PlayStation 5
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Source: PlayStation / PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro has finally arrived, so the question on your mind is, should I swipe the card and get one? Before you make that decision, see what some folks who had the opportunity to give it a spin had to say before you hit the purchase button.
The base PS5 model still has plenty of life, but that’s not stopping Sony from launching a mid-generation console refresh with the PS5 Pro.
When word of the console first hit, the immediate question was, do we need this $700 machine? Who is this for? We all know it’s definitely for a niche group of gamers who prioritize performance and graphics and want the best of both worlds without building an expensive gaming rig.
Based on the specs, the PS5 Pro is an impressive piece of hardware. Under the hood is an AMD Ryzen Zen 2 8-core/16-thread processor with an RDNA-based graphics engine, producing 16.7TF of GPU compute performance compared to the base PS5’s 10.23TF.
There is also 16GB of GDDR6 memory and 2GB of slower DDR5 memory that handles other console tasks not related to gaming, plus a 2TB custom SSD.
Ahead of the console launch, PlayStation confirmed there will be 55 games with PS5 Pro Enhancements, so it’s not entering the chat without titles to show off its power.
So, with all that said, what are the critics saying about the PS5 Pro? Reviews, for the most part, seem mixed, with many saying it’s too early to tell if this console is a flop.
2025 Will Be The Real Test For The PS5 Pro
In his review for Polygon, Cameron Faulkner touched on his experience with the PS5 Pro’s enhanced titles, writing, “I didn’t try each of the 50 games that have gotten a PS5 Pro patch. But what I did try delivered a mixed bag of improvements that I’m not sure I’d be totally happy with if I spent $699.99 on launch day.”
He continued, “That said, there will be many games in 2025 that put the PS5 Pro’s more powerful specs to the test.”
It’s Impressive, But The Price Point Is Eyewatering
IGN gave the PS5 Pro a 7 (Good), and in his review, Michael Higham wrote, “The PlayStation 5 Pro is an impressive console with noticeable boosts in performance and graphics for games that take advantage of its powerful hardware. But for $700, you’ll need to think twice about whether or not the upgrade is worth the price tag.”
Powerful, But Not Essential
Rory Mellon for Tom’s Guide wrote, “The PS5 Pro is set to be where I play the vast majority of new releases for the rest of this console generation thanks to its unrivaled play experience. If you’re also the type of player who wants the best visuals and performance regardless of the cost, then I’d have no qualms about recommending the PS5 Pro. But more budget-conscious console players shouldn’t feel despondent about being stuck with a technically inferior machine. The PS5 Pro is a powerful upgrade to an already excellent console, but it’s not an essential buy at this price.”
The PS5 Pro Is A Niche Product For Now
Tim Gettys from Kinda Funny said about his experience with the PS5 Pro, “The PS5 Pro is the perfect example of a console that fits right at home with an LG OLED, and a home theater receiver, and all of the things on the box. If you care about those things this is for you. $700 is a lot, but it’s not a lot compared to other things in that realm.”
Gettys continued, “I think it’s a niche product for now, but I think it will become a mainstream product very soon.”
So, the consensus is that if you have a base PS5, you are good and don’t need to rush to get a PS5 Pro. While it is a significant boost in performance, waiting until games fully take advantage of the new hardware is a safe bet.
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Source: Sony / PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection
Did you get one? Today was the pre-order day for the PS5 Pro and the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection Bundle, and as expected, getting your hands on any of the items was a challenge.
When the PS5 Pro was first announced, the reception was not exactly what PlayStation was hoping for after the lead system architect for the PS5 proudly unveiled the mid-cycle refresh for the PS5.
Gamers immediately balked at the disc-less console’s $699.99 / £699.99 / €799.99 / ¥119,980 price tag, which Sony argues is worth it for the upgraded GPU, advanced ray tracing and AI-driven upscaling to a plethora of games.
While many at the time asked, “Who is this made for?” the announcement of the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection PS5 Pro $999 bundle made the divisive console a bit more attractive to those who were on the fence about dropping $700 bucks on a gaming console.
