TechRadar: Gaming news https://www.techradar.com/rss/news/gaming Sat, 15 Aug 2026 23:30:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ 'A first step, not a finish line' — Disney and Epic Games have connected Disney World’s and Disneyland’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run to a brand-new Star Wars adventure in Fortnite ]]> Disney and Epic Games have been promising a ‘persistent, open and interoperable’ universe since February 2024, when Disney took a $1.5 billion equity stake in Epic Games, and Bob Iger called it the company's biggest foray into games ever. Two and a half years and a handful of Fortnite islands later, we're finally getting something that behaves like what was actually promised: a Disney park experience that connects, mechanically, to Fortnite itself.

Most of what's arrived since that 2024 announcement has been a slow drip of standalone content rather than anything tied to the parks. Disneyland Game Rush launched in November 2025 as a Creative island celebrating Disneyland's 70th anniversary, dropping players into mini games modeled on Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion — fun, but built entirely inside Fortnite, with nothing connecting back to an actual park visit. A Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters island followed that December, timed to the Disney+ show's second season.

On the parks side, Imagineering has been running its own parallel experiments with a lot of the same underlying tech. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom now uses Unreal Engine to power real-time scoring.

Disney Next-Gen Audio Animatronic, Pirate

(Image credit: Walt Disney Imagineering)

And this past June, I exclusively got an early look at the next-generation animatronic system that debuted at Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. This pirate transforms into a skeleton in real time, driven not by traditional animatronic mechanics but by a projection pipeline built on Unreal Engine-based rendering tools.

It's proven to be a divisive addition among park fans. Still, it's also more proof that the line between "ride system" and "game engine" has been blurring inside Imagineering for a while now, well before Fortnite entered the picture.

What none of those individual pieces actually did was talk to each other. That changes now, though, as Disney and Epic have unveiled Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Fortnite. It's not the most original name, but it essentially combines Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — the ride inside Galaxy's Edge at both Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL, and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA — with a new Fortnite island called Smugglers Gambit. And it's the first time riding a physical attraction produces something you bring into Fortnite — not just a shared theme, but an unlockable reward tied to a specific action you took inside the park.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – The Mandalorian and Grogu

(Image credit: Disney Parks)

According to Julia Humphreys, VP of Production at Disney Digital Entertainment, who walked me through the thinking in an exclusive interview, that's exactly the point. "Smugglers Gambit is definitely a first step and not a finish line," Humphreys told me.

"With this foundational experience we wanted to prove out something that we've believed for a long time: that a story doesn't have to end when you leave the park, and it doesn't have to start over from zero when you pick up a controller." Progress, discoveries, and relationships with characters, she said, are meant to actually carry over between the ride and the game rather than resetting every time a guest switches from one to the other.

Starting August 16, 2026, guests entering Galaxy's Edge can accept Hondo's mission through the Disneyland or Disney World’s My Disney Experience app, then ride Smugglers Run as usual. Finish it, and you'll get word — in the app or by email — that Hondo's waiting on the Smugglers Gambit island in Fortnite with, fittingly, "your cut of the profits." If you link an Epic Games account to your MyDisney equivalent, the reward will automatically unlock. If you can’t link or choose not to, they'll email you a redeemable code. It's free with park admission, and Fortnite is, of course, still free to play.

I haven't gone hands-on with Smugglers Gambit myself, but between the screenshots Disney shared and my conversation with Humphreys, the game puts players in the role of a smuggler working the Outer Rim. Environment art shows a hazy, sun-bleached Mersa Veta Station, freighters docked along exposed gangways with towering scrap-metal walkers looming in the fog, and ships like the Quadjumper parked in dim, blue-lit hangars. Quests run across a location called Ord Ryla, and combat screenshots show players in flooded, fire-lit corridors, consistent with the co-op missions, class and leveling system, and run-ins with pirates, Imperial remnants, and hostile wildlife Disney has described.

Graphically, it's a noticeable step down from the ride's own visual bar — but that tracks with what you'd expect from a Star Wars experience running in Fortnite rather than on Imagineering's custom multi-GPU hardware. Whether the Falcon itself shows up as a flyable or interactive ship in Smugglers Gambit remains to be seen.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Fortnite, Smugglers Run Gambit in-game images
Disney/Epic Games
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Fortnite, Smugglers Run Gambit in-game images
Disney/Epic Games
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Fortnite, Smugglers Run Gambit in-game images
Disney/Epic Games
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Fortnite, Smugglers Run Gambit in-game images
Disney/Epic Games

The technical connection between the two experiences is where my own time on Smugglers Run at Disney World comes back into play. Back in June, I covered Imagineering's overhaul of the ride, including the engineer role that lets guests pick between three different planets and steers the whole mission depending on how they play — powered, Imagineering confirmed, by a heavily customized, multi-GPU build of Unreal Engine 5.

Smugglers Gambit, on the other hand, was built in UEFN — Unreal Editor for Fortnite, Epic's own related but distinct toolset that sits on top of the same underlying engine. That shared foundation, Humphreys said, meant the teams "didn't have to start from a blank page": ships, characters, and environment objects originally modeled for the physical ride were translated directly into the Fortnite experience rather than rebuilt from scratch.

Getting the two sides to actually talk to each other wasn't simple. Humphreys described it as "a team effort across Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Digital Entertainment, and so many other teams across Disney, Lucasfilm, and Epic Games" — everything from new physical signage in the park queues to the backend account-linking infrastructure to the Fortnite ecosystem work needed to make the in-game rewards possible.

It's also a bet backed by real numbers. This new experience builds on the Star Wars IP Toolkit, the creator toolset that powered a wave of Star Wars content in Fortnite this past May, shortly before The Mandalorian and Grogu hit the big screen. Disney says it pulled in close to 8 million players in its first 72 hours — not a small feat.

This new experience feels like the start of something we've been promised and have been waiting to see for a while. Will it drive more people to the parks just to unlock the Fortnite tie-in? My guess is that the impact will be minimal — the broader investment in parks and the kind of full-ride retheming Imagineering did with the Falcon itself make a far more compelling case for a visit than a Fortnite reward does.

The real impact is this: the experience you have flying the Falcon with Mando and Grogu over Endor or Coruscant can now carry beyond your time at the park. And that spreads the Star Wars story — your story — farther.

That's a long wait for a promise this specific — but Humphreys sounded like she'd have waited even longer. "As someone who loves both theme parks and games, this is the start of a collaboration I've wanted to see for years," she said. "It's very much the opening chapter with Epic Games, and I can't wait for people to experience where this relationship goes next."

Taken together, this is a cool first step — not because any single piece of it is groundbreaking on its own, but because it's the first time Disney has actually wired the reward loop between a park and Fortnite, instead of just theming a Fortnite island around a park. The ride itself is genuinely better than it was even a few months ago; my June story covered how the three-planet, choose-your-own-adventure overhaul already made Smugglers Run more replayable. Now that same ride experience feeds into a Fortnite island that, if it delivers at scale, could become a real destination on its own — one where Hondo is voiced by the same actor as on the ride, for what it's worth.

The redemption structure is a nice touch, too: finish the mission, and you get a Fortnite reward of an exclusive outfit for taking the ride. I'd expect Disney and Epic to keep tuning that loop over time, the same way Imagineering has kept iterating on the ride itself; more skins, more unlocks, deeper crossover content wouldn't be a heavy lift if this lands with players.

What I'm more curious about is where the "connected" half of this idea goes next. If riding the Falcon can unlock something in Fortnite, there's no obvious reason Disney stops at Star Wars. A Toy Story Mania tie-in wouldn't be a stretch, and we’ve already seen a version of WEB-Slingers in Fortnite, so why not give that attraction a similar tie-in?

Now that the plumbing between a ride and a persistent game world actually works, the list of places Disney could point it next gets long fast.

]]> https://www.techradar.com/streaming/entertainment/a-first-step-not-a-finish-line-disney-and-epic-games-have-connected-disney-worlds-and-disneylands-millennium-falcon-smugglers-run-to-a-brand-new-star-wars-adventure-in-fortnite kFJAMz2wxnV7M8Z9yYU23V Sat, 15 Aug 2026 23:30:00 +0000 false false false

Disney and Epic Games have been promising a ‘persistent, open and interoperable’ universe since February 2024, when Disney took a $1.5 billion equity stake in Epic Games, and Bob Iger called it the company's biggest foray into games ever. Two and a half years and a handful of Fortnite islands later, we're finally getting something that behaves like what was actually promised: a Disney park experience that connects, mechanically, to Fortnite itself.

Most of what's arrived since that 2024 announcement has been a slow drip of standalone content rather than anything tied to the parks. Disneyland Game Rush launched in November 2025 as a Creative island celebrating Disneyland's 70th anniversary, dropping players into mini games modeled on Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion — fun, but built entirely inside Fortnite, with nothing connecting back to an actual park visit. A Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters island followed that December, timed to the Disney+ show's second season.

On the parks side, Imagineering has been running its own parallel experiments with a lot of the same underlying tech. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom now uses Unreal Engine to power real-time scoring.

Disney Next-Gen Audio Animatronic, Pirate

(Image credit: Walt Disney Imagineering)

And this past June, I exclusively got an early look at the next-generation animatronic system that debuted at Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. This pirate transforms into a skeleton in real time, driven not by traditional animatronic mechanics but by a projection pipeline built on Unreal Engine-based rendering tools.

It's proven to be a divisive addition among park fans. Still, it's also more proof that the line between "ride system" and "game engine" has been blurring inside Imagineering for a while now, well before Fortnite entered the picture.

What none of those individual pieces actually did was talk to each other. That changes now, though, as Disney and Epic have unveiled Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Fortnite. It's not the most original name, but it essentially combines Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — the ride inside Galaxy's Edge at both Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL, and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA — with a new Fortnite island called Smugglers Gambit. And it's the first time riding a physical attraction produces something you bring into Fortnite — not just a shared theme, but an unlockable reward tied to a specific action you took inside the park.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – The Mandalorian and Grogu

(Image credit: Disney Parks)

According to Julia Humphreys, VP of Production at Disney Digital Entertainment, who walked me through the thinking in an exclusive interview, that's exactly the point. "Smugglers Gambit is definitely a first step and not a finish line," Humphreys told me.

"With this foundational experience we wanted to prove out something that we've believed for a long time: that a story doesn't have to end when you leave the park, and it doesn't have to start over from zero when you pick up a controller." Progress, discoveries, and relationships with characters, she said, are meant to actually carry over between the ride and the game rather than resetting every time a guest switches from one to the other.

Starting August 16, 2026, guests entering Galaxy's Edge can accept Hondo's mission through the Disneyland or Disney World’s My Disney Experience app, then ride Smugglers Run as usual. Finish it, and you'll get word — in the app or by email — that Hondo's waiting on the Smugglers Gambit island in Fortnite with, fittingly, "your cut of the profits." If you link an Epic Games account to your MyDisney equivalent, the reward will automatically unlock. If you can’t link or choose not to, they'll email you a redeemable code. It's free with park admission, and Fortnite is, of course, still free to play.

I haven't gone hands-on with Smugglers Gambit myself, but between the screenshots Disney shared and my conversation with Humphreys, the game puts players in the role of a smuggler working the Outer Rim. Environment art shows a hazy, sun-bleached Mersa Veta Station, freighters docked along exposed gangways with towering scrap-metal walkers looming in the fog, and ships like the Quadjumper parked in dim, blue-lit hangars. Quests run across a location called Ord Ryla, and combat screenshots show players in flooded, fire-lit corridors, consistent with the co-op missions, class and leveling system, and run-ins with pirates, Imperial remnants, and hostile wildlife Disney has described.

Graphically, it's a noticeable step down from the ride's own visual bar — but that tracks with what you'd expect from a Star Wars experience running in Fortnite rather than on Imagineering's custom multi-GPU hardware. Whether the Falcon itself shows up as a flyable or interactive ship in Smugglers Gambit remains to be seen.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Fortnite, Smugglers Run Gambit in-game images
Disney/Epic Games
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Fortnite, Smugglers Run Gambit in-game images
Disney/Epic Games
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Fortnite, Smugglers Run Gambit in-game images
Disney/Epic Games
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Fortnite, Smugglers Run Gambit in-game images
Disney/Epic Games

The technical connection between the two experiences is where my own time on Smugglers Run at Disney World comes back into play. Back in June, I covered Imagineering's overhaul of the ride, including the engineer role that lets guests pick between three different planets and steers the whole mission depending on how they play — powered, Imagineering confirmed, by a heavily customized, multi-GPU build of Unreal Engine 5.

Smugglers Gambit, on the other hand, was built in UEFN — Unreal Editor for Fortnite, Epic's own related but distinct toolset that sits on top of the same underlying engine. That shared foundation, Humphreys said, meant the teams "didn't have to start from a blank page": ships, characters, and environment objects originally modeled for the physical ride were translated directly into the Fortnite experience rather than rebuilt from scratch.

Getting the two sides to actually talk to each other wasn't simple. Humphreys described it as "a team effort across Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Digital Entertainment, and so many other teams across Disney, Lucasfilm, and Epic Games" — everything from new physical signage in the park queues to the backend account-linking infrastructure to the Fortnite ecosystem work needed to make the in-game rewards possible.

It's also a bet backed by real numbers. This new experience builds on the Star Wars IP Toolkit, the creator toolset that powered a wave of Star Wars content in Fortnite this past May, shortly before The Mandalorian and Grogu hit the big screen. Disney says it pulled in close to 8 million players in its first 72 hours — not a small feat.

This new experience feels like the start of something we've been promised and have been waiting to see for a while. Will it drive more people to the parks just to unlock the Fortnite tie-in? My guess is that the impact will be minimal — the broader investment in parks and the kind of full-ride retheming Imagineering did with the Falcon itself make a far more compelling case for a visit than a Fortnite reward does.

