Console Hardware
Ongoing coverage on Console Hardware.
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Games Inbox: Would you pay over £80 for GTA 6?
Readers discuss the potential price of Grand Theft Auto 6, with one arguing that even at £100, it offers better value than a cinema trip. Other topics include the struggles of the Xbox platform, the long wait for a new Bioshock game, and the merits of the PlayStation 5's performance upgrades. There's also excitement surrounding potential remakes for Nintendo Switch 2, including Star Fox 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Super Mario 64.
Xbox CEO introduces new boot-up sound after executive overhaul, but it sounds pretty close to the current one
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a new boot-up sound for Xbox consoles, set to arrive on May 13. While Sharma shared the sound herself, it is noted to be very similar to the current Xbox Series X/S sound. This change comes amid other executive shifts and a reported decline in Xbox hardware sales.
Yooka-Replaylee Just Confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 Performance Mode Is Real
Playtonic Games has officially confirmed support for a 'performance mode' on the unannounced Nintendo Switch 2 with the release of Yooka-Replaylee. This marks the first concrete evidence of the next-generation console's existence and capabilities, suggesting significant hardware improvements over the original Nintendo Switch. The confirmation has sparked widespread speculation about Nintendo's upcoming console reveal and its potential impact on future game development.
Every PS5 Pro Enhanced Game (So Far)
Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro, launched in November 2024, offers enhanced graphics and frame rates for compatible games, identified by a 'PS5 Pro Enhanced' label. The console features an upgraded GPU and AI-driven upscaling through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to achieve higher fidelity visuals and smoother performance, often doubling the power of the base PS5.
Nintendo GameCube is my favourite console even though I know it’s not the best - Reader's Feature
A reader shares their personal affection for the Nintendo GameCube, despite acknowledging its perceived inferiority to the Nintendo 64. The author highlights the console's unique start-up sound, exclusive WWE titles, and the contrast between family-friendly games and exclusive Resident Evil titles as reasons for their fondness.
A leaker claims Nintendo is set to release Zelda-themed limited edition Switch 2 to tie in with release
A leaker claims Nintendo is planning a limited edition The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time themed Nintendo Switch 2 console. This rumor follows speculation that the classic Nintendo 64 title is being remade for the Switch 2, potentially alongside a new Star Fox game.
Will there actually be any such thing as a Project Helix "native" game? | Opinion
Microsoft's GDC keynote revealed details about Project Helix, its next-generation Xbox hardware, which appears to be a PC-like console designed for enthusiasts. The device is expected to play PC games and back-catalog titles, blurring the lines between Xbox and Windows. Key unanswered questions revolve around third-party store integration, particularly Steam, and whether dedicated 'Helix native' games will exist, suggesting a potential shift away from console-specific software.
Xbox’s “This Is an Xbox” Campaign Vanishes From the Web
Microsoft has quietly removed its "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign from February 2024, with associated web pages now showing 404 errors. This move follows the appointment of Asha Sharma as the new CEO of Xbox, who has defended her focus on strengthening the platform. The campaign's removal comes as Xbox shifts focus towards future hardware like Project Helix and the continued availability of former exclusives such as Forza Horizon 5 on competing platforms like the PlayStation 5.
The next Xbox console, Project Helix, will 'advance the state of the art' and aims to be far superior to the…
Microsoft has revealed details about its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, which will feature a custom AMD-based SOC designed for advanced DirectX and FSR capabilities. The console aims to significantly advance the state of the art in console gaming, offering an order of magnitude improvement in ray tracing performance compared to current-gen hardware. Alpha hardware versions are expected to ship to developers in 2027.
Microsoft's next console will play PC games too, and it's currently codenamed Project Helix
Microsoft's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will be capable of playing both Xbox and PC games. Xbox boss Asha Sharma stated the console aims to lead in performance and discussed its development with partners and studios at GDC. The announcement comes amid industry-wide hardware shortages that could impact pricing and availability.
The next Xbox is codenamed Project Helix, and we hope the Xbox CEO's 'commitment to the return of Xbox'…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has revealed the codename for the company's next-generation console as 'Project Helix,' which is expected to lead in performance and play both Xbox and PC games. Rumors suggest the console, potentially a PC hybrid, is slated for a 2027 release, aiming to compete with high-end PCs and current-generation consoles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal – Excited? Disappointed? A Little of Both. – Geeky Sweetie
The author expresses mixed feelings about the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, finding some new games exciting but lamenting the prevalence of remasters and ports. Disappointment is particularly noted regarding the lack of new cozy games like Animal Crossing, despite appreciation for the hardware improvements and features like voice chat. While still planning to preorder, the author hopes for more original and exclusive titles in the future.
MMO Week in Review: The clock strikes Midnight
This week's MMO news roundup covers the early access launch of World of Warcraft: Midnight, BitCraft entering its second early access phase, and Gamigo reviving Gloria Victis. The article also touches on layoffs at Corepunk, Discord's postponed age verification rollout, and various updates and issues across numerous other MMO titles.
Is the Xbox ending? Don’t count on it yet
Despite predictions of its demise, the Xbox brand is undergoing a strategic course correction rather than a shutdown. New leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma, emphasizes a renewed commitment to core players and console hardware, moving away from a solely services-focused approach. While recent revenue drops and executive changes have fueled speculation, Microsoft's significant investments in studios and Game Pass suggest a continued focus on hardware and its dedicated player base.
Sony could delay PS6 release to 2028 or 2029 as AI-driven shortage sends consumer tech companies scrambling for memory chips
Sony is reportedly considering delaying the PlayStation 6 release to 2028 or 2029 due to a global memory chip shortage, exacerbated by AI data center demand. This potential delay impacts consumer tech companies and Nintendo is also considering a price increase for its consoles. Despite a decrease in PlayStation 5 hardware unit sales, software revenue reached a record high.
