Black Friday Video Game Deals 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Saving Big on Gaming

When November rolls around, gamers know exactly what time it is Black Friday. It’s the unofficial holiday where wishlists shrink, carts overflow, and players finally snag the games and gear they’ve been eyeing all year. But Black Friday 2025? It’s shaping up to be bigger than ever.

Why Black Friday Is a Gamer’s Favorite Holiday

Let’s be honest gaming isn’t always the cheapest hobby. So when Black Friday hits with jaw-dropping discounts, it feels like Christmas came early. Publishers slash prices, consoles get bundled with top-tier games, and accessories become more affordable than ever.

What Makes 2025’s Deals Special?

This year, Bandai Namco and other major publishers are stepping up their game with enhanced discounts, exclusive digital bundles, and early access sales. With competition growing between retailers, you can expect deeper cuts and more variety across all platforms.

Top Highlights From Bandai Namco’s Black Friday 2025 Deals

Bandai Namco has already teased several exciting deals for 2025, giving us plenty to look forward to.

Discounts on Blockbuster Titles

Expect massive markdowns on fan-favorites and recent releases, including:

• Action-packed adventures

• RPG sensations

• Fighter classics

With discounts often reaching up to 80%, this is your chance to grab high-quality titles at low prices.

 

Best Bundles and Collector’s Editions

Collector’s editions can be expensive throughout the year, but Black Friday is the perfect time to get them for less. Look out for:

• Steelbook editions

• Figurine bundles

• DLC-packed versions

Early Access and Pre-Black Friday Offers

Just like past years, Bandai Namco is likely to kick off early sales before the main event. Signing up for their newsletters will help you catch these limited-time drops before they sell out.

Best Video Game Deals to Expect in 2025

While exact deals vary by region and retailer, here are the categories that traditionally get the biggest discounts.

Action & Adventure Games

Whether you love fast-paced battles or cinematic stories, expect major markdowns on popular action titles.

RPGs & Open World Titles

RPG fans are in luck these games typically receive some of the deepest discounts, especially titles that include expansions or definitive editions.

Fighting & Strategy Games

Bandai Namco is known for its fighting franchises, so keep an eye out for heavy price cuts on these games.

Family-Friendly & Party Games

Holiday gatherings mean party games become a must-have and Black Friday makes them more affordable than ever.

 

Console and PC Deals You Shouldn’t Miss

No matter your platform of choice, 2025 is going to deliver.

PlayStation Deals

Expect discounts on:

• PS5 exclusives

• DualSense controllers

• Game bundles

Xbox Deals

Microsoft’s Game Pass bundles and exclusive titles traditionally see big markdowns.

Nintendo Switch Deals

While Nintendo doesn’t always discount hardware heavily, games and accessories often drop significantly.

PC Game Discounts

Steam, Epic Games, and other digital stores routinely offer some of the biggest price drops of the season.

Best Gaming Accessories on Sale

Accessories can make or break your gaming experience luckily, Black Friday is full of deals.

Controllers & Headsets

Look for special edition controllers and wireless headset discounts.

Gaming Chairs

Comfort matters during long sessions, and Black Friday makes premium chairs more budget-friendly.

Storage Expansions & Hard Drives

Expand your library without worrying about space external SSDs and microSD cards will be heavily discounted.

How to Prepare for Black Friday 2025

Great deals go fast, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Make a Wishlist

Know what you want before the sales begin this helps you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.

Track Prices Before the Sale

If you monitor prices now, you’ll instantly know if a supposed “deal” is actually worth it.

Sign Up for Early Access Alerts

Retailers reward subscribers with exclusive deals and early access opportunities.

Tips for Scoring the Best Deals

Get the most out of the 2025 Black Friday event with these smart strategies.

Compare Retailers

Different stores offer different discounts checking multiple sites ensures you get the best price.

Shop Online vs. In-Store

Online shopping is smoother, faster, and less chaotic and most retailers mirror in-store deals online.

Take Advantage of Digital Sales

Many publishers offer extra discounts for digital titles, perfect for players who prefer instant access.

Conclusion

Black Friday Video Game Deals 2025 are shaping up to be some of the biggest and best we’ve seen yet. With Bandai Namco and other industry giants offering huge savings, this year is the perfect chance to upgrade your library, score new gear, and enjoy your favorite hobby without breaking the bank. Prepare early, keep an eye on your favorite retailers, and get ready to level up your savings.

Why the Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition is the Essential Controller for Multi-Screen Gaming in 2025

If you’ve been tracking the explosion of mobile and cloud gaming, you’ve likely caught the announcement of the Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition. Officially licensed by Xbox, this premium controller released in November 2025 is engineered to bring true console-quality control to nearly any screen you own.

It’s designed with one simple, powerful goal: to let you pick up a phone, tablet, smart TV, or PC, plug or connect the controller, and instantly play like you’re sitting in front of a dedicated Xbox console. This isn't just an accessory; it's the new hub for your flexible gaming lifestyle.

Why the Backbone Pro Matters in the Age of Cloud Gaming

Gaming has fundamentally shifted. It’s no longer confined to the living room couch. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, mobile devices, and smart TVs converging, the future is multi-screen. The Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition enters the market at the perfect moment as a device built for that future.

As the official Xbox news highlights, this controller lets you, "play your favourite games on your phone, tablet, PC, TV… without compromise."

If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription and crave flexibility the power to game anywhere this controller transitions from a mere gadget to the central command unit of your gaming life.