The real impact is this: the experience you have flying the Falcon with Mando and Grogu over Endor or Coruscant can now carry beyond your time at the park. And that spreads the Star Wars story — your story — farther.

That's a long wait for a promise this specific — but Humphreys sounded like she'd have waited even longer. "As someone who loves both theme parks and games, this is the start of a collaboration I've wanted to see for years," she said. "It's very much the opening chapter with Epic Games, and I can't wait for people to experience where this relationship goes next."

Taken together, this is a cool first step — not because any single piece of it is groundbreaking on its own, but because it's the first time Disney has actually wired the reward loop between a park and Fortnite, instead of just theming a Fortnite island around a park. The ride itself is genuinely better than it was even a few months ago; my June story covered how the three-planet, choose-your-own-adventure overhaul already made Smugglers Run more replayable. Now that same ride experience feeds into a Fortnite island that, if it delivers at scale, could become a real destination on its own — one where Hondo is voiced by the same actor as on the ride, for what it's worth.

The redemption structure is a nice touch, too: finish the mission, and you get a Fortnite reward of an exclusive outfit for taking the ride. I'd expect Disney and Epic to keep tuning that loop over time, the same way Imagineering has kept iterating on the ride itself; more skins, more unlocks, deeper crossover content wouldn't be a heavy lift if this lands with players.

What I'm more curious about is where the "connected" half of this idea goes next. If riding the Falcon can unlock something in Fortnite, there's no obvious reason Disney stops at Star Wars. A Toy Story Mania tie-in wouldn't be a stretch, and we’ve already seen a version of WEB-Slingers in Fortnite, so why not give that attraction a similar tie-in?

Now that the plumbing between a ride and a persistent game world actually works, the list of places Disney could point it next gets long fast.

]]> <![CDATA[ NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, August 15 (game #1161) ]]>
Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, August 14 (game #1160).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #1161) - today's words

NYT Connections hints for game 1161 on a purple background

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

  • GRINCH
  • BEANSTALK
  • STAGE
  • LANYARD
  • HIGHTAIL
  • LEG
  • SOUNDTRACK
  • HOTFOOT
  • BEAT
  • STRETCH
  • FRIED
  • CHAMOMILE
  • SPENT
  • EYESHADOW
  • PHASE
  • WORN OUT

NYT Connections today (game #1161) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

  • YELLOW: Shattered
  • GREEN: A part of something bigger
  • BLUE: Imperial segments
  • PURPLE: Creepy segments

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #1161) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

  • YELLOW: EXHAUSTED
  • GREEN: SEGMENT
  • BLUE: ENDING IN UNITS OF LENGTH
  • PURPLE: ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR FOLLOW SECRETLY

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #1161) - the answers

NYT Connections answers for game 1161 on a purple background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #1161, are…

  • YELLOW: EXHAUSTED BEAT, FRIED, SPENT, WORN OUT
  • GREEN: SEGMENT LEG, PHASE, STAGE, STRETCH
  • BLUE: ENDING IN UNITS OF LENGTH CHAMOMILE, GRINCH, HOTFOOT, LANYARD
  • PURPLE: ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR FOLLOW SECRETLY BEANSTALK, EYESHADOW, HIGHTAIL, SOUNDTRACK
  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: Perfect

I was thrilled when I spotted the words ENDING IN UNITS OF LENGTH straight off the bat, but then disappointed when it turned out to be blue instead of purple.

The hardest group of the day honor went to another set of words where the ending was significant, in this case ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR FOLLOW SECRETLY.

I missed the purple group completely and I think it's because I had already connected one ENDING group and assumed there would not be another. I really should know better, as this is classic Connections trickery.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, August 14, 2026, game #1160)

  • YELLOW: BLACK-AND-YELLOW: BUMBLEBEE, CAUTION TAPE, CHARLIE BROWN, WOLVERINE
  • GREEN: PLACES WHERE EVERYONE THINKS THE SAME WAYS: BUBBLE, ECHO CHAMBER, HIVEMIND, SILO
  • BLUE: COMIC BOOK ARTIST'S TOOLS: BRISTOL BOARD, DIP PEN, INDIA INK, STRAIGHTEDGE
  • PURPLE: TRIANGLE LOGOS: BASS ALE, CITGO, DELTA AIRLINES, GOOGLE DRIVE

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

]]> https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nyt-connections-today-answers-hints-15-august-2026 4hgBpzy2UpMuZwGNn98f9H Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:00:00 +0000 false false false
Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, August 14 (game #1160).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #1161) - today's words

NYT Connections hints for game 1161 on a purple background

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

  • GRINCH
  • BEANSTALK
  • STAGE
  • LANYARD
  • HIGHTAIL
  • LEG
  • SOUNDTRACK
  • HOTFOOT
  • BEAT
  • STRETCH
  • FRIED
  • CHAMOMILE
  • SPENT
  • EYESHADOW
  • PHASE
  • WORN OUT

NYT Connections today (game #1161) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

  • YELLOW: Shattered
  • GREEN: A part of something bigger
  • BLUE: Imperial segments
  • PURPLE: Creepy segments

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #1161) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

  • YELLOW: EXHAUSTED
  • GREEN: SEGMENT
  • BLUE: ENDING IN UNITS OF LENGTH
  • PURPLE: ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR FOLLOW SECRETLY

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #1161) - the answers

NYT Connections answers for game 1161 on a purple background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #1161, are…

  • YELLOW: EXHAUSTED BEAT, FRIED, SPENT, WORN OUT
  • GREEN: SEGMENT LEG, PHASE, STAGE, STRETCH
  • BLUE: ENDING IN UNITS OF LENGTH CHAMOMILE, GRINCH, HOTFOOT, LANYARD
  • PURPLE: ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR FOLLOW SECRETLY BEANSTALK, EYESHADOW, HIGHTAIL, SOUNDTRACK
  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: Perfect

I was thrilled when I spotted the words ENDING IN UNITS OF LENGTH straight off the bat, but then disappointed when it turned out to be blue instead of purple.

The hardest group of the day honor went to another set of words where the ending was significant, in this case ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR FOLLOW SECRETLY.

I missed the purple group completely and I think it's because I had already connected one ENDING group and assumed there would not be another. I really should know better, as this is classic Connections trickery.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, August 14, 2026, game #1160)

  • YELLOW: BLACK-AND-YELLOW: BUMBLEBEE, CAUTION TAPE, CHARLIE BROWN, WOLVERINE
  • GREEN: PLACES WHERE EVERYONE THINKS THE SAME WAYS: BUBBLE, ECHO CHAMBER, HIVEMIND, SILO
  • BLUE: COMIC BOOK ARTIST'S TOOLS: BRISTOL BOARD, DIP PEN, INDIA INK, STRAIGHTEDGE
  • PURPLE: TRIANGLE LOGOS: BASS ALE, CITGO, DELTA AIRLINES, GOOGLE DRIVE

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

]]> <![CDATA[ Marvel's Wolverine confirmed to have New Game Plus at launch and features a side activity called Nightmare Doors where players 'confront Logan's nightmares to uncover his past' ]]>
  • Marvel's Wolverine will feature New Game Plus at launch
  • The game will also offer extra features like Mission Replay and a Nightmare Doors side activity
  • Nightmare Doors contains trials where players "confront Logan's nightmares to uncover his past"

    • Marvel's Wolverine is shaping up to be a big hit for 2026, and now Insomniac Games has revealed even more features that players can expect when the game launches next month.

    Insomniac has confirmed that, unlike Marvel's Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, Marvel's Wolverine will launch with New Game Plus, allowing players to replay the game with all their upgrades, unlocked suits, and more.

    "In a New Game Plus, you can use all of your loadout and progression that you already unlocked," senior project director Jess Reiner-Reed told IGN. "You can choose whatever suit you want. So there's some fun things that happen there. And also there's some adaptations that are only available in New Game Plus. So there's some fresh gameplay for folks."

    Insomniac head of technology Mike Fitzgerald added that these adaptations, which are unlockable buffs, let players "amp up the difficulty" or make Wolverine "much more powerful and aggressive character."

    Alongside New Game Plus, the game will also offer Mission Replay, a feature that lets players rerun any mission for fun or to find collectibles, whiskey bottles that act as power-ups for Wolverine’s progression, and material crates holding raw materials that can be used to unlock new suits.

    Another major feature is Nightmare Doors, a side activity containing trials where players "confront Logan's nightmares to uncover his past." According to Reiner-Reed, Nightmare Doors is "a story-driven adventure" where "Logan is pulled through uncovering these mysteries of his past. But you can go off the beaten path."

    In these trials, Reiner-Reed added, players will encounter "manifestations of the horrible things happening in Logan's mind."

    "There's many of those throughout the game with different types of trials," the developer said.

    Marvel's Wolverine launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 on September 16 and will be "fully playable" on disc. The game's Performance Mode will also run at 60fps with ray tracing enabled on the base PS5, which Insomniac says is the default mode.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/marvels-wolverine-confirmed-to-have-new-game-plus-at-launch-and-features-a-side-activity-called-nightmare-doors-where-players-confront-logans-nightmares-to-uncover-his-past vvzJ6cAbydiZtxQWzFFb7Y Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000 false false false
    • Marvel's Wolverine will feature New Game Plus at launch
    • The game will also offer extra features like Mission Replay and a Nightmare Doors side activity
    • Nightmare Doors contains trials where players "confront Logan's nightmares to uncover his past"

    Marvel's Wolverine is shaping up to be a big hit for 2026, and now Insomniac Games has revealed even more features that players can expect when the game launches next month.

    Insomniac has confirmed that, unlike Marvel's Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, Marvel's Wolverine will launch with New Game Plus, allowing players to replay the game with all their upgrades, unlocked suits, and more.

    "In a New Game Plus, you can use all of your loadout and progression that you already unlocked," senior project director Jess Reiner-Reed told IGN. "You can choose whatever suit you want. So there's some fun things that happen there. And also there's some adaptations that are only available in New Game Plus. So there's some fresh gameplay for folks."

    Insomniac head of technology Mike Fitzgerald added that these adaptations, which are unlockable buffs, let players "amp up the difficulty" or make Wolverine "much more powerful and aggressive character."

    Alongside New Game Plus, the game will also offer Mission Replay, a feature that lets players rerun any mission for fun or to find collectibles, whiskey bottles that act as power-ups for Wolverine’s progression, and material crates holding raw materials that can be used to unlock new suits.

    Another major feature is Nightmare Doors, a side activity containing trials where players "confront Logan's nightmares to uncover his past." According to Reiner-Reed, Nightmare Doors is "a story-driven adventure" where "Logan is pulled through uncovering these mysteries of his past. But you can go off the beaten path."

    In these trials, Reiner-Reed added, players will encounter "manifestations of the horrible things happening in Logan's mind."

    "There's many of those throughout the game with different types of trials," the developer said.

    Marvel's Wolverine launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 on September 16 and will be "fully playable" on disc. The game's Performance Mode will also run at 60fps with ray tracing enabled on the base PS5, which Insomniac says is the default mode.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ The X-Men don't exist in Marvel's Wolverine since mutants aren't safe in this world, Insomniac says — 'We wanted to remind people that existence for a mutant is not safe. It's hard. It's scary' ]]>
  • Insomniac Games says the X-Men don't exist in Marvel's Wolverine since mutants aren't safe in this world
  • Narrative director Walt Williams says mutants are outsiders, and Logan's POV is the perfect fit for this story
  • Williams says, "We wanted to bring players back to that mindset of that these are characters who exist on the outside"

    • Insomniac Games has finally explained why the X-Men don't exist in Marvel's Wolverine, and it's all about telling a story where mutants aren't safe.

    In the upcoming superhero game, Logan, aka Wolverine, is a former member of the mutant black ops unit, Team X, which also includes Sabretooth and Mystique, meaning the X-Men haven't been established in this world.

    "So Team X is canonical. It is Logan's first team in his history," narrative director Walt Williams said in an interview with IGN. "It was a black ops team from the '70s made up of wetworks mutant workers. So in telling Wolverine's story, we wanted to bring it back to the beginning of where his story really began in that long string of teams. Because as we know, he's been a member of many teams by this point in his 50-plus year history.

    "But really what we were looking to do is, because superheroes have become so mainstream at this point in just pop culture and everything through TV shows, comics, movies, and everything, that even especially with our own Spider-Man games, these are characters with superpowers that a lot of the world has accepted, that they are celebrated. They have parades, they are honored and stuff. But mutants at the core are outsiders, even within the Marvel universe. And we have not really had that aspect of them be brought out a lot lately in the stories that we get in the bigger mainstream."

    According to Williams, the studio wanted to tell a story where mutants are still outsiders and don't have a safe place to go, such as the X-Mansion. Logan's point of view, he explained, is the "perfect" way to get that across to the player.

    "We wanted to bring players back to that mindset of that these are characters who exist on the outside," he continued. "They are not superheroes. They don't have a safe space. They are people who are living in shadow. They are people who are hiding their powers from the world because they are afraid of what would happen if people would discover them.

    "And so if we had started this story with the X-Men in existence, there would already be that aspect of a safe place for them. And we wanted to remind people that existence for a mutant is not safe. It's hard. It's scary. And entering that world through Logan, it really felt like the best POV possible."

    Williams goes on to describe Logan as an "incredibly complex, layered character that has so much potential to write," but he's also "an outsider's outsider," even among other mutants.

    "He was that perfect POV for us to be able to enter into that mutant world and begin to understand just how much mutants do not feel as if they belong anywhere," he said.

