In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced that Black Ops 6 will be playable in Beta with Xbox Cloud Gaming for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members at launch and will begin rolling out to players on October 25.
"This is a first for the Call of Duty franchise, and a win for the community," the company said.
"Players will be able to access multiple Call of Duty games with Xbox Cloud Gaming for the first time, and Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to enjoy Call of Duty in more places than ever before."
These places include consoles, like Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, PC, mobile devices, select Samsung TVs, Amazon Fire TVs, and Meta Quest devices.
"This opens up even more ways to play Black Ops 6 starting on day one at launch," Microsoft added.
Microsoft announced earlier this year that Black Ops 6 would be a day one Xbox Game Pass release when it launches on October 25.
According to a recent report from The Verge, sources familiar with Microsoft's plans told the publication that the company is preparing to test the new update as part of a project called "Project Lapland" where it will expand its Game Pass Ultimate offering.
Starting next month, members who are signed up for the Xbox Insider program will be able to test the new feature, which will allow the Xbox Cloud Gaming servers to support the streaming of thousands of games.
Streaming is expected to be released to more Xbox users at a later date after testing.
Xbox Cloud Gaming was supposed to launch with game library streaming in 2020, and Microsoft later announced it would support the game library on the service in 2022.
The feature didn't launch that year, however, with The Verge claiming that the work has been "complicated by having to prepare key infrastructure for thousands of games, instead of the hundreds that currently exist on Xbox Game Pass."
It's also said that publishers will withhold some games due to licensing requirements or ongoing deals.
Seemingly called the "Xbox Wireless Headset Refresh", the hardware is claimed to launch in Europe on October 22 and the US on November 5 and will cost $109.99 / £99.99 / AU$163.56.
Nintendo could be working on a new wave of GameCube controllers.
That's according to Resetera user RandomlyRandom67, who shared component shipment details in a recent post that they believe are for the Nintendo Switch 2 and a new product that could be a GameCube controller (via NintendoLife).
Dataminer LuigiBlood was the first to identify the supposed new GameCube controller earlier this year, however, RandomlyRandom67 indicates that the hardware is now in active production.
The user points out that there are several components that are similar to those featured in current GameCube controllers, including LED light covers and trigger covers.
But it's the rumble motor TRW1230 shipments that are the most notable, and are apparently connected to an unreleased Nintendo controller called the HGU0480 project.
The rumble motor TRW1230 is the same component used in current GameCube controllers and the Nintendo Switch Online N64 controller.
Although unconfirmed at this time, it's entirely possible that the reports of a new GameCube controller could be linked to a new GameCube library for Switch Online, expanding the subscription service further.
Currently, Switch Online allows subscribers to play from a catalog of games from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, so it would make sense for GameCube to be next in line.
Even if the supposed new GameCube controllers aren't intended for a new Switch Online library, then perhaps they're in production for the Switch 2.
Nintendo hasn't revealed its next handheld console just yet, but a release date announcement is confirmed before the end of 2024, and it's expected to launch in 2025.
There's a new Xbox Partner Preview presentation happening this week, showcasing several upcoming games and expansions from developers like of Sega, Remedy, and much more.
The presentation was announced via Xbox's official X / Twitter account, confirming that it will be showing off Alan Wake 2: The Lake House, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiiand Wuchang: Fallen Feathers among other titles. The accompanying Xbox Wire post confirms a run time of "around 25 minutes" during which "over a dozen new trailers" for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC games will be shown.
New games are on the horizon ✨Come check out Xbox Partner Preview, streaming October 17 at 10AM PT for a peek at the upcoming Alan Wake 2: The Lake House, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and more: https://t.co/7vZKi6MQUl | #XboxPartnerPreview pic.twitter.com/9VKRgtz5VhOctober 14, 2024
You'll be able to watch the Xbox Partner Preview presentation live on Thursday October 17 at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST. It can be watched over on the official Xbox YouTube channel or the Xbox Twitch channel. It's also worth noting that the YouTube version will be broadcast at 4K 60fps, while the Twitch stream will be limited to 1080p 60fps.
The presentation will have subtitle support for a large selection of languages. A version with American Sign Language (ASL) will also be broadcast on Xbox's YouTube channel as well as the XboxASL Twitch page. A British Sign Language (BSL) version will also go live at the Xbox On YouTube channel.
So beyond the games and expansions that have been announced thus far, what else do we expect to see?
Well, given it's a Partner Preview, it's likely that we won't see anything first party from Xbox Game Studios. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing some updates for games I'm personally excited for, including Dynasty Warriors: Origins and of course Monster Hunter Wilds. We'll just have to wait until October 17 before we know for sure.
