Gaming

A PlayStation 5 Slim might launch this year, Microsoft says

For around the same price as a Digital Edition

Published

July 6, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

The ongoing hearings between the United States and Microsoft have been a treasure trove of delectable tidbits for the gaming industry. For example, recent documents spoiled the unannounced price tag for the handheld PlayStation coming later this year. Now, Microsoft has once again revealed something that Sony is keeping under wraps.

In a more recent court document, Microsoft explicitly stated that it believes Sony is “expected to release a PlayStation 5 Slim later this year.” The console will reportedly hover around the same price point as the Digital Edition, which retails for US$ 399.99.

The PlayStation 5 was released in 2020. Stock issues aside, it’s been a while since the console dropped. An updated version coming soon is certainly believable. After all, the PS4 and PS4 Slim were separated by three years.

However, compared to the previous generation, it’s a bit more difficult to foresee how a PS5 Slim might differ from the currently offered PlayStation 5 Duo. From the get-go, the series already offers a “slimmer” model: the Digital Edition which comes without a disc drive.

If anything, a report from last year hinted at an upcoming model with a detachable disk drive. Even then, it’s hard to see such a model as anything but an upgrade, rather than a Slim version. If such a console will launch, it’s still a welcome addition, though.

Regardless, take Microsoft’s prediction with a grain of salt. Sony has not revealed any plans to release a new model anytime soon.

Gaming

Microsoft dictates that a new Fallout game is coming

Microsoft cancelled an Avowed sequel to focus on Fallout.

Published

July 10, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Bethesda used to be a bastion for RPG experiences. Today, however, the company prefers living off its older properties such as Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76. For a while now, the question has been: When will Bethesda release a new game in either of their two biggest franchises? Well, according to a report, a new Fallout game might be coming soon.

As of late, Microsoft has been restructuring its studios. In fact, the company might shut down the studio behind the Dishonored series and the upcoming game based on Marvel’s Blade. Now, as part of that reshuffling (via Bloomberg), Obsidian Entertainment has been told to cancel a sequel to Avowed and focus on a new Fallout game.

It’s a huge change. Microsoft has notably stayed away from its more popular franchises for a while now. The latest Fallout game is still Fallout 76. The latest Elder Scrolls game has been in development for a long, long time now. Only DOOM, via last year’s The Dark Ages, got a new title recently.

To be clear, it’s unknown whether we’re getting the true Fallout 5 or another iteration of the online 76. If it’s really the fifth mainline entry in the franchise, it’s coming at a very opportune time. The franchise is currently on a high, riding the popularity of the TV series of the same name. Fans will surely enjoy a follow-up.

To fuel things further, Josh Sawyer, the director behind the universally lauded New Vegas, is reportedly spearheading the production of the new game.

Gaming

HoYo FEST 2026 details announced; tickets on sale from July 16

Join the celebration

Published

July 9, 2026

GadgetMatch

HoYoverse’s annual flagship fan celebration in Southeast Asia, the HoYo FEST, as officially been announced with tickets selling starting July 16.

Fans across Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore can enjoy four days of interactive experiences, live entertainment, and more activities featuring HoYoverse’s famed titles:

Genshin Impact
Honkai Impact 3
Honkai: Star Rail
Tears of Themis
Zenless Zone Zero

In addition, the gathering will spotlight a first look at the upcoming Honkai: Nexus Anima. The game will be offered at the Experience Zone so visitors can be among the first to try through limited hands-on sessions.

Fans can expect the following experiences at each HoYo FEST:

Check-in Zone: Kick off your journey with activities across all six titles, plus exclusive freebies
Game Booths: Jump into immersive mini games inspired by the aforementioned titles
Hands-on experiences for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero
Merch: Grab fan-favorite HoYo FEST merchandise from event-exclusive standees and pillows to Character Giftboxes and more
Artist Alley: An even larger creative hub for artists and fans to showcase, sell, and share HoYoverse-inspired art
HoYo FEST Stage: Feel the excitement with Open Stage performances, the Cosplay Runway Walk, and vibrant community showcases

Tickets will be available in the following categories:

1-Day Pass
1-Day Fast Pass with priority access and exclusive collectibles
4-Day Pass (3-Day Pass in Singapore)

Venue details:

Bangkok: Central Ladprao, BCC Hall
Ho Chi Minh City: Sky Expo, Hall A4
Jakarta: Pondok Indah Mall 3, City Hall
Kuala Lumpur: Pavilion Exhibition Centre Bukit Jalil, Hall 1-3
Manila: SPACE at One Ayala, Hall A-D
Singapore: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403

Gaming

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced available worldwide now

It’s available on all major platforms.

Published

July 9, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last year was the year of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the franchise’s first Japan-themed entry. This year, however, the series is coming back to the one of its most popular worlds outside of Japan: pirates. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is now available on all major platforms.

Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Black Flag Resynced brings players back into the boots of Edward Kenway, a vagabond pirate turned assassin. As he navigates the mysterious battle between Assassins and Templars, he travels the entire Caribbean and meets iconic pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny.

This time, the 2013 game has been reengineered from the ground up using the latest Anvil engine. Besides amazing graphics, the remake has updated combat, new characters, and more narrative content.

Starting today, players can get Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Ubisoft Store, Ubisoft+, Steam, and Epic Games Store.

The Deluxe Edition packs the digital-only edition with the Master Assassin Character Pack and the Master Assassin Naval Pack. Meanwhile, the Collector’s Edition includes the Deluxe Edition and a catalog of physical goodies (Edward’s Figurine, an Edward wearable metal brooch, an exclusive SteelBook, a cloth map).