    Marvel's Wolverine launches exclusively on PS5 on September 16, and its Performance Mode will run at 60 frames-per-second (fps) with ray tracing enabled on the base PlayStation 5.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/the-x-men-dont-exist-in-marvels-wolverine-since-mutants-arent-safe-in-this-world-insomniac-says-we-wanted-to-remind-people-that-existence-for-a-mutant-is-not-safe-its-hard-its-scary L6erwtPBXinbVvEVY7YCyL Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:30:16 +0000 false false false
    • Insomniac Games says the X-Men don't exist in Marvel's Wolverine since mutants aren't safe in this world
    • Narrative director Walt Williams says mutants are outsiders, and Logan's POV is the perfect fit for this story
    • Williams says, "We wanted to bring players back to that mindset of that these are characters who exist on the outside"

    Insomniac Games has finally explained why the X-Men don't exist in Marvel's Wolverine, and it's all about telling a story where mutants aren't safe.

    In the upcoming superhero game, Logan, aka Wolverine, is a former member of the mutant black ops unit, Team X, which also includes Sabretooth and Mystique, meaning the X-Men haven't been established in this world.

    "So Team X is canonical. It is Logan's first team in his history," narrative director Walt Williams said in an interview with IGN. "It was a black ops team from the '70s made up of wetworks mutant workers. So in telling Wolverine's story, we wanted to bring it back to the beginning of where his story really began in that long string of teams. Because as we know, he's been a member of many teams by this point in his 50-plus year history.

    "But really what we were looking to do is, because superheroes have become so mainstream at this point in just pop culture and everything through TV shows, comics, movies, and everything, that even especially with our own Spider-Man games, these are characters with superpowers that a lot of the world has accepted, that they are celebrated. They have parades, they are honored and stuff. But mutants at the core are outsiders, even within the Marvel universe. And we have not really had that aspect of them be brought out a lot lately in the stories that we get in the bigger mainstream."

    According to Williams, the studio wanted to tell a story where mutants are still outsiders and don't have a safe place to go, such as the X-Mansion. Logan's point of view, he explained, is the "perfect" way to get that across to the player.

    "We wanted to bring players back to that mindset of that these are characters who exist on the outside," he continued. "They are not superheroes. They don't have a safe space. They are people who are living in shadow. They are people who are hiding their powers from the world because they are afraid of what would happen if people would discover them.

    "And so if we had started this story with the X-Men in existence, there would already be that aspect of a safe place for them. And we wanted to remind people that existence for a mutant is not safe. It's hard. It's scary. And entering that world through Logan, it really felt like the best POV possible."

    Williams goes on to describe Logan as an "incredibly complex, layered character that has so much potential to write," but he's also "an outsider's outsider," even among other mutants.

    "He was that perfect POV for us to be able to enter into that mutant world and begin to understand just how much mutants do not feel as if they belong anywhere," he said.

    Marvel's Wolverine launches exclusively on PS5 on September 16, and its Performance Mode will run at 60 frames-per-second (fps) with ray tracing enabled on the base PlayStation 5.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Marvel's Wolverine Performance Mode will run at 60fps with ray tracing on PS5, Insomniac confirms — 'It's the default mode for the first time for us in one of our games. It’s important for the presentation' ]]>
  • Marvel's Wolverine's Performance Mode runs at 60fps with ray tracing on PS5
  • Insomniac Games says this is the default mode
  • Senior project director Jess Reiner-Reed says, "The game feels super smooth"

    • Insomniac Games has confirmed Marvel's Wolverine's Performance Mode will run at 60 frames-per-second (fps) with ray tracing enabled on the base PlayStation 5.

    That's according to senior project director Jess Reiner-Reed, who told IGN that the team wanted to make 60fps with ray tracing the default mode on PS5, something the studio has never offered before in games like Marvel's Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2.

    "From early on in development, we knew we wanted to make this 60fps, working on the base PS5 in performance mode," Reiner-Reed said. "And we've definitely been able to accomplish that. The game feels super smooth."

    Insomniac's head of technology Mike Fitzgerald continued, saying the studio has always had these fidelity and performance modes in previous games, and always "sort of last minute" added the performance mode with ray tracing.

    "So for this game from the start, we said, ‘You know what? We know we're confident we can ship this now," Fitzgerald said. "This is going to be a 60 frames per second game with ray tracing as the PS5 should have. We're going to build the game around this and towards this.’ And it's the default mode for the first time for us in one of our games. It’s important for the presentation.”

    Marvel's Wolverine launches exclusively on PS5 on September 16 and will be "fully playable" on disc.

    Elsewhere, Insomniac Games has explained why Logan's suits regenerate after combat, with Fitzgerald explaining that there are "some practicalities to it" and "you can’t play through most of the game wearing just shredded rags on his body."

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/marvels-wolverine-performance-mode-will-run-at-60fps-with-ray-tracing-on-ps5-insomniac-confirms-its-the-default-mode-for-the-first-time-for-us-in-one-of-our-games-its-important-for-the-presentation 5kauiEMHmW7QRyEHHehewR Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:45:15 +0000 false false false
    • Marvel's Wolverine's Performance Mode runs at 60fps with ray tracing on PS5
    • Insomniac Games says this is the default mode
    • Senior project director Jess Reiner-Reed says, "The game feels super smooth"

    Insomniac Games has confirmed Marvel's Wolverine's Performance Mode will run at 60 frames-per-second (fps) with ray tracing enabled on the base PlayStation 5.

    That's according to senior project director Jess Reiner-Reed, who told IGN that the team wanted to make 60fps with ray tracing the default mode on PS5, something the studio has never offered before in games like Marvel's Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2.

    "From early on in development, we knew we wanted to make this 60fps, working on the base PS5 in performance mode," Reiner-Reed said. "And we've definitely been able to accomplish that. The game feels super smooth."

    Insomniac's head of technology Mike Fitzgerald continued, saying the studio has always had these fidelity and performance modes in previous games, and always "sort of last minute" added the performance mode with ray tracing.

    "So for this game from the start, we said, ‘You know what? We know we're confident we can ship this now," Fitzgerald said. "This is going to be a 60 frames per second game with ray tracing as the PS5 should have. We're going to build the game around this and towards this.’ And it's the default mode for the first time for us in one of our games. It’s important for the presentation.”

    Marvel's Wolverine launches exclusively on PS5 on September 16 and will be "fully playable" on disc.

    Elsewhere, Insomniac Games has explained why Logan's suits regenerate after combat, with Fitzgerald explaining that there are "some practicalities to it" and "you can’t play through most of the game wearing just shredded rags on his body."

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Analyst reports 89% of GTA 6 pre-orders are for the $100 Ultimate Edition — 'I have never seen a 90% premium share before ]]>
  • The Grand Theft Auto 6 Ultimate Edition is reportedly leading pre-order sales by 89%
  • Digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower says 90% of players on Xbox are spending the extra cash for the Ultimate Edition, compared with 88.5% on PlayStation
  • Karl Kontus, SVP and GM of Video Game Insights at Sensor Tower, predicts GTA 6 could reach around 25 million pre-orders when the game launches

    • According to digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower, the $100 Grand Theft Auto 6 Ultimate Edition is leading pre-order sales by 89%.

    Last week, Take-Two Interactive reported earnings of $1.39 billion during GTA 6's pre-order period, with CEO Strauss Zelnick saying that the game "had an exceptional start to pre-orders", but he couldn't disclose specific sales numbers.

    "I can say that the level of pre-orders is unprecedented and astonishing, and we’re very grateful for that,” Zelnick said at the time. “But they are so unprecedented that we just don’t know how it’ll translate into sales, which is a question I answered earlier. We genuinely don’t, and we just don’t believe in claiming victory before it occurs."

    While the publisher is not disclosing specific sales figures to avoid misleading investors, the CEO also told CNBC that they're "skewing more to the premium edition," and suggested it was due to die-hard fans pre-ordering it.

    Now, Karl Kontus, SVP and GM of Video Game Insights at Sensor Tower, also reported something similar (via GamesIndustry.biz), saying that 89% of preorders for GTA 6 are for the more expensive Ultimate Edition, rather than the $80 Standard Edition.

    Kontus also said the percentages are similar for both versions of the game, with 90% of players on Xbox spending the extra cash for the Ultimate Edition, compared with 88.5% on PlayStation. He also told GI.biz that preorders for GTA 6 could reach around 25 million when the game launches on November 19, which would amount to “unprecedented preorder performance" and translate to $2 billion in revenue, which would cover GTA 6’s development cost and the majority of marketing spend.

    As Zelnick suggested, Kontus said special editions "always tend to perform well during the preorder period," because the games are typically preordered by dedicated fans who want a premium edition.

    "That being said, I have never seen a 90% premium share before," he added. "A 50% premium share during preorders is a great number. Typical premium shares for games tend to be at around 10–20%."

    GTA 6

    (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

    However, he expects the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition sales percentage to decline over time as more casual players buy the game, "but it's likely it'll stay significantly above the industry standard," adding that the split between the $80 and $100 versions will be determined by how effective the marketing campaign will be.

    Since the full marketing campaign hasn't kicked off yet, Kontus expects most pre-orders will come in the last week of pre-launch, but the split will be "much closer to 50/50."

    Unlike the Standard Edition, which comes with the base game, the more expensive Ultimate Edition has a ton of extra features, including premium and exclusive content like missions, Vice City shops, locations, and outfits. While the latter is more expensive, Kontus doesn't believe the difference is "that big," and reckons the move was smart.

    "The difference between $80 (already higher than the industry standard $70 we see today) and $100 isn't that big, and the $100 SKU comes with a lot of additional content," he said. "

    "Sometimes the premium SKUs are just filler content to justify a higher price, but the GTA 6 premium SKU comes with a meaningful amount of vehicles, weapons, and even a custom mod shop that you wouldn't get otherwise. For a lot of people, this is the one 'must buy' game this year, and they will want to make the most of it. I'm actually kind of surprised they didn't do a $150 SKU – feels like money left on the table (but also fewer players being angry as a result)."

    It won't be long before fans can get a proper look at the game, as the 'Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look' premieres on Netflix on August 27.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/analyst-reports-89-percent-of-gta-6-pre-orders-are-for-the-usd100-ultimate-edition-i-have-never-seen-a-90-percent-premium-share-before gczQdHnCk5UXyhsvtatpHi Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:46:33 +0000 false false false
    • The Grand Theft Auto 6 Ultimate Edition is reportedly leading pre-order sales by 89%
    • Digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower says 90% of players on Xbox are spending the extra cash for the Ultimate Edition, compared with 88.5% on PlayStation
    • Karl Kontus, SVP and GM of Video Game Insights at Sensor Tower, predicts GTA 6 could reach around 25 million pre-orders when the game launches

    According to digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower, the $100 Grand Theft Auto 6 Ultimate Edition is leading pre-order sales by 89%.

    Last week, Take-Two Interactive reported earnings of $1.39 billion during GTA 6's pre-order period, with CEO Strauss Zelnick saying that the game "had an exceptional start to pre-orders", but he couldn't disclose specific sales numbers.

    "I can say that the level of pre-orders is unprecedented and astonishing, and we’re very grateful for that,” Zelnick said at the time. “But they are so unprecedented that we just don’t know how it’ll translate into sales, which is a question I answered earlier. We genuinely don’t, and we just don’t believe in claiming victory before it occurs."

    While the publisher is not disclosing specific sales figures to avoid misleading investors, the CEO also told CNBC that they're "skewing more to the premium edition," and suggested it was due to die-hard fans pre-ordering it.

    Now, Karl Kontus, SVP and GM of Video Game Insights at Sensor Tower, also reported something similar (via GamesIndustry.biz), saying that 89% of preorders for GTA 6 are for the more expensive Ultimate Edition, rather than the $80 Standard Edition.

    Kontus also said the percentages are similar for both versions of the game, with 90% of players on Xbox spending the extra cash for the Ultimate Edition, compared with 88.5% on PlayStation. He also told GI.biz that preorders for GTA 6 could reach around 25 million when the game launches on November 19, which would amount to “unprecedented preorder performance" and translate to $2 billion in revenue, which would cover GTA 6’s development cost and the majority of marketing spend.

    As Zelnick suggested, Kontus said special editions "always tend to perform well during the preorder period," because the games are typically preordered by dedicated fans who want a premium edition.

    "That being said, I have never seen a 90% premium share before," he added. "A 50% premium share during preorders is a great number. Typical premium shares for games tend to be at around 10–20%."

    GTA 6

    (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

    However, he expects the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition sales percentage to decline over time as more casual players buy the game, "but it's likely it'll stay significantly above the industry standard," adding that the split between the $80 and $100 versions will be determined by how effective the marketing campaign will be.

    Since the full marketing campaign hasn't kicked off yet, Kontus expects most pre-orders will come in the last week of pre-launch, but the split will be "much closer to 50/50."

    Unlike the Standard Edition, which comes with the base game, the more expensive Ultimate Edition has a ton of extra features, including premium and exclusive content like missions, Vice City shops, locations, and outfits. While the latter is more expensive, Kontus doesn't believe the difference is "that big," and reckons the move was smart.

    "The difference between $80 (already higher than the industry standard $70 we see today) and $100 isn't that big, and the $100 SKU comes with a lot of additional content," he said. "

    "Sometimes the premium SKUs are just filler content to justify a higher price, but the GTA 6 premium SKU comes with a meaningful amount of vehicles, weapons, and even a custom mod shop that you wouldn't get otherwise. For a lot of people, this is the one 'must buy' game this year, and they will want to make the most of it. I'm actually kind of surprised they didn't do a $150 SKU – feels like money left on the table (but also fewer players being angry as a result)."

    It won't be long before fans can get a proper look at the game, as the 'Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look' premieres on Netflix on August 27.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Epic Games Store is going to support Linux 'soon' — and that's great news for Steam Deck owners ]]>
  • Epic's launcher is being ported over to Linux
  • This is happening just as Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming app came out of beta and officially launched on Linux
  • This year is getting better and better for Linux gamers, as GOG is also porting its Galaxy client over too

    • Epic will be making a native version of its launcher for Linux, and on top of that, Nvidia's GeForce Now app for Linux is also official, having emerged from beta.

