In case you didn’t know, PlayStation is officially killing physical discs. The company says this is a natural step that aligns with how most players buy and play games. Considering how 85% of PlayStation games (via PlayStation's financials) are bought digitally, this move isn’t all that surprising — though that fact doesn’t ease the concern of many who see this as a wrong move.

Tom’s Guide reached out to Ross Scott, Founder of Stop Killing Games — the campaign pushing for legal protections so games don’t disappear once publishers stop supporting them — to get their take on what this announcement means for PlayStation players and gamers as a whole.

The group’s responses were measured on some points but clear on others. While they didn’t outright call Sony’s consumer preference argument false, they argued that the bigger issue isn’t really about discs at all. Here are some highlights from their answers to our questions.

The disc isn't the problem

Ross didn’t argue about whether most people preferred digital to physical. Instead, they challenged the notion that removing physical discs is the next logical step with no downsides. In their estimation, the conversation has become too focused on the format itself rather than on what players lose when that format disappears.

“The lack of the disc is just a symptom and not the core problem in itself,” Scott told us. They see the shift away from physical media as a surface-level change that masks a deeper issue: the gradual erosion of player ownership and long-term access to games.

Having a physical disc gives players something close to real ownership. Even if a publisher decided to shut down servers or stop supporting a game, you still (in most cases) had a working copy. This hasn’t been a thing on PC for a long time, and it appears the same will happen on consoles. Stop Killing Games thinks that’s why Sony’s response is wrong. Players are losing one of the last ways to keep a game they bought.

“What customers need [is] assurances their games won't be taken from them after purchase, which large publishers sometimes have a very poor track record on,” Scott said.

Second-hand sales and publisher incentives

We also asked about the impact on the used-games market and on retail competition. Their answer was more nuanced than you might expect from an anti-DRM campaign.

“I actually am sympathetic to publishers wanting to avoid secondhand sales, as in my opinion, that has led to lower prices overall (think of all the large sale events or digital game giveaways we see nowadays), but that also assumes competition in the market,” Scott added.

They also pointed out that copyrighted works already come with certain legal monopolies, and they’re wary of companies expanding that control through technical means without going through the proper legal process in different countries.

Additionally, they noted that recent examples, such as price increases following major acquisitions, show how quickly consumer-friendly promises can shift once competition decreases.

A warning from the past

The all-digital future that many dreaded is effectively here, but the idea isn’t completely new. To that end, SKG pointed to Microsoft’s original Xbox One reveal as a cautionary example. Even though Microsoft walked back many of the most controversial features after receiving backlash, SKG sees the 2013 presentation as a sign of where parts of the industry still want to go.

“Not to pick on Microsoft in particular, but I felt like the original Xbox One reveal was a sign of where the industry would like to take things,” Scott continued.

Some of Microsoft's original plans included: mandatory daily online checks, or your games would stop working, unclear rules around used games, and no guarantees that your library would survive once support for the console ended. Gamers decried all of these, but we’ve since seen them effectively become standard for all game consoles. Not having physical discs will just make it easier for companies to enact such measures.

Stop Killing Games added that they don’t believe digital games are inherently bad. When handled responsibly, digital-only games have real benefits, such as easier ways to back up purchases by copying games to an external hard drive. The danger lies when publishers treat digital ownership as something temporary or revocable.

When “physical” doesn’t mean physical

One area where Stop Killing Games was more direct was the growing trend of retailers selling “physical editions” that contain nothing but a download code inside a box—such as GTA 6 not launching with a game disc. They described this as misleading to consumers.

“I think this does create a sense of deception among consumers, since regardless of one's opinion on digital v. physical games, the average person expects something marketed as a physical copy of something to be physical.”

This practice also raises questions about what ownership even means. If the only thing inside the box is a code that can be revoked or tied to an account that might one day disappear, then the idea of “owning” a physical copy starts to feel hollow. They see this as part of the same broader pattern where the appearance of ownership is preserved while the reality of it quietly erodes.

To be clear, Sony did not say anything about selling “physical” copies of games in the manner that GTA 6 will, so we can’t say the company will go down that route. Still, it was interesting getting SKG’s take on this, since it’s a related topic.

Outlook

While we likely can’t stop console manufacturers from reversing course, we can at least ask for assurances that our digital purchases actually belong to us. This is why Stop Killing Games’ efforts are so important, especially now.

We’ll see how things play out, but for now, it might be best to brace for what’s to come.

More from Tom's Guide

• PS6 price could be in the same stratosphere as the Steam Machine
• PS6 just tipped for huge specs upgrade to take on gaming PCs
• MacBook Neo at $699 — is it still worthwhile?

Not a rumor or speculation. PlayStation is officially ending physical disc production. That news comes directly from Sid Shuman, Senior Director of Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications.

On the PlayStation Blog, Shuman says the company made this decision because customers have continued to shift away from physical discs to digital.

To that end, “physical disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting in January 2028,” says Shuman. After that date, new games will only be available in digital format on the PlayStation Store and at retailers. Games released or due for release on disc before 2028 won’t be affected.

“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs,” says Shuman. “This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.”

Today’s announcement might be shocking, but it isn’t all that surprising. In PlayStation’s 2025 Q4 financial report (via Genki on X), the company stated that 85% of games sold on the platform were purchased digitally. This is a trend we’ve seen across all gaming consoles over the past decade, with acceleration during the pandemic.

Given this news, it’s safe to assume that the yet-to-be-announced PS6 won’t have a disc drive. The same might also be true for the upcoming Xbox Project Helix, which is reportedly going to be a midway point between a console and a PC. Speaking of PC, that platform has been all-digital for ages as well, showing that gamers are generally already used to not owning physical copies of their games.

We reached out to Stop Killing Games (a consumer rights group) for comment about this story. They said gamers want assurances that their games won’t be taken from them after purchase, and that decisions like this only serve to erode that trust.

“Digital games in themselves are not a problem and have multiple advantages for both parties when run responsibly, giving customers the freedom to back up their game sometimes in ways better than physical copies,” says Stop Killing Games. “When handled irresponsibly, they're a death sentence for games, which is what has led to the Stop Killing Games movement in the first place.”

Lastly, PlayStation also says it is closing the PS3 and PS Vita digital stores. Closures start this August in select markets and will happen globally by July of 2027. You will still be able to download previously purchased games after the closing dates "for the foreseeable future." If you want to purchase any PS3 or Vita games digitally, do it now before those stores are closed for good.

This is certainly devastating news for fans of physical games. If you fall into that camp, there isn't much you can do when the time comes. However, I expect companies like Limited Run Games to release physical versions of PS5 games even after this policy goes into place, so that is at least one option for select games. But for the PS6, it appears there won't be any choice but to play games digitally.

More from Tom's Guide

• PS6 price could be in the same stratosphere as the Steam Machine
• PS6 just tipped for huge specs upgrade to take on gaming PCs
• MacBook Neo at $699 — is it still worthwhile?

If you hoped the PS6 would cost less than $1,000, I have some potentially bad news for you. According to a new leak, the PS6 currently costs $960 in materials to manufacture. Unless Sony is willing to sell the yet-to-be-announced next-generation consoles, the PS6 could cost about as much as the equally pricey Steam Machine.

The leak in question comes from Kepler_K2 (via Insider Gamer), who has a decent track record of hardware leaks. Kepler claims that the BoM (bill of materials) for the PS6 has jumped up by $200 since March of this year. Where the console cost $760 to manufacture, it will now cost $960. The PS5 Pro saw a similar price hike, rising from $699 to $899 after two price increases.

Unfortunately, the PS6 could cost even more to manufacture. As Wccftech reports, an X user named Jukan posted a report from the banking firm Jefferies that claims to have spoken with a tech analyst about the RAM crisis. The expert predicts that RAM and SSD will see a 40% to 50% hike in Q3 2026 and another 30% to 40% hike in the final quarter of this year. If this happens, then the PS6’s cost will undoubtedly shoot beyond the $1,000 range.

Sony and other console manufacturers have typically sold systems at a loss to recoup their costs through software sales. VGC reports that during a Q&A session with Sony’s Game & Network Services division, one attendee asked if Sony would subsidize the cost of its next-gen hardware. Sony said the company doesn’t plan to sell hardware “at significant losses” but is “monitoring the market.”

Given all of these factors, it’s unrealistic to assume the PS6 will be south of $1,000 if things continue on their current trajectory. Indeed, if prices continue to skyrocket, a $1,000 asking price might be the best-case scenario. If that’s the case, then many folks will be priced out of next-gen consoles.

More from Tom's Guide

• PS6 won’t abandon physical games, claims new report
• PS6 just tipped for huge specs upgrade to take on gaming PCs
• Sony will allegedly launch three PS6 systems

Today is the day we expect the PlayStation’s first official wireless fight stick to become available to pre-order. The FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick was previously codenamed Project Defiant when it was revealed during the June 2025 PlayStation State of Play.

Now, many months later, you'll have your first opportunity to stake your claim on one before the accessory goes on sale on August 6. You’re able to pre-order the PS5 FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick right now, just scroll down for all the buying links.

The FlexStrike is compatible with both the PS5 and a PC and works both as a wired or wireless controller with a PlayStation Link adapter. The latter is Sony’s low-latency wireless technology, which devices like the Pulse Elite Wireless Headset also utilize.

As fighting fans will know, input lag can mean the difference between victory and defeat, so it's crucial Sony does everything it can to minimize it while playing wirelessly.

However, because this is a first-party accessory, you can expect a higher price than many third-party alternatives. The FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick costs $199 in the U.S. and £179 in the U.K.

If you want to know how it feels to use, my colleague Rory Mellon was able to get some early access hands on time with the controller at PlayStation HQ. You can read his hands-on right here, along with his thoughts on PlayStation's other accessory: the Pulse Elevate desktop speakers.

To help you secure the Fight Stick, we've got all the details you need below. Just be sure to bookmark this page, as we’ll update it with more retailers as and when we can. And be warned that pre-orders could sell out fast.

Where to pre-order PS5 FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick

As of 6:00 a.m. ET on Friday, June 12, the PS5 FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick pre-orders are currently sold out at Amazon and unavailable at PlayStation Direct, Target, Best Buy and Walmart. However, we will keep checking back and update this page as soon as we see stock. If you spot any retailer that we've missed offering pre-orders, let us know in the comments below this article and we'll update this page.

Over in the U.K., things are looking a lot more promising. Pre-orders are live and in stock at Amazon, Smyths Toys and PlayStation Direct. However, we can't see them at other retailers like Currys or Argos.

Pre-order PS5 FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick in the U.K.

PS5 FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick features

The FlexStrike is a good-looking controller but Sony has pulled out all the stops to make it as functional as possible. It's got mechanical switch buttons and toolless swappable restrictor gates — including square, circle and octagonal gates that fit into the peripheral’s built-in storage compartments. That's also where you can keep the included PS Link USB adapter.

It’s rare for the best fight sticks to have more than one restrictor gate included, so this is a nice bonus. It also makes sense since it’s possible that standard Sanwa parts aren’t compatible with the FlexStrike.

The FlexStrike also comes with a sling carry case, along with a USB-C cable for wired play.

Other features include the ability to use a single PS Link USB adapter to connect the FlexStrike and a Pulse Elite headset or Pulse Explore earbuds, or to connect two FlexStrike controllers simultaneously.

You can also keep your regular PS5 DualSense controller connected at the same time as the FlexStrike if you need that controller to navigate menus between fights. Finally, the benefit of this being a first-party Sony accessory is that you can turn on your PS5 by pressing the FlexStrike’s PS button. You're not going to find that same feature in third-party fight sticks.

More from Tom's Guide

• PlayStation’s Wireless FlexStrike Fight Stick is coming — these are the 9 best (and cheapest) PS5 fighting games worth getting
• I got my ass handed to me by a chess-playing robot — and now I'm worried Magnus Carlsen may be cooked by AI
• I got hands-on with PS5 FlexStrike fight stick and Pulse Elevate desktop speakers — and I’m seriously impressed with one in particular

PlayStation State of Play for June 2025 is now over, and it was certainly a packed showcase with loads of new games announced, a bunch of release dates for highly anticipated titles, and plenty of exciting trailers to watch.

The biggest news was the confirmation of the new God of War: Laufey, a new title in the popular series that swaps Kratos for his wife Faye, as she battles through the afterlife of the gods. Other big reveals included Until Dawn 2, The Lost Wild, Stuntman: Hollywood and plenty more new titles.

Below you can find every single announcement from State of Play June 2026, along with all the trailers. So if you missed the showcase, our live coverage will guide you through all the biggest news and announcements.

How to (re)watch State of Play for June 2026

Missed State of Play June 2026? Don't worry, you can use the VOD link above to catch up with the whole showcase available to rewatch. Or you can read on for our live coverage to pick out the trailers you want to watch.

LIVE UPDATES

Welcome!

Good morning! Welcome to Tom's Guide's live coverage of the PS5 State of Play for June 2026. I'm Rory, a senior entertainment editor, and one of biggest gamers on staff. I'll be bring you all the last-minute rumors, and also guiding you through the State of Play itself when it begins later today. So, let's get into the good stuff...

The one game we can bank on being at State of Play

There's a lot we don't know about today's State of Play, but Sony has confirmed one game that will present: Marvel's Wolverine. Set to release on September 15, this superhero action game comes from Insomniac Games, the developer of the PS5 Marvel's Spider-Man games, and it looks brutal in the best way possible.

We've been waiting a long time to get our hands (claws?) on Wolverine. It was announced during the PlayStation Showcase in September 2021, and almost five years later, we're finally entering the home straight with launch just a few months away. I'm expecting to see more gameplay today, and maybe new story details.

My other prediction when it comes to Marvel's Wolverine is that PlayStation might confirm a limited-edition Wolverine-themed DualSense and maybe even console.

PS5 State of Play June 2026: Everything you need to know

So, the key details for State of Play are as follows. The live-streamed presentation takes place today (Tuesday, June 2), and it will run for "more than 60 minutes." Sony is promising "updates, announcements, and gameplay reveals from top studios around the world" with at least some presence from its own PlayStation Studios.

The timings for State of Play June 2026 are as follows:

• 2 p.m. PT
• 5 p.m. ET
• 10 p.m. BST
• 11 p.m. CEST
• 6 a.m. JST (June 3)
• 7 a.m. AEDT (June 3)

You'll be able to watch along live via PlayStation's channels on YouTube and Twitch, but fear not if you can't get to a stream, that's what I'm here for. In this live blog, I'll bring you all the pre-show build-up, and full live coverage of every announcement.

You can watch State of Play on the big screen!

How about this for the ultimate way to enjoy the State of Play? Sony has partnered with Alamo Drafthouse (a cinema chain the Japanese tech giant recently bought) to host State of Play fan events, showing the event on the big screen!

Tickets are free, and the State of Play will be shown in Drafthouse's across the U.S., including in Los Angeles, New York, Austin, Boston and Chicago. I can't think of a better way to enjoy the occasion than watching all the announcements in a movie theater with an audience that will no doubt only add to the atmosphere.

I'll be watching at my desk (after all, I need to bring TG readers the latest updates!), but if you're fortunate enough to live near one of the locations hosting the event, check out the link above. Just be aware that tickets might have sold out.

Would you like fries with that?

Alongside screening the State of Play at select Alamo Drafthouse locations, it looks like there will be Wolverine themed-food on offer as well (source @ZhugeEX). This includes "Savage Sticks," "Rage Pizza" and a "Mutant Instinct" cocktail. Just looking at the menu is making me hungry. I wonder if you can order these themed items on DoorDash?

Here's when I think we'll see Wolverine during State of Play

We'll be diving into the world of rumors, leaks and speculation soon enough, but for now, let's keep the focus on what we do know. So, it's been confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will feature, but the big question, is when will it be showcased?

My prediction is that Wolverine will open the show. For starters, PlayStation will want to lead off with a big game, which Wolverine most certainly is. Secondly, because Logan's involvement has been pre-confirmed, it makes sense to open the show, leaving the final reveal to be something unexpectedly and hype generating.

Furthermore, the opening slot is definitely a prime position, and it would make sense for PlayStation to reverse it for one of its own titles rather than a third-party.

The next God of War could be revealed today

There's one rumor that just won't go away ahead of the State of Play. Various sources, including Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson, have claimed the next game in the God of War series will be announced during State of Play June 2026.

It's already been a big year for the GoW series. In the February State of Play, a remake of the original trilogy was revealed, and the side-scrolling spin-off title God of War: Sons of Sparta was announced and released the same day. But if the rumors are correct, PlayStation is already ready to show what's next for the series.

The unconfirmed suggestion is that the next God of War will be a prequel game focused on Faye, Kratos' second wife, whose death kicked off the events of God of War (2018). It's also rumored this title will be directed by Cory Barlog, who was the sole director on the reboot and a co-director on sequel God of War Ragnarök.

As with all rumors, I advise taking this one with a grain of salt, but there's certainly a lot of online noise about this. We'll find out if it's true in just a matter of hours.

Fairgames could be re-revealed as Break In

The upcoming live-service shooter Fairgames from new team Haven Studios was announced back in 2023, but we've not seen it since. Therefore, it stands to reason that it could resurface at today's State of Play, but perhaps with a new name.

Last month, it was reported that Sony had filed a trademark for a new game called "Break In," but the internet rumor mill, tipped off by a not-so-subtle clue from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier (per IGN), suggests this might not be a new game at all, but rather a rebranding of Fairgames.

Rightly or wrongly, the online reception to Fairgames was pretty mixed, with many fans suggesting it'll be the next Concord (a PlayStation live service game that was shut down within just a few weeks). So, giving it a new title and a fresh slate, and hoping to make a better impression this time around, could be a smart play.

I need to see more from Intergalactic!

If there's one already-announced game I'm desperate to see at the State of Play, it's Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Naughty Dog are a top 3 developer in my book, so anything with the ND logo has my instant attention, and Intergalactic looks epic.

We've not seen this one since it was revealed at The Game Awards in December 2024, and while a 2026 release date seems very unlikely, a fresh look during today's State of Play isn't out of the question. The game is a sci-fi title that stars a futuristic bounty hunter who becomes stuck on a planet cut off from contact for 600 years.

If I were a betting man, I think a second trailer at this year's Game Awards might be a more likely slot for Intergalactic to resurface but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The State of Play hype is building already

There's no doubt that there's a lot of excitement in the air about today's State of Play. In fact, some 5,000 fans are already in the waiting room as we speak. The showcase might not go live for around seven hours, but that isn't stopping some viewers from booting up the stream and essentially staring at an empty screen!

Could Rayman return at State of Play?

Well, looks like the cat is out of the bag when it comes to Rayman. Unless somebody is playing a very cruel joke, it appears that Rayman Legends is getting a remake in the form of Rayman Legends: Retold. Could this be one of the State of Play announcements that has leaked a little early? It certainly seems possible.

Per Insider Gaming, Rayman Legends: Retold is a re-release of the original game launched in 2013. It reportedly swaps the original's 2D art style for a 2D.5 approach, and even better, it might come bundled with a copy of its predecessor, Rayman Origins (hot takes: Legends is very good, but I actually preferred Origins overall).

Rayman Legends has such a timeless look that I'm not convinced we need a remake, and thanks to a PS4 port, the game is already playable on PS5, but still, Rayman fans likely won't be complaining about the often-neglect heroes return.

I got hands-on with two upcoming PS5 accessories

If you're looking to fill some of the time until State of Play, read my hands-on report with the upcoming FlexStrike fight stick and the Pulse Elevate desktop speakers.

I recently took a trip to the PlayStation U.K. office to check out these new PS5 accessories, due for launch in 2026, and I came away seriously impressed with both. The FlexStrike in particular has become an accessory I'm eager to add to my gaming setup, especially as it launches on August 8 alongside Marvel Tokon.

We might even see more of these new products in today's State of Play!

I'm taking a big huff of hopium, let's talk Bloodborne

If you'll let me indulge in a little wishing here, like many PlayStation fans, my dream announcement today would be something Bloodborne-related. Sequel, remaster, remake, just a 60 fps patch for the game on PS4, I'd take just about anything.

The 2015 action-RPG from developer From Software is quite simply a masterpiece, and much as I've loved replaying it on PS4 regularly over the years, I'd love either a proper follow-up or a remastered version that bumps the framerate and makes its haunting world look even prettier.

I certainly wouldn't bank on Bloodborne being present at today's State of Play, but if the name did pop up in pretty much any form, I'd be squealing with delight.

Don't forget about the Future Games Show this week!

It's set to be a huge week for gaming news. There's today's PS5 State of Play, Friday brings Summer Game Fest 2026, and Sunday sees Microsoft take the stage with the Xbox Showcase. But don't forget about the Future Games Show on Saturday.

Hosted by Troy Baker and Alex Wilton, it takes place on Saturday, June 6 at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST and will feature trailers and reveals for more than 50 games, from AAA to indie, including Halloween: The Game, WARDOGS and more.

It's going to be a great showcase, and all that wasn't enough, it'll be followed by FGS Live from Los Angeles, with more trailers, premieres and developer interviews.

A spooky prediction I'm feeling confident about

I'm fairly confident we'll be seeing more from Silent Hill: Townfall in today's State of Play. We might even get a release date considering it's been slated for 2026.

My reasoning is twofold. Firstly, earlier today, an ESRB rating for the game was discovered via MP1st (no surprises here, it's rated M). This would suggest it's gearing up for launch if the game's already been submitted for an age rating.

Secondly, the last State of Play offered a first: PlayStation gave the stage to Konami to host its own mini-showcase within a SOP. A portion of the event was dedicated to new reveals from the publisher, including a first trailer for Silent Hill: Townfall.

If Townfall is going to hit its confirmed 2026 window, then it stands to reason we'll see more from it soon, and with PlayStation already showing its strong partnership with Konami, I reckon we'll see more from Silent Hill: Townfall later today.

Just 5 hours to go!

It's not quite time to get seated and gets your snacks to hand, but we're only five hours away from the State of Play for June 2026 kicking off. Don't worry, we're not going anywhere, I'll be stepping back for a quick break before the show, but I'm tagging in some colleagues to keep you entertained as we get closer to the State of Play going live. For those curious how the waiting room is looking, it's dropped down to 2,300 viewers, but those numbers will explode as go-time approaches.

A little football

EA Sports just revealed the cover images for the third iteration of its revived College Football series.

CFB 27 will launch later this summer, so I wouldn't be surprised if we get a glimpse of the new game during State of Play. Chat will be chuffed I'm sure.

Team Asobi teases Sly Cooper

Team Asobi, the developers behind the excellent AstroBot, teased Sly Cooper in a little video earlier today.

It's no real guarantee but it is an interesting video to post on the day of a State of Play. Comments under the GIF are cautiously excited about a potential Sly 5.

What do you think, will we see the return of the raccoon thief today?

What are you excited to maybe see?

I have my own predictions but what do you think Sony will show off today? Or what do you want to see?

Let us know in the comments or shoot me an email at scott.younker@futurenet.com

A fresh look at Horizon Hunters Gathering

Sony announced Horizon Hunters Gathering back in February as a cooperative team game that sees players taking on different robo-dinos.

It seems cartoon-y, which isn't bad but maybe not what I personally want from the Horizon series. That said, if we're leaning into the silliness, I would love a sequel Lego Horizon game.

Anyway, it's very likely we'll get a fresh look at Hunters Gathering.

Lara Croft pops up

Hmm, Gematsu noticed that new Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis screenshots just popped up on the PlayStation Store.

This could mean that Lara Croft gets some shine today.

We don't have a release date for the next Tomb Raider game, so this could be a good opportunity for Sony to reveal one.

Some commenters pointed out that Summer Games Fest kicks off on June 5 this Friday. It's possible that we won't hear anything until then.

A wishlist of sequels

I've been looking around Reddit, X and some forums and I keep seeing a wishlist of sequels.

Here are the most common ones:

• Bloodborne 2
• Devil May Cry 6
• Final Fantasy 7 number 3
• God of War: Faye
• Infamous 4
• Kingdom Hearts 4
• Nier 2
• Uncharted 5
• Twisted Metal something
• Spider-Man 3

Some are more realistic than others. Spider-Man 3 and Infamous for example are probably not showing up as Sucker Punch shows off Wolverine.

We have heard some inklings of a new Uncharted, but Naughty Dog has seemingly been a single game at a time studio for a couple decades now.

And Bloodborne 2 is just a dream to upset Bloodborne fans.

90 minutes to showtime

As a reminder the show kicks off at at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET / 10 p.m. BST.

That's 90 minutes from now.

Mario Kart is about to have some (extra) competition

Hey all! It's Rory here, back from break to guide you through the final hour of build-up and, of course, give you all the live updates from the State of Play June 2026.

It looks like another soon-to-be-announced game has leaked, and this time, thanks to SteamDB. The game in question is Super Yooka-Laylee Kart, presumably a kart racing spin-off from the 3D platforming series Yooka-Laylee. I guess the lizard-bat combo has already taken on Mario in the 3D collectathon arena, and now they're ready to take on Nintendo's mascot in the kart racing genre.

A kart racer seems a pretty natural next step for Yooka-Laylee, especially after the duo stepped into the 2D side-scrolling world for 2019's Impossible Lair. They've done platforming in 3D and 2D, so what's left to take to the race track?

However, there is some online speculation rumbling that this game might be announced at Friday's Summer Game Fest event rather than at the State of Play. We'll find out in just over an hour, but Yooka-Laylee fans, how are you feeling?

What PS5 game are you hoping to see at State of Play?

I've given you a few of my wishes, and some heavily rumored games, but I want to hear from you. Vote in the poll above, and let me know what PS5 game you want to see at State of Play. And if you top pick isn't in the poll, let me in the comments!

Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis may have been delayed

Earlier today new screenshots for the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (a remake of the first Tomb Raider game released in 1996) surfaced on the PlayStation Store, hinting we might get a new trailer at the State of Play. But Amazon just went a step further and appears to have leaked the release date and pre-order details (via @RaiderSociety)

The bad news is, if this listing is accurate (Amazon has since removed it), the game has been delayed out of its previously 2026 window until February 10, 2027. But the listing appears to have confirmed a Deluxe Edition which includes a "post-launch DLC story pack" and a 48-hour early access period for players who pre-order. There's also a bonus outfit based on Lara's gear from the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot.

We'll find out soon if this listing was legit, but considering Amazon Game Studios is the publisher of both Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and the upcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst (the next mainline entry in the series), the smart money says it is.

Will we see any Xbox logos during today's State of Play?

One of the stranger topics of conversation this week has been the intense debate on comments from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma regarding previous Xbox Showcases opting to include the PS5 logo in trailers for games releasing on PS5.

Some Xbox fans believe this was a mistake, and Sharma appears to agree, posting on social media that she was "Seeing the feedback on logos. It was a miss, and I own it." (as reported by VGC). Personally, I think more transparency is a good thing. If a game is releasing on multiple platforms, why try to hide that fact?

That leads to today, and some humorous speculation on whether PlayStation will include the Xbox logo in its own State of Play. The history books suggest that's unlikely; PlayStation has historically excluded the Xbox logo when spotlighting multi-platform games. But for me, I'd rather all companies were just upfront.

If a game is landing on Xbox and PlayStation, let gamers know, don't hide it!

The countdown has started, the stream is LIVE

This is when you know we're almost there! The PlayStation State of Play livestream has gone LIVE. Okay, so it's just a 30-minute countdown clock, but it at least gives us all some nice ambient music, and it means we're in the final home straight!

State of Play is already attracting plenty of attention

We're just under 20 minutes from the State of Play June 2026 beginning and already thousands of gamers are flooding to watch the countdown. Even in the time it took me to take the above screenshot and write this post, the viewing figures have jumped up to more than 82,000. Hopefully PlayStation has a suitably big show planned for all the thousands of people watching around the world.

10 minute warning, now is the time to get ready!

There's just 10 minutes until PS5 State of Play for June 2026 begins. If you haven't already now is the time to get ready. Boot up a live stream (there's one embedded above), get your snacks/drinks prepared, and maybe take a quick bathroom break!

Time for one final prediction!

With just five minutes to go, I've got time for a final prediction. I think we might finally see what's next from British developer Media Molecule. The Guildford-based studio behind the popular LittleBigPlanet series hasn't released a game since 2020's Dreams, and this creation tool experience was dropped back in 2023. It's been long enough now that I have a inkling we might see what's next from MM.

The waiting is over! State of Play June 2025 begins now!

After all the build-up, predictions, leaks and rumors, now is the time for PlayStation to do the talking as State of Play 2026 begins right now...

Wolverine opens the State of Play!

I predicted this one, and it's Marvel's Wolverine that kicks off the State of Play, with new gameplay, and some fresh details about this upcoming superhero title!

Wolverine will include other mutants

The first look at proper gameplay from Wolverine confirms that Logan won't be alone with other mutants to encounter during the campaign, it looks like Jean Grey will be one of them. It's also as violent and bloody as any Wolverine fan could want!

Wolverine gets State of Play off to a strong start!

That's a pretty action-packed way to kick off a State of Play. Wolverine looks great, but I do have some worries that most of what we saw was cutscenes, I'm hoping that actually playing this new Marvel game will be as fun as watching footage.

Marvel Tokon is the next game showcased

We're in for a Marvel section, as after Wolverine, we move on to Marvel Tokon: Fight Souls, the new fighting game from Arc System Works. I recently got to play a few rounds of this superhero brawler during a trip to PlayStation's U.K. office, and it was very good fun. It's rocketed up my must-play list. It's launching on August 6, 2026.

Marvel time is over, time for Rayman!

Whelp, the leaks were spot on, next up is the reveal of Rayman Legends Retold. A remake of the excellent Rayman Legends title, this reworked spin on the platforming classic sports a 2.5D look and some new 3D sections.

It's dropping on October 1 on PS5.

Bancho the Chef is the next game revealed

I'm not really sure what to make of this one, but it's a new game called Bancho the Chef, and it looks like it mixes cartoonish graphics with a narrative driven approach.

Next up, a new trailer for Kemuri

This game looks wild; it's called Kemuri: Hunt the Unseen, and it's dropping in 2027. You play a hunter in a city trying to track down paranormal forces. Naturally, combat is a big focus of the title, and the art style has definitely caught my eye.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis gets the spotlight

Next up, it's a new trailer for the Tomb Raider remake, subtitled Legacy of Atlantis. It looks cinematic, as any good Tomb Raider game should, but sadly, unless the Amazon listing page leak was incorrect, we know a delay into 2027 is coming.

There is, the game releases on February 12, 2027!

Trailer for The Lost World (No, it's not Jurassic Park)

I thought this was our latest look at the previously announced Jurassic Park: Survival, but I was wrong. It's actually another dino-themed game called The Lost World. No prizes for guessing what movie franchise inspired this title.

Some quick fire trailers now!

We're getting a quick fire dose of trailers now, first up is another quick glimpse at Phantom Blade 0 (which launches in September), and in just a few seconds, we're heading over to check out Dune: Awakening.

Dune Awakening comes to PS5 on September 22

Dune Awakening is console-bound and coming on September 22. New for the console edition is a single-player option, letting you explore the spice-rich deserts solo, if you'd rather not be pestered by online players doing silly emotes.

Trailers for Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered and No Rest for the Wicked

I told you the trailers were coming fast now. We got a look at Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition, followed by the news that No Rest For the Wicked is coming to PS5 with a major 1.0 update in October 2026.

Can Onimusha: Way of the Sword keep up Capcom's hot streak?

Capcom is on an insane run right now, and I'm hoping that Onimusha: Way of the Sword will keep that hot streak going. It certainly looks promising and is due to land on PS5 on September 25, 2026. Even better, a demo for the game is dropping on PS5 today. That's my post State of Play plans sorted, I guess!

I'd know that music anywhere!

Silent Hill: Townfall up next, I could tell just from the eerie musical chimes alone! This new entry in the survival-horror series takes the franchise to Scotland, and is played in first-person. I wasn't a huge fan of Silent Hill f (hot take, I know), but I'm hoping that Townfall will hook me in the way that Silent Hill 2 remake managed.

Silent Hill: Townfall is releasing on September 24, 2025 (just 1 day before Onimusha, September is going to be so packed with new games)

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve lands in October

It feels like every game is dropping in September/October, no doubt they're all trying to get out of the way of GTA 6. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the latest title to confirm it's releasing into what is looking like a crowed couple of months.

It's a Knight Rider game? Or is it Back to the Future?

What sort of mashup is this! Saber just announced a new title called Hollywood Stuntman, where, as the game suggests, you play as a stunt driver on movie sets. There appear to be licensed flicks involved with Knight Rider and Back to the Future teased in the trailer. I'm kind of completely sold on this concept!

This horror game makes Wolverine look PG

Ill gets a new trailer, and it's bloody and violent, it makes the Wolverine gameplay from earlier look tame. Don't watch the above trailer if you can't stomach lots of guts and intestines.

