Millions around the world play the Super Mario video games — but imagine playing them without being able to see them.
That’s the experience of 21-year-old Jalen Berg, a partially sighted gamer from Langley, B.C.
Berg grew up with cone-rod dystrophy, an inherited eye disorder that affects the retina’s light-sensitive cells and causes people to lose their vision over time.
He is legally blind but can still see certain things. His particular type of condition is on the colour-blindness spectrum, he explained, making it hard for him to see things that are similarly coloured or shaded.
“It’s hard. I live in a world for people who can see better and farther than I can and things are designed for those kinds of people,” he told CBC News.
He describes what he sees when he plays video games as “a bunch of moving coloured blobs” — yet he has figured out how to play Super Mario by learning the patterns of the games and using his hearing.
WATCH | Jalen Berg describes how he plays video games partially sighted:
How this partially sighted B.C. gamer learned to play Super Mario
2 days ago
Duration 2:09
Jalen Berg is a partially sighted gamer from Langley, B.C., who has learned how to play video games without being able to see the screen.
Berg started playing video games when he was a young kid and says this helped him work around some of the hurdles of playing with vision loss — and turned a hobby into a passion.
“I think ‘into’ video games is a bit of an understatement … they are my passion at this point,” said Berg, who owns several consoles and says that although he plays a variety of Mario games, Super Mario Sunshine is his favourite.
Repetition, memorizing patterns
Berg says it’s taken a lot of trial and error throughout the years to get to where he is now. As frustrating as it’s been at times, he says, repetition and memorizing patterns on his controller have helped him hone his skills.
“What it comes down to is just years and years and years of just punching the same wall over and over,” he said.
While sighted people are able to see the entire screen while they play, Berg says his attention instead shifts around the screen. That means he usually misses things happening around the edge.
That’s why it’s important that he always plays with the sound on, so he can hear and recognize familiar noises that go along with different moves in the game.
“You don’t need to see the result. You just need to hear the sound to know that that event has happened,” he said.
“A koopa shell bouncing, that’s a pretty basic example right?” he says, referring to a rare object in the Mario games that can be be used as a projectile. “It bounces, you hear the ‘boop’ sound — you don’t need to see.”
Berg is legally blind but can still see certain things. He’s worked out a way to play Super Mario using repetition, memory and sound. (Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC)
More accessible options needed
Adrian Bolesnikov, who is doing a master’s degree in human-computer interaction at Carleton University, has studied accessibility in the gaming industry.
He says Berg’s experience of adapting the way he plays is very common for people within the gaming community.
“There is not necessarily a lot of common resources for accessible game development and game modification,” Bolesnikov said.
While there are some options out there for accessible gaming — for example, the game The Last of Us Part II was applauded recently for having over 60 accessibility settings, Bolesnikov says — they aren’t often as well known.
He added that stories like Berg’s are important to “keep the conversation going” and allow others with similar experiences to see what is possible.
“The community knows what they need and they know how to do it. So we should be able to give them the resources to kind of show us how we can help,” Bolesnikov said.
Berg makes YouTube videos where he talks about his disability and how he’s adapted to gaming. He hopes to encourage more accessibility within the industry. (Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC)
Berg echoed that sentiment, saying it’s important the industry works to make gaming more accessible. He says one of the most beneficial aspects of gaming for him has been the community he’s gotten to know.
In a bid to encourage more accessibility, Berg and a friend make YouTube videos where they talk about his disability and how he’s adapted to gaming.
“The more people that can easily enjoy video games, I think that is just the best thing for everyone.… You get more perspectives. You get more people to just have fun with and talk about some of your favourite stuff,” he said.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
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.
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.
