than any TV. And for gamers, the PX3-Pro is the first UST projector designed for Xbox thanks to the high refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 inputs. To top all that off, it’s IMAX Enhanced and includes Google TV, Dolby Atmos and Harmon Kardon speakers. It’s not cheap at $3,500, but is better than more expensive models from LG and Samsung.

$3,498 at Amazon

Formovie

Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | Brightness: 1,900 ISO lumens | Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Weight: 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) | Contrast ratio: 3,000:1

Though not as well known as some brands, Formovie builds some of the best UST projectors. The Cinema Edge is priced toward the budget side of the market but still offers premium features like a 120-inch 4K image, HDR10 and 2,100 lumen brightness. Details and contrast are strong, though color rendering isn’t the best. The main advantage of the Cinema Edge is the small size and ability to set it up close to a wall.

$1,799 at Amazon

NEBULA

Native resolution: 1080p (1920 × 1080) | Brightness: 300 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, USB-C, AUX-out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Weight: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg) | Contrast ratio: 462:1

Anker has a lot of great portable outdoor (battery powered) projectors, but the Nebula Capsule 3 is the best in terms of performance and price. It uses a laser light source and DLP chip to beam a 1080p image for up to 2.5 hours, enough for a full movie under the stars. And it comes with Google TV for streaming if you’re closer to a Wi-Fi signal. Yes, brightness is limited to 300 ANSI lumens, but that’s an issue with most portable projectors and it’s still easily bright enough for its intended nighttime usage.

$600 at Amazon

Optoma

Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | Brightness: 4,000 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: 2× HDMI, USB, 3.5mm audio out, RS232, Ethernet | Weight: 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | Contrast ratio: 500,000:1

Cinephiles may focus on color accuracy when it comes to projectors, but brightness, resolution and speed rule for gamers. The Optoma UHZ66 hits those targets dead center thanks to the super-bright laser light source that pumps out an incredible 4,000 ANSI lumens, 4K resolution, up to a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p and latency of just 4.4 ms in Gaming Mode. It actually has decent color accuracy with HDR10 support, so it’s not bad for general entertainment as well including TV, sports and movies. The biggest issue with the UHZ66 is fan noise, if you’re sensitive to that.

$1,999 at Adorama

What to look for in a projector

For a deep dive on projector technology check my previous explainer, but there are few key things to keep in mind. What will the projector mainly be used for? What type of room will it be used in? And how big of an image do you want? You’ll also see a variety of specifications that may be confusing, so here are a few to consider and what they mean.

Brightness and contrast

Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens; the brighter the projector, typically the more expensive it will be. 1,500-2,500 lumens is good for darkened rooms, 3,000-4,000 lumens allows you to see with some ambient light and 4,000+ lumens is bright enough to use in direct sunlight. High contrast is important, because projectors are more sensitive to things like ambient light and reflections.

DLP vs LCD

Digital light processing units (DLPs) used by Optoma, BenQ, LG and others allow bright 4K images. The negative is that they can produce a “rainbow” effect, or red/blue/green artifacts that affect some viewers more than others. LCDs are used mainly by Epson, but also Sony and Sanyo. Those are often brighter, more color accurate and don’t produce rainbow effects, but are also more expensive and susceptible to image degradation over time.

Resolution

If you want a true 4K projector, beware: only expensive models have native 4K resolution (many movie theaters still use 2K projectors for various reasons). However, most DLP projectors and some LCD models can use pixel-shifting to attain 4K resolution.

Elite Starling

HDR and color accuracy

Projectors can’t produce anywhere close to the amount of light required to qualify as true HDR. Rather, they use a technique called tone mapping to fit the entire HDR gamut into a lower brightness range. That said, many projectors can display millions of colors, with some models surpassing the color accuracy of TVs and monitors.

UST vs. classic

Classic projectors and screens can be mounted on the ceiling so they’re great if you have no floor space. They can also project a larger video for a truly cinematic experience. UST projectors mount on the floor right next to the screen so they can take the place of a TV. They don’t beam as big an image but are generally brighter, sharper and more expensive. For best results, they require special screens.