    The delivery of the Epic Games Store for Linux will be a big win for Steam Deck owners, and other Linux gamers who want to access Epic's gaming platform with no fuss, and as Steam Deck HQ reports (via VideoCardz), that native incarnation is coming.

    An Epic employee (@onepercentnachos) was questioned on this subject at an AMA ('ask me anything' session) on the Discord server for the Epic Games Store community. They replied that a native version of the store is coming "soon" albeit not in the next preview build. The staffer noted that "we need to do more than simply have a build of the launcher that can run natively on Linux".

    Nvidia also just announced that the Linux app for its streaming service, GeForce Now, is no longer a beta. The officially released full version of the app "focuses on performance, stability and polish while continuing to support Ubuntu 24.04 and later", we're told.

    And while it's not related to gaming, OpenAI's release of a ChatGPT app for Linux is another milestone for the platform. As TechCrunch reports, the Linux app for ChatGPT is still a preview, but it gives users a native app experience for a number of different distros. Those include Ubuntu 24.04 and 26.04 LTS, Debian 13, as well as Fedora 43 and 44.

    OpenAI said: "Linux has been one of the most-requested platforms for the desktop app, and this launch extends ChatGPT and Codex across every major desktop operating system."

    Analysis: a rosier future for Linux gamers — but Fortnite remains a bone of contention

    Fortnite error screen

    (Image credit: Future/Epic Games)

    The Epic Games Store arriving natively is great news for gamers running Linux — including SteamOS — as it means a much more convenient way of playing games from the store, as opposed to the current situation with fudging and workarounds (using a third-party app such as the Heroic Games Launcher).

    It's worth noting that the distros which will be supported remain unconfirmed, but presumably the gaming-focused SteamOS will be one of them. Also, there will still be limitations even with this native implementation, notably games with anti-cheat. Indeed, Epic's own Fortnite doesn't work on Linux (and that's down to Epic actively blocking the game from running due to issues around cheating, which remains a source of controversy).

    Given the apparent changing attitude here with its launcher being ported over, maybe Epic will reverse course on Fortnite eventually. Some gamers on Reddit are highly skeptical about that possibility though, and as one doubting Redditor put it: "I wouldn't hold my breath."

    Another went just a touch further than that, observing: "I wouldn't be shocked if Tim Sweeney [Epic's CEO] would rather die than let Fortnite run on Linux, honestly."

    At any rate, the Fortnite controversy aside, with GOG also working on a native Linux spin on its Galaxy client, there are some considerable strides being taken for gamers – and Nvidia's GeForce Now becoming official for Linux is another useful step forward to boot.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/pc-gaming/epic-games-store-is-going-to-support-linux-soon-and-thats-great-news-for-steam-deck-owners cCBgQRhzYjpSywzPV3cdMF Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:41:39 +0000 false false false
    • Epic's launcher is being ported over to Linux
    • This is happening just as Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming app came out of beta and officially launched on Linux
    • This year is getting better and better for Linux gamers, as GOG is also porting its Galaxy client over too

    Epic will be making a native version of its launcher for Linux, and on top of that, Nvidia's GeForce Now app for Linux is also official, having emerged from beta.

    The delivery of the Epic Games Store for Linux will be a big win for Steam Deck owners, and other Linux gamers who want to access Epic's gaming platform with no fuss, and as Steam Deck HQ reports (via VideoCardz), that native incarnation is coming.

    An Epic employee (@onepercentnachos) was questioned on this subject at an AMA ('ask me anything' session) on the Discord server for the Epic Games Store community. They replied that a native version of the store is coming "soon" albeit not in the next preview build. The staffer noted that "we need to do more than simply have a build of the launcher that can run natively on Linux".

    Nvidia also just announced that the Linux app for its streaming service, GeForce Now, is no longer a beta. The officially released full version of the app "focuses on performance, stability and polish while continuing to support Ubuntu 24.04 and later", we're told.

    And while it's not related to gaming, OpenAI's release of a ChatGPT app for Linux is another milestone for the platform. As TechCrunch reports, the Linux app for ChatGPT is still a preview, but it gives users a native app experience for a number of different distros. Those include Ubuntu 24.04 and 26.04 LTS, Debian 13, as well as Fedora 43 and 44.

    OpenAI said: "Linux has been one of the most-requested platforms for the desktop app, and this launch extends ChatGPT and Codex across every major desktop operating system."

    Analysis: a rosier future for Linux gamers — but Fortnite remains a bone of contention

    Fortnite error screen

    (Image credit: Future/Epic Games)

    The Epic Games Store arriving natively is great news for gamers running Linux — including SteamOS — as it means a much more convenient way of playing games from the store, as opposed to the current situation with fudging and workarounds (using a third-party app such as the Heroic Games Launcher).

    It's worth noting that the distros which will be supported remain unconfirmed, but presumably the gaming-focused SteamOS will be one of them. Also, there will still be limitations even with this native implementation, notably games with anti-cheat. Indeed, Epic's own Fortnite doesn't work on Linux (and that's down to Epic actively blocking the game from running due to issues around cheating, which remains a source of controversy).

    Given the apparent changing attitude here with its launcher being ported over, maybe Epic will reverse course on Fortnite eventually. Some gamers on Reddit are highly skeptical about that possibility though, and as one doubting Redditor put it: "I wouldn't hold my breath."

    Another went just a touch further than that, observing: "I wouldn't be shocked if Tim Sweeney [Epic's CEO] would rather die than let Fortnite run on Linux, honestly."

    At any rate, the Fortnite controversy aside, with GOG also working on a native Linux spin on its Galaxy client, there are some considerable strides being taken for gamers – and Nvidia's GeForce Now becoming official for Linux is another useful step forward to boot.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Insomniac admits there's no lore reason Logan's suit in Marvel's Wolverine regenerates: 'You can't play through most of the game wearing just shredded rags on his body' ]]>
  • Insomniac Games explains why Logan's suit in Marvel's Wolverine heals itself
  • Head of technology Mike Fitzgerald says there are "some practicalities to it" and "you can’t play through most of the game wearing just shredded rags on his body"
  • He adds that the team invested a lot of time in showing damage progression to suits

    • Insomniac Games has explained why Logan's suit in Marvel's Wolverine regenerates after fights, and its reason makes a lot of sense.

    If you've watched any of Marvel's Wolverine trailers, you've probably noticed that after bloody battles, Logan's fancy hero suit heals itself of any combat damage.

    Wolverine can heal his injuries very quickly thanks to his innate mutation, and since his skeleton is coated in an alloy called adamantium, he's near-indestructible. Initially, fans thought this might be why his suit was regenerating in the game, or perhaps it was even nanotech; however, Insomniac has settled the matter, explaining that it's simply about keeping the superhero vibe intact.

    "I think mostly there’s some practicalities to it,” head of technology Mike Fitzgerald said in an interview with IGN. "You can’t play through most of the game wearing just shredded rags on his body. So we find the right balance between clothing that reflects the gameplay you’re doing and this brutal combat and the realities of that, and then finding the right moments to have it restore itself so you get that right cinematic feel of Wolverine."

    Senior project director Jess Reiner-Reed also commented on finding the right balance, adding, "Early on you would be playing through missions and your clothes are shredded for way too long. You don't feel as powerful as you're playing through. So yeah, we definitely found that right balance was the right thing to say."

    While Logan's suit will heal after fights, Fitzgerald explained that the team still had to show damage progression across his different suits and enemies, as well.

    "We invested a lot in how damage is reflected on him in his suit, on enemies and their suits," Fitzgerald explained. "And then as you attack them, the blood sprays coming off them are some really interesting fluid tech. So it's not just pre-baked visual effects. These are actual blood particles coming out.

    "They hit the ground and make the exact splatter mark they would make if they land on Logan. They leave blood there. If he walks through water, it washes off and leaves blood swirls in the water."

    Marvel's Wolverine launches on PS5 on September 16. Insomniac recently confirmed that it will be "fully playable" on disc following Sony's decision to end physical disc production.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/insomniac-admits-theres-no-lore-reason-logans-suit-in-marvels-wolverine-regenerates-you-cant-play-through-most-of-the-game-wearing-just-shredded-rags-on-his-body tSEDDKUmMw8NrcCA9PLhtb Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:26:04 +0000 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:30:32 +0000 false false false
    • Insomniac Games explains why Logan's suit in Marvel's Wolverine heals itself
    • Head of technology Mike Fitzgerald says there are "some practicalities to it" and "you can’t play through most of the game wearing just shredded rags on his body"
    • He adds that the team invested a lot of time in showing damage progression to suits

    Insomniac Games has explained why Logan's suit in Marvel's Wolverine regenerates after fights, and its reason makes a lot of sense.

    If you've watched any of Marvel's Wolverine trailers, you've probably noticed that after bloody battles, Logan's fancy hero suit heals itself of any combat damage.

    Wolverine can heal his injuries very quickly thanks to his innate mutation, and since his skeleton is coated in an alloy called adamantium, he's near-indestructible. Initially, fans thought this might be why his suit was regenerating in the game, or perhaps it was even nanotech; however, Insomniac has settled the matter, explaining that it's simply about keeping the superhero vibe intact.

    "I think mostly there’s some practicalities to it,” head of technology Mike Fitzgerald said in an interview with IGN. "You can’t play through most of the game wearing just shredded rags on his body. So we find the right balance between clothing that reflects the gameplay you’re doing and this brutal combat and the realities of that, and then finding the right moments to have it restore itself so you get that right cinematic feel of Wolverine."

    Senior project director Jess Reiner-Reed also commented on finding the right balance, adding, "Early on you would be playing through missions and your clothes are shredded for way too long. You don't feel as powerful as you're playing through. So yeah, we definitely found that right balance was the right thing to say."

    While Logan's suit will heal after fights, Fitzgerald explained that the team still had to show damage progression across his different suits and enemies, as well.

    "We invested a lot in how damage is reflected on him in his suit, on enemies and their suits," Fitzgerald explained. "And then as you attack them, the blood sprays coming off them are some really interesting fluid tech. So it's not just pre-baked visual effects. These are actual blood particles coming out.

    "They hit the ground and make the exact splatter mark they would make if they land on Logan. They leave blood there. If he walks through water, it washes off and leaves blood swirls in the water."

    Marvel's Wolverine launches on PS5 on September 16. Insomniac recently confirmed that it will be "fully playable" on disc following Sony's decision to end physical disc production.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, August 14 (game #1160) ]]>
    Looking for a different day?

    A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, August 13 (game #1159).

    Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

    What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

    SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

    NYT Connections today (game #1160) - today's words

    NYT Connections hints for game 1160 on a purple background

    (Image credit: New York Times)

    Today's NYT Connections words are…

    • BUMBLEBEE
    • BUBBLE
    • BASS ALE
    • CHARLIE BROWN
    • DELTA AIRLINES
    • STRAIGHTEDGE
    • ECHO CHAMBER
    • CITGO
    • CAUTION TAPE
    • GOOGLE DRIVE
    • INDIA INK
    • SILO
    • DIP PEN
    • WOLVERINE
    • HIVEMIND
    • BRISTOL BOARD

    NYT Connections today (game #1160) - hint #1 - group hints

    What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

    • YELLOW: Two colors in common
    • GREEN: Opinion loop
    • BLUE: Things a cartoonist uses
    • PURPLE: The shape of the brand

    Need more clues?

    We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

    NYT Connections today (game #1160) - hint #2 - group answers

    What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

    • YELLOW: BLACK-AND-YELLOW
    • GREEN: PLACES WHERE EVERYONE THINKS THE SAME WAYS
    • BLUE: COMIC BOOK ARTIST'S TOOLS
    • PURPLE: TRIANGLE LOGOS

    Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

    NYT Connections today (game #1160) - the answers

    NYT Connections answers for game 1160 on a purple background

    (Image credit: New York Times)

    The answers to today's Connections, game #1160, are…

    • YELLOW: BLACK-AND-YELLOW: BUMBLEBEE, CAUTION TAPE, CHARLIE BROWN, WOLVERINE
    • GREEN: PLACES WHERE EVERYONE THINKS THE SAME WAYS: BUBBLE, ECHO CHAMBER, HIVEMIND, SILO
    • BLUE: COMIC BOOK ARTIST'S TOOLS: BRISTOL BOARD, DIP PEN, INDIA INK, STRAIGHTEDGE
    • PURPLE: TRIANGLE LOGOS: BASS ALE, CITGO, DELTA AIRLINES, GOOGLE DRIVE
    • My rating: Hard
    • My score: Fail

    This is the first game of Connections I’ve lost since March 2025 and apart from BLACK-AND-YELLOW I had no idea what any of the groups were about.

    Things got off to a bad start when I guessed SILO instead of CHARLIE BROWN, but after I corrected that I was utterly in the dark; I had a couple of pairs in INDIA INK and DIP PEN, and HIVEMIND and BUBBLE, but beyond that i was clueless.

    What is extra annoying is that I cannot blame my loss on cultural differences and being based in the UK — especially as the relatively obscure BASS ALE is a British brand.

    Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Thursday, August 13, 2026, game #1159)

    • YELLOW: PERSEVERE: CARRY ON, CONTINUE, MAKE IT, PERSIST
    • GREEN: MOVE SLOWLY (UP TO): CREEP, EASE, EDGE, INCH
    • BLUE: AIRLINE STATUS PERKS: CHECKED BAGS, LOUNGE, MILES, UPGRADE
    • PURPLE: "COLD" THINGS, IN IDIOMS: COMFORT, FEET, SHOULDER, TURKEY

    What is NYT Connections?

    NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

    On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

    It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

    It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nyt-connections-today-answers-hints-14-august-2026 HdRbsjNWNyEKQV54LwYkAL Thu, 13 Aug 2026 23:00:00 +0000 false false false
    Looking for a different day?

