Tag: PlayStation 5

January 14, 2025
Sony Patent for AI Input Prediction to Boost Gaming Experience
On July 6, 2023, Sony submitted a fresh patent under the designation WO2025010132, which was made public on January 9, 2025. This patent outlines a system powered by AI that aims to foresee player inputs by merging data from cameras and controllers to monitor hand movements and actions. The positioning of the camera is adaptable, with possibilities for it to be built into controllers, TVs, VR headsets, or various other devices.
Real-Time Processing
The AI analyzes the partial data as it comes in, executing predicted actions while taking into account context-specific details from game engines, like character locations or movements of enemies. A major benefit of this innovation is its ability to greatly lessen latency, which allows for more accurate and smooth inputs, especially in fast-moving games. Moreover, it could assist in avoiding accidental inputs that may occur from repeatedly pressing a button.
Anticipated Actions
For example, if a player slightly raises their thumb, the AI might predict the move and cause the character to jump over an obstacle before the button is entirely pressed. In a similar vein, when a weapon is aimed, the AI could refrain from firing if there isn’t a target nearby. However, mistakes can happen, and the technology might sometimes misread inputs, which could result in unintended actions.
Mixed Reactions Online
Views on platforms like Reddit are mixed. Numerous users consider Sony’s new tech as a hopeful fix for latency problems and a way to promote new gameplay mechanics. Nevertheless, some skeptics mention that similar technologies are already in use, raising doubts about whether this patent marks a true breakthrough or is just a refined version of what exists.
For instance, rollback netcode, common in contemporary fighting games like Street Fighter V and Mortal Kombat 11, also predicts player inputs to lessen delays in online play. When predictions are right, the game runs smoothly; if they’re off, the actions are corrected later. While Sony’s idea is not entirely unprecedented, it still offers potential for improving gaming experiences by making inputs more accurate and gameplay more enjoyable.
Future Implementation
The technology is anticipated to appear in games made by Sony’s own studios. However, it is still unclear whether it will be used on the PlayStation 5 or saved for the next-generation PlayStation 6. The possible availability of this technology for third-party games is also still uncertain at this point.
Source:
Link

Tags: AI-powered gaming, PlayStation 5, sony
December 22, 2024
Microsoft May Drop Exclusives as Xbox Supports Windows and Game Stores
Spec sheets aside, the availability of a good number of exclusive games is key in shaping the success of a console generation.
Even with major acquisitions like ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard King (ABK), Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S hasn’t really outperformed the PlayStation 5 when it comes to exclusive titles. However, both Sony and Microsoft believe that games shouldn’t be limited to their own platforms. Microsoft has started to release several first-party games for the PlayStation, and similarly, Sony has been transferring many of its exclusive games to PC, such as Bloodborne (let’s not forget that).
A Shift in Strategy
In the upcoming months and years, Xbox might adopt a completely new approach, possibly positioning the console as less of a focus. According to market research firm DFC Intelligence, the gaming industry could see significant growth in 2025, spurred by the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and GTA 6. However, the market might only support one major non-Nintendo console. “There isn’t room for more than two major console systems,” the firm notes. They believe Microsoft has better prospects in software, while Sony can continue to thrive with the PlayStation and its exclusive titles.
Microsoft appears to be integrating Windows and Xbox more closely than ever. We’ve been hearing about this for a while. The introduction of the UWP framework on Windows 10 aimed to create a unified codebase that would work across console, PC, mobile, and mixed reality.
Future of Xbox
Recent news hints that Xbox vNext might essentially be running a form of Windows. This change would enable gamers to access alternative stores such as Epic, GOG, and even Steam, which has been a vision of Xbox chief Phil Spencer for a significant time. Jason Ronald, newly appointed as VP of Next Gen Xbox, along with Roanne Sones from Windows OEM, joining the Xbox leadership team suggests what Windows Central’s Jez Corden calls the “Windowsification of Xbox.”
Interestingly, Ronald is set to appear at the CES 2025 launch for a Lenovo Legion handheld that will run Valve’s Steam OS. This strategy may be a smart move considering the stagnation in console hardware sales. Additionally, Microsoft might consider allowing this new Xbox-Windows OS platform for handheld device makers, who currently have no choice but to utilize the full version of Windows 11.
