Once you switch to an ultrawide monitor, going back to a standard display feels almost impossible. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, multitasking, or simply binge-watching content, the extra screen space changes everything.

The Xiaomi G34WQI aims to deliver that premium ultrawide experience without the premium price tag. But with increasing competition from brands like Gigabyte and Dell, does Xiaomi’s 34-inch curved gaming monitor still stand out in 2026?

Specs

Gaming Experience: Immersive and Fast

Ultrawide gaming is where this monitor truly shines. The 21:9 aspect ratio provides a wider field of view, making games feel more immersive and sometimes even giving you a slight competitive advantage.

Racing games and open-world titles especially benefit from the wider perspective. However, because this is a VA panel, there are a few trade-offs:

• Slight ghosting
• Black smearing in darker scenes
• Minor motion blur during fast gameplay

For casual and enthusiast gamers, these issues are manageable. But if you’re a highly competitive esports player who prioritizes perfect motion clarity, you may want to look at faster IPS alternatives instead.

Xiaomi G34WQI vs Competitors

The biggest competitors in this category include ultrawide monitors from Gigabyte and Dell.

Most offer similar specifications:

• 34-inch VA panels
• 1440p ultrawide resolution
• Curved displays
• 144Hz–165Hz refresh rates

Xiaomi’s biggest advantage is the 180Hz refresh rate, which gives it smoother motion performance than many rivals.

However, competitors may offer:

• Better HDR implementation
• Improved motion handling
• USB hubs
• Slightly better build quality

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what matters most to you.

If refresh rate and value are your priorities, Xiaomi delivers excellent bang for your buck.

Xiaomi G34WQI Price

The Xiaomi G34WQI is priced between R8,200 and R11,000 in South Africa, depending on the retailer and availability. It sits in the mid-range ultrawide monitor category, offering premium gaming and productivity features.

Should You Buy the Xiaomi G34WQI?

Buy It If:

• You want an affordable ultrawide gaming monitor
• You work and game on the same display
• You value immersion and multitasking
• You want a high refresh rate without spending a fortune

Skip It If:

• You need true HDR performance
• You play competitive esports at a professional level
• You want perfect motion clarity
• You need advanced connectivity features

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent contrast and deep blacks
• Smooth 180Hz refresh rate
• Great ultrawide immersion
• Strong productivity performance
• Good color accuracy for creators
• Excellent value for money

Cons

• Some VA ghosting and black smearing
• HDR performance is limited
• No USB hub
• No built-in speakers

Final Verdict on the Xiaomi G34WQI

The Xiaomi G34WQI turned out to be a surprisingly solid ultrawide monitor. For gaming, it delivers a smooth and immersive experience thanks to the 180Hz refresh rate, ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio, and deep contrast from the VA panel. But where it really stands out is productivity.

The extra screen space makes multitasking feel effortless, whether you’re editing videos, managing spreadsheets, or working across multiple apps at once. It genuinely feels like a replacement for a dual-monitor setup, especially for users who work during the day and game at night.

Of course, it’s not perfect. The VA panel does introduce some ghosting and black smearing in fast-paced scenes, and the HDR support isn’t a true HDR experience. Competitive esports players who prioritize perfect motion clarity may want to look elsewhere.

Still, for the price, the Xiaomi G34WQI is easily one of the best entry points into the ultrawide market. It balances gaming, productivity, and entertainment extremely well, making it a great all-rounder for most people.

The post Xiaomi G34WQI Review: The Best Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor for Work and Play? appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Nothing ruins a gaming session faster than unstable internet. Lag spikes, disconnects, and buffering can turn even the best online experience into frustration. If you’ve ever wondered whether a gaming-focused router could solve that problem, the ASUS Predator Connect W6X might be exactly what you need. This Wi-Fi 6 gaming router promises low latency, stable connections, and smart traffic prioritisation, without breaking the bank. But does it actually deliver?

What Is the Predator Connect W6X?

The Predator Connect W6X is part of ASUS’s Predator gaming lineup, designed specifically for gamers and high-performance households. Unlike standard ISP routers, it focuses on reducing lag, prioritising gaming traffic, and handling multiple devices efficiently.

