Aside from general stability fixes, we get some improvements on how screenshots can be taken

Ver. 15.0.0 (Released October 10, 2022)

• The location of the Bluetooth® Audio menu within System Settings has moved.

• Screenshots can be taken using the Capture Button while in the Nintendo Switch Online application found on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu. Video capture is not supported.

• General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience.

“Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience.”

The previous update (Version 11.16.0-48) was also a stability update, but included some updates to the 3DS eShop, web browser, and a few other areas.  As with other stability updates, this probably closes existing exploits.

source en-americas-support.nintendo.com

Here’s a basic comparison of the graphical overhaul for the Remake of Crisis Core:

Here is an overview of the game, via Square Enix:

What is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion?

The new game is a full remaster of the PlayStation Portable exclusive Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, which originally launched back in 2007.

That game quickly won acclaim thanks to innovative gameplay, likeable characters and an impactful narrative that added even more detail and richness to the world of Final Fantasy VII. Now it’s coming back in a new and improved form.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a true remaster that follows the original’s narrative: Zack Fair’s mission to find the missing SOLDIER Genesis Rhapsodos. It features multiple improvements from the original game – for example, the graphics have been converted to HD, with all the 3D models, from the characters to everything else, being fully refreshed. What’s more the dialogue is now fully voice-acted, and there’s a new arrangement for the soundtrack!

Long-time Final Fantasy VII fans will require no introduction to the inestimable Mr. Fair, but newer players may be wondering: who’s this black-haired fellow—and why is he holding such a familiar sword?

The Japanese voice cast is as follows:

• Zack Fair (voiced by Kenichi Suzumura)
• Angeal Hewley (voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue)
• Genesis (voiced by GACKT)
• Sephiroth (voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa)
• Aeirth Gainsborough (voiced by Maaya Sakamoto)

Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery. Visit the official Japanese website here.

English Trailer

Japanese Trailer

And the best part? The first month of PC Game Pass will cost just RM1.00 or 12.3329 PHP.

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 March 2022 – We’re excited to announce we’re bringing a preview of PC Game Pass to Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam for the first time. Beginning today, players can register for the PC Game Pass preview giving them access to a library of over 100 high-quality games including new Xbox Game Studios releases on day one, iconic Bethesda games, and an EA Play membership for one low monthly price. With a huge variety of PC games across genres, and new games added all the time, there’s something for everyone to play.

It only takes a few minutes to join the preview in the Xbox Insider app.¹ Players can then trial PC Game Pass for RM1.00 for the duration of the preview as we setup and test the local payment systems. As this is the first step in bringing access to PC Game Pass in the region, participants can test and share their feedback so we can make improvements across the service. We look forward to sharing more about how to join PC Game Pass when the service launches in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam later this year.

PC Game Pass launched in 2019 and was built from the ground up in partnership with the PC gaming community to give gamers everywhere the ultimate freedom to discover and play a highly curated library of great games. Since then, we have continued to evolve the service based on what we’ve heard from members across the world. We’re committed to helping gamers discover their next favorite games, and we are excited to bring these experiences to these new countries in Southeast Asia.

“At Xbox, our mission is simple, to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet. Bringing PC Game Pass to new countries in Southeast Asia is an important part of how we will achieve this as we strive to reach billions of players,” said Jeremy Hinton, Xbox Asia Business Lead.

PC Game Pass includes Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, Age of Empires IV, Sea of Thieves and Microsoft Flight Simulator, among others. This includes new Xbox Game Studios titles on day one like Halo Infinite, as well as iconic franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls from Bethesda Softworks, independent games and blockbusters. EA Play is also included with the service, featuring some of the world’s biggest franchises including FIFA, Battlefield, The Sims and Mass Effect.

“PC Game Pass features a large library of high-quality titles from diverse game studios, with experiences from every genre. Xbox Insiders will get the first opportunity to experience the value that PC Game Pass offers, and we look forward to making the service available to more gamers soon.”

PlayStation 5 update 22.01-05.00.00 patch notes

• Voice chats are now called parties.

• For easier access we have divided the Game Base into three tabs: [Freunde], [Partys] and [Nachrichten].

• From the Game Base Control Menu and Maps you can now do the following:
  Show all your friends under the tab [Freunde] in the control menu.
  Start Share Play directly from the voice chat card. You no longer need to start screen sharing to use Share Play.
  Add a player to a group or create a new group directly from the Messages card. You can also use this card to send video clips, pictures, and text messages, and view a group’s shared media.