Changing Exclusivity
This essentially means more Xbox experiences on non-Xbox devices. However, this hinges on Microsoft creating a version of Windows without older legacy issues and ensuring that Xbox backward compatibility functions correctly on Windows. This shift implies that Xbox will stop pursuing exclusives, allowing all first-party games to eventually reach competing platforms. Microsoft seems to be transitioning the Xbox brand into a broader gaming ecosystem rather than restricting itself to console hardware only.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is shaping up to be one of Xbox’s best exclusives in recent memory, but the aforementioned changes indicate that Xbox fans may need to abandon their hopes for exclusivity. According to Corden on X, Xbox is unlikely to have exclusives moving forward, and if there are any, they will likely be timed at best. “If some games are exclusive it’s gonna be incidental at best,” he stated, emphasizing a shift towards multiplatform releases.
Recently, Microsoft began promoting the “This is an Xbox” concept to market Game Pass. Essentially, any device that runs the Xbox app with Game Pass is considered an Xbox game streaming console. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even mentioned that being an Xbox fan involves enjoying Xbox games on “all your devices.”
Back in February, Microsoft announced that titles like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded would also be accessible on the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Doom: The Dark Ages will also launch on PS5 alongside Xbox consoles and PC, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is expected to arrive on PS5 in Spring 2025.
Even the highly awaited Fable reboot in 2025 is likely to expand to other platforms after its initial limited-time exclusivity on Xbox. Given Microsoft’s tendency to limit devices that are on the verge of greatness (remember Windows Phone?), fans may justifiably feel concerned about the potential irrelevance of the console itself.
Nothing is finalized, and plans may shift, but it’s clear that Microsoft is adjusting its strategy in response to evolving trends in the console market in the years to come.
Source: Link
Tags: Game Pass, PlayStation 5, S, Xbox Series X
December 14, 2024
Sony PS5 Gets 30% Cooler with New AI Fan Technology
The SCRY Arctic V2 is an external cooling device that connects to the back of the Sony PlayStation 5, utilizing three small fans along with a heat sink to keep the console cool. According to the manufacturer, the airflow is claimed to be five times stronger, resulting in a reduction of temperatures by "30%," but no specific measurements or detailed data are provided.
Versatile Design
SCRY can function in both portrait and landscape positions. It features white LED lighting designed to enhance the gaming aesthetic. Unlike its first version, the SCRY now includes AI technology for smarter fan control, which is likely a response to numerous complaints about the loudness of the first model’s fans, which were advertised as nearly silent. However, since the PlayStation 5 operates quite quietly on its own and there aren’t widespread reports of overheating issues with the console, the actual benefits of a product like SCRY may be quite limited.
Pricing and Funding
Currently, the SCRY Arctic V2 for the original PS5, along with the Arctic S for the PS5 Slim and Arctic Pro for the PS5 Pro, is being funded on Kickstarter. The cooler is available through an "Early Bird" offer for $39, plus shipping and import taxes. At the time of writing, the project has successfully raised about $58,000 from 668 backers.
Considerations for Backers
Like any Kickstarter campaign, there are risks to consider when supporting such projects. Comments from backers of the first SCRY Kickstarter reveal that some individuals never received their coolers, while others reported the fans were significantly louder than what was advertised. Given the number of negative reviews from previous customers, it is wise to approach this new campaign with some skepticism.
Source: Link
Tags: Kickstarter, PlayStation 5, SCRY Arctic V2
November 26, 2024
PS5 Accessories in Black Expected to Launch Soon, Leak Reveals
According to a French article on Dealabs by the well-known leaker billbil-kun, who has a good track record for leaks like the pricing of the PlayStation Anniversary Edition and the design of the PS5 Pro, Sony seems to be getting ready to launch black versions of its PlayStation 5 accessories. The items that are rumored to be included are:
Accessory Color Changes
Currently, all these accessories are only sold in white, apart from the DualSense Edge Controller, which has also been offered in gray due to the limited anniversary edition. Billbil-kun suggests that we might see the announcement for these new color options in about a month, although there has been no exact date shared. The prices for these black accessories are likely to be the same as the white ones, which has left many PlayStation enthusiasts feeling let down, as they already think the accessories are too expensive.
