A brand new Xbox wireless controller will seemingly be revealed today.
That's according to Dealabs'reliable data miner 'billbil-kun' - known for previously leaking many industry announcements like upcoming PlayStation Plus line-ups. They reported that Microsoft will be releasing a new wireless controller in October.
Called the Xbox Wireless Controller - Ghost Cipher Special Edition, this piece of hardware is set to be released on October 8, 2024, for $69.99 / £64.99 (around AU$136.99).
Preorders for the controller are also expected to go live today, September 24, after Microsoft formally makes the announcement.
The blue Sky Cipher is "Inspired by revealing the mysteries inside of the Xbox Wireless Controller", featuring metallic silver interior parts, "that shine through from inside, exuding an aura of sophistication and futuristic appeal," according to Microsoft's description.
The leaker reports that the information is based on the fact that they discovered that a new controller was being made that shares the same characteristics as the Sky Cipher, but it's unclear what color the controller will be at this time.
This summer, Microsoft unveiled new Xbox models including a 2TB Xbox Series X in a new Galaxy Black Special Edition, an all-digital 1TB Xbox Series X in Robot White, and an all-digital 1TB Xbox Series S in Robot White.
A new Sonic Central presentation is scheduled to go live later today (September 24), bringing what should hopefully be a slew of new Sonic-related announcements across games, movies, shows and merchandise.
The latest Sonic Central presentation was announced by the official Sonic the Hedgehog X / Twitter account. The announcement graphic reads: "Tune in for a sneak peek of some of our upcoming projects, partnerships, and events happening through 2025."
Sonic Central is airing today at 9am PST / 12pm EST / 5pm BST / 6pm CEST, so if you're keen on catching all the new announcements as they happen, be sure to have either the YouTube or Twitch page open at the times listed above to be among the first to learn about all the latest Sonic news.
Think fast! Sonic Central premieres TOMORROW at 9am PST. pic.twitter.com/zJkyW7ZzxiSeptember 23, 2024
To help keep your expectations in check, Sonic Central presentations are never anything too out there. We may get some updates on existing projects like Sonic X Shadow Generationsas well as the third Sonic movie.
Previous Sonic Central showcases announced projects like Netflix's Sonic Prime as well as merch lines from Lego and other toy brands. Expect a decent portion of today's Sonic Central to be focused on merch such as this.
As for what's happening for the franchise in 2025, we may get a bunch of new dates and venues for the live Sonic Symphony World Tour. There may even be an outside chance at the reveal of some new games, whether that be the next mainline entry after Sonic Frontiers, a spin-off or a remaster of another classic Sonic title.
The latter two seem much more likely than the former at this present date - especially as there's interest in the fanbase for remasters of Sonic Heroes and Sonic Unleashed. Personally, I'd love to see a new Sumo Digital-led Sonic racing game - ideally one of the Sonic Riders variety.
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PS5 Pro pre-orders go live this week: here's when you can buy one, and the retailers to try
The PS5 30th Anniversary Edition may have had its price revealed ahead of an official announcement, thanks to a recent leak.
The report comes from notable leaker billbil-kun, via Dealabs, who states that the PS5 30th Anniversary Edition model (specifically the PS5 Slim version of the special edition) will cost $499.99 / £449.99. That's a clean $50 hike over the standard PS5 Slim model.
That said, the PS5 30th Anniversary Edition will not come bundled with a disc drive. It will, however, come bundled with a vertical stand, special edition faceplate, a DualSense wireless controller, a bespoke PS1-style USB-C cable, and a set of collectible stickers.
Dealabs' billbil-kun also suggests that the 30th Anniversary Edition DualSense controller will retail at $79.99 (around £69.99). That's a $5 jump over the standard DualSense which recently saw a price increase of its own.
With all that in mind, the price of the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition remains unknown, with no word from Sony nor speculation from billbil-kun. The standard PS5 Pro will cost $699.99 / £699.99. If billbil-kun's report is correct, then the 30th Anniversary Edition PS5 Pro will likely cost even more, potentially anywhere between $749.99 / £749.99 to $799.99 / £799.99.