• Now when someone in a group is sharing their screen, they’ll see the On Air icon. You can do that on the tab [Partys] check.

• The search function for players and friend requests is now under the tab [Freunde].

• We’ve made it easier to decline friend requests by adding the button to your friend request list [Ablehnen] have added.

Under (Accessibility), we’ve updated the following:

 

• We’ve updated the following for the screen reader:
  The screen reader is now supported in six additional languages: Russian, Arabic, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish and Korean.
  The screen reader can now read notifications aloud.

• You can now enable mono audio for headphones so that the same audio is played through both the left and right headphones.
  When the headphones are connected, go to [Einstellungen] > [Ton] > [Audioausgabe] and then activate [Mono-Audio für Kopfhörer]. Alternatively you can [Einstellungen] > [Barrierefreiheit] > [Anzeige und Ton] go and then [Mono-Audio für Kopfhörer] activate.

• You can now show a tick next to enabled settings so you can easily tell they’re enabled.
  Go to [Einstellungen] > [Barrierefreiheit] > [Anzeige und Ton] and activated [Häkchen bei aktivierten Einstellungen anzeigen].

Under (Trophies), we’ve updated the following:

 

• Updated the visual design of the trophy cards and the trophy list.

• The Trophy Tracker will now show suggested trophies to earn when playing a game.

We’ve made the following changes to the features available in the Create menu:

 

We’ve added a new feature: Voice Command (Preview).

 

• Voice Command (Preview) understands voice commands to find and open games, applications, and settings, and to control media playback.

• To get started, go to [Einstellungen] > [Sprachbefehl] and activate [Sprachbefehl (Vorschau) aktivieren]. Then say “Hey, PlayStation!” and prompt your PS5 to do something.

• With this feature, you can find and open games, apps and settings, control your media without even touching a button, and much more.

• Currently, Voice Command (Preview) is only available in English for players with US and UK PSN accounts.

We added support for the Ukrainian language.

 

Other updated features

 

• We’ve made the following improvements to the game library:

• On the tab [Deine Sammlung] you can now filter your games by genre to find the games you want to play faster.

• We’ve pinned PlayStation Plus to the left edge of the Games home screen.

• You can now redeem monthly games faster.

• Accessing the PS Plus game collections just got easier from the Home screen.

• We’ve added a button map that shows you how to reload and zoom in the web browser.

• If you want to report something someone said in a party, there are now icons to help you identify who is speaking. This will help PlayStation’s security team take appropriate action based on your report.

• We’ve made the console safer for child accounts:

• If they’re viewing a purchased or installed game that they’re not allowed to play, the game’s wallpaper will be hidden.

• Activity cards such as For example, what appears in Control Center or Game Hub will not appear in age-restricted games.

• You can now keep the games or apps you selected on your home screen.

• When you’re focused on a game or app, press the Options button to open the Options menu and select [Auf dem Home-Bildschirm behalten] the end. The games and apps you want to keep stay on your Home screen.

• You can put a maximum of 5 games and apps on each home screen.

• You can now have three more games and apps on your home screen.

• We’ve changed the look and feel of the user guide to make it easier to read. If you prefer the old look, you can change it back.

• We now support more emojis.

• We changed the Polish keyboard layout.

• We have updated the DualSense wireless controller device software to improve stability.

PlayStation 4 Firmware 9.50 patch notes

In Party, we’ve updated the following:

• Now when you start a party, you can select either an open party or a closed party.
  • An open party lets your friends join without an invite. Friends of party members can also join.
  • A closed party is only for players you invite.

• You can now individually adjust the voice chat volume of each player in a party.

Other updated features

• We’ve added Ukrainian language support.

Along side the console firmware updates, Sony is also releasing an update for the PS App with a new UI and better Party management.

Aside from graphical updates, the remaster will have several QoL upgrades like autobattle,  a soundtrack overseen by the series’ longtime composer, Nobuo Uematsu, a new user interface, and content bonuses including a bestiary, illustration gallery, and in-game music player.

FINAL FANTASY VI pixel remaster is available now!

The original FINAL FANTASY VI comes to life with updated graphics and audio as a 2D pixel remaster!
The War of the Magi caused magic to disappear from the world. A thousand years later, humanity relies on machines – until they find a young woman with mysterious powers. The magicite system allows players to customize which abilities, magic spells, and summons the party members learn. All the playable characters have their own stories, goals, and destinies. Journey through their interwoven fates in this sweeping melodrama.

