Title: Star Fox Previews Call The Switch 2 Exclusive A Great Version Of A Familiar Classic Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:45:38 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/star-fox-previews-call-the-switch-2-exclusive-a-great-version-of-a-familiar-classic-2000701489 Yup, that sure is some shinier, prettier Star Fox 64

Title: You Can Now Listen To Animal Crossing Background Music In Your Browser, While You Work, Hour-By-Hour, All Day Long Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:43:17 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/animal-crossing-music-nintendo-web-browser-app-2000701527 Rain or shine

Title: Embracer CEO Hopes People Will ‘Trust’ The Company Again Even As He Suggests More Acquisitions Are On The Table Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:27:19 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/embracer-ceo-lord-of-the-rings-warhorse-kingdom-come-trust-2000701502 One of the most hated video game companies around is hoping you'll trust it again one day...

Title: Lego Unveils 12 New Pokémon-Themed Sets, But It Costs At Least $70 To Use All Their Features Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:10:11 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/lego-pokemon-smart-play-expensive-2000701481 And the best one is locked behind a $130 purchase minimum

Title: Everything You Need To Know About Marathon Season 2 And Its First Free Week Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:00:35 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-marathon-season-2-and-its-first-free-week-2000701243 No one will hear your screams on Dark Marsh (unless you have proximity chat on)

Title: Monopoly Go x The Simpsons crossover is almost here Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:41:21 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/monopoly-go-the-simpsons-crossover-details Monopoly Go players have been looking forward to a major crossover event for what felt like months, and though most of the details ended up leaking, nothing actually beats official information. Read more

Title: Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 will take us deeper into the World in Canvas and make Mortenax Blade playable Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 13:43:44 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/honkai-star-rail-version-4-3-all-details HoYoverse has today delivered full details on the next major update for Honkai: Star Rail. Version 4.3, dubbed The Lethe Below the Living, will be available for all players on June 1. The upcoming update adds a new chapter to the Planarcadia arc, and introduce a new playable character. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 explodes on Steam even before it's officially out Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:02 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-steam-numbers-big-launch Steam is abuzz this week with a couple of long-anticipated launches, but in Forza Horizon 6’s case, at least, the game isn’t even out for what will be most of its players. The anticipated sequel in the open-world driving game series doesn’t officially launch until May 19, but owners of its most expensive version - the Premium Edition - can play it right now. Read more

Title: Mystic Messenger's most loyal players are getting banned in droves for seemingly playing the game too much Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 10:02:10 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/mystic-messenger-ban-wave-thousands-of-hourglasses-anniversary Mystic Messenger, arguably one of the best dating sims around, has been dormant for about seven years. Despite not receiving new content or any meaningful updates in all that time, the game remains popular with its core fans, many of whom just woke up to some shocking news about their accounts. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 review - The driving game for everyone still can’t seem to escape its car-collecting legacy Date: Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-review There is this idea that, for a long-running series to remain as consistently popular as Forza Horizon has been, it needs to diminish itself somewhat with each new entry, gradually losing more and more of its edge in a bid to appeal to the widest possible audience. Read more

Title: Don’t Mourn Destiny 2, Be Grateful That It Existed Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:39:06 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dont-mourn-destiny-2-be-grateful-that-it-existed/ When the news broke that Destiny 2 would be receiving its final major update on June 9, I had to read the entire announcement several times before it sunk in. I've got thousands of hours in the game, resulting in thousands of fond memories, and it's easily the game I've committed most of my time to. Destiny 2 was always more about the people that I was playing with--it just so happened to have one of the best narratives I've ever experienced. I feel like I know those characters. I've been with them through their trials and tribulations. I've rooted for them when they were faced with seemingly impossible scenarios. The thought of coming face-to-face with The Witness felt unfathomable to me in the early years and yet, as the day crept ever closer, I finally had hope that everything would work out. And it did. As a result, The Final Shape earned the first--and only--perfect review score of my career. Hearing that Bungie would be ending active development on Destiny 2 caused a wave of sadness tinged with disbelief. I always figured the game would be there to jump into with my friends when the new expansions were released, or if we fancied poring several hours into the latest raid. It turns out, I'm far from alone in that. Destiny 2 content creator Luckyy10p put together a petition online with the aim of showing Bungie's parent company, Sony, just how many people would be interested in Destiny 3. Forbes reported shortly after the announcement that Destiny 3 was considered, but the more likely solution would have been returning to one larger annual expansion, and renaming the game Destiny Infinity. At the moment, it seems neither option is in development. As it stands, there is no future for the Destiny franchise. Speaking to GameSpot, Luckyy10p noted that the petition was created to demonstrate demand, and reminded players to "be realistic." He added, "Criticism and passion often go hand in hand. Some of the loudest critics of Destiny 2 over the years have also been some of its biggest supporters." While it's obvious that decisions of this scale involve millions of dollars in development costs, Luckyy10p hopes that the popularity of the petition will cause executives to seriously discuss the future of Destiny. "A petition by itself does not green-light a game," he said, "It can show executives and decision makers that there is still a passionate audience that wants more Destiny. It becomes one piece of evidence among many that people still care deeply about the franchise." That petition, at the time of writing, stands at more than 330,000 verified signatures, and doesn't show any sign of slowing down. "I'm genuinely curious to see how high the number will be by June 9, but we'll continue rallying the community long after that date. New players will be trying Destiny 2 for the first time, existing players will be revisiting old memories, and fans will continue showing that they care about this universe." In terms of what the future could potentially look like for Destiny, Luckyy10p said, "The biggest thing Bungie needs to do is provide clarity and a long-term vision. Many players feel the game would have benefited from more transparency about where things were headed over the last few years. When people invest thousands of hours into a franchise, they naturally want to understand what the future looks like." After winning Best Community Support at The Game Awards in 2019, Bungie seemed to lose its bond with the community. Following multiple rounds of layoffs, and a shift towards less transparent communication, players no longer felt connected to the game or the people making it. "Recently, we're starting to see Bungie move back in that direction ... Increased communication, developer conversations, and willingness to engage with feedback have gotten fans more excited than I've seen them since The Final Shape," Luckyy10p noted. "If Bungie and Sony can present a compelling vision for what's next, whether that's Destiny 3 or another major project within the universe, I think players would be willing to come back and support it." Luckyy10p is far from the only creator urging Sony and Bungie to consider Destiny 3, though. Fellow content creator Aztecross has always been one of the most vocal supporters, and critics, of the game. In a recent YouTube video of his, titled 'We've Got to be Loud," he said, "I'm thinking tomorrow during the Sony livestream, there's going to be so much spamming they're going to put [the chat] in emote-only mode. If they put it in emote-only mode, we've got an answer to that. We've got to light this shit up." Aztecross has created an emote, available to subscribers of his Twitch channel, that features the words "We Want," above the Destiny logo with a 3. https://youtu.be/4ybh5TVHb8k "I want every time Sony looks over there, to be like, 'What the fuck is going on right now?'" Cross is referring to the upcoming Sony State of Play livestream which is taking place as part of Summer Game Fest's week of showcases, where all of the biggest developers and studios feature announcements around new games, updates, and trailers. The outpouring of support has led to a hashtag on X, #WeWantDestiny3, being used widely among the community. At the same time, Destiny 2 voice actors are posting videos to show their support for the future of the franchise, and sharing their fond memories with fans. First, Crow's voice actor, Brandon O'Neill, sent a video message to fans saying, "Good evening Guardians, this is the Crow. I know that over the years we have asked you time and time again to lay your lives on the line for the Vanguard, for the city, for hope. We're asking you one more time to gather together at the Tower on June 9 for one final update in Destiny 2. From the Vanguard, officially you are charged to meet us there and make magic happen one more time. On a personal note, the actor Brandon O'Neill wants to thank you for all of the years that you have supported me and supported my journey as Uldren and Crow. Maybe as a little extra, if you're posting about Destiny 2 in any way, how about a little #WeWantDestiny3. I wouldn't mind the employment. I hope to see you starside. All the best, Guardians." https://twitter.com/Red_6250/status/2058441292669943874?s=20 That was followed by The Drifter's voice actor Todd Haberkorn sending an "intercepted message" to players. Beginning with his trademark, "Alright, alright, alright, let's see what we've got," before he goes on to explain that "We're all part of history," and mentions the players, the actors, writers, directors, mo-cap actors, designers, developers, and "hell, even the security guys at the front desk who won't let me in unless I fill in the digital sign-in every single time are all vital to the game's history." "You took the time to illuminate how important this game is," he says. "Echoing the sentiments that so many of my fellow castmates have already stated, it has been an honor and a true privilege to help weave some of the narrative threads into this quilt that we all use to keep warm when we want to enjoy some video game soup on a chilly day." Haberkorn mentions that it's been a "dream and a half" to watch The Drifter's journey. "I don't know what the next intergalactic journey will be but I have to hope that the stars have something sparkly up their sleeves." https://twitter.com/toddhaberkorn/status/2060083798910578729?s=46 Eris Morn's voice actor Morla Gorrondona addressed the community in character as, "My Guardians, my Acolytes, my friends," and wondered how she might express herself after everything that has been achieved. After recapping the events of Destiny 2 and Eris's journey throughout it, she expressed gratitude to players. "Think now of love. The love between you and your Ghost. The love between you and your Fireteam. And the love I have for all of you. Hold fast, and it will never diminish. Remember our time together and be glad. Thank you, Guardians." https://twitter.com/actor_morla/status/2061256039136428389?s=20 Out of character, she paid homage to an "incredible" 12 years. "It is impossible to overstate what these 12 years have meant to me, so I want to say clearly and directly to you, my fellow Guardians, you have changed my life. Joshua David King, the voice of Oryx, The Taken King said that he had "Just learned of the final update for Destiny 2," and took a moment to thank everyone for their support. https://twitter.com/DestinyBulletn/status/2058558026382967169?s=20 "When I was first booked and cast as Oryx I didn't know much about Destiny, but when I learned about the Hive, and I learned about how story-rich and lore-rich and how amazing the world of this game was I fell in love. Instantly, Oryx became a role that I knew I would always hold very near and dear to my heart. Thank you for accepting me with such open arms. I'll see you all on the other side." Breaking into the character of Oryx he added, "At least the stars will remember the shape I gave them." Finally, Savathun, The Witch Queen's voice actor Debra Wilson posted a video for players. "Look at all of you, all of you Guardians mine. To all you Hunters, to all you Warlocks, and to all you Titans, all things must come to an end." She remains in character as Savathun throughout, saying that she's "fed up" of looking at Guardians, but to not be "maudlin" about it. "It means you have a life. Go, live it," she added. Mocking the modernity of "real life" she adds that she knows there is love, "Because all you Guardians love to hate me!" https://youtu.be/8BNoiBctV_g Alongside the heartfelt messages from voice actors, Destiny 2 community manager Dylan Gafner, known more commonly to Destiny 2 players as dmg04, has been posting some pretty cryptic messages on X. https://twitter.com/A_dmg04/status/2061097906086760905?s=20 "Guardians make their own fate," is a regularly used phrase in the Destiny universe, but under the current circumstances it seems to suggest that players have more of a say in the future of the franchise than they might believe. Shortly preceding that post, he said, "Do not go gentle into that good night." While this is a quote from a poem featured in the film Interstellar, Aztecross interpreted this as asking the community not to be quiet, adding, "We do not want Destiny, like Bloodborne and all of these other IPs that Sony owns, to just sit there forever." "Let's just do what we can," Aztecross added. "Playing on June 9 is going to be a big part of it. I think the other part of it is ... the Sony State of Play. I've been told ... that it's supposed to be a massive State of Play ... I will bet my left testicle that Destiny 3 is not going to be shown in that State of Play." Cross added that he wants his community to try "in a loving way" to apply pressure to get another game in the Destiny universe. That point is vital, as it's important to note that harassment, hatred, or unfair statements have never equated to motivating developers, executives, or decision-makers to overturn a decision. And, despite the social media presence, petitions, and loud voices, the decision to end active development on Destiny 2 will not be overturned. But support for the team, support for the franchise, and support for fellow players will resound long after the final Destiny 2 update hits. I'll be in the Tower on June 9 to reminisce with my Fireteam and show my thanks for the wonder that Bungie created. Will you?

