First announced almost exactly three years ago for the PS5 and PS4, the Unreal Engine 5-powered cosmic horror game Quantum Error has finally secured a release date – this time solely on PS5.

Quantum Error thrusts players into the space fireman boots of Capt. Jacob Thomas in a third or first-person sci-fi horror experience where you’ll face dangers both alien and environmental, using the tools of the firefighting trade like extinguishers and jaws of life (or death?) to survive. It looks appropriately spooky and well-rendered using the Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities on PS5, so it should hopefully prove a treat for horror fans.

The game is also planned for an Xbox Series X|S and PC launch, though no date or release window has been set. A few weeks ago we learned that the PS4 version of the game was ultimately canned, with the studio saying “A PS4 version would require too much downgrading and changing of assets, lighting, and much more to function, and with the difference in memory and the slower HDD speed, it would be a very different experience that would not compare to the PS5 version and would not be fair to PS4 players.”

You can check out the Release Date Story Trailer for Quantum Error below, as well as a chunky 20 minutes of gameplay here.

“Experience the mysticism of a cinematic story driven First Person/Third Person shooter game set in the coming of the Quantum Age. Explore and descend deep into the high tech yet esoteric Monad facility and beyond, to interstellar travel, encountering enemies and bosses from the familiar to the inexplicable. Ride a rollercoaster of cosmic horror as you fall deeper and deeper into the unknown.”

Quantum Error is coming exclusively to PS5 on November 3rd. You can wishlist the game on the PlayStation Store right here.

The post The Cosmic Horror Firefighting Game Quantum Error Has Secured A PS5 Release Date appeared first on Press Start.

The Press Start team debates whether or not Baldur’s Gate 3 should be treated as the new benchmark for RPGs, discusses the alleged video leak of a new PS5 model, assesses the official announcement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin, and tries to understand why the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) is a full-price release despite being initially intended as an expansion.

• Listen on LiSTNR
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Omny

You can also watch the video version of the podcast below:

00:00 – Intro
00:33 – Has Baldur’s Gate 3 Set Too High A Standard?
12:59 – New PS5 Model?
19:56 – TMNT: The Last Ronin
24:39 – What’s Wrong With The New Call Of Duty?
37:13 – Will You Play Assassin’s Creed Mirage?
41:35 – What The Wiki?!
53:17 – Outro

The post Has Baldur’s Gate 3 Set Too High A Standard – The Press Start Podcast appeared first on Press Start.

After months of rumours and speculation, and the surfacing of a blurry image over the last couple of days claiming to depict the new PS5 “slim” model, more reported “evidence” has arrived in the form of a video showing the unit in question.

The video seemingly corroborates rumours that Sony is planning to release a new model of the PS5 that unifies both current designs into a single, disc drive-free body with the option to attach a separate USB-C disc drive for those still wanting to keep a physical library.

In the video, we can see the current look of the console and its top and bottom covers remains pretty much intact, and the overall footprint of the PS5 doesn’t look radically different, but the covers are now split – and you can see that the disc drive seems to affix to the console itself where you’d expect to find it, adding a bit more of the bulk back.

The alleged new model also seems to feature dual USB-C ports at the front, replacing the current one USB-C and one USB-A, presumably to make up for the fact that the drive will take up a USB-C port (though this could also be an added one at the rear, the video doesn’t really show any of the back). It’s seemingly designated the CFI-2016 model.

Here’s the footage in question, which actually comes from @BeW_Dev, a Brisbane-based PS5 technician and independent PlayStation software developer who says it was given to them from a factory source, hence the console featured seemingly being a shell only. The poster also stresses that they themselves don’t know of the veracity of the leak and have simply shared what they were given:

CFI-2016 PS5 Case pic.twitter.com/udFyQbVpz8

— BwE (@BwE_Dev) August 11, 2023

The user also then shared a photo of the console’s PSU, which appears to also be smaller than in the current model:

Can confirm the CFI-2016 will have a smaller PSU, but it does not appear to be more power efficient.

Model ADP-400GR pic.twitter.com/XcFibKpTF3

— BwE (@BwE_Dev) August 12, 2023

Insider Gaming, which has been reporting on this new model since last year, shared the video and says it lines up with their claims and the information they’ve reportedly been given. The outlet reiterates though that the video is unverified, and shouldn’t be taken as factual or a genuine leak at this stage.

The post A Video Of The Alleged New PS5 Model Has Been Shared By An Aussie Developer appeared first on Press Start.

They’ve done it! Thanks to recent breakthroughs in the PlayStation hacking scene, modders have finally been able to get notorious frame-misplacing FromSoft joint, Bloodborne, running at 60FPS on a PS5 console – along with other games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Gravity Rush 2.

The achievement comes via a combination of advances in getting exploits to run on games on retail PS5s and allow for things like editing memory or loading and executing unsinged code, as well as Lance McDonald’s previous efforts in producing 60FPS patches for games like Bloodborne on hacked PS4 Pros. The result is that the doors have been opened for a number of games to run (albeit via unsupported means) at a glorious 60FPS on PS5 where previously they were beholden to their old limits.

Take a look at Bloodborne running at 60FPS via X user “illusion” below:

Here it is, Bloodborne at 60 FPS from @manfightdragon on a hacked PS5 (Firmware 3.00-4.51) pic.twitter.com/LbApmT6wDK

— illusion (@illusion0002) August 7, 2023

“Illusion has done it,” McDonald responded in a repost. “My Bloodborne 60fps patch has been ported to run within the current state of PlayStation 5 hacking [and] exploitation: real retail PS5 hardware running Bloodborne at locked 60fps in full 1080p.”

You can also see Rockstar’s Western epic, Red Dead Redemption 2, in similar fashion (and right before a PS4/Switch release was revealed for its predecessor) below:

Red Dead Redemption 2 60 FPS on hacked PS5 (Firmware 3.00-4.51) pic.twitter.com/BsXoAVBguo

— illusion (@illusion0002) August 7, 2023

Of course, all of this is unofficial and less than advised for most players to start attempting to exploit their PS5s in this fashion (and likely not possible on a system that’s up-to-date) in the name of playing some old games at a higher-than-intended framerate.

It does throw a bit of extra salt in the wound that these games haven’t already been updated to run more nicely on modern hardware, though we’re not going to pretend to know the inner workings of the developers and publishers that are currently responsible for these games. C’mon, though, folks! Do itttt.

The post The Bloodborne At 60FPS Dream Is Alive On PS5 (Kinda) appeared first on Press Start.

Here’s an interesting tidbit that’s come up in the wake of Insomniac dropping a banger new Story Trailer for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 this morning.

Responding to tweets remarking on how good the new character models look for the game’s cast of characters, Peter, Mary Jane and Miles in particular, the studio’s Community and Marketing Director has made the bold claim that “it’ll be even better by launch.”

Obviously it’s a bit vague, but the easy inference here is that Insomniac is expecting to have further polished up the game’s visuals, or at least its character models, in the coming months as it puts the finishing touches on the game. That might seem like an obvious thing to have happen, but when it’s seemed like Insomniac had already been putting its best foot forward in showing off just how gorgeous Spider-Man 2 is, it’s somewhat surprising to think they’re yet to show the game at its best.

Well, except for some questionable water stuff in that first gameplay trailer, but we quizzed Senior Creative Director at Insomniac, Brian Intihar, about that ourselves and his comments echoed similarly to Stevenson’s today, “…you know, we’re going to continue to work on the game till our Project Director tells us to stop working on it. So imagine what you see today will only get better. Of course, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we weren’t listening to our fans. And we’re gonna do the best job we can to ship the game at the highest quality and the best ability we can just like any other Insomniac game.”

And it’ll be even better by launch https://t.co/jKWOXyPESG

— James Stevenson (@JamesStevenson) July 21, 2023

Sony and Insomniac also revealed today that one of the first proper limited edition PS5 consoles it’s created is in-fact a Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 console. It’ll release with a special Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 DualSense controller in the box, and Sony will also be releasing the face plates and DualSense controller separately. Pre-orders go live soon and you can find out exactly when and where to secure on in Australia right here.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 releases exclusively for PS5 on October 20, 2023. Amazon has pre-orders for $99 with free shipping.

The post Insomniac Says Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Will Look Even Better By Launch appeared first on Press Start.

Sony and Insomniac have revealed that the first limited edition console is in-fact a Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 console. It’ll release with a special Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 DualSense controller in the box. Sony also has revealed that it will be releasing the face plates and DualSense controller separately.

The console bundle, which includes a disc-based PS5 with Spider-Man 2 Cover Plates, a Spider-Man 2 DualSense Controller and voucher to download the game digitally, is coming on September 1st – well ahead of the game’s actual release on October 20. Naturally, buyers won’t be able to redeem the code until the game’s launch day on October 20th.

Those who already own a PS5 game will also be able to buy the Cover Plates and DualSense Controller separately, including Cover Plates for the digital edition of the PS5, with everything going on sale through PlayStation Direct in regions where that’s available, or through local retail channels otherwise. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on when more information comes through for local availability with pre-orders kicking off on July 28th globally.

Your best bet to secure one would be to keep checking here for when pre-orders go live.

Jacinda Chew, Senior Art Director at Insomniac Games said, “The design was inspired by the in-game symbiote that’s taking over the console and controller, but you can still see some of the underlying red under the tendrils. This represents the various ways players will experience the symbiote takeover in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. It’s a constant push and pull for dominance whether it’s internal or external and the outcome is not certain.”

Players who purchase the bundle that has a voucher for the digital Standard Edition of the game will also get the same pre-order incentive items available to those who pre-order Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – an early unlock Arachknight Suit for Peter with 3 additional colour variants, an early unlock Shadow Spider Suit for Miles with 3 additional color variants, an early unlock Web Grabber gadget, and 3 skill points.

You can read more about this special edition console on the PlayStation Blog.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 releases exclusively for PS5 on October 20, 2023. Amazon has pre-orders for $99 with free shipping.

The post A Limited Edition Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 PS5 Console And DualSense Controller Have Been Revealed appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation has announced that the PS5 Access Controller will launch on December 6th for $139.95. Pre-orders will begin in Australia on Friday, July 21st at 10am AEST.

A features trailer has also been released showing off how all the new components come together to form PlayStation’s most accessible controller to date.

PlayStation has also confirmed exactly what will be included in the box with a visual breakdown as well.

On the PS5, you’ll be able to map buttons with up to 30 control profiles, adjust stick settings, toggle commands on/off or disable buttons and pair other Access or DualSense controllers to use them together.

The post The PS5 Access Controller’s Release Date And Australian Price Have Been Revealed appeared first on Press Start.

Amazon Prime Day is here and with it comes an avalanche of gaming and tech bargains, and for those of us still rocking a pittance of storage on their PS5 consoles – a golden opportunity to upgrade.

Following up a now-expired deal on the Corsair MP600 Pro SSD, Amazon has dropped an even bigger banger of a deal with both the tried-and-true Samsung 980 Pro SSD in a 2TB capacity for a ridiculously-good $167 as well as the Silicon Power 2TB SSD for an even cheaper $162.

The only caveat to these is the Samsung option is coming from a US seller and the Silicon Power option is coming from Japan, meaning that while the actual product will be the same it might take a couple of weeks to arrive. A small sacrifice for a huge boost in PS5 storage space!

This deal is also exclusive to Amazon Prime Customers: If you haven’t been a Prime member before, you can get a 30 day trial right now which would easily take you through to the end of the Prime Day 2023 event. 

• Amazon Prime membership – $9.99 per month (30 day trial)

Amazon Prime Day PS5 Samsung 2TB SSD Deal

• Silicon Power PS5-ready SSD with heatsink (2TB) – $162.93
• Samsung 980 Pro SSD PS5-ready SSD with heatsink (2TB) – $167.07

Other options

• CORSAIR MP600 PRO LPX 2TB SSD Optimised for PS5 (White) – $203.24
• CORSAIR MP600 PRO LPX 1TB SSD Optimised for PS5 (Black) – $126

These SSDs will, of course, add to the internal 825GB PS5 slot and to store and play even more PS5 games by simply installing them in the console’s dedicated free SSD slot. Here’s a quick guide on how to do the very easy install yourself if you need a refresher.

Other Amazon Prime Day PS5 Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $699 plus $50 bonus Amazon credit
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Two DualSense Bundle – $799 plus $50 bonus Amazon credit
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $899 plus $50 bonus Amazon credit
• PlayStation VR2 Standard Bundle – $879 plus $50 bonus Amazon credit
• PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller Charging Station – $69
• DualSense Wireless Controller (White) – $64.95 (RRP $109.95)
• DualSense Charging Station – $24.50 (RRP $49.95)

Games

• God of War Ragnarok – $69 (RRP $124.95)
• Gran Turismo 7 – $79.90 (RRP $124.95)
• Horizon Forbidden West – $68.43 (RRP $124.95)
• Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut – $57.10 (RRP $124.95)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition – $70.90 (RRP $124.95)
• Demon’s Souls – $55.95 (RRP $124.95)
• Death Stranding Director’s Cut – $33.65 (RRP $79.95)
• Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection – $29 (RRP $79.95)
• The Nioh Collection – $48 (RRP $124.95)
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition – $72.99 (RRP $119.95)

The post Here’s The Cheapest 2TB PS5-Ready SSD We’ve Seen So Far appeared first on Press Start.

Amazon Prime Day has begun and it’s kicking off in massive fashion with some decent PlayStation 5 console deals that take the existing sales and sweeten them just that little bit more.

The disc-based PS5 console has seen a pretty juicy price cut around local retailers as of this week, with Amazon’s pricing already at the lower end, but now those picking up a standalone disc console or the two-DualSense bundle during the Prime Day festivities will also score a bonus $50 Amazon credit for their next purchase.

The PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle is also discounted at the moment and eligible for the $50 bonus credit so if you’ve been on the fence about one (and you can read our review here if you need convincing) it might be a good time to take the leap. There are also some decent savings to be had on first-party accessories and games so take a look below at what we’ve found and stick around as things get added and updated over the next couple of days:

Some of the below deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime Customers: If you haven’t been a Prime member before, you can get a 30 day trial right now which would take you through to the end of the Prime Day 2023 event. 

• Amazon Prime membership – $9.99 per month (30 day trial)

Amazon Prime Day PS5 Console Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $699 plus $50 bonus Amazon credit
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Two DualSense Bundle – $799 plus $50 bonus Amazon credit

Other Amazon Prime Day PS5 Deals

PlayStation VR2

• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $899 plus $50 bonus Amazon credit
• PlayStation VR2 Standard Bundle – $879 plus $50 bonus Amazon credit
• PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller Charging Station – $69

Accessories

• DualSense Wireless Controller (White) – $64.95 (RRP $109.95)
• DualSense Wireless Controller (Midnight Black) – $89.95 (RRP $109.95)
• DualSense Wireless Controller (Cosmic Red) – $79 (RRP $119.95)
• DualSense Wireless Controller (Nova Pink) – $79 (RRP $119.95)
• DualSense Wireless Controller (Starlight Blue) – $96.95 (RRP $119.95)
• DualSense Wireless Controller (Camouflage Grey) – $79 (RRP $119.95)
• DualSense Charging Station – $24.50 (RRP $49.95)
• PlayStation 5 HD Camera – $86.99 (RRP $99.95)
• DualSense Edge Controller – $327.99 (RRP $339.95)
• Pulse3D Wireless Headset (White) – $109.95 (RRP $159.95)
• Pulse3D Wireless Headset (Black) – $109.95 (RRP $159.95)
• Pulse3D Wireless Headset (Gray Camo) – $109.95 (RRP $159.95)

Games

• God of War Ragnarok – $69 (RRP $124.95)
• Gran Turismo 7 – $79.90 (RRP $124.95)
• Horizon Forbidden West – $68.43 (RRP $124.95)
• Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut – $57.10 (RRP $124.95)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition – $70.90 (RRP $124.95)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales – $45.78 (RRP $94.95)
• The Last Of Us Part 1 – $82 (RRP $124.95)
• Sackboy A Big Adventure – $44 (RRP $109.95)
• Demon’s Souls – $55.95 (RRP $124.95)
• Returnal – $48 (RRP $124.95)
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – $55.75 (RRP $124.95)
• Death Stranding Director’s Cut – $33.65 (RRP $79.95)
• Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection – $29 (RRP $79.95)
• The Nioh Collection – $48 (RRP $124.95)
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition – $72.99 (RRP $119.95)
• LEGO 2K Drive – $73.99 (RRP $99.95)

PS4 Deals

• PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller – Black – $78 (RRP $89.95)
• PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller – White – $78 (RRP $89.95)
• PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller – Red – $77 (RRP $89.95)
• PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller – Midnight Blue – $79 (RRP $99.95)
• PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller – Green Camo – $79 (RRP $99.95)

Check out our Amazon Prime Day Hub and don’t forget to sign up to Amazon Prime’s 30-day free trial.

The post The Best PS5 Console And Game Deals For Amazon Prime Day appeared first on Press Start.

Good news if the purchase of a PS5 console was in your plans in the near future – a number of retailers look to be dropping the price of the machine a decent amount for the next couple of weeks.

The deals are going at a number of retails, with some comparative prices better than others. With Amazon Prime Day kicking off in full on July 11 there are bound to be even more deals to be had so make sure you bookmark our Amazon Prime Day Hub and follow us on social media to keep up with all of the deals.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE AMAZON PRIME DAY KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

PS5 Console Deals in Australia

Amazon PS5 Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $699 ($100 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Final Fantasy XVI Bundle – $828 ($76 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Two Controller Bundle – $799 ($100 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console God of War Ragnarok Bundle – $828 ($76 off)

Other Amazon PlayStation Deals

• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $899
• PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller Charging Station – $69
• DualSense Edge Controller – $327.99
• DualSense Controllers – $79 each
• DualSense Charging Station – $39
• The Last Of Us Part 1 – $82.15
• Horizon Forbidden West – $68.45
• Gran Turismo 7 – $79.90
• Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection – $33.85
• Death Stranding Director’s Cut – $33.65
• Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut – $57.10
• Returnal – $57.95
• Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales Ultimate Edition – $70.90

The Good Guys PS5 Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $709 ($90 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Two Controller Bundle – $799 ($100 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console God of War Ragnarok Bundle – $799 ($105 off)

JB Hi-Fi PS5 Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $699 ($100 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Final Fantasy XVI Bundle – $829 ($75 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Two Controller Bundle – $804 ($95 off)

EB Games PS5 Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $699 ($100 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console God of War Ragnarok Bundle – $829 ($75 off)

Big W PS5 Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $724 ($75 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console God of War Ragnarok Bundle – $799 ($105 off)

Harvey Norman PS5 Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $728 ($71 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Two Controller Bundle – $818 ($71 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console God of War Ragnarok Bundle – $828 ($60 off)

The Gamesmen PS5 Deals

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $729.95 ($70 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Final Fantasy XVI Bundle – $829.95 ($75 off)
• PlayStation 5 Disc Console Two Controller Bundle – $814.95 ($85 off)

It seems like a lot of these deals are still rolling out, and with Amazon Prime Day fast approaching this could all shift and change very rapidly so we’ll be keeping an eye out and update this as often as we can!

The post A Heap Of PS5 Console And Bundle Prices Have Been Slashed appeared first on Press Start.

Scorn, the first-person atmospheric horror game from developer Ebb Software that launched in October last year, is breaking free of its Xbox and PC exclusive confinements and launching on PS5 later this year at an unannounced date.

The announcement comes by way of a post on the PlayStation Blog from the game’s technical artist, Jovan Vuckovic, who revealed that the team has been hard at work on adapting Scorn to the PS5’s unique DualSense controller to really sell the game’s physical, meaty vibe.

“As we were developing the game for PlayStation 5, we finally had the opportunity to tap into the potential of the DualSense wireless controller to immerse you even further in this twisted world, extending the synesthetic experience of Scorn,” the post reads. “It allows us to deepen the player’s immersion and to let the whole world ‘breathe’ in a new way. Since there is no spoken dialogue in the game, we have put a strong emphasis on environmental storytelling, hence haptics are a great addition to this peculiar audio-visual experience.

“The main character in the game interacts with the world mostly by using his hands. Most of these interactions are also painful for the character. That’s where haptics comes into play. The imagery offered to the player’s eyes is painful by itself, but we wanted to increase this feeling by giving a sensation to the hands holding the controller. Players are also able to feel the directions of haptics (left or right hand), further adding to the experience.”

We gave the game a 7.5/10 in our review of its original release, saying “Scorn successfully leverages an intense atmosphere with striking artistic direction to offer a horror journey like no other. While combat can get in the way of an otherwise strong offering, and the story takes a back seat to everything else, Scorn is a unique horror experience and a great debut.”

The post Scorn Is Coming To PS5 This Year appeared first on Press Start.

It might not be the absolute lowest we’ve seen the PS5 disc console go for to date, but it’s bloody well close. The Gamesmen is slinging another cheeky deal via its eBay page with the use of a special code.

The standalone disc-based PS5 console found here is going for a ridiculous $638 after applying the discount code of PLAYST5 at checkout, which is more than $60 less than the RRP of the usually-cheaper digital PS5 console. You’ll need to be an eBay Plus member to use the required code, but you can head right HERE to get a free 30 day trial to eBay Plus.

VIDEO PRESENTED BY FINAL FANTASY XVI: COMING EXCLUSIVELY TO PLAYSTATION 5 ON JUNE 22ND. DOWNLOAD THE FREE DEMO AND PRE-ORDER NOW

If you’ve been looking to buy any version of the PlayStation 5, this is definitely one of the best deals going, so worth jumping on before it sells out or ends.

Here’s where to grab it, using the codes listed at checkout for eBay Plus members.

PS5 Console Deals At The Gamesmen eBay Store

• PS5 Disc Console – $623.96 using the code “PLAYST5” at checkout (eBay Plus)

The next PS5 hardware bundle coming to Australia will be the Final Fantasy XVI bundle that comes with the disc-based PS5 and a digital download for Final Fantasy XVI, when that game launches on June 22nd. A console bundled with two years of PlayStation Plus Premium was just revealed, though naturally not available locally.

OTHER PLAYSTATION DEALS FROM THE AMAZON GAMING STORE

• PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset – $139
• PlayStation VR2 – $879
• Playstation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $899
• DualSense Edge Wireless Controller – $339
• DualSense Wireless Controllers – $79 (28% off)
• DualSense Charging Station – $39 (22% off)
• Forspoken PS5 – $39 (66% off)
• Resident Evil 4 PS5 – $84
• Samsung PS5 Compatible 980 PRO SSD with Heatsink 1TB – $115
• CORSAIR PS5 Compatible MP600 PRO LPX SSD with Heatsink 2TB – $210

Thanks, OzBargain!

The post eBay Has The PS5 Disc Console At An Unbelievable Price appeared first on Press Start.

Twitter account @Zuby_Tech, which has previously leaked legitimate PS5 console bundle releases, has dropped another reveal of an upcoming bundle for the disc-based PlayStation 5, this time one that comes packaged with 24 months of PlayStation Plus Premium.

The bundle is reportedly set to be available through telco providers on a subscription basis not unlike what Xbox currently does with its Xbox All Access console and Game Pass subscription service, with at least one international provider already offering it, but it’s unclear if this bundle will also see a retail release.

VIDEO PRESENTED BY FINAL FANTASY XVI: COMING EXCLUSIVELY TO PLAYSTATION 5 ON JUNE 22ND. DOWNLOAD THE FREE DEMO AND PRE-ORDER NOW

Either way, while the added PlayStation Plus tiers are available here in Australia, our equivalent to the Premium membership is PlayStation Plus Deluxe, a slightly cheaper version that misses out on any of the features requiring cloud streaming, like a PS3 game catalogue.

Naturally, that means we won’t see this particular bundle hit Aussie shores at all, unless Sony decides to offer a repackaged Deluxe version and potentially sling it through one of our local providers. Hopefully that’s the case, as a PS5 console packaged with two full years of hundreds of game is certainly one of the more attractive offers out there.

New PlayStation 5 24 Month PlayStation Plus Premium Bundle:#PlayStation #PlayStation5 #PS5 #DualSense #PlayHasNoLimits #PlayStationPlus pic.twitter.com/m81TYMB2UL

— @Zuby_Tech (@Zuby_Tech) June 19, 2023

This new bundle is another in a list of things that PlayStation is doing to celebrate a year since it launched the new PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra and Deluxe tiers. It’s also giving away a PS5 console and PS VR2, dropping a massive new line-up of games for the Extra/Deluxe catalogues and a heap more.

June’s PlayStation Plus catalogue additions land tonight and include some banger. The headline addition is Far Cry 6, which might not set everyone’s butts on fire but is still a decent entry into the franchise and a good open world romp to fart around in for the low price of entry. The real wins though are indie gems like Inscryption, The Talos Principle, Tacoma, Carto, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and of course – My Friend Peppa Pig.

The post A New PS5 Console Bundle Has Been Revealed But It Won’t Come To Australia appeared first on Press Start.

Before today, when one thought of what’s next for PlayStation and its many talented studios, the big things that sprung to mind would be Insomniac’s Marvel efforts with Spider-Man 2 and Wolverine. Outside of rumoured projects, not much else is slated. Part of that is due to the fact PlayStation hasn’t had a fair dinkum blowout showcase like this for a couple of years.

Jim Ryan stated recently that one of PlayStation’s new goals, outside of their already staggering market dominance, would be mindshare and that they were looking to make some noise.

With that in mind, here are all of the announcements from this morning’s PlayStation Games Showcase.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Is Shaping Up To Be One Hell Of A Sequel

This trailer did a lot. I mean everything except confirm a date, which has long-rumoured to be September.

PlayStation Announced Their Streaming Device Project Q

It features all of the DualSense capabilities while including an 8″ screen. It’ll stream games from your console, which is certainly rad.

We’re Getting The Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Remake After All

They definitely kept us waiting, huh? As the title has what is essentially a triangle in the title, it’s tough to transcribe. But let it be known, it got a pop from all on the call.

Metal Gear Solid’s Master Collection Vol. 1 Is Coming To PlayStation 5 This Year

This collection bundles the first three games in the Metal Gear Solid franchise, which will be handy for those like me who’ve never played them. Shameful, I know.

Bungie Has Announced Their Marathon Reboot

It looks bloody synthy, and you know how we feel about synthy. The game is said to be a PVP extraction shooter and is also multiplatform with full crossplay and cross-save.

Bungie Also Showed Off A Beautiful Trailer For Destiny 2: The Final Shape

This lovely trailer, which confirmed the long-rumoured return of Nathan Fillion’s Cayde-6, also confirmed a showcase that is happening on August 22.

Remedy Wasn’t Kidding When They Said Alan Wake II Would Be Horror

*rapturous applause*

We Got A Good Look At Basim’s Journey In Assassin’s Creed: Mirage

Everything that has been promised, a return to stealth and the series’ roots, appears to be evident in this punchy gameplay trailer. The game is also coming out in October, which is already looking stacked.

Fairgame$ Looks Fair-Okay

The first post-acquisition effort from Haven Studios has all the trimmings of a live-service game all dressed up as a Robin Hood-esque “eat the rich” narrative. It’s described as a competitive heist game where you’ll visit exotic locations to capture the cargo.

Helldivers 2 Is A Big Change On The Original

Out of the team at Arrowhead, Helldivers 2 looks to a much more robust, traditionally third-person action game. The game is coming to PlayStation 5 and PC this year.

Immortals Of Aveum Combines Might And Magic

I must say, this is the prettiest and most expensive-looking EA Originals title we’ve seen yet. The game is set to launch July 20.

Ghostrunner 2 Looks To Go Beyond The Tower

One More Level dropped a teaser trailer for their Ghostrunner sequel that seemingly goes beyond the constraints of the tower that housed the entire first game. Amazingly, it’s set to launch this year.

Phantom Blade 0 Is Yet Another Ninja Game

Steeped in myth and fantasy, this game looks like it’s a frenetic, fast-paced action-slasher that’ll do enough to separate itself from the million other games like this we’ve seen emerge in the last couple of years.

Sword Of The Sea Is Another Gorgeous Odyssey From Journey’s Creators

It’s like Tony Hawk half-pipin’ through the desert, what’s not to love?

The Talos Principle II Is A Happening Thing

It’s got beautiful visuals and a swelling, hopeful score. So look, I’m probably in.

Neva Is A Beautiful Ghibli-Esque Game Out Of Devolver Digital

I got huge Studio Ghibli vibes from this one. A light and dark battle, a somber piano score, and a cute animal companion? Checks all of the boxes for me.

Cat Quest: Pirates Of The Purribean

Meow!

Foamstars Is Basically Jet Set Splatoon

…much to Kieron’s chagrin, who let out a yelp at the Square Enix logo. I, for one, can’t wait to blow my foam wad.

We Got Another Look At Storybook Adventure The Plucky Squire

The concept of this game continues to blow my mind. It’s beyond creative, it’s Aussie made, and it’s coming this year.

Teardown Is Set To Come To PlayStation 5

Despite being out for PC already, this voxel art, open-world game basically lets you wreck absolutely anything. It’s pretty wild.

Towers Of Aghasba Seems To Take The Adventure Skyward

There are a lot of sky whales.

Final Fantasy XVI Got Yet Another Glorious Trailer

To say Harry and Kieron were making noises in the chat doesn’t quite do justice to what I heard. They were a regular pair of “foamstars”.

Revenant Hill Is A Cute Countryside Indie Starring A Cat

Meow, again!

Granblue Fantasy Relink Is Still Happening

Looks like another winner for the crowd that loves their JRPGs.

We Got A Good Look At Street Fighter VI Ahead Of Its Launch Next Month

They also showed off the pre-bonuses, which are plentiful.

Ultros Is Definitely Your Brain On Drugs

This looks like an acid-trip Metroidvania. The colour palette is absolutely to die for.

Tower Of Fantasy Looks Like An Aldi-Brand Genshin Impact

I am not going to insult fans of this any further by trying to describe what I saw, so moving on.

Dragon’a Dogma II Got A New Epic Trailer

How he had anything left in him I’ll never know, but Harry went off again for this.

Five Nights At Freddy’s: Help Wanted Is Coming To PSVR2

And the PlayStation VR2 onslaught begins, both literally with this game and in terms of the showcase itself.

We Got A Look At Resident Evil 4 VR Mode

Although it was only a small slice of the game, it confirmed at the very least that parrying will be a thing in VR.

Arizona Sunshine II Is Coming To PSVR2 This Year

You can pick up dismembered zombie heads and make them chatter. That’s a good use of the tech right there.

We Got A Big Look At Synapse

It’s coming pretty soon and looks like the first PSVR2 game to grab my attention. It looks like Control in a twisted dreamscape.

Beat Saber Is Now Available For PSVR2 Along With A Queen Song Pack

Don’t stop me now.

Concord Is Also Appropriately Synthy

Although the trailer shows nothing else.

We Got A Gran Turismo Trailer

God, these graphics are great! Oh, it’s a movie.

The post All Of PlayStation’s Showcase Announcements appeared first on Press Start.

After rumours circulated in recent weeks, it’s finally official – a new PlayStation Showcase is happening this week, livestreaming across the globe on Thursday, May 25th.

The showcase will be a big one, running at “a bit over an hour” with a focus on PS5 and PS VR2 games from studios all around the world. There will be new titles from PlayStation Studios shown off, as well as games from third parties and indies.

Here’s when Aussies will be able to catch all the action, and as usual it’s a nice little early morning wake up call for some:

PlayStation Showcase May 2023 Australian Times

The PlayStation Showcase is airing on Thursday, May 25th in ANZ local times.

• 6.00 AM AEST (Melbourne/Sydney/Hobart/Canberra/Brisbane)
• 5.30 AM ACST (Adelaide, Darwin)
• 4.00 AM AWST (Perth)
• 8.00 AM NZDT (Wellington)

WHERE TO WATCH THE 2023 PLAYSTATION SHOWCASE

You’ll be able to watch the PlayStation Showcase on the official YouTube and Twitch channels or below when it airs. If you miss it, don’t worry – we’ll be doing our best to cover everything as it happens.

Nearly two years ago was the big PlayStation Showcase for 2021 that saw the dual announcement of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Marvel’s Wolverine, both from developer Insomniac. Given that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is still slated to launch this year it’s a safe bet we’ll see at least that, if not both.

It’ll also be interesting to potentially see what other first-party PlayStation Studios are up to, like Sucker Punch or Bluepoint, but obviously a lot of PlayStation fans are looking to Naughty Dog right now to see what they’re up to and learn more about that elusive multiplayer The Last of Us project.

Whatever ends up being shown off, it’s just the beginning of a huge few weeks of gaming, with June’s gaming showcase season kicking well and truly into gear soon after PlayStation has its moment. You can find out everything that’s happening as well as all of the local times to pop into your schedule right here.

PlayStation Showcase broadcasts live this Thursday, 25th May at 6am AEST. Details: https://t.co/GkpE344qY9 pic.twitter.com/AhtdOdTyvh

— PlayStation AU (@PlayStationAU) May 22, 2023

The post All The Aussie Times For Tomorrow’s PlayStation Showcase And Where To Watch appeared first on Press Start.

It’s been a while since we’ve had good cause to be overly excited and maybe even a little wishful when it comes to an impending PlayStation presentation. Sure, the odd State of Play here or there usually brings a degree of buzz but the promise of more than an hour of content and the implications of a lot of what the platform might have in store in the future means that tomorrow’s PlayStation Showcase has the opportunity to break the internet – or our hearts.

With that in mind, let’s talk about what’s likely going to happen this Thursday at the ripe time of 6AM AEST (see all the local times here) and set some expectations. And then, for the hell of it, let’s get those expectations all out of order with some good ol’ fashioned speculation and stargazing. Shall we?

WHAT WE’RE LIKELY TO SEE

It’s pretty easy to make some broad-strokes predictions about games that’ll feature in the showcase, given there are still a heap of titles that have cropped up in previous PlayStation (and non-PlayStation) live streams that we’re still waiting to see more of.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has to be an absolute shoo-in at this stage, given we’ve seen just about nothing since it was announced in 2021 and we’re all expecting a September release window for the game. Insomniac’s other Marvel title, Wolverine, is perhaps a little less likely but since it was revealed at the same time as its arachnid-flavoured sibling I wouldn’t be at all surprised at another quick tease for the game.

