Imagination – CTRSpace

Nintendo Switch Sales Decline as Next-Gen Console Tease Sparks Anticipation for 2025 Launch

Posted on February 5, 2025 by ctrspace

Nintendo is finally ready to switch things up (literally). With outliving the trends, console wars and our controllers (RIP to all the joy-cons lost to drift), the Nintendo Switch has had a legendary run. With the fading sales and whispers of the next-generation console getting louder, it seems that Nintendo is finally ready to pass the baton.

Japan’s Nintendo has revised its full-year sales forecast for the Nintendo Switch, reducing expectations by 12% to 11 million units. As the ageing console is walking its last miles in the life cycle, the company is preparing for the launch of its next-generation device, expected later this year.

Nintendo maintaining the standard:

Despite expanding into theme parks, films, and retail stores, Nintendo remains primarily reliant on its console business. While hardware and software sales have remained relatively strong in the Switch’s eighth year, meeting sales expectations has been proved as a challenge for the company. As Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged at an earnings briefing and said that, “While we think sales of hardware and software are solid for the eighth year, we did not achieve our plan“.

Initial sales projections were not met. Nintendo sold 9.54 million Switch units between April and December, putting lifetime sales of the console at an impressive 150.86 million units. As the excitement and expectation is growing for the much anticipated Nintendo’s next console, the demand for the current model is somehow naturally falling.

Preparing for the future:

Nintendo’s profits might be down, but their ability to make us buy the same game on a new console remains undefeated. The next-generation console will be revealed this year by Nintendo, with an entirely dedicated event to “Nintendo Direct” that is scheduled for April 2, 2025. The upcoming console, nicknamed “Switch 2” by analysts and fans, is expected to carry through with the hybrid concept that became paramount in reviving and sending Nintendo’s fortunes back up after the Wii U slapped it down and made it an underwhelming Wii U era.

Nintendo has revised and lowered its operating profit estimation to 280 billion yen ($1.8 billion) after the declining hardware sales, cutting it by 22.2% for the financial year ending in March. The company reported a decline of 46.7% in profit during the April-December period, totalling 247.6 billion yen.

As the Switch successor is on the radar, it is indeed a pivotal year for Nintendo. While the company is under financial pressure because of the declining sales of the Switch, the upcoming console launch has the potential to revive the company’s hardware business and flourish in a new era of success. All eyes are now on April 2, when Nintendo is expected to outline its vision for the future.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Announced — and It’s Out Now

Posted on January 24, 2025 by ctrspace

A thrilling moment for gamers! The renowned Ninja Gaiden franchise has just upped the ante with this unexpected announcement of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Even better, the game is already available for players to enjoy! This remaster enhances graphics, all new game mechanics, and new content to update the original’s brutal fast-paced action for fans. As legendary Ryu Hayabusa, players again tackle relentless foes in the captivating tale of vengeance and survival.

A surprising announcement that has rattled the gaming community, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is now officially announced and directly available for download. The new entry brings back all the lethal ninja Ryu Hayabusa and the trademark fast-paced intensity and action that have endeared this franchise to many for years. A remastering of an experience with all the classic gameplay of the original 2008 title mixed with upgraded visuals, slick mechanics, and a plethora of new features is what Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is. It promises to be a thrill ride from start to finish for series enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Features:

Visual Overhaul: The remaster breathes fresh life into the gory world of the Game with enhanced graphics featuring improved textures, lighting, and character models.
Refined Combat: Experience combat sequences that are smoother and less fidgety, getting rid of adjustments to the enemy AI and control responsiveness that otherwise would have made for a more cohesive gaming experience.It includes new modes, bonus levels, and unlockable goodies to give plenty to crave after the main story.
New Content: Additional game modes, bonus levels, and unlockable items ensure that players have plenty to explore long after finishing the main story.
Classic action with fresh twists: The game holds its ground, maintaining its brutal difficulty and exhilarating boss fights while adding a twist or two to keep even veterans on their toes.

