Sony has confirmed its next generation console will be called the PlayStation 5 and discussed some controller changes as well.
Sony confirmed the PS5 name and release date before Holiday 2020 on its own blog. It also detailed two big changes for the controller in the form of haptic feedback to simulate different gameplay experiences. The other change called adaptive triggers, allows developers to program resistance into the L2 and R2 triggers to react differently to things like driving off-road or pulling a bowstring.
The most detail was released in a Wired article this morning which went a little more into the console hardware itself. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan discussed ray tracing, the solid state drive, and more details on the controller.
The PS5 UI will allow players to preview multiplayer and single player content before starting the game and to download and even delete each part separately. The Wired article also mentions the controller has an improved speaker and a USB Type-C connector. The controller was apparently identical to a PS4 controller (minus the details mentioned above) but I’m hoping the controller will get a cosmetic and ergonomic overhaul before the PS5 launches.
Check out the Wired article above for more details on the controller batter, a discussion with a developer from Bluepoint Games (of last years Shadow of the Colossus remake), and a little more info on what the SSD means for the PlayStation 5.
Stadia’s YouTube channel released an official recap of the stream as soon as it ended. Watch it here for the highlights.
In Google’s Stadia stream today the tech company announced the pricing model for the service as well as the coming games.
Games
Along with already released games coming to the Stadia, several new titles were announced during the stream. Baldur’s Gate III was the first trailer shown and is a big win for Google considering how long fans have been waiting for the next entry. It will be developed by Larian Studios, the developers behind the Divinity: Original Sin series. It will not be exclusive to Stadia as it is coming to PC as well.
Also announced were the games Gylt from Tequila Works and Get Packed from Moonshine Studios. The former seems to be a stealth/horror game from the Rime developers, and the latter looks to be a crazy physics based multiplayer game. Destiny 2 debuted a new trailer for its next expansion Shadowkeep after announcing the game would be on Stadia and will now support cross saves.
Ubisoft seems to be supporting the Stadio in a big way, with The Division 2 coming to the platform along with the upcoming Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, which debuted a new trailer. Just Dance, Trials and The Crew were a few of the other series teased in the Stadia trailer.
All the games Google says are coming to the Stadia
Pricing
One of the biggest questions about the Stadia has been what it will cost. Google announced it will have a free version as well as a subscription based model. The free version and Stadio Pro subscription, which will be $9.99 a month, will not release until early 2020 though. Either way you still have to pay for the games, although Stadio Pro will have discounts and free games, possibly similar to Playstation Plus and Games with Gold.
To play in November (the advertised release) you have to buy the Founder’s Edition priced at $129. It comes with a special edition Stadia controller, a Chromecast Ultra, 3-month subscription, 3-month buddy pass and early access to getting your Stadia name. The pack also comes with a copy of Destiny 2 and all of it’s previous DLC and the upcoming Shadowkeep content.
Final Thoughts
It’s a bit of a surprise Google has decided to have a subscription and charge for individual games. Many hoped for a Netflix-like subscription service instead. It seems like a steep price to pay monthly just for access to improved features like 4K and 60 FPS. A lot of people still don’t even have 4K TV’s or devices.
Internet speeds required to run Stadia games at certain resolutions and framerates
It’ll be interesting what Sony and Microsoft (and to an extent Nintendo) announce with their upcoming next-gen consoles. They could potentially steal a lot of Stadia’s thunder by offering those features with a one time purchase.
If you’re interested in being one of the first to play Stadia games, Google opened up the Founder’s Edition pre-orders here. Otherwise you’ll have to wait to try it out when Google opens it up in early 2020. Just make sure you’re in one of the 14 countries in which Stadia will launch. Those countries are the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Google plans to add more in 2020.
Nintendo said they’d reveal the release date for the N64 Classic edition on November 1st, 2018. They’ve yet to give any concrete information regarding release other than “…after Smash Announcements.” Seeing as we’ve yet to hear anything new about the N64 Classic Edition, it could be announced any time between now and the new year. However, we’re likely to hear announcements and see a release date before the end of this month.
Game Developer, Insomniac Games announced on their Twitter account that a limited edition Spider-Man-themed PS4 Pro console and wireless controller will release on September 7th, 2018. The game developer also released a trailer to coincide with the bundle.
According to GameInformer.com, the bundle was initially revealed at Marvel’s video game panel at San Diego Comic Con 2018. To comment on their initial thoughts, this console truly captures Spider-Man’s heroic status well.