Looking back at prior PlayStation events, Rise of the Ronin is a good chance at making an appearance here. Team Ninja’s combat focused open-world RPG set in Japan is sure to be an exciting one for fans of the likes of Nioh and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, with maybe a sprinkling of Ghost of Tsushima in the mix. Likewise, Stellar Blade is a game that’s made regular showings for PlayStation so I’d assume it’ll return and maybe with a release date in tow.

Tekken 8 makes a lot of sense for similar reasons, having first been revealed at the September 2023 State of Play. The folks at Bandai Namco have been plugging it a lot of late so we’re due a release date for sure. The same State of Play gave us the reveal of Like a Dragon: Ishin, which was subsequently shown off again in concert with Tokyo Game Show where it was also revealed that we’re getting Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon 8 in the future – at least one of these is bound to be highlighted.

Something we saw almost exactly a year ago, not during a PlayStation showcase, but at the Summer Game Fest live event, was a new piece of concept art for the untitled The Last of Us multiplayer game. I’d be gobsmacked if we don’t hear more about this game at the PlayStation Showcase, or at the least at next month’s SGF opening night. The people want to know, Druckmann!

Meanwhile, over at The Game Awards last year, Death Stranding 2 was announced. It’s not a first-party title, but there’s obviously a heavy enough involvement with PlayStation here that it’s almost guaranteed to show up at the showcase. Perhaps we’ll finally get to see what Kojima has been cooking up in that inscrutable mind of his when it comes to gameplay this time around. Perhaps we’ll come away knowing even less than we did going in. Such is the nature of anything that man does.

Another incredibly PlayStation-adjacent title, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, would be an easy guess for the event. We’re due to hear more about the game since learning that it was targeting a release for late this year/early next year, and with Final Fantasy XVI having just had its own dedicated PlayStation State of Play showcase as well as releasing in less than a month, it’s a good time to be a Final Fantasy game on PlayStation.

WHAT WE’D LOVE TO SEE MORE OF

As far as still-somewhat-educated guesses that are a solid maybe go, Silent Hill 2 is an instant consideration. It’s a PS5 console exclusive, after all. What I’m more interested in though, are the other upcoming series projects like Silent Hill f and Silent Hill: Townfall. It’d be great to see a medley of Hill stuff show up somewhere in the hour-long presentation.

Kingdom Hearts 4. There are only so many times I can watch that initial reveal trailer and I need more. The last game wasn’t PlayStation exclusive, and the series has had a pretty broad approach to platforms, but this one feels ripe for a showing at a Sony event. I don’t know. I’m just impatient, maybe.

In other weeb dreams, I’m really hoping we learn more about Granblue Fantasy: Relink, given it’s been a long time coming. Same with Lost Soul Aside, which got a bit of a re-reveal late last year but should hopefully be eyeing up a release soon enough. A PlayStation launch date or even a cheeky shadow drop for Honkai Star Rail wouldn’t go astray either, with that game going off its chops on PC and mobile at the moment.

Another couple of State of Play graduates come in the form of Pacific Drive, the surreal sci-fi drive-to-survive game that looks equal parts engrossing and anxiety-inducing, and Synduality, the anime action RPG/third-person shooter from Bandai Namco. The odds of these showing up largely depends on how much really big stuff PlayStation has to cram into their showcase, so these wouldn’t be surprising but they’re also a little lower on the list.

Quantic Dream has a good history with PlayStation, so their upcoming choice-based narrative tie-in, Star Wars: Eclipse, seems like a good shot at finally being shown off at this PlayStation Showcase. It’s only recently that I even remembered this game was happening, but now I have aspirations that we’ll get to see what QD is cooking up for the mammoth franchise. You could say I have new hope, even.

We know we’re definitely going to be seeing a bit of PlayStation VR2 stuff as well. The most recent State of Play saw the announcement of Foglands, Green Hell, Synapse and Journey to Foundation, but it’d be great to see some heavier hitters for PS VR2 early adopters and current fence-sitters to get excited about. Half-Life: Alyx, perhaps? Or some more Horizon Call of the Mountain-style offshoots of the bigger first-party stuff?

There’s also a ton of other third-party content that could potentially make an appearance at a PlayStation-led presentation, but with Summer Game Fest fast approaching it’s all a little uncertain. Most other major publishers are either going to be spruiking their wares at their own showcases or have a track record with Keighley and his shindigs, so I don’t think we’ll see the likes of Armored Core 6 show up tomorrow, but never say never.

I did go back and forth on whether I think the rumoured Metal Gear Solid 3 is within the realms of actual possibility or a bit of a pipe dream, but ultimately the wider consensus has won out and I reckon we might just see it. Word on the street is this remake may not be a PlayStation exclusive, if it does indeed exist at all, so it’s hard to say where it would show up first but let’s just pencil it in here and hope for the best.

Finally as far as stuff Sony’s probably going to talk about, I’ve no doubt we’ll be seeing a heap of live service stuff. It’s got at least 10 titles in development, apparently, so chances are a bunch are announced during this showcase. There’s obviously the chance that they’ll encompass the likes of the new Last of Us or Horizon multiplayer games, but I’m also keen to see what Jade Raymond’s studio, Haven is up to, and whether Bungie has anything brand new geared up specifically for PlayStation or if the bulk of their work is assisting on all of the other ventures.

MISSING IN ACTION

These are the games that have featured in past showcases and since seemingly disappeared off the face of the planet, or at least gone radio silent enough that we nearly forgot they were a thing.

Like, where is Little Devil Inside? This one was a regular guest at PlayStation showcases until its latest appearance in the back half of 2021, then it seemingly found itself delayed with no real end date in sight. Whatever’s going on, it’s one I’ve been pretty keen for the whole time so I really hope there’s an update primed for this week.

Or how about that remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic? Another State of Play reveal that’s seemingly fallen off the face of the Earth. Murmurs around the traps seem to suggest this one’s in a spot of trouble, but I’m sure many of us would be happy to see it come back into good stead and deliver something worthy of the beloved original.

Remember how Capcom has an action-adventure game set on the moon due to launch this year? It’s okay if you don’t. Revealed at the same event where Sony first showed the world the PlayStation 5 itself, the game’s been pretty quiet since. If it’s going to represent as big an IP as Capcom seemed to want it to early on, it’s probably going to need to shuffle its way back into the spotlight sooner rather than later.

WISHLIST

These games we could potentially see, but definitely aren’t a total lock just yet and in some cases we aren’t even totally sure exist.

An obvious example of this is whatever the folks at Sucker Punch have cooking. We haven’t had official confirmation that the studio is sticking with Ghost of Tsushima for the foreseeable future (outside of the odd job listing hinting as much), but with a film adaptation in the works it would make sense for them to keep at it. Bend Studio has also been pretty silent, mostly since it parted ways with John Garvin post-Twitter-ranting, but we know it’s working on a new open-world IP so it’d be great to get an idea of what’s cooking over there.

Speaking of adaptations, a new Twisted Metal game seems like an easy punt with a TV series on the way, potentially with involvement from Firesprite. I miss the days of a glut of vehicular combat games so I’d welcome this for sure.

Continuing down the line of “What is that PlayStation Studios studio doing?” there are also big question marks hanging over the likes of Bluepoint, Housemarque and a few others. I’m not sure we’ll come out of the back of this showcase with a list of what every horse in PlayStation’s stable is up to, but one or two can’t hurt. When’s our mate Astro Bot getting their time to shine again? Even some of the more ubiquitous Sony studios are shrouded in mystery. Will we see that multiplayer Horizon game, for example? When do we get a first peek at Naughty Dog’s next big venture? What the hell is Cory Barlog up to now? These are the things I ponder over my morning Sultana Bran.

Just recently we caught a sniff of a hint that Grand Theft Auto 6 might be closer than we think, thanks to Take-Two suggesting it’ll be pissing and shitting cash by the time we’re all tearing off the last hunk from our 2024 firefighter calendars. PlayStation’s had its romantic trifles with recent GTA releases so it’d be as good a place as any to finally drop that first reveal.

There’s also the matter of that Final Fantasy IX remake that was part of that huge NVIDIA leak some time ago, an overwhelming percentage of which turned out to be real in the end. We know for certain an animated series is on the way, so I’ve got some small glimmer of hope that Square Enix still has another remake up its sleeve. And who better to premiere it than the the folks behind the console the game originally launched on?

Lastly, let’s talk hardware. Yes, we all want to see that rumoured updated PS5 model with a detachable disc drive. Yes, we all want to know if a “PS5 Pro” is coming. But what of the codenamed “Q-Lite” streaming handheld? Or a bolstering of Sony’s streaming offering in general? With a heap of buzz around Xbox’s place in the cloud gaming market of late, it’s probably time that PlayStation got serious about it, too. The time is riper than every single banana I’ve bought at the supermarket this year and subsequently forgotten to eat, so show us a handheld if you’ve got one, and tell us what streaming PlayStation games is going to look like in the future (and when it’s going to be even remotely possible here in some regions *ahem*).

WISHING-UPON-A-STAR LIST

I popped this last category in just because we simply can’t talk PlayStation hypotheticals without mentioning Ape Escape. Even if Shannon weren’t here to violently enforce Ape Escape talk at Press Start, it’s the kind of announcement that would make me go absolutely apeshit bananas. If not a brand-new core title then surely some kind of VR game, or even proper remasters of the fantastic PS2 entries. We’re not that fussy.

Also something new from Fumito Ueda, please.

The post PlayStation Showcase 2023 – What To Expect And What We Hope To See appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation has divulged a few more details of its fantastic, upcoming accessibility controller kit, originally dubbed “Project Leonardo” when it was revealed at CES earlier in the year and now simply called the Access controller.

Aside from revealing the name, PlayStation has provided a heap of new images of the Access controller, as well as screenshots of the planned UI on the PS5. Much like what’s available for the DualSense Edge, the PS5 UI for the Access allows players to change button assignments, adjust sensitivity, set the orientation that they’re using the Access in – with support for 360 degrees of rotation and the ability to secure it to an AMPS mount or tripod – as well as pair up to two Access controllers and one DualSense to be used as a single virtual controller.

In the new images you can see some of the hardware features like the four 3.5mm AUX ports for attaching specialty third-party switches, buttons and joysticks, the adjustable analogue stick distance, mounting ports, and 360 degree rotation of the main button array.

Each PlayStation 5 Access controller will include:

• Analog stick caps (standard, dome and ball stick cap)
• Button caps in different shapes and sizes, including:
  • Pillow button caps
  • Flat button caps
  • Wide flat button cap (which covers two button sockets)
  • Overhang button caps (which benefit players with smaller hands as they are positioned closer to the center)
  • Curve button caps (which can be pushed if placed along the top or pulled if placed along the bottom of the controller)
• Swappable button cap tags for players to easily mark which inputs they map to each button

The company has also set up a new web page for the Access controller, where interested players can registers for updates on the controller’s availability and pre-orders.

Lastly, PlayStation has shared a 6-minute video highlighting their ongoing efforts between product development and the work of their PlayStation Studios teams to make video games accessible to as many PS5 players as possible. It’s well worth a watch, so check it out below:

The post PlayStation Has Named Its Accessibility Kit The Access Controller And Given A First Look At The UI appeared first on Press Start.

Amazon has just taken a sizeable chunk off of the price of the standard disc-based PS5 console, bringing it down to sub-$700 territory for the first time as far as genuine discounts (without any cashback or code trickery) goes and a couple of dollars below even the digital version. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the huge price drop, but we’ll take it.

Grab the deal below while it lasts:

• PlayStation 5 Disc Console – $697.66 at Amazon

OTHER PS5 ESSENTIALS AT AMAZON

• PlayStation 5 Console – God of War Ragnarok Bundle – $799
• Dead Island 2 Day One Edition – $78
• Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon Day 1 Edition – $74
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – $89
• Final Fantasy XVI – $79
• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PS5 DualSense Edge Controller – $339 at Amazon with free shipping

Thanks, OzBargain!

The post Amazon Has The PS5 For A Cracking Price Right Now appeared first on Press Start.

Once PlayStation timed exclusive and Game of the Year nominee, Stray, looks to be headed to Xbox consoles after receiving ratings for Series X/S and Xbox One.

Notable Xbox insider Klobrille shared the news on their Twitter account.

Stray has received an ESRB rating for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.https://t.co/QugzMsqorq pic.twitter.com/eyISg8DgXj

— Klobrille (@klobrille) May 16, 2023

Although there’s no indication of when the game will be coming to the big green machine, it’s a possibility an announcement could take place during Xbox’s Games Showcase that’s confirmed to be taking place next month.

Once officially confirmed, Stray will join Solar Ash in a shortlist of indies confirmed to be coming to other consoles following a timed exclusivity deal with PlayStation.

The post Stray Looks To Be Headed To Xbox After Being Rated By The ESRB appeared first on Press Start.

We keep bringing you deals on PS5-ready SSDs and the deals keep getting better and better.

Not content with consistently hitting the $250 mark, both the Samsung 98 Pro SSD and 2TB CORSAIR MP600 PRO SSD are now selling on Amazon for even less. They’re US imports, which means the wait for delivery will be a touch longer than other items (around three weeks unless you pay for a faster shipping method), and the Samsung model is coming from a third-party seller, but there’s no arguing with these prices.

PS5-Compatible 2TB SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD

• PS5-Compatible 2TB Samsung 980 PRO SSD – $223

PS5-Compatible 2TB CORSAIR MP600 PRO SSD

• PS5-Compatible 2TB CORSAIR MP600 PRO SSD – $242

There are also other sizes available depending on your budget:

• PS5-Compatible 1TB CORSAIR MP600 PRO SSD – $151
• PS5-Compatible 4TB CORSAIR MP600 PRO SSD – $743

The post The Cheapest 2TB PS5 SSDs Have Gotten Even Cheaper appeared first on Press Start.

If you’re a Final Fantasy fan who’s been holding out on buying a PS5 until the release of the very exciting and exclusive Final Fantasy XVI, now’s your chance.

As announced previously, PlayStation is introducing a new PlayStation 5 console bundle not unlike the ones it’s done previously for games like God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West, this time packed in with a digital download code for Final Fantasy XVI.

The bundle launches the same day as the game on June 22nd, and pre-orders have just gone live at local retailers:

PS5 Final Fantasy XVI Console Bundle Pre-Orders

• JB Hi-Fi – $904
• EB Games – $904.95

The PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle includes:

• PlayStation 5 console
• DualSense wireless controller
• Base
• HDMI® cable
• AC power cord
• USB cable
• Printed materials
• FINAL FANTASY XVI (Full Game Voucher)

Digital Content:

• “Braveheart” Weapon
• Gil-boost Accessory “Cait Sith Charm”**
• Exp-boost Accessory “Scholar’s Spectacles”**

Pre-orders for the physical copy of Final Fantasy XVI have also just dropped in price on Amazon, down to $77, so if you’ve already got the console you can secure on of those right here.

A Final Fantasy XVI Pre-Launch Celebration is also happening in early June in LA and being livestreamed around the world at the below local times:

FINAL FANTASY XVI CELEBRATION AUSTRALIAN TIMES – MONDAY, JUNE 12TH

• 8.00 AM AEST (Melbourne/Sydney/Hobart/Canberra/Brisbane)
• 7.30 AM ACST (Adelaide, Darwin)
• 6.00 AM AWST (Perth)
• 10.00 AM NZDT (Wellington)

We got the chance to go hands-on with a few hours of Final Fantasy XVI earlier in the year and said, “Regardless of the session having a more narrowed focus on combat and Eikonic battles, the two-and-a-bit hours I spent immersing myself in Final Fantasy XVI has painted a reassuringly positive picture. It’s been in good enough hands this whole time that I’ve always felt rather confident in the game to really bring the single-player Final Fantasy experience back into good stead, but knowing what I now know and playing what I played I’m almost certain that this will be the Final Fantasy to truly wow the world once again.”

Final Fantasy XVI launches for PS5 on June 22nd, 2023. Amazon has the cheapest pre-order price at $77 with free shipping.

The post The Final Fantasy XVI PS5 Console Bundle Is Available For Pre-Order Now appeared first on Press Start.

According to Sony’s latest released financial report for its fiscal year ending March 31st, 2023, the PlayStation 5 is still selling in ridiculous amounts.

The console has reportedly moved some 38.4 million units since going on sale in November 2020 and has just posted its strongest January – March quarter yet with approximately 6.3 million console sold, compared to 2 million in the same period the previous year. It’s also been PlayStation’s highest-revenue (fiscal year) Q4 in history, which is mighty impressive, as well as being the most of any console sold in (calendar year) Q1.

You can read the full report here if you’re a nerd for numbers, but the folks at Gematsu have also pointed out a few interesting bits of additional information based on supplementary data:

• There are 47.4 million PlayStation Plus subscribers as of March 31, 2023, which is equivalent to the 47.4 million subscribers during the same period the previous fiscal year.
• There are 108 million monthly active users on PlayStation Network as of March 31, 2023, which is up two million from the 106 million active users during the same period the previous fiscal year.
• PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 software combined sold 68 million units during the three months ended March 31, 2023, which is down 2.5 million from the 70.5 million software sold during the same period the previous fiscal year. 9.5 million units were first-party titles, which is down five million from to the 14.5 million sold during the same period the previous fiscal year. 70 percent of software sales were full game software digital downloads, which is one percent less than the previous year.

With hardware supply issues far behind them, it seems Sony’s outlook for the PlayStation 5 continues to be incredibly positive. There are still some huge marquee exclusive titles to come for the console as well, including the likes of Final Fantasy XVI and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

The post Sony Has Sold Over 38 Million PS5 Consoles And Had A Record-Breaking Quarter appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation and Square Enix have revealed some new products coming to coincide with the launch of the massive upcoming PS5-exclusive, Final Fantasy XVI.

Firstly for anyone jumping into the world of PS5 specifically for the new sequel, there’s going to be a PS5 console bundle that comes with a download code for the game, much like the ones we’ve seen for games like God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West.

Perhaps more exciting though, is a limited edition Final Fantasy XVI DualSense controller and a Final Fantasy XVI PS5 Cover. These both feature striking designs with the cover based on the game’s title logo and the DualSense controller featuring iconography and motifs from the game.

Check them out below:

The Final Fantasy XVI console bundle will be available in Australia on the game’s launch date of June 22nd with pre-orders reportedly opening soon. So far, sadly the controller and cover have only been announced for Japan but we’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for local information on any of those. Pricing in Japan is as follows:

• PS5 Console Final Fantasy XVI Bundle – 67,980 yen (approx $770 AUD)
• PS5 Digital Console Final Fantasy XVI Bundle – 56,980 yen (approx $645 AUD)
• DualSense Wireless Controller Final Fantasy XVI Edition – 8,980 yen (approx $101 AUD)
• PS5 Console Cover Final Fantasy XVI Edition – 7,980 yen (approx $90 AUD)
• PS5 Digital Console Cover Final Fantasy XVI Edition – 7,980 yen (approx $90 AUD)

The PS5 Console Final Fantasy XVI Bundle launches 22nd June. Pre-order details coming soon. pic.twitter.com/t9ponWrY1u

— PlayStation AU (@PlayStationAU) April 27, 2023

The post A Final Fantasy XVI PS5 Bundle Plus Limited Edition DualSense And Cover Have Been Revealed appeared first on Press Start.

With Earth Day coming up on Saturday April 22nd, EB Games is once again partnering with non-profit organisation One Tree Planted to run a special trade promotion where a single tree will be planted for every game or other item that customers trade in during the promotional period.

The event runs this week from Wednesday April 19th to Tuesday April 25th with the usual EB trade policies in place.

Last year the event saw 29,000 trees planted in Australia, an increase over the previous year’s 25,000. It’s enough to cover over 300 tennis courts or over 6,500 carparks – two things we could probably do with less of anyway. It’s a huge effort, and hopefully one that the Aussie community can rally around again and outdo by an even greater number this time around.

For more on the Trade 1 Plant 1 promotion, head over here.

Trade 1 Plant 1 is BACK! To celebrate Earth Day, we’ve partnered once again with One Tree Planted, to plant a tree for every item traded until Tuesday! T&Cs apply. See staff for details. ??

Be sure to stay tuned for more preowned offers to be announced! https://t.co/pOb5lOBceC pic.twitter.com/10yw66EakF

— EB Games Australia (@EBGamesAus) April 18, 2023

Hey! You could even trade your old games and accessories towards the new Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition, a snazzy green-coloured version of its standard Xbox controller that’s made from one-third recycled materials, continuing the company’s efforts towards reducing its impact on the planet.

The controller – which also comes packaged in with the Xbox Rechargeable Battery for obvious reasons – is constructed from post-consumer recycled resins made with regrind, the process of turning things like CDs, plastic jugs and even old Xbox One-generation parts into raw materials to be used to create new products. Like the EB Games Trade 1 Plant 1 promo, it’s all in the name of Earth Day and thinking about how we use and reuse what we take from the Earth and the efforts we’re making to ensure our stay on this planet is long and sustainable.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Remix Special Edition is out now and you can pick one up for yourself at your local EB Games.

The post EB Games Is Bringing Back Trade 1 Plant 1 This Week And Turning Your Games Into Trees appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation is continuing its accessibility journey, one that’s seen some of its first-party titles champion some best-in-class features within games as well as the recent reveal of the Project Leonardo accessibility controller, with a small but meaningful UI update over on the PlayStation Store.

Accessibility Tags is a new storefront features being rolled out to PS5 consoles in an early state, allowing players to get a detailed look at what accessibility features each game offers before deciding to make a purchase – making it easier to identify whether individual games will be playable/comfortable for each player before spending money.

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To see a game’s Accessibility Tags once the feature is live, players will just need to press the ‘Triangle’ button when looking at a game on the PlayStation Store, with more than 50 different tags available for developers to flag their games with as of the initial roll-out, some of which include:

• Visual accessibility features, such as clear text, large text, color alternatives, audio cues and directional audio indicators.
• Audio features, such as volume controls, mono audio, screen reader and visual cue alternatives.
• Subtitle and caption options, including subtitle size, clear captions, and large captions.
• Control options, including button remapping, thumbstick sensitivity, and ability to play without button holds, rapid button presses or motion control.
• Gameplay options, such as difficulty settings, skippable puzzles, simplified quick time events, and game speed.
• Online communication options, such as text or voice chat transcription and ping communication.

At launch, PlayStation will have prepared Accessibility Tags for Days Gone, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, God of War, God of War Ragnarök, Gran Turismo 7, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Returnal, and has committed to working with a range of third-party developers and publishers to implement the feature more widely across both PS5 and PS4 titles on the platform.

The post The PlayStation Store Is Adding Accessibility Tags This Week appeared first on Press Start.

The PlayStation Blog has continued its series of “PS5 Creators” stories today, bringing us a chat with Final Fantasy XVI’s Director, Hiroshi Takai, focused on how the PlayStation 5 hardware has informed the game’s development and what fans can expect from the PS5 exclusive.

In the post, Takai-san speaks about working with the PS5’s sizeable 16GB memory allowed the team to render finely-detailed character and environmental models on top of high-quality lighting and shadow effects, as well as store all of the animations and effects for Clive’s wide range of combat moves. Meanwhile, the ultra-fast SSD gave them the ability to seamlessly flow between high-action gameplay and cutscenes and back.

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The director also mentions DualSense Wireless Controller support, with the game using the adaptive triggers for things like opening heavy doors (something I experienced when I played the game recently) and riding chocobos, while sound data from the game’s cutscenes was used to create the haptic feedback effects to produce sensations like the movement of air.

You can read the full PlayStation Blog post here, and it’s well worth doing for a handful of gorgeous new screenshots.

In our hands-on preview of the game, we said “Regardless of the session having a more narrowed focus on combat and Eikonic battles, the two-and-a-bit hours I spent immersing myself in Final Fantasy XVI has painted a reassuringly positive picture. It’s been in good enough hands this whole time that I’ve always felt rather confident in the game to really bring the single-player Final Fantasy experience back into good stead, but knowing what I now know and playing what I played I’m almost certain that this will be the Final Fantasy to truly wow the world once again.”

Final Fantasy XVI launches for PS5 on June 22nd, 2023. Amazon has the cheapest pre-order price at $82 with free shipping.

The post Final Fantasy XVI’s Creators Have Explained What The PS5 Brings To The Game appeared first on Press Start.

Now that we’re a couple of years into the lifespan of the PlayStation 5, it stands to reason that many console owners’ are either going to be running out of storage space for their games very soon, or have already been struggling with it for a while now. With game file sizes routinely encroaching on close to 100GB territory, or even ballooning way over (looking at you, Call of Duty) it’s only going to get worse, too.

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While the existence of the PS5’s insanely-fast internal SSD means that all current-gen games require installing on storage that matches those speeds, Sony’s thankfully made it relatively painless to install a second, internal NVMe SSD in a dedicated M.2 slot underneath the console’s cover.

While the idea of popping off the top of your PS5 and installing a new SSD might sound daunting to some, we promise it’s fairly straightforward. Better yet, the PlayStation Support YouTube channel has a great video guide to getting it done:

How To Upgrade The PS5 Internal SSD Storage

All-in-all, it’s a surprisingly simple upgrade even if you’re new to opening up a device like this – all you need is a compatible screwdriver and the right kind of internal SSD. Of course, it’s a good idea to ensure that your PS5 console has the latest updates installed before doing any of this.

To make things as easy as possible, we’ve highlighted the best and most affordable PS5-compatible SSDs below, so you can simply pick up the cheapest deal for the capacity you want and get to upgrading.

OUR TOP PS5-COMPATIBLE SSD PICKS

• Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 1TB – $152
• Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 2TB – $263
• Samsung 980 PRO SSD 1TB – $167
• Samsung 980 PRO SSD 2TB – $250
• Kingston Fury Renegade 1TB – $183
• Kingston Fury Renegade 2TB – $312
• Kingston Fury Renegade 4TB – $696
• Western Digital BLACK SN850 1TB – $211
• Western Digital BLACK SN850 2TB – $331

WE LOVE BRINGING YOU THE BEST GAMING AND TECH BARGAINS. WE MAY GET A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE THROUGH AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

The post How To Upgrade Your PS5’s Internal SSD Storage appeared first on Press Start.

Recently, Guerrilla Games teased fans with a morsel of talk around how Horizon Forbidden West’s big expansion, Burning Shores, takes advantage of the fact that it’s launching solely on Sony’s new-gen PlayStation 5. Now, we know a little more about just what it means for the game to be unshackled from its last-gen version and what new graphical features we can expect from it come April 19th.

In a new blog post from Guerrilla’s Senior Community Manager, Narae Lee, we learn about the studio’s approach to Forbidden West’s massively scaled-up environment which also saw players take to the skies for the first time, and how a desire to push that experience even more has informed some of the PS5-enabled improvements made to Burning Shores.

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One big example is clouds, which in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West were created primarily from 2D information to create the effect of 3D clouds. With Burning Shores, the studio set out to create a voxel-based cloud rendering system to create dense and dynamic cloud systems that looked convincing whether the player was on the ground or flying through them.

Boasting about cloud technology, at least the kind that concerns literal clouds, may seem a bit banal of a talking point for a big, exciting expansion but there’s genuinely some cool stuff going on here. You can read the full PlayStation Blog post to learn how Guerrilla tackled balancing the quality of the clouds and the effect at creating a convincing atmosphere with the game’s performance, and how a collaborative effort brough it all together to create the final effect.

The post also teases some new possibilities for flying in Burning Shores, with tunnels, caves and other surprises in store – all offering different experiences and discovery based on the time of day and atmosphere.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores launches on April 19th exclusively on PS5.

The post How Horizon Forbidden West Burning Shores Uses The PS5’s Power To Create Atmosphere appeared first on Press Start.

Update 2: As predicted, this has been pretty swiftly debunked, as amusingly as it turned up.

As pointed out by TiredOldHack on Resetera, and through some internet archive sleuthing, it looks like The Good Guys had simply copied and pasted a PS4 Slim listing to populate this PS5 page over two years ago and added a +1 to the console’s number.

It was fun while it lasted!

Update: Six months later, this rumour has cropped up again, somewhat hilariously thanks to none other than The Good Guys, who seemingly have an unlisted PlayStation product page with mention of a “new look, slimmer PlayStation 5.”

You can see the page in question, which currently doesn’t load any actual product info or images, here or in the below screenshot if that’s eventually taken down. Of course, this may mean absolutely nothing, but given the existing and persistent rumour of a slim PS5 model with detachable disc drive coming in the near future, it’s certainly interesting.

Thanks to Gravity Insanity on Resetera for sharing.

Original story below:

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Serial leaker Tom Henderson launched his new outlet overnight and his first report suggests that Sony is gearing up to release a new PS5 model this year with a detachable disc drive. It’s currently codenamed D-chassis PlayStation 5 (following the C chassis model that launched) and will be identical internally to the PS5 on shelves except for the fact that it will be built with an external disc drive in mind and could possibly be slimmer.

The disc drive will connect via USB-C port and apparently attach to the PS5 in a way that makes it look like the current PS5 (but slimmer) and well integrated into the console. It’s reported that the PS5 will be sold on its own or in a bundle with the detachable disc drive, and the disc drive will also be sold separately.

It’s unclear if the disc drive will be able to be used with the currently Digital PS5 although given it just connects by USB-C it seems likely that this will be a case and feels like it’ll be a worthy addition for those with a digital PS5 wanting to add a disc drive and be able to get cheaper physical games.

We’ll keep you posted as hear more about this, but it makes sense for Sony to create one PS5 SKU and handle things in this way.

The post Mention Of The PS5 Slim Has Popped Up On The Good Guys Website appeared first on Press Start.

Sounds like old mate Tom Holland isn’t the only one allowed to leak classified Spider-Man info, with one of the voice and mo-cap actors for Insomniac’s upcoming and much-anticipated Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 seemingly outing the game’s release month and marketing plans for this year.

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In a (slightly odd) response to a series of tweets stemming from a photo of himself inside a fancy motion capture setup, Venom actor Tony Todd has just come right out and spilled the tea with the claim that the game will be coming in September, with some big marketing activity coming the month before:

https://twitter.com/TonyTodd54/status/1638253315136823297?s=20

Looks like September! Massive publicity coming in august. Commercials start dropping in august so I’m told. Hold on to your … and hold breath! Gonna be necessary

While it’s obviously hard to say whether Todd genuinely knows what’s going on over at Insomniac and PlayStation, and I’m sure as hell he wasn’t meant to come right out and say it, it certainly makes a lot of sense that we’d see the game around that time. We already knew that Spider-Man 2 was set to launch in the Australian “Spring” months, which are September through November.

The post Spider-Man 2’s Venom Actor Just Casually Dropped The Game’s Release Month appeared first on Press Start.

The PlayStation VR2, Sony’s next-generation VR headset, is finally upon us.

If you’ve read our glowing, comprehensive review of the PS VR2 headset, you’ll know that it’s a fantastic bit of gear that serves as a shot in the arm to the PlayStation’s VR platform with cutting-edge PS5-powered visuals and increased immersion thanks to innovative features like haptic feedback and eye tracking.

We know many will be diving into the world of PS VR2 from a variety of previous experience, whether you had the original PlayStation VR, you’ve used other VR headsets like the Quest 2, or you’ve got a PS5 and this is your first foray into VR. With that in mind, and after having tested dozens of them ourselves, we wanted to call out what we feel are the essential launch titles for the PlayStation VR2 to help you build a great library early on and really get the most of out the experience.

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While we played and absolutely loved games like Horizon Call of the Mountain (you can read our full review of that here), there are actually still a handful of  titles that we haven’t been able to access just yet such as the free PS VR2-exclusive updates for Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil Village, so this list will gradually grow over time as we get to check those out – all the more reason to keep coming back!

The Best PlayStation VR2 Launch Titles

Horizon Call of the Mountain

The flagship title for the PlayStation VR2 and absolutely one that shouldn’t be missed. Call of the Mountain translates Horizon’s exploration, puzzles and fierce machine combat effortlessly into VR form with easily the most astonishing visuals I’ve seen inside a virtual reality headset and makes great use of the unique PS VR2 features like eye tracking and finger detection.

Along with a thrilling, eight-hour campaign there’s a neat bonus Machine Safari mode, optional challenges to tackle, collectibles to find and plenty of unique and often silly interactables strewn throughout to make this well worth playing again and again.

We gave the game an 8.5/10 in our review, saying “Horizon Call of the Mountain is exactly the killer app that the PlayStation VR2 needed to really sell the promise of its hardware and feature set, even with a couple of stumbles. Clever VR spins on the series’ staple gameplay systems, a compelling campaign, ridiculous production values, decent replay value and a genuine sense of wonder make it essential playing for absolutely anyone picking up Sony’s next-generation VR headset.”

Get it from the PlayStation Store here.

Moss/Moss Book II

Two action-platformer classics have been given a fresh facelift with Moss and Moss: Book II on the PlayStation VR2.

The already excellent duo of games are made even better on the new hardware, with hugely improved controls over the original PS VR version, adaptive trigger support, haptics that really make you feel like you’re in the world alongside the tiny mouse hero, gorgeous 4K visuals and more. I especially appreciate the eye tracking feature which highlights objects that you’re looking at if they happen to be important, and Quill will actively pay attention to where your gaze is so she can intuitively react and give you guidance if you’re stuck – it feels truly special to be staring at a puzzle and have your mouse companion genuinely take notice of where your attention is.

Get both from the PlayStation Store here.

Kayak VR: Mirage

This is a pleasant surprise among the launch library for the PlaySation VR2, an incredibly peaceful and drop-dead gorgeous kayaking sim that takes players through a number of stunning locations like Antarctica, Costa Rica and even Kings Canyon in Australia.

Leisurely paddling around these locales, through some of the most impressive water I’ve seen in any game let alone a console VR experience, is a wonderfully zen experience that can also be a very serious kayaking simulation complete with race times to set and compete with friends if you really want it to. Otherwise it’s a great first VR title to show friends and newcomers, giving them something fairly tranquil, comfortable and easy-going while also showing them just what the PlayStation VR2 is capable of from a visual perspective.

Get it from the PlayStation Store here.

Gran Turismo 7

I never thought I’d be counting the likes of Gran Turismo 7 among my favourite VR games, having barely touched a proper racing sim in my life and generally having no interest in them. From the moment I dove into one of the (admittedly already cool) Music Rallies and experienced screaming along the Tokyo Expressway in a Honda S800 ’66 I was hooked, though. Not only do all of the car interiors look absolutely incredible in the PS VR2 headset, but I’m convinced I actually drive significantly better in the simulated view than any other first or third-person camera on a standard telly.