 

Premium Design & Pro-Level Hardware

Backbone reportedly went through over 9,000 part-iterations to refine the form, feel, balance, and ergonomics of this device. The result is a controller that they claim is among the most comfortable handheld gaming devices ever made.

Feature	Pro-Grade Component	Benefit for Gamers
Thumbsticks	Full-size ALPS sticks	Console-grade precision and comfort.
Triggers	Hall Effect Sensors	Increased durability and more reliable, precise feedback.
Grips	Laser-etched texture	Enhanced grip for intense, long gaming sessions.
Aesthetics	Translucent Green Shell	Nostalgic, eye-catching Xbox Edition design.
Input	Two Programmable Back Buttons	Faster input options without lifting thumbs off the sticks.

The intent is clear: the build is meant to feel like you’re holding a serious, professional-grade controller, not a flimsy mobile add-on.

Two Modes of Play: Precision Wired vs. Wireless Freedom

The most significant upgrade over the original Backbone One is the dual connectivity mode, offering the best of both worlds:

1. Mode 1: USB-C Low-Latency Handheld

   • How it works: Plug your phone directly into the Backbone Pro via USB-C.

   • Benefit: Minimal latency crucial for competitive or fast-paced action and the controller passively draws power from your phone, meaning you don't have to worry about a separate controller battery in this mode.

2. Mode 2: Bluetooth Wireless Freedom

   • How it works: Switch to Bluetooth Low Energy for use with smart TVs, PC, tablets, or even devices like a Meta Quest headset.

   • Benefit: Flexibility and couch-based play with an impressive battery life of up to 40 hours in wireless mode.

The take-away: Plug in when you demand absolute precision; unplug when you want maximum flexibility across all your screens.

Seamless Ecosystem Integration: The Backbone App

The Backbone Pro isn't just superior hardware; its software integration is a massive selling point. The dedicated Backbone app ties the entire experience together:

• Unified Launcher: One place to launch all your games whether they are mobile titles, Xbox Cloud Gaming streams, Xbox Remote Play sessions, or PC games streamed via Steam Link.

• Customization: Create custom profiles and remap buttons, allowing you to tailor the controller to your favorite games or specific screen setups.

• FlowState Switching: Easily and seamlessly transition between your phone, tablet, or TV without the complex re-pairing hassle of standard Bluetooth controllers.

The app elevates the device from a controller to a complete, cohesive multi-platform gaming environment.

Backbone Pro vs. Backbone One: The Price of Premium

The Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition is available at a premium MSRP of approximately $179.99 USD, which is considerably more than the original Backbone One (which retails around $99 USD).

Feature	Backbone One (Xbox Edition)	Backbone Pro (Xbox Edition)
Sticks	Standard Size	Full-Size ALPS
Triggers	Standard Analog	Hall Effect (More Durable/Precise)
Connectivity	USB-C Wired Only	USB-C Wired + Bluetooth Wireless
Buttons	Standard Layout	Standard + Two Programmable Back Buttons
Ergonomics	Ultra-Mobile, Compact	Redesigned, Thicker Grips (More Comfortable for Long Sessions)

The Verdict: The One is optimized for portability and mobile-only quick play. The Pro justifies its higher cost by delivering an all-in-one, multi-device solution with genuine pro-grade inputs.

Who Should Buy the Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition?

This controller is an ideal fit if your gaming habits meet these criteria:

• You are a heavy user of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and frequently use Xbox Cloud Gaming or Remote Play.

• You frequently play across multiple devices (phone + tablet + smart TV + PC) and want a single controller for all of them.

• You are an avid mobile/cloud gamer who cares about advanced controls (Hall Effect triggers, back buttons) and build quality.

In short: If your gaming is flexible, device-agnostic, and cloud-enabled, the Backbone Pro is the essential upgrade. If you are strictly a console player who only plays on a fixed screen, the value proposition may be less compelling.

The launch of the Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition confirms that high-fidelity gaming is no longer restricted by hardware, but only by your network and your imagination.

The ‘Ghost of Yōtei: Legends’ DLC Arrives in 2026

Sucker Punch Productions has officially announced that Ghost of Yōtei: Legends will release in 2026, following the base game’s launch on October 2, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5. The reveal came during the gamescom 2025 opening showcase, with further details shared on PlayStation.Blog.

A Supernatural Twist on Ghost of Yōtei

Unlike the grounded historical setting of the main game, Legends embraces a more mystical and eerie direction. The expansion will feature:

• Two-player co-op story missions with narrative-driven objectives.

• Four-player survival modes where teams face waves of enemies.

• Four unique classes to choose from, each offering distinct combat abilities.

• Boss battles against “demonic, giant versions” of the Yōtei Six and their fearsome allies.

This shift mirrors the approach of Ghost of Tsushima: Legends (2020), which blended Japanese folklore with intense cooperative gameplay.

 

Free for Ghost of Yōtei Owners

Just like its predecessor, the Legends DLC will be free for all Ghost of Yōtei players—making it an easy gateway into supernatural samurai action for fans of both solo and multiplayer playstyles.

 

Trivia: Ghost of Yōtei & Legends

• The “Legends” brand is now a staple for Sucker Punch, following its success with Ghost of Tsushima. Fans praised the 2020 version so much that it was expanded into a standalone mode.

• Yōtei, also known as Mount Yōtei, is sometimes referred to as “Ezo Fuji” or “Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji” due to its resemblance to Japan’s most iconic mountain. Its mystical aura makes it a fitting backdrop for folklore-inspired battles.

• In Japanese mythology, supernatural warriors often take on oni (demons) and yōkai, which strongly influence the designs of Legends’ enemies.

