All posts tagged: Deck

Upper Deck Revives “Trade Jordan” Marketing Stunt From 1992

Upper Deck Revives “Trade Jordan” Marketing Stunt From 1992

Published by Daniella Wilson

In 1992, decades before viral marketing was a thing, Upper Deck pulled off one of the most memorable marketing stunts of all time. The sports card company secretly put up a billboard in Chicago: It was plain white, with only two words: “Trade Jordan.” The effort instantly became local news, and then national news. Trade Michael Jordan? The Chicago Bulls superstar who had just led the team to back-to-back championships, earning an MVP award in the process? It was, of course, a ruse. Upper Deck was not trying to persuade the Bulls to trade MJ, rather they were eager to announce something new: An exclusive licensing agreement for trading cards, images of which ultimately replaced that stark white billboard. 35 years later and Upper Deck is reviving the billboard, featuring it in a new video marketing campaign about, of course, Michael Jordan, who has signed an extension with the brand, continuing the partnership that has lasted decades, even as the sports and media landscape has changed so dramatically. The new campaign’s tagline? “You Don’t Trade …

SteamOS 3.8 Review: Maximizing Steam Deck OLED Hardware

SteamOS 3.8 Review: Maximizing Steam Deck OLED Hardware

Published by skeptic

Valve’s SteamOS 3.8 update introduces a series of advancements aimed at improving the gaming experience on the Steam Deck and other supported devices. Building on the foundation of SteamOS 3.7, this release focuses on addressing persistent issues like rendering glitches and expanding hardware compatibility to include devices such as the Legion Go and Xbox Ally X. GameTechPlanet explores how updates to GPU drivers and performance optimizations in SteamOS 3.8 enhance graphical fidelity and stability, particularly for demanding titles like Crimson Desert and Forza Horizon 6. In this breakdown, you’ll gain insight into the specific improvements brought by SteamOS 3.8, including fixes for texture flickering, lighting artifacts and frame pacing issues. Discover how these updates translate into smoother gameplay, better integration with non-Steam Deck hardware and an overall more reliable gaming experience. Whether you’re a Steam Deck user or gaming on other devices, this guide highlights the key takeaways from the latest SteamOS evolution. Key Features and Technical Advancements TL;DR Key Takeaways : SteamOS 3.8 introduces improved GPU drivers and rendering fixes, enhancing graphical performance and …

Bedford trains crash: Everything we know so far as hospital ‘orders all hands on deck’ | UK | News

Bedford trains crash: Everything we know so far as hospital ‘orders all hands on deck’ | UK | News

Published by Sam Flores

Two passenger trains have collided near Bedford, just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6, prompting a major emergency response including a number of air ambulances, police officers and firefighters at the scene. The incident is believed to have happened at approximately 5.15pm. The two trains involved in the collision at Bedford South were the 4.40pm East Midlands Railway service from Corby to London St Pancras and the 3.50pm Nottingham to London St Pancras service, the train operator said in a statement. In a statement on social media, Health Secretary James Murray said: “I am being kept updated on the collision of two trains between Luton and Bedford. A number of people have been injured and I thank first responders who are helping those affected.” He didn’t speak about the conditions of the casualties. Separately, the RMT union said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of a train collision between Bedford and Luton and the serious injuries sustained by on-board train staff and passengers.” Bedford Hospital has ordered “all hands on …

Xbox and Valve Deepen Partnership for Steam Deck Optimization

Xbox and Valve Deepen Partnership for Steam Deck Optimization

Published by skeptic

The gaming industry is facing a growing challenge as rising game prices collide with increasing player expectations. With many new titles now costing $70, players are calling for better optimization and performance, especially on devices like the Steam Deck. According to Deck Ready, frameworks such as Unreal Engine 5 are playing a pivotal role in helping developers achieve a balance between high-quality visuals and smooth gameplay. Companies like Xbox and Valve are also adapting by focusing on cross-platform compatibility to meet these demands. Explore the strategies shaping these shifts, including the effects of digital-only gaming trends and the technical demands of handheld devices. Learn how Xbox’s partnership with Valve is influencing accessibility and performance standards and examine the challenges posed by the decline of physical gaming. This deep dive provides a focused look at the forces driving change in the gaming landscape. Why Game Optimization Matters More Than Ever TL;DR Key Takeaways : Gamers are increasingly dissatisfied with paying premium prices for poorly optimized games, especially on devices like the Steam Deck, prompting industry leaders …

I bought a Steam Deck without spending a fortune, and you can too

I bought a Steam Deck without spending a fortune, and you can too

Published by skeptic

I’m a handheld gaming PC connoisseur — I currently own a Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go, and I’m already planning my next upgrade. It’s no secret that now isn’t the best time to buy into the PC gaming handheld market. The global RAM shortage is driving the cost of component pricing upwards, and those price hikes eventually hit consumers. Handhelds appear to be particularly vulnerable, as Lenovo’s base-model Legion Go 2 recently climbed 36% in price. The Steam Deck went out of stock due to market conditions, and now that it’s back, the handheld costs hundreds more than before. Frankly, I thought the Steam Deck LCD’s original prices were too high. The higher-capacity storage variants and the newer Steam Deck OLED models are even more expensive, and that was before the latest price hike. That’s why I bought a cheap, certified refurbished Steam Deck LCD with only 64GB of storage years ago, opting to upgrade the storage myself rather than pay Valve to do it for me. Now, I think buying …