This isn’t just about aesthetics (although it does look the part). It’s built to improve real-world performance where it matters mostly, your connection stability.

Setup: Quick and Easy

Setting up the Predator Connect W6X is straightforward:

1. Plug it in
2. Open the app
3. Follow the guided setup

The interface is clean and responsive, allowing you to monitor devices, pause internet access, and prioritize your gaming setup instantly.

Gaming Performance: Where It Shines

This is where the Predator Connect W6X really proves its value. With built-in low latency optimization, it delivers a more stable ping during online gaming sessions, which is critical for competitive play. The router’s traffic prioritization ensures your gaming device, whether PC or console, gets priority bandwidth over other activities on the network. In real-world use, this translates to more consistent gameplay, even when multiple devices are connected and active. These gamer-focused features help reduce interruptions and keep performance smooth, especially in fast-paced online titles.

Target Audience and Price

The Predator Connect W6X is ideal for:

• Gamers on a budget
• Families with multiple connected devices
• Streamers and content creators
• Anyone tired of fighting for bandwidth at home

At R1,999, this router sits in a highly competitive price bracket for Wi-Fi 6 gaming routers in South Africa. It offers excellent value, especially considering its gaming-focused features.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable Wi-Fi 6 performance
• Strong gaming optimization features
• Easy setup and intuitive app
• Eye-catching RGB design
• Stable multi-device performance

Cons

• No Wi-Fi 6E support
• Limited advanced/pro-level controls
• Design may be too “gamer-focused” for some users

Final Verdict

Truth be told, the Predator Connect W6X honestly surprised us. It’s the second ASUS device in recent times that has delivered beyond expectations, especially at this price point. It combines a bold, gamer-focused design with performance that actually matters, stable connectivity and low latency where it counts most. In real-world use, it consistently delivers smooth performance across gaming, streaming, and multiple connected devices.

It’s not the most advanced router out there, and it does skip out on features like Wi-Fi 6E and deeper pro-level controls. But for R1,999, it strikes a strong balance between affordability and functionality. Compared to standard ISP routers and others in the same price range, its gaming-focused features give it a clear edge. If you’re a gamer on a budget looking for reliable, consistent performance without overspending, this is easily one of the simplest recommendations right now.

The post Predator Connect W6X Review: The Best Budget Gaming Router in South Africa? appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Handheld gaming has officially entered a new era, and the MSI Claw A8 is leading the charge. Powered by AMD and designed for serious gamers, this device might just be one of the most complete handheld gaming PCs available in 2025. In this review, we break down everything you need to know about the MSI Claw A8 (BZ2EM), from performance and design to real-world gaming experience.

Specs

Who Should Buy the MSI Claw A8?

This device is ideal for:

• Gamers who want PC-level performance on the go
• Players who use multiple platforms (Steam, Xbox, cloud gaming)
• Anyone looking for a powerful alternative to traditional consoles

If you want freedom from your desk without sacrificing performance, this handheld delivers.

Price and Availability in South Africa

The MSI Claw A8 is priced at around R17,999 in South Africa, positioning it firmly in the premium handheld gaming category. While expensive, the combination of performance, features, and flexibility makes it a compelling option for serious gamers.

Real Gaming Experience: What It’s Like

When it comes to actual gaming, the MSI Claw A8 is seriously impressive. Thanks to AMD’s architecture, features like FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames deliver smoother gameplay and better frame rates, even in more demanding titles. The MSI Center M software adds to the experience by giving you quick access to performance settings and TDP controls without interrupting gameplay.

Compared to the earlier Intel-based version, AMD brings better efficiency, more consistent performance, and improved battery life, which makes a noticeable difference during longer sessions. And with Windows 11, you get full flexibility, whether it’s Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or even Android games, everything is accessible in one place, making it easy to game anywhere.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme performance
• Smooth 120Hz VRR display
• Large 80Wh battery
• Comfortable ergonomic design
• Hall Effect controls (no drift)
• Full Windows 11 flexibility
• Upgradeable storage

Cons

• Slightly heavy
• Plastic build may feel less premium to some
• Battery still limited for AAA gaming
• Premium price point
• Windows UI not fully optimized for handheld use

Final Verdict: Is the MSI Claw A8 Worth It?

