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ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Launch Date Set For October, Features Steam Deck-Style Compatibility
Game Updates

ROG Xbox Ally Handheld Launch Date Set For October, Features Steam Deck-Style Compatibility

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A release date for the ROG Xbox Ally has been revealed, as the handheld gaming PC will be go on sale starting October 16. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed pricing for the devices yet, but it did explain how games will be optimized for these systems. One thing to note here is that there will be two different versions of the ROG Xbox Ally–a base model and a more premium “X” handheld–so performance will vary across them.

During its Gamecom 2025 livestream, Microsoft said that the base model Xbox Ally targets a resolution of 720p, while the Xbox Ally X aims for a 1080p resolution. Both units can run in one of three modes–Silent, Performance, and Turbo–and for frame rates, games that hit certain benchmarks will receive a specific compatibility tag.

Microsoft says that it has worked with game studios to optimize thousands of games for handheld compatibility, with the overall goal here being that you can install them and start playing right away. This has resulted in two tags that will accompany optimized games, similar to Valve’s Steam Deck Verified program for its handheld gaming PC:

Handheld Optimized

Games that are ready to go with default controller inputs, an intuitive text input method, accurate iconography, clear text legibility, and appropriate resolution in full-screen mode.

Mostly Compatible

Games that may require minor in-game setting changes for an optimal experience on handheld.

Additionally, there’ll be other tags that will give you an idea of how well a game will perform on the Xbox Ally:

Should perform well on your device

  • Games that run at 30fps or above

Should perform great on your device

  • Games that run at 60fps or above

Performance check not available yet

  • Games that haven’t been tested yet

Microsoft added that more technical features will also be made available in the future, including advanced shader delivery that preloads game shaders during download. This will make games run more smoothly and use less battery power on first play. Enhancements to the docking experience for the devices are also in the works and several accessories will be released for it as well.

The company also recently spoke about how handheld consoles like the Xbox Ally tie into its next-gen console plans, as Microsoft is looking to create a broad ecosystem for players that will allow them to play their games at home or on the go.



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Stablecoin
NFT Gaming

Wyoming Becomes First US State To Launch Its Own Stablecoin: Introducing ‘FRNT’

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Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Shortly after President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, providing a new regulatory framework for dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies, Wyoming officially introduced the Frontier Stable Token (FRNT), becoming the first US state to issue its own blockchain-based stablecoin.

The Wyoming Stable Token Commission announced the initiative on Tuesday, aiming to provide users of the new stablecoin with secure, transparent, and efficient digital transactions.

Wyoming’s Stablecoin Issued On Seven Blockchains

Governor Mark Gordon, who chairs the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, emphasized Wyoming’s commitment to financial innovation and the integration of crypto into everyday transactions, stating: 

For years, Wyoming has been the leading state on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital asset regulation, passing over 45 pieces of legislation since 2016…The mainnet launch of the Frontier Stable Token will empower our citizens and businesses with a modern, efficient, and secure means of transacting in the digital age.

The Frontier Stable Token is designed to be fully backed by US dollars and short-duration treasuries, held in trust for the benefit of token holders. To enhance its stability, FRNT has a legislatively mandated overcollateralization of 2%. 

FRNT was developed in partnership with industry experts. It will leverage blockchain technology to facilitate instant transaction settlements, reduce fees, and enhance accessibility for a diverse range of users.

In a strategic collaboration with token issuance partner LayerZero, the Commission has ensured that FRNT will be available across multiple blockchain networks. 

This decision follows encouragement from the Wyoming Select Committee on blockchain, which supports the stablecoin’s issuance on seven distinct blockchains, including Arbitrum (ARB), Avalanche (AVAX), Base, Ethereum (ETH), Optimism (OP), Polygon (POL), and Solana (SOL). 

LayerZero, Fireblocks, And Others Collaborate

The launch of the FRNT stablecoin was made through what the commission calls a “thorough and transparent procurement process,” engaging various partners to ensure transparency and efficiency of the new cryptocurrency. 