Dune: Awakening Review

Set against the iconic backdrop of Arrakis, Dune: Awakening is Funcom's ambitious open-world survival MMO that delves deep into its genre while honoring the beloved IP it draws from. Players take on the role of a Bene Gesserit agent thrust into an alternate timeline where Paul Atreides never existed. Their mission? To locate the elusive Fremen and navigate a perilous landscape marked by fierce sandstorms, lethal sandworms, and the ongoing battle for spice control. In this persistent online world, survival hinges on mastering the harsh desert mechanics, crafting equipment and bases, forming alliances with various factions, and engaging in large-scale PvE and PvP conflicts as part of an evolving narrative.

As a continuation of a well-established franchise, Dune: Awakening carries the weight of expectations that a traditional survival game may not face. While delivering a solid survival MMO experience is crucial, any flaws in how the game represents the Dune universe are likely to stand out, especially given the dedicated fanbase that has developed over the past sixty years. Fortunately, Dune: Awakening excels in this regard, providing a richly immersive world alongside a satisfying survival gameplay experience that respects the source material without straying too far from established norms.

One of the game's standout features is its ability to create an immersive and captivating atmosphere. While Dune enthusiasts are likely to appreciate the game more than newcomers, even those unfamiliar with the books, films, or TV series will find the world of Arrakis inviting and engaging.

Exploration of Dune: Awakening’s vast desert is rewarding, not only for the tangible rewards players can uncover but also for the overall sensation of being in such a richly detailed environment. The game is infused with classic sci-fi motifs and imagery, complemented by a soundtrack that enhances the experience. However, players new to the Dune lore may find the storytelling a bit convoluted, as it heavily relies on established lore that requires some background knowledge to fully appreciate.

The world comes alive through the dynamic environment rather than through NPC interactions. The true stars of Dune: Awakening are the menacing sandworms and the unpredictable Coriolis storms that sweep across the landscape. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating—and terrifying—as witnessing a sandworm erupt from the ground, its roar a chilling reminder to seek shelter from the open sands. The same can be said for the Coriolis storms, which add an element of danger to exploration.

What truly sets these hazards apart is the significant consequence of succumbing to them. Being devoured by a sandworm or perishing in a Coriolis storm results in the permanent loss of gear, while other forms of death allow players a chance to recover their equipment. The stunning visuals of these threats are enough to instill fear, but the knowledge of their deadly potential makes encountering them all the more harrowing.

As players progress, they can align themselves with factions within Dune: Awakening, further immersing themselves in the Dune lore. Choosing to side with the Atreides or Harkonnen influences the quests, blueprints, and base components available to players. The Landsraad system also allows guilds and players to vote on server-wide decrees, weapon blueprints, and buffs based on faction performance. Ultimately, these gameplay elements converge to enhance the immersive experience that Dune: Awakening offers.

Trivia:

• The Dune franchise, originally created by Frank Herbert, has inspired numerous adaptations, including films, TV series, and even video games since its debut in 1965.
• The sandworms of Arrakis, known as "Shai-Hulud," are not only a source of fear but are also integral to the production of spice, the most valuable substance in the universe.
• In the Dune lore, the Bene Gesserit are a secretive sisterhood with advanced mental and physical abilities, trained to manipulate politics and power.
• The term "Coriolis" refers to the Coriolis effect, a phenomenon that affects weather patterns on Earth, which is creatively adapted in the game to influence the storms on Arrakis.

Fortnite Leak Reveals Exciting New Chapter 6 Season 3 Battle Pass Skin

A well-known Fortnite leaker has unveiled details about three new skins that are set to feature in the Chapter 6 Season 3 battle pass, including fan-favorite characters Superman and Robin. As Fortnite approaches the conclusion of its Galactic Battle mini-season, players have enjoyed the addition of iconic figures such as Emperor Palpatine, General Grievous, and Mace Windu.

The Galactic Battle mini-season will wrap up with the highly anticipated Death Star Sabotage live event on June 7. However, this won't be the last time players encounter Star Wars within the game. During the recent State of Unreal presentation, Epic Games announced plans to introduce Star Wars tools to the Unreal Editor in Fortnite. 

This exciting development will empower players to create their own Star Wars-themed experiences, allowing them to bring beloved characters, locations, and items to life in innovative ways. These unique creations can be shared with the entire Fortnite community, offering players a chance to explore experiences beyond the traditional game modes crafted by Epic.

In a recent Twitter post, prominent leaker ShiinaBR shared an image showcasing three upcoming battle pass skins for Chapter 6 Season 3. At the center of the image is a new rendition of the iconic character Superman. This version of Superman departs from the traditional comic book look, instead drawing inspiration from actor David Corenswet, who will portray the superhero in the upcoming film directed by James Gunn, set to premiere on July 11.

Fans are eagerly anticipating these new additions, which promise to enhance the vibrant world of Fortnite.

M7 World Championship Final to be Held in Indonesia

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) developer MOONTON Games has officially revealed that the M7 World Championship Final will take place in Indonesia in January 2026. This announcement comes just ahead of the M6 World Championship grand finals, which recently returned to its inaugural venue, Axiata Arena, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A Historic Venue for MLBB

This will be the second time Indonesia hosts the M World Championship Series, following the M4 World Championship held in January 2023. With this announcement, Indonesia joins Singapore and Malaysia as a two-time host of the prestigious M World Championship Series.

Recap of the M4 World Championship

The M4 World Championship took place at the Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan, where ECHO claimed victory over M3 champions Blacklist International with a decisive 4-0 sweep, securing the Philippines its third consecutive MLBB world title.

