Gaming / Technical News 

Celebrating 30 years of PlayStation with a nostalgic look

October 15, 2024

Sony is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the original PlayStation console, which launched on December 3, 1994, with a special line of limited-edition PlayStation 5 (PS5) products. The limited-edition designs feature the original PlayStation's color scheme and are integrated into the latest PS5 hardware, including the PS5 Pro and PS5 Digital Edition consoles. The bundles come with matching accessories such as the DualSense wireless controllers and console covers.

Highlights include:

Pre-orders for the limited-edition products began on September 26 via direct.playstation.com and select retailers. Sony reflects on the evolution of PlayStation technology over the past 30 years, from the original's low-resolution graphics and simple controllers to today's 4K visuals, 3D audio, and advanced controller features. Sony promises continued innovation for the future. The full 30th Anniversary Collection releases on November 21.




News Update: PlayStation Network Outage Sparks Speculation Among Users

October 6, 2024

A major PlayStation Network (PSN) outage affected users globally on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles, leaving them unable to access online services. The outage, which occurred late last night and into the early morning, has led some fans to speculate that Sony may have been the target of a hack.

Although Sony has yet to provide an official explanation, users are drawing comparisons to the 2011 PSN data breach, which resulted in a 23-day service shutdown. The timing of the PSN outage, coinciding with disruptions at Xbox and Verizon, has fueled further theories of a coordinated cyberattack.

For now, Sony has restored services, but has not offered any detailed clarification. Fans remain eager for answers as discussions continue across various online platforms.

Stay tuned for further updates.



New PS5 Versus Xbox Sales Estimates Are Probably Worse Than You’d Expect

September 2024

The Wall Street Journal’s recent video report, "Xbox Lost the Console War. Now It’s Refining Gaming," highlights the struggles of Xbox in the current console generation, using data from Aldora Intelligence. As of June 2024, PlayStation 5 (PS5) sales were at 61.7 million units, while Xbox Series X/S sales reached 28.3 million, with most of those being the cheaper Series S. Xbox has sold only 45.8% of what PS5 has sold, a worse ratio than the previous generation (Xbox One vs PS4), where Xbox achieved 49% of PS4’s sales.

The video also explains Xbox’s shift towards services like Game Pass, aiming to operate beyond the console market. However, Game Pass subscriptions, which spiked during the pandemic, have plateaued. Microsoft missed its 2022 growth target significantly, and the video explores barriers such as players’ desire to own games and the limits of cloud gaming. The report concludes that Microsoft is increasingly focusing on content and services over hardware, a shift that positions Xbox more like a third-party developer in the gaming industry. Whether this strategy will succeed depends on future Game Pass content, which is still uncertain.


Sony PlayStation 5 PRO

Sony fans are speculating that the company might have subtly revealed the design of the rumored PS5 Pro. This theory emerged after Sony released imagery celebrating PlayStation's 30th anniversary on September 5, 2024. Among the images, fans noticed a rectangular object with painted lines that appears to resemble a previously leaked design of the PS5 Pro. The leak, originally shared by Dealabs in August, hinted at a potential look for the upgraded console. A popular social media figure, Wario64, helped fuel the speculation by sharing the image on social platforms.   However, it's important to note that this is far from an official confirmation. Fans are advised to be cautious in interpreting the image, especially since Sony has yet to make any announcements about the PS5 Pro. There are rumors that more information may be revealed during a possible "State of Play" event in September, as hinted at in PlayStation's 30th-anniversary blog post.   Regarding the leaked specs, the PS5 Pro is rumored to feature a "High CPU Frequency Mode," which could boost the CPU speed by 10%, increasing it to 3.85 GHz. The console's GPU may also offer up to 45% faster rendering, with significantly enhanced ray-tracing capabilities.

Adding to the intrigue, Hideo Kojima’s assistant recently posted a photo of Kojima playing "Death Stranding 2" with an unknown, cloaked device in the background, which some believe could be the PS5 Pro or a developer version of the system. An analyst has speculated that the PS5 Pro could be priced around $650.   

In terms of upcoming games, Sony’s next major release, *Astro Bot*, is set for September 6 and has received positive reviews, including a 9/10 from GameSpot. However, Sony’s previous release, *Concord*, was recently shut down shortly after launch, causing a bit of concern among fans.


Intel ???  - Aug 30th 2024

Intel is considering strategic options for its foundry business, which could include a potential split or cancellation of factory projects due to significant financial losses. Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are advising on these options, which may also involve mergers and acquisitions. These discussions are in the early stages, with plans to present them at a board meeting in September. This move represents a major shift for CEO Pat Gelsinger, who had previously viewed the foundry unit as a key to restoring Intel's position in the chipmaking industry.