These partners include LayerZero for token issuance, Fireblocks for blockchain infrastructure, Franklin Advisers for reserves management, Inca Digital for open-source intelligence, and The Network Firm for financial audits and monthly attestations.

In the coming days, FRNT will be available for purchase on the Solana blockchain via US-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, based in Wyoming. Additionally, users will be able to access FRNT through Rain’s Visa-integrated card platform on the Avalanche blockchain. 

Beyond Wyoming’s Stable Token Commission’s recommendations for the safe usage of the newly issued token, the Treasury department called on Monday on public input to combat illicit activities involving these assets under the GENIUS Act. 

As reported by Bitcoinist, the department is especially focused on collecting public input regarding various crypto technologies that may improve the capacity to recognize and reduce risks linked to stablecoins. 

The 1D chart shows the total crypto market at $3.88 trillion. Source: TOTAL on TradingView.com

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.



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Dutch Firm Amdax To Launch Bitcoin Treasury Company, Eyes 1% Of BTC Supply
Crypto Trends

Dutch Firm Amdax To Launch Bitcoin Treasury Company, Eyes 1% Of BTC Supply

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Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Leading Netherlands-based crypto services firm Amdax today announced plans to launch a Bitcoin (BTC) treasury company called AMBTS B.V. (AMBTS), with the goal of listing it on Euronext Amsterdam.

Amdax Unveils Bitcoin Treasury Firm

In a move that underscores the growing trend of European companies embracing Bitcoin strategies, Dutch crypto services provider Amdax revealed it is laying the groundwork for a dedicated Bitcoin treasury company to be listed on Amsterdam’s Euronext stock exchange.

AMBTS will operate as a privately held company with an independent governance structure and a singular focus on BTC accumulation. The company aims to acquire as much as 1% of the total Bitcoin supply, raising capital from private investors in stages to achieve that ambitious target.

At current market prices, holding 1% of Bitcoin’s supply – roughly 210,000 BTC – would require an investment of approximately $24 billion. Presently, only Strategy holds more than 1% of the supply, with 628,946 BTC on its balance sheet.

Amdax emphasized Bitcoin’s low correlation with traditional asset classes as a key driver of institutional interest. The firm noted that persistent inflation, geopolitical instability, and increasing regulatory clarity have strengthened BTC’s appeal, reflected in its recent price performance.

According to Amdax, proceeds from the initial financing round will be used to “make a head start with the BTC accumulation strategy,” which the firm expects will also boost its equity value over time.

For background, Amdax has been operating as a licensed cryptocurrency services provider for more than five years. In 2020, it became the first Dutch crypto company to register with the Dutch Central Bank (DCB). Commenting on the development, Lucas Wensing, CEO of Amdax, said:

While Bitcoin has been the best performing major asset in the past 10 years with fast adoption as digital capital, it is still relatively small in investment portfolios. With now over 10% of BTC supply held by corporations, governments and institutions, we think the time is right to establish a Bitcoin treasury company with the aim to obtain a listing on Euronext Amsterdam.

BTC Adoption In Europe Gaining Momentum

Although European companies were initially hesitant to embrace BTC, many are now warming up to the cryptocurrency. A supportive regulatory environment and growing institutional adoption in the US have contributed to Europe’s shifting stance toward digital assets.

For instance, UK-based firm The Smarter Web Company recently expanded its cryptocurrency holdings to 1,825 BTC after purchasing an additional 225 BTC. Similarly, Satsuma Technology, also based in the UK, raised $135 million to increase its BTC exposure.

Meanwhile, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund disclosed that its indirect BTC exposure rose 192% year-on-year, highlighting the increasing role of BTC in European institutional portfolios. At press time, BTC trades at $116,100, down 1.8% in the past 24 hours.

Bitcoin trades at $116,100 on the daily chart | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com

Featured image from Unsplash.com, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.



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Circle’s Arc to Launch with Fireblocks Integration as Stablecoin Race Intensifies
Crypto Trends

Circle’s Arc to Launch with Fireblocks Integration as Stablecoin Race Intensifies

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Circle’s new layer-1 blockchain Arc will integrate with Fireblocks, a New York–based digital asset custody and tokenization platform serving more than 2,400 banks, asset managers and fintechs. Arc is not yet live, but Circle plans to roll out a public testnet this fall ahead of a full launch by year-end.

