Consoles Hub

Update: Pricing information now revealed. 8BitDo has kicked off the new year with a new high-end wireless controller. Designed for Xbox and PC, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E builds on the Ultimate 2 Wireless with a new grip design and a wide range of customisation options missing from the Ultimate 2 series.

The relatively short battery life is one of the biggest weaknesses of the Nintendo Switch 2. Belkin aims to more than double the battery life with a charging case that can be tracked via AirTag and also securely store numerous games.

Ayaneo, once celebrated in the retro handheld niche, is facing backlash from early backers who allege months-long delivery delays. At the same time, the same devices appear readily available on third-party marketplaces like AliExpress. As reviewers and customers criticize what they describe as mismanagement, overambitious product announcements, and poor communication, Ayaneo defends itself by citing shipping policy changes, scalpers, and logistical issues while insisting Indiegogo orders remain its priority.

Sony’s newly filed “AI ghost” patent imagines real-time, data-trained NPC assistants that can take over controls, track player behavior, and offer personalized coaching through difficult game moments, potentially transforming how players approach challenging content. While the technology promises enhanced accessibility and a more interactive alternative to static tutorials, it has raised concerns about privacy, artistic integrity, and whether algorithmic hand-holding could dilute the satisfaction of overcoming in-game obstacles through trial and error.

Leakers continue to monitor backchannels for any hint of another GTA 6 delay. Fortunately, one prominent insider expects that Rockstar Games will meet its targeted November release date. The Insider Gaming podcast also offered insight into a potential GTA 6 price and the status of the PC version.

PlayStation supporters may not need to panic yet about a belated PS6 debut. Leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead disclosed that Sony doesn’t have to delay its release date for another year. Production of the console’s APU can begin without the memory shortage interrupting manufacturing.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a versatile console, but its dock suffered from a fatal flaw. A malfunctioning Ethernet port made WiFi often a less-than-desirable fallback option. Many gamers are confirming that the 21.1.0 update solved the flaky wired internet connectivity.

A new fan-made English translation has finally brought Sega Dreamcast’s 2001 Japan-exclusive shooter Macross M3 to Western audiences, fully localizing its story, dialogue, and menus. While the game’s mechanics remain a straightforward 3D shooter, this patch elevates its once-overlooked campaign into a must-play narrative entry in the Macross canon for English-speaking retro fans.

Digital Foundry’s testing shows the GPD Win 5’s Strix Halo APU pushing the handheld to 93.5% of PS5 performance in Alan Wake 2 at 1440p, delivering around 52fps versus the console’s 55fps in a demanding stress test. Despite its high price and power draw, the device demonstrates how close high-end handheld PCs are coming to living-room console performance, even at reduced wattages and resolutions.

A leaked set of PlayStation 5 BootROM keys, published online at the end of 2025, has exposed core hardware-level security secrets that researchers say Sony cannot simply patch on existing consoles. While the breach does not enable an immediate jailbreak, experts warn it significantly lowers the bar for future exploits, potentially paving the way for permanent hacks, homebrew software, and widespread piracy risks.

The Switch 2 looks prepared to support every Final Fantasy game, including an MMO. Director Naoki Yoshida has given the most definitive confirmation yet about a Final Fantasy 14 port. At the same time, the Switch 2 specs may struggle with raids, prompting players to keep PC versions installed.

The Gamemt E3 Vigor is a budget retro handheld now available for pre-order from $45, offering a 3.95-inch 1:1 720p IPS display aimed at classic systems like NES, SNES, Game Boy, and PSP. Powered by an aging octa-core Cortex A7 chipset with modest specs but a sizable 5,000 mAh battery, it positions itself as an affordable everyday carry for nostalgic gamers. However, real-world performance remains unproven ahead of initial shipments.

Sony has finally revealed the PlayStation Plus lineup for January 2026. The headliner is Need for Speed Unbound, the latest mainline entry in the long-running Need for Speed franchise.

Despite the shooter games being rivals, a new Battlefield 6 skin would seem appropriate in Call of Duty: Ghosts. Some fans suspect that an artist used a generative AI tool to create a copy of a ghastly mask. Machine learning may also be responsible for other recent Battlefield 6 DLC.

