Gaming
PlayStation unveils the PS5 ‘Slim’
Same power, smaller body
Another longstanding, widespread rumor proven to be true. Sony PlayStation has officially unveiled a smaller PlayStation 5 (PS5) design that comes with detachable Blu-ray disc drive. Sony isn’t calling it as such, but this will inevitably called the PS5 “Slim.”
The PlayStation Blog detailing the announcement says “The new PS5 has been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models.”
Instead of two covers, this new design features four. The top portion comes in a glossy look while the bottom ones come in matte. The bottom ones provide the provision for a Disc Port where the detachable Blu-ray drive.
For retail, you have the option to but the Blu-ray drive outright, inside the box, or purchase it separately later on.
Price and availability
The PS5 “Slim” will be available starting November 2023 in the U.S. at select local retailers and direct.playstation.com. It will roll out globally in the following months. Once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the new PS5 will become the only model available.
Pricing are as follows:
US
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – US$ 499.99
- PS5 Digital Edition – US$ 449.99
Europe
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive — EUR 549.99
- PS5 Digital Edition — EUR 449.99
UK
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive — GBP 479.99
- PS5 Digital Edition — GBP 389.99
Japan
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive — JPY 66,980 (includes tax)
- PS5 Digital Edition — JPY 59,980 (includes tax)
The Digital Edition of this new-look PS5 confirms previous rumors of a PS5 with a detachable Blu-ray disc drive.
A horizontal stand will be included with the new PS5 model. Meanwhile, a new Vertical Stand compatible with all PS5 models will be sold separately at USD 29.99 | EUR 29.99 | GBP 24.99 | JPY 3,980.
Update as of October 18, 2023 — Southeast Asia Pricing
| Country | New PS5 with Blu-ray Disc Drive | New PS5 Digital Edition | Blu-ray Disc Drive (Separate) | New Vertical Stand |
| Singapore | SGD 799 | SGD 669 | SGD 159 | SGD 44.90 |
| Malaysia | MYR 2,499 | MYR 2,069 | MYR 529 | MYR 149 |
| Indonesia | IDR 9,699,000 | IDR 8,199,000 | IDR 1,839,000 | IDR 499,000 |
| Thailand | THB 18,690 | THB 15,690 | THB 3,790 | THB 1,090 |
| Philippines | PHP 30,790 | N/A | TBD | PHP 1,690 |
| Vietnam | VND 15,990,000 | N/A | TBD | VND 799,000 |
It’s been a while since GPU companies focused on making chips for consoles. With how the industry is going now, chips feel like they’re destined to end up in the suffocating deluge of AI servers. Now, however, AMD is showing signs of healing by teasing the next-generation Xbox.
In the latest earnings call (via Engadget), AMD CEO Lisa Su teased that the next-gen Xbox, built with a custom AMD SoC, is “progressing well to support a launch in 2027.”
The subtle tease is vague enough to obscure any details about the upcoming console but clear enough to confirm that it’s coming. Since the Xbox Series X|S has been out for several years now, it’s not surprising that Microsoft is thinking about what’s coming next.
However, it’s still intriguing that Microsoft is going for another console. Previous reports have speculated that the company might focus on delivering games, especially through the Game Pass. Lately, both the PlayStation and the Switch have thoroughly dominated the console market ahead of the Xbox. Handheld consoles are likewise impressive, too.
Other reports have speculated that the upcoming generation will focus on delivering both a gaming and a PC experience. With the Steam Machine coming soon, it seems natural that the next consoles will be usable PCs as well.
SEE ALSO: Match Pulse: ROG Xbox Ally X
Gaming
Overwatch reinvents itself with a new story and five new heroes
And it’s not “Overwatch 2” anymore.
Overwatch 2 was not a disaster for the popular multiplayer shooter franchise. It did, however, make the game more polarizing. For 2026, Blizzard is shaking things up once again, starting by dropping the “2” from Overwatch 2.
During its scheduled showcase, the new-and-improved Overwatch will feature annual storylines that will keep the game fresh for years to come. The system will go live on February 10. By then, the year-long event called Reign of Talon will start with Season 1.
As the name suggests, this year will be all about the villain-coded Talon organization, and it’s going to be more story-driven. Right off the bat, a new cinematic sees Vendetta seemingly kill Doomfist and take over the leadership of Talon.
Blizzard says that the year will see ten new characters introduced to the roster. In fact, five of those will already be playable starting in Season 1.
Without a doubt, the highlight character for this round is the formerly cancelled Jetpack Cat. The character was first rumored all the way back in 2017 but will now be fully playable this season. The flying feline hero is a support character that can hook another hero to a location while healing them. Their ultimate reverses this by having them crash land onto enemies and then hooking one to, ideally, drop them off the map.
Jetpack Cat will join four other heroes. Anran, who is also affiliated with the Overwatch faction, deals fire damage. Domina, who, along with the next three heroes, works with Talon, is a shield-based tank. Emre imagines an evil version of Soldier: 76. Finally, Mizuki is a Talon-affiliated healer.
Besides a new story and heroes, Overwatch will feature new game modes and improvements across the board. The new Season 1 starts on February 10.
Gaming
The Nintendo Switch is now Nintendo’s best-selling console ever
Meanwhile, the Switch 2 just crossed 17 million units sold.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s success was bound to happen. After enormous success with the original Switch, Nintendo is practically destined to also put up impressive numbers for the console’s recently released sequel. Today, the company has whipped out some proof. The Nintendo Switch 2 officially sold 17.37 million units, as of December last year.
Nintendo shared the console’s numbers through an investor’s report. Despite coming out only eight months ago, the Switch 2 is already putting up impressive numbers. With those numbers, the console is already Nintendo’s fastest selling platform to date.
For comparison, the original Switch sold less than half of what Switch 2 has sold in the former’s first eight months. Though the second console is still miles away from its predecessor’s total numbers, it’s already well on its way. In fact, Nintendo already expects the Switch 2 to break 19 million units by the end of the quarter.
The second Switch isn’t the only console reaping the rewards of its hard work. The original Switch has also crossed a major milestone. As of last year, the console has sold 155.37 million units, making it Nintendo’s bestselling console ever. It just overtook the Nintendo DS, which sold 154.02 million units.
With that, the Switch 2 has a mountain to climb, just to reach the same heights that its predecessor already attained. For sure, the console’s ongoing success is buoyed by the goodwill established by the original. Now, the question is whether the Switch 2 can sustain its growth on its own.
To help, the console is expecting significant first-party titles including Pokémon Pokopia and Meetup in Bellabel Park, a Super Mario Bros. Wonder DLC.
SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch is nearing the end of its lifecycle
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