So that’s who’s been lurking in those cryptic PHYSINT teasers. Hideo Kojima has confirmed Bill Skarsgård, best known for playing Pennywise and Count Orlok, as the lead of his upcoming espionage-action game. He’ll star alongside Charlee Fraser, Minami Hamabe, and Don Lee.
Kojima said he and Skarsgård are “long-time fans of each other’s work” and decided to “embark on this new adventure together.” He also mentioned that costume fittings, scans, and camera tests done earlier this year with Skarsgård and Fraser gave him real confidence in where the project is headed.
Kojima’s casting instincts have a strong track record
This isn’t Kojima’s first time pulling in a big name. Norman Reedus led Death Stranding, Léa Seydoux appeared across the sequel, and Guillermo del Toro had his own role in the duology too. Skarsgård fits that pattern; I think he’s one of the most compelling horror actors working today, even though horror isn’t his usual lane. His turn as Little John in The Death of Robin Hood showed just how far his range stretches.
For Don Lee, this is a chance to bounce back. His collaboration with former Yakuza developers on Gang of Dragon has reportedly stalled, with trailers and social accounts already pulled down, even though the game isn’t officially dead yet. PHYSINT gives him a proper shot at making his mark in gaming again.
And to be honest, we would’ve loved to see Robert Pattinson in the lead role, but perhaps that’s a project for another day.
Every new wave of Xbox Game Pass additions comes with a quiet trade-off, and this month that trade-off has a name: Sifu.
Sloclap’s punishing brawler leaves the service at the end of September, and it’s the standout loss on an otherwise unremarkable list. Once it’s off Game Pass, that’s a much harder sell at full price than it was as part of the subscription.
What else is leaving from Xbox Game Pass
Sifu has company. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Little Nightmares 2 Enhanced Edition, and the survival shooter Atomfall are all heading out the door too, alongside four smaller games nobody’s going to lose sleep over.
The complete list:
Atomfall (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Little Nightmares 2 Enhanced Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Little Rocket Lab (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Sifu (Cloud, Console, and PC)
SOPA Tale of the Stolen Potato (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Sworn (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Terminull Brigade (Cloud, Console, and PC)
September 30 is the cutoff, and Microsoft’s softening the blow slightly with discounts on all eight while they’re still available through the service. Miss that window, and you’re paying full price for the privilege.
Borderlands 4has been coasting along at a few thousand concurrent players for weeks. Then Gearbox dropped a new Vault Hunter, slapped a very revealing skin on her, and suddenly everyone’s rediscovered the game.
Loveless gives Borderlands 4 its best day in ages
On Steam, the free weekend is doing plenty of the work here, sure. But the real spike lines up with Loveless the Hacker, a cybernetically-enhanced fighter with a split psyche who’s already been branded gooner bait by the internet, and they might not be wrong. The Ornate Order Pack skin, which comes free if you own the Super Deluxe Edition or Vault Hunter Pack, is the kind of outfit that leaves nothing to the imagination and everything to the imagination at once.
The numbers speak for themselves. Borderlands 4 launched last September to a peak of 304,000 players before settling into the low thousands within weeks. A few weeks back it was hovering around 2,400 concurrent players. Today it’s cleared 20,000, the single biggest one-day jump the game has seen since launch.
Say what you want about the marketing strategy, but it’s working. Nothing brings players back to a looter-shooter quite like a $9.99 skin doing all the heavy lifting a mixed reception couldn’t.
Bloomberg has the answer, and it’s less “creative differences” and more straightforward cold feet. According to sources close to the situation, the Death Stranding series simply hasn’t performed the way Sony wanted, and that history weighed heavily on the decision. Given Death Stranding 2 reportedly shifted over 2.5 million copies, that’s a fairly damning read on what PlayStation considers a “success” these days.
Budget blowouts and a ticking clock
The bigger issues, though, were practical. Physint had already missed deadlines and was on track to run well over budget, despite still being years from release. Add to that Sony’s reluctance to sink “hundreds of millions of dollars” into a game that would only stay exclusive for a limited window, and cancelling starts to look less like a snub and more like basic spreadsheet maths.
Kojima isn’t left stranded. After three months hunting for a new home, Xbox has picked up PHYSINT, with Kojima himself calling it a “genre-defining action-espionage title.” Whether that framing survives contact with Microsoft’s own budget conversations is a different question entirely.
Sony just walked away from a Kojima game, and Xbox picked it up before the dust even settled.
In a short statement, Sony confirmed it made the “difficult decision to step away” from PHYSINT, the Metal Gear-style espionage project from Kojima Productions. No blog post, just a quick line on social media. Minutes later, Xbox confirmed it’s stepping in to publish the game instead.
