Steve Thomas - IT Consultant

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.

However, Giant Bomb reporter Jeff Grubb recently claimed that Sony's next State of Play livestream will air next week on September 24 - two days before PS5 Pro pre-orders start - where the company will officially announce Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.

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.

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Sony's next State of Play livestream is claimed to be broadcast as early as next week.

That's according to industry insider and Giant Bomb reporter Jeff Grubb who said on the most recent Game Mess Mornings podcast that the next State of Play is "almost certainly happening" on September 24 (via VGC).

It's also claimed that the long-rumored Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster will make its official debut at the showcase, which coincidentally just received another leak in the form of an ESRB rating detailing a PS5 and PC release.

Grubb also said that another remaster will be officially announced during the State of Play, which he said is "even less exciting" than the Horizon remaster.

While discussing PlayStation's ongoing initiative to release more PS4 remasters on PS5 and PC, Grubb confirmed that he also recently had heard that fans shouldn't expect a Bloodborne remaster any time soon.

"It's still 'no' on the Bloodborne," he said.

Sony officially unveiled the PS5 Pro last week as part of its PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, where it confirmed that the mid-generation console will launch globally on November 7, 2024.

During the presentation, Sony revealed several games like The Last of Us Part 2 and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart being played on the PS5 Pro, which all showcased the mid-generation console's advanced tech in action.

It's unconfirmed right now, but with the console's release date only months away, Sony could potentially show off more previously released PS5 games running on the hardware, or even a new game in development for the PS5 Pro. We'll have to wait and see.

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Nintendo has announced that it will be suing the developer of the hit monster-taming game, Palworld, for infringing on multiple patents. 

In its statement, Nintendo said, “The lawsuit seeks an injunction against the defendants and compensation for damages… In order to protect the valuable intellectual property that we have built up through many years of hard work, we will continue to take the necessary measures against any infringement of our intellectual property.”

This comes almost eight months after Palworld's monumental January launch, selling more than 5 million copies and achieving an average viewership on Twitch of 147,264, with 58.3m hours watched. But Palworld instantly drew comparisons to the third-best-selling video game series of all time, thanks to glaringly obvious similarities between its "Pals" and Pokemon. The entire gaming world expected Nintendo's infamous legal team to speedily come down on their heads, and when that didn’t happen many people assumed that Palworld was safe.

While Pocketpair's CEO Takuro Mizobe tried to get ahead of legal troubles earlier this year by saying they had "no intention of infringing upon the intellectual property of other companies", it was only days later that Pokemon Company said it would begin to "investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights."

That investigation has finally led Nintendo to officially file suit against Pocketpair, as many predicted nearly 8 months ago.

This is far from the first time Nintendo has flexed its legal muscles and instances like this come with the territory, as it's one of the oldest and biggest video game companies in the world.

Nintendo famously sued video rental chain Blockbuster for copyright infringement after it photocopied game manuals for rental games that were missing guides. It has issued so many cease-and-desist orders to fan-made games that hobbyist developers now don't even release news until the games are ready to play. And there’s no shortage of emulation sites that have been hit with lawsuits for offering Nintendo ROMs.

If you’re at all familiar with Pokémon, one glance at Palworld's creatures is enough to see that Pocketpair may have borrowed a little too much from the monster-catching monarch. However, Palworld is also a third-person action-adventure survival game, complete with combat, exploration, and base-building – and vastly different from anything you'll find in a Pokémon game.

While it’s not surprising that Nintendo is suing the developer, it is curious that it took this long for the lawsuit to materialize. Palworld's concurrent player numbers now generally hover between 15 to 30K per day, down significantly versus its launch-month high of over 2 million – so Nintendo can now at least tackle Pocketpair without millions of fans rallying in protest. 

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Storage manufacturer Seagate has announced a brand new, officially licensed product for PlayStation owners.

The Seagate Game Drive External SSD for PS5 and PS4 is available to buy right now. As per a Seagate press release, the new drive has options for 1TB and 2TB capacities. The 1TB model comes in at £139.99 (around $189.99), with the 2TB option available at a higher £229.99 (around $304.99).

