In the 1980s, the question was “Where’s the beef?” In 2020 it’s, “Where’s the games?”
While the market for gaming is juicier than ever, console launches can be a bit thin when it comes to launch titles. Early reveals for games for this upcoming generation have been promising, though, and gamer looking towards the next generation of sports games will have plenty to look forward to on the next iteration of the Xbox line of consoles.
With the Xbox Series X set to hit the market at some point in Quarter 4 of 2020, so far, the console race is neck and neck with both Sony and Microsoft waiting for the other to blink over release date and retail price. Reports indicate that the PS5 could be upwards of around $550, with no official price set in stone just yet.
As far as the games go, that’s all user preference. While the specs between both consoles have points in either direction, the actual landscape of the games is so far, incomplete. But we have a least a more full picture of what to expect once Santa shimmies down the chimneys this holiday season, with the Xbox game showcase taking place in July.
Here’s what we know about the upcoming games for the Xbox Series X.
Xbox Series X games
A majority of the announced games from the Xbox Series X gaming showcase fall into one of three categories: Launch day, holiday or TBA. The list of confirmed games for the upcoming console is lengthy, but release dates are few and far between.
Game
Genre
Developer
Release date
The Ascent
Action RPG
Neon Giant
Holiday 2020
As Dusk Falls
Adventure
Interior/Night
TBA
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Action-adventue
Ubisoft Montreal
Holiday 2020
Avowed
Action RPG
Obsidian Entertainment
TBA
Bajan Wonderworld
Action-adventure
Balan Company
Holiday 2020
Bright Memory Infinite
FPS
FYQD Studio
TBA
Call of the Sea
Puzzle adventure
Out of the Blue
TBA
Chorus
Space combat
Fishlabs
TBA
Control
Action-adventure
Remedy Entertainment
TBA
CrossfireX
FPS
Remedy Entertainment
2020
Cyberpunk 2077
Action RPG
CJ Projekt Red
TBA
Destiny 2
FPS
Bungie
Holiday 2020
DIRT 5
Racing
Codemasters
TBA
Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition
Action RPG
Square Enix
Dec. 4, 2020
Dying Light 2
Survival horror
Techland
TBA
Echo Generation
RPG
Cococucumber
TBA
Everwild
TBA
Rare
TBA
Exomecha
FPS
TwistedRed
TBA
Fable
Action RPG
Playground Games
TBA
Far Cry 6
FPS
Ubisoft Montreal
Feb. 18, 2021
FIFA 21
Sports
EA Vancouver
Holiday 2020
Fortnite
Battle royale
Epic Games
TBA
Forza Horizon 4
Racing
Playground Games
Holiday 2020
Forza Motorsport
Racing
Turn 10 Studios
TBA
Gears 5
TPS
The Coalition
Holiday 2020
Gears Tactics
Strategy
The Coalition/Splash Damage
Holiday 2020
Gods & Monsters
Action-adventure
Ubisoft Quebec
TBA
Grand Theft Auto V
Action-adventure
Rockstar North
2021
Grounded
Action-adventure
Obsidian Entertainment
2021
The Gunk
Action-adventure
Image & Form Games
TBA
Halo Infinite
FPS
343 Industries
Holiday 2020
Hello Neighbor 2
Survival horror
Dynamic Pixels
2021
Hitman III
Stealth
IO Interactive
2021
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Action-adventure
Daedalic Entertainment
TBA
Madden NFL 21
Sports
EA Tiburon
Holiday 2020
Marvel’s Avengers
Action-adventure
Crystal Dynamics
Holiday 2020
The Medium
Psychological horror
Bloober Team
2020
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Simulation
Asobo Studio
TBA
NBA 2K21
Sports
Visual Concepts
2020
Observer: System Redux
Psychological horror
Bloober Team
Holiday 2020
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Platform
Moon Studios
Holiday 2020
Orphan of the Machine
Metroidvania
Dynamic Voltage Games
TBA
The Outer Worlds
Action RPG
Obsidian Entertainment
Holiday 2020
Outriders TPS
People Can Fly
2020
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Action RPG
Sega
2021
Planet Coaster: Console Edition
Management sim
Frontier Developments
TBA
Pragmata
TBA
Capcom
TBA
Psychonauts 2
3D Platformer
Double Fine Productions
2021
Resident Evil: Village
Survival horror
Capcom
2021
Recompile
Metroidvania
Capcom
2021
Scarlet Nexus
Action-adventure
Bandai Namco
TBA
Scorn
FPS
Ebb Software
TBA
Sea of Thieves
Action-adventure
Rare
Holiday 2020
Second Extinction
FPS
Systemic Reaction
TBA
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Action-adventure
Ninja Theory
TBA
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One
Adventure
Frogwares
TBA
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
FPS
GSC Game World
TBA
State of Decay 3
Survival horror
Undead Labs
TBA
Tell Me Why
Adventure
Dontnod Entertainment
Holiday 2020
Tetris Effect: Connected
Puzzle
Monstars/Resonair
TBA
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Quarantine
Tactical shooter
Ubisoft
TBA
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege
Tactical shooter
Ubisoft Montreal
TBA
Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2
Sports
Ultimate Games
TBA
Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2
Action-adventure
Hardsuit Labs
TBA
Vampire: The Masquerade — Swansong
Action RPG
Big Bad Wolf
TBA
Warframe
TPS
Digital Extremes
TBA
Warhammer: Chaosbane
Hack and slash
Eko Software
TBA
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Action-adventure
Fatshark
2021
Watch Dogs: Legion
Action-adventure
Ubisoft Toronto
TBA
Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Earthblood
Action RPG
Cyanide
Feb. 4, 2021
WRC 9: World Rally Championship
Racing
Kylotonn
TBA
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Action-adventure
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
TBA
This list was last updated on July 27.
Xbox Series X backwards compatibility
For those wanting to make the jump to the new console generation but don’t want to sell off your old games, you’re in luck: Xbox Series X is expected to feature full backwards compatibility all the way back to the original Xbox.
There is a small caveat to that, though: while the Xbox Series X will feature compatibility to the Xbox One and those current games, there is a list of Xbox 360 and Xbox games which are backwards compatible. At this point, Microsoft may not continue to add games to its backwards compatibility
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.