Mounting and fan noise

Ceiling mounting requires some work and don’t forget to budget for a bracket and any necessary long cables, including extra power for a Google Chromecast or other streaming device. UST projectors require less labor, but getting the image perfectly square can still be surprisingly time-consuming. As for fan noise, some projectors (usually cheaper DLP models) generate more than others.

Optics

For more flexibility with location and image size, ceiling mounted projectors need a good zoom range. Lens shift, meanwhile, is used if the projector is mounted higher or lower relative to the screen than recommended by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you might have to use a “keystone correction” to digitally stretch part of the image, resulting in distortion or artifacts. Also, keystore correction may not work in gaming modes for some models.

Gaming and streaming

If you’re interested in a projector for gaming, look up the refresh rate and input lag figures. Some projectors offer good numbers in that regard (240Hz and <20 ms, respectively), but others designed for home entertainment have very poor input lag and refresh rates at just 60 Hz. If it’s streaming you want, be sure to pick a model either with built-in Google TV or a bundled streaming dongle.

Screens

Should you project onto a wall, roll-down screen, fixed screen or ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen? The choice depends largely on the room and what kind of projector you have. Roll down screens take up no space as they’re ceiling mounted, fixed screens can be moved easily and ALR models are perfect in rooms with a lot of ambient light.

Best projector FAQs

Are 4K projectors better?

Yes, because higher resolution is more noticeable on larger screens, so 4K is particularly useful with projectors since they beam images up to 200 inches in size. That being said, brightness and contrast are more important.

Is a projector better than a TV?

Projectors can provide a more immersive experience thanks to the large screen, but they’re not necessarily “better.” Since you usually have to dim the lights with a projector, TVs are superior for everyday use.

Is 2000 lumens bright enough for a projector?

Yes, 2000 lumens is easily bright enough, even with some ambient light in the room. However, the image will still be hard to see with the windows open on a bright day.

Should I get a 4K or 1080p projector?

That depends on your budget and needs. If your budget is below $1,000, look for a 1080p projector with the best brightness and contrast. Between $1,000-$2,000, you’ll need to weigh whether brightness or 4K resolution is most important. Above that, choose the brightest 4K projector you can afford.

What are the best projectors in daylight?

The best projectors in daylight are ultra short throw (UST) models, as they have the brightest and sharpest image. However, they generally cost more than $2,000.

Do you need a screen for a better projector experience?

Technically, you don’t need a screen to use a projector — any light-colored, smooth wall can work in a pinch. But if you want to get the most out of your projector, a screen can make a difference. Projector screens are designed to reflect light evenly and enhance contrast, so colors look more vibrant and the picture appears sharper. With a screen, you’ll notice darker blacks and brighter colors, which can give a real boost to your movie nights or gaming sessions. So while you can absolutely enjoy a projector without one, a screen can make the experience feel a bit more like your own personal theater.

Should I buy a portable or home projector?

It depends on how and where you plan to use it. If you want a projector you can easily move around, bring to friends’ houses or set up indoors or outdoors easily, a portable projector is a great choice. They’re usually smaller, lightweight and often have built-in speakers and batteries, making them convenient for on-the-go use.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more permanent setup for a home theater or living room, a home projector might be the way to go. Home projectors tend to be more powerful, with higher resolution and brightness, which gives you that crisp, cinema-quality experience. They’re ideal if you have a dedicated space and don’t mind leaving it set up in one spot.



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The FTC has dropped its lawsuit against Microsoft following the Activision Blizzard acquisition, letting the tech giant loose
Game Reviews

The FTC has dropped its lawsuit against Microsoft following the Activision Blizzard acquisition, letting the tech giant loose

by admin May 23, 2025


The FTC has officially dropped its legal case against Microsoft following the American tech giant’s aquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023. Microsoft is now free from scrutiny, and can now proceed with all manner of business shenanigans with Activision Blizzard in tow without worrying about the courts.

