Games

Sony is issuing the first PlayStation 5 update this week. In an official PlayStation Blog post this morning, Sony unleashed some details on what will be the very first notable PS5 console and UI update, including USB storage details, cross-console sharing, and more. While many folks are still looking to get their hands on one, at least you know the first round of bugs has been ironed out alongside some new features before you do. For everyone else, the experience is (hopefully) about to get even better. Head below for the details. 

We are getting a new Nintendo Switch Lite in a fresh new blue colorway. The new blue Nintendo Switch Lite will join the yellow, gray, and turquoise launch colors alongside the pink coral model that dropped in February of of last year. Set for release on the same day as the upcoming Miitopia Switch game, the new Nintendo Switch Lite in blue is hitting store shelves next month. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

Prepare yourself for WWE 2K22 to make a triumphant return. Announced over the weekend during WrestleMania 37, the WWE 2K-series is now officially back after last year’s hiatus. While we still haven’t got an official release date or really even all that many details about the game, the debut “It hits different” trailer has now hit starring Rey Mysterio. Head below for a closer look. 

As we close out Season 8 of Apex Legends, it’s time to let Mad Maggie take control one last time. With that comes War Games, which is an event featuring a collection of “never-before-seen” playlist modifiers, alongside a new rewards track and challenges. So, without further ado, let’s dive into Apex Legends War Games before Season 9 launches in May.

We are getting another retro game remake this summer by way of the upcoming Alex Kidd in Miracle World re-release. The classic Master System game is in the process of being remade from the ground up for modern-day consoles and PCs by the folks at both Merge Games and Jankenteam (in collaboration with SEGA), and is now expected to hit digital store shelves in about two month’s time. Head below for more details and the launch date reveal trailer. 

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is getting updated with its sixth season of content today. The most notable improvement is likely mouse and keyboard support on console, but we’re also seeing an all-new 100 tiers of content, the Waterfall map for Halo 3 online, game variants, and more. Curious what Halo: The Master Chief Collection Season 6 has in store? Let’s take a look.

A new Pac-Man battle royale game known as Pac-Man 99 is releasing on Switch today. In what appeared to be a surprise announcement on its Twitter feed yesterday night, Nintendo of America announced that “PAC-MAN is back in a new 99-PAC-MAN battle royale!” The new multiplayer take on the classic is not only a Nintendo exclusive, but also only available to Switch Online members and will go live later today. Head below for more details and the debut trailer. 

Will there be an E3 2021? Or will it just get canceled like last year and devolve into a series of disparate digital events? These are the questions many gamers are starting to think about as we begin to move toward the summer. But as of right now, it appears there will indeed be an E3 2021 kicking off in June according to recent reports. After COVID-19 left gamers with an unorganized mess of gaming events and reveals last summer, the Entertainment Software Association has now officially announced a totally free  digital event that, thus far, will see all of the major players participating. Head below for more details. 

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga was announced in 2019 at the Microsoft E3 press conference and showcased an open world design with an all-new combat and camera system. Well, the game was supposed to launch this spring but has since been delayed. TT Games, the publisher behind the launch, took to Twitter recently to outline that the title wouldn’t be ready in time for spring, and we’re unsure when it’ll launch. But we do have some new details, so let’s dive into what we know so far about LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.

PowerA, Hori, PDP, and others have become viable brands to turn to when Nintendo-branded controllers are out of stock, priced too high, or for a variety of other reasons. But even these offerings tend to be made solely with Nintendo Switch in mind and leave other platforms in the dust. This is where 8Bitdo steps into frame. The company has made a name for itself by supporting a wide range of platforms while also delivering a nice selection retro-themed controllers. 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro Gray Edition is the brand’s latest release, and it’s now available for pre-order. Continue reading to learn more.

Some of the latest PowerA Xbox Series X controllers are now up for pre-order. Last September, PowerA initially launched its first accessories specifically tailored for Microsoft’s latest-generation home console, and we are starting to see the expanded Enhanced Wired Controller lineup go up for sale at Amazon and elsewhere. Head below for a closer look. 