Title: Fallout 76 Is Coming To PS5 And Xbox Series X|S With Better Frame Rates And Up To 4K Support Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:23:44 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fallout-76-is-coming-to-ps5-and-xbox-series-xs-with-better-frame-rates-and-up-to-4k-support/ Bethesda's popular multiplayer game Fallout 76 is coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the developer has announced. Bethesda will bring the game to the latest consoles first with a public testing period this month. Anyone who owns Fallout 76 can download the test versions on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. "Once testing is completed, we plan on releasing the update later this summer," Bethesda said, though it did not give any projected timelines. Fallout 76 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S will have a number of updates and improvements, including the following: Targeted 60fps across Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PS5 Pro. Improved draw distances. Improved shadows. 4K resolution (on compatible displays) on Xbox Series X, Xbox One X, PS5 Pro. VRR (on compatible displays) on Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS5, PS5 Pro. PS5 and PS4 Pro will support 1440p while previous generation platforms will continue to support 1080p. Beyond ongoing support for Fallout 76, Bethesda is working on Fallout 5, though it's not expected to release anytime soon. The Fallout TV show remains ongoing as well, with its third season now in production and expected to release in 2027.

Title: PlayStation’s First-Party Game Sales Have Been On Decline Since 2020, Data Shows Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:20:14 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstations-first-party-game-sales-have-been-on-decline-since-2020-data-shows/ After the PS5 generation got off to a strong start in late 2020, sales of first-party games have declined dramatically every year since then, new data has shown. This follows a period where the PS4 generation saw a regular influx of new first-party releases on that platform, but Sony's own numbers paint a worrying picture. According to Stephen Totilo at Game File and Sony's own data, first-party PlayStation sales peaked in the 2020 financial year--April 2020 to March 2021--with 58.4 million sales. In the following years, those sales began to decline and sank to just 28.9 million units sold in the 2024 financial year, while the 2025 financial year saw the numbers rise to 32.1 million sales for that period. So what's going on here exactly? It's worth noting that PS4 games like The Last of Us Part 2 and Ghost of Tsushima are included in the 2020 FY figures, as they launched at the tail end of the PS4 era and are backward compatible with PS5. The PS4 also received a few more games, and at a time when COVID lockdowns saw an explosive growth in gaming, consoles like the PS5 were a hot commodity. Since then, there have been big changes at Sony, some good and some bad. https://twitter.com/stephentotilo/status/2061590901407809559 Sony's live-service plans, spearheaded by former executive Jim Ryan, haven't exactly panned out as intended, resulting in costly cancellations, studios being shut down, and the plug being pulled on the online-shooter Concord just two weeks after launch. The plan was to launch 12 live-service games by 2025, but in 2026, it had only a handful of these. Helldivers 2 by Arrowhead is one of its biggest, but Sony is only responsible for publishing the game, and the studio is looking to self-publish its next project. Vehicular combat game Destruction AllStars has been delisted, content updates for Destiny 2 will end this month, and the response to the upcoming Horizon: Hunters Gathering has been tepid at best. That's not to say that there haven't been great PS5 exclusives released--just look at Astro Bot and Ghost of Yotei--but long development times and soaring costs have impacted the frequency at which these games are released. Today's State of Play livestream could be the best indicator yet of what PS5 owners can expect in the near future. It does feel like Sony is attempting to recapture its momentum with a renewed focus on single-player games. Upcoming projects like Marvel's Wolverine and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet point to this potential U-turn. Sony is reportedly keeping its single-player games as PS5 exclusives after several years of bringing them to PC, and other live-service projects like FairGame$ appear to have taken a backseat. The Best PS5 Games In 2026 View Images

Title: Witcher 3’s Blood And Wine Expansion Was Nearly Called Something Totally Different Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:07:52 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/witcher-3s-blood-and-wine-expansion-was-nearly-called-something-totally-different/ The Witcher 3's Blood and Wine expansion nearly had a different name. CD Projekt's Pawel Sasko confirmed recently that the 2016 expansion was originally called Bells of Beauclair, known internally as BoB. The developers later opted for the more "captivating title" of Blood and Wine. In the developer's eyes, this name captured "the spirit of the narrative" quite well and it was "easier to spell out and articulate."  Sasko was reminiscing on Blood and Wine for its 10th anniversary, as the expansion originally released on May 31, 2016. He said the development timeline was "pretty hardcore," with the team putting together "a completely new country, main story, characters, monsters, mechanics, player's vineyard, and a narrative worthy of closing Geralt's journey."  Sasko went on to say that the "ferocity" around Blood and Wine "still floors me" some 10 years after the expansion was originally released. "You surpassed any expectation we had about The Witcher 3's longevity. To everyone who worked on BoB: You built something that may outlive all of us. I am proud of you, I am proud of what we made," he said. "And to everyone who played it, thank you for keeping Toussaint alive." Blood and Wine was The Witcher 3's second and presumed to be final expansion, following Hearts of Stone. However, in May 2026, CD Projekt announced a third expansion, Songs of the Past. It's set for release in 2027 and acts as a prologue of sorts to The Witcher 4. After The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red made Cyberpunk 2077, and it was also a smashing success after overcoming initial struggles. Its own expansion, Phantom Liberty, was released in 2023. Now, CD Projekt Red is making The Witcher 4, 5, and 6, but those games are not likely to get any expansions, according to CD Projekt Red.