An update from PlayStation Studios: After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to step away from collaborating with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS on its project PHYSINT. We continue to have great admiration for Hideo Kojima's vision for the game.
Kojima cleared up the timeline himself. Sony apparently pulled the plug back in mid-June, catching his studio off guard. He spent the next three months shopping the project around before landing with Xbox, a partner he’s already worked with on OD, his upcoming horror game.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma welcomed the move, saying creators have choices about where they build their games and that Kojima chose Xbox this time.
Don’t expect it soon
This is now the second Kojima Productions game tied to Xbox, alongside OD. PHYSINT itself was born because fans kept begging for something closer to old-school Metal Gear, and it’s still years out. Kojima estimated back in 2025 that it needed another five to six years of work, so we’re looking at 2030 or later before anyone touches it.
Sony and Kojima still have Death Stranding tying them together, but PHYSINT jumping ship is a real shift for a creator whose name has been glued to PlayStation for decades.
Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, bringing some of the biggest upgrades to the Pro lineup in years. The new models focus heavily on cameras, performance, battery life, cooling, and AI features.
The biggest camera change is the new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture. Apple is also introducing a redesigned Dynamic Island, its new A20 Pro chip, a larger vapor chamber, and the next generation of Apple Intelligence features through iOS 27.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in black, silver, glacier, and a new burgundy finish.
Pre-orders open on September 12, while sales will begin on September 18.
iPhone 18 Pro Gets a New 48MP Camera With Variable Aperture
Camera improvements are one of the main highlights of the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Apple has added a variable aperture to the 48MP Fusion Main camera for the first time. The system uses six laser-cut blades that can change the aperture depending on the lighting and the type of shot.
This gives users more control over depth of field and exposure. The camera can also automatically select an appropriate aperture, while users who want more control can manually choose from four aperture settings.
Apple says the new sensor and image-processing system can improve low-light photos, preserve more detail in group shots, and produce sharper images.
Developers will also be able to access the aperture system through an API, opening the door for more advanced camera apps.
New Pro Camera Controls Give Users More Manual Options
Apple is also adding a new Pro controls experience to the Camera app.
Users can adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and white balance. A histogram is also available to help check exposure before taking a photo.
The updated Photographic Styles add texture and grain controls, giving photographers more ways to change the look of their images without relying entirely on third-party editing apps.
Video recording gets some useful additions as well. Cinematic effects can now be applied after recording to compatible videos captured at up to 60 frames per second.
Time-lapse recording also supports 4K and Dolby Vision HDR, while the updated Audio Mix system is designed to produce cleaner voices and can separate music more effectively.
Apple Introduces a New Way to Verify Photos
One of the more unusual additions is Apple Reference Image, a feature designed to help users check whether a photo has been changed.
When Reference mode is used, the iPhone captures signed sensor information from the image. Apple says this data can then be processed through Private Cloud Compute to create an unalterable reference image.
The reference version can be viewed next to the normal photo in the Photos app. This gives users a way to compare the two versions and check whether changes were made.
Apple is also preparing APIs so third-party apps across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS can support Reference images.
Metadata and upcoming SynthID support can provide additional clues when identifying AI-generated or AI-edited images.
Dynamic Island Becomes More Useful
Apple has redesigned the Dynamic Island on the new Pro models.
The updated version can display up to three Live Activities at the same time while still supporting Face ID for unlocking the phone, approving purchases, and signing into apps.
It is a relatively small change, but it should make the Dynamic Island more useful for people who regularly track multiple activities.
A20 Pro Is Built for Higher Performance
Powering both phones is Apple’s new A20 Pro chip.
The chip is built on a 2nm process and includes a six-core CPU with integrated Neural Accelerators. Apple says it offers 50 percent more memory bandwidth than the previous A19 Pro.
The seven-core GPU is claimed to be up to 40 percent faster than the A19 Pro, which should help with demanding games, graphics work, and other intensive tasks.
Apple has also redesigned the Neural Engine. The A20 Pro uses two 16-core Neural Engines, giving it 32 cores in total and double the AI processing capability of the previous generation.
Both iPhone 18 Pro models also use Apple’s N1 wireless chip, which brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
The phones also feature the new C2 cellular modem system. Apple says it can improve cellular reliability while offering faster uploads than the previous C1X modem with lower power consumption.
New Vapor Chamber Helps Sustain Performance
Apple has made a major change to the thermal design as well.
The A20 Pro uses a package design that places the processor and memory side by side, allowing the chip to connect directly to a larger next-generation vapor chamber.
Apple says the new vapor chamber has three times the surface area of the cooling system used in the iPhone 17 Pro.
This is designed to keep performance levels higher for longer during demanding workloads. Apple claims sustained performance can improve by as much as 40 percent compared with the previous generation.
