Category: News

Recent leaks have provided gamers with potential insights into the launch date and pricing of the Xbox ROG Ally handheld. For some time, there have been speculations surrounding Xbox’s development of a handheld device that could compete with the Steam Deck and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This was officially confirmed during last week’s Xbox Games Showcase at the Summer Game Fest 2025. The new handheld is being created in collaboration with Asus, a well-known manufacturer that previously produced its own portable gaming device, the ROG Ally.

The Xbox ROG Ally handheld promises to enable players to carry their entire Xbox game libraries, including the extensive Xbox Game Pass collection, along with games from third-party platforms such as Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect. Interestingly, this setup means that Xbox users may also have access to major PlayStation titles like God of War and Marvel’s Spider-Man, which have been released on Steam. Though an exact release date hasn’t been established, the initial announcement indicated a potential store launch during the holiday season of 2025. Gaming insider eXtas1s recently shared updates about the Xbox ROG Ally on their YouTube channel, citing information from two European retailers.

According to these sources, pre-orders for the handheld are expected to open in August, with the official launch set for October. The prices for the devices are estimated at €599 for the standard white Xbox Ally model and €899 for the enhanced Xbox Ally X model. While the estimated European prices could translate to about $692 and $1,039, respectively, it is important to note that these figures have not been confirmed. The two models differ in specifications, with the standard version featuring an AMD Ryzen X2A processor and 512 GB of storage, while the Xbox Ally X comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and 1TB of storage.

Until more reliable information becomes available, gamers are advised to treat these details cautiously. Meanwhile, fans of Hollow Knight: Silksong are eagerly awaiting the handheld’s launch, as the game is expected to release before the Xbox ROG Ally.

On June 13, a new Mystery Gift Code event was launched for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, allowing trainers to acquire the popular seventh-generation Pokemon, Incineroar, without any extra cost. Players have until June 20 to redeem this special critter. Incineroar, known as the Heel Pokemon, made its first appearance in Pokemon Sun and Moon as the final evolution of Litten and Torracat. This dual-type Fire and Dark Pokemon draws inspiration from professional wrestling, making it a favorite in competitive battles, particularly with the strategic options introduced by Tera types in Scarlet and Violet.

For trainers who have the Indigo Disk DLC, Incineroar can typically be obtained by capturing a Litten in the Terarium and evolving it. In addition to this exciting event, players are encouraged to consider the Switch 2, which offers enhanced features to aid in Shiny Hunting. To commemorate the ongoing 2025 North American International Championships in New Orleans, another Mystery Gift Code became available this June. This code, “NA1C25C0NPER1SH,” unlocks a unique Incineroar previously used by content creator Wolfe Glick during his title defense at the 2024 Europe International Championships.

This Incineroar is equipped with a Bug-type Tera type, the hidden ability Intimidate, and notable moves such as Protect, Parting Shot, Flare Blitz, and Fake Out. Additionally, it comes with Safety Goggles, preventing certain move effects, and a special Partner Ribbon, allowing trainers to recognize it as “Wolfe’s Incineroar.” In tandem with these offers, trainers can also seek other active Mystery Gift Codes, including Wei Chyr’s Rillaboom and various version-exclusive Rotom Phone Cases. As the year progresses, fans of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet can look forward to more surprises, including an upcoming opportunity to claim Flutter Mane during the Japan Championships on June 21 and 22.

Bethesda has recently reduced the prices of two beloved titles in the Elder Scrolls franchise: Oblivion and Morrowind. This move comes in the wake of the renewed interest generated by the launch of Oblivion Remastered, which has significantly boosted the series’ popularity. The Elder Scrolls series began with The Elder Scrolls: Arena in 1994, followed by Daggerfall in 1996, which featured a vast, procedurally generated world. In contrast, Morrowind, released in 2002, offered a meticulously crafted version of the island of Vvardenfell and is often regarded as one of the best entries in the series.

The franchise reached new heights in 2006 with Oblivion and continued to soar with the release of Skyrim, which has sold over 60 million copies worldwide. Currently, Bethesda has slashed the prices of both The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion from $15 to $10. These price reductions appear to be permanent, as the games maintain this new price across various platforms. Historically, both titles have been offered at lower prices, suggesting that this change may not be a temporary promotion.

The decision to lower prices likely coincides with the excitement surrounding Oblivion Remastered, which has reportedly sold more units in its initial month than the original version did in an entire year. Interestingly, despite this revival, many gamers are still opting to revisit Skyrim, which recently saw a higher peak player count than Oblivion Remastered. This trend underscores a continued passion for the classic entries in the series, making the current discounts a perfect opportunity for fans to explore Morrowind or compare the remastered version of Oblivion with the original. However, fans are still waiting for news regarding The Elder Scrolls 6, which has yet to receive a release date.