Then Tuesday’s State of Play event announced Ghost of Yotei, the sequel to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, and showcased other PlayStation 5 Pro Enhanced games, making the PS5 Pro sound like a worthy purchase.
A Long Wait To Be Disappointed, Only To Be Disappointed
This leads us to today’s pre-order event. When the PlayStation website opened the virtual queue, many were greeted with a message telling them their wait to purchase a PS5 Pro or anything from the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection was “more than an hour.”
Some even waited more than 2 hours only to strike out, as Kinda Funny’s Tim Getty revealed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Over 2 hours of waiting and alas no PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Bundle is in my future. Boo.”
Scalpers Got Their Hands On PlayStation 30th Anniversary PS5 Pro Bundle & Base Console
Others believe the pre-order vent had scalpers written all over it because, as an article by GameRadar+ pointed out, the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection sold out and immediately landed on eBay.
The prices on resale sites are absurd. One post on X shared a screenshot of PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle Pre-Orders going for £9,999.99 with the caption, “You know what. £699 doesn’t seem so bad.”
Some Folks Did Get Their PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection PS5 Pro Bundles & More
Some were rewarded for their patience, landing a bundle, console, DualSense controller, or PS5 Portal, as our very own Bernard “Beanz” Smalls did.
Another user shared their success, claiming they got a PS5 Pro for themselves and helped two friends get lucky.
So, congratulations to those who got a PS5 Pro, the limited-edition bundle, or accessories. For those who missed out, better luck next time.
Also, to Sony, get your sh*t together. The pre-order experience shouldn’t be so frustrating in 2025.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
1. Damn shame
2. Confusion
3. Ridiculous
4. We agree
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Source: Sucker Punch Productions / Ghosts of Yotei
Well, that didn’t take long. The “go outside and touch grass brigade” is already BIG MAD that Ghost of Yotei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, will have a woman taking center stage in another video game.
Yesterday during PlayStation’s latest State of Play event, Sucker Punch Productions announced its highly anticipated follow-up to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei.
The game which arrives in 2025, will be Sucker Punch Productions first game specifically built for the PS5 console. It will also pivot from Tsushima’s protagonist, Jin Sakai, and introduce a new female samurai hero named Atsu.
Playing Atsu will be actor Erika Ishii, best known for their work in Apex Legends as Dimension 20 member Valkyrie and as one of the many voices of Rook in the forthcoming title, Dragon Age: The Veilvguard.
Following the trailer reveal, Ishii took to social media to express their excitement for being in the game, writing in a post on X, formerly Twitter, “I’ve dreamed of this my entire life. But I still can’t believe I’m part of art like this. I am the Ghost of Yōtei.”
Here Come The Haters
Of course, as expected, an annoying subset of the gaming community is trying to take Ishii’s joy by calling their casting and the fact Ghost of Yotei is another “woke” decision.
“Apparently, in Ghost of Yotei, a progressive activist known for hating the police and telling straight women who disagree with LGBT to log off is not just the VA for the game; she is also the face and mocap of the new Sucker Punch title. It’s an asset Ready to save money,” one ridiculous post on X read.
Another dumb a** post read, “Ghost of Yotei actor Erika Ishii wants to abolish the police, while starring in a game about playing a samurai which is the equivalent to a peace keeping officer in Japan at the time. I’m sick of activism in gaming dude. These people can’t be serious. The game takes place in 1602, Atsu would’ve been a police officer/samurai in Japan at the time. And if they’re a ronin that’s even worse.”
Bruh.
It’s not all negative; there is plenty of excitement for Ghost of Yotei.
