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I've been playing the kid-friendly console that outsold the PS5 last November, now it's back for Prime Day
The Nex Playground, a kid-friendly motion-controlled console, achieved significant sales success, even outselling the PlayStation 5 during one week in November. While the hardware is priced at $299, its core value lies in the optional Play Pass subscription, which unlocks a library of over 50 games including licensed titles like Bluey and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The article questions the transparency of the subscription model and the long-term viability of the company.
Japan: Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions get price hike on 1st July
Nintendo has announced that prices for its Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan, and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriptions will increase starting July 1st. The company apologized to users for any inconvenience caused by the price adjustment.
The Future of Consoles: What to Expect from the Next Generation of Xbox
Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox platform, codenamed Project Helix, which aims to unify the Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems. This future console will emphasize cloud gaming, artificial intelligence for enhanced experiences and performance, and maintain backward compatibility. The strategy suggests a shift towards a flexible, multi-device gaming environment rather than a traditional, single-purpose console.
2 More June 2026 PS Plus Extra Games Available to Download Now
PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers in the USA, UK, and Japan can now download Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure. Sony is experimenting with a staggered release of monthly games for these regions, a method that has received negative feedback. Additional titles like Farming Simulator 25, Blades of Fire, and Black Desert are also scheduled for release later in June.
Free PS Plus Premium Being Offered to Select PS5 Players
Sony Interactive Entertainment is offering a limited, free one-week trial of PlayStation Plus Premium to select PlayStation 5 players who have never subscribed before. The offer requires redemption by July 5th, and users are advised to disable auto-renewal and remove payment information to avoid unexpected charges.
Ori Studio Head Says Game Pass Would Have Worked if Xbox Could “Understand What’s a Good Game”
Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler believes Xbox Game Pass could have succeeded if Microsoft had focused on quality over quantity, comparing it unfavorably to premium streaming services. He criticized Xbox's first-party output, citing Starfield as an example of a game that failed to meet the potential of its predecessor, and suggested that Xbox leadership needs a better understanding of what constitutes a "good game" to truly connect with gamers.
Halo: Campaign Evolved announces restrictive PS5 account requirements for multiplayer
Halo: Campaign Evolved will require PlayStation 5 players to link their PlayStation accounts to a Microsoft account and maintain an active PlayStation Plus subscription for both online and offline multiplayer. This requirement, mandated by either Sony or Microsoft, is a notable restriction for a paid PlayStation Plus subscription. The game will launch on June 29th, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, featuring only the main campaign and three prequel missions, with no plans for additional content or competitive multiplayer modes.
Sony Aims to Drive PS Plus Profits by 'Improving Service Proposition'
Sony achieved record profitability for its gaming division in the past fiscal year, with PlayStation Plus being a significant contributor. The company aims to further drive profits by enhancing user engagement, improving the service proposition and content, and encouraging users to upgrade to higher subscription tiers.
Halo: Campaign Evolved PS5 players will require an Xbox account and gamertag to play – as well as PS Plus to play split-screen co-op
Players will need an Xbox account and gamertag to play Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5, regardless of platform, to ensure smooth cross-platform progression. Additionally, PlayStation 5 players will require a PlayStation Plus subscription linked to a Microsoft account for split-screen and online co-op play.
Halo Campaign Evolved's PS5 port has strict split-screen co-op requirements: both players need PSN memberships and…
The upcoming PlayStation 5 port of Halo: Campaign Evolved will require both players to have PlayStation Plus memberships for split-screen and online co-op, a stricter requirement than on Xbox Series X|S. Players on all platforms will need a Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag for cross-platform progression. The game also features dynamic difficulty scaling based on player count.
Halo PS5 Backtracks PS Plus Co-Op Demands, Says They Were a Mistake
Developer Halo Studios has backtracked on its previous statement, clarifying that Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5 will not require a PlayStation Plus membership for local split-screen co-op. While each player will need a PlayStation account and a linked Microsoft account, the PS Plus subscription is no longer mandatory for offline co-op play, a change that has been met with significant player criticism.
Uproar as Halo PS5 Demands 2 PS Plus Subscriptions for Local Co-Op
Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5 is facing backlash for requiring two PlayStation Plus subscriptions for local split-screen co-op, despite being an offline mode. Players also need separate Microsoft accounts linked to their PSN profiles. This requirement is unusual for PS5 local co-op titles and has led to significant player criticism and discussion about whether Microsoft or Sony is responsible for the policy.
Here's What's Leaving the PS Plus Library in July 2026
Sony's PlayStation Plus library will remove several titles in July 2026, including Risk of Rain 2, Tropico 6, and Roki. Players have a limited time to access these games before they are no longer available.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
EA SPORTS FC 26 is now available on EA Play, allowing subscribers to access the game. This move is part of Electronic Arts' strategy to expand its subscription service offerings.
Nintendo Download – June 18, 2026 (North America) – The Adventures of Elliot, Wanderstop, Dark Scrolls, more
Nintendo has announced its latest North American eShop releases for the week of June 18, 2026, featuring titles like The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, Wanderstop, and Dark Scrolls for the Nintendo Switch. The update also includes details on upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch 2 and ongoing sales, alongside a promotion for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships.
Xbox's latest tactics display 'a basic misunderstanding of how the interactive entertainment world moves', says former PlayStation exec
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent strategic decisions demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the interactive entertainment industry. He criticizes the company's studio closures, reliance on live service games, and industry consolidation. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also previously advised Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella against entering the gaming market, citing a lack of creative DNA.
PS Plus Members Frustrated After Controversial Schedule Update
Sony's recent update to the PlayStation Plus game release schedule in the US, UK, and Japan has caused frustration among subscribers. Players are unhappy with the staggered release dates for Extra and Premium tier games, which differ from the unified release date for the rest of the world. This change has led to confusion and complaints about the service being anti-consumer.
Xbox Game Pass additions for late June include EA Sports FC 26 and RV There Yet?
Xbox Game Pass will be adding EA Sports FC 26 and RV There Yet? to its library in late June. These titles join the growing list of games available through Microsoft's subscription service.
12 PS Plus Extra Game Removals for July 2026 Confirmed
Twelve games are being removed from the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogues in July 2026, with approximately one month remaining to play them. Notable titles leaving include Risk of Rain 2, Tropico 6, and Cursed to Golf. Subscribers will need to purchase these games if they wish to continue playing them after their removal.
PS Plus Extra, Premium June 2026 Games Rolling Out Now
Sony is rolling out the June 2026 PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game additions, with a staggered release schedule being tested in the US, UK, and Japan. Titles include Final Fantasy 16, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Farming Simulator 25, Blades of Fire, Black Desert, Sonic X Shadow Generations, and the PS2 classic Gitaroo Man.