The MSI Claw A8 feels like the device MSI should have launched from the start. The move to AMD makes a significant difference, offering better efficiency, improved battery life, and more consistent performance. Combined with its ergonomic design and versatile software ecosystem, it stands out as a top-tier handheld gaming PC in 2025. If you’re looking for a powerful, flexible, and premium handheld gaming experience, the MSI Claw A8 is absolutely worth considering.

The post MSI Claw A8 Review (2025): The Ultimate AMD-Powered Handheld Gaming PC? appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Across the country, schools are rethinking how they build teamwork, leadership, and digital readiness among learners. Esports or competitive gaming, has evolved from a casual pastime into a credible part of education, offering learners a space to collaborate, problem-solve, and express themselves in a digital world.

From Cape Town to Pretoria, high schools are integrating esports into their extracurricular calendars. Teachers and coaches are discovering that gaming nurtures many of the same values as traditional sport, focus, communication, and resilience, while also building the cognitive and technical foundations associated with STEM learning.

It’s no longer an unconventional activity. South African school leagues have been developing for several years, providing structure, recognition, and even pathways into professional gaming. Among the most established is the Telkom VS Gaming High School Esports League (HSEL), presented by Samsung, which now includes 97 registered schools nationwide and culminates in live finals at Comic Con Africa and Comic Con Cape Town.

At Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, esports has become part of holistic learner development. Around 70 learners participate each year across Rocket League, CounterStrike 2 (CS2), and EAFC, balancing practice with academics and other sporting codes.

“The kids get another opportunity to meet new learners with a like-minded mindset,” says Johannes Stoltz, coach and Head of Esports at Paul Roos. “Educators are seeing tangible benefits, learners develop stronger communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, along with digital fluency, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities that directly support STEM education and future careers in technology.”

“We always have some of the smartest learners in the grade competing,” Stoltz adds.

“Gaming creates great leaders and problem solvers because they’re constantly thinking under pressure and adapting fast. For many schools, adopting esports is also about ethos, giving digital athletes the same support and recognition that traditional sports has always enjoyed.”

At Parklands College in Cape Town, the enthusiasm for esports has grown rapidly.

“Our learners were already highly competitive players,” says Michael Paul Roth, Head of Esports at Parklands College and Chairman of the South African Schools Esports Association.

“Once they discovered there was a national league, they immediately recognised the opportunity to represent their school in their favourite medium. Today, 56 learners from Grade 7 to Matric compete in various titles, and the number continues to rise. Parklands’ CS teams have reached the HSEL finals four years in a row, with half of all LAN finalists in 2025 coming from the school.

Roth says esports has strengthened inclusion and community on campus.

“It provides a space for learners who aren’t necessarily academic or sporty to show their mettle. It allows them to participate, decompress, and feel like they’re part of the College.”

The HSEL has become a launchpad for this kind of growth. Since 2018, it has provided a structured, national framework for learners to compete across Rocket League, CounterStrike 2, and EAFC.

In 2025, St John’s College claimed the CS2 title, while Curro Durbanville took the Rocket League championship. All matches were streamed live on Twitch, giving learners national exposure and allowing families to follow the action in real time.

The results speak for themselves, several learners who began in HSEL have since joined professional teams, with players as young as 15 to 17 years-old already being scouted by top South African organisations.

“The HSEL has become one of the most exciting spaces for youth development in South Africa,” says Johann von Backström, Senior Manager: Content and Gaming at Telkom VS Gaming. “It’s about more than competition. It’s about helping learners build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of purpose through gaming.”

As esports grows within schools, it’s also beginning to spill over beyond the classroom. Squad Up Saturdays, made possible by Samsung and hosted at Design Quarter, turns that same team spirit into a shared, in person experience.

These monthly events invite learners, schools, parents, and gaming community fans to spend a day at the Samsung Design Quarter Experience Store DQX in Fourways, immersed in gaming culture. Visitors can watch HSEL matches live, join friendly tournaments, and experience how gaming builds confidence and community in a fun, family-friendly space.

“Squad Up Saturdays is about connection. Its where schools, parents, and learners can experience what esports is all about, teamwork, energy, and fun,” added Bronwyn Hume, Samsung Head of Marketing, Consumer Electronics.