We will be supporting the game as well.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
3. Can’t wait
4. They need to go touch grass ASAP
6. Calling it early
Source: Sucker Punch Productions / Ghost of YōteiThe PlayStation had something to say during its latest State of Play presentation. PlayStation saved the best for last with the announcement of Ghost of Yōtei, the long-awaited sequel to Sucker Punch’s epic samurai adventure, Ghosts of Tsushima.Ghost of Yōtei introduces a new hero, Atsu, and is the studio’s first game built from the ground up for the PS5 and, of course, the PS5 Pro.“This is also Sucker Punch’s first game built from the ground up for PlayStation 5, and we’re excited to build on the visual foundation we established in Ghost of Tsushima by making the world feel even more real, Andrew Goldfarb, Sucker Punch Productions Community Manager said on the PlayStation Blog. “We have massive sightlines that let you look far across the environment, whole new skies featuring twinkling stars and auroras, even more believable movement from wind on grass and vegetation, and more improvements we’ll share in the future. Our new setting also gives us the opportunity to introduce new mechanics, gameplay improvements, and even new weapons.”Goldfarb says to expect more information on the game that arrives in 2025.Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered was one of the worst-kept secrets coming into today’s State of Play, so seeing it wasn’t a shocker.When it launched on the PS4 seven years ago, the game was already deemed a graphical masterpiece, and it looks even better now that it has been remastered to take advantage of the power of the PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles.Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered launches on October 31. The captivating story and awe-inspiring post-apocalyptic world returns alongside a host of technological improvements, visual enhancements, and upgraded features. It also includes The Frozen Wilds content, a vast expansion featuring additional lands, skills, weapons, and machines. Take a look at the announcement trailer below.Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered features over 10 hours of re-recorded conversation, mocap and countless graphical improvements that bring the game to the same visual fidelity as its critically acclaimed sequel Horizon Forbidden West. The game’s lush world includes frozen mountains, dense jungles, and arid deserts with stunning new visuals and 4K1 graphics and travelling between settlements is now lightning-fast.The story’s many compelling characters have been upgraded, bringing them in line with current generation advances in character models and rendering. We hope that improved animation, lightning, textures and more will make new and existing fans excited to dive into the action!The audio in the game has also been enhanced. It takes advantage of the PS5 DualSense controller with native support for PlayStation 5 Pro.The game will also be released on October 31. For those who already own it, upgrading to the remastered version will only cost $9.99.We got our fourth trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds, which will be released on February 28, 2025. The latest trailer shows off the game’s main monster, which serves as the catalyst for the events in the game’s main story, leading to the formation of the Forbidden Lands Research Commission.Monster Hunter Wilds is a beautiful-looking game that delivers the monster-hunting fun that fans of the franchise have come to expect.Keep it locked on HHW Gaming because we went hands-on with Monster Hunter Wilds and will share our thoughts in the coming days.Until then, you can see the other announcements from the State of Play in the gallery below.
1. PlayStation 5 Pro Console – Game Lineup Sizzle
Debuted during State of Play, here’s a look at some of the games that are being enhanced by the PS5 Pro – including a few titles that we’re revealing in this sizzle recap.
With the PlayStation 5 Pro console, the world’s greatest game creators can enhance their games with incredible features like advanced ray tracing, super sharp image clarity for your 4K TV, and high frame rate gameplay. That means you get to play PS5 games with the most impressive visuals ever possible on a PlayStation® console, and with 2TB of SSD storage included, your favorite games will be ready and waiting for you to jump right in for your next awesome adventure.
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) Get super sharp image clarity on your 4K TV using AI enhanced resolution for ultra-high definition play with astonishing detail.
Optimized Console Performance Reach higher and more consistent frame rates for silky smooth gameplay with support for 60Hz and 120Hz displays.
Advanced Ray Tracing Experience next level realism with ray traced reflections, shadows, and high-quality global illumination as you explore stunning game worlds.
Feature only available on select PS5 games that have been enhanced for PS5 Pro when compared with PS5®. PS5 Pro enhanced features will vary by game. A portion of the SSD is reserved for system software and other functions so the available SSD capacity may vary.
2. Chroma Collection | PS5
Introducing the Chroma Collection – iridescent PlayStation 5 accessories that shine, shimmer, and shift colour from every angle.
