gaming
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Before Nintendo, there was Atari. Although Nintendo is the king of home consoles with the NES, SNES and Nintendo Switch, Atari was one of the first to breakthrough with the Atari 2600. And now, the Atari 2600 is back … in Lego form.
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On sale for $191.99 (regularly $239.99) at Walmart, Lego Icons Atari 2600 is a 2,532-piece Lego set that’s designed to resemble the legendary Atari 2600 from the late ’70s and early ’80s.
And since it’s from Walmart, you’ll get it shipped to you for free if you’re a Walmart+ member.
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Not a member? You can sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of everything the retailer’s rewards program has to offer, including free delivery; fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart or Murphy gas stations; streaming access to Paramount+ to watch hit originals such as Halo, Fatal Attraction and Star Trek: Lower Decks; early deals access and much more. Learn more about Walmart+ here.
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Lego Icons Atari 2600
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Also available at Lego and Kohl’s, the Lego Icons Atari 2600 features a hidden ’80s gaming scene inside — with classic TV, boom box, posters on the wall, retro phone and roller skates with a Lego mini-figure playing an even smaller version of the old school Atari console — when completed.
Meanwhile, the Lego set includes Atari’s iconic joystick controller, three buildable cartridges for classic games — such as Asteroids, Adventure and Centipede — and a mini-shelf for game storage. The cartridges can even be re-built into scenes from the games themselves.
The Lego Icons Atari 2600 is on sale for $191.99 (regularly $239.99) at Walmart and Lego. It’s on sale even cheaper for $167.99, a 30% savings, at Kohl’s, but it’s currently out of stock. However, the Lego set is also available for $180 at StockX.
Inventory and availability may vary at Kohl’s and StockX, so we recommend going with Walmart or Lego.com instead. This is to guarantee the Lego set is in stock and to receive free shipping.
Want more deals? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
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Source: Hangar 13 / 2K / TopSpin 2K25
2K continues to build its sports video game library. The video game publishing company is looking for an ace with TopSpin 2K25.
It’s been several years, 13 years to be exact, since Hangar 13 released 2011’s TopSpin 4 on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii consoles.
Flash forward to 2024, and 2K is resurrecting the franchise and adding its signature flare to the famed tennis video game franchise with TopSpin 2K25.
I had the opportunity to get hands-on with TopSpin 2K25 while visiting Palm Springs, which also happens to be the home of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
I didn’t know what to expect, especially since I had never played a TopSpin game. My only video game tennis experience came from SEGA’s Virtua Tennis on the Dreamcast in 2000.
Yeah, I know, don’t judge me.
After my 2 hour experience, I walked away with plenty of thoughts.
The 2K Presentation Is Very Present
Source: Hangar 13 / 2K / TopSpin 2K25
Hangar 13 linking up 2K is very evident the moment you look at this game. It screams 2K’s touch thanks to the on-point presentation, beautiful arenas, and, of course, gorgeous and damn near life-like player models.
We saw several arenas during our demo, including Indian Wells and Arthur Ashe Stadium. As expected with any 2K Sports game, the attention to detail is on point.
Hangar 13 fully utilizes next-generation consoles and PCs to bring the arenas, crowds, and players to life while delivering authentic tennis action in video game form.
You will notice everything from how the players move on the different court surfaces to their grunts when hitting the ball, the crowd reactions, and even their signature celebrations.
TopSpin 2K25 isn’t as visually impressive as the NBA 2K series, but in its simplicity, there is still something to marvel at, and it still has that signature touch we expect from a 2K Sports game.
TopSpin 2K25 Is Fun & Challenging
Source: Hangar 13 / 2K / TopSpin 2K25
During the preview, of course, before I hopped on the court with any of the pros, I went to school to learn the ABCs of the game with the legend John McEnroe serving as my instructor.
Once I was done with training, I started with a singles match; of course, I picked Serena Williams and faced off against Steffi Graf.
From the onset of the match, I was getting my ass handed to me, quickly going down two sets. This was on the normal difficulty. But once I got into a flow, I did mount an incredible comeback, something Serena would do in real life, and it was pretty rewarding to walk away with the victory after it looked like the computer had my number.
For my next match, I decided to bump the difficulty up to the hard setting, this time running with Coco Gauff and facing Serena Williams, and it wasn’t close.