Title: Mina The Hollower’s 11th-Hour Delay Was To Eliminate “The Worst Room In The Game” Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:53:44 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mina-the-hollowers-11th-hour-delay-was-to-eliminate-the-worst-room-in-the-game/ Mina the Hollower has finally released to critical acclaim, but the six-year development cycle took much longer than Yacht Club anticipated--including a last-minute delay out of its planned Halloween 2025 release date. At the time Yacht Club said the delay was for "final polish and balancing to make the game truly shine," and in an interview with GameSpot, David D'Angelo shed more light on what the studio was up to for the last six months. On the whole, D'Angelo said, the game could have shipped as originally planned in October, but it was still running into friction with playtests. In particular, they would identify specific rooms that weren't quite up to snuff. "We just knew some people were still having trouble with it," D'Angelo said. "We had lots of rooms that we just weren't happy with. One of the things we would do as we did playtests, we would go, 'This is the worst room in the game.' And basically have a competition where we're like, 'No, that's the worst one. No, that's the worst one.' And we basically just polished it to where the point was you couldn't definitively say any room was the worst room in the game. Aside from eliminating the "worst room," Yacht Club was trying to make sure the game was balanced for any path through the game. Since the open-world structure allows you to break out of the recommended order, the studio put a lot of time into thinking through every way you could progress. "Say you're like, 'I'm just beelining to every boss. I'm not going to do any side content at all. Or if I do only side content, if I'm just doing all that 100% side content to start and then I go play the levels. Or if I have these trinkets and those trinkets or I use these sidearms and I use this weapon,' it was a lot of permutations of just ways to play the game that we were just going through over and over and over and trying to make sure no matter how you played the game, hopefully you'd have a good time." To that end, D'Angelo mentioned that the item randomizer--which unlocks once you've finished the game for subsequent runs--was a big help for playtesting, since it forced unfamiliar play patterns. Following its delay from the October 31 release date, Mina the Hollower released on May 19, so the brief delay turned out to be more than six months. The time seems to have paid off, though, as Mina has released to critical acclaim and is one of the best-reviewed games of the year on Metacritic.

Title: Sony announces new PlayStation State of Play for June 2026 Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:41:42 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/playstation-state-of-play-june-2026-date-time/ Summer gaming season is almost here, and PlayStation will be first out of the gate. Sony Interactive Entertainment has a new State of Play games showcase coming on Tuesday, June 2, and it promises an extended look at Insomniac Games' upcoming superhero game, Marvel's Wolverine.

Title: The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 spoiler-free review Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:33:20 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/legend-of-vox-machina-season-4-review-spoiler-free/ To understand these tropes and how the show bends them to achieve the best possible outcome, it’s important to know where The Legend of Vox Machina comes from. Critical Role started in 2015 as a web series where a group of professional voice actors live-streamed their ongoing Dungeons & Dragons campaign. It has since evolved into a multimedia company that branches off into video games, animated shows, and tabletop publishing. None of this would have happened without a group of friends playing a game of D&D together, and that’s what you’re watching when you tune into The Legend of Vox Machina, which adapts the characters and storylines of that first campaign (also known as Vox Machina).

Title: Mortal Kombat 2 digital release date and 4K Blu-ray confirmed Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:20:20 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/mortal-kombat-2-movie-digital-release-date-blu-ray-streaming/ Mortal Kombat fans will be able to relive this year's live-action video game movie sequel in the comfort of their own homes starting in June. New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures announced Tuesday that Mortal Kombat 2 will be available for purchase digitally on June 9, with a physical release of the film coming in July.

Title: How to Rob a Bank is modern day Heat meets Twitch Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:18:24 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/how-to-rob-a-bank-movie-amazon-mgm/ Director David Leitch, of Deadpool 2and Bullet Train fame, dares to ask: What if Michael Mann's 1995 American crime-thriller Heat took place in the modern day? The result is the daring, adrenaline-pumping action film How to Rob A Bank.

Title: Star Fox-like Wild Blue Skies is coming out this August Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:55 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/wild-blue-skies-release-date-systems-star-fox-like/ Star Fox fans are eating well this year. Fox McCloud is in movie theaters and returning on Switch 2, but what are furry merc fans without a Switch 2 to do? Play Wild Blue Skies instead.

Title: The Name’s Gaming … Cloud Gaming: ‘007 First Light’ Launches on GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:37 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-007-first-light-launch/ License to stream, shaken and stirred. GeForce NOW is dialing up the espionage with the launch of 007 First Light, letting members slip into James Bond’s reimagined origin story from almost any device — no tux or preloads required.  For a limited time, the game is included with the purchase of a 12‑month GeForce NOW Ultimate membership, letting members lock in Bond’s next mission and a year of top-tier cloud gaming in one shot. And for those stepping into the role, the look comes with it. Daring Elite Outfit, a signature look capturing the spirit of a rising agent, is now available for Ultimate members — equal parts discipline, ambition and edge. And catch Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem demo in the cloud — catch an early portion of the game and discover its two sides: terrifying survival horror with Grace Ashcroft, and pulse-pounding action with Leon S. Kennedy This GFN Thursday also brings eight new games to the cloud, expanding the library with even more ways to play across genres. Mission Assigned First light, first mission. The mission begins before the legend. 007 First Light puts players in the shoes of James Bond at the dawn of his career, when instincts are sharp, rules are flexible and every decision shapes the agent he’s destined to become. This is a Bond who’s still earning his “00” — unpolished, dangerous and learning when to trust a plan and when to improvise under fire. A cinematic spy thriller unfolds with high-stakes infiltration, tense encounters and stylish set pieces. One moment brings thrills working undercover at an opulent event — the next, white‑knuckle chases and close‑quarters confrontations where timing and composure are everything. Approaches to each mission — quiet and calculated, bold and aggressive, or something in between — define Bond’s path and the allies and enemies that cross it. Stream it all with GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU power in the cloud, with up to 5K high dynamic range and cinematic-quality streaming for Ultimate members. Experience Bond’s origin story in razor-sharp detail across devices — no high-end PC required. Keep It Daring Tailored. Tactical. Dangerously sharp. Looks speak first. A new 007 First Light reward drops today on GeForce NOW, delivering Ultimate members a refined,  unmistakably bold way to step into the world of espionage. The Daring Elite Outfit blends calculated precision with effortless style — the kind that turns heads before the mission even begins. Sleek, confident and just a little dangerous, it’s built for agents who understand that presence is a part of the playbook. All rewards are available starting now through Saturday, June 27, or while supplies last. To claim, log in to a GeForce NOW account, head to the rewards section in the account portal and redeem. Keep It Heated Time to get heated. Armored battles get hero-driven in Wargaming’s free-to-play, player vs. player vehicle shooter, World of Tanks: HEAT, now streaming on GeForce NOW. World of Tanks: HEAT is the franchise’s first hero-driven tank action game, where powerful Agents and their experimental machines shape every fight. Fast-paced 5v5 and 10v10 matches erupt into high-velocity brawls as hero-enhanced tanks trade explosive bursts, clutch escapes and momentum-shifting abilities. Each Agent brings a unique tool kit and vehicle lineup, layering team roles and synergy on top of sharp aim and smart positioning. It’s classic steel-on-steel combat with a hero-shooter twist, now available in the cloud. The next match is always just a quick deployment away on GeForce NOW. Keep It Playing Community stories take the spotlight this week as an Ultimate member on Reddit shares a heartfelt note about what GeForce NOW means to daily gaming. In addition, members can look for the following: Romestead (New release on Steam, May 26) World of Tanks: HEAT (New release on Steam, May 26) 007 First Light (New release on Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on the Microsoft store, May 26) Starminer (New release on Steam, May 27) Resident Evil Requiem Demo (New release on Steam, May 27) Alchemy Factory (Steam) BeamNG.drive (Epic Games Store) Ostranauts (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. nvidia geforce now delivers such flawless performance, it is possible to exert dominance upon the squad ‘w/ absolute precision & @ ease' ♡ more about @nvidiagfn @ https://t.co/pFHAv1zXRS https://t.co/q67SOJNpbO #nvidiapartner #geforcenow pic.twitter.com/NsiK3FIX6v — airie (@airiesummer) May 22, 2026