    A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, August 13 (game #1159).

    Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

    What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

    SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

    NYT Connections today (game #1160) - today's words

    NYT Connections hints for game 1160 on a purple background

    (Image credit: New York Times)

    Today's NYT Connections words are…

    • BUMBLEBEE
    • BUBBLE
    • BASS ALE
    • CHARLIE BROWN
    • DELTA AIRLINES
    • STRAIGHTEDGE
    • ECHO CHAMBER
    • CITGO
    • CAUTION TAPE
    • GOOGLE DRIVE
    • INDIA INK
    • SILO
    • DIP PEN
    • WOLVERINE
    • HIVEMIND
    • BRISTOL BOARD

    NYT Connections today (game #1160) - hint #1 - group hints

    What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

    • YELLOW: Two colors in common
    • GREEN: Opinion loop
    • BLUE: Things a cartoonist uses
    • PURPLE: The shape of the brand

    Need more clues?

    We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

    NYT Connections today (game #1160) - hint #2 - group answers

    What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

    • YELLOW: BLACK-AND-YELLOW
    • GREEN: PLACES WHERE EVERYONE THINKS THE SAME WAYS
    • BLUE: COMIC BOOK ARTIST'S TOOLS
    • PURPLE: TRIANGLE LOGOS

    Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

    NYT Connections today (game #1160) - the answers

    NYT Connections answers for game 1160 on a purple background

    (Image credit: New York Times)

    The answers to today's Connections, game #1160, are…

    • YELLOW: BLACK-AND-YELLOW: BUMBLEBEE, CAUTION TAPE, CHARLIE BROWN, WOLVERINE
    • GREEN: PLACES WHERE EVERYONE THINKS THE SAME WAYS: BUBBLE, ECHO CHAMBER, HIVEMIND, SILO
    • BLUE: COMIC BOOK ARTIST'S TOOLS: BRISTOL BOARD, DIP PEN, INDIA INK, STRAIGHTEDGE
    • PURPLE: TRIANGLE LOGOS: BASS ALE, CITGO, DELTA AIRLINES, GOOGLE DRIVE
    • My rating: Hard
    • My score: Fail

    This is the first game of Connections I’ve lost since March 2025 and apart from BLACK-AND-YELLOW I had no idea what any of the groups were about.

    Things got off to a bad start when I guessed SILO instead of CHARLIE BROWN, but after I corrected that I was utterly in the dark; I had a couple of pairs in INDIA INK and DIP PEN, and HIVEMIND and BUBBLE, but beyond that i was clueless.

    What is extra annoying is that I cannot blame my loss on cultural differences and being based in the UK — especially as the relatively obscure BASS ALE is a British brand.

    Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Thursday, August 13, 2026, game #1159)

    • YELLOW: PERSEVERE: CARRY ON, CONTINUE, MAKE IT, PERSIST
    • GREEN: MOVE SLOWLY (UP TO): CREEP, EASE, EDGE, INCH
    • BLUE: AIRLINE STATUS PERKS: CHECKED BAGS, LOUNGE, MILES, UPGRADE
    • PURPLE: "COLD" THINGS, IN IDIOMS: COMFORT, FEET, SHOULDER, TURKEY

    What is NYT Connections?

    NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

    On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

    It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

    It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Fans believe they've solved the secret name of The Elder Scrolls 6, and the clue might have been hidden in Starfield the whole time ]]>
  • Fans think they've uncovered The Elder Scrolls 6's eight-letter subtitle
  • Redditor 'starfieldnovember' suggests the subtitle is "Sentinel"
  • The clue comes from Starfield's character creator and employee number, which, translated via the alphabet, spells "Sentinel"

    • The Elder Scrolls 6 fans believe they've uncovered the game's secret subtitle, and it may have been under our noses the entire time.

    Earlier this week, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma shared an X post that blew up, which read, "Live playthrough of The Elder Scrolls 6: ******** this morning. The scale and grandeur are incredible. The story is even greater."

    Of course, fans instantly began speculating what those eight asterisks could be; Hammerfell? Nope, too many letters. Redguard? Already been used. But one fan has offered up their own theory, and it's the best one yet.

    According to Redditor 'starfieldnovember', The Elder Scrolls 6's subtitle could be "Sentinel," and the clue has been hidden in Starfield's character creator without anyone realizing until now (via IGN).

    "By the way, Sentinel was already teased in Starfield," they began. "In Starfield Direct and in the final game, we can see our employee number during character creation. Random string of numbers at first look, but if you translate it by dividing it into pairs and then using the corresponding letter of the alphabet, you get SENTINEL.

    "This title was at our noses for more than 3 years, and we somehow missed it."

    By the way, Sentinel was already teased in Starfield
     from r/TESVI

    Other fans seem to agree with the theory, not only because Bethesda loves to hide easter eggs in its games, but because Sentinel is a major coastal capital city located in the northwestern hills of Hammerfell, which is rumored to be the setting of The Elder Scrolls 6.

    What's more, Bethesda developer Michael Kirkbride replied "Yep" to a separate Reddit post after a fan suggested the name could be Sentinel, which seems like a done deal, but we'll have to wait and see.

    The Elder Scrolls 6 was revealed in June 2018, and its announcement has now become as old as The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was at the time. Over eight years later, there's still no development update on the game, besides Sharma's confirmation that she's played it, and no release date.

    In November 2025, Todd Howard, director and executive producer at Bethesda Game Studios, said the game is "still a long way off," and revealed at the time that the studio "did a big play test."

    It was also speculated that Bethesda could shadowdrop the game, just like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered in April 2025, and when the idea was brought up to Howard, he didn't immediately reject it.

    "You might say that was a test run. It worked out well," he said on Oblivion Remastered.

    In the meantime, Bethesda is currently working on remasters of both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and continuing support for Starfield.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/fans-believe-theyve-solved-the-secret-name-of-the-elder-scrolls-6-and-the-clue-might-have-been-hidden-in-starfield-the-whole-time A9f6zhMFQPcN4Ax6k4ULAE Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:25:52 +0000 false false false
    • Fans think they've uncovered The Elder Scrolls 6's eight-letter subtitle
    • Redditor 'starfieldnovember' suggests the subtitle is "Sentinel"
    • The clue comes from Starfield's character creator and employee number, which, translated via the alphabet, spells "Sentinel"

    The Elder Scrolls 6 fans believe they've uncovered the game's secret subtitle, and it may have been under our noses the entire time.

    Earlier this week, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma shared an X post that blew up, which read, "Live playthrough of The Elder Scrolls 6: ******** this morning. The scale and grandeur are incredible. The story is even greater."

    Of course, fans instantly began speculating what those eight asterisks could be; Hammerfell? Nope, too many letters. Redguard? Already been used. But one fan has offered up their own theory, and it's the best one yet.

    According to Redditor 'starfieldnovember', The Elder Scrolls 6's subtitle could be "Sentinel," and the clue has been hidden in Starfield's character creator without anyone realizing until now (via IGN).

    "By the way, Sentinel was already teased in Starfield," they began. "In Starfield Direct and in the final game, we can see our employee number during character creation. Random string of numbers at first look, but if you translate it by dividing it into pairs and then using the corresponding letter of the alphabet, you get SENTINEL.

    "This title was at our noses for more than 3 years, and we somehow missed it."

    By the way, Sentinel was already teased in Starfield
     from r/TESVI

    Other fans seem to agree with the theory, not only because Bethesda loves to hide easter eggs in its games, but because Sentinel is a major coastal capital city located in the northwestern hills of Hammerfell, which is rumored to be the setting of The Elder Scrolls 6.

    What's more, Bethesda developer Michael Kirkbride replied "Yep" to a separate Reddit post after a fan suggested the name could be Sentinel, which seems like a done deal, but we'll have to wait and see.

    The Elder Scrolls 6 was revealed in June 2018, and its announcement has now become as old as The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was at the time. Over eight years later, there's still no development update on the game, besides Sharma's confirmation that she's played it, and no release date.

    In November 2025, Todd Howard, director and executive producer at Bethesda Game Studios, said the game is "still a long way off," and revealed at the time that the studio "did a big play test."

    It was also speculated that Bethesda could shadowdrop the game, just like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered in April 2025, and when the idea was brought up to Howard, he didn't immediately reject it.

    "You might say that was a test run. It worked out well," he said on Oblivion Remastered.

    In the meantime, Bethesda is currently working on remasters of both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and continuing support for Starfield.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ New leak claims the first special edition Nintendo Switch 2 will be released to celebrate The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary — and yes, there are pictures ]]>
  • A Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 and Pro Controller have reportedly leaked
  • New images posted online appear to show the packaging for 40th anniversary Zelda editions of the console and Pro Controller
  • Nintendo has yet to formally announce new special edition hardware

    • Nintendo could be planning to release a special edition Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch 2 Pro Controller inspired by The Legend of Zelda, after leaked images were posted online.

    That's according to the Centro LEAKS account on X (via VGC), which posted two images showing the packaging for the themed Switch 2 and Pro Controller, which are seemingly designed to celebrate Zelda's 40th anniversary.

    The Switch 2 has black and green Joy-Cons with the iconic Triforce emblem on one side, while the dock itself has the more elaborate design, showing the gold Triforce on the front.

    Similarly, the Pro Controller has black and green grips, with a different gold Triforce in the center. Looking more closely at the packaging, you can also see a 40th anniversary logo.

    Brazilian journalist and Universo Nintendo editor-in-chief ‘Necro’ Felipe Lima previously claimed to have been shown both products, and in a separate post, said the new images are "exactly as I saw it previously."

    If these leaks are real, I'm glad I waited to purchase a Switch 2. However, Nintendo hasn't made an official announcement just yet, but it would be the first special edition Switch 2 since the console launched.

    Additionally, while some speculated that Nintendo would release a new special edition Switch 2 alongside The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, which is due to arrive this year, it appears the supposed leaked console may not be inspired by the game.

    The Ocarina of Time remake was announced this summer and will be a Switch 2 exclusive, though a launch date hasn't been set.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/new-leak-claims-the-first-special-edition-nintendo-switch-2-will-be-released-to-celebrate-the-legend-of-zeldas-40th-anniversary-and-yes-there-are-pictures KejHLKTJgizd83XjSgMAS9 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:12:22 +0000 false false false
    • A Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 and Pro Controller have reportedly leaked
    • New images posted online appear to show the packaging for 40th anniversary Zelda editions of the console and Pro Controller
    • Nintendo has yet to formally announce new special edition hardware

    Nintendo could be planning to release a special edition Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch 2 Pro Controller inspired by The Legend of Zelda, after leaked images were posted online.

    That's according to the Centro LEAKS account on X (via VGC), which posted two images showing the packaging for the themed Switch 2 and Pro Controller, which are seemingly designed to celebrate Zelda's 40th anniversary.

    The Switch 2 has black and green Joy-Cons with the iconic Triforce emblem on one side, while the dock itself has the more elaborate design, showing the gold Triforce on the front.

    Similarly, the Pro Controller has black and green grips, with a different gold Triforce in the center. Looking more closely at the packaging, you can also see a 40th anniversary logo.

    Brazilian journalist and Universo Nintendo editor-in-chief ‘Necro’ Felipe Lima previously claimed to have been shown both products, and in a separate post, said the new images are "exactly as I saw it previously."

    If these leaks are real, I'm glad I waited to purchase a Switch 2. However, Nintendo hasn't made an official announcement just yet, but it would be the first special edition Switch 2 since the console launched.

    Additionally, while some speculated that Nintendo would release a new special edition Switch 2 alongside The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, which is due to arrive this year, it appears the supposed leaked console may not be inspired by the game.

    The Ocarina of Time remake was announced this summer and will be a Switch 2 exclusive, though a launch date hasn't been set.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Nintendo is now warning customers about upcoming Switch 2 price hike in stores — and it's a reminder to buy ASAP if you want one ]]>
  • Nintendo is warning customers about an upcoming Switch 2 price increase via in-store kiosks
  • The Nintendo Switch 2 will retail at $499.99 starting on September 1, 2026
  • Consumers are praising Nintendo for giving ample time to purchase before the price increase

    • Price hikes across PC and game consoles are running rampant due to the RAM crisis, and one case requires urgent action from interested customers.

    As reported by Notebookcheck, Nintendo is now warning customers about the Switch 2's price hike at kiosks in stores. The retail price for the Nintendo Switch 2 will increase from $449.99 (£395 / AU$699.95) to $499.99 (around £430 / AU$769.95), starting on September 1, 2026.

    This was highlighted on Reddit, where users are praising Nintendo's generosity in informing customers long before price changes come into effect — a move not every PC or game console manufacturer has replicated.

    Unsurprisingly, this is a direct result of the RAM crisis, with DRAM shortages impacting almost all hardware manufacturers. Nintendo seemingly managed to avoid any price increases after the Switch 2's launch, but shortages have persisted.

    Switch 2 kiosks are warning people about the console's price increase that will happen next month.
     from r/NintendoSwitch2

    Nintendo worthy of praise?

    Switch 2

    (Image credit: Future)

    The price increase itself isn't exactly a major one, at least compared to PlayStation ($90 increase) and Xbox ($150 increase) console price hikes. It's also worth noting that the Nintendo Switch was subjected to a price hike in August 2025.

    So it's fair to say that the writing has been on the wall for an eventual Switch 2 price increase, and Nintendo has given customers ample time to get their hands on the handheld gaming device.

    Frankly, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony are not to blame for the price increases, as it's well reported that memory shortages are directly impacting manufacturing costs, and that's been the case for most of 2026.

    The crisis is only expected to get worse, with Samsung, one of the big three RAM manufacturers, anticipating even more significant shortages in 2027, 2028, and beyond.