The PS5 Pro's price has been a point of contention for many, with plenty of gamers balking at the idea of spending that much on a mid-gen refresh that may not provide a wholly transformative experience and especially one that doesn't ship with a disc drive or a vertical stand. On the other hand, many have welcomed additions like PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for better overall image quality and a 2TB SSD for significantly more storage.
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Silent Hill 2's latest trailer confirms the survival horror remake will have one year of PS5 console exclusivity.
As spotted by Eurogamer, Bloober Team's anticipated remake of the 2001 Konami classic is slated to launch on October 8. It was previously known that Silent Hill 2 would be a PS5 console exclusive, but it wasn't clear as to whether or not that was to be a permanent fixture.
Until now, at least, thanks to the Silent Hill 2 'Immersion' trailer that has appeared on the official PlayStation YouTube channel. The minute-long trailer showcases some of Silent Hill 2's impressive environments and features, such as 4K visuals and immersive haptic feedback via the DualSense wireless controller. There will also be PlayStation 3D audio support and dynamic lightbar implementation that keeps a color-coded track of protagonist James Sunderland's health.
However, the PlayStation 5 splash screen at the end of the trailer reveals that Silent Hill 2 won't be "available on other formats until 10.08.2025." That's October 8, 2025; exactly one year on from the game's launch.
While Silent Hill 2 will be available on PC from day one, this essentially means that it won't be coming to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S (or potentially even Nintendo Switch 2) until at least late 2025. And even then, we would still recommend checking the game out on PS5 if you're able so you can make the most of those bespoke DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback support.
Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have just announced Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii at Tokyo Game Show 2024's RGG Summit presentation.
Firmly filing under the category of 'game ideas so good I can't believe they haven't happened already', this smaller-scale adventure stars iconic series madman Goro Majima as the protagonist. After washing up on a deserted island with no recollection of how he got there or even who he is, Majima is rescued by a young boy named Noah.
Before long, Majima and the folks of Rich Island are swept up in a full-scale pirate invasion, complete with naval battles and even a hunt for legendary treasure. It's arguably the most out there the Like a Dragon series has ever been, and that's even accounting for the madness we witnessed throughout Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will reportedly be similar in scope to 2023's Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Judging by the brief gameplay snippets we got from the announcement trailer, combat will return to the real-time action combat style as opposed to the more recent pivot to turn-based battles.
Majima will be able to switch between two fighting styles. First up is 'Sea Dog' which sees Majima dual-wielding swords. Then there's the 'Mad Dog' style, which presumably could be similar to his movesets from Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami 2.
Launching on February 28, 2025, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam), Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will have a few different versions. There's the Standard Edition which is available in either physical or digital versions. A digital-only Deluxe Edition adds some DLC customization items. There will also be a physical Collector's Edition that packs in the base game, Deluxe Edition content, and various physical goodies such as a replica of Majima's iconic eye patch.
Soulslike Lies of Pnow has an official merch store where you can buy all kinds of apparel including hoodies, shirts, and caps. Plus, publisher Neowiz has partnered with iam8bit to create a set of limited-edition vinyl records featuring the game's incredible soundtrack.
The Lies of P Gear Store, as it's known, is currently stocked with nine products, though the website also states that more items will be coming soon. The website also ships worldwide, though be aware that delivery costs may vary between regions. The currently available products are as follows:
Logo Graphic Hoodie: $55 / $39.99 / AU$80
Black Rabbit Brotherhood Hoodie: $55 / £39.99 / AU$50
Legion Arm Aegis Graffiti T-Shirt: $34 / £24.99 / AU$50
Legion Arm Flamberge Graffiti T-Shirt: $34 / £24.99 / AU$50
Legion Arm Pandemonium Graffiti T-Shirt: $34 / £24.99 / AU$50
Legion Arm Fulminis Graffiti T-Shirt: $34 / £24.99 / AU$50
Puppet of Geppetto / Deux Ex Machina T-Shirt: $34 / £24.99 / AU$50
Lies of P Cap: $34 / £24.99 / AU$50
(Image credit: Neowiz)
In addition to the official merch store, Neowiz has partnered with creative outlet iam8bit for a set of limited edition Lies of P vinyl records. First up, the Lies of P 3xLP features the entire game soundtrack on black and gold vinyl. It also comes with a trifold jacket with some truly stunning artwork. It'll be available on the iam8bit website for $74.99 (around £56.99).