This legal battle, which has been raging for roughly the past two years, concluded as the FTC filed an order to dismiss its case. This comes now as the FTC recently had its appeal for an injunction on the aquisition declined, meaning in simple terms the FTC didn’t really have any more cards left to play.


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Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair, responded to the announcement gleefully in social media, posting: “Today’s decision is a victory for players across the country and for common sense in Washington, D.C. We are grateful to the FTC for today’s announcement.”

The FTC, in its filing to withdraw from this legal battle, conceeding the clash with the following statement: “The Commission has determined that the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation in this case. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Complaint in this matter be, and it hereby is, DISMISSED.”

So that’s that. The end of a saga of great legal consequence for the video game industry. Now, Microsoft is free to spread the wings it has recently bought and strapped on, and fly out in pursuit of large sums of money unimpeded. Whether or not the FTC’s fears were well placed, and Microsoft will start leaning on the large market share it now has, is something video game fans will have to keep an eye out for.

How do you feel about this conclusion? Happy, or bummed out? Let us know below!



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May 23, 2025 0 comments
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Global Darknet Bust Leads to $200M in Digital Asset and Cash Seizures

by admin May 23, 2025



In brief

  • Operation RapTor resulted in 270 arrests across 10 countries and the seizure of $200 million in cash and crypto, making it the largest enforcement action under the DOJ’s JCODE initiative.
  • Authorities confiscated over two metric tons of drugs, including 144 kilograms of fentanyl-laced substances, much of it trafficked through crypto-linked darknet markets.
  • U.S. prosecutors charged several major traffickers, including the operators of Nemesis and Incognito Markets, who used crypto to sell opioids and conceal proceeds.

A global law enforcement operation has resulted in the seizure of $200 million in cash and digital assets and the arrest of 270 individuals across 10 countries, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday.

Dubbed Operation RapTor, authorities say the coordinated strike dismantled darknet drug networks fueling the fentanyl epidemic, marking the largest seizure to date under an initiative known as J-CODE.

Authorities confiscated over two metric tons of drugs, 144 kilograms of fentanyl-laced substances, 180 firearms, and hundreds of millions in crypto assets, as per the DOJ statement released Thursday.

The operation, led by the DOJ’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement team in coordination with Europol and dozens of international agencies, targeted drug vendors and marketplaces in Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S.

Established in 2018, J-CODE seeks to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the most prolific criminal enterprises that rely on the internet or advanced technology to facilitate the trafficking of opioids.

“This historic international seizure of firearms, deadly drugs, and illegal funds will save lives,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. “Criminals cannot hide behind computer screens or seek refuge on the dark web.”

The mission points to the growing concern over how crypto is being leveraged to traffic opioids and launder profits. 

Cartel-linked money couriers have funneled at least $5.5 million in stablecoins like USDT to Chinese fentanyl precursor suppliers, according to a March report from Chainalysis, which revealed what the firm dubbed an “on-chain fentanyl economy.” 

TRM Labs previously reported that 97% of Chinese chemical vendors surveyed accepted crypto, revealing how stablecoins have become critical infrastructure for global trafficking networks.

Those on-chain patterns mirror the behavior of individuals already prosecuted by the DOJ under Operation RapTor.

Among them was Iranian national Behrouz Parsarad, indicted in Ohio and sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC in its first action as a J-CODE member for operating Nemesis Market, a darknet platform that sold opioids and concealed profits through crypto wallets.

Federal prosecutors brought similar charges against Rui-Siang Lin, who ran Incognito Market, “one of the largest narcotics marketplaces on the internet,” with him pleading guilty in December to narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, and selling misbranded medication.

Just this week, Telegram shut down Haowang Guarantee, a sprawling black market linked to over $27 billion in illicit transactions across Asia’s cyber scam economy. 

Described by blockchain firm Elliptic as “the most prolific crypto-fueled black market ever seen online,” Haowang Guarantee trafficked in laundered USDT, fake IDs, and tools for industrialized fraud, often exploiting victims trapped in scam compounds.

Most recently, Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, were indicted in California for fentanyl trafficking amid reports linking their Sinaloa Cartel faction to crypto-based laundering through Chinese brokers.

