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Microsoft's Next Xbox Console Is for Real, and It'll Play PC Games, Too
AppWizard
March 7, 2026

Microsoft’s Next Xbox Console Is for Real, and It’ll Play PC Games, Too

Microsoft has confirmed the existence of its next-generation gaming console, codenamed Project Helix, which will play both Xbox and Windows PC games. Asha Shar, the CEO of Xbox, stated that Project Helix aims to "lead in performance" and enhance the gaming experience across platforms. Details on the release timeline, pricing, and specifications are not yet available. The announcement comes amid increasing competition from Sony and Nintendo, and coincides with Sony's decision to stop releasing single-player, first-party titles on PC due to disappointing sales. Microsoft has previously explored Xbox and PC gaming convergence through initiatives like the Xbox Ultimate Game Pass. The company is collaborating with AMD for processors for Project Helix, but rising prices for storage and RAM may impact the console's final cost.
Windows Server 2025 Native NVMe: Storage Stack Overhaul and Benchmark Results
Winsage
March 6, 2026

Windows Server 2025 Native NVMe: Storage Stack Overhaul and Benchmark Results

On December 15, 2025, Microsoft announced native NVMe support in Windows Server 2025, marking a significant evolution in data management and access. The new architecture replaces Disk.sys with NVMeDisk.sys, allowing direct communication from the filesystem to hardware via StorMQ, eliminating latency and enhancing performance. Testing revealed increased read speeds, particularly in random 4K and 64K benchmarks, with significant reductions in average read latency and lower CPU usage during sequential operations. Write operations showed modest improvements. A registry modification is required to enable this feature, and caution is advised due to potential complications with NVMe drives when deduplication is enabled.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
February 28, 2026

Best Marathon settings for peak gaming PC performance

Bungie's multiplayer FPS, Marathon, is currently in an early Server Slam until March 2, with a full release on March 6. The game is designed to be accessible on mid-range PCs and does not require high-end GPU power. Initial settings for optimal performance include Vsync on, frame rate cap off, field of view at 90°, and high graphics quality. Players can expect an average frame rate of 84fps with 60fps for 1% lows. The game is not compatible with the Steam Deck due to BattleEye anti-cheat technology but runs smoothly on other Windows-based handheld devices. While an SSD is not required, it is recommended for better load times. Performance monitoring can be done via a built-in FPS counter or overlays from Nvidia and AMD.
We polled PC gamers on how much generative AI is acceptable in games, and here’s what they said
AppWizard
February 28, 2026

We polled PC gamers on how much generative AI is acceptable in games, and here’s what they said

Generative AI is increasingly integrated into video game development, with applications ranging from art assets to gameplay mechanics. A poll of approximately 1,000 respondents revealed that over 40% prefer traditional game development with no AI involvement. More than half of participants are open to generative AI to varying degrees: 20% oppose its inclusion in final products but accept its use as a productivity tool, while 21% approve of some AI involvement if disclosed. Additionally, 14% would engage with heavily AI-utilized games if enjoyable. Concerns about AI-generated code have been raised by developers, particularly regarding its quality. Despite skepticism, there is agreement on the benefits of AI-accelerated rendering techniques for performance improvements.
Death Stranding 2 Official Specs Suggest It'll Run Great on Most PCs
AppWizard
February 26, 2026

Death Stranding 2 Official Specs Suggest It’ll Run Great on Most PCs

Death Stranding 2 will be available on PC starting March 19th. The minimum system requirements for the game include an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or an AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT, an Intel Core i3-10100 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor, and 150GB of storage (SSD recommended), allowing for 1080p resolution at 30 fps on low settings. The recommended specifications for 1440p resolution at 60 fps on high settings require an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800, along with an Intel Core i7-11700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5700X processor. For 4K resolution at 60 fps on very high settings, the game requires an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT. The game does not utilize ray tracing on the PS5 Pro, and support for various upscaling technologies like DLSS, XeSS, and FSR will be included in the PC version.
After getting Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on PC Game Pass, unlocking its 'Unobtanium' max graphics mode, and then upgrading those stunning visuals even more with mods, I'm convinced this is the 'But can it run Crysis?' FPS PC gamers should install today
AppWizard
February 26, 2026

After getting Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on PC Game Pass, unlocking its ‘Unobtanium’ max graphics mode, and then upgrading those stunning visuals even more with mods, I’m convinced this is the ‘But can it run Crysis?’ FPS PC gamers should install today

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is available for PC Game Pass subscribers and is considered Ubisoft's best open-world game in years. It features impressive graphics, enhanced by Ubisoft's Snowdrop engine, and includes a mode called 'Unobtanium' that challenges current hardware capabilities. To achieve 4K at 60fps with this mode, a powerful system is necessary. The game has undergone improvements and now includes a third-person mode, along with expansions like From the Ashes, which adds new characters and gameplay refinements. Despite initial technical issues, it is regarded as a solid first-person shooter and a benchmark for PC gaming setups.
Death Stranding 2 system requirements are good news for gamers trapped between aging PCs and skyrocketing hardware prices, and there's even a 'portable preset' for playing on handhelds
AppWizard
February 25, 2026

Death Stranding 2 system requirements are good news for gamers trapped between aging PCs and skyrocketing hardware prices, and there’s even a ‘portable preset’ for playing on handhelds

Kojima Productions has confirmed the release of the PC version of Death Stranding 2, launching on March 19. The minimum system requirements include a GPU of Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB, CPU of Intel Core i3-10100 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100, 16GB of RAM, and 150GB of SSD storage, with Windows 10/11 (Version 1909 or newer) required. The game supports various settings: - Minimum: 1080p, 30 fps, low graphics preset - Medium: 1080p, 60 fps, medium graphics preset - High (Recommended): 1440p, 60 fps, high graphics preset - Very High: 4K, 60 fps, very high graphics preset The game will also feature a "portable preset" for handheld devices, and preorders are available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Sony reveals the Death Stranding 2 required PC specs
AppWizard
February 24, 2026

Sony reveals the Death Stranding 2 required PC specs

The minimum system requirements for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on PC include an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or an AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT with 8GB of memory, allowing for 1080p at 30 frames per second. The recommended processors are the Intel Core i3-10100 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100. The game will feature Pico upscaling technology and support ultrawide displays, offering a 21:9 aspect ratio for cutscenes and a 32:9 format for gameplay.
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