For gamers and users running heavy apps, this could be more important than a short burst of peak performance.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Gets a Major Battery Boost
Battery life is another area where Apple is promising a noticeable improvement.
The eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro can deliver up to 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches up to 45 hours.
Apple has also changed the battery design to make better use of the internal space. The eSIM-only models have additional room for a larger battery because they do not need a physical SIM slot.
The iPhone 18 Pro can reach around 50 percent charge in approximately 15 minutes using wired charging, while wireless charging can reach 50 percent in about 30 minutes.
Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max can provide around seven hours of video playback after just five minutes of wired charging.
iOS 27 Brings a Smarter Siri
The new Pro phones ship with iOS 27, which adds another major part of Apple’s AI strategy.
Siri AI is rolling out in beta and is designed to understand more personal context and interact more naturally with users.
It can use information from areas such as messages, emails, and photos to help find relevant information. Siri can also understand what is shown on the screen and take actions based on that content.
The Camera app gets a Siri mode that can provide information about objects and scenes in front of the camera.
Apple is also adding more AI-powered image tools, including Spatial Reframing, Extend, and an improved Clean Up feature.
Image Playground can now create more realistic-looking images, while Safari’s Notify Me feature can alert users when information on a website changes, such as a product coming back in stock or a price dropping.
Apple says these AI features use a mix of on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute to keep user information protected.
Four Colors and Up to 2TB Storage
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be offered in four finishes:
Black
Silver
Glacier
Burgundy
Storage options start at 256GB and go up to 2TB, with 512GB and 1TB options available in between.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 in the U.S.
Apple is also offering monthly payment options and trade-in deals. Customers trading in eligible older iPhones can receive credit toward the new models, with some carrier promotions offering up to $1,200 in credits.
New Cases and Straps Join the iPhone 18 Pro
Apple is launching several new accessories alongside the phones.
The lineup includes Silicone Cases, TechWoven Cases, Clear Cases, FineWoven Wallets, Crossbody Straps, and a new Wrist Strap.
The Wrist Strap is designed to make carrying the iPhone or compatible AirPods easier without keeping the device in a pocket or bag. It will be offered in six colors.
The TechWoven Case will cost $59 in the U.S., while the Clear and Silicone Cases will each start at $49. The FineWoven Wallet is priced at $59.
iPhone 18 Pro Uses More Recycled Materials
Apple says the new Pro models contain 40 percent recycled content overall.
The battery uses 100 percent recycled cobalt, while the enclosure contains 85 percent recycled aluminum. Apple also says 50 percent renewable energy is used across the supply chain during manufacturing.
The packaging remains fiber-based and can be recycled at home.
iPhone 18 Pro Price and Release Date
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will open for pre-orders on September 12 at 5 a.m. PT, with retail availability starting September 18 in more than 65 countries and regions.
A wider release in another group of countries and regions will follow on September 25.
iOS 27 will become available as a free update on September 14 for supported iPhones.
Apple Intelligence will also arrive with iOS 27 on September 14, although individual features will depend on language, region, and device support. Siri AI will initially launch as a beta in English, with additional languages planned for October.
Overall, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is more than a routine yearly refresh. Apple has put significant attention into the camera system, sustained performance, battery capacity, cooling, and AI. The variable-aperture camera and improved thermal system are particularly interesting upgrades, while the A20 Pro gives the new phones a stronger foundation for demanding apps and on-device AI.
Nintendo just spent 45 minutes proving Switch 2’s second wave is going to be relentless, and I’m still catching my breath. Here’s every game that showed up during this Nintendo Direct, broken down so you’re not scrolling through a wall of text to find the one you care about.
Nintendo Direct 9.9.2026
The remakes and remasters keep coming
Monster Hunter Wilds and Ascendance – confirmed for Switch 2 with local play, landing 4th December, Ascendance to follow in 2027
Crisis Core: FF7 Reunion – out on Switch 2 the same day as the Direct, no fanfare needed
Final Fantasy VII Revelation – new trailer, launches 8th April
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Definitive Edition – new difficulty mode, out 25th February
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered – arrives this month
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – Royal Edition – lands sometime in 2027
Pikmin 4 – Switch 2 Edition – voice commands via the console mic, out 12th November, which is either genius or a recipe for shouting matches with your Pikmin
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Switch 2 Edition – new survival mode and hero Shimmer, out 3rd December
Resident Evil 2, 3 and 4 Remakes – bundled together on Switch 2, 16th October, still one of the best deals in gaming right now
New games worth actually caring about
Metroid Ravenous – the real headline for me, Samus returns in a 2D follow-up to Dread, out 28th January with a special edition and new Amiibo
Persona 4 Revival – classic JRPG confirmed for Switch 2
Persona 6 – officially confirmed, but Atlus is keeping every detail locked down for now
Kirby and the World Beyond – full 3D open-world adventure with a new sword and cap ability, closing out the show, arriving 2027 and looking properly gorgeous
Kirby Air Riders – new Amiibo wave (Sword Kirby, Dragoon, Noir Dedede, Hydra), out 12th November
Everything else announced during Nintendo Direct
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave – arrives next week
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – hits 18th September
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort – out 22nd October with jet skis, planes, and an AI rival named MATT that sounds deeply annoying
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – plus its Chun Li DLC, also 22nd October
Mario Kart World – free update out today adding classic Super Mario Kart tracks
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis – confirmed for 12th February
Danganronpa 2×2 – new Slayhem Mode, out 14th January
Mega Man: Dual Override – Proto Man joins the fight, spring 2027
Eternal Anima – time-travel JRPG, out 4th March
Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force GX – enhanced port, out 16th February
Romancing SaGa 3: Destinies United – remake with new cutscenes, also 16th February
Metal Slug Ultimate Collection – ten games in one package, 2027
Switch 2’s second year isn’t just going to be busy. It’s going to be a scheduling nightmare, and I mean that as a compliment.