Title: License to Stream: ‘007 First Light’ Coming to GeForce NOW With an Ultimate Bundle Date: Thu, 21 May 2026 13:00:22 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-007-first-light-ultimate-bundle/ The mission begins now. GeForce NOW is dialing up the action with a blockbuster mix of spy thrills, high-speed racing and member rewards — plus eight new games joining the cloud this week, all ready to stream instantly. Leading the drop: the 007 First Light Ultimate Membership Bundle, which brings a brand-new way to jump into one of the year’s biggest releases and discover James Bond’s reimagined origin story. Rev the engines — the Horizon Festival is calling. Forza Horizon 6 is now available on GeForce NOW — bringing the series’ signature open-world racing and festival energy directly to members, wherever they play. Stream a world built for speed, style and freedom instantly across devices, with no downloads required. Step Into the Cloud of Espionage A license to stream. A mission worth accepting arrives. Starting today through Wednesday, June 10, 007 First Light is included with the purchase of a 12-month GeForce NOW Ultimate membership. Lock it in before the game’s launch, and it’ll be ready to play the moment it goes live on Wednesday, May 27 — no preloads, no waiting, no mission briefings required. This is a new, original take of Bond’s story — before the tux fit perfectly and the martinis got specific. 007 First Light drops players into a sharp, cinematic origin story packed with globe-trotting espionage, close calls and choices that shape how the world’s most famous agent takes form. Expect stealth, spectacle and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Stream it all with GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU power in the cloud, with up to 5K high dynamic range and cinematic-quality streaming for Ultimate members. It’s high-end PC gaming, minus the high-end PC. Redeeming the mission is simple: After purchase, get the game by going to the “Available to Redeem” section in the account portal, signing in to a Steam account and completing the redemption. The game is for members to keep — and ready to play across devices at launch with GeForce NOW. Welcome to the Festival Engines roar. Crowds surge. The road stretches endlessly forward. Forza Horizon 6 is the ultimate automotive playground — a shared world where racing, exploration and creativity come together. Every road, trail and skyline is designed to be driven, discovered and mastered. Take on a wide range of events, from high-speed street races to off-road expeditions, or drop into live activities happening across the world. Build a garage of iconic cars spanning decades of automotive history, each brought to life with incredible detail and customization. The Horizon Festival is more than competition — it’s a celebration of car culture and music. Seamless online features connect players across events and challenges, making every session feel alive and unpredictable. Powered by the cloud, GeForce NOW delivers the festival in stunning detail. Members experience ultrasmooth performance and vivid environments without needing to wait for installs or upgrading hardware. With technologies like NVIDIA DLSS enhancing performance and visual fidelity, every reflection, speed blur and finish-line sprint hits at full intensity. Community Spotlight Community-created content takes the spotlight this week, as GeForce NOW ambassador Cloud Gaming Battle sits down with Andrew Fear, GeForce NOW product manager director at NVIDIA, to dive into what makes the service tick. The conversation covers how GeForce NOW brings high-performance PC gaming from the cloud to a wide range of devices, giving a closer look at the tech, thinking and passion behind the platform. It’s a conversation that the GFN Reddit community is calling “genuinely inspirational.” In addition, members can look for the following: Forza Horizon 6 (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, May 19) Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core (New release on Steam, May 20) Luna Abyss (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, May 21) Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II (New release on Steam, May 21) ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies (New release on Steam, May 21) Splitgate Arena Reloaded (Xbox, Available on Game Pass) Sunderfolk (Epic Games Store) TerraTech Legion (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Rev your engines — the Horizon Festival is calling. @ForzaHorizon 6 is now streaming on GeForce NOW – stream a world built for speed in the cloud today. pic.twitter.com/hJuKFT2GZp — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) May 19, 2026

Title: Sea You in the Cloud: ‘Subnautica 2’ Early Access Dives Onto GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 14 May 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-subnautica-2/ Editor’s note: The Gaijin single sign-on feature is now up and running. Dive masks on — Subnautica 2 is making a splash on GeForce NOW day-and-date with launch, so members can plunge into the title’s brand-new alien ocean from almost any device. It leads 11 new games joining the cloud this week. A limited-time HITMAN World of Assassination reward event brings signature tools of the trade — equal parts precision and unpredictability. At the same time Le Chiffre from CASINO ROYALE, played by the legendary actor Mads Mikkelsen, returns to HITMAN World of Assassination. Play for free through May 25 and earn a unique reward for 007 First Light. Meanwhile, engines are already revving — the highly anticipated Forza Horizon 6 races onto the scene with early access, starting today for players who preordered the Premium Edition on Steam or purchased the Premium Upgrade Bundle for PC Game Pass. GeForce NOW members can jump in once early access becomes available on the service — no preinstalls or downloads needed.  It all highlights what GeForce NOW does best: turning PC gaming collections into play-anywhere experiences across devices, with no install, updates or the latest hardware required.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Making Waves Explore the unknown with the cloud. Jump into a shared-world ocean frontier in Subnautica 2 — where survival, exploration and creativity rise to the surface together. Every reef, trench and stormy horizon is crafted to be swum through, studied and slowly tamed as players chart their own course beneath alien waves. Descend into a living seascape of dynamic ecosystems, mysterious ruins and creatures that range from curious to colossal. Take on story-driven missions, dive into resource-rich biomes and construct bases above and below the surface to turn hostile waters into a home. Whether playing solo or with a crew, the ocean stays vast and unpredictable. On GeForce NOW, every current, glow and shadow streams with crisp detail and fluid performance straight from the cloud. Members can plunge into the depths in moments, skipping downloads and hardware upgrades.  Keep It Classy Shaken, stirred and slightly unhinged. Suit up, agent — things are getting a little explosive. A new HITMAN World of Assassination reward event lands on GeForce NOW, giving members a stylish (and slightly unhinged) way to make an impression. Each item leans into HITMAN’s signature tone — equal parts precision, chaos and dark humor. Here’s what’s waiting: Free users: The Purple Streak Explosive Duck — a remote explosive disguised as an innocent rubber toy. Performance members: The Purple Streak Explosive Duck and the Bomb Dynamite, a classic TNT bundle built for loud, messy exits. Ultimate members: Full Ultimate Bundle — adds the Purple Streak Fiber Wire (a sleek, silent takedown tool) and the Purple Streak Swimwear Suit (a bold outfit that trades stealth for style) to the Purple Streak Explosive Duck and the Bomb Dynamite. Starting today, all members get access to the rewards, which will remain available through Sunday, June 14, first come, first served. To claim, log in to a GeForce NOW account, head to the rewards section in the account portal and redeem.  One mission, a handful of questionable tools and a clear message: Stealth is optional, style is not. Splashy New Games In addition, members can look for the following: Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes (New release on Steam, May 11) Outbound (New release on Steam, May 11) Directive 8020 (New release on Steam, May 12) Subnautica 2 (New release on Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on Game Pass, May 14) Blades of Fire (New release on Steam, May 14) Forza Horizon 6 (Early access on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, May 14) Disco Elysium (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure (Epic Games Store) Planet Coaster 2 (Epic Games Store) Sudden Strike 5 (Steam) Super Battle Golf (Steam) The Gaijin single sign-on feature is coming soon and is currently in development with Gaijin. Updates will be shared in a future GeForce NOW Thursday once the feature is live. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.   Which gaming genres do you play the most? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) May 13, 2026  