Prices for Nintendo’s decade-old 3DS handheld have surged on eBay, with standard and limited-edition models now selling for $200 to nearly $1,000, in some cases rivaling the cost of a new Nintendo Switch 2. Driven by dwindling supply after production ended and renewed interest from collectors, the secondary market has pushed used 3DS XL units to more than triple last year’s prices and up to 76% above their original retail value.

A record number of Chinese PS4 and PS5 games are currently in development. Even so, the studios increasingly find themselves in conflict with PlayStation. The developers behind Convallaria blame Sony for a lack of support before trying to commandeer the project.

Former Sony executive Shawn Layden argues that the traditional console market has hit a hard ceiling of roughly 250 million devices per generation, despite gaming’s broader growth into a $250 billion industry. In a recent interview, he proposes a unified gaming format akin to VHS or DVD as the radical step needed to break this cap, while still preserving the value of strong platform exclusives.

PC players are finally getting an early taste of Bloodborne’s online features on computers, as the rapidly advancing ShadPS4 emulator now supports asynchronous elements and limited co-op play. While the experience remains unstable and incomplete, the breakthrough marks a major step toward full-featured PS4 emulation and a long-awaited unofficial PC option for FromSoftware’s classic.

A notorious downside of emulation, especially Nintendo's official NSO GameCube emulator, is increased input lag—and the open source Dolphin developers have cracked it.

Even as a popular novelty, the Alarmo isn’t an essential accessory for some gamers. That could change, as a Nintendo patent proposes linking an alarm clock to gameplay. Switch 2 games could send live notifications to the device to celebrate events or accomplishments.

A leak has revealed one of the products HyperX plans to unveil at CES 2026. Called the HyperX Clutch Tachi, the device is a wired arcade controller for Xbox, which makes it a direct rival to the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox.

What started as an indie Kickstarter project and was supposed to be released back in 2016 still has no solid release date, and users received an update from the developers in April 2024.

One-Netbook’s OneXSugar Wallet is a clamshell retro handheld that pairs an 8.01‑inch foldable OLED display with built-in gaming controls, positioning itself as the first compact Android gaming device to use a single, continuous bendable screen. Drawing on foldable phone design and optimized for DS and 3DS emulation, it promises true pocketability and a seamless dual-screen experience. However, questions remain about hinge durability and long-term wear.

The Nintendo Switch 2 might be getting considerably more AAA games moving forward, as Disney has reportedly asked third-party developers to develop Switch 2 copies of Disney-owned gaming properties. These prospective Switch 2 games could include titles from the Star Wars universe.

KT Pocket’s newly renamed KTR2 enters an increasingly crowded retro handheld market with an unusually premium magnesium alloy build, active cooling, and a modern Dimensity 7300 chip, all while targeting sub-$200 price points. Yet, with delayed shipments, crowdfunding uncertainty, and fierce competition from cheaper, more readily available rivals, its promise to disrupt the segment will hinge on its international rollout and real-world performance.

Microsoft and Sony are reportedly considering delaying the next Xbox and PS6 release dates. Like PC gamers, the console makers are struggling with startlingly high memory costs. Their dilemma is either raise the prices of future hardware or bet on boosted DRAM production.

A long-maligned Amiga port of Space Quest IV is being rebuilt from the ground up, as Spanish developer Darasco and the SCOP group deliver an enhanced OCS edition that finally leverages the machine’s true capabilities. Using custom tools, AI-assisted asset handling, and reconstructed visuals originating from the superior MS-DOS release, this 2025 fan project aims to redeem Sierra’s infamous 1991 effort with sharper graphics, richer palettes, and hardware-accurate performance.

A retro hardware modder has recreated the classic Commodore 1084 monitor in miniature form using 3D printing, pairing an 8-inch LCD with a custom-designed shell to match the Amiga A500 Mini and C64 Mini. The project, documented in detail on YouTube, combines modern display tech with faithfully styled housing, offering a sharp, compact alternative to original CRTs for today’s mini retro systems.

Capcom hasn't confirmed that a Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 version is coming. A dataminer may have leaked the project after finding the platform mentioned in the recent Title Update 4. While performance has improved since its release date, the Switch 2 game would face optimization challenges.

Ayaneo’s Pocket Vert retro handheld arrives with early-backer pricing that starts at $269 and climbs to $369, before rising by $100 at retail for a $339 base model and a $439 top-tier Lava Red edition. Combining a high‑PPI 3.5‑inch display, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, invisible touchpad, and a robust feature set in a premium metal build, the device targets enthusiasts seeking powerful retro emulation in a Game Boy-style form factor.

