Gaming

A non-Potterhead’s verdict on Harry Potter: Wizards Unite

Use your phone, Harry!

Published

July 3, 2019

Kevin Bruce Francisco

More than a week has passed since the global release of the mobile game Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and we’re ready to give our thoughts. As the title states, I’m not into the franchise that much although I’m a big Pokémon Go player. It basically has the same gameplay as they’re under the same developers — Niantic, Inc.

That being said, I won’t be diving too much on the lore and will instead focus more on gameplay and its overall experience.

For those unfamiliar, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is a location-based AR game that requires you to go out of the house in order to get more experience points, unlock special items, and advance in the game. The same goes for Pokémon Go and the game before that, Ingress. While PoGo, in the real world, has PokéStops that give out PokéBalls, HP:WU has Inns that you get Spell Energy from. This is then required so you can cast spells and return Foundables to their rightful place and time (the game’s version of catching different Pokémon in the wild).

ALSO READ: A beginner’s guide to Harry Potter: Wizards Unite

During the first day of release and being curious as to how the game works, I went out and tried to “catch” as much Foundables as I can and just like PoGo, it gets you in the momentum of just wanting to go around and get as much as you can. I initially noticed the wider array of different “species” you can come across with on HP:WU as compared to when PoGo first launched. I remember all I did back then was to catch Pidgey and Rattata because that was pretty much everything that was available. This was also the main reason why most players quit back then.

You get to choose your house, profession, and design your wand

Back to Wizards Unite, the similarities it has with PoGo made it easy for me to get a grasp of its general gameplay even though I have no idea who most of the characters are. The idea is to basically level up by grinding for experience points in the most efficient way. This means planning where to go and making sure the place is populated by in-game stops and spawns — usually parks and shopping malls are good choices.

Comparison of HP:WU’s UI vs PoGo in the same area

While it parallels Niantic’s other games in many levels, Wizards Unite brings its own charm through its visuals. The environment of HP:WU is simply more immersive than PoGo‘s and even the encounters have more detail in them. It could get distracting at times since there are more elements in HP:WU, but is overall nicer to look at.

A unique aspect from the company’s games is that unlike other multiplayer games where you meet your friends online, you actually play with them in real life and this is also the case for Wizards Unite. These games basically build a community that helps each other accomplish in-game tasks that are usually challenging to accomplish alone. What HP:WU did better, though, is to go for a more immersive gameplay by making you trace different patterns on your screen as if waving your wand as compared to the tapping mechanics of PoGo.

Overall, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite could be a more enjoyable game for some players who are not big fans of the Pokémon franchise. I personally enjoy it enough to switch between HP:WU and PoGo whenever I play out. It will keep you walking around drawing on your screen and pretending to wave your make-believe wand.

It’s a game that’s far more complete than Pokémon Go at launch, that’s for sure. Although, it’s still far from reaching its full potential since there are things that could still be added to the game like a dueling system, for example.

If you want to try the game and get some cardio while casting spells, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Related Topics:Harry Potter: Wizards Unite Niantic

Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.

Gaming

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 launches on Switch 2

Demon Slayer arrives on Switch 2

Published

October 30, 2026

GadgetMatch

SEGA has released Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new edition delivers enhanced graphics, smoother 60 FPS gameplay, and additional playable characters through the Infinity Castle Character Pass.

Developed as the latest entry in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba action game series, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 lets players follow Tanjiro Kamado’s journey in Story Mode. Players can also take their favorite characters into online and offline battles.

The game series has sold more than six million copies worldwide across physical and digital releases, including deluxe editions.

Switch 2 version runs at 60 FPS

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition takes advantage of the newer console’s hardware to improve visual quality and performance over the original Nintendo Switch version.

The game runs at 60 FPS, with enhanced graphics that bring character expressions and special attack animations into sharper detail. SEGA also promises more responsive controls for its fast-paced battles.

The Switch 2 Edition includes 54 playable characters, with seven fighters from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Character Pass. These are Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, Doma, Akaza, and Kaigaku, all featuring their respective Infinity Castle-related versions where applicable.

Players can fight locally with up to two players or compete online. The game also supports battles between Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch players. However, cross-generation online matches run at 30 FPS.

Those who already own the Nintendo Switch version can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for free by downloading the Upgrade Pass from the Nintendo eShop. The free upgrade does not include the Infinity Castle Character Pass, which requires a separate purchase.

Ultimate Edition also available

Alongside the Switch 2 launch, SEGA has released The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Steam.

The new bundle offers another option for players looking to jump into the series or expand their existing collection.

About Demon Slayer

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons. After his younger sister Nezuko becomes a demon herself, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps in search of a way to restore her humanity.

The manga ran for 23 volumes in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump and has sold more than 220 million copies worldwide. Its anime adaptation, produced by ufotable, premiered in April 2019 and has since expanded across multiple television arcs and theatrical releases.

The latest major installment, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, began its three-part theatrical finale in Japan on July 18, 2025.

With its expanded roster and improved performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition gives players another way to experience Tanjiro’s demon-slaying adventures.

Gaming

PlayStation unveils Prism Collection

Transparent PS5 accessories return

Published

October 29, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

PlayStation is bringing back the see-through aesthetic with the Prism Collection, a new lineup of transparent DualSense controllers and PlayStation 5 console covers.

Announced on October 28, the collection features three colorways: Flare Orange, Emerald Green, and Graphite Gray. Each combines translucent materials with a glossy finish, offering a glimpse of the hardware beneath the exterior.

The collection takes inspiration from the transparent electronics trend of the late 1990s, giving the PS5 and its accessories a retro-inspired look with a more contemporary design.

Three colors, one transparent design

The Prism Collection applies the transparent treatment to both the DualSense wireless controller and matching PS5 console covers.

The three color options are:

Flare Orange: A vibrant orange finish with subtle rosy tones where the transparent materials overlap.
Emerald Green: A deep green finish that gains visual depth through its translucent exterior.
Graphite Gray: A cool-toned gray design with a more understated appearance.

The DualSense controllers feature a high-gloss transparent finish across the back, revealing parts of their internal components. A metallic finish on the center cover adds contrast to the design.

The collection revisits an aesthetic popularized by consumer electronics in the late 1990s, when transparent plastic casings let users see the technology inside their devices.

According to PlayStation designer Leo Cardoso, the goal was to revive that look while keeping it consistent with the PS5’s design.

PlayStation Prism Collection price and availability

The Prism Collection will launch starting February 4, 2027, with preorders opening on November 10, 2026, at 10 AM local time in supported markets.

The DualSense controllers will be available globally, while the matching console covers will be sold directly through PlayStation in supported regions and in limited quantities through select retailers elsewhere.

Here’s how much the accessories will cost in select markets: