State Champ Radio

by DJ Frosty

Current track

Title

Artist

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

12:00 am 12:00 pm

Current show
blank

State Champ Radio Mix

12:00 am 12:00 pm


games

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
 Assassin’s Creed Shadows is doing numbers, giving Ubisoft a much-needed win.
Take that haters. After plenty of rumbling and hoping Assassin’s Creed Shadows would be a massive flop for Ubisoft, the highly-anticipated next chapter in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is already a hit.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows reached 2 million players three days after its release. According to a post from Ubisoft, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows has now surpassed the launches of AC Origins and Odyssey.”

This milestone follows after Shadows reached 1 million players in the first 24 hours of its release, easily eclipsing AC Valhalla’s record. According to Ubisoft, Valhalla was the biggest launch on PC when it was launched in 2020.
We zap five years later, and Shadows seemingly smashed that record.

What also could have contributed to that record was that Shadows was launched on Steam from day one and immediately verified for Steam Deck use. It took two whole years for Valhalla after its original release to land on Steam.
Currently, Shadows’ all-time peak concurrent numbers on Steam are at 64,825, officially putting it past Odyssey’s 62,069 but easily blowing past  Origins (41,551) and Valhalla (15,679).
If Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues at this pace, it could become one of the biggest releases of the year. To put things in perspective, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which was a very well-reviewed title, took two weeks to hit the 2-million player mark; it only took days for Shadows to reach that goal.
Ubisoft Finally Gets A Win With Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Shadows’ performance is a much-needed win for Ubisoft, which has been reeling thanks to commercial flops like Star Wars Outlaws and Skull and Bones. This could be the shot in the arm the video game developer has been looking for.
It also showed that all the social discourse around Shadows, specifically about the game’s dual protagonist, Yasuke, the Black Samurai, and Naoe, the female shinobi assassin, didn’t matter in the end.
Hell, it might have even helped the game sell.
Who knows.
Well, we loved Shadows and wrote in our review of the game that “Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an exceptional entry into the franchise that brilliantly combines all of the good features from the games over the years and stuffed them into a game that doesn’t require you to play 100+ hours to complete. It’s so good that you want to spend as much time in its world as possible to uncover more of the story because it’s absolutely worth it.”

Congrats to the Ubisoft team for the successful launch. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft hopes to restore the Assassin’s Creed video game franchise to its former glory without disappointing purists who have been on board since day one while pleasing the newbies who picked up the sticks following AC’s pivot into an action-RPG format. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows, did Ubisoft Quebec accomplish its goal? Resoundingly, yes.

Assassin’s Creed is one of those video game franchises that I hold dear to my heart. I remember getting deeply entrenched in the battle between the Order of Assassins and the Templar Order when the first game arrived in 2007, putting us in the shoes of Altaïr.

Altaïr’s story was shortlived, passing the hidden blade to Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who carries the AC torch in what many say is the strongest trilogy in the video game franchise history, Assassin’s Creed II (2009), Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010) and Assassin’s Creed Revelations (2011).
Others would lead the franchise that has seen its games grow into massive undertakings following 2018’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which expanded on the action-RPG element first introduced in 2017’s Assassin’s Creed Origins. It was the first Assassin’s Creed game to allow players to choose between a male or female version of the game’s protagonist.
While fans initially welcomed the change, it quickly became an issue. Many gamers, including myself, felt the games became too bloated and action-oriented, burying what we adored about Assassin’s Creed, such as the stealth play and intense story.
With Shadows, creative director Jonathan Dumont and his team at Ubisoft Quebec aimed to deliver an experience where fans who enjoyed the different variations of AC games can now press start on an experience suited for them without sacrificing what made the franchise great.
A Gripping Narrative Experienced In Multiple Ways
Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The story in Assasin’s Creed started strong but has since become confusing for most, especially to those whose first AC experience started with Odyssey and on. Shadows took multiple steps, hoping to bring players up to speed with everything that has happened in the franchise inside and outside the Animus.
One step is the new Animus Hub, now a one-stop section for Assassin’s Creed, which will be featured in all games in the future. There, gamers can catch up on the other games via brief rundown, launch other AC games they own, access regularly released missions, exchange keys earned from completing projects, and archive collected data files.