Control: Resonant gets a story trailer (and release date)

One of my most anticipated games of 2026, Control Resonant is out September 24, 2026. And I can't wait. I didn't even want to watch the trailer as I'm sold already!

Marathon Season 2 takes the spotlight

Well, if you need a quick bathroom break, I guess this Marathon Season 2 trailer isn't a bad time for one. Seeing as the chat has been spamming "We Want Destiny 3" all day long, there are quite a few unhappy comments about it. Marathon Season 2 launches today with a free trial weekend, and the base game gets a discount.

Runescape is arriving on PS5

My nostalgia levels are rising as for the first time a Runescape game is coming to PS5. Okay, it's not the base game but a spin-off, but still, Runescape on PS5! It's also be added to the PlayStation+ catalog on day one.

Sony's also confirming a new PlayStation Classics being added to PS+ including PSI-Ops, which has hit with another dose of childhood memories.

Could this be the Until Dawn Sequel?

Rumors of an Until Dawn sequel have been ever-present for years, and this trailer that shows young adults having fun in paradise over sinister music is screaming Until Dawn to me!

Yup, Until Dawn 2 is confirmed

And there you have it, in 2027 we are getting a follow-up to fan-favorite PS4 game Until Dawn 2. It's about a group of "fake" ghost hunters, who travel to a tropical island and find themselves trapped in a real nightmare.

The final reveal will be 20 minutes long!

Wow, our last reveal of the night will be a "big" one, and it'll be 20 minutes of uninterrupted gameplay rather than merely a quick trailer or logo. Could it be the rumored God of War prequel starring Faye?

The Santa Monica Studio logo has appeared, I think it just might be...

That's God of War alright!

Yup, it looks like all the rumors were correct, our last reveal is a new God of War game, and it will be starring Faye. Who awakes somewhere after her death!

Our first look at Faye in action!

Whelp, she might not be Kratos, but Faye can certainly kick some butt. Our first look at this new God of War title (assuming it'll adopt the GoW name) sees Faye attacked by planet creatures and easily dispatch them with aggressive move set of her own

Move over Kratos, I'm Team Faye now

I wasn't totally sold on a God of War prequel/spin-off without Kratos, but this gameplay is convincing me quickly. I'm wondering if PlayStation is showing us 20 minutes of gameplay out of the gate, could this game be closer to release?

And it's called God of War: Laufey

And there you have it, God of War: Laufey is coming to PS5. Not even a release year, so I guess my prediction that showing us so much of it today was a sign we might be close(ish) to release was wrong. I expect this is probably a late 2027 game at least.

And that's the State of Play June 2026 wrapped up!

God of War: Laufey concludes today's State of Play. It was a suitably epic ending!

Give me your rating for today's State of Play!

Now that State of Play is over, I want to know what you make of the showcase from PlayStation. I'm going with a solid B+. It was a good showing, but lacked major surprises, and I'm quite disappointed we didn't see Intergalactic whatsoever.

What was missing?

We put up a poll earlier asking what games you were excited to see.

Unfortunately, every game on the list (except Wolverine) didn't make an appearance.

That includes Bloodborne (anything), FF7, RE9 DLC, Intergalactic, Horizon, Ken or Fairgames. It's actually surprising how many games were missing.

I did mention earlier that Summer Games Fest is on Friday. So, perhaps we'll see some of these games at that show, especially since they'll likely be multiplatform compared to some of the games shown today.

Most exciting announcement

Yes, God of War and Wolverine took up most of the but I think there were a couple of trailers that looked interesting.

For me, the Jurassic Park-esque "The Lost Wild" has my interest. I'm not sure where it's going, but I am curious.

Additionally, there was the trailer for Kemori. Look, I'm a surprisingly simple man, it turns out, and any game where you can grind wires like a skater will pique my interest.

There were more but I wanted to call those two out. Anything catch your eye?

Last year, PlayStation announced the already diverse PS5 accessory range was set to grow further with two new products: the FlexStrike fight stick and the Pulse Elevate desktop speakers. What makes these two upcoming accessories more intriguing is that they represent firsts for PlayStation.

FlexStrike is the first official PlayStation fight stick, while the Elevate expands the Pulse range beyond headsets and into the speaker arena. I’ve been curious to learn more and, of course, to get my hands on these two products since they were announced last summer and fall, respectively.

After getting to demo both during a trip to PlayStation’s U.K. office, I’ve come away impressed and confident that they will bolster the already strong range of optional extras available to PS5 and PS5 Pro owners.

Both have their use cases and seem primed to deliver exactly what gamers want from a wireless fight stick and a pair of desktop speakers. However, it was the FlexStrike that really left the strongest impression. Just a short hands-on session took the accessory from a curiosity to a peripheral I’m eager to add to my own gaming setup as soon as possible.

FlexStrike wireless fight stick hands-on impressions

Settling down into a plush gaming pod within PlayStation’s slick London base, I was first introduced to the FlexStrike and given insight into its creation by Edwin Foo, VP of Product Development at Sony Interactive Entertainment. During this presentation, what stood out to me was the clear passion the development team has for PlayStation’s first fight stick.

Foo explained that one of the development mantras was to create a stick that could appeal to both serious players, the types hoping to compete at tournaments like Evo 2026, and newcomers who perhaps haven’t used a fight stick before. The sort of gamer used to playing fighting games like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and more on a traditional controller. I fall into that camp, so I was curious to see if a newbie like me could adapt.

Even just admiring the FlexStrike with my eyes, I was won over instantly by the design. The PS5’s aesthetics have always been a divisive subject, but I’m a fan, and I love how the FlexStrike pairs up PlayStation’s flagship console with a similar two-tone look that mixes Black and White plastic. It looks futuristic, without veering into the neon-garish look of some rivals.

As Foo highlighted some of the features, I got a sense that PlayStation really hasn’t skimped on functionality with the FlexStrike. Naturally, you’ve got a singular joystick on the left side and pleasingly large buttons on the right, one for each of the inputs on a DualSense.

Along the top, you’ll find the Options and Share buttons, alongside the ability to lock the top bar. Foo informed me that accidentally pressing pause during a fighting game competition results in an automatic forfeit, so this lock feature is essential.

Soon enough, it was time for me to test out the FlexStrike for myself. The bottom of the controller is covered in a rubber material that prevents it from slipping around and virtually locks it in place on my lap (another big positive).

When initially running my fingers over the FlexStrike, I started to understand why there’s so much negative space below the joystick and buttons. There's a generous surface area to rest your palms, and I can imagine that over longer play sessions, it’ll make finding a comfortable position a breeze.

For my FlexStrike hands-on, PlayStation had selected the upcoming Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls (launching August 6), which was an extra treat. My opponent would be Kyungsoo Kim, Product Development Program Manager at Sony Interactive Entertainment.

After a brief fumble locating the X button — very on brand for me to embarrass myself at least once — I locked in my characters and was ready for our superhero bout.

Okay, so I lost. But, in my defense, it was a close match. Kim’s mastery of projectile attacks won out in the end (though I suspect they may have been taking it easy on me). But more importantly, within just a few moments of using the FlexStrike, I started to understand the appeal of playing a fighting game on a fight stick rather than a standard controller.

The satisfying click of the FlexStrike’s joystick and the significantly larger buttons made stringing together combinations of presses much easier. Foo explained to me that via the PlayStation Link USB adapter, the FlexStrike offers latency of just four milliseconds. So I couldn’t blame my defeat on my inputs not coming through quickly enough. Plus, you can connect two FlexStrikes via a single USB adapter without impacting latency. Impressive!

And if all of the above reasons to consider a FlexStrike weren’t enough. The controller also comes with a sling carry case included. So you can take it to tournaments all over the world with ease. As my session was coming to an end, Foo revealed one final inclusion: remove the FlexStrike’s rubber bottom, and you get access to additional customization options.

Underneath the controller, you can swap out the “restrictor gate,” choosing between a square, octagonal, or round gate. For those out of the loop (like I was), this sets the joystick movement. A square gate is more restrictive, making moving into corners easier, whereas an octagonal gate gives you more freedom, but requires greater precision. I’ve since learned that which gate is best is a hotly contested topic, so the FlexStrike giving you the option to pick your preferred gate seems very smart.

Even after a brief time with the FlexStrike, I came away suitably impressed and already sold on it as my preferred method of play for fighting games going forward. I’ll have to wait until later in the summer to put it through its paces fully. But on first use, I think it’s a PS5 accessory that players who take fighting games seriously are going to love, and even newcomers to the world of fight sticks (like me) will find themselves quite taken with it.

Pulse Elevate wireless speakers hands-on impressions

After being pried away from the FlexStrike, I was ushered into a new room to get my first look at the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers. These take on an unassuming look, with only the small PlayStation insignia in the corner denoting that these are speakers made specifically for gaming on a PS5. A design decision, I appreciate. For this demo, two Pulse Elevate speakers were placed on either side of a monitor, hooked up to a PS5 Pro console.

To test their functionality, I was shown a Ghost of Yotei presentation, which highlighted the Tempest 3D AudioTech at its best. During one sequence, a gust of wind blew across the screen, with the audio simultaneously shifting from one speaker to the other, which was unbelievably cool. Next up, I got to play through the intro sequence of the excellent PS5 exclusive Saros, which was a fine choice considering its incredibly strong sound.

What stood out to me most as I attempted to display my Saros skills to my watching audience was how easy it was to decipher each element of the soundscape. Saros throws a lot of noise at players, but I could pick out individual cues and clearly make out the ghostly whispers that add to the game’s sci-fi atmosphere. Pulse Elevate certainly seems up to scratch when delivering an excellent audio experience. Which, of course, is critical.

But it was after my hands-on (ears-on?) that I got a sense of what makes the Pulse Elevate worthy of consideration beyond just delivering fantastic audio. For starters, the speakers are wireless. They sit on a charging dock, but with a single lifting motion, you can unhook them and place them wherever you’d like. This offers versatility to even users with limited desktop space. Secondly, the speaker’s curved stand allows you to point the speaker upwards.

Foo pointed out that many speakers currently on the market sit flat, so the sound is blasted at a user's chest when they're sitting at a desk. The Pulse Elevate aims to push audio directly to your ears. Plus, they’re not only designed for PS5 but also compatible with PC and mobile devices.

Switching between PS5 and PC takes mere seconds, so long as you have a USB adapter plugged into both devices. However, because the speakers come with only one in the box, near-instant switching requires purchasing a second USB dongle. And while the Pulse Elevate speakers are designed to utilize PlayStation Link, Bluetooth is also supported. The PS Blog notes that you can connect via PlayStation Link and Bluetooth simultaneously.

Much like the DualSense controller, the Pulse Elevate sports an in-built microphone, located in the right speaker. I was skeptical of this functionality. Surely, the mic would also pick up the gaming audio? But Foo put this concern of mine to bed by playing loud music while also quietly talking into the speaker. On playback, I could hear Foo’s voice clearly, and the AI-enhanced noise-rejection technology (not reduction, rejection) had removed the music entirely.

As somebody who spent much of my 20s playing PS4 at a desk across college dorms and rented apartments, I can certainly see the use case for the Pulse Elevate speakers. As with the FlexStrike, one of my big takeaways was the clear extra mile PlayStation has gone to cram in additional functionality beyond just nailing the all-important audio experience.

Which new PS5 accessory should you buy?

I can’t definitively say whether the FlexStrike and Pulse Elevate are worth buying until I’ve added them to my own gaming setup and truly put them through their paces over several days (watch out for our full reviews around launch). However, as far as first reactions go, both impressed me.

The FlexStrike was definitely the one I gravitated towards most, and the one that, as I made the long trek home in the summer heat, I was wishing would be waiting there to greet me. Nevertheless, at this pre-launch stage, I’m confident that both the FlexStrike and Pulse Elevate will represent strong additions to PlayStation’s robust lineup of PS5 accessories.

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Unlike with one of the best gaming PCs, you’re usually stuck with a console’s stock design. If you want something different, your only real option is to wait for Sony, Nintendo, or Microsoft to release a special-edition version or a hardware redesign.

Unfortunately, with this console generation, special edition designs have been few and far between. For instance, Sony has only released two true custom variants (the Spider-Man 2 edition and its retro-gray 30th Anniversary models), while Microsoft did something similar with its Halo Infinite and Galaxy Black Xbox Series X consoles. Meanwhile, Nintendo has yet to put out a special edition Switch 2.

Given that I wasn’t particularly fond of the original PS5's design, I decided to wait for the PS5 Slim to be released. However, after all that waiting, I figured I might as well hold out a bit longer for the PS5 Pro. I ended up getting a PS5 Pro, and while I really like the extra power and features it brings to the table, its futuristic, two-tone design just wasn’t for me. I had hoped Sony would release alternative console covers for its pro system, as it did with the standard PS5, but after months of waiting, we only got a single set of special-edition covers as part of the Ghost of Yōtei launch.

While I could have just picked up a pair of standard, third-party console covers for my PS5 Pro and called it a day, something even better came along. YouTuber Devyn Johnston wanted to change up the look and design of his PS5 too, so he reverse-engineered Sony’s console covers and made his own — called BoxPlates — with a few notable improvements.

Here’s what it was like installing them on my own PS5 Pro, and how they completely transformed my console into something closer to a Small Form Factor (SFF) PC that looks right at home in my desk setup with my other gear.

Snap off, snap on

It wasn’t long after I got my PS5 Pro that I came across YouTuber Devyn Johnston’s reveal video showing off his new BoxPlates. After weeks of iterating on their design, he finally came up with something that not only looks good but installs the exact same way as Sony’s official console covers. Since you aren’t technically tampering with your console — like you would be if you opened it up and fully re-shelled it — you can always swap back to Sony’s stock covers if need be.

While Johnston initially made black, gray, and two-tone black-and-gray BoxPlates, when I reached out about getting a pair to try out, only the black ones were left in stock. This was fine by me; an all-black console blends in with most desk setups much better than an all-white one.

As their name implies, once installed, the BoxPlates give both the standard PS5 and the PS5 Pro a more rectangular look. As a result, you don’t have to use the tiny plastic feet Sony includes in the box if you want to use your console horizontally, nor do you need a separate vertical stand if you’d rather have it upright.

With the BoxPlates laid out on my desk, it was clear how much thought and attention went into their design. In addition to the raised tabs that let you attach both plates to your console, there are larger circular vents on either side than on Sony’s original design. Even with them installed, they don’t block the console’s power indicator lights or any of its ports.

After carefully removing the stock console covers from my PS5 Pro, it was time to install my new BoxPlates. Fortunately, since they were reverse-engineered, they slide on and snap off the console just like Sony’s.

There was a bit of back-and-forth getting them aligned, as it’s easy to miss a tab here or there. However, after putting them on and taking them off a few times, I eventually got them installed perfectly on my PS5 Pro.

As this was my first time ever removing my PS5 Pro’s console covers, the whole process did take me a bit longer than I initially thought it would. However, if you’ve ever taken yours off to clean your PS5 or PS5 Pro, you should have a much easier time installing your BoxPlates.

Dressed for a desk setup

As you can see here, my PS5 Pro with Johnston’s BoxPlates installed looks quite similar to the black Xbox Series S next to it. This makes sense; in the video linked above, he explains that the first version of his custom PS5 console cover was loosely inspired by the Xbox One S. Johnston later switched to his own original design, and that change definitely paid off.

Immediately after installing Johnston’s BoxPlates on my PS5 Pro, my now-customized console reminded me of a PC case I built years ago. Instead of selling my desktop gaming PC when I left Korea, I decided to swap my larger Micro-ATX case for a smaller ITX one. Looking at my PS5 Pro with Johnston’s BoxPlates installed instantly made me think of my old Fractal Design Node 202 case, which remains one of my favorite SFF PC cases of all time.

With the console cover swap complete, it was time to bring my PS5 Pro back over to my desk and see how it looked — and performed — compared to Sony’s original design. While I do like the way Johnston’s BoxPlates look with the PS5 Pro in a horizontal orientation, I went with a vertical one instead to give me as much space on my desk as possible without worrying about poor ventilation.

As I was shooting the final pics for my Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk review, I decided to set up my PS5 Pro on that desk. With its redesigned look, the console blended in perfectly with the rest of my desk setup instead of standing out like a sore thumb. It might just be me, but it also seemed to run quieter under heavy load, even though the PS5 and PS5 Pro are already a massive improvement over the PS4/PS4 Pro in terms of noise levels.

Since I’ve mainly been playing PC games on the Framework Desktop on the right side of my desk and with Khadas’ Mind Graphics 2 external GPU in the other room, I have plenty of PS5 and PS4 games, as well as a couple of PS3 games — I’m looking at you, Heavy Rain — in my backlog that I still need to finish. With my PS5 Pro now sporting Johnston’s BoxPlates, doing so will be much easier, since I can incorporate Sony’s console into my various desk setups as easily as I do with the Nintendo Switch 2 paired with the Genki Covert Dock 3.

From futuristic to practical

Now, don’t get me wrong, Sony’s decision to go with a more futuristic design for the PS5 and then the PS5 Pro isn’t necessarily a bad thing. On its own, I really do like how the original and now this pro model of Sony’s latest console looks. In fact, with its curves, removable console covers, and how you can install a standard, internal M.2 SSD for extra storage, the PS5 is about as futuristic as it gets — well, almost. It still doesn’t hold a candle to that fake design for the PS9 with a transparent glass orb floating in a cylinder that Sony released all the way back in 1999, ahead of the PlayStation 2’s launch.

At $89.99, Johnston’s BoxPlates are slightly on the expensive side for a cosmetic upgrade for your PS5 or PS5 Pro. However, when you factor in the cost of a set of Sony’s official console covers at $54 to $74 depending on which color you pick, and the fact that the official vertical stand — which isn’t included with the PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro — will set you back another $30, almost $100 with shipping doesn’t sound all that bad.

Now, Johnston’s BoxPlates won’t be for everyone, and that’s okay. If you just want to change your PS5’s exterior color, you can always buy a set of official or even unofficial console covers for it. However, if you take the route I did, you can change the entire look and design of your PS5 or PS5 Pro while improving its ventilation. Likewise, a mod like this one makes for a great conversation starter at your next game night, too.

Personally, I couldn’t be happier with the change, and unlike when I modded my original Xbox all those years ago, this isn’t permanent. I can just as easily revert my PS5 Pro back to its stock look — probably faster than it took me to install the BoxPlates.

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Much as I enjoyed the previous four games in The Dark Pictures series, they always felt a little haunted. And I’m not talking about being haunted by the various horrific creatures, specters, and monsters housed within the series. No, The Dark Pictures has always been haunted by persistent comparisons to developer Supermassive Games’ 2015 interactive horror, Until Dawn.

I’m guilty of making this comparison as well. Even with my previous favorite Dark Pictures entry, 2021’s House of Ashes. I remember thinking, “That was pretty great, but not as good as Until Dawn.” But what makes the latest installment in the interactive horror anthology, Directive 8020, so impressive is that for the first time, I found myself not subconsciously comparing the experience to one released over a decade ago.

There’s no question in my mind that Directive 8020 is the best Dark Pictures yet. Not only does it offer the most intense and engaging narrative of the series, but Supermassive Games has made some very smart tweaks to the established formula, which make experiencing (and crucially, actually playing) this spooky sci-fi story even more enjoyable than its predecessors.

In space, no one can hear you scream

I suppose it’s not really a surprise that I took to Directive 8020 so quickly. “Alien” is my favorite movie franchise of all time, and this newest entry in the series leaves Earth behind for a sci-fi horror story set 12 light-years from Earth. However, much as I’ve seen 1979’s “Alien” theorized as an inspiration (and I’m sure it is), I actually got a bigger “Prometheus” vibe overall.

You play as several crew members onboard a colony ship, the Cassiopeia. The crew’s mission to orbit the planet Tau Ceti f, to gain critical information ahead of a second ship, the Andromeda, arriving in six months, which will terraform the planet and make it suitable for humans. Naturally, this is a horror story, so as soon as the playable crew awakens from hypersleep, everything goes to hell. Turns out there’s a shapeshifting extraterrestrial onboard (“The Thing” is clearly another inspiration), and things get even worse from there, as this monster can mimic the appearance of the crew.

In Directive 8020, the six-to eight-hour story is split into eight episodes. This is a more significant change than it might sound on paper. Previously, Dark Pictures titles were technically split into multiple “chapters,” but the narrative felt largely seamless (bar interruptions from the Curator, whose role is reworked here). Those stories were presented like a movie.

Directive 8020 instead takes inspiration from a bingeable TV show. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger and “end of episode” text. It’s not a new idea; Alan Wake used this format back in 2010, but the format works supremely well here. Far from ruining the narrative flow, the episode structure made me even more eager to consume each one as fast as possible.

The Dark Pictures, you know, but a little different

The crux of “The Dark Pictures” is the same as the interactive horror formula that Supermassive Games has been utilizing since 2015. That means you’ll spend a lot of time picking dialogue choices, making critical decisions under time pressure, and the (in)famous inclusion of QTE sequences (but you can choose how much leeway you have with these).

However, I really appreciate that this time there’s more game within Directive 8020. It’s by no means a full-on survival-horror experience, a la Dead Space, but third-person stealth sequences have been added. These see you sulking around the Cassiopeia, trying to avoid a foe. And unlike a traditional horror game, if you’re caught, you don’t get a “game over” screen and a retry. The story continues, with the effects of your failure rippling out.

Directive 8020 also introduces other smaller gameplay additions, like the ability to send messages between the crew, which lightly flesh out each character. Plus, the sections where you are in direct control of a character are significantly less clunky than previous Dark Pictures. Your characters no longer move like an unwieldy tank, which is a much-needed improvement.

Reliving the nightmare over and over (and over)

The biggest new addition to Directive 8020 is the new Turning Points. This replaces the old Butterfly effect system that originated in Until Dawn, and was rebranded as Bearings in the previous Dark Pictures titles. Like those games, you will often make plot-critical choices, ones that can have unforeseen consequences, and even result in the death of a character.

However, this time, your choices and their outcomes are all charted in a sprawling spider-web within the pause menu. It’s neat to look at the flowchart of your progressing story, but Directive 8020 goes further and lets you rewind to any previous point in the story without penalty. This enables you to redo a decision instantly if you’re unhappy with the results.

Take, for example, a moment in episode two, where I made a rash call that got a character killed. I was pretty disappointed to lose somebody so early in the story. In a previous Dark Pictures game, my only option would have been to restart, but in Directive 8020, I was able to instantly rewind the clock and make the correct decision this time, saving the captain’s life.

It’s not just about correcting mistakes either. The Turning Points system makes it easier than ever to see different outcomes. You can leap about the narrative timeline as you wish, letting you explore different story paths with ease, and without multiple full playthroughs. In a later episode, after making a decision in a tense standoff that I was happy with, I had a lot of fun exploring what might have happened if I’d chosen a different path.

However, I can see some players disliking this system, as it does rob decisions of their weight when you can simply rewind and try again with a single button press. Fortunately, Supermassive Games thought of this potential downside and has included a specific mode that locks you out of Turning Points. Pick Survivor mode, and every decision is permanent.

Should you play Directive 8020?

If you have any fondness for the previous Dark Pictures games, then you absolutely need to play Directive 8020. As somebody who’s played them all, it’s the best of the bunch. The sci-fi setting is everything I hoped it would be, the gameplay upgrades are great, some of the decisions you must make are darn difficult, and Turning Points is an awesome inclusion.

I even recommend Directive 8020 to players who haven’t clicked with The Dark Pictures. If you’re one of the many who have been patiently waiting for Supermassive Games to recapture that special sauce that made Until Dawn a fan-favorite, Directive 8020 is exactly that. It marks The Dark Picture finding its own footing and delivering a memorable interactive horror experience, unburdened by comparisons to what came before.

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Gamers have made it abundantly clear that they have no love for AI being used to generate art in their favorite and upcoming titles. They’re also not huge fans of learning that studios are implementing AI into their development process as a whole.

On the other end of the argument, several major game publishers/developers fully support the use of AI to assist their teams in their creative efforts. Major AAA gaming companies, such as Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Square Enix and more, have already applied AI to numerous facets of their game creation endeavors (creating non-playable character dialogue, character movement animations, and physically based rendering materials are among those AI applications).

In the case of PlayStation, recent comments from its CEO point to the major console manufacturer and first-party game publisher/developer going all-in on AI to improve its game-making ventures.

PlayStation’s future game development will incorporate the use of AI

During Sony’s latest corporate strategy and earnings presentation (as detailed by Variety), Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO Hideaki Nishino said AI will play a major role in PlayStation’s future. He described AI as “a powerful tool” to help create more immersive gaming experiences for players while also improving efficiency for developers and publishers.

Nishino explained that PlayStation Studios is already using AI to automate repetitive tasks, improve software engineering productivity and speed up areas like quality assurance, 3D modeling and animation. One example is an internal tool called “Mockingbird,” which rapidly animates 3D facial models using performance-capture data. According to Nishino, tasks that once took hours can now be completed in seconds.

Studios including Naughty Dog, San Diego Studio and the team behind Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered are already incorporating AI into their workflows.

Nishino also addressed concerns about generative AI replacing creatives, emphasizing that the vision, design and emotional impact of PlayStation games will continue to come from human developers and performers. He said AI is intended to “augment their capabilities, not replace them.”

The takeaway

PlayStation’s newly released full-year financial results paint the picture of a gaming company that’s doing well, for the most part. As detailed by GamesIndustry.biz, the company has raked in $79.7 billion in net sales for the full year (that includes the 12 months that led up to March 31, 2026).

What’s less impressive is the company recording a $765 million impairment due to their acquisition of the Bungie studio (makers of Destiny 2 and Marathon) not meeting Sony’s expectations.

Nishino’s comments about AI being used to assist its development studios in streamlining their work are fine. Hopefully, this will lead to those same studios getting more time to create PlayStation’s next blockbuster sequels, prequels and brand new IPs. I hope the likes of Naughty Dog, Insomniac Games and Bungie continue creating great games that don’t have an ounce of generative AI art.

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Update (04/30): Sony has officially denied claims that it is implementing a 30-day timer for newly purchased digital games. It was previously claimed that keeping your console offline for more than 30 days would lock digital titles, preventing them from being played until you logged back into the PlayStation Network.

However, a Sony representative told Game File that this is not the case. Stating that, "a one-time online check is required after purchase to confirm the game’s license, after which no further check-ins are needed.”

So you don't need to worry that Sony is pulling an Xbox One-type verification system on gamers. Your digital games will remain playable regardless of how long your console goes without an internet connection.

Original story follows:

Remember back in 2013, when Microsoft announced that the Xbox One would need to connect to the internet every 24 hours, otherwise it would completely shut down? I sure as heck remember the outrage at the time, especially the controversial comments from then-Xbox CEO Don Mattrick that gamers who want an offline experience should just play the Xbox 360 — an already eight-year-old console at the time.

I bring this up because almost 13 years after Microsoft backtracked on those policies, furor has erupted online over the possibility that Sony may do something similar with the PS5 and PS4.

As reported by YouTube Channel Modded Warfare, the version 13:20 firmware update for the PS5 may have added some form of DRM to the console. While we haven't been able to verify this for ourselves, the video shows recent digital purchases with a 30-day timer attached — listed as a "Valid Period" in its information page.

This timer is likened to PS Plus games or rentals that were only intended to be playable for a set amount of time. It's been reported that if this timer expires, games will no longer be accessible offline until you reconnect to the PlayStation Network for validation. Apparently, it also doesn't matter if you have set a particular system as your primary console; the timer remains.

Wait, is this actually happening?

YouTuber Spawn Wave tested the DRM claims on their console and resorted to removing the console's CMOS battery to pull all power to the internal clock. Since the PS5 couldn't verify the time, it wasn't able to verify whether licenses for two newly-purchased digital games (Vampire Crawlers and Saint Slayer) were valid — locking the YouTuber out of both games.

Sony hasn't made any official announcement about this yet, which is only adding to the confusion. Various messages that are allegedly from PlayStation Support have shown up on social media, seemingly confirming that the new 30-day check is a new policy.

However, we have no way to verify these messages, and various online users seem to be getting conflicting information from the PlayStation Online Assistant — which is an AI chatbot. When I asked about this new license policy, it claimed that "digital games on PlayStation do not require a connection to PSN every 30 days to play."

So I'm still none the wiser about what's actually going on, and it further confirms my suspicion that AI chatbots are not the best source of information.

This is a horrible idea, but totally unsurprising

I will say this: It's ironic that Sony would introduce a policy like this, considering how much it mocked Microsoft for attempting something similar back in 2013. A 30-day timer, which operates on a game-by-game basis, isn't quite as extreme as what Microsoft proposed, but it's still a ridiculous thing to try and implement.

While we don't have any official explanation as to why, Modded Warfare thinks it's a way to clamp down on jailbroken consoles since they're usually kept offline to avoid bans. However, there's also the possibility that this is a bug, and only Sony will be able to clarify what's actually going on.

We've reached out to Sony and PlayStation for clarity and will update when we hear back.

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ChatGPT Tasks has quickly become one of my favorite features from OpenAI. From a productivity standpoint, it has worked as a reliable daily reminder system for work tasks, pushed me to find more creative ways to use AI tools and even helped me build practical nightly routines to protect my mental health after each workday. After seeing how effective Tasks could be in my professional life, I started wondering what other parts of my routine could benefit from the same kind of automated help.

That led me to gaming. My video game fandom knows no bounds. I bounce between genres and love both AAA blockbusters and indie gems. As the owner of a PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S and a Switch, with plans to grab a Switch 2 once Splatoon Raiders launches in July , I’m always hunting for the best prices on games I want to add to my growing collection (or backlog).

So I decided to use ChatGPT Tasks to do the searching for me. By setting up daily reminders focused on game discounts, I ended up finding three deals that were actually worth jumping on.

Finding the right prompts to find the right deals

To get the process underway, I initially asked ChatGPT for help on coming up with the right prompts that I could then turn into daily Tasks. These are the seven best ones that it generated for me to use, based on its memory of my past video game-themed questions and requests:

• The 'Only Tell Me When It’s Cheap' tracker: Check daily at [time] for discounts on [names of games]. Only notify me if any drop below $30. Include platform, current price, and percentage discount.
• The 'Best Deals' digest: Every [day] at [time], send me a roundup of the 10 best video game deals across the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop. Prioritize discounts of 50% or more and include links and prices.
• The wishlist watcher: Every [part of the day or evening] at [time], check for discounts on the following games: [insert your wishlist]. Notify me only if any are discounted by at least 40%. Include original price, sale price, and store.
• The 'Historical Low' finder: Check every [day] at [time] if any major video games (AAA titles from the last [number of years]) have reached or matched their historical lowest price. Notify me with the game name, platform, current price, and previous low.
• The platform-specific deal sniper: Every [day] at [time], check for PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop discounts on top-rated games with a Metacritic score of 85+. Only notify me if they are discounted by at least 50%.
• The flash sale catcher: Check every 6 hours for limited-time or flash sales on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop. Notify me immediately if any popular or trending games are discounted by 60% or more.
• The genre-based deal finder: Every [day] at [time], find the best deals on [genres] games across all platforms. Only include games rated 80+ and discounted by at least 40%. Provide a short description for each.

After taking note of these seven usable prompts, I told Tasks to work with the Weekly “Best Deals” Digest, Platform-Specific Deal Sniper and Genre-Based Deal Finder. For the three prompts I chose, I set them for Fridays at their respective times of 5 pm, 5:15 pm and 5:25 pm.

The three biggest discounts that caught my eye

This past Friday, ChatGPT alerted me to three deals I likely never would have spotted on my own. Better yet, each discount was tied to a game I had already planned to buy once the price was right.

One prompt flagged Dark Souls Remastered on the PlayStation Store for $19.99 (down from $39.99) and INSIDE on the Microsoft Store for $3.74 (down from $24.99). Another let me know the Metro Saga Bundle, which includes all three Metro games plus the DLC for Metro Exodus, had dropped from $59.99 to just $5.99. My third prompt highlighted the FighterZ Edition of Dragon Ball FighterZ for PS5 on the PlayStation Store, discounted from $89.99 to $14.39.

What I appreciated most was that each Task included the exact details I had asked for, including the discount percentage, Metacritic scores and a quick explanation of why each deal was worth considering.

Final thoughts

With me being in the mood to finally check out an old-school “Soulslike” experience, get immersed in the unnerving vibes of a highly-rated puzzle-platformer, finally experience the Metro series before its latest entry (Metro 2039) launches and pick up the PS5 version of one my favorite fighters to try out its latest DLC character, Tasks worked like a charm in finding me the best deals for those assorted gaming experiences.

Tasks isn’t just great at generating reminders for birthdays and work-related events—it’s also amazing at bringing you up to speed on can’t-miss deals on your favorite things. In my case, it helped me find the best discounts on games that had been in my crosshairs for years now.