Since its announcement over 2,500 days ago, anticipation has only grown, with speculation surrounding its storyline. While many rumors suggest that the next adventure may take place in Hammerfell, concrete details from Bethesda remain elusive, leaving fans eager for updates.

As Konami seeks to reintroduce Metal Gear Solid to a broader audience, the anticipation surrounding the franchise is palpable. The Metal Gear series has captured the attention of many gamers, each with their own unique memories and experiences tied to it. For some, the standout feature that draws them in is the multiplayer aspect.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the latest installment in the celebrated franchise, aims to cater to this audience with a brand-new mode specifically designed for fans of Metal Gear Online. This addition is expected to add a fresh layer of excitement and engagement to the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience for players who cherish the competitive multiplayer elements that the series offers. The focus on multiplayer is a strategic move by Konami, acknowledging the demands and preferences of their loyal fanbase.

By incorporating this new mode, they hope to not only attract returning players but also draw in newcomers who are eager to explore the rich world that Metal Gear Solid is known for. In conclusion, as the release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater approaches, players can look forward to thrilling new features, particularly for those who enjoy multiplayer gameplay. With high hopes riding on this installment, fans are eager to see how Konami will blend nostalgia with innovative gameplay, ensuring that Metal Gear Solid continues to resonate with both old and new fans alike.

Overwatch 2 is generating excitement as it officially teases Season 17, titled “Powered Up!” The reveal trailer for this highly anticipated season is set to premiere on June 17.

Inspired by classic arcade games, Season 17 is poised to bring fresh content to the popular multiplayer game, with its launch scheduled for June 24. Fans have already been briefed on several new features coming with this update, including the introduction of the new Aatlis map tailored for the Flashpoint game mode, as well as three new heroes that will debut in Stadium.

However, the specifics regarding the title and overarching theme of Season 17 have remained largely under wraps until now. A recent short video shared on Twitter provided a glimpse into what players can expect.

The video features a dark and stormy night in Busan, focusing on an arcade game that suddenly becomes electrified. The footage concludes with the tagline “Insert Coin,” followed by a reimagined version of the Overwatch elimination skull, leading to the official title reveal for Season 17.

From the teaser, players can infer that several skins in Season 17 will draw inspiration from classic arcade aesthetics. Previous concept art indicated potential 8-bit skins for notable heroes like D.Va, Sombra, Genji, and Reinhardt.

Interestingly, Blizzard had previously revealed a Mythic skin for D.Va at the Overwatch 2 Spotlight event, which is inspired by the White Tiger of the West, rather than an arcade theme. Players won’t have to wait long to discover the full details.

The upcoming trailer on June 17 is expected to showcase skins available in the Battle Pass and store, highlight key features of the update, and possibly hint at a new collaboration event. With the official update coming on June 24, fans can also look forward to a Mythic Weapon skin for Reaper and additional content for the Flashpoint maps later in the season.

Gears of War: Reloaded is set to make its debut on Sony consoles with a physical release for PlayStation 5, which is a notable departure from its absence on Xbox Series X/S versions. Scheduled for launch on August 26 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, this newly remastered edition revitalizes the first installment of the acclaimed third-person shooter series. This marks the series’ second remaster, the first being 2015’s Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. This shift signifies yet another former Xbox-exclusive franchise making its way to PlayStation, as evidenced by Forza Horizon 5 racing onto Sony consoles on April 28.

The introduction of Gears of War: Reloaded on PlayStation confirms part of a rumor that circulated earlier this year regarding the potential arrival of both Halo and Gears of War on PS5. However, it remains uncertain if characters like Master Chief and Cortana will follow after almost 14 years of Xbox exclusivity, despite Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer stating that all first-party franchises are possible candidates for expansion. Interestingly, Gears of War: Reloaded will miss its PlayStation 5 release in specific regions, adding to the confusion. According to reports, pre-orders for the physical edition are exclusively available for the PS5, with both physical and digital pre-orders priced at $39.99.

Notably, players who opt for the digital version will gain access to an exclusive multiplayer beta scheduled for June 13 to 15, along with two character skins based on key figures from the game’s narrative. In addition, Xbox is rewarding dedicated fans who own the digital version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition with free codes for the new release. Residents with Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass PC memberships will also enjoy pre-order benefits, such as the multiplayer beta and access to special skins. While it’s uncertain if an Xbox physical release will happen, Gears of War: Reloaded is set to be an essential play for both new and returning players.

