Which Do You Prefer? Comparing PokerStars’ Legacy Client and With the Modern “Aurora” Engine
Before and after: Side-by-side comparisons of PokerStars' all new game engine.
Thanks to our big brothers pokerfuse and Poker Industry PRO, we now know that PokerStars is planning to launch a big new product update that’s going to impact the online poker experience at the tables.
Some changes are subtle—tweaks and improvements here and there. In other places, the changes are more dramatic. Overall, the new client will offer a richer experience, with higher resolution graphics, smoother animations, and improved sound effects.
But that doesn’t mean it’s better. So you think this is an upgrade or a step backwards? Here we put some side-by-side for your viewing pleasure, and you can judge for yourself.
(if you’d rather do the sliding yourself, head on over to pokerfuse which has interactive widgets!)
Mercury
First up is the Mercury theme—changes here are pretty subtle.
PokerStars wants to keep this update minimal, so the default experience for players will be pretty much the same. You’ll notice, however, that the bottom left box has changed quite a bit, with nicer buttons and a more legible font. The felt is darker, and card faces are slightly bigger.
Classic
Next up we’ve got the old original PokerStars theme, now called “Classic.” Much bigger changes here—the background has gone all modern and minamalist, there’s a bright shining halo of a light source at the top, and everyone’s name plates are in the more modern style.
Some old-school online poker players might lament the changes here, but it seems like a big step in the right direction to us. Definitely a clearer experience for those that play more than a couple of tables. We’re a fan.
Saloon
Finally, and most controversially, is Saloon. Where do we start?!
Firstly, you might not even be familiar with the old theme—that’s because, let’s be honest, it aint a pretty sight. Its a weird mish-mash of designs and all looks like something out of the 1990s.
The new one—well it’s certainly modern. PokerStars has certainly made use of the new Aurora game engine here, there’s animated smoke rising from the cigar, there’s a sheriff’s badge for the dealer button… it feels a bit too busy for us, so I doubt it will be a hit with multi-tablers.
But maybe it’ll prove to be a hit for casual players?
Anyway, that’s just our thoughts, what do you think? Let us know on social.
WSOP 2024 Streaming Schedule Has Landed!
The PokerGO schedule has over 300 hours of WSOP coverage coming your way.
Couple of Days Left to Join Exclusive ClubWPT Choctaw Freeroll
There is still time to sign up to ClubWPT and secure your seat in the exclusive WPT Choctaw freeroll awarding a $5,000 package for the Championship event.
ClubWPT Isn’t Just for “Fun” Players Anymore
ClubWPT now offers a lot of value for serious players as well, featuring some of the best and softest WPT live qualifiers available anywhere.
Mark Your Calendar: PokerStars Reveals SCOOP 2024 Dates
PokerStars’ flagship Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) is returning for its 16th edition in May.
Win a Free WPT Championship Seat with ClubWPT & Pokerfuse
The exclusive freeroll taking place on April 1 will send the winner to play in the WPT Choctaw Championship event in style!
New WSOP Promotion Giving Away $3,000 Package
The Shoot your Shot promotion is running in US markets until March 18.
WSOP Main Event Seats up for Grabs in GGPoker’s Super Circuit Series
The big online series features $100,000,000 in cash prizes and dozens of WSOP Main Event packages for GGPoker players.
GGPoker Brings WSOP to Toronto for the First Time Ever
GGPoker Ontario has partnered up with Great Canadian Resort Toronto to bring the first-ever WSOP Circuit event to Daniel Negreanu’s home city.
Your Routes to Qualify Online for WSOP 2024 Main Event
Online Qualifiers are now underway from as little as $1!
WSOP 2024 Online Schedule — To Be Released by March 15?
Players will have to wait a bit longer to find out how to play for WSOP bracelets online.
Daniel Negreanu Reveals His WSOP 2024 Plans
Daniel Negreanu has announced his personal schedule for the 2024 WSOP, aiming to play in 45 bracelet events this summer.
The FULL WSOP 2024 Schedule Has *Finally* Been Released
The wait is over and players can finally start planning for the 2024 World Series of Poker!
$10M on Offer in GGPoker Masters Overlay Edition
GGPoker will be throwing one of the most valuable online tournaments in 2024, with a big overlay almost guaranteed!
Third Times a Charm! WSOP Schedule To Be Released Tomorrow
WSOP 2024 Schedule coming Friday, for real this time.
Player Has $700k Confiscated by PartyPoker
PartyPoker confiscated the record amount, claiming that ‘Exodus944’ broke terms and conditions by providing a fake document.
PokerStars Team Pro Completes $100 to $10,000 Bankroll Challenge
It took nearly 100 days for the PokerStars Team Pro Sebastian Huber to reach his goal and turn the initial $100 bankroll into $10,000.
WSOP US Throwing Main Event Satellites Every Sunday in February
Join $215 satellites on WSOP US on Sundays and have an early shot at securing your seat in the 2024 Main Event!
Game of Gold Show: Behind the Scenes Premiers Tomorrow
The cast of the Game of Gold show comes together again to talk about their personal experiences and relive some of the best moments that marked Season 1.
Bounty Builder Series Coming to PokerStars US This February
PokerStars US players in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey will get to enjoy ten days of non-stop bounty action.
WSOP Keeps Players Waiting… Full Schedule Coming “Next Week”
Players are chomping at the bit to make plans for the summer, as WSOP schedule still not released.