JMGO is taking its latest projector technology beyond China with the launch of the new JMGO IRIS Series at IFA 2026. The new lineup brings 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate to large-screen projectors, targeting gamers, movie fans, and sports viewers who want smoother motion without moving to a traditional TV.
The series includes two models, the JMGO IRIS Ultra Max and IRIS Ultra. The Ultra Max is the more powerful option, offering higher brightness, stronger contrast, and a motorized gimbal system for easier positioning.
JMGO IRIS Series Focuses on 4K 120Hz Performance
The main attraction of the JMGO IRIS Series is its 4K 120Hz capability. JMGO says the projectors use a dual-DLPC design together with its HyperPulse Actuator, which shifts 480 times per second.
According to the company, this approach is designed to preserve 4K detail at 120Hz instead of depending only on frame interpolation to make motion appear smoother.
That should make the projectors particularly interesting for fast-paced games, sports, and action movies where motion clarity matters.
Both models also support VRR and ALLM, with up to 120 FPS gaming when paired with compatible hardware. JMGO also lists Dolby Vision support at 4K 120Hz.
IRIS Ultra Max Offers Higher Brightness
The IRIS Ultra Max sits at the top of the lineup. It is rated for up to 6,500 ISO lumens and has a 10,000:1 native contrast ratio.
The projector uses JMGO’s MALC 6.0 triple-laser light source and covers 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut. JMGO also claims color accuracy of around ΔE 0.7.
The standard IRIS Ultra uses the same basic 4K 120Hz platform but drops brightness to 4,500 ISO lumens and native contrast to 7,000:1.
Both projectors use the same triple-laser light source and are rated for the same 110% BT.2020 color coverage.
Flexible Installation Could Be a Big Advantage
JMGO has also focused on making the projectors easier to install.
Both models feature a 0.88 to 1.7:1 optical zoom and four-way lens shift, with vertical adjustment of up to ±130% and horizontal adjustment of up to ±53%.
The Ultra Max goes a step further with an AI-powered gimbal. It supports 360-degree pan and 150-degree tilt, giving users more freedom to position the projector around a room.
The IRIS Ultra does not include this full gimbal system, although it retains the optical zoom and four-way lens-shift features.
JMGO also includes AI Screen Fitting on both models to help simplify setup.
Built for Gaming, Movies and Sports
Gaming is clearly one of the main targets for the new projectors. VRR and ALLM can help make the experience smoother and more responsive, while the 120Hz refresh rate allows compatible gaming hardware to take advantage of higher frame rates.
For movies and sports, the projectors support 4K 120Hz MEMC. This is designed to make fast movement look smoother, which can be useful during sports broadcasts and action-heavy scenes.
JMGO has also added hardware-level Anti-RBE technology to reduce rainbow artifacts that can sometimes be visible with projector displays.
JMGO IRIS Ultra Max and Ultra Prices
The new projectors are already available for pre-order, with early pricing below their regular MSRP.
The JMGO IRIS Ultra Max is priced at $2,999 during the early-bird period, compared with its $3,499 MSRP.
The IRIS Ultra is available for $1,899, while its listed MSRP is $2,399.
JMGO says both projectors will be showcased to international buyers at IFA 2026.