Then there is Shadows story itself, which is told through the eyes of two characters: Naoe, a young shinobi, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai.
Source: Ubisoft / Ubisoft Quebec / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The game introduces you to Naoe, who quickly learns the way of the shinobi after a series of tragic events push her out into the open world of the late Sengoku period, where she will have to hone her assassin skills to complete her quest for revenge.
Source: Ubisoft / Ubisoft Quebec / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
You will eventually don the armor of Yasuke, the legendary African samurai who gains favor and freedom from his Portuguese slavers thanks to Lord Nobunaga.
Naoe and Yasuke’s stories are uniquely intertwined with Dumont and his team, crafting a narrative that will lead you down a gripping tale as you explore each of the protagonists’ personal mysteries. These mysteries are worth the time and effort to uncover and experience.
Choice is also important, as some decisions will impact particular outcomes. For example, Naoe forgives a target during one mission rather than killing them. Or you can even forge romantic relationships or gain allies with your choices. You can opt for “Canon mode,” which Ubisoft says is the definitive way to experience the game by removing the dialogue options.
No One Way To Play
Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows

What kind of AC player are you? If you enjoy sneaking in the high grass or stalking the shadows and rooftops to take out foes, this game is for you.
Or, do you enjoy just cutting your foes down with wreckless abandon and don’t give a damn about your foes calling in reinforcements because, hey, “they can get this smoke too!” Guess what? This game is also for you.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows blends two distinct playing styles with its two protagonists system.
With Naoe, players get the stealth action they have sorely missed, but with a shinobi twist. Naoe feels different from other assassins in previous titles based on how she moves around the world.
Source: Ubisoft / Ubisoft Quebec / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Her cool vaults and flips over obstacles, dashing across rooftops, tossing shurikens, use of smoke bombs, and other weapons and tools specific to ninjas give her a feel gamers have wanted for a long time and get thanks to the series finally shifting to Japan.
Yasuke is the exact opposite and is designed to give players that powerful tank that can cut down any foe that stands before them. While he can also use stealth elements, his power pushes you to run through doors literally and confidently take on several foes simultaneously because he is still skillful and, unlike Naoe, can take more damage.
Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The best part is you are also not locked into one character; you can switch at any time, and the story will remain the same. So you’re not punished for playing favorites in Shadows.

Other Welcomed Features
Source: Ubisoft / Ubisoft Quebec / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed is always best known for the living worlds that players roam in each game. That is taken to another level in Shadows, thanks to the changing seasons.
Japan changes dramatically during the seasons, which is reflected beautifully in Assasin’s Creed Shadows. This feature is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also affects gameplay.
For example, during the winter, bodies of water Naoe and Yasuke could normally swim in completely freeze; grassy areas to hide in are gone, but they return when spring or summer returns.
The changing seasons also affect particular missions, as specific targets will only appear during the summer.
The new objective board is also a welcomed addition to the game, giving players a more efficient way to track quests. As you progress through the game, explore the many different regions, circle zones featuring the faces of the significant characters you meet, and objectives you can complete.
Most of the objectives are optional, and if you opt not to partake in the side quests, which I am happy to say aren’t mindless fetch quests, you can probably complete the game’s main story in 30 hours or less.
Again, play how you want, but it will be hard not to be distracted and wander off the beaten path because, unlike in previous games, this is a living world worth exploring.
Base building is another welcomed addition to the game, allowing players to build a home where their allies and pets can hang out, plus add passive benefits like extra scouts that help you find objectives on the map and pick up resources you tag while out on missions.

Final Verdict
Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
When Dumont first announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows was being delayed to allow more time in the oven, people thought it would be bad news for the game.
It turns out that it was the best decision. With Shadows, Dumont and his team needed to deliver an Assassin’s Creed that is not just a bloated fetch quest, which is a story that no one will remember or care about by the time the credits roll; they needed to give players a game on par with the original and it’s subsequent sequels.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an exceptional entry into the franchise that brilliantly combines all of the good features from the games over the years and stuffed them into a game that doesn’t require you to play 100+ hours to complete. It’s so good that you want to spend as much time in its world as possible to uncover more of the story because it’s absolutely worth it.
Shadows’ story is engaging, and despite some instances of weak voice-over work, the performances are top-notch. The introduction of the two-protagonist system gives players two different ways to enjoy the game while delivering a narrative to give a damn about again.
I’m still embarking on my adventure in Shadows, but I’m 100% invested and can confidently say this is the best game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise since Brotherhood.
With Shadows, Assassin’s Creed is back. We just hope that this momentum continues.

