Gaming
Genshin Impact announces 4.8: Emilie, limited-time map, events
Available starting July 17
Genshin Impact’s version 4.8 update is dropping on July 17, 2024, HoYoverse announced. “Summertide Scales and Tales” will feature a brand-new summer map, Simulanka. This will allow players to try out limited-time events and win rich rewards. A new five-star character, Emilie, will also make her debut.
There will be various seasonal events taking place around Simulanka. These include mini-games and bonuses. One is “Boreal Flurry” where players can shoot balloons while enjoying an aerial experience overlooking the new map.
Another is “Flying Hatter’s Trick” which is a claw machine-like game. Travelers will need to capture as many moving toy figures as possible. Moreover, “Metropole Trials” will require them to assemble two teams of characters to take on combat challenges.
Up for grabs from such mini-games are Starsail Coins that may then be used to draw figurines which can be displayed on “Good Shelves” scattered throughout Simulanka. These shelves may be obtained as a reward for completing all main stories in the new map. They can then be placed in the Serenitea Pot as summer souvenirs.
New outfits
Furthermore, Kirara and Nilou will show up in new outfits. Players will get Kirara’s phantom burglar-themed outfit by accumulating “Excerpts of Bliss” as they collect “Jubilant Feathers” and open “Fairytale Troves.”
On the other hand, Nilou’s new floral-themed outfit will be available at a limited-time discount in the store.
New 5-star character
Lastly, new five-star Dendro polearm user Emilie will make her debut. A perfumer from Fontaine, she has unique abilities, allowing players who recruit her to deal more damage to Burning enemies.
Her combat mechanics revolve around the Lumidouce Case, which inflicts Dendro damage from time to time. If enemies are affected by the Burning effect, the Case can be upgraded and deal even greater damage based on her attack. It also benefits from greater attack range and faster attack speed.
Emilie’s Story Quest, “Pomum de Ambra Chapter,” delves into her second identity as a “forensic cleaner” expert in crime scenes. This quest uncovers the mystery surrounding teh “Auguste” flower.
The new character’s debut and Yelan’s rerun will appear in the latter half of Version 4.8 Event Wishes. Reruns of Navia and Nilou, meanwhile, will take place in the first phase.
Other updates
Players will also enjoy more optimization updates in Version 4.8.
First, players will now be able to store Encounter Points and use them later to claim Daily Commission rewards. New Long-Term Encounter Points can be converted from excess points accumulated beyond the daily limit. This can be done by collecting specific items, opening chests, or completing event objectives.
Cooldown for World Bosses, which cost 40 Original Resin to claim rewards, has likewise been drastically reduced from five minutes to just 10 seconds. This enhancement enables smoother challenges, quicker Resin consumption, and conversion of Long-Term Encounter Points for Daily Commission bonuses.
For those with an eye for graphics, characters will also enjoy a new unique trailing effect while sprinting. This new 4.8 feature is called “Echo.”
Gaming
The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow
The Continent comes alive
If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.
And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.
With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.
As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:
Relics from the Continent: official merchandise
For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.
This includes the following:
- Event Tee (PhP2,200)
- Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
- Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
- Beanie (PhP1,800)
- Tote bag (PhP1,800)
- Key chain (PhP1,400)
- Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
- Event magnet (PhP800)
- Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)
It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.
The path to Solaire: getting there made easier
Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.
A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach
For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.
To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.
Answer the call
As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.
Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.
The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?
Gaming
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11
Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.
The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.
This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.
Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.
The full reveal will be on April 29.
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.
The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.
Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.
Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.
Gaming
Switch 2 now lets you play old games in 1080p
It tricks old games into thinking that the console is docked.
The Switch 2’s popularity is astonishing, to say the least. Just recently, a single game, Pokémon Pokopia, was responsible for taking the free times of over two million players on the Switch 2. Now, Nintendo has released a new feature which should make the console much more playable, especially for those who already had the original Switch.
Today, the Switch 2 received the 22.0.0 system update. Though the update is mostly a variety of smaller updates, one feature, called the Handheld Mode Boost, stands out among the rest. As per the patch notes, “Handheld Mode Boost will cause compatible Nintendo Switch software to run as if the console is being played in TV mode.” Put simply, the feature will unlock 1080p resolution for older games.
For gamers who had the original Switch, game resolution was a huge problem. The first console lived on a 720p screen, so the early games supported only lower resolutions. The only exception is when the console was docked, which allows 1080p resolution.
Now, the Switch 2 supports backwards compatibility. Players can access their older Switch games on the new console. The catch, however, is that these games are still stuck in 720p. Some titles, at least, have released an update to increase resolution on the new console.
Handheld Mode Boost tricks the console into thinking that it’s hooked up to the dock. In effect, the game will play in 1080p. The catch, however, is that it also thinks that the Joy-Cons are a single Pro controller, so players might lose some game features. It’s still a decent price to pay, though.
In other news, the update has also updated the naming of the “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea” to “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea/Southeast Asia,” potentially hinting that Southeast Asia might finally get an online store.
SEE ALSO: Now Playing: Yakuza 0 on Switch 2
-
Reviews2 weeks agoThe Xiaomi 17 shoots Leica dream
-
Hands-On2 weeks agoOPPO Reno15 F 5G hands-on
-
Gaming2 weeks agoProject Helix is Xbox’s next console, and it plays PC games
-
Computers1 week agoGIGABYTE collaborates with Capcom for RE Requiem custom PC
-
Entertainment1 week agoThe internet is thirsting over the One Piece Season 2 cast
-
Laptops1 week agoApple MacBook Neo Review
-
News2 weeks agoGlobe postpaid opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 series
-
Apps6 days agoGoogle Maps is finally getting a 3D mode





