Console Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Console Gaming.
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Feature: 10 N64 Games We Played In A Wondrous Alternate Timeline
This article explores a hypothetical alternate timeline where the Nintendo 64 achieved greater market success, imagining 10 games that could have been released. It speculates on potential N64 entries for series like Fire Emblem, Tekken, Metroid, and Final Fantasy, and discusses what might have been if sequels to GoldenEye 007 and Super Mario 64 were prioritized.
How the N64 and its games changed the world of gaming
This article celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64, examining its influential games and their lasting impact on the gaming industry. Despite selling fewer units than its competitor, the PlayStation, the N64 was a technical achievement that pioneered 3D graphics and gameplay mechanics, setting the foundation for many modern game design principles.
Steam Machine Is Expensive Because Valve Refuses to Be a Console Company
Valve's Steam Machine is priced at $1,049 for 512GB and $1,349 for 2TB, significantly higher than consoles like the PlayStation 5. This pricing reflects Valve's decision to treat it as a full PC rather than a subsidized console, allowing users full hardware ownership and software freedom, unlike the closed ecosystems of Sony and Microsoft.
Valve's New Steam Machine Costs Almost Twice as Much as a PS5
Valve's Steam Machine has been priced significantly higher than the PlayStation 5, with models ranging from $1,049 to $1,428. While its CPU performance can exceed the base PS5 in CPU-bound games, the PlayStation 5 generally performs better in optimized titles. The Steam Machine offers the flexibility of a PC in a smaller, quieter form factor.
Newzoo: Global games market made over $200bn in 2025
The global games market generated over $200 billion in revenue in 2025, marking a 9.1% year-on-year increase. Mobile gaming accounted for 56% of this revenue, while PC and console gaming each took 22%. China and the United States were the largest markets, contributing over half of the global spending.
The Steam Machine and GTA 6 pre-orders may happen at the same time, but it won't be on Valve's box
Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are set to go live on June 25, potentially coinciding with the release of Valve's Steam Machine. However, the highly anticipated game will not be available on PC at launch, launching instead for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19. The article speculates on potential performance for Grand Theft Auto 6 on the Steam Machine, comparing it to the base PlayStation 5's 4K 30fps capabilities.
Amid all the closures and layoffs, the global games market has apparently passed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the…
The global games market has surpassed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the first time, reaching $201.6 billion according to Newzoo, an increase of 9.1% year-on-year. Mobile gaming leads this growth, followed by PC and console gaming, despite widespread industry layoffs and studio closures. This financial success contrasts sharply with the recent difficulties faced by many companies and employees within the sector.
Microsoft's games are bigger than Xbox. So just scrap Xbox.
This article argues that Microsoft should discontinue the Xbox as a hardware platform due to its financial unsustainability and focus instead on its game development studios. The author suggests spinning off the gaming division into an independent entity to maximize revenue from its vast portfolio of games like Call of Duty and Minecraft, decoupling them from expensive console hardware.
How to Find Any Minecraft Biome Easily
This guide details the console game launch journey in 2026, covering business decisions, costs, and approval processes for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. It highlights platform-specific requirements, common rejection reasons, and the decision between in-house development or working with a specialist partner.
Games Inbox: Does the Nintendo Switch 2 have enough good games?
Readers express mixed opinions on the recent Nintendo Direct, with many finding it disappointing due to a lack of major first-party announcements and an over-reliance on ports and less popular franchises. Concerns are raised about whether the Nintendo Switch 2 has enough compelling games to justify its upcoming price increase, especially when compared to the more impactful presentations from PlayStation and Xbox.
Xbox 'console exclusives' are strictly about console releases, Xbox exec affirms: Games will 'still show up on all the normal places where we sell the PC version'
Xbox executives have clarified that 'console exclusives' specifically refer to releases on Xbox consoles, not PlayStation. Games designated as such will still be available on PC and through Xbox Cloud streaming. This strategy aims to differentiate Xbox from PlayStation by ensuring titles are not released on Sony's platform, while still leveraging the synergy between Xbox and PC.
Everything Announced at Nintendo Direct June 2026
Nintendo's June 2026 Direct presentation showcased a wide array of upcoming titles for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Key announcements included Rhythm Heaven Groove, Onimusha Way of the Sword, Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, Stellar Blade, and a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The presentation also revealed new entries in series like Fire Emblem, Ninjula, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Kingdom Hearts, alongside various ports and spin-offs.
"Our business today is not healthy": Xbox exec says plan for exclusive games is "not ready" but…
Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company's current business is "not healthy" and a new plan for exclusive games is being developed under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some games like Gears of War: E-Day will be console exclusives, live-service titles will remain multi-platform, with a clearer strategy to be communicated to players soon.
Xbox Games Showcase 2026 live report - all the news and announcements as Asha Sharma presents for the first time
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026, presented by new Xbox leader Asha Sharma, will feature announcements and news starting at 6pm UK time. While Project Helix console news is confirmed to be absent, the show will include a deep dive into the Gears of War prequel E-Day. Anticipated reveals may include Clockwork Revolution, State of Decay 3, a potential Spyro reboot, The Elder Scrolls 6, and Arkane's Blade game.
Asha Sharma commits to "resetting" Xbox, prioritising exclusivity and addressing AI in new strategy
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is implementing a new strategy focused on resetting the business, prioritizing exclusivity, and carefully integrating AI. She aims to make Xbox the leading gaming and entertainment company, addressing challenges like rising component costs and platform competition. Sharma emphasized a thoughtful approach to AI, ensuring it solves problems and enhances experiences rather than replacing AAA games.
Is Microsoft's $69 billion Activision Blizzard deal paying off? Xbox boss Asha Sharma says it's "hard to say how to think about those decisions"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed uncertainty about whether Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is paying off, noting the deal occurred before the rise of AI and during a different strategic period for Xbox. While acknowledging the immense value of franchises like Call of Duty and Candy Crush, Sharma indicated it's difficult to evaluate the decision retrospectively, suggesting potential buyer's remorse despite continued investment in the acquired assets.
Engagement Ring
An analyst suggests Call of Duty's departure from last-generation consoles has reduced its sales to the smallest install base since 2017. The article mentions PlayStation as a platform.
Should You Play GTA 6 on PS5 Pro, PS5, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S?
This article analyzes which console, including the PlayStation 5 Pro, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, offers the best experience for Grand Theft Auto 6. It considers factors like budget, desired visual fidelity, and ecosystem preference to guide potential buyers.
Forza Horizon 6 Has Sold Almost 5 Million Copies – Rumor
According to estimates from Alinea Analytics, Forza Horizon 6 has sold approximately 4.9 million copies across PC and Xbox Series X/S, generating over $325 million in revenue. Despite being available on Game Pass, the game has seen strong performance on Xbox platforms and Steam, with a significant portion of players utilizing the subscription service. A PlayStation 5 release is anticipated later this year.
Take-Two Boss Believes in the Pull of GTA 6 Even Amid Rising Cost of Console Gaming
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledges the economic challenges of rising console gaming costs but believes fans will still be drawn to Grand Theft Auto 6. He expressed confidence in the game's appeal despite the current financial climate.