Revisit the critically acclaimed FFVI – this remastered version also includes the beloved and iconic opera scene in reimagined majesty, including new vocals and animation.

Available individually or as part of a bundle.

*These games are newly developed remaster editions based on the original titles. Some of the changes and additional elements found in other remakes of these games are not included.

FINAL FANTASY VI pixel remaster is available now!
Enjoy 20% off, a music track (5 songs) and wallpaper (4 types)! Offer ends March 9th GMT/PDT.

© 1994, 2022 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.
LOGO ILLUSTRATION: © 1994 YOSHITAKA AMANO

on Steam, you need meager specs to run the game:

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM:

• • OS: Windows 8.1 64-bit / Windows 10 64-bit (ver.1909 and above)
  • Processor: AMD A8-7600 / Intel® Core i3-2105
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics / Intel® HD Graphics 3000
  • Storage: 1 GB available space

You can check it out on Steam, Android, and iOS.

As of late March 2023, it will no longer be possible to make purchases in Nintendo eShop for the Wii U system and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. It will also no longer be possible to download free content, including game demos. Furthermore, as this date draws closer, related services will cease to function:

• As of May 23, 2022, it will no longer be possible to use a credit card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
• As of August 29, 2022, it will no longer be possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. However, it will still be possible to redeem download codes until late March 2023.

Users who link their Nintendo Network ID wallet (used with Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems) with their Nintendo Account wallet (used with the Nintendo Switch family of systems) can use the shared balance to purchase content on any of these systems until late March 2023. After that, the balance can only be used to purchase content for the Nintendo Switch family of systems.

No changes are planned for Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch family of systems.

The changes to Nintendo eShop on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems will simultaneously take effect in software on these platforms where it is possible to make purchases, such as StreetPass Mii Plaza, Theme Shop and Nintendo Badge Arcade.

Even after late March 2023, and for the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and enjoy online play on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

We thank you for supporting Nintendo eShop on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. While we hope that you will continue to enjoy using these systems, we have taken this opportunity to prepare a website where you can look back on your time with them via various play statistics. Please visit https://my-nintendo-3ds-wiiu-memories.nintendo.com/.

Q&A

• Why is this happening?
• Why are you announcing this now?
• Are any other services or functions of Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems going to be discontinued, such as online play?
• How long will it still be possible to redownload previously purchased content in Nintendo eShop for Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems? How long will those systems still support online play?
• There are still Nintendo eShop Cards at retailers that show the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS logos. What will happen to them?
• If someone visits Nintendo eShop and wants to download something on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family systems after late March 2023, what will they able to do?

Q&A

Why is this happening?

This is part of the natural lifecycle for any product line as it becomes less used by consumers over time.

Why are you announcing this now?

We are providing this notice more than a year in advance of the end of purchases so users will have plenty of time to prepare.

Are any other services or functions of Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems going to be discontinued, such as online play?

There are no plans to make any further changes at this time.

How long will it still be possible to redownload previously purchased content in Nintendo eShop for Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems? How long will those systems still support online play?

For the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and enjoy online play on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

There are still Nintendo eShop Cards at retailers that show the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS logos. What will happen to them?

• These cards will continue to be at retail while supplies last.
• All Nintendo eShop Cards can be used to add funds to a Nintendo Account balance for use on the Nintendo Switch
• This can be done via Nintendo eShop on the system itself or via web browser at the My Nintendo Store.

If someone visits Nintendo eShop and wants to download something on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family systems after late March 2023, what will they able to do?

• On both platforms, users will still be able to:
  • Redownload content they own
  • Download existing software updates
• On both platforms, users will not be able to:
  • Purchase any content
    • On Nintendo 3DS, this includes paid content, plays and passes in software such as StreetPass Mii Plaza, Theme Shop, Nintendo Badge Arcade and Pokémon Bank.
    • On Wii U, this includes passes in software such as Wii Sports Club.
  • Download demos
  • Download free-to-start software
  • Redeem a download code
  • Add funds to their Nintendo eShop balance
• On Nintendo 3DS family systems, users will still be able to:
  • Download a small number of free themes from Theme Shop

On May 23 of this year, Nintendo will start cutting off the Wii U and 3DS by removing the ability to add funds via credit carts, on August 29, Nintendo eShop cards will be up next and by the time the eShop side closes, only physical cartridges will be the only way to acquire games for these consoles.

Nintendo says it is still possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and play online games on both consoles after the March 2023 shutdown, you just cant make new purchases.

