PlayStation 2
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for PlayStation 2.
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Devil May Cry remake on the way claims insider ahead of 25th anniversary
A new rumor suggests Capcom is developing a remake of the original Devil May Cry, reportedly using the RE Engine and being far along in development. This speculation comes as the franchise approaches its 25th anniversary in August 2026, a date that could coincide with a potential reveal, possibly at Gamescom.
The Real Reason Modern Games Take So Long to Make
Modern AAA games take longer to develop due to escalating ambition, player expectations, and increased complexity in asset creation and quality assurance, despite advancements in development tools. Studios like Remedy Entertainment, Insomniac Games, and FromSoftware achieve faster development cycles through discipline, constraint, reuse, and efficient organizational structures, contrasting with the tendency for overreach in larger productions. The article also touches on the potential impact of generative AI on future game production.
Weekend Discussion - June 20, 2026
This article is a weekend discussion piece from Shacknews, featuring various segments and reader engagement prompts. It highlights the staff's commitment to original content creation, free from generative AI, and includes personal anecdotes about gaming history and preferences from one of the writers.
Opinion: 30 Years On, I've Finally Come Around On The N64 Pad
After initially disliking the Nintendo 64 controller, the author has come to appreciate its unique design after revisiting it through the Nintendo Switch Online app. While acknowledging its unconventional nature compared to modern controllers, the author finds the N64 pad works well for the games it was designed for and has become a favorite.
Tetsuya Nomura calls Kingdom Hearts his lifelong work
Tetsuya Nomura has stated that the Kingdom Hearts franchise has become his life's work, a journey he never anticipated would be so long since its PlayStation 2 debut. He believes there is still significant potential and longevity within the series.
Final Fantasy X 25th Anniversary Fan Art Project Starts
Square Enix has launched a worldwide Final Fantasy X 25th Anniversary Fan Art Project, inviting fans to submit digital and physical artwork based on the game and its characters. The submission period runs from June 19, 2026, to July 31, 2026, with selected pieces to be shared online. This follows a similar fan art project for Final Fantasy IX in 2025, and a remaster collection including Final Fantasy X and X-2 is also set to release on Nintendo Switch and other platforms on July 23, 2026.
After almost 25 years, Metal Gear Solid 2 players are still finding secrets: "This is the kind of stuff somebody posts on an online forum in 2005 and no one believes it"
Players are still discovering hidden secrets in Metal Gear Solid 2 nearly 25 years after its release, with a recent find on Reddit detailing a specific interaction involving a falling pipe. This discovery highlights the game's intricate level of detail, which continues to impress long-time fans and showcases the enduring legacy of Hideo Kojima's design.
Persona 4 Revival Broadcast Shows Characters and Combat
The Atlus Persona 4 Revival Broadcast showcased gameplay featuring characters and combat, along with new music. The presentation highlighted streamlined combat mechanics like the Prime Time ability and a Guard function to stun enemies. Persona 4 Revival is set to release on February 18, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, with a demo event planned for July 2026 in Japan.
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Several individuals share their gaming plans for the midsummer weekend, including titles like UFC 6, XCOM, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and 007. Guitaroo Man is also highlighted as being available on PlayStation 5 via PS Plus Premium.
The Switch 2 Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster includes a stunning limited slip-cover, if you've got an Amazon…
A new Nintendo Switch version of Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster will be released on July 27 in Japan for $43, featuring a limited 25th Anniversary slipcover with new artwork. This collector's edition is not yet available physically in the US or UK, requiring import and potentially incurring additional shipping and customs fees. The game itself is a game-key card release, necessitating a 30GB download.
Fan Favorite 2025 PS5 Adventure Game Half Price on PS Store
Microids is offering Syberia Remastered, a PS5 remaster of the 2002 adventure game, at a 50% discount on the PlayStation Store until July 2. The game, originally released for PC and later ported to PlayStation 2 and 3, features modernized gameplay and reimagined puzzles.
Ayaneo is teasing a sequel to its lavish retro handheld, and it feels like a belated GBA 25th anniversary gift
Ayaneo is teasing a successor to its retro handheld, the Pocket Micro 2, which will be 52% larger with improved ergonomics, battery life, and a Qualcomm chipset. While specific details and visuals are scarce, the company hints at a modern remake of a classic handheld, potentially resembling the Game Boy Advance. The device aims to offer enhanced performance for emulation enthusiasts, though its premium pricing may position it above cheaper alternatives.
New PlayStation Patent Describes Controllers With Buttons That Can Soften and Harden on Demand
Sony has patented new controller technology that allows face buttons to dynamically change hardness and texture in real-time, offering enhanced tactile feedback for gameplay. The patent describes using magnetoviscoelastic materials or fluid-filled membranes to mimic in-game events like finger grabs or environmental interactions. This technology also has potential applications for accessibility, adapting button feedback for various body parts.
Some English Persona 4 Revival Voice Actors Revealed
Atlus has revealed five English voice actors for the upcoming Persona 4 Revival, all of whom are new to their respective roles. The cast includes Anne Yatco as Chie Satonaka, Ari Thrash as Marie, Paul Castro Jr. as Yosuke Hanamura, Nazeeh Tarsha as Yu Narukami, and Brianna Knickerbocker as Yukiko Amagi. Persona 4 Revival is set to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC on February 18, 2027.
PS Plus Premium's Brilliant PS2 Classic Gitaroo Man Arrives with Full Trophy Support
The PlayStation 2 rhythm adventure game Gitaroo Man has been added to PlayStation Plus Premium with full Trophy support for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Developed by Koei Tecmo and Liona Interactive (formerly iNiS), the game features 21 Trophies, including a platinum, for players to earn by achieving high ranks and completing stages without missing notes. This addition provides a classic gaming experience with modern incentive for trophy hunters.
Stuntman Hollywood Hands-on Preview - Lights, camera, action!
Stuntman Hollywood revives the classic stunt driving series with a focus on cinematic movie set challenges and precision driving. The game will feature licensed IP from Universal Pictures and NBCUniversal, including Fast & Furious and Earthquake, alongside original content. It is set to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
2 New PS Plus Extra, Premium Games Available to Download Now
Sony has added new games to its PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers for June 2024, with a staggered release schedule for the UK, USA, and Japan. Titles now available include Final Fantasy 16 for PlayStation 5 and the PS2 rhythm game Gitaroo Man. Future additions include Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure.
Lost SEGA Rally Nintendo DS prototype discovered after 20 years
A prototype of a SEGA Rally game for the Nintendo DS, developed by DC Studios around 20 years ago, has been discovered by a game preservation group. The project was never completed for unknown reasons and would have been the second SEGA Rally title on a Nintendo platform, following SEGA Rally Championship on Game Boy Advance.
Final Fantasy 11 is one of the greatest MMOs of our time
This article reflects on the enduring legacy of Final Fantasy XI, an MMO nearing its 20th anniversary. Despite its age and a complex login process, the game's design fostered cooperation and friendship, setting it apart from modern, more frictionless MMOs. The author explores the game's unique job system and the challenges of returning to a once-beloved world that has significantly changed.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, more
Famitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.