On hard, you almost have to be a picture of perfection, making sure every return hits the green on the NBA 2K-like shot meter that tells you if your swing is either bad, good, or perfect.
It’s not disheartening on the harder difficulties. Instead, it makes you want to step your game up.
I also played a doubles match, and those matches are very challenging and much harder to win, being that you’re playing with a controlled teammate. It was fun to see the small volley back and forth that took place at the net while also being sure to stay vigilant because the ball can come your way.
I didn’t win the two doubles matches I tried, and I would have gone for a third, but my time ran out. I definitely wanted to run it back to get a W because it was so much fun.
The Controls Are Buttery Smooth
Source: Hangar 13 / 2K / TopSpin 2K25
As far as controls, TopSpin 2K25 looks as good as it feels. I’ll even go as far as to say the game feels more responsive than the latest NBA 2K video game.
You never feel like you don’t fully control your player. Navigating the court, running toward the ball, and returning shots all feel buttery smooth.
The real question is, how does that feel when you play the game online? NBA 2K can be a miserable experience when lag is introduced. I imagine the same can be said if you’re playing in a TopSpin match and your opponent’s connection is causing some severe lag, leading to annoying input delays.
But we’ll have to wait until the game drops to get that question answered.
Game, Set, Match?
Source: Hangar 13 / 2K / Top Spin 2K25
Based on the small sample size I experienced, TopSpin 2K25 looks like it’s back and better than ever. It seems to be checking all the boxes for what a next-gen tennis video game should look and feel like.
During our preview, we saw a signature MyPLAYER feature and a mode allowing you to take your amateur to tennis greatness and become a Grand Slam champion in the MyCAREER mode.
For those who would rather play the game with established tennis greats, TopSpin 2K25 boasts an impressive roster featuring tennis legends like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Steffi Graf, and Andre Agassi.
You can also play as current stars like Francis Tiafoe, Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek, and others. Hangar 13 boasts a roster of 24 superstars available.
TopSpin 2K25 features four editions of the game: Standard Edition, Standard Cross-Gen Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Grand Slam Edition.
Source: Hangar 13 / 2K / Top Spin 2K25
The Standard Edition and Standard Cross-Gen Edition launch Friday, April 26, 2024; Deluxe and Grand Slam Edition owners get three days of early access.
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Source: Xbox / Xbox Partner Preview
Yes, we know the Xbox community is still trying to get it all together, but this latest Xbox Partner Preview should give them hope that their Xbox Series X and Series S consoles are not just expensive paperweights.
On Wednesday, March 6, the 30-minute Xbox Partner Preview showcase was all about games. It highlighted many games coming to the Xbox Series X, Windows PC, and Game Pass this year and much later.
Xbox owners and Game Pass subscribers saw game trailers for titles such as Final Fantasy 14 Online, which is finally making its way to Xbox consoles after living exclusively on PC and PlayStation consoles.
Other announcements came from Capcom, 11 Bit Studios, which had a strong presence during the presentation, EA Originals, and many more.
A few standouts to use were The Alters from 11 Bit Studios, which finally shows us what Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of The Goddess is all about, and the upcoming Metroidvania-style game Tales of Kenzera: Zau, which is giving us the purest of Black Panther vibes despite not even being a Marvel game.
So if you missed it, hit the gallery below for all of the announcements.
1. Unknown 9: Awakening – Announcement Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Are you ready to believe in the Unknown? Become Haroona, embrace your powers, and embark on a quest for the truth. Unknown 9: Awakening comes out this summer on Xbox.
2. Sleight of Hand – Announce Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Infiltrate the hardboiled, rain-slicked city of Taboo, where ritual magic and cursed artifacts set apart those with power from those without. Sleight of Hand is a 3rd-person Stealth-Action Deckbuilder about taking down the coven you used to run with.
3. The Alters – Gameplay Reveal Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
See The Alters gameplay explained! Explore an emotional sci-fi game that features a unique blend of adventure, survival, and base-building elements. Play as Jan Dolski, a simple worker who creates alternative versions of himself in a desperate attempt to escape from a planet where even sun rays can prove deadly.
4. Creatures of Ava – Reveal Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Let your empathy guide you as you play an exciting action-adventure, creature saver game. Understand and tame the creatures of Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection.
