Gaming
The Xbox Series X|S just got a crazy price hike
Plus all its accessories and new games
Being a gamer in 2025 is already an expensive feat. With a new console and the rise of games costing US$ 80 on the horizon, the harmless hobby is now asking for more and more of our life savings. Today, even buying an older console will set you back by a larger amount. Microsoft has just increased the price of the Xbox Series X|S.
Starting this month, the entire Xbox lineup will cost dramatically more than usual. The base Series S model, for example, will now start at US$ 380 (originally US$ 300). The Series X will now start at US$ 550 (originally US$ 450). Finally, the top-of-the-line 2TB Series X Galaxy Black Edition now costs US$ 730.
Besides the consoles themselves, Microsoft is also increasing the price of the Xbox’s peripherals. The controller will now start at US$ 65. The Elite Controller now starts at US$ 150. The headset also starts at US$ 65.
Microsoft has also announced that upcoming first-party games, coming out this holiday season, will cost US$ 80, mimicking the new prices set by the Switch 2. The company has not announced what these games are.
Notably, these exorbitant price hikes are not reflective of a hardware upgrade. It’s still the same Xbox Series X|S you might already have. Despite being almost five years old, the console has made the oddest decision to increase prices without offering anything new.
SEE ALSO: Xbox Handheld confirmed for 2025?
Gaming
PRAGMATA launches with dual-character sci-fi action
Capcom’s long-awaited lunar adventure blends hacking and combat
CAPCOM has officially released PRAGMATA, a new sci-fi action-adventure title now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Set on the moon in the near future, PRAGMATA follows an unlikely duo navigating a lunar station overrun by hostile robots. Players take control of spacefarer Hugh and android Diana. Each one is equipped with distinct abilities that must be used in tandem to progress.
The single-player experience leans on a mix of action and strategy. Combat pairs with hacking mechanics. It requires players to switch between characters and coordinate their skills. These are necessary to overcome enemies and environmental challenges.
A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled to arrive in Southeast Asia on April 24, 2026, with pre-orders now open.
Southeast Asia availability
PRAGMATA is rolling out across platforms with the following release schedule:
- PlayStation 5 — April 17, 2026 (Physical & Digital)
- Xbox Series X|S — April 17, 2026 (Digital)
- Steam (PC) — April 17, 2026 (Digital)
- Nintendo Switch 2 — April 24, 2026 (Physical & Digital)
Physical edition and early bonuses
Physical Standard Editions are available for PlayStation 5 starting April 17, followed by Nintendo Switch 2 on April 24.
Players who purchase from participating retailers in Southeast Asia may receive limited bonuses, including a Chibi Diana memo pad and an A4 clear folder with exclusive artwork. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Digital editions and extras
Digital Standard and Deluxe Editions are available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives on April 24.
The Standard Edition includes the base game, while the Deluxe Edition adds the Shelter Variety Pack. This bundle includes additional outfits for Diana and Hugh, extra background music tracks, gestures, a weapon skin, and a collection of in-game artwork.
Soundtrack rollout
Six tracks from the PRAGMATA original soundtrack, including the main theme “Memories Are You,” are now available on major streaming platforms ahead of the full release.
PRAGMATA is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version launching next week in Southeast Asia.
Gaming
Bloodborne is getting an R-rated animated film adaptation
And it’s going to be produced by Sony and Jacksepticeye.
FromSoftware fans are eating well these days. Though gamers are still anticipating the arrival of The Duskbloods on the Switch 2, the studio’s other franchises are getting well-deserved nods for adaptations: Sekiro, Elden Ring, and now, Bloodborne.
Sekiro has already been slated for an anime adaptation for a while now. Meanwhile, Alex Garland recently confirmed that he is adapting Elden Ring for A24. Today, Sony Pictures has confirmed that the studio is working on an R-rated animated film based on Bloodborne.
Via Variety, Sony Pictures president Sanford Panitch says that the upcoming adaptation will keep the game’s essence of horror and gore. With a name like “Bloodborne,” you can’t have an adaptation without a heaping of blood.
Besides Sony, the animated project has another big name attached to its production: YouTuber Jacksepticeye. Throughout his career, the creator has been vocal about considering Bloodborne as his favorite game of all time. He even has a tattoo of the Hunter’s Mark on his forearm. For this project, Jack will be a co-producer.
Though the creator’s skill in filmmaking is still a relative unknown, Jack’s love for the game should give the project a gamer’s voice. If anything, Markiplier’s recent Iron Lung adaptation offers optimism that YouTubers can also create decent films.
SEE ALSO: Elden Ring Nightreign is getting a DLC update this December
It hasn’t even been that long since Version 4.1 of Honkai: Star Rail dropped, and now, the space fantasy RPG will launch its Version 4.2 update on April 22.
Called “So Laughed the Masses,” this update continues the Trailblazers’ adventure in Planarcadia. The state of the Phantasmoon Games has grown increasingly complex, following the announcement that the victor will permanently become the Aeon of Elation.
Even more plots and schemes are bound to surface as Research Society of Happy Smiles leader Fulwish invites all Supplicants to a public debate. Trailblazers must successfully navigate every hurdle, obtain more Wishpower, and resolve the hidden crisis.
In Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.2, all-new limited 5-star characters Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia will become playable companions.
Furthermore, limited 5-star characters The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly, as well as Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao, will all appear respectively in the first and second-phase Warp events.
Trailblazers will also be able to unlock the brand-new Path of Elation.
The Version 4.2 update coincides with the third anniversary of the space fantasy RPG, and the title has prepared a series of special events and generous rewards for players.
Players can get 20 free pulls, Stellar Jade giveaways, and free character redemptions. And for a chance to win a Silver Wolf LV.999-themed car and other surprise gifts, simply participate in the “Aha’s Chosen: Spreading Elation Everywhere” online event.
For more on the update, here’s the latest trailer from HoYoverse:
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