Fireblocks said it prepares custody and compliance support so clients can transact on Arc once the network launches. Its platform supports over 120 blockchains and facilitates settlement for institutions across global markets.

Source: Fireblocks

The unusually early integration drew some criticism on X. Solana, for example, launched in 2020, but wasn’t added to Fireblocks until late 2021, after its ecosystem reached critical mass. Arc will instead debut with Fireblocks integration, giving banks and asset managers “day one” access.

Related: Stablecoins will soon have their ‘iPhone moment,’ Circle CEO

Moving along with US stablecoin regulations 

While US regulators advanced clarity around stablecoins with the GENIUS Act signed on July 18, Circle has been expanding its footprint.

On June 5, Circle raised $1.05 billion in the first IPO by a stablecoin issuer. Shares opened at $69, climbed as high as $103.75, and closed at $83.23 — a gain of 168% from the IPO price. The stock reached as high as $298.99 on July 23, and is currently trading around $145.

The company’s first earnings report since going public was released on Tuesday, reporting $658 million in Q2 revenue, a 53% increase year-over-year. It said circulation of USDC grew 90% over the same period, reaching $61.3 billion by June 30 and climbing above $65 billion in early August.

That same day, Circle moved to expand its payments infrastructure with the launch of the Circle Payments Network, and announced Arc — describing it as a layer 1 purpose-built chain for “stablecoin finance.”

While Circle was ahead of the curve with its IPO, the Arc announcement comes amid a broader wave of new blockchain launches, including Stripe developing Tempo with Paradigm and Robinhood rolling out a tokenization-focused L2 in June.

Related: USDC stablecoin launches on XRP Ledger

Stablecoin rivals drive market growth

The stablecoin market cap now stands at roughly $277.16 billion, up from $253.87 billion on July 1, according to data from DefiLlama. While Circle’s USDC accounts for about a quarter of the fiat-backed stablecoin market, Tether continues to dominate globally with around 60% market share.

Tether reported $4.9 billion in profit in Q2 2025, a 277% increase compared with the same period a year earlier. Most of that profit came from Treasury yields, with the company’s $127 billion short-term US debt generating steady income. 

Tether has now become one of the largest non-sovereign holders of US Treasurys, surpassing countries such as South Korea and the UAE, an unprecedented position for a private company.

Magazine: Bitcoin vs stablecoins showdown looms as GENIUS Act nears



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Leaked Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 release date suggests there's still no Nintendo Switch 2 version at launch
Game Reviews

Leaked Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 release date suggests there’s still no Nintendo Switch 2 version at launch

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will reportedly release on 14th November, 2025, and there’s still no Nintendo Switch 2 release planned.

That’s according to noted and highly reliable Dealabs leaker billbil-kun, who suggests the latest instalment of Activision’s tentpole franchise will be coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series, but will not be available on Switch at launch.

Why Tiktok Thirsts over Call of Duty’s Ghost.Watch on YouTube

We noted Nintendo Switch 2 was notably absent from the launch platform line-up when the game was revealed during Summer Games Fest, running counter to Microsoft’s 10-year promise to launch Call of Duty on Nintendo platforms on “the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity” if its gargantuan $69 billion offer to buy Activision Blizzard was approved. Which it was, of course.

At the time, however, sources confirmed to Eurogamer: “We’re committed to getting the franchise on Switch. Both teams [are] working on it. Will share details when ready.”

Dealabs posits that all this release information will be confirmed at next week’s Gamescom, including news of a physical release (with a disc included) and pre-orders set to go live on 20th August, following a reveal the night before at Opening Night Live. While U.S./UK pricing has yet to be leaked or confirmed, the leaker suggests it’ll retail for €79.99 in Europe. Xbox has, of course, previously pledged not to raise prices past $70 USD.

Former Activision Blizzard president Mike Ybarra thinks Battlefield 6 will “boot stomp” Call of Duty this year, and that this will push the CoD series to stop being “lazy”.



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