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Five years ago, I labeled Returnal “the best reason to own a PS5 right now.” While subsequent console exclusives like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Astro Bot have bolstered the PS5 library further, Housemarque's heart-pounding rogue-lite remains one of the console’s finest games. If it’s spiritual sequel, Saros, had merely offered more of the same, it would have been an instant recommendation, but this follow-up goes further.

It retains all of Returnal’s best bits — the frenetic bullet-hell shooter gameplay, mysterious sci-fi world, intriguing, but cryptic, story and intimidating boss battles — but also makes a real effort to sand down rough edges. It’s not that Saros is any less demanding than Returnal, but this time, Housemarque wants to empower players to overcome its biggest challenges.

Saros offers a permanent upgrade system so even when you fall, you come back stronger. No obstacle feels insurmountable. Plus, it adds a more cinematic quality to its core narrative, while still giving lore-fantatics plenty of morsels to chew on. Oh, and it’s also a stunning PS5 Pro showcase, with the best use of the DualSense controller since… well, since Returnal.

Here’s why Saros is a PS5 exclusive that every console owner needs to play.

Saros: The Basics

• What is it? Saros is a third-person action rogue-lite, where you play a company soldier exploring a constantly-shifting alien world. Each run is different, with remixed levels and randomized weapons, upgrades and collectible items.
• Who is it for? Rogue-lite fans will definitely enjoy Saros, but it’s a must-play for anybody who loves fast-paced, demanding combat or has a passion for dark science fiction settings.
• What's the price? Saros costs $69 at Amazon. There’s also a Deluxe Edition for $79 on the PS Store with extra cosmetics.
• What other games has the developer made? Saros comes from developer Housemarque, who made its spiritual predecessor Returnal. The Finnish team also created numerous arcade-style twin-stick shooters like Dead Nation, Resogun and Nex Machina.
• What games is this similar to? Naturally, Saros most closely resembles Returnal. But it also takes several elements from popular action rogue-lite games such as Hades 2 and Dead Cells.

Carcosa calling

I definitely got a strong sense of déjà vu in my first few minutes playing Saros. Like Returnal, you’re thrown straight into the action with little context. Within moments, you’re staring down a boss who turns you to dust in a matter of seconds. Don’t worry, you’re supposed to lose.

After a quick revive, the stakes are set. You play as Arjun Devraj (voiced/modeled by “The Haunting of Hill House’s” Rahul Kohli), an enforcer for the Solatri corporation, dispatched to the mysterious planet of Carcosa to discover what happened to a group of colonists sent to the alien world, who disappeared shortly after landing and haven’t been heard from since.

The narrative unfolds primarily through ominous audio logs and text files, but you’re not alone in your quest this time. In between runs, you can catch up with your crew, which fleshes out Saros’ world and gives you insight into the psychological effects of the planet. It’s a smart way of dishing out story beats without taking the focus off Saro’s fast-paced combat.

I wish Saros’ audio logs weren’t randomized across its procedurally generated levels. After “beating” one biome in two runs, I found myself having to continually revisit it in the hopes of finding the remaining logs just so that I didn’t miss a scrap of story, which was unsatisfying.

Fighting for your life

Saros plays like a classic bullet-hell shooter, but with the production values cranked up several notches. To survive against its legions of multi-colored-projectile-spewing enemies, you’ll need to sprint, jump and dash constantly. Stay stationary for long, and you’re toast.

Added to the mix is a new bubble shield ability, which is an extremely powerful addition to your arsenal. It not only blocks incoming attacks, but can absorb projectiles, converting them into fuel for your formidable Power Weapon. Deciding the best time to pop your shield and when to use your dash to phase through projectiles is all part of Saros’ epic combat rhythm.

Rhythm is an apt word, as success in Saros often comes down to achieving a flow state. When you lock in, you’ll start anticipating enemy attacks before they land, and gracefully maneuver around the battlefield. One frustration is that the shield is tied to the same button as your melee attack. This results in a split-second delay when deploying it, which can lead to taking cheap, unavoidable hits as Arjun first throws a punch before activating his shield.

Like its predecessor, Saros is a rogue-lite. You set off from your home base into a series of randomised levels that mix-and-match static combat arenas and platforming sections. You might start to recognise certain sections after a run or two, but even a room you’ve visited numerous times can become a new challenge with the addition of fresh traps or enemies.

On each run, you’ll find different weapons, upgrade items and collectables. Ensuring that each trip into the depths of Carcosa feels unique. You can’t rely on a favorite weapon or an overpowered ability. Instead, you’ll need to make do with the hand you’re dealt. This necessitates strategizing on the fly. In one run, I had to face a tough boss with a shotgun. I was forced to get in my foe's face, rather than hang back, taking pot shots from the shadows, which is my default method.

Come back stronger

Where Saros differs most from Returnal is that death isn’t failure; it’s an opportunity to get stronger. Heck, death doesn’t even necessarily mean death. Early on, you can unlock an upgrade that gives you one instant revive per run, offering a second chance every time.

But if you do succumb to Carcosa’s many hostile threats, all hope isn’t lost. Back at your Passage base, you can spend currency collected on your last run to unlock permanent upgrades that range from basics like improving your armor to starting runs with key items.

Returnal’s comparative stinginess — players were stripped of basically all items/upgrades upon death, and forced to start a fresh run from near scratch — was a major pain point for some players. So, I suspect Saros taking cues from more accessible rogue-lites like Hades and Dead Cells will be some comfort. In Saros, even in defeat, there’s an element of victory, as the next time you head out in Carcosa, the odds are tipped a little more in your favor.

This isn’t to say Saros is an easy game, quite the opposite. If anything, Housemarque has ramped up the early game difficulty. The developers expect players to die frequently and be given plenty of opportunities to invest in upgrades to augment Arjun.

However, players craving Returnal’s more punishing nature aren’t neglected either. At the midpoint, you unlock the ability to make runs even harder by enabling a series of quite brutal modifiers (decreased damage, disabling your one-time revive, etc.). Or you can go the other way and switch on modifiers that make things easier, letting you customize your difficulty.

Another smart tweak is that the average run completion time has been dramatically reduced. In Returnal, a deep run could take north of 90 minutes. In Saros, runs will naturally conclude in around 20-30 minutes (Either through death or teleporting back to your base). This allows Saros to be enjoyed in more bite-sized chunks, and convinced me to keep playing just a little longer for “one more run” several times. Which would then quickly turn into three or four…

Pushing the PS5 Pro

Saros is one gorgeous-looking game. Of course, you don’t often get the chance to stop and drink in the impressive visuals, as there’s so much happening around you, but the mixture of neon projectiles, imposing enemy designs, and dark sci-fi locales is immediately striking.

More impressively, even when the screen explodes into a shower of sparks, multi-colored bullets and luminescent orbs, the 60 fps never drops. Even in the most intense battles, found in optional challenge areas crammed with a silly amount of enemies, I never noticed a hiccup. It’s a good thing, too. Saros is a game where a stable framerate is vital

Aside from just looking phenomenal, Saros also feels fantastic thanks to its novel use of the PS5 DualSense controller. The pad’s haptic feedback is used to great effect, but it’s the remarkably clever implementation of the adaptive triggers that once again steals the show.

Every weapon, from pistols to assault rifles, offers an alternative fire mode, and rather than being activated with a button press, you switch fire modes by pressing the left trigger down halfway. Press it down fully, and you’ll activate your Power Weapon. It was a great system in Returnal, and it’s no less exceptional here. You always feel in complete control of your weapons, without even needing to lift your finger off the trigger. I wish more games used it.

Saros review: Verdict

Saros is everything I wanted out of a follow-up to Returnal. It strikes the perfect balance between offering veteran players more of the frenetic bullet-hell gameplay that has become Housemarque’s signature style, while also being more approachable for new players.

The game is at its very best when you’re dashing across an enemy-filled arena, popping your shield at the perfect moment so you can power up your ultimate weapon and fire back an explosive rocket. And even in the (many) times I wasn’t quite quick enough to outrun the hellstorm of projectiles launched in my direction, my first instinct was always to dive back into the fray as quickly as possible, with a few new upgrades unlocked, to turn the tables.

More than two and a half years after its September 2023 debut on Xbox and PC, the sprawling galaxy of Starfield is finally explorable on PS5, and I could not be happier. I greatly enjoyed this game when I played on my Xbox Series X back at launch, and I’m having a blast returning to its world on PS5 Pro.

It’s fair to say that Starfield, the latest RPG experience from Elder Scrolls and Fallout developer Bethesda, is a divisive title. Even at launch, my (former) colleague David Meikleham wrote that he’d “never bounced harder off a Bethesda game,” and you don’t need to search gaming forums far to find gamers expressing their intense disappointment. There’s also no escaping the fact that Starfield has not enjoyed the stickiness of Skyrim or Fallout 4.

Now that it’s landing on PS5, alongside a new DLC and its largest update yet (Director Todd Howard warns not to call it Starfield 2.0), a wave of new players can traverse the settled systems, bringing Starfield back into the conversation.

Perhaps, this is a hot take, but I think this is a sci-fi RPG experience not to be missed. The intergalactic setting is absorbing, the “NASA-punk” aesthetic is very pleasing, and the quest writing is strong. There are unavoidable bumps in the road, sure. But I can overlook the flaws in favor of everything Starfield does well. Here’s why I think Starfield has earned a second chance on PS5.

The secret to enjoying Starfield on PS5

I think the biggest barrier to entry to enjoying Starfield is the need to cast off the traditional mindset players have when experiencing a new Bethesda game. Take Skyrim, the common advice is often to complete the mandatory introductory quest, and then ignore the main story in favor of exploring the game’s impressively large map and just seeing what you stumble upon.

To get the most out of Starfield, I strongly advise you to do the exact opposite. Forget exploration. It’s not the game’s strong suit with a star map cluttered with barren planets stuffed with cut-and-paste points of interest and bland filler objectives. Focus almost entirely on questing. When I’m playing Starfield, I always have an active quest that I’m following. It’s here that Starfield shines brightest, and it’s here that you’ll find the lion’s share of worthwhile content.

For clarification, I’m not just talking about beelining the main quest, either. Like most Bethesda RPGs, Starfield offers a suite of faction questlines that contain the game’s most thrilling missions. You can join six factions (seven if you purchase the Shattered Space DLC), which range from the galaxy-defending UC Vanguard to the space-pirate group the Crimson Fleet. You can even work for Ryujin Industries and engage in a little corporate espionage.

These faction quests are some of the best Bethesda has ever made, and they can be further supplemented with the many interesting standalone side missions that have you doing everything from discovering a Batman-type vigilante to resolving a dispute between planetary neighbors. With your map marker always pointing you in the direction of a mission, it’s hard to get too hung up on Starfield’s repetitive exploration, because you can just ignore it.

Players seeking content, content, and more content will also find an abundance of it here. If you don’t mind completing similar tasks dozens of times and collecting endless resources for crafting, there’s a whole outpost system to wrap your head around. This lets you colonize numerous planets. And you could lose hours in the game’s deep spaceship-building system.

Quantity over quality is not necessarily a strength, but considering the current darling of the gaming world is Crimson Desert (a game so vast that you can spend 50+ hours in the starting zone alone), it’s clear that many RPG players aren’t satisfied unless a game can become such a time sink that it borders on a second job. Starfield totally meets that brief. You could play this for months.

Starfield on PS5 isn’t the perfect port

While I’m delighted to have an excuse to return to the world of Starfield and re-experience my favorite faction quests for a second time, I have been a little let down by the quality of Starfield’s PS5 port from a technical perspective.

I’m a framerate-above-all type of player, so I have opted to play in the dedicated “Performance” mode, which the game recommends if you desire a 60 fps target. Even with the trade-off in image resolution, Starfield on PS5 Pro does not maintain a locked 60. The dips aren’t so bad as to spoil the experience, but I’ve definitely endured more than I’d like. Things get particularly bad in larger cities or when quickly moving between zones.

Furthermore, hard crashes appear to be a problem plaguing many a PS5 playthrough. As noted, Starfield’s PS5 release coincides with the new “Free Lanes” update, which expands your options while flying your ship between planets. Rather inauspiciously, the first time I attempted to use the new “cruise” feature, my game locked up. And it did the same the second time I tried it. This Reddit thread suggests that crashes aren’t entirely uncommon.

Considering the PS5 port comes nearly three years post-launch, with a wealth of patches baked in, it’s certainly frustrating to be grappling with technical hiccups in what should be the definitive console version of the game. Hopefully, there is a PS5 patch or two in the pipeline. But, putting these blemishes aside, I maintain that Starfield is a game worth experiencing by anybody with a fondness for Bethesda’s unique brand of RPG goodness.

In my eyes, it certainly doesn’t deserve the intense, often vitriolic, backlash that has followed it since launch. There’s a lot of good stuff here, and if you’re craving a game that lets you feel like a hero traveling the stars to complete odd jobs and universe-saving missions alike, there’s little else like Starfield.

More from Tom's Guide

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Sony's next-generation PlayStation consoles could come in a unique lineup featuring three models: a PS6 S (or Lite), a PS6 handheld, and a full PlayStation 6. The S and handheld models would feature the AMD-built Canis chipset, while the full model would have the more powerful Orion CPU.

The latest leak comes from the YouTube channel Moore's Law is Dead in a video where the host attempted to lay out pricing for Sony's future consoles.

The relevant portion starts about 15 minutes in, but here's the cogent bit for our purposes.

The price range for Sony's new lineup is $350 to $1,000. Again, this is an estimation on MLID's part based on component costs and potential tariffs. The price ranges below are based on estimates that factor in a 30% tariff protection and those that do not. MLID also notes that it's based on current RAM prices, which could change by the time Sony actually starts purchasing RAM.

• 'PS6 S' - $349 - $549
• PS6 handheld - $499 - $699
• PS6 full console - $699 - $999

He goes on to say that the Orion-based console could have two versions, similar to the PS5 at launch, with a disc-based variant and a digital-only one. Though I lean toward Sony finally ditching the discs in favor of a disc-drive add-on similar to what it offers now.

It'll be interesting to see how Sony prices the next generation since the current global situation has forced companies to raise prices. The base PS5 starts at $599 for the digital edition, while the Pro model is $899. Every single PS5 now costs hundreds more than it did at launch, something that rarely happens as a console ages.

What's coming?

Based on previous leaks regarding the Canis and Orion chips, the Canis chip should be more powerful than the Xbox Series S and the Nintendo Switch 2 but slightly less capable than the base PS5.

To date, Sony has been pretty mum on its plans for the next generation. Last fall, Sony's Mark Cerny confirmed that the PS6 was a few years away in a discussion with AMD's Jack Huynh.

They did say that the two companies are refining ray and path tracing to reduce the stress on the GPU. It could also have lower power consumption. The PS5 is a behemoth, and it would be nice if the next-gen could shrink back down a bit.

Cerny did seem to indicate that the PS6 chips could open things up for a handheld.

"There's a multitude of benefits for this, including lower power consumption, higher fidelity assets, and perhaps most importantly, the synergies that Universal Compression has with Neural Arrays and Radiance Cores as we work together to deliver the best possible experiences to gamers."

Current rumors suggest that the PlayStation 6 will debut in 2027, possibly 2028. Some of this may depend on RAMageddon, but 2027 has been the most consistent release window that we've seen.

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Your PlayStation 5 could be getting a new home menu layout according to a beta tester. Being honest, it looks pretty good with the system apps and icons shifting from the bottom of the screen to the top in a move that is more reminiscent of the PS4 and PS3 menus.

An image of the new UI was shared on Reddit (spotted by Ben VideoTech on X) where the poster, who said they're enrolled in the PlayStation 5 beta program, discovered a new dashboard. The updated dashboard appears to move the Media, Games, PS Plus, and PSN Store icons to the top of the screen with the submenus

Nicely, it appears you can swap through the menus by pressing the L1 and R1 buttons on your DualSense.

New Playstation Home Screen UI from r/playstation

Under Ben VideoTech's post an X user accused them of faking the image. However, another person shared a different photo of the new UI that looks much like the Reddit post. So, it appears this a real test.

Sony hasn't confrimed that this new home layout is in the works. However, based on these images the test looks fairly finished and I'm knocking on wood that it actually releases to the public soon.

Tom's Guide reached out to PlayStation for comment and will update if the company responds.

At this point in the PS5's lifecycle I've gotten used to the PS5 menu but if I had my druthers, I would prefer something similar to the PS4 dashboard. I loved the custom themes and wallpapers that you could install to personalize your console.

The PS5 has some themes like the 30th anniversary boot screen and the seasonal PlayStation shapes logos theme. Unfortunately, both of those get covered up by the splash screens for games and other menus and as such, the only way to really see them is in the the Welcome submenu.

If this update comes to fruition it will quickly become one that we'll all wonder why Sony didn't implement years earlier.

If you're a PS5 Beta member and you've got the new UI let us know and tell us what you think!

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Gaming on PlayStation just got more expensive. Again.

As detailed on the PlayStation Blog, effective April 2, 2026, all PS5 consoles will cost more in the United States. Sony Interactive Entertainment has “made the decision to increase the prices of PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal remote player globally.” Sony says this was due to “continued pressures in the global economic landscape.”

Here’s how much each PlayStation console will now cost:

For those keeping track, I wrote a similar story back in August 2025 when Sony first raised PS5 prices in the US. That one stung, but seeing five-year-old consoles now cost more than they did at launch is wild. As you can see above, the PS5 Pro, which was already expensive when it debuted at $699, now costs a staggering $899!

The US isn't the only region affected, as the United Kingdom, Europe, and Japan are facing similar price hikes.

How does this affect "next-gen" consoles?

The "global economic landscape" Sony is referring to is the ongoing tariff situation, RAMageddon, and global conflicts. While that's understandable, it doesn't make the price hikes sting less. Old consoles have historically gone down in price over the years, but now we're seeing the opposite trend, and what's happening around the world is to blame.

With current consoles now costing so much, it raises the question of how much next-generation systems will retail for. Perhaps this is something we won't have to worry about anytime soon — especially if rumors about next-gen delays are true. If this were a typical console cycle, we would see new systems in 2027. But we're in anything but a typical situation.

Outlook

Given how these price hikes take affect starting on April 2, it would be wise to purchase a PS5 now if you don't already own one. Heck, you can even buy an extra system, since it would effectively be an appreciating asset starting next week.

We’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops, so stay tuned for more!

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• Crimson Desert is an overwhelming RPG experience — but it’s undeniably ambitious

Crimson Desert is finally in our hands. After weeks of online hype and many gamers wondering if the massive RPG was “too good to be true,” Pearl Abyss’ single-player open-world epic, set in the world of MMO Black Desert Online, has arrived. Millions of players are now taking their first steps into the fantasy land of Pywel, including yours truly.

Pre-release reviews (including Tom’s Guide’s verdict from my colleague Tony Polanco) gave us an idea of the scale of Crimson Desert, but one of the biggest questions ahead of its March 19 launch was how the RPG would perform on consoles. Before release, critics only had access to the game on PC, with footage of the game running on PS5 and Xbox Series X limited.

Now that Crimson Desert is released to the world, we can finally get our first in-the-wild look at how this gigantic adventure runs on console compared to one of the best gaming PCs.

I’ve dived into the grand quest myself, playing via PS5 Pro, and while I’m barely more than 90 minutes into what I’m sure will be a 100+ hour playthrough, here are my very early impressions.

Crimson Desert is (mostly) a looker on PS5 Pro

Booting up Crimson Desert on PS5 Pro, it’s hard not to be pretty darn impressed with its graphical quality. Early on, after a brief (and somewhat confusingly plotted) prologue, protagonist Kliff is traveling into town on horseback with an NPC. Crossing a large wooden bridge, your companion advises, “take it slow and enjoy the view,” and enjoy the view I certainly did.

Even in this early stage of the game, the vistas are stunning, with white-rock cliffs, rushing rivers, and lush forests stretching beyond the horizon. The first main town is equally impressive, with townsfolk crammed into the streets and towering giants manning guard posts. Texture pop-in is a recurring sight, and green foliage doesn’t look all that great when viewed from up close. But on PS5 Pro, I was quickly marvelling at the visual quality.

Crimson Desert also offers plenty of player choice with “Quality,” “Balanced,” and “Performance” modes. I’m a framerate player above all else, so I sacrificed a little bit of image resolution in favor of a smoother 60 fps, and so far have seen barely a hitch. Granted, I’m still very early, so I haven’t encountered many large-scale skirmishes or intense boss battles, maybe these will cause more noticeable drops, but so far, the framerate isn’t dipping much.

It should be noted that I’m playing on the PS5 Pro. This is a pricey $749 suped-up version of the base PS5 console. I imagine the majority of PlayStation gamers will experience Crimson Desert on a regular PS5. I can’t speak to visuals/performance on base PS5, but according to PushSquare’s reporting, the experience is quite significantly compromised on the regular console.

Still, I’m really looking forward to diving further into the world of Crimson Desert, as there’s clearly a lot to see and do, and at least so far, I’ve been plenty impressed with how everything looks, and most importantly, how everything runs. If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a PS5 Pro, then you can cast aside any pre-release skepticism, as Crimson Desert is really quite a looker.

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It looks like Grand Theft Auto 6 may have just taken another step closer to actually being released. According to the dataminer PlayStation Game Size, developers Rockstar have just added the title IDs for GTA 6 to the PlayStation Store. They speculate that this will precede some news about the game, possibly an announcement of pre-orders.

For those that don't know, title IDs are the different versions of the game that appear in a digital store. Presumably, the base version of the game has been added, suggesting a little more is happening behind the scenes than the placeholder listing that's been on the PS Store for several months.

There isn't a whole lot of information to glean beyond this particular fact. PlayStation Game Size even admitted that there's no telling how long it might be between this database update and announcements about pricing. Apparently, it depends on the publisher, which would make predictions difficult, though they don't think there's going to be a long wait.

Obviously, this is going to offer a glimmer of hope for GTA fans, who are eagerly awaiting the release of the new game. It's been over 12 years since the release of GTA 5, not including the current-gen remaster, which is longer than the time between the release of the original GTA in 1997 and GTA 4 in 2008. Considering GTA 6 has been officially delayed twice already, anything that suggests it'll actually arrive on November 19 can only be good news.

The reveal of pricing information is also especially important because there's been a lot of speculation that Rockstar may increase the price of the base game beyond the current $70 limit. In fact, some sources claim the developer (and publisher TakeTwo) may try to charge as much as $100 for the standard version of the game.

Nobody wants that, because games are expensive enough as it is. And while I do not doubt that plenty of people will pay full price for GTA 6, Rockstar would be mindful that higher prices may put some people off buying the game. Fewer people with the game means a smaller potential multiplayer base, and it's been clear for a while that this is where Rockstar makes the big bucks.

All we can do is speculate right now, and hopefully, this means we don't have much longer to wait before Rockstar reveals pre-order and pricing information. Alongside details of whatever special editions and potential early-ordering bonuses will be available.

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Resident Evil Requiem always ranked as one of my most anticipated games of 2026, and after getting my hands on the game earlier this month, it lives up to the hype, and then some. In fact, it might just be my favorite Resident Evil game to date (excluding remakes).

But before you can dive into Capcom’s latest slice of slick survival horror-action, you are confronted with an important choice: first-person or third-person. The long-running franchise has been experimenting with perspective in recent years. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard brought the terror closer than ever via first-person, while the modern remakes of classics like Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 opted for a traditional over-the-shoulder point of view.

Resident Evil Requiem, which is the ninth mainline entry in the series, offers two playable characters: the returning Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, and allows you to select between the two play modes. It’s not the first Resident Evil game to do this; 2021’s Resident Evil Village offers a choice, with a third-person mode added via post-launch DLC.

But the difference in Resident Evil Requiem is that you have even more options. You can play the entire 12-hour campaign in first-person or third-person, or you can opt to switch perspectives depending on which character you’re playing as. I’ve been testing each mode to determine the best way to enjoy Resident Evil 9, and I’ve found there’s a clear winner.

Both viewpoints have their advantages (and disadvantages)

I’m traditionally a third-person kind of person. While I certainly enjoy a good first-person shooter (I’m still regularly playing Battlefield 6 on my PS5 Pro), when it comes to single-player experiences, third-person has always been my preferred perspective.

In the world of Resident Evil, being able to see your entire character does have its advantages. During the most frantic moments, when a mutated zombie or nightmarish creature is bearing down on you, it’s a lot easier to avoid getting munched on by the undead when you can fully take in your surroundings. Not to mention, in the case of Leon, it feels very fitting to play third-person, as the Leon-starring Resident Evil 4 set the standard by which many action games are still measuring up to even now, more than 20 years later.

However, there’s no denying that third-person blunts the horrific atmosphere that Resident Evil thrives on. Resident Evil 7 is often credited as the most terrifying installment in the series, and I firmly believe the more immersive perspective is a major reason why that game still gets my palms sweating even after three complete playthroughs. Heck, I’ve just started a fourth run on the excellent Nintendo Switch 2 port, and I’m getting creeped out.

The same is true of Requiem. The fantastic first half takes place in the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, and exploring the shadowy halls of this asylum feels all the more unnerving when you are vulnerable and can’t creatively maneuver your camera around each corner.

Forget choosing, why not both?

Going into Resident Evil Requiem, I really wasn’t sure how I was going to choose between first and third person. I was delighted when I discovered the Capcom developers had found a way to allow players to get the best of both.

While you are free to play the full game in either mode, the default option is actually a hybrid. Playing Leon’s chapters in third-person, and Grace’s in first-person. After sampling a portion of the game in every variant. Very quickly, it became clear that the default mixed approach was absolutely the way to play.

Not only does it allow you to enjoy the benefits of both, leaping between slick third-person action and terrifying first-person horror, but it’s also narratively appropriate. Leon is a grizzled veteran who has battled (and beaten) the worst this T-Virus-infected world can throw at him already, while Grace is comparatively fresh-faced and somewhat unprepared for her dark ordeal.

Grace’s portion of the game had me slowly creeping down low-lit corridors, nervous about what disgusting creature would pop up next (there’s plenty of nasties to encounter), while Leon’s section acted as a much-needed palate cleanser. They offered cathartic moments when I turned the tables on my tormentors and unloaded a whole load of lead into the face of any zombie foolish enough to cross my path, with a roundhouse kick for good measure.

In Resident Evil Requiem, the real answer to the choice between first-person and third-person is not to choose at all. Neither is superior, but situational instead. So, when you first boot up the game and are presented with the option, select the default setting. And if you find yourself greatly preferring one over the other, you can switch things up at any time.

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RAMageddon is in full effect. With memory chip manufacturers prioritizing AI data centers, what we're left with is price hikes, shortages and delays on all the tech that we value the most.

Just how bad has it got? Well, before the memory shortage officially kicked into gear a few months ago, this 32GB DDR5 RAM stick could be picked up for $87. Now, it costs $484. That's just over a 450% increase, and that's still not the worst of it — DRAM and NAND storage memory prices have skyrocketed by over 600%.

For PC makers and enthusiasts, that's a tough blow. But if you're thinking you're in the clear, just because you don't buy RAM sticks yourself, I've got bad news: nothing is safe. Phones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles and yes, even Wi-Fi routers, will all be impacted by the RAM crisis. In fact, it's already taken effect.

Companies are already scrambling to scoop a dwindling supply of memory chips, with prices set to surge even higher going forward. The problem is, there's no end in sight anytime soon, as analysts and even Micron itself are claiming we won't see any improvements until 2028. Yikes.

We're in for the long haul, and we're already seeing the consequences of the biggest memory companies (SK Hynix, Micron and Samsung) pivoting supplies for an AI future. From shortages on our favorite products today to delays on the most anticipated devices, here are the biggest victims the RAM crisis has claimed (so far).

Valve's Steam Deck (and more)

Who would have thought that a still-popular gaming handheld that released in 2022 would be so hard to get a hold of today? Valve's Steam Deck is out of stock, and it's officially due to (you guessed it) “memory and storage shortages.”

Head over to Steam in the U.S., and you'll find that the Steam Deck OLED, along with the OG Steam Deck, can't be purchased. As Valve's support page notes, stock will be out "intermittently in some regions," although we've been tracking restocks, and Valve's gaming handheld hasn't shown up yet.

At the very least, every model is still available in the U.K., but who knows when stock will dry up in other regions, or how long the drought will last in those areas already affected.

While the Steam Deck has had its moment to shine before shortages kicked in, this spells doom for everything else Valve has coming — the Steam Machine, Steam Frame and Steam Controller.

In a blog post, the gaming giant revealed that its console-like PC, VR headset and gaming controller have been delayed to the “first half of the year,” as opposed to Q1 of 2026. And yes, it's due to “memory and storage shortages.” The RAM crisis is already delaying the biggest releases from Valve in years (and maybe even the mythical Half-Life 3?), but what's even more concerning is the price.

The cost of the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame is still up in the air, and while Valve may have already had a fixed price for its upcoming tech, the company will "revisit" the price because of the memory shortage. This can only signal one thing: a price hike.

Many were already guessing the Steam Machine and Frame would be expensive, more so than the gaming consoles and VR headsets we see today. But now? We may have to add an extra $100 (or more) to what we imagined. As in, $999 for the Steam Machine and $799 for the Steam Frame. These are all just predictions, but considering the Steam Deck has already been affected by the RAM crisis, this only raises concerns about Valve's anticipated hardware.

Nvidia skips gaming GPUs

Even Nvidia, the juggernaut that is all-in on AI, is struggling with the memory shortage. For the first time in three decades, Team Green won't release a new gaming GPU this year.

There had been a lot of talk about when we'd see RTX 50 Super GPUs, with rumors even pointing to a release of the RTX 5070 Super, RTX 5070 Ti Super, and RTX 5080 Super in late 2025. That didn't happen, but even at CES 2026, when Nvidia usually makes its big announcements, there were no new GPUs to be seen.

Instead, we got a first look at Vera Rubin chips, which are gearing up to power AI data centers and the like. It's expected to use HBM4 (High Bandwidth Memory 4), which is exactly what manufacturers are prioritizing over DRAM.

So, instead of giving more previous VRAM to its anticipated set of RTX 50 Super graphics cards (which we'd love to see in the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti), Nvidia shift gears to fuel the AI train.

As it turns out, Nvidia has indefinitely delayed "Kicker" — the code name for the incremental RTX 50-series refresh, likely the Super cards that we expected to see this year. Even though the designs were reportedly finished, the company decided that it couldn't justify the memory costs.

So, what does this mean for the inevitable RTX 60-series GPUs? Well, a leak indicated we could see these debut in early 2027, but with the ongoing memory crisis already taking its next Super-series off the list this year, there's good reason to believe we won't see these anytime soon.

PS6 pushed back?

We've already seen the price of every PS5 model increase by $50 last year, due to a "backdrop of a challenging economic environment" at the time, but so far, we haven't seen Sony's console be largely affected by the memory and storage shortage. As for its next-gen model? It could be further away than we first thought.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Sony is considering pushing the launch of its PS6 back to 2028 at the earliest, all the way to 2029. And all signs are pointing to the RAM crisis. While rumors have claimed we may see the PS6 in 2028 anyway, some indicate a late 2027 release, which would line up with AMD's hint that a next-gen Xbox is landing next year.

To put this into perspective, the PS4 launched in November 2013, while the latest PS5 arrived in November 2020. The console cycle is generally seven years, and RAMageddon appears to be disrupting the flow already — possibly by two years.

With rumors suggesting the PS6 is expected to come equipped with 32GB of DDR7 RAM to power the next generation of gaming, which is double what the PS5 has (16GB GDDR6), we can start to piece together why Sony would delay the launch of its new console.

During the Activision Blizzard trial back in 2023, documents revealed that the next Xbox and PS6 were set for 2028. But times have changed, and the scarcity of RAM to power these consoles is making it harder for companies to know when the right time is to release their fresh products.

Remember how hard it was to get a PS5 when it launched? Now imagine Sony releasing its PS6 with a limited supply of RAM; the wait for restocks would be never-ending.

Nintendo Switch 2 price hikes?

The Nintendo Switch 2 already had to deal with U.S. tariffs, and many weren't happy with its price tag. Unfortunately, the RAM crisis may make matters worse.

Despite a successful launch, becoming the fastest-selling console of all time, Nintendo is considering raising prices this year. Many had already expected this to happen, following in the footsteps of PlayStation and Xbox raising the cost of their consoles last year, but the memory shortage (and tariffs) appears to be accelerating this.

Analysts believe the Switch 2 will receive a $50 price bump, taking it from $449 to $499 (the price for the Mario Kart World bundle). And this year, during an earnings call, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa raised concerns about the "pressure" caused by surging memory prices.

"The market environment is indeed challenging. But we are engaging in long-term discussions with our suppliers to ensure we maintain a stable intake of chips,” Furukawa noted. That's a promising outlook, but many companies are vying for memory these days, so it only seems inevitable that Nintendo will eventually bump up the price of its Switch 2.