Choose from the chic Chroma Pearl, vivid Chroma Indigo or fresh Chroma Teal – three mesmerizing colours for the DualSense wireless controller and matching PS5 console covers.
Pre-orders for the Chroma Collection will begin on October 3, 2024, with Chroma Pearl and Chroma Indigo accessories launching on November 7, 2024, followed by the launch of Chroma Teal accessories starting on January 23, 2025.
3. Stellar Blade – NieR: Automata DLC & Updates
Worlds collide in the upcoming Stellar Blade x Nier: Automata collaboration, coming later this year.
An all-new Photo Mode coming to Stellar Blade — choose your favorite poses, expressions, and filters to create the perfect shot!
Keep the vibe alive with the full Original Soundtrack, over 180 tracks from Stellar Blade now available on select streaming services.
4. LEGO Horizon Adventures – Pre-Order Trailer
Aloy’s colorful new adventure is coming to PlayStation 5 on 14 November, 2024! Pre-order from 3 October onwards on your platform of choice to get a LEGO version of the iconic Shield-Weaver outfit in-game.
5. Dynasty Warriors Origins – Overview Trailer
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, coming January 17, 2025!
6. Fortnite DualSense Controller Reveal
Defy the Storm as you build, battle, create and Unleash the Fun with the DualSense Wireless Controller – Fortnite Limited Edition.
Starring Fishstick and Peely, and emblazoned with illustrations of fan-favourite characters, this colourfully vibrant eye-catching design encapsulates the wildly energetic Fortnite spirit enjoyed by players worldwide.
So, where we droppin’ today?
Pre-orders will begin on October 3, 2024.
7. Towers of Aghasba – Gameplay Trailer
Towers of Aghasba launches into Early Access November 2024.
Towers of Aghasba is an action-adventure builder game set in a unique fantasy world. Players are challenged to rebuild their civilization and the ecosystem, maintaining a balance between the two.
8. Fear the Spotlight – Release Date Reveal
Fear the Spotlight will be releasing on PS5 and PS4 October 22nd, 2024.
Fear the Spotlight is a creepy love letter to classic 90s horror experiences with a focus on rich storytelling, puzzle solving, and a tense atmosphere. This is a perfect narrative horror game for those new to the genre. Fear the Spotlight is developed by Cozy Game Pals and published by Blumhouse Games.
9. Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered
Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered launches December 10th!
Experience the epic conflict of Kain and Raziel in original form or with remastered graphics.
Pre-order today!
10. Hitman World of Assassination – Announcement Trailer
The World of Assassination is coming to PlayStation VR 2. With 21 locations, full dual wielding and intuitive gestures, the possibilities are endless. Everything is a weapon in a creative assassin’s hands.
11. Alan Wake 2 – Lake House Expansion
Dive into a harrowing survival horror experience with the latest expansion for Alan Wake 2, set in an eerie new location on the shores of Cauldron Lake. Within the Federal Bureau of Control’s research station, the Lake House, a catastrophic event has occurred, where reckless experiments have caused reality to collide with the Dark Place.
This expansion unfolds parallel to the main game, putting you in the shoes of FBC agent Kiran Estevez, portrayed by Janina Gavankar.
12. Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Mage Build Deep Dive
BioWare breaks down the Mage build showcased in the recently revealed Dragon Battle gameplay trailer.
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you will save the battered world of Thedas and unite the Veilguard: your team of seven companions, each with their own rich lives and deep backstories. As you become the leader, you will be able to select from different races, combat classes, customized appearances, and playstyles: all allowing you to play how you want to play.
This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what BioWare is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. Dragon Age: The Veilguard arrives October 31, 2024.
13. Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Blighted Dragon Gameplay Trailer
The blighted gods have unleashed a fearsome dragon on Thedas. It’s up to you, as Rook, to use all your tactical skills and abilities in the fight – whilst commanding your companions in battle with the ability wheel – to fight smart and deliver the most devastating attacks and combos to bring the gigantic beast down.