*PS5 Review Key Provided By Ubisoft*

1. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

3. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

4. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

5. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

6. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

8. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

9. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

10. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

11. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

12. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

13. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

14. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

15. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

16. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

17. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

18. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

19. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Source:Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows assassin’s creed shadows

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Source: Razer / Razer Iskur V2 X
While stuck in the crib during the panorama, gaming chairs became one of the hottest furniture items as everyone and their momma became “content creators,” “gamers,” and “podcasters.” Razer, one of the few companies that has been producing high-quality gaming chairs, is offering one of its popular models, the Iskur V2 X, in a new color.

Look, we’re not going to hold you, but the biggest scam on the internet has to be gaming chairs. Ninety-five percent are overpriced, poorly designed, and don’t offer gamers the comfort to endure long gaming and streaming sessions.
Razer, the legendary consumer electronics company, has delivered one of the best gaming chairs on the market with its award-winning Iskur V2 X model. It is now offering a light gray color option.
Razer’s guaranteed high-quality doesn’t come cheap, the chair will cost you some coins, coming in at a reasonable $299
Here’s what you get when you hit the purchase button:

Core Ergonomics: Retains the integral lumbar support and high-density foam cushions from the Iskur V2, ensuring optimal posture and comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Adjustable Design: Features the 152-degree recline that gamers loved with the Iskur V2 and Enki Line, with adjustable 2D armrests, allowing for personalized comfort and support.
Breathable Materials: Upholstered with multi-layered fibers for enhanced breathability and cooling even during long hours of gaming.
Sleek Aesthetic: Available in a stylish light gray finish that complements any gamer’s space while providing superior comfort and support.

The new light gray color, available now, joins the other finishes, including Razer’s iconic black and green color, black leather ($350), and dark gray.
Visit Razer’s website to pick up the light gray Iskur V2 X model, which will take your gaming room or man cave to the next level.
Hit the gallery below for more photos.

1. Razer Iskur V2 X

Source:Razer Iskur V2 X
Razer Iskur V2 X razer,razer iskur v2 x

2. Razer Iskur V2 X

Source:Razer Iskur V2 X
Razer Iskur V2 X razer,razer iskur v2 x

3. Razer Iskur V2 X

Source:Razer Iskur V2 X
Razer Iskur V2 X razer,razer iskur v2 x

4. Razer Iskur V2 X

Source:Razer Iskur V2 X
Razer Iskur V2 X razer,razer iskur v2 x

5. Razer Iskur V2 X

Source:Razer Iskur V2 X
Razer Iskur V2 X razer,razer iskur v2 x

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Source: Konami / NeoBards Entertainment / Silent Hill ƒ
Silent Hill as a franchise has been in limbo for quite some time after Hideo Kojima’s Silent Hills was canceled by Konami in 2015. The survival horror franchise is enjoying new life thanks to the exceptional Silent Hill 2 remake and now we have our first look at Silent Hill ƒ.

Silent Hill ƒ marks the first new entry in the iconic survival horror franchise in quite some time. This entry is taking the scares and all of the horror out of the town of Silent Hill and transporting players to 1960s Japan for what Konami for an experience that Konami describes as an “eerie and haunting world where horror and psychological tension intertwine in an unforgettable narrative experience to find beauty in terror.”
Motoi Okamoto Assembled A Dream Team To Bring This Beautiful Nightmare To Gamers
Source: Konami / NeoBards Entertainment / Silent Hill f
Producer Motoi Okamoto is leading this project, which follows the highly successful Silent Hill 2 remake, which made our list of the best games of 2024. 
Okamoto aims to revitalize the franchise by reimagining Silent Hill, which is taking its beloved psychological horror to its first-ever Japanese setting. It brings with it all of the elements fans of the Silent Hill franchise have come to love, combining them with the distinctive aesthetic of Japanese folklore and fear. 
Okamoto works with acclaimed writer Ryukishi07, artist kera, and legendary composers Akira Yamaoka and Kensuke Inage to bring this new beautiful nightmare to consoles and PC.