My advice? If there's a particular product you're interested in (in this case, the Switch 2), buy it now. With the RAM crisis already affecting the biggest products on the market, prices are only going to soar, and it will be a while before we see next-gen products come to shelves. Even if they do arrive, don't expect a huge supply.

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The greed of AI is impacting prices and release dates across the tech world, from phones and laptops to gaming devices. This week, Valve confirmed that Steam Deck handheld consoles will be available intermittently due to a memory shortage.

Now, a new report from Bloomberg claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 could see increased prices, and that Sony is considering delaying the next-generation PlayStation 6. The overall report is worth a read for a look at how companies are responding to the shortage from memory makers to their customers.

The relevant portion comes toward the end, where Bloomberg reports that Nintendo is considering raising prices this year.

Switch 2 hike is likely coming

This isn't the first time we've heard rumors or speculation that Nintendo will increase the prices of its latest console. In January, a reputable research firm predicted a hike was coming this year.

Nintendo President Shintaro Furukawa didn't rule out raising prices in a separate January interview with Kyoto Shimbun. But he noted that the company is trying to get people into the ecosystem.

Nintendo execs sounded the alarm in early February during its earnings calls. President Shuntaro Furukawa highlighted U.S. tariffs as an issue affecting Nintendo while also raising concerns about rising memory costs.

"The market environment is indeed challenging. But we are engaging in long-term discussions with our suppliers to ensure we maintain a stable intake of chips,” Furukawa said at the time.

Furukawa has repeatedly asserted that Nintendo has some cushion in memory, at least for 2026. After this year, that situation is more than likely to change.

Delayed PS6

Bloomberg also claimed that Sony is considering pushing the launch of the PS6 to 2028 or 2029. Most rumors currently have the PS6 debuting in 2028, at the earliest in late 2027.

How memory shortages impact Sony will be interesting to track, as the company was recently rumored to include up to 32GB of RAM in the PS6. The initial worry was that a leap in memory would make the PS6 more expensive, but now it's not clear when the console will even launch.

Rumors have linked the PS6 closely to the next Xbox, which has been tipped to launch next year. The difference, though, is that Sony is expected to stick to a moretraditional console launch with a main living room box alongside a decently powerful handheld console.

Xbox is rumored to have a standard console but is also allegedly leaning into its "everything is an Xbox" marketing. That means a new console, a potential handheld device, and reportedly Xboxes made by third-party OEMs like Asus and Lenovo. That could give Microsoft more leeway to launch earlier than the PlayStation, but even Microsoft could still be constrained by memory constraints.

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When it comes to video games, I'm quite picky. I love story-driven RPGs and that's the genre I'm most attracted to. But sometimes, these RPGs with their 100+ hour playtime can feel like a lot, and I need a break from them. Recently, when I completed my ninth playthrough of Baldur's Gate 3 and was on the character creation screen once again to start another one, I stopped myself. It was time for a change.

So I did what most of us do when we don't know what to play next: I browsed the deals section of the PlayStation Store on my PS5 Slim. That's when I came across a 2D side-scrolling game called Neva, which is currently down to just $9 / £7 from $19 / £16 on the PS Store, and I pulled the trigger and bought it. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. And at this week's State of Play, its prequel was announced (dropping on February 19), so now is the perfect time to play it!

Neva is a puzzle-platformer with barely any dialog, where the beautiful art design and stunning music do the talking for the game. It conveys a lovely story which you only understand when you reach the end, and it may drive you to tears — I sobbed like a baby. Should you play Neva? Yes, and then play it again, and again. Let me tell you why (minor spoilers alert!).

An existential game that keeps you guessing

Neva is a beautiful story told through no words. The only time your character, called Alba, speaks is when she's calling out for her wolf, Neva, and even then, all she says is the wolf's name. Alba and Neva venture through perspective-shifting and occasionally trippy landscapes that are nothing short of stunning. The music is just as gorgeous, ramping up into semi-rock ballads when enemies are upon you.

The world is plagued by darkness and formless masked creatures but you never find out how or why they came about to be — but your goal is to rid the world of them with your sword and your wolf by your side. You watch the world succumb to the darkness as you go through the four seasons, with each "act" named Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring. Birds fall from the sky, flowers bloom black, animals die and their bodies are taken over by the masked demons.

Neva revolves around parenthood and the emotional bond you can develop with animals. It's similar to existential games like Endling, another fantastic, soul-crushing game where the world has been destroyed by humankind's greed and capitalism. Through no words, Neva conveys a heart-wrenching story of loss, as the opening sequence features a very sad scene (that I won't disclose lest I spoil it for you) — and yes, I was crying within the first 10 minutes of playing the game.

All about looking after one another

Alongside being about parenthood, Neva is all about looking after one another. Your wolf, Neva, starts out as a cub, and is clumsy and easily distracted, like a little puppy. She'll grab on to leaves and follow butterflies, and you must take her to feeding spots to ensure she's getting sufficient nourishment.

When you jump a big gap and she follows you, she nearly falls off the ledge so you must grab her and soothe her. Yes, you can pet Neva — you can even have a little cuddle with her once you've progressed through the first level! While the first few levels revolve around you looking after Neva, she eventually grows up and gets attacks of her own, and she starts having your back. She can tackle enemies and objects by teleporting (she's magical), and aid you in battle by sneaking up on the demons.

Utilizing Neva and spending time with her contributes towards earning trophies on the PS5. For instance, one of them requires you to soothe her in a certain level, and another sees you calling out her name a few times. You're dependant on Neva and her survival is semi-dependant on you. I grew quite attached to Neva and I wanted to pet her as much as I could — the game does an excellent job of giving you a sense of responsibility.

Buttery smooth platforming

To traverse the ever-changing landscape where trees become blackened and break off, you must jump, double jump and dash over obstacles and to ensure you don't fall to your death. Alongside platforming, there are plenty of puzzles you must solve, and these are all well-thought out and designed. They never feel repetitive — and they can't, really, given that Neva has a completion time of just over three hours.

If you're squeamish about blood or gore, you don't have to worry about that with this game. Death scenes in Neva aren't like those in most other games. There's no blood when your character dies. Instead, you and any other creature who falls gets covered in black flowers. I also like that you can choose the Story Mode difficulty which makes it impossible for Alba to die, resulting in a more relaxed experience focussing on the narrative.

The storytelling, combined with the music, artsy graphics, and the narrative revolving around parenthood, may have you guessing the ending. I did too, and I thought I had it figured out, but as the last cutscene played, nothing could have prepared me for it. All I could do was sob into my hands.... and then revisit the chapters to Platinum it (and Platinum it, I did).

Neva: The Prologue drops on February 19, and you'd best believe that I will be getting it day one. If you want to play Neva now, and I highly recommend that you do, you can grab it for just $9 / £7 at the PlayStation Store. Neva is also available on PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox Series X|S.

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State of Play February 2026 is over, and after a packed 85 minutes of gaming goodness, there's so much to talk about. From the reveal of the God of War Trilogy Remake to the MGS Master Collection Vol. 2 and more.

Sony promised it would deliver a lengthy showcase of PS5 games arriving on the console in 2026, and beyond, and it certainly delivered. There was at least one announcement for every type of player. And I'm pretty sure the "Chicken Man" from Project Windless is about to take over the internet.

Don't worry if you missed Today's State of Play, you can watch it back below, and we've got a full roundup of all the PS5 announcements in this live blog.

How to (re)watch State of Play for February 2026

If you missed State of Play February 2026, or just want to rewatch the showcase, you can watch it back via the VOD link above. Of course, if you don't have a spare 85 minutes, you can read on to see all the new trailers.

Welcome!

Hello, welcome to Tom's Guide's live coverage of the PS5 State of Play for February 2026. I'm Rory, a Senior Entertainment Editor, and I'll be guiding you through today's PlayStation showcase (with some help from a few colleagues). The event doesn't start for a few hours, but there's still plenty to cover, so let's get talking PlayStation...

Today's State of Play is going to be a BIG one

One of the key details about today's State of Play is that it will run for "60+ minutes" per the PlayStation Blog. That would be welcome news in any context, but it's even more of a big deal here because that will make it the longest State of Play broadcast to date. It's clear that Sony has a lot it wants to share with players!

There's one huge reason I'm feeling the HYPE!

I'm always excited for any State of Play, but there's a particular reason that today's broadcast has got me really hyped: PlayStation Studios will have a presence.

If you're out of the loop, PlayStation Studios is the umbrella group used to mark Sony-owned developers like Naughty Dog, Sucker Punch, Insomniac, Housemarque and more. Often PlayStation Studios teams don't feature during State of Play, but this time, at least some of the developers will be showcased.

To set expectations, Sony isn't promising every PlayStation Studios team will be present, but hopefully we hear more from the likes of Naughty Dog and Bluepoint Games who have been quiet on their current projects for quite a while now.

Marathon is the first game confirmed for State of Play

It's by no means a surprise, but Marathon is one game we know we be featured during State of Play.

Sony-owned developer Bungie confirmed the sci-fi shooter would be included in the broadcast via a post on the game's official discord server, noting that "we're excited to share we'll be part of the PlayStation State of Play."

Marathon is a big bet for developer Bungie, who need a win after the most recent Destiny 2 expansions haven't quite met player demand. The game is set to launch on March 5, so it always seems likely that Sony would use this State of Play to give it another big push ahead of the release date in just a few weeks.

This first-person extraction shooter looks like it might be landing at just the right time following the uber-success of ARC Raiders, there's plenty of demand for more games in the genre, and Marathon looks different enough to carve out its own spot.

Here's another PS5 game we can confidently predict will feature

There were always two PlayStation Studios games that I felt highly confident would appear at State of Play. One was Marathon, which is now confirmed, the other is Saros from developer Housemarque.

Saros was announced at last year's February showcase, and is currently slated for release on April 30. It's a spiritual successor to 2021's GOTY-worthy Returnal. Based on the brief gameplay snippets we've seen, it's going to offer the same blockbuster bullet-hell gameplay in an intriguing, and sinister, sci-fi world. It also appears that the story might be a little less mysterious this time, which some players will prefer.

As noted, it's due to launch in the spring, so it seems very likely Saros will get a new trailer in this State of Play as Sony looks to ramp up the marketing ahead of April.

Insomniac's Wolverine might not show it's claws today

With Marathon, Saros and Marvel's Wolverine making up the tentpole trio of PlayStation Studios games confirmed for 2026 (as of writing, at least), it stands to reason that all three will feature in today's State of Play. But there's reason to think that Logan might give this showcase a miss and keep his claws hidden away.

In response to a question on X, asking when gamers would get to learn more about Wolverine, Insomniac Games' official account offered up the vague, "Spring 2026" in reply. At least in my calendar, February isn't quite spring, so don't bet on Wolverine being included in this PlayStation event.

Of course, this could be intentional misdirection from the folks at Insomniac, but we'll just have to wait until the State of Play February later today to find out.

Just joining us? Here's the key State of Play details

It's the start of the working day in the U.S. (on the east coast, at least), so if you're just joining me, the key details you need to know are that today (Feb. 12) will see the first PS5 State of Play in 2026, it'll begin at 12 pm PT / 5 pm ET / 10 pm GMT.

The live broadcast is set to last for at last an hour (Sony is saying "60+ minutes"), and will include games from PlayStation Studios. Today could be a very big day in the world of PlayStation, and I'm bringing you all the details in this live blog!

Gimme more from Marvel Tokon!

I'm not typically a fighting game player (that's in part because I usually suck at them), but one fighter I'm keeping an eye on is Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.

This fighter from acclaimed developer Arc System Works combines Marvel's stable of superheroes with an anime-style art style, which is immediately striking. It also features my boy, Spider-Man, in the playable roster, which always gets my attention.

It set to launch sometime in 2026, and so seems a good candidate to feature at State of Play. Maybe we'll get a firm release date in just a matter of hours.

Is it finally time to see more of Intergalactic?

For the last 12 months, during every PlayStation State of Play, and events like Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards, I've been keeping my fingers crossed that we get a new trailer for Nuaghty Dog's Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

So far, I've been let down every time, but there's no question about, I'm ready to get hurt again. Intergalactic represents Naughty Dog's first new IP since The Last of Us way back in 2013, and I just cannot wait to learn more about this sci-fi experience.

The first trailer we got back in December 2024 instantly grabbed me, and Naughty Dog are a developer that has yet to disappoint me (yes, I even rank The Last of Us Part 2 as a masterpiece). I'm not totally convinced we will see Intergalactic today in the State of Play, as it's rumored for a 2027 release, but I'm keep hoping until then.

Is Kratos about to go 2D?

One of the big rumors circulating in the gaming world right now is that PlayStation is quietly working on a God of War spin-off title. That seems a pretty boilerplate rumor on the surface (a popular franchise gets a spin-off title, which is hardly unexpected), but more surprisingly, it's claimed this game will be a 2D side-scroller.

Remember, this is a rumor, but over on the GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit, a new post linking back to NateTheHate (a well-known leaker) claims that God of War 2D is in development, and that Sony is considering a multi-platform launch.

Perhaps today's State of Play 2026 will see God of War 2D revealed to the world, or maybe all the online rumors are false and Kratos is sticking to three dimensions.

Will AC: Black Flag Remake set sail at State of Play?

Another long-standing internet rumor is that Assassin's Creed IV: Black Friday is getting a shiny new remake, bringing back the pirate-themed adventure for a new generation of consoles. Heck, this one might even be more than a rumor, as an Ubisoft social media account made a cheeky reference to its existence in January.

Further adding to the fire, Amazon UK added a listing for an "Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remastered Art Book" this week with a scheduled release date of March 24. This could be a listing error, and/or a placeholder release date. But if Black Flag is coming back in just a matter of weeks, you'd expect it to be showcased soon.

This State of Play could be the ideal place for Ubisoft to announce that one of the most beloved Assassin's Creed games in the franchise's history is returning.

Time for one last look at Resident Evil Requiem?

Resident Evil Requiem is entering the final stages of it's marketing push, with the survival horror game set to launch on February 27. Soon it'll be in our hands, and I can't wait to see the twisted horrors the team over at Capcom have created for us.

It seems likely that Resident Evil Requiem might feature in one final gaming showcase before release, and that would be State of Play. Personally, I was sold on this game from its first trailer, and I actually don't want to see anymore for fear of having a surprise moment spoiled. So if Resi 9 does pop up, I might look away!

More than 6 hours to go until State of Play!

You know, in my head, it felt like we were a little closer, but we've still got more than six hours until State of Play February 2026 goes live. As noted, I'm usually one to advice keeping expectations in check, but I'm really feeling the hype for this one. Here's hoping that PlayStation can deliver a showcase packed with great reveals.

Spidey might be swinging onto PS+ this month

Earlier this month, Deadlabs, a site with a strong record of leaking PlayStation Plus games, reported that February's headline for Extra/Premium members would be Marvel's Spider-Man 2. It'll be added to the PS+ Game Collection alongside Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and Neva.

This would be a big deal, Spider-Man 2 is one of the PS5's most high-profile console exclusives, and I'm sure any PS+ subscriber who hasn't played it yet would be delighted. Assuming this report from Deadlabs is accurate (and as noted, the track record is strong), I expect the Spidey sequel heading to PS+ will be confirmed during the State of Play event.

ICYMI: Horizon Hunters Gathering was just announced

Last week, Guerrilla Games confirmed the next game set in the world of Horizon, it's not the full Horizon 3 many fans wanted, instead it's called Horizon Hunters Gathering and it's a three-player co-op experience with a more cartoony art style.

The reception online has been a little mixed, but I'm interested to see more, and don't mean the switch in overall aesthetic and tone. Horizon's post-apocalyptic future full of metallic creatures to hunt seems like a great candidate for a co-op game, and the roster of "hero" characters each offers their own set of unique skills.

While I'm not fully sold on Horizon Hunters Gathering just yet, as we've seen so little of the game so far, but the announcement PlayStation Blog post promised more details to come in the months ahead, and maybe that'll mean at State of Play.

The Witcher 3 is getting DLC in 2026? Really?

One of the strangest rumors that just refuses to die, is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is getting a new DLC expansion in 2026. Yes, The Witcher 3, the GOTY-winning RPG released in 2015. I'm certainly not mad if this rumor proves to be accurate, but I would be very surprised. Single-player games don't usually get DLC a decade later.

The reports suggest the DLC will lead into The Witcher 4, which is currently in development over at Polish studio CD Projekt Red. The game's last major update came in 2022, when it was ported over to PS5/Xbox Series X, and got a small selection of new content that tied into Netflix's "The Witcher" TV show.

However, that was a single quest, and some new armor options, the rumors here claim this will be a more meaty expansion, in line with it's previous, 2015's Hearts of Stone and 2016's Blood and Wine. Consider me skeptical of this rumor being accurate, but if I'm incorrect, and it's at State of Play, I'd very happy to be wrong.

007: First Light might break cover (again) at State of Play!

Last September, PlayStation held an entire State of Play dedicated to 007: First Light. Single-game State of Play's aren't super uncommon, but they're typically reserved for PlayStation Studio titles. The fact that this new 007 adventure from IO Interactive got one all to itself was certainly a great boon for Bond fanatics.

A few performance hiccups in the gameplay footage aside, I was very impressed with the 30-minute presentation, and I'm eagerly anticipating the game's launch in May 2026. So, all of this is to say, don't be surprised if 007: First Light appears today.

Will Starfield's long rumored PS5 port ever actually happen?

We live in strange times. Xbox games now release on PS5, but one title that remains Xbox console exclusive is Starfield. This sci-fi RPG from Skyrim maker Bethesda launched on Xbox (and PC) in 2023, and more than two years later, PS5 players still haven't been able to explore its intergalactic world for themselves.

Look, I know Starfield didn't enjoy the best reception from some RPG players, but personally, I mostly enjoyed my time with this one, and if it ever does come to PS5, I would happily give it a second play-through. There have been rumors of a PS5 port circulating pretty much since 2023, but they've heated up further in early 2026.

Perhaps, today's State of Play is when Bethesda will reveal that Starfield is the latest Xbox title to play nice with PlayStation. However, don't bet on it, leaker Shinobi62 claims (via Reddit) that news on Starfield's PS5 version won't come till March.

PS Portal could get a BIG upgrade

Moving away from PlayStation games, let's talk accessories, specifically the PlayStation Portal remote player. Per Zuby Tech, this nifty PS5 handheld could get a major upgrade in the form of a new OLED model. The current PS Portal uses an LCD screen, but fans have wanted one with an OLED display since launch. For now, this is just a rumor, so take it with a large grain of salt, but maybe this State of Play won't just include new game reveals, but also a look at some PS5 accessories!

Let's talk Grand Theft Auto VI

I've been scrolling social media to see what other gamers want to see at State of Play February 2026, and a recurring title is, unsurprisingly, Grand Theft Auto VI.

Never say never, but I would be stunned if GTA 6 had any sort of presence. For starters, Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick (CEO of Rockstar Games' parent company) recently said in an earnings call that GTA 6 marketing would begin in the summer, and secondly, GTA 6 is such a big deal that it would overshadow everything else.

So, while I can't 100% rule it out, I would suggest not getting your hopes up that today will be the day that we get to see a little more of GTA 6.

Only 4 hours left until State of Play February 2026!

We're getting there, slowly we're getting there. State of Play 2026 is just four hours away now. Won't be too much longer before we can see exactly what PlayStation Studios, and some of Sony's third-party partners, have in store for us. Remember, even if you can't watch along live, we'll have all the updates for you in this live blog!

PSSR update coming?

Hey, all! Tony Polanco here, and I'm taking over this blog for the next few hours. Like many of you, I'm excited to see what Sony is cooking for this 60-minute-long State of Play!

The main thing I'm looking forward to is anything regarding PSSR updates. According to Japanese insider Gust_FAN (via DL Compare), PSSR will receive a major update soon that will incorporate similar features to FSR 4 on the PS5 Pro. This should improve image quality and overall performance.

One of the more intriguing aspects of this rumor is that older, lower-resolution games from PlayStation's back catalog will be playable at higher resolutions. We've heard discussions about this in the past, but it might actually happen now.

"PSSR 2" is very much in the rumor territory right now, but given how this State of Play is an hour long, perhaps Sony will unveil this update and detail what to expect.

Wolverine might be a no-show

Insomniac's Wolverine is one of the most anticipated PS5 games. While this State of Play seems like a natural place to show more gameplay, it seems it might be a no-show.

As IGN reports, Insomniac Games went on social media and said we'd get more Wolverine info in "spring 2026." Given how it's currently February, that seems to rule out seeing the game during State of Play.

While this will surely disappoint many, I agree with IGN in that Sony is likely planning a dedicated PlayStation Showcase for Wolverine. Instead of cramming in some footage during today's State of Play, we could instead get a whole show that goes into more detail. If that's the case, I'm willing to wait longer!

Rumored PS Portal OLED could surface

One of the other major rumors floating around is that we'll see an updated PlayStation Portal with an OLED display (according to Zuby Tech). Considering how successful the current model has been, I can see Sony releasing a follow-up device to keep the momentum going.

I have mixed feelings on this. While the PS Portal is much better now than it was at launch, I personally don't travel enough to really need an on-the-go PS5. That said, if the OLED panel is nice enough, it could change my mind.

As with PSSR 2, this is a rumor, so take it with an appropriate level of skepticism. That said, I won't blame you if you decide to hold out hope for an official announcement. Given how I cover gaming hardware news, you can bet on me covering this story if it happens.

A Ghost of Sparta sequel???

Speaking of rumors, one of the wildest I've heard is that we could get a 2D Metroidvania-like God of War game starring Kratos' brother, Deimos. That's already bonkers enough, but rumors also suggest that this title might be multi-platform... as in it might also arrive on rival systems like Switch 2 and Xbox Series X.

While this rumor seems extremely far-fetched, it comes to us via NateTheHate, who has a pretty good track record when it comes to PlayStation leaks. Because of that, we can't completely discount it, even though it is very much a rumor.

I love the God of War series, and especially love Ghost of Sparta on PSP. If this 2D game serves as a semi-sequel or spin-off where we get to play as Deimos, I'm all for it. Let's see how this rumor pans out.

Marvel Tokon's roster reveal could happen

Unlike my colleague Rory Mellon, I absolutely love fighting games, and Marvel Tokon is one of the titles I'm anticipating most. We haven't gotten much info on this game (check out my Marvel Tokon preview for my thoughts), but signs point to some news happening at State of Play.

Earlier this week, the game's Steam page received an unexpected update to its listing. The most significant morsel is that it will launch with 20 playable characters. While this has caused some ire in the FGC (fighting game community), I think that's a nice-sized roster to start with, as this game will get more characters via season passes, just like all modern fighting games do.

I won't speculate on which characters will be in the roster, but I will say I hope we finally get the Fantastic Four in a Marvel fighting game, as Marvel's First Family has never appeared in any of the Capcom Marvel games (at least not as fully playable characters). And if you'll allow me to nerd out, I'd love for Hulk and Wolverine to be in the game so I can form a team with them, Spider-Man, and Ghost Rider, who were the "new" Fantastic Four in the early '90s.

Nerding out aside, I expect a big showing for Marvel Tokon today.

Resident Evil Requiem update?

While this is a PlayStation show, we're sure to see some third-party games tossed into the mix. To that end, one game I'm sure will pop up is Resident Evil Requiem, as it's slated to drop on February 27.

I've played two demos of Resident Evil Requiem: one focusing on Grace Ashcroft and another featuring both her and Leon. I'm a huge fan of the franchise, so it shouldn't surprise you that even after playing those demos, I still want more. I'm curious to see what we could see today, but I can't wait regardless!

Potential Xbox announcements

With Xbox games now arriving on PS5, it's not unreasonable to wonder which Microsoft-developed games might have a showing during State of Play.

As we posted before, rumors are circulating that Starfield might finally get a PS5 release date. That could happen, but I think it's a safe bet that we might get something (even if it's in a sizzle reel) for Halo: Campaign Evolved, as that has been confirmed for PS5. Gears of War: E-Day or even Forza Horizon 6 could also get a showing.

With the console war effectively over, it would be smart for Xbox to fully embrace advertising its games on rival showcases like State of Play. We'll see if the company decides to show anything today.

A Heretical appearance?

I just looked it up, and I can't believe it's been over a year since we saw our first glimpse of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophecy. While some say the game will release at the end of 2026, I'm with Jason Schreier, who says Naughty Dog's upcoming space-based title is actually coming out in 2027.

Given that, it's unclear if the game will show up during State of Play. If it does, I'm sure it'll break the internet... in both good and bad ways. I wasn't exactly enamored with The Last of Us Part II, so I can't say I'm hyped for Intergalactic, as the trailer left me feeling ambivalent. But I haven't completely discounted it, so hopefully I'll see something to spark my interest.

Are you excited for Marathon?

Scott, stepping in for Tony.

I'm curious, I am a Destiny apologist, even the current messy model that is Destiny 2. It's one of the best feeling shooters available even if the surrounding story has gotten insane. Though perhaps we've just gotten back to the "that wizard came from the moon" era.

Anyway, I am willing to give Bungie a try despite the mess. And I am excited for Marathon.

What about you?

40 minute countdown

Hey, hey, look at that. We're 30 minutes away from the State of Play starting.

As a reminder, it starts at 2 pm PT, 5 pm ET, and 11 pm CET.

You can watch on Twitch and YouTube.

Miracles can happen (but probably not)

There's a running joke that Sony will continually disappoint fans by not announcing Bloodborne 2.

With that in mind, here are some other sequel games that won't get announced that I'm actually interested in potentially seeing:

• The Order sequel
• Resist4nce
• Sly Cooper 5
• J4k & D4xter
• Kingdom Hearts 4
• Killzone 4
• A true Final Fantasy Tactics 2

It's a surprising number of fourquels, but that's how the cookie crumbles sometimes.

Just 15 minutes until State of Play is live!

Hey, it's Rory here. I'm back from break and ready to guide you through the State of Play February 2026 from start to finish. The official countdown has begun, and the YouTube chat is already moving faster than I can read it. There's only 15 minutes until the biggest State of Play broadcast ever is live, so get ready, it's almost time!

One final wish from me before the show begins!

State of Play is just 10 minutes away, so I'm making my final prediction, or maybe my final wish, I'd love to see more from Control: Resonant. This first control was one of my favorite games of 2019, and rare title I've earned the Platinum trophy in twice (on both PS4 and PS5). So here's hoping that Remedy have our next look at the game primed for today, and if we're super lucky we could even get a release date!

This is your 5 minute warning!

If you're not already sitting comfortable, with your stream (or this live blog) ready, now is the time to get in position. State of Play February 206 begins in less than five minutes. And I'm predicting that Saros or Marathon will kick off the showcase!

State of Play Feb. 2026 is LIVE!

The waiting is over, and the speculating is done. State of Play February 2026 starts now. Stand by for live updates, even if you can't watch along at home (or at work!), I'll have all the announcements for you in this live blog...

Kena: Bridge of Spirits sequel opens the show!

Here's an opener I didn't have on my bingo card, a sequel to 2021's charming action-platform, Kena: Bridge of Spirits!

Kena: Scars of Kosmora is coming 2026

The sequel is called Kena: Scars of Kosmora, and it'll be launching on PS5 and PC in 2026. It stars an older, more experienced, Kena and is set in a new land, the titular Kosmora. It looks once again to combine a charming art style with surprisingly demanding combat. Consider me sold!

Ghost of Yotei Legends?

Next up, it's an announcement from Sucker Punch. Will this be the Ghost of Yotei Legends multiplayer mode?

Yup, Ghost of Yotei Legends launches on March 10!

Fans of co-op samurai action rejoice, Ghost of Yotei is getting a Legends mode update next month.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach comes to PC on March 19

Fantastic sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach won't be PS5-locked for much longer as it's making it's way over to PC on March 19. This was a contender for GOTY at The Game Awards, and will no doubt look truly incredible on a beefy gaming PC.

4:Loop gameplay is up next!

Next, it's time for an update on sci-fi co-op game 4:Loop. I'm still not totally sure what the hook of this title is, but it appears to have a bit of ARC Raiders about it, so maybe it'll also suck up a whole bunch of my free time when it launches on PS5.

4:Loop wants your help!

4:Loop will have upcoming play tests as the developers "want your help" to craft the game, but no details have been given yet about when these will be. Without even a vague release date, I think we can assume 4:Loop still has a way to go until launch.

Pragmata looks better ever time I see it (and get's a demo)!

A quick trailer for Capcom's Pragmata next. Every time I see this game, my interest levels increase. It's out on April 24, but even better, there's a playable demo which is available to download from the PlayStation Store right now!

Resident Evil time!

Well, I called this one earlier, but it's Capcom's turn in the spotlight as Resident Evil Requiem takes the State of Play (virtual) stage. It's out February 27, and I really don't need to see more of this game. I'm completely sold, so I'm looking away till it's over!

Legacy of Kain Defiance Remastered and Brigandine Abyss!

Legacy of Kain: Defiance launched in 2003, and the final game in the series is getting a remastered edition. It'll be out next month, and includes a bunch of upgrades. And we also got a look at strategy game Brigandine Abyss, out in 2026.

Dead or Alive 6: Last Round and a NEW installment in the series!

Dead or Alive 6 is getting brought to PS5 in a Last Round package, and we also got confirmation that Dead or Alive 30th Anniversary is in development as well. Lots for fans of the fighting game franchise to look for to!

Control Resonant gameplay premieres at State of Play!

One of my wishes came true, next it's uncut gameplay of Control: Resonant, and it looks pretty darn impressive. There's a lot to take in, including a new Manhattan-set level, new powers and new enemies. It looks a lot more open than the first Control.

Crimson Moon announced!

Well, it's always nice to see something new at these events, Crimson Moon appears to be a fantasy action game. Looks a little Soulslike, but I got HUGE Darksiders vibes from it, I was thinking it was a new Darksiders game for most of the trailer!

Beast of Reincarnation gets a new trailer and release date!

Did you think Game Freak could only make Pokemon games? Well take a look at Beast of Reincarnation, which is heading to PS5 on August 4. I've scanned the trailer but I cannot see a Charizard anywhere!

Mina The Hollower gets a new look!

Shovel Knight fans, you'll want to check out this new look at Mina The Hollower, the next game from Yacht Club Games. It's out later this year and an exclsuive demo drops on PS5 tomorrow (Feb. 13)

Charming indie Neva is getting a prequel!

I know one colleague who is very happy because charming indie Neva is getting a prequel called... Neva: Prologue. It's out February 19.

Yakoh Shinobi Ops is next up!

The next announcement is Yakoh Shinobi Ops, which is an isometric stealth-action game based on the gameplay footage. It also includes a very vicious monkey!

Project Windless casts you as a... chicken?

Are you playing as an oversized chicken with a huge sword?! One of the more original games we've seen today, this cinematic action game has you playing as a humanoid chicken in a bloody fantasy world. It's called Project Windless!

Star Wars alert!

We've flown over to a galaxy far, far away for Star Wars: Galactic Racer, a new racing game (duh!) set in the beloved sci-fi universe. It's out in 2026, and looks ridiculously cinematic!

New trailer for 007: First Light!

Another correct prediction for me (Though this was a bit of a freebie), 007: First Light gets a new trailer. It looks great, and probably the closest to a new Uncharted game we'll be seeing for a while. It's out on May 27, and if you pre-order now you get the Deluxe Edition at no extra cost, which is a new perk for early adopters.

Konami is taking over the State of Play!

Sony's trying something new here, by giving the stage over to Konami, it's like a second showcase within a showcase!

MGS Master Collection Vol. 2 is real!

Good news for MGS fans (I can hear TG's Tony Polanco screaming from here), Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 is here, and will include MGS 4 and MGS Peace Walker. It's out on August 27. This is great news in general, as MGS 4 was previously locked to the PS3, but from the summer, it'll be playable on modern hardware.

The MGS Master Collection Vol. 1 is also getting a free update with a new sharper resolution setting. It's rolling out today, and MGS 3 Delta: Snake Eater is on sale!

MGS x Darwin's Paradox!

The upcoming octopus game, Darwin's Paradox, is getting a crossover with Metal Gear Solid. That's not something I ever expected to type, but I'm here for it, and the comical-looking game is getting a demo that's out before its full launch on April 2.

Castlevania lives!

It's a good day for Castlevania fans, as the series is back after 15 years in the shadows. It's a new side-scrolling adventure, called Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. It's out in 2026. You play Trevor Belmont, and it looks like a modern spin on the series.

I think I hear Silent Hill music!

Silent Hill is enjoying a franchise revival after the fantastic Silent Hill 2 Remake and Silent Hill f, and I'm pretty sure this our first look at what's next for the horror series...

