April 8, 2025
Tech News
Nintendo has confirmed that the Joy-Cons of the upcoming Switch 2 do not utilize Hall effect joysticks. Senior Vice President Nate Bihldorff explained that these redesigned controllers feel different without the anti-drift features associated with Hall effect technology.
In cybersecurity news, a defacement attack targeted the Everest ransomware gang’s leak site, replacing its content with a cheeky message denouncing crime. The site, which publishes stolen files to extort victims, still showed signs of defacement, and the extent of any data breach remains undetermined.
Microsoft recently launched an AI-generated playable level of the classic game Quake II as a demo for its Copilot AI platform. While users can navigate a single level, Microsoft acknowledges that this experience has limitations, differentiating it from a traditional gaming experience.
The researchers attributed these limitations to imperfections in the AI model, which struggle with enemy clarity, health counters, and even object permanence. This tech demo is part of a broader exploration of AI applications in gaming, following mixed reactions from players regarding its execution and capabilities.
In the film industry, the highly anticipated Death Stranding movie has found its director, Michael Sarnoski, known for his work on Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One. A24 will produce this adaptation of the critically acclaimed game, set to feature surreal visuals and storytelling akin to the game’s unique aesthetic.
Tech Explained
Hall Effect – This physical principle describes how a magnetic field can create voltage across a conductor. In gaming controllers, Hall effect sensors are often applied to joysticks to minimize drift, addressing the issue of analog stick wear and tear.
Ransomware – This type of malicious software encrypts a victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker. Ransomware attacks pose significant risks to organizations, leading to extensive financial and reputational damages.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) – AI refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes problem-solving, recognizing patterns, and interacting with users, allowing for innovations in gaming and other sectors.
Quake II – A classic first-person shooter released in 1997, Quake II was groundbreaking for its technical achievements and multiplayer capabilities. It remains a significant part of video game history and serves as a basis for various projects exploring gaming technology.
Film Adaptation – This term describes the process of transforming a written story or another media form, such as a video game, into a film. Adaptations often aim to capture the essence of the original work while appealing to a broader movie-going audience.