No longer available on Xbox!  - Aug 27th 2024

The popular game Naraka: Bladepoint, initially exclusive to Xbox, can no longer be played on Xbox One as of today, due to it being shut down on the console. Launched in August 2021, the game sold six million units by the end of that year and later became free-to-play in 2023, attracting even more players. However, the game has now been delisted from Xbox One due to "technical limitations" of the console's hardware, which can no longer support the game's updates and new content. The game remains available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, where it continues to receive updates. Xbox One players can transfer their progress by playing on Xbox Series X|S or through the Xbox App on Windows PC, but those switching to PS5 or other future platforms won't be able to carry over their progress. 

Sony hikes price of aging PlayStation 5 console in Japan by 19% - Aug 27th 2024

Sony announced a 19% price increase for its PlayStation 5 console in Japan, raising the suggested retail price to 79,980 yen (approximately $553). This price hike will take effect on September 2, 2024. Sony attributed the increase to a challenging external environment, including fluctuations in the global economy. The move comes as the PS5 approaches its fourth year on the market, with unit sales declining in the June quarter, although Sony's gaming division saw profit and revenue growth. Investors are anticipating a potential "Pro" version of the PS5 to boost sales. Additionally, Sony and Zee Entertainment settled a legal dispute related to their failed $10 billion merger of Indian units. Sony shares rose 2.8% in Tokyo following the news.

Ubisoft Cuts 45 Jobs in Its U.S. Offices - August 2024

Ubisoft recently laid off 45 employees from its U.S. offices in San Francisco and Cary, North Carolina, as part of a restructuring effort. The decision was made to align the studios with future business and development goals. Affected employees will receive severance and career assistance, though specific details were not disclosed. This marks the second change for the Red Storm Entertainment team this summer, following the cancellation of further development on "Tom Clancy’s The Division Heartland" in May. Ubisoft has been dealing with multiple layoffs over the past year, which is part of a broader trend in the gaming industry affecting numerous companies. 

Until Dawn, rebuilt and enhanced for PS5 and PC, launches October 4  - August 14, 2024

PlayStation News:  *Until Dawn* has been rebuilt and enhanced for PS5 and PC, with a release date set for October 4, 2024. Originally released in 2015, the game has been updated using Unreal Engine 5 to improve visuals, character models, environments, and animations, aiming to deliver a more immersive and modern horror experience. The relit game includes new features like raytracing and enhanced materials, alongside more realistic fluid simulations and injury effects. 

The game introduces a revised cinematography approach, blending fixed and over-the-shoulder camera views to offer new perspectives and emphasize key moments. The prologue has been reworked to improve narrative pacing, providing more depth to the Washington family and the infamous prank. New collectibles and interactions, including relocated totems and a new type of "Hunger" totem, have been added to enrich exploration. 

Finally, the game includes customizable settings for accessibility, and an alternative to the "Don’t Move" mechanic called "Stay Calm," catering to different player preferences and peripherals.

PlayStation Plus is adding this classic sci-fi shooter series, but only for Premium members - August 14, 2024

PlayStation announced new additions to its Plus catalog on Wednesday, and they’re set to hit the service on August 20. The update includes the three cult classic shooters from the TimeSplitters franchise, including one that hasn’t been available on newer consoles until now.

There’s a catch, though: You can only play the series if you have PlayStation Premium, the most expensive PlayStation Plus tier. This gives you access to the classics catalog, which is where the TimeSplitters games will live.

But maybe an upgrade might be worth it. First off, these are well-loved first-person shooters in the same vein as Perfect Dark, so it’s almost a mandatory option for fans of these kinds of games. The first TimeSplitters was also PlayStation 2 exclusive, and its inclusion here is the first time it’ll be available on another console (the other two were released on the Xbox and GameCube, and were made available via backward compatibility on newer Xbox consoles).

These additions to PlayStation Plus are also sort of retribution for the series after developer Free Radical Design was shut down in December 2023 as part of Embracer Group’s prolific financial struggles. The studio has had a rough life, going bankrupt, getting picked up by Crytek, being shut down, and getting reformed as part of Deep Silver (owned by Embracer) to revive the TimeSplittersfranchise. The future of the series is still in limbo, but in the meantime, you can play the whole series for free.

There’s still plenty of must-play games being added to the PlayStation Plus service that Extra subscribers can check out. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt needs no introduction, and if you have a PlayStation 5, you’ll get access to the enhanced version with improved visuals, ray tracing, and shorter loading times. Cult of the Lamb is a strangely charming dark comedy about building a cult full of adorable creatures. Its addition to PlayStation Plus also coincides with its major Unholy Alliance update, which brings two-player local co-op.

There are also a ton of Sword Art Online games, Ride 5, and more. Check out the full list below.

