Topic: physical media
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Gen Z's Retro Tech Obsession: Why the Comeback?
Gen Z is embracing older technology like record players and film cameras, seeking a more intentional and tactile experience that contrasts with purely digital media. This trend is driven by a desire for tangible ownership, authenticity, and sensory engagement, as seen in the appeal of physical fo...
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The Ultimate Portable CD Player Is Here, and I Want It
The Shanling EC Zero AKM is a portable CD player that appeals to physical media enthusiasts by offering both modern features like Bluetooth connectivity with AptX support and traditional outputs for wired listening. It includes practical functions such as a long-lasting battery, USB-C charging, a...
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Switch 2 Game Cards Too Slow for Star Wars Outlaws, Dev Claims
The Nintendo Switch 2 shows a significant performance gap in load times, with Game Cards lagging behind faster options like MicroSD Express and internal storage. Nintendo's choice to use slower Game Cards may be due to hardware cost savings, though cartridge production expenses remain high and pu...
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Zelda: Breath of the Wild Vinyl Soundtrack Coming to U.S.
Nintendo is releasing *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* soundtrack on vinyl in the U.S. for the first time, marking a shift from its previous focus on Japan for physical soundtrack releases. Two versions will be available starting June 19, 2026: a double LP with 34 curated tracks for $49....
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Palmer Luckey: The Future of Tech Lies in the Past
Palmer Luckey and Alexis Ohanian argued at CES that older technology had superior aesthetics and design philosophy, which they believe will influence future innovation, despite acknowledging modern tech's advancements. They identified a cultural shift where nostalgia drives demand for tangible, r...
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When Algorithms Fail Music
Music discovery has shifted from human-led exploration, like record store recommendations, to being dominated by algorithmic systems from platforms like Spotify, which prioritize user engagement over artistic diversity. Algorithms have influenced music creation, leading to shorter songs, simplifi...
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Sarah Bond Reveals Microsoft's Prototype for Next-Gen Xbox
Microsoft is considering diversifying its Xbox hardware beyond traditional consoles, potentially introducing streaming devices or handheld units to offer tiered access for a broader audience. Historical examples like the 3DO Multiplayer show risks in multi-manufacturer models, and a PC-like hardw...
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Grab These Top 4K Blu-rays: 3 for $33 at Amazon
Amazon is offering a promotion through January 19th where customers can purchase three 4K UHD Blu-ray discs for a total of $33, providing a cost-effective way to build a collection. To enjoy these discs, a compatible 4K Blu-ray player or a disc-based gaming console is required, with the promotion...
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IGN's 2025 Black Friday Deals Team: Your Ultimate Guide
The IGN Deals team leverages over three decades of collective expertise to curate and deliver the best Black Friday discounts on games, tech, and entertainment, saving shoppers time and effort. Key team members include specialists like Eric Song, Robert Anderson, and Chris Reed, each with unique ...
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Black Friday PS5 Slim & Pro Deals: Save Now
Black Friday deals offer significant discounts on PlayStation 5 consoles, including the PS5 Digital Edition at $399, the standard PS5 at $449, and the PS5 Pro at $649, available at major retailers until December 18th. The PS5 Digital Edition is the most affordable but lacks a disc drive, while th...
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Preorder the Xbox Fallout Pip-Boy Controller Now
Microsoft has released a special-edition Fallout Pip-Boy Xbox controller for preorder at a discounted price, which is also customizable through Xbox Design Labs. The controller's design is inspired by the iconic Pip-Boy from the games, featuring themed aesthetics while maintaining the standard fu...
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Summer Eternal to Reveal Debut Game Exclusively on Vinyl and Art Book
Summer Eternal, founded by former ZA/UM writers, is revealing its debut project exclusively through a premium analog package—an art book and vinyl record—bypassing digital marketing entirely. The collective is funding its first game, codenamed Red Rooster, through anthology sales, with revenue fi...
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Limited-Time Sale: PS5, PlayStation Portal & DualSense
The annual PlayStation holiday sale is ending soon, offering final discounts on key hardware like the PS5, PlayStation Portal, and DualSense controller before prices return to normal. Significant deals include the PS5 Digital Edition at $399, the standard PS5 slim at $449, and the high-performanc...
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Pokémon Pokopia Release Date Revealed for Switch 2 Game-Key Card
Pokémon Pokopia, a life-simulation and crafting spin-off featuring an anthropomorphized Ditto, will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5th, allowing players to build a Pokémon paradise. The game will use Nintendo's Game-Key Card system, which requires an internet connection for digital download...
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PS5 DualSense Controller With Removable Battery Leaked
Sony is rumored to be developing a new PlayStation 5 controller with a removable battery pack, potentially launching in November, which would allow users to replace the battery instead of buying a new controller. A minor revision for the PlayStation 5 Pro console is also in the works, reportedly ...
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