Games

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. 

Ghost Recon Breakpoint is Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Ghost Recon franchise. I am a huge fan of Wildlands, the predecessor of Breakpoint. While I only have a few hours in the latest game, it’s one on my list that I’m planning on playing this summer, so today’s news of further updates was very welcomed. What all is coming in 2021 for Ghost Recon Breakpoint? Keep reading to find out.

We are in for a special Pokémon presentation today in celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary. We have already seen some notable releases to mark the occasion including life-size Poké Balls, classic reprints from TGC, and even some crossovers with Casio, but it sounds like we are in for some game announcements today. The presentation is set to kick off at 10 a.m. today, and we will have the live stream and updates waiting for you below. 

PUBG: New State is the latest battle royale title in the popular franchise. It’s built by PUBG Studio, the company behind PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS, and will launch as a free-to-play title on both Android and iOS sometime this year. Optimized for mobile play, PUBG: New State delivers the “full battle royale experience” on your smartphone or tablet. What sets this apart from the standard PUBG? Well, keep reading to find out what makes PUBG: New State special.

OK, folks, this is it. Sony’s next State of Play showcase event is set for today with new PlayStation games and deep dives into some titles we already know about. Today’s presentation marks the first State of Play for 2021 and is expected to feature 30 straight minutes of games. After seeing an impressive Nintendo Direct last week, it’s now Sony’s turn to give us an idea about what to expect on PlayStation over the next year or so. New PlayStation games, updates on third-party titles, and more will be included and the whole thing kicks off at 5 p.m ET. Head below for more details. 

Star Wars Republic Commando was originally released back in 2005, some 16 years ago at this point. While Microsoft made it backward compatible with Xbox One, and in turn Series S|X back in 2018, PlayStation and Nintendo gamers haven’t been able to play this iconic piece of gaming history in over a decade…until now. Aspyr Media is officially bringing back Star Wars Republic Commando with a launch on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on April 6. It’s been quite a while since we took a look at this game, so let’s dive into what all Star Wars Republic Commando entails.

When precious daily photos or important documents go missing, it’s nice to have a safety net. Disk Drill PRO 4 lets you recover hundreds of different file types with a couple of clicks. You can get this highly-rated Mac and Windows utility with guaranteed lifetime upgrades for just $49.99 (Reg. $118) at 9to5Toys Specials. 

Stardew Valley is a popular game across multiple platforms, be it PC, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, or even mobile. Well, it just landed on a brand-new platform that nobody really expected: your table. That’s right, Stardew Valley is now available as a board game, which is something that nobody really thought (or expected) to happen. What does the board game entail? Keep reading to find out more about Stardew Valley: The Board Game.

Sony has announced that its Play At Home program will once again kick off next month with free PlayStation games and more. The Play At Home initiative launched last April in support of folks stuck at home due to COVID-19, and as most of us continue to social distance, it is once again planning a slew of free content to help out. According to today’s PlayStation Blog update, the festivities will start at the beginning of next month with free PlayStation games (Ratchet & Clank will be first). Head below for more details. 

It was only a matter of time before we got the first details on PS5 VR and Sony’s next-generation PS VR gear, and that time is now. Sony has now take to its official PlayStation Blog to offer up the first details on its PS5 VR plans, saying players “will feel an even greater sense of presence and become even more immersed in their game worlds once they put on the new headset.” Head below the fold for more details. 

Now that Fortnite’s next-generation update is among us, focus can fully return to the latest and greatest characters that have joined the game. A new Street Fighter Fortnite update has added “two of Capcom’s greatest fighters.” This paves the way for gamers to switch up a dated skin and play using Ryu or Chun-Li. Would you rather be the “Master of the Dragon Punch” or the “strongest woman in the world?” Each character comes with trademark emotes to help them stay true to the Street Fighter series. Continue reading to learn more.

Watch Dogs Legion multiplayer, along with the upcoming PvP mode, now has what appears to be a confirmed release date. After initially expected on December 3 at the tail end of last year, followed by a series of delays, it now looks like Watch Dogs Legion Online and its co-op gameplay will drop in early March. Head below for more details. 

Last year, EA launched over 25 games on Steam, and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville was one of them. Well, the game is now coming to Nintendo Switch on March 19. What all will the port include? Quite a bit, honestly. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on Nintendo Switch.

Backwards compatibility is something that felt ultimately necessary in both of Sony and Microsoft’s latest batch of consoles. But unlike PCs, console game settings typically cannot be configured to take advantage of better hardware once it comes out. Developers must get their hands dirty and hope that an update to the game will encourage enough sales to cover their investment of time, resources, etc. Some know that this effort is simply not worth their time, but Microsoft has their back with a new Xbox FPS Boost feature. Continue reading to learn more.