JMGO IRIS Ultra Max vs IRIS Ultra
Specification
IRIS Ultra Max
IRIS Ultra
Resolution
4K
4K
Refresh Rate
120Hz
120Hz
Brightness
6,500 ISO lumens
4,500 ISO lumens
Native Contrast
10,000:1
7,000:1
Light Source
MALC 6.0 Triple-Laser
MALC 6.0 Triple-Laser
Color Gamut
110% BT.2020
110% BT.2020
Gaming
VRR, ALLM, up to 120 FPS
VRR, ALLM, up to 120 FPS
Dolby Vision
4K at 120Hz
4K at 120Hz
MEMC
4K at 120Hz
4K at 120Hz
Optical Zoom
0.88–1.7:1
0.88–1.7:1
Lens Shift
Four-way
Four-way
Gimbal
360° pan / 150° tilt
No
Anti-RBE
Hardware-level
Hardware-level
Early-Bird Price
$2,999
$1,899
MSRP
$3,499
$2,399
A Stronger Option for Large-Screen Gaming
The JMGO IRIS Series gives projector buyers another option if they want a very large display without giving up high refresh rates. The combination of 4K resolution, 120Hz support, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision makes the lineup especially interesting for gaming and entertainment.
The Ultra Max stands out with its higher brightness and flexible gimbal system, while the IRIS Ultra offers many of the same core display features at a lower price.
JMGO says it first launched its 4K 120Hz projector technology in China in May. More than 5,000 units were reportedly sold during its first three months, and the company is now expanding the technology to international markets through the IRIS Series.
Square Enix finally put a date on the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy’s ending, and the wait was worth the wince. At the September 3 State of Play, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation got its release date: April 8, 2027, nearly seven years after Remake first launched back in April 2020. A whole console generation for one story arc. That’s dedication, or stalling, depending on your patience levels.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation – Release Date Reveal Trailer
A gameplay deep dive worth the hype
The reveal trailer wasn’t just a date card. We got proper gameplay featuring Yuffie, Cid, Barret, and the long-missing Vincent, all throwing down against mechanical and monstrous threats as the stakes for the Lifestream ramp up. New locations got their moment too, including Wutai village, a sprawling open world, and a glimpse of one of the Weapons in action.
The mechanics reveal is where things get genuinely interesting. Chocobos are now combat participants, not just taxis, capable of striking enemies mid-battle. Then there’s FITS, a new system letting players assign characters one of four roles, Warrior, Knight, Black Mage, or Summoner, each reshaping how that character plays. It’s the kind of flexibility that could make replaying this thing actually worthwhile.
Queen’s Blood returns too, with a new saga built around Red XIII and tougher opponents who mess with the board using special abilities. If you sank hours into that card game in Rebirth, prepare to lose several more.
Exploration got the biggest glow-up. Players get the Highwind early, opening up seamless travel across the planet, including parachuting straight down to ground locations. A Grappling Gun handles vertical exploration, so scaling rooftops and vantage points won’t mean hunting for a conveniently placed ladder.
April 2027 is a long way off, but based on this showing, Square Enix isn’t phoning in the finale.
Mobile gaming no longer has to mean relying on a phone’s touchscreen for every game. GXTrust Rovix Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller has been launched, giving iPhone and Android users a more traditional way to play games while traveling, commuting, or simply relaxing at home.
The GXTrust Rovix connects to smartphones through Bluetooth 5.0 and is designed to work with controller-supported iOS and Android games. It can also be used for cloud gaming, including PlayStation and Xbox titles, while PC game streaming lets users access their computer games directly from a phone.
Hall Effect Controls and Extra Buttons
A major feature of the GXTrust Rovix is its use of Hall effect joysticks and pressure-sensitive Hall effect triggers. These controls are designed to offer accurate input and avoid the stick drift issues that can affect conventional analog sticks over time. The controller also has 20 responsive buttons, including two programmable buttons on the back that can give players additional controls during gameplay.
This setup makes the Rovix more suitable for games that require quick and precise inputs. Instead of constantly reaching for touchscreen controls, players can use physical sticks, triggers, and buttons in a layout closer to what they would expect from a traditional gaming controller.
Built for Gaming on the Go
GXTrust has also designed the Rovix around portability. The controller comes with a rubberized, spring-loaded phone clamp that is built to hold smartphones securely while playing. Since the phone sits directly in the controller, players can carry a setup that is much closer to a handheld gaming device without needing a separate screen.
A built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime, according to GXTrust. That should be enough for extended gaming sessions without needing to constantly recharge the controller, making it particularly useful for travel and longer periods away from home.
Customization and Price
The GXTrust Rovix also gives users a few ways to personalize the controller. GXTrust includes two pairs of swappable magnetic faceplates, while the D-pad can also be changed depending on the player’s preferred style and feel. A protective hard case is included as well, which should make carrying the controller safer when traveling.
The GXTrust Rovix Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller is available now with an RRP of €59.99. With Hall effect controls, programmable rear buttons, wireless connectivity, a 12-hour battery, and support for both Android and iPhone, GXTrust is positioning the Rovix as a flexible option for mobile gamers who want a more console-like experience from their smartphone.