Now, if we could just get a patch that allows me to play using the Sense Controllers, Mario Kart-style this could wind up being my go-to VR experience.

Resident Evil Village

I already knew I was poised to love playing through the latest mainline Resident Evil entry in VR after it was my very first PS VR2 experience at last year’s Tokyo Game Show. Being able to finally play through from the start, that sentiment hasn’t changed a bit. There are some oddities here and there when it comes to bits that don’t translate as well to VR – cutscenes being the main culprit – but overall it’s a transformative way to play the game and Capcom has gone to lengths to add new VR-centric wrinkles to gameplay. Whether you’ve already seen everything the game had to offer or you’re brand new and looking for a particularly atmospheric and spooky horror jaunt this is essential playing.

Oh, and House Beneviento is somehow even more traumatising than before.

No Man’s Sky

I didn’t much get around No Man’s Sky on the original PS VR, mostly owing to how compromised the experience felt in comparison to the standard game. Fast forward a few years and numerous, game-changing updates and pair it with far more capable hardware however and it’s a different story. Interacting with the weird and wonderful worlds in this vast universe through the PS VR2 and Sense Controllers is an absolute delight and feels like its own iteration of the game rather than a watered-down version, with some great haptic feedback features and plenty of VR-enabled interactions.

Pistol Whip

This game, much like every tune in its stacked and eclectic soundtrack, is a banger.

There’s a reason this game has been super popular on other VR platforms, including the original PlayStation VR. It’s basically John Wick in VR but with a hit of psychedelics and set to thumping EDM tracks that give the action a rhythmic twist. The beauty of Pistol Whip, aside from its actual beauty, is the enormous skill ceiling and customisability that means first-timers can jump in and have a good time while sticking with it and “getting good” can yield very satisfying results.

If you enjoyed Pistol Whip on the original PS VR, you’re going to fall in love with it all over again here thanks to the massively-superior Sense Controllers, immersive haptic feedback and wicked 3D audio that all come together to put you in the best mood for capping virtual baddies. It’s a bloody thrill.

Get it from the PlayStation Store here.

Thumper

What can I possibly say about Thumper (other than they need to update their PlayStation VR trailer)? This game makes me uncomfortable in all the best ways, lending absolute credence to its tagline of “rhythm hell.”

For the uninitiated, Thumper casts you as a kind of chrome beetle racing along preset paths through twisted spaces, hitting simple button prompts along with cues on the track which in turn create a rhythmic soundscape that’s less the typical rhythm game boppy fare and more downright unsettling and oppressive. It’s quite basic on the surface but the nuances in gameplay and presentation really elevate it into something special.

On the PlayStation VR2, not only does the game look stylish as all hell with the 4K OLED displays bringing it to razor-sharp life in a whole new way, but the sensations brought on by haptic feedback in both the Sense controllers and the headset itself go a long way to really sucking you into this unnerving experience. The thundering vibrations through my skull whenever I hit a particular beat never got old, nor did the overall sensation of whooshing through the game’s otherworldly environments at screaming speeds.

Cosmonious High

From the studio behind Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator, Cosmonious High is a colourful and hilarious adventure game that continues those games’ penchant for physicality and unique VR interactivity to great effect.

Casting you as a lightly-customisable… being of some kind… on their first day at an interstellar high school. On arriving, the school’s AI system goes on the fritz and it falls on you and your newfound friends to remedy things. You’ll attend “classes” and complete various puzzle-like objectives to see the story through to the end, but ultimately it’s all about playing with the game’s physics and systems and causing utter chaos along the way, mixing unique powers and all kinds of interactable objects with a ton of freedom to experiment.

Despite the addition of haptics in the headset and the improved presentation, if you’ve checked this one out on something like the Quest in the past you probably don’t need to rush to play it again, but if you’re new to the game and/or loved Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator this is another winner.

Get it from the PlayStation Store here.

Drums Rock

This one really surprised me. On the surface it looks like a fairly basic Guitar Hero-esque drumming game in VR – which is a great if obvious concept – with nothing overly special to make it stand out. In practice, that does mostly ring true as well, with a tame tracklist of covers and fairly basic selection of modes, but once you’re actually on the virtual drummers’ stool and banging away in an effort to destroy rows of incoming demons it proves to be a ton of fun.

The PlayStation VR2 also makes fantastic use of the unique eye tracking feature with a genius twist. If you’re feeling particularly confident in your ability to drum along to a track, you can activate an extra score multiplier just by playing with your eyes closed. I’ll admit I’ve tried and failed to pull it off more times than I’d like, but it’s a brilliantly goofy feature that makes a great case for playing this game on this hardware.

Get it from the PlayStation Store here.

Tetris Effect: Connected

I’ll be honest, although I adore Tetris Effect and had a blast with it both in regular “flat” gameplay and on the original PS VR, I wasn’t expecting anything overly exciting from its PS VR2 port.

Turns out, not only was I wrong about there being nothing new to get excited about, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway – Tetris Effect is still awesome. Getting zen as hell playing Tetris against gorgeous backdrops that envelop you with trippy visuals and a symphony of 3D sound never gets old, and it’s even better with the feedback of each landing Tetrimino or the whoosh and rumble as you transition scenes. And, much like the above feature in Drums Rock, closing and opening your eyes also adds a little spice to the mix.

Get it from the PlayStation Store here.

Rez Infinite

Much like Tetris Effect, Rez Infinite on the PS VR2 is more or less the same as it was on the previous PS VR, but it’s still an absolute classic that serves as a must-play if you’re somehow yet to experience it.

I absolutely love that this Dreamcast/PS2 oddity has managed to endure via the VR space, which really feels like the home it always should have had. The gorgeous visuals in the PS VR2’s 4K HDR displays add an incredible amount to the strangely-inviting and hypnotic retro cyberscape presentation and the physical feeling of each pulsing beat and chained hit is just immaculate.

If you’re jumping into the PlayStation VR2 with the aim to feel like you’ve taken something potent and gone on the most wonderful trip imaginable, this is the game to do that.

Get it from the PlayStation Store here.

After The Fall

My first and only experience with After the Fall prior to the PlayStation VR2 was via a very quick Quest 2 demo in a packed Gamescom show floor, so although I enjoyed what I played I was very keen to get properly stuck into it at home and potentially get together with friends for some online zombie-slaying action.

While I haven’t been able to dabble in multiplayer just yet, I can definitely say that the PS VR2 experience is far superior to the Quest version, with a wider field-of-view making environmental awareness a lot easier and the headset’s excellent ability to block out light combined with HDR displays making everything look moody as hell. Plus, all the requisite haptic feedback in both the Sense controllers and headset itself, as well as the 3D audio, really adding to the feeling of being set upon by zombies while you blindly fire away and feel every shot through the adaptive triggers.

Well, I blindly fire. You’re probably meant to make an effort to aim most of the time, I think.

Song in the Smoke: Rekindled

When Song in the Smoke first launched on older VR platforms, it was a dense and engaging take on the typical “survival sim” with some great VR-centric design and a great sense of atmosphere. It wasn’t the most attractive game on headsets like the Quest or the original PS VR though, a fact that the PlayStation VR2’s “Rekindled” iteration fixes through a laundry list of upgrades and improvements.

There’s a massive bump up in visual quality for starters, with far more detailed geometry, texture detail and effects. It all runs incredibly smooth too, using eye tracking and foveated rendering to give you a sharp view of whatever you’re looking at without wasting resources on areas out of your focus. Added haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and all of the other great PS VR2 features are here as well, and the studio at 17-bit is giving existing PS VR players all of this as a free update despite all of the extra work done.

Synth Riders

I somehow missed Synth Riders on other VR headsets but I’m stoked that I’ve managed to get around it on the PS VR2. It’d be easy to write this off as another Beat Saber-like VR rhythm game but there’s something special about this one. For starters, it’s a feast for the senses and makes Saber look clinical by comparison, especially when it comes to tracks that have unique experiences to go along with them. It plays incredibly well on the PS5/VR2 as well with rock-solid performance and fantastic tracking meaning my wild flailing never felt inaccurately-received, just inaccurately-performed.

It also comes alongside the launch of the new Gorillaz Music Pack which contains some banger songs to get your groove on to if you decide to pick it up.

Unplugged: Air Guitar

I’d previously dabbled in Unplugged on the Meta Quest 2, where full hand tracking was its primary gimmick for a long while before controller inputs eventually became supported. The PlayStation VR2 version unfortunately doesn’t contain any hand tracking functionality, but it plays just as well with the Sense Controllers and benefits from being a bit more tactile and accurate than the spotty finger detection of the Quest 2 version.

With the fun of Guitar Hero long absent in the world of “regular” gaming, it’s great to see it alive and well in VR, and rocking a virtual guitar is a surprisingly tactile and immersive bit of fun thanks to the haptic tech inside the Sense Controllers.

Ragnarock

It might seem like VR platforms are saturated with rhythm games, even the still-new PlayStation VR2, but there’s a good reason for that – they feel great to play. Among the crowded library of rhythm experiences on the PS VR2 though, Ragnarock definitely stands out as a winner. It’s rather simple, tasking players to bang four drums with two giant hammers along to a bunch of Viking Rock-adjacent tracks (including no less than four Alestorm songs), sending their ship further forward with every correct note, but that simplicity keeps it intoxicating for hours on end.

For everything else you need to know about the PlayStation VR2, head here.

PLAYSTATION VR2 PRE-ORDER LINKS:

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 with free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 with free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79 with free shipping

The post The Best PlayStation VR2 Launch Games appeared first on Press Start.

The PlayStation 5 is going for a ridiculous price on Sony’s official eBay Store right now, as pointed out on OzBargain.

Using the Afterpay Day coupon code “APAYDAY3” at checkout and paying via Afterpay, the console can be had for as little as $552.46 for the digital, which is obscenely cheap compared to its RRP of $649. Even the Horizon/God of War/Twin DualSense bundles come down up to $136 off. These are all strictly limited in quantities so you’ll have to act fast. Check out the prices below and click through to grab the deals:

• PS5 Disc Console – $679.96
• PS5 Disc Console with Horizon Forbidden West Bundle – $760.71
• PS5 Disc Console with God of War Ragnarok Bundle – $769.21
• PS5 Disc Console with DualSense Controller Bundle – $773.41
• PS5 Digital – $552.46

T&Cs from the eBay Afterpay Day deal:

• Acceptance. By using or attempting to use the redemption code for this offer, you agree to accept and be bound by these terms and conditions.
• Offer Period. This offer commences at 10:00am AEDT on 16 March 2023 and ends at 11:59pm AEDT on 19 March 2023 (“Offer Period”). eBay reserves the right to cancel the offer at any time.
• Conditions This offer entitles you to 15% off the pre-coupon purchase price (excluding postage costs) on Eligible Items when you checkout with Afterpay, during the Offer Period, when you spend $50 or more (excluding postage costs) in one transaction, up to a maximum discount of $150 per transaction. Multiple items may be purchased in 1 transaction (up to a maximum of 10 items per transaction). Afterpay is only available for transactions not exceeding $3000.

Thanks, OzBargain.

The post The PS5 Is Going For An Absolutely Ridiculous Price For Afterpay Day appeared first on Press Start.

Surprise! Sony has just pushed the previously beta-only System Update 7.0 to PlayStation 5 consoles everywhere.

This new update, weighing in at 1.142GB brings the long-awaited Discord integration to the PS5 as well as adding VRR at 1440p resolution as well as wider device support for 1440p.

Players in the US and UK will also be able to use voice commands to capture video clips, saying “Hey PlayStation, capture that,” or “Hey PlayStation, start recording” or even “Hey PlayStation, capture the last X minutes” to easily grab video.

Elsewhere, screen reader features have been improved and new information has been added to game hubs including total time played. Better trophy displays, cross-play and Game Base UI improvements, filters for VR games in player libraries, better save file management, manual upload of captures and better installation management are all featured as well.

Finally, the DualSense Controller can now be updated wirelessly instead of having to use a USB cable each time a new update comes around.

It’s a pretty comprehensive update overall with some much-needed quality-of-life improvements, so definitely get downloading as soon as you can.

PlayStation 5 Version 7.0 List Of Changes

New Social Features 

• Join a Discord Voice Chat on Your PS5 Console. You can now join Discord voice chats on your PS5 console and easily chat with friends on most other gaming platforms. To start, link your Discord and PlayStation Network accounts from your PS5 console, PlayStation.com, or the Discord app on Windows, Mac or mobile device following these steps. Then, use the Discord app on your mobile device or computer to get a Discord voice chat going on your PS5 console (make sure your Discord app is updated to the latest version). You can also let your Discord friends see when you’re online and what you’re playing.
• Note: if you’ve linked your PlayStation Network and Discord accounts in the past to display what game you’re playing, you’ll need to link your accounts again to grant the new permissions needed for Discord voice chat. If you participated in the system software beta and have already linked your accounts during the beta period, you don’t need to link them again.

• Start or Request a Share Screen from Your Friend’s Profile. You can now send a Share Screen request or start sharing your screen with a friend, directly from their profile. Simply select the Share Screen icon on your friend’s profile to start a new session.

• New “Join Game” Icon in Party Chats. On the voice chat card, a joinable icon will be displayed for party members playing a game you can join. You can join the game directly by selecting the player, and then selecting [Join Game] from the menu.

• New “Friends Who Play” Tile. In game hubs, you can now see which of your friends have the game, who is currently online, and who is currently playing the game. By selecting the tile, you can see what your friends are doing now, and you can also access your friends’ profiles, where you’ll be given more interaction options.
• Manually Upload Game Captures to PlayStation App. You can now manually select and upload individual screenshots or game clips to PS App from your PS5 console, then easily share them on social media or with your friends.* This feature complements the auto-upload functionality that currently exists on PS App.

New Gameplay and Personalization Options

• Variable Refresh Rate support for 1440p. You can now enjoy smoother visual performance when using a VRR-compatible HDMI 2.1 display at 1440p resolution, when playing a game that supports VRR.**
• We’ve also made some updates to the parameters of the PS5 console’s 1440p output test, enabling 1440p support for a wider range of HDMI displays.
  • To check if your HDMI device is compatible, go to [Settings] > [Screen and Video] > [Video Output] > [Test 1440p Output].
• Game Library Enhancements.
  • You can now also sort and filter games when adding games to a gamelist.
  • You can use filters in your library to easily find PS VR games, as well as PS VR2 titles when PS VR2 launches later this month.
• Game Presets for Multiplayer Session Preferences. You can set your preferences to manage who can join and who can invite other players to multiplayer sessions you’ve created for supported games.
  • Go to [Settings] > [Saved Data and Game/App Settings] > [Game Presets] > [Online Multiplayer Sessions], and select your preferences in [Who Can Join] and [Who Can Invite].

New Accessibility and Ease-of-use Features

• PS4 to PS5 Saved Data Migration. We’re making it easier for you to access your PS4 saved data on your PS5 console through two ways:
  • When you download or install a PS4 game on your PS5 console, a notification that PS4 saved data is available in your PlayStation Network cloud storage will appear (if your PS5 console doesn’t already have saved data for the game). Simply select the notification to download your saved data.
  • When you download or install a PS5 game that can load PS4 saved data, such as the PS5 version of a game that was also released on PS4, the same notification will appear (if the game supports this feature).
  • (Note: online storage for saved data requires a PlayStation Plus subscription)
• PS5 to PS5 Data Transfer. You can now easily transfer the data on your PS5 console, including games, saved data, user profiles, settings, screenshots, and videos, to another PS5 console using a local Wi-Fi network or a LAN cable. You can either transfer the data during the initial PS5 console setup or later from the settings menu. This process doesn’t remove or modify the data on your original PS5 console.

• Screen Reader Improvements. The screen reader now gives more detailed guidance when navigating the console. It will now tell you which direction you can move from the currently selected component, as well as your current position in a component with multiple items. Additionally, when using the screen reader to view web pages, you’ll now see borders around the section that’s being read aloud.

• Wireless Device Update for DualSense Wireless Controller. You can now update the DualSense wireless controller device software with a wireless connection. If you have trouble updating the device software wirelessly, connect your controller to your PS5 console using the USB cable to update it. You’ll be able to update wirelessly for the next update.

Game Capture Using Voice Command (Preview): U.S. and U.K. limited release

• Voice Command now supports using your voice to save video clips of your gameplay.
  • Say “Hey PlayStation, capture that!” to save a video clip of your recent gameplay. The default duration saved is based on your settings.
  • You can also save a specific duration of your gameplay, from 15 seconds to 60 minutes. For example, to save 5 minutes, say “Hey PlayStation, capture the last 5 minutes”.
  • Say “Hey PlayStation, start recording” to manually start a new gameplay recording. You can then say “Hey PlayStation, stop recording” to end the recording and save the video clip.
  • Voice Command (Preview) is currently available in English for beta participants with accounts registered to the U.S. and U.K.

The post PS5 System Update 7.0 Is Out Now And Finally Adds Discord Integration appeared first on Press Start.

Sony CFO and soon-to-be President (replacing Kenichiro Yoshida), Hiroki Totoki, recently participated in a talk at this week’s Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference, where he spoke at length about his history with Sony and the company’s outlook going forward especially with regards to its PlayStation business.

There’s a lot of positive talk around the relief of PlayStation 5 supply and the current demand and sell-through, including the notion that 30% of current PS5 owners were not previous PS4 owners and so represent new customers to the current ecosystem.

One of the more interesting tidbits from the discussion though, was around the PlayStation VR2, which Totoki is clearly a very big believer in, saying that he thinks it has the potential to outsell the previous generation of PlayStation VR.

“We are very happy to launch VR2 on PS5. [With the] VR1, we sold over five million units, and I think we have a good chance to exceed that amount in the PS VR2,” he said.

Totoki backs up this claim by referencing forecasts for big growth in VR in the entertainment market and rich potential for VR/AR in general, which Sony will no doubt be hoping to capture with its new-generation VR headset.

You can listen to the whole talk here, which also goes into Sony’s acquisition of Bungie and how it plans to utilise the studio’s multiplatform and live service expertise and how they’re currently tapping into it through their other studios.

For more on the PlayStation VR2, check out our review for the headset itself, our Horizon: Call of the Mountain review, and a list of what we think are the best games available on the platform so far.

PLAYSTATION VR2 PURCHASE LINKS:

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 with free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 with free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79 with free shipping

The post Sony’s Future President Reckons The PlayStation VR2 Will Outsell The Original appeared first on Press Start.

The Sony Store has a special promo going for the next few days, bundling a PS5 Horizon Forbidden West console with select tellies at no added cost.

The applicable models are listed below. It’s worth noting that there are other sizes and models of Sony TV available from the store that are bundled in with the console, but these cost more than the non-bundled versions, so it’s just the following specific SKUs that’ll cost nothing extra for the console:

• Sony 85” X95K Mini LED TV – $6995 with bonus PS5 Horizon Forbidden West console bundle.
• Sony 77” A80K OLED TV – $5495 with bonus PS5 Horizon Forbidden West console bundle.
• 85” X90K LED TV – $3695 with bonus PS5 Horizon Forbidden West console bundle.
• 83” A90J OLED TV – $6995 with bonus PS5 Horizon Forbidden West console bundle.

These deals will end on March 10th at 11:59PM AEDT.

The post Sony Is Giving Bonus PlayStation 5 Consoles With Select TVs appeared first on Press Start.

Update: It looks like some services are slowly being restored, but game streaming as well as store purchases and redemptions are still down.

The PlayStation Network is currently having issues across Australia. As of 6:00pm, Down Detector is signalling 1,110 reports of players having issues accessing the PlayStation Network.

JOIN OUR PS5 DISCUSSION FACEBOOK GROUP FOR THE LATEST INFO

According to the PlayStation Network Service Status, all types of PSN traffic are currently having issues, and we’ve personally been unable to redeem codes or use certain online features since around 6pm.

We’ll keep you posted as we have an update.

The post The PlayStation Network Is Having Issues appeared first on Press Start.

Amazon currently has a great deal on a 2TB PS5 SSD. It’s the Samsung 980 Pro with heatsink and it’s a whopping 35% off at $276.25 (down from $429).

• PS5 compatible Samsung 980 Pro with heatsink – $276.25 (35% off)

Gigabyte also have a fairly cheap 2TB SSD ready for the PS5, shipping from the US:

• GIGABYTE AORUS Gen4 7000s SSD 2TB – $281.79

Just as a reminder, these SSDs will add to the internal 825GB PS5 slot via an empty slot under your PS5 face plate and will allow you to add another 2TB of storage to your PS5 so that you can store and play even more PS5 games.

With 7300/6000MB/s speeds and a heatsink built in, this is the perfect SSD for your PS5 and still one of the better options on the market.

The post The PS5-Compatible Samsung 2TB SSD Is Down To Its Cheapest Price Yet appeared first on Press Start.

The idea of a “pro” gaming controller might still be alien to some, but with the advent of big-name entries into the market like the Xbox Elite Series 2 and the PlayStation DualSense Edge controller, it’s certainly feeling like a growing sector. Razer’s no stranger to the concept, having released more than a few pro-level controllers in the past, but the Wolverine V2 Pro – an officially licenced, wireless premium controller for the PS5 – might just be its boldest yet. And at an RRP of $475.95, it’s most expensive.

I’ve been putting the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro through its paces recently, in an effort to try to decipher whether or not that’s an appropriate amount of money to pay for this thing.

I’m hesitant to start making direct comparisons to PS5’s DualSense Edge controller this soon, but right off the bat the unboxing experience of the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro felt a little flat in comparison to Sony’s $150-cheaper alternative. Where that pad came packed inside an attractive and sturdy carrying case, complete with a 2.8m braided cable, a cable lock, four thumbstick caps and removable back paddles, Razer’s new controller sits in some protective foam with a 1.4m cable, the required wireless receiver and just two thumbstick caps.

Luckily once you’ve got the controller in-hand it’s clear that this is a well-made bit of kit. It’s surprisingly light for its size, especially compared to the rather dense Edge, but it feels sturdy and nicely finished with a matte body and textured grips that seem like they’ll hold up well to long-term use. I did notice that a couple of the rear switches on my review unit were loose enough that there was a consistent, audible ‘shake’ to them that occasionally wormed its way into my ear holes but hopefully that’s an exception rather than the norm. Asymmetrical thumbsticks are definitely a personal preference that may make or break the decision for some, but it’s definitely nice to have an option like this on the market.

Crucially, the buttons on the Wolverine V2 Pro feel fantastic to play with. The mechanical “Mecha-Tactile” face, shoulder and d-pad buttons have a wonderful, clicky press that not only actuates at lightning speeds but is genuinely addictive to use, basically emulating the responsive, tactile mouse clicks that PC players enjoy. The 8-way microswitch d-pad’s delightful clickiness makes it feel far more accurate and responsive than what just about any other controller offers. The triggers and analogue sticks are maybe a little less exciting to use, but both at least offer some degree of customisation with short-distance trigger stops that you can change individually on each and the aforementioned interchangeable thumbstick caps.

It’s hard to really gauge whether or not Razer’s Wolverine V2 Pro made me a better player while I was using it (the bar is so low that the science is just too unclear), I definitely felt like it could help me get better by pushing up the ceiling of performance. I’m not entirely convinced of the positioning of its two added shoulder buttons and four, neatly arranged back buttons for someone with small hands like myself but it’s more extra buttons than most. I do think that Hall Effect sensors in the thumbsticks would have been a superior inclusion and helped to justify the asking price, but they’re sadly not here.

And while most veteran players would argue that wired play is still the way to go, Razer’s argument in its HyperSpeed wireless connection is definitely a feasible alternative and it’s as easy as plugging the included USB receiver into the front or back ports on your PS5 and turning the controller on. Something the Wolverine V2 Pro can boast as a massive advantage over the DualSense family of controllers, including the Edge, is a battery that’ll last you more than one Destiny 2 raid. Battery life is rated at 10 hours with Chroma lighting on or a huge 28 hours with it off, and in my use I can corroborate that as being fairly spot-on. If your controller’s stamina is of any concern, this is a marked improvement and a major selling point in my eyes.

One big, on-the-box feature that can comfortably account for a portion of the asking price of the Wolverine V2 Pro is the official PlayStation licensing. Though, in practice this means far less than I was hoping. For a controller built in collaboration with PlayStation it’s disappointing that there’s no haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, built-in speaker or gyroscope – nothing that the competitive market it caters to would or should care about but all features the DualSense Edge still possesses. More annoyingly, the controller can’t be used to turn the PS5 console on – you’ll have to do that manually or through a HDMI-CEC compatible TV.

Since I’ve amassed a glut of PS5 controllers, I inevitably decided that I’d enjoy using the Wolverine V2 Pro with my PC – something that can easily be done by popping the HyperSpeed USB receiver into a free port and toggling the controller to “PC” mode on the back. After Windows recognised it, I jumped into the same Razer Synapse software I use to customise all of the other Razer peripherals plugged into my PC to start setting it up and customising it… only to find out I couldn’t do that.

Instead, any tweaks you want to make to the controller’s mappable buttons, performance or Chroma RGB lighting need to be done by syncing it up to the Razer Controller app on iOS or Android. Having to download an entirely separate app just to tweak a few settings felt like a step too far when Razer has an integrated ecosystem already, but I can definitely appreciate being able to do it from my phone if I’m, say, gaming in my lounge room or bringing the controller to a local tournament. So more choices would be nice, but the one available method is a good one.

In the Razer Controller app, you’re able to set up to four customisable profiles that can then be saved to the Wolverine V2 Pro itself and switched on the fly using a multifunction key underneath the PlayStation/power button. These profiles can contain settings for basic thumbstick sensitivity, the mapping of the two extra shoulder buttons and four back buttons and a single zone of Chroma RGB lighting. It’s a pretty barebones setup and definitely falls far short of competing controllers, plus it’s kind of a kick in the teeth that the example image of a Wolverine V2 Pro with Chroma RGB used right within the app suggests multi-zone lighting is a thing when it definitely is not.

And that’s the overall experience with Razer’s new PS5-licenced pro controller in a nutshell, really. What’s here is good, even great, with a premium build and comfort, good connectivity and some incredibly satisfying and responsive button switches making it a controller aimed squarely at pro players and absolutely nailing those fundamentals. At just shy of $500 though, it’s missing far too many features to recommend it over something like the DualSense Edge for those just wanting a flashier pad with all the bells and whistles.

The Razer Wolverine Pro V2 is available in Australian retailers now. Amazon currently has it at a discounted price of $449 with free shipping.

The post Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Review – A Solid But Compromised Pro Controller appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation has announced its first State of Play stream for 2023. It’s taking place on Friday morning and it will bring us a look at some new third-party game announcements, five PlayStation VR2 announcements as well as more than 15 minutes of new gameplay details and gameplay footage from Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League.

ALL THE AUSTRALIAN TIMES FOR THE PLAYSTATION STATE OF PLAY STREAM

It’ll be happening on Friday morning at the below times.

• AEDT (Melbourne/Sydney/Hobart/Canberra) – 08:00am
• AEST (Brisbane) – 7:00am
• ACST (Darwin) – 6:30am
• ACDST (Adelaide) – 7:30am
• AWST (Perth) – 5:00am

WHERE TO WATCH THE PLAYSTATION STATE OF PLAY

You can watch it on YouTube below:

The post All Of The Aussie Times For Tomorrow’s PlayStation State Of Play Stream appeared first on Press Start.

It’s taken us a while, but as of now, you can officially start putting faces to our beautiful voices and watching The Press Start Podcast in video form.

You can watch the podcast at the same time it goes live in audio form on our YouTube channel.

On this week’s episode, we talk about Atomic Heart, Wild Hearts, Octopath Traveller 2 and also dissect the news of Nintendo signing a deal with Xbox and Returnal not doing bumper sales numbers on PC.

If you’re wanting to listen in audio, you can still do that below too:

• Listen on LiSTNR
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Omny

The post The Press Start Podcast Is Now Available in Video Form appeared first on Press Start.

The PlayStation VR2, Sony’s next-generation VR headset, is finally upon us.

If you’ve read our glowing, comprehensive review of the PS VR2 headset, you’ll know that it’s a fantastic bit of gear that serves as a shot in the arm to the PlayStation’s VR platform with cutting-edge PS5-powered visuals and increased immersion thanks to innovative features like haptic feedback and eye tracking.

With the VR2 launching this week, we’ve put together a quick guide to the essentials of getting your hands on one as well as making sure you’ve got everything you need to have the best experience.

WHEN AND WHERE TO BUY THE PLAYSTATION VR2 IN AUSTRALIA?

The PlayStation VR2 launches on February 22nd and is available at a number of Aussie retailers and looks to still have decent availability in both SKUs as well as the optional (but incredibly handy) dual charger. Amazon is technically the cheapest at a couple of dollars less than the RRP and with free shipping available.

AMAZON

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 with free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 with free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95 with free shipping

EB GAMES

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95

JB HI-FI

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79

BIG W

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959

SONY STORE

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95

IS IT ANY GOOD?

The short answer? Absolutely. The long answers comes in the form of our massive review, which you can read here.

In it we said, “The PlayStation VR2 is an astonishingly impressive bit of gear, combining exciting and innovative features with supreme comfort and usability and leveraging the power of the PlayStation 5 to provide an all-around fantastic VR experience. It’s a breeze to wear and use, the controllers are a home run, and games can look downright astonishing. Titles like Horizon Call of the Mountain prove there’s a ton of potential here, and there are plenty of other great experiences in the launch library, but whether or not you drop close to a grand on a PS VR2 right now is going to depend on how much faith you have in that potential in the long term.”

WHAT DOES THE PLAYSTATION VR2 COME WITH AND IS IT HARD TO SET UP?

In the box for the standard PlayStation VR2 kit you’ll get the PS VR2 headset itself, two Sense controllers, the included in-ear headphones and a single USB-C charging cable. Or alternatively, if you opt for the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle you’ll get all of the same plus a download voucher for the game.

If you want to know more about the unboxing experience, you can read all about that here. It’s as straightforward an unboxing and set up as they come, with just one cable straight from the headset to the PS5 console and then a guided calibration within the VR realm itself.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO USE THE PLAYSTATION VR2?

The most important thing you’ll need is a PlayStation 5 console! Without that, you’ve got nothing to plug the PS VR2 into or to run any of the games. I’m going to assume you knew that, but it pays to make sure.

The next thing you’ve got to make sure you have is space. While the PlayStation VR2 can be comfortably used in a seated position for most games, a lot of experiences will benefit from you having the space to move around, and some (like What The Bat) will even refuse to boot unless you’ve the 2m x 2m area required for a “roomscale” experience. Don’t worry, the user interface will run you through setting up your play space when you first use it and will determine for you what configurations are available.

Following that, everything else you need is already in the box! The only downside is it’s a single charging cable with two controllers to charge, so we reckon the separate, $80 Sense Controller Dual Charger is almost an essential purchase.

The PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller Charging Station Is An Almost Essential Purchase

WHICH GAMES ARE AVAILABLE AT LAUNCH?

There are nearly 40 titles headed to the PlayStation VR2 at launch or shortly after, including the flagship title Horizon Call of the Mountain (our review of that is here), plus free PS VR2-exclusive updates to Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil Village. The rest of the launch line-up includes quite a few top-tier VR games that have been immensely popular on other VR hardware and come to the PS VR2 with a number of new features like support for the headset’s haptic feedback and eye tracking. Here’s what we know is coming on day one or within the release window:

• After the Fall
• Altair Breaker
• Before Your Eyes (launch window)
• Cities VR
• Cosmonious High
• Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition (launch window)
• Demeo (Resolution Games)
• Drums Rock
• Dyschronia: Chronos Alternate
• Fantavision 202X
• Garden of the Sea
• Gran Turismo 7
• Horizon Call of the Mountain
• Job Simulator
• Jurassic World Aftermath
• Kayak VR: Mirage
• Kizuna AI – Touch the Beat!
• The Last Clockwinder
• The Light Brigade
• Moss 1 & 2 Remaster
• NFL Pro Era
• No Man’s Sky
• Pavlov VR
• Pistol Whip
• Puzzling Places
• Resident Evil Village
• Rez Infinite
• Song in the Smoke
• Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition
• Synth Riders
• The Tale of Onogoro
• Tentacular
• Tetris Effect: Connected
• Thumper
• Townsmen VR
• Vacation Simulator
• What the Bat
• Zenith: The Last City

Horizon Call Of The Mountain Review – A Thrilling AAA VR Experience

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

If you’ve looked through all of the above and still have more questions, you’re in luck. PlayStation recently published a giant FAQ on absolutely everything PlayStation VR2 from specs to features and more. You can read all about that here.

The post The PlayStation VR2 Is Out This Week And Here’s Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Press Start.

When the original PlayStation VR arrived back in 2016, it shot into the then-burgeoning virtual reality market with hardware that was comfortable, accessible and – most importantly – affordable in comparison to its peers. That turned out to be the right move at the time, with the headset carving out a decent little piece of the VR market pie and commanding a decent amount of staying power in the years to come.

Fast forward almost seven years and the landscape is a little different for virtual reality tech. With high-end VR maturing and entry-level headsets like the Meta Quest 2 offering compelling, completely untethered VR experiences at a relatively modest price point there’s a lot more for PlayStation to prove with its follow-up effort. Dropping a little earlier into the life of the hardware it’s tied to and at a higher price point, the PlayStation VR2 feels like serious business in comparison to its predecessor. Sony successfully dipped its toes into the virtual waters and now it wants to swim with the sharks. It’s a good thing then, that the PS VR2’s teeth are as razor sharp as its visuals.

I went over a lot of this in my initial unboxing impressions (which you can read here) but it bears repeating – this is easily the most attractive, comfortable and well-constructed VR headsets I’ve used to date.

To begin with the headset itself is around 50g lighter than the first PS VR, but it’s also unburdened by the mess of cables and breakout boxes that made the previous iteration feel far bulkier than it actually was. This time around, there’s no extra box or HDMI passthrough or any of that junk. It’s just a single USB-C cable for the front of your PS5. A very, very long 4.5m USB-C cable that’s also surprisingly light and definitely will have enough give for most people to unknowingly wrap themselves in it a few times during play without any disaster striking.

THE CHEAPEST PRICE: $878 AT AMAZON WITH FREE SHIPPING.