Title: Linked and Loaded: Gaijin Single Sign-On Now Available on GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 07 May 2026 13:00:27 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-gaijin-sso/ Less typing, more tanking. Faster logins mean more time in the gaming action — and this week provides GeForce NOW members with a smoother path straight into the battlefield. Cloud gaming is all about instant access to titles across devices, and the latest GeForce NOW update removes another layer for members jumping into their Gaijin libraries from anywhere. With seven games joining the cloud this week, the action keeps growing — now backed by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 performance for Ultimate members across nearly the full GeForce NOW library, spanning both Ready-to-Play and Install-to-Play titles. One Gaijin Login to Rule Them All Less typing, more tanking. Gaijin account linking is now cleared for takeoff on GeForce NOW, making it easier to jump straight into battle without extra logins. With Gaijin single sign-on, one quick sign-in connects a Gaijin.net account to the cloud, so supported titles are ready to launch with fewer clicks and no password juggling. Just head to the GeForce NOW app on PC or Mac, dive into the settings and log in under “Connections.” Once linked, supported Gaijin games on GeForce NOW — like the combined-arms chaos of War Thunder — are ready to stream without logging in each time. It’s the same library-first, platform-linking magic members already enjoy with Xbox, Ubisoft Connect and more, now extended to Gaijin so existing PC accounts work seamlessly across devices. Groovy New Games Groove or go down. Dead as Disco from Brain Jar Games drops players into a neon-soaked fever dream where every punch, dodge and takedown hits on the beat. This rhythm-infused brawler blends stylish combat with pulsing tracks, turning each fight into a dance floor showdown. Chain combos, stay in sync and keep the groove alive as the chaos escalates. Now available to stream on GeForce NOW, it’s all about timing, flair and fighting like the music never stops In addition, members can look for the following games, all ready to play on GeForce RTX 5080-power for Ultimate members: Dead as Disco (New release on Steam, May 5) HUNTDOWN: OVERTIME (New release on Steam, May 7) Nuclear Option (Steam) Sintopia (Steam) Kiln (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Hotel Architect (Steam) PowerWash Simulator 2 (Xbox, available on Game Pass) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. What has been your most-played game so far this year? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) May 5, 2026

Title: It’s Gonna Be May: 16 Games Hit the Cloud This Month, With More NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Power Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:00:47 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-may-2026-games-list/ [Editor’s note] The blog has been updated to note that GeForce RTX 5080-power expansion also extends to the Install-to-Play library. It’s gonna be May — and the cloud’s in full festival mode.  16 games are joining GeForce NOW this month, including new AAA titles arriving on launch day from Steam, Xbox, PC Game Pass and GOG, so members can stream their PC libraries instantly across almost any device. Headline launches include the highly anticipated Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light, both ready to hit the cloud on day one. Meanwhile, the GeForce NOW Ultimate membership dials things up with expanded RTX 5080‑class performance across the cloud gaming library, bringing higher frame rates, richer visuals and more responsive gameplay to even more of the games members already love. Ultimate members now get priority access to RTX 5080‑class rigs, making it easier than ever to tap into next‑generation PC power from almost any device. GeForce NOW is also celebrating 30 years of Firaxis in style, with more of the studio’s classics coming as Install‑to‑Play titles for instant access — just in time for a Steam celebration sale on select Firaxis games supported in the cloud. And this week kicks things off with six new games dropping into the cloud, setting the stage for a May packed with new adventures. The Cloud Keeps Getting Bigger AAA titles are landing throughout the month on their launch dates. Members can pick them up from their favorite PC stores — Steam, Xbox, PC Game Pass and GOG — and stream their PC gaming libraries instantly on GeForce NOW without having to repurchase titles to play across devices. The highly anticipated titles hitting the cloud this month include:  Stream it on GeForce NOW. Forza Horizon 6 from Playground Games: The Horizon festival is back and bigger than ever. This is Horizon Japan — stretching from the iconic downtown streets of Tokyo City all the way to the snowy Japanese Alps — introducing the most dense and vertical map yet. A massive new open world, a stacked car roster and that legendary “one more race” energy are all heading to GeForce NOW on the title’s launch date. Members can pick it up on PC via Steam and Xbox, including Game Pass, then hit full throttle from the cloud on almost any device. 007 First Light from IO Interactive: The game brings a modern James Bond origin story to the cloud when it launches Wednesday, May 27, for PC, inviting members to step into the shadows as Bond begins his journey. Experience a mix of stealth and action built around a “breathing” gameplay loop with IOI’s cinematic, set piece-driven storytelling. Approach encounters through stealth, direct action or creative improvisation, with multiple viable paths to each objective that let players define Bond’s style. It’s ready on day one for players grabbing it on Steam, Xbox on PC or GOG. More Power GeForce NOW Ultimate is expanding what premium cloud gaming looks like. Starting today, Ultimate members can stream even more of their games on RTX 5080 virtual gaming rigs — bringing the power of the NVIDIA Blackwell RTX architecture to a wide range of titles. This update significantly broadens access to 5080 performance beyond the list of GeForce RTX 5080-optimized titles. Now, across nearly the entire GeForce NOW library, members can experience higher frame rates, richer visuals, and more responsive gameplay by default at up to 5K 120 frames per second or 360 fps at 1080p. With RTX 5080 in the cloud, Ultimate members unlock the same cutting-edge features available to GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU owners. That includes NVIDIA DLSS 4 technology for sharper image quality and higher performance, NVIDIA Reflex for reduced system latency and faster input response, and advanced ray tracing for more lifelike lighting and reflections.  With RTX 5080 powering the default Ultimate experience, GeForce NOW delivers next-generation performance to more games, extending the value of a GeForce NOW membership. See more details in the knowledgebase article. 30 Years of ‘One More Turn’ Happy 30th, O mighty Firaxis Games. GeForce NOW is celebrating three decades of Firaxis — the legendary studio behind Civilization and XCOM — with a growing lineup of some of the best strategy games on the cloud. Throughout May, GeForce NOW is rolling out a collection of classic Firaxis games, available as Install-to-Play titles for instant access. Expanding beyond Civilization V and Civilization VI and the series’ signature “one more turn” gameplay,  GeForce NOW will showcase the studio’s broader legacy.  Take to the stars in Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth, lay tracks in Sid Meier’s Railroads!, defend the globe in XCOM 2, and command the skies in Ace Patrol and Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies. Add to that the anniversary celebration on Steam with discounts of up to 90% on games in the Firaxis catalog for a limited time. It’s the perfect time for members to build their Firaxis collection in the cloud. May-jor New Games One wrong turn from glory to graveyard. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is the official prequel that returns to the roots of the genre-defining, critically acclaimed turn-based strategy series. Raise grand armies and wield devastating spells to overcome foes in solo and multiplayer, set against a grim, war-torn world of uneasy alliances and hard choices. Now available to stream on GeForce NOW, every decision shapes a path defined by power, strategy and hard-earned victories All roads lead to Rome. Some also lead directly into a volcano. Anno 117: PAX Romana is turning up the heat with its first downloadable content (DLC), Prophecies of Ash, dropping a massive new volcanic island into the heart of the Roman empire. Build a thriving city on Cinis, juggle new production chains like obsidian crafting and new items, and try to stay on the good side of Vulcan — a new deity to worship —  while a very active volcano looks in the background. Additionally, the DLC introduces a new resource a new trader, Ceacilia, and several new specialists. Available to stream on GeForce NOW, the DLC is ready to play without waiting on big downloads or patches — just jump in, claim the new land and see whether the empire can handle a little fire and brimstone. Check out what else is available this week: Global Rescue (New release on Steam, April 27) s&box (New release on Steam, April 28) Far Far West (New release on Steam, April 28) INDUSTRIA 2 (New release on Steam, April 29) Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, April 30) Bus Bound (New release on Steam, April 30) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Conan Exiles (New release on Steam and Epic Games Store, May 5) Dead as Disco (New release on Steam, May 5) HUNTDOWN: OVERTIME (New release on Steam, May 7) Outbound (New release on Steam, May 14) Starminer (New release on Steam, May 27) Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core (New release on Steam, May 18) Forza Horizon 6 (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, May 19) Luna Abyss (New release on Steam, May 21) ZERO PARADES (New release on Steam, May 21) 007 First Light (New release on Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on the Microsoft store, May 27) Hotel Architect (Steam) Kiln (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Nuclear Option (Steam) Sintopia (Steam) Sudden Strike 5 (Steam) Super Battle Golf (Steam) Adding to April In addition to the 10 games announced last month, 11 more joined the GeForce NOW library: ‘83 (Steam) Crimson Desert (Xbox, available to play via Xbox Play Anywhere) DayZ (Xbox, available on Game Pass)  Diablo III (Ubisoft Connect) MapleStory M (Steam) Morbid Metal (Steam) PRAGMATA SKETCHBOOK – Demo (Steam) Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition (Steam and Ubisoft) Tides of Tomorrow (Steam) Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors (Xbox) Windrose (Steam) Outbound didn’t make it to the cloud this month due to its launch date being moved. Stay tuned to GFN Thursdays for the latest. What are you planning to play this weekend? 

