Category: Gaming

  • Resident Evil Requiem Promises Emotional Roller Coaster Experience

    Resident Evil Requiem Promises Emotional Roller Coaster Experience

    Key Takeaways

    1. Capcom is introducing a new horror system in Resident Evil Requiem that focuses on players’ emotional experiences and dynamic pacing.
    2. The game will alternate between intense horror moments and periods of relief, creating a roller coaster of tension and release.
    3. The main villain in Resident Evil Requiem is hinted to be the most frightening in the franchise’s history.
    4. The game is set to launch on February 27, 2026, and will be available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
    5. There is growing excitement among players, as evidenced by high concurrent player counts in earlier Resident Evil titles.

    In a recent video chat with the Future Game Show, Capcom developers have hinted at a new horror system meant to play with players’ feelings, moving away from the usual pacing seen in the Resident Evil series.

    A New Approach to Horror

    Using a translator, the developers shared their vision for this new system, stating it will take players on an emotional journey. They couldn’t dive too deep into the details, but they mentioned: “I think they represent a typical game design that we have for the series, where, you know, you can’t keep the horror tension at max for the entire game since it’s quite tiring.

    Therefore, we need to create a dynamic pacing curve with intense horror moments followed by moments of relief or catharsis, allowing players to unwind through more peaceful exploration or thrilling combat before ramping back up into the horror elements.

    This has always been the standard practice for Resident Evil. What sets this apart this time is the introduction of a new system that I can’t fully discuss yet. Imagine the difference between tension and release being like a certain size of wavelength, like a curve.

    It becomes an absolute roller coaster experience with various elements of the series, and I’m super excited for everyone to eventually grasp what I mean by this. We’re definitely going to toy with your feelings a lot this time around.”

    Trailers and Teasers

    Thus far, two trailers have offered fans a sneak peek at the game’s main villain, described as the most frightening in the mainline franchise’s history. However, specifics about the new system are still secretive; early hands-on demos of Resident Evil Requiem support Capcom’s statements but keep much of the game’s content hidden. So far, players who tried the demo have said it feels similar in spirit to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.

    The ninth main entry in Capcom’s franchise is set to launch on February 27, 2026. It will be available on various platforms, including Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, PC, and a version for the Nintendo Switch 2.

    High Hopes and High Player Counts

    Excitement for Resident Evil Requiem is reaching new heights as players revisit earlier mainline titles. Currently, Resident Evil 4 Remake is enjoying an average of 5,500 concurrent players daily, while Resident Evil 2 has around 1,500 daily players, and Resident Evil Village maintains a healthy average of 1,700 concurrent players each day.

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  • Sega’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Criticizes Mario Kart World

    Sega’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Criticizes Mario Kart World

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rivalry Resurgence: Sega’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds takes a playful jab at Nintendo’s Mario Kart: World, reviving the classic rivalry from the 90s.
    2. Sega’s Strong Presence: Despite moving away from hardware, Sega remains influential in gaming through its software and character-driven games.
    3. Bold Advertising Strategy: Sega’s advertisement contrasts Sonic’s fast-paced gameplay against Mario’s open-world design, using humor and visuals to attract attention.
    4. Cross-Platform Play: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds supports cross-platform play, allowing players from various systems to compete, unlike the exclusive Nintendo Switch availability of Mario Kart: World.
    5. Character Variety and Future Content: The game features a diverse roster from various franchises, with promises of additional characters and content through Season Passes and DLC.

    The competition between Nintendo’s famous plumber and Sega’s speedy blue hedgehog continues with Sega’s new game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, taking a shot at Nintendo’s Mario Kart: World. This playful rivalry echoes back to the 90s when Sega famously taunted Nintendo with the slogan, “Genesis does what Nintendon’t.”

    Sega’s Legacy in Gaming

    Even though Sega has moved away from making console hardware, it remains a strong player in the gaming world through its video games and software offerings. In its latest advertisement, Sega leans into the idea that Sonic and his adventures are seen as more exciting compared to Mario’s escapades.