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The next Destiny game will be a free-to-play mobile shooter with its first closed alpha test on November 1
LG's UltraGear products have long set the standard for gaming monitors. And LG's 2024 UltraGear monitors have raised the bar so high it's gone into orbit. With up to 30% brighter OLED displays than rival monitors, astonishingly fast refresh rates for stunning performance and a choice of sizes from compact to all-encompassing, there's an UltraGear for everyone.
The most advanced OLEDs around
The 2024 LG UltraGear OLED range features MLA+ technology to deliver groundbreaking brilliance of up to 1,300 nits, up to 30% brighter than the competition, so you never need to worry about being left in the dark. That makes your UltraGear a great gaming monitor and an amazing display for your movie watching too.
Serious speed in every environment
LG continues to dominate the industry with its world-first innovations in the gaming monitor market. Where some displays are pretty chuffed with refresh rates of 144Hz, the LG UltraGear W-OLED leaves them in the dust with its refresh rates of 240 to 480Hz. That's astonishingly fast and you can really see the difference: it means silky-smooth performance compared to the competition, delivering speeds that give you the edge in every environment. The LG UltraGear OLED delivers up to 480Hz at 1080p and 240Hz at 4K.
The big display that thinks even bigger
(Image credit: LG)
LG's 45-inch UltraGear isn't just big. It's bigger than some 48-inch displays. That's because while some 48-inchers have a total screen size of 4,059cm2, LG's 45-inch model clocks in at a massive 4,550cm2. That's 12% more gaming goodness. And it's more immersive too. LG's 45-inch model delivers 22% more space than Samsung's 49-inch display, delivering a truly exceptional in-game experience.
Vivid visuals without dead space
The thing with some big gaming monitors is that your eyes can't take them all in: their size and more importantly their shape means that there's dead space of as much as 13.9%. That's space you can't see when you're absorbed in the game, so if the game UI or HUD is living in those dead spaces you're potentially missing key information that could give you the edge.
With LG's 45-inch model, the 21:9 aspect ratio guarantees an optimal image with just 6% dead space – so you can see more and win more.
Made for the games you want to play
By delivering an industry standard 21:9 aspect ratio instead of going for something more gimmicky, LG UltraGear monitors give you a longer list of games to choose from. Where just 51 of the top 107 games support aspect ratios such as 32:9, 88 of them run beautifully in 21:9.
(Image credit: LG)
Monitors you won't want to stop watching
LG has thought about something many rivals don't: comfort. Gaming can be particularly hard on the eyes because it's hard to tear yourself away from a particularly intense session. And because so many of us love to play in the dark, in low light or with atmospheric lighting around us, that can make some monitors very tiring. Not the LG UltraGear. Its 35% anti-glare, low reflection display gets rid of glare for clear viewing even in low light, and its UL Low Blue Light Platinum certification means it emits 22% less potentially harmful blue light than the competition. That doesn't just mean more alert eyeballs. It also means better resolution and less colour distortion too.
Don't take LG's word for it: ask the experts
LG takes its quest for gaming supremacy so seriously that it's asked the Gen.G Academy, which runs LCK's first 4-peat champions Gen.G, to rate the LG UltraGear. The conclusion? The academy has certified it as the very Best Gaming Monitor. High praise indeed.
Whether you're looking for a compact 24-inch gaming monitor for work as well as play, the 32-inch dual-mode display with Pixel Sound or the astonishing 45-inch models for the most immersive gaming experience ever, every LG UltraGear gaming monitor takes your gaming to the next level.
Earlier this week, instead of announcing the long-rumored Nintendo Switch 2, the Japanese company unveiled its new hardware, an interactive alarm clock that detects movement and plays sounds to make waking up more bearable.
Now, Nintendo has released the device's first software update, which aims to add improvements to the system. With Version 2.0.0, Alarmo now features a brand-new mode called Moderate Mode, a new Records feature that will display if you go to bed on time, as well as a new max distance of 50cm for King/Super King size beds.
Nintendo noted that the users will receive a notification if a system update is available. All they have to do is press the 'Notification Button' when the envelope icon is displayed on Alarmo to see recent notifications. You can check out the full patch notes below.
Alarmo is now available to purchase for $99.99 / £89.99. If you're thinking about getting your hands on one, you can check out our Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo buying guide.
Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo - Version 2.0.0 Patch Notes
Added Moderate Mode as a new mode option.
Added Movement Records as a new Records feature. - This data will automatically display in Records if you go to bed within your set bedtime. - You can set this to On or Off in the Records menu on the clock.
The clock's distance from the bed can now be set to 50cm max for King/Super King size beds.
When a sensor zone check is run, an estimated position of movement will now be displayed.
General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience.
Nintendo has announced that it will perform a playtest this month for a mysterious, new Nintendo Switch Online feature.
The Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program is scheduled to begin on October 24 and will run through November 6.
According to Nintendo, the playtest is related to "a new feature for the Nintendo Switch Online service", but hasn't divulged any details on what it could be just yet.