No Man’s Sky received the Expeditions update today with a slew of changes across the game, including an all-new way to play, updated elements, and more. Beginning today, you’ll be able to use the new Expeditions game mode and start from a fixed point in the universe with other Travelers, allowing you to join the entire community as you embark on a shared journey. So what else has changed in the No Man’s Sky Expeditions update? Let’s dive in and take a look.

Microsoft has announced an interesting expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming today. It is “embarking on a new journey” for Xbox backwards compatibility by “taking it to the cloud.” Over on the official Xbox Wire, Microsoft has announced that it is bringing a collection of its older backwards compatible titles to Xbox Cloud Gaming, all of which are playable on Android phones and tablets. Head below for more details and a complete look at the first wave of games. 

It Takes Two is the latest game from EA and Hazelight Studios featuring a unique co-op only experience. That’s right, you’ll only be able to play this game with a friend. While not all of your friends will be jumping to pick up the title, there’s a unique feature that allows them to join your game for free. So, what type of gameplay can you expect from It Takes Two? Let’s find out.

Back in January during CES 2021, we featured a concept Razer face mask, complete with RGB lighting, N95 filtration, and more. Simply known as Project Hazel at the time, it appeared as though it was going to remain in the concept phase indefinitely — until now. Once just an interesting idea, the high-tech Razer face mask now appears as though it will indeed go into production and up for sale thereafter. Head below for more details on Project Hazel, “the world’s smartest mask.”

Last year we featured those adorable TUBBZ gaming collectibles, and we are now seeing the Sonic The Hedgehog range up for pre-order, alongside some others. The Numskull TUBBZ gaming collectibles are essentially miniature rubber duckies cosplaying as your favorite gaming characters, not unlike the popular Funko POP! vinyl collectibles, just in duck form. Head below for a closer look at the Sonic The Hedgehog TUBBZ, and to lock-in your pre-order. 

Microsoft is announcing new Xbox wireless controllers today with upcoming Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo Special Edition models. After seeing new-generation carbon black, robot white, and shock blue models hit alongside Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft hit us with a Pulse Red model back in January (now available for purchase). But the collection is expanding today with a vibrant Volt colorway and camouflaged red variant. Head below for a closer look. 

Back in January, Microsoft announced that they would be raising the price of Xbox Live Gold. This received quite a bit of backlash, and Microsoft quickly reversed the change, as well as announced that they would no longer require Xbox Live Gold to enjoy free-to-play multiplayer titles. Well, it’s finally time for that to start being integrated, and Microsoft is beginning with its Alpha Skip Ahead release cycle. While this is a private release (invite-only), it’s at least progress toward it being integrated into the public release.

Following in the footsteps of its similar Xbox gamepad, PowerA is now introducing its version of a Switch Elite controller known as the FUSION Pro Wireless. Continuing its domination of the third-party Switch controller and accessory space, PowerA now has its latest Xbox Elite-style FUSION Pro Wireless controller for Nintendo Switch up for pre-order. But with all of those professional features and customization options comes quite a hefty price tag. Check out the debut trailer and get more details below. 

After rumors suggested an upcoming new Nintendo Switch console was in the works with a Samsung OLED display, new details suggest it will be supported by an NVIDIA GPU. According to a new Bloomberg report citing sources close to the matter, Nintendo has tapped NVIDIA to supply a Deep Learning Super Sampling GPU for its allegedly new Nintendo Switch console. That along with an upgraded CPU and stock memory capacity will all supposedly ready to go for holiday season 2021. Head below for more details. 

Originally announced in 2018, we last took a deep look at upcoming content for Fallout 76 in 2019. Well, Bethesda is back, fresh off its merger with Microsoft, showcasing a slew of upcoming content for its latest Fallout title. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what’s coming up for Fallout 76’s 2021 road map.

Last month, as part of its first State of Play presentation of the year, Sony dropped the first details on Final Fantasy VII Intergrade — a new version housing the upcoming expansion and the PS5 upgrade. Square Enix has now released a new nearly 6-minute trailer for Intergrade, once again highlighting the graphical improvements, quality of life enhancements, new gameplay modes, and the upcoming Yuffie expansion story arch. Running nearly double the length of the debut trailer here, there are plenty of details on what to expect when Final Fantasy VII Intergrade launches in June. Head below for a closer look. 