Compared to the original PS VR’s IKEA-like setup, being able to simply take the thing out of the box, pop the cable into the front of the console and get playing is remarkable. I was worried that, having also used a Quest 2 quite a bit, the added cable would become an annoyance but I can’t say that I’ve even registered its existence more than once or twice during the time I’ve been playing.

Putting the headset on is a breeze, as well. Not a whole lot has changed from the last one, which is absolutely a good thing when that design was already fantastic. The headset is incredibly adjustable so once you slip it over your head by holding the button at the back and stretching it to accommodate your noggin, you simply spin a dial to tighten it up and then manoeuvre the front visor until it’s sitting comfortably in front of your eyes. Even with my fairly large glasses on I never once felt they were being pushed up against my face, with plenty of wiggle room. Crucially, the design of the rubber blinders around the lenses blocks out a ridiculous amount of ambient light.

Setting up the PS VR2 on the software side of things is also refreshingly easy and intuitive, with the headset’s mounted cameras and eye tracking technology doing a ton of the legwork. You’ll configure your play space simply by looking around you while it intelligently maps out walls, floors and any objects in the vicinity and creates a virtual boundary to keep you from punching nearby furniture in the heat of the moment. It’s in this step that you’ll also find out whether you’ve got the minimum required 2m x 2m clearance for “room scale” VR gameplay (essentially being able to physically move around a virtual space) or, if you live in an inner-city single bedroom apartment like me, are restricted to just the stationary standing/sitting experience.

One of the PlayStation VR2’s most interesting tricks, its eye tracking tech, also helps immensely with the initial setup by giving you an on-screen guide to how well-positioned the lenses are in relation to your pupils. With a combination of adjusting the position of the visor and turning the super-handy lens distance dial on the top of the visor you can very quickly get things looking just right for your eyes. Having eye tracking also enables the headset’s “foveated rendering” tech, which essentially allows games to render better detail in areas where you’re actively looking and dynamically scale back detail in areas you’re not – lending to better perceived visual quality and performance overall.

I can’t overstate how great the PlayStation VR2’s configuration and calibration process is in comparison to pretty well every other VR headset I’ve used. With just about any guesswork eliminated by the intelligent combination of hardware and software working together, I never once had to wonder whether I was getting the optimal experience.

Something I’ve been incredibly grateful for in my time with the PS VR2 is the ability to use its front-facing cameras as a window to the world outside of the headset. The surprisingly clear, black-and-white view is easily accessible just by pushing the Function button on the underside of the front visor which makes it easy to quickly reassess where you’re physically positioned in the room and if you’ve begun edging too close to a wall or bit of furniture, locate any controllers or people around you or even quickly jot down PlayStation VR2 review notes in your phone without having to remove the headset at all.

With the headset on and configured, one of the most immediately noticeable upgrades here is the pair of super-sharp 4K (2000 x 2040 per-eye) HDR OLED displays that represent a massive jump from the first PS VR and up there with some of the best resolutions that VR headsets have to offer. Aside from raw pixel count, the displays in the VR2 offer a fairly substantial 110 degree field of view and very decent brightness and colours. I’ve been particularly impressed with how little interference there is from the typical VR display issues like distortion and glare, with minimal god rays or “screen door” effect. It’s not completely without fault, there’s still a degree of softness to fine details like text and a bit of motion blur but overall it’s far superior to the likes of the Quest 2.

In the cinematic view, where the headset shows the regular PS5 home menu or any “flat” games or movies you might want to check out, is where I’m probably least inclined to choose the PS VR2’s display over simply using my OLED telly. The novelty of a floating cinema-esque screen in a virtual void that only you can see is novel enough if it’s your first time trying it out, but as sharp as the displays are for VR gaming they’re not quite fit for lengthy play sessions of regular titles.

RELATED: OUR HORIZON CALL OF THE MOUNTAIN REVIEW

One of my favourite inclusions, somewhat surprisingly to me, is the little in-ear headphones that come with the PS VR2. I’ll always opt for over-ear cans where possible, and fully expected to be opting for a slightly-awkward combo with my usual gaming headset, but I’m glad I gave these a go. For starters, they come attached to a little plastic bar that sits snugly into the back band to allow the buds to hang in just the right spot for the ears with no extra slack, and the headset even has a mounting port on each side to pop them into when you’re not using it.

They also sound great for an in-ear solution, with my playthrough of Horizon Call of the Mountain coming through with a good amount of crisp detail and juicy bass. Combined with the 3D audio processing and minimal physical interference it makes for a genuinely immersive audio experience out of the box – far and away more than I expected from some packed-in earphones.

The next piece of the hardware puzzle comes from the included Sense controllers. It’s hard to believe we ever made do with Sony’s decision to repurpose the godawful PS3 Move controllers for the original PlayStation VR, much less that they saw fit to sell them separately to the headset itself. Sure, it made the starter kit cheaper but having to tack on an extra $200ish to get a pair of Moves and the required camera on top sucked the joy out of that value proposition. We’re off to a much better start this time around with the controllers included in the box and no extra camera bits needed.

The Sense controllers a far more logical and comfortable design this time around, their hollow orb-like design ergonomically tailored to each hand to ensure every button is within reach and easy to read without the benefit of being able to see them, with your fingers naturally positioning around the analogue sticks, L1/R1 bumpers and L2/R2 triggers. It’s kind of like wearing a pair of sci-fi gloves with their stark black and white, orb-like design and I’m here for it. If you’ve used the Quest controllers in the past, the idea is similar here but a definite improvement again.

The Senses also pack in some especially neat features to bring a new level of immersion (and hopefully some neat future gameplay possibilities) to the table. Much like the PS5’s standard DualSense controller, they boast detailed haptic feedback along with adaptive triggers to simulate the feelings of your actions in games, something that Horizon Call of the Mountain uses to great effect. Being able to feel the difference between grabbing onto a rope and a stone ledge, or the tension of a bowstring that I’m pulling in real time adds a ton of immersion and really helps to remove the disconnect in your brain when grabbing or touching things in the virtual world isn’t mirrored in the physical realm. There are even haptics in the headset itself which are used to pretty good effect in games like Horizon and Thumper so I’m keen to see and feel more of that.

Something I’m hoping developers latch onto early and often is the finger tracking, which senses whether each of your fingers are gripping the controller to somewhat represent any in-game hands as close to your actual hands as possible. It’s fairly simplistic in what it understands about the positions of your fingers but being able to wave or throw up peace signs in something like Call of the Mountain is fun nonetheless. I’d be keen to see Sony work in some full hand-tracking ala the Quest 2 with potential software updates but for now what’s here could be used to decent effect.

With the cameras mounted into the front of the PS VR2’s visor, inside-out tracking means that not only is the whole thing a lot more simple to set up and use, it’s freakishly accurate and truly feels 1:1 at all times. Having spent a ton of time with the original PS VR I can’t overstate how wonderful it is to have motion controllers that are genuinely responsive and reliable, though that’s not to say the Senses are totally infallible. Lighting and environment are still crucial to getting the best experience, with everything performing its best in a well-lit space with as few errant lights and reflections as possible. 

While the overwhelming majority of my PS VR2 gameplay has been smooth sailing, I did notice that the reflection of my overhead lights on wooden floors or even the video output on my TV could often throw the cameras in my headset off. There’s an option in the settings to add a distinct border to the social screen so that the headset knows it’s looking at a TV which pretty much sorted that issue, but if you were hoping to get in some VR action with the Sense controllers in a dim or busy room you might have less luck – the system flat-out told me to go somewhere brighter when I tried to play at night with my lights off.

The other slight issue that was a constant in my PS VR2 experience was the 4-5 hour battery life of the Sense controllers. Granted, not many people are going to be playing VR titles for that long at a time, but it means that forgetting to charge them between sessions will very quickly kill the joy – especially considering that you only get one charging cable in the box. I’m sure most people will have at least one spare USB-C cable around the house but when the low battery notification specifically advises I charge both controllers together I can’t help but wonder if Sony’s hoping to subtly push people towards the $80 dual charger.

Of course, the thing that so many new gaming devices will live or die by is the quality of the available software, and the launch line-up is of particular importance when considering whether to drop north of $800 on an add-on to an already-expensive console. In this regard, the PS VR2 is doing just fine with a number of big ticket inclusions like Horizon Call of the Mountain, which is bloody excellent (you can read our review here), as well as free VR updates for games like Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil Village (which we haven’t been able to try just yet). Those three not only represent the “AAA” shelf in the PS VR2’s virtual suite, but they’re titles you won’t find on any other VR platform.

The rest of the VR2’s day one catalogue consists largely of games that have already graced the original PlayStation VR or other platforms like the Quest, meaning there’s maybe a little less excitement in the mix for VR veterans, but the upside is that it’s largely all top-notch stuff. The opportunity to play the likes of Moss/Moss Book II, Tetris Effect: Connected, Pistol Whip, After The Fall and other essential VR reading with the class-leading experience offered by the PS VR2 and the power of the PS5 is certainly not without merit.

The real test will be the long term, and how well the system is supported by exclusive titles and experiences not available on other, cheaper headsets. The hardware is exemplary, but if Sony wants players to hand over their credit cards past the initial period of launch excitement they need to compel them with equally exciting software.

The PlayStation VR2 releases on February 22nd, 2023.

PLAYSTATION VR2 PRE-ORDER LINKS:

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 with free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 with free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79 with free shipping

Lastly, if you’re looking for some quick recommendations for launch titles, we’ll have a more comprehensive rundown of our favourites over the coming days, but for now the standouts in the 15-ish games out of the launch line-up that I’ve had the time to play are:

The Best PlayStation VR Launch Games (So Far)

• Horizon Call of the Mountain
• Moss/Moss Book II
• Thumper
• Kayak VR: Mirage
• Cosmonious High
• Tentacular
• Song in the Smoke Rekindled
• Pistol Whip
• Tetris Effect: Connected
• Rez Infinite

The post PlayStation VR2 Review – Next-Gen VR Hardware Brimming With Potential appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation’s Festival of Play event is on right now, bringing with it new game trials, a massive PlayStation Store sale, new PlayStation Stars campaigns and a heap more.

You can read about all the activity on the PlayStation Blog, but one of the biggest highlights is a free PlayStation Multiplayer Weekend happening this weekend across February 18th and 19th.

For the two days, everyone will be able to play online multiplayer modes across PS5 and PS4 games without needing a PlayStation Plus subscription.

During this time, PlayStation will also be holding some special online tournaments across games like FIFA 23, NBA 2K23 and Guilty Gear, meaning that even players without active subscriptions will be able to participate.

It's time for PlayStation Plus Festival of Play. A week-long celebration where members can enjoy Double Discounts, compete for glory, and more.

Join us and play: https://t.co/ER4iC4cRU0 pic.twitter.com/0u5qg2pYJH

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) February 15, 2023

It’s a great time to be a PlayStation Plus member though, especially in the upgraded Extra/Deluxe tiers, with February’s slate of titles added to the subscriptions including some massive titles like Horizon Forbidden West, Outriders, The Quarry, Resident Evil 7 and banger Classics like The Legend of Dragoon and Wild Arms 2. You can check out the full list of added titles below.

We also just posted our comprehensive reviews of the PlayStation VR2 which you can read here, and its key launch title Horizon Call of the Mountain.

The post You Can Play PlayStation Online Multiplayer For Free This Weekend appeared first on Press Start.

The PlayStation Store has just launched its Double Discounts Sale, slashing the digital prices on a bunch of top-notch titles.

As with previous Double Discounts promos, the standard discounts are available to everyone, but PlayStation Plus subscribers get an extra equivalent saving on top.

You can browse the full sale here, but as usual we’ve eyeballed a few of the juicier picks of the bunch as recommendations for games we reckon you should be catching up on while they’re cheap:

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – $35.96 (25% off) / $23.97 (50% off) for Plus subscribers
• The Last of Us Part II – $37.16 (38% off) / $14.37 (76% off) for Plus subscribers
• Need for Speed Unbound – $82.46 (25% off) / $54.97 (50% off) for Plus subscribers
• Grand Theft Auto V – $59.36 (34% off) / $28.77 (68% off) for Plus subscribers
• FIFA 23 (PS5)  – $76.96 (30% off) / $43.97 (60% off) for Plus subscribers
• Disney Dreamlight Valley – $38.20 (15% off) / $31.45 (30% off) for Plus subscribers
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition – $101.20 (19% off) / $77.47 (38% off) for Plus subscribers
• Goat Simulator 3 – $35.95 (10% off) / $31.96 (20% off) for Plus subscribers
• Cuphead & The Delicious Last Course – $34.80 (15% off) / $28.66 (30% off) for Plus subscribers
• Returnal – $93.71 (25% off) / $62.47 (50% off) for Plus subscribers
• Alan Wake Remastered – $32.36 (28% off) / $19.77 (56% off) for Plus subscribers
• Life is Strange: True Colours – $59.46 (30% off) / $33.97 (60% off) for Plus subscribers
• Soul Hackers 2 – $74.96 (25% off) / $49.97 (50% off) for Plus subscribers
• Metal: Hellsinger – $47.96 (20% off) / $35.97 (40% off) for Plus subscribers
• Two Point Hospital: JUMBO Edition – $36.81 (33% off) / $18.68 (66% off) for Plus subscribers
• Judgment – $38.46 (30% off) / $21.98 (60% off) for Plus subscribers

PlayStation also just announced the games coming to PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe subscribers this month, and it includes some banger titles like Horizon Forbidden West and the PS1 cult classic, Legend of Dragoon. Check out the full list of those here.

Amazon has also discounted the PlayStation 5 Disc Edition God of War Ragnarök Bundle from its RRP of $904.95 right down to a cracking $795 – meaning it costs less than the standard disc-based console SKU price of $799 and you’re getting a digital download of one of the system’s best games to go with it, so get around that if you’re yet to pick up a PS5.

PS5 GOD OF WAR RAGNAROK CONSOLE BUNDLE AT AMAZON

• PS5 God Of War Ragnarok Console Bundle – $795 (was $905) with free shipping.
• DualSense Wireless Controller – $98 (was $109)
• DualSense Charging Station – $44
• DualSense Edge Controller – $339
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958
• PlayStation VR2 – $878
• Sony INZONE H7 Wireless Gaming Headset – $299

The post The PlayStation Store Has A Double Discount Sale On Right Now appeared first on Press Start.

If you’ve been holding off on buying a PS5 until the prices started to drop back down, now that stock is available pretty much everywhere, now might be your time to buy.

Following Big W’s lead, Amazon has discounted the PlayStation 5 Disc Edition God of War Ragnarök Bundle from its RRP of $904.95 right down to a cracking $795 – meaning it costs less than the standard disc-based console SKU price of $799 and you’re getting a digital download of one of the system’s best games to go with it. It’s not quite the $787 of the Big W deal but you also won’t need to be an eBay Plus member to take advantage.

It’s also one of the best deals we’ve seen on the console since the standard RRP went up by $50 about six months ago, so hopefully it’s a sign of more price drops to come. Take advantage of the deal below:

PS5 God Of War Ragnarok Console Bundle At Amazon

• PS5 God Of War Ragnarok Console Bundle – $795 (was $905) with free shipping.
• DualSense Wireless Controller – $98 (was $109)
• DualSense Charging Station – $44
• DualSense Edge Controller – $339
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958
• PlayStation VR2 – $878
• Sony INZONE H7 Wireless Gaming Headset – $299

The post The PS5 God Of War Ragnarok Console Bundle Is Going For A Cracking Price Right Now appeared first on Press Start.

Insider Gaming has reported that, according to its sources familiar with the matter, Sony is gearing up to release two new sets of gaming headphones for the PS5 with both scheduled to launch towards the end of this year or early next year.

One set, currently codenamed Project Nomad, will reportedly be in-ear headphones not dissimilar to AirPods with their own charging case and roughly a five-hour battery life. The case will charge with a USB-C cable which will also be used to send updates to the headphones similarly to how the DualSense controller currently works.

The other product, codenamed Voyager, will be a new wireless over-ear headset releasing around the same time and with functionality close to that of Sony’s INZONE H7 gaming headset. The H7 offers 360 Spatial Audio with support for the PS5’s Tempest 3D tech, wireless connectivity via a USB dongle or Bluetooth and a dedicated software hub to tweak settings.

Exclusive – Sony is Developing Wireless Earbuds for The PS5https://t.co/tlz04nnl8q

— Insider Gaming (@InsiderGamingIG) February 14, 2023

Insider Gaming says its sources haven’t confirmed a release date for these two products, or price points, but suggests that ongoing leaks of a new PS5 console coming later this year with a detachable disc drive could coincide with these new headset launches as some kind of “refresh” of the PS5 system – perhaps a significantly different new look?

Of course, while IG is known to report mainly on rumours or leaks from reliable sources or that it’s able to independently verify, this is all very much unconfirmed at this point.

The post PlayStation Is Reportedly Working On Two New Gaming Headsets Including Wireless In-Ear Buds appeared first on Press Start.

Last week we brought you a great deal on the PlayStation 5 Disc Edition God of War Ragnarok Bundle from Amazon and JB Hi-Fi, but now Big W (via its eBay store) has gone even better again, bringing the bundle down to the best price we’ve seen so far and even below the RRP of the standalone console.

First shared on OzBargain, you can find the deal here, listed at $829 on Big W’s eBay page, but eBay Plus members can stack on an extra discount using the code “PLUSFEB1” to bring it down to a ridiculous $787.

PS5 GOD OF WAR RAGNAROK CONSOLE BUNDLE AT BIG W (VIA EBAY)

• PS5 God Of War Ragnarok Console Bundle – $787 for eBay Plus members with the code PLUSFEB1

If you’re not already an eBay Plus member, it’s only $5 a month to sign up and there’s a 30-day free trial, so you can easily join to grab this deal.

If you’re wanting to grab it from Amazon, it’s also down to $795 there as well.

• PS5 God Of War Ragnarok Console Bundle – $795 from Amazon

OTHER PS5 DEALS

• DualSense Wireless Controller – $103
• DualSense Charging Station – $44
• DualSense Edge Controller – $339
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958
• PlayStation VR2 – $878
• Sony INZONE H7 Wireless Gaming Headset – $299

The post Big W Has The PS5 God Of War Ragnarok Console Bundle At Its Best Price Yet appeared first on Press Start.

Sony’s next-generation virtual reality headset is very soon to be unleashed upon the world, and we’ve been lucky enough to finally have our hands on the PlayStation VR2. While you’ll have to wait a little longer for our full, detailed review, we’re able to start talking about the hardware itself and how it looks and feels – especially in comparison to its predecessor.

Unboxing The PlayStation VR2

The very first thing I took notice of when I received my delivery of the PS VR2 was how ridiculously light it felt. I was visibly surprised when the courier handed it over to me and I mentioned they must have forgotten to put it in the box. They laughed, but I wasn’t joking. The headset itself is around 50g lighter than the first PS VR, but it’s also unburdened by the mess of cables and breakout boxes that made the previous iteration feel far bulkier than it actually was.

This time around, there’s no extra box or HDMI passthrough or any of that junk. It’s just a single USB-C cable for the front of your PS5. A very, very long 4.5m USB-C cable that’s also surprisingly light and definitely will have enough give for most people to unknowingly wrap themselves in it a few times during play without any disaster striking. The whole unboxing is a stark contrast to the PS VR1’s IKEA puzzle of bits. You get the headset with cable attached, the two Sense controllers (more on those in a sec), a single controller charging cable, the detachable earphones and that’s it. Nice and simple.

The PlayStation VR2 Headset Design

Putting the headset on is a breeze, as well. Not a whole lot has changed from the last one, which is absolutely a good thing when that design was already fantastic. The headset is incredibly adjustable so once you slip it over your head by holding the button at the back and stretching it to accommodate your noggin, you simply spin a dial to tighten it up and then manoeuvre the front visor until it’s sitting comfortably in front of your face.

THE CHEAPEST PRICE: $878 WITH FREE SHIPPING AT AMAZON

One new wrinkle is a small dial at the front that adjusts the distance between the lenses to suit your eyes, which is a fantastic feature and will surely come as a massive relief to anyone who had to mess around with the PS VR1’s software-based eye distance solution. It’s far more granular than the Meta Quest 2’s three preset distance options as well. The PS VR2 is actually about 60g heavier than the Quest 2, but due to the design with the back piece its weight is spread far more evenly, so it feels significantly lighter to wear.

Many will also be happy to know that the cushioning inside of the visor is made of different stuff to the previous PlayStation VR and seems far less likely to start flaking off over time. The blinders around the lenses are also not as rigid so there’s a lot of room to move inside the headset, which is great news for people like me who wear glasses. While I haven’t tried every VR headset out on the market this is definitely the first one where my glasses haven’t been jammed against my face and pressed up against the lenses (and my current frames are quite large).

The set of in-ear headphones that come in the box come in an interesting design, with a bar that fits snugly into the design of the headband and plugs into a discrete 3.5.mm port. The left and right buds then hang directly to where your ear holes should be, with minimum cabling so you’re not going to feel a rogue length of wire brush the back of your lobes when you’re skulking through House Beneviento. Not everyone can do in-ear buds so you’re absolutely able to just plug any other headset into the same port, but Sony has included different-sized tips in there as well.

PlayStation VR2 Pre-Orders Are Now Live In Australia

The Sense Controllers

Another significant point of difference in unboxing the PlayStation VR2 in comparison to the previous generation is that this one comes packed with a pair of controllers, dubbed the “Sense” controllers. Because they’re like two halves of a “DualSense” maybe? Let’s go with that. If you’ve used a Quest 2 or anything similar you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect, here. The controllers are ergonomically designed for each hand to ensure every button is within reach and easy to read without the benefit of being able to see them, with your fingers naturally positioning around the analogue sticks, L1/R1 bumpers and L2/R2 triggers. It’s kind of like wearing a pair of sci-fi gloves with their stark black and white, orb-like design and I’m here for it.

They’re slightly heavier than the Quest controllers but they have built-in rechargeable batteries to account for the difference, the only annoyance being that the box comes with a single USB-C cable to charge both so you’ll want to root around in your desk drawer for another or you’ll be waiting double the time to get them juiced up – or buy the optional dual charger that Sony will be selling at launch. And of course, each has an adjustable wrist strap so that you’re not going to inadvertently fling them into your telly.

Unboxing the PlayStation VR2 hardware shows a headset design that takes what worked the first time around and adds thoughtful new wrinkles. Coupled with the packed-in and more modern Sense controllers plus a near-total lack of extra junk to clutter your living room with and it bodes well for the final experience – you’ll have to wait a little longer to hear about that, though.

The PlayStation VR2 releases on February 22nd, 2023.

PLAYSTATION VR2 PRE-ORDER LINKS:

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)

@shannongrixti

PlayStation VR2 unboxing #PlayStation #PlayStationVR2 #PSVR #PSVR2 #PS5 #PlayStation5 #VR #VirtualReality #techtok #tech #gaming

? original sound – Shannon Grixti | Gaming & Tech

The post The PlayStation VR2 Unboxed – Simple And Clean appeared first on Press Start.

Update: These issues look to now be resolved. Many players were having success in working around the issue while it was happening by “forgetting” their network in the PS5/PS4 settings menu and re-connecting, so if you’re finding that the problems are still occurring, that’s definitely something to try.

The PlayStation Network is currently down unexpectedly. PlayStation has not announced any maintenance, planned or unplanned, or addressed the issues many users have been facing this morning.

As of right now, the PlayStation Network System Status page says that everything is running smoothly, but users on Twitter are reporting they’re unable to launch games due to licenses being unable to verify.

@PlayStation PSN status says everything is clear, but there’s a bunch of us who are locked out of our games and can’t play. Message says the licenses can’t be verified. We can’t verify them or do anything network related.

— Ziv Kitaro (@ZeOneGod) February 7, 2023

Reports of the outage on Down Detector have started rolling in since around 8AM:

The post The PlayStation Network Is Down For Many Users With Players Unable To Launch Games appeared first on Press Start.

Update: These games are live now for PlayStation Plus Essential/Extra/Deluxe subscribers. Check them out here.

• PlayStation Plus Essential February Games

PlayStation has now officiallyrevealed the games coming to PlayStation Plus Essential in February, which are (unsurprisingly) the same ones leaked earlier.

These games will be available to download from February 7th until March 6th, meaning you’ve got about a week left to download Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, Axiom Verge 2 and Fallout 76.

FEBRUARY 2023 PLAYSTATION PLUS ESSENTIAL GAMES

Evil Dead: The Game | PS4, PS5

Step into the shoes of Ash Williams or his friends from the iconic Evil Dead franchise and work together in a game loaded with over-the-top co-op and PvP multiplayer action. Play as a team of four survivors, exploring, looting, managing your fear, and finding key items to seal the breach between worlds in a game inspired by all three original Evil Dead films as well as the Ash vs Evil Dead television series. Fight for the forces of good or take control of the Kandarian Demon to hunt Ash & others while possessing Deadites, the environmental objects & more as you seek to swallow their souls!

OlliOlliWorld | PS4, PS5

Grind, trick and air your way to discover the mystical skate gods on your quest for Gnarvana in this bold skateboarding action-platformer that’s bursting with personality. Traverse a delightful and weird world as you take on missions, challenges and make new friends along the way. Experience the accessibility, depth and player freedom as you dive into the signature flow state gameplay. OlliOlli World marks the third entry in the critically-acclaimed OlliOlli series from Roll7, the BAFTA and multi-award-winning independent studio.

Destiny 2: Beyond Light | PS4, PS5

Embark on a new journey through the incredible sci-fi fantasy universe of Destiny 2 with this expansion* to the multiplayer action shooter. Guardians will explore Europa, master the new elemental power of Stasis and collect powerful Exotic gear as they battle the Fallen Kell of Darkness, Eramis.

Mafia: The Definitive Edition | PS4

Explore a recreated 1930’s cityscape, filled with interwar architecture, cars and culture… and a crime-riddled underbelly in this full remake of the 2002 original. Rise up through the ranks of the Mafia during the Prohibition era of organized crime. After a run-in with the mob, cab driver Tommy Angelo is thrust into a deadly underworld. Initially uneasy about falling in with the Salieri crime family, Tommy soon finds that the rewards are too big to ignore.

Your PlayStation Plus games for February have been revealed:

? Destiny 2: Beyond Light
? Evil Dead: The Game
? OlliOlliWorld
????? Mafia: The Definitive Edition

Full details: https://t.co/mCEYNOAWug pic.twitter.com/7erOZPcvI4

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) February 1, 2023

The post February’s PlayStation Plus Essential Games Are Available Now appeared first on Press Start.

The release of PlayStation’s next-generation PS5 VR headset, the appropriately-named PlayStation VR2, is nearly upon us.

Launching on February 22nd, the PS VR2 promises to take the VR experience to new heights with ultra sharp 4K HDR visuals, new sensory feedback and comfort and the excellent Sense controllers – all things we can confirm after having gone hands-on with both Resident Evil Village and Horizon Call of the Mountain inside the new headset.

With the launch drawing near, PlayStation has now published a huge, comprehensive FAQ explaining in great detail all of the PS VR2’s inclusions, requirements, specs and exciting features. Whether you want to know what kind of space you’ll need for the standing, sitting or “roomscale” experience, how long the USB-C connection is, how regular games and movies will play inside the headset, how ridiculous you can hope to look while broadcasting footage of yourself playing through a PS5 Camera, or anything in-between – it’s all there.

Check out the full FAQ right here, but below are some interesting facts we thought were worth highlighting that might have flown under the radar before now.

What are the different viewing modes on PS VR2?

There are two viewing modes.

VR Mode: You can enjoy VR game content in a 360 degree view in a virtual environment. Content will be displayed in 4000 x 2040 HDR video format (2000 x 2040 per eye) with 90Hz/120Hz frame rate.

Cinematic Mode: You can view the PS5 system and UI and all non-VR game and media content, such as streaming apps, on a virtual cinema screen. Content in Cinematic Mode will be displayed in 1920×1080 HDR video format with 24/60Hz and also 120Hz frame rate. The audio and image will be only displayed on the VR headset and there is no output on the TV side when you are wearing VR headset and playing in Cinematic mode.

PlayStation VR2’s Full Launch Lineup Has Been Confirmed Adding 13 New Games

What is the minimum play space I need to use PS VR2?

There are three different VR Play Styles depending on the game content. Please check the compatibility notice for each title to ensure you have enough play space.

• Roomscale (allows more movement)

A minimum play area of 2m × 2m (6 ft 7 in × 6 ft 7 in) in the room is required.

• Sitting

Requires a minimum play area of 1m × 1m (3 ft 4 in × 3 ft 4 in). Make sure you have enough space to move your arms freely.

• Standing

Requires a minimum play area of 1m × 1m (3 ft 4 in × 3 ft 4 in). Make sure you have enough space to move your arms freely.

What is See-Through View? 

With PS VR2, you can see your surroundings while wearing the headset with the new See-Through View feature. It comes in handy when you want to easily check where the PS VR2 Sense controller is in your room without taking the headset off.

Thanks to the embedded cameras on PS VR2, you can press the function button on the headset, or use the PlayStation VR2 Quick Settings in the Control Center, to switch between viewing your surroundings, or viewing the content on PS VR2. The Card in the Control Center also gives quick access to other PS VR2 settings, such as adjusting the play area.

The See-Through View is for viewing only, so there’s no recording option.

Can further adjustments be made in the viewfinder/scope area?

Yes, PS VR2 has a new lens adjustment dial, so you have an additional option to match the lens distance between your eyes to optimize your view.

Can I wear my glasses inside of the headset?

Yes, PS VR2 was designed to accommodate players who wear glasses. However, some very wide or unusually shaped glasses may not fit.

Can I use the PS VR2 Sense controller without the PS VR2 headset?

Yes, the PS VR2 Sense controller will work with the PS5 console without the use of a PS VR2 headset. PS VR2 Sense controller can be used in the PS5 user interface and Media application. You cannot use the PS VR2 Sense controller for non-PS VR2 supported games.

Will PS VR2 games feature Activity Cards? 

Yes, similar to games on the PS5 console, Activity Cards can be supported for PS VR2 games depending on the title.

Will PS VR2 games be digital only or will there be physical disc releases?

PS VR2 games will be available in a digital format. Physical disc releases for select titles will also be available.

Can I broadcast my PS VR2 playthroughs? 

A new broadcast feature for PS VR2 will allow you to film yourself while playing by connecting a PS5 HD Camera to the console. It’s a great way to show your movements and reactions during a boss battle and share your reactions with your fellow gamers as it happens!

WHERE TO PRE-ORDER PLAYSTATION VR2 IN AUSTRALIA?

PlayStation VR2 pre-orders are now available at the following retailers. Our recommendation would be to pre-order on Amazon if you’re unsure as it’s $0 until the item ships on or before February 22nd, with no penalties for cancelling.

AMAZON

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79. with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)

EB GAMES

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95 ($100 deposit required)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95 ($100 deposit required)
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95 ($10 deposit required)

JB HI-FI

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879 (must be paid in full)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959 (must be paid in full)
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79 (must be paid in full)

BIG W

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879 (must be paid in full)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959 (must be paid in full)

SONY STORE

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95 (must be paid in full)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95 (must be paid in full)
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95 (must be paid in full)

The post PlayStation Has Dropped The Ultimate PS VR2 FAQ With Just About Everything You’d Want To Know appeared first on Press Start.

Sony has released its sales figures for the third quarter its 2022 Financial Year, showing some massively encouraging numbers for the PlayStation 5 console.

While the report (which you can view here) shows that the company’s overall operating income was down 8% year-on-year, its “Game & Network Services” income was up 25% and its overall sales were up a whopping 53%.

A large amount of this can be attributed to sales of PlayStation hardware and software, taking up nearly an equal share of the overall sales in that segment followed by a 10% contribution from its PlayStation Plus and advertising revenue.

It’s reported that 7.1 million PS5 consoles were sold during the quarter, which is a massive increase from 3.9 million in the same period the previous year. Of course that’s largely thanks to an enormous turnaround in availability of PS5s in stores – a face that PlayStation has been plugging heavily in its new advertising campaign “Live From PS5.”

Overall, the company has shipped more than 32 million PS5s globally.

Huge PS5 Consoles And Other PlayStation Statues Have Started Appearing Around The World

Software sales have also seen huge income for Sony, off the back of the likes of God of War Ragnarok which was recently revealed to have clocked 11 million units in its first three months of release.

The next big hardware launch for PlayStation comes this February 22nd with the PlayStation VR2.

PLAYSTATION VR2 PRE-ORDER LINKS:

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)

PS5 Consoles Available Now At Amazon

• PS5 Disc Console – $799 with free shipping
• PS5 Digital Console – $649 with free shipping
• PS5 God of War Ragnarok Bundle– $888 with free shipping
• PS5 Dual Controller Bundle – $889 with free shipping

The post The PS5 Has Had Record-Breaking Sales Thanks To Increased Supply appeared first on Press Start.

The PlayStation VR2 is nearly here, launching this month on February 22nd, and one of the later-announced and more exciting additions to its line-up of launch titles is definitely Gran Turismo 7.

Coming as a free update to those who already own the game, GT7’s VR mode has been confirmed as being a fully-featured racing experience with the game giving VR audiences access to its proper roster of races and cards – a big step up from the watered-down VR modes in Gran Turismo Sport on the PS4.

Previews have started to drop for the game, including one on PlayStation’s very own blog, which should naturally be interpreted with the knowledge that it was written by SIE’s own Project Manager but still gives us a nice glimpse into what we can expect later this month. Of particular note is the new VR showroom mode, which will allow players to closely inspect every single one of the game’s 450+ cars in VR.

Meanwhile, Thomas at Traxion.gg was similarly impressed by the game’s VR update, saying “Make no mistake, this is the apogee of Gran Turismo racing.”

Jordan from GTPlanet said “Now that the full game can be played in VR, it’s not just a gimmick or a technical showcase — it transforms the whole experience. The PSVR2 is a seriously good piece of hardware, and the way it provides a plug-and-play experience is worth a lot on its own.” and was surprised at just how well the game plays with the Sense VR controllers over a dedicated steering wheel (which can still be used inside VR.

IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey was particularly excited by the opportunity to sit inside the game’s meticulously-modelled cars in VR, citing his visceral reaction to the cockpit view of the DeLorean, a car he’d own himself for over a decade.

“You can be in the cockpit of the car and – so this is going to sound stupid and ridiculous and I’m okay with with that, I’m putting myself out there – having owned a DeLorean for 12 years, over thousands of hours, 50 thousand miles  I drove that car, it really was like I was sitting in the car again.”