Netflix paid good money to stream Grand Theft Auto 6‘s gameplay reveal last week, and going by the numbers, it got its money’s worth.
31 million views and counting
According to Netflix’s own Tudum data, the 27-minute GTA 6 Extended Look pulled in 31.1 million views, making it the number one “movie” in 58 countries and a top 10 entry in 87 of 93 tracked regions. It even beat The Whisper Man, Netflix’s own new film starring Adam Scott and Robert De Niro. Beating your own release is one thing, but topping the entire streamer with a game trailer is another.
The stream was so busy that Netflix reportedly buckled for a short while right after launch, before people could get in to watch it.
The footage didn’t stay a Netflix exclusive for long either. Once it hit YouTube later the same day, it racked up over 17 million views in under four days. Add that to Netflix’s tally and the reach starts looking properly massive, though the two platforms obviously don’t measure viewership the same way.
For comparison, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein hit 29.1 million views in its first three days on Netflix last year. GTA 6 matched that kind of pull with a trailer, not a full film.
Rockstar Games has finally given fans a much longer look at GTA VI, releasing a 27 minute gameplay reveal video that shows the game running entirely from in game footage on a standard PlayStation 5.
The new video, called “Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look,” gives players a better idea of what to expect from Rockstar’s next open world game. Instead of short clips, the footage provides a much more detailed look at the world, characters, driving, action and overall presentation.
GTA VI Gameplay Shown on Base PS5
One of the biggest details from the release is that the entire gameplay presentation was captured on a base PlayStation 5. This gives fans a useful look at how Rockstar is presenting the game on the standard PS5 hardware.
The extended footage also gives a better sense of the scale and detail Rockstar has put into the game. The world appears packed with activity, while the gameplay moves between different situations instead of focusing on just one short scene.
For fans who have been waiting for a proper gameplay look, the 27 minute video is a much more useful preview than the short promotional clips released so far.
A Closer Look at Vice City and Its Characters
Grand Theft Auto VI returns players to Vice City, Rockstar’s fictional version of Miami. This time, the story follows Jason and Lucia, two criminals who become involved in a much larger situation across the state of Leonida.
The new footage offers more time with the game’s characters and shows how Rockstar is building its latest open world around them. The presentation also highlights the busy streets, vehicles, locations and different activities that players can expect to encounter.
Rather than simply showing cinematic scenes, Rockstar uses the extended look to give viewers a clearer idea of how the game actually plays.
GTA VI Still Looks Like a Major Upgrade
The extended gameplay reveal makes it clear that Rockstar is aiming for a highly detailed world. Character animations, environments, traffic and small background details all play a role in making Vice City feel more alive.
The footage also shows that Rockstar is putting considerable attention into the way characters move and interact with the world. Driving and other gameplay moments are presented as part of the wider open world rather than isolated features.
For players coming from GTA V, this footage should provide a much better idea of how much Rockstar is changing with its next mainline entry.
Release Date Confirmed
Rockstar Games is scheduled to release Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The new extended gameplay video should give fans plenty to study while they wait for launch. With 27 minutes of footage now available, players can get a far clearer look at Rockstar’s ambitious return to Vice City.
For a game that has been surrounded by huge expectations, this is easily one of the most important official gameplay previews Rockstar has released so far.
Xbox is making physical game discs more useful with a new disc-to-digital program that could also give players a clear idea of what to expect from its next-generation console.
The program will let owners of supported Xbox One and Xbox Series X games claim a digital license for a game they already own on disc. Xbox Vice President of Next Generation Jason Ronald announced the feature through Xbox Wire, with testing set to begin for Xbox Insiders on August 31.
How Xbox’s Disc-to-Digital Program Works
The process is fairly simple. Players with a supported physical game disc will insert it into an Xbox One or Xbox Series X console and launch the game.
Once the digital entitlement is claimed, the game can also be accessed through supported parts of the Xbox ecosystem, including Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Xbox says the feature will work with “most Xbox One and Xbox Series X disc-based games,” although the company has not yet shared the full list of supported titles.
There is one important detail. Xbox describes the entitlement as one revocable digital license for each game disc. The physical disc will also remain usable after the digital entitlement is claimed.
A Possible Preview of Xbox Helix
The timing of the announcement is important.
Microsoft has been working toward its next-generation Xbox console, reportedly known as Helix. The upcoming system is expected to focus heavily on backward compatibility, but reports have suggested that it could arrive without a traditional disc drive.
That creates an obvious problem for players with large physical game collections. A disc-to-digital system could provide a way for those owners to carry their existing games into a future where Xbox hardware is increasingly digital.
This does not mean every physical Xbox game will automatically work on Helix. Xbox has not confirmed that yet. Instead, the current program appears to be an important step toward handling physical game ownership on future hardware.