EA Play was first announced to be available to Game Pass and Game Pass for PC players on December 15 but was eventually bumped back due to some issues with the rollout. Well, if you own a Windows desktop and subscribe to Game Pass, it’s time to rejoice: EA Play is finally available for you. Launched yesterday, let’s take a look at how you can use this service and enjoy some Star Wars or Sims 4 fun on your desktop.

Developer Innersloth has now finally announced a release date for the Among Us Airship map alongside a slew of other updates and enhancements. Last year’s most downloaded mobile game has now made its way to Switch with a Game Pass release slated for this year, and now the long-awaited Airship map for the hit murder mystery game is scheduled to land at the end of this month. Head below for more details. 

Last month, Sony briefly introduced us to the next generation of virtual reality on its platform, and today it has revealed the new PS VR controllers. The new, hand cage-like design brings much of the DualSense PS5 controller sensibilities to the table with haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, finger touch detection, and more. Head below for a closer look. 

After seeing a brief teaser trailer courtesy of Bethesda earlier this week, DOOM Eternal Ancient Gods – Part 2 is now set for release tomorrow. The final chapter in the already announced two-part Ancient Gods expansion is now set for a surprise release on March 18, 2021. Developer iD Software took to its official Twitter page this morning to make the announcement alongside a new, nearly two-minute trailer for Ancient Gods – Part 2. Head below for a closer look and more details. 

We got our first glimpse of Outriders by Square Enix during the company’s E3 showcase in 2019. Originally slated to be released in the summer of 2020, the game is finally launching on April 1. No, that’s not a joke. The title will be available to purchase, of course, but it’ll also be available for Game Pass for Console and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on day one, meaning they won’t have to spend any additional cash to play. What does the game entail? Keep reading to find out more.

With millions of next-generation consoles flying off the shelves, an easy way to distinguish the look of your console with a friends is with a standout skin. Thankfully, several options have become readily available lately, so in this post we’ll point you in the direction of some of our favorite next-generation Xbox skins. Both Series X and S solutions are covered, so no matter which one you’ve chosen, there should be something that will fit the bill.

The brand new 8Bitdo Pro 2 Controller is now available for purchase. A sort of follow-up to the popular SN30 Pro+ original model that landed in 2019, the new controller supports Switch, PC, macOS, Android, Steam, and Raspberry Pi with a series of enhancements over its predecessor while retaining what made the 8Bitdo Pro so sought after in the first place. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

There’s a brand-new Zeta Zone from 343 Industries that has updated content on the upcoming Halo Infinite. As we prepare for the fall 2021 launch, it’s time to take a look at some of the new information released today. Firstly, there will be no open-world design, instead, with the team focusing on dynamic day/night cycles, weather patterns, and more engaging enemy encounters. What all does this mean? Keep reading to find out more.

The Outer Worlds is receiving its final DLC update, which is dubbed Murder on Eridanos. This story expansion will follow a murder mystery for a unique and thrilling experience. Coming March 17, there will be an all-new unique world, weapons, and more available as part of The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos.

We could be in for some new details regarding the Bethesda Microsoft deal today. The massive $7.5 billion dollar merger was made official recently after making its way through the regulation process in both the EU and the US, effectively landing Bethesda’s biggest franchises — Fallout, Elder Scrolls, DOOM, Wolfenstein, and more — in Microsoft’s lap and leaving gamers with more questions than answers. We now have a much better idea of exclusivity and how these titles will make their way to Xbox Game Pass, but a new Bethesda Microsoft roundtable stream is scheduled for today that could bring some new details to light. You can watch the whole thing below. 

Apex Legends just launched on the Nintendo Switch yesterday, and with it came a slew of patch notes. We wanted to take some of the changes for a spin, including the new Heat Shield that fits in a new Survival Slot to protect you from the Ring, should you get caught and need to heal. There’s plenty more that’s changed, so keep reading to find out what’s new in the latest Apex Legends Chaos Theory Season 8 update.

It was last September, right around the Series X pre-order launch, when Microsoft announced its $7.5 billion purchase of Bethesda, the game studio behind Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, DOOM, and many other fan-favorite games. Well, the merger is finally official, with both the EU and the US approving the merger. With that, we now have a few more details as to what this means for both companies, as well as how this could affect upcoming Bethesda releases. So without further ado, let’s dive into everything the Microsoft Bethesda merger will hold.