5. Now on Roblox: Chucky’s on the loose! | Xbox Partner Preview
The world of horror meets gaming in GRIEFVILLE, where a new era of nightmares begins with the addition of Chucky, the iconic doll himself.
6. The Sinking City 2 – Announce Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
We are excited to officially unveil The Sinking City 2, a Lovecraftian survival horror set in an otherworldly rendition of Arkham in the 1920s United States. Coming to Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
7. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Launch Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Play the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy on Xbox today!
8. Monster Jam Showdown – Announcement Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Fire up your engines and get ready to take part in the most groundbreaking game of the year! #MonsterJamShowdown is coming in 2024!
9. Persona 3 Reload: Expansion Pass | Xbox Partner Preview
She once made a choice to live.
Now, she’ll need to find the answer.
The final chapter of Persona 3 Reload, Episode Aigis – The Answer – arrives in September 2024!
Purchase the Expansion Pass on March 12th to unlock the first wave of DLC. Available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC.
10. The First Berserker: Khazan – Gameplay Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore Action-RPG based on the Dungeon & Fighter franchise, an ongoing franchise of 18 years with more than 850 Million users worldwide.
Khazan, the Great General of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death, and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies.
The First Berserker: Khazan awaits you with hardcore stylish action with a unique mashup of reality and anime-inspired graphics!
11. Tales of Kenzera: Zau – Gameplay Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Brave the beautiful & treacherous lands of Kenzera with the God of Death in Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU, and reclaim your father’s spirit.
12. Frostpunk 2 – Date Reveal + Preorder Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Frostpunk 2 is coming to PC on July 25th! Pre-order now on the Microsoft Store and get a one-week access to the Beta in April. https://www.xbox.com/games/store/p/9P…
Frostpunk 2 is a city-survival game set 30 years after an apocalyptic blizzard ravaged Earth, transforming our world into a harsh, icy wasteland. In the game you must face a new deadly threat that appears on the horizon – human nature and its unsatiated thirst for power.
13. FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – A Life-changing Story Awaits | Xbox Partner Preview
A life-changing story awaits in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online!
Play the Open Beta now and get ready for the full release on March 21, 2024.
The Starter Edition will be available through Game Pass Ultimate Perks! Claim between March 21 and April 19, 2024.
14. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess – Gameplay Trailer “Kagura” | Xbox Partner Preview
A new tale of the Kami awaits…
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be released in 2024 on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows.
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Source: Xbox / Spongebob Xbox Series X
Xbox is back with another collaboration, and you don’t have to enter a contest to get your hands on this special edition of the Xbox Series X.
Contrary to what many Xbox fans thought, the Microsoft-owned company is still pumping out consoles. Following the release of the first-ever Dune: Part Two-inspired floating controller paired with the Xbox Series S console, Xbox is teaming up with Nickelodeon for a collaboration that should have happened long ago.
Partnering with Best Buy Drops via the Best Buy mobile app, Xbox, Paramount Game Studios, and GameMill are coming together for the Xbox Series X – Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Bundle, and yes you can buy it.
The bundle includes a custom-designed Xbox Series X console inspired by the cartoon icon SpongeBob SquarePants, rocking his signature smile and ecstatic arms while rocking his Krusty Krab uniform.
The controller that comes in the bundle features a montage of all of your favorite Spongebob characters, including Patrick Star, Mr. Krabs, Spongebob’s loyal pet Gary, Squidward, and the diabolical Plankton.
Oh, and there will also be a digital download of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 in the box.
Unfortunately, the bundle will be limited, but you don’t have to enter a contest to get your hands on it. It will cost $699 and will be available at 8 am PST on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Still, this is a good sign that Xbox is hearing our cries and is finally selling these limited consoles.
So, if you’re going to make a valiant attempt at getting your hands on the Spongebob Xbox Series X, we wish you luck.
Hit the gallery below for more photos.
1. Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle
Source:Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle
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2. Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle
Source:Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle
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3. Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle
Source:Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle
Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle xbox,spongebob squarepants,xbox series x,nickelodeon all-star brawl 2
4. Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle
Source:Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle
Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle xbox,spongebob squarepants,xbox series x,nickelodeon all-star brawl 2
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Nearly four years after the first remaster, Square Enix Creative and Sony Interactive Entertainment have released the second installment in the new remake trilogy with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for the PlayStation 5.