Whether you’re a first-time player, a curious parent, or a passionate supporter, Squad Up Saturdays offer a welcoming space to play, learn, and be part of South Africa’s growing gaming community.

For information on how to participate, visit Squad Up Saturdays.

The post FROM CLASSROOM TO CONSOLE: WHY SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS ARE EMBRACING ESPORTS appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

The Mario Tennis series is back with new characters, game modes, the all-new Fever Rackets and more
February 2026 – Choose from a vast volley of characters and modes, and face off in colourful, chaotic matches when Mario Tennis Fever launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 this week on February 12th.

Check out the Mario Tennis Fever – A courtside deep dive! (Nintendo Switch 2) trailer.

Mario Tennis Fever will serve up new characters, game modes and experiences. This time around there are 38 playable characters, the most in series history – including the debuts of Goomba, Nabbit, Baby Waluigi and more.

In Mario Tennis Fever, the all-new Fever Rackets allow players to serve themselves an advantage. Players can equip their characters with a selection of 30 new rackets, each with its own unique abilities. Keep a rally going to build up the Fever Gauge, then unleash a powerful Fever Shot with a special effect. With a Fever Racket in hand, players might just swing the match in their favour. Players can unleash fiery chaos on the court with the Flame Racket, summon enemies with the Pokey Racket, leap for even the toughest shots using a burst of speed from the Golden Dash Racket, and more.

Mario Tennis Fever also introduces new and returning game modes for everyone from series veterans’ to first timers. There are online modes^*1 like Online Room, a casual play mode with customisable rules, or Ranked Match where players can face challengers from all over the world. In Swing Mode, up to four players can execute each shot type using intuitive motion controls and enjoy energetic matches with friends and family. Get ready for the Trial Towers mode, where players take on a series of challenges as they make their way to the top.

And in the Adventure Mode, players embark on a junior sized journey as Baby Mario. Here, they can master the basics, learn how and when to use each shot, and practise their techniques. As they progress, players must overcome a host of challenges, battle fearsome foes, and level up their skills to help Baby Mario reclaim his former glory.

Mario Tennis Fever also supports GameShare^*2 functionality, allowing up to four players to take to the court together using just one copy of the game. Other players can join the fun via local wireless using their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch consoles.

Players also have the opportunity to give their Nintendo Switch 2 a stylish new look. Nintendo has announced the availability of the first new coloured Joy-Con 2 controllers – Light Purple and Light Green – also arriving February 12^th. Pre-orders are available now on My Nintendo Store.

Mario Tennis Fever launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12th. Players can choose from 38 playable characters, a variety of chaotic game modes, and more. They can also equip one of 30 Fever Rackets — each with its own unique abilities — and unleash powerful Fever Shots with special effects against their opponents.

Related videos:

The post SERVE UP SOME CHAOS ON THE COURT WHEN MARIO TENNIS FEVER LAUNCHES FOR NINTENDO SWITCH 2 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Cloud gaming and remote play promise console-quality gaming anywhere, but there’s a catch: your internet connection. The Abxylute One handheld gaming console puts that promise to the test, offering an affordable, lightweight way to stream games rather than run them locally.

After spending time with the device, here’s an honest, real-world look at what the Abxylute One does well, where it struggles, and who it’s actually for.

What Is the Abxylute One Handheld?

The Abxylute One is a cloud gaming and remote play handheld designed to stream games over Wi-Fi instead of running them natively. It runs Android 12, features physical controls, and targets gamers who want a portable way to play their existing cloud or remote games, without paying premium handheld prices.

This device lives and dies by one thing: network stability.

Specs

Gaming Experience: Where the Abxylute One Lives or Dies

When Wi-Fi Is Strong

• Gameplay is smooth and enjoyable
• Streaming quality holds up well
• The experience feels exactly like cloud gaming should

When Wi-Fi Drops

• Visual quality degrades rapidly
• Input lag becomes noticeable
• Immersion breaks frequently
• Precision-based and first-person shooters suffer the most

Because the Abxylute One has no wired network option, it is 100% dependent on Wi-Fi quality.

A Notable South African Connection

The Abxylute One is produced in conjunction with Tencent Gaming. For South African users, that’s interesting because Tencent is an invested company of Naspers, the parent company behind brands like Takealot and Media24.

