Consoles Hub

Sony has still not announced a release date for the PS6 – and that may be intentional. High RAM and SSD prices, a still-profitable PS5 and the looming launch of GTA 6 could make a later release more attractive. However, Microsoft’s next Xbox generation means Sony is not entirely without pressure.

Takashi Tezuka, the longtime Nintendo designer and director behind major entries in Mario, Zelda, Yoshi, and other landmark franchises, will retire on June 26, 2026, after 42 years with the company. His departure marks the close of a defining chapter in Nintendo history, highlighting the legacy of a key creative partner who helped turn some of gaming’s most influential ideas into enduring classics.

Nintendo Switch 2 users briefly accessed YouTube through a hidden browser triggered by Super Animal Royale, filling the gap left by the console’s continued lack of an official YouTube or streaming app. The workaround was reportedly blocked within hours, underscoring frustration over Nintendo and Google’s slow progress nearly a year after the console’s launch.

The Yoo Y1, a new Android-based retro handheld from Chinese designer Zhang, is drawing early attention for its premium build, minimalist glass front, 3:2 1620 x 1080 display, TMR joysticks, Hall-Effect triggers, metal frame, and 6,000mAh battery. While its processor remains unconfirmed, the device’s final performance and connectivity features could determine whether it becomes a serious rival to established premium handhelds from Retroid and Ayn.

Contrary to popular belief, enabling Switch 2 GameChat may reduce stuttering. Digital Foundry realized that Capcom RE engine games like Pragmata benefit from voice and video chats. Choosing the smallest window size yielded frame rates up to 60 fps.

Exclusive Hitoshi Sakimoto settles a 29-year debate exclusively with Notebookcheck: Final Fantasy Tactics is a rock record. We also got a chance to discuss his London Game Music Festival 2026 debut, made possible by the Game Music Foundation's efforts.

Valve recently introduced a reservation queue system for the Steam Controller to tackle scalpers and resellers. Now, it seems like the Steam Machine could launch with a similar system.

The Nintendo Switch 2 price hike in Japan has produced a surge in console sales. Reminiscent of its launch, jam-packed retailers are again waging war against scalpers. The changes take effect much sooner than in other regions, with buyers suffering a higher percentage increase.

Even contending with higher memory prices, Nintendo may be designing new consoles. Its latest fiscal report revealed that its research and development budget expanded by 23.7%. Earlier leaks suggested that a cheaper Switch 2 Lite or upgraded OLED model is a possibility.

Age of Empires IV: Yue Fei's Legacy is now live on Xbox, PC, and PS5, adding the Jin Dynasty civilization, an 8-mission campaign set during the Song-Jin Wars, four new maps, and two new biomes.

PS4 supporters may be running out of time to prepare for the GTA 6 release date. The PlayStation Store is asking these gamers to purchase a PS5 console before its debut. Recently, Sony and Take-Two Interactive have hinted that the Rockstar Games title is on schedule.

After avoiding a Switch 2 price increase, astronomical memory prices forced the manufacturer to act. With a $499.99 MSRP in September, buyers will look for reasons to upgrade. Former Nintendo marketers think that the company should announce a first-party Switch 2 game to compete with GTA 6.

Gamers accustomed to multi-monitor setups may discover Xbox Mode has limitations. When enabled, the console-inspired menus disable additional displays, interrupting multi-tasking. The UI has more advantages for the upcoming Project Helix Xbox console and gaming PCs connected to TVs.

Game consoles usually become cheaper in the years following their launch. Not so the PlayStation 5, which was launched in November 2020 for $399, but five and a half years later costs $599. This obviously has a drastic effect on sales.

After the Sony PlayStation 5 already supports a power-saving mode that is supposed to simulate the performance of the next PlayStation handheld, Microsoft is reportedly also working on a similar mode for the next-generation Xbox, not least to improve the battery life of Windows handhelds.

Due to the ongoing memory crisis, Nintendo has made some new pricing changes across its hardware lineup, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch lineup.

Back in March, Sony increased the price of the PS5 Disc Edition from $549.99 to $649.99. However, with this bundle deal, you can save $50 on the console and get a free game worth $69.99.

Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s Stranger Than Heaven received a major spotlight during Xbox’s May 6 showcase, revealing Snoop Dogg as Orpheus, a smuggler and mentor figure who helps guide protagonist Makoto Daito’s musical rise in 1915 San Francisco.

Grinding Gear Games has finally shown off what it has in store for Path of Exile 2’s 0.5 update. Return of the Ancients is arguably one of the biggest patches in the ARPG’s history, and it completely overhauls core mechanics such as Expedition, Breach, Delirium, the endgame Atlas and the Atlas tree.

Nintendo marketing may have a new strategy to deal with high-profile leaks. An insider thinks a widely spread rumor led to the abrupt Star Fox Switch 2 announcement. Recently, the company has become more spontaneous with major game reveals, relying less on general Directs.

A new leak has suggested that FromSoftware will unveil its next game at Summer Game Fest. It is said to be a self-published title called 'Cerulean Onslaught.'

Those who couldn’t get the Steam Controller the last time it went on sale will have a chance again tomorrow. Users based in the US and Canada now have the chance to reserve their place in the queue, following which they have 72 hours to make a purchase.

The new Star Fox Switch 2 game could be a prelude to a full-length motion picture. More leaks hint that Illumination will produce a Fox McCloud feature. Nintendo films have become more frequent, as the company looks to expand its console-centric audience.

The RPG is set to disappear for good this June, with downloads and in-app purchases ending today, May 7. No offline version is planned, and all player data will be permanently deleted when the servers close.