Indonesia's Strong MLBB Presence

Indonesia's selection as the host for the M World Championship series for a second time is no surprise. The country has established itself as a significant region in MLBB esports, with millions of casual players and a plethora of high-profile professionals.

Additionally, Indonesia boasts the largest MLBB Professional League (MPL), known for breaking viewership records annually. The latest edition, MPL Indonesia Season 14, achieved a remarkable milestone with 3.9 million peak viewers during the thrilling seven-game grand finals between Team Liquid ID and RRQ Hoshi.

Looking Ahead to M7 World Championship

As the M6 World Championship approaches its conclusion, the return of the M World Series to Indonesia is poised to ensure a successful M7 World Championship, celebrating the vibrant MLBB community in the region.

Explore the Realm of TEKKEN 8

After an almost nine-year wait since the groundbreaking TEKKEN 7, Bandai Namco has unleashed the eagerly awaited TEKKEN 8. This latest installment in the series brings a renewed focus on the ongoing saga between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama, delivering an immersive storyline accompanied by overhauled combat mechanics. One standout feature is the introduction of an "aggressive" combat system, prioritizing innovative offensive strategies.

 

In addition to the gripping narrative, TEKKEN 8 introduces the Arcade Quest mode, a tailor-made single-player experience designed for newcomers. This mode allows players to craft their avatars and embark on challenging quests. The game's content is further enriched with the inclusion of TEKKEN Fight Lounge and Super Ghost Battle, providing additional engaging experiences. Notably, multiplayer modes are enhanced with cross-platform capabilities.

TEKKEN 8 is now available for play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The game offers various editions: the Standard Edition priced at $70 USD, the Deluxe Edition at $100 USD, the Ultimate Edition at $110 USD, and the Premium Collector’s Edition at a premium $300 USD price point.

 TEKKEN Highlights:

1. Immersive Storyline: Explore the ongoing conflict between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama in a captivating narrative that adds depth to the TEKKEN universe.

2. Aggressive Combat System: Experience a revamped combat system that emphasizes aggressive tactics, providing players with new offensive strategies to master.

3. Arcade Quest Mode: Engage in the new single-player mode tailored for newcomers, Arcade Quest, where players can create their avatars and take on a variety of challenges.

4. Additional Content: Enjoy TEKKEN Fight Lounge and Super Ghost Battle for extra content that enhances the overall gaming experience.

5. Cross-Platform Multiplayer: Connect with players across different platforms, making multiplayer modes more dynamic and engaging.

Nintendo has unveiled the launch trailer for Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Nintendo has recently unveiled the official launch trailer for their upcoming title, "Super Mario Bros. Wonder." In classic fashion, the trailer begins with an engaging and lively soundtrack, setting the stage for a grand adventure in the Super Mario Bros. universe. As the video unfolds, viewers are treated to a diverse and expansive world filled with vibrant landscapes, imaginative level designs, and a delightful cast of both familiar and new characters. Joining the iconic duo of Mario and Luigi are Princess Peach, Yoshi, and Toad, all embarking on an exciting quest to rescue the Mushroom Kingdom.

A notable addition to the game is the introduction of a magical power-up known as the "Wonder Mushroom." This unique item empowers Mario, Luigi, and their companions with enhanced abilities, enabling them to interact with the environment and tackle challenges in creative and innovative ways. The trailer also showcases visually stunning settings, including lush forests, sparkling underwater realms, and majestic mountain landscapes. Alongside these environments, new gameplay mechanics are introduced, such as gravity-defying platforming and challenging boss battles. 

 

 

For those eager to embark on this new Mario adventure, "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" is now available on the Nintendo Switch for $59.99 USD.

How to Defeat Vhenard in Diablo 4?

In Diablo 4, players have the exhilarating opportunity to combat demons, the spawns of Hell, and unending hordes of monsters, channeling their righteous fury. Amidst the infernal minions, Diablo 4 features numerous epic conflicts. Some are initiated through the main storyline, while others can be encountered in the game, such as World Bosses and events. The initial stages of Diablo 4 are relatively manageable, offering players a chance to familiarize themselves with their limited abilities. However, the real challenge emerges when facing Vhenard, a corrupted mother and servant of Lilith.

Vhenard serves as the ultimate adversary in Act I's "The Cost of Knowledge" quest in Diablo 4. Your mission revolves around locating Neyrell's mother, Vhenard, but unfortunately, she falls victim to Lilith's corruption. Consequently, she summons demonic minions to assail you. In this encounter, you won't face Vhenard herself; instead, you must confront three waves of demonic aides. While these demons are typical adversaries, unexpected elements make this battle more demanding.

The battle within Vhenard's confined and crowded arena presents a significant challenge as you strive to evade incoming sources of damage. This guide will outline the strategy to overcome Vhenard in the game.

To initiate your quest to find Vhenard, you must embark on the "Cost of Knowledge" quest, which is the eighth quest in Act I, known as "A Cold and Iron Faith." You must reach at least level 5 to begin this quest, and it directly follows the narrative of the "Storming the Gate" quest. As you progress through this quest, you'll eventually find yourself in a dungeon. Continue along the corridor within this dungeon, and you'll encounter Vhenard near a healing well, alongside a severed corpse. Her location can be easily pinpointed within the circled area on the map. Following this encounter, a cutscene will unfold, leading to the commencement of the battle.

How to Beat Vhenard?