Personally this is a gut punch because of my purchases and plans to purchase for the virtual Console. Yes it’s on the Switch too somewhat but it’s library-wise, it’s not comparable in the very least.

The Wii U eShop offers more than 300 games via Virtual Console in North America, while the Nintendo 3DS eShop offers 191.

source Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch has broken two more records as of today

• it surpassed 100 million sales faster than any other console in history
• it’s also become Nintendo’s best-selling home console ever.

As of Nintendo’s latest financials, the new Switch OLED has sold 10.67 million units as of Q3 bringing the total sales  of the Switch Family to 103.54 million units since it’s 2017 launch.

Here’s how the Switch compares to the other best-selling dedicated gaming platforms of all time:

A Sony spokesperson confirmed PS4 production would continue this year and said the company had not planned to stop making the console. “It is one of the best-selling consoles ever and there is always crossover between generations,” the company said to Bloomberg.

With demand still high, the PlayStation 4 will provide a cheaper alternative to the PlayStation 5 for the time being — or an available alternative, at least until we can easily get a unit without a pesky pre-order window.

source Bloomberg

The Epic Games Store is ending a year with a definite bang by giving away all three of the new Tomb Raider games for free.

Grab all three from the links below:

• https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/p/tomb-raider
• https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/p/rise-of-the-tomb-raider
• https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/p/shadow-of-the-tomb-raider

The date?  December 16 2021.

The Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade (meaning the base game plus the DLC FF7R Intermission with Yuffie will be available exclusively on the Epic Game Store – at least for now.

The following specs are published as minimum and recommended for running the game:

There currently is no word on an Xbox release or a Steam release but considering previous Final Fantasy games, it’s only a matter of time.

I had to do a double take when I saw the channel this was posted on, yep that is the official PlayStation channel.

The game will launch on both Steam and Epic Game Store for $49.99 with the Steam page already active for pre-order.

As this is a PC version, we’re expecting more than just a lazy port right?  It  looks  like that’s on the mark as the listed features include:

• “high fidelity graphics,” including 4K resolution,
• DLSS and reflex support for higher frame rates and sharper graphics,
• ultra-widescreen support

I for one can’t wait for the modding community to get their hands on this

Another minor caveat is that you also can’t use Bluetooth audio when local wireless communication is active.

Included in this firmware update is an update for the new Nintendo Switch OLED dock adding the option for maintaining the connection while the device is asleep.

Ver. 13.0.0 (Released September 14, 2021)

Bluetooth audio support was added.

• Headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other audio devices that connect with Bluetooth can now be paired with Nintendo Switch family systems for audio output.
  • Bluetooth microphones are not supported.
  • Up to two compatible wireless controllers can be connected to the system while using Bluetooth audio.
  • Bluetooth audio cannot be used while local wireless communication is active.
  • For more information, see How to Pair and Manage Bluetooth Audio Devices.

“Update Dock” was added under System in System Settings for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model systems, allowing for software updates to Nintendo Switch docks with a LAN port.

• Dock software updates are not available for Nintendo Switch docks without a LAN port.
• This feature was not added to Nintendo Switch Lite.
• For more information, see How to Update the Dock Firmware.

“Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode” was added under Sleep Mode in System Settings.

• When this setting is enabled, systems with wired internet connections will maintain internet connection even while in sleep mode. This allows for software and add-on content to download to the system while the system is in sleep mode.
  • The setting is enabled by default.
• When this setting is disabled, the system will connect to the internet only periodically, which decreases power consumption.

Note: Systems that are not updated to version 13.0.0 or later behave as if this setting is enabled.

The method to initiate “Calibrate Control Sticks” in System Settings was changed.

• From System Settings, go to Controllers and Sensors, select Calibrate Control Sticks, then fully tilt the control stick in any one direction and keep it tilted for a few seconds to begin calibration.

Users can now view whether their wireless internet connection is using the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band under “Connection Status” after selecting Internet in System Settings.

source Nintendo Support

Bad news, it’s still hard to get one without going the scalper route.

SAN MATEO, Calif., July 28, 2021 – Sony Interactive Entertainment announced today that its newest generation game console, PlayStation®5 (PS5), has sold through more than 10 million units* globally since first launching on November 12, 2020. PS5 is the fastest-selling console in the company’s history and continues to outpace sales of its predecessor, PlayStation®4 (PS4).

