gaming

HHW Gaming: Sony Unveils New Gaming-Focused InZone Buds

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Sony InZone Buds

Source: Sony / InZone Buds

Not to be outdone by its own new PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds, Sony has unveiled a pair of new Inzone Buds geared explicitly towards gamers.

Sony Electronics is dropping a pair of $199 InZone Gaming Buds, the company’s first pair of gaming-focused wireless earbuds.

When the Inzone Buds arrive (available for pre-order today), Sony promises to deliver exceptional battery life (up to 12 hours of use) and audio at the lowest latency possible.

While not specifically made for the PlayStation 5 console, the InZone Buds will pair with your PS5, the new “PS5 Slim,” PCs, and mobile devices.

Most users will connect using the provided dongle that Sony boasts will cut latency to below 30 milliseconds. For users with the latest Android smartphone, you can use Bluetooth LE Audio.

Sony InZone Buds

Source: Sony / InZone Buds

360 Spatial Audio is also an option in the new InZone Buds. The Verge reports setting that all up will require a series of steps that have to be taken.

Per The Verge:

Sound Field Optimization creates a personalized hearing profile by taking photos of the user’s ears using the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer smartphone app. The InZone Buds go one step further through the Sound Tone Personalization feature, individualized to the ear canal by playing test sounds from the driver units and using feedback microphones to measure how the sound fills the ear canal. Based on the acoustic analysis, the sound is then uploaded onto the InZone Hub PC software, where further personalization can be done to curate a truly personalized spatial listening experience with unparalleled spatial sound precision.

The Fit

As far as comfort, Sony claims the InZone Buds are designed to provide the wearer with a comfortable fit over extending gaming sessions.

The company achieves this goal by designing the buds to reduce the pressure on the wearer’s ears while using them. There are four sets of silicone ear tips, including an extra small sizing because no ear is the same.

Sony InZone Buds

Source: Sony / InZone Buds

Can The InZone Buds Be Used For Music & Movies

The Verge reports the InZone Buds that you can use them InZone Buds for other forms of entertainment, but Sony says it has designed them to improve your gaming experience.

Active noise-cancellation is also available to completely immerse you in whatever you may be doing while using the InZone Buds.

The InZone Buds are now available for pre-order and will ship sometime in November.

For more photos, hit the gallery below.

Photo: Sony / InZone Buds

1. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

2. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

3. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

4. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

5. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

6. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

7. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

8. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

9. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

10. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

11. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

12. Sony InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds

Source:InZone Buds

Sony InZone Buds sony,inzone buds

HHW Gaming: Sony’s New “PS5 Slim” Design Features A Removable Hard Drive, X Users React

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

PS5 Slim With Detachable Hard Drive Confirmed, Gamers React

Source: Sony / PlayStation 5 / PS5 Slim

The rumors of Sony dropping a new PS5 model were true, but it’s not the “Pro Model” everyone was anticipating.

On Tuesday, October 10, Sony hit everyone with a big surprise when it unveiled a new, slimmer PS5 model. The new model dubbed the “PS5 Slim,” is slightly smaller and shorter than the original PlayStation 5 disc and all-digital model.

What’s New?

The new PS5 Slim is not only changing esthetically but will also have some improvements. It will also come with a much-needed 1TB of internal storage, and for owners of the new slim all-digital model, a detachable Ultra HD Blu-Ray drive will be available.

The new PlayStation 5 console boasts a significant overall reduction in volume of more than 30 percent and an up to 24 percent reduction in weight, depending on what console you purchase.

There is now a significant bulge on the side where the disc drive is that Sony says you can replace with a side panel if you’re not feeling the look.

New PS5 Model

Source: Sony / PlayStation 5

“There are four separate cover panels, with the top portion in a glossy look, while the bottom remains in matte,” Sid Shuman, senior director of SIE content communications, notes while speaking on the new console’s design in a blog post. 

For those who purchase the PS5 Digital Edition, you can buy the Blu-ray disc drive later for $79.99. There are now visible slits on the console, giving it a much more sleeker look.

Gone is the single USB-C and USB-A ports. Instead, dual USB-C ports will be on the front of the console.

New PS5 Model

Source: Sony / PlayStation 5

Unlike the previous model, the new PlayStation 5 model will have a new horizontal stand. You have to dish out $29.99 separately if you want a vertical one.