Players can expect the Seagate Game Drive External SSD to be very console-friendly, with support for USB Type-C 3.2 for high transfer speeds and options for USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C connections. As a result, it looks to be a pretty effective way to store games, screenshots, and captured footage. 

As is the case with the best SSDs for PS5, you'll also be able to transfer games to and from the console's internal storage with the Seagate Game Drive External SSD. This can save you from having to delete games entirely, thus avoiding a lengthy re-download process.

In terms of aesthetics, the Seagate Game Drive External SSD - no doubt in part thanks to the official PlayStation licensing - bears the same matte white color scheme as the PS5 console itself. There's also a subtle blue LED strip matching the lighting of the console and DualSense Wireless Controller.

Extra storage for your PS5 and PS4 is always a welcome upgrade. Given that the base console and the PS5 Slim only ship with 1TB of storage, your console is going to fill up fast, especially if you like to install larger titles like Horizon Forbidden West or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Having an extra 1TB or two on hand can save you tons of time in the long run.

It is worth noting that PS5 external SSDs are much faster than traditional external hard drives. However, unlike internal storage options, external SSDs aren't able to run PS5 games themselves. You'll only be able to store them. That said, you'll still be able to both store and run digital PS4 games, making the Seagate Game Drive External SSD a fantastic option for last-gen console owners.

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Lego Fortnite's latest update is officially here, introducing a brand-new explorable map called the Lost Isles.

Epic Games released version 31.20 today (September 17) for all platforms, making it the second major expansion for the Lego spin-off within Fortnite.

Lost Isles is quite a hefty patch but the major takeaway is the titular island itself, which players will be able to head to instantly through any Battle Bus Station.

On the island, players will discover five distinct Lego biomes, the Beach, Plains, Jungle, Mountains, and Floating Islands, each one unique in appearance while also featuring their own respective challenges.

Epic teases the Beach as "a great place to pursue relaxation" but with pirates on the prowl, while the Jungle is lush with plants that can heal you, but also ones that can deal damage like the Bomb and Stink Flowers that players can you to defend themselves.

While exploring, players can also find new weapons and gear, like the Pirate Musket, Flint-Knock Pistol, and dynamite-laden Boom Shield, which are standard issue weapons dropped by Pirates.

There's also Throwing Spears from the Peely Tribe found in the Plains, while the Storm-Wild Tomatoes are known for carrying the Explorer's Machete and the Knockback Shield.

The Essence Table has been upgraded to the Rune Forge with the latest update, where players can craft Runes for strengthening tools.

While venturing through the Jungle environment, players may also encounter a new creature called Klombos. Feeding a Klombo a Klomberry can make them a friend and a mount, allowing players to travel greater distances much faster.

Lego Fortnite: Lost Isles - Tropical Treasures Lego Pass

(Image credit: Epic Games)

As with every major update, Lost Isles also arrives with a new Battle Pass. Called the Tropical Treasures Lego Pass, this version includes a bunch of unlockable build items for players to obtain.

The Premium Reward Track costs 1,400 V-Bucks and has 11 additional rewards to unlock, while also unlocking rewards from the free reward track.

Here’s how the Tropical Treasures Lego Pass works:

  • After selecting the LEGO Fortnite experience in Fortnite, go to the LEGO Pass button in the top navigation.
  • Here is where you’ll see the LEGO Pass and a button to view Quests. These Quests are about exploring Lost Isles. Complete them to earn Studs!
  • The more Studs you collect, the further you’ll progress in the LEGO Pass! Unlock in-game rewards from the free reward track as you progress. If you want, you can also unlock in-game rewards from the purchasable Premium Reward Track.

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The PS5 version of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has been rated in Taiwan, suggesting an upcoming platform release.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide first launched in 2022 for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, as well as a day one Xbox Game Pass exclusive, but it was never confirmed for PS5.

However, it looks like the cooperative shooter could finally be making its way to PlayStation sooner than we think.