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Out now with a retail price of $69.99 at Amazon, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has enhanced 4K graphics and audio for PS5, while keeping the nearly same gameplay, story and combat from the original game — which was first released in January 1997 for PS1.
And if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can order now and get your game delivered to your home in less than two days thanks to Prime Delivery.
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Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video and Prime Gaming; fast free shipping in less than two days; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market, access to exclusive shopping events — such as Prime Day and Black Friday — and more.
In addition, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for PS5 is available at Walmart, Best Buy and Target.
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‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’
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Meanwhile, the Amazon exclusive release comes with a new limited-edition controller skin that features the characters Cloud and Sephiroth. It also comes with the Midgar Bangle Mk. II Armor, a bracelet worn by travelers leaving the fictional city of Midgar, already unlocked in the game.
As for story, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second installment of the remake trilogy of the seminal role-playing action game, Final Fantasy VII. It takes place on the planet Gaia and follows the character Cloud Strife, a former-first class soldier who tries to overthrow the tyranny of the Shinra Electric Power Company, an evil organization that controls the megalopolis of Midgar.
If you’d like to experience Final Fantasy VII Remake for PS5, the first entry in the remake trilogy, Amazon also has the game available. It’s priced at $39.97 from the retail giant.
Priced at $69.99 at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is out now for PS5. In the meantime, watch the trailer for the remake, below:
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Want more deals? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
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Source: NurPhoto / Getty / PlayStation
You can add PlayStation to the still-growing list of companies in the gaming industry laying off workers.
While gamers will tell you the last three years in gaming have been phenomenal, thanks mainly to high-quality video games, the previous two years have not been great for people making them.
Heading into 2024, many hoped the video game layoffs would cool following 2023, but that’s not the case, and it seems this year is on pace to make 2023 blush.
PlayStation is laying off 900 Sony Interactive Entertainment employees, or 8% of PlayStation’s global workforce, a memo from outgoing PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan revealed.
The cuts will affect employees across the Americas, EMEA, Japan, and APAC regions and will see several studios shut down, including PlayStation’s London Studio.
“These are incredibly talented people who have been part of our success, and we are very grateful for their contributions,” Ryan said in the memo, shared by Variety. “However, the industry has changed immensely, and we need to future ready ourselves to set the business up for what lies ahead. We need to deliver on expectations from developers and gamers and continue to propel future technology in gaming, so we took a step back to ensure we are set up to continue bringing the best gaming experiences to the community.”
Social Media Reacts
As expected, social media is not feeling the news and is pointing to the massive game sales from the likes of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. However, the studio behind the game, Insomniac Games, is still experiencing layoffs.
One user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote, “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is PlayStation’s fastest-selling first-party game ever, and just crossed 10 million copies sold earlier this month…and yet, Insomniac Games is going through layoffs. This industry is not okay.”
Isabel Foley, the now former associate art manager for the now-shuttered London Studio, expressed her sadness after being a victim of the layoffs while putting out feelers in hopes of landing a new job.
“I have nothing to say. I’m in tears. I am looking for a new job I guess so please reach out. I’m numb and once settled I may have more to say.”
Foley continued, “I am really grateful for all your well wishes already, I will get back to you but my god this is fresh. I am looking for roles in external development/ art management and production. Thank you all. Me and LS will get through this.”
Damn.
Head here to read the “difficult news” about Sony’s workforce.
You can see more reactions to the horrible news in the gallery below.
1. So terrible
3. Some context
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Source: Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox / Grounded / Nintendo Direct
The video game world, specifically the Xbox community, was in shambles after leaks about the company’s shift in business direction hit the timeline. Nintendo confirmed the first two games that were Xbox exclusives coming to the Nintendo Switch platform.
While many were still sleeping, a Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase focused on games from studios not under the Nintendo umbrella and finally confirmed Xbox’s worst-kept secret.
Obsidian Entertainment’s narrative adventure game Pentiment will be coming to the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4 and PS5 on February 22.
Also coming from Obsidian Entertainment is the co-op survival adventure game that takes its cues from the film Honey I Shrunk The Kids is Grounded.
Since its launch on the Xbox consoles and PC, there have been over 20 million players, and that base will likely expand when Grounded launches on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles on April 16 and will feature crossplay.