It’s a nice full-circle moment: a device indirectly backed by South African investment making its way back into the local market.

Who Is the Abxylute One For?

Recommended For:

• Casual gamers
• Cloud gaming subscribers
• Players with reliable, stable home Wi-Fi
• Gamers who want a budget-friendly handheld
• Users who value portability and comfort

Not Recommended For:

• Competitive FPS players
• Gamers expecting offline or native performance
• Users with unstable or slow internet connections

Price & Availability in South Africa

• Price Range: R1,999 – R2,999
• Colours: Black or White
• Available At:
  • Takealot
  • Wootware
  • FirstShop
  • Progenix

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable entry into handheld cloud gaming
• Lightweight and easy to hold
• Solid buttons and excellent analog sticks
• Clean, simple interface
• Affordable entry in cloud gaming

Cons

• Extremely Wi-Fi dependent
• Input lag impacts fast-paced games
• No native controller support for Android games
• Average audio quality
• Occasional vibration bugs

Final Verdict: Is the Abxylute One Worth It?

The Abxylute One isn’t a bad device, but it demands honesty.

This is not a traditional handheld console. It’s a portable streaming device, and once you understand that, its value becomes much clearer. With strong Wi-Fi and realistic expectations, it delivers a comfortable, affordable way to stream your games around the house or on the go.

Just remember: your Wi-Fi will always be part of the experience, for better or worse. If you have solid internet and want a budget-friendly cloud gaming handheld, the Abxylute One makes sense.

The post Abxylute One Handheld Review: How Much Does Your Internet Really Matter for Cloud Gaming? appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

New co-op and competitive gameplay plus other new content and enhancements are coming to the Flower Kingdom. 
January 22^nd, 2026 – Even more fun is coming to the Flower Kingdom: Whether you’re looking for new ways to play together or new content to enjoy on your own, you’ll find it when Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park arrives on March 26^th for Nintendo Switch 2.

Check out the new trailer to see the all-new multiplayer mayhem and more coming to the Flower Kingdom: https://youtu.be/-LgNT3oIw6Q

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park brings new co-op and competitive gameplay to the Flower Kingdom, in addition to other new content and enhancements specifically for Nintendo Switch 2. Gather friends and family and visit Bellabel Park, a new area of the Flower Kingdom that features two large plazas filled with attractions. Team up or face off in challenges like Fast Cash: Tip Tap’s Coin Spree where you collect as many gold coins as you can, or Knock ‘em Back: Bubble Blaster where you duke it out and try to survive with the most lives intact. 

Local Multiplayer Plaza features 17 different types of attractions which you can play with up to three friends on the same system¹. The game supports GameShare² functionality, so if one player has the game, they can share it locally with up to three other players. You can also visit Game Room Plaza which supports online and local wireless play. Here, each player brings their own system to play locally or online³, joining the action on their own screen. Up to 12 friends can compete against one another in Game Room Plaza’s six additional attractions.  

Other features new to this edition of the game include:

• Toad Brigade Training Camp – In Bellabel Park you can also put your skills to the test across a wide variety of challenges set in courses from Super Mario Bros. Wonder. As you progress through the main game, you will have access to even more training courses from across the Flower Kingdom. Complete the trainings on your own or try clearing the objectives with up to three other players to rise through the rankings of the Toad Brigade and aim to become an elite explorer. 
  
   
• Assist Mode – New to the Super Mario Bros. Wonder experience? There’s plenty of help here. Turn this on while you play the courses and you’ll have the opportunity to recover quickly from unexpected falls into pits without loosing a life or avoid taking damage no matter which character you play as. 
  
   
• Familiar Friends – This new edition brings none other than Rosalina herself to the Flower Kingdom for the first time. And she’s not alone – Co-Star Luma is also along for the ride as an assist character, available when at least two people are playing together. Luma won’t take damage but can help other players out by spinning to defeat enemies and gather coins in the courses. You can even control Luma using the Nintendo Switch 2 mouse control functionality.
  