As spotted by Gematsu on X / Twitter today, September 17, the Taiwan Entertainment Software Rating Information (TESRI) has given the PS5 version of Fatshark's Warhammer 40,000 title a rating of 18 and above, with the details confirming it will feature violence, terrifying scenes, and drugs (via GameRant).

Although an official announcement for the PS5 version has not been made at this time by the developer, the new rating strongly suggests a release is imminent.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide launched with a bunch of problems, but developer Fatshark has continued to update the game over the past two years.

Players of the spiritual successor to the Warhammer: Vermintide series can also expect a free update on September 26 called Unlocked and Loaded, which will add a ton of new improvements, along with additional features like a new class.

Focus Entertainment recently launched the latest game in the popular role-playing franchise from Saber Interactive, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.

In TechRadar Gaming's review, Cat Bussell called the shooter a "well-crafted power trip elevated by stellar combat and awe-inspiring visuals".

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Following the reveal of the PS5 Pro, PlayStation's co-CEO has said that consoles will remain at the core of its business.

In a recent interview with Japanese publication Nikkei (via VGC), Sony Interactive Entertainment's Platform Business Group head, Hideaki Nishino, was asked about the value of PlayStation's console.

In response, the co-CEO explained that although the company is currently expanding its overall game market to PC, consoles will remain at the core of its business.

"I think that with mobile devices, there are many games that show advertisements, and PCs are difficult to set up, but with PlayStation, once you turn it on, you can experience the content you bought straight away," Nishino said. "The store where you purchase software also offers an intuitive experience because the products are laid out in an easy-to-understand manner."

Nishino also said that it hopes to reach a wider audience by offering games across multiple platforms, as well as on PlayStation devices.

"We are trying to increase our share of the overall game market by developing content for PCs as well," he said. "There is no doubt that consoles will be at the core of our business, but by offering titles for platforms other than consoles, we will reach a wider range of customers."

Sony officially unveiled the PS5 Pro last week as part of its PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, where it confirmed that the mid-generation console will launch globally on November 7, 2024.

Pre-orders for the PS5 Pro are set to go live on September 26 and will cost $699.99 / £699.99 / AU$1052.99.

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Manufacturer PowerA has announced and launch two brand new Xbox controllers in its Fusion Pro lineup.

First up is the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The most notable aspect of this new gamepad is its striking RGB profile. Unlike other RGB-featuring controllers we've seen like GameSir Kaleid, the Fusion Pro Wireless has a bespoke graphic design that lights up in RGB colors while activated. It's extremely eye-catching and players will be able to switch through six lighting modes with four customizable zones.

The Fusion Wireless Pro, according to PowerA, will boast up to 30 hours of wireless charge and will also be compatible with Xbox One consoles as well as PC. You can also expect several 'Pro' controller staples like Hall effect thumbsticks, three-way trigger locks and four additional remappable buttons situated on the inside of the controller's grips.

The PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless controller is available to buy now for $149.99 (around £119.99 / AU$223) from the brand's official website, Amazon, and other participating retailers.

Then there's the PowerA Fusion Pro 4 wired controller, the successor to the PowerA Fusion Pro 3. It appears to be a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, offering Hall effect thumbsticks as well as patented 'Quick-Twist' support for on-the-fly stick height adjustment. It's worth noting that the Fusion Pro Wireless model shares this feature, too.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 4 is also available to buy now, and it'll cost you $69.99 (around £59.99 / AU$104) which is actually $10 cheaper than the Fusion Pro 3. An upgraded controller for less? Definitely a promising sign, and we'll endeavor to have reviews of both controllers ready for you to read in the near future.

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Respawn Entertainment's CEO has said that the PS5 Pro's controversial price is "not that bad" as he teases the next Battlefield game.

Speaking in a recent interview with IGN, the Head of Respawn & Group GM for EA Studios Organization Vince Zampella confirmed that the series' next major title will return to a modern setting.

"I mean, if you look back to the peak or the pinnacle of Battlefield, it's that Battlefield 3... Battlefield 4 era where everything was modern," Zampella said. "And I think we have to get back to the core of what Battlefield is and do that amazingly well, and then we'll see where it goes from there.