New PS5 Model

Source: Sony / PlayStation 5

Price & Release Date

New PS5 Model

Source: Sony / PlayStation 5

The new PS5 model will arrive in North America in November at select retailers and Sony’s PlayStation Direct site for $449.99 without a drive or $499.99 with one.

Shuman says that the new PS5 model “will continue to roll out globally in the following months,” says Shuman. “Once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the new PS5 will become the only model available.”

The announcement of the new PS5 model comes after an Insider Gaming report hinting at the tech giant working on a PS5 console with a detachable drive.

It also follows the massive Xbox leak revealing Microsoft’s plans to drop a “console refresh” of the Xbox Series X.

As you can imagine, the video game world is reacting to the news.

You can see those reactions in the gallery below.

Photos: Sony

1. Interesting

2. Talk Yo Shi*t

3. The price hike does suck.

Amazon Prime Day Is One of the Best Times for Deep Discounts on All Things Gaming — Save Up to 88% Sitewide

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.

Prime Day is now upon us, which means deep discounts on just about everything at Amazon — including TVs, smart home devices, beauty products, stylish threads and even gaming gear.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

From Oct. 10-11, you can save up to a whopping 88% on video games, headsets, gaming laptops, pc accessories and much more from the retail giant. If you’re looking to stock up a hit titles for PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and more, then we have you covered.

And if you have Amazon Prime, you can get free two-day shipping (and sometimes even one-day free shipping) on all of these deals. Not a member? No problem. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of Prime Day and other perks, such as discounts at Whole Foods Market, access to Prime Video and Prime Gaming, early access to deals, and much more.

Ahead, you’ll find the best gaming deals during Prime Day. Scroll down and shop, below:

Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Dying Light 2 Stay Human box art

Amazon

Set in an post-apocalyptic world, Dying Light 2 Stay Human — which is on sale for $25, or 60% off, at Amazon — is an open-world game where you must fight off and kill hordes of zombies. Explore the city during the day, but watch out for ghouls at night.

More PS5 Deals

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope box art

Amazon

On sale for $29.82, or half off, at Amazon, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the wild and madcap sequel to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle for the Nintendo Switch. It features all-new bosses and enemies with a bizarre mashup of everyone’s favorite plumber with everyone’s favorite wild rabbit-like creatures.

More Nintendo Deals

Back 4 Blood

Back 4 Blood box art

Amazon

Priced at a whopping 88% off at Amazon, Back 4 Blood for Xbox Series X is a thrilling co-op first-person shooter where you’re in the middle of a war against the Ridden, once-human host that are hellbent on consuming all of society.

More Xbox Deals

Asus Vivobook Go 15

Asus Vivobook Go 15

Amazon

Equipped with a 15.6-inch Full HD Display and Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, Asus Vivobook Go 15 is an affordable laptop that’s ideal for work, school and even some lite gaming. It’s even paired with 4GB of memory and 64GB of on-board storage with Windows 11 built-in. It’s on sale for just $189.99, or nearly 25% off, its list price at Amazon. This is its all-time lowest price ever!

More Asus Deals

Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse

Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse in black

Amazon

Looking for precision and accuracy? The Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse offers fast speed with accurate triggering in a sleek and premium device. It features auto-calibration, Chroma RGB lighting and up to a whopping 70 hours of battery life per charge. Oh yeah, it’s also on sale for $64.99, or half off, at Amazon during Prime Day.

More Razer Deals

HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset

HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset in black

Amazon

On sale for 60% off during Prime Day at Amazon, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset is lightweight for long sessions with an over-the-ear design for deep immersions when gaming. It’s compatible with PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and more. Not bad for just $19.88, or $30.11 of its list price.

More HyperX Deals

Want more great picks? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best over-ear headphoneswifi extenderslaptop deals and more.

HHW Gaming: Atari Is Still Making & Selling Cartridges For The Atari 2600

HipHopWired Featured Video
Atari Save Mary

Source: Atari / Save Mary

Blow the dust off your old Atari 2600 console. Apparently, there are still new games coming out for it.

The Atari 2600 first arrived in homes in 1977 and is nearly 50 years old, ceasing production in 1992, but that’s not stopping Atari from making games for the iconic console.

Spotted on the company’s website, Atari dropped two limited edition physical cartridges for Save Mary and Outlaw.