    However, consumers will only hope that good measures such as Nintendo's (giving consumers time to avoid paying more) can become a new normal across the gaming and tech industry. Will that happen, though? Probably not.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-now-warning-customers-about-upcoming-switch-2-price-hike-in-stores-and-its-a-reminder-to-buy-asap-if-you-want-one trzfP9mBXBq635RspZfp36 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:25:49 +0000 false false false
    • Nintendo is warning customers about an upcoming Switch 2 price increase via in-store kiosks
    • The Nintendo Switch 2 will retail at $499.99 starting on September 1, 2026
    • Consumers are praising Nintendo for giving ample time to purchase before the price increase

    Price hikes across PC and game consoles are running rampant due to the RAM crisis, and one case requires urgent action from interested customers.

    As reported by Notebookcheck, Nintendo is now warning customers about the Switch 2's price hike at kiosks in stores. The retail price for the Nintendo Switch 2 will increase from $449.99 (£395 / AU$699.95) to $499.99 (around £430 / AU$769.95), starting on September 1, 2026.

    This was highlighted on Reddit, where users are praising Nintendo's generosity in informing customers long before price changes come into effect — a move not every PC or game console manufacturer has replicated.

    Unsurprisingly, this is a direct result of the RAM crisis, with DRAM shortages impacting almost all hardware manufacturers. Nintendo seemingly managed to avoid any price increases after the Switch 2's launch, but shortages have persisted.

    Switch 2 kiosks are warning people about the console's price increase that will happen next month.
     from r/NintendoSwitch2

    Nintendo worthy of praise?

    Switch 2

    (Image credit: Future)

    The price increase itself isn't exactly a major one, at least compared to PlayStation ($90 increase) and Xbox ($150 increase) console price hikes. It's also worth noting that the Nintendo Switch was subjected to a price hike in August 2025.

    So it's fair to say that the writing has been on the wall for an eventual Switch 2 price increase, and Nintendo has given customers ample time to get their hands on the handheld gaming device.

    Frankly, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony are not to blame for the price increases, as it's well reported that memory shortages are directly impacting manufacturing costs, and that's been the case for most of 2026.

    The crisis is only expected to get worse, with Samsung, one of the big three RAM manufacturers, anticipating even more significant shortages in 2027, 2028, and beyond.

    However, consumers will only hope that good measures such as Nintendo's (giving consumers time to avoid paying more) can become a new normal across the gaming and tech industry. Will that happen, though? Probably not.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Xbox unveils new limited edition Gears of War controllers, and fans say 'they look frigging awesome' ]]>
  • A limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Wireless Controller has been revealed
  • The controller releases on September 30 and can be pre-ordered now for $89.99 / £84.99
  • A separate 8BitDo charging dock is also up for pre-order

    • Xbox has unveiled its limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Wireless Controller ahead of the game's launch on October 6.

    "To celebrate the launch of Gears of War: E-Day, we’re giving fans two new ways to immerse themselves in one of gaming’s most iconic universes," reads the Xbox Wire announcement post. "Together, these offerings pay tribute to Emergence Day with hardware inspired by the symbols, scars, and battles that defined humanity’s war against the Locust Horde."

    Starting today, fans can pre-order the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller at participating retailers worldwide and the Xbox online store. The controller, which was "inspired by the horror and brutality unleashed on Emergence Day," will be released on September 30 and cost $89.99 / £84.99.

    Where to buy the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller

    Gears of War E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller: $89.99
    Gears of War: E-Day launches on October 6, but you can pre-order the limited edition Xbox Wireless Controller now at the Microsoft Store and at the participating retailers below.

    Price check: $89.99 at Amazon | $89.99 at Best Buy | $84 at WalmartView Deal

    Gears of War E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller: £84.99
    If you're in the UK, you can also secure a pre-order of the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller now at these stores.

    Price check: £84.99 at Amazon | £139.99 at Very (includes a copy of Gears of War: E-Day)View Deal

    Fans seem to love the design, with one on Reddit saying, "My wallet is not gonna be happy." Another on X said, "They look frigging awesome."

    "Drawing from the E-holes that scar the world of Gears of War: E-Day, the controller features 3D molded, laser-etched details of cracked asphalt with red, glowing cracks created by the power of an erupting E-hole, exposing the iconic Crimson Omen beneath the surface," the description reads.

    "Blacked-out ABXY buttons are punctuated by a transparent red X button, while matching red triggers and a transparent D-pad reflect the destruction left in the wake of Emergence Day. A dark silver metallic COG tag on the battery door signifies Never Fight Alone. Squad up. Textured grips round out a design built for fans ready to carry a piece of Sera into every battle."

    Additionally, beginning September 30, fans can design their own E-Day controller with Xbox Design Lab, featuring exclusive artwork from heavy metal illustrator Luke Preece.

    8BitDo is also releasing an Ultimate Charging Dock for Xbox Controllers – Gears of War: E-Day complimentary accessory, which is compatible with Xbox Series X, Series S and Xbox One Wireless controllers, and includes an 8BitDo rechargeable battery pack. The charging dock will cost $33.99 / £29.54.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/xbox-unveils-new-limited-edition-gears-of-war-controllers-and-fans-say-they-look-frigging-awesome oB592rKFkZSSUD2Pkspf3n Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:30:49 +0000 false false false
    • A limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Wireless Controller has been revealed
    • The controller releases on September 30 and can be pre-ordered now for $89.99 / £84.99
    • A separate 8BitDo charging dock is also up for pre-order

    Xbox has unveiled its limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Wireless Controller ahead of the game's launch on October 6.

    "To celebrate the launch of Gears of War: E-Day, we’re giving fans two new ways to immerse themselves in one of gaming’s most iconic universes," reads the Xbox Wire announcement post. "Together, these offerings pay tribute to Emergence Day with hardware inspired by the symbols, scars, and battles that defined humanity’s war against the Locust Horde."

    Starting today, fans can pre-order the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller at participating retailers worldwide and the Xbox online store. The controller, which was "inspired by the horror and brutality unleashed on Emergence Day," will be released on September 30 and cost $89.99 / £84.99.

    Where to buy the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller

    Gears of War E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller: $89.99
    Gears of War: E-Day launches on October 6, but you can pre-order the limited edition Xbox Wireless Controller now at the Microsoft Store and at the participating retailers below.

    Price check: $89.99 at Amazon | $89.99 at Best Buy | $84 at WalmartView Deal

    Gears of War E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller: £84.99
    If you're in the UK, you can also secure a pre-order of the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller now at these stores.

    Price check: £84.99 at Amazon | £139.99 at Very (includes a copy of Gears of War: E-Day)View Deal

    Fans seem to love the design, with one on Reddit saying, "My wallet is not gonna be happy." Another on X said, "They look frigging awesome."

    "Drawing from the E-holes that scar the world of Gears of War: E-Day, the controller features 3D molded, laser-etched details of cracked asphalt with red, glowing cracks created by the power of an erupting E-hole, exposing the iconic Crimson Omen beneath the surface," the description reads.

    "Blacked-out ABXY buttons are punctuated by a transparent red X button, while matching red triggers and a transparent D-pad reflect the destruction left in the wake of Emergence Day. A dark silver metallic COG tag on the battery door signifies Never Fight Alone. Squad up. Textured grips round out a design built for fans ready to carry a piece of Sera into every battle."

    Additionally, beginning September 30, fans can design their own E-Day controller with Xbox Design Lab, featuring exclusive artwork from heavy metal illustrator Luke Preece.

    8BitDo is also releasing an Ultimate Charging Dock for Xbox Controllers – Gears of War: E-Day complimentary accessory, which is compatible with Xbox Series X, Series S and Xbox One Wireless controllers, and includes an 8BitDo rechargeable battery pack. The charging dock will cost $33.99 / £29.54.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 has been delayed to 'deliver the quality of experience we've always envisioned,' developer says ]]>
  • Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 has been delayed
  • The game will now launch on December 3
  • King Art Games says it wants to "refine the experience" and optimise performance

    • Developer King Art Games has announced that Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 has been delayed three months and will now launch in December.

    The upcoming real-time strategy (RTS) game was originally slated for a September 17 release on PC, but the developer has now confirmed that, thanks to a desire to take more time to "refine the experience," it will now launch on December 3.

    The studio confirmed that "development continues at full pace" and it plans to release more Battlefield Reports, gameplay showcases, and developer deep dives over the coming months.

    "As we approached the final stages of development, we saw an opportunity to further enhance Dawn of War 4 and deliver the quality of experience we’ve always envisioned," said Jan Theysen, Creative Director at King Art Games.

    "The additional time will allow us to continue optimising performance, resolving bugs, and applying further polish to ensure players have the best possible experience from day one."

    With the delay, this means the Commander Edition, which comes with all Year One content and offers a three-day early access period, also has a new November 30 release date.

    Alongside the news, King Art Games unveiled an updated Year One roadmap reflecting the revised release timing, featuring post-launch content, which starts with the Crusade Mode and Map Pack 1 in early 2027, followed by new maps, modes, Commanders, and the Mission Editor.

    Additionally, the game's two major story expansions have also been pushed back; the Blood Ravens story prologue will now arrive in spring 2027, while the Aftermath campaign expansion will launch in the summer.

    In TechRadar Gaming's Dawn of War 4 preview, Managing Editor Rob Dwiar called the game a " sequel that fans have been waiting for."

    "Warhammer: 40,000 - Dawn of War 4 is finally real, I’ve played it, and I love it already," he wrote. "Diving into new-to-the-series developer King Art Games’ take on the epic strategy franchise, I was immediately transported back to some of my fondest memories of PC gaming, LAN parties, and chaotic 40K action as I felt like the emperor himself moving armies around maps."

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/warhammer-40-000-dawn-of-war-4-has-been-delayed-to-deliver-the-quality-of-experience-weve-always-envisioned-developer-says aQDtPnM4tF2MEMNP2z5H7e Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:22:35 +0000 false false false
    • Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 has been delayed
    • The game will now launch on December 3
    • King Art Games says it wants to "refine the experience" and optimise performance

    Developer King Art Games has announced that Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 has been delayed three months and will now launch in December.

    The upcoming real-time strategy (RTS) game was originally slated for a September 17 release on PC, but the developer has now confirmed that, thanks to a desire to take more time to "refine the experience," it will now launch on December 3.

    The studio confirmed that "development continues at full pace" and it plans to release more Battlefield Reports, gameplay showcases, and developer deep dives over the coming months.

    "As we approached the final stages of development, we saw an opportunity to further enhance Dawn of War 4 and deliver the quality of experience we’ve always envisioned," said Jan Theysen, Creative Director at King Art Games.

    "The additional time will allow us to continue optimising performance, resolving bugs, and applying further polish to ensure players have the best possible experience from day one."

    With the delay, this means the Commander Edition, which comes with all Year One content and offers a three-day early access period, also has a new November 30 release date.

    Alongside the news, King Art Games unveiled an updated Year One roadmap reflecting the revised release timing, featuring post-launch content, which starts with the Crusade Mode and Map Pack 1 in early 2027, followed by new maps, modes, Commanders, and the Mission Editor.

    Additionally, the game's two major story expansions have also been pushed back; the Blood Ravens story prologue will now arrive in spring 2027, while the Aftermath campaign expansion will launch in the summer.

    In TechRadar Gaming's Dawn of War 4 preview, Managing Editor Rob Dwiar called the game a " sequel that fans have been waiting for."

    "Warhammer: 40,000 - Dawn of War 4 is finally real, I’ve played it, and I love it already," he wrote. "Diving into new-to-the-series developer King Art Games’ take on the epic strategy franchise, I was immediately transported back to some of my fondest memories of PC gaming, LAN parties, and chaotic 40K action as I felt like the emperor himself moving armies around maps."

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ 'We’re further strengthening the value of PlayStation Plus' — Helldivers 2 has just dropped on PS Plus in time for a huge Warhammer 40,000 crossover ]]>
  • Helldivers 2 has been added to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog
  • Its arrival comes alongside the new Devoid of Liberty story update
  • A new Warhammer 40,000 warbond has also been added to the game

    • Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios' critically acclaimed multiplayer shooter, has officially landed on PlayStation Plus just in time for two huge updates.

    As of today, Helldivers 2 is part of the PS Plus Game Catalog and is available to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members, reaching even more players since its successful 2024 launch. According to Sony, the game has now surpassed 22.9 million players across PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC.

    "Players continue to recognize the value of PlayStation Plus and an ever-evolving Game Catalog with strong content specially curated for the PlayStation community," said Mary Yee, senior vice president of marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment in a recent blog post.

    "With the addition of Helldivers 2, a game that has already been enjoyed by millions of players worldwide, we’re further strengthening the value of PlayStation Plus and creating more opportunities for members to discover and engage with exceptional games."

    The arrival of Helldivers 2 to PS Plus also comes alongside the launch of a new chapter, titled 'Devoid of Liberty,' a horror-themed narrative arc that "introduces the first signs of a nightmarish threat emerging from a mysterious void in the galaxy."

    The opening will send Helldivers to the void as mutated Illuminate organisms begin appearing across the battlefield, and they'll enter a new biome filled with familiar foes in new forms.

    In addition, the update arrives alongside a new warbond available for purchase in collaboration with Warhammer 40,000.

    The 'Helldivers 2 x Warhammer 40,000: Castellan’s Creed Legendary Warbond' brings iconic elements of Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 universe to the game, "drawing inspiration from the Cadian Kasrkin, the elite shock assault troops of Warhammer 40,000’s Astra Militarum," and offers new armors, weapons, and vehicle patterns.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/were-further-strengthening-the-value-of-playstation-plus-helldivers-2-has-just-dropped-on-ps-plus-in-time-for-a-huge-warhammer-40-000-crossover uR7fHNoZm4mVT7yqr34Ere Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:44:54 +0000 false false false
    • Helldivers 2 has been added to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog
    • Its arrival comes alongside the new Devoid of Liberty story update
    • A new Warhammer 40,000 warbond has also been added to the game

    Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios' critically acclaimed multiplayer shooter, has officially landed on PlayStation Plus just in time for two huge updates.