Title: (For Southeast Asia) FlexStrike wireless fight stick launching in August,  followed by Pulse Elevate wireless speakers later this year   Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:01:55 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/01/20260602-flexstrike/ Last year, we provided a first look at a number of upcoming new gaming accessories coming to the PS5 console and PC. This includes our first wireless fight stick, FlexStrike, and our first wireless desktop speakers, Pulse Elevate. Today, we’re pleased to share some new updates on these products.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick launches globally starting August 6, 2026  FlexStrike wireless fight stick will launch starting on August 6, 2026 just in time for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls. It’s built for PS5 and PC* and is designed with competitive play and portability in mind. With an included sling carry case and a built-in rechargeable battery, it’s easy to bring your fight stick to a tournament, meetup, or a friend’s place to jump right into the action.  Play Video View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image In Southeast Asia, FlexStrike wireless fight stick will be available for pre-order starting June 12, 2026 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of SGD 279 / MYR 999 / IDR 4,199,000 / THB 7,790 / PHP 13,178 / VND 6,499,000. Pre-orders will be available at participating retailers.  Additionally, FlexStrike wireless fight stick will launch on same day as MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, which has its PS5 physical edition’s pre-order to start on June 12, 2026 at Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of SGD 77 / MYR 249 / THB 1,990 / IDR 879,000 / PHP 3,622 / VND 1,499,000. Digital pre-order has started on PS Store, Steam and Epic Games Store, with options of Standard, Digital Deluxe and Ultimate Editions. Pulse Elevate Wireless Speakers, coming later this year Pulse Elevate wireless speakers share many of the notable innovations featured in our Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite headsets – expanding our efforts to make the gameplay experience more immersive through enhanced sound. These wireless speakers will launch later this year, creating a rich experience beyond the living room for players. We’ll have more information to share soon, including the suggested retail price and when pre-order begins. Be sure to check back for updates on the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers.   View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image We’re excited to bring the FlexStrike wireless fight stickand Pulse Elevate wireless speakers to players, and to continue providing more choices in how and where they play. As always, thank you for being part of the community, and we look forward to continuing to come up with new ways to enhance your PS5 experience.  Check out this new PlayStation Blog article for more hands-on details with the upcoming products. * PC compatibility for FlexStrike wireless fight stick will roll out following launch, with availability expanding to more users over time.ilable with compatible devices and supported games, sold separately.

Title: (For Southeast Asia) Hands-on report: FlexStrike wireless fight stick and Pulse Elevate wireless speakers Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:01:52 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/01/20260602-flexstrike2/ When the original PlayStation first launched over 30 years ago, gaming was mostly about you sitting in front of an old-school CRT television, controller in hand. While that’s still the case for many, there are now more options than ever to customize your gaming environment.  Fast forward to 2026, and PlayStation now offers a variety of controllers, headsets, and devices to give players options for the best way to play. This expansion of players’ options continues as new pricing and info for upcoming PlayStation products were just announced, and we were fortunate enough to go hands-on. Read on to learn about the FlexStrike wireless fight stick and Pulse Elevate wireless speakers. This article includes contributions from both O’Dell Harmon Jr. and Kristen Zitani View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image FlexStrike wireless fight stick Fighting game hopefuls and fanatics can rejoice, as FlexStrike is primed to be a premier fighting stick that is both beginner-friendly and tournament-ready for all skill levels. First and foremost, it can be used both wired and wirelessly, with the wireless option leveraging PlayStation Link to deliver ultra-low latency as fast as 4 milliseconds from the controller to the included PS Link adapter*. Comfort and customization  Understanding that players have different ways of sitting and resting their wrists, the stick is designed to be played both in your lap and on a table. The bottom is covered in a non-slip material that also grips to prevent sliding. FlexStrike stayed cool while on my lap and didn’t slide around as I tested various movements and sudden body shifts. The stick is also shorter than average and the face buttons rest on a slightly angled surface, reducing fatigue and increasing comfort and ergonomics. It performed just as well on the tabletop. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The feature I was most excited about was the toolless swappable restrictor gates for the custom-designed digital stick, which let you easily switch between square, circular, and octagonal gates. The back cover is magnetic and can be popped off, so you can switch between the gates within seconds. I grew up playing charge characters in Street Fighter, so square gates are my natural calling, but when switching to the octagonal gates I could feel each distinct corner, and I could make smooth circle motions with the circular gate. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Tools of the trade  FlexStrike comes with a sling carry case that can be worn crossbody or on the back.The inside of the case features special sections to keep the digital stick safe and secure, along with pouches for cables and any other tools you might need. You don’t have to worry about things moving around or going out and buying any extra equipment to keep it in top condition. In Southeast Asia, the FlexStrike wireless fight stick releases on August 6, 2026 for SGD 279 / MYR 999 / IDR 4,199,000 / THB 7,790 / PHP 13,178 / VND 6,499,000 (sling carry case included) with pre-orders starting on June 12, 2026.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Pulse Elevate wireless speakers Audiophiles will have a new way to immerse themselves into sonic gaming soundscapes with PlayStation’s first pair of wireless stereo speakers. I had the chance to turn up the volume in person to test out its sleek but powerful features with my own ears. Planar magnetic drivers Like Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore before it, the studio-inspired speakers are powered by planar magnetic drivers that help reproduce sound with near perfect accuracy along the entire audible spectrum. Paired with ultra-low latency and lossless PlayStation Link technology, these wireless speakers can provide lifelike audio in a portable form factor. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image In a hands-on run through of the dangerous biomes in Saros, that translated to a crisp-yet-rich mix of gameplay sound and adrenaline-pumping music. Audio cues from spawning enemies thanks to the Tempest 3D AudioTech immersed me in Arjun’s world, allowing me to weave through combat with lethal precision. The range of tones makes it easy to sink into the soundtrack’s thrumming bassline while still staying alert to incoming threats, and the ultra-low latency via PlayStation Link delivered sounds as they happened.  Tailored soundspace Beyond the robust tech inside, the look and feel of the speakers were right at home both beside a monitor while playing on PS5 and and stationed off their dock around the room. The built-in rechargeable battery allows for 12 hours of play, and each speaker can be tilted to your preferred angle. As someone who often works from home, I imagined all the ways I could move them across my apartment throughout the day: taking a call or listening to music while working on my laptop, then seamlessly switching to playing on PS5 after work.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Built-in mic with AI-enhanced noise rejection Similar to Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore headphones, the Pulse Elevate speakers can utilize PlayStation Link simultaneously with another Bluetooth audio connection, meaning I can take a phone call while gaming without any latency or interruption. But they also have a headphone-style noise-filtering feature that blew me away.  In a demonstration on a laptop, we made a call speaking at a normal volume while music loudly flowed through the Pulse Elevate speakers. When a recording of the call played back, all we heard was the clear speaking voice. The built-in mic had cut through the noise without having to pause music or change the volume at all. A seamless experience end to end.  The Pulse Elevate wireless speakers are set to launch later this year – stay tuned for more details on PlayStation Blog. *PC compatibility for FlexStrike wireless fight stick will roll out following launch, with availability expanding to more users over time.**Features available with compatible devices and supported games, sold separately.