The company is also looking to recruit people to participate in the playtest, but they must have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships to qualify.
Customers will also be required to download "exclusive software" to their own Nintendo Switch system in order to participate, Nintendo explained.
To apply to the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program, users will need to head to the Application Page from this blog post.
You also need to be 18 or over and have a Nintendo Account registered to either Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.
Nintendo adds that the playtest is "expected to accept as many as 10,000 participants" and that it will close applications early if the number of accepted participants has reached the required limit.
Around 12 images were shared online and began making their rounds in September and supposedly showed the final design for the Nintendo Switch successor, which looks to be a bigger version of the base model with a bigger screen.
Nintendo hasn't formally revealed the console at this time, but an announcement has been confirmed for before the end of this year. This could mean the Switch 2 could launch sometime in 2025.
A brand new, more expensive Xbox wireless headset is reportedly launching this month.
That's according to the reliable data miner 'billbil-kun' on Dealabs who reported that Microsoft will be launching a new headset this month called the "Xbox Wireless Headset Refresh".
The 'Xbox Wireless Headset Refresh' is claimed to launch in Europe on October 22 and the US on November 5 and will cost $109.99 / £99.99 / AU$163.56.
Compared to the current Xbox Wireless Headset on the market, which first launched in March 2021, that's an increase of $10 / £10 / AU$14.87
Billbil-kun claims that there won't be a white version of the new wireless headset at launch and that the data they collected only referenced a black version.
"Aside from some minor packaging changes, we don't know what the design differences are yet," the dataminer said (machine translated). "However, there's a good chance that these differences will be very minimal or non-existent."
Alongside new controllers, Microsoft will also be releasing 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.
All three consoles will launch on October 15, as well as in select countries on October 29. If you're looking to get your hands on a new Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, you can check out our pre-order and buying guide.
Starting November 12 through January 6, fans can visit Microsoft Experience Centers in London, Sydney, and New York to view an Indiana Jones-inspired display.
While there, they will be given the chance to solve a puzzle to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win this unique console.
The one-of-a-kind Xbox Series X, which is encased in a puzzle box drawn from the game and adorned in gold, was built over 350 hours and also comes with a matching Xbox Wireless controller featuring a leather and gold finish with bejeweled buttons.
The company has confirmed in an Xbox Wire post that if fans can't make it to the Microsoft Experience Centers in person, there will be another chance via the Bethesda social channels.
Inspired by #IndianaJones and the Great Circle, this custom @Xbox Series X console and Xbox Wireless Controller are rarer than gold!From Nov. 12, visit select Microsoft Experience Centers and test your wits against a puzzle box reminiscent of the game—solve it, and you'll be… pic.twitter.com/4KbKmzmvEeOctober 9, 2024
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to launch on December 9, 2024, for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC as a timed exclusive. It will also be available day on on Xbox Game Pass.
During Gamescom's Opening Night Live in August, it was announced that the action-adventure game will also be coming to PlayStation 5 in the "first half of 2025", meaning we can expect it to be released in Spring.
Developed by Wolfenstein studio MachineGames, The Great Circle will star actor Troy Baker as Indiana Jones and will feature an original narrative that draws from the iconic film franchise.
Fortnitemares 2024 skins have already started to arrive
(Image credit: Epic Games)
While we'll have to wait until October 11 for the main Fortnitemares 2024 tie-ins to drop, some spooky skins have already started appearing in the Item Shop. You can pick up the Billy the Puppet bundle for some Saw-themed fun, the Shadow Monks skin, as well as some Halloween emotes like the Zombified emote.
Fortnitemares 2024 returns later this month, adding in new gameplay mechanics, items, and weapons to experiment with. There'll be a whole host of new tie-ins as well, including a Saw-themed bundle, and the appearance of Texas Chainsaw Massacre's Leatherface. As such, it's easy to see why players are clamoring to know the Fortnitemares 2024 release date.
Fortnite is currently in Chapter 5 Season 4, a primarily Marvel-themed offering that gives players the chance to take on Doctor Doom, Mysterio, and Emma Frost. While we wait for the next season of Fortnite to drop, which is rumored to be Fortnite OG, there's plenty of spooky fun to be had now that Fortnitemares has started to ramp up in the game. It's regular seasonal updates like these that cement Fortnite's place as one of the best battle royale games around.
If you want to know when you can start celebrating Halloween in Fortnite, here's the Fortnitemares 2024 release date, as well as a look at what's going to be added to the game. For now, Epic is yet to reveal the full slate of skins and modes, so stay tuned for further updates to this page.
Fortnitemares 2024 release date
Fortnitemares 2024 launches October 11, 2024. As for a more specific time, Epic has yet to give the full details. Generally, though, Fortnite updates drop at 1AM PT / 4AM ET / 9AM GMT. We'll be sure to update this section if we hear any more on the precise Fortnitemares 2024 release timings.