Silent Hill Townfall is coming 2026

The previously announced Silent Hill Townfall gets a new look with some quick shots of gameplay. There's a fullSilent Hill Transmission following this State of Play where we're going to hear more about the game, so be sure to stick around for that!

Konami's next (and final) game is Rev.Noir!

One for the anime as we get a trailer for Rev.Noir, which is in development for PS5, and is described as a new JRPG title. It looks a bit generic for my tastes, but I'm sure genre fans are going to be very intrigued about this one.

John Wick: The Video Game, right?

I'm pretty sure this next trailer is for a John Wick game....

Yup, John Wick from Saber is confirmed!

Guess we'll soon be living out our John Wick fantasies as the Baba Yaga himself, as Saber is making a John Wick game. The trailer was very slick, but we only got a very brief look at what appears to be gameplay, and no date, so don't expect to be playing anytime soon!

Finally Marathon time!

This one was confirmed prior to the show, so it's no sunrise to see a new trailer for Bungie's Marathon. It's out on March 5, and there will be a preview weekend Feb. 26 to March 2, so you can give the sci-fi extraction shooter a shot before launch. Bungie are calling it the "Server Slam," which is a fantastic name for a beta!

The leaks were true, Spider-Man 2 comes to PS+

If you somehow haven't played Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PS5 yet, soon you'll have no excuse as the game is heading over to PS+ (at the Extra/Premium tier) later this month. New games are being added to the Classic Library as well, Time Crisis and Tekken Dark Resurrection.

Saros gets the spotlight

Saros, the spiritual follow-up to Returnal, is up next. This is another game I was extremely confident would feature at State of Play, the only surprise is that it's taken this long to appear.

The show's not over yet...

Saros' gameplay presentation is over, and we've ticked over the hour mark, but we're not done yet, the next trailer is for Marvel Tokon!

Marvel Tokon looks excellent (again), and is out August 6!

We got a release date for Marvel Tokon at the end of that very polished trailer; it's out on August 6. I'm already going to be a Spider-Man main, but we've also got confirmation that X-Men will be included. The game revolves around building a four-character team, so there will be a spot for Wolverine in my roster!

I think this is the last reveal!

Santa Monica Studios logo pops up, and God of War music starts playing, this is probably the big closing game!

God of War Trilogy Remake is confirmed!

It looks like the requests for the original God of War games to return have been heard. God of War Trilogy Remake has just been announced at State of Play!

It's still "in the early stages," so don't expect any further updates on this project for a while, but still, it's sure to have PlayStation fans very hyped in months to come!

But there's more... God of War 2D revealed!

The rumors about a 2D God of War game were accurate; you play Kratos before he was a God, when he was a Spartan warrior. It's a very different spin on the franchise!

It's called God of War: Sons of Sparta, and it's out TODAY!

And that's a wrap on State of Play February 2026

After a jam packed 85 minutes of game reveals and new trailers, State of Play February 2026 draws to a close. The one-two punch of a God of War Trilogy Remake and a new 2D game (Sons of Sparta) that you can play today capped the showcase.

That was a very solid (but not spectacular) State of Play!

Whelp, the first State of Play for 2026 is in the can, and I was pretty pleased overall. While it lacked major surprises, we got updates on games I'm super excited to play (Saros, Control Resonant and more), and a few new reveals caught my eye, too. It wasn't quite the State of Play of dreams some predicted but it was a solid event.

So, what games intrigued you?

That was supersized State of Play with a surprising number of games.

So, what games caught your eye.

Me? The Chicken man of Project Windless looked interesting and I'm a sucker for God of War.

I'm also curious about Yakoh and if it will scratch the Tenchu itch, but the isometric view isn't quite what Tenchu was, still.

Read a book?

Project Windless is one of the games that I'm most intrigued by. As the trailer notes it's based on a Korean fantasy series called The Bird That Drinks Tears.

From what I can tell the book is finally being translated into English and will come out this June.

I plan on checking out the book when it finally releases.

What about you? Did you find this interesting?

That's a wrap

As these games finally come out, Tom's Guide will have reviews and hands-ons on a good chunk of these titles as we can.

What's next, we're hoping for more hardware announcements from PlayStation including the rumored OLED Portal and news about PSSR advancements.

Since launching in 2023, the PlayStation Portal has slowly been becoming more of a handheld console and not just a remote streaming device. Now, a new rumor indicates Sony is working on an upgraded version that would make it even better.

In a post on X, leaker Zuby_Tech (spotted by Notebook Check) claimed that Sony will release a new version that could feature an OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. They also said it could potentially be dubbed the PlayStation Portal Pro.

Sony has not announced any refreshes for the Portal.

The current Portal features a 1080p LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. An OLED display would be a major upgrade that delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, and colors. Honestly, that alone might make the PS Portal an attractive option.

Zuby_Tech did not provide a timeline or potential price for the Portal Pro.

PlayStation 6 and the next PlayStation handheld

Presumably, the updated PlayStation Portal would need to launch in the next year. We are taking this with a grain of salt because the next generation of Sony consoles isn't far off.

Sony has already confirmed that it's partnering with AMD on the PS6, which should come out in "a few years." And last year, a slew of rumors suggested that Sony would release some kind of PlayStation 6 handheld alongside the PS6.

The PS6 handheld is supposed to be capable of playing PS5 games natively, based on a Bloomberg report from November last year.

At the earliest, it's expected that we'll see Sony announce the next generation in the fall of 2027, possibly 2028, which would mark the traditional seven-year cycle Sony has followed with previous console generations.

Nintendo too?

Speaking of OLED displays, Nintendo fans may have been disappointed that the Nintendo Switch 2 launched with an LCD display rather than an OLED one, despite the OLED Switch existing.

However, an OLED version may be coming. A separate report from Notebook Check reveals that a mysterious code appeared on the Nintendo Account portal site, hinting at future versions of the Switch 2.

The strange "OSM" code attached to an image of the Switch 2 hints that Nintendo could ship an OLED model. Other speculation includes the release of a Pro model with higher memory, though with the current RAM crisis that seems less likely.

Instead, it's posited that Nintendo could launch a Lite model similar to the original Nintendo Switch Lite version that ditched the dock and kept the controllers locked to the body.

Or it could be nothing. We'll just have to wait and see!

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve used the PS5 Pro every day for a year — here’s what I like (and don't) after 1,000+ hours of play
• I’ve been playing my 16-year-old PSP Go for a month, and now I can’t wait for PS6’s rumored next-gen handheld
• Leaker compares Intel's Panther Lake with rumored AMD 'Canis' chips that could power the PS6 Handheld

Intel's Panther Lake chipsets are expected to be a generational leap for handheld gaming consoles. It's something AMD, which powers machines like the MSI Claw A8 and the rumored PlayStation 6 handheld, should potentially be worried about.

Surprisingly, a new leak from regular gaming tipster Kepler_L2 shared a comparison of the Panther Lake and the rumored AMD codenamed 'Canis' custom chip.

Rumors have asserted that Canis will come with 4 Zen 6C cores based on 15W power. According to Kepler, Panther Lake will hit 30W.

The PS6 handheld is supposed to be capable of running PS5 games natively, with a slightly lower fidelity. Kepler claims that Panther Lake will offer similar performance to the Canis chip, but with double the power consumption.

He also said that the AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme is too slow, while the Strix Halo is too fast. Panther Lake, meanwhile, would hit the middle ground between those poles.

Panther Lake won't be a slouch

On one level, Panther Lake offering similar peformance as Canis with double the power consumption sounds bad. However, AMD gets to optimize its chip for Sony's proprietary PlayStation OS.

Panther Lake handhelds will handle a bigger range of games, programs and beefier operating systems, so a higher power consumption makes sense. Plus, a report from VideoCardz leaked a new Intel Core G3 chip based on Panther Lake that will be made exclusively for handheld consoles. Those will likely be more optimized with lower power draw.

Panther Lake based handhelds will likely launch before the end of 2026, so we'll see how they truly perform before the year is out. Our initial testing at CES 2026, shows these chips will be powerful.

Meanwhile, the earliest we expect to see the PS6 handheld and the main PS6 console is in the fall of 2027, possibly early 2028, which would mark the traditional seven-year cycle Sony has stuck to for its previous consoles.

More from Tom's Guide

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• Intel at CES 2026: How to watch the Core Ultra Series 3 keynote and what to expect
• Apple’s M-series chip 5 years later: How ditching Intel revolutionized computing — and what’s next

AI is moving fast. Within the last month we've seen Gemini 3 Flash released and even AI upgrades to Gmail after over 20 years! But advancements in gaming are much more of a hot-button topic, sparking “passionate” debates between supporters and skeptics across the internet.

That tension has only intensified since Sony PlayStation created a patent aimed at reducing friction in gameplay by using AI assistance. Once you understand what the technology proposes, it’s easy to see why it hasn’t gone over well with longtime gamers who’ve spent years — or decades — honing their skills. Here's everything to know.

Letting AI take over kills the thrill of winning

According to the patent, PlayStation games could eventually play themselves through a feature called Ghost Assistance. In Guide Mode, players can set the controller down while the AI demonstrates how to solve a puzzle or approach a tough fight, then jump back in and try it themselves. Complete Mode goes further, clearing those challenges entirely before returning control.

As someone who practically came out of the womb with a gamepad in his hands, I understand why this idea rubs so many players the wrong way — even if I can also see how it might help.

Whenever I hit a brutal boss or brain-melting puzzle, dread sets in. After failed attempts, heavy breathing, and a few expletives I won’t repeat, finally breaking through delivers a rush that makes it all worth it. Hardcore gamers know that feeling well — and letting AI handle those moments means missing out on that hard-earned euphoria.

Casual players may not care. But Soulslike fans would scoff at anyone bragging about letting AI defeat Elden Ring’s Malenia for them. If you ask me, it’s better to rage quit, take a breather, and come back ready to die 20 more times — the victory is sweeter that way.

AI gameplay could create fake flexing — unless trophies are disabled

If this patent ever becomes reality on the PS5 or future PlayStation hardware, online gaming discourse could get even messier than it already is.

Just imagine your timeline being dominated by posts from random gamers posting clips of their near-flawless gameplay and not being able to tell if they were done by their own hands or because the AI-generated “ghost” did it for them. Sony could stop this nightmare scenario from coming to fruition with a simple fix — disable trophies for players that tap into the AI feature to do all the work.

That way, players still get the help they need, but they can’t take full credit for achievements earned by AI. It preserves bragging rights for honest playthroughs while discouraging fraudulent flexing.

Letting a Ghost Assistant solve a puzzle or two could help

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve pulled out my phone and searched YouTube for puzzle solutions more than once (yes, I needed help decoding those snow-region codes in Ghost of Yōtei — judge me).

With Ghost Assistance, players wouldn’t need to leave the game to get unstuck. Turning on Guide Mode could quickly nudge players past frustrating roadblocks without completely removing them from the experience. Used sparingly, that kind of assist could strike a healthy balance between accessibility and agency.

Bottom line

Sony’s AI patent has sparked plenty of backlash — and for understandable reasons. For many gamers, the idea of letting the game play itself feels fundamentally wrong.

But like most things in gaming, there’s a balance to be struck. Casual players may find exactly what they’re looking for in a feature like Ghost Assistance, while hardcore fans will likely ignore it entirely.

If this technology ever makes its way into the PS6, its real impact will depend on how — and how often — players choose to use it. Until then, it’s a fascinating glimpse into where gaming could be headed.

More from Tom's Guide

• Gmail’s biggest update in 20 years: 5 AI features that could change email forever
• AI is moving off screens — and into games, homes and even pet care
• I used ChatGPT Voice to prep for a job interview — and it helped me land the job

The Sony PlayStation Portable, commonly known as PSP, was a nifty little handheld console you could take virtually anywhere with you. Back when I was growing up, I owned the PSP 2000 before it died and refused to turn back on, and then my parents gifted me a PSP Go — and I never went anywhere without it.

I recently visited my family home in India and you know what I found in a box my dad had carefully stashed away? My old PSP Go. Naturally, I had to bring it back with me to the U.K. where I live now. The PSP Go came out in 2009. It is now almost 2026, and I've spent the last month or so gaming on my 16-year-old handheld console. Yes, on a 480p screen with terrible battery life, and you know what? I kinda dig it.

The PSP Go, by no means, is a perfect console, and when I started playing on it again after maybe seven years of not touching it, I wasn't expecting it to run like a modern handheld such as the Nintendo Switch 2. And therein lies its charm — it has captivated me with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, and a surprisingly solid gaming library. The PSP Go makes a compelling case for Sony to announce the long-rumored PS6, too, and I can't wait for it to come out.

A nostalgic gaming catalog

When I dug my PSP Go out of storage, it was out of battery, unsurprisingly. So the first thing I did was find the charger and plug it in, and when it turned on, I went through the games I had installed that had been lying dormant all this time. It evoked a sense of nostalgia in me, similar to how I felt going through all the artists and songs on my old iPod Touch.

Games like Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, Sonic Rivals 2, Dissidia Final Fantasy, Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai, and Need For Speed Carbon brought back a flood of memories. I used to play under the covers after telling my parents I was going to sleep, and play on road trips too. Back then, the PSP Go felt like a feat of engineering — "How could they pack so much into such a tiny device?" I remember thinking to myself.

Of course, the PSP Go's specs haven't stood the test of time, and it feels like a very outdated console now. The 480p resolution is okay and the 16GB internal memory is limiting unless you get a proprietary M2 memory card. It's all digital, so there's no UMD drive if you're a fan of physical games, and the battery life is far from ideal.

But I knew what I was signing up for when I started using the PSP Go again a month ago, and honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. Sure, it would be great to have a better screen, longer battery life, and a higher refresh rate, but for a 16-year-old console, my PSP Go is holding up well. I love the clickity-clackity sounds of the D-pad and face buttons, and the sounds the console makes when I scroll through the different menus.

Playing fighting games like Dragon Ball Z has been extremely fun too. I'm not even a fan of fighting games and yet, I remember I must have sunk hundreds of hours into DBZ on my PSP Go. The PSP Go is perfect for lengthy RPGs too, like Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, which was the first game that actually got me into RPGs (and it's now my favorite genre).

The buttons still respond well with next-to-none input lag, and I don't mind the 480p screen. The graphics look decent and the LCD screen is still quite bright, enough for me to be able to see Vegeta knock out Goku. If I wanted a near-perfect console, I'd have stuck with the Nintendo Switch 2!

More portable than my smartphone

One of the biggest advantages of using my PSP Go is that I can slip it into my pocket. Any pocket. The front pocket of my skinny jeans. The big one of my winter coat. It slips in so easily! It measures just 5.03 x 2.71 x 0.64 inches, so it's extremely portable (the clue is in the name, after all). It weighs 5.6oz so it's extremely lightweight, and I often forget it's even in my pocket.

The PSP Go is more portable than most modern smartphones. For instance, my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL measures 6.41 x 3.02 x 0.33 inches and weighs 8.18oz. Carrying the PSP Go alongside my phone, then, is very convenient and a no-brainer — especially for gaming, as I don't like playing on a smartphone.

I love the PSP Go's design too. The sliding screen mechanism is a winner in my books as the 3.8-inch LCD screen slides upwards to reveal the D-pad and face buttons. Even after all these years, it slides effortless with no unnecessary friction or resistance. It also makes me feel very cool, like 2000s movie protagonist answering her flip phone.

So, about that PS6 handheld...

Rumors about Sony's next-gen console, successor to the PS5, have been circulating online for a while now, and in May, rumor had it that Sony had started working on a portable version which could potentially launch alongside the PS6. A couple of weeks ago, tech and gaming YouTuber Moore's Law is Dead noted that Sony was pushing Low Power and Power Save modes for the current-gen PS5 to see if PS5 gaming could work seamlessly on the potentially less powerful PS6 handheld.

Rumors point towards Sony having made internal changes to PS5 Software Development Kits (SDKs) to ensure Power Save modes are in the works for PlayStation games, so that they can run on devices "with different available CPU configurations." This all makes sense because handheld devices are heavily judged for their battery lives.

Take the Nintendo Switch 2, for example. A great console with a measly 6-hour battery life. Sony would want to do everything it can to ensure its handheld is up to the challenge. If we are to go by the aforementioned speculation, it only adds fuel to the fire that the PS6 handheld could be coming in late 2027 or early 2028, so perhaps we'll get official confirmation towards the end of next year.

And you know what? The PS6 handheld can't come soon enough — I know I'll be placing a pre-order as soon as possible. Playing my PSP Go for the past month has reminded me just how much I love Sony's now-dead handheld consoles.

Looking ahead...

Right now, it's hard to imagine what the next-gen PS6 handheld will look like. Perhaps it will borrow styling cues from the original PSP. Maybe it will feature haptic feedback and adaptive triggers like the PlayStation Portal does. Will it come with built-in storage, like the PSP Go?

Who knows how much power the PS6 handheld will pack, but the only thing I know for sure is that I will be there when it launches, and I will buy it. Playing the PSP Go has not only reminded me of my childhood and my early gaming-related memories, but it has confirmed, for me, that I need a Sony handheld in my life — and no, not one like the Portal. An actual, proper handheld that makes the Switch 2 look like child's play.

More from Tom's Guide

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• I bought a PS Vita instead of a Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 — and I have no regrets
• Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED — I took both on a trip to determine the best gaming handheld

2025 has been another fantastic year for gaming. Not only have the past 12 months offered more high-quality games than you could possibly play in a single year, but we also got new hardware in the form of the Nintendo Switch 2. Wherever you opt to play your games, across PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC gaming, there’s been a slew of must-play titles.

With so many excellent video games to play, picking out the very best games of 2025 is no easy task. However, the Tom’s Guide staff put our heads together, and after some discussion (and a few heated disagreements), we’ve put together a list of our favorite games of 2025.

Our GOTY picks cover all platforms (yes, including Switch 2), and if you missed any of them, now is the time to catch up, before the first new games of 2026 arrive. These are the 13 best games of 2025.

Best action game

Ghost of Yotei

Platform: PS5

Ghost of Yotei, the sequel to the fantastic Ghost of Tsushima, may not have the impactful narrative strengths of its predecessor, but as action/adventure games go, it’s the best release of 2025. Its peerless combat system and open-world setting set a new benchmark not just for samurai games but for action games as a whole.

Building on Tsushima’s already-fantastic and fluid swordplay, Ghost of Yotei introduces an expanded weapon set, including the addition of dual katanas, an odachi, a kusarigama… and guns! This new arsenal results in players being able to strategize better, depending on the enemy they’re facing, and enhanced parry mechanics, which make one-on-one duels feel brutal and deeply satisfying. Atsu, the protagonist, is also accompanied by a wolf who participates in standoffs and can be called to help take down enemies, adding a fresh touch to the sequel.

The world of Ghost of Yotei is stunning, with snowcapped Mount Yotei watching over you as you make your way through the lush fields of Ezo, which makes battles feel cinematic. Optional side quests see you take on different factions such as ronin, bandits, and samurai, while the new bounty system puts your exploration and combat skills through the paces. — Nikita Achanta

Runners-up: Ninja Gaiden 4, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Best RPG

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

Sandfall Interactive’s first-ever game is a triumph, and it deserves all the accolades it has garnered this year (and more). Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is exactly what a story-driven RPG should look like, and it’s a game everyone needs to play at least once. The game’s Belle Époque-inspired dark fantasy world is not just visually stunning, but it’s highly detailed too, and every NPC you encounter is intrinsically designed.

Visually, Expedition 33’s aesthetic is unlike any other game this year, and this extends to the story, too. It’s an emotionally complex and haunting narrative revolving around you and your party trying to desperately stop the Paintress from erasing everyone of a certain age from existence — a cycle that has gone on for several years. But what makes Expedition 33 stand out is the fact that, somehow, you end up feeling heartbroken for every single character in the game, and the cinematic, classical, orchestral soundtrack moves you to tears.

Beyond visuals and storytelling, Expedition 33’s reactive turn-based combat is genius as it merges classic turn-based strategy with real-time action. Dodging, parrying and timing attacks means you’re always on guard and engaged, and it never gets old. The wide variety of enemy types makes every encounter a thrilling, hands-on challenge where you must utilize strategic foresight as well as precise execution. — Nikita Achanta

Runners-up: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, The Outer Worlds 2

Best racing/sports game

Rematch

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

If you’d asked me if Rematch would be my vote for the best sports game of 2025 after sampling it during the beta period, I’d have laughed. I did not click with the online soccer game from Sifu developer Sloclap during this trial run. But once I got access to the full experience and started scaling the high skill barrier that makes your first couple of hours pretty daunting, I fell in love, hard. Now, with dozens of hours under my belt and the PS5 Platinum Trophy unlocked, I’m still returning to Rematch regularly for its special brand of sports action.

Best described as Rocket League but without the RC cars (I know that’s just regular soccer, but stick with me here), Rematch is the perfect antidote to the increasingly stale EA Sports FC series. Unlike the franchise formerly known as FIFA, Rematch offers a more over-the-top take on the beautiful game, and most importantly, demands more skill from its teams of up to five players per side. While it’ll take you a minute (or maybe several) to grasp the basics, when you score your first hat-trick, or pull off a clutch diving save as a goalkeeper, you’ll find yourself instantly hooked. Rematch is the soccer game I didn’t know I needed in my life. — Rory Mellon

Runners-up: Mario Kart World, Assetto Corsa Rally

Best fighting game

Fatal Fury: City of Wolves

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves might not have a large player base compared to Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, but it’s an easy pick for best fighting game of the year. Not only does it successfully resurrect a legendary fighting game franchise, but it does so with new gameplay mechanics that arguably make it the best Fatal Fury yet.

The innovative REV system offers numerous offensive and defensive options, while the smooth animations, flashy graphics and robust single and online modes keep you coming for more. As we head into 2026, I’m eager to see which new characters will join the roster and what updates (if any) SNK will introduce to keep this title fresh. If you want an alternative to the big fighting game franchises and a title that rewards the time you put into it, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is it. — Tony Polanco

Runners-up: Capcom Fighting Collection 2, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

Best shooter game

Battlefield 6

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Battlefield 6 is a back-to-basics take on the long-running franchise with snappy gunplay, restrained maps, and a perfect pick for the best shooter this year. Yes, the single player campaign is abysmal, but you play Battlefield for the chaotic, explosive multiplayer, not the solo mode. Fortunately, you can download the parts you want and exclude the ones you don’t, a lovely way of saving some space on your hard drive.

EA’s latest shooter is laser-focused on traditional classes and destructible environments. The game launched with six playable modes but has already been expanded, including a surprisingly fun battle royale option. I recommend the smaller Domination and King of the Hill modes, where the tighter maps make for more strategic and tactical gameplay. Whether you’re playing on a PS5 or an RTX 5070 PC, Battlefield 6 feels fully optimized and moves smoothly even in the most graphically intense battles. As Call of Duty flails, BF6 is an excellent option. — Scott Younker

Runners-up: Borderlands 4, Doom: The Dark Ages

Best family game

Donkey Kong Bananza

Platform: Nintendo Switch 2

Donkey Kong Bananza is a fresh 3D take on one of Nintendo's most beloved mascots. It continues to surprise you as you go from sublayer to sublayer on your journey to the planet’s core. Instead of rehashing old ideas, this game introduces you to a brand new world filled with interesting characters and a few familiar faces along the way.

Debuting on the Switch 2, it’s the perfect showcase for Nintendo’s new hybrid system. Donkey Kong Bananza’s voxel-powered visuals are a sight to behold. However, they’re also what make its destructible environments possible. You can punch through walls, smash almost everything you see and dig through the ground to your heart’s content, completely transforming levels as you go. This vertical and horizontal destruction isn’t just a gimmick, though; it’s part of Donkey Kong Bananza’s core gameplay and something you’ll have to do if you want to find all of the hidden Banandium Gems required to unlock Donkey Kong’s full set of abilities.

Speaking of which, smashing on its own would be enough, but Donkey Kong also learns various animal-themed Bananza transformations that completely change how you approach each environment and objective. The sheer level of discovery and exploration almost makes Donkey Kong Bananza feel like Switch 2's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — Anthony Spadafora

Runners-up: Mario Kart World, Lego Voyagers

Best remake/remaster

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

I tend to scoff when I see yet another remake/remaster get released, but that’s not the case with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Konami pulled out all the stops with this release, and as a long-time fan of this game and franchise, I couldn’t be happier with the overall package. The Unreal Engine 5-driven graphics make the game look its absolute best, and MGS 3's already cinematic experience is now even more immersive.

But beyond the shiny new graphics, quality-of-life tweaks to controls and UI, and numerous unlockables, we get the same brilliant Metal Gear Solid 3 experience from nearly 20 years ago. The Metal Gear Solid franchise can be difficult to get into, but MGS 3 was and is still an excellent entry point since it’s a self-contained story. If you’ve ever wanted to give this series or the stealth game genre a shot, there’s no finer way to do so than with Metal Gear Solid Delta. — Tony Polanco

Runners-up: Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Best horror game

Silent Hill f

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

There’s something to be said for bringing Silent Hill to its first-ever Japanese setting. Dropping players into a place and time totally alien to the long-lived franchise proved rewarding, offering incredible callbacks to the originals while inciting serious promise for the future of its nightmarish lore.

The story of Hinako is a mixture of sorrow and pain. It’s Silent Hill at its purest and most electrifying, highlighted by two branching narratives, with one focusing on the physical world and another on the subconscious. Silent Hill f cleverly weaves gameplay elements into its narrative, making players feel one with the story as it unfolds around them. It’s a chilling reminder of how some horror games can make us feel right at home.

I’ve longed for a return to form for Silent Hill, and f is everything I had hoped for and much more. It offers up boundless hours of enjoyment, with several special endings for replay value (in Silent Hill fashion). Don’t let those restless dreams go to waste. — Ryan Epps

Runners-up: Cronos The New Dawn, Alien Rogue Incursion - Evolved Edition

Best narrative

Dispatch

Platforms: PC, PS5

2025 has been a great year for getting lost in a good story, but among all the gripping narratives, Dispatch stands head and shoulders above the rest for its impressively bingeable appeal. You can tell this was made by ex-Telltale veterans.

In this darkly comedic workplace drama, set in a world where humans and superheroes co-exist, you play through the redemption arc of a complex protagonist — working as a dispatcher for a hero-for-hire agency. The scenario is eye-catching, bizarre and offers real emotional depth.

And it’s funny, too. Like, actually funny. A lot of games attempt (and miss the mark) on being humorous. But peeling the spectacle away from being a superhero and focusing on the messy bureaucracy of work and life gives the comedy serious “The Office” vibes in the best way possible.

Normally, with Telltale-esque linear stories, I do the one playthrough and never think about it again. The fact that I went straight back into this memorable story to find the many other narrative paths is a testament to how well-written (and acted) Dispatch is. — Jason England

Runners-up: Clair Obscur Expedition 33, Baby Steps

Best multiplayer game

ARC Raiders

ARC Raiders is pure multiplayer gaming distilled down to its very essence. The bonds formed between random teammates are intense. On the other side, the hatred for the people who took you and your squad down and stole your goodies is very real.

More than multiplayer gaming, ARC Raiders is a look at what humans will do to each other when real-world consequences are removed. Will you shoot the person with their back turned to steal their stuff, or will you fight off the attacking robots to help them survive? Will you use your microphone to tell someone that you won’t shoot them, only to open fire when they run away? In ARC Raiders, both are completely viable options.

Capping off the multiplayer enjoyment, and feeling insignificant next to the human element the game brings to the table, is the actual shooting, which has a sense of weight to it that you won’t find in many other extraction shooters.

Even if you have a completely playerless run, the game is just fun. And the threat of a fellow Raider waiting by the extraction point means multiplayer is always at the front of your mind. — Dave LeClair

Runners-up: Battlefield 6, The Bazaar

Best independent game

Hades 2

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC

“One more run.” It’s the phrase you’ll utter to yourself at midnight in the middle of the week after coming ever-so-close to clearing the final boss. It will be said again. And again. And again. Melinoë, Hades 2’s protagonist, might be the one with time-bending magical powers, but the game itself has a way of making hours of your life disappear.

What Hades 2 gets right is that, unlike Souls-like games that have a single difficulty and never get easier, you’ll grow more powerful with every run. Yes, your muscle memory and twitch reflexes will get better, but every resource you pick up on your journey enhances Melinoë’s powers — ever so slightly — until the impossible feels possible. Bosses that couldn’t be cleared in your fifth run become nothing more than a nuisance in your 15th. It’s this ever-increasing feeling of empowerment that drives both the story and you as a player forward, through embattled cityscapes and the ocean depths, in an implacable advance toward the game’s (*spoiler*) twin final bosses.

The original ending might’ve needed a mulligan, but the core rogue-like mechanics, addictive gameplay loop and well-written pantheon of gods were perfect from the jump. — Nick Pino

Runners-up: Blue Prince, Sword of the Sea

Best graphics

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Platform: PS5

Hideo Kojima’s use of the Decima engine for Death Stranding remains unchallenged in its photo realism, and that depth is only amplified twofold in the sequel. From the moment the game begins, it leaves you breathless as the camera pans toward protagonist Sam Porter Bridges. It’s totally gorgeous, which makes its devastating story all the more heartwrenching.

With Kojima’s extensive attention to detail and love for cinematic storytelling, graphical fidelity is a natural fit. It’s not a stretch to say that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the most beautiful games to come out in 2025, and potentially in a long time, which says a lot given that it takes place entirely in a post-apocalyptic world, one ravaged and decayed by time.

Graphics aren’t everything, though. Although Death Stranding 2 definitely boasts near-photorealism, it wouldn’t mean much without its slew of unforgettable characters and unique story that’s wholly Kojima-brained. — Ryan Epps

Runners-up: Ghost of Yotei, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Game of the Year 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 came out of nowhere to become the defining game of 2025. This turn-based RPG from debut developer Sandfall Interactive succeeds in nearly all areas. It’s perhaps lacking in fundamentally new ideas, but it takes the best parts of its numerous role-playing inspirations and crafts them into a masterful experience you won’t soon forget.

It’s narrative sinks its hook into you straight away, with an intriguing premise: a group of expeditors sets out to end the tyrannical reign of a deity known as The Paintress. This story is compelling from the drop, but as you progress through its 30-hour main quest, the revelations that unfold will have your jaw agape. And it’s all centered on one of the most likable and well-written casts of companions in an RPG since Baldur’s Gate 3.

It’s no slouch in the gameplay department either. The tough turn-based battles are surprisingly energetic thanks to the satisfying parry system that prevents players from putting down the controller between turns. Oh, and did I mention, the whole game is set to one of gaming’s most sonically fitting scores? I've had the soundtrack on repeat for months.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 set a bar back in April that very few video games could match, and that’s why it’s our pick for Game of the Year 2025. — Rory Mellon

Runners-up: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza

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One of my favorite things to do when I have some time to myself is play video games on my PS5 Slim or my OG Nintendo Switch. I also love listening to music and noodling on my guitar, and sometimes, I'll listen to music while playing, say, a racing game like F1 25 or Need For Speed: Heat.

As a self-professed audiophile, I believe music can make or break a game, and the way you consume the audio can either enhance or worsen your experience and immersion. That's why you've got a plethora of the best gaming headsets, ripe for the picking. I review gaming cans for a living, as well as the best headphones designed for music streaming. So, one day, I thought to myself, "What if I ditched my gaming headset for wired audiophile headphones?"

And ditch my gaming headset for wired audiophile headphones I did. I put my Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and Alienware Pro Wireless aside, and I brought my Meze 105 AER wired cans from my home office to my living room. I absolutely adore the 105 AERs as they're exceptional for detailed listening, and presto, of course they proved fantastic in gaming too. Here are three things I liked and two I didn't.

What I like

Pinpoint clarity, everything is detailed

There's no better way to get best-in-class sound than through a pair of wired headphones. Bluetooth and wireless headphones just don't cut it if you're an audiophile, and the same goes for achieving an immersive gaming experience too. The Meze 105 AERs are up to the challenge as they boast an incredibly wide, immersive and engaging soundstage — which is downright fantastic and peerless for both music and gaming.

Plenty of detail can be found in lows, mids and highs, and the headphones deliver a well-balanced sound profile with warm bass that doesn't overpower everything else. I played many hours of Ghost of Yotei and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to see how the 105 AERs fared, and the result? 10/10. No notes.

In Ghost of Yotei, I really enjoyed subtle sounds that you'd miss otherwise if playing the game through your TV speakers or a lackluster gaming headset. The soft neighing of my horse in the distance, the subtle growling of my wolf as it ran towards me from afar, and the pinpoint crackling of fire and embers all added to my immersion.

Because the 105 AERs are designed for detailed, critical and analytical listening, I loved being able to hear every note plucked on Atsu's shamisen. Even the subtle vibrations between her changing notes was clear. When I was infiltrating enemy camps stealthily, I could pinpoint the enemies' positions too thanks to audio cues, such as them crouching and shifting the leaves underneath their feet.