Phase-I of the Vhenard encounter serves as a preparatory stage for the subsequent phases. While it is possible to damage Vhenard directly, the key to reducing her health bar lies in eliminating the enemies she summons. In this initial phase, Vhenard summons two Hell Spawn, smaller winged demons connected to her shield via a blood tether. These Hell Spawn switch between melee attacks with their claws and long-range lightning orb attacks. While they are not individually threatening, they possess substantial health, and both must be defeated to progress to the next stage.

The primary challenge throughout all phases of the battle is the spinning energy beams emitted by Vhenard's blood shield. These beams not only drain your health but also render you vulnerable, weakening your defenses. To navigate these beams, you can either dodge through them or avoid them entirely. However, you must learn to do this swiftly while simultaneously dealing damage to the two Hell Spawns.

For this battle, it is recommended to use the Sorcerer class, with the Ice or Fire specialization. Ice provides crowd control and survivability, while Fire deals significant damage.

Phase-II extends the battle from the first phase. Here, you'll encounter three Hellspawn and five Hellion beasts that power Vhenard's shield. Quickly prioritize eliminating the Hellions, as they serve as mere hindrances. With three Hellions present, the Hell Spawn can unleash multiple electrical orbs simultaneously, necessitating careful evasion. Running into one of the spinning laser beams will cause it to disappear, leaving the other beam in motion. These beams consist of two energy lengths connected at a central point. If multiple beams appear, they may cover the entire width of the arena. Since you have only two dashes with a short cooldown, employ them judiciously to ensure you don't run out of movement options.

Phase-III demands constant mobility. Instead of focusing on the enemies, concentrate on locating the lasers and blood tethers linking Vhenard and the Hell Spawn. If you possess area-of-effect (AoE) attacks, utilize them. Alternatively, if you prefer single-target combat, prioritize eliminating high-value targets, namely the Pit Beast and Hell Spawn, as swiftly as possible.

If you face challenges in defeating this phase, do not be discouraged. You can restart and eventually conquer Vhenard.

Razer’s New 5G Cloud Gaming Handheld Release Dates

Razer has unveiled its new Android handheld cloud gaming device, the Razer Edge. Announcing the new product at the annual RazerCon, the console will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 Gaming Platform and packs 128 GB, expandable to 2 TB through a microSD slot.

 

The new device features a 6.8-inch (173-mm) AMOLED display with an HD+ resolution and a 144 Hz refresh rate. The software comes from the Android 12. Users have the option of streaming cloud gaming titles through services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA’s GeForce Now, or they can opt to play PC titles through their computer library or native Android games. The Edge will be available as a either WiFi-only device or as a 5G version exclusively powered by Verizon. The WiFi edition is priced at $400 USD, while the price of the 5G model has yet to be revealed. Both versions will come bundled with the Razer Kishi V2 Pro controller featuring buttons, analog sticks and programmable haptics. The Razer Edge is available for reservation now.

Overwatch 2 Launch Today

As the servers for Overwatch prime sunset sometime around 12PM ET today, heroes old and new are now looking forward to when we can officially welcome Overwatch 2. Depending on where you are in the world, your Overwatch 2 launch time may vary from the 12PM PT / 3PM ET start time.

 

London and Paris will get their game late on October 4th, while Seoul and Sydney will get access early on October 5th. If you’re an Overwatch prime player or purchased an Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack, you have the ability to preload Overwatch 2 on your PC right now. Unfortunately, console players will have to wait until 9AM PT on October 4th for that privilege. Developers, Overwatch League pros, and Overwatch prime diehards took the opportunity of the game’s official end to reminisce about the last six years of Overwatch history. If you’re a fan of OG competitive Overwatch, a group of old Apex tournament pros featuring Geguri, Jjonak, Bumper, Fury, Slime, and more, streamed one final 6v6 match on the soon-to-be-defunct assault map Horizon Lunar Colony. (Playing the dreaded GOATS composition no less!) Fans also posted clips of their favorite in-game moments or memes commemorating the noble end to what was for a lot of people (including me) a formative gaming experience.

NVIDIA Unveils RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 Graphics Cards

NVIDIA and its graphics cards continue to push the world of technology forward with power that is climbing exponentially. Amidst the crypto mining craze, graphics cards grew increasingly difficult to find at reasonable prices. Fortunately for consumers, prices have since stabilized and NVIDIA is expanding its offerings with the introduction of its 40 Series, beginning with the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080.

Introducing the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture powering GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs:

✔️ New SMs provide up to 2x perf and power efficiency
✔️ 4th Gen Tensor Cores with up to 2x AI performance
✔️ 3rd Gen RT Cores with up to 2x ray tracing performance

Welcome to #BeyondFast

Featuring new NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, the cards carry new fourth-gen tensor cores, third-gen ray tracing cores, shader execution reordering and NVIDIA DLSS 3 which boosts performance by using AI to output higher resolution frames. Results of these breakthroughs include an expected doubling of the performance from the RTX 4090 when compared to its predecessor, the RTX 3090 Ti. The RTX 4080 16GB should double the power of the RTX 3080 Ti while the RTX 4080 12 GB is comparable to the RTX 3090. Release for the NVIDIA RTX 4090 begins October 12 at a price of $1,599 USD with the RTX 4080 16GB and 12GB arriving in November priced at $1,199 USD and $899 USD respectively.

Fortnite Season 4 Begins

Fortnite’s newest season is here and it takes players to a world where everything is shiny and chrome. Fortnite: Chapter 3 Season 4 is called Paradise, and brings new powers, weapons, and locations to the game, as well as a new battle pass with skins like Spider-Gwen. The game’s biggest new addition is the Chrome Splash, which lets players make walls penetrable, allowing you to shoot through them, if you want, or even just jump through them, if that’s easier.