   
• And Mischievous Enemies – While Rosalina and Luma are welcome guests, you may feel differently about the Koopalings, who arrive to add a bit of chaos. After treasure hidden inside Bellabel Park is stolen by the seven Koopalings, they all flee to various worlds across the Flower Kingdom. Keep an eye out because if you stumble upon one, you’ll now have to enter their course and engage in battle with them. 
  
   
  
  These new features and more are available when Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park launches on March 26^th. If you already have Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll be able to access the new content by purchasing an upgrade pack⁴. Pre-orders for the Super Mario Bros. Wonder upgrade pack begin today on My Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch 2.
  
   
  
  Launching alongside Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park on March 26^th are three new amiibo⁵. Elephant Mario, Poplin & Prince Florian and Captain Toad & Talking Flower are all coming to join the fun.
  
   
  
  And speaking of Talking Flower, you’ll soon be able to bring the loquacious blossom home in real life. Leave it to speak freely, or press the button to make it talk immediately – press the button often and it might even say something special! You can also set it to greet you when you wake up, or send you to sleep with a smile. It will also pay attention to the time of day and temperature and won’t be shy about letting you know the details. Add a little fun to your day with Talking Flower when it launches on My Nintendo Store and select retailers on March 12^th. Pre-purchase for Talking Flower begins today on My Nintendo Store and will begin soon at select retailers.
  
   
  
  Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park brings new co-op and competitive gameplay plus other new content and enhancements to the Flower Kingdom when it launches on March 26^th for Nintendo Switch 2. Three new amiibo launch alongside the game and chatty friend Talking Flower will be available on March 12^th.
  
   
  
  Related videos:

Notes to Editors

*¹ Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately.

*² Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare session. Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the software during the session in which it was shared. Shared game will not be playable after the session ends.

*³ Internet connection required during online play. To use online services, you must create a Nintendo Account and accept the related agreement. The Nintendo Account Privacy Policy applies. Some online services may not be available in all countries. Online play requires paid online membership.

^*4 A copy of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is required to use this upgrade pack. For more information, visit:https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/Hardware/Nintendo-Switch-2/Nintendo-Switch-2-Edition-games-2785636.html

^*5 amiibo sold separately.

For further updates:

Nintendo website: https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/ 

Nintendo Distributor SA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nintendodistributorsa

Nintendo Distributor SA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nintendosadistributor/

Nintendo Distributor SA on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NintendoSouthAfricaDistributor 

Nintendo Online Store South Africa: https://store.nintendo.co.za/ 

Nintendo UK on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NintendoUK

Nintendo Switch UK on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NintendoSwitchUK

amiibo UK on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amiiboUK

Nintendo UK on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/NintendoUK

Nintendo of Europe on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nintendoeurope

Nintendo Switch on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/NintendoSwitchEurope/

The post DISCOVER MORE OF WHAT’S NEW IN SUPER MARIO BROS. WONDER – NINTENDO SWITCH 2 EDITION + MEETUP IN BELLABEL PARK appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

The MSI Cyborg 15 has always been known for delivering affordable gaming performance, but the latest model takes things to a whole new level. With AI-ready hardware, NVIDIA RTX 40-series graphics, DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6E, and MSI’s iconic translucent cyberpunk design, this laptop stands out in a crowded budget market. At R22,500, the MSI Cyborg 15 might just be the best budget gaming laptop in South Africa right now.

The new MSI Cyborg 15 is powered by Intel’s Core 7 240H processor and paired with NVIDIA’s RTX 5050 laptop GPU featuring 8GB of GDDR7 memory, an impressive combination for this price range.

What really makes the Cyborg 15 unique is MSI’s commitment to blending modern AI-accelerated performance with a bold translucent gaming chassis, something very few brands are doing in 2025.

Specs

Who Is the MSI Cyborg 15 For?

The MSI Cyborg 15 is ideal for:

• Entry-level to mid-range gamers
• Students who need both gaming and study performance
• Budget content creators, thanks to AV1 encoding
• Anyone looking for a modern AI-capable laptop under R23,000

Price and Availability in South Africa

• Price: R22,500
• Retailer: Computer Mania (and selected MSI partners)
• Colour: Translucent Black with Cyborg signature finish

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent entry-level RTX GPU (RTX 5050)
• AI-ready Intel Core 7 240H processor
• Stylish unique translucent design
• RAM upgradeable up to 96GB
• Wi-Fi 6E and AV1 encoder support
• Great price-to-performance ratio
• 144Hz display

Cons

• Average battery life
• 1080p-only display (no 1440p option)
• Single SSD slot
• Fans can get loud under heavy load

Final Verdict: Is the MSI Cyborg 15 Worth It?