Xbox Says Game Preservation Is a Major Goal
Xbox is presenting the feature as more than just a convenience.
The company says the program is part of its wider effort to preserve access to games as hardware and distribution methods change. That could become increasingly important as consoles move away from physical media.
For players, the biggest benefit is flexibility. A physical disc can still be used, while eligible games can also gain digital access across supported Xbox services.
However, there are still questions about how the system will affect used games. Because the digital license is tied to a specific game disc and can be revoked, it remains unclear how the process will work when physical games are sold or traded.
Xbox Insiders Can Test It Soon
Xbox Insiders will be able to start testing the disc-to-digital program on August 31. Microsoft has not yet revealed the complete list of games that will support the feature during the test.
The program is likely to attract attention because it could become an important part of Microsoft’s approach to physical game ownership in the next Xbox generation.
For now, Xbox players will have to wait for more details on supported games, license rules and how the system could eventually work with the Helix console.
Rockstar Games has finally said something about the GTA 6leak mess that’s been swallowing gaming Twitter for a week.
A group calling itself CYBERLEEK has been dumping GTA 6 clips online, dressing it up as some kind of protest against the death of physical PlayStation discs. Cute story. Then the paid polls showed up, letting people vote on what leaked next for cash, and the whole “we’re doing this for gamers” act fell apart instantly.
Heartbreaking for our GTA 6 team
Rockstar posted its response on social media on 26 August, calling the situation heartbreaking for the team. Fair enough, honestly. Watching months of work leak out for someone else’s crypto grift would sting.
Here’s the twist though. Tomorrow, Rockstar, Take-Two, and Netflix are dropping an official GTA 6 documentary, and it’s going to make CYBERLEEK’s grainy clips look like a joke. Cinematic, built from the latest build, and actually sanctioned. Sometimes the best clapback is just releasing the real thing.
HyperX has introduced three new products aimed at gamers and content creators, giving its lineup a useful upgrade across audio, gaming, and streaming. The company revealed the new devices during its Level Awakening online event.
The new range includes the Cloud Alpha Air open-back gaming headset, Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro wireless mouse, and SoloCast 2 Pro USB microphone. All three products are currently listed as coming soon on HyperX’s website.
HyperX Cloud Alpha Air Brings an Open-Back Design
The Cloud Alpha Air is an over-ear gaming headset with an open-back design. It comes with a metal-reinforced headband and adjustable sliders for a stronger build.
Inside, the headset uses 40 mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets. It also has a unidirectional electret condenser microphone and connects through USB.
The headset supports both 16-bit and 24-bit audio, making it suitable for gaming, voice chat, and everyday PC use.
HyperX has set the Cloud Alpha Air at an MSRP of $149.99.
Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro Focuses on Speed and Low Weight
The Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro is a symmetrical wireless gaming mouse designed for players who want a light setup. Its carbon-fiber shell helps keep the weight down to just 47 grams.
The mouse supports up to 42,000 DPI, with five preset levels at 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200, and 6,400 DPI. It can also reach up to 800 IPS tracking speed and 70G acceleration.
For connectivity, HyperX offers USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless options. The mouse supports polling rates of up to 8,000 Hz and uses optical switches.
At 8,000 Hz polling, the battery is rated for up to 35 hours of use.
The Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro will have an MSRP of $129.99.
SoloCast 2 Pro Adds More Features for Creators
The SoloCast 2 Pro is a USB condenser microphone designed for gaming, streaming, and voice recording. It uses two 14 mm condenser capsules and includes a built-in pop filter.
HyperX has also added RGB lighting and a tap-to-mute sensor, making common microphone controls easier to access.
Another useful upgrade is the addition of a 3.5 mm audio output, giving users another way to monitor audio.
The SoloCast 2 Pro is priced at $89.99 MSRP.
With these three products, HyperX is expanding its gaming lineup with a focus on lightweight hardware, flexible connectivity, and extra features for gamers and creators.
The Cloud Alpha Air, Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro, and SoloCast 2 Pro are all currently listed as coming soon. HyperX has not yet provided a firm retail launch date for the three products.
Nine hundred euros for an Xbox. Let that sink in for a second.
Xbox X25 Anniversary Edition Collection Console
As Dealabs spotted by digging through store backend data before the official reveal, the Xbox Series X25 is reportedly launching on November 27, 2026, priced at 899 euros. That’s Black Friday, which is a genuinely funny day to launch your most expensive console yet. The USD price wasn’t confirmed, but expect it to land around $899, and UK fans should brace for the usual “convert to pounds, then add a bit more for fun” pricing.