Fortnitemares 2024 skins revealed so far
(Image credit: Epic Games)
Thanks to a new cinematic teaser, Epic Games has confirmed a selection of Fortnitemares 2024 skins. Here's what's set to be added to the game:
Shadow Monks (available now)
Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
Witch
Billy the Puppet (available now, Saw)
Mephisto
In addition to the skins confirmed above, we have seen some additional skins through Fortnite leaker @HYPEX on Twitter. Check out the tweet below for sneak peeks at a new Marshmello skin, as well as a pumpkin warrior.
FORTNITEMARES CONFIRMED @ OCTOBER 11th 🔥 pic.twitter.com/besjJdXqQVOctober 8, 2024
The Billy the Puppet bundle is already available for purchase in the Item Shop for 2500 V-Bucks. It contains the Billy skin, the Spiralized Slicer Pickaxe, Puppet's Choice Wrap, Billy's Tricycle Emote, as well as the Trap Television Back Bling.
Fortnitemares 2024 - what to expect
(Image credit: Epic Games)
Epic is yet to reveal the full details on Fortnitemares 2024, but looking at past seasons, it's likely that we'll see changes to certain map POIs, some Halloween-themed weapons and items, and some new skins. Last year, a Vampiric Blade was added, alongside a Witch's Broom and Pumpkin Launcher. Given the Saw and Leatherface tie-ins, it's likely we'll be seeing new NPCs and weapons. According to leaker @HYPEX on Twitter, we could be seeing an explosive Mythic called 'Boom Billy'.
Fortnitemares 2024 quests are also very likely to be added, revolving around the new weapons and items. Stay tuned for further updates.
Finally, after 14 years, Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that Red Dead Redemption and its Undead Nightmare expansion will be coming to PC on October 29, 2024.
"For the first time in its storied legacy, John Marston’s beloved journey can be experienced on PC in stunning, new detail, with both Red Dead Redemption and its iconic zombie-horror companion story, Undead Nightmare, arriving to PC on October 29," Rockstar said in its announcement post.
When the game re-releases later this month, in collaboration with Double Eleven, the fan-favorite title will be available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Rockstar Store.
Rockstar has also confirmed that the PC version will feature some significant enhancements including native 4K resolution at up to 144hz on compatible hardware, Ultrawide (21:9) and Super Ultrawide (32:9) monitor support, HDR10 support, and full keyboard and mouse functionality.
Red Dead Redemption on PC will also support NVIDIA DLSS 3.7 and AMD FSR 3.0 upscaling technologies, as well as NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation, on top of adjustable draw distances, shadow quality settings, and more.
You can take a look at the enhanced PC version in the latest trailer below.
According to the Steam page, the PC version will feature the complete single-player experiences of both games, including bonus content from the Game of the Year Edition. However, it won't feature a multiplayer mode.
The game's standalone expansion pack, Undead Nightmare, was released originally in October 2010 and added a zombie-themed single-player campaign, along with two multiplayer modes and a bunch of cosmetics.
The downloadable content (DLC), which was also re-released in 2023, is essentially a non-canonical story that follows John Marston as he sets out to find the cause and possible cure for a zombie plague.
The game's PC release was leaked this summer, so it was only a matter of time before Rockstar made an announcement.
Elsewhere, the studio is gearing up to launch perhaps its most anticipated game of all time, Grand Theft Auto 6, which is slated for a Fall 2025 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. A PC version has not been confirmed at this time.
Assassin's Creed Mirage will be the first Assassin's Creed game to arrive on Steam marking a return to the platform for the series.
In September, Ubisoft delayed Assassin's Creed Shadows from its original November 12 release date to February 14, 2025, announcing that it needs extra time to polish the game before it's ready for launch.
In addition to the delay, the company confirmed that, unlike more recent Assassin's Creed games, Shadows will also launch day one on Steam alongside PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Amazon Luna.
However, it won't be the first title in the franchise to make a return to Steam.
According to a brand new Steam store page for Assassin's Creed Mirage, fans will be able to purchase the game on the platform in "October 2024", so it looks like an official release date announcement from Ubisoft itself could arrive soon.
"Experience the story of Basim, a cunning street thief seeking answers and justice as he navigates the bustling streets of ninth-century Baghdad," the description reads. "Through a mysterious, ancient organization known as the Hidden Ones, he will become a deadly Master Assassin and change his fate in ways he never could have imagined."
Although there's no release just yet, you can wishlist the game on Steam.
Assassin's Creed Mirage first launched in October 2023 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Epic Games and the Ubisoft Connect.
Ubisoft stopped releasing its PC games on Steam in 2019 after releasing its own launcher but hasn't given a reason for the decision, however, it could come down to a need to increase overall sales after Star Wars Outlaws performed badly for the company.