Atari reveals Save Mary was a victim of the 1983 game crash, keeping it from being released until now. Tod Frye developed the game that “will keep you on your toes as you build a platform that Mary can use to escape the flooding canyon. Use the crane to carefully lower the different blocks and piece together a platform that Mary can safely stand on — but be careful! If you swing or drop a block carelessly, you may end up crushing poor Mary.”

Outlaw Was Also Announced

Unlike Save Mary, Outlaw did see a release, first arriving in arcades in 1976 before coming to the Atari 2600 in 1978. The game was initially allowed for only a single gunslinger before the home version was optimized for two players.

The description for Outlaw reads:

Based on the 1976 Atari arcade game of the same name, Outlaw is an exciting game for one or two players set in the wild west. While the original arcade game only allowed for a single gunslinger, the Atari 2600 version released in 1978 gives you the option to play alone, where you can practice your aim against moving targets, or against another gunslinger in a contest to see who can first score ten hits against the other player.

As of this writing, both games are sold out. Who knows, there could be more games on the way.

But we are sure you can find them for resale and add them to your collection to play on the Atari 2600+ mini console coming in November.

Photo: Atari

New Game Drops: ‘Assassin’s Creed Mirage’ Has Finally Arrived — Here’s Where to Score It Online

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.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the 13th major installment in the very popular franchise, which started back in 2007. There’s a lot of excitement for the game since it’s the first major Assassin’s Creed game in the series since Valhalla was released in November 2020. Moreover, Mirage drops on Thursday (Oct. 5) across platforms.

Sony PlayStation 5 Console

Best PS5 Deals: Where to Buy the Popular Console & PlayStation Bundles on Sale

Starting at $49.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is playable on Xbox Series X and PS5, as well as the previous generations Xbox One and PS4 (and Windows PC), in two editions: Launch and Deluxe.

Wondering what the difference is between the two editions? The standard Launch Edition features the game and a DLC (downloadable content) expansion called “Forty Thieves Quest,” while the Deluxe Edition — which goes for $59.99 — comes with both the game and DLC, as well as a digital artbook, digital soundtrack and new Prince of Persia-inspired outfits and skins.

As for the game itself, Assassin’s Creed Mirage takes place during the Golden Age of Baghdad, a few decades before Valhalla. It’s a “coming-of-age story” that follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, played by Lee Majdoub, a street thief who learns the world is much bigger than himself. His mentor Roshan, played by Shohreh Aghdashloo, trains him to join the Hidden One, an order of Middle Eastern assassins.

The game is expected to also be playable for the Apple iPhone 15 sometime in early 2024. Mirage will be the first Assassin’s Creed game to be officially released, natively, for the premium smartphone.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage for Xbox and PlayStation is available now at all sorts of online retailers. The game goes for $49.99 for the Launch Edition and $59.99 for the Deluxe Edition.

Want more great picks? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best over-ear headphoneswifi extenderslaptop deals and more.

League of Legends Enlists NewJeans for World Championship Anthem ‘Gods’: Listen

NewJeans is the latest act to play a part in the League of Legends World Championship. The K-pop stars provided the championship with this year’s anthem “Gods,” making them the first K-pop group in the game’s history to provide a song for the annual event. The track also marks the 10th anniversary of the game’s world championship anthems.

“Gods” arrived on Wednesday (Oct. 4), alongside a video that features the story of Korean pro player Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu, from his start with playing League of Legends as a kid in high school, to becoming World Champions alongside his team.

The track serves as a departure from the quintet’s nostalgic, R&B-inspired sound and sees the artists delivering the track entirely in English with a backdrop of powerful booming synth instrumentals.

“And they’re singin’ your praises, la-la-la/ Screamin’ your name out la-la-loud/ One more step, you’re immortal now ’cause/ Once you play God, once you play God/ They’re gonna crumble one by one/ Then we gon’ ride right into the sun/ Like it’s the day my kingdom come/ Baby, we’re/ Go-Go-Go-Go-Go-Gods,” the girls take turns singing on the track.

The song is the latest from the K-pop quintet, who released its second EP, Get Up, over the summer. The set debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and is currently in its 10th week on the chart. Over on the Billboard Hot 100, three of the EP’s tracks — “Super Shy,” “ETA” and “Cool With You” — charted at Nos. 43, 81 and 93, respectively. “Super Shy” spent a total of eight weeks on the tally, while the latter two tracks spent one week each.

Listen to “Gods” in the video above.