    As of today, Helldivers 2 is part of the PS Plus Game Catalog and is available to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members, reaching even more players since its successful 2024 launch. According to Sony, the game has now surpassed 22.9 million players across PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC.

    "Players continue to recognize the value of PlayStation Plus and an ever-evolving Game Catalog with strong content specially curated for the PlayStation community," said Mary Yee, senior vice president of marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment in a recent blog post.

    "With the addition of Helldivers 2, a game that has already been enjoyed by millions of players worldwide, we’re further strengthening the value of PlayStation Plus and creating more opportunities for members to discover and engage with exceptional games."

    The arrival of Helldivers 2 to PS Plus also comes alongside the launch of a new chapter, titled 'Devoid of Liberty,' a horror-themed narrative arc that "introduces the first signs of a nightmarish threat emerging from a mysterious void in the galaxy."

    The opening will send Helldivers to the void as mutated Illuminate organisms begin appearing across the battlefield, and they'll enter a new biome filled with familiar foes in new forms.

    In addition, the update arrives alongside a new warbond available for purchase in collaboration with Warhammer 40,000.

    The 'Helldivers 2 x Warhammer 40,000: Castellan’s Creed Legendary Warbond' brings iconic elements of Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 universe to the game, "drawing inspiration from the Cadian Kasrkin, the elite shock assault troops of Warhammer 40,000’s Astra Militarum," and offers new armors, weapons, and vehicle patterns.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Pearl Abyss confirms Crimson Desert DLC is scheduled to 'release this year' — and I'm not ready for it, even after 240 hours ]]>
  • Pearl Abyss confirms Crimson Desert DLC will arrive in 2026, in latest financial report
  • Pearl Abyss continues to provide consistent updates and additions based on player feedback
  • Details on the DLC's content aren't clear just yet, but more will be revealed in Q3 of 2026

    • Pearl Abyss seemingly won't rest until Crimson Desert is at its absolute best, with never-ending updates adding new features or fixes — and unsurprisingly, it won't stop there.

    In its latest financial report, Pearl Abyss confirmed that Crimson Desert's DLC is currently under development and scheduled for release in 2026, while it continues to "refine its content direction and overall quality". There are no details on the DLC's content yet, but Pearl Abyss plans to announce it in the third quarter of 2026.

    This comes amid Pearl Abyss' highlight of all the important updates and major additions it's made for Crimson Desert since the game's March 19 launch. There's no doubt that the action-adventure game has been a massive success, selling over six million copies and retaining a high player count on Steam months after its arrival.

    Frankly, it's quite hard to predict what Crimson Desert's DLC will include, since it's a game that is already full of near-endless amounts of content. However, it's an opportunity for developers at Pearl Abyss to craft new elements based on player feedback (and perhaps even some mods).

    What do we want to see in an expansion?

    Customization is a crucial aspect of the entire experience, both in terms of character appearance and gear. There's a strong chance that Pearl Abyss is set to deliver a story expansion, so it's hard to pinpoint what new additions await players.

    However, based on my 240 hours of playtime and some of the mods I've used, it would be great to see the developers utilize their character creation skills and allow players to make a custom character.

    The previous game, Black Desert (which is solely an MMO), arguably has some of the best character creation in any video game to date. While Crimson Desert does have an extensive amount of customization, with Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka having multiple hairstyle and facial hair options, it doesn't come close to what players can do in Pearl Abyss' MMO.

    It's an optimistic suggestion and task for developers, but with how ambitious Crimson Desert is, and the fact that users have made custom character creator mods online, it would be a strong addition to the experience.

    Multiplayer is also on the cards for Pearl Abyss, but that's certainly not expected in this first DLC, as it states, "integrating multiplayer functionality is far more complex than simply adding a new game mode", but highlights that there's "significant potential" for it.

    Whatever it is Pearl Abyss is developing behind the scenes will likely be a surprise, if recent additions to the game are anything to go by, and I'm looking forward to it.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/pearl-abyss-confirms-crimson-desert-dlc-is-scheduled-to-release-this-year-and-im-not-ready-for-it-even-after-240-hours ZDtziSrG8Yqip32fZBRRjd Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:11:26 +0000 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:11:31 +0000 false false false
    • Pearl Abyss confirms Crimson Desert DLC will arrive in 2026, in latest financial report
    • Pearl Abyss continues to provide consistent updates and additions based on player feedback
    • Details on the DLC's content aren't clear just yet, but more will be revealed in Q3 of 2026

    Pearl Abyss seemingly won't rest until Crimson Desert is at its absolute best, with never-ending updates adding new features or fixes — and unsurprisingly, it won't stop there.

    In its latest financial report, Pearl Abyss confirmed that Crimson Desert's DLC is currently under development and scheduled for release in 2026, while it continues to "refine its content direction and overall quality". There are no details on the DLC's content yet, but Pearl Abyss plans to announce it in the third quarter of 2026.

    This comes amid Pearl Abyss' highlight of all the important updates and major additions it's made for Crimson Desert since the game's March 19 launch. There's no doubt that the action-adventure game has been a massive success, selling over six million copies and retaining a high player count on Steam months after its arrival.

    Frankly, it's quite hard to predict what Crimson Desert's DLC will include, since it's a game that is already full of near-endless amounts of content. However, it's an opportunity for developers at Pearl Abyss to craft new elements based on player feedback (and perhaps even some mods).

    What do we want to see in an expansion?

    Customization is a crucial aspect of the entire experience, both in terms of character appearance and gear. There's a strong chance that Pearl Abyss is set to deliver a story expansion, so it's hard to pinpoint what new additions await players.

    However, based on my 240 hours of playtime and some of the mods I've used, it would be great to see the developers utilize their character creation skills and allow players to make a custom character.

    The previous game, Black Desert (which is solely an MMO), arguably has some of the best character creation in any video game to date. While Crimson Desert does have an extensive amount of customization, with Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka having multiple hairstyle and facial hair options, it doesn't come close to what players can do in Pearl Abyss' MMO.

    It's an optimistic suggestion and task for developers, but with how ambitious Crimson Desert is, and the fact that users have made custom character creator mods online, it would be a strong addition to the experience.

    Multiplayer is also on the cards for Pearl Abyss, but that's certainly not expected in this first DLC, as it states, "integrating multiplayer functionality is far more complex than simply adding a new game mode", but highlights that there's "significant potential" for it.

    Whatever it is Pearl Abyss is developing behind the scenes will likely be a surprise, if recent additions to the game are anything to go by, and I'm looking forward to it.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Redditor turns Android phone into a desktop PC in a stroke of genius, sandwiching it between two huge CPU coolers so it runs Witcher 3 at 1080p ultra ]]>
  • A Redditor has turned their phone into a desktop PC, sort of
  • This involves jamming the device between two hefty CPU coolers
  • The results are seriously impressive, including running PC games at playable frame rates on a Linux desktop

    • Have you ever thought about using your phone as a PC? A creative hardware modder has taken this idea very literally, actually turning their smartphone into a makeshift PC by jamming the device inside a custom case, sandwiched between a pair of beefy desktop CPU coolers.

    Wccftech spotted a Reddit post with a title that provides a succinct summary of the achievement here: "I turned my Nubia Z70 Ultra into a desktop PC with TWO CPU coolers – 99% stability, Linux desktop and 1080p Ultra Windows gaming."

    To break this down, what the Redditor ('ntsow') has done is take the Nubia Z70 Ultra, an Android phone, and remove the screen. The display was transferred to the front of a custom-made acrylic case, and the phone itself was placed between two big old processor coolers, as mentioned, with direct contact on the Snapdragon chip's shielding (for the maximum cooling effect – which is why the screen must come off).

    Android Phone in a Desktop PC, side view showing phone between two CPU coolers

    (Image credit: ntsow on Reddit)

    On the software side, the Redditor explains: "I'm running a full XFCE Linux desktop through Termux, with GPU acceleration, plus Windows apps/games. The goal is basically to use the phone as the whole PC."

    Quite a few Redditors are asking how this system runs PC games, and the answer is via Wine and Box64, or in some cases, using GameNative, an Android emulator.

    Given the cooling, this mobile Snapdragon chip can be pushed pretty hard, and more importantly, it can keep that up with sustained and taxing workloads.

    The phone-turned-PC can run Windows games surprisingly well as a result – and the 24GB of RAM on-board doesn't hurt either (which is, of course, a pricey proposition on a PC these days).

    What kind of frame rates does the Redditor get? We're told that The Witcher 3 runs at 20 to 30 frames per second (fps) at Full HD resolution and with 'ultra' details.

    Analysis: devilishly daring

    Android Phone in Desktop PC, placed on a desk next to a monitor and keyboard

    (Image credit: ntsow on Reddit)

    Remember, this is an Android phone playing Windows games, and to do so at a playable enough frame rate (it even goes over 30 fps at times) is impressive. What's also noteworthy is that the Snapdragon phone CPU used here isn't Qualcomm's top-tier mobile silicon. It's an older Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and as the Redditor points out, you'd get more pep from the newer Gen 5 processors (4.6GHz vs 4.3GHz).

    Among the admirers, there are some alarms raised about the temperature recorded in The Witcher 3 screenshot. The Redditor explains that this is because it was grabbed with the phone running in 'Diablo Mode,' which pushes the components at full power with overclocking. If that isn't on, then the CPU doesn't get as toasty – although presumably you're not going to get over the 30 fps mark, either.

    Still, this is a very nifty piece of work, and as one commenter on the thread remarks, it is: "One of the most insane things I've seen on Reddit in months."

    I've got to agree, and while this is obviously a very extreme angle on modding, it may point the way to the future where phones are increasingly used as our computing devices.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/redditor-turns-android-phone-into-a-desktop-pc-in-a-stroke-of-genius-sandwiching-it-between-two-huge-cpu-coolers-so-it-runs-witcher-3-at-1080p-ultra MhocgbDnGkZaMNPUKzDWRj Thu, 13 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0000 false false false
    • A Redditor has turned their phone into a desktop PC, sort of
    • This involves jamming the device between two hefty CPU coolers
    • The results are seriously impressive, including running PC games at playable frame rates on a Linux desktop

    Have you ever thought about using your phone as a PC? A creative hardware modder has taken this idea very literally, actually turning their smartphone into a makeshift PC by jamming the device inside a custom case, sandwiched between a pair of beefy desktop CPU coolers.

    Wccftech spotted a Reddit post with a title that provides a succinct summary of the achievement here: "I turned my Nubia Z70 Ultra into a desktop PC with TWO CPU coolers – 99% stability, Linux desktop and 1080p Ultra Windows gaming."

    To break this down, what the Redditor ('ntsow') has done is take the Nubia Z70 Ultra, an Android phone, and remove the screen. The display was transferred to the front of a custom-made acrylic case, and the phone itself was placed between two big old processor coolers, as mentioned, with direct contact on the Snapdragon chip's shielding (for the maximum cooling effect – which is why the screen must come off).

    Android Phone in a Desktop PC, side view showing phone between two CPU coolers

    (Image credit: ntsow on Reddit)

    On the software side, the Redditor explains: "I'm running a full XFCE Linux desktop through Termux, with GPU acceleration, plus Windows apps/games. The goal is basically to use the phone as the whole PC."

    Quite a few Redditors are asking how this system runs PC games, and the answer is via Wine and Box64, or in some cases, using GameNative, an Android emulator.

    Given the cooling, this mobile Snapdragon chip can be pushed pretty hard, and more importantly, it can keep that up with sustained and taxing workloads.

    The phone-turned-PC can run Windows games surprisingly well as a result – and the 24GB of RAM on-board doesn't hurt either (which is, of course, a pricey proposition on a PC these days).

    What kind of frame rates does the Redditor get? We're told that The Witcher 3 runs at 20 to 30 frames per second (fps) at Full HD resolution and with 'ultra' details.

    Analysis: devilishly daring

    Android Phone in Desktop PC, placed on a desk next to a monitor and keyboard

    (Image credit: ntsow on Reddit)

    Remember, this is an Android phone playing Windows games, and to do so at a playable enough frame rate (it even goes over 30 fps at times) is impressive. What's also noteworthy is that the Snapdragon phone CPU used here isn't Qualcomm's top-tier mobile silicon. It's an older Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and as the Redditor points out, you'd get more pep from the newer Gen 5 processors (4.6GHz vs 4.3GHz).

    Among the admirers, there are some alarms raised about the temperature recorded in The Witcher 3 screenshot. The Redditor explains that this is because it was grabbed with the phone running in 'Diablo Mode,' which pushes the components at full power with overclocking. If that isn't on, then the CPU doesn't get as toasty – although presumably you're not going to get over the 30 fps mark, either.

    Still, this is a very nifty piece of work, and as one commenter on the thread remarks, it is: "One of the most insane things I've seen on Reddit in months."

    I've got to agree, and while this is obviously a very extreme angle on modding, it may point the way to the future where phones are increasingly used as our computing devices.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, August 13 (game #1159) ]]>
    Looking for a different day?

    A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Wednesday, August 12 (game #1158).

    Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

    What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

    SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

    NYT Connections today (game #1159) - today's words

    NYT Connections hints for game 1159 on a purple background

    (Image credit: New York Times)

    Today's NYT Connections words are…

    • COMFORT
    • EASE
    • SHOULDER
    • INCH
    • MILES
    • CARRY ON
    • FEET
    • CHECKED BAGS
    • CREEP
    • TURKEY
    • UPGRADE
    • MAKE IT
    • PERSIST
    • EDGE
    • LOUNGE
    • CONTINUE

    NYT Connections today (game #1159) - hint #1 - group hints

    What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

    • YELLOW: Press onwards
    • GREEN: Gradual progress
    • BLUE: Frequent flyer gifts
    • PURPLE: Begin with the opposite of “hot”

    Need more clues?