Title: Hands-on report: FlexStrike wireless fight stick, Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, PlayStation’s 27” Gaming Monitor Date: Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:00:12 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/01/hands-on-report-flexstrike-wireless-fight-stick-pulse-elevate-wireless-speakers-playstations-27-gaming-monitor/ When the original PlayStation first launched over 30 years ago, gaming was mostly about you sitting in front of an old-school CRT television, controller in hand. While that’s still the case for many, there are now more options than ever to customize your gaming environment.  Fast forward to 2026, and PlayStation now offers a variety of controllers, headsets, and devices to give players options for the best way to play. This expansion of players’ options continues as new pricing and info for upcoming PlayStation products were just announced, and we were fortunate enough to go hands-on. Read on to learn about the FlexStrike wireless fight stick, Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, and PlayStation’s 27” Gaming Monitor with a DualSense Charging Hook. This article includes contributions from both O’Dell Harmon Jr. and Kristen Zitani View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image FlexStrike wireless fight stick Fighting game hopefuls and fanatics can rejoice, as FlexStrike is primed to be a premier fighting stick that is both beginner-friendly and tournament-ready for all skill levels. First and foremost, it can be used both wired and wirelessly, with the wireless option leveraging PlayStation Link to deliver ultra-low latency as fast as 4 milliseconds from the controller to the included PS Link adapter*. Comfort and customization  Understanding that players have different ways of sitting and resting their wrists, the stick is designed to be played both in your lap and on a table. The bottom is covered in a non-slip material that also grips to prevent sliding. FlexStrike stayed cool while on my lap and didn’t slide around as I tested various movements and sudden body shifts. The stick is also shorter than average and the face buttons rest on a slightly angled surface, reducing fatigue and increasing comfort and ergonomics. It performed just as well on the tabletop. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The feature I was most excited about was the toolless swappable restrictor gates for the custom-designed digital stick, which let you easily switch between square, circular, and octagonal gates. The back cover is magnetic and can be popped off, so you can switch between the gates within seconds. I grew up playing charge characters in Street Fighter, so square gates are my natural calling, but when switching to the octagonal gates I could feel each distinct corner, and I could make smooth circle motions with the circular gate. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Tools of the trade  FlexStrike comes with a sling carry case that can be worn crossbody or on the back.The inside of the case features special sections to keep the digital stick safe and secure, along with pouches for cables and any other tools you might need. You don’t have to worry about things moving around or going out and buying any extra equipment to keep it in top condition. The FlexStrike wireless fight stick releases on August 6, 2026 for $199.99 USD (sling carry case included) with pre-orders starting on June 12, 2026.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Pulse Elevate wireless speakers Audiophiles will have a new way to immerse themselves into sonic gaming soundscapes with PlayStation’s first pair of wireless stereo speakers. I had the chance to turn up the volume in person to test out its sleek but powerful features with my own ears. Planar magnetic drivers Like Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore before it, the studio-inspired speakers are powered by planar magnetic drivers that help reproduce sound with near perfect accuracy along the entire audible spectrum. Paired with ultra-low latency and lossless PlayStation Link technology, these wireless speakers can provide lifelike audio in a portable form factor. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image In a hands-on run through of the dangerous biomes in Saros, that translated to a crisp-yet-rich mix of gameplay sound and adrenaline-pumping music. Audio cues from spawning enemies thanks to the Tempest 3D AudioTech immersed me in Arjun’s world, allowing me to weave through combat with lethal precision. The range of tones makes it easy to sink into the soundtrack’s thrumming bassline while still staying alert to incoming threats, and the ultra-low latency via PlayStation Link delivered sounds as they happened.  Tailored soundspace Beyond the robust tech inside, the look and feel of the speakers were right at home both beside a monitor while playing on PS5 and and stationed off their dock around the room. The built-in rechargeable battery allows for 12 hours of play, and each speaker can be tilted to your preferred angle. As someone who often works from home, I imagined all the ways I could move them across my apartment throughout the day: taking a call or listening to music while working on my laptop, then seamlessly switching to playing on PS5 after work.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Built-in mic with AI-enhanced noise rejection Similar to Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore headphones, the Pulse Elevate speakers can utilize PlayStation Link simultaneously with another Bluetooth audio connection, meaning I can take a phone call while gaming without any latency or interruption. But they also have a headphone-style noise-filtering feature that blew me away.  In a demonstration on a laptop, we made a call speaking at a normal volume while music loudly flowed through the Pulse Elevate speakers. When a recording of the call played back, all we heard was the clear speaking voice. The built-in mic had cut through the noise without having to pause music or change the volume at all. A seamless experience end to end.  The Pulse Elevate wireless speakers are set to launch later this year – stay tuned for more details on PlayStation Blog. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image PlayStation’s 27” Gaming Monitor with a DualSense Charging Hook While we moved the Pulse Elevate speakers all around our hands-on demo space, when playing on PS5 we kept them docked alongside PlayStation’s new gaming monitor. Coming to the US and Japan, the monitor opens up a world of play outside just the living room and packs a powerful punch. Impressive visual details The gaming monitor offers a Quad High Definition (QHD) IPS display up to 2560 x 1440 resolution,** and High Dynamic Range support that can automatically adjust HDR settings during setup on PS5 and PS5 Pro. What that meant for our demo playing Saros was the vivid and colorful world of Carcosa coming into focus, with crisp picture quality whether opening menus or activating dangerous environments of the in-game eclipse. The monitor also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and refresh rates of up to 120 Hz on PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles and 240Hz on compatible PC devices for a smooth gameplay experience. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Desktop ready With personal playing spaces in mind, the 27-inch screen is easy to imagine in my at-home office set up. Combined with the Pulse Elevate speakers and the built-in DualSense Charging Hook that let me rest a DualSense or DualSense Edge controller below the screen, I could see my future desktop gaming setup coming to life.   PlayStation’s 27” Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook launches starting August 27, 2026 for $349.99 USD with pre-orders starting on June 5, 2026. *PC compatibility for FlexStrike wireless fight stick will roll out following launch, with availability expanding to more users over time. **Features available with compatible devices and supported games, sold separately.

Title: FlexStrike wireless fight stick, 27’’ Gaming Monitor launching in August, followed by Pulse Elevate wireless speakers later this year Date: Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:00:06 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/01/flexstrike-wireless-fight-stick-27-gaming-monitor-launching-in-august-followed-by-pulse-elevate-wireless-speakers-later-this-year/ Last year, we provided a first look at a number of upcoming new gaming accessories coming to the PS5 console and PC. This includes our first wireless fight stick, FlexStrike, our 27” Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook, which will be available in the U.S. and Japan, and our first wireless desktop speakers, Pulse Elevate. Today, we’re pleased to share some new updates on these products.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick launches globally starting August 6, 2026  FlexStrike wireless fight stick will launch starting on August 6, 2026 just in time for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls. It’s built for PS5 and PC* and is designed with competitive play and portability in mind. With an included sling carry case and a built-in rechargeable battery, it’s easy to bring your fight stick to a tournament, meetup, or a friend’s place to jump right into the action.  Play Video View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image FlexStrike wireless fight stick will be available for pre-order starting June 12, 2026 for a recommended retail price (RRP) of $199.99 USD | €199.99 EURO | £179.99 GBP | ¥34,980 JPY (including tax). Pre-orders will be available at direct.playstation.com (where available) and at participating retailers.  27” Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook, launches in the U.S. and Japan starting August 27, 2026    Play Video We’ve continued to see more players playing games outside of the living room – especially in personal spaces and on desktop gaming setups. The 27’’ Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook is built for players who want a high-quality display experience beyond the living room TV. It features a 27-inch QHD IPS display (2560×1440) with VRR, supporting up to 120Hz on PS5 and PS5 Pro, and up to 240Hz on a compatible PC or Mac.   View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Starting June 5, 2026, the 27’’ Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook will be available for pre-order through direct.playstation.com and Best Buy in the U.S., along with participating retailers in Japan, for an RRP of $349.99 USD | ¥49,980 JPY (including tax).   Pulse Elevate Wireless Speakers, coming later this year Pulse Elevate wireless speakers share many of the notable innovations featured in our Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite headsets – expanding our efforts to make the gameplay experience more immersive through enhanced sound. These wireless speakers will launch later this year and will pair perfectly with the 27” Gaming Monitor, creating a rich experience beyond the living room for players. We’ll have more information to share soon, including the suggested retail price and when pre-order begins. Be sure to check back for updates on the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers.   View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image We’re excited to bring the FlexStrike wireless fight stick, 27” Gaming Monitor, and Pulse Elevate wireless speakers to players, and to continue providing more choices in how and where they play. As always, thank you for being part of the community, and we look forward to continuing to come up with new ways to enhance your PS5 experience.  Check out this new PlayStation Blog article for more hands-on details with the upcoming products. direct.playstation.com Purchase Information  Starting June 12 at 10:00am ET in the U.S., and 10am local time in the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, players will be able to pre-order the FlexStrike wireless fight stick through direct.playstation.com in limited quantities.    Starting June 5 at 10:00am ET in the U.S., players will be able to pre-order the 27’’ Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging hook through direct.playstation.com in limited quantities.    When ordering directly from PlayStation, enjoy free launch day delivery for eligible pre-orders. Visit direct.playstation.com for more details.  * PC compatibility for FlexStrike wireless fight stick will roll out following launch, with availability expanding to more users over time.