Watch Dogs: Legion is getting a free update with online multiplayer that brings a few different aspects to the game that didn’t exist before. Originally slated for a launch tomorrow, that date only exists now for Xbox and PlayStation gamers, as the PC version has been delayed due to crashes “with certain GPUs.” While no PC launch date is specified, the dev team is working on fixing the issue “as quickly as possible,” meaning a desktop launch could come at any time. What all do the online modes include, and what’s delayed? Keep reading for more.

We now have the official release date alongside a brand new trailer for the upcoming Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. Now set for a summertime release on Nintendo Switch and PC, fans of the series will be diving into the all-new co-op missions and Pokemon-like Monster Hunter experience some four months after the release of Monster Hunter Rise in just over two weeks. Head below for a closer look.  

Super Mario Bros. 35, that sweet Super Mario 3D All-Stars Collection, and the Game & Watch-style handheld will all be no more come the end of the month. Back when Nintendo kicked off its Super Mario 35th anniversary in September of 2020, some of the most exciting announcements to come from the celebration were oddly slated to cease production and no longer be up for sale in March of 2021. As ridiculous and strange as this was, it seemed like Nintendo would have to change course at some point between then and now, wouldn’t it? But sadly, it looks like the company is following through, leaving the March 31, 2021 expiry date for Super Mario Bros. 35 and 3D All-Stars inching closer and closer every day. Head below for more details. 

After detailing the new Mario crossover content as part of its massive 2021 Direct presentation, Nintendo has now released the March Animal Crossing update details. Today’s New Horizons video showcases the influx of new content the game will be receiving throughout the month. Alongside the new Mario gear, in celebration of springtime and Shamrock Day, there will be new creatures to collect, items to craft, and more. Head below for a closer look. 

Reports suggest the next Nintendo Switch, or what could be considered the long-rumored Nintendo Switch Pro, is in the works. New information for Bloomberg’s sources are pointing at a new model Nintendo Switch console with a larger OLED display, and you guessed it, a 4K output. It could be set for release as early as this year and ready for the 2021 holiday season. More details below. 

The Sims 4 is the latest in lifestyle simulation from EA and is a way that we can all live out our dreams without leaving the comfort of our own homes. While the base game goes for $40 (though you can pick it up fairly low-cost quite often), expansions range anywhere from $10 to $40 by themselves. Well, that is, until now. EA just announced Sims 4 Kits, which is an expansion option that comes alongside Stuff, Game, and Expansion packs. Kits are the lowest-cost way to expand your Sims 4 game, costing just $5 each. For the first installment of Kits, EA is offering Throwback Fit, Country Kitchen, and Bust the Dust expansions here. What all do each of these entail? Keep reading to find out.

A new Aliens game has been officially unveiled today. After a slew of acquisitions and years of development work, Cold Iron Studios has finally unveiled its new Aliens game. Set in the famous Sir Ridley Scott film universe, Cold Iron is working directly with 20th Century Studios to self-publish the new Aliens game known as Fireteam. Head below for more details and the debut trailer for the upcoming squad-based survival shooter experience. 

Sony dropped the release details for its world-class MLB The Show 21 baseball simulator last month, and we now know R.B.I. Baseball 21 will release one month before that. The once arcade-focused baseball game is coming with a slew of new enhancements that, while retaining that fast-paced simplicity of yesteryear, offer up an even more realistic and engaging experience than ever before. While it won’t give MLB The Show 21 a run for its money among the hardcore crowd, R.B.I. Baseball 21 is arriving for the rest of us in under two weeks’ time. More details below. 

Elden Ring is the next FromSoftware game, although it has been entirely quiet after the development team went dark after the teaser trailer that was shown at Microsoft’s E3 2019 showcase. Anticipation is high to say the least for the upcoming collaboration between the Dark Souls/Bloodborne visionary, Hidetaka Miyazaki, and Game of Thrones/A Song of Fire and Ice creator, George R.R. Martin. But after leaving gamers with nothing but a dream since 2019, and questions of whether or not the project was still in development, it now appears a new trailer has leaked online giving a very first look at Elden Ring gameplay, and more. Head below for additional details.