Pricing Concerns
This news comes from billbil-kun via Dealabs, making it something to keep an eye on for fans of the PlayStation brand.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: DualSense Edge Controller, PlayStation 5, sony
November 22, 2024
Nintendo Plans Huge Launch of 7 Million Switch 2 Units
When a new gaming console comes out, it’s not always a sure thing that everyone who wants one will actually get their hands on it. This was clearly seen when the PlayStation 5 was released in November 2020. However, in January, Takashi Mochizuki, a journalist at Bloomberg, hinted that the same issue might not occur with the new Switch. He mentioned that Nintendo intends to make 10 million units during its first fiscal year, based on display shipment information.
New Rumors About Switch 2
Recently, there have been fresh whispers regarding the availability of the Switch 2, which is anticipated to launch in March 2025. This info comes from a Famiboards user known as Ninspider, who shared a drawing of the console on the forum back in October, which has since been confirmed by trustworthy sources. This same user has now released an encrypted message that was decoded using Base64:
“The initial stock quantity has been finalized, and the factory will plan production accordingly. I can’t disclose the exact number, but for the U.S. market alone, it’s roughly 2.5 times the volume from March 2017.”
What This Means for Gamers
With Nintendo potentially planning such a large production run globally, it seems likely that fans won’t need to stress about missing out on the Switch successor when it launches. The original Nintendo Switch sold 2.74 million units in its first month, and if we multiply that by 2.5, we get approximately 7 million units available in the same period. This is a significant release for a console. Plus, the kind of unfair scalping that we saw with the recent launch of the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition won’t likely be a problem with such high stock levels.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: console launch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5
November 13, 2024
Stellar Blade PC Port Set for 2025 Release Date Confirmation
Stellar Blade, the first major release from Shift Up for PlayStation 5, is getting ready to be launched on PC next year. Although there is no specific date for the release, this news seems to confirm previous rumors about its arrival on that platform. Inven reported this information after noticing it during Shift Up’s latest earnings call, according to Insider Gaming.
Expectations for PC Performance
The company is optimistic that Stellar Blade will do better on PC compared to its performance on consoles. However, achieving this goal might be quite difficult. Five months ago, a report suggested that Stellar Blade had sold around a million units on PlayStation 5, and it’s likely that this number has increased since then.
Game Difficulty and Reception
Additionally, the game can be considered a Souls Lite title. It’s not exactly easy and players need a certain level of skill to complete it, especially those who are not used to this genre. On the bright side, Stellar Blade has been one of the more popular games of 2025, which means many players won’t hesitate to buy it again, particularly for the potential of modding.
Stellar Blade is also set to receive a Nier Automata-themed DLC on 20 November, but there are no current plans for any story expansions.
Inven (in Korean)
Tags: PC Release, PlayStation 5, Stellar Blade
November 8, 2024
PlayStation 5 Pro Now Available: No Stock Shortages
Sony has begun sending out PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) units to customers who pre-ordered. Just to remind you, the company started taking orders on September 26, which was a little over two weeks after the console’s official announcement. Good news is, you can still order the PS5 Pro worldwide, even as of now.
Stock Situation
This indicates that Sony’s new console isn’t facing the stock problems that plagued the original PS5. For example, it was quite challenging to find the PS5 for most of the time until about this period last year. The same issue has been seen with the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition, which some scalpers tried to sell for more than $35,000.
Pricing and Availability
On the other hand, the PS5 Pro is available for purchase from Amazon, Best Buy, Sony, and several other retailers in the US for $699, and it has relatively short waiting times. However, it’s important to note that Sony currently limits orders to one console per customer. Strangely, the same can’t be said for the PS5 Pro’s disc drive, which is expected to sell for $79. Sadly, it’s not clear when this accessory will be available for order again.
Retailers Offering the Console
Amazon, Best Buy, and Sony are just some of the places where you can find the PS5 Pro. The excitement around this new console seems to be much more stable compared to its predecessor, making it easier for gamers to get their hands on it.
Tags: PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro, sony
October 15, 2024
New Death Note Game by Bandai Namco Rated for PS5 and PS4
Fans of the Death Note series have some thrilling news to anticipate. The Taiwan Digital Game Rating Committee has recently given a rating to a yet-to-be-announced Death Note game for both PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $556 on Amazon) and PlayStation 4. Although information is limited, this game is set to capture the dark and psychological depth of the original manga and anime series.