The website posted its own hands-on preview video, which is well worth a watch if you’re keen to hear and see more about what it’s going to be like taking GT7’s enormous roster of cars out on the track in VR.

The PlayStation VR2 releases on February 22nd, 2023.

We recently went hands-on ourselves with Horizon Call of the Mountain and came away very impressed by Sony’s next-generation VR headset.

PLAYSTATION VR2 PRE-ORDER LINKS:

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)

The post The First Gran Turismo 7 VR Previews Are In And It Looks Incredible appeared first on Press Start.

It was rumoured last month that PlayStation would be adding Discord voice chat to the PS5 and they’ve now announced the next major PS5 system update which will go into beta today that includes just that.

The update will include joining a Discord voice chat from your PS5 to chat with friends on other (most) other gaming consoles/platforms. The update will also add VRR support for 1440p displays, the ability to manually upload captures to your PlayStation app and the ability to update your controller wirelessly (finally).

There’s a stack of minor improvements include being able to start or request a screen share from your friend’s profile new join game icons in party chats, a new friends who play tile, sorting your game library and filtering games and other ease of use features.

We don’t yet have a release date for this PS5 update once it comes out of beta, but normally it’s about a month between beta and the final firmware releasing for all users.

NEXT MAJOR PS5 UPDATE FEATURES:

• Join a Discord Voice Chat on Your PS5 Console. You can now join Discord voice chats on your PS5 console and easily chat with friends on most other gaming platforms. To start, link your Discord and PlayStation Network accounts from your PS5 console following these steps*. Then, use the Discord app on your mobile device or computer to get a Discord voice chat going on your PS5 console (make sure your Discord app is updated to the latest version). You can also let your Discord friends see when you’re online and what you’re playing.
• Start or Request a Share Screen from Your Friend’s Profile. You can now send a Share Screen request or start sharing your screen with a friend, directly from their profile. Simply select the Share Screen icon on your friend’s profile to start a new session.
• New “Join Game” Icon in Party Chats. On the voice chat card, a joinable icon will be displayed for party members playing a game you can join. You can join the game directly by selecting the player, and then selecting [Join Game] from the menu.
• New “Friends Who Play” Tile. In game hubs, you can now see which of your friends have the game, who is currently online, and who is currently playing the game. By selecting the tile, you can see what your friends are doing now, and you can also access your friends’ profiles, where you’ll be given more interaction options.
• Manually Upload Game Captures to PlayStation App. You can now manually select and upload individual screenshots or game clips to PS App from your PS5 console, then easily share them on social media or with your friends.** This feature complements the auto-upload functionality that currently exists on PS App.
• Variable Refresh Rate support for 1440p. You can now enjoy smoother visual performance when using a VRR-compatible HDMI 2.1 display at 1440p resolution, when playing a game that supports VRR
• Game Library Enhancements: You can now also sort and filter games when adding games to a gamelist / You can use filters in your library to easily find PS VR games, as well as PS VR2 titles when PS VR2 launches later this month.
• PS4 to PS5 Saved Data Migration. We’re making it easier for you to access your PS4 saved data on your PS5 console through two ways:
  • When you download or install a PS4 game on your PS5 console, a notification that PS4 saved data is available in your PlayStation Network cloud storage will appear (if your PS5 console doesn’t already have saved data for the game). Simply select the notification to download your saved data.
  • When you download or install a PS5 game that can load PS4 saved data, such as the PS5 version of a game that was also released on PS4, the same notification will appear (if the game supports this feature).
  • (Note: online storage for saved data requires a PlayStation Plus subscription)
• PS5 to PS5 Data Transfer. You can now easily transfer the data on your PS5 console, including games, saved data, user profiles, settings, screenshots, and videos, to another PS5 console using a local Wi-Fi network or a LAN cable. You can either transfer the data during the initial PS5 console setup or later from the settings menu. This process doesn’t remove or modify the data on your original PS5 console.\
• Screen Reader Improvements. The screen reader now gives more detailed guidance when navigating the console. It will now tell you which direction you can move from the currently selected component, as well as your current position in a component with multiple items. Additionally, when using the screen reader to view web pages, you’ll now see borders around the section that’s being read aloud.
• Wireless Device Update for DualSense Wireless Controller. You can now update the DualSense wireless controller device software with a wireless connection. If you have trouble updating the device software wirelessly, connect your controller to your PS5 console using the USB cable to update it. You’ll be able to update wirelessly for the next update.

The post The Next PS5 System Update Adds Discord Voice Chat, Wireless Controller Updates And More appeared first on Press Start.

The PlayStation Store has just launched its Critics’ Choice Sale, slashing the digital prices on a bunch of top-notch titles.

You can browse the full sale here, but as usual we’ve eyeballed a few of the juicier picks of the bunch as recommendations for games we reckon you should be catching up on while they’re cheap (and before the inevitable onslaught of 2023 hits):

PS5 DIGITAL GAMES ON SALE

• Need for Speed Unbound Palace Edition PS5 – $57.47 (50% off)
• Dying Light 2 Stay Human PS5/PS4 – $48.97 (50% off)
• Grand Theft Auto V PS5 – $29.97 (50% off)
• It Takes Two PS5/PS4 – $23.98 (60% off)
• F1 22 PS5 – $32.98 (70% off)
• Resident Evil Village PS5/PS4 – $27.47 (50% off)
• Rolledrome PS5/PS4 – $29.66 (34% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales PS5/PS4 – $47.47 (50% off)
• Sonic Frontiers PS5/PS4 – $69.96 (30% off)
• Jurassic World Evolution 2 PS5/PS4 – $33.98 (60% off)
• Hades PS5/PS4 – $25.96 (35% off)
• Resident Evil 3 PS5/PS4 – $13.73 (75% off)
• Persona 5 Royal PS5 – $69.96 (30% off)
• Neon White PS5/PS4 – $24.76 (20% off)
• Lost Judgment PS5/PS4 – $39.98 (60% off)
• Sonic Origins PS5/PS4 – $29.97 (50% off)
• Outer Wilds PS5/PS4 – $18.57 (40% off)
• Temtem PS5 – $50.36 (20% off)
• Two Point Campus PS5/PS4 – $41.99 (30% off)
• Control: Ultimate Edition PS5/PS4– $20.98 (65% off)
• New Tales from the Borderlands PS5/PS4 – $29.97 (50% off)
• Tinykin – $26.56 (30% off)
• Endling – Extinction is Forever – $31.96 (20% off)

PS4 DIGITAL GAMES ON SALE

• Horizon Forbidden West – $62.67 (43% off)
• Gran Turismo 7 – $62.67 (43% off)
• F1 22 – $29.98 (70% off)
• Sid Meier’s Civilization VI – $9.59 (80% off)
• Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition – $23.97 (50% off)
• Mass Effect Legendary Edition – $24.98 (75% off)
• Sonic Colours Ultimate – $41.96 (30% off)
• Digimon Survive – $48.96 (30% off)
• Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition – $18.13 (67% off)
• 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim – $39.98 (60% off)
• The Yakuza Remastered Collection – $19.23 (65% off)

The post The PlayStation Store’s Critics’ Choice Sale Is Full Of Deals On Banger Games appeared first on Press Start.

No stranger to giant statues, PlayStation has followed up its epic Horizon Forbidden West statue activation by taking it up a notch for its new ‘Live from PS5‘ campaign.

Massive statues including humungous PS5 consoles and Kratos’ axe from God of War Ragnarok have started appearing in locations such as Korea, London, Italy and Dubai.

Whilst there’s nothing in Australia yet, this seems to be something that will continue into the coming days and weeks, so hopefully we see something down under.

OK, who threw it this time? ? https://t.co/ssCuN4Z1y9

— PlayStation UK (@PlayStationUK) January 31, 2023

Large PS5 the size of a small PS5 is completely blocking Via del Corso in Rome https://t.co/2H5nyB5SXX

— PlayStation UK (@PlayStationUK) January 31, 2023

If you're considering seeing it in person, experts speculate the axe will be gone by Tuesday evening.

(And please do not attempt to lift the axe, Kratos will be angry) pic.twitter.com/AJKcGDyMra

— PlayStation UK (@PlayStationUK) January 30, 2023

??? ????!?
?????? ??? PS5 ??? ?? JBR ?? ???? ??? ?? ???? ???#LiveFromPS5Arabia#Dubai#LiveFromPS5 pic.twitter.com/RAMdM5HOgd

— PlayStation Arabia (@PlayStation_ME) January 31, 2023

The launch of these statues are to coincide with PlayStation’s ‘Live from PS5’ campaign which launched alongside a new trailer that shows the likes of Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West and God of War Ragnarok as if they were happening in real life.

Interesting enough, people thought that a new Uncharted game and maybe Ghost of Tsushima were being teased within the trailer as PlayStation’s post said.

“This new spot hints at the breadth of extraordinary experiences taking place in the PS5 universe through the style of a live news channel. See if you can spot all the game references”

This also marks the end of the PS5 shortage with PlayStation declaring that more stock would be available in all parts of the world. This was evident this week with the console getting its first price drop on Amazon. 

The post Huge PS5 Consoles And Other PlayStation Statues Have Started Appearing Around The World appeared first on Press Start.

As someone who wouldn’t remotely label themselves a “pro” gamer, the market of premium controllers like Xbox’s official Elite controllers or aftermarket pads from companies like SCUF has typically always eluded me. I love the feeling and construction of my Elite Series 2, but I can’t say that I’ve ever had the desire to mess with any of the added features that make its biggest selling points.

With PlayStation entering the fray with its own pro controller solution in the DualSense Edge though, I decided that maybe it was time to see just how much I could get out of a controller that costs about half as much as the console it’s designed for. After a good week of thorough use, I’m already struggling to go back to the regular DualSense – except for when the battery in my Edge dies and I have no other choice.

THE CHEAPEST PRICE: $339 AT AMAZON WITH FREE SHIPPING.

The very first thing I noticed on PlayStation kindly sending me out a DualSense Edge for review is that the box it comes pack in is hefty. It’s markedly bigger than the normal DualSense box and significantly heavier, making it feel every bit imposing and important right from the moment you start to unbox it. Inside, everything is already neatly packed into the included carry case, a stark white and black number that exudes the PS5 aesthetic and will probably get very dirty very quickly if you’re frequently using it to cart the Edge around.

What you’re getting for your eye-watering $340 investment is the DualSense Edge controller itself (naturally), said carry case, a very nice 2.8m braided USB-C cable with an optional lock attachment, two extra pairs of analogue stick caps in the old PS3-style convex shape with high and low variants and two sets of optional back button attachments – one “paddle” style set and a smaller, half-dome set. It’s a decent amount of kit and somewhat in line with what you’d expect from the full Elite Series 2 package, although there are a couple of odd or disappointing choices in what’s included, but we’ll get to those a bit further down.

Picking up the DualSense Edge for the first time, it’s clear that all the heft isn’t just in the goodie bag of extras inside the box – the controller itself is quite weighty and solid. I wouldn’t call it heavy, but it’s definitely a discernible difference from the normie DualSense. It feels decidedly “premium”, like it’s made out of better stuff than most and built ready to tackle anything you throw at it. It definitely comes across in the hand as an expensive bit of gear, and it’s thoughtfully designed with flourishes like a textured grip at the back of the handles and on the L2/R2 triggers, shiny black finishes on the front face and buttons and a very handsome touch pad that’s a bit more angular and textured with little PlayStation icons.

Aside from aesthetic differences, the overall shape and fit of the Edge is pretty well on par with the existing DualSense which is a pretty commendable feat considering the amount of extra stuff packed into it. In additional to the usual fixtures this new take on Sony’s iconic controller includes two function (FN) buttons underneath the analogue sticks, trigger length sliders next to each set of shoulder buttons, and two slots to fit in either of the back button attachments that come with it.

Anyone who’s used a controller of this ilk will have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the lever-style back buttons, which are similar to what you’d find on the Elite controllers. More interesting are the half-dome variety which are smaller and seem to work better for people with a higher grip on the controller, for me these were definitely the preferred option but it’s great that there’s an alternative included. I very quickly found myself making use of the back buttons in Dead Space, where I mapped them to give me instant access to health and Isaac’s Stasis ability without having to take my fingers off the shoulder buttons. I also made use of being able to shorten the travel on the L2/R2 triggers to give my fingers a bit of reprieve when slinging spells in Forspoken, a nice little added comfort option that I hadn’t anticipated.

As far as the DualSense Edge’s analogue sticks go, it’s mostly good stuff. The sticks themselves are pretty well what you’d expect from the DualSense controller, of course with the point of difference that the tops can be swapped out with the PS3-esque convex ones included in the box. These come in standard and taller lengths for people that like to add some extra travel distance for games that beg extra nuance, but I’m a bit confused as to why we only get the taller option in the convex style caps. Surely it wouldn’t have taken much more effort to include a fourth set and give people taller versions of the default caps.

The biggest plus here though, is the user-serviceability of the DualSense Edge’s analogue stick modules, which can be entirely removed with a just a couple quick switch flips and replaced with brand new ones should your sticks succumb to the dreaded drift. Given the price point of the controller I almost would’ve expected PlayStation to opt for hall effect sensors over the drift-prone analogue equivalent, but at least it’s easy enough to pick up a $35 official replacement module and pop it in if you find yourself out of warranty and unwilling to shell out another $340.

Something I didn’t clock initially was the tiny release switch tucked away on the underside of the Edge to make the front faceplate pop off for getting at the modules. I’d gotten used to just (carefully) pulling the plates off of my standard PS5 controllers to swap them for aftermarket ones and automatically started doing the same here. Thankfully it doesn’t seem like it’s done any harm, but keep that in mind and learn from my mistake.

Aside from the impressive physical additions in the DualSense Edge, the software component is also largely a success. The FN buttons at the bottom of the pad are your gateway to a handful of shortcuts that help to tie the whole experience together alongside the UI integration on the PS5. The dedicated DualSense Edge settings menu on the PS5 allows users to adjust a heap of settings from completely reassigning buttons to adjusting deadzones for the triggers and sticks as well as sensitivity. All of these tweaks can be saved into custom profiles which can then be assigned to different combinations of the FN and face buttons to make quickly swapping between them a breeze. Combining the FN and d-pad buttons on the other hand makes it easy to quickly control PS5 audio settings when using an official headset, which I found immediately useful jumping into a party with some friends.

It does feel a little odd that both FN buttons have identical function. It makes sense from a comfort perspective when using them in combination with buttons on each end of the controller, but they still feel a touch redundant as two additional buttons that don’t actually add any new in-game functionality. Overall though, the software experience and ease of customisation and quick-switching is very impressive and a major selling point for picking up one of these official pro-style pads over a third-party offering. Hopefully down the line with firmware updates we’ll see the potential unlocked even further.

One thing that can’t easily be fixed or updated and stands out as one of the few sore points on the DualSense Edge is the little ol’ issue of battery life. The standard flavour of DualSense was already trailing behind just about every other controller when it came to its stamina, usually tapping out before hitting double digits in hours played. The Edge is no better in this regard, and if anything is slightly worse (as evidenced by the fact it’s physically smaller and holds less actual charge). I’ve found I get around 4-5 hours on a charge in games that utilise the full spectrum of haptic feedback/adaptive trigger features, though that can obviously be increased by switching those and other features off. For all the good that the Edge does, its poor battery life is a big detractor and could (and should) give many potential punters pause to pick one up.

Given the nice, long USB-C cable included it’s clear that there’s an expectation for users to opt for playing with the DualSense Edge plugged directly into the PS5 console, and that’s honestly a fine way to use it. I’m convinced that wireless latency isn’t that big an issue for 90% of players, even at higher skill levels, but the kinds of people investing in a controller like this would naturally gravitate towards a perceivably more reliable wired connection anyway. The included locking mechanism that you can attach to ensure the cable can’t accidentally be tugged out of your Edge is a nice inclusion, though the implication seems to be that people would rather risk their $800 console falling onto the floor than their controller skip a few beats if a pet or unruly housemate trips the cord.

The post PS5 DualSense Edge Review – A Feature-Packed Pro Controller That Nearly Nails It appeared first on Press Start.

With stock now abundant, it looks like we’ve finally begun to enter discount territory with the PlayStation 5 console.

After Big W and the Sony Store dropped deals last week, Amazon has come to the party with a genuine, money-off discount on the disc-based version of the console.

Right now, you can get the PS5 Disc Edition for $763 shipped from Amazon Australia, down from $799 and putting it nearly back in line with the console’s original RRP of $749 before it was hiked up. You can grab the deal while it lasts below:

PlayStation 5 Console Deal At Amazon

• Playstation 5 Disc Console – $763 at Amazon with free shipping.

Other PS5 Essentials

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PS5 DualSense Edge Controller – $339 at Amazon with free shipping

WE LOVE BRINGING YOU THE BEST GAMING AND TECH BARGAINS. WE MAY GET A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE THROUGH AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

WE LOVE BRINGING YOU THE BEST TECH BARGAINS. WE MAY GET A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE THROUGH AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

The post The PS5 Has Dropped In Price On Amazon appeared first on Press Start.

The cheapest copy of Dead Space starting with local retailers and finishing off with digital-only prices. We will update with new & special prices as they come in up until launch day.

AMAZON HAS THE CHEAPEST PRICE AT $75 WITH FREE DELIVERY

Physical:

Amazon – $75 with free shipping

JB Hi-Fi – $89

EB Games – $109.95

Big W – $89

The Gamesmen – $89.95

Mightyape – $69 (not incl shipping)

Digital:

PlayStation Store – $109.95 | $114.95 Digital Deluxe Edition

Xbox Store – $109.95 | $119.95 Digital Deluxe Edition

Steam – $89.95

The post Bargain Guide – Dead Space appeared first on Press Start.

With PlayStation’s shiny new and official pro controller for the PS5, the DualSense Edge, hitting stores this week the reviews are rolling in from outlets across the globe.

We recently ran a hands-on preview of the Edge and had a lot of good to say, but now with press spending serious time with the pad in their own time we can finally get a good idea of what it’s like to own and regularly use one of the $340 gadgets in the real world.

Bargain Guide – PS5 DualSense Edge Controller

The sentiment across the board from outlets that have published reviews of the DualSense Edge seems largely in step with what we first observed. Which is that the controller offers a premium feel with all of the expected “pro” controller hardware additions like trigger stops, swappable added back buttons and extra function buttons, but it’s the deep level of integration in the PS5 UI and the ability to swap out the analog stick modules completely if they succumb to stick drift that really set it apart at least from other third-party offerings.

It also seems as though early reports that the battery life in the controller would be a step down from the original DualSense might not be entirely accurate. Gauging the results from multiple reviews it definitely doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the base version but it at least remains somewhat on par.

@alwaysonaus

The DualSense Edge is PlayStation’s new $340 pro controller for the PS5. #tech #playstation #ps5 #ps5controller #dualsenseedge #techtok #gaming

? Cool Kids (our sped up version) – Echosmith

IGN scored the controller a 9/10 in their review, saying “At nearly triple the price of the standard DualSense controller, the $200 USD price tag for the DualSense Edge is a hefty one for most casual players. That being said, there’s a ton of fantastic tech packed into a controller that’s virtually the same size and shape you’re already used to.”

VGC had similar thoughts on the price, reiterating that this is a controller for enthusiast players in their 4/5 star review, “At $200 USD, DualSense Edge was never going to appeal to everyone. But for competitive players, the quality of its build, slick software integration and the huge amount of customisation options means it’s undoubtedly the most premium PS5 controller you can buy. For everyone else, it’s far from essential, especially if you don’t play competitive games or desire customisation beyond what the original DualSense is capable of.”

GamesRadar weren’t quite as enthusiastic, suggesting that the controller doesn’t have enough of an “edge” over cheaper third-party alternatives to justify paying the premium price, but recognised that the software integration is second-to-none on the platform.

The Loadout said the battery life for their Edge isn’t as good as the standard DualSense, but their expectation of that controller was around 12 hours which sounds like a stretch to us, otherwise their 9/10 review praised it as a premium controller for the PS5. “While it could have offered the bare minimum and sold well, the DualSense Edge offers some of the best experiences out of a controller. Its ease-of-use and comfortable grip, alongside a variety of great accessories and the final touches with the swappable stick modules, makes the DualSense Edge the most elite controller on the market right now, and one I’ll be finding myself using in most gaming sessions for the foreseeable future.

All up it seems like the DualSense Edge is doing exactly what it set out to do – offer an official premium option that meets the needs of enthusiast players and slots very neatly into the PlayStation ecosystem, but might struggle to justify its high price tag of $340, especially when battery life isn’t improved at all.

The DualSense Edge releases on January 26th for $339 AUD. You can grab it on Amazon with free shipping HERE.

The post The DualSense Edge Reviews Are In And It Sounds Like A Winner For Pro Players appeared first on Press Start.

A new year has begun, and that means a whole new slate of upcoming games to look forward to. With that in mind, PlayStation has released a shiny new promotional trailer that shows off (at least some of) its schedule of massive games to come in 2023.

The trailer contains the obvious big hitters like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Resident Evil 4, Street Fighter 6 and Final Fantasy XVI as well as reconfirming some 2023 release windows for games such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Stellar Blade and Alone in the Dark. A heap of indies and VR-exclusive titles make the cut as well, giving us a pretty exciting glimpse into the future of gaming on PS5 and PS4.

Take a look at the video below:

PlayStation Games 2023 – Official PS4 & PS5 Trailer

From innovative indies to cutting-edge blockbusters, check out the most exciting games set to land on PS5 and PS4 in the coming year.

We’ve recently run out own lists of exciting titles to come this year, whether PlayStation exclusive or just worth having on your radar:

The Biggest Games Confirmed To Be Coming In 2023

The post PlayStation Has Dropped A Promo Trailer Showing Off Its 2023 Line-Up appeared first on Press Start.

The cheapest copy of Forspoken starting with local retailers and finishing off with digital-only prices. We will update with new & special prices as they come in up until launch day.

AMAZON HAS THE CHEAPEST PRICE AT $79 WITH FREE DELIVERY

Physical:

Amazon – $79 with free shipping

JB Hi-Fi – $99

EB Games – $114.95

Big W – $99

Mightyape – $74 (not incl shipping)

Digital:

PlayStation Store – $114.95 | $152.95 Digital Deluxe Edition

Steam – $114.95 | $152.95 Digital Deluxe Edition

The post Bargain Guide – Forspoken appeared first on Press Start.

Update: This month’s line-up of PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe games is available now.

You can see the titles included below, and click through to add them to your library via the PlayStation Store for the web:

PLAYSTATION PLUS EXTRA AND DELUXE | GAME CATALOG

• Back 4 Blood – PS4/PS5
• Dragon Ball Fighter Z – PS4
• Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition – PS5
• Life Is Strange: Before The Storm – PS4
• Life Is Strange – PS4
• Jett: The Far Shore – PS4/PS5
• Just Cause 4: Reloaded – PS4
• Omno – PS4
• Erica – PS4

PLAYSTATION PLUS DELUXE | CLASSICS

• Syphon Filter 3 (PS1)
• Star Wars Demolition (PS1)
• Everybody’s Golf 2 (PS1)

Additionally, some new time-limited trials have been added for PlayStation Plus Deluxe subscribers including the likes of The Last of Us Part I, Gotham Knights, A Plague Tale: Requiem and Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3.

These titles join Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, Axiom Verge 2 and Fallout 76 in the PlayStation Plus Essentials lineup for January.

If you’re not already subscribed to PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra or Deluxe, head here to get around it!

PlayStation has revealed the first month of PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe games for 2023. All of these games will be available on January 17th.

The entire line-up is pretty good with a good mix of AAA games such as Back 4 Blood and Devil May Cry 5 and some great indie titles in the likes of Erica and Jett: The Far Shore. On the classics side, there’s three PS1 games, which is better than what we’ve seen in recent months.

PLAYSTATION PLUS EXTRA AND DELUXE | GAME CATALOG

• Back 4 Blood – PS4/PS5
• Dragon Ball Fighter Z – PS4
• Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition – PS5
• Life Is Strange: Before The Storm – PS4
• Life Is Strange – PS4
• Jett: The Far Shore – PS4/PS5
• Just Cause 4: Reloaded – PS4
• Omno – PS4
• Erica – PS4

PLAYSTATION PLUS DELUXE | CLASSICS

• Syphon Filter 3 (PS1)
• Star Wars Demolition (PS1)
• Everybody’s Golf 2 (PS1)

These titles join Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, Axiom Verge 2 and Fallout 76 in the PlayStation Plus Essentials lineup for January.

The post January’s PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe Games Are Available Now appeared first on Press Start.

According to noted leaker Tom Henderson at Insider Gaming, PlayStation is set to drop its next major PS5 firmware update, version 7.00, in March.

The update will reportedly contain the long-awaited Discord voice integration that has been in the works since 2021, allowing players to join Discord voice channels directly from their console and chat to friends while playing on PS5.

Henderson also reports that the 7.00 update will include cloud streaming of PS5 games for the first time, as part of the PlayStation Plus Premium tier (which presumably rules it out for Australian users).

SCOOP; PlayStation 5 Version 7.00 to Include Discord And Cloud Streaming for PS5 Gameshttps://t.co/POemXxfgad

— Tom Henderson (@_Tom_Henderson_) January 12, 2023

Beta testing for the update is apparently coming as early as this month, though it won’t feature the incoming Discord support so it’ll be interesting to see what other features, if any, are on the way.

Just yesterday the PS5 received a software update to add support and UI integration for the new DualSense Edge controller, which launches on January 26th.

We went hands-on with the DualSense Edge and came away impressed by what it offers, if a little hesitant on the asking price.

You can still pre-order the DualSense Edge at Amazon for $339 with free shipping.

The post The Next Major PlayStation 5 Update Looks To Be Coming In March With Discord Integration And PS5 Game Streaming appeared first on Press Start.

Gamers have been pleading with PlayStation for several years now to release a pro controller, with several third-party alternatives existing, but nothing that quite felt fully fleshed out in terms of design cohesion or integration with a PlayStation console. Whilst the PS4’s DualShock 4 Back Button was a little tease, PlayStation is now launching fully into the premium controller space with the DualSense Edge.

@shannongrixti

The DualSense Edge is PlayStation’s new $340 pro controller for the PS5. #tech #playstation #ps5 #ps5controller #dualsenseedge #techtok #gaming

? Cool Kids (our sped up version) – Echosmith

Pulling the controller out of the case for the first time, it was clear that Sony decided very early on in the process it wanted this to feel almost identical to the DualSense controller from a pure ergonomics and design stand point, and it absolutely does outside of the tiniest bit of extra weight, which I would argue actually feels better in the hands. It’s so similar in physical footprint, that it works on the very same DualSense charging station alongside a regular DualSense controller.

There are some key differences however, before we even get into all the nifty little attachments that are included. The front lower part of the controller is still black but it, along with the face buttons, is now glossy – which looks fantastic when clean, but they’re all absolutely fingerprint magnets. I don’t think this matters too much given it’s not something you’re necessarily going to be staring at whilst you’re playing, but it does take away from that premium finish in my opinion.

Some other key changes come in the form of surfaces being more tactile. The DualSense Edge’s handles feel grippier and there are little PlayStation symbols on the R2/L2 buttons that not only look cool, but also give an extra bit of grip to ensure your fingers don’t slip off.

That’s not all that’s different about the R2/L2 triggers though, there are now adjustable trigger lengths utilising individual sliders on the back of the controller, with each trigger manually adjustable between three different lengths. I was surprised how little each adjustment felt whilst playing Horizon Forbidden West or Call of Duty.

The other major change to the actual controller design comes in the form of two function (Fn) buttons that are below each of the analogue sticks. These act as a quick way to control your game/chat volume (using the d-pad) or going between profiles (face buttons). This is just the beginning of how the physical components of this controller integrate super well into the software side of the PS5, but we’ll get into that more in a bit.

THE CHEAPEST PRICE: $339 WITH FREE SHIPPING FROM AMAZON

Stick drift has plagued most recent controllers, including the DualSense controller, so another thing that Sony has cleverly done with the DualSense Edge is to make the entire analogue stick components pop right out so you can replace them if stick drift does occur down the track. It was mentioned that these modules have also been built with higher quality mechanical components, but it’s great to have the confidence that even if this does occur down the line, it’s just a case of purchasing a new stick module for $35, and I can see this being used for other potential analogue stick accessories too. 

Putting the core controller unit aside, everything that you need to take advantage of the DualSense Edge’s full potential is included in the case (that also comes with the package). This includes the controller, two PS5-style concave analogue sticks, two PS3-style convex analogue sticks, two high dome analogue sticks, two half dome back buttons, two lever back buttons, a braided USB cable and a connector to lock it into place if you’re playing wired.

If you’ve owned a pro controller before, not a lot of this is going to be new to you. Swapping out the analogue sticks is easy enough, they simply pop off and on with a bit of force, whilst the back buttons attach using magnets that allow them to slip easily into place.

Whilst I’ve never been the biggest fan of the lever-style back button attachments on the Elite controller (and there are two of them here as well), Sony has introduced what it calls a half dome back button that feels more like an extra trigger and a lot more tactile than the levers on either the Elite controller or the ones included here. I could see myself using them for actions such as jumping, reloading or melee attacking in games like Call of Duty.

When it comes to the extra analogue sticks, only you can really be the judge of how useful they’ll be. The standard inclusion is identical to that of the DualSense controller whilst the convex analogue stick is literally the same as we saw on the PS3 controller and did instantly bring back the feeling of that classic pad. The taller analogue stick isn’t one I could personally see myself using, but it’s supposed to replicate that of an arcade stick, so great for fighting fans.

Whilst all of this will sound like almost any other Pro controller on the market, the beauty of the DualSense Edge is how it integrates with the PlayStation 5 and its UI. Pressing on one of the Fn keys as well as the options key takes you into a special menu where you can create custom profiles (that you can name whatever you like). You’re able to save four for fast switching (Fn + face button), but you can go crazy with creating other ones to swap in and out of being active. This is great for if you want to change profiles based on what game you’re playing, or share the controller with another person.

Within each profile, you can customise what every single button on the controller does (with a few exceptions including the options, share and PlayStation buttons), adjust your stick sensitivity/deadzone (there are also presets including quick/precise/steady/digital/dynamic), adjust your trigger deadzones even further beyond the manual trigger slider as well as your vibration and trigger effect intensity (which functions the same as the regular DualSense controller).

It’s how well this this all integrates into the PS5 UI and how easy it is to switch between different profiles and settings to quickly test what makes life easier/better that actually makes me think I might use it. There are obviously going to be questions to ask yourself if you’re interested in this controller but don’t actually see yourself using a lot of this customisation, which is by all means fantastic if you’re going to use it.

I feel like it’s a little bit of a Catch 22. I really love the fact that the DualSense Edge has the same form factor and same core experience as the controller that’s included with the PS5, but there are obviously a few limitations when Sony has opted to go with the same physical size of the controller, and the main one is battery life.

Whilst I didn’t get to test the battery in this controlled environment, reports late last year suggested that it would have a very similar battery life to the DualSense controller (if not a little bit less). A better battery life would have been an extremely easy sell for most people to upgrade, but I can understand why Sony didn’t opt to alter the form factor that people seem to love, just to get a bigger battery in.

Taking that off the table, what’s left in the DualSense Edge is a really well-thought-out and well designed pro controller that integrates perfectly into the PS5 UI in ways that only an official PlayStation controller could. If you’re somebody that thinks you might take advantage of the variety of physical attachments and virtual customisations, then I’d absolutely encourage you to consider purchasing the DualSense Edge, but if you don’t see yourself taking full advantage of these things, I’m not too sure at this stage what benefits you’re going to see, and at $339, it’s not a decision to take lightly.

The DualSense Edge releases on January 26th for $339 AUD. You can grab it on Amazon with free shipping HERE.

The post We Went Hands-On With The DualSense Edge And Here’s What We Thought appeared first on Press Start.

Ahead of The DualSense Edge launch in two weeks, PlayStation has dropped the latest PS5 system update.

PS5 update 22.02-06.50.00 adds support for the DualSense Edge Controller ahead of its release on January 26th and as usual, it also adds system performance improvements.

PS5 UPDATE 22.02-06.50.00 UPDATE NOTES

• The DualSense Edge wireless controller is now supported.

• This system software update improves system performance.

The DualSense Edge releases on Thursday, January 26th. You can grab it from Amazon for $339 with free delivery HERE. 

You can read our DualSense Edge preview that went live earlier tonight HERE.

The post A New PS5 System Update Has Dropped Adding DualSense Edge Support appeared first on Press Start.

Update: Eagle-eyed users on Reddit have begun speculating that this could in fact be a recently-revealed project from Outriders studio, People Can Fly, codenamed RED. In the leaked footage, the word “RED” can be faintly seen in the bottom right-hand corner.

The comments from leaker, Dusk Golem, when the original video surfaced were that the game has seen quite a bit of polish since the footage was taken, which doesn’t quite line up with People Can Fly’s claims that RED is still very early in production, but given the studio is based in Europe and has experience with third-person RPG shooters it certainly makes sense.

A well-known poster on video game forum, IconEra, has shared what is supposedly footage of a very early prototype build of an unannounced new PlayStation IP.

The footage is claimed to be from a sci-fi RPG running on Unreal Engine 5 and in development by Sony’s European external support studio “XDEV” presumably in collaboration with another, unnamed studio.

You can see the IconEra footage embedded in the below tweet:

Eis o leak de um early game first party da Sony. Trata-se de um RPG Sci-fi, provavelmente feito na UE5. Estúdio seria o XDev e mais leaks irão surgir este ano. As pessoas estão apelidando o jogo de "Gears of Effect". pic.twitter.com/EPCc8tuHma

— SUPERNOVAS (@supernovastv) January 8, 2023

It’s obviously not a lot to go off, showing just a scant few seconds of a generic-looking player character looking out across something foreboding and alien (and very 2006 tan/beige).

Noted leaker, Dusk Golem, has also commented on the footage as it was shared to Reddit, confirming its authenticity and saying that the game is now much further along than this early footage suggests with music and full voice acting already implemented and that they’ve seen a lot more of it.

As with any “leak” and particularly one so thin on details it’s important to understand that this could very well be fabricated or, even if it is real, may never see the light of day as a final product. Still, it’s interesting to see what PlayStation might be cooking up especially with its acquisition of Bungie last year reportedly being a product of a focus on live-service games into the future.