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you will save the battered world of Thedas and unite the Veilguard: your team of seven companions, each with their own rich lives and deep backstories. As you become the leader, you will be able to select from different races, combat classes, customized appearances, and playstyles: all allowing you to play how you want to play.
This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what BioWare is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. Dragon Age: The Veilguard arrives October 31, 2024.
14. Fantasian Neo Dimension – Release Date Announcement Trailer
ANTASIAN Neo Dimension is available for pre-order on PS5 and PS4™ today, launching on December 5th, 2024.
The Father of FINAL FANTASY, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu return to deliver an original RPG story.
Embark on an multi-dimensional journey to reclaim your lost memories and save the world from the mechteria infection.
15. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Radical Reptiles DLC Announce/Launch
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge unveils a brand new Radical Reptiles DLC, available now on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Radical Reptiles introduces two fan-favorites as playable fighters: Radical surfer and trusted friend to the Turtles: Mondo Gecko Physics student turned reptilian rapscallion: Mona Lisa Whether it’s by dealing righteous damage on a skateboard or launching deadly chemical concoctions, this powerhouse duo is ready to rumble with the Foot Clan!
And that’s not all! A free update is also available for all players: a rockin’ Remix mode of the official soundtrack featuring amazing guest artists: Lead Remixer: Sean Bialo Guest Remixers Anamanaguchi – Panic In The Sky! Button Masher – Rumble In The Zoo Jake Kaufman – It Won’t Fly! Keiji Yamagishi – The Lost Archenemies Tomoya Tomita – A Few Screws Loose.
16. Lunar Remastered Collection – Announce Trailer
Get ready—The LUNAR Remastered Collection is coming to PlayStation!
Embark on thrilling adventures within the enchanting worlds of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete! These two cherished JRPGs have delighted gamers for generations. Now, in this definitive remastered edition, experience enhanced graphics, audio, and quality-of-life improvements that make the journey even more magical!
17. Palworld – Launch Trailer
Palworld, with over 25 million players worldwide, is finally available on PS5!
Fight, farm, build and work alongside mysterious creatures called “”Pals”” in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
18. ArcheAge Chronicles – First Announce Trailer
Unveiling ‘ArcheAge Chronicles’: Dive into a new era with ArcheAge Chronicles, the online action RPG set 50 years after the original. Embark on epic adventures, engage in enhanced combat, and explore vast, uncharted worlds filled with strategic battles and rich storytelling. Customize your housing, master life skills, and uncover new realms in this dynamic universe. Get ready to conquer challenges and unravel ancient mysteries in ArcheAge Chronicles.
19. Metro Awakening – Release Date Trailer
Pre-order to receive the exclusive Field Medic item pack, or save 10% by choosing the Deluxe Edition, including a 48-hour early access.
Metro Awakening is a story-driven first person adventure built exclusively for VR that blends atmospheric exploration, stealth and combat. Powered by the immersive features of PlayStation 5, PS VR2 and Dual Sense, Metro Awakening offers you the most immersive METRO experience yet written by series creator Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro Awakening takes you deep into the origin story of Khan, one of Metro’s most beloved characters, once known as Serdar.
Driven by the need to find and save his wife Yana, Serdar is forced to embrace the unknown to battle bandits, mutants, and other lurking horrors. Reload manually, charge your gear, and scavenge to survive in this intense and immersive VR journey. Sometimes, to prevent something worse, you must become the thing we fear.
20. Hell is Us – Gameplay Reveal Trailer
If war is the closest we get to hell on Earth, it’s because Earth harbors the worst of demons: humankind.
Discover the first Gameplay footage of Hell is Us , an action-adventure game set in a war-torn country, where players must unravel the mysteries of their past and confront the human darkness that fuels the chaos.
Hell is Us will be available on PlayStation 5 in 2025.
21. The Midnight Walk – Reveal Trailer
Embark upon The Midnight Walk in this dark fantasy adventure from the minds behind Lost in Random. Become The Burnt One, befriend a lost lantern creature named Potboy, and use his flame to light your way through a conflicting world of wonder and terror. Coming to PS5 and PS VR2, Spring 2025!