The official synopsis for the game reads:
Find the beauty in terror in this new Japanese psychological horror. When Shimizu Hinako’s secluded town of Ebisugaoka is consumed by a sudden fog, her once-familiar home becomes a haunting nightmare.
As the town falls silent and the fog thickens, Hinako must navigate the twisted paths of Ebisugaoka, solving complex puzzles and confronting grotesque monsters to survive. Immerse yourself into Hinako’s world as imagined by renowned author Ryukishi07, with entrancing soundscapes by Akira Yamaoka and beautiful visuals in a gripping tale of doubt, regret, and inescapable choices.

Will Hinako embrace the beauty hidden within terror, or succumb to the madness that lies ahead? Discover a new chapter in the SILENT HILL series, blending psychological horror with a haunting Japanese setting.
Source: Konami / NeoBards Entertainment / Silent Hill ƒ
When Is Silent Hill ƒ Dropping?
There is no release date for Silent Hill ƒ, but you can wishlist the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles or on PC via Steam, Microsoft Store, and the Epic Games Store.
According to PlayStation Lifestyle, Silent Hill ƒ will be a PS5 Pro Enhanced title.
We look forward to working our nerves while playing this one, and other gamers feel the same excitement combined with dread.
You can see those reactions plus more screenshots in the gallery below.

1. Silent Hill f

Source:Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f konami,silent hill f,silent hill

2. Silent Hill f

Source:Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f konami,silent hill f,silent hill

3. Silent Hill f

Source:Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f konami,silent hill f,silent hill

4. Silent Hill f

Source:Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f konami,silent hill f,silent hill

5. Silent Hill f

Source:Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f konami,silent hill f,silent hill

6. Silent Hill f

Source:Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f konami,silent hill f,silent hill

7. Silent Hill f

Source:Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f konami,silent hill f,silent hill

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Source: Kojima Productions / Debra Wilson / Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Debra Wilson is a legend in the world of video games, and gamers are letting one user on X, formerly Twitter, know that after he complained about the actress’s appearance in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

When you speak of Debra Wilson in the video game space, make sure you respect her name. Wilson’s likeness and voice have been credited in roughly 111 games over the years, including the Star Wars Jedi franchise, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Diablo IV, and Avowed.
You can head here to check her entire resume.
Most recently, it was revealed during Hideo Kojima’s latest, and epic trailer for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach that Wilson would be in the game playing the role of “Doctor,” who has two right hands, in what is the most Kojima twist ever.

Following the reveal, while everyone was left excited for Kojima’s next video game magna opus, one person complained about Wilson being in the game.
One User On X Is Tired of Seeing Debra Wilson’s “Very Distinctive Face”
A user on the X who goes by the handle @Endymion shared a screenshot of Wilson from the trailer with the caption, “Oh my god enough of this woman being in everything man.”
He wasn’t done making an a** out of himself adding in a follow-up post, “And before anyone says anything else, she can act just fine I’m just tired of seeing her very distinctive face in everything.”
He continued, “Every time her face shows up in some game it’s a legit jump scare to me. And western devs will say, “it’s hard to translate a female actors face to a game”. And yet every fcking time this lady is in something every studio seems to get her likeness to a T. These mfers are gaslighting me bro I swear to god.”
Very interesting comments, especially the ones about Wilson’s looks.
Gamers Accuse The Debra Wilson Hater of Being Racist
Anyway, gamers formed like Voltron to take down the hater, making very salient points about actors/actresses who work in the video game industry and basically accusing him of racism for his comments about Wilson’s face.