    A Bold Advertisement

    Recently, the official Sonic the Hedgehog account on X shared a quick 30-second ad, saying, “Leave the open road behind and come race at our level.” This line criticizes the open-world design of Mario Kart: World while promoting the interdimensional levels in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

    The ad showcased Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on a giant LED TV attached to a powerful 10,000 hp dragster. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s Mario Kart: World was depicted as being mounted on a sluggish RV that struggled to move and puffed out white smoke at the starting line, while a turtle had already zoomed ahead on the race track.

    Cross-Platform Play

    Sega highlighted that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds supports cross-platform play, allowing gamers from different systems to race against each other. In contrast, Mario Kart: World is only available for Nintendo Switch 2, meaning only players on that system can join in the fun together, either online or in co-op mode.

    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds aims to be the “Super Smash Bros. of kart racers” by including a diverse array of characters from Sega’s various franchises. The roster features popular characters like Joker from Persona 5, Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon, Hatsune Miku from Crypton, Steve from Minecraft, SpongeBob and Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants, and even Pac-Man and his Ghosts.

    Exciting Future Content

    This is just a taste of the characters to be included in the game, as Sega has yet to reveal eight Season Pass characters and ten free DLC racers, with NiGHTS already rumored to be one of them.

    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will have an “Early Unlock” feature starting on September 23 for those who buy the Digital Deluxe Edition on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Unfortunately, Nintendo Switch users won’t have access to this early unlock due to the platform’s restrictions on early access.

    While currently available as a digital download for the Switch 2, Sega has announced plans for a full cartridge release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds in early 2026.

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  • How to Configure GameSir X5s to Wake Up Nintendo Switch 2

    How to Configure GameSir X5s to Wake Up Nintendo Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. The GameSir X5s is a Bluetooth telescopic game controller compatible with Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Switch 2.
    2. A recent update allows users to turn on the Switch 2 using the controller with a one-click wake-up feature.
    3. To enable the one-click wake-up feature, users must update the controller to firmware version 1.13 via the GameSir app.
    4. The GameSir X5s is available on Amazon for $49.99.
    5. If the controller becomes unpaired or connected to a different device, the setup for the wake-up function must be repeated.

    The GameSir X5s is a Bluetooth telescopic game controller that works with both Android and iOS systems. It was announced in late August and is also able to connect with the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. Recently, the company has rolled out an update that allows users to turn on the Switch 2 using the controller.

    Update Requirements

    To use the one-click wake-up feature, you must update your GameSir X5s controller. It can be found on Amazon for a price of $49.99. The update is done via the GameSir app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android devices or from the App Store for iPhones and iPads. Make sure to update the controller to firmware version 1.13.

    Setup Instructions

    Once the update is finished, you can enable the one-click wake-up function by following these instructions. This feature should always work as long as the controller remains paired with the Switch 2. If it gets unpaired or connected to a different device, you will have to set it up again.

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  • Sony PS5 Update: New Power-Saving Mode & DualSense Support

    Sony PS5 Update: New Power-Saving Mode & DualSense Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony has released a new software update for PlayStation 5, introducing a power-saving mode for select games.
    2. The power-saving mode works with specific games like Death Stranding 2, Demon’s Souls, and Ghost of Yōtei, but may disable some features and modes.
    3. Users can choose which games to apply the power-saving feature to, indicated by an icon when starting the game.
    4. The update enables the DualSense controller to connect with up to four devices simultaneously for easier switching.
    5. While the power-saving mode aims to improve energy efficiency, its impact on gaming performance is still uncertain.

    Sony has begun to distribute a new software update for the PlayStation 5, and it usually takes a few days for all users to be able to download the new firmware. This update brings a new power-saving mode designed to lower energy use while gaming.