A separate vinyl, Lies of P 7", highlights the fan favorite vocal track 'Feel' which will be available for $14.99 (around £11.99). For fans who want both, a special edition bundle packs in all these vinyls for $84.99 (around £64.99), though this will only be available until October 4.
That's plenty of solid new merch, then, but developer Round 8 Studio isn't quite done with Lies of P just yet. We know that the team is working on DLC for the game as well as a potential sequel if the surprise post-credits scene is anything to go by.
The PS6 price could reach or even pass the $600 threshold according to some games industry analysts.
In a chat with GamesBeat, trusted Circana analyst Mat Piscatella argued that "higher pricing will likely have to be part of the equation" for PS6, evidencing the slowdown of organic growth when it comes to console hardware sales in the US.
"I’m expecting prices on new console hardware to continue to increase," Piscatella added. "We’ve now seen that (previously a bit radioactive following the PS3’s pricing announcement way back when) $599 threshold reached or broken by both PlayStation and Xbox, so I certainly won’t be surprised if we see that again."
Midia Research's Rhys Elliot expects a similar shift in pricing, referencing PS5 Pro's controversial $699.99 price tag. "I expect to see the PS6 and Xbox’s next-generation consoles retailing at $600, at least," said Elliot. "PlayStation is clearly testing the waters with its PS5 Pro pricing."
Niko Partners' Daniel Ahmad also weighed in and stated that PS5 Pro "is focused on a price-insensitive audience," adding that: "console manufacturers have still taken steps to ensure they have a lower cost entry point. This is the Switch Lite for Nintendo, the Series S for Xbox and the PS5 Digital Edition for Sony. However, what we have typically seen this generation is that these models have not received permanent price drops."
Ahmad also said that Niko Partners estimates the PS5 Pro to sell 10 million units across its lifetime, making up around 10% of total PS5 units sold. Much like PSVR 2, then, the mid-gen upgrade may gain some traction among the enthusiast crowd who're after the very best in console image quality. But its widespread appeal will be limited compared to more affordable PS5 models.
Video game classifications are set to be overhauled in Australia starting from Monday, September 22 to help curb the exposure of “gambling-like” content. This includes loot boxes and could affect some of the biggest games like NBA2K, EA Football Club and Madden.
First introduced last year, the changes to Australia's Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2023include two new mandatory classifications – one for games "containing elements of chance" that will be classified as 'M' (Mature or not recommended for children under 15 years of age), while games "containing simulated gambling" will receive an R 18+ rating.
According to these new guidelines, the 'M' classification is an advisory rating, while the R18+ classification is a legal restriction, meaning only people meeting that age requirement can be sold that game. Here is a quick breakdown of how these new classifications will affect video games going forward:
M (Mature – not recommended for children under 15 years of age): Games containing "elements of chance" loot boxes or random rewards that can be purchased with real-world currency, either directly or through in-game currency
R 18+ (Restricted to adults only): Games that solely consist of "simulated gambling" activities, such as slot machine simulators or roulette wheels and those that have interactive activities such as slot machine simulators, roulette wheels or other age-restricted gambling or betting services (like an RPG with slot machines players can use)
(Image credit: Future)
According to the Australian government, these guidelines will now be in line with those of the rest of the world. The ESRB ratings in the United States (and Canada and Mexico) don't work off the same system as Australia, although its E (everyone), E+ (everyone 10+), T (Teen), M (Mature 17+) and A (Adults Only 18+) classifications provide a similar result.
While the two ratings systems are similar, the new Australian classifications are actually stricter than that of the ESRB, as they will restrict "simulated gambling" to adults only, while gambling with real money earns the 18+ rating under ESRB classification.
Thankfully only new game releases will be subject to updated classifications, although some existing titles will be reclassified if they’ve added gambling-related content after the guidelines come into effect on September 22.
What does this actually change?