“Very distinctive face.” Just fucking say it dude. It’s not like Elon will ban you for it anymore,” one user on X wrote in response to his post.
Another user on X wrote, “There’s no way you have an issue with Debra Wilson of all people. Why are you tired of seeing her face? What’s the real problem? I want a legit answer, none of that grifter bullshit you’re peddling either.”
Then there is the fact that Death Stranding 2: On The Beach also features Troy Baker, who happens to be in more games than Wilson. But @EndySimon wasn’t complaining about that. We wonder why he had nothing to say on that matter.
“Ten minute trailer and this dipshit finds the few seconds with a Black woman to complain about when Troy fucking Baker is ALSO in this trailer and he’s in WAY more games than Debra Are you starting to see the grift yet?,” another post on X read.
Debra Wilson will be protected at all costs.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Source: Kojima Productions / Debra Wilson / Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Debra Wilson is a legend in the world of video games, and gamers are letting one user on X, formerly Twitter, know that after he complained about the actress’s appearance in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

When you speak of Debra Wilson in the video game space, make sure you respect her name. Wilson’s likeness and voice have been credited in roughly 111 games over the years, including the Star Wars Jedi franchise, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Diablo IV, and Avowed.
You can head here to check her entire resume.
Most recently, it was revealed during Hideo Kojima’s latest, and epic trailer for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach that Wilson would be in the game playing the role of “Doctor,” who has two right hands, in what is the most Kojima twist ever.

Following the reveal, while everyone was left excited for Kojima’s next video game magna opus, one person complained about Wilson being in the game.
One User On X Is Tired of Seeing Debra Wilson’s “Very Distinctive Face”
A user on the X who goes by the handle @Endymion shared a screenshot of Wilson from the trailer with the caption, “Oh my god enough of this woman being in everything man.”
He wasn’t done making an a** out of himself adding in a follow-up post, “And before anyone says anything else, she can act just fine I’m just tired of seeing her very distinctive face in everything.”
He continued, “Every time her face shows up in some game it’s a legit jump scare to me. And western devs will say, “it’s hard to translate a female actors face to a game”. And yet every fcking time this lady is in something every studio seems to get her likeness to a T. These mfers are gaslighting me bro I swear to god.”
Very interesting comments, especially the ones about Wilson’s looks.
Gamers Accuse The Debra Wilson Hater of Being Racist
Anyway, gamers formed like Voltron to take down the hater, making very salient points about actors/actresses who work in the video game industry and basically accusing him of racism for his comments about Wilson’s face.

“Very distinctive face.” Just fucking say it dude. It’s not like Elon will ban you for it anymore,” one user on X wrote in response to his post.
Another user on X wrote, “There’s no way you have an issue with Debra Wilson of all people. Why are you tired of seeing her face? What’s the real problem? I want a legit answer, none of that grifter bullshit you’re peddling either.”
Then there is the fact that Death Stranding 2: On The Beach also features Troy Baker, who happens to be in more games than Wilson. But @EndySimon wasn’t complaining about that. We wonder why he had nothing to say on that matter.
“Ten minute trailer and this dipshit finds the few seconds with a Black woman to complain about when Troy fucking Baker is ALSO in this trailer and he’s in WAY more games than Debra Are you starting to see the grift yet?,” another post on X read.
Debra Wilson will be protected at all costs.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.

HipHopWired Featured Video

Source: Tomohiro Ohsumi / Getty / Xbox
Even though Xbox is not doing so well in the console market this generation, don’t count out the Microsoft gaming division just yet, they still have something to offer.

Windows Central’s Jez Cordon exclusively reports that Microsoft plans to launch the next-gen Xbox console in 2027 and an Xbox-branded handheld sometime in 2025.

According to the website, a partner PC gaming handheld codenamed Keenan is currently in the works for late 2025 while a next-gen successor for the Xbox Series X and S consoles is two years away.
IGN reports that Microsoft has yet to comment on the report, but company executives have been dropping breadcrumbs about Xbox’s plans in numerous interviews.
Per IGN:
Microsoft is yet to comment on the report, however its gaming executives have spoken publicly about both devices in vague terms across various interviews. In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ told The Verge that the company plans to combine Xbox and Windows experiences together for PC gaming handhelds made by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), otherwise known as third-party hardware manufacturers. Existing PC gaming OEMs include Asus, Lenovo, and Razer. Keenan does not relate to a first-party Xbox handheld, which Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer recently indicated is years away.
As for the next-gen Xbox, Windows Central said it is fully greenlit by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The console is reportedly a premium successor to the Xbox Series X, and this console, alongside a first-party Xbox gaming handheld and new controllers, are set to round out Microsoft’s console offering in 2027. The suggestion, then, is Microsoft does not plan to release a direct next-gen successor to the less powerful Xbox Series S. Perhaps Microsoft expects its handheld to occupy the cheaper, less powerful console space. 
According to Windows Central, the next Xbox will be more like a PC and will support third-party storefronts like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG. Backwards compatibility, a popular feature, will also return.
We are curious to see this handheld. There is also that other console that leaked, Brooklin, which is still up in the air, with some wondering if Microsoft canceled it.
Only time will tell regarding what the gaming company has up its sleeve as it concedes this gaming generation, and looks forward to the future.