The post UPDATED: Early Prototype Footage Of An Alleged New PlayStation IP Has Leaked appeared first on Press Start.

Update: The PlayStation Store’s January Sale has been refreshed with new titles. You can browse the whole thing here, but some of the new highlights are below:

• Need for Speed Unbound – $65.97 (40% off)
• Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut – $62.47 (50% off)
• Sable – $26.56 (30% off)
• Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: Next-Level Edition – $54.97 (50% off)
• Alien: Isolation – $9.59 (80% off)
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Deluxe Edition – $30.73 (75% off)
• God of War – $12.47 (50% off)
• Human: Fall Flat – $11.98 (60% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition – $77.46 (38% off)
• Dying Light 2 Stay Human Deluxe Edition – $66.52 (45% off)
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – $62.47 (50% off)
• Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition – $44.98 (70% off)
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure – $46.17 (58% off)
• Marvel’s Midnight Suns Enhanced Edition – $73.66 (33% off)
• Sifu – $41.96 (30% off)
• A Plague Tale Requiem – $74.96 (25% off)
• Returnal – $62.47 (50% off)
• Demon’s Souls – $62.47 (50% off)
• LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Galactic Edition – $57.47 (50% off)
• It Takes Two/A Way Out Bundle – $29.69 (67% off)
• Death Stranding Director’s Cut – $29.98 (60% off)
• Cuphead & The Delicious Last Course Bundle – $29.89 (27% off)
• Tales of Arise – $39.98 (60% off)
• Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Anthology – $38.48 (65% off)
• Final Fantasy XIV Online Complete – $41.47 (50% off)

The PlayStation Store’s digital January Sale deals have gone live, with hundreds, if not thousands of titles discounted.

It’s worth noting that a fair few of the titles in these sales are also included in the PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe subscription tiers.

Luckily there’s also a sale on PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe subscriptions for new and upgrading members!

The post The PlayStation Store’s January Sale Has Been Refreshed With New Discounts appeared first on Press Start.

As we dive into the third full year of the current generation of consoles, the slate of future game releases is becoming more and more stacked with exciting-looking titles.

We recently ran a list of what we think are some of the biggest games on the calendar for 2023, but we also wanted to break it down and highlight the future PlayStation console-exclusive games (at least the ones we know about) that are set to justify having being a PlayStation owner or becoming one this year and in the years to come.

PlayStation Console Exclusives Coming In 2023 And Beyond

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2

Platforms: PS5

Release Date: TBA 2023

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the next game in PlayStation’s critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Developed by Insomniac Games for the PlayStation 5 console in collaboration with PlayStation and Marvel Games.

Wishlist it here.

FINAL FANTASY XVI

Platforms: PS5

Release Date: June 22nd

The Cheapest Copy: $84.99 at Amazon with free shipping

An epic dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them. This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix.

Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.

HORIZON CALL OF THE MOUNTAIN

Platforms: PS5 (PS VR2)

Release Date: February 22nd

Pre-order the PlayStation VR Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $958 at Amazon

Conquer colossal peaks, overcome fearsome machines and uncover a hidden danger to the world of Horizon – as you answer the call of the mountain in an immersive new adventure for PlayStation VR2.

Enter a living, breathing world of dangerous machines, tribal lore, exciting quests and new and returning characters. Explore a diverse landscape – embark on a journey with multiple paths to take where you’ll have to look all around you to uncover the secrets of the mountains.

Pre-order it digitally here.

HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST: BURNING SHORES

Platforms: PS5

Release Date: April 19th

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is a PS5-exclusive DLC expansion that sees Aloy pursue a sinister threat in the untamed wilds of Los Angeles, now a treacherous volcanic archipelago.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Platforms: PS5

Release Date: Q4 2023/Q1 2024

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second story in the Final Fantasy VII remake series which tells the story of the iconic fantasy game that redefined the RPG genre, in three distinct games. Cloud and his friends embark on a new journey in this game, which will give players a fresh, new experience whether they played the original, Remake, or it’s their first Final Fantasy VII experience. The game is slated to arrive in the US Winter months, meaning either the end of this year or early next.

The Last Of Us Multiplayer Game

Platforms: TBA

Release Date: TBA

We still know very little about the upcoming The Last of Us multiplayer game, other than it’s more “ambitious” than just more Factions.

Naughty Dog recently posted some new concept art (above) and hinted at more to come. With the series’ 10th anniversary coming up in June we wouldn’t be shocked to see a release date announcement and our first looks at the game at the very least.

Silent Hill 2

Platforms: PS5, PC

Release Date: TBA

Silent Hill 2 is being remade at indie horror studio, Bloober Team, who say that their take on the classic PS2 survival horror game will be “very faithful” to the core narrative and themes while revamping the gameplay and visuals from the ground up. The game will be running on Unreal Engine 5 and will take advantage of PS5 features such as 3D Audio and DualSense support, with a new over the shoulder camera and modernised gameplay including a brand new combat system and set pieces. Some of the original talent such as monster designer Masahiro Ito as well as composer Akira Yamaoka are also involved.

FORSPOKEN

Platforms: PS5, PC

Release Date: January 24th

The Cheapest Copy: $85 at Amazon with free shipping

Forspoken puts players in the shoes of Frey Holland, an ordinary young woman who must harness her magical abilities to survive in a fantastical and dangerous land called Athia. Frey takes center stage in Forspoken, exploring an unknown world and facing treacherous trials to unravel the mystery behind Athia.

Read our recent hands-on preview of the game here.

Death Stranding 2

Platforms: PS5

Release Date: TBA

Death Stranding 2’s announcement was a massive surprise at The Game Awards 2022, and judging by the explosive first trailer it’s already coming along nicely. We wouldn’t be surprised to see the sequel arrive as early as this year – it’s been four years since the original, after all – but however long the wait is we’re incredibly keen to see where Kojima is headed with this one.

Wolverine

Platforms: PS5

Release Date: TBA

While we know that Insomniac’s Spider-Man follow-up is due to land this year, the timing of its other big Marvel game is still unclear. We’ve really not seen a lot from Marvel’s Wolverine since it was announced in 2021, but hopefully 2023 is the year we learn more.

STELLAR BLADE

Platforms: PS5, PC

Release Date: TBA

Formerly dubbed Project Eve, Stellar Blade is an upcoming action game with an abstract sci-fi story, stylish visuals and highly skilled combat. It looks all kinds of wild and promises some epic boss battles.

Wishlist it here.

Rise of the Ronin

Platforms: PS5

Release Date: TBA

It’s darkest before dawn. In this Edo Era action title from Team Ninja, you’ll explore an evolving world as you fight to forge a new era for Japan. You are a Ronin, a warrior free from all masters and bonds and as your destiny intertwines with story characters, take part in an immersive combat focused action experience.

Wishlist it here.

THE DARK PICTURES: SWITCHBACK VR

Platforms: PS5 (PS VR2)

Release Date: February 22nd

The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR will take players on a multi-sensory ride on a sinister rollercoaster from hell, where they’ll fight to survive in a variety of scenarios from ghost ships to haunted carnivals and more, using the PlayStation VR 2’s eye tracking, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and 3D audio for a truly spooky and immersive experience.

Pre-order it digitally here.

GRANBLUE FANTASY: RELINK

Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC

Release Date: TBA 2023

First announced way back in 2017, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is finally set to release this year. The epic action RPG from Cygames has suffered numerous delays due to the studio taking over completely from what was originally a joint project with Platinum Games, and then pandemic complications pushing it back further still. Granblue Fantasy: Relink will allow up to four players in online co-op to traverse its gorgeous world together.

TCHIA

Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC

Release Date: TBA 2023

Developer: Awaceb

A Tropical Open-World adventure. Climb, glide, swim, and sail your boat around a beautiful archipelago in this physics-driven sandbox. Use Tchia’s Soul Jumping ability to take control of any animal or object you can find, and Jam on your fully playable Ukulele. A game inspired by New Caledonia.

Wishlist it here.

GOODBYE VOLCANO HIGH

Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC

Release Date: TBA 2023

Developer: KO_OP

Goodbye Volcano High is a cinematic narrative adventure about love, change, and the end of an era. Guide Fang through their final year of high school as they try to make things right before time is up.

SEASON: A LETTER TO THE FUTURE

Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC

Release Date: January 31st

Close your eyes, take a deep breath and let yourself be carried away by the great journey of Season, a third-person atmospheric adventure bicycle road trip game. Explore the world through the eyes of a young woman. Collect artifacts and memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes everything away.

Pre-order it digitally here.

Lost Soul Aside

Platforms: PS5, PS4

Release Date: TBA

Starting life as a solo dev project, this upcoming action game looks impressively stylish in a modern day-Square Enix kind of way. Lost Soul Aside seemingly went MIA for a while but has come back into the spotlight thanks to support for PlayStation’s China Hero Project.

Pacific Drive

Platforms: PS5, PC

Release Date: TBA

Pacific Drive is a run-based, first-person driving survival game. Your car is your only companion as you navigate a surreal and anomaly-filled reimagining of the Pacific Northwest. Structured as a “road-like”, each excursion into the wilderness brings unique and strange challenges, as you restore and upgrade your car from an abandoned garage that acts as your home base. With the car as your lifeline, you’ll unravel a long-forgotten mystery as you make your way to the heart of the Olympic Exclusion Zone.

Wishlist it here.

Knights of the Old Republic Remake

Platforms: PS5, PC

Release Date: Hopefully

The Bioware classic is returning in this remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which promises to be a faithful one-to-one remake built from the ground up for the PS5 and PC. This one’s likely still a ways off, if it releases at all, thanks to development being halted indefinitely and potentially moved to another studio entirely.

The post PlayStation Exclusives To Get Excited For In 2023 And Beyond appeared first on Press Start.

A new interview with venerable indie horror studio, Bloober Team, has shed some light on key aspects of its upcoming Silent Hill 2 remake, which was announced back in October as a timed PS5/PC exclusive.

Speaking to DreadXP, Bloober’s Chief Marketing Officer, Anna Jasinska, spoke about the studio’s upcoming original title, Layers of Fears, as well as the remake of Konami’s PS2 survival horror classic. The whole interview is worth a read, but there were some interesting tidbits amongst the Silent Hill 2 talk that we felt were worth pointing out.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Has Been Announced And Is A Timed PS5/PC Exclusive

Firstly, when asked about whether Bloober was approached to develop the Silent Hill 2 remake or pitched it themselves, Jasinskasays that Konami actually got in touch with multiple developers and asked for concepts for a potential remake, with Bloober’s pitch winning out against competition from a number of studios.

“The idea of working on this project stalked us for many years, and in 2019, we received an invitation from Konami to participate in the Tokyo Games Show. To our delight, Konami asked us to prepare a concept for a remake of the original game’s second installment in exchange for the opportunity of bringing the concept to life. Of course, we weren’t the only contenders. Many other studios were vying for cooperation as well, but in the end, our concept was the one that stole Konami’s heart,” says Jasinska. “They recognised our commitment and passion for horror, and that alone was an enormous distinction for us. Our company was thunderstruck when we received this ecstatic information because many of Bloober Team’s employees are die-hard fans of the title.”

Elsewhere, Jasinskadescribes Bloober’s work on the remake as “faithful”, with a very safe approach to any changes, keeping the traditional story canon while remaking the gameplay and of course rebuilding the visuals from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5.

With no release date in sight yet, we can only hope to see more new info on the Silent Hill 2 remake soon. For now, here’s the current teaser trailer:

The post Konami Asked For Silent Hill 2 Remake Pitches From Multiple Developers Before Deciding On Bloober Team appeared first on Press Start.

During the Sony CES 2023 keynote, PlayStation boss Jim Ryan took to the stage to make some exciting PS5 and PlayStation VR2-related announcements, one of which was the reveal that Beat Saber will be coming to the PlayStation VR2.

While it won’t make the list of 30+ launch window titles available for PlayStation’s new VR headset, it’s exciting news nonetheless – Beat Saber is a staple of the VR gaming experience and was a highlight on the original PlayStation VR.

PlayStation also used the 2023 Sony CES presentation to show off the Gran Turismo movie, announce Gran Turismo 7 as a PlayStation VR2 launch title, reveal some massive PS5 console sales numbers and reveal its upcoming accessibility controller, codenamed Project Leonardo.

RELATED: HERE’S WHERE TO PRE-ORDER THE PLAYSTATION VR2 IN AUSTRALIA

Big PlayStation VR2 news from today’s CES keynote:
?? 30+ games on track for launch window
?? Gran Turismo 7 free PS VR2 upgrade at launch
?? Beat Saber in development
?? Pre-order PS VR2: https://t.co/P9ktB1htgV pic.twitter.com/Hl0kTl0KSb

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) January 5, 2023

The post Beat Saber Is Coming To PlayStation VR2 appeared first on Press Start.

During the Sony CES 2023 press conference, PlayStation boss Jim Ryan announced that the PlayStation 5 has surpassed 30 million units sold since its release in November 2020.

It was also revealed that, thanks in large part to an immense turnaround in availability of the hardware, December 2022 was the biggest sales month yet for the console. That sentiment is still going strong too, with consoles readily available at retailers like Amazon.

For comparison, the PlayStation 4 had sold close to 120 million units at last count in August 2022, nearly nine years after it entered the market.

PlayStation also took the 2023 Sony CES presentation to show off the Gran Turismo movie, announce Gran Turismo 7 as a PlayStation VR2 launch title and reveal its upcoming accessibility controller, codenamed Project Leonardo.

Big PlayStation VR2 news from today’s CES keynote:
?? 30+ games on track for launch window
?? Gran Turismo 7 free PS VR2 upgrade at launch
?? Beat Saber in development
?? Pre-order PS VR2: https://t.co/P9ktB1htgV pic.twitter.com/Hl0kTl0KSb

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) January 5, 2023

You can pick up a PS5 console or pre-order a PlayStation VR2 for yourself at the below:

• PS5 Disc Edition + God Of War Ragnarok (Code) – $885 with free shipping
• PS5 Console – $799
• PS5 Digital Edition – $649
• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)

The post The PlayStation 5 Has Sold 30 Million Units Globally With December 2022 Its Biggest Month Ever appeared first on Press Start.

For a refresher on how the voting works, read here.

On paper, Horizon Zero Dawn had all the ingredients to blow up into one of PlayStation’s most awarded franchises. With a likeable heroine, a disparate yet gorgeous open world, and a score of robot dinosaurs to override and take down, it’s no wonder its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, which explores farther reaches of this American wasteland was as good as it was. 

Despite being only slightly hamstrung by its less-powered, last gen sibling, Forbidden West still improved upon the original in just about every way to cement Aloy as one of the brand’s big names. 

There’s plenty more Horizon on the way, too. 

The Burning Shores, a Los Angeles-set expansion to this game that’s set to leave old hardware unceremoniously behind, and the PlayStation VR2 title Call of the Mountain are both arriving next year to give players even more of a fix of this intoxicating world. 

Plus there’s a multiplayer game on the way, too.

In his review, Kieron scored Horizon Forbidden West a 10 out of 10 stating: “Horizon Forbidden West is an exceedingly clever sequel, a deep and addictive action RPG, a dense world that unfolds with an impeccable sense of pace, a visual tour de force and the masterful delivery of a promising concept. Somehow, by some sheer creative force a big, blockbuster open world game about post-apocalyptic tribal warriors with AR headsets fighting robot dinosaurs works even better the second time around. If you have access to a PlayStation you owe it to yourself to play this right away.”

As it stands on Metacritic, Horizon Forbidden West is currently sitting at an 88 based on 126 critic reviews.

PRESS START’S 2022 GOTY LIST

#10 – Pentiment

#9 – Kirby and the Forgotten Land

#8 – Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

#7 – Sifu

#6 – Xenoblade Chronicles 3

#5 – Horizon Forbidden West

The post Press Start’s GOTY 2022 #5 – Horizon Forbidden West appeared first on Press Start.

It’s a great time of the year to be a gamer. Not only has awards season come and gone, which affords us the opportunity to look back on a year of releases and reflect on what we loved while identifying which bonafide classics we might have missed, it’s also the time when gamers everywhere are receiving new games and consoles as gifts, or gift cards and cash to go and acquire new ones during the big Boxing Day sales.

To that end, we figured we’d celebrate both by taking a look back at our favourite and best-reviewed games of 2022 and trawling the internet for the hottest deals on them while sales are still on to help you pick up any gems you might have pissed at the best possible price. Take a look at our recommendations below:

The Callisto Protocol

Our Score: 8/10

“The Callisto Protocol is a modest starting point for what I hope will flourish into another heavy-hitting horror franchise. It’s gory and gratuitous, with an endlessly satisfying combat system.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $69 PS5/XSX, $59 PS4/XB1 at Amazon with free shipping

The Callisto Protocol Review – A Satisfyingly Tense Newcomer

Evil West

Our Score: 8.5/10

“An all-round excellently paced main campaign, ridiculously fun combat, and flexible character progression make for one of 2022’s best games, and one of the best third-person shooters in recent years.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $69 at JB Hi-Fi

Evil West Review – High Voltage Vampire Slaying

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion

Our Score: 9/10

“Whether you managed to catch it on the PSP or you’re diving in for the first time – this is without a doubt the definitive way to experience the excellent prequel to Final Fantasy VII.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $73 at Amazon with free shipping

Crisis Core –Final Fantasy VII– Reunion Review – Absolutely Worth A Revisit

Need For Speed Unbound

Our Score: 7.5/10

“I loved the commitment to modern car culture aesthetics, events like the takeover are a great addition along with the distinct visual and musical style choices.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Need For Speed Unbound Review – High Stakes Racing

God of War Ragnarök

Our Score: 9.5/10

“God of War Ragnarok is a triumph. Santa Monica Studio has successfully taken everything that was great about the last game and amplified it while correcting just about every problem area and then some.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $86 PS4 / $89 PS5 at Amazon with free shipping

God Of War Ragnarok Review – A Triumph Of Godlike Proportions

Sonic Frontiers

Our Score: 7.5/10

“It’s not perfect, but it tries its heart out and I came away with warm memories of an uneven game.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 PS5/PS4/Xbox, $49 Switch at Amazon with free shipping

Sonic Frontiers Review – Brave New Zone

Pokémon Scarlet/Pokémon Violet

Our Score: 7.5/10

“New ideas, some quality of life improvements, and some excellent new Pokémon designs make the trip to Paldea worthwhile.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $62 at Amazon with free shipping

Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Review – A Tantalising Lens Into The Future

The Chant

Our Score: 7.5/10

“The Chant combines a unique setting and premise with striking art direction to offer an experience that feels wholly unique as a game.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $47 at Amazon with free shipping

The Chant Review – A Surprising And Psychedelic Adventure

Bayonetta 3

Our Score: 9/10

“Bayonetta 3 successfully reinvents itself in many ways to offer an experience that feels worthy of the title of sequel.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $68 at Amazon with free shipping

Bayonetta 3 Review – An Experience You Won’t Forgetta

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

Our Score: 7/10

“As a sequel to the Modern Warfare reboot, Modern Warfare 2 feels like both a celebration of the series’ original trilogy as well as “the team” at its core.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $79 at Amazon

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Campaign Review – Playing It Safe

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Our Score: 8.5/10

“Smart iteration on established mechanics and pitch-perfect pacing lead the way to a journey across some breathtaking locales that ups the ante in nearly every way by its shocking conclusion.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $69 at Amazon with free shipping

A Plague Tale: Requiem Review – A Provencial Tail

Gotham Knights

Our Score: 7.5/10

“Gotham Knights is both something different and something familiar for Batman fans. While the new role-playing elements create some pacing issues throughout the story, the breadth of abilities and ease of progression stop the experience from being as tedious as it could have been.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping / $59 SteelBook edition at JB (while stocks last)

Gotham Knights Review – Batman Without Batman

Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope

Our Score: 9/10

“While Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a markedly different game than Kingdom Battle, it’s a more than worthy sequel that successfully steps into its own space within the realm of turn-based strategy. It’s undoubtedly one of the best games on the Switch, and one of the best showings from Ubisoft in recent years.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 at JB Hi-Fi with bonus Steelbook / $89 Gold Edition at Amazon with free shipping

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Review – An Adventure Worth Raving About

Splatoon 3

Our Score: 8.5/10

“This is the most feature-complete and tightly designed Splatoon to date, and you’d be missing out if you choose to pass it up.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Splatoon 3 Review – A Splattin’ Good Time

The Last of Us Part I

Our Score: 9/10

“The Last Of Us: Part I is without doubt the most definitive version of The Last of Us on the market.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $69 at Amazon with free shipping

The Last Of Us Part I Review – Makes Every Shot Count

Saints Row

Our Score: 7/10

“The new Saints Row doesn’t break any new ground, however it’s still a relatively fun time. If you’re a fan of the series, there’s no reason not to give this one a spin.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $39 Day One Edition at Amazon with free shipping

Saints Row Review – An Enjoyable Reboot

Two Point Campus

Our Score: 8/10

“Two Point Campus is another excellent entry from Two Point Studios that showcases not only more of the team’s penchant for humorous and accessible management sim gameplay but genuine love for the genre.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $29 at Amazon with free shipping

Two Point Campus Review – A New Twist On Management Sims

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Our Score: 8/10

“Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is stylish, intriguing, super fun, and well worth checking out for RPG fans.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Review – A Darker Expansive Adventure

Stray

Our Score: 9/10

“Stray is a brisk and relentlessly charming adventure that offers a very unique window into a gorgeous sci-fi world. It won’t challenge your mind or your reflexes too much but it’ll absolutely delight your senses. Importantly, it’s a video game with a dedicated ‘meow’ button, and what could possibly be better than that?”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $32 on the PlayStation Store (free for PS Plus Extra Subscribers)

Stray Review – A Meow-mentous Adventure

Mario Strikers: Battle League Football

Our Score: 7.5/10

“Mario Strikers: Battle League is a fun time that is easy enough for anybody to pickup and play but still with enough depth to mean it should keep players engaged for a long period of time.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $50 at Amazon with free shipping

Mario Strikers: Battle League Football Review – Full Of Personality

Nintendo Switch Sports

Our Score: 7.5/10

“Nintendo Switch Sports feels familiar, yet still remains fun after all these years, especially when played with groups of friends.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $54 at Amazon with free shipping

Nintendo Switch Sports Review – Still A Fun Time

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Our Score: 8.5/10

“I’ve been around the block(s) with TT’s games for some 15 years now, and this is without a doubt the best thing they’ve ever snapped together. If you’re a gamer who’s young or young-at-heart-container, I’d be very surprised if this didn’t instantly click with you.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $44 at JB Hi-FI

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Review – Feel The Co-Op Within You

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

Our Score: 8/10

“While Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands doesn’t offer a vastly different experience from what came before, it does venture outside of its comfort zone enough to establish its own identity. It’s an excellent extension of the already great Assault On Dragon Keep, and is a worthwhile adventure for any fan of the series, with extensive build crafting, an entertaining cast of characters, and a world worth exploring.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $36 at Amazon with free shipping

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Review – More Than A One Shot Adventure

Ghostwire: Tokyo

Our Score: 7.5/10

“A compelling concept and a beautifully realised world, Ghostwire: Tokyo leverages Japanese folklore and a unique combat system to provide a unique open-world experience.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $19 at Amazon with free shipping
• $19 at JB Hi-Fi with bonus gift pack

Ghostwire: Tokyo Review – A Dense And Wild Tour

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Our Score: 8.5/10

“Kirby and the Forgotten Land takes the Kirby franchise to new heights in new and interesting ways.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Kirby And The Forgotten Land Review – A Decent Step Forward

Gran Turismo 7

Our Score: 9/10

“Gran Turismo 7 is a car-lover’s dream. Whether you love cars already or have just started your journey into being a car person, GT7 wants to welcome you to the community with open arms, get you up to speed and give you everything it can to help you enjoy cars in whatever ways it’s able.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $39 at Amazon with free shipping

Gran Turismo 7 Review – Approachable Simulation

Elden Ring

Our Score: 9.5/10

“Elden Ring is without a doubt, FromSoft’s most ambitious undertaking yet, and like Dark Souls before it, I believe it will leave a permanent mark on both the open-world genre and the games industry in general.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at JB Hi-Fi

Elden Ring Review – A Formula Perfected

Horizon Forbidden West

Our Score: 10/10

“Horizon Forbidden West is an exceedingly clever sequel, a deep and addictive action RPG, a dense world that unfolds with an impeccable sense of pace, a visual tour de force and the masterful delivery of a promising concept.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $39 at Amazon with free shipping

Horizon Forbidden West Review – An Exceedingly Clever Sequel

Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Our Score: 8/10

“Dying Light 2 Stay Human is a solid step-up from Dying Light in almost every way.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $39 at Amazon with free shipping

Dying Light 2 Stay Human Review – A Fluid & Frenetic Adventure

POKEMON LEGENDS ARCEUS

Our Score: 8/10

“While it might not provide the visual fidelity and exploration we might wish for in an open-world-esque Pokémon game, it does provide a satisfying and addicting gameplay loop, alongside a surprisingly enjoyable narrative to boot.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Review – The Evolution We’ve Been Waiting For

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Our Score: 9.5/10

“Naughty Dog’s finest shine on the PS5 hardware and if you haven’t played these games, you’re in for an absolute treat, and if you’re returning to these games, you can expect to be blown away all over again, if not for the enhanced visuals alone.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $28 at Amazon with free shipping

Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection Review – A Visual Delight

FIFA 23

Our Score: 8/10

“This year’s FIFA is a comprehensive package for football fans thanks to HyperMotion 2, big reworks to FIFA Ultimate Team and the introduction of the FA Women’s Super League and the French Division 1 Feminine.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 PS4/Xbox Series X, $44 PS4/XB1 at Amazon with free shipping / $39 Switch at JB Hi-Fi

FIFA 23 Review – A Much Needed Refresh

NBA 2K23

Our Score: 8/10

“Refinements to core aspects of NBA 2K23’s gameplay make for some of the most fluid and enjoyable action seen in some years, and it’s all capped off with the excellent Jordan Challenge.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 PS5/Series X or $39 PS4/XB1 at Amazon with free shipping, $39 Switch at JB Hi-Fi

NBA 2K23 Review – A Solid Step Forward

The post Our Favourite Games Of 2022 To Pick Up During Boxing Day Sales appeared first on Press Start.

It wouldn’t be a Christmas period without the PlayStation Network going down.

As of the last hour or so, users have been reporting a multitude of issues with the PlayStation Network including not being able to launch games due to not being able to verify licenses on the PlayStation Network.

RELATED: AMAZON HAS A BUNCH OF GREAT PS5 DEALS IN ITS BOXING DAY SALE

It’s unclear if this is due to a huge amount of new PS5 owners connecting to the network for the first time as they try and perform software updates/download games, or due to an attack, but it’s definitely having issues.

Seems like PlayStation network is down ? Anyone else experiencing this pic.twitter.com/nRm6IoJbxb

— Lady Rebel (@ladyrebeltv) December 25, 2022

It's OK.. I didn't want to play the game I bought, on the PS5 I bought, on a network I have to pay for to play on. No.. I prefer it as a brick anyway. ? pic.twitter.com/BGfgodu2IS

— TogaTheGreat (@TogaTheGreat) December 25, 2022

Currently, the PlayStation Network status page says that everything is fine by Down Detector has seen a huge amount of reports of issues within the last hour, and we’ve seen an influx of tweets and posts through our Facebook groups come through.

Amazon Has A Bunch Of Great PS5 Deals In Its Boxing Day Sale

The post The PlayStation Network Appears To Be Down With Gamers Unable To Launch Games appeared first on Press Start.

For a refresher on how the voting works, read here.

Sifu is an exercise in attrition and demands a certain level of mastery to see all of its splendour. It very much borrows from the From Software school of hard knocks and absolutely blindsides the player time and again, although fortunately Sifu delivers combat and level design of such an admirable quality, the repeat visits are always welcome. 

On top of the game’s almost fighting game-like approach to combos and hand-to-hand battle, Sifu is uniquely forgiving compared to most games of its ilk in that it affords the player several “lives” through an age-out system before ultimately declaring a run over.

Absolver’s insistence to go back and support the game post launch with photo modes, easier difficulties to allow even more players to roll credits, and the upcoming arena mode should speak volumes of Sifu’s success for the small team. 

In his review, Brodie scored Sifu a 9 out of 10 stating: “Through neoteric ideas around what combat can be, many of which were conceived with Absolver, Sloclap has carried the classic beat ‘em up into the present with Sifu. It might be brutal and unforgiving, but it never feels cheap and it’s a pleasure to continually learn the complexities of kung fu while bathing in the world’s surplus of flair and ferocity. So push through and persevere, because there’s one hell of a game on offer here.”

As it stands on Metacritic, Sifu is currently sitting at an 81 based on 78 critic reviews.

PRESS START’S 2022 GOTY LIST

#10 – Pentiment

#9 – Kirby and the Forgotten Land

#8 – Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

#7 – Sifu

The post Press Start’s 2022 GOTY #7 – Sifu appeared first on Press Start.

Amazon is coming in strong with pre-Boxing Day deals, having just dropped a cracker Meta Quest 2 deal and also a bunch of great Switch deals, but some of the best deals on offer are for PS5 games and accessories.

PLAYSTATION BOXING DAY DEALS AT AMAZON

HARDWARE

• PS5 DualSense Controllers (Black/White/Pink/Blue/Purple/Red) – $69
• PS5 Pulse 3D Headset (Black) – $118
• PS5 Pulse 3D Headset (White) – $118
• DualSense Charging Station – $35
• PS5 Digital Edition – $649
• PS5 Console – $799
• DualSense Edge – $339
• PS5 Cover Plate – $84
• PlayStation VR2 – $878
• PlayStation VR2 Call Of The Mountain Bundle – $958

GAMES

• Elden Ring – $59
• Horizon Forbidden West – $39
• Gran Turismo 7 – $49
• Demon’s Souls – $53
• God Of War Ragnarok – $89
• Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales – $39
• The Last Of Us Part 1 – $69
• TMNT Cowabunga Collection – $34
• Persona 5 Royal – $49
• Sackboy A Big Adventure – $39
• Dying Light – $39
• Returnal – $54
• Call Of Duty MWII – $78
• FIFA 23 – $49
• Ratchet & Clank – $49
• Need For Speed Unbound – $65
• Far Cry 5 – $19
• Deathloop – $25
• The Quarry – $39
• LEGO Star Wars – $49
• Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order – $28
• Gotham Knights – $69
• GTA 5 – $36
• Immortals Fenyx Rising – $20
• Stray – $59
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – $28
• Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands – $36
• Ghostwire Tokyo – $25
• Hot Wheels Unleashed – $25

WE LOVE BRINGING YOU THE BEST GAMING AND TECH BARGAINS. WE MAY GET A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE THROUGH AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

The post Amazon Has A Bunch Of Great PS5 Deals In Its Boxing Day Sale appeared first on Press Start.

Santa Monica Studio has announced that it will be adding a New Game Plus option to the award-winning God of War Ragnarök in roughly Q2 next year.

While that’s about as much information as we have, based on the below tweet, it should be pretty safe to assume that it’ll function in much the same way as the New Game Plus option added to 2018’s God of War a few months after its release. In that game, players could carry over their skills, equipment upgrades and other inventory when starting a new save after having completed the main game. The new game would also feature extra items and increased difficulty including some new enemy behaviours to contend with.

We know many of you have been asking, so we’re happy to confirm that New Game Plus will be coming to #GodofWarRagnarok in Spring 2023!

We’ll share more details once we get closer to the release! ? ? pic.twitter.com/vmv5X2USuW

— Santa Monica Studio – God of War Ragnarök (@SonySantaMonica) December 22, 2022

God of War Ragnarök was also recently updated to include a Photo Mode, something it was sorely missing at launch.

We gave God of War Ragnarök a 9.5/10 in our review, saying “God of War Ragnarok is a triumph. Santa Monica Studio has successfully taken everything that was great about the last game and amplified it while correcting just about every problem area and then some.”

Yet to pick the game up for yourself? Amazon currently has the PS5 version for $89 and the PS4 version for $78 with free shipping.

The post God Of War Ragnarok Is Getting A New Game Plus Option Next Year appeared first on Press Start.

The first DualSense Edge hands-on previews as well as an official overview video from PlayStation overnight, but the largest piece of news comes from The Verge which got a statement from PlayStation on the battery life for the DualSense Edge.

Sony has confirmed that the DualSense Edge has a moderately shorter battery life than the original DualSense controller. This is largely due to the fact that it has the same form-factor as the original controller, but then also has completely removable components which may mean less room for battery life.

“The DualSense Edge wireless controller’s operating time is moderately shorter than the original DualSense wireless controller because we’ve included many more features within the same form factor and ergonomic design as the original DualSense controller. We wanted to strike a good balance between wireless operating time and delivering robust, high-performance features. Additionally, the longer USB braided cable is also great for competitive players who prefer playing with a wired connection to avoid wireless interference – this option preserves battery life.” said PlayStation to The Verge.

The post The DualSense Edge Controller Has A Slightly Shorter Battery Life Than The Regular DualSense appeared first on Press Start.

Our regular round-up of all the latest and hottest Aussie bargains in gaming, entertainment, tech, collectibles and beyond! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list at the bottom of the article to have these delivered straight to your inbox and follow us on socials to keep up with new deals as they appear!