The MSI Cyborg 15 delivers outstanding value in South Africa, especially at the R22,500 price point. You’re getting current-generation Intel and NVIDIA hardware, modern AI features, and a design that looks unlike any other budget gaming laptop.

If you’re looking for a futuristic gaming laptop that performs well without costing R30,000, the MSI Cyborg 15 is absolutely worth considering. Check out the full youtube review here

The post MSI Cyborg 15 Review: The Best Budget Gaming Laptop in South Africa appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Mario Tennis Fever will smash onto Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12^th with new characters, game modes, the all-new Fever Rackets and more

January 12^th, 2026 – The Mario Tennis series is back. Hit the court with over-the-top tennis mayhem when Mario Tennis Fever launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12th.

To get you on the court and in the game, check out the new trailer right here: Mario Tennis Fever – A courtside deep dive! (Nintendo Switch 2)

Mario Tennis Fever will serve up new characters, game modes and experiences. This time around there are 38 playable characters, the most in series history – including the debuts of Goomba, Nabbit, Piranha Plant, Baby Wario and Baby Waluigi. Once you’ve selected your character, get into the game with tried-and-true techniques like Topspin, Slices and Lobs.

Get ready for the all-new Fever Rackets and swing the match in your favour. Equip your character with a selection of 30 new rackets, each with its own unique abilities – like the Ice Racket, which turns parts of the court into a slippery frozen tundra, the Mini Mushroom Racket, which shrinks your opponent to bite size and the Shadow Racket, which will have your opponent seeing double as you create a duplicate of your character. Just fill up your Fever Gauge to unleash a Fever Shot. And if you’re on the receiving end of one, don’t worry; you can try and send it back at your opponent before the shot hits the court, so they feel the effects instead.

Mario Tennis Fever also introduces new and returning game modes for everyone from pros to first timers. Get ready for Trial Towers mode, where players take on a series of challenges as you make your way to the top. There is also the new Mix It Up mode, where you can play matches with unconventional rules – like Ring Shot, where you have to hit balls with precision through rings to earn points, and Forest Court Match where you can expand the court by feeding Piranha Plants a steady diet of tennis balls. Jump into a Wonder Court Match and experience Wonder Effects inspired by Super Mario Bros. Wonder that can really keep you guessing. You can also enjoy returning modes like Tournament mode, this time enhanced with play-by-play commentary from a Talking Flower. There are also online modes^*1 like Online Room, a casual play mode with customisable rules, or Ranked Matches where you can battle other players from around the world for tennis supremacy. There is even Swing Mode where you can gently swing your Joy-Con 2 controller to hit a variety of different shots.

Mario Tennis Fever offers a new way for you to practice your techniques or learn new ones with Adventure mode. In this single-player campaign, where mysterious monsters turn Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Wario and Waluigi into babies, they must re-master their tennis skills and overcome challenges to return to normal.

The game also supports GameShare^*2 functionality, meaning if one person has Mario Tennis Fever on Nintendo Switch 2, up to three nearby players can join in using their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.

As you enjoy all of the chaotic tennis action in Mario Tennis Fever, you’ll also have the opportunity to give your Nintendo Switch 2 a stylish new look. Nintendo has announced the availability of the first new coloured Joy-Con 2 controllers – Light Purple and Light Green – also arriving February 12^th. Pre-orders are available now on My Nintendo Store.

A new trailer for Mario Tennis Fever featured a look at some of the new characters, game modes, all-new Fever Rackets and other experiences that will be available when the game smashes onto Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12^th.

Related videos:

Notes

*1 Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. Mobile phone number registration required to use GameChat. Children must get approval from a parent or guardian via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to use GameChat. Some online services may not be available in all countries. A compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately), is required to use some game features and video chat. Not available in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. Until March 31, 2026, GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat. Additional accessories, games, systems and/or memberships sold separately. 