Cross-platform games are becoming more commonplace on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Even so, a former Sony executive doesn’t envision exclusive games completely disappearing. While PC releases boast mass appeal, Shawn Layden argues that titles unique to the PS5 and Switch 2 have value.

Servers for Ubisoft’s popular first-person shooter game are currently offline on consoles and PC. A suspected hack granted some Rainbow Six Siege players huge bundles of in-game currency. Other players have witnessed mass bans, prompting Ubisoft to take action while investigating.

A shakeup at an Xbox Game Studio suggests that AI will play a major role in Halo games like Campaign Evolved. The new Chief of Staff stresses enhancing workflows with machine learning on her resume. Other employees could use AI tools creatively rather than to improve efficiency.

After being exclusive to its website, GameSir has made its controller, the GameSir G7 Pro Zenless Zone Zero Edition Wireless Controller for Xbox available to purchase elsewhere. The controller keeps the selling price unchanged and comes with accessories and gifts.

The Fantech EOS Mini shows that an ultra-light, $13 Bluetooth gamepad can still deliver strong performance, broad platform compatibility, and up to 20 hours of battery life in a truly pocketable form factor. While its membrane face buttons may fatigue fast-action players, its responsive shoulder buttons, precise D-pad, and versatile extra features help it stand out in the growing mini-controller market.

The Brook Wingman FGC VX allows PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users to connect and use third-party controllers with their consoles. The ultra-low-latency converter can also adapt console controllers for use with PC desktops and laptops.

CD Projekt Red is intent on launching the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel with multiplayer. A new report from a Polish investment bank reveals how this decision has influenced its release date. Also known as Cyberpunk 2 or Project Orion, the studio is adding more employees to support the undertaking.

A writer for a French website is urging gamers to keep all PlayStation Network details private. An ID number was all a hacker needed to log in twice to the journalist’s account. Even with 2FA active, PSN support requires minimal information to grant strangers access.

Final Fantasy 9 will return in 2028, but not in the form some fans had been expecting. A French company has revived The Black Mages' Legacy anime following the previous studio's bankruptcy. Square Enix has also teased gamers with merchandise, but refuses to acknowledge the Final Fantasy 9 remake.

The arrival of the next Valve and Sony gaming machines may now be in doubt. An emarketer analyst believes that high memory costs could cause the manufacturers to reconsider release dates. Declining console sales are also a factor, as steeper prices are prompting gamers to hesitate before upgrading.

Without Battlefield or Call of Duty, the Switch 2 isn’t yet an essential purchase for some gamers. However, a new leak suggests that Activision may launch its shooter franchise on the handheld in 2026. It’s unclear whether Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is on the way or if a mobile port is more likely.

Although GTA: Tokyo was a possibility, Rockstar Games has been reluctant to explore outside the U.S. A former technical director doesn’t anticipate GTA 6 to feature exotic locations either. Instead, the studio will continue to revisit settings like Vice City, which embody American pop culture.

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) could be an asset to Switch 2 games with wavering frame rates. Unfortunately, screen tearing remains an issue, particularly with titles that run at lower than 40fps. Ubisoft solved the problem in Assassin's Creed Shadows and is now sharing its wisdom with Nintendo.

For many fans, the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle was a no-brainer purchase. A leaked internal memo confirms that the package with the popular Switch 2 game will soon no longer be available. Nintendo hasn’t revealed a new bundle at the same price to replace it.

Veteran N64 developer and hacker Kaze Emanuar has publicly challenged Analogue 3D’s claims of cycle accuracy and “100% compatibility,” presenting side-by-side tests that show slower performance, missing hardware behaviors, and failed system checks compared to an original Nintendo 64. While he still considers the FPGA-based system a strong, affordable option for most players and notes that firmware updates may address many issues, Analogue has yet to respond to the mounting concerns from speedrunners, modders, and preservationists.

Unlike Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, gamers expected Battlefield 6 to reject AI art. Regardless, a new icon on its marketplace does not resemble the work of a human artist. The design of a weapon exhibits mistakes that are still commonly made by generative AI tools.

Physical disc owners have more reason to avoid the digital gaming age. Complaints continue about hackers compromising Microsoft accounts filled with Xbox games. Even if gamers can prove their identities, they may need to start from scratch and repurchase every title.