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Source: Kojima Productions / Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Legendary video game designer Hideo Kojima has been teasing us that he was in the lab working on something, we had no idea it was an epic trailer for his next magnum opus, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

Kojima dropped the trailer for DS2 during a panel at SXSW 2025 in Austin, TX while also giving us the one bit of information we have been waiting to hear for a long time, the game’s release date.
Mark your calendars, PlayStation 5 owners. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach will be released exclusively on the console on June 26, 2025. Those who get their hands on the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector’s Edition get early access to the game beginning June 24.
The 10-minute trailer gives fans a D E E P look at the upcoming game thanks to the numerous cinematics and gameplay clips, including a character and some other elements that give off Metal Gear Solid vibes.
Solid Snake’s Influence Appears In Death Stranding 2
The character in question, pictured above, is Neil, played by Italian actor Luca Marinelli. In one scene featured in what can be considered one of the greatest video game trailers ever, Neil can be seen putting on a bandana like Solid Snake does in the Metal Gear franchise before leading a group of interesting and creepy-looking soldiers.
Marienelli’s resemblance to the goat Snake and his appearance in DS2 shouldn’t shock anyone who follows Kojima. The video game designer and cinephile praised the actor in a 2020 Instagram post noting that if the actor wore a bandana he would be the “spitting image” of Solid Snake.

Eagle-eyed gamers also noticed another possible call back to MGS with the introduction of Magellan Man. This giant tar-like creature fuses with the DHV Magellan and resembles the bi-pedal tank from Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Rex.
In the trailer Magellan Man is piloted like the mechs in the Pacific Rim films and is used to take on other creepy giant tar-like creatures.
The game’s plot continues from 2019’s Death Stranding, in which 19 million players took on the mission to connect the United States following the cataclysmic event that rocked the country.

The synopsis for the game reads:
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam — with companions by his side — sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.

The standard edition of Death Stranding 2 will cost $69.99. The Collector’s Edition is a hefty $229.99, and the Digital Deluxe Edition is $79.99. Pre-orders begin on March 17.

We can’t wait to pick up the sticks for this one. Until then, you can see more reactions to Death Stranding 2: On The Beach’s new trailer below.

HipHopWired Featured Video

Source: Sony / PlayStation 5
If you’re still looking to join the PlayStation 5 hype train but are on a budget, don’t worry—Sony has you covered.
For gamers across the pond, PlayStation Direct is now allowing you to lease a PlayStation 5 console and other accessories for a monthly fee.

You can now lease a PS5 Pro for £26.99 a month if you select a 12-month term. Other leasing options for the relatively recently released upgraded PS5 console are a 24-month lease at £20.99 a month or a 36-month lease at £18.95 a month.

The contracts are fixed-term, but you can take advantage of a monthly rolling option, which costs £35.59 and can be cancelled anytime.
If you want a PS5 Slim, you must pay £11.99 monthly for a 36-month lease. The total cost is £431.64, slightly below the asking price of £479.99 for the console.
Keep in mind that you will not be able to keep the console at the end of your contract’s term and will have to return the unit, continue paying the rental fee, or, if you really want the console, speak with them directly about purchasing it.
You Can Also Rent These PlayStation Accessories
Consoles are not the only things you can lease. You can also rent a PS Portal for just £6.49, allowing you to test the device before you pay for it. Did you want to try the expensive DualSense Edge controller? You can lease one of those too for. £7.49 a month.
Of course there are some stipulations. All rentals will be made through a third-party tech rental service, Raylo, and will require a soft credit check, so your credit must be up to par to take advantage of the leasing deals.
No word if this program will ever reach the United States, but for those in the UK, this sounds like a sweet deal.
This latest news comes on the heels of Sony dropping the price of the PSVR 2.