"But I think for me, it's that peak of Battlefield-ness is in that Battlefield 3 and 4 days. So I think it's nostalgic for players, for me, for the teams even. Those are kind of the heyday...although I would say 1942 also."

Zampella was then asked for his reaction to the PS5 Pro reveal and how EA will go about utilizing Sony's mid-generation console, saying that he's sure the Battlefield team could "do cooler things on it".

"I mean, we're not out yet, so does it really help us? Not right now," he said. "Can we do cooler things on it? Sure. I guess we'll see. As we see what the adoption is, we'll see how much it really affects us. We have to make a game that runs on everything, so it'll just be like, what can we plus up on something like that, pun intended."

In terms of the console's steep price, which will cost $699.99 / £699.99 - not including the additional disk drive accessory - the CEO admitted that it's expensive for some people but that it "makes sense".

"I mean, I think it's expected and anything that gets us better performance for the people that really love it," Zampella said. "To me, it's an amazing thing. I was watching something on it where the price... where they look at is it the most expensive. And it really isn't."

Zampella continued, saying that the PS5 Pro is just as expensive as older generation consoles and has probably been adjusted due to inflation.

"So it at first seemed a little shocking, but it's kind of like, it's actually not that bad. And if you get a $700 PC, you're not getting the same performance that you're getting out of it," he said.

"So I mean, it's a balance. Is it expensive for people? Absolutely. Not everybody will be able to afford it. Would it be better if it was cheaper? Sure. I want more people to have it. But it makes sense, really."

Sony has confirmed that the PS5 Pro will launch globally on November 7, 2024, with pre-orders set to begin on September 26.

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Corsair has announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the sim racing brand Fanatec.

The agreement was officially signed on September 16 with the deal set to formally close within the week, making Corsair the new owner of the hardware brand and all associated personnel, in an asset purchase from Endor AG.

Fanatec is one of the leading brands for dedicated sim racing hardware located in Landshut, Germany, specializing in steering wheels and wheelbases, pedals, shifters, and other accessories for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC-based racing simulators.

Corsair announced its plans to acquire the German company back in May, with Endor now reporting that Fanatec product sales were approximately $110 million for 2023.

"We have been a fan of the Fanatec brand for years, and I am thrilled that we were finally chosen to be the next home for Fanatec products," said Andy Paul, CEO of Corsair in a Business Wire press release. "We intend to use our extensive supply chain and logistics network to reduce operating costs, enhance users’ customer service experience, increase sales opportunities, and help the business return to profitability."

Fantatec has reportedly seen a massive growth in the last five years due to the ongoing interest in on-track racing and motorsports in gaming. According to Business Wire, industry analysts estimate that the Sim Racing components market is now at $1 billion, with an expected 20 percent annual growth rate.

"We intend to maintain the core business in Landshut while expanding its position as a world-class product development center for Sim Racing products," Paul continued. "With a strong two-decade legacy, Fanatec is recognized as a pioneer and a mainstay for racing enthusiasts across the globe, and we look forward to building on that heritage as we leverage Corsair’s long track record of product innovation and customer experience leadership."

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AMD has allegedly won out against Intel in the PS6 chip battle, meaning the manufacturer will continue to provide Sony with internal components for its next-generation console.

That's according to Reuters, who state in a new PS6 report that AMD has been contracted by Sony for the design and fabrication of the chip for the next generation of PlayStation console. Sources claim that the deal was secured in 2022, with AMD winning out against rival chip manufacturer Intel in the bidding process.

It seems like the decision making process eventually whittled down to both AMD and Intel. However, it's possible that backwards compatibility for PS6 may have been the deciding factor.

"Moving from AMD, which made the PlayStation 5 chip, to Intel would have risked backwards compatibility, which was a subject of discussion between Intel and Sony engineers and executives," says the report.

It continues: "ensuring backward compatibility with prior versions of the PlayStation would have been costly and taken engineering resources. Allowing PlayStation users to play games they have purchased for older systems is a feature Sony often includes in a next-generation system."