‘Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III’ Multiplayer Trailer, Eminem Holds Down The Music

HipHopWired Featured Video
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Source: Activision / Activision

Another year means a new Call Of Duty title. On November 10 you’ll be able to get your hands on Modern Warfare III but today (Oct. 3) Activision revealed the long-awaited trailer for the multiplayer mode of the video game.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III is touting “16 iconic maps modernized for fast-paced combat” (that would be OG launch maps from 2009’s Modern Warfare 2). While we’re sure the campaign will be epic and the zombies will be cool, many players will check in strictly for the multiplier, and the trailer features a peek at all the assault rifles, SMG’s, snipers, kitted-out loadouts and tide-turning killstreaks you will surely desire.  As for the soundtrack, it’s Emimen’s “Till I Collapse,” featuring the late, great Nate Dogg.

Starting Friday (Oct. 6), you’ll be able to play the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Multiplayer Beta all weekend on the PlayStation while you’ll get your turn the next weekend if you’re on an XBox or a PC.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Source: Activision / Activision

Also worth noting, Call of Duty: NEXT will go down this Thursday, October 5, and will be followed up by the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Bowl IV.

Watch the new multiplayer action below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZWb6wCKA_Pk&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

‘WarioWare: Move It!’ Is Coming to a Nintendo Switch Near You — Here’s How to Pre-Order the Party Game

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.

“Strike a pose!” In a follow-up to WarioWare: Get It Together! released in 2021, WarioWare: Move It!, the 11th installment in the franchise, drops for the Nintendo Switch on Nov. 3.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Available for pre-order at $49.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart, WarioWare: Move It! is a party video game with more than 200 motion-controlled microgames across gameplay options, including Party Mode, Story Mode and The Museum.

For up to four players, “The Museum” is a collection of quick head-to-head challenges that you can pick and choose from in local co-op play, while “Party Mode” is a board-game-style match. And for a true WarioWare experience, just because you win your match, it doesn’t mean you move ahead in the game.

“Story Mode” involves Wario on a tropical island running from evil spirits in a random assortment of microgames thrown at you. The more microgames you complete, the faster Wario runs away.

Here’s a list of a few microgames found in “The Museum”:

  • Cowboy Up
  • Buttograph
  • Super Mario Bros. 3 (shake your tail to fly)
  • Feeling Peckish
  • Bell Chorus
  • Keeping Count
  • Thigh Fishing
  • Sumo Says
  • Train
  • Shell Shine

WarioWare: Move It! box art

Nintendo/Amazon

Meanwhile, microgames range from short “follow-the-leader”-style games to brief Switch Sports-like challenges. There are a few microgames that are a throwback to early Nintendo titles and characters too. Moreover, you’ll sometimes have to “strike a pose” and get into a funny, yet awkward, standing position to complete a few games, but it’s all in the spirit of fun and participation from the WarioWare series.

Overall, in a first impression and without a full review, WarioWare: Move It! is loads of fun with short bursts of exciting challenges, especially with more than one player. The mircogames are creative and inventive with bright colors and slick animations, while the motion controls seem accurate and amusing to execute in a group. While “Story Mode” is reserved for single player experiences, it’s ultimately a party game meant to be played with friends and family.

WarioWare: Move It! for Nintendo Switch comes out on Nov. 3 for $49.99. It’s available for pre-order now.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best over-ear headphoneswifi extenders and laptop deals.

HHW Gaming Review: ProPlay Technology & Kobe Bryant Can’t Deliver The W For ‘NBA 2K24’

HipHopWired Featured Video
NBA 2K24

Source: Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

Visual Concepts and 2K Sports set up NBA 2K24 with the perfect alley-oop pass with NBA 2K23, but sadly, they couldn’t throw it down for the spectacular finish.

Like the Madden NFL video game franchise, Visual Concepts’s NBA 2K video games are in a very unique position, being the only officially licensed basketball video game on the market.

The last time the NBA 2K franchise had to worry about some competition was in 2018, when EA dropped NBA Live 2018, the last time we would see an NBA Live video game on consoles.

The NBA 2K franchise has been a model of consistency and as dominant as the Jordan-led Chicago Bulls, Kobe and Shaq Lakers, and the Golden State Warriors, but as of recently, fans have grown weary of the games.

The biggest complaints as of late are that the games don’t bring any significant improvements and are nothing but rehashes of the games from the previous year with a fresh coat of paint.

