There’s nothing better than gaming with a group of friends, especially in the sweltering heat of Toronto’s late summer. That’s where the Intel-sponsored Gaming Garage at the CNE makes an ideal spot for anyone looking to beat the summer heat for the second year in a row! The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), affectionately known as “The Ex” to locals, is once again hosting Intel’s CNE Gaming Garage. This year, it’s bigger, better, and more immersive than ever.
Now in its second year, the Intel-sponsored Gaming Garage has expanded from a modest 6,400 square feet to a sprawling 9,800 square feet of pure gaming excitement. It’s a testament to the success of last year’s debut and the growing appetite for interactive tech experiences at one of Canada’s largest annual fairs.
Intel’s Marketing Director for the Americas, Asma Aziz, explains: “Intel’s involvement in the CNE Gaming Garage is about showcasing the power of our technology, from the hardware to what it enables as a platform. Gamers will have the chance to see how the latest Intel processors, graphics cards, and other high-performance components ensure a seamless, immersive gaming experience, forming the backbone of the gaming setups and premium PCs available in the Gaming Garage.”
The Gaming Garage is packed with the latest Intel-powered gaming rigs, lifestyle PCs and AI-enhanced machines from a who’s who of tech giants. Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, iBUYPOWER, MSI, Lenovo and Samsung have all brought their A-game, giving visitors the chance to get their hands on hardware many have only dreamed of.
But perhaps most exciting of all is the massive 2,100-square-foot free-play area at the heart of Intel’s CNE Gaming Garage. Here, visitors can sit down and immerse themselves in their favourite titles, all running on systems that would thrill even the most hardcore PC gamer, and it’s all powered by Intel. It’s the perfect respite for parents needing a break from the carnival atmosphere or for kids wanting to show off their skills on machines that don’t require a pocketful of change—bringing back memories for those who recall the joys of arcades.
Speaking of arcades, for those who prefer their gaming with a side of nostalgia, the GOES Retro Arcade is back. It offers a trip down memory lane with classic consoles and, for the more adventurous, Virtual Reality stations that promise to transport players to whole new worlds. It’s a range of gaming that goes beyond the typical PC experience, and Intel’s CNE Gaming Garage manages to pack it all into one place, ready for families and friends to enjoy.
As if that were not enough, Intel has you covered for those who love competitive play as well. Esports takes center stage—literally—on a 54-foot-wide main stage that dominates the space. This year, over $25,000 in prize money is up for grabs across three tournaments, including the new CNE Master Clash featuring TEKKEN 8. It’s a national throwdown that’s seen preliminary bouts in Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Montreal, with the finals set to electrify the CNE crowd on August 25th.
TEKKEN 8 isn’t the only game being showcased. The CNE Gaming Garage powered by Intel will also host The CNE Showdown. Sixteen teams will compete for a chance at part of the $8500 prize pool. You can sign up for the The CNE Showdown: League of Legends brought to you by Alienware and The CNE Showdown: VALORANT hosted by ASUS ROG at their respective links.
The CNE Gaming Garage is designed to appeal to people of all ages. New for 2024 is a dedicated 1,500-square-foot Kids Zone featuring child-friendly games on Intel-powered laptops and a variety of tech-focused activities. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., it provides a much-needed digital playground for tech-savvy tykes. This is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the joys of PC gaming without concerns about games being too adult or worries about the internet and its many issues.
For those more interested in the creative side of gaming, the Student & Indie Game Showcase offers a glimpse into the future of the industry. Local student developers and independent creators will be showcasing their latest projects, giving attendees a chance to play tomorrow’s hits today. It’s a heartening display of grassroots innovation that stands in stark contrast to the polished AAA titles running on nearby machines.
For those who love tech beyond PCs and gaming, the annual FIRST Robotics competition returns to Intel’s CNE Gaming Garage for the Robots@CNE weekend with this year’s game, CRESCENDO. Teams work together to collect note rings, amplify their speakers, and harmonize by hanging on an elevated chain to score points. It sounds like an exciting showcase—who can say no to robots?
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Gaming Garage is its “try before you buy” concept, which goes well beyond what you’d find at a typical store. Attendees who get excited about a particular setup can purchase it on the spot from Canada Computers and Best Buy booths conveniently located within the Garage. It’s a savvy move that transforms the space from a mere exhibition into a potential launching pad for back-to-school shopping or holiday wish lists.
As the CNE prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from August 16 to September 2, the CNE Gaming Garage powered by Intel stands as an oasis of digital entertainment amidst a sea of traditional fair attractions. It’s a bold statement about the evolving nature of public events and the increasing integration of technology into our leisure activities. This is an opportunity to explore gaming in a safe, controlled environment and see first-hand “Why Intel?” when it comes to gaming laptops, PCs and more.
To celebrate Intel’s second year at the CNE Gaming Garage, we’re teaming up with them to give away five pairs of tickets to the CNE in Toronto so you can check out the Intel Gaming Garage for yourself. Head over to Gleam via this link for multiple ways to enter, and don’t forget to come back every day for daily entries! Tickets include one day’s admission to the CNE between 16th August and 2nd September, including all-day ride passes! Good luck to all!
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season looms, the CNE Gaming Garage offers one last hurrah for tech enthusiasts, young and old. Whether you’re there to compete, play, shop or simply marvel at the wonders of modern computing, Intel’s digital playground promises to be a highlight of this year’s CNE. Just remember to save some energy for the midway—after all, you can’t spend the whole day gaming. Or can you?