    Supported Games

    This mode works only with select games like Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Demon’s Souls, and Ghost of Yōtei (priced from $69 on Amazon). Sony hasn’t detailed how this mode will impact power usage or graphics quality, but it’s already known that PlayStation VR 2 can’t be used while in power-saving mode. Additionally, some game features and modes may be turned off. Users can choose which games can utilize this new power-saving feature, and there’s an icon that appears when starting a game to show that the mode is active.

    Future Implications

    Previous speculations suggested that Sony might utilize this power-saving mode to enhance games for a new PlayStation handheld, which is set to arrive by 2028. The update also allows users to connect the DualSense controller with up to four devices at the same time for quick switching. Users can toggle between devices anytime by pressing the PlayStation button along with either circle, triangle, cross, or square. The four LEDs indicate which devices are connected. To pair a new device, the same buttons must be pressed and held for a minimum of five seconds.

    User Experience

    This update is a step toward a more efficient gaming experience, but users need to be aware of its limitations. While the power-saving mode looks promising, its actual effects on gaming performance remain unclear. The ability to connect multiple devices adds convenience, making it easier for players to switch between their gear without hassle. Overall, this update may enhance how gamers interact with their PlayStation systems in the near future.

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  • AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT eGPU Test with Minisforum Mini PC and ROG Ally

    AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT eGPU Test with Minisforum Mini PC and ROG Ally

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT significantly enhances performance when used as an external GPU (eGPU) with Oculink, especially on systems with weaker integrated graphics.

    2. The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX mini PC achieved impressive benchmark scores, showing solid CPU performance, but still experienced some performance loss compared to a direct PCIe x16 connection.

    3. Gaming performance varied by setup; the mini PC with Oculink delivered stable frame rates, while the ROG Ally X suffered from USB4 bandwidth limitations, resulting in inconsistent frame rates.

    4. In games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Borderlands 4, the Oculink setup achieved higher FPS compared to USB4, highlighting the advantages of using Oculink for eGPU applications.

    5. While using an eGPU setup may not be the most cost-effective solution, it offers a way to leverage high-end GPUs across multiple systems for users who need that flexibility.

    A recent video by tech YouTuber ETA PRIME showcases how well the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT performs as an external GPU (eGPU) using Oculink. The initial tests were conducted on a Minisforum MS-A2 mini PC that runs on the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (16 cores, 32 threads), a system we’ve reviewed extensively before. Later, testing was done with Asus’ ROG Ally X handheld, with both devices connected through a Gtbox G-Dock that supports Oculink and USB4.

    Motivation for the Experiment

    The aim for this experiment is simple: the 9955HX delivers solid CPU performance, but its integrated GPU (iGPU) is underwhelming. By connecting this processor with a high-end desktop graphics card via Oculink, the mini PC receives a major performance upgrade for gaming and content creation. In synthetic benchmarks, the scores were 3,136 points in Geekbench 6 for single-core and 18,191 in multi-core tests. Additionally, 3DMark Steel Nomad achieved 6,595 points, while Time Spy produced an impressive total of 22,653 points.

    Comparing Performance

    When compared to a full tower PC that has a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and a Radeon RX 9070 XT, ETA PRIME found that the tower system scored around 26,333 points in Time Spy. Notebookcheck’s own tests for the same GPU indicated a Time Spy score of 26,837 points. It’s worth mentioning that the tower PC had a 9070 XT from a different OEM, making a direct comparison difficult. However, ETA PRIME noted that the Oculink setup was “losing a little bit of performance” as expected due to bandwidth limitations when compared to a direct PCIe x16 connection. Even though he downplayed the difference, it’s clear that the gap is significant when you look at the results side by side.

    Gaming Performance Insights

    Looking at gaming performance, Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p Ultra with FSR 4 turned on averaged about 92 FPS. In Borderlands 4, the setup achieved between 75-85 FPS at 1440p Very High with FSR set to Quality. Meanwhile, Marvel Rivals ran between 120-150 FPS at 1440p Ultra with FSR set to Quality. The power draw peaked at approximately 348 W on the GPU, backed by the dock’s 800 W PSU.