Speaking of detailed listening, since the 105 AERs are primarily designed for music, there was no better game to play than Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to test them out. Sandfall Interactive's debut game is one of my favorites (I've Platinum'ed it, and I have a tattoo dedicated to it), and I even listen to the beautiful, orchestral soundtrack almost every day, so I'm very familiar with it.

Through the 105 AERs, Expedition 33 sounds even more stunning than I thought was possible. I played the new free DLC, Verso's Drafts, and — spoiler alert — fought the big bad Osquio with the electropop track soundtracking the battle. Osquio took me an hour and a half to beat because he's a difficult boss, but I also spent a few minutes just head-bobbing to the music.

There was plenty of low-end impact through the 105 AERs, and their airy nature (which inspired the product name) made the soundscape feel vast rather than simply in my head. Each instrument in the multi-layered track was thumping with power and it felt like I was at a techno gig. The 105 AERs' layer and instrument separation is something to behold.

Perfect for all-day gaming

When I first used the Meze 105 AERs back in April 2025, I immediately fell in love with the design and just how comfortable the headphones were — and I still feel that way all these months later. Firstly, unlike wireless gaming headsets I own, I love that you don't need to adjust the 105 AERs' headband to suit the shape of your head. The strap automatically molds to your head, distributing pressure evenly, and it adds a sense of weightlessness.

The earcups themselves are roomy and spacious, and they sit comfortably around my ears, never suffocating them. Unlike leather or faux-leather pads on gaming headsets, the 105 AERs' ear cushions are made of plush, soft foam, so they're breathable and don't make my ears overheat. Combine the free-moving headband with the ear cushions and you've got yourself a set of cans you can wear all day long.

It's also worth noting that the 105 AERs are extremely lightweight, weighing just 12 ounces. That's about my ideal weight for audiophile cans or gaming headsets. For reference, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro weighs 12.9 ounces while the Alienware Pro Wireless weighs 11.11 ounces. The 105 AERs, then, are my ideal weight.

Nearly every part is replaceable

The wireless gaming headsets I use regularly are accompanied by 2.4GHz dongles which need to be plugged into the PS5 to use them. It can be easy to lose these little devices, and many times, they can't be replaced. Similarly, many parts of wireless gaming headsets can't be replaced. If a part breaks — the ear cushions tear, for instance — you might not necessarily be able to replace it, and you may need to get a new headset entirely.

This is why I really like the Meze 105 AER headphones. These cans adopt a modular design, which means the headphones can be easily disassembled, serviced and repaired thanks to replaceable components, such as drivers, cables and ear pads. Broke the cable? Replace it. Ear pads not your style? Swap them for comfier ones. You can do whatever you like, and that's a huge advantage that most gaming headsets just do not offer.

Aside from helping your headphones last longer, I also love that a modular design promotes sustainability. I hate the thought of plastic headphones ending up in a landfill somewhere and contributing towards pollution that's already plaguing our planet.

What I don't like

DualSense battery killer

As is the nature of wired headphones, they need to be plugged into your smartphone, laptop or other device, and they use the device they're plugged into as a power source. In the case of the PS5, I plugged the Meze 105 AERs into the 3.5mm jack on the DualSense controller. And it proved to be a battery killer.

The DualSense's battery life, in my opinion, isn't anything to write home about in the first place. On a good day, my DualSense lasts about five or six hours. With the 105 AERs plugged in, I wasn't expecting to get five hours of playtime between chargers, but I really wasn't expecting the controller to turn off after about two hours.

But this isn't a drawback of the 105 AERs. This will be the case with any wired headset or headphones you use with the DualSense (or even any other controller with a 3.5mm port). So, yes, I desperately missed my Razer BlackShark V3 Pro's 48-hour rated runtime.

Perhaps you will have better luck with your controller's battery life (depending on its age). There is, of course, a solution here: you can keep your DualSense plugged in constantly when using wired headphones, but that would mean having to handle two cables which restrict your movement.

No ANC

A significant drawback of using wired headphones over a wireless gaming headset, in my opinion, is the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) on the former. My favorite genre is story-driven RPGs, which require players to immerse themselves in the story and feel like the main character. ANC helps with that, as it isolates you and makes you feel like you're the only person in the world.

The Meze 105 AERs don't feature ANC, and there isn't much in terms of passive noise cancellation either — unless you're playing video games at the highest possible volume (I don't recommend this as it can harm your hearing). They also feature an open-back design, which helps with the wide soundstage and audio feeling spacious, but this also means that everyone around you can hear what you're listening to.

Not much of a downside if you're playing alone, of course, but I use headphones when my partner is doing her own thing and I don't want the audio from the TV to disturb her. This isn't possible with open-backs. Also, I can hear the outside world when using open-backs. I don't want to hear the outside world. I want to be trapped in a little fantasy world with a bunch of pixels. ANC does that. The lack of ANC does not do that.

Looking ahead...

Having used the Meze 105 AERs wired headphones instead of a wireless gaming headset for a week, it's been a wonderful experience. I adore these headphones for detailed listening when I'm at my desk, and I appreciate how roomy the earcups are how comfortable they are overall.

And now, the question arises: would I ditch gaming headsets permanently in favor of audiophile headphones? To be honest with you, I'm not entirely sure. I can see the upsides of using wired headphones or in-ear monitors for gaming, and I can see the downsides too — it takes a toll on your controller's battery life and there's no ANC (which is very important to me).

But these feel like a small price to pay for pinpoint clarity in virtually every genre, all-day comfort, and modularity. So, would I give up wireless gaming headsets? Let's just say I'll alternate between them. Whatever tickles my fancy on a particular day, we'll go with that!

More from Tom's Guide

• Meze 105 AER review: I just tested these wired headphones and they're my favorite pair of the year
• My new favorite gaming headset is the most comfortable I’ve ever used — and it’s not from Razer, SteelSeries or Asus
• I gave the new Razer headset 5 stars — say hello to my dream gaming cans

We're five years into the PS5's life cycle now, and if you've just had the pleasure of unwrapping a new console this Christmas, you're no doubt looking forward to finally playing all the best PS5 games that you've not been able to load up until now.

Fact is, though, five years means there's an awful lot of games to choose from, and you might well be struggling to choose where to start. If that sounds like you, I've put together a quick list of five titles that represent some of the greatest games available on the latest PlayStation. Whether you've just been gifted a PS5 Slim or even the mighty PS5 Pro, I'm confident the five games I've listed will make for a great introduction to your new console.

I've tried to offer a range of gaming experiences, too, including titles from a range of genres and across the console's lifespan. Below, you can find a list of five top-tier PS5 games that I think new PlayStation 5 owners should make time for first.

Astro Bot

Any new PS5 owner should spend their first few hours with Astro's Playroom, the delightful 3D platformer/tech demo that comes pre-installed on your system. But PlayStation's mascot has a full-sized adventure in the form of Astro Bot, and it's an utter delight.

Astro Bot is a playful, charming adventure that'll take you blasting across the galaxy on your Dual Speeder, searching for parts of your wrecked PS5 mothership, and rescuing hundreds of robotic pals by running, jumping, and using Astro's many abilities on an endlessly entertaining adventure. It's a love letter to PlayStation's past and an explosion of fun; get it played ASAP.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

If you're looking to play one of the latest (and biggest) games on the market, I think the best place to start would be with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Sandfall Interactive's gorgeous JRPG is one of the most talked-about games of 2025, and just recently scooped no fewer than nine wins at The Game Awards 2025, including Game of the Year. And as one of the game's countless fans, I can see why it comes so highly recommended.

It's a compelling combo of beautiful art direction, an incredible score, intriguing narrative direction, and challenging, customizable combat. Take it from someone who gave the game a 4.5/5 star score in our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review back in April: if you love RPGs and you're yet to give it a go, you're in for a real treat.

Demon's Souls

While From Software fans might well opt for Elden Ring as the go-to game for Soulslike players, for sheer graphical heft, I'd suggest checking out the Demon's Souls remake first. Bluepoint's remake of the influential action-RPG is a top-tier dark fantasy adventure that rebuilt and enhanced the PS3 title for the current generation.

Players are tasked with venturing to Boletaria, a land cut off from the rest of the world by a deep fog, and that's been overrun with nightmarish demons. There, you'll explore fallen lands where danger lurks around every corner, facing down tough trials and brutal bosses as you piece together the story of what befell this kingdom.

Ruthless, rewarding, and brought up to date in stunning detail, persevering through Demon's Souls is still one of my favorite PS5 gaming experiences so far.

God of War: Ragnarok

PS5 is home to tons of cinematic third-person action/adventure titles, but if I had to highlight the most essential of the bunch, it'd be God of War: Ragnarok. It may well be available on the PS4, but PS5 is where the second half of Kratos and Atreus' adventure through Norse mythos belongs.

Picking up after the events of 2018's God of War, this epic sequel sees Kratos and Atreus journeying throughout the Nine Realms in preparation for the prophesied battle that will end the world, exploring various hubs and using powerful weapons to battle the Nine Realms' many denizens, including dangerous monsters and literal gods as they search for answers. It's an epic single-player experience, in every sense of the word.

Returnal

Returnal is another title from early in the PlayStation 5's lifecycle, but in my opinion, it's still one of the most unique, challenging, and engrossing experiences you can have on PS5 today.

Housemarque's punishing third-person sci-fi shooter arrived in early 2021 and sees players stepping into the shoes of Selene, a traveller who is locked in a time loop and endlessly fighting for survival after crash-landing on the alien planet of Atropos.

Every run, you'll be picking up high-tech weaponry and dodging and weaving through bullet-hell skirmishes, navigating shifting corridors as you search for your escape. Die, and you'll wake up back at the beginning, ready to adopt a new strategy and try again. It's challenging, but an immensely satisfying gameplay loop, and one that you should at the very least give a shot.

More PS5 games to consider

There's plenty of play on PS5, so I couldn't help but include further recommendations in case the above picks didn't resonate with you.

• Love sinking dozens of hours into massive RPGs? Try Baldur's Gate 3, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Cyberpunk 2077, or Metaphor: ReFantazio
• Want more 3rd-person action/adventure games? PS5's home to loads: Ghost of Tsushima and its sequel, Ghost of Yotei, Horizon: Forbidden West, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Kena: Bridge of Spirits and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are all worth investigating
• Want more shooters? Helldivers 2, Battlefield 6, or Destiny 2 could be great places to start gaming
• Racing fan? Gran Turismo 7 or Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds may be the picks for you

As a final tip, I'd suggest investigating whether signing up for PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium would be a smart solution for you. You'll need a Plus membership if you're planning to play online, but the higher subscription tiers offer additional perks.

With Extra, you get access to hundreds of games in the PS4/PS5 Game Catalogue (including some of the titles on this list!), while Premium offers that plus game streaming and access to the Game Catalogue's retro selection, too.

More from Tom's Guide

• The best PS5 games in 2025
• 3 useful PS5 settings most gamers overlook
• After 1,000+ hours of play, here's my PS5 Pro verdict

If you still haven’t found the perfect Christmas gift, anybody would love to get a special present from this PlayStation sale at Currys. The retailer is currently taking up to £140 off PS5 consoles, but you have to act fast!

Right now you can get the PS5 Digital Edition for £289 at Currys. That means you barely have to pay more than the cost of a Nintendo Switch to access the PS5’s awesome performance and Sony’s impressive game library. Plus, with £140 in savings, you’ll be able to load it up with a ton of great games from the PS5 online store.

Want to play with your collection of physical game discs? Nab the PS5 Disc Edition on sale for £379 (£100 off). Or, if you want upgraded performance for all your games, the PS5 Pro is on sale for £579 (£110 off).

Best of all? You can get all these under the tree in time with next-day delivery. (Just make sure you order before 9pm on December 22nd.)

Quick Links

• shop all PlayStation deals at Currys
• PS5 game sale: deals from £15
• PS5 (Digital Edition): was £429 now £289
• PS5 (Disc Edition): was £479 now £379
• PS5 Pro: was £689 now £579

Best deals now

If you're looking to upgrade your entertainment this holiday, why not snag yourself a deal on one of the best games consoles? The PS5 Pro is on sale for 10% off right now at Currys, and it could be the best deal we see between now and Christmas Day.

Right now you can get the PS5 Pro for £620 at Currys with code "PLAYSTATION10". Full disclosure, this console sold for £599 on Black Friday, but if you missed out on that sale, now is still a great time to buy and experience all the best PS5 games with improved performance.

Quick Links

• Shop all deals at Currys
• PS5 game sale: deals from £15
• PS5 Pro: was £689 now £620

Best deals now

We called this "the most powerful console ever" in our PS5 Pro review for good reason. Its improved specs, sleek design and impressive library make it one of the best possible additions to your entertainment centre.

While there's no disc drive included, the console does have a 2TB hard drive to store all your digital games. It's also undeniably expensive at its full price of £689, but that just makes discounts like this all the more exciting.

Make sure to grab this deal while you can!

The Game Awards 2025 are over for another year. The biggest night in gaming, hosted by Geoff Keighly, celebrated the best games of the past 12 months and was packed with new reveals and exciting trailers.

RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the awards. It went into the night with a record-setting 13 nominations, and ultimately took home eight out of a possible 10, including Game of the Year. Other winners included Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades 2 and ARC Raiders.

As for the new trailers, there was plenty to get gamers hyped. From the reveal of Star Wars: Fate of The Old Republic, to that mysterious statue being revealed as a teaser for Larian's next game, Divinity. Other highlights included Control: Resonant and two new Tomb Raider games.

The Game Awards are always the biggest annual event in the gaming calendar, and if you missed any of the show, you can read through our live coverage that includes all the biggest reveals and the full winners.

How to watch The Game Awards 2025

The Game Awards 2025 took place on Thursday, December 12. While the show has now concluded. You can watch it back on demand if you missed the live broadcast or just want to relive your favorite moments.

LIVE — Latest Updates

Welcome to The Game Awards 2025 live

Hello! Welcome to our live coverage of The Game Awards 2025. I’m Rory, a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide, and I’ll be guiding you through the biggest night in gaming, with some help from my fellow gaming-obsessed colleagues. Showtime is still several hours away, but we’ve got plenty of rumors, leaks, and maybe even a prediction or two to dive into to help pass the time until the awards begin live, so let’s get started…

The secret of the desert statue may have been solved

If you've been following along with the pre-show hype surrounding The Game Awards 2025, you'll know the online gaming community has been in a frenzy trying to work out what new game a mysterious statue placed in the Mojave Desert is teasing.

There have been plenty of guesses and theories, from Saros to Lords of the Fallen 2 to Elder Scrolls Online. Then we also had theories about why it had to be for Diablo 4 DLC, or a new FromSoftware title, or even a new God of War game. And those are just the tip of the iceberg. There have been so many predictions.

However, it appears that the internet may have cracked the code, as reported by our friends over at PC Gamer, a European trademark filing might have just spoiled the surprise. Here's your spoiler warning, if you want to keep the mystery alive until it's revealed during the Game Awards 2025...

It appears that the statue is for the latest game from Larian, developer of Baldur's Gate 3. Based on the trademark filing, which includes a logo that matches up with images on the statue, it'll be a new game in the studio's long-running Divinity series. And it might be a new reboot just called Divinity.

These are the 6 games up for GOTY

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Hades 2
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Like most awards show, there is one prize that every developer wants to win most, and at The Game Awards, that is Game of the Year. The six nominees are listed above. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the bookie's favorite, and it has a record-setting 13 nominations, so the odds of it walking home empty handed are pretty remote. However, Donkey Kong Bananza looks the most likely to put off an upset, but if I was putting my own money on a winner, I'd say Clair Obscur.

Lara Croft will appear at Game Awards 2025

One of gaming's biggest icons is confirmed to make an appearance at The Game Awards 2025: Lara Croft.

The franchise's official social media accounts took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that the show will include "a look at the future" of the Tomb Raider series. Rumors have been flying around about a new Tomb Raider game for a while, so that will likely be the announcement (though it could be an update on the upcoming Prime Video show, which stars Sophie Turner as Lara Croft).

The last mainline Tomb Raider game was Shadow of the Tomb Raider, released in 2018, which capped off the popular "survivor" reboot trilogy. Will the next Tomb Raider game be a continuation, a fresh reboot, or maybe even a remake of one of Croft's classic adventures? We've only got to wait a few hours to find out.

Did Valve finally learn to count to 3?

No bamboozle. We might actually be merely a few hours from the reveal of Half-Life 3. Since the release of Half-Life 2: Episode Two in October 2007, it's become the gaming white whale for millions of players, and part of a long-running joke that Valve can't count to three (the Portal franchise also went dormant after Portal 2).

But this year, the internet noise and unverified insider leaks that point towards Half-Life 3 being real, and maybe even coming soon, have been more prominent than ever. There was much speculation that Valve might confirm the game alongside the announcement of its new Steam Machine. That didn't happen.

However, the hardware is set to launch in 2026, and it stands to reason that Valve would want a flagship game to showcase its new machine. Could that be Half-Life 3? Fans have been burnt before, so I wouldn't place a bet on it appearing tonight, but for now, I'm dreaming of a world where Half-Life 3 is confirmed.

Resident Evil 9's big surprise may have been leaked

We know that Resident Evil Requiem is going to be showcased at The Game Awards 2025, but thanks to a PlayStation Store listing, the big surprise of this new trailer might have just been spoiled (news comes via GamesRadar).

The listing image for Resi 9 was recently updated on the PlayStation Store, and it now includes none other than Leon S. Kennedy himself. His inclusion in the upcoming survival-horror game has been rumored for a while, but this essentially confirms it. But will he be playable or just a mentor to new playable protagonist, Grace Ashcroft?

Leon is a fan-favorite character and star of arguably the most beloved installment in the series, Resident Evil 4, so I've no doubt Resi players will be pleased (after all, I'm a huge Resident Evil fan myself, and I'm certainly happy).

We don't know for sure, but it's a very safe prediction at this point that whatever Capcom has to show Game Awards viewers tonight will include Leon!

This Game Award winner looks like a complete lock

Returning to the awards part of the Game Awards, while several categories will no doubt be fiercely contested (I'm really not sure who will scoop Best Art Direction), there's one that looks very easy to predict: Most Anticipated Game.

This award looks to the future and picks an upcoming title that gamers around the world can't wait to play. The nominees include highly anticipated releases like Marvel's Wolverine and The Witcher IV, but surely, the award is Rockstar's to lose. Grand Theft Auto VI is set to be the biggest entertainment launch in history, and the launch of a new GTA is a special thing because they happen so rarely.

I will be stunned if Geoff Keighley is calling out any name other than GTA 6 when the Most Anticipated Game award is dished out.

I'm desperate to see more of The Duskbloods

Let's dive into my own personal wishlist for The Game Awards 2025. The one game that I'm really hoping is included in the numerous trailers coming us our is a new look at The Duskbloods.

This Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive comes from Dark Souls and Elden Ring developer FromSoftware, and as somebody who's fallen in love with From's work over the past three years (sorry, it took me so long to warm up to Souls), I can't wait to dive into their new PvPvE experience.

With an aesthetic that looks more than a little reminiscent of their 2015 game Bloodborne (the studio's magnum opus to many From fans), I can't wait to see more from The Duskbloods. It's confirmed to launch in 2026, so it feels like the right time to get a fresh peak at the game, maybe even a hard release date?

This Game Awards 'hype trailer' will get you... hyped

At the start of the week, Geoff Keighley posted a "hype trailer" for the Game Awards 2025, running through some of the best moments of the 2025 nominees. And kudos to Mr. Keighley because it certainly does its job, and then some.

I'm of the opinion that 2025 has been a slightly weaker year for gaming compared to the excellent few years we've recently enjoyed (2023 was a real corker), but it's a great reminder that we've been treated to some great gaming experiences over the past 12 months. Give it a watch, and let the hype build.

What time do the Game Awards 2025 start?

• 4:30 p.m. PT - U.S. (Pacific)
• 7:30 p.m. ET - U.S. (Eastern)
• 12:30 a.m. GMT (Dec. 12) - U.K.
• 9:30 a.m. JST (Dec. 12) - Japan
• 11:30 a.m. AEST (Dec. 12) - Australia

Want to make sure you don't miss a moment of The Game Awards 2025? Above I've listed the show's start time. It's well-timed for the folks in the U.S., naturally, as it's an awards show held in North America, but for those in Europe, expect a late night. I'm sure it'll be worth the lost sleep!

Dave tagging in

This is Dave LeClair, Senior News Editor, tagging in for Rory to discuss the Game Awards and bring you the latest details and rumors as we approach the event so Rory can take a breather.

And no, I personally don't see Half-Life 3 ever happening, not at the awards show tonight or in the future. But in the world of video games, you just never know.

The Game Awards temperature check

I'm curious how many of you are excited for the Game Awards and whether you plan to watch the show live, follow along but not watch, or ignore it completely.

If you'd like your voice to be heard, please vote in the poll below, and I'll let you know where everyone stands once the dust settles (or you can make a Tom's Guide account to find out the results right away).

MASSIVE breaking news from Geoff Keighley

I can't believe what I just read on X. There will be game announcements tonight at The Game Awards. I'm so glad he cleared that up; otherwise, we probably wouldn't have known this was happening.

Jokes aside, The Game Awards will most certainly have some big game news coming out of it. There's a lot of speculation regarding what games will be announced, and some big leaks like Lara Croft's presence, but we'll have to wait until the show to get confirmation of what is coming.

No matter how you slice it, it's an exciting evening to be a gamer!

Assassin's Creed at The Game Awards

I've been an Assassin's Creed fan since the first game, and I really peaked during the AC2 era with Ezio. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag was also among my favorite games in the series, as it introduced some of the best ship combat in gaming history.

Now, there's a rumor floating around that Ubisoft may rerelease Black Flag under the title "Black Flag Resynced," as shown on the PEGI ratings board. The information was deleted quickly, but once the internet got hold of it, the rumors started flying.

The board didn't specifically mention The Game Awards, but it would make sense for Ubisoft to announce the remake there, as it'll have the attention of a large portion of the gaming world.

007 did an oops?

A trailer for the upcoming 007 First Light game from Hitman developer IO hit the internet today, but was quickly deleted (the trailer above isn't the leaked one).

Clearly, someone pulled the trigger on that one before they were supposed to. But as is always the case on the internet, people noticed immediately, and word spread fast.

With the accidental trailer hitting the internet, we can assume it'll show up at The Game Awards tonight, especially because the 007 game is scheduled to hit the market in just a few months on March 27, 2026.

Spotify and The Game Awards

Spotify teamed up with The Game Awards to spotlight the composers and songs that define the gaming experience.

"To get in the game, we’ve commissioned three brand-new Spotify Singles from artists who are also avid gamers," said Spotify in a blog post. It's an interesting mix with Labrinth reimagining a Sonic song, Bilmuri playing a song from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Evanescence and GUNSHIP teaming up to play a track from Devil May Cry.

If you want to check it out,

Wait, a trailer costs how much?!

According to a Kotaku report, having a trailer on The Game Awards is expensive. Really expensive.

According to two of Kotaku's sources familiar with this year’s show, a one-minute trailer can cost up to $450,000 and a three-minute trailer costs over $1 million. For small developers, that three-minute trailer is probably out of reach. Even $450,000 is a lot for a developer who spends only a couple of hundred thousand on their entire development cost.

But that extra cost comes with extra eyeballs. The Game Awards continue to grow each year and have become a primary promotional platform for upcoming video games. You could even argue that the trailers are a bigger part of The Game Awards than the awards themselves.

I'm not suggesting that it should be cheaper — the video game world converging on one event is expensive. But it is unfortunate that smaller developers are left out of the event unless they can scrape together some serious money.

Wholesome excitement

We’re deeply honored that HADES II is in the running for Game of the Year and more at #TheGameAwards tonight, especially since we’re in the company of such an amazing group of wildly different and beautiful games.Congratulations to all our fellow nominees — we salute you!! 🙏👏

— @supergiantgames.bsky.social (@supergiantgames.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2025-12-11T21:00:28.841Z

Supergiant Games, developer of Hades 2, has shared a heartfelt message on Bluesky ahead of The Game Awards.

The developer even shared a cute image showing the characters from some of the Game of the Year nominees on the red carpet. It's adorable and wholesome, and it makes us even more excited to tune in to tonight's shows.

The company's social media post finishes off with, "Congratulations to all our fellow nominees — we salute you!! 🙏👏"

No Witcher 3 DLC... Sorry fans

The Witcher 3 is one of my favorite games of all time, and getting some new content to bridge the gap before the next game (presumably called The Witcher 4) would be nice.

Recently, a leak from a reliable industry insider, RockAlone2k, said CD Projekt Red would announce new content at The Game Awards, but that appears to be inaccurate.

During an investor call, CD Projekt Red joint CEO Michał Nowakowski said that the studio would not have any new content at this year’s show, ending the speculation.

Or does the company just want to preserve the surprise? We'll find out soon, but it's unlikely that Nowakowski would lie on an investor call about something as significant as that.

Scott swinging through

Hey, this is Scott Younker, West Coast Reporter, subbing in for Dave to talk about the Game Awards and bring you any news or rumors as we get closer to the event.

Speaking of, the livestream kicks off in less than two hours, though the show won't start until 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET/12:30A UK.

A new era of Tmb Raider is supposed to be announced tonight, which I'm personally excited for even if I did burn out on the last trilogy.

Tomb Raider Catalyst leak

As mentioned in my last post, something Tomb Raider is supposed to be announced at the Game Awards.

Now we might know the title thanks to a leak: Tomb Raider Catalyst. According to a Reddit post in the Tomb Raider subreddit, two new titles are coming: a remake and an original game.

The remake titled 'Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis' appears to be a remake of the original Lara Croft game. This one is supposedly going to be a "unified" retelling that combines the original story with characters and plots from the Survivor trilogy.

Tomb Raider: Catalyst looks to be a new game following Croft through Northern India after a "mythical cataclysm."

Color me interested

Indie games strike big at the Games Awards Show

If you're looking for an interesting read before the Awards Show starts might I suggest this article from Bloomberg.

It explores how lower-budget titles are seeing big wins and acclaim from the industry and players alike. Just as major studios have been slashing jobs and closing studios left and right in an attempt to...make more money somehow.

It also features interviews with people across the industry who claim that AAA titles will decline over the next few years. We'll see.

So what awards won't Clair Obscur win

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been nominated for 11 awards at the show tonight, the most ever by one game at the Game Awards. It's expected to handily win several of them, if not all.

There are 20 awards that don't feature the popular RPG. A full list of which you can find here.

A little less than two hours to show time

We're less than two hours until show time. Pre show kicks off in less than 90 minutes.

The livestream will be available on YouTube, Twitch, Steam, Prime Video, X, TikTok, Instagram, Kick, Gamespot and IGN. The full list is here.

Or you can scroll up to the top of this nice little live blog and find the YouTube stream embedded.

Tom's Guide Awards coming soon

Did you know that Tom's Guide puts together our own Game Awards list? We do!

Gamers from across our masthead debated and chose from games that we actually played this year. That list will be launching in the coming days.

In the meantime, you should check out the winners of the best games from 2024. Plus, we also highlighted 13 games that you may have missed last year.

New Wildflower game

Wildflower Interactive is a new studio headed by Bruce Straley, formerly of Naughty Dog and the game director for the Uncharted series and The Last of Us.

The studio teased an announcement on X yesteday.

I am a big fan of Uncharted and The Last of Us, so I'm really excited to see what Straley comes up with.

I do wonder if this is a situation where he has the magic touch or if some combination of him, Amy Hennig, and Neil Druckmann helped push those Naughty Dog games to their heights. We shall see.

The Game Awards Pre-Show kicks off soon

The livestream for The Game Awards is supposed to start at 4 pm PT/7 pm PT/12 am UK. That's 10 minutes from now.

I'm not sure if it will just be a 10 minute countdown or if there will be videos or interviews beforehand. Usually, Geoff Keighley shows do feature something like that ahead of the main show so I'm expecting something similar but a schedule has not been released.

What are you interested in?

Outside of the Awards themselves, we expect to see a ton of trailers, previews and fluffy interviews.

Is there anything that you're excited to see or want to know more about? Let us know, we want to hear your opinion as well.

15 minutes until (pre)showtime!!!

Hey all, it's Rory here. I'm back online, refreshed and ready to guide you through The Game Awards 2025 from start to finish. The pre-show starts in just 30 minutes, which will give some winners in a few of the (smaller) categories, and our very first reveals and new trailers. So, if you haven't already, now is the time to get your snacks and drinks ready, as The Game Awards 2025 are about to begin...

There's time for one last prediction

Now that we're just a few minutes away from the pre-show, and the start of The Game Awards 2025, I'm throwing out one last prediction. Although, this one is more of a hopeful wish than something I'm confident will actually happen.

I have a feeling we might see something new from PlayStation Studios tonight. We already know that Saros, the spiritual follow-up to 2021's Returnal, is going to be featured with a new look, and last year Naughty Dog took to the Game Awards stage to announce its new game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

It's clear that Sony likes revealing things at this show, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed the iconic PlayStation logo pops up at the 2025 Game Awards as well.

The countdown to launch has begun

If you haven't already, now is the time to boot up your stream of The Game Awards 2025 (But if you can't watch along, you're in the right place, as I'll bring you all the news as it happens live). The Game Awards 2025 stream is LIVE, and the five minute countdown timer is underway. This year's show is almost here...

The Game Awards 2025 pre-show is LIVE

It's time, The Game Awards 2025 pre-show has just gone live. We've got 30 minutes of this, and then we dive into the main event. So let's see the first winners and the first new games revealed from Peacock Theatre, L.A.

The first announcement of the night is..

The Free Shepherd, a new indie game coming to PS5 in 2027, and it looks like you play as an adorable dog in a mysterious, somewhat spooky, open world

Winner: Donkey Kong Bananza wins Best Family Game

Right after our first new trailer, we get our first winner of the night, and it's a pretty predictable one, Donkey Kong Bananza wins Best Family Game. This one was I had in my Game Awards pool, so I'm pretty pleased to start off strong.

Another Soulslike for the pile

If you're a Souls superfan, here's a new announcement for you, Decrepit. It's a first-person action game made by a huge fan of FromSoftware's work, and that influence clearly shows.

WINNER: Doom The Dark Ages wins Best Accessibility

Accessibility is a increasingly important topic in gaming, and Doom the Dark Ages takes home this award!

Pragmata is getting a demo today

Capcom is getting the stage next as we see the latest from its upcoming sci-fi game Pragmata! It's releasing on April 24, 2026, and it's now been announced for Nintendo Switch 2. So you can save the world on your handheld device!

The first (of likely many) awards for Clair Obscur Expedition 33

It's predicted to be the big winner of the night, and Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has already scooped it's first statue of the evening, Best Independent Game. There was so controversy about it being eligible for this category, but it's not a huge surprise to see it picking up the win. I doubt it'll be it's only of the night.

Bradley the Badger looks like silly fun

Another new game, and it's Bradley the Badger. I'm getting some big Conkers vibe from this colorful looking title, and that's certainly not a bad thing.

Another new game confirmed

Stupid Never Dies! is the last reveal of the pre-show, and it looks well a little stupid, to be honest It's a zombie guy with a colorful style, not sure it's for me, but if you like the undead mixed with over the top humor, you might like it!

WINNER: The Last of Us season 2 wins Best Adaptation

The Last of Us season 2 picks up Best Adaptation, and as somebody who was very unimpressed by the HBO show's take on one of my favorite video games of all time, I'll just say, it certainly wouldn't have been mine pick of the award...

Now it's time for the REAL show

The pre-show is over, and now we're heading into the real deal, it's time for The Game Awards 2025! The show begins with a performance from one of the tracks from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's soundtrack, and it's a pretty magical moment.

Geoff has taken to the stage

The man himself, Geoff Keighley has taken to the Game Awards stage. First up he thanks all the watchers at home, including those in Europe staying up late for the showcase, and I feel seen!

I think we'll be seeing Diablo tonight...

In all the madness of the pre-show and build-up, you might have missed that the official Diablo social account took to X to tease that "death has arrived" in L.A.

I think we're going to be seeing something from Diablo over the next couple of hours!

WINNER: Hades 2 wins Best Action Game

The hellishly good (that's a term right?) Hades 2 just scooped Best Action Game in the first award of the main event. Hades 2 is also up for Game of the Year, and got perfect scores from several outlets, so this one feels very well deserved.

Our first world premiere of The Game Awards 2025

And here we go, it's time for the first reveal of The Game Awards 2025, and I'm getting a HUGE Star Wars vibe from the opening moments of this trailer...

Star Wars Knight of the Old Republic is BACK

Bingo! I was spot on, Star Wars Fate of the Old Republic has just been announced, it appears to be a follow-up to the beloved Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic RPG, and as Geoff said, "it's going to be hard to top that one".