22. Astro Bot – Speedrun and Special Bots Add-On Trailer
Play Will Find A Way with ASTRO BOT. Gear up for a supersized space adventure with ASTRO BOT! Charge into a brand-new, supersized adventure with ASTRO across more than 50 exciting and diverse worlds.
23. Sonic x Shadow Generations
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Source: Sony / PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection
For now, the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection has silenced the negative discourse around the PS5 Pro.
On Thursday, Sony unveiled its fantastic homage to the PS One, putting a retro spin on the base PS5 Slim and recently announced PS5 Pro consoles and accessories.
“To celebrate this 30th anniversary milestone, we had to create something that honored the history and joy that PlayStation has brought us all,” PlayStation platform business CEO Hideaki Nishino said in a video announcing the collection.
Both consoles and all of the accessories are in the iconic PlayStation gray. The chef’s kiss is the addition of the old-school PlayStation logo and a USB-C charging cable that looks like the PS One’s controller cord.
Source: Sony / PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection
The PS5 Pro bundle will feature two DualSense Edge controllers, a controller charging stand, a console stand, a sticker, and a matching cover for those who purchase the Pro removable disc drive.
Source: Sony / PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection
The iconic PS One touch also blesses the PS5’s remote play companion, the PlayStation Portal, and the DualSense Edge pro controller.
We Expect This Bundle To Be Pricey
Sony has not revealed a price for this bundle, but we will not be shocked if it costs an arm and a leg. Pre-orders for the bundle begin on September 26th, and if you want one, you had better move fast because Sony is only making 12,300 of these bad boys.
The response to the collection, specifically the PS5 Pro, has been night and day compared to the fallout when the mid-gen refresh was first announced.
LOL.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
1. Yes, yes they did
2. Pretty much
3. PlayStation got one here
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the seventh installment in the Black Ops series (and the twenty-fourth mainline Call of Duty installment overall), drops for Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on Friday, Oct. 25.
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Ready for pre-order for $69.99 at Target, Black Ops 6 is a first-person shooter with open-world elements from Treyarch, Raven Software and Activision.
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And if you’re a Target Circle member, you can order now and get Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 delivered straight to your home in two days.
Not a member? Sign up for a free membership to take advantage of all that Target Circle has to offer, including access to “deal of the day” products, instant savings on select items, three months of Apple TV+ to watch hit originals, access to exclusive shopping events — such as Target’s Deal Days and early Black Friday deals — and other perks.
If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for the Target Circle Card (with no annual fee), which offers an extra 5% discount on all purchases, two-day free shipping with no order minimums and more. Learn more about the Target Circle Card here.
In addition, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available for pre-order at Walmart and Amazon.
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Sony PS5
‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’
Release date: Oct. 25
Activision
Xbox Series X
‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’
Release date: Oct. 25
Set during the Gulf War in Kuwait in the ’90s, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 follows a CIA operative assembling a team of agents to help him take down Pantheon, a secret organization that wants to launch an apocalyptic weapon.
The new games features a single-player campaign, multiplayer action and fan-favorite round-based zombie mode.
Dropping on Friday, Oct. 25, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 comes out for PS5 and Xbox Series X. The game is available for pre-order right now for $69.99 at Target, Walmart and Amazon. In the meantime, watch the gameplay trailer, below.
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Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best over-ear headphones, wifi extenders, laptop deals and more.
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.
Although the PlayStation 5 was released just a few years ago in Nov. 2020, Sony announced an upgrade to the company’s PlayStation 5 Pro gaming console coming near the end of 2024. Simply called the PlayStation 5 Pro, the new system promises more realistic graphics, smoother motion and deeper detail for gamers.
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Priced at $699.99, the Sony PlayStation 5 Pro (Digital Edition) gaming console is available for pre-order on Thursday, Sept. 26. It’s set for release a few weeks later on Thursday, Nov. 7.
