Grand Theft Auto VI is the most anticipated game of the past year. After a decade of the fifth title, the franchise is finally ready to release its next iteration. Late last year, Rockstar Games released the first trailer for the upcoming sequel. Now, the company has a new update for fans: a more definitive launch window.

Since 2013, Grand Theft Auto V kept the franchise’s fire going with GTA Online and an army of roleplaying servers. However, last year, an enormous leak spoiled a lot of development plans for the next sequel. Taking it back to Vice City, the sixth entry will feature two playable protagonists. A first trailer months later would eventually confirm this.

Today, in a quarterly earnings report, Take-Two Interactive shared an important update for the launch window of Grand Theft Auto VI. The game will come out in the “Fall of Calendar 2025.”

It’s not exactly a launch date. However, it’s a sizable narrowing of the game’s previously vague window. Prior to today, the game was scheduled to come out sometime in 2025.

Having a fall release date would mirror the fifth game’s launch. Back in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V came out in mid-September. The same launch window will also ensure that gamers will have something on their wishlist for next year’s holiday stocking stuffers.

SEE ALSO: Grand Theft Auto VI gets its first-ever trailer

Just when you thought GameSir couldn’t possibly come out with any more new form factors, that’s when they surprise you. The GameSir X4 Alerion isn’t quite like anything we’ve seen from the company before. It’s a two-piece mobile controller that connects to your phone via bluetooth that’s also officially licensed by Xbox. 

First of all, that name is so badass. So we had to learn where it came from. A quick Google search says Alerion means “Heraldry. an eagle displayed, usually represented without a beak or legs.” Fitting because the Alerion controllers clip to your smartphone like wings. Pretty neat. 

Unboxing 

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Unboxing the GameSir X4 Alerion 🎮 #GameSir #X3Alerion #GameSirX4Alerion @GameSir

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Like most GameSir products, the packaging is pretty generous. Outside of the magnetically-attached two-piece controllers, you’ll also find the carrying case with alternate thumbsticks and D-Pad. You also get some stickers as well as a GamePass subscription code. 

With GameSir, you’ll never feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth. 

Features and Specs 

Like most of GameSir’s recent offerings, the X4 Alerion comes with Hall Effect sticks. That means no risk whatsoever of stick drift. Other than the D-Pad, the AXBY face buttons are also interchangeable. 

You have more customization options through the GameSir app so if you’re the type who likes tweaking their devices, you’ll have plenty to do with the Alerion. You can adjust trigger mode, RGB brightness, lighting effects, volume and key value freely.

Check out the specs: 

• Working Platform: Android
• Connectivity: Low-latency Bluetooth
• ABXY Buttons: Microswitch
• Hall Effect Sticks: Yes
• Hall Effect Triggers: Yes
• Trigger mode: Analog triggers or hair triggers
• Back Buttons: Yes, 2 mappable Back Buttons
• Customization Software: Yes, GameSir APP
• Button Layout: Xbox / Switch
• Compatible Model Width: 68-95mm / 2.68-3.74 in
• Compatible Maximum Model Thickness: 12.5mm / 0.49 in
• Pass-Through Charging: Yes
• Battery: Yes, one 400mAh battery in each controller
• Product Size: 120*104.6*42.7 mm / 4.72*4.12*1.68 in
• Net Weight: 188.5 g / 0.42 lbs
• Package Size: 160*118*84 mm / 6.30*4.65*3.31 in
• Gross Weight: 426.3 g / 0.94 lbs

Actual use and performance

It’s a pretty straightforward device. Snap the controllers onto your Android smartphone, pair via bluetooth, and you’re ready to play. 

It was perfect when we used it with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The controller snapped on to the sides without trouble. We then proceeded to play Pokémon Unite and Call of Duty: Mobile. 

It worked seamlessly with no noticeable delay on Pokémon Unite. It’s a different story for CODM though. While it did work right away, there was a bit of delay in the input which affected our gameplay. 

We also tried it with Asphalt 9 — it’s a game that’s known to work well with mobile controllers. With the X4 Alerion, it was no different. They worked together perfectly. 

It’s good to check first if the game you intend to play has controller support. If that’s the case, the X4 Alerion will work right off the bat. Without controller support, you’ll have to resort to button mapping. It’s not our favorite activity in the world, but if you’re hellbent on playing with physical controls, it’s something you just have to do. 

GameSir was kind enough to make their own tutorial video about this. Watch below: 

Not for every smartphone

While the X4 Alerion is a great mobile gaming partner for regular slabs, foldable users who want to play with the screen unfolded might have to turn to other offerings from GameSir. The clip at the top of each controller just isn’t tall enough to accommodate larger screens. You can, of course, still use it folded so there’s that option. 

Another pain point would be for those smartphones with huge, protruding camera modules. We tried clipping the X4 Alerion on the HONOR Magic6 Pro and well, it was an exercise in futility. It just doesn’t fit securely and would disconnect the bluetooth connection every time it gets yanked out unintentionally.

That said, it’s perfect for everything else. For best results, use the GameSir X4 Alerion with Android smartphones meant for gaming. Those tend to not have bulky camera modules and are more built for mobile gaming.

Price and availability 

The GameSir X4 Alerion is now available and retails for £99.99/$99.99/ PhP 5,900. 

Buy here and use GSX4A10OFF on the Coupon for a discount.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, will release worldwide on November 15, 2024. Ubisoft made the announcement and dropped the title’s first trailer as well.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available on Ubisoft+, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon (via the Mac App store), and PC via Ubisoft and Epic Games.

Players may preorder the standard edition here for new-gen platforms, Mac, and PC. In addition, three more editions have been announced:

Gold Edition

• Base game
• Season Pass (bonus quest, unlockable content, two expansions)
• three days early access

Ultimate Edition

• Base game
• Season Pass
• Sekiryu Character Pack (Naoe and Yasuke outfit, weapon, trinket, mount)
• Sekiryu Hideout Pack
• 5 Skill Points
• Red and black photo mode filter

Collector’s Edition

• Base game
• Season Pass
• Ultimate Pack
• Steelbook
• World map
• Naoe and Yasuke figurine
• Life-sized Naoe Katana Tsuba
• Wall Creed Scroll
• 84-page collector’s artbook
• Two sumi-e lithographs
• three days early access

Carve your legacy

Ubisoft’s latest stealth action-adventure is set in 16th century Japan and features two playable characters. Players get to experience the intertwined stories of Naoe and Yasuke. An adept shinobi assassin from Iga, Naoe teams up with Yasuke, a powerful samurai of historical legend. They take down targets, encounter historical figures, and usher a new era for Japan.

Players can master two complementary playstyles. Each character features their own progression paths, skills, weapon options, and stats. There are plenty of ways to approach objectives. They may use Naoe’s refined infiltration mechanics with light, noise, shadows, and changing surroundings to avoid enemies. For larger groups of enemies, Yasuke is the more desirable option.

The title will feature renewed exploration mechanics, where players will build their own spies’ network to unveil new areas and hunt down targets. Allies with highly specialized skills and abilities can also be recruited during missions. Furthermore, the creation of customizable hideouts will enable players to enhance their network and train their crew.

While immersing in Naoe and Yasuke’s stories, gamers also get to explore a vast open world that reflects feudal Japan. It features a variety of landscapes, castle towns, bustling ports, peaceful shrines, and more. The graphics were built from the ground up, with the help of Ubisoft’s latest Anvil engine.

You may watch the announcement trailer below. Ubisoft will reveal the gameplay trailer in June, so it won’t be a long wait until then.