It's clear that social casino games like Zynga Poker and Slotomania – which solely simulate real-life gambling – will be classified as R 18+. But what about a game like Red Dead Redemption 2, which has an MA-15+ rating? It has a very realistic Poker game that doesn't use or require real currency. There are also several futuristic ways to gamble in the recent M-rated Star Wars Outlaws.
While, as with any restrictions, there is room for leniency and rule-bending – as there are no actual poker machines – if the guidelines are strict, they would be R 18+ if rated after September 22.There will undoubtedly be stories of games fighting against the Australian ratings board in the coming months, but any step against the normalization of gambling is a positive one. Adults can do as they please, but gambling has long been a societal issue, and Australian children are constantly being bombarded with advertisements from betting agencies.
The real change will come to games aimed, or previously aimed, at children and young teenagers. Previously mentioned sports games like Madden and FIFA have long-used loot boxes as well as kid-friendly mobile games like Super Mario Run, but it was really Overwatch and Star Wars: Battlefront 2 in 2016 and '17 that brought them into a negative spotlight. In fact, according to a 2020 study published in the Plos One journal, the amount of gamers exposed to loot boxes rose from just 5.3% in 2010, to 71.2% in 2019.
There is some proof that loot boxes and similar systems have a negative impact on children and the gaming industry is only getting bigger, which means there will only be more little ones playing video games. How well the new classification will help curb them risking 100 virtual coins on a 1% chance to get a golden donkey through a loot box remains to be seen.
Although prices are still under wraps, Sony has confirmed there will only be 12,300 units of the PlayStation 5 Pro Console – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle available.
Those who do manage to snag one will find limited edition numbers etched onto the unit, with the number representing the month and date of the first PlayStation console launch.
Players with a PlayStation Network account can pre-order the PS5 Pro Edition, PlayStation Portal Remote Player, and DualSense Edge Wireless Controller on September 26 in regions where the PlayStation Direct website is available.
In regions where the website is unavailable, they can be preordered from select retailers, including the DualSense Wireless Controller.
The limited edition PS5 Digital Edition will be available to preorder on October 10.
For the PS5 Pro Edition bundle, owners will receive the console with a 2TB SSD along with a themed DualSense Edge, DualSense Wireless Controller, DualSense Charging Station, and a Console Cover for a Disc Drive, the latter of which is sold separately.
The PS5 Digital Edition will come packaged with a console with a 1TB SSD and matching accessories, along with a DualSense wireless controller, a vertical stand, and a Console Cover for a Disc Drive, which will also be sold separately.
Both bundles featured in the collection also come with unique components alongside the fancy new hardware, like a retro-style cable and connector, cable ties, stickers, a poster, and a PlayStation paperclip.
The full details can be read below along with preorder information per item.
The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection:
PlayStation 5 Pro Console – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition BundIe - (Preorder on September 26).
Includes the limited edition PS5 Pro console with 2TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7 in territories supporting this standard, and matching limited edition accessories – DualSense wireless controller, DualSense Edge wireless controller, DualSense Charging Station, and a Console Cover for a Disc Drive (Disc Drive sold separately).
It also includes a Vertical Stand and special collector’s Items:
Original PlayStation controller-style cable connector housing
Four PlayStation Shapes cable ties
PlayStation sticker
Limited Edition PlayStation Poster (1 of 30 possible designs)
PlayStation Paperclip
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle- (Preorder on October 10).
Includes the limited edition PS5 Digital Edition console with 1TD SSD and matching limited edition accessories – DualSense wireless controller and a Console Cover for a Disc Drive (Disc Drive sold separately).
It also includes a Vertical Stand and special collector’s Items:
Original PlayStation controller-style cable connector housing
Four PlayStation Shapes cable ties
PlayStation sticker
Limited Edition PlayStation Poster (1 of 30 possible designs)
PlayStation Paperclip
PlayStation Portal Remote Player – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition - (Preorder on September 26).
DualSense Edge Wireless Controller – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition - (Preorder on September 26).
DualSense Wireless Controller – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition - (Preorder on September 26).