Steam Deck OLED vs Switch 2: Real-World Travel Comparison

Steam Deck OLED vs Switch 2: Real-World Travel Comparison

Published by skeptic

Handheld gaming in 2026 offers two standout options: the Steam Deck OLED and the Nintendo Switch 2. In a feature by PlayFever, these devices are compared through the lens of a family road trip across Europe, highlighting their real-world performance. For instance, the Nintendo Switch 2’s low energy consumption makes it a practical choice for long journeys, easily powered by a car adapter or compact power bank. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED delivers superior hardware performance but requires a 45W USB-C PD charger, which can complicate charging on the go. This balance between portability and power sets the stage for a deeper look at how these consoles fit into different lifestyles. Explore how each device excels in distinct scenarios, from the Switch 2’s multiplayer-friendly design perfect for family gaming sessions to the Steam Deck OLED’s focus on solo immersion and customization. You’ll also gain insights into their OLED display performance in varying lighting conditions, as well as how their price points reflect their intended audiences. Whether you prioritize social gaming or a personalized, high-end experience, …

Odin 3 Linux Guide: Turn Your Handheld Into a Steam Deck

Odin 3 Linux Guide: Turn Your Handheld Into a Steam Deck

Published by skeptic

The Odin 3 handheld gaming device, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 ARM-based CPU, has emerged as a platform capable of running Rocknix Linux, allowing it to function as a compact gaming system. According to ETA Prime, this setup allows for native ARM64 Steam support and compatibility with Linux-based PC games, but it also comes with notable limitations. For instance, the device faces challenges such as thermal throttling under extended use and limited software optimization, which can impact performance consistency. These factors make the Odin 3 an intriguing option for tech enthusiasts willing to navigate its experimental nature. Dive into how Rocknix Linux supports Proton for running games like Hades 2 and Doom Eternal on the Odin 3. Understand the hardware constraints, including the reliance on active cooling and the lack of features like TDP adjustment, which can affect performance tuning. Additionally, learn how utilities such as Gamecope enable real-time monitoring and adjustments, helping users optimize their gaming experience within the device’s limitations. This analysis provides a detailed look at the possibilities and challenges …

Corsair Galleon 100 SD Review: Stream Deck Now Included

Corsair Galleon 100 SD Review: Stream Deck Now Included

Published by skeptic

Instead of using cutting-edge Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation points and features like Rapid Trigger, this keyboard comes with standard mechanical switches. This means the actuation point cannot be changed, and some performance and customization are left on the table. The benefit of mechanical switches is that there is more physical customization. Underneath each key is a hot-swap socket, meaning these switches can be replaced with any MX-style switch. While this allows for extensive fine-tuning of the typing feel, the feature won’t objectively increase gaming performance. Considering the switches and the size of this keyboard, it’s really not meant to be a fully performance-oriented gaming keyboard. Instead, it strikes a middle ground of high performance paired with open-ended customization options. Shipshape Typing Experience The Galleon is made using a gasket mount assembly, which means the entire internal assembly is suspended inside the case using rubberized gaskets instead of screws. This creates a softer typing feel. I found this to be very comfortable. When you bottom out on a key press, it feels like landing …

How the Steam Deck Shaped Valve’s Next Controller

How the Steam Deck Shaped Valve’s Next Controller

Published by skeptic

Valve’s approach to hardware development has always been deliberate, balancing creativity with practicality. In a recent interview hosted by NerdNest, Bill Fairchild joined Lawrence Yang and Steve Cardinelli to discuss how Valve’s design philosophy has shaped products like the Steam Deck and Steam Controller. One key takeaway was Valve’s focus on repairability and user customization, as seen in their decision to release CAD files and repair guides for their hardware. This commitment not only extends product lifespan but also enables users to adapt and modify their devices to suit individual needs. Throughout the discussion, you’ll gain insight into how Valve integrates community feedback into its development process, making sure its hardware evolves alongside user expectations. Explore the lessons learned from the Steam Controller’s initial reception, the role of Steam Input in broadening device applications and how Valve balances affordability with advanced features. These reflections offer a comprehensive look at the company’s thoughtful approach to creating hardware that is both functional and adaptable. The Evolution of the Steam Controller TL;DR Key Takeaways : Valve’s hardware design …

The Tarot Card Deck Created by Salvador Dalí

The Tarot Card Deck Created by Salvador Dalí

Published by José Betancourt

The Tarot has long been a tool of char­la­tans. But it has also long been embraced by bril­liant, uncon­ven­tion­al thinkers, many of whom them­selves have a touch of the char­la­tan about them (and who would just as like­ly admit it with a smile). William But­ler Yeats was a fan, as is vision­ary Chilean film­mak­er, artist, writer, and psy­cho­naut Ale­jan­dro Jodor­owsky, who has record­ed his own Youtube series explain­ing his take on this clas­sic mode of div­ina­tion. With its arche­typ­al sym­bol­ism, the Tarot’s appeal to artists should be obvi­ous. Most of them, like Jodor­owsky, find far more inter­est­ing uses for it than for­tune-telling. “You must not talk about the future,” Jodor­owsky tells us in his series, “the future is a con. The tarot is a lan­guage that talks about the present.” What might anoth­er vision­ary artist, Sal­vador Dalí, think of Jodorowsky’s Tarot inter­pre­ta­tions? We’ll nev­er know, but I sus­pect he would find them enchant­i­ng. Not only do the two seem like kin­dred spir­its, but Dalí devot­ed some part of his life to the Tarot, design­ing his own …