SIE also achieved additional milestones across its portfolio of PlayStation Studios games, including:

• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales from Insomniac Games has sold more than 6.5 million copies* since releasing on November 12, 2020
• MLB® The Show 21 from San Diego Studio is the fastest-selling title in franchise history with more than 2 million copies* sold across all platforms. The game has reached more than 4 million players since releasing on April 16, 2021
• Returnal from Housemarque, a new IP that launched to critical acclaim, has sold more than 560,000 copies* since releasing on April 30, 2021
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart from Insomniac Games has sold more than 1.1 million copies* since releasing on June 11, 2021

“I can’t express enough the deep gratitude we feel for our passionate community of PlayStation fans who have embraced PS5, and the world-class development and publishing partners who bring such incredible gaming experiences to our platforms,” said Jim Ryan, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. “While PS5 has reached more households faster than any of our previous consoles, we still have a lot of work ahead of us as demand for PS5 continues to outstrip supply. I want gamers to know that while we continue to face unique challenges throughout the world that affect our industry and many others, improving inventory levels remains a top priority for SIE.”

Looking ahead, the lineup of exclusive games coming from PlayStation Studios includes a new God of War from Santa Monica Studios, Gran Turismo 7 from Polyphony Digital, and Horizon Forbidden West from Guerrilla Games. Some of the highly anticipated games from SIE’s partners include Battlefield 2042 from Electronic Arts, DEATHLOOP from Bethesda, Far Cry®6 From Ubisoft, and Kena: Bridge of Spirits from Ember Lab.

* As of July 18, 2021

Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan also addressed the actual lack of stocks that people can readily pickup from game stores due to both the high demand and on going silicon shortage.  Ryan also spoke to Reuters, saying the current chip shortage is “definitely a challenge that we are all navigating” and that it may take a little while for PlayStation 5 demand to be met.

“We’ve built more PlayStations faster than we ever have before which makes me happy,” Ryan told Reuters. “But on the other hand, we’re some time from being able to meet all the demand that’s out there, which makes me feel bad.”

With several big name titles for releases this year like Deathloop,  Arkane – demand is expected to remain high for the console.

source Sony

“Everything I do is in the service of life, not death. That’s why I’m here with you.”

Aloy

Savior From Another World

Nora Huntress

Cryo

Nora Fortis

An outcast since birth, Aloy grew up in a harsh mountain wilderness near the tribe that shunned her. Fostered by an expert hunter, she trained to hunt with cat-like grace and deadly accuracy – but the things she most wanted to learn, he could not teach her. Most of all, she burned to know the circumstances of her birth – who her parents were, and why she was shunned by the tribe.

Her quest for answers swept her into a wider and more dangerous world than she ever could have imagined. She encountered strange and powerful new tribes, ancient ruins rife with mysteries, and dangerous enemies, both human and machine.

Eventually she learned that her origins and destiny were deeply tied to the fate of the world itself, and fought an epic battle to save it against the evil forces of an artificial intelligence from the ancient past.

She thought that this would be the end of her journey. But there is always more to an adventurer’s tale. She has now come to Teyvat in search of a new challenges.

In this brave new world, Aloy is ready for the hunt!

“I’m not much for talking about myself. The mission is what’s important.”

An agile hunter from the Nora tribe. With bow in hand, she’s always ready to protect the innocent.

Travelers, let’s welcome Aloy – “Savior From Another World!”

To get Aloy, Mihoyo has set the following steps to follow:

All Travelers who have reached Adventure Rank 20 or above will be able to obtain the event-exclusive 5-star character “Savior From Another World” Aloy (Cryo) directly through in-game mail.

This event will be divided into two phases.

Phase I

After the Version 2.1 Update – Start of Version 2.2 Update Maintenance (October 13, 2021 05:59 UTC+8)

During the event, all Travelers who log into Genshin Impact on the PlayStation®4 or PlayStation®5 system will be able to obtain Aloy directly through in-game mail.

Phase II

After the Version 2.2 Update – Start of Version 2.3 Update Maintenance (November 24, 2021, 05:59 UTC+8)

During the event, Travelers who log into Genshin Impact on any available platform, and who have yet to obtain the character during Phase I will be able to obtain Aloy directly through in-game mail.

So even if you don’t have a PlayStation console, all you need to do is wait for Version 2.3 to get releases.  PlayStation console owners get a full month to enjoy her ahead of time.

Now if you’re wondering what weapon to equip Aloy, fret not – Mihoyo has you covered.  She comes with her own weapon.

source Hoyolab