Players can also throw the Chrome Splash on themselves, giving them new powers, including the ability to dash mid-air (also through walls), and to become a silver-y blob while sprinting. Paradise brings more changes to the map as well, adding the Herald’s Sanctum as a point of interest, and updating areas like Condo Canyon to float in the sky. These new floating POIs will only be accessible via D-Launchers, which are spread out throughout the island. Players can also find certain weapons that have been Chromified. These weapons will include the EvoChrome Shotgun and EvoChrome Burst Rifle and can be looted from Chrome Chests. Along with their new effects and unique damage, the weapons will also upgrade their rarity the more you damage enemies with them. On top of the new Chrome weapons, Epic is also bringing back a variety of weapons from last season’s arsenal, as well as weapons that have been in the Vault for the last several seasons.

Marvel’s Spider-Man Fan Adds PS1 Model To The Game

For nearly four years, Marvel’s Spider-Man remained exclusive to PlayStation. That’s no longer the case now that Spider-Man Remastered is available on PC, yet many still consider it synonymous with the PlayStation brand due to how successful it was as a Sony exclusive. It’s fitting then that one fan has kept the Spidey/PlayStation theme alive by modding the character model from the original PS1 Spider-Man into Marvel’s Spider-Man.

It’s now possible to kick it old-school in the wall-crawler’s most modern game courtesy of modder Crazy Potato, who created a mod for Marvel's Spider-Man that swaps out the Classic Suit in Insomniac’s open-world title with the Spidey from Neversoft’s 2000 game. The PS1-era character model is recreated perfectly here, complete with the dislocated limbs and the flat outfit texture placed over a rough polygonal body.

A clip of the Marvel's Spider-Man mod in action was also shared by Reddit user jjarack. The footage is short and fairly basic, showing the PS1 Spidey performing a few melee and web attacks on a rooftop before jumping off to web-sling past a few buildings and eventually landing atop one to take a selfie. Still, it’s a good showcase for the brief runtime, and it’s neat to see Neversoft’s version of Peter Parker performing tricks and moving with a fluidity that wasn’t really possible to achieve back at the turn of the century.

Crazy Potato’s mod is the realization of the dream of fans who have been wanting to see the PS1 Spider-Man added to Marvel’s Spider-Man, though it’s not without at least one issue. According to Crazy Potato, the suit can glitch out and turn blue on occasion, but while this can apparently be fixed simply by fast-traveling or loading the last save, they stated that they will work on a proper fix.

As for whether fans may someday be able to play as Neversoft’s Spidey officially, that’s hard to say. Although Marvel’s Spider-Man has plenty of alternate suits referencing previous iterations of Peter Parker, there’s a fair bit of red tape to consider in this case. Sony owns the rights to make Spider-Man games at the moment, but Neversoft’s game was published by Activision, which is soon to be owned by Microsoft. The amount of parties that would probably need to be involved would likely not make it worthwhile for Sony, and that’s also why a remaster of the original PS1 Spider-Man game might not be likely any time soon.

Despite the hurdles, odds are fans won’t stop hoping for it to happen one day. While it may be quite antiquated by today’s standards, especially given the bar set by Insomniac’s games, Neversoft’s Spider-Man remains a beloved entry in Spider-Man’s video game history for how well it nailed the feel of the comics. No wonder then that fans have been eager to see it represented in a modern Spidey game one way or another.

Stardew Valley Player Turns Pelican Town into Slime-Filled Nightmare

Stardew Valley is a slice-of-life farming game that offers so much more than just planting seeds and making friends with the townsfolk. The amount of dedication to detail from developer Eric Barone, who goes by ConcernedApe, doesn't stop at the farming aspects of the game. Instead, players are treated to an extensive amount of ways to approach a playthrough, and one player saw this as an opportunity to re-imagine the quaint and peaceful Pelican Town as a slimy nightmare.

Pelican Town is one of the primary locations in Stardew Valley that the farmer will run around other than their own farm, in order to befriend the townsfolk, visit Pierre's General Store for seeds, and donate various items to the museum. However, Reddit user Sparkleskeleton decided the town could use a little more personality, and in a video showing off their diabolical takeover, their game struggles to keep up with the massive amount of slimes running rampant over the screen.

The minute-long video follows Sparkleskeleton as they gallop around the town, pushing through massive groups of multi-colored slimes. While the townsfolk walking around seem unperturbed by the fact that their town has been turned into a giant Slime Hutch, the game takes issue with the existence of so many of the jiggling slimes. The game stutters and struggles to keep up with Sparkleskeleton as they circle around from Pierre's, down across the bridge to the museum, up towards the movie theater, back to Pierre's, before making a final lap around the upper part of the map near the Community Center. The entire time, slimes can be seen bobbing in place, solo or in groups, with some of them leaping towards the horse as it gallops past.

Because of the ever-branching ways to play Stardew Valley, some players opt for a casual romp through the world, building their perfectly aesthetic farm and becoming beloved by all the NPCs. There are also those who want to 100% the game, and who will do everything in their power to obtain all the hidden secrets Stardew Valley has to offer. However, there are also the players out there who find some parts of Stardew Valley, such as the fishing mechanics or the amount of effort that goes into becoming friends with someone, to be incredibly frustrating. Those players may solve their frustrations by never touching the fishing skill, or steering clear of certain NPCs altogether if they don't want to chain themselves to a gift-giving schedule.