Ryu Hayabusa steps back into the fray once again in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black as he hacks his way through endless hordes on the road to vengeance. The release signals an exhilarating return to one of the fiercest action franchises in gaming history. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, now out on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, lets fans retrace the footsteps of Ryu Hayabusa as he embarks on a quest for revenge against hordes of enemies. The game brings an exciting return to one of the most intensely action-packed franchises ever in video game history.

If you’ve awaited some challenge or are looking for another good action game to fall into, look no further, as Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is it. Sharpen your blades for a deadly battle; this game is not for the weak-hearted!

Smart TV Based Cloud Gaming Progresses Towards Inclusive and Cost Effective Gaming

Posted on January 21, 2025 by ctrspace

Xbox Console Vs Smart TV App:

Although Microsoft and Sony’s latest consoles continue to generate excitement, the games available are still enjoyable and imaginative. However, playing without purchasing a specific console is not necessary for gaming enthusiasts, the right smart TV is essential for playing Xbox games without a console. The Xbox app is available on select smart TVs, including Samsung and Fire TV, so it is more accessible than ever before. You need an app, a Bluetooth controller that supports various Xbox and PlayStation controller modes, and choices from brands like Logitech, Google, and Amazon. In addition, an ultimate subscription to Xbox Game Pass is required ($20/month). After Microsoft’s announcement, LG will also join the company, providing gamers with access to the app for their new smart TV models.

Gaming Experience:

Overall, the gameplay is decent and can be handled without any issues if you want to play without a console. Cloud gaming offers convenience, it also provides excellent graphics and accuracy with a stable internet connection and minimal lag time. However, its resolution is limited to Full HD (1080p) and it can take up to 60 Mbps frames. The console outperforms the lower FPS standards. Although this is adequate for non-competitive games such as Spyro or Tomb Raider (2014), it is not suitable for blockbuster titles that aim to showcase the latest console hardware. Choosing Cloud streaming will undoubtedly result in performance degradation, but the cost of not buying a console is significantly lower if you already own the appropriate smart TV. There’s a lot to love about not playing the biggest, toughest titles, which minimizes performance concerns. Cloud gaming is a valuable opportunity that could provide you with additional advantages beyond mobile or console gaming which includes saving on startup costs by saving ten times, enjoying hundreds of Xbox console games right on the couch and a great option for casual gaming with minimal area. Although playing cloud gaming may not be as exciting as playing it on a console which provides a total immersive and high-performance experience for dedicated gamers, it is also quite an option for casual players or for those who don’t want to buy consoles.

A Substitute for Consoles:

At present, all organizations, including Xbox, work continuously to improve the experience of cloud gaming, thus narrowing the gap between easy access and good performance. Even though not a perfect substitute for consoles, smart TV cloud gaming goes a long way toward making gaming more entertaining and affordable. It is, nonetheless, a great substitute for all those casual players or those unwilling to invest in a console. Such is the case where all these companies are working actively, much like Xbox, trying to build an experience for cloud gaming, thus stemming the gap between access and performance. Again, although Smart TV-based cloud gaming is not an entire substitute for consoles, it makes good strides toward gaming that is more inclusive and cost-effective.

Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement: What We Know So Far

Posted on January 16, 2025 by ctrspace

The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is reportedly just days away from its official unveiling. According to multiple sources, the console will be revealed on Thursday, January 16, 2025, and released the following day, January 17, 2025. This news has generated excitement among gamers who are eagerly awaiting the next step in Nintendo’s successful hybrid gaming system.

Important Elements Concerning the New Nintendo Switch 2:

Pricing: Retailers have suggested a potential price of €399, which would place the Switch 2 at around the same level in comparison to other current-gen consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. That would be in line with what would be expected from next-generation handheld gaming devices, thus representing value for money.

Game Launch Line-Up: Gamers are in for a treat when it comes to some new titles, including a brand new version of Mario Kart, a remastered Final Fantasy VII, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Also, fans of the beloved franchise can expect to be treated with a new 3D Mario by the end of 2025.

Revolutionizing Handheld Gaming: With handheld gaming PCs like Valve’s Steam Deck integrating into this growing market, Nintendo Switch 2 will stand up to big competition. However, with its solid and extensive game library and innovative hybrid gaming experience, the Switch 2 is most likely to remain a top choice for many.