    However, the results with the ROG Ally X showed the limitations of USB4 bandwidth. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p Ultra with FSR 4 set to Quality, the RX 9070 XT as an eGPU typically offered between 60-70 FPS, but frame rates frequently fell below 50 FPS. When AMD’s frame generation feature was enabled, the average FPS nearly doubled to around 120, though performance was quite inconsistent, ranging from lows of 99 FPS to highs of 150 FPS, which the YouTuber described as “all over the place.” In contrast, the Oculink connection on the mini PC proved to be much more stable, highlighting its superiority over USB4 for eGPU applications.

    In conclusion, the YouTuber states that while this type of setup may not be the most economical way to attain gaming performance, it can be beneficial for users looking to utilize a powerful GPU across different systems.

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    AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT eGPU Test with Minisforum Mini PC and ROG Ally

     

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  • Normal Fishing Review: Palworld Devs’ Game Falls Short – Demo Playable

    Normal Fishing Review: Palworld Devs’ Game Falls Short – Demo Playable

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pocketpair is publishing a unique indie game called Normal Fishing, developed by The Bworg.
    2. The game combines retro aesthetics with psychological horror, featuring eerie incidents and messages.
    3. A trailer suggests the game has dark humor, showcasing a woman sending her husband fishing with disturbing twists.
    4. Normal Fishing features nostalgic pixel graphics and a mix of fast-paced mini-games, RPG elements, and monster confrontations.
    5. A free demo is available on Steam, and players can wishlist the game, though no release date has been announced.

    Pocketpair is in the news again, but this time it’s not about Palworld. Instead, the spotlight is on a unique indie game they’ve decided to publish. On September 11, the studio revealed its backing for Normal Fishing, a creation by The Bworg. A free demo can be found on Steam, and players have the option to add the game to their wishlist.

    A Unique Experience Awaits

    Don’t let the title fool you; this game is anything but ordinary. What initially looks like a simple fishing game quickly morphs into a strange blend of retro aesthetics and psychological horror. As you aim to catch 20 different aquatic creatures, you’ll face eerie incidents, foreboding messages such as “Don’t touch the water,” and whispers about a godfish hiding in the depths of the lake.

    A Dark Joke Unfolds

    In a 30-second trailer that announces Pocketpair’s involvement, the title Normal Fishing seems to be more of a dark humor statement than a true description of the game. The video depicts a woman sending her husband out to fish to support her “extravagant lifestyle.” The most disturbing moment, however, is when a giant crab appears out of nowhere, and the final scene reveals the woman momentarily changing into a monster, suggesting a twisted horror lurking beneath the game’s surface.

    Nostalgic Yet Innovative

    With its sepia-toned pixel graphics, Normal Fishing brings back memories of classic handheld games. The gameplay features a mix of fast-paced fishing mini-games along with action, RPG components, and monster confrontations. Although there’s no set release date announced, and the compatibility with Steam Deck (priced at $455 on Amazon) is still uncertain, the system requirements seem quite low, indicating that the game should perform well on most systems.

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  • GameSir G7 Pro: New Wireless Controller with Xbox Support

    GameSir G7 Pro: New Wireless Controller with Xbox Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo launched a limited edition Ultimate 2 wireless controller inspired by Honkai: Star Rail Evernight, now available in the UK.
    2. GameSir introduced the G7 Pro Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition, featuring wireless Xbox connectivity.
    3. The original G7 Pro was Xbox-certified but only supported wired connections at launch.
    4. The new G7 Pro edition allows customization with interchangeable faceplates and d-pads.
    5. The G7 Pro Wuchang edition is priced at $99.99, $20 more than the standard model.

    8BitDo has recently launched a limited edition of its Ultimate 2 wireless controller inspired by Honkai: Star Rail Evernight, and this version is now available in the UK. In response to this release, GameSir has introduced its own special edition model of the G7 Pro controller.