Take-Two Interactive boss Strauss Zelnick claims that GTA 6 delays should prevent a time crunch. In an interview, the CEO explained how an extended development schedule benefits both Rockstar Games and its fans. Yet, a recent employee leak described a tense studio with long shifts.

Individuals with large stakes in Nintendo stock are asking for a Switch 2 price increase. Investors believe that the memory shortage will hurt the console’s profitability. Other analysts warn that still early in its lifecycle, gamers would reject higher costs and avoid upgrading to the handheld.

Ironmouse has cut ties with Neverness to Everness after claiming Hotta Studio lied about AI use. Players have flagged suspected AI assets across the game's environments.

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.8 launches today with new agents Promeia and Starlight Billy, plus HoYoverse's official confirmation of a Steam release in Q2 2026.

Macho Nacho Productions’ Tito spotlights the “Kawaii,” a keychain-sized, heavily trimmed Nintendo Wii built by YveltalGriffin and WeskMods that plays full GameCube titles on original hardware, not emulation, inside a CNC-machined aluminum shell that doubles as a heatsink. The project relies on an undervolted Omega-trim motherboard with Thundervolt hardware and a magnetic pogo-pin connector, with an optional dock for full-size controller ports and AV output, though heat buildup can trigger shutdowns without added cooling.

8BitMods has showcased its BitLink DC Kit, an aftermarket upgrade that converts a Sega Dreamcast controller into a motion-control racing wheel, adding 2.4 GHz wireless play, rumble, RGB lighting, VMU virtual support, and USB-C charging.

Xbox Copilot to be "winded down" on mobile and stop entirely on Xbox consoles. The move is framed as part of a broader “gamers first” shift at Xbox under CEO Asha Sharma at a time when competitiveness against Sony PlayStation remains uncertain.

With a new exploit, Sony’s console can become a capable gaming PC. Using the PS5 on Linux hack, Digital Foundry evaluated the performance of several PlayStation games. The ports exhibited similar frame rates, but memory limitations led to stuttering in Pragmata.

Microsoft has announced the first Xbox Game Pass lineup for May 2026. The list includes Ben 10 Power Trip, Descenders Next, and more.

Nearly 30 years after Core Design’s planned Nintendo 64 version of Tomb Raider was canceled, a homebrew developer known as Snake has demonstrated a work-in-progress port running on N64 hardware via the Analogue 3D. Built from scratch using the TRX decompilation approach alongside libdragon and Tiny3D, the project reportedly implements most of the full game but still faces major bugs and performance constraints, with no release date or ROM distribution confirmed.

PlayStation has teamed up with the Spanish fashion brand, D.Franklin, for a pair of limited edition glasses based on its new game, Saros. The Saros-themed glasses, which use photochromic technology and also have blue light protection, can be purchased in Europe only.

While Valve hasn’t officially revealed the Steam Machine’s price or release date yet, recent import records suggest that the company may be getting ready for a launch.

An insider believes that low hardware stock will cost Microsoft sales when GTA 6 launches. The absence of Xbox consoles in many countries is not entirely intentional. Targeting higher profits and poor planning for the component shortage could haunt the PS5 rival.

Sony has raised prices on its Certified Refurbished PS5 Slim consoles by $100, pushing the Digital Edition to $499.99 and the disc-drive model to $549.99. With the $399 PS5 Fortnite bundle sold out and new PS5 models already more expensive, sub-$400 options are rapidly disappearing, leaving the older “Fat” refurbished PS5 at $399 as one of the last budget alternatives.

Windows 11's Auto Super Resolution is now available to try for Xbox Insiders on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. ETA Prime has tested the performance and image quality of Auto SR against native resolution. The results are quite impressive, considering that Auto SR runs entirely on the NPU.

The Steam Machine could support 4K monitors with 120 Hz, HDR, VRR and ALLM after all, because contrary to previous expectations, AMD is now working on Linux drivers that fully support the more modern HDMI standard.

A report that a Resident Evil Requiem story expansion will drop in May is now less credible. A Capcom insider says that a release date so close to the debut of the mini-game DLC is unrealistic. Still, it’s possible that Leon Kennedy and Ada Wong will have roles in future content.

Subnautica 2 enters Early Access on May 14, 2026, at $29.99 with four-player co-op, new biomes, and day one Xbox Game Pass availability on PC and Xbox Series X/S.

A leak has provided rare insight into the atmosphere of a Rockstar studio ahead of the GTA 6 release date. A Glassdoor job review from a QA analyst highlights extended hours with claims of unpaid overtime. Conditions have worsened over the past month in order to sidestep a third delay.

An MP1st article explains how the next PlayStation console will boost its storage speeds. The PS6 release date could also see the debut of new cloud gaming technology. Streaming and compatibility with PS5 games may ease the anticipated high costs of upgrading.

Gamers could see GTA 6 marketing take over major cities, with billboards turning heads. Rockstar Games is hunting for a production artist to design online and large-format print materials. The job listing surfaced as fans hope a third trailer will soon confirm no further release date delays.

With Summer Game Fest about a month away, Naughty Dog has confirmed its attendance with a teaser of its next game. The announcement points at new details of its new game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, although it is not expected to launch until 2027.

Accused of monopolistic practices, Sony has agreed to pay $7.8 million in damages to consumers. The PlayStation Store is the only marketplace that sells digital PS4 and PS5 games. Buyers eligible for the payout must have bought a retail voucher for a qualifying title between 2019 and 2023.