No Man’s Sky can be a pretty lonely game. I mean, when it first launched, you couldn’t even play with other Travelers unless you happened to stumble upon someone randomly…which wasn’t likely. While we now have a fully-fledged multiplayer experience, it’s not always possible to play with friends. Well, the team at Hello Games decided to do something about that and finally delivered on something the community has asked for almost since the game starter: companions. In the latest No Man’s Sky update, you’ll be able to tame and adopt creatures that you find roaming the universe and bond them to your Traveler, allowing them to be summoned anywhere you are.

Well, this is it, the latest Nintendo Direct presentation is here. After well over a year since the last full-length Nintendo Direct showcase, outside of those focused on indie games, single titles, and other Nintendo projects, the wait is finally over. Today’s lengthy 50-minute showcase was officially announced yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere, and it starts right now. Watch for yourself below or head back here shortly for up-to-the-minute updates. 

Originally announced in 2018, Amazon’s New World is a unique title from the game that was supposed to launch in August of last year. Well, in July, the company announced that it would be delayed until spring 2021. Well, with spring around the corner, Amazon announced today that New World would be delayed again…until August 31, 2021. It’s not all bad news though, this time we have a set date for when the closed beta will begin, and some developmental updates as well.

The next Nintendo Direct presentation has been announced, and it’s going to be a big one. It has been quite a long time since we have seen a full-on Nintendo Direct — it has been mostly Direct Minis, indie titles, and other Nintendo projects for over a year — but Nintendo has now scheduled a lengthy 50-minute presentation for tomorrow. Seemingly out of nowhere, the official Nintendo Twitter page, and subsequently the official Nintendo Direct site, now feature updates for what could be the most exciting Switch presentation in quite a long time. Head below for more details on what to expect and when to tune in. 

The Room is a title almost as old as mobile gaming itself. Well, the latest installment is finally available on PC after being on mobile since 2018. While the gameplay might be similar to your smartphone or tablet, the graphics won’t be as Fireproof Games completely overhauled all of the in-game textures and lighting objects for a “considerable visual upgrade” from what its mobile version could offer. What else does The Room 4: Old Sins bring to the series? And is it worth picking up on desktop? Let’s find out.

If you’re like me, you love when video games feature a built-in co-op mode. It allows players to work together instead of competing against each other, something that can cause non-gamers to dip their toe into the world of video games. Overcooked! All You Can Eat aims to ace this with flying colors. The latest Overcooked update will merge both the original and second game into one while managing to add a plethora of new features. Standout examples include new kitchens, chefs, online multiplayer for all kitchens, and the promise of cross-play. Continue reading to learn more.

Free Metro Exodus upgrades are on the way for next-generation consoles, but we now have details on the complete upgrade the 4A Engine is getting to support them. Metro Exodus — a somewhat under-appreciated first person shooter with elements of survivalism, stealth, and post-apocalyptic crafting — is getting some serious visual upgrades on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles along with the freshly-announced Metro Exodus PC Enhanced Edition. A game that was already oozing with atmosphere and even visual story-telling to some degree, 4A games is completely overhauling its game engine to realize “a fully Ray Traced experience on next-gen. consoles and high-end PC.” Head below for more details.

The Division 2 released back in 2019 and was supposed to receive updates through 2020, and then after that, be done. Well, the community asked for post-launch content so much, it seems, that Ubisoft has decided to not only release new content in 2021 for the game but also going into 2022, according to the company’s earnings call.

As we head into the President’s Day and Valentine’s Day weekend, we have a giant list of top-tier holiday iOS app deals to roundup. This week has seen plenty of big-time price drops on some of the App Store’s best titles including Stardew Valley (that just received a massive update on console), Samorost 3, Bloons TD 6, Pascal’s Wager, NBA 2K20, the brilliant Affinity imagine manipulation apps, and it just keeps going from there. Head below the fold for handy list of all of this weekend’s best holiday iOS app deals. 

Split-screen Stardew Valley co-op has arrived on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles as a part of a massive version 1.5 update. Until now, each player would need to have their own console in order to enjoy the game together. While this is already a big update in and of itself, ConcernedApe hasn’t stopped there. In addition to split-screen Stardew Valley co-op, players will also gain access to an entirely new region called Ginger Island. You’ll also find new NPCs, dialogue, events, minigames, and much more in this update. Continue reading to learn more.

DBrand’s new PlayStation 5 face plates are now up for sale. Designed to offer gamers an alternative to Sony’s techno-looking white exterior PS5 wings, the new Darkplates are basically precisely cut slabs of plastic created to replace the stark white stock shell. For how long Sony allows this to be the case is unknown — it previously took legal action against a company known as PlateStation that was selling a very similar product. Head below for more details.