*2 A Nintendo Switch 2 console must initiate GameShare session. Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the software during the session in which it was shared. Shared game will not be playable after the session ends. 

For further updates:

Nintendo website: https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/ 
Nintendo Distributor SA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nintendodistributorsa
Nintendo Distributor SA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nintendosadistributor/
Nintendo Distributor SA on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NintendoSouthAfricaDistributor 
Nintendo Online Store South Africa: https://store.nintendo.co.za/ 

Nintendo UK on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NintendoUK

Nintendo Switch UK on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NintendoSwitchUK

amiibo UK on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amiiboUK

Nintendo UK on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/NintendoUK

Nintendo of Europe on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nintendoeurope
Nintendo Switch on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/NintendoSwitchEurope/

The post GET READY FOR TENNIS WITH A TWIST IN THE NEWMARIO TENNIS FEVER OVERVIEW TRAILER appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

The MSI Crosshair A16 HX is MSI’s latest high-performance gaming laptop, designed for gamers, creators, and power users who want desktop-class performance in a portable form factor. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen 9 HX processor and NVIDIA’s new RTX 50-series graphics, this 16-inch machine aims to blur the line between gaming laptop and creator workstation.

In this review, we break down the specs, performance, design, and real-world usability to help you decide if the MSI Crosshair A16 HX is worth the investment.

Specs

Performance: Ryzen 9 8940HX + RTX 5070 Combo

At the heart of the Crosshair A16 HX is the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, built on the Zen 4 architecture. This processor features:

• 16 cores / 32 threads
• Base clock: ~2.4–2.9GHz (model dependent)
• Boost clock: Up to 5.3GHz

This makes it exceptionally capable for demanding tasks such as high-FPS gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, and streaming.

Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, featuring 8GB of GDDR7 VRAM, the system delivers excellent gaming and creative performance. With MSI OverBoost, the CPU and GPU can draw up to 170W combined, ensuring sustained performance under heavy loads.

DLSS support and RTX features allow gamers to push high frame rates while maintaining visual quality, especially important on a 240Hz display.

Display: QHD+ 240Hz for Gaming and Creation

The Crosshair A16 HX features a 16-inch QHD+ (2560 × 1600) display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering more vertical space than standard 16:9 panels.

Display highlights include:

• 240Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay
• IPS-level panel
• 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, ideal for content creators
• Crisp visuals for gaming, editing, multitasking, and streaming

This display strikes an excellent balance between competitive gaming performance and creator-grade color accuracy.

Gaming and Real-World Use

In gameplay tests, the Crosshair A16 HX excels. The combination of RTX 5070 graphics and a 240Hz panel enables smooth, responsive performance in competitive esports titles, while still handling demanding AAA games and creative workloads with ease.

The cooling system, MSi cooler boost and hybrid design keeps temperatures under control even during long gaming or 4K editing sessions, ensuring consistent performance without throttling.

The 16-inch screen also provides ample space for multitasking, perfect for creators working with timelines, overlays, or multiple windows.

Price and Availability in South Africa

The MSI Crosshair A16 HX is currently retailing for R41,999 and is available locally via Evetech, with the review unit supplied by MFI South Africa.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional performance from Ryzen 9 + RTX 5070
• QHD+ 240Hz display ideal for gaming and content creation
• Upgradeable RAM up to 96GB
• Dual SSD slots for future expansion
• Strong port selection and advanced cooling
• Solid build quality and RGB gaming keyboard

Cons

• Heavier than ultra-portable laptops (2.5kg)
• Premium price tag
• Battery life varies and gaming requires being plugged in
• Local configurations may differ

Final Verdict: Is the MSI Crosshair A16 HX Worth It?

The MSI Crosshair A16 HX is a no-compromise gaming and creator laptop. It’s built for users who need serious performance and are willing to trade ultra-light portability for power, cooling, and expandability.

If you’re a hardcore gamer, content creator, or prosumer looking for a machine that can handle long gaming sessions and demanding creative workflows, the Crosshair A16 HX is an excellent investment.

If portability or budget is your top priority, lighter and cheaper alternatives exist, but they won’t match this level of performance.

The post MSI Crosshair A16 HX Review: RTX 5070 Gaming Laptop with Ryzen 9 Power appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.