Looks like the mystery of the statue is being revealed next

After a few ads for Capcom games, Battlefield Redsec and John Carpenter's Toxic Commando The Video Game, Geoff confirms it's time to put an end to gaming's most controversial mystery. I think this is the big statue reveal we've been waiting for. Will it be Divinity as I predicted earlier?

Well that was one INTENSE trailer for Divinity

This trailer is brutal. People are being burned at the stake, and I'm a little freaked out. But also, I definitely want to play this game! It looks like the rumors were true, it's the new game from Baldur's Gate 3 dev Larian, and it's called Divinity (as the European trademark filing spoiled, thanks European trademark board)!

WINNER: Jennifer English wins Best Performance for Clair Obscur

The second (And I'll say now, won't be last) award for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Jennifer English wins Best Performance for her incredible work as Maelle, hugely well deserved, her voice brought that compelling character to life masterfully.

4 Loop, a new game from JJ Abrams and PlayStation

I thought we might see something new from PlayStation, and it looks like I was right (pat on the back for me). The game is called 4 Loop, and JJ Abrams is involved. It appears to be an online co-op game (I think?) with a quirky sci-fi tone. I'm not super sold, but with the recent success of ARC Raiders, it too might be able to find a space in the increasingly crowded live service battlegrounds.

Coven of the Chicken Foot announced

We've already seen some quirky game titles today, but Coven of the Chicken Foot has to be the most bizarre yet. It's got a vibrant aesthetic and looks like a puzzle-action game. You can wishlist on Steam now, I might have to just for the name!

Ontos is our next new game reveal

Ontos is a spiritual successor to cult sci-fi-horror game Soma, which appears to be enough information to have sold by colleague, Ryan Epps, on playing!

WINNER: South of Midnight wins Games for Impact

The underplayed, South of Midnight just won Games for Impact. Our reviewer really enjoyed this one back at launch, so if you skipped now it is the time to circle back. And on stage the developers confirm it's heading to PS5 and Switch 2 (no dates), so you'll soon have no excuse not to check it out.

Resident Evil 9 time!

I hope you enjoy this new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem. As for me, I'm temporarily switching off my stream, because I don't want any more of Resi 9 spoiled. I'm fully sold, and don't need to see a single second more footage.

Leon confirmed as playable in Resi 9

Well, I did catch Geoff's post trailer speech, Resi 9 will have two playable characters: Grace and Leon. The former will offer a traditional survival-horror experience, while Leon's portion of the game will be more action packed.

Puzzle, puzzles and even more puzzles

Do you like puzzles? Well, this new game has over 1,400 of them, it's called Order of the Sinking Star, and promises lots of head-scratchers, and also a story to keep you attention in between having to Google the solutions when you get stuck.

Is that Matthew McConaughey?

Exodus has just been showcased from Wizards of the Coast, and I'm pretty sure I just heard the distinctive voice of a certain Matthew McConaughey. It's set to launch in early 2027 and is an epic sci-fi game, where you seemingly have to save the universe, standard stuff.

These Wizards aren't done!

If the latest look at Exodus wasn't enough, we're now getting a look at another game from Wizards of the Coast: Warlock. It'll be properly showcased in summer 2026, but it's part of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, so will no doubt be popular.

There's a cube on stage, more info when I have it

Well, there's a strange cube on stage! And I have no idea what it's all about!

Could this be Remedy?

Getting a big whiff of Remedy from this CG trailer, perhaps this is the reveal of their next game, Control 2?

Remedy announces Control Resonant

Yup, it's Remedy, and it is a follow-up to Control. Coming in 2026, it looks awesome, and the trailer promises it's "going to get weirder." I'm day one!

Gang of Dragon is the next trailer up

I thought this might be a new Like a Dragon game, but it's close enough: Gang of Dragon. Geoff says it's "deep into development" so expect to see more, maybe.

The new Street Fighter movie takes the spotlight

It might be The Game Awards, but there's still some time to tease some cinema, and in this case, it's very game related. A new Street Fighter movie is on the way, and the cast are being confirmed on stage, Jason Momoa is playing Blanka!!!

WINNER: No Man's Sky wins Best Ongoing Game

Did you forget that this is actually an awards show? After a slew of trailers and reveals, we're turning our focus back to the awards with Best Ongoing Game. And the winner is No Man's Sky, great to see one of the game's greatest redemption stories still going strong with regular free updates!

LEGO Batman interrupts the show!

Just as Geoff was getting on with hosting duties, he's got a phone call from LEGO Batman, and it's leading us into a new trailer for Legacy of the Dark Knight.

LEGO Batman arrives in May 2026

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight looks like another enjoyable Lego adventure, and it's arriving on May 26, 2026. Nice to finally have a release date.

Speeding through the awards now

I guess Geoff wants to get the awards out of the way, as we've just had four of them back-to-back announced by the host. Battlefield 6 won Best Audio, MoistCr1tikal won Best Content Creator, GTA 6 won Most Anticipated Game (duh!) and Fatal Fury: City of Wolves wins Best Fighting Game, and that takes us into another ad break (well, somebody has to foot the bill for the theatre!)

Girls Make Games wins Game Changer award

The Game Awards is taking a moment to recognize the work of organization Girls Makes Games, which is great to see, and these inspiring figures deserve their moment on the stage. More of this type of stuff please, Geoff!

Lara Croft's latest adventure is on the way

We knew we'd see Tomb Raider tonight, and Tomb Raider: Catalyst is coming in 2027. This is reportedly the next mainline entry in the series, but could we see the rumored remake of Tomb Raider 1 as well?

Yes, Tomb Raider Remake is REAL and looking stunning

Wow! Consider me impressed, Tomb Raider fans get a one-two punch of reveals, and the second is a remake of the first Tomb Raider game from 1996, it's called Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a name I much prefer to something like Tomb Raider: Ultra Deluxe Edition. It'll launch in 2026, with Catalyst following in 2027.

Invincible VS is the next trailer up

Invincible VS is the next trailer, and pre-orders are open now. Looks pretty cool, but I'm behind on the show, so guess i'll need to catch up before playing!

Some more awards, remember this is an awards show

Geoff just remembered this is an awards show (again), so we're pausing the trailer to hand out some statues. Hollow Knight: Silksong scoops best Action/Adventure Game, Best Art Direction goes to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Best Sim/Strategy Game goes to Final Fantasy Tactics, and Best Debut Indie Game is won by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Clair Obscur is sweeping as it stands. Game of the Year looks like a lock at this point.

Diablo was promised, and Diablo delivers

Diablo fans, your time has come. The next trailer after the ad break (Which made for the perfect time to take a bathroom trip) is for Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred the latest expansion for the seriously compelling fantasy action-RPG. It's out on April 28, 2026, and will be the perfect excuse to return to the world of Diablo 4!

Deadpool is coming to Marvel Rivals

The Merc with a Mouth is heading to Marvel Rivals. Yup, Deadpool is the next playable character for the popular hero shooter. Didn't love the comedy writing in this trailer, Deadpool is surprisingly tricky character to nail, but hey, it's great to see him coming to the game, and I'm sure dedicated players will be excited.

WINNER: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Score & Music

The most deserved award of the night as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 collected Best Music & Score. I've had this soundtrack on repeat for months, and I'd have written Geoff a strongly worded email if it didn't win. And for those keeping track, the Clair Obscur sweep continues, surely it has the GOTY in the bag?

Warframe is still going strong

A look at some new content coming to Warframe, I haven't played the game in near enough a decade now, but very cool to see it's still being updated for the dedicated players still logging into its sci-fi world.

Lords of the Fallen 2 is the next trailer, actually the third game

Let it not be forgotten that Lords of the Fallen 2 is actually the third game in the series, as the original launched in 2014, before a reboot arrived in 2023. Still, this Soulslike sequel looks epic enough to have my attention, and I'm always on board for some tough boss battles. Meanwhile, Lords of the Fallen (2023) is getting a new 2.5 update, and yes, that's the second game in the series. It's a bit confusing.

Geoff speeds through a few more awards

Best Sports/Racing Game goes to Mario Kart World, Best Community Support goes to previous GOTY winner Baldur's Gate 3, Best VR/AR Game is Midnight Walk, Best RPG is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Community Choice is Wuthering Waves. Barely a moment for these games to get their chance in the spotlight, which is a shame. But hey, Expedition 33 has to win GOTY now!

I could not be more sold on Saros

I loved Returnal in 2021, so Saros, the spiritual sequel (which are clearly the trend tonight) doesn't need to work hard to grab my interest. It's out April 30, 2026, and I'll be playing on day one. The new trailer is short and sweet!

WINNER: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Narrative

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins another award, Best Narrative. Richly deserved. But I'm starting to get panicky as I'm running out of images to use for posts when it wins.

New game from the devs behind The Ascent

Spiritual sequels and sci-fi are the themes of this year's show, and the latest new game is called No Law, which comes from the developer of The Ascent. The trailer keeps the gameplay under wraps, but does a decent job setting a mood.

Musical performance time as Evanescence take the stage

Now we're being treated to a musical performance from Evanescence. Strong vocals, but I'm more partially to CHVRCHES, who have played this slot before.

WINNER: ARC Raiders wins Best Multiplayer

Milla Jovovich takes to the stage, confirms her debut in a video game as the next Elusive Target in Hitman: World of Assassination, and then announces that ARC Raiders has won Best Multiplayer game. Which always felt like the frontrunner.

Warhammer 40,000 is getting the Total War treatment

David Harbour, "Stranger Things" and "Marvel" star, takes the stage to confirm that the next Total War game will be set in the world of Warhammer 40,000. Now we're getting a trailer!

Ace Combat 8 looks pretty ace!

Ace Combat 8 is launching 2026. Looks like it'll offer the intense aerial dogfights the franchise is known for, with cinematic visuals an an emotional story. I reckon dedicated fans will be particularly pleased with the brief trailer shown here.

I reckon these developers played Split Fiction

The next trailer is for a co-op adventure called Out of Words, and it certainly looks like it's been inspired by Split Fiction and It Takes Two. Its biggest selling point might be its stop-motion-style visuals, which I'll admit are pretty darn impressive. It's out in 2026.

The Muppets are doing a musical number

We're into the odd part of the night where the Muppets are doing a musical number about all the games that have been shown already tonight. It's 3:30 a.m. my time, and I'm watching a singing pig puppet. Got to love The Game Awards!

A lengthy new look at Phantom Blade Zero

After back-to-back musical interludes, it's time for a new Phantom Blade Zero trailer. I've been on the fence about this one before, but this trailer has certainly increased my interest. And we have a release date at last, September 9, 2026.

WINNER: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Game Direction

Todd Howards confirms that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the winner of Best Game Direction. We knew with 13 nominations, it was going to take home several awards tonight, but it's sweeping the field at this point. And I love it!

Mega Man makes a grand entrance

Geoff teased a big reveal next, and it's the return of Mega Man, starring in a brand new 2D platforming title (of course). It's Mega Man Dual Override, and it's set to launch in 2027. It looked like, well, it looked like a Mega Man game!

'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' gets a super brief sneak peek

Back to the world of cinema, and it's a quick look at "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie", and when I say "quick", I really do mean it, we got maybe a few seconds of new footage.

Another brief trailer, this time for Nioh 3

Nioh 3 drops in February 2026, and our latest look didn't really offer any fresh details, but I'm looking forward to playing this one early next year, so happy for a few seconds of extra action-RPG gameplay footage. I'm going to die, a lot.

Here we go, it's the final world premiere of the night

Geoff promises that this is the last world premiere of the night, and this one isn't "years and years away"...

The final new game is Highguard

From some of the developers behind Apex Legends, comes Highguard a new free-to-play fantasy crossed with sci-fi shooter. It drops on January 26, 2026, so less than seven weeks until we can play it for ourselves.

Time for the BIG award of the show

It's time for Game of the Year to be crowned, I think we all know where this one is going...

Game Awards Orchestra are delivering a fantastic performance

To celebrate the six games nominated for Game of the Year, a live orchestra are playing select musical highlights from each title as per tradition, it's making for great listening this year, and is the perfect way to give each game its flowers. But it seems all but certain that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be the big winner!

Time for the winner to be crowned

An excellent performance, and now the winner....

HUGE SHOCK... not, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins GOTY

It was the favorite before, and after cleaning up winning 8 out of its 10 categories across the show, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been crowned Game of the Year. This one looked likely before the Game Awards started, and a complete locked before the show was even a third of the way done. A worthy winner.

And that's all folks!

Geoff gets in the last word and brings The Game Awards 2025 to a close. But not before reminding us that Summer Game Fest will return on Friday, June 5, 2026.

A solid showcase with a very worthy winner

So, that's The Game Awards over for another year. It was a pretty great show overall. I was pleased with the reveals (Star Wars: FOTOR, Divinity and Control: Resonant stand out as my top announcements), and as somebody who ranks Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as their personal GOTY, I was thrilled it won the night.

Ryan Epps here, tagging in for Rory so he can get some rest!

How was it? Did the Game Awards 2025 meet your expectations? Did you get the reveal you were waiting for, or still desperately clinging to hope for a Half Life 3 tease?

Maybe next year....

The show's biggest reveals...

I've had a few minutes to digest TGA 2025, and I've got to say, while Clair Obscur did sweep, it was still a phenomenal rollercoaster of reveals! Although some of those really hot ticket items didn't make an appearance, like GTA 6, BioShock 4, or Gabe Newell's Revenge, there were still a plethora of amazing items that got teased. Here are a few that come to mind:

• Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic
• Ontos
• Phantom Blade Zero
• Divinity
• Control Resonant
• Gang of Dragon
• Lords of the Fallen 2
• Highguard
• 007 First Light
• Street Fighter movie

"Perfection is not attainable or affordable. Excellence is."

This line, quoted by David Keighley (Geoff Keighley's late father), rings true most of all in the aftermath of this year's Game Awards. Despite the odds stacked against it, Clair Obscur took home not only the prized GOTY but also eight additional awards on top of it. It's a Game Awards first, highlighting the brilliance in this medium, and the underlying truth to Mr. Keighley's message.

Excellence is everything. And Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 clearly stands the test of gaming excellence. Developed on a budget of under $10M by a team consisting of around 400 people, Sandfall Interactive's groundbreaking achievement is something game developers should always strive for, especially as we head into 2026 (and beyond).

Here's what excellence looks like:

• Game of the Year
• Best Narrative
• Best Game Direction
• Best Art Direction
• Best Score and Music
• Best Independent Game
• Best Debut Indie Game
• Best Performance (Jennifer English)
• Best RPG

Cyber Monday deals are dropping hard and fast, and now's the time to save big on your favorite tech. Earlier this week, Sony announced its Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals for the PlayStation — not just on consoles and games, but on subscriptions too.

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It's important to note that PlayStation Plus' most basic tier, Essential, isn't discounted for Cyber Monday. If you want a detailed breakdown of the differences between the three tiers, check out our PlayStation Plus Essential vs. Extra vs. Premium comparison.

Once you've secured these incredible (and rare) PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra deals, be sure to explore our full roundup of the best PS5 Black Friday deals that are still live. Also, tune into our Cyber Monday deals live blog for more deals on TVs, laptops, audio gear, home appliances, and more.

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With Black Friday deals already in full swing ahead of the annual sales event, now is the time to get gaming peripherals at a discounted price. To that end, one of the least understood yet very popular PlayStation accessories is currently on sale.

Right now, you pick up a PlayStation Portal for $179. This $20 savings might not be monumental, but it’s still a good deal, and one that matches its previous sale price. Now that you don’t technically need a PS5 to play games on this handheld, it’s more useful than ever. Here’s why you should consider buying the PlayStation Portal if you haven't already.

When it launched, the PlayStation Portal was a paperweight when it wasn't connected to a PS5 console over Wi-Fi. Now though, thanks to an update, you can stream a library of almost 2,800 games directly on the device, and the list of supported titles includes many of the best PS5 games, like Cyberpunk 2077, God of War Ragnarök, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Astro Bot, Hogwarts Legacy and more.

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Shop today's best early Black Friday deals

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• Dell: monitors from $69, laptops from $299
• Nectar: 50% off mattresses + 66% off bundles
• Best Buy: laptops from $149
• Lenovo: doorbuster laptop deals from $319
• Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
• Nike: apparel/sneakers from $7
• Lululemon: top picks from $9
• Newegg: Doorbuster deals from $6
• Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
• Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099

It has been just over a year since I plugged the PS5 Pro into my entertainment center. From then on, I've booted it up almost every single day. Like the regular PS5 before it, the PS5 Pro instantly became my primary gaming machine, and in just 12 short months, I’ve enjoyed it plenty.

I reviewed the console for Tom’s Guide back in November 2024, and awarded it an Editor’s Choice seal of approval, saying, “PS5 Pro is a powerful refresh of the base PS5 hardware. It's the best way to experience the PS5's large library of must-play games and the current pinnacle of console gaming.” And a year later, I stand by every single word.

But like almost all tech products, it’s not flawless. Small issues like the lack of a built-in disc drive (the optional disc drive costs an additional $99) are pesky. As for the price tag, I thought the console was too much in 2024 when it cost $699. One year later, the current $749 price tag hasn’t made that sticking point any less problematic. But at least it’s currently on sale in PlayStation’s Black Friday sale, slicing $100 off the PS5 Pro console (though you could say it's really a $50 discount).

After a year of testing and a thousand-plus hours of overall playtime, I’m ready to give my final verdict on PS5 Pro. Here’s what I love about this uber-powerful PlayStation console, and the few issues that prevent me from recommending it to everybody looking to pick up a PS5 in 2025.

What I like about PS5 Pro

The most powerful PlayStation

During its announcement and launch window, Sony proudly declared that the PS5 Pro was not just the most powerful PlayStation hardware to date but the most powerful home console ever released. And these weren't spurious claims, either.

During my review testing period, I noticed a clear difference across many games enhanced for the Pro, including Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered when played side by side with a base PS5. Put simply, if you want the very best visual experience on a PlayStation console, then the PS5 Pro is the big gaming box for you.

Over the last year, I’ve been wowed by the visuals in games such as Clare Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. However, it should be noted that the Pro offers appreciated enhancements, but not a complete visual transformation. The best PS5 games still look fantastic on a less-powerful PS5 Slim; they just look and perform a little better on the PS5 Pro. For the most part.

Over the past year, there have actually been some reports of games looking/performing worse on the PS5 Pro, with titles like Star Wars: Jedi Survivor and Silent Hill 2 being prime examples. While these aren’t the norm, it’s a little frustrating to think gamers who shell out $700 for a console might get a worse visual experience even if it's only in a handful of games.

Loads of room to spare

One PS5 Pro benefit that I called out in my review, but have come to appreciate a lot more than expected, is the console’s beefy 2 TB SSD.

Considering the latest model of the PS5 Slim has downgraded the stock storage to 825 GB, from the previous 1 TB capacity, having a full 2 TB on PS5 Pro is now even more of an upgrade. Add an internal SSD, and you can have as much as 3 or 4 TB of storage to play with, which is enough even for install-hungry games like Call of Duty Black Ops 7 with Warzone included.

As someone who is often leaping between several new releases for coverage purposes (it’s a first-world problem, I’ll admit), I used to find myself having to delete and reinstall software fairly regularly on my launch PS5 console. But on PS5 Pro, that’s pretty much never been an issue. “Do I have enough room to install this game?” isn’t even a question that has entered my mind.

Of course, if you’re the type of gamer who likes to stick to just a couple of online games or you prefer to enjoy games one at a time, a whole 2 TB will probably be excessive, but if you’d like to install dozens of blockbuster games all at once, the PS5 Pro’s SSD has plenty of room.

What I dislike about PS5 Pro

Not quite what was promised

During the PS5 Pro technical showcase, when the console was first unveiled to millions, lead architect Mark Cerny noted that one of the big goals of the Pro was to eliminate the need for gamers to pick between a Performance mode (favoring framerate) and Fidelity mode (favoring image quality), which is a pretty common choice on the base PS5.

That goal hasn’t quite been achieved. Some games, mostly PlayStation Studios-developed titles, do offer players a bespoke “Pro” mode that aims to deliver the benefits of both Performance and Fidelity mode at the same time. But for the majority of the third-party titles I’ve played on PS5 Pro, I’ve still had to decide if I want to favor framerate or increased image quality.

I’m a framerate above all else type of gamer, so I opt for Performance every time. But I’m slightly disappointed we’re not at the point where having to select a graphical mode has been eliminated. Perhaps that’ll come with PS6.

The price is a problem

In my PS5 Pro review, I labeled the $699 launch price of the console “exorbitant,” and the situation hasn’t improved; it has gotten worse. Seemingly gone are the days when consoles would get cheaper as their lifecycle rumbled on. Now we’re in a strange new world, where launch buyers seem to get the best deal, and late arrivals pay a premium for their tardiness.

In August, Sony announced a PS5 Pro price hike, increasing the cost from $699 to $749. What was already a difficult console to recommend to anybody but the most dedicated PlayStation gamer is now a tougher sell. Even last year, the PS5 Slim (Which got its own $50 hike, salting the wound further), was my go-to recommendation for most console buyers, and now that the PS5 Pro costs in excess of $700, it’s the definition of a luxury purchase.

Because the graphical upgrades offered by the PS5 Pro are largely solid, but on the slighter side, and only noticeable in many titles if you’re studying a side-by-side comparison, the PS5 Pro is one for the hardcore PlayStation fans only. Anybody just looking to dip into the console space more casually absolutely should stick with the PS5 Slim, which is the better all-rounder.

Should you buy a PS5 Pro in 2025?

I think purchasing a PS5 Pro comes down to what type of gamer you are. If you’re deeply entrenched in the PlayStation ecosystem and want the best visual/performance experience possible, even if it’s only a very marginal improvement, then the $749 price point is justifiable. Yes, it’ll significantly sting your bank balance, but I’m glad I'm able to swap my PS5 for PS5 Pro, and I think you will be too.

However, if you’re looking for a PS5 to play more casually, dipping into just a few games a year, or as a supplementary console to sit alongside, say, one of the best gaming PCs, the reasons for spending such an eye-watering sum evaporate pretty darn quickly. It’s a machine created for the biggest console enthusiasts. Plus, unlike the PS4 to PS4 Pro, which was able to bridge the 4K gap, the PS5 Pro doesn’t have quite such a clear selling point.

The PS5 Pro is a great console, that’s no surprise. After all, it’s a souped-up PS5, which was already an excellent gaming machine. And it offers a robust game library that is only growing better with each passing month. But it’s not a console for everybody, so factor that into your final buying decision.

More from Tom's Guide

• PS5 Pro review: The most powerful console comes at a steep price
• The best PS5 games in 2025
• PS5 Black Friday sale LIVE: The best discounts today

The PlayStation 5 remains the undisputed king of console gaming at this point and Black Friday deals on the console have just been unleashed.

Top of the heap is Currys, which is offering some very wallet-friendly discounts on the various configurations of Sony's console. Better yet, if you want to pick up the system with a game in tow, there are deals on several bundles too.

Finally, the all-conquering PS5 Pro raised eyebrows with its high price at launch but it remains the Holy Grail for console gaming power this generation. And yes, prices on Sony's top-tier console have also been cut at the electronics retailer.

Here's the seven PS5 deals we've spied at Currys you can shop right now and for more ways to save, see our Currys discount codes guide, and don't miss our Black Friday deals hub.

Quick Links

• Shop all deals at Currys
• PS5 game sale: deals from £6
• PS5 Slim (Disc Edition): was £479 now £379
• PS5 Slim (Digital Edition): was £429 now £289
• PS5 Pro: was £689 now £599
• PS5 Slim Ghost of Yotei Edition (Gold): was £519 now £429
• PS5 Disc Edition & EA Sports FC 26 Bundle: was £479 now £389
• Disc Edition & 2K26 Bundle: was £479 now £389

Best Currys PS5 Black Friday deals

This week’s State of Play Japan presentation included several noteworthy announcements, but the one that caught my eye was the reveal of a new PS5 and PC gaming monitor, which Sony is currently calling the “27” Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook.” Catchy!

Pitched as a monitor that “combines bold visuals and performance,” it’s set to release in the U.S. and Japan in 2026 (release in Europe and beyond has not been confirmed). The swanky announcement trailer (linked below) covers all the key features, and there are more details in a new PlayStation Blog post, which offers a “first look” at the upcoming gaming monitor.

Designed primarily for PS5 gaming within a desktop setup, it will also be compatible with PC and Mac. It packs a 27-inch QHD IPS display, offering up to 2560 x 1440 resolution. It also supports HDR, with Auto HDR Tone Mapping, VVR and a refresh rate up to 120Hz on PS5; this increases to 240Hz if you’re opting to game on a PC.

There are also built-in stereo speakers, but Sony is keen to note that it’ll pair even better with the upcoming Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, which were themselves showcased in a recent September State of Play.

One of the monitor’s most nifty inclusions is a charging hook for a DualSense (or DualSense Edge) controller. This adjustable arm sits directly below the monitor display and functions as a way to store your controller in between gaming sessions. It'll ensure your controller always has battery life when needed. That’s helpful because the DualSense battery life is short.

When it comes to ports, Sony has announced that this gaming monitor will offer two HDMI, one DisplayPort, two USB-A and one USB-C. The monitor is also compatible with “select VESA mounting systems,” and because the DualSense charging hook is built into the monitor itself rather than the stand, you won’t lose that functionality if you decide to mount it on a VESA.

But there’s one big question remaining

At this point, I’m sure you’re thinking there’s one big detail that hasn’t been covered: price. And unfortunately, that crucial information has yet to be revealed. We know the monitor will launch in 2026 in the U.S. and Japan, but Sony advises to “stay tuned for more information on launch date and availability in the coming months.”

Much as I think this gaming monitor looks pretty slick, I definitely have some concerns about how much it’ll cost. Sony’s hardware and accessory costs have crept up this console generation. For starters, earlier this year, it increased the prices of the entire PS5 lineup, with the regular PS5 going from $499 to $549, and the PS5 Pro increasing from $699 to $749.

PlayStation-branded accessories have also had pretty high price points in recent years. I was drawn to the PS5 Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, but found the $189 price prohibitive. And I’m still rocking a regular DualSense despite the PS5 Pro being my main gaming machine, because the $199 cost of the DualSense Edge is simply too expensive for my budget.

The best gaming monitors will already set you back as much $899, and while I don’t think this new PlayStation one will cost quite that much, I’m not expecting it to be a budget pick. Sony has taken a fairly aggressive approach to pricing in recent years, and I believe that trend will continue with this PS5-branded gaming monitor. You might want to start saving up now.

In the meantime, if you are looking to save, PlayStation recently launched its annual November Savings sale, which includes discounts on a range of the best PS5 games. And be sure to keep an eye on Tom’s Guide, as we’ll be bringing you the latest updates on this new PlayStation gaming monitor, including launch date and price, as soon as we have them.

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• PlayStation Portal's biggest upgrade since launch is live

Last year, Sony untethered its PlayStation Portal remote play device from the PS5 by allowing owners to cloud stream a selection of titles without needing to connect to a home console. This feature was first released in beta, and after almost 12 months, it is now rolling out to all PlayStation Portal owners starting today (Nov. 5), according to the PlayStation Blog.

No longer is the PlayStation Portal essentially a $199 paperweight when unconnected to a PS5 console over Wi-Fi. Now you can stream a library of almost 2,800 games directly on the device, and the list of supported titles includes loads of the best PS5 games, including Cyberpunk 2077, God of War Ragnarök, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Astro Bot, Hogwarts Legacy and more.

Naturally, you will need to own these games digitally to stream them on the PlayStation Portal, or they must be included in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. Speaking of PlayStation’s premium subscription service, a slightly unfortunate catch about this feature is that you do need to be a PlayStation Plus Premium member to access cloud streaming on PlayStation Portal. This requirement feels a little cynical to me, so I’m hoping it's dropped in time.

Sony also notes that this new feature unlocks further gaming possibilities on the accessory, such as playing co-op titles on the Portal and a PS5 simultaneously, or allowing one user to watch a movie on the console while another enjoys gaming on the handheld. And of course, the Portal's cloud streaming is available when you’re miles away from your console.

To facilitate the upgrade, the PlayStation Portal home screen has been refreshed. It’s now split into three sections: Remote Play, Cloud Streaming and Search. Remote Play is the handheld’s original function, allowing you to mirror your console over Wi-Fi. Cloud Streaming hosts the new features discussed above, and Search, as you might expect, lets you browse which games are available to stream without needing to be tethered to a PS5.

If all this wasn’t enough, the update also brings additional improvements and features, including 3D Audio Support, the ability to set a Passcode Lock on your Portal, a Network Status Screen to check your internet connection, being able to make in-game purchases directly on the Portal, new accessibility options, and you can now accept online Game Invitations.

The PlayStation Portal still isn't the PlayStation Vita 2 that many gamers crave (sadly, due to the device's limited internal components, running games natively is practically a nonstarter), but this major upgrade serves only to increase its appeal. The Portal was already one of the best-selling PlayStation accessories ever, so Sony didn’t need to increase its functionality, but I’m delighted to see the Portal being upgraded in 2025.

More from Tom's Guide

• The best PS5 games in 2025
• I was wrong about the PlayStation Portal
• PS6 — latest rumors and everything we know

When it comes to Grand Theft Auto VI, the moment any kind of new rumor emerges, the internet goes absolutely bonkers. That's exactly what's happening with a PlayStation Store Update.

It seems small, but any change serves as a reminder that the company is working on something (which should be obvious, considering the game is coming at some point).

The PlayStation Store page for Grand Theft Auto VI was updated to include mentions of GTA+, Rockstar Games' subscription service. While it's probably just Sony preparing for the launch — currently set for May 26, 2026 — it has people thinking that a big announcement could be imminent.

What else has the GTA VI speculation running wild?

A simple listing change on the PlayStation Store is enough to get people thinking about the game, but there's a little more to it. Adding more fuel to the fire is Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar's parent company) hosting an earnings call on November 6 (two days from this writing).

This could prompt the company to post a new trailer for the game. Rockstar and Take-Two have previously released new details for games before investor calls as a way to appease shareholders and build excitement.

It's been exactly six months since the last trailer, so the timing lines up perfectly for something new to come from Rockstar and what will likely be the biggest video game launch of all time.

To temper expectations, though, the second trailer for GTA VI came out on May 6, 10 days before the earnings call for that quarter. Considering we're two days from the latest one, the timing is a bit off. The first GTA VI trailer was announced to be coming soon before the call, but it didn't actually release before it.

And with a new trailer could come an updated release window (the game has seen its share of delays leading up to the current 2026 launch date. Or launch window, since the company has yet to reveal an official date.

And let's not forget that at the end of October, Rockstar Games updated its website with a new design, which led fans to believe a third GTA 6 trailer is on the way.

I wouldn't be surprised if a new trailer is released soon, but I wouldn't be surprised if Rockstar Games remains silent and nothing happens until closer to the game's release date.

To me, it seems like fans are setting themselves up for disappointment.

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The PlayStation 5 is a powerful console. My PS5 Slim is one of the best things I've ever spent my hard-earned money on, and the DualSense is a fantastic controller, in my opinion. But that isn't to say it's the best gamepad out there. Gaming giants like Turtle Beach and Razer have made great controllers for Sony's beast — and Razer might have just created my dream gamepad.

Meet the Razer Raiju V3 Pro. Announced today, the Raiju V3 Pro is officially licensed for PlayStation, and barring the Wolverine V2 Pro, it's the brand's only other PS5 controller. It's designed with professional, competitive gamers in mind. Fitted with TMR thumbsticks and Hall Effect "HyperTriggers," the controller enables you to fine-tune your movements and actions by adjusting actuation points and sensitivity.

And that's not all. You get four back buttons, which are not only customizable but also removable, so players who don't use them need not worry about hitting them unintentionally. Usually found in Razer's best gaming mice, the back buttons utilize the brand's best and fastest switches to deliver top-tier performance.

That all sounds great on paper, but what's the controller like to use? I've had early access to the Raiju V3 Pro and I've been using it for a few days now. My full in-depth review will be live soon, but for now, let me take you through my first impressions (spoiler alert: they're very positive).

It's all about TMR

Analog thumbsticks are so old school, and that technology is slowly being phased out by Hall Effect. But even better technology exists in the form of TMR. TMR stands for Tunnel Magneto Resistance, and it's a complex concept involving quantum tunneling and ferromagnets. You don't need to understand the scientific side of it to recognize the amount of precision it offers.

TMR, essentially, allows you to reach even more precise levels of accuracy than what the Hall Effect is capable of by utilizing weak electromagnetic waves rather than strong ones, which means that smaller adjustments and movements are picked up by the sensor. The Razer Raiju V3 Pro features TMR sticks, and boy, are they good!