Edited by Sebastian Sinclair

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Francisco Rodrigues
Crypto Trends

Major U.S. Banks, Like JPM, Citi, BoFA, and Others, Mull Joint Stablecoin Launch: WSJ

by admin May 23, 2025



Major U.S. banks are weighing launching a joint stablecoin to fend off crypto competition.

Financial heavyweights like JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C), and Wells Fargo (WFC), have held discussion on the subject, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The talks are still in early stages and could change, the report added.

Within the consortium are also payments ventures owned by these banking powerhouses, like Early Warning Services, which runs Zelle, and The Clearing House, which handles real-time payments.

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of another asset like a fiat currency or commodity, can settle transactions in a matter of seconds. Banks see potential in them to improve their operations, with international remittances currently taking days through the traditional system.

One idea floated in the consortium’s talks is a stablecoin model open to other banks beyond the core group. Regional banks have also explored similar paths, the WSJ adds, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

The push comes as Washington inches toward regulation. The Senate recently advanced the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoin (GENIUS) Act, which Senator Hagerty (R-Tenn) described as one that “establishes the first-ever pro-growth regulatory framework for payment stablecoins.”

The improved regulatory environment has seen crypto firms seek bank charters, further adding pressure to banks.

Some of these large financial institutions have already made their move. Société Générale launched a euro-denominated stablecoin, EURCV, back in 2023 through its crypto arm SG Forge. It’s reportedly now looking to launch a U.S. dollar stablecoin as well.

Read more: U.S. Stablecoin Bill Approval Could Trigger a Long-Term Crypto Bull Market: Bitwise



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May 23, 2025 0 comments
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A U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) flag flies outside the headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019.
Gaming Gear

FTC drops 2-year case against Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard

by admin May 23, 2025



Microsoft acquiring Blizzard may be old news, with the deal finalising back in 2023, but the legal battles with the FTC have persevered. Despite being approved after some contention in most countries, including the UK, the acquisition had faced continuous backlash in the United States. It seems the FTC has finally run out of steam in this incredibly long winded fight, and will now opt to drop the case against Microsoft rather than continue to appeal.

As The Verge reports, this comes just days after the FTC lost the preliminary injunction to prevent Microsoft from finalizing its acquisition. Now instead, the FTC has officially filed an order to dismiss its complaint against the tech and gaming giant.

“The Commission has determined that the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation in this case,“ says the FTC in its filing.


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This puts an official end to the battle to stop Microsoft’s $68.7 billion deal from going through, but probably won’t stop the I told you so-s. During this fight concerns around Microsoft’s business practices in the gaming sector have been continually raised. This includes questioning firings which contradict Microsoft’s pledge to keep acquired studios independent. It also touched on price hikes to GamePass after adding high profile titles like Call of Duty, which the FTC went against Microsoft’s promises going into the acquisition.

It has been clear for a while the FTC is fighting a losing battle here. Once Microsoft was able to convince the UK’s Competition and Market Authority to rule in its favour, it was fairly clear where the chips were going to fall in this scenario. Still, it’s good to see a fight against corporations with the good will of consumers in mind.

Unsurprisingly Microsoft is pretty happy with the deal. “Today’s decision is a victory for players across the country and for common sense in Washington, DC,” says Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith said in a post to X. “We are grateful to the FTC for today’s announcement.”

Today’s decision is a victory for players across the country and for common sense in Washington, D.C. We are grateful to the FTC for today’s announcement. https://t.co/nnmUI76q0l pic.twitter.com/KgLxhZppx3May 22, 2025

From a consumer standpoint it will be interesting to see how Microsoft proceeds now unbothered by the FTCs appeals, especially for customers in the United States. We’ll have to wait and see how the new tariffs will likely lead to further price increases for Microsoft products and services, and how these may potentially compound with these or further acquisitions. As well as whether this sets a precedent for future movements by the company or if Microsoft will be content with this win, at least for now.

Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.