    G7 Pro Controller Details

    The G7 Pro was initially launched in June, featuring TMR joysticks and the ability to toggle between Hall effect and Micro Switch triggers. GameSir advertised the G7 Pro as being Xbox-certified, but the original model was only able to connect to an Xbox console via a wired connection.

    When it was first released, GameSir mentioned plans to roll out a version that supports wireless Xbox connectivity by the year’s end. Interestingly, they chose to include this feature in the new G7 Pro Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition instead of offering a separate wireless Xbox model.

    Customization Options

    For those who want to change things up, the G7 Pro Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Edition allows users to replace the faceplate and d-pad with different styles. As shown in the comparison chart below, the only notable hardware change from the standard G7 Pro is the addition of wireless Xbox connectivity (currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon). However, GameSir has opted to increase the price by $20 for the Wuchang Fallen Feathers Edition, which can be purchased today on their website for $99.99.

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    GameSir G7 Pro: New Wireless Controller with Xbox Support

     

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  • Nintendo Direct Switch 2 Game Showcase Tops iPhone 17 Reveal Views

    Nintendo Direct Switch 2 Game Showcase Tops iPhone 17 Reveal Views

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo Direct peaked at 2.92 million viewers, surpassing Apple’s iPhone 17 event with 2.8 million viewers.
    2. The Nintendo Direct was the most-viewed since the Switch 2 event, ranking fourth among all Nintendo presentations.
    3. The event celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros and included a new compilation of Super Mario Galaxy and the Resident Evil Requiem release date announcement.
    4. Apple’s event showcased new products like the iPhone 17 Pro and AirPods Pro 3, but viewer numbers were lower due to early leaks diminishing excitement.
    5. Both companies faced criticism for lacking innovation, with Nintendo focusing on familiar titles while still engaging fans through fresh gameplay experiences.

    Nintendo and Apple are two giants with huge fanbases, and both held significant events just days apart. In this round, it seems the Japanese gaming company may have won more attention. According to Streams Charts, the Nintendo Direct on September 12 reached a peak of 2.92 million viewers. In contrast, the latest Apple event showcasing the iPhone 17 managed to gather 2.8 million concurrent viewers.

    Peak Viewership Insights

    The recent Nintendo Direct had the most viewers since the Switch 2 event on April 2. This stream is now ranked fourth for peak viewership among all Nintendo presentations. When looking at other gaming events in 2025, the 60+ minute Direct was only outdone by the two-hour Summer Game Fest livestream. Genki pointed out on social media that there was a significant Japanese audience, with around six percent of the population tuning in.

    Anticipation and Excitement

    With rumors hinting at the date of Nintendo’s event, many gamers made sure to free their schedules beforehand. The diverse showcase kicked off by celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros. It could have easily been a standalone event, as the company revealed a new compilation of Super Mario Galaxy. The Nintendo Direct showcased numerous first-party games for the Switch 2, but the peak audience was during the announcement of the Resident Evil Requiem release date.

    Apple’s Latest Offerings

    The Apple Event provided a look at new smartphones like the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air. Attendees also saw the AirPods Pro 3 and updated Apple Watch models in action. However, viewer numbers fell short compared to many of the company’s previous events. Unlike Nintendo, Streams Charts suggests that early leaks about the new phones may have lessened the excitement.

    Both companies have been critiqued for not being innovative enough. For some fans, the Apple Event didn’t introduce anything thrilling. Likewise, most new Switch 2 titles, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, are either sequels or remakes. Nevertheless, Nintendo keeps engaging fans by mixing fresh gameplay experiences with beloved characters.

    In summary, the recent events from both Nintendo and Apple show how competitive the tech and gaming world can be, with each company working to capture the attention of their audiences.

