Gaming
PlayStation unveils the PS5 ‘Slim’
Same power, smaller body
Another longstanding, widespread rumor proven to be true. Sony PlayStation has officially unveiled a smaller PlayStation 5 (PS5) design that comes with detachable Blu-ray disc drive. Sony isn’t calling it as such, but this will inevitably called the PS5 “Slim.”
The PlayStation Blog detailing the announcement says “The new PS5 has been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models.”
Instead of two covers, this new design features four. The top portion comes in a glossy look while the bottom ones come in matte. The bottom ones provide the provision for a Disc Port where the detachable Blu-ray drive.
For retail, you have the option to but the Blu-ray drive outright, inside the box, or purchase it separately later on.
Price and availability
The PS5 “Slim” will be available starting November 2023 in the U.S. at select local retailers and direct.playstation.com. It will roll out globally in the following months. Once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the new PS5 will become the only model available.
Pricing are as follows:
US
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – US$ 499.99
- PS5 Digital Edition – US$ 449.99
Europe
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive — EUR 549.99
- PS5 Digital Edition — EUR 449.99
UK
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive — GBP 479.99
- PS5 Digital Edition — GBP 389.99
Japan
- PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive — JPY 66,980 (includes tax)
- PS5 Digital Edition — JPY 59,980 (includes tax)
The Digital Edition of this new-look PS5 confirms previous rumors of a PS5 with a detachable Blu-ray disc drive.
A horizontal stand will be included with the new PS5 model. Meanwhile, a new Vertical Stand compatible with all PS5 models will be sold separately at USD 29.99 | EUR 29.99 | GBP 24.99 | JPY 3,980.
Update as of October 18, 2023 — Southeast Asia Pricing
| Country | New PS5 with Blu-ray Disc Drive | New PS5 Digital Edition | Blu-ray Disc Drive (Separate) | New Vertical Stand |
| Singapore | SGD 799 | SGD 669 | SGD 159 | SGD 44.90 |
| Malaysia | MYR 2,499 | MYR 2,069 | MYR 529 | MYR 149 |
| Indonesia | IDR 9,699,000 | IDR 8,199,000 | IDR 1,839,000 | IDR 499,000 |
| Thailand | THB 18,690 | THB 15,690 | THB 3,790 | THB 1,090 |
| Philippines | PHP 30,790 | N/A | TBD | PHP 1,690 |
| Vietnam | VND 15,990,000 | N/A | TBD | VND 799,000 |
Gaming
Gundam Rogue Orbit coming to consoles, PC in 2027
Bold new take on Gundam through fast, cinematic action
Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia has announced that Gundam Rogue Orbit is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam in 2027.
The announcement trailer has also been released, showcasing high-mobility action. The title delivers a bold new take on Gundam through fast, cinematic combat in an all-new universe.
Gundam Rogue Orbit lets players suit up for humanity and become the pilot they were born to be.
RE-X is the protagonist and pilot of Gundam Helix. He boards the Gundam and fights to confront threats.
As players step into the cockpit, they will join a rag-tag crew of unsung soldiers, ready to face a powerful unknown threat.
Meanwhile, Sophia serves as the title’s heroine. She is a mysterious girl who monitors RE-X’s situation.
Gaming
K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut lets you become a K-pop group’s manager
K-pop Idol management sim launches July 16th
PQube and Wisageni Studio have announced that K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut will release on July 16.
The K-pop Idol management sim is launching both physically and digitally on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, as well as digitally on Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam).
In addition, a newly updated demo is available right now on Xbox Series X|S and Steam.
The title invites players to recruit and manage their dream K-pop group on their journey to debut — a behind-the-scenes process those well into K-pop culture and fandom are pretty knowledgeable about.
The game lets players get a taste of life as a K-pop Idol manager, navigating the unpredictable challenges of the industry. There’s scouting talent, managing schedules, choosing outfits, planning social media, and organizing the perfect album.
Players can choose from eight unique trainees, from Minji to Ai. The lineup and skillset of your group is in your hands.
As the manager, it is your job to balance stamina, finances, and workload. Moreover, the bonds you build shape every outcome. Decisions influence how each character perceives you, unlocking new encounters, storylines, and endings.
K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut also features exclusive music and special vocal tracks for your group’s debut, produced just for the game. In between, there are mini-games which also contribute to your success as a manager.
As players wait for the game’s release next month, the new demo offers French, German, and Spanish localization, new interactions between trainees, and improved graphics.
Gaming
Kingdom Hearts IV gets new trailer, confirms Switch 2 release
Collection [I~III] launches October 8
Square Enix has released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, offering another look at Sora’s next adventure and confirming the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Alongside the update, the company announced that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will launch on October 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Pre-orders are now open, while a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available starting today.
Kingdom Hearts IV returns
The new trailer offers another look at Quadratum, the mysterious city first revealed when Kingdom Hearts IV was announced.
According to Square Enix, Sora will encounter new characters, visit new worlds, and awaken new powers as the next chapter of the long-running action RPG series unfolds.
The publisher did not announce a release date for the game, saying more details will be revealed in the future.
Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Collection bundles the series’ major releases
Square Enix also confirmed that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] brings together Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind in a single package.
The collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts III, and the Re Mind DLC, alongside several movie and cutscene compilations.
The release marks the arrival of native versions of these titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the games were available on Nintendo’s platform through cloud versions.
Free demo available now
Players can download a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind starting today.
The demo includes the opening portion of the game through Olympus, with save data carrying over to the full release. It also features a separate section set in Toy Box, the Toy Story-inspired world, although progress from that segment will not transfer.
Players who purchase the collection or Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind will receive platform-exclusive Keyblades. Nintendo Switch 2 players get Long Night, PlayStation 5 players receive Midnight Blue, while Xbox Series X|S players receive Phantom Green.
Digital pre-orders on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also include 48-hour early access for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.
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