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May 23, 2025 0 comments
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Esports

USA not in camp to ‘play golf, go for dinner,’ Poch says

by admin May 23, 2025



May 22, 2025, 02:25 PM ET

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino set some expectations ahead of the team’s return to action at this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup after a disastrous fourth-place finish at the Nations League in March.

One message: Leave the golf clubs at home.

“If you arrive to the camp and you want to spend nice time, play golf, go for a dinner, visit my family, visit my friend, that is the culture that we want to create?” Pochettino asked out loud Thursday during a Zoom news conference after announcing his 27-man roster. “No, no, no, no, no. What we want to do is to go to the national team, arrive and be focused and spend all my focus and energy in the national team.

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“If we want be good in one year time, we need to think that today is the most important day.”

The Americans will be in camp ahead of a busy summer, which includes a pair of friendlies against European heavyweights Turkey and Switzerland in early June and then the Gold Cup, which goes from June 15 to July 7.

Christian Pulisic is among a slew of regular starters who won’t be there. The U.S. captain is getting some needed rest after a busy season with AC Milan. Timothy Weah, Weston McKennie and Giovanni Reyna aren’t in the squad either, as all three will be playing with their teams at the Club World Cup, which runs concurrently with the Gold Cup.

Sixteen of the players picked are from MLS, the most in a FIFA window since the U.S. sent a B team to the 2023 Gold Cup, and Pochettino hopes the absence of some of the team’s star players will give others the chance to convince worried fans a turnaround is ahead.

“It’s our responsibility to send some signal to them,” Pochettino added. “I think our fans need to see our team fighting and playing and performing and playing well, yes, but fighting for the flag and being always in every single game [to] match the aggressivity of the opponent.”

Pulisic, the top American player, asked to be left off the roster for the last competitive matches before the 2026 World Cup in order to rest after playing about 120 games for club and country over two seasons.

Yunus Musah also asked out and Antonee Robinson was dropped because he has been playing with an injury. Josh Sargent, Joe Scally, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Tanner Tessmann — all of whom just finished their seasons with clubs in Europe — were omitted in what Pochettino called “football decisions.”

Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images

U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker said Pulisic and his advisers asked for the possibility to be left off because of the number of games he has played in the past two years.

“Many people can say it’s really important for us to be all together for the last time before the World Cup,” Pochettino said. “We decided the best for him, the best of the team, the best for the national team is the decision that we made.”

Pochettino replaced Gregg Berhalter after the team’s group-stage elimination at the Copa América last summer. After the Gold Cup, he will have just four brief training windows on FIFA international dates before players report ahead of the World Cup.

In the team’s first significant test under Pochettino, the Americans lost to Panama and Canada in the Nations League in March. Without saying players had been complacent, Pochettino said “we learned a lot in the last few camps, for sure in March, and it’s about to be — maybe use a different way to approach these opportunities.”

Outside back Sergiño Dest returns to the national team for the first time since March 2024 after recovering from a torn ACL. Forward Folarin Balogun is with the team for the first time since last September following his recuperation from shoulder surgery.

Pochettino’s roster included Alex Freeman, a son of former NFL All-Pro receiver Antonio Freeman. The 20-year-old right back made his MLS debut for Orlando City SC in April 2023 — his only league match that season. He had two MLS appearances last year and has become a regular this season.

Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, a 24-year-old son of the former coach, also was picked for the first time along with 20-year-old forward Damion Downs and 21-year-old defender Quinn Sullivan, the older brother of and teammate of Philadelphia Union teen prodigy Cavan Sullivan.

Downs has played on youth teams of Germany and the U.S., and helped Cologne gain promotion to the Bundesliga for 2025-26 after a one-season absence.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who has attended national team camp previously but not played in a game, also was selected.

Players will start reporting June 1 for training in Chicago, and the 26-man Gold Cup roster is due June 4. The U.S. plays Turkey on June 7 in East Hartford, Connecticut, and Switzerland three days later at Nashville, Tennessee, then meets Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia and Haiti in the group stage of the Gold Cup.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.



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May 23, 2025 0 comments
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