It’s the same complaints Madden NFL fans have expressed about those games.

While Madden has taken a knee with its latest games on next-gen consoles, the NBA 2K franchise gave us hope with their first three entries on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. We hoped that would continue with NBA 2K24, and on paper, it seemed we were getting an improvement from 2K23, but sadly that is not the case.

This is a letdown, especially for a game that features the late Kobe Bryant on the cover.

The Mamba Moments Mode Is Fun But Feels Empty At The Same Time

NBA 2K24

Source: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

There are still many other memorable moments you get to relive in the game, BUT it’s glaring that you can’t relive Kobe’s 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors.

It made perfect sense to put Kobe Bryant on the cover of NBA 2K24, mainly because 24 was Bryant’s jersey number when he hung up his Nike Kobe Protro kicks.

Like 2K23’s Jordan Challenge, NBA 2K24 came with the Mamba Moments, one of the game’s most significant bright spots, allowing you to relive seven of Bryant’s career-defining moments.

In an odd decision, the mode bypasses Bryant’s early career and jumps five years later to 2001 during the NBA Playoffs. There are still many other memorable moments you get to relive in the game, BUT it’s glaring that you can’t relive Kobe’s 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors.

The only person probably happy about that is Jalen Rose, who, as of late, made light of Bryant’s near record-breaking performance against him.

Despite that one moment missing, it’s still fun controlling Bryant at his playing peak and torching the competition.

MyNBA ERAs Are Back

NBA 2K24

Source: Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

MyNBA ERAs remain one of the game’s few bright spots…

First introduced in NBA 2K23, ERAs are a unique twist to the franchise mode, allowing players to dominate when certain players were dominant in the league.

If you want to play in today’s NBA and use today’s rules, you can head to The Modern Era. If you want to dominate the league as LeBron James at the height of his career or keep him from acquiring rings, you can play in the new LeBron Era.

Other eras include, of course, The Kobe Era, or The Jordan and Magic vs Bird era where the rules were a bit more lax, and the play on the court was intensely physical.

Presentation remains a top feature in 2K24, so you can play those games with a 90s-80s filter on the screen, and if that annoys you, the game does give you the option to turn it off to restore that glorious 4K look.

MyNBA ERAs remain one of the game’s few bright spots.

ProPlay Technology Adds A New Look & Feel

NBA 2K24

Source: Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

ProPlay literally allows for a more accurate translation of NBA superstar’s signature moves on the court into the video game, allowing for more realistic layups, dunks, and jump shots.

The most significant addition to the game is ProPlay Technology, which makes NBA 2K24 the most realistic feeling iteration of the game ever.

ProPlay literally allows for a more accurate translation of NBA superstar’s signature moves on the court into the video game, allowing for more realistic layups, dunks, and jump shots.

So all those sick dribble moves and fadeaway three-pointers you watch Steph Curry do on a nightly basis are perfectly encapsulated in the game and look fantastic. He’s not the only NBA star who benefits from the technology.



Presentation and feel is never an area where we have to worry about Visual Concepts coming up short in an NBA 2K video game, and that continues to be the case here.

Where NBA 2K24 Is Throwing Up Bricks

NBA 2K24

Source: Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

Unfortunately, new advancements like ProPlay Technology and the Mamba Moments mode are not enough to make this game great. MyTEAM is okay, but it still feels like you will need to swipe my credit card to get better enjoyment out of it.

MyCAREER is back and takes your MyPLAYER back to The City, which is as big as ever but is still a grind trying to make your created player an NBA champion and one of the league’s best players.

The City is also full of ridiculous quests like talking to Jake from State Farm (yes, this is still a thing) or finding Ronnie 2K chilling on the beach, the latest edition to The City.

NBA 2K24

Source: Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

The City is beautiful and still a fantastic idea, but unless you are big into playing online, we don’t see how many people will enjoy their time running around it.

The W is also back, and we are happy to see the WNBA continue to get love in NBA 2K24, especially during a time when the W is getting its most buzz since its inception.

NBA 2K24

Source: Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

While its inclusion is welcomed, it still feels like an afterthought, but with time, it will have a much more significant presence in future NBA 2K video games.

Final Verdict

NBA 2K24

Source: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts / NBA 2K24

Not even the great Kobe Bryant, Mamba Moments, or ProPlay Technology are enough to bring NBA 2K24 to the prominence it once held.