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There were plenty of other announcements from the Nintendo Direct as well.
Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection is also coming back, allowing fans of the franchise to play modernized versions of 2004’s Star Wars Battlefront and the 2005 sequel Star Wars Battlefront II both online and offline.
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Another game shown during the direct was Contra: Operation Gulaga, a complete reimaging of the 80s classic Nintendo game featuring co-op gameplay, arriving on the Nintendo Switch console on March 12.
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But wait, there’s more. You can see the other announcements, including Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, World of Goo 2, Penny’s Big Breakaway 2, and more, in the gallery below.
1. Suika Game – Multiplayer Mode
A new Multi-Player mode has been added to Suika Game! You can enjoy it right now with your nearby loved ones on Nintendo Switch!
2. Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!
The Pocket Card Jockey so well-received on Nintendo 3DS has galloped its way onto Nintendo Switch, and it’s more fun than ever! Easy to learn, but filled with surprising depth, you’ll put together the best hands you can to help your horses take home the gold!
Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! is available now on Nintendo Switch.
3. Pepper Grinder
Pepper Grinder, an action-packed drill-bit digventure from independent developer Ahr Ech and Devolver Digital, is coming to Nintendo Switch March 28. Play the free demo now!
Evoking classic platformers, Pepper – a seafaring soul with a passion for prospecting – must spin up her trusty sidearm to reclaim what nefarious Narlings stole. Armed with Grinder, Pepper burrows through terrain & water, controls machines, and pulverises all enemies blocking the way towards recovering her missing fortune – with interest!
4. Another Crab’s Treasure
Another Crab’s Treasure is a soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world plagued by a mysterious curse. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to defend yourself from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell, and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.
This crabby soulslike washes ashore April 25.
5. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Join Mickey Mouse on his magical quest and get ready to wield the power of paint and thinner once again.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is coming to Nintendo Switch later this year!
6. Another Crab’s Treasure
Another Crab’s Treasure is a soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world plagued by a mysterious curse. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to defend yourself from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell, and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.
This crabby soulslike washes ashore April 25.
7. SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY!
Hey, New Kid! Grab up to three friends, in this four-player co-op, and battle your way through the snow-piled town of South Park to celebrate the most magical day in any young child’s life – a snow day!
Equip and upgrade devastating melee and ranged weapons. Deploy special abilities and powers that will bring hordes of enemies and epic bosses to their knees.
SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! is coming to Nintendo Switch March 26.
8. Penny’s Big Breakaway
Ready, Set YO! – Join Penny & Yo-Yo for a kinetic 3D-platformer adventure like no other! Get ready to take the stage in Penny’s Big Breakaway!
Showcase your catalog of tricks in this easy-to-play, difficult-to-master 3-D platforming game.
Penny’s Big Breakaway is available now on Nintendo Switch!
9. World of Goo 2 – Trailer #1
World of Goo 2 is arriving for Nintendo Switch in 2024!
Now with more Goo! Use living liquid creatures to build bridges, grow towers, terraform terrain, and more in a beautiful, dangerous, and evolving world when World of Goo 2 arrives 5/23.
10. NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64 – February 2024 Game Updates
Five more classic games from Rare – including Killer Instinct and Blast Corps – are now available through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack!
11. Endless Ocean Luminous – Announcement Trailer
Descend into an underwater world to explore and discover in Endless Ocean Luminous, arriving only on Nintendo Switch May 2nd.
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Source: Sony / PlayStation 5 / PS5 Pro
Xbox Series S and X won’t be the only consoles possibly getting a refresh this year; the PS5 Pro could also arrive in 2024.
Analysts are telling CNBC that Sony will likely drop a console refresh this year after cutting the forecast for the flagship PS5 console.
The website claims the PS5 Pro could help boost interest in the console while also offering gamers a more powerful console before the arrival of Grand Theft Auto VI in 2025, which we all know will push consoles to the limit.
Per CNBC:
First released in November 2020, Sony’s PlayStation 5 is now more than 3 years old. The Japanese gaming giant cut its forecast last week for PS5 sales for the fiscal year ending in March from 25 million units to 21 million units. An executive said last week during the company’s earnings call that Sony is expecting a “gradual decline” in unit sales from the next fiscal year.