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    Nintendo Direct Switch 2 Game Showcase Tops iPhone 17 Reveal Views

     

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  • Anbernic RG476H Unboxing and Impressions: New Retro Handheld

    Anbernic RG476H Unboxing and Impressions: New Retro Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic’s upcoming RG476H is expected to be priced between $149.99 and $164.99 after a 72-hour early bird offer.
    2. An official unboxing video for the RG476H has been released, indicating that a product launch is imminent.
    3. Pre-orders for the RG476H may begin by the end of this week.
    4. The RG476H is rumored to have good controls, a comfortable design, and a high-quality display, but joystick placement may need improvement.
    5. Emulation performance for Gamecube and PlayStation 2 games is currently not as strong as that of competing handheld devices.

    The upcoming release of Anbernic’s new retro gaming handheld seems to be just around the bend. Officially, Anbernic hasn’t stated when the RG476H will hit the market or what its price will be. Nonetheless, Retro Dodo revealed last week that the starting price for the device is likely to be $149.99, which could go up to $164.99 after a 72-hour early bird offer.

    Unboxing Video Released

    Recently, Anbernic shared an official unboxing video for the RG476H, which we have included below. It is common for the company to release such videos only a few days before launching a product. For instance, Anbernic released a similar video for the RG35XX Pro just three days before its official release (currently priced at $64.99 on Amazon).

    Pre-order Expectations

    Because of this pattern, we believe that pre-orders for the RG476H could open up by the end of this week. In the meantime, Russ from Retro Game Corps has put out a video sharing his first impressions of the RG476H, giving retro handheld enthusiasts an early look at what to expect from Anbernic’s new product.

    Performance Insights

    On one hand, the RG476H is rumored to have good controls, a comfy design, and a top-notch display. On the flip side, the placement of Anbernic’s joysticks could be better. Additionally, the decision to use a full glass front means that the RG476H is likely to attract fingerprints easily. Unfortunately, the emulation performance for Gamecube and PlayStation 2 games isn’t as good as competing handhelds at this time.

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  • Rumors Suggest Possible Delay for GTA 6 Release

    Rumors Suggest Possible Delay for GTA 6 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA 6 is currently scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, but there are rumors of a possible delay.
    2. Insider Tom Henderson speculates that the game might be better suited for an October release to maximize holiday sales.
    3. A delay could benefit Rockstar and other developers by allowing for better sales timing and reducing competition.
    4. An official announcement regarding the release date may come by the end of 2025, but fans should remain cautious.
    5. The possibility of the game still releasing on the original date of May 26, 2026, has not been ruled out.

    Awaited by millions of gamers globally, GTA 6 might bring an unpleasent surprise. Indeed, rumors about a possible delay have been circulating on social media, causing disappointment among fans.

    Release Date Speculations

    While GTA 6 has a confirmed release date of May 26, 2026, Tom Henderson recently shared his thoughts on the Insider Gaming podcast. He said, “Honestly, I don’t think it’s gonna come out in May. For some reason, I can’t picture GTA 6 launching in May. All the chatter and stuff just doesn’t seem to point in that direction. I don’t have enough evidence to back this up, so don’t take my word for it on Reddit. Rockstar has shown time and again that they are perfectionists. Personally, I’m thinking we might see it in October, which would let them tap into the holiday sales.”

    Potential Advantages of a Delay

    So, if GTA 6 ends up launching at the end of 2026, it could bring multiple benefits for Rockstar Games and other game developers. The end of the year is a crucial period for sales, and a game that people are so eager for would likely be a massive hit. Additionally, this timing would align it closer to the launch of new consoles, like the PS6, which could also be a significant bonus. Moreover, other developers might feel free to release their titles earlier in the year without worrying about being overshadowed by such a big release.

    Caution is Key

    Tom Henderson also mentioned that an announcement regarding this could come by the end of 2025. But one should be careful, as these are merely speculations. Without any official news, it’s wise to stay cautious, as the chance that the game could still come out on May 26, 2026, remains intact.

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