We don't yet know the extent of Sony's plans for backwards compatibility on PS6 yet, and we probably won't for a number of years yet. But according to the report, it seems that Sony is keen to carry over support for the best PS5 games and - hopefully - older generations including PS4.

Backwards compatibility aside, sticking with AMD seems like the safe bet here. The California-based manufacturer provided the chips for both PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. Thus, it's safe to say the company is more comfortable with console hardware.

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With the reveal of the PS5 Pro and its slated release date, you may be thinking the PS5 (now in its Slim form), along with the digital-only version, is poised for a price cut. 

This November will see the PS5 — and indeed its contemporary the Xbox Series X — reach its fourth year around the Sun. That’s not old in gaming console terms, but it’s not young either; we’re arguably right on the mid-generation point. But through the past quartet of years, we’ve not seen the PS5 drop in standard retail price. In fact, quite the opposite. 

Even after the introduction of the PS5 Slim, the console didn’t get a price cut, unlike similar models in the PS4 era. The PS4 Pro was launched at a price of $399 / £349 / AU$560, the same price as the launch PS4, and the original console was repackaged into a PS4 Slim and came with a reduced price of $299 / £259 / AU$560. So there was a choice of more power for the original price of a PS4, or the same graphics grunt for less. But that was back in 2016, and times were rather different. 

Skip to late 2020, and the vast demand for PS5 was compounded by people being stuck inside due to the coronavirus pandemic, and catalyzed by Sony struggling to make enough units due to COVID-19 restrictions and their effect on manufacturing — I remember seeing some ridiculous prices set by scalpers and resellers. 

So no price cut was on the cards during those dark years. Then came the sucker punch of a price rise in select regions: the U.S. avoided one, but in the UK and Australia the price jumped from £449.99 / AU$749.95 to £479.99 / AU$799.95. Heck, in Japan the PS5 has seen three price rises since 2020

Given the PS5 games library has arguably not expanded as rapidly as the previous generation’s and the myriad cross-gen games that were released well into the PS5’s current lifespan, this price jump stung. 

And I don’t think that sting is going away. 

Don't expect a big PS5 price cut

PS5 on its side

(Image credit: PlayStation )

Rather we’re now in a sort of 'new normal' for consoles, games, and other consumer electronics that are now more expensive than ever and likely outpacing inflation.

The pricing of the PS5 Pro is evidence of that. It’s open to debate but Sony is asking a lot for a machine that’s not a next-gen console. The PS5 Pro pre-order price of $699.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,200 is around the price of an entry-level gaming PC, which offers a far more open gaming experience.

Equally, I think the PS5 Pro is aimed at 'serious' gaming and PlayStation enthusiasts who want the very best frame rates and graphics from consoles and those who want the most performant version of the platform of their choice. Think of people who've got setups with some of the best OLED TVs and best soundbars and want a powerful console as the gaming heart.

But I don’t see the PS5 dropping in price as a result of the Pro, especially given the price gap between it and the Pro, and who the latter is seemingly aimed at. Equally, Sony arguably doesn’t need to, as there’s still a healthy appetite for the PS5.

So is it all doom and gloom for people after a discount PS5? Well, not quite.

You could save a bundle on bundles 

PS5 bundle

(Image credit: Future)

Having covered this generation of consoles for the past few years, I think we’ll see deals, offers, and discounts on PS5 bundles. 

These could see healthy cuts in prices for sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, especially if retailers like Best Buy and Currys want to clear out bundles with older games. Take a look at the widget below that'll flag the best PS5 deals in your area. 

Equally, I’ve seen the PS5 occasionally get a $50/£50 discount. So I fully expect those to continue, maybe getting a little more generous and upping that to some $100 / £100 / AU$150, especially as we approach the Black Friday PS5 deals in November.

Yet I’m afraid the days of scoring a PlayStation for a couple of hundred dollars or pounds deeper into its lifecycle are over.

That’s a shame, but from my time with the PS5, I still think it’s a great console with a strong library, healthy back catalog, a slick interface, and a great and innovative controller that all make it worth the price. So if you’re after one, don’t fret too much about the deals and just grab a PS5 — I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

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