The PS5 Pro is designed for better performance with high refresh rate 4K TVs and gaming monitors with enhanced AI-upscaled Ultra HD video output of up to 120Hz. This means games will look and move smoother and more fluid without lag or giving up video quality.
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The new gaming console also features advance ray tracing, which means in-game reflections, shadows and illuminations will look more realistic with stunning graphics. This adds to the game’s immersion, so it feels more true to life.
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Sony PlayStation 5 Pro
Meanwhile, all PS5 games — including Astro Bot, Gran Turismo 7, Horizon Forbidden West, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, The Last of Us, Part II and more — are compatible with the PS5 Pro, which doubles storage capacity from 1TB to 2TB on-board. The gaming console also featured faster Wi-Fi connectivity for quicker downloads, cloud gaming play and data transfers.
The PS5 Pro comes with Sony’s PS DualSense Wireless Controller, which is the best gaming controller for detailed haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. However, if you’d like to add a 4K Ultra HD disc drive, it goes for an additional $79.99. Moreover, a vertical stand for the system goes for a $29.99 add-on.
In addition, all PS5 accessories — such as the PS Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds, PS Pulse Elite Wireless Gaming Headset, PS Portal, PSVR2 Headset and PS Access Controller — work with the PS5 Pro.
Available for pre-order on Thursday, Sept. 26, the new Sony PlayStation 5 Pro is priced at $699.99 with release on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
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Source: PlayStation / PS5 Pro
Sony’s worst-kept secret, the PS5 Pro, is officially here, and it’s sparking a social media discussion that the PlayStation 3 missed out on when it was first revealed.
During a very brief technical presentation, PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny proudly helped unveil the mid-gen refresh, which he boasts will give players the high frame rates they have been longing for on a console.
The PS5 Pro features a much larger GPU, improved Ray Tracing, and custom hardware for PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. The companies take on machine learning.
The technical presentation confirmed the PS5 Pro leaks design-wise. It is a taller version of the latest PS5 Slim model, but it has three stripes on both sides of the console.
Via the PlayStation Blog, Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Platform Business Group, broke down the console’s performance specs:
Upgraded GPU: With PS5 Pro, we are upgrading to a GPU that has 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5 console and 28% faster memory. Overall, this enables up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay, making the experience much smoother.
Advanced Ray Tracing: We’ve added even more powerful ray tracing that provides more dynamic reflection and refraction of light. This allows the rays to be cast at double, and at times triple, the speeds of the current PS5 console.
AI-Driven Upscaling: We’re also introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-driven upscaling that uses a machine learning-based technology to provide super sharp image clarity by adding an extraordinary amount of detail.
The PS5 Pro is also a disc-less console and includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. The vertical stand is sold separately.
Source: PlayStation / PS5 Pro
These Games Will Be Enhanced For PS5 Pro
We also what games will be getting the “PS5 Pro Enhanced” designation, and they will be Alan Wake 2, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Demon’s Souls, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Gran Turismo 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Horizon Forbidden West, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, The Crew Motorfest, The First Descendant, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, and more.
How Much Does It Cost?
As expected, the PS5 Pro won’t be cheap; it’s going to cost you a lot of money if you want to play with improved graphics and frame rates.
How much, you ask? The PS5 Pro will cost $699.99 / £699.99 / €799.99 / ¥119,980.
Well damn.
As you can imagine, the reactions to the price have many looking at PlayStation with a “you bugging” face and asking why they priced the console so high.
“The PS5 Pro has lines across the middle of the console which are a nod to the lines Sony executives were doing when they priced the thing,” one post on X, formerly Twitter, reads.
Another user on X wrote, “YOU GUYS ARE SELLING THE DISC DRIVE SEPARATELY FOR A $700 DOLLAR CONSOLE!?!? WE HAVE TO PAY OVER $800 TO GET THE FULL PS5 PRO EXPERIENCE!?! THERE’S JUST NO WAY THEY THOUGHT THIS WAS OK!!!”
Some folks are defending the console’s price.