With enhanced graphics, including 4K resolution and 60 FPS for single player, as well as all post-launch content, it’s an exciting time to dive into this iconic action shooter.

Sony has recently shared that the forthcoming PlayStation 6 is currently a significant focus for the company, which is working toward more advanced gaming experiences. This announcement is promising for gamers eager for details on Sony’s next-generation console, suggesting that an official reveal may not be far off. Since its launch in November 2020, the PlayStation 5 has achieved impressive sales, with over 65 million units sold. Recent reports indicate that the PS5 has outperformed the PS4’s sales by 7% within its first 52 months, underscoring the console’s success in the gaming market.

Gamers have been treated to visually stunning titles on the PS5, making it a must-have for those who prioritize graphics in their gaming experiences. During a recent Fireside Chat on June 13, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino addressed the future of gaming consoles and cloud gaming. While he acknowledged the progress of cloud gaming as a viable alternative, he noted that many players still prefer traditional gaming setups that do not rely on consistent internet connections. Nishino emphasized that Sony enjoys a robust community of engaged PS4 and PS5 players, indicating strong demand for the next generation of consoles.

Although details about the PS6 remain scarce, Nishino confirmed that it is indeed a top priority for the company. Following the PS5 and PSVR2 launches, Sony introduced the PS5 Pro last year, offering enhanced performance and graphics. Plans for an upgrade to this model are set for 2026 through a partnership with AMD. Additionally, there are speculations about a new handheld device, potentially a portable version of the PS5, which might launch alongside the PS6.

Though Sony has experience with handhelds like the PlayStation Vita, it remains to be seen if these rumors hold true.

Overwatch 2 has recently announced exciting balance changes set for Season 17, which launches on June 24. A notable highlight is the comedic reduction of Bastion’s size, now trimmed down by 10%. Originally aiming for a 15% decrease, developers adjusted to a smaller reduction after realizing it rendered him “too cute.” This change is expected to enhance his survivability by making him a harder target to hit. In addition to Bastion’s size modification, several other characters will see adjustments aimed at improving gameplay.

Junker Queen’s Commanding Shout will now prioritize Overhealth for allies, strengthening her role as an offensive tank. Pharah and Lifeweaver will also benefit from quality-of-life enhancements to their respective abilities: Helix Shields and Cleansing Grasp. Other minor balance changes are anticipated, aiming to refine the overall game experience. One of the key modifications in this update is an increase in the damage role passive healing penalty from 25% to 30%.

This shift, alongside a global health regeneration timer adjustment from five to six seconds, is intended to counterbalance the high healing output from support characters and ensure damage heroes remain impactful in play. Scott “Custa” Kennedy, the associate hero designer, also hinted at potential future adjustments for Sombra, who has faced a high ban rate lately. He described her situation as complex and emphasized that changes would not be immediate. Players might not see significant nerfs for her in Season 17, but could expect notable adjustments or even a rework soon.

These updates promise to keep Overwatch 2 fresh and engaging, as players adapt to the new dynamics that Season 17 will bring.

PlayStation executives have recently highlighted their careful consideration of bringing exclusive franchises to other platforms. Despite the success that titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man have achieved on other systems, many beloved games remain exclusive to the PlayStation.

However, Sony is open to exploring the possibility of making additional games available to a wider audience in the future. The issue of game exclusivity often sparks debate among gamers, with many arguing that it hinders the overall growth of the medium.

The competitive landscape among consoles has shifted with the introduction of the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, prompting some companies to ease their exclusivity holds. This change has allowed acclaimed games, such as The Last of Us Part 1 and Part 2, to become available on PC, though some titles still maintain a period of exclusivity.

For instance, The Last of Us Part 2 debuted in 2020 but is expected to arrive on PC in 2025. In a recent discussion, Hideaki Nishino, president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Hermen Hulst, head of the Studio Business Group, shared insights about the upcoming PlayStation 6.

They reaffirmed their thoughtful approach to releasing exclusive titles on other platforms, aiming to expand their audience. Hulst emphasized the importance of allowing players to experience single-player games on PlayStation hardware, as these titles showcase the performance capabilities of the console.

Nishino further elaborated on PlayStation’s commitment to understanding player behavior to enhance their gaming experiences. While the future availability of PlayStation exclusives on other platforms remains uncertain, the company’s open-minded stance indicates a willingness to adapt to player needs and potentially broaden its reach.