    We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

    NYT Connections today (game #1159) - hint #2 - group answers

    What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

    • YELLOW: PERSEVERE
    • GREEN: MOVE SLOWLY (UP TO)
    • BLUE: AIRLINE STATUS PERKS
    • PURPLE: "COLD" THINGS, IN IDIOMS

    Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

    NYT Connections today (game #1159) - the answers

    NYT Connections answers for game 1159 on a purple background

    (Image credit: New York Times)

    The answers to today's Connections, game #1159, are…

    • YELLOW: PERSEVERE: CARRY ON, CONTINUE, MAKE IT, PERSIST
    • GREEN: MOVE SLOWLY (UP TO): CREEP, EASE, EDGE, INCH
    • BLUE: AIRLINE STATUS PERKS: CHECKED BAGS, LOUNGE, MILES, UPGRADE
    • PURPLE: "COLD" THINGS, IN IDIOMS: COMFORT, FEET, SHOULDER, TURKEY
    • My rating: Hard
    • My score: 2 mistakes

    Now that this game is completed I can’t believe I completely missed “COLD” THINGS IN IDIOMS while I exerted all my energies on muddling together the other three groups.

    I made mistakes for all of them — CONTINUE instead of EASE for MOVE SLOWLY (UP TO); SHOULDER (I was thinking of soldiering on, no doubt) instead of MAKE IT for PERSEVERE; and COMFORT instead of MILES for AIRLINE STATUS PERKS.

    I have only ever been in an airport LOUNGE once and it felt like that episode of The Simpsons when Homer gets a glimpse at the life beautiful people live. The beautiful people would probably be less impressed by free shrimp than I was.

    Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Wednesday, August 12, 2026, game #1158)

    • YELLOW: HOLD ONTO, AS A FEELING: FOSTER, HARBOR, MAINTAIN, NURSE
    • GREEN: KINDS OF FROGS: BULL, GREEN, POISON DART, TREE
    • BLUE: NBC SITCOM SURNAMES: BENES, BING, LEMON, SCOTT
    • PURPLE: STARTING WITH AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSES: FINE PRINT, GOODBYE, GREAT WHITE, OKAYAMA

    What is NYT Connections?

    NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

    On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

    It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

    It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nyt-connections-today-answers-hints-13-august-2026 8gvsJoaMrZhnon6oKZStdW Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:00:00 +0000 false false false
    Looking for a different day?

    A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Wednesday, August 12 (game #1158).

    Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

    What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

    SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

    NYT Connections today (game #1159) - today's words

    NYT Connections hints for game 1159 on a purple background

    (Image credit: New York Times)

    Today's NYT Connections words are…

    • COMFORT
    • EASE
    • SHOULDER
    • INCH
    • MILES
    • CARRY ON
    • FEET
    • CHECKED BAGS
    • CREEP
    • TURKEY
    • UPGRADE
    • MAKE IT
    • PERSIST
    • EDGE
    • LOUNGE
    • CONTINUE

    NYT Connections today (game #1159) - hint #1 - group hints

    What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

    • YELLOW: Press onwards
    • GREEN: Gradual progress
    • BLUE: Frequent flyer gifts
    • PURPLE: Begin with the opposite of “hot”

    Need more clues?

    We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

    NYT Connections today (game #1159) - hint #2 - group answers

    What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

    • YELLOW: PERSEVERE
    • GREEN: MOVE SLOWLY (UP TO)
    • BLUE: AIRLINE STATUS PERKS
    • PURPLE: "COLD" THINGS, IN IDIOMS

    Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

    NYT Connections today (game #1159) - the answers

    NYT Connections answers for game 1159 on a purple background

    (Image credit: New York Times)

    The answers to today's Connections, game #1159, are…

    • YELLOW: PERSEVERE: CARRY ON, CONTINUE, MAKE IT, PERSIST
    • GREEN: MOVE SLOWLY (UP TO): CREEP, EASE, EDGE, INCH
    • BLUE: AIRLINE STATUS PERKS: CHECKED BAGS, LOUNGE, MILES, UPGRADE
    • PURPLE: "COLD" THINGS, IN IDIOMS: COMFORT, FEET, SHOULDER, TURKEY
    • My rating: Hard
    • My score: 2 mistakes

    Now that this game is completed I can’t believe I completely missed “COLD” THINGS IN IDIOMS while I exerted all my energies on muddling together the other three groups.

    I made mistakes for all of them — CONTINUE instead of EASE for MOVE SLOWLY (UP TO); SHOULDER (I was thinking of soldiering on, no doubt) instead of MAKE IT for PERSEVERE; and COMFORT instead of MILES for AIRLINE STATUS PERKS.

    I have only ever been in an airport LOUNGE once and it felt like that episode of The Simpsons when Homer gets a glimpse at the life beautiful people live. The beautiful people would probably be less impressed by free shrimp than I was.

    Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Wednesday, August 12, 2026, game #1158)

    • YELLOW: HOLD ONTO, AS A FEELING: FOSTER, HARBOR, MAINTAIN, NURSE
    • GREEN: KINDS OF FROGS: BULL, GREEN, POISON DART, TREE
    • BLUE: NBC SITCOM SURNAMES: BENES, BING, LEMON, SCOTT
    • PURPLE: STARTING WITH AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSES: FINE PRINT, GOODBYE, GREAT WHITE, OKAYAMA

    What is NYT Connections?

    NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

    On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

    It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

    It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ Sony announces new Ghost of Yotei expansion and Complete Edition, but the upgrade cost is a slap in the face for day-one buyers ]]>
  • Sony has just revealed a new version of Ghost of Yotei
  • The Complete Edition launches on October 1 and comes with a new expansion called Echoes of Sekigahara
  • Existing owners will have to pay to upgrade their copies

    • Sony has announced a new Complete Edition version of 2025's Ghost of Yotei that comes bundled with an all-new expansion called Echoes of Sekigahara.

    Echoes of Sekigahara is said to be a narrative-based addition that focuses on a new figure from protagonist Atsu's past. It introduces a previously unseen valley with new enemies, heavy weapons, armor sets, dyes, and more to discover.

    It launches on October 1, 2026, alongside a single-player survival mode called Most Wanted. Andrew Goldfarb, the senior communications manager at developer Sucker Punch Productions, described this as the studio's "spin on a roguelike" in a new PlayStation Blog post.

    "You’ll accept bounties in order to start new runs, where taking down enemies will earn you perks, as well as unlock additional characters to play as," he wrote, and teased that there will be "more to show soon".

    Alongside these two new arrivals, the Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition contains all of the content previously part of the digital deluxe edition. It will cost just $69.99 / £69.99, which is the same price the standard edition cost at launch and $10 / £10 cheaper than the digital deluxe version was.

    If you haven't bought the game yet, then this package seems like a great deal and you can actually buy it right now — though bear in mind you won't be able to access the new content until October 1.

    There is, however, a big catch if you already own a copy of Ghost of Yotei.

    Existing owners will have to splash out $14.99 / around £10 to upgrade their copy to the Complete Edition version, which is pretty egregious in my eyes — especially for digital deluxe buyers.

    Those players will be parting with a total of $94.98 to experience what everyone who waited just one year can now get for 70 bucks.

    What a way to reward some of your biggest fans, Sony!

    There is some good news though. Even if you don't pay for the upgrade, all owners of the game will benefit from a new patch on October 1 which includes a range of quality of life features and a cool Beauty of Yotei mode with screensaver-like environmental shots.

    According to the description of the new trailer on YouTube, there will be a physical PlayStation 5 version available as well, which might come as a surprise given Sony's plan to wind down the production of game discs.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/sony-announces-new-ghost-of-yotei-expansion-and-complete-edition-but-the-upgrade-cost-is-a-slap-in-the-face-for-day-one-buyers BGZVaN5mamTSxpFfjA5KYf Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:24:12 +0000 false false false
    • Sony has just revealed a new version of Ghost of Yotei
    • The Complete Edition launches on October 1 and comes with a new expansion called Echoes of Sekigahara
    • Existing owners will have to pay to upgrade their copies

    Sony has announced a new Complete Edition version of 2025's Ghost of Yotei that comes bundled with an all-new expansion called Echoes of Sekigahara.

    Echoes of Sekigahara is said to be a narrative-based addition that focuses on a new figure from protagonist Atsu's past. It introduces a previously unseen valley with new enemies, heavy weapons, armor sets, dyes, and more to discover.

    It launches on October 1, 2026, alongside a single-player survival mode called Most Wanted. Andrew Goldfarb, the senior communications manager at developer Sucker Punch Productions, described this as the studio's "spin on a roguelike" in a new PlayStation Blog post.

    "You’ll accept bounties in order to start new runs, where taking down enemies will earn you perks, as well as unlock additional characters to play as," he wrote, and teased that there will be "more to show soon".

    Alongside these two new arrivals, the Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition contains all of the content previously part of the digital deluxe edition. It will cost just $69.99 / £69.99, which is the same price the standard edition cost at launch and $10 / £10 cheaper than the digital deluxe version was.

    If you haven't bought the game yet, then this package seems like a great deal and you can actually buy it right now — though bear in mind you won't be able to access the new content until October 1.

    There is, however, a big catch if you already own a copy of Ghost of Yotei.

    Existing owners will have to splash out $14.99 / around £10 to upgrade their copy to the Complete Edition version, which is pretty egregious in my eyes — especially for digital deluxe buyers.

    Those players will be parting with a total of $94.98 to experience what everyone who waited just one year can now get for 70 bucks.

    What a way to reward some of your biggest fans, Sony!

    There is some good news though. Even if you don't pay for the upgrade, all owners of the game will benefit from a new patch on October 1 which includes a range of quality of life features and a cool Beauty of Yotei mode with screensaver-like environmental shots.

    According to the description of the new trailer on YouTube, there will be a physical PlayStation 5 version available as well, which might come as a surprise given Sony's plan to wind down the production of game discs.

    ]]>     <![CDATA[ The Xbox Elite Series 3 seems to have leaked — and, in a twist no one expected, might have a built-in screen ]]>
  • The unannounced Xbox Elite Series 3 controller may have leaked
  • Photos were posted to Reddit and have since been deleted
  • They showed a plausible-looking gamepad with a built-in screen

    • A Reddit user seems to have somehow managed to get their hands on a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller, and the upcoming gamepad appears to have some surprising features.

    In a now-deleted post to the r/Controller subreddit, the author asked, "Anyone know what controller this is?" and claimed they managed to buy the accessory on the online marketplace website OfferUp.

    The post also included a handful of photos of the alleged controller, which hasn't even been officially announced, and they certainly seem genuine — or at least very difficult to fake.

    It looks quite similar to the Xbox Elite Series 2 overall, but with some key differences. These include a redesigned, more plate-like D-pad, two weird scroll wheels at the bottom, and a little LED screen embedded at the top. Other major differences include the addition of a removable rechargeable battery pack, which lines up with information surfaced back in May.

    Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

    Some third-party controllers like the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited already offer screen functionality. (Image credit: Nacon)

    The screen is definitely the most interesting detail here, and I wonder how it could function in the finished product. One photo shows it displaying an animation of a spaceship flying towards an Xbox Series X console, which makes me think that it could be used as a cute way to denote the controller's pairing status.

    High-end third-party controllers like the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited and Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra already have their own screens. They can be used to edit controller settings, swap between profiles, and even receive text messages, hinting at some possible uses Microsoft might have in store.

    Unfortunately, the poster says they haven't been able to pair the controller with any of their consoles — prompting others to speculate that it could be a special developer unit that requires a registered Xbox dev account.

    With units appearing in the wild, it seems reasonable to assume that an official reveal isn't far away. We might even see the controller unveiled at Gamescom 2026 later this month.

    ]]>     https://www.techradar.com/gaming/xbox/the-xbox-elite-series-3-seems-to-have-leaked-and-in-a-twist-no-one-expected-might-have-a-built-in-screen 3EQ8iK8k3dbWGFDCRpvaqM Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:23:59 +0000 false false false
    • The unannounced Xbox Elite Series 3 controller may have leaked
    • Photos were posted to Reddit and have since been deleted
    • They showed a plausible-looking gamepad with a built-in screen

    A Reddit user seems to have somehow managed to get their hands on a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller, and the upcoming gamepad appears to have some surprising features.

    In a now-deleted post to the r/Controller subreddit, the author asked, "Anyone know what controller this is?" and claimed they managed to buy the accessory on the online marketplace website OfferUp.

    The post also included a handful of photos of the alleged controller, which hasn't even been officially announced, and they certainly seem genuine — or at least very difficult to fake.

    It looks quite similar to the Xbox Elite Series 2 overall, but with some key differences. These include a redesigned, more plate-like D-pad, two weird scroll wheels at the bottom, and a little LED screen embedded at the top. Other major differences include the addition of a removable rechargeable battery pack, which lines up with information surfaced back in May.

    Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

    Some third-party controllers like the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited already offer screen functionality. (Image credit: Nacon)

    The screen is definitely the most interesting detail here, and I wonder how it could function in the finished product. One photo shows it displaying an animation of a spaceship flying towards an Xbox Series X console, which makes me think that it could be used as a cute way to denote the controller's pairing status.

    High-end third-party controllers like the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited and Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra already have their own screens. They can be used to edit controller settings, swap between profiles, and even receive text messages, hinting at some possible uses Microsoft might have in store.

    Unfortunately, the poster says they haven't been able to pair the controller with any of their consoles — prompting others to speculate that it could be a special developer unit that requires a registered Xbox dev account.

    With units appearing in the wild, it seems reasonable to assume that an official reveal isn't far away. We might even see the controller unveiled at Gamescom 2026 later this month.

    ]]>