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium



PlayStation Premium: PS VR2 and Classics

 

Intel CPUs!  - August 11, 2024

Those using desktop PCs running Intel's 13th- and 14th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs. Users have experienced system crashes and instability due to a problem where too much voltage is sent to the CPU cores, causing both temporary instability and permanent damage to the processors.

1. Affected Processors: The affected models include various Intel Core i9, i7, and i5 processors from the 13th and 14th generations. Notably, only desktop versions are impacted, not mobile/laptop versions.

2. Symptoms and Damage:       The issues manifest as frequent crashes and system instability, which are caused by the excessive voltage issue. This problem can also cause irreversible damage to the CPU.

3. Fixes and Patches:      Intel has released a patch (microcode 0x129) that prevents excessive voltage from being sent to the cores, thus addressing the instability and preventing further damage.    The patch does not repair already damaged processors. Users with affected CPUs are encouraged to have their processors replaced under the extended warranty.

4. Getting the Patch: Users need to manually download and install BIOS updates from their motherboard manufacturer, which can be complex for some.   Intel originally planned to distribute the patch via Windows Update, but this is no longer the case.

5. Warranty and Replacements: Intel has extended the warranty for affected processors by two years. The company has not provided clear guidance on cost coverage for replacements, especially for those who built their systems themselves or from smaller system builders.

6. Overclocking: Intel advises caution when overclocking these CPUs, as doing so may void the warranty and further damage the system.

7. Future Chips: Intel states that future products will not be affected by this issue.


Conclusion:

Intel is addressing the issue, but the process is cumbersome for users, especially those unfamiliar with BIOS updates. The patch aims to prevent further damage, but users are encouraged to replace affected CPUs if they experience instability.

Sony removes still-unmet “8K” promise from PS5 packaging - June 2024

 When the PlayStation 5 (PS5) was first released in 2020, it featured an "8K" logo on its packaging, suggesting it could output content in 8K resolution (7630×4320). However, with the scarcity of native 8K content and compatible TVs, this feature has remained unused. Recently, Sony quietly removed the "8K" label from the PS5 packaging on its official store, indicating that the promised 8K capability has not been fulfilled.

Despite early promises that a future software update would enable 8K output, this update has yet to materialize over three years later. As a result, even PS5 games that could theoretically render in 8K are limited to outputting a downscaled 4K resolution.

Rumors suggest that the upcoming PS5 Pro might finally deliver on true 8K resolution support, which could explain the removal of the outdated "8K" branding from the original PS5. However, for most users, the difference between 4K and 8K resolution is minimal, making the need for an 8K-compatible display less pressing.



Corsair tries to aquire Fanatec - May 9, 2024
Corsair announced that it is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Endor AG, the company behind the renowned sim racing brand Fanatec. The acquisition is part of a deal where Corsair will help address Endor's approximately €70 million debt through a restructuring process under German insolvency law. If successful, Corsair will acquire Endor, securing the future of the Fanatec brand and its community.

Corsair's CEO, Andy Paul, emphasized that the acquisition will resolve Endor's financial issues and enable growth, while Endor's CEO, Andres Ruff, expressed confidence in Corsair as a long-term strategic partner. Endor is known for its high-quality sim racing hardware, including steering wheels, pedals, and cockpits for various gaming platforms. This move strengthens Corsair's position in the simulation market, expanding its offerings in the sim racing space.


11 years after launch, 49M people still use their PS4s, matching the PS5 - May 2024


Eleven years after its launch, the PlayStation 4 (PS4) still has about 49 million monthly active users, matching the user base of the newer PlayStation 5 (PS5). Despite the PS5's availability for nearly four years, many players have not upgraded to the newer console. Data from Sony shows that about 42% of all PS4s sold are still in use, compared to 86% of PS5s. 

However, PS5 users engage more deeply with their consoles, logging 2.4 billion gameplay hours compared to 1.4 billion on the PS4. Some PS4s are likely used for non-gaming purposes, which may inflate their active user numbers. The PS4's continued popularity is supported by ongoing software releases, with many new games still being made compatible with the older console.


DDR5-10000 memory is closer than ever after JEDEC, the managing body of the standard, extends the base DDR5 spec

-April 2024

- JEDEC, the organization that sets DDR5 standards, has extended the official DDR5 specification from 6400 MT/s to 8800 MT/s.

- This new standard doesn't mean current hardware will support DDR5-8800, but it suggests improvements in future memory modules.

- Memory manufacturers often surpass JEDEC's baseline specifications, with some already reaching DDR5-8200.

- The JEDEC 8800 MT/s spec includes 62-62-62 primary timings, which are more suitable for enterprise use where stability is crucial.

- The article predicts that DDR5-10000 kits could be available within a year, possibly showcased at events like Computex.

- While gamers don't necessarily need 10000 MT/s speeds, these could become more mainstream and affordable, making them easier to justify in future systems.