Title Speculations
According to the rating released by Bandai Namco, it seems the game might be named Death Note: Killer Within. This is based on a trademark application filed by Shueisha in various regions such as Europe, Japan, and the U.S., sources indicate. The game will be targeted towards players aged 15 and over, suggesting it will include themes of violence and what the machine translates to ‘antisociality’.
Different Names for Different Regions
In Taiwan, the game is referred to as Death Note: Shadow Mission, but it is probable that the title in English will be different. Other titles related to the Death Note franchise include Death Note: Kira Game (for Nintendo DS) and Game EL Death Note (on Android), although these are not full-fledged games. While there’s no official release date available yet, more information is likely to emerge soon.
Tags: Bandai Namco, Death Note, PlayStation 5
October 1, 2024
Star Wars Outlaws Sales Disappoint as Ubisoft Reveals Update Plan
Ubisoft’s unveiling of the gameplay for Star Wars Outlaws in June 2023 sparked considerable excitement among fans. With stunning graphics, famous Star Wars settings, a vast open world, and the promise of an engaging adventure, the game appeared to have it all. However, disappointment set in when the final product did not live up to Ubisoft’s initial claims.
Mixed Reviews and Sales
The game faced numerous challenges, including bugs, poor enemy AI, and average combat mechanics, resulting in a MetaScore of 76 and a user score of 5.4 out of 10. While it hasn’t been deemed a complete failure, both critics and players have expressed lukewarm feelings about it. This sentiment is reflected in the game’s sales numbers, which have reportedly been underwhelming.
As reported by Insider Gaming, Star Wars Outlaws has sold only 1 million copies a month after its release, falling short of Ubisoft’s projections. In comparison, Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi: Survivor quickly dominated the US sales charts just two days post-launch in April 2023, reportedly selling millions of copies within the first 11 days, marking a stark contrast to the sales figures for Star Wars Outlaws.
Upcoming Updates and Improvements
Despite the initial setbacks, Ubisoft appears committed to rectifying the game’s shortcomings and has shared a roadmap for updates.
The first update, focusing on “bug fixes and improvements,” is scheduled for October 3. This will be succeeded by a second update on October 24, aimed at providing “quality of life improvements.” A month later, on November 21, Ubisoft plans to release a significant update that will address the game’s combat and stealth mechanics, which have been major points of concern for fans. This update will also introduce new contracts for players to explore.
Additionally, the November 21 update will include the inaugural story expansion titled “Wild Card,” marking the first of two anticipated post-launch DLCs for the game.
Ultimately, only time will reveal the impact of Ubisoft’s planned fixes and additional content on the game’s long-term success and reception.
Insider Gaming, Ubisoft
Tags: PlayStation 5, Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft
September 25, 2024
Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster Release for PC and PS5 Announced
For reasons that are not entirely clear, Sony has chosen to remaster Horizon Zero Dawn for both PlayStation 5 and PC, rather than opting for a remaster of Bloodborne. Fortunately, players who already possess the game on either PC or PlayStation will only need to pay $9.99 for the upgrade. If you’re new to the game, it will be available for purchase on Steam, Epic Games Store, and PlayStation Store for $49.99 starting October 31.
Enhanced Features
According to Sony, the remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn features "over 10 hours of re-recorded dialogue, motion capture, and numerous graphical enhancements." These updates effectively align the game with its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. Other significant improvements include upgraded textures, animations, and lighting effects. Moreover, it will utilize the enhanced hardware capabilities of the PlayStation 5 Pro.
PC Details
The PC version of the remastered Horizon Zero Dawn is being developed by Nixxes and will support popular AI upscalers like DLSS, FSR, and XeSS. More details regarding features specific to the PC platform will be disclosed at a later date. On consoles, players can look forward to experiencing the game with PlayStation 5 enhancements, which include DualSense haptics, 3D Audio, and customizable controls.
Account Requirement
It’s important to note that PC gamers will need a PlayStation account to access the remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn. This requirement aligns with other recent Sony releases, such as God of War Ragnarok and Ghost of Tsushima, which have also necessitated a PlayStation account for gameplay.
Tags: Horizon Zero Dawn, Nixxes, PlayStation 5