While the last game was promising, NBA 2K24 is stepping back in the wrong direction and only boasts some incremental improvements.

NBA 2K24 is far from great, but it’s still okay. But that should not be the case for what is the definitive basketball video game out, mainly because it’s the only one out.

With a $70 price tag on top of the money you. We will be spending on VC to level up your character and other items in the game; we understand if people feel like 2K is swiping their cash like De’Aaron Fox steals the basketball easily from his opponents on the court.

We can only hope the folks at Visual Concepts and 2K Sports are taking notes from the community and making 2K25 the fantastic game it should be.

Photo: 2K Sports / Visual Concepts

*NBA 2K24 key provided for PS5 provided for use by Visual Concepts and 2K Sports*

Amazon Is Giving Away 7 Video Games for Free Throughout September: Here’s How to Get Them

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.

From free two-day shipping (sometimes even one-day free shipping) to access to premium movies and TV shows, getting an Amazon Prime membership has plenty of perks. But did you know that you can also get free video games just for being a member?

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Every Thursday throughout every month, Prime members can get a handful of free games to download and play via Prime Gaming — as part of the subscription service. A new set of free games come out week after week, so you can pick and choose which games you want to play and keep. Meanwhile, the gaming service also has free level-up picks for loot, unlockable characters, skins, boosts and more.

Not a member? You can sign up for a free 30-day trial to take advantage of this deal and everything that Amazon Prime has to offer. 

The Prime Gaming app is available to play on PC, Android smartphones and tablets, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, and other platforms. 

Check out all the free games available during the month of September, below.

Football Manager 2023 (available now)

Football Manager 2023 for Prime Gaming.

Amazon

In Football Manager 2023, which retails for $59.99 on Steam, you can build your own roster, outsmart your competition, manage your own soccer club, and more in the UEFA Champions League. You start from humble beginnings and then win your way to victory and glory.

Football Manager 2023

Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim (available now)

Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim for Prime Gaming

Amazon

Usually priced at $14.99 on Steam, Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim is a turn-based role-playing and a real-time strategy game where you build an empire that takes place in ancient Eurasia. You build and move your borders, raise arms, protect your home and invade your enemy’s land, and more.

Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim

Absolute Tactics: Daughters of Mercy (available now)

Absolute Tactics: Daughters of Mercy for Prime Gaming

Amazon

Absolute Tactics: Daughters of Mercy lets you customize your characters, attacks and abilities, while you try to defeat the evil Father Eldritch and his bloodthirsty armies throughout dozens of maps and battlegrounds. It’s a turn-based tactical RPG that normally priced at $24.99 at Steam, but you can get it for free via Prime Gaming.

Absolute Tactics: Daughters of Mercy

Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space (available now)

Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space for Prime Gaming

Amazon

Retailing for $9.99 on Steam, Dexter Stardust : Adventures in Outer Space is a point-and-click sci-fi adventure game that follows Dexter Stardust and his companion Aurora trying to save the world by discovering and defeating the mysterious Robot from Planet X.

Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space

Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate (available now)

Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate for Prime Gaming

Amazon

It’s like chess, but with a shotgun. Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate — which goes typically goes for $9.99 on Steam — is a turn-based strategy game where you play as the Black King. All of your subjects have left your kingdom to join the opposing white pieces, so now you have to reclaim your black pieces with your trusty shotgun.

Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate

Unsolved Case: Murderous Script Collector’s Edition (coming September 28)

Unsolved Case: Murderous Script Collector's Edition for Prime Gaming

Amazon

Priced at $7.99 on Steam, Unsolved Case: Murderous Script is a first-person point-and-click game where you’re tasked with solving the mysterious murder of a museum director. You’re joined by your virtual partner Scott, as you try to find clues, uncover shady dealings, find missing persons and more. This is the collector’s edition of the game, which comes with extras, such as bonus chapters, a behind-the-scenes look, concept art, and more.

Unsolved Case: Murderous Script Collector’s Edition

Hundred Days: Winemaking Simulator (coming September 28)

Hundred Days: Winemaking Simulator for Prime Gaming

Amazon

Have you ever wanted to make your own wine? In Hundred Days: Winemaking Simulator — which retails for $24.99 on Steam — you can make your own wine, grow grapes from a rich plot of land that you pick, bottle and sell it, as you run a winery business from the ground up.

Hundred Days: Winemaking Simulator

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best over-ear headphoneswifi extenders and laptop deals.