Ubisoft has declared that xDefiant is "absolutely not dying" as it shares the game's development plan.
In a new blog post, xDefiant executive producer Mark Rubin acknowledged that the online first-person shooter, which launched in May, does need improvements, but insisted that it's not dying and is actually "doing well".
"I just want to quickly address the status of the game. i.e. is the game dying? No, the game is absolutely not dying," Rubin said.
"We know there are things we need to improve like Netcode/Hitreg and adding more content to progression, but the game is doing well.
"We just want it to do better. And we do that by addressing the concerns of our community which has always been the plan. Ubisoft is very much behind us and has allocated more resources to the team in order for us to do that."
The blog post also acted as a development update where Ubisoft shared xDefiant's roadmap for Season 2 through to Season 4.
Season 2 is set to arrive on September 25, and will bring a brand-new Highwaymen faction, a new Bomb game mode, three new maps and weapons, as well as new player progression features like event challenges and objectives.
Rubin's statement comes after a recent Insider Gaming report claimed that the free-to-play shooter is struggling as the player count rapidly declines.
Sources at Ubisoft told the publication that xDefiant's developers at Ubisoft San Francisco have until Season 3 to improve the game's player count.
A separate Reuters report from earlier this month also cited Midcap Partners' analyst Charles-Louis Planade who said that interest in xDefiant has dwindled since its strong May launch, has seen a sharp decline in Twitch viewership, and that "the game would likely have a minimal impact on Ubisoft's results over the next few quarters."
Mojang Studios has announced that Minecraft will no longer support PlayStation VR next year.
Hidden within Minecraft's most recent patch notes, the developer confirmed that as of March 2025, updates will no longer apply to the PSVR version of the game (via VGC).
"Our ability to support PlayStation VR has come to an end, and will no longer be supported in updates after March of 2025," Mojang said.
"After you receive the final update, you will still receive updates on your PlayStation and be able to play without PlayStation VR."
Mojang continues, saying that users can still keep playing and building in their saved worlds and that Marketplace purchases, including Tokens, will continue to be available.
However, players will no longer be able to use their PlayStation VR with Minecraft "as it will no longer be supported in the latest updates."
It also looks like the studio has officially removed the Minecraft VR webpage as navigating to it will now result in an error message.
Additionally, Minecraft will receive more frequent content drops in the future instead of providing one free update during the summer.
"A number of free game drops throughout the year" will be released in its place, with Mojang confirming it will now be focusing on "long-term initiatives to ensure we can continue to evolve Minecraft long into the future".
It looks like Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is officially happening as a new leak confirms a PS5 and PC release.
The ESRB website is still currently live and confirms that the long-rumored remaster of Guerrilla Games' action role-playing game will soon be making its current-gen debut.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered was first leaked back in 2022, but over the past couple of years, the PS5 version has continued to crop up.
The ESRB website also confirmed that the game is rated as Teen and currently has an extensive summary, which you can read below:
"This is an action/role-playing game in which players assume the role of a hunter (Aloy) surviving through a post-apocalyptic world. Players guide Aloy as she learns to hunt robotic creatures and animals in the wild. Aloy uses arrows, spears, and explosive traps to injure and kill machines, boar, and occasional human enemies. Animals and humans emit small puffs of red blood when struck; one sequence depicts an abandoned camp with large blood stains on rocks and trees.
"The game contains a brief reference to sexual material (e.g., 'Eighteen months hard labor in exchange for thirty years lounging around Elysium watching porn?'). In text/audio files, characters sometimes reference fictional drugs, overdoses, and getting high: '...not even out of junior high and already a drug addict'; '...I ran across a pusher who was selling Razorwing for eight bucks a tab'; 'I'd spend a few days getting high, then OD on Overcast.' The word 'sh*t' appears in the text/dialogue."
The latest ESRB rating is the most recent leak for the game and seems to verify that it will be launching soon, but we don't have a release date just yet.
If the rumored State of Play does in fact broadcast next week, this is where we'll likely receive a launch date for the game.
With the recent reveal of the PS5 Pro, it's also a possibility that Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will be playable on the upcoming mid-generation console, which is set for a November 7 release.