For context, that’s a serious premium over the standard Series X, and I reckon they knows exactly what it’s selling here: nostalgia in translucent green plastic. The 1TB console lights up its iconic X logo and is built to mark 25 years of the brand, which Xbox teased back at its June Showcase when Matt Booty and Asha Sharma handed the console out free to everyone in attendance. Nice for them.
ASUS has reportedly raised the prices of several NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 series graphics cards, adding more pressure to the GPU market. Some AMD Radeon cards have also become more expensive.
The latest increases are mainly being reported in China and come after earlier price rises linked to higher memory costs. With GPU memory prices continuing to climb, graphics cards are once again getting harder on the wallet.
RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 see big increases
The GeForce RTX 5070 Ti is one of the clearest examples of the latest price jump.
A 16GB RTX 5070 Ti was reportedly selling for around 7,200 yuan in November 2025, which was roughly £790 at the time. The price later increased to around 8,000 yuan, then reached 9,299 yuan, or about £1,020.
It has now reportedly climbed to around 10,700 yuan, which is approximately £1,175. That means the card is now around 49% more expensive than it was in November.
ASUS RTX 5080 models have also seen major increases. The TUF Gaming RTX 5080 originally launched at around £950 in the UK based on its $1,199 US launch price, but some current listings have reached roughly £1,250.
The ROG Strix RTX 5080 OC has seen an even bigger jump. It launched at $1,499, equivalent to around £1,000, while some listings are now reaching $2,099, or approximately £1,580.
That puts the high-end ASUS model well above the original price of NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 Founders Edition.
More RTX 50 series and Radeon cards affected
The price increases are not limited to the RTX 50 series including RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080.
The RTX 5090D V2 is reportedly getting a 4,500-yuan increase, which works out to around £495. RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti models are seeing increases of between 1,500 and 1,700 yuan, or roughly £165 to £187.
The 16GB RTX 5070 and RTX 5060 Ti are reportedly increasing by around 1,000 yuan, equal to about £110. The 8GB RTX 5060 Ti is going up by around 650 to 700 yuan, or approximately £71 to £77.
The RTX 5060 and RTX 5050 are also affected, with reported increases of roughly £66 to £75.
AMD graphics cards are not escaping the latest price pressure either. ASUS has reportedly increased the Radeon RX 9070 XT by around 1,150 yuan, which is about £126. The 8GB Radeon RX 9060 XT is reportedly getting a 500 to 650 yuan increase, equal to around £55 to £71.
These are reported Chinese market price changes, so UK retail prices will not necessarily move by the same amount. Retailers can also have different prices depending on stock and supply.
Still, the latest changes are another bad sign for PC gamers. GPU prices had already risen in recent months, and another round of increases could make the RTX 50 series even less attractive for buyers looking for a good upgrade.
Handheld gaming PCs rarely get proper VRR support out of the box, and MSI’s Claw lineup is no exception. That’s where ClawLab comes in, a community-made fix that’s just dropped its biggest update yet.
Version 2.2.0 of the Intel VRR Range Fix now supports the Claw A1M, 7 AI+, 8 AI+, and 8 EX AI+. The stable side of things brings a proper 30-120Hz or 45-120Hz VRR range, finally giving these handhelds smoother scaling instead of the jerky refresh rate jumps you’d normally deal with.
Then there’s the fun part: experimental overclock profiles pushing certain models up to 180Hz. We’re talking 48-165Hz, 48-180Hz, 30-144Hz, 30-165Hz, and 30-180Hz options, all flagged as unstable and untested.
Here’s the catch though. Whether your Claw can actually run these higher refresh rates comes down to the silicon lottery. Some panels will handle it fine, others won’t, and there’s no way to know until you try.
If you’re running one of the supported models, the update is live now via the project’s GitHub. Just don’t go in expecting 180Hz to work on the first attempt.
Warren Spector, the man behind Deus Ex, says he’s done with game development. Or at least he thinks he is.
In a LinkedIn post, Spector said he’s a month away from his 44th year as a developer and it’s simply time to stop. He’s worked on 17 full games and around 9 add-on packs across a career that’s seen him lead teams as small as a dozen people and as large as 800. His reasoning isn’t dramatic. He just doesn’t find the games business as fun as he used to.
Why is Warren Spector stepping away
Warren Spector pointed to age and health catching up with him, alongside a games industry that’s changed shape under his feet. He’s planning to write books, read more, maybe lecture or consult, and finally get back to playing piano. Still, he admits there are three games he’d love to make, one big, one small, and one he says scares him because he doesn’t know how to build it.
He also had a message for the next generation of developers: your job is to make people forget people like me ever existed. Fair play, that’s a proper mic drop line to retire on.
Will he actually stay retired? He’s not ruling out a comeback, and honestly, with three unfinished ideas still nagging at him, don’t be shocked if funding and a team pull him back in eventually.
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