Today’s Top Aussie Gaming Bargains

PlayStation

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $878 at Amazon with no deposit required and free shipping
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Bundle – $958 at Amazon with no deposit required and free shipping
• PlayStation 5 Console Disc Edition including God of War Ragnarök – $888 in stock at Amazon with free shipping

• PlayStation 5 Console Disc Edition – $799 in stock
• PlayStation 5 Console Digital Edition – $649 in stock
• PS5 DualSense Controllers (all base colours) – $69 at Amazon
• PS5 DualSense Charging Station – $35 at Amazon
• God of War Ragnarok (PS5) – $99 at Amazon with free shipping
• God of War Ragnarok (PS4) – $78 at Amazon with free shipping ($15 digital upgrade available)
• Horizon Forbidden West PS5/PS4 – $39 at Amazon
• Gran Turismo 7 PS5/PS4 – $49 at Amazon
• Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion PS5/PS4 – $73 at Amazon
• FIFA 23 PS5 – $56 at Amazon
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – $49 at Amazon
• Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection – $28 at Amazon
• Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales – $39 at Amazon
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – $79 at Amazon
• Final Fantasy XVI Pre-Order – $85 at Amazon
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Pre-Order – $83 at Amazon

Xbox

• Xbox Series X Console – $749 in stock at Amazon
• Xbox Series S Console – $399 with free delivery on Amazon
• Xbox Wireless Controllers (all base colours) – $69 at Amazon
• Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB – $349
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – $79 at Amazon
• FIFA 23 – $49 at Amazon
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Pre-Order – $83 at Amazon

Nintendo

• POKÉMON SCARLET/VIOLET NINTENDO SWITCH OLED CONSOLE – $370.30 FOR EBAY PLUS MEMBERS WITH CODE PLUSEBTF

The Pokemon Scarlet/Violet Nintendo Switch OLED Is Down To An Insane Price On eBay

• Nintendo Switch Neon Console + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + 3 months NSO bundle – $399 with free shipping
• Nintendo Switch OLED Model Console – $489 (was $539) with free shipping
• Nintendo Switch OLED Model Console + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – $553 (was $619) with free shipping
• Pokemon Scarlet/Violet – $65 at Amazon with free shipping
• Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion – $73 at Amazon
• Metroid Dread – $44.99 (55% off) at Amazon with free shipping
• Mario Golf: Super Rush – $44.99 (55% off) at Amazon with free shipping
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – $72 at Amazon with free shipping
• Nintendo Switch Sports – $54 (17% off) at Amazon with free shipping
• Ring Fit Adventure – $89 (29% off)

Boxing Day Sales

Boxing Day is nearly upon us and sales have started rolling in. We’ve included a lot of the best current deals in the rest of this article but we’ll continue to link to our Boxing Day bargain coverage below:

EB Games Has Dropped Some Early Boxing Day Gaming Deals

Our Latest New Release Bargain Guides

Dragon Quest Treasures

Erik and his sister Mia live on a Viking longship, dreaming of the day they can explore the world in search of grand treasure. One night they encounter a pair of otherworldly creatures, Porcus and Purrsula, and are whisked away to a mysterious place known as Draconia – a legendary land full of treasures just waiting to be discovered. The adventure Erik and Mia have always dreamed of is finally underway!

Amazon currently has the best price at $73 with free shipping. Check out the prices at other retailers in our Bargain Guide.

Bargain Guide – Dragon Quest Treasures

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion

Crisis Core –Final Fantasy VII– Reunion is the HD remaster version of the smash hit prequel to Final Fantasy VII.

In addition to all graphics being remastered in HD, fully voiced dialogue and new soundtrack arrangements make for a dynamic new retelling of a beloved classic.

Amazon currently has the best price at $73. Check out the prices at other retailers in our Bargain Guide.

Bargain Guide – Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion

Everything Else

Tech

• Up to 40% off select Beats headphones
• Up to 50% off Fire TV devices

LEGO

• LEGO Bowser – $319 at Amazon
• LEGO NES – $326 at Amazon
• LEGO Optimus Prime – $210 at Amazon
• LEGO Home Alone House – $404 at Amazon
• LEGO Technic Ferrari Daytona SP3 – $629 at Amazon
• LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Millennium Falcon – $1149 at Amazon

WE LOVE BRINGING YOU THE BEST GAMING AND TECH BARGAINS. WE MAY GET A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE THROUGH AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

The post The Best Aussie Gaming Bargains – December 20th appeared first on Press Start.

Here’s something unexpected – it seems as though PlayStation 4 consoles are making a comeback at Aussie retailers with a handful of shops restocking the last-generation hardware right before Christmas.

Now, they’re not exactly going for the kinds of bargain basement prices that they have in the past, more than likely due to the same circumstances that are keeping current-gen hardware prices sky-high. Currently it’ll set you back a full $439 for a 500 GB PlayStation 4 Slim console.

If you’re interested, you can pick them up from the below retailers:

• Amazon – PlayStation 4 500GB Slim Console – $439 with free shipping
• JB Hi-Fi – PlayStation 4 500GB Slim Console – $439
• EB Games – PlayStation 4 500GB Slim Console – $439
• The Gamesmen – PlayStation 4 500GB Slim Console – $439
• Big W – PlayStation 4 500GB Slim Console – $429

While there’s definitely still a market out there for a cheaper alternative to the PlayStation 5, we’re sure these would’ve come in greater handy last holidays where PS5 console stock was still in incredibly short supply. These days, it’s not overly difficult to get a hold of one in stores.

If you’re still looking, you should be able to pick up a PS5 at any of the below:

Amazon: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

JB Hi-Fi: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

The Good Guys: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

Harvey Norman: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

EB Games: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

Big W: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

The Gamesmen: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

Sony Store: God of War Ragnarök Bundle | Horizon Forbidden West Bundle

The post PlayStation 4 Consoles Are Back In Stock At Aussie Retailers appeared first on Press Start.

It had been previously rumoured, but Guerrilla Games has now confirmed that a multiplayer online Horizon game is on the way.

Confirmation came via the LifeAtGuerrilla careers Twitter account which announced that it was expanding the world of Horizon.

The job notes that the company is continuing to create epic solo adventures for Aloy but there is more. It goes on to describe that it is creating an online game set in Horizon’s universe with a new cast of characters and a new stylised look.

“A new internal team is developing a seperate online project set in Horizon’s universe. Featuring a new cast of characters and a unique stylised look, Friends will be able to explore the majestic wilds of Horizon together”.

Join Guerrilla in Amsterdam as we work to expand the world of Horizon

It's an exciting time to join us! We have many open roles across multiple departments, so check them out on our Careers page and apply today!https://t.co/G9tvnSkQQQ pic.twitter.com/Xqab1JGabV

— Life at Guerrilla (@LifeAtGuerrilla) December 16, 2022

It’s unclear when we’ll see more about the game, but it’s super exciting that we know of at least two upcoming Horizon games.

The post A Multiplayer Horizon Game Is Officially On The Way appeared first on Press Start.

It’s hard to believe, but we’re inches away from the biggest gifting day of the year. With December 25th in sight, there’s no doubt just about all of us know a child, friend, parent, grandparent or shamefully-familiar Uber Eats delivery driver that’s begging to find a video game console under their trees this year.

With that in mind, and with deadlines looming, we figured we’d put together a quick list of places to shop for the three major consoles this Christmas – especially given that that is the year we’re finally seeing the PS5 and Xbox Series X in good supply in stores.

Where To Buy A PS5 In Australia For Christmas

It’s been a wild couple of years for anyone trying to get their hands on the PS5 since it launched in November 2020, but your chances at snagging one are now the best they’ve ever been. If your loved ones are pining after the newest PlayStation, you’ll be glad to know it’s just about as simple now as walking into a store and grabbing one or adding it to cart online. The toughest part will be deciding which version you need, with the console coming in both disc-based and digital-only forms as well as the current bundle containing the disc-based PS5 and a digital download for God of War Ragnarök.

Whatever the decision there, you’ll be able to find all 3 SKUs in pretty good supply at the below retailers, just don’t wait too long to commit or you may see them start to sell out prior to Christmas or miss shipping cut-offs:

Amazon: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

JB Hi-Fi: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

The Good Guys: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

Harvey Norman: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

EB Games: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

Big W: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

The Gamesmen: Digital Console | Disc Console | God of War Ragnarök Bundle

Sony Store: God of War Ragnarök Bundle | Horizon Forbidden West Bundle

Where To Buy An Xbox Series X Or Xbox Series S In Australia For Christmas

Much like the PS5, the Xbox Series X is starting to flood back into retailers just in time for Christmas 2022. When it comes to which one you should be buying though, it’s a slightly different story to Sony’s console. Rather than two identically-powerful consoles with different disc configurations, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are different in a number of ways.

The Series X has a disc drive, more storage and more powerful hardware to deliver a premium gaming experience while the Series S is incredibly small but digital-only far less powerful and works best as a first gaming console or a secondary machine for the kids/games room paired up with an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Amazon: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S (Gilded Bundle)

JB Hi-Fi: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S (Gilded Hunter Bundle)

The Good Guys: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S

Harvey Norman: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S (Gilded Hunter Bundle)

EB Games: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S

Big W: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S (Gilded Hunter Bundle)

The Gamesmen: Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S (Gilded Hunter Bundle)

Microsoft Store: Xbox Series X + Accessory Bundle | Xbox Series S (Gilded Hunter Bundle)

Where To Buy A Nintendo Switch In Australia For Christmas

The Nintendo Switch has been an evergreen Christmas hit since it launched back in 2017 and it’s still going strong, propelled by the launch of the OLED Model that features a bigger, brighter screen.

You shouldn’t have much trouble finding a Switch this year but it’s worth noting that many retailers are still ranging the Black Friday bundle that packs in a digital download for the excellent Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online, so do a bit of shopping around and make sure you’re getting the best value for money. At the time of writing, all of the below stores are running the bundle.

Amazon: Switch OLED | Switch (MK8 Bundle) | Switch Lite

JB Hi-Fi: Switch OLED | Switch (MK8 Bundle) | Switch Lite

The Good Guys: Switch OLED | Switch (MK8 Bundle) | Switch Lite

Harvey Norman: Switch OLED | Switch (MK8 Bundle) | Switch Lite

EB Games: Switch OLED | Switch (MK8 Bundle) | Switch Lite

Big W: Switch OLED | Switch (MK8 Bundle) | Switch Lite

K-Mart: Switch (MK8 Bundle)

The Gamesmen: Switch OLED | Switch (MK8 Bundle) | Switch Lite

WE LOVE BRINGING YOU THE BEST GAMING AND TECH BARGAINS. WE MAY GET A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE THROUGH AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

The post Where To Get Your Hands On A New Gaming Console This Christmas appeared first on Press Start.

Just like it has in the last two years, PlayStation has dropped its PlayStation Wrap-Up for 2022.

You can plug your PSN details into the PlayStation Wrap-Up HERE. The actual process has been refined this year. You get to see four seperate breakdowns including total play time, top games played, trophies earned and a section on PlayStation Plus. Each of these four sections are then broken down further to give you a greater look at your year in gaming.

You’re then presented with a really neat summary card that you can download and share on socials. This has the total amount of hours played, games played, your top game of 2022 including how many hours and what percentage it made up of total play time and how many trophies you earned.

Interestingly enough, as part of the wrap-up process, PlayStation has revealed the most downloaded PlayStation Plus games of 2022 as well. In order they were:

• FIFA 22
• EA Sports UFC 4
• Dirt 5
• Team Sonic Racing
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2

Within the wrap-up, a bunch of stats are given across the community for a number of games such as God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West and Gran Turismo 7. It’s well worth jumping in to get your results, even if you’re not the biggest gamer.

The post The PlayStation Wrap-Up 2022 Will Tell You How Many Hours You Spent Playing PS5 Games This Year appeared first on Press Start.

GRIS (pronounced like “grease” and meaning Grey in Spanish) was one of my favourite indie games of the last generation, so hearing the news that it would be getting a native new-gen version with 4K/120fps visuals was music to my ears and a stark reminder that it was high time to replay this gorgeous experience.

That time, dear readers, is now, and with a second playthrough under my belt not only has this re-release of Nomada Studio’s 2018 cult classic reaffirmed my adoration for the game but it’s also helped to rekindle my affections for games viewed firmly as “art”. GRIS is, after all, a moving artwork and never has that been more clear than now.

If you’re yet to have given GRIS a go, it’s a tough one to explain from a narrative perspective, revelling in ambiguity as it does. Playing as the titular Gris, your goal is to bring colour back to a mysterious and desolate world and ultimately recover your voice in a story that slowly reveals itself to be a rumination on grief, remorse, fear and ultimately self-actualisation. Polygon’s Charlie Hall penned an excellent piece on its themes back when the game first launched that’s well worth a read after playing through and digesting its themes for yourself.

When it comes to the game side of GRIS, what you’re in for is a fairly straightforward and incredibly chill adventure platformer that’ll see you make your way through a variety of 2D environments, solving light puzzles and making use of a series of gorgeous transformations that riff on Gris’ personal growth in the face of adversities. It’s free of fail states and rarely mentally taxing but compelling all the same thanks in large part to a number of interesting ideas and a malleable visual identity that adeptly complements what’s going on in any given moment.

GRIS doesn’t ask for much of your time, offering a 4-ish hour journey that you’ll eek ever so slightly more out of if you’re chasing trophies/achievements, but so many stunning views and memorable moments in time and stunning views are offered up in that time that every minute will stick with you. I envy anyone coming into the game for the first time with this new iteration, but even if you’ve experienced it before you’re sure to catch those feels all over again, no less because of the slick new visual treatment.

Running at an uncompromised 4K resolution at 120 entire frames per second (provided you’ve got the hardware for it), GRIS is a marvel. The painterly aspects of its existing aesthetic are only amplified by being presented in such a raw, high-fidelity manner. Anybody witnessing this game should be so lucky to see just one frame of its hand-painted scapes, let alone nearly 8000 of them every minute. I don’t often get excited about ports or remasters of games that simply up the pixel or frame count but this is one of those instances where the improvements made feel distinctly tangible, like you’re being invited into a piece of art with no velvet rope or plexiglass to dilute its splendour.

All that said, if you’ve played and enjoyed GRIS in the past – let it be known that this is undeniably the same game. While I’d enthusiastically advocate a replay to anyone, I wouldn’t go as far as saying that the 4K120 presentation is reason enough to double-dip in place of any of the many other compelling indie releases of 2022. If you’re fresh to the experience, don’t hesitate a second, but otherwise consider whether you possess the technology to get the most out of this new port and/or whether you’ve had your fill of what GRIS has to offer before now.

The post GRIS Mini Review – A Stunning PS5/Xbox Series X|S Upgrade appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation is offering new PlayStation Plus subscribers a tasty discount on 12-month subs to cap off the end of the year!

Right now, all three tiers of PlayStation Plus 12-month subscriptions are $40 off for new sign-ups only, saving up to 50% when looking at the Essential tier.

That means each of the relevant tiers are going for the following prices:

• PlayStation Plus Essential 12 Month Subscription – $39.95
• PlayStation Plus Extra 12 Month Subscription – $94.95
• PlayStation Plus Deluxe 12 Month Subscription – $114.95

These deals end on December 20th, so you’ve got a week to get around them!

The PlayStation Plus Essential games for December are available now, with the Extra/Deluxe titles for the month yet to be revealed.

Head here to learn more about the upgraded tiers and what they have to offer.

The post PlayStation Plus 12 Month Subscriptions Are Currently $40 Off For All Tiers appeared first on Press Start.

Nervous. That’s how I felt ahead of my Forspoken preview. A couple of delays and an awkwardly-narrated trailer had me worried. However, having played Forspoken’s opening chapters and exploring the fantasy open world of Athia, I left wishing I could magic parkour back later for more.

I perhaps needn’t have worried. Yes, Forspoken is Luminous Production’s debut, but they have a fantastic pedigree. Much of the team worked on Final Fantasy XV. Attached are Amy Hennig and Gary Whitta, two writers I revere for their respective work on Uncharted and Rogue One.

A proudly narrative-focussed game, I was pleased to see the influence of these respected writers apparent within the first few hours of Forspoken.

It is well-trod ground: a wise-cracking, anachronistic heroine begrudgingly embarks on a quest to save a realm into which she’s inadvertently stumbled. Likewise, ‘the Break’ — a blight infecting Athia and blamed for all the destruction — is very reminiscent of other vague-but-destructive video game phenomena, ala the ‘Corruption’ Aloy combats in Horizon Zero Dawn.

The Cheapest Pre-Order: $79.99 at Amazon with free shipping

That aside, I immediately took a liking to Forspoken’s heroine, Frey. Ella Balinska’s performance won me over where the trailers had not. Be it cheeky one-liners or some of the early emotional story beats, Balinska does the heavy lifting.

I didn’t warm to the supporting characters quite the same as they offered up exposition and side quests. Of course, whilst Hennig and Whitta chalked up the overarching story beats, they didn’t necessarily script every line of dialogue.

I start my preview in Athia and get introduced to Cuff: a sentient bangle affixed to Frey’s wrist. Seemingly the source of much of her magical ability, Cuff is voiced by the English actor Jonathan Cake and is oddly affluent if one-dimensional in the opening chapters. He seems more Destiny’s Ghosts than Halo’s Cortana.

Venturing off into the open world, Frey discovers her newfound powers and starts to take a liking to this beautiful yet troubled world. As did I; the combat is really where Forspoken shines.

Starting light on spells, within the first couple of hours of Forspoken I’d acquired quite the magical arsenal. Already bouncing between different spell combos, I struggle to comprehend wielding the nearly one hundred spells in the final game.

By the time I arrived at my first boss fight, I was getting the hang of things, using the magic parkour to traverse combat arenas and dodge attacks whilst slinging spells back at the enemy. It’s fast and flashy and full of Final Fantasy flare.

Timing things right and using the environment to your advantage, the combat also revolves around switching up your attacks depending on the situation. At range, switching to a quick-fire blast dealt damage from a distance. Up close, slower, higher-damage attacks were effective. A shield you can then shoot off like a shotgun, and support spells like one that spawned a flower-like turret were ace for crowd control.

It’s addictive too. It was quite the thrill evading fireballs and getting close enough to the boss to slap them with a tendril and leech HP. Having bumped the difficulty up a little higher than recommended given my lack of levelling, it took me a few goes but I was engrossed. At the end of my session, I was eager to play more.

I was pleased to discover a substantial amount to uncover in the open world of Forspoken. Keeping the more Goldilocks-like open-world fans pleased, there seemed a fine balance of things to do without being too dense. Designed with the traversal abilities in mind, a treasure chest, challenging enemy encounters, or something meatier like the Lock Labyrinths or the Combat Challenges, are often within sight. It would appear there’s always something on the horizon inviting you to go check out.

Darting about the dangerous open world of a Break-afflicted Athia — as Frey so colloquially describes the supernatural corruption plaguing the realm — there are plenty of hints at the parkour potential. Zipping about takes a bit of getting used to, particularly in more cramped corners, but it makes for some effortless exploration. In combat, it creates incredibly graceful-looking ducking and weaving, with the Luminous Engine’s trademark VFX producing some very watchable fights.

Flicking through the different graphics settings, I settled on the performance mode on my PS5. Although I could — upon close inspection — observe the fidelity hit, it made for much more fluidity to the parkour and combat.

Where concern started to creep back in was with the breaks in the pace that would often occur in Forspoken’s opening moments. There’s a bit of a staccato nature to Forspoken at first; as you get to grips with the combat, cutscenes regularly interrupt to advance the story.

Just as it threatens to drag, not long after persisting through an awkward stealth sequence, you’re thankfully handed the reins. Setting off into the open world is where Forspoken truly hits its stride.

I didn’t experience the sort of impactful storytelling that might win awards, nor an open-world design that redefines what we know, but Forspoken has a lot to love. Seemingly, it has all the hallmarks of a JRPG blended with those of a Western open-world action-adventure game, establishing a new IP dense with lore. Whether it be the charismatic protagonist, addictive combat or fluid parkour, I think those eager to play Forspoken will find something they enjoy.

Forspoken launches on January 24th 2023 for PS5 and PC. Press Start travelled to London upon the invitation of Square Enix to attend the preview. 

Amazon currently has the game at a pre-order price of $84.99 with free shipping.

The post Forspoken Preview – A Promising New IP Carried By Its Spellcasting Combat appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation has officially launched its newest effort to bring competitive tournament gameplay direct to home consoles as an integrated platform, with PlayStation Tournaments on PS5.

Much like its launch on PS4 consoles in 2016, PlayStation Tournaments rolls competitive play into the PS5 system to make it easy to discover, register for and compete in cross-console tournament play across a number of games.

From today, players can get stuck into events in Guilty Gear -Strive, NBA 2K23, and FIFA 23, all through a new UI that works seamlessly within the PS5 interface and offers real-time match updates and experience improvements with special events, challenges, leaderboard competitions and more.

An easy discovery process: Tournaments are easy to find. Scroll to the relevant game on your PS5 home screen and press the down directional button to see a list of upcoming tournaments. Alternatively, view available tournaments by launching the Control Centre with a tap of the PS button while playing a supported game.

Sign up on console: Signing up is quicker than ever. From the Control Centre or Game Hub, simply select an available tournament and press the “Register” button to enter a competition.

Bracket capping: Tournament length traditionally increases as more players compete. However, we have introduced a new bracket capping feature to ensure a standard duration for every tournament. If the cap is exceeded, multiple brackets will be created for the same tournament – but prizing will remain the same for each.

More tournaments: Everyone has different schedules. Tournaments will take place more often, and at regular intervals, so more players can find the time to compete.

All-new UI: The brand-new tournament UI utilizes the activity card framework to let you easily view tournament information. Notifications will automatically carry you through the experience, and you’ll be alerted when your next match is starting. The tournament can be launched from the notification, giving you time to train up in-game, or even play other titles between matches.

View automatic and real-time results: After registering for a tournament, all relevant details can be accessed via the corresponding activity card in the Control Centre.

Exciting prizing: Anyone eligible can sign up to win prizes, regardless of skill level. Prizes can range from cash, in-game currency, PlayStation consoles or accessories, experiences, and even special collectibles received just for taking part.

From December 1st to January 31st, PlayStation is also holding a special “Win-A-Thon” to celebrate the launch of Tournaments, giving players on PS4 the chance to win PS5 consoles and PS5 players the opportunity to score prizes like DualSense Edge controllers and Pulse 3D headsets.

To win, players need to jump into eligible tournaments designated with a Win-A-Thon badge and take home victories in a leaderboard competition.

A dedicated PlayStation Tournaments Discord server has also been set up for the competitive community to engage and keep up with all the latest in Tournaments action.

To learn more about PlayStation Tournaments, and the Win-A-Thon, visit the PlayStation Blog.

The post PlayStation Tournaments Has Officially Launched On PS5 appeared first on Press Start.

Black Friday – as in, the actual day – has come and gone following a week of great sales that will begin to wrap up after this weekend.

That means it’s likely your last chance to shop for deals, so if you’re hunting for the best bargains in gaming, tech and entertainment (and beyond, because anything goes on Black Friday, right?) we’ve got you covered with the gear we reckon is a must-buy before your chance is gone:

The Best Black Friday Deals At Amazon

Amazon is once again leading the charge with Black Friday specials, either offering the best prices around or quickly matching/beating other retailers as sales go on, so if you’re keen on ensuring you’re getting the absolute best deal possible then it’s definitely your go-to. Plus, you’ll get $5 bonus credit if you spend $75 on an Amazon gift card which you can then shop with.

• $10 bonus credit when you buy certain gift cards.
• PS5 Disc Edition + God Of War Ragnarok (Code) – $888 with free shipping
• PS5 compatible 2TB Samsung 980 Pro – $315
• PS5 compatible 1TB Samsung 980 Pro – $175
• Meta Quest 2 128GB – $480 ($150 credit applied to account after ordering)
• Meta Quest 2 256GB – $589 ($200 credit applied to account after ordering)
• Xbox Series S console – $399 with free delivery
• Nintendo Switch Neon Console + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + 3 months NSO bundle – $397 with free shipping
• Horizon Forbidden West – $39
• Gran Turismo 7 – $39
• Gotham Knights – $48
• Sonic Frontiers – $54
• FIFA 23 – $49
• A Plague Tale Requiem – $64
• Saints Row – $49
• Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands – $28
• Nintendo Switch OLED Model Console – $478 (was $539) with free shipping
• PS5 DualSense Controller – $98
• Up to 50% off selected LEGO
• LG HU70LG CineBeam LED 4K UHD Cinema Projector – $1889 (was $2499)
• Great prices on Philips TVs including OLED TVs with Android and Hue lighting
• Intel-based laptops for work and gaming up to 50% off
• Razer gaming products up to 70% off
• Razer Blade 17 (144Hz 4K, 12th Gen i9-12900HK, RTX 3080 Ti 16GB, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD) – $4259 (was $7499)
• Black Friday deals on Prism+ monitors
• Deals on essential Philips Hue smart home/lighting
• Eufy Security eufyCam 2 Pro Wireless Home Security Camera System – $936 (was $1249)

Everything else:

https://press-start.com.au/bargains/2022/11/25/best-amazon-black-friday-deals-2022/

Xbox Series S Console Deals

• Amazon – $399 with free delivery
• The Good Guys – $399 plus a bonus $30 store credit for members
• Microsoft Store – $399
• EB Games – $399
• JB Hi-Fi – $399
• Big W – $399
• Harvey Norman – $399

Bargains On HDMI 2.1 TVs Perfect For Gaming

• LG 42″ OLED 4K EVO C2 Smart TV 2022 – $1388 (was $2295) plus $70 bonus store credit at The Good Guys
• LG 83″ OLED 4K EVO C2 Smart TV 2022 – $7995 (was $9995) plus $70 bonus store credit at The Good Guys
• Philips 55″ 4K UHD OLED Android TV – $2395 (was $2695) at Amazon with free shipping
• Philips 65″ 4K UHD OLED Android TV + Bonus 43? 6915 Android Smart TV – $4995 at Amazon with free shipping
• Sony 65″ A80K BRAVIA XR OLED Google TV – $2949 (was $3599) at Amazon with free shipping
• Sony BRAVIA 55″ X75K 4K HDR LED TV – $995 (was $1599) at Amazon with free shipping
• Sony BRAVIA 65″ X75K 4K HDR LED TV – $1285 (was $1999) at Amazon with free shipping

eBay’s Black Friday Sale

eBay has 20% off millions of items, up to 22% for eBay Plus members as well as a number of limited-time deals. You can shop the whole sale HERE.

The Best Deals In MWave’s Black Friday Sale

• NZXT H1 V2 Case – $399
• GALAX GeForce 3070 GPU – $699
• Sapphire AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU – $329
• Samsung Odyssey 27″ 165hz Gaming Monitor – $249
• Gigabyte Aorus 31.5″ HDMI 2.1 4K Monitor – $999
• Gigabyte Aorus 32″ HDMI 2.1 1440p Monitor – $799
• Philips 34″ Ultrawide Gaming Monitor – $489
• Philips 27″ 144hz Gaming Monitor – $309
• Elgato Stream Deck – $139
• Corsair iCUE 4000x RGB ATX Case – $195
• HyperX Alloy Gaming Keyboard – $118
• Razer DeathAdder V2 Mouse – $99
• ASUS Rog Wireless Mechanic Keyboard – $139
• Roccat Kone Pro Air Wireless Mouse – $99
• Roccat Elo Air 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound Gaming Headset – $99
• Samsung 980 Pro 2TB SSD (PS5 compatible) – $365
• Kingston 2TB M.2 SSD – $189
• Corsair Vengeance 32GB DDR5 Memory – $239
• GIGAByte AERO 5 15.6 Gaming Laptop – $2,799

Mwave is also giving away a PS5 and you can enter that competition HERE.

K-Mart’s Black Friday Sale

• Nintendo Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + Nintendo Switch Online – $399
• iPhone 8 – $219
• 26 Piece Nintendo Switch Accessory Pack – $59
• Atari Flashback 11 50th Anniversary Edition – $129
• Gaming Chair – $99
• Amazon Echo Show 8 Gen2 – $99
• RGB Gaming Desk – $99
• ACER 31.5″ LCD Monitor – $269
• Mirabella Smart Home RGB Floor Lamp – $59

The Good Guys Black Friday Sale

The Good Guys have a ton of great deals on gaming consoles, TVs and home appliances and you’ll get bonus store credit for each purchase over a certain amount for signing up to its new digital wallet/rewards program!

• Xbox Series S – $399 plus a bonus $30 store credit for members
• Nintendo Switch Console + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + 3 months NSO bundle – $399 with bonus $30 store credit for members
• LG 42″ OLED 4K EVO C2 Smart TV 2022 – $1388 (was $2295) plus $70 bonus store credit at The Good Guys
• LG 83″ OLED 4K EVO C2 Smart TV 2022 – $7995 (was $9995) plus $70 bonus store credit at The Good Guys
• Samsung 75″ QN90B 4K Neo QLED 2022 – $3488 (was $4995) plus $70 bonus store credit
• Samsung 85″ QN90B 4K Neo QLED 2022 – $4995 (was $6995) plus $70 bonus store credit
• Samsung 98″ QN90A 4K Neo QLED 2022  – $9995 (was $16995) plus $70 bonus store credit

The Good Guys Is Giving Away Bonus Store Credit With Purchases In November

For more Black Friday deals, visit our hub HERE.

WE LOVE BRINGING YOU THE BEST GAMING AND TECH BARGAINS. WE MAY GET A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE THROUGH AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

The post The Best Black Friday Deals To Grab Before The Sales End Tonight appeared first on Press Start.

It’s a great time of the year to be a gamer. Not only is it awards season, which affords us the opportunity to look back on a year of releases and reflect on what we loved while identifying which bonafide classics we might have missed, it’s also the best time to pick up a bargain with holiday sales kicking off with events like Black Friday.

To that end, we figured we’d celebrate both by taking a look back at our favourite and best-reviewed games of 2022 and trawling the internet for the hottest deals on them during Black Friday week to help you pick up any gems you might have pissed at the best possible price. Take a look at our recommendations below:

God of War Ragnarök

Our Score: 9.5/10

“God of War Ragnarok is a triumph. Santa Monica Studio has successfully taken everything that was great about the last game and amplified it while correcting just about every problem area and then some.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $78 PS4 / $104 PS5 at Amazon with free shipping

God Of War Ragnarok Review – A Triumph Of Godlike Proportions

Sonic Frontiers

Our Score: 7.5/10

“It’s not perfect, but it tries its heart out and I came away with warm memories of an uneven game.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $54 at Amazon with free shipping

Sonic Frontiers Review – Brave New Zone

Pokémon Scarlet/Pokémon Violet

Our Score: 7.5/10

“New ideas, some quality of life improvements, and some excellent new Pokémon designs make the trip to Paldea worthwhile.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $64 at Amazon with free shipping

Pokémon Scarlet And Violet Review – A Tantalising Lens Into The Future

The Chant

Our Score: 7.5/10

“The Chant combines a unique setting and premise with striking art direction to offer an experience that feels wholly unique as a game.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $55 at Amazon with free shipping

The Chant Review – A Surprising And Psychedelic Adventure

Bayonetta 3

Our Score: 9/10

“Bayonetta 3 successfully reinvents itself in many ways to offer an experience that feels worthy of the title of sequel.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $68 at Amazon with free shipping

Bayonetta 3 Review – An Experience You Won’t Forgetta

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

Our Score: 7/10

“As a sequel to the Modern Warfare reboot, Modern Warfare 2 feels like both a celebration of the series’ original trilogy as well as “the team” at its core.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $89 at JB Hi-Fi

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Campaign Review – Playing It Safe

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Our Score: 8.5/10

“Smart iteration on established mechanics and pitch-perfect pacing lead the way to a journey across some breathtaking locales that ups the ante in nearly every way by its shocking conclusion.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $65 at Amazon with free shipping

A Plague Tale: Requiem Review – A Provencial Tail

Gotham Knights

Our Score: 7.5/10

“Gotham Knights is both something different and something familiar for Batman fans. While the new role-playing elements create some pacing issues throughout the story, the breadth of abilities and ease of progression stop the experience from being as tedious as it could have been.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping (or $54 from UK store)

Gotham Knights Review – Batman Without Batman

Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope

Our Score: 9/10

“While Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a markedly different game than Kingdom Battle, it’s a more than worthy sequel that successfully steps into its own space within the realm of turn-based strategy. It’s undoubtedly one of the best games on the Switch, and one of the best showings from Ubisoft in recent years.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $69 at JB Hi-Fi with bonus Steelbook

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Review – An Adventure Worth Raving About

Splatoon 3

Our Score: 8.5/10

“This is the most feature-complete and tightly designed Splatoon to date, and you’d be missing out if you choose to pass it up.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Splatoon 3 Review – A Splattin’ Good Time

The Last of Us Part I

Our Score: 9/10

“The Last Of Us: Part I is without doubt the most definitive version of The Last of Us on the market.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $69 at Amazon with free shipping

The Last Of Us Part I Review – Makes Every Shot Count

Saints Row

Our Score: 7/10

“The new Saints Row doesn’t break any new ground, however it’s still a relatively fun time. If you’re a fan of the series, there’s no reason not to give this one a spin.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 Day One Edition at Amazon with free shipping
• $49 Criminal Customs Edition at JB Hi-Fi

Saints Row Review – An Enjoyable Reboot

Two Point Campus

Our Score: 8/10

“Two Point Campus is another excellent entry from Two Point Studios that showcases not only more of the team’s penchant for humorous and accessible management sim gameplay but genuine love for the genre.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $27 at Amazon with free shipping

Two Point Campus Review – A New Twist On Management Sims

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Our Score: 8/10

“Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is stylish, intriguing, super fun, and well worth checking out for RPG fans.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Review – A Darker Expansive Adventure

Stray

Our Score: 9/10

“Stray is a brisk and relentlessly charming adventure that offers a very unique window into a gorgeous sci-fi world. It won’t challenge your mind or your reflexes too much but it’ll absolutely delight your senses. Importantly, it’s a video game with a dedicated ‘meow’ button, and what could possibly be better than that?”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $32 on the PlayStation Store (free for PS Plus Extra Subscribers)

Stray Review – A Meow-mentous Adventure

Mario Strikers: Battle League Football

Our Score: 7.5/10

“Mario Strikers: Battle League is a fun time that is easy enough for anybody to pickup and play but still with enough depth to mean it should keep players engaged for a long period of time.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $53 at Amazon with free shipping

Mario Strikers: Battle League Football Review – Full Of Personality

Nintendo Switch Sports

Our Score: 7.5/10

“Nintendo Switch Sports feels familiar, yet still remains fun after all these years, especially when played with groups of friends.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $54 at Amazon with free shipping

Nintendo Switch Sports Review – Still A Fun Time

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Our Score: 8.5/10

“I’ve been around the block(s) with TT’s games for some 15 years now, and this is without a doubt the best thing they’ve ever snapped together. If you’re a gamer who’s young or young-at-heart-container, I’d be very surprised if this didn’t instantly click with you.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 at Amazon with free shipping

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Review – Feel The Co-Op Within You

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

Our Score: 8/10

“While Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands doesn’t offer a vastly different experience from what came before, it does venture outside of its comfort zone enough to establish its own identity. It’s an excellent extension of the already great Assault On Dragon Keep, and is a worthwhile adventure for any fan of the series, with extensive build crafting, an entertaining cast of characters, and a world worth exploring.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $28 at Amazon with free shipping

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Review – More Than A One Shot Adventure

Ghostwire: Tokyo

Our Score: 7.5/10

“A compelling concept and a beautifully realised world, Ghostwire: Tokyo leverages Japanese folklore and a unique combat system to provide a unique open-world experience.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $19 at Amazon with free shipping
• $19 at JB Hi-Fi with bonus gift pack

Ghostwire: Tokyo Review – A Dense And Wild Tour

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Our Score: 8.5/10

“Kirby and the Forgotten Land takes the Kirby franchise to new heights in new and interesting ways.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Kirby And The Forgotten Land Review – A Decent Step Forward

Gran Turismo 7

Our Score: 9/10

“Gran Turismo 7 is a car-lover’s dream. Whether you love cars already or have just started your journey into being a car person, GT7 wants to welcome you to the community with open arms, get you up to speed and give you everything it can to help you enjoy cars in whatever ways it’s able.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 at Amazon with free shipping

Gran Turismo 7 Review – Approachable Simulation

Elden Ring

Our Score: 9.5/10

“Elden Ring is without a doubt, FromSoft’s most ambitious undertaking yet, and like Dark Souls before it, I believe it will leave a permanent mark on both the open-world genre and the games industry in general.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $81 at Amazon with free shipping

Elden Ring Review – A Formula Perfected

Horizon Forbidden West

Our Score: 10/10

“Horizon Forbidden West is an exceedingly clever sequel, a deep and addictive action RPG, a dense world that unfolds with an impeccable sense of pace, a visual tour de force and the masterful delivery of a promising concept.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 at Amazon with free shipping

Horizon Forbidden West Review – An Exceedingly Clever Sequel

Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Our Score: 8/10

“Dying Light 2 Stay Human is a solid step-up from Dying Light in almost every way.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $39 at Amazon with free shipping

Dying Light 2 Stay Human Review – A Fluid & Frenetic Adventure

POKEMON LEGENDS ARCEUS

Our Score: 8/10

“While it might not provide the visual fidelity and exploration we might wish for in an open-world-esque Pokémon game, it does provide a satisfying and addicting gameplay loop, alongside a surprisingly enjoyable narrative to boot.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $59 at Amazon with free shipping

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Review – The Evolution We’ve Been Waiting For

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Our Score: 9.5/10

“Naughty Dog’s finest shine on the PS5 hardware and if you haven’t played these games, you’re in for an absolute treat, and if you’re returning to these games, you can expect to be blown away all over again, if not for the enhanced visuals alone.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $28 at Amazon with free shipping

Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection Review – A Visual Delight

FIFA 23

Our Score: 8/10

“This year’s FIFA is a comprehensive package for football fans thanks to HyperMotion 2, big reworks to FIFA Ultimate Team and the introduction of the FA Women’s Super League and the French Division 1 Feminine.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 PS4/Xbox Series X, $44 PS4/XB1 or $29 Switch at Amazon with free shipping

FIFA 23 Review – A Much Needed Refresh

NBA 2K23

Our Score: 8/10

“Refinements to core aspects of NBA 2K23’s gameplay make for some of the most fluid and enjoyable action seen in some years, and it’s all capped off with the excellent Jordan Challenge.”

