Tech

PS5 is still beating the Xbox Series X on game reveals – Techradar

Published

4 years ago

July 26, 2020

Microsoft made its best next-gen showing yet with the Xbox Games Showcase this week, which marked a big step up from the misfiring first effort back in May.

But it still wasn’t great. A couple of its biggest new Xbox Series X games only appeared in cinematic trailer form, and while the much-touted Halo showing surely looked appealing to most long-time fans, it’s been mocked online by some for how ugly its screenshots look.

Sony’s The Future of Gaming PS5 presentation had its own issues (starting with GTA 5 was a weird choice), but I generally thought it was a lot stronger, with more interesting third-party reveals like Deathloop, Resident Evil Village and Project Athia from the Final Fantasy 15 developers. Crucially, too, it felt like Sony demonstrated more of its future games in action, with clear (if sometimes brief) gameplay showings for Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and Returnal.

Below, I’ll compare how the two console manufacturers are hyping people up for their hardware launches later this year.

Xbox didn’t show much gameplay outside of Halo

Avowed from Obsidian is a first-person RPG, but this was a super early showing. (Image credit: Obsidian)

Some of Microsoft’s more enticing titles like Avowed or the new Fable game seem very far away from release, based on how their announcements went down.

Choosing to release cinematic trailers for these games makes sense if they’re not ready to be shown, and both games sound enormously appealing based on their developers, RPG specialists Obsidian and Forza Horizon creators Playground Games respectively. But the lack of release dates or many details means they don’t feel like reasons to get excited about the Xbox Series X right now.

Of Microsoft’s big exclusive games at the Xbox Games Showcase, only Halo felt like it made a meaningful gameplay showing. Rare’s Everwild trailer, too, appeared to feature in-game visuals, but the footage didn’t offer much of a sense of what it’s like to actually play despite looking very nice. Forza Motorsport’s in-engine showing looked convincingly lovely, but it was only a minute long.

Sony, meanwhile, began its PS5 presentation with the message, “All game footage you are about to see from this point forward in the show has been captured from PlayStation 5 systems.” Still, even its impressive Horizon Forbidden West trailer looked like it was mostly made up of cinematics. That said, Sony did show off what Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal and Spider-Man on PS5 actually look like in action, if only briefly.

It means it’s weirdly hard to get an idea in your mind’s eye of what games will actually look like on either system – which is arguably a drawback of having no E3 this year, where gameplay footage is more freely circulated by the media and streamers for scrutiny.

Elusive release dates

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft didn’t have many release dates or windows to offer for its big new games, either. Avowed, State of Decay 3 (which is in early pre-production), Fable and Everwild weren’t given any dates at all.

It was a surprise, too, that the new Forza game doesn’t seem to be targeted for launch. Not that I mind – making a new Forza game for next-gen with ray-tracing no doubt offers plenty of challenges, but it means the mainline series will have taken a break of more than three years when it releases. Traditionally, Forza players get a new entry every two years.

Some exclusives got dates: The Gunk is coming in September 2021, and Halo Infinite, of course, is coming this holiday season. We also know about a few other partner games coming to Xbox this year, like The Medium and Call of the Sea. It’s weirdly hard to tell what next year is going to look like for Xbox when it comes to big games, though. My best guess is you’ll see both Forza and Everwild as its major titles in 2021, and Avowed and Fable further off.

While the PS5’s initial release calendar looks pretty bare, with Spider-Man: Miles Morales marking the only PlayStation Studios title to release alongside the console’s launch this year, it also has the added bonus of the Bethesda-published Deathloop as a timed exclusive around launch.

Sony could’ve been better with providing release dates for its games, too. Guerrilla Games mentioned a target release of 2021 for Horizon Forbidden West, but only after the game’s actual reveal had occurred. Still, it at least gives us some idea of what shape the PS5 line-up will take next year. I’d also expect to see Ratchet and Clank at some point in 2021.

What about Halo?

With almost nine minutes of Halo Infinite gameplay footage, Microsoft deserves credit for making a meaningful showing of what its flagship game actually looks like during its presentation (even if it was apparently running on PC).

If I didn’t already know what Halo was, I don’t know if that demo would blow my mind enough to invest in a new console.

But did Halo actually look good? It’s become a strangely contentious issue, with the screenshot above becoming a lightning rod for memes and general mockery. I really liked how Halo Infinite looked in motion, honestly, especially as a fan of older Halo games, but it’s true that some of these screenshots looked rougher than you’d expect from a game set to launch alongside a next-gen console.

The choice of the developers to lean towards nostalgia with the choice of setting, too, also prompts questions over whether Halo Infinite looks too insular for modern audiences to get excited about.

The world has moved on around Halo, with games like Fortnite, Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone emerging as monster hits while the series took a five-year break after Halo 5.

Most Halo fans were no doubt excited by the footage shown by Microsoft, but if I didn’t already know what Halo was, I don’t know if that demo would blow my mind enough to invest in a new console. And after a generation of being dominated by Sony in sales, that’s surely what Microsoft is hoping will happen with Halo Infinite.

What happens next

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — (Image credit: Future)

Sony is rumored to have a State of Play livestream planned for August 2020, where it’ll supposedly reveal more games for PS5. Microsoft still has the Halo Infinite multiplayer reveal in its back pocket, which for many people will be the reason to play.

Neither Sony nor Microsoft is likely to have a particularly prolific launch for big exclusives based on what we currently know, but they both at least have one big game. Halo is Xbox’s focus, and Spider-Man is Sony’s. Deathloop, as mentioned, is a nice bonus for PS5, and it comes from the developers of Dishonored 2, one of this generation’s best games.

Xbox also has a few console exclusives like Call of the Sea, The Medium and The Ascent to shore up its line-up, alongside the only next-gen release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon at launch.

Xbox’s commitment to Game Pass was the best thing about its showcase event this week, with every game featured in the show set to land on the subscription-based service, which is remarkable.

A quietly great announcement from Microsoft was the announcement that Destiny 2 will be added to Game Pass, including its upcoming Beyond Light expansion. That game will run at 60fps in 4K resolution on Xbox Series X, and could give Bungie’s title a real second wind beyond its core base of hardcore players.

Both consoles will have big multiformat games this year, too, like Watch Dogs: Legion, Marvel’s Avengers and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

In the short term, Sony still feels like it’s got the better exclusives to me, and Horizon will be a huge deal when it lands next year as a showcase for the PS5 hardware.

Long-term, though, Microsoft looks like it’s getting its act together on making the right exclusives. Avowed, a clear attempt at moving into Skyrim’s turf by Obsidian, and Fable, which will hopefully be an open world game to rival the likes of Horizon, are exactly the kind of big-budget gambles Microsoft should be making with its sizeable stable of studios.

The Xbox One has spent this entire generation without a great cinematic open world game, whereas Sony figured out a long time ago that this is the singleplayer genre people are interested in right now. Even though both games seem far, far away, they hint at Microsoft’s long-term strategy to play catch-up with Sony.

Xbox is making some good moves moves, then. It just feels like its most exciting games are a long way away, based on this week’s Showcase – and the world might need to see more compelling evidence that Halo Infinite really is the game that’ll sell people on the Xbox Series X this year.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.