According to Insomniac Games’s Twitter trailer’s description of the bundle, they said the following,
“A brand new and authentic Spider-Man adventure with a fully customized Amazing Red PS4 console ft the Spider icon, DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller, Marvel’s Spider-Man game, + digital content.”
The bundle is currently priced at $399.99 USD on GameStop.com. Consumers can pre-order the product there and at other local retailers now too. On top of it all–a new story trailer for the Spider-Man PS4 title was shown off at Marvel’s video game panel at San Diego Comic Con 2018.
Sony and Insomniac Games are pushing the heroic spider hard this fall and with the latest bundle announcement, I’d say, it’s a good time to be a Marvel or video game fan. We’ll update you with another article if any other information about the bundle or the game is shared online.
What do you think about this news? Will you be picking up this huge bundle or is the game the only item on your radar? Let us know on Facebookand Twitter, and follow us for more news on Spider-Man for the PS4, and everything gaming too!
The Super Smash Bros. GameCube controller that made it’s debut during the E3 2018 Nintendo Direct is now available to pre-order on GameStop’s and Amazon’s websites now–according to Gamespot.com. It’s listed at $29.99 USD for both websites, and there’s no telling when it’ll stay available.
Acclaimed as the true-way to play Super Smash Bros. to some, consumers can use the product with their Nintendo Switch systems if they have a GameCube controller adapter. This adapter was sold during the Nintendo Wii U days and allowed players to plug the adapter into their Wii U console to enable your GameCube controller to work with the previous Super Smash Bros. game for that system. However, it seems Nintendo is selling a new version of the GameCube controller adapter for $19.99 USD on Amazon. It is only available to pre-order now.
But for those who want to use their current GameCube controller adapters, Gamespot.com claims, “Those who have the Wii U controller adapter will be able to use that with Switch.”
If the GameCube controller is not your preferred way to play, then I’m certain Sakurai has enabled the game to work with other controllers. According to the Smash Bros. JP Twitter account, consumers can see a photo detailing how players can use the Nintendo Switch pro controller in the game.
There is no information about whether you can play with the Joy-Con grip or one Joy-Con in general, but we’ll keep you posted on any developments.
Remember,Super Smash Bros. Ultimate releases on December 7th, 2018 and I’m certain more details about the game’s modes, techniques, newcomers, soundtracks, etc. will either be shared or hidden away from us until it releases. Whether Nintendo decides to spill all of the beans or not–is totally up to them. But for now, we’ll have to wait for Nintendo to make the next move.
How do you feel about this news? Will you be pre-ordering the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate GameCube controller? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us for more Nintendo news,and everything gaming too.
PowerA has created GameCube controllers for the Nintendo Switch. Mew_The_Creator, a user on Reddit.com, says he saw new designs for the controllers at the establishment he works for. He claims,
“Nintendo sent them to our facility to produce product layout for stores so the actual controllers aren’t in there, but the product is confirmed.”
PowerA is producing some newly designed Mario controllers. These controllers seem to stem from wireless and wired controllers. They even resemble Nintendo’s pro controller line-up which is different compared to the GameCube controller image.
We haven’t received any information about the controllers launch date, pricing, or other designs yet. I’m hoping we’ll get controllers for Metroid, Smash Bros., and maybe Pokemon considering their possible appearance at E3 2018. It would also be interesting to see if we’ll receive a GameCube Nintendo Switch pro controller or GameCube Joy-Cons too. I’ll update you all with a new article if anything pops up from this news report.
What do you think about this news? Are you excited for the new controllers or do you want Nintendo to make a GameCube Nintendo Switch pro controller? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us for more news on Nintendo,and everything gaming too.
It seems Nintendo started selling dock-less Nintendo Switch units to Japanese consumers a couple of days ago. Sadly, Nintendo has no plans to sell those in western regions.
In a statement to USgamer, Nintendo explained they “have no plans to release this configuration in the Americas.”
The unit was listed for 26,978 yen or $246. This is what the Nintendo Switch unit included:
A Nintendo Switch console
Two Joy-Cons
Two Joy-Con wrist straps
Though Nintendo didn’t elaborate on other parts of the world, it’s a shame they aren’t selling these items separately. It wouldn’t hurt to give consumers options when purchasing items for themselves, friends, or family members, Nintendo.
In USGamer.net’s article, they explain how Nintendo‘s goal is to get multiple Nintendo Switch units in households. If that is their goal, than it’s ideal to sell different versions of this console. An affordable price would be ideal. We’ll just have to wait and find out if Nintendo decides to change their minds about the situation or not.
What do you think about this news? Are you upset over Nintendo’s current decision? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us for more news on Nintendo, and everything gaming too!