Stardew Valley can absolutely be played for comfort, but there are no rules against a more chaotic playthrough. Unleashing a torrent of slimes on the people of Pelican Town definitely sounds like an interesting way to start a fresh game.

Sims 4 Mishap Turns Toddler's Head Into a Giant Mailbox

As The Sims 4 grows nearer to being a decade old, there are likely many avid players who think they have seen everything there is to see in the game. However, it's not out of the question for strange quirks to emerge in the game, like when one player discovered their Sims 4 child's head was missing and replaced by a giant mailbox instead.

It took a couple years before toddlers were added to The Sims 4, and most players were pleased to see a returning life stage from prior games available again. This particular issue isn't directly connected to the age of the sim, but it does add some extra amusement to the scene.

Reddit user and Sims 4 player Voldarian_Empire took to the site to share a bizarre moment that occurred in their game. According to Voldarian_Empire, they had no idea how it happened, but their toddler was now walking around their home with a giant mailbox, base and all, taking the place of the toddler's head. The included video shows the issue in action, with the child's body clearly visible beneath the mailbox. However, the mailbox is huge for some reason, easily surpassing the height of the first floor of the home.

While this would be a bizarre to see under any circumstance, it's particularly amusing with a toddler. Since toddlers wobble a bit when they walk, the mailbox frantically pivots from side to side and backwards and forwards. Thankfully for Voldarian_Empire, other players in the comments were able to provide a reason and a fix for the issue, so they're not stuck having a bizarre mailbox-head toddler wandering through their home.

It might seem like anything but, but this is actually an easy mistake to make in The Sims 4. The Sims 4 lets players use cheats by typing "testingcheats true" in the game's console. Once this is done, the mailbox outside is frequently used to access a number of cheats that can be handy in the game. However, this is also where the problem occurred. Once cheats are active, players have the option to choose "Set as head," which automatically replaces the head of the currently active sim with the object that's being selected.

Commenters were quite amused at the scene, with some admitting they'd never known what that particular command did and had been afraid to try it. Thankfully, disabling this particular phenomenon is as easy as shift-clicking the impacted sim and choosing to reset them. This should put the sim back in their default state, returning gameplay to normal. It's definitely one of the stranger cheats available in the game, but luckily isn't one that has a long-term impact on gameplay, so those who haven't done it yet may want to give it a try for a laugh.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Preview And Release Dates

When Modern Warfare 2 comes out on Oct. 28, it won't just be developer Infinity Ward's newest entry into the long-running military shooter franchise Call of Duty. It will also usher in the next generation for the series, internally referred to as "CoD 2.0." Modern Warfare 2 continues the reboot of the Modern Warfare series released in 2019. Infinity Ward created a new, original story with players stepping into the role of members of the multinational special ops group, Task Force 141. The innovations made with Modern Warfare 2's game engine will not only power the single-player, co-op and multiplayer modes, but also the next Warzone, the franchise's battle royale game. That tells you that the game is different in terms of its subject matter and how painful it is to play for gamers and how mature the audience has to be. I think it means Infinity Ward is aware that if they make their audience feel too uncomfortable, they will lose their status as a franchise for the mainstream gamers. And that could be quite costly. But both Kelly and head writer Brian Bloom both said that doesn’t mean the story is all pleasantries. It will show soldiers who face ethical dilemmas and question themselves about how far they have to go to defeat the enemy. Based on Infinity Ward’s core pillars for the title, a Call of Duty game should not require any instructions and it should be fun for everybody, not just the hardest core players (amen to that). The team didn’t try to make the game more complex, or to change things that weren’t broken, said Kelly and senior animation director Mark Grigsby.

But it did tackle challenges in making the game better. “Is the game cool? Is it realistic? Hopefully, yes. But not over-the-top overly sensationalized,” Kelly said. “We’ve really endeavored to find the balance.” Kelly mentioned this game uses a universal engine across all of Call of Duty now, rather than separate engines for each major studio. That makes it easier for nine different studios to work on the game (compared to five for the 2019 game). And that was important because the team had to make the game from their homes during the pandemic. The developers are now spread out from Mexico City to Los Angeles to Poland. The studio also started operations in Austin, Texas. “We’re out to make the best shit we’ve ever made,” said Jeff Negus, narrative director at Infinity Ward. The first game ends with a defeat of both the rogue Russian general and the terrorist organization Al-Qatala (a possible proxy for Al-Qaeda). CIA Station Chief Kate Laswell and SAS Captain John Price began to assemble Task Force 141, an anti-terrorist strike team. Since the end of the first game, Task Force 141 has been operating around the world with intelligence from Laswell and Price in the lead role along with Sergeant Kyle “Gaz” Garrick, John “Soap” McTavish and Simon “Ghost” Riley . While Ghost is a loner veteran, Soap is a young but hard-charging rookie. Laswell was just an intelligence officer in a mission control role, but this time she will get more involved in actual missions, Bloom said. A new character is Colonel Alejandro Vargas of the Mexican Special Forces, who is based on real soldiers in Mexico who were interviewed by the team’s technical advisers. Another new character is commander Phillip Graves, the operator of a private military contractor firm. His firm can go into places that Task Force 141 or the official military can’t deploy. One of the things that carried over from the previous game was a conversation between Gaz and Price, where Gaz asked where they would draw the line on what they would do. Price said, “You draw the line wherever you need it. We get dirty and the world stays clean.” Negus said they’re running with that and asking if they need to become the thing you’re trying to defeat in order to destroy it. You may have to make unholy alliances. And Bloom said the key is making sure that you have the right team. The game will cover territories in Europe, the Middle East, and Mexico. Bloom told me that Mexico’s experience with the drug war is relevant, but the missions that take place there aren’t solely about eradicating drug lords. Rather, there is a large purpose in unraveling an international threat. Almost every mission we saw features a new advancement for the Call of Duty series. Infinity Ward was previously reluctant to take combat underwater. Only now, the team claimed, were they able to create the right visuals and physics to make the game's gunplay feel accurate and rewarding. Weapons lose their impact underwater and grenades and flashbangs behave differently if they're detonated beneath the surface. Infinity Ward team members also discussed improvements in the game's AI. Friendly or enemy computer-controlled players have more realistic behaviors. They want to "survive" so they peek around corners and generally are more aware of their surroundings. They'll also telegraph their actions, allowing players to recognize non-verbal cues from their AI-controlled teammates and enemies. These innovations are all part of what Infinity Ward calls "CoD 2.0." which will be implemented across the series including the next Warzone game, which the developer will reveal sometime in the future. Modern Warfare 2 hits PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles and PC via Battle.net for $70 on Oct. 28. The game will also be available on Steam, a first for the series since 2017 when Call of Duty games became available only on Battle.net. Those who preorder the game will have access to the open beta when it opens later this year. Correction: 10:30 a.m. PT: An earlier version of the story listed the retail price of the game at $60. The price for the standard edition across all platforms is $70. First published on June 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Watch The New Street Fighter 6 And Release Dates