The Raiju V3 Pro's TMR sticks ensure pinpoint precision in FPS games like Borderlands 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, and those are the two games I played to test the Raiju V3 Pro. If I were using a sniper or a long-reaching rifle in either game, I appreciated the control the TMR sticks gave me. Even the most minute, minuscule movement was registered. I also appreciated the immediate stop when I was using the sticks to control the camera, and I suddenly let go.

Even in racing titles such as F1 25 and Need for Speed Heat, making last-minute maneuvers to turn a tight corner or overtake an opponent was a walk in the park. The thumbsticks were highly responsive, and there was zero input lag.

Pinpoint precision above all

As with many other Hall Effect controllers, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro's triggers utilize Hall Effect sensors, and you can choose either rapid-fire mouse clicks or full analog control, depending on the game you're playing. I'll give you a simple example.

While it isn't a competitive FPS title, I enabled Hair Trigger for battles in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, where I needed to press R2 to initiate a Gradient Counter or counter after jumping — and I'd swap back to a longer press when sprinting. I kept L2 and R2 customized to long presses in Borderlands 3, too, so that I could use the left trigger to aim precisely and comfortably.

But what I love most about the Raiju V3 Pro is its back buttons. They're fully customizable via companion software, and they can be removed. This means that if you don't want to use them or accidentally hit them, you can simply pop them out. If I have them at my disposal, I use them in FPS titles as well as RPGs, but I also know that not every game needs them.

Being able to swap between weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 by simply hitting a back button as I remapped them accordingly proved not only handy, but more ergonomic. I can't wait to see what else I can do with the back buttons as I test the controller more.

Ergonomics galore

A gaming controller could outperform every other gamepad, but it would all be for naught if the controller had poor ergonomics. Thankfully, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro is an extremely comfortable controller. Firstly, it feels premium to hold with great weight distribution. It doesn't feel slippery, thanks to the textured surface, and it's similar in size to the DualSense and DualSense Edge. It doesn't feel plasticky or hollow either.

The controller features symmetrical full-sized thumbsticks that are comfortable to use for long periods of time, and I love the concave triggers, too. I especially love how clicky the face buttons and shoulder buttons are, just like on a mouse, as I mentioned earlier.

A slight hiccup

This isn't a major downside, but it's important to note that the Razer Raiju V3 Pro doesn't feature any vibration or haptics. Now, before you come at me (or at Razer), I can see why that is the case. The controller is designed for esports players and for competitive gaming.

Haptics and vibrations are great, but they can prove distracting when you're trying to win a tournament. They can cause distractions and disrupt your concentration. That's great for FPS titles, but not ideal for story-driven RPGs where you want to feel immersed in the game and like you're the main character. It's just something to keep in mind before you buy the controller.

If it helps, this is also the case with the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Haptic feedback is also Sony's proprietary technology, so it's not surprising that you don't see it on many third-party controllers.

Looking ahead...

Usually, when I test a controller, I play video games for at least 10 hours (I know, I love my job) to get a good understanding of it, and I haven't done that with the Razer Raiju V3 Pro yet. Rest assured, I will be doing just that before my in-depth review goes live next week.

My first impressions, though? Extremely positive. I think this is a fantastic controller. The TMR thumbsticks feel incredible to use, and the Hall Effect triggers are mighty powerful, and they let you adjust the actuation point/sensitivity depending on the game you're playing. The controller itself feels ergonomic.

Once again, Razer has proved why it's one of the biggest names in the gaming hardware industry, especially for esports players, and I can't wait to see what else the Raiju V3 Pro can do.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve finally found a PS5 controller that’s better than the DualSense — and no, it's not the DualSense Edge
• Best PC game controllers in 2025
• So long Hall Effect — I'm only using controllers with TMR sensors from now on

Your TV and game console communicate through HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), a feature that lets devices control each other over HDMI cables. When enabled, turning on your TV can power up your console, and vice versa. This happens automatically and can be annoying if you want to watch TV without booting up your gaming system.

The feature goes by different names depending on your TV brand — HDMI Device Link, Simple Link, Anynet+ or Bravia Sync, for example — but they all do the same thing. Disabling it on either your TV or console stops the automatic power behavior.

Here's how to prevent your TV from turning on your Xbox or PS5, with options for disabling the feature on your TV, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S.

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Wired earbuds have experienced a resurgence in popularity recently, and I often spot people opting for these over wireless buds on my commute. I can see why: music sounds better, more detailed through a good pair of wired earbuds, and they enable you to stream hi-res audio. But when you think of gaming and audio, your mind may naturally wander to the best wireless gaming headsets — but you also shouldn't underestimate wired buds, especially in-ear monitors.

In-ear monitors, or IEMs for short, are ideal for detailed listening and for moments when you want to be able to spot details easily. IEMs in gaming are growing in popularity, and Sony has ventured into that sphere with the launch of the Sony Inzone E9s.

The Inzone E9s are outstanding, and I couldn't help but award them 4.5/5 stars in my review. They're designed for FPS gaming, and they're fit for purpose and they're extremely comfortable too. But have they permanently replaced my on-ear headphones? No. It isn't because they're not good — they're great but they're not for everyone... or everything.

Tiptoeing behind you

Sony has designed the Inzone E9s specifically for first-person shooters and for competitive esports tournaments. Not only do they utilize 5mm dynamic drivers to deliver superior sound for FPS accuracy, but they also boast great noise isolation via specific eartips so you can concentrate on the task at hand. In games like Battlefield 6, Apex Legends, Cyberpunk 2077 and Borderlands 3, you can hear every gunshot, every footstep, every tiny movement.

The Inzone E9s feature directional audio too, which means that sound travels from the left to right ear (and vice versa) depending on in-game positioning. I heard bullets whiz past my left ear, enemies sneaking up on me in my right ear, and all of this helped me strategize better. I could easily and quickly turn around to counter/block if I was fighting an enemy but heard someone else running towards me.

Thanks to a wide frequency range of 10-20,000Hz, you can hear most frequencies too. In Alan Wake 2, I could clearly hear the Shadows walking softly around me when playing as Alan, and cultists scuttering loudly from left to right behind me when playing as Saga.

These IEMs have thoroughly impressed me, and you can read all about the in-depth testing I conducted in my full Sony Inzone E9 review.

For all-day gaming

Picture this. You excitedly buy a pair of earbuds or a set of headphones. You put them in your ears or on your head. And that's when it hits you: you've just wasted your money on a headset that's so uncomfortable that it gives you an instant headache. We've all been there.

Now imagine the complete opposite of that. You put a pair of earbuds in your ears. They fit snugly. They are, in fact, so comfortable that you end up wearing them for eight hours straight without feeling any pain. They become a part of you. That's exactly what using the Sony Inzone E9s feels like.

Sporting an earhook design, the Inzone E9s hook over your ears and stay in place, and not once in my testing did they fall off. The hooks themselves are comfortable and don't dig into or poke the skin behind or around your ears. Also, the earbuds weigh just 0.16oz — that's very light. So if it's comfortable earbuds you're after, these are it.

One tiny problem...

I love the Sony Inzone E9 IEMs. They sound fantastic and they're very comfortable; what's not to love? Well, there's one tiny problem. The Inzone E9s have a very specific use-case: they're designed for FPS gaming only. While you can, of course, play your favorite RPGs, racing games, platformers, and other titles, I wouldn't recommend doing so, only because Sony hasn't designed them for non-FPS games.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best PS5 headsets in 2025
• I just tested Sony’s first-ever gaming in-ear monitors — and they impress in nearly every way
• I gave the new Razer headset 5 stars — say hello to my dream gaming cans

Sony is a pioneer in the gaming world, and it makes some of the best PS5 headsets to accompany its current-gen console. The Japanese giant has taken its first steps into the world of in-ear monitors and detailed sound with the Sony Inzone E9 wired earbuds, and I’ve been testing them for the past two weeks.

The Inzone E9s are extremely comfortable IEMs, sporting earhooks that don’t dig into your skin. Sony has designed them for detailed listening while playing first-person shooters, so you hear every footstep and every gunshot, which gives elite esports players a competitive advantage. But because they’re designed with FPS players in mind, the Inzone E9s aren’t the best for most other genres, and customization is possible via Windows software only.

Should you still buy them? Read my full Sony Inzone E9 review to find out.

Sony Inzone E9 gaming IEMs review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Sony’s first-ever in-ear monitors for competitive FPS gamers
• Who is it for? Highly competitive gamers and esports players who want a pair of earbuds that make them hear every footstep and tiny detail
• How much does it cost? The Sony Inzone E9 IEMs are available for $149 / £129
• What do we like? They’re very comfortable and come with a handy carry case, they boast great noise isolation and are packed with detailed sound quality
• What don’t we like? Customization is possible via Windows-only software, and they aren’t fit for most other genres

Sony Inzone E9 gaming IEMs review: Specs

Sony Inzone E9 gaming IEMs review: The ups

The Sony Inzone E9 IEMs are extremely comfortable, and they sound ridiculously good in FPS titles, ensuring you hear every footstep and gunshot, therefore giving you a competitive advantage.

Very comfortable

I love video games, and you’ll find me sitting in front of my PS5 Slim whenever I have the time for it. If I have a day off and my partner isn’t around, I’ll game from dawn to dusk, so I know the importance of having a comfortable headset. To their credit, the Sony Inzone E9 IEMs are extremely comfortable.

The Inzone E9s sport an earhook design — similar to some of the best workout headphones — so they hook over your ears and stay in place. I wore the earbuds for nearly eight hours and they didn’t fall out of my ears. I found the hooks comfortable, and they didn’t poke the skin behind or around my ears. The earbuds are very light, too, weighing just 0.16oz without the cable.

Speaking of, the cable itself is very long at 1.8m / 70.8 inches, so while it feels quite long when plugged into the DualSense controller, it'll be handy for PC gamers who want to use the earbuds plugged into the back of their CPU. If you’re using it with your DualSense, you can bunch up the excess cable using the wire clip.

Great noise isolation

If you’re using a headset for FPS titles, you need good noise isolation to ensure you hear footsteps loud and clear, and the Sony Inzone E9s are fit for purpose. Included in the box are three extra pairs of hybrid tips as well as four pairs of noise isolation tips. Even with just the hybrid tips, a lot of sound is blocked out, and it’s even better with the noise isolation ones.

Sony says that these noise isolation eartips have been designed to help you maintain your concentration at tournaments, and that they work to block out cheers and commentary. While I didn’t use the Inzone E9s at a tournament, I can attest to the fact that they do indeed block out most sounds.

I couldn’t hear my partner speaking next to me when I was playing Cyberpunk 2077, and I couldn’t hear the sound of Instagram Reels playing on her phone either. I felt fully immersed thanks to this. I tested the earbuds at the office, and the Inzone E9s drowned out the clickity-clackity sound of keyboards. You can still hear some sound as the passive noise isolation isn’t as effective as active noise cancellation, but it’s more than enough.

Fantastic for FPS titles

The Sony Inzone E9 IEMs have been designed to give competitive FPS gamers an edge in tournaments, and they’re excellent when it comes to games like Battlefield 6 and Apex Legends. They utilize 5mm dynamic drivers to deliver superior sound for FPS accuracy, so you can hear footsteps, gunshots and other movement with clarity. Enable spatial sound via the companion software (more on that soon), and you gain even more of an advantage over other players.

These buds aren’t great for just first-person shooters — they perform well in horror/survival games where you need to be on guard at all times. I tested the Inzone E9s by playing Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 3 and Alan Wake 2. In all three games, footsteps were loud and clear.

Cyberpunk 2077

In Cyberpunk 2077, I could clearly hear enemy footsteps even when the techno music was blaring during intense fight scenes. This helped me gauge if an enemy was approaching me from behind while I was attacking another with my mantis blades, so I could quickly turn around and block or counter. When gunshots pierced through the air, I could clearly hear the volume go from low to high, and in either ear, depending on the position of the bullet.

Stealthily infiltrating heavily guarded buildings and areas was a walk in the park, as I could pinpoint the exact location of enemies behind closed doors and plan my assassinations/takedowns. I could even figure out what type of enemy was waiting for me, even when I couldn’t see them by listening for their footsteps: heavier enemies, of course, had a heavier boots-on-the-ground sound as opposed to lighter ones. This helped me strategize better.

Borderlands 3

Admittedly, I’ve never been great at Borderlands 3, but I loved playing it through the Inzone E9s. Much like the performance in Cyberpunk 2077, I found it easy to gauge where enemies were positioned. When crouched behind a broken-down car, I could hear the faint buzzing and humming emitting from the enemy’s sniper rifle as they tried to aim for me. This helped me plan my movements better without actually having to duck out of cover.

When I threw grenades at faraway enemies, I loved hearing the sound of it go from high to low as it made its way to the other side. And the sound of enemies exclaiming before dropping dead was like music to my ears — the sweet sound of victory.

The various creatures in Borderlands 3 all have different voices, too, ranging from low to high-pitched, and thanks to the Inzone E9s’ wide frequency response range of 10-20,000Hz, I could hear them all clearly, regardless of how far away they were positioned.

Alan Wake 2

Directional audio came in handy in Alan Wake 2, a game that terrifies me, especially while walking through the woods when it’s dark. Thanks to proper audio separation that enables you to hear nearly every sound and a wide frequency response range, I could hear the Shadows walking softly around me when playing as Alan, and cultists scuttering loudly from left to right behind me when playing as Saga.

This, again, helped me pinpoint the location of enemies sneaking up on me, and I could quickly turn around and blast them with my flashlight or prepare a flare/load a gun in advance as I anticipated a sneak attack.

While I’m not a competitive gamer, I’ve been extremely impressed by the Inzone E9s, and I believe they’ll hold up extremely well in tournaments.

In-depth customization

On top of the fantastic sound quality in FPS games, the Sony Inzone E9s are customizable via Inzone Hub, available to download for free on Windows machines. Inzone Hub sports a clean user interface with no unnecessary pop-ups or ads, and everything is clearly signposted.

There are a few EQ presets available, and you can choose the one you need, depending on whether you want to hear footsteps or gunshots more. You can also customize the 10-band equalizer to fine-tune the sound, and I recommend playing around with it so you can determine what works best for you.

7.1 virtual spatial sound can also be enabled via the app, and it makes the earbuds sound more immersive with directional audio. I also like the Sound Field Personalization mode, which curates a custom audio profile depending on the shape of your ears and your hearing ability.

Handy carry case

I really appreciate the fact that the Sony Inzone E9 IEMs come with a handy carry case. I have a habit of shoving my IEMs or wired earbuds into my jeans’ or coat’s pocket, but if you’re a professional gamer who travels to tournaments, the case is a nice touch.

The case is made of soft shell, and on the inside, there are two organizational straps with magnetic button-up mechanisms, and you can store your IEMs and the 3.5mm to USB-C dongle with ease. What I love is that even if you forget to zip the case closed (as I did once), nothing falls out of it if you’ve secured the magnetic buttons.

Sony Inzone E9 gaming IEMs review: The downs

The Sony Inzone E9 IEMs are great, but they’re not great for non-FPS genres, and Windows-only software poses some restrictions.

Not designed for most other genres

This isn’t a flaw but more of a pre-purchase consideration. If you’re thinking of getting the Sony Inzone E9s as your one-and-only, general-purpose gaming headset, I’d reconsider. While they are downright fantastic for FPS titles that require you to pinpoint enemy locations, they’re not great for virtually every other genre — especially for story-driven RPGs. That’s because they have a fairly hollow-sounding sound profile where the punchiness of the bass feels non-existent.

Having bass that lacks character made me feel like I wasn’t actually the main character in whichever game I was playing. The action sounded distant, and playing games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Ghost of Yotei through the Inzone E9s didn’t evoke much emotion from me — and that’s saying a lot considering the former made me cry all three times I finished it.

Music plays a vital role in Expedition 33 as every battle, every dungeon and all open-world exploration is soundtracked by heartbreaking music. It’s really the soul of the game, and through the Inzone E9s, it’s diminished and doesn’t feel exciting. While dialogues sound loud and clear and aren’t overshadowed by background music, scenes, again, feel less emotional.

Tense action scenes in Ghost of Yotei take a hit, too. At the beginning of the game, a massive fire rages on in the background as your character duels it out with the big bad guy, and you can’t really feel how powerful the fire is. It’s meant to add a strong element to the scene, and it just falls flat.

If you want a gaming headset that’s great for most (if not all) genres, I’d recommend the Final VR500 earbuds ($34) instead. If you aren’t opposed to over-ear headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 ($129) and the Asus ROG Pelta ($129) are both very capable headsets for nearly every genre.

Windows-only software

Inzone Hub is fantastic and detailed software for customizing the Sony Inzone E9 IEMs, but it’s restricted to Windows-only computers, even though the earbuds can be used with macOS machines. I would have appreciated the ability to customize the earbuds on my PS5 itself, as not every console owner will necessarily have a PC.

Sony Inzone E9 gaming IEMs review: Verdict

If you’re primarily an FPS gamer and don’t care much about other genres, I can’t recommend the Sony Inzone E9s enough. If you’re a competitive player, then that’s even more true. Firstly, these IEMs are extremely comfortable, and they come with a handy carry case for easy transport. Their 5mm dynamic drivers deliver detailed sound in first-person shooters as well as horror/survival games, as you can hear every footstep and every gunshot. They’ll truly give elite players a competitive edge.

Customization is easy via Inzone Hub, but the software is available on Windows machines only. The IEMs also feature effective noise isolation to help you maintain your concentration, which is crucial when you’re participating in a tournament.

Considering these are Sony’s first IEMs for gaming, the brand has knocked it out of the park.

“Battlefield is back,” but for real this time. Call of Duty has hogged the military shooter spotlight for almost a decade. Not since 2016’s Battlefield 1 has Activision’s enduring juggernaut had real competition, but Battlefield 6 is here to mount a challenge for the throne.

I’ve always enjoyed both series in roughly equal measures, but found myself disillusioned with last year’s Call of Duty Black Ops 6, and the upcoming Black Ops 7 isn’t getting my hype juices flowing. On the other hand, Battlefield 6 impressed me during its beta phase, and now that the full game is here, I’m completely absorbed in its chaos on PS5 Pro.

In fact, this isn’t just the best Battlefield game in almost 10 years, but one of the best first-person shooters you can play on current generation consoles, and right now it’s the clear frontrunner to be my favorite entry in the genre in 2025 (sorry, Doom: The Dark Ages). Here are 3 reasons that Battlefield 6 is the strongest rival that Call of Duty has faced in ages.

Return to traditional classes

2021’s Battlefield 2042 made the unforced error of ditching the series' classic (and much-loved) class system in favour of Operators, which felt like a cynical attempt to cash in on the “hero shooter” craze that spawned following the success of the likes of Overwatch and Valorant.

Fortunately, Battlefield 6 reverses this ill-judged decision and brings back the traditional Battlefield classes. Yes, that means you’re once again picking from Assault, Engineer, Support, or Recon, and it’s a reminder to all developers that when something isn’t broken, you don’t need to try and fix it.

I’m a Support by trade — largely because of my shoddy aim — and it’s been wonderful to again rush around the battlefield with my trusty defibrillators in hand, reviving downed squadmates to get them back into the action pronto. Battlefield should never have switched course, but I’m delighted that 2042’s biggest misstep has been swiftly reversed and the class system restored.

Back to the present day

Speaking of reversing previous mistakes, Battlefield 6 leaps back into the modern-day after the series dabbled with the past (in the World War I set Battlefield 1, and the World War II set Battlefield 5), and the much-criticized future-set Battlefield 2042. I loved Battlefield 1 and liked Battlefield 5, but I’ll admit the series thrives when placed in a current-day setting.

At launch, Battlefield 6 is also tonally consistent, which is a seriously refreshing pitch in a live service space dominated by gaudy collaborations and silly skins. You don’t have to search the internet far to find people decrying Call of Duty’s recent flirtation with the likes of Netflix’s “Squid Game” and even more bizarrely, adult animation series “American Dad.”

Developers Battlefield Studios are promising that Battlefield 6 will bench the zany costumes in favor of a more grounded and authentic approach, and at launch, this mandate has been kept to. I really hope the team sticks to its word on this one. It’s wonderful to play a military shooter in 2025 that doesn’t feature cartoon characters or glow-in-the-dark weapon skins.

Huge scale, but restrained

Battlefield 6 has always offered a sense of scale that no other shooter can match. But Battlefield 2042 went overboard in trying to ramp up this aspect of the series. The player counter was expanded to 128 combatants per game, and maps were supersized to account for the increase in player count. On paper, it sounded great; in practice, it didn’t really work.

I recall numerous sessions of 2042 where I’d spend most of my time aimlessly running around no man’s land, desperately looking for enemies to shoot, and it wasn’t uncommon for these long treks through barren stretches to be eventually curtailed by an unseen sniper.

The latest Battlefield brings the max player count back down to 64 per match, and while the maps are still much larger than any arenas you’ll find in Call of Duty, there’s been enough restraint shown to ensure that players are never far from a firefight. So while the trademark scale is retained, it’s balanced supremely well to ensure that you don’t spend minutes wandering.

In short, Battlefield 6 is a must-play in 2025

Battlefield 6 is the next-gen shooter that I’ve been craving since the launch of the PS5 (and Xbox Series X). It makes up for the numerous errors of its predecessor and re-establishes the series as Call of Duty’s biggest (and maybe only) rival.

Of course, I can’t count out CoD until I’ve sampled Black Ops 7 next month, but I will be shocked if, when the dust settles, Battlefield 6 isn’t the shooter that I’m still playing long into 2026 (and beyond).

To add some balance, I have heard the single-player campaign is a bit of a dud (my colleague, Scott Younker, was not a fan of it in his Battlefield 6 review), but for me, Battlefield is all about the online multiplayer suite, and in this regard, Battlefield 6 is the best the series has offered for years. Calling it “a return to form” is a bit of a cliché, but in this case, the praise is deserved.

More from Tom's Guide

• Battlefield 6 review — CoD has a real rival again
• The best PS5 games in 2025
• PS6 and next-gen Xbox tipped for 2027 launch

We know that new consoles are coming, but when can we expect to be able to try and buy the PS6 and whatever the next-generation Xbox ends up being called? Well, insiders claim that both Sony and Microsoft are aiming to release their next-gen consoles at some point in 2027.

News of the PS6 release window comes from NeoGaf user KeplerL2, who has produced accurate reports on AMD hardware in the past. This prediction took place in a thread discussing PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny's recent comments on the future of PlayStation hardware — noting that the PS6 would arrive in "a few years' time."

While some speculated that this could mean a 2028 release, KeplerL2 claims that 2027 isn't just "on the table, it's the plan unless any unexpected delays happen."

Meanwhile, Moore's Law is Dead recently released a video detailing the AMD Magnus APU, which they claim will be used in the next Xbox console. The YouTuber then claimed multiple times that this console is also aiming for a 2027 release, despite previously claiming that it could arrive as soon as late 2026.

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• Bring your PS5 controller everywhere with the latest update — here's what's new
• PS5 Slim has been quietly upgraded — and DualSense controller is rumored next
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The PS5 Pro may be the current top dog in the console world and the best video game system you can buy, but things don't stay still for long when it comes to gaming.

In a new video, Sony’s Mark Cerny and AMD’s Jack Huynh sat down to discuss Project Amethyst, which is the technology expected to power the PS6. While we didn’t receive any updates about the unannounced PlayStation console, we did learn a little more about how it will push the limits of gaming tech.

The PS5 and PS5 Pro can both deliver ray-traced graphics, but this takes a big toll on the systems’ GPU, which is why you often see games running at 30 frames per second when ray tracing is enabled. Sony and AMD are refining the process for ray tracing and path tracing to alleviate some of the stress on the GPU. Machine Learning (or AI) will play a major role in this, and should not only result in less stress on the GPU, but also better graphics and smoother gameplay.

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• PlayStation's new sale has far better PS5 deals than Prime Day — here’s 15 games I’d buy now from $2
• PlayStation 6 rumored for late 2027 release — 3 PS6 spec clues I've picked up from reading between the lines
• PS5 Pro is getting a big upgrade in 2026 — I asked Mark Cerny what’s coming, and why AMD’s future PC GPUs feel more 'PlayStation' than ever

The God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense controller for PS5 is exactly what it sounds like. Announced during last month’s State of Play, it’s a swanky new special edition gamepad to celebrate Sony’s juggernaut action franchise, and the very angry protagonist at its core: Kratos.

Pre-orders for the God of War DualSense began in both the U.S. and the U.K. earlier today (Oct. 3), and Amazon currently has stock in both regions. So, you can lock in your God of War special edition controller right now.

• God of War 20th Anniversary controller: $84 @ Amazon U.S. (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)
• God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense: $84 @ Walmart (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)
• God of War 20th Anniversary controller: £74 @ Amazon U.K. (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)

The controller will launch on October 23. However, if you already know you want to add this new controller to your collection, then you’ll want to secure a pre-order just to be safe. After all, limited edition PS5 DualSense controllers have sold out in the past, and restocks are not guaranteed.

I've got all the God of War 20th Anniversary Dualsense pre-order details you need down below, including additional retailer links. And I’ll be updating this article as more retailers appear on the scene. With that said, Sony has noted that “participating retailers” will also stock the item in some regions.

God of War DualSense pre-orders in the U.S.

• God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense: $84 @ Amazon (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)
• God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense: $84 @ Walmart (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)
• God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense: $84 @ PS Direct (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)
• God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense: check stock @ Best Buy
• God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense: check stock @ Target

God of War DualSense pre-orders in the U.K.

• God of War 20th Anniversary controller: £74 @ Amazon (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)
• God of War 20th Anniversary controller: £74 @ PS Direct (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)
• God of War 20th Anniversary controller: £74 @ Currys (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)
• God of War 20th Anniversary controller: £74 @ ShopTo (PRE-ORDERS LIVE)

What is the God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense controller?

Sony has released plenty of themed PS5 DualSense controllers this generation, marking the release of games like Hogwarts Legacy, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yotei, Astro Bot and more. And while there is no new God of War game on the horizon right now, this new controller celebrates the franchise’s 20th Anniversary.

The design is definitely on the minimalist side of the scale, but I’m personally a fan. It’s a base all-white controller with a striking red line down the right-hand side in tribute to Kratos’ instantly recognisable tattoo. The red mark covers even the R1 and R2 buttons, and the PlayStation face buttons also get a red makeover. It’s a simple but effective design.

Otherwise, this is just a regular DualSense controller. It’s not a DualSense Edge, and as you would expect comes with no new features. As noted, pre-orders start on Friday, October 3, ahead of the actual release date on October 23. It retails for $84 / £74. Previous limited-edition controllers have sold out fast, and while the fan reception to this one has been rather mixed, if you know you want one at this stage, I recommend locking in a pre-order.

Sony has begun rolling out its revised version of the PS5 Slim in Europe, and this process has revealed an unexpected design upgrade to the best-selling console.

As confirmed in a new video from tech content-creator Austin Evans, the refreshed version of the PS5 Slim swaps the glossy finish of the PS5's middle section for a matte look. You can see the aesthetic change for yourself in the video linked below. Another, less noticeable change to the new PS5 Slim is a slight weight reduction. The console has dropped around 120 grams (4.2 ounces) in total.

The switch from gloss to matte being an upgrade is a matter of personal opinion; if you really like shiny stuff, then perhaps you’ll think it’s a huge downgrade. However, as somebody who's never liked a glossy finish on a console due to how easily glossy plastic scratches and shows marks, I’m in the camp that believes this is a small, but nice-to-have, improvement.

One additional change that most certainly isn’t an upgrade is the change to the SSD size. The original PS5 console launched with an 825GB drive, before the introduction of the PS5 Slim increased the stock SSD to a full 1TB. Now, the PS5 Slim is dropping back down to 825GB with this new model. That’s a clear downgrade, and with the best PS5 games often demanding north of 100GB to fully install, the loss of 175GB will have an impact on owners.

As noted, this new model PS5 Slim is currently replacing the previous version of the console in Europe. There’s no indication that it’ll arrive in the U.S. as well. Though if Sony follows the same hardware rollout strategy it has in the past, the new PS5 Slim may eventually become the global norm.

So, fans of glossy plastic finishes and larger SSDs may want to pick up a PS5 Slim as soon as possible before this refreshed PS5 console becomes the standard.

This change also comes in the wake of Sony confirming PS5 Slim price hikes on both sides of the Atlantic. Back in April, Sony announced the PS5 Digital Edition would increase to €499 / £429 in Europe (a €50 / £40 increase), while over the summer, every model of the PS5 console was raised in North America. PS5 Digital Edition went from $449 to $499, PS5 Slim increased from $499 to $549 and PS5 Pro became even more pricey, from $699 to $749.

PS5 DualSense controller could be upgraded next

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• The best PS5 games in 2025
• Ghost of Yotei review: A beautiful sequel that feels like a retread
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I'm an avid gamer. In my spare time, and as part of my job, I review a plethora of gaming peripherals — from controllers to speakers and headsets. One of the things I look for when I'm reviewing a headset is just how immersed it makes me feel in my favorite games. As most of us gamers know, audio can make or break a game, and to take full advantage of a title's sound design and direction, a good set of cans is a must... as is a pair of speakers.

There's a very good reason why the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds and the Edifier G2000 Pro speakers are a permanent part of my gaming ecosystem. These accessories make my PS5 Slim games sound other-worldly, and they all serve their own purpose.

If I'm playing games with my partner, I use the speakers. If I'm alone and want an experience worthy of an audiophile's dream, I use the over-ear headset. So, without further ado, let me show you how these peripherals improve my gaming experience...

For audiophile-quality sound

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is one of only two headsets I've ever given a full 5/5 star rating to (alongside the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5). In my review, I said it felt like I was playing games at the movie theater — and even after a couple of months of using the BlackShark V3 Pro, I still feel the same way. It's the headset for audiophile gamers.

The BlackShark V3 Pro is extremely comfortable, featuring breathable and spacious memory foam earpads and a pressure-relieving headband that eliminates any pressure on the top of your head. This means that I can keep wearing the headset for hours on end so my immersion doesn't break when playing, say, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Now, on to the sound quality. The headset features highly effective active noise cancellation that makes you feel isolated and immersed in the game, and the 50mm drivers produce powerful yet crystal clear audio. Its 12-28,000Hz frequency response range also means that I can hear the softest of footsteps and the loudest of explosions with exceptional clarity. The BlackShark V3 Pro is my go-to headset when I want to feel like the main character.

Further reading: Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review, and I gave the new Razer headset 5 stars — say hello to my dream gaming cans

For gaming and music

I love listening to music, and gaming headsets aren't always the best for listening to your favorite tunes — but the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are. Even as in-ear buds, they're extremely comfortable and make games sound very immersive, thanks to their neodymium magnetic drivers.

As for music? My favorite tunes always sound their best when I listen to them through the Arctis GameBuds. Vocal-heavy tunes like Lana Del Rey's 'A&W' and 'Down the Witches' Road' from Agatha All Along sound crystal clear and sharp. Mids, highs and lows are balanced well too, and I love how powerful basslines sound through these. In Pink Floyd's 'Money' and Iron Maiden's 'Hallowed be thy Name,' the bass sounded loud but not booming.

Also, the Arctis GameBuds come with a user-friendly companion app that lets you choose from 100+ game-tailored presets, and you can adjust the equalizer too to make music sound just the way you like it. Oh, and they have ANC so you can truly immerse yourself in your games and tunes.

Further reading: SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review: Gaming earbuds don't get better than this

For when I'm playing with another person

My partner and I play a lot of couch co-op games on both the PS5 and the Nintendo Switch. We love 51 Worldwide Games, Overcooked, Untitled Goose Game, Unravel Two, and whatnot. But when we're playing together, I, of course, can't be using headphones, and our TV's built-in speakers aren't the best either. The solution? The Edifier G2000 Pro speakers, which make games sound fantastic — and they look uber cool too.

Firstly, the G2000 Pro are fitted with 20 LED strips with 100 full-color LED beads, and they feature reactive lighting which synchronizes and dances with in-game sounds. The lights can easily keep up with high tempo music which is very impressive. Secondly, their sound profile is well-tuned and the speakers feature virtual surround sound which offers a truly immersive experience.

Both my partner and I love listening to our favorite games through these speakers. Whether it's our Yarnies taking soft steps in Unravel Two or our chefs chaotically trying to put out fires in Overcooked, the G2000 Pros make everything sound crisp and detailed. And watching the RGB lighting dancing along with the music is lovely — it's a sound and light show all in one!

Further reading: Edifier G2000 Pro review, and I’ve been testing these PS5 gaming speakers, and they offer outstanding sound and a mesmerizing light show

More from Tom's Guide

• I just tested these audiophile gaming earbuds — and they almost give my SteelSeries buds a run for their money
• I just tested the Edifier G2000 Pro speakers — and they make my PS5 games sound truly fantastic
• I gave the new Razer headset 5 stars — say hello to my dream gaming cans