When this has happened in past console cycles, gaming firms have looked to bring out a refreshed piece of hardware to reinviograte sales. For example, Sony launched a “Pro” version of the PlayStation 4, the previous generation console, around three years after the PS4 was initially launched.
Analysts are now expecting a PlayStation 5 Pro from Sony.
Speaking with CNBC, Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based games consultancy Kantan Games said, “There seems to be a broad consensus in the game industry that Sony is indeed preparing a launch of a PS5 Pro in the second half of 2024. And Sony will want to make sure to have a great piece of hardware ready when GTA VI hits in 2025, a launch that will be a shot in the arm for the entire gaming industry.”
Other Console Refreshes Coming Soon
We shall see. Sony recently dropped PS5 Slim with some slightly improved specs, Nintendo’s Switch 2 is reportedly coming next year, and we could see a new Xbox Series X, code-named Brooklin, arriving sometime this year as well.
As always, HHW Gaming will keep you posted with any new developments.
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Source: Emanuele Cremaschi / Getty / Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo fans will reportedly have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on a Nintendo Switch 2.
The video game streets were talking after word got out that Nintendo showed a bunch of lucky game developers at Gamescom last year the Nintendo Switch 2, fueling the fire that the follow-up to the Nintendo Switch is coming in 2024.
Welp, unfortunately, according to sources close to the matter speaking with VGC, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be dropping in Q1 2025.
A Brazilian journalist also said the same in a video, plus “similar whispers” from sources speaking with Eurogamer also claim the Nintendo Switch 2 is coming in 2025.
If the reports are accurate, the next Switch console could launch around the same time as its predecessor did in March 2017.
Two sources confirmed to VGC that they were developing two titles for the Nintendo Switch 2: Switch Pro or whatever name it will go by when Nintendo finally unveils it.
The Verge reports the later date could allow developers to get launch titles like Metroid Prime 4 ready. That game was first announced in 2017, and its development was restarted in 2019.
It’s been five years since we heard anything about Metroid Prime 4, but according to Polygon, Nintendo could have decided to hold the game for the console’s launch.
In Other Nintendo News
This latest news comes after reports indicated that the new Switch will not have an OLED screen, which is honestly a bummer, but understandable to keep the price down, and it will still use physical cartridges.
In other Nintendo news, a Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase is going down on Wednesday, Feb 21, focusing on games coming to the Nintendo Switch from the company’s publishing and development partners.
We will report on any big news that comes from it.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
At the end of 2023, Sony released a newly designed PlayStation 5 Slim, a handheld PlayStation 5 Portal remote player, an accessibility controller kit and a pair of true wireless earbuds to round out the PlayStation experience for gamers. For 2024, the tech and entertainment company just released a new accessory that brings games to life with precision and immersive audio.
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Priced at $149.99 at Walmart, the Sony Pulse Elite is a new true wireless gaming headset that’s specifically designed for the PS5 and PS Portal. In fact, it even connects to two devices at the same time.
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And since it’s from Walmart, you’ll get it shipped to you for free if you’re a Walmart+ member.
Not a member? You can sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of everything the retailer’s rewards program has to offer, including free delivery; fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart or Murphy gas stations; streaming access to Paramount+ to watch hit originals such as Halo, Fatal Attraction and Star Trek: Lower Decks; early deals access and much more. Learn more about Walmart+ here.
Sony
Sony PS Pulse Elite Wireless Gaming Headset
Also available at Amazon, Best Buy and Target, this accessory delivers excellent gaming audio that’s clear, rich and completely immersive with deep and rumbling bass. It comes with a USB “PS Link” dongle that connects directly into the back of the PS5 to give you a low-latency wireless audio connection with virtually zero lag. It even has a long battery life of up to 30 hours per charge.
Meanwhile, the wireless gaming headset has a clever hidden microphone design, which slides out of the left earcup to let gamers chat with teammates and opponents online. In addition to the PS5, it’s Bluetooth-enabled with Mac and PC, as well as Apple iPhone and Android mobile devices.
The Sony PS5 Pulse Elite Wireless Gaming Headset comes out on Wednesday, Feb. 21. It’s available for $149.99 at Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Target and PlayStation Direct. (You can also find them on resale sites such as StockX.)
In the meantime, watch Sony’s innovation video for the gaming headset, below.
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Want more deals? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.