Gaming
Xbox will raise prices of new titles next year
Will soon cost US$ 69.99
New video games are expensive. Since the launch of the PlayStation 5, stores have been charging US$ 69.99 for every new release. On the flip side, Microsoft has kept its own slate of titles at the usual US$ 59.99 price point. However, that’s about to change next year. The company is raising the prices of first-party Xbox titles to US$ 69.99 next year.
In a recent statement (via The Verge), Microsoft has announced that new next-gen titles coming from Xbox Game Studios next year will face a price hike to reflect their “the content, scale, and technical complexity.” The announcement specifically names Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and Starfield (incidentally, one of the most anticipated titles next year) as part of this starting slate.
Prior to today’s status quo, new titles always sold for US$ 59.99. By itself, the old price tag is already hefty. However, it was one that was eventually accepted, especially after increasingly longer playthrough times.
Now, however, players are once again in a renewed state of justifying the expensive prices of new games. Titles are US$ 10 more expensive these days. Plus, special editions, which are becoming more common, have even higher price points.
If anything, Microsoft has waited until after the holidays before hiking prices up. If you were looking at a new title for your Xbox Series X/S, the holidays might be the best time to grab it. Or, as always, you can pay the monthly price of an Xbox Game Pass to access a trove of titles including new ones.
SEE ALSO: Xbox outsells the PlayStation for the first in 11 years
Accessories
Genshin Impact DualSense controller coming in January
Sony, HoYoverse partner for better PlayStation 5 experience
Sony and HoYoverse have partnered for the Genshin Impact Limited Edition DualSense Wireless Controller.
The timing couldn’t have been better as Genshin Impact Version Luna III approaches PlayStation 5. There is a new 5-Star Pyro character in Durin, and a new story chapter set to take place in Nod-Krai.
The specially-designed controller features the popular open world RPG’s classic elements. It has an ethereal white, gold, and green palette.
It is also adorned with arcane glyphs of a fantasy realm, including emblems of Traveler Twins Aether and Lumine. Trusted companion guide, Paimon, is also present in the peripheral.
The controller will be available in these markets, with preorders now available in select retailers:
- Singapore: SG$ 119
- Malaysia: MYR 419
- Philippines: PhP 4,890
- Indonesia: IDR 1,549,000
Naturally, players can expect an immersive experience with the PlayStation 5 and DualSene controller combo.
There’s haptic feedback, support for 4K visuals, and lightning-fast load times, allowing players to continue exploring Teyvat and uncover its secrets.
For Sony, the collaboration is the latest in a long list of partnerships that more recently include the Ghost of Yōtei PS5 bundle, as well as the God of War, Death Stranding, and Fortnite edition controllers.
Meanwhile, for Genshin Impact, the controller succeeds recent tie-ups with Duolingo and UGREEN.
Gaming
CODE VEIN II: New characters, weapons unveiled in latest trailer
One-Armed Resurgence Offspring trailer reveals more
The One-Armed Resurgence Offspring trailer for upcoming game CODE VEIN II has been revealed.
Bandai Namco’s dramatic exploration action RPG is set to release on January 29, 2026 on PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S and the next day for PC (Steam).
The most recent trailer focuses on new characters, new fields and terrain, and new weapons. Among the new characters are Lyle McLeish, a young Revenant possessing exceptional swordsmanship talent.
He lost his life in a conflict, but was reborn as Revenant by Craig McLeish, leader of the Dawn Chorus. Driven out of his homeland, Craig formed the Dawn Chorus with the intent of reclaiming their homeland, the Corroded Scar.
He is joined by his group of armed fighters who continue their quest to make Corroded Scar their home. The area was once dangerous, with potent acid erupting from the surface. Its entrance is also firmly sealed, and only the abandoned outpost stands silently.
New weapons
In CODE VEIN II, there will be an assortment of weapons with different advantages and benefits. There’s the beginner-friendly One-Handed Sword for swift combo attacks, or the heavier Two-Handed Sword for devastating slashes that increase in power and reach.
Moreover, there’s the Twin Blades, a new weapon type which allows players to leverage mobility and inflict swift combos. There’s also the classic Bayonet so users can switch between close-range and long-range attacks.
Lastly, there’s the Rune Blades, Halberds, and Hammers. Each have their specialized techniques so players can turn the tide against enemies.
Revenants against the Resurgence
CODE VEIN II is set in a dystopian future wherein civilization has collapsed due to the Resurgence phenomenon. Humanity has only survived due to the immortal vampire-like creatures called the Revenants.
However, the sudden appearance of the Luna Rapacis has turned all Revenants into mindless cannibals, and set the world on a path to ruin.
As a Revenant Hunter, the protagonist has been tasked with saving the world, and together with a young girl, must embark on a journey 100 years into the past.
The game is a combination of exploration action. Players can venture through dangerous areas and tackle powerful foes alongside a partner in a bid to save the world from ruin.
Gaming
Phantom Blade Zero launching in September 2026; new trailer unveiled
Launch date revealed at TGA 2025
Phantom Blade Zero is officially launching on September 9, 2026. This worldwide release date was revealed during The Game Awards 2025.
Along with the release date announcement, another trailer has also been unveiled. The title will be available via PlayStation 5, Steam, and Epic Games.
The new trailer starts off with a first-person perspective of an unknown character being chased around a burning village. This figure is revealed later on carrying a baby. He finishes off those who tried to stop him from escaping.
Then, the trailer previews some of the other areas within the game’s world. It then cuts to the protagonist, Soul, in another round of fast-paced and exhilarating combat to showcase Phantom Blade Zero’s gameplay.
This part serves as a follow-up of what is known so far in terms of how players should utilize combos, parrying, blocking, and more abilities.
The electrifying combat scenes show Soul wielding even more various weapons. There were a long spear and a large mace to bludgeon opponents. Moreover, there was a scene that showed him finishing off a new enemy: a giant boss that had its own large axe.
The clip progressed with a bit of dialogue and narration. This is to refresh viewers about the game’s plot. Soul, of course, has 66 days left to live and must do everything in that span as he is also framed for murder by The Order.
Developed and published by S-GAME, the third-person action RPG has been in the works since 2022.
Prior, its Year of the Snake trailer previewed its gameplay mechanics, snake-themed weapons, ang boss fight. There, Soul squares off against several opponents, and utilizes combos while wielding swords.
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