Capcom has released a new trailer for Street Fighter 6. The new trailer, which was unveiled during the 2022 Sony State of Play event, is the first detailed look at the forthcoming game.

Coming 6 years after the previous Street Fighter installment, the forthcoming edition is set to include a real-time commentary feature, which is set to include subtitles in 13 languages.

Additionally, the game has been updated with a new Drive system with a resource gauge that allows players to utilize different techniques. Alongside this feature, the game will include a modern control scheme that makes special moves easier to process. The game also comes equipped with new fighting modes like a single-player “World Tour” and “Battle Hub” which furthers player interaction.

Steam Deck VS Nintendo Switch

The survey conducted by e-commerce aggregator iPrice Group showed that across Asian countries, people have been registering much more interest in Valve's Steam Deck compared to the new Nintendo Switch OLED. For comparison, both consoles are designated to launch towards the end of 2021, but it seems that Asian interest in the Steam Deck has already outdone that of the new Switch OLED. Within the month of July 2021, Asians Google searched the Steam Deck around three times more than the Nintendo Switch OLED.

In Southeast Asia, the number of search results showed that people clearly cared way more about the Steam Deck, while countries such as Hong Kong and Taiwan were more neutral in terms of search results. Curiously, Japan showed over eight times more interest in Valve's new console compared to the Switch OLED, which is surprising considering Japan's well-documented love for the platform and most of its titles. The first factor is obvious Nintendo's Switch platform has been around for a good number of years now, and the new Switch OLED only offers marginal upgrades over its predecessor most notably the inclusion of a larger OLED panel. Understandably, the market for such devices has already worn out its excitement for the Switch platform and its games, while Valve's Steam Deck presents more of an unknown quantity with regards to handheld gaming. One huge attraction factor the Steam Deck has is its ability to play games cross-platform, which simply means that users can game alongside those playing on PC instead of being forced into just playing within a handheld-only community. This factor proves even more crucial when you take into account the current pandemic and the demand for more gaming options among those stuck at home. According to iPrice, the Steam Deck is set to have up to 111 more cross-play titles compared to the Switch platform, which gives it a heavy advantage in terms of multiplayer flexibility. From day one, the Steam Deck will reportedly be able to run games such as Valheim, Overcooked! 2, Terraria, and Sid Meier's Civilization VI. Coincidentally, iPrice says that the Steam Deck is also set to become the gaming console with the most cross-play titles upon launch (172 titles), beating out the Playstation 4 (147 titles), and Xbox One (109 titles). However, this doesn't mean that prospective buyers should ignore the Nintendo Switch platform completely. Alongside the announcement of the new OLED version, Nintendo also announced the extremely-hyped The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild 2, which looks to become yet another modern classic in the Switch's line-up of unique exclusives (Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Pokémon series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, etc). Ultimately, the decision for which of these two handheld dominators to pick comes down to the type of gamer you are, and what titles you hope to play alongside your buddies. The Steam Deck is set to launch in December 2021 with a touted price of US$399 for the base model, while the Nintendo Switch OLED looks ready for an October 2021 launch with a starting price of US$349.99.

'Diablo II: Resurrected' Open Beta Released Dates

Blizzard Entertainment has just released the official date for its Open Beta test. Planned for the Early Access weekend, gamers who pre-ordered Diablo II: Resurrected or the Diablo Prime Evil Collection for any of the consoles Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 including PC will have early access to the game on August 13, 10:00 a.m. PDT.

Public Open Beta weekend will take place a week later on August 20, 10:00 a.m. PDT. All players will be able to join in on the action with cross-progression between platforms. Even though it’s the Open Beta, there’s still plenty of action for fans as, on top of the Barbarian, Amazon, and Sorceress classes, the Paladin and Druid will also be added to the mix of characters, and up to eight friends will be able to get in on the multiplayer action. While the Beta is capped to two acts, gamers can play around with a number of builds as there will be no level restrictions. Head over to the Blizzard page for additional info. In other gaming news, Xbox announces Gamescom 2021 stream.