“Dudes who spent 1500$ on a graphics card are telling you that a more compelling ps5 with better hardware is not worth 6-700$,” a post on X read.
Another post defending the console’s steep price reads, “Get yourself a PC if you got it like that. I just spent $423 on a CPU alone to fix a microcoding issue. Yet, $700 gaming console is just too bonkers for you – cmon now lol.”
Still ahead of the console’s November 7, 2024 release, the general consensus is PlayStation is bugging. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
4. Peep this
5. Howling
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When the Sony PlayStation 5 released in Nov. 2020, it came with only one free game that was pre-installed. That game was Astro’s Playroom, a short demo that showed new PS5 owners the power of the new console and the PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller. And but now, Sony just dropped the sequel.
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Simply titled Astro Bot, the new game for PS5 is available for purchase starting on Friday (Sept. 6) for $59.99 at Target and other retailers.
And if you’re a Target Circle member, you can order now and get Astro Bot delivered straight to your home in two days (with orders over $35).
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Not a member? Sign up for a free membership to take advantage of all that Target Circle has to offer, including access to “deal of the day” products, instant savings on select items, three months of Apple TV+ to watch hit originals, access to exclusive shopping events — such as Target’s Deal Days and early Black Friday deals — and other perks.
If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for the Target Circle Card (with no annual fee), which offers an extra 5% discount on all purchases, two-day free shipping with no order minimums and more. Learn more about the Target Circle Card here.
In addition, Astro Bot is ready to buy at Walmart, Best Buy and Amazon.
Sony
‘Astro Bot’
As for the new sequel, Astro Bot is a platform adventure game with 80 new levels spread over six galaxies and 50 planets. You play as Astro Bot, Sony’s lead gaming mascot, and your mission is to save 300 other robots from the evil Space Bully Nebulax throughout the PlayStation universe.
Meanwhile, to celebrate the new game, Sony also released a new limited-edition Astro Bot-themed PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller. It retails for $79.99 and buyable at Best Buy.
Priced at $59.99 and available for purchase at Target, Walmart, Best Buy and Amazon, Astro Bot for PS5 is out now. In the meantime, watch the announcement trailer for the game, below:
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Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
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The new Madden is here! The latest entry in the game franchise is the biggest yet with all 32 NFL teams with superstar players, like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, Nick Chubb and others.
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Priced at $69.99, EA Sports Madden NFL 25 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is available for purchase starting on Friday, Aug. 16 at Target. And for the 2024-25 season, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey graces the cover of the video game box.
And if you’re a Target Circle member, you can order now and get EA Sports Madden NFL 25 delivered straight to your home for free.
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Not a member? Sign up for a free membership to take advantage of all that Target Circle has to offer, including access to “deal of the day” products, instant savings on select items, three months of Apple TV+ to watch hit originals, access to exclusive shopping events — such as Target’s Deal Days and early Black Friday deals — and other perks.
If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for the Target Circle Card (with no annual fee), which offers an extra 5% discount on all purchases, two-day free shipping with no order minimums and more. Learn more about the Target Circle Card here.
In addition, EA Sports Madden NFL 25 is available at Walmart and Amazon.
EA Sports
EA Sports Madden NFL 25 (PS5)
EA Sports
EA Sports Madden NFL 25 (Xbox)
For 2024, the game has true-to-life gameplay with a number of game modes with live playbook updates, team rewards and customizable avatars and skills; “Franchise & Presentation” features for immersive and in-depth “Team Builder” mode from the NFL Draft to the Super Bowl and a new “Boom Tech” feature that gives you a more realistic feel with dynamic tackles and collision feedback via game controllers.
Meanwhile, sports personalities and announcers Mike Tirico, Greg Olsen, Kate Scott and Brock Huard are on board for in-game broadcast play-by-play, color, sideline reporting and interviews.
Available at Target, Walmart and Amazon for $69.99, EA Sports Madden NFL 25 is out for Sony PS5 and Xbox Series X on Friday, Aug. 16. In the meantime, watch a gameplay deep dive video for the game below:
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Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.