Nintendo has a reputation for engineering innovative consoles and gaming experiences. As the fans wait for the official launch event, speculation, as well as anticipation, is rising all over regarding the hardware, software, and overall gaming experience. In performance and usability, the Switch 2 is expected to take it to the next level, as is the tradition for Nintendo with hybrids.

click here to read: Self-Driving Cars Take Center Stage at CES 2025

Lenovo’s Take on Innovation of PCs

Posted on January 15, 2025 by ctrspace

High Risk Advancements:

Lenovo takes risks and goes beyond the boundaries to make sure that their products will hold a high standard in the market which is usually dominated by rather predictable advancements. The company each year, pushes the limits of the PC design by introducing such bold concepts and products, reminding that the creativity in consumer hardware is certainly evolving with time. At CES 2025, Lenovo once again captured the attention where they showcased such innovations that redefine the boundaries of practicality. From rollable laptops to motion-tracking desktops, the company continues to amaze us with the existing possibilities in the realm of PCs.

Rollable and Motion Tracking Features:

ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, a rollable laptop which will be available later in the year at $3,500 has quite made some headlines in the news. This device can expand its display size from the regular size to a maximum width of 16.7 inches in around ten seconds. The purpose behind it is that it allows for a bigger screen in a form that is portable and easy to carry along with its mesmerizing look. Much like foldable smartphones, it is innovative and usable. Lenovo’s launched laptops are not the only thing worthy of attention, rather their desktop computer with a big screen along with features that allow motion tracking is another praiseworthy innovation. The screen will move up and down or from side to side as the user shifts position, following them around the room. It is an improvement over Lenovo’s Auto Twist AI PC concept that was revealed last September but is now adjusted for usage on the desktop.

Click here to read: OpenAI Faces Loss Due to Excessive ChatGPT Pro Usage, Says CEO

A Glimpse into Sustainability:

Lenovo’s eco-friendly manufacturing of a desktop’s case and base, made from bamboo and corn is indicative of sustainability. Its wireless keyboard that charges only using ambient light from the monitor adds to its commitment to maintaining a sustainable environment. Many of these innovations will probably never see market shelves, but all of them remind us that advancements in the world of PCs are alive.

A collaboration between Windows and Xbox, Microsoft’s vision for a better gaming future

Posted on January 11, 2025 by ctrspace

An alliance for a better future

Windows and Xbox, bringing together the best of both to create an ethereal experience for players and developers is rather about entering into an advanced technological future. Microsoft’s vice president of “the next generation, Jason Ronald implied that Microsoft plans to bring the Xbox experience to Windows PCs at an event called “The Future of Gaming Handhelds,” hosted by AMD and Lenovo, where Lenovo displayed their new Legion Go S.

A Better Gaming Experience

Ronald while confirming Microsoft’s plan to merge the Xbox and Windows experiences, explained that after bringing the new ideas into the console space, and continuing to advance in the industry, the main focus of this collaboration is about bringing these innovations developed in the console space to PC and the handheld gaming world. He knows that Windows works well on mobile devices, so the community-modified version of Valve’s SteamOS is generally better suited for quick gaming. Therefore, Ronald emphasized making it simpler and more console-like, where the player and their game library should be the centre of the experience rather than all the windows tasks one has to do.

Encountering hindrances

Windows has some features that weren’t designed without a keyboard and mouse, like support for thumbsticks or joypads. Microsoft needs to address many fundamental issues, such as making Windows more controller-friendly and ensuring that the Xbox experience takes centre stage rather than the taskbar, start menu, and other elements. Although Microsoft’s approach to integrating Xbox and Windows is crucial, launching an Xbox operating system is not one of their plans.

Best choice for gaming

Microsoft aims to improve Windows for gaming overall by layering an Xbox experience on top to hide the desktop, notifications, and legacy aspects of Windows rather than porting a custom Xbox operating system to Windows. To deliver a top-notch gaming experience on any device, bringing the infrastructure created for consoles to PCs would make Windows the best choice for gaming on any device.