Title: EA Sports F1 25: Enhanced PSSR available alongside 2026 Season Pack Date: Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:00:25 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/01/ea-sports-f1-25-enhanced-pssr-available-alongside-2026-season-pack/ Find out how enhanced PSSR is powering the Ultimate Racing Experience in EA Sports F1 25: 2026 Season Pack, as Codemasters Technical Producer Si Lumb unpacks how the team has implemented the new system and the benefits to the on-track action. Has special work gone into creating this PS5 Pro version, or is this a fairly straightforward implementation? Also, has the game been cleared to include a “PS5 Pro Enhanced” badge on PS Store?F1 25 launched with a PS5 Pro Enhanced badge, building on the team’s launch day support of PS5 Pro in the previous game, F1 24. We are delighted to continue to support PSSR in the F1 25: 2026 Season Pack update and bring the latest version to our players. The team at Sony made upgrading our title to use enhanced PSSR incredibly simple and including it at launch was an easy decision.Does the PS5 Pro version notably increase the game’s resolution or use PSSR? At Codemasters we pride ourselves on delivering locked 60fps gameplay in our exclusive ray tracing enhanced Quality mode, the introduction of PSSR gives us more performance and a higher quality image. Players should notice a sharper image when booting F1 25 at the launch of the 2026 Season Pack. Does the PS5 Pro version increase framerate, or add new rendering modes that address framerate?The PS5 Pro benefits from Quality mode: our ray tracing enhanced presentation with enhanced PSSR, that is the best you can get on console hardware. Our performance mode delivers 120Hz gameplay for compatible screens, and our spectacular 8K “resolution” mode is there for those with the high-resolution televisions to enjoy it. Does the PS5 Pro version improve ray tracing or enhance ray tracing features such as global illumination?We feature Ray Traced reflections, dynamic diffuse global illumination, and ray traced global illumination in our PS5 Pro quality mode.Are there any other areas where PS5 Pro stands out from other versions of the game?All these enhancements come together in spectacular fashion in the 2026 Season Pack, particularly with the new Madring circuit, the first track built from the ground up with all these new features in mind. This crazy new high-speed street circuit is the perfect location to experience enhanced PSSR and all our Ray Tracing features at their very best. Play Video What is included in the F1 25: 2026 Season Pack? The F1 25: 2026 Season Pack introduces the full 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship experience to EA Sports F1 25, featuring updated rules and regulations, new teams Audi and Cadillac, refreshed driver line-ups, and the brand-new Madring circuit. Players will experience a new era of F1 gameplay with active aerodynamics and the new Overtake mode, delivering more tactical and action-packed racing. The pack also expands Career and My Team, allowing players to forge their racing legacy or become the 12th team on the grid with fully customizable team management. If I don’t own F1 25, how can I play the DLC? The F1 25: 2026 Season Edition is the game for you. Not only does this include all of the 2026 Season Pack content, but you will also get F1 25 featuring a revamped My Team mode, the thrilling third chapter of Braking Point and more. When does it launch? The F1 25: 2026 Season Pack and F1 25: 2026 Season Edition launch worldwide on June 3, 2026 on PlayStation 5!

Title: Silver Pines is a rotoscoped side-scrolling survival horror game that splices Silent Hill with Flashback, and it's out on October 8th Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:31:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/silver-pines-is-a-rotoscoped-side-scrolling-survival-horror-game-that-splices-silent-hill-with-flashback-and-its-out-on-october-8th Set in a town that's equal parts Silent Hill and Twin Peaks, Silver Pines puts you into the gumshoes of private investigator Red Walker as he tracks down missing musician Eddie Velvet. The investigation hits a slight hiccup when ravenous monsters that want to eat your flesh down to the bones start to impede your enquiries. We've known about the sidescrolling metroidvania for a while, but it's now got a Steam demo you can play and a release date you can hunger for. October 8th, the creepiest 8th day of the month in the year. Read more

Title: "What the f*** do I pay you for if that’s your opinion?" Gabe Newell reportedly once shouted at one of Valve's Lionel Hutzes during Steam porn debate Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:02:40 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-the-f-do-i-pay-you-for-if-thats-your-opinion-gabe-newell-reportedly-once-shouted-at-one-of-valves-lionel-hutzes-during-steam-porn-debate Valve boss Gabe Newell reportedly once yelled "What the f*** do I pay you for if that’s your opinion?" at the company's general counsel Karl Quackenbush during a debate over allowing pornographic media on Steam. Quackenbush is claimed to have been arguing in favour of more stringent content moderation on the platform. Read more

Title: Time to Wake Up is an eye-catching puzzle adventure where your surroundings shift with every blink Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:59 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/time-to-wake-up-is-an-eye-catching-puzzle-adventure-where-your-surroundings-shift-with-every-blink I am intrigued by Farsight, a nervy (if trendily) liminal space explorer announced at Not E3’s Horror Game Awards Showcase. It tugs on a fear I’ve never had, but will probably start thinking about at every future Specsavers visit: being dragged into that distant red-roofed house shown in optometry exams, and hunted by the spooks within. However, I’ve also recently been made aware of another first-person, eye-related psychological indie thriller, Time to Wake Up. And, well, this one has a Steam demo, so... Read more

Title: Mym's Sword is a delightfully ominous Zelda-style action platformer with magic rings and knife-wielding raccoons Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:30:31 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/myms-sword-is-a-delightfully-ominous-zelda-style-action-platformer-with-magic-rings-and-knife-wielding-raccoons In curious Zelda-flavoured action-platformer Mym's Sword, you are a blue dog who fell through a cavern roof into a temple containing a magic sword. The dog's name is Nora. Who is Mym, then? Possibly some kind of ancient evil, which you are on a quest to awaken, "for better or worse". To unlock the sword's secrets, you'll need to visit three twisty ruins, scattered across five areas comprising around 300 single screen rooms. There are also magic rings that confer boosts such as greater odds of a health heart drop, but as a digit-deficient canine, you'll need to collect "helper's hands" before you can equip those rings. Gosh, that's a bit creepy. Bad dog? Read more

Title: After a week of playing on nothing but Panther Lake laptops, it's safe to say that Intel has its gaming mojo back Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:30:24 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/after-a-week-of-playing-on-nothing-but-panther-lake-laptops-its-safe-to-say-that-intel-has-its-gaming-mojo-back Intel have had a bit of a wild ride as of late. In many ways, the past two years have been some of the roughest in the company's history: a massive, multi-billion dollar quarterly loss back in 2024 was enough to cost then-Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger his job, and their flagship Core Ultra 200S desktop chips have fallen flat in games, ceding even more ground to archrival AMD. There are still some bright spots, however. After the relative success of Intel's Lunar Lake laptop processors in 2024, their successor family of Panther Lake CPUs - or to use the official name, Core Ultra Series 3 - is being heaped with praise from nearly all quarters. Not least thanks to the integrated Arc B390 GPU, which on paper, promises the same gaming power as a discrete Nvidia RTX 4050. Having a few of these laptops on hand, I decided to test Panther Lake's chops for myself by spending a full week with them as my everyday games machines. Read more