The best Black Friday deal:

• $49 PS5/Series X or $39 PS4/XB1 at Amazon with free shipping

NBA 2K23 Review – A Solid Step Forward

For more Black Friday deals, visit our hub HERE.

The post Our Favourite Games Of 2022 To Pick Up During Black Friday Sales appeared first on Press Start.

It sounds like we won’t see a wholly new generation of PlayStation or Xbox consoles any sooner than 2028.

That’s according to newly-released documents pertaining to the ongoing review in the UK into Microsoft’s proposed $68bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard. A particular section in the documents describes Sony’s dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s terms for how far into the future it plans to offer new Call of Duty releases to PlayStation customers.

Calling the terms “badly inadequate”, Sony argues that the offer of a 2027 cut-off for PlayStation support from the Call of Duty franchise would mean that the series would not debut at all on the next generation of PlayStation consoles and thus encourage customers to switch platforms. Sony seemingly names a year for when it expects next generation hardware to launch, which is redacted in the public version of the documents, but it’s fairly easy to infer from the rest of the statement that said year would be 2028 at the earliest:

Sony referred to a next generation of PlayStation console in its CMA response, with the suggested year of release being redacted

This was in a passage where it was referring to losing access to CoD after 2027, with higher potential for platform switching

PlayStation 6 in 2028? pic.twitter.com/f7govC8R7A

— Piers Harding-Rolls (@PiersHR) November 23, 2022

According to a report from VGC, Microsoft’s accompanying response to the Competition and Markets Authority and Sony’s arguments echoes this timeline, with the Xbox manufacturer saying,

“The Parties [Microsoft and Activision] do not dispute that some portion of gamers are likely to re-assess their console ownership at the start of a new generation. But they also note that this is an event that only occurs approximately every eight years. I[n]need the next new generation of consoles are not expected to be released before the fall of 2028 at the very earliest.”

A seven-to-eight-year console cycle certainly isn’t anything new, the PS4 and Xbox One both launched in 2013 with the PS5 and Xbox Series X releasing just two years ago in November 2020. The discussion also seemingly relates to a complete generational leap and not a mid-gen refresh that could see slimmed-down and/or more powerful versions of the machines released.

The post Sony And Microsoft Aren’t Expecting To Have New Consoles Out Before 2028 appeared first on Press Start.

CD Projekt RED has finally lifted the lid on its much-awaited “next-gen” update to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

The update, which is totally free to existing owners of the game, is coming on December 14th and brings a host of new visual features to the game.

On the PC side, players are getting a new Ultra+ detail setting, ray-tracing features, FSR/DLSS, a new SSR solution, dynamic resolution scaling and more. On PS5 and Xbox Series X the ray-tracing, ambient occlusion, SSR, FSR and dynamic resolution features carry across with a choice of two modes – a ray-traced Quality mode in 30fps and a 60fps Performance mode. PS5 players will also benefit from haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support.

The game itself will also receive quite a few new content updates including a dedicated Photo Mode, new camera options, UI improvements, cross-saves, new quests and gear inspired by the Netflix series and more. A gorgeous two-minute trailer for the update is below, but if you’re keen to learn even more then check out the 30-minute breakdown from some of the development team right here.

The post Here’s The First Proper Look At The Witcher 3’s Next-Gen Update appeared first on Press Start.

Gungrave G.O.R.E. looks like it would have a heap of ingredients for a great game. Stylish gunplay, slick combos, a cool early-2000’s era property and mountains of bad guys to deal with – it almost sounds like Devil May Cry with a heavier focus on gunplay. I wish that were the case. While there is some fun to be found in developer Iggymob’s Gungrave G.O.R.E., it thoroughly outstays it’s welcome and ends up being a tedious, repetitive experience.

The setting is classic video game – you play as Grave, an undead near invulnerable soldier wielding dual pistols and a giant coffin for close-range bashing. You’re introduced to a series of mob bosses in an opening scene and then let loose to beat them one by one, area by area. It’s a story that harkens back to an earlier time in games, mostly serving as an excuse to blast a bunch of guys.

And blast you will. I hope you’re not prone to RSI symptoms if you want to play Gungrave because you’ll spend nearly the entire time pulling the right trigger to repeatedly blast wave after colour coded wave of bad guys the levels throw at you. There are a couple of neat systems that help make things a bit more engaging than just mindless blasting. There’s a ‘Beat’ meter which tracks your consecutive landed attacks while contributing both to your end of level score and your Demolition meter. Demolition moves use this meter to pull off flashy attacks which do big damage and refill some lost health.

You have a shield which recharges if you avoid damage long enough and you can help boost it back up by performing an execution move on a stunned enemy, Doom-style. This can be combined with a whip that you can use to pull stunned enemies to you, or zip yourself to them as a way to move around the battlefield. You’ll gradually unlock more close-combat moves which can be used to break enemies with shields, as well as Destruction moves and general character stat boosts like extra health and gun damage.

Even with this variety of actions and unlocks though, I found the game stopped being all that interesting after the first few levels. Each factory, warehouse and city street setting begins to blend into the next – to the point where it felt like a breath of fresh air once I reached a level with some vegetation. But more than the repetitive environments, the repetitive enemies and combat encounters really began to grate well before getting to the end. New enemy types are introduced so gradually, and half the time don’t really demand a different method of play to anything you’ve encountered before. Mash the trigger, use the Destruction moves as they charge, and dodge when you can.

Every time I played I got the distinct impression that the Gungrave G.O.R.E. needs a bunch more polish. I found some consistent bugs through my play through like a door that was supposed to open after an encounter just… not opening. Walking into a room, being blasted back through the door just as it automatically closed so I was stuck in a hallway until I restarted from the checkpoint. Music that doesn’t loop properly, instead just reaches the end of a track and begins again. And maybe most annoyingly, cut scene audio was consistently blown out. Volume was considerably higher than the regular game audio with voices sounding like they’d been amplified to within an inch of their life. This persisted even after closing and re-opening the game. Level and encounter design was messy as well. Bosses that are just sudden difficulty spikes, and some regular level encounters just threw an unreasonable amount of tanky enemies in an extremely uninteresting attempt at creating difficulty.

Having done some research on the original 2002 Gungrave game, it makes me wish Iggymob had borrowed from it’s cel-shaded anime-like visual style. While G.O.R.E. looks technically impressive, it definitely doesn’t have the same personality with it’s lightly stylised visuals. On PS5 it held up a consistent 60 frames per second in performance mode even with waves of enemies and objects in the scene breaking all over the place. There’s a quality mode which turns on ray-tracing at the expense of a 30-fps cap, but

I found the less fluid movement didn’t suit an action-focused game like this. I didn’t do any Digital Foundry style pixel counting, but in performance mode everything was super sharp on a 4K display. Things can look pretty spectacular when you’ve got the environment smashing around you, enemies coming from all directions and shots flying every which way – it’s just a shame the environments and enemies are so repetitive and soulless.

There is absolutely some fun to be found in Gungrave G.O.R.E. The over-the-top combat is spectacular to watch at times, and blasting at waves of various colour coded enemies is definitely fun for a while. Sadly, it is only a short while. For the majority of my 7-ish hours of play time I just found myself going through the motions. The story didn’t do much to invest me in the world and the environments and enemies were just so repetitive.

The post Gungrave G.O.R.E. Review – Two Tickets to the Gun Show appeared first on Press Start.

Amazon currently has a great deal on 1TB & 2TB PS5 compatible Samsung SSDs. The 1TB SSD is down to $175 and 2TB is down to $315. 

• PS5 compatible 2TB Samsung 980 Pro – $315
• PS5 compatible 1TB Samsung 980 Pro – $175

Just as a reminder, these SSDs will add to the internal 825GB PS5 slot via an empty slot under your PS5 face plate and will allow you to add another 2TB of storage to your PS5 so that you can store and play even more PS5 games. With 7000/5000MB/s speeds and a heatsink built in, this is the perfect SSD for your PS5.

AMAZON BLACK FRIDAY BARGAINS

• Get $5 bonus credit when you spend $75 on an Amazon gift card
• $10 bonus credit when you buy certain gift cards.

HARDWARE

• Xbox Series S – $399 ($100 off)
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – $583 (14% off)
• PS5 Disc Edition + God Of War Ragnarok (Code) – $904 with free shipping
• PS5 Digital Edition – $649
• PS5 Disc Edition + Horizon Forbidden West (Cost) – $894 with free shipping
• Nintendo Switch Lite – $248
• Up to 50% off LEGO
• Big savings on LG Monitors
• Big savings on Lenovo monitors
• NVIDIA Shield TV Pro 4K – $239
• Nintendo Switch OLED – $479
• PS5 compatible 2TB Samsung 980 Pro – $315
• PS5 compatible 1TB Samsung 980 Pro – $175
• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• DualSense Wireless Controller $99
• PS5 HD Camera – $89 (11% off)
• PS5 Media Remote – $39 (6% off)
• Pulse 3D Headset – $119 (26% off)

GAMES

• Gotham Knights – $59 or ($54 from UK store)
• Sonic Frontiers – $54
• FIFA 23 – $49
• A Plague Tale Requiem – $64
• Saints Row – $49
• Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands – $28
• LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga – $48
• New Tales From The Borderlands – $48
• The Quarry – $39
• NBA 2K23 – $49
• The Diofield Chronicle – $70
• Watch Dogs Legion – $21
• Two Point Campus – $27
• Far Cry 6 – $28
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – $28
• Super Mario Party – $54
• Animal Crossing New Horizons – $54
• New Pokemon Snap – $58
• Pokemon Shining Pearl – $52
• Nintendo Switch Sports – $54
• Super Smash Bros Ultimate – $64
• Mario Strikers Battle League. – $53
• New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe – $54
• Fire Emblem THree Houses – $58
• Hyrule Warriors Age Of Calamity
• Dying Light 2 – $39
• The Last Of Us Part 1 – $69 (45% off)
• Horizon Forbidden West – $49 (61% off)
• Gran Turismo 7 – $49 (61% off)
• SIFU – $32
• Deathloop – $25
• Returnal – $57.95 (54% off)
• Destruction AllStars – $19.45 (51% off)
• Demon’s Souls – $52.95 (58% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales – $39 (51% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate – $69 (45% off)
• The Nioh Collection – $55.95 (55% off)
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – $49 (61% off)
• Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut – $49 (52% off)
• Death Stranding Director’s Cut – $28.45 (64% off)
• Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection – $28 (65% off)
• Sackboy A Big Adventure – $40.95 (63% off)

• Marvel’s Spider-Man – $20 (56% off)
• Ratchet & Clank – $8 (48% off)
• Infamous Second Son – $8 (60% off)
• LittleBigPlanet 3 – $8 (48% off)
• Killzone: Shadow Fall – $8 (46% off)
• Until Dawn – $8 (52% off)
• Death Stranding – $$19.45 (65% off)
• God Of War 3 Remastered – $8 (42% off)
• God of War – $8 (40% off)
• Gran Turismo Sport – $8 (40% off)
• The Last of Us Part 2 – $14 (65% off)
• Predator Hunting Grounds – $24.45 (56% off)
• Ghost of Tsushima – $20.95 (64% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales – $39 (39% off)
• Sackboy A Big Adventure – $40 (60% off)
• Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut – $38.95 (65% off)

SMART HOME/TECH

• SteelSeries Apex PRo TKL – $223
• SteelSeries Prime Mini Mouse – $41
• SteelSeries AcK Large Mousepad – $16
• SteelSeries Arctis 9 Headset – $214
• SteelSeries Arctis Pro Headset – $159
• SteelSeries Arctis 3 Headset – $82
• NVIDIA Shield TV Pro 4K – $239
• Big savings on Ring + Echo security bundles
• Save up to 32% off Bose headphones
• 31% off Kindle Paperwhite
• Two Echo Dots for $58
• Save on EERO Mesh Wi-Fi routers
• Philips Hue 55″ TV Gradient Light Strip – $292
• Philips Hue 65″ TV Gradient Light Strip – $351
• Philips Hue HDMI TV Sync Box – $399
• Philips Hue Play Base Kit – $71
• Philpis Hue Play Extension – $69
• Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip 5 Metre – $199
• Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip 2 Metre – $139

5 (58% off)

• Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales – $39 (51% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate – $69 (45% off)
• The Nioh Collection – $55.95 (55% off)
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – $49 (61% off)
• Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut – $49 (52% off)
• Death Stranding Director’s Cut – $28.45 (64% off)
• Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection – $28 (65% off)
• Sackboy A Big Adventure – $40.95 (63% off)

• Marvel’s Spider-Man – $20 (56% off)
• Ratchet & Clank – $8 (48% off)
• Infamous Second Son – $8 (60% off)
• LittleBigPlanet 3 – $8 (48% off)
• Killzone: Shadow Fall – $8 (46% off)
• Until Dawn – $8 (52% off)
• Death Stranding – $$19.45 (65% off)
• God Of War 3 Remastered – $8 (42% off)
• God of War – $8 (40% off)
• Gran Turismo Sport – $8 (40% off)
• The Last of Us Part 2 – $14 (65% off)
• Predator Hunting Grounds – $24.45 (56% off)
• Ghost of Tsushima – $20.95 (64% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales – $39 (39% off)
• Sackboy A Big Adventure – $40 (60% off)
• Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut – $38.95 (65% off)

SMART HOME/TECH

• SteelSeries Apex PRo TKL – $223
• SteelSeries Prime Mini Mouse – $41
• SteelSeries AcK Large Mousepad – $16
• SteelSeries Arctis 9 Headset – $214
• SteelSeries Arctis Pro Headset – $159
• SteelSeries Arctis 3 Headset – $82
• NVIDIA Shield TV Pro 4K – $239
• Big savings on Ring + Echo security bundles
• Save up to 32% off Bose headphones
• 31% off Kindle Paperwhite
• Two Echo Dots for $58
• Save on EERO Mesh Wi-Fi routers
• Philips Hue 55″ TV Gradient Light Strip – $292
• Philips Hue 65″ TV Gradient Light Strip – $351
• Philips Hue HDMI TV Sync Box – $399
• Philips Hue Play Base Kit – $71
• Philpis Hue Play Extension – $69
• Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip 5 Metre – $199
• Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip 2 Metre – $139

The post Here’s A Cracking PS5 SSD Deal appeared first on Press Start.

The PlayStation Store’s digital Black Friday deals have gone live, with hundreds of titles discounted.

The deals cover a wide variety of games, including a ton of PS5-only or cross-gen titles and bundles. Some of the pricing isn’t quite as sharp as retail deals for physical versions of the games will be over the coming week, but for anyone out there rocking a digital-only PS5 there’s never been a better time to grab a bunch of hot titles.

There are some good recent releases in the mix too, such as the the excellent A Plague Tale: Requiem for 20% off, The Quarry for half price and Gotham Knights for 40% off.

It’s worth noting a lot of the titles in this year’s sale are also included in the PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe subscription tiers.

Luckily there’s also currently 25% off PlayStation Plus subscriptions, including the upgraded tiers!

You can see the whole sale here, but we’ve highlighted some of the juiciest deals below:

PS5/Cross-Gen Games

• Gotham Knights – $65.97 (40% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales – $47.47 (50% off)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales Ultimate Edition – $77.46 (38% off)
• Stray – $31.96 (20% off)
• Cyberpunk 2077 – $34.97 (50% off)
• Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition – $29.97 (50% off)
• NBA 2K23 – $59.97 (50% off)
• FIFA 23 – $65.97 (40% off)
• Gran Turismo 7 – $77.46 (38% off)
• Horizon Forbidden West – $77.46 (38% off)
• The Last of Us Part I – $93.71 (25% off)
• A Plague Tale: Requiem – $79.96 (20% off)
• F1 22 – $54.97 (50% off)
• The Quarry – $54.97 (50% off)
• Dying Light 2 Stay Human – $48.97 (50% off)
• Sniper Elite 5 – $50.97 (50% off)
• Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut – $62.47 (50% off)
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Ragnarök Edition – $52.48 (65% off)
• LEGO Stars Wars: The Skywalker Saga – $44.97 (50% off)
• Ratchet & Clank: Rife Apart – $62.47 (50% off)
• Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection – $29.98 (60% off)
• It Takes Two – $23.98 (60% off)
• Death Stranding Director’s Cut – $29.98 (60% off)
• Disney Dreamlight Valley – $35.96 (20% off)
• Cult of the Lamb – $30.36 (20% off)
• Sifu – $41.96 (30% off)
• Kena: Bridge of Spirits – $29.97 (50% off)
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure – $46.17 (58% off)
• Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy – $34.98 (65% off)
• Unpacking – $21.66 (30% off)

PS4 Games

• FIFA 23 – $59.97 (40% off)
• NBA 2K23 – $44.97 (55% off)
• Gran Turismo 7 – $62.67 (43% off)
• Horizon Forbidden West – $62.67 (43% off)
• F1 22 – $49.97 (50% off)
• The Last of Us Part II – $14.98 (75% off)
• The Quarry – $49.97 (50% off)
• Red Dead Redemption 2 – $29.68 (67% off)
• God of War – $12.47 (50% off)
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice GOTY Edition – $49.97 (50% off)
• Batman: Arkham Collection – $21.23 (75% off)
• Psychonauts 2 – $30.92 (66% off)
• Midnight Fight Express – $23.96 (20% off)
• Rabbids: Party of Legends – $29.97 (50% off)
• Digimon Survive – $48.96 (30% off)

Again, this is just a tiny selection of the huge number of games on sale on the PlayStation Store, so make sure to browse the rest here.

Check out all the other Black Friday sale action at our dedicated hub.

The post The PlayStation Store’s Black Friday Sale Is On Now And Has Some Tasty Deals appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation is once again offering discounted 12 month PlayStation Plus subscriptions including, for the first time, a discount on the new PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe tiers.

The discount of 25% off 12 month subscriptions applies to all tiers of PlayStation Plus and comes out as follows:

• Essential – $59.96 (normally $79.95)
• Extra – $101.21 (normally $134.95)
• Deluxe – $116.21 (normally $154.95)

The great thing about this particular iteration of the regular PS+ discount is that it also applies to anyone looking to extend their Deluxe/Extra sub or upgrade to a higher tier, making it a great opportunity to get around the new tiers if you’ve been holding off. It ends on November 28th so head here to sort yourself out with this deal.

If you need a refresher on what the new PlayStation Plus tiers involve, you can read more here or check out the list of games being added to PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe this month.

Check out all the other Black Friday sale action at our dedicated hub.

The post PlayStation Plus Subscriptions Are 25% Off Right Now Including Deluxe/Extra Tiers appeared first on Press Start.

The official “Launch Trailer” for Striking Distance Studios’ highly-anticipated sci-fi horror title, The Callisto Protocol, is here and it’s a banger.

Set to a rousing new track from Kings Elliot and featuring a great look at some of the cast with Josh Duhamel as Jacob, Karen Fukuhara as Dani and Sam Witwer as Leon, the trailer does a great job of showcasing the game’s cutscenes, enemies, environments and pieces of the narrative to expect.

Check it out below:

The trailer drops alongside the fifth episode of “The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station”, the six-part audio series leading into the game’s release that stars Gwendoline Christie and Michael Ironside and is designed to get players into the game’s world and story. Check that out here.

The Callisto Protocol releases on December 2, 2022 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC.

Amazon has the cheapest pre-orders at $74 for PS4/Xbox One and $84 for PS5/Xbox Series X with free shipping.

The post The Callisto Protocol’s Launch Trailer Is Here And It’s Looking Fantastic appeared first on Press Start.

PlayStation has dropped two new announcements with additions to its upcoming library of PlayStation VR2 titles. Both are multiplayer games coming from Japanese developer Thirdverse and are also on their way to or already available on PC VR platforms:

X8 – Coming to PC in Q1 2023 and PSVR2 soon

First up is X8, a multiplayer hero shooter in VR.

In X8, a digital cataclysm has forced a reboot of all contemporary shooters. Heroes from different FPS franchises find themselves crossing paths back to their common ancestor game engine. Players will compete across several maps to restore their source worlds and rebuild their path home. Players embody a variety of distinct heroes who battle alongside and against each other using interactive abilities and unique weapons.

Altair Breaker – Available now on PC, coming to PSVR2 soon

Thanks to the intuitive controls unique to VR, anyone can easily experience the transcendence of sword fighting actions that would be impossible in the real world, such as high-speed sword fighting moves, cutting enemies, aerial combos and wide-range special skills. Multiplayer is also available and players can team up with up to 4 people: fight together while communicating with other users all over the world by voice chat.

Interested in what other games are coming to PlayStation VR2? Here’s what we know about the launch/launch window line-up so far.

Haven’t secured a PlayStation VR2 for yourself yet? Amazon still has pre-orders available with no deposit necessary:

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)

The post Two New Multiplayer PlayStation VR2 Games Have Been Revealed appeared first on Press Start.

The launch of the PlayStation VR2 on February 22nd, 2023 is fast approaching and with pre-orders open as of this week there’s plenty of reason to be excited.

While we had the opportunity at Tokyo Game Show earlier this year to try the PSVR2 for ourselves with a demo of the excellent Resident Evil Village in VR and came away incredibly impressed with the hardware itself, one of the big questions surrounding the device has been its software offering. After all, what is a great gaming platform without great games?

Thankfully, now that the pre-order phase is in full swing we also have a slightly better idea of the titles to expect at the launch of the PlayStation VR2 and soon after. That’s in large part due to the PlayStation Store updating this week with a selection of games already available to pre-order digitally for those keen to have a library going right away.

Coming At Launch (Feb 22, 2023)

• Cities: VR – Enhanced Edition – $44.95
• Cosmonious High – $53.95
• Demeo – $59.95
• Hello Neighbour: Search and Rescue – $44.95
• Horizon Call of the Mountain – $109.95
• Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition – $75.95
• Tentacular – $37.95
• The Light Brigade – $37.95
• Zenith: The Last City – $40.95
• The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR – $59.95

Coming Later

• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution – $59.95 (March 23)
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution Payback Edition – $75.95 (March 23)
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 1 & 2 Deluxe Edition – $90.95 (March 23)
• CROSSFIRE: Sierra Squad (No date)
• Firewall Ultra (No date)
• Jurassic World Aftermath Collection (No date)

As our mates at Kotaku Australia point out, some of these are entering pretty pricey territory, especially when comparing the differences in titles that are available on competing platforms. The cost of entry for Horizon Call of the Mountain at least makes the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Bundle coming at launch a more enticing prospect!

Haven’t secured a PlayStation VR2 for yourself yet? Amazon still has pre-orders available with no deposit necessary:

• PlayStation VR2 Standard Kit – $879.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle – $959.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)
• PlayStation VR2 Charging Station – $79.95 with free shipping (no deposit needed to pre-order)

The post The First Batch Of PlayStation VR2 Games Now Have Prices And Release Dates appeared first on Press Start.

November’s PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe catalogue games are available now!

This month’s line-up includes some heavy hitters the likes of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition and more Kingdom Hearts games than you could shake a Keyblade at, plus some pretty great, underrepresented titles such as the exemplary What Remains of Edith Finch, the Aussie-made The Gardens Between, and two Earth Defense Force games.

The big and exciting draw in the Classics department this month is no less than five Ratchet & Clank games from the beginning up to the excellent Tools of Destruction, but sadly none of these will be available to Aussies as they’re part of the PS3 streaming-only selection included with PlayStation Plus Premium in regions outside of ours.

Check out the full list for the month below:

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog | Available November 15

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition (PS5/PS4)
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (PS5/PS4)
• Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX (PS4)
• Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (PS4)
• Kingdom Hearts III (PS4)
• Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory (PS4)
• Oddworld: Soulstorm – Enhanced Edition (PS5/PS4)
• Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 (PS4)
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint (PS4)
• Chorus (PS5/PS4)
• What Remains of Edith Finch (PS4)
• The Gardens Between (PS5/PS4)
• Earth Defense Force: World Brothers (PS4)
• Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain (PS4)
• Onee Chanbara Origin (PS4)

PlayStation Plus Premium | Classics | Available November 15 (Not available in Australia)

• Ratchet & Clank
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The post November’s New PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe Games Are Now Available appeared first on Press Start.

It’s been a long time coming and not without development dramas, but the new-gen update for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is nearly here!

Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, the free update is launching on December 14th, 2022 and will feature a host of visual, performance, and technical enhancements including ray tracing support, faster loading times on consoles, and even select mods integrated into the game. There will also be new content inspired by The Witcher series on Netflix.

CD Projekt Red will be covering the various updates to the game in a dedicated stream on Twitch next week, during which fans will be able to catch the first gameplay footage of the update in action:

The next-gen update for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is coming on December 14th, free for everyone who already owns the game.

For more details and gameplay reveal, tune in to REDstreams next week on https://t.co/IpFERTohi9. pic.twitter.com/fg3yfGeNih

— The Witcher (@witchergame) November 14, 2022

The update will be free to owners of any version of the game on applicable platforms, and will also be available for purchase as a new “Complete Edition” of the game – including a physical version with more details coming at a later date. Select updates as well as the Netflix-inspired content will also be coming to the last-gen versions of the game for fans that aren’t able to upgrade yet.

The post The Witcher 3 Is Finally Getting Its PS5 And Xbox Series X/S Update Next Month appeared first on Press Start.

I’ve always wondered why Sony don’t often market their TVs and consoles together, but that looks set to change with the company dropping some pretty compelling Sony Bravia + PS5 console bundles.

All three bundles include one of Sony’s 2022 HDMI 2.1 TVs as well as a PS5 console which includes Horizon Forbidden West.

SONY PERFECT FOR PLAYSTATION PS5 + TV BUNDLES

• Sony Bravia 65″ X90K LCD TV With PS5 Horizon Forbidden West Console Bundle – $2,999 AUD
• Sony Bravia 55″ A80K OLED TV With PS5 Horizon Forbidden West Console Bundle – $3,299
• Sony Bravia 65″ A80K OLED TV With PS5 Horizon Forbidden West Console Bundle – $4,299

Obviously if you’re buying any of these, you’re going to get a fantastic PS5 experience.

WE LOVE BRINGING YOU THE BEST GAMING AND TECH BARGAINS. WE MAY GET A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE THROUGH AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

The post Three ‘Perfect For PlayStation’ PS5 Console + Sony TV Bundles Have Appeared Online appeared first on Press Start.

Developers Papergames and 17ZHE Studio have announced a brand-new open-world action game titled Project: The Perciever.

The game is based on the Chinese Lao Zhuang canon, and centres around a fallen dynasty that leaves a nation in chaos. You play as the Master of Varietas, a protagonist with unique abilities that, from what we can tell in the game’s debut trailer, allow them to don different outfits based on masks that give them new strength.

Project: The Perciever will feature several ancient cities in its beautiful fantasy world, a variety of unique characters and plenty of exciting combat. From the footage it looks stunning, and definitely gives us a distinct Ghost of Tsushima vibe in its open world and swordplay, with some fantastical, Sekiro-esque elements thrown in.

A release date and release platforms have not been announced, though we know it’s at least coming to PlayStation based on the Debut Trailer’s presence on the PlayStation YouTube channel. Watch it here:

The post Project: The Perceiver Is A Chinese Open World Action Game With Heavy Sekiro And Ghost Of Tsushima Vibes appeared first on Press Start.

God of War Ragnarok has been unleashed on the world, and if you’re planning on playing or already getting stuck into it we promise you’re in for a treat.

As fans of the previous game will know, one of the great details in these titles are the casual conversations that the characters have as you’re exploring the world – especially the plethora of stories and legends that Kratos’ and Atreus’ constant companion and head-without-a-body, Mimir, has to offer.

That hasn’t changed at all in the just-released sequel, and one example that stood out to us in our time with the game isn’t as much a story from Mimir as it is his curiosity at a tale he’d heard of Kratos’ previous exploits. Events from past games throughout the series history actually come up fairly often in the game, but this one’s a tad different as it concerns a game outside of the God of War franchise.

Take a listen to a recording we grabbed during our playthrough of the game, as Mimir quizzes Kratos on his involvement in none other than the PS3’s Smash Bros-esque character platform fighter, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale:

(We couldn’t include video as this conversation came up for us during a particularly spoiler-y section of the game)

We’ve also transcribed the conversation below in case you’re unable to listen to the audio.

Mimir: I’d also heard that you once fought in a tournament.

Kratos: I fought in many contests.

Mimir: But this particular one, I heard you did battle with beasts, scoundrels, princesses, the undead, automatons and… history’s greatest musician. That’s not… that’s not true, is it?

Kratos: I would not speak of this.

Mimir: Fair enough, brother.

We also confirmed with the game’s Narrative Director, Matt Sophos, that this in fact a direct reference to PlayStation All-Stars in an interview that we’ll be publishing soon, so look forward to that!

Does this make the events of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale canon in the God of War universe? I reckon it does. Doubly so if it means that Kratos and friends could potentially pay a visit to the Ape Escape realm in future titles. We can only dream.

God of War Ragnarök is out now for PS5 and PS4. Amazon currently has the cheapest prices at $98 for PS5 and $78 for PS4.

We gave the game a 9.5/10 in our review, saying “God of War Ragnarok is a triumph. Santa Monica Studio has successfully taken everything that was great about the last game and amplified it while correcting just about every problem area and then some.”

The post God Of War Ragnarok Makes Kratos’ Appearance In PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale Canon appeared first on Press Start.

Ever since the PS5 released two years ago, the most overwhelming comment we’ve seen is that you just want consoles to be available to purchase in-store, and Big W has announced that this will finally become a reality tomorrow.

Big W will have PS5 consoles in-store on Wednesday morning in limited quantities of the God Of War Ragnarok bundle for $904. This means that you don’t need a pre-order or your name on a list, you can simply walk into a Big W and grab one before it sells out. We’ve seen the stock numbers and they’re fairly small so if you do want one, make sure you’re there early.

If heading to a store or lining up isn’t your style, Amazon also has stock of the God Of War Ragnarok PS5 console bundle for the same price with free delivery for tomorrow. You can find that HERE.

God Of War Ragnarok launches tomorrow for PS5 and PS4. Amazon currently has the cheapest prices at $98 for PS5 and $78 for PS4.

The post Big W Will Have PS5s On Shelves For The First Time Ever Today appeared first on Press Start.

In the interest of helping along anyone hoping to avoid even the most mundane of spoilers or simply here to glance at a review score in an effort to reconcile an expensive collector’s edition pre-order, I’m going to say this upfront – God of War Ragnarök is the best game of its kind that I’ve played since, well, the last one. After the significant shake-up of the series’ formula in the 2018 soft reboot it’s easy to understand a degree of hesitancy around a follow-up largely built on the same foundations. What’s important to remember though, is how good those foundations are and how much talent lives within the walls of Santa Monica Studio.

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But when it comes to the end of everything as we know it, there’s no better place to start than the beginning. God of War Ragnarök picks up some years after the end of God of War 2018 and sees the godly father-son duo of Kratos and Atreus staring down the barrel of the apocalypse after receiving the world-shattering news that (here come some spoilers for the end of that game) Atreus is, in fact, the Norse god, Loki. With the titular Ragnarök approaching, and the nine realms plunged into ‘Fimbulwinter’, the pair set out on a new journey to band together whatever gods they can find willing to oppose